Sculpture on the Farm to transform Dungog
DUNGOG
By Shannon BENTON
August, revealing 116 finalists and more than 160 works.
The three-day exhibition will transform the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve into a vibrant celebration of contemporary Australian sculpture, with works spread across an indoor exhibition marquee, an open air exhibition, and the popular sculptural trail winding through the 650-acre communitymanaged reserve. Known for its
CONTINUED Page 3
HALF A CENTURY
By Shannon BENTON
q Sculpture on the Farm committee members Cathy Schneider, Leanne and Phil Napier, Philippa Graham, Chris Wokes, Melanie Collingwood-Boots, and John Graham.
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
Rescue chopper attends quad accident
AROUND 2:00pm on Friday 8 August, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a quad bike accident on a rural property near Dungog.
Due to the isolated location, the Helicopter critical care medical team was winch inserted to the
hillside on the property to access a male in his 70s who had sustained multiple injuries as a result of his accident.
The male was stabilised and placed in a stretcher before being winch extracted and flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
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THE new Dungog Community Preschool has secured $39,907 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program with 2025 funding for the Upper Hunter Electorate announced last week.
“This grant will allow Dungog Community Preschool Kindergarten Incorporated to have playground amenities which are considered essential for the student numbers expected in the 2026 school year,” Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said.
“A large sandpit and shade sail are on the drawing board as part of activating the former St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Hall in Dowling Street with
Community funding announced
new playground amenities.”
The CBP program funds community projects submitted by local not-for-profit community organisations and councils which were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $450,000 allocated to the Upper Hunter electorate.
Gloucester Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Association Incorporated receives $36,000 for the Gloucester Showground infrastructure upgrade, which will put existing overhead power lines underground and relocate a building to replace an unsafe structure.
“Gresford Community Group
can replace its original 1940s kitchen with a new commercial kitchen after receiving $29,068 and Maitland Rugby Union Club has $23,737 to install a battery for its solar energy system,” Mr Layzell added.
Also making the Upper Hunter electorate list of successful projects for the 2025 CBP round:
- Stroud Neighbourhood Children's Co-operative Limited secured $17,001 for Echosorb panels at the community preschool to reduce excessive noise and echoes;
- Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade has $14,049 for the purchase of new radio hand pieces, a laptop, marquee,
DUNGOG HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN
lighting and chargers;
- Dungog Showjumping Club can upgrade essential equipment including a jump trailer, additional jumps, and a gazebo for volunteers having secured $12,730; and,
- Rotary Club of Dungog can undertake improvements at Martins Creek Hall with $10,100 towards repainting the inside walls of the hall and installing a replacement refrigerator.
“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing the positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes in our community.”
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: dungog.nsw.gov.au/HIMP
Saturday 16 August 9am - 12pm
Doug Walters Pavilion
Sunday 14 September 2pm - 5pm
Doug Walters Pavilion
q The man was flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
MPs call for disaster declaration
THE Members for Lyne, Myall Lakes and Upper Hunter are calling on the state and federal governments to declare last weekend’s flooding across the region as an additional disaster event, enabling affected landholders and primary producers to access further support.
With farms and paddocks across the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions once again inundated, Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold says governments must act quickly to address the escalating impact on producers, many of whom are still recovering from earlier floods this year.
“Farmers in our region have already faced enormous challenges, and this latest flooding has hit paddocks that had only just been sown,”
Ms Penfold said. “The ground is completely sodden, crops are destroyed, and there’s a real concern about a looming fodder shortage in the months ahead.
“Together with my local state colleagues (Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Myall Lakes MP Tanya Thompson), we’re calling for Category D assistance –including the $10,000 Rural Landholder Grant and the $75,000 Special Disaster Relief Grant – to be made available in response to the latest flooding.
“It must be declared as a new event so affected producers can once-again access the support they need.”
The MPs are also calling for a change in how the
grants are allocated, urging governments to allocate grants per property rather than per ABN, to ensure fairer
access to support across affected farm holdings.
“Support must reflect the reality on the ground,” Ms
Penfold said.
“Farmers with multiple properties under a single ABN are effectively penalised under the current arrangements, and that needs to change.”
Sculpture on the Farm transforms Dungog
HALF A CENTURY
reunions, starting at Barnes Oval and finishing with an evening of celebration at the Dungog Bowling Club.
The day kicks off at 9am with a showcase of future stars in the Miniroos games, followed by fun kids’ activities, including a jumping castle.
At midday, past and present players will gather for whole-group photos, before the U14s competition game at 12:45pm and the All Age competition game at 2pm.
One of the day’s most
anticipated fixtures will take place at 3:45pm, when Boomerangs from across the decades lace up for a spirited Past vs Present players match, a nod to the club’s history and the camaraderie that has kept it strong for five decades.
The celebrations will then move to the Dungog Bowling Club, with a reunion hour from 5pm, speeches from 6pm, and live entertainment from 8:30pm.
Organisers say it’s the perfect opportunity for old friends and teammates to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the club’s legacy.
conservation value and outdoor recreation opportunities, the Dungog Common will host pieces from some of the country’s most respected sculptors.
Among the headline names are Deborah Halpern OAM, famed for her iconic mosaics; international public art duo Gillie and Marc; and the late modernist pioneer Inge King AM.
Other leading artists include Wynne Prize winner Stephen King, nationally recognised Greg Johns, figurative specialist Peter Tilley, bold steel form creator Johannes Pannekoek, and
ceramicist Vipoo Srivilasa, a finalist in both the 2025 Archibald and Wynne Prizes.
A total of $57,000 in prizes and acquisitions will be awarded at the Gala Opening Cocktail Party, held at the historic James Theatre on Friday 29 August from 5pm.
Judging will be led by Lauretta Morton OAM, Director of Newcastle Art Gallery, alongside awardwinning sculptor Johannes Pannekoek.
Sculpture on the Farm Chair Philippa Graham, who is passionate about building community, said the move to the Dungog Common created a unique opportunity for
“The Boomerangs have always been more than just a soccer club,” a committee spokesperson said.
“They’ve been a family, a community, and a place where people of all ages have felt welcome.
locals to get involved.
She also thanked volunteer coordinators Jenny Akers and Michelle Frainey.
“The small Sculpture on the Farm committee is surrounded by a myriad of volunteers, which is overwhelming and inspirational,” she said.
The program will feature artist talks, nature walks, workshops, demonstrations, live music, and local food.
All artworks will be for sale, with proceeds supporting artists and the acquisition of public art for the Dungog Shire.
Bookings are via TryBooking and anyone interested in helping to create a warm Dungog welcome at Sculpture on the Farm is invited to email info@ sculptureonthefarm.com.
“This 50th anniversary is a chance to honour that history and look forward to the next chapter.”
For more information about the celebrations, email: dungogsc.secretary@ gmail.com.
FROM Page 1
q Flooding in Phoenix Park. Photo: supplied.
FROM Page 1
q ‘Where's The Cork?’ by John Fitzmaurice
q Photos from the Dungog Chronicle archives.
q ‘Home Amongst the Gum Trees’ by Amanda Harrison.
Female pilots won't let gendered headwinds divert them
By Maeve BANNISTER, AAP
A GROWING number of female pilots are making their mark in one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, saying more women should fly planes.
"The aircraft doesn't care what gender you are. It responds to skill and judgment," pilot Amelia Johnson tells AAP.
"The feeling of flying yourself for the first time is unlike anything I've ever experienced."
Ms Johnson decided to make a mid-career switch in her mid-30s - from owning a business in the events industry to taking a seat in the cockpit.
She traded in Sydney's northern beaches for the rural Hunter region to make a dream she'd had since finishing high school a reality.
"(Flying) was something I was always interested in as a young girl but when I looked at it as a career option in year 12, I was a bit intimidated and decided not to pursue it," she said.
"When we moved to the Hunter, I didn't even know if I'd been accepted into flight school or if I could actually afford it, so there were a lot of unknowns."
Ms Johnson moved to the region with her young son, who has since earned his pilot's licence - before qualifying for his driver's licence.
Seven years on, Ms Johnson is now a lead instructor at Aerohunter Flight Training in the upper Hunter, where she trains the next generation of pilots.
She also mentors young women hoping to break into the industry.
Her students include
17-year-old Ava Boras, who wants to fly commercially internationally for a major airline one day.
Digital readiness workshop on offer
A FREE digital readiness workshop will be held in Stroud in September, through a collaboration between nbn, MidCoast Council and The Business Centre Newcastle.
The workshop is suited to small businesses seeking ways to enhance their digital skills and capabilities.
Workshops are designed to provide small business owners with expert guidance and practical advice on how to grow their business online and will cover e-commerce and online sales, digital marketing basics, payments, and cyber security.
“This initiative is all about equipping local businesses with the digital skills and practical strategies they
need to operate in today’s competitive environment,”
Head of nbn Local NSW Tom O’Dea said.
“This marks the fourth session we’ve hosted across the MidCoast local government area, following successful events in Forster, Taree and Bulahdelah, and we’re excited to continue supporting the local business community on their digital journey.”
The workshop is free to attend, but spaces are limited.
Interested participants are encouraged to register now to secure their spot.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, 2 September from 5:30-7:30pm at Stroud School of Arts hall. For more
information and to register, please visit https://www. eventbrite.com.au /e/digital-readinessworkshop-tickets1546230710679? aff=oddtdtcreato Community pop-ups
The nbn Local team will also be visiting Stroud to help customers understand and take advantage of recently completed fixed wireless upgrades.
The team can also provide advice on making the most of their home internet and setup.
The pop-ups will be held on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September from 9am to 5pm at the Friendly Grocer, 50 Cowper Street, Stroud.
Ms Boras has worked multiple jobs to put herself through flight school - her qualifications have so far cost her about $22,000 - but has taken a break from flying and working to focus on her HSC.
The male-dominated nature of the aviation industry has not put her off her goal of becoming a pilot.
"At the end of the day we're all human, just trying to do the job, and it doesn't matter if you're male or female because it's all down to skill and what you know," Ms Boras said.
"But it would be nice to see more female faces around
the airport."
According to Qantas' 2025 gender pay gap statement, only 7.5 percent of pilots are women, which is higher than the global average of four percent.
Yet female pilots might outperform their male colleagues, a study conducted by Canada's University of Waterloo found.
Despite male and female pilots having almost identical visual attention patterns and flight experience, the study found female pilots tended to make fewer flight control errors in high-stress situations.
While both paid attention to the same information during a flight, women's responses were more consistent and accurate.
Ms Johnson said it was satisfying to see more women coming through the Hunter flight school.
"The human factors in flying are what women are quite skilled at naturally: great communicators, can perform under pressure and we're good at being risk aware and making difficult decisions," she said.
"You don't have to be fearless, just willing."
Pod housing available for flood-affected farmers
ELIGIBLE primary producers impacted by the May floods can now apply for a “self-contained pod” on their property.
Offered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Commonwealth Government, the pods are designed for use in rural environments, and are equipped with generators and water tanks, allowing them to operate independently of existing utilities and infrastructure.
According to the NSW Government, the pods are being provided to people who rely on farming operations for their livelihoods and need to remain on their farms.
Primary producers may also apply for a pod for essential farm employees who lived on the property.
Eligible primary producers can apply for up to two pods for a maximum of 12 months.
Following the
announcement last week, NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders raised questions around the narrow eligibility criteria and why more people weren’t included under the program.
“While we can acknowledge this temporary housing is a start, it won’t help anywhere near enough people when you consider more than a thousand buildings were deemed uninhabitable,” Mr Saunders said.
“The May floods left a path of destruction across several communities tearing through people’s lives and livelihoods, and while I’ll always welcome support for farmers, this should be extended to cover anyone who is unable to return to their homes right now.”
The guidelines for the self-contained pods state that applicants must be “uninsured for flood” and
the program “does not aim to support people who are not dependent on farming operations as their primary source of income”.
Shadow Minister for the North Coast and Acting Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery Gurmesh Singh said those impacted have “had enough of the red tape”.
“The last thing people need when they are trying to get back on their feet is more unnecessary regulations and paperwork stopping them from moving forward,” Mr Singh said.
“By imposing such stringent guidelines, it feels like the Government is trying to force people to fit into a very narrow set of rules, instead of assessing producers and residents on a case by-case basis and figuring out what they actually need to survive.”
Applications for selfcontained pods are open until 31 October 2025.
q Amelia Johnson made a mid-career switch to become an aviator and now mentors young female pilots. Photo: supplied.
Energy reference group
HUNTER region residents have the chance to shape five renewable energy-related projects in their area.
EnergyCo is expanding the Hunter Transmission Project’s Regional Reference Group (RRG) into a broader
Entries for the Tea Cosy and Trivet competitions are due by 24th August.
All prizes awarded (including students) are cash and the overall Tea Cosy of the Year winner is awarded $500.
Students’ Artwork is due in by 31st August. All Preschools & schools are encouraged to enter art creations, which will be displayed during the tea party event. Contact DTP for more information.
Open Day is Wednesday 10th at 10am when the winners are announced, followed by a morning tea catered by Dungog High School. Anyone may attend.
Market stalls with Tea Cosies and Trivets sold by the contestants.
Hunter-Central Coast RRG.
“This change reflects the portfolio of EnergyCo projects in the Hunter and
DUNGOG
Tea Party
JAMES THEATRE DUNGOG 10TH - 14TH SEPTEMBER 2025 OPEN DAILY | 10AM - 4PM
to see and do with our arty shops, cafes & eateries with easy flat walking, ample parking and next to the train station with services available daily from Sydney and Newcastle. We welcome bus groups.
Workshops: 10 - 14 Sept.
Tea Making - Thursday 11th. To book contact Country Elegance Gardens & Gifts49923555
Paint & Sip - Friday 12th evening held by Earth & Elm at the Tinshed Brewery.
Bookings: via our Facebook page This event sold out last year!
dungogteaparty@gmail.com www.dungogteaparty.com.au 0429 629 014
will ensure the region’s voice will continue to inform future energy infrastructure,” EnergyCo said in a statement.
“Formed in early 2024, the Regional Reference Group (RRG) plays an important role in connecting EnergyCo with environment and community groups, industry, training organisations, local government and other stakeholders as part of the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).”
EnergyCo is now working across five major projects in the Hunter and Central Coast and an expanded RRG will
help guide their planning and delivery.
The new Hunter-Central Coast RRG brings together stakeholders from across the region for shared engagement on key projects, including:
• The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)
• The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP)
• The Newcastle Logistics Precinct
• The Waratah Super Battery
• The Port to REZ road network upgrades.
The region includes
government
EnergyCo Chief Executive Hannah McCaughey said,
“The Hunter region is at the heart of the energy transition in NSW.
“The Hunter-Central Coast Regional Reference Group provides a platform for collaborative and meaningful engagement across all our projects.”
the local
areas of Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Mid-Coast, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Central Coast.
q EnergyCo is now working across five major projects in the Hunter and Central Coast. Photo: EnergyCo.
THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, has launched the “My First Speech" competition for high school students across Australia.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging students from across the electorate to take part in this unique opportunity to learn more about Parliament and public speaking.
The annual competition invites students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to step into the shoes of a newly elected Member of Parliament and write a compelling 90-second speech on an issue they are passionate about – with the winners from each year group to be flown to Canberra
to deliver their speeches in Parliament House.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for students in our region to voice the issues that matter most to them,” Ms Penfold said.
“Young people have a lot to say, and this competition gives them a platform to step up and be heard.”
In addition to presenting their speeches, winners will participate in a tour of Parliament House, observe Question Time, receive a prize pack from the Parliament Shop, and engage in an immersive education program.
“This is more than a speech competition,” Ms Penfold said.
“It’s about building confidence, deepening civic understanding, and helping students see how they can actively contribute to our democracy.
“I encourage all eligible schools to get involved – it would be wonderful to see a young Lyne local speaking in Parliament!”
Entries close at 11.59 pm AEST on Monday 15 September 2025 and can be submitted via the competition’s official website: mfs.houseofrepresentatives. gov.au.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
PROFESSOR T
ABC TV, 8.30pm
This very solid British crime drama stars Ben Miller (pictured) as the titular Professor, who teaches Criminology at Cambridge University. Professor Jasper Tempest has obsessive-compulsive disorder, so his life is one of cleanliness and order – and it’s about to be completely upended when one of his former students, DS Lisa Donckers (Emma Naomi), ropes him into an investigation. In Friday’s premiere, when a student is sexually assaulted at the university, something about the offender’s MO seems familiar to Donckers – so she reaches out to the professor for help.
August 15
TUESDAY
HOME AND AWAY
SEVEN, 7pm
It’s never easy saying goodbye, especially when you’re part of the furniture like Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger, pictured) is in Summer Bay. But after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene knows it’s now or never if she wants to see the world. She has called the Bay home for more than three decades – maturing from a despicable drunk into a down-to-earth matriarch –so you can bet this is going to be an emotional farewell for all concerned. None more so than for McGranger herself, whose time playing Irene made her the longestserving female actress on Aussie TV – and finally scored her Gold and Silver Logies earlier this month. Worth a watch, even if you haven’t tuned in for years.
THURSDAY NATIONAL
PARKS FROM ABOVE: IRELAND
Britain’s favourite Irishman, comedian Dara Ó Briain narrates this three-part docuseries which offers a birds-eye of Ireland’s six stunning national parks. In tonight’s first instalment, we visit Killarney, which became the country’s first national park when it was created in 1932. Down in the southwest of Ireland, Killarney National Park is known for its beautiful lakes and wild woodlands and is home to Ireland’s highest peak. Then, we head north to Burren National Park (pictured), which couldn’t be more different from Killarney if it tried. Its star attraction is Mullaghmore, barren landscape of swirling rock and hardy, low-growing plants – and this stark landscape is every bit as interesting as its verdant cousin.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Premiere, Mav) A criminologist at a university is persuaded by a former student turned detective to help her investigate a serial rapist.
9.15 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
9.50 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) Hosted by Shaun Micallef. 10.25 ABC Late News.
10.40 Austin. (PG, R)
11.10 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Point. 7.55 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals.
9.25 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Catch Me A Killer. (Malv)
11.40 The Shelter. (Ma, R)
1.20 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)
3.15 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.15 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Lynne McGranger takes Johanna Griggs back stage of her new theatre show TheGrandparentsClub
8.30 The Voice. (PGal, R) Contestants set out to prove they have what it takes to be a singing sensation and claim the prize. Hosted by Sonia Kruger, with coaches Melanie C, Ronan O’Brien, Kate Miller-Heidke and Richard Marx.
1.30 Touching Evil. (MA15+av) Creegan questions Cyril.
2.30 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 24. Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus Canterbury Bulldogs match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012, Mlv, R) A suicidal man distracts authorities. Sam Worthington.
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) 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter.
SATURDAY, August 16
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 11.55 Rage Closer. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Grantchester. (Ma, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Mav, R) 2.05 All Creatures Great And Small. (Final, PG, R) 2.50 Great Southern Landscapes. (R) 3.25 Earth. (R) 4.25 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 4.55 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Australian Story. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Mataranka, NT. (PG, R) Kristy O’Brien explores Mataranka, NT.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Grantchester. (Final, Ma) Alphy and Geordie investigate a murder.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) Barnaby must uncover whether a myth has become a murderous reality after a man is murdered.
9.50 The Family Next Door. (Ml, R) A stranger arrives in a Victorian coastal town.
10.40 Miss Austen. (R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (PG)
8.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Final, PG)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGl, R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
2.50 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)
3.45 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am It All Began
When I Met You. Continued. (2013, PG, Japanese) 7.50 First
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits a record-breaking city. 7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Marafiote Murders. (Madlv, R) Revisits the murder of Dominic Marafiote.
8.35 MOVIE: The Martian. (2015, Mal, R) Believed to be dead by his crew, an astronaut is stranded on Mars and has to rely on his ingenuity to survive. Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels.
11.30 The Voice. (PGal, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
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. Round 24. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels.
9.25 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 1. Aston Villa v Newcastle United.
11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Space Invaders. (PGa, R)
1.30 The Garden Gurus. (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)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Steve’s house has been on the market for seven months.
8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mal, R) Follow two first responders as they help a patient in need of urgent care after an incident involving a car.
9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGl, R) Gordon Ramsay works to save a legendary café. 10.40 Elsbeth. (PGv, R) 11.35 Watson. (Mm, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SUNDAY,
August 17
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Griff’s Great American South. (PG, R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin
6.30 Compass.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG) Austin fakes pop culture tastes to sell books.
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls) Essie finds a new friend in Isabelle.
8.55 Miss Austen. (Final, PG) Cassandra prepares to leave Kintbury.
9.50 MOVIE: Puberty Blues. (1981, Mdlns, R) Charts a teenager’s coming-of-age story. Nell Schofield.
11.15 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Colosseum Rise And Fall. (Premiere, Mav)
9.25 Pompeii’s Secret Underworld. (Mav, R)
10.20 Tutankhamun: Secrets Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R)
11.15 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGad, R)
1.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R)
3.25 Wuthering Harlots: Pride And Prostitution. (MA15+as, R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
5.00 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 6.55 Gambit. (2012, PG) 8.30 The Prestige. (2006, M) 10.50 Everyone Else. (2009, MA15+, German) 1.05am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. Presented by Michael Usher.
9.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: Sex And Corruption. (MA15+as, R) A man in Luton reports he is being blackmailed.
10.40 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Mav, R)
12.00 Jamestown. (MA15+av)
2.00 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) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 Body In The Suitcase. (Mav) Looks at the murder of Deborah Chong.
The First 48. (Mal)
The Gulf. (Madlsv, R)
Destination WA.
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Fishing Australia. (R)
Today Early News.
Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Survivor: Australia V The World. (Return, PGa) Fourteen returning contestants head to Samoa. 8.45 Watson. (PGals) Watson treats a sickle cell patient with an unorthodox surgery. The team faces their own dilemma with a young woman. 9.45 FBI. (Mv, R) The team investigates when a federal judge is gunned down execution-style in broad daylight. 10.45
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, August 18
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Contraption Masters. 9.25 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
(PG)
8.25 Abandoned Railways From Above. (R)
9.20 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mal, R)
1.15 Blackport. (Mln, R) 2.00 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The Voice. (PGal) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 8.55 The Rookie. (Return, Mav) Nolan and the team welcome two new rookies and hunt for two dangerous inmates with personal vendettas. 9.55 S.W.A.T. (Return, Mv) The team heads to Mexico.
11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Movie
Show. 6.30 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 8.25 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 10.15 Emma. (2017, M, Italian) 12.25pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.35
Gambit. (2012, PG) 4.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 5.50 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.50 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 9.30 Studs. (2006, M) 11.15 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.55am Boogie Nights. (1997, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, August 19
6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch!
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 11.25 The Shift. (Ma) 1.05 Everything You Love. (Mals, R) 2.05 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.35 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.35 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 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 8.55 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When All Is Said And Done. (Final, Mal) With fame, loss and reunion, Boyzone faces highs and heartbreak.
10.00 Kylie Vs Bee Gees. (PG, R) 11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PGl)
(32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 8.05 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.10 3/19. (2021, M, Italian) 12.20pm Studs. (2006, M) 2.05 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 3.55 The Company. (2003, PG) 6.00 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Fence. (2022, M) 9.30 In Bruges. (2008, MA15+) 11.30 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.30am Snowpiercer. (2013, MA15+) 3.50 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 what’s
WEDNESDAY, August 20
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.20 Back Roads. (R) 2.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 3.40 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 9.50 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 10.50 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Wonders Of Volcanoes With Dara Ó Briain. (PGa)
8.25 Aerial Australia. (PGaw)
9.20 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Estonia. (Ma)
12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)
2.25 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.25 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Armed And Dangerous. (Mav, R)
11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl, R)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 Clarkson’s Farm: Jobbing. (Ml) Kaleb gives Jeremy a festive surprise. 9.45 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.45 9News Late. 11.15 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, 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)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.55 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 11.35 Nigella Bites. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 3.45 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
South. (Final, PG)
9.15 The Family Next Door. (Mls, R) 10.10 ABC Late News.
10.25 The Business. (R) 10.45 Culture By Design. (Final, R) 11.10 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.40 Late
SBS MOVIES (32)
August 21
(64)
6am The
(3)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.50 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 10.50 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mystery Of The Assassination Of JFK. (Mav, R) 2.45 Garage Dreams. (Premiere) 3.15 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.30 National Parks From Above: Ireland. (Premiere, PGa)
9.25 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Dopesick. (Mals, R)
11.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)
1.30 Curious Traveller. (R)
2.30 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
(31) VICELAND (31)
I
3.35
2.10
The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30
Told
3.40
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Firebomber Down. (PGa)
10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
11.30 Kick Ons.
12.00 Life. (Madv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
12.30
1.25 Roswell:
5.40
Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 9.25 The Movie Show. 10.00 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.40 Broker. (2022, M, Korean) 2pm Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 3.40 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 5.15 The Way. (2010, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Calvary. (2014, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs. 6am Morning
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 25. South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons. 9.45 Thursday Night
SBS MOVIES (32)
Programs. 7.40 The Way. (2010, PG) 10.00 The Fence. (2022, M) 11.45 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 1.40pm Playground. (2021, M, French) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 7.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 9.45 Perrier’s Bounty. (2009, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
7MATE (64)
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA
ABC FAMILY (22)
FAMILY (22)
060 215
Dungog Shire & Gloucester District News Of The Area newsofthearea.com.au Public Notices
HEART OF GLOUCESTER DISTRICT
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Gloucester community?
Whether they are a dedicated volunteer, a standout community member, or an all-round legend, we want to hear about them.
Please email with their details and we’ll get in touch to celebrate their wonderful contributions. tracey@newsofthearea.com.au
for sale
WHITE 6 drawer chest of drawers, GC, $50 Teac JC12 digital stereo hi-fi system, still in box $100. White half pantry cupboard with shelves VGC $50. 0434 521 457
Garage Sale
23rd/24th August 9-4 29 Argyle St Barrington Camping & fishing gear compressor & air tools motorcycle parts/clothes power tools, welder trolleys, shelving + more e200825
For Sale
COCA-COLA
Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898
COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466
For Sale
(AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495
SOLAR hot water panels 300L $85 0487 239 157
COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713
DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063 F170725
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190
For Sale
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
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
Motors
ads@newsofthearea. com.au
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787
OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
PUZZLES
theCouch
DEAR Jasminda,
MY partner wants to go travelling around Australia, camping along the way.
While this sounds great in theory, I'm wondering if the reality will be feasible.
We both have jobs that are about 70 percent office-based.
Rachael O.
Dear Rachael,
It sounds like the most wonderful adventure. What an experience.
'Sounds' being the operative word.
When your partner says 'camping' you need to be
very clear about what that definition means.
For some, camping is buying a Zone RV Summit worth the average parliamentarian's annual salary, fully decked out with every mod con so that it doesn't actually feel like camping, but instead residing in a mobile luxury apartment complete with mixer taps, a separate shower and ensuite, and an upholstered bedhead.
'Camping' for these people also means staying in high-end caravan parks with all the other campers who have used up their superannuation and the kids' inheritance to get back to their youth, but without any of the youthful associations such as being stone-broke and having no mobility issues.
For others, camping involves going back to nature
News Of The Area
and doing it tough.
This type of camping is more like an episode of Alone (but without the audiovisual gear and with no guarantee of being collected in a fast rescue boat if injury and/or malnutrition and or insanity kicks in).
Living off the land is not for the faint hearted (quite literally).
If your partner has visions of you setting off with nothing more than a head torch, some bracken fern for ant bites, two pairs of undies, a hunting knife, and a banjo, you are not going travelling around Australia, you are on a survival expedition.
This is not compatible with your office bodies that are used to being within walking distance of a Barista Express coffee machine, a flushing toilet, a Spotify playlist, and an office
assistant named Max who can fix just about any issue including a migraine and/or an existential crisis.
Rachael, I suggest you do a trial run (no more than two hours from where you live) just to make sure you are both on the same page.
This will help you decide whether you like the sort of camping your partner is interested in, and also whether you can be around each other for an extended period of time.
If the answer to both those questions is yes, and if you can afford to take a year off work, then go well my friend (and take a Personal Locator Beacon with you if you find that your partner is more Bear Grylls than Paris Hilton).
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
From London to Dungog: the Spooky Men
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG audiences are in for a treat this September when the internationally acclaimed Spooky Men’s Chorale takes to the stage at The James Theatre.
Formed in 2001 by Stephen Taberner, the Spooky Men’s Chorale has become a cult favourite at folk festivals across Australia, the UK, and Europe.
Known for their extraordinary blend of rich, resonant harmonies and offbeat humour, the group first performed just three songs at an event called “This Was Nearly My Life”.
Their big break came at the 2004 National Folk Festival, where they debuted their now-famous theme song and cemented their place as folk festival legends.
Since then, the “magnificent, many-headed singing beast” has recorded seven albums, toured widely, and gathered a devoted following drawn to their ability to move effortlessly between musical power, exquisite tenderness, and “charming stupidity.”
“The foolishness came later,” said founder Stephen Taberner.
“The original idea was somewhat more modest: to assemble a group of men and sing deep, sonorous, resonant songs, in deep sonorous, resonant places.
“Like somewhat hip,
agnostic monks on a roving commission amongst the crypts of the world.
“This was the original notion for the Spooky Men’s Chorale.”
Before arriving in Dungog, the Spooky Men will take their signature sound to audiences across the UK, including Portsmouth, Bristol, and London, followed by performances in Germany’s Frankfurt and Berlin, and then on to Denmark, with shows including Korinth and
Copenhagen.
Despite their selfdeprecating description as “just a bunch of blokes,” the Spooky Men’s Chorale has been praised for creating musical worlds far beyond what their casually hatted, black-clad appearance might suggest.
Dungog’s historic James Theatre will host the performance on Friday, 26 September 2025.
Expect a night where deep notes meet deep laughs.
Bookings via TryBooking.
Farmsafe’s ‘Second Chances’ campaign
By Andrea FERRARI
FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?”
It comes with a national call to action.
“If you’ve had a near miss
on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect those around you.”
The National Farm Safety Week and Safer Farms Report 2025 shows that following a historic low of 32 farm fatalities in 2023, there were 72 deaths in 2024 - the highest number in more than
two decades.
Chair of Farmsafe
Australia Felicity Richards, says the data shows that farm safety isn’t just about preventing the worst-case scenario, it’s about reading the signs before they happen.
“So many incidents are preceded by a ‘close call’… a moment when we got lucky,”
she said.
“But unless we talk about what almost happened and what we did differently afterwards, we’re missing one of the most powerful tools we have to change behaviour.”
The Second Chances campaign highlights the role of the near miss as a warning
sign.
It features stories from farmers across the country who’ve walked away from close calls and made changes that improved the safety of their families, their workers and their communities.
The campaign recognises that many farmers process these experiences quietly.
“But when we’re ready, talking about what nearly went wrong helps normalise safer decision-making, not from a place of blame but from a place of care.”
Ms Richards says that when we share a near miss safely, without shame and with a focus on the lesson, we create space for someone else to say, ‘Actually, that happened to me too’.
“That conversation can lead to real action: putting seatbelts on sideby-sides, rethinking fatigue management, changing up how we supervise kids.
“None of those things happen in silence.”
Ms Richards, who is a farmer and mother, notes the emotional weight behind the Farm Safety Report statistics.
“Every number in that
report is a person.”
“We are not asking anyone to relive trauma or share details they’re uncomfortable with.
“Sometimes, the best thing we can do is reflect privately or debrief with our team.
“The important thing is not how we share, it’s that we don’t ignore the lesson.”
The 2025 Safer Farms Report, sponsored by WFI, identifies key ongoing risks on Australian farms, including fatigue, poor communication, and child safety.
As part of the campaign, Farmsafe is encouraging industry partners, member organisations and rural businesses to amplify the message.
“Everyone has a role to play in creating safer farms whether it’s by starting a toolbox talk, sharing a story, or just pausing before a job to check in.
“This is about taking steps. It’s about being conscious and trying to do better every day.”
To find out more, visit farmsafe.org.au.
q The Spooky Men’s Chorale and their signature style.
q ‘The Spooky’s’ on stage.
q Image from the Farmsafe campaign 2025.
Indie music support package
By Andrea FERRARI
GREATER Good, a massive multi-discipline support package worth $30k for independent music artists, is back for a fifth year, with applications open now and closing on 3 September.
Curated by music services business Good Intent, the Greater Good package helps guide and support the next generation of exceptional musical talents by providing one lucky artist with in-kind services and a cash grant totalling over $30,000.
In addition to this, there are 20 shortlisted applicant packs available.
In 2025, the package includes partners APRA AMCOS, Forbes Street Studios, Jungle Merchandise, PHILTER, Zenith Records, Media Arts Lawyers, Billy Zammit, PLAKKIT, Louder Accounting, and this year there is a 1:1 Creative Consultation Session with TikTok's Ollie Wards.
The pack includes a $4000 cash grant to further develop the winner’s career.
Any unsigned artists
(recording/publishing), from all walks of life and at all levels are encouraged to enter.
One of the Sydney-based founders of Good Intent is Sawtell born and bred Rick Bridgman, who said, “We're very privileged to be able to help grow our industry through this initiative, in collaboration with our incredible collection of partners.
“We've discovered so many exceptional artists over the years (some established, many brand-new), with over
600 applicants alone last year.
“We're honoured to provide this package, guidance and skill development to the winner, plus the 20 shortlisted applicants and more to help shape their futures.
“I’d recommend getting Greater Good applications in early; there’s a lot of value for the winner and shortlist.
“And [it's] a way to get your music in front of our assessment panel, which includes people from MusicNSW, Sounds Australia,
triple j and more.”
This year's Industry Assessment Panel includes Caitlin McGregor (MusicNSW), Glenn Dickie (Sounds Australia), Jannah Beth (Offbeat Collective), Daniel Morgan (Astral People), Emmy Mack (RedHook / triple j), Jess Wust (Cult Artists), Brittany Green (Campbelltown Arts Centre) and Rick Bridgman (Good Intent).
Greater Good is supported by Music Victoria, QMusic, MusicACT, Music SA, and WAM.
Good Intent launched in 2018 and is run by Rob Carroll, Nick Moran and Rick Bridgman and a growing team who are deeply passionate about creating real pathways for emerging Australian artists
Previous winners include “ixaras” (2024), LAZY GHOST (2023), PENI PARKER (2022) and Jelly Oshen (2021).
Last year's shortlist was stacked with outstanding talent from across the country.
For more information and the application form, go to goodintent.com.au/ greater-good.
Sport Results
q The Greater Good team behind Good Intent. Photo: Billy Zammit.
q Past Greater Good winner Fool Nelson, performing in Coffs Harbour recently
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
EVERY year around midAugust, the sky puts on one of its most spectacular performances - the Perseid meteor shower.
A favourite for stargazers and amateur astronomers alike, the Perseids are famous for their brilliance, speed, and sheer number of meteors.
through this debris field, and when those particles hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating streaks of light we call meteors.
That’s the Perseid meteor shower in a nutshell.
And this year, it’s already underway but more active from July 17 to August 24.
The meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus, hence the name “Perseids”.
Some of the best viewing opportunities may come before dawn on August 17, when the Moon is less of a bother and the shower could still be quite active.
Those pre-dawn hours from midnight to around 4am are your golden hoursliterally - as Earth rotates to face directly into the comet’s debris trail, giving you a frontrow seat to the meteor magic.
What makes the Perseids so thrilling?
Speed, brightness, and colour.
white streaks of most meteors, Perseids can flash in yellow, orange, red, or even blue, depending on the minerals they contain.
Here are some quick tips to make your Perseid meteor viewing truly unforgettable: aim for the magic hours between midnight and dawn, when the sky is at its darkest and the meteor radiant is high overhead.
Escape the glare of city lights and seek out a dark, open spot; think countryside paddocks or coastal headlands.
If the moon’s up, sneak it behind a tree or building to cut the glare.
Ditch your phone (yes, really!) and give your eyes a good 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Bring a reclining chair or cosy blanket, rug up against the chill, and maybe bring a thermos of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
It’s the perfect recipe for a night of shooting stars and sky-bound wonder.
So, what causes this celestial spectacle?
This isn’t just a quiet trickle of falling stars - it’s a fireworks show written in the stars themselves.
It all starts with Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, a massive, icy traveller that orbits the Sun once every 133 years.
As this ancient comet loops around the Sun, it leaves a dusty trail of debris in its wake - tiny particles no bigger than a grain of sand.
Once a year, like cosmic clockwork, Earth ploughs
These meteors travel at around 59 km per second and are often brilliant enough to be seen even in semi-lit skies.
Some leave glowing trails that linger.
Others burst as fireballs, sudden, intense flashes that briefly outshine everything else in the sky.
And unlike the typical
Hitting the trails
Despite the bright moon, the Perseids still promise a stunning show.
So, step outside, look up, and enjoy the magic.
After all, who wouldn’t want to see the sky come alive with ancient comet dust dancing in our atmosphere?
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
place in the gruelling 40km, while James Knox took out the 20km.
The 10km was won by Meg Isbester, and Brian Nagle crossed the line first in the 5km.
For Nagle, it was a race to remember.
“It was difficult terrain, but it felt nice,” he said after his win.
“Definitely a run I’d come back to again.”
While the competition was fierce, Run Dungog offered plenty for those not chasing a podium finish.
Families enjoyed a relaxed day out with live music, local food stalls, and the ever-popular Wildcraft program for kids.
The Best Dressed Dog contest once again turned heads, with costumed canines drawing as many cheers as the runners themselves.
Organisers say they were thrilled with the turnout and the atmosphere.
With the trails of Dungog providing a stunning backdrop and the weather playing its part for most of the day, Run Dungog 2025 was a celebration of fitness, fun, and the region’s signature spirit of welcome.
Funds raised will go toward continuing the important work of the Community Centre, ensuring the event’s impact will be felt well beyond race day.
q Highlights from Run Dungog 2025.
Hitting the trails
By Shannon BENTON
MORE than 400 runners, walkers, and supporters descended on Dungog on Sunday 10 August for Run Dungog 2025; a day that combined personal triumphs, community connection and fundraising for a good cause. The event, which raised over $17,000 for the Dungog Shire Community Centre, saw participants take on the newly introduced 40-kilometre course, alongside the popular 20km, 10km, and 5km runs. The addition of the ultrastyle 40km proved a hit with long-distance enthusiasts, drawing both seasoned trail runners and first-timers eager for the challenge.
In the headline results, Steph Auston claimed first
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