CWA branches advocate for change
By Pauline CAIN
NEWS Of The Area joined more than 600 delegates and another 200 observers at the Country Women’s Association’s 103rd State Conference in Wagga Wagga last week.
In a statement to media ahead of the conference, CWA of NSW president Joy Beames said, “The high number of motions delegates will be asked to vote on this year reflects the commitment from our members to their communities and the importance of highlighting issues impacting the lives of those in remote, rural and regional NSW communities.”
CONTINUED Page 3
FLOOD AFTERMATH
Shire ‘better
By Joseph RICHARDS
More rental properties are needed for qualified tenants!
Do you or someone you know have a property that is ready for lease?
Contact Michelle Thomas on (02) 4992 1704 to discuss your properties potential
q Hunter River Group President Deb Schaefer, Maitland Branch member Carol Johnstone, DungogClarence Town Vice President Julie Fitzgerald and new member Bronwyn Hibbert. Photo: Pauline Cain.
Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au
Shannon BENTON 0400 136 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
FLOOD AFTERMATH
FROM Page 1
metres around 10:00pm on Wednesday 21 May.
River levels stabilised over the weekend and flood waters started to subside.
As of Monday there were still numerous road closures and detours in place.
Due to the heavy rain, a landslip occurred in the mountains on Bingleburra Road between Gresford and Dungog.
Mayor Rayward said the Shire was better prepared than in previous floods.
“I just think that we are certainly more prepared for this flood than in the past,” he said.
“The SES and RFS have responded very well.
"And I think we have all responded well.”
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au Phone us: (02) 4981 8882 Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri
As the water continues to subside, the clean up process can begin.
“I think that obviously it will take a long while for the flood to subside,” Mayor Rayward said.
“Unfortunately we have been hit with landslips and flood damage.
“But we ask people to have common sense and patience with council as we work to start the repair process.”
DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL
q Dunmore Bridge at Woodville. Photo: Joseph Richards.
q Flooding in Dungog. Photo: John Squires.
q Road closures in Dungog on 19 May. Photo: Karen Turner.
q Flooding on Butterwick Road.
CWA branches advocate for change
FROM Page 1
The theme for this year’s conference, “From isolation to innovation - the threads that bind”, aptly highlighted how women from all over NSW came together to discuss over 40 motions regarding education, health, the environment,
agriculture, transport and telecommunications.
These motions ranged from calling on the state government to prioritise feral pig control, to reopening the regional seniors travel card program, to urgently calling for a review of ambulance services.
“Advocacy has always
been at the heart of our association and that has certainly come to the fore this year,” Ms Beames said.
Bronwyn Hibbert, a new member of the DungogClarence Town Branch, attended her first CWA conference, while Lisa Connors was announced as the winner of the prestigious
Garry Essay Prize on the final morning.
Branch Vice President
Julie Fitzgerald sat down with News Of The Area during the conference for a quick Q&A.
What are the biggest issues in your community?
“Personal isolation is a real issue in our community,”
Julie said.
“Council funding for roads is something else we are concerned with.
“We have had the special rate variation for three years and that is about to change.
“Environmental concerns see many locals volunteering to address river regeneration and repopulating and planting corridors to support the koala population.”
How is your branch unique demographically?
“Our Branch was established in 1929 and the members at the time saved and bought a lovely two-storey building that continues to serve as a community hub.
“Membership of our branch includes the leaders of a diverse range of volunteers which offers us a diversity of thought and interests.”
Gallery celebrates Winter Exhibition
GRESFORD Community Gallery will hold a celebratory opening of its Winter Exhibition on Sunday, 1 June from 2-4pm.
Almost nine months old, the gallery is set amidst the botanical gardens and visitors’ park in the rural village of East Gresford.
“The Winter Exhibition will include a stunning array of quality Hunter Valley art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewellery, fibre and textiles.,” said the gallery’s Robyn Werkhoven.
“The exhibition will be officially opened by highly regarded Newcastle artist and writer Dr John Barnes.”
Winter Exhibition artists include Alice Ropata, John
Barnes, Benjamin Broinowski, Barbara Nanshe, Nathan Keogh, Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, Suzannah Jones, Giselle Penn, Dawn Thompson, Janet Steele, Fiona Wright, Sandra Lee Brown, Sue Stewart, Helene Leane, Gaye Shield, Tim Mullaney, Chel King, Wendy Johnson, Susana Enriquez, Linda Bizon, Bernadette Meyers, Joanna Greenwood, Kylie Weedon, Heather Anderson, Gillian Waddell, Libby Cusick, Tara Mann, Cherie Platen, Cecily Grace, Georgia Horacek, Peter Ronne, Michael Garth, Laurence Thorssell and Cynthia Denning.
Refreshments will be served at the opening, The gallery is located at 12 Park Street, East Gresford.
Shed occupation policy to be reviewed
MAYOR Digby Rayward
has put forward a Mayoral Minute seeking Dungog Shire Council to review its policy relating to the residential occupation of sheds.
The current policy, adopted in 2001 and re-adopted in 2003, requires applicants to have full development and construction approvals for a dwelling before permission can be granted to temporarily live in a shed.
applicants have clearly indicated their intention to construct a dwelling on the property.
To address this, the Mayor recommended prioritising a review of the policy and updating it to reflect current challenges.
Specifically, the review will consider allowing the General Manager to approve temporary occupation of sheds under delegated authority, where
Cr Rayward argues this has become increasingly restrictive given the significant changes in the construction industry, economic pressures, and delays in the planning system.
This would involve assessing each case on its merits and applying appropriate conditions and timeframes, without needing full council escalation.
Councillors endorsed updating the policy to allow flexibility to be applied immediately under the General Manager's delegation.
q The gallery opened its doors last September.
Ill landholder urges compassion in shift to renewables
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
Transmission Project, which would involve the construction of highvoltage lines across part of their property.
Mr Barry has accused EnergyCo of bullying and insensitivity, telling a NSW parliamentary inquiry the stress has only worsened his degenerative condition.
"Given landowners are sacrificing home and land for the greater good, the very least they deserve is generosity in compensation, not mean penny-pinching," Mr Barry said in a pre-recorded statement to the inquiry in Sydney on Tuesday.
"EnergyCo can either keep its bad-boy image... or grow up and evolve into a noble government department operating on principles of humanity, decency and compassion."
consultation guidelines for meaningful engagement, including the use of on-site local staff, according to the government's submission.
An inquiry is examining the impact of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities, including on their economies, industries and culture.
The zones, which include solar and wind farms, batteries and transmission infrastructure, are planned for the Illawarra, the Hunter, the central west, the southwest and New England.
The NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman has received 24 complaints about the zones, related to "ad-hoc" consultation, placement of transmission lines and lack of transparency in planning.
already experiencing dust impacts," Ms Young told the hearing.
Stress and poor mental health had been reported by farmers, while regional councils were concerned about an influx of workers putting pressure on already stretched local services.
"To build trust in this sector and in the energy transition, we all need to consult, engage and share information and support each other," she said.
NSW Agriculture commissioner Alison Stone said consultation was a "vexed issue", but EnergyCo was examining how it could be more flexible in engaging rural residents.
FILMMAKER Ian Barry hoped to live out his final years in peace and tranquility on his bush property.
being damaged by a planned renewable energy zone.
But Mr Barry, who has motor neurone disease, is instead locked in a fight to save his NSW Hunter sanctuary from
He and his wife Vicki have had a publicised battle with government authority EnergyCo over the Hunter
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe, who has met with Mr Barry, told a previous inquiry that landholders were finding the process challenging, but denied any bullying.
EnergyCo has developed new community
Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers
HELICOPTERS have provided isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter.
As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there had been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other means.
There have also been 15 requests for animal assessment and veterinary support.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) teams are working together as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), to manage the agricultural and animal welfare hotline and its response activities.
The AASFA operation is providing farmers with emergency fodder in cases
of immediate animal welfare concern, aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock, and fodder drops to farmers in the Hunter and other areas affected.
Another important element of emergency response and recovery for farmers and communities impacted by natural disasters is the difficult process of deceased animal disposal.
Through the AASFA emergency hotline, farmers and community members can make requests for carcass disposal and report deceased livestock, either on properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off properties and into community spaces.
The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through the spread of disease.
DPIRD Director
Consultation tended to be limited to landholders who would host the infrastructure, ombudsman Janine Young said.
"Neighbours feel ignored even though they will have visual, noise and traffic (impacts) and are
"Big change does take time and certainly... land use change in particular, does mean that there are people that take longer to come on the journey," Ms Stone said.
The inquiry is due to hold a hearing in Dubbo on Friday, after the government approved several renewable projects in the Central West-Orana zone in early May.
Emergency Management
Dr Leigh Pilkington said,
“I would like to thank all landholders and community members for being proactive in taking steps to prepare for this event and reporting their deceased animals, so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements.
“We know it is an
incredibly difficult time for landholders, and we have teams ready to assist them where we can.
“I would encourage landholders to reach out to DPIRD for help.
“We have vets from Local Land Services ready to help with animal assessment, treatment and euthanasia on
welfare grounds and carcass disposal.”
Impacted farmers can call the AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am to 6pm, seven days a week).
Assistance available through AASFA includes:
• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals
on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock.
q A rural landowner is upset about the development of high-voltage lines across his property. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
q Fodder is being air-dropped to farmers in need.
By Jack GRAMENZ and Ethan JAMES, AAP
incumbent in another requesting a second tally.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel has requested a recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein.
The Australian Electoral Commission finalised a margin of 260 in favour of Liberal candidate Tim Wilson on Saturday, but is considering the recount request.
"Unusual fluctuations" and large numbers of votes "moving to and fro" prompted several outstanding questions, Ms Daniel said in a statement.
"I have taken expert advice and asked the AEC to consider whether a full recount is appropriate," she said.
"As always I will respect the process and await the commission's decision."
Mr Wilson, a former assistant minister who lost Goldstein to Ms Daniel in the 2022 election, said he had had a majority for weeks and the votes had been counted multiple times.
"At some point we should respect the professional staff at the (electoral commission)," he said on social media.
"I wish Zoe Daniel, her family and staff well in the next chapter. I hope she finds peace," Mr Wilson said.
The commission said it was considering the recount request.
In NSW, a recount will take place in the northern Sydney electorate of Bradfield, where Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian is narrowly ahead of independent Nicolette Boele after the distribution of preferences.
The final margin of eight
votes is under the 100vote threshold to trigger an automatic recount, which will begin on Monday.
Ms Boele had been declared the provisional winner before further counting flipped the standings.
The recount is expected to take two weeks.
"There have been three recounts in the last 20 years... they don't happen very often," election analyst Ben Raue told AAP.
The most recent federal recount was in 2016 for the Queensland seat of Herbert, which Labor won by 37 votes.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer won Fairfax by 53 votes in 2013 after his scrutineers' challenged votes.
Melbourne's McEwen was the subject of a dramatic to-and-fro in 2007, going from Labor to the Liberals and back to Labor following a recount and subsequent High Court challenge.
Bradfield could go to a by-election if the recount returned similar numbers to the initial count or be disputed in court if any parties challenged the outcome, Mr Raue said.
In another tight race, Labor is on track to pick up an extra seat in Melbourne's Calwell to add to its increased
majority.
The seat has become a four-way contest between Labor, the Liberals, the Greens and an independent as the full preference distribution is carried out.
In the Senate, the electoral commission appeared to be close to "pushing the button" on the count to decide whether maverick Jacqui Lambie would be re-elected, Mr Raue said.
The Tasmanian is in a three-way battle for two Senate seats with veteran Liberal Richard Colbeck and Labor.
One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts is on track to reclaim his Queensland seat.
A win in Calwell would place the government on 94 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives and cement its victory in every electorate held by Labor before the 3 May poll.
The Liberals have 28 seats in the lower house and the Nationals have 15.
The Greens have been reduced to one lower-house seat, with 11 shared between independents and other minor parties.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recommended parliament open on July 22.
q A rare recount in a Sydney electorate will delay confirmation of Australia's next parliament. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Fifth death linked to floods as body found in burnt car
By Alex MITCHELL, Jack GRAMENZ and Kat WONG, AAP
A FIFTH person died in a region devastated by floods after dangerous conditions prevented emergency crews from accessing a home.
The body of a man believed to be in his 80s was found inside a burntout vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, about 50km north-west of Taree.
A concern for welfare had been raised on Wednesday after the shed was reportedly spotted alight but severe weather conditions prevented crews from getting to the property by road. Access to the home was
only possible by helicopter with officers arriving early on Friday afternoon, NSW Police said in a statement.
The intense rainfall that battered the mid-north coast for several days moved south on Friday, but some communities remained cut off.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris
Minns planned to visit hardhit Taree but their attempt to meet affected locals was aborted, further highlighting the town's isolation by its second major flood in four years.
"We've heard word from local MPs and businesses that they've had a torrid three days, incredibly difficult circumstances," Mr Minns said from Maitland.
"We know it will take a long time to get that community back up on its feet."
Mr Minns eventually made it to Taree to meet with locals and see the devastation firsthand.
Port Macquarie local Margret Meagher told AAP the town took 18 months to recover from its last major flood and it would be important for the community to band together.
"People feel they're isolated, so that's where the whole community spirit is so pivotal," she said.
More than 1600 insurance claims have already been made, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.
"Insurers stand ready to serve customers through the oncoming recovery period," chief executive Andrew Hall said.
Of the five deaths linked to the record-breaking
Disaster assistance activated
THE Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Hunter and Mid North Coast following severe weather, including heavy rainfall.
The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for lowincome, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
“These floods and severe
weather are having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, which is why we’re working with the Minns Government to activate this support,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.
“From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages – we’re ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery.
“These conditions are expected to continue into the week, so it’s really important that people are aware of the flood risk in their area by keeping up to date with the
warnings and that they listen to the advice of emergency services.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government is activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
“We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible,” Minister Saffin said.
The State Government has also waived the waste levy for impacted LGAs.
Residents in the areas hit hardest by the storm can
floods, three have involved drivers.
The body of a man in his late 70s was found on Friday after his vehicle appeared to be swept off a causeway at Nana Glen near Coffs Harbour.
Another man died at a flooded home near Taree, as did a driver west of Port Macquarie and a 60-year-old woman near Coffs Harbour.
A man missing in Nymboida has been located but police have not ruled out floods as a factor in the disappearance of another man in Bellingen.
But hundreds of people would be dead without SES volunteers, the premier said.
The prime minister announced assistance grants of $180 per person or $900 for families would roll out in coming days.
Those unable to work in the hardest-hit areas will have access to disaster recovery allowance from Monday.
"Tragically, we're seeing more extreme weather events," Mr Albanese said.
The SES has conducted 736 flood rescues.
But with the rate of rescue requests decreasing, by Friday volunteers were focusing on getting supplies to the 50,000 people isolated by floodwaters.
dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.
Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items. It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.
Landfill operators may still charge their own landfill operation charge, also known as the gate fee or tip fee, to manage waste.
Residents should also contact their local council before visiting their local tip to ensure it is still able to accept waste.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at
https://www.nsw.gov. au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au.
q More than 1600 flood damage claims have already been made, the Insurance Council of Australia says. Photo: Lindsay Moller/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
GARY BARLOW’S FOOD & WINE:
SBS FOOD, 7.30pm
Take That frontman Gary Barlow knows how to make the most of a trip: while visiting our shores last year on tour, he also managed to film this tasty travelogue. Starting tonight in Sydney, Barlow meets musician Tim Minchin for a tipple at Midden by Mark Olive (pictured centre, with Minchin and Barlow) outside the Sydney Opera House. Chef and “fish butcher” Josh Niland puts the singer to the test with his fish charcuterie; before pop star Sophie Ellis Bextor and GB arrive at their Hunter Valley gig in style – with time for a cheeky wine tasting en route, of course.
FRIDAY, May 30
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis visits a prolific native nursery.
8.30 The One That Got Away. (Mal) Ffion clashes bitterly with her sister.
9.20 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson. 9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)
10.25 Big Boys. (Final, Mls, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.15 Father Brown. (Ma, R)
12.00 Mayfair Witches. (Final, MA15+v, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY 9-1-1
SEVEN, 8.50pm
Known for its life-threatening emergencies, natural disasters and dramatic storylines, this first responder procedural isn’t afraid to push the bounds of believability: malware-driven blackouts, train derailments, tsunamis and cruise ship disasters are all in a day’s work for Los Angeles fire captain Bobby (Peter Krause) and LAPD patrol sergeant Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured). Season eight begins tonight with a truly astonishing situation where a truck holding 22 million killer bees crashes in the heart of the city, unleashing a deadly swarm that joins forces with local stingers to become a “bee-nado”.
TUESDAY WALKING
DINOSAURS
When you’ve been around for 65 million
prehistoric subjects of this beloved BBC series have – you’d think 25 years might not matter so much in the grand scheme of things. But in the quarter-century since this ground-breaking factual show premiered, our understanding of dinosaurs and how they lived has changed radically… and that’s not to mention the leaps and bounds in computer animation. Narrated by British actor Bertie Carvel (Dalgliesh), this Walking with Dinosaurs revival uses cuttingedge visual effects to guide viewers through the stories of six giants once lost to history, but now being unearthed by state-of-the-art science.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Malta: The Jewel Of The Mediterranean. (R) 9.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Atlantic Crossing. (MA15+s, R)
11.55 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R)
1.45 The Head. (Return, MA15+a)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PGa) Melissa Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Abbey Holmes and Dr Andrew Rochford to navigate pregnancy.
9.30 MOVIE: Tower Heist. (2011, Mls, R)
A building manager and his staff plot to steal a small fortune from the swindler who defrauded them. Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy. 11.45 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R)
1.05 Nurses. (Ma, 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 13. St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: Toy Soldiers. (1991, Mvl, R) Commandos seize control of a school. Sean Astin.
1.00 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, 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)
“There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Inside The Superbrands. 10.00
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Soccer. Women’s International Friendly. Australia v Argentina. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom Gleisner. 11.55 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Jamie Foxx. 12.55 The Project. (R) 1.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
6.00
SATURDAY, May 31
6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) A supposed vampire strikes in the village.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma) Cyril faces his toughest challenge yet.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (PG, R)
The opening of a sculpture park in Angel’s Rise is marred by murder when art imitates death.
10.05 Bergerac. (Ml, R) The battle intensifies between Bergerac and Arthur. 10.50 Reunion. (Mlv, R) Brennan and Carly head to his school reunion.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 11.00 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 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 1
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. The pianists play in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown.
8.30 Bergerac. (Ml) There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone, until Bergerac’s world is shaken.
9.15 Reunion. (Mlv) Christine is closer to the answers she seeks.
10.15 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R) Oscar Redding.
12.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.35 Grantchester. (Mav, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.35 Children’s Programs. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal, R)
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: Society Influencers (Cliveden And Polesden Lacey)
9.30 1968: A Year Of War, Turmoil And Beyond. (M, R)
10.25 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Authorities come across a box from Malaysia that seems a little unusual and reveals something frightening.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 12. Sydney v Adelaide. From the SCG. 10.30 MOVIE: Safe House. (2012, Mlv, R) A CIA agent and his charge go on the run. Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds. 12.55 Nurses. (Ma, R) Sydney’s bustling nightlife wreaks chaos.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)
6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PGl) 8.30 MOVIE: Spectre. (2015, Mv, R) Daniel Craig. 11.30 MOVIE: Death Wish V. (1994, MA15+lv, R)
Surfing Australia TV. (R)
Great Australian Detour. (R)
The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Victory. From AAMI Park, Melbourne. 11.00 Elsbeth. (Mdv, R) When a young man is found dead in his car, Elsbeth begins to suspect a holistic wellness centre’s charismatic founder. 12.00
6am The Movie
Show. 6.35 First Cow. (2019, PG) 8.50 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 10.40 Australian Rules. (2002, M) 12.30pm The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 2.40 December Boys. (2007, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 6.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 8.30 Seven. (1995, MA15+) 10.55 Body Heat. (1981, M) 1am The Perfect Dinner. (2022, M, Italian) 3.00 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R)
8.25 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (PGa, R)
9.25 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PG, R)
10.15 Hindenburg: The Cover Up. (PGa, R)
11.10 MOVIE: Memory Film: A Filmmaker’s Diary. (2023, Maln)
12.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R) 2.30 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 3.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Malcolm. Continued. (1986, PG) 6.35 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 8.35 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.35 The Tracker. (2002, M) 12.25pm The Last Castle. (2001, M) 2.50 First Cow. (2019, PG) 5.05 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 10.45 Prayers For The Stolen. (2021, M, Spanish) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Breakout. (Madlv) Looks at an escape attempt. 10.10 Crime Investigation Australia. (MA15+adv, R) 11.20 Autopsy USA. (Ma) 12.20 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R)
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
Today.
Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (Return, PG) 8.40
(PG)
Talking Honey. (PGa, R)
MONDAY, June 2
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
SBS World News.
Stockholm With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures of Bulgaria. (PGa, R)
9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (MA15+v)
11.35 Kin. (Madlsv, R)
2.30 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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. 7.10
Jeopardy! 7.35 News. 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 The UnBelievable. 10.15 Late Programs.
6am The Band’s
Visit. Continued. (2007, PG, Arabic) 6.35 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.25 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 10.20 Sublime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Just Believe. (2018, M, Italian) 2.10 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 4.00 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 5.35 The Farewell. (2019, PG) 7.30 Unruly. (2022, M, Danish) 10.00 Suffragette. (2015, M) Midnight Late Programs.
TUESDAY, June 3
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ma) 8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.30 The Point. (R)
12.30 Dance Rites 2023. (PG, R)
2.05 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R)
3.45 Living With The Boss. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Cryptoland. 2.50 Bamay. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. 10.15 Dark Side Of The Cage. (Premiere) 12.05am Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 1.35 Shoresy. 2.05 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 The Farewell. (2019, PG) 8.25 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 10.00 Prayers For The Stolen. (2021, M, Spanish) 12.05pm My Zoe. (2019, M) 2.00 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG)
3.50 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French)
5.45 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 7.30 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 9.55
Sisi & I. (2023, M, German) 12.25am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi gets a huge opportunity.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1. (Return, Mav) A trailer with millions of bees crashes on the streets of Los Angeles, unleashing a swarm. 10.50 The Agenda Setters.
11.50 To Be Advised. 12.50 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Maln)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 Doc. (Ma) Sonya relies on Amy’s help. 9.50 Accused. (Mav) A widow gets mixed up in shady dealings.
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
Autopsy USA. (MA15+av, R)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Harry’s Practice. (R)
Home Shopping. (R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping.
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
functions and live music. And the place to stay for
or
6.00
WEDNESDAY,
June 4
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Going
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)
9.35 The Veil. (Premiere, Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv)
12.00 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Mlv, R)
12.50 The Wall: The Orchard. (Mals, R)
3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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. 7.10 Dino Dex.
7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Mackenzie searches for answers.
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 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)
12.00 Touching Evil. (Premiere, 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 Travel Guides. (PG, R)
8.40 The Grand Tour. (Ml)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.15 Find My Country House Australia. (R)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
THURSDAY,
6.00 News. 9.00
10.00
Stole. (PG, R) 10.30
Mont Spelling
1.00 The
3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Assassination Of Jesse James. (2007, MA15+) 11.25
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6am Ali And Ava.
Continued. (2021, M) 6.10 The Movie Show. 6.40
Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 8.35
The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 10.20 Unruly. (2022, M, Danish) 12.50pm Suffragette. (2015, M) 2.50 Heidi. (2015, PG, German) 4.55
Discovering Film: Maggie Smith. 5.50 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 7.30 Becoming Jane. (2007, PG) 9.45 Emily. (2022, M) 12.10am Late Programs.
June 5
(R) 11.00
(PG, R) 12.00
(Mal, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.05 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs UK. 8.50 Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. (PG) People abandoned as babies unlock their past. 10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Love Your Garden. (PG, R)
11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (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. 7.10 Dino Dex.
7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 TBA. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Our Medicine. (Ml)
8.45 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley: Fact And Fiction. (PGa)
9.45 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mav)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Carmen Curlers. (Malsv, R)
1.20 Pagan Peak. (Ma, R)
3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.05 Hitler’s Teen Killers. (Mav, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) VICELAND (31)
6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Ice Maiden. (2024, M) 10.25 The UnXplained. (Return) 11.20 Homicide. 1.10am Love
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6am RBG.
Continued. (2018, PG) 6.40 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 8.20 Becoming Jane. (2007, PG) 10.35 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 1pm Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.30 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 The Tender Bar. (2021, M) 9.30 Radioactive. (2019, M) 11.35 To Leslie. (2022, M) 1.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Abigail challenges Eden.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Hosted by Graeme Hall.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The fifth set of semi-finalists sets out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 Inside Cyprus. (PGav, R)
12.00 Raines. (Mahv)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.30 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.
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
THORNE
Neil Gordon
Late of Gloucester.
Passed away peacefully at home on 18th May 2025.
Aged 69 years
Much loved husband of Janine. Loving father and father in-law to Taon & Charlotte and Yaraman. Proud and loving poppy to Willoughby and Dorothy. Neil will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Neil’s Funeral Service to be held at the Pioneer Park, Gloucester on Thursday 29th May 2025 commencing at 1pm prior to interment in the Gloucester Lawn Cemetery.
Positions Vacant
Gloucester Pre-School & Early Years
Learning Centre is looking to employ a cleaner to work Mon to Fri afternoons, from 5.15pm to 7.15pm, or mornings from 6.00am to 8.00am.
Applicants need to email expression of interest to director@gloucesterpreschool.com.au
HEART OF GLOUCESTER DISTRICT
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Gloucester community?
Whether they are a dedicated volunteer, a standout community member, or an all-round legend, we want to hear about them.
Please email with their details and we’ll get in touch to celebrate their wonderful contributions.
tracey@newsofthearea.com.au
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
PUZZLES
DEAR Jasminda,
MY new girlfriend sleeps with her dog (Brutus) in the bed. I really like her, but I find this behaviour bizarre and, frankly, a relationship breaker. How do I navigate this?
Gerard P.
Dear Gerard,
The early phase of a relationship is often marked by constant affection, but this should not include waking to Brutus the rottweiler with his tongue in your ear. It must be easier in the modern
world of dating to list some nonnegotiables when seeking a new partner.
Perhaps, instead of focusing on desirable attributes like a person's age and their physical characteristics, people should instead be basing their selection on what really matters.
I think first dates should be accompanied by a checklist.
It could include things like: Do you pre-rinse your dishes before stacking the dishwasher? What are your feelings about leaving a milk carton with one teaspoon of remaining milk in the fridge? After a shower, do you cover every available surface with excess water, or do you wipe the shower down with a squeegee and microfibre cloth? Do your political views align more with Joe Exotic or Leonardo DiCaprio? And, of course, does your dog sleep in the laundry, in its own bed, or does it sleep with its paws wrapped around your neck and its
dog breath in your face?
Unfortunately, in your case, you have been swept up by romanticism and it's left you vulnerable (and dosed up on antihistamines due to your recently acquired pet allergy).
I think you need to have some honest conversations around this, because a pet is a long-term commitment.
It's not a problem that will just skulk away with its tail between its legs.
You may also need to accept some brutal honesty in return. Perhaps, in the contest between you and Brutus, you will not end up the victor.
Instead, you will suffer the fate of Julius Caesar, with your girlfriend (and her dog) looking daggers at you, then meeting (undercover) to plot their Shakespearean revenge.
Jasminda.
SUDOKU
Carpe diem,
Kids Boot Camp 041
COUNCIL has adopted changes to the Dungog Shire Council Policy Framework, following the draft framework being placed on public exhibition from 20 February 2025 to 21 March
2025.
“The Policy Framework aims to provide consistency and currency in the development, review, and necessary rescission of policies and their related
documents, such as guides, procedures, codes, etc,” Council said in a statement.
“The position of Council’s policies and policy-related documents (procedures, charters, forms, templates,
etc) ensures all policies are reviewed in a timely manner and easily located within Council’s digital management system.”
Council will work through a priority list of
existing policies according to the importance placed upon those that are statutorily required within the first 12 months of the Local Government Elections (September 2023), then
By Thomas O’KEEFE
PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters.
In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts.
As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake fundraising appeals.
“The generosity shown by people across NSW in response to the floods has already been extraordinary, but sadly, we know that scammers are quick to take advantage of these moments,” said Acting Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading
Paul Scully.
“Before you donate, take a moment to verify the fundraiser at verify.licence. nsw.gov.au, or donate through givit.org.au.
those required by legislation, and finally, those that pose the most risk to Council. The review will also consider which policies can be rescinded or merged with other relevant policies.
Beware of disaster scams Changes to Council’s policy framework
Consumers are encouraged to:
• Check the charity’s registration on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website: https://www.acnc.gov.au/ charity/charities
• Look up the organisation on the NSW Fair Trading Charitable Fundraising Register: https://verify. licence.nsw.gov.au/home/ Charities
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
• Report suspected scams to Scamwatch or contact NSW Fair Trading: https://www. scamwatch.gov.au.
While a variety of scam types exist, and more are dreamed up every day, many share a similar set of features that can and should be looked for every time we open an unsolicited message.
• An easy way out of the problem posed.
Some scammers will impersonate a flood victim or charity desperately reaching out for help, soliciting donations in a way that appeals directly to the wellmeaning nature of many people who just want to help those in need.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Little Book of Scams, scammers “use sad stories and cries for help”.
“Scammers will try and use your good nature against you, they will share stories of heartbreak and tragedy with you and explain why they need your help and your money,” the advice states.
“A few simple checks can make all the difference in ensuring your support goes to those who truly need it, and we want to make sure that every dollar donated goes to helping people rebuild their lives and not into the hands of fraudsters.”
their donations are going to legitimate causes.
NSW Fair Trading is reminding the public to take simple precautions to ensure
This includes checking the charity is registered and has a valid fundraising authority, and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests via phone, email, or social media.
Many scams include:
• A strong sense of urgency (regarding either a serious problem or a surprise win);
• Use of familiar names or brands;
• Dubious grammar and language manipulation;
“Scammers don’t want you to take your time and think things through, they want to pressure you into acting quickly – this can include making threats that something bad will happen if you don’t act fast.
“Scammers use links or attachments within emails and phone messages to send you to scam websites or install viruses designed to steal your information and money.”
Avoid State Forests post-flooding
FORESTRY Corporation of NSW is advising the public to avoid State Forests following significant flooding which has damaged forest roads and infrastructure.
A full safety assessment of State forests will be undertaken once floodwaters have receded.
In the meantime, State Forests on the Mid North
Coast and in the Hunter and Central Coast area remain closed to the public until further notice.
As a public safety precaution, Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Country and Community Kathy Lyons urged the public to avoid state forest roads and popular campgrounds.
“Forest roads are unsafe to navigate following flooding events, with damage to bridges and crossings likely to have occurred along with landslips and fallen trees and we urge the public to stay safe and avoid visiting State forests and using forest roads given the risks to their safety," Ms Lyons said.
"This excludes State
forest permit holders who need to check on cattle and bees and residents who need to access forests to travel safely between their homes and towns and this should only be undertaken with caution and not entering floodwaters.
"We are expecting road damage and potential bridge and culvert failures in state
forests in the regions.
“Forestry Corporation staff will be monitoring the situation across the Hunter and Mid North Coast in coming days, and we urge regular forest users to check closure notices on our website and stay up to date with road conditions via the Hazards Near Me App,” she said.
Mosquito numbers to soar after long rains
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due to the volume of stagnant water lying in communities after recent heavy rains.
Stagnant water provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, and with more breeding comes an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoborne viruses such as Ross River virus (RRV) or Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE), or Kunjin virus.
NSW Health suggests some simple measures can be taken to remove mosquito breeding grounds in private properties and public areas.
“Remove pools of water around your home, this can involve increasing water movement in drains and creeks by removing debris.”
When cleaning up around the home after rains and floods, it is also recommended to check and empty items and areas that quietly accumulate water,
including buckets, pot plants and their bases, plastic containers, boats, trailers, tarpaulins, and birdbaths and feeders.
Insecticides may be required in more serious cases, but homeowners should pay attention to whether or not their products are currently registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use against mosquitoes, as they may kill other unintended organisms too.
On an individual level, mosquito experts recommend wearing loosefitting, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear; covering prams and tents with mosquito netting; and limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
“There are 60 species in this area, but only six to eight of them cause problems,”
University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Cameron Webb, a medical entomology
expert for NSW Health, told NOTA.
“Midges are related, they love mangroves and salt marshes, mud flats, but carry no significant viruses (yet).
“Their bites are nasty, but they need to get really close to bite; some fishermen have used pantyhose to add that layer of protection.”
Dr Webb also warns against ‘miracle mosquito repellent’ products, such as wristbands, patches, stickers, plugins, and even smartphone apps that claim to put out a sound the insects
don't like.
“All these items are ineffective, there is no evidence anything is really happening,” he said.
“Wristbands only protect a centimetre either side of the band itself.
“Topical creams and lotions, insect repellents are the way to go.
“Female mozzies need the protein from bloodmeal to lay eggs, and all warmblooded animals share common factors of CO2 and heat, so they hunt for that, and they are also affected
by various factors including body temperature, the smell of your skin, even the colour of clothes - evidence suggests they like darker colours (black and blue).”
Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
SLOW project approvals, energy storage gaps and investment uncertainty are proving hurdles to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry.
For the Hunter, a region eyeing off green industrial exports as global demand for its coal wanes, the transition has not been all smooth sailing.
Government support for clean tech innovation and
steps to retrain workers for future careers are bright spots in a thorough assessment of the NSW region led by industry think tank Beyond Zero Emissions.
Yet the Hunter was lagging on 17 of the 19 indicators of a successful shift towards an economy powered by decarbonised industrial exports, such as green iron and clean technology.
Slow-moving clean energy projects are a big problem, with 74 percent of
Entry deadline extended
SCULPTURE on the Farm has extended the deadline for this year’s entries until 1 July.
Over 50 artists have already registered with a $57,000 prize pool on offer across 10 categories, including the acquisitions for public display.
The Sculpture on the Farm main event is scheduled for Dungog over the weekend Friday to Sunday, 29-31 August.
Tickets for the Gala Opening at The James
Theatre on Friday 29 August, 5-7pm, will go on sale soon.
Indoor works will be showcased in a large, timber-floored marquee at the event hub.
Monumental and garden sculptures will be displayed along a curated trail through the Dungog Common event precinct.
Select robust outdoor works will remain on display at Dungog Common for the whole of September.
renewable energy capacity in the pipeline yet to receive planning approval and facing delays of up to eight years.
Much hinges on the timely rollout of the Hunter Transmission Project, key infrastructure for unlocking supply from renewable energy zones but still in its early phases and struggling to get full community buy-in.
Local company commitments to cut emissions and shift to clean energy could be in jeopardy without faster progress, according to the report.
Tomago Aluminium, a major energy user as the nation's biggest smelter, is in danger of missing its 100 per cent renewables by 2030 target without securing reliable, affordable clean energy soon.
BZE chief executive officer Heidi Lee said if the Hunter Transmission Project was not delivered on time, the region would continue to rely on "expensive and polluting" coal.
"It's time for action," she said.
"The region understands the importance of good planning to keep the shift happening quickly here, because local advantages will be lost if we take too long."
Electrical Trades Union
national secretary Michael Wright said workforce, training and project proposals "spending nearly a decade in consultation hell" were interrelated problems.
"There's no certainty for developers, and hence no reliable pipeline of work to support the workforce and train apprentices on anywhere the scale we need
- an extra 42,500 electricians in the next five years," he said.
Several Hunter industry figures voiced their support for the think tank's assessment of the region and recommendations to get things moving.
Founder of Australian battery manufacturer Energy Renaissance, Brian
Craighead, said accelerating investment, building a strong local workforce and progressing the energy transition were key.
"Unlocking the Hunter's full potential requires collaboration across government, industry, and communities - guided by clear, consistent policy," he said.
Y ur Paper, Y ur Voice
q Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb.
q This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week.
q The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch.
q The Hunter region is lagging on indicators of a shift to an economy powered by decarbonised exports. Photo: Michael Gorton/AAP PHOTOS.
Black mould risks after floods
By Thomas O’KEEFE
HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks.
Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorlylit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood.
inhalation of its spores, tiny particles released into the air in its effort to reproduce.
NSW Health states that most health problems caused by mould are due to the
“Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them – irritation of the nose, eyes or skin, wheezing, and, for people with asthma,
inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack.
“Very rarely, people may develop a severe mould infection, usually in the lungs.
“One such infection is the rare immune disorder known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, in which the lungs become inflamed from
breathing in large amounts of specific substances (allergens) frequently over a period of time.”
The best ways to prevent mould growing in the home are to maintain proper ventilation, reduce humidity, and control damp accumulation.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
NOSTALGIA reigns this week with the release of Karate Kid: Legends
Following the unexpected success of the legacy television (or “streaming”) series Cobra Kai, producers have realised there is a great deal of possibility in this franchise which first came to screens more than 40 years
ago.
The premise remains familiar: a recently uprooted youth, with a passing interest in martial arts, is bullied mercilessly in his new hometown.
Finding support in caring mentors, he trains to face his abusers at a Karate tournament, learning selfrespect along the way.
The major hook for this
Rally together
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
AFTER the siren sounds on the State of Origin series opener, Mitch Barnett hopes to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand on NSW's floodravaged mid-north coast.
Warriors co-captain Barnett has had to watch from afar as flood waters ravaged the Manning Valley area where he was born and raised, and where his parents still live.
The floods are the worst the Taree region has ever
faced, with five deaths confirmed across the NSW Hunter and mid-north coast by Saturday morning.
"Everyone's doing it tough at the moment, which is hard to see," said Tareeborn, Wingham-raised Barnett.
Barnett's father Paul is unsure of the extent of damage on his dairy farm but at the very least is expecting damaged machinery, dead livestock and a very big clean-up.
Barnett's mother Jodie
entry is that it brings back not one but two legends to oversee young Li’s trainingthe original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Chinese janitor turned sensei Mr Han (Jackie Chan).
A worldwide open casting call was made several years ago, inviting young people to submit audition tapes for the lead role of this film.
Nieass, general manager of the Manning Base Hospital, has been working overtime amid the crisis.
She's gone as far as coordinating a helicopter to pick nurses up and flying them to work.
Barnett's friends and family have kept in contact throughout the flooding, telling him stories about locals trapped on their roofs and how some were forced to hear the sounds of their
Ben Wang rose to the top with a complete commitment to training and preparation that impressed his older co-stars.
If you cheered years ago for that very first Crane Kick, you should make time for this.
The new film from Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme, also comes to theatres this week.
When a wealthy business magnate (Benicio Del Toro) appoints his daughter, a cloistered Nun, as heir to
cattle drowning below.
"You don't really think about that until you're impacted by it and then when you hear those stories," he said.
"It is extremely sad and it was scary there for a bit.
"It's a great community, they'll all get around each other and that's one thing I will be proud of, to see them rally together."
Blues forward Barnett hopes to visit and lend a hand
Hunter support
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the passion and support the locals have for the women's game.
"They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday.
"I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place.
"It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related.
"They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us."
The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter.
"It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said.
"Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe."
Ventilation is as simple as installing and using exhaust fans in highmoisture environments (kitchen and bathroom), or opening windows for crossventilation.
Humidity and dampness can be reduced by repairing water leaks, limiting use of humidifiers, and clearing out blocked rain gutters.
Deeper issues, such as rising lateral damp, may require professional attention.
Only after the recent heavy rains have some households discovered that their roofs are not as waterproof as once thought, and long-hidden leaks have suddenly become obvious and alarming.
Removal of mould can be attempted with either household detergent, waterdiluted vinegar, or properly diluted bleach in stubborn cases.
NSW Health (1300 066 055) has more detailed information.
his entire estate, they find themselves threatened by an endless parade of nee-dowell’s.
Anderson’s films are a particular blend of dry wit, highly stylised framing and impressive casts.
This effort boasts turns from Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Willem Dafoe, Scarlett Johansson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Riz Ahmed and Michael Cera, just to name a few.
Bring Her Back sees homegrown horror
after his Origin duties and expects he may be joined by Blues centre Latrell Mitchell and assistant coach Boyd Cordner, also from the area.
Barnett's immediate focus is putting in an Origin performance at Suncorp Stadium that can make the rugby league-mad area proud.
"A lot of people up there bleed Blue and they'd love nothing more than to see a win next Wednesday night,"
NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash.
"It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said.
Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport.
"The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said.
continuing to draw international attention.
From Danny and Michael Phillipou (creators of Talk to Me), this film exploits our fears for the vulnerable, as a recently orphaned brother and sister are sent to an enthusiastic foster carer who may have dark intentions.
The young actors are in fine form as they portray grief and uncertainty mixed with growing terror, but it's the foster mum Laura (Sally Hawkins) who really impacts the viewer.
Barnett said.
"I know that'd put a smile on their face, so that's where it starts, putting my best foot forward for this team and then I'll address what I can help with after that.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone there and at some stage I'll try and do my best to get back and help in whatever way that looks.
"We'll use whatever tools we can to help the area."
"That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it."
The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful.
"The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP.
"I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it.
"It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
q Black mould forming after a hidden roof leak got inside the walls and spread through the wooden substructure.
q NSW Blue Mitch Barnett is heartbroken by the flood damage on the mid-north coast where he was born. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
q This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
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Tom WARK, AAP
q Yasmin Clydsdale (c) expects thousands to watch the Blues lift the Origin trophy. Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP