AT 5AM on Friday, 25 April, final preparations were quietly made for Dungog’s Anzac Day services and march, amid many speculative glances at the sky.
But the rain of the previous days held off, as a blanket of thick fog haloed streetlights and muted sounds - intensifying the pensive atmosphere. By 5.30am, around 140 people, more than in previous years, had assembled for the Dawn Service outside the Dungog Memorial RSL Club. It was to the club that CONTINUED Page 2
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q Wing Commander David Johnstone gave the Commemorative Address.
Doug
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FROM Page 1
most later adjourned for breakfast.
Around 10am, the marchers, including the Light Horse, assembled near the Dungog Post Office in Dowling Street.
They set off from there, turned left at Brown Street and proceeded to the Cenotaph.
Numbers also increased for the main service at 10.45am, with approximately 200 people present.
Wing Commander David Johnstone gave the Commemorative Address.
He explained why Anzac Day, which he described as “the first major test of Australians in the field of battle”, is “treated with a respect and reverence
not given to many other Australian public holidays.”
Partway through his address, an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from Williamtown screamed low overhead.
Local Vietnam veteran Nick Helyer also delivered an address about HMAS Australia.
The solemn services included prayers from Reverend Kimberley Hodges and Father Andrew Doohan.
Bugler Bob Humphries played the Last Post and Reveille, while the Dungog choir led the singing at both services.
The Australian and New Zealand national anthems were sung at the end of both services.
The American national anthem was also sung at the main service, in recognition of the US contingent present.
These aviators are on
an interservice exchange program at Williamtown, where the day’s Catafalque Party from 2 Battalion are also based.
As the fog burned off and the day warmed up quickly, President of the Dungog RSL sub-Branch Neil Tickle said the Catafalque Party had “earned their money”.
Wreaths were laid by community organisations, schools, emergency services, council representatives, businesses and clubs as well as individuals and families.
In Clarence Town, a large crowd gathered in the morning mist for a Dawn Service.
In attendance were Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, and Steve Low AM - a Dungog Shire councillor with 20 years experience in the RAAF. Lest we forget.
q President of the Dungog RSL sub-Branch Neil Tickle.
q The Clarence Town Dawn Service. Photo: Martin Holmes CSM.
q Finding places for the main service.
q Bugler Bob Humphries and President of the Dungog RSL sub-Branch Neil Tickle.
Boorer said.
“On Saturday evening I always make it my business to wander about in the crowd, just talking to anyone who takes my eye, to ask them, 'Are you havin' a good time?'.
“The answers to that, over and over, were really enthusiastic.
“I must have spoken to 20 folks, probably more, because they were mostly groups, and everyone was anxious to tell me they were really happy to be there. Very gratifying.”
From the thunder of the Open Bull Ride to the speed and skill of the Ladies Barrel Race, the crowd was treated to a jam-packed program of
classic rodeo events. This year saw a special touch added to the prize presentations.
The winners of the four main events received the traditional silver buckles as trophies, but for the first time, the Dungog Men’s Shed stepped in to craft unique wooden trophies for all other event winners.
Each handcrafted piece was proudly engraved with the event name and year, giving competitors a memento to treasure.
The Dungog Rodeo, known for its familyfriendly atmosphere and spectacular natural amphitheatre setting, once again proved why it remains the biggest and best-loved rodeo in the Hunter region.
Council endorses advocacy strategy
DUNGOG Shire councillors have endorsed Council’s Strategic Advocacy Strategy for 2025-2029, titled “Dungog Shire – Rural Living, City Benefits.”
“Council’s advocacy strategy outlines the Shire’s key priorities regarding funding and growth needs and supports preelection discussions, as
well as ongoing and future government and stakeholder advocacy for the Dungog Shire,” Council said in a statement.
Council discussions highlighted the need for strong partnerships with State and Federal governments to overcome structural funding challenges and unlock Dungog’s
economic and social potential.
The strategy details Dungog’s immediate advocacy priorities, including:
1. Transport and Roads – funding for $82 million in urgent upgrades and reconstruction to the Shire’s roads network, a further $5 million for
How to Vote for
unsealed roads maintenance, a collection of road reclassifications (from local to regional status), better links to public transport and connectivity improvements.
2. Infrastructure and Growth – $12 million for community infrastructure projects (parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities), streamlined
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development approvals, telecommunications upgrades and essential water and sewage partnerships
3. Natural Resource Management – $1 million to strengthen local disaster response, a seat at the table for regional planning disaster management and a proposed single authority for river health of the Williams
Fair distribution of Local Government Funding –
An increase to the Financial Assistance Grants allocated to regional areas and state reform for grant distribution that favours city councils over their cash-strapped regional counterparts, like Dungog.
ALISON PENFOLD
THE NATIONALS for Lyne
Affordable and reliable energy solutions, cutting fuel excise, strong economic management
Investing in more affordable and accessible health, aged care and GP services
More investment in local roads, telecommunications, housing and community projects
START HERE
You MUST number EVERY BOX
Authorised by David Gillespie, 14 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430
House of Representatives Ballot Paper Electoral Division of Lyne
FERRIER, Tom
WILSON, Digby
CHARSLEY, Cathy
HUGHES, Colin
PENFOLD, Alison THE NATIONALS
MILLER, Jeremy
MASTERS, David
MANLEY, Keys
BURKE, Stephen John
HORNSHAW, Mark Alexander
River.
4.
q Tom Boorer and Josie Steer.
q The bumper crowd enjoyed the action.
q Riders converse between the action.
q Riders await their time to shine.
Election signs in the firing line
CANDIDATES from across the political spectrum have complained of campaign signs being damaged and defaced during a tense campaign for the seat of Lyne.
Earlier this month, Libertarian candidate Mark Hornshaw told NOTA his campaign banner on the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek had been vandalised.
The banner featured images of Mr Hornshaw and Libertarian Senate hopeful Craig Kelly.
“It looks like it was slashed with a knife,” Mr Hornshaw said.
“It was erected on private property with permission from the owner.
"The message of less taxes, more freedom seems to be hitting a nerve with some people.
“Perhaps the haters couldn't find any Teslas to torch."
Mr Hornshaw told NOTA he has had other signs defaced through the campaign.
Corflute signs for Independent candidate Jeremy Miller and Labor candidate Digby Wilson were also recently found discarded together under a tree at Tea Gardens.
Dr John Squires, the secretary of Independent
Lyne which supports Mr Miller’s campaign, said the destruction of campaign materials is undemocratic.
“It is disappointing to find that some people are taking it upon themselves to remove the signs erected by candidates in the current federal election, and [it is] frustrating for those who have given of their time and energy to erect those corflutes to find them removed, disfigured, or discarded,” Dr Squires said.
“That’s hindering the free expression of opinions that is at the heart of our democracy.
"It should not be happening.
“[Voters] are free to express their opinions about the policies and even the personalities of the candidates in each election.
“Associated with this right is the expectation that they will not hinder or obstruct other people as they exercise their right of free speech.”
National Party candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold told NOTA her campaign materials had suffered a similar fate, ranging in size from small corflute signs to the side of a semi-trailer.
“It is disappointing that hundreds of my signs and billboards have been
damaged, defaced, destroyed or outright stolen throughout the electorate,” Ms Penfold said.
“My hardworking team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to replace or repair signs that have been
damaged, which only adds to the expense of our campaign which is entirely funded by our party and party members.
“My campaign has already referred one instance of damage to our signs to police, and I urge anyone who witnesses candidate signs being stolen or defaced to do the same.”
Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025 - 2035
now seeking community feedback
The Dungog Shire Community Strategic Plan is Council's highest-level document that acts as our guiding roadmap for the future of the Dungog Shire for the next ten years
The draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 along with its supporting documents (Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy, and Budget) are currently on public exhibition, and we need your feedback to ensure we have captured your hopes and aspirations for our shire for the next decade You can view and provide comments online, or please come along to one of our community information sessions where you can see the plans, ask questions and provide your feedback in person:
Dungog: Held on 28th April 2025
Vacy: 1st May 2025, 4-6pm at the Vacy School of Arts Hall
Gresford: 5th May 2025, 4-6pm at the Gresford School of Arts Hall
Clarence Town: 6th May 2025, 4-6pm at the Clarence Town School of Arts Hall
Paterson 7th May 2025, 4-6pm at the Paterson School of Arts Hall
Like to view the draft Community Strategic Plan and supporting documents online?
Please visit our website by scanning the QR code There you can download the documents and provide your comments directly to Council
Public Exhibition closes at 5pm on 16 May 2025
dungog.nsw.gov.au
q Signs supporting Independent candidate Jeremy Miller and Labor candidate Digby Wilson were found discarded under a tree in Tea Gardens.
q The Libertarian sign on the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek was vandalised.
q Ms Penfold’s corflute signs and banners have been impacted by vandalism.
q An ad on a semi-trailer promoting Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold was vandalised. The trailer was parked on private property in Taree.
Leaders ease off on messaging as Aussies tune out
By Kat WONG, Tess IKONOMOU and John KIDMAN, AAP
AS Peter Dutton talked tough on crime, Anthony Albanese stressed the importance of diversity and the two came no closer than the opposite ends of the nation.
With seven days until Australians who are yet to vote head to the polls, the opposition leader took his message to Queensland's far north and Top End capital of Darwin on Saturday, while the prime minister started out in Melbourne before heading south to Launceston.
Listening to the concerns of Northern Territory voters on the issue of crime, Mr Dutton promised without offering detail to get tough on the issue.
"You need financial support and moral support... to provide a secure environment for people to lead their lives," he told them.
"The current government is too focused on what's happening in the inner cities of Sydney and Melbourne with the Greens."
Earlier in Cairns, he announced 25 medical places at James Cook University to boost local GP numbers and pledged $34 million for infrastructure upgrades to a local housing estate.
Beyond the 'small-ticket' initiatives, he assured his audience his party could form majority government.
"I've said that from day one," he told them.
"Something like one in three Australians who are undecided or soft voters at the moment, that is a historically high number in federal elections and it shows people are weighing up their options."
At New Century Chinese Language School in Melbourne's east, Mr Albanese revealed $25 million for Australia's 600 community schools that help more than 90,000 students learn 84 languages.
"Multiculturalism is a strength of our national economy but also a strength
of our society," he said.
"Australia is a microcosm for the world... where overwhelmingly we live side by side with different backgrounds, different faiths, different origins, different cultures."
This also presented "an enormous opportunity", he said, for jobs and for cultural enrichment.
By the time he landed in northern Tasmania, policy talk gave way to urging supporters to next weekend's finish line between bites of barbecued sausage.
The day of movement and colour but little substance came on the heels of fresh polling indicating more than half of voters have switched off.
While Mr Albanese and
Mr Dutton have spent a month criss-crossing the country splashing cash, 62 percent of Australians can't think of a policy they believe would improve their lot, research commissioned by AAP and modelled by YouGov shows.
Of the 38 percent of survey recipients who could name a life-improving policy, most nominated Medicare and bulk-billing followed by energy relief and general cost-of-living measures.
Labor-led promises were getting more traction than the coalition's offerings, according to YouGov director of public data Paul Smith.
Voters prioritised policies based on their age, with younger Australians more frequently pointing
to housing action as a life improvement, while older people chose energy price relief or health-related promises.
But even the most popular commitment was only named by five percent of those polled.
Australians tended to feel more connected to policies when they felt more real, Mr Smith said, referencing the coalition's announcement to end work-from-home arrangements.
The party later walked back the policy but the damage had been done, taking it from a winning position to a place where it was struggling, Mr Smith said.
Attitudes in marginal seats across the country
could also spell a continued downfall for the opposition.
Boothby in Adelaide, Braddon in Tasmania, the
west seat of Calare and electorates such as Hunter, Gilmore, Lyons, Paterson and Wannon were all within arm's reach for the opposition two months ago.
But they have all slipped through the coalition's fingers and will go to Labor or independents, according to the polling.
"Working class, provincial and outer-suburban Australians have moved decisively away from the coalition," Mr Smith said.
The YouGov poll of 2483 people was conducted last week, with a 3.1 percent margin of error.
NSW central
q Mr Dutton took his message on law and order to Darwin.
Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
q Mr Albanese spent his day campaigning in Melbourne and Launceston before returning to Sydney. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
This community is my life. I’m running a small business and raising my family here. For 30 years, I’ve worked to improve local health, sports, education and entertainment facilities.
The Nationals have taken us for granted Poor healthcare and roads, and not enough opportunities for young people in our region. We can’t give them another go.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
THE PIANO
ABC TV, 7.30pm
A piano is placed in a public location and everyday Australians are invited to sit down and play in this heartwarming new series. What they don’t know is, as they’re playing, two of the world’s most renowned pianists – Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam (pictured) – are secretly watching. Hosted by TV stalwart Amanda Keller, The Piano gives these amateur musicians the opportunity of a lifetime as Connick Jr and Lam choose a pianist to mentor at each locale, before inviting them to play at an end-of-series concert. It all begins tonight at Sydney’s Central Station.
FRIDAY, May 2
7.30: Australia Votes. 8.00 Gardening Australia. 9.00 Sherwood. (Mdlv) The police and Sparrows must work together.
Gruen Nation. (R)
The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 11.05 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R)
11.30 ABC Late News.
11.50 Father Brown. (Mv, R)
12.35 Mayfair Witches. (Ml, R)
1.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.25pm Octonauts. 6.35
6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45
And
MONDAY
SAM PANG
TONIGHT
TEN, 8.40pm
They said it couldn’t be done – a tonight show, on network television, in this day and age? But Sam Pang (pictured) has proved the detractors wrong, staying on air for not only all eight scheduled episodes but earning a second season to air later this year. Pang’s fresh take on the classic format offers a casual approach, with engaging yet relaxed interviews and absurd segments all peppered with the comedian’s signature wry asides. Plus, there’s regular input from a rotating roster of guest announcers who manage to both help and hinder proceedings. In tonight’s finale, Pang grills You Been Paying Attention? host Tom Gleisner ahead of Australia’s favourite quiz show returning next Monday.
THURSDAY
SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER
SBS, 9.30pm
From Northern Irish writer Brendan Foley Cold Courage), this new take on the frequently reimagined detective doesn’t veer too far off course. Legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis), flying solo after the disappearance of his friend Dr Watson, is baffled by the arrival of a young Native American woman on his doorstep. Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt, pictured with Thewlis) has travelled across the world after her mother’s murder, intent on meeting Holmes, who she believes is her father. Despite possessing many traits in common with Amelia, Holmes is no stranger to so-called long-lost relations appearing, and devises a method of determining whether she is who she says – by putting her to work on his next case.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 24 Hours That Changed The World.
8.30 The Giza Pyramid: Reaching For The Stars. (PG, R)
9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 A Body That Works. (Ma)
12.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R)
2.00 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates share insights and experiences to highlight living well.
9.30 MOVIE: Couples Retreat. (2009, Ms, R) Four couples head to a tropical island resort only to discover they must attend mandatory therapy sessions. Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman.
12.00 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
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 9. Sydney Roosters v Dolphins.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus Dolphins match, with NRL news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: RoboCop. (2014, Mv, R) A cop becomes a cyborg. Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman.
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)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Billy Crystal, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Kiwanuka. 9.40 The List. (Mln, R) Two best friends take on The List, a collection of travel experiences most people avoid. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping.
7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia
7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The
7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
(31) 6am Children’s
(62)
SATURDAY, May 3
7.00 Australia Votes. Chief elections analyst Antony Green identifies the trends that will decide the election. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson bring the sharpest and most reliable election night analysis.
12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert. (PG, R) Virginia Trioli meets Tony Albert, one of the most exciting visual artists of his generation, who takes everyday items that represent the most confronting aspects of colonisation to create work that is provocative and deeply moving.
12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) Charts the history of the RMS Titanic
9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Tuscany. (R) Stanley Tucci heads to Tuscany.
10.10 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Helensburgh To Connel. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo.
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SUNDAY, May 4
6.30 Compass: Unsettled. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller.
8.30 Bergerac. (Premiere, Mlv) When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police turn to ex-cop, Jim Bergerac.
9.20 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Hannah and her family are reunited.
10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack –Part 2. (2001, Mnsv, R) Matt Day.
11.55 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
Give. (PG, R) 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. FlecheWallonne Women’s Race. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 How To Lose A War. (Premiere) 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 Blind Sailing. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 3. 4.00 Grace Brown: Time For The Rest Of Life. (R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-BastogneLiege. Women’s race. H’lights. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election. 11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017, MA15+v, R) Scientists discover a dangerous life form. Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal. 1.05 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
7.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. Looks at Macchu Pichu.
8.30 Invasion: The Normans. (Mav, R) Charts how an exiled Irish king persuaded an Anglo-Norman lord to help him recover his kingdom.
10.30 The Temple Of Hatshepsut. (R) A look at Hatshepsut’s temple.
11.30 Hell On Earth: WWII: A Dream Of Great Success. (Mav, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.10 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 9.00 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.20 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 8.30 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 10.40 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 12.30am Late Programs. 6am Dancing Ninja. Continued. (2010, PG) 7.25 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 9.45 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 11.40 Emma. (2017, M, Italian) 1.50pm A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 3.40 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.50 The Movie Show. 6.20 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.30 The New Boy. (2023, M) 10.40 Late Programs.
Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Abandoned Engineering. 7.35 Science Fiction Revolution. (Premiere) 9.35 ABBA In Concert. 10.35 WWE Legends. (Return) 12.15am Surviving Nova. 1.10
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides
Seven News.
The 1% Club. (PGls)
7NEWS Spotlight.
24 Hours In Police Custody: The Murder Of Jane Doe. (Premiere, Mav) A woman calls police in distress.
Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed. (MA15+av)
(64) 7MATE (64)
Home Shopping. (R)
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
MONDAY, May 5
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo.
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Oman. (R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv)
11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
1.40 Son Of. (MA15+av, R)
3.25 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) Carlos is determined to solve his father’s murder. Owen is offered a life-changing opportunity.
9.50 Suits L.A. (M)
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.50 Autopsy USA: Tom Petty. (Mad, R)
12.50 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.35 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 10.15 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 12.25pm Truth. (2015, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 5.40 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.35 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 9.30 Rheingold. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 12.05am Late Programs.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.05 Doc. (Ma) Amy teams up with TJ to treat a patient suffering from mysterious liver issues.
10.05 Accused. (Return, Ma) A psychic medium helps a couple. 11.05 The Agenda Setters.
12.05 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Floor. (PG)
100% Footy. (M)
Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl)
9News Late.
The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Mal) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair.
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6am Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.55 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 10.05 Once Upon A Time... In Bethlehem. (2019, M, Italian) 12.05pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.10 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 4.20 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.05 Tourism. (2017) 7.30 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 9.50 Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY,
May 7
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Nurse Georgie Carroll Sista Flow 2.0. (Mls)
11.45 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.15 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls)
8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l)
9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.10 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, 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)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) Guest chef is Shannon Bennett. 8.40 Elsbeth. (PGv) Elsbeth begins to suspect a wife is behind the death of her husband after a Celebrity Christmas curator is killed in a freak accident.
9.40 NCIS: Origins. (Mav) A military sergeant is found burned in her car.
10.30 10’s Late News.
10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak.
THURSDAY, May 8
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (R) 11.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Sherwood. (Mdlv, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Restoration Australia. (Final, PG)
9.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
9.55 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (Final, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 The Business. (R)
11.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R)
12.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Proof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.25 Tourism. (2017) 8.50 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.20 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 12.05pm The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 2.00 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 3.55 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 5.35 Goddess. (2013, PG) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, M) 9.30 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 11.25 Late Programs. 5.55am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG)
(3)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Matched. (R) 10.55 Vienna: Empire, Dynasty And Dream. (PGas, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 Alone Australia. (Mal, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Greatest Train Journeys From Above. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Final, PGa)
8.35 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Belgium And The Netherlands.
9.30 Sherlock & Daughter. (Premiere)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The Hollow. (Malv)
12.55 Departure. (Mav, R)
2.35 Welcome To My Farm. (R)
3.35 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Face-Off. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Contact. (1997, M) 11.15 MOVIE: Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 1.10am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Graeme Hall meets a nature-loving couple’s hyper-reactive doberman that makes it impossible to enjoy walks.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The first set of semi-finalists set out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.00 Raines. (Premiere, Mahv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnXplained. 10.10 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country.
6am Eat
Wheaties! Continued. (2020, PG) 7.35 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 10.20 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 12.35pm Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 2.40 Tourism. (2017) 4.10 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.35 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 7.35 Marmalade. (2024, M) 9.30 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 11.25 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 10. Parramatta Eels v Dolphins. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)
5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Basketball. Women’s Trans-Tasman Throwdown. Aust v NZ. 8.00 Basketball. Men’s Trans-Tasman Throwdown. Australia v NZ. 10.20 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.
News Of The Area your sports club results each week by Sunday evening for
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Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
Of The Area OPINION
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda
YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter.
The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year's resolution are back on the scales.
It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy.
Do I just give in and give up?
Tina P.
Dear Tina,
We have a booking system at the gym I attend, and when I tried
to book a class on Good Friday for the day after Easter, it was fully booked.
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, five spots became available. I have a theory on this.
On Good Friday, people were feeling optimistic.
They'd had fish for dinner and Easter gifts were wrapped in cellophane or on the top shelf of the pantry.
Temptation hadn't yet eased its way into the equation and a gym session complemented by healthy eating from each of the food groups seemed achievable.
This all changed by about 7am on Easter
Sunday.
I imagine my fellow gym goers experienced something very similar to what happened in our household.
It started with the obligatory Easter Egg hunt, which was on for young and old.
The nostalgia of collecting and gorging on Easter eggs was not so much a choice as an expectation.
Who wants to mess with tradition? Not this bunny.
Half an hour later, dough was being kneaded to make dozens of Easter buns.
It's a lengthy but rewarding process, and the reward is to eat them, in multiples, in all their sticky, oozing goodness.
It would be rude not
to.
By evening, with no hope of restoring the protein-carb-fat ratio to anything resembling normality, and the fitness app showing a four-digit calorie surplus, something ticked over and a decision was made to continue eating chocolate because the quicker you eat it, the sooner it's out of the house.
This sugar-fuelled mentality continued until there were only a few small eggs remaining.
This brings us back to the gym class booking app.
By 9pm, the phone started pinging with newly available spots, which one could only assume was fellow gym-goers cancelling because they had
lost every ounce of enthusiasm and had instead donned trackies with a forgiving waistband and settled back on the lounge to watch a movie.
There is a point to this story, and that is that those gym spots were quickly taken up and I reckon they were taken up by people willing to squeeze into too-tight tights so they could get back on the health wagon.
It's not the falling off that's important, it's the getting back on.
Trying to get fit and healthy is never a waste of time.
Jump back into your healthy eating plan and maybe jump off the scales for a while.
Kids Boot Camp 037
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG has marked 10 years since a deadly storm claimed three lives and devastated parts of the community.
The disaster, on the morning of 21 April, 2015, has been remembered during a solemn reflection ceremony and a community art exhibition.
The "super-storm" dumped more than 300 millimetres of rain on the region.
Water from Myall Creek surged into homes and businesses, cutting off the township.
Nina Williams, a familiar face at the Services Australia agency in the Dungog Community Centre, recalled the resilience shown by locals.
“When there’s a natural disaster, the community really gets together and helps out,” she said.
“It’s not until those times that you realise
how much resilience and resourcefulness a small community has.”
Nina said that the centre became a safe haven for many, even after the official recovery centre opened.
“They came back to the community centre because they knew the people, and they didn’t have to re-tell their story all over again.”
Dungog bore the brunt of the unprecedented flooding, but a decade later, the community is better prepared.
All recommendations from a 2017 coronial inquest have been implemented, including the installation of a flood monitoring system along Myall Creek.
The NSW SES has also increased volunteer training and upgraded equipment availability across the Hunter region.
In partnership with Dungog Shire Council, the SES has finalised a Local Flood Emergency Sub Plan to improve prevention,
response, and recovery efforts for future flooding events.
Creative expression has also been an important part of the town’s healing journey.
On the first anniversary
in 2016, the Project Bounce Forward exhibition captured residents impacted by the flood, posing with words that reflected their resilience.
To mark the 10th anniversary, the images have
Clarence Town’s most highly decorated soldier
By Major Martin HOLMES CSM (retired)
Henry Holmes and his wife, Catherine Emily Dark, Les was born on the family property ‘Oakendale’ at Glen Oak in 1884 and worked on the farm.
Les travelled to Holsworthy, south of Sydney, aged 30 to enlist in the AIF in December 1914.
Given his ability to ride, Les was assigned as a trooper to the 2nd Reinforcement 7th Light Horse Regiment (7LHR) of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade.
He undertook his initial military training at Holsworthy and then embarked for Egypt where he joined the 7LHR.
The 7LHR was deployed to Gallipoli from 20 May 1915 until withdrawn on 20 December 1915.
After two months of fighting, Les was wounded at ANZAC Cove, but not seriously.
The following day he was promoted to Lance-Corporal and eventually to Corporal, remaining at Gallipoli until the 7LHR withdrawal.
(DCM) in WWI.
The second youngest child of the 15 children of William
7LHR embarked for Alexandria in December 1915, but by January 1916 Les was sick with a serious bowel infection and admitted to hospital, remaining
hospitalised until March 1916.
During April-October 1916, 7LHR were part of the defence of the Suez Canal and engaged in small battles across Sinai to Romani, where Les was promoted to Sergeant (SGT).
In early 1917 the Allies were taking the fight to the Turkish forces with Gaza then Beersheba the intended objectives.
The First Battle of Gaza took place from 25-27 March 1917, and the 7LHR as part of the screen force advanced at the rear of Gaza in dense fog and to the complete surprise of the Turkish.
Les was leading a section when a Turkish patrol and gharries (horse drawn carriages) were spotted.
His section galloped down the Turkish and captured the gharries, with their troopers riding off in panic followed by most of the troop.
They had just captured the incoming Turkish Divisional Commander and staff, who was taking over the command of Gaza.
For this action and others, SGT LS Holmes was awarded the DCM on 17 May 1917.
Les was also part of the famous Battle of Beersheba (31 October-1 November 1917), although the 7LHR was not part of the historic Light Horse charge into the actual township of Beersheba.
The 7LHR as part of the Australian Mounted Division advanced through the Judean hills towards Jaffa and Jerusalem.
Les found his Squadron involved in many minor skirmishes and battles and at one point half a troop of ‘A’ Squadron was killed by a single explosive shell.
They continued to advance with the 7LHR capturing over 500 Turkish men on 9 November 1917, finishing with Jerusalem surrendering on 9 December 1917.
In March 1918, the 7LHR was encamped outside Jerusalem before continuing advancing towards Amman.
After a strenuous climb over a mountain pass the 7LHR found itself the advance guard of the Division and was approaching the ridges in front of Amman.
Heavy rain had fallen in the previous days and the ground
returned to the local library for a special week-long display.
A community reflection and memorial service was also held at Dungog’s Anglican Church on Monday.
was muddy.
An assault towards an enemy aerodrome was stopped by heavy machine gun and shell fire.
Many were wounded and all dropped to the ground in the mud.
A general withdrawal was undertaken and the 7LHR regrouped some 800m in the rear.
The attack was recommenced on the afternoon of 28 March but the 7LHR was much reduced and only 100 soldiers could be mustered for the attack.
The attack was again halted when many Turkish sangars with machine guns blocked the way.
With mounting casualties the 7LHR again withdrew.
Les’ luck had finally run out and he was shot through the face, with one bullet grazing his forehead and a second through his lower left jaw giving him a severe compound fracture.
His evacuation must have been tortuous but not unusual, taking 16 days of nodoubt enormous pain before reaching hospital in Port Said, Egypt.
After two weeks he was embarked on a hospital ship for return to Australia arriving in Sydney in August 1918.
He was to undergo surgical and medical care which continued for the rest of his
As Dungog reflects on the events of 2015, its community stands as a powerful reminder of strength, recovery, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
life.
After being absent for almost four years Les returned home to the family property ‘Oakendale’.
On 15 November 1918, he was given a large official welcome home party at the nearby Glen Oak School of Arts as recorded in the Maitland Daily Mercury.
“One of the largest and most representative meetings ever held in Glenoak gathered… to welcome home Sgt Leslie Holmes, D.C.M,” the story stated.
He was officially discharged from the AIF on 28 March 1919.
In 1919, he married Miss Kathleen Sergeant of Glen Innes and remained farming on ‘Oakendale’.
Les was elected to Port Stephens Shire Council in 1921 and remained active in local affairs.
Les died in 1960, aged 76 years.
His WWI service is also memorialised at the Glen Oak School of Arts on the Memorial Gate and the wooden Honour Board mounted inside the building (along with two of his nephews).
For his military service Les was awarded the DCM, 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal and Australia Service Medal 19391945.
THE most highly decorated soldier memorialised on the Clarence Town War Memorial is SGT Leslie (Les) Spurgeon Holmes, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
q The flooding in 2015. Photos: Lochlan Dowling.
q SGT Leslie Spurgeon Holmes in Egypt, 1917.
Photo: Mr LG Holmes
Police legal action rates rise across most offences
THE NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new report examining the proportion of recorded crimes that result in an offender being charged by NSW Police.
The study, “Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023”, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 years.
“For almost every offence we have seen large increases in the rate at which legal actions are initiated,”
BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said. “This means police are solving a higher proportion of crimes than ever before.
“Of the 11 offences examined, nine showed a significantly higher legal action rate in 2023 compared with 2009.”
Property offences showed the largest increases in legal action rates.
The legal action rate for the offence of “Malicious damage to property” increased 14 percentage
points from 12 percent in 2009 to 26 percent in 2023.
The “Break and enter nondwelling” legal action rate is up 13 percentage points from six percent in 2009 to 19 percent in 2023.
The legal action rate for several violent offences also increased significantly over the past 15 years.
For the offence of “Robbery”, the legal action rate increased from 20 percent in 2009 to 40 percent in 2023, while the rate for “Domestic violence-related assault” is up from 60 percent in 2009 to 67 percent in 2023),
Sexual assault was the only offence with a significant decline in
the legal action rate, dropping from 10 percent in 2009 to seven percent in 2023.
The legal action rate for murder was stable.
"It should be of comfort to victims and the community that the risk of apprehension for people who engage in crime is undoubtedly higher than ever before,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“The increased risk of being caught may also have contributed to the large decline in property crime over the past 15 years by deterring offending.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley thanked NSW Police officers for their “incredible work… day in and day out”.
Investigation into fatal crash
POLICE inquiries are ongoing after a woman died following a crash in Stroud.
About 1.30pm on Thursday 24 April 2025, emergency services were called to the showground on Cowper St, Stroud, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two women – aged 72 and 82 - had been struck by a vehicle.
Both women were treated at the scene before the 82-year-old
woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
About 9.30pm on Friday 25 April 2025, police were notified the 82-year-old had died.
The driver of the vehicle – a 68-year-old woman – was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Crackdown on illegal tree clearing
THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.
A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.
The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.
Under the proposed
policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.
“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is
not sustainable.
“These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.”
The state’s peak body for local government has welcomed the government’s proposed crackdown on illegal tree and vegetation clearing as a “major win for councils, communities and the environment”.
“Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and councils have long called for action to address illegal tree clearing, with this matter raised at our 2022, 2023 and 2024 Annual Conferences," LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.
“The NSW
Government’s proposed changes would strengthen councils’ ability to protect their communities’ urban canopy and natural environment.
“We know our communities love their trees, but we need to ensure that penalties for illegal clearing act as a sufficient deterrent for the small minority who think they're above the law,” she said.
The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025
In addition to the EIE, a new “Cooler Places” hub has also been launched to help address urban heat.
The NSW Government resource has been released to offer councils, residents and developers
access to practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.
The online hub encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.
In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.
Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 percent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.
Sports facility funding promised
WITH pre-poll voting in full swing, Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold has pledged $287,710 towards completing works on amenity upgrades at Stroud Showgrounds, if the Coalition is elected after Saturday’s election.
Ms Penfold said the funding would allow the Stroud Raiders Rugby League Club to carry out further work on their existing shed at the showgrounds to turn it into a “fully fitted out
amenities block”, with dedicated men’s and women’s amenities, an accessible toilet, canteen and a laundry.
Ms Penfold said having upto-date amenities on the grounds would benefit all groups using the showgrounds, including cricketers, Little Athletics, local schools and rodeo patrons.
“The showgrounds are a much-valued community asset and the home of the mighty Stroud Raiders, and providing
support to upgrade the existing amenities will make a huge difference to every sporting group using the grounds,” Ms Penfold said.
“Currently, there are no dedicated amenities for female athletes and players.
“In fact, women’s teams have been having to use an empty void beneath the grandstand as their change rooms – with no restrooms, privacy or even adequate lighting.
Have Your Say
“The same space is used by the men’s rugby league side and when both teams play at home on the same day, there is an overlap.”
Ms Penfold also committed $410,000 towards the upgrade of half basketball courts in Forster, Taree, Wallabi Point, Stratford, North Arm, Blackhead, and Pindimar, plus the full-size court in Coopernook.
“Police are bringing more people to court than we’ve seen in a long time – a clear sign that their hard work is making a difference,” she said.
“Police don’t just catch offenders – they put in the tough, behindthe-scenes work to make sure those people are held accountable, a process that is often complex, relentless, and doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.
“I want to give a genuine thank you to every officer out there giving their all to keep our community safe.”
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. media@newsofthearea.com.au
COASTAL water users are invited to information sessions to learn more about the rollout of non-urban metering, including the deadline to install compliant meters by 1 December 2026.
The State Government is aiming to have 95 percent of licensed water taken in NSW accurately measured with tamper-evident, auditable meters by the end of next year.
To educate water users on the changes, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will host information stalls at Tocal Field Days from 2 to 4 May.
DCCEEW Director of Metering and Licensing, Dan Connor said, “We recognise keeping up with rule changes can be overwhelming which is why we are getting boots on the ground to enable coastal water users to speak directly to metering specialists to make it easier to work out what those obligations mean for them.
“What we are trying to deliver is a system that is simpler to navigate, takes the pressure off the hip pocket for many water users and prioritises high-volume users to make sure every drop counts and people are only taking what they’re entitled to.
“Whether you’re installing a meter for the first time, or upgrading existing equipment, we encourage you to come along and meet our team.
“Our team will walk you through the urban metering requirements including approved devices and key deadlines so you can stay on top of your obligations.”
Water users’ requirements depend on their total entitlement, the number of works they have, and the size of their pump or bore.
They include:
• Larger coastal water users with works nominated by entitlement of 100ML or more must install an AS4747 meter, a local intelligence device (LID), and telemetry, validated by a duly qualified person (DQP), by 1 December 2026.
• Smaller coastal water users with works nominated by entitlement of less than 100ML and more than 15 ML must install a pattern-approved meter by 1 December 2027 or their works renewal date (whichever is the first).
• Water users with pumps 500mm in diameter or larger must already be compliant.
Recording and reporting requirements are in place for all licensed water users regardless of the size of their works or volume of their entitlement.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
MARVEL studios unleashes its next great experimental flick this week, hoping that the Thunderbolts will capture new audiences in the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy did.
Taking a page from their competitor DC’s Suicide Squad films, the premise sees several of the supporting “anti-heroes” from previous Marvel films and television shows thrown together, to see if they can become an action-packed, banter-filled super-team.
Director Jacob Schreier comes from a music video background, and is quite a stylish visual filmmaker, even though his previous films have both been character-driven dramas.
With Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan functioning as the primaries in the team, David Harbour and Wyatt Russel get plenty of time to play things ridiculously large, with the rest of the cast relegated to quiet, stoic supporting roles, or villains such as the one played by Julia Louise-Dreyfuss.
Speaking of experiments, An Unfinished Film releases this week to cinemas playing international pictures.
From Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye, it is being called a “docufiction” film as it follows a film crew (the actual crew of the film playing semi-fictional roles) who plan to finish work on a movie they started 10 years prior.
Unfortunately, they begin by reuniting in Wuhan, 2020.
A fairly low-key and reflective piece, much of what the director wants to explore is the effect that COVID-19 had on the process of filmmaking itself.
Break out your pack of tissues for Tina as it is such a sweet film it will make you cry.
Anapela Polataivoa stars in this New Zealand production by Miki Magasiva as a woman griefstricken by the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes.
Seeking a new purpose, she takes a job at an upperclass private school, where she starts a choir and teaches the children valuable lifelessons along the way.
DUNGOG Shire Council will seek feedback on its most significant long-term planning document - the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035.
It will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days alongside key supporting documents including the
Think something like Mr Holland’s Opus - only with an infinitely more appealing leading character,
Also coming out of New Zealand is Forgive Us All, a post-apocalyptic drama in which a bereaved mother (Lily Sullivan) survives by hiding in a remote cabin, until a stranger comes looking for shelter.
Looking to pour a little humanity into an often action-oriented genre, the film is directed by Jordana Stott and features a supporting turn from Aussie Richard Roxburgh.
Ghost Trail is a taut little thriller/drama from France and purports to be based on a true story.
The story follows Hamid (played by Adam Bessa), a Syrian national who joins an organisation dedicated to hunting leaders of the oppressive regime across the world.
Hamid’s motivation is very personal though, as he seeks the man responsible for his torture in the notorious “Human Slaughterhouse”, Sednaya Prison.
For the highly literary-
Strategic plan on public exhibition Tackle trouble
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
Trends from recent weeks appear to show the NRL has lowered the marker for a sin bin, with NRL officials believed to be happy with fines in some instances.
Even so, an analysis of the opening eight rounds of this season show 31 players have been sin-binned for dangerous acts.
Of those, 17 have received suspensions and 12 have been fined.
On two occasions, the match review committee cleared them altogether.
In contrast, the match review committee has handed out 13 suspensions to players who were not sinbinned on field.
It means that of the 44 players sin-binned or suspended this season, the bunker and match review committee's stances have
Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy, Budget, and Fees and Charges.
“The draft documents have undergone robust review by the elected Council to prioritise a works program that will deliver on key community priorities,” Council said
significantly differed on 15 of them.
Sin bin numbers do not include players ordered off the field for professional fouls, repeated infringements, fights, slaps or trips.
The issue was best highlighted in Canterbury's loss to Brisbane on Thursday night, where Broncos winger Deine Mariner was sinbinned for a high tackle on Viliame Kikau.
In the same game, Bulldogs pair Matt Burton and Sitili Tupouniua both avoided being penalised for contact with the head earlier in the second half.
By the next morning, the match review committee deemed Mariner's offence not worthy of even a fine and he escaped any charge.
Burton and Tupouniua's offences were ruled far more serious, handed grade-two charges, with the pair each facing bans.
The issue comes as several coaches questioned the NRL's crackdown over the weekend.
Manly coach Anthony
minded comes an adaptation of an esteemed 19th Century novel Uncle Silas in the Irish production Lies We Tell Maud (Agnes O’Casey) has just lost her father, inheriting his substantial fortune.
Unfortunately, she is only 16 and a woman, and as such is required to be placed in the care of her Uncle Silas (David Wilmot), who may not have her best interests at heart.
This is the kind of film that, years later, is referred to as the starting point of an impressive career.
The performances and craft in filmmaking is top notch, creating a tense and gripping thriller.
The Dumpling Queen is a rare little gem from China - a biopic of Zang Jianhe, the founder of a well-known food brand “Wanchai Ferry”.
in a statement.
COUNCIL has endorsed a $10,000 funding request to support Sculpture on the Farm.
In a statement to media, Dungog Shire Council said the event “attracts thousands of visitors and the acclaim of worldrenowned sculpture artists”.
A much-loved exhibition run by a dedicated band of
“The draft Plan was developed with the help of Micromex Independent Survey Consultants who conducted community engagement activities, with 251 submissions received.”
The engagement revealed that 94 percent of the Shire’s residents rated their lifestyle in Dungog as “good to excellent”.
Respondents also identified the state of the Shire’s road network as a clear sticking point, with 71 percent listing road maintenance
Seibold pushed for the NRL to review its approach, while Penrith counterpart Ivan Cleary accused referees of over-correcting.
Cameron Ciraldo admitted the stoppages in the Bulldogs' match made it hard to watch, while Adam O'Brien questioned if rules designed to make the game faster were
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 26th April,
Individual Stableford & Last Man Standing FIELD | 38 Members & 1
Visitor
LAST MAN STANDING | Winner (Chip-Off) Chris Bryant (10) 36 Points, Runner Up (Chip-Off) Paul Monaghan (6) 37 Points, 3rd Place (Chip-Off) James Cowled (10) 34 Points, 4th Place Greg Scott (6) 34 Points, 5th Place (Chip-Off) Michael Croucher (20) 33 Points, 6th Place (Chip-Off) Ramsey VaneWood (8) 38 Points
at fault.
Finding her feet selling home-made dumplings as a street vendor, she eventually builds an empire.
The cinematography and performances are just fine in this picture, if nothing special, and for audiences that don’t mind reading subtitles this could be an intriguing trip visit to the movies.
A sort of rags-to-riches tale, Zang was abandoned by her husband and left with two daughters and a poor education.
Funding approved for Sculpture on the Farm
local volunteers, the threeday event has previously brought around 2000 visitors to the Shire.
Organisers believe that number will surpass 3000 in 2025.
For the first time in its history the exhibition will move from its home on a private farm at Fosterton to the Dungog Common.
With the move comes increased infrastructure and logistics costs.
and supporting infrastructure as the highest priority area of the decade.
Other key themes included infrastructure and grant funding transparency, the need to effectively manage growth and development, and invest in essential infrastructure to support a growing population.
Council will host face-to-face information sessions in Gresford, Vacy, Paterson and Clarence Town during the exhibition period on the following dates and times:
Vacy: 1 May 4-6pm, Vacy School of Arts Hall.
Des Hasler again claimed sin bins were "spoiling" games, while Immortal Andrew Johns labelled the situation as "farcical", "embarrassing" and "beyond a joke".
"The breakdown of this sending players to the bin is absolutely farcical," Johns
Due to the need to attract top artists to the event, the Council funds will contribute to the prize pool (which also includes $1000 to a local artist).
Sculpture on the Farm has previously contributed 10 public artworks to the Shire and aims to expand its legacy by creating a sculpture trail linking the Dungog Common to the main street precinct.
Gresford: 5 May 4-6pm, Gresford School of Arts Hall.
Clarence Town: 6 May 4-6pm, Clarence Town School of Arts Hall.
Paterson: 7 May 4-6pm, Paterson School of Arts Hall.
“Council strongly urges the community to come along to an information session and provide input on these vital documents which will lead Council’s strategic direction for the next ten years,” Council stated.
The Community Strategic Plan can be viewed on Council’s website.
said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"It's gone beyond a joke. It is embarrassing.
"The over-analysis and the overreach of the bunker in play... the bunker should be used only for try-scoring opportunities unless it's a send-off.
Paterson Golf Club
NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Peter Nicholson (14), 2nd/11th - Chris Bryant (10), 6th/15th - David Curry (4), 8th/17th - David Curry (4) MEMBERS DRAW | No.73, Brodie Thackeray (18th/39), $134
send-off and they miss it, then fair enough, come in and send the player off.
"Going back eight plays in a set of six where the referee doesn't see it, the touch judges don't see it, the players don't see it... to send someone to the bin is absolutely farcical."
q Last Man Standing winner Chris Bryant (l) and Runner Up Paul Monaghan (r).
