By Pauline CAIN
FLOOD AFTERMATH
By Sue STEPHENSON
q CWA members from Gloucester Branch (l-r) Sandy Tebbet (State Handicraft Officer), Denise Redman (Secretary), and Margaret Cornish at the Handicraft Exhibition. Photo: Pauline Cain.
FLOOD AFTERMATH
FROM Page 1
town. We need to be looked after too,” she told News Of The Area.
“Normally we would have had lots of bookings coming up to the long weekend.”
However, she agrees that now is not the time for holidaymakers, with roads and bridges cut and landslips making parts of the World Heritage Barrington Tops too dangerous to visit.
Her photos of the Old Schoolmaster’s Cottage on Barrington East Road show the extent of the land that has been carved away from the riverbank and carried downstream in the Barrington River.
“Absolutely horrible.
"Mother Nature can be so brutal.”
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Rosie Campbell knows all too well how long it takes to recover from a major flood event.
As the co-owner of Campbell Engineering on the ironically named Billabong Lane, she has experienced numerous floods since 1974, including the devastating 2021 event.
“It was not as high this time, but there was still six to eight inches (1520cms) through my front office,” she told NOTA.
“We really don’t know how much we’ve lost until we can see what’s been washed away.”
The business is one of many in the lane facing days lost to assessing damage.
“We don’t know if grants are the answer, as we’re working. But we’re working on cleaning-up, not on the business.
“We just hope to be included in the assistance.”
Ms Campbell is also urging MidCoast Council to “give us time to get our
rubbish out and to the tip.”
The region’s dairy farms were also hit hard in the floods, including the fifth-generation Raelands Farm at Barrington, which recorded 450mm
of rainfall between last Monday and Thursday and was left without power.
The farm also lost about four metres of riverbank.
James McRae has shared his family’s cleanups efforts and long list of repairs, including getting a new river pump, pulling what was left of the old one out of the river and picking up a second-hand generator in Forster to re-fill the tank supplying water for the cows, dairy and household.
“The tank has been a worthwhile addition to our flood strategy, as it provides us with enough water for about 1.5 weeks,” he said.
The operation to connect the new pump and generator was tricky, but was successful.
“[It’s] going to take a lot of work to get back to pre-flood operation,” James said.
“We are just one small farm in a bigger picture of varying degrees of damage.”
q The riverbank has been carved away near the Old Schoolmaster’s Cottage on Barrington Rd East. Photos: Trudy Schultz.
q Jessica Collins took these photos of Campbell Engineering on Billabong Lane.
q James McRae described getting the dairy farm’s pump working again as ‘bloody beautiful’. Photos: Raelands Farm.
CWA branches advocate for change
FROM Page 1
The theme for this year’s conference, “From isolation to innovation - the threads that bind”, aptly highlighted how women from all over NSW came together to discuss over 40 motions regarding education, health, the environment, agriculture, transport and telecommunications.
These motions ranged from calling on the state government to prioritise feral pig control, to reopening the regional seniors travel card
program, to urgently calling for a review of ambulance services.
“Advocacy has always been at the heart of our association and that has certainly come to the fore this year,” Ms Beames said.
Gloucester Evening Branch had seven members at the conference: Donna Kemp (Vice President), Anne Mags (Treasurer), Megan de Witte, Barbara Reichert, Jillian Carson (President), Rhonda Merchant (State Executive Committee Member) who has been a member for 37 years
and Deb Cook (Secretary) who was attending her first conference.
Jillian Carson, a CWA member of 50 years, and Sandy Tebbet, who was running the Handicraft Shop at the conference exhibition space, sat down with News Of The Area during the conference for a quick Q&A.
What are the biggest issues in your community?
Sandy: The issues facing our community are the same or similar to those facing all communities, especially homelessness and
employment for the young. How is your branch unique demographically?
Jillian: As an Evening Branch we have working members. We enjoy fun and fellowship during cultural outings. We share the room with the day branch and we have a joint committee which runs a major fundraiser each year for the maintenance of the rooms.
Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers
HELICOPTERS have provided isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter.
As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there had been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other means.
There have also been 15 requests for animal assessment and veterinary support.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) teams are working together as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), to manage the agricultural and animal welfare hotline and its response activities.
The AASFA operation is providing farmers with emergency fodder in cases of immediate animal welfare concern, aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock, and fodder drops to farmers in the Hunter and other areas affected.
Another important element of emergency response and recovery for farmers and communities impacted by natural disasters is the difficult process of
deceased animal disposal.
Through the AASFA emergency hotline, farmers and community members can make requests for carcass disposal and report deceased livestock, either on properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off properties and into community spaces.
The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through
the spread of disease.
DPIRD Director
Emergency Management
Dr Leigh Pilkington said, “I would like to thank all landholders and community members for being proactive in taking steps to prepare for this event and reporting their deceased animals, so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements.
“We know it is an incredibly difficult time for landholders, and we have teams ready to assist them where we can.
“I would encourage landholders to reach out to DPIRD for help.
“We have vets from Local Land Services ready to help with animal assessment,
treatment and euthanasia on welfare grounds and carcass disposal.”
Impacted farmers can call the AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am to 6pm, seven days a week).
Assistance available through AASFA includes:
• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock.
q Fodder is being air-dropped to farmers in need.
q CWA members from Gloucester Evening Branch (l-r) Donna Kemp (Vice President), Anne Mags (Treasurer), Megan de Witte, Barbara Reichert, Jillian Carson (President), Rhonda Merchant (State Executive Committee Member) and Deb Cook (Secretary). Photo: Pauline Cain.
Residents counting costs after 'heartbreaking' floods
By William TON and Alex MITCHELL, AAP
Fitzgerald slept in his car for five days, watching
helplessly as floodwaters slowly destroyed everything inside his home for the second time.
Deadly flooding has
lashed parts of NSW, resulting in five deaths, damaging up to 10,000 properties and cutting off more than 50,000 people in regional towns.
The deluge did not spare Mr Fitzgerald's home at Taree, which he shares with his four children and brother Michael Forbes, who has a disability.
"I was devastated - there's nothing you can do. You can't stop water," he told AAP on Saturday.
Water lapped the front of the old weatherboard house before inundating the property, forcing Mr Fitzgerald to wade through waist-deep waters to survey the devastation.
The brothers were already mourning their mother, who died in April.
"It's just like losing my mother all over again. It's heartbreaking," Mr Fitzgerald said.
Furniture, clothes and kids' toys were destroyed but
Beware of disaster scams
By Thomas O’KEEFE
PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters.
In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts.
As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake fundraising appeals.
“The generosity shown by people across NSW in response to the floods has already been extraordinary, but sadly, we know that scammers are quick to take advantage of these moments,” said Acting Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Paul Scully.
“Before you donate, take a moment to verify the fundraiser at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au, or donate through givit.org.au.
“A few simple checks can make all the difference in ensuring your support goes to those who truly need it, and we want to make sure that every dollar donated goes to helping people rebuild their lives and not into the hands of fraudsters.”
NSW Fair Trading is reminding the public to take simple precautions
to ensure their donations are going to legitimate causes.
This includes checking the charity is registered and has a valid fundraising authority, and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests via phone, email, or social media.
Consumers are encouraged to:
• Check the charity’s registration on the Australian Charities and Notfor-profits Commission (ACNC) website: https://www.acnc.gov.au/ charity/charities
• Look up the organisation on the NSW Fair Trading Charitable Fundraising Register: https://verify. licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Charities
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
• Report suspected scams to Scamwatch or contact NSW Fair Trading: https://www.scamwatch. gov.au.
While a variety of scam types exist, and more are dreamed up every day, many share a similar set of features that can and should be looked for every time we open an unsolicited message.
Many scams include:
• A strong sense of urgency (regarding either a serious problem or a surprise win);
• Use of familiar names or brands;
• Dubious grammar and language manipulation;
• An easy way out of the problem posed.
Some scammers will impersonate a flood victim or charity desperately reaching out for help, soliciting donations in a way that appeals directly to the well-meaning nature
losing precious mementos to the floods - including USB sticks containing family photos and videos - was devastating.
"We didn't have time (to prepare). I got some clothes out but that's it," Mr Fitzgerald said.
The family expects it will cost more than $150,000 to replace the damaged goods, while Mr Forbes, a keen vinyl, comic book and DVD collector, lost up to $100,000 in items.
The destruction brought back unwanted memories from four years earlier, when their home last flooded.
"The first time we had insurance and it took them over two years to repair the place," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"It was stressful the whole way through just trying to get
of many people who just want to help those in need.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Little Book of Scams, scammers “use sad stories and cries for help”.
“Scammers will try and use your good nature against you, they will share stories of heartbreak and tragedy with you and explain why they need your help and your
them to do anything, even though we paid insurance for years.
"This time, there's no insurance policy to fall back on."
The family's previous insurer refused to cover them again, while others had unaffordable prices of up to $15,000 that did not cover flood damage, Mr Fitzgerald said.
Family friend Sharon Revell organised a GoFundMe to help the family get back on its feet.
"Seeing them go through the loss of (their mother) and then this so soon after, they haven't had time to grieve," she said.
"The last flood was a onein-100-year flood and this flood is a one-in-500-year flood four years later."
money,” the advice states.
“Scammers don’t want you to take your time and think things through, they want to pressure you into acting quickly – this can include making threats that something bad will happen if you don’t act fast.
“Scammers use links or attachments within emails and phone messages to send you to scam websites or install viruses designed to steal your information and money.”
Even better, we’re a not for profit organisation employing local people and supporting businesses, so we inject your funding dollars back into the Gloucester economy. local
DANIEL
q Floodwaters have destroyed Daniel Fitzgerald and his family's home in Taree for the second time. Photo: Sharon Revell.
q Authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the recent natural disaster through fake fundraising appeals. Photo: NSW SES.
By Jack GRAMENZ and Ethan JAMES, AAP
of only eight votes and an incumbent in another requesting a second tally.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel has requested a recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein.
The Australian Electoral Commission finalised a margin of 260 in favour of Liberal candidate Tim Wilson on Saturday, but is considering the recount request.
"Unusual fluctuations" and large numbers of votes "moving to and fro" prompted several outstanding questions, Ms Daniel said in a statement.
"I have taken expert advice and asked the AEC to consider whether a full recount is appropriate," she said.
"As always I will respect the process and await the commission's decision."
Mr Wilson, a former assistant minister who lost Goldstein to Ms Daniel in the 2022 election, said he had had a majority for weeks and the votes had been counted multiple times.
"At some point we should respect the professional staff at the (electoral commission)," he said on social media.
"I wish Zoe Daniel, her family and staff well in the next chapter. I hope she finds peace," Mr Wilson said.
The commission said it was considering the recount request.
In NSW, a recount will take place in the northern Sydney electorate of Bradfield, where Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian is narrowly ahead of independent Nicolette Boele after the distribution of preferences.
The final margin of eight
votes is under the 100vote threshold to trigger an automatic recount, which will begin on Monday.
Ms Boele had been declared the provisional winner before further counting flipped the standings.
The recount is expected to take two weeks.
"There have been three recounts in the last 20 years... they don't happen very often," election analyst Ben Raue told AAP.
The most recent federal recount was in 2016 for the Queensland seat of Herbert, which Labor won by 37 votes.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer won Fairfax by 53 votes in 2013 after his scrutineers' challenged votes.
Melbourne's McEwen was the subject of a dramatic to-and-fro in 2007, going from Labor to the Liberals and back to Labor following a recount and subsequent High Court challenge.
Bradfield could go to a by-election if the recount returned similar numbers to the initial count or be disputed in court if any parties challenged the outcome, Mr Raue said.
In another tight race, Labor is on track to pick up an extra seat in Melbourne's Calwell to add to its increased
majority.
The seat has become a four-way contest between Labor, the Liberals, the Greens and an independent as the full preference distribution is carried out.
In the Senate, the electoral commission appeared to be close to "pushing the button" on the count to decide whether maverick Jacqui Lambie would be re-elected, Mr Raue said.
The Tasmanian is in a three-way battle for two Senate seats with veteran Liberal Richard Colbeck and Labor.
One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts is on track to reclaim his Queensland seat.
A win in Calwell would place the government on 94 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives and cement its victory in every electorate held by Labor before the 3 May poll.
The Liberals have 28 seats in the lower house and the Nationals have 15.
The Greens have been reduced to one lower-house seat, with 11 shared between independents and other minor parties.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recommended parliament open on July 22.
q A rare recount in a Sydney electorate will delay confirmation of Australia's next parliament. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Fifth death linked to floods as body found in burnt car
By Alex MITCHELL, Jack GRAMENZ and Kat WONG, AAP
A FIFTH person died in a region devastated by floods after dangerous conditions prevented emergency crews from accessing a home.
The body of a man believed to be in his 80s was found inside a burntout vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, about 50km north-west of Taree.
A concern for welfare had been raised on Wednesday after the shed was reportedly spotted alight but severe weather conditions prevented crews from getting to the property by road.
Access to the home was
only possible by helicopter with officers arriving early on Friday afternoon, NSW Police said in a statement.
The intense rainfall that battered the mid-north coast for several days moved south on Friday, but some communities remained cut off.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris
Minns planned to visit hardhit Taree but their attempt to meet affected locals was aborted, further highlighting the town's isolation by its second major flood in four years.
"We've heard word from local MPs and businesses that they've had a torrid three days, incredibly difficult circumstances," Mr Minns said from Maitland.
"We know it will take a long time to get that community back up on its feet."
Mr Minns eventually made it to Taree to meet with locals and see the devastation firsthand.
Port Macquarie local Margret Meagher told AAP the town took 18 months to recover from its last major flood and it would be important for the community to band together.
"People feel they're isolated, so that's where the whole community spirit is so pivotal," she said.
More than 1600 insurance claims have already been made, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.
"Insurers stand ready to serve customers through the oncoming recovery period," chief executive Andrew Hall said.
Of the five deaths linked to the record-breaking
Disaster assistance activated
THE Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Hunter and Mid North Coast following severe weather, including heavy rainfall.
The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for lowincome, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
“These floods and severe
weather are having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, which is why we’re working with the Minns Government to activate this support,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.
“From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages – we’re ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery.
“These conditions are expected to continue into the week, so it’s really important that people are aware of the flood risk in their area by keeping up to date with the
warnings and that they listen to the advice of emergency services.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government is activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
“We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible,” Minister Saffin said.
The State Government has also waived the waste levy for impacted LGAs.
Residents in the areas hit hardest by the storm can
floods, three have involved drivers.
The body of a man in his late 70s was found on Friday after his vehicle appeared to be swept off a causeway at Nana Glen near Coffs Harbour.
Another man died at a flooded home near Taree, as did a driver west of Port Macquarie and a 60-year-old woman near Coffs Harbour.
A man missing in Nymboida has been located but police have not ruled out floods as a factor in the disappearance of another man in Bellingen.
But hundreds of people would be dead without SES volunteers, the premier said.
The prime minister announced assistance grants of $180 per person or $900 for families would roll out in coming days.
Those unable to work in the hardest-hit areas will have access to disaster recovery allowance from Monday.
"Tragically, we're seeing more extreme weather events," Mr Albanese said.
The SES has conducted 736 flood rescues.
But with the rate of rescue requests decreasing, by Friday volunteers were focusing on getting supplies to the 50,000 people isolated by floodwaters.
dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.
Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items. It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.
Landfill operators may still charge their own landfill operation charge, also known as the gate fee or tip fee, to manage waste.
Residents should also contact their local council before visiting their local tip to ensure it is still able to accept waste.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov. au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au.
q More than 1600 flood damage claims have already been made, the Insurance Council of Australia says. Photo: Lindsay Moller/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
GARY BARLOW’S FOOD & WINE:
SBS FOOD, 7.30pm
Take That frontman Gary Barlow knows how to make the most of a trip: while visiting our shores last year on tour, he also managed to film this tasty travelogue. Starting tonight in Sydney, Barlow meets musician Tim Minchin for a tipple at Midden by Mark Olive (pictured centre, with Minchin and Barlow) outside the Sydney Opera House. Chef and “fish butcher” Josh Niland puts the singer to the test with his fish charcuterie; before pop star Sophie Ellis Bextor and GB arrive at their Hunter Valley gig in style – with time for a cheeky wine tasting en route, of course.
FRIDAY, May 30
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis visits a prolific native nursery.
8.30 The One That Got Away. (Mal) Ffion clashes bitterly with her sister.
9.20 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)
10.25 Big Boys. (Final, Mls, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.15 Father Brown. (Ma, R)
12.00 Mayfair Witches. (Final, MA15+v, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Malta: The Jewel Of The Mediterranean. (R)
9.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
MONDAY 9-1-1
SEVEN, 8.50pm
Known for its life-threatening emergencies, natural disasters and dramatic storylines, this first responder procedural isn’t afraid to push the bounds of believability: malware-driven blackouts, train derailments, tsunamis and cruise ship disasters are all in a day’s work for Los Angeles fire captain Bobby (Peter Krause) and LAPD patrol sergeant Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured). Season eight begins tonight with a truly astonishing situation where a truck holding 22 million killer bees crashes in the heart of the city, unleashing a deadly swarm that joins forces with local stingers to become a “bee-nado”.
10.55 Atlantic Crossing. (MA15+s, R)
11.55 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R)
1.45 The Head. (Return, MA15+a)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
TUESDAY
WALKING DINOSAURS
When you’ve been around for 65 million
prehistoric subjects of this beloved BBC series have – you’d think 25 years might not matter so much in the grand scheme of things. But in the quarter-century since this ground-breaking factual show premiered, our understanding of dinosaurs and how they lived has changed radically… and that’s not to mention the leaps and bounds in computer animation. Narrated by British actor Bertie Carvel (Dalgliesh), this Walking with Dinosaurs revival uses cuttingedge visual effects to guide viewers through the stories of six giants once lost to history, but now being unearthed by state-of-the-art science.
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PGa) Melissa Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Abbey Holmes and Dr Andrew Rochford to navigate pregnancy.
9.30 MOVIE: Tower Heist. (2011, Mls, R)
A building manager and his staff plot to steal a small fortune from the swindler who defrauded them. Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy. 11.45 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R)
1.05 Nurses. (Ma, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 13. St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: Toy Soldiers. (1991, Mvl, R) Commandos seize control of a school. Sean Astin.
1.00 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, 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 Soccer. Women’s International Friendly. Australia v Argentina. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom Gleisner. 11.55 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Jamie Foxx. 12.55 The Project. (R) 1.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
SATURDAY, May 31
6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) A supposed vampire strikes in the village.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma) Cyril faces his toughest challenge yet.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (PG, R) The opening of a sculpture park in Angel’s Rise is marred by murder when art imitates death.
10.05 Bergerac. (Ml, R) The battle intensifies between Bergerac and Arthur. 10.50 Reunion. (Mlv, R) Brennan and Carly head to his school reunion.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 11.00 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 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal, R)
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: Society Influencers (Cliveden And Polesden Lacey)
9.30 1968: A Year Of War, Turmoil And Beyond. (M, R)
10.25 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 First Cow. (2019, PG) 8.50 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 10.40 Australian Rules. (2002, M) 12.30pm The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 2.40 December Boys. (2007, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 6.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 8.30 Seven. (1995, MA15+) 10.55 Body Heat. (1981, M) 1am The Perfect Dinner. (2022, M, Italian) 3.00 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 1
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. The pianists play in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown.
8.30 Bergerac. (Ml) There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone, until Bergerac’s world is shaken.
9.15 Reunion. (Mlv) Christine is closer to the answers she seeks.
10.15 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R) Oscar Redding.
12.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.35 Grantchester. (Mav, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.35 Children’s Programs. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R)
8.25 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (PGa, R)
9.25 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PG, R)
10.15 Hindenburg: The Cover Up. (PGa, R) 11.10 MOVIE: Memory Film: A Filmmaker’s Diary. (2023, Maln)
12.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R) 2.30 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 3.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Malcolm. Continued. (1986, PG) 6.35 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 8.35 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.35 The Tracker. (2002, M) 12.25pm The Last Castle. (2001, M) 2.50 First Cow. (2019, PG) 5.05 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 10.45 Prayers For The Stolen. (2021, M, Spanish) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Authorities come across a box from Malaysia that seems a little unusual and reveals something frightening.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 12. Sydney v Adelaide. From the SCG. 10.30 MOVIE: Safe House. (2012, Mlv, R)
A CIA agent and his charge go on the run. Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds. 12.55 Nurses. (Ma, R) Sydney’s bustling nightlife wreaks chaos.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)
6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PGl) 8.30 MOVIE: Spectre. (2015, Mv, R) Daniel Craig. 11.30 MOVIE: Death Wish V. (1994, MA15+lv, R)
Great Australian Detour. (R)
The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Breakout. (Madlv) Looks at an escape attempt. 10.10 Crime Investigation Australia. (MA15+adv, R) 11.20 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R)
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (Return, PG) 8.40
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MONDAY, June 2
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Stockholm With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures of Bulgaria. (PGa, R)
9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (MA15+v)
11.35 Kin. (Madlsv, R)
2.30 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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. 7.10 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40
6am The Band’s
Visit. Continued. (2007, PG, Arabic) 6.35 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.25 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 10.20 Sublime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Just Believe. (2018, M, Italian) 2.10 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 4.00 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 5.35 The Farewell. (2019, PG) 7.30 Unruly. (2022, M, Danish) 10.00 Suffragette. (2015, M) Midnight Late Programs.
TUESDAY, June 3
3.35 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ma) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.30 The Point. (R)
12.30 Dance Rites 2023. (PG, R)
2.05 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R)
3.45 Living With The Boss. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
10.00
12.30
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi gets a huge opportunity.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1. (Return, Mav) A trailer with millions of bees crashes on the streets of Los Angeles, unleashing a swarm. 10.50 The Agenda Setters.
11.50 To Be Advised.
12.50 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Maln)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
2.20 Cryptoland. 2.50 Bamay. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. 10.15 Dark Side Of The Cage. (Premiere) 12.05am Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 1.35 Shoresy. 2.05 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC
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6am The Movie Show. 6.30 The Farewell. (2019, PG) 8.25 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 10.00 Prayers For The Stolen. (2021, M, Spanish) 12.05pm My Zoe. (2019, M) 2.00 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG)
3.50 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French)
5.45 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 7.30 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 9.55 Sisi & I. (2023, M, German) 12.25am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 8.50 Doc. (Ma) Sonya relies on Amy’s help. 9.50 Accused. (Mav) A widow gets mixed up in shady dealings. 10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
Autopsy USA. (MA15+av, R)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Harry’s Practice. (R)
Home Shopping. (R)
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.
WEDNESDAY, June 4
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)
9.35 The Veil. (Premiere, Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv)
12.00 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Mlv, R)
12.50 The Wall: The Orchard. (Mals, R)
3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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. 7.10 Dino Dex.
7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.10 Late Programs.
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6am Ali And Ava.
Continued. (2021, M) 6.10 The Movie Show. 6.40 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 8.35 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 10.20 Unruly. (2022, M, Danish) 12.50pm Suffragette. (2015, M) 2.50 Heidi. (2015, PG, German) 4.55 Discovering Film: Maggie Smith. 5.50 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 7.30 Becoming Jane. (2007, PG) 9.45 Emily. (2022, M) 12.10am Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
June 5
Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Our Medicine. (Ml)
8.45 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley: Fact And Fiction. (PGa)
9.45 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mav)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Carmen Curlers. (Malsv, R)
1.20 Pagan Peak. (Ma, R)
3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.05 Hitler’s Teen Killers. (Mav, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am RBG.
Continued. (2018, PG) 6.40 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 8.20 Becoming Jane. (2007, PG) 10.35 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 1pm Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.30 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 The Tender Bar. (2021, M) 9.30 Radioactive. (2019, M) 11.35 To Leslie. (2022, M) 1.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Mackenzie searches for answers.
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 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)
12.00 Touching Evil. (Premiere, MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Abigail challenges Eden.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Hosted by Graeme Hall.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The fifth set of semi-finalists sets out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 Inside Cyprus. (PGav, R)
12.00 Raines. (Mahv)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PG, R)
8.40 The Grand Tour. (Ml)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
Find My Country House Australia. (R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R) 3.00
9GO! (83)
9GO!
THORNE
Neil Gordon
Late of Gloucester.
Passed away peacefully at home on 18th May 2025.
Aged 69 years
Much loved husband of Janine. Loving father and father in-law to Taon & Charlotte and Yaraman. Proud and loving poppy to Willoughby and Dorothy. Neil will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Neil’s Funeral Service to be held at the Pioneer Park, Gloucester on Thursday 29th May 2025 commencing at 1pm prior to interment in the Gloucester Lawn Cemetery.
Positions Vacant
Gloucester Pre-School & Early Years
Learning Centre is looking to employ a cleaner to work Mon to Fri afternoons, from 5.15pm to 7.15pm, or mornings from 6.00am to 8.00am.
Applicants need to email expression of interest to director@gloucesterpreschool.com.au
HEART OF GLOUCESTER DISTRICT
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Gloucester community?
Whether they are a dedicated volunteer, a standout community member, or an all-round legend, we want to hear about them.
Please email with their details and we’ll get in touch to celebrate their wonderful contributions.
tracey@newsofthearea.com.au
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
Area OPINION
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
PUZZLES
DEAR Jasminda,
MY new girlfriend sleeps with her dog (Brutus) in the bed. I really like her, but I find this behaviour bizarre and, frankly, a relationship breaker. How do I navigate this?
Gerard P.
Dear Gerard,
The early phase of a relationship is often marked by constant affection, but this should not include waking to Brutus the rottweiler with his tongue in your ear. It must be easier in the modern
world of dating to list some nonnegotiables when seeking a new partner.
Perhaps, instead of focusing on desirable attributes like a person's age and their physical characteristics, people should instead be basing their selection on what really matters.
I think first dates should be accompanied by a checklist.
It could include things like: Do you pre-rinse your dishes before stacking the dishwasher? What are your feelings about leaving a milk carton with one teaspoon of remaining milk in the fridge? After a shower, do you cover every available surface with excess water, or do you wipe the shower down with a squeegee and microfibre cloth? Do your political views align more with Joe Exotic or Leonardo DiCaprio? And, of course, does your dog sleep in the laundry, in its own bed, or does it sleep with its paws wrapped around your neck and its
dog breath in your face?
Unfortunately, in your case, you have been swept up by romanticism and it's left you vulnerable (and dosed up on antihistamines due to your recently acquired pet allergy).
I think you need to have some honest conversations around this, because a pet is a long-term commitment.
It's not a problem that will just skulk away with its tail between its legs.
You may also need to accept some brutal honesty in return. Perhaps, in the contest between you and Brutus, you will not end up the victor.
Instead, you will suffer the fate of Julius Caesar, with your girlfriend (and her dog) looking daggers at you, then meeting (undercover) to plot their Shakespearean revenge.
SUDOKU
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Kids Boot Camp 041
From the Mayor’s desk
By Claire PONTIN, MidCoast Mayor
I WANT to assure people that while you may not have heard much from Council over the last few days while the Police have been undertaking all of the emergency work, staff and I have been working to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for the recovery phase.
Our community is going to
need a lot of help and support to recover from this devastating event, and we are working closely with all recovery agencies to get assistance as quickly as possible.
Staff have been working with the Reconstruction Authority to ensure they have their staff on the ground as soon as possible.
When we have further details of the location and timing on this, we will get it out to the community
Residents and businesses are reminded that if they are insured, they should speak to their insurer first to find out exactly what their policy covers, and how their insurer wants them to dispose of flood damaged items.
As a minimum residents and business owners should photograph all flood waste before
it is removed from their premises.
If you have issues with your insurer, get in contact with the Insurance Council of Australia at www.insurancecouncil.com.au who can help resolve issues.
For residents and business owners a free kerbside collection for flood waste will be undertaken however we do expect it to be some time before we can get to everyone.
The waste should be sorted into piles on the kerb into the following categories - green waste, whitegoods, metal, food and household chemicals.
To facilitate the effective and efficient removal of waste, Council will set up a temporary waste transfer site at Urara Lane, Taree with waste then transferred away
by semi-trailer. Residents and business owners can also take flood waste to the Bucketts Way and Gloucester Waste Management Facilities free of charge for the next two weeks.
Council will also be working with other agencies to clean up central business districts across the region.
These clean ups will then expand into residential and rural areas.
The community can access recovery information via the Recovery Hub on Council’s website.
Council’s kerbside collection will continue as normal for nonflood affected areas.
In flood affected areas we will try to catch up missed collections
over the coming days. For all flood recovery updates, keep an eye on Council’s flood recovery hub at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au which has contact details for all recovery services.
For road updates, head to www.livetraffic.com.au
Council will also be working with authorities to get assessments undertaken of residential, commercial and industrial premises undertaken.
From Monday the community will be able to call Council on 7955 7777 to report waste that needs collection or other issues.
The Recovery Centre when established by the NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide a face-to-face environment for support for the community.
Mosquito numbers to soar after long rains
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due to the volume of stagnant water lying in communities after recent heavy rains.
Stagnant water provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, and with more breeding comes an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoborne viruses such as Ross River virus (RRV) or Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE), or Kunjin virus.
NSW Health suggests some simple measures can be taken to remove mosquito breeding grounds in private properties and public areas.
“Remove pools of water around your home, this can involve increasing water movement in drains and creeks by removing debris.”
When cleaning up around the home after rains and floods, it is also recommended to check and empty items and areas that quietly accumulate water, including buckets, pot plants and their bases, plastic containers, boats, trailers, tarpaulins, and birdbaths and feeders.
Insecticides may be required in more serious cases, but homeowners should pay attention to whether or not their products are currently registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use against mosquitoes, as they may kill other unintended organisms too.
On an individual level, mosquito experts recommend wearing loose-fitting, lightcoloured clothing and covered footwear; covering prams and tents with mosquito
netting; and limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
“There are 60 species in this area, but only six to eight of them cause problems,” University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Cameron Webb, a medical entomology expert for NSW Health, told NOTA.
“Midges are related, they love mangroves and salt marshes, mud flats, but carry no significant viruses (yet).
“Their bites are nasty, but they need to get really close to bite; some fishermen have used pantyhose to add that layer of protection.”
Dr Webb also warns against ‘miracle mosquito repellent’ products, such as wristbands, patches, stickers, plugins, and even smartphone apps that claim to put out a sound the insects don't like.
Avoid State Forests postflooding
FORESTRY Corporation of NSW is advising the public to avoid State Forests following significant flooding which has damaged forest roads and infrastructure.
A full safety assessment of State forests will be undertaken once floodwaters have receded.
In the meantime, State Forests on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter and Central Coast area remain closed to the public until further notice.
As a public safety precaution, Forestry
Corporation’s Senior Manager Country and Community Kathy Lyons urged the public to avoid state forest roads and popular campgrounds.
“Forest roads are unsafe to navigate following flooding events, with damage to bridges and crossings likely to have occurred along with landslips and fallen trees and we urge the public to stay safe and avoid visiting State forests and using forest roads given the risks to their safety," Ms Lyons said.
"This excludes State forest permit holders who need to check on cattle and bees and residents who need
to access forests to travel safely between their homes and towns and this should only be undertaken with caution and not entering floodwaters.
"We are expecting road damage and potential bridge and culvert failures in state forests in the regions.
“Forestry Corporation staff will be monitoring the situation across the Hunter and Mid North Coast in coming days, and we urge regular forest users to check closure notices on our website and stay up to date with road conditions via the Hazards Near Me App,” she said.
“All these items are ineffective, there is no evidence anything is really happening,” he said.
“Wristbands only protect a centimetre either side of the band itself.
“Topical creams and
lotions, insect repellents are the way to go.
“Female mozzies need the protein from bloodmeal to lay eggs, and all warmblooded animals share common factors of CO2 and heat, so they hunt for that,
and they are also affected by various factors including body temperature, the smell of your skin, even the colour of clothes - evidence suggests they like darker colours (black and blue).”
Vale Neil Thorne
By John WATTS
GLOUCESTER Aboriginal artist Neil Thorne died peacefully at home on 18 May after losing his battle with lung cancer.
Neil and partner Janine Phillips, who was the love of his life, were both primary school teachers.
They moved to Gloucester some years ago where Neil taught for a time at Gloucester Public School before retiring.
Retirement gave Neil more time to devote to an activity that he adored – his art.
Neil, a proud Gamilaraay man, born in Walgett, was a talented burning wood artist, holding public exhibitions.
An example of Neil’s work can be seen on a recently rejuvenated table top in the meeting place outside the Gloucester Gallery.
Neil is survived by Janine, sons Taon and Yaz, Taon’s partner Char, and their children Willie and Dottie.
Fitting with his calm nature Neil’s funeral will be a relaxed occasion and
will be held on Thursday 29 May at 1pm in Pioneer Park, weather permitting.
If it’s too wet it will be held in the Anglican Church Hall.
q Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb.
q Neil and partner Janine share a happy moment.
q Neil’s meeting place table top.
q This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week.
q The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch.
Gloucester walkers explore Waitui Falls
Environment Group members enjoyed a dry, mostly sunny day for bushwalking when they ventured to Waitui Falls on 19 May.
Walks coordinator Rod Eckels had identified the spot on the upper reaches of the Camden Haven River, which offers the chance to visit a waterfall and swimming hole
deep in the Comboyne State Forest.
“We exited the Pacific Highway at the Moorland turn off and drove 20km inland on a gravel road, through the village of Hannam Vale, to park not far from the waterfall,” the group’s Steve Robinson said.
“To give us some exercise Rod had found a 7km loop of logging tracks and forest
trails through the woodland and rainforest to give us an appetite for lunch at the Falls.
“The forest was at its best with all the rain this year and for me the most striking aspect were the many graceful stands of Bangalow Palms rising from the gullies of the tributaries of the Camden Haven River.”
The intrepid walkers had two main creek crossings to
contend with.
“I took my boots off to cross the largest tributary, only to drop one boot into the flowing stream,” Steve said.
“It floated down the stream as I yelled for help, but fortunately a whirlpool sucked in my boot only to spit it out against the current and just within reach of my stick – an experience that
will teach me to always zip up my pack.
“Back on track with two wet boots I thanked my lucky stars.”
Three hours of gentle walking and listening to lyre birds brought the walkers to their lunch spot, which viewed the 20-foot vertical cliff over which the river flowed into a pool that can be easily accessed for a swim.
Black mould risks after floods
By Thomas O’KEEFE
HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks.
Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorlylit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood.
NSW Health states that most health problems caused
by mould are due to the inhalation of its spores, tiny particles released into the air in its effort to reproduce.
“Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them – irritation of the nose, eyes or skin, wheezing, and, for people with asthma, inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack.
“Very rarely, people may develop a severe mould infection, usually in the lungs.
“One such infection is the rare immune disorder known as hypersensitivity
pneumonitis, in which the lungs become inflamed from breathing in large amounts of specific substances (allergens) frequently over a period of time.”
The best ways to prevent mould growing in the home are to maintain
proper ventilation, reduce humidity, and control damp accumulation.
Ventilation is as simple as installing and using exhaust fans in highmoisture environments (kitchen and bathroom), or opening windows for crossventilation.
Humidity and dampness
can be reduced by repairing water leaks, limiting use of humidifiers, and clearing out blocked rain gutters.
Deeper issues, such as rising lateral damp, may require professional attention.
Only after the recent heavy rains have some households discovered
“We were surprised to meet two sets of young international backpackers at the falls and were told it has recently been added to some travel guides as a remote wilderness gem,” Steve said.
“We watched in admiration as two intrepid young people swung off a rope into the chilly water, but none of us was tempted to follow.”
that their roofs are not as waterproof as once thought, and long-hidden leaks have suddenly become obvious and alarming.
Removal of mould can be attempted with either household detergent, waterdiluted vinegar, or properly diluted bleach in stubborn cases.
NSW Health (1300 066 055) has more detailed information.
Dual birthday celebration cancelled
GLOUCESTER VIEW
Club cancelled their Dual Birthday Celebration meeting on Tuesday, 20 May due to the inclement
weather.
“Although disappointed members and guests were understanding when advised by phone with
many stating they too were impacted and wouldn’t be able to attend,” said the club’s Bev Maybury.
“Members extend
all good wishes to the community and hope all managed to stay dry and safe.”
FOUR Gloucester
q Gloucester Environment Group members crossing a creek with bare feet.
q Having a rest at the Waitui Falls.
q Black mould forming after a hidden roof leak got inside the walls and spread through the wooden substructure.
q This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
Why Blues want Newcastle venue to be made permanent
By Tom WARK, AAP
FOR second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in the Hunter has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin.
The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter.
But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on 29 May.
She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game.
"They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday.
"I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place.
"It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league
related.
"They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us."
The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter.
"It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said.
"Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe."
NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash.
"It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said.
Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport.
"The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing,"
Rally together
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
Barnett.
Southwell said.
"That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it."
The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always
like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP.
"I don't like it when I'm going down there playing
against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it.
"It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
Barnett's father Paul is unsure of the extent of damage on his dairy farm but at the very least is expecting damaged machinery, dead livestock and a very big cleanup. Barnett's mother Jodie Nieass, general manager of the Manning Base Hospital, has been working overtime amid the crisis.
Barnett's friends and family have kept in contact throughout the flooding, telling him stories about locals trapped on their roofs and how some were forced to hear the sounds of their cattle drowning below.
She's gone as far as coordinating a helicopter to pick nurses up and flying them to work.
"You don't really think about that until you're impacted by it and then when you hear those stories," he said.
"It is extremely sad and it was scary there for a bit.
"It's a great community, they'll all get around each other and that's one thing I will be proud of, to see them rally together."
Blues forward Barnett hopes to visit and lend a hand after his Origin duties and expects he may be joined by Blues centre Latrell Mitchell and assistant coach Boyd
Cordner, also from the area.
Barnett's immediate focus is putting in an Origin performance at Suncorp Stadium that can make the rugby league-mad area proud.
"A lot of people up there bleed Blue and they'd love nothing more than to see a win next Wednesday night," Barnett said.
"I know that'd put a smile
on their face, so that's where it starts, putting my best foot forward for this team and then I'll address what I can help with after that.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone there and at some stage I'll try and do my best to get back and help in whatever way that looks.
"We'll use whatever tools we can to help the area."
Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
SLOW project approvals, energy storage gaps and investment uncertainty are proving hurdles to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry.
For the Hunter, a region eyeing off green industrial exports as global demand for its coal wanes, the transition has not been all smooth sailing.
Government support for clean tech innovation and steps to retrain workers for future careers are bright spots in a thorough assessment of the NSW region led by industry think tank Beyond Zero Emissions.
Yet the Hunter was lagging on 17 of the 19 indicators of a successful shift towards an economy powered by decarbonised industrial exports, such as green iron and clean technology.
Slow-moving clean energy projects are a big problem, with 74 percent of renewable
energy capacity in the pipeline yet to receive planning approval and facing delays of up to eight years.
Much hinges on the timely rollout of the Hunter Transmission Project, key infrastructure for unlocking supply from renewable energy zones but still in its early phases and struggling to get full community buy-in.
Local company commitments to cut emissions and shift to clean energy could be in jeopardy without faster progress, according to the report.
Tomago Aluminium, a major energy user as the nation's biggest smelter, is in danger of missing its 100 per cent renewables by 2030 target without securing reliable, affordable clean energy soon.
BZE chief executive officer Heidi Lee said if the Hunter Transmission Project was not delivered on time, the region would continue to rely on
"expensive and polluting" coal.
"It's time for action," she said.
"The region understands the importance of good planning to keep the shift happening quickly here, because local advantages will be lost if we take too long."
Electrical Trades Union national secretary Michael Wright said workforce, training and project proposals "spending nearly a decade in consultation hell" were interrelated problems.
"There's no certainty for developers, and hence no reliable pipeline of work to support the workforce and train apprentices on anywhere the scale we need - an extra 42,500 electricians in the next five years," he said.
Several Hunter industry figures voiced their support for the think tank's assessment of the region and recommendations to get things moving.
Founder of Australian
battery manufacturer
Energy Renaissance, Brian Craighead, said accelerating investment, building a strong local workforce and
progressing the energy transition were key.
"Unlocking the Hunter's full potential requires collaboration across government, industry, and communities - guided by clear, consistent policy," he said.
host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful.
"The roar of the crowd is
q Yasmin Clydsdale (c) expects thousands to watch the Blues lift the Origin trophy. Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP.
q The Hunter region is lagging on indicators of a shift to an economy powered by decarbonised exports. Photo: Michael Gorton/AAP PHOTOS.
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
q NSW Blue Mitch Barnett is heartbroken by the flood damage on the mid-north coast where he was born. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.