Hearts and footsteps aligned this Anzac Day
By Shannon BENTON
RESIDENTS across the Dungog Shire are invited to gather in solemn reflection and remembrance as the sun rises on Anzac Day 2025.
Services are being held throughout the region, to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of our servicemen and women.
Dawn services will commence at 5:30am on Friday 25 April, at three locations - Dungog RSL, Paterson War Memorial, and Clarence Town Bowling Sport and Recreation Club.
These early morning ceremonies, steeped in tradition, offer a poignant opportunity to pause in silence and remember those who served.
In Dungog, attendees are invited to remain after the service for the traditional “Gunfire Breakfast” at the RSL Club, a gesture of community camaraderie and remembrance.
Meanwhile, in both Paterson and Clarence Town, marches will follow the dawn services, leading locals to their town memorials in tribute to the fallen.
The Gresford community will gather later in the morning, with a march stepping off at 10:30am, culminating in a commemorative service at the School of Arts.
Dungog will also host a mid-morning service, beginning at 10:45am, which will conclude with a wreath-laying ceremony - an act of quiet reflection and gratitude.
“Anzac Day remains one of Australia’s most sacred national occasions; a time not only to honour those who have served and continue to serve, but to reflect on the values
DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL
OF INTEREST for RESIDENTIAL TENANCY UNIT 11 ALISON COURT, DUNGOG
Dungog Shire Council is advertising for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Residential Tenancy in Unit 11, Alison Court. The Self Care Aged Unit, located off Brown St, Dungog, is vacant.
Application forms are available for collection from the Council Administration Building. 198 Dowling St, Dungog shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au
Application forms are also available on Dungog Shire Council’s website www.dungog.nsw.gov.au
Expressions of interest must be returned to Council no later than COB Friday 18 April 2025.
Forms can be returned to Council’s Administration Building in person, by post PO Box 95 Dungog NSW 2420, or by email to shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au
If you require any further information, please contact Tracey Lowrey Community Project Officer 4995 7777.
EOI’s will be reviewed in accordance with Council policy adopted December 2017.
they fought to protect - mateship, resilience, and sacrifice,” a representative of Dungog Council said.
Whether you rise before dawn, march in memory, or simply pause in thought, all
members of the community are encouraged to take part in marking this important day. Let us come together as a shire to remember them. Lest we forget.
‘Faces and Places’ art exhibition opens
FROM Page 1 worked so hard behind the scenes, as well as the local businesses who sponsored the show.
This year, the winning “Places” painting was by Dungog artist Gaye Shield. It will be acquired by The Medical Practice, where it will hang alongside previous years’ winners.
First Prize in the “Faces” category went to Robyn Bailey for her portrait of Gaye Shield and her dog Lizzie.
The competitions were judged by artist Susan Webb.
The Open, 3D and Photography categories of the Visual Arts section feature an assortment of subjects.
Rachel Saunders’ winning photograph of leadlight glass in Dowling Street is especially eyecatching.
The Craft section has Textiles, Ceramics and its own Open category, which includes a quirky gnome and Bec Tower’s dragon ear cuffs.
Junior artists and artisans also won prizes for their works.
Charlotte Niblock won first and second place in the Junior Open section.
Secretary of Dungog Arts Society Lorraine Wiseman, said that the evening was “very enjoyable”.
She thanked the small, core group of members who
The exhibition was officially opened by Cr Michael Dowling with he and fellow councillor Alexandria Carruthers presenting the awards to the winning
artists and artisans.
Cr Dowling was also represented in a portrait and a prizewinning caricature in the “Faces” section.
Guests were entertained by local musicians Jim and Meera Jarvis and Rachel Butcher.
This exhibition runs for three months at 266 Dowling Street, Dungog.
q Last year’s Anzac Day service in Dungog. Photo: Dungog Shire Council.
q The crowd takes in the exhibition.
q Councillors Dowling and Carruthers presenting Charlotte Niblock with a prize.
q Guests, artists and musicians watching the presentation.
COUNCIL FUNDING
Commonwealth Government support to local Councils.
“If they don’t they need to explain why to the voters.”
Historically, the Federal Government provided one percent of tax revenue back to local councils to assist in providing vital local services and facilities.
This funding has since reduced to around 0.5 percent of tax revenue.
“Councils, especially regional and rural Councils without other non-rates income, have been hung out to dry,” said Mayor Pontin.
“We need to get our fair share of funding support from the Commonwealth.
“We cannot go on squeezing budgets to provide meagre services to our local communities.
“I ask all candidates to get behind this push for a better deal for our local communities.”
Mayor Pontin said that state and national advocacy groups
for Councils (LGNSW and ALGA) are calling on the Commonwealth Government to provide Councils with significantly more funding for safer, better local roads; housing infrastructure; natural disaster emergency response; and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate.
“I will be writing to all candidates explaining the situation and calling for public responses.
“If residents want to see a change, they need to do the same.”
News Of The Area offered each candidate the opportunity to respond to Mayor Pontin’s funding commitment request.
Alison Penfold, Nationals candidate for Lyne, told NOTA, “Mayor Pontin has only recently written to me on this issue and I will provide a full and considered response to her correspondence in my formal reply to her.
“Despite the Mayor having several opportunities to raise this issue with myself and Dr David Gillespie in recent months, she has failed to do so, and it is disappointing that she has instead chosen to
use both the media and the context of a Federal campaign to talk about the matter.
“A core issue with increasing Financial Assistance Grants is that the program favours big city Councils.
“That’s precisely why the Nationals in Government moved to provide regional and rural Councils with tied regional funding grants such as the Roads to Recovery Program, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Bridges Renewal Program and others.
“It is worth noting that MidCoast Council will receive almost $30 million in Roads to Recovery funding alone between 2024 and 2029 and has been the second largest recipient of LRCI funding in NSW, receiving over $20.2 million – a program that Labor has axed.”
Greens candidate Tom Ferrier said he supports the campaign to increase Commonwealth funding to councils.
“Councils increasingly must deal with the multiple impacts of the changing climate,” he said.
Put me to work for you
Relief from Labor’s cost-of-living crisis including affordable and reliable energy.
Fixing our roads. Improving community infrastructure. More affordable housing.
Improving access to GP services, quality health and aged care.
Fixing mobile and internet connections.
ALISON PENFOLD THE NATIONALS for Lyne
“It is vital at the very least to restore the one percent of Federal tax revenue to councils to fund disaster emergency responses in the regions – the areas often most hard hit by extreme weather events.
“Councils must be able to fund preparations that anticipate service disruptions at these times.
“With rapidly increasing populations in regional areas, councils must also be adequately funded for repair and construction of local roads and building infrastructure for new housing developments.”
Mark Hornshaw, Libertarian candidate for Lyne and a councillor on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, told NOTA, “The Federal Government regularly makes grants to fund local council projects such as roads.
“But this grant money is not evenly distributed among councils.
“Funding is dependent on the council having its own house in order, doing the proper planning, and having shovel ready projects to fund.
“Unfortunately MidCoast Council is well behind in the race for funding, and the abysmal condition of the roads reflects this.
“I would urge Mayor Pontin to work with the Libertarian councillors on MidCoast Council to refocus
council's attention on road maintenance.
“The Mayor might also do well to contact neighbouring Mayors such as Adam Roberts in Port Macquarie, for pointers on how to reform the council to focus on essential infrastructure.
“When the will and the focus is there, the funding will follow.”
Independent candidate Jeremy Miller, who serves as the Deputy Mayor of MidCoast Council, said he wholeheartedly agrees with the call to return the Financial Assistance Grants to one percent.
“I have stated that position on my website and have talked about it many times at public events.
“Whenever I am asked about how to fix roads, I point out that the Federal government has ripped about $18m a year from local Councils.
“This puts more pressure on ratepayers to fix roads and other infrastructure.
“If elected, I will advocate for returning the Financial Assistance Grants to one percent.
“I do believe that our community is best served by their three levels of government working together and, if elected, I look forward to working constructively with you for the good of our community.”
Authorised by David Gillespie, 14 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430
q MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin.
Lyne candidates get a grilling
By John WATTS
THERE was not a spare seat in the house at the Uniting Church Hall for the Gloucester Meet-the-Candidates event.
Six of the seven candidates came to tell the gathering why they should be elected to become the Member for Lyne
in the federal election on 3 May.
The event was organised by Gloucester Transitions in association with the Gloucester Business Chamber, and facilitated by Chamber President Matt Clinch.
Mr Clinch began the afternoon by acknowledging
the traditional custodians of the Gloucester region, before welcoming the audience and introducing the candidates.
It was made clear that the audience was expected to show respect to the candidates even if they were expressing views with which people strongly disagreed,
Bridge works to begin in May
DUNGOG Shire Council has announced initial site works on the new Clarence Town Bridge are set to begin early next month.
Council’s Infrastructure and Assets team is working with contractor, Bridgeworks, to deliver the new structure.
Bridgeworks is finalising the bridge and road approach design plans ahead of the initial site works which include the setup of the site compound, tree removal, earthworks and initial bridge piling activities.
Motorists are being told to be aware that during construction, traffic flow on Durham Street and Limeburners Creek Road will be affected.
Speed limits will be reduced to 40km/h and traffic may be reduced to one lane at times.
Dungog Council will provide further updates on its social media feed and website.
Across the state, NSW Ambulance has welcomed 157 new paramedic interns and 17 trainee emergency medical call takers, after they
and the audience did exactly that for the next two
The candidates in attendance were Tom Ferrier (Greens), Mark Hornshaw (Libertarians), Digby Wilson (Labor), Jeremy Miller (Independent), Stephen Burke (Australian Citizens Party), and Alison Penfold (National Party).
Keys Manley from the Legalise Cannabis Party was an apology.
Each candidate was given a few minutes to explain who they were and why they should be elected, after which it was over to the audience for questions - and there were many on a wide range of subjects.
The first question, directed to all candidates, was from Gloucester resident Penny Charles who asked “what does a good economy look like?”
This was followed by questions about electrifying Australia; native forest logging and the amendments to federal environmental laws; funding of public schools and hospitals; aged care; nurses pay rates; Climate Change and the American alliance (AUKUS).
Most candidates have a website where those interested can read their policies in detail.
“There was a very healthy attendance of interested and concerned local community members, and the questions were diverse and robust,” said Gloucester Transitions’ Julie Lyford.
“All candidates participated with commitment to their cause/party and engaged with every question.
“It takes courage to stand for election and we thank those candidates who have made this commitment.”
The event was broadcast live on Bucketts Radio, 104.1FM.
Scams and card fraud on the rise
OVER two million Australians experienced card fraud and 675,000 responded to a scam in 2023-24, according to new results from the Personal Fraud Survey (PFS) released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
William Milne, ABS head of crime statistics, said, “We found that 9.9 percent of Australians aged 15 years and over were victims of card fraud in 2023-24.
“This is up from 8.7 percent in the previous year.”
The survey collects details about the most recent incident of card fraud.
“We found 72 percent of card fraud victims were fully reimbursed by their card issuer,” Mr Milne said.
were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony.
“Collectively, the net loss to all victims after any reimbursements were paid out was $477 million.”
The number of Australians responding to scams has also been on the rise.
“We found that 3.1 percent of people were victims of scams in 2023-24, up from 2.5 percent in the previous year.
“Buying or selling scams, which includes things like false billing and online shopping scams, were the most common, experienced by about 308,000 Australians.
“This was up from the 200,000 victims in the previous financial year,” said Mr Milne.
There was also a rise to 14 percent in the reporting of scams to a social media or selling site, up from 9.7 percent in 2022-23.
The Personal Fraud Survey covers experiences of card fraud, identity theft, online impersonation and selected scam types.
It includes prevalence rates and socio-demographic characteristics of victims.
It also includes details about the most recent incident of card fraud and identity theft, and the most serious incident of scams.
The survey found 71 percent of scam victims notified (or were notified by) an authority about the incident, most commonly a bank or financial institution (54 percent).
The emergency medical call takers have been posted to the Sydney and Northern (Newcastle) control centres.
Minister for Health Ryan Park congratulated the new
These new recruits were part of the largest induction held by NSW Ambulance so far this year and started in their new roles over the weekend.
recruits for their “dedication, compassion and desire to make a difference in their communities”.
“Every call the new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference and help those in our community in their most vulnerable moments.
“NSW will benefit from the clinical skills and expertise these new recruits bring to the healthcare workforce.”
TWENTY new paramedic interns have arrived in the Hunter ambulance zone to begin the on-road portion of their 12-month internships.
q Facilitator Matt Clich introducing the candidates. q The packed house.
Loneliness triples women's risk of dying early: study
By Maeve BANNISTER, AAP
WOMEN who feel lonely over an extended period are three times more likely to die early than those who don't.
Research by the University of Sydney has for the first time identified a causal link between loneliness and early death among middle-aged Australian women.
The research analysed data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health, which looks at factors contributing to the health of more than 57,000 women.
Researchers looked at women aged between 48 and 55 and tracked their health over 15 years.
Women who did not report loneliness in the 15year period had a five per cent risk of dying.
But for women who reported feeling lonely throughout the study period, their risk of death tripled to 15 percent.
Loneliness has been linked to adverse health including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and the development of dementia.
"Loneliness is a common experience worldwideas many as one in three Australian adults feeling lonely during their lives," senior report author Melody Ding said.
"But when feeling lonely becomes chronic or persists long-term, it may impact a person's health," she said.
There is no equivalent longitudinal data looking at the long-term health of
men, but Professor Ding said midlife was a period of transition that might affect women more adversely than men.
"In middle age, women are more likely to be the primary caregivers for both young children and elderly parents, as well as going through major physical, psychological and social
changes in status such as menopause, retirement and children moving away from home," she said.
"All of which may affect how socially connected a woman feels."
Researchers are calling for loneliness to be a risk factor screened by clinicians, in the same way people are screened for high blood
pressure and cholesterol.
"The research is clear that loneliness not only correlates with existing health problems but causes them," lead author Neta HaGani said.
"We also need to raise the public awareness of loneliness to demystify and destigmatise loneliness," Dr HaGani said.
q Research has found a causal link between loneliness and early death among middle-aged women. Photo: Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Funded
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
JUDI
LOVE’S CULINARY CRUISE
SBS FOOD, 7.30pm
A self-confessed foodie, British comedian Judi Love (pictured) was named champion of Celebrity MasterChef UK in 2020, where she easily won over viewers with her candid and cheeky style. Now, she’s setting sail on her own taste adventure, travelling to five Mediterranean destinations on a luxury yacht and whipping up dishes for her fellow passengers, using local produce along the way. Her first stop is Kotor, Montenegro, a town famed for its seafood. Love explores the historic old town and heads to some oyster and mussel farms to collect ingredients.
FRIDAY, April 11
MONDAY
TIPPING POINT: TRAVEL GUIDES
NBN, 7.30pm
Before the Travel Guides cast embark on their eighth season of adventures, some of TV’s most seasoned travellers try their luck against the Point machine in this fun-filled special. Victorian retirees Kevin and Janetta, Melbourne friends Kev, Teng and Dorian, and Newcastle couple Matt and Brett go head-tohead in Todd Woodbridge’s (pictured) game of wits, with a potential $40,000 prize for their chosen charities on the line. The jet-setting crew are known for their frank appraisals of tourist destinations and stepping outside their comfort zones, so you know there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way as the teams risk it all, trying to reach the jackpot round and claim victory.
TUESDAY SWINGERS: HOW TO WIN AN ELECTION
The date is set, bulk bread and sausage orders are in, and tiny pencils are being sharpened: it’s time for a federal election. But before Australians head to the polls on May 3, ABC analyst Casey Briggs (pictured) is here to chart the lay of the land, taking a particularly close look at the people who will decide the result of the election: swing voters. Australians have less party loyalty than ever before, which means that these voters, along with their “soft” counterparts (those who have an idea of where their vote will go but aren’t firmly decided), hold the power. In this new, cheekily titled series, Briggs travels the country to find out who our nation’s “swingers” are, and what they make of the 2025 campaigns.
Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
The Mystery Of The Nazca Lines. (PG, R)
Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG) 9.40 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 A Body That Works. (Mls) 12.05 Romulus. (MA15+av, R) 2.05 Agent Hamilton. (Mav, R)
3.45 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGln, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 5. Collingwood v Sydney.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav, R)
An armoured truck heist is carried out.
12.45 The Black Donnellys. (Premiere, 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 6. Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Sydney Roosters match, with NRL news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: War. (2007, MA15+lsv, R)
An FBI agent pursues an assassin. Jet Li, Jason Statham.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Airborne: Nature In Our Skies: In Flight Meals. (PGa) Takes a look at the quest for food. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Demi Moore, Lady Gaga, Colin Farrell, Richard Ayoade, Jack Savoretti and Miles Kane. 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.25 The Project. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00
SATURDAY, April 12
deadly local dispute.
6.55 Federal Election Announcement. (R) An election announcement by the Greens. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv) A plane passenger vanishes
Boat Story. (MA15+dlv, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 6.55 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe. 8.30 Snowdon & Margaret: A Scandalous Affair. (PGa, R)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PG, R) 10.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.15 Paris Paris. (Ms, R)
3.10 Bamay. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.
7.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A sudden ice age engulfs Earth. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal.
9.55 MOVIE: The Book Of Eli. (2010, MA15+v, R) A man fights to protect a sacred book. Denzel Washington.
12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Taupo Super400. Day 1. Highlights.
1.20 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.30 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGln, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993, PGal, R) A man poses as a female housekeeper. Robin Williams, Sally Field.
11.00 MOVIE: The Birdcage. (1996, Ml, R) Robin Williams.
1.15 Let’s Eat With George. (R)
1.45 Talking Honey. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple have a five-bed Donvale home. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) A specialist
6am A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 8.15 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 10.00 The Big Chill. (1983, M) Noon The Devil Has
SUNDAY, April 13
6.00
6.25 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
6.30 Compass. (PG)
6.55 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (Mad)
8.15 Unforgotten. (Mal)
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+v) Janet and Samuel plot their next move.
10.05 MOVIE: Windrider. (1986, Mdls, R)
11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Ancient Empires. (Mav)
9.30 Clash Of The Crown Princes.
10.30 What They Found. (MA15+aw)
11.20 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R)
12.15 Rebel With A Cause: Neville Bonner. (PGal, R)
1.15 Empires Of New York. (MA15+ad, R)
3.45 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.00 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) Officers hunt for a fleeing driver.
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 3. (2023, MA15+av) Robert McCall battles the Italian Mafia. Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning.
World Tour. Paris-Roubaix. Men’s race. 1.50am Letterkenny. 2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon
6am Morning Programs.
11.00 MOVIE: Firestarter. (2022, MA15+av)
1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Taupo Super400. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 RBT. (Ml) 8.30 The People V Michael Jackson. (MA15+a) A look at the People versus Michael Jackson trial. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 See No Evil. (Mav)
The First 48. (Mav)
Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
MONDAY, April 14
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Milan With Michael Portillo. (PGa)
8.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (Final, PGan, R) 9.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (M)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Syndrome E. (Malv)
12.00 Infiniti. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Son Of. (Madlv, R) 3.45 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (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. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa)
A hit-and-run driver is found at home. 8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mad)
The 126 races into action when a horse barrels into a brewery and a bus full of tourists all experience seizures.
9.30 Suits L.A. (M)
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tipping Point: Travel Guides.
100% Footy. (M)
9News Late. 10.30 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Malv) 11.20 Police After Dark. (Mlv, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6am Dancing At Lughnasa. Continued. (1998, PG) 7.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.30 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 11.40 And So It Goes. (2014, M) 1.20pm The Cover. (2021, M, Spanish) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 5.35 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 7.30 My Old Lady. (2014, M) 9.30 The Longest Week. (2014, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, April 15
Family. (PG, R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 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 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. (R)
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)
11.00 Snow. (Mal)
11.55 Illegals. (MA15+al, R) 1.45 Faking Hitler. (Man, R)
3.30 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGls, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
Incels. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 James May: Our Man In...
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 6.55 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 8.35 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 10.30 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, M) 1.30pm Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 3.55 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 5.50 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 7.30 The Promise. (2016, M) 9.55 The Handmaid’s Tale. (1990, MA15+) 11.55 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Boating.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The Americas: The Amazon. (PG) Takes a look at the Amazon.
8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) Owen finally faces his brother’s death.
9.30 The Irrational. (Mav) An astronaut is trapped in space.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
9GO!
6.25
WEDNESDAY,
April 16
Pickering. (PG)
9.30 Fresh Blood: Westerners. (Premiere, Mlv)
10.00 Planet America. 10.35 Mayfair Witches. (MA15+a, R) 11.20 News. 11.35 The Business. (R) 11.55 In Limbo. (Mal, R) 12.50 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 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 Alone Australia. (M) The survivalists’ race to catch a wallaby.
8.40 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+) June struggles to save her loved ones.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R)
3.30 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGl, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Darrow And Darrow: Body Of Evidence. (2018, PGav, R) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 The Stevenson Experience: Stranger Twins. (MA15+ls) A standup comedy show by The Stevenson Experience. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.30 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
2.30 Home Shopping.
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. (Ml, R)
9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.10 Next Stop.
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.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.25pm Octonauts:
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History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Body Of Lies. (2008, MA15+) 10.50 MOVIE: Moneyball. (2011,
6am All Roads
Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 7.45 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 9.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 11.30 The Promise. (2016, M) 1.55pm Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 3.50 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 5.50 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 7.40 6 Days. (2017, M) 9.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.15am Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
April 17
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Curious Traveller. (R) 10.10 Matched. (PG, R) 11.00 Food Markets. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 Alone Australia. (M, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Mystery Of Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
6.55 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Restoration Australia. (PG)
9.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
9.55 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 The Business. (R)
11.20 Darby And Joan. (Mad, R)
12.05 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 12.50 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Premiere, PG)
8.35 Sydney’s Super Tunnel. (PG)
9.35 Virdee. (MA15+)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 Breaking Point. (MA15+a)
12.05 Blinded. (MA15+ds, R)
1.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)
3.30 Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? (PGa, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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Crazy Rich Ancients. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55
MOVIES (32)
6am Little
Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.55 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 9.45 RBG. (2018, PG) 11.35 Mass. (2021, M) 1.40pm All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 3.25 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.10 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 7.30 Gold. (2016, M) 9.45 The Girl Who Played With Fire. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Graeme Hall meets a noisy maltipoo.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 The Amazing Race. (PG) Racers skydive over the city of Dubai.
11.30 The Chernobyl Disaster. (Ma, R)
12.30 Emergency Call. (Ma, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30
Send News Of The Area your sports club results each week by Sunday evening for publication. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing - you name it, we can publish it in our weekly Sport Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au
Loving husband of Lisa and adored stepfather to Julius and Edward. Friend to many. Sadly missed and forever remembered.
HORSE riding boots Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 3 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) 1x Academy 39 (EU) / 6B (AU). Dungog area. 0425 334 153
Fire permit season ends
By Thomas O’KEEFE
OFFICIAL fire season has ended for most of NSW, including Dungog Shire.
Fire permits are no longer required for those in areas
outside the Bush Fire Danger Period, however, there are some regions across the state where the danger period has been extended, meaning fire permits will still be required. No matter the time of
year, everyone must still notify neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up, which is easily done via the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website.
The RFS stresses that
grass fuel loads remain a concern, and fires can occur at any time of the year.
“Before lighting up, people should also check whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate and
have sufficient equipment on hand to control and contain the fire to their property,” RFS Superintendent Ugo Tolone explained.
“If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled.”
Goori-Bugg reunion a ‘joy’
By Joshua GILBERT
ALMOST 250 Bugg family members gathered at the Gloucester Showground from 28-30 March to celebrate the theme “Connecting Kin, Culture and Country”.
The gathering sought to celebrate the lives of James and Charlotte Bugg and their eight
children.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect through activities such as kangaroo skin cloak making, meet the author talk sessions, dance and language workshops, and a family tree project.
Bus excursions also took attendees to Buggs Creek and Djanaba Farm, which was part of the
farm agisted by James and Charlotte Bugg in the 1800s from the Australian Agricultural Company.
The Sunday excursion took family members to the original Australian Agricultural Company headquarters, Stroud House, where owners Johnathon and Jane King hosted the family.
Gathering organiser Uncle
This season, crews worked on more than 4100 bush and grass fires, which burnt through more than 61,000 hectares.
In addition to bush and grass fires, RFS crews responded to more than 2800 motor vehicle accidents and nearly 700 structure fires.
“January was our busiest month, but thanks to rainfall in the New Year, the overall fire season was less severe than it could have been,” said Rob Rogers, Commissioner of the RFS.
“RFS members have also spent considerable time assisting interstate communities, with crews and aircraft deployed to assist with both fires and floods in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
“Their dedication and selfless efforts have helped protect lives and property across the country, and I thank every member for their commitment to Australian communities.
“I remind all landholders and residents that now is the time to make sure your property is prepared, your family has a bush fire survival plan, and you know exactly what you will do if threatened by fire.”
The NSW RFS roundly urges all residents to review and update their Bush Fire Survival Plans, and not to take recently milder conditions as a reason to become complacent about the threat of bush fires.
John Heath told News Of The Area, “The Gathering was also embraced by members of the nonIndigenous community, including Reverend Maree Armstrong and her congregation at St John’s Church Stroud, where a blessing of a plaque commemorating Charlotte and James’ life occurred as part of the Sunday Service.”
“The event's success was obvious through the positive interactions of all, and the joy of many who got to meet fellow descendants, their kin, for the first time.”
“These initiatives are small but essential steps towards real
Reconciliation, based on Truth Telling and Treaty,” he said.
Organiser Aunty Donna Kemp said, “There was a palpable feeling of joy throughout the gathering; younger, older and those inbetween, coming together as families have always done.
“It was wonderful to see, despite James and Charlotte's humble beginnings, where the members of the family they created have gone and continue to go on in their lives.
“I'm sure that every one of the ancestors on our wide-ranging family tree would have been pleased indeed.”
q Big trucks, including the MidCoast Bulky, are always ready to move, but all fires should be valid and legal.
q RFS volunteers keeping control of a blaze at Pindimar last year, which started with unpermitted pile burning.
q Uncle John Heath with the Goori-Bugg Family plaque, which was blessed at St John’s Church. Photo: supplied.
q Attendees at the Goori-Bugg Family Gathering. Photo: supplied.
NRL deny Knights' bid to sign women's rugby great
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
NEWCASTLE’S bid to bring New Zealand rugby superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe to the NRLW is over, after the league's head office blocked plans for her to still be involved in promoting the rival code.
One of world rugby's biggest and marketable female names, Woodman-Wickliffe had agreed to join Newcastle for the 2025 season in a major boost for the club.
The Knights have been attempting to have the 33-year-old's deal registered since last year, but hit a stumbling block with NRL bosses over an ambassadorial role.
AAP understands the initial sticking point was a pre-existing deal for Woodman-Wickliffe to carry out promotional work at this year's Rugby World Cup.
Dogs
sink Knights
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
League bosses pushed back on the plan, which included Woodman-Wickliffe leaving the NRLW for a week late in the season to be in England.
The winger was eventually told the contract would not be registered if she was involved in the promotion of rugby during the season, and Woodman-Wickliffe has since given up hope of switching to the 13-a-side game.
WoodmanWickliffe's arrival would have loomed as a significant boost for not just the Knights after several high-profile exits, but the NRLW as a whole.
The New Zealander is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in sevens and two-time Rugby World Cup winner. The flyer was named the World Sevens player of the decade for the
Cameron Ciraldo.
2010s while also being picked in the World 15s team of the decade.
The leading try-scorer in world sevens until earlier this year, Woodman-Wickliffe is a global ambassador for Mastercard who are a major World Cup sponsor.
It's believed she was open to foregoing the UK trip in order to be available for the full NRLW season and have her contract registered.
"We put a lot into them in the first half and came out in the second half and played our style of game.
"We'll look back on the attack and think we could have done better but I'm really happy with how our defence is building."
barnstorming back-rower Viliame Kikau are both expected to return.
Many would have expected the Bulldogs to endure a dip when Burton and Kikau limped out of their round two clash with Gold Coast, but it is to their credit that they have barely missed a beat.
"I think if I could sum up our performance, I thought it was really professional," said coach
It didn't help Newcastle's hopes of ending Canterbury's unbeaten start that they lost two men inside the opening two minutes.
Winger James Schiller failed a head injury assessment after a head clash with Bulldogs frontrower Daniel SulukaFifita before Knights prop Jacob Saifiti limped off 30 seconds later with a suspected calf injury.
Phoenix Crossland spent ten minutes in the bin
for a second-half trip, and when Jack Hetherington succumbed to a shoulder injury in the 46th minute coach Adam O'Brien was left with just 14 fit bodies.
Halfback Jack Cogger played most of the game with a dislocated finger that would not go back in.
"We've won before, and I haven't been proud of the performance," O'Brien said.
"We didn't get the result but I think when you look back later on over time, you see a 20-0 scoreline, you'll probably think that we didn't play well.
"But I'm really proud of them to go through what they did."
What they lacked in fluidity, Newcastle made up for in spirit and effort with Bradman Best leading the
But the winger hit another roadblock with a requirement to have all name and image promotional marketing paused while under contract, which the World Cup falls in.
Woodman-Wickliffe would likely have stood to lose ambassadorial money to play in the semi-professional NRLW. There had been an argument that WoodmanWickliffe's situation was not overly different to several
charge in a back-and-forth battle with Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton.
Crichton's fourthminute penalty goal - the result of an illegal Tyson Frizell strip on Max Kingwas all that separated the two sides at the interval.
It took until the 42nd minute for Canterbury to find a way through with Jacob Kiraz batting back a Toby Sexton kick, which Curran patted down to finish.
Soon after Crossland was sin-binned, interchange prop Todd grabbed his first NRL try by hitting a short line against a retreating defence.
The Knights hung in the fight but Mann's 70th-minute barge-over in his 200th NRL game condemned them to defeat.
other players featuring across multiple codes in the NRLW.
Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher plays for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League Women during the off-season, before switching back to NRLW.
Tyla King, Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison all played for New Zealand in sevens during last year's Olympics, before featuring in the NRLW from round three and four.
But the NRL is believed to view those cases as different, given they are either out of
contracting periods or before contracts started for the sevens players last year.
It's thought the league may have been open to WoodmanWickliffe still completing ambassadorial work, if all promotion had it fallen outside of the season.
The blow to the Knights comes after the 2022 and 2023 premiers lost the NRLW's best player Tamika Upton and captain Hannah Southwell to Brisbane and St George Illawarra respectively.
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 5th April, Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal FIELD | 30 members & 3 visitors.
DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner
Matt Rodwell (5) [Magenta Shores] 63 Nett, Runner Up Timothy Kiem (8) 65 Nett, 3rd Place David Bambach (10) 66 Nett
DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner & Monthly Medal
Buck Campbell (29) 61 Nett, Runner Up Andrew Woodley (16) 65 Nett, 3rd Place Stuart Heathwood (16) 68 Nett BALL COMP | Darren Crear (11) [Hunter Valley] 66 Nett, David Curry (4) 68 Nett, Michael Shanley (15) 70 Nett,
Paul Monaghan (5) 70 Nett, Greg Kellner (16) 70 Nett, Jordan Wilkinson (3) 70 Nett.
NEAREST THE PIN | 2nd/11th - Timothy Kiem (8), 5th/14th - Timothy Kiem (8), 8th/17th - David Curry (4)
MEMBERS DRAW | No.62, Jackpot, $154
MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 2 Balls
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR | 12-Apr Stableford (Red Tee Challenge), 13-Apr Course Renovations, 14-Apr Masters Monday Ambrose (CANCELLED), 19-Apr Stableford & 2BBB, 26-Apr Last Man Standing (7:30am shotgun start). Schedule subject to change
q Flying Portia Woodman, the Kiwi rugby great, won't be coming to the NRLW after all. Photo: Matthew Impey/AAP PHOTOS.
q Dane Gagai is crunched in a Bulldogs tackle at Accor Stadium. Photo: NRL Photos, David Hossack.