The new Gunning/Dalton Water Treatment Works has one more feature to be added - fluoride. The relevant equipment was included in the build. The full cost of this and the fluoride will be borne by the state government as it is felt to take the burden off the public health dollar.

Council in deciding whether or not to include this feature in the new treatment plant sought advice from the Department of Health and were issued with a direction to proceed.

The fluoride is not currently being used in the treatment process as the NSW Office of Water needs to send an officer to inspect the set-up and ensure that staff members are suitably conversant with the process.  There is some continued delay expected as there are only one or two officers qualified to conduct the inspections.

Addition of fluoride to the public water supply has proved contentious in some jurisdictions. Once the accreditation is achieved from the Office of Water, residents will be advised by Council. Those who do not agree with the addition of fluoride will have recourse to suitable filters or just continue to use water from their tanks.

Gunning scouts on a new high

Last Sunday, August 17, saw a contingent of cubs from the 1st Gunning Scouts group attend an outing at Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing at Mitchell in the ACT.

The event, a planned outing, was to develop cub climbing skills, confidence and teamwork. But that didn't mean it couldn't also be fun. The eager group of cubs all bettered their previous attempts with some new comers showing they too could join in. All were exhausted after the two hour session.

Often cubs and scouts are seen as all about 'dibs and dobs' as part of the ceremony but a lot of other things happen including damper making, woodwork, sports, educational excursions and camps.

If you would like more information on cubs, joeys and scouts - contact 1st Gunning Scouts Group Leader Karen Lumsdon on 0431 323 577.

Also, the Scouts kitchen in the hall is in need of some updating, so if you have working appliances that you no longer want and could donate, they would be greatly appreciated - contact Karen for this as well.

Our disappearing history

With the completion of the double lane Hume Freeway from Sydney to Melbourne, the route of the Old Hume Highway is rapidly disappearing and a significant part of our history is becoming invisible.

But all is not lost. Due to the efforts of Frank Burke, the Old Hume Highway will be recognised internationally by 'Route 66' and a steering committee has been formed to direct how the brand and organisation should be developed based on member input.

Another great resource is the book entitled "The Old Hume Highway history begins with a road" has been published by Road and Maritime Services NSW which contains comprehensive maps from Ashfield to Albury of the old route and provides a self-guided tour for all the places in-between.

Coming up

Sunday August 31 - Lions Markets and PA&I Soc Wood Auction for Martin family.

Saturday September 6 - GCC consultation meeting, Gunning Courthouse 2pm.

Saturday September 13 - Gunning Fireworks Festival, 3-9pm $25 Family, Showground.