School holiday ‘Cartoon Collage’ workshops
By Lisa WISEMAN
Dungog-Clarence Town branch of the NSW Country Women’s Association (CWA) is holding free ‘Cartoon Collaging’ workshops for children during the school holidays.
All school age children are welcome to attend on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12pm at the CWA Hall in Dowling Street, Dungog.
CONTINUED Page 3
BUSHFIRE BOOST
Changes to water use a win for farmers fighting bushfires
creeks
Acting Water Minister Jodie Harrison said in
CONTINUED Page 3
q Julie Fitzgerald at the Dungog CWA hall with fabrics used in the workshops.
Recon run for 48th Karuah River Rally
By Sue STEPHENSON
ORGANISERS of the annual Karuah River Rally Run will be riding into Dungog this weekend to ensure all is ready for next month’s annual event.
Rob Lovett of the BMW Touring Club of NSW (BMWTC) told News Of The Area that the visit is a recon run (reconnaissance) ahead of the main ride and rally between 7-9 February.
Mr Lovett and several other club members will liaise with the Dungog Fire Brigade, RFS, SES, Ambulance
and local police to share their plans for the rally.
A flyer will also be shared with the Dungog Information Centre, with previous feedback welcoming the business and promotional benefits the rally brings to the town.
This will be the 48th year of the rally, which is held in the Chichester State Forest, 31kms north of Dungog.
The ride there covers some of the best sealed and unsealed roads in NSW with the final section to the campsite being 15km of Forestry dirt road.
All sorts of riders and their motorbikes (and sometimes sidecars) take part in the moto-camping weekend, converging on the Frying Pan Creek campground for what is described as a “back to basics” event that is even held in wet and soggy conditions.
This year’s event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the BMWTC of NSW.
It launched the Karuah River Rally in 1978 (on the Australia Day weekend) after acquiring the Australia Day Rally from the Four Owners Club of NSW.
The Australia Day Rally was also held at Frying Pan Creek prior to 1978 and it has been held there ever since, with the exception of 1984 and 2017.
“Many riders consider it a testament of stamina and riding skills to get through under demanding conditions such as heavy rain, but of course, there are practical limits,” Mr Lovett said.
“Most Karuah attendees are experienced riders for which motorcycle rallies are
an intrinsic lifestyle – but the average age is creeping up and is probably around the 60s.
“For many, getting the rally badge is a prized possession.”
Attendees often ride from WA, SA, Victoria and Queensland to attend the rally and a number of riders have attended every event.
“We have also had riders from the US, the UK and Germany.
“One highlight some years
ago occurred when a fully restored WW2 BMW turned up (causing something of a sensation).”
Mr Lovett said the rally focuses on the social aspects of motorbike touring and does not include organised entertainment or competitions.
The BMWTC NSW donates to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and motorcycle rider accident rehabilitation, and has previously donated to the Dungog SES.
q The ride and rally is organised by the BMW Touring Club of NSW but is open to all riders.
q This will be the 48th year of the rally, which is held in the Chichester State Forest.
School
FROM Page 1
Last week the hall was filled with busy young people making their own original drawings, which were to be turned into fabric collages.
Participants were allowed to make as many collages as they liked, and to take some home.
First, they chose fabric squares for backgrounds.
Then fabrics in contrasting colours had outlines including turtles, animals, flowers and eyes drawn onto them.
There were quite a variety of subjects and some lively talk about their choices.
The shapes were cut out and attached to the backgrounds with the type of heat-fusible material used for applique and patchwork.
The next step was to use sewing machines to securely join the shapes to the backgrounds.
Organiser and local fibre artist Julie Fitzgerald explained that while participants were enjoying themselves, they were also learning and practising valuable skills.
Ironing, sewing, cutting out and drawing were just some of the activities involved, while children
BUSHFIRE BOOST
FROM Page 1
“This is a commonsense decision, and it is great to see these amendments now in place for summer.”
The exemption has been made via amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.
The water can also be used for training and controlled burning, and for testing equipment, but only when it is carried out under the authority of a firefighting agency such as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Landholders can also prepare for the threat of
bushfires by taking water to store in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes.
The maximum volume for each property is 100,000 litres (0.1 ML) per year.
The NSW Government will carry out targeted periodic surveys of landholders to understand how the exemption is being used to identify the extent and scale of water use.
While landholders are not required to submit reports, they are encouraged to log the volume of water they take under the exemption, for their own records.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, said landholders play an important role in a bushfire response.
“[This] also includes a trial to make it easier for farmers to keep firefighting vehicles on their properties.”
Further information on the exemptions can be found on the NSW Government’s Water website at water.dpie. nsw.gov.au/our-work/ allocations-availability/ drought-and-floods/waterfor-fire-preparedness-andfirefighting.
Circle dancing tradition comes to Gresford
THE ancient tradition of circle dancing is being passed on in Dungog Shire, with a new monthly group set to learn the dance formation in East Gresford.
“Men, women and children circle dance in African, Asian, Aboriginal, European and other cultures,” said group coordinator Pip Woods.
“Also known as ‘Sacred’ or ‘World Dance’ it is a form of dance accessible to nearly all people.
“Some dances originate from traditions, such as the wives of fishermen in both Brazil and Ireland singing and dancing whilst waiting for their men to return from the sea.
“Others celebrate, such as harvest dances,
learnt key safety tips around devices like irons and sewing machines.
There were plenty of adults around to help out and give guidance.
Everyone was chatting, laughing and having fun while they worked on their collages.
reminding us that we are connected to the natural world.”
Circle dancing as we now know it began after the folk dances of Eastern Europe were collected after World War II by Bernhard Wosien, who then collaborated with the Findhorn spiritual community in Scotland.
Bernhard had worked with Laban in the 1920s and 30s, who choreographed large groups of people into movement choirs.
“The dances range from hauntingly beautiful to fun and lively dances such as Romanian children’s dances,” Pip said.
“All danced in a circle and no livelier than a fast waltz step.”
Workshop participant Bonnie, said she would like to come back again to do some more craft work.
Many of the materials used at the workshops were donated by Julie Fitzgerald from her “stash”.
Pip believes circle dancing can serve to strengthen community and encourage togetherness, arguing it is good for the “mind, body and spirit”.
Dungog Shire residents can try circle dancing for free at 4:30pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Gresford Congregational Church Hall.
“Dances are taught first, then with the music, together we perform the dance,” Pip said.
“No experience is necessary and only the ability to walk unaided, to listen and follow instructions is required.
“Allow an hour and wear comfy clothes and shoes.”
For more information call Pip on 0493 388 889.
Children are encouraged to attend as many workshops as they like.
Please call Julie on 0457859744 to book or for more information.
This included colourful fabric squares, adhesives, a sewing machine, and the plentiful drawing materials.
q Farmers now have easier access to water to fight bushfires.
Photo: NSW Government Water.
q Anneke and Audrey working on their cartoon collages.
q Talking about turtles at the cartoon collage workshop.
q Busy children and helpers having fun at the free CWA workshop.
Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au
Shannon BENTON 0400 163 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
Fresh ideas about Aboriginal agriculture
By John WATTS
WORIMI man Josh Gilbert has written a soon-tobe-published book titled “Australia’s Agricultural Identity (An Aboriginal Yarn)”, where he discusses farming practices on land which his ancestors have occupied for 60,000 years.
“It’s here, in Gloucester, where I explore what it means to be an Aboriginal person today, what it means to be a farmer, and even what we mean when we say we are Australian,” the book’s early pages read.
Josh was born in Gloucester where his parents grew up, and where both sets of grandparents lived their whole lives.
We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions. You can also Subscribe, for FREE, and we will email you the Printed Edition Flipbook each week.
DUNGOG Shire Council is asking community members to nominate their preferred location for an off-leash dog park.
His parents later moved to Sydney where his mum was studying to become a school teacher.
When he was a young child Josh and his family moved to the town of Boorowa in the south west slopes of NSW, where he developed a fascination with agriculture and its impacts.
“I became enthralled in the world that surrounded the small town I grew up in, literally watching our local economy be built and thrive on the sheep’s back right in front of me,” Josh writes in the book’s introduction.
When he was ten the family moved to Bulahdelah, where he completed his schooling before heading to Newcastle University to study law and accounting.
As a child Josh was aware of his Aboriginal heritage, but it was not until high school that he really began to delve more deeply into Indigenous
history, his family’s background and their connection to the land.
His interest was also increased when his father Andrew Gilbert became chair of the local Aboriginal Land Council.
In his fourth year of university Josh attended a young farmers’ activity and had a light bulb moment where he realised that agriculture, rather than law, was the path for him.
He promptly dropped out of law school, however continued his accounting studies.
Josh is now a beef farmer and working towards his PhD in agriculture.
He is also undertaking studies in regenerative agriculture.
In his book Josh draws on his skills in agriculture and his
q
Josh’s book cover.
knowledge of Indigenous history, particularly the impact of colonisation on his ancestors and the Aboriginal community more broadly, to develop an agricultural definition for Australia.
“Josh seeks to provide a new understanding that Australians, as a nation of farmers and land managers, need to
develop our agricultural system into one where Indigenous and Western knowledge converge,” explains the publisher’s blurb.
“So that we can create a truly Australian agricultural yarn – one that we all build together.” The book, published by Penguin, will hit bookshops on 27 May.
Community to choose dog park location
It follows the unanimous endorsement of Councillor Liam Ley’s motion to establish an accessible and centrally located park, close to amenities.
“This is an exciting step towards creating a safe, accessible space for our dogs to play and for the community to connect,” Cr Ley said after his proposal passed at the November meeting.
A survey is now open to the community to help Council staff identify preferred locations.
He also believes an offleash park will be a drawcard for dog-owning visitors.
It also asks residents and dog owners to nominate any specific facilities they would
like to see in a dedicated offleash area.
To complete the survey, go to Council’s Facebook page and search “survey”.
You can then scan a QR code or follow the link to fill out a form containing several questions. All answers are anonymous. After the survey, a report will be prepared for the Council to consider.
8:00am - Breakfast by Dungog Rotary Club 9:00am - Official Ceremony, including; Welcome by Mayor, Cr Digby Rayward Performances by A Twist of Blue Award Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony Concluding with morning tea
Dungog Shire Council is covering the
q Josh Gilbert on his farm.
Pollies sharpen pitch as pseudo-election campaign heats up
By Dominic GIANNINI and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
STRUGGLING Australians are being promised more help as Labor pushes to "build Australia's future" while the Liberals pledge to get the country "back on track".
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has given a glimpse into the Liberals' campaign mantra as the unofficial election campaign ramps up and leaders and senior ministers hit the road.
Mr Dutton criticised Labor's energy bill subsidy, branding it a "sugar hit" and said while people appreciated the support, it kept interest rates higher for longer.
He also criticised the government's handling of inflation and the economy.
The opposition leaderwho voted against the $300 energy rebate - remained coy about what his party would offer voters at the federal election, which is due by late May.
"We'll do what we can
afford," he told ABC radio on Monday.
"We'll manage the economy effectively and we'll make the decisions that will bring inflation down, interest rates down."
Mr Dutton also pledged more gas in the energy grid to cut prices.
He launched the campaign in the Melbourne seat of Chisholm, which the Liberals are fighting to take back from Labor.
Victoria is seen as vital for his bid to land Australia's top job, as he eyes off seats to pick up after the Liberal Party went backwards in the 2022 election.
The "let's get Australia back on track" slogan replicated the New Zealand National Party's electionwinning rhetoric and has been likened to Donald Trump's "make America great again".
"What it means is that we want to help families who have really struggled under this government," Mr Dutton said.
After a week on the road
across Western Australia, northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened his first cabinet meeting of 2025 with senior ministers in Canberra on Monday.
Health Minister
Mark Butler criticised Mr Dutton for opposing the government's cost of living relief measures in parliament and not offering any policies in a signature campaign speech.
"It reflects this extraordinary arrogance that Peter Dutton thinks he can skate to victory at the upcoming election simply on rhetoric and sledging," he said.
Mr Butler criticised Mr Dutton for freezing the Medicare rebate during his tenure as health minister, during which he also tried to impose a $7 co-payment for people visiting the GP.
"(It's) a record that Australia's doctors described as the worst health minister in the history of Medicare," Mr Butler said.
COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
q Anthony Albanese takes a selfie during a sod turning event in Perth. Photo: AAP Image/Aaron Bunch.
q Peter Dutton arrives at a Liberal Party campaign rally in Melbourne. Photo: AAP Image/Diego Fedele.
New patients continue struggle to find bulk-billing GPs
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
FEWER GP clinics than ever will take new bulk-billed customers and out-of-pocket
charges continue to rise, in data labelled concerning but not surprising.
Healthcare directory Cleanbill's annual survey
of nearly 7000 GP clinics found Australia's bulk-billing rate had plummeted to 20.7 percent at the start of 2025, down from 35.7 per cent two
years earlier.
Nationally, the average out-of-pocket cost for patients increased four per cent year-on-year, with the average charge $43.38 in 2025.
Remarkably, the study found no Tasmanian clinics that would bulk bill a new adult patient without concessions, with that state also having the largest average out-of-pocket cost at $54.26.
Over Cleanbill's three annual surveys, every state has seen an annual decrease to its bulk-billing rate combined with an increase to the average out-of-pocket cost.
Cleanbill founder James Gillespie said the data made it easy to see why Australians with health complaints were increasingly opting out of seeing a doctor.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' patient experiences survey released in November found about 1.5 million people did not attend a GP with a health complaint due to cost.
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"The data is absolutely concerning, but it's not particularly surprising… anyone who's gone to see a GP in recent years knows how few bulk-billing clinics remain and how high outof-pocket costs can be," Mr Gillespie told AAP.
"As bulk-billing rates continue to slide and outof-pocket costs continue to increase, it's unsurprising that more Australians than ever before are delaying or avoiding seeing a GP because of concerns surrounding cost."
Health Minister Mark Butler disputed Cleanbill's figures, which are considerably lower than the government's official bulkbilling rate of 77.2 percent in November.
Government figures show the ratio of all individual GP visits that were bulk-billed, compared with Cleanbill's study of clinics that would bulk-bill a new adult patient without concessions.
"Official data shows our record investment to strengthen Medicare has stopped the free-fall in bulk billing that was created under the Liberal and Nationals government," Mr Butler said.
"Every state and territory now has more bulk billing, with the largest rise in some states which have historically struggled with lower rates of bulk billing (but) we know there's more to do to keep strengthening Medicare after a decade of cuts and neglect."
The federal government tripled bulk-billing incentives in 2023 for pensioners, concession card holders and children, meaning GPs received a $21 bonus in cities and almost $40 in regional areas.
Given that lifted rates, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Michael Wright said an increase in Medicare funding should be front-ofmind heading to this year's federal election.
"Medicare has been underfunded for decades… today's patient rebates don't come close to the cost of care, so people are paying more out-of-pocket, it's harder for GPs to bulk bill," he told AAP.
"When people can't see their GP or delay care due to costs, their health gets worse and they are more likely to end up in hospitals… that's bad for their health, and costs taxpayers more."
Authorised by David Gillespie, Cnr Cameron St and Oxley Hwy, Wauchope NSW 2446
q People are paying more to see the doctor as the bilk-billing rate for new patients plummets. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!
TEN, 7pm
Robert Irwin wasn’t in the running to be named “King of the Jungle” last year, but season 10 of this celebrity reality staple was certainly the young presenter’s crowning glory, netting him a Gold Logie nomination. Back for another instalment of jungle hijinks with co-host Julia Morris (pictured, with Irwin), the wildlife warrior continues to breathe fresh air into the franchise in 2025, along with a new cast of stars entering the Kruger National Park camp tonight.
FRIDAY, January 17
(Mdl, R) 2.00 The Split: Barcelona. (Final, Ml, R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden: The 18th Century. (R) Monty Don visits Rousham House.
8.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R) A love affair seems to be at the heart of a young woman’s death in a nearby town.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Berlin. (Final, PG, R) Joanna Lumley concludes her journey.
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Grand Designs: Norwich. (R)
11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
WEDNESDAY
ELSBETH
TEN, 9pm
In a change from the usual gritty detective fare, this quirky comedy drama is not only a colourful cupcake of a crime procedural but strays from the “whodunnit” format, instead telling viewers who the baddie is from the beginning of an episode and then working out how to catch them. It all revolves around Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston, pictured), formerly a cartoonish defence lawyer occasionally seen in
who has just been appointed as an “outside observer” working alongside the NYPD. Elsbeth’s astute observational skills and unconventional approach bring a lot of fun to crime-solving in a series that is all its own. In tonight’s premiere, Elsbeth ruffles feathers while investigating the death of a drama student.
Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 11. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, R) A man ages in reverse. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 De Gaulle. (Ma)
12.00 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
3.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY THE DARKNESS
SBS, 9.30pm
It’s no shock this grim but engrossing Nordic noir series is essential
Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. 2.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 37. Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Dr Harry Cooper helps clingy cavaliers.
12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 1. Highlights.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
The
What’s Eating Gilbert ) behind the camera and his real-life wife, the always-wonderful pictured) in the lead role. Set in Iceland and with the backdrop of a refugee crisis taking place in the country, DI Hulda Hermannsdóttir (Olin) and partner Lukas (Jack Bannon) must investigate a kidnapping, with only a vague description from the kidnapped woman’s son to go on. However, it’s not long before they realise this crime is inextricably linked to another recent case they’ve worked on, as a sordid web of intrigue in Reykjavík grows ever deeper.
Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. From Melbourne Park. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 6. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy helps a family come to terms with their deaf child’s inability to communicate.
1.00 First On Scene. (Maln) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A dog goes missing in the park.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Drive TV. (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 MOVIE: Cast Away. (2000, Ma, R) A workaholic executive becomes stranded on a deserted tropical island after a plane crash. Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy. 10.20 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather. 10.45 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
SATURDAY, January 18
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: End Of Days. (Final, R) Brian Cox looks at how the universe will end.
6.30 Back Roads: Camperdown, Victoria. (PG, R) Presented by Kerry Staight.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. A painting disappears.
8.30 Vera. (Mad, R) Vera and the team investigate the murder of an addiction support worker.
10.05 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal, R) Charts the story of Delia Balmer. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland.
8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PG, R)
9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PGa, R)
10.15 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R)
11.25 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019, Mavw, R) 1.25 MOVIE: Subjects Of Desire. (2021, MA15+av, R) 3.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.15
Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Singapore Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 WorldWatch.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) An American citizen returns from Russia.
7.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990, Mv, R) A detective goes undercover as a teacher. Arnold Schwarzenegger. 9.50 MOVIE: True Lies. (1994, Mlsv, R) A secret agent’s wife is caught up in his latest mission. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis.
12.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park.
11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 7. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) The staff grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Court abortion rights decision.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to find the right fit for a father and son duo.
8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A dog goes on a charm offensive. Determined to prove that it is young at heart, a pooch enjoys a game of tennis with a possible new family. A lovable goofball sends a couple into a spin. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Ambulance NSW responds to calls about an 88-year-old with a severe head wound. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) A collision stretches resources to the limit. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
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 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, January 19
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml) Miriam Margolyes journey ends.
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Malv) Having escaped with her life, Delia lies in a critical condition in hospital as police search for Sweeney.
10.05 MOVIE: Mystery Road. (2013, Malv, R) An Indigenous detective investigates a murder. Aaron Pedersen.
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.05 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.05 The Great Acceleration. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya
The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
6am Petite
(64)
7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (Final, PG, R)
8.30 One Mind, One Heart. (PG)
10.05 Stopping The Steal. (Mal, R)
11.45 The Choice 2024: Harris Vs Trump. (PGa, R)
1.45 The VP Choice: Vance Vs Walz. (Ml, R)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.25 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 9.15 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. 10.20 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.50pm Odd Thomas. (2013, M) 2.40 December Boys. (2007, PG) 4.40 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Beau Is Afraid. (2023) 11.45 Piercing. (2018, MA15+) 1.15am High Ground. (2020, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs. 6.40am Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 10.40 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 1.10pm The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 3.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 4.45 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.35 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.30am The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) Interview with James Packer and Robbie Williams.
12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 3. Highlights.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
The
6am
4.05
6.00
Strikes
(2006,
(1976,
Austn Open. Afternoon 7. 7.00 Young Sheldon. 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. (2018, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Mortal Kombat. (2021, MA15+) 12.10am The Originals. 2.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 8. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mdm, R) Max learns about the bequest office.
1.00 First On Scene. (MA15+av) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return, PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 The Graham Norton Show. (Mhs) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, Jamie Oliver, Lolly Adefope and Coldplay. 10.10 MOVIE: Mafia
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Austn Open. Afternoon 8. 7.00 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle 2. (2001, PG) 8.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 2. (1989, M) 11.05 Gotham. 12.05am Arrow. 2.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 3.00 Late Programs.
MONDAY, January 20
6.00
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
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Hunt For Truth: Tasmanian Tiger. (Ml, R)
8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
9.30 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Clean Sweep. (Mals)
12.00 Wisting. (MA15+als, R)
12.55 Faking Hitler. (Ml, R) 2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (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) Cash experiences a flashback.
7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 1.
10.30 Motorway Patrol. (PGa) A driver decides to off-road it. 11.00 Highway Cops. (PG)
11.30 Born To Kill? Peter Moore – The Man In Black. (Mav, R)
12.30 Wild Tokyo. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.00 US Presidential Inauguration.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Cheerful
Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.50 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 8.50 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 10.35 Murder By Decree. (1979, M) 12.50pm The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.30 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 4.20 White Lion. (2010, PG) 6.00 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.40 Arctic. (2018, M) 9.30 Stay. (2005) 11.30 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, January 21
In New Zealand. (Final, Ml, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.10 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R) 12.35 Grand Designs. (R) 1.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
8.35 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (PG, R)
9.55 The Artist’s View. (PGal, R) 10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a)
11.55 Christian. (MA15+v, R)
2.55 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.45 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Morning Programs. 2pm
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 9. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R)
Max takes a chance with Wilder.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) A 76-year-old who is a full-time carer for his wife is in agony after an accident at home.
2.00 Family Law. (Mas, R) Abby fights for her client’s right to know her biological child, who was switched at birth.
3.00 US Presidential Inauguration. Coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration. 5.00 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity…
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Summer Bay celebrates the opening of the new Bait Shop. Eden waits at Tim’s side.
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Qualifier. 11.30 Lockerbie. (Final, PGalv, R)
The court awaits the verdict tensely.
12.35 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 1. Highlights. 1.35 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 10. From Melbourne Park. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Max helps an ICU intern.
First On Scene. (Mv)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Our State On A Plate. (PG, R) Sophie Budd explores a brewery. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
GolfBarons. (PG, R)
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
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6am RabbitProof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.40 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 8.30 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 10.25 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.15pm The Bribe Of Heaven. (2016, M, Spanish) 1.55 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 3.45 The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 5.40 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, M) 9.40 Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs.
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6.00
WEDNESDAY, January 22
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.05 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.10 Destination Flavour China. (PGa, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGn, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R) 9.25 The Night Manager. (Masv)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Pagan Peak. (Mav)
11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R)
1.00 Soldiers. (Malv, R)
2.50 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 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 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 1982: The Greatest Geek Year Ever. 9.15 MOVIE: Attack Force Z. (1981) 11.00 MOVIE: Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 12.45am Late Programs.
6am The 400
Blows. (1959, PG, French) 7.40 Oliver! (1968, PG)
10.20 Arctic. (2018, M) 12.10pm Stay. (2005) 2.10 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 3.50 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 5.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 7.30 The Glorias. (2020, M) 10.10
THURSDAY, January 23
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Kumi’s Japan. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30. (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. 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 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of The
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Confucius Was
3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (Final, PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Outback Adventures In Western Australia.
8.30 Silk Road From Above. (R)
9.30 The Darkness. (Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Divided We Stand. (Premiere, Mal)
12.45 Blanca. (Madlv, R)
2.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.35 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.25 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 12.15pm WorldWatch. 12.45 The Gig Is Up. 2.20 Overlooked. (Final) 2.50 Insight. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. 12.55am MOVIE: All The Beauty And The Bloodshed. (2022, MA15+) 3.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
MOVIES (32)
Earnest. (1952) 6.45 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 8.35 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 10.40 The Furnace. (2020, M) 12.50pm I’m Gilda. (2016, M, Spanish) 3.00 Oliver! (1968, PG) 5.40 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.40 Infinite Storm. (2022, M) 9.30 Haywire. (2011, M) 11.10 The Adopters. (2019, MA15+, Spanish) 1.10am Sound Of Metal. (2019, M) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Rose is overruled.
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Knockout. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 1.30 Black-ish. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 11. From Melbourne Park. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) Helen Sharpe returns to New York.
1.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) The team pays a visit to a very special farm.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG)
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 2. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. A deep dive into the world of cricket. 11.15 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+adls) Tommy confronts Rand. 12.15 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 3. Highlights.
1.15 Black-ish. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 12. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) Max and Wilder face a dilemma.
1.00 First On Scene. (MA15+) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Premiere, Mav) An unconventional attorney must balance her role with the NYPD and her own methods to uncover a killer.
10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Return, Mav) 10.55 10’s Late News. 11.20 The
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.
9GEM (82)
LEASE OF ROAD RESERVE
Notice of Intention to Lease Part of Barrington Street Gloucester
In accordance with Sections 154 & 156 of the Roads Act 1993, MidCoast Council gives notice of its intention to enter into a licence agreement with the adjoining property owner (Lot 4 Sec H DP 192505) over the unformed part of the Road Reserve known as Barrington Street, Gloucester, for a period of three (3) years for the purpose of grazing.
Submissions may be made in writing (quoting ref. LIC2025/BARRINGTON) to Council and lodged on or before 21 February 2025. Further information on the proposal can be obtained from Council’s Property Officers on 7955 7777.
DEAR Jasminda,
TWICE now during the holidays I have been beeped while waiting at the roundabout.
I have been driving for decades but I am always wary of roundabouts and sometimes completely change my travel route to avoid them. I think in both cases I was in the right. Can you clear up the rules for me?
Gilly W.
Dear Gilly,
There are pages and diagrams on the NSW
government website devoted to roundabout rules, but I find none of these as useful as the advice my dad gave me which was: 'treat everyone like a bloody moron, because half of them are; unless you can see the whites of their eyes, don't trust their blinker'.
In the holiday season, many people are still coming down off their rum ball/ espresso martini high and don't have their wits about them.
|Some use their indicator in a very casual way and others don't use it at all.
You just can't trust that drivers are going to exit the roundabout before you enter it, and you could be in danger of being t-boned.
The main rule is to give way to traffic already on the roundabout, and this is all very
well and good when motorists are driving in a calm and considerate manner, but it's not worth risking an accident entering a roundabout when cars are about to enter to your right and are driving at a speed that would cause a collision. What should be a seamless and graceful glide around the roundabout morphs into a fistshaking, horn-honking mosh pit in the Christmas holidays and extra caution is advised. Whatever you do, don't get agitated with the cars behind you and definitely don't exit your vehicle, stomp up to their car and administer the wind-down-your-window-andlet's-see-how-brave-you-arethen-you-clown gesture, as tempting as that may be. It's not worth the stress of an altercation and you really will be holding up the flow of traffic.
Boot Camp
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Lest We Forget: John Henry Hain
By Martin HOLMES CSM
THIS story is part of a series about military veterans laid to rest at Dungog General Cemetery by Dungog RSL subBranch Vice-President Martin Holmes.
2654 PTE John Henry Hain – WW1 (AIF)
John Henry Hain (known as Jack) was born at Seaham in 1895 to parents James and Margaret Hain.
John aged 20 years enlisted in the AIF on 2 August 1915 at Raymond Terrace.
He was the first of three brothers to enlist in the AIF.
Initially he was allocated to the 6th Reinforcements for the 19th Battalion as in August 1915, the 19th Battalion was already overseas on the Gallipoli Peninsular.
John spent the next few months in initial training before boarding the troopship HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915 in Sydney bound for Alexandria (Egypt).
He arrived at Alexandria
in early December but did not join the 19th Battalion on Gallipoli as the Battalion was in the process of withdrawing from Gallipoli and had withdrawn to Lemnos (Crete) by 19 December.
On 7 January 1916 the 19th Battalion was back at Alexandria.
In January he was admitted sick to 1st General Hospital at Heliopolis (Egypt).
On 14 February, he, along with the rest of the 6th Reinforcements of the 19th Battalion, were instead allocated to the 4th Battalion (1st Brigade, 1st Division).
The 4th Battalion was at Tel el Kebir (110km NNE of Cairo Egypt) undergoing refit and training after evacuating from Gallipoli.
The unit undertook training until moving to Alexandria on 23 March where they boarded the troopship HMTS Simla for Marseilles (France).
Disembarking at Marseilles on 30 March they entrained for Steaenbecke (France).
On detraining they then marched for several days until reaching Petillon (France).
Here on 19 April they took over the trenches in the Armentieres sector and began a system of regular relief of the trenches.
The Armentieres sector was a relatively quiet sector on the Western front and used as an introduction for trench warfare.
On 10 July the unit began moving to Pozieres (France), part of the Somme battlefield, arriving on 19 July where they took over trenches from the 13th Royal Fusiliers.
The opening battle for Pozieres had begun by the British on 14 July with the Australians taking over and attacking on 23 July.
The 4th Battalion was in the first attacks beginning after midnight and involved in heavy fighting until withdrawn from the battle on 27 July after Pozieres was taken.
The Battalion had suffered intense artillery fire throughout the 25 July and
the men suffered severely.
Over these five days the 4th Battalion suffered 421 killed, wounded or missing out of a unit strength of 946 at the start of the battle.
It was sometime during this period that John was wounded being shot in the right thigh.
John was evacuated from the battlefield being admitted to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen (France) on 27 July. By 30 July he had been evacuated to the Graylingwell War Hospital in Chichester (England) where he underwent further treatment.
John recovered sufficiently by 18 August to be given a fortnight leave then reported to 1st Training Battalion at Perham (England).
On 10 September he proceeded overseas back to France and rejoined the 4th Battalion on 24 September.
At this time the Battalion was in the Ypres salient where it was a comparatively quiet period.
The Battalion moved back to the Somme and spent October and November taking part in attacks.
The weather was atrocious with deep mud and continual rain and water filling the trenches and battlefield.
The Battalion moved to Ribemont (France) on 2 December with members suffering from the effects of freezing wet conditions and battle fatigue.
On 5 December, John was evacuated sick from the field.
He was admitted to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen (France) on the 9 December and evacuated back to England being admitted to the 2nd Birmingham War Hospital, Birmingham on 15 December.
John was subsequently transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital
at Dartford for recovery.
He was diagnosed with deafness and determined no longer fit for military service.
On 24 February 1917, John was transferred to the 2nd Command Depot at Weymouth where he awaited repatriation to Australia.
On 4 May, John embarked on the troopship HMAT Themistocles for Sydney.
He disembarked in Sydney on 5 July and was given a welcome home party on 10 July by the residents of Seaham.
On 31 August, John was discharged from the AIF as no longer medically fit to continue serving due to deafness. Interestingly, John applied for a war invalid pension but the application was rejected on 23 August, no incapacity as a result of warlike operations.
Whether he was later successful in obtaining an
invalid pension is not shown in his service record.
He returned to civilian life working as a railway porter in Dungog.
In 1919 he married Miss Olive May Wilson of Dungog and they remained in Dungog having six children.
John retired from the railways, remaining in Dungog until his death on 23 October 1961.
He was buried in the Dungog General Cemetery (Presbyterian Section).
As a returned soldier from WW1 his headstone was erected by the Office of Australian War Graves and has a bronze plaque.
John was issued the following medals: 1914/15 Star; British War Medal 191420; Victory Medal.
John’s service is recorded on the Seaham Hall Memorial Board and Memorial Gates 1914-18 at the entrance to the Seaham School of Arts, also the Dungog and District WW1 Honour Roll.
Man faces court after 98 roos found dead on army base
By Mark RUSSELL, AAP
A MAN accused of shooting dead 98 kangaroos on an army base denies all charges against him.
Joey Pace, 43, of Williamtown, appeared briefly in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday after being arrested by a police rural crime prevention team in the NSW Hunter Valley.
Defence lawyer Glenn Kable told the court Pace would be pleading not guilty to all charges.
Magistrate Gregory Moore adjourned the case to August 26 for hearing and continued Pace's bail.
Mr Moore ordered police to provide Pace with the brief
of evidence against him by May 1.
Police raided Pace's property at Williamtown in December and allegedly seized three firearms following the discovery of the dead kangaroos on the Singleton army base in October.
A number of firearms were also seized from a second Hunter property.
A firearms suspension notice has been issued.
Pace has been charged with six offences including aggravated animal cruelty between October 1 and October 8 at Broke, discharging a firearm on the Singleton military base, trespassing on
commonwealth land and harming or attempting to harm protected animals, namely the 98 kangaroos.
He is also accused of failing to ensure a Stirling 20 rifle was kept safely at Williamtown on December 20, 2024, and not having approved storage for ammunition when being the holder of a category A or B licence.
Police were called in to investigate after the dead kangaroos as well as an ammunition box and two cartridges were found on the Singleton army base on October 8.
Pace refused to comment outside court.
q Joey Pace has denied all charges against him after 98 kangaroos were found dead on an army base. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTO.
q Seaham School of Arts Memorial Gate pillar. Photo: Martin Holmes.
q The grave of John Henry Hain in Dungog. Photo: Martin Holmes.
Reminders for region’s farmers
THE region’s farmers are being reminded of changes to the storage of firearms and the rules around summer weed spraying.
Port Stephens Hunter
Police District is alerting gun owners to check the updated fact sheets on safe storage requirements, following recent changes to the Firearms Act 1996.
These apply to firearms and ammunition, and to paintball permit holders, and can be found on the NSW Police website at police.nsw. gov.au/online_services/
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
WE Live in Time heads the lineup of new releases this week, as well as testing to see whether summer audiences will favour a romantic comedy/tear-jerker.
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star in this tale of love and loss in which the conceit of the film is that the story unfolds in non-linear fashion.
Jumping from one time period to another and then back again can be a frustrating editing choice, and it is one that does not really benefit this movie.
The stars, however, do have great chemistry and
screen presence, and their charm elevates an otherwise middle-of-the-road script from playwright Nick Payne.
If you’re interested in the next big scare, Wolfman comes to screens from Universal and Blumhouse Productions, with Aussie Leigh Whannel directing.
Following in the formula that made 2020’s The Invisible Man such a hit, this new version of one of the classic Universal Monster films re-contextualises the titular monster as a family man who threatens his loved ones when he falls victim to a terrible curse.
As The Invisible Man served as a metaphor for
toxic masculinity and abusive relationships, Wolfman seems to be doing the same for domestic violence amongst families.
None of this makes it too high-brow for good, oldfashioned scares though, as there’s plenty of opportunities to jump out of your seat.
If you’re in the mood for the kind of film that causes real arguments, Emelia Pérez might interest you.
A Spanish-language film from a French production company, it is adapted from an operetta which was based on a book and comes to screens as a “musical crime comedy”- that sentence has made me dizzy.
firearms/safe_storage.
Meanwhile, NSW Farmers' Agricultural Science Committee Chair Alan Brown, said that as property-owners prepare to tackle the spread
In short, the premise finds a Mexican crime lord recruiting a lawyer to help him disappear so he can transition to become a woman.
That’s just the beginning of a film that really swings for the fences in terms of style, atmosphere and emotion.
It is aesthetically similar to films like Moulin Rouge, with elaborate musical set pieces and big performances.
Does it work? That is the matter of much debate, as for every award nomination there has been a critic of some aspect of the film.
It is, however, a film that is designed for the big screen, and that will be the best chance you have at deciding whether it’s a film for you.
Sing Sing is the real gem from this week’s slate of releases.
A prison drama inspired
of summer weeds, they should remain mindful of several key precautions to avoid off-target spray drift.
This occurs when agricultural chemicals or vapour become airborne and drift outside the target area.
It can happen if chemicals are applied at the wrong time of day, or during the wrong weather conditions.
“Simple steps such as using the appropriate spray nozzle and spraying as close to the target as possible go a long way when it comes to preventing drift,” Mr Brown said.
“Monitoring weather conditions regularly while spraying is also crucial. While we all want to get the job done, it’s vital that you stop spraying as soon as conditions become unfavourable.
“Understanding the impact of new adjuvants and formulations of popular chemicals when selecting your spray mix is also essential to reducing spray drift.
by the real life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, the film follows inmates of the titular correctional facility who find meaning and purpose in their efforts to produce a play.
Divine G (Colman Domingo) is a wrongfully imprisoned man seeking to create something special while he works to prove his innocence, but clashes with Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin), a hardened inmate who is slow to see the point of the art they are trying to create.
What has made this a remarkable production is that a number of the performers, including Maclin, are themselves former inmates of the prison and participants in the program - so Divine Eye’s journey of transformation draws on his real-life experiences.
Mr Brown said consulting an agronomist for the latest advice and continued vigilance was key to preventing damage to crops.
“Previous seasons saw significant damage as a result of off-target spray drift incidents, so it’s vital that we stay alert and take the relevant precautions.
“Failure to do so can have extensive repercussions on not just production and profitability, but livelihoods, relationships and communities - for years to come.”
Compulsory record keeping of pesticide use is required in NSW, with records to be made within 48 hours and kept for three years.
A sample pesticide application record is available on the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website.
*If you have been affected by spray drift, report the incident to the EPA on 131 555 as soon as possible.
A story of hope with no real villains, this is one that will linger in the heart.
Finally a film that is very hard to describe but I hope everyone will give a chance is Magic Beach, an adaptation of the children's book by Alison Lester.
With no real narrative the film blends several styles of animation and footage to create the fantastical adventures of children who spend their days at the Magic Beach.
Director Robert Connolly has crafted a film that is all about the experience of joy and delight that is unique to childhood.
If you have the book on your kids shelf, take them to see this.
If you don’t… take them anyway.
Visit newsofthearea.com.au to sign up for a FREE digital subscription to one / all of our newspapers. You will be sent an email when each of the printed editions are available to be read online. www.newsofthearea.com.au
q One of the updated fact sheets on firearms storage in NSW. Image: NSW Police.
Mental health patients thrown 'under the bus'
By Savannah MEACHAM, AAP
AUSTRALIA’S most populous state is accused of abandoning mental health patients by failing to meet pay demands to retain psychiatrists.
impact across the system, not just on mental health patients.
However, the government will not agree to the 25 percent pay increase demand which Mr Park says adds up to an extra $90,000 on each salary.
Mr Park said the government simply cannot afford to pay the healthcare professionals so much.
who are yet to hand in their notices to think again.
"Please don't do this, remain at the table, don't do this to patients, don't do this to the healthcare system that I know you love and support, don't do this to your colleagues who I know you value and trust," he told reporters.
the psychiatry workforce, and doctors in training in NSW under the bus," said Ian Lisser, acting executive director of the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) NSW, the doctors' union.
department has been putting contingencies in place for the mass resignation.
This includes engaging with private providers, speaking with the Health Direct service, looking at the Mental Health Line capacity and adjusting workforce models across the state.
The NSW government has conceded some 200 psychiatrists have resigned - about half the workforce - due to pay negotiations stalling and the growing pressure of staff shortages.
"To have a wage increase of 25 percent on an individual who's earning multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars a year is substantial for any government of any political persuasion, and that is simply not possible," he said.
Health Minister Ryan Park admitted the mass resignation will have an
He has begged the state's psychiatrists to reconsider their resignations or any
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 11th January
Individual Par FIELD | 34 members & 3 visitors.
DIVISION 1 (<15) |
Winner Nick Howell (13) 5 Up, Runner Up Chris Zawirski (7) [Branxton] 3 Up, 3rd Place, Mick Mirisch (15) 3 Up
DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Paul Howell (18) 3 Up, Runner Up Denis
Crossman (21) 3 Up, 3rd Place Greg Sainsbury (20) 2 Up BALL COMP | Wayne Stedman (9) 2 Up, Stephen Watson (14) 2 Up, David Bambach (10) 1 Up, Andrew Woodley (17) 1 Up, Paul Geddes (11) 1 Up, Ramsey Vane-Wood (9) Square, Michael Shanley (19) Square, John Walker (10) Square, Allan Mckinnon (12) Square, Peter Griffin (16) 1 Down,
Best advice
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
"For myself it's about putting that Blues jersey on again and being the best
version of myself and being the best centre in the game," Best said.
"To put on that Kangaroos jersey is definitely a big goal.
"I think I've got a great
A health union said the government has refused to budge in pay negotiations that would help address the growing staff shortages, where one in three psychiatrist positions remains unfilled.
"Instead of dealing with the underlying problem of staff retention and attraction, the Minister for Health seems happy to throw mental health patients,
SPORTS
Glenn Davies (5) 1 Down, Peter Nicholson (14) 1 Down, Greg Kellner (17) 1 Down. NEAREST THE PIN | 2nd/11th - Wayne Stedman (9), 6th/15th - Ramsey VaneWood (9), 8th/17th - David Bambach (10)
MEMBERS DRAW | Gary Kellehear- No.44 - $161.13 ($161.12 carries forward)
MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 6 Balls
UPCOMING EVENTS |
centre here in 'Gags', to learn off him.
"I want to follow in his footsteps and we want to be the best centres in the game."
Best's hopes of winning a call-up to the Blues set-up under new coach Laurie Daley will hinge on Newcastle's early-season form.
The Knights finished the
18-Jan Stableford & Skins Qualifiers 1st Round, 25-Jan Stableford, 2BBB & Skins Qualifiers 2nd Round, 1-Feb Stroke & Monthly Medal, 8-Feb Stableford, 15-Feb Stableford & Skins Qualifiers 3rd Round, 22-Feb Stableford, 2BBB & Skins Qualifiers 4th Round.
Schedule subject to change
2024 season in eighth spot and the big question heading into the new campaign is over their halves combination.
Coach Adam O'Brien regularly chopped and changed between Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce but never truly settled on his first-choice combination.
The union said psychiatrists do not want to resign but have been left with little choice when the government cannot match a salary given in other states.
"(Psychiatrists) have been working in a crumbling system for months, they have been telling Ryan Park the situation is untenable, and now they have been backed into the corner," Mr Lisser said.
As negotiations falter, NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce said the
However, Ms Pearce remains concerned that 200 resignations will significantly impact the state.
"Despite the plans that we have in place it is very difficult to overnight replace 200 psychiatrists," she said.
The pay dispute is expected to be negotiated in the Industrial Relations Commission this week.
Best said the fierce battle for the two playmaking roles only bodes well for the Knights' fortunes.
"There's plenty of depth here and the competition and the boys have been unreal," Best said.
"I'm not going to say names, but the boys have been killing it and it's a good,
healthy rivalry.
"Everyone does talk and the media always talk and want to know.
"But we know what the boys' strengths are and they just need to come in and just worry about them as halves and the spine."
q Div 1 Winner Nick Howell with Div 2 Winner Paul Howell.
q NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park. Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas.
But
q Bradman Best has a steely resolve to become the NRL's No.1 centre in 2025. Photo: Mark Evans/AAP