ACTIVITIES OF HARTLEY DISTRICT PROGRESS ASSOCIATION
YEAR OCTOBER 2008 TO OCTOBER 2009

Big Backyard 2008
Another very successful and busy day, well attended, profit $2596.98, of which $500 was donated towards the work of the Lithgow Hospital Auxiliary. Many comments were made on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and general goodwill of the day. An offer was made to Hartley Appleseeds to assist them in the purchase of play equipment, but to date they have not specified what they require.

Spirit of Hartley Award
To David Peters. David’s dedication to Hartley has been evident since his childhood. His involvement with Bush Fire Brigade, Lithgow Show Society, Hartley Highway Action Group, Hartley Historical Village Advisory Committee, to name a few, shows his consistent concern.

Hypnosis Night
With Roger Johnson, held in February delighted all in attendance, some only remembering the good feelings afterwards, not realising that they had been the source of the entertainment. A wonderful night for all. Thanks, Pam, for organizing it.

Guest speakers to Progress Association meetings
Rebecca Kalmar, Herbalist and Irodologist, giving an insight into the eye and what it can tell about health related issues.
Peter Ticehurst, Dietician at Lithgow Hospital, on good food choices and understanding labels on food products.
Helen Bellette, representative of the Transport Workers Union, on the issue of safety on our roads, for drivers and our community.
Impromptu speaker, Peter Dullaard, on his travels to China to trade. Also at the same meeting, Peter and Patricia Hunt, about travelling to United Kingdom.
Members of the Hartley Historic Trust, and Steve Ring, Manager of the Hartley Historic Village came to discuss an event to be held at the Village on 25th October, 2009.

The invitation to speakers has been suspended until numbers attending Progress meetings increase.

Christmas Party, Sunday, 14th December
Well attended, fun activities for children and adults. The Bush Fire Brigade stocking raffle was drawn at the Party.

Australia Day
Held this year at Hyde Park, those few who attended enjoyed the damper and lamingtons. The flag lowering ceremony at the school concluded the day.

Clean up Australia Campaign
Clean up Australia Campaign, a few members gathered to collect rubbish, some also worked on other days to add to the pile near The Diner.

175th Anniversary Celebrations of the Victoria Pass
A few members took part, particularly assisting the Hartley Bush Fire Brigade with the catering at the Hartley Historic Village. It was an interesting and colourful day.

Garden Club visits
Included a night visit to Blackman’s Creek Road, attempting to view the night sky through a refracted telescope. Because of the cloudy sky, this wasn’t possible, but we enjoyed Andrew’s explanations of some of the stars and the evening together. February we visited Hassan’s Walls reserve, overlooking Hartley.

Since February Garden Club has been in recess. Numbers had dwindled and enthusiasm waned. It is hoped to resume in the future. Any ideas for properties to visit welcome, and better still, if anybody is interested in organizing such visits, please let Pam know, on 6355 2114. Thanks to Pam for her efforts over so many years to arrange visits to such interesting venues.

Cancer Council Morning Tea
This year was held at the School. Attendance was disappointing, however, we raised $450 to support research into cancer.

Ceillis
Diane has continued to teach and lead Irish Set Dancing at the old school, Hartley, with enthusiasm. On some occasions friends of Diane have provided live music, it is well worth going to hear the music, even if people don’t dance. From the small profit Diane has bought and planted some extra trees on the school grounds. Thanks, Diane.

Hartley Highway Action Group [HHAG]
We have supported the Hartley Highway Action Group, catering for public meetings, called by HHAG and by the Roads and Traffic Authority in discussions and debate about the upgrade/diversion of the Great Western Highway. Funds raised for HHAG are held by Progress Association and administered by our Treasurer, Roy Armstrong.

Pam Day administers the hiring of the hall for various functions. Galloping Gumnuts and Hartley Appleseeds, the Community Orchestra are regular users. The hall is also used for training courses such as chemical safety, weed control, water catchment.

Ian Campbell, John Facchina, Chris Bird and Ken Crossman maintain the grounds at different times. Diane Green regularly waters new trees, which she has planted. Thanks to them.

The newsletters are produced bi-monthly by the Secretary and distributed by members of Progress Association and supporters. Four hundred newsletters are delivered. Thanks to Chris Bird, John Facchina, Carol Dalglish, Robyn and David Thruchly, Rosemary Butler, and Ken Crossman for consistent effort in delivering newsletters.

Thanks to our President, Seamus Casey, Vice President, Ian Campbell, and Treasurer, Roy Armstrong for their consistent work and support. Roy’s accurate accounting and money management keep us well on track.

Carol Crossman, Honorary Secretary.