GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News
By Marilyn SANDERSON
TAYLOR
960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
Marilyn SANDERSON 0419 627 663 marilyn@newsofthearea.com.au
Kim TEOH 0491 008 417 teoh@newsofthearea.com.au
Strong finish to 2025 for local property market
By Matt TAYLOR
THE inland lifestyle belt stretching from Gloucester to Dungog is finishing 2025 with renewed momentum as city escapees and fresh buyer confidence fuel one of the strongest six-month periods since the initial pandemic spike.
McGrath Gloucester principal Jonny Tighe and Dillon & Sons principal Tavis Chivers say the latest regional data mirrors what’s unfolding across both districts: a market that surged between 2021-23, steadied as interest rates rose, and is now gathering pace again.
A COVID surge, lull, followed by a rebound
Tighe says Gloucester’s 60.8 percent growth since December 2019 reflects the town’s lived experience, but most of the uplift occurred during the height of COVID.
CLASSIFIEDS
of the same property ready to go. So I think competition for property is going to continue to keep that sort of value high.”
Strong buyer demand and faster sales
“It certainly is,” he said when asked whether the figures matched what he’s seeing locally.
“Mind you, a lot of that 60 percent growth happened in those initial COVID years. And we actually have seen almost a steadying of that growth the last couple of years.
“But over the past six months, following interest rate cuts, we've actually seen it pick up again.”
Chivers added:
“There's definitely been a big increase here since that period since 2019.
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“A lot of that would be on the back of supply, which is tight. If you miss out, we haven’t got another one.
“We haven't got three
Both agents say demand has strengthened through the final quarter of 2025.
“We’re seeing average days on market pull back a little bit,” Tighe said of Gloucester.
“There’s still a lot of value in regional locations on the back of everincreasing house prices in the major cities.”
Chivers said scarcity continues to drive competition in Dungog.
“You look at the numbers. There are 8000 to 10,000 people in our shire. There's 2000 people in the Dungog township,” he said.
“And whether things are good, bad, or in
between, there's mainly only 30-odd houses transacted. So prices remain strong.”
Who’s buying in the inland market?
Tighe said Gloucester’s buyer mix has remained steady.
“We generally see 50–50 between locals and out-of-towners, who are predominantly from Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney,” he said.
“And the other group is buyers from inland western parts of NSW. These are the larger, broadacre farmers that love the country lifestyle but want to be that little bit closer to the coastal cities.”
Chivers says most Dungog buyers have some kind of connection to the district.
“I feel like we meet buyers, we find out many are from Sydney, then when they get here, we
find out they have a family member who lives down the road,” he said.
“I feel like everyone's got half a connection to the area before they get here.”
Many are also freeing themselves from Sydney debt, he says.
“Quite a few are downsizing their mortgages, selling for $1.5 million in Sydney and getting rid of that 300400 grand worth of debt,” Chivers said.
“It is a beautiful place to live in the Dungog area. Why would you want to be in Sydney if your wages aren’t stacking up there?”
Price brackets: The sweet spot
Tighe said Gloucester’s strongest residential demand sits below $750,000, with first-home buyers and investors highly active.
Chivers reports similar price sensitivity in
Dungog.
“Up to $600 is pretty easy for us to sell for residential,” he said.
“And up to a million bucks is pretty easy to sell for a house on acreage. But $1.2m to $1.5m is much harder.”
2026 outlook: Strong competition
Both agents expect solid conditions to continue into the new year.
“I’m pretty positive about it,” Tighe said.
“I think Gloucester presents a lot of value for buyers.
“We’ll continue to see competition in our places as they hit the market.”
Chivers said Dungog was also tracking toward a stable and competitive year ahead.
“There's always good competition,” he said.
“I think the local market will keep rolling.”
q McGrath Gloucester principal Jonny Tighe is confident the local market will continue to surge in 2026.
q Dillon & Sons principal Tavis Chivers says Dungog is a unique market given the low levels of property turnovers in the smaller shire.
Valerie writes her first book at 97
By Wendy BUSWELL
AT 97, Valerie Munroe Carden has written her first book.
“Eddie Barnes: The Quarter Horse Who Galloped Into History” is a children’s book inspired by Valerie’s interactions with Eddie Barnes, the first American AAA-rated horse in Australia.
The story follows the horse’s journey from Montana to Cowra and his later life in Coolongolook.
Eddie Barnes was purchased by Valerie and her late husband Les Carden in the late 60s for their stud, Bullseye Pastoral Company,
in Cowra.
“There were lots of horse studs around Cowra, but everyone wanted to be associated with Eddie Barnes because of his AAA history,” Valerie told News Of The Area.
“Eddie was a quiet horse, the perfect gentleman, and always fun to be around,” Valerie continued.
Valerie’s family encouraged her to write the book.
Joanne Martin, Valerie’s granddaughter, explained, “She was very passionate about Eddie Barnes and his impact on AAA Sprint racing
in Australia.
“A lot of rural history from the 50s, 60s and 70s is lost over time.”
Valerie shared this sentiment, stating, “I wanted to make sure Eddie’s story wasn’t forgotten.
“He touched so many people, and his legacy still lives on in the horses we see today.”
Horses have been an integral part of Valerie’s life for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve always had a horse to ride; my daughters both rode, so did my grandchildren and now my great-grandchildren.
GROWTH RUN
FROM Page 1
units up 67.7 percent.
Cotality executive research director Tim Lawless said the MidCoast’s growth was part of a
q Cotality executive research director Tim Lawless says regional markets are growing at a faster rate than Greater Sydney.
“It’s in the blood, the love of horses.”
Valerie has always been a pioneer, being the first registered Appaloosa Horse judge in NSW, the founder of the Dachshund Club of NSW, and establishing the Bullseye Pastoral Company.
“Valerie identified opportunities for change and growth and actively worked towards those goals,” Joanne stated.
Valerie has a few ideas for more children’s stories based on other areas of her life, such as life at boarding school or the moment the Japanese entered Sydney Harbour during WWII.
“Because of my age, I remember lots of different things and feel that these stories need to be shared with future generations,” Valerie reflected.
wider recent regional surge.
“Housing values across regional NSW have shown an extremely strong growth trend since 2019, rising 61 percent compared with a national average of 50.4 percent,” he said.
“Almost half of the 20-year growth in regional NSW has occurred in the past six years.”
Lawless said affordability and lifestyle attributes had reshaped demand.
“Regional markets started from a relatively low base at the end of 2019, and areas with strong lifestyle appeal benefited most,” he said.
“The normalisation of hybrid working has supported markets like the MidCoast.”
He said the price gap between Sydney and the regions had narrowed significantly.
“Sydney’s premium over regional NSW has reduced from 86 percent in 2019 to 59 percent today,” Lawless said.
“That shift reflects how strongly regional markets have performed.” Market conditions have now eased to more sustainable growth levels.
Annual dwelling value increases across the LGAs examined between Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour range from 4.7 to 6.4 percent, a clear contrast to the pandemic-era highs.
“The trend remains positive, but the pace is more balanced,” Lawless said.
Were you affected by the May floods?
More households are now eligible for the Home Repair Grant —with expanded income thresholds and extra time to apply.
Grants up to $25,000 are now available to help repair your home.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get back on your feet.
2 February 2026
q Valerie Munroe Carden with her newly published book 'Eddie Barnes: The Quarter Horse Who Galloped into History'. Photo: supplied.
Bushfires rage near Bulahdelah
By Thomas O’KEEFE
FIREFIGHTERS across the state started the week battling over 40 blazes, with several significant and destructive fires mere kilometres away from townships on the Myall Coast.
The largest and most concerning blaze, as of Sunday 7 December, burnt through 3431 hectares of grassland along the Pacific Highway and through Myall Lakes National Park between Nerong and Crawford River, the smoke from which was clearly visible from Tea Gardens.
That day, school buses carrying students home from Bulahdelah Central
School were held up in traffic as the highway was closed in both directions due to heavy smoke and the yet uncontrolled conditions.
The school buses were eventually escorted to Nerong and beyond, aborting a local initiative to send a vessel up the Myall River to bring the children in that way.
Over the following days, NSW RFS crews from across the Mid Coast district, from Wauchope to Pindimar and practically every brigade in between, answered the call for volunteers.
Many pulled 12-hour shifts, day and night, in attempts to control the fireground in up to 35-degree heat.
Aircraft have been launching from Bulahdelah Showground as the RFS trucks marshall just below, and are being sent off down Booral, Old Schoolhouse and Myall River roads.
On the northern edge, firefighters have held the fire south of Booral Road in the Crawford River area, while firefighters have implemented backburns along the Pacific Highway, with further backburns undertaken where conditions allow. Understandably, this causes an increase in fire activity and visible smoke.
Some fires are burning in untraversable terrain that only the aircraft can reach.
Firefighters’ efforts were assisted to a limited degree by the cool change on Sunday, with southerly winds reversing the path of fires previously fanned by northeasterly winds.
“While firefighters work to control the fire, crews may be operating along local roads, including the M1 Pacific Motorway,” an RFS NSW representative said.
“This could result in traffic disruptions, and the M1 may be temporarily closed during tactical operations.
“Booral Road and numerous roads in the area are closed, and roads may be closed without warning."
The M1 Pacific Highway was open as of Monday but may also close at short notice.
Motorists are advised to check road closures on Live Traffic NSW and follow the direction of emergency services personnel.
Information about the fires is on the Hazards Near
Me app.
Authorities are urging citizens to avoid jumping to potentially harmful conclusions based on unsubstantiated or unofficial social media posts.
Veteran firefighter killed as complacency warnings rise
By
A FIREFIGHTER killed while battling a fierce bushfire is
being hailed for his courage as authorities warn people are not prepared for the fire season.
Recycling for Research is gaining momentum, and Gloucester Rotary is proud to back one of our town’s most inspiring young changemakers — Matthew Rozynski — as he turns aluminium cans into real impact for both the planet and
This incredible young changemaker has already donated $100 to Australian Rotary Health, proving just how much heart and determination he brings to helping others.
With the amazing support of JR Richards, our community now has bright, clearly branded Recycling for Research bins ready to fill! Every can dropped in helps push Matthew’s mission forward — proving what we already know: Gloucester shows up, works together, and makes things happen.
The 59-year-old NSW National Parks firefighter was struck by a falling tree about 10.45pm on Sunday while patrolling a fireground and is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Colleagues performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but he died at the scene of the Bulahdelah bushfire.
The man was a divisional commander in the National Parks and Wildlife Service who joined the organisation in 1996.
His death is the first time a National Parks firefighter has been killed on a fireground since 2011.
"This particular person
has paid the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect the community," NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib told reporters.
"The best thing that we can do to honour these memories... is to make sure we take every action we can to prevent them being in this situation."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences to the firefighter's family and colleagues.
"This terrible news is a sombre reminder of the dangers that our emergency services personnel face to keep our homes and communities safe," he said in
a statement.
The NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed 20 homes were destroyed between the Bulahdelah fire and another fire at Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast.
More than 50 fires were burning across NSW as of about midday on Monday, with nine uncontained.
There was a real risk of bushfire complacency among the community after several seasons of reduced activity, the RFS commissioner said.
"We know that after a few years of elevated rain and wet conditions, people aren't thinking about bushfires sufficiently," Trent Curtin said.
Tom WARK, Farid FARID and Callum GODDE, AAP
q The smoke clouds as the fire began. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q The blackened median and verge forest along the Pacific Highway north of Nerong after a long night of firefighting. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Recon and water-bombing aircraft land, refuel and take off from Bulahdelah Showground.
Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Communities should be prepared for a long and dangerous fire season. Photo: Bulahdelah RFB.
Barnaby Joyce announces defection to One Nation
By Andrew BROWN, AAP
MAVERICK
MP Barnaby
Joyce will join Pauline Hanson's One Nation party.
After weeks of speculation, the New England MP and former deputy prime minister has confirmed he would move to the far-right party, after previously representing the Nationals.
He will sit in the House of Representatives for the rest of the parliamentary term as a One Nation MP, before leading the party's Senate ticket for NSW.
"I am firmly of the view which I have considered over a long period of time that the best choice before me is to stand for One Nation as a Senator for NSW," Mr Joyce said in a statement on social media on Monday.
"I will let the voters be the ultimate arbiter of that decision."
Mr Joyce announced his defection from the Nationals on the last sitting day of the year in November, citing a breakdown in the relationship with party leadership and being relegated to the backbench after the May election.
At the time, he did not say what his next political
move would be.
Speculation increased about the move to One Nation after Mr Joyce was seen dining with Senator Hanson at Parliament House over a wagyu steak cooked on a sandwich press.
Senator Hanson said she was pleased the MP would be joining the party.
"Mr Joyce strengthens One Nation's position in parliament just as many Australians are strengthening our position in the polls," she said in a statement.
"I have always been very straightforward about asking Mr Joyce to join our team, and on making it clear this was always his decision."
Mr Joyce will be the first member of One Nation to sit in the lower house since Senator Hanson herself in the late 1990s.
Recent polling shows the number of people planning to put One Nation first on their ballot paper is at an all-time high, with surveys putting support for the party between 14 and 18 percent.
A recent Resolve poll said 29 percent of voters would be more likely to support the party if it were led by Mr Joyce.
New system for road recategorisation
THE NSW Government is rewriting the framework that determines road management in NSW, announcing a new road recategorisation system this week.
The move comes in an attempt to provide local councils with certainty over who will manage and maintain different roads, allowing for more targeted investment where it is most needed.
Road recategorisation is the process used to decide whether a road should be managed as a State, Regional or Local road.
This system determines who maintains it, who funds it and how it fits into the broader transport network.
The new framework includes statewide criteria for recategorisation; an ‘always-open’ application pathway; a new online selfassessment data tool for
councils; and prioritisation for roads that unlock housing, freight efficiency, resilience and major infrastructure delivery.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “For decades, councils have been stuck with a slow, ad-hoc system.
“From today, decisions will be driven by evidence and need, not politics or outdated processes.
“This new system is
designed to help roads receive the appropriate investment and ongoing care, supporting better outcomes for our communities.
“Clear criteria and modern data tools mean these decisions are no longer left to chance or politics.
“Everyone can see the basis for a category change, and that brings greater transparency and confidence to the system.”
Chairman of the Country
Mayors Association of NSW, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, said the move is a positive step forward for regional and rural councils who have been “managing enormous road networks with limited resources and increasingly severe weather impacts”.
“The new framework gives our councils a fair opportunity to have roads properly recognised for their current use, not what they looked like 20 years ago,” he
said.
“Being able to apply at any time, backed by clear criteria and data, is a major improvement.
“It will help councils plan, budget and deliver work more efficiently for our communities.”
With the portal now live, local councils and road managers will be able to put forward proposals for recategorisation.
Reviews of the system and processes will be conducted at three months, six months and then annually to refine the model.
q Barnaby Joyce MP at an anti-wind farm rally in Port Stephens. Photo: Doug Connor.
Major award wins for airport
NEWCASTLE Airport has taken out two major honours at the Australian Airports Association's 2025 National Airport Industry Awards,
held last week in the Gold Coast. The Williamtown airport won the Airport Excellence Award for Infrastructure for
its landmark International Terminal Expansion project, as well as the Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability.
CEO Linc Horton said he was proud to see Newcastle Airport stand among such high-calibre finalists.
“We were finalists across
six categories recognising airport achievements and senior leadership and we couldn’t be more honoured to stand among our peers and celebrate their achievements,” Mr Horton said.
“Taking home two of the awards is just icing on the cake.
“Winning these awards reflects the long-term vision and effort behind delivering a terminal built for the future.
“We have a brand new international terminal ready to serve our region that has been built to lead in sustainable design.”
The Infrastructure award acknowledges the scale and success of the airport's $250 million terminal transformation.
The redevelopment adds 50 percent to the terminal’s footprint, introduces eight gates, an expanded arrivals hall, streamlined passenger flows and a state-of-the-art aerobridge, enabling the terminal to accommodate larger international aircraft.
"Our new international terminal sets the stage for a more connected and competitive region as we now have the infrastructure to support long-haul international services and deliver the airport the region deserves," Mr Horton said.
"The new terminal is already paying dividends, with recent direct routes launched to Perth, Hobart and
Last days to donate to Toy Drive
AS the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.
Each year the annual Toy Drive delivers thousands of gifts to children and families facing hardship at Christmas time.
Plenty of gifts have already been donated, including classics like play sets, LEGO, vouchers and Barbies, which will all find their way into hands on Christmas morning, bringing joy to children across the region.
The Salvation Army’s Public Relations and Community Fundraising Manager Rod Dibley said whilst the community’s generosity has been remarkable, there are still hundreds of families needing support.
“If you would like to offer your support, we recommend gift vouchers for teens, with books, toys, and sporting equipment for younger children,” Mr Dibley said.
“We are seeing more need
Bali, and one-stop access to Singapore via Bali launching in March 2026.
“These new services demonstrate the role our infrastructure plays in attracting new airlines and creating new opportunities for business, tourism and trade."
The project’s economic impact is expected to generate more than 4,400 long-term jobs and contribute $12.7 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years, with benefits split between freight, logistics and tourism.
The terminal expansion is a leap in capacity and in sustainability.
The building uses 100 percent renewable energy and includes a 1,236-panel solar array providing 20 percent of its power needs.
It has already achieved a 5-Star Green Star 'Design' rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, with a 5-Star 'As Built' rating targeted.
These sustainability credentials formed the basis of the airport's second win of the evening: the Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability.
Newcastle Airport became the first Airport in Australia to reach Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+, achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of its 2030 target.
This achievement was backed by a 100 percent renewable Power Purchase Agreement and nature-based offsets.
than ever before, so even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference for a child this Christmas.”
NGM Group’s Head of Community and Sustainability Kirrah McClelland said that every
child deserves to share in the wonder of Christmas.
“It has been very moving to see all the beautiful gifts that have been donated so far by our customers and our community,” she said.
“We are so grateful to
everyone who has supported this initiative with us, and we hope to help as many families as possible this year to make Christmas truly special.”
With over 7,500 gifts donated at Newcastle Permanent and Greater
Bank branches last year, The Salvation Army Toy Drive Appeal hopes to maintain this momentum and bring Christmas magic to families across the region. Donations can be made at any Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank branch until Friday 12 December.
Gifts should be new and unwrapped and are accepted for all ages, including teenagers.
q Head of Airport Paul McFarlane and CEO Linc Horton.
q NGM Group's Rubi Stitt and Alexandra Tompkins with the Salvos' Joey Newman.
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
SBS VICELAND, 8.30pm
Sam Claflin (pictured) and acting icon Jeremy Irons lead an impressive cast for this epic eight-episode interpretation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1846 novel. The men are cast as prisoners on a forbidding island off the coast of Marseilles. They spend five years chipping away at the mortar between them, with the elder Abbé Faria (Irons) educating Edmond Dantès (Claflin) in multiple subjects before his death gives the younger man a chance to escape. Armed with Faria’s knowledge of a vast treasure, Dantès makes for the island of Monte Cristo to claim his fortune.
FRIDAY, December 12
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. Hosted by Jeremy Fernandez and Megan Burslem.
8.30 Maigret. (Final, Mav) Tragedy strikes in Saint-Fiacre. Maigret’s absence in Paris has terrifying consequences.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (Final, R)
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News. (Final)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Final, MA15+a, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. (Final) 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Jaws: Making A Splash In Hollywood.
8.30 William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill. (Mav, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (Ma, R)
11.40 Culprits. (MA15+v, R)
1.50 Soldiers. (Mal, R)
SUNDAY
CRICKET
SEVEN, 7pm
The summer of cricket is now in full swing, treating fans to action left, right and centre. Between Saturday night’s WBBL final, the third Ashes Test commencing in Adelaide tomorrow and the electrifying action of the Big Bash League beginning tonight, cricket lovers are spoiled for choice by the sport’s overlapping fixtures. Live from the Furnace, the first match-up of the Big Bash season pits the Perth Scorchers against the Sydney Sixers. After an early exit in BBL14, the Sixers (aided by new signing, Pakistani superstar Babar Azam) will be eager to make a statement against the most successful side in the league’s history. As cricket legend Aaron Finch (pictured) puts it, “The best thing about the BBL is the unpredictability”.
3.35 Growing A Greener World. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MONDAY
BILL BAILEY’S VIETNAM ADVENTURE
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Melissa King visits Castlemaine. 8.30 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law.
11.10 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv, R) A biochemist is transformed into a vampire. Jared Leto.
1.15 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
SBS, 7.35pm As far as travel companions go, English comedian Bill Bailey (pictured) has to be up there with the zaniest, most affable and entertaining offsiders to hit the road with. Keen to immerse himself in local life, the Black Books star jams with musicians, meditates with monks and enthusiastically connects with the Vietnamese people in this six-part travelogue. Returning to Vietnam a decade after his first visit, Bailey is intrigued by how the country has changed in recent years, but also determined to know more about its ancient stories and history. In this final episode, he sets sail in a traditional boat and weaves through the limestone karsts and mythical waters of Ha Long Bay, learning about its legendary dragons.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Swimming. Australia v The World.
10.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) The taskforce uncovers a sinister robbery scheme.
11.30 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations.
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (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 Summer. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash
6.00
SATURDAY, December 13
6.00 Back Roads: Harvey, WA. (R) Lisa Millar visits the town of Harvey, WA.
6.30 When The War Is Over: Afghanistan. (PGa, R) Rachel Griffiths meets artist Ben Quilty. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Return To Paradise. (PGdv) A crime writer is found stabbed to death. 8.30
(M, R)
Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland. (2024) 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Abbott Elementary. 10.35 Speechless. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped. (PGl, R)
8.40 Alpine Hotel At Christmas. (R)
9.35 Osborne House: A Royal Retreat. (PG, R)
10.50 The Real Spies Among Friends. (PGalv, R)
11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
3.05 Being Beethoven. (PG, R)
4.10 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (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 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Final. 10.30 Women’s Big Bash League Final Post-Game. Coverage of the WBBL Final post-game. 11.00 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, MA15+lv, R)
An FBI agent and a convict break into the former Alcatraz prison to stop a renegade general. Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Avatar. (2009, Mv, R) A paraplegic man remotely operates an alien body. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana.
10.45 MOVIE: The Domestics. (2018, MA15+lv, R) A couple search for safety. Kate Bosworth.
12.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG, R)
1.30 Our State On A Plate. (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 UK. (PGa) A family of three dogs are split up. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) Mary and Tom saved for many years while working at a supermarket and they finally purchased their two-storey dream home.
6.00
SUNDAY, December 14
Grand Designs Australia. (R)
ABC News. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) 8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG) Seven artists return for the semi-final.
8.50 The Forsytes. (Final, PG) Jolyon decides his future.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (PGdv, R) 10.40 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R) 11.10
Of. (PG, R) 4.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.10 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Stick Man. 5.40 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Niko: Beyond The
6am The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.55 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.20 There’s Still Tomorrow. (2023, Italian) 12.30pm Annie’s Fire. (2022, M, French) 2.40 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 4.45 Delfin. (2019, Spanish) 6.25 The Giants. (2023, PG) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 10.55 Erotic Stories. 1.05am La Chimera. (2023, M) 3.30
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG)
8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (PG) 10.40 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R)
11.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R)
1.05 Empires Of New York. (Madl, R)
3.35 Dishing It Up Christmas Special. (PGl, R)
4.30 Growing A Greener World. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Collins. (1996, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.25 All At Sea. P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.50 I Know What You Did 2.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 1. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Liam Bartlett sits down with a killer.
12.00 The Queen Unseen. (PG, R) Takes a look at Queen Elizabeth II.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
2.40
v Brentford.
4.40
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tipping Point: Celebrity Special. (PG) 8.10 Events That Changed Australia: Black Saturday. (Ma) 9.20 Red Eye. (Premiere, Ml) A police officer escorts a criminal back to Beijing. 11.20 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (Mv, R)
12.10 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
1.00 Explore TV. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
Today Early News.
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, December 15
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Premiere) 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG)
8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas.
9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 The Man Who Died. (Malv) 11.35 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 1.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.15 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.45 Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Rex In Rome. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 I Am Smokin’ Joe Frazier. 11.10 Question Team.
6am All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.30 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 9.50 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 11.20 Man Who Didn’t Want To See The Titanic. (2021, M, Finnish) 12.50pm Blow Dry. (2001, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 4.55 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 7.30 Samia. (2024, M) 9.30 Unforgiven. (1992, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, December 16
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 2. Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Violet struggles to write a letter to Carver.
12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby goes on a date with a TV celebrity.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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The Assembly. (PG, R)
Escaping Utopia. (Mas, R)
A Country Road: The Nationals. (R)
Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 2.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago:
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
9.40 Australia In Colour. (PGa, R) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Families Like Ours. (Mal) 12.10 De Gaulle. (Mav, R)
2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Countdown. 8.35 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Hoarders. 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.15am Bad Education. 1.25 Count Abdulla. 2.20 The Bloody Decade. 3.15 NHK World English News. 5.00
MOVIES (32)
6am The Scarlet And The Black. Continued. (1983, PG) 8.05 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.20 Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 12.05pm Unforgiven. (1992, M) 2.25 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 4.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 5.30 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 7.30 Bandit. (2022, M) 9.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 12.20am Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 2.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 3. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa) Quinten’s parents visit.
12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) Danny is accused by the papers of murder.
1.15 Travel Oz. (R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)
8.40 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette.
10.50 The Equalizer. (Mav)
11.40 Sight Unseen. (Premiere, Mv)
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)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News.
Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s
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
drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for
DRAMA (51)
WEDNESDAY, December 17
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PG, R) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Planet Reef. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco At Christmas. (R)
8.30 Terror On The Space Station. (PGa)
9.30 Crime. (Madlsv)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Elvira. (PGa, R)
2.15 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (Malns, R)
3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (R)
4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming. 8.20 Steven Universe. 8.45 Adventure Time. 9.05 Teen Titans Go! 9.30 We Bare Bears. 9.40
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 4. Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Kidd connects with a troubled teen.
12.00 MOVIE: Top Of The Class. (2020, Mav, R) A student is accused of murder. Jacqueline Scislowski, Kate Watson.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas On The Alpaca Farm. (2023, G)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (PGl, R)
8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) A motorcyclist crashes into parked cars.
9.30 RPA: Jamie’s Baby. (PGm, R)
10.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv)
12.30 Resident Alien. (Final, Mlv)
1.20 9Honey: He Said She Said. (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
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THURSDAY, December 18
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 When The War Is Over. (Final, PGa, R) 10.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R) 11.25 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
The Art Of. (Mln, R) 11.05 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R)
Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia: Family Easter Special. (R)
5.30 7.30. (Final, R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.55 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PGav, R) 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PGl, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 ABBA And Elvis In The Outback. (Ml)
8.35 The Untold Story Of The Vatican.
9.35 Vigil. (MA15+av)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Vienna Blood. (Return, MA15+av)
12.10 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R)
1.35 House Of Promises. (Ms, R)
4.15 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 8.00 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 10.35 Samia. (2024, M) 12.35pm Bandit. (2022, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 5.35 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.40 The Nugget. (2002, M) 9.30 A Good Person. (2023, MA15+) 11.55 Crimes Of The Future. (2022, MA15+) 1.55am Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 4.20 Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 6am Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 8.15 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 10.20 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 12.50pm Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 5.20 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, M) 9.30 An Unfinished Life. (2005, M) 11.30 Ben Is Back. (2018, M) 1.30am A Good Person. (2023, MA15+) 3.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 5. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes. From the MCG.
10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with a deep dive into the world of cricket.
11.15 The Amazing Race. (PG) Hosted by Phil Keoghan.
12.45 Life. (Malsv, R) A court reporter is beaten to death.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) 8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water. 9.30 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth. (PGa, R)
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DRAMA
DRAMA (51)
Funeral Notices
TRUDGEON, John William
Late of Gloucester
Passed away peacefully on 4th December, 2025
Aged 79 years
Much loved husband of Helen. Father to Daniel, Mathew & Nicholas. Proud and loving grandad to all his grandchildren & great grandchildren. John will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s Memorial Service to be held at the Gloucester Park, adjacent to the Gloucester River on Tuesday 16th December 2025 commencing at 11am.
DUNGOG XMAS STORE CATTLE SALE
This Friday, 12th December @ 11:30am Dungog Saleyards
Consisting of the following local cattle:
M & N Brown – 11 angus steers 2 ½ y.o
AT & MK Rumbel – 8 shorthorn / char
steers 2y.o
C Bowen – 6 angus steers 18mths
T Howarth – 8 angus steers 14-15mths
J Inn – 20 angus steers 9 to 10mths
Paton Resources – 3 angus steers 7mths
Urban Angus – 4 angus heifers PTIC
Thomson Family – 5 angus heifers & calves
AT & MK Rumbel – 2 shorthorn heifers
calves
Quells – 5 angus cows & calves (2nd calf)
M & E Hinton – 4 charolais cows & calves (2 nd calf)
S & S Snowdon – 12 angus cows & calves
S Peper – 5 angus cows & calves
Stroud Hill Investments – 3 crossbred cows & calves
Further 50 mixed store cattle to be drafted Further entries invited
CLASSIFIEDS 02 4981 8882
WHITE 6 drawer chest of drawers, GC, $50 Teac JC12 digital stereo hi-fi system, still in box $100. White half pantry cupboard with shelves VGC $50. 0434 521 457
COCA-COLA
Memorabilia Collection
$95. 0409 863 898
COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485
CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619
COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713
DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063 F170725
NEW Red Lumus ankle water proof boots size 38 $25pr. 0434 521 457
HORSE riding boots
Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153 F260325
4982 8787
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643 Re250925
Motors
COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876 RTS051125
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190 For Sale
SWIMMING pool magnesium salt 25kg bag $90. Ph 0477 587 881 F121125
ads@newsofthearea. com.au
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
MY husband's Netflix viewing history shows an abnormal amount of True Crime shows, serial killer series, and murder mysteries.
Should I be worried?
Dear Petra,
Petra L.
For some strange reason, many people like having the living daylights scared out of them for relaxation.
I'm not one of them, and it sounds as though you aren't either.
I don't think you should read too much into it.
I like watching musicals but it doesn't mean I'm going to morph into a theatrical performer any time soon.
It may be that your husband likes
News Of The Area
to remind himself that his life isn't as bad as he thinks.
It may be that he would prefer to be scared by something irrational rather than his own fears.
Perhaps you should watch your husband's reactions to these movies for a better insight into why he watches them. If, for example, he is curled up in the corner of the lounge, covering his eyes, and screaming like Janel Leigh out of Psycho, he is probably just after an adrenaline surge.
If, however, your husband is watching with a deadpan expression (or, worse, smiling in a creepy Norman Bates way) there is potential for worry.
Further, if he is making copious notes in a lockable diary, it's time to run, Petra.
Run for the hills (not the hills that frequently appear in horror movies though.
Then you'll be in real trouble).
Kids Boot Camp 056
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
By Claire PONTIN, MidCoast Mayor
THAT time is upon us again.
Christmas seems to sneak up on us a little quicker each year.
As we approach the end of
the year and families head off on holidays, I would just like to remind everyone to be safe, make sure you stop, revive, survive if you’re taking on a road trip and if you’re cooling off at one of our wonderful beaches please swim between the flags.
On reflection, 2025 has been a year of resilience.
Our region endured the worst flood in recorded history, and we have been hard at work ever since in the recovery space. Some residents lost their homes, businesses were inundated and some even lost their lives.
But it’s during these difficult times that the Australian spirit shines through.
There are countless stories of communities and neighbours coming together to help each other out despite their race, religion, political view or orientation.
Whether it was during the flood itself, the clean up or dealing with the long-term impacts of such a devastating event.
Council staff will continue to help and support where they can too, and I will continue to advocate to the other levels of government for a fair go.
Lastly, we are continuing work to make money available to improve our roads, as we know they aren’t what our community expects.
This is not something we have shied away from.
We understand and hear your frustrations, and we are working hard with the limited budget we have.
We have made the improvement of our roads our number one priority, and they will continue to remain our focus going into 2026, but it won’t be an overnight fix.
We have created a Roads Hub on our website which breaks down what kind of works are taking place and where, every fortnight.
It is a great tool that highlights most of the planned maintenance and work, but please note our teams are also often out making urgent repairs that don’t always appear on the list.
Enjoy your holiday period, have fun but most importantly be safe.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Kemp calls out Premier’s comments
MEMBER for Oxley Michael Kemp has called out Premier Chris Minns for “out-of-touch comments” on morning TV show Sunrise regarding the recovery of communities impacted by flooding in May.
When asked by host Matt Shirvington what NSW should be most proud of in the past year, the Premier responded: “I think the thing we should be most proud of is the way that we rallied during Cyclone Alfred at the beginning of the year, and the way the community got back up off its knees on the
Mid North Coast after those devastating floods.
“I mean, we move on… if you don’t live in that community life moves on, but those towns really went through hell over those couple of weekends.
“Just think their resilience and community spirit really shone through and brought out the best of NSW.”
Mr Kemp believes Mr Minns’ comments reflect a lack of understanding of the ongoing impact of the floods on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.
“The Premier speaks as though people have moved on, but our communities haven’t had the luxury of ‘moving on’,” Mr Kemp said.
“I speak with locals everyday who are still facing financial strain, mental health stress, and ongoing infrastructure damage months after the event.
“Many… businesses still don’t have the support they need because the application process has been so complicated, so timeconsuming and so poorly communicated that people can’t get through it."
Mr Kemp said it’s time for the Premier to stop delivering “sympathetic soundbites from a Sydney studio” and start delivering actual support.
“I’m calling on the Premier to get out of Sydney, come back to the Mid North Coast, speak directly with affected residents and businesses and increase the Small Business Recovery Grants to $50,000 because the damage far exceeds the support on offer."
Natural disaster declarations for six LGAs following bushfires
THE State and Federal Governments have activated disaster assistance to the MidCoast local government area (LGA) due to ongoing bushfires.
The declarations activate a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers, and councils.
People whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial help as well as cleanup, rebuilding and recovery assistance.
Support has been made available under the
joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for lowincome, uninsured residents to undertake essential
structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers up to $130,000
• Freight and transport subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Loans for non-profit organisations up to $25,000
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
Council will be
provided with support to remove debris and for the reconstruction of essential public infrastructure.
Community members affected by the recent bushfires should contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au to access information on disaster assistance, grants, and recovery support.
q Premier Chris Minns discussed flood recovery on the Mid North Coast in May with Oxley MP and former NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders.
q A bushfire rages near Bulahdelah. Photo: Bulahdelah RFB.
Chamber champions festive celebrations
NSW Police, Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service vehicles were out in force, as a steady stream of traffic was
diverted through Gloucester due to fires that closed the Pacific Highway - a sobering reminder of the essential nature of the region’s emergency services.
Vintage cars and motorcycles, as well as both state-of-the-art and historic tractors and farm machinery, joined in the procession.
Commercial vehicles including prime movers and trucks, many from family-owned businesses, also featured.
“Thank you to everyone who came along to last night’s Twilight Gloucester - the energy, the crowds, the Christmas spirit… absolutely incredible!” the Chamber posted to social media.
The Chamber’s next major event is New Year's Eve Gloucester, now in its fifth year.
Last year around 6000 people chose to welcome in the New Year at the Gloucester Recreation Centre & Sporting Grounds.
Again, the Chamber invites families and friends to enjoy music, entertainment, a Kidz Zone, food and fireworks.
“Sit back and relax with your family, or get up and dance the night away,” the Chamber said in a statement.
The Food Zone will be operational from 5.30pm, with main stage entertainment kicking off at 7pm.
As a fundraiser for the New Year’s Eve
event, the Chamber is running a raffle, with a Kia Stonic GT-Line car up for grabs.
Trish Banyer and Deb Sheeley from the Business Chamber were selling raffle tickets at Friday’s markets.
Tickets can be purchased online at www. raffletix.com.au/gloucesterchambernye2025 or outside Gloucester Woolworths on Friday, 12 December from 4-6pm.
Historic Gloucester homestead hits the market
By Matt TAYLOR
foothills just 15 minutes from Gloucester, a remarkable slice of local history has quietly
come to market for the first time in more than a century.
With a price guide of $2.1 million, set along Craven Creek with a stunning mountain backdrop, this fivebedroom timber homestead at 147 Rosses Road is a rare survivor from an era when homes were crafted by hand and built to endure.
Lead selling agent Peter Markey, from McGrath Gloucester, said the property’s heritage reached deep into the district’s early settlement story.
“The Shaw family took up the property in 1902 and they established the home there around 1920,” he said.
“It was built out of
rosewood milled on the property, so the exterior weatherboards are rosewood and the interior weatherboards are rosewood.
"And it’s the original shellac on the walls.”
A sweeping, treelined avenue of about 100 liquidambars leads to the homestead, their canopy framing the original timber residence and its expansive, established gardens.
But the home is just one part of what gives this 280acre property its character.
The land itself is close to a pristine waterway.
“The house has frontage of Craven Creek, which is renowned as the second
cleanest river in Australia after the Snowy River,” Markey said.
With rainforest pockets, waterfall views, and steel cattle yards, the property blends lifestyle, history and practicality in a way few rural holdings can match.
Markey said interest had been strong since it hit the market.
“We listed the property about three weeks [ago] now, and we’re getting quite a few enquiries already,” he said.
He issued a warning to potential buyers about the property’s upkeep.
“I’ll tell you now that one of the things people need to be aware of is that when
you’ve got a big garden like that, it takes a lot of looking after,” he said.
“So it's not a weekender.
"It's for someone who wants to retire and live there and enjoy the ambiance that the property’s got.
“You’ve got a waterfall, a creek running through it, and it’s a very private location.”
The homestead itself remains largely untouched –a living time capsule – with one key update.
“It’s a five-bedroom home, so it's quite a generous-sized home,” Markey said.
“The kitchen has been modernised, and the rest is pretty much original. It's a piece of local history.”
TUCKED into the rolling
q The timeless five-bedroom homestead, framed by established gardens and mountain views.
q A dazzling street procession of vintage cars, trucks and tractors joined the parade. Photos: Gloucester Business Chamber.
q Deb Sheeley and Trish Banyer selling tickets for the raffle. PROPERTY
Hot golf at Gloucester
By Peter WILDBLOOD
IT WAS a hot day in more than one sense at the Gloucester Golf Club on Saturday, 6 December, with the temperatures soaring close to 40 Celsius and the winners in two grades turning in 5-under par rounds.
The hot weather also had the unfortunate effect of limiting the field to those who were able to get out on the course early in the day.
The event was the Club’s Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by the Arkwood Family and the winner of the Monthly Medal on a countback was Brendon Murray with a 5-under-par 67.
Brendon also won the
2024 Mug of Mugs, awarded for the top score among the year’s Medal winners.
The A grade net and gross winner was Phil Bowden with his 77 and 82 respectively. In B grade Brendon Murray won the top net prize with his 67 after a win in the gross scores of 85. In C grade it was Steve Benson with a net score of 67 after a gross score of 91 that gave him the win in that grade.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Phil Bowden, 672 cm, Brendan Murray, 490 cm, and Steve Benson, 431 cm, in the three grades. At the 6th and 15th holes only the top two grades were represented with Ben Veitch, 234 cm, and Brendan Murray, 701 cm,
doing the job there.
The long drives at the 8th and 17th holes were won in the three grades by Ben Veitch, Roy Crichton and Steve Benson.
In the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 5 December the winner on a count back was Evelyn Blanch with 18 points. Balls were won by Gary Timbs 18, Bill Murray 16, and by Rod Burrows, Chris Steele and Will Bosma 15.
On Saturday 13 December the Gloucester Golfers will be playing an Individual Stableford and the following Saturday there will be the IGA Christmas Cheer Day in the form of an Individual Stableford.
Markey Wins Women's Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE sun was shining again last Wednesday. 4 December, for the Gloucester Golf Ladies' Summer Competition, an Individual Stableford event over 12 holes.
There was plenty of run on the fairways as the grass dries out, while the water levels in the dams are getting low enough to expose those balls that were duffed off the tee over the last few months.
Liane Markey was demonstrating that practice pays off, winning the day’s
Gloucester hosts regional croquet Christmas
By Bev MURRAY
LAST weekend the Gloucester courts were alive with colour as Gloucester members were hosts for the Mid North Coast district Christmas luncheon.
Some 30 players from Taree, Forster, Port Macquarie
and Gloucester met. Included during the day was the presentation of trophies for friendship days held during the year. It was also opportune time to hold our annual meeting where dates for the 2026 season were discussed and locked in.
President Ashleigh Hickman welcomed everyone, and social play took place while club representatives (two from each) met for the annual meeting.
Following a delicious lunch prepared by the Gloucester members, more social play took place. It was a most enjoyable day which had rounded off a most enjoyable year of
Burnet storms home in vets golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
IT WAS Tony Burnet’s day on Tuesday, 2 December, when the Gloucester Veteran Golfers turned out for their normal weekly outing; he finished three points ahead of the field and played seven under handicap.
The event was played in cloudy and moderately warm conditions on a course starting to suffer from the lack of any substantial rain over the past several weeks.
The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Ken Kelly and the winner was Tony Burnet with a big 43 points. Carolyn Davies finished with 40 points in the runners up spot. Balls were won by Ele Fraser 39, Derek Bardwell
event with 29 points, after a solid practice session on the driving range and putting green earlier in the week.
Liane was closely followed by Susie Higgins, 28, with balls also won by Rhonda Nightingale, 25 and Moya Harris, 24.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin on the 4th and 13th holes was won by Elaine Murray, while the course was the winner on the 15th hole, with no players managing to hit the green off the tee.
The Gloucester Golf Ladies Summer Competition continues each Wednesday through to late February.
friendly competition between our other member clubs.
Following our own Club Christmas lunch on 14th December, Gloucester will go into recess at the end of that week and return with a special afternoon on 26th January for an Australia Day barbecue evening commencing 4.00pm and some fun skills and social play.
Gloucester Croquet wishes all a safe and Merry Christmas and all the best for 2026.
and Trevor Sharp 36, Hugh Toprode, Chris Steele and Ken Kelly 35 with Dale Rabbett, 34, picking up the last trophy ball on a count back.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Derek Wand; at the 6th and 15th holes that honour went to
Murray and Trevor Sharp. This immediate past Tuesday, 9 December, the Gloucester Veterans played an Individual Stableford sponsored by Debbie and Peter Sate. Tuesday of next week they play a Four Ball Aggregate Stableford.
In the box seat
he said.
washed out a fourth Test they appeared well on track to win.
The series ended 2-2 and Australia retained the urn.
Asked how Australia would avoid a similar scenario this timeadmittedly against a weaker, travelling England - Labuschagne drew on a batting partnership that helped the hosts take full control of the second Test.
Captain Steve Smith flagged adaptability as the Australian way of Test cricket before the match began and that quality was epitomised by the 75-run stand between bowlers Starc (77) and Scott Boland (21no) for the ninth wicket.
After the dangerous Alex Carey (63) nicked off, the duo beefed up an 82run lead to help Australia to a formidable first innings total of 511.
Starc and Boland weathered the new ball and slowed the pace of the game down to ensure England would need to bat under lights on Saturday night, when they collapsed and fell out of touch with the game.
As Labuschagne sees it, as long as Australia can continue to have moments like that partnership, they can keep Test matchesand therefore the serieson their terms.
"We're in a really nice spot where we're just really process-driven, focused on what we need to do to be ready and once again being ready for those big moments in the game,"
"I look back on this game and I look at the partnership between 'Starcy' and Scott. I look at those moments to get us in the situation where we had the night session on our terms.
"To shift the momentum from losing the toss in day-night cricket is a really impressive feat."
In another bonus, Australia's XI is only set to grow stronger heading to Adelaide.
Chief selector George Bailey has already flagged Pat Cummins is set to return from his back injury to play his first match this summer, with Nathan Lyon likely to be recalled after his omission in Brisbane.
That is likely to mean Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser drop out despite the latter completing a five-wicket second-innings haul in Brisbane on Sunday.
Josh Hazlewood is set for more time on the sidelines after picking up a minor Achilles tendon issue while plotting a comeback from his hamstring injury.
But just as Starc and Boland's adaptability with the bat helped Australia in Brisbane, Labuschagne was buoyed by the team's resilience to overcome the injuries to begin the series.
"I take a lot of pride in these moments when you're able to win games without potentially two of your best bowlers available," he said.
"(But) getting more guys to select from and the calibre of Pat and Josh, when that unfolds, will be very exciting."
Elaine
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
q Tony Burnet, Ken Kelly.
q Liane Markey.
q The courts alive with Christmas and club colours.
In the box seat
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
THE last time Australia went 2-0 up in the Ashes, they went on to blow a golden chance to win the series outright, but Marnus Labuschagne pointed to one passage of play from the Brisbane Test when asked how the team would stop history repeating.
Mitchell Starc's second player-of-the-match performance from as many Tests this series powered Australia to an eight-wicket defeat of England inside four days at the Gabba.
Australia are now in the box seat to hold the Ashes for a fifth consecutive series; no England side has ever recovered 2-0 down to win the Ashes.
"It's a great effort to be in this position," Australia's No.3 Labuschagne said after the second Test.
"We won the big moments, it's just an awesome day for the performance of the team."
England came within a whisker of overturning a 2-0 series deficit in the 2023 series, left to rue Manchester rain that
Mitchell Starc (r) and Scott Boland have been lauded for their key partnership at the Gabba.
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS.