Alison Penfold succeeds Dr David Gillespie as Lyne MP
As
SHARED PRIORITIES
q Nationals candidate Alison Penfold will be the new Member for Lyne. Photo: Alison Penfold FB.
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
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
New police officers hit the ground
TWELVE new Probationary Constables are beginning work in the Hunter region, allocated to Hunter Valley, Manning-Great Lakes, Mid North Coast and Port Stephens-Hunter Police Districts.
NSW Police Force’s Class 365 officially attested at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, 2 May.
The new recruits
have now commenced duties at their new home stations across the state.
Each officer will undertake 12 months of on-the-job training while holding the rank of Probationary Constable, allowing them to gain practical experience in frontline policing while continuing their professional development.
The recruits will
be deployed in general duties policing, where they will respond to real-world incidents and emergencies, working shoulder to shoulder with experienced officers to build their skills and confidence.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, "I particularly congratulate and
welcome the new recruits joining the Hunter, who will make a meaningful impact through their hard work and dedication."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said Class 365 demonstrates a “major turning point in recruitment”.
"It's the biggest class in 11 years with more than 300 recruits marching off the parade ground, which is a milestone in our campaign to boost the ranks.
"Based on the weekly average, the number of applications has increased by 70 percent since November 2023 when I announced the new payment scheme for all recruits.
"Many of our new probationary officers would not be here today to reach their dream of becoming a police officer without that wage.
"Since November 2023, we have seen a 33 percent increase from female applicants which is a critical addition to the force."
Alison Penfold succeeds Dr David Gillespie as Lyne MP
FROM Page 1
percent of the first preference vote.
The informal vote rate was about eight percent.
“I am very grateful for the support from so many individuals from across the four corners of the electorate,” Ms Penfold posted to social
media on Sunday.
“It will be a great honour and privilege to represent the people of the Lyne electorate and I will do my very best as your representative in the federal parliament.”
Independent candidate Jeremy Miller congratulated Ms Penfold on her win.
“The people of Lyne have chosen you as our representative, and now we look to you to be our voice in Canberra - to listen, to engage, and to deliver real outcomes for our community,” he said.
Receiving around 16,000 first preference votes, Mr Miller believes his campaign sent a
strong message to the major parties.
“While we didn’t quite get over the line this time, we have changed the political landscape in Lyne,” he said.
“The major parties now know they can’t take this community for granted.”
Since its creation in a redistribution back in 1949, Lyne has been a historically
safe electorate for the Nationals, only having been held by one Independent, being Rob Oakeshott (2008-2013).
Mr Oakeshott started his political career as a Nationals candidate in the 1996 State election for the electorate of Port Macquarie, choosing to become an Independent there before successfully contesting the 2008 Lyne by-election.
us at
Janette and Cathryn will talk about the fictional lives they create and why they love writing stories about women, for women. This interactive event also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and find out more from these incredibly talented authors
Friday 23rd May 2025 at 5PM Dungog Library, 17 Mackay Street Dungog
Tickets are free but you must register. Call the library on 4992 1819 or go to our Dungog Shire Council website for more details Dungog.nsw.gov.au
Bridge upgrades
DUNGOG Shire Council expects to seek a construction partner for the replacement of the Gresford suspension bridge in coming weeks.
The NSW and Australian Governments last year agreed to replace the bridge which connects Gresford to an isolated community on the western side of the Paterson River.
Council has advocated for the replacement bridge which will be a raised concrete structure that provides better access to emergency vehicles and larger commercial vehicles.
The project is expected to cost an estimated $3.7 million to design and construct the new crossing of the Paterson River at Gresford.
Meantime, establishment of a site hardstand area on the northern side of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge will allow for pre-construction works on the new Clarence Town Bridge.
There may be some disruption to traffic flow with traffic control measures in place and the speed limit reduced to 40km/hour.
SHARED PRIORITIES
FROM Page 1 and future servicing plans to support sustainable growth, particularly around Clarence Town.
Mayor Digby Rayward said the discussions marked a positive step forward.
“Dungog Shire plays a vital role in safeguarding the water security of the broader Hunter region,” Mayor Rayward said.
“We are proud of our contribution and are committed to building a stronger partnership with Hunter Water that recognises the unique role our community plays, and delivers fair and practical outcomes for residents and businesses.
“We look forward to working closely together on the opportunities identified.”
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary welcomed the “strengthened collaboration”.
“We appreciate Dungog Shire Council’s leadership and the strong stewardship of its catchments,” Mr Cleary said.
“Hunter Water is committed to working with Council to update our guidelines for development in drinking water catchments, working together to streamline development assessments, and explore infrastructure solutions that support sustainable growth while protecting the region’s drinking water quality.”
The organisations also agreed to explore opportunities for closer collaboration on planning and water management reforms.
Work is already underway between the two organisations, including Hunter Water’s support for Dungog Shire’s initiatives to improve development processes and its commitment to jointly reviewing wastewater servicing strategies for future growth areas around Clarence Town.
Both parties agreed to meet quarterly going forward to maintain momentum and ensure ongoing progress.
Dowling St. Hair Studio
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG readers are in for a literary treat this month, with a special author evening featuring Janette Paul and Cathryn Hein to be held from 5pm, Friday 23 May, at Dungog Library.
The free event, “Janette Paul and Cathryn Hein In Conversation”, will see the two Newcastle-based authors come together to share their writing journeys, explore the fictional lives they create, and discuss their passion for storytelling - particularly about women, for women.
With wit, warmth and plenty of behind-the-scenes insight, the duo will open up about the inspirations behind their popular novels, the role of friendship - both real and fictional - in their creative processes, and what it means to write contemporary and rural women’s fiction in Australia today.
Janette Paul is the internationally published author of romantic comedies and contemporary women’s fiction.
She also writes awardwinning crime novels under the name Jaye Ford, with her debut securing two Davitt
languages and continue to delight readers worldwide.
Cathryn Hein, a beloved voice in rural romance and romantic adventure, is wellknown for her heartfelt stories set in country Australia.
A finalist for both the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year with Santa and the Saddler, and a regular in the Australian Romance Reader Awards, Hein has built a loyal readership with her down-toearth heroines and vibrant rural settings.
The Dungog Library event promises lively conversation and an opportunity for readers to connect with two of the region’s most engaging storytellers.
Entry is free, but bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
Awards for Australian women crime writers. Her novels have been translated into nine
q Mayor Digby Rayward.
q Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary.
q Author Janette Paul
q Author Cathryn Hein.
By William TON, AAP
WHEN the United States speaks, Australian investors listen. And they will be doing so very closely as the much-
anticipated US rates decision is handed down on Thursday.
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has previously indicated there will be no changes to the cash rate in May, while the bank waits
for more information on the effects of recent tariffs.
But what investors are mainly interested in is what comes afterwards, independent economist Craig James says.
"(The decision) shouldn't have any great impact, providing the Federal Reserve chair indicates that there is still the continued leaning towards interest rate cuts," he told AAP.
Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages
By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP
CONSUMERS must be told why their phone or internet service has been disconnected during major outages and when they can expect it to return under stricter telecommunication rules.
Providers will also have to improve the way they deal with triplezero outages under the regulations and issue detailed plans to prevent recurrences.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority revealed the changes last Wednesday that will come into effect in June and November under the threat of fines or court enforcement.
They follow a nationwide Optus outage in November 2023 in which millions of customers were disconnected for 14 hours, and more than 2100 phone calls were unable to connect to emergency services.
The new communication rules will be enforced from 30 June and require telcos to inform customers about local outages including their cause, location and an estimated time of repair.
Outages affecting more than 1000 services in regional areas for more than six hours, or 250 services in remote areas for more than three hours, will need to be prioritised under the updated rules.
The new requirements recognise the significant impact disconnection
can have on consumers and companies, authority spokeswoman Samantha Yorke said.
"When your phone or internet goes down it's not just frustrating, it can cause significant issues including disrupting businesses and impacting public safety," she said.
"We will be closely monitoring compliance with the new obligations and will review the customer communications obligations 12 months from their introduction."
During significant outages, service providers will be required to communicate with customers in several ways including email, SMS and app alerts, depending on the type of outage, as well as
public communications.
"Broader communications may also be required via websites, social media, call centres and traditional media," a spokesman told AAP.
"Where the outage is caused by a natural disaster, communications are only required to be published on websites, and not directly to customers."
Additional changes to the way providers handle triple-zero call outages will come into effect in November, including sharing information with emergency services and isolating problematic mobile base stations so calls can be delivered by another carrier.
Providers that experience emergency call outages must also submit a written report to the regulator and the federal communications department within 45 days.
"Improving industry accountability for the carriage of calls to triple zero will give Australians greater confidence that their safety is prioritised when networks are down," Ms Yorke said.
The regulations follow an inquiry into a nationwide Optus outage on November 8, 2023, caused by a software upgrade that affected its routers.
The authority found 2145 calls to emergency services failed to connect during the outage, and Optus paid more than $12 million for breaching its obligations.
"If it is the case that he winds back the guidance on rate cuts, that could see a degree of disappointment in US markets, and that would have implications for Australian investors as well."
Commonwealth Bank economists are forecasting the US bank to cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point in each of the next four decision cycles.
But Mr James said the Federal Reserve could take a more cautious attitude, given the impact of the tariffs increasing prices amid a slowing economy which contracted 0.3 percent in the March quarter.
"That's something that investors certainly don't like because the question is how does policy react to a stagflation situation?" the economist said.
"Do you increase interest rates to fight inflation, or do you decrease interest rates because the economy is flat or contracting?"
The Bank of England will also hand down its decision on Friday but Australian investors and markets will pay less attention than the "main game" in the US.
Back home, the Reserve Bank will announce its rates decision on May 20, with the door "wide open" for another rate cut, given inflation is under control - rising by 0.7 percent in the March quarter.
"But in this volatile environment, they're going to be fairly careful in terms of what they indicate about future movements," Mr James said.
The federal election result could also be a point of market interest.
"Markets love certainty. Investors love certainty," he said.
Meanwhile, investors on Wall Street have taken comfort from strong economic data and the potential easing of trade tensions between the US and China, with stocks notching a second straight week of gains.
The US economy added 177,000 jobs in April, exceeding expectations, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent.
As a result, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 564.47 points, or 1.39 percent, on Friday to 41,317.43, the S&P 500 gained 82.54 points, or 1.47 per cent, to 5,686.68 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 266.99 points, or 1.51 percent, to 17,977.73. Australian share futures jumped 32 points, or 0.38 percent, to 11,481.
The S&P/ASX200 rose 92.4 points, or 1.13 percent, to 8,238, as the broader All Ordinaries gained 90.5 points, or 1.08 percent, to 8,456.2.
q Telcos will need to provide users with more info about outages under stricter new rules. Photo: Jack Atley/AAP PHOTOS.
q Australian investors will be closely eyeing the US Federal Reserve's moves on interest rates.
Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
KITCHEN GLOW UP
SBS FOOD, 8.30pm
If you’ve ever cooked in someone else’s kitchen and found yourself opening every cupboard and drawer in search of something, this helpful design series will be music to your ears. Professional cook, designer and entrepreneur Ellen Marie Bennett (pictured) believes in making kitchens that are not only efficient and functional but beautiful, colourful rooms the whole family will want to enjoy. In tonight’s premiere, Bennett is in Glendale, California, at the home of parents Lisa and Richie, who need help with their crowded, chaotic kitchen.
FRIDAY, May 9
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross explores a dreamy flower garden.
8.30 Sherwood. (Malv) Tensions rise in the community as news of the recent assassination attempt breaks.
9.30 To Be Advised.
10.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.
10.35 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 Mayfair Witches. (Malv, R)
12.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars: Battle Of The Stars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rise And Fall: The World Trade Center. (PGa, R)
SATURDAY
HOLIDAY HOME MAKEOVER
WITH RACHEL & RYAN
NBN, 7.30pm
Drafted into The Block in 2022 after another couple walked out, husband-and-wife duo Rachel and Ryan Carr (both pictured) quickly proved themselves, becoming frontrunners thanks to their classic yet contemporary style. Now parents of three young children, Rachel and Ryan are taking on another challenge –transforming a tired property on the south coast of New South Wales into their dream holiday home in just 14 weeks. They’re throwing all their own savings into the project and documenting the ambitious process in this new renovation series. The work begins tonight, as the couple demolish a garage and get cracking on the main suite.
MONDAY HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION?
TEN, 8.40pm
They say time flies when you’re having fun – so it stands to reason that after 12 years on air, Have You Been Paying Attention?
gang are having a blast. Tonight, Australia’s favourite topical comedy quiz begins its 13th season testing funny folk about the news they may (or may not) have seen during the week. Quizmaster Tom Gleisner (pictured) returns, along with regular panellists Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang – the latter fresh off a successful first season of Sam Pang Tonight – to make light of the week’s headlines. Ahead of the return, Gleisner said: “I can’t wait to get back into the studio. For me, there’s no better way to spend a Monday night.” We couldn’t agree more.
9.05 Gloriavale: New Zealand’s Secret Cult. (Ma, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Atlantic Crossing. (Mav, R)
12.10 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R)
2.00 The Head. (MA15+a, R)
3.55 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, 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 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets with Nagi Maehashi.
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: The Dressmaker. (2015, Malsv, R) After a woman returns to her home town in the Australian outback, old rivalries are reignited. Kate Winslet, Judy Davis.
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 10. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the South Sydney Rabbitohs versus Brisbane Broncos match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Looper. (2012, MA15+dlv, R)
A hit man meets his future self. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis.
1.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 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. (PGls, R) Celebrity guests include Timothée Chalamet. 9.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.15 The Inspired Unemployed: The List. (PGal, R) The boys hit the local market in India.
MONDAY, May 12
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: The Silk Road Treasures. (R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Msv)
11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
1.45 Surviving An American Concentration Camp. (Ma, R) 2.50 Barkley Manor. (PGa, R) 4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Cash plans a surprise for Eden.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.00 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) Owen questions Judd’s sobriety when he walks into the line of fire.
10.00 Suits L.A. (M) Erica and Ted disagree over a potential client.
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am Phar
Lap. Continued. (1983, PG) 7.35 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 9.25 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PG) 11.30 Juniper. (2021, M) 1.20pm Grand Piano. (2013, M) 3.00 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 4.40 Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 6.20 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.40 Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 9.30 Song To Song. (2017, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, May 13
3.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Return, Ma)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Snow. (Ma)
12.05 The Lesson. (Mal, R)
2.25 The Story Of Coffee. (PGas, R)
2.50 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R)
3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 Eurovision. (PG)
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Mali puts his foot in it.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.00 Doc. (Ma) Amy must confront who she has become after the tragedy that struck her family seven years ago.
10.00 Accused. (Mav)
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, 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 Floor. (PG) 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Premiere, Ml) 11.15 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Premiere, Ml)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice. (PGa)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Petite Maman. Continued. (2021, PG, French) 7.05 Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 8.45 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 10.25 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 12.20pm Mother Couch. (2023, M) 2.10 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 4.00 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 5.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 7.30 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, M) 10.00 Viva Las Vegas. (1964, PG) 11.35 Late Programs.
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.
WEDNESDAY, May 14
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. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Tough Trains. (PGa, R) 11.00 Jewels Of The Alps: Italy’s Great Lakes. (PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (M)
8.40 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa, R)
9.35 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 My Brilliant Friend. (Mal)
12.00 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Malsv, R)
3.20 The Story Of Coffee. (R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)
What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (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)
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 St. Denis Medical. (Ma)
11.30 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PGs)
8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.15 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. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Elsbeth. (PGlv) Elsbeth is summoned to jury duty and lands on a murder trial, where she faces off with an unusually difficult judge. 9.40 NCIS: Origins. (Mv) Vera receives a call from a man in prison. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
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6am The Movie
Show. 6.30 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 8.20 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 10.00 Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 11.50 Song To Song. (2017, M) 2.05pm Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 3.25 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 5.20 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 7.30 Winter’s Tale. (2014, M) 9.40 La La Land. (2016, M) 12.05am Juliet, Naked. (2018, M) 1.55 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, May 15
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (R) 11.00 Restoration Australia. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Sherwood. (Malv, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs UK. (Return, Ml)
8.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Atlantic. (Premiere) 9.40 The Kimberley. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.05 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R)
11.55 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 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. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.10 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 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
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Bitesize. (R) 10.05 Tough Trains. (PGa, R) 11.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Hindenburg Disaster. (Maw, R)
8.20 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Hitler Strikes Back. (M) Hitler launches a surprise attack.
9.15 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mv) Sherlock assigns Amelia her first task.
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Carmen Curlers. (Masv, R)
12.50 Pagan Peak. (Mas, R)
2.35 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 Eurovision. (PG)
VICELAND (31)
3.25 News. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.25 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 6.20 Over The Black Dot. 6.50 Jeopardy! 7.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 6. 1.35am
6am The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 7.55 Viva Las Vegas. (1964, PG) 9.30 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 11.20 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, M) 1.50pm The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 3.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.30 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 7.30 Indecent Proposal. (1993, M) 9.40 Purple Rain. (1984, M) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Gage puts a sinister plan in motion.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Hosted by Graeme Hall.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The second set of semi-finalists set out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.00 Raines. (Mahv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG)
1.30 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 Rugby League. Women’s State Of Origin. Game 2. New South Wales v Queensland.
Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)
A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)
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. (PGa) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
H’lights. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 Jeannie. 11.05 Young Sheldon. 12.05pm MOVIE: Godzilla Vs. Kong. (2021, M) 2.15 Innovation Nation. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Eleven. (2001, M) 11.00 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Motorway Cops. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 Young Sheldon. Noon MOVIE: Hairspray. (2007, PG) 2.15 Talking Honey. 2.30 Nanny.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
fun for them. 9.50 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald. 10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
DUNGOG STORE CATTLE SALE
Friday 9th May @ 11:30am
Dungog Saleyards
Consisting of the following local cattle:
D Mackay – 16 angus steers 14 to 16mths
P McGirr – 10 angus steers 9 to 10mths
Fermanagh Farm – 10 angus steers 9 to 10mths
B Smyth – 8 angus steers 9 to 10mths
Verheul Holdings – 12 angus steers 8 to 9mths
Bo Dubh Angus – 8 angus steers 8mths
Fuge Family Farm – 15 angus steers 7 to 9mths
R Cox – 8 angus steers 7 to 8mths
K & B Chivers – 2 angus steers 7 to 8mths
P McGirr – 14 angus heifers 9 to 10mths
B Smyth – 3 angus heifers 9 to 10mths
Verheul Holdings – 12 angus heifers 8 to 9mths
Tiffin Ag – 10 angus heifers 8 to 9mths
(Forres/Boambee blood)
Bo Dubh – 6 angus heifers 8mths
Fuge Family Farm – 15 angus heifers 7 to 9mths
K & B Chivers – 7 angus heifers 7 to 8mths
G Fitness – 5 angus heifers PTIC to Cooreei bull
G Fitness – 4 angus heifers & calves
Brookfield Pastoral – 6 speckle park cross cows & calves
K Flannery – 3 devon cows & calves Further entries invited & expected
Dungog Ph 02 4992 1704
A/h Kel Sullivan 0427 921 704 or Paddy Dillon 0428 921 009 www.dillonandsons.com.au
newsofthearea.com.au
Antique China & Figurines, English Silver, Fountain Pens, Old Jewellery & Watches. Please phone: Annie 0419 219 634 or Ron 0408 967 747 BENDOLBA-SALISBURY RFB
Annual General Meeting Wed 21 May 2025 BBQ 6pm - Meeting 6.30pm. Enquiries: Nick Helyer (President) 0418 620 934
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787 F030425 WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942
Water compliance check ups
THE Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will step up water compliance checks along regulated sections of the Hunter River catchment during May to improve water law compliance.
NRAR will visit properties across the Hunter region in
the coming weeks to speak with water licence holders about their water take conditions.
The visits follow a review of Water Accounts Statements in 2023-24 that showed many water users had not placed sufficient orders for water through WaterNSW.
Field Officers will engage directly with licence holders to discuss key areas of compliance, including water ordering, metering, and logbook use.
NRAR Director of Regulatory Initiatives
Andrew Howe said the visits are about ensuring everyone
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
LAST Breath is really going to test the limits for those of you who suffer from claustrophobia, but this survival thriller, based on a true story, is well worth checking out.
A fictional retelling of the same story that director Alex Parkinson had already covered in his 2019 documentary of the same name, the story follows a trio of deep-sea divers played by Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu
and Finn Cole.
When a serious malfunction on their vessel causes diver Chris Lemons (Cole) to be stranded in a submerged diving bell without heat, power and only 10 minutes of oxygen, the rest of his team must fight the clock to return to his position before it’s too late.
Strong performances bolster a tight, suspenseful script and great cinematography which has been informed by real
footage of the actual 2012 incident.
2025 may just be remembered as a bumper year for horror films, with Clown in a Cornfield the latest release to distinguish itself in the genre.
Based on a YA Horror novel by Adam Cesare, this adaptation comes from director Eli Craig (Tucker & Dale Vs Evil) and stars a cast of pretty 20-somethings (playing pretty teenagers) game for a lot of running, and
plays by the rules to protect
“The Hunter River is a vital source of water for towns, farms, industry, and the environment," Dr Howe said.
"Accurate water measurement and ordering help to manage the system
willing to play up gruesome death scenes.
When Quinn (Katie Douglas) comes to the small rural town of Kettle Springs, her GP father hopes to spend time grieving the death of her mother.
Unfortunately, during the Founders Day celebration, the town’s mascot - “Friendo the Clown” - begins killing the vapid and YouTube obsessed youth of the town.
Fairly standard slasher fare in many respects, the film is elevated a little with a fair dose of genuine wit and some insightful observations about generational divisions.
Aussie indie drama With
Ark achievement
AUSSIE Ark has achieved a nationally and globally significant outcome with the koalas residing in the Barrington Tops Wildlife Sanctuary.
Aussie Ark, Ecosure and Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) began their journey in November last year, when the team captured and vet checked the eight koalas living ‘wild’ in the sanctuary.
All koalas were recently recaptured and retested to affirm all the animals were still chlamydia-free with the highly infectious disease
fairly and sustainably,” he said.
Dr Howe said adhering to water rules is essential for managing water resources and reducing the impacts of salinity.
"The Hunter is a highly sensitive and heavily used river system. It is particularly susceptible to salinity," he said.
"Taking water without first placing a water order can mean that not enough water is released from upstream dam storages, which can then contribute to salinity issues downstream.
"Increased salinity can affect irrigated crops, fodder
or Without You will find a limited release this week.
From writer/director Kelly Schilling the film stars Melina Vidler as a young woman beset by the difficulties of looking after her alcoholic mother (played by Marta Dusseldorp).
A chance encounter with a backpacker looking for a ride (Albert Mwangi) sets the stage for a road trip that will test and ultimately cement the bonds of love between them.
A Gilded Game is a Chinese thriller set in the world of high finance, starring screen legend Tony Lau and directed by Herman
having a devastating impact resulting in blindness, infertility and even death.
The program is now a blueprint for koala management nationwide, with the Sanctuary's cohort considered one of most genetically viable and valuable in Australia.
Discover more about Gerbert, Blue, Manna, Scribbs, Flora, Grevillea, Banksia and Gymea, who reside in the 400-hectare Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary by visiting www.facebook.com/
AussieArk
plants, pastures, fruits and vegetables, stock and drinking water.
"So, accurate ordering and metering are critical tools in managing this risk and ensuring the system remains sustainable for all water users."
Dr Howe said taking water without approval or compliant metering was unlawful and could result in enforcement action by NRAR.
"Under section 60G of the Water Management Act, this can result in charges five times the value of the water taken, so the penalty can be really significant," he said.
Yau. Treading similar ground to throwback dramas like Wall Street, this film sees an elder financial markets expert (Lau) take under his wing an eager and driven intern (Oho Ou) to guide him through the cutthroat corporate jungle, and to see if he has what it takes to thrive. Of course questionable business practices, ethically dubious decisions, deceit and coercion are part of the system and the impressionable intern must wrestle with his conscience, and whether it has a place in the world he wants to inhabit.
q NRAR officers inspect a pump.
Colours of Waukivory
THE inaugural “Colours of Waukivory” art exhibition kicks off on Friday 6 June with an official opening party at 6pm.
The Waukivory Hall will be exhibiting the beautiful works of three local artists, art students and a bespoke wood craftsman on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June from 9am to 3pm.
“The three main artists are Meg Tulk and her fabulous take on the Australian bush,
John Andrews with his meticulous garden and forest representations and Richard Rawbone’s love of the ocean expressed delicately,” said Hall representative Anne Andrews.
“They will have a supporting cast of Grahame Rawbone and his glorious pieces of furniture, and several of John’s art class graduates – Sue Morris, Deb Richardson and Sue Sedgwick.”
Alongside the exhibition, art workshops are available with Meg Tulk on Saturday and John Andrews on Sunday (cost of $15 per person).
“Entry to the Hall will be free all weekend, so please join us there,” Anne said.
“All paintings will be for sale, and make sure you purchase raffle tickets for a painting donated by Meg Tulk.”
The exhibition comes after a recent makeover
for the historic hall.
“The Waukivory Hall has had a beauty treatment that suits its history and location very well,” Anne said.
“Over 20 local residents have spent several weekends at working bees to freshen it up for some exciting cultural events.”
Art classes with John Andrews are currently being offered each Monday in May.
Unfinished business
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
likes of defending champions South African or fellow heavyweights New Zealand, Ireland or France early in the 16-team knockout stages.
Rugby Australia's director of high performance Peter Horne laid bare the importance of the Wallabies' 2025 campaign, which starts against Fiji in Newcastle on 6 July.
"We really have got a job to do now," Horne said at RA's unveiling of Les Kiss as Schmidt's successor next year.
"We've got 18 Test matches, got a (British and Irish) Lions series, a TRC, a Bledisloe (Cup series), a really important spring tour.
"If we don't get into the top six, it puts us in a difficult frame for a pool draw for '27.
"So we've got such a heavy plan
ahead that we've got to deliver on that."
The Wallabies slumped to an all-time low of 10th in the world, behind even Italy and Fiji, after claiming last year's Rugby Championship wooden spoon and being condemned to a record 67-27 loss to Argentina in Santa Fe.
But a rousing win over England at Twickenham and victory over Wales have since lifted Schmidt's side back to eighth in the rankings.
Three matches against the Lions, after the Test opener against
Fiji, won't count towards world rankings points.
But any wins - or defeatsover the Springboks, All Blacks and Pumas during the Rugby Championship will be vital before Australia's seeding fate will likely be determined during spring-tour Tests against Japan, England, Italy, Ireland and France.
Adding to the degree of difficulty in picking up precious rankings points are back-to-back Tests against the top-ranked Springboks in South Africa in six days.
"I'm a little bit intimidated by the challenges coming up - three Lions Tests and then you're on a plane to play on the highvelt against South Africa," Schmidt said.
"All that is a bit intimidating but, geez, what a great challenge.
"We've inched our way up those world rankings. Our challenge is to keep working our way up those rankings by being competitive and I don't think we want to get distracted by outcomes."
q Waukivory Hall will host the exhibition.
q A painting from Waukivory artist Richard Rawbone.
q The work of John Andrews will be on display.
q The work of Meg Tulk.
By Darren WALTON,
q The Wallabies are preparing themselves for a huge international calendar ahead of RWC27. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.