Pix From The Stix winners announced
By Wendy BUSWELL
THE
Now
This
With
PARK’S POTHOLES
By John WATTS
Authorised by Alison Penfold MP,
Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430
q Michael O’Hara, Major Prize Winner. Photo: supplied.
Wendy BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
A very different schoolies for Gloucester students
John WATTS
AFTER the stress of the Higher School Certificate (HSC), many Year 12 students are keen to head off to one of the well-known “schoolies” locations, such as the Gold Coast or Byron Bay.
But five Gloucester High School students have chosen a less-trodden path for their 2025 endof-school adventure.
Selina Denyer, Sam Collie, Xavier Soupidis, Tom Maggs and Elana Pope are taking their schoolies trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will work in schools and preschools offering help and hope to young Khmer children.
CLASSIFIEDS
This “schoolies” event is being organised by the Church on the Hill, and its pastor Ty Soupidis.
It will be the fifth trip to Cambodia for Ty, and the third for their son
Xavier, who went on his first when he was just eight-years-old.
It will be the first visit to Cambodia for the other four students - for some, it will be their first trip outside Australia.
“The chance to take people, especially young people, to a place like Cambodia, is for me a priceless experience,” Ty
said.
“They are not only getting an experience that will open their eyes to the world beyond Gloucester, but they will partner with and genuinely help people on the ground in Cambodia.”
Church on the Hill has formed a friendship and partnership with Cambodian Care.
PARK’S POTHOLES
FROM Page 1
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“The poor condition of the access roads in the Gloucester District Park is concerning, as these routes are vital for promoting outdoor activity and mental wellbeing,” said Business Chamber President Matt Clinch.
“The park’s natural beauty, including its unrestricted access to the Gloucester River, the Minimbah Gardens and the sporting facilities, offers a unique and muchloved space for relaxation, exercise, and connecting with nature - all just a short walk from the main
CBD.
“However, the current state of the roads poses a safety risk to our community and visitors, and it detracts from the park’s overall appeal.
“Improving these access points is essential to preserve the health benefits and natural charm of this special resource for future generations.”
Former Gloucester Mayor and regular park user Julie Lyford, echoed these concerns, noting that the park is a key meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
“It’s been a horrendous time with the floods, and we are aware
that the huge amount of damage, especially to local roads, will take some time for the Council to repair,” she said.
“So many people enjoy our park. It’s a vibrant social hub where residents walk, meet friends, exercise, and enjoy the fresh air.
“Unfortunately, the safety of those walking, jogging, or engaging in gentle exercise, including
Its founders, Koy and Reny Chhim, are Cambodian nationals with backgrounds in teaching, community aid and development.
They operate three schools in Phnom Penh, and one in the more remote province of Kratie.
The group will be travelling to Cambodia in November, and as a
many older residents, parents with prams, and children, is being compromised by the large potholes in the access roads.
“Safety must be the top priority, and filling the deep potholes would be a relatively quick and effective fix.”
fundraising initiative, are playing a musical gig at Roadies Cafe on Thursday 28 August (bookings through Roadies).
“Anyone interested in supporting this unusual schoolies adventure, but who can’t make it to the Roadies gig, can contact me at ty@churchonthehill. com.au to find out how to help them on their way.”
In response, a MidCoast Council spokesperson said, “As you are likely aware, the region recently experienced some of the worst flooding in recorded history.
“The damage to roads is in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and crews must address these issues on a prioritised basis.”
The Council spokesperson did not provide any timeline for the repairs, however some roadworks began within days of the Council being contacted by News Of The Area.
It is unclear whether all the roads in the park will be repaired.
q Ty Soupidis with Sam, Tom, Selina, Xavier and Elana and Sharee Pope.
q The potholed road at the entrance to the park, before recent repairs.
q Repairs started within days of NOTA contacting MidCoast Council.
Soundtrack of the Myall
By Thomas O’KEEFE
BULAHDELAH’S own
singer/songwriter Elisa
Kate has had her music picked up for a Netflix movie production, in yet another win for Myall Coast artists.
Elisa’s original song, “Now Or Never”, was originally written in 2018, and is based on her life experiences of leaving home for the first time and going out to live her dream.
Producers thought it was perfect for the new movie, “The Appleton Ladies Potato Race”.
“I had piano lessons on a 100-year-old piano back in Bulahdelah, and have been doing music for 15 years, including studying a music degree at the Australian Institute of Music,” Elisa told News Of The Area.
“Along the way I had auditioned and been rejected from all kinds of singing shows, I’ve been told ‘you can’t sing’, ‘you’re not good enough', and ‘you’ll never make it’, but I didn’t give up.
“The funny thing about
being told those things is there’s something in my spirit or brain that likes to prove people wrong, it makes me work harder, more of a motivation - and determination is key.”
After relocating to Sydney, Elisa began working with A&R Department, who helped get her music out via publisher Wise Music, including promotion of “Now Or Never” in 2019.
“It is a miracle that my song got picked up, but it was chosen to fit the scene of the movie where the main character leaves her own hometown.”
The movie has made its way from its original home on Paramount+, then TenPlay, and is now available on Netflix.
Her success story has been picked up by many news outlets.
Elisa’s journey had not dimmed her view of the importance of her support network, which centres on her parents who still live on the family farm halfway between Wootton
and Bulahdelah, and have seen her perform around Newcastle, in front of a crowd of 30,000 at Speers Point, and even on a tour of the USA in 2014 with Newcastle’s Matt McClaren.
“The music video for Now Or Never is available on YouTube.
“Thanks to a long-time collaboration with my good friend and fellow Bulahdelah artist Shannon Guthrie, of August Peridot Photography, it also features parts of Bulahdelah, including Stroud Street, the cemetery, bridge and river, and of course the farm where I grew up just outside of Bulah.
“Shannon is based in Bulahdelah and he’s been doing my music photography for 15 years, and has been doing an amazing job designing my album and single covers – including the one for Now Or Never.”
Elisa continues to gig all the time in Newcastle and surrounds and is releasing a new song, “Pain to Fire” in summer with A&R Department.
Pix From The Stix winners announced
FROM Page 1
“Working with great subjects, beautiful light and the right aperture are key to creating a captivating image.
“However, the reaction I have when looking at a photograph is also very important.”
Adult photographers had the opportunity to submit entries in one or more of seven categories, each featuring a winner and runners-up, along with an overall winner.
There was also a separate section for younger photographers.
The overall winner, Michael O’Hara, shared with News Of The Area that his photograph, “On The Wing
#2”, was achieved through a combination of chance and patience.
“Photographing wildlife is similar to hunting wildlife,” he said.
“In both cases, you need to be familiar with the habitat and habits of your subjects.
“I knew the cormorants would fly in the evening, but I didn’t know exactly when.
“The photo is the perfect blend of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right light and camera settings.”
Peter Sedgewick echoed the sentiment of patience required in photography.
“You often find a subject you want to photograph, but you may need to return repeatedly, as the light and elements don’t always align.”
Bindi Ahern explained that framing the photograph
presented one of her biggest challenges.
“Determining how much to crop to create an image that tells the story you want to tell is for me, one of the hardest parts of photography.”
For Jools Samerski, establishing rapport with her subject is essential when photographing individuals.
“You want the layers of your subject's personality to be evident in the image.”
Pix From The Stix is currently on display at the Gloucester Gallery.
If you are inspired by the exhibition and would like to develop your skills or explore new techniques, the Camera Club which meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Gloucester Creatives at 6 pm may be a place to start.
q Elisa Kate and one of her preferred instruments. Photo: supplied, August Peridot Photography.
q All category winners and runners-up. Photo: supplied.
Floral art from the best
WORLD-RENOWNED
floral artist Mark Pampling gave demonstrations and workshops at the Regional NSW Floral Art Association’s successful “nature’s treasures” weekend from 7 to 9 August in Gloucester.
Held at the Recreation Centre there were over 50 entries from many areas of the State, including
Gloucester, and with three local floral artists with their designs on the bench for the first time.
The event was officially opened by NSW Floral Art Association president Madhu Shah.
Each day Mark held demonstrations and workshops assisting participants with their
artistic knowledge and technical abilities.
Mark is an accomplished Floral Designer who is attracted to crisp lines and exacting craftsmanship –qualities frequently found in his work.
He has been Australia’s Floristry Champion on multiple occasions and has represented his country at
Rookhurst man’s whereabouts remain a mystery
By John WATTS
THE mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rookhurst local Garry Conwell seems no closer to being solved since he vanished without trace on 26 June 2024.
"Garry Conwell, aged 71, was last seen about 11am on Wednesday 26 June 2024, riding a quad bike on a property at Craven Creek Road, Rookhurst, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Gloucester,” said a Police spokesperson on 2 July 2024.
“When the quad bike was found and he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes were notified, and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
“Since then, a coordinated land search involving police, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, VRA and RFS has been underway, with no items of interest located.
“At 2pm today (Tuesday 2 July 2024), the coordinated land search was suspended.”
The Missing Persons Register
World Cups, the Asia Cup and on various international stages.
Mark is co-owner of Alstonville Florist in northern NSW.
He is also a floristry teacher, demonstrator, judge and an industry consultant –roles that have taken him all around his country and across the world, most recently to
New Zealand, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Belgium, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
Mark is also a regular contributor to international floral design publications, most regularly to the pages of Fusion Flowers Magazine.
Gloucester Floral Art group hosted the event, with members filling all necessary roles throughout the weekend.
“It was pleasing to see many interested visitors
explains that Mr Conwell left home to feed his cows on his quad bike wearing underpants, dressing gown and work boots.
with some travelling from surrounding towns to view the many and varied floral arrangements,” said Peter Hazell from the Gloucester Floral Art group.
“Congratulations to Christine Bolton, Lyn McLeod, Susan Moore and Carole Rinkin who took out awards for their floral arrangements.”
Arrangements are continuing for the World Floral Art competition at the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Show time in 2027.
“The
continues in
‘Natural capital’ program extended
THE State Government is investing an additional $3 million to support farmers to develop “natural capital” projects.
The funding will extend the Government’s Natural Capital Support Services program for another year, which provides tailored
advice and support for landholders to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities.
In farming, natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources - like soil, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems - that farmers
rely on to produce food, fibre, and other goods.
By investing in natural capital farmers may be able to access environmental markets and apply for biodiversity credits to generate a potential income from these projects.
The program aims
to provide farmers with opportunities to increase production while diversifying income streams.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with farmers to futureproof their operations while protecting the environment during a time of rapid change,”
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
“Carbon farming initiatives can be rewarding in more ways than one for both the landholder and the environment, but we recognise these projects can require a significant investment of time and resources.”
In the past year almost 1,500 landholders and farmers have engaged with the NSW Government’s 13 Natural Capital Advisors to raise awareness of the opportunities natural capital projects present.
NEED FUNDING TO HELP IMPROVE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Yancoal Community Support Program call for applications
Stratford Duralie Coal Mine is a proud and active member of the local community. Yancoal’s 2026 Community Support Program offers community groups the opportunity to apply for funding to support projects, events and initiatives that help make a genuine positive difference to the Gloucester, Stroud and District.
If you have a project or idea with the potential to benefit others across the areas of health, community, environment, arts, culture, education or training, please visit: https://www.yancoal.com.au/our-sites/ stratford/ Applications close 26th September 2025.
investigation still
conjunction with the Missing Person Unit,” said a Police spokesperson.
Police urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
q Garry Conwell. Photo: Missing Persons Unit.
Reforms begin to close workingwith-children loopholes
By Allanah SCIBERRAS and Maeve BANNISTER, AAP
PARENTS and advocates say reforms to improve workingwith-children checks are a step in the right direction but they want more action to keep kids in childcare safe.
Fast-tracked reforms unveiled on Friday will ensure that by the end of the year, anyone prevented from holding a working-withchildren check in one state or territory will be automatically banned across the country.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland described the change as "long overdue" but confirmed a national working-with-children check was not on the cards, with jurisdictions to continue managing their systems.
"We are not seeking to reinvent the wheel; we are seeking to make this better in the most expeditious time frame possible," Ms Rowland told ABC News on Saturday.
"This is one element of an important suite of reforms that we're undertaking but we know that nefarious
individuals will seek to exploit loopholes or forum shop where they have the opportunity and we're seeking to close those gaps."
Ms Rowland added that the vast majority of people who worked in childcare were good and should not be "ostracised" based on the actions of a few.
Australia's peak early learning body said aligning the working-with-children checks nationwide would help protect children in care.
"This is an important first step (to) closing the loopholes that currently exist," Australian Childcare Alliance president Paul Mondo said.
"This step alone, however, requires further commitments including the development of a national register for early childhood educators and teachers."
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds described the changes as a huge relief, saying they would "absolutely make a difference to the safety of children".
"This is just the first step of a whole range of actions that need to be taken," she
said on Friday.
The changes come almost a month after Melbourne worker Joshua Dale Brown was charged with dozens of sex offences, including allegedly sexually abusing eight children.
Brown is known to have worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and the time of his arrest.
Melody Glaister's daughter was one of 1200 children who had to be tested for sexually transmitted infections in July after attending a childcare centre where Brown had worked.
She was shocked to discover mutual recognition of decisions on workingwith-children checks was not already in place.
"It doesn't make any sense," Ms Glaister told AAP.
"The childcare sector is a mess and it does need reform and massive changes.
"We can't trust that the system is safe for our children."
Education Minister Jason Clare on Friday announced compliance action had been initiated against 30 early
childhood centres under laws passed by federal parliament in July.
Under the changes, funding will be stripped from centres not meeting safety standards.
The nation's education
ministers will meet next week to consider further child safety laws.
Jen Fleming, co-founder of advocacy group For Parents, said parents needed a seat at the reform table.
"Parents walk into childcare centres every day in this country and they leave their most precious people with childcare workers," Ms
Fleming told AAP.
"We as parents are quite rightly questioning what is going wrong in the system ... they haven't consulted with parents."
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
q Michelle Rowland: the vast majority of childcare workers are good people. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Growth can put spark into younger generations' future
By Poppy JOHNSTON and Kat WONG, AAP
AUSTRALIA is failing its younger generations and the chair of the Productivity Commission believes a policymaker "growth mindset" can help.
Danielle Wood says the generational bargain is in peril.
"Young people today believe they won't live better lives than their parents did," the head of the nation's economic think tank will say at the National Press Club on Monday.
"I'm worried too."
Australians born in the 1990s were the first generation not to earn more than those in the decade before them.
Now in their 30s, millennials are struggling to enter the property market "as policy choices have contributed to house prices growing much faster than incomes for the best part of three decades".
This generation will also bear the brunt of climate change and the cost of decarbonisation, made worse by policymakers who have dodged the cheapest options, namely a national carbon price.
Ms Wood, due to speak before the federal government's economic reform roundtable on Tuesday, says the challenges facing younger generations amount to productivity problems.
About squeezing more from less, productivity allows wages to grow and helps "build things better and faster", such as homes and clean energy infrastructure.
The commission has already spelled out a long list of recommendations to kickstart anaemic productivity growth in five separate reports released before the roundtable.
Suggestions include reforming the corporate tax system and financial incentives for workplace
training.
Ms Wood will also call for an attitude shift at the highest levels of government policymaking and delivery.
"This 'growth mindset'an elevation of growth and the benefits it brings - has been missing from Australian policy for far too long," she said.
She will point to the "growth of the regulatory burden" as symptomatic of a policy culture failing to prioritise growth.
"Regulatory hairballs" are everywhere, she will argue, from 31-step approvals and licensing surveys for wouldbe Queensland cafe owners to "evermore stringent requirements for energy efficiency in the construction code".
Australia's key economic stakeholders are set to gather in Canberra to propose solutions to the nation's ailing productivity as part of the government's hotly anticipated roundtable.
Almost 30 groups
representing farmers, pharmacies, universities and small, medium and large businesses have urged the government to reduce red tape and reform taxes without raising costs.
"Australia is facing an uncertain future unless we fix
the real challenges within our
Environment groups have also urged the government to address concerns like nature law reforms.
"Nature's economic role is too important to leave out of national reform conversations," Australian Land Conservation Alliance chief executive Jody Gunn said.
"If we invest in the solutions it brings, we all win."
economy," Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said.
q Danielle Wood. Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY I, JACK WRIGHT
ABC TV, 8.55pm
An outstanding ensemble drama from Unforgotten creator Chris Lang, this new series proves that where there’s a will, there’s a feuding family. It’s not long after the titular businessman (Trevor Eve) apparently commits suicide that his many wives and children begin clamouring for their share of his estate. As the bombshell contents of Jack’s recently made will bring out the worst in everyone, the saga catches the eye of DCI Hector Morgan (Harry Lloyd, pictured), who opens an investigation into Jack’s suspicious death.
FRIDAY, August 22
MONDAY
THE BLOCK
NBN, 7.30pm
Keeping a secret on The Block is no mean feat – for one, the houses aren’t yet entirely enclosed spaces. But for four weeks now, Adelaide best mates Robby and Mat (pictured) have managed to keep a lid on plans for a giant hole in their backyard (slated to become a game-changing underground wine cellar).
With another Domain Open for Inspection in tonight’s episode, and a clandestine cavern the size of a small home hiding in plain sight, will the “whole” truth come out, or are their fellow Blockheads too sleep-deprived to notice?
Both living and dining room spaces – and a comedy roast challenge – are on this week’s agenda for the contestants, so they’d certainly be forgiven if it were the latter.
WEDNESDAY
DNA
JOURNEY
SBS, 8.30pm
Newly retired Olympic champions, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean (pictured) are so legendary that there’s even a neighbourhood in their home town of Nottingham named after the pair. Having skated together for decades, the partners know almost everything there is about each other. In this UK series, they’re on a mission to discover the facts that are a mystery even to themselves – a process that will bring them closer than ever. On the trail of their most interesting relatives, they discover a pioneering unionist, a fellow sporting star and a distant cousin with more than one surprising connection to the iconic duo.
ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Ma) A librarian is poisoned at the museum.
9.20 Hard Quiz: Battle Of The Fuddy Duds. (PGs, R) Tom Gleeson welcomes back four returning retirees.
9.50 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
10.25 ABC Late News.
10.45 Austin. (PG, R)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv) 8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. 9.20 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Catch Me A Killer. (Malv)
11.40 The Shelter. (MA15+av, R)
1.15 Romulus. (Masv, R)
3.10 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 MOVIE: Enemy Of The State. (1998, Mlv, R) A lawyer becomes the target of a corrupt government agent after he gains possession of a valuable videotape. It appears the only chance he has to regain his former life lies with an ex-intelligence operative. Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight.
11.15 The Rookie. (Mav, R)
12.15 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 25. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Melbourne Storm versus Canterbury Bulldogs match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, Mlv, R) Two cops team up to find a kidnap victim. Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30
6.00
SATURDAY, August 23
6.30 Back Roads: Forrest, Victoria. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Ma, R) DI Humphrey Goodman joins the police force in fiancée Martha’s hometown of Shipton Abbott.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate the death of the founder of a club for recovering heart bypass patients.
10.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls, R) Struggling with motherhood, Essie finds a new friend in Isabelle.
10.55 Miss Austen. (Final, PG, R)
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (Final, PG)
8.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGl, R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mdv, R)
1.55 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.55 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGaw, R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Ireland’s Coney Island. 7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Slawomir Tomczyk. (Malv, R) A look at the murder of Slawomir Tomczyk. 8.35 MOVIE: 2012. (2009, Mlv, R)
A man tries to protect his family when a global cataclysm threatens to destroy the world. John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor.
11.50 To Be Advised.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 25. Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters.
9.35 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 2. Manchester City v Tottenham.
11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)
1.30 Surfing Australia TV. (PGl, 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) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. A couple struggle to get into the property market. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Madl, R) A man claims to have jumped off Brisbane’s Story Bridge and the team races against time to save his life. 9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay investigates MacGregor’s Restaurant. 10.40 FBI: International. (Mv, R) The Fly Team heads to Belgrade. 11.35 Watson. (PGals, R) Watson takes a major ethical risk. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Morning
Programs. 8.20 The Movie Show. 8.55 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 10.45 Into The White. (2012,
SUNDAY, August 24
6.30 Compass. (Final)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG)
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls) Isabelle’s investigation zones in on Lulu.
8.55 I, Jack Wright. (Premiere, Mlv) Family tensions erupt in the wake of a man’s suicide.
9.40 MOVIE: Sunday Too Far Away. (1975, Mlv, R) Sheep shearers get involved in a dispute. Jack Thompson. 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 7.55 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rome Underground.
8.25 Secret Lives Of The Roman Emperors. (PGals, R)
9.35 Tulum: The Last City Of The Mayan Empire. (Ma, R)
10.35 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Maw, R)
12.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
3.35 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R)
4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGl, R) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Car Attack. (Madlv, R) Police investigate a hit-and-run driver.
10.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Mav, R)
11.20 Monster Mansion: Evil Behind Bars. (MA15+av, R)
12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 A Killer Makes A Call. (Return, MA15+av)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Survivor: Australia V The World. (PGl) Fourteen returning contestants head to Samoa. 8.30 Watson. (Mas) Stephens musters up the courage to ask
MONDAY, August 25
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 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 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.45 Contraption Masters. 9.30 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PGv)
8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R) 9.15 Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can-Can! (Mn, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 Tokyo Vice.
(MA15+av, R) 1.40 Blackport. (Mlv, R) 2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The Voice. (PGal) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) The team hunts for a local vigilante.
10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mv) Hondo and Hicks search for Powell. 11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R) 1.00 Hooten & The Lady. (Premiere, Mav)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip.
6am Another
Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.50 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.10 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 1.05pm A Thousand Lines. (2022, M, German) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Grass Harp. (1995, PG) 5.25 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.30 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 9.20 The Son. (2022, M) 11.35 My Policeman. (2022, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, August 26
6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 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 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (PGal, R) 11.25 The Shift. (Mal)
1.10 Everything You Love. (Mal, R)
2.15 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGav, R)
4.10 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Voice. (PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 9.00 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL. 10.00 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.45 The Agenda Setters. 11.45 Autopsy USA. (MA15+a, R) 12.45 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
6am What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.40 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 10.45 In The Company Of Women. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.30pm The Son. (2022, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 5.40 My Neighbor Adolf. (2022, PG) 7.30 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) 9.30 Unleashed. (2005, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.
Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday.
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WEDNESDAY, August 27
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35
THURSDAY, August 28 6.00
Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (Premiere, PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco Vs Supermarkets. (Premiere)
8.30 DNA Journey. (Premiere)
9.35 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Estonia. (MA15+al)
12.50 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)
1.50 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGv, R)
3.50 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Bree has an unruly patient.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Tik Tok: Top 100. (M) Celebrates the top 100 viral TikTok clips, including hilarious, shocking and spectacular moments. 10.30 Armed And Dangerous: Heists. (Mav, R) A look at Australia’s greatest bank heists.
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Grass
Harp. (1995, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 My Neighbor Adolf. (2022, PG) 10.25 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 12.15pm Ping Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 5.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 7.35 Aftersun. (2022, M) 9.30 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.05
Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland.
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+sv)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R)
11.55 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)
1.55 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGa, R) 3.55 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R) 4.55 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. (PGav) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Collision Catastrophe. (Ma)
10.30 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (MA15+adv, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 Clarkson’s Farm. (Mal) 9.45 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Let’s Eat With George. (R)
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6am Golden Years. (2016, PG) 7.50 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 10.00 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) Noon Aftersun. (2022, M) 1.55 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 3.50 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.35 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 7.30 Argo. (2012, M) 9.55 August: Osage County. (2013, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.
72 Common Road, Dungog NSW Entry $10 pp. Kids 18 & under FREE FRI 29 AUGUST 9AM-4PM SAT 30 AUGUST 9AM-4PM SUN 31 AUGUST 9AM-2PM
Experience 185 Australian sculptures over 3 unforgettable days in the stunning Dungog Common Recreational Reserve. sculptureonthefarm.com
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Funeral Notices
McRAE
Marie June
Late of Belbora. Passed away peacefully on 12th August 2025.
Aged 90 years.
Beloved wife of Duncan (dec). Loving mother and mother in-law to Ruth, Athol & Sharon, Malcolm & Sandy, Janet & Mark and Robyn & Trevor. Proud and loving grandmother and great grandmother. Survived by brother Athol Kenneth Murray. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marie’s Funeral Service to be held at the Krambach Presbyterian Church, Krambach on Monday 25th August 2025 commencing at 10.30am prior to interment in the Krambach Cemetery.
Memorial Notice
Rose CAMPBELL
Aged 87 Years. Late of Gloucester. Wife to the late Frank Campbell.
A memorial will be held at Dam-It Getaway, 81 Kia Ora Hill Road, Bowman Farm via Gloucester at 11.00am on 19th September 2025, followed by morning tea at the CWA Club rooms, 108 Church Street, Gloucester.
RSVP to Gavin Day before 7th September on 0433 443 857 for catering purposes.
Wanted to Buy
War Medals
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e161025
For Sale
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495
BAR table, great for pool or outdoor area. Tempered glass top, aluminium frame with white canvas, storage shelf below. $250 ono 0417 216 598
Garage Sale
23rd/24th August 9-4 29 Argyle St Barrington Camping & fishing gear compressor & air tools motorcycle parts/clothes power tools, welder trolleys, shelving + more e200825
$30. 0447 076 485
editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713
DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063
Motors
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190
VET Crush for horses Steve Irwin Equine brand. Never used always shedded. Fully lined rubber 1400mm H; 17mm D. Split door adjustable chest bar & scanning tray. All duragal RHS steel. Heavy duty hinges. Located in Wallarobba. $2000. 0419 626 205. e200825
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787
WHITE 6 drawer chest of drawers, GC, $50 Teac JC12 digital stereo hi-fi system, still in box $100. White half pantry cupboard with shelves VGC $50. 0434 521 457 F250625 COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898 SOLAR hot water panels 300L $85 0487 239 157
COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466 F190625
Ford Falcon LPG
good condition
0431 607 774
SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $7,800. 0415 678 687
Caravans
HORSE riding boots Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153
Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
News Of The Area OPINION
On theCouch
Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
My friend gave me a book for my birthday.
When I started to read it this week, I noticed it had been signed by the author but addressed to her, not me!
Should I bring this up with her?
It's obviously secondhand.
I'm a bit offended.
Miriam L.
Dear Miriam,
People have very different relationships with books.
Some keep treasured books for a lifetime, carefully cataloguing them and rarely
lending them.
If they do, they inscribe them with a message such as, 'Books are like friends to me. I want them to return.'
Other people couldn't care less.
They are happy to share their books with anyone and if they come back again it's a bonus.
They certainly don't have a spreadsheet of books they own, where the books came from, whether or not if they were gifted, or if they received a book two years ago after standing in a tedious queue for an author signing.
The treatment of books is also a polarising topic.
There are those who keep their books in pristine condition, always using a bookmark, storing them in a bookcase away from sunlight, and giving them the reverence that the author
(earning below-minimum wages to fulfil a writing dream and now having an existential crisis over AI) would appreciate.
Others are happy to read in the bath, dog-ear the pages, and spill gravy or beetroot on the pages because they eat and read concurrently.
With your friend, it seems as though her biggest flaw has been to be a bit absentminded.
Perhaps it is a very special title, one that means a lot to her, and she has had it sitting around for some time, finally deciding that you would be the perfect recipient.
For example, I have a copy of the children's book Badjelly the Witch, addressed to me and signed by Spike Milligan.
If I gifted this to a niece or nephew, their parents would
hopefully recognise the significance.
Alternatively, your friend is a bit of a cheapskate, or very bad at the fine art of regifting.
Suffice to say a regifted present should be carefully checked for telltale signs such as signatures, engravings, a missing jigsaw piece, or, if perishable, a date past its use-by status.
If the book looks unread, and it's a book you will enjoy, let it go.
If you feel otherwise, you could always return the volley by letting her know it was such a good book that you insist she reads it.
Then, when she turns the cover, she will see 'To dear Belinda .... ' crossed out and replaced with 'Dear observant Miriam'.
ANSWERS: Spot the difference Picture B - Bigger beak on left owl, eyes moved upwards on middle owl, stripe missing from seller’s pants, sign missing and top head feathers missing from right owl. Unique Moo! - Crowed.
Kids Boot Camp 047
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Indie music support package
By Andrea FERRARI
GREATER Good, a massive multi-discipline support package worth $30k for independent music artists, is back for a fifth year, with applications open now and closing on 3 September.
Curated by music services business Good Intent, the
Greater Good package helps guide and support the next generation of exceptional musical talents by providing one lucky artist with in-kind services and a cash grant totalling over $30,000.
In addition to this, there are 20 shortlisted applicant packs available.
In 2025, the package
includes partners APRA AMCOS, Forbes Street Studios, Jungle Merchandise, PHILTER, Zenith Records, Media Arts Lawyers, Billy Zammit, PLAKKIT, Louder Accounting, and this year there is a 1:1 Creative Consultation Session with TikTok's Ollie Wards.
The pack includes a
$4000 cash grant to further develop the winner’s career.
Any unsigned artists (recording/publishing), from all walks of life and at all levels are encouraged to enter.
One of the Sydney-based founders of Good Intent is Sawtell born and bred Rick Bridgman, who said, “We're
Top agritourism destination
experiences.
Last year, regional NSW attracted 32.7 percent of domestic overnight
visitors who participated in agritourism experiences in regional Australia, the highest share of any regional area in the country.
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.
very privileged to be able to help grow our industry through this initiative, in collaboration with our incredible collection of partners.
“We've discovered so many exceptional artists over the years (some established, many brand-new), with over 600 applicants alone last year.
“We're honoured to provide this package, guidance and skill development to the winner, plus the 20 shortlisted applicants and more to help shape their futures.
“I’d recommend getting Greater Good applications in early; there’s a lot of value for the winner and shortlist.
“And [it's] a way to get your music in front of our assessment panel, which includes people from MusicNSW, Sounds Australia, triple j and more.”
This year's Industry Assessment Panel includes Caitlin McGregor
NSW also welcomed 700,000 international visitors who participated in agritourism experiences during their stay spending
a total of 15.7 million nights in the state and contributed approximately $2.5 billion to the economy.
Destination NSW’s NSW First program is supporting agritourism businesses to better understand the
(MusicNSW), Glenn Dickie (Sounds Australia), Jannah Beth (Offbeat Collective), Daniel Morgan (Astral People), Emmy Mack (RedHook / triple j), Jess Wust (Cult Artists), Brittany Green (Campbelltown Arts Centre) and Rick Bridgman (Good Intent).
Greater Good is supported by Music Victoria, QMusic, MusicACT, Music SA, and WAM.
Good Intent launched in 2018 and is run by Rob Carroll, Nick Moran and Rick Bridgman and a growing team who are deeply passionate about creating real pathways for emerging Australian artists
Previous winners include “ixaras” (2024), LAZY GHOST (2023), PENI PARKER (2022) and Jelly Oshen (2021).
Last year's shortlist was stacked with outstanding talent from across the country.
For more information and the application form, go to goodintent.com.au/greatergood.
tourism industry and develop market-ready visitor experiences.
The program includes the NSW First Agritourism Toolkit, which offers practical advice for new and established operators.
EARLY BIRDS
Sessions 2 to 4; 9am - 12pm
Our transition program, ‘Early Birds’ provides opportunities for students to visit the school and participate in classroom and playground activities. The program supports a smooth and positive transition experience from home to school for kindergarten class of 2026. The program fosters an environment of safety and belonging and allows students to commence kindergarten with confidence. Successful Foundations provides children with the opportunity to actively demonstrate their knowledge with the context of the school, through play!
Session 2 (Term 4) Tuesday 28th October 9:15-10:15am
Children can join Early Birds while parents/carers attend Information Session with Principal. Students attend Early Birds transition program from 9am - 12pm. Pick up at the front office.
Parent’s kiss and drop for Early Birds.
Uniforms on display and available to purchase
NEW data from Tourism Research Australia has confirmed Regional NSW as Australia’s leading destination for visitors seeking agritourism
q The Greater Good team behind Good Intent. Photo: Billy Zammit.
q Past Greater Good winner Fool Nelson, performing in Coffs Harbour recently.
Stargazing: August Is the month to look up
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
IF you’ve ever needed a reason to step outside, tilt your head back, and marvel at the heavens, August is it.
This month, the night sky becomes a stage for some of the most breathtaking celestial performances you’re likely to witness in yearsand here in Australia, we have front-row seats.
It all began last week with a silver-washed landscape under one of the brightest full moons of the year, perfect for a midnight wander or a few atmospheric photos under moonlight. But that’s just the opening act.
The cosmos is about to deliver a quadruple feature that would make even Hollywood jealous. First up, the Perseid meteor shower is underway.
Caused by Earth ploughing through debris left behind by Comet SwiftTuttle, this annual show can produce dozens of meteors per hour.
They appear as fast, bright streaks dashing across the night sky, some leaving glowing trails in their wake.
No telescope needed - just a dark spot, a warm drink, a reclining chair, and perhaps a wish or two.
This week Venus and Jupiter - the two brightest planets in the pre-dawn sky edged close together in what’s called a conjunction.
To the naked eye, they appeared to almost touch, an awe-inspiring sight that ancient civilisations once interpreted as omens of great change.
Whether you see prophecies in the stars or just a beautiful sight, this
rare planetary pairing is still visible but widening and definitely hard to forget!
Then, as if the sky’s putting on a grand finale midmonth, 18 August brought something truly rare: a sixplanet alignment. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will line up across the early morning sky like pearls on a cosmic string.
Just look east before sunrise, it’s a planetary parade that
comes along maybe once a decade.
A few days later, on 21 August, a slender crescent Moon will nestle close to Mercury low on the western horizon just after sunset.
It’s a fleeting moment, easily missed, but charming to catch, especially since Mercury, being so close to the Sun, often plays hard to get.
August closes with a rare and curious phenomenon: the ‘Black Moon’ on the 22nd.
If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s the second new Moon in a single month - a trick of the calendar that results in a sky devoid of any moonlight.
While you won’t see the moon itself, the darkness it brings makes for ideal deep sky observing.
Faint galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way’s bright, ghostly core will shine all the more clearly.
Add to this Saturn reaching opposition later in the month with its rings lightly side on is a gob smacker in even modest backyard telescopes, making August a celestial buffet for astronomers and dreamers alike.
Our region, with its expansive dark skies and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places on Earth to experience it all.
So, whether you’re watching from your back deck, a windswept beach, or a quiet country paddock, don’t miss what August has to offer.
The sky will be alive with motion, mystery, and majesty - a reminder that the universe, ever so often, loves to show off.
With experience Without experience
THE Gloucester District News Of The Area are always looking for more local people to help write about local issues and news affecting our area.
Are you a freelance reporter or someone with news room experience?
either way...
Contact us for more information about writing for the NOTA. We want to talk to you.
THE Gloucester District News Of The Area are always looking for more local people to help write about local issues and news affecting our area.
You may not have any news room experience at all, but you are a competent writer and are passionate about the area and its people.
Email the editor: media@newsofthearea.com.au
the editor: 0431 487 679
Saunders, Groves in close four ball golf win
By Peter WILDBLOOD
IT TOOK a good score and a favourable count back at the Gloucester Golf Course on Saturday 16 August for Stacey Groves and Dave Saunders to take home the Yates Family sponsored trophies.
The weather started kindly but play was interrupted by a thunderstorm which halted play and delayed finalising the results until quite late in the afternoon.
The event was a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford and the winning pair were Stacey Groves and Dave Saunders with their 44 points excellent score in the conditions. They were a count back ahead of runners up, Mark Stone and Matt Peters also scoring 44 points.
The top individual score was turned in by Matt Peters with 38 points. Balls were won by Stacey Groves and Dave Saunders and Mark Stone and Matt Peters 44, visitors Mark Grey and Brian Tull, 43 with the last two balls to Bill Murray and Peter McIntyre 41.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won in the three grades by Paul Blanch, Paul Garland and Steve Benson who finished 420 cm, 1120 cm and 420 cm from the hole respectively. At the 6th and 15th holes Paul Blanch, 200 cm, Paul Garland, 564 cm, and Graeme Marsh, 776 cm, were closest off the tee.
The long drives at the 8th and 17th holes were won by the sharp shooting duo Paul Blanch and Paul Garland;
visitor Jennifer Hetherington was the longest off the tee for the women golfers in the field.
The winner of the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 15 August was Rob Moore with a monster 20 points. This score was 4 points ahead of the nearest ball winners Craig McLeod and Jim Dunn 16 who were followed, only after a
Season finale
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TEA GARDENS Hawks played the Gloucester Magpies at home at Myall Park on Saturday, 16 August, a match which marked the end of the 2025 season for both sides.
In a season impacted by wet weather, this was the second time the teams had met, the first being a Gloucester home game in April.
With a big crowd of locals and visitors cheering on both sides, possession was traded from the very start, with neither team scoring for the first half-hour of the game.
Paul Mascord led the offence for the Hawks, taking several big front row tackles, while Carl Williams was dominant in the backline.
The Hawks frequently found themselves in strong attacking field positions, but could not find the tryline.
Gloucester broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a try to Hayden Berry, before a
successful conversion by Rhys Summerville took the score to 0-6.
The second half started with dark clouds blotting out the sun before 4pm, ushering in a bone-chilling cold, but the players persevered as both sides struggled to change the scoreline.
Gloucester added to their tally at the 60 minute mark, when Jarrad Sharp planted the ball beneath the posts for the second try of the day.
Rhys Summerville was successful again with the boot to bring the score to 0-12.
The deficit was soon reduced however, as the Hawks’ Ben Woolard was rewarded for his strong performance with a try in the 63rd minute.
The Magpies restored their lead before the game was done, with Corbin Predebon scoring and converting his own try in the closing minutes.
The final score was Tea Gardens 4 - Gloucester 18.
countback from the field by Brian Osborne and Wayne Maddalena, 13.
Next Saturday 23 August the Bowden Family will be sponsoring a Four Person Ambrose, weather permitting, and the following week there will be an Individual Stableford sponsored by Elders Real Estate.
Goodrich wins women’s golf
By Carolyn DAVIES
WITH the course only open to walkers, some of the Gloucester Golf Ladies were still happy to get out on the course last Wednesday, 13 August, for an Individual Stableford event with Cheryl Goodrich the top player.
It was a perfect winter's day, with the birds in full song with magpies already practising their swooping for the springtime.
The conditions were still heavy, with little run to help the balls on their way.
The winner was Cheryl Goodrich on 34 Stableford points, with some magical long putts boosting her score.
With the smaller field only two balls were won: by Gai Falla, 31, and Dale Rabbett, 27, with the last ball awarded after a countback. Cheryl Goodrich demonstrated her accuracy to win the Nearest-to-the-Pin prize at the 4th and 13th holes, while Carolyn Davies following suit at the 6th and 15th holes.
This Wednesday, 20 August, the Gloucester Golf Ladies play the final round of the Club Womens Championships, an Individual Stroke event. Next Wednesday there will be an Individual Stableford event sponsored by Debbie Sate.
Gloucester Men’s Bowls Report
By Anthony TERSTEEG
14/08/2025 IN A hard fought match Niel Burley, No1 Tull and visitor Butch Cassidy
drew with Terry “Lucky Legs” Davies, Max Stevens and Col Hebblewhite gaining 12 and a half points each. Jody Thompson, The Don Mehieloff and Tony “Stick” Tersteeg, defeated Michael Way, Gordi Pritchard, and Rob “Stickman” Gibson 15/7. Harry Cox, Shark Tull, and Kevin “Abby” Everett
Mid North Coast Cup
16
Other starters in the 525 metre race are: Sandave Blaze (trainer David Richardson), Yogen Bale (Wayne White), Coast Rig (Patricia Chaker), Simplicity Magic (Troy Dunn) and See Red (Merv Turner).
Flying Goddess (Leanne Goodwin) is the reserve.
Mid North Coast Greyhounds secretary manager Peter Cassar said the quality of racing in the heats should ensure the final is a top class race.
There were starters in the heats from Sydney, the Hunter and Northern Rivers
regions as well as the Mid North Coast.
This will be the only Saturday night meeting conducted by the club.
Last year’s final was run in October as the track only became operational in early September following a $6 million upgrade conducted by Greyhound Racing NSW.
beat Basil Schneider Terry Carson and “The Sherriff Revere 16/6. Rob Cushway, Andrew “Hendo” Henderson and Robert “Lice” Hayes lost
This included switching from a grass racing surface to loam.
“That was the first major race we ran here,’’ Mr Cassar said.
The meeting drew a bumper crowd and the club is hoping for a similar turnout this weekend.
“The weather will play a big factor of course.
“We had a great night for
to Paul Young, Chris Pritchard and Ron “Short Stick” Jones 17/6 winning the last 9 ends. Runners up were Col Bettie, Paul Mooney and Mike Sheely who gave Noel “Cookie” Cook, “PH” Stephen Hurworth and Vic Hebblewhite a touchup to win 20/19. Winners of the day were Norm “The Manager” M’Leod and Alex Laurie who gave a clinical display, to defeat Doug Bright and Gary Moss 21/24. Yep, that is not a misprint. J. L. Seagull.
the Cup last year, but that was in October. Still, we’re confident we’ll get a strong number of patrons here on August 23.”
Admission will be free and 12 races will be run.
The club is closing in on its first 12 months and Mr Cassar said 95 meetings have been run at the track.
There was an unexpected hurdle when the Taree area
was hit by record flooding.
“We lost a month’s racing in May and June because of the flood.
“A whole section of the track was washed away.’’ Racing is conducted on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings.
The Wednesday night meetings conducted in the warmer months drew big crowds.
q The Gloucester defence holding strong. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Tea Gardens Hawks player Ben Woolard grounding his side’s only try. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Action galore as the Hawks took on the Magpies. Photo: Gloucester Magpies.
q Dave Saunders, Stacey Groves.
Mid North Coast Cup
By Mick MCDONALD
