localSB

Vacy is a tiny village surrounded by dairy farms & poultry sheds.
The nightlife is limited to the local Farmer's Hotel which has friendly staff, a good selection of domestic & imported beers & a great selection of local wines. They also have good country style meals available.
The village store, run by Glann & Nicole has a decent selection of staples & they also have take-away food & good REAL coffee (none of that instant stuff for the people of Vacy!)
The beautiful local church has monthly services (shares clergy with Gresford & Paterson).
Vacy's crowning glory is the primary school. Vacy PS is a small school with amazing teachers & support staff who go out of their way to ensure every student is given the oportunity to reach their full potential.
We have now moved out of the area however I am expecting our first child & am considering driving an hour each way so my kids can attend Vacy PS!

Gresford is a small country town at the foot hills of the Barrington ranges.
Quite perfect for young families because it is a genuinely safe little town where everyone knows & looks out for everyone else.
The school is lovely & there are a small number of facilities for older children & teens (skate park, youth services).
The local bowling club has some of the best chinese & malaysian cuisine I have ever had the pleasure of eating & the staff are friendly & speak English.
The local pub is friendly & often has live music or other events.
The small take-away shop near the school has a chicken burger that is second to none...I don't know what they put in the sauce but it is like an addictive drug...once you have had one you just have to keep going back for more!
Easter Saturday sees the closure of the main road through town to make way for the annual Billy Cart Derby which is a great family day out, even if you don't make your own cart (you can register to ride one of the carts on the day, including the famous Black & White Cow cart!).
There is a small supermarket with a deli section, fresh fruit & vegetables & newsagency & they have an ATM available during business hours.
The butcher should not be missed...excellent quality meat, friendly service, good prices.
There is a local bus company that take care of the school runs & private charters.
Local wineries are wonderful & Bunna Bunoo Olve Grove has amazing olive products as well as Irma's authentic home made Italian take-away.
Nearby township of Vacy also has a fabulous little school & a friendly pub with good country style food. Glenn & Nicole's Village store serves food & proper espresso style coffee (no instant crap!). Vacy Village carnival each year in Autumn (March 2010) brings crowds to the area & is a great day out for young & old alike!
Nearest train station is at Martin's Creek with limited services to Maitland & Dungog, however a 35 minute drive to Maitland gives you access to regular rail services to Newcastle & Sydney as well as Countrylink & XPT services inland to Armidale & Moree or north to Coffs Harbour & Tweed Heads.
High School options from Gresford are generally Dungog High School (excellent school with solid HSC results every year) or into Maitland or Newcastle for specialised schooling (performing arts, sports, grammar, religious, etc).