By Joseph RICHARDS
THE Paterson Historical Society has launched its new book at an event at Gresford Bowling Club.
“Gresford To Carabolla – People And Places” was written by Dr Brian Walsh and details the European settlement of the Upper Paterson Valley north of Gresford.
It was a full house at the Bowling Club for the launch and the event was well received.
Many people including Mayor Digby Rayward and Deputy Mayor Alexandria Carruthers attended, to discover more about the CONTINUED Page 3
DUNGOG is set to receive new Key Health Worker Accommodation, in a plan aimed at attracting more paramedics to regional NSW.
The move is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million investment in key health worker housing for paramedics in regional areas.
That funding is allocated from a $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program announced in the 2024/2025
State budget, which will support more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW. The funding will secure
approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing
INVESTIGATIONS are underway after a man drowned at Ladies Well on Sunday, 16 March.
About 3.45pm that day, officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were called to a swimming hole at Ladies
Well at Upper Allyn –about 48km north west of Dungog – following reports of concern for the welfare of a swimmer.
Following an operation involving NSW Ambulance paramedics, Police Divers and Police Rescue, a man’s body was retrieved from the water.
As of Monday he was yet to be formally identified, however is believed to be aged in his 20s.
By Shannon BENTON
THE Dungog Rodeo is set to return on Easter Saturday, 19 April, bringing with it a full day of adrenalinepumping action, thrilling competition, and crowdfavourite entertainment.
Held at the Dungog Showground, widely regarded as the most spectator-friendly natural amphitheatre in the region, the rodeo promises an unforgettable experience where every seat offers a perfect view of the action.
A crime scene has been established and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are underway.
“Dungog Rodeo is far and away the biggest rodeo in the Hunter region,” said organiser Tom Boorer.
“No one misses a thing… and no one ever sings out ‘Sit down in front!’, because there is no need.”
program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities,” said Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.
Last year’s event saw over 8000 attendees, and organisers are expecting another strong turnout.
One of this year’s most anticipated highlights is the return of the Ladies Bronc Ride, a feature event that hasn’t been seen for a few years.
“We already have four entries for this event,” Mr Boorer said.
“It has been a long held belief of the Dungog Rodeo Committee that the girls should have their chance in the roughriding arena.”
The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
This year, competitors will be riding for increased prizemoney, with the Open Bull Ride winner set to take home $5000.
Other main events, including the Open Saddle Bronc, Open Bareback, and Ladies Barrel Race, will feature $4000 prizes, while junior riders (ages 14-18) in the Junior Bull Ride will compete for $1000.
Visitors can enjoy a range of meals provided by the Dungog Pony Club, as well as a fully stocked bar and BBQ.
And when the dust settles in the arena, the crowd can keep the celebration going with live music from Hurricane Fall, playing until late.
As always, the rodeo will showcase a full schedule of classic events, including the Tony Hudson Memorial Open Bull Ride, a fan favourite and the final event of the day. Other highlights include Men’s and Women’s Bronc Rides, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Rope and Tie, and the ever-popular Ladies Barrel Race, which continues to grow in popularity among spectators.
“We’re committed to strengthening our regional, rural and remote ambulance workforce.
“The provision of simple accommodation close to work is a major drawcard for healthcare workers potentially looking to take up work in the regions.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan highlighted the vital role played by paramedics in regional areas.
“The community of Dungog can be assured NSW Ambulance is committed to ensuring people who live in regional locations get the
right care at the right place at the right time.”
The Australian Paramedics Association NSW said while the announcement of housing for Dungog was a “step forward”, it falls “far short of what is needed”.
“Without clearer timelines and targets, there is a fundamental lack of accountability and transparency,” a spokesperson for the union said.
No timeframes have been provided at this time, with no detail as to the type or amount of housing to be supplied.
By Joseph RICHARDS
INDEPENDENT candidate
for Lyne Jeremy Miller, held a campaign event at the Royal Hotel in Dungog last
Tuesday.
It was an opportunity for Dungog Shire locals to get to know what he stands for, and an opportunity for him to get to know Dungog and
its residents’ needs as the federal election approaches.
Mr Miller has been a resident of the Taree area since 1995 and is a small business owner.
He ran unsuccessfully for Lyne at the 2022 election and is now serving as deputy
FROM Page 1
rich history of the area while also supporting the Historical Society.
mayor of MidCoast Council.
After introducing himself, a Q&A session followed in which he made it clear he would serve all communities across the Lyne electorate.
“My only loyalty is to our community. I’ll work with anyone who helps our region and stand up to those who don’t,” he said.
Several key community issues were discussed, but his stance on climate change and what could be done for the environment was the topic of greatest interest.
Several locals spoke up about their concern for the environment and the effects of climate change on the region.
Speaking to News Of The Area, Mr Miller said that the communities in the Lyne electorate had been “ignored and taken for granted for way too long".
“We just can’t afford to do that anymore.
“The major parties can’t truly represent us as a community and the only way we’re going to change things is voting Independent.”
Area about the essence of the book, Dr Walsh said, “I think it’s about resilience.
“It’s about the story of the people on the Paterson River up from Gresford.
fortunes but also their hardships as they went through bankruptcies and changing industries that came and went.”
future.
By Joseph RICHARDS
THE first “Illuminating Women” talk was held at the James Theatre in Dungog last week.
To kick off the series, internationally renowned architect and social campaigner Caroline Pidcock was the speaker.
In her talk, Ms Pidcock talked about her career journey in a male-dominated industry and what inspires her sustainable architectural designs - such as the First Nations people and the lands and waterways of her birth town of Grafton.
Throughout Caroline’s talk, two consistent themes emerged; sustainability, and how we can be part of a system where we give back to and live in harmony with the environment so everyone and everything can thrive.
enough. Buying and eating products that don’t hurt the environment or people.”
The event was jointly organised by the Dungog branch of the CWA and the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub (PAWSI).
They were ecstatic with how the event went.
CWA President Helene Leane said, “We’re very excited to be supported by the community like this. We had a turnout of around 100 people.
“Caroline is trying to educate people about being open and improving their own lives.”
The series is the brainchild of dual CWA and PAWSI member, Libby Doolan.
“I think it was enthralling and in-depth," Ms Doolan said.
“Caroline is living the life she is preaching.
“She’s given so much to the community and we are blessed to have her in Dungog.
In the modern era, some of the areas spoken about in the book are now submerged as part of Lostock Dam.
This displacement of the population is a talking point in the publication.
Speaking to News Of The
Detailing the history, trials and tribulations of the emerging European settlement, the book preserves stories and memories of those long passed.
“The early families did it tough by modern day standards.
“The living conditions were crude and the country could be inhospitable because of the steep mountains and valleys.
“It’s about their
“Gresford To Carabolla – People And Places” is the result of years of hard work and research on Dr Walsh’s part.
“I’ve been collecting info for this book for about 30 years. It’s been lots of hard work but I love it.”
She encouraged everyone in attendance to individually and collectively speak-up and take action in day-to-day life to combat climate change.
Ms Pidcock advised that sustainability can be achieved by, “Not using less, but using
“In two months' time, we will have the next speaker come to the James, which will be advertised soon.
“We are very excited. We feel the community will support listening to women’s achievements.”
By Lisa WISEMAN
THIS year the Dungog Rumble will donate the funds raised by the show and shine event to Dungog Palliative Care Volunteers Inc.
At the first meeting of the Dungog Rumble for 2025, Rumble organisers spoke with representatives from Dungog Palliative Care Volunteers.
The gathering was held at the Bank Hotel Dungog, on Sunday 16 March.
Palliative Care Volunteers representatives Lynne Moseley, Annette O’Neill and Margaret Jones explained the important role of the volunteers in the local community and answered questions about their unpaid
work supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.
Dungog Palliative Care Volunteers assist with equipment, transport, respite and linen, relying almost completely on volunteer workers and donations to operate.
Some of the figures supporting the Rumble’s decision include the 30,000km in transport per year and the 100 volunteer hours per month that the Palliative Care Volunteers provide.
Currently, approximately 50 Dungog Shire people are receiving assistance from the volunteers.
These services are all provided free, with no questions asked about the
persons’ financial means.
In previous years, the Rumble has raised significant amounts for local organisations such as junior sports clubs.
Entrants bring vehicles from far and wide to display them, admire other machines, and to socialise.
Cars, trucks, tractors and all sorts of attractions attract plenty of spectators, crowding the area around the Bank Hotel.
Now in its 14th year, the Rumble is a family-friendly event.
The organisers encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the event on 18 October.
Cindy Fisher, one of the Rumble organisers attending Sunday’s meeting, said that
they are “looking forward to involving all community services and sporting groups to continue making the event successful.”
The Rumble is inviting sponsors to come on board for 2025.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
PROMPTED by recent severe weather, the RSPCA is sharing
important tips for managing animals during storms and natural disasters.
The key is preparation,
according to the animal protection not-for-profit.
“We know these extreme weather conditions can
be stressful but if we take the time now to prepare inclusive and comprehensive plans, it can make all the
difference to keep us and our animals safe and protected,” said Anne Keyvar, RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Manager.
Owners should ensure their animals have an emergency kit ready to go with food (including any special dietary requirements), water and medication they may need to cover a minimum of 72 hours.
Emergency kits should contain the following: food and water (at least three days’ supply); medications and veterinary records; sturdy carriers, leads, or halters; familiar bedding and comfort items; litter, waste bags, or other waste disposal supplies; and identification tags and microchip details.
“It is vital that your animal has correct identification information on their collars and to check that their microchip details are up to date, in case they become separated from you or your property,” Ms Keyvar said.
“For horses or other livestock, attach ID tags with a contact number securely to their mane. These tags should be prepared in advance and kept in your emergency kit.”
Hunter equestrian Margarete Lethorn, who has been working with horses her whole life, has some practical tips for larger animals.
priorities for the town and will be backed by up to $10,000 of seed funding from Rural Aid to commence one of the top identified priority projects.
Clarence Town locals are encouraged to complete a survey to identify what they love about their community, what they want to stay the same as well as what should
“For the horses, keep extra feed, leave them naked (i.e. no rugs), provide a safe shelter, and secure anything that can blow around,” Margarete told NOTA.
“[Offer] lots of pats and treats.
“Horses and many other animals may be spooked by lightning and thunder, and may even hate the rain, preferring to be dry from it, even if they love swimming in the ocean.
“I keep them high and dry as much as I can so there's no risk of flooding for them, and beware that prolonged wet ground and mud rots their feet.
“People in flood-prone areas should write their phone numbers on their hooves in permanent marker and plait tags into their manes.”
The RSPCA stresses that, in flood-prone areas, all livestock, horses, and other outside animals should be moved to higher ground or transported to a safe property with friends and family where possible.
It is important to not tether animals outside during the storm as they may harm themselves trying to break free.
If you need to leave animals outside on your property, please provide plenty of access to water and food in heavy, secure bowls and ensure objects are tied down to reduce risk of injury.
change, then attend the workshop.
The conversation is open to everyone to have an impact on the future direction of Clarence Town, so register to attend the Community Opportunity Workshop at www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1356211
THE state’s peak farming group has welcomed a fresh crackdown on biosecurity controls in the wake of extropical Cyclone Alfred.
On Friday NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced measures to keep Red Imported Fire Ants out, with
a temporary ban on soil and hay coming into the state from infested areas in southeast Queensland.
“We’ve all seen the images of wind and rain in Queensland, and this is making the fire ants mobile over the coming weeks,” Minister Moriarty said.
“The temporary suspension of the hay permit is a necessary step to mitigate the movement of these highly invasive pests.
“The impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred are being felt in our agricultural sector in the north of the state.
“They need our support to get them back on their feet and don’t want a fire ant incursion adding stress and strain to their recovery.
“We have increased surveillance focusing on highrisk areas and are employing advanced tracking and modelling techniques, taking strong preventative measures to stop fire ants."
NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said recent footage of fire ant ‘rafts’ in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region had sparked serious concerns around the spread of the ants in the wake of recent flood events.
“We’re seeing thousands of these deadly ants cling together and create massive rafts in Queensland floodwater,” Mr Hegarty said.
“While these rafts haven’t been spotted in NSW as yet, floodwater does spread these ants about, and we can’t be careful enough when it comes to protecting our communities against these pests.”
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton
said while the mentioned footage is concerning, “we know from hydrological analysis that ants floating into NSW is not possible”.
“What we can do is mitigate the increased risks of human-assisted movement of fire ants from the infested areas of Queensland and suspend the hay permit,” Mr Charlton said.
If allowed to spread throughout Australia, it is estimated fire ants would cost the economy a total of $60 billion dollars in damages, with the ants known to attack livestock, people and pests.
Fire ants are found in southeast Queensland and are known to gather together as large rafts in floodwater as a survival mechanism.
As communities recovered from recent flood events, Mr Hegarty said the measures to stop the ants had come as welcome news to farmers on the front line of the threat.
“NSW deserves a biosecurity system that is proactive and effective when it comes to eradicating extreme biosecurity threats – and that includes fire ants,” Mr Hegarty said.
“A serious biosecurity regime is what we need the NSW Government to deliver, and we thank them for hearing us in this most critical hour.”
A COALITION of rural organisations has called for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture.
More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations launched a joint statement to address the crisis this week.
Ahead of a federal budget and election, the group is calling on the Government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to address the crisis.
Dr Tim Driscoll from the Royal Flying Doctor Service is the Chair of the steering committee leading the initiative.
He said the statistics are sobering.
“A farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. That’s up to twice the rate of the general working population,” Dr Driscoll said.
“Poor mental health and suicide is having a devastating impact on rural families, communities and businesses right now, and we need federal help to fix it.
“The wellbeing of people in agriculture is impacted by increasingly complex and compounding events like weather and natural disasters, financial stress, and geographic or social isolation.”
National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said farming could
be tough and there needed to be the right resources in place to help producers deal with the challenges thrown at them.
“A farmer’s greatest asset isn’t their land, livestock or produce, it’s their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around them,”
Mr Jochinke said.
“It’s clear the unique mental health needs in agriculture are not being met by existing services and we need Government to give us a leg up so we can turn these devastating statistics around.”
Associate Professor Kate Gunn, a clinical psychologist and founder of ifarmwell, said it’s a crucial time to invest in the wellbeing of Australian farming communities.
“There is an urgent need for coordinated, farmerfriendly, evidence-based approaches to address this critical issue,” Associate Professor Gunn said.
ifarmwell is one of the organisations that has endorsed the joint statement for urgent action.
“As someone who has worked in the field of farmer wellbeing for more than 15 years, this is the closest we’ve been to finding a meaningful way to bring together farmers, industry bodies and other organisations to address farmer mental health,” Associate Professor
Gunn said.
“While the philanthropic sector has been generous to date, support from the Australian Government
is crucial to quickly and impactfully reach farmers with evidence-based initiatives, on a national scale.”
The principles outlined in the Joint Statement emerged from the National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture in March
2024, and have been refined by a Steering Committee convened by The National Farmers’ Federation.
By Sam MCKEITH, AAP
MURDERS have spiked in Australia's most populous state, driven by multiplevictim homicides including a
which six people were killed. A total of 85 people were murdered in NSW in 2024, up from 56 in the previous year and the highest toll since 2014, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reports.
Joel Cauchi, 40, fatally stabbed his victims and injured 12 others at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney before a police officer shot him dead, in one of the
nation's worst mass killings. The crime bureau said there were eight multiple murders in 2024, resulting in 22 murder victims, compared to a decade average of two such events per year.
Some 63 incidents in 2024 were single victim murders, comparable with past years according to the agency. The murder victims were 46 men, 26 women and 13
children, it said, adding almost half of murders related to domestic violence.
Aside from murder, the bureau said crimes in 12 of its 13 major offence categories were stable over the past 24 months.
"None of the 13 major crime categories increased in the two years to December 2024, while one, steal from motor vehicle, fell significantly," Ms Fitzgerald said.
For many offences the recent stable trend follows years of decline, she said. As a consequence, recorded incidents of robbery, break and enter, general stealing and malicious damage to property are all much lower than a decade ago.
Recorded incidents of domestic assault, nondomestic assault and sexual violence, however, have increased over the past decade.
The release comes after the crime statistics bureau in February found more young people were locked up in NSW jails as judges increasingly refused bail in line with a controversial legislative crackdown, aimed at curbing regional crime.
FRIDAY
ABC FAMILY, 7.05pm
Propagating a love of plants and nature in the next generation, Australia’s favourite green thumbs get their hands dirty with all manner of family-friendly activities in this spirited spin-off. Tonight, Costa Georgiadis (above, right) tracks down some peace and quiet with junior hosts Romeo Angelkovski and Yeshi Jehru (above, left). The trio take time out in a local reserve, drawing inspiration from the tranquil waters and tall timbers before bringing what they’ve learnt home to create a mindful garden of their own. It’s a perfect wind-down before the kids’ bedtime.
Daisy and Louis must spend the night together.
9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
10.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.45 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (Final, PG, R)
11.35 ABC Late News.
11.50 Grand Designs. (R)
12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SUNDAY
SBS, 8.30pm
Marlee Silva (pictured) is a proud Gamilaroi-Dunghutti woman, sports commentator and NRL tragic. Here, she examines how we can use the power of sport – in particular rugby league – to drive social change. Marlee is the daughter of league great Rod “Rocket” Silva and has grown up living and breathing all things NRL. She looks at how rugby league can transform lives – and how it highlights some ugly truths of modern society, especially when it comes to violence against women. Marlee talks to some of the game’s biggest names – including master coach Phil Gould, superstar Nicho Hynes, NRL Chairman Peter V’landys and NRLW player Lavinia Gould – to work out what the sport can do to be part of the solution.
MONDAY 9-1-1: LONE
This Rob Lowe (pictured) vehicle follows the action-packed lives of emergency service members in Texas. Its fifth and final season is set a year after the dramatic conclusion to series four and sees Carlos (Rafael Silva) and TK (Ronen Rubenstein) approaching their first wedding anniversary as Carlos settles into his new role as a Texas Ranger, while other comings and goings lead to movements at the station. Tonight’s episode, “Trainwrecks”, sees the team race into action when a train derailment causes multiple injuries. Meanwhile, Tommy (Gina Torres) makes a bold move in her relationship with Trevor (D.B. Woodside).
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (Ml) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R)
9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 A Body That Works. (Mals)
11.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)
1.35 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (MA15+a, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (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. 8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The life of a bookshop owner changes after a Hollywood celebrity enters his shop in Notting Hill while promoting her latest movie. The unlikely duo soon face all manner of obstacles to make their romance work. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans.
11.05 Suits L.A. (Ma, R)
12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.05 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) A man investigates terrorist attacks. Dylan O’Brien.
12.45 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)
Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 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. Noon Pretty Little Liars. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) Presented by Sam Pang. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mdlsv, R) Celebrity guests include Dakota Johnson, Sterling K Brown, Domhnall Gleeson and Colman Domingo. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.25 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R) 2.15 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 2.55 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.45 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R) 4.35 The Platypus Guardian. (PG, R) 5.30 Great Expectations: Karta The Orang-Utan’s Story. (PG, R)
6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney.
6.30 Back Roads: Bibbulmun Track, WA. (PG, R) Rae Johnston explores WA’s Bibbulmun Track.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) Marlon investigates the murder of his old boss.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparent suicide of a well-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace.
10.00 Unforgotten. (Madl, R) A new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team.
10.50 Boat Story. (MA15+alv, R) Two strangers discover cocaine on a boat.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Premiere) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Mont Saint-Michel. (PG)
8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. Head shepherd Shaun has to intervene in a difficult birth.
9.25 Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. (PGa, R) Ray Martin continues to plan his own funeral. 10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo.
3.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger’s suitcase has an unusual lining.
7.30 MOVIE: Gladiator. (2000, Mav, R) A Roman general seeks revenge. Russell Crowe.
10.40 MOVIE: The Pope’s Exorcist. (2023, MA15+hv) The Pope’s chief exorcist investigates a possession. Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto.
12.55 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGalv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette.
10.40 MOVIE: Red Dog: True Blue. (2016, PGals, R)
12.20 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)
1.10 Pointless. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple’s house is too small. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) An important class-action lawsuit leads the team to investigate a sorority. Matty brings Alfie with her to work. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mav, R) 11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am The Man
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 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (Final,
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (PGa)
8.15 Unforgotten. (Mals) The team investigates Gerry Cooper.
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+av) Janet and Samuel try to find a buyer for the drugs.
10.05 MOVIE: Irresistible. (2006, Malsv, R) Susan Sarandon.
11.45 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.55 Rage Closer. (R)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Ancient Greece By Train.
8.30 Skin In The Game. (Ma)
9.40 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)
10.40 Franklin. (MA15+l, R)
12.25 The Burnt Half. (Mal, R)
1.50 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
2.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
5.30 Domino Masters. 6.25 Abandoned Engineering. 7.20 Abandoned Americana. 9.05 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 9.55 Video Killed The Radio Star. 10.25 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
Who Brought Down The White House. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 9.05 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 11.00 Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 1pm Benjamin. (2018, M) 2.35 Diana. (2013, PG) 4.40 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 6.40 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 10.45 Sleeping Beauty. (2011, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs. 6am The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 10.05 Argo. (2012, M) 12.30pm Emily. (2022, M) 2.50 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 4.45 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 6.55 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.30am The Daughter. (2021, MA15+, Spanish) 2.45 Late Programs.
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(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PG)
8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return) A profile of the 17-year-old Aussie sprinter Gout Gout, who is on track to become the fastest man alive.
9.40 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R) Notorious cold cases are re-opened.
11.10 Autopsy USA: Dean Martin. (Mal)
12.10 The Bay. (Mal, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 7.10 Children’s Programs. 1.15pm The Nanny. 2.15 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang. (2010) 4.20 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. (2011) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb. (2014, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Six Days, Seven Nights. (1998, M) 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 1pm Innovation Nation. 1.05 MOVIE: The Man In The Moon. (1991, PG) 3.05 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.05 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Goosebumps. (2015, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, M) 10.20 MOVIE: Fast & Furious 6. (2013, M) 12.50am Gotham. 1.45 Arrow. 2.35 Young Sheldon. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See No Evil: Not A Social Person. (Mav) 11.10 The First 48. (Ma)
6.00 The
Project. A look at the
(PGl) Presented by Jonathan
Matlock. (PGa) Olympia hires an outside party to select jurors rather than using Shae, putting the case at risk. 9.30 FBI. (Mav) After two jurors for a highprofile mafia trial are gunned down, the team jumps into an organised crime investigation until it is discovered that the jurors may not have been the intended targets. 11.30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (Return)
SBS World News.
Lisbon With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries.
9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv)
11.50 The Night Manager. (Mals, R) 2.05 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 3.10 How To Get Fit Fast. (PGn, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) A train derailment causes multiple injuries. 9.30 Suits L.A. (M) 10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGas, R)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Ml) 9.00 100% Footy. (M) 10.00 9News Late.
The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Premiere, MA15+av)
First On Scene. (Ma)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice
6am Morning
Programs. 8.45 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 10.35 Partly Cloudy With Sunny Spells. (2015, M, Italian) 12.25pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 5.30 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.30 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 9.50 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.10am Late Programs.
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 3.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (PG, R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 7.40 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 9.15 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 11.00 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.35pm The Big Short. (2015, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 5.35 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 Mermaids. (1990, PG) 9.35 Vampire Seeking Consenting Person. (2023, M, French) 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Americas: The Atlantic Coast. (Premiere, PG) A look at the natural beauty of the Americas.
8.30 The Hunting Party. (M) A serial killer adopts another’s style of killing. 9.30 The Irrational. (Mav) 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.00 MOVIE: Cruel Instruction. (2022, MA15+adsv, R) 2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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WEDNESDAY, March 26
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Return, Ml) Ten survivalists take on the wilderness.
9.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) The SAS receives a visit from two senior generals.
10.50 SBS World News Late.
11.20 Blackwater. (MA15+ans)
12.30 My Brilliant Friend. (Malv, R) Lila continues to hold a grudge.
3.55 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Michael Collins. (1996, MA15+) 10.55 MOVIE: Snowpiercer.
THURSDAY, March 27
And Counting. (Ml)
9.20 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R)
10.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.10 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R)
11.55 Grand Designs Revisited. (R)
12.40 Parliament. 1.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGal) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Arj Barker: Comes Clean. (Mls, R)
11.10 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
12.10 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.30 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Ml)
9.00 Scrublands. (Final, MA15+lv)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Madv, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 My Way. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv) Elsbeth and the team investigate when an unlikeable fashion photographer is murdered. 9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Final, Mv) The team must track down a mysterious terrorist group before they can strike again. 10.25 10’s Late News. 10.50 The Project. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
9GO!
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6am Vanity Fair.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PGa)
8.30 Celine Dion: A Star Is Born.
9.35 Virdee. (Premiere)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Breaking Point. (Masv)
12.00 Blinded. (MA15+a, R)
1.45 Elizabeth. (PGa, R)
3.25 Hugh’s Wild West. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Continued. (2004, PG) 8.15 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.15 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.30pm 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 2.50 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.10 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.50 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 9.25 Girls Will Be Girls. (2024, M, Hindi) 11.35 Late Programs. 6am RabbitProof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.10 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 9.05 Mermaids. (1990, PG) 11.10 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.50pm Dating Amber. (2020, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Vanity Fair. (2004, PG) 5.40 Every Day. (2018, PG) 7.30 Stand By Me. (1986, M) 9.10 How To Have Sex. (2023, MA15+) 10.50 Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (Return, PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 The Amazing Race. (PG)
11.30 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Malv, R)
12.45 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
3.40 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Return, Mls) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks. Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mad, R) Benson helps a federal agent. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping.
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By Paul DORIN
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
There was so much stress in the build-up to Cyclone Alfred. How did the experts get it so wrong?
Marcia P.
Dear Marcia,
Now the meteorologists will give you all sorts of reasons for Alfred's change of heart, like the tropical cyclone looping back on itself which changed its expected trajectory, and the lighter winds caused by its intersection with a high pressure ridge, but in my unprofessional opinion, it came down to the name.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
There is nothing menacing or destructive about an Alfred. Just look at the history books. Alfred Nobel donated his wealth to establish the Nobel Prize.
Alfred Tennyson was a poet laureate. Alfred North Whitehead was a mathematician and philosopher. The etymology doesn't help. Alfred means Elf Ruler. Elf Ruler? Does that sound like a formidable being to you?
Alfred may have had dreams of being a tropical cyclone, but instead he did more meandering and backtracking and looping back than a politician. And for that we should be grateful.
Many people and businesses still suffered due to flooding, power outages, erosion, and closures.
Incidentally, did you know that the tropical cyclone was supposed to be called Anthony, but the Bureau of Meteorology made a change to avoid confusion as it matched our current Prime Minister?
Jasminda.
TRANSGRID has launched its annual bushfire prevention program, including helicopter inspections and 3D laser scanning, to ensure the safe operation of the transmission network in the lead-up to next summer.
LiDAR inspections by plane are underway across parts of the network and will wrap up in March, with helicopter inspections to follow in coming months.
“Our priority is to protect the safety of landowners, communities and our people and we take the risk of bushfires very seriously and do everything we can to reduce potential risks,” Executive General Manager of Network Marie Jordan said.
“Our transmission lines have been safely operating for decades, and we are
committed to ensuring they continue to do so for many years to come as they are a critical piece of the clean energy transition.
“Transgrid’s network includes more than 13,000km of transmission lines – the equivalent of travelling from Sydney to Perth four times – and we inspect it every year to ensure a high level of preparedness ahead of the summer bushfire season.
“Every year our team plans this program carefully so we can ensure it is as effective as possible to reduce bushfire risk and potential impacts to local communities.”
The program includes a 3D laser aerial survey of easements across the entire Transgrid network using LiDAR technology to
identify vegetation growing too close to transmission lines; helicopter inspections to physically assess the
condition of structures and lines; and on-the-ground teams carrying out network maintenance and addressing
By Rachael WARD and William TON, AAP
AUSTRALIANS’ human rights were overlooked in governmental COVID-19 responses, a new report reveals, with experts saying the country isn't prepared for its next health emergency.
Domestic violence victims, renters, casual workers and at-risk groups bore the brunt of the COVID-19 response, according to a Human Rights
Commission report released last Tuesday.
This is based on the experiences of 5000 Australians affected by border closures, school disruptions, vaccine mandates, lockdowns, quarantine and other health restrictions.
The report detailed a series of traumatic experiences, including a woman forced to give birth to her stillborn son alone because her husband was
refused entry to the hospital and denied any chance of holding him.
Others included a man dressed up in a suit to watch his father's funeral from his kitchen table, an ovarian cancer patient unable to see her surgeon on the other side of a state border closure and a domestic violence victim left alone with her abuser as loved ones were unable to check in on her.
The report drew attention to the disproportionate impact restrictions had on families unable to say goodbye to their dying loved ones and residents of public
housing towers subject to a "severe" lockdown in Melbourne in 2021.
That extended to those with a disability, First Nations Australians and migrant communities who faced barriers accessing services or essential information.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay said while Australia's pandemic response saved lives, it came at a significant cost.
She urged governments to strike a balance between individual freedoms and health responses in future disasters.
"We heard devastating stories of severe economic hardship, families unable to say goodbye to loved ones, women trapped in violent households, and communities left isolated due to blanket policies that failed to consider local realities," Ms Finlay said.
"These experiences should never be ignored or repeated."
Governments have been urged to adopt a currently developed Emergency Response Framework that constantly reviews responses, balances risk with compassion, tailors
communication, avoids abruptly withdrawing support and meaningful consultation with vulnerable groups.
Five years since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, infectious diseases experts warn Australia is "grossly unprepared" for the next health emergency.
"Although overall Australia did well, we can't afford to forget the challenges we faced and lessons we learnt," Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said.
"Many fear we are less, not more prepared for a similar outbreak should it occur now."
The group is calling on the next federal government to establish a permanent Centre for Disease Control and invest in prevention.
Professor of Infectious Diseases at Monash University Allen Cheng said changes need to be implemented to avoid future chaos.
"It's a matter of when, not if, the next health emergency will occur. It is vital that we move to a permanent and properly resourced CDC as soon as possible," he said.
Disaster response measures do not operate in a vacuum, Ms Findlay said, and the full human impact of Australia's approach to the pandemic must be understood so the nation is better prepared for future emergencies.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
By Dominic GIANNINI, Kat WONG and Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP
TREASURER Jim Chalmers has confirmed a budget deficit after posting two surpluses as he announces more cyclone-aftermath support.
An additional $1.2 billion will go toward disaster payments and rebuilding local communities and forms part of a broader $13.5 billion natural disaster response package in the budget.
The treasurer announced a $1000 disaster recovery payment would be extended to more Queensland and NSW localities hit by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
The tropical cyclone wrought a 0.5 per cent
hit to GDP which added a substantial cost to fiscal pressures on federal finances, Dr Chalmers said.
"We can anticipate some upward pressure on building costs," he told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.
"We also anticipate that there will be some impact on fruit and vegetable costs depending on how much of the farmland has been impacted."
The full impact of the cyclone will be unveiled in the budget, which will be delivered on March 25.
Despite the budget returning to the red, the deficits were lower than predicted, Dr Chalmers said, defending the government's decision to bank extra revenue in previous years
rather than spending it.
The government was focused on rolling out already announced measures, such as reformed tax cuts, energy bill subsidies and fee-free TAFE, rather than announcing new relief.
"We've made it clear that when we can afford to provide more cost-of-living help in a responsible way, of course, we will consider that," Dr Chalmers said.
Discussions about further support for cyclone-stricken communities in NSW and Queensland continue, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said.
Asked whether the government would take up a Greens offer to pass Labor cost-of-living pledges before the election, such as slashing student debts by 20 per cent and extra health funding, Senator Gallagher said the schedule was tight.
"We have a very short sitting week that week and we'll see what we can get done," she told reporters in Canberra.
Medicare has become the centrepiece of Labor's election campaign and although the Liberals have matched an $8.5 billion promise to expand bulk billing, the government continues to attack the opposition on health.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pledged to reduce inflation further and has flagged government spending cuts, including by laying off tens of thousands of public servants.
"We have a track record of dealing with economic
management and making economic decisions, including tax cuts," he said.
Politicians have been warned against "election sweeteners" as economists flag growing fiscal holes in Australia's budget.
The Deloitte Access Economics' Budget Monitor forecasts a $26.1 billion underlying cash deficit and revenue downgrades of $11.3 billion over four years.
The projection is slightly
smaller than the $26.9 billion deficit predicted in the December mid-year economic and fiscal outlook.
Report co-author Stephen Smith remains worried about the deterioration of the budget bottom line, saying projected deficits well into the future should be a "reality check for politicians" who want to announce big-ticket sweeteners.
Budget holes in the medium term were getting
bigger, report co-author Cathryn Lee said, raising concerns the election could make politicians "put an outsized focus on flashy proposals designed to woo voters".
Since the mid-year update in December, the government has already announced more than $18 billion in new spending, including its Medicare boost, student debt relief and $7.2 billion for the Bruce Highway.
By Andrew BROWN, AAP
SHOPPERS still feel the impact of rising prices at the supermarket despite inflation lowering, the treasurer admits.
Household grocery bills have soared in recent years, with research by comparison website Finder showing grocery spending at a record high in January.
While underlying inflation fell to 3.2 percent in the December quarter, Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledges the high prices remain challenging.
"People are still under pressure. I know at the supermarket checkout, people are still feeling the pinch. We don't pretend otherwise," the treasurer said on Monday as he prepares to announce the federal budget on March 25.
"But inflation is coming down. If you think about food inflation in particular, that was 5.9 percent when we came to office and now about half that at three per cent."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the rising costs of groceries was evidence the government's economic strategy was not working.
"If the last three years have been a success for the Albanese government and a success for our country, there wouldn't have been a 30 percent increase in food prices," he told reporters in Melbourne.
"People wouldn't be paying 34 percent more for their gas. People wouldn't be struggling to send their kids to school or to pay to go and see a doctor."
Research from Finder showed a household comprising a couple with two children spends an average $270 per week on groceries, or about $14,000 a year.
It found four-in-five Australians were trying to reduce their grocery bills by cutting back on non-essentials, switching to cheaper brands and using coupons.
A spokesman for Coles said the supermarket chain was
working to provide lower costs to customers amid rising cost-ofliving expenses.
"For more than four years, we have kept grocery inflation at our supermarkets below the Australian Bureau of Statistics rate for the sector," the spokesman said.
"Inflation is the enemy of keeping prices low. Grocery prices are heavily influenced by ingredients, such as cocoa and wheat and other commodities, rent, fuel, wages, energy, shipping, and transport, which have mostly risen since 2022."
A Woolworths spokesman said prices at its stores had been dropping.
"Over the last four financial quarters we have reported decreases in average prices across our supermarkets," the spokesman said.
"Our focus is on giving our customers more value, convenience and a better shopping experience whether that's in store or online."
FUNDING has been awarded to a Hunterbased researcher focused on improving outcomes for regional and rural cancer patients.
The NSW Government funding comes as part of a $10 million boost to cancer research across NSW.
The 18 grants, delivered by the Cancer Institute NSW, include $798,790 to the University of Newcastle’s Dr Jennifer Mackney to improve patient access to prehabilitation services in rural and regional NSW.
In 2024 approximately 165,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Australia; around 132,000 of these people will need surgery, often multiple times.
“Prehabilitation before cancer surgery - including exercise, nutritional optimisation, and psychological
support - has been shown to improve physical function, halve postoperative pulmonary complications, and reduce postoperative hospital length of stay,” said Dr Mackney.
“A model of care for the delivery of prehabilitation using inperson and telehealth intervention has been developed in Newcastle over the past five years and utilised clinically.
“However, currently rural and regional patients don’t have equitable access to formal prehabilitation programs.”
The grant will enable Dr Mackney to extend access to the prehabilitation program for cancer patients across five regional and rural hospitals, three in the Hunter New England LHD and two in the Mid North Coast LHD.
A NEW program will give regional NSW councils the chance to share in $1 million for projects to upgrade roads at public level crossings.
Applications opened on Monday for the NSW Government’s Level Crossing Improvement ProgramRegional Council Minor Works. The grants will be for works that make road approaches to level crossings safer by improving sighting distances and advanced warning systems. This could include vehicle-activated signage, line marking, upgrading or installing street lighting, traffic calming treatments (excluding speed limit reductions) and minor road realignments.
their NRL season.
get back home to normality after two away losses to start
said.
The Knights signed Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown on a 10-year megadeal from 2026 during the week. Brown would have liked the foregleam of his next move and the prospect of playing alongside Ponga.
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 15th March
Individual Stableford & Skins Divisional Finals
FIELD | 29 members & 1 visitor.
DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Nick Howell (13) 36 Points, Runner Up Mick Mirisch (13) 35 Points, 3rd Place Brodie Thackeray (9) 31 Points
DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Michael Shanley (18) 45 Points, Runner Up Paul Howell (17) 39 Points, 3rd Place Greg Sainsbury (19) 35
Points
BALL COMP | Greg Kellner (17) 32 Points, Allan Mckinnon (12) 31 Points, Timothy Kiem (8) 30 Points, Glenn Davies (3)
30 Points, Greg Scott (5) 30
Points & Robert Richardson (11) 30 Points.
NEAREST THE PIN |
1st/10th - Paul Geddes (11), 6th/15th - Brodie Thackeray (9), 9th/18th - Greg Scott (5) MEMBERS DRAW | No.37, David Singles (28th/30) $30 ($30 carries forward)
MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Brodie Thackeray (9), 15th Hole, 14 Balls
SKINS DIVISION 1
WINNINGS | Allan Mckinnon (12) - $130, Mick Mirisch (13) - $110, James Cowled (10) - $40 (inc. NTP), Wayne Stedman (7) - $20
SKINS DIVISION 2
WINNINGS | Brodie Thackeray (9) - $65, Timothy Kiem (8)$65 (inc. NTP), Greg Sainsbury (19) - $55, Greg Scott (5) $15
UPCOMING EVENTS
CALENDAR | 22-Mar Par, 29-Mar Stableford & 2BBB (7:30am shotgun start), 5-Apr Stroke & Monthly Medal, 6-Apr
Ponga played often at first receiver to have a hand in all of his side's four first-half tries.
"Our focus was putting in
Transport for NSW Chief of the Centres for Road Safety and Maritime Safety, Bernard Carlon, said the new program will help councils carry out minor, low-cost engineering work and safety improvements on road approaches to level crossings.
a performance that Newcastle are proud of, and I definitely think we did that," Ponga said.
“There are over 1300 level crossings located on public roads across NSW and collisions between trains and vehicles are a major road and rail safety risk,” Mr Carlon
"It's been a long time since I've had a full preseason and it was definitely a focus for me. For many reasons I believe it sets up your season. I feel pretty good at the moment.
q Stableford Divisional Winners: Division 1, Nick Howell (r) and Division 2, Michael Shanley (l).
Course Renovations, 12Apr Stableford (Red Tee Challenge), 14-Apr Masters Monday Ambrose, 19-Apr
Stableford & 2BBB, 26-Apr Last Man Standing (7:30am shotgun start). Schedule subject to change
"As a spine, we do it collectively. For me, I just worry about being dangerous. Off the back of that, things happen."
Starting No.7 Jack Cogger was also solid to show he was not daunted by the Brown signing.
Ponga the maestro was the link man for the opening try to winger James Schiller, with an overhead pass by Pearce-Paul the clincher.
The Knights skipper sent Schiller over for his second, then fired the final pass for centre Bradman Best to crash over to give the razzle-dazzle Knights a 14-0 lead after 21 minutes.
Ponga then turned on a move that Knights legend Andrew Johns said in Channel Nine commentary "only a couple of players in the world" could have conjured.
He moved to the outside of Dolphins centre Jake Averillo while a pass from Cogger was in mid-air and sent centre Dane Gagai in to make it 20-0.
The exquisite craft of Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa provided prop Mark Nicholls with the visitors' only points of the first half.
Queensland coach Billy
“These grants will enhance safety for motorists and rail users - passenger and freight - and are a step towards the NSW Government's goal of zero road trauma by 2050.” Councils have until 2 May to apply for a share of $1 million in grants that are on offer for the 2025/26 financial year.
Slater was also licking his lips over the Ponga display.
"It was 10 out of 10 for Kalyn in that first half for me," Slater said at the break.
Brown's likely halves partner next year, electrifying No.6 Fletcher Sharpe, sliced through to set up secondrower Dylan Lucas after halftime.
The Saifiti twins, playing against each other for the first time in their lives, locked horns with the first hit-up of the game. Daniel ran straight into opposite prop Jacob in what was a moment to savour.
Jacob led a dominant Knights pack with vim before suffering a cork to the quad.
The Dolphins played dumb footy, conceding three penalties for incorrect playthe-balls.
Katoa, who scored with a late show-and-go, was the shining light for the Dolphins.
Dolphins prop Felise Kaufusi said the side was keen to get back to Queensland, where they will play their next five games after the trials of a winless fortnight.
"We've had a lot of adversity and hopefully that can make us stronger as a group going forward and we can get some points on the table," he said.
Relief from Labor’s cost-of-living crisis including affordable and reliable energy.
Fixing our roads. Improving community infrastructure. More affordable housing.
Improving access to GP services, quality health and aged care.
Fixing mobile and internet connections.
Authorised by David Gillespie, 14 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430
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