By John WATTS
POET’S PASSION
By Wendy BUSWELL
Wendy BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
Craven Creek festival returns in September
By John WATTS
EACH year some of Australia’s most outstanding classical musicians make the journey up The Bucketts
CLASSIFIEDS
Way to Gloucester and beyond to Rookhurst, then down a dirt road to perform in a nearcentury-old tin farm shed.
It’s been happening since the Craven Creek
Music Festival first kicked off in 2013, each year playing to a packed house.
This year the festival will be held on the weekend of 13 and 14 September.
A piano was recently transported to the shed, meaning piano music will be in the mix for the first time.
Celebrated virtuoso pianist Konstantin Shamray will perform Beethoven’s Archduke Trio, accompanied by violinist Dimity Hall and cellist Julian Smiles, both foundation members of the famous Goldner String Quartet, which recently dissolved after 30 years.
In 2008 Shamray won both the judges and people’s choice award prizes at the Sydney International Piano competition – a feat not achieved before or since.
This year’s festival has two programmes, repeated on both the Saturday and the Sunday.
The morning programme features a collection of Australia’s best wind players, showcasing Andrew Barnes on bassoon, Lily
Bryant on flute, Oliver Schermacher on clarinet and Ian Wildsmith on French horn, playing the music of Ravel, Poulenc, Ibert, Wyttenbach and more.
The afternoon programme will feature music by Rachmaninov, Bach, Brahms, Ravel and Clara Schumann, as well as Beethoven.
“The trip down to the old shed along Craven Creek Road, is something that all music lovers, including musicians, should do at least once,” said festival organiser Greg Lindsay.
“The musicians at this year’s festival are drawn from such esteemed ensembles as the Sydney, Tasmanian and New Zealand Symphony orchestras, and the Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra from Germany.”
Conductor and broadcaster Guy Noble said the acoustics of the shed are something to experience.
“Who would have thought that a barn in Craven Creek could give London’s Wigmore Hall a run for its money in terms of ‘hear the drop of a pin’ acoustics,” he said.
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“Spectacular” was the word Alison used to describe her feelings about having her book published.
“I have been learning the craft of poetry for 15 years and loved every minute of it,” she said.
“Poetry has become a way of understanding and loving the world for me.
“It is hugely rewarding to have a book of poems to share with others.”
Australian poet Judith Beverage describes the collection as being “packed with ardour, passion and unflinching honesty”.
Alison has been writing since she was a child, using her father’s Remington to tap out stories and plays.
“When I was a young adult, I considered myself a writer but was encouraged towards a more sensible career path, in my case, a speech pathologist,” Alison told News Of The Area.
It wasn’t until her early 40s that Alison began writing again.
“I enrolled in an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Sydney, where a poetry course taught by Judith Beveridge hooked me on reading and writing poetry, setting me
on a new creative path.”
When asked about what she loves about the poetic form, Alison responded, “I think poetry is the best form of writing for conveying emotion from the speaker to the reader.
“The sound and rhythm, the chimes of subtle rhyme, etc, all enter the heart through the ear.
“I also love the close attention that poetry asks of us, the way it slows you down and reminds you to breathe.”
Alison told NOTA she has plans to write another collection of poetry, and hopes to venture into short stories too.
“I recently attended a workshop with the Irish short story writer Claire Keegan and feel so inspired by her,” she said.
“I would also like to write for children.”
When Alison is not writing, she teaches writing to children.
She hopes to run a workshop in the October school holidays for children in Gloucester.
q Alison Gorman.
q The musicians booked in for this year’s festival.
NAIDOC plaque unveiled at Stroud church
By Joshua GILBERT
A NEW plaque has been unveiled at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Stroud to mark NAIDOC Week.
event and unveiled on 13 July as part of a special NAIDOC Week service at the Church.
Seventh generation descendant Nicole Ward shared at the event, “Although the Anglican Church refused to marry James and Charlotte (apical ancestors), this Church is such a beautiful part of history and the progression of our culture and acceptance.”
Local Minister Reverend Maree Armstrong was joined by Bugg family member Reverend Karen Kime to conduct the service.
Reverend Kime was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church in 2000, becoming the first Aboriginal woman to become a priest in New South Wales.
was conducted by younger members of the Goori Bugg family who were supported by Elders.
“I stand here taking part in this tremendous celebration of history and our ancestors,” Ms Ward stated.
“While many of us were stripped of our rights through
assimilation, I will strive to ensure that current and future generations will not experience the same thing through continued pride and strength,” she said.
The plaque reads, “In respectful memory of apical ancestors Birrpai Charlotte (1813-1861) and English
convict James Bugg (18011879).
“Their love and resilience enabled them to survive and raise their eight children amid frontier hostilities and the ravages of colonisation, upon the unceded Worimi and Birrpai lands granted to the AA Company.”
Following the successful gathering of the Goori Bugg family in Gloucester from 28-30 March, the organising committee unveiled a commemorative plaque to recognise the family's connection to Country.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week ran from 6-13 July, with a theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, in celebration of the 50 year history of the event.
The plaque was blessed during the initial gathering
Keeping with this theme, the unveiling event
Unprecedented fish deaths likely a ‘natural phenomenon’
By Thomas O’KEEFE
COUNTLESS numbers of dead fish now line the shores of the Broadwater, Two Mile Lake, Boolambayte Lake and Myall Lake, in what is widely
considered the worst such event in living memory.
“This is the most distressing and surprising sight I’ve seen since [in the 14 years] I’ve been working around the lakes,” Kerry
McIntosh told News Of The Area.
Kerry runs the MV Independence, which plies the lakes ensuring human pollution is not emptied into the waters.
“I had no idea that there could have been that many fish in the lake, and now I believe that all may be dead.”
While fish kill events are not new to the area, the scope of this current one has proven genuinely baffling.
The leading suspected cause is the sheer volume of rainwater that has entered the lakes system in recent months.
“It comes from the recent heavy rains, leaving freshwater over the top of the salt, affecting the oxygen levels and apparently allowing the development of an algae which affects fish life,” Gordon Grainger from the Myall River Action Group (MRAG) said.
MRAG advocates are in agreement that the ongoing blockages at the dual entrances, where the Myall River meets Port Stephens
Bay, have contributed longterm to the current situation.
“The blockage of the natural eastern channel limits the amount of oceanic waters coming into our system, and outflow must go through the artificial Corrie Channel, which is a false channel and provides a low salinity into the system,” Gordon said.
Kerry said the problem has been exacerbated by the river mouth not “flushing freely”.
“In the weeks after Easter the banks broke and to this day the water levels have not come down; riverside swamps have naturally become part of the lake,” Kerry explained the hydrography of the Lakes system.
“Having such high water levels over the banks for so long is totally unprecedented.
“I really think the fish kill is a natural phenomenon, requiring closer study, and I have taken several samples from around the Lakes myself.
“There is a chance of a disease, as much chance as anything else, but I do not think it is an algal bloom, because you cannot smell that – the strongest smell out there is the smell of dying fish.”
The breached banks and high waters have caused the Myall Lakes National Park to be closed, including the Bombah Point ferry being out of service, for months.
The Independence is an environmental barge, unique in NSW, which offers a free service to cleanly pumpout sewage holds, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to do the right thing.
q Members of the Goori Bugg Family at the unveiling. Photo: supplied.
q The plaque positioned at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Stroud.
q Dead fish litter shorelines all around the Myall Lakes system.
EPA removes creek debris
A SIGNIFICANT build-up of hazardous and man-made debris is being removed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) from Ghinni Ghinni Creek, following severe storms and flooding caused by heavy rainfall in May.
The debris has formed what’s known as a ‘raft’ – a floating mass of stormrelated waste and vegetation containing chemical drums, animal carcasses, and silage bales.
Ghinni Ghinni Creek is a tidal waterway about nine
kilometres long, connecting the Manning and Lansdowne rivers.
EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Practice and Services, Steve Beaman, said the EPA is leading the cleanup which will focus on a one kilometre stretch of the Creek.
“We’re taking several measures to restore the waterway, using specialist contractors who have begun removing priority and bulky waste,” Mr Beaman said.
“Removing man-made debris and animal carcasses
is essential to the health of the creek and protection of the environment. We’re acting quickly to help return the area to a safe, natural state.
“Ghinni Ghinni Creek supports a wide range of species, and we’re carrying out water quality testing to monitor contaminants and oxygen levels to help the recovery of aquatic habitats.
“This work will also support safe fishing and recreational uses of the creek into the future.
“Where possible, we’re
also sorting and recycling debris to reduce landfill and support a more sustainable recovery effort.”
EPA officers are overseeing the operation to ensure the priority waste is safely transported to the appropriate disposal or storage facilities.
Mr Beaman said EPA staff are carefully assessing what debris needs to be removed to deliver the best environmental outcomes.
“We’re making good progress and, in some cases, especially around mangroves,
it’s often safer and more beneficial to leave natural debris in place to avoid damaging fragile habitats,” he explained.
“Ghinni Ghinni Creek has been a difficult site to access due to the scale of the debris and its location. It’s pleasing to see clean-up efforts now underway, and we’re committed to completing this work safely and effectively.”
The Ghinni Ghinni Creek operation is part of the EPA’s Shoreline Clean Up Program tackling flood debris in waterways across the region.
Specialist marine contractors have assisted efforts across multiple public waterways, including
the Manning, Hastings, and Nambucca rivers.
To date, around 976 cubic metres of debris has been collected through the program, including approximately 730 silage bales, 174 carcasses and over 900 chemical containers.
As part of the NSW Government’s broader storm response and recovery, around 36,000 cubic metres of waste has been delivered to temporary emergency waste storage sites - the equivalent of about 15 Olympic swimming pools.
Landfills have received more than 26,000 tonnes of disaster waste to date.
From Gloucester High to a Qantas cockpit
FROM Page 1
aged services expo
Come along for free tea, coffee and sound advice from a range of services including: home care providers dementia information and support
• carer support
• aged care services
• legal services
• My Aged Care support mobility equipment
• social and support groups
• financial information and more
This expo is a partnership between Wesley Mission and MidCoast Council.
When: Tuesday 5 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Where: Gloucester Recreation Centre
For more information, please contact: Jane O’Dwyer 7955 7679 or 0418 769 494
midcoast.nsw.gov.au
interest in aviation began on her first flight from Newcastle to Melbourne as a young child.
She became more intrigued about pursuing an aviation career in her mid-teens.
Karly started school at Irrawang Public School in Raymond Terrace, then attending Stroud Road Public School from Year 2 to Year 6, before completing her schooling at Gloucester High School in 2011.
Unsurprisingly for someone destined for a career as a commercial pilot, Karly’s best subjects at school were mathematics and science.
After her graduation, Karly enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) course at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), graduating in 2016.
She then completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree at Melbourne’s Swinburne University.
Karly gained her Commercial Pilot Licence in 2014 after a year of flight training at Bankstown Airport. which she undertook during her university studies.
She obtained her first job in aviation in 2017 as a First Officer with Sunstate Airlines, flying Dash 8-400s
from Brisbane.
She then became a Dash 8 Captain in 2022.
Karly joined Qantas as an international pilot in 2024, initially flying out of Melbourne.
“I’m very much enjoying getting to explore different parts of the world regularly,” she said.
“Outside of work I’m a full-time dog parent to two French Bulldogs.
“I also play soccer and do a dance sport called Physical Culture - I participated in both as a kid in Gloucester.
“I return to Gloucester several times a year to visit my parents and sister who all still live in the area.”
q Ghinni Ghinni Creek is a tidal waterway about nine kilometres long, connecting the Manning and Lansdowne rivers.
Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty
By Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a greater role for the government in childcare as he prepares to push through legislation tightening up the sector following horrifying allegations of child abuse at Melbourne early learning centres.
Universal affordable childcare was identified by the prime minister during the recent federal election as the one reform he'd most want to be remembered for.
But the accusations levelled against Joshua Brown, whose 70 counts of alleged abuse, including child rape, have raised concerns that the rapid expansion of government subsidies into the sector has not been met with a commensurate increase in safety and scrutiny.
"Well, it reinforces why you need a stronger commonwealth role in childcare," Mr Albanese said when asked by AAP whether the case had changed his views on how his universal
childcare ambition should be enacted.
Commentators have criticised the current model of handing subsidies to forprofit providers, arguing the incentive to cut costs and boost margins sacrifices standards and oversight.
When asked whether he envisaged the sector being run more like public schools, Mr Albanese said "we'll see how that evolves".
"I think it makes sense to have co-location of childcare centres wherever possible in schools. It is just a practical thing to be done.
"If you're starting again you would completely have co-location of child care.
"I know as a parent, we had a public school in our street but we had to send our son to a different school that was driving distance - a short drive - but the next nearest school, because they had after school care.
"That's something that people across the board feel as well - that convenience - and that's part of the productivity agenda."
But first, Education Minister Jason Clare will
introduce legislation giving his department powers to conduct spot checks and pull funding from childcare centres deemed to be consistently failing safety and quality standards.
It's one of four priorities Mr Albanese identified for his first sitting fortnight back in parliament since his swingeing election win.
From Tuesday, the government will also push forward legislation cutting student debt by 20 percent and enshrine penalty rates into law.
The fourth priority, Mr Albanese said, will be seeing Labor's 24 new members sworn in and ensuring they all participate fully towards the government's long term goals.
"I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back and seeing the outcome of the election in real form," he said.
"What that represents... is it gives the confidence that we were correct last term to prioritise people's living standards and cost of living, dealing with those pressures, and that we're correct to
continue to prioritise that.
"You need to deliver for people what they need in order to then have the legitimacy to push forward on longer term changes."
The prime minister was feeling buoyant as he flew back from a successful sixday tour of China, where he balanced tensions over Chinese military build-up and a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties.
Amid coalition criticism that he had failed to deliver
enough tangible outcomes, Mr Albanese hit back that they didn't understand how patiently nurturing the relationship would pay dividends in the long-term.
Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor's clumsy comments that Australia should be "prepared to act" alongside the US in conflict with China over Taiwan broke with the bipartisan "One China" policy in support of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, Mr
Albanese said.
His eye is on a Labor dynasty to carve out a positive future for Australia in a challenging region.
"One of the things we're very determined to do is to have long-term Labor government in Australia so that we can implement the long-term changes that Australia needs.
"The world is changing fast and you can either shape that change or it will shape you."
q ‘I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Arrests over 'abhorrent' child-like sex doll imports
By Farid FARID, AAP
SEVERAL middle-aged men have been arrested for trying to get child-like sex dolls shipped to their homes in rural towns.
Australian Border Force officers raided and searched properties around the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area arresting four people over the span of about a year in their crackdown on the "disturbing rise in attempted importations."
Investigators arrested and charged a 63-yearold man at his home in November.
In April 2025, officers intercepted another doll delivered in an air cargo package which was declared as a silicone doll.
This was followed by a 49-year-old man arrested and charged in May on a rural property near Scone.
And in June 2025, another suspected child-like sex doll was intercepted on its way to a home in Whitebridge with a 55-year-old man arrested and charged at his home in northern NSW.
ABF Inspector Michael Mahony said child abuse material comes in all forms and inanimate dolls were not precluded from being classified as engaging in criminal activity.
"Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Insp Mahony said.
"The ABF is resolute in its
commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted."
The accused were charged with the importation of Tier 2 Goods, namely child-like sex dolls, where they could face a fine of up to
$782,500 or 10 years in jail or both.
Investigators seized several mobile phones and other electronic devices
containing evidence of child abuse material as well as illicit drugs in one of the properties raided.
renewable energy.
FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition.
NSW Farmers’ Chief
Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a range of challenges.
“Every single day, each and every one of us relies on the hard work of our farmers to feed and clothe the nation,” Ms Johnson said.
“From the rising cost of doing business to green tape and pest and weed problems, farmers are up against it in their efforts to feed the future.
“But we know there are also a lot of opportunities, which is why we are coming together to develop new strategies for success.”
The two-day event at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse will involve policy debates and presentations from industry leaders, as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns, Agriculture Minister
Tara Moriarty, Energy and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, and Shadow Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.
“It’s crucial we put the best heads together to come up with the innovative solutions that will drive our farmers – and our food security –forward,” Ms Johnson said.
“Cutting edge issues like artificial intelligence and lab grown meat will be debated alongside perennial issues such as feral animals and
“There is no shortage of topics to be discussed and solutions to be formed at our Conference this year.
“I look forward to the interaction with key decision makers and discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the state’s agriculture and agri-food industries, as well as the role strong farms will play in securing our future food supply.
“It is vital to have a strong agricultural sector and robust supply chains that can feed the future, and NSW Farmers is leading the way when it comes to finding the means to make this happen.”
q A man has been arrested by the Australian Border Force for attempting to import child-like sex dolls Photo: Australian Border Force/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
THE GOOD SHIP MURDER
SBS, 7.30pm
It’s quite an odd time of year to be rolling out a Christmas special – but Christmas in July is a thing now, so why not? The Good Ship Murder is docking in Dubrovnik at this most wonderful time of the year, and Jack (Shayne Ward, pictured) and Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) are on the hunt for a replacement Santa after the ship’s usual one falls ill so that Christmas on board isn’t ruined. But when their pick, local comedian Buddy (Cliff Parisi), turns up dead (what else did you expect on a ship with a name like that?) it’s looking like Christmas might have to be cancelled after all.
FRIDAY, July 25
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane escapes to a tropical conservatory.
8.30 Patience. (Ma) A best-selling crime writer is found dead.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.35 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.25 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
FBI: MOST WANTED
TEN, 9.40pm
There’s both good news and bad for fans of this high-stakes police procedural: while US network CBS cancelled both Most Wanted and its fellow FBI spin-off, International, earlier this year; the silver lining for Aussie fans is that we’ve still got a full season of new episodes to catch up on before Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott, pictured) and the squad tackle their final case. Tonight, in “Radio Silence”, the task force must act quickly when two NYPD officers are gunned down during a robbery, and another pair are targeted while responding to a call. With precincts across the city on edge, the team works against the clock to track down the killer and end the bloodshed.
THURSDAY
GREAT AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS
A travelogue that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this entertaining new
comedian
Nazeem Hussain, foodie Melissa Leong, writer and performer Steph Tisdell and Aussie acting royalty Claudia Karvan head off on six epic road trips that celebrate Australia’s natural beauty. Tonight, Leong introduces Hussain (both pictured) to the magic of the Red Centre on one of her favourite drives: cruising the almost 500km between Alice Springs and Watarrka National Park. There’s camel rides, bush tucker, a desert song festival and outback footy along the way, before the pair catch the sunset in Kings Canyon, surrounded by iconic rock formations made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Return, Mv) A comedian is murdered on the ship.
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals: Sex. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates royal sex scandals.
9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19.
2.00 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
3.45 Blue Water Safari. (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 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 20. GWS Giants v Sydney.
10.30 Shaking Down The Thunder. (PGl, R) Follows the 2005 Sydney Swans.
11.45 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.15 The Disappearance. (Madv, R) Charles and Susan continue their investigation.
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 21. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Parramatta Eels match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.
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 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Looney Tunes: Back In Action. (2003, PG) 9.20 BTN Newsbreak. 9.25 Robot Wars. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a spacious home.
Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.
SATURDAY, July 26
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. Round 7. H’lights. 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. H’lights. 5.30 Such Was Life. (R) 5.40 Hitler’s American Battleground. (PGa, R)
6.00 Australian Story: Making A Scene – Claudia Karvan. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: North East Tasmania. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie step in to help Leonard. 8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate after a body is found covered in live rabbits at the Belville Small Pet Show.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Mal, R) A date night turns into graveyard duty for Stella. 10.40 Little Disasters. (Final, Mal, R) 11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Newcastle. Susan Calman explores Newcastle.
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Nantua to Pontarlier. 184.2km hilly stage. From France.
12.50 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 1.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1.
3.50 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Tasmania’s world heritage wilderness.
7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Dara Ó Briain.
8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) An academic uncovers a conspiracy while helping investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen.
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 The Disappearance. (Mav, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (Final, PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 2. Australia v British & Irish Lions.
10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.
10.15 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R)
12.45 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (Madl, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A project manager hunts for a new home. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition. 9.45 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple search for a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for their growing family. 10.45 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth visits a historic funeral home. 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SUNDAY, July 27
6.30 Compass: The GovernorGeneral – One Year On. (PG) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (Return, PG) Austin grapples with sudden literary fame.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella must deal with another dead body.
8.50 Miss Austen. (Premiere) Charts the lives of Jane and Cassandra Austen.
9.45 MOVIE: Gayby Baby. (2015, PG, R) Follows four children of gay parents. Gus. 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return) 8.00 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter
Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (Premiere) 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens.
8.35 The Secrets Of Mount Olympus. (R) Takes a look at Mount Olympus, considered the residence of the gods in Greek mythology.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2.
11.30 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21. 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
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Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The Legend Of Bigfoot. 9.25 The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon. 10.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Mystery Of The Homestead Murders. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the 1978 murders of Mick and Sue Lewis, whose bodies were found in their homestead.
10.40 The Crow Girl. (MA15+av)
12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av, R)
2.30 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. (Return, PGl)
60
The First 48. (Mav)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef
MONDAY, July 28
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55
6.00
8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R)
9.15 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGaw, R)
10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later. (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. 2.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 3.00 Weeks Of War. (PGav, R) 3.55 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.45 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am What Do
We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.30 All The King’s Men. (2006, M) 12.55pm All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 3.45 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.45 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 7.35 Ondine. (2009, M) 9.30 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 11.25 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 29
6.00
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 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PG, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.15am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 8.00 Anton Chekhov’s The Duel. (2010, PG) 9.45 The Movie Show. 10.15 The Humbling. (2014, M) 12.15pm Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 7.30 I Love You Too. (2010, M) 9.30 One Fine Morning. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) Shaun Micallef, Kyle Shilling, Felicity Ward and Mia Fevola hit the dance floor in the semi-finals.
8.50 9-1-1. (Masv) The 118 is called to a research lab that has been set on fire and becomes a biohazard.
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Morning Programs. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Your Money & Your Life. 1.30
(64)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Jim Jefferies hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mns) The 10 remaining castaways come to the end of their adventure and return to reality.
11.20 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.20 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 100% Footy. (M) 9.40
(64)
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, July 30
4. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 How Disney Built America. (PG)
8.20 Aerial Australia. (Premiere, PGa)
9.15 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (Premiere) 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5.
2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R)
3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGan, 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. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a)
11.20 Stags. (MA15+av)
12.20 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
1.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) Bathroom week brings some teams undone.
8.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 4. Finals.
11.10 9News Late.
11.40 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
July 31
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Iceland. (PGa, R) 2.55 The Day The Rock Star Died: Elvis Presley. (PG, R) 3.25 The Point. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (Premiere)
8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage
6. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGn, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Late Programs.
6am The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. Continued. (2008, PG) 7.40 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 10.15 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.10pm Ondine. (2009, M) 2.05 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.55 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.35 The Company. (2003, PG) 7.40 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 9.30 Book Of Love. (2022) 11.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs. 6am The Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 9.20 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 10.55 Falling. (2020, M) 1pm I Love You Too. (2010, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 5.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.40 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 9.35 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cohen’s world is turned upside down.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 21. Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Code Blue: One Punch Killers. (Madv, 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.
(64) 7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 22. Parramatta Eels
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM
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9GO! (83)
Edstein
Aileen Cecelia
Late of Barrington. Passed away peacefully on 20th July 2025. Aged 84 years
Beloved husband of Claude. Loving mother to Kim, Paula, Bernard & Rachel. Mother in law to Stephen & David.
Proud and loving grandmother & great-grandmother to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by sisters & brother Lynette, Billie & Kevin.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Aileen’s Funeral Service to be held at Pioneer Memorial Gardens, Gloucester on Monday 28th July 2025 commencing 1.30pm prior to a private family interment in the Gloucester Cemetery.
Funeral Notices
Murray Lesley Mary
Known as Lel.
Late of Mograni Creek, Gloucester. Passed away peacefully on 17th July 2025. Aged 76 years
Beloved wife of Brian. Loving mother and mother in-law to Brendon, Faye & Michael. Proud and loving grandmother of Tayla, Jack, Natasha, Blake, Mia & Zara. Survived by brother Kim.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lesley’s graveside funeral service to be held at Krambach Cemetery on Monday 28th July 2025 commencing at 11am prior to interment.
5 Flett Street, Taree
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5 Flett Street, Taree
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
PUZZLES
DEAR Jasminda,
There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert.
Why is there so much interest?
Jerry P.
Dear Jerry,
Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It's one thing to drive a loved one to the airport, but making that trip accompanied by a Coldplay
playlist is another experience altogether.
Chris Martin is an incredible songwriter.
He expresses the depth of human emotion from love to regret to redemption (and that's just in The Scientist).
He's incredibly astute, and that was pretty evident when he said, straight after the concert gotcha moment, that the deer in headlights couple were either having an affair or just very shy.
The wide-eyed look of shock followed by a quick turnabout and hasty duck seemed to indicate that Martin was on the money with his first observation.
No longer swaying, the CEO and his people person were thrust into the limelight in a way that was never going to be good for Astronomer.
How, for example, was the chief people officer going to talk about ethical work practices at the next staff meeting?
How was the CEO going to address the organisation's reputational management when his own reputation had just gone down the gurgler?
Perhaps the only way for Andy's wife to deal with the fallout will be in true Coldplay style.
When her husband arrives home with his tail between his legs, she could simply play lyrics that have suddenly taken on a whole new level of meaning.
He will no doubt be greeted with 'Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part' blaring out the bedroom window at which point she could throw down his clothes, his shoes, and his vintage album collection featuring a signed copy of A Rush of Blood to the Head.
I very much doubt this is going to be a conscious uncoupling.
SUDOKU
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Kids Boot Camp 045
Celebrating life on the land
RURAL Aid has launched the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, inviting Upper Hunter residents to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land.
Running from 14 July to 31 August 2025, the much-loved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell their stories through the lens, stories of rugged beauty, resilience and community spirit in the face of hardship.
This year’s competition comes after another challenging season of natural disasters, with floods, fires, and droughts once again testing the resolve of the nation’s rural heartland.
“Every year, we are humbled by the entries we receive, each
photo is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farming families and communities,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.
“The Spirit of the Bush competition is more than a showcase of talent. It’s a reminder of the grit and determination that keeps rural Australia going, even through the toughest of times.”
Entrants are invited to submit a high-resolution, landscape photograph that represents the true “Spirit of the Bush”.
Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and using the hashtag #SOTB2025. Entries can also be submitted, and the competition terms and conditions can be reviewed, via www.ruralaid. org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/.
A panel of judges will select ten winning images, each of which will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card.
Winners will be announced on 15 September 2025.
“This is a celebration of the people and places that make our regions special,” Mr Warlters said.
“Whether it’s a hardworking farmer, a storm rolling across a paddock, or a quiet moment at sunset, every image has the power to connect Australians with the bush.”
Rural Aid encourages everyone with a passion for photography and the country to pick up their camera and show the world what the Spirit of the Bush means to them.
q A selection of 2024 Spirit of the Bush photos.
Can you write for the local paper?
TELLING the incredible stories of Dungog Shire is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
Since successfully launching in mid-2024, amid widespread newspaper closures, the independentlyowned and family-run NOTA has been keeping locals up to date with all the latest news, sport, current affairs and more.
Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team.
“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.
their present lifestyle and commitments.
“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”
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 can be an amazing way to connect with your local community,
Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with
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 media@newsofthearea.com. au.
Research looks to boost hempseed yields
A NEW Southern Cross University (SCU) research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to 50 percent.
The university describes the research as a potential “game-changer for the industry’s productivity and profitability”.
The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing of the Australian Research Council through a $561,251 Linkage grant, with Northern Rivers-based Kavasil Pty Ltd as the industry partner.
Researchers hope it will offer a significant and sustainable boost to the
industry with better seed yields and less chemical intervention.
‘Swinging both ways – the genetic control of sex expression in hemp LP240200616’ will look at characterising the sexdetermining genetic factors in low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis genetics, with the aim of modifying male plants so they produce seed as well as pollen.
Hemp is an emerging high-value crop in Australia that produces high-quality edible oils and plant-based protein from seeds.
Typically, hemp has separate male and female plants.
While male plants are important for pollination, they don’t produce seed, causing low and variable yields.
Low-THC Cannabis is also the natural source of the cannabinoid known as cannabidiol or CBD.
While agrochemicals, such as the plant growth regulator Ethephon can be used to induce female flowers on male plants, SCU researchers on Kavasil Pty Ltd projects have identified a genetic solution to favourably alter sex expression in plants.
Lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar said he hopes that this technology could
be developed to increase hempseed yields by up to 50 percent.
“If we can boost seed production, that in turn will boost profitability for farmers and ultimately lower the cost of hempseed products for consumers,” he said.
Industry partner Kavasil Pty Ltd focuses on high-value hempseed as a functional food.
Founder and Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas said he was pleased to see the endorsement of hempseed research through the latest grant.
“Increasing yields and predictability will help further develop our capacity to supply the domestic markets and supply chain with high-quality Australiangrown hempseed and related products.
“It’s good to see
recognition of this work as a crucial research endeavour that will help the broader cannabis industries focused on superior nutritional value, industrial and medical uses.
“The benefits to farmers and consumers are clear,” he said.
The latest Linkage grant builds on a successful 2022 Linkage bid for a $530,543 grant to advance the University’s work on hempseed development with Mr Kavasilas, supporting research into hemp's nutritional and functional properties.
The University has decades of established expertise in hemp and medicinal cannabis science and is the research lead on the Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research, a five-year initiative funded by AgriFutures Australia to assist with the growth of the
industry.
Key research themes of the Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research include enhancing hemp germplasm, optimizing agronomic techniques, exploring value adding of hemp seed products, and assessing sustainability criteria of hemp cultivation.
The goal is to support the growth of the Australian hemp industry guided by the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic Research, Development and Extension Plan (2022–2027) and involves collaboration with various partners, including government departments, other universities, and private enterprises.
Collectively, these efforts aim to position hemp as a viable and environmentally beneficial crop in Australia.
q Kavasil Pty Ltd Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas and lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar. Photo: SCU.
Naked & Nude winner announced
TAMARA Dean has won the Naked & Nude Art Prize 2025 for her work “Genesis”, announced at Saturday evening's exhibition launch at the Manning Regional Art Gallery.
Announcing Genesis as the winner, guest judge Susi Muddiman OAM (Director of Ngununggula) said she was delighted to select the winner.
“I have been following Tamara’s work for many years now and am aware that she has been a finalist in this Prize a few times now. This work is a portrait of the artist’s mother and sister.
"The work is much more than a portrait though.
"Tamara often includes the landscape in her
practice, but this time it is an abstracted landscape that she portrays. I love that the branches of the trees are reminiscent of veins in marble, particularly as the floating figures remind me of the classical poses found in art historical works.
“It is a cyclic and timeless environment that she portrays, one of creation and continuum, which is beautifully reflected in the title of the work, Genesis.”
The ‘Naked & Nude Art Prize’ is the only art award of its kind in Australia and attracts entries from across Australia from artists at all stages of their careers and working in all mediums.
Art Gallery Director, Rachel Piercy said the Gala opening was a huge
success.
“The theme ‘Naked & Nude’ is an evocative platform for creative inspiration, and artists delve into representations of the human form. With a history dating back to ancient times across many cultures, the exposed human figure is one the most enduring themes in the visual arts and remains relevant to artists across all disciplines,” she said.
"We're inviting everyone to come and view the exhibition and participate in the 'People's Choice' award by nominating your favourite entry.”
The People’s Choice Prize of $2000 will be awarded to the artist whose work receives the most votes at the conclusion of
the exhibition, giving you a chance to have your say.
The lucrative event this year carries a $40,000 acquisitive prize, with the winning entry acquired by the Friends of the Gallery and donated to the Manning Regional Art Gallery permanent collection.
"We'd like to extend our thanks to Dr Philip Walkom OAM and Mrs Dusty Walkom OAM, Gallery Patrons and major sponsors of the prize since its inception," Ms Piercy said.
Entry to the Naked & Nude Art Prize 2025 exhibition is free and continues until Saturday 13 September at the Manning Regional Art Gallery.
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
By William TON and Rachael WARD, AAP
A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded.
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne.
Authorities have previously said there were no known complaints against him, however childcare giant Nido Early Learning has confirmed Brown was sacked while on probation after completing 18 shifts at a centre in Werribee, in
Melbourne's west.
The incident happened before he started working at the G8-owned Creative Garden centre at Point Cook in Melbourne's southwest, where he is accused of abusing children between April 2022 and January 2023.
A Nido Early Learning spokesperson said Brown was terminated over "unsatisfactory attention" given to an internal incident report related to one child's behaviour towards another child.
He was also subject to two misconduct investigations while he was working at G8, both of which found the non-sexual claims involving children were substantiated.
He was suspended and then resigned after the second investigation. Both
incidents came after the alleged abuse for which he has been charged.
Federal and state jurisdictions have promised to fast-track a national register for childcare workers, after it was discovered Brown had worked at 24 facilities since 2017.
New laws to strip dodgy childcare centres of federal funding and other changes will be introduced by the government when parliament resumes, however there are concerns that may not be enough to prevent abuse.
Early Childhood Australia chief executive Sam Page said the proposed register must provide more oversight on educators' employment histories, including where
they have worked and their employment patterns.
"What we want to stop is educators demonstrating poor practice or harm towards children from jumping from one service to the next and nobody can see the pattern or complaints," she told AAP.
Currently, the only information about educators childcare employers have access to when a worker applies for a job is their CV and referees.
Ms Page said the register's board must take firm action against misconduct that may not reach the criminal threshold.
"Children are such a vulnerable cohort. It often is difficult to reach that threshold of evidence ... so I do think we need to have
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP
MORE than 10,000
Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition.
The nation's science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK.
The centre will also team with universities, electricity retailers and others to model future demands on the national grid.
The announcement comes amid change in the Australian energy market, with household demand for solar panels and energy storage primed for growth by the recent launch of the $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Research into electricity and gas use has been "piecemeal" despite
significant investment in the energy market and policy changes, the centre's director Stephen Craig said.
Individual research efforts such as Saul Griffith's Electrify 2515 pilot project have probed the market, he said, but Australia is yet to collect broad energy data on a national basis.
"What we haven't had is the consistent, enduring capability so you can follow trends over time, you can compare apples with apples if you're doing different types
of research and trials," Dr Craig told AAP.
"What we want to do is get an understanding of how energy is used today, how energy flows in the household and small businesses as well, but also get a handle on what people like and don't like."
The centre aims to recruit 1000 participants in its first year and ultimately reach 10,000 households and businesses throughout Australia, he said, similar to the Living Lab in the UK.
The Australian centre
better safeguards in place," she said.
The parents of about 2000 children who crossed paths with Brown have been told to get them tested for infectious diseases.
His work history was updated this week to include five new centres.
Investigators have blamed delays on gathering information on his employment on a lack of centralised records, revealing they had to get search warrants to obtain handwritten records, shift rosters and other critical data.
Former royal commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, who sat on the inquiry into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, said it had been difficult to get Australia's governments to act on recommendations around record keeping and
would also develop energy system modelling, analysis and visualisation tools to assist research.
Along with analysing a wide range of households, Dr Craig said it would be important to assess the use of solar panels, electric vehicles and household batteries because they could take pressure off the national grid.
"There's more and more of the energy system in the hands of households," he said.
"We don't want to underbuild because then we may not have a robust system but we don't want to overbuild either, so to have better data on how people are using energy and want to use energy is helpful."
Households that participate will share
information sharing.
"Ten years on... the job has not yet been done and it has not been done because the nine governments of Australia have not committed the willpower to get it done in a timely manner," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"These are all manageable. These are all achievable and my disappointment is that progress has been made, but the job should have been done."
The former commissioner said every gap left in safeguarding the sector meant children were put at risk.
Early childhood education expert Erin Harper said the proposed register should delineate between criminal activity and noncriminal conduct to protect workers who make one small mistake but still weed out more concerning patterns. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028.
anonymous data from their electricity meter as well as temperature and humidity readings from inside their home, and could be invited to take part in specialty projects.
Hunter region participant Heath Raftery said he signed up to discover ways to reduce his family's energy bills, but also to ensure households like his were considered in future policies.
"I'm a renter so there's not much I can do infrastructurewise but having input... will help governments and providers to consider the third of the population that is renting," he said.
The centre is already collaborating on projects with Endeavour Energy and the Race for 2030 cooperative research centre.
q Tamara Dean’s ‘Genesis’.
Debbie Sate wins in Vets Golf
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE first round of the Gloucester Golf Ladies Championships was played last Wednesday, 16 July; it was a perfect winter's day with bright blue skies and the sun providing some warmth.
It was a small field, with illness keeping some players away, none of which disguised a handy win for Anne Wand.
While the course conditions are getting better each day, there is always a challenge for players to match their handicap.
Following the precedent set the previous week, one player defied the conditions and played inside her
Gloucester Bowling Club
By Diane PRITCHARD
THURSDAY, MEN’S BOWLS –17 JULY
Tony Tersteeg, Gary Moss & Paul Young def Kevin Everett, Steve Kriss & Jody Thompson 27-15 (19+12)
Adrian Rovere & Phil Ellis def Chris Pritchard & Don Mielhoff 30-15 (18 +15)
Col Hebblewhite, Bruce Wilson & Terry Davies def Jeff Kelly, Max Stevens & Jim Grech 24-15 (17+9)
Rob Gibson, Stephen Hurworth & Andrew Henderson def Rob Hayes, Norm McLeod & Terry Carson
26-20 (14+6)
Mark Tull, Bob Newitt & Alan Burgess def Neville Atkins, Ian Tull & Michael Way 24-21 (15+3)
Paul Sheridan, Alex Laurie & Basil Schneider def Vic Hebblewhite, Noel Cook & Harry Cox 16-15 (13+1) MIXED BOWLS –SATURDAY, 19 JULY
Tony Tersteeg, Jim Henderson & Julie Kriss def Adrian Rovere, Smiley & David Hjorth 14-12 (12+2)
Rob Gibson, Joy Hurworth & Cheryl Tull def Diane Pritchard, Suzanne Cross &
Terry Davies 19-12 (15+7)
Ian Tull, Chris Pritchard & Stephen Hurworth (swinger) def Steve Kriss, Penny Gibson & Stephen Hurworth 16-10 (14+6)
MEN’S MAJOR SINGLES
Some of these matches were played on Saturday, 19th and the remainder on Sunday, 20th. Results were as follows:
Mike Sheely def Don Mielhoff – 25-10
Neville Atkins def Alan Rose – 25-14
Adam Clements def Jeff Kelly – 25-13
Robbins wins golf medal
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE Gloucester Golf Club played the first round of their Men’s Championships on Saturday 19 July.
Dave Robbins turned in the best net score of the day to win a deferred Monthly Medal and was just one of three players who played
inside their handicap.
The event was an Individual Stroke event sponsored by the Arkwood Family and was played in damp and cool conditions on a course still recovering from rain in the previous two months.
The winner of the Monthly Medal deferred
from earlier in the year was Dave Robbins with a net score of 70.
This score also gave him the top score in C grade with the best gross score in the grade going to Peter Markey, 98. In A grade Steve William’s net 71 was the top score while Nathan McInnes had the best gross score with
handicap.
This time it was Anne Wand who handed in a solid score of 71 net, well ahead of the rest of the field.
Balls went to Carolyn Davies and Evelyn Blanch, both with net scores of 79. It was a day where the prizes were shared around, with the Nearest-to-the Pin prizes won by Gai Falla at the 4th and 13th holes, and Myrelle Fraser on the 6th and 15th holes.
This Wednesday 23 July the Gloucester Golf Ladies play the second round of their Club Championships with the third and final round next Wednesday 30 July.
Rob Gibson def Chris Pritchard – 25-8
Mark Tull def Steve Kriss – 25 -12
The match of the day went to Bruce Wilson and John Andrews – after 22 ends Bruce was leading 24-14 and, with a nail-biting finish, John caught up and defeated Bruce (on the 26th end) 25-24.
THURSDAY, MEN’S BOWLS – 3 JULY
Paul Young, Terry Carson & Adrian Rovere def Jodi Thompson, Alex Laurie & Mark Tull 21-18 (14+3)
Col Beattie, Ken Bryant & Stephen Hurworth def Noel McLeod, Steve Kriss & Neville Atkins 18-17 (15+1)
Harry Cox, Gary Moss
his 78. Brian Osborne was the winner in B grade with a net score of 71 after a gross score of 88.
Balls were won by Dave Robbins 70, Steve Williams and Brian Osborne 71, David Maddalena 72, Nathan McInnes 73, Peter Markey, 74, and Brendon Murray 75.
There was only one player on the Nearest-tothe-Pin card at the 4th and 13th holes with that honour
Gloucester take on Taree in croquet
By Bev MURRAY
CROQUET has been busy
getting back to normal after rain had put courts out both here and at Taree.
Gloucester Lady Bowlers Report
By Jennifer BURLEY
ANOTHER warm sunny day after a cold start greeted the 1st round of the Major Singles Championship. Bev Germon defeated Jenny Burley 25/17 Kerrie Green defeated Joan Ridgeway 25/12. Di Pritchard defeated Jill Carson 25/9. And Suzanne Cross received a forfeit from Colleen Atkins after 27 ends. Thus next Wednesday 23rd, Di Pritchard v Judy Sheely. Suzanne Cross v Helen Banks. Kerrie Green v Karen Heiningher. Bev Germon v Bev Murray. Many thanks to those who mark for all the matches and Mike for giving his
& Tony Tersteg def Paul Sheridan, Don Mehieloff & Robert Hayes 23-10 (16+13)
Terry Davies, Rob Gibson & Kevin Everett def Mick Way, Chris Pritchard & Adam Clements 20-13 (16+7)
SUNDAY, 6 JULY
The final of the Open Novice event took place between Ben Phillpott and Brian Holstein. This resulted in a win for Ben Phillpott – 25-14
A number of first rounds
going to Nathan McInnes who finished a close 120 cm from the hole. Steve Williams finished the same 120 cm from the hole at the 6th and 15th holes to pick up the NTP trophy in A grade.
John Nicholson, 243 cm, in B grade and Paul Coote, 1050 cm, in C grade completes the trophy list at the hole.
The long drives at the 8th and 17th holes were won in the three grades by Paul
comp
time to Umpire. There were 2 Social games of Triples enjoyed by those not playing Championship. Norma Relf, Pat Cox and Louise Clements 25 defeated Cheryl West, Val Pritchard and Helen Banks 15. And Julie Kriss, Cheryl Tull and Penny Gibson 18 defeated Julie Kriss ( swinger)Denise Redman and Bev Murray 15. And in a draw of all cards Kerrie Green and Joan Ridgeway won the trophy of the day. Up coming dates of note are Presentation Night, Saturday July 26th, tickets at the Bar. AGM August 7th, and the first round of Division 4 Pennants Wednesday 13th August against Wingham at Gloucester.
of the Major Singles also were contested, with the following results:
Chris Pritchard def Jordy Thompson – 26-11
Neville Atkins def Ken Bryant – 25-10
Jai Thompson def Karl Weiss – 25-8
Stacey Groves def Andrew Henderson – 27-12
Col Linton def Steve Higgins – 25-24
Blanch, Brendon Murray and Andrew Badham.
The winner of the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 18 July was Peter Markey with 16 Stableford points.
Ball winners in a small field were Jeff Graham 15 and Chris Steele and Steve Williams 14.
Over the next two weeks, Saturday 26 July and 2 August, the Gloucester
On 6 July Gloucester was able to travel to Taree for a rescheduled game in the Mid North Coast competition.
With Ashleigh Hickman and Bev Murray being unable to participate at the last, eight members represented our club. This was handicapped play, with ten singles and ten
doubles games to be played over the day.
Gloucester started off slowly but by the end of Round 4, game 1, the games were 7 each. Gloucester then showed their strength, winning the next 3 singles and 2 of the remaining 3 doubles to be played. This brought the end of day scorea win to Gloucester 12 games to Taree 8.
Although being a very competent doubles player, this was Denise’s first attempt at representing the club in singles. Well done, Denise. We had every confidence in your ability. Well done to the
Singles winners were Alec Bruce 7-6, Bev Fagan 7-2, Al Minis 7-4, Judy Hopkins 7-6 and Denise Bruce 7-5.
other singles winners too. Other singles players with very close scores were Chris Sims with a 6-7, Judy Hopkins 6-7 and Alec Bruce with 7-4. In doubles Gloucester had dominated most of the play. Bev Fagan & Carol Newitt started the day with a strong 7-4, Al Minis & Mae Bobsien 7-3, Bev Fagan & Denise Bruce 6-5, Judy Hopkins & Carol Newitt 7-6, Judy & Chris Sims 7-4, Alec and Denise Bruce 7-2 and Chris Sims & Carol Newitt 7-5. All agreed it had been rewarding to be back on the competition trail. The closeness of many scores made for enjoyable play, along with good sportsmanship over the day.
Our next day in the Mid North Coast Competition is scheduled for 3rd August. On this occasion we will meet with Port Macquarie at the Taree courts.
q Chris Sims.
q Debbie Sate, Mark Stone.
q Bev Fagan.
q Denise Bruce. q Alec Bruce. q Mae Bobsien.
Wand’s a winner
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE first round of the Gloucester Golf Ladies Championships was played last Wednesday, 16 July; it was a perfect winter's day with bright blue skies and the sun providing some warmth.
It was a small field, with illness keeping some players away, none of which disguised a handy win for Anne Wand.
While the course conditions are getting better each day, there is always a challenge for players to match their handicap.
Following the precedent set the previous week, one player defied the
conditions and played inside her handicap.
This time it was Anne Wand who handed in a solid score of 71 net, well ahead of the rest of the field. Balls went to Carolyn Davies and Evelyn Blanch, both with net scores of 79. It was a day where the prizes were shared around, with the Nearest-tothe Pin prizes won by Gai Falla at the 4th and 13th holes, and Myrelle Fraser on the 6th and 15th holes.
This Wednesday 23 July the Gloucester Golf Ladies play the second round of their Club Championships with the third and final round next Wednesday 30 July.
q Pat Burrows, Anne Wand.