The sun shines for Anzac Day in Gloucester
By John WATTS
PROJECT DELAY
By John WATTS
q Young and old marched hand in hand. Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
Gloucester fares well in crime stats
By John WATTS
ACCORDING to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), there were no homicides or robberies in the 2422 postcode in 2024.
BOCSAR is a statistical and research agency within the NSW Government, and is the official source for NSW crime, court, and custody information.
BOSCAR has published the statistics for crimes within the 2422 postcode for the period January to December 2024.
BOSCAR publishes all NSW crime statistics online via its NSW Crime Mapping Tool, which details the number of
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crimes per 100,000 of the population.
The tool states there were zero homicides and zero robberies in the 2422 postcode last year.
Robbery is more than theft, and involves the forceful stealing of property from a person.
The rate of assaults of various kinds was 655.9 per 100,000 compared to the rate of 905.9 for the rest of NSW.
The theft and the drug offence rates were particularly low, with thefts being only 41 percent of the rate for the rest of the state.
The drug offence rate was just 30 percent of the state’s rate.
There were zero
offences for dealing or trafficking illegal drugs.
Malicious damage to property offences were also well below the NSW average.
Statewide, BOCSAR data indicates that crime rates have been stable over the past two years, including in the MidCoast Local Government Area.
“It’s pleasing to see crime rates have been stable over the past two years,” BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said last month.
“None of the 13 major crime categories increased in the twoyears to December 2024, while one, steal from motor vehicle, fell significantly.
“For many offences, the recent stable trend follows years of decline.
“As a consequence, recorded incidents of robbery, break and enter, general stealing and malicious damage to
property are all much lower than a decade ago.
“Recorded incidents of domestic assault, nondomestic assault and sexual violence, however, have increased over the past decade.”
The sun shines for Anzac Day in Gloucester
FROM Page 1
Pelletier from Gloucester Catholic Church.
Many local groups laid wreaths and the sounds of the bagpipes filled the morning air.
Bob Swadling, a music teacher from Gloucester High School, moved the gathering
with his playing of “The Last Post”.
Members of the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch congregated at the Gloucester Recreation Centre for breakfast before assembling at 10:15am outside the Gloucester RSL Club.
Alongside the marching veterans were students from
local schools, the Rural Fire Service, Fire Brigade, and other community groups who joined together for the traditional procession down Church Street, some travelling in an assortment of vehicles.
In the front vehicle was Mr Toby Wilson, who at 98-yearsold is Gloucester's oldest war veteran.
Later Mr Wilson was celebrated with his photograph, replica medals and story being unveiled.
The traditional 11am gathering at the clock tower was once again celebrated by hundreds from Gloucester and the surrounding region who were deeply touched by the solemnity of the occasion.
Sue Thomas captured the audience with her talk about the personal impact of war on her own family.
Children from the local schools, including Gloucester High School captains Sam Collie and Emma Bignell, played a prominent part, as well as providing musical contributions and a poetry reading.
By the conclusion of the service, the sun was still shining and RSL sub-Branch members and their guests continued on for a special lunch at the Gloucester RSL Club.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."
q Gloucester Police Station.
q The solemn procession through Gloucester. Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
q Vintage military vehicles joined the procession through town. Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
q The march down Church St. Photo: Jools and Dave Ireland.
q Local schools were represented.
Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
Election signs in the firing line
CANDIDATES from across the political spectrum have complained of campaign signs being damaged and defaced during a tense campaign for the seat of Lyne.
Earlier this month, Libertarian candidate Mark Hornshaw told NOTA his campaign banner on the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek had been vandalised.
The banner featured images of Mr Hornshaw and Libertarian Senate hopeful Craig Kelly.
“It looks like it was slashed with a knife,” Mr Hornshaw said.
“It was erected on private property with permission from the owner.
"The message of less taxes, more freedom seems to be hitting a nerve with some people.
“Perhaps the haters couldn't find any Teslas to torch."
Mr Hornshaw told NOTA he has had other signs defaced through the campaign.
Corflute signs for Independent candidate Jeremy Miller and Labor candidate Digby Wilson were also recently found discarded together under a tree at Tea Gardens.
Dr John Squires, the secretary of Independent Lyne which supports Mr Miller’s campaign, said the destruction of campaign materials is undemocratic.
“It is disappointing to find that some people are taking it upon themselves to remove the signs erected by candidates in the current federal election, and [it is] frustrating for those who have given of their time and energy
FROM Page 1
The concept is that water would be pumped from existing voids to the upper dam using solar-generated electricity.
to erect those corflutes to find them removed, disfigured, or discarded,” Dr Squires said.
“That’s hindering the free expression of opinions that is at the heart of our democracy. It should not be happening.
“[Voters] are free to
express their opinions about the policies and even the personalities of the candidates in each election.
“Associated with this right is the expectation that they will not hinder or obstruct other people as they exercise their right of free speech.”
National Party candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold told NOTA her campaign materials had suffered a similar fate, ranging in size from small corflute signs to the side of a semi-trailer.
“It is disappointing
The Department invited submissions on the project until 29 October 2024.
When electricity is needed for the grid, water would be released from the top dam to flow down the tunnel to the lower dam past an electricity generating turbine.
A total of 96 submissions were received, 17 supporting the project and 76 opposing it.
Three submissions, including one from MidCoast Council, were comments.
that hundreds of my signs and billboards have been damaged, defaced, destroyed or outright stolen throughout the electorate,” Ms Penfold said.
“My hardworking team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to replace or
repair signs that have been damaged, which only adds to the expense of our campaign which is entirely funded by our party and party members.
“My campaign has already referred one instance of damage to our signs to police, and I urge anyone who witnesses candidate signs being stolen or defaced to do the same.”
On 30 October the Department wrote to the proponent asking that Yancoal provide a response to the issues raised in the submissions by 31 January 2025.
Three months after the January date, no response has been received by the
Department from Yancoal.
NOTA sought comment about the delay from both Yancoal and the Department.
No response was received from Yancoal.
A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure told NOTA, “The proponent of
the Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar project is expected to submit its Submissions Report in the next few weeks.
“The lodging of the Submissions Report was delayed as the proponent needed further time to address comments from NSW Government agencies.”
q Signs supporting Independent candidate Jeremy Miller and Labor candidate Digby Wilson were found discarded under a tree in Tea Gardens.
q The Libertarian sign on the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek was vandalised.
q Ms Penfold’s corflute signs and banners have been impacted by vandalism.
q An ad on a semi-trailer promoting Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold was vandalised. The trailer was parked on private property in Taree.
By John WATTS
WET weather did not deter an enthusiastic audience of around 160, including many children, who turned up to
Building a ‘green belt’ for Gloucester Orchestra wows Gloucester audience
ONLY two weeks after their last planting of over 260 plants, Gloucester Environment Group (GEG) volunteers have put another 300 plants in the ground as part of the Koalaways program.
“A dozen members together with Council’s contractor got the job done in only two hours,” said GEG President Tibor Kovats.
“With each planting, the planters are getting more efficient with the setting out, drilling holes, constructing guards and then actually planting and erecting the guards.
“There was plenty of moisture in the ground and with follow up rains and sunshine predicted, the plants are off to a good start.”
The property chosen for
the planting has a boundary with the Gloucester River and another to Bucketts Way/Church Street, on the southern edge of Gloucester township.
Landowners Vicki and Paul are gradually building a native vegetation corridor, windbreak and “green belt” for Gloucester.
“At one time the area would have been rainforest,”
experience a free concert by the talented Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SWO) last Wednesday at Gloucester High School.
The SWO is part of the
Mr Kovats said.
“These plantings and others at properties around Gloucester will help to build resilience in native flora and fauna communities in the face of land clearing and changes in land uses and the seasons.”
Koalaways, initiated by GEG several years ago, is
Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) Symphonic Orchestral Program.
Established in 1973 by renowned conductor and educator Peter Seymour, the SYO is a not-for-profit charity which provides opportunities for youth to play and perform orchestral music.
It also serves as an important stepping stone for young musicians to move into a career in the creative arts.
This ‘Meet the Orchestra’ event was an entertaining, interactive, fun filled and educational look at the different instruments that make up the beautiful tone colours heard in an ensemble.
Being a ‘wind orchestra’, there were no string instruments that would usually be found in a symphony orchestra, but
the audience enjoyed hearing the woodwind, brass and percussion families demonstrated by these talented young musicians.
The SWO were on route to Armidale for their annual camp and, for the second year running, made a stop in Gloucester to provide a free concert.
“Students from our local schools had the opportunity to stand amongst the musicians as they performed the finale, ‘Star Wars’, and to play their own instruments with the SYO members following the concert,” said Gloucester Public School music teacher Sarah Soupidis.
“There were smiles all around from Gloucester’s budding musicians.”
The next free SYO concert will be in the Gloucester High School Hall in April 2026 (date TBA).
an ongoing effort to build corridors of native plants suited to local wildlife.
“This connectivity assists with building resilience in our local koala population as well as providing habitat for other fauna and flora,” Mr Kovats said.
GEG has three more plantings scheduled this
Autumn and will continue with Koalaways in the Spring. Landowners and residents of the Gloucester area who are interested in being part of Koalaways or the many other activities of GEG should contact gloucester.environment. group@gmail.com or call Tibor on 0475877730.
Dual birthday celebration
GLOUCESTER VIEW Club is preparing for a major double celebration on Tuesday, 20 May.
The event will mark 36 years of the local club supporting disadvantaged Australian students, and VIEW Australia’s 65th birthday.
VIEW (Voice, Interests, Education of Women) Clubs work under the umbrella of The Smith Family and sponsor Australian students who need financial support.
To celebrate both
milestones, a luncheon will be held at the Gloucester Country Club from 11:00am.
Garrod Galvin from Yancoal will be the event’s guest speaker, and guests are requested to wear a touch of blue in line with the event theme of ‘Blue Sapphire’.
Tickets are $30 (cash only).
Guests will be treated to a two course meal, tea/ coffee, bar, lucky door and raffle prizes, 100 Club, Trading Table, and a
historical display from the club.
“Please note that the Guest Speaker is scheduled to begin at 11:30am so it would be appreciated if, as a courtesy to him, members and guests could be seated by then,” said the club’s Bev Maybury.
“For catering purposes please advise of your attendance and dietary preferences.”
RSVP by 12 noon 15 May to Pat on 0488 430 001 or milliemac001@ gmail.com.
q The orchestra in full swing.
q William Andrews joins other trombonists.
q A spectacular backdrop for a day of tree planting.
Leaders ease off on messaging as Aussies tune out
By Kat WONG, Tess IKONOMOU and John KIDMAN, AAP
AS Peter Dutton talked tough on crime, Anthony Albanese stressed the importance of diversity and the two came no closer than the opposite ends of the nation.
With seven days until Australians who are yet to vote head to the polls, the opposition leader took his message to Queensland's far north and Top End capital of Darwin on Saturday, while the prime minister started out in Melbourne before heading south to Launceston.
Listening to the concerns of Northern Territory voters on the issue of crime, Mr Dutton promised without offering detail to get tough on the issue.
"You need financial support and moral support... to provide a secure environment for people to lead their lives," he told them.
"The current government is too focused on what's happening in the inner cities of Sydney and Melbourne with the Greens."
Earlier in Cairns, he announced 25 medical places at James Cook University to boost local GP numbers and pledged $34 million for infrastructure upgrades to a local housing estate.
Beyond the 'small-ticket' initiatives, he assured his audience his party could form majority government.
"I've said that from day one," he told them.
"Something like one in three Australians who are undecided or soft voters at the moment, that is a historically high number in federal elections and it shows people are weighing up their options."
At New Century Chinese Language School in Melbourne's east, Mr Albanese revealed $25 million for Australia's 600 community schools that help more than 90,000 students learn 84 languages.
"Multiculturalism is a strength of our national economy but also a strength
of our society," he said.
"Australia is a microcosm for the world... where overwhelmingly we live side by side with different backgrounds, different faiths, different origins, different cultures."
This also presented "an enormous opportunity", he said, for jobs and for cultural enrichment.
By the time he landed in northern Tasmania, policy talk gave way to urging supporters to next weekend's finish line between bites of barbecued sausage.
The day of movement and colour but little substance came on the heels of fresh polling indicating more than half of voters have switched off.
While Mr Albanese and
Mr Dutton have spent a month criss-crossing the country splashing cash, 62 percent of Australians can't think of a policy they believe would improve their lot, research commissioned by AAP and modelled by YouGov shows.
Of the 38 percent of survey recipients who could name a life-improving policy, most nominated Medicare and bulk-billing followed by energy relief and general cost-of-living measures.
Labor-led promises were getting more traction than the coalition's offerings, according to YouGov director of public data Paul Smith.
Voters prioritised policies based on their age, with younger Australians more frequently pointing
to housing action as a life improvement, while older people chose energy price relief or health-related promises.
But even the most popular commitment was only named by five percent of those polled.
Australians tended to feel more connected to policies when they felt more real, Mr Smith said, referencing the coalition's announcement to end work-from-home arrangements.
The party later walked back the policy but the damage had been done, taking it from a winning position to a place where it was struggling, Mr Smith said.
Attitudes in marginal seats across the country
could also spell a continued downfall for the opposition.
Boothby in Adelaide, Braddon in Tasmania, the NSW central west seat of Calare and electorates such as Hunter, Gilmore, Lyons, Paterson and Wannon were all within arm's reach for the opposition two months ago. But they have all slipped through the coalition's fingers and will go to Labor or independents, according to the polling.
"Working class, provincial and outer-suburban Australians have moved decisively away from the coalition," Mr Smith said.
The YouGov poll of 2483 people was conducted last week, with a 3.1 percent margin of error.
q Mr Dutton took his message on law and order to Darwin. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
q Mr Albanese spent his day campaigning in Melbourne and Launceston before returning to Sydney. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP, 94 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
This community is my life. I’m running a small business and raising my family here. For 30 years, I’ve worked to improve local health, sports, education and entertainment facilities.
The Nationals have taken us for granted Poor healthcare and roads, and not enough opportunities for young people in our region. We can’t give them another go.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
THE PIANO
ABC TV, 7.30pm
A piano is placed in a public location and everyday Australians are invited to sit down and play in this heartwarming new series. What they don’t know is, as they’re playing, two of the world’s most renowned pianists – Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam (pictured) – are secretly watching. Hosted by TV stalwart Amanda Keller, The Piano gives these amateur musicians the opportunity of a lifetime as Connick Jr and Lam choose a pianist to mentor at each locale, before inviting them to play at an end-of-series concert. It all begins tonight at Sydney’s Central Station.
FRIDAY, May 2
Australia Votes. 8.00 Gardening Australia. 9.00 Sherwood. (Mdlv) The police and Sparrows must work together.
Gruen Nation. (R)
The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 11.05 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R)
11.30 ABC Late News.
11.50 Father Brown. (Mv, R)
12.35 Mayfair Witches. (Ml, R)
1.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.40 Kiri And
7.05
7.30 Shaun
6.45
7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 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)
6.35
MONDAY
SAM PANG
TONIGHT
TEN, 8.40pm
They said it couldn’t be done – a tonight show, on network television, in this day and age? But Sam Pang (pictured) has proved the detractors wrong, staying on air for not only all eight scheduled episodes but earning a second season to air later this year. Pang’s fresh take on the classic format offers a casual approach, with engaging yet relaxed interviews and absurd segments all peppered with the comedian’s signature wry asides. Plus, there’s regular input from a rotating roster of guest announcers who manage to both help and hinder proceedings. In tonight’s finale, Pang grills You Been Paying Attention? host Tom Gleisner ahead of Australia’s favourite quiz show returning next Monday.
THURSDAY
SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER
SBS, 9.30pm
From Northern Irish writer Brendan Foley Cold Courage), this new take on the frequently reimagined detective doesn’t veer too far off course. Legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis), flying solo after the disappearance of his friend Dr Watson, is baffled by the arrival of a young Native American woman on his doorstep. Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt, pictured with Thewlis) has travelled across the world after her mother’s murder, intent on meeting Holmes, who she believes is her father. Despite possessing many traits in common with Amelia, Holmes is no stranger to so-called long-lost relations appearing, and devises a method of determining whether she is who she says – by putting her to work on his next case.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 24 Hours That Changed The World.
8.30 The Giza Pyramid: Reaching For The Stars. (PG, R)
9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 A Body That Works. (Ma)
12.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R)
2.00 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s
7.20
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates share insights and experiences to highlight living well.
9.30 MOVIE: Couples Retreat. (2009, Ms, R) Four couples head to a tropical island resort only to discover they must attend mandatory therapy sessions. Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman.
12.00 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
(62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 9. Sydney Roosters v Dolphins.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus Dolphins match, with NRL news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: RoboCop. (2014, Mv, R) A cop becomes a cyborg. Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman.
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 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Billy Crystal, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Kiwanuka. 9.40 The List. (Mln, R) Two best friends take on The List, a collection of travel experiences most people avoid. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping.
SATURDAY, May 3
7.00 Australia Votes. Chief elections analyst Antony Green identifies the trends that will decide the election. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson bring the sharpest and most reliable election night analysis.
12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert. (PG, R) Virginia Trioli meets Tony Albert, one of the most exciting visual artists of his generation, who takes everyday items that represent the most confronting aspects of colonisation to create work that is provocative and deeply moving.
12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) Charts the history of the RMS Titanic
9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Tuscany. (R) Stanley Tucci heads to Tuscany.
10.10 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Helensburgh To Connel. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo.
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017, MA15+v, R) Scientists discover a dangerous life form. Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal. 1.05 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Vote Count.
8.00 Election 2025:
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.10 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 9.00 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.20 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 6.10 The World’s
SUNDAY, May 4
6.30 Compass: Unsettled. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller.
8.30 Bergerac. (Premiere, Mlv) When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police turn to ex-cop, Jim Bergerac.
9.20 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Hannah and her family are reunited.
10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack –Part 2. (2001, Mnsv, R) Matt Day.
11.55 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. Looks at Macchu Pichu.
8.30 Invasion: The Normans. (Mav, R) Charts how an exiled Irish king persuaded an Anglo-Norman lord to help him recover his kingdom.
10.30 The Temple Of Hatshepsut. (R) A look at Hatshepsut’s temple. 11.30 Hell On Earth: WWII: A Dream Of Great Success. (Mav, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
Seven News.
The 1% Club. (PGls)
7NEWS Spotlight.
24 Hours In Police Custody: The Murder Of Jane Doe. (Premiere, Mav) A woman calls police in distress.
Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed. (MA15+av)
Home Shopping. (R)
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
MONDAY, May 5
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo.
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Oman. (R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv)
11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
1.40 Son Of. (MA15+av, R)
3.25 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) Carlos is determined to solve his father’s murder. Owen is offered a life-changing opportunity.
9.50 Suits L.A. (M)
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.50 Autopsy USA: Tom Petty. (Mad, R)
12.50 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Floor. (PG)
100% Footy. (M)
Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl)
9News Late. 11.45 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Mal) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair.
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.35 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 10.15 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 12.25pm Truth. (2015, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The
TUESDAY, May 6
R) 3.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.00 Snow. (Ma) 11.55 Unbroken. (Malv, R) 1.35 Invisible. (PGa, R)
3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa)
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.05 Doc. (Ma) Amy teams up with TJ to treat a patient suffering from mysterious liver issues.
10.05 Accused. (Return, Ma) A psychic medium helps a couple. 11.05 The Agenda Setters.
12.05 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
WEDNESDAY, May 7
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.50
THURSDAY, May 8 6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Mal)
8.40 Just One Thing With Michael Mosley. (Final)
9.15 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Ma)
11.45 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Mav, R)
3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 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 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Nurse Georgie Carroll Sista Flow 2.0. (Mls)
11.45 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.15 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls) 8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l) 9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.10 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
7.30.
8.00 Restoration Australia. (Final, PG)
9.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
9.55 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (Final, R) 10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 The Business. (R) 11.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Rabbit-
Proof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.25 Tourism. (2017) 8.50 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.20 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 12.05pm The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 2.00 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 3.55 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 5.35 Goddess. (2013, PG) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, M) 9.30 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 11.25 Late Programs. 5.55am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG)
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Final, PGa)
8.35 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Belgium And The Netherlands.
9.30 Sherlock & Daughter. (Premiere)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The Hollow. (Malv)
12.55 Departure. (Mav, R)
2.35 Welcome To My Farm. (R)
3.35 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnXplained. 10.10 Late Programs.
MOVIES (32)
Eat Wheaties! Continued. (2020, PG) 7.35 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 10.20 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 12.35pm Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 2.40 Tourism. (2017) 4.10 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.35 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 7.35 Marmalade. (2024, M) 9.30 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 11.25 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Graeme Hall meets a nature-loving couple’s hyper-reactive doberman that makes it impossible to enjoy walks.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The first set of semi-finalists set out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.00 Raines. (Premiere, Mahv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Wanted to Buy
War Medals
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BAR table, great for pool or outdoor area. Tempered glass top, aluminium frame with white canvas, storage shelf below. $350 ono 0417 216 598
BENDOLBA-SALISBURY RFB Annual General Meeting Wed 21 May 2025 BBQ 6pm - Meeting 6.30pm. Enquiries: Nick Helyer (President) 0418 620 934
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495F270225 newsofthearea.com.au
HORSE riding boots
Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 3 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) 1x Academy 39 (EU) / 6B (AU). Dungog area. 0425 334 153
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WHEELCHAIR (2) exc cond $60 each. Walker $40. Shower chair $25 Phone 0423 260 122
WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643
3.6M tinny with 15HP 2 stroke Suzuki registered (AFL776N) & on registered trailer (TJ86TD), boatcoded with fuel tank, life jackets oars & anchor. $4,200 Tea Gardens Ph 0428 160 619. Also available a 9.9 HP electric start YAMAHA 4 stroke for $1,000.
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s,
Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
News Of The Area OPINION
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda
,
YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter.
The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year's resolution are back on the scales.
It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy.
Do I just give in and give up?
Tina P.
Dear Tina,
We have a booking system at the gym I attend, and when I tried
to book a class on Good Friday for the day after Easter, it was fully booked.
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, five spots became available. I have a theory on this.
On Good Friday, people were feeling optimistic.
They'd had fish for dinner and Easter gifts were wrapped in cellophane or on the top shelf of the pantry.
Temptation hadn't yet eased its way into the equation and a gym session complemented by healthy eating from each of the food groups seemed achievable.
This all changed by about 7am on Easter
Sunday.
I imagine my fellow gym goers experienced something very similar to what happened in our household.
It started with the obligatory Easter Egg hunt, which was on for young and old.
The nostalgia of collecting and gorging on Easter eggs was not so much a choice as an expectation.
Who wants to mess with tradition? Not this bunny.
Half an hour later, dough was being kneaded to make dozens of Easter buns.
It's a lengthy but rewarding process, and the reward is to eat them, in multiples, in all their sticky, oozing goodness.
It would be rude not
to.
By evening, with no hope of restoring the protein-carb-fat ratio to anything resembling normality, and the fitness app showing a four-digit calorie surplus, something ticked over and a decision was made to continue eating chocolate because the quicker you eat it, the sooner it's out of the house.
This sugar-fuelled mentality continued until there were only a few small eggs remaining.
This brings us back to the gym class booking app.
By 9pm, the phone started pinging with newly available spots, which one could only assume was fellow gym-goers cancelling because they had
lost every ounce of enthusiasm and had instead donned trackies with a forgiving waistband and settled back on the lounge to watch a movie.
There is a point to this story, and that is that those gym spots were quickly taken up and I reckon they were taken up by people willing to squeeze into too-tight tights so they could get back on the health wagon.
It's not the falling off that's important, it's the getting back on.
Trying to get fit and healthy is never a waste of time.
Jump back into your healthy eating plan and maybe jump off the scales for a while.
Kids Boot Camp 037
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Gardening with the wildlife
GLOUCESTER Garden Club
members found “many gems of nature” in the forest garden of Bente and Mogens Siefert during the club’s recent monthly meeting.
Situated on Listening Hill to the east of Stroud, the property is one of 15 situated in a communityliving arrangement among a natural forest setting.
Bente and Mogens showcased their work to preserve their own wildlife refuge while providing vegetable and flower gardens to complement their home and facilities.
“Bente is a member of FAWNA, which provides her with the knowledge and ability to care for sick or injured wildlife,” said the
Garden Club’s Peter Hazell.
“And there are plenty of native animals, reptiles and birds among the forest trees and canopy.
“They had possums, mice and rats, bandicoots, wallabies, bowerbirds and many other birds, and the rarer land monitor lizard.”
While most of the property has been planted with native species, netting provides important cover to grow other plants and vegetables.
Beneath that netting, the couple has installed smaller enclosed structures for other plants.
The couple’s creativity and ingenuity is on display at the property, including in the form of
an underground wine cellar which doubles as a safe escape from potential bushfires.
Around 30 Garden Club members attended the meeting at Stroud, down from the usual 50 or more.
The vegetable competition was won by Garth Rodrom with his trombone gramma, second was Nerida Rodrom with a Queensland Blue pumpkin and third a plate of figs from Sharyn Blanch’s garden.
The flower competition saw dahlia blooms take a three-way first shown by Dot Harris, Nerida Rodrom and Sharyn Blanch.
Bev Jackson won the lucky door prize and the membership draw was not claimed.
Farmers call for telecommunication fix
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election.
NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made in recent years, rural and regional connectivity is still a major problem.
“Whether it’s calling for help in an emergency, coordinating logistics during harvest, or simply staying connected with loved ones - bush connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr
Jochinke said.
“Reliable connectivity is critical to keeping people outside major population centres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”
Cotton and grain grower Dan Skerman was one farmer left without a basic phone service after the recent 3G network shutdown.
“We already struggled before they turned 3G off,” the farmer said.
“One of the main ways we can gain efficiency these days is through good communications but it’s hard when you can’t talk to people.
“It’s definitely frustrating when you are trying to organise and run a farm.”
Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and remote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity.
He acknowledged productive discussions with telecommunication providers, but said it’s time for the Federal Government to step up.
“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses.
“They want solutions, they want to be connected," Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF, with the
Police legal action rates rise across most offences
THE NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new report examining the proportion of recorded crimes that result in an offender being charged by NSW Police.
guidance of its member farming organisations, has compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush connectivity.
Mr Jochinke called on all political parties to commit to the range of measures.
- Commit the implementing the recommendations of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, including: funding improved mobile coverage across rural and remote Australia; additional support for the Regional Tech Hub to help consumers troubleshoot tech issues; and developing a National
significantly higher legal action rate in 2023 compared with 2009.”
Property offences showed the largest increases in legal action rates.
Regional Telecommunications Strategy.
A further major ask is the delivery of $20 million annually for further rounds of the “On Farm Connectivity Program” to drive uptake of digital tools that improve productivity, safety, and sustainability on Australian farms.
Sydneysiders warned to brace for unreliable reception
Ahead of the Easter long weekend, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin was urging Sydneysiders to prepare for worse mobile phone services than they are used to as they embarked on
is up 13 percentage points from six percent in 2009 to 19 percent in 2023.
road trips around NSW.
“We are so excited to welcome our city friends back into the country for the Easter holidays, but things might not be the way you remember them,” Mr Martin said.
“The shutdown of the 3G phone network has been a downgrade – not an upgrade – and it has created a lot of new blackspots, while congestion on the 4G network means even when you have bars you might have slow service.
“If you or your kids want to be able to watch your favourite shows, or listen to music or podcasts, it’s best to download them to your devices before you leave home.”
Fitzgerald.
The study, “Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023”, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 years.
actions are initiated,” BOCSAR
Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said.
“For almost every offence we have seen large increases in the rate at which legal
“This means police are solving a higher proportion of crimes than ever before.
“Of the 11 offences examined, nine showed a
The legal action rate for the offence of “Malicious damage to property” increased 14 percentage points from 12 percent in 2009 to 26 percent in 2023.
The “Break and enter nondwelling” legal action rate
Investigation into fatal crash
POLICE inquiries are ongoing after a woman died following a crash in Stroud.
About 1.30pm on Thursday 24 April 2025, emergency services were called to the showground on Cowper St, Stroud, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two women – aged 72 and 82 - had been struck by a vehicle.
Both women were treated at the scene before the 82-year-old woman was taken to John Hunter
Hospital in a critical condition.
About 9.30pm on Friday 25 April 2025, police were notified the 82-year-old had died.
The driver of the vehicle – a 68-year-old woman – was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The legal action rate for several violent offences also increased significantly over the past 15 years.
For the offence of “Robbery”, the legal action rate increased from 20 percent in 2009 to 40 percent in 2023, while the rate for “Domestic violence-related assault” is up from 60 percent in 2009 to 67 percent in 2023),
Sexual assault was the only offence with a significant decline in the legal action rate, dropping from 10 percent in 2009 to seven percent in 2023.
The legal action rate for murder was stable.
"It should be of comfort to victims and the community that the risk of apprehension for people who engage in crime is undoubtedly higher than ever before,” said Ms
“The increased risk of being caught may also have contributed to the large decline in property crime over the past 15 years by deterring offending.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley thanked NSW Police officers for their “incredible work… day in and day out”.
“Police are bringing more people to court than we’ve seen in a long time – a clear sign that their hard work is making a difference,” she said.
“Police don’t just catch offenders – they put in the tough, behind-the-scenes work to make sure those people are held accountable, a process that is often complex, relentless, and doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.
“I want to give a genuine thank you to every officer out there giving their all to keep our community safe.”
q Gloucester Garden Club president Shirley Hazell with meeting hosts Bente and Mogens Siefert.
Crackdown on illegal tree clearing
THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.
A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.
The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties
for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.
Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.
“Our housing reforms
have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable.
“These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.”
The state’s peak body for local government has welcomed the government’s proposed crackdown on illegal tree and vegetation clearing as a “major win for councils, communities and the environment”.
“Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and councils have long called for action to address illegal tree clearing, with this matter raised at our 2022, 2023 and 2024 Annual Conferences," LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.
“The NSW Government’s proposed changes would strengthen councils’ ability to protect their communities’ urban canopy and natural environment.
“We know our communities love their trees, but we need to ensure that penalties for illegal clearing
act as a sufficient deterrent for the small minority who think they're above the law,” she said.
The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025
In addition to the EIE, a new “Cooler Places” hub has also been launched to help address urban heat.
The NSW Government resource has been released to offer councils, residents and developers access to practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.
The online hub
encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.
In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C. Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 percent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.
Leap in identifying new frog species
By Andrea FERRARI
RESULTS from Australia’s biggest annual frog count, hosted by the Australian Museum last November, have helped inform the scientific description of at least eight new frog species.
FrogID coordinator Nadiah Roslan said, "FrogID acoustic data (audio recordings) were used alongside morphology and genetic data to describe these species as new to science."
With over 1.1 million scientific records of frogs gathered by people all over Australia, the citizen science event plays an important role in helping scientists to understand how frogs and their ecosystems are responding to a changing planet.
The FrogID project relies on frog calls to identify species, as many are indistinguishable by appearance.
From croaks and barks, to whistles and bleats, every
frog species makes a unique sound and anyone with a smartphone can participate, by recording frog calls through the free FrogID app.
The latest event gathered recordings of 225 frog species, that’s about 88 percent of Australia’s known frog species.
It has informed the conservation status of two species under the EPBC Act, with the Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphagnicola) and the Davies Tree Frog (Litoria davieasae) now both listed
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
MARVEL studios unleashes its next great experimental flick this week, hoping that the Thunderbolts will capture new audiences in the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy did.
Taking a page from their competitor DC’s Suicide Squad films, the premise sees several of the supporting “anti-heroes” from previous Marvel films and television shows thrown together, to see if they can become an action-packed, banter-filled super-team.
Director Jacob Schreier comes from a music video background, and is quite a stylish visual filmmaker, even though his previous
films have both been character-driven dramas.
With Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan functioning as the primaries in the team, David Harbour and Wyatt Russel get plenty of time to play things ridiculously large, with the rest of the cast relegated to quiet, stoic supporting roles, or villains such as the one played by Julia Louise-Dreyfuss.
Speaking of experiments, An Unfinished Film releases this week to cinemas playing international pictures.
From Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye, it is being called a “docufiction” film as it follows a film crew (the actual crew of the film playing semi-fictional roles) who plan to finish work on a
movie they started 10 years prior.
Unfortunately, they begin by reuniting in Wuhan, 2020.
A fairly low-key and reflective piece, much of what the director wants to explore is the effect that COVID-19 had on the process of filmmaking itself.
Break out your pack of tissues for Tina as it is such a sweet film it will make you cry.
Anapela Polataivoa stars in this New Zealand production by Miki Magasiva as a woman griefstricken by the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes.
Seeking a new purpose, she takes a job at an upperclass private school, where she starts a choir and
as “Vulnerable”.
So far, two new species of tree frogs have been confirmed.
Colloquially known as the “dunny frog”, the tree frog was thought to be a single species (Litoria rubella).
Spanning 4.6 million square kilometres from the monsoon tropics to the desert, it had the largest distribution of any Australian frog.
“But researchers suspected that such a widespread species might
teaches the children valuable life-lessons along the way.
Think something like Mr Holland’s Opus - only with an infinitely more appealing leading character,
Also coming out of New Zealand is Forgive Us All, a post-apocalyptic drama in which a bereaved mother (Lily Sullivan) survives by hiding in a remote cabin, until a stranger comes looking for shelter.
Looking to pour a little humanity into an often action-oriented genre, the film is directed by Jordana Stott and features a supporting turn from Aussie Richard Roxburgh.
Ghost Trail is a taut little thriller/drama from France and purports to be based on a true story.
The story follows Hamid (played by Adam Bessa), a Syrian national who joins
actually be more than one,” said Australian Museum herpetologist, Dr Jodi Rowley.
“Using genetic data, body measurements, and mating call analysis, the team identified two new species; the western desert tree frog (Litoria larisonans) found in the Pilbara and central arid zones in WA, and the ruddy tree frog (Litoria pyrina), which lives in tropical coastal areas of Queensland and NSW.”
Australia has over 250
an organisation dedicated to hunting leaders of the oppressive regime across the world.
Hamid’s motivation is very personal though, as he seeks the man responsible for his torture in the notorious “Human Slaughterhouse”, Sednaya Prison.
For the highly literaryminded comes an adaptation of an esteemed 19th Century novel Uncle Silas in the Irish production Lies We Tell
Maud (Agnes O’Casey) has just lost her father, inheriting his substantial fortune.
Unfortunately, she is only 16 and a woman, and as such is required to be placed in the care of her Uncle Silas (David Wilmot), who may not have her best interests at heart.
This is the kind of film that, years later, is referred
known species of frog, most are not found anywhere else in the world.
Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh Frog, but others have declined dramatically since the 1980s, and at least four have become extinct.
Frogs play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
As environmental indicators, they provide early warnings about changes in environmental health.
to as the starting point of an impressive career.
The performances and craft in filmmaking is top notch, creating a tense and gripping thriller.
The Dumpling Queen is a rare little gem from China - a biopic of Zang Jianhe, the founder of a well-known food brand “Wanchai Ferry”. A sort of rags-to-riches tale, Zang was abandoned by her husband and left with two daughters and a poor education.
Finding her feet selling home-made dumplings as a street vendor, she eventually builds an empire.
The cinematography and performances are just fine in this picture, if nothing special, and for audiences that don’t mind reading subtitles this could be an intriguing trip visit to the movies.
q A Litoria rubella. Photo: Alan Greer.
q A Littoria larisonans. Photo: Dane Trembath.
q A Litoria pyrina in the Herveys Range. Photo: Jodi Rowley.
Gloucester Ladies Bowls
By Jack HIGH
23 APRIL
WHAT happened to the sunshine and beautiful days we have been having?
The rain came in early and flooded the green and many thanks to Steve Kriss, Stephen Hurworth and Neville Atkins who swept the water from the green making it playable for the ladies.
There was two games played in the Semi Final of the Consistency Singles: Bev Germon 151 defeating Bev Murray 122, and Judy Sheely 158 defeating Di Pritchard 92.
Congratulations ladies on hard game with constant heavy rain falling throughout the morning
The Final will be played next Wednesday 30th April between Bev Germon and Judy Sheely. Hood luck to both these ladies.
There were 10 ladies for social bowls however the weather proved too much for them after a few ends.
Thank you ladies for coming along but sorry the weather is one thing we have no control over.
Hope next week will be better.
The draw will be done for
the Thelma Bolton Pairs on Wednesday the 30th April.
If you have not put your name on the entry sheet and would like to play please see the Match Committee next Wednesday
The sheet is on the board for names for Pennants; it closes on 23rd May.
To be able to put one grade in we need eight names and to put two grades in we also need eight names
Pennants is played on two days each week over six weeks depending on the draw. Please think about representing your club.
Maddalena and Fox in big golf wins
By Peter WILDBLOOD
SATURADY 19 April, David
Maddalena and Simon Fox were the two outstanding players, two of only three players to play to their handicap or better and both 3 and 4 points ahead of the field respectively.
The event was an Individual Stableford played in warm sunny conditions
on a course that looks in top shape although still playing on the heavy side in the absence of any rewal warmth to dry out the course.
The winners in the three grades in a good sized field were David Maddalena, Simon Fox and Paul Griffiths scoring 41, 42 and 31 respectively. Balls were won by Simon Fox 42, David Maddalena 41, Wayne Fox 38, Ken Kelly and Dave Wilson 35, Jamie Andrews, Brian
Osborne and Mitch Andrews 34, Trevor Sharp 32 and Paul Griffith 31.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Jamie Andrews in A grade and Steve Benson in C grade; they finished 9080 cm and 700 cm from the hole respectively. At the 6th and 15th holes all three grades were represented with Ben Veitch in A grade 390 cm from the hole, Wayne Maddalena in B
Gloucester Men's Bowls Report
By George WISEMANTEL
THURSDAY 24 April bowls was an interrupted affair with the weather playing havoc which resulted in all games being reduced to sixteen ends for the final scores.
The winners were Alec Laurie, Neville Atkins, Paul Young def Mark Tull, Dennis Bartlett, Jody Thompson 23-9 (15+14) Runners up were Mark Groves, Craig Yates, Rob Cushway def Tony Tersteeg, George Wisemantel, Jim Gretch 26-9 (14+17) Jeff Kellie, Col Beattie, Nigell Johns def Allen Rose, Garry Moss, Paul Sheridan 21-12 (14+9) Vic Hebblewhite, Adrian Rovere, Max Stevens, Paul Hebblewhite def Kevin Burley, Ben Phillpott, Norm McLeod, Phillip Ellis 15-12 (14+3) Col Hebblewhite, Don Mehieloff, Michael Way def Andrew Henderson,
grade, 90 cm, and Col Elsley in C grade, 364 cm.
The long drive trophies at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Nathan McInnes, Brendon Murray, Paul
Steve Kriss, Allan Burgess 19-16 (13+3) Kevin Everett, Ian Tull, Chris Pritchard def Robert Hayes, Rob Gibson, Harry Cox 18-14 (12+4)
Saturday morning social resulted in a win for Tony Tersteeg, Penny Gibson, Joan Ridgeway (swinger) def Chris Pritchard, Deb Cushway, Joan Ridgeway 26-12 (18+14) Adrian Rovere, Julie Kriss, Deb Horner def Rob Gibson, Di Pritchard, Julie Worsley 17-8 (15+9) Steve Kriss, Joy Hurworth, Jill Carson def Rob Cushway, Patty West, Casie Wallace 21-15 (13+6)
Saturday afternoon the local number seven pennant sides competed against the Taree Leagues teams in the final game of the season with the Gloucester players excelling in all departments winning each rink 24-13, 33-9, 3111 for a 88-33 win on the masterboard and therefore the 10-0 victory will give them a play off against the Harrington teams on
Griffiths and Anne Wand.
The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 18 April was won by Wayne Maddalena with his 15 points and a countback from the ball
Sunday 4 May 2025 for a chance to represent at the State titles but the play off venue has not been decided at time of print
Sunday morning the NRL footy supporters took to the green in their favourite footy colours with the Qld Canetoads def the NSW Cockroaches 277, Bulldogs no.1 team as expected cruised to a 27-9 win over the Eels, Dragons def Toothless Tigers 25-5, Roosters def Bulldogs no.2 side 22-6 and the Knights edged out the favourite Bunnies 13-12
The draw is on the board for the mixed pairs championships to commence on Sunday 4 May but now the number sevens pennant play off has been scheduled for the same day so players who are involved should check with the bowls secretary and if their games are to be rescheduled umpires have to be arranged.
winners headed by Evelyn Blanch, 15, followed by Mark Stone, Ken Kelly and Doug Blanch all with 13 points.
Gloucester Vets behind Wingham in Glowing Shield
By Peter BILDBLOOD
THERE was a useful representation of Gloucester Veteran Golfers who travelled to the Wingham Course for the 1st round of the Glowing
Shield on Tuesday 15 April.
The top ten golfers from each Veterans Club are matched on a home and away basis to decide who wins the Glowing Shield. On the day, the home
team advantage paid off for Wingham Veterans and they go into the 2nd round ahead 350 to 282 when the return round is played in November.
The top scores for the Gloucester visitors were
Leigh MacMillan, 32, Rod Burrows 31, Trevor Sharp 30, Dale Rabbett 29, Ken Kelly 29, Gai Falla 28, Mark Stone 27, Arthur Poynting 26, Derek Bardwell 25 and Stephen Hurworth 25.
Visitor Wins Golf in Damp Conditions
By Peter WILDBLOOD
ALTHOUGH the sun shone and the weather was warm the preceding week’s rain and the absence of drying conditions meant that golf carts could not be used for the golf competition played on Saturday 26 April. The Golf Club took the sensible decision to postpone the 1st round of the Men’s Club Championships and stage a limited event for those young
Tackle trouble
STORY STARTS on BACK
COVER Page 16
dangerous acts.
Of those, 17 have received suspensions and 12 have been fined.
On two occasions, the match review committee cleared them altogether.
In contrast, the match review committee has handed out 13 suspensions to players who were not sin-binned on
and enthusiastic enough to walk the course.
The event played was a 9-hole Individual Stableford with the start time for a shotgun start pitched to minimise the chances of being caught in an anticipated late afternoon thunderstorm.
The winner was Allan Phillips a visitor from Nelsons Bay with a highly creditable 19 points particularly in the heavy
field.
It means that of the 44 players sin-binned or suspended this season, the bunker and match review committee's stances have significantly differed on 15 of them.
Sin bin numbers do not include players ordered off the field for professional fouls, repeated infringements, fights, slaps or trips.
The issue was best highlighted in Canterbury's loss to Brisbane on Thursday night, where Broncos winger Deine Mariner was sin-binned for a high tackle on Viliame
conditions of the day. Balls were won by Ken Kelly, Dave Robbins, Clint Churchyard, Ben Veitch and Steve Macdonald all of whom scored 17 points. The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 6th hole was won by Ken Kelly
Super Sevens for the week concluding Friday 25 April was won by Tom Markey with 15 Stableford in the week’s tough conditions. He was followed in a small field by ball winners Brian
Kikau.
In the same game, Bulldogs pair Matt Burton and Sitili Tupouniua both avoided being penalised for contact with the head earlier in the second half.
By the next morning, the match review committee deemed Mariner's offence not worthy of even a fine and he escaped any charge.
Burton and Tupouniua's offences were ruled far more serious, handed grade-two charges, with the pair each facing bans.
The issue comes as several coaches questioned the NRL's
Osborne and Ken Kelly each finishing with 13 points.
Weather permitting, Saturday 3 May will see the Gloucester Golf Club playing the delayed 1st round of the Club Championships, an Individual Stroke event doubling as the May Monthly Medal and sponsored by the Arkwood Family. The following Saturday there will be another Individual Stroke event as the 2nd round of the Championships.
crackdown over the weekend.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold pushed for the NRL to review its approach, while Penrith counterpart Ivan Cleary accused referees of over-correcting.
Cameron Ciraldo admitted the stoppages in the Bulldogs' match made it hard to watch, while Adam O'Brien questioned if rules designed to make the game faster were at fault.
Des Hasler again claimed sin bins were "spoiling" games, while Immortal Andrew Johns labelled the situation as "farcical", "embarrassing" and
On Tuesday 22 April the Gloucester Veterans will be back home playing an Individual Stroke and Putting
sponsored by Chris Steele and the following week there will be an Individual Stableford sponsored by Derek Wand.
Kelly Leads in Vets Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
KEN Kelly has again turned in a steady near par round for a win the Gloucester Veteran Golfers regular event on Tuesday 22 April.
The course was in general good shape although still playing on the heavy side with preferred lies the order of the day.
The event, sponsored by Chris Steele, was an Individual Stroke with an associated Putting competition.
The winner in a relatively small field was Ken Kelly with a net score of 73; runner up on a count back was Anne Wand, 77.
Ball winners were
"beyond a joke".
"The breakdown of this sending players to the bin is absolutely farcical," Johns said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"It's gone beyond a joke. It is embarrassing.
Carolyn Davies 77, Mark Stone 78, Derek Wand 79, Peter Sate 80 and Paul Griffiths 81.
The best putter on the day was Carolyn Davies with a mere 27 putts in her round.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Anne Wand and Derek Bardwell; at the 6th and 15th Ken Kelly was the best off the teeing area.
On Tuesday 29 April the Gloucester Veteran Golfers will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by Derek Wand and the following Tuesday Elaine and Bill Murray will sponsor another Individual Stableford.
"The over-analysis and the overreach of the bunker in play... the bunker should be used only for try-scoring opportunities unless it's a send-off.
"If it's an out-and-out send-off and they miss it, then fair enough, come in and send the player off.
"Going back eight plays in a set of six where the referee doesn't see it, the touch judges don't see it, the players don't see it... to send someone to the bin is absolutely farcical."
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
THE NRL's bunker and match review committee have disagreed on more than a third of dangerous-tackle calls this season, with alarming data showing the great disconnect.
The league's foul-play crackdown reached its zenith at the weekend, with a record 18 players sin-binned and mass confusion from coaches and former players.
But perhaps the more concerning element for the NRL is the clear split between on-field punishments and the judiciary system.
In recent years, a sin bin has traditionally equated to a grade-two charge from the match review committee and at least a one-game ban.
Trends from recent weeks appear to show the NRL has lowered the marker for a sin bin, with NRL officials believed to be happy with fines in some instances.
Even so, an analysis of the opening eight rounds of this season show 31 players have been sin-binned for
q A record 18 players were sin-binned in round eight of the NRL. Photo: NRL PHOTOS.