New gallery for Dungog Arts Society
By Lisa WISEMAN
MUSICIANS, singers, storytellers and audience members attended the last Gig in the Gog at Dungog Arts Society’s 266 Dowling Street premises on Sunday afternoon.
Gig in the Gog is a twice-monthly, free, allages performing arts event.
It will be held again next month but at a new venue, with the Society to open the doors on its new premises, literally just up the road, on 4 August.
The new workshopgallery location for the more than 50-year-old community group will be opposite Lovey’s IGA, at
Page 3
APPEAL DISMISSED
By Joseph RICHARDS
q Arts Society committee member Lynne McNairn performing with Martyn Robinson.
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
Coal mine expansion knocked back
By John WATTS
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PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled.
The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed.
The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and extract an additional 247 million tonnes of coal.
The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone
Healthy Environment Group (The Group) challenged the Planning Commission’s decision in the Land and Environment Court arguing that the Commission had failed to properly consider the climate impacts of the mine’s expansion.
Justice John Robson dismissed their challenge, but the Group successfully appealed.
Although the Commission had accepted the project's emissions would contribute to global climate change, the Court of Appeal’s Justice Julie Ward found there was nothing in its reasons to
indicate it had considered the impacts on the local environment.
“The Commission’s obligation to consider the likely impacts of the development on the natural and built environment in the locality of the mine… required it to address the potentially adverse effects of climate change in the locality,” Justice Ward said.
“This obligation could not be discharged by general references to the effects of global warming on the planet generally.”
Greens MP Sue Higginson welcomed the ruling.
“This decision is a significant legal breakthrough and will send shockwaves through the planning system," she said.
“The Court has ruled that the government bears responsibility for the emissions that they create as a result of the fossil fuel projects they approve.”
One of the cases cited by the Court of Appeal was the 2019 decision to knock back plans by Gloucester Resources to establish the Rocky Hill coal mine south of Gloucester.
“This decision builds on the… Rocky Hill case where the Land and
Environment Court refused approval for that coal mine including on the basis of climate harm,” said Elaine Johnson, the solicitor for the Group.
“This decision will ensure that all future coal proposals will need to explain why they should go ahead despite the very serious localised climate harms linked with continued fossil fuel expansion.”
The application for the mine’s approval will return to the Land and Environment Court for further review.
q The Mount Pleasant coal mine.
Rare Open Day at Stroud Monastery
By Shannon BENTON
LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August.
Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will be open to the public for a rare glimpse into its serene grounds and rich history.
The day begins at 10am with a fundraising morning tea hosted by the Anglican Parish Church of St John’s, Stroud.
For a $10 donation, guests can enjoy refreshments in support of an orphanage in
Sri Lanka.
The orphanage, located in a mansion at Moratuwa near Colombo, has provided a safe haven for Christian girls in need since 1922, when it was donated to the Sisters of St Margaret by Mr Frank De Mel in honour of his grandfather.
“All funds raised will go directly to helping the sisters continue their incredible mission of love and support for girls in need,” said Jane King, on behalf of the Friends of the Monastery Committee.
“It’s a powerful reminder that even small acts of generosity here in Stroud can ripple across the world.”
Following morning tea, visitors will be treated to a free guided tour of the mud brick monastery itself, an earthy, tranquil space built in the 1970s by the Sisters
of St Claire, with significant help from local volunteers affectionately known as “muddies.”
The monastery is usually reserved for private retreats and workshops, making this an exclusive opportunity to experience its peaceful atmosphere.
To finish off the day, guests are encouraged to wander down the bush track to the nearby Three Birdies Café at the Stroud Golf Club.
A relaxed lunch menu will be available, offering a casual setting to unwind and connect with fellow attendees.
With a blend of community, history, and quiet reflection, the event promises something for everyone, and a chance to support a meaningful cause.
New gallery for Dungog Arts Society
FROM Page 1
216 Dowling Street.
Helpers are already pitching in to prepare for the move, which will occur over the weekend from 1 August.
Paintings and other two and three-dimensional art and craft works in the current exhibition will be taken from the old premises then, and displayed in the new gallery.
Easels, plinths, a fridge and other furniture must also be moved.
Artists and artisans are reminded that they are welcome to bring new work in to show, until this exhibition closes in the new gallery at the end of August.
DAS Secretary Lorraine Wiseman, said that while moving the exhibition will be a big job, the new premises are in a more central location.
She looks forward to chatting with members, locals and visitors who attend exhibitions,
workshops and other events, or who just drop in.
A weekend of visual and performing arts and crafts fun will be held to celebrate the opening of the new gallery.
Members of the Society will be demonstrating their skills, from painting in acrylics and watercolours, to crochet, sculpture and musical performances over the weekend of 9-10 August.
Gig in the Gog will resume at noon on Sunday 10 August, followed by the gallery’s official opening event at 2pm.
Everyone is welcome to drop in.
The demonstrations, performances, “Gig” and opening are all free to attend, and suitable for all ages.
Dungog Arts Society’s next exhibition in the new gallery will be their Annual Exhibition, “The Tops”, which opens in early September.
For more information, visit dungogarts.com.au.
APPEAL DISMISSED
FROM Page 1
Peter Walsh and Acting Commissioner Michael Young said.
“In all of the circumstances, the balancing of public interests… indicates to us that the proposal should be refused.”
The decision is the latest in a series of appeals and rejections that have been ongoing for the past 10 years.
Resources company Daracon has been wanting to expand its operations so it
can extract 1.1 million tonnes of rock resources a year.
This is a 600,000-tonne increase from the current extraction limit.
Daracon’s reasoning for the expansion is that it would provide more jobs for the area and provide more materials for local infrastructure projects.
Locals argued that the increases in truck movements and expansion efforts would be damaging to both the community and the environment.
Resident groups and Dungog Shire Council have fought Daracon’s previous appeals and expansion applications.
Luke Barker from the Martins Creek Quarry Action Group said that the community reaction to the decision was “lots of relief”.
“[We are] elated that the commissioner had stayed consistent with the previous commissioner’s decisions,” he said.
It is not yet known how Daracon will respond.
Strengthen
q Even Poppy the dog told a story or two at Gig in the Gog.
q Signage at the monastery.
q The community has rallied against the expansion since it was first proposed.
Appeal to find missing man Scott Hayden
By John WATTS
THE family of Tinonee
resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old.
Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc.
The vehicle was found abandoned the following day,
parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road.
The gold-coloured Ford Falcon with the registration number JE77US had a flat battery and was facing in the direction of Barrington.
An extensive search by Police, the SES and Fire Brigade failed to locate Scott.
Scott’s family said he was experiencing a mental
health episode at the time but his disappearance is out of character.
“It appears someone may have tried to help him start the car as the battery holder was left undone and [was] off the battery,” his sister Merrilyn Hayden said.
“Did anyone happen to give him a lift? Did anyone see him walking along the
road? Did anyone see him at Gloucester train station?”
Scott has distinctive arm tattoos with the face of a lion, and the words TRUTH and YAHWEH.
If anyone has any information as to Scott’s whereabouts, they should immediately contact local police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
By Pauline CAIN
THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other flood-affected residents to continue to seek assistance.
“We understand it is difficult but it is important to register and complete the documentation, so that if further funding becomes available applicants will be automatically notified,” Dave Owens said.
“Recovery is a slow process and our primary concern is for the mental health of our farmers and
residents.
”I am determined to make sure this happens.”
Approximately 13,000 people have attended recovery centres and assistant points since the catastrophic flood events in May.
“It has been massivethe size of it and what has been achieved has been fantastic.
“We have not forgotten about you.
”We are here for the long term, not the short term.”
Mr Owens said that currently:
- 53 households are in
emergency care and will need long term assistance
- 47,000 people have applied for personal hardship assistance and 700 applications have been received from small businesses and not for profit organisations.
- 25,000 tonnes of flood waste (equivalent to 1800 trucks) has been sent to temporary waste
- 960 cubic metres has been removed from the shoreline
- 700 silage bales and 900 chemical containers have been collected.
The Flood Recovery Centre in Taree is still
operational for another month, however recovery assistance, which provides outreach into communities, will continue.
“We have held two online seminars for 200 small businesses with a step through process - a good step forward.”
Service NSW has emailed over 200,000 businesses across 19 impacted local government areas.
Impacted businesses have been able to access an initial $5000 with low documentation and another $20,000 with receipts.
CWA to host domestic violence prevention seminar
By Joseph RICHARDS
THE Dungog-Clarence Town Country Women's Association (CWA) will be hosting a domestic violence prevention seminar on Tuesday 19 August.
Presented by educator Michael Jeh, the talk will be held at the CWA Hall on Dowling Street in Dungog.
The event is part of an educational program created by domestic violence advocacy group, Small Steps 4 Hannah.
The foundation was started after the 2020 triple murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children at the hands of their husband and father Rowan Baxter, who also took his own life.
The session aims to empower members of the community to recognise the early warning signs of coercive control, and to help prevent domestic violence occurring.
The CWA is hoping that by giving this cause a platform in the area, it
may help people identify if a friend or family member is a victim of domestic violence.
Dungog-Clarence Town CWA president Helene Leane said, “Domestic violence isn’t an openly discussed topic in society, so us CWA ladies have discussed amongst ourselves and want to do something to raise awareness of the issue.”
The CWA has reached out to community groups such as the Dungog Shire Community Centre to contribute their resources.
“We have organised with the Community Centre to have a counsellor present at these talks.
“We hope that this helps people who may be stirred up by the content.
“Or it may help a woman who attends, who is suffering in silence, to get help.”
The event is free to attend and will run from 11am - 1pm on 19 July.
Those who would like to RSVP can email cwasecdct@gmail.com.
q Missing man Scott Hayden.
q Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens with Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffins, at the Wingham Food Hub. Photo: supplied
q Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied
q Dave Owens with Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Disaster Recovery Australia volunteers at Smithtown. Photo: supplied
AS Australia and the world grapple with global warming and increased bushfire risks, University of South Australia ecologists are turning their attention to the impact of prescribed burning on native animals.
In a new study published in “The International Journal of Wildland Fire”, researchers investigated the maximum temperatures that lizards could experience during prescribed (controlled) fires in the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia and compared them to their maximum survivable temperatures.
Widespread prescribed burning is undertaken in spring and autumn each year in the Mount Lofty Ranges, a biodiversity hotspot and fireprone region.
Researchers measured surface and shelter temperatures during four prescribed fires and analysed their results alongside the lab-collected ‘critical thermal limits’ of three different species of skinks.
The findings demonstrated that the average temperatures under common shelters like logs and rocks during these fires were 108°C and 53°C respectively, which exceeded the survivable temperature range (37.5°C – 43.0°C) of each type of skink.
While only reptiles were studied, lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Shawn Scott said these temperatures would also threaten the survival of other native animals and that the results can therefore be
applied more broadly.
“These conditions dramatically exceed the 60°C threshold for most terrestrial vertebrates,” Scott said.
“Logs and rocks were the most effective shelters for buffering extreme temperatures during prescribed fire in our study.
“However, the maximum temperatures and duration of these conditions may still prove lethal for small vertebrates if prescribed burning is undertaken during conditions that exacerbate fire severity.”
Researchers also discovered that when ambient temperatures on days of the prescribed burnings were higher, maximum temperatures beneath the shelters - and the duration at which they stayed
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Co-researcher and UniSA wildlife ecologist
Associate Professor Sophie (Topa) Petit said, “In terms of shelter quality, rocks and logs maintained the coolest temperatures, showing that they are critical to small animals.
“However, many of those sites still reached temperatures far above what reptiles can withstand.
“Not all rocks and logs are good enough.”
mild days when ambient temperatures are below 17°C," he said.
“In Australia, burning does occur on days that are considered mild – between 17°C to 22°C – but our research demonstrates that even in these conditions the maximum temperatures and their duration are high enough to threaten small animals relying on shelters like rocks and logs for protection.
lethally hot - also increased.
“Our analysis showed that the temperatures of the fires increased by up to 700°C as ambient temperatures increased from 17°C to 22°C,” Scott said.
“The hotter the fire, the hotter it’s going to be inside or beneath the shelters sought out by small animals during prescribed burnings, making it more difficult for them to survive, especially over an extended period.”
As climate change increases the risk of bushfires, prescribed burnings are also expected to increase, especially in fire-prone, Mediterranean climates like the Mount Lofty Ranges, other parts of Australia, and also Greece, Italy, Spain, and California.
Scott said that animal survival and biodiversity conservation should be prioritised in burning processes, and that his team's research can help inform relevant strategies not only on the home front but also abroad.
“If lower intensity fires are to be achieved during prescribed burns, they should be undertaken on
“Second, pre-fire surveys should be conducted to establish the availability and density of shelter sites that may increase the likelihood of animal survival during fire.”
The researchers suggest that larger shelters and below-surface shelters like soil, hollows, and burrows should be examined next, as well as animal movement and mortality during and after fires.
The study, titled ‘Between a rock and a hot place: do surface shelters facilitate survivable conditions for small vertebrates during prescribed fire?’ is available online at www.publish.csiro. au/WF/WF24184.
q Researchers say animal survival and biodiversity conservation should be prioritised in burning processes.
Photo: National Parks.
Registrations soar for maths comp
MORE than 13,000 students from over 200 schools across the Hunter will put their numeracy and problemsolving skills to the test this week in the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition.
The competition is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running primary school mathematics contests, giving participants a unique opportunity to shine.
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said the number of registrations and participating schools was the highest he had ever seen.
“We’ve seen a surge in registrations this year and I think that really points to the importance of developing numeracy and problem-solving skills, which is something that the competition emphasises,” he said.
“Maths plays an important role in everyday life, from time management to cooking.
“These skills are pivotal for kids to have, and this competition offers an exciting and challenging way to showcase those abilities.
“The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition has become a long-standing
tradition for many schools and families across the Hunter, and we look forward to seeing the impact that this initiative continues to have on our communities for years to come.”
The competition structure will see Year 5 and 6 students tasked with 35 challenging questions and 45 minutes on the clock.
The questions include practical math skills and problems that are inspired by real-life scenarios, and in keeping with tradition, the competition remains consistent in its rules – no calculators and no rulers.
This year’s competition will be led by Dr Peter Howley, a national and international leader and award winning academic, educator and practitioner in statistics, systems thinking, process improvement, and integrated STEM.
Also the creator and coordinator of many leading national STEM education initiatives and resources for schools, and a mathematics curriculum officer for the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, Dr Howley is delighted to lead the iconic competition.
“With students
establishing career interests in their primary school years, the importance of positive engagement with mathematics cannot be overstated,” Dr Howley said.
“I am an advocate for providing opportunities for children that enhance their educational development.
“The competition plays
a valuable role in expanding students’ experiences and learning, as it uniquely supports and complements traditional educational activities and is all about offering kids the opportunity to give maths a go in potentially new contexts, no matter the outcome.
“It’s an honour and a
privilege to take on the stewardship of this historic competition, and it is fantastic to see so many schools and students eager to take part in this year’s competition - I look forward to watching it challenge and inspire the next generation of mathematicians.”
Since the competition
began in 1981, it has seen over half a million participants and has become a beloved tradition across NSW primary schools. The 2025 competition will again be rolled out in its successful hybrid format, allowing some schools to participate on paper while others compete online.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
q Hunter students preparing for the competition. Photo: supplied.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY THE 65TH TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS 2025
SEVEN, 7.30pm
Australian television’s A-listers are all glammed up (check out the frocks in the Red Carpet show, hosted by Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown, from 7pm) and ready to celebrate the best of the best local talent. Sam Pang (pictured) returns for a third stint as host, and Hamish Blake is up for his third Gold Logie. He’s the odd man out in the nominations though, with six strong women –Lynne McGranger, Lisa Millar, Ally Langdon, Sonia Kruger, Julia Morris and Poh Ling Yeow – hoping to grab the Gold.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa visits a subtropical cottage garden.
8.35 Patience. (Ma) Patience helps her friend Billy after his brother’s body goes missing.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 Austin. (PG, R)
11.30 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
DANCING
SEVEN, 7.30pm
WITH THE STARS
It’s been quite the year for with the Stars – shock exits, fiery clashes with the judges and Shaun Micallef’s (pictured) escalating efforts to break Dr Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger have all made it a memorable season. Tonight’s grand finale sees the final six celebrities – comedians Felicity Ward and Micallef, newsreader Michael Usher, AFL legend Trent Cotchin, Home and Away Kyle Schilling, and podcaster Brittany Hockley – leave it all on the dance floor with their freestyle routines as they attempt to claim the Mirrorball. Before Australia chooses its champion, there’s a special performance from “Right Here Waiting” singer and new coach on The Voice Richard Marx.
THURSDAY
BACK ROADS
After 10 years and nearly 100 episodes sharing the best stories from rural Australia with us, Heather Ewart farewelled the show in last week’s episode, and now we need to get comfortable with having someone else at the wheel. Former News Breakfast host Lisa Millar (pictured) is in the driver’s seat now, and her first destination is a dead-set country icon – the Snowy River. Near its source on slopes of Mount Kosciuszko, Millar meets 98-year-old Tommy Tomasi, who shares his stories about building the Snowy Hydro Scheme. Further south, she takes a paddling trip through some rapids with Craig Ingram, whose passion is preserving this mighty river and its native fish.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (PGv)
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. 9.20 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (PG, R) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7. 2.05 Romulus. (MA15+av, R) 3.55 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Mal, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (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. Charlie Albone looks at damaged azaleas. 8.30 MOVIE: The Help. (2011, Ma, R) During the civil rights movement of the ’60s, an aspiring author decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids’ point of view on the white families they work for and the hardships they experience. Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer. 11.30 Dancing With The Stars. (PG, R) Celebrities show off their dance skills. 12.50 The Disappearance. (MA15+av, 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 22. Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran rescues POWs. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
Bear. (2010, PG) 9.05 BTN Newsbreak. 9.15 Robot Wars. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 10.00
SATURDAY, August 2
6.00 Australian Story: Gut Instinct – Jane Dudley. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: 10 Years Of Back Roads – Heather’s Farewell. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie investigate a musician’s murder.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate the murder of a girl found dressed in period attire.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R) Stella must deal with another dead body.
10.40 Miss Austen. (R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Cambridge. (PG)
8.20 The Princes In The Tower: New Evidence. (R) Explores the fate of the Princes in the Tower. 9.55 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 8.
2.05 MOVIE: Merkel. (2022, PGal, R)
3.50 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 8.10 The Movie Show. 8.45 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 10.20 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 12.10pm Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 2.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 4.25 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 6.30 Barefoot In The Park. (1967, PG) 8.30 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 10.55 5 To 7. (2014, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, August 3
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG) Julian is dropped from Big Bear’s TV deal.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Mdlv) The former Mystery Bay locals head to Melbourne.
8.55 Miss Austen. Cassandra tries to keep Jane’s letters private.
9.45 MOVIE: Mrs Carey’s Concert. (2011, PG, R) Follows music director Karen Carey. Karen Carey.
11.25 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)
11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG)
8.40 Venice From Above. (R) 9.45 Cleopatra: Mystery Of The Mummified Hand. (PGa, R)
10.50 Etruscans: Mysterious Civilisation. (PGa, R)
11.50 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 9.
3.50 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R)
4.45 Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team cruises the southern Great Barrier Reef.
7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (PGa) Looks at the pyramids.
8.30 MOVIE: Angels & Demons. (2009, Mav, R) A professor and physicist race against time to find four kidnapped cardinals. Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer.
11.15 MOVIE: Gunpowder Milkshake. (2021, MA15+v, R) An assassin is reunited with her mother. Karen Gillan.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 3. Australia v British & Irish Lions.
10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.
10.15 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Mlvw, R)
12.15 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (MA15+adl, R)
1.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Final) Andrew helps James and Brendan. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls. 9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay conducts surveillance on Parthenon, a cherished family-operated Greek restaurant in Washington, DC. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.45 Ambulance UK. (M, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
Morning Programs. 11.30 Life Off Road. Noon Aussie
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Logies Red Carpet. (PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 The 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards 2025. (M) Coverage of the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards. Hosted by Sam Pang. From The Star, Sydney.
11.15 An Evening With Dua Lipa. (PG, R) A concert special.
12.45 Jamestown. (MA15+av, R) Verity is accused of witchcraft.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Hey Duggee: Songs. 5.45 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
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H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS Washington Week. 4.55 Kars & Stars. 5.45 Alone Sweden. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Petrol Vs Electric Cars: Which Is Better. 9.25
Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. Continued. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 7.50 The Movie Show. 8.25 Barefoot In The Park. (1967, PG) 10.25 Bergman Island. (2021, Hope Gap. (2019, M) 2.30 The Grass Sissi: The Fateful Years. Clue. (1985, PG) 8.30 The Till The End Of The Night. 1.35am Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 8. Finals. 11.20 The First 48. (Mav) 12.20 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dms, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns to impress judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli. 8.10 Watson. (PGa) Watson and the fellows treat a comedian who collapses at an open mic night. 9.10 FBI. (Mav, R) The team investigates when a prominent doctor is murdered
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, August 4
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55
7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PGan) 8.25 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R) 9.20 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa, R) 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mal, R) 1.15 Blackport. (Madls, R) 2.15 Weeks Of War. (PGa, R) 3.10 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi’s stressed ahead of his gig.
7.30 Dancing With The Stars. (Final, PG) The six finalists dance for the trophy.
9.30 9-1-1. (Ma) Following the tragic events at the lab, the 118 must come together to lay their fallen hero to rest.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R)
12.30 Gone. (MA15+v, R) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
The Block. (PGl)
100% Footy. (M)
Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road
6am The Movie
Show. 6.20 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 8.10 Clue. (1985, PG) 10.00 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 12.25pm 5 To 7. (2014, M) 2.15 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 4.20 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 5.50 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 7.30 Barbarella. (1968, M) 9.25 After Blue. (2021, MA15+, French) 11.50 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, August 5
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (PGs, R)
11.25 The Shift. (Premiere, Mals)
1.05 Everything You Love. (Mals, R)
1.35 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGal, R)
3.05 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R)
4.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.35 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 8.10 The Movie Show. 8.45 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 10.25 Barbarella. (1968, M) 12.15pm Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 2.00 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 3.50 Clue. (1985, PG) 5.40 Mosley. (2019, PG) 7.30 Arrowhead. (2015, M) 9.20 Snowpiercer. (2013, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) 7.30 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: Love Me For A Reason. (Premiere, Mal)
8.30 John Farnham: Finding The Voice. (Mal, R) A celebration of John Farnham.
10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R) 12.30 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
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Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday. Check
WEDNESDAY,
August 6
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.40 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Along Ireland’s Shores. (PGaw, R) 10.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PGa, R) 10.50 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Such Was Life. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 From Paris To Rome. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 How Disney Built America. 8.20 Aerial Australia. (PGaw)
9.15 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Estonia. (Premiere, Ma) 12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)
1.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGal, R)
3.05 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R)
4.00 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s News At Noon. 1.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
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)
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (Malv)
11.20 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
12.20 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
1.20 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 Block. (PGl)
8.45 Clarkson’s Farm: Unfarming. (Return, Ml)
9.45 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 10.45 9News Late. 11.15 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l, R) 12.30 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.
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The
August 7
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 10.50 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Such Was Life. (R) 2.15 Curse Of The Ancients. (PG, R) 3.05 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 From Paris To Rome. (PGaln, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.30 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Dopesick. (Mals, R)
11.55 The Real Mo Farah. (PGa, R)
1.00 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGa, R) 2.35 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R) 3.30 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 8.25 Mosley. (2019, PG) 10.15 Bliss. (2021, M) 12.10pm Long Story Short. (2021, M) 1.55 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 3.40 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.25 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 7.30 Moonfall. (2022, M) 9.55 Midnight Special. (2016) Midnight Linoleum. (2022, M) 1.55 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.25 The Movie Show. 8.55 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 11.00 Midnight Special. (2016) 1.10pm Arrowhead. (2015, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 5.25 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PG) 7.30 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 9.50 Limitless. (2011) 11.45 I Know What You Did Last Summer. (1997, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Cabin Chaos. (PGa)
10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
11.30 Code Blue: The Killing Of June Fox-Roberts. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30
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DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
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Death Notices
Wells
Kenneth James
Late of Canungra, formally of Gloucester. Passed away at Benowa on 5th July 2025. Aged 59 years.
Beloved husband of Nicky, loving son of Nath & Sidney (dec). Much loved brother & brother-in-law of Cheryl (dec), Debbie & Barry, Boyd & Kellie. Proud & loving uncle of their children & grand children.
Ken’s funeral service was held at Allambe Memorial Park Nerang on 14th July 2025. Resting Peacefully.
Contact us to place a special message
Email: ads@newsofthearea.com.au Phone: (02) 4981 8882
Groodle pups (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 3 girls available. Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $800. 11 weeks old. Call or text: 0422 070 333 991003003003470 / 991003003003465 / 991003003003473
top, aluminium frame with white canvas, storage shelf below. $250 ono 0417 216 598
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418
owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942
News Of The Area OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
DEAR Jasminda,
I'M stuck at work and my friend keeps posting Insta-worthy holiday snaps.
It’s getting to me. Is this a normal reaction?
Glenda S.
DEAR Glenda,
HOLIDAY photos used to be limited to a 24-photo film roll.
Once the film was finished, the only choice you had was between matt and gloss.
There was no filter option, no edit function, and definitely no
clean up app to remove rubbish bins, empty beer cartons or unphotogenic families wandering aimlessly into your carefully constructed frame.
Now, everyone is a magazine photographer, adding camels and removing camel-toes with a quick swipe.
Maybe you should respond by editing your workplace. Edit the lunchroom and add free wine where the water cooler is. Do some fancy editing to Doris from payroll and Herbert from HR.
In fact, clean them up into non-existence and replace them with Octavia and Vivien who look like Greek models.
At least you are getting paid to create your own mirage.
Carpe Diem, Jasminda
Fibre upgrade milestone reached
MORE than 900 premises within the Dungog local government area (LGA) can now connect to full fibre internet under nbn’s national fibre upgrades.
Upgrading to full fibre can enable access to a faster and more reliable nbn broadband service, delivering a range of benefits including smoother, higherresolution video calls,
enhanced streaming, faster downloads, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.
Head of nbn Local NSW Tom O’Dea said the upgrades deliver a better and more reliable internet experience for homes and businesses.
“Households are consuming more data than ever to the things they love like streaming 4K on multiple
devices, online education, next level gaming, conference calls, and uploading and downloading large files for work,” he said.
“Fibre upgrades are just one way we are bringing better broadband to our major regional centres.
“Places like Dungog are no longer just areas people stop in while commuting.
“Faster, more reliable
internet is enabling people to live and work remotely in places they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”
Three nbn community information sessions were held last week in Dungog.
Dungog Shire Mayor Cr Digby Rayward said, "I welcomed the information session from the nbn last week in Dungog, updating us on the recent upgrades nbn
Post-mine land use inquiry
THE State Government has welcomed the Standing Committee on State Development’s report into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, supporting all of its 13 recommendations.
In a statement last week, the Government stated it is “committed to supporting coal-producing communities as the demand for coal declines over time”.
The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, in
partnership with other agencies, will:
• review potential mine sites and existing infrastructure for new employment-generating land use and retention of infrastructure (Recommendations 2 and 13)
• adopt a place-based approach to support coal regions through four local divisions (Recommendation 3)
• work across government and stakeholders to lead and
facilitate in four coal mining regions (Recommendation 5)
• work with mine operators, councils and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to identify opportunities for new land uses on mining land (Recommendation 6)
• deliver a skills audit of the mining workforce in partnership with government and stakeholders (to deliver on Recommendation 7).
Several of the recommendations will also
Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour?
Let's just say it's enough to make your brain hurt.
In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year.
Seriously.
Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flownall could be powered for a full year by just one single hour of the Sun doing its thing!
So, what exactly is this monstrous powerhouse in the sky?
The Sun is a massive, spinning ball of gas, mostly hydrogen and helium, burning at mind-melting temperatures.
It’s 1.4 million kilometres
across, about 109 times wider than Earth.
If it were hollow, you could fit a million Earths inside it.
But it’s not hollow.
It’s solid fire and fury.
At its core, the temperature is a staggering 15 million degrees Celsius.
This is nuclear fusion, nature’s most efficient furnace.
Every single second, the Sun hurls out around 386 billion billion megawatts of energy.
In one second, the Sun pumps out more energy than humans have ever consumed in all of history.
Now stretch that out to one hour - that's over 1.4 x 10³⁰ joules.
Imagine writing the number 1 followed by 30 zeroes.
That’s the kind of power we're talking about.
It’s not just big. It’s terrifying.
And here’s the kicker: as stars go, the Sun isn’t even special.
It’s a plain old yellow dwarf. It's not one of the giants that live fast and die young.
The Sun is average and ordinary and yet to us, it’s everything.
It holds 99.8 percent of all the mass in our solar system.
It keeps the planets in orbit, drives our climate, powers our food chain, and even plays games with our mood.
Without the Sun, Earth would freeze in weeks.
Life would vanish. Game over.
The Sun is no newborn.
It’s about 4.6 billion years
be delivered through ongoing work by NSW Resources, including to:
• deliver effective rehabilitation outcomes and ensuring appropriate security is held to cover rehabilitation by reviewing and updating the Rehabilitation Cost Estimate tool (Recommendation 4)
• promote best practice mine rehabilitation techniques for sustainable outcomes and post-mining land use innovation
have completed across the Shire.
“It's pleasing to see investment in the shire for our residents and businesses."
Data demand and usage has doubled in Australia in the last five years, with the average household consuming 443 gigabytes per month across 22 internetconnected devices.
(Recommendations 11 and 12).
The Government thanked the committee and the many individuals and organisations who made written submissions and gave evidence at the hearings.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said, “I thank the Standing Committee on State Development led by Emily Suvaal MLC for their important work during this inquiry.
“Mining is ultimately a temporary use of land,” she said.
This is a significant increase from 40 gigabytes of monthly data use across approximately seven internet-connected devices, on average, 10 years ago. This is expected to grow to 33 devices per household by 2026 and 40 devices, on average, by the end of the decade.
“We need to make sure NSW has the right policy mix to keep employment and economic opportunities even after coal mining ends on those sites.
“Coal mines have energy, water and transport infrastructure ready to use – and it just makes sense to use existing infrastructure to support new jobs in the same communities.
“We need to find ways to have these sites, which support jobs for generations, continue to provide employment opportunities for communities.”
old and halfway through its life.
It has about another five billion years of steady burning left.
Then it’ll get weird.
When the hydrogen runs low, it’s bad news; the Sun will swell into a red giant, engulfing Mercury and Venus. Earth? Eventually, the Sun will shed its outer layers, puffing out into space like a dying breath.
What's left will be a white dwarf that'll slowly cool for trillions of years, fading into darkness.
But don't lose sleep.
We've got time - about 50 million centuries.
Could we ever capture all that energy?
Well, we’re trying.
Solar panels are a start, but they’re tiny sips from a firehose.
Right now, humanity uses only a minuscule fraction of the sunlight that hits Earth.
But if we could collect all of it for just one hour, we’d have more energy than we need for an entire year.
Futurists even talk about building a Dyson Sphere - a massive structure around the Sun to trap all its energy.
For now, it's sci-fi. But in the grand scheme of cosmic history?
Maybe not so far-fetched. So next time you feel the sun on your face, think about what you're touching.
You're soaking up light that took eight minutes to travel 150 million kilometres across the void.
You're feeling the afterglow of fusion reactions that began before you were born.
That gentle warmth? It's the calmest version of unimaginable power.
Nominate now for 2026 awards
TIME is running out to nominate for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
Nominations will close at midnight AEST on Thursday 31 July 2025.
This is the final
With days remaining, organisers are urging people across the country to nominate those whose actions, leadership or impact deserve recognition.
opportunity to help bring the stories of remarkable individuals into the spotlight.
“Every person recognised by the Australian of the Year Awards program starts with someone taking a few
minutes to nominate them, to say ‘I see you and what you do matters’,” said Mark Fraser, CEO National Australian Day Council.
“These awards don’t just recognise high profile
figures, they highlight a wide and diverse range of extraordinary people –volunteers, scientists, carers, artists and people who create real and lasting change.”
The awards recognise
• Young Australian of the Year (16-30)
• Australia’s Local Hero.
Nominating is easy and can be done online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
Solar energy handbook for landowners
A NEW handbook guiding landowners and solar developers to “harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy” is now available.
EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs.
It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from EnergyCo.
The handbook includes:
• information for landowners wanting to graze sheep or cattle within solar farms, and/or grow crops and horticulture under solar panels
• guidelines for how
Have your
INFORMATION sessions
will be held in Maitland and Muswellbrook around proposed changes to the process of negotiating land access for pipeline projects.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) says it is modernising the regulation of pipelines and creating new guidelines to clarify:
developers can incorporate farming into solar systems
• comprehensive checklists of consideration in planning an agrisolar development.
It expands the information available and guides leading industry practices as EnergyCo works with regional communities within Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) to deliver a
modern electricity grid for NSW.
Benefits for landowners already implementing this two-in-one solution include diversified income streams, shading for stock, heat and hail protection, and vegetation management.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said, "Farmers that host projects are crucial to the success of our
renewable energy zones.
“Having more practical information available on the opportunities and benefits empowers host communities and shows compatibility between renewables and our important agricultural industries.”
Farm Renewables
Consulting Director Karin Stark said, "Early engagement with
landowners is important when shaping how renewable energy projects can coexist with farmland.
“The Handbook comprehensively guides landowners and developers from planning and design, all the way through to maintenance.”
The guide will be available on the EnergyCo website.
say on gas and pipeline changes
• the roles and responsibilities for seeking land access for surveys;
• what needs to be done to get agreements with landholders before compulsory acquisition can be considered by the Minister for Energy.
The government is also proposing to strengthen the requirements for operators under the Pipelines Act 1967
and Gas Supply Act 1996 including stronger penalties.
Liam Ryan, Executive Director Energy Infrastructure at DCCEEW, said, “We have listened carefully to stakeholders who have said the processes around surveying land for pipeline routes and compulsory acquisition need to be clearer – which is why we are putting
new guidelines in place to ensure landowners are fully informed and consulted.
“It is critical the community knows what steps need to be taken when the NSW Government is assessing applications for pipeline surveys and at what stage compulsory acquisition can be considered.
“I encourage landowners and interested parties in
Quirindi, Muswellbrook, Maitland and surrounding areas to register and come along and meet the team inperson so we can discuss these important reforms together.”
Face to face information sessions will be held at:
• Quirindi - Tuesday 19 August, 1-2:30pm
• MuswellbrookWednesday 20 August, 9:30-
Sport Results
11am
• Maitland - Wednesday 20 August, 2-3:30pm
Registration is required at: www.nsw.gov.au/haveyour-say/pipelines-and-gassupply-regulations
A webinar will be held on Wednesday, 13 August from 6-8pm for those who can’t attend in person.
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANEWOOD
SPORTS RESULTS | GOLF Saturday 19th July | 2-PERSON AMBROSE CHAMPIONSHIPS - 1ST ROUND FIELD | 35 members. Winners Brodie Thackeray & Ramsey VaneWood (4.25) 57.75 Nett, Runners Up James Cowled & Wayne Stedman (4.75) 60.25 Nett, 3rd Place Paul Geddes & Timothy Kiem (4.50) 61.50 Nett BALL COMP | Mark Maddock & Robert Radin (7.25) 61.75 Nett, Greg Sainsbury & Greg Scott (6.00) 62 Nett, Peter Griffin & Paul Langley (7.25) 62.75 Nett. LONG DRIVE | 3rd/12th
- Timothy Kiem (7) - 220 metres NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Peter Griffin (15), 2nd/11th - Brodie Thackeray (11), 8th/17th - Michael Shanley (15), 9th/18th - Mark Maddock (11) MEMBERS DRAW | No.6, Jackpot, $206 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed,
5 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR | 26-Jul 2-Person Ambrose Championships (Final Round & Keno Qualifier), 2-Aug Stroke, Monthly Medal & Match Play Qualifiers (subject to entries), 9-Aug Stableford & Match Play 1st Round, 16-Aug Stableford & Match Play Quarter Finals, 23-Aug Stableford & Match Play Semi-Finals, 30-Aug Stableford, 2BBB & Match Play Final.
Mountain Man Tri Challenge returns
By John WATTS
THE popular Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge returns on Sunday 14 September, running from 8am to 2pm.
This unique event is different from a normal triathlon in that it consists of mountain biking, kayaking and a cross-country run.
The second leg consists of an 11km kayak paddle down the Barrington River, and the final leg is a run of nine kilometres, mostly off-road, back into Gloucester.
“The bike and run legs are partly through private properties and we are grateful for the cooperation of the owners,” said Race Director Sam de Witte.
“Preparations are going well and, as in previous years,
The first of the three legs is a 22km mountain bike ride along mountain and 4WD roads, creek beds, cattle tracks, rainforest and open country.
we are getting great support and enthusiasm from local businesses and the local community.
“We are also appreciative of all the volunteers that make this event such a success, and we could still do with a few more.”
Race participants can choose to either be part of a team or attempt all three legs.
The mountain bike section gets underway in Boundary Road before the riders head down Bucketts
Road, eventually ending up at Rocky Crossing, before jumping into their kayaks to paddle down the Barrington River to the Barrington Bridge to start the run back to Gloucester.
Organisers pitch the event as being about “opportunity and completion – not competition".
“Our aim also is to unite people through collective achievement and a common appreciation of the outdoors.”
Last year’s male winner
Thomas Coombe won the junior division while the first locals home last year were Brett Radford, Jules Kitchener
For
q Two-person Ambrose Final Round Winners and 2025 Champions James Cowled and Wayne Stedman.
was Dan Stein, with Corinne Stephenson first across the line in the female division.
and Kim Haschek.
more information look for Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge on Humantix or call Sam de Witte on 0417 656 201.
q The Tri Challenge takes competitors through the stunning Gloucester area terrain.
q Local winners in the 2024 Tri Challenge Jules Kitchener, Kim Haschek and Brett Radford.
Netball stars shine
THE Dungog Under 14s Representative Netball team recently wrapped up a sensational weekend in Penrith at the Netball NSW Hart Junior State Titles, finishing third in their division.
“With a fierce determination and unbreakable team spirit, the girls delivered an unforgettable performance that left supporters and rivals alike in awe,” said Dungog Netball President Jessica Murray.
Across three intense days of competition, the team played 20 matches, finishing with an impressive 16 wins, three draws, and only one loss.
“This group of girls has represented Dungog with pride,
sportsmanship and maturity beyond their years,” said their coach Renae.
The team featured two Dungog locals and players from Tea Gardens, Branxton, and places in between.
The team was boosted by a chorus of encouragement from families and supporters on the sidelines throughout the competition.
“Your cheers lifted us every match,” Renae said.
“We couldn’t have done it without you.”
The Dungog girls also got to meet and mingle with NSW Swifts players, adding an additional element of excitement to an already thrilling experience.
q The 14s team with Coach Renae, Manager Kristy and Assistant Lani.