Albanese plots next phase of Labor
Dungog Rodeo Committee shares profits
By Lisa WISEMAN
DUNGOG Rodeo
Committee has handed out $21,000 to representatives of local service and sporting organisations during a presentation barbecue at the Dungog Showground on Sunday 20 July.
The community organisations to share in the profits of this year’s rodeo include the Dungog, Clarence Town, Wallarobba and Bendolba fire brigades; Dungog Palliative Care volunteers; the Dungog Football Club; the cricket club; the pony club; and the Men’s Shed.
Because of wet weather and muddy grounds,
SCULPTURE SHOWCASE
q Min Boorer and Georgina U’Brien enjoying the sunshine.
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au Shannon BENTON 0400
Dungog Rodeo Committee shares profits
FROM Page 1
takings for the Easter 2025 Rodeo were somewhat down on the previous year, but the fact that so many people braved the elements to attend speaks volumes for the family event’s popularity.
The Dungog Rodeo is highlyregarded on the circuit and draws thousands of spectators, including from Sydney and interstate.
Competitors also travel long distances to take part.
As far as possible, the Rodeo Committee purchases all its resources and supplies from local businesses.
“Ninety-nine percent of the money to run the rodeo is spent locally, while all the funds raised go to help local people,” Dungog Rodeo Committee President Bill Rumbel said.
While an earlier annual rodeo dates back to the end of World War II, the current rodeo was established in 1972.
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us: (02) 4981 8882
DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL
The event has run almost continuously since then, only missing one year due to drought, according to Vice President David Hudson.
During those 53 years, the emphasis has been on giving back to the local community.
The current organisers are committed to maintaining the aim of putting on an exceptional show to raise funds and support local people, businesses and community groups into the future.
q Dungog Rodeo committee members, workers and other locals chat before the presentation.
q Jack Caldwell, John Pryde, Nick Helyer, Brian Rheinberger, Glenn Keller and Barry McDonald.
Dungog to host End-Of-Life expo
By Shannon BENTON
COMMUNITY members are invited to attend the End-OfLife Expo on Wednesday 23 July, from 1pm to 4pm at the CWA Hall in Dungog.
Hosted by local End-ofLife Doula Jess Watkins, the afternoon event aims to open up compassionate, practical conversations around dying, death, and care.
With a growing national movement towards death literacy and communitybased end-of-life support, the expo marks an important step for the Dungog region.
“It’s not about being morbid, it’s about being prepared,” said Watkins.
“The End-Of-Life Expo offers space for learning, reflection, and real
conversations. It’s about finding dignity and connection in how we support each other at the end of life.”
The event will begin with a welcome and an introduction to the Dungog Death Collective, a new grassroots initiative designed to increase local awareness and resources around end-oflife issues.
A range of speakers will present throughout the afternoon, including representatives from Carers NSW, who will speak at 1:20pm about the vital role of carers and how to access support.
At 1:40pm, Dementia Australia’s Nightingale Project will share insights into caring for those with dementia at the end of life.
At 2:00pm, Bernadette Connolly will then facilitate a conversation about vigil and body care, practices that honour the person and bring comfort to those who grieve.
At 2:30pm, the concept of "No One Dies Alone" (NODA) will be introduced, exploring how Dungog might create a volunteer-led model of bedside companionship.
A panel discussion at 3:00pm will close the afternoon, inviting questions and reflections from the community.
All are welcome to attend this free event, which is supported by local community members and organisations seeking to foster connection, preparedness, and compassionate care at life’s end.
Sculpture exhibition to feature 160-plus works at Dungog
FROM Page 1
Exhibition, and the Sculptural Trail at Dungog Common.
This milestone year promises a stand out showcase, featuring an
unprecedented line-up of sculptors whose work has helped shape the nation’s artistic landscape.
Headlining the exhibition are Deborah Halpern OAM, known for her iconic mosaics, many of
which are held in major Australian and international collections; international public art duo Gillie and Marc; and modernist legend Inge King AM, whose works shaped Australian sculpture.
Joining them are Stephen King, Wynne Prize winner for landscape sculpture; Greg Johns, a mainstay of national collections; Peter Tilley, acclaimed for evocative figurative work; Johannes Pannekoek, known
Like
for bold steel forms; and Vipoo Srivilasa, a globally exhibited ceramicist and 2025 Archibald and Wynne finalist.
Judging will be led by Lauretta Morton OAM, Director of Newcastle Art Gallery, and award-winning Perth sculptor Johannes Pannekoek, whose combined expertise ensures a thoughtful and inspiring selection process.
Visitors can expect artist talks, nature walks, workshops, demonstrations, local food and music and the warm hospitality that has earned the event its dedicated following.
“Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or simply curious, this is a rare chance to see world-class sculpture up close – amid the trees, among the hills, and in support of a community that welcomes you with open arms,” organisers told NOTA.
“Sculpture on the Farm 2025 continues its dual mission: showcasing exceptional Australian sculpture and fostering regional vitality.”
All works are for sale, and funds raised directly support artists and the acquisition of public art for the Dungog Shire.
For more information and tickets visit the Sculpture on the Farm website.
Strengthen
q The exhibition will feature over 160 indoor and outdoor works.
q TEnd-Of-Life doula Jess Watkins.
NAIDOC plaque unveiled at Stroud church
By Joshua GILBERT
A NEW plaque has been unveiled at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Stroud to mark NAIDOC Week.
event and unveiled on 13 July as part of a special NAIDOC Week service at the Church.
Seventh generation descendant Nicole Ward shared at the event, “Although the Anglican Church refused to marry James and Charlotte (apical ancestors), this Church is such a beautiful part of history and the progression of our culture and acceptance.”
Local Minister Reverend Maree Armstrong was joined by Bugg family member Reverend Karen Kime to conduct the service.
Reverend Kime was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church in 2000, becoming the first Aboriginal woman to become a priest in New South Wales.
was conducted by younger members of the Goori Bugg family who were supported by Elders.
“I stand here taking part in this tremendous celebration of history and our ancestors,” Ms Ward stated.
“While many of us were stripped of our rights through
assimilation, I will strive to ensure that current and future generations will not experience the same thing through continued pride and strength,” she said.
The plaque reads, “In respectful memory of apical ancestors Birrpai Charlotte (1813-1861) and English
convict James Bugg (18011879).
“Their love and resilience enabled them to survive and raise their eight children amid frontier hostilities and the ravages of colonisation, upon the unceded Worimi and Birrpai lands granted to the AA Company.”
Following the successful gathering of the Goori Bugg family in Gloucester from 28-30 March, the organising committee unveiled a commemorative plaque to recognise the family's connection to Country.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week ran from 6-13 July, with a theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, in celebration of the 50 year history of the event.
The plaque was blessed during the initial gathering
Keeping with this theme, the unveiling event
Council frustrated with biodiversity laws
DUNGOG Shire Council will write to the Environment Minister to express concerns over the impacts of the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
At Council’s July 16 meeting, Mayor Digby Rayward said the Act has resulted in a high number of Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs) being required for minor developments such as single dwellings or small subdivisions.
“These reports are not only costly due to consultancy fees but are further compounded by expensive offset credit requirements for clearing remnant vegetationadding substantial burdens to local development,” Council said in a statement.
Dungog Shire has been allocated a target of 2,400 new homes under the Hunter Regional Plan (HRP) 2041
and received $1.89 million in Commonwealth funding to develop a Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan.
The Plan is intended to support strategic residential and infrastructure growth by updating the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).
Council’s strategy focuses on directing development near existing urban centres,
especially in R1 and R5 zones that already exhibit high disturbance and remnant vegetation.
However, many of these areas include endangered ecological communities like the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest and emergent Eucalyptus glaucina, which are abundant and often occur naturally due to the region's high annual rainfall - further complicating
compliance with biodiversity regulations.
Council will now write to Penny Sharpe MP - Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Heritage - to highlight the negative impacts of current legislation on housing delivery, cost of development, and the misclassification of common vegetation as endangered.
Council will request
the Minister consider implementing a sunset clause for exemptions to biodiversity offsets and to ease BDAR requirements for developments near urban centres, particularly those in R1 and R5 zones.
“These measures help the Shire to realistically meet its housing and planning obligations under both the Housing Accord and HRP 2041,” Council stated.
q Members of the Goori Bugg Family at the unveiling. Photo: supplied.
q The plaque positioned at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Stroud.
Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty
By Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a greater role for the government in childcare as he prepares to push through legislation tightening up the sector following horrifying allegations of child abuse at Melbourne early learning centres.
Universal affordable childcare was identified by the prime minister during the recent federal election as the one reform he'd most want to be remembered for.
But the accusations levelled against Joshua Brown, whose 70 counts of alleged abuse, including child rape, have raised concerns that the rapid expansion of government subsidies into the sector has not been met with a commensurate increase in safety and scrutiny.
"Well, it reinforces why you need a stronger commonwealth role in childcare," Mr Albanese said when asked by AAP whether the case had changed his views on how his universal
childcare ambition should be enacted.
Commentators have criticised the current model of handing subsidies to forprofit providers, arguing the incentive to cut costs and boost margins sacrifices standards and oversight.
When asked whether he envisaged the sector being run more like public schools, Mr Albanese said "we'll see how that evolves".
"I think it makes sense to have co-location of childcare centres wherever possible in schools. It is just a practical thing to be done.
"If you're starting again you would completely have co-location of child care.
"I know as a parent, we had a public school in our street but we had to send our son to a different school that was driving distance - a short drive - but the next nearest school, because they had after school care.
"That's something that people across the board feel as well - that convenience - and that's part of the productivity agenda."
But first, Education Minister Jason Clare will
introduce legislation giving his department powers to conduct spot checks and pull funding from childcare centres deemed to be consistently failing safety and quality standards.
It's one of four priorities Mr Albanese identified for his first sitting fortnight back in parliament since his swingeing election win.
From Tuesday, the government will also push forward legislation cutting student debt by 20 percent and enshrine penalty rates into law.
The fourth priority, Mr Albanese said, will be seeing Labor's 24 new members sworn in and ensuring they all participate fully towards the government's long term goals.
"I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back and seeing the outcome of the election in real form," he said.
"What that represents... is it gives the confidence that we were correct last term to prioritise people's living standards and cost of living, dealing with those pressures, and that we're correct to
continue to prioritise that. "You need to deliver for people what they need in order to then have the legitimacy to push forward on longer term changes."
The prime minister was feeling buoyant as he flew back from a successful sixday tour of China, where he balanced tensions over Chinese military build-up and a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties.
Amid coalition criticism that he had failed to deliver
enough tangible outcomes, Mr Albanese hit back that they didn't understand how patiently nurturing the relationship would pay dividends in the long-term.
Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor's clumsy comments that Australia should be "prepared to act" alongside the US in conflict with China over Taiwan broke with the bipartisan "One China" policy in support of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, Mr
Albanese said.
His eye is on a Labor dynasty to carve out a positive future for Australia in a challenging region.
"One of the things we're very determined to do is to have long-term Labor government in Australia so that we can implement the long-term changes that Australia needs.
"The world is changing fast and you can either shape that change or it will shape you."
q ‘I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Arrests over 'abhorrent' child-like sex doll imports
By Farid FARID, AAP
SEVERAL middle-aged men have been arrested for trying to get child-like sex dolls shipped to their homes in rural towns.
Australian Border Force officers raided and searched properties around the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area arresting four people over the span of about a year in their crackdown on the "disturbing rise in attempted importations."
Investigators arrested and charged a 63-yearold man at his home in November.
In April 2025, officers intercepted another doll delivered in an air cargo package which was declared as a silicone doll.
This was followed by a
49-year-old man arrested and charged in May on a rural property near Scone.
And in June 2025, another suspected child-like sex doll was intercepted on its way to a home in Whitebridge with a 55-year-old man arrested and charged at his home in northern NSW.
ABF Inspector Michael Mahony said child abuse material comes in all forms and inanimate dolls were not precluded from being classified as engaging in criminal activity.
"Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Insp Mahony said.
"The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child
FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition.
NSW Farmers’ Chief
abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted."
The accused were charged with the importation of Tier 2 Goods, namely child-like sex dolls, where they could face a fine of up to $782,500 or 10 years in jail or both.
Investigators seized several mobile phones and other electronic devices containing evidence of child abuse material as well as illicit drugs in one of the properties raided.
q A man has been arrested by the Australian Border Force for attempting to import child-like sex dolls
Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a range of challenges.
“Every single day, each and every one of us relies on the hard work of our farmers to feed and clothe the nation,” Ms Johnson said.
renewable energy.
“From the rising cost of doing business to green tape and pest and weed problems, farmers are up against it in their efforts to feed the future.
“But we know there are also a lot of opportunities, which is why we are coming together to develop new strategies for success.”
The two-day event at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse will involve policy debates and presentations from industry leaders, as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns, Agriculture Minister
Tara Moriarty, Energy and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, and Shadow Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.
“It’s crucial we put the best heads together to come up with the innovative solutions that will drive our farmers – and our food security –forward,” Ms Johnson said.
“Cutting edge issues like artificial intelligence and lab grown meat will be debated alongside perennial issues such as feral animals and
“There is no shortage of topics to be discussed and solutions to be formed at our Conference this year.
“I look forward to the interaction with key decision makers and discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the state’s agriculture and agri-food industries, as well as the role strong farms will play in securing our future food supply.
“It is vital to have a strong agricultural sector and robust supply chains that can feed the future, and NSW Farmers is leading the way when it comes to finding the means to make this happen.” (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 6 girls. Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $1,200. Ready to go. Pics available or come visit. Call or text: 0422 070 333
Photo: Australian Border Force/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
THE GOOD SHIP MURDER
SBS, 7.30pm
It’s quite an odd time of year to be rolling out a Christmas special – but Christmas in July is a thing now, so why not? The Good Ship Murder is docking in Dubrovnik at this most wonderful time of the year, and Jack (Shayne Ward, pictured) and Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) are on the hunt for a replacement Santa after the ship’s usual one falls ill so that Christmas on board isn’t ruined. But when their pick, local comedian Buddy (Cliff Parisi), turns up dead (what else did you expect on a ship with a name like that?) it’s looking like Christmas might have to be cancelled after all.
FRIDAY, July 25
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane escapes to a tropical conservatory.
8.30 Patience. (Ma) A best-selling crime writer is found dead.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.35 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.25 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
FBI: MOST WANTED
TEN, 9.40pm
There’s both good news and bad for fans of this high-stakes police procedural: while US network CBS cancelled both Most Wanted and its fellow FBI spin-off, International, earlier this year; the silver lining for Aussie fans is that we’ve still got a full season of new episodes to catch up on before Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott, pictured) and the squad tackle their final case. Tonight, in “Radio Silence”, the task force must act quickly when two NYPD officers are gunned down during a robbery, and another pair are targeted while responding to a call. With precincts across the city on edge, the team works against the clock to track down the killer and end the bloodshed.
THURSDAY
GREAT AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS
A travelogue that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this entertaining new
comedian
Nazeem Hussain, foodie Melissa Leong, writer and performer Steph Tisdell and Aussie acting royalty Claudia Karvan head off on six epic road trips that celebrate Australia’s natural beauty. Tonight, Leong introduces Hussain (both pictured) to the magic of the Red Centre on one of her favourite drives: cruising the almost 500km between Alice Springs and Watarrka National Park. There’s camel rides, bush tucker, a desert song festival and outback footy along the way, before the pair catch the sunset in Kings Canyon, surrounded by iconic rock formations made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Return, Mv) A comedian is murdered on the ship.
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals: Sex. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates royal sex scandals.
9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19.
2.00 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
3.45 Blue Water Safari. (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 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 20. GWS Giants v Sydney.
10.30 Shaking Down The Thunder. (PGl, R) Follows the 2005 Sydney Swans.
11.45 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.15 The Disappearance. (Madv, R) Charles and Susan continue their investigation.
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 21. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Parramatta Eels match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Looney Tunes: Back In Action. (2003, PG) 9.20 BTN Newsbreak. 9.25 Robot Wars. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant
SATURDAY, July 26
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. Round 7. H’lights. 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour
6.30 SBS World News.
6.00 Australian Story: Making A Scene – Claudia Karvan. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: North East Tasmania. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie step in to help Leonard. 8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate after a body is found covered in live rabbits at the Belville Small Pet Show.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Mal, R) A date night turns into graveyard duty for Stella.
10.40 Little Disasters. (Final, Mal, R) 11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Newcastle. Susan Calman explores Newcastle.
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Nantua to Pontarlier. 184.2km hilly stage. From France.
12.50 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 1.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1.
3.50 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Tasmania’s world heritage wilderness.
7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Dara Ó Briain.
8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) An academic uncovers a conspiracy while helping investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen.
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 The Disappearance. (Mav, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (Final, PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 2. Australia v British & Irish Lions.
10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.
10.15 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R)
12.45 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (Madl, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.
(31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon Abandoned Americana. 12.55 We’re
6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra.
Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. (PG, R) 4.40 Hippo Watch. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.
6.30 Compass: The GovernorGeneral – One Year On. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (Return, PG) Austin grapples with sudden literary fame.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella must deal with another dead body.
8.50 Miss Austen. (Premiere) Charts the lives of Jane and Cassandra Austen.
9.45 MOVIE: Gayby Baby. (2015, PG, R) Follows four children of gay parents. Gus. 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return) 8.00 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter
SUNDAY, July 27
6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 7.55 The Movie Show. 8.25 Walk With Me. (2017,
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens.
8.35 The Secrets Of Mount Olympus. (R) Takes a look at Mount Olympus, considered the residence of the gods in Greek mythology.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2.
11.30 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21.
4.25 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
(31)
4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Mastermind Australia. 6.35 The Frontier. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. 10.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The Legend Of Bigfoot. 9.25 The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon. 10.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Mystery Of The Homestead Murders. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the 1978 murders of Mick and Sue Lewis, whose bodies were found in their homestead.
10.40 The Crow Girl. (MA15+av)
12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (Return, PGl) 8.55 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating issues affecting all Australians.
World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 1. Finals.
9News Late.
The First 48. (Mav) 12.30 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dms, R)
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A project manager hunts for a new home. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition. 9.45 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple search for a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for their growing family. 10.45 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth visits a historic funeral home. 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef
MONDAY, July 28
6.00
8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R)
9.15 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGaw, R)
10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later. (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. 2.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 3.00 Weeks Of War. (PGav, R) 3.55 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 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 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) Shaun Micallef, Kyle Shilling, Felicity Ward and Mia Fevola hit the dance floor in the semi-finals.
8.50 9-1-1. (Masv) The 118 is called to a research lab that has been set on fire and becomes a biohazard.
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, 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)
8.40 100% Footy. (M) 9.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 2. Finals.
9News Late.
Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml)
Footy Classified. (Ml)
Innovation Nation. (R)
6.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am What Do
We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.30 All The King’s Men. (2006, M) 12.55pm All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 3.45 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.45 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 7.35 Ondine. (2009, M) 9.30 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 11.25 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 29
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 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PG, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.45 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Raw Comedy 2025. 10.05 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 11.30 Fashionista. 11.40 WorldWatch. 12.10pm Homicide. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.15am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 8.00 Anton Chekhov’s The Duel. (2010, PG) 9.45 The Movie Show. 10.15 The Humbling. (2014, M) 12.15pm Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 7.30 I Love You Too. (2010, M) 9.30 One Fine Morning. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.35 Late Programs.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Jim Jefferies hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mns) The 10 remaining castaways come to the end of their adventure and return to reality.
11.20 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.20 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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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.
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9GO!
6.00
WEDNESDAY, July 30
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 How Disney Built America. (PG)
8.20 Aerial Australia. (Premiere, PGa)
9.15 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (Premiere)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5.
2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R)
3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGan, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE:
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a)
11.20 Stags. (MA15+av)
12.20 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
1.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
2.30 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) Bathroom week brings some teams undone.
8.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 4. Finals.
11.10 9News Late.
11.40 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R) 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 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 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
9.15 Culture By Design.
Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PGa, R)
ABC Late News.
The Business. (R)
Parliament Question Time.
Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 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 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets.
6am The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. Continued. (2008, PG) 7.40 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 10.15 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.10pm Ondine. (2009, M) 2.05 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.55 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.35 The Company. (2003, PG) 7.40 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 9.30 Book Of Love. (2022) 11.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs.
July 31
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Iceland. (PGa, R) 2.55 The Day The Rock Star Died: Elvis Presley. (PG, R) 3.25 The Point. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (Premiere)
8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage
6. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGn, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 9.20 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 10.55 Falling. (2020, M) 1pm I Love You Too. (2010, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 5.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.40 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 9.35 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cohen’s world is turned upside down.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 21. Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Code Blue: One Punch Killers. (Madv, 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.
(64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 22. Parramatta Eels
DRAMA (51)
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Edstein
Aileen Cecelia
Late of Barrington. Passed away peacefully on 20th July 2025. Aged 84 years
Beloved husband of Claude. Loving mother to Kim, Paula, Bernard & Rachel. Mother in law to Stephen & David.
Proud and loving grandmother & great-grandmother to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by sisters & brother Lynette, Billie & Kevin.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Aileen’s Funeral Service to be held at Pioneer Memorial Gardens, Gloucester on Monday 28th July 2025 commencing 1.30pm prior to a private family interment in the Gloucester Cemetery.
Funeral Notices
Murray Lesley Mary
Known as Lel.
Late of Mograni Creek, Gloucester. Passed away peacefully on 17th July 2025. Aged 76 years
Beloved wife of Brian. Loving mother and mother in-law to Brendon, Faye & Michael. Proud and loving grandmother of Tayla, Jack, Natasha, Blake, Mia & Zara. Survived by brother Kim.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lesley’s graveside funeral service to be held at Krambach Cemetery on Monday 28th July 2025 commencing at 11am prior to interment.
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The Area OPINION Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
PUZZLES
DEAR Jasminda,
There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert. Why is there so much interest?
Jerry P.
Dear Jerry,
Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It's one thing to drive a loved one to the airport, but making that trip accompanied by a Coldplay
playlist is another experience altogether.
Chris Martin is an incredible songwriter.
He expresses the depth of human emotion from love to regret to redemption (and that's just in The Scientist).
He's incredibly astute, and that was pretty evident when he said, straight after the concert gotcha moment, that the deer in headlights couple were either having an affair or just very shy.
The wide-eyed look of shock followed by a quick turnabout and hasty duck seemed to indicate that Martin was on the money with his first observation.
No longer swaying, the CEO and his people person were thrust into the limelight in a way that was never going to be good for Astronomer.
How, for example, was the chief people officer going to talk about ethical work practices at the next staff meeting?
How was the CEO going to address the organisation's reputational management when his own reputation had just gone down the gurgler?
Perhaps the only way for Andy's wife to deal with the fallout will be in true Coldplay style.
When her husband arrives home with his tail between his legs, she could simply play lyrics that have suddenly taken on a whole new level of meaning.
He will no doubt be greeted with 'Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part' blaring out the bedroom window at which point she could throw down his clothes, his shoes, and his vintage album collection featuring a signed copy of A Rush of Blood to the Head.
I very much doubt this is going to be a conscious uncoupling.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Kids Boot Camp 045
Dungog workshop builds a ‘harmonic’ community
By Lisa WISEMAN
WITH dits and dahs, eeyores and train whistles, and honks and hilarity, the Dungog Arts Society gallery resounded to the sounds of a Blues Harmonica workshop on Saturday 19 July.
Both gallery rooms were packed, with nearly 40 participants attending.
Each participant was gifted a Blues harmonica.
A few had some experience with the instrument, but most were novices.
Over the course of two hours, they went from handling and breathing into their new harmonicas, tentatively, to bending notes confidently.
Some of the information shared included the history and types of the harmonica
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition.
The nation's science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK.
The centre will also team with universities, electricity retailers and others to model future demands on the national grid.
The announcement comes amid change in the Australian energy market, with household demand for solar panels and energy storage primed for growth by the recent launch of the $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Research into electricity and gas use has been "piecemeal" despite
significant investment in the energy market and policy changes, the centre's director Stephen Craig said.
Individual research efforts such as Saul Griffith's Electrify 2515 pilot project have probed the market, he said, but Australia is yet to collect broad energy data on a national basis.
"What we haven't had is the consistent, enduring capability so you can follow trends over time, you can compare apples with apples if you're doing different types
of research and trials," Dr Craig told AAP.
"What we want to do is get an understanding of how energy is used today, how energy flows in the household and small businesses as well, but also get a handle on what people like and don't like."
The centre aims to recruit 1000 participants in its first year and ultimately reach 10,000 households and businesses throughout Australia, he said, similar to the Living Lab in the UK.
The Australian centre
Committee appointed
COUNCIL has endorsed the appointment of three independent community representatives to its Rural Lands Steering Committee following an expression of interest campaign.
The Rural Lands Steering Committee was originally formed in September 2019, however the Rural Lands Strategy was placed on hold and the committee ceased meeting.
At its June 2025 meeting,
Council agreed to reactivate the Committee and launch an expressions of interest campaign to recruit new members.
The purpose of the Rural Lands Steering Committee is to provide strategic direction and advance the Rural Lands Strategy by reviewing its land use planning approaches and methodologies underpinning zoning, minimum lot sizes and other controls. It will provide input to
Following the receipt of ten eligible applications, submissions were assessed by a panel of Council officers using a documented evaluation matrix that balanced technical merit with diversity of perspective as per the evaluation table, with three people chosen for their
experience, commitment to showing community growth and sustainability, and demonstrated experience in business and/or strategic planning.
Council congratulated Alan Smith, Alan Green and Noel Brown on their appointment, and thanked the other applicants and previous committee members for their interest and commitment to the Dungog community.
Review of roads strategy
DEPUTY Mayor Alexandria Carruthers has put forward a Notice of Motion for Council to undertake a review of the current 2011 Roads Strategy to ensure it is futureproofed and addresses advances in data collection and management systems, community engagement expectations and environmental pressures.
Cr Carruthers noted the review is a crucial opportunity for the new Council to adopt an updated strategy that aligns its priorities with the community’s expectations for a fit-for-purpose road network, and will allow the Shire to align with current NSW and national road management best practices, which emphasises: - Real time data-driven asset and risk management; - Climate-adaptive infrastructure planning; - Integrated transport thinking where applicable, and - Alignment with state and regional infrastructure strategies to unlock grant and funding opportunities.
and different genres of music that feature the instrument, as well as how to produce different sounds and tones with the mouth, tongue and throat.
Much of the sound generated at the workshop was laughter, as playing is also good for mental and physical health.
While plenty of Dungog locals attended, many participants travelled from outside the Shire.
Some came from Newcastle and the Central and Mid North coasts.
The workshop was presented by Craig Lyons, aka Captain Bluetongue.
Craig is a musician and educator with over 30 years experience.
As well as presenting workshops, he also plays music with the “Blues Preachers” and the “Marvellous Hearts”.
would also develop energy system modelling, analysis and visualisation tools to assist research.
Along with analysing a wide range of households, Dr Craig said it would be important to assess the use of solar panels, electric vehicles and household batteries because they could take pressure off the national grid.
"There's more and more of the energy system in the hands of households," he said.
"We don't want to underbuild because then we may not have a robust system but we don't want to overbuild either, so to have better data on how people are using energy and want to use energy is helpful."
Households that participate will share
Despite having so many participants, Craig managed to give each some personalised attention and tuition.
He also offered everyone a complimentary private lesson online, to follow up on their progress.
Describing the workshop as “a lot of fun”, Craig said that he prefers teaching groups as opposed to private lessons, because workshops like this “build a community of harmonica enthusiasts”.
Judging by the smiles on the faces of the attendees, it appears Dungog may well have a growing group of harmonica players in future.
Further harmonica workshops are possible, and will be designed to complement the skill levels of people who would like to attend.
anonymous data from their electricity meter as well as temperature and humidity readings from inside their home, and could be invited to take part in specialty projects. Hunter region participant Heath Raftery said he signed up to discover ways to reduce his family's energy bills, but also to ensure households like his were considered in future policies.
"I'm a renter so there's not much I can do infrastructurewise but having input... will help governments and providers to consider the third of the population that is renting," he said.
The centre is already collaborating on projects with Endeavour Energy and the Race for 2030 cooperative research centre.
Dungog Shire Council on the rural lands strategy from rural communities and representatives from industries in the rural sector.
q Craig Lyons, aka ‘Captain Bluetongue’, with some of the workshop participants.
Can you write for the local paper?
TELLING the incredible stories of Dungog Shire is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
Since successfully launching in mid-2024, amid widespread newspaper closures, the independentlyowned and family-run NOTA has been keeping locals up to date with all the latest news, sport, current affairs and more.
Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team.
“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”
to meet some of the aweinspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.
Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community,
Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with
Doug Walters statue unveiled
Feedback sought on connectivity program
THE Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the “On Farm Connectivity Program” to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round.
Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, the government says thousands of primary producers have been able to extend connectivity and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts has commenced
public consultation on design aspects of Round 3, ahead of opening applications later this year.
The department is requesting feedback on options to adjust the Program to ensure opportunities are optimised for primary producers to address connectivity gaps, particularly in light of the unprecedented demand in Round 2.
Proposed changes to the Program including refining the scope of equipment eligible for rebate, and streamlining processes by providing rebates directly to primary producers.
The public consultation builds on discussions already underway with state and
Commonwealth government agencies and industry representatives, including the National Farmers’ Federation, as well as feedback already received following delivery of the first two rounds.
The Government has allocated $53 million across all three rounds of the Program over 202324 to 2025-26, as part of the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
For more information and to have your say on the proposed changes for Round 3, visit the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 consultation page.
Consultation closes on Tuesday 26 August 2025.
By Joseph RICHARDS
A NEW statue honouring Australian cricket great Doug Walters was unveiled outside the Dungog Visitor Information Centre on Saturday.
The delivery of the statue was a joint effort between Dungog Shire Council and the Doug Walters Foundation.
The unveiling was wellattended by locals, with a number of Walters’ exteammates in town to reflect
on an incredible career and character.
Born in Dungog in 1945, Walters made his Australian Test debut in 1965 aged 19.
In the 1968-69 Test against the West Indies, he became the first player to score a double hundred and a century in the same Test.
A member of the Cricket Australia Hall of Fame and Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Walters was also awarded an MBE and a Centenary Medal throughout his career.
their present lifestyle and commitments.
If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let's start the conversation. Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to media@newsofthearea.com. au.
Despite all of this success, Walters is proof that “you can take the boy out of Dungog but you can’t take Dungog out of the boy”.
“Doug has never forgotten where he’s from, he brings back some friends once a year to have a few drinks and to show them where he grew up,” said Dungog Mayor Digby Rayward.
Dungog Regional Tourism Chair Cam Archer told NOTA, “Doug is a Dungog icon, this statue will give another reason for people to come visit our town.”
Mr Walters was characteristically humble in his response to the statue.
“I didn’t play cricket for a statue,” he said, “but it’s a lovely thought.”
The ceremony featured performances by country music singers Matt Scullion and Greg Hayes, as well as MC and magician Phil Cornwall, a nod to Walters’ infamous love for magic tricks and pranks.
q Doug Walters inspecting the statue after it was unveiled.
Mayor thanks councils for flood support
MAYOR Digby Rayward has offered thanks to several local councils which offered support to Dungog’s recovery efforts after the May flooding event.
The councils who offered direct support include:
· Lake Macquarie City Council: coordination of resourcing and logistical support
· Muswellbrook Shire Council: pothole and patching crews
· Tamworth Regional Council: pothole and patching crews
· Maitland City Council: access to the Mt Vincent Waste Management Facility for waste disposal
· Singleton Council: access to Mt Dyrring Waste Management Facility for waste disposal At Dungog Shire Council’s 15 July meeting, Mayor Rayward also thanked the councils, mayors and other organisations who reached out to offer moral support or other assistance, including Willoughby City Council, Hornsby Shire Council, Blacktown City Council and Local Government NSW.
Dungog Shire has been directly impacted by three declared natural disasters this year.
“These disaster events come at a time when
damage from previous years’ disasters is often still being repaired, assessed and processed, with damage compounding with each subsequent disaster,” Council said in a statement.
Mayor Rayward said the impact to the Shire’s infrastructure is still being assessed and compiled, however it currently exceeds $7 million.
“Whilst Council eventually receives funding to repair damaged infrastructure under the national Disaster Recovery Funding Ordinary Arrangements with the NSW and Australian Governments, this often takes years and immense amounts of time for Council staff to resolve,” Council stated.
q Dungog cricket royalty Doug Walters has been immortalised in stone.
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANEWOOD
SPORTS RESULTS | GOLF Saturday 19th July | 2-PERSON AMBROSE CHAMPIONSHIPS - 1ST ROUND FIELD | 35
members. Winners Brodie Thackeray & Ramsey VaneWood (4.25) 57.75 Nett, Runners Up James Cowled & Wayne Stedman (4.75) 60.25 Nett, 3rd Place Paul Geddes & Timothy Kiem (4.50) 61.50 Nett BALL COMP | Mark Maddock &
Robert Radin (7.25) 61.75 Nett, Greg Sainsbury & Greg Scott (6.00) 62 Nett, Peter Griffin & Paul Langley (7.25) 62.75 Nett. LONG DRIVE | 3rd/12th
- Timothy Kiem (7) - 220 metres NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Peter Griffin (15), 2nd/11th - Brodie Thackeray (11), 8th/17th - Michael Shanley (15), 9th/18th - Mark Maddock (11) MEMBERS DRAW | No.6, Jackpot, $206 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed,
5 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR | 26-Jul 2-Person Ambrose Championships (Final Round & Keno Qualifier), 2-Aug Stroke, Monthly Medal & Match Play Qualifiers (subject to entries), 9-Aug Stableford & Match Play 1st Round, 16-Aug Stableford & Match Play Quarter Finals, 23-Aug Stableford & Match Play Semi-Finals, 30-Aug Stableford, 2BBB & Match Play Final.
Cobras tame Cheetahs
By Peter MAYTOM
CLARENCE Town Cobras
men's team travelled away last Saturday to take on Waratah Mayfield on their “Old Boys Day”.
A win for either side would decide the outright competition leader as both teams were tied at the top on 14 competition points.
A mistake by the Cheetahs coming off their line in the first set of the game gave Clarence
Town early possession and after several strong runs by the Cobras forwards, second rower Hunta Saunders spun and crashed his way over next to the posts to give Blake Birch an easy conversion and a somewhat unexpected 6-0 lead after only four minutes.
The try gave Claro momentum and just six minutes later they were in again courtesy of a nice backline movement which saw centre Jarod Rits charge
Ready to run
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
can choose from 5km, 10km, and 20km runs, with fresh courses released for all distances.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just happy to walk and take in the scenery, there’s a route to suit every pace.
But Run Dungog isn’t just for runners.
The event has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming and familyfriendly days on the calendar.
Kids can explore the bush and learn new skills in the Wildcraft program,
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
as spectators soak up the community vibe with local food, music, and markets.
“It’s a great place to be a non-runner in a running community,” said one regular supporter.
“The energy is infectious - you come for the cheering and end up planning to run next year.”
Even dogs get in on the action, with the ever-popular Best Dressed Dog prize returning to reward fourlegged friends in costume.
All funds raised from the event support the Dungog Shire Community Centre, helping to deliver vital services across the region.
onto a pass out wide to cross in the corner.
The difficult sideline conversion attempt went wide of the post although it left the Cobras with a handy 10-0 lead.
At this point Claro lost the services of hooker Jake Ritchie which in turn caused a reshuffle and to some extent a little disorganisation.
With the versatile Willie Simpson now into dummy half the Cobras eventually
found their rhythm again and at the 29th minute mark halfback Blake Birch took things into his own hands and scored a classy individual try under the posts to have Claro well on top at this stage, pushing their lead out to 160.
All Claros’ outside backs were doing a great job resting some of the workload for their forwards and after a tremendous carry from winger Dane Laman the Cobras were in again out wide.
Jarod Rits scored his second try for the afternoon and his fifth in two weeks to give Claro a useful 20-0 lead at the halftime break.
The second half couldn’t have started too much worse for the Cobras.
In the space of five minutes after the restart they lost blockbusting prop Ben Bradley as well as halfback and captain Blake Birch for the remainder of the game, causing further positional changes to the team.
Already without regular five eight Brock Hunt the Cobras seemed to be a little rattled and disorganised and the Cheetahs took full advantage to cross for a try out wide.
An unsuccessful conversion left the score at 20-4 in favour of Claro.
It took a determined run by lock forward Jock Potter who had continually probed the opposition defence all game to crash over under the
posts and keep the Cobras on track.
Fisher, taking over the goal kicking duties, slotted the conversion to push Claro’s lead out to 26-4.
Prop Sam Dunn and backrower Hunta Saunders had toiled hard for the Cobras all game but with twelve minutes to go Waratah hit back with a converted try to bring them back into the game at 26-10.
Claros Willie Simpson, originally filling into the hooker role and now playing at halfback, hit back immediately with his own piece of individual skill to dummy close to the line and sliced through defenders to score next to the posts and once again stretch the lead to 32-10.
With just five minutes remaining it must be said that the position changes had taken its toll on the Cobras as they seemed totally disorganised and communication seemed to be lost, resulting in the Cheetahs running in two late tries to give them unneeded confidence and scoreline respectability with the final score being 32-20.
Although Claro were dominant for the majority of the game there were enough flaws towards the end of the match which will need to be addressed if they are to continue to be a force towards the end of the competition.
Just the same, a strong win away from home in front
of a large opposition old boys crowd.
Our Ladies League Tag team had a big weekend firstly travelling to Glendale on Saturday and unluckily finding themselves on the end of a very controversial decision on fulltime which resulted in them coming away with a 10-10 draw with Claudia Watt and Shonah Lancaster scoring tries for the Cobras.
They then had to travel to Tea Gardens for an 11am game on Sunday.
Several players were outstanding for the ladies, none better than Best Attacker Ellen Maytom, Best Tagger Lara Allwood and Claudia Watt having an outstanding game at fullback for a convincing 22-0 win.
Scorers were Claudia Watt, Ellen Maytom, Izzy Broad, Jemma Walters and Caitlyn O’Brien.
The weekends’ results now see the girls sitting in second position in the competition.
Kristen Bradley is doing a fantastic job in her initial season as LLT coach.
Next week our Men 2.30pm and Women 1.10pm are home to Tea Gardens on Saturday.
Our U7s play Myall River Hawks away on Saturday at 9am.
The kids are having a wonderful season under the expert guidance of coach Laura Compton.
q 2-Person Ambrose Winners (1st Round), Brodie Thackeray (l) & Ramsey Vane-Wood (r).
q Last year’s winner of the ‘Best Dressed Dog’ prize.
q The Clarence Town Ladies League Tag side.
q A wildcraft session for kids at Run Dungog.
Ready to run
By Shannon BENTON
“Around
“It’s
