Gloucester District News Of The Area 16 October 2024
By Wendy BUSWELL
Dimity's
"Things
Having
John WATTS
FROM Page 1
indicators are the final tasks to be undertaken before the facility can be used by the community,” a spokesperson for MidCoast Council said.
“It is expected to be open for public use in November.”
In September 2022 Council announced that construction of the grandstand - to provide seating for up to 484 people - was about to commence.
Funding for the project came
from a $655,500 grant in round two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Program, with Council kicking in $97,500.
Building work commenced after a successful tender process, but trouble was around the corner when the construction company pulled out.
When Council sought to find an alternative builder, it became clear that the original tender was unrealistically low.
Facing much higher
OUTLETS
Where
FROM Page 1
Dimity now lives on a bush block that provides a wealth of inspiration for her art.
"Gloucester is the most beautiful place to be. I am surrounded by nature and animals," she said.
Not an artist who paints nature realistically, the ‘Creature’ series is an example of how Dimity views nature through a
different lens.
“I love animals but I wanted to depict them in an abstract way,” she said.
Her art ranges from abstract representations of nature to sculptures capturing everyday scenes, colourful heartshaped objects, jigsaw puzzles, and a series of environmentally themed art cards.
Departing from her previous technique of 'pouring,' Dimity has begun to explore different
construction costs the Council decided, for the time being at least, to significantly reduce the capacity of the grandstand from 484 seats to 300 seats.
“Between the pandemic, bad weather and supply constraints, this project has experienced quite a few delays,” said the Council spokesperson.
“The scope of the project has been reduced from the original proposal, to provide seating across the whole area, due to the cost.”
It is unclear if or when the additional seating will be added.
“To complete the grandstand a further $235,000 is required,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is keen to work with the Gloucester Rugby League Club and the Gloucester Business Chamber to explore avenues for this funding.”
Council say any further grants may be used to improve other facilities such as lighting or the kiosk, rather than on extending the grandstand.
mediums.
"Each medium allows me to explore nature and put my spin on it," she told News Of The Area.
Her abstract landscapes use colour and shape to explore the fantastical aspects of nature.
"I want viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature in new and imaginative ways," she said.
The exhibition has served as an opportunity
for Dimity to reconnect with her love of clay and pottery.
The clay figures and domestic environments displayed for this showcase are the beginning of this journey.
"I am planning to explore this medium further and experiment with ways of firing clay," she said.
Dimity is considering building her environmental card series to include fabric.
“There are so many ways to create art and I want my artmaking to be fun.”
Alongside Dimity's work the exhibition also features the work of her long-time friend Sally Riordan and Sally's 14-year-old daughter Ella.
Dimity will hold an opening event for her exhibition on Saturday, 19 October at the Gallery. "Everyone is welcome to come," said Dimity.
q The completed section of the grandstand.
q The yet-to-be-completed section.
Tree planting bonanza
SIXTEEN volunteers from the Gloucester RiverCare Group planted 88 trees along the river in District Park on Friday 4, October.
"Gloucester is so lucky to have such a beautiful big park in our town,” RiverCare Coordinator Louise Duff said.
“We've planted trees to
enhance habitat, shade and natural beauty."
MidCoast Council supported the project, supplying trees, guards, jute mat and mulch.
Many River Oaks died following the 2019 drought and 2020 flood, and remain vulnerable to erosion and
insect attack.
"The RiverCare planting will make sure there'll be new trees to take their place as the grand old trees die over time," said Ms Duff.
The trees are mainly River Oak with some Water Gums and Sandpaper Fig.
They will help stabilise
the riverbank and improve habitat for fish and birds.
RiverCare is an activity of the Gloucester Environment Group.
"We meet in the park at 8 am on the fourth Friday each month to look after native plantings," said Ms Duff.
"New members are always welcome."
For more information call Louise Duff on 0436924577.
Planting for koalas
ON 8 October fifteen enthusiastic volunteers spent the morning planting trees on a property, known to host koalas, just to the south of Gloucester.
Part of the Gloucester Environment Group's KoalaWays program, these 370 trees increase the total number of trees planted through the initiative to well over 3000.
“The owners helped guide the planting and joined in,” said volunteer Dianne Montague.
“What would have taken weeks or months, was done in two hours - complete with tree guards.
“The morning concluded with a delicious morning tea in town.
“In this case the property owners were keen to extend their existing habitat by natural regrowth supplemented with native tube stock.
“The tube stock accelerates the speed of the extension and, very importantly, it attempts to mimic the natural bushland diversity lost from decades of land clearance and grazing.
program.
“That way koalas get the trees they need for their continued survival, and new opportunities open for all the other wildlife that make Gloucester their home.”
Ms Montague praised MidCoast Council’s ongoing support of the KoalaWays
“MidCoast Council has continued to be a very strong supporter and promoter of KoalaWays - providing the right trees and understory plants, advice on habitat needs, property visits, and indispensable help from Aus Eco Solutions who arrive at each planting with auger
and trees and extra people to really get things going,” she said. Since 2019 this highly successful program has enabled property owners to revegetate large areas of their land. Many of them have said that without the help of the Gloucester Environment Group they would not have been able to undertake any
large plantings.
Gloucester Environment Group are keen to know of other private property owners who are aware of koalas on their property or nearby and want to add to their green areas. For information contact gloucester.environment. group@gmail.com.
We’re pleased to announce that plans are underway for the expansion of our operations to include a second office at 29 Denison St, Gloucester
This addition will provide much-needed space for our expanding team and allow the community easier access to our vital services We appreciate your continued support and look forward to opening the doors of our second premises in the near future.
q Sixteen volunteers joined the monthly RiverCare morning, planting 88 trees in District Park.
q Neil and Jenny Thorne.
q KoalaWays volunteers at the planting day.
Gloucester Study Hub opening soon
If you’re kickstarting a degree, retraining into a new industry or simply taking the first small step towards study, get in touch with us.
FREE STUDY
HUB + FACILITIES
Available 5am – Midnight for Registered TUC Gloucester students!
SCAN HERETOFIND OU T M !ERO
Pontin earns second term as Mayor
COUNCILLOR Claire Pontin was elected as MidCoast Mayor for a second consecutive term as the new-look council met for its first ordinary meeting last Wednesday.
Jeremy Miller was elected as Deputy Mayor.
Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will hold office until September 2026.
As the returning Mayor, Cr Pontin said she was looking forward to getting back to work.
“There’s plenty of work to do and I look forward to picking it up again,” she said.
“We are systematically working through issues and it’s important to keep this momentum going.
“I look forward to working with this new team.
“It’s always good to get fresh perspectives and for existing policies to be challenged.
“I look forward to working with all of the Councillors as we aim to deliver improved outcomes for the community.”
Following his election as Deputy Mayor, Cr Miller said the role was “to work with all
councillors for the benefit of the community”.
Councillors were also appointed to a number of committees at the meeting.
Jeremy Miller was appointed as a non-voting member to the MidCoast’s independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
Councillors Peter Howard and Mick Graham were appointed to the Asset Advisory Committee which also includes the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Councillors Alan Tickle and Thomas O’Keefe were voted on to the Joint Regional Planning Panel.
Attendees and voting delegates were also finalised for the Local Government NSW annual conference.
The Mayor along with councillors Nicole Turnbull, Thomas O’Keefe, Alan Tickle, Digby Wilson, Dheera Smith, Mal McKenzie and Phillip Beazley will represent Council at the event on 18 and 19 November.
The Mayor and Councillors Smith, McKenzie and Turnbull were nominated as voting delegates for the conference.
Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare
93
“Each of these education projects plays an important role in broadening and transforming community knowledge and skills,” said Emily Suvaal MLC, Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes.
“Inspiring more members of our community to become environmental stewards will result in improved local environments that can be appreciated and enjoyed well into the future.
“The Eco Burn Education –Phase 2 project will benefit the Myall Lakes community, and I look forward to the results of this fantastic local project.”
q Mayor Claire Pontin and Deputy Mayor Jeremy Miller.
CWA celebrate active year
A BUSY year was showcased at the annual general meeting (AGM) of Gloucester Country Women’s Association (CWA) on 8 October.
Reports were received from office bearers covering cultural, international, cookery,
handicraft, agricultural and environmental activities.
Branch President Anne Williamson presented a comprehensive report of the year’s action, while the election of office bearers was supervised by Returning Officer Carol Hall from Kendall.
Anne Williamson was returned as President, Denise Redman as Secretary and Judy Hopkins as Treasurer.
All other positions were filled.
Branch Patron Christine Bolton moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing office bearers for their efforts, and thanked Carol for her attendance.
At the conclusion of the AGM, a brief monthly meeting was held, with the focus being the forthcoming Santa’s Christmas Cave to be
held at the CWA rooms on 22 and 23 November.
“This will be an opportunity for the community to experience some Christmas magic with nativity displays, children’s activities, unique gifts and crafts, refreshments and the opportunity to take your own photo with Santa in his cave,” said Gloucester CWA Vice President Margery Phair.
Let’s get creative
By Wendy BUSWELL
LOCAL arts group
Gloucester Creatives is on a mission to provide improved options to young people in the community.
“There are ample opportunities for young people to be involved in sport in this town, but there are very few creative
outlets,” said group member Kim Bell. Aiming to engage and lead the community in the arts space, Gloucester Creatives has developed an initiative designed for primary-aged students of any ability to immerse themselves in the world of the arts.
Launched this week,
‘Kidz Club’ offers children the opportunity to explore a variety of mediums under the guidance of experienced and professional artists.
“We want the kids to see how different types of art are made and how different artists approach making art,” Kim said.
Research supports the link between participation in
Permits required for burns
By Meghan CORCORAN
MANDATORY fire permits
have been in place since 1 September, meaning permission is required for any burning on your property during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
It is important for newcomers who have made the tree change to Gloucester to familiarise themselves with the fire requirements of rural living.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website is a great source of education for new landowners on how to start and keep a burn-off safe.
Obtaining a permit will alert the fire service that you are burning off on your property and allow them to monitor all other fires in the area.
As a courtesy notify your neighbours and if they are not home you can leave a letter in their letterbox to let them know you’re burning.
The permits must be carried by the permit holder only and the permit holder must be onsite and supervising the fire at all times.
Be aware that the RFS have the right to change or cease the permit due to weather conditions or any other perceived danger as they deem fit.
Fire permits only last for a maximum of fourteen days.
The Fires Near Me and Hazards Near Me NSW apps are free to use.
Permits are also free and can be obtained from www.rfs.nsw.gov. au.
NSW Rural Fire Service's slogan this fire season is ‘Don’t be a risk to your community’.
Different rules apply for clearing land and creating fire breaks in the no-fire danger period.
If you missed the NSW RFS’ Get Ready Weekend on 21-22 September in Nabiac and Tuncurry there is still time to prepare your property for bushfire season and implement your family fire plan.
Simply go to www. myfireplan.com.au.
Forward steps on footbridge replacement
THE tender for the replacement of Gloucester’s Billabong Park footbridge has recently been awarded to Jacobs Building.
The final steps of the design and material gathering stage are nearing completion and construction is expected to commence in early 2025 with a finish date of April that year, weather permitting.
The bridge was damaged in the 2021 flood events and Council said a lengthy delay with the insurance process has
the arts and improvements in educational outcomes, higher-order thinking skills, increased resilience, and improved social engagement.
“We are hoping to provide a place for primary students to have fun while expressing themselves through art,” said Jasmine Van Aalst.
Kidz Club participants will get a taste of music, drama and artmaking around a pirate theme.
“Think pirate songs, treasure hunts, making jewels and treasure chests,” Jasmine told News Of The Area.
Kidz Club began on Tuesday 15 October and will continue every Tuesday in Term 4, running between 4.00 pm - 5.30 pm.
Visit Gloucester Creatives or go to their website for further information.
slowed proceedings.
Further funding for the footbridge replacement has been secured through the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program.
Van rolls and catches fire
THE WESTPAC Rescue Helicopter responded urgently on Friday after a van rolled and caught fire on the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook.
A man and woman, both in their 20s, were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team for burns before the man was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. The woman was also transported to John Hunter Hospital by road.
q CWA office bearers Sandy Tebbet, Marilyn Sanderson, Anne Williamson, Margery Phair, Claire Reynolds, Denise Redman, Judy Hopkins and Carol Hall.
q Gloucester’s Billabong Park footbridge was damaged in 2021.
Voice has 'got a future', one year from referendum loss Spring Plant Fair
By Andrew BROWN and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
INDIGENOUS leaders
remain confident Australia will enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice to parliament in the constitution, one year on from the referendum defeat.
More than 60 percent of Australians voted 'no' in the referendum on October 14, 2023, with every state and territory - aside from
the ACT - rejecting the proposal, which would have established a permanent advisory body and constitutional recognition of First Nations people.
Despite the defeat, Indigenous campaigner Thomas Mayo, who was among the leading 'yes' vote advocates, said constitutional change could still take place down the track.
"There's still a future that includes Indigenous people
in the constitution. Sure, in reality it's not going to happen again for a while," he told ABC radio on Monday.
"We don't always get things right in a democracy. If we accepted the 'no' answers that we got about equal wages or about our right to vote as Indigenous people... things would be worse today.
"Because more than 60 percent of young people voted 'yes' between 18 and 24, that tells me that we've
got a future, and what we tried to do last year will be achieved."
One of the architects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart Megan Davis said once it became clear the referendum was unlikely to win public support, it should have been delayed.
But Mr Mayo said despite the polls, the government was right in pursuing the referendum.
"I don't think it was a mistake and the reason is because... we would still be wondering if we didn't do it," he said.
"We had to press on, because it might not have been another chance."
Opposition Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the referendum remained a waste of time and money.
"It was a task that ended up dividing our country, and at a time we don't need to be divided, and unfortunately, the Albanese government put all their eggs in one basket," she told ABC TV.
"The Albanese government hasn't implemented any methods to improve the circumstances or change things on the ground."
Following the referendum
result, Indigenous leader and academic Marcia Langton declared reconciliation was dead.
But Senator Nampijinpa Price said supporters of the voice needed to move on.
"The 'yes' campaigners need to let go, accept the result, because Australia's made that determination and move forward," she said.
"There are marginalised, Indigenous Australians whose lives need to be impacted in a positive way right now."
Workplace Minister Murray Watt said the government made the right decision to keep going with the referendum despite signs it was heading to defeat in polling.
"This was a proposal about enshrining rights of First Nations people in our constitution and we didn't think it was appropriate to ignore their wishes, either at the beginning of the campaign or as the campaign went on," he told ABC radio.
"This is going to be a pretty painful day for First Nations Australians, there were a lot of hopes invested in the voice to parliament proposal."
THE inaugural Gloucester Spring Plant Fair arrives at the Gloucester Showground this weekend, with hopes the new event will become a yearly fixture on the regional calendar.
“Numerous nurseries will be in attendance for you to grab some new plants for your spring garden, talk to industry specialists, pick up a piece of garden art and maybe even grab a bargain,” said organiser Leanne Anderson.
The Fair will be held across two days: Saturday 19 October from 9am to 4pm and Sunday 20 October from 9am-1pm.
Entry is $10 per person with kids under 13 years old free.
Tickets are available online or at the gate.
“To keep the kids entertained, Sal’s Animal Nursery will be there as well as facepainting for the kids,” Leanne said.
BBQ facilities will be available and coffee vans on site.
q It's one year since the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum was held. Photo: Bianca De Marchi, James Ross/AAP PHOTOS.
Platypus Trail plans
PLANS are underway for a tourist trail to shine a spotlight on the elusive platypus which call the region’s waterways home.
Stroud resident Rachel Barry, a primary school teacher at Karuah, is a driving force behind the project which was born from discussions had during meetings of Rural Aid’s Community Builders Program (CBP).
The CBP, which is currently running across the Upper Hunter, is a grassroots leadership program which supports locals within a defined cluster of communities to better understand and build their region and economy.
Rachel’s involvement in the CBP led to conversations with leaders from other towns in the program - Stroud, Gresford, Vacy, Paterson, Dungog, Clarence Town and Gloucester.
“We had discussions about what we value as a region, what we want to see happen in our
towns, how we can make our communities better, and how do we increase visitor numbers or get people to move to the area.”
Eventually the idea for a Platypus Trail was formed, as a way to “tie all the towns in together” and create opportunities for eco-tourism, education, environmental protection and Indigenous inclusion.
“It started with a local in Stroud telling us that we had a platypus,” Rachel said.
“I didn’t know that we had them.
“We then went to visit the platypus pool.
“I don’t know if you have ever seen a platypus in the wild but it is just magical.
“You have to sit there silently… and then you see one and it is just this incredible experience.”
Despite originally thinking the platypus was endangered,
Rachel said they are “actually quite common in this area”.
“They are just very elusive and shy and not often seen,” she said.
Still in the early planning stages, the Platypus Trail concept links Stroud, Dungog, Paterson, Vacy, Gresford, Clarence Town and Gloucester.
Certain towns would have a viewing area featuring educational signage on the platypus’ biology, environmental status, and Aboriginal cultural connections.
Organisers note that some towns are unsuitable for a viewing platform and a risk assessment is pending.
Art installations for photo opportunities have also been proposed so visitors can capture the experience even if they don’t spot a live platypus.
Trail maps will encourage people to visit the viewing areas in other towns, increasing
their chances of seeing a platypus and having the flow on effect of boosting regional tourism.
“To tie in the neighbouring towns, signage will direct visitors to the next viewing opportunity,” Rachel said.
“It is a way of creating a trail for visitors which goes through the towns.”
Rachel also sees the concept as an opportunity to improve collaboration with Indigenous groups.
“There is a real lack of genuine Aboriginal
Numerous wholesale nurseries will be in attendance for you to grab some new plants for your Spring garden.
Come along and talk to Industry specialists and grab a bargain.
acknowledgement in these towns, which is something I am very passionate about personally,” she said.
“I saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with local Indigenous groups to have some beautiful signage and to tell some of the Aboriginal stories around the platypus and the rivers and creeks.
“Hopefully in the future we can open up the opportunity for Aboriginal storytellers to do tours, and to take visitors through the platypus trail from an
Indigenous perspective.”
The initiative has already received confirmed support from Arts Upper Hunter, Dungog Regional Tourism, Landcare and Local Land Services. Organisers wish to reassure the community that careful consultation will take place with groups and individuals ahead of any project approval. Rachel has written a children's book about the local platypus, which is due to be released early next year.
q Rachel Barry is the driving force behind the project. Photo: Connor.
q In the Gathang language of the Worimi, the word for platypus is bikan, yappi or bitang depending on the area. Photo: Rachel Barry.
q Platypus in Mill Creek, Stroud. Photo: Rachel Barry.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
MINISERIES: NOLLY
ABC TV, 8.30pm
After her scene-stealing turn as Princess Margaret in The Crown, Helena Bonham Carter (pictured) once again reigns supreme in this striking portrait of UK daytime TV pioneer Noele “Nolly” Gordon. The first woman to appear on colour television anywhere in the world, Nolly became a household name in the UK. She even had a soap opera, Crossroads, created for her. But it all came crashing down when, in 1981, the series was axed without warning. Writer Russell T Davies meticulously researched the three-part series, aiming to create a story that faithfully charts the TV legend’s fight for her career.
FRIDAY,
October 18
SUNDAY
FISK
ABC TV, 8pm
Change is in the air as Kitty Flanagan’s (pictured) award-winning probate law comedy returns for a third season. Not only has solicitor Helen Tudor-Fisk (Flanagan) bought a home and moved out of her dad’s backyard yoga studio, but she’s now a name partner at Gruber & Fisk – which means taking on more responsibility for the inevitable chaos that unfolds there. In tonight’s premiere “Bees in the Hive”, Helen tries to become a social butterfly to replace Ray (Marty Sheargold) after he broke the Business and Breakfast networking group’s rules, while new neighbour Murray (Carl Barron) puts Helen in a bind with a request for free legal advice. Better than ever, Fisk is a perfectly calibrated comedy.
MONDAY
MINISERIES: BALI 2002
NBN, 8.40pm
Released 20 years after the 2002 Bali bombings, and now making its free-to-air debut, this Australianmade drama still feels somewhat premature. However, Bali 2002 mostly stays away from gratuitous re-enactments, instead spotlighting the everyday heroes who sprang into action and gave the world hope in the aftermath of the terror attack. Led by Rachel Griffiths, Richard Roxburgh (pictured) and Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie, it’s well-acted and as sensitively told as it can be. In these two final parts, Australian and Indonesian authorities work together to track down the perpetrators before putting them on trial, as the injured survivors begin to come to terms with their new lives.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross meets a plantsman.
8.30 Miniseries: Nolly. (Ml) Part 1 of 3. After nearly two decades on her show, a soap opera star is fired at the height of her success.
9.20 Question Everything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran.
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 Miniseries: Nolly. (Ml)
12.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.10 Rage. (PG)
8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.40 Merlin. 11.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.45 Speechless. 12.10am Good Game Spawn Point. 12.55
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (PGav)
8.30 Castle Secrets. (Mav)
9.25 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R)
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 The Allegation. (MA15+a)
12.25 Miniseries: Four Lives. (Mal, R)
3.40 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Graham Ross visits the North Coast Botanic Garden.
8.30 MOVIE: Jerry Maguire. (1996, Mls, R) A sports agent has a moral epiphany which costs him his job and his fiancée. He resolves to rebuild his career with the one athlete who stayed loyal to him and a colleague who believed in him. Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr, Renée Zellweger. 11.30 GetOn Extra.
12.00 To Be Advised.
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. Pacific Championships. Week 1. Australia v Tonga.
10.00 Pacific Championships: Australia Vs Tonga Post-Match. Post-match news and analysis.
10.30 MOVIE: Criminal. (2016, MA15+lv, R)
A CIA operative’s consciousness is transferred. Kevin Costner.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa) The team helps a grandmother and her daughters. 8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists include Mick Molloy, Melanie Bracewell, Alex Ward, Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang.
8.30 MOVIE: Rambo: Last Blood. (2019, MA15+) 10.25 MOVIE: Out Of Time. (2003, M) 12.35am Late Programs. BOLD (51) 9GEM (82) 7TWO (62)
6.00
SATURDAY, October 19
6.00 Australian Story: Betrayal – Hannah Grundy. (R)
8.25 Bombing Brighton: The Plot To Kill Thatcher. Explores the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing.
9.55 So Long, Marianne. (Premiere, MA15+)
10.50 Something Undone. (Mal)
11.50 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R)
3.30 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team goes snorkelling with sea lions. 7.30 MOVIE: Ghostbusters II. (1989, PGh, R) The Ghostbusters revive the business. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd. 9.45 MOVIE: Venom: Let There Be Carnage. (2021, Malv) A killer becomes a host for a symbiote. Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson.
11.45 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R)
12.45 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Rugby League. Pacific Championships. Week 1. Fiji v Papua New Guinea.
9.00 MOVIE: John Wick. (2014, MA15+lv, R) An ex-hit man comes out of retirement. Keanu Reeves.
11.00 MOVIE: Concussion. (2015, Mal, R) Will Smith.
1.20 Customs. (PGa, R)
1.50 Innovation Nation. (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. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PG, R) Dogs are matched with companions. 7.30 Thank God You’re Here. (PGals, R) Hosted by Celia Pacquola. 8.40 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as it matches dogs to their new families. 9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) A
6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.20 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Crazy Fun Park. 11.05 Soundtrack To Our Teenage Zombie Apocalypse. 11.25 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.10am Rage. 1.45 Slugterra. 2.05 Dave Spud. 2.15 Summer Memories. 2.25 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Scoob! (2020, PG) 9.00 MOVIE: Zombie Town. (2023, PG) 10.30 Doctor Who. 11.15 Becoming Frida Kahlo. 12.15am BTN High. 12.20 Malory Towers. 1.10 Slugterra. 1.30 Dave Spud. 1.40 Summer Memories. 1.50 Ted’s Top Ten. 2.15 Miraculous. 3.20 Odd Squad. 3.55 Close. 4.00 Moon And Me. 4.20 Late Programs.
October 20
6am Capricorn
One. Continued. (1977, PG) 7.15 RBG. (2018, PG) 9.05 Skies Of Lebanon. (2020, PG, Italian) 10.50 True Confessions. (1981, M) 12.50pm Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow. (1963, M, Italian) 3.00 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 4.40 Oka! (2012, PG) 6.35 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 The Paperboy. (2012, MA15+) 10.30 Grand Ecole. (2004, MA15+, French) 12.35am Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Nefertiti: To Whom Belongs This Beauty?
8.30 Akhenaten, The Secrets Of The Forgotten Pharaoh. 9.30 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Azerbaijan. (PGa, R)
10.25 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (MA15+avw, R)
11.30 Houdini’s Lost Diaries. (PGal, R) 1.00 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 1.55 8 Out Of 10 Cats. (Mals, R) 2.40 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (R) 3.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
(31) VICELAND (31)
PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 4.55 Scandinavian Star. 6.05 Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes In 12 Hours. (Premiere) 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Disaster Autopsy. 9.25 WWE Rivals.
6am Skies Of Lebanon. Continued. (2020, PG, Italian) 6.45 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 The Defiant Ones. (1958, PG) 10.20 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.30pm Drunken Tai Chi. (1984, M, Cantonese) 2.10 RBG. (2018, PG) 4.00 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 6.05 Bicentennial Man. (1999, PG) 8.30 Seeking Justice. (2011, MA15+) 10.30 R.M.N. (2022, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PG) 8.50 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation.
9.50 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Killer Punch And Contract To Kill. (Masv, R) Takes a look at a 1988 murder.
11.05 Autopsy USA: Bob Crane. (MA15+av) 12.05 The Starter Wife. (Mas, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Children’s Programs. 2.10pm MOVIE: Pokémon Ranger And The Temple Of The Sea. (2006) 4.15 Surfing Australia TV. 4.45 Motorway Cops:
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 See No Evil: Toying With Us. (Ma) Police investigate a murder in a toy store. 11.10 The First 48. (MA15+av) 12.00 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R) 1.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 1.30 TV Shop:
ABC FAMILY (22)
MONDAY, October 21
Green. (PGa)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mls)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mls)
10.05 Have I Got News For You U.S. (Mals)
11.00 SBS World News Late.
11.30 Suspect. (Malsv)
11.55 Exterior Night. (Mav)
2.00 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R) 3.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan and Juarez take on a special case. Stevens enlists help to identify her attackers. 10.10 S.W.A.T. (Mav) The team races to stop a dangerous plot. 11.10 The Latest: Seven News. 11.40 Lopez Vs. Lopez. 12.40 Miniseries: Deadline Gallipoli. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am
Bicentennial Man. Continued. (1999, PG) 7.55 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 10.00 The Lost Bladesman. (2011, M, Mandarin) Noon Swan Song. (2021, M) 2.00 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 3.50 The Defiant Ones. (1958, PG) 5.40 The Thief Lord. (2006, PG) 7.30 Time Bandits. (1981, PG)
2.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 3.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 4.25 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules.
WEDNESDAY, October 23
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PGa) 8.20 Titanic Revisited. A look at the RMS Titanic
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Earth To
Echo. Continued. (2014, PG) 6.20 The Kid From The Big Apple 2. (2017, PG, Mandarin) 8.30 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 10.20 The City Of Lost Children. (1995, M, French) 12.25pm The People Upstairs. (2020, M, Spanish) 1.55 The Thief Lord. (2006, PG) 3.45 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 5.55 Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams And Monsters. (2019, PG) 7.30 Kin. (2018, M) 9.25 Chappie. (2015, MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
October 24
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Great Australian Walks. (Final, PG)
8.30 National Parks From Above. (PG)
9.25 Paris Has Fallen. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Fallen. (Mal)
12.30 Germinal. (Masv, R)
3.30 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGl, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.30 Arj Barker: Comes Clean. A stand-up comedy performance by Arj Barker where he shares some home truths. 9.45 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R) Part 3 of 4. 10.45 The Latest: Seven News. 11.15 Chicago Fire. (Ma) 12.15 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)
Casketeers. 6.10 Secret World Of Las Vegas. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. 10.20 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams And Monsters. Continued. (2019, PG) 6.35 Spread Your Wings. (2019, PG) 8.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 10.30 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.15pm Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 1.40 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 3.20 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 5.15 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 7.30 Transcendence. (2014, M) 9.40 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.05am Late Programs. 5.55 Lara. (2019, PG, German)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. Explores life behind bars. 9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Bonnie Clarke. (MA15+av, R) Ron Iddles revisits the 1982 murder of six-year-old Bonnie Clarke. 10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R) 12.00 Magnum P.I. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.30 Listing Melbourne. (Premiere, Ml) 9.40 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 10.45 9News Late. 11.15 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Drive TV. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping.
(34) 7MATE (64)
7MATE (64)
9GO! (83)
9GO!
Dungog Shire Community Centre requires the services of a Youth Worker to cover a temporary position due to staff leave. The role, based in Dungog, involves individual casework, counselling and group programs and applicants must have relevant experience and qualifications to support young people 8 –18 and their families. For further details and position description please EMAIL Kate Murphy; manager@ dscc.net.au with POSITION in heading
PLACE YOUR NOTICE WITHIN NEWS OF THE AREA Ph: 02 4981 8882 or Email: ads@newsofthearea.com.au Deadline: 4pm Mondays
MUSIC TEACHER GLOUCESTER
Jim Kelly, an Irishman has been teaching music for over 40 years. Teaching ages from 5 to 90. Beginners to Advanced. Guitar, Ukulele, bouzouki, mandolin on Wednesdays. Enquiries ring Fran 0403 522 532
1955, original condition well maintained and mechanically sound Drives well, 86,000 miles, club rego 87955H $30,000. 0408 689 485
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR
Jasminda,
We have recently put our house up for sale and the real estate agent has insisted we get a stylist (who they recommended).
When she visited the other day, she made suggestions that were not to our taste.
Frankly, her ideas were cheap and nasty.
Can't we just keep our own furnishings?
Belinda P
Dear Belinda,
My mother made the astute observation recently that stylists
seem to be 'in cahoots' with real estate agents and they all seem to read from the same playbook.
It can be disconcerting when a stylist wants you to fork out thousands so they can suggest that you replace the expensive artworks you inherited with assorted tacky prints from an online site.
Then, once they've explained everything that is wrong with your lounge room, they'll head to your bedroom.
You can be confident that once they restyle it, it will take half an hour to remove the countless cushions and throw rugs so you can find your bed again.
Some stylists also seem to detest natural greenery, replacing it with cheap plastic plants that will never have a dead leaf or bug on them, but nor will they release oxygen or any feel good hormones, instead fulfilling their role as cheap adornments
headed for landfill. The kitchen can't have any food in it, or any sense of homeliness. And definitely no odours, except for coffee beans.
Apparently a strategically placed recipe book is the tastede-jour, but god help you if you think you can cook in the kitchen during the sales period.
Personally, the things I look for when buying a home are its condition, whether the fixtures work, how much storage space it has, whether it has been designed to make the most of the natural light, and whether there are barking dogs or other noise hazards close by.
No amount of plumped cushions or tropical tree wall canvases will make up for structure and functionality.
Those should be the real selling points. Good luck!
Kids Boot Camp 022
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
q
Women overdue for breast scans
MORE than 40 percent of Mid North Coast women aged between 50 and 74 years are overdue for breast cancer screening.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a timely reminder for all to book in for a free mammogram.
According to Patrick Magee, the Acting Director of BreastScreen NSW - North
Coast Screening Assessment Service, around 250 local women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
“If you’re in this age group, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.”
BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to “Be A Friend, Tell A Friend”. This campaign
encourages word of mouth and social media promotion of regular screening among women, their families and colleagues.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, said that if detected in its earliest stages, a woman’s five-year breast cancer survival rate is 98 percent.
This drops to 43.9 percent if detected after it has spread
to other organs.
“One thousand women are expected to lose their lives to the disease in 2024, so we need to do everything we can to support women and encourage them to book in a life-saving breast screen,” she said.
“Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival it can greatly reduce the need
3G shutdown 28 October
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
services using 3G networks will cease to exist as of 28 October.
The shutdown is to improve the capacity, speed and reliability of the 4G network and to roll out 5G to more Australians.
More than mobile phones will be affected according to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications
Association (AMTA).
“Impacted devices may include phones, smartwatches, tablets, inhome personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms,” it advises on its website amta.org.au/3g-closure/.
“Some early 4G handsets don’t support 4G voice calling, which means they use the 3G network… after the closure, these devices will not be able to make a call.
“There are also a number of devices that support normal 4G voice calls but force emergency calls to 3G, so these phones won’t be able to make an emergency call after the closure."
Older phones used 3G for Triple Zero (000) calls because, being a lower radio frequency range, it had wider geographical coverage - much like how AM radio stations can be picked up
farther out than FM. However, that advantage will be eliminated entirely when the telcos close 3G.
A Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee report found that up to 77,000 mobile phone users would be unable to call Triple Zero.
A submission by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development,
for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
A person’s age, and being female, are bigger risks than family history.
It is recommended that women aged 50 to 74 years have a breast screen every two years.
BreastScreen NSW also recommends that Aboriginal
Communications and the Arts stated that there may be over 300,000 devices in circulation that use 4G normally, but rely on 3G for emergency calls.
Other non-phone devices that may be affected include water and electricity meters, farm monitoring and diagnostic equipment, medical devices, emergency phones in elevators, and safety and asset tracking devices.
Despite first heralding the 3G shutdown back in June, the deadline has been pushed back twice to allow
women start screening at 40 years old.
Any woman who notices a lump or other changes in their breasts, should see their doctor without delay.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van call 13 20 50 or book online at www. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
for the message to spread to those who need to hear it.
Vodafone/TPG customers already lost 3G services back in January.
The easiest way for anyone else with a mobile phone to check their device is to simply text the digit “3” to the number “3498”, and within seconds a message appears advising what action to take - if any.
Mobile service providers all publish coverage maps on their websites.
More information can also be found on the AMTA website.
More than 40 percent of Mid North Coast women are overdue for two-yearly breast screening. Photo: file.
Coalition ahead but Labor not hitting poll panic button
By Andrew BROWN, AAP
LABOR may have fallen behind the coalition in Newspoll for the first time in more than two years, but the government is unlikely to hit the panic button just yet.
The opposition leads 51 to 49 on a two-party preferred basis in the latest Newspoll, published in The Australian on Monday.
It's the first time the coalition has been ahead in the polls since the 2022 election.
But months out from voting day, Labor is in better shape than many other firstterm governments, polling analyst Kevin Bonham says.
"Governments usually lose polls faster than this. Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese are the two longest lasting governments (before they lost a Newspoll)," he told AAP.
"The poll is very similar to some of the previous Newspolls, and it's a probably a matter of rounding that the government has slipped to the point where they lost this one.
"While the two-party preferred result has changed, primary votes remain the same, with the coalition on 38 percent and Labor on 31 percent.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains the preferred prime minister over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, ahead 45 to 37 percent.
Mr Albanese's personal approval rating fell three points to 40 percent, while 54 percent disapprove.
The opposition leader's approval increased by one point to 38 percent, while his disapproval levels stayed at 52 percent.
Despite the prime minister's personal netapproval ratings being the same as the opposition leader's, Mr Bonham said it should not represent a cause for concern.
"The rating is pretty ordinary, but not terrible. Prime ministers have won from a lot worse ratings than this," he said.
"It's not unusual for a
government to poll differently during their term, and there hasn't been much change all year.
"It seems to have dipped a little in recent months, but there's been little change all year, and there's still a lot of time to go."
A federal election must be held by May 17 at the latest for a standard poll, where all of the House of Representatives and half the Senate is up for grabs.
Barring the prime minister calling an early double-dissolution election, a Saturday in May is looming as the most likely option.
The 2025 schedule for federal parliament shows the federal budget being brought forward from its traditional May slot to March 25.
Federal budgets were held early in the past two election years of 2019 and 2022, ahead of a federal poll being called shortly afterwards.
With a minimum of 33 days needed between an election being called and the poll taking place, the earliest one could take place is the first Saturday in May.
The prime minister has previously indicated he would
want to serve as close to a full term as possible.
Workplace Minister Murray Watt said the government still had work to do before election day.
"We need to work that little bit harder to explain what we are doing to assist people with those cost-of-
living pressures and the risk that we face if Peter Dutton and the coalition win the next election," he told ABC Radio on Monday.
But Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce says the poll result was indicative of growing negative sentiment about the government.
"The biggest issue is trend. The trend's been down all the way along," he told Seven's Sunrise program.
"Mr Albanese is giving this a red-hot go to be a one-term government. He really has just lost his connection with the people."
Farmland sales plumb 29-year low
as price demands boom
By Callum GODDE, AAP
AUSTRALIAN farmland sales have fallen to another record low as would-be buyers baulk at owners' price demands.
The Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report is the longestrunning analysis of the farmland market across the nation.
The report has tracked every sale annually for 29 years and its latest mid-
year update shows national transaction volumes have never been lower, dropping to 2966 across the first six months of 2024.
Since peaking in the first half of 2021, the number of farmland sales has fallen by 43 percent.
Neil Burgess from Rural Bank said deal volumes continued to tighten as buyers increasingly failed to meet price expectations.
"Transaction volumes are now at a record low,
down 18.7 percent year-onyear and 4.8 percent below the second half of 2023," he said.
The median price of farmland sold in the first half of 2024 rose to $10,141 per hectare, up 12.2 percent from 12 months earlier.
It marked the 22nd consecutive half-yearly period of year-on-year growth.
However, when comparing sales in the first half of 2024 to the second
half of 2023, median prices went backwards in Western Australia (12.1 percent), South Australia (11 percent) and Victoria (6.7 percent).
The report said dry conditions challenged producers in southwest Victoria, SA, Tasmania and the WA grain belt.
"Areas to experience dry conditions saw dry sowing of winter crops and reduced feed for livestock with over 50 per cent of the national sheep flock in areas with
below-average rainfall," it said.
"July and August were better months for southern Australia with some relief coming ahead of spring."
More favourable rainfall kept median prices trending upwards in Queensland (5.6 percent) and NSW (5.6 percent) in the six months to June 30, while Tasmania's figure grew by 16 percent courtesy of boosted sales in the state's north.
The mixed state-bystate results can be partly explained by the recovery of livestock prices following a disastrous 2023 and easing
crop prices, Mr Burgess said.
"In general terms, the traditional drivers of farmland values have led to a more subdued buyer appetite," he said.
"These factors are set to keep farmland values in a holding pattern for the second half of 2024.
"However, the longerterm outlook appears optimistic as demand may again strengthen if current rainfall forecasts provide a good finish to 2024 and interest rate cuts begin in early-2025."
q The opposition has pulled ahead in polling but one expert says Labor won't hit the panic button yet. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Swimmers start season strong
THE competitive swimming season has started for local Gloucester Thunderbolt swimmers.
To kick off the season the club had four swimmers travel to Darwin to compete at the 2024 Country Championships.
“Sebastian House and Emily Perry from Gloucester Thunderbolts, Kaitlin Perry who competes for Forster Aquatic and also swims at Thunderbolt club nights, and Toby Beker, who is the grandson of Marie Germon, all made the long journey and swam in very hot conditions over the five days,” said club spokesperson Jodie House.
“Being the first carnival of the season the swimmers were just looking to come home with new PBs.
Saige: 100m Breaststroke 4.08sec PB, 100m Freestyle
3.83sec PB.
“Well done girls,” Jodie said.
“That is an awesome
effort after no swimming during winter.”
The Thunderbolts swimmers’ next carnival will be in Newcastle on October 26 at The Forum at Newcastle University.
Have Your Say
Laurieton Landscape Supplies – Kew, NSW
A rare opportunity to own a thriving, well-established business in Kew, NSW, serving the Port Macquarie region for over 30 years. Laurieton Landscape Supplies offers a wide range of quality landscaping materials, including mulches, gravels, soils, and decorative pebbles. Catering to both professionals and DIY gardeners, the business also provides bulk supplies and delivery services.
q Toby Beker, Sebastian House, Kaitlin Perry and Emily Perry.
q Sebastian House with his medal haul.
q Clancie Partridge with her medals.
q Nikita, Clancie and Saige Partridge.
More than a run
“It helps enormously with my physical and mental wellbeing.”
do many others.
“It is an important social event in my week where I chat with friends and feel no pressure to compete.
For local GP Joanne Charlier, parkrun is a family affair where she is joined by partner Andrew and their four children.
“Parkrun is great on so many levels,” Joanne said.
“I’ve just come back from a knee injury and it’s been good to track my times as I slowly improve.
“After the run we head to one of the town’s cafes for a
catchup.”
Joanne’s daughter, Samantha Charlier, 10, loves to run and has taken part on over 50 occasions, proudly coming first on one memorable Saturday.
One of the event’s keenest participants is Steve Robinson, who has completed 115 runs and has no plans to stop.
“I was not a runner in my youth and had only been in a
couple of fun runs when my kids were at school,” Steve said.
“I run for mental and physical health reasons.
“Although I am 80 and have a pacemaker, I am not the oldest participant in Gloucester.”
At the other end of the age spectrum is Eli Soupidis, who at 12 has completed 33 runs.
Eli says his main
Sport Results
motivation for taking part is as part of his training regime for other running events, such as cross-country.
“My best time is 22m 12s, but my aim for this year is to get a PB of 21 minutes,” Eli said.
“I really enjoy parkrun because some of my friends are there, people are encouraging, and I just love running.”
q Samantha Charlier
q Eli Soupidis
Gloucester Golf Club
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE weather was unkind to a degree and “play the ball as it lies” introduced into play after a long stretch of “preferred lies” on fairways, so it was a trifle tough going for the mid-sized field that turned out on Saturday 12 October to watch Gary Peters turn in the top round of the day for a win in his grade.
The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by “The Two Garrys”, Garry Randall and Garry Trevino. The winner in A grade on a count back was Paul Blanch with 34 Stableford points. Brendon Murray came home clear at the top of B grade with 35 points. It was Gary Peters in C grade with the top
Stableford score of the day of 38, although he did need a count back to credit him with the trophy.
Balls were won by Gary Peters and Paul Coote 38, Brendon Murray 35, Paul Blanch, Steve Macdonald and Brian Osborne 34, with the last two balls going to Murray Bowden and Stacey Groves each scoring 33 points.
The Nearest-to-the-Pins at the 4th and 13th holes were by Ben Veitch in A grade who finished 520 cm from home and by Bredon Murray, 497 cm, in B grade. Paul Blanch was closest among the A grade players at the 6th and 15th holes at 220 cm and Wayne Maddalena, 560 cm, did the job for the B grade players. The NTP trophies at
both holes eluded the days’ C grade players despite their top scores overall.
The long drives at the 8th and 17th fairways went to Paul Blanch, Randall Buckley and Steve Bowden
representing the three grades.
The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 11 October was won by Stacey Groves with 18 Stableford points. Balls were won by
Mark Stone and Ken Kelly 17, Doug Blanch 16, Rob Moore 15, and by Peter Buettel and Graeme Marsh, 14.
On Saturday 19 October the Gloucester Club will be staging its annual Town
Gloucester Bowler wins gold
By George WISEMANTEL
JIM Grech was a lawn bowler until 2004 through the assistance of a minocular (half a binocular) to see where his bowl landed on the green.
As his eyesight deteriorated he decided to
give bowls away due to a lack of support for the game and he also felt he wanted to be independent after many years of bowling. A move to Gloucester in 2018 proved a valuable decision for Jim where he joined the Gloucester Bowling Club and typical of
bowling clubs he found it easy to make friends.
One of these friends was Rob Heininger, who after three years of socialising in Gloucester, suggested to Jim he should consider bowling again with Rob as his guiding eyes on the green.
Jim commenced playing
on a social basis but soon became a permanent member of the Gloucester men's Thursday afternoon bowls day with Rob's assistance to relate to Jim the distance of the kitty and the grass he requires.
With the support of locals Jim was encouraged to enter
the blind bowls tournaments which proved it was a successful decision winning a gold medal in the pairs game and a bronze medal in the singles match at the 2023 State singles tournament at Kingscliff.
In 2024 Jim had even further success winning a
versus the Bush challenge, run in the form of an Individual Stableford and sponsored by Rawdon Vale. The following Saturday, Accom will sponsor a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford.
gold medal in the National singles match and silver in the pairs to be crowned Australian champion. Jim's recent achievement was in September 2024 where he won gold in both the singles and pairs events to also become the State Champion. Jim and Rob are still regulars in the Gloucester Thursday bowls games and Jim even competed in the clubs major singles championships recently.
Gloucester Lady Bowlers Higgins in close vets win
By Jennifer BURLEY
UNFORTUNATELY the weather was the overall winner today, 9th October, as only those who were drawn to play a match in the quarter finals of the Ladies Singles Championship ventured out, rain jackets at the ready. Results of matches were:
Bev Germon 25 beat Jenny Burley 15. Julie Kriss 25 beat Jill Everett 14. Congratulations to the winners, now onto the semi final next week with Julie to play Lorraine to be marked by Suzanne and Bev to play Joan with Jenny marking, the winners of these two matches to play the final on Sunday the 27 th October. There was no social bowls played due to the "girls" not wanting to get wet and school
holidays so we look forward to seeing them back next we ek.
It was also announced that the a Melbourne Cup Luncheon is planned, so let's get the "glad rags" out and come along and join in the running of this event.
Coming up also is the Masters Bowls 4s, a mixed event on Saturday November 2nd for those of a certain age and above.
By Peter WILDBLOOD
SALLY Higgins turned in a solid score for a one point win in the Gloucester Veteran Golfers event on Tuesday 8 October.
The event, an Individual Stableford sponsored by Debbie and Peter Sate, was run on a heavy course on a fine day.
The winner was Sally Higgins with a solid 39
Stableford points.
The leading ball winner was Anne Wand 38, and she was followed by Trevor Sharp 37, Amanda Robertson and Peter Buettel 36, Craig Masterson 35 and Derek Bardwell 34, all picking up ball trophies for their efforts.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Peter Sate who finished 254 cm from the hole.
Gloucester Men's Bowls Report
By George WISEMANTEL
A FIELD of twenty eight players fronted on Thursday for the men's social bowls with the majority of games being evenly matched except for a pairs game where Kevin Burley and Ken Bryant thrashed George Wisemantel and Norm McLeod 27-17 (18+10) (time for these losers to go back to bowls school) Runners up were Vic Hebblewhite, Col Beattie,
Ian Tull defeating Stephen Hurworth, Paul Sheridan, Tom Allerdice 21-13 (16+8) and in the remaining close games Ron Jones, Terry Carson, Harry Cox def Robert Hayes, Alex Laurie, Terry Davies 24-20 (16+4) Neville Atkins, Chris Pritchard, Nigel Johns def Bob Newitt, Steve Kriss, Karl Weis 26-23 (16+3) Kevin Everett, Max Stevens, Rob Gibson def Bob Charman, Rob Cushway, Don Mehieloff 19-15 (14+4)
Saturday the forty sixth Norm Hebblewhite Memorial Shield bowls day was contested with fifty six players competing and although the weather turned nasty all matches were played in the true social spirit. The winning team with three wins consisted of mostly the Hebblewhite family being Col and Beau Hebblewhite, Martin Gosper and Mat Yates who won on a shoot out over the other three game
winners Bruce Wilson, Louise Clements, Kevin Baker and Sarah (who travelled from Sydney for her first game of bowls and showed up the locals with her ability)
Sunday the final of the Leveltec sponsored pairs championship was played with Neville Atkins and Allen Rose taking on an in form Mark Groves and Ken Bryant as the result showed with Mark and Ken winning eight of the first eleven ends to set up
a winning margin of 20-3 and from there Ken played bowls worthy of an Australian title with Mark complimenting by pushing the opposition bowls out of play to go on and win 27-12 to be crowned the 2024/2025 pairs champions. Many thanks to Leveltec for their generous sponsorship of this prestigious event.
The Barrington Cup will be contested on Saturday and Sunday the 19/20 October with another strong
At the shorter 6th and 15th holes Craig Masterson was nearest just 320 cm from the flagstick.
On Tuesday 15 October the Gloucester Veteran Golfers will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by Joe Farrugia.
The following Tuesday, 22 October, Anne and Ian Maggs sponsor another Individual Stableford.
contingent of fourteen teams competing for the cup so can all skips from the local teams ensure their players are available and following this event it is anticipated the interrupted Saturday morning mixed bowls will get back to normal with the exception of the Masters Games on Saturday 2 November.
All bowlers and friends are invited to a special Melbourne Cup luncheon for a day of champagne, trivia and fun and to watch "the race that stops the nation" on the big screen at the club "See You on the Green"
q Paul Blanch (A grade), Garry Randall (sponsor), and Brendon Murray (B grade).
