The Lone Pine was presented by Gunning Gold recipients who asked what the fundraising was for and decided that they would give extra in the form of the sapling to remember all those who served in war and to provide much needed shade to the quadrangle. The gift also came with two commemorative plaques which will be mounted in the school office to mark the event.

There is a Gunning connection as the three Vietnam Veterans Bert Hagel OAM, Ray Seymour and John Sahariv who presented the tree were friends of, and served with, the late Garry Cosgove who was a Upper Lachlan Shire councillor. The trio are also an organising committee for a reunion of 55 AESS/EWPS RAE Vietnam Veterans to be held on Anzac Day next year.

Who would have thought shoveling some sheep manure into a bag and selling it to fundraise would lead to an Anzac commemoration and shade for generations of Gunning Public School students to come. 

RFS exercises in Gunning

On Sunday the Southern Tableland Zone of the Rural Fire Service conducted training exercises in Gunning. The exercises, managed from the Gunning Showground, consisted of workshops held in the morning followed by task force-based exercises in the afternoon.

It was attended by 179 personnel which included brigades, administration and logistics support. Thirty five brigades were also there.

Locals looked on wondering where the fire was and were relieved to find it was only a training exercise!

The RFS always welcomes new members to what can be a challenging and very rewarding way to support the local community as a volunteer. The weekend exercises demonstrated the capabilities of the local RFS and their commitment to training and readiness for the bushfire season.

(Home Paddock becoming a reality)

Gunning is moving ever closer to having eight independent living units constructed on two blocks at 62–64 Biala Street. It will be called Home Paddock.

With the Development Application now approved, it is now a matter of gaining interest and finance from those over 55s who want easy and safe living in the village, with access facilities and services such as Gunning Community Care, local shops and the post office.

The units will transform the old dairy site from which the Home Paddock name was derived.

Call Gunning Independent Living Limited on 0487 918 331 or via email units@gunningindependenliving.org.au.

Gunning artists busy

Gunning has a number of artists ‘in-residence’ along with those connected to art and music. For those with a love of Jazz, you might consider Feel the Manouche at The Picture House Gallery & Bookshop this coming Sunday at 5pm, with tickets $15 at the door. 

There’s also an exhibition of new paintings by local artist Margarita Georgiadis entitled Phaedrus & The Allegory of the Cave which opens at Goulburn’s South Hill Gallery on November 22 at 3pm and runs until December 7. Call 0411 131 515 or visit www.southhillgoulburn.com.au for more. 

Coming up

Saturday: Angus Taylor visits the Bushrangers Hotel in Collector at 11.30am.

Saturday: Angus Taylor visits the Gunning Court House at 2.30pm.

Thursday November 27: Cherry Coach trip to Young. Cost is $40 call 4845 1166.

Saturday November 29: Gunning Seniors Christmas Lunch at the Gunning Shire Hall.