By Luke HADFIELD
Taree
q Federal Member Dr David Gillespie with his wife Charlotte.
By Neve BRISSENDEN, AAP
Dr David Gillespie MP announces retirement CORRECTION
FROM Page 1
Dr Gillespie said in his announcement.
Dr Gillespie, a gastroenterologist before entering politics, had a distinguished career in medicine, including serving as Director of Physician Training at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
His medical expertise proved valuable in Parliament, where he spent three years in the government ministry, including as Minister for Regional Health.
Dr Gillespie’s political career began with a loss in the 2010 federal election, but he was successful in 2013, reclaiming the historically safe Nationals seat from retiring Independent Rob Oakeshott.
Dr Gillespie went on to secure re-election in 2016, 2019, and 2022, despite several boundary changes to the electorate.
Each time, he maintained a comfortable margin, solidifying the Nationals' hold on the seat.
During his tenure, Dr Gillespie championed numerous projects across the Lyne electorate, advocating for essential infrastructure and securing federal funding for local council initiatives.
His leadership helped drive regional investment, earning him praise from Nationals Leader David Littleproud, who said Dr Gillespie will leave a “significant legacy”.
He highlighted Dr Gillespie's "important role" in shaping the party’s approach to regional health and infrastructure.
Reflecting on his retirement, Dr Gillespie expressed concerns for the future, stating, "Australia is at a crossroads, and there is a need for more people in Parliament with real-life experience."
He committed to working diligently until the next election and collaborating with the next Nationals candidate to ensure the region continues to receive strong representation and remains a focal point for regional development.
The National Party has already commenced the preselection process for the Lyne seat, with nominations set to close in three weeks.
The preselection meeting is scheduled for 7 December, where party members will choose their candidate to contest the seat in
NEWS Of The Area wishes to offer a correction to information printed in our 16 October edition.
On p3, in the story
the next federal election, expected by May 2025.
Lyne voters will look to the upcoming election to address key concerns, particularly the rising cost of living that has impacted many on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.
While the electorate has benefitted from federal funding under Dr Gillespie’s leadership, the next representative will face the challenge of continuing to deliver crucial infrastructure
‘Tree planting bonanza’, the couple pictured was Nick and Jenny Wardle. NOTA apologises for the error.
projects while addressing economic pressures on local households.
As Dr Gillespie prepares to step away from politics, he expressed gratitude to the people of Lyne, the National Party, and his staff.
His departure marks the end of an era for the seat and the start of a new chapter as the Nationals look to secure the seat once again and continue their legacy in the region.
officers told they might have been travelling to a relative's home.
FROM Page 1
threatening injuries after being trapped in the vehicle for some time.
NSW Police Chief Inspector
Timothy Bayly said the passengers and driver were all known to each other.
Police had earlier received reports of concern for the welfare of the man and the children, with
An investigation was launched when they failed to arrive at the property.
"The original call was made about 1am … we don't know what time the accident actually occurred," Chief Insp Bayly said.
The vehicle was allegedly
involved in an earlier minor crash and police have called for witnesses to both events.
Bucketts Way is a 151km single-lane rural road that links Gloucester to Taree.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
q Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie, Nationals leader David Littleproud and Senator Ross Cadell.
Large quantity drug bust in Nabiac Gloucester men charged with larceny offence
ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives have charged two men as part of an investigation into the transportation of prohibited drugs between NSW and other states and territories.
Strike Force Dewhirst is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – working closely with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – and NSW Crime Commission into the transportation of prohibited drugs and proceeds of crime
between NSW and other states and territories by people using Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs).
As part of inquiries, about 9.15am on Wednesday 16 October, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a white Fiat campervan on the Pacific Highway at Nabiac.
During a search of the vehicle, police located three mobile phones – one suspected of being a DECCD
– and a duffle bag containing nine 1kg blocks of cocaine in vacuum sealed bags.
The driver and passenger of the car – two men aged 20 and 19 – were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station, where they were charged with supplying large commercial quantities of a prohibited drug. .
Police will allege in court the men had rented the van in Brisbane the day prior, with the intention to travel to Sydney, pick up the drugs and return to Brisbane.
Investigations under Strike Force Dewhirst continue.
TWO men from the Gloucester area have been charged by Police after allegedly stealing items they were meant to be moving for a client.
The men, a 48-yearold and a 39-year-old, were contracted to move property on Thursday 10 October from a Forbesdale property to a Gloucester premises in a box truck.
A number of moving boxes containing olive
oil, items of manchester, rolls of garden hose and collectable coins were allegedly removed by one of the males in their private vehicle and stored at a Gloucester address.
Some of the property was also stored at a Stratford residence.
On Tuesday 15 October, Gloucester Police attended the 48-year-old man’s premises and seized a number of the stolen items.
The man was taken into custody and arrested and charged with ‘larceny as a bailee’.
On Wednesday 16 October, Gloucester Police attended the 39-year-old man’s premises and seized more stolen property.
The man was also taken into custody, arrested and charged.
At this stage, it appears that all stolen property has been recovered by Police.
Restored habitat for Gloucester River fish
By John WATTS
FOR those who enjoy throwing a fishing line into the Gloucester River in the hope of catching dinner, the prospects of success are soon to improve.
MidCoast Council has been successful in obtaining a Habitat Action Grant from the Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development.
These grants are funded from the Recreational Fishing Trust, which uses revenue generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW.
This project is designed to restore a severely degraded
section of riverbank along the Gloucester River located adjacent to District Park.
The cause of the degradation is slumping and undercutting of the riverbank, an issue made worse by the 2021 floods.
The project has several objectives, including improving fish habitat with more shade, and protecting
100 to 150 metres of eroded riverbank.
Council also hopes the project will act as a demonstration to the community of the importance of river restoration works.
“Structural support to the toe of the bank by installing rock groynes and revetment (sloping structures) will provide flow energy
dissipation of the waters flow,” said MidCoast Council’s Nicholas Colman.
“Reshaping the upper bank to a reduced batter will enable revegetation with endemic riparian species, improving canopy connectivity, bank stability and habitat availability, thereby improving water quality and habitat for
recreational fish species.
“Gloucester streams are a favoured area for recreational fishers. These works will ensure fishing will continue to be enjoyed.”
This work and its objectives are consistent with the Council’s recently adopted Manning River Estuary and Catchment Management Program.
q Concept plan for the restoration of the Gloucester River bank.
q An eroded site on the Gloucester River.
Walking for mental health
By Wendy BUSWELL
MORE than 110 people took part in the 24-hour Gloucester Rotary Mental Health Relay on the weekend of 13-14 October despite rainy conditions.
“It was a huge weekend, and we had a fantastic response from the community,” said Jo Fitzpatrick, Vocational Director, Gloucester Rotary.
“It was heartwarming to see the town rally behind the mental health cause.”
In an effort to advocate for mental health awareness, Rotary organised a 24-hour relay, rather than a sixkilometre event, to promote the idea that mental health is “not a quick fix”.
Some people walked the 500-metre circuit over a hundred times.
Others came and walked five.
“When it rained, people donned ponchos or walked with umbrellas; the rain didn’t deter people,” Jo said.
Ten-year-old Sebastian House was the youngest participant, and Pat Fitzgerald, at the age of 94, was the oldest.
“People were walking around the showground oval telling stories,” Jo said.
“It was a wonderful sight and highlighted the importance of not walking alone if you have mental health issues,” she continued.
A ‘Colour Run’ was also held in conjunction with the relay.
Sixty people, mainly families, were showered with colours as they ran or walked through stations.
“It was so much fun,” shouted a group of young people.
Rotary is still determining the
precise amount of money raised, but at this stage believe it is well in excess of $6,000.
“Donations are still coming in,” said spokesperson Li Meng Wong.
A number of Gloucester businesses supported the event by donating time and prizes, and Brendan Clarke “even provided a truck for the outside broadcast,” Li said.
By Wendy BUSWELL
SHANE Holstein had a childhood dream of being on the radio.
“Radio was a companion when I was growing up; a friendly voice,” he told News Of The Area.
In 2005, Shane fulfilled this passion by starting Bucketts Radio, a community radio station that began online and now holds a fulltime community radio licence.
Shane holds the position of President of Bucketts Radio Association and still loves being on-air, hosting a Top 40 Country Countdown show every week.
Initially, the station operated from premises upstairs in the Majestic Centre, before moving to a more accessible downstairs space in the building.
The station’s reach has expanded since the construction of the Kia Ora Hill transmitter.
Bucketts Radio recently acquired outside broadcast equipment, which was used for the first time at last weekend's Rotary Health Run.
“We now have a great piece of equipment that we can use to broadcast events such as the ANZAC ceremony and other community activities,” said Shane.
“We want to ensure that locals who are housebound
can still be part of community events,” he continued.
Bucketts Radio is run entirely by a volunteer committee and volunteer announcers, broadcasting 24 hours a day.
“We do tap into the Community Radio Network for overnight programming, but 75 percent of the content is our own,” Shane noted.
Training is offered for anyone interested in becoming an announcer.
Friday morning announcer Lorna Tomkinson shares Shane’s passion for radio.
“It’s great fun!” she said. “I do a show with my friend Hildegard Griffin.
“We play music, chat and have a really good time.”
Lorna emphasised that learning about the equipment is “not scary”.
“There is an extensive playlist, so we can cater to all types of music tastes,” she added.
Announcing on the radio is not the only way to get involved with the station; becoming a member and assisting in other capacities is also encouraged.
Shane and Lorna highlighted the value of the station as a community resource and expressed their enjoyment when people drop by to share local news.
Bucketts Radio broadcasts on 104.1 FM.
q Shane Holstein with the new outside broadcast equipment. Photo: supplied.
q Pat Fitzgerald, the event’s oldest participant. Photo: supplied.
q Team Pharmacy: Kylee Fitzgerald, Nicole Griffiths, Julie Laurantus, Jaeman Cha, Emma Threadgate. Photo: supplied.
q Colours explode at the end of the run. Photo: supplied.
LGBTQI protections bolstered, but not completely
By Luke COSTIN and Neve BRISSENDEN, AAP
ANTIDISCRIMINATION
laws remain outdated in NSW despite recent changes that are set to improve equality for LGBTQI communities, advocates say.
A wide-ranging but watered-down bill, drafted by independent MP Alex Greenwich, was passed into law in NSW parliament last Thursday night after a 15-12 upper-house vote.
It removes the requirement for transgender people to have surgery to change their birth certificates, bringing the state into line with the rest of the country.
The bill had reopened deep rifts within the Liberal Party over transgender issues and caused a moderate MP to cross party lines to support the suite of legal changes.
To get the Labor government over the line, amendments to the state's anti-discrimination act were dropped, including protections for LGBTQI teachers and students at private schools.
Equality Australia chief executive Anna Brown said the reforms were a watershed moment for Australians but more work needed to be done.
"Now we turn our attention to the state's antidiscrimination laws," she said on Friday.
"It is unfathomable that in 2024 students and teachers can still be lawfully discriminated against when they walk through the school gates... it's time for these laws to change."
The government has said it is awaiting the results of a Law Reform Commission review of the act.
But the commissioning of that review showed Labor also believed the antidiscrimination act was "an outdated piece of legislation", Mr Greenwich said.
He would also continue to work to ensure better protections for sex workers, people with disabilities and people of faith.
"There is a lot of common
ground between the LGBT community and the faith communities, we both face a great deal of vilification and discrimination," Mr Greenwich said.
Justice and Equity Centre policy director Alastair Lawrie said the anti-discrimination review must be prioritised quickly.
"NSW laws still fail to protect bisexual, nonbinary and intersex people against discrimination and vilification," he said.
The Greens tried unsuccessfully to tack the antidiscrimination act changes back onto the omnibus bill during upper-house debate.
MP Jenny Leong accused Labor of having "caved into the conservatives and antiLGBTIQA+ forces in their own party".
Introducing changes to ten different sets of laws, the passed legislation increases the time to register a birth if variations of sex characteristics make it difficult to determine sex and creates an offence for threatening to out a person's LGBTQI status or sex-work history.
It also provides a pathway for children born out of overseas commercial
surrogacy arrangements to have their parents recognised on their birth certificate.
The opposition criticised the omnibus bill for going "too far, too quickly", citing internal concerns about women's safety once transgender people could more easily change the
sex listed on their birth certificate.
That argument was condemned as fear mongering by North Sydney Liberal MP Felicity Wilson, who crossed the floor to back the laws in the lower house.
Along with the Liberals and Nationals, some
independent crossbenchers from urban fringe or regional electorates either opposed the bill or abstained from voting.
But it passed with the support of Labor, the Greens and progressive crossbenchers.
q Independent Alex Greenwich (centre) and Liberal Felicity Wilson (right) supported NSW LGBTQI reforms. Photo: Jane Dempster/AAP PHOTOS.
Building bans and buybacks floated for flood zones
By Rachael WARD, AAP
HOUSING developments in flood-prone areas should be banned and properties in very high-risk areas must be eligible for buyback schemes.
That's according to a federal parliamentary inquiry into the responses from insurers to major flood claims, which also called for changes to processing procedures including cash settlements.
Flood emergencies in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania over a period of 10 months in 2022 led to a record 300,000 insurance claims.
More than two years later, many people were still waiting to move back into their homes.
"Long delays due to poor communication and disputes over causation resulted in emotional, mental health and financial strains for many families," Labor MP and committee chair Daniel Mulino said.
The report pushed for an end to further development and housing approvals in high flood-risk areas, in addition to finding a way to discourage banks from financing builds.
"We need to stop the building of more homes and businesses in high-risk areas," Mr Mulino said.
"This has been difficult due to the decentralised nature of decision-making."
The committee urged state and territory governments to create buyback schemes for households with very high flood risk if mitigation efforts were unlikely to work.
It noted a large number of properties would not be insurable if they were deemed to have that level of risk.
"This number will grow with climate change and continued development," Mr Mulino said.
"It is for this reason that the committee believes that some form of government intervention will be required."
However, the report did not pinpoint exactly what that should be and instead said it should abide by principles including affordable cover and community mitigation efforts.
It called for policy owners to be given more details on cash settlements and a 30day cooling off period after accepting offers.
People living in flood-
affected communities, insurance executives, regulators and consumer advocates were among those who contributed to the report released last Friday.
Mr Mulino said the 86 recommendations would lead to better claims management and long-term approaches to reducing the nation's underlying risk of flood.
"Only if we move forward on both fronts can we truly make progress for Australians at risk of future flood events," he said.
A dissenting report from coalition MPs backed many recommendations including planning building reviews but claimed the overall report offered limited solutions to make insurance more affordable.
Opposition MPs recommended addressing an imbalance in funding skewed in favour of response and recovery instead of mitigation, and for policy holders in highrisk areas to be able to decline flood coverage.
"The coalition urges the government to avoid interventionist tendencies which have been shown to make insurance unsustainable, expensive and transferring risk to the Australian taxpayer," they said.
Dutton sets up housing showdown with big build pledge
By Neve BRISSENDEN, AAP
A COALITION government will make home ownership viable for more Australians, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says, promising $5 billion to fast-track building projects.
Mr Dutton on Saturday unveiled the coalition's Housing Infrastructure Program, designed to expedite construction of up to half a million homes through a mixture of grants and concessional loans.
If elected, the coalition would temporarily fund water, power and sewerage to move the projects along as part of the commitment.
"This is a game-changer for young Australians who can't see the opportunity yet to own a home," Mr Dutton told reporters in Perth.
Noting it did not usually fall to the federal government to fund enabling infrastructure, he pledged to pay councils, utility companies or developers to fast-track development.
The bodies must use the money within a year.
"Under the Albanese
government, Australia is facing a housing crisis. The great Australian dream of home ownership has never felt further out of reach," he said.
"We need to get our country back on track, and restore the Australian dream of home ownership."
But Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said the promise did not make up for the coalition's planned cuts to spending on social and affordable housing.
"Peter Dutton is taking with one hand and giving with the other. It's a card trick," she told reporters.
The opposition also announced a freeze and a review of the National Construction Code, claiming changes to energy efficiency standards had added up to $60,000 to the price of a new home.
Pressure had been mounting on the opposition to unveil more policies ahead of next year's federal election, with housing affordability and cost-ofliving front of mind for voters.
Master Builder Australia chief executive Denita Wawn backed the coalition's policy, saying red tape needed to be cut.
"A pause on unnecessary code changes that increase
cost and complexity without meaningful improvements in standards is a positive step," Ms Wawn said.
"Labour shortages, access to water, sewerage, power and roads, union disruption, and red tape all significantly impact the final project cost and build time."
The Business Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia also backed the policy.
"This is smart policy that goes right to the heart of addressing the housing crisis and ensuring there are poles, pipes, wires and roads so houses can actually be built," the institute's president Col Dutton said.
Labor has legislated a $10 billion fund for social and affordable housing but its plan to help lowerincome Australians buy 40,000 homes is stalled in the Senate.
At the same time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been forced to defend the purchase of a $4.3 million luxury home for himself and his future wife Jodie Haydon.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference last Wednesday, Mr Albanese was asked whether the purchase was a "good look" during a cost-of-living crisis.
"I understand that I've been fortunate, but I also know what it's like to struggle," he said.
"My mum lived in the one public housing flat that she was born in for all of her 65 years.
"I know what it's like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home, whether it be public homes or private rentals or home ownership."
Gloucester workshop to explore Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme
By John WATTS
A WORKSHOP has been planned in Gloucester next month for local landholders keen to learn more about the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.
“The carbon and farming space can be daunting and many farmers are curious about all things carbon,” said local farmer and chair of the Gloucester District Pastoral Association, Cam Laurie.
The workshop, ‘CarbonBeyond the Dollars’ will be held at the Gloucester Golf Club on 2 November, conducted by local farmers,
Landcare and Local Land Services.
The ACCU initiative supports projects that avoid the release of greenhouse gas emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
Projects can be in several areas such as agriculture, transport or forestry and can involve changing management practices or installing new or upgraded technology to reduce emissions.
Participants can earn an ACCU for every tonne of emissions stored or avoided by a project.
ACCUs can be sold to
private sector buyers and governments to generate income.
The Australian Government purchases ACCUs through carbon abatement contracts.
Organisers say the workshop will benefit any landholder interested in exploring the role of carbon in the water cycle and the benefits to their farm from carbon in their soils.
Participants will hear from internationally renowned soil microbiologist Walter Jehne, with ground-level insights from landholders Nick Blomfield and Janne
and Lindy Ryan.
After the talks there will then be a series of ‘fire-side’ chats, with the audience being split into three groups that rotate to discuss different topics.
“At the end of the day each group will come together for a final round of Q & A with speakers available to answer questions,” said Mr Laurie.
“Our aim is to have a day which empowers farmers to realise new income streams, increase capital value as well as improve productivity and profitability.”
This event is ticketed.
q A federal inquiry has recommended a ban on housing in flood-prone areas after the events of 2022. Photo: Lucy Cambourn/AAP PHOTOS.
q Gloucester District Pastoral Association chair Cam Laurie.
q Peter Dutton has unveiled a $5 billion housing policy ahead of next year's federal election.
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
GROWING HOME WITH JAMIE DURIE
SEVEN, 8.30pm
Jamie Durie (pictured) certainly has his hands full: not only is he researching, designing and building the most environmentally friendly home possible and
filming the process, but he’s also running his own business, planning a wedding to his partner, singer-songwriter Ameka Jane, while the couple await the birth of their second child. The former Backyard Blitz presenter returns to Aussie TV with this informative and innovative project that also gives viewers a behind-thescenes peek at his home life. Durie’s lifelong passion for sustainability informs every aspect of his dream home, from geothermal heating and cooling to protecting his block’s native gum trees. Growing Home is a breath of fresh air.
FRIDAY, October 25
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Miniseries: Nolly. (Ml) Part 2 of 3. With exit day looming, Nolly is desperate to know how she will be killed off from Crossroads
9.15 Fisk. (Ml, R) Ray breaks the networking group rules.
9.45 Question Everything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran.
10.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Larkins. (PG, R)
12.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
ABC FAMILY (22)
And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs.
MONDAY
LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
NBN, 8.40pm
Love it or loathe it, this steamy Aussie dating show is back for a sixth season of make-ups, breakups and shake-ups in the sun. Host Sophie Monk (pictured) welcomes 10 new Love Island villa, introducing them with a twist taken out of fellow reality series I Kissed a Boy’s handbook – before they couple up, the girls will be smooching the boys to put their chemistry to the test. Talk about a first impression! Irish star Eoghan McDermott is again in the narrator’s booth to commentate the contestants’ comings and goings – if you’re not drawn in by the series’ romance, eye candy or conflict, rest assured that his sassy asides will have you in stitches.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (PGav)
8.25 Castle Secrets. (Mav)
9.20 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 The Allegation. (MA15+a)
12.20 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Mav, R)
3.40 Paddington Station 24/7. (MA15+l, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Colin Fassnidge shows how to make a pizza base.
8.30 Growing Home With Jamie Durie: The Mission. (PGl) Part 1 of 4. Follows Jamie Durie and his young family as they build their eco-friendly dream home.
9.30 Body In The Snow: The Murder Of Joanna Yeates. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 2. Examines the murder of landscape architect Joanna Yeates and the hunt for her killer.
12.00 GetOn Extra.
12.30 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
WEDNESDAY
LISTING MELBOURNE
NBN, 8.40pm
Located at the intersection of Selling Sunset and Luxe Listings Australia, this new homegrown reality series fills a gap in the market – letting viewers in on the conversations real estate agents have when we leave the room. In between showcasing opulent homes in the cosmopolitan Victorian capital’s most prestigious suburbs and signing multi-million dollar deals, buyers advocates Nicole Jacobs and Tabitha Robb (above, centre) take real estate agents Andrew Campbell, Diana Kozlowska and Fraser Lack to task. This week, Nicole celebrates a recent success, and the fallout from Tabitha’s podcast lingers. It’s hot property.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. (PG, R)
8.40 MOVIE: Olympus Has Fallen. (2013, MA15+lv, R) A former agent must save the White House. Gerard Butler.
11.00 Race To The Melbourne Cup Carnival.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (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. Special guest is Jelena Dokic. 7.30 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa) The team helps a nurse and her husband. 8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Panellists include Aisling Bea, Guy Montgomery, Celia Pacquola, Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang. 9.45 To Be Advised. 10.45 10’s Late News. 11.10 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Children’s Programs.
SATURDAY, October 26
6.30 Back Roads: Nimmitabel, NSW. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Mv) Alphy and Geordie probe the murder of an archaeologist and uncover a tangled web of betrayal.
8.20 Vera. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 4. Vera investigates after a physiotherapist is shot through the window of the house where she was staying.
9.50 Plum. (Madls, R) A footy player is diagnosed with a brain disorder.
10.45 Countdown To War. (R) Part 1 of 3. 11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Ben And Holly. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 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 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG)
8.25 The Cotswolds With Pam Ayres. (R)
9.15 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (R)
10.10 So Long, Marianne. (MA15+)
11.10 Paris Paris. (Mls, R)
12.10 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R)
3.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R)
4.35 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. The team visits the world’s whitest beach.
7.30 MOVIE: The Woman King. (2022, Mav) An all-female unit fights to protect their kingdom. Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu. 10.20 MOVIE: Flatliners. (2017, Malsv, R) Elliot Page. 12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 11. Gold Coast 500. Day 1. Highlights. 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.30
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. Pacific Championships. Week 2. Fiji v Cook Islands. 9.00 MOVIE: Edge Of Tomorrow. (2014, Mlv, R) After being sent on a suicide mission to battle an alien menace, a man finds himself reliving the same day. Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt. 11.15 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PGv, R)
1.30 Cross Court. (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)
SUNDAY, October 27
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Fisk. (Ml)
8.30 Plum. (Mal) Plum’s ex-wife Renee tries to help him.
9.25 I Was Actually There: Boxing Day Tsunami. (Ma, R) Firsthand accounts of the Boxing Day Tsunami.
10.00 You Can’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 11.00 Miniseries: Marriage. (Ml, R)
12.00 Fires. (Mal, R)
12.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. (2022, PG) 8.50 MOVIE: Nancy Drew And The Hidden Staircase. (2019, PG) 10.15 Doctor Who. 11.35 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Choice 2024: Harris Vs Trump.
9.45 The VP Choice: Vance Vs Walz.
10.50 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (MA15+avw, R)
11.50 Geoff Dixon: Portraits Of Us. (Ml, R)
1.25 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)
2.20 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (PGa, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
12 Dishes In 12 Hours. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Disaster Autopsy. 9.25 WWE Rivals. 12.10am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn
6am The Final Countdown. Continued. (1980, PG) 7.35 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 10.00 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Transcendence. (2014, M) 2.35 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.50 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 6.40 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 8.30 The Son. (2022, M) 10.45 Concussion. (2013, MA15+) 12.35am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 8.20 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 10.35 Bliss. (2021, M) 12.30pm The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 2.25 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 4.45 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 6.35 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 8.30 Looking Glass. (2017, MA15+) 10.25 Tori And Lokita. (2022, M, French) Midnight Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (Final) 9.05 7NEWS Spotlight. 10.05 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+adv, R) 11.30 Ant Middleton And Liam Payne: Straight Talking. (Mal) 12.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 11. Gold Coast 500. Day 2. Highlights.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating,
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00
MONDAY,
October 28
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Little Lunch. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch. 9.00 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.30 Poh’s
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mls)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mdls)
10.05 Have I Got News For You U.S. (Mals)
10.55 SBS News. 11.25 Exterior Night. (Mav)
1.30 Pray For Blood. (MA15+av, R) 3.20 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R) 4.10 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) It is round three of the competition. 9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) Aaron, Lopez, Celina, Tim and Smitty discover a surprising connection in their case. 10.10 S.W.A.T. (Mav) 11.10 The Latest: Seven News. 11.40 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) 12.40 Miniseries: Deadline Gallipoli. (MA15+av) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00
6am Leap Year.
(2010, PG) 7.55 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 9.45 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 11.30 The Son. (2022, M) 1.50pm Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 3.40 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 5.30 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 7.30 War Hunt. (1962,
TUESDAY, October 29
3.35 Catalyst. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG)
8.30 Stopping The Steal. (Mal)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+av)
12.25 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
2.30 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, 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.
VICELAND (31)
Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav)
WEDNESDAY, October 30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia. (Ml)
8.25 History’s Greatest Mysteries. (Premiere, Maw)
9.20 The Old Man. (Premiere, MA15+v)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Carmen Curlers. (Malsv)
1.15 Romulus. (Masv, R)
3.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R)
4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R)
8.30 Lawrence Mooney: Embracing Your Limitations. (MA15+as) A performance by Lawrence Mooney. 10.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Madln, R) 11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am
The Block. (PGl)
Listing Melbourne. (Ml)
Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PGl)
Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Gone Fishing With Mortimer & Whitehouse. 6.05 The Matchmakers. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Silverado. (1985, M) 11.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Ideal
Palace. Continued. (2018, PG, French) 7.00 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 9.10 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 11.00 War Hunt. (1962, M) 12.30pm Decision To Leave. (2022, M, Chinese) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 Sissi. (1955, German) 5.30 Basmati Blues. (2017, PG) 7.30 Blow Dry. (2001, M) 9.10 I Want You Back. (2022, M) 11.20 Viva. (2007, MA15+) 1.35am Strangerland. (2015, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, October 31
7MATE (64)
(PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Puppy! A Hotel Transylvania Short Film. 7.35 Little Lunch. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Doctor Who. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Monster Pets: A
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (Return, PG)
8.30 National Parks From Above. (PG)
9.25 Paris Has Fallen. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Fallen. (MA15+ls)
12.35 Germinal. (Masv, R)
3.35 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R)
4.25 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.55 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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Gone Fishing With Mortimer & Whitehouse. 6.05 The Matchmakers. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 America’s New Female Right. 9.40 The Amityville Horror. 10.25 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Basmati Blues. (2017, PG) 8.00 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.25 Rabbit Hole. (2010, M) 12.10pm The Father. (2020, M) 1.55 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 4.05 Wide Open Sky. (2015) 5.40 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 7.30 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 10.10 Midsommar. (2019) 12.50am Hereditary. (2018, MA15+) 3.10 I Want You Back. (2022, M) 5.15 Wide Open Sky. (2015)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Highway Patrol. (Return) 8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av) Explores life behind bars. 9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Jane Thurgood-Dove. (Mav, R) A look at the murder of Jane Thurgood-Dove. 10.35 The Latest: Seven News. 11.05 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R) 12.05 Magnum P.I. (Mav) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today.
News.
7MATE (64)
Learn about Soil
Saturday 2nd November 8.30am – 4pm Gloucester Country Club
Join a conversation with industry leaders and farmers who have done it.
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Info: Hunter LLSHannah Botta: 0477 327 405
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DEAR Jasminda,
My husband ruins every morning by sitting next to me in bed doom scrolling and reading the headlines out loud. How can I stop this behaviour?
Helen F
Dear Helen,
I just had a quick glance at the headlines to familiarise myself with your conundrum.
I'm not sure what you are rabbiting on about.
I mean, sure there are
wars raging on multiple fronts, and a once spectacular lake drowning in toxic waste.
Hang on, maybe I've just gone with the wrong media group.
I'll try again.
Okay, so over in the US, Trump is still not admitting to losing the 2020 election.
Holy Moses. But that's in America.
How about local news?
Okay, there has been a family tragedy closer to home.
An airport security issue.
Ok, Helen.
This is not a great way to start a day.
In fact, I was happily
watching my chooks fossicking around the garden, and now I'm surrounded by devastation, and those pesky online analytics are going crazy trying to give me more of what they think I want, which is anything with a whiff of devastation, destruction and apocalyptic intent.
So now, just as you blamed your husband, I'm blaming you, Helen.
My day could have gone in one of two directions. I could have been mesmerised by the sonorous calls of magpies and the uplifting laughter of kookaburras.
I could have been quietly sipping a strong cup of tea with my dog leaning against my leg.
I could have observed the swaying gum tree
branches against a pale grey sky.
I could have eased into a bit of brain work getting Wordle in three lines.
But no, now I'm stuck in a state of existential dread.
There is a simple answer, though.
Take control, Helen.
You don't have to be a mere vessel for your husband's daily catastrophising.
You could instead listen to a podcast of your choosing (headphones have saved many marriages, I'm sure of it), or read a few pages of a book you enjoy.
If you have a dog, you could go for a brisk walk and take in life's simple pleasures.
Or you could just
grab
You
Jasminda.
SUDOKU
Carpe diem,
Is pumped hydro the best option?
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE ending of mining at Stratford and the proposal by Yancoal to invest $1.8billion in a solar farm and pumped hydro is major news for Gloucester.
But is it the best option?
Climate change is such a massive and urgent problem that I find it hard not to support a solar farm that will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions since premature deaths are occurring now all over the world, including Australia, with every greenhouse gas emission.
It is the pumped hydro that I question.
Pumped hydro is one solution to get a 'Long Duration' energy supply.
This is the means of spreading the energy supplied by solar panels over the whole 24 hours of
the day.
The other established method is to use batteries.
Batteries are half the cost of pumped hydro to purchase and install and getting cheaper and more efficient every year.
Yet Yancoal makes a big point of asserting that pumped hydro is the best way to go and refuses to consider comparing the cost of a solar farm and batteries.
CWA Evening Branch host AGM
THE Gloucester Country Women’s Association (CWA) Evening Branch hosted a well-attended annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 10 October.
All leadership positions were filled at the meeting.
Leading the Branch forward Debbi Cook will serve as Secretary, Jill Carson as President, Anne Maggs as Treasurer, and Colleen Yates and Donna Kemp as Vice Presidents.
Trish Mason was elected
as Cookery Officer, Sue Costigan as Handicraft Officer, Di Mansfield as Cultural Officer, Nerida Rodrom as Ag and Environment Officer, and Michelle McLaren as International Officer.
Lauren McRae will operate as the Branch’s Publicity Officer.
Branch spokesperson Barbara Reichert told NOTA of the productive year members had enjoyed in 2024.
“What a busy year members have had, catering for 250 Kimberley Campers at the Showground and
180 for the Gloucester Tri Challenge dinner,” Barbara said.
Branch members also participated in a number of trips, including visits to Parliament House in Sydney and to Old Bar.
Barbara also noted the group’s successful fundraising efforts.
“All our fundraising during the year has enabled the Branch to donate funds to all the schools in our area, the Westpac Helicopter, a women’s shelter at Forster, the Gloucester Swimming Club and CWA of NSW.”
Why?
The two big downsides of pumped hydro, apart from establishment costs, are:
1) That it involves flooding a rainforest gully and other native vegetation (145 hectares) impacting 20 threatened species including koala, sooty owl, stuttering frog etc, the most critically endangered being 217 scrub turpentine for which Yancoal are offering to donate
$250,000 to a species recovery organisation.
2) The water that is pumped between two dams will be the untreated polluted mine water which is bound to damage the pumps.
A health risk arises should water escape.
The assertion that pumped hydro is best is based on out of date (2021) costings. Batteries have advanced greatly since then.
My guess is that Yancoal will save rehabilitation costs for the mining voids since pumped hydro would last 50 or 100 years. For me a solar farm and batteries is the best option and with the money saved you could do the same again at Duralie Mine.
Regards, Steve ROBINSON.
A conversation on road safety
GLOUCESTER resident
Samantha Green attended the 2024 Australasian Road Safety Conference (ARSC) in Hobart from 30 September to 3 October, participating in discussions around the future of safety on the nation’s roads.
Ms Green is the Director of RoadCulture, a locallybased company specialising in traffic management and road safety within the civil engineering field.
RoadCulture provides traffic engineering, education and research services to road
authorities, educational institutions and private entities.
The recent gathering of more than 600 road safety practitioners and researchers passionate about reducing road trauma explored the conference theme of ‘Target 2030. What’s the pathway forward?’.
Australia has committed to ‘Vision Zero by 2050’ – a forgiving road transport system where its acknowledged humans make mistakes, and system designers and road users
share responsibility to ensure zero deaths or serious injuries occur.
Conference keynotes, presentations and panel discussions offered a deep plunge into the world of planning for Vision Zero.
“Acknowledging there are physical limits to the forces a human body can withstand, a key task is creating and enforcing prevailing speed environments that account for vehicle impact risk,” Ms Green said.
“Road safety means keeping below 90 km/h
where opposing traffic streams carry risk of headon collision, below 50km/h where adjacent traffic streams risk conflict at intersections, and below 30km/h in pedestrian areas.”
A local traffic engineering consultant, Samantha’s attendance at the conference was fully funded by a Rural and Regional Scholarship offered by the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) conference organising committee and sponsored by the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
In her application, Samantha outlined her previous leadership role in a community group that advocated for a shared pathway between Gloucester and Barrington, which is now included in strategic Council planning documents.
She has also presented traffic engineering workshops for the University of the Third Age.
“These activities raised awareness of road safety
amongst diverse participants, and empowered them to confidently discuss traffic and raise concerns with governments,” Ms Green said.
As a registered engineer, Samantha requires over 100 hours of technical professional development every three years.
She is grateful for the 22 hours of conference learning, as well as conversation and networking during social programs.
Highlights of the event included keynote speaker Dr Amantha Imber from Inventium, an organisational psychologist who spoke about motivating oneself and others to change habits.
q The CWA Evening Branch leadership group.
q Samantha Green is the Director of RoadCulture.
Diverse meeting for VIEW Club
MEMBERS and guests of Gloucester VIEW (Voice, Interests, Education of Women) Club covered an array of topics at their monthly meeting at the Gloucester Country Club on Tuesday, 15 October.
After a welcome from group President Robyn Henderson, Secretary Judy Earle covered last month’s
meeting minutes and related correspondence.
Treasurer Chris Redman presented the monthly figures, while Publicity Officer Bev Maybury spoke about the new newspaper servicing Gloucester (NOTA).
Welfare Officer Jenny Goddard reported on the welfare of members, and Delegate Marguerite
McNamara relayed information concerning the four Learning for Life students the club supports.
Members were advised of upcoming events, in particular the annual general meeting (AGM) set down for 18 February 2025.
All committee positions will be declared vacant at this meeting.
“The secretary has indicated that she will be standing down and not nominating for a committee position,” said Publicity Officer Bev Maybury.
“The club cannot operate without a committee as evidenced by several having
to close, so members are asked to consider nominating for any of the positions.”
Later in the meeting, Cathy and Phil Henry gave an informative talk about a recent trip to Europe to walk the Camino de Santiago, a legendary pilgrimage to the
Cathedral of
“Their souvenirs, photo book and whiteboard display, coupled with the background information and their personal experiences were very interesting,” Bev said.
Progress on much-delayed footbridge
By John WATTS
IN March 2021
Gloucester was inundated by floodwaters which reached areas of the central business district, flooding several shops.
As the torrent poured through the nearby Billabong Park, the pressure of the flow destroyed the long-standing footbridge connecting the two sides of the park.
For nearly four years since the flood, those wanting to walk from one side of the park to the other
have had to navigate a rough and steep dirt track.
As reported in News Of The Area last week, MidCoast Council recently announced that the tender for the building of a new wheelchair-friendly bridge has been awarded to Jacobs Building.
Council says construction is expected to commence in early 2025, with a finish date of April that year.
As the years have gone by, many in the Gloucester community have wondered why the bridge rebuild has been so delayed.
“There have been several aspects to the project including the insurance claim process and process for securing funding for flood damaged infrastructure through the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program,” a Council spokesperson told NOTA.
“Many assets across the region were impacted by the March 2021 floods and a comprehensive program of repairs and replacement is continuing.”
According to Council, insurance was one of the key issues causing delay.
The bridge was only insured for $110.000, while its replacement is expected to cost $264,000.
As a result additional funding had to be sought through the NSW Government’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program.
As further flooding of Billabong Park can be expected, Council says the new bridge will be designed to withstand one in 100 year flood forces and a flow velocity of 1.53 metres per second.
The design includes an aluminium truss-framed bridge with three spans.
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Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
q Guest speakers Phil and Cathy Henry with Club Secretary Judy Earle and President Robyn Henderson.
q Cathy and Phil Henry presented on their trip to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago.
q Concept plans for the new footbridge. Image: supplied by Council.
Arney 36, Bill Murray 33, and Jeff Graham 32. Balls in the associated ball competition were won by Murray Bowden 39, Kev Arney 36, Dave Robbins 35, Steve Macdonald, Peter Sate and Jim Spencer 34.
The Nearest-to-thePins at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Murray Bowden, 396 cm, in A grade, Trevor Sharp, 957 cm, in B grade and by Dave Robbins,
920 cm, in C grade. At the 6th and 15th holes it was Stacey Groves, 143 cm, Mark Stone, 106 cm, and Dave Robbins, 334 cm, who represented the three grades.
The long drives at the 8th and 17th fairways were won by Murray Bowden, in A grade, Jim Spencer, in B grade, and Dave Robbins in C grade.
The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 18 October was won by Ken
Kelly with 16 points; he was followed by ball winners Dave Mann and Stacey Groves 15, and by Rob Moore and Wayne Maddalena both scoring 14 points.
On Saturday 26 October Accom will sponsor a Four Ball Better Ball event with an Individual event in conjunction. The following Saturday there will be the November Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by the Arkwood Family.
Gloucester Rifle Club
By Peter PSALTIS
IN mild conditions on Sunday October 13, in free-class fullbore at 300 metres sole participant Stuart Kerr ripped a
smashing 110.1, and in 25 metre rimfire new member Andy McCawley ripped a sizzling possible 250, just edging Laurie Smith and Doug Clarke on ripping scores of 241 and 240.
Next shoot will be on Sunday October 27, with fullbore at 400 metres from 8.30am, and 50 metre rimfire from 11.
Gloucester Men's Bowls
By George WISEMANTEL
A FIELD of twenty eight turned out on Thursday for the first week of the W T Howard sponsored Blind Draw competition which will be run over a six week period where the winning team overall will receive five points each week and the remaining winning sides receive three points with every other player getting one point for participation.
The winners were Ian "superskip" Tull, Ken Bryant, Max Stevens who defeated Bob Newitt, Ron Jones, Michael Way 28-19 (17+9). In second place was George Wisemantel, Col Beattie, Harry Cox def Mark Tull, Steve Kriss, Paul Sheridan 24-21 (17+3) and in the remaining games Robert Hayes, Don Mehieloff def Joe Pfeifer, Dave Carselding 23-21 (16+2) Allen Rose, Ben Philpott, Karl Weiss def Vic Hebblewhite,
Gordon Pritchard, Norm McLeod 24-16 (15+8) Kevin Burley, Stephen Hurworth (playing out of position at second) Nigel Johns def Tony Tersteeg, Alex Laurie, Rob Cushway 16-13 (14+3)
On Saturday and Sunday 19 /20 October the annual Barrington Cup proudly sponsored by Saxbys Soft Drinks and Manning Valley Automotive was contested by fifty six players from various clubs including locals with some fantastic bowls being played over the weekend.
Gloucester Lady Bowlers
By Jennifer BURLEY
OVERCAST conditions for the start of the Semi Finals of the Ladies Singles Championship didn't stop the participating ladies from playing some great bowls, the results from the games were:
Joan Ridgeway 25 Bev Germon 17.
Lorraine Ratcliffe 25 Julie Kriss 20.
And the final winner is!!
To be decided on Sunday 27th October at 9.30am,so come and cheer both ladies on and enjoy the game.
There was also 2 games of Triples played by the Social players, Judy Sheely,Joy Hurworth and Jenny Stevens
18 beat Bev Murray, Karen Heiningher and Ruth Redman 12. And Helen Banks,Pattie West and swinger Penny Gibson 26 defeated Paula Standen, Karen O'Brien and Penny Gibson 13.
The draw of the cards for the Trophy of the day was won by Paula Standen' s tea m.
The draw for the Pairs Championship was done after play with the first round to be played next Wednesday 23rd:
Jenny Stevens and Ruth Redman to play Julie Kriss and Amanda Johns.
Lorraine Ratcliffe and Jenny Burley play Karen Heiningher and Paula
Standen.
Bev Murray and Di Pritchard to play Kerrie Green and Helen Banks.
Joan Ridgeway and Bev Germon have a bye.
Don't forget the Masters Bowls day on Saturday 2nd November, only have to be over 60 years young, and organize a team of 4 players of either gender !!
The sheet for same is on the men's notice board.
Our thoughts are with several of our ladies who are not enjoying the best of health of late and we look forward to seeing you on the bowling Green again soon.
Town wins over country
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE forecast was for scattered showers for the Gloucester Golf Ladies day last Wednesday, 16 October, not that this threat dampened the spirit of the annual Town and Country event. On the day, there were more Country players turning out than Town players, so, to even up the teams, a couple of Country players were moved across to the Town team.
It was a tight competition for the prizes sponsored by Pam Paff, with Moya Harris the best of the Country team players with 37 points; she headed Pam Paff but only by a countback. Alison Windeyer also scored 37 points and was
the best of the Town players. Balls were won by Pam Paff, 37, and Gai Falla and Myrelle Fraser, both on 36 points. The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Evelyn Blanch representing the Country team; no one from the Town team made it onto the green. At the 6th and 15th holes the NTP trophies were won by Dale Rabbett for Country and Alison Windeyer for Town.
And as the rain settled in for the afternoon, it was Country that won the day with 209 points versus Town with 203 points.
The day also doubled as the playoff for the Monthly Medal winners for 2024, a
trophy also won by Moya Harris. All players winning a Monthly Medal during the year were eligible for the playoff scheduled for last Wednesday but postponed due to the poor weather that day. It was held in conjunction with the Town and Country team event.
On Wednesday 23 October Alyson Windeyer is sponsoring an Individual Stroke event with a putting competition held in conjunction. The following Wednesday the Gloucester Golf Ladies will be celebrating their Closing Day ahead of a Summer break from full 18-hole competition with a Three Person Ambrose.
By Peter WILDBLOOD
SALLY Higgins stormed home with a five under handicap par 41 for a good win in the Joe Farrugia sponsored event run by the Gloucetser Veteran Golfers on Tuesday 15 October, a full three points ahead of the field.
The event was an Individual Stableford run with a moderate sized field in weather threatening conditions with the course was a tad on the heavy side.
The winner was Sally Higgins with 41 Stableford points. Balls were won by Chris Steele 38, Paul Griffiths 37, Anne Wand 36, Mark Stone 35 with the last ball going on a count back to Jim Spencer who scored 34.
The Nearest-to-thePins at the 6th and 15th holes were won by Sally higgins and Trevor Sharp who finished 550 and 122 cm from the flagstick
respectively. The longest 4th and 13th holes were out of reach for the entire field on the day.
Saturday mixed bowls will resume again on the 26 October and the Masters Games will be held on 2 November with more teams required to make this event possible.
On Sunday 27 October a first ever event will happen with the Ladies Major Singles Championship final being played on a Sunday instead of Wednesday between Lorraine Ratcliffe and Joan Ridgeway and with both ladies playing great draw bowls this game will be worth watching. It is anticipated the men's and ladies major singles championships will be played together on a Sunday for 2025/2026 which will be a great spectacle.
"See You on the Green"
Murray’s big win Higgins too strong
The winning side was a composite team with players from near and far coming to town to combine with the local boys and taking home the major prize was Clint Doust, Adam Clements, Mathew Higgins, Steven Collins, second place went to Robert Hagan, Daryl Webster, Troy Andrews and Robert Austin from Taree Leagues Club, third prize was collected by Col Hebblewhite, Mark Groves, Bruce Wilson, Kevin Baker and fourth went to the reliable Wingham boys Steve Matheson, Justin Costa, Phil Malone and Rod Trenchard.
On Tuesday 22 October the Gloucester Veterans will be playing an Individual Stroke event with a Putting competition in conjunction, all of which is sponsored by Anne and Ian Maggs. The following Tuesday, the Veterans Golfers will be playing an Irish Four Ball.
q Joe Farrugia and Sally Higgins.
Murray’s big win
By Peter WILDBLOOD
q Steve Macdonald, Dave Robbins, Murray Bowden and Peter Bignell.