Local author to publish platypus book
By Thomas O’KEEFE
STROUD local Rachel Barry has been announced as a successful recipient of the 2025 MidCoast Arts Support Program, receiving a $1500 grant to help bring her children’s book “Where Ripples Rise” to life.
The book celebrates the platypus (Yapii in Gathang language) and its precious local habitat, told through the eyes of a child sitting by the creek.
"It combines story, art, and cultural heritage, to inspire mindfulness, conservation, and respect for nature,” author Rachel told News Of The Area.
The book was lovingly illustrated by Newcastle artist Estelle Leishman.
It features her unique ecoart approach, created using natural inks and pigments
STATEWIDE OPERATION
q Illustrator Estelle Leishman, Uncle Justin Ridgeway, and Author Rachel Barry. Photos: supplied by Rachel Barry.
Weapons charges after vehicle stop
ORGANISED Crime Squad
detectives have seized a privately manufactured semi-automatic firearm and charged two men following a vehicle stop in the Twelve Mile Creek area.
About 4.30pm
Wednesday 13 August 2025, officers attached to Raptor North Highway Patrol - with assistance from officers attached to the Organised Crime Squad and Raptor Northstopped a 4WD at Twelve Mile Creek.
Police searched the vehicle and located and seized a privately manufactured semi-
OUTLETS
Where you can pick up your paper
If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au
Clarence Town
Clarence Town IGA
Clarence Town Post Office
Clarence Town Bowling Club
Paterson
Paterson Friendly Grocer
Paterson Service Station
Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent
Vacy
Vacy General Store
Dungog
Dungog Information Centre
Dungog Newsagent
Lovey's IGA
Dowling General Store
Dungog RSL
Long Room Cafe
Hidden Valley Clothing
Bottlemart
Farmers Warehouse
Royal Hotel
Gresford
Gresford Foodworks
Gresford Garage & Rural
Gresford Butchery Providore
The Beatty Hotel
automatic firearm, a firearm silencer, an amount of ammunition, mobile phones and approximately 65g of cocaine.
The driver Peter Withers, 60, and his passenger Michael Seymour, 39, were arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
Both men were charged with “possess unregistered unauthorised prohibited firearm in public place”, “possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit”, “possess ammunition without
holding licence/permit/ authority” and “supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity”.
They were both refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday 14 August 2025.
Police allege Mr Seymour was involved in serious criminal activity in the Central Coast area, with Mr Withers being his alleged associate.
Organised Crime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said the seizure and arrest was another
q Police located a privately manufactured semi-automatic firearm, a firearm silencer, ammunition, mobile phones and approximately 65g of cocaine.
example of detectives disrupting serious crime.
“The Organised Crime Squad are proactively stopping firearms from reaching the streets where they can be used in serious crimes of violence,” Det Supt Faux said.
Anyone with
Art prize entries open
ARTISTS living in the Dungog, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Shires can now enter this year’s Viola Bromley Art Prize.
The Viola Bromley is a celebration of local art across the disciplines of painting, works on paper, sculpture and photography, with artists
of all backgrounds and identities strongly encouraged to participate.
Viola was part of a small group invited to arrange the Festival of the Valley Art Prize in 1958 – the forerunner to the Muswellbrook Art Prize.
She then played a significant role in the construction of
an art gallery at the Muswellbrook Town Hall site in 1976, and in gaining regional gallery status for the newly-built Muswellbrook Municipal Art Gallery.
A $500 prize will be awarded to the winner of each section of the Art Prize, with one work selected as the Overall
Acquisitive Winner, receiving a $2,000 prize and joining the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection.
Entries close 6 October with the exhibition launch and announcement of winners on 25 October and the exhibition at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre continuing
Director Positions Available
Help Shape Tourism in the Dungog Region
Dungog Regional Tourism Inc. is seeking passionate individuals to join our skillsbased board of seven directors dedicated to growing tourism throughout the Dungog region.
We seek directors who are:
• Knowledgeable and passionate about tourism opportunities and challenges
• Skilled in one or more of the following areas:
o Business development
o Marketing and promotion
o Corporate governance
o Financial management
o Strategic planning
Committed to the Dungog Region with demonstrated local interest and involvement
The role and commitment:
• Voluntary positions with meaningful impact on regional tourism development
• Minimum 11 meetings per year plus additional commitments as required
• Directors will be selected by an appointed selection committee and formally appointed at a members’ meeting
• Appointments are for 3 years
For complete details about the organisation and application process, visit our website at www.drt.org.au . Any queries and applications submit to info@drt.org.au
Join us in promoting and developing tourism opportunities that showcase the best of the Dungog region.
Applications close at cob on Friday 26 September 2025
information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Both men will return to court at Raymond Terrace on 1 September.
until 10 January 2026. For more on the Viola Bromley Art Prize visit https://artgallery. muswellbrook.nsw. gov.au/prizes/#pagesection-4
q Viola Bromley, ‘Still Life with Lilies’ 1961, oil on canvas on plywood, 50 x 65 x cm, Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, Winner, Muswellbrook Art Prize 1961, Local Section.
STATEWIDE OPERATION
FROM Page 1
from Raptor Squad, Youth Command, State Crime Command’s Child Protection Register, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and the Police Transport Command.
Across the four days, 865 people were arrested and charged, with 269 arrest warrants executed.
Police laid 2,028 charges and conducted 1,590 bail compliance checks and 12,468 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with a total of 669 breaches identified.
Officers conducted 144 firearms prohibition order (FPO) searches, with 87 firearms and 31 weapons seized.
Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Sponsor, Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna, said police had a “relentless focus” to
find and arrest the most dangerous domestic violence offenders.
“This is the 11th Operation Amarok, and we remain committed to going after the worst of the worst domestic and family violence offenders who think they can hide,” A/Deputy Commissioner McKenna said.
“Police are called to an incident of domestic violence every three minutes in NSW, and we need to ask ourselves as a society, why do we keep putting up with this?
“There should be absolutely no tolerance for this type of offending.
“We encourage anyone to come forward to police and report their concerns, we will investigate.”
Significant arrests - About 7am on Wednesday 13 August 2025, officers from Newcastle City Police District arrested a
Local author to publish platypus book
FROM Page 1
made from materials foraged along Stroud’s Mill Creek, the very waterway that inspired the story.
Estelle is currently completing her PhD at the University of Newcastle, working within the Indigenous History Centre “Purai” meaning earth in the Awabakal language.
"The process of
illustrating this book went so much further than just drawing pictures,” Estelle said.
“Aside from studio time, some days I would be down at the platypus creek gathering rocks to turn into paint, others I was collecting fallen leaves from Rachel’s backyard to be used in a collage for the final pieces.
“I’ve gained a real appreciation for the town of Stroud, I get really excited whenever I come back to
33-year-old man at a home in Redtail Street, Chisholm, before he was taken to Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with 13 offences.
Police will allege the man consistently contacted a woman known to him daily in contravention of an enforceable ADVO since June, including allegedly contacting the woman via text message and calls upwards of 30 times per day between Monday 21 July 2025 to Sunday 27 July 2025.
Police will further allege the man attended the woman’s home on multiple occasions where he yelled at her and damaged her property.
The man was arrested on Thursday 7 August 2025 and was charged with “contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic)”, “assault occasioning actual bodily
work here, as I know I’ll be greeted with some of the familiar faces that make up this friendly community."
Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway is also collaborating on the book.
“Uncle Justin will be contributing a Welcome to Country for the beginning of the book and a double-page spread at the back sharing the Worimi People’s deep connection to the platypus,” Rachel explained.
“He will also lead a smoking ceremony at the community book launch.
“The project will also involve Stroud Junior Landcare (the “Platypus Guardians”), with workshops for schools and the wider
harm (DV)”, “destroy or damage property" and “breach of bail”.
He was granted bail on Thursday 7 August 2025 and police will allege he contacted the woman several times, including allegedly contacting the woman via text message and calls upwards of 30 times per day between Thursday 8 August 2025 and Tuesday 12 August 2025.
- About 3pm on Friday 15 August 2025, officers from Port-Stephens Hunter Police District arrested a 44-year-
community that combine conservation, art, and cultural learning.”
The book’s share of the grant will help cover part of the production costs and provide opportunities for the community to engage with the book’s environmental and cultural messages; however, Rachel is still seeking further funding to cover selfpublishing and printing costs.
The MidCoast Arts
old man on Queen Street, Rutherford.
The man was wanted for a number of serious domestic violence offences including choking a woman known to him.
It will be alleged the woman lost consciousness during one of the assaults.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 16 August 2025.
Information about the NSW Police Force response to domestic and family violence,
Support Program was first launched in March 2024, with the goal of continuing to support the creative industry sector, and this grant is only available to individual artists, collectives and cultural practitioners who reside in the MidCoast Council Local Government Area.
“This project is about children connecting to Country – building respect, mindfulness, and care for
can be found at www.police. nsw.gov.au/crime/domestic_ and_family_violence.
Victims of domestic and family violence can find information about support services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station.
In an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).
our waterways and land, and walking together into the future as Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians.
“It’s about mindfulness in nature, encouraging kids to slow down, take deep breaths, and connect with the natural world around them.”
Rachel hopes to have the first printed copies available by the end of the year and plans to tour MidCoast Council libraries in 2026.
ABN: 29447299737
Hidden ValleyCLOTHING
0458 289 989 143 Dowling Street Dungog, NSW www.hiddenvalleyclothing.com.au Like us on Facebook @hiddenvalleyclothing
q Across the four days, 865 people were arrested and charged, with 269 arrest warrants executed.
q The book is titled ‘Where Ripples Rise’.
By Allanah SCIBERRAS and Maeve BANNISTER, AAP
PARENTS and advocates say reforms to improve workingwith-children checks are a step in the right direction but they want more action to keep kids in childcare safe.
Fast-tracked reforms unveiled on Friday will ensure that by the end of the year, anyone prevented from holding a working-withchildren check in one state or territory will be automatically banned across the country.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland described the change as "long overdue" but confirmed a national working-with-children check was not on the cards, with jurisdictions to continue managing their systems.
"We are not seeking to reinvent the wheel; we are seeking to make this better in the most expeditious time frame possible," Ms Rowland told ABC News on Saturday.
"This is one element of an important suite of reforms that we're undertaking but we know that nefarious
individuals will seek to exploit loopholes or forum shop where they have the opportunity and we're seeking to close those gaps."
Ms Rowland added that the vast majority of people who worked in childcare were good and should not be "ostracised" based on the actions of a few.
Australia's peak early learning body said aligning the working-with-children checks nationwide would help protect children in care.
"This is an important first step (to) closing the loopholes that currently exist," Australian Childcare Alliance president Paul Mondo said.
"This step alone, however, requires further commitments including the development of a national register for early childhood educators and teachers."
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds described the changes as a huge relief, saying they would "absolutely make a difference to the safety of children".
"This is just the first step of a whole range of actions that need to be taken," she
said on Friday.
The changes come almost a month after Melbourne worker Joshua Dale Brown was charged with dozens of sex offences, including allegedly sexually abusing eight children.
Brown is known to have worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and the time of his arrest.
Melody Glaister's daughter was one of 1200 children who had to be tested for sexually transmitted infections in July after attending a childcare centre where Brown had worked.
She was shocked to discover mutual recognition of decisions on workingwith-children checks was not already in place.
"It doesn't make any sense," Ms Glaister told AAP.
"The childcare sector is a mess and it does need reform and massive changes.
"We can't trust that the system is safe for our children."
Education Minister Jason Clare on Friday announced compliance action had been initiated against 30 early
childhood centres under laws passed by federal parliament in July.
Under the changes, funding will be stripped from centres not meeting safety standards.
The nation's education
ministers will meet next week to consider further child safety laws.
Jen Fleming, co-founder of advocacy group For Parents, said parents needed a seat at the reform table.
"Parents walk into childcare centres every day in this country and they leave their most precious people with childcare workers," Ms
Fleming told AAP.
"We as parents are quite rightly questioning what is going wrong in the system ... they haven't consulted with parents."
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
q Michelle Rowland: the vast majority of childcare workers are good people. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Growth can put spark into younger generations' future
By Poppy JOHNSTON and Kat WONG, AAP
AUSTRALIA is failing its younger generations and the chair of the Productivity Commission believes a policymaker "growth mindset" can help.
Danielle Wood says the generational bargain is in peril.
"Young people today believe they won't live better lives than their parents did," the head of the nation's economic think tank will say at the National Press Club on Monday.
"I'm worried too."
Australians born in the 1990s were the first generation not to earn more than those in the decade before them.
Now in their 30s, millennials are struggling to enter the property market "as policy choices have contributed to house prices growing much faster than incomes for the best part of three decades".
This generation will also bear the brunt of climate change and the cost of decarbonisation, made worse by policymakers who have dodged the cheapest options, namely a national carbon price.
Ms Wood, due to speak before the federal government's economic reform roundtable on Tuesday, says the challenges facing younger generations amount to productivity problems.
About squeezing more from less, productivity allows wages to grow and helps "build things better and faster", such as homes and clean energy infrastructure.
The commission has already spelled out a long list of recommendations to kickstart anaemic productivity growth in five separate reports released before the roundtable.
Suggestions include reforming the corporate tax system and financial incentives for workplace
training.
Ms Wood will also call for an attitude shift at the highest levels of government policymaking and delivery.
"This 'growth mindset'an elevation of growth and the benefits it brings - has been missing from Australian policy for far too long," she said.
She will point to the "growth of the regulatory burden" as symptomatic of a policy culture failing to prioritise growth.
"Regulatory hairballs" are everywhere, she will argue, from 31-step approvals and licensing surveys for wouldbe Queensland cafe owners to "evermore stringent requirements for energy efficiency in the construction code".
Australia's key economic stakeholders are set to gather in Canberra to propose solutions to the nation's ailing productivity as part of the government's hotly anticipated roundtable.
Almost 30 groups
representing farmers, pharmacies, universities and small, medium and large businesses have urged the government to reduce red tape and reform taxes without raising costs.
"Australia is facing an uncertain future unless we fix
the real challenges within our economy," Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said.
Environment groups have also urged the government to address concerns like nature law reforms.
"Nature's economic role is too important to leave out of national reform conversations," Australian Land Conservation Alliance chief executive Jody Gunn said.
"If we invest in the solutions it brings, we all win."
q Danielle Wood. Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
I, JACK WRIGHT
ABC TV, 8.55pm
An outstanding ensemble drama from Unforgotten creator Chris Lang, this new series proves that where there’s a will, there’s a feuding family. It’s not long after the titular businessman (Trevor Eve) apparently commits suicide that his many wives and children begin clamouring for their share of his estate. As the bombshell contents of Jack’s recently made will bring out the worst in everyone, the saga catches the eye of DCI Hector Morgan (Harry Lloyd, pictured), who opens an investigation into Jack’s suspicious death.
FRIDAY, August 22
MONDAY
THE BLOCK
NBN, 7.30pm
Keeping a secret on The Block is no mean feat – for one, the houses aren’t yet entirely enclosed spaces. But for four weeks now, Adelaide best mates Robby and Mat (pictured) have managed to keep a lid on plans for a giant hole in their backyard (slated to become a game-changing underground wine cellar).
With another Domain Open for Inspection in tonight’s episode, and a clandestine cavern the size of a small home hiding in plain sight, will the “whole” truth come out, or are their fellow Blockheads too sleep-deprived to notice?
Both living and dining room spaces – and a comedy roast challenge – are on this week’s agenda for the contestants, so they’d certainly be forgiven if it were the latter.
WEDNESDAY DNA
JOURNEY
SBS, 8.30pm
Newly retired Olympic champions, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean (pictured) are so legendary that there’s even a neighbourhood in their home town of Nottingham named after the pair. Having skated together for decades, the partners know almost everything there is about each other. In this UK series, they’re on a mission to discover the facts that are a mystery even to themselves – a process that will bring them closer than ever. On the trail of their most interesting relatives, they discover a pioneering unionist, a fellow sporting star and a distant cousin with more than one surprising connection to the iconic duo.
ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Ma) A librarian is poisoned at the museum.
9.20 Hard Quiz: Battle Of The Fuddy Duds. (PGs, R) Tom Gleeson welcomes back four returning retirees.
9.50 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
10.25 ABC Late News.
10.45 Austin. (PG, R)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals.
9.20 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Catch Me A Killer. (Malv)
11.40 The Shelter. (MA15+av, R)
1.15 Romulus. (Masv, R)
3.10 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
3.40 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.
8.30 MOVIE: Enemy Of The State. (1998, Mlv, R) A lawyer becomes the target of a corrupt government agent after he gains possession of a valuable videotape. It appears the only chance he has to regain his former life lies with an ex-intelligence operative. Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight.
11.15 The Rookie. (Mav, R)
12.15 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.15 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 25. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Melbourne Storm versus Canterbury Bulldogs match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, Mlv, R) Two cops team up to find a kidnap victim. Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30
6.00
SATURDAY, August 23
6.30 Back Roads: Forrest, Victoria. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Ma, R) DI Humphrey Goodman joins the police force in fiancée Martha’s hometown of Shipton Abbott.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate the death of the founder of a club for recovering heart bypass patients.
10.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls, R) Struggling with motherhood, Essie finds a new friend in Isabelle.
10.55 Miss Austen. (Final, PG, R)
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (Final, PG)
8.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGl, R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mdv, R)
1.55 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.55 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGaw, R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Ireland’s Coney Island. 7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Slawomir Tomczyk. (Malv, R) A look at the murder of Slawomir Tomczyk. 8.35 MOVIE: 2012. (2009, Mlv, R)
A man tries to protect his family when a global cataclysm threatens to destroy the world. John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor.
11.50 To Be Advised.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 25. Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters.
9.35 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 2. Manchester City v Tottenham.
11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)
1.30 Surfing Australia TV. (PGl, 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) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. A couple struggle to get into the property market. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Madl, R) A man claims to have jumped off Brisbane’s Story Bridge and the team races against time to save his life.
9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay investigates MacGregor’s Restaurant. 10.40 FBI: International. (Mv, R) The Fly Team heads to Belgrade. 11.35 Watson. (PGals, R) Watson takes a major ethical risk. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00
6am Morning
Programs. 8.20 The Movie Show. 8.55 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 10.45 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 12.40pm What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 4.55 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 6.50 Lord Of The Flies. (1963, PG) 8.30 Arcadian. (2024, M) 10.15 Un Amor. (2023, Spanish) 12.40am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, August 24
6.30 Compass. (Final)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG)
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls) Isabelle’s investigation zones in on Lulu.
8.55 I, Jack Wright. (Premiere, Mlv) Family tensions erupt in the wake of a man’s suicide.
9.40 MOVIE: Sunday Too Far Away. (1975, Mlv, R) Sheep shearers get involved in a dispute. Jack Thompson.
11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 7.55 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm Tiddler. 5.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rome Underground.
8.25 Secret Lives Of The Roman Emperors. (PGals, R)
9.35 Tulum: The Last City Of The Mayan Empire. (Ma, R)
10.35 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Maw, R)
12.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
3.35 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R)
4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 8.25 Lord Of The Flies. (1963, PG) 10.05 Tudawali. (1987, M) 11.45 The Movie Show. 12.20pm The The Movie Show. 3.25 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 11.25
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Life
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGl, R) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Car Attack. (Madlv, R) Police investigate a hit-and-run driver.
10.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Mav, R)
11.20 Monster Mansion: Evil Behind Bars. (MA15+av, R)
12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 A Killer Makes A Call. (Return, MA15+av)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Survivor: Australia V The World. (PGl) Fourteen returning contestants head to Samoa. 8.30 Watson. (Mas) Stephens musters up the courage to ask
MONDAY, August 25
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.45 Contraption Masters. 9.30 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PGv)
8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R)
9.15 Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can-Can! (Mn, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 Tokyo Vice.
(MA15+av, R) 1.40 Blackport. (Mlv, R) 2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The Voice. (PGal) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) The team hunts for a local vigilante.
10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mv) Hondo and Hicks search for Powell. 11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R) 1.00 Hooten & The Lady. (Premiere, Mav)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PGl)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.50 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.10 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 1.05pm A Thousand Lines. (2022, M, German) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Grass Harp. (1995, PG) 5.25 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.30 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 9.20 The Son. (2022, M) 11.35 My Policeman. (2022, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, August 26
6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (PGal, R) 11.25 The Shift. (Mal)
1.10 Everything You Love. (Mal, R)
2.15 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGav, R)
4.10 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Voice. (PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 9.00 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL. 10.00 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.45 The Agenda Setters.
11.45 Autopsy USA. (MA15+a, R) 12.45 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
6am What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.40 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 10.45 In The Company Of Women. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.30pm The Son. (2022, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 5.40 My Neighbor Adolf. (2022, PG) 7.30 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) 9.30 Unleashed. (2005, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.
Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday.
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82) 9GEM (82)
WEDNESDAY, August 27
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 The Point. (R) 10.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (Premiere, PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco Vs Supermarkets. (Premiere)
8.30 DNA Journey. (Premiere)
9.35 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Estonia. (MA15+al)
12.50 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)
1.50 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGv, R)
3.50 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.25 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6am The Grass
Harp. (1995, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 My Neighbor Adolf. (2022, PG) 10.25 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 12.15pm Ping Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 5.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 7.35 Aftersun. (2022, M) 9.30 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 12.10am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, August 28
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (R) 11.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 11.35 Nigella Bites. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. (Return, PG) 9.15 The Family Next Door. (Mls, R) 10.10 ABC Late News.
10.25 The Business. (R) 10.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R)
Lost Family: What Happened
(PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 2.05 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGav, R) 2.55 Garage Dreams. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland.
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+sv)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R)
11.55 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)
1.55 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGa, R) 3.55 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained.
(32)
6am Golden
Years. (2016, PG) 7.50 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 10.00 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) Noon Aftersun. (2022, M) 1.55 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 3.50 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.35 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 7.30 Argo. (2012, M) 9.55 August: Osage County. (2013, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Bree has an unruly patient.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Tik Tok: Top 100. (M) Celebrates the top 100 viral TikTok clips, including hilarious, shocking and spectacular moments.
10.30 Armed And Dangerous: Heists. (Mav, R) A look at Australia’s greatest bank heists.
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, 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. (Mal)
9.45 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.45 9News Late.
11.15 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 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
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Collision Catastrophe. (Ma)
10.30 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (MA15+adv, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
72 Common Road, Dungog NSW Entry $10 pp. Kids 18 & under FREE FRI 29 AUGUST 9AM-4PM SAT 30 AUGUST 9AM-4PM SUN 31 AUGUST 9AM-2PM
Experience 185 Australian sculptures over 3 unforgettable days in the stunning Dungog Common Recreational Reserve. sculptureonthefarm.com
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
Funeral Notices
McRAE
Marie June
Late of Belbora. Passed away peacefully on 12th August 2025.
Aged 90 years.
Beloved wife of Duncan (dec). Loving mother and mother in-law to Ruth, Athol & Sharon, Malcolm & Sandy, Janet & Mark and Robyn & Trevor. Proud and loving grandmother and great grandmother. Survived by brother Athol Kenneth Murray. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marie’s Funeral Service to be held at the Krambach Presbyterian Church, Krambach on Monday 25th August 2025 commencing at 10.30am prior to interment in the Krambach Cemetery.
Memorial Notice
Rose CAMPBELL
Aged 87 Years. Late of Gloucester. Wife to the late Frank Campbell.
A memorial will be held at Dam-It Getaway, 81 Kia Ora Hill Road, Bowman Farm via Gloucester at 11.00am on 19th September 2025, followed by morning tea at the CWA Club rooms, 108 Church Street, Gloucester. RSVP to Gavin Day before 7th September on 0433 443 857 for catering purposes.
Wanted to Buy War Medals
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215
Items for sale
WHITE 6 drawer chest of drawers, GC, $50 Teac JC12 digital stereo hi-fi system, still in box $100. White half pantry cupboard with shelves VGC $50. 0434 521 457 F250625
Garage Sale
23rd/24th August 9-4
29 Argyle St Barrington Camping & fishing gear compressor & air tools motorcycle parts/clothes power tools, welder trolleys, shelving + more
For Sale
DVDs x 22. $30. 0447 076 485
COCA-COLA
Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898
COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466 F190625
For Sale
BAR table, great for pool or outdoor area. Tempered glass top, aluminium frame with white canvas, storage shelf below. $250 ono 0417 216 598
COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713
DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063
HORSE riding boots Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495
SOLAR hot water panels 300L $85 0487 239 157
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190
VET Crush for horses Steve Irwin Equine brand. Never used always shedded. Fully lined rubber 1400mm H; 17mm D. Split door adjustable chest bar & scanning tray. All duragal RHS steel. Heavy duty hinges. Located in Wallarobba. $2000. 0419 626 205.
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
2010 Ford Falcon LPG Very good condition
$6,500. 0431 607 774
SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $7,800. 0415 678 687 Re170625
Motors
Caravans
Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
OPINION
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
My friend gave me a book for my birthday.
When I started to read it this week, I noticed it had been signed by the author but addressed to her, not me!
Should I bring this up with her?
It's obviously secondhand.
I'm a bit offended.
Miriam L.
Dear Miriam,
People have very different relationships with books.
Some keep treasured books for a lifetime, carefully cataloguing them and rarely
lending them.
If they do, they inscribe them with a message such as, 'Books are like friends to me. I want them to return.'
Other people couldn't care less.
They are happy to share their books with anyone and if they come back again it's a bonus.
They certainly don't have a spreadsheet of books they own, where the books came from, whether or not if they were gifted, or if they received a book two years ago after standing in a tedious queue for an author signing.
The treatment of books is also a polarising topic.
There are those who keep their books in pristine condition, always using a bookmark, storing them in a bookcase away from sunlight, and giving them the reverence that the author
News Of The Area
(earning below-minimum wages to fulfil a writing dream and now having an existential crisis over AI) would appreciate.
Others are happy to read in the bath, dog-ear the pages, and spill gravy or beetroot on the pages because they eat and read concurrently.
With your friend, it seems as though her biggest flaw has been to be a bit absentminded.
Perhaps it is a very special title, one that means a lot to her, and she has had it sitting around for some time, finally deciding that you would be the perfect recipient.
For example, I have a copy of the children's book Badjelly the Witch, addressed to me and signed by Spike Milligan.
If I gifted this to a niece or nephew, their parents would
hopefully recognise the significance.
Alternatively, your friend is a bit of a cheapskate, or very bad at the fine art of regifting.
Suffice to say a regifted present should be carefully checked for telltale signs such as signatures, engravings, a missing jigsaw piece, or, if perishable, a date past its use-by status.
If the book looks unread, and it's a book you will enjoy, let it go.
If you feel otherwise, you could always return the volley by letting her know it was such a good book that you insist she reads it.
Then, when she turns the cover, she will see 'To dear Belinda .... ' crossed out and replaced with 'Dear observant Miriam'.
ANSWERS: Spot the difference Picture B - Bigger beak on left owl, eyes moved upwards on middle owl, stripe missing from seller’s pants, sign missing and top head feathers missing from right owl. Unique Moo! - Crowed.
Kids Boot Camp 047
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Diverse offerings at Dungog by Design
ARTISAN collective Dungog by Design has presented a collection of works by emu egg artist Frank Slip throughout the month of August.
Born in Dubbo, Frank and his family settled in Dungog in1960, before moving to Old Bar Beach in the 1970s.
It was here that Frank opened his gallery, ‘Wandjina’, which housed a museum featuring Aboriginal art, fossils, artifacts, Australian antiquities and his handcarved emu eggs.
Frank discovered his talent for carving while boarding in Coonamble in 1945.
The landlady, who used emu eggs in all her cooking, gave Frank some eggshells that he began scratching.
Frank settled on using his Stanley knife, which gave him more control and better results when carving through the eight-to-twelve layers of very fine, delicate eggshell.
Every fine, delicate layer of shell exposes a different colour, ranging from dark blue to bluey-green and creamywhite.
A great deal of care, patience and artistic ability is required to achieve the designs.
Frank’s love of everything Australian is displayed in his designs that are primarily of Australian wildlife.
His works, which included many commissions, have been enthusiastically collected by both Australians and visitors
Progress on Hexham Straight
THE first widened section on the Hexham Straight is now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.
Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.
There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.
When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire sixkilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.
The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026. `
Federal Minister for Transport Catherine King said the progress to date is a
“taste of things to come”.
“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey,” she said.
“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”
to our shores.
By the time of his passing at age 92, Frank had carved over 1,000 emu eggs, some of them now being offered for sale by his daughter Leonie.
Up next at Dungog by Design on Dowling Street is the “Common Ground” exhibition, which runs throughout September.
The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday, 30 August from 2-4pm and features an array of local artists.
“Come and enjoy an afternoon of art, conversation, and community,” organisers said.
“See how each artist has brought Common Ground to life in their own unique style.”
Quad bike standards saving lives as crackdown urged
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
FARMERS, their families and workers are returning home safely after a day on the land due to stronger quad bike safety standards, but tougher enforcement could save even more lives.
Quad bikes have long been a leading cause of deaths on farms, with 10 fatalities in 2024 and 46 reports of injuries, according to Farmsafe Australia.
National standards introduced in 2020 require vehicle stability testing, along with the installation of
anti-crush devices that keep quad bikes off the ground if they roll over.
Researchers have used coronial records to analyse 161 work-related quad bike deaths on farms between 2001 and 2024 to understand the effects of the new standards.
Roll-overs were responsible for 65 percent of those fatalities, according to the review published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Chest injuries caused deaths in more than half the cases, including instances of asphyxia, and a further 24 per cent involved head injuries.
But there was a small reduction in fatalities in the few years after the safety standards came into force, academics from the University of Sydney's School of Rural Health found.
Lead author Tony Lower said it was early days for the standards and fewer fatalities could be expected as new quad bikes replaced the older fleet.
"They are a really effective vehicle, but we just need to see them designed
Top agritourism destination
safely and used safely," said Dr Lower, an honorary associate professor at AgHealth Australia.
Victoria led the decline in fatalities, possibly due to greater enforcement of the standards than other states.
Authorities issued 1200 prohibition or improvement notices to Victorian users in recent years, compared to 60 in NSW.
While people don't always like enforcement, it has proven effective in areas such as road trauma, Dr Lower said.
"Everyone should get home at the end of the day," he told AAP.
With estimates of more than 20,000 anticrush devices in use across Australia, there were no deaths involving vehicles fitted with roll bars, the paper said.
Destination
But there were fatalities related to quad bikes where the devices had been installed and then removed.
The Farmsafe Australia report, released in midJuly, showed fatalities from side-by-side vehicles had overtaken quad bike and tractor accident deaths for the first time in 2024.
Side-by-side vehicles were thought to be a safer alternative to quad bikes, but riders died or were injured when they carried heavy loads, did not use seatbelts or went without a helmet.
Engineering and design standards could only go so far, Dr Lower said.
"There is certainly a role for farmers, producers and parents and everybody else that works and lives on farms to ensure they do the right thing."
tourism industry and develop market-ready
The program includes the
First Agritourism Toolkit, which offers practical advice for
and established operators.
q Works from artist Frank Slip. Photo: Arts Upper Hunter/Dungog by Design.
q When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.
q Enforcement of safety standards could lower farming deaths involving quad bikes, research indicates. Photo: Mark Tadic/AAP PHOTOS.
Pix From The Stix winners announced
THE winners of the annual Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI) photography competition, “Pix From The Stix”, were announced on Saturday, 16 August.
Now in its 26th year, Pix
From The Stix continues to attract both novice and experienced photographers from the Gloucester community and beyond.
This year retired
professional photographer Peter Sedgewick served as the judge of 75 photographs.
With over 25 years of experience as a professional landscape photographer and teacher, Peter emphasised the importance of both head and heart when judging entries.
“Working with great subjects, beautiful light and the right aperture are key to creating a captivating image.
“However, the reaction I have when looking at a photograph is also very important.”
Adult photographers had the opportunity to submit entries in one or more of seven categories, each featuring a winner and runners-up, along with an overall winner.
There was also a separate section for younger photographers.
The overall winner, Michael O’Hara, shared with News Of The Area that his photograph, “On The Wing #2”, was achieved through a combination of chance and patience.
“Photographing wildlife is similar to hunting wildlife,” he said.
“In both cases, you need to be familiar with the habitat and habits of your subjects.
“I knew the cormorants would fly in the evening, but I didn’t know exactly when.
“The photo is the perfect blend of being in the right
place, at the right time, with the right light and camera settings.”
Peter Sedgewick echoed the sentiment of patience required in photography.
“You often find a subject you want to photograph, but you may need to return repeatedly, as the light and elements don’t always align.”
Bindi Ahern explained that framing the photograph
presented one of her biggest challenges.
“Determining how much to crop to create an image that tells the story you want to tell is for me, one of the hardest parts of photography.”
For Jools Samerski, establishing rapport with her subject is essential when photographing individuals.
“You want the layers of your subject's personality to
be evident in the image.”
Pix From The Stix is currently on display at the Gloucester Gallery.
If you are inspired by the exhibition and would like to develop your skills or explore new techniques the Camera Club which meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Gloucester Creatives at 6 pm may be a place to start.
‘Natural capital’ program extended
THE State Government is investing an additional $3 million to support farmers to develop “natural capital” projects.
The funding will extend the Government’s Natural Capital Support Services program for another year, which provides tailored
advice and support for landholders to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities.
In farming, natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources - like soil, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems - that farmers
rely on to produce food, fibre, and other goods.
By investing in natural capital farmers may be able to access environmental markets and apply for biodiversity credits to generate a potential income from these projects.
The program aims
to provide farmers with opportunities to increase production while diversifying income streams.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with farmers to futureproof their operations while protecting the environment during a time of rapid change,”
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
“Carbon farming initiatives can be rewarding in more ways than one for both the landholder and the environment, but we recognise these projects can require a significant investment of time and resources.”
In the past year almost 1,500 landholders and farmers have engaged with the NSW Government’s 13 Natural Capital Advisors to raise awareness of the opportunities natural capital projects present.
q Michael O’Hara, Major Prize Winner. Photo: supplied.
q All category winners and runners-up. Photo: supplied.
Rookhurst man’s whereabouts remain a mystery
By John WATTS
THE mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rookhurst local Garry Conwell seems no closer to being solved since he vanished without trace on 26 June 2024.
"Garry Conwell, aged 71, was last seen about 11am on Wednesday 26 June 2024, riding a quad bike on a property at Craven Creek Road, Rookhurst, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Gloucester,” said a Police spokesperson on 2 July 2024.
“When the quad bike was found and he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes were notified, and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
“Since then, a coordinated land search involving police, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, VRA and RFS has been underway, with no items of interest located.
“At 2pm today (Tuesday 2 July 2024), the coordinated land search was suspended.”
The Missing Persons Register
and work boots.
“The investigation still continues in conjunction with the Missing Person Unit,” said a Police spokesperson.
Stargazing: August Is the month to look
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
IF you’ve ever needed a reason to step outside, tilt your head back, and marvel at the heavens, August is it.
This month, the night sky becomes a stage for some of the most breathtaking celestial performances you’re likely to witness in yearsand here in Australia, we have front-row seats. It all began last week with a silver-washed landscape under one of the brightest full moons of the year, perfect for a midnight wander or a few atmospheric photos under
moonlight. But that’s just the opening act.
The cosmos is about to deliver a quadruple feature that would make even Hollywood jealous.
First up, the Perseid meteor shower is underway.
Caused by Earth ploughing through debris
left behind by Comet SwiftTuttle, this annual show can produce dozens of meteors per hour.
They appear as fast, bright streaks dashing across the night sky, some leaving glowing trails in their wake.
No telescope needed - just a dark spot, a warm drink, a reclining chair, and perhaps a wish or two.
This week Venus and Jupiter - the two brightest planets in the pre-dawn sky edged close together in what’s called a conjunction.
To the naked eye, they appeared to almost touch, an awe-inspiring sight that ancient civilisations once interpreted as omens of great change.
Whether you see prophecies in the stars or just a beautiful sight, this rare planetary pairing is still visible but widening and definitely hard to forget!
Then, as if the sky’s putting on a grand finale mid-
month, 18 August brought something truly rare: a sixplanet alignment. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will line up across the early morning sky like pearls on a cosmic string. Just look east before sunrise, it’s a planetary parade that comes along maybe once a decade.
A few days later, on 21 August, a slender crescent Moon will nestle close to Mercury low on the western horizon just after sunset.
It’s a fleeting moment, easily missed, but charming to catch, especially since Mercury, being so close to the Sun, often plays hard to get.
August closes with a rare and curious phenomenon: the ‘Black Moon’ on the 22nd.
If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s the second new Moon in a single month - a trick of the calendar that results in a sky devoid of any moonlight.
While you won’t see the
moon itself, the darkness it brings makes for ideal deep sky observing.
Faint galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way’s bright, ghostly core will shine all the more clearly.
Add to this Saturn reaching opposition later in the month with its rings lightly side on is a gob smacker in even modest backyard telescopes, making August a celestial buffet for astronomers and dreamers alike.
Our region, with its expansive dark skies and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places on Earth to experience it all.
So, whether you’re watching from your back deck, a windswept beach, or a quiet country paddock, don’t miss what August has to offer.
The sky will be alive with motion, mystery, and majesty - a reminder that the universe, ever so often, loves to show off.
explains that Mr Conwell left home to feed his cows on his quad bike wearing underpants, dressing gown
Police urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
q Garry Conwell. Photo: Missing Persons Unit.
THE Dungog Soccer Club community had an “epic day” celebrating the sporting institution’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, 16 August.
“We can't thank everyone enough for joining us to celebrate,” the club wrote on social media.
“It was wonderful to see so many, from the club's founding members to those who will lead the club into the future, gathering together to reminisce and celebrate the amazing achievements of all of those involved in the club over the years.”
The club also thanked a range of sponsors and supporters.
“A special thanks to our hard working committee for making the day possible - Carly Skinner Photography for the amazing photos; Dungog Memorial Bowls, Sport and Recreation Club for hosting our evening event; Gourmet Delights BY MEL for the delicious cake; Josh Alexander for entertaining us; Northern NSW Football for coming out and bringing the Newcastle Permanent inflatable kicking target; and to Hunter Valley Football for joining us on the day and for the advice and assistance in the planning process.”
q The 50th anniversary cake is cut.
Photo: Carly Skinner Photography.