JABBER JOURNAL
GRAFTON U3A INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)
PO Box 688 Grafton NSW 2460
www.grafton.u3anet.org.au
“Sharing our knowledge, skills and experience in a friendly convivial way”
MAY 2017
IN THIS ISSUE
JABBERFEST 10AM 8 MAY 2017
GRAFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
COURSES/GROUPS NEWS
GUEST SPEAKER – GAIL ROOTS
1. “THE WORLD OF PODIATRY”
EDITOR CONTACT
GRAFTON CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
JABBERFEST – APRIL WRAP
JABBERFEST - MAY
J’FEST MORNING TEA ROSTER
LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE
NEW MEMBERS
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
TOUCH OF HUMOUR
2. “A LITTLE SCHOOL IN PASHOK INDIA”
Gail’s Story…………….
A mature aged student at 37
years with a long history of
various employments, Gail was
not prepared for the challenge
of two years at a local High
School, an essential step to
obtain a Higher School
Certificate, enabling study at Sydney Institute of Technology at
Ultimo in Podiatry.
However, a Business Certificate in Accounting and ten years as
a Tax Agent did prove helpful in operating a business once she
gained a Diploma in Health Science Podiatry. There are many
areas of interest within Podiatry, from children’s feet to all
sorts of nail changes, from
biomechanics, orthotics to
diabetes, from arthritis to
common foot complaints, with
education ranking very high to
prevent complications.
There is no doubt Podiatry as a career is demanding, but each
year Gail endeavours to fit in a visit to a school at Pashok,
approximately 20 kilometres from Darjeerling, West Bengal,
India in the foot hills of the Himalayas. It is through the
generosity of many people that this school has undergone a
metamorphosis, designed and supervised by a local man from
an earth floored wooden structure to a three storey solid brick
building.
If you would like to hear more on these two interesting
subjects, do come along to Jabberfest on 8 May, 2017.
GRAFTON U3A
MAY 2017
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APRIL JABBERFEST WRAP – KOREAN WAR - GRAFTON CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
Treasurer Bruce Carle welcomed members and guests to April Jabberfest and reported on the official unveiling of the
“Shedders of 2016” painted by local artist Wendy Westmoreland. The event was attended by council and local Parliament
representatives, friends of the artist, shed members and U3A committee members. He then provided the audience with a
number of interesting statements under the heading of “Useless Information” before introducing committee member Brian
Carter who entertained the gathering with two stories “Woman and a Fork” and “An Irish Mother’s Letter to Her Son”. Alysan
Pender then updated members on course and groups information.
With the approach of Anzac Day, Bob Hayes South Grafton RSL Sub Branch President reflected on phases of the Korean War.
Firstly, the story of the exploits of Charlie Green, the most decorated soldier from the Clarence Valley. Following the
commitment by Australia to the United Nations campaign in Korea, the 3 rd Royal Australian regiment (3RAR), which had
been at 50% posted strength had to be brought up to full strength before anything else could be achieved. Charlie Green
was given the unenviable task of training his battalion up to fighting in a very short time. He took command of 3RAR on 10
September 1950 and they fought three battles – The Apple Orchard (22 Oct), Broken Ridge (25 Oct) and Chongji (27 Oct).
They were successful in all 3 battles, with few casualties, many Chinese killed in action and/or captured. From the time he
joined 3RAR to his victory in Chongji covered a period of only seven weeks. Tragically, he was mortally wounded and died
on 2 November 1950. His leadership left a legacy to the members of 3RAR, which held them in good stead for the Battle of
Kapyong which was to follow.
Secondly – The Battle of Kapyong in 1951 was waged between United Nations (UN) forces—primarily Australian and
Canadian—and the Chinese Communist People's Volunteer Army. The fighting saw the 27th British Commonwealth
Brigade establish blocking positions in the Kapyong Valley, on a key route south to the capital, Seoul. The two forward
battalions— (3 RAR) and 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) occupied positions astride the
valley. As many South Korean soldiers withdrew, the Chinese infiltrated the brigade position under the cover of darkness,
and assaulted the Australians on Hill 504. Although heavily outnumbered, the positions were held into the following
afternoon before being withdrawn, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties. The Chinese then turned their
attention to the Canadians on Hill 677, but despite a fierce battle were unable to dislodge them. The fighting helped blunt
the Chinese offensive and the actions of the Australians and Canadians at Kapyong were important in preventing a
breakthrough on the UN Command central front, and ultimately the capture of Seoul. They bore the brunt of the assault and
stopped an entire Chinese division during the hard fought defensive battle before the Chinese withdrew, in order to regroup.
Today, the battle is regarded as one of the most famous actions fought by the Australian and Canadian armies in Korea.
In association with the Anzac commemoration, on 23 April the Clarence Valley Orchestra & Chorus will be presenting an
Anzac Centenary Commemoration Concert titled “Forces of War” – a tribute to our war heroes. Helen Tucker, a member of
the orchestra gave a short talk on the history of the Orchestra & Chorus and upcoming concert focussing on the Korean War.
Following morning tea, Bruce Carle referred to the recent announcement concerning the new correctional facility to be
constructed near Grafton before introducing our guest speakers:
GARY BROWN – Project Director
for the Northern Pathways
Consortium (NPC). The consortium
comprises Serco AP (of which Gary
is the Consortium Director) John
Laing, John Holland and Macquarie
Capital
KIARA NEASY - Communications
and Engagement Manager at
Infrastructure NSW, an independent
statutory agency established to assist
the NSW Government in identifying
and prioritising delivery of critical
public infrastructure for NSW
This project is being delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) meaning that Northern Pathways will design, construct,
operate and maintain the new facility on behalf of the Government for the next twenty years. Construction is expected to
commence later this year and be completed by 2020 with the planning approval process comprising two stages. The first –
an Environmental Impact Statement covering the concept proposal and early works. The second is approval for the actual
design and construction by the consortium. The construction phase is expected to create 275-300 full-time equivalent jobs
with 600-650 ongoing jobs once the centre is operating. When completed, the facility will be operated by Serco, which
currently is contracted for other facilities in Western Australia, Queensland, New Zealand and the UK, on a 20 year contract.
The centre will be responsible for remand, reception and placement of specified offender groups and will feature state-ofthe-art security/surveillance and will provide rehabilitation services to reduce re-offending. The Centre will accommodate
up to 1,700 inmates and will deliver hundreds of jobs for the region at the same time creating long term economic
opportunities locally through procurement of a range of goods and services. It will service the northern part of NSW as
primary correctional complex for all correction operations from the Queensland border in the north, Kempsey in the southeast and Tamworth in the south-west. It will comprise a 1,000 bed male maximum security facility, a 300 bed female
maximum security facility and a 400 bed minimum security facility. The speakers also took a number of questions from the
audience before being thanked by Bruce Carle and provided with gifts from the Mens Shed. The lucky door prize was won
by John Pullinger. Bruce reminded members of our next Jabberfest – 8 May, before closing the meeting.
GRAFTON U3A
MAY 2017
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NEW GRAFTON CORRECTIONAL CENTRE – SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT – FEEDBACK
As flagged in the President’s letter to members, BBC Partners (BBC) has been engaged to prepare a
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of Stage 2 of the new Grafton Correctional Centre proposal to consider
the social impacts of the design and construction of the facility. The role of the SIA will be to generate
an understanding of the directly affected community and other stakeholders, assess the potential
impacts of the proposal as well as identifying strategies to minimise negative social impacts and
enhance positive social impacts. Views are being sought on the project together with any social issues
to be considered in the preparation of the SIA. BBC is particularly interested to hear views on the
project, both negative and positive and the perceived level of impact the project is likely to have on
individuals or the Grafton community. To provide feedback or discuss the SIA process please contact
Joanna McLennan or Tim Fleming on 9211 4099 during business hours. Alternately, email to
[email protected]
PRESIDENT’S LETTER…. Dear Members
It was pleasing to observe a good attendance to hear the presentation by
guest speakers Gary Brown and Kiara Neasy on the new Correctional
Centre complex to be constructed near the Grafton Airport - what an
interesting report. At the meeting, the speakers also made available to
members copies of a letter from BBC Partners, the organisation engaged
to prepare a Social impact assessment associated with Stage 2 of the
proposal. The letter seeks the views people may have on the project and
particularly in the area of social issues. The Jabber Journal contains
contact details should you wish to take up the opportunity.
The new Highway, Bridge and now Correctional Centre projects will
provide an influx of new people (up to 600 staff at the Correctional Centre alone) so it is hoped that the
people of Grafton maintain the town’s reputation of being friendly and welcoming to all newcomers.
Mary Lou welcomes any suggestions for guest speakers so please contact her with any suggestions as
we always need to plan well ahead.
Thank you to everyone that volunteers to assist with clearing up after morning tea. Additional helpers
are always welcome so please inform Mary Lou if you are willing to help.
I look forward to seeing you all at the next Jabberfest in May.
David Thompson
Phone – 6644 7782
JABBERFEST MORNING TEA ROSTER
8 MAY
Una Stone
Brenda Howe
Sue Hereford-Ashley
19 JUNE
Colleen Smyth
Peter Smyth
Eric Schaefer
10 JULY
Dot Mears
Cave Steiner
Fay Martin
Jabberfest coordinator Mary-Lou Brown can be contacted on 6644 5167
LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE
THE MAN IN THE PAINTING – A man stands in front of a painting and says the following: “Brothers
and sisters have I none. But this man’s father is my father’s son.” How is the man in the painting
related to the man who is on front of it?
LAST MONTH’S SOLUTION – The man behind the bar was in the process of robbing the place. He had
already shot the barman and he shot the man entering the bar to escape and to avoid recognition.
GRAFTON U3A
MAY 2017
PAGE 3
COURSES/GROUPS NEWS
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL – The group’s next meeting will be 23 May. Guest presenter will be Carole Cairns
sharing memories of her travels to Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES – Fiona Duggan
WHEN:
PUB LUNCH!
28 MAY 2017
WHERE:
VILLAGE GREEN HOTEL
TIME:
MIDDAY
A TOUCH OF HUMOUR
SIX GREAT CONFUSIONS UNRESOLVED
To assist with catering, please register your
name at May Jabberfest.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY IS HERE AGAIN!
Christmas in July is on again in 2017. Reserve
the date on your calendar – Sunday 23 July for a
yummy Christmas lunch with members of
Clarence River U3A. Names can be registered at
Jabberfest in May and June. Payment for bus and
meal will be collected in June.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome new members Bert and Bev
Richards and Rudi Mandelc. We trust that you
enjoy your association with Grafton U3A and
take the opportunity to avail of the various
courses/interest groups on offer.
1. At a cinema, which arm rest is yours?
2. In the word scent, which is silent “S” or “C”?
3. If people evolve from monkeys, why are
monkeys still around?
4. Why is there a “D” in fridge, but not in
refrigerator?
5. Who knew what time it was when the first
clock was made?
6. If prop and con are opposites, wouldn’t the
opposite of progress be……..congress?
VAGARIES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
 Wonder why the word funeral starts with
FUN?
 Why isn’t a Fireman called a Water-man?
 How come lipstick doesn’t do what it says?
 If money doesn’t grow on trees, how come
banks have branches?
 If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a
humanitarian eat?
 How do you get off a NON-STOP flight?
 Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO
and those sent by truck called SHIPMENT?
 Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and
dishes in the cupboard?
Contributed by John Willis
EDITOR CONTACT
Contributions to the Jabber Journal are always
welcome. We reserve the right to edit or refuse
material submitted for publication. Closing date
for the June edition of the Journal is Monday 29
May
2017.
Editor
Dennis
Kelly
[email protected]
Contributed by Brian Carter
GRAFTON U3A
MAY 2017
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