By Lisa WISEMAN
A GIANT cheque for a giant amount changed hands this
At an official presentation on “Hospital Hill”, overlooking Dungog, representatives of Valley Team Penning and the Eastern Branch Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) donated $9000 to Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers Inc. The amount was raised at a team penning competition held at Bradley Park, Rutherford over the weekend of 8-9 February 2025.
CONTINUED Page 2
By Shannon BENTON
Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au
Shannon BENTON 0400 163 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
FROM Page 1
Five events were run, with around 200 riders competing.
Groups of three riders cut specific cattle from a large mob and shift them to another pen, all within time constraints. It requires
considerable skill and a rapport between team members and their horses.
Eastern Branch ASHS came out on top in the head-to-head competition, with plenty of friendly rivalry and calls for a “rematch”. It was the idea of
respected local horseman Ken Knight to donate the funds raised to Dungog Palliative Care.
barbeque at the event, with highlights of the evening including raffles and a charity auction.
A local charity, Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers gives free assistance to residents of Dungog Shire who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, as well as supporting their friends and family.
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
FOLLOWING the success of the recent Vacy Historical Walk, which brought locals together to explore the rich stories and heritage of the area, the conversation about the town’s future continues.
Residents are invited to a Vacy Community
Town Planning workshop from 9am-1pm on Sunday, 16 March at the Vacy School of Arts Hall. The workshop is open to all members of the community, providing an opportunity for locals to share their ideas, priorities and vision for the future of Vacy.
Ken has had his own brush with serious illness, so the event was named “the Ken Knight Challenge” in his honour. The fundraiser was such a success that another charity competition will be held in August 2025.
Some of the goods and services Palliative Care Volunteers provide are transport, supply and cleaning of linen, medical equipment and respite visits. The organisation relies almost entirely on donations to be able to function.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers coordinator
Paul Hugginson, President of Valley Team Penning, said “it was a good weekend”, while Palliative Care Volunteers deemed it “wonderful”.
Palliative Care ran a
Annette O’Neill told NOTA, “Thank you to Dungog Farmers Warehouse, Bunnings and Valley Team Penning and everyone who contributed to helping and donating to this event.”
“The Historical Walk reminded us of how deeply connected people are to this place and its history,” said organiser Sian Ineson.
“Now, we’re looking to build on that sense of identity and pride as we plan for the future together.”
Dungog Shire Council is undertaking a Flood Study for Clarence Town and the surrounding environs to improve the understanding of flood behaviour and impacts, and better inform the management of flood risk The study will also support the concurrent development of the Clarence Town Structure Plan.
Whilst previous studies have been undertaken in the area, there is no comprehensive investigation covering all flood mechanisms throughout the area. Also, these studies are now relatively old and significant changes have subsequently occurred in both the methodologies and policies in floodplain risk management.
Your local knowledge of the catchment and personal experiences of flooding will help us to undertake this flood study. Survey closes 31 March, 2025
Please tell us your experiences with flooding by: Help us understand flood behaviours around your home and/or land
Completing our online survey: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/floodstudy or scan the QR code
As part of a series of Town Planning Workshops happening across the region, the Vacy session will focus on local priorities, community projects, and opportunities.
The workshop is part of a broader series of regional initiatives,
including the Regional Platypus Conservation Project and the soonto-launch Community Foundation, both designed to strengthen and support our local communities. Registrations encouraged. Visit www.trybooking. com/1369499.
WOOTTON’S Stephen Burke will contest the seat of Lyne for the Australian Citizens Party in the 2025 Federal election.
Mr Burke, who has lived in the region for the past two-and-a-half years with his wife Linda, is the operator of a small wholesale plant nursery.
His political involvement began in 1997, when he joined the newly formed One Nation Party (ONP).
“Some likeminded friends and I established a very proactive branch,” Mr Burke said.
“I was endorsed as a candidate twice, served on the State Executive for two terms and was on the short list for the Senate preselection team
Dungog, Clarence Town, Paterson, Vacy, and Stroud a platform to voice their ideas, concerns, and aspirations.
Dungog’s Community Opportunities Workshop is set to take place on Thursday, 13 March, from 5:30pm - 9pm in the Dungog RSL Club auditorium.
This free event presents a valuable opportunity for the people of Dungog to come together and discuss the town’s current direction while envisioning the future. With key topics such as economic development, tourism, agriculture, the environment, aged care, youth engagement, and decision-making processes on the agenda, the workshop aims to foster
By Joshua GILBERT
UPPER HUNTER producers are being warned about the potential impact of three-day sickness in cattle and buffalo this season after cases were confirmed in the Manning Valley.
Three-day sickness, or Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), is a mosquito-born disease that can create a drop in milk production for
lactating cows, abortion in heavily pregnant cows and temporary infertility in bulls.
BEF has been confirmed in cattle near Wingham, with suspected cases around Hannam Vale, Lansdowne, Taree, Oxley, Mitchells Islands and Gloucester.
As BEF is a virus spread by mosquitos it is expected to move south westerly throughout the wider Hunter region in the coming days/
before I left the ONP.”
Asked by the Citizens Party to run as a candidate for Lyne, Mr Burke said he is excited at the prospect of representing the region, despite admitting to “abhor career politicians”.
“Irrespective of the outcome of this election I will be involved in establishing a strong Citizens Party branch structure here in this electorate, and assisting the same elsewhere,” he said.
In terms of policies, Mr Burke said he opposes the “outsourcing and relegation of power” to consultants and unelected entities.
“These unaccountable decision makers want a cashless economy instead of a crash-proof economy,
and they are increasingly usurping our rights and freedoms which are under siege.”
Mr Burke was a staunch opponent of Labor’s recently proposed Misinformation and Disinformation (MAD) Bill.
“We (the Citizens Party) have been very active in opposing the MAD censorship bill which the Labor government dropped.
“This is a liberty of conscience and free speech issue.
“By whose standards do we decide what is hate speech etc?”
Protecting the right to use cash is also high on his agenda.
“We must learn from the
mistakes of other countries and keep cash in our economy.”
Mr Burke is an advocate for establishing a public auditor to maintain transparency in our banking system, and of providing greater support for regional banking institutions.
If elected Mr Burke said he would work to free farmers from “burgeoning bureaucratic red and green tape” and protect primary producers from “predatory speculators who want to make a quick dollar by subdividing farmland”.
Supporting small businesses is another campaign focus, particularly reducing the cost of energy.
a constructive dialogue that will help shape the town’s growth and sustainability.
Organisers stress that everyone is welcome to attend - whether a long-time resident, a newcomer, a business owner, an employee, a community group member, a parent, or a young person.
The broader the participation,
weeks and will persist until the onset of cooler weather and frost.
Hunter Local Land Service has asked producers to be on the lookout for fevers over 41 degrees Celsius, lameness, lethargy, drooling and a dull appearance.
“The virus causes a high fever and pain in the muscles and joints, so affected cattle are often observed by themselves, off their feed,
the more comprehensive and representative the vision for Dungog’s future will be.
“We want this to be a positive and inclusive conversation,” said a spokesperson for the event.
“Your input matters, and this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something meaningful for our town.”
seeking shade and water,” Hunter Local Land Services said in a statement.
“On occasion BEF can cause pregnant cows to abort and bulls may become infertile for up to six months.
“In most cases young, light cattle show mild symptoms for one to three days, but heavier cattle such as bulls and cows may need some extra care.
“If cattle are down for an
A free light dinner will be provided at the start of the evening.
While the event is free to attend, RSVPs are essential for catering purposes.
To book your spot, visit TryBooking and search for Dungog Community Opportunities Workshop.
extended period, please seek veterinary advice.
“Medication sourced from your private veterinarian can reduce fever and inflammation aiding in recovery.
“If animals are down, protect them from the hot sun, provide water and hay.
“If unable to stand for a day or two, lifting or rolling cattle twice daily becomes important to prevent secondary complications.”
Cattle that have previously been exposed will have developed immunity to the disease, and calves under six months of age are rarely affected.
“Given that 2024 was a significant year for BEF along the east coast we are hoping that many (but not all) of our stock will have some immunity, and we predict that the most vulnerable animals will be those born after April 2024, or stock introduced to the area since April 2024,” Local Land Services said.
By Joseph RICHARDS
THE 93rd annual Gresford Show was held over the weekend with a wide range of events, competitions, and carnival rides.
The wet weather meant the show’s horse program and camp draft were cancelled but the show committee and attendees didn’t let the rain and the mud get them bogged down.
“Everyone put on their mud boots to come and support the show,” Gresford Show secretary Elise
Chesworth said.
“Considering the weather, it’s been a really great turnout with a really great crowd.
“We’re quite surprised with it actually.”
The post-splitting competition was a highlight.
The crowd in the grandstand watched eagerly as the entrants battled it out to chainsaw their posts and then split them with a hammer and a stake.
Other popular attractions
included the baby animal petting zoo that had adorable pigs, ducks, chickens, and goats.
In another pavilion there were rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs being judged.
“Pedro” took home the gold for the biggest guinea pig.
There were many craft and art competitions.
The beautiful landscape paintings included Leona Clements’ prize winning "Solace of the gumtree carabola”.
By Joseph RICHARDS
DUNGOG saw a 14 percent decrease in development application (DA) approvals in 2024 compared to 2023, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Of the 4808 building approvals in the Hunter Valley last year, 46 were in the Dungog Shire.
In 2023, the number of building approvals in Dungog Shire was 51.
Dungog Shire Council said that the cost-of-living crisis and rising costs and interest rates were to blame.
“The rising costs of materials, services, and land have had an impact on the number of development applications we are seeing,” a Council spokesperson said.
“It’s not surprising DAs have not returned to the rates we were experiencing before COVID.
“With the recent
announcement of the RBA lowering interest rates, we may see DAs for new housing and renovations increase in the next financial year.”
The complex nature of the NSW Planning system is another possible reason for the drop.
There are many costs involved in getting a DA approved such as consultancy fees, hiring a town planner, and safety checks on the property.
Then if the application gets conditionally approved, landowners may have to pay thousands of dollars to meet those conditions.
The council spokesperson acknowledged these difficulties.
“To get our local planning system in check with future demand for housing and DAs, Council has recently secured over $2 million in grant funding to undertake necessary strategic planning framework for future growth and development.”
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
HOUSEHOLDS could fork out an extra $450 a year for power by 2030 if policymakers pursue nuclear and a slower renewable rollout, modelling suggests.
An analysis commissioned by the Clean Energy Council found the additional pricey gas needed under a nuclear pathway would drive bills higher by 2030 than if the renewables-led grid transition continues.
The modelling mirrors the energy policies on offer from the major federal parties - the Labor government is vying for 82 per cent of renewable energy in the grid by 2030, while the coalition is promising to build nuclear power plants.
Renewable energy would make up about half the energy grid by 2050 and nuclear power 38 per cent under the opposition plan.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has promised cheaper electricity long-term based on calculations it commissioned from consultancy Frontier
Economics.
Using AEMO's "progressive change" scenario for the nation's energy mix, Frontier found including nuclear energy would reduce costs from $437 billion to $331 billion - or slash costs by 44 per cent compared to the "step change" scenario.
Yet numbers crunched by professional services firm Jacobs on the clean energy industry body's behalf found households could expect a 30 percent average increase by 2030 under the nuclear pathway.
This would amount to an $449 annual increase for the typical consumer serviced by the main energy grid.
Small businesses could expect a $877 increase in their bills by 2030 if the clean energy rollout slows down while waiting for nuclear to be built.
Even bigger price jumps were possible were a coal generator to unexpectedly fail - something that becomes more likely as they age - as more gas would be needed to make up the shortfall.
Voters are set to go to the polls May 17, at the latest, and cost of living will be front of mind following a prolonged stint of high interest rates aimed at taming inflation.
Clean Energy Council chief executive officer Kane Thornton said halting renewable energy
deployment and relying on coal and gas before nuclear comes online would be a "disaster" for power prices.
"Australia would have to increase its reliance on increasingly expensive and unreliable old coal generation, as well as significantly increase gas generation, which is a much more expensive energy source," he said.
"Getting more renewables
into our system, such as solar and wind and backed by pumped hydro, batteries and small amounts of gas, is the cheapest and most reliable way to keep energy bills as low as possible for Australians."
The analysis considered the influence of wholesale electricity prices on power bills for households and small businesses under each scenario.
Network costs and other components of electricity bills were not included in the modelling.
Tuesday's power bill numbers follow the Climate Change Authority's report highlighting the nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and add two billion tonnes of carbon emissions to the environment by 2050.
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
BUTCHERS, bakers and smallgoods makers are better off living in the country, with research showing workers across nearly 100 occupations can get more bang for their buck in the bush.
City-based teachers, mechanics, general practitioners, chief executives, chefs, house cleaners and child care workers may also want to consider a move to the country for better pay.
There are 85 occupations where net incomes are higher in country Australia compared to the capitals, according to an analysis by the Regional Australia Institute released last week.
There was an income premium of 26 percent in remote areas with industries like agriculture and mining, particularly among truck drivers, machinery operators, tradies and technicians.
The findings of the Beyond City Limits report were significant not just for regional economies, but the national workforce, the institute's chief executive Liz Ritchie said.
"This report busts the long-held myth that you have to live in a major city to earn a high income," Ms Ritchie said.
The research used census and
tax data to look at incomes across occupations, before factoring in age, gender, education and housing costs.
Managers and sales workers' net incomes were lower in both inner regional and remote areas, while professionals and admin staff only experienced income premiums in remote or very remote areas.
Wages were slightly lower overall in inner regional areas, such as Albury, Dubbo, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga in NSW, the Latrobe region in Victoria and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Ms Ritchie said Australians needed to know about the career opportunities in regional areas, where there were 67,000 job vacancies in January.
"There are plenty of good jobs, where you can earn a very good income," she said.
"Combine that with the regions' livability factors, like less traffic, more affordable housing and access to nature and you can understand why so many people have already made the move."
The research recommended several policy focus areas, including promotion of regional jobs and social infrastructure investments.
The institute has launched its online interactive Regional Jobs Guide to help workers understand country labour markets.
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SUNDAY
DARBY
ABC TV, 7.30pm
This crime-solving series finds ex-detective Jack and widowed English nurse Joan (Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi, both pictured) back on the road for its second season. This time, the travelling companions are on the hunt for answers about Jack’s past, hoping to clear his name and remove a dark cloud hanging over his career. As they travel through Queensland together, solving mysteries from town to town, the pair’s relationship is put to the test. Tonight’s premiere brings them into the orbit of brothers Doug (Martin Sacks) and Ellory (Gary Sweet), at war over their family farm.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Under The Vines. Daisy and Louis try to steal William’s thunder. 9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) 10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 10.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
ABC Late News. 11.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Rage. (PG)
“There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
MONDAY
TEN, 8.40pm
“Channel 10 rejected my pitch to reboot The Golden Girls,” quips Sam Pang (pictured) about his latest project. The mind boggles when it comes to a re-imagining of the iconic sitcom – would the Paying Attention? mainstay play the wisecracking Sophia or the nononsense Dorothy? All jokes aside, Pang is reviving another classic format, the tonight show, something not seen on network TV for more than a decade. Over the next eight weeks, viewers can expect Monday nights to contain a razor-sharp monologue from the two-time Logies host, as well as local and international guests. Bolstered by a witty team that includes Seats’ Tim McDonald, you won’t want to miss this.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (M)
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (Ma, R)
9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 A Body That Works. (Premiere, Ma)
11.50 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R) 12.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 2.45 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (PGaw, R) 3.50 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Diving through the National Film and Sound Archive’s stash of government films, made to record Australia’s emerging culture in the 1970s, screen legend Jacki Weaver (pictured) has uncovered a treasure trove of a time capsule in this docuseries full of gloriously daggy scenes but also radical social change. This third and final part focuses on Film Australia’s later years and a turn towards more diverse filmmaking as women, Indigenous creatives and gay activists took control of how their own stories were told. Journalist Jan Fran, comedian Zoë Coombs Marr and several of the films’ original subjects are among those who weigh in on these fascinating glimpses into ’70s society and how it shaped our own.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with Annie Smithers. 8.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999, MA15+av, R) An elderly man recalls his time as a prison guard where he befriended a man with an unusual gift. Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse.
12.10 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Penrith Panthers versus Sydney Roosters match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Tango & Cash. (1989, Mlv, R) Two cops serve time in jail after being framed. Sylvester Stallone.
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 Fish Forever. (PGl, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton chats with celebrities. 9.50 Tom Gleeson: Lighten Up. (Mls, R) Stand-up
6.00
6.00 Australian Story: Hooked – Dave Hughes. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Wheelbarrow Way, QLD. (PG, R) Joe O’Brien heads to Far North Queensland.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) Neville investigates a crypto-related death.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is drawn into a mystery that brings her closer to her estranged family than she would like.
10.00 The Newsreader. (Final, Ml, R) Dale and Helen turn to each other for support.
11.00 Unforgotten. (Final, Mal, R) 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe.
8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. (Premiere)
9.25 Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. (PGa, R)
10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7. 1.25 All Those Things We Never Said. (Ml, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.35 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010, Mlv, R) Bruce Willis. 9.45 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017, MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent investigates an agent’s murder. Charlize Theron. 12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 1. Highlights.
1.05 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 5. Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs.
9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match.
9.45 MOVIE: Honest Thief. (2020, Mlv, R) Liam Neeson.
11.40 Family Law. (Ma, R)
12.30 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R) 1.30 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
(Final, R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PG, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.05 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong. (R)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (Return, PGa) Jack and Joan encounter two warring brothers.
8.20 Unforgotten. (Return, Madl) A new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team.
9.05 Boat Story. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
Two strangers discover cocaine on a boat.
10.05 MOVIE: The Turning. (2013, MA15+al, R)
1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kiri And Lou. 5.45 Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.05 The Autistic Gardener. (R) 10.00 The World From Above. (PG, R) 11.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Surf Life Saving. Surf Life Saving Interstates. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men. H’lights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.35 Light Years: Olive Cotton. (R) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding A Dictator. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic
6am Shaolin
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Ancient Greece By Train. (PG)
8.25 Alhambra: At The Crossroads Of Cultures.
9.30 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)
10.30 Death In The Tower: King Richard. (Mav, R)
11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
1.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8.
3.30 Love Your Garden. (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 8.10 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 10.00 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 12.10pm Healing. (2014, M) 2.20 On The Waterfront. (1954, PG) 4.20 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 6.20 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 8.30 Mystic River. (2003, MA15+) 11.10 Shame. (2011, MA15+) 1am The Last Samurai. (2003, MA15+) 3.50 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 8.20 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 10.35 We’re All Going To The World’s Fair. (2021, M) 12.10pm French Exit. (2020, M) 2.15 Selkie. (2000, PG) 3.55 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 6.00 The Natural. (1984, PG) 8.30 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 10.55 So Damn Easy Going. (2022, M, Swedish) 12.35am My Little Sister. (2020, MA15+, German) 2.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) 8.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (M) A look at hit man Christopher Dale Flannery.
9.40 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R)
11.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 2. Highlights.
12.10 The Bay. (Malv, R)
1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 MOVIE: The Meaning Of Hitler. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs.
Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See
6am Children’s Programs. 1.15pm MOVIE: Combat Wombat. (2020, PG) 3.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. (2023, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Fast Five. (2011, M) 12.30am Gotham. 1.30 Arrow. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon The 4WD Adventure Show. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Round 2. New Year Nitro. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Football. AFL. Round 1. Sydney v Brisbane Lions. 9.00 MOVIE: Total Recall. (1990)
6am Children’s Programs. 1.05pm Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. Qatar 1812 km. H’lights. 2.15 Inside The Superbrands. 3.15 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.15 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. (2009) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian. (2009, PG) 9.40 MOVIE: The Beverly Hillbillies. (1993) 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lisbon With Michael Portillo. (Premiere, PGv) Michael Portillo journeys to Lisbon, Portugal.
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries. (PGav)
9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv) 11.45 The Night Manager. (Malsv, R)
1.55 Elizabeth. (PGa, R)
3.40 Ancient Invisible Cities. (PG, 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. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.40 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Return, M) An armoured truck heist is carried out. 9.40 Suits L.A. (M) Ted and Erica try to save Lester’s movie. 10.40 The Agenda Setters.
11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGa) 12.10 Miniseries: Hatton Garden. (Ml, R) 2.30 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Natural. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.30 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 11.10 Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 1.05pm So Damn Easy Going. (2022, M, Swedish) 2.45 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 4.55 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 6.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, MA15+) 11.00 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 12.50am Late Programs.
4.55 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)
11.00 Prisoner. (MA15+av)
12.10 Illegals. (Malv, R)
2.10 Elizabeth: Into The Storm. (PGa, R)
3.05 Philip: Prince, Husband, Father. (PG, R)
4.00 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Widows’ Peak. Continued. (1994, PG) 6.55 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 8.50 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 10.30 Nordic By Nature. (2021, M, Faroese) 11.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 2.15pm The Natural. (1984, PG) 4.45 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 6.35 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Austn Nationals.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 The Hunting Party. (M) 9.40 The Irrational. (Mav) Renee
WEDNESDAY,
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.55 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) 9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (Final, PG, R) 9.45 Planet America. 10.15 You Can’t
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
(3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 10.05 Food Markets. (PGad, R) 11.05 Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip. (Mal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (Mals)
8.40 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Mal)
The juries retire to decide their verdicts.
9.35 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+av)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as)
12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Mn, R)
3.30 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: In Bruges. (2008) 10.30 MOVIE: Joyride. (2022,
6am Hachi: A
Dog’s Tale. Continued. (2009, PG) 6.40 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.35 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 11.30 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 1.15pm As Needed. (2018, M, Italian) 3.00 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 4.55 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 6.50 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.30 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 11.20 Good Time. (2017, MA15+) 1.15am Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, PG, R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.05 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads. (Final, PG)
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (Final, PG)
9.15 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 The Business. (R)
11.25 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
(3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 10.00 Food Markets. (R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. Looks at how cruise lines launch new liners.
9.35 Boiling Point. (Mal)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 Breaking Point. (Premiere, MA15+a)
12.05 Blackport. (Mls, R)
2.45 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. (Return) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00
6am The Man Who Invented Christmas. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.35 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 10.25 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.05pm Beyond The Summit. (2022, M, Spanish) 1.40 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.35 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 6.25 Diana. (2013, PG) 8.30 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 10.30 Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 12.30am Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 The 1% Club UK.
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. (Ma) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Live At The Chapel: Birds Of Tokyo. (Ml)
11.00 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Scrublands. (MA15+lv)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 My Way. (R)
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.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 Elsbeth. (Mav) After learning the DOJ investigation is close to an indictment, Elsbeth and Captain Wagner join forces to expose the real criminal.
9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) A high-value bioweapons expert is murdered. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
(6)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
9.45 The Amazing Race. (PG)
11.15 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.
Soccer. AFC 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Third round. Australia v Indonesia. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping.
Of The
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au DEAR
Jasminda,
I HAVE a neighbour who parades around his backyard in the nuddy.
He opens his side gate, so I can see him from my kitchen window.
He thinks it’s funny when I tell him I can watch porn on television if I was that way inclined.
What do you suggest I do?
Signed,
Dear Bertha,
WHAT a coincidence.
Bertha.
The day before I received your email, I had a conundrum sent to me from a hard-ofhearing naturist.
He said, "Dear Jasminda, I'm working hard
on body acceptance. I enjoy weeding my garden, tending to my magnolia hedge, and replenishing the birdbath wearing nothing more than my Akubra, steel cap boots, and some SPF 50+. I would never have done this while my wife was still alive, but now she's gone, I feel I can fully embrace the time I have left by soaking up the sun and being one with nature. My problem is, lately I've had this nagging feeling that someone is watching me. Recently I've had it confirmed. Last week, mid-prune, I swivelled around and caught a glimpse of the woman next door peeking through her kitchen curtains at me. I thought it was just a coincidence, but then, a couple of days later, she yelled out something like, 'I watch porn on television when I'm reclined.' I was horrified. I don't know what to do. Am I living next door to a pervert? I just nervously giggled and strategically covered up my remaining dignity with my pruning shears. Thankfully I'd first put the safety latch on. Who knows what injury could have befallen me. How do I
stop this peeping Thomasina?"
What we have here, Bertha, is a simple neighbourly misunderstanding.
Perhaps you could have an overthe-fence conversation.
Explain that you're not used to people running around starkers.
Tell him it's hard concentrating on your role decorating cakes for the CWA when he's cavorting around in his birthday suit.
Maybe you two can come to an arrangement.
In exchange for some freshlybaked scones once a week, your neighbour could agree to set nude gardening hours (a bit like dog offleash hours) between 10 and 11am and provide you with bunches of freshly-cut magnolias.
What do you think, Bertha?
Sounds like a win-win to me.
It may even develop into a blossoming friendship.
OPERATING in Dungog for more than a quarter century, Hunter Dental Group is now serving clients from its new location at 184-186 Dowling Street.
The clinic first opened in 1997 to provide Dungog locals with quality dental service.
Located on the main street, the clinic quickly became part of the local community over the years.
The relocation process from the original site at 197 Dowling Street began in May
2023.
The only dental clinic in Dungog, Hunter Dental Group has gone from strength to strength in recent times.
“We started as a one chair clinic in 1997 and are proud to have opened a three chair clinic in January 2025,” the team told NOTA.
“We have built a beautiful brand new dental clinic for the people of Dungog and surrounding areas.”
Hunter Dental Group is a leading provider of dental care in the Hunter Valley,
employing more than 25 staff across its Dungog, East Maitland and Cessnock locations.
“We have on-the-spot claiming with HICAPS for all health funds, and we are preferred providers for BUPA, HCF and CBHS,” the team said.
“We offer all general dentistry, emergency care, cosmetic dentistry, general anaesthesia for the anxious patient and we also accept DVA and the CDBS for children.”
Despite the change of scenery, the famous Hunter Dental Group service remains unchanged.
“People can expect the same professional service as before, the only difference is that they will be in a new, welcoming clinic.”
You can now connect with the team via social media, visit Dungog Dental on Facebook.
For more information contact Dungog@ hunterdentalgroup.com.au or 4992 3366.
By Shannon BENTON
LITERARY lovers turned out in force for an exciting evening at Dungog Library, as bestselling authors Tea Cooper and Sarah Barrie shared insights into their latest books.
The highly anticipated event, held on 28 February, saw locals and visitors alike filling the library to hear Cooper discuss her new historical mystery, The Golden Thread, while Barrie delved into the thrilling world of Endgame.
With a blend of history, suspense, and action-packed storytelling, there was something to captivate every reader.
The evening offered a unique opportunity for fans
to engage with the authors, learning about their writing processes, inspiration, and the intricate research behind
their novels.
Attendees also had the chance to purchase signed copies of both books, thanks
to McDonald’s Booksellers.
For those who missed out on the event, Dungog Radio recorded the session,
ensuring that book lovers can tune in and catch up on the discussion at a later date.
With such a fantastic
encouraging women to take action against climate change.
This event will be focused on the question: “How can we design a better future?”.
By Joseph RICHARDS
THIS Friday will mark the beginning of a series of talks at the James Theatre in Dungog.
The “Illuminating Women” series is a collaboration between the Dungog-Clarence Town chapter of the CWA and the Paterson Allyn Williams
Science & Ideas Hub.
The series will consist of four talks from interesting and accomplished women from the local community.
Organiser Libby Doolan,
a member of both the CWA and Science & Ideas Hub, said the talks were intended to educate and inspire.
“The talks aren’t for just women, it’s for the wider community,” she said.
“These talks have broad appeal, we can all learn something from these inspiring women and use it in our everyday lives.”
The first of the talks will feature local architect and designer Caroline Pidcock.
A renowned architect, Ms Pidcock is the cochair of the Australian Institute Of Architects (AIA) National Climate Action & Sustainability Committee and chairperson of the AIA Environment Design Guide Advisory Group.
In her 30-plus year career, Pidcock has campaigned extensively for sustainable architecture and has been a part of movements
THE State and Federal governments activated disaster assistance to 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in northern NSW last Thursday in anticipation of the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of: Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
• Assistance for eligible
residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
• Grants for eligible lowincome residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for eligible lowincome residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small
businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
“We are activating a range of support to assist flood impacted residents begin their recovery as soon as possible,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
“As we understand the full extent of damage from this event, we will move quickly to
activate appropriate support for these communities.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said natural disaster declarations are a vital step in unlocking joint assistance so communities can begin the clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process.
“We are rolling out support measures for communities we know are likely to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“As the event unfolds and impacts are known, further measures will be considered in response to community need,” Minister Dib said.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw. gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov. au
“Caroline is a valued member of the Dungog community,” Ms Doolan said.
“Her philosophy is ‘while footprints measure our negative impacts, handprints measure the positive and the good’.
“This ‘handprints' talk won’t just be about architecture, it will also be about how we can do things every day to design a better life for ourselves.”
turnout, Dungog Library continues to prove itself as a vibrant hub for literature and community engagement.
The event will run on 14 March from 5:30-7:30pm at the James Theatre.
After Ms Pidcock’s talk, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and there will be complimentary refreshments available.
Entry is free but attendees must book through the Trybooking website or by calling Libby Doolan on 0438 428 796.
For more details, visit the Dungog CWA or Science & Ideas Hub Facebook pages or visit www.pawsciencehub. com.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
Mayor are keen drivers of this and the collaboration between these two positive forces looks like coming to fruition with our Dungog Parkrun hoping to kick off – or should we say run off - under the auspice of the local Chamber, with backing from locals to form a support group within the Shire,” said Chamber President Therese McIntyre.
“Location is still to be finalised, however the site at Abbotts Flat is looking like it ticks all the boxes.”
The Chamber is now beginning the process of setting up a steering committee of volunteers.
“You don’t have to be runners, you can just be a supporter or a casual participant, even a timekeeper or other type of marshal,” Ms McIntyre said.
“The committee, once formed, will explore the feasibility to get the Parkrun established and how to go about it to ensure not only success, but longevity.”
If you are interested in getting involved, email secretary@ddcc.org.au.
By John WATTS
XPT TRAIN services to and from Dungog are to be significantly disrupted for at least 12 months from midMarch.
Presently, Dungog has three services each way, but the NSW Government has
announced that one of these is to be by coach.
For some time, the NSW Government has been promising that the aged XPT trains which service the region will be replaced by a new fleet of modern trains.
“In February 2019, NSW Government awarded
a contract to Momentum Trains, an international consortium to deliver the Regional Rail Project,” Transport for NSW (TfNSW) explains on its website.
“The Regional Rail Project contract includes the design, build, and maintenance of the new Regional Rail fleet
and also the design, build, maintenance and operation of the new purpose-built Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo.
“A timeline for the delivery of the balance of the trains will be confirmed once the manufacturing testing and assurance phase has
been completed.”
There is no information about when the new trains might come into service, particularly on the North Coast line.
News Of The Area asked TfNSW when residents are likely to see the new trains pulling into the station.
The following reply was received: “The fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains will be replaced with
trains that will provide new safety features, improved comfort, accessibility, facilities, and reliability for passengers who travel from many NSW regional centres to Sydney, as well as Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“The new Regional Rail fleet, purchased in 2019, is continuing to arrive with three trains now in Australia.
“Throughout 2025, we will see more trains arriving in Australia, including both the six-car long regional, and three-car short regional trains.”
Again, no specific dates were provided, however on 19 February, Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison announced that the Government was going to spend $40.3 million over five years to upgrade and refurbish the existing, more than 40-years-old, XPT fleet.
“To allow for these essential upgrades of the XPT fleet, NSW TrainLink will operate two out of the six daily rail services between Grafton and Sydney with premium coaches for approximately
Join us on this most
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New
Richmond, Ross, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
INCLUDES: Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Tours
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
PORT STEPHENS: Door to Door Pick-up & Drop-off
“Parkrun
Relief from Labor’s cost-of-living crisis including affordable and reliable energy.
Fixing our roads. Improving community infrastructure. More affordable housing.
Improving access to GP services, quality health and aged care.
Fixing mobile and internet connections.
Authorised by David Gillespie, 14 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430
