By Lisa WISEMAN
BALLOT LINE-UP
By Sue STEPHENSON
The Dillons team taking bids on a bunch of beetroot.
DUNGOG SHIRE News Of The Area
Doug
BALLOT LINE-UP
April.
(AEC) office in Taree just before a blindfolded official drew ballot positions from numbered balls in a bingolike cage.
A total of 1456 candidates were declared at public events across Australia on 11
Of these, 1126 are contesting 150 lower house positions and 330 are vying for 40 Senate vacancies.
The AEC also revealed that a record 98.2 percent of eligible Australians (18,098,797) are now enrolled to vote, which
represents an increase of 870,000 people (five percent) since the 2022 election.
The youth enrolment rate has also increased to 92 percent.
In order of how they will appear on the ballot paper, the candidates for Lyne are:
1) Tom Ferrier - Lorne Valley (The
Greens NSW)
2) Digby WilsonTaree (Labor)
3) Catherine Charsley (Trumpet of Patriots)
4) Colin Hughes (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
5) Alison PenfoldWauchope (Nationals)
6) Jeremy MillerOld Bar (Independent)
7) David Masters (Family First)
8) Keys Manley (Legalise Cannabis Party)
9) Stephen John Burke - Wootton (Australian Citizens Party)
10) Mark Hornshaw - Lorne (Libertarian).
About Lyne
How to Vote for
ALISON PENFOLD
THE NATIONALS for Lyne
Affordable and reliable energy solutions, cutting fuel excise, strong economic management
Investing in more affordable and accessible health, aged care and GP services
More investment in local roads, telecommunications, housing and community projects
START HERE
You MUST number EVERY BOX Authorised by David Gillespie, 14 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430
The Lyne electorate is named after Sir Willliam John Lyne (1844-1913) who was involved in the Constitutional Conventions that led to the Commonwealth of Australia.
He also served in the cabinets of Australia’s first Prime Ministers, Edmund Barton and Alfred Deakin.
Lyne takes in the local government areas (LGAs) of Dungog and MidCoast Council and part of Maitland, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens council. It has had only six MPs in the 67 years since its creation - five Nationals and one Independent.
Retiring Nationals
MP Dr David Gillespie has held the seat since 2013.
House of Representatives Ballot Paper Electoral Division of Lyne
FERRIER, Tom
WILSON, Digby
CHARSLEY, Cathy
HUGHES, Colin
PENFOLD, Alison THE NATIONALS
MILLER, Jeremy
MASTERS, David
MANLEY, Keys
BURKE, Stephen John
HORNSHAW, Mark Alexander
q The candidates for Lyne from left to right in order of their appearance on the ballot paper (see story). A photo of Colin Hughes was not available.
CWA school holidays children’s activities
By Lisa WISEMAN
SCHOOL holidays are in full swing and the DungogClarence Town Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) has been holding free, fun activities for children.
FROM Page 1
raised in the area.
But Dillon and Sons’ Produce Auction matters for many other reasons.
It provides a chance for people to meet, socialise and discuss local topics, from the weather to relatives to roadworks.
A Dungog ‘institution’, the auction was started over 100 years ago by Paddy Dillon’s great-uncle, Thomas Carlton.
For the first time, the Dungog Shire Community Centre joined the CWA in presenting these activities, by providing adults to assist.
Dungog fibre artist
Julie Fitzgerald shared her enthusiasm for making textile creations with the children by
Thomas founded Carlton and Dillon, which later became Dillon and Sons Real Estate and Livestock.
Auctioneer Paddy Dillon said that the produce auction is important as a “social event which, like the cattle sales, brings producers together”.
Until mid-2024, the auction was held fortnightly at the original saleyards across the road from the Memorial RSL Club in Lord Street.
That was until the shed
showing them how to weave, tie and sew scrap fabric, to make a range of fun items.
There were a variety of skills to learn and practice, including cutting out fabric pieces and using the sewing machines to assemble and embellish decorative placemats and wreaths.
roof was involved in a “tractorrelated” incident that made a venue change necessary.
The new venue at the top of Short Street has expansive views over the Common, across the town, and to the hills beyond.
There is usually an amusing highlight of the auction, like some hotlycontested bidding, or novelty vegetables or unusual potted plants.
And there are always
DUNGOG DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Invites you to
Dungog RSL Club Auditorium
WHEN: Monday April 28 Commencing 6pm All
The hall was a riot of bright, colourful fabrics and completed textile art works and the atmosphere cheerfully busy as the children moved around choosing more fabrics and materials, admiring others’ work, and using the supplied irons and sewing machines.
bargains to bid on.
Sometimes Eddie Rumbel can be tempted to sample some of the cookery, too.
The memorable and diverse lots sold over the years have included goats, budgies, donkeys, guinea fowl and peacocks.
The next auction will be held on Thursday 8 May at 10am.
For more information phone Dillon and Sons on 02 49921704.
The pieces they made are theirs to keep, and could be used as finished objects, or joined together to make larger items - like table runners or rugs.
The activities were open for children aged eight and up, or younger children accompanied by a family member.
On Wednesday, 23 April between 1pm - 2.30pm, Julie will also be teaching an Anzac wreath-making workshop at the CWA hall.
the man y sporting and communit y groups who fre uentl y use this facilit y to work with us to ensure it deli vers what the communit y needs now, and for years to come .
q Julie Fitzgerald with Carly and her weaving.
q Having fun making garlands; Evie, Phoenix, Vicki, Elise and Tiahni (L-R).
q Audrey and her artworks.
q Homegrown, freshly picked, fruits and vegetables.
‘Lack of urgency’ on post-mining transition
MEMBER for Upper Hunter
Dave Layzell has called out a “lack of urgency” to address post-mining land use in the electorate following the release of a NSW Parliament report.
A NSW parliamentary inquiry was established on 14 May 2024 to inquire into and report on “beneficial and productive post-mining land use”, with the final report released last Monday.
“As part of this inquiry, the State Development Committee received 77 submissions, two supplementary submissions and held six public hearings – four in the NSW Parliament and two in the Hunter region,” said inquiry chair Emily Suvaal MLC.
“Members also visited current and former mine sites in the Lower and Upper Hunter regions, gaining valuable insight into mine closure challenges and opportunities for land restoration and repurposing.
“These contributions provided a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by mining communities and reinforced the need for collaborative and innovative solutions.”
The final report offered 13 recommendations and five
findings.
Recommendations included that the government “conduct a comprehensive program of reform of current land uses and opportunities for future uses across regions experiencing mining and energy transition” and “consider incentivising post-mining land uses that leverage the reuse of essential infrastructure, such as transmission lines, rail lines, workspaces and utilities, to provide a return on closure expenses, and reduce decommissioning costs and waste”.
Findings included that “regional communities are on the cutting-edge of the postmining transition and that current land-use planning and mineral lease setting are not well-suited to adapt or respond to rapidly changing circumstances”.
Upon reading the report, Mr Layzell did not hold back in his criticism.
“This report gets a 10 out of 10 for statements of the obvious – anyone who has been working with me for almost three years on future options for Upper Hunter mining land will find nothing new in this report,” Mr Layzell said.
“The clock is ticking, there
are prospective investors looking at opportunities in the Muswellbrook and Singleton local government areas, but the land required for reuse is no closer to being unlocked.
“I thank the committee for acknowledging that ‘the current regulatory framework is not entirely fit for purpose’ and that ‘it was disheartened to hear of the complexity and uncertainty
of the regulatory framework’,” Mr Layzell said.
“But the harsh reality of impending mine closures is that more than 2,000 workers will leave BHP’s Mount Arthur coal mine when operations cease by 2030 – everyday that reality draws one day closer yet the only big, local infrastructure project on the horizon which could utilise some of those skilled workers is the New
England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook.”
On Wednesday, Mr Layzell called on Premier Chris Minns to deliver immediate action.
“Premier, the planning approvals that allowed the industrial development of the Upper Hunter coalfields are now out of date and urgently need reform to address the reality now facing the industry as it
prepares to exit the region,” Mr Layzell said.
“Coal royalties are currently contributing around $3 billion to the NSW Government’s coffers so help the Upper Hunter prosper now rather than when a regional rescue package is needed.”
The NSW Government’s response to the report is due on 14 July 2025.
Sessions
q Open cut mine rehabilitation with Bayswater power station in the background.
'Mountain to climb' for PM as Labor ascends in polling
By Dominic GIANNINI and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
A LABOR majority is becoming increasingly likely as the prime minister declares he's in for the long haul, but a vast number of voters remain undecided.
Recent polls show Labor gaining momentum, widening the two-party preferred gap and putting a majority government in reach as the coalition campaign falters.
Labor is ahead 54.5 to 45.5 percent according to Roy Morgan polling and 53.5 percent to 46.5 percent in a separate Resolve poll published by the Nine newspapers.
Anthony Albanese insisted his team were not getting ahead of themselves with the 3 May election set to come down to the wire.
"We've got a mountain to climb," he told ABC TV on Tuesday.
"It's about halfway in the campaign today, it's tough to win elections, that's why no prime minister has been re-elected after serving a full term since 2004."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton squarely positioned himself as the underdog.
"The prime minister's already talking about a third term," Mr Dutton said in reference to comments Mr Albanese made to The Nightly about serving a full second term and seeking a third following questions about his political future.
But it wasn't too late
to turn dire polls around with some 40 percent of Australians remaining undecided, former Scott Morrison media chief turned consultant Andrew Carswell said.
"It's gigantic, the biggest I've ever seen in an election context," he told AAP.
"Everything that we see on the ground in those key electorates, people want to be convinced, they haven't closed themselves to the coalition like they may have done in previous elections.
"They're there to be convinced and what will convince them is the coalition hitting that economic message every single day of the last three weeks."
The third week of the campaign has so far been centred on housing and cost of living, with each party unveiling policies to target first homebuyers and tax relief, targeting younger and outer suburban voters doing it tough.
Labor will help people get into the market by allowing them to secure a mortgage with only a five percent deposit, with the government guaranteeing the extra 15 percent.
The coalition is offering tax-deductible mortgage payments for new builds.
Neither are popular with economists, who argue the policies will only boost demand and drive up housing prices as supply fails to keep up.
Greens MP Max Chandler-
Mather, who is facing a battle to retain his Brisbane-based seat of Griffith, chastised the major parties for pushing ahead despite economists' concerns.
"It's a house fire and it's burning the dreams of a lot of renters and first home buyers," he said.
"What we hope is that we can get into minority parliament, keep Dutton out and push Labor to finally consider changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount."
Labor has ruled out changes to negative gearing or capital gains.
Labor's policy to introduce a $1000 instant tax deduction has also received a mixed reception, with the nation's leading accounting body saying the instant deduction could save workers time, but might mean they miss out on the full refund they are entitled to.
"Taxpayers should be encouraged to take greater responsibility for their finances and tax obligations," CPA Australia's tax lead Jenny Wong said.
"Clicking a few buttons to get a basic deduction may be easy, but it is unlikely to be in the best interests of taxpayers or the economy."
But George Washington University economics professor Steven Hamilton said Labor's proposal would save the tax office and people money, in addition to moving to a system where no one has to itemise.
Police conducting bail checks on 'weak' legal basis
By Farid FARID, AAP
125-page report said.
A damning report from the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission says police have been stretching their authority and powers
POLICE in Australia's most populous state have been slammed for regularly entering the private property of former inmates out on bail to conduct compliance checks, without a court order.
by relying on a weak legal principle to conduct bail compliance checks.
The state watchdog says that leaves the force open to complaints and claims of trespass if a resident revokes
an officer's "implied licence" to enter the property.
"Given the intrusive nature of such compliance checks, they should only be undertaken when approved by a court," the commission's
"In the commission's view, the doctrine of implied licence (if it is available at all) is a vague, weak and cancellable form of authority for the NSW Police Force to undertake bail compliance checks.
"The NSW Police Force should make use of the statutory scheme provided in the Bail Act, which gives police clear powers to assist them in checking compliance with curfew and residence."
The commission argued a "parallel scheme" was effectively being created by police "without scrutiny from the judiciary as to whether enforcement... is reasonable and necessary."
In its submission to the commission, NSW Police said it did not accept the watchdog's view the force has been acting "unreasonably".
Each year, police officers in NSW do more than 100,000 bail compliance checks.
Officers performed
almost 26,000 fewer bail checks in 2023-24 - a drop of 19.7 percent from the previous reporting period, according to the state's crime statistics bureau.
Apprehended domestic violence order checks also dipped by more than 12,000, or 11.2 percent.
Premier Chris Minns has been steadfast in his government maintaining a law and order agenda, with strict bail laws targeting regional youth crime extended last month until 2028, to concern from advocates and law groups. His government also brought in harsher bail conditions placed on domestic violence offenders in 2024.
The laws were swiftly passed after several highprofile cases plagued the state, including the alleged murder of young Forbes mother Molly Ticehurst by her ex-partner who was out on bail.
q Polling has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor ahead with voters but many remain undecided. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
q A consultant says many undecided voters are there for Peter Dutton's Liberal team to convince. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
q Police have been warned about the practice of entering property to check on bail compliance. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Great Dunny Hunt now underway
By Andrea FERRARI
CONTINENCE Health Australia is back on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets.
Timed for the start of World Continence Week, the Great Dunny Hunt started on Monday, 14 April, and runs until Sunday 11 May.
People are being urged to look for loos and record their location so that every available toilet is registered on the National Public Toilet Map.
The map currently lists more than 24,200 toilets, but Continence Health Australia believes there are many “secret” amenities tucked away in small towns, parks, libraries, service stations, and newly-built community spaces.
With thousands of
Have Your Say
Australians relying on easy toilet access, the public is encouraged to help fill in the gaps.
“There are commercial businesses like transport companies, service stations and convenience chains, and shopping centres that have public toilets, and many may be missing from our map,” said Continence Health Australia Chief Executive Jim Cooper.
“We’re calling on the public to share their local knowledge and help us uncover these missing dunnies, making it easier for everyone to find a toilet when they need it.”
The National Public Toilet Map is an important resource for those living with incontinence.
A recent consumer survey found 49 percent
of respondents don’t feel comfortable embarking on long trips without knowing where their first toilet stop will be.
Annually, there are over 3.2 million searches for public toilets on the National Public Toilet Map.
Dunny hunters can upload their submissions to continence.org.au/ great-dunny-hunt and visit toiletmap.gov.au for more information.
Continence Health Australia is a not-forprofit organisation that provides information, support and resources for individuals, carers and health professionals.
It is the leading body promoting bladder and bowel control health, incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy.
Keep Letters to the Editor under
Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around
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FRIDAY, April 25
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6.25 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 6.55 Governor-General’s Anzac Day Message. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Sherwood. (Mlv) 9.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
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ABC Late News.
Father Brown. (PGav, R) 11.55 Mayfair Witches. (Malv, R) 12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Niagara Falls. (R)
8.30 Last Secrets Of The Great Sphinx Of Giza. (R)
9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R) 10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 A Body That Works. (Mls)
12.00 Between Two Worlds. (Mal, R)
1.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R)
3.35 Little Heroes. (PG, R)
4.30 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Josh Niland. 8.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG)
Melissa Doyle, Shane Crawford and a team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates share insights and experiences to highlight living well.
9.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R)
Natalie Gruzlewski brings together a group of new farmers on a quest to find true love.
12.50 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: Criminal. (2016, MA15+lv, R) A CIA operative’s consciousness is transferred. Kevin Costner.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Airborne: Nature In Our Skies: Flight Path. (Final, PGa) Looks at remarkable journeys through the air. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv, R) Guests include Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Bryce Dallas Howard, Daniel Kaluuya and Kevin Bridges. 11.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.25 The Project. (R) 12.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm ANZAC
6.00
SATURDAY, April 26
6.10
A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Vera. (Return, Ma) Vera confronts a life-affecting change.
9.05 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) UFO spotters are convinced aliens are responsible for the death of a forest ranger.
10.35 Unforgotten. (Final, Ml, R) Jess and Sunny get the truth.
11.20 Boat Story. (Final, MA15+v, R) The final face off with The Tailor ensues. 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The New Boy. (2023, Mav, R) An Aboriginal child arrives at a remote monastery. Cate Blanchett. 9.35 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Milan. (PGa, R) Stanley Tucci heads to Milan. 10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
3.50 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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SUNDAY, April 27
(R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Paradise Garden. (R) 3.30 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R) 4.15 The Telegram Man. (R) 4.30 Restoration Australia. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.
6.25 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
6.30 Compass. (PG)
6.55 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Vera. (Final, Ma)
9.05 Vera, Farewell Pet. (PG)
9.50 MOVIE: My Brother Jack – Part 1. (2001, Mnsv, R)
11.25 The Story Of The Kelly Gang. (R) 11.55 You Can’t Ask That. (Ma, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
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6.30 SBS World News.
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12.10 The Boys Who Said No. 1.15 Hell On Earth: WWII. (Mav, R)
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5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
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2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
Australian Concerts: Tina Arena. 7.30 The Day The Rock Star Died. 8.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 12.45am Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 9.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00
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10.10 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017, MA15+asv, R) Jason Clarke.
12.20 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
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9.10 7NEWS Spotlight.
10.10 Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed: Roy Tells All. (Premiere, MA15+av)
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NBC Today.
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TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
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6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo. (Premiere)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Turkey. (PGas, R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGalv, R) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (MA15+v) 11.30 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R) 1.35 Son Of. (MA15+v, R) 3.10 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. (PG, R) 4.05 Barkley Manor. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Mali won’t accept help.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.05 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) A gang killing leads Carlos to new information on his father’s murder. 10.05 Suits L.A. (M) Ted and Stuart’s friendship is tested.
11.05 The Agenda Setters.
12.05 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
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 Floor. (Premiere, PGl)
100% Footy. (M)
9News Late. 10.15 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (MA15+av) 11.15 Police After Dark. (Mlv, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 8.20 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 10.15 Real Genius. (1985, M) 12.15pm Silverado. (1985, M) 2.40 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 4.55 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 6.35 Summerland. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 10.50 The Spy. (2019, M, Swedish) 12.55am Body Double. (1984, MA15+) 3.00 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, April 29
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
(31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Point. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
12.00 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 12.30 Unbroken. (MA15+l, R) 2.10 Faking Hitler. (Ml, R)
4.00 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. (PG, 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 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.45 Doc. (Ma) While at the hospital recovering, Amy can’t help but insert herself into her roommate’s case.
9.45 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec takes part in a prisoner exchange. 10.45 The Agenda Setters. 11.45 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.45 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(32)
6am Love And Friendship. Continued. (2016, PG) 6.40 Summerland. (2020, PG) 8.35 An Ideal Husband. (1999, PG) 10.25 The Spy. (2019, M, Swedish) 12.30pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.40 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.30 The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. (1943, PG) 8.30 The Outpost. (2019, MA15+) 10.45 The Frozen Ground. (2013, MA15+) 12.45am Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY,
April 30
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)
8.40 Just One Thing With Michael Mosley. (Premiere, PG)
9.15 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Mal)
11.40 Lost Luggage. (Mal, R)
2.35 Aliquam Dive Stories. (PG, R)
3.35 Aliquam Dive Stories II. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 Alone: Frozen. 6.05 James Webb: $10 Billion Space Telescope. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Quick And The Dead. (1995, MA15+) 10.30 MOVIE: Full Metal Jacket. (1987, MA15+) 12.35am Late Programs.
6am The Life
And Death Of Colonel Blimp. Continued. (1943, PG) 8.55 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 11.10 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 1.30pm Summerland. (2020, PG) 3.25 Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 5.40 The Guns Of Navarone. (1961, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.05 Silverado. (1985, M) 1.30am The Outpost. (2019, MA15+) 3.45 Moving. (1993, M, Japanese)
THURSDAY,
May 1
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (Premiere, PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Carl Barron: Skating Rink For Flies. (Ml, R)
12.10 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
1.10 Harry’s Practice. (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 Hundred With Andy Lee. (Ml)
8.30 Breakthrough: The Rise Of Women’s Rugby League.
9.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.30 9News Late.
11.00 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
11.50 Next Stop. (PG)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (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 ACA. (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
7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) A batch of 24 former contestants returns. 8.45 Elsbeth. (Mv) Elsbeth investigates the death of a devious kitchen staffer after he causes havoc in New York’s hottest restaurant. 9.45 NCIS: Origins. (Ma) The team inves-
Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 The Business. (R)
11.15 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
11.45 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R)
12.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia: Christmas Special. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Ma)
8.35 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin. (Premiere)
9.30 Virdee. (MA15+v)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 The Hollow. (Mal)
1.05 Departure. (Madl, R)
2.45 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R)
3.45 Barkley Manor. (R)
4.45 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch.
The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Super Maximum Retro Show. 1.30 Planet A. 2.00 Fashionista. 2.10 Insight. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Alone: Frozen. 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 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Eschborn-Frankfurt. 1.15am Late Programs.
6am Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 8.15 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 11.05 Odd Thomas. (2013, M) 12.55pm The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. (1943, PG) 3.55 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 5.35 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.25 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. 8.30 The Forgotten Battle. (2020, MA15+, German) 10.50 Drive. (2011, MA15+) 12.45am Bliss. (2021, MA15+) 2.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Roo’s heart breaks.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGas)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
9.35 The Amazing Race. (PG)
11.05 Born To Kill? (MA15+a, R)
12.05 Emergency Call. (PGal, R)
1.05 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. Women’s
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Area OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
Every time I catch up with my friends the conversation always ends up leading to our despair over American politics. I catch up with them to escape negative things and sometimes I now leave feeling worse than when I arrived. What's the answer?
Katie L.
Dear Katie,
It's hard to fathom some of the things going on in the socalled "land of the free".
It can be very easy to get caught up in it, particularly if you take an interest in world affairs and/ or you have a shred of empathy in your body, which is all that would be needed to question the state of play in America at the moment.
Every day there seems to be another story of a policy punishing people in need while the filthy rich get richer (or filthier).
By comparison, regardless of your politician persuasion, Australia appears to be the grown up in the room.
Many people I speak to say that the lucky country feels even luckier and that they feel proud that they are living in a country that respects education, healthcare, community-minded people, a respect for others, laws that protect citizens, and politicians who know that they
are not above the law.
It can be natural to want to let off steam and this is what your friends are doing, but it is important to take part in activities that offer some sort of positive release too.
Perhaps you can suggest that you spend the first 10 minutes of your catch ups discussing American politics if there is a burning desire to do so, but past that point it becomes an out-of-bounds subject until the next time you meet.
You can explain that it is really affecting you and that as much as you love catching up, you feel the subject matter is taking a personal toll.
There may even be other members of your friend group who feel exactly the same way and who have not been game to speak up.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
By Shannon BENTON
COMMUNITY groups and small business owners from across the Dungog Shire gathered at the Doug Walters Pavilion on Wednesday 9 April for a grant-writing workshop.
Hosted by Dungog Shire Council and delivered by the Funding and Grants Collective, the free workshop attracted a strong turnout of locals eager to improve their
Rare poultry on display Funding Futures in Dungog
By Chris KARAS
THE Rare Poultry Breeders’ Association are preparing for their 19th Annual Show on Saturday, 17 May at Maitland Showground.
The show attracts breeders from the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter regions who promote rare breeds and rare colour varieties of pure bred domestic fowl, with over $1300 in cash prizes.
It will be held in the Showground’s Poultry Pavilion in Blomfield Street, Maitland and will be open to the public from 9am to
chances of securing funding for community projects, local events, and tourism initiatives.
Funding expert Christine Artis, Director of the Funding and Grants Collective, led the session.
She shared practical tools and insider knowledge, including how to identify the right funding opportunity and write a compelling grant proposal.
“Writing a successful
3pm.
Judges for the 2025 Show include Caleb Thomas (Rare Breeds), Luke Williams (Rare Varieties) and Alan Bailey (Waterfowl, Juniors and Developmental).
Show secretary David Smith told News Of The Area that the association draws members from all areas of NSW as well as interstate with an assortment of perpetual trophies presented on the day.
These include the Champion Bird in Show, Champion Barnevelder
grant is about clearly articulating your idea and matching it to the goals of the funding body,” Ms Artis told attendees.
“Workshops like this help demystify the process and give people the skills and confidence to apply.”
Participants engaged in interactive activities and worked through real-world examples.
The workshop also provided valuable insights
or Welsummer, Reserve Champion Barnevelder or Welsummer Champion Waterfowl in Show, Best Polish or Houdan in Show, Best Campine in Show, Best Silkie in Show, and the Spackman Cup for the Best Imported Breed.
Eligible imported breeds include Appenzeller, Breda, Bresse Gauloise, Crèvecœur, Dutch Bantam, Dutch Owl Beard, Fayoumi, Friesian, Ixworth, La Flèche, Lakenvelder, Nankin Bantam, Norfolk Grey, Old English Pheasant Fowl, Orloff, Redcap, Scots Dumpy, Scots Grey, Serama, Siciliana, Sumatra and Vorwerk.
Other major awards include Champion Rare Breed in Show, Champion Rare Variety in Show, Champion Rare Breed Large, Champion Rare Variety Large, Champion Rare Breed Bantam, Champion Rare Variety Bantam, Champion Turkey in Show and Developmental Variety.
Show entry fees are $1.50 per bird per exhibitor for Rare Poultry Breeders’ Association members or $2 per bird per exhibitor.
Entries close Friday, 9 May.
For further enquiries contact Show secretary David Smith by email at showsecretary@ rarepoultrybreeder sassociation.com or phone 0423 397 690.
into common pitfalls, budgeting tips, and how to align a proposal with strategic community outcomes.
The event was part of Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives across the region.
“Our Shire relies on funding to help deliver a
wide range of programs and services,” a Council spokesperson said.
“By equipping our community with the tools to write stronger applications, we’re helping turn great local ideas into action.”
Attendees left the evening armed with new skills, resources, and a clearer understanding of the grant landscape, with many expressing appreciation for
the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts.
With interest high and feedback overwhelmingly positive, Council is already considering hosting similar workshops in the future to continue supporting local capacity building. For more information on upcoming workshops, contact Dungog Shire Council.
q The Funding Futures session in Dungog.
q The Pile Leghorn Bantam – past Show winner in the Champion Leghorn Bantam category. Photo: Amanda Winney.
Advertisement
Breaking down the stigma of mental illness
ACCLAIMED mental health documentary “The Promise” will be screened for free in Dungog on 9 May.
The Promise is an adaptation of former ABC radio broadcaster and mental health advocate and speaker Craig Hamilton’s journey with bipolar disorder as outlined in his best-selling book, Broken Open.
It is intertwined with personal stories from prominent mental health experts and advocates and sporting icons.
Mr Hamilton is on a mission to normalise conversations around mental illness; to make mental health as easy to discuss as common colds.
His dream of covering the Sydney Olympics ended before it began when he had a psychotic episode on a Newcastle train station on his way to the Games.
Instead, he ended up in a mental health facility with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness Hamilton’s struggles and triumphs in living with bipolar.
“I wanted to create a film that helps to rewrite the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide prevention,” Mr Hamilton said.
“The Promise aims to inspire empathy, understanding and action, and foster prioritising mental well-being and support for people on their path to recovery.
“I hope it will ignite transformative conversations, give hope, and create lasting change.
“I’m passionate about mental illness because I’ve survived it.
“Speaking about it might save someone else’s life.”
The film is directed by Jye Currie who runs awardwinning film company Green Frog Productions.
He said the film is a first of its kind, providing a compelling journey of hope.
“I want the film to create a pioneering, timeless and transformative experience for viewers that challenges
stigma, sparks conversations and empowers individuals,” said Mr Currie.
“This film isn’t just a piece of art; it is an instrument of change.
“We have captured authentic stories of people who have survived attempting suicide and those who lost loved ones to suicide.”
Also featured in the film are TV personality Jessica Rowe, mental health advocates Joe Williams and Bailey Seamer, world champion boxer Tim Tszyu, rugby league premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett and former Australian and NSW rugby league representative and Newcastle Knights captain Paul Harragon.
Following its nationwide success in 2024, including
an AACTA Award nomination for Best Documentary, a Parliament House screening, and a Melbourne Documentary Film Festival closing night slot, The Promise continues to be a catalyst for change.
The Promise will be screened at the James Theatre on 9 May, with doors open at 6pm for a 6:30pm start.
“I will also be speaking on the night and we’ll have a panel discussion and audience Q&A as well,” Mr Hamilton said.
The event is free to attend.
Please note the documentary has a rating of MA over 15 and discusses mental illness, suicidal ideation and features families who have been directly affected by suicide.
Public input sought on hemp industry’s future
A DRAFT NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is now open for public comment.
The draft plan from the NSW Government proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW.
“Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities and guide government, industry and stakeholders
to work together in growing the NSW hemp industry,” the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said in a statement.
“The aim is to bring hemp industry stakeholders together to contribute to and deliver on the vision and development objectives of the draft plan.
“The draft plan is informed by the work of the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce, which was established by the NSW Government to explore
barriers and opportunities to grow the NSW industrial hemp industry.”
With the global hemp market projected to grow, the proposed plan identifies where government, industry and stakeholders can concentrate efforts to capitalise on opportunities for the local hemp industry.
The draft NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is open for feedback via http://www.nsw. gov.au/have-your-say. Consultation closes on Monday 19 May 2025.
q Craig Hamilton, interviewed for the documentary The Promise, talks in detail about his mental health journey.
q The Promise film maker Jye Currie with the documentary’s main ‘protagonist’ Craig Hamilton.
q Featuring in the documentary is TV personality and mental health advocate Jessica Rowe.
Farmers call for telecommunication fix
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election.
NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made in recent years, rural and regional connectivity is still a major problem.
“Whether it’s calling for help in an emergency, coordinating logistics during harvest, or simply staying connected with loved ones - bush connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Reliable connectivity is critical to keeping people outside major population centres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”
Cotton and grain grower
Dan Skerman was one farmer left without a basic phone service after the recent 3G network shutdown.
“We already struggled before they turned 3G off,” the farmer said.
“One of the main ways we can gain efficiency these days is through good communications but it’s hard when you can’t talk to people.
“It’s definitely frustrating when you are trying to
organise and run a farm.”
Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and remote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity.
He acknowledged productive discussions with telecommunication providers, but said it’s time for the Federal Government to step up.
“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses.
“They want solutions, they want to be connected," Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF, with the guidance of its member farming organisations, has
compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush connectivity.
Mr Jochinke called on all political parties to commit to the range of measures.
- Commit the implementing the recommendations of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, including: funding improved mobile coverage across rural and remote Australia; additional support for the Regional Tech Hub to help consumers troubleshoot tech issues; and developing a National Regional Telecommunications
Strategy.
A further major ask is the delivery of $20 million annually for further rounds of the “On Farm Connectivity Program” to drive uptake of digital tools that improve productivity, safety, and sustainability on Australian farms.
Sydneysiders warned to brace for unreliable reception
Ahead of the Easter long weekend, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin was urging Sydneysiders to prepare for worse mobile phone services than they are used to as they embarked on road trips around NSW.
“We are so excited to
welcome our city friends back into the country for the Easter holidays, but things might not be the way you remember them,” Mr Martin said.
“The shutdown of the 3G phone network has been a downgrade – not an upgrade – and it has created a lot of new blackspots, while congestion on the 4G network means even when you have bars you might have slow service.
“If you or your kids want to be able to watch your favourite shows, or listen to music or podcasts, it’s best to download them to your devices before you leave home.”
Leap in identifying new frog species
By Andrea FERRARI
RESULTS from Australia’s biggest annual frog count, hosted by the Australian Museum last November, have helped inform the scientific description of at least eight new frog species.
FrogID coordinator Nadiah Roslan said, "FrogID acoustic data (audio recordings) were used alongside morphology and genetic data to describe these species as new to science."
With over 1.1 million scientific records of frogs gathered by people all over Australia, the citizen science event plays an important role in helping scientists to understand how frogs and their ecosystems are responding to a changing planet.
The FrogID project relies on frog calls to identify species, as many are indistinguishable by appearance.
From croaks and barks,
to whistles and bleats, every frog species makes a unique sound and anyone with a smartphone can participate, by recording frog calls through the free FrogID app.
The latest event gathered recordings of 225 frog species, that’s about 88 percent of Australia’s known frog species.
It has informed the conservation status of two species under the EPBC Act, with the Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphagnicola) and the Davies Tree Frog (Litoria davieasae) now both listed as “Vulnerable”.
So far, two new species of tree frogs have been confirmed.
Colloquially known as the “dunny frog”, the tree frog was thought to be a single species (Litoria rubella).
Spanning 4.6 million square kilometres from the monsoon tropics to the desert, it had the largest distribution of any Australian frog.
“But researchers suspected that such a widespread species might actually be more than one,” said Australian Museum herpetologist, Dr Jodi Rowley.
“Using genetic data, body measurements, and mating call analysis, the team identified two new species; the western desert tree frog (Litoria larisonans) found in the Pilbara and central arid zones in WA, and the ruddy tree frog (Litoria pyrina), which lives in tropical coastal areas of Queensland and NSW.”
Motorist safety urged after horror month
POLICE are urging motorists to take extra care these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest in a month since 2019.
“Last year in NSW there were 85 murders; however, four times as many people – 338 – died on our roads: that is a senseless loss of life,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.
“The only way to stop the carnage is for drivers to stepup and stick to the rules, it’s just not worth your life.
"One wrong move behind
the wheel and you’re dead.
“With the death last night of a man in Muswellbrook, 103 people have now died on NSW roads this year; that’s far too many families left without a son, father, daughter or mother. The road toll rips lives apart,” he said on Wednesday.
Of those fatalities, 19 were aged 26 to 35, 18 were aged 76 to 95, followed by 17 aged between 18 to 25.
The young man who died last night is awaiting formal identification.
Of these, 45 were drivers, 17 passengers, 27 motorcyclists, nine pedestrians and five cyclists.
Regional roads account for the deadliest roads for fatalities this year, with six people killed on the Princes Highway, six people killed on
the Hume Highway, and four on the Pacific Highway.
Double demerits were in place from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
A second double demerits period will be in effect from Thursday 24 April 2025 until Sunday 27 April 2025.
The police operations will occur during the NSW school holidays, where a large number of families will be travelling to and from destinations across the state.
Officers will be targeting risky driver behaviour, including the Four Ds: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.
Australia has over 250 known species of frog, most are not found anywhere else in the world.
Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh Frog, but others have declined dramatically since the 1980s, and at least four have become extinct.
Frogs play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
As environmental indicators, they provide early warnings about changes in environmental health.
This year, there have been more than 51,100 speeding offences detected by police along with 3350 drink driving offences and more than 5,200 illegal mobile phone offences.
The high-visibility policing operation is a statewide operation and will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to dangerous driving behaviour, just as they do every day of the year.
“If you speed, drive under the influence, use your phone, or push through fatigue –you’re putting lives at risk.
“Don’t do it. Slow down, switch off, and stop if you’re tired. It’s that simple.”
Asian Cup agony
STORY STARTS on BACK
COVER Page 16
were "not fearing the worst."
But scans confirmed the 22-year-old had suffered the dreaded injury, which means a full knee reconstruction.
"Manchester City can confirm Mary Fowler has suffered a rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament," City said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Mary will remain under the care of the club's medical team and start her rehabilitation.
"Everyone at City wishes Mary all the best on a full and speedy recovery."
It will likely rule Fowler out for close to a year, in a hammer blow to Australia's hopes next March of winning the Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2010.
The attacker has been in dynamic form for City, scoring 10 goals across all competitions, and underlined her ability with a starring role in Australia's friendlies against South Korea earlier this month.
"I'm really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game," Fowler said.
"It's never easy when something like this happens, especially when you've been working so hard and feeling good.
"The road ahead will be
challenging, but I'm ready to take it on.
"There's still so much I want to achieve, and I'll be using this time to grow in every way I can.
"I'm committed to doing the work, staying positive and coming back better than ever."
Fowler's injury also means the new Matildas coach, widely expected to be current Lyon boss Joe Montemurro, will be unable to call on her early in their tenure.
"Everyone in the Matildas and Football Australia family – players, coaches, and support staff – will be right behind Mary as she takes the first steps toward her comeback," interim coach Tom Sermanni said.
Losing Fowler also piles more pressure on Arsenal star Caitlin Foord to be Australia's main attacking threat.
The Matildas are still without skipper Sam Kerr, who suffered the second ruptured ACL of her career during a training camp with Chelsea in January 2024.
Kerr, who joined her Matildas teammates in camp this month, is still considered several weeks away from playing.
"It's difficult to put a timeframe on it," Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said on the weekend.
q A Litoria rubella. Photo: Alan Greer.
q A Littoria larisonans. Photo: Dane Trembath.
q A Litoria pyrina in the Herveys Range. Photo: Jodi Rowley.
Asian Cup agony
By Anna HARRINGTON, AAP
MATILDAS star Mary Fowler has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is in a race against time to play in next year's home Asian Cup.
Manchester City had been hopeful the brilliant winger had avoided the dreaded injury, suffered when she appeared to wrench her right knee while overstretching for the ball on Sunday.
The injury forced Fowler out of the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, which City ultimately lost 2-0, inside 20 minutes.
City interim manager Nick Cushing had admitted it "doesn't look great imminently" but said City
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q Mary Fowler is set for a long stint on the sidelines. Photo: AP Photo/Daniel Cole.