St Joseph’s principal Greg Haire was excited to host such an important occasion.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience for our children, we won’t have the cross and icon visit here again,” he said. “It can’t go everywhere in Australia and for it to come to Dungog is really special.”

Trish Bogan from the Gresford/Dungog organising committee said it was a privilege to have the cross in Dungog.

“It was unique, different and will never happen again,” she said.

“Over 150 were at the Mass on Thursday night – and were from all denominations.”

Tocal Visitor’s Centre hosted a NAIDOC Week celebration.

School leaders from most of the primary schools in the area, including Gresford, Vacy, Dungog, Paterson, Clarence Town, St Joseph’, and year 7 students from Dungog High School attended.

Youth worker Angela Endersby said the purpose of the day was to hand over a book and video, which was written about the local Aboriginal people, to the schools to raise awareness of the traditional owners

If there was any doubt about the proposed Tillegra Dam not proceeding as announced late last year, it was quashed on Thursday when Water Utilities minister Nathan Rees came to Dungog.

Mr Rees, along with Hunter Water managing director Kevin Young, met with Mayor of Dungog Glenn Wall, senior council staff and three members of the Tillegra Dam Community Reference Group (TDCRG) at Munni House.

“There appeared to be a consensus that perhaps the dam may not go ahead, but I have given a rock-solid commitment to drought proof coastal New South Wales,” Mr Rees said.

“There is no going back – the dam will be built.

“We have purchased 75 per cent of the land and we are on track for the dam to be completed in 2013.

“In most cases this land is being leased back to the owners on very generous terms.

“There will be benefits to the Dungog area with hundreds of jobs available during the construction phase – it will be sizeable economic injection into the town.”

Mayor of Dungog Glenn Wall said this was the first time a minister had set foot in the shire since the announcement was made.

“The minister spoke to the group about water policy across New South Wales.

“Mr Rees said the water from Tillegra Dam will not go to Sydney – the desalination plant will still be built,”

Cr Wall said. “He also praised the community representatives on the TDCRG for their commitment.

“He said they were obviously working together collectively to get the best out of the dam for the Dungog community.

“But he was also very adamant the dam was going ahead.”

Cr Wall also said that council raised road issues and the impact the dam construction will have on road infrastructure.

A young die-hard soccer fan has won the soccer ball signed by Socceroo Tim Cahill.

Thirteen-year-old Milly Bates of Dungog has been playing soccer since before she started school and was thrilled to win the ball.

Winners of the t-shirts were Nick Lean, Dungog; Jack Robards, Dungog; Sharnee Studdert, Bendolba; Cameron Hipwell, Eccleston; and Kristy Faust, Clarence Town.

Thank you to everyone who entered – it was a very popular competition.

The competition, which had the soccer ball and five t-shirts to give away, was sponsored by Weetbix and the Dungog Chronicle.

Delicious food, a beautifully decorated hall, entertainment and a little bit of history were the order of the day in Gresford last Tuesday. Gresford branch of the Country Women’s Association celebrated their International Day with the country of study being Malta

The Dungog Chronicle is proud to document the stories of residents from around the district.

From school events to community fundraisers and campaigns and the achievements of local people young and old – we want to hear about it.

We welcome your news tips and your contributed photographs.

You can email your photographs or let us know of your event or news by emailing dungog@fairfaxmedia.com.au

You can also submit your letters, news or sport results to us through our Dungog Chronicle website.