Gunning jpg.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Free-range choice
Happy chooks browsing on green grass is what most of us envisage when we read the words “Free-range Eggs” and see the charming depiction on the carton. This is exactly what is on offer from local free-range egg producers, Gunning Bum Nuts. Unfortunately this is not always the case with other egg producers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently fined a large business $300,000 for making misleading claims about free-range eggs through their branding on cartons, online, on social media and in magazine advertisements.
On March 31, Governments around Australia agreed on a standard for "free-range" - a maximum stocking rate of 10,000 chooks per hectare with "meaningful and regular access" to the outdoors. This contrasts with a voluntary code recommended by CSIRO of a maximum outdoor stocking density of 1,500 per hectare. Egg cartons must now display the stocking rate used by the producer.
The NSW Farmers’ Association has lent its support to the new standard on the grounds that it gives greater transparency.
Chooks at Gunning Bum Nuts enjoy the freedom of a stocking rate of 200 per hectare. Together with other low-stocking density farmers, owners Craig and Theresa Robinson have decided to use the term "pasture raised" to differentiate themselves from larger industrial scale egg producers.
To help you decide on which eggs to buy, check out the Choice website or use the app CluckAR to make an informed selection.
Tiddlers success
The inaugural Tiddlers Run by the Gunning Historic Motor Vehicle Club was a resounding success, according to one of the organisers, Craig Southwell. There were nearly 40 entrants and the compliments have continued to flow about the day. As a result there will be another run next year. Have a look at the Club’s Facebook Page to see photos from the day.
Pumpkin festival
Despite the very unpromising weather the 11th Collector Village Pumpkin Festival was a huge success with crowds of about 10,000.
A welcome percentage of the gate takings will be donated to GCC for manning the gates. Executive Officer Alison Colebrook thanked all GCC volunteers, including staff and Management Committee members for their assistance.
Special Mother’s Day
This year the Duncan family near Dalton will be celebrating a very special Mother’s Day. Although their newest family member Lilli was with them last Mother’s Day, this year they will celebrate that she is now theirs for keeps as her adoption was finalised earlier in the year. What a joy for John, Milli, Kitty and Ben but especially for Louise, an adoptee herself.
The necessary court process to finalise the adoption was presided over by Justice Lindsay who made the day so very special for all the Duncan family with his compassionate and inclusive conduct of the hearing.
Bag-a-bargain
The Shire wide Bag-A-Bargain is on again this year – Saturday May 21 is the day. Registration forms are available at the local Shire office. Maps will be available from the Merino Cafe or online at: www.bagabargaintrail.com.au.
Council draft budget
The community is being consulted about Council’s proposed budget (called the Operational Plan) and for the Gunning district this will be this Wednesday May 11 at the Council Chambers at 6:30pm. Details are on the Council website: www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
Coming up
- Sun, May 8: Garden Club 2pm @ Woodbine, Show & Tell, Ph: 4845 1021
- Thur May 19: Biggest Morning Tea, Dalton 10am-12noon, Tickets from PO
- Sun May 29: Lions Markets 8am–2pm, stalls & info, Ph: 4845 1271 or 0405 539 482
- Sat June 4: Old Coach Stables Cancer fundraising dinner, 6pm, Ph: 0448 274 366 or 0419 970 930