By Lisa WISEMAN
U’Brien
Dungog’s Sarah U’Brien awarded Churchill Fellowship FIRE FRUSTRATION
q Sarah U’Brien, a Winston Churchill Trust Fellowship recipient.
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THE Mutual Bank is partnering with Dungog Shire Community Centre (DSCC) to help fill the community pantry for those in need.
DSCC Manager Kate Murphy said the centre keeps a stock of groceries in its Dowling Street office to help families and single people struggling with living costs, as part of the centre’s Emergency Relief Program.
“Our Emergency Relief Program tries to keep a stock of groceries in the community pantry, but they are always in such high demand, it is hard to keep it full,” she said.
“We really appreciate our community’s generosity all through the year and simply popping an extra tin of soup or other pantry item in with your groceries can make an enormous difference to
those struggling.”
The Mutual Bank’s Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said the bank has proudly partnered with the community centre for a number of years to support people in need.
“Our staff, members and the wider community have been so kind in the past, donating a few items each which all add up,” he said.
“We hope that the community will get behind this year’s care appeal by dropping even just one extra item into their shopping trolley knowing it will help ease someone else’s plight,” he said.
Suggested items to donate include: - baby items such as wipes, - gift cards, - personal hygiene
items such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap, - long-life products such as milk or custard, - tea and coffee, - pasta and pasta sauce, - Canned fruit.
FIRE FRUSTRATION
FROM Page 1
nominating a vehicle used for firefighting purposes, to respond to emergency bush fire incidents on public roads within 100km of their home.
FFFVs might be utility vehicles fitted out with hoses and other
firefighting equipment.
A second trial was run from 13 December 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Gurmesh Singh said the scheme is a crucial measure that would boost firefighting capacity, with the bushfire season just
weeks away.
“When a fire breaks out, farmers are often the first to respond, and they can play a key role in limiting damage to property and protecting lives, particularly before emergency crews arrive,” Mr Singh said.
“There’s been multiple
The Dungog Shire Community Centre was established in 1982 and provides community services for residents from Gresford to Clarence Town, Dungog to Paterson, Vacy to Martins Creek and the communities in between.
successful trials now and the scheme has received widespread support, so the Minns Government needs to finally make this commonsense change that could make all the difference when disaster strikes.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said regional communities are being put at risk.
“Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles tend to be used around the farm and not on public roads, which is why the conditional registration will be a good way to allow them to attend nearby fires, without the high cost of a full registration,” Mr Layzell said.
“We don’t want a situation where landholders are deterred from helping their neighbours in a fire situation because the
Items can be dropped into The Mutual Bank’s Dowling Street Dungog Branch weekdays and Saturday morning.
Government was too slow to act on something it promised.”
NSW Nationals Upper House member Scott Barrett sought an update on the scheme in the Legislative Council in June.
“Given the second trial concluded three months ago, on 31 March 2025, when will a permanent scheme be announced so that farm firefighting vehicles can be registered in a timely manner ahead of the official commencement of the 2025-26 bushfire season on 1 October 2025?” he asked.
In response, Minister for Roads John Graham said the review of the second trial had been completed and submitted to the Minister for Roads.
He said he was unable to provide further information at the time.
q Dungog Team Leader Madeleine Beasley with Kate Murphy from DSCC.
q When a fire breaks out, farmers are often the first to respond. Photo: DPIE.
Dungog’s Sarah U’Brien awarded Churchill Fellowship
communities.
There were 100 recipients announced this year.
Sarah has a background in disaster resilience and preparedness, which is where she first came across the Churchill Trust.
Her own family's
experiences have set her on a course to explore support for the families of first responders.
She will visit the UK, US and Canada to find out how those countries help these families.
As a former police sergeant, and Fire and Rescue firefighter, Sarah’s husband
Matt was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety and moral injury.
Sarah needed much determination just to access the right professionals who were available.
The issues the family experienced in seeking compensation were a minefield on their own.
Along the way, Sarah realised that the entire family needed support.
And if they did, then other Australian families probably did too.
She is co-founder of the Living Alongside Foundation, aiming to help first responders and the people close to them.
Living Alongside connects families, provides specific resources, and advocates for policy change to recognise the role families play in recovery.
It will soon have a website, with a podcast by Sarah.
Sarah described the Churchill Trust as “an
extraordinary and incredible organisation”.
She encourages everyone to look it up, and “read what people are passionate about in our community”.
Locals can follow Sarah’s international findings, which she wants to share far and wide, via the podcast at livingalongside.org.
Tea cosy and trivet champs
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG’S creativity was on full display last week as the winners of the 2025 Dungog Tea Party were announced, delighting locals and visitors alike.
Taking out the top honour, Tea Cosy of the Year, was Shannon Caulfield, whose intricate design impressed judges.
Shannon’s win was proudly sponsored by the Dungog Growers Stall.
Meanwhile, the Trivet of the Year title went to Cecily Towle, whose win was sponsored by the Royal Hotel Dungog.
This year’s competition featured seven themed
categories, showcasing the talent and imagination of local makers.
Winners included:
- Recycled Materials, Jo Simpson, sponsored by INSPIRED by Design
- Floral Design, Barbara Snell, sponsored by Country Elegance Gardens and Gifts
- Feathered Friends, Mayvis Breckenridge, sponsored by Dungog Trading Post
- Australia’s Big Things, Marianne Alcock, sponsored by Westwood Providores Dungog
- Under the Sea, Joanna Cartwright, sponsored by Dowling Street Hair Studio
- Treasured Memories, Heather Kilpatrick, sponsored
- My Original Design, Mayvis Breckenridge, sponsored by Dungog by Design
Organisers were thrilled with the turnout.
“Numbers have been amazing with over 800 people” said Erika Seck, Secretary of the Dungog Tea Party.
“Feedback has been very positive from people attending, and we had 188 tea cosy entries this year.”
Students were also excited to see their artworks displayed at Loveys IGA and the James Theatre, adding to the festival feel.
Organisers extended
“Without
“We
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by CWA Dungog and Clarence Town
q Tea cosies on display.
By Shannon BENTON
TEA became much more than a drink at Pathways Studio on Saturday 13 September, when the wellness space hosted a “Mindfulness Tea Tasting” in conjunction with the annual Dungog Tea Party.
Led by Dr Allen Crosson, Oriental Medicine Practitioner, the 90-minute workshop transformed a simple afternoon cuppa into
a meditative ritual.
Participants were guided through a tasting of two green teas and two Oolong teas, learning optimal brewing times and water temperatures for each.
“We explored three levels of tasting to deepen the sensory experience,” Dr Crosson explained.
“Tea has the power to slow time, bring people into the present moment, and
encourage real connection.”
The session celebrated the art of tea preparation, with guests experimenting with traditional Chinese and Japanese tea sets.
“The sight, smell and taste of each tea encouraged us to pause, observe and reflect,” said one participant.
“Strangers soon became friends.”
As steaming cups were shared, the group enjoyed
By Shannon BENTON
WALLAROBBA Memorial Hall is set to transform into a slice of Bavaria on Saturday 11 October, for the much-anticipated 2025 Wallarobba Hall Oktoberfest and Sausage Dog Races.
From 12pm to 5pm, locals and visitors alike can enjoy an afternoon of music, food, beer, wine and cider, with the highlight of the day being the famous Dachshund Dash, which kicks off at 2pm.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with an exciting program of races and activities for both dogs and their humans.
There will be medals up for grabs in several categories, including “Posh Dach” for best
haiku poetry from Japanese poet Bashō, with a dash of William Wordsworth for good measure.
Lively conversation flowed as attendees compared tasting notes and immersed themselves in the ritual of tea.
Only four of the seven specialty teas on offer were sampled, leaving plenty to explore next time.
Pathways Studio hinted
dressed, “Flash Dach” for the fastest sausage dog sprint, and the popular “Olympics Steeplechase” obstacle course.
Clever canines can also compete in “Smart Sausage”, showing off their best tricks, while other breeds can join in the fun with the Open Steeplechase.
There’s even a Kids Steeplechase for little ones who want to try the obstacles themselves.
Entry is $5 per person with kids free.
Dog lovers can register their pooch for the Dachshund Dash for $5.
Event organisers say this is “the greatest race to be seen.”
The event runs from Midday to 5 pm at Wallarobba Memorial Hall, with the Dachshund Races at 2 pm.
at hosting a follow-up event soon and invited participants to bring along favourite poems or even their own original verses for a shared reading.
The event formed part of the wider Dungog Tea Party week, which saw locals and visitors gather to celebrate tea culture across the region. With its focus on mindfulness, tradition, and connection, the workshop proved that tea is more than a beverage, it is a doorway to serenity.
q Graycie, a Wallarobba veteran, showing off the medals for this year's races.
q Dr Allen Crosson pours the tea.
q Mindfulness tea tasting at Pathways Studio.
TO mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Melbourne dad Trent Robertson will embark on the most challenging journey of his life – running 10 marathons and cycling 1,200km in just 30 days.
He will raise vital funds for Neuroblastoma Australia, a charity dedicated to improving outcomes for children with cancer.
Trent’s challenge, ‘Noosa for Neuro’, will see him run and ride from Melbourne to Noosa throughout September.
His mission is to raise awareness and much-
needed funds to support research into safer, more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a disease that tragically claims more lives of children under five than any other cancer.
The average five-year survival rate for aggressive neuroblastoma is only 50 percent.
The driving force behind Trent’s dedication is Oli, a young boy and family friend who bravely battled stage 4 neuroblastoma at just two years old.
Now seven, Oli will be cheering Trent on the entire
way.
Over the past two years, Trent has committed himself to raising awareness for Neuroblastoma Australia, and he's now aiming even higher with a goal to raise $100,000 for life-saving research.
“Watching Oli’s journey opened my eyes to how cruel childhood cancer is and how desperately more support and research is needed so that no other child has to go through what Oli endured,” said Trent.
“As a dad with young kids, I felt a strong urge to do something.
“If putting myself through this challenge helps even one family, then it’s worth every step.”
Trent’s route will include:
- Week 1: Parkdale VIC to Keajura NSW – Departing Parkdale on September 1
- Week 2: Keajura NSW to Campbelltown NSW
- Week 3: Campbelltown to Raleigh NSW
- Week 4: Raleigh NSW to Mackenzie QLD
- Week 5: Mackenzie QLD to Maroochydore QLD
- Arriving on September
30 at
Lucy Jones, CEO of Neuroblastoma Australia, says Trent’s commitment is both moving and powerful.
“Trent’s journey is inspiring, not only because of the extreme physical challenge, but because he’s doing it for children like Oli.
“His efforts help fund vital research enabling better treatments to be developed giving families hope for the future,” said Lucy.
“Trent’s challenge is going to be a huge feat, but he’s not doing it alone.
“Every wave, cheer, or shared kilometre will remind him and the families we
support, that we’re all in this together.” Every dollar raised through Noosa for Neuro goes directly to Neuroblastoma Australia, helping fund research into safer and more effective treatments.
For more information visit and to donate, visit neuroblastoma.org.au/ noosa-for-neuro.
the Noosa Heads Life Saving Club.
q Melbourne dad Trent Robertson.
q Oli, who battled stage 4 neuroblastoma at just two years old.
RENEKE, Astronomer
cosmic shooting gallery.
Asteroids and comets -
leftovers from the birth of the solar system - cruise through space, and sometimes their paths cross ours.
The big question is: could one of these objects wipe us out?
The short answer is yes.
It’s happened before.
Roughly 66 million years ago, a city-sized asteroid slammed into what’s now the
Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
The impact blasted a crater 180 kilometres wide and hurled so much debris into the sky that sunlight dimmed for years. Forests burned, oceans boiled, and three-quarters of Earth’s species - including the dinosaurs - vanished.
It was not the first mass extinction linked to cosmic
impacts, but it was the most famous.
Scientists count at least five major extinction events in Earth’s history; at least two of them appear to have been triggered by asteroid or comet strikes.
So, what would happen if a similar object came calling today?
Let’s take the nightmare
scenario: an asteroid 10 kilometres across, the size of the dinosaur-killer.
On impact, shockwaves would ripple across continents.
Skies would rain fire.
Global temperatures could plunge into a “nuclear winter” lasting months or years.
Crops would fail, and civilisation as we know it could collapse.
A smaller asteroid - say, one kilometre wide - wouldn’t wipe out humanity but could still kill hundreds of millions, destroy nations, and trigger decades of chaos.
Before you bolt for the bunker, though, consider the odds.
Astronomers estimate that civilisation-ending strikes occur roughly once every 50 to 100 million years.
That means the chances of a dinosaur-class asteroid hitting Earth in our lifetime are vanishingly small.
Smaller, city-smashing rocks (hundreds of metres wide) are more common, arriving every few tens of thousands of years. Even then, the probability of such an object hitting Earth in any given year is less than one in a hundred thousand.
Terrifying in scale, yesbut not an everyday worry.
Here’s the hopeful part: we can see them coming.
Telescopes around the world and in space are part of NASA’s “Planetary Defence” program, scanning the skies for Near-Earth Objects.
More than 90 percent of the kilometre-sized threats
are already catalogued.
And we’re not helpless.
In 2022, NASA’s DART mission deliberately slammed a spacecraft into a small asteroid, successfully nudging its orbit. It was proof of concept and given enough warning, years or decades, we could shove an incoming asteroid off course.
Still, detection is key.
A rock just 50 metres wide could flatten a city, and we’ve only mapped a fraction of objects that size.
The infamous Tunguska event in 1908, when a small asteroid exploded over Siberia, levelled 2,000 square kilometres of forest. If it had hit a populated region, millions might have died. So, should we live in fear? Perhaps just a little.
Cosmic impacts are part of Earth’s natural history, and the potential damage is too vast to ignore.
But we now possess knowledge the dinosaurs never had.
With vigilance, technology, and international cooperation, we may be able to stop the next world-killer in its tracks.
The sky may one day fall - but this time, we just might be ready.
We’re constantly monitoring for Earththreatening asteroids.
NASA and global observatories track thousands of near-Earth objects daily, aiming to spot potential threats early enough for deflection or mitigation.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
THE ASSEMBLY
ABC TV, 7.30pm
After drawing fresh and fascinating insights from figures such as actor Sam Neill, presenter Amanda Keller and even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in its debut season, The Assembly reconvenes for its second instalment. Guided by renowned journalist Leigh Sales, a fresh batch of neurodivergent student journalists grill some of Australia’s biggest names in an unfiltered group interview. First cab off the rank is Rake star Richard Roxburgh (above, with Sales), who is probed about his most epic film stunts, as well as how he met his celebrity chef wife, Silvia Colloca.
FRIDAY, September 19
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) An attempt is made on a billionaire’s life.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGs, R) Presenter Tom Gleeson grills four self-declared experts in a comedic quiz show.
9.50 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PGl, R)
10.30 ABC Late News.
10.45 Austin. (Final, PG, R)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
PARAMEDICS
NBN, 8.40pm
First responders such as the brave paramedics featured in this gripping docuseries play a vital role in our community, effortlessly navigating life-or-death situations with their expert knowledge and calm demeanour. These dedicated medical professionals often work in dangerous and demanding environments to provide critical pre-hospital care for those in desperate need. In tonight’s instalment, after a heroic bystander uses CPR to bring a grandmother back from the dead, intensive care specialist Bill arrives to stabilise the distressed woman before she slips back into fatal cardiac arrest. Elsewhere, his colleagues Sally (pictured) and Olivia carefully examine a churchgoer who has whacked her head on a pew.
THURSDAY
THE OFFICE AUSTRALIA
You’re probably most familiar with the UK or US editions of , but the global hit franchise in fact has 13 international offshoots. Each production makes the most of their setting, with local writing teams adding a distinct sense of humour and cultural knowledge to the adaptation. Tonight’s instalment of this Aussie incarnation is perhaps the best example of that approach, as Flinley Craddick’s Sydney office celebrates Melbourne Cup Day. Or rather, managing director Hannah (comedian Felicity Ward, pictured, in fine form) and visiting Brisbane colleague Danny (Rick Donald) cause chaos as they go against corporate policy to throw a raucous, boozy party in the workplace.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (Ml, R)
8.25 Dictator: The Hitler Interviews. (M)
9.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Athletics. World C’ships. Day 7. Evening session. 11.20 Catch Me A Killer. (MA15+a)
12.15 Pray For Blood. (MA15+av, R) 2.05 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 3.10 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets Ahmed Mahil, who is 3D printing his whole house.
7.30 Football. AFL. First preliminary final. Geelong v Hawthorn. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal, R) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
1.15 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R)
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 Find My Country House Australia. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.
8.30 RBT. (Md, R) Follows police units that operate random breath-test patrols around Australia.
9.00 Athletics. World Championships. Day 7.
11.30 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)
12.30 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
Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Golden Girls. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing.
SATURDAY, September 20
6.00 Australian Story: All Consuming – Kate Reid. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) An arsonist targets three businesses.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mav, R) DCI John Barnaby and DS Winter investigate when a body is found surrounded by ritual symbols.
10.00 The Family Next Door. (Final, Ml, R) Isabelle unravels the truth.
10.55 I, Jack Wright. (MA15+l, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts:
6.10
Masks
6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys.
8.30 A Royal Residence: Glamis Castle. (Premiere, PG) Looks at Glamis Castle.
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Puglia. (R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
2.30 Secret Nazi Bases. (PGa, R)
4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am The Final Countdown. Continued. (1980, PG) 6.45 The Movie
SUNDAY, September 21
6.10 Britain’s Great Cathedrals. (Final)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly: Richard Roxburgh. (Return, PG)
8.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Return, Mal) Jay’s hopes of a new beginning are shattered.
9.10 I, Jack Wright. (Mal) A dramatic revelation worries Sally.
9.55 Whiteley. (Mals, R)
11.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (Ml, R)
11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (R)
3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Princes In The Tower: A Damning Discovery. (PG) Looks at the mystery of two princes.
8.50 Queens Of Combat. (Premiere, PG) Looks at the female gladiators of ancient Rome.
9.55 Black Gold. (Ml, R)
11.30 Stolen: Catching The Art Thieves. (Ma, R)
2.50 Secret Nazi Bases. (PGa, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
RBG. (2018, PG) 5.20 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 8.30 Arsenal. (2017, MA15+) 10.15 Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. (2013, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs. 6am The Great Escape.
8.00 Seven News.
8.30 MOVIE: Free Guy. (2021, Mlv, R) After a bank teller discovers that he is actually a non-playable character inside a brutal, open world video game, he begins to display an unexpected level of self-awareness. Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi.
10.50 MOVIE: Back To The Future Part III. (1990, PGlv, R) Marty McFly travels to the Old West. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd.
1.30 Travel Oz. (R) A look at the Whitsunday Islands.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL. First semi-final. Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks. 9.45 NRL Finals Post-Match. 10.30 Athletics. World Championships. Day 8. From Tokyo, Japan. 11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) 12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, 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. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.40 Selling Houses Australia. A couple look for a new start. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Maln, R) A crash results in a broken leg, but paramedics fear the patient may also have spinal cord injuries. 9.40 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.40 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) 11.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) 8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Kane Line. (MA15+ad, R) Follows a police surveillance operation.
10.40 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Predator –Leonard John Fraser. (MA15+av, R)
12.00 Miniseries: The Victim. (Malv, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.35 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.35 Athletics. World Championships. Day 9. From Tokyo, Japan. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Mobsters: Murder Inc. (Madv) 12.00 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R) 1.00 Our State On A Plate. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)
Today Early News.
Today.
6.00
MONDAY, September 22
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Contraption Masters. (Final) 9.20 The Crystal Maze. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
8.35 Portillo In The Pyrenees. (PGav, R)
9.30 Into South America With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Classified. (Mlv)
11.40 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R)
3.05 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R)
4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (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. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 2. (2018, MA15+v, R) A man seeks revenge after his friend is murdered. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal. 11.00 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. (Malv, R)
12.00 Hooten & The Lady. (Mav)
1.00 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(32)
6am Petite
Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.30 The Movie Show. 8.05 Brief Encounter. (1974, PG) 10.00 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 1.45pm Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 3.50 The Movie Show. 4.25 Finding You. (2020, PG) 6.40 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Man Who Wasn’t There. (2001, MA15+) 10.40 Purple Rain. (1984, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, September 23
R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 The Point. (R)
11.30 Screw. (Malv)
1.20 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R)
3.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
3.50 Music Of The Brain. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31)
Morning Programs. 1.30pm Garage 41. 2.00 Rides Down Under:
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.05 The Rookie. (Mav) Nune makes a new friend. Chen places her faith in Ridley for an undercover assignment.
10.05 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) Alice hopes to fix her relationship with Doug. 11.05 The Agenda Setters.
12.05 Pretty Hard Cases. (Madv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
The Block. (PGl)
100% Footy. (M) Features the latest rugby league news.
MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.35 The Movie Show. 9.10 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 11.00 With Or Without You. (2021, M, Italian) 12.55pm Purple Rain. (1984, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.55 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 6.55 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 8.30 The Hudsucker Proxy. (1994, PG) 10.35 The Nest. (2020, MA15+) 12.40am 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
and
WEDNESDAY, September 24
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Great Lighthouses Of Ireland. (PGa, R) 10.00 North Sea Wonders: A Coastal Journey. (PG) 11.00 Overbooked. (PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The People Vs Robodebt. (Premiere, Mal)
8.30 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (Premiere)
9.30 Code Of Silence. (Mlv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 COBRA. (Mal)
11.40 Freezing Embrace. (Malv, R)
1.25 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Maw, R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.05 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Patient. (Premiere) 9.30 MOVIE: The Departed. (2006, MA15+) 12.15am The Bloody Decade. 1.15 Bloodlands. 3.25 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning
Programs. 6.50 The Movie Show. 7.25 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 9.00 The Hudsucker Proxy. (1994, PG) 11.05 The Man Who Wasn’t There. (2001, MA15+) 1.10pm India Sweets And Spices. (2021, M) 3.00 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 5.00 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 6.25 The Company. (2003, PG) 8.30 Intolerable Cruelty. (2003) 10.25 Finding Your Feet. (2017, M) 12.25am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, September 25
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (R) 11.10 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 11.40 If You’re Listening. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
Back Roads. (PG) 8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. A couple embark on a renovation.
Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R)
ABC Late News. 10.25 The Business. (R)
Grand Designs. (R)
Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)
Gardening Australia. (R)
7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Teenage Boss:
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6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Great Lighthouses Of Ireland. (R) 10.00 Dream Of Italy. (PGa, R) 11.00 Overbooked. (PGas) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The People Vs Robodebt. (Mal, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 9/11: One Day In America: The Cloud. (M) 9.35 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v) The rebel forces are on the ropes. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R)
12.05 Blue Lights. (Mal, R)
2.20 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Mav, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Addicted Australia. 1.40 Kim Yo Jong: The Red Princess. 2.40 Bamay. 3.00 Insight. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Company. (2003, PG) 8.10 Finding Your Feet. (2017, PG) 10.15 The Good Lie. (2014, M) 12.15pm Unruly. (2022, M, Danish) 2.40 Sunflower. (1970, PG, Italian) 4.40 The Hudsucker Proxy. (1994, PG) 6.45 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 8.30 The Big Lebowski. (1998, MA15+) 10.40 A Most Violent Year. (2014, MA15+) 1am Intolerable Cruelty. (2003) 2.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.15 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu. (Premiere, Ml) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel embark on a New Zealand road trip.
10.15 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG)
11.15 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.15 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (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. (Ml) 9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (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 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) In the lead-up to the 2025 AFL Grand Final, Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher share a laugh about the world of AFL.
10.00 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.30 Kick Ons.
11.00 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
12.00 Life. (Malsv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
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Kids Boot Camp 049
DEAR Jasminda,
Every time I look at the news there is a new tragedy unfolding or a new source of conflict.
It's actually getting to me. I feel that I'm in a constant state of worry wondering what will happen next.
Do you have any ideas on how I can address this?
Leonie B.
Dear Leonie,
This is a common problem but that certainly
doesn't diminish how you are feeling.
There was a time when news was confined to a newspaper or perhaps the six 'o'clock news, but now, with a 24-hour news cycle, it can feel overwhelming.
We are constantly bombarded by stories that are deliberately written in a way that seeks attention.
Just like a child throwing a tantrum, it often doesn't matter if that attention is positive or negative, as long as people take notice.
Conflict is one of the main news values journalists are taught will make a successful news story.
Humans are also drawn to conflict as a form of engagement and entertainment.
This isn't something new
(read any Shakespearian text, or, if you're so inclined, The Bible for any number of examples). Today, we revel in conflict in many areas such as sporting activities, movies and books, reality TV shows, and politics.
Conflict has reached a high point (or perhaps 'low point' is a better description) on social media.
Any situation becomes a heightened form of antagonism, with trolling by armchair warriors or people using fake accounts to create toxic and unsafe environments for people who may not have the emotional capacity or life experience to deal with them.
Leonie, I'm possibly not telling you anything you don't know, but it's important to offer some context,
because if you know why something draws you in, you can counter it.
Here are some ways to do that:
1. Give yourself a time limit. You can still stay informed without doom scrolling for hours.
2. If you go to your favourite media app to read about emissions targets and instead become consumed by public comments around a violent protest, then you're being controlled by your media, not the other way around.
Social media is designed to keep people distracted and constantly scrolling.
If you're veering away from your intended content, make a conscious decision to put your phone down or block/mute content that is causing distress.
3. What do you really want to give attention to in your spare time? If your interests are pets or photography or hiking, there are hundreds of sources of information and entertainment that focus on those interests.
Again, put yourself in control.
4. Social media is an addiction. Developers and content creators who make money from it know exactly what they are doing and they do it very well. If you are using social media as a distraction (perhaps while waiting for a bus, a weekend with no plans, having a work break, or while eating lunch), replace it with something healthier (a good book, a new hobby, taking your pet for a walk, going for a swim, having coffee with a friend).
If you're reading for information, a headline summary from a reputable news source may be more useful than content from influencers with no training, no ethical guidelines, and no fact checkers.
5. Read a local paper or publication. Community news often provides a balance with good news stories involving people or places that are important to you. These ideas don't mean you have to be ignorant; instead, they may help to create a better environment for you while you're navigating your state of constant worry.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Palliative Care Volunteers graduate
By Lisa WISEMAN
FOUR new volunteers graduated from the Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers training course this week.
Joy Berry, Michele Kingston, John Van Valen and Simone Ryan celebrated their new roles with Coordinator Annette O’Neill and other members of the local organisation.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care volunteers fulfill a range of roles.
They provide free nonmedical support to all residents in Dungog Shire diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families and friends.
They also provide
transport to medical appointments and treatments, a linen service, respite and visits to home and hospital.
The Palliative Care volunteers operate these services all year round, including on public holidays, which is why a wide range of skills are always in demand.
Giving back to the community is frequently cited as a reason for volunteering.
Simone said she simply “wants to help out”.
She also helped out on the graduation day by making the sumptuous cake.
For John Vanvalen, it was returning to the area in retirement, and wanting to be a part of his community.
He said the training was “fantastic” and “very easy” and that he looked forward to every Wednesday when he helps with transport.
The course for volunteers ran for six weeks, and covered 30 hours of training.
The topics and information are from Palliative Care NSW but are modified to suit local people and their needs.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers will have upcoming support from the Dungog Rumble and Team Penning events.
New volunteers are always welcome.
To find out more about volunteering, visit dungogcarers.com.au.
Direct flights to Perth a ‘huge win’ for tourism
NEWCASTLE Airport’s first direct flight to Perth took off last Monday, ending the need for Hunter travellers to drive to Sydney for westbound journeys.
The three-times weekly
service, operated by a 150seat QantasLink Airbus A319, aligns with the NSW Government’s recently announced Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which commits to improving access
to and from regional NSW.
The route also supports the region’s Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) workforce and opens up one-stop international connections via Perth to destinations across Europe,
Asia and South Africa.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said securing direct services to Perth has been a long-term goal.
“Locals and businesses have been telling us for
years they wanted this connection and with the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund behind us, our team was able to turn that demand into reality,” Mr Horton said.
“The new direct to Perth service demonstrates how our new terminal will connect our 1.4 millionstrong catchment with more destinations, more easily and will play a key role in delivering on the Strategy's ambitious targets, especially the 8.5 million new airline seats and $91 billion visitor spend by 2035.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, “The NSW Government was proud to work with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this route through the Aviation Attraction Fund and the new connection to the west coast opens the door for more people to discover Newcastle and the Hunter.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the new
service will deliver a real boost in connectivity for Newcastle residents and the mining and resource sectors.
“These flights will provide over 45,000 seats between Newcastle and Perth annually with connections on to Qantas’ extensive domestic and international networks, including new onestop options for Newcastle residents to London and Paris via Perth,” Ms Yangoyan said.
Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said the launch of direct flights was a “huge win” for the Hunter tourism industry.
“For Port Stephens, this means more visitors enjoying our stunning beaches and natural beauty, which creates more business for everyone who relies on tourism.
“It's a huge step forward for the Hunter, giving our community the kind of travel options they've been waiting for."
q The new volunteers: Joy Berry, Michele Kingston, John Vanvalen and Simone Ryan.
q QantasLink, the airport, councils and the state government are celebrating the flights as a ‘huge win’ for the Hunter’s tourism industry.
Gresford gallery celebrates first birthday
THE Gresford Community Gallery will celebrate its first birthday with the opening of a Spring Exhibition on Saturday, 27 September from 2-4pm.
The Spring Exhibition will include a stunning array of quality Hunter Valley art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, glass, jewellery, and fibre/textile works.
The exhibition will be officially opened by highly regarded Newcastle artist and writer Gavin Fry.
Gavin has fifty years’ experience working in curatorial and management positions in Australian museums,
Review of recovery efforts
A PARLIAMENTARY
committee will review the NSW Reconstruction Authority's response to May’s record-breaking flood event.
After entire townships were left isolated and thousands of homes and businesses were damaged, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has been leading recovery operations, including coordinating cleanup and repair efforts.
A NSW Parliament
Joint Select Committee has recently commenced an inquiry to review the operations of the Authority relating to this natural disaster.
“The role of the NSW Reconstruction Authority is to lead disaster recovery and preparedness efforts across the state,” said Committee Chair Clayton Barr MP.
“Since it was established in 2022, the Authority has had to support affected communities to recover
from a number of significant disasters.
“By reviewing its operations regarding the May floods, the Committee wants to understand how the Authority's approach has evolved, what is working, and what needs to improve.
“We want to make sure that the Authority is providing the best possible support to impacted communities, and is working effectively to reduce the impact of future disasters.”
Anna’s example
By Thomas O’KEEFE
YOUNG life savers have an example to look up to in Anna Fortunaso, the recipient of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) 2024-25 Junior Life Saver of the Year.
Anna officially started her journey as a life saver in 2016, joining the Nippers Junior Activities program as soon as she was old enough to do so.
“She joined when she was just five, but has been hanging around the beach since she was a baby, watching her siblings and joining as soon
as she could,” Anna’s proud mum Jasmine, told News Of The Area.
“Anna would highly recommend Nippers and life saving to other kids out there as a way to get healthy and active.”
Hawks Nest’s Bennetts Beach is the closest to Anna’s family home along the Williams River, and her interests are piqued in the field of marine biology.
“Anna is an outstanding youth member of the surf club with phenomenal surf skills and a keen awareness of lifesaving,” TGHN SLSC Chief Training Officer Amanda
Osmond said.
“Anna became a Nipper as soon as she was old enough and always competed several ages above her group.”
“Members refer to Anna as the ‘fish’ and even though she is only 14, she has performed numerous rescues.
“She is an excellent addition to water safety for Nippers and to the three
As part of the review, the Committee will also look at the Authority's operations relating to other recent natural disasters, including any resulting changes or improvements to their operations.
The inquiry's terms of reference also refer to:
• the exercise of relevant planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022
• the Authority's engagement with impacted
patrols that she is a member of.
“[She] simply epitomises surf lifesaving in every way.”
Anna completed Nippers in 2023 and moved on to be a cadet member.
The skills she learnt as a Nipper included water and beach safety, use of rescue board and swimming proficiency.
As a cadet member, Anna gained her Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC).
She has proven her skills
galleries and educational institutions.
He is the author of twenty-five books on Australian art and history.
Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Alice Ropata, John Barnes, Benjamin Broinowski, Barbara Nanshe, Gavin Fry, Nathan Keogh, Eric Werkhoven, Robyn Werkhoven, Suzannah Jones, Sue Stewart, Dawn Thompson, Janet Steele, Sandra Lee Brown, Helene Leane, Misha Moon, Gaye Shield, Chel King, Wendy Johnson, Susana Enriquez, Bernadette Meyers, Joanna Greenwood,
communities
• the application of any relevant funding from the NSW and Australian Governments.
Written submissions can be lodged to the inquiry's website up until Friday, 3 October 2025.
“The Committee would like to hear from community members, businesses and organisations that have had first-hand experience of the Authority's recovery work,” Mr Barr said.
“However, we understand that affected communities are still recovering from the
in board and tube rescues, gained her first aid and radio certificates, and increased her knowledge of beach safety and the importance of team work when on patrol.
As she approaches her tenth year of watching the waves, Anna is more experienced than many adult members.
Kylie Weedon, Heather Anderson, Gillian Waddell, Joseph Turrin, Libby Cusick, Tara Mann, Cherie Platen, Cecily Grace, Georgia Horacek, Peter Ronne, Michael Garth, Laurence Thorssell, Cynthia Denning, Christine Pike, Ros Elkin, Kristen Lethem and Louise Rees.
Set amidst the botanical gardens and park in the rural village of East Gresford, the contemporary art gallery showcases the thriving Hunter Valley arts community and offers art and craft workshops for adults and children. The gallery is located at 12 Park Street, East Gresford.
severe weather in May.
“We're encouraging anyone that would like to contribute but may have trouble making a submission to contact the Committee staff.”
Further information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, and the online submission portal is available on the Committee's webpage: http://www.parliament. nsw.gov.au/committees/ inquiries/Pages/inquirydetails.aspx?pk=3136#tabtermsofreference.
“Anna is always willing to help, and was a part of the patrol who conducted a rescue of 12 swimmers on 21 December, 2024 when they were caught in a flash rip,” Club Registrar Kerrie Moore said.
The December rescue gained acknowledgement from NSW SLS as an outstanding rescue for team work and skill.
Since her cadet days, she has exceeded her rostered hours on the beach, regularly volunteered when any patrol is short, and has provided water safety for Nippers on Sundays.
Paterson Golf Club
SUNDAY 14TH
SEPTEMBER 2025
PATERSON OPEN (INDIVIDUAL STROKE) FIELD | 21 members & 36 visitors.
DIVISION 1 (<12)
SCRATCH | Winner
Max Wallington (+3) [Cypress Lakes] 64
Gross, Runner Up Mac Dawson (+1) [Cypress Lakes] 66 Gross, 3rd
Place Lachlan Charnock (0) [Kurri] 67 Gross
DIVISION 1 (<12) NETT
| Winner Garry Reid (12) [Wingham] 63
Nett, Runner Up Chris Bryant (9) 63 Nett, 3rd
Place Leigh English (7) [Wingham] 63 Nett
DIVISION 2 (13-36)
SCRATCH | Winner Edward Russell (19) [Dungog] 86 Gross, Runner Up Mick Mirisch (13) 87 Gross, 3rd Place Stephen Watson (13) 87 Gross DIVISION 2 (13-36) NETT | Winner Paul Bennetts (24) 65 Nett, Runner Up Greg Kellner (19) 69 Nett, 3rd Place Mitchell Russell (28) [Singleton] 69 Nett PATERSON CUP (BEST STABLEFORD) | Winner Garry Reid (12) [Wingham] 37 Points, Runner Up Chris Bryant (9) 37 Points DIVISION 1 (<12) NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th Zach Thackeray (12) [Kurri], 5th/14th Lachlan
Charnock (0) [Kurri], 7th/16th Gary Ritchie (9) [Scone], 9th/18th Allan Eather (10) [Maitland] DIVISION 1 (<12) LONGEST DRIVE | 3rd/12th Justin Robards (4) [Cypress Lakes] DIVISION 2 (13-36) NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th Denis Crossman (21), 5th/14th Tyler Dorn (20) [Singleton], 7th/16th Michael Wilkins (24) [Karuah], 9th/18th Jarrod Thomson (14) [Belmont] DIVISION 2 (13-36) LONGEST DRIVE | 3rd/12th Michael Shanley (15).
q Gavin Fry gives a talk at the Gresford Community Gallery.
q Anna Fortunaso (in orange) shows the Nippers how to handle the surf. Photo: supplied, Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC.
q 2025 Division 1 Scratch Winner Max Wallington.
Dementia Action Week: The importance of dementia training in home care
THIS week is Dementia Action Week, a national campaign led by Dementia Australia to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower communities to support those living with dementia.
As the aged care sector gears up for the Support at Home Program, set to commence on 1 November, the timing could not be more critical.
An important aspect of Support at Home is ensuring staff have appropriate training.
Providing education for staff who work with clients experiencing cognitive limitations, such as dementia, prepares support workers and clinical professionals to address the specific aspects of
dementia.
This includes understanding changes in behaviour, using respectful communication, and maintaining safe and supportive environments.
Home care providers must be at the forefront of this essential training.
ADSSI Limited's (which local provider Neighbourcare is part of) dementia care programs are designed to ensure it’s workforce is prepared to deliver person centred, dignified care, not just to meet regulatory standards.
John Baillie, CEO of ADSSI Limited, says that ADSSI recognises that good dementia care isn't just about health, it's about understanding, patience
and connection.
"As the aged care sector transitions to Support at Home, we're committed to ensuring our teams lead with competence and compassion.
"By investing in training, we can ensure continuity of care and uphold the values at the heart of the new Aged Care Act: respect, choice, and quality service," Mr Baillie added.
In this moment of sector-wide change, ADSSI's dedication to dementia education isn't just best practice; it's essential to enable people with dementia to continue living their best lives with care at home.
For more information, visit neighbourcare.org.au.
District
q John Baillie, CEO of ADSSI Limited, says that ADSSI recognises that good dementia care isn't just about health, it's about understanding, patience and connection.
By Chris KARAS
the Cobras 20-16 and minor premiers Stroud Raiders 34-14 in qualifying finals, the rejuvenated Panthers firmed as title favourites ahead of the big dance.
But Peter Maytom’s second ranked Clarence
turned the tables on Mallabula in the championship decider - running in six tries to four to finish the season on a memorable note. Powerhouse front rower Samuel
for a double, with
interchange Lewis
and winger Dane Laman also crossing for tries and halfback Blake Birch booting three conversions to seal a hard fought win.
Authorised by Alison Penfold MP, National Party of Australia, 144 Victoria St, Taree NSW 2430.
THE Clarence Town Cobras have claimed the D Grade Northern Men's premiership trophy after defeating the Mallabula Panthers 30-22 in a high-scoring Grand Final contest at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace. After downing
Town
Dunn crashed over
centre Harry Boyton,
Keating, hooker Jacob Ritchie
Mallabula were best served by talented fullback Noah Chisholme, who capped a strong game with a try double, and clever halves Jayden Newson and Corey Sheals and hard-working lock and skipper Tim Crowther.
q The Clarence Town Cobras claimed this year’s Newcastle Hunter Men's D Grade Northern premiership. Photo: Cobras FB.