By Joshua GILBERT
By Joshua GILBERT
q Steve Parkin with his Alice in Wonderland-themed falcon for the Mystery Box Rally.
The Dining Room brought to life in Gloucester
By John WATTS
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FOR three performances on 20, 21 and 22 March Gloucester residents, at least those who were lucky enough to secure a ticket, will be treated to a fascinating performance of A R Gurney’s ‘The Dining Room’.
This production is being staged in the intimate surroundings of the Gloucester Gallery
FROM Page 1
by Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI), and is directed by News Of The Area’s (NOTA) own Wendy Buswell.
“The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions,” said the Dramatists Play Service about the original version
Local community member Anne
of the play.
“The action is comprised of a mosaic of interrelated scenes - some funny, some touching, some rueful - which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant).
Gloucester
Yates
However, this local production has its own take on the play.
“I have tried to make the play less about the dying WASP culture and more about the dining room as a place of family significance across time and place,” Wendy said.
“If I was going to sum up the essential message of the play, it is that a dining room continues to have importance as a meeting place for family and friends.
“I love the art gallery space and because the play only has a dining table as the set, I decided the play would work in there.
“I also wanted to demonstrate to the Gloucester community that a 'traditional stage' is not the only way to create theatre.”
NOTA had the chance to catch up with a couple of the actors.
“I have six different roles,” said Nigel Harden, for whom the play is his first experience of acting.
“The actors change roles, personalities and ages with virtuoso skill as they portray a wide variety of characters.”
the most welcoming community I have ever belonged to,” Anne said.
Andrews told News Of The Area, “Memorial items have been lovingly preserved to honour the originators and older residents.”
Importantly, volunteers have been ensuring that fun has been at the heart of the working bees.
“I speak for many of my neighbours when I say this is
With the renovations underway, the Waukivory Hall is now living up to the 1935 vision, with Tai Chi held on Friday mornings, workshops, regular bingo nights, soup and damper nights and events.
Art workshops will be
“There are about sixteen scenes, and all the roles get split up between all of us, and we come on stage as multiple people.
“It’s life situations that all are centred in the dining room at different times, different eras, different countries and different social classes.
“Some of the subjects are hard hitting, but there’s a lot of wit, including black humour.
“There is something for absolutely everyone.”
Jasmine Van Aalst enjoyed performing at school and is delighted that GACCI has given her the opportunity to take part in an activity she loves.
“The play is all about all the shared experiences that can happen in the dining room,” said Jasmine.
“The action takes place between the 1920’s and the present and with different characters across that time space.
“I play four main characters and some supporting roles.”
Unfortunately for those not quick enough to procure a ticket, the play is now sold out.
held in May, run by local artist John Andrews.
An inaugural art exhibition with talks and demonstrations will take place over the long weekend in June.
If you wish to become involved, please get in touch with Kathy at 0409 767 722.
q The cast and crew rehearsing ‘The Dining Room’.
q Kathy Baxter, Secretary of the Waukivory Hall Committee. Photo: supplied.
q Volunteers at the Waukivory Hall working bee. Photo: supplied.
School of Arts more than a landmark
By Wendy BUSWELL
debates, and
Gloucester Flowers blossoms with new award
By Joshua GILBERT
GLOUCESTER Flowers has been awarded second place in this year’s Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Wedding Industry Awards.
“[The] awards are dedicated to recognising, supporting, and rewarding wedding businesses that operate in regional areas of Australia,” the awards website states.
Gloucester Flowers owner Felicia Maljers told NOTA she was “very shocked and surprised” by the accolade.
“I’m very, very grateful,” she said.
Felicia took on the shop almost five years ago, after a chance encounter with the previous owner as a local real estate agent.
“I've always been a gardener and always loved flowers,” she said.
“I went out to do an inspection on a property of the lady that owned Gloucester Flowers.
“We were just chatting and catching up, and she said that she was selling Gloucester Flowers, and I said ‘I'll buy it’.”
One of the biggest learning curves has been the logistics of getting fresh flowers to Gloucester.
“I can only get flowers fresh from the market two days a week,” Felicia said.
“It comes from Sydney
markets to Nabiac with a courier, and then it comes from a second courier to Gloucester.”
Gloucester Flowers services right across the district, providing flowers for weddings, funerals and significant events.
Felicia travels far and wide, having provided flowers for weddings at the Central Coast and Newcastle, as well as locally delivering across Gloucester, Stroud and Nabiac.
“The people of Gloucester are so supportive, and I'm very lucky.
“I couldn't do this without the great support that I've received from everyone here,” Felicia said.
essay writing, as long as the topics did not involve politics or religion.
The Gloucester School of Arts, which has been a part of the community since 1904, initially operated from a building on Barrington Street.
Unfortunately, this building, along with 1,800 library books, a piano, and a billiard table, was destroyed by fire in 1926.
The current Gloucester School of Arts, located at the corner of Church and Denison Street, was officially opened in 1933.
“The operation of the Gloucester School of Arts changed in 2018 when the School of Arts legislation was repealed,” explained Peter Buettel, Gloucester School of Arts Secretary.
“The School of Arts is run by a management committee who decided to maintain ownership and management of the building rather than transferring it to the council or crown lands, ensuring it remained a community facility.”
The School of Arts continues to uphold its commitment to arts and
education, supporting various initiatives in these areas. It also offers meeting rooms available for individuals or groups to hire.
“The School of Arts provides grants for cultural or arts-related activities,” Peter told News Of The Area.
“One of its most significant contributions to the town has been assisting in establishing the Gloucester Gallery, which has become an important cultural venue.
“I would love the people of Gloucester to know that the School of Arts is not just a landmark building; it is also an organisation dedicated to supporting community-based arts and education activities.”
109th GLOUCESTER SHOW 2025
FRIDAY 21ST MARCH 2025
GLOUCESTER SHOWGROUND
SHOWGROUND ROAD, GLOUCESTER MARCH 21 & 22
8.00am Judging of Australian Stock Horse Ring Classes commence/ Pavilions open
9.00am Reptile Solutions Display Sessions commence/Animal Nursery opens
9.30am Junior Beef Judging and Parading/Floral Art and Flowers Judging commences
11.00am Primary School Students Visit (11am -2pm)
11.00am –1.30pm Hula Hoops/ Bubble Blowing
2.30pm Twilight Dressage in Main Arena commences
3.30pm President’s Choice Cake Judging in Pavilions
4.00pm Side Show Alley opens/Bar opens
5.00pm Pavilions Close/Billy Cart Derby commences
6.30pm Presentation at Bar for Billy Cart Derby
SATURDAY 22ND MARCH 2025
8.00am Horse Judging Rings in Main Arena and Show Jumping commences/ Pavilions open
8.30am Group 2 Young Dairy Judging Final commences
9.00am Side Show Alley opens/ Animal Nursery opens/Poultry Judging
9.30am Stud Beef Cattle Judging/ Dairy Cattle Judging/All Breeds Dairy Heifer Show commences
9.30am Horse Sporting events commence/Reptile Solutions open
10.00am Heavy Horse events commence/Billy Boiling Heats—Senior/ Roving Stilt Walker
11.00am Vintage Tractor, Motor and Car Display/Camp Oven Cook Up commences
11.30am Hula Hoops Circus Workshop near Animal Nursery
12.00 Noon Supreme Dairy Judging/ Pie Eating heats
12.30pm Giant Bubble Blowing Space
1.00pm Novelty Dog Agility at Animal Nursey
1.30pm MadStyleMoto (Freestyle Motorbike) in Sporting Arena/Roving Balloon Twisting
2.00pm Billy Boiling Finals/Camp Oven Cook Up Judging/Horse and Pony Fancy Dress in Main Arena
2.30pm GRAND PARADE, Official Opening and Welcome to Country Presentation of Local Rural Women’s Entrants and Junior Show Girl Awards Horse and Led Cattle Parade/Car and Vintage Tractor Parade
FIREWORKS ARE SPONSORED BY OUR MAJOR SPONSOR
3.00pm MadStyleMoto (Freestyle Motorbike)
3.30pm Horse Sporting events—Open Barrel Racing/Open Pony Twist in Main Arena
4.00pm Post Splitting—Heat 1/Hula Hoops/Roving Stilt Walker
4.30pm MadStyleMoto (Freestyle Motorbike)
5.00pm Whip Cracking/Junior Farmers Challenge Heats/Tug-o-War Heats and Finals
5.30pm Post Splitting—Heat 2
6.00pm MadStyleMoto (Freestyle Motorbike) 6.30pm
q Felicia Maljers at her shop.
q Gloucester School of Arts.
INTRODUCING CHA CHA!
Jack Russell Terrier Female
Microchipped, vaccinated, desexed
Microchip number 991003001973111 Age: 9 months
Location: East Maitland, NSW
Cha Cha’s adoption fee is $650
Cha Cha is desperate for her new people to come and meet her, she just wants and needs people to be around her. She has shown some signs of anxiety. Cha Cha tested quite well with other friendly dogs, she felt a little intimidated when meeting a large dog. We believe he would be suitable to live with another dog, or be a spoiled “only child”. We feel that he could be suitable to live with cats Cha Cha has shown no food aggression since being at the facility. If you are interested in adopting Cha Cha or one of our animals, please contact us on 0499 900 272.
Maitland Animal Rehoming Centre
‘Mad Hatters’ to hit the road for cancer research
FROM Page 1
The Mystery Box Rally is “one of the largest community lead fundraising events for Cancer Council in Australia”, the event website states.
Steve and his daughter Laura, or “Team Mad Hatters”, will set out on their third Rally in August, with fundraising efforts well underway.
The team have previously
raised more than $32,000 for the Cancer Council by participating in the last two rallies.
“The first year, we made over $14,000,” Steve said.
“The second year we made $18,000. This year we're pushing for $20,000.”
They are off to a great start, with the Laurie family from Knowla Livestock kickstarting the team’s fundraising efforts by providing four Angus cows that sold at last week's cattle sales for $1,600 per head.
“James Laurie was the instigator of the cattle being sold, and the Laurie family had been absolutely brilliant and great supporters,” Steve told News Of The Area.
“I'm extremely humbled by how the community rallies around these sorts of things,” he said.
“It's just amazing to me when you see such a small community and how much they support it.”
A range of local businesses and organisations are supporting this year’s fundraiser, building upon their contributions in previous years.
Steve will have the car on show at the upcoming Gloucester Show and will be holding a raffle to raise funds. Donations can also be made at https://2025. mysteryboxrally.com.au/madhatters.
Billabong Park playground softfall replacement
THE Gloucester community will soon see the restoration of the Billabong Park playground, with work beginning on 24 March to replace the damaged softfall, a key feature of the playground which was affected by the 2021 floods.
the ongoing flood recovery efforts in the region.
The replacement of the softfall is funded under the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP), as part of
The project involves the installation of 407m² of rubber softfall, as well as timber bordering.
Work is expected to take approximately
two weeks to complete, weather permitting, weather permitting, with the intention it will be complete before the Easter school holidays.
During the work, the playground will be closed
to the public for safety. The installation of the new softfall will significantly improve the safety and usability of the playground for the community, providing a modern and durable surface for children and families.
Understanding our demographics
MIDCOAST Council is bringing back the “.id Informed Decisions” team to run workshops for anyone interested to learn and better understand our local population and key demographics.
If you need accurate information about the MidCoast population or your local market, free community workshops are being held in Taree, Forster, Tea Gardens and Gloucester in March.
Whether you’re applying for funding, planning community programs, or simply
want to better understand the people who live and work here, these workshops will give you the tools and confidence to find and use the right data.
“.id Informed Decisions” are demographic experts, bringing together teams of analysts, economists and other specialists to provide detailed information drawing on Australian Bureau of Statistics and other data to provide accurate, accessible, easy-to-use information about communities and how they are changing.
Council’s Manager of Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills said the workshops will help participants to cut through the vast amount of data that’s available.
"MidCoast Council provides demographic information, expertly presented by .id, free on our website for everyone to access, and once again, we're pleased to be able to provide workshops to guide people through all the information that's there," he said.
"In the past these workshops have been well attended, and if you came last year, we encourage you to come along again, there are new things to learn every year."
The workshops will also benefit businesses, students, educational institutions, and government agencies, allowing for better marketing, strategic planning and improving community outcomes across a range of social activities.
If you're part of a community group, the statistics can help you demonstrate need for your funding applications - vital to helping you secure grants.
The information includes population statistics, community and area profiles, age break downs, socio-economic status, home ownership and much more.
Population growth forecasts and economic profiles of the area are included, providing valuable information for strategic and future planning.
For dates and times visit www.midcoast. nsw.gov.au/Learn-About-Our-LocalPopulation.
q The damaged softfall will be replaced at Billabong Park.
Crackdown on fire ants
THE state’s peak farming group has welcomed a fresh crackdown on biosecurity controls in the wake of extropical Cyclone Alfred.
On Friday NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced measures to keep Red Imported Fire Ants out, with
a temporary ban on soil and hay coming into the state from infested areas in southeast Queensland.
“We’ve all seen the images of wind and rain in Queensland, and this is making the fire ants mobile over the coming weeks,” Minister Moriarty said.
“The temporary suspension of the hay permit is a necessary step to mitigate the movement of these highly invasive pests.
“The impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred are being felt in our agricultural sector in the north of the state.
“They need our support to get them back on their feet and don’t want a fire ant incursion adding stress and strain to their recovery.
“We have increased surveillance focusing on highrisk areas and are employing advanced tracking and modelling techniques, taking strong preventative measures to stop fire ants."
NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said recent footage of fire ant ‘rafts’ in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region had sparked serious concerns around the spread of the ants in the wake of recent flood events.
“We’re seeing thousands of these deadly ants cling together and create massive rafts in Queensland floodwater,” Mr Hegarty said.
“While these rafts haven’t been spotted in NSW as yet, floodwater does spread these ants about, and we can’t be careful enough when it comes to protecting our communities against these pests.”
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton
said while the mentioned footage is concerning, “we know from hydrological analysis that ants floating into NSW is not possible”.
“What we can do is mitigate the increased risks of human-assisted movement of fire ants from the infested areas of Queensland and suspend the hay permit,” Mr Charlton said.
If allowed to spread throughout Australia, it is estimated fire ants would cost the economy a total of $60 billion dollars in damages, with the ants known to attack livestock, people and pests.
Fire ants are found in southeast Queensland and are known to gather together as large rafts in floodwater as a survival mechanism.
As communities recovered from recent flood events, Mr Hegarty said the measures to stop the ants had come as welcome news to farmers on the front line of the threat.
“NSW deserves a biosecurity system that is proactive and effective when it comes to eradicating extreme biosecurity threats – and that includes fire ants,” Mr Hegarty said.
“A serious biosecurity regime is what we need the NSW Government to deliver, and we thank them for hearing us in this most critical hour.”
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
q A Red imported fire ant raft. Photo: Invasive Species Council.
Urgent mental health help needed in agriculture
A COALITION of rural organisations has called for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture.
More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations launched a joint statement to address the crisis this week.
Ahead of a federal budget and election, the group is calling on the Government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to address the crisis.
Dr Tim Driscoll from the Royal Flying Doctor Service is the Chair of the steering committee leading the initiative.
He said the statistics are sobering.
“A farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. That’s up to twice the rate of the general working population,” Dr Driscoll said.
“Poor mental health and suicide is having a devastating impact on rural families, communities and businesses right now, and we need federal help to fix it.
“The wellbeing of people in agriculture is impacted by increasingly complex and compounding events like weather and natural disasters, financial stress, and geographic or social isolation.”
National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said farming could
be tough and there needed to be the right resources in place to help producers deal with the challenges thrown at them.
“A farmer’s greatest asset isn’t their land, livestock or produce, it’s their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around them,” Mr Jochinke said.
“It’s clear the unique mental health needs in agriculture are not being met by existing services and we need Government to give us a leg up so we can turn these devastating statistics around.”
Associate Professor Kate Gunn, a clinical psychologist and founder of ifarmwell, said it’s a crucial time to invest in the wellbeing of Australian farming communities.
“There is an urgent need for coordinated, farmerfriendly, evidence-based approaches to address this critical issue,” Associate Professor Gunn said.
ifarmwell is one of the organisations that has endorsed the joint statement for urgent action.
“As someone who has worked in the field of farmer wellbeing for more than 15 years, this is the closest we’ve been to finding a meaningful way to bring together farmers, industry bodies and other organisations to address farmer mental health,” Associate Professor
Gunn said.
“While the philanthropic sector has been generous to date, support from the Australian Government
is crucial to quickly and impactfully reach farmers with evidence-based initiatives, on a national scale.”
The principles outlined in the Joint Statement emerged from the National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture in March
2024, and have been refined by a Steering Committee convened by The National Farmers’ Federation.
Murder rate soars as killers claim multiple victims
By Sam MCKEITH, AAP
MURDERS have spiked in Australia's most populous state, driven by multiplevictim homicides including a
which six people were killed. A total of 85 people were murdered in NSW in 2024, up from 56 in the previous year and the highest toll since 2014, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reports.
Joel Cauchi, 40, fatally stabbed his victims and injured 12 others at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney before a police officer shot him dead, in one of the
nation's worst mass killings. The crime bureau said there were eight multiple murders in 2024, resulting in 22 murder victims, compared to a decade average of two such events per year.
Some 63 incidents in 2024 were single victim murders, comparable with past years according to the agency. The murder victims were 46 men, 26 women and 13
children, it said, adding almost half of murders related to domestic violence.
Aside from murder, the bureau said crimes in 12 of its 13 major offence categories were stable over the past 24 months.
"None of the 13 major crime categories increased in the two years to December 2024, while one, steal from motor vehicle, fell significantly," Ms Fitzgerald said.
For many offences the recent stable trend follows years of decline, she said. As a consequence, recorded incidents of robbery, break and enter, general stealing and malicious damage to property are all much lower than a decade ago.
Recorded incidents of domestic assault, nondomestic assault and sexual violence, however, have increased over the past decade.
The release comes after the crime statistics bureau in February found more young people were locked up in NSW jails as judges increasingly refused bail in line with a controversial legislative crackdown, aimed at curbing regional crime.
q The agricultural sector is facing a mental health crisis.
shopping centre massacre in
q The murder of six people in a stabbing rampage is among incidents driving up the homicide toll. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
GARDENING AUSTRALIA JUNIOR
ABC FAMILY, 7.05pm
Propagating a love of plants and nature in the next generation, Australia’s favourite green thumbs get their hands dirty with all manner of family-friendly activities in this spirited spin-off. Tonight, Costa Georgiadis (above, right) tracks down some peace and quiet with junior hosts Romeo Angelkovski and Yeshi Jehru (above, left). The trio take time out in a local reserve, drawing inspiration from the tranquil waters and tall timbers before bringing what they’ve learnt home to create a mindful garden of their own. It’s a perfect wind-down before the kids’ bedtime.
FRIDAY, March 21
Daisy and Louis must spend the night together.
9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
10.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.45 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (Final, PG, R)
11.35 ABC Late News.
11.50 Grand Designs. (R)
12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
SUNDAY
SKIN IN THE GAME
SBS, 8.30pm
Marlee Silva (pictured) is a proud Gamilaroi-Dunghutti woman, sports commentator and NRL tragic. Here, she examines how we can use the power of sport – in particular rugby league – to drive social change. Marlee is the daughter of league great Rod “Rocket” Silva and has grown up living and breathing all things NRL. She looks at how rugby league can transform lives – and how it highlights some ugly truths of modern society, especially when it comes to violence against women. Marlee talks to some of the game’s biggest names – including master coach Phil Gould, superstar Nicho Hynes, NRL Chairman Peter V’landys and NRLW player Lavinia Gould – to work out what the sport can do to be part of the solution.
MONDAY 9-1-1: LONE
This Rob Lowe (pictured) vehicle follows the action-packed lives of emergency service members in Texas. Its fifth and final season is set a year after the dramatic conclusion to series four and sees Carlos (Rafael Silva) and TK (Ronen Rubenstein) approaching their first wedding anniversary as Carlos settles into his new role as a Texas Ranger, while other comings and goings lead to movements at the station. Tonight’s episode, “Trainwrecks”, sees the team race into action when a train derailment causes multiple injuries. Meanwhile, Tommy (Gina Torres) makes a bold move in her relationship with Trevor (D.B. Woodside).
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (Ml) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R)
9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 A Body That Works. (Mals)
11.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)
1.35 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (MA15+a, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The life of a bookshop owner changes after a Hollywood celebrity enters his shop in Notting Hill while promoting her latest movie. The unlikely duo soon face all manner of obstacles to make their romance work. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans. 11.05 Suits L.A. (Ma, R)
12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.05 Travel Oz. (PG, 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 3. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) A man investigates terrorist attacks. Dylan O’Brien.
12.45 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) Presented by Sam Pang. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mdlsv, R) Celebrity guests include Dakota Johnson, Sterling K Brown, Domhnall Gleeson and Colman Domingo. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00
6.00
SATURDAY, March 22
6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney.
6.30 Back Roads: Bibbulmun Track, WA. (PG, R) Rae Johnston explores WA’s Bibbulmun Track.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) Marlon investigates the murder of his old boss.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparent suicide of a well-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace.
10.00 Unforgotten. (Madl, R) A new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team.
10.50 Boat Story. (MA15+alv, R) Two strangers discover cocaine on a boat.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Premiere) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Mont Saint-Michel. (PG)
8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. Head shepherd Shaun has to intervene in a difficult birth.
9.25 Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. (PGa, R) Ray Martin continues to plan his own funeral.
10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo.
3.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger’s suitcase has an unusual lining.
7.30 MOVIE: Gladiator. (2000, Mav, R) A Roman general seeks revenge. Russell Crowe.
10.40 MOVIE: The Pope’s Exorcist. (2023, MA15+hv) The Pope’s chief exorcist investigates a possession. Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto.
12.55 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGalv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette.
10.40 MOVIE: Red Dog: True Blue. (2016, PGals, R)
12.20 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)
1.10 Pointless. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple’s house is too small. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) An important class-action lawsuit leads the team to investigate a sorority. Matty brings Alfie with her to work. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mav, R) 11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SUNDAY, March 23
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (PGa)
8.15 Unforgotten. (Mals) The team investigates Gerry Cooper.
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+av) Janet and Samuel try to find a buyer for the drugs.
10.05 MOVIE: Irresistible. (2006, Malsv, R) Susan Sarandon.
11.45 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.55 Rage Closer. (R)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
6am The Man
7.35 Ancient Greece By Train.
8.30 Skin In The Game. (Ma)
9.40 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)
10.40 Franklin. (MA15+l, R)
12.25 The Burnt Half. (Mal, R)
1.50 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
2.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Who Brought Down The White House. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 9.05 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 11.00 Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 1pm Benjamin. (2018, M) 2.35 Diana. (2013, PG) 4.40 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 6.40 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 10.45 Sleeping Beauty. (2011, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs. 6am The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 10.05 Argo. (2012, M) 12.30pm Emily. (2022, M) 2.50 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 4.45 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 6.55 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.30am The Daughter. (2021, MA15+, Spanish) 2.45 Late Programs.
Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return) A profile of the 17-year-old Aussie sprinter Gout Gout, who is on track to become the fastest man alive.
9.40 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R) Notorious cold cases are re-opened.
11.10 Autopsy USA: Dean Martin. (Mal)
12.10 The Bay. (Mal, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
5.30 Domino Masters. 6.25 Abandoned Engineering. 7.20 Abandoned Americana. 9.05 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 9.55 Video Killed The Radio Star. 10.25 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes.
(64)
6am MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 7.10 Children’s Programs. 1.15pm The Nanny. 2.15 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang. (2010) 4.20 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. (2011) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb. (2014, PG) 9.30 MOVIE:
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See No Evil: Not A Social Person. (Mav) 11.10 The First 48. (Ma)
6.00 The
case at risk. 9.30 FBI. (Mav) After two jurors for a highprofile mafia trial are gunned down, the team jumps into an organised crime investigation until it is discovered that the jurors may not have been the intended targets. 11.30
ABC FAMILY (22)
MONDAY, March 24
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (Return)
Lisbon With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries.
9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv)
11.50 The Night Manager. (Mals, R)
Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
How To Get Fit Fast. (PGn, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGas, R) 1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
TUESDAY, March 25
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
3.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (PG, R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) A train derailment causes multiple injuries. 9.30 Suits L.A. (M) 10.30 The Agenda Setters.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.45 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 10.35 Partly Cloudy With Sunny Spells. (2015, M, Italian) 12.25pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 5.30 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.30 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 9.50 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.10am Late Programs. 6am Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 7.40 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 9.15 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 11.00 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.35pm The Big Short. (2015, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 5.35 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 Mermaids. (1990, PG) 9.35 Vampire Seeking Consenting Person. (2023, M, French) 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Americas: The Atlantic Coast. (Premiere, PG) A look at the natural beauty of the Americas. 8.30 The Hunting Party. (M) A serial killer adopts another’s style of killing. 9.30 The Irrational. (Mav) 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.00 MOVIE: Cruel Instruction. (2022, MA15+adsv, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Ml)
100% Footy. (M)
9News Late.
The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Premiere, MA15+av)
First On Scene. (Ma)
WEDNESDAY, March 26
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts:
And Beyond. 6.35
Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 6.55 Rocket
7.05 Odd Squad. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.20
THURSDAY, March 27 6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Return, Ml) Ten survivalists take on the wilderness.
9.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) The SAS receives a visit from two senior generals.
10.50 SBS World News Late. 11.20 Blackwater. (MA15+ans)
12.30 My Brilliant Friend. (Malv, R) Lila continues to hold a grudge.
3.55 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Vanity Fair.
Continued. (2004, PG) 8.15 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.15 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.30pm 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 2.50 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.10 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.50 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.30 My Salinger
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGal) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Arj Barker: Comes Clean. (Mls, R)
11.10 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
12.10 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.30 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Ml)
9.00 Scrublands. (Final, MA15+lv)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Madv, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 My Way. (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)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News.
And Counting. (Ml)
9.20 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 10.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R)
Grand Designs Revisited. (R)
Parliament. 1.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PGa)
8.30 Celine Dion: A Star Is Born.
9.35 Virdee. (Premiere)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Breaking Point. (Masv)
12.00 Blinded. (MA15+a, R)
1.45 Elizabeth. (PGa, R)
3.25 Hugh’s Wild West. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
3.40 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am TBA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (Return, PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 The Amazing Race. (PG)
11.30 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Malv, R)
12.45 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4.
9GO!
OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR
Jasminda
,
There was so much stress in the build-up to Cyclone Alfred. How did the experts get it so wrong?
Marcia P.
Dear Marcia,
Now the meteorologists will give you all sorts of reasons for Alfred's change of heart, like the tropical cyclone looping back on itself which changed its expected trajectory, and the lighter winds caused by its intersection with a high pressure ridge, but in my unprofessional opinion, it came down to the name.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
There is nothing menacing or destructive about an Alfred.
Just look at the history books. Alfred Nobel donated his wealth to establish the Nobel Prize.
Alfred Tennyson was a poet laureate. Alfred North Whitehead was a mathematician and philosopher. The etymology doesn't help. Alfred means Elf Ruler. Elf Ruler? Does that sound like a formidable being to you?
Alfred may have had dreams of being a tropical cyclone, but instead he did more meandering and backtracking and looping back than a politician. And for that we should be grateful. Many people and businesses still suffered due to flooding, power outages, erosion, and closures.
Incidentally, did you know that the tropical cyclone was supposed to be called Anthony, but the Bureau of Meteorology made a change to avoid confusion as it matched our current Prime Minister?
Namaste, Jasminda.
Kids Boot Camp 025
Kids Boot Camp 034
IN MOTION Poetry
AFTER receiving feedback from the community, NOTA will be sharing the occasional piece of work by local poets.
If you would like to submit a poem for consideration, email media@newsofthearea.com.au.
The Spotted Troubadour - Patricia McCalden
The pardalote I spied, was such a wee small thing. He wagged his red-patched tail, and groomed each spotted wing.
Then opening wide his beak, he puffed his golden chest, and tried a loud clear noteprepared to do his best.
His piping song was high his head was tilted up, and as the scale descended his eyes were tightly shut.
O little Troubadour your tune was near perfectionbut how could I explain, you sang to your reflection?
DROP-IN sessions are being held across the region for locals to provide feedback on MidCoast Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
“The Disability Inclusion Action Plan has helped us to identify the barriers and
challenges faced by those in our community who are living with a disability, as well as their carers, family and friends,” said Alex Mills, MidCoast Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.
“The Plan will guide our
activities until 2026. We will continue to advocate for improvements in the areas identified by our community members with lived experiences.”
Sessions will be held at Gloucester Library on Tuesday 25 March from 10:30am to 12:30pm, and at Tea Gardens Library on Wednesday 2 April 2025 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Visit the MidCoast Council website for more details.
FUNDING has been awarded to a Hunter-based researcher focused on improving outcomes for regional and rural cancer patients.
The NSW Government funding comes as part of a $10 million boost to cancer research across NSW.
The 18 grants, delivered by the Cancer Institute NSW,
include $798,790 to the University of Newcastle’s Dr Jennifer Mackney to improve patient access to prehabilitation services in rural and regional NSW.
In 2024 approximately 165,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Australia; around 132,000 of these people will need surgery, often multiple times.
Safer roads at level crossings
A NEW program will give regional NSW councils the chance to share in $1 million for projects to upgrade roads at public level crossings.
Applications opened on Monday for the NSW Government’s Level
Crossing Improvement Program - Regional Council Minor Works.
The grants will be for works that make road approaches to level crossings safer by improving sighting distances and advanced
warning systems.
This could include vehicle-activated signage, line marking, upgrading or installing street lighting, traffic calming treatments (excluding speed limit reductions) and minor road realignments.
Transport for NSW Chief of the Centres for
Road Safety and Maritime Safety, Bernard Carlon, said the new program will help councils carry out minor, low-cost engineering work and safety improvements on road approaches to level crossings.
“There are over 1300 level crossings located on public roads across NSW
and collisions between trains and vehicles are a major road and rail safety risk,” Mr Carlon said.
“These grants will enhance safety for motorists and rail userspassenger and freight - and are a step towards the NSW Government's goal of zero road trauma by 2050.”
Councils have until 2 May to apply for a share of $1 million in grants that are on offer for the 2025/26 financial year.
Feedback sought on Council’s communication and engagement
HOW MidCoast Council communicates and consults with the community is the focus of a revised Community Engagement Strategy, currently on public exhibition.
“Prehabilitation before cancer surgery - including exercise, nutritional optimisation, and psychological support - has been shown to improve physical function, halve postoperative pulmonary complications, and reduce postoperative hospital length of stay,” said Dr Mackney.
The community is invited to review and provide comment on the strategy until 6 April. “This strategy is our commitment to the community on how we will communicate and engage with them,”
guiding our engagement, our key objectives, how we interact with different stakeholder groups, how we identify engagement opportunities and the tools we use.”
General Manager Adrian Panuccio explained. “It outlines what the community can expect from us, the principles
The strategy provides a framework to ensure Council communicates and engages with the
community in a consistent way. This framework is based on the scale and importance of the issue or project, its potential impact on the community and how much influence the community can have on Council decision making.
The strategy also
sets out timeframes for public exhibition periods so the community has a clear expectation of how long they have to provide Council with feedback on a wide range of matters.
To review the strategy and provide feedback please go to www. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/CES
Safety Net Program
“A model of care for the delivery of prehabilitation using in-person and telehealth intervention has been developed in Newcastle over the past five years and utilised clinically.
“However, currently rural and regional patients don’t have equitable access to formal prehabilitation programs.”
The grant will enable Dr Mackney to extend access to the prehabilitation program for cancer patients across five regional and rural hospitals, three in the Hunter New England LHD and two in the Mid North Coast LHD.
q The University of Newcastle’s Dr Jennifer Mackney.
Tips to support animals during storms
By Thomas O’KEEFE
PROMPTED by recent severe weather, the RSPCA is sharing important tips for
managing animals during storms and natural disasters.
The key is preparation, according to the animal protection not-for-profit.
“We know these extreme weather conditions can be stressful but if we take the time now to prepare inclusive and comprehensive
plans, it can make all the difference to keep us and our animals safe and protected,” said Anne Keyvar, RSPCA NSW Emergency Response
Manager.
Owners should ensure their animals have an emergency kit ready to go with food (including any special dietary requirements), water and medication they may need to cover a minimum of 72 hours.
Emergency kits should contain the following: food and water (at least three days’ supply); medications and veterinary records; sturdy carriers, leads, or halters; familiar bedding and comfort items; litter, waste bags, or other waste disposal supplies; and identification tags and microchip details.
“It is vital that your animal has correct identification information on their collars and to check that their microchip details are up to date, in case they become separated from you or your property,” Ms Keyvar said.
“For horses or other livestock, attach ID tags with a contact number securely to their mane. These tags should be prepared in advance and kept in your emergency kit.”
Pindimar-based equestrian Margarete Lethorn, who has been working with horses her whole life, has some practical tips for larger animals.
“For the horses, keep extra feed, leave them naked (i.e. no rugs), provide a safe shelter, and secure anything
that can blow around,” Margarete told NOTA.
“[Offer] lots of pats and treats.
“Horses and many other animals may be spooked by lightning and thunder, and may even hate the rain, preferring to be dry from it, even if they love swimming in the ocean.
“I keep them high and dry as much as I can so there's no risk of flooding for them, and beware that prolonged wet ground and mud rots their feet.
“People in flood-prone areas should write their phone numbers on their hooves in permanent marker and plait tags into their manes.”
The RSPCA stresses that, in flood-prone areas, all livestock, horses, and other outside animals should be moved to higher ground or transported to a safe property with friends and family where possible.
It is important to not tether animals outside during the storm as they may harm themselves trying to break free.
If you need to leave animals outside on your property, please provide plenty of access to water and food in heavy, secure bowls and ensure objects are tied down to reduce risk of injury.
Bushfire prevention program takes to the skies
TRANSGRID has launched its annual bushfire prevention program, including helicopter inspections and 3D laser scanning, to ensure the safe operation of the transmission network in the lead-up to next summer.
LiDAR inspections by plane are underway across parts of the network and will wrap up in March, with helicopter inspections to follow in coming months.
“Our priority is to protect the safety of landowners, communities and our people and we take the risk of bushfires very seriously and do everything we can to reduce potential risks,” Executive General Manager of Network Marie Jordan said.
“Our transmission lines have been safely operating for decades, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to do so for many years to come as they are a critical piece of the clean energy transition.
“Transgrid’s network includes more than 13,000km of transmission
lines – the equivalent of travelling from Sydney to Perth four times – and we inspect it every year to ensure a high level of preparedness ahead of the summer bushfire season.
“Every year our team plans this program carefully so we can ensure it is as effective as possible to reduce bushfire risk and potential impacts to local communities.”
The program includes a 3D laser aerial survey of easements across the entire Transgrid network using LiDAR technology to identify vegetation growing too close to transmission lines; helicopter inspections to physically assess the condition of structures and lines; and on-the-ground teams carrying out network maintenance and addressing potential vegetation encroachments to reduce bushfire risks.
Helicopter inspections are scheduled for Newcastle and the Hunter from 12-17 June.
q A helicopter on a bushfire prevention patrol.
q Horses Eli and Beau appreciate having a place to seek refuge from the rain.
q Domestic pets, like Buffy, grow to rely on humans for comfort and care during wild weather.
The end of an era
AT its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 12 March, Gloucester Sports Committee’s long-serving President, Ollie Rinkin, announced he would not be seeking re-election in his role.
Ollie has served as President of the Sports Committee since its inception in 1988 - an incredible 38 years.
In his final report to the Committee, Ollie recalled some of the guest speakers who had attended the annual
Sports Awards presentations over the years.
The very first was Des Renford, an Australian longdistance swimmer who swam the English Channel 19 times from 19 attempts.
Others in the early years included three-time Olympic hockey goalkeeper Paul Dearing and fivetime Olympic pentathlon competitor Peter Macken.
Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, an Australian 100m and 200m sprint specialist, was
another prominent sporting identity to attend the Sports Awards.
Accolades for Ollie and the time he has contributed to the Sports Committee came from many quarters at the meeting.
“Ollie has been a steadfast supporter of the Sports Committee,” incoming President John Hughes stated.
“I know we have all learned a great deal from him.”
Fortunately for the
Gloucester Lady Bowlers
By Jennifer BURLEY
WITH a break in the weather and a promise of a fine day it was great to have 21 keen players turn up for a Social game with a bit of a challenge, that being counting the number of touchers of the "Jack/Kitty" per team over the game also the monthly
"Spider" event. After a blind draw we managed 2 games of 4s and 1 of Triples. Deb Horner, Norma Relf, Cheryl West and Bev Murray 20 with 4 touchers played Cheryl Tull,Joan Ridgeway, Julie Kriss and Judy Sheely 16 with 12 touchers. Paula Standen,Val Pritchard,Jenny
Stevens and Kerrie Green 21 with 2 touchers played Paula Standen(swinger)Jill Everett,Penny Gibson and Bev Germon 12 with 8 touchers. Marge Moore,Ruth Redman and Joy Hurworth 24 with 8 touchers played Jill Carson, Jenny Burley and Di Pritchard 18 with 14 touchers. Thus the winners of the
Sports Committee, Ollie will continue as a committee member in 2025 and, hopefully, well beyond this year.
"Touchers" award went to Di Pritchard s team with 14, and the " Spider" award was won by Ruth Redman. It was nice to welcome back Cheryl Tull after her surgery, and Cheryl West from her extended vacations, hope you enjoyed your matches, also best wishes to the couple of girls who are still on the unwell list.
The sheet is on the board for the Consistency Singles
Gloucester Men's Bowls Report
By George WISEMANTEL
A BIG field of thirty six players fronted for Thursday social bowls with Vic Hebblewhite, Ian Tull, Paul Sheridan returning to the winners circle like true champions taking advantage of the injury stricken Bob Newitt, Ken Bryant, Phillip Ellis 30-6 (21+24).
Runners up were Joe Pfeifer,
Rob Heininger, Jim Grech def Gary Moss, Rob Gibson, Nigel Johns 26-7 (19+19) Jeff Kellie (welcome to Gloucester bowls) showed he will be a valuable asset combined with Michael Way, Rob Cushway to def George Wisemantel, Paul Young, Jody Thompson 27-16 (18+11). Alex Laurie, Col Beattie, Norm Mcleod def Don Mehieloff, Adrian Rovere, Steve Kriss 27-19 (18+9)
Gloucester Parkrun
By Carolyn DAVIES
AFTER the rain of the week before, the 45 walkers and runners for Gloucester's 197th parkrun last Saturday enjoyed a misty start, clearing to a sunny morning.
Bob Charman, Chris Pritchard, Max Stevens def Jim Henderson, Grahame Turnbull, Harry Cox 22-14 (18+8).
Kevin Everett, Ron Jones, Karl Weiss def Mike Sheely, Robert Hayes, Kevin Burley 23-16 (17+7).
The jackpot failed to go off therefore next Thursday's Jackpot will be worth playing for.
Saturday morning social
finishing with personal best times, including Natalie Rayner who was the first female home in 23.59.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
over a stroke behind at 58 3/8.
Balls were won by C McLeod, J McLeod, D Mann and B Osborne 59 1/8; W Murray, B Murray, S Benson, J Wilson 59 3/8, S Berry, S Hancock, A Peacock, T Turner 61 1/8 with the last trophies to J Moore, J Peterswald, A Bav, E Edwards 61½.
The Nearest-to-thePins at the 4th and 13th holes were won by P Bowden 30 cm, M Andrews 84 cm and J Moore 120 cm.
At the 6th and 15th holes A McLeod 330 cm, R Moore 122 cm and D Webb 330 cm, were closest off the tee.
The long drives at the
Championship, entry closes on 2nd April for play on 9 th April. Next Wednesday is the first round of the Bonnie
resulted in large margins with Terry Carson, David Hjorth def Max Stevens, Debbie Cushway 31-6 (19+25); Suzanne Cross, Joy Hurworth, Joan Ridgeway def Di Pritchard, Sue Bryant, Jill Everett 24-3 (18+21); and Ken Bryant, Adrian Rovere, Rob Cushway def Steve Kriss, Chris Pritchard, Julie Kriss 15-10 (15+5)
Saturday pennants resulted in a disappointing afternoon for the number three sides losing every rink for a (79-44) masterboard
There was a team of dedicated volunteers delivering this community event.
8th and 17th fairways were won by C McLeod, R Moore, T Yates and E Blanch.
The Super Sevens for the fortnight ending Friday 14 March was won by Peter Buettel with a score of 16 points.
Balls were won by Ken Kelly and Cheryl Goodrich 15, and by Denver Webb whose 14 points needed a count back to separate him from the field.
On Saturday 22 March the Gloucester Club will be staging its annual Derros Day in the form of a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford. The following Saturday there will be the Tom Blundell Memorial Day, played as a Four Person Ambrose.
Hazelwood Triples also Social bowls for those with a bye, starting time reverting to 9am for 9.30.
score resulting in 10-0 loss against Taree Leagues Club but the number seven sides kept their winning form on track def the strong Harrington teams three rinks to zero for a (7140) masterboard score resulting in a 10-0 win which could elevate them to first position.
Many thanks to Ken Bryant the controlling body and number three's scorer and Don Mehieloff for scoring the number seven sides and umpire Joe Pfeifer for their patience during the afternoon.
Eli Soupidis was the first male home in a personal best time of 21.35, chased home by young visitor Baxter Peel from Newcastle, who also did a personal best in his first time at the Gloucester parkrun.
The others were Paul Armstrong, Martin Miles, Emily Perry, Howard Cameron, Jeremy Yeo, Max Shepherd and Sarah Rose.
The youngsters obviously inspired others, with another eight
Baxter's parents Margaret and Geoff Keel were also completing their first Gloucester parkruns, although it was Margaret's 375th parkrun and Geoff's 289th!
Ros Poynting was the tailwalker this week after scanning at last week's event.
Di Mansfield was handing out the finish tokens in one of her regular turns at volunteering (she walks three events then volunteers on the fourth).
Pat Burrows ably did the role of
timekeeper again, one of her many volunteer roles around Gloucester. Rod Eckels was scanning the tokens, after earlier helping to set up the event.
Gloucester will be celebrating its 200th parkrun at 8am on Saturday 5 April, so come along and join in the fun of a 5 kilometre walk or run around Gloucester District Park (it's a free event).
q A misty start.
q River and runner in flow.
q Three generations cross paths.
q Easy running.
q Ollie Rinkin.
Bowden Bonanza
By Peter WILDBLOOD
Authorised by Jeremy Miller, 224 Dowling Street, Dungog NSW 2420.