By Lisa WISEMAN
The
It
How Dungog’s Growers Stall has grown BUTCHERY BATTLE
q Volunteers and growers: Jo, Nick, Sam, Anna, Liz, Pauline, Lou, Olivia, Judy, Michelle, Robyn and Deborah.
Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au
Shannon BENTON 0400 136 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
BUSINESS ADVERTISING
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
www.newsofthearea.com.au
We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions.
You can also Subscribe, for FREE, and we will email you the Printed Edition Flipbook each week.
CLASSIFIEDS
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au
Phone us: (02) 4981 8882 Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri Phone line Open 9am -2pm
OUTLETS
Where you can pick up your paper If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au
Clarence Town
Clarence Town IGA
Clarence Town Post Office
Clarence Town Bowling Club
Paterson
Paterson Friendly Grocer
Paterson Service Station
Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent
Vacy
Vacy General Store
Dungog
Dungog Information Centre
Dungog Newsagent
Lovey's IGA
Dowling General Store
Dungog RSL
Long Room Cafe
Hidden Valley Clothing
Bottlemart
Farmers Warehouse
Royal Hotel
Gresford
Gresford Foodworks
Gresford Garage & Rural
Gresford Butchery Providore
The Beatty Hotel
BUTCHERY BATTLE
FROM Page 1
to be a contestant in the AMIC competition again, and I can’t wait to get into it.”
He is among 14 apprentices from across NSW and Canberra taking part in AMIC’s highpressure, MasterChefstyle showdown.
Representing campuses in Hamilton, Granville and Wollongong West, TAFE NSW’s students will be tested across three key challenges:
- A theory exam to assess industry knowledge
- Practical butchery skills, including breaking down a lamb, processing pork and beef cuts, and utilising a whole chicken.
- A mystery box challenge where they’ll create value-added meat products featuring a surprise ingredient revealed on the day.
A panel of three industry experts will judge the apprentices on skill, technique, and creativity.
The winner will be announced at a gala on 27 September at Crowne Plaza Sydney, celebrating excellence across the meat industry.
One of Mitchell’s AMIC competitors is Hayley Pattison, 40, a fourthgeneration farmer and
currently studying at Wollongong West.
As co-owner of Pattison Pastoral, Hayley and her husband operate a full paddock-to-plate business, raising Hereford and Angus cattle, managing a stud and a retail butchery business.
Now, she’s putting her skills to the test by competing in the AMIC competition.
“I started studying at TAFE NSW to gain the hands-on skills to better integrate butchery into our farming business and use these skills to work with employees and future apprentices,” Hayley said.
“It’s been an incredible learning experience - my teachers have been very supportive, and it’s great to now be competing thanks to an opportunity my teacher encouraged me to pursue.”
Hayley is one of three female students entering the competition and one of 11 female apprentices currently studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher), across all three years of the course.
TAFE NSW Relieving Head Teacher of Meat and Allied Trades, Martin Paynter, said the industry is shifting away from its traditionally maledominated workforce.
“We’ve seen an increase in female students studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE NSW Granville.
“The industry is evolving from a maledominated trade into a
more diverse workforce, with roles emerging for butchers, counter hands, chefs, and marketing staff.
“Opportunities span full-time and part-time positions, attracting mums and female students and school leavers.”
Mitchell speaks highly of the learning experience
provided by TAFE.
“TAFE gives me everything I need — the learning is straightforward, and help is always available if I need it.
“I encourage anyone who’s thinking about it to study at TAFE,” Mitchell said.
How Dungog’s Growers Stall has grown
FROM Page 1
courtyard transforms.
It positively bustles with buyers making their selections of lush green vegetables, colourful flowers, fruits or fabric items.
At first, in 2012, the stall just sold fruit and vegetables.
Then honey, eggs, flowers, seeds, plants, Boomerang Bags and bee
wraps were gradually added.
It started on the verandah of Chillbillies, on 1 September 2012.
In February 2014, it moved to the present location at the Dungog CWA courtyard.
In the first year, 35 growers contributed produce.
This year that number has grown to 67, with seven growers selling
JOIN ME...
Why Downsize?
• Easier to manage and clean
• Save on power, rates etc
produce for the entire period.
In its 13 years, the stall has only missed opening on three Saturdays. They were the Mumford and Sons festival weekend, Anzac Day and New Years Day, 2022.
Growers and buyers alike know that the stall is a consistent weekly presence. They have come to
depend on the reliable local market which returns 90 percent of sales to the growers.
The other 10 percent covers ongoing costs for the stall, such as rent and insurance.
So far the impressive sum of $373,921 has been paid to the growers.
Growers Stall volunteer Debra McLean moved to Dungog about a year ago.
October 25th from 10-12noon at the CWA Hall 199 Dowling St, Dungog NSW 2420 (along with) (along with)
• Free up time and money for what matters
• Move to a home that suits your needs
• Unlock equity – Use the value in your current home to fund retirement plans
Start Now – Little Steps Make a Big Difference
• Don’t wait for pressure or panic – Begin while calm and on your terms
• Give yourself time to work through both practical and emotional sides of moving
Decluttering: Where to Begin
• Keep / Donate / Sell / Discard
She said that volunteering is the perfect way to get to know people and contribute to the community.
At Saturday’s celebration, growers and volunteers chatted, socialised and laughed. It has become a meeting place and weekly focal point where information and ideas are swapped as readily as seeds.
• Start with easier spots like the linen cupboard or garage
Sally Kuppers 0438 899 703
Elders Real Estate Dungog 4992 1208
• Be honest: Do you use it? Need it? Love it?
• TIP: A clutter-free home is easier to live in now and sells better when the time comes
Prepping Your Home for the Future Market
• Declutter for more space and light
• Fix small repairs before they become big
• A fresh coat of paint in neutral tone?
• Keep the garden tidy
• Take photos while your garden or views are at their best
Get a Free Property Appraisal
• Understand your homes current value
• Get informed on local market trends
• Start planning the next stage with confidence
q Mitchell Simmonds is an apprentice at Dowling Street Meats in Dungog.
Government release 20,000 Home Care Packages
THE Federal Government has announced it will deliver 20,000 Home Care Packages in the next eight weeks.
A further 20,000 packages are set to be released between November and the end of the year, with the remainder of the promised 43,000 to be delivered by mid-2026.
The Australian Government subsidises organisations to provide home care services to eligible older people.
The Home Care Packages Program supports older
people with complex needs to stay at home.
They are designed for those with more complex care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Program can provide.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the release of the Home Care Packages is an overdue step for older Australians.
She said waitlists for Home Care Packages ballooned from 87,000 in March to 108,000 in July,
while a further 121,000 older Australians are still waiting to be assessed.
“It should never have come to this,” said Ms Penfold.
“My colleagues and I have been contacted by countless local residents waiting for an assessment and then waiting to get a package.
“It took us (the Coalition) raising it in the Parliament for the Government to act despite the urgent need and the availability of funding.
"What was missing was the Government’s willingness
to act.”
Ms Penfold said she would continue to push for timely aged care delivery and meaningful reforms that “prioritise care over red tape”.
Ageing Australia has welcomed the Government’s decision to immediately release 20,000 home care packages.
“We congratulate the Government on heading our calls, with so many Australians waiting for care in their own homes,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson.
“Providers are ready to act immediately and deliver
more packages across Australia.
“As we heard recently, 98 percent of members tell us they have the capacity and are ready to go.
“This is the start of the long road to getting people off wait-lists and getting the care they need.”
Samantha Edmonds, the Director of Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy at the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the announcement is a positive step, but more work must be done to protect and safeguard the interest of older people.
“This is good news especially in advance of the new Aged Care Act commencing on 1 November,” Ms Edmonds said.
“Inadequate in-home care support can push older people into hospital and prematurely into residential aged care, which is unfair and avoidable.
“Once an older person has been approved for the appropriate level of in-home support, they typically wait another 12 months to receive it.
“Untenable delays such as these put older people at significant risk of adverse outcomes.
“Older people should not have to wait more than 30 days for in home support
“These delays have an adverse impact on a person’s dignity and wellbeing. We have a shared responsibility to alleviate this challenge.”
Outdoor gym celebrated in Clarence Town
EXECUTIVE members of the Clarence Town Progress Association (CTPA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the commissioning of the new outdoor gym facility at the Clarence Town Village Green on Saturday, 6 September.
“The project, funded by the CTPA to an amount in excess of $60,000, provides the town with the latest in state of the art exercise equipment,” said CTPA President John Moyes.
“The 11 exercise stations are designed to improve upper and lower body strength, core strength, balance and flexibility.
“Each station includes a QR code scan which provides a video demonstrating the use of the particular apparatus.
“It is intended for use by the general public and it is anticipated it will be welcomed by the local sporting teams and fitness groups.”
DUNGOG HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN
Walking Tour and Structure Plan Workshop
Dungog is growing – let’s shape its future together!
Dungog Shire Council is creating a Structure Plan to guide how and where our town centre evolves over the next 20–50 years. It’s part of the broader Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan for Dungog Shire — and we want you to be part of it.
We’re inviting locals to join our project team for a walking tour and community design workshop (also known as a charette) to help shape a shared vision for the town of Dungog. Together, we’ll walk through local streets and parks, followed by a community design session to explore ideas that reflect what matters most to our community.
Help craft a future character statement for the town of Dungog. Workshop key ideas to guide growth that respects and protects our values.
Share what makes Dungog special and how it should grow.
Kids are welcome too — we’ll have activity packs on hand to keep little ones entertained while you get involved.
Register your interest to join us at one of the sessions below by visiting our website: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/HIMP
Sunday 14 September
2pm - 5pm
Doug Walters Pavilion
q Members of the Clarence Town Progress Association test out the equipment.
Dungog Arts Society exhibition
By Lisa WISEMAN
THE Dungog Arts Society’s 2025 Annual Exhibition “The Tops” opened on Friday night with artisans, artists and guests viewing the works and enjoying the friendly ambience.
It was the first exhibition opening for the society’s new gallery at 216 Dowling Street.
The show was officially opened by Cr Michael Dowling, who also presented prizes.
The exhibition included visual art and craft works.
Performing artists entertained at the opening with music and poetry.
Clarence Town artist Bec Towers wrote and performed her poem just for the occasion.
Relaxed, folk-influenced music by Jim and Meera
By Lisa WISEMAN
Father’s
Saturday morning, outside the
It opened at 8.30am and ran until the goods were sold
Jarvis set a laidback tone for the evening.
Art and craft exhibits included works adhering to the theme of “The Tops”, and other 2D and 3D works.
Exhibitors represented a wide range of ages, from Youth and Junior competitors,
out, around lunchtime.
The Father’s Day stall is one of just a few of the Auxiliary’s fundraising events for 2025.
The next street stall will be held at the Christmas street party, also in Dowling Street.
Along with only three street stalls, they will also run just three raffles for the year.
These events raise money to buy equipment and items needed at the hospital, but not provided by government funding.
The Father’s Day raffle was drawn on Saturday afternoon.
The lucky winners were Joy, David and Glen.
All the items on the stall were handmade, grown and donated by the Auxiliary
to mature artists and artisans.
The works included paintings, textiles, glass, embroidery and mosaics.
A range of prizes were awarded for the various categories while the paint kits supplied by sponsor Derivan proved popular.
The Tops Visual Art category was won by Dungog artist Gaye Shield with her chalk pastel landscape “Salisbury”.
Paterson watercolourist
Rene Brager was awarded second place and first in the 2D Visual Arts category.
Entries came from around the Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, Central Coast and Newcastle.
The society’s Minutes Secretary and 3D craft
exhibitor Lynne McNairn commented favourably on the congenial atmosphere. Another highlight of the opening was the plentiful and scrumptious finger foods home cooked by members. Works will be on display until the exhibition closes in late November.
Sold works will go to their new homes and be replaced with new works, so the show will evolve over the three months duration.
Artisans and artists can still enter new works to be displayed now, and works do not have to adhere to the theme of “The Tops”. For more info or to enter, email secretary@dungogarts. com.au or phone 0407 208 659.
volunteers.
Locals and visitors stopped to chat, and browse the stall’s large variety of goods.
They seemed happy to buy reasonably priced, locally-made items to benefit a good cause.
There was quite a range of baked goods, like slices and cakes, large and small.
One beautifully decorated orange cake looked especially mouth-watering.
Rows of colourful bottled preserves and jams drew the eye.
Garden plants nurtured by the volunteers added touches of green.
Neat, knitted baby clothing and handmade homewares jostled for space with second hand books.
Clearly, much time and effort by the volunteers had gone into producing so many items to fill the several big tables.
Secretary of the Auxiliary branch Judy Steer, said that new members are always welcome.
The Auxiliary branch meets once a month at the Dungog Day Care Centre, near the hospital.
Members gather at 1.30pm for a cuppa and chat before the meeting begins at 2pm.
“Meetings are nearly always finished by 3pm for people who need to pick up children from school.”
For more information, call Judy on 0416131875, leave a message and she will call back.
DUNGOG Hospital Auxiliary’s
Day Stall popped up on
newsagency in Dowling Street.
q Cr Michael Dowling opened the exhibition.
q Shoppers were tempted by the delicious homemade cakes.
q Martyn Robinson inspects Bec Towers’ works.
q Dungog local Trish Tull and Auxiliary Secretary Judy Steer at the Fathers Day Stall.
THE NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a three percent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.
“At the conclusion of the vote on the public sector interim offer from the NSW Government, branches have accepted the offer, with 88.2 percent of participating branches with Elected Delegates voting to accept the offer,” NSWNWA posted to social media.
“The offer sees Award improvements to night duty penalty rates, a right to two consecutive days off in a row, a consultation requirement before roster changes are made after rosters have been released, and no night duty immediately before annual leave unless you request it.
“It also sees an interim three percent increase for nurses and midwives, back paid to 1 July 2025.”
NSWNWA has stated it will continue with its claim for a 35 percent pay increase in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).
“We will be advocating strongly on your behalf to have the elements of this interim offer implemented as soon as possible,” the union stated.
Night Shift Penalty rates for nurses and midwives will increase from 15 to 20 percent, effective from 1 July 2025.
The NSW Government said the decision gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for remaining matters to be determined by the independent IRC.
This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an eight percent increase to pay (inclusive of a one per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the
Minns Government’s term.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the vote is a “major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals”.
“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists,” he said.
takes you to our website.
q Public sector nurses and midwives will receive an interim pay rise and improved working conditions.
Hunter researcher’s IVF breakthrough
By Sis HIGGINS
UNIVERSITY of Newcastle
researcher Dr Aleona Swegen, a member of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, is driving a breakthrough in fertility treatment.
Dr Sewgan has secured $200,000 from the inaugural Newcastle Permanent Innovation Accelerator Program for her technology, SpermSafe.
Dr Swegen created SpermSafe as a storage medium that improves survival and motility while reducing DNA damage during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
The technology aims to boost pregnancy success rates, particularly for couples who have endured the financial and emotional toll of repeated and unsuccessful IVF attempts.
“Being named the inaugural winner gives me the resources and support needed to move SpermSafe beyond the lab and into the real world,” Dr Swegen said.
“This prize will allow me to navigate the regulatory pathway and deliver a product that could help countless families realise their dream of having a baby.”
One in every 16 babies in Australia is born via IVF.
For women aged over 35, the figure rises to one in 10, as reported by Professor Georgina Chambers, director of UNSW’s National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit.
The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand reports that one in six couples in the region experiences infertility, underscoring the need for new and effective treatment options.
q Newcastle Permanent’s Paul Juergens, Honeysuckle Health CEO and Dr Swegen’s Program Coach Rhod McKensey, Dr Aleona Swegen, HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay. Photo: supplied.
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY ATHLETICS
SBS, 9.30pm
Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout (pictured) is one of many talented Aussies with their eyes firmly on the prize as they chase glory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Fresh off breaking the magical 10-second barrier for the 100m at a low-key school event in Queensland, the 17-year-old will make his long-awaited debut at a senior international event when he competes in his preferred 200m. Legendary commentator Bruce McAvaney is behind the mic once again to call all of the thrilling action.
FRIDAY, September 12
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Malv) Professor T befriends a vulnerable girl and is convinced she is the key witness to a murder.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGs, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Ml, R)
10.30 ABC Late News.
10.45 Austin. (PG, R)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
TALKIN’ ‘BOUT YOUR GEN
TEN, 7.30pm
It’s on for young and (not so) old in this next-gen reboot of the popular comedy quiz. The baby boomers and gen alpha are out of contention here, with generations X, Y and Z duking it out in a pop culture battle for the ages. The hilarious Anne Edmonds (pictured) oversees (and occasionally causes) the mayhem as the trio of teams clash in a series of cheekily titled games and nostalgic trivia rounds sure to have viewers shouting at the screen. Rising star Anisa Nandaula leads the blindly confident “zoomers”, millennial Tommy Little plays it cool as gen Y captain and Dave Hughes ups the X factor for those aged 45-plus. Tuesday’s premiere welcomes Todd McKenney, Carrie Bickmore and Will Gibb to the chaos.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Good Ship Murder. (PGv)
8.30 Dictator: The Hitler Interviews. (M)
9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Catch Me A Killer. (MA15+as)
11.45 Pray For Blood. (Mal, R)
1.40 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R)
2.30 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PG, R)
3.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (PG, R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WEDNESDAY THE GILDED AGE
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Adam Dovile share clever ideas to help save water in the home. 7.30 Football. AFL. First semi-final. Adelaide v Hawthorn. From Adelaide Oval. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing. 11.45 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl, R) The competition heads to Adelaide.
1.20 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62)
TEN, 8.30pm
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes ventured across the pond for this epic drama following the clash between old and new money in 1880s New York. The story begins when young Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson, Meryl Streep’s youngest child) moves to the city after the death of her father to live with her wealthy aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon). In tonight’s second instalment, Marian receives a visit from her old lawyer Tom Raikes (Thomas Cocquerel). Also new to polite society, but for entirely different reasons, railroad tycoon George Russell (Morgan Spector) and his wife Bertha (Carrie Coon, pictured) take centre stage at a charity bazaar.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Second qualifying final. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.45 NRL Finals Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up. 10.45 MOVIE: Analyze That. (2002, Mlsv, R) A mobster is placed in his therapist’s custody. Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.05 The Nanny. 9.35 The Addams Family. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 Jeannie. 11.05
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Tracey
6.00
SATURDAY, September 13
10.00 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 2.05 Canary. (R) 2.15 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.15 2010 FIFA World Cup: The Media Circus. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 19. H’lights. 5.30 WW2 End Game. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys.
8.35 A Royal Residence: Hatfield House. Explores Hatfield House.
Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) A man is found in the centre of a crop circle.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) After the body of an unknown man is found in a theatre, DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate. 10.00 The Family Next Door. (Ml, R) The truth of Isabelle’s investigation is revealed. 10.50 I, Jack Wright. (MA15+s, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey.
9.30 Athletics. World Championships. Day 1. Evening session.
10.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGaw, R)
11.20 Great Australian Walks. (R)
12.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(32)
6am Morning
Programs. 7.20 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 9.15 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984) 10.35 Enigma. (2001, M) 12.50pm The Daughter. (2015, M) 2.40 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 4.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 6.30 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983) 8.30 Vengeance: A Love Story. (2017) 10.25 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, September 14
6.00
6.10 Britain’s Great Cathedrals. (Premiere)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (Final, PG)
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Final, Ml)
8.50 I, Jack Wright. (Ml) Sally’s legal challenge runs into trouble.
9.40 MOVIE: Goldstone. (2016, Malv, R) A detective uncovers a web of corruption. Aaron Pedersen.
11.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PGa, R)
12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Titanic: Secrets Of The Shipwreck. (PGav)
8.25 Titanic Revisited. (PG, R)
9.30 Athletics. World Championships. Day 2. Evening session.
11.30 Monster: The Mystery Of Loch Ness. (PGl, R)
12.30 Hating Peter Tatchell. (MA15+a)
2.15 Women Who Rock. (Mls, R)
3.15 Secret Nazi Bases. (PGa, R)
4.55 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Kung Fu Yoga. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983) 8.55 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 10.45 Voyage Of The Damned. (1976, The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. Lara. (2019, PG, German) 6.50 Brief The Outpost. (2019,
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Second semi-final. Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.
11.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal, R) The competition continues in Logan, Queensland.
12.30 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R)
An uninvited guest attends the gala.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL. First elimination final. Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters.
9.50 NRL Finals Post-Match.
10.30 Athletics. World Championships. Day 1. From National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.
11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Rugby World Cup. Quarter-final 2. Canada v Australia.
3.15 Innovation Nation. (R)
3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Princess and Inca have had no luck. 8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Paramedics are called to help a 92-year-old pinned under his mobility scooter. 9.40 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.40 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) 12.10 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav, R) The team is called in to find a missing teen. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGal) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
9.00 7NEWS Spotlight.
10.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Too Close For Comfort. (Malv, R) Authorities deal with a case of stalking. 11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. AirTouch 500 At The Bend. Highlights.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) The teams are judged on their kitchens.
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 Athletics. World Championships. Day 2. From National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. 11.30 Mobsters: James Whitey Bulger. (Premiere, Madv)
12.30 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGl) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.30 Watson. (PGa) Watson runs into an old friend of Sherlock’s when her son is admitted to UHOP for
MONDAY, September 15
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30
TUESDAY, September 16 6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
8.35 Portillo In The Pyrenees. (R)
9.30 Into South America With Nick Knowles. (PG, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Classified. (Malv)
11.40 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+s, R) 1.50 Blackport. (Ml, R) 2.50 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 3.40 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PG, R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31)
6am Lara.
Continued. (2019, PG, German) 7.00 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 8.40 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 10.40 Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 12.50pm Dating The Enemy. (1996, M) 2.50 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983) 4.50 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 6.30 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.30 Barton Fink. (1991, M) 10.40 The Good German. (2006, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Justin calls Sonny out.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) The team searches for a serial killer as Harper struggles with the aftermath following the attack.
10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mv) Street trains with Long Beach SWAT.
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 Hooten & The Lady. (Mav)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (Return, PG)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 The World According To Kim Jong Un. (Mav, R) 11.30 Screw. (Mals)
1.20 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 2.10 Hugh’s Wild West. (PG, R) 3.10 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) 9.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) Brett navigates shared custody. 10.10 Tik Tok: Murders Gone Viral: The Killing Of Alexis Sharkey. (Mav, R)
11.10 The Agenda Setters.
12.10 Pretty Hard Cases. (Premiere, Madsv) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
The Block. (PGl)
100% Footy. (M)
Athletics. World Championships. Day 3. From National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.
Footy Classified. (Ml)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block.
(32)
6am Where Is Anne Frank. Continued. (2021, PG) 7.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 8.50 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.50 Marriage Italian Style. (1964, M, Italy) 12.45pm The Worst Ones. (2022, M, French) 2.35 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 4.25 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 6.15 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 8.30 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PG) 10.35 I Want You Back. (2022, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday. Check
WEDNESDAY, September 17
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Wan Kantri: PNG – The Next 50 Years. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 2.50 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.20 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 North Sea Wonders: A Coastal Journey. (Premiere) 11.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Week By The Sea. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 My Grandparents’ War. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In India. (PG)
8.30 DNA Journey. (PGa)
9.30 Code Of Silence. (MA15+)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 COBRA. (Malv)
11.40 Vigil. (Malv, R)
1.45 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 2.35 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 3.40 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (PG, R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (Final) 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGal)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hamish McLachlan chats with Chris Fagan.
10.30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG)
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams prepare for inspections.
8.45 Athletics. World Championships. Day 5. From National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.
11.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
(82)
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGals) An overweight
6am Morning
THURSDAY, September 18
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PGl, R) 11.40 If You’re Listening. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)
(R)
7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Great Lighthouses Of Ireland. (PGa, R) 10.10 North Sea Wonders: A Coastal Journey. 11.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Week By The Sea. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Ticketyboo. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 My Grandparents’ War. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 9/11: One Day In America.
9.25 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Dopesick. (MA15+ads, R)
11.55 Blue Lights. (Madlv, R)
2.10 Hugh’s Wild West. (PGa, R)
3.20 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
News. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Over The Black Dot. 6.05 Jeopardy! 7.00 Athletics. World Championships. Day 6. Evening session. 11.30 Homicide. 1.20am Conversations. 2.00 Mental Illness On Death Row. 2.55
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Programs. 7.00 The Movie Show. 7.30 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 8.50 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PG) 10.50 Barton Fink. (1991, M) 1pm Want You Back. (2022, M) 3.10 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 4.50 Where Is Anne Frank. (2021, PG) 6.40 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 8.30 O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, M) 10.30 Juliet, Naked. (2018, M) 12.20am Late Programs. 6am Manganinnie. Continued. (1980, PG) 6.40 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 8.30 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 10.20 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, M) 12.30pm Juliet, Naked. (2018, M) 2.20 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 4.35 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PG) 6.40 RBG. (2018, PG) 8.30 A Serious Man. (2009, M) 10.35 While We’re Young. (2014, M) 12.25am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGs)
8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
9.30 Why Bridges Collapse. (PG) A look at the Key Bridge collision.
10.45 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R) 11.45 Kick Ons.
12.15 Life. (Malsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
(64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Athletics. World Championships. Day 6. From National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. 11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) Halloween chaos takes over the ED.
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Religious program. 4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
(82)
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
9GEM
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
SALE
This Friday 12th September @ 11:30am Dungog Saleyards
Includes the following locally bred cattle:
G Collier – 2 angus steers 2y.o
C Bowen – 8 angus cross steers 16 to 18mths
J Starr – 10 angus steers 9 to 10mths
J Torr – 6 angus steers 8 to 9mths
K Luby – 12 angus steers 7 to 9mths
P McGirr – 5 angus steers 7 to 9mths
G Hawke – 15 angus / angus cross steers
G Collier – 2 angus heifers 2y.o
D Morris – 9 angus heifers 21 to 22mths
I Boyd – 12 angus heifers 16 to 18mths NSM
Hopwood Family – 2 angus/char heifers 15mths
J Torr – 6 angus heifers 8 to 9mths
P McGirr – 5 angus heifers 7 to 9mths
G Hawke – 15 angus / angus cross heifers
Thomson Family Trust – 2 angus cross heifers & calves
K Luby – 4 angus heifers & calves
N Smith – 8 cross bred cows & calves
J Torr – 9 angus cows
Further entries invited & expected Dungog Ph 02 4992 1704 www.dillonandsons.com
A/h Kel Sullivan 0427 921 704 or Paddy Dillon 0428 921 009
Wanted to Buy War Medals
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e161025
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495F270225
STAND Up Paddle board,
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643 Re250925
SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $7,800. 0415 678 687 2010 Ford Falcon LPG Very good condition $6,500. 0431 607 774
HORSE riding boots Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153 BAR table, great for pool or outdoor area. Tempered glass top, aluminium frame with white canvas, storage shelf below. $250 ono 0417 216 598
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787
OPINION
PUZZLES
DEAR Jasminda,
My new girlfriend chats incessantly as soon as she wakes.
I prefer to ease into the day.
How can I get our morning routines in sync?
Karl B.
Dear Karl,
I'm with you on this one.
My husband's mouth seems to wake up before the rest of him.
From the moment his eyelids flick open, he is wired and ready for action.
The conversation
usually starts with some doom-scroll statistics, interspersed with high volume, high rotation Instagram reels that can be anything from a Bob Katter rant to a South Park skit to a solar battery rebate analysis.
For good measure he'll throw in a few conversation starters like, 'the BAS is due today' or 'how could a grandparent pick up the wrong baby?'
At this point my mind has left its dream-like state to instead ponder firstworld disasters, political anomalies and tax evasion strategies.
And I'm not happy about it.
No, I'm more of a 'don't speak to me until my second cup of tea' kind of girl.
I like to Wordle in silence.
I like to read the news headlines in silence.
I'm very happy to have a cup of tea delivered, but I don't want to talk about it.
In fact, I'm not really keen for a chat until after my shower, and I certainly don't want to be disturbed during it.
The first 30 minutes can set you up for the rest of the day.
If you kick off with negativity or overstimulation, it can be hard to get your mind and body back into sync.
Perhaps you and your girlfriend can have a discussion about your personal preferences and some non-negotiables.
Let her know that you are happy to talk, but not while you're still rubbing sleep out of your eyes.
You may even be able to agree on a morning
routine.
Your girlfriend could chat with a friend, for example, while you do some yoga stretches.
Or she could join an early-risers walking group while you make breakfast for you both (in a blissful state of silence).
Also, if you and your girlfriend progress to being parents one day, let me warn you that no one can out-talk a toddler first thing in the morning.
They wake up like Everready Bunnies - fully charged and wanting answers.
You will then be grateful that your girlfriend chats incessantly, so she can respond to the rapidfire questions with equal enthusiasm.
SUDOKU
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
DEAR News Of The Area,
IT is with some surprise that I find myself compelled to write this letter of commendation and appreciation of our past Dungog Councils.
Like everyone else in the community, for years,
indeed half my lifetime, if I saw two or more people engaged in earnest conversation, I could bet they would be complaining about "the state of Dungog's roads”.
And the criticism was deserved.
Dungog LGA had
the reputation of having the worst roads on the continent.
At Broome years ago in a caravan park, when I told a fellow caravaner that I was from Dungog, his reaction was, "Oh God, the town with the worst roads in the country".
He was right.
But successive Councils, beginning with Mayor Tracey Norman, and on down the line to the present time have succeeded in persuading the NSW Government to release decent monies to our Council to do a proper job on our roads.
The outcome is that after all these extended seasons of endless wet weather, our roads have
mostly stood up to the job and are a pleasure to drive, as opposed to some of those of our neighbouring LGAs which have not handled it so well.
Some of our back roads are even seeing some work done which has been desperately needed for 50 years, and are being rebuilt along their worst patches.
So, I would like to say "Nice work" to our Councils of the past few years, and
Dungog’s 100 little readers
By Shannon BENTON
THE Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre
and Dungog Early Literacy
marked a major milestone last week, celebrating the enrolment of the 100th child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.
The global initiative, which is offered locally through the support of Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre, posts free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five.
Families in the Dungog Shire can sign up at no cost, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop a love of books from the very beginning of life.
The celebration was held at the Royal Hotel on Tuesday 2 September, with families,
Councils deserve praise Historic monastery opens its doors
By Shannon BENTON
MORE than 80 visitors gathered at Stroud’s mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August, for a peaceful and community-spirited Open Day celebrating history, heritage, and global goodwill.
Hosted by the Anglican Parish of St John’s Stroud, the event began with a generous morning tea for around 100
supporters, and community members gathering to acknowledge the growing success of the program.
Chairperson Anne Higgins said the milestone reflected both the enthusiasm of local families and the generosity of the community.
“We are thrilled to see 100 children in Dungog now receiving books every month through the Imagination Library,” Ms Higgins said.
“This program is about giving children the very best start in life, and we are so grateful to our supporters, the Royal Hotel, and of course our entertainers Mark and Phil who helped make the celebration special.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been shown to boost literacy outcomes by encouraging parents to read regularly
with their children.
Each month, enrolled children receive a carefully chosen book in the mail, fostering a sense of excitement and connection
guests, raising funds for a Christian orphanage in Sri Lanka.
Reverend Maree Armstrong welcomed the crowd with warmth and gratitude, noting the importance of “coming together in faith and community to make a difference beyond our own backyard.”
The Sri Lankan
orphanage, based in Moratuwa near Colombo, was founded in 1922 and continues to support vulnerable Christian girls.
Donations from the morning tea will go toward the ongoing work of the Sisters of St Margaret, who have run the home for over a century.
A highlight of the day was a guided tour of the
around reading.
The Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre and Dungog Early Literacy are determined to keep building momentum.
monastery grounds led by Brother Christopher-John of the Order of St Francis, instantly recognisable in his traditional brown habit.
Guests were offered rare access to the tranquil mud brick buildings built by the Sisters of St Claire in the 1970s with help from local volunteers known as “Muddies.”
“This place is a sacred
I urge our present crew of Councillors to keep up the good work.
And it is worth noting that we are still the only Council in NSW without a government managed or supported road.
How does that work?
Regards, Tom
Dungog.
With ongoing fundraising and community backing, they hope to enrol even more families in the program and expand local early literacy activities.
part of the local landscape,” said Brother ChristopherJohn.
“We are always looking for volunteers who can help maintain these special buildings and support their future.”
Adding to the charm of the day was an antique roadshow led by local farmer and former librarian Dawn Tawse, who brought precious
“Reaching 100 children is just the beginning,” Ms Higgins said.
“Every dollar raised helps us bring more books into the hands of local kids.”
items she purchased in England in the 1960s, including a silver jug and bowl originally bought for eight shillings and one penny.
She even brought along her original 1960 journal, complete with handwritten notes detailing each purchase.
The day concluded with relaxed conversation and lunch next door at the Three Birdies Café, making it a wellrounded and memorable community celebration.
BOORER,
q Anne Higgins and Carol Skafte-Zauss celebrate. q Anne Higgins addresses the audience.
q Rev Maree Armstrong, priest of St John’s Stroud, hosts morning tea.
q Brother Christopher-John, flanked on the left by Brother Bruce-Paul, Linda Simpson and Melissa Davey-Dew, and on the right, Rev Maree Armstrong. q Local Stroud farmer Dawn Tawse.
A vibrant showcase for garden lovers
THE Gloucester Spring Plant Fair returns to the Gloucester Showground on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.
The Fair brings a variety of wholesale plant nurseries to Gloucester on one weekend.
q Explore a vibrant showcase of over 15 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of plants for collectors and gardening enthusiasts.
Explore a vibrant showcase of over 15 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of plants for collectors and gardening enthusiasts.
Discover ornamental plants, edible garden options, trees, shrubs, ground covers, and high-quality gardening products.
“It is an opportunity for garden enthusiasts to pick up some new plants, ask experts questions, win prize giveaways, and meet likeminded garden
enthusiasts,” said Tonia Channon, Gloucester AH&P Association Secretary/ Treasurer.
“A large range of plants will be available at the Gloucester Spring Plant Fair, ranging from small succulents to garden annuals and vegetable seedlings through to large trees.
“The wholesale nurseries
are able to offer large scale orders, such as trees for acreage, as well as unique plants like orchids and specialist Dahlia varieties.
“Gloucester Landscapes will also be at the plant fair to assist with garden landscape designs and your property garden fencing needs.”
Run completely by volunteers, this is the second
year that the Gloucester AH&P Association has organised the Fair.
“The Gloucester AH&P Assoc Inc was approached by a local nursery (Rob Willis at Woodside Plants & Design) to look at hosting a Plant Fair in 2024,” Tonia said.
“Rob has attended many large Plant Fairs in Armidale, Bowral and Sydney.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) Australia Day Committee 2026 & 2027
Love Australia Day? Be part of the team!
Got ideas to make Australia Day celebrations even bigger and better in Dungog? We want you!
Dungog Shire Council is looking for two enthusiastic community members to join the Australia Day Committee for the 2026 and 2027 events.
This is your chance to:
⭐ Help shape Australia Day celebrations for the whole community
⭐ Celebrate our local legends through the Australia Day Awards
⭐ Be part of the team that brings it all to life!
Expressions of Interest close Tuesday 2 October, 4:00pm
Apply via our website or contact Council’s Administration Office
“He thought it would be a great idea to host a plant fair closer to home.”
All funds raised at the Fair will go towards the maintenance of the Gloucester Showground to keep it a viable community facility.
There will be a BBQ canteen and a coffee van on site throughout the Fair.
Health alert ahead of bat season
By Sis HIGGINS
AS bat season nears in the Hunter, health authorities are warning residents to take extra care and avoid all contact with flying foxes or microbats.
A spike in sick and distressed bats arriving at wildlife hospitals across Northern NSW and Southern Queensland in recent weeks has prompted the alert.
Authorities stress that touching or handling any bat, no matter how injured or unresponsive it may appear, puts people at risk of infection and viruses, including the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus.
Regional Director North Coast Population and Public
Health Dr Valerie Delpech, urged the community to stay clear of bats.
“Although it may be difficult to ignore the plight of an injured, distressed or sick animal, we urge residents not to touch or attempt to cover any bat they might come across, rather, call your nearest wildlife rescue service to come to its aid,” Dr Delpech said.
“If you see a dead flying fox in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it.
“Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and
apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action (such as those outlined in the NSW lyssavirus factsheet) after washing.
“[They] should also seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether they are at risk of infection and to access post-exposure treatment and vaccination if required.
“Getting post exposure treatment as soon as possible is crucial as there is no effective treatment once the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus commence.
“It is almost always fatal.”
Dr Delpech said the warning comes at a critical time, with warmer months bringing increased bat activity.
Green growth brings risk of bloat and pulpy kidney
LOCAL Land Services (LLS) is encouraging livestock producers to take steps to reduce the risk of bloat and pulpy kidney as Spring arrives.
Pulpy kidney, also known as enterotoxaemia, can cause sudden death in sheep, goats and cattle on high carbohydrate, energyrich feed, with fat, healthy livestock in prime condition particularly susceptible.
“Pulpy kidney is easily and cheaply prevented by effective clostridial vaccination,” said Lyndell Stone, LLS Principal Program Manager Animal Biosecurity and Welfare.
“Initially, two vaccinations are administered four to six weeks apart, with timely
boosters during high-risk periods around every three months crucial to ensure ongoing protection.
“It’s worth noting, the better your lambs and calves are doing, the more important it is to give a booster as pulpy kidney strikes the best stock.
“If purchasing cattle or sheep, don’t assume they have already been vaccinated.
“It’s a costly error to find out vaccinations were incomplete when you start losing stock.”
Vaccinations should be handled according to label instructions and expiry dates should be adhered to.
Ensure vaccinations are refrigerated prior to use and stored in an esky out of direct sunlight when being
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER
Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal FIELD | 32 members & 5 visitors. DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner James Cowled (10) 65 Nett, Runner Up Ramsey VaneWood (6) 65 Nett DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner & Monthly Medal Greg Sainsbury (19) 61 Nett, Runner Up Phillip Watson (29) 61 Nett BALL COMP | Ted Zawirski (30) 64 Nett, Benjamin Curry (6) 66 Nett, Greg Kellner (18) 67 Nett, Chris Bryant (8) 67 Nett, Greg Scott (6) 68 Nett, David Curry
(6) 68 Nett, Tony Mongahan (15) [Horizons] 69 Nett, Max Wallington (-3) [Cypress Lakes] 68 Nett, Stuart Heathwood (16) 69 Nett, Robert Richardson (15) 69 Nett, Denis Crossman (21) 69 Nett & Stephen Watson (13) 69 Nett. PUTTING COMP | Div 1 - James Cowled (10) 26 Putts, Div 2 - Greg Sainsbury (19) 30 Putts NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Ethan McKenzie (11) [Cypress Lakes], 5th/14th - Lee Hunt (13), 9th/18th - Stuart Heathwood (16) MEMBERS DRAW | No.23, Nick Howell 28th/37, $160 ($160 carries forward) MEMBERS EAGLES
the 2010s.
for it," Brown said.
"When pressure comes, it's just falling back on those things that we do in the pre-season. I'm going up there to work hard and do what I do best and bring that to the team."
Brown arrives at a Knights side at their lowest ebb since collecting three consecutive wooden spoons in
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
administered at the yards.
Livestock producers are encouraged to speak with their local District Veterinarian to discuss local conditions and their animal’s nutrition, particularly if they’re planning a change in diet to lush pastures or heavy grain feeding.
For impacted livestock, there will generally be no prior signs of sickness nor evidence of struggling.
Affected livestock are simply found dead, with diagnosis readily made postmortem.
It is important to contact a veterinarian to establish a diagnosis and rule out notifiable or emergency animal disease, which can look similar.
NEST | Unclaimed - 1 Ball UPCOMING EVENTS | 13-Sept
Stableford (7:30am shotgun start) & AGM (12pm), 14-Sept Paterson Open (8am shotgun start), 20-Sept
Individual Stableford & Bob Murphy Cup (2BBB Championships) 1st Round, 27-Sep Individual Stableford & Bob Murphy Cup (2BBB Championships) Final Round. Schedule subject to change. PICTURED | Divisional Winners, James Cowled (l) & Greg Sainsbury (r).
"As the year's gone on they've had a lot of injuries, and obviously once you start getting into a bit of a slump, it's sort of hard to come out," Brown said.
"I'll take the positives out of the start of the year and the ability they have."
Newcastle's attack was a problem throughout the season. They were held scoreless in 11 halves, while the 66 points conceded against Parramatta was the club's
Pasture bloat is another disease associated with the rapid introduction of new green growth.
Caused by the formation of a stable foam in the rumen, bloat is often associated with grazing lush rapidly growing legumes, such as clover, and can also be seen on some rapidly growing young grasses.
The foam formed prevents animals from belching gas and the rumen can quickly become bloated.
Cattle with bloat may display the following signs:
• distention of the abdomen on the left side
• appearing distressed / bellowing
• lying down and getting up frequently
• rapid breathing, often with the mouth open.
Dr Stone said several options were available to producers to help reduce the risk of pasture bloat.
“Ensuring cattle are not hungry when first introduced to high-risk pastures is crucial. This can be achieved by providing access to roughage such as hay,” she said.
“Grazing livestock in smaller paddocks to allow for more intensive monitoring and management or using grazing pasture management to avoid grazing high-risk pastures can minimise the risk of bloat.
“There are also three bloat control agents for consideration, which are anti-
foaming agents, detergents and rumen modifiers.
“Whichever method, or combination of methods, is used, monitoring stock after the introduction is essential.”
Local Land Services also recommends producers ensure their stock are up to date with five-in-one or seven-in-one vaccination, as pulpy kidney may also be seen in stock grazing early spring pastures.
If you have any concerns about bloat or pulpy kidney, or you notice unusual symptoms or stock losses, contact your District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299.
Further information is also available at www.lls.nsw. gov.au.
most in any game since 2007.
O'Brien called it a "bitterly disappointing" way to end the campaign.
But Brown has had no second thoughts about joining Newcastle, saying he only needed to look at the 2025 Eels for proof a club's fortunes can turn around quickly.
Parramatta narrowly avoided their own wooden spoon last year and faced uncertainty with rookie coach Jason Ryles arriving as coach.
But the Eels improved to 11th
place on the ladder and appear ready to challenge for finals in 2026 after finishing the season as one of the NRL's form teams.
"There's been no regrets," Brown said.
"The (Eels) boys have done some great things this year at this club so I've seen first-hand what it's like to go from the bottom and going up.
"It's the same with Newy. It's a fresh start, there's new coaches, there's new everything. It's a clean slate and I'm pretty excited."
Brown said he left Parramatta on good terms with Ryles after the coach unseated him from his preferred five-eighth spot for seven straight games late in the year.
The departing Eel felt it was the correct call to begin preparing Joash Papalii to become Mitch Moses' fulltime halves partner in 2026.
"(Ryles) has got to focus on his future and I'm not in that. He decided to put his time into Joash and I think that was the right thing to do," Brown said.
q Australian bat lyssavirus can be fatal. Photo: Pexels.
'No regrets'
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
DYLAN Brown is excited for the pressure that will come with his multi-million dollar move to Newcastle, insisting he harbours no regrets over joining the newly-minted wooden spooners.
The enormity of Brown's task to resuscitate the Knights was laid bare on Sunday afternoon as the fiveeighth helped inflict a 66-10 drubbing on them in his final game for Parramatta.
The result sealed a lastplaced finish for Newcastle, who are yet to confirm Adam O'Brien's replacement as coach for next season.
Amid the uncertainty, there is plenty of expectation on Brown to gel with gun fullback Kalyn Ponga, possibly as a game-managing halfback, and to justify the richest deal in NRL history.
That won't faze the 25-year-old, who will be paid a reported $14 million across 10 years.
"Obviously there's going to be pressure but I'm excited
CONTINUED Page 15
q Dylan Brown says he's looking forward to the pressure that will come with his move to Newcastle. Photo: NRL Photos.