Mr
"Communities
"I’m seeking better policy for all of us.
“This electorate deserves a stronger advocate who
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
LORNE resident Tom Ferrier has been endorsed as the Greens candidate for Lyne in the 2025 Federal election.
Mr Ferrier highlights lowering the cost of living,
improving health care, and environmental protection as central to his campaign.
“Australians are hard hit by housing costs, whether mortgage or rent,” said Mr Ferrier.
“First home buyers are locked out of the housing market by a system that favours investors.
“The Greens will cap rents, and phase out negative gearing and capital gains concessions.
“Study after study has shown the cheapest
“The Greens pressure has recently secured an additional $3 billion in funding for public and community housing.” Mr Ferrier is also supportive of increasing subsidies for renewable energy.
q Digby Wilson has been endorsed as the Australian Labor Party (ALP) candidate for Lyne in the upcoming federal election.
John WATTS 0438 346 544
BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
Parking officers to focus on CBDs and school zones
is set to “significantly ramp up”
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
FROM Page 1
energy comes from renewables, especially solar and wind,” he said.
“It makes sense to increase subsidies for renewables like rooftop solar to bring household power bills down – paid for by ending subsidies for fossil fuels.”
Health care is another key tenet of his platform.
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“Health care affects every Australian, and includes aged care, dental and mental health care,” he said.
“It’s vital we restore free GP visits, and include preventative dental care as part of Medicare.
“Older Australians need quality, affordable aged care, whether at home or in residential care.
“This should be provided on a not-forprofit basis.”
Additionally Mr Ferrier is advocating for a tightening of environmental protections and greater support for emergency services.
“Everyone is aware of the increase in extreme weather events,” he said.
“We need to properly resource our emergency services for fire and floods.
“Our Federal environmental protection laws are not working to protect native forests and threatened wildlife.
“The Greens have negotiated with the current government to overhaul these laws.
“They are yet to be passed by parliament.”
by mid-February.
“It’s not always convenient to follow road signage, but it’s essential for pedestrian and vehicle safety,” said Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell.
“In our CBDs it also helps us share street parking opportunities and allows businesses to attract a greater variety of customers.
“We hope the increased presence of our rangers will be a sufficient deterrent for most drivers.
“A key focus will be educating drivers.”
Later this year, vehicle licence plate technology will be introduced.
Council says this will increase its capacity to monitor parking, vehicles on beaches and unlawful camping.
Fines will still be physically placed on
vehicles in line with current practices. This technology is already being used by a number of councils across NSW.
Revenue from fines will be used to offset the cost of the ranger service.
A portion of the revenue will be absorbed by Revenue NSW in its capacity as the administrator of the fine system across NSW. Anyone wishing to dispute a fine should contact Revenue NSW directly on 1300 138 118 or +61 2 7808 6940.
This includes if you think you’ve been wrongfully fined or believe you have special circumstances.
You may wish to take evidence such as a photo or video before departing the spot where you were fined.
Gloucester
Gloucester Caravan
Hebbys
Yates
Hannaford
Barrington
Barrington
q Parking enforcement will ‘significantly ramp up’ by mid-February.
q Ferrier will contest the seat of Lyne for the Greens in the 2025 Federal election.
supplied.
Waratahs visit inspires juniors
By Wendy BUSWELL
GLOUCESTER Rugby Union Club hosted a “meet and greet” with the NSW 2025 Waratahs squad on Sunday, 2 February.
Rugby Club President Jamie Searle said it was a “fantastic” event for Gloucester while Chris Marchent, past coach of the women's team, said he hoped it would inspire future juniors.
"We are hoping the day will encourage young rugby enthusiasts to take up the game here in Gloucester," he told News Of The Area.
A group of rugby union players even came from Grafton to be part of the Waratahs' action.
The players ran training games with
the Gloucester Women's Rugby team and other willing participants.
“The Waratahs were awesome, kicking bombs to us and passing the ball to us,” said Sean, a young rugby player.
“They showed me how to throw the ball better.”
During a question-and-answer session, players were asked about pathways to a professional career and their best rugby moments.
"It is great to get out into the grassroots rugby clubs. It is important to give back to the community," said Triston Reilly, the Waratahs' winger.
Angus Bell said getting out to regional clubs was great.
"We love these country blitzes," Tom Lambert added.
Lalakai Foketi told News Of The Area, "I'm excited about connecting to country clubs. If we want the Club to
represent NSW, we need to engage in community engagement."
Gloucester Rugby Club member Amanda Marsh said that having the Waratahs come to small towns like Gloucester is excellent for local rugby.
Sydneysiders Allan and Beth Dodd travelled to Gloucester for the event.
"We are rugby tragics," Beth said. Allan was excited to see Lalakai Foketi, who he coached in the Manly U12s team.
A number of people interviewed by News Of The Area discussed the importance of such events for bringing people to town and giving the young people of Gloucester a chance to talk to professional sportspeople.
"It was great fun having my Waratahs hat signed," said Piper Newman, with Nikita Clancie.
“I got a ball and a cap signed by Sia Amone,” a delighted Sean added.
Safety Net Program
q Waratahs players with the Gloucester community. Photo:
q ‘Dean’ with Sifa Amone. Photo: supplied.
q The Q&A session.
q Allan Dodd, Lalakai Foketi and Beth Dodd.
q The NSW Waratahs enjoyed their time in Gloucester on Sunday. Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
q The Waratahs shared their skills with Gloucester rugby fanatics. Photos: Marc Dalmulder.
q The Waratahs sign memorabilia for keen fans. Photo: Marc Dalmulder.
q Chris Marchent and Jamie Searle.
q Partridge and Nikita Clancie, Piper Newman and Archie Saunders.
MidCoast councillor endorsed as Labor candidate for Lyne
FROM Page 1
truly understands and values our community.
“We need to continue to ease the cost of living.
“Under Labor, every taxpayer in Lyne received a tax cut and had their take-home pay increased.
“Energy bill relief is helping all households, as will additional cheaper renewable energy supply.
“The price of prescriptions has dropped, and bulkbilled GP appointments have increased.”
Mr Wilson also pointed to Labor’s aged care reforms
and support for students as examples of strong policy.
“Lyne has the secondoldest age demographic of any NSW electorate, and I’m proud of Labor’s aged care reforms that deliver on fifty-eight of the royal commission’s recommendations.
“Labor has ensured that across Lyne more students in critical areas such as nursing, healthcare, trades, and construction are being supported.
“That includes fee-free TAFE, HECs relief and $10,000 for building trades apprentices in the Key Apprentices Program.
“These, and support for childcare, are a big part of what I will be fighting for in this election.”
Now retired, Mr Wilson’s career began as an apprentice technician, before moving into leadership roles in the telecommunications sector.
He believes these roles show his “commitment to people”.
“For example as Telstra’s Chair of the Emergency Council for NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, I led a companywide effort to swiftly restore critical communications to those in need during emergencies,” Mr Wilson said.
Chance for feedback on assets and services
WHAT is an acceptable level for the condition of MidCoast Council’s public assets?
Which Council services are most important to you?
These are questions Council is asking residents in a community consultation until 16 March.
Your feedback will help the Council develop 10-year asset and financial plans.
“We’re asking MidCoast residents what condition is acceptable for public assets, what services are the most important, and what’s affordable for them,” said General Manager Adrian Panuccio.
Public assets include roads, bridges, footpaths and cycleways, water and sewer assets, stormwater drainage, community buildings and public toilets, recreational assets and swimming pools.
Services include development assessment,
waste collection, emergency management, environmental programs, community services, libraries, rangers and much more.
“It’s important that our plans to maintain or improve assets and services are at a level the community can afford,” said Mr Panuccio.
To have your say on Council assets, complete the asset condition survey on Council’s website.
The survey is being provided by Micromex Research, who will collect the results and report the outcomes.
For services, you can provide your feedback either online or via a paper survey.
Paper surveys will be available at Council offices, libraries and drop-in sessions.
The following dropin sessions will be held in coming weeks in NOTA coverage areas.
There is no need to book, just drop in during the times below for help to complete the online survey.
Hawks Nest Community Centre: Thursday 27 February 10am - 1pm
Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre: Wednesday 12 February 5.30pm - 7.30pm or Saturday 1 March 9am –12pm
Bulahdelah School of Arts Hall: Thursday 13 February 4pm - 7pm
Stroud Library: Tuesday 18 February 9am - 12pm
If you can’t make a dropin session, and need help to take part, call the Council’s Engagement team on 0419 980 566.
Find out more and have your say online at www. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ assetsreview
The consultation will close on Sunday 16 March 2025.
Mr Wilson has been a volunteer for the Rural Fire Service, Sydney Children’s Hospital, St Vincent de Paul, and local sports clubs.
He believes his recent election to MidCoast Council has provided him a broader perspective on local governance and community needs.
Mr Wilson’s campaign
is being supported by ALP Senator Deborah O’Neill, who said in a media statement, “Digby’s integrity and dedication to community service are evident.
“His approach to politics is about bringing people together, and collaborating to create a stronger, more equitable
community.
“He understands the unique needs of regional electorates like Lyne, and his professional experience, including emergency management, gives him the skills necessary to respond to some of the community’s most complex problems.”
Have your say on community plan
CONSULTATION
on the MidCoast 2035 Community Strategic Plan will close on Monday 3 March 2025.
The plan guides how the whole MidCoast community - including residents, businesses, community organisations, agencies and government, including MidCoast Council - can work together towards the betterment of the local government area (LGA).
“This plan is an important foundation for Council’s planning. It helps us understand the community’s priorities and then we develop our annual plans to address the areas that fall within our area of responsibility,”
said Mayor Claire Pontin.
“We heard that maintaining infrastructure and roads, protecting the environment and improving Council’s financial sustainability are high priorities for our community.”
Other areas the community has identified as important include better access to health services, more affordable housing, improved business and employment opportunities and maintenance of towns and villages, amongst others.
The new draft Community Strategic Plan focuses on these community priorities.
MidCoast residents
and groups are invited to review and provide any further feedback to help finalise the plan.
You can view the plan at www.midcoast.nsw. gov.au/csp and leave any feedback until Monday 3 March 2025.
If you’re not online, you can drop your written feedback into one of Council’s customer service centres or send to PO Box 482 Taree NSW 2430.
Your mail must reach Council by Monday 3 March.
All feedback will be considered for inclusion in the final MidCoast 2035 Community Strategic Plan.
Defib funding
SIX organisations across the Upper Hunter Electorate have secured funding for defibrillators.
The NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators.
These portable devices detect and analyse a
person’s heart activity and, if needed, deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart.
Latest recipients include Gloucester Junior Cricket Association and Gloucester’s 1831 Sports Club, Dungog Memorial Bowling Club, Maitland Rugby Union Football Club, Putty Community Association and Aberdeen
Sports and Recreation Club.
Organisations can register their interest for the 2025-26 round of the program and will be advised of the opening of the round: www.sport. nsw.gov.au/grants/localsport-defibrillator-grantprogram
Cheap loans to keep emission-busting farmers profitable
By Marion RAE and Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
FARMERS could save more than $50,000 a year on interest costs for hybrid, electric and hydrogenpowered utes and methanereducing feed for their herds under a new tranche of cheap loans.
The nation's federal green bank on Friday announced $100 million would go to farmers as part of a $300 million green finance incentives package open to agribusinesses and equipment purchasers.
Farmers for Climate Action chief executive Natalie Collard welcomed the government "using the carrot rather than the stick" so farmers could choose how they wanted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while remaining profitable.
"This is exactly the sort of program our 8400 farmer members have been calling for ... credit where credit is due," Ms Collard said.
"Farmers know why we need to reduce emissionsthis year's bushfires remind us that climate change is hurting farmers now," she said.
The commitment from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation offers farmers discounts on interest rates of 1.15 percent for eligible borrowers through the National Australia Bank.
Farmers can opt to keep the saving or reinvest it in low-emissions fertilisers and methane-reducing livestock feed additives, such as the red seaweed product developed by the CSIRO.
The announcement has been made alongside a new CSIRO-developed tool known as the pathfinder to help farmers understand the carbon footprint of their properties and explore ways to cut emissions.
Loans under the Emissions Reduction Incentive program are expected to range from $1 million to $5 million.
Businesses now recognise the opportunities of going green, NAB Group executive for business and private banking Rachel Slade said.
"Providing lower-cost, green finance makes it easier
for Australian businesses to invest in technologies and practices that reduce emissions and operating costs, drive long-term business growth and enhance their competitiveness," Ms Slade said.
The announcement follows federal green bank the Clean Energy Finance Corporation arranging with Rabobank to offer concessional loans to landowners for the upfront
cost of planting native trees to attract carbon credits.
"The agriculture sector is at the heart of the net-zero transition, with challenging climate conditions impacting Australia-wide," the corporation's head of natural capital Heechung Sung said.
"In lowering their carbon footprint, farmers can become more resilient to climate change while also lifting the appeal of their produce, as consumers increasingly preference sustainable products," she said.
Investments in recycling facilities, manufacturing
solar, wind and battery components or making lowemission cars, trucks, buggies and earthmoving equipment will attract a 0.5 percent interest rate discount.
Customer loans for investments through the $200 million NAB Green Finance for Vehicles and Equipment program are expected to range from $10,000 to $5 million.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is a specialist net-zero investor with access to more than $30 billion from the federal government.
Authorised by Dave Layzell MP,
Muswellbrook
q Farmers are being offered discounted loans for emission-lowering initiatives like new cow feed. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Record renewables share in grid as power demand climbs
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
THE share of solar and wind powering Australia's main grid has reached a new high while coal power's contribution dipped below 50 percent for the first time.
Renewable energy supplied a record 46 percent of the national energy market's electricity in the three months to December, driving emissions to record low levels.
The Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) report shows coal's dominance in the grid is slipping as power plants become less reliable and continue to close, and more solar and wind comes online.
Investors were installing renewables because solar and wind were the lowest-cost forms of new generation, said Johanna Bowyer, lead analyst for Australian electricity at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
"It was really interesting
to see such high renewables levels," she told AAP.
"It's generally not that well understood by people that renewables actually do provide such a large proportion of the energy supply in the national electricity market."
Despite record contributions from clean energy, power prices were still higher compared with the same time last year.
The market operator chalked this up to coal plant outages leading to greater reliance on gas - the most expensive form of generation - as well as warmer-thanusual weather prompting households to fire up their air conditioners and fans and push up power demand.
Transmission constraints also played a role, hampering the sharing of low-cost renewable energy across the grid, said AEMO executive general manager of reform delivery Violette Mouchaileh.
"Recent operating conditions highlight the role new transmission projects
under way - such as VNI West, Project EnergyConnect and HumeLink - will play in sharing the lowest-cost energy throughout the NEM (National Electricity Market)," Ms Mouchaileh said.
Ms Bowyer said southern states of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania were better able to share low-cost renewables around while transmission lines to NSW and Queensland experienced constraints.
Wholesale prices in Queensland and NSW were almost double their southern counterparts, reflecting restricted transmission as well as higher demand and the northern states' reliance on black coal stations, which experienced a number of unplanned outages.
Across the entire grid, wholesale electricity prices averaged $88 per megawatt hour in the December quarter, rising 83 percent from a "very mild" last three months of 2023.
Average prices were still 26 percent lower than the
previous quarter, however.
Ms Bowyer said the market operator was reporting an increasingly extreme "duck curve" - that is, low prices in the middle of the day while solar is generating and high prices in the evening as air-conditioners are fired up to keep cool during warmer nights.
"The duck curve is getting duckier," she said.
Solar generation during the day helped push prices towards zero or into negatives 23.1 percent of the time, representing a new quarterly record.
"We know that storage will help a lot, because it can soak up that low-cost renewable power in the middle of the
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I’ve known Alison Penfold a long time and I’m supporting her because I know she will listen, care and deliver like I have.
Alison will stand up for you when others won’t. She will fight for policies to get Australia back on track and bring down the cost of living.
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ALISON PENFOLD
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day and then release it in the evening, and that will actually smooth out those prices in the evening," she said.
Shifting demand to the middle of the day would also help prevent peaky evening prices, she added.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Thursday's update confirmed the energy system was evolving as expected.
"The data confirms what we know - unreliable coal is having a negative impact on energy prices, more renewables in the system bring wholesale prices down, and new transmission infrastructure is critical to keeping prices lower," he said.
"We are building an energy grid so everyone,
everywhere has access to the cheapest form of energy at any given time."
Australia's 18 remaining coal-fired power stations in the national electricity market were fast approaching their use-by date, Clean Energy Council national spokesperson Chris O'Keefe said, while driving up energy prices.
"The economics and the engineering don't lierenewables, firmed by more storage such as batteries and pumped hydro, gas, as well as upgraded transmission, are the only feasible pathway towards building a cleaner, lower cost energy system for all Australians, sooner."
Authorised by David Gillespie, Cnr Cameron St and Oxley Hwy, Wauchope NSW 2446
q Renewable energy contributed a record share to the national grid in the three months to December. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
MONTY
ABC TV, 7.35pm
DON’S SPANISH GARDENS
Globetrotting gardener Monty Don (pictured above) turns his attention to sunny Spain for this three-part series that profiles the country’s many horticultural highlights. Visiting private plots, city parks and community projects during his journey, Monty barely has time to stop for a refreshing glass of sangria before he moves on to the next striking destination. In tonight’s premiere, he is in El Escorial, an imposing palace located an hour northwest of Madrid, that’s the biggest Renaissance building in the world. Then, he wraps up this part of his eye-opening trek in Valencia.
FRIDAY, February 7
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.35 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. (Premiere) Monty Don visits Spain. 8.35 Silent Witness. (Mav) The team investigates a body discocered in a flat after being dead for a year.
10.20 Optics. (Ml, R)
10.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
11.20 ABC Late News.
11.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
12.25 Grand Designs. (R)
1.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (Mal, R) 8.30 Ray Martin: Mysteries Of The Outback. (Ml, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Bonn. (MA15+s) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+av, R)
2.50 Barkley Manor. (R)
3.20 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R)
MONDAY
ST. DENIS MEDICAL
SEVEN, 9.10pm
This medical mockumentary from Superstore’s Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin is a riotous comedy that takes the best of Scrubs
Office, then turns the volume up to 11. Set in a chronically underfunded hospital in Oregon, it’s chaos as the beleaguered staff try their best to treat patients and maintain their own sanity. Aussie Josh Lawson (pictured right surgeon Bruce, Bridesmaids McLendon-Covey is hospital director Joyce and Women Kill standout Allison Tolman is supervising nurse Alex. Tonight, Bruce tries to demonstrate his work’s value, while emergency doc Ron (David Alan Grier) thinks a patient has a crush on him.
TUESDAY
DR KARL’S HOW THINGS WORK
Intrepid investigator
enthusiast Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (pictured ) leaves no stone unturned in this entertaining and educational series.
In Tuesday’s season finale, the good doctor tackles one of the great mysteries of the universe: unravelling the secrets of how string cheese works. Going behind the doors of the Bega factory in Yuin Monaro, New South Wales, which produces 25 million slices of cheddar a week, Dr Karl meets the dairy devotees and mozzarella masters who make the magic happen –following the precise, hi-tech process from beginning to end.
4.15 Peer To Peer. (a, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, 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 Summer. Johanna Griggs learns recycling secrets with Lottie Dalziel. Colin Fassnidge bakes spiced stone fruit.
8.30 Australian Idol. (PGl, R) A nationwide search for Australia’s next singing superstar returns with big voices, surprises and star talent. Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer. (2014, MA15+lv, R) A former black-ops agent, who faked his death, comes out of retirement to rescue a girl. Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz.
11.10 MOVIE: The Founder. (2016, Ml, R)
1.15 Innovation Nation.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2025. (Ml) The AACTA Awards honour Australian television creatives and performers for their achievements over the past year. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.25 The Graham Norton Show. (PGal, R) Guests include Dame Judi Dench.
SATURDAY, February 8
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 ABC World News Tonight. 11.00 PBS News. 12.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 2. Melbourne To Warrnambool
6.30 SBS World News.
6.00 Australian Story: Unfiltered – Celeste Barber. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 1. (R) Presented by Lisa Millar.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Final, PG) Humphrey investigates an inexplicable crime.
8.30 Vera. (PGadlv, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after the body of a woman is washed up on the banks of the River Tyne.
10.05 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) Helen and Dale are forced into competition. 11.00 Unforgotten. (Madl, R)
11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. 9.05 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Officially Amazing. 10.40 Late Programs.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (Premiere, Ml)
8.25 Scotland The New Wild. (PG)
9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PGa, R)
10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. (R)
11.15 Home Jacking. (Premiere, Mlv)
12.35 The Man Who Died. (MA15+as, R)
2.25 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.20 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (a, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002, Mlv, R) A man sets out to discover his identity after being hauled from the ocean with amnesia. Matt Damon, Franka Potente.
10.00 MOVIE: Taken. (2008, MA15+av, R)
A former spy’s daughter is kidnapped. Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace.
12.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (Return, PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: The Blind Side. (2009, PGdlv, R) A homeless teenager becomes a gridiron player. Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw.
11.10 MOVIE: Stronger. (2017, MA15+l, R)
1.20 Destination WA. (PG, R)
1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
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)
(82)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Premiere) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter.
8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as it tries to find the right fit for a man with dog-attack trauma. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Whisky
Galore. Continued. (2016, PG) 6.50 Arthur And The Two Worlds War. (2010, PG) 8.45 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 10.30 Kompromat. (2022, M, French) 12.50pm We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 2.30 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 4.35 Summerland. (2020, PG) 6.30 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 8.30 Breath. (2017, M) 10.45 Mothering Sunday. (2021, MA15+) 12.45am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, February 9
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. The puppies settle into their new homes.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Ml) News of an Alaskan oil spill breaks.
9.20 Love Me. (Mls) Peter and Clara have his ex over for dinner.
10.10 MOVIE: BMX Bandits. (1983, PG, R) Nicole Kidman.
11.40 You Can’t Ask That. (R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Australia Remastered. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG)
9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Mas, R)
10.25 Great British Landmark Fixers. (R)
11.15 Miniseries: The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family. (Mas, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.35 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGl, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PGs)
8.50 Queen: In Their Own Words. (Mal) The four founding members of the rock band Queen, tell the story of their lives and careers in music.
9.50 Lee Kernaghan: Boy From The Bush. Part concert film and part road movie.
11.55 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.55 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6am The Magic Of Belle Isle. Continued. (2012, PG) 7.00 Goddess. (2013, PG) 8.55 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, French) 11.00 Maigret. (2022, M, French) 12.40pm A Mermaid In Paris. (2020, M, French) 2.40 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 4.40 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 6.40 Clue. (1985, PG) 8.30 Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 10.20 A Thousand Lines. (2022, M, German) 12.05am Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm MOVIE: Courage Mountain. (1990, PG) 3.45 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.45 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Cats & Dogs. (2001, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988, PG) 9.35 MOVIE: The Full Monty. (1997, M) 11.30 Young Sheldon. 12.30am The Originals. 2.30 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 See No Evil: The Big Guy. (Mav) 11.00 The First 48. (Mal) 11.50 Iconic Australia. (Mav, R) 12.50 Destination WA. (R)
Talking Honey. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Fishing Australia. (R)
Today Early News.
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3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 On Tour With Allan Border. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. Spring Nationals. 4.00
8.30
Rambo: First Blood. (1982, M) 10.25 The Closer. 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.00
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9GEM
MONDAY, February 10
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo.
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve.
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Wisting. (Return, Mal)
12.50 You Shall Not Lie. (MA15+als, R)
3.00 Barkley Manor. (R)
3.30 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGln, R)
4.25 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) After Ron hexes the day to prove superstitions are not real, things at the hospital start getting weird.
10.10 First Dates UK. (PG)
11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGadls)
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Clue. (1985, PG) 8.25 Summerland. (2020, PG) 10.20 Defunct. (2019, M, Greek) 12.15pm Breath. (2017, M) 2.25 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 4.25 Diana. (2013, PG) 6.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 8.30 Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.10am The Comeback Trail. (2020, MA15+) 3.05 Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 5.00 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, February 11
9.45 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (Final, R)
ABC Late News. 11.00 The Business. (R)
Four Corners. (R) 12.00 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.20 Parliament. 1.20 Grand Designs. (R) 2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R)
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)
8.30 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (Malv)
9.45 The Artist’s View: Van Halen. (Ml, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Beyond Signs. (Final, MA15+av)
11.45 Fargo. (MA15+v, R)
1.30 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 2.00 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PG, R) 3.50 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, 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) Dana enlists help for her next scheme.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) As the auditions continue, more hopefuls strive to prove they have what it takes.
9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) The team tracks Clayton Jessup, a deranged killer who targets happy families.
10.20 The Irrational. (Mav) A Wall Street rising star dies. 12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Viceroy’s House. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.00 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 9.00 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 11.00 A Thousand Lines. (2022, M, German) 12.40pm Ladies Of Steel. (2020, M, Finnish) 2.25 Clue. (1985, PG) 4.15 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 6.10 The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen. (1988, PG) 8.30 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
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WEDNESDAY, February 12
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Doctor Who. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lord Lucan. (Premiere, M)
8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (PG)
9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Mal)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av)
11.50 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+al, R)
12.55 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R)
2.40 Barkley Manor. (R)
3.10 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGl, R)
4.05 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen. (1988, PG) 8.20 Diana. (2013, PG) 10.25 Murder By Decree. (1979, M) 12.40pm Aline. (2020, M, French) 3.00 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 5.00 The Producers. (1967, PG) 6.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.30 Kill Bill: Vol. 1. (2003, MA15+) 10.35 Speed Kills. (2018, M) 12.30am Ladies Of Steel. (2020, M, Finnish) 2.15 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, February 13
News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Miriam Margolyes Almost Australian. (Ml, R) 12.10 Grand Designs. (R) 12.55 Parliament. 1.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG)
9.30 The Darkness. (Malv)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Golden Boy. (Premiere, MA15+ds)
11.45 The Allegation. (Mav, R)
2.20 Barkley Manor. (R)
2.50 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.40 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am Finding Graceland. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.50 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 8.45 The Producers. (1967, PG) 10.25 Real Genius. (1985, M) 12.25pm The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.05 The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen. (1988, PG) 4.25 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 6.15 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 8.30 Kill Bill: Vol. 2. (2004, MA15+) 11.00 Mindscape. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Leah digs her heels in.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Ludwig. (Mav) Lucy goes undercover. 9.45 Breathtaking. (Premiere, Ma) Follows NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. 10.45 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Mlv, R)
11.45 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.45 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Eden faces Remi.
8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason. (2004, Mdl, R) Bridget Jones fears her relationship with Mark Darcy is in jeopardy after meeting his glamorous colleague. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant.
10.45 To Be Advised.
12.15 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Casualty 24/7. (MA15+m, R) 11.30 The Equalizer. (Mav, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Sunday evening for publication on a Wednesday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
MY husband insists on having the car window down whereas I much prefer the aircon.
How can we come to a compromise?
Nina L.
Dear Nina,
I'm not sure how old you are but many readers may be old enough to remember when cars had no air conditioning, just windows that you wound down with a handle.
The only option was to be
Travel was a
with only a hand-
held fan or misting from a water bottle to relieve the agony.
Looking back, it seems incredible that we survived.
Because of this, I'm with you.
I love the luxury of an air-conditioned car where my hair is gently caressed instead of being whipped across my face, the music is at a comfortable volume, and random objects don't fly through the window. You could let your husband know that his wound-down window is winding you up and the noise it creates does terrible things to your ears.
If you whinge long enough, the noise you create will do terrible things to his ears, and I'm confident he will decide that an air-conditioned car is far preferable to the alternative
Splosh! - This is going to be pigswill! The joke – pig swill instead of pig swell.
Kids Boot Camp 030
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Prestigious grant award for CWA star
GLOUCESTER Country Women’s Association (CWA)
student member Claire van der Stel, 19, has been announced as the recipient
of the prestigious CWA Sylvia Osborne Memorial Grant.
The annual grant program is open to all NSW students in years 11, 12 or tertiary
education, who are planning to undertake studies relating to textiles, dressmaking, fashion and design.
After outstanding achievements at school in visual arts and textiles as well as academic distinction, Claire recently completed her first year at the University of Technology Sydney, working towards a Bachelor of Design: Fashion and Textiles.
“Claire has been a member of the Gloucester Branch for nine years, firstly as a junior member and the last two as a student member,” said branch spokesperson Margery Phair.
“During that time [she] has enjoyed many hobbies such as crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, book binding and macramé and has been successful in many CWA competitions.
“Her work has been displayed at the CWA State Conference representing Mid North Coast Group.
“Gloucester CWA is proud of Claire’s achievements and would be happy to give potential fashion students further details of the grant.”
Grants open for NAIDOC Week celebrations
MIDCOAST Council is currently offering grants for community-led events during NAIDOC week.
Events celebrating NAIDOC Week, and this year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, will be held between 6 and 13 July.
MidCoast Council’s Manager of Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills, has urged the community to get involved.
Storms and heatwaves
By Thomas O’KEEFE
SEVERE weather has continued to lash the Hunter region, with multiple heatwave and storm warnings released over the past week.
Separate heatwave warnings were issued by NSW Ambulance on Saturday 25, Monday 27, and Tuesday 28 January, followed by fierce electrical storms each time.
As of Monday 3 February, the Bureau of Meteorology
(BOM) was predicting a lowintensity heatwave for much of the Hunter region for the coming three day period.
These first several weeks of 2025 have developed into a familiar seasonal pattern, that of very hot weather with rampant humidity, culminating in severe electrical storms, and the infrastructural issues that inevitably eventuate.
NSW Ambulance urges people to prepare, and keep an eye on the BOM forecasts.
“Prepare now by identifying cool areas in your home, avoid any strenuous activity outside in the hottest part of the day and make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” said NSW Ambulance Acting Chief Superintendent Anna Hunter.
The advice from NSW Ambulance is as follows:
Keep cool - seek airconditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made
of natural fabrics.
Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
Check in on vulnerable people - some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems, including those aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – this can be fatal, as the temperature
“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to learn a bit more about our local Aboriginal culture,” he said.
“The Gathang speaking people have a proud and strong history in the region and the NAIDOC events are a great way to get involved.
“We are proud to be able to offer grants to Aboriginal Land Councils and Community Groups to hold events and functions.”
Grants open from Monday 3 February to
inside a parked car can double in minutes.
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps.
People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.
People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing
Sunday 2 March 2025.
Any local groups thinking about applying for a grant just need to have a NAIDOC planning committee in place.
For more information on the events happening around the MidCoast for NAIDOC Week head to https:// haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw. gov.au/local-Aboriginal-hub or contact Keen Emerson with any questions at keen. emerson@midcoast.nsw. gov.au.
aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).
It is significant to note that an individual who appears not to be sweating may already be entering a more severe health state.
For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.
q Grants are available for community groups hosting NAIDOC Week events.
q Claire van der Stel has been a CWA member for nine years. Photo: supplied.
q Stunning light shows were seen across the region, including at Bennetts Beach. Photo: Glen Henry.
q Lightning caught on camera over the Myall River during last Tuesday night’s storms. Photo: Glen Henry.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
“CINEMATIC Sentences” returns for a massive screen dump at the start of Oscar season.
Love Hurts promotes beloved Ke Huy Quan (Everything, Everywhere All at Once) to leading man in this action-comedy from first time stuntman-turneddirector Jonathan Eusebio.
The movie is about a
realtor who is drawn back into a criminal conflict from his past as a mob enforcer. Presence is a new film from Stephen Soderbergh in which he continues to impress with incredible visual flair.
It is about a dysfunctional family parented by Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan, who are contending with their own issues as well as an entity inhabiting their new home.
This entity becomes invested in their daughter.
Daniel Craig “burns a hole in the screen” in Queer, an adaptation of the WIlliam S. Burroughs novella from Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, in which the author stand-in wrestles with addiction, sobriety, sexuality and identity in Mexico City, 1950.
September 5 is a historical drama account of
the terrorist incident at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, in which eleven members of the Israeli team were held hostage and tragically executed by militant radicals.
The event is seen from the vantage of the ABC Sports broadcast teams that televised the horrific affair to the world.
For the wine connoisseurs, Widow Cliquot is inspired by the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, who assumed control over a vast vineyard enterprise following the death of her husband in
SPORTS
Gloucester Men's Bowls Report
By George WISEMANTEL
A FIELD of thirty two bowlers fronted for a hot Thursday social game with Kevin Burley, Gordon Pritchard, Phillip Ellis being down 15-3 then came back to win first place over Tony Tersteeg, Rob Heininger, Jim Gretch 31-18 (18+13) Kevin Everett, Bob Charman, Adrian Rovere def Neville Atkins, Vic Hebblewhite, Harry Cox 25-17 (17+8) Mark Tull, Peter Sansom, Paul Sheridan def Robert Hayes, Craig Yates, Karl Weiss 2517 (17+8) Col Beattie, Rob Cushway def Steve Kriss, Jody Thompson 23-14 (16+9) Alex Laurie, Max Stevens def Don Mehieloff, Norm McLeod 2215 (16+7) Ron Jones, Andrew Henderson, Rob Gibson def Mike Sheely, Ian Tull, Terry Davies 19-16 (13+3) Saturday mixed bowls resulted in a comfortable win for Joe Pfeifer, Sue Cross, Debbie Hornery def Steve Kriss, Jenny Stevens, Debbie Cushway 30-7 (18+26) and Adrian Rovere, Terry Davies, Don Beamont def Judy Sheely,
Julie Kriss, Rob Cushway 2916 (15+13)
The first round of the Open pennants were contested with both Gloucester sides playing at home. The number three's had a narrow win on the master board 63-59 but dropped one rink for a 9-1 victory over Taree Leagues and the number seven team had a comfortable 10-0 victory over Bulahdelah.
The semi finals of the W. T. Howard Funerals mixed fours were contested on Sunday 2 February with the reigning
Macdonald wins golf medal
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE February Monthly Medal was won in fine style by Steve Macdonald on Saturday 1 February at the Gloucester Golf Club.
The event was an Individual Stroke sponsored by the Arkwood Family. The day itself was warm and humid although not nearly so
bad as the area experienced on the previous Tuesday and that seemed to encourage a god sized field on men and women golfers to turn out.
The Medal was won by Steve Macdonald with a net score on 67, a score which also won him the top net score in A grade; his gross score of an even par 72 was the best in the grade. Visitor
from Manilla Dave Sanders was not eligible for the Medal by definition so he had to settle for the top two trophies in B grade with his net 66 and gross 85. In C grade Blake Murray also picked up the top net and gross trophies with a 68 net after a gross score of 99. The top woman golfer on the day was Karen Howarth with her net 75.
It is worth noting that the Steve, Dave and Blake were the only three golfers to turn in score inside their handicap; as such they also headed the day’s ball winners: Dave Sanders 66, Steve Macdonald 67, Blake Murray 68, Brian McInnes, Brendon Murray and Arthur Poynting 72, Jeff Graham 73 and Stacey Groves and Paul Garland 74.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Dave Sanders in B grade and Arthur Poynting in C grade; they finished 236 cm and 377
Women on Wednesday
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE Gloucester Golf Ladies played another round of their Summer Competition on Wednesday 29 January, grateful that the heatwave earlier in the week had been exchanged for more moderate conditions.
The event was an Individual Stableford played over 12 holes and the cooler temperatures seemed to bring out the best in the golfers, with Gai Falla winning Division 1 with 25 points, beating Pat Burrows on a countback. Lesly Harrison scored an even
higher 26 points to take out Division 2. Pat Burrows had to settle for winning a ball, with balls also going to Karen Howarth on 23 points and Alison Windeyer on 22.
Karen Howarth won Nearest-to-the-pin on the 4th and 13th holes, just beating Anne Maggs on her first game
1805. She overcomes societal prejudice to build an impressive dynasty.
Long running anime series Attack on Titan gets the cinematic treatment by releasing the most recent specials as The Last Attack, carrying on the story of a post-apocalyptic world beset by giants who devour and destroy the surviving pockets of humanity.
Dark Nuns is a Korean horror film in which a duo of young nuns must face opposition from the church
in their efforts to perform an exorcism on a young boy before an evil spirit overcomes them all.
Finally for the rock fans, Becoming Led Zeppelin, the long-awaited music documentary charting the formation of the legendary band, arrives from renowned music-history documentarian Bernard MacMahon (American Epic).
It draws on input from band members Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham and Robert Plant.
Gloucester Parkrun
champions Allen Rose, Neville Atkins, Bev Germon, Jenny Burley proving too strong for Louise Clements, Col Hebblewhite (sub) Joe Pfeifer, Julie Kriss (sub) 2717 and Tony Tersteeg, Steven Higgins (sub) Bev Murray, Joan Ridgeway jumped to a 15-1 lead after six ends and continued to build their tally def Rob Heininger, Del Buckton, Sue Cross, Dennis Bartlett 28-15.
The final will be contested on Sunday 8 February at 9.30 a.m.
cm from the hole respectively. At the 6th and 15th holes A grade was represented by Greg West, 732 cm, and C grade by Steve Benson, 1503 cm.
The Long Drive trophies at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Nathan McInnes in A grade, Paul Garland in B grade and Blake Murray in C grade. Elaine Murray registered the longest drive among the women players.
The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 31 January was won by Denver Webb with an excellent score of 19 points, close to an average of 3 points a hole! Balls were won by Peter Markey 18, Rod Burrows 17, Dave Mann and Mark Garner 15 and Ken Kelly, 15.
On Saturday 8 February the Gloucester Golf Club will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by Avon Valley Concreting. The following Saturday, 15 February the Gloucester Club will hold its annual Derros Day in the form of an Individual Stableford.
back for the New Year. Dale Rabbett took the prize for Division 1 on the 15th hole, while none of the players from Division 2 hit the green.
After the game, the players and other guests joined Gloucester golfer stalwart Val Smith for a morning tea to celebrate her 90th birthday on Australia Day.
By Carolyn DAVIES
THE forecast was for some showers but Gloucester's 191th parkrun last Saturday remained dry for the 31 walkers and runners who ventured out on the 5 kilometre course around Gloucester District Park.
Locals were joined by visitors from Tasmania, Newcastle and Maitland, as well as a contingent across from Taree, with their parkrun course under repair.
There were seven people enjoying their first parkrun at Gloucester. These included John Domandl, who had come up from Newcastle with his wife Kim. John is visually impaired and explained he is visiting different parkruns to show others with disabilities how it can be done. Local James McCrae had volunteered to be John's guide for the run, a new experience for James but one he seemed very at ease with. There were some initial instructions from John, including how to use the tether that was to keep the two in stride together. They talked the whole way
around, sometimes it was James advising what was coming up on the pathand other times it was John telling tales of events he had done.
Visitor Dylan McCormack from Maitland was the first male home in a time of 17.38, while the first female was local Samantha Charlier in 28.02.
The only finisher to claim a personal best was Rod Eckels - demonstrating that knee replacements are worth getting.
Dylan finished in time to also take on the job of scanner, while regular volunteer Pat Burrows calmly did the role of timekeeper. Pat made sure she was in sync with Gordon Hayward on tokens (who in turn made sure there were no missing tokens this week). Darren Sinclair was tailwalker for his first volunteering role on only his fifth parkrun. Darren kept Susan Moore company as she gave herself the challenge of completing the two loops to finish her first parkrun (she did it!). Thanks to all the volunteers for making the event happen.
The Summer Competition for Gloucester’s Woen Golfers continues until late February with a series of Individual Stableford events over twelve holes.
q Blake Murray, Steve Macdonald, Dave Sanders.
q All smiles on the Parkrun course.
Gloucester Lady Bowlers Report
By Jennifer BURLEY
AFTER a stormy night which followed a very hot Tuesday, Wednesday 29th enabled us to play 3 games of Triples with a " twist", that being 2 Power Play ends,for each team of their own choosing.
Suzanne Cross, Lorraine Ratcliffe and Bev Murray 28/pp 16 played Penny Gibson,Joan Ridgeway and
Val Pritchard 17/pp 2. Denise Redman, Jenny Stevens and Del Buckton 26/pp 6 played Jill Carson,Joy Hurworth and Bev Germon 25/pp 14.
Ruth Redman,Julie Kriss and Judy Sheely 27/pp 14 defeated Jill Everett,Paula Standen and Jenny Burley 15/pp 4.
Congratulations to Bev Murray 's team on being able to benefit from their power play picks to win the " trophy" .
Next Wednesday 5th
February is the start of the Mixed Triples championship with only 1 match to be played, there will be social bowls for those not playing in the Championship, it is also the monthly trophy for all players.
The nomination sheet is on the board for the Bonnie Hazelwood drawn 4s, names to be in by 12th February.
Happy Birthday this week to Jill Carson and Di Pritchard both of whom are heading on holidays, enjoy both ladies.
Hot day and hot Vets Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
DEREK Wand and Rob Burrows turned in a strikingly good combined 49 points on Tuesday 28 January, a mere nine points ahead of the field in the Gloucester Veteran Golfers outing held in sizzling heat wave conditions.
The event was a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford with an extra trophy to the player with the best individual score … all of which was sponsored by Di & Derek Bardwell.
The winning pair was Derek Wand and Rod Burrows with a very handy 49 Stableford points which
may well have received a nod in the right direction by Rod’s individual score of 43, itself three points ahead of the leading ball winners all scoring a modest 40 points: Anne Wand and Gary Peters, Arthur Poynting and Colin Ware and Derek Bardwell and Trevor Sharp with a countback setting them apart from the field.
The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Ken Kelly who finished 365 cm from the hole; at the shorter 6th and 15th holes it was Max Shepherd in the box seat, 644 cm from the flagstick off the teeing area.
On Tuesday 4 February the Gloucester Veteran Golfers will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by Amanda Robertson and the following week there will be another Individual Stableford, this time sponsored by Di and Steve Burns.
Anything is possible
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
can’t.”
Courtney attended Barrington Public School and was always encouraged by her parents to be physically active, taking part in netball and horse riding.
In Year 6, she found she could more than hold her own on the running track, crossing the line first as an 800m champion in 2015.
It was in 2022, when
she was taking part in a Paralympics talent search, that she was encouraged to have a go at Blind and Low Vision tennis.
By September of that year she had managed to win the Australian women’s tennis title, before going on to secure gold medals at world championship events.
Courtney is presently the world number one in both singles and in doubles.
Not content with her achievements on the tennis
Gloucester topple Taree West
By Mick MCDONALD
AN unbeaten 50 from vice captain Jamie Andrews steered Gloucester to a win over Taree West in the Manning T1 cricket clash at Gloucester.
This has placed Gloucester in a strong position to secure third place.
The win gives the Bushmen a three point cushion in third spot over Taree West with three games remaining before the start of the semi-finals.
Gloucester will meet competition leaders Taree United at Taree this Saturday, and Old Bar at Gloucester on 15 February, before taking on second placed Wingham at Wingham in the final round, so the Bushmen have a tough run into the finals.
The game against Taree West was the first played since the Christmas break due to wet weather.
Taree West won the toss and elected to bat.
Andrews struck early for Gloucester, dismissing Taree West opener Ben Alliston with just two runs on the board. The visitors lost wickets regularly and
slumped to be 6/63 and were eventually dismissed for 125.
Mitchell Pinch took the bowling honours for Gloucester with 3/20 while Rhys Summerville claimed 2/28 in what was a consistent effort from the home side’s trundlers.
Johny Cornelius took over the captaincy duties in Ryan Yates’ absence and he opened the batting with Landon Blissett.
They put on 24 before Blissett went for 16.
Cornelius was next to go with 45 on the board, however, Andrews and Adam Cameron looked in control in a match winning 56 run partnership.
Cameron scored 24.
Gloucester then had a few stumbles, losing three wickets.
Andrews and Lucas Summerville (1 not out) were at the crease when the Bushmen hit the winning runs in the 35th over.
Andrews made a return to cricket this season and has been in great touch with the bat and ball.
His availability in the games ahead is likely to have a significant bearing on where the Bushmen finish at season’s end.
In other T1 games Taree United went to the top of the table by beating Wingham at Wingham and
would now be favoured to finish minor premiers.
Great Lakes kept their top four hopes alive by beating Old Bar, consigning Old Bar with the wooden spoon.
Gloucester’s top four hopes in T2 took a hit after a poor batting performance against Pacific Palms at Palms.
The Bushmen called correctly at the toss and elected to bat.
The innings was all over 23.1 overs later with Gloucester out for 47.
Nick Maggs was the only batter to make double figures with 10.
Harvey Willis struck three early blows for Gloucester in the run chase while Beau Laurie also claimed a wicket to have Palms struggling at 4/7.
However, Gloucester didn’t make any further inroads and Palms took 20 overs to win the match.
Willis finished with 3/7 from five overs and Laurie 1/3 from four.
Gloucester, Palms and Old Bar Cellars sit on 39 points, shy of outright fourth Bulahdelah on 45.
Gloucester is assured of playing finals cricket as the teams finishing first to fourth will contest the T2 playoffs with fifth to eighth involved in the T3 series.
court, Courtney also excels at cricket.
She captained Australia in its historic win over England at the 2023 International Blind Sports Federation games, where the team secured the silver medal - just losing to India in the final.
According to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, “Courtney Webeck is a tennis and cricket player who was awarded a Tier 1 Scholarship for the 2025 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
“Courtney was paired with the three-time Paralympic gold medallist and four-time world champion wheelchair racer, Kurt Fearnley AO, as her mentor.”
However, Courtney’s achievements do not finish with sport, as the Hall of Fame citation reads.
“Courtney’s dedication extends well beyond her sporting career.
“She is committed to raising awareness and creating opportunities for people living with disabilities, especially those who are legally blind.
“As a multiple national record holder in athletics, Blind Sports Australia
ambassador, and a student pursuing a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Courtney is an inspiration to many.
“Her accolades include being named Gloucester’s Sports Star of the Year for five consecutive years and
winning the prestigious Sport Australia Hall of Fame Tier 1 Scholarship.”
Courtney will be again playing cricket for her country when they take on Pakistan in Brisbane at Easter.
q Derek Wand, Derak Bardwell, Rod Burrows.
q Courtney after becoming World Singles Champion.
q Courtney in action on the tennis court.
By John WATTS
“From
“[They]
q Courtney sweeping against India at Edgbaston.