Riverwood Downs wins prestigious wedding award
Hunter Mayors demand attention
By Sue STEPHENSON
ROADS, housing, jobs and post-mining land use were at the top of the agenda when Dungog Shire
Mayor Digby Rayward joined his Hunter region counterparts in Canberra last week.
Organised by the Hunter Joint Organisation Board (Hunter JO), the delegation of six mayors was on a mission to share the region’s priorities heading into the Federal Election.
“It was a hectic two days with sixteen engagements with mostly ministers or CONTINUED Page 2
DA DELAYS
By Sue STEPHENSON
q Mayors Digby Rayward (Dungog Shire), Daniel Watton (Cessnock), Sue Moore (Singleton), Leah Anderson (Port Stephens), Jeff Drayton (Muswellbrook Shire), and Philip Penfold (Maitland City Council) showed a united front in Canberra last week.
TELLING the incredible stories of Dungog is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
The independentlyowned NOTA is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area.
Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team in Dungog Shire.
“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”
Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the aweinspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.
Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.
If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let's start the conversation.
Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to doug@ newsofthearea.com.au.
FROM Page 1
senior advisors,” Mayor Rayward told the News Of The Area.
“Our advocacy was focused on topics that were relevant to all the Hunter JO Council areas.
“A strong focus was on the pending closure of the mines in the Muswellbrook and Singleton shires.
“We have BHP and Glencore closing in 2023, which could result in the loss of 12,000 jobs.
“While the mines are not in the Dungog LGA, we have many people in this Shire that either work directly in those mines or are employed in businesses associated with them.
“There is greater urgency to plan for the impacts as we move away from coal.”
Search for next-gen show members
DUNGOG Show Committee is back into the swing of planning following its first monthly meeting for 2025.
Members gathered at the showground last night, 11 February, to begin the mammoth task of organising this year’s event - slated for 7-8 November.
The committee is always keen to welcome new members, and is particularly interested to hear from younger representatives of the rural community.
“We’re trying to network the next generation into the
committee,” Vice President Miracle Urban told the News Of The Area.
Reaching out to young people is an objective the Dungog committee shares with the Gresford Show Society and Stroud Show Association, with all three expected to collaborate on a series of workshops in the months to come.
Miracle, 23, is also looking ahead to finding potential entrants in this year’s Junior Showgirl competition.
There’ll also be a new “Rural Achiever”, to recognise the contribution of either a young man or woman.
“We’re looking for people involved in the rural sector but also want young people to come forward who are interested in getting into the industry.”
Miracle, who is a real estate and stock and station agent, has just returned from Muswellbrook and the Zone Judging of the Young Woman competition.
While she didn’t make it through to the next round in Sydney, she was excited to see such a broad cross-section of women represented.
“It was a great experience networking with other inspiring young women across all sections of
agriculture,” she said.
“From farriers to real estate agents - none of us worked in the same industry.”
If anyone is interested in hearing more about being a member of the Dungog Show Committee or in taking part in this year’s Junior Showgirl and Rural Achiever competitions, call 0497 186 933.
Member for Lyne David Gillespie met several of the delegates to discuss mining and the key issues of global demands for coal shifts, achieving net zero targets, and transitioning to renewable energy.
“So many people rely on the industry for their continued employment,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Action is needed now.”
Mayor Rayward said the Hunter JO asked for $20 million to, “help plan for this slow train crash that is happening”.
“These dollars will go towards three projects, including developing a pilot Place Based Mine Closure Strategy.
“Other topics discussed included funding for tourism linked to the Williamtown Airport, as overseas tourists numbers will increase and we need to attract them to the great things Dungog has to offer.
“I also pushed strongly for road funding support.
“We got strong support for more equitable funding for small regional councils like Dungog from Minister Kristy McBain.
“She clearly understood the problem, and has been successful [previously] in lobbying the Queensland Grants Commission to adjust their funding to make it equitable for smaller councils.”
Fellow delegate, Port
Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, summarised the key funding priorities in a post shared to social media. These are:
- $20 million for postmining land use
- Equitable funding through road funding reform
- $3.85 million for Hunter Global Tourism
- $49 million for an air freight cargo terminal precinct
- $938 million for housing-enabling infrastructure
- $8.5 million for circular economy initiatives
“A shared voice is a strong voice,” Cr Anderson said.
Mayor Rayward said the objective now is to ensure their advocacy is “pushed onto the NSW Grants Commission”.
“Have we wasted our time in Canberra? Time will tell,” he said.
“With the election coming up, let’s see what all the candidates offer, and if there is something in it for the Dungog LGA.”
q Miracle (centre) with show committee members Robbie Phillips (Young Woman Coordinator), Jeanie Briggs Seers (President), Helen Urban (Treasurer) and Owen Nicholson (Secretary).
q Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson (left) and Dungog Shire Mayor Digby Rayward with Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain.
q Dungog Show Committee VicePresident Miracle Urban.
DA DELAYS
FROM Page 1
“We’re certainly concentrating on any roadblocks we see that can hold up our development applications,” Cr Rayward said.
“They’re a cost to our
people putting them in and if Hunter Water are dragging their heels on this matter, we will only give them the required time unless they have specific reasons.
“Then we will take it from there.”
Under current regulations, Hunter Water must notify Dungog Shire Council of its decision on the general terms of approval within either 40 days of receiving a DA or within 21 days of Council providing any submission received as the result of a public exhibition period.
Mayor Rayward has long expressed his concern that some of Hunter Water’s decisions have taken longer than the regulatory timeframe, which has held up applications and put extra pressure on Council staff.
Council’s next monthly meeting will be held on 19 February.
Motor accident in Barrington Tops
AROUND 4am on Saturday 8 February, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a motor vehicle accident in the Barrington Tops, west of Gloucester.
Two males in their late teens were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics on scene before they were transported by road to Moonan Flat to meet the helicopter’s critical care medical team.
Both patients were further treated and stabilised for multiple injuries before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
Riverwood Downs wins prestigious wedding award
By Shannon BENTON
RIVERWOOD Downs has been crowned a winner in the ‘Wedding Venue – Eco’ category at the Australian Wedding Awards.
Nestled in the foothills of Barrington Tops along a scenic mountain river, the 750-acre property provides couples with a picturesque setting for their special day.
Situated in the rural Monkerai Valley, between the towns of Stroud and Gloucester, the venue offers lush gardens, stunning
ceremony locations, and elegant reception spaces.
It has become a soughtafter wedding destination for couples from Sydney, Newcastle and beyond.
“This award is a testament to our commitment to creating stunning, sustainable celebrations for couples who want to say ‘I do’ in harmony with nature,” said wedding coordinator Sally Lyall.
The national recognition highlights the venue’s dedication
Clarence Town Structure Plan
now seeking community feedback
to sustainability and celebrates its exceptional service and ability to create unforgettable moments for couples.
Adding to the accolades, Sally has been named among the ‘Top 10 Wedding Coordinators in Australia’ for the second consecutive year.
Sally’s keen attention to detail, creativity, and passion for bringing wedding dreams to life have earned her this prestigious recognition.
Dungog Shire Council has placed the draft Clarence Town Structure Plan and Streetscape Master Plan on public exhibition for the community’s review.
The draft Plans outline a strategic vision for sustainable growth, improved livability, and enhanced public spaces in Clarence Town, and guide development, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental preservation over the next 30 years.
We are seeking community feedback before the finalisation of the Plans and subsequent adoption by Council.
The draft Clarence Town Structure Plan and Streetscape Master Plan will be available for your review and feedback from Wednesday, 12 February 2025 to Wednesday, 12 March 2025. Please head to our website to find out more.
To submit your feedback, please visit our website: dungog.nsw.gov.au or come and see us in person at one of the following information sessions:
Saturday, 22 February:
· 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the Clarence Town School of Arts Hall and Assessment (EPA) regulations, Council will formally request the reason for the delay along with an updated deadline.
Tuesday, 4 March:
· 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Clarence Town Markets · 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in front of the Clarence Town IGA
dungog.nsw.gov.au
q Council is to hold Hunter Water Corporation accountable for DA delays. Photo: file.
q An aerial shot of Riverwood Downs.
Calls for local energy hub
AS Ausgrid consults communities about upgrades to network infrastructure to support the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, the Hunter Jobs Alliance is urging the Federal Government to deliver a “Local Energy Hub” to the region.
The Alliance, a coalition of unions and environment organisations, expressed concerns that Hunter locals didn’t hear of Ausgrid’s community drop-in sessions in Singleton, Muswellbrook
and online.
Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page said the region needed a Local Energy Hub to help bridge the information disconnect between governments, industry and the communities being asked to host renewable energy infrastructure like wind and solar farms, batteries and new transmission lines.
“The upgrades being proposed by Ausgrid will see them using existing transmission easements and corridors,” said Justin
Page.
“This a fantastic thing and a first for a renewable energy zone in Australia - but we’re concerned locals will never hear about it because they don’t know that consultation sessions are taking place,” he said.
Mr Page said Ausgrid’s consultation process in the Hunter/Central Coast region is a good example of why the Hunter needs a Hub.
“The Ausgrid upgrades are key to getting access to cheap renewable energy,
creating local jobs and local economic benefits, but the conversation about why it is needed, where it will go and how it will be rolled out is still not happening adequately,” he said.
RE-Alliance, alongside partners Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables, has been calling on the Federal Government to address the information gap on Australia’s shift to renewables with Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy regions.
“The shift to
renewables is well underway, but regional communities are telling us they need much more information to understand how to get the most out of the change,”
RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said.
“These hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program in renewable energy regions, staffed by independent local experts to help build trust and provide accurate information about what’s happening,” Mr Bray said.
2025 drone meets 1887 Church
THE historic facade of the St James Presbyterian Church in Stroud will experience the efficiency of modern technology on Friday as the 138 year old building goes head to head with a cleaning drone.
The recently restored church was built in 1887 on land granted to the congregation by the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), which last year celebrated its 200th anniversary of incorporation.
“Just when we thought we had everything complete at St James, the front facade is showing 138 years of weathering,” said the church’s Graham Creed.
“To bring it back to its former glory, St James Church is about to meet the future by going face to face with a cleaning drone.
“This cleaning will remove approximately 60-70 percent of the build up and staining leading to a facade worthy of its heritage and a longer lifespan and make it shine during Stroud 2026 BiCentennial celebrations.
“This method is suitable for cleaning historic building exteriors, effectively cleaning weathering, mould and dirt build up all while preserving the integrity of the delicate
structures of historic buildings.
“Another key benefit is improved safety as, in this case, the roof pitch and height of the front wall make ground-based cleaning difficult and removes the need for scaffolding.
GRANTS of up to $15,000 are available for community projects that provide a positive social and environmental impact across regional, rural and remote NSW.
The Essential Grants program helps support communities to build a sustainable future through programs, projects and events that align with initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience, or the energy transition.
Examples could include creating community gardens, assisting with solar and battery installations on community buildings, implementing a waste reduction program, or
“[It also offers] increased efficiency as it covers large areas quickly, and offers greater accessibility for cleaning hard-to-reach places with minimal disruption.
“This efficient method of cleaning St James will lead to a facade worthy of its heritage and lead to a longer lifespan as one of Stroud's most valued and loved assets.”
funding workshops that help communities improve energy efficiency and electrification in homes and businesses.
Essential Energy Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Annie Pearson says the program aims to spark change by supporting communities to make a difference and provide a positive social impact.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful investment into communities and surrounding areas. It only takes one idea to create something truly incredible that has a long-lasting impact in your community,"
Cleaning will commence from 9am on Friday, 14 February, with the community invited to witness the spectacle.
Annie said. Essential Grants are open to not-forprofit organisations delivering benefits to local communities in the Essential Energy network area.
This includes community groups and service providers, registered charities, and other not-for-profit organisations. Applications open on 3 February 2025 and close on 31 March 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the Essential Grants page.
q A cleaning drone will restore the historic church facade.
q The St James Presbyterian Church in Stroud.
Curtain call: basic energy upgrades may save households
By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP
AUSTRALIAN households
could knock more than $1500 off their energy bills with some basic home upgrades
unlikely to be unlocked without financial help from the federal government.
A collection of 65 environment groups, unions and community organisations known as
Renew Australia for All, issued the findings last Wednesday as it released the analysis of energy bills by Springmount Advisory.
Their call to action came one day after federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen revealed he directed the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to accelerate solar projects, including investments in household solar panels and batteries.
While Australia leads the world in household solar panel installations, figures from analysis revealed seven million homes remained without solar panels, and 10.7 million homes operated without battery storage.
Seven in every 10 Australian homes also fell short of the seven-star minimum standard for energy efficiency, instead reaching three stars or lower.
Making greater investments in renewable energy for households could save consumers significantly on household bills, Smart Energy Council chief executive John Grimes said,
and needed to be a higher priority for governments.
"Improving home efficiency and giving people access to solar and batteries is the fastest, best way to slash household power bills for good," he said.
"This should be a nobrainer for governments dealing with a cost-of-living crisis."
The study, which used data from the CSIRO and Climateworks Centre, found households could save an average of $1579 a year with basic energy-efficiency upgrades, such as replacing gas with electric hot water systems, hanging heavy curtains, or installing roller shutters.
Investing in solar panels and battery systems could save $3039 per year on average and both upgrades rolled out across the nation could save up to $23.6 billion per year.
The Renew Australia group called for an "urgent $5 billion investment" by the federal government to realise some of the potential savings.
Financial subsidies would be particularly important for renters and financially disadvantaged households, Uniting NSW advocacy head
Alice Salomon said, as they were already struggling with tough decisions over energy bills.
"It is simply unfair to know that many people are making incredibly tough decisions every day about keeping their house safe and liveable... or feeding their family," she said.
"All Australians, no matter where they live, whether they rent or own their place or whatever their means, should benefit from the energy transition."
More than four million Australian homes already have solar panels installed, representing 25 gigawatts of energy capacity.
The call for greater investment in household energy comes after Mr Bowen directed ARENA to consider funding solar panels and battery installation projects after striking a deal with crossbenchers in exchange for their support of Labor's Future Made in Australia legislation.
The agency has been asked to look at funding projects in every state and territory, with pilots modelled on the North Wollongong community electrification testbed.
q More than four million Australian homes have already switched to solar panels.
Photo: Lucy Hughes Jones/AAP PHOTOS.
Forestry fire specialists deployed to Victoria
HUNTER and Mid North Coast fire specialists from Forestry Corporation have deployed to Victorian firefronts as part of an interstate NSW firefighting contingency.
Victoria has experienced significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.
NSW fire agencies have assisted through the deployment of firefighters and Incident Management Team personnel.
Four Forestry Corporation staff members responded on Saturday, 1 February and a further five Forestry Corporation fire specialists deployed on Thursday, 6 February.
“While we have had fires in NSW and the threat especially in the south and the west is not over yet, it is important to share resources around the country when we can,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said on Friday.
“Our firefighters are highly skilled and experienced in Australian bushland firefighting and are always ready to lend a hand in regional NSW or further afield.”
Group Leader Gary Miller from Wauchope deployed for seven days as an Operations Officer in the IMT at Ararat.
with major efforts involved in the containment of the fires in the Grampians," Gary said.
“We were there to give the local Victorian IMT personnel some time off as they have been fighting fires and overseeing the fire management since December
“It was great to assist our colleagues in Victoria, a great learning experience in training on the Victorian fire systems and a good opportunity to share fire
I’ve known Alison Penfold a long time and I’m supporting her because I know she will listen, care and deliver like I have.
Alison will stand up for you when others won’t. She will fight for policies to get Australia back on track and bring down the cost of living.
Dr DAVID GILLESPIE MP Member for Lyne
ALISON PENFOLD
THE NATIONALS for Lyne
knowledge across the multiagency IMT.”
Gary deployed to Victoria alongside firefighters Hannah Mangnall and Bronson Lovett from Wauchope and Daniel Macaree and James Martin from the Hunter.
A second firefighting field
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crew started their seven-day deployment on Friday.
This deployment was made up of Aden Hitchcock from Dorrigo, David McLaughlin from Coffs Harbour, Paul Douglas from Wauchope and Daniel Carey from Taree.
Forestry Corporation’s nine personnel have deployed as part of the 200-strong NSW deployment alongside NSW
Authorised by David Gillespie, Cnr Cameron St and Oxley Hwy, Wauchope NSW 2446
Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Fire and Rescue NSW and State Emergency Services personnel.
q Forestry Corporation fire specialists have been deployed. Photo: supplied.
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY MOVIE: AIR
NBN, 10.30pm, M (2023)
Ben Affleck’s steady directing hand guides this basketball biopic, telling the story of how Nike pursued rookie Michael Jordan in the 1980s, eventually creating a partnership that revolutionised the world of sports branding. Focusing on the courtship (no pun intended) of the soon-to-be superstar, several sports apparel companies attempted to lure Jordan (Damian Delano Young), with Phil Knight (Affleck, pictured) and Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) at the forefront of the acquisition for Nike. It’s a slam dunk.
FRIDAY, February 14
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. Monty Don heads to the south of Spain.
8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv) The team investigates the death of a Burmese man on a deserted beach.
10.15 Optics. (Ml, R)
10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News. 11.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) 12.15 Grand Designs. (R)
Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Rage. (PG)
7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (Final, Mal, R)
TUESDAY
MADAM
NBN, 9pm
If Oscar-nominated actress and national treasure Rachel Griffiths (pictured) playing a pimp on network television wasn’t on your 2025 “bingo card”, you’re not alone. But if you haven’t tuned into this quirky Kiwi comedy, you’re missing out on a real treat. Griffiths plays Mack, a woman whose philandering husband (Martin Henderson) inspires her to open an ethical brothel in her small New Zealand town. Note: he’s not thrilled with the development. In tonight’s instalment, an article in the local paper makes trouble for the Sweethearts when a group of local protesters set up outside the hotel. Mack’s newfound infamy also causes chaos at home, as son Noam (Angus Stevens) lashes out in response.
WEDNESDAY
LORD LUCAN
A mystery series 50 years in the making, this British true-crime odyssey studies the mystery of Richard Bingham, the seventh Earl of Lucan (pictured, with wife Veronica), who vanished in November 1974 after allegedly murdering Sandra Rivett, his children’s nanny. It’s led by Rivett’s biological son, Neil Berriman, who refuses to accept the official line (Lucan has twice been declared legally dead), as no body has been found. Aided by investigative reporter Glen Campbell in this three-part documentary, Berriman unravels claims that the missing aristocrat fled England and created a new life for himself. Wednesday’s second instalment takes them to Western Australia, where Lucan is rumoured to have joined a network of Buddhist devotees.
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R) 9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (Premiere)
10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Bonn. (Mav) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+as, R) 2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.15 Living With The Boss. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (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 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) The team celebrates Valentine’s Day.
8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mls, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.
11.05 GetOn Extra.
11.35 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Dark. (Premiere, PG)
8.40 MOVIE: Valentine’s Day. (2010, Ms, R) Couples find and lose love in its many forms. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner.
11.10 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019, Ml)
1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (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. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. (Premiere) Game show. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Succession star Sarah Snook, who is returning to the West End, pop legend Boy George talking about his autobiography Karma and actor Miriam Margolyes.
6.00
SATURDAY, February 15
6.30 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 2. (PG, R) Presented by Lisa Millar.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Return, Mv) Selwyn is shot at the yacht club.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is called to a remote lighthouse where a body has been discovered lashed to a sailboat. Delving into the victim’s final days, she and the team discover that his life was not all plain sailing.
10.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) News of an Alaskan oil spill breaks.
10.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The body in the chimney flue is identified. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.05 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (Ml)
8.25 Scotland The New Wild. (PG)
9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (R)
10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. (Final, R)
11.15 Home Jacking. (Mlv)
12.40 The Man Who Died. (Mas, R)
2.25 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.10 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, Mlv, R) A former CIA agent tries to clear his name. Matt Damon.
9.45 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012, Mv, R) A retired spy and his wife are abducted. Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen.
11.45 Border Patrol. (PGa)
12.15 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars.
10.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match.
10.30 MOVIE: Air. (2023, Mal)
12.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (MA15+adl, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) A husky cross could be the right fit for a family. Partners get the chance to tame a stress-ball of a canine. 9.45 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Paramedics respond to a man lying on a road. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Race.
Continued. (2016, PG) 8.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 10.00 Fireworks Wednesday. (2006, M, Farsi) 11.55 I’m Not There. (2007, M) 2.25pm Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.40 Oka! (2012, PG) 6.40 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+) 11.35 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 1.15am Baby Done. (2020, M) 2.55 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Oka! (2012, PG)
SUNDAY, February 16
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG)
8.30 The Newsreader. (Ml) Dale hosts a lavish birthday party.
9.25 Love Me. (Mls) Glen finally meets the man in Anita’s life. Peter and Clara struggle to start a family.
10.20 MOVIE: Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996, Mdls, R)
11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa)
9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (PGsv, R)
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers. (R)
11.15 The Art Of Dissent.
1.10 Photos That Changed The World. (Mavw)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.40 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
VICELAND (31)
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Oka! Continued. (2012, PG) 7.00 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 8.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 10.30 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, M) 12.30pm The Program. (2015, M) 2.25 Race. (2016, PG) 5.00 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 6.50 Poms. (2019, PG) 8.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 11.15 A Good Man. (2020, MA15+, French) 1.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
9.00 An Evening With Dua Lipa. (PG) A concert special featuring Dua Lipa’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
10.30 Live At The Chapel: Amy Shark.
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and
12.30pm MOVIE: Ruby’s Choice. (2022, PG) 3.00 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.00 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 9.40 MOVIE: 21 Jump Street. (2012, MA15+) 11.50 Young Sheldon. 12.45am The Originals. 2.35 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Pokémon: XYZ. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Adelaide v Geelong United. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Children’s Programs. 3.40 MOVIE: Sing. (2016) 5.50 MOVIE:
Gnomes. (2018) 7.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows. (2011, M) 10.10 MOVIE: 2 Fast 2 Furious. (2003, M) 12.20am Gotham. 1.15 Arrow. 3.05 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
MONDAY, February 17
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. (Final, PG)
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve. (PGa)
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGa, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Wisting. (Malv)
12.45 A French Case. (Mal, R)
2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Seven News.
6.00
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Levi makes inroads into closing a chapter.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. Alex is forced to fire an incompetent employee.
10.10 First Dates UK. (Mls) Singles experience the thrills of dating.
11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals)
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things
6am Poms.
Continued. (2019, PG) 7.35 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 9.35 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 11.25 Baby Done. (2020, M) 1.05pm A Son. (2019, M, Arabic) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 5.25 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 7.35 My Zoe. (2019, M) 9.30 Private Desert. (2021, MA15+, Portuguese) 11.45 Sexual Drive. (2021, MA15+, Japanese) 1.05am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, February 18
Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGas, R)
8.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (Final, Malv)
9.50 The Artist’s View: Guns
‘N’ Roses. (Mdl, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Prisoner. (Premiere, MA15+alv) 11.55 Fargo. (MA15+v, R)
1.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 2.10 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.50 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Harper feels lonely.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) The top 30 contestants undertake the group challenge, before three contestants are sent home.
9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) In rural Montana, Bex and the team hunt down a serial killer obsessed with wolves.
10.20 The Irrational. (Mav) Simon’s mother asks Alec for help.
12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv)
Forensics: Murder Scene. (MA15+a)
First On Scene. (MA15+av)
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6am Krull.
Continued. (1983, PG) 7.50 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 10.00 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.40pm Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 2.20 Poms. (2019, PG) 4.00 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 6.00 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 7.35 Linoleum. (2022, M) 9.30 Punch. (2022, MA15+) 11.20 Cop Secret. (2021, MA15+) 1.15am Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 2.45 Late Programs.
6.00
WEDNESDAY, February 19
12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lord Lucan. (Malv)
8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (Final, PG)
9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Final, Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) 11.45 Rogue Heroes. (Final, Malv, R) 12.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 2.35 Barkley Manor. (Final, R) 3.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50
6am Without A
Clue. Continued. (1988, PG) 7.00 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 9.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 11.20 My Zoe. (2019, M) 1.15pm After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 3.25 Krull. (1983, PG) 5.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.30 The Big Chill. (1983, M) 9.30 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 11.25 Swan Song. (2021, M) 1.25am From The Vine. (2019, M) 3.10 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, February 20
Designs. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGd) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Ludwig. (Mav) A body falls from a construction site.
9.45 Breathtaking. (Mal) The team takes on the COVID-19 pandemic.
10.50 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Ma, R)
11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.50 Covert Affairs. (Msv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Puppy Secrets. (R) 11.00 Finland From Above. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of Royal Gardens. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG)
9.30 MOVIE: Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+dl, R) 11.15 SBS World News Late. 11.45 Golden Boy. (Mdln) 12.35 The Allegation. (MA15+av, R) 2.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 3.25 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Dana nurses fresh heartbreak.
8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Creeley divides the farmers.
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 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam)
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Your Next Cruise. (R)
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)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGa) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Ma) Elsbeth and Kaya investigate a rising tennis star and his competitive father and coach after a world champion drops dead. 10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) Sam asks Tennant for a favour. 10.55 10’s Late News. 11.20 The Project. (R) 12.25
Emergency. (Mm)
A+E
6am Morning Programs. 6.35 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 8.25 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 10.00 Linoleum. (2022, M) 11.55 Arab Blues. (2019, M, Arabic) 1.30pm 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 3.40 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 5.50 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 7.55 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 9.30 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.
Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Sunday evening for publication on a Wednesday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
Consisting of the following local cattle:
K Flannery – 4 devon cross steers 18mths
AT & MK Rumbel – 7 devon cross steers 16mths
K Flannery – 6 angus cross steers 12mths
M Padmos – 5 angus steers 12mths
J & C Hudson – 8 angus steers 12mths
K & M Bain – 12 angus steers 10mths
B Winton – 7angus steers 10mths
N Casey – 10 angus steers 8 to 10mths
C Salisbury – 4 angus steers 6 to 7mths
K Flannery – 6 devon cross heifers 20mths
J & C Hudson – 9 angus heifers 12mths
B Winton – 8 angus heifers 10mths
E Reed – 10 angus heifers & calves
R Clifton – 4 brangus heifers & calves (top quality)
Chumbra Angus – 18 angus C&C’s (Sugarloaf angus bull)
Thomson Family Trust – 4 angus C&C’s (Forres blood)
C Salisbury – 1 reg angus bull 5½ y.o (Greswick Angus Bred)
Further entries invited & expected
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
FOR a couple of years I've been encouraging the kids to use our local Return and Earn facility, but lately they can't be bothered, so now I recycle the cans and bottles and cash in the vouchers.
It doesn't really seem worth it for all the effort.
I thought they'd appreciate the extra pocket money.
Should I just put them in the recycle bin?
Wendy L.
Wendy, putting your kids in the recycle bin seems a bit harsh, but I see your point.
No, I know, I know, you meant the bottles and cans. From what you've described, though, your kids are possibly overindulged and indolent silver spooners who've had it too good for too long.
Please feel free to use any of those descriptors next time they can't be bothered doing something that gives back to the environment, the community and themselves.
I remember the absolute joy we used to get as kids taking our crushed cans to the local can cage (you had to crush them then, not simply toss them down a chute).
We didn't think about the recycling benefits then, but we knew a good gig when we had one.
Crushed cans equated to paddle pops.
I sense you aren't going to be able to convince your kids for altruistic reasons (if you recycle 1000 cans you save 5,874.16 litres
of water) maybe you could appeal to their capitalist sensibilities. Where else can you earn 10 cents every couple of seconds? It works out, if you hit a cracking pace, to be about $180 per hour. Not bad.
Particularly if you're the one supplying cans and bottles to your offspring and driving them to the facility.
Wendy, you seem like a decent sort of a person.
Don't worry about indulging your kids.
Continue taking the cans and bottles yourself and then donate the money to a much more worthy cause than your children's piggy bank.
You can donate it to Foodbank, for example, an organisation that provides help to the one in three households in NSW that face hunger and food insecurity.
Food for thought.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Dungog Shire Council
General Purpose Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2024
Public notice–Presentation of financial statements as per Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act.
In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Dungog Shire Council advises that the ordinary Council meeting to be held on Wednesday 19 Feb 2025 will include the presentation of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports for the year ending 30 June 2024.
A summary of the Financial Statements is provided below.
Income Statement
Net operating result before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes (9,317) (8,604)
Statement of Financial Position
Total current assets
Total current liabilities
Total non-current assets
Total non-current liabilities
Total equity
Other financial information
Unrestricted current ratio (times)
Operating performance ratio
Debt service cover ratio (times)
Rates and annual charges outstanding ratio
Infrastructure renewals ratio (%)
Own source operating revenue ratio (%)
Cash expense cover ratio (months)
In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), any person may make a submission in writing to Council with respect to the Council’s Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor’s Reports.
Copies of the Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports may be inspected at: Internet: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au
Locations: Council Administration Centre – 198 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW, 2420 Dungog Shire Library – 17 MacKay Street, Dungog, NSW, 2420.
Submissions close 26 Feb 2025.
Plan approved for Liddell power station
THE “Future Land Use and Enabling Works” project for Liddell Power Station has been approved by the State Government, which will see the former power station demolished, remediated and transformed for future industrial land uses.
Spanning around 143 hectares, the project is expected to generate more than $260 million in Capital Investment Value (CIV) for the Upper Hunter Region
as well as 100 full time equivalent jobs.
Remediation works will include:
• Demolition of the power station;
• Construction and operation of a borrow pit for capping, civil works and recontouring of the site;
• Recontouring and revegetation of the site;
• Construction and operation of a landfill
for the disposal of asbestos contaminated soil and material from demolished infrastructure.
In 2023, the Liddell Power Station came to the end of its technical life and was formally closed, with proponent AGL committing to remediate the site.
Following the assessment from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI)
Bush poets are coming to town
By Wendy BUSWELL
GLOUCESTER Rotary’s
“Bush Poetry in the Saleyards” is back for another year, continuing the event’s 20-plus year legacy.
“The initial idea started at a dinner party,” said organiser Grahame Stelzer.
“During a conversation with Greg North, who was the bush poet champion at the time, he agreed to come to Gloucester to perform some of his poetry.”
Grahame and his wife, Kaye, contacted the council for approval to use the saleyards, collaborated with Gloucester Rotary to turn the event into a fundraiser, and invited local poets to join the entertainment lineup.
“It was a simple idea, and from the very first event, we attracted people
from all over,” Grahame told News Of The Area.
“The saleyards provide a fantastic venue with excellent acoustics and a wonderful atmosphere.”
Local bush poet Claire Reynolds has been performing at the event since the beginning.
“It is an occasion that brings smiles to people’s faces,” Claire stated.
While she performs her own poetry, Claire also enjoys reciting classic works from the Australian bush poetry canon.
“I want to keep the old poems alive,” Claire explained.
Local musicians the Bowden Brothers will perform once again this year.
“The Bowden Brothers have supported the event since its inception and are always a crowd favourite,”
the approval has strict conditions of consent to manage biodiversity, water and traffic impacts.
Works are now expected to commence within the next three months and are expected to continue over the next ten years.
“With up to 100 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of the project,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
“This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, “The $260 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter and will support dozens of new, local jobs.
“The Liddell Power Station is an important part of the Hunter’s history and this project represents the significant investment opportunities that lay ahead
q Following the assessment from the DPHI, the approval has strict conditions of consent to manage biodiversity, water and traffic impacts.
for the region.
“Today’s announcement further shores up our region as an industrial powerhouse that will attract jobs, investment and innovation for decades to come.”
Tackling fairness in the rental market
THE NSW Government has established a rental taskforce to “hold landlords and real estate agents to account”, and address rental law violations.
said Brian Beesley, Rotary President.
In conjunction with Bush Poetry in the Saleyards, the Verse in the Valley Festival will also take place.
Sponsored by the Australian Bush Poetry Association, the festival will feature several events, including the finals of the NSW Bush Poetry competition.
The winner will have the opportunity to perform at the saleyards event.
The Verse in the Valley Festival will run from 5-7 March at various Gloucester venues.
Bush Poetry in the Saleyards will run at the Gloucester Saleyards on Saturday, 8 March 2025.
Community members are invited to bring their own picnic, cushion and blankets to enjoy the event.
With an $8.4 million investment, NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Taskforce will analyse activities and trends within the rental market and conduct compliance activities such as inspections, audits, and blitzes to prevent and act on breaches of the law.
The new taskforce is a multi-disciplinary team with new and existing resources drawn from across NSW Fair Trading, and led by a newly appointed Rental Taskforce Manager reporting to the NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones.
The Rental Taskforce will focus on three key priorities:
• Ending solicited rent bidding
• Implementing renting reforms to prevent no grounds evictions
• Ensuring improved responses to repairs and maintenance in the rental market.
The NSW Government is also working to deliver cost of living relief to renters by delivering a Portable Rental Bond Scheme, which is due
to go live in the second half of this year.
Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said the Rental Taskforce would “protect the rights of renters and hold bad actors to account”.
“It’s critical to provide renters and property providers with assurance that bad actors will not be permitted to cause harm in the market.
“The Rental Taskforce is a dedicated and skilled team made up of new and existing roles focused on preventing and responding to breaches of rental laws.
“This will support a fair and safe marketplace for rented homes in NSW and contribute to improved confidence in the rental market.”
Leo Patterson Ross, CEO of the NSW Tenants Union, has supported the taskforce’s establishment.
"For too long, renters have been carrying the burden of dodgy behaviour.
“It is vital that such an important essential service as renting your home has an active and visible regulator to hold people to account for failing to deliver a fair renting experience.
“We and the Tenants'
Advice and Advocacy Services have long supported renters with services to support them in resolving issues, but without a responsive regulator there have often been limited options to truly hold dodgy operators to account.
“We welcome the investment and the impact it will have, and we look forward to seeing further investment as needed in both regulatory activities and support services for renters into the future.”
NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government understands that more people are renting, and they are renting for longer.
“That’s why we have established the Rental Taskforce to help create a more equitable market for the 2.3 million renters in this state.
“Our inspectors will be out in full force to ensure real estate agents and landlords are complying with new and existing rental laws to ease the stress placed on renters by things like no grounds evictions and rent bidding.”
q The Bowden Brothers performing at the 2024 Bush Poetry in the Saleyards. Photo: supplied.
Blueprint for success SPORTS
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
WITH their rout of Sri Lanka, Australia have created a blueprint for success on the subcontinent ahead of a legacy-defining tour to India in 2027.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith felt Australia's visit to Galle could "probably not" have gone better than it did as the curtain came down on the second Test on Sunday.
The tourists handed their hosts their biggestever Test loss - by an innings and 242 runs - in the first match and followed that up with a nine-wicket rout in the second.
It marked Australia's first series win in Sri Lanka since 2011, and their first whitewash on the subcontinent since a 2006 visit to Bangladesh.
But perhaps more importantly, the series stood in as a trial run for Australia's next trip to the subcontinent in 2027, when they will target a first series win in India since 2004.
Veteran Nathan Lyon notably said between Tests that Australia's status as a great team would hinge on their ability to beat England and India away from home, and Smith felt the squad was on their way to mastering subcontinent conditions.
"We've learnt so much about playing in the subcontinent and we put all that into play in the last two games. It's been great to witness," Smith said.
"The guys did it as well as I've seen an Australian team do it in the subcontinent since I've been playing."
Australia had won only one of their previous five matches in Sri Lanka but came better prepared for the turning surfaces on the back of their Dubai training camp.
The confident tourists completely outbatted their rivals.
Australia made five centuries, with an unbeaten 85 from No.7 Kusal Mendis representing the hosts' best individual score.
Smith felt the key had been allowing players to attack bowlers in their own ways.
While Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey swept to their hearts' content as the top-scorers in the first and second Tests respectively, Smith used his hands to find gaps in the field.
His trademark cover drive was on full show
making 141, and then 131, as player of the series.
"Everyone's got different methods but it's a method that works for them," Smith said.
"We're just far better equipped to play in these conditions and understand them a lot more than we used to."
Remaining adaptable also worked to Australia's benefit, even if it led to some tough selection calls.
There was no space in the XI for Sam Konstas despite his solid first two Tests at home as Travis Head was preferred at the top for his track record against spin.
When the surface looked likely to make life hard for the batters in the second Test, selectors made a risky call to drop front-line spinner
Todd Murphy for batting allrounder Cooper Connolly - previously uncapped at Test level.
"You've got to attack every surface how it needs to be played on," Smith said.
"That's what we've done really well. We obviously left out Todd for this one, which was unfortunate for him, but we wanted a little bit of extra batting."
Each player was adaptable, too, with Smith even trying his hand at the reverse sweep on the turning deck in the second Test.
Elsewhere, Beau Webster employed both pace and spin when thrown the ball at different times in the series.
"We had a really wellbalanced squad, plenty of options available for whatever we wanted to go with," Smith said.
"Everyone that played did a good job."
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 8th February 2025, Individual Stableford & Skins Qualifiers (2nd Round)
FIELD | 41 members & 3 visitors.
DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Glenn Davies (5) 38 Points, Runner Up Allan Mckinnon (12) 38 Points, 3rd Place Mick Mirisch (14) 38 Points
DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Bryson Braham (16) 35 Points, Runner Up Michael Shanley (19) 35 Points, 3rd Place Greg Sainsbury (19) 33 Points
BALL COMP | Paul Geddes (11) 36 Points, Peter Nicholson (14) 36 Points, Stephen Watson (14) 36 Points, Jordan Wilkinson (3) 35 Points, Rigby Vane-Wood (10) 34 Points, Lee Hunt (11) 34 Points, Nick Howell (12) 34 Points, Paul Langley (15) 33 Points, James Cowled (11) 33 Points, Greg Scott (4) 32 Points, Paul Monaghan (5) 32 Points, Timothy Kiem (8) 32 Points, Ramsey Vane-Wood (8) 32 Points, Oliver Pritchard (13) [Dungog] 32 Points, Wayne Stedman (8) 32 Points & Brian Rohr (22) 32 Points
NEAREST THE PIN | 2nd/11th - Oliver Pritchard [Dungog] (13), 5th/14th - Rigby Vane-Wood (10), 6th/15thJordan Wilkinson (3), 8th/17th - Jordan Wilkinson (3)
MEMBERS DRAW | No.29, Paul Langley (14th/44), $88 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 9 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR | 15-Feb Stableford & Skins Qualifiers 3rd Round, 22-Feb Stableford, 2BBB & Skins Qualifiers 4th Round. Schedule subject to change
Egan told News Of The Area.
“We’ve got a really good, functioning committee, which allowed us to open up some member spaces and call for expressions of interest.”
There will now be 40 riders taking part in the club’s regular rallies and events.
Featuring both in-house and guest instructors, these activities not only cover riding styles and techniques but also animal nutrition and other ways the riders can care for their horses.
Ahead for the club this year is a one-day event, a Pony Club camp and an official showjumping and dressage competition at the end of March.
q The first Instruction Day of the year was held at the Dungog Showground. Photos: supplied.
q Australia are enjoying their first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011, and the WTC is next. Photo: AP PHOTO.
q Riders are also taught how to care for their horses. Photos: supplied.
Saddle Up
By Sue STEPHENSON
have returned to the saddle for their first Instruction Day of the year. Held at the Dungog Showground on Sunday, the rally was for new and returning members and focused on showjumping.
While clubs can accept riders up to the age of 24, this year’s group ranges in age from four to 22-years-old.
“We’ve actually increased our membership numbers this year,” Secretary Rebecca
DUNGOG Pony Club riders
q This year’s Dungog Pony Club members range in age from four to 22-years-old. Photo: supplied.