By Lisa WISEMAN
q Musicians Rachel Butcher and Rod Kiena played at the opening.
Ben Steer amplifying Dungog’s creative scene
By Shannon BENTON
BEN Steer, a seasoned music industry professional with an impressive career spanning
decades, is injecting new energy into Dungog’s vibrant cultural community.
With a lifetime in the music business, Ben’s
HORSE HOMES
FROM Page 1
be submitted online by Friday, 17 January 2025, and applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Applicants who are already approved under the Kosciuszko rehoming program do not need to reapply via the first form.
Rather they should just apply to rehome from
Barrington Tops.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), following recommendations from the Wild Horse Rehoming Program review, has updated the NPWS horse rehoming guidelines to reduce the risk of adverse welfare outcomes.
The rehoming application process aligns with NPWS's
experience encompasses roles in marketing, promotion, and A&R for all the major record labels.
Ben’s career highlights include years working with legendary Australian band INXS and running his own management company, guiding acts across genres from hip-hop to country.
Under his management, these artists sold over 10 million records, a testament to his talent and dedication.
As a trailblazer, Ben cofounded Australia’s first music licensing business, Mana Music, responsible for placing iconic Australian tracks in films like Two Hands and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Now based in Dungog, Ben splits his time between teaching Entertainment Business Management at
statutory functions, ensuring horse ownership and welfare responsibilities are transferred to approved rehomers upon collection from NPWS temporary holding yards.
More details about the process, including eligibility criteria and rehoming requirements, are available on the Barrington Tops National Park Rehoming webpage.
JMC Academy in Sydney and running Continuous Music, his thriving music consultancy business.
His expertise is also enriching Dungog’s creative landscape.
Since settling in the area, Ben has been booking and promoting musical acts for the Royal Hotel and curating performances at the James Theatre.
Recent shows have included acclaimed acts like The Song Company, flutist Jane Rutter, conductor Guy Noble, and opera star Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
“What I love about Dungog is the people,” Ben shared.
“We have a high concentration of creatives and culturally-minded individuals living and moving here.
“I’m excited about the various collaborations and creative opportunities that can happen in 2025.”
Ben’s vision for Dungog aligns with the town’s growing reputation as a hub for the arts.
With his wealth of industry knowledge and passion for fostering local talent, Ben Steer is set to play a key role in shaping the town’s musical and cultural future.
Webster and Lawler return to the Royal
By Shannon BENTON
FANS of heartfelt melodies and transatlantic musical magic are in for a treat when Dan Webster and Emily Lawler take to the stage at the Royal Hotel on Friday, 17 January.
All the way from York in the UK, the duo promises an unforgettable evening featuring their unique blend of country/Americana, folk and roots: a style aptly dubbed ‘Anglicana’.
Known for their warm, powerful vocals and expert guitar work, Webster is complemented by Lawler's dexterous fiddling, which seamlessly intertwines Celtic and country influences.
Their harmonious collaboration produces an array of soundscapes, from energising, toe-tapping tunes to reflective and
emotive ballads.
Their music resonates deeply, captivating both folk enthusiasts and country fans across the globe.
This will mark the duo’s third Australian tour, following a string of soldout performances that left audiences raving.
"We cannot wait to be back again," Webster said, expressing his excitement about returning to Australian shores and reconnecting with the vibrant local music scene. Tickets are expected to sell fast.
q Musician Ben Steer.
q Dan Webster and Emily Lawler.
q Ben with Andrew Farriss from INXS.
q A wild horse in Barrington Tops National Park. Photo: iNaturalist/James Bennett.
Creativity on show at Dungog exhibition
There is even a large piece of taxidermy and a naughty gnome.
The largest number of entries, mostly paintings, were attracted by the themed category, “Gaia Is”, which inspired diverse interpretations from landscapes to sculptural ceramic pieces.
Painter John Edge won with his traditional painting, “Still Life - Mandrines”.
As well as paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media items and photography, the visual arts section has three dimensional artworks including a striking patchwork piece by Gayle Hamment of Dungog.
Entries in visual arts were judged by Gloucester creative Tracey Murrell.
John Grimes, the crafts judge, presented prizes in that section.
Craft has a strong number of entries.
The “Wood” category has freeform creations by Dungog artisan Sharon Newberry and more traditional work from Dungog Arts Society (DAS) member Ken Stobbart.
In keeping with the theme, Clarence Town artist Bec Towers read her poetry dressed as the goddess Gaia.
Performers Rachel Butcher, Jim and Meera Jarvis, Rod Kiena and Yvonne Pario, and Robert W. Smith entertained guests with a range of musical styles.
Local visual artist and society member Wendy Graham said the evening was “very enjoyable”.
As well as monetary prizes and framing vouchers donated by the society’s sponsors, new frames were given out as prizes.
These were especially
Surprise support for Dungog’s young readers
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG Early Literacy’s commitment to fostering early reading habits has received a holiday boost, thanks to a surprise sponsorship from The Mutual Bank.
In a recent presentation, Anne Higgins, Chairperson of Dungog Early Literacy, awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Madeleine Sinclair, Branch Team Leader of The Mutual Bank’s Dungog Branch.
popular with the recipients.
Art and craft works are on display at the gallery for three months.
Artists and artisans can still display new work in the exhibition during that period.
Musicians, poets and other performing artists of all ages can showcase their talents at “Gig in the Gog” every second Sunday.
Entertainers at the “Gaia Is” opening were selected from artists who attended Gigs.
There will be opportunities for acts attending future Gigs to perform at the April exhibition opening.
The next Gig is on 19 January.
“Gaia Is” can be viewed at 266 Dowling Street, Dungog. Visit www.dungogarts.com. au or phone 0437315191 for more information.
It was in recognition of the bank’s support of five children in the “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” initiative for the coming year.
The sponsorship ensures these local children will each receive a free, age-appropriate book each month, helping them develop literacy skills and a love for reading.
“This kind of support is invaluable,” said Ms Higgins.
“It truly enriches our program, allowing us to extend the reach of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and get more books into the hands of young families in our shire.”
Dungog Early Literacy continues to partner with community sponsors and volunteers to enrol more children in the program, with the aim of nurturing a reading culture that sets local youngsters on a lifelong path of learning.
q Dungog Shire councillor Michael Dowling, Dungog Arts Society Treasurer Ruth Dirks, Secretary Lorraine Wiseman and artist Bec Towers (back).
q Anne Higgins presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Madeleine Sinclair from The Mutual Bank.
q Jim and Meera Jarvis performing at the “Gaia Is” opening.
q Craft judge John Grimes of Dungog.
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Drama at Bandon Grove Community Christmas Tree event
By Lisa WISEMAN
THE 2024 Bandon Grove
Community Christmas Tree event was once again packed with drama and excitement.
A long-standing tradition and community effort, it still draws a crowd every year.
Locals packed the Bandon Grove School of Arts Hall on the evening of 20 December to enjoy sausage sandwiches and salad, socialise, watch the play, and to sing carols. And of course, greet the
very special visitor, Santa.
The hall has been the venue for a Christmas play since the Bandon Grove school, which closed in 1990, was still in operation.
This most recent play was presented by the Bandon Grove Drama Club, continuing the tradition.
For the last two years, the play has been written by Freya Rubeli.
Young leading actor Rio Chawney described the plot.
Her character, the
“bushwalker”, falls asleep in the magical forest and meets beings like butterflies, mermaids and gnomes.
Rio said with a smile that she wasn’t sure whether it was meant to be “all a dream… or not.”
Some highlights were the dancing butterflies in lighted costumes, slightly crotchety gnomes sitting amongst giant fungi, and special effects with audience participation, where audience members “became the forest” by holding up branches.
Music for the play was provided by the selfdescribed local metal band, “X-mazz”, while the carols were accompanied on piano.
Organiser Nikki Brown said that she didn’t realise at the start of the Christmas play just how much “drama” there would be in preparing the event.
Illnesses, injuries, and actor altercations all resulted in the date being altered.
Despite these “dramas” a small-butdedicated group of organisers and actors met weekly to stage the show.
The result was a hit,
based on the audience’s loud cheers.
While some groups meet there regularly, the Hall committee want to see the building utilised more fully.
For years they have worked very hard, getting funding, repairing and maintaining the historic building.
They hope that in future the drama club will be able to meet and present productions in addition to the Christmas festivities.
Prospective actors and supporters should contact Nikki Brown or Bruce Read for more information.
Do you want to write for the NOTA?
TELLING the incredible stories of regional communities is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
NOTA is currently seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team in Dungog.
Are you a freelance reporter, current or ex-
journalist, or simply a passionate and quality writer?
“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 awe-inspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in Dungog Shire.
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 media@newsofthearea.com.au.
q Mermaids in the play.
q Santa brought presents for the children.
q Enjoying the sausage sandwiches and homemade salads.
q Young actors dance on stage.
q The ‘house band’ X-Mazz provided music for the play.
Nursing support for all, no matter the cancer type
By Kat WONG, AAP
AUSTRALIANS
living with any kind of cancer will find it easier to get support as a proven breast cancer model is expanded to all.
The federal government has committed $2.3 million to the McGrath Foundation to expand an online tool that connects patients with expert cancer care nurses.
Originally intended for Australians with breast cancer, the 'find a nurse' tool will soon be able to help patients experiencing other types of cancer as well.
Health Minister Mark Butler made the announcement on Sunday just a few hundred metres from the Sydney Cricket
Ground, where sports fans transformed the stands into a sea of pink to raise money for the foundation at one of the nation's most prominent cancer events.
"We are determined to make sure that there is equity in cancer treatment... no matter the cancer type," he told reporters.
Since 2009, the third day of Australian cricket's Sydney Test in January has paid tribute to Jane McGrath, the cancer support advocate who cofounded the breast cancer charity with her husband, cricket legend Glenn McGrath.
During her breast cancer journey, Mrs McGrath said having access to a breast care nurse was "like having someone hold my hand through one of the worst nightmares of my life".
She was determined that every family would have access to the same breast care she received.
When she died in 2008
at the age of 42, leaving behind two children, she had secured funding for 50 breast cancer nurses, leaving the foundation on track to carry out her mission.
The McGrath Foundation recently expanded its scope to provide care for all cancer patients, after the federal government in 2023 provided millions to help the charity recruit 100 more specialised nurses.
The 2025 Sydney Test, also known as the Pink Test, is the first iteration of the annual event to support care for all cancers.
"The fact that now we can take our care to anyone with any type of cancer is something I find very special," Mr McGrath told reporters.
"To me, this is a test match of celebration - a celebration of life, but also of hope - that when things are tough, life can still be good and continue on."
q McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President Glenn McGrath saluted the crowds at the Test on Sunday. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Evolving world water cycle threatens Australia
By Marion RAE, AAP
DEADLY floods, cyclones and droughts are wreaking havoc as record-breaking temperatures change the way water moves around the world, scientists warn.
Water-related disasters killed thousands of people, displaced millions and caused losses exceeding
$US550 billion in 2024, according to an international study released on Monday.
The outlook for 2025 signals the greatest risk of developing or deepening drought in western Australia, the Americas and southern Africa, while other areas could face greater flood risks.
Ongoing climate change increases the potential for flash floods, flash droughts, intense storms and heatwaves across many regions, according to the 2024 Global Water Monitor.
"But it's not on people's agenda until your house burns or washes away, or you don't have water coming
out of the tap," lead author Professor Albert van Dijk told AAP.
Australia's experience with climate extremes, flash floods and bushfires makes us a little more resilient, Australian National University's Prof van Dijk said.
"But the extremes are also getting more extreme," he said, calling for better flood defences, more drought-resilient food production and water supplies and better early warning systems.
Half of the world's population - four billion people across 111 countries - experienced their warmest
year yet amid a worsening trend of more intense and localised flash floods, prolonged droughts and record-breaking extremes, the report found.
"Heat is also a major issue for Australians," Prof van Dijk said, as climate extremes alter the world water cycle of how water gets from the sky to the land and back again.
"The unfortunate truth is that even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases right now, we would still be stuck with climate change for several decades," he said.
The most damaging water-related disasters of the past year included
flash floods, river floods, droughts, tropical cyclones and landslides including the devastation in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province in May.
The research team used data from thousands of ground stations and satellites orbiting the earth to capture insights on rainfall, soil moisture, river flows and flooding.
Air temperatures over land in 2024 were 1.2C warmer than at the start of the century, and about 2.2C higher than at the start of the Industrial Revolution.
The number of recordhigh monthly average temperatures in the 4687 river catchments worldwide was the highest in the 45year record and 9.3 times the 1995 to 2005 average.
New records were set for
annual maximum temperature in 34 countries and hot days in 40 countries.
The Australia West Coast and Lake Eyre basins were among the 21 river basins with record-high annual discharge values.
Twenty-eight countries had record-high annual minimum temperatures, while unusually high annual minimum temperatures were recorded in 16 countries including in Polynesia.
Four countries recorded record-low annual soil moisture levels, including Samoa.
Oceania also showed record surface water extent, or inundation, in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Micronesia and Vanuatu.
Globally, the number of frost days was the lowest on record while annual minimum temperatures were increasing, especially in the tropics.
Essential grants
ESSENTIAL Energy will launch its 2025 Essential Grants program when applications are called from Monday 3 February.
Eligible groups including not-forprofit organisations, charities and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area of Gloucester, Stroud and Dungog are encouraged to apply.
Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for community-based
initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition.
The program aims to assist eligible community groups contributing towards positive outcomes for regional communities.
Nominations for the Essential Grants Program close on Monday 31 March with more information from www.essentialenergy.com.au/ essentialgrants.
q Climate change is increasing the potential for flash floods, droughts, intense storms and heatwaves. Photo: Dan Himbrechts, Darren Pateman/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
KING RICHARD
NBN, 8.30pm
Smith netted a well-deserved statue for his role as the driven and visionary Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Serena and Venus. Set in the 1990s, Richard completely sacrifices his own goals and ambitions to ensure that his two daughters would become two of the best players to ever set foot on court. While the film reportedly embellishes real-life events for dramatic purposes, this is a compelling portrait of parental love in the form of obsession, with the only critique being that by focusing so much on Richard we don’t really learn anything about the sisters and their own hardships. But even so, King Richard is an ace.
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Secret History Of The British Garden: The 17th Century. (R) Presented by Monty Don.
8.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) Marine helps Antoine and Hélène investigate the death of an aristocrat, found dead at his chateau.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Rome. (PG, R)
10.50 Grand Designs. (R)
11.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
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
SUNDAY
SCREAM VI
TEN, 9.30pm
You’d think the Scream formula would be getting tired by the sixth outing, but this subversive slasher franchise keeps finding new ways to innovate and entertain, with this latest entry moving the bloody mayhem to New York City. Set a year after the last movie, we find sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega) in the Big Apple to attend college, and once again being menaced by someone (or is that multiple someones?) in the Ghostface costume. The list of suspects stretches to more than a dozen in this sequel, which features more brutal kills than ever before, and has a setpiece involving a ladder escape between two buildings that ranks as one of the series’ best ever moments. Horror fans will lap up the gruesome thrills on offer here.
WEDNESDAY
CHANGING ENDS
ABC TV, 8.30pm
This delightful nostalgic throwback opens a door to 1987, when comedian Alan Carr was struggling with school bullies and the highs and lows of fourth division football in Northampton. Season two draws to a close tonight, with the stress of the Cobblers’ spot at the top of the ladder – and their potential promotion – weighing heavily on dad Graham (Shaun Dooley). Eager to get some peace, mum Christine (Nancy Sullivan) ignores the protests of the football manager and takes the family on a caravan minibreak in Great Yarmouth, where a chance meeting with a like-minded soul livens up the trip for young Alan (Oliver Savell). This coming-of-age comedy is in a league of its own.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The Prestige. (2006, Mav, R)
9.55 Rock Legends: Elton John. (PGd)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Every Family Has A Secret. (Final, PG, R)
11.55 De Gaulle. (Mv)
12.50 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.45 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R)
3.35 Make Me A Dealer. (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 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 29. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Adam Dovile tours Singapore’s culture.
12.30 The Real Manhunter: The Bus Stop Killer Levi Bellfield. (Madv, R) Takes a look at Levi Bellfield.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia.
8.30 MOVIE: King Richard. (2021, Malv) Charts how Venus and Serena Williams became who they are thanks to the coaching of their father Richard. Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney.
11.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.10 Delish. (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 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: The First Wives Club. (1996, PGal, R) Three spurned women plot revenge. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler. 9.35 MOVIE: Starsky & Hutch. (2004, Mdlv, R) Two bumbling yet streetwise cops investigate a drug-running cartel with the help of their trusty informant. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. 11.40 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
SATURDAY, January 11
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: Creation. (R) English physicist Professor Brian Cox sets out in search of a greater understanding of the cosmos.
6.30 Back Roads: Andamooka And Roxby Downs, South Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa) Humphrey investigates a strange case.
8.30 Vera. (Mv, R) Vera investigates when a family man is murdered the day before he was due to testify in court.
10.00 Shetland. (Final, Mal, R) 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
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
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 6.30 News.
7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland.
8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (R)
9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PG, R) 10.20 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.25 Mister8. (MA15+a, R) 1.35
Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 2.30 Make Me
A Dealer. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) A case of mistaken identity causes alarm.
7.30 MOVIE: Back To The Future Part III. (1990, PGlv, R) Marty McFly travels to the Old West. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd. 10.00 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis. 12.25 MOVIE: Deadly Seduction. (2021, MA15+av)
2.30 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 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PGalv) A feud between brothers comes to a head. Sam Neill.
9.50 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, Maln)
11.50 MOVIE: Avarice. (2022, Malv, R)
1.30 Country House Hunters Australia. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
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, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Dogs are matched with companions. A basset hound is on the prowl for a new owner. Second chances are in store for a Jack Russell puppy. A couple have to see past a pooch’s size to find a place for it. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Someone threatens to use a nerve agent. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am The
Bookshop. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.15 The Majestic. (2001, PG) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm Wild Target. (2010, M) 2.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 4.20 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 6.35 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 8.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 10.30 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) Midnight Cousins. (2021, M) 1.50 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, January 12
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml)
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal) Charts the story of Delia Balmer, who survived a series of violent attacks to pursue a traumatic journey to justice.
10.05 You Can’t Ask That: Porn Stars. (MA15+s, R) Porn stars share their insights.
11.10 MOVIE: A Star Is Born. (1976, Madls, R)
1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.10 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.05 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.05 The Great Acceleration. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PGa, R)
8.25 Asia’s Ancient Civilisations. (PG, R)
10.15 Putin And The West. (Ma, R)
11.25 Michael Mosley’s 21 Day Body Challenge. (PG, R)
2.10 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 32. Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game.
11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A look at the death of Amy Wensley.
12.00 The Duke And I. (PG, R) A look at Prince Philip’s influence.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented 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.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 1. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 1.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Bloom, Iggy and Reynolds rally around Max.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R) 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. (PG, R) The team roadtests the Mizuno ST220 drivers.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.
5.30 Today.
FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Wild Manes. 8.30 Children’s Programs. 1.55pm MOVIE: The Black Stallion Returns. (1983) 3.55 MOVIE: Combat Wombat. (2020, PG) 5.40 MOVIE: Monster Family. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016, M) 10.10 MOVIE: The Campaign. (2012, MA15+) Midnight The Originals. 2.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 3.00 Late Programs.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by celebrities including Cher, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Josh Brolin. 9.30 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+lv) Four survivors from the most recent Woodsboro killings move to New York City for a fresh start. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega. 11.55 The Sunday Project.
SBS MOVIES (32)
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Thief Lord. Continued. (2006, PG) 6.50 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 9.05 Funny Face. (1957) 11.00 Radioactive. (2019, M) 1.05pm Cousins. (2021, M) 2.55 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 4.35 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 6.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 8.30 Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 10.40 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.30am The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 2.50 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Geelong United v Perth Lynx. 2.30 MOVIE: You, Me, And That Mountain Retreat. (2023, PG) 4.15 MOVIE: You, Me And The Penguins. (2023) 6.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 1. 7.00 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle. (1998, PG) 8.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon. (1987, M) 11.00 Gotham. Midnight Arrow. 2.00 Late Programs.
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9GO! (83)
MONDAY, January 13
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 Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.35 Hard
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PGl, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Mystery Of Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure. (PGav, R)
8.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You.
9.20 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Clean Sweep. (Madlsv)
11.40 Wisting. (MA15+a, R)
12.35 Faking Hitler. (Mns, R)
2.25 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R)
3.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Lost And Found In Rome. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. (PGahlv, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (Return, PGav)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 33. Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers. From ENGIE Stadium, Sydney.
11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers. 11.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG)
A driver gets sleepy and goes bush. 12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Simon is faced with a family mystery.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 2. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 2. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy tries online dating.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mad, R) 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.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. (2023, Mav) A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez. 10.20 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.45 The Project.
TUESDAY, January 14
6.00
(R)
10.00 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R)
12.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning
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Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 8. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)
8.40 Came From Nowhere. (Ml, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a)
11.55 Christian. (Malv, R)
3.00 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R)
3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Programs. 7.30 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 9.15 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 11.10 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) 12.35pm The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 2.35 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 4.10 Belle. (2013, PG) 6.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 7.55 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 9.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am Alone In Space. Continued. (2018, PG, Swedish) 6.45 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 10.30 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.20pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.50 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 7.40 Joyride. (2022, M) 9.30 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 34. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game.
11.30 Lockerbie. (PGav, R) The CIA hand over a Libyan double agent.
12.35 Underarm: The Ball That Changed Cricket. (PGl, R) A look at the 1981 underarm bowling controversy.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (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 3. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late
On A Plate. (PG, R) Georgia Moore bags some great groceries. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 5.00
6.00
WEDNESDAY, January 15
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.00 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour. 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. H’lights.
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. (PGa, R)
9.25 The Night Manager. (MA15+v)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av)
11.50 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R)
12.50 Soldiers. (Malsv, R)
2.35 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R)
3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (PGl, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (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 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Doctor Who. 10.10 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.35
6.00
Programs. 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
THURSDAY, January 16
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 35. Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers. From Adelaide Oval. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) A climber’s fall is captured on bodycam. 12.30 Black-ish. (PGd, R) Bow and Dre meet Michelle Obama.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 4. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mams, R) Max mandates a personal health day.
1.00 First On Scene. (Ma) 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 banter about golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. (2016, Mlv, R) Jack Reacher helps an army officer. Tom Cruise.
9.55 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.20 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
11.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Belle.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour. (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. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 Silk Road From Above. (PGa, R)
9.30 The Darkness. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 DNA. (Malv)
11.50 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnsv, R)
12.45 Blanca. (Malnv, R)
2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Ms, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PGv, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. 12.55am Cars That Built The World. 1.45 Question Team. 3.35 NHK World English News. 5.00
(32)
Continued. (2013, PG) 6.55 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 8.45 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 10.35 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 12.10pm The Quiet Girl. (2022, M, Gaelic) 1.55 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.55 Lola. (1961, PG, French) 5.30 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 7.30 A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 9.45 Romper Stomper. (1992, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs. 6am Lola. Continued. (1961, PG, French) 6.40 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 8.35 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.05 Joyride. (2022, M) 11.55 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 1.50pm Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 3.35 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 5.30 December Boys. (2007, PG) 7.30 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 10.00 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.30am Late Programs.
Send
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Royal Blossom. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Valley Of Love. (2023,
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 36. Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes. From the Gabba, Brisbane. 11.00 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. A deep dive into the world of cricket. 11.45 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+als) Pam is pushed to the emotional brink. 12.45 Black-ish. (PGa, R) Jack gets a job as a locker room attendant.
1.40 Harry’s Practice. (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 5. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 5. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Ma, R)
(R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts banter about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 MOVIE:
Your Sports Results
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)
WEISMANTEL, Colin
Late of Stroud.
Formerly of Gloucester & Weismantel’s. Passed away peacefully on 31st December 2024.
Aged 97 years
Beloved husband of Leah (dec). Loving father & father in-law to Robin & Bob, Fay & Geoff, Tony & Pam, Ruth & John.
Proud and loving grandfather & greatgrandfather to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Colin’s funeral service to be held at the Uniting Church, Gloucester on Tuesday 14th January 2025 commencing at 11am prior to interment in the Stroud Cemetery.
thearea.com.au newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
We have a family of magpies that visit each day and my daughter has started feeding them.
They are becoming very familiar and have even started coming into the house.
Should we encourage this friendship?
Helene
G.
Dear Helene,
Magpies are incredibly smart and social creatures and they can be an absolute delight to have in your garden.
Their warbling chorus is as characteristically Australian as the raucous laughter of kookaburras.
On the other hand, magpies can be territorial assailants, swooping and attacking screaming children and cyclists who dare to venture in their path.
It sounds as though you've made friends with your magpies and they have made your home theirs.
As an interesting aside, magpies have exceptional memories and recognise faces, so they know your daughter and they now associate her with their meal ticket.
The problem is, when wildlife becomes dependent on humans, it can cause all sorts of issues.
Many people feed birds
thinking they are doing something positive, but there are many foods that they shouldn't eat.
Magpies, for example, should not be fed many of the common foods people feed them such as mince, cheese or bread.
Feeding them also impacts their behaviour, as you have found, with this well-fed family of magpies coming into your home and expecting a free meal when they should be outside honing their survival skills.
The best option is to have plenty of water for the birds and other wildlife in your garden and let them do their own hunting and gathering.
That way you can enjoy their antics and sounds while knowing you aren't harming them in any way.
Boot Camp
ANSWERS: Spot the difference Picture B - Crossbones moved down, yellow braid missing from collar on coat, frill on shirt wider, parrot at the right missing his cup and extra toe on parrot at the left. Sweet or suite, sweet by the way
Kids Boot Camp 028
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
AUSTRALIANS have endured taxing economic conditions in the past calendar year, but there is cause for cautious hope in 2025.
Long-awaited interest rate cuts are broadly expected in the first half of the year, providing household budgets with much-needed breathing space.
Market Economics
managing director Stephen
Koukoulas said healthier household incomes and a recovering global economy would support a moderate pick-up in Australia's growth over the next 12 months.
Yet with the economic recovery mild and activity still overall lacklustre, the economist expected the jobless rate to creep higher, to around 4.5 percent.
While not a "catastrophic" lift in unemployment, he told AAP a weaker labour market would be a light dampener on spending.
For the Reserve Bank of Australia, inflation remained the main game and Mr Koukoulas was confident price measures were heading in the right direction.
Much emphasis will be put on December quarter
inflation figures, due at the end of January, as the key source of information ahead of the first RBA board meeting of the year in February.
Mr Koukoulas said the combination of progress on inflation, slowing wage growth and an easing jobs market - albeit graduallyshould have the RBA "pretty content" to start easing soon.
He has pencilled in a fairly shallow easing cycle, of about three 25 basis point cuts.
Canstar director of research Sally Tindall said the depth of the easing cycle remained a source of uncertainty and warned borrowers not to re-jig budgets prematurely.
Under National Australia Bank's expected scenario
of five 25-basis point cuts by mid-2026, an owneroccupier with a $600,000 mortgage could wind up with a $440 reduction in their monthly repayments.
Yet if the central bank cuts only twice, as tipped by ANZ, only a $181 monthly repayment reduction can be anticipated in the same time-frame.
Ms Tindall said variablerate mortgage-holders were on track for relief but was of the view 2025 was still going to be a tough year for many, with interest rates, rents and grocery prices "not going back to what they used to be".
"We're not going back to the days where rates were, you know, sitting in the twos," she told AAP.
"And we're not going
back to the days of lower supermarket bills.
"They're just not going to be rising by as much."
Heading into 2025, the United States was the "great uncertainty" for Mr Koukoulas as Republican Donald Trump returned to the White House.
The economist warned a US-China trade war "would be really disruptive" were the incoming president's tariff threats acted on and retaliated against.
"What he actually does versus what he's actually said, of course, remains a huge issue," he said.
It may not be all doom and gloom for the world's biggest economy, with Mr Koukoulas highlighting proposals on government spending efficiency as a
possible opportunity to get a handle on the nation's budget deficit problem.
Back at home, a federal election could see voters bombarded with promises to ease cost-of-living pain from both sides of politics.
AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the mid-year update showed a federal budget sliding back into deficit, in part reflecting higher spending on childcare and $5.6 billion in election goodies filed under "decisions taken but yet to be announced".
"The upcoming election risks a further rise in government spending but is unlikely to result in a big change in near term macroeconomic policies," Dr Oliver wrote in a note.
Consumers taking charge: energy saving tips for 2025
By Marion RAE, AAP
SMARTER use of common household appliancesfridges, washing machines and even the toaster - could cut power bills in 2025, an electricians' network says.
The toaster may be a smaller contributor to the power bill but is still worth optimising, says Chris Madikian, electrical expert at Sydney-based The Local Electrician.
Consumers could also use a toaster with an energysaving setting and unplug it when not in use to avoid the stand-by power drain, and larger families could do multiple slices at once in a high-efficiency toaster.
Fridges account for approximately eight per cent of a household's energy bill as one of the hardestworking appliances in the home, needing to run 24/7 to keep food safe - especially during the holiday season.
Visit
Keep your fridge in a cool, well-ventilated space away from heat sources and ensure the seals are tight, and avoid overloading it to make sure it has proper air circulation, Mr Madikian says.
Frequent use of a microwave throughout the day can also contribute to higher energy costs. Although it's an energy-efficient option for reheating or steaming vegetables, batch cooking larger meals in the oven would reduce the bill.
Washing machines can also quickly add up in costs, but energy saving tips include running full loads instead of half loads.
"By making small adjustments like washing clothes in cold water or cleaning vacuum filters, homeowners can not only lower their bills but also reduce their environmental impact, Mr Madikian said.
Choose an energyefficient vacuum cleaner and,
where possible, sweep or spot clean to reduce the need for vacuuming in smaller areas, he added.
Banks and other lenders have access to taxpayerfunded finance for upgrading homes with battery-ready rooftop solar or loans for more efficient appliances and other improvements to keep households warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Despite the nation leading the world on the uptake of rooftop solar, a recent report from the Australian Energy Regulator found many consumers are missing out on the transition to cleaner energy sources.
But a new rule from the Australian Energy Market Commission means home and car batteries will have a better chance to compete with large-scale generators as "virtual power plants".
"This reform is like giving the electricity system a pair of glasses - suddenly, it can see and respond to retailers' and customers' actions that were previously invisible,"
It creates a new ''dispatch mode'' that allows energy retailers to reach beyond the meter and bid these smaller resources into the wholesale electricity market.
This includes virtual power plants combining household batteries, community batteries, backup generators, and commercial or industrial operators managing their consumption.
Energy customers are also paying "loyalty penalties" and can get better deals by switching to a different plan, according to the latest Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report from its ongoing inquiry into prices, profits and margins.
"We'll keep on encouraging consumers to shop around for the best deal while making sure retailers know they need to be doing
right thing,"
For those who can afford a new car, vehicle efficiency standards started on January 1 that are intended to get more low or zero-emissions cars on the roads and help save money at the bowser. They are designed to encourage automakers to bring more choices into car yards to balance sales of high-polluting vehicles with electric and hybrid models.
q Household appliances can use a lot of energy, sucking money from people's wallets. Photo: Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS.
commission chair Anna Collyer.
the
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
More to do on Medicare and bulk-billing, Labor says
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
MAKING it cheaper to see a doctor is expected to feature prominently in Labor's election pitch, with the federal health minister committed to strengthening Medicare before the upcoming campaign.
"There's more we want to do to deliver - more doctors, more bulk-billing and more urgent care," Health Minister Mark Butler told reporters in Adelaide on Thursday.
Voters are due to head to the polls by May at the latest, with political campaigning expected to kick into gear in coming months.
Responding to speculation the government is planning a boost to the bulk-billing incentive paid to GPs, more urgent care clinics, and other changes to the public healthcare system, Mr Butler said he had no new announcements to make yet.
"But the Australian people
can be very, very assured that the Labor government will always do what it can to strengthen Medicare," he said.
In 2023, Labor committed $3.5 billion towards bulkbilling incentives, making healthcare more affordable for children under 16, pensioners and other concession card holders.
Australian Medical Association vice president Associate Professor Julian Rait said the funding injection was helping but more could be done to lower costs and improve access for the rest of the population.
"Because obviously those bulk-billing incentives are targeted to, quite rightly, lower income earners," he told AAP.
"But also we need to think about the structure of the Medicare system overall, and how best we can improve affordability for everybody," he said.
Prof Rait backed strengthening rebates provided to GPs, particularly for longer consultations.
Alternatively, the association supports some form of block funding to make it easier to manage patients with chronic illnesses and other time-consuming conditions.
Mr Butler said there would always be a fees-forservice element to Medicare but he was in favour of a
blended model that includes general or bundled payments as well.
Swinburne University of Technology public health scientist Evie Kendal said the cost of visiting the doctor was part of the problem but access was another pain point.
"The cost of going to the doctor is one thing that might stop you from going, particularly if you're also
taking time off work to get there, that might cost you again," Dr Kendal told AAP.
"But again, if it's that you can't even get an appointment this week, then that's another problem altogether," she added.
She recommended a focus on training and development to bring more GPs and healthcare professionals into the field.
Dr Kendal said the federal election posed an opportunity to pressure the government on healthcare issues but urged politicians not to use Medicare reform to "score points".
"We don't want our healthcare to be treated as if it is something that can be bounced back and forth for political gain," she said.
The federal opposition
has accused Labor of attempting to reheat the infamous "Mediscare" campaign.
Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said Labor was "playing politics" and the coalition "always has, and always will, invest in Medicare".
Mr Butler took aim at the opposition leader's track record on healthcare policy rather than any present-day coalition policy.
"Well, you just have to look at Peter Dutton's record as health minister, which, frankly, is pretty scary," Mr Butler said on Thursday.
One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds
Become a donor today.
q Labor wants more doctors and more bulk-billing, Health Minister Mark Butler told reporters. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
FOUR very different films premiere on Aussie screens this week as we trudge through the mid-summer releases.
Conclave is the return of the genuine, grown-up suspense-thriller that does
not involve a serial killer.
Ralph Fiennes stars as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church who is tasked with convening a papal conclave to elect a new Pope, following the unexpected and suspicious death of the last one.
Political factions form, secrets are uncovered, tensions rise and everyone’s assumptions are challenged as the conclave engage in their mysterious rituals and processes.
A bombastic European pot-boiler from German
Legacy secured
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
Flogged by 295 runs in the first Test in Perth, the victory marked the first time Australia had come from behind to win a fiveTest series since the 1997 Ashes.
Realistically, only rain in Brisbane stopped Australia from winning all four remaining Tests after that series-opening defeat, with the hosts asserting their dominance after early criticism.
And the revival couldn't have come at a better time for Cummins and several of his teammates; Alex Carey,
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head were among other Test mainstays never to have tasted a series victory over India.
"Unreal. This was one a few of us didn't have," Cummins said.
"It's been an amazing series. It's one of those that's been in the calendar for a fair while, always got an eye on it for the last year or two.
"It's really It's lived up to all the hype."
Australia's win also wrapped up their spot in June's World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's, regardless of the outcome of
director Edward Berger, this is the kind of film that doesn’t get made very often these days, and it’s a treat to be able to see it at the cinema.
Another surprising cinema release is Den of Thieves 2: Pantera , a sequel to the 2018 film that no one in Australia saw.
Possibly the reigning champion of B-grade action movies designed to live on streaming, Gerard Butler returns as a Sheriff chasing a criminal mastermind planning an elaborate
the looming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.
But the more remarkable feat is where Cummins' side has come from in recent years.
When India toured Australia six summers ago and beat the hosts 2-1, Australia was a side in crisis still reeling from the balltampering scandal.
In the six years since, Australia have either won or drawn 14 of the 16 series they have played, while also lifting the World Test Championship in 2023.
Sunday's victory ensured Cummins' side own every bilateral trophy in Test cricket, the first time Australia has done so since 2008.
That alone puts the team
diamond heist.
This is essentially Heat with ADHD, eschewing depth of character and engaging storytelling for more elaborate and visceral action sequences.
Writer/Director Christian Gudegast returns to the helm, so it’s clear that this kind of film is a passion of his.
Still, you can save yourself the coin and wait for it to turn up on Netflix in a few weeks.
An entry into the “boys of Summer face a monster in their backyard” genre, Monster Summer hopes to find a place in young
among the greats, along with their status as current Test and one-day world champions.
"I didn't know we'd won everything until half an hour ago, but that's always the aim," Cummins said.
"One of the things I love most about Test cricket is it challenges you in so many ways.
"You need an amazing squad, amazing support staff to be able to win everywhere in the world.
"And I think that's what we've been able to do.
"That consistency over a few years to do that with a very similar squad has been massive."
Winning did not come easy for Australia at the SCG, on the most lively wicket the
people’s hearts just like The Monster Squad did 40 years ago.
Just like that film, it’s probable that only a very few will really latch on to this story, but it is wellmade and has its share of charm.
Mason Thames (The Black Phone) is the young star at the heart of this tale of a group of young friends investigating mysterious evil, who recruit a retired and curmudgeonly police detective, played by Mel Gibson, to help.
It’s odd to be seeing films playing for the nostalgia of years gone by
ground has had this century.
Boland was immense, taking 10 wickets for the match, including 6-45 in India's second innings of 157 just as the tourists looked ready to set a difficult target.
At age 35, the Victorian is the oldest quick in Australia's team, but carried the load in Sydney in the best performance of his career.
Then when Australia wobbled with the bat, the team's senior statesman Khawaja held the innings together.
With India's chief tormentor Jasprit Bumrah nursing a sore back and unable to bowl, Sam Konstas breathed fire early with 22 from 17 balls.
that is set in the year 1997, but that’s more about my own age than any issues with the film.
Finally, for those super-keen on an overseas offering this week, Octopus with Broken Arms comes from Chinese filmmaker Jacky Gan.
An intense and fraught drama-thriller, the story focuses on a businessman whose daughter is taken by human traffickers and his descent into rage and violence in his efforts to recover her.
Possibly not a great “date night” film.
But Australia went from 0-39 in the fourth over to 3-58 shortly after when Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith all fell to Prasidh Krishna.
Smith's wicket was particularly frustrating, leaving him stranded on 9999 Test runs when he edged off to the quick.
From there, Khawaja stabilised alongside Travis Head in a vital 46-run partnership that broke the back of the chase.
Khawaja was eventually caught behind on 41, but there was to be no last sting in the tail as Webster (39no) backed-up his first-innings half century to help Head (34no) steer Australia to an era-defining victory.
The
By Scott BAILEY and Jasper BRUCE, AAP
PAT Cummins' team have sealed their legacy as one of Australia's finest sides, reclaiming the BorderGavaskar Trophy for the first
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP