Representing
The
Mick's
CONTINUED
By John WATTS
John WATTS 0438 346 544 watts@newsofthearea.com.au
Wendy BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
By John WATTS
YANCOAL has poured cold water on a suggestion that the Stratford mine might be an appropriate source of critical minerals.
“Yancoal has no plans to pursue the extraction of critical minerals or REE (rare earth elements) from coal waste or to undertake any exploration
for these commodities at the Stratford and Duralie sites,” a company spokesperson confirmed.
It follows a report referring to 28 current and historic mines in NSW, at which sampling had identified potentially critical minerals and other high-tech metals hidden in waste.
The report, which
ran in News Of The Area on 14 May, was based on a media release from NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.
She said the sampling data “reinforces that NSW really is the state to be for explorers looking to find the next big critical minerals project.
“As key ingredients
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Centre
Better Flooring
Elders
Bucketts Building
Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre
Newsagent Club Gloucester
Lovey's IGA
R & R Property
Gloucester Library
Gloucester Caravan Park
Hebbys Bakery
Yates & Twomey
Hannaford Stock & Land Real Estate
Barrington
Barrington Shop
By Wendy BUSWELL
JAN Clark, Bronwyn Greive and Fiona Pfennigwerth met while studying Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle.
Their new exhibition
"Natural Friends”, marks their first collaboration as a trio and their debut exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery.
"Collaboration is less intimidating than working solo," Fiona told News Of The Area.
"Different styles don't need to compete; they can engage in conversation.”
Her preferred medium is watercolours.
"There’s a sense of being one partner alongside paper, pigment, and water.
“I enjoy layering pigments in thin washes to build up colour, depth, and nuance.”
Fiona also uses her art to create borders to accompany text.
Several panels featuring scenes from her book "The Book of Psalms Illuminated" will be showcased during the exhibition.
Bronwyn Greive said all three artists love nature and drew inspiration from the environment.
“Our unique approaches to our subjects highlight the endless possibilities of art.
in our solar panels, wind turbines, EVs and batteries, critical minerals and high-tech metals are integral to our economic future.
“This pre-competitive data helps to minimise investment risk in exploration and identify new opportunities.
“More exploration means more jobs and more investment in regional NSW.”
However, when it came to Stratford, the Minister’s enthusiasm was premature.
Yancoal has applied to the State Government
"I have never met a medium I don’t like.
“I love to work with paper, paint, textiles, ink, charcoal, printmaking, and sculpture."
Jan Clark said it was “fascinating” to see how each person expresses their passion for nature.
Hers lies in fabric and she identifies as a textile artist who also paints acrylic abstracts.
"I also love creating scientific drawings of insects using coloured pencils and graphite."
One of the reasons Fiona, Bronwyn and Jan enjoy creating art is the range of possibilities within the process, from selecting a subject to choosing a medium.
"It's also an excuse to visit beautiful places and take the time to savour them; to sit with a found object and discover its details and patterns,” Fiona said.
Bronwyn describes art as "beneficial for the soul and psyche”, while Jan says it "brings me joy and peace."
During the exhibition, Bronwyn and Jan will conduct workshops, while Fiona will serve as the artist-in-residence.
A soft opening is scheduled for midday on Saturday 24 May 24, with the artists' teacher and mentor Trevor Weekes officially opening the exhibition.
to develop the site as a Pumped Hydro and Solar Project.
“Yancoal is aware of ongoing Australian and international research into the presence of critical minerals and rare earth elements (REE) in coal waste,” the spokesperson said.
“[But] considerable technological advancements will be required before the commercial extraction and processing of critical minerals and REE from coal waste becomes viable.”
FROM Page 1
with his technique, speed, and presentation.
“It was an incredible experience,” Mick said.
“To be in the same room as so many skilled butchers and to walk away with a top ten finish - it’s something I’m really proud of.
“I would also like to congratulate Nate from Snow and Sons in Wingham for taking out the young butcher award and to Mitch from Snow and Sons who stood up as a second year apprentice and gave his all.
“It’s good to see the next generation of butchers out there and see that the industry will be in good hands!” said Mick.
Stroud locals and loyal customers are beaming with pride at Mick’s success, which shines a spotlight on the exceptional quality and expertise found right here in the community.
APPLICATIONS are now open for MidCoast Council’s Water Wiser Grants.
Schools, community groups and other eligible organisations can apply
for grants of up to $10,000 to co-fund projects and activities that increase water
FROM Page 1
portal, under the major projects section.
Of particular interest is Yancoal’s response to Council’s submission.
In a letter dated 29 October 2024, Council said Yancoal should make a one-off payment of $10 million and another payment of one percent of the estimated development cost (EDC) of the project.
The payments would be part of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) and be spread over 80 years - the likely life of the project.
Yancoal rejected making the one-off payment but agreed to the annual amount.
It estimates that one percent of the EDC is $18,188,547.35, meaning that annual payments to the Council would be $227,356.85 - adjusted for inflation.
Council has not specified how the money will be spent, and in what way the payments will
benefit the Gloucester area.
This is despite the NSW Government recently publishing a “Benefit Sharing Guideline”, which provides advice on how community benefit sharing can be incorporated into the delivery of largescale renewable energy developments.
“Communities, which bear the brunt of the changes, may not necessarily experience a proportionate level of benefits from the uptake of renewable energy,” the advisory explains.
“We need to make specific efforts to fairly share the proceeds from the transition within the areas in which it is focused.”
Gloucester local Tibor Kovats, who is a town planner with experience in Hunter Valley coal mining approvals, approached the Department to see how this applied to the Stratford project.
“I was advised that [the] guideline does not prescribe benefit-sharing
rates for pumped hydro projects, however I was also told that benefitsharing is strongly encouraged and should be evaluated on a project-byproject basis,” he said.
“This project includes a major solar farm so in my opinion the Benefit Sharing Guideline should be applied.
“I hope that the Council will engage with the Gloucester community to ensure that, should the project go ahead, it is the Gloucester community that benefits from any annual contribution and that the money is not lost to general Council finances and expenditure."
News Of The Area sought comment from MidCoast Council about what plans it had to ensure that the benefits of the Yancoal payments were applied to the Gloucester area.
“MidCoast Council will provide comment when the opportunity allows,” a spokesperson said.
conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awarenessraising initiatives.
Now in its second year, the program awarded more than $45,000 to schools, sporting groups and community halls in 2024 for a range of beneficial projects, including educational gardening programs and rainwater reuse initiatives.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said not-for-profit organisations often had great
ideas for improving the way they did things, but they didn’t always have the funds to bring those ideas to life.
“That’s a big part of why we launched the Water Wiser Grants program,” said Mr Scott.
“We wanted to help out those organisations that were looking for more sustainable ways of doing things because so often the improvements they put in place benefit the larger community.
“We saw that last year with some of the gardening programs we funded in
schools.
“Not only are those gardens more water efficient now that they have rainwater tanks and improved irrigation systems in place, but the programs are teaching students about water efficiency and sustainable practices, which is obviously going to have long-term benefits.”
Applications are open from Monday 12 May until Monday 30 June 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to read the full guidelines for eligibility and criteria before submitting their applications.
To apply or find out more, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov. au/water-wiser-grants
By Bill HARROW
MIDCOAST Community Theatre brought Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” to life at Taree Universities Campus on Friday 16 May.
“My love of Shakespeare began in 1993 while studying Othello and I continued studying him at university in literature and acting studies,” said Director and Producer Catherine Watson.
“I also played The Abbess and Merchant One in a production of The Comedy of Errors in Sydney directed by Lex Marinos.”
Stand out performances from the cast on Friday night included Tyler Blake as
Antipholus of Ephusus and Kaylan O’Keefe as Antipholus of Syracuse.
The mother and daughter team of Amy Ferry and Charlee Bournes played Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus, gracing the stage together for the first time.
Bec Noland delivered another outstanding performance as the father of two sets of twins, and her riveting prologue set the scene for the action to come.
Having loved the stage since the age of six, Bec has recently returned to her passion after a break.
“I really enjoyed the role of playing a man as it stretched my acting capability,” Bec told
We extend our heartfelt thanks to BWNG’s Volunteers, who are the backbone to many of our services. Without their time, energy, and commitment, we simply could not do what we do.
Thank you for being a part of our team.
Kelpie x Mastiffs
Age: 8 months
Location: East Maitland, NSW
Adoption fee is $500.00 each
Gary is a sweet boy, can be a little timid at times, loves cuddles, plays with toys on his own, needs leading training and new areas can scare him.
Linda (Dark Brindle) sweet girl, still timid at times, new areas scare her, needs lead training, likes dogs and is very cuddly.
Terri (Light Brindle) sweet girl, more outgoing than her siblings, gets a bit stressed in the yards. They are tested well with other dogs, cats, rooster (Linda was scared of him and growled).
Their adoption fee each is $500.00 which includes his desexing & lifetime registration. They are also regularly treated for flea and worms and is up to date with his vaccinations.
To enquire more or to meet Gary, Lina or Terri, please call 0499 900 272 or email ccacfpetadoptions@gmail.com and speak to one of our friendly staff. They are looking forward to meeting you!
NSW AMBULANCE has welcomed eight new paramedics to the Hunter, following their official induction into the service.
The new paramedics will be based across Hunter Zones 1 and 2, where they will begin 12-month on-road placements to consolidate their training.
A NEW study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has found a significant decline in the number of young people aged 10 to 13 years found guilty of a criminal offence in NSW, following a landmark High Court of Australia decision in 2016.
The decision in the case of RP v R clarified the application of the legal principle of “doli incapax”, which presumes that children under 14 years are incapable of criminal responsibility unless proven otherwise.
The High Court's 2016 decision clarified that to rebut the presumption of doli incapax, the prosecution must prove that the child understood their actions were
“We’re thrilled to welcome eight new paramedics to the Hunter – a boost that will directly benefit the region’s healthcare services,” said Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley.
“Being a paramedic is an incredibly rewarding career and I’m confident the local community will warmly welcome these new recruits.
“Our focus is on making the Hunter a leading healthcare hub and today’s
by the prosecution, rising from 12 percent in 2015-16 to 53 percent in 2022-23.
seriously wrong, not merely naughty.
The judgement requires prosecutors to provide proof beyond merely showing that the child committed the offence, and that the offence was “obviously wrong”.
Following the ruling, the proportion of 10-13 year olds with a proven outcome in the NSW Children’s Court fell dramatically from 76 percent in 2015-16 to 16 percent in 2022-23.
Over the same period, the volume of 10-13 year olds charged by police has been mostly stable.
The decline in proven outcomes was accompanied by an increase in cases where all charges are withdrawn
There has also been a notable decline in guilty pleas among this age group, falling from 54 percent in 2015-16 to 14 percent in 2022-23.
The findings highlight that, despite the formal age of criminal responsibility remaining at 10 years, it is now very uncommon for a child aged under 14 to be found guilty of a crime in NSW.
Commenting on the findings BOCSAR Executive Director, Jackie Fitzgerald, said that the High Court decision appears to have made it more difficult to convict younger children.
“The trend is most evident in states such as NSW, Victoria and South Australia, which rely on a common law understanding of doli
announcement is another important step towards that goal.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, “These paramedics and control centre interns are stepping into a role that demands not just clinical skill, but compassion, resilience, and courage.
incapax,” she said.
“States which have defined doli incapax in legislation, such as Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania, have not shown a similar decline.
“The result raises questions about how best to support vulnerable young people who participate in crime at an early age in order to reduce future harm to themself and the community.”
Last week, following the release of BOCSAR’s findings, the NSW Government launched a review into doli incapax.
The review is being undertaken by former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Geoffrey Bellew SC, and former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jeffrey Loy.
The pair will consider how the presumption of
“Whether responding to emergencies or supporting community healthcare, these graduates will become an integral part of NSW Ambulance.”
doli incapax is applied in criminal proceedings, the impact of its operation on options for intervention, what improvements could be made and a framework for legislation.
They will also consider how doli incapax interacts with the Young Offenders Act 1997 and the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020, and other relevant matters including community safety and the interests of children.
Stakeholders including victims’ groups, local and regional communities, Aboriginal led organisations and legal and government stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review.
They are due to report back to the Attorney General in the second half of 2025.
By Pauline CAIN
CONNECTING Communities
is the theme for National Volunteer Week 2025.
And it is, literally, what Linked Community Services is about.
It is a not-for-profit community transport provider committed to keeping clients connected from South West Rocks to Port Stephens.
It offers individual transport, weekly shuttle services and social outings, and matches volunteers
with older Australians who may be isolated or living alone.
These regular home visits foster genuine friendships and meaningful companionship.
“I enjoy visiting, listening to stories, and reminiscing with my care recipient,” said Margaret, who began as a volunteer and is now Administration Support Officer for the program.
“It is such a rewarding experience.
“I thought I was going to change someone else’s
life, but it is my life that has changed.”
According to Linked, older people with strong social connections experience a sense of belonging, which has positive impacts on health, wellness and quality of life.
Volunteering also brings many rewards.
If you are interested in joining the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme or the transport services as a driver or a bus assistant, visit the website linked.org. au/volunteering.
MAYORS and council general managers from across the Hunter took an exclusive tour of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal development on Monday 12 May.
The local governments represented are members of the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO), a collaborative body that brings together the ten councils in the region.
The tour was led by Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson, who also serves as the Mayor of Port Stephens and HJO Deputy Chair.
Joining Ms Anderson in delivering the tour was Newcastle Airport Executive General Manager People and Communications, Burcak Sezer and the Airport’s Planning and Infrastructure team.
The visit provided a behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the terminal, which is on track to open in August 2025.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will position Newcastle Airport as NSW’s second international gateway, unlocking new global routes,
investment, and economic opportunity for the region.
The tour also included updates on the airport’s air cargo advocacy efforts, the continued growth of Astra Aerolab, and regional partnership efforts to attract new international and domestic routes.
Mr Sezer said collaboration was key to realising the full potential of the international terminal for the Hunter.
"The success of this project relies on strong regional partnerships," Ms Sezer said.
"This facility will be a major driver of economic growth – not just for Newcastle, but for every part of the Hunter."
Ms Anderson said the airport expansion will make the Hunter “more connected and easier to explore for both visitors and our local community”.
“This international gateway into our backyard will ultimately generate huge economic activity and is expected to drive increased local investment and support businesses across our region,”
Cr Anderson said.
In attendance were representatives of Singleton, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Dungog and Newcastle councils.
tourism opportunities open.
“It will provide great opportunities for external investment, driving further development and growth within our region.
“This major infrastructure project will enable our region's visitor economy to grow as investment and
Cr Sue Moore, Mayor of Singleton and Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation said, “As the Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation, representing the ten Mayors of the Hunter region, we understand the importance of the Newcastle Airport to our region’s ongoing economic transformation.
“We want to share our breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and worldrenowned vineyards with others and this provides us the opportunity to do so.”
POLICE have charged 627 people with more than 1300 offences during a four-day statewide operation targeting domestic and family violence (DFV).
“Operation Amarok X” ran from Wednesday 14 May to Saturday 17 May 2025, and involved officers from all police area commands and police districts across NSW.
The Domestic and Family Violence Commandled operation also involved
officers from each regions’ Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team (DVHROT), along with specialist officers from Raptor Squad, Youth Command, State Crime Command’s Child Protection Register, Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, and the Police Transport Command.
Across the four days, 627 people were arrested and charged with 257 arrest warrants executed.
Police laid 1316 charges
and conducted 1276 bail compliance checks and 12,926 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with a total of 535 breaches identified.
Officers conducted 125 firearms prohibition order (FPO) searches, with 100 firearms and 16 weapons seized.
Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Sponsor, Assistant Commissioner
By Allanah SCIBERRAS, AAP
LANDLORDS will no longer be able to evict tenants without good cause, marking the end of no-grounds evictions, a reform designed to provide security for millions of renters.
The reform came into effect on Monday, alongside two other key changes introduced under the NSW government's latest rental laws.
Premier Chris Minns described the changes as significant, saying it brings the "rental market into the 21st century".
"These are sensible reforms. With more than two million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right," he says.
The reforms, announced in March, have been labelled a win for the economy, promising better prospects for young workers in one of the world's most expensive cities.
Tenants will also be able to apply for a pet, with owners only able to refuse the request for specific reasons, such as the owner living at the property.
Approval will be automatic if owners do not respond to pet applications within 21 days.
Owners and agents must also provide certain fee-free rent payment methods such as direct bank transfers to renters.
Housing minister Rose Jackson believes the reforms are the biggest step forward for renters in a generation.
"These reforms recognise that pets are part of people's families," she said.
"Renters shouldn't have to choose between a place to live and keeping their companion animal. These changes put
Peter Mckenna, said Amarok X had a focus on protecting young victims with officers from Youth Command attending schools and PCYCs to help educate and engage with young people.
“We know the psychological trauma caused by a child or young person, when they are exposed to domestic and family abuse, can have a lasting effect,” Assistant Commissioner Mckenna said.
“No one – and especially no child – should have to experience violence and should be safe in their own home.
“There have been 160,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in the past 12 months, which is an average of about 438 per day.
"That is unacceptable and is not tolerated by police or our society.”
Locally, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation after a 37-yearold woman was allegedly assaulted, resulting in a broken jaw and a wound to her leg.
Following inquiries, officers arrested a 44-yearold man at a Maitland home.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with “cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent (DV)”, and “wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV)”.
The man appeared at Maitland Local Court last Wednesday, where he was formally refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 9 July 2025.
Elsewhere in the Hunter, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and the Northern Region DVHROT arrested a man on Velinda Street, Edgeworth.
Police will allege in court the man assaulted a woman known to him at a home in Edgeworth in March 2025.
The 29-year-old man was taken to Toronto Police Station where two outstanding warrants were executed, and he was charged with “assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV)”.
He was refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court the same day where he was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 31 May 2025.
Last Thursday, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District attended Newcastle Police Station and arrested a 25-year-old man after he was transferred from
a correctional facility.
Police will allege in court that the man contacted a woman known to him more than 300 times between January and April 2025 and made serious threats of harm, in breach of a current enforceable AVO.
He was charged with 75 offences.
He appeared before Newcastle Local Court last Friday where he was formally refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday 4 June 2025.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District also commenced an investigation after a 23-year-old woman was allegedly repeatedly assaulted by a man known to her last Monday.
Following inquiries, officers attached to the Newcastle City Domestic Violence Team attended a home at Jesmond about 2pm last Thursday and arrested a 26-year-old man.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with multiple offences.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court last Friday.
Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. In an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).
common sense into the rental system and end the blanket ban on pets."
Victoria recently passed similar laws in March, which included a complete ban on
evictions without a reason.
South Australia and the ACT have already banned no-grounds evictions for both periodic and fixed-term tenancies, while Queensland
and Tasmania have put a stop to only the latter.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory allow no-grounds evictions for all tenancies.
FRIDAY
THE
ABC TV, 8.30pm
A will-they/won’t-they romance hidden beneath layers of criminal intrigue and forensic examination, this psychological thriller based on the Welsh series Cleddau is not your average crime series. It follows the hunt for a killer whose modus operandi echoes that of the fictional Heart Knot murders, a crime which detectives (and former lovers) Ffion Lloyd (Elen Rhys) and Rick Sheldon (Richard Harrington, pictured, with Rhys) thought they solved 12 years ago. Amid locals’ fears of a copycat killer, Lloyd is called back to Pembroke Dock, the seaside town she left behind to solve the case.
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)
The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)
10.30 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R) 11.00 ABC Late News.
11.15 Father Brown. (Ma, R)
12.00 Mayfair Witches. (Mal, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
NBN, 7.30pm
If you’ve found yourself calling out the answers to this competitive quiz show so loudly that you can’t hear the actual contestants, you’re not alone. What started as 81 Aussies standing on a grid of trivia topics is now just nine clever contenders hoping to defend their territory, conquer their neighbours’ tiles and claim the entire board for themselves. Can one of the (unfortunately titled) ‘whales’ hold onto their majority stake? Or will an underdog seize their chance to take over? Host Rodger Corser (right) oversees as the final nine battle it out for the last time. Only one can wipe the floor with their competition and claim the $200,000 grand prize. Let’s duel!
ABC FAMILY, 8.40pm
A cinematographer on David Attenborough’s Planet Earth documentaries as well as a National Geographic explorer, adventurer and wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory has fit an incredible amount of experience into his 32 years. For his second standalone series, Gregory braves sub-zero seas, climbs snow-capped mountains and sleeps suspended in mid-air to bring the daily lives of extraordinary animals and the challenges they face to your living room. Tonight’s episode finds Gregory and his team in the Galápagos Islands, where they spend time with marine iguanas, sunbathe with sea lions and swim with eagle rays and sharks. You won’t believe your eyes.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: Call Me Kate. (2023, PGa, R) 9.05 Snowdon & Margaret: A Scandalous Affair. (PGa, R)
10.00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Atlantic Crossing. (PGa, R)
12.10 Rex In Rome. (Mlv, R)
2.00 The Head. (Malsv, R)
3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (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 House Of Wellness. (PGas) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates share insights and experiences to highlight living well.
9.30 MOVIE: Under The Tuscan Sun. (2003, Ml, R) A divorcée heads to Tuscany. Diane Lane, Sandra Oh.
11.50 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa, R) Farmer Tom meets families in home town visits.
1.30 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 12. Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Parramatta Eels versus Manly Sea Eagles match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Sleepless. (2017, MA15+dlv, R) A cop searches for his kidnapped son. Jamie Foxx.
12.35 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) 6.30 The Project. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple search for a retreat in the Blue Mountains. 8.30 Have You Been Paying
6.00
6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) Father Brown investigates a death at a dance school.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Dr Turner and Shelagh are blindsided when May’s future with them is called into question.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) After a cycling competition comes to the village of Burwood Mantle, the race leader is murdered.
10.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac goes rogue with a new lead.
10.45 Reunion. (MA15+l, R) A deaf ex-prisoner seeks revenge. 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Peter Rabbit. 5.50 Hey Duggee: Songs. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.50 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal, R)
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (Return, PG) 9.30 Alone Australia. (M)
10.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
11.40 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32)
6am After Yang.
Continued. (2021, PG) 7.00 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 8.55 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 10.35 Arctic. (2018, M) 12.25pm Rob The Mob. (2014, M) 2.25 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 6.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.30 Ben Is Back. (2018, M) 10.25 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.
6.30 Compass: The Conclave. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller.
8.30 Bergerac. (Ml) Bergerac’s enemies are gaining momentum and there’s a shocking revelation about the ransom.
9.20 Reunion. (Mlv) Brennan and Carly head to his school reunion, where Brennan meets some old friends.
10.15 MOVIE: Strangerland. (2015, MA15+an, R) Nicole Kidman.
12.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.00 The Split. (Ml, R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 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.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R)
9.15 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PG, R)
10.05 Hindenburg: The Cover Up. (PGa, R) 11.00 Face Down: Killing Of Thomas Niedermayer. (Mal) 12.00 24 Hours In Emergency. (Malm, R)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Finding
Graceland. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.50 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 8.30 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 10.30 Bandit. (2022, M) 12.50pm The Daughter. (2015, M) 2.40 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 4.30 Belle. (2013, PG) 6.30 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.30 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 10.55 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish) 1.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Americas: The Caribbean. (PG) Takes a look at sailfish hunt.
8.00 MOVIE: The Lost World: Jurassic Park. (1997, PGv, R) A research team is sent to investigate an island populated by dinosaurs. Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite.
10.35 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A parolee is caught up in a hijacking. Nicolas Cage, John Cusack.
12.55 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGas, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, Mlv, R) M’s past comes back to haunt her. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench.
11.30 MOVIE: Double Impact. (1991, MA15+slv, R)
1.35 Destination WA. (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 Love It Or List It Australia. A family is feeling cramped in their current home. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a house but she wants a Hamptons-style cottage with a pool and he seeks a home with character and a toolshed. 9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.40 FBI. (MA15+v, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls)
8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Unusual Suspects. (Mad) Looks at some unusual suspects. 10.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Baby In The Suitcase. (MA15+adv, R) 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma) 12.30 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGls) 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s
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6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. (Premiere) 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Stockholm With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Estonia. (PGa, R)
9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Mlv)
11.35 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R)
2.30 Along Ireland’s Shores. (PG, R)
3.30 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 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)
8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) The 126 deals with the aftermath of the asteroid crash. 9.50 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Cronulla Riots. (Malv, R)
10.50 The Agenda Setters. 11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGa)
12.20 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Premiere, Mal)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Hamlet.
Continued. (1948, PG) 8.35 Belle. (2013, PG) 10.30
Ordinary Happiness. (2019, M, Italian) 12.10pm Ben Is Back. (2018, M) 2.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 3.55 Summerland. (2020, PG) 5.50 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 7.50 We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 9.30 November. (2022, M, French) 11.30 Clean. (2021, MA15+) 1.10am The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 3.30 Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show.
6.00
2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 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 Who Do You Think You Are? (Mlv)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. (Final, MA15+)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Living Black. (R)
11.30 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R)
2.50 Along Ireland’s Shores. (PGa, R)
3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan 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 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Farmer Jack’s remaining ladies arrive. 8.50 Doc. (Ma) Amy and Jake try to uncover the cause of a unique patient’s worsening condition. 9.50 Accused. (Mad) A wrestling coach goes on trial. 10.50 The Agenda Setters. 11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R) 12.50 The Act. (MA15+ans, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
NBN News.
A Current Affair.
The Floor. (Final, PG)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 8.15 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.20 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 12.40pm November. (2022, M, French) 2.40 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.40 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, M) 9.40 No Man Of God. (2021, MA15+) 11.35 The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 1.25am 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. Check what’s on at dungogroyalhotel.com.au or call us on 0418 443398
WEDNESDAY,
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 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 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (Malns, R)
9.10 The Day The Rock Star Died: Michael Hutchence. (Ma, R)
9.40 The Handmaid’s Tale. (Final, MA15+, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 My Brilliant Friend. (Mals)
12.15 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Malv, R) 3.35 Along Ireland’s Shores. (R) 4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (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 1% Club UK. (PGal, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan. 10.00 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)
12.00 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
1.00 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 Rugby League. State of Origin. Game 1. Queensland v New South Wales. 10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 1. 11.00 9News Late. 11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00
Or
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6am The Movie Show. 6.15 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 8.05 Summerland. (2020, PG) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 2.00 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 4.00 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 5.55 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.55 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 9.30 Sin City. (2005, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
(PGl)
8.50 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Atlantic. (Final, PGa) 9.35 The Kimberley. (Final, R) 10.25 ABC Late News. 10.40 The Business. (R) 10.55 Love Your Garden. (R)
11.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.30 Rage. (PG) 1.25 Vera. (Mv, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 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 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Our Medicine. (Premiere, PG)
8.40 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley. (Premiere, PGad)
9.40 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mav)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Carmen Curlers. (Mas, R)
1.20 Pagan Peak. (MA15+as, R)
3.05 Along Ireland’s Shores. (R)
4.05 Life In Bloom. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Cash is offered a clean slate.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) A family’s dog proves a disruptive influence.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The fourth set of semi-finalists sets out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.00 Raines. (Mahv)
1.00 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 Rugby League. Women’s
MOVIES (32)
6am The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 7.55 Heidi. (2015, PG, German) 10.00 The Furnace. (2020, M) 12.10pm The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 2.00 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 3.50 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 5.40 December Boys. (2007, PG) 7.40 Australian Rules. (2002, M) 9.30 Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 11.35 Rush. (2013, MA15+) 1.55am Late Programs.
HEART OF GLOUCESTER DISTRICT
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Gloucester community? Whether they are a dedicated volunteer, a standout community member, or an all-round legend, we want to hear about them.
Please email with their details and we’ll get in touch to celebrate their wonderful contributions. tracey@newsofthearea.com.au
By Paul DORIN
DEAR
Jasminda,
THE other night, my brother-in-law invited himself over for dinner.
However, I had not prepared enough for him (as he was unannounced), and he got annoyed and left. Now he won’t reply to either my husband's or my messages. How do you suggest I go about this?
Normine B.
Dear Normine,
I'm picking up some pretty serious psycho vibes from your conundrum.
Normine B? Is there a
Norman in the family? Is your surname Bates?
Does he have a penchant for taxidermy and/or a mother in the attic?
I am not here to judge, though, Normine. So let's turn to your question and address the facts. Your brother-in-law arrived unannounced.
This in itself could be normal or aggravating depending on whether you are a social creature or an introvert who likes to get mentally (and in this case gustatorily) prepared for visitors.
When you are not expecting drop-in guests, dinner plans can range from Weetbix (with hot or cold milk as desired) to a toasted sandwich, to a menopausal breakdown where you tell your family you are retiring to the bedroom with a box of Ferrero Rochers and (after
devoting the past 30 years to meals on the table) they can eat bread and pullet under the table for all you care.
But I digress. Arriving unannounced for dinner is not acceptable behaviour for anyone, even a relative.
People need to give a bit of notice.
Let's turn to the next piece of information.
You have not indicated how your brother-in-law showed his annoyance.
Did he storm out, his solitary Jatz cracker left untouched?
Did he reverse aggressively down the driveway (narrowly avoiding Maestro, the family dog)?
The evidence is very light on here, Normine.
May I suggest you are drawing connections when they may not exist.
What concerns me most,
is that he is not replying to either of you.
I have a vision of your brother-in-law (aka the unnamed protagonist) driving off (in his 1957 Ford Custom) in the pelting rain. Feeling faint (now is not the time for regret, Normine), and too tired and dejected to continue (Bernard Herrmann's musical score in the background), he pulls into a shady-looking motel (coincidentally owned by your brother) who suggests a simple cheese and ham sandwich in the parlor.
Normine, I suggest you hire a private investigator (perhaps one named Arbogast) to see what on earth is going on here.
Let me know how it all goes.
I will await (eating popcorn) with (Norman-Bated) breath.
By Jack GRAMENZ, AAP
NEW SOUTH WALES
has joined other states in following national advice to allow nurses and midwives to prescribe drugs for medical abortions, but experts say other barriers remain.
While abortion is legal in all states and territories, it is not always accessible, particularly for women outside metropolitan areas.
NSW will join the ACT, Queensland, South Australia
and WA in permitting nurses and midwives to prescribe drugs for medical abortions, following guidelines from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The change is a positive if incremental step, Sydney University rural health researcher Anna Noonan told AAP.
"Nurses are really the backbone of the rural health care workforce, so it makes sense that these highly qualified people are
able to provide care to the communities they already serve," she said.
"Rural and regional people often face... less availability of all types of health care services."
Medical abortions are permitted in Australia up to nine weeks, but World Health Organisation guidelines recommend provision up to 12 weeks.
Outside of medical abortions, there are other hurdles to accessing care.
"There is a significant scarcity of surgical abortion services... so you're really looking at having to travel to urban centres, and also accessing care through a private provider," Dr Noonan told AAP.
"These costs to an individual compound when you're not accessing these services locally, close to where you live."
A provision in the initial bill requiring services to be available within a "reasonable distance" was removed as it moved through parliament.
"Abortion deserts"
- where people seeking procedural abortions have to travel more than 160km to access them - covers most places outside of metropolitan centres, Dr Noonan said.
Philip Goldstone, medical director of sexual and reproductive health care provider MSI Australia, said the change expanded choice and improved access.
"It is particularly important for women in rural and regional areas, where there is still stigma surrounding abortion care and a limited number of doctors that provide it," he
By Andrea FERRARI
EMERGENCY services
volunteers will be recognised for the first time in the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The Centre for Volunteering added this seventh category to its annual celebration, following the announcement in March of the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation.
The citation ensures that the unique and vital
contributions of emergency responders and volunteers during the major NSW flood events between 2021 and 2023 are recognised.
The inaugural NSW Emergency Volunteer of the Year award is also open to community groups and individuals.
“[Emergency service] volunteers are always there to provide care, support, and lifesaving responses during floods, storms, and fires across our beaches
and waterways,” Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said.
“This is a wonderful initiative of the NSW Government, and we look forward to meeting many of the inspiring emergency volunteers at our regional ceremonies later in the year.”
Minister for Emergency
Services Jihad Dib said the new award improves the recognition of not only volunteers from emergency services organisations, but also informal volunteers and other community organisations.
“It’s just one way to let your local emergency volunteers know their
dedication and contribution doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Our dedicated volunteers… are often first on the scene, protecting and caring for us when we need it most.
“Almost everyone knows someone who gives their time as an emergency volunteer.
said in a statement.
But public abortion services are poorly funded, or non-existent in some parts.
"We know the cost of abortion care is an issue for people and have been advocating for better funding for abortions for many years," Dr Goldstone said.
Greens MP Amanda Cohn's bill to enact the change passed the NSW lower house on Wednesday afternoon, but will return to the upper house later in May.
“I urge you to go online and take the time to nominate them for this important award.”
Nominations can be submitted before 5pm on Friday, 23 May by visiting volunteering.com.au/ awards/about-the-awards.
Last year, more than 139,000 nominees from over 500 organisations were recognised at regional and state ceremonies.
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is harnessing the power of drones to enhance fisheries compliance operations
DPIRD Director Fisheries Compliance Mika Malkki said fisheries officers are responsible for monitoring the vast coastline and inland lakes and rivers across NSW and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are proving to be a game changer, providing real-time monitoring and surveillance capabilities from distant vantage points.
“The drones can effortlessly reach remote
areas, capturing vital images and data more efficiently, by not having to deploy major assets like vessels or physically covering ground,” said Mr Malkki.
“Equipped with cameras and sensors, these drones deliver realtime information on illegal fishing activities and environmental damage.
“Drones also play a crucial role in regulating commercial fishing providing increased monitoring capacity of remote activities.”
Mr Malkki said that UAV’s are able to provide Fisheries Officers with critical and timely
evidence in many cases compared to traditional methodologies,which is essential for compliance operations and investigations.
“UAV technology has proven its effectiveness in the recent apprehension of a 51 year old male on the banks of the Hunter River, who was found in possession of a 70 metre length of commercial fishing net and 38 crab traps alleged to have been used unlawfully in the waters adjacent,” Mr Malkki said.
“This rapidly evolving technology provided Fisheries Officers with the enhanced ability to undertake surveillance from a safe distance and determine a strategic
compliance approach prior to apprehension.
“They also assist in the assessment of the health of marine ecosystems by enabling our teams to survey mangroves and salt marshes, allowing us to better understand the impacts of harmful activities like clearing and dredging of key fish habitats.
“Recent drone flights uncovered illegal seawall constructions and damage to seagrass habitats, identifying unauthorized work not approved by Fisheries or the council.”
The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch line on 1800 043 536 or online at: bit.ly/38lU4OB.
PUBLIC hearings were held in Dubbo and Sydney last week as part of an Upper House inquiry into the impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in New South Wales.
The Sydney hearing featured a number of NSW Government agencies involved in REZs, including independent agencies such as the Net Zero Commission, landowners, environmental groups, and peak organisations such as NSW Farmers, the Minerals Council and Business NSW.
The regional hearing in Dubbo heard from local
landowners, community members, renewable energy providers and councils about the development of largescale renewable projects in the region.
"We want to hear firsthand about the real and potential impacts of REZs and associated projects on farmers, residents and local businesses,” inquiry chair Mark Banasiak MLC said.
“The hearings are an opportunity to provide a complete story of what has happened and is happening on the ground.
"At the same time, we will also hear from renewable energy providers and the
government about how they have implemented their projects and how they are working with the community to deliver the social and economic benefits they have argued will be realised by the transition to energy."
The state’s peak body for agricultural producers, NSW Farmers, appeared at the inquiry on Tuesday.
“Our members are telling us that consultation with farming regions around these projects is still dysfunctional, and this must change if we are to sustain our farming communities,” NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said.
“Farmland we need is
being taken away without proper engagement or compensation, and then there’s the huge pressure that these renewable projects are putting on local roads and towns during their construction.”
Mr Martin said the NSW Government also had work to do to ensure farmers and communities weren’t unfairly footing the bill for direct and indirect costs and risks associated with renewable developments.
“At the moment, it seems any farmers will have to decommission these renewable installations once they reach the end of
their lifespan, and anyone neighbouring a project isn’t guaranteed any compensation for the impact it has on their farm and its value,” Mr Martin said.
“Transmission lines also pose a real fire risk, and there aren’t any proper protocols in place to manage this.
“These are just some of the issues we must see fixed, so the race to renewables does not come at the cost of our food and fibre, or the farm communities that produce it.”
EnergyCo is in the early stages of planning a REZ in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Augsgrid is providing
information sessions on the Hunter-Central Coast REZ proposal at the following locations: Muswellbrook Library: Wednesday 21 May 20254pm - 6pm
Branxton Community Hall: Thursday 22 May 2025 - 4pm - 6pm
Valley Markets Singleton: Sunday 25 May 2025 - 9pm12pm
Online webinars will also be held on Monday 19 May from 6:30pm - 7:15pm and Tuesday 20 May from 12:30pm - 1:15pm. Register via yoursay. ausgrid.com.au/HCCREZ.
By Trudy SCHULTZ
DESPITE ongoing wet weather forcing play indoors once again, Gloucester Junior Soccer players delivered another spirited round of matches in Round 5, held at the Rec Centre on Saturday.
Mini Roos:
The youngest playersrepresenting teams Australia Post Gloucester, Batter & Dough, and CalCo Surveyors - are quickly finding their rhythm.
Confident play, improved skills, and a strong sense of enjoyment were evident across all games. Coaches and parents alike praised the teams’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Division 3:
In what was a competitive and enjoyable fixture, Level Electrical faced off against The Common, with all
players contributing strongly throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Gloucester Landscapes took on Ollie’s Service Centre in another well-contested game, despite a few player absences.
The teams showed great teamwork and a positive spirit, highlighting the depth of enthusiasm in this division.
Division 2:
Accommodation
Gloucester was scheduled to play Ray White Gloucester; however, a number of absences forced Ray White to forfeit the match.
Demonstrating the club’s strong community spirit, players Lochie and Nate swapped teams to ensure a friendly game went ahead.
The second match saw Gloucester Landscapes take on Chilli Air & Electrical.
Chilli Air continues to develop as a unit, with players
communicating well and looking for open passes.
Their efforts were rewarded with a 4–2 victory in a match played in great spirit.
Division 1:
Batter & Dough met Australia Post Gloucester in
By Jack HIGH
14th MAY
The first round of the Thelma Bolton Pairs got underway with four rinks being played with some very close scores coming in
J Stevens and Karen Heininger defeated M Moore and P Cox 20-14
P West and P Standen defeated J Kriss and S Cross 15-14
L Ratcliffe and C West defeated D Redman and B Germon 16-14
J Everett and C Atkins (coming out of retirement) defeated V Pritchard and D Pritchard 20-7
The next round will be played on 21st May with the
following teams set down to play
J Everett C Atkins to play K Green and H Banks
L Ratcliffe C West to play C Tull and R Redman
J Stevens K Heininger to play J Ridgeway and J Carson P Standen P West to play B Murray and J Sheely
One rink of social bowls played with team of C Tull (swinger)J Ridgeway N Relf H Banks proving a little to strong for C Tull R Redman J Carson B Murray 25-11
Ladies please think about putting your name up for Pennants and representing your club It is a great experience for new girls to the game to be able to visit other clubs and play on
different green surfaces as well as meeting a lot of the ladies in our Region
The four ladies that played in the State Carnival last week won 3 games and lost 3 games which was a great effort as they come up against some very strong teams over the three days of play at different clubs
Don’t forget the Biggest Morning Tea to be held on Friday 30th May at 10 am The Quota Ladies and the Bowling Club Ladies will be providing a scrumptious morning tea for a donation of $10 All proceeds go to the Cancer Council So come along to the bowling club and support this very worthy cause
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE preparations had all been done for Gloucester's 206th parkrun on Saturday 17 Maythe equipment had been dried out from the wet event the week before and the course had been checked to see that the river hadn't risen over the path.
All that was needed were for the walkers and runners to turn up. There were 29 finishers for the event, with locals joined by visitors from Sydney and Central Coast.
The wet weather course was being used, to avoid the saturated grass areas, which meant the crowd had to complete three laps. The Gloucester River
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
was still flowing rapidly and the autumn leaves were dropping to give Gloucester Park a splash of colour amongst the early morning mist.
The first male finisher was Ben Russell from Menai in 23.54 in his first Gloucester parkrun (and his first time coming first at any parkrun). The first female home was Maree Craven, also visiting from Sydney for the first time, in a time of 30.21.
Other first timers at Gloucester parkrun were the Furchert family from the Central Coast, as part of their new practice of visiting parkruns around the area. Son Logan Furchert is building up his fitness so he can beat father
tackled.
"The Titans move the ball to the left, the next person who made that tackle was Max King.
"He got back there because he knew how urgent it was for his teammates.
"That's an action I look for.
Evan's personal time, while young daughter Lilith was just having fun.
The only personal best for the day was by Susan Moore, who is gradually getting faster as she gets fitter from walking the parkrun.
Local John Watts was completing his 50th run milestone, running with his son Christian - with both of them breaking into a jog whenever the cameras came near them - and John sprinting at the end to beat his son home.
Leah Stevenson completed a morning of exercise, running 12 kilometres before the parkrun, cruising along the
"That's the type of player I want."
King will face a far more intimidating environment at Suncorp Stadium when he returns there next Wednesday night.
The front-rower's debut
a fast-paced and high-energy game.
Despite missing three players, including Elliottwho cheered his team on from the sidelines - Australia Post put in a commendable performance.
It was a balanced and
exciting match, with notable performances from players of all abilities and genders. Final score: 8–4 to Australia Post Gloucester.
The club extends sincere thanks to the many parents who continue to assist with refereeing and team
management each week. Their contributions are invaluable to the smooth running of the competition. A reminder that some teams are still seeking volunteer managers - anyone interested is encouraged to step forward.
By George WISEMANTEL
THURSDAY bowls was cancelled due to the weather and with the local travelling mixed bowlers visiting Harrington club on Saturday and Sunday the Valley Motors sponsored mixed pairs championship semi finals were contested on Saturday morning which resulted in two very closely contested games
Stephen and Joy Hurworth fought all the way to defeat Jason Cassidy and
parkrun route then walking back to accompany her mother Elaine Murray, and then back again to catch up with father Bill Murray. No wonder her fitness watch was telling her to take four days to recover! As usual there was a team
Patty West 18-17 after the score was tied at 15 all and 16 all and for the majority of the game each end resulted in only one shot ends
The other semi final resulted in Kevin Burley and Bev Germon leading 11-1 after six ends before Mike and Judy Sheely found their feet but failed to bridge the gap going down 23-22 in a nail biting finish
The final will be contested on Sunday 25 May at 9.30 a.m. between Kevin Burley and Bev Germon against Stephen and Joy Hurworth and will sure be worth the entry fee
of volunteers bringing this community event. Regular volunteer Rod Eckels was handing out the tokens, linking with timekeeper Trudie Murray to keep track of everyone coming across the finish line. Tracy Wilson was taking another turn as
The draw has been completed for the Open Novice Singles which will be commencing soon so check the board and the Men's Major Singles entry form is on the board
A huge thank you to our Men's bowls secretary Joe Pfeifer who is taking a well earned rest but will be back to resume duties later in the year so enjoy your break. Tony Tersteeg will be filling the gap while Joe is away controlling pennants and club championships but the men's bowls committee will be controlling social bowls and tournaments
tailwalker, guiding the group from behind, while taking a few photos along the way. Sue Hedditch easily dealt with her first go at scanning tokens before heading over to mind the Gloucester Gallery to complete a day of volunteering.
is a long time in the making, after debuting in the NRL with Gold Coast in 2017.
He at times struggled to make the Titans' first-grade side, before being released and shifting to Melbourne midway through 2019.
The grandson of
Dragons premiership great Johnny King, then missed out on Melbourne's 2020 premiership win after being banned for a hip-drop tackle.
But he has turned into one of the most reliable and consistent front-rowers in the NRL at Canterbury, as part of a smaller and more mobile pack.
King's selection still came as something of a shock on Sunday night, picked ahead of the likes of South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi and in-form Wests Tiger Terrell May.
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SCAN HERETOFIND OU T M !ERO
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
LAURIE Daley has revealed the Max King effort play that convinced him the Canterbury prop was a State of Origin player.
The Maitland-educated King was a shock call up for NSW on Sunday night, named as the Blues' only debutant after Daley's side suffered a number of last-minute injuries.
But the returning Blues coach said he'd already been won over by 28-year-old King, before being completely sold at Magic Round two weeks ago against Gold Coast.
"Max's actions as a footballer go unnoticed by a lot of people but it doesn't go unnoticed by the coaching staff," Daley said.
"There was one particular moment in Magic Round, Max had made a run and got tackled four metres out under the sticks.
"The Dogs moved the ball to the left, they dropped it and then Phil Sami picks it up and runs 80 metres, gets
