Gloucester Gallery to celebrate quilt artist Elizabeth Maxwell
By Wendy BUSWELL
THE Gloucester Gallery will host an exhibition titled
“Collage In Cloth” featuring the quilts of Elizabeth Maxwell from July 16 to August 10.
The exhibition is curated by her close friend and fellow artist Kylie Goldthorpe.
Before retiring to Barrington, Elizabeth Maxwell worked as a clinical psychologist and an English literature teacher.
After retirement, she joined the Mid Coast Quilters group, where she honed her craft and pursued her artistic passion.
Like many women,
Elizabeth utilised the sewing skills she had developed over a lifetime, along with the familiar medium of textiles, to create her art.
Elizabeth made quilts primarily to wrap around people, for use on beds, sofas and chairs.
She preferred hand quilting, as it produced a very soft and easily wrapped textile.
She crafted numerous quilts with the Quilters group, which were donated to charities and hospitals in the local area and Newcastle.
In 2016, Elizabeth was invited to exhibit her quilts at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, where she held a successful solo exhibition
CONTINUED Page 2
TRAFFIC TROUBLES
By John WATTS
q Elizabeth Maxwell. Photo: supplied.
REPORTERS
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Wendy BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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Mayor: More funding required
MIDCOAST Council
Mayor Claire Pontin has celebrated the announcement of Category D funding for primary producers impacted by recent floods, but said more funding is required for others in the community too.
Cr Pontin wants to see increased funding extended to business owners, homeowners, renters and for public infrastructure.
“The Category D funding for primary producers is a great result,” she said.
“It allows primary producers to apply for up to $75,000 to help clear up and get back on track.
“They will also have access to emergency hardship payments, lump sum payments and disaster loans.
“But that is not the end of my job. I will continue to advocate for other affected people.
“Our region was hit by the worst flood in history which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
“I will be continuing to advocate for further
disaster funding.”
Cr Pontin said she has heard reports that some residents’ homes have still not been cleaned out.
She urged those people to register this at the Flood Recovery Centre located at the Manning Uniting Church, in Albert Street, Taree from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
“I am unsure how long the Flood Recovery Centre will remain open as it is being operated by the Reconstruction Authority,” she said.
“If you need any
Seeding the future for Sydney Cockles
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released 110,000 juvenile Sydney Cockles into the Tweed River and Wallis Lake since May in an effort to restore populations in the flood affected regions.
DPIRD Senior Principal Research Scientist Dr Matt Taylor said Sydney Cockle (Anadara trapezia) are sensitive to the salinity of estuarine water across their life cycle and freshwater flushes from floods have caused population numbers in some estuaries to decline.
“The Seeding Sydney Cockles project, aims to develop aquaculture restoration techniques for Sydney Cockle populations in estuaries impacted by the February 2022 floods and show how juvenile cockles respond to low salinity,” Dr Taylor said.
DPIRD’s Mollusc Aquaculture Team, led by Senior Research Scientist Dr Laura Parker, have so far produced 110,000 Sydney Cockles at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to be stocked into flood affected regions.
“Millions of marine and
Bucketts Building
Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre
Newsagent
Club Gloucester
Lovey's IGA
R & R Property
Gloucester Library
Gloucester Caravan Park
Hebbys Bakery
Yates & Twomey
Hannaford Stock & Land Real Estate
Barrington Barrington Shop
assistance, please make sure that is your first stop.
“If you have a neighbour or a relative or know someone that is still in this position, please direct them to the Flood Recovery Centre.
“It is vitally important that message gets out there.”
Cr Pontin has also been advocating to the Reconstruction Authority for the provision of temporary mobile accommodation pods to be provided.
“If you think this would suit your situation
and you would like to have a temporary pod delivered to your land, please make an application through the Recovery Centre,” she explained
“I am aware that displaced families are still staying with relatives and this will become harder for everyone over time.
“I’d like to see people back on their properties where this makes sense.”
For more updated information head to midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ floodrecovery
q Readily found in shallow estuarine waters, cockles are popularly harvested by recreational fishers for bait and are important culturally for Aboriginal communities as a food source.
freshwater fish are produced through aquaculture and stocked into estuaries and rivers by DPIRD each year, however, this is the first time we have produced and restocked cockles to depleted beds,” Dr Parker said.
"Beyond producing the cockles, we have also been trying to understand how juvenile cockles respond to low salinity and how we can increase their resilience to future flood events.”
Dr Taylor said the trial releases of Sydney Cockle into these flood-affected estuaries is an important step towards developing strategies to aid ecosystem and fishery recovery following floods, as it is a highly valued species for commercial, recreational and cultural fishers all along the NSW coast.
“A second release of around 50,000 Sydney Cockle recently occurred in Wallis Lake, after water quality improved following recent flooding events.
“With their creamy white shell and that they are readily found in shallow estuarine waters, cockles are popularly harvested by recreational fishers for bait and are important culturally for Aboriginal communities as a food source.
“As filter feeders, cockles are also important to the health of our estuaries by filtering 1.5 litres of water in an hour.”
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Gloucester Gallery to celebrate quilt artist Elizabeth Maxwell
FROM Page 1
titled Variation on a Theme of Strings. In this exhibition, Elizabeth expressed her interest in textile-making, stating that she used techniques not typically associated with traditional quilting.
According to material from the Maitland Gallery, Elizabeth found that "the imperfect was the most interesting of all”.
Elizabeth passed away in 2022, and due to the COVID pandemic, her family held a private funeral.
Kylie Goldthorpe proposed the idea of an exhibition of Elizabeth's work to her daughters, who were delighted.
“We all agreed it was a fitting way to honour her creativity and life, allowing her many friends in Gloucester to come together for a memorial,” Kylie said.
“The Gloucester Art Gallery is a very popular and heavily booked exhibition venue, and we are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to showcase Elizabeth’s work.”
The opening of the exhibition will take place at the Gloucester Gallery on Saturday, 26 July at 1:30pm.
q Spotty Quilt by Elizabeth Maxwell. Photo: supplied.
CLARIFICATION
Clocking up 9000 hours of rebuilding lives Community Engagement Strategy adopted
NEWS Of The Area wishes to offer clarification to information printed in our 9 July edition.
In the front page story, ‘Train Timetable’, it was stated that Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover had offered “little hope of a speedy return of the XPT service to Gloucester.”
By Sis HIGGINS
SAMARITAN’S Purse officially wrapped-up more than 9000 hours of hands-on flood disaster response on Tuesday 1 July.
After arriving on 24 May, 330 staff and volunteers - both local and interstate - rolled up their sleeves to help flood-ravaged communities on the Mid North Coast. Their efforts transformed devastation into hope; clearing sludge and debris from homes, stripping out water-damaged interiors, tackling mould, and helping make homes safe and ready for families to return.
In their final days on the ground, the Samaritan’s Purse team joined forces with Pathfinders staff at Riverside Caravan Park in Port Macquarie,
bringing a powerful chapter of community recovery to a close.
“Our volunteer teams have been working [six days a week] since [24 May] and assisted more than 100 families to date with flood clean-up assistance and mental health support,” said Daniel Stephens, Disaster Relief Manager for Samaritan’s Purse.
“We have worked all over the Mid North Coast.”
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan praised both organisations for their dedication.
“Samaritan's Purse, and organisations like Pathfinders, have gone above and beyond,” he said.
“On behalf of our communities, I would like to thank every volunteer who gave their time and their hands to help in our time of need.”
better with our community when we listen to how they want to engage with us."
includes regional/rural communities as a specific stakeholder group.
This was due to an error in editing.
To read the full and correct story, visit https://gloucesterdistrict. newsofthearea.com.au/ xpt-replacement-trainsunlikely-to-arrive-ingloucester-anytime-soon.
Instead, the story should have stated that Ms Drover was unable to confirm when the new XPT replacement trains would come into service.
MIDCOAST Council’s Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 was adopted at the June 2025 Council meeting.
The Strategy guides how and when residents and ratepayers can have their say on council plans and decisions.
TRAFFIC TROUBLES
FROM Page 1
Trucks from the quarry will need to travel down Bucketts Way and turn onto the Pacific Highway.
There are currently eight other operational, approved, or under-consideration hard rock quarries in proximity to Hillview Quarry, all with a minimum life span of 30 years, and impacting other traffic on Bucketts Way.
The Stone Ridge quarry in Balickera, approved in December, will alone generate 334 truck movements per day.
The NSW Government is also presently considering whether to approve the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub which, if it goes ahead, will involve a significant increase in heavy traffic along Bucketts Way.
“The biggest wait and buildup of traffic occurs when turning right onto the Pacific Highway off Bucketts Way, (particularly) during peak hours during the morning,” said Mr Fraser.
“During school and public holidays, traffic can be backed up two kilometres at the intersection waiting to
turn right.”
According to Mr Fraser the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the Hillview Quarry application contains flawed data in relation to the volume of traffic on Bucketts Way.
He says the traffic sample relied upon was taken on a Monday, at a time when Covid was taking hold, and that the area has changed significantly since the sample was taken five years ago.
“…it (the EIS) is a very flawed document utilising data that would not stand up in scientific articles,” said Mr
“Our teams are consistently speaking with the community about a range of different projects,” said Paul De Szell, Director of Liveable Communities.
“We took that feedback on board when we reviewed our draft engagement strategy.
“We can always engage
Fraser.
“The project has used flawed data to make flawed statements supporting the project. It does not make sense that this would be approved.”
Former MidCoast Councillor and Gloucester resident Katheryn Stinson has long expressed her concern about the risks associated with turning right from Bucketts Way.
“In my opinion there should be an overpass lane, and I have always voiced my concerns…,” said Ms Stinson.
Gloucester District NOTA reported on 8 January 2025 that motorists travelling south from Gloucester will,
The adopted Community Engagement Strategy now outlines “everything Council considers when making decisions”, while a new sentence explains that the Council considers all feedback received, even if the final decision does not reflect an individual or group view.
The strategy also now
for the foreseeable future at least, continue experiencing the often-long delays, and significant risks associated
A Community Engagement Strategy is part of the Department of Local Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.
Read the full Community Engagement Strategy at https://haveyoursay. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ community-engagementstrategy-2025-2029.
with turning right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway, with no plans for an overpass.
q Ray Vasukinausori, Tarai Kubukawa and Semi Kubunavanua rolled up their sleeves to help rebuild lives and communities. Photo: supplied.
q Ray Vasukinausori and Tarai Kubukawa install new windows as they rebuild homes one frame at a time. Photo: supplied.
q Traffic queuing to turn from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway.
No creature too great or small for WINC
By Lindsay HALL
AS any pet owner will tell you, with no government subsidies such as Medicare, treating injury and illness in companion animals can be an expensive prospect.
What hope is there, then, when native animals are struck by cars, or traumatised by bushfires?
That’s where the volunteers of Wildlife In Need Of Care (WINC) get involved.
“Wildlife In Need Of Care was formed by a group of wildlife carers dedicated to servicing the greater Port Stephens, Dungog Shire and into the Great Lakes,” said the group's spokesperson and species coordinator, Simone Aurino.
Simone says that Australian native animals are increasingly impacted by human development that
encroaches on their home environment.
“Wildlife in general face compounding issues associated with habitat loss.
“This creates vulnerability to disease, stress, contact with vehicles and domestic animals along with displacement.”
Whenever an injured koala, or a sickly galah is discovered, the members of WINC respond by sourcing expert veterinary care and providing a safe environment and assistance during rehabilitation.
“We are fortunate to have an Australia wide network of specialist carers, vets and professionals to consult and collaborate with,” said Simone.
While there is challenge and even heartache involved, the rewards for being part of this conservation work are
extraordinary.
“Each carer has a story that makes their heart sing.
“Watching a damaged, scared bird take wing, a possum or koala climb a tree, a wombat scamper down a burrow or a snake slither off into the grass, it's the best feeling.”
WINC faces two ongoing challenges in doing their part to protect native species: maintaining a cohort of volunteers, and sourcing sufficient funding for veterinary care.
“One of our greatest challenges, especially as a small organisation, is funding.”
“Unlike the large well known organisations we do not receive ongoing government support and our financial resources are dependent on donations.”
The organisation offers
a great variety of roles in which people can contribute to the mission, including rescue, transporting animals, intensive care and rehabilitation, support carers, telephone hotline operators, administration support, fundraising and community awareness, grant applications and data collection, tech and social media as well as committee and species coordinators.
“Our members have the flexibility to volunteer within hours that suit them, with the support of the rest of the teams,” Simone said.
Wildlife carers need to undergo specific training depending on their level of participation.
“Every carer and support member experiences the satisfaction of helping our unique wildlife, even when an animal is unable to be saved.
“Sometimes just giving shelter as the lifecycle completes is a comfort.”
All donations made to the organisation go directly to animal care - WINC has no employees and administrative costs are absorbed by volunteers.
Anyone interested in
Bright spots in agriculture amid market volatility
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
WITH droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it.
But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's
producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook.
Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed.
Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural
inputs
"Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said.
Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start.
However, heavy rainfall
and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions.
At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook.
With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half
The NOTA needs you!
TELLING the incredible stories of Gloucester is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
The independentlyowned NOTA is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area.
Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team in Gloucester.
“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”
Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the aweinspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.
Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories
per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.
If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let's start the conversation.
Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to doug@newsofthearea.com. au.
of the year, the report said.
"The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain."
The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade.
But those moves could improve the chances of a deal
volunteering with WINC, making a donation or seeking further information can email wincenquiries@gmail.com, or visit the organisation's Facebook page.
If you discover an injured native animal or bird you can contact WINC on 1300 946 295 for assistance.
with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports.
"Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said.
"While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support."
q WINC volunteers help care for recovering wildlife like this feather-tailed glider.
q Demand for Aussie beef looks set to remain strong, with reason for "cautious optimism" across agriculture after months of extreme weather and trade uncertainty.
New grants to help bush connectivity
THE Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia.
The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity.
Regional Tech Hub General Manager, Jennifer Medway, said the program is about delivering practical, onthe-ground support.
"People now have more options for connectivity than ever before, but having options isn’t enough if you don’t know how to access them or where to start," Ms Medway said.
"The Connect Grants are designed to bridge that gap by supporting local groups to create opportunities to explain services, support people through choices, and share tools to improve connectivity.
“The funding can be used for things like hosting community workshops, facilitating local training
GREAT Groodle puppies
sessions, producing simple, localised resources, upskilling staff or volunteers in connectivity literacy, promoting the Regional Tech Hub, or sponsoring events where connectivity information can be shared.
"We know from working with thousands of communities across Australia that people are crying out for practical, local help.
“This program goes a long way to providing it,” Ms Medway said.
The Regional Tech Hub is an Australian Government initiative delivered by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), and provides free, independent advice on phone and internet connectivity to anyone living and working in rural, regional and remote Australia.
NFF President David Jochinke said the grants will empower community-led solutions.
"These grants compliment the work already happening in communities by supporting local groups to run events, workshops, training sessions, or create resources focused on improving phone and internet connectivity."
Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, community groups, councils, and regional service providers.
"The Regional Tech Hub has supported hundreds of thousands of people right across the country over the past few years,” Ms Medway said.
“The Connect Grants mean we can help even more people access the very latest connectivity solutions.”
Applications open on Wednesday, 16 July 2025 and close at noon on Friday, 8 August 2025.
Projects must be delivered within six months of approval, but applicants don’t need to have confirmed dates when applying.
For more information visit the RTH website, or contact hello@regionaltechhub.org. au.
"Connectivity challenges won’t be solved by infrastructure alone. We need local groups and trusted organisations to help people make sense of their options," Mr Jochinke said.
q Grants of up to $3000 are available to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia.
Increase in NSW adults getting sunburnt
The “Sun Protection Behaviours Report”, released last week, shows 15 percent of people surveyed reported being sunburnt, up from 12 percent in the previous
report.
The research analyses data from the 2022 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 13,000 people to report on
their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks.
The report found young
q The report found more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection.
COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE
people were more likely to be exposed to the sun and experience sunburn, with one in four 18-24 year olds reporting a sunburn in a four-week period.
Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing a hat and sunglasses.
The report found more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection, though only 35 percent always or often used three or more.
It also found exposure to the sun for more than 15 minutes when UV is at its highest reduced among NSW adults overall from 46 to 41 percent.
Ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, who serves as the Chief Executive of Cancer Institute NSW, said two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting young Australians, so it
is worrying to see that an estimated one in four young people report getting sunburnt,” she said.
“I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year, so even in winter, adopting sun protection behaviours is essential, particularly at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.”
The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year including in winter.
The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:
1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every two hours.
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330 Funded using
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
using
SATURDAY
GREAT
BRITISH CITIES WITH SUSAN CALMAN
SBS, 7.30pm
Scottish comedian Susan Calman (pictured) is on a mission to appreciate the wonder of cities, touring the UK’s greatest regional centres, learning how they were made and going beyond the hustle and bustle to uncover their hidden treasures – with lots of laughs along the way. First up is Liverpool, where she visits obvious highlights such as Royal Albert Dock and the Cavern Club. But it’s the lesser known places like the incredible Williamson tunnels that really make this worth a watch.
FRIDAY, July 18
(PG, R)
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa visits garden designer Michael Cooke. 8.30 Patience. (PGa) The team is baffled when a young woman is found dead among a dinosaur display at York Museum.
9.20 Gruen. (Final, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.35 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mastermind Australia.
SUNDAY
THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY
ABC FAMILY, 7.35pm
Arrested Development star Tony Hale (pictured) adds not one, but two, exquisitely enigmatic characters to his collection with a dual role as twin brothers Nicholas Benedict and L.D. Curtain in this Disney adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart’s children’s books. Resembling a Wes Anderson film, the fantastical series follows four prodigal young orphans (played by Mystic Inscho, Emmy DeOliveira, Seth Carr and Marta Kessler) who are recruited by Benedict to infiltrate an elite academy that’s seemingly the centre of a global brainwashing operation. Sophisticated and cinematic, this kids’ caper is fun for the whole family.
8.35 The Royals: A History Of Scandals: Murder. (Return) 9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 13. Loudenvielle to Peyragudes. 180.6km mountain stage. From France.
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.00 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SUNDAY
WATSON
By taking its lead from Sherlock Holmes’ iconic sidekick, Dr John Watson, this CBS medical drama takes a fresh tilt at the oft-adapted mythology of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective. Acclaimed actor Morris Chestnut (pictured) plays a modern-day iteration of the good doctor, who resumes his medical career after Holmes’ apparent death, using his extraordinary skills in deductive reasoning to diagnose rare diseases at a clinic in Pittsburgh. In this heartwrenching premiere, Watson treats a pregnant woman (Anjelica Bette Fellini) with a fatal neurodegenerative disease. In a race against time, Watson must figure out a way to help the patient live long enough to safely deliver her baby.
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 MOVIE: A Man Called Otto. (2022, Mal, R) A bitter, grumpy man’s solitary life is changed when a young family moves in nearby and he meets his match in the form of a quick-witted, young woman, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around. Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller.
11.05 Dancing With The Stars. (PG, R)
12.25 The Disappearance. (Mav, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 20. Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Penrith Panthers versus South Sydney Rabbitohs match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Be Cool. (2005, Mlv, R) A former mobster enters the music industry. John Travolta, Uma Thurman.
1.00 Great Australian Detour. (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 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 House Hunters Australia.
SATURDAY, July 19
6.30 Back Roads: Outback Dressmakers, NSW. (PG, R) Heather Ewart looks at outback dressmaking.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie investigate witchcraft at an orphanage.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate the death of a cricketer during a tournament.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv, R) Mystery Bay’s brief flirtation with happiness ends.
10.45 Little Disasters. (Mal, R) Jess’ fate hangs in the balance. 11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Ring Of Fire. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.50 Dance Life. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Liverpool. (Premiere) Susan Calman journeys to Liverpool.
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 14. Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères. 182.6km mountain stage. From France.
1.55 SBS50. (R)
2.00 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
2.55 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) 7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Dara Ó Briain. 8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) An academic uncovers a conspiracy while helping investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen. 11.30 Tabloids On Trial. (Mal, R) An expose of illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloids.
1.00 The Disappearance. (Madv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGl, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 1. Australia v British & Irish Lions.
10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.
10.15 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018, MA15+dlv, R)
12.35 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (Madl, R)
1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Empty-nesters Craig and Belinda are at loggerheads over their four-bedroom suburban Ashmore home.
8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mad, R) NSW Ambulance crews race to a call for a slashed throat and perform life-saving CPR on teens.
9.50 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple are searching for their first home. 10.50 Elsbeth. (Mv, R)
SUNDAY, July 20
6.30 Compass. (PGals)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PGs) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mal) A date night turns into graveyard duty for Stella.
8.50 Little Disasters. (Final, Mal) A day at a fair leads to a shocking reveal.
9.40 My Name Is Gulpilil. (Madl, R) Follows actor David Gulpilil.
11.20 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Songs Of Summer. (Ml, R)
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (Premiere) 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6am The Majestic. Continued. (2001, PG) 8.10 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 10.00 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 12.40pm St. Vincent. (2014, M) 2.35 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 4.30 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 6.30 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 8.30 The Take. (2016) 10.15 The Salamander. (2021, MA15+, Portuguese) 12.25am Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Statue Of Liberty: A French Giant. A look at the history of the Statue of Liberty.
8.30 Marseille: Birth Of A Megapolis. (PG, R) Explores the history of Marseilles, once called Massilia, the second largest city in France.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 15. Muret to Carcassonne. 169.3km hilly stage. From France.
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
(31) VICELAND (31)
2.40 Blue Water Safari. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 8.20 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 10.00 The Innocent. (2022, M, French) 11.50 The Way Back. (2010, M) Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, First Cow. (2019, PG) 6.40 Golden Blood Diamond. (2006, The Invisible Witness. (2018, M, Italian)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Anita Cobby Murder. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the 1986 kidnapping and murder of 26-year-old nurse Anita Cobby.
10.40 The Crow Girl. (MA15+av)
12.50 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv)
2.00 To Be Advised.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGl, R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Kars & Stars. 5.40 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.35 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.15 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGl)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.10 Shoot To Kill: Hunting The London Bombers. (Mav) A forensic account of the manhunt across London after the 7/7 terror bombings of 2005.
9News Late.
See No Evil. (Mal)
Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dmns, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, July 21
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (Premiere, PGa)
8.20 Breakaway Femmes: The Forgotten Tour De France.
10.05 Rock Legends.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Classified. (Return, Mlv)
11.50 A Criminal Affair. (MA15+s, R)
1.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
2.30 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.30 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55
6am Lunana:
A Yak In The Classroom. Continued. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 7.45 First Cow. (2019, PG) 10.00 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 12.05pm The Invisible Witness. (2018, M, Italian) 2.00 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 3.55 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 5.45 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 7.45 Tel Aviv On Fire. (2018, M, Arabic) 9.30 Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 11.10 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 22
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGaw)
8.30 Insight. Hosted by Kumi Taguchi.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 16. Montpellier to Mont Ventoux. 171.5km mountain stage. From France.
1.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
2.30 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 1.25 Jack Whitehall’s Got, Got, Need. 3.10 Augmented. 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.15am Rob & Romesh Vs. 1.55 It’s Fine, I’m Fine. 2.20 Late Programs.
MOVIES (32)
6am The Emperor’s Club. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.45 Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 10.00 Golden Years. (2016, PG) 11.50 Tel Aviv On Fire. (2018, M, Arabic) 1.40pm All At Sea. (2010, PG) 3.20 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 5.40 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 7.40 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 9.30 The Shadow Of The Day. (2022, M, French) 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Irene stands up for herself.
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.
8.30 9-1-1. (Mav) Maddie’s return to work may have been too soon as it proves to be more triggering than expected.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA: Killed In Cold Blood. (Malv, R)
12.30 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
Parental Guidance. (PGa)
100% Footy. (M)
9News Late.
Aussie Road Train Truckers. (PGl) 11.30 Footy
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Alf reassures Harper. David has an offer for Lacey. Dana opens up to Sonny.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mls) The five couples are contemplating their relationships on the outside and whether or not they’ll stay together.
11.30 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.30 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R) Kate makes a return to Reed & Reed.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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
and live music. And the place to stay
9GEM
WEDNESDAY, July 23
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s
THURSDAY,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 How Disney Built America. (Mv)
8.30 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong?
9.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 17. Bollène to Valence. 160.4km flat stage. From France.
1.50 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
2.25 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGaw, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
July 24
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (Madl)
11.20 Stags. (MA15+adv)
12.20 Imposters. (Malsv, R)
1.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tipping Point: The Block. (PG) 9.00 Murder Down Under. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes: Eastern Mediterranean. (PGa) Bettany Hughes travels to the Eastern Mediterranean.
8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. Vif to Courchevel (Col de la Loze).
171.5km mountain stage. From France.
2.00 SBS50. (R)
2.05 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
3.50 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Last Wave. Continued. (1977, PG) 7.40 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 10.05 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 11.40 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 1.30pm Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 3.45 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 5.45 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 7.35 Living. (2022, PG) 9.30 Ali And Ava. (2021, M) 11.15 Eiffel. (2021, M, French) 1.15am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.35 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 10.15 The Shadow Of The Day. (2022, M, French) 12.35pm C’mon C’mon. (2021, M) 2.35 Another Country. (2015, PG) 4.00 Living. (2022, PG) 5.50 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 7.30 In The Heat Of The Night. (1967, M) 9.30 Begin Again. (2013, M) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
8.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Erwin Kastenberger. (Mav, R)
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Second Thoughts. (PGal)
10.30 Million Pound Pawn. (PGa)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
Contact us to place a special message Email: ads@newsofthearea.com.au Phone: (02) 4981 8882
GLOUCESTER SCHOOL OF ARTS INC.
Notice is given that the Gloucester School of Arts Inc. Annual General Meeting will be held in the Gloucester School of Arts Meeting Rooms, 25 Denison St Gloucester NSW on Monday 28 July 2025 at 1700 hrs
Members are invited to attend, and anyone interested in being involved in Gloucester School of Arts activities is welcome.
For further information contact the Secretary - gsofarts@gmail.com or 0428 209 944
Pets
GREAT Groodle pups (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 6 girls.
Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $1,200. Ready to go 6th July. Call or text: 0422 070 333 991003003003470 / 991003003003472 / 991003003003469 / 991003003003474 / 991003003003477 / 991003003003463
or Ron 0408 967 747
Aviary, hexagonal 58” diameter. Netting 3 sides; green colourbond walls. Good condition $50 ONO 0429 959 409 F180625
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876
RECLINER petite electric, 5 yr warranty on electrics, as new cond grey, was $3,250 now $1,500 ono. 0418117105
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787 F030425 WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950
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
OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
WHILE attending a car show on the weekend, I was almost ploughed down by a man on a mobility scooter.
He looked at me as though I was the one in the wrong, even though I was just minding my own business on the footpath.
What are the rules around mobility scooters and who has the right of way?
Kim S.
Dear Kim,
There is a certain poignancy about a mature-aged man on a mobility scooter at a car show full of hottedup Porches and Corvettes, weaving
through full-throttled enthusiasts in their jaunty caps and 'Ride it Like You Stole It' t-shirts.
Caught in the heady mix of exhaust fumes, testosterone, and hot chips, surrounded by rows of gleaming chassis, it's easy to feel inadequate when you drive a beige Mazda CX5, so I can only imagine how it feels to roll in on the Pride 130XL Pathrider with 13-inch pneumatic tyres, padded armrests, and a 10km/hour speed limit.
May I suggest to you, Kim, that the man on the mobility scooter was not intentionally trying to mow you down, but simply got caught up in the enthusiasm.
Perhaps, against the backdrop of car horns and revving motors and conversations like, "Nice EH. Does it have the 179?" or 'I'd kill for a Cobra replica with a 427," the mobility scooter driver was transformed. In his mind, he was no longer Albert with dodgy knees, but a man behind a wheel with Steppenwolf's 'Born to Be Wild' lyrics running through his brain.
News Of The Area
Caught up in the moment, it is conceivable he momentarily forgot the Service NSW rules including riding at walking speed on footpaths and a preparedness to stop for pedestrians.
I suspect that now the car show is a distant memory, Albert is sitting at home nursing his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and feeling a sense of regret about his lapse in judgement. Alternatively, he is hotting up his vehicle, Googling 'how do I remove the speed limit on my mobility scooter', stealthily streamlining the bodywork, and adding a rear diffuser and spoiler.
He's possibly also spraypainting it torch red in preparation for next year's show.
If you attend again, have your wits about you, Kim.
Be ready to duck into a shopfront at a moment's notice. Albert has been blooded.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
From the Mayor’s
By Claire PONTIN, MidCoast Mayor
desk
OUR flood recovery work is progressing, and I am continuing to request more financial assistance from the State and Federal Governments for
the community and for Council. I was pleased to hear that our request for Category D funding was agreed.
This provides access to a significant financial package of measures for our primary producers and was very much needed.
As many of you will know the Wingham Brush Riverside Reserve was destroyed in the flood.
Our crews have been working there to make it safe so we can remove the fences and restore some access.
At this stage, we do not have any promised funding to repair any of our damaged parks and reserves, but in any event, the damage at Wingham Brush was so severe it probably can’t be rebuilt.
We expect Thunderbolts Way to be
Streets paved with gold in alleged roadworks corruption
By Jack GRAMENZ and Samantha LOCK, AAP
CASH, cryptocurrency and even gold nuggets are among the alleged spoils of a long-running scheme to rig and inflate contracts for roadworks.
A former department officer is believed to be in hiding, after a failed attempt to leave Australia on a US passport.
The alleged rigging and inflation of contracts by Transport for NSW procurement officer Ibrahim Helmy between 2012 and 2024 has come under the microscope of the state's Independent Commission Against Corruption.
A senior barrister assisting the commission's inquiry notes it is only the agency's latest corruption cloud.
"This is the fourth public inquiry into corruption in procurement
processes at Transport for NSW since 2019," Rob Ranken SC said on Monday.
Past inquiries found department officials had manipulated procurements and contracts for corrupt benefits and the current inquiry is expected to reveal similar conduct, Mr Ranken said.
Helmy is suspected to have received more than $11.5 million from the alleged scheme, which involved contracts worth more than $343 million.
Cash stuffed in envelopes, cryptocurrency transfers Helmy allegedly coached people through and nuggets of gold bullion were among payments, Mr Ranken told the inquiry.
Helmy has been wanted since May after failing to appear before the NSW Crime Commission.
The commission held his Australian passport when Helmy was detected
at Sydney Airport awaiting a flight to China in September 2024.
Computers and storage devices were seized along with a US passport, before Helmy was released on conditions.
But he failed to return from putting the bins out one Sunday night according to his family, who have not reported him missing, Mr Ranken said.
Helmy is believed to still be in NSW and to have received assistance to avoid apprehension.
"We suspect it is only a matter of time before he is located and we urge him to come forward of his own volition," Mr Ranken said.
The inquiry is expected to hear from managers and directors of companies Helmy allegedly helped receive lucrative government work.
More help flows in
HELP continues to flow into the MidCoast following the destructive May floods.
Cumberland City Council is the latest LGA to offer assistance and is sending a pothole patching team to the region for two weeks to work on the road network from Monday July 14. This follows on from
reopened to traffic around the end of July, but this is weather dependent with the hope we don’t get too much rain in the meantime.
Please use the Reconstruction Authority’s Recovery Centre in Taree if you have any flood related issues.
If your house has not been cleared out, or if you would benefit from the provision of a temporary accommodation pod on
your block, please let the Recovery Centre know.
The best way to keep up to date with all the flood recovery work is to check out the Flood Recovery Hub on our website.
For all other Council news and updates subscribe to our weekly newsletter Newswrap which you can also do by going on Council’s website.
A number of other transport officials are also subject to the inquiry, with hopes it can make recommendations to improve the department's policies and processes.
Public hearings are expected to continue for about six weeks.
The investigation led to raids on the head office of Protection Barriers, one of the state's biggest roadworks companies, in September.
The business secured significant deals worth more than $110 million from Transport for NSW for road safety work.
Luxury cars were
seized from the company's headquarters in northern NSW, before the firm fell into voluntary administration in March.
Company founder Jason Chellew told the inquiry Helmy had proposed inflating contracts and splitting the increase.
"We were worried that if we said no, we would have got no work," Mr Chellew said.
The inquiry also expects to hear from Peco and Saso Jankulovski, directors of Complete Linemarking Services, later in the week.
both Wollongong Shire and Newcastle councils sending crews to help.
MidCoast Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Service, Rob Scott, said any assistance was welcomed with open arms.
“As you can expect our crews are really up against it at the moment,” he said.
“This assistance takes a lot of pressure off our crews, and while the pothole teams from other Council areas are here, it frees our staff up to work on other affected roads.
“The help from all the Councils cannot be understated and is greatly appreciated.”
Annual farm census underway
NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census.
The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks.
Landholders must lodge their return by 31 August 2025 via the online
portal or by completing the paper form received in the mail.
Local Land Services’ Executive Director Delivery, Rob Kelly, said the Annual Land and Stock Return helped paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW at the time of the 30 June census date.
“An accurate snapshot helps the NSW Government respond quickly and accurately to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, monitor flock and herd
health and carry out emergency animal disease surveillance,” Mr Kelly said.
“This helps protect NSW from the threat of pests, diseases and emergencies while supporting primary producers and keeping supply chains strong.
“We recognise many farmers have faced significant challenges recently that have impacted their stock levels, including floods in the Hunter and North Coast regions and drought
conditions in southern parts of the state.
“Despite these challenges, it is still important for everyone to lodge their Annual Land and Stock Return as this information allows us to better respond in emergency situations and deliver timely animal health and biosecurity advice.
“If you need advice or support, please reach out to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit your nearest office.”
There are more than
170,000 landholders across NSW.
Those without stock still need to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to a landholder’s next Local Land Services rates notice if they fail to complete their return.
Landholders can visit nsw.gov.au/alsr or scan the QR code on their Annual Land and Stock Return notice to submit their return online.
q Helmy has been wanted since May after failing to appear before the NSW Crime Commission. Photo: NSW Police.
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
AUSTRALIA’S selectors have four Sheffield Shield matches to sort their openers for the Ashes, after the team's top order crumbled under lights in Jamaica.
The tourists went to stumps on night two at Sabina Park at 6-99 in their second innings, leading West Indies by 181 but with the game firmly in the balance.
Sam Konstas was out for a duck and opening partner Usman Khawaja 14, before Cameron Green offered the only firm resistance with an unbeaten 42 in a chaotic final session.
Australia's batting woes came after Scott Boland
By Diane PRITCHARD
THURSDAY, MEN’S BOWLS – 10 JULY
Rob Hayes, Chris Pritchard & Harry Cox def Tony Davies, Don Mielhoff & Tony Tersteeg 19-15 (15+4)
Paul Sheridan, Norm McLeod & Mark Groves def Rob Cushway, Max Stevens & Adrian Rovere 28-16 (15+12)
Basil Schneider, Ian
vindicated his selection at the expense of Nathan Lyon, claiming 3-34 to have the hosts out for 143.
That handed Australia an 82-run first-innings lead in their pursuit of a 3-0 sweep of the Frank Worrell Trophy, but also exposed the batters to an entire night session.
And while the selectors appear to have got it right with the Boland call, much bigger questions loom ahead of the Ashes.
Konstas was caught playing at a ball outside off stump, taking the teenager's total return for the series to 50 runs at 8.33.
Khawaja followed four overs later when he played on to Joseph, leaving him
Tull & Jeff Kelly def Paul Young, Terry Carson & Vic Hebblewhite 27-14 (17+13)
Ken Bryant & Alex Laurie def Col Beattie & Steve Kriss 27-16 (20+11)
R Ellis, Andrew Henderson & Col Hebblewhite def Michael Way, Jordy Thompson & Mike Sheely 41-8 (23+33)
Alan Burgess, Rob Gibson & Stephen Hurworth def Jai Thompson, Noel
with 123 runs at 15.37 in the four Tests dating back to Test Championship final.
This tour has been brutal for batters on both sides, and is on track to be the first three-Test series without a century scored by either team in almost 30 years.
Regardless of that, veteran Khawaja and youngster Konstas have done little to lock in Ashes selection.
Cricket Australia announced the summer's domestic schedule on Monday, with four Shield rounds before the first Test in Perth on November 21.
Runs in those games could be key for Konstas and Khawaja.
Cook & Neville Atkins 34-7 (23+27)
MIXED BOWLS –SATURDAY, 12 JULY
Rob Cushway & Ian Tull def Chris Pritchard & Joan Ridgeway 21-17 (14+4)
Jenny Stevens & John Andrews def Ruth Redman & Julie Kriss 21-12 (15+9)
Ken Bryant & Ann Andrews def Max Stevens & Debbie Cushway 29-6 (18+23)
Potential replacements Nathan McSweeney, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne could also make their cases.
There were some brief positives for Australia with the bat on day two.
Green has grown in confidence as a No.3 on this tour, standing tall and driving superbly as Alzarri Joseph (3-19) wreaked havoc for everyone else.
The West Australian had a difficult start to life at No.3 in the Test Championship final, but now has scores of 52, 46
and 42no from his last three innings.
Joseph bowled Steve Smith off the right-hander's bat and pad for five, before trapping Beau Webster lbw for 13 and edging off Alex Carey for a duck.
Carey was struck on the head first ball by Joseph, before he charged the quick and was caught at second slip to leave Australia 6-69.
Pat Cummins (5no) was lucky not to immediately follow when he gloved Joseph down legside but West Indies did not review it, while there was also a missed run-out
chance.
Earlier, Boland had been Australia's best with the ball as he used seam movement to remove the Windies' two top scorers in John Campbell (36) and Shai Hope (23).
The Victorian angled a ball back at a leaving Campbell to have him lbw, before nipping one back between Hope's bat and pad to bowl him.
Boland then finished the job by bowling Shamar Joseph, as the hosts lost 5-19 and Cummins and Josh Hazlewood finished with two wickets each.
Balls were
By Carolyn DAVIES
WEDNESDAY last week, 9 July, Cheryl Goodrich turned in a score seven strokes clear of the field to win the WGNSW Medal.
It was a clear sunny day for the Gloucester Golf Ladies Individual Stroke event with the players leaving trails of their putting lines on the dewy greens of the early morning. The
By Peter WILDBLOOD
IT WAS a cool sunny day for the Gloucester Veteran Golfers last Tuesday 8 July for the qualifying round of Radford Webb Match Play competition for 2025 but none of that prevented visitor Haydon Moller from taking his winner’s trophy home to Mereweather.
The event was an
course was still playing on the heavy side with very little run and thick grass in the rough.
The player that defied the conditions was Cheryl Goodrich handing in a solid net score of 71, two under handicap par. Cheryl won a colourful tray of fruit and vegetables from the sponsors for the day Anne Maggs and Liane Markey.
The other tray went to
Individual Stableford sponsored by Arthur Poynting and the winner with 35 Stableford points was Haydon Moller. Joint runners up, a point behind on 34, were Rod Burrows and Mark Stone.
Ball winners were Evan Moller, 33, Arthur Poynting 28 and Peter Buettel, 27.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy at the 4th and 13th
and Myrelle Fraser, 84. The Nearest-to-the-Pin prizes were won by Evelyn Blanch at the 4th and 13th holes, and Cheryl Goodrich at the 6th and 15th holes.
This Wednesday the Gloucester Golf Ladies will play the first round of the Women’s Club Championships followed by the second and final round on Wednesday 23 July.
holes was won by Derek Wand; at the 6th and 15th holes it was Dale Rabbett and Peter Buettel with the top tee shots at the hole.
This week the veteran Golfers play an Individual Stableford sponsored by Gary Peters and next Tuesday Anne and Ian Maggs sponsor another Individual Stableford.
Carolyn Davies who won the putting, with 27 putts across her round.
won by Carolyn Davies, 78, Evelyn Blanch, 83,
q Usman Khawaja was out for 14 as Australia's openers again struggled in the third Test. Photo: AP PHOTO.
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SCAN HERETOFIND OU T M !ERO
Foursomes Champs
By Peter WILDBLOOD
IT WAS another cool and sunny day at the Gloucester Golf Course on Saturday 12 July for the annual Men’s Foursomes Championships with Nathan McInnes and Shane Crichton putting in a good performance for their win.
The event was sponsored by Col Laurie and Roy Crichton.
The Men’s Foursomes Champions for 2025 are Nathan McInnes and Shane Crichton whose 127 strokes for the 27 holes of the competition put them three strokes ahead of Doug Blanch and Paul Blanch, 130, in the runner up position. The leading net winners were Kev Arney and Bill Murray, 112; runners up in the net event were Brian Osborne and Paul Coote just over four
strokes behind at 116¾.
Balls were won by Kev Arney and Bill Murray 112, Nathan McInnes and Shane Crichton 115 and by Brian Osborne and Paul Coote 116¾.
Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th, 13th and 22nd holes were won by Nathan McInnes in A grade and Peter Sate in B grade; they finished 436 cm and 895 cm from the hole respectively. At the 6th, 15th and 24th holes it was Shane Crichton in A grade, Doug Blanch in B grade and Kev Arney in C grade who were closest at 410 cm, 360 cm and 1440 cm.
The long drive competition at the 8th, 17th and 26th holes were won by A grade player Phil Bowden and B grader Geoff Reynolds.
On this coming Saturday the Gloucester
Men’s Club Championship with begin with the final two rounds to be played on Saturday 26 July and Saturday 2 August; all three events are sponsored by the Arkwood family.
The winner of the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 11 July was Wayne Maddalena with a score of 14 points. He was followed by ball winners Dave Mann and Wayne Maddalena each with 13 points; the last two balls of offer went after a multiple count back to Rod Borrows and Bill Murray with their 12 points.
This coming Saturday is the first round of the Men’s Championship an Individual Stroke event sponsored by the Arkwood Family. The following Saturday the second of the three rounds of the championship will be held.
q Nathan McInnes and Shane Crichton.