By John WATTS
Gloucester’s flying future BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
q Shannon and Blake with Derek Bardwell and Chris Maslen. Photo: supplied.
Barrington Brickfest returns
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FROM Page 1
through 15 providers.
The new locations are:
• Nowra, Shoalhaven
LGA - Anglicare
• Ulladulla, Shoalhaven
LGA - Anglicare
• Forster, MidCoast LGA
– Manning Support Services
• Gloucester, MidCoast
LGA – Manning Support Services
• Lithgow, Lithgow LGA
– Plus Community
• Blacktown, Blacktown
LGA – Relationships
Australia
• Maitland, Maitland
LGA – Relationships Australia.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner
Dr Hannah Tonkin said the program’s expansion will promote the safety of women and children by “holding
men accountable for their violent and abusive behaviour and supporting them to change”.
“Programs like this can encourage participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to stop using violence and maintain respectful relationships.”
Relationships
Australia NSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said, “Promoting the safety of women and children is essential to preventing domestic and family violence in our communities.
“Our Men’s Behaviour Change Program works with men who use violence to take responsibility, guiding
By John WATTS
BARRINGTON School’s P&C is again hosting the fundraising event known as Barrington Brickfest.
The event will highlight everything LEGO for both young and older fans.
It will be held at the Gloucester Recreation Centre, on Sunday 2 March, from 10am to 4pm.
“This is the third year we are holding the Barrington Brickfest for Barrington Public School P&C,” said Amy Sansom from Barrington School.
“The events have raised upwards of $7000 for our school community.
“There will be new exhibitions, a build table, as well as LEGO available for purchase.”
The occasion will be run by Rainbow Bricks,
them to be accountable for their actions and stop abusive behaviours in their family relationships.
“These men have recognised the need to change and have sought support to become safer partners and fathers.
“Through the program, they reflect on their behaviour, understand the underlying drivers of violence, and learn practical tools and strategies to manage themselves and deescalate potentially aggressive situations.
“We also work with the men’s current or former partners and their children to ensure their safety and support recovery.
“Many have shared with us that they are now living in safe and
a recognised LEGO user group which holds fan events for charities across the Hunter, Mid North Coast and the Central Coast.
“We are a group of active AFOLs [Adult Fans of LEGO] builders and exhibitors of LEGO creations,” the group’s
website explains. “Rainbow Bricks is committed to spreading the ‘LOVE of the Brick’ and, at the same time, raising funds for charities great and small.”
Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased online or at the Rec. Centre on the day.
Gloucester
Gloucester
Hebbys
Yates
FROM Page 1
monthly meeting on 16 February.
Club Director Andy Edwards thanked Paul Bennet Airshows and pilot Glenn Graham, “who put their money where their mouths are when it comes to giving back to grassroots aviation”.
“Our resident flying instructor Garry King has also donated his time for the scholarship.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to help Shannon and Blake on their aviation journey and are lucky to have them involved with our club.”
Gloucester born and bred Shannon Atkins was very happy to receive the scholarship.
respectful homes, free from violence."
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone
“At this stage I have no plans to become a professional pilot, but I just love flying.
“I hope to get my licence by the end of this year.”
Blake Walker, who is in Year 11 at Gloucester High School, is also appreciative of the scholarship.
“Getting a pilot’s licence is expensive, and it’s very rewarding to have such an opportunity in a country town like Gloucester.”
“I plan to do civil engineering after I finish school and I think that having a pilot’s licence should help with my career.”
“The scholarship has given me several free hours of flying lessons for which I am very thankful,” he said.
you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
M: 0488 114 777
q A LEGO railyard. Photo: supplied.
q Brickfest at the Gloucester Recreation Centre. Photo: supplied.
Goori-Bugg Gathering: connecting kin and Country
By Joshua GILBERT
OVER a hundred descendants of James and Charlotte Bugg are set to gather in the Upper Hunter to celebrate their connection to Country.
The Goori (Aboriginal) Bugg family gathering will be held at the Gloucester Showground between 28-30 March.
According to the event organisers, this year is the Bicentenary of the arrest in Greater Horkesley, Essex, UK, of 23 years old James Bugg for stealing, then his gaoling and transportation to the colony of New South Wales as an English convict.
“He arrived in Sydney in March 1826 and was assigned to the AACo which had just commenced its operations on Worimi Country at Tahlee, Port Stephens,” the event’s website states.
Uncle John Heath told News Of The Area, “The three-day gathering will be a celebration of a remarkable dynasty that commenced amongst frontier hostilities on unceded Worimi and Birpai country and survived colonialism and the challenges of mixed race families in Australia, with many members making significant contributions in
a number of fields, to help build a better Australia.
“It will provide an opportunity to share our stories and learn from the experiences of other family members that may be quite different from our own.”
Activities for gathering attendees will include basket and eel trap weaving, possum and kangaroo skin cloak making, men’s and women’s yarning circles, family tree mapping and tours of important local cultural and community sites.
More information can be found on the Goori Bugg Gathering website.
Beef producers to do battle
By Joshua GILBERT
LOCAL producers are set to compete for the title of best beef carcase at this year’s Wingham Beef Week.
The event, which provides a week-long program focused on the beef cattle industry, will be held at the Wingham Showgrounds between 1216 May.
“The event aims to educate at ground level the next generation of our future junior beef enthusiasts in a hands-on
environment to increase their knowledge/exposure to the Australian beef industry through education and competition,” the event website states.
“Producers use the event to pit their skills and benchmark their finished
product against other producers and industry peers by competing in carcase competitions, both led and unled.”
Beef Week Vice President Mat Knox told News Of The Area the event provides local
cattle producers with the opportunity to compare the quality of their beef with others across the local region.
“$3,000 will be awarded to the best carcase of the competition, with more prize money for best quality grassfed cattle, highest score for pens of two and five, and best eating quality,” Mr Knox said.
“Not only is the event a
great opportunity for local schools to learn about the livestock industry, but it also provides local producers the chance to see their beef in the chillers and compare to their peers.”
Wingham Beef Week hosts over 450 students and 50 local producers from across the State each year.
Our friendly volunteers can deliver fresh or frozen meals to your home
Contact our team to find out how we can help
q Organising committee members Paula Mailing, Uncle John Heath, Tanya Morgan, Aunty Lynda Holden and Aunty Donna Kemp. Photo: supplied.
q Students in attendance at the 2024 Wingham Beef Week. Photo: supplied.
Funding for 32 community groups
STRATFORD Coal has announced an investment of more than $106,000 into community organisations across the Gloucester and Stroud regions.
The funding will be shared across 32 local community groups and initiatives that work in the areas of
education and training, arts, leisure, and cultural heritage.
Over 40 representatives attended a presentation on 29 January at the Avon Valley Inn to celebrate the funding boost.
One of the recipients is the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge.
“We are thankful to Stratford Coal for their financial support to help
make this amazing race day happen,” said event organiser Sam de Witte.
“The challenge is open to men, women and children over twelve years old, and tests their fitness and staying power.
“It’s a popular event on the racing calendar, bringing people to the area in the lead up and on the day.
“It is also a true
community day that unites competitors, volunteers and spectators together for a multisport event.”
Stratford Coal Operations Manager John Cullen congratulated the successful 2025 recipients of the annual Community Support Program.
“We are always happy
to get everyone together to celebrate their donation and to discuss how they are investing the funding to bring their idea or program to life for the benefit of the people in our community.
“The Community Support Program gives us a wonderful opportunity to assist locally focused projects with
donations that are big and small, and since 2010 we have granted over $1,100,000 to groups across the Gloucester and Stroud regions.
“We look forward to hearing and sharing the success of the 2025 projects, and to seeing the positive impact they make on our community,” said John.
CWA’s ‘Little Black Dress’
By Wendy BUSWELL
THE CWA Day and Evening branches are collaborating to host an event specifically for the women of Gloucester. The night out is called the “The Little Black Dress”.
“There are not many opportunities in Gloucester for women to dress up,” said Barbara Reichert, a member of the CWA.
“The Little Black Dress night is a wonderful opportunity for women to wear their finest outfits.”
2025 will mark the third annual “Little Black Dress Night” fundraiser.
“The funds raised will help us maintain the local CWA hall,” Barbara told the News Of The Area.
“Although the larger CWA organisation owns the hall, each branch is responsible for its upkeep.
“This fundraiser will enable us to paint the rooms and keep the hall in good condition.”
Three local women will serve as guest speakers for the evening.
Georgia Laurie, who fondly remembers spending time at the CWA with her
Information sessions for farmers
HUNTER Local Land Services, in partnership with MidCoast Council, is offering a comprehensive five-part workshop series titled 'Design Your Farm,' tailored for landholders in the Manning Great-Lakes region.
This series offers participants the flexibility to attend all five workshops or select individual sessions that align with their interests and needs.
Available in both Taree
and Gloucester regions and delivered between March and May workshop topics include:
• Understanding your context
• Finding your starting point
• Intersecting natural areas and productive zones
• Designing to keep out pests
• Knowledge to action: landscape design fundamentals
grandmother, will share her experiences as a young farmer, pilot, and cattle judge.
Donnelle Walker and Ella Ellis will discuss their stories of resilience.
The CWA will also provide dessert for attendees.
“Women of all ages are invited to join this event.
“It’s a chance for women to come together, hear local stories, support the CWA, and dress up.”
‘The Little Black Dress’ evening will take place at the Uniting Church Hall on Wednesday, March 12, beginning at 6:30pm.
Hannah Botta, Senior Land Services Officer with the Sustainable Agriculture team said, "These workshops provide farmers with essential tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their land.
“By understanding the natural and productive elements of their property, participants will be better equipped to create more resilient, sustainable, and profitable farming systems."
Visit MidCoast Council’s What’s On page at https:// www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ Get-involved/Whats-on and search for Designing your Farm for more information and how to register.
The information sessions are funded through the NSW Government’s Coastal Management Program.
q Over 40 community representatives attended a presentation on 29 January at the Avon Valley Inn.
AGL slams nuclear option, doubles down on big batteries
By Marion RAE, AAP
ELECTRICITY giant AGL
Energy is standing firm on replacing ageing coalfired power stations with renewable energy, as it rejects a federal opposition plan to add nuclear energy to the nation's network.
"Both time and cost won't allow nuclear to be done on time... the question right now is about getting on and getting this done as soon as we can," AGL chief executive Damien Nicks told AAP.
"Our strategy is about building a whole range of assets, not one or the other. It's going to be renewables, batteries, pumped hydro, gas peakers to support what this market needs," he said.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton plans to build seven nuclear reactors on former coal sites across the nation, including sites owned by AGL in NSW and Victoria, if the coalition is elected.
"We're making 20-year decisions that will outlive
changes in politics every three or four years," Mr Nicks said.
On the Liddell site in the NSW Upper Hunter region, AGL was one-third of the way through construction of a major battery - a $750 million, 500-megawatt project that was on track for commencing operations in 2026, he said.
AGL was also seeing demand growth for the first time in six years as underlying demand from electrification starts to kick in, Mr Nicks said.
"We're flexing our assets a lot more in the marketplace as the market transitions but also we expect to take FID (final investment decision) on 1.4 gigawatts of new batteries over the next 12 to 18 months," he said.
Big batteries allow energy companies to store excess solar energy generated in the middle of the day and shift it to other times to meet peak demand.
More broadly, the development pipeline has grown to 7GW after recent
acquisitions.
The home will also play a huge role in shifting the load to different times of the day - whether it's home batteries added to rooftop solar, electric vehicles or hot water systems - so customers can share the benefit, Mr Nicks said.
The generator and energy retailer, or gentailer, this month reported a halfyear statutory net profit of $97 million, down $479 million.
Underlying profit was $373 million, down 6.5 percent on a year earlier, on higher operating costs to maintain generation and as consumers swapped products to try to reduce sky-high power bills.
Moody's Ratings said the upcoming closure of AGL's large coal-fired generators by 2035, which contributed to its "solid" half-year result, underscored the need for continued large investment programs to maintain longterm earnings momentum.
Coal fuel costs rose 7.4 percent driven by an
increase in generation at Bayswater Power Station in NSW, and gas costs for electricity generation rose 42.6 percent as the market operator directed the Torrens Island plant to support South Australia.
Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) eased one percent to $1.068 billion in the half.
The range for underlying full-year EBITDA narrowed to $1.935 billion to $2.35 billion, while underlying net profit was expected to be $580 million to $710 million.
But UBS energy analyst Tom Allen said AGL's indication of a significant earnings contribution from new batteries at Torrens in South Australia and Liddell added upside to expectations for the 202627 financial year.
AGL declared a lower interim dividend of 23 cents per share, down from 26 cents per share a year earlier.
q AGL boss Damien Nicks believes nuclear power isn't the right option for Australia's energy needs. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/ AAP PHOTOS.
Domestic violence crackdown
POLICE have charged more than 550 people with more than 1160 offences during a four-day state-wide operation targeting domestic and family violence.
Operation Amarok IX ran from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 February 2025, and involved officers from all police area commands and police districts across NSW.
The Domestic and Family Violence Registryled 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, Police Airwing, Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, and the Police Transport Command.
Across the four days, 569 people were arrested and charged, with 295 arrest warrants executed.
Police laid 1,162 charges and conducted 1,151 bail compliance checks and 12,382 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks.
There were 424 breaches identified.
Officers conducted 127 firearms prohibition order (FPO) searches, with 57 firearms and 25 weapons seized.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley says Operation Amarok was a clear example of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to addressing domestic and family violence, especially in regional areas.
“Operation Amarok demonstrates the dedication of police in tackling domestic
and family violence and sends a strong message that this sickening behaviour will never be tolerated,” Minister Catley said.
“Those who choose to commit these violent acts should be prepared for a knock on their door and to face the consequencesbecause the police will stop at nothing to hold perpetrators to account.
“Last year alone, police received almost 150,000 calls for help for domestic and family violence related matters, this shows the gravity
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Coaches replace XPT
DUNGOG and Gloucester rail passengers will have two of their six daily XPT services replaced by road coaches from next month.
The 12-month temporary change to services will allow essential upgrades to the NSW TrainLink XPT fleet including extensive mechanical work, new carpeting and refurbished seats as well as maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets.
of the situation and the extensive police resources required to combat it.”
Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Peter Mckenna, said the strategy behind Operation Amarok was working.
Coaches will replace the XPT on the 5.15am Grafton-Sydney service and the 11.44am SydneyGrafton service, with the timetable still to be confirmed.
The remaining four daily rail services will continue to operate with XPT trains.
Ticket prices will remain the same and bookings will continue as usual by calling 13 22 32 or by using the NSW TrainLink booking website.
“Amarok elevates our focus on those highrisk offenders who pose a significant threat to victims, family members, and other members of the community,” Assistant Commissioner Mckenna said.
“NSW Police remains committed to tackling domestic and family violence offenders across the state and the operation results speak for themselves.
“While police will continue the tactics employed by our high-risk offender teams to target these people and support victims, we all have a part to play in stopping this senseless crime.”
Authorised by David Gillespie, Cnr Cameron St and Oxley Hwy, Wauchope NSW 2446
q Across the four days, 569 people were arrested and charged, with 295 arrest warrants executed.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
UNDER THE VINES
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Set in idyllic New Zealand in the Peak View wine district, this third season of the sunny dramedy sees newcomer William (Mark Mitchinson) ruffling feathers. Charles Edwards and Rebecca Gibney (pictured) are ripe with feel-good warmth as step-cousins Louis and Daisy, now running their inherited Oakley Wines vineyard together. However, as Daisy readies to marry again, the duo must focus on ousting self-declared heir William to save the winery. While former lawyer Louis believes his legal nous will come in handy, Daisy has some “creative” ideas for getting rid of their co-owner.
FRIDAY, February 28
SUNDAY
THE NEWSREADER
ABC TV, 8.30pm
There’s lights, cameras and plenty of action as Australia’s favourite fictional newsreaders leave it all on the table before we bid farewell to the stellar, cinematic drama next week. Three seasons’ worth of secrets and personal struggles explode tonight after threatened News at Six boss Lindsay (William McInnes) takes to destroying the careers he built in a bid to save his own. Dale (Sam Reid) spirals under the pressure of blackmail about his sexuality, while Helen (Anna Torv, pictured) – riding high after Public Eye won the ratings war – is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health issues. No one is safe from Lindsay’s vitriol as The Newsreader sets the scene for an unforgettable finale.
MONDAY
DAN SNOW’S GREATEST DISCOVERIES
Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return) 8.30 Under The Vines. (Return, PG) Daisy plans her wedding.
9.15 Optics. (Ml, R) Greta and Nicole get a board meeting date.
9.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 10.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
ABC Late News.
11.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R)
12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (M) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (R)
9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Bonn. (Msv)
11.45 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)
2.40 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (Final, PG, R)
3.45 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with Nicole Maguire. 8.30 MOVIE: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, Mdl) An exploration of the life and music of singer Whitney Houston, chronicling her journey from obscurity to superstardom. Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders. 11.30 GetOn Extra.
12.00 Australian Idol. (PGl, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
SBS, 8.25pm
History buffs are in safe hands tonight with experienced archaeologist Dan Snow (pictured). True to his profession, Snow is passionate about unearthing mysteries and hidden histories. The return of this docuseries follows the intrepid explorer on a journey to China, where he yearns to learn more about an amazing discovery made just a few years before he was born: the Terracotta Army. Made up of thousands of life-size warriors armed with bronze weapons, the collection of sculptures that guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang dates back to 210 BCE. Later episodes take Snow in search of the secrets of Stonehenge, Machu Picchu and even Atlantis. If anyone can track down the fictional island, it’s Snow.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Water. (PG)
8.40 MOVIE: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021, MA15+lv, R) A bodyguard and a hitman work together. Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek.
11.00 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R)
12.45 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. Contestants compete to solve word puzzles in order to win cash and prizes determined by The Wheel. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Malv, R) Guests include Kevin Hart, Jodie Comer, Sofia Vergara and Alan Cumming. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
SATURDAY, March 1
6.00 Australian Story: Second Innings – Bharat Sundaresan. (R) Leigh Sales chats to Bharat Sundaresan.
6.30 Back Roads: Great Keppel, Queensland. (R) Heather Ewart visits Great Keppel Island.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025. Coverage of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 10.30 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) Rob makes a controversial comment on air. 11.25 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Sunny and Jess struggle to focus on the case. 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe. (Return)
8.35 Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother.
9.30 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PGal, R)
10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
11.25 Suspect. (MA15+av, R)
3.20 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R)
4.20 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A secret agent is hunted by the government. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz. 10.15 MOVIE: Green Zone. (2010, Malv, R) A rogue military officer uncovers a conspiracy. Matt Damon. 12.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde. (2001, PGls, R) A ditzy blonde enrols in law school. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson.
10.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, Mls)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (s, R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Matlock. (PGals, R) Matty and Sarah pose as family to gather information at a senior living facility facing a wrongful death suit. 10.30 Elsbeth.
(32)
6am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 7.40 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.00 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.25pm Silverado. (1985, M) 2.50 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.45 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PG) 8.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) Midnight Secretary. (2002, MA15+) 2.00 Ferocious Wolf. (2023, MA15+, Spanish) 3.55 Falling. (2020, M)
SUNDAY, March 2
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG) The mentors evaluate the teams.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Madl) Helen is blindsided by a front-page story revealing her history of mental health struggles.
9.25 Love Me. (MA15+s) Glen and Peter rescue Aaron from a drunken night out.
10.20 MOVIE: Cosi. (1996, Ml, R) 11.55 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Tiddler. 3.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.30 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Ancient Greece By Train.
8.25 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Mav) Looks at Livia, who starts having regrets.
9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R)
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers. (R)
11.15 Elvis’ Women. (Mas, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.30 Employable Me (UK) (MA15+l, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv) Takes a look at the murder of John Furlan in 1998 by a car bomb, a crime which has never been solved.
10.15 Murder In The Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery. (Mdlv, R)
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 To Be Advised.
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
FAMILY (22) 6am MOVIE: L.O.L. Surprise! The Movie. (2021) 7.00 Children’s Programs. 1.10pm Inside The Superbrands. 3.10 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.10 Young Sheldon. 5.10 MOVIE: Space Jam: A New Legacy. (2021, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Turner & Hooch. (1989, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Gettin’ Square. (2003, M) 11.40 Young Sheldon. 12.40am The Originals.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Charade. (1963, PG) 8.05 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995, PG) 10.40 All The President’s Men. (1976) 1.10pm Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 3.15 Sissi. (1955, German) 5.15 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 6.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 8.30 Fame. (1980, M) 11.00 Sira. (2023, French) 1.15am Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 2.40 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering
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9GO! (83)
MONDAY, March 3
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Sicily With Michael Portillo. (PGaw)
Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries. (Return)
Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Wisting. (Malsv)
12.25 A French Case. (Mav, R)
2.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (Ml, R)
2.50 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 3.55 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.
9.10 Suits L.A. (Mav) Ted needs Amanda’s help with a new prosecutor in Lester’s murder trial.
10.10 The Oscars. (PGalv, R) From the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Rise Of The Dolphins. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 The Life And Murder Of Nicole Brown Simpson. (Mav) 12.00 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
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) 5.00
6am Bran Nue
Dae. (2009, PG) 7.35 Sissi. (1955, German) 9.35
Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 11.15 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.40pm Charade. (1963, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 6.40 Sirocco. (1951, PG) 8.30 Raging Bull. (1980, MA15+) 10.55 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.35am Falling. (2020, M) 2.40 Black Box. (2021, M, French) 5.00 Sirocco. (1951, PG)
TUESDAY, March 4
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
8.30 Insight. (Return)
9.30 Dateline. (Return)
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)
11.30 Prisoner. (MA15+av)
12.40 Fargo. (Malv, R)
2.25 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (R)
3.20 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Sirocco. Continued. (1951, PG) 6.50 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 8.55 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 10.55 Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 12.20pm Fame. (1980, M) 2.45 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG)
4.20 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 6.20 From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 8.30 Amadeus. (1984, M) 11.30 Iron Sky 2. (2019, M) 1.10am Clean. (2021, MA15+) 2.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 The Hunting Party. (M) The team races to stop Roy Barber, also known as the Couples Killer, before he strikes again.
10.10 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec and Marisa investigate a museum heist.
12.10 Sun, Sea And Surgery. (MA15+a, R) A look at Turkey’s Comfort Zone clinic.
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
WEDNESDAY,
March 5
THURSDAY,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (l)
8.35 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Mal)
9.30 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Blackwater. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
12.15 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlv, R)
3.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (PGal, R)
3.50 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R)
4.55 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Full Sweat. (Premiere, M) Behindthe-scenes at the Hawthorn Football Club.
11.00 Autopsy USA: John Wayne. (Return, Ma)
12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am From Here
To Eternity. Continued. (1953, PG) 7.10 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 9.10 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 11.10 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.50pm Iron Sky 2. (2019, M) 2.30 Sirocco. (1951, PG) 4.20 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 6.30 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 8.30 Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 10.45 Arkansas. (2020, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.
March 6
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGn)
9.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next.
10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 10.55 News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.30 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mdl, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia Christmas Special. (R)
5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Hidden Volcano Abyss. (Mal, R)
A look at the eruption of Hunga Tonga.
9.30 Boiling Point.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Golden Boy. (MA15+s)
12.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R)
2.35 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (MA15+l, R)
3.30 Employable Me (UK) (PGa, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG, R)
A speeder will not stop.
6.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam)
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm)
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Your Next Cruise. (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 A Current Affair. (R)
Patriot Brains. 2.10 Cowboy Kings Of Crypto. 2.40 Insight. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James Brown: Say It Loud. (Premiere) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am TBA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00
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6am Breaker
Morant. Continued. (1980, PG) 7.05 After Yang. (2021, PG) 8.50 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 11.00 Amadeus. (1984, M) 1.50pm From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 4.00 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 6.00 The Age Of Innocence. (1993, PG) 8.30 Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 10.45 Nowhere Boy. (2009, M) 12.35am Rush. (2013, MA15+) 2.50 Late Programs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Butler. (2013, Malv, R)
A White House butler serves seven American presidents across three decades. Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey.
11.10 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)
12.10 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda
,
EVERY time I go to the beach there is a sea of bums.
Everyone under the age of about 20 (and some well over) are jiggling around in g-strings. Is this acceptable?
Francis P.
Dear Francis,
Acceptable is a strange word in these times.
It also depends on who you are talking to.
There are many who would gleefully flock to the beach to get a glimpse of the bums you refer to, and others who would be sweating
bucketloads of moral panic over it.
Swimwear has been through many phases and it always comes with negative comments from the modesty brigade.
In the early 1900s, women had to wear loose-fitting frocks and later they were swaddled in conservative woollen swimsuits (can you imagine how uncomfortable that would be?).
In the 1930s, costumes hugged the figure and the material changed, with nylon making it more comfortable to swim and sunbake, but they were still quite puritanical by today's standards.
Tummies were exposed by the 1950s and by the 60s, tops and bottoms were shrinking with a lot of skin on show. In the 80s it was all about fluoro and it wasn't just the bums that were out.
Topless bathing was as prolific as the smell of coconut oil and hairspray.
It's surprising we didn't selfcombust with all the additives and chemicals in the air.
I wonder, Francis, if it will come full circle again.
Perhaps, with cabanas offering more sun protection, and a greater awareness of the dangers of sunbaking, more people will embrace the cover-up culture and protect themselves from the harsh effects of the Australian sun and the sanctimonious sermonising of those in sensible swimwear.
Let me tell you, though, Francis, if I still had my 19-year-old bum, it would be out there frolicking amongst that sea of bums (between the flags of course) and enjoying every moment.
Why not?
And why not embrace people wearing whatever they feel comfortable in at whatever age while they still can?
In this era of body positivity, a bit of jiggling, if the jiggler feels good about it, is surely not for the rest of us to judge.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Community and heritage funding rounds open
COMMUNITY groups can now apply to receive financial assistance through MidCoast Council’s community donations and heritage funding rounds.
If you have a project to benefit the community or a heritage listed place or property, you may be eligible for a grant through the funding programs.
This funding is available anywhere in the MidCoast.
Community donations funding can assist organisations to deliver community development and
Environment Group explore historic bush trail
THE Gloucester Environment Group hit the trails for their latest bushwalk on 16 February, following a four kilometre roller-coaster stretch of the Mountaineer–Glowang track.
“Moderate Mountaineer-Glowang trail, near Wangat Road, offers scenic mountain views across Gloucester Tops wilderness in Barrington Tops National Park, between Gloucester and Dungog,” the National Parks website states.
The walk was mostly above 900m elevation, passing through beautiful Antarctic Beech Forest with an understory of tree ferns.
Antarctic Beech trees are only found at high elevations in southern areas of Australia, South America, Africa, New Zealand and New Caledonia, and are evidence
that all these continents were once joined together as a land mass known as Gondwana land.
The Barrington Tops is its southernmost occurrence of these trees in Australia.
There are many other plants that flourish in the high elevations of the park, including the Beech Orchid (which grows on the Antarctic Beech trees), Orange Blossom Orchids, a range of fascinating fungi, corkwoods (which have the same texture, feel and weight of a cork) and Mountain Peppers, which would provide a spicy kick to any meal.
“Our walk also took us off trail to a remnant mine shaft part of workings from gold mines at Upper Wangat and Whispering Gully from the 1880s and 1890s,” said bushwalk coordinator Rod Eckels.
Newspaper reports from the time indicate there were several groups
working the area, with a total of around 20 miners all making a “comfortable” living.
“Life would not have been easy, and we can imagine the conditions were rudimentary, but mining came to an end when the cost of work exceeded the income,” Rod said.
These mines were reworked at various times in the 1940s and 1950s, but are now dormant.
“We had lunch under the massive tree ferns in the Whispering Gully, which gave us time to rest and breathe in the majesty of our surroundings.”
The Gloucester Environment Group plans a range of activities including River Care, Koala Ways, Bird Watching, Native Seed propagation, Bushwalking and quarterly feasts.
To join any of these activities, please contact gloucester.environment. group@gmail.com.
q Walkers about to head off on their journey.
capacity building projects.
The annual donations program offers up to $2000, or up to $10,000 over a twoyear period. Submit your application by 30 March 2025.
“This funding recognises the valuable social contribution community organisations make to our region,” said MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin.
“We know that this small amount of assistance can make all the difference in getting great community projects off the ground.”
Funding for heritage buildings is also available and is jointly funded by MidCoast Council and the NSW Government.
It offers assistance of up to $2,000 and in some special cases grants of up to $5,000 are available.
Submit your application by Sunday 4 May.
“Heritage buildings are an important asset to our community, attracting tourists, increasing pride in the community and giving us a sense of who we are and where we’ve come from,” added Mayor Pontin.
As part of the application process, eligible property owners must demonstrate their contribution to the project, as the grant cannot make up more than 50
percent of the total project cost.
The local heritage fund focuses on preserving our region’s heritage and creating sympathetic renovations and improvements to our buildings and places.
“This program has supported some wonderful restoration projects over the past five years, and we’re excited to announce this funding opportunity for 2025,” Mayor Pontin said.
“These funding programs enrich our way of life and add value to our area.”
Apply now as a first step towards getting your project up and running.
You can find the funding criteria and application forms at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ grants.
Grants available to power digital solutions
REMOTE, rural and regional communities are being encouraged to embrace new technologies and digital solutions, with grants of up to $10,000 available through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Telstra.
The Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program invites local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) to apply for their share in $200,000 for projects that empower their community to improve digital literacy and enhance digital capabilities.
The program aims to foster the liveability, sustainability and resilience of rural Australia by funding projects that enhance social connection, support equitable access to technology, increase cyber security, enable sustainable environmental practices or support disaster preparedness.
Loretta Willaton, Regional Australia Executive at Telstra, said that now in its third year, the program has supported almost 60 projects aimed at building digital capability in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.
“The program has supported a range of projects, from digital literacy workshops that help people to understand their device so that they can feel safe to use the technology, to improving not-for-profit operations and
service delivery so that they can better support the most vulnerable.
“We have also been inspired by the innovations in information sharing and the positive impact that these new systems have had on the environmental, social and economic outcomes of communities.
“In 2025, the program will continue to support projects that embrace new technology and build digital capability to support liveable, resilient and sustainable remote, rural, regional communities across Australia,” said Ms Willaton.
Natalie Egleton, CEO at FRRR, said the Foundation is dedicated to narrowing the digital divide.
“Rural communities are great places to live.
Unfortunately, the reality is that there is generally limited access to technology, education and job opportunities, meaning people find they have no choice but to move to the city, just to be able to work or go to school.
“That’s why equitable access to services, like technology and digital solutions, is so important.
“For older people it supports connection and opportunities to keep learning and be confident with digital devices.
“For younger people it supports them to live, learn
VIEW Club announces new committee
THIRTY-FOUR members and guests attended the first Gloucester VIEW Club meeting of 2025 on Tuesday 18 February, with a new committee elected to lead the group forward in 2025.
Vice President Vivien Webeck and Secretary Judy Earle led the meeting in the absence of President Robyn
Henderson, who is enjoying a Tasmanian holiday.
“The monthly general meeting was held, birthdays celebrated and lucky door and raffle prizes allocated,” said publicity officer Bev Maybury.
“The Trading Table, under the new coordinator Sandra Clark, was beautifully
presented and attracted many members with the variety of goodies on sale at very reasonable prices - all contributing to the support of the four Learning for Life students, three of whom are now high school students.”
After lunch the Annual General Meeting was held, during which a new
committee was elected.
The 2025 committee is President Robyn Henderson, Vice President Vivien Webeck, Secretary Marguerite McNamara, Assistant Secretary Bev Maybury, Treasurer Chris Redman, Assistant Treasurer Judy Earle, Delegate Marguerite
McNamara, Welfare Officer Jenny Goddard, Publicity Officer Bev Maybury, and Program Officers Judy Holstein, Julie King and Pat Radford.
“Thank you to the 2024 Committee and thank you to these 10 ladies for taking up these positions in 2025,” Bev said.
and work outside of the metro regions and make these vibrant smaller towns their home.”
Applications close at 5pm AEDT on Thursday, 20 March. Successful grants will be announced in June 2025 and applicants will have 12 months to complete the funded projects.
Events for seniors
MIDCOAST Council is putting on an abundance of different workshops, talks and experiences from 3 to 15 March to celebrate the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival.
Seniors will be able to meet new friends and get amongst the celebrations at different venues from Tea Gardens to Gloucester, Wingham, Tinonee, Harrington and everywhere in betweenall for free.
MidCoast Council Manager of Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills said the program that’s jampacked full of activities has just been released and includes music, movies, arts and crafts and tons of different workshops.
“This is a great chance to take the time to recognise our sensational seniors, who make up about one third of our entire population,” he said.
“It’s also a great time to start a conversation and tap into the life experiences, learnings, and laughs our seniors have to share.”
For a comprehensive list of all the free activities, dates and times go to www.midcoast.nsw.gov. au/SeniorsFest
Gloucester Study Hub opening soon
If you’re kickstarting a degree, retraining into a new industry or simply taking the first small step towards study, get in touch with us.
FREE STUDY
HUB + FACILITIES
Available 5am – Midnight for Registered TUC Gloucester students!
Food Swap looks to the future
By John SAHYOUN
THE WOOTTON Food Swap, now in its eighth year, is looking towards the future and considering expanding the concept.
The food swap allows community members the opportunity to exchange home-grown or home-made items, as well as plants and seeds.
A give away table of kitchen items is also present at swap meets.
Members coordinate who is growing what and share hard earned gardening tips.
New targets for NSW schools
UPDATED academic, HSC attainment and school attendance targets will be introduced to public schools in NSW from term 1 2025.
“New system-wide measures will provide clear guidance for school leaders, and are designed to lift outcomes for all students, including at comprehensive primary and high schools, selective schools, regional and rural schools, and Schools
for Specific Purposes,” the State Government said in a statement.
Schools will be required to strive for ambitious new goals, including:
• Increasing the average NAPLAN reading and numeracy scores in 2027 by:
* 10.2 points for Year 5
Reading
* 5.8 points for Year 9
Reading
* 11.5 points for Year 5 Numeracy
* 5.7 points for Year 9 Numeracy
• Increasing the proportion of NSW students attaining Year 12 from 70.5 percent in 2022 to 74 percent in 2027.
• Growing the number of students taking up university, training or work for school leavers from 88.1 percent to 92
percent in 2027.
• Increasing the average student attendance rate from 87.8 percent in 2023 to 88.8 percent in 2027.
“This is about setting high expectations of our public education system and every one of our students,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.
"No longer will targets be focused simply on the top-
SPORTS
A Sharp win in Saturday golf
By Peter WILBLOOD
TREVOR Sharp had a solid win in his grade on Saturday 22 February at the Gloucester golf course, turning in a card three under his handicap.
The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Roundabout Inn and was played in good conditions although the size of the field was disappointingly small.
The winners in A grade were Ken Kelly 37 with Steve Burns 35 in the runner up spot by virtue of a count back.
In B grade it was Trevor Sharp’s 39 that gave him the win over Mark Stone with his 36.
Kev Arney was best in C grade with 36 points followed by Gary Peters 32.
Also scoring 32 points was
Alison Windeyer to lead the women players home; Lesly Harrison was next with 28 points.
Balls were won by Trevor Sharp 39, Ken Kelly 37, Mark Stone and Kev Arney 36, and by Nathan McInnes and Steve Burns 35.
The Nearest-to-the-Pins at the 4th and 13th holes saw only two winners: Ken Kelly in A grade and Rob Moore in B grade after finishing 436 cm and 585 cm from the holes respectively.
It was a full house at the shorter 6th and 15th holes with Ken Kelly, 147 cm, again getting the job in A grade.
Trevor Sharp, 527 cm, was closest in B grade as was Jim Bird, 250 cm, in C grade and Pat Burrow, 336 cm, for the women players.
The long drives at the
8th and 17th holes were won by Nathan McInnes, Geoff Reynolds, Gary Peters and Lesly Harrison.
The Super Sevens for the week concluding Friday 21 February was won by Doug Blanch with a score of 20 points. He was followed by ball winners Dave Mann 19, Gary Timbs 18 and Ken Kelly 17.
Wayne Maddalena and Stacey Groves 16 with the last ball to Max Shepherd 15 on a count back from the field.
On Saturday 1 March the Saturday golfers will be playing for the March Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by the Arkwood family.
The following Saturday there is a Four Person Ambrose sponsored by Rob Moore.
They are also afforded an opportunity to catch up in a relaxed social setting.
“At the January swap we discussed how it was all going and whether we should modify how we ran the swaps,” coordinator Peter Dixon said.
“There was a lot of enthusiasm in getting speakers along to the swaps from time to time.
“Some ideas floated include… talks about bush regeneration, weed control, soil health, what to plant now, insects and biosecurity.”
There is also interest
achieving students – these ambitious measures will help lift outcomes for all students across the state.”
Department of Education
Secretary Murat Dizdar said, "We have high expectations for achievement for our public education system, with ambitious reading and numeracy improvement measures being put in place by every school during term 1 this year.
"All public schools aim to ensure all students show growth in their literacy and
in hosting food related workshops before or after swap events, following the success of a previous kimchi workshop.
Seasonal pot luck lunches have also been suggested. Wootton food swap members are keen to work with similar initiatives in the region and explore opportunities for better cross promotion and coordination.
Swaps are held at Midday on the second Saturday of each month at the Wootton Hall.
Attendees can bring along any home-grown or homemade items, seeds, seedlings and cuttings.
New participants are always welcome.
numeracy skills.
“We recognise that this is the cornerstone for a successful schooling experience for every student.
"Our new measures will account for the achievements of all students, not just those in the highest bands.
“The pathways improvement measure will capture the transitions of all students into meaningful postschool pathways, whether that is tertiary education, technical and further education or paid employment."
Gloucester Men's Bowls Report
By George WISEMANTEL
THURSDAY social bowls resulted in a big win for Kevin Everett, Adrian Rovere, Harry Cox def Tony Tersteeg, Rob Heininger, Jim Gretch 29-10 (19+19) Runners up were Jim Henderson, Don Mehieloff, Alex Laurie def George Wisemantel, Rob Gibson, Bob Newitt 25-17 (19+8) Mike Sheely, Stephen Hurworth, Terry Davies def Ron Jones, Robert Hayes, Neville Atkins 2016 (16+4) Rob Cushway, Col Beattie def Garry Moss, Ian Tull 22-20 (16+2) Jody Thompson, Phil Ellis played
a 19 all draw with Paul Young, Paul Sheridan
Saturday morning winners were Jim Henderson, Dennis Bartlett, Debbie Cushway def Judy Sheely, Craig Battams, Anne Andrews 20-9 (16+13)Rob Cushway, Joy Hurworth, Joan Ridgeway def Rob Gibson, Sue Cross, David Hjorth 17-8 (15+9) John Andrews, Penny Gibson def Stephen Hurworth, Christina Battams 14-10 (14+4)
The number seven pennant teams had a bye weekend and the number three pennant sides travelled to Taree Leagues Club on Saturday and had a close tussle with the home side leading by five shots on the master board with
only two ends to play but the two Gloucester sides collected three shots each to win 59-58 for a 9-1 victory
The first round of the valley motors sponsored men's fours championship were held on Sunday with Adam Clements, Mark Groves (sub for Col Hebblewhite) Bruce Wilson, Kevin Baker def Allen Rose, Tony Tersteeg, Joe Pfeifer, George Wisemantel 19-17. Kevin Everett, Neville Atkins, Steven Higgins, Mike Sheely def Aaron Kelly, Alex Laurie, Ken Bryant, Brian Holstein 28-10. Jason Cassidy, Craig Yates, Ben Philpott, Terry Davies def Col Linton, Mark Tull, Jason Collins, Peter Jones 30-13
Gloucester Rifle Club McInnes wins vets golf, Hurworth lands hole in one
By Peter PSALTIS
SUNDAY Target Shoot
16 February 2025
In gusting wind conditions on Sunday February 16, at 600 metres in free-class fullbore Stuart Kerr ripped a sizzling 103.5, chased hard by visitor Kat Hamilton on 100.3 and Steve Pennicuik and Daniel Maurer on 94 and 79. In 25 metre rimfire Doug Clarke ripped a sizzling possible 250, chased hard by Stephen Somogyi and
Kat Hamilton on ripping scores of 242 and 238. Next shoot will be on Sunday 2 March, with fullbore at 700 yards from 8.30am and 25 metre rimfire from 11am. Visitors to the rifle club are welcome on shoot days, and enquiries regarding club activities and firearms licensing may be made to Steve Pennicuik on 0427059717. The next Firearms Licensing Course is scheduled for Saturday 12 April 2025 – with early prior bookings with Steve being essential.
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THERE were two good golfing achievements when the Gloucester Veterans turned out on Tuesday 18 February in dry cool condition on a course in top condition.
Brian McInnes had a clear win and Steve Hurworth had a Holein-One at the 180 metre
13th hole.
The event was an Individual Stableford and the ninth round of the Veterans’ Summer Cup; it was sponsored by Joy and Steve Hurworth.
The winner was Brian McInnes who scored 39 Stableford points with balls won by Chris Steele 38, Arthur Poynting
37 and Paul Griffiths, Amanda Robertson, Anne Wand and Carolyn Davies all of whom scored an even handicap par 36.
The Nearest-to-thePin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Steve Hurworth with his Holein-One. At the 6th and 15th holes Carolyn Davies and Brian McInnes were
closest in a good-sized field.
On Tuesday 25 February the Gloucester Veteran Golfers will be playing an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Ken Kelly. The following Tuesday there will be an Individual Stableford sponsored by Penny and Brian Mitchell.
q Eager group members waiting to swap.
Summer Competition
By Carolyn DAVIES
Cheryl Goodrich didn't quite match her great Stableford score from the week before although she got 'that close' to a Hole-in-One on the 13th hole winning the Nearestto-the-Pin trophy.
Lesly Harrison took out the Nearest-to-the-Pin prize on the
On Wednesday 26 February the Gloucester Golf Ladies will be having their annual Beginners’ Day, with a Three Ball Ambrose played over nine holes. q Cheryl Goodrich.
