q News Of The Area Group Editor Douglas Connor with Gloucester reporters John Watts, Meghan Corcoran and Wendy Buswell.
‘Bittersweet’ farewell from school
By Meghan CORCORAN
THE Gloucester High School quad was abuzz with excitement and nervous chatter last Thursday as the 2024 graduating class shared a BBQ breakfast with parents and teachers.
Year twelve student Ava Crocker described the last day of school as “bittersweet”.
Tallulah Ashby told News Of The Area (NOTA) finishing high school “doesn’t feel quite real just yet”, while Abbey Seale highlighted her excitement.
“It came up really quick,” Abbey said, “but yeah I’m excited.”
Some students, like Thomas Hooke, already have a clear direction for their future in place.
“I applied for an Australian Defence Force (ADF) gap year, I got into all that and I’m going down next year,” he said.
Anna Lenehan meanwhile has her sights set abroad.
“I’m taking a gap year and going to England, and the year after I’m going to Newcastle University for Media and Communications,” she said.
Amber Smith however is staying true to her country roots.
“I’m into agriculture, so I’m not going for an ATAR, I'm just going to TAFE and getting certificates through that,” she said.
CLASSIFIEDS
Thomas Troope was looking forward to getting out of the classroom and shaking off some pent-up energy with a class game of paintball later that day.
“Our head teacher is coming with us so we’ll get some payback for all the years,” he said.
Proud parent James Hooke told NOTA, “It's really lovely
Study hub to open soon
TAREE Universities Campus (TUC) will officially open the Gloucester Regional University Study Hub in the coming weeks at 78 Church Street, Gloucester.
TUC opened in Taree in December 2020, with the university study hub made possible through Federal Government funding.
TUC now has over 350 students registered for education support.
“We recognised the need for students right across our MidCoast LGA to access a space dedicated toward supporting them to achieve their higher education qualifications,” said
TUC CEO Donna Ballard.
“With this focus on making education accessible it is important that we have more than one university study hub in the MidCoast area.”
The study hub has been welcomed by the Gloucester Business Chamber, who have worked to ensure it meets the needs of students aiming to study close to home.
“The study space is due to open soon and provides a modern and funky space for Gloucester students registered with TUC to make use of,” said Matt Clinch, President of the Gloucester Business Chamber.
“We are motivated in supporting them to achieve their degrees and qualifications.
seeing these young fullas [sic] about to take on the world.”
Other parents expressed their relief.
“Oh my god you made it,” said Sharon Latimore, while Leanne Wakefield went one step further.
“It’s lovely to see that you all made it alive until the end of the year,” Leanne said.
“Geographically we acknowledge the need to grow our own skills here.
“Providing opportunities to our young people for future skilling, this is the key to the ongoing growth of our economy.”
The Gloucester Study Hub will operate from Suite 7 in the Majestic Arcade at 78 Church Street.
q Ava Croker, Tallulah Ashby and Abbey Seale.
q Abbigale Sterling, Anna Lenehan, Amber Smith and Gemma Davies.
q Thomas Hooke and Thomas Troope.
q The Gloucester study space is currently being fitted out.
Free independent newspaper launches in Gloucester
FROM Page 1
“There are lots of incredible stories to be told here.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the community and are very excited about the journey ahead.”
News Of The Area hopes to fill the gap recently left by the Gloucester Advocate, providing locals with a dedicated source of accurate and entertaining news and sport.
“We are going to take what we have learnt from operating our current papers, while making the paper as specific to Gloucester as possible,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
“This is a dedicated local news source and will only feature news relevant to the local community.”
Mr Connor said independent newspapers like NOTA provide a vital platform for public interest journalism in regional areas.
“Newspapers like ours provide a very real voice for communities they operate in,” Mr Connor said.
“Publications which have operated for well over a century have been closed in recent years by major operators and that really isn’t good enough.
“Communities should not be left without a way to access reliable information on the issues that matter to them.”
The Gloucester edition follows on from the successful launch of NOTA newspapers in the Coffs Coast (2020), Nambucca Valley (2021)
and Camden Haven (2024) regions.
NOTA also launched a free weekly newspaper in Dungog this week, filling the gap left by the Dungog Chronicle.
The family-owned and operated News Of The Area began producing newspapers in 2014 when Medowie husband and wife Mick and Rochelle Wright launched a weekly news publication on the Myall Coast, following the closure of a longstanding local paper.
Ms Wright, who now serves as the company’s general manager, said she is confident the Gloucester edition can be sustainable in the long term.
“While a lot of newspapers around Australia are closing down or going digital-only, we have been able to buck that trend and continue producing and launching newspapers in key regional areas,” she said.
“Thank you to all the businesses who have already
supported our new paper in Gloucester, and I would encourage all business owners to get in touch to discuss how we can support
your work with advertising.”
For more information about News Of The Area, visit www.newsofthearea.com.au.
To contact News Of
Church Street works continue
WORK on the upgrade to Church Street, Gloucester is expected to be completed in November.
The $1.5-million project
has been funded under the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the upgrade, between Phillip Street and Hume Street, would see improvements to drainage efficiency, removal of gutter bridges, rehabilitated road pavement, new asphalt
The Area email media@ newsofthearea.com.au or call Group Editor Douglas Connor on 0431 487 679.
surface and line-marking.
“This is a busy area through town and I know that despite the current inconvenience with the works taking place, local motorists will certainly welcome this project when it is finally completed,” Dr Gillespie said.
Stage one of the project is from Hume Street to the intersection of Bent Street followed by stage two from the intersection of Bent Street to Phillip Street.
q The family behind News Of The Area: Mick, Lachie, Will, Rochelle and Amelia Wright.
q Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie recently inspected the works with Mid Coast Council Works Engineer Ruth Hallett.
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
EIS lodged for renewable energy hub
By John WATTS
THE Stratford coal mine, south of Gloucester, is closing, and owners Yancoal have come up with a plan to turn it into the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub.
The idea is that electricity will be generated at the site through a combination of solar panels and pumped hydro.
According to Yancoal,
“the amount of electricity generated will be equivalent to the daily consumption of approximately 140,000 to 180,000 households and will avoid 320,000 to 550,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum”.
The project will require the construction of about 660,000 solar panels and a new dam in the adjacent hills, with a connecting tunnel.
Art for all
By Wendy BUSWELL
THE Gloucester Art Gallery was established in 1999 as an initiative of the Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI).
The GACCI committee saw the gallery as an avenue to support and promote local artists in Gloucester.
An empty room on the ground floor of the School of Arts was quickly refurbished with the help of the committee and volunteers.
“Everyone pitched in to help,” Leanne Barrett, the first Art Director of the
gallery said.
The gallery adopted an "Art for All" motto, wanting to involve all artists, including primary and high school students.
“The gallery gave Gloucester a new way of seeing itself and the people who lived here,” said Leanne.
Over the gallery’s 25-year history, it has hosted several memorable exhibitions.
One particularly noteworthy exhibition was "Yarning Our Country”, which took two years to develop and involved over 200 knitters creating an Australian
The idea is that water will be pumped from existing voids to the upper dam using solar generated electricity. When electricity is needed for the grid, water will be released from the top dam to flow down the tunnel to the lower dam past an electricity generating turbine.
A Yancoal report says: “At $1.8 billion, the capital cost of the Project represents one of
landscape from wool.
“The exhibition attracted 5000 viewers and travelled to Port Macquarie and Hornsby,” Leanne said.
“It was a huge success and one I am personally proud of.”
While supporting local artists remains the primary focus of the gallery, it also attracts practitioners from outside the area.
Leanne remembers showcasing photography famous Australian lensman Max Dupain had taken while holidaying in Gloucester.
"We are privileged to have a range of artists wanting to exhibit in the gallery,” said Charlie Lethbridge, the current Arts Administrator of GACCI.
the largest capital projects in the Gloucester Valley.
“It would bring new investment to the region, 350 construction jobs, ten ongoing operational jobs and increase local supply and flow-on economic effects in the Gloucester Valley.”
The project requires 685ha of land, of which 325ha will be within the already disturbed Stratford Mine site.
The gallery has exhibitions locked in until 2026.
"A great achievement for a regional gallery,” she said.
Charlie highlighted the annual “Pix in the Stix” photographic competition, running in the Gloucester Gallery for 23 years.
“The significant number of entries from young people this year bodes well for the future of photography in Gloucester,” Charlie said.
Currently on exhibition is the Gloucester Artists Spring Exhibition followed by "Unnatural Natural", a series of works by local artist Dimity Bowden featuring Sally and Ella Riordan.
Another 250ha is cleared pasture while 110ha is native bushland.
Yancoal has recently lodged its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the NSW Department of Planning.
According to the Department the purpose of the EIS is to assess the economic, environmental and social impacts of the project
and is to help the community and others to get a better understanding of the project and enable them to make informed submissions.
Gloucester residents can view the EIS on the Planning Department’s website from early October and can make submissions supporting or opposing this significant project.
q Concept image of the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: Yancoal.
GACCI Arts Administrator Charlie Lethbridge.
Music in an old tin shed
By John WATTS
THERE’S a rusty old, corrugated iron shed on a farm a few kilometres out of Gloucester on Craven Creek Road, which for most of the year is home to a possum or two, a tractor, a few bales of hay, and the occasional snake.
However, on one weekend in September each year, the shed hosts some of the nation’s most accomplished classical musicians.
The shed is on the farm “Kingfisher”, which is owned by Jenny and Greg Lindsay. They bought the property in 2012 and say one of the
attractions was that the shed contained a structure that looked something like a stage.
Greg has always been entrepreneurial and Jenny is a great organiser.
Soon after buying the farm they decided to put on their first concert in the old shed, having no idea where it
could lead.
It was very much a family affair.
Their daughter Heather was then part of a string quartet and its members agreed to come and perform.
“We had no idea how it might go,” Greg said.
“We leafletted the town and promoted it as much as we could locally.
“People had to bring their own chairs, and the entrance fee was just a gold
coin.
“It turned out to be a great success.”
This year’s festival on 21 and 22 September was sold out.
It featured Ensemble Offspring who captivated the audience with a range of contemporary music, including the world premiere performance of “Craven Creek Chants” by Australian composer Ross Edwards.
This was interwoven with “The Bulahdelah-Taree Holiday Song Cycle” by former local poet Les Murray, narrated by Guy Noble.
On the Friday, members of the ensemble performed for both primary and high school students.
Primary school music teacher Sarah Soupides said the students were “spellbound”.
“They listened to an alto flute, a bass clarinet and a marimba played in amazing ways to sound like birds and a didgeridoo.”
On the Sunday morning, the Elvina String Quartet played a selection of more traditional chamber music and blew everyone away with their energy and vitality.
Firies win interim pay rise
By Sam MCKEITH, AAP
THE end of an industrial stand-off between the NSW government and the firefighters' union will see thousands of firefighters receive an interim pay rise.
Thousands of NSW firefighters will get a pay rise in an interim deal that will end the immediate prospect of union unrest as the state's industrial umpire is called in to answer calls for a muchlarger wage increase.
The peace agreement
for a three percent rise, backdated to February, comes as the parties enter into formal mediation to resolve remaining issues in the dispute.
Some 6800 firefighters would benefit from the deal that followed a 4.5 percent pay rise delivered last year, the state government said on Monday.
The Fire Brigade Employees Union had been seeking a wage rise of 20 percent over three years to help members with cost-of-
living pressures in a dispute that led to hundreds of members protesting outside state parliament in March.
Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said the provisional deal was "a good step forward, but we still have work to do".
The NSW government has offered all public-sector workers a blanket 10.5 percent pay rise over three years, including a mandatory superannuation increase, well short of the figure demanded by several key unions.
The pay dispute has led to mass strikes from nurses and midwives in recent weeks as their union pushes for an immediate 15 percent pay increase.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the deal for firefighters showed a commitment by government and the union to get "practical outcomes" for emergency workers.
"We continue to work towards an outcome that is fair and sustainable for Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters and the people of NSW," he said.
The interim deal sees the parties move to the Industrial Relations Commission for arbitration.
q Ensemble Offspring.
q Elvina String Quartet.
q Almost 7000 firefighters in NSW will benefit from an interim pay deal. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has undertaken a control program to remove hundreds of invasive animals threatening the globally significant ecosystems of Barrington Tops National Park.
The park reopened on Friday 27 September following the removal of invasive animals including pigs, rabbits, hares and horses from critical areas of the park through aerial and ground shooting operations.
Part of the park was closed for four weeks during the operation.
In a media statement on Monday, the Invasive Species Council (ISC) celebrated the control program.
“After years of inaction on a rapidly growing feral horse problem, this is great news for our native wildlife in the Barrington Tops and the surrounding Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage areas,” ISC Advocacy Director Jack Gough said.
“With the recent aerial cull,
Invasive species program
Barrington Tops is finally being freed from the relentless damage caused by a growing population of feral horses.
“No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive environments and extinction of native animals.”
ISC Senior Policy Analyst Dr Carol Booth, who recently travelled to the area, said Barrington Tops is home to at least 50 rare and threatened species, but is “besieged” by invasive species including feral horses, pigs and English broom.
“On a recent trip to the park, it was devastating to see 86 piles of horse dung scattered along the three kilometre Polblue Swamp trail, an area with several threatened plants and animals,” Dr Booth said.
“Feral horses were grazing in the swamp, habitat for endangered mastacomys, while thick patches of English broom choked the higher ground.
“Sadly English broom has taken over at least 10,000 hectares of the park, providing cover for feral pigs.”
NPWS has indicated it will seek interest from individuals and organisations interested in rehoming horses from the park and, subject to interest, will undertake
trapping for rehoming in 2025.
Whilst the park has reopened after a four-week closure for the operation, some 4WD trails will remain off limits following the annual seasonal closure due to trail conditions.
Tugalow trail, Thunderbolts trail between Barrington Tops Forest Road and Pheasants Creek Road and Barrington Trail south past the Junction Pools Trail are closed.
The closure does not affect access to the Barrington Tops plateau campgrounds, with walkers and mountain bikers still permitted to use the trails during the closure to public vehicles.
q Dr Carol Booth and one of the 86 piles of horse dung she spotted along the three kilometre Polblue Swamp trail.
q Damage from wild horses in Barrington Tops National Park.
Elders expands rural offering
ELDERS Real Estate has expanded its rural offering with the addition of new offices in Dungog and Gloucester.
The Gloucester office, originally known as Webbs Real Estate, is one of the largest rural and livestock agencies in the district and has 43-years’ experience working in the region.
In Dungog, the Raine and Horne office has been rebranded to Elders too.
Both Gloucester and Dungog Elders offices are now led by Director Andrew Tregent, who began his real estate career at the age of seventeen and has worked in the industry for 27 years.
“The decision to join Elders was driven by the desire for a greater product offering to give our clients and better corporate support in the rural sector, which Elders is uniquely positioned to provide,” Mr Tregent said.
“The opportunity to leverage Elders' extensive resources and focus on rural real estate will allow us to better serve our clients.”
Both offices will continue to operate with the same teams under the new Elders branding.
Independent candidate sought
A GROUP of community members displeased with the electorate’s political representation are searching for a candidate to run as an independent in the upcoming federal election.
Self-described as a “non-partisan group of local people”, Independent Lyne says the region has been “taken for granted and short changed” as a result of Lyne being a safe Nationals seat.
“Applications are open for passionate and committed people who may have the right skills and characteristics to represent our community and who will listen and put the interests of voters first,” Independent Lyne said in a media statement on Sunday.
The group formed earlier this year, inspired by the Teal movement at the last federal election.
After a ‘Community
Voices' meeting held in Taree in May, Independent Lyne has held a series of small events across the electorate.
“These gatherings have been the cornerstone of the independent movement’s approach to understanding the issues of our community and we’ll shortly be releasing the results of what we’ve heard,” said Independent Lyne spokesperson Jeremy Miller.
The group say these sessions have allowed them to identify the “essential skills and characteristics” the community is seeking in a political candidate.
“The community is looking for someone who will put the interest of Lyne first, who will listen and be committed to the electorate,” said Jan Ross from Independent Lyne. Candidates can apply on the Independent Lyne website.
Authorised by Gillian Calvert 8 Hampstead Rd Dulwich Hill 2203
q The Elders Gloucester team: Andrew Tregent, Tricia Arndell, Nikki Randall and John Booth.
q The Elders Dungog team: Brienna Cresswell, Andrew Tregent and Sally Kuppers.
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
SEVEN, 7pm
Travel tales, trips and tips never lose their lustre. After an extended, years-long break, this long-running series comes up for air with a fresh new bunch of enthusiastic presenters and an exciting itinerary for its 19th season. Sunrise presenter James Tobin (pictured), Human Nature’s Phil Burton, former Saturday Disney host Teigan Nash, Creek to Coast’s Chris Parsons, retired cricketer Lee Carseldine and Miss Universe Australia 2007 Kimberley Busteed are the lucky globetrotters. Tonight, USA’s iconic Route 66, the Sunshine Coast and Switzerland’s largest glacier are explored.
FRIDAY, October 4
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 Gardening Australia.
8.35 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: Madagascar. (PG, R) Part 3 of 4.
9.25 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.15 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PG, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R)
11.55 The Larkins. (PG, R)
12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.50 Speechless. 12.15am Good Game Spawn Point. 1.00 Rage. 2.05 Jade Armor. 2.25 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Concerts: Cold Chisel.
WEDNESDAY
QUESTION EVERYTHING
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Tired of the news? You’re not alone, but you can count on comedian Wil Anderson (pictured) to entertain as he spears the headlines and the endless cycle of news stories in a hilarious, thought-provoking fashion. Along with co-host Jan Fran, the Gruen veteran strings along a panel of clever, emerging comedians to break down the week’s news headlines, dig beneath them and polish up a fresh and witty perspective. How was the story covered, what went wrong, what was left out and how could it have been covered in a better way? In this everchanging and volatile media landscape, the news is generally not designed to make us giggle, but this panel show does stellar job of it.
THURSDAY
GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA
ABC TV, 8pm
There’s a playful mood and an excitable sense of anticipation as season 11 of this much-loved homebuilding series kicks off a new era.
Original host Peter Madison has flown the coop, making way for Anthony Burke (pictured), who is a warm and familiar face after hosting Restoration Australia. In tonight’s premiere, Burke is not alone: legendary series creator Kevin McCloud joins him on a road trip to explore some of Australia’s most gorgeous and inspired designs. With a mint-green Kombi as their chariot, the duo ham it up visiting inspiring abodes: it’s a lively kick-off for this invigorated season, which is rich with creative, luxurious and swoon-worthy builds.
8.30 You Can Call Me Bill. (Mav) A portrait of the life of William Shatner.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Soldiers. (Malv)
11.40 The Allegation. (Premiere, Mav)
12.20 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R)
4.15 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets Ronni Kahn the founder of OzHarvest, who are fighting food waste through food rescue.
8.30 MOVIE: A Few Good Men. (1992, Ml, R) Two lawyers defend a pair of US Marines who have been accused of murdering a fellow serviceman. Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore.
11.30 MOVIE: Priest. (2011, Mhl, R) A priest searches for his missing niece. Paul Bettany.
1.15 GetOn Extra.
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 Country House Hunters Australia. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.
8.30 MOVIE: Joker. (2019, MA15+alv, R) A mentally ill aspiring comedian struggles to find his way in Gotham City’s fractured society. Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro.
11.00 MOVIE: The Disappointments Room. (2016, MA15+alv, R)
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)
6am
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. (Return, PGa) Hosted by Stacey Solomon. 8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Panellists include Urzila Carlson, Ray O’Leary, Bron Lewis, Tommy Little and Ed Kavalee. 9.45 The Graham
SATURDAY, October 5
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) 1.15 Grantchester. (PG, R) 2.05 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PG, R) 2.45 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022. (PG, R) 4.15 The Assembly. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Australian Story: Leading Man – Michael Theo. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: South Burnett Rail Trail, Queensland. (R) Presented by Lisa Millar.
7.00
investigate a suspicious death in an army barracks.
9.50 Return To Paradise. (PG, R) A radical eco-activist is murdered. 10.50 Miniseries: Better. (Madl, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Life In Bloom. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Inside Windsor Castle. (Premiere, PG)
8.25 Frogmore House: Royal Retreat. (PGa, R)
9.40 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (PG, R)
10.35 Spain’s Atlantic Train. (PGa, R)
11.30 Something Undone. (Mal)
12.25 Rex In Rome. (PG, R)
1.20 Djaambi. (Ml) 1.30 Going Places. (PGa, R)
4.00 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, 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. (Return, PG) The team travels USA’s iconic Route 66 and takes to the skies of the Sunshine Coast.
7.30 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale.
11.10 MOVIE: Death Wish. (1974, MA15+alv, R) Charles Bronson.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
3.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) Follows a terrier called Larry. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Speed. (1994, Mlv, R) An LAPD cop is trapped on a runaway bus. Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock. 9.50 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, Mv, R) A computer genius disables a cruise ship. Sandra Bullock, Jason Patric. 12.15 Cross Court. (R) 12.45 Innovation Nation. 1.59 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Helping Hands. (PG, R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Fried Green
Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 8.25 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 10.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 11.50 Then Came You. (2020, M) 1.35pm Jonsson Gang. (2020, PG, Finnish) 3.55 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 6.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 10.25 Everyone Else. (2009, MA15+, German) 12.45am Coming Through The Rye. (2015, M) 3.30 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, October 6
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Darby And Joan. (PG, R) 3.10 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.40 Amazing Spaces. (Final, R) 4.30 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Compass. (Final, PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (Mv) A game of lawn bowls ends in murder.
8.30 Unforgotten. (Mal) Sunny and Jess get closer to the truth of what happened on the night Precious was murdered.
9.15 Miniseries: Better. (Malv) Part 4 of 5. 10.15 Fisk. (Ml, R)
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
12.15 Fires. (Mal, R)
1.10 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (Mv, R)
2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
12.15am Rage. 1.45 Jade Armor. 3.10 Miraculous. 3.40 Odd Squad. 3.55 Close. 4.00 Moon And Me. 4.20 Pip And Posy. 4.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 7.15pm
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Last Secrets Of The Great Sphinx Of Giza.
8.30 Tombs Of The Egyptian Priestesses.
9.30 Megastructures: Knights Templar Castles. (PGav, R)
10.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry. (PGa, R)
11.25 Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler. (R) 1.15 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 2.10
8 Out Of 10 Cats. (Mals, R) 3.05 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGad, R) 4.45 Specially For Me. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
(64)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Sabrina. Continued. (1995, PG) 7.45 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 10.00 Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, M, German) 12.25pm The Wife. (2017, M) 2.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 4.45 Stolen Kisses. (1968, PG, French) 6.25 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 8.30 Moonstruck. (1987, PG) 10.25 The Dorm. (2021, MA15+, Russian) 12.40am Do Me Love. (2009, MA15+, French) 2.15 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 Night Caller – Eric Edgar Cooke. (MA15+av, R) 11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma) 12.30 Lipstick Jungle. (Final, Mds, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
Home Shopping.
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise 5am News.
Sunrise.
NBN News.
Grand Final Night.
Rugby League. NRL. Grand Final. Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers.
NRL Grand Final Post-Match.
(64)
MONDAY, October 7
6.00
Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly. (Mls)
9.15 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mls) 9.55 Have I Got News For You U.S. (Mals)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 Suspect. (Malv)
11.45 Of Money And Blood. (MA15+l)
1.55 Between Two Worlds. (Mal, R) 3.40 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
4.30 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) The competition returns to Perth. 9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) The team uncovers the truth about the disappearance of two teenagers.
10.00 S.W.A.T. SWAT teams up with Major Crimes.
11.00 The Latest: Seven News.
11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez.
12.30 Miniseries: The Victim. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 8.35 Jonsson Gang. (2020, PG, Finnish) 10.55 Coming Through The Rye. (2015, M) 12.45pm My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 5.30 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 7.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, M) 9.30 Black ’47. (2018, MA15+) 11.25 Jiu Jitsu. (2020, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, October 8
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 The Point: Road Trip. (R)
11.30 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v)
1.20 Illegals. (MA15+al, R)
3.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Bree is impossible to get through.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) Hannah and Lawrence seek redemption.
9.10 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) A Benjamin Franklin aficionado mysteriously disappears during one of his city tours. 10.10 Made In Bondi. The group heads to the Whitsundays. 11.15 Chicago Fire. 12.15 Holey Moley Australia. (PGas, R) 2.00 Home Shopping.
NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
The Block. (PGl) 9.00 Miniseries: Bali 2002. (MA15+lv)
Advised.
La Brea. (Final, Mav)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
(PG, R)
Shop:
Morning Programs. 7.05 Stolen Kisses. (1968, PG, French) 8.50 White Lion. (2010, PG) 10.30 Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 12.10pm Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 1.45 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 3.50 Moonstruck. (1987, PG) 5.45 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 7.30 Benediction. (2021, M) 10.00 The Ballad Of Lefty Brown. (2017, MA15+) 12.05am Late Programs.
Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Sunday mornings for publication on a Wednesday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, October 9
THURSDAY, October 10 6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PGal) 8.25 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal)
9.20 Four Years Later. (Ml) 10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Carmen Curlers. (Premiere, Masv)
1.05 Wisting. (Madlv, R)
2.50 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Malv, R)
3.50 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Assignment. (1997, MA15+) 10.40 MOVIE: Nekrotronic. (2018, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs.
6am White
Lion. (2010, PG) 7.40 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 9.25 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 11.05 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, M) 1.05pm Nordic By Nature. (2021, M, Faroese) 2.20 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 4.15 Topkapi. (1964, PG) 6.25 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 9.30
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa)
8.30 Jimeoin: Result. (Ml) Stand-up performance by comedian Jimeoin discussing the absurdities of everyday life.
9.50 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 4.
10.50 The Latest: Seven News.
11.20 Chicago Fire. (MA15+a)
12.20 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
Human Error. (Mlv)
Million Dollar Murders. (Mv, R)
Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Walks. (PG)
8.25 National Parks From Above: Wales. (PG) A look at Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
9.20 Paris Has Fallen. (M)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Freezing Embrace. (Malv)
12.25 Wolf. (Malsv, 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) Leah and Justin are caught red-handed.
8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. Explores life behind bars.
9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Slawomir Tomczyk. (Malv, R) A look at the murder of Slawomir Tomczyk.
10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
11.30 To Be Advised.
1.10 Magnum P.I. (Mav)
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Hustle. 1.25 The Story Of. 1.55 Unknown Amazon. 2.50 The Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.20 Abandoned. 6.10 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. (Premiere) 10.20 Obsessed With My Muscles. 10.50 Dark Side Of Comedy. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
ABC FAMILY (22)
Public Notices
DUNGOG STORE CATTLE SALE
Friday, 11th October @ 11:30am
Dungog Saleyards
80 Steers – 30 Heifers – 40 Cows & Calves Further entries are invited and expected
Dungog Ph 02 49 921704
A/h Kel Sullivan 0427 921 704 or Paddy Dillon 0428 921 009
Thursday 17th October 2024 at 7.00pm.
Dungog Day Care Centre Hospital Road DUNGOG.
Committee nomination forms available on request, ph 0457 846 806
Forms to be returned to the Secretary by 10th October 2024. ALL WELCOME
Gloucester Junior Rugby League NOTICE OF AGM
Gloucester Junior Rugby League Now taking names for our 2025 Season! Please messsage childs name and date of birth to our Facebook page or email us gloucesterjrl@gmail.com
2025 Season Team Helpers
Coach Referee (paid per game)
League Safe (yellow shirt) Sports Trainer (blue/green shirt) ** Training courses provided for all helpers**
If you are interested in any of the above positions, please contact us via Facebook, email or call Jason on 0418 422 587
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
Wednesday 16th October 2024 6PM THE ROUNDABOUT INN FUNCTION ROOM TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE WITHIN NEWS OF THE AREA
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
DEAR Jasminda,
I OWN a company where the work takes place in an online environment.
For this reason, I let my staff work from home.
Recently, while spending time in a small town where one of my staff members lives, I spotted her in a cafe, at the beach, in the car, in the supermarket and riding a bike.
Despite this, she still achieved all the key performance indicators I'd set for the week.
Do I speak to her about needing to work from her home office?
Dear Holly,
Firstly, may I request a job interview?
I'm not quite sure what your online environment is, but you sound like an ideal boss.
I think, though, that there is a big difference between putting on the occasional load of washing and doing a few stretches, and what your staff member is doing which is squeezing some work in between a varied and Insta-worthy social life.
While she may be achieving her workload at the moment, it doesn't sound sustainable.
The other issue is safety.
I suggest you look at the fine print of your
workers compensation coverage.
I'm confident it will not cover your staff member stacking her bike into a bus-stop when she is supposed to be completing a workplace report. Ultimately there needs to be an arrangement of mutual trust and support between yourself and your staff members.
While it's admirable that this particular woman seems to be embracing all that life has to offer and looking after her physical and mental health, a workplace injury seems far more likely in the various scenarios you've painted above.
Kids Boot Camp 021
Holly H.
Carpe diem, Jasminda
I’D like to take this opportunity to congratulate the News Of The Area newspaper group on “spreading its wings” further afield and establishing a new publication in Gloucester.
Many locals rely on their local newspaper to find out about what
has, is and will be happening in our community.
As many of you will be aware, the electorate of Lyne which I represent in the Commonwealth Parliament, encompasses an area of 16,099 square kilometres, from the Hunter River at Lorn in
Maitland to Rollands Plains north of Wauchope, and all areas in between.
News Of The Area already has two publications in my electorate – both on the Myall Coast and in Camden Haven.
Both newspapers pride
State MP welcomes NOTA
ON behalf of the Dungog and Gloucester communities, I want to say thank you to the publisher of News Of The Area for the decision to step-up to ensure residents continue to have a local newspaper.
I hope both communities will now support the Gloucester NOTA and the Dungog NOTA by
Gillespie praises news expansion Arts council turns 25
sharing news and opinion as well as advertising dollars, so this new venture can provide this important local coverage.
The NOTA gives Dungog and Gloucester the opportunity to tell local stories in a unique way by including the additional detail and context that social media does not necessarily convey.
Let me assure the Upper Hunter Electorate that I will continue to fight for your communities to have reputable, reliable sources of news and information.
I have taken up my concern about the need for the NSW Government to assist regional media organisations, like the NOTA, with the Premier Chris
By Wendy BUSWELL
THE Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Established in 1999 by a group of arts enthusiasts, GACCI continues to promote creativity and culture in the Gloucester region.
“There was a need in the community for arts activities, so to solve the problem a group of us started an arts council,” said founding member Julie Lyford.
The group then put out a call-out to the community asking for help.
“Heaps of people turned
themselves on their positive focus on community achievements, events, local projects and issues of importance to the region.
I’m sure everyone in Gloucester and the surrounding area will support the Gloucester District News Of The Area and I look forward to hearing more about what has been happening in our community through the pages of this new community newspaper.
Minns.
Last week in the NSW Parliament, I called for the Premier to seek a commitment from government departments to include a regional advertising spend as part of their annual media and marketing budget.
I have also written to the Premier to remind him that the Government needs regional newspapers as much as the newspapers need the Government.
Regards, Dr David GILLESPIE, Federal Member for Lyne.
This first edition of the NOTA for Dungog and Gloucester is a new beginning - so let us all take a moment to pause, have a look at what is happening in our community and be proud that we have this forum for our local stories.
up and so we knew we had support,” said Chris Steele, another founding member.
GACCI was, and still is, run by a volunteer committee working alongside over 50 resident supporters.
The aim of the group was to create arts opportunities for the community, with a particular focus on the youth of Gloucester.
Youth projects such as the ‘The Big Night In’ talent competition, drama, music, and art workshops were regular activities for local young people.
“It wasn’t about the students learning to be actors
or artists,” said Maureen Hjorth, a long-time GACCI member.
“We wanted to give young people the confidence to try new things.”
Since the organisation's inception, the GACCI Players has produced a yearly performance in the local Senior Citizen Centre (CITZ).
“‘[It is] a pretty good record,” said Chris Steele.
“We started the GACCI Players for a bit of fun writing comedy sketches with local humour called Skits in the CITZ,” he said.
The Players went on to perform at the Gloucester
Students fundraise to save the rhinos
By Meghan CORCORAN
GRADE six student Clarry
Fulton began his quest to “save the rhinos” three years ago.
Last week he took one step towards that goal, running a fundraiser for the Australian Rhino Project.
“I’ve wanted to do this fundraiser for three years now since I was in about year three,” Clarry said.
“So this was my opportunity to do it,” he said.
Clarry is certainly no slouch when it comes to knowledge of the species.
“There are five species of rhino - three in Asia and two in Africa,” he told News Of The Area.
“The two in Africa are critically endangered because of poaching and habitat loss.
“They poach the horns for the ivory and it's a big black market in Asia,” he said.
Each term year five and six students at St Joseph's Primary select a charity they wish to organise a fundraiser for.
Clarry, joined by classmates Taya Carmody and Lola Forbes-Collins, set about planning a charity day for the Australian Rhino Project.
Adam McCann, Acting Principal at St Joseph's Primary, spoke to the benefits of the fundraising program.
“The children come up with their own ideas about what they want to raise money for; what is close to their heart.
“We are a small school and the parents have been so generous with the cakes and slices supplied,” he said.
Jenny Jenson, a pastoral care worker at St Joseph’s, said the initiative instils key skills in participating students.
“The amazing thing is
that it gives the kids those leadership skills and they feel like it's their project,” she said.
Ahead of the fundraiser,
Taya Carmody explained the planned activities.
“We’re going to be doing pin the horn on the rhino and a bake sale,” she said.
“We’re doing a raffle for it too.”
Shakespeare Festival and continue to produce a range of productions from drama to dinner theatre.
“The GACCI Players brought entertainment to Gloucester,” Maureen Hjorth told News Of The Area.
Over the 25 years, GACCI has collaborated with a range of outside organisations, most recently Music in the Regions.
“Bringing outside artists into the town further enriches the cultural experiences available to the people of Gloucester,” said GACCI's Charlie Lethbridge.
“We also have some fruit because you need to be healthy,” she said.
All money raised will be donated to the Australian Rhino Project.
Pointing to the assembled charity tables, Lola ForbesCollins expressed, “With the food we mostly did treats, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies and stuff.
Regards,
Dave LAYZELL MP, Member for Upper Hunter.
q Current GACCI President James Hooke and former president Maureen Hjorth.
q Taya Carmody, Lola Forbes-Collins and Clarry Fulton.
Country endurance challenge
By John WATTS
ON 31 occasions since 1991 a sporting event in the countryside around Gloucester has tested the fitness and staying power of participants.
This year’s Gloucester Mountain Man Tri-Challenge took place on Sunday, 8 September.
Despite its name, the Challenge is open to both men, women, and children
above the age of twelve.
This year’s event attracted over 150 competitors.
The Challenge starts in Gloucester and involves a push bike leg of 24 kilometres (km), a kayak leg of ten km down the Barrington River, and a run of ten km back to town.
Both the bike and run legs are mostly off-road.
To help competitors prepare, organisers host a carbo-loading dinner on
the night before the race, this year catered for by the Gloucester Daytime branch of the Country Women’s Association.
“This year’s event was highly successful with good numbers, great weather and good river height,” said race director Sam De Witte.
“The race is popular because it caters for participants of varying abilities and ages, ranging from twelve to over 70 years.
“One couple, Richard and Mardi Barnes, have competed on 30 occasions, riding a tandem bike and a twoperson canoe.
“Participants can choose to complete all three legs or be part of a team.”
This year’s male winner was Dan Stein who finished in two hours, 47 minutes and 37 seconds (02:47:37).
Dan was a worthy winner who apparently follows a punishing fitness regime.
On the morning before his recent wedding, he completed a 45 km run, and the day before that swam ten km.
First woman home was Corinne Stephenson in 04:08:23.
The first male Gloucester local was Brett Radford, and first local female was a tie between Jules Kitchener and
Kim Haschek.
“Both the bike and run legs are over public and private land, and we are fortunate to have the cooperation of the property owners,” added Mr De Witte.
“The Challenge is a true community event and involves many volunteers who put in hours of their own time to make the race a success.
“It’s an event that brings huge economic benefits to Gloucester.”
q Male winner Dan Stein. Photo: supplied.
q Female winner Corinne Stephenson. Photo: supplied.
q Local winners Jules Kitchener, Kim Haschek and Brett Radford. Photo: supplied.
Tight finish in Ambrose Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THREE teams finished with the same score in the novelty team event at the Gloucester Golf Club on Saturday 28 September and multiple count backs were needed to decide the placings.
The event attracted a near capacity field and included a good
number of visitors.
The Gloucester course is in great condition following the light showers of the previous two days.
The event was a Four Person Ambrose sponsored by Knowla Stud and the winning team with a score of 68¾ was Steve Benson, Gary Threadgate, visitor Josh Wilson and
Brendon Murray.
They were a count back ahead of second place getters also on 68¾ Hayden Cornall, Ryan Yates, Brian Smith and Dan Brisby.
Third placed team with the same score and a count back away was Denver Webb, Peter Bignall, Les Smith and Murray Bowden.
The top women’s team on the day managed a score almost a point better than the three men’s teams; they were Gai Falla, Anne Laurie, Myrelle Fraser and Catherine Davies and recorded a score of 67 7/8.
Balls were won by four additional teams, the first comprising M Fraser, B Whale, S Bearch and Kyran Laurie.
Next was John Parrish, D Payne, G Ackers and T Slade, followed by J Sharp, A Laurie, M Laurie and L Laurie, and C Meaney, A Charlie, R Maggs and A Cameron.
The trophies of Nearest-to-thePins at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Jamie Andrews in A grade finishing 660 cm for the flagstick, by Paul Garland, 428 cm, in B grade and by Denver Webb in C grade.
At the shorter 6th and 15th Jamie Andrews, 161 cm, did the job again for the A grade players while trophies also went to Brendon Murray, 340 cm, in B grade, W Stroker, 143 cm, in C grade, and Gai Falla, 447 cm, representing the women golfers in the field.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin in two shots at the par-4 9th and 18th holes was won by R Maggs.
The Long Drive competitions at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Kyran Laurie in A grade, Glenn Wright in B grade, W Stoker in C grade and by Gai Falla again showing the way for the participating women golfers.
The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 27 September was won by Greg West with 17 points; balls were won by Ken Kelly and Wayn Maddalena 15 on a count back from the small field.
On Saturday 5 October the Gloucester club will be playing the Arkwood Family sponsored Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event with the Medal going to the top net score across the field with trophies also going to the best net and gross scores in each grade.
The following Saturday there will be an Individual Stableford.
Panel ponders end of native forest logging in NSW
By Tracey FERRIER, AAP
A GOVERNMENT appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years.
The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature.
The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park.
That's because logging by the state-owned Forestry Corporation is continuing in forests earmarked for inclusion in the new refuge.
Conservationists are incensed, saying endangered koalas and greater gliders can't afford to keep losing what's being taken.
In August, the government announced the appointment of an independent expert panel to lead consultations on what the forestry industry should
q The NSW government is under pressure over the environmental impact of its own logging business.
look like in the future.
One of five options being put to stakeholdersincluding industry players - is an end to native forest logging within four years, with supply to be met through other sources.
That lines up with the end of existing wood supply contracts from northern forests.
Other options include business as usual, reducing native timber harvesting until other sources are found, or putting native forests under indigenous management with extra
supply to come from private and public plantations.
Stuart Blanch is WWFAustralia's forests expert and says the inclusion of an exit option is a big deal.
"I think this is the first time that a NSW government process has seriously consulted stakeholders on ending native forest logging," he says.
"I think this is showing there's enough people in government and parliament who think it's safe enough to articulate this as a real issue they need to explore."
Dr Blanch is among those
who've been consulted and he's glad the government has created the conditions for an important, overdue and difficult discussion.
"The genie is now out of the bottle regarding completing the transition out of native forest logging to plantations.
"The experience from the shutdown of logging in Western Australia and Victoria is that once a government starts to canvass a full exit, the private sector stops investing, and workers start finding new jobs."
Dr Blanch says that if
an exit is on the cards, the government will need to start planning now so the transition is well funded and well executed.
In a statement, the government said the panel had been tasked with consulting widely on the future of forestry in NSW, with its work to feed into an industry action plan.
"We want input on what forests and a sustainable forestry industry will look like in the next 30 years," it said.
"Consultation will consider key areas such as
the sustainability of forestry operations, the future of all types of forestry (softwood, hardwood, native), environmental concerns, community demand for timber, climate change mitigation and adaptation and more."
According to Forestry Corporation’s online plan portal, in the immediate region logging operations are currently planned for or underway in Myall River State Forest (SF), Chichester SF, Bulahdelah SF, in the Barrington Tops and Kiwarrak SF.
q Steve Benson, Gary Threadgate, Josh Wilson and Brendon Murray.
Gloucester Scorpions celebrate successful 2024 season
Best
Three sides played in the 2024 Football
Of particular note, Life Membership to the Scorpions was awarded to Matthew Trudgeon, in acknowledgement and appreciation of his many years of service to the club.
Award winners:
Under 12s Turner Freeman Scorpions
Most Improved - River Cowley
Under 11s Turner Freeman Scorpions
Coaches Award - Aiden Peters
Most Improved - Max Honeyman
Best and Fairest - Fletcher Compton
Men's Senior League Turner Freeman Scorpions
Player of the Year - Drew Grierson
Most Improved - Aiden Coombes
Players Player - Shane Doyle
Coaches Award - James Breakwell
Gloucester Lady Bowlers
By Jennifer BURLEY
THE Annual General Meeting of the Lady Bowlers was held as advised and well attended with Patron Wendy Hughes taking the chair for the declaration of office bearers.
of Triples were enjoyed by those who wished for a social roll up.
Secretary: Kerrie Green.
Treasurer: Expression of interest sought.
Match Committee: Diane Pritchard and Julie Kriss with three more required.
President: Judy Sheedy. Vice Presidents: Two are required but there were unfortunately no nominations, so expressions of interest are sought.
Selection Committee:
Bev Murray, Marjorie Moore, Colleen Atkins and Jenny Burley Social Committee: Five required, expressions of interest sought.
Delegate to Region: Kerrie Green.
A break was taken for the
ladies to enjoy morning tea which was followed with a General Meeting.
Items of interest being the date for the Christmas Party, December 11th and date for the Gala Day for 2025 being June 11th.
Judy thanked the ladies for attending and three rinks
Suzanne Cross,Del Buckton and Marge Moore 12 defeat Di Pritchard, Cheryl West and Penny Gibson 5. enny Stevens, Karen O'Brien and Helen Banks 12 defeat Bev Germon, Ruth Redman and Bev Murray 9.
Jill Everett, Joan Ridgeway
and Jenny Burley 15 defeat Jill Everett (swinger) Judy Sheedy and Kerrie Green 11. The sheet is on the board for the Championship Pairs, which is to be played at the conclusion of the Singles so ask around for a partner and make this a great competition.
Dunn wins women’s novelty golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE Gloucester Ladies Golf played a three-clubs-plusputter event on Wednesday 25 September and Margaret Dunn ignored the obvious limitations suggested by the terms of the competition and turned in a solid round for a win.
The event was sponsored by Gloucester’s McRae’s Fashion Centre.
A three-club event creates the potential for mind games to start even before the first ball is hit.
Which of the permitted normal 14 clubs to select?
One to get some length off the tee, and a hybrid for some fairway shots?
Then the decision between a wedge for near the green or a 7-iron for further out?
Players didn't quite pick the right clubs last year but can’t recall precisely what they were. The scene is set for a low score!
The extra run on the course helped all the players, although the bunkers seemed
harder than usual to navigate out, especially since no one opted to include a sand wedge in their club selection.
To putt from off the green also became an easier decision.
In the event, the scores suggested that no one really needed 14 clubs to play the game.
Margaret Dunn led the field with a winning score of 36 Stableford points; balls were won by Myrelle Fraser and Anne Wand on 35 points, with Carolyn Davies picking
up the last ball offered with her 33 points by virtue of a count back.
The Nearest-to-the-Pins were won by Carolyn Davies at the 4th and 13th holes and by Gai Falla at the 6th and 15th holes.
The Gloucester Ladies will be playing a Four Ball Multiplier on Wednesday 2 October sponsored by Rhonda Nightingale; the following week there will be an Individual Stableford as the Monthly Medal Playoff event for the year.
q Winner Margaret Dunn
THE Gloucester Scorpions Soccer Club held their end of season presentation on Saturday, 28 September.
Mid North Coast competition, committing to travel from Pacific Palms to Cundletown throughout the winter soccer season.
Coaches Award - Finley Osborne
and Fairest - Callum Balfour and Jeremy Balfour
q Under 12s Turner Freeman Scorpions.
q Men's Senior League Turner Freeman Scorpions.
q Under 11s Turner Freeman Scorpions.
q Life member Matthew Trudgeon.
Magpies fly
Sate and Sharp star in Vets Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THERE were three sub par rounds in the Veterans Golf at the Glocester course on Tuesday 24 September although two players particularly stood out with Peter Sate and Trever Sharp turning in handy net scores of 66! The event was an Individual Stroke with a Putting competition run in conjunction sponsored by Cathy and Denver Webb in clear and fine conditions with the course in great shape.
It was only a count back that separated the two top performances with Peter Sate’s net 66 just that whisker ahead of the 66 turned in by Trevor Sharp.
He was the leading ball winner in a good sized field and was followed by Anne Wand with a handy 69, followed by Ian Maggs 72 and a raft of players on 73: Jim Dunn, Dave Mann, Derek Wand and Derek Bardwell.
The top putter on the day was Steve Burns who only needed 28 putts in his round.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Denver Webb who finished just 166 cm from the hole.
At the 6th and 15th holes Debbie Sate, 832 cm, and Tony Burnett, 310 cm, took those honours.
On Tuesday 1 October the Gloucester Veterans will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by Derek Wand and the following Tuesday they will play another Individual Stableford, this time sponsored by Debbie and Peter Sate.
VACANCIES
Community and Home Care Services
Commonwealth Home Support Program
Home Care Packages
Home Care Services - Privately Funded
Day Centre - Fingal Bay
DVA Home Nursing Program
Meals on Wheels
Support & assistance to navigate MyAgedCare
ENQUIRE TODAY
Bay
Magpies fly
THE Gloucester Junior Magpies celebrated another bumper year of rugby league at a Presentation Day at Gloucester Bowling Club on Saturday 21 September.
This year the juniors club fielded teams in under 7s, under 9s, under 11s and under 13s competitions.
“What another fantastic season for the Junior Magpies,” said spokesperson Katharine Stuckings.
“We would like to thank everyone who has made the season a successful one; the committee, coaches, referees, canteen volunteers and the parents.”
Katharine also offered a special mention to the club’s sponsors.
“Without you all we wouldn’t be able to keep our club running for such a low registration fee and provide players with their uniforms.” q Magpies under 13s.
CONTINUED Page 19
