Gloucester District News Of The Area 9 October 2024
By John WATTS
The
Knowing
“Protecting
By John WATTS
q MidCoast Council’s Caitlin Orr with Tate Animals’ Claire Chiotti and ‘Dash’ the koala detection dog. Photo: Tate Animals.
please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au
THE results of the 14 September Local Government Election have been announced for MidCoast Council, with some new and familiar faces among the elected councillors.
The group of eleven councillors will serve the community for a four-year term, until September 2028.
From Group A, Peter Howard returns for a second term.
From Group B, Thomas O’Keefe will join
the council for the first time.
Group C’s Jeremy Miller won another term, while Labor (Group D) had two candidates elected - Claire Pontin will take on a third term while Digby Wilson will make his council debut.
Group E also had two elected, with Alan Tickle earning another term and Nicole Turnbull adding a fresh face to the mix.
In the big surprise of the election, three
Mat Bell.
“Prioritising areas of highdensity populations is critical.”
The MidCoast has some of the highest densities of koalas recorded anywhere in NSW.
But those populations vary considerably.
Near Tinonee, there are areas that have one koala for every two and half hectares of habitat.
Other areas have one koala per five to seven hectares of land.
These are considered high density populations.
However, areas considered high density 15 years ago, have dropped to low density.
Land to the north of Taree and urban Hawks Nest are two examples.
The cause of the decline in these areas is being investigated to avoid similar crashes in the future.
Sudden reductions in numbers seem to be underpinned firstly by a clearing of
Libertarian candidates will join the councilMichael Graham, Phillip Beazley and Hugh McKenzie.
Rounding out the eleven-person council is Greens candidate Dheera Smith, who returns for a second term.
Council General Manager Adrian Panuccio said he is looking forward to working with the new councillors, who have started their new roles by undertaking an
orientation.
habitat, with development, cars, dogs, disease and stress all contributing factors.
“Restoring habitat is vital too, but investment in planting trees and removing priority weeds is unfolding in a landscape where too much habitat is still being lost,” Mr Bell said.
“A future for koalas needs to address the largest threat – the ongoing destruction of koala habitat.
“The Council has also been studying and learning more about koalas in the Gloucester area to make the case that koala conservation investment is valuable and effective.
“Local landholders have been assisting Council in these efforts, and local volunteers have been planting koala friendly trees.”
Council’s Koala Conservation Strategy can be found on its website.
Mr Bell also emphasises the importance of reporting koala sightings to the Council via its website or on the I-Spy App.
“As a Council, we are governed by the Local Government Act 1993, which outlines the many responsibilities of Council and the protocols we must follow,” said Mr Panuccio.
“New councillors bring a range of experience and community knowledge to their role but are not expected to have a full understanding of local government.”
On Wednesday
9 October at 2pm, councillors will hold their first meeting and will vote for a Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The public is invited to attend in person at the MidCoast Council Customer Service and Administration Centre, Yalawanyi Ganya, 2 Biripi Way, Taree or by livestream.
The livestream link is available on Council’s website www.midcoast. nsw.gov.au.
q A koala off Bucketts Way.
in disrepair, the amenities are outdated and rundown, and the area between the campsites and the river is overgrown with weeds.
MidCoast Council was recently asked to comment on the state of the park. It agreed that it is in a poor state of repair and in need of a significant upgrade. Council initially called for
Colourful run for mental health
By Wendy BUSWELL
TAYLAH Eyre-Hughes is organising a Colour Run in Gloucester for the second time.
The first was in 2021 and helped raise awareness of mental health issues in regional towns.
Taylah is Gloucester Agriculture Society’s 2025 entrant in the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition (formerly known as the “Showgirl Awards”).
“I wanted to do something to grow awareness of mental health in Gloucester again and so decided another Colour Run would be one way of doing that,” she told the News Of The Area.
A Colour Run is a concept in which people of all ages and abilities run or walk around
a course, passing through stations where participants are showered with colourful powder.
“It is so much fun,” Taylah said, “and at the same time we are raising money for Beyond Blue.”
The Colour Run is a way of showing that “life can be more colourful, particularly if we look out for each other.”
Taylah suggests wearing a white shirt to allow clothes to transform into colourful artworks.
“The colourful powder does wash off!”
Taylah emphasised that the money was necessary so that organisations such as Beyond Blue remained viable and could continue their research into mental health.
For over 20 years, Beyond Blue has provided mental health support.
Its work is underpinned by research and evaluation.
Taylah has partnered with
Expressions of Interest (EOI) from prospective proponents to take over the operation of the park, via a lease agreement.
Following the EOI, Council decided to call for tenders.
“Following a review of the expressions of interest received, we will be going to market via an open request for tender and those [who] submitted an EOI are encouraged to submit a tender for the operation of the Gloucester Caravan Park via a lease agreement,” it advised.
Council later changed direction, opting not to proceed with the tender process.
“Several good expressions of interest were received, however Council has elected not to follow up the EOI campaign with a tender
process as one of the key findings… was the need to ascertain the level and cost of capital upgrades.
“As such, Council will now carry out a high-level investigation of what capital upgrades are required and the cost to undertake them, and when this information is obtained Council will then consider next steps.”
The Gloucester Business Chamber has been keen to see an upgrade of the park.
“The park is in a prime position - an attraction in itself - with river, pool and CBD access within walking distance,” said Chamber President Matt Clinch.
“Having it remain dilapidated is an insult to this community.
“We cannot fathom the amount of money which has
been lost as a result of no action here.
“Mining has ceased and agricultural activities are
getting tougher and tougher, we need to invest in the future of tourism to supplement the economy further.”
Rotary’s Mental Health Relay because the two activities “work together”.
The Mental Health Relay is a 24-hour event that Taylah said symbolised the “long haul” for mental health sufferers.
“The more registered participants at both events, the more talk about mental health, and that is so important in a small regional town,” Taylah said.
Participants can choose to participate in both events or just one; and either individually or with a group.
The community event will run at the Gloucester Showground on Saturday and Sunday, 12 -13 October, with several local clubs and organisations assisting.
The Mental Health Relay begins at noon on Saturday, followed by the Colour Run at 1pm on Sunday. There is still time to register. For further information, visit the Colour Run Beyond Gloucester or Gloucester Rotary Facebook page.
Gloucester
q The caravan park roadway is covered in pot-holes.
q Flashback to 2021’s Colour Run. Photo: supplied.
q The park’s fenced-off mini putt putt course.
‘Come to Gloucester’ locals ask Tones and I
By Wendy BUSWELL
LOCAL Gloucester resident
Jess Hay and her daughter Isabelle are big fans of Tones and I, the Australian singer/ songwriter whose music appeals to all ages.
Jess has been following Tones and I since her breakout album in 2019 which contained the hit song Dance Monkey.
Both Jess and Isabelle are now eager to have Tones and I come to Gloucester.
“Tones and I made a comment on stage about visiting country towns,” Jess told the News Of The Area after the performer’s concert in Newcastle.
Inspired by this, Jess and Isabelle decided to followup to get Gloucester added to the touring schedule.
On Wednesday, 25 September, people of Gloucester were asked to gather at the oval to spell out Tones and I.
With the help of locals Deb Shealy, Billi-Jean King and Walt Stinson, 60 children and adults were photographed after creating a giant "TONES" with their bodies.
A video has also been made where community members encourage Tones and I to visit.
Jess Hay expressed her enthusiasm about the
possibility, emphasising that it would “be fantastic”.
She has already received offers from people willing to give her a warm country welcome, so when contacting the singer’s management, Jess assured them that “Tones and I would be well looked after.”
Jess has created a Facebook group called “Tones and I – Gloucester Show” for all those who would like to support Isabelle and her campaign to add Gloucester to the tour.
q Locals hope to bring Tones and I to Gloucester. Photo: Walt Stinson.
Egg supply not slowing in Gloucester
By Meghan CORCORAN
GLOUCESTER residents are still enjoying a full country breakfast as other parts of the state deal with a shortage of eggs.
Whether you like your eggs scrambled, poached, or fried, local families can get
their eggs conveniently at the farm door.
News Of The Area asked Gloucester egg farmers how they are keeping up with demand and distribution.
“We’re just lucky that we live out here and can house our chooks and get our own eggs,” said Amy Andrews of
Full Belly Farms.
“You hear from friends and family that the egg shelves are bare.”
Due to the Avian influenza outbreak, larger supermarket chains have restricted the sale of egg cartons to two per person.
“People get worried there
are no eggs about, so they stock up.
“It hasn’t affected me because we supply our own farm fresh eggs to close family and friends.
“When we have enough, we offer them for sale during our farm tours or when groups come.
“We are licensed with the food authority so when making breakfast boxes for the local Airbnbs we always add our own eggs in there because it's a nicer touch when the eggs are fresh and local instead of from the shelf.
“Shelf eggs are a bit old by the time they reach the supermarket.”
According to Clayton Hattam of Hattam Farms on The Bucketts Way, “there’s
definitely been a high demand.”
As that demand increases and supply decreases for city counterparts, locals and weekend visitors can look no further than the local Nabiac Farmers Market.
“You can find them in our produce stalls,” said Laura Pennington.
Farmers are always on the lookout for signs of illness in their poultry stock.
According to the Department of Primary Industries, these include “decreased feed and water consumption, darkening of the comb or swelling of the neck and head.”
q Full Belly Farm.
q Supermarket shelves are often empty.
q Hattam Farm Shop.
Environment ministers summoned over bird flu threat
By Tracey FERRIER, AAP
ENVIRONMENT ministers have been summoned to a special meeting on the looming bird flu threat as Australia asks the US and New Zealand for advice on vaccinating wildlife.
Federal minister Tanya Plibersek has called the meeting for October 18, correspondence shows, after pressure from conservation groups and the ACT government.
ACT Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti recently wrote to her federal counterpart, appealing for leadership
as Australia awaits the arrival of H5 High pathogenicity avian influenza.
Ms Vassarotti requested an urgent gathering of environment ministers to ensure they were ready to respond to the virus, which has caused mass wildlife deaths overseas.
The federal minister has since written back saying the meeting would go ahead in line with Ms Vassarotti's suggestion and would involve all environment ministers and their agriculture counterparts.
To date, the federal agriculture department has led a wholeof-government response to the threat, with the involvement of Ms Plibersek's department.
However, the approach has raised concerns from the Invasive Species Council that wildlife impacts have taken a back seat to poultry industry threats.
Campaigner Jack Gough, who has long been calling for naturefocused plans to limit wildlife losses, said the meeting was good news.
He said environment authorities were going to have to "pick winners" and choose which species to help when the virus hit Australia - something that could happen any day with the arrival of migratory birds.
He was heartened to learn from Ms Plibersek's letter that her
department was working on ways to determine how susceptible particular species were to the virus to prioritise action that might help.
He was also happy to hear authorities were reviewing arrangements for the use of vaccines in Australia, including their potential use in threatened species.
"We have been participating in trilateral wildlife vaccination 'lessons learned' discussions with the United States and New Zealand, hosted by Wildlife Health Australia," Ms Plibersek wrote.
"Vaccination of domestic, captive or threatened wild animals may not be feasible in many
circumstances.
"This is why my department is also exploring the potential for other actions to help maximise the resilience of wildlife populations."
The Invasive Species Council has been highly critical of the $7 million package allocated so far to the bird flu threat and wants more cash put on the table.
"For comparison, $66 million was allocated to preparation for African Swine Fever in 2019," Mr Gough said.
"I'd think a similar investment is what should occur here."
AAP sought comment from Ms Plibersek's office.
Shame a barrier as many delay help for mental health
By Jack GRAMENZ, AAP
MORE than one in five
Australians feel too ashamed to seek professional support for mental health issues, with the cost of living and accessibility of care contributing to some waiting up to a decade before they get help.
A recent survey has revealed 22 percent of people said they were not
seeking support because they felt ashamed.
The figure was up from 13 percent when the same survey was conducted in 2022.
The mental health and wellbeing check, conducted for mental health support service Beyond Blue by Australian National University's Social Research Centre, took in responses from more than 5000 people
around the country.
Almost half waited until they were very or extremely distressed before they sought professional mental health support, with 30 percent seeking support when in moderate distress.
Some waited up to 10 years before seeking support.
Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said people should not delay
seeking help.
"Mental health issues or experiences of situational distress are easier to manage when we get onto them early before they snowball," she said.
"You don't need to be struggling for years before your problems are worth addressing - you don't have to be at crisis point to benefit from support."
But barriers remained,
including waitlists to access treatment, struggles to afford it amid the rising cost of living, and people thinking their concerns were not serious enough, the survey revealed.
Financial pressure was a key contributor to the distress of 46 percent of the respondents with another 34 percent nominating housing affordability and challenges in their relationships as
stress factors.
"People are dealing with compounding and mounting pressures," Ms Harman said.
"They're strung out but muddling through.
"The pressures people face can often snowball to have a real and negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing."
Lifeline 13 11 14. beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
Authorised by Gillian Calvert 8 Hampstead Rd Dulwich Hill 2203
'Line in the sand': premier urges social media ban ASAP
By Andrew BROWN, AAP
ANY ban on young people using social media needs to be implemented as soon as possible, the NSW premier says.
Ahead of a two-day summit between the NSW and South Australian governments on addressing social media issues, Chris Minns said age restrictions for the tech platforms were more than needed.
"I'd like to see (an age ban) done as soon as possible... ultimately, we have to draw a line in the sand," he told Sky News on Sunday.
"This is a big change for Australia, but I think
it's warranted, given this is, in my view, a global, unregulated experiment on young people and the prevalent use of social media."
It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to state and territory leaders asking for input on how an age ban on social media could be implemented.
The federal government has indicated it will look to introduce legislation restricting social media use for young people, but an exact age limit has not been determined.
The prime minister asked premiers and chief ministers their preference for an age limit, and how parental consent could be factored in.
The leaders were also
asked to consider whether young people with existing social media accounts would be exempt from any future ban.
Mr Minns said he would want to see a social media ban start at age 16, but there needed to be a uniform approach across states and territories.
"Wherever we end up is a world away from where we currently are, which is widespread use, which is obviously negative for a lot of people," he said.
"The obligations would be on social media companies to make sure that they've got restrictions in place."
Age verification trials are underway to help determine how a possible ban could be enforced.
Sleep experts debunk daylight saving health risks
By Nyk CARNSEW, AAP
DAYLIGHT saving has no negative impact on people's health, a world-first study has found.
The effect of daylight saving on health has long been the subject of speculation, amid concerns over loss of sleep as well as the increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Sleep experts from Flinders University in Adelaide have carried out the world's first comprehensive study into the practice's longterm impact and found no significant evidence it results in a loss of sleep.
Researcher Reece Kemp says people living in daylight saving states get comparable sleep to those who don't, aside from a small tendency to go to bed and wake up later.
"We got the opportunity to study a lot of downstream effects in sleep health and daytime functioning... once again we found really no difference," Mr Kemp told AAP.
The researchers focused
on the later months of daylight savings time, as prior studies only focused on the impact during the first few weeks.
"If you're going to be removing daylight savings time you want to know what the exact cost of it is," Mr Kemp said.
"The interesting opportunity about Australia is that you have basically a half-split of states that observe daylight saving time and those who are on standard time."
The researchers compared the sleep patterns of people in states that observe daylight saving against those that don't, using data from two nationwide questionnaires.
While the evidence does suggest people could lose sleep in the first few weeks, the impact was no worse than jet lag, Mr Kemp said.
The tendency of Australians in states that observe daylight saving to go to bed and wake up later also likely offsets any long-term risk.
"Is that potentially people in daylight savings time are adapting? Possibly," he said.
However, people concerned about adjusting to the transition can avoid losing sleep by sticking to a strict sleep schedule over the weekend and avoiding staying up late or sleeping in.
"Because of the clock change, you might be waking up quite late by body clock time and thus you might not be feeling super sleepy on that Sunday night," Mr Kemp said.
"That's where a lot of this idea that daylight savings time was harmful came from.
"Come Monday morning, you might be feeling really tired and that would compound throughout the work week and result in an even bigger sleep the next weekend."
Daylight saving time began on Sunday at 2am AEST, when clocks moved forward one hour to 3am AEDT in all states and territories except Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
THE BATMAN
NBN, 8.40pm
Not so much a superhero blockbuster as it is a gritty crime saga, filmmaker Matt Reeves’ (Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) three-hour epic crafts a grim, noirish narrative world for a faithful iteration of the DC Comics vigilante. The Batman finds Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson, pictured) just two years into his crime-fighting journey – a younger man than we’ve seen him before, he’s still set on vengeance, but in a brooding, hot-headed kind-of way. The villain of the piece is the Riddler (Paul Dano), a deranged serial killer targeting Gotham City’s elite. The Batman is as close as it gets to a definitive adaptation for the caped crusader.
FRIDAY, October 11
MONDAY
DESSERT MASTERS
TEN, 7.30pm
Hungry for another instalment of gorgeous, gravity-defying desserts that would look at home in a modern-art museum? This creative culinary competition will hit the sweet spot. MasterChef winner Emelia Jackson, The Great Australian Bake Off judge Darren Purchese and colourful cake queen Katherine Sabbath are among the professionals putting their imagination and baking skills to the ultimate test in Masters’ second season. In tonight’s premiere, judges Melissa Leong (pictured) and Amaury Guichon are looking for each chef’s dessert masterpiece – with a secret season-long advantage at stake. Word to the wise: a sugary snack won’t go astray when indulging in this mouthwatering delight.
TUESDAY
RED FLAG: MUSIC’S FAILED REVOLUTION
SBS, 8.35pm
Intrepid investigator Marc Fennell (pictured), host of Framed, The Kingdom and The Mission, will stop at nothing to unravel a stranger-thanfiction mystery. In this intriguing docuseries, Fennell and musician Ben Lee hark back to the turn of the millennium to delve into the rise and fall of Guvera, a music service that promised to revolutionise a multi-billion dollar recording industry, then under threat from piracy. A major player that once rivalled Spotify, the Gold Coast start-up seemed like the next big thing, until it wasn’t – vanishing with $180 million. Candid interviews with former staff, investors and industry experts make this compelling two-parter a must-watch.
Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia.
Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: Zanzibar And Jordan. (PG, R) Part 4 of 4.
9.20 Question Everything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran.
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
10.20 You Can’t Ask That. (Ml, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Grand Designs. (R)
11.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R)
12.45 The Larkins. (Ms, R)
1.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.55 Merlin. 11.40 Fresh Off The Boat. Midnight Speechless. 12.25 Good Game Spawn Point. 1.10 Rage. 2.10 Slugterra. 2.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (Return, Mns) 8.30 Castle Secrets. (Premiere, Mav) Takes a look at castles.
9.25 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 The Allegation. (Mav)
12.20 Kin. (MA15+d, R) 4.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (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. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, Ml, R) During the ’60s, American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford so they can defeat rivals Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal.
11.40 MOVIE: Hollow Man. (2000, MA15+hlv, R) Kevin Bacon.
1.55 GetOn Extra.
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Mighty Trains. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III: Coasts. (PG, R) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
8.40 MOVIE: The Batman. (2022, Mlv) Batman pursues a sadistic serial killer who is murdering political figures in Gotham. Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano.
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Destination WA.
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 Surfing Australia TV. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa) Presented by Stacey Solomon. 8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.45 The Graham Norton Show.
SATURDAY, October 12
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) 1.15 Grantchester. (Mv, R) 2.05 Question Everything. (R) 2.35 The Australian Ballet Don Quixote. 4.55 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 5.25 Landline. 5.55 Australian Story. (R)
6.25 Back Roads: Ongerup, Western Australia. (PG, R) Heather Ewart visits Ongerup.
Love Of Dogs. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Tour of Gippsland. H’lights. 4.30 Battle Of Okinawa: Operation Iceberg. (PGav, R) 5.30 Apocalypse D-Day.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Inside Windsor Castle.
8.25 Jackie And Lee: A Tale Of Two Sisters. (Ma, R)
9.20 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (R)
10.15 Arthur: A Life With The Royal Family. (PGals, R)
11.15 Something Undone. (Mal)
12.15 Rex In Rome. (Mlv, R)
3.55 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Practice session. 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Practice session and support races. 4.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Top 10 Shootout.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ghostbusters. (1984, PGhl, R) Scientists become ghost hunters. Bill Murray.
9.40 MOVIE: Venom. (2018, Malv, R) A journalist is merged with a symbiotic alien. Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams. 11.40 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (R) 12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Top 10 Shootout.
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993, PGal, R) A man poses as a female housekeeper. Robin Williams. 10.00 MOVIE: The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. (1994, Mls, R) Guy Pearce.
12.00 MOVIE: Ascendant. (2021, MA15+av, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PG, R) Dogs are matched with companions.
7.30 Thank God You’re Here. (als, R) Hosted by Celia Pacquola. 8.40 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follow the staff at the Animal Welfare League as it matches dogs to their new families.
9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) A motorbike rider falls while travelling at high speed, and his injuries are severe. 10.55 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) Emergencies take their toll on the crews.
12.10 The Cheap Seats.
6.00
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return) 8.00 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.20 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Crazy Fun Park. 11.10 The PM’s Daughter. 11.35 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.25am Rage. 1.55 Slugterra. 2.15 The Rubbish World Of Dave Spud. 2.25 Late Programs.
6am Footy
Legends. Continued. (2006, PG) 7.05 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 9.00 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 11.00 T-34. (2018, M, Russian) 1.05pm Tracker. (2010, M) 3.00 The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 4.40 Soft Skin. (1964,
SUNDAY, October 13
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Growing A Greener World. (R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R) 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 Surf Life Saving. Coolangatta Gold. 1.30 Speedweek. (R) 2.00 Volleyball. Australian Super League. Finals. Gold medal match. 5.00 PBS Washington Week. 5.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.30 Apocalypse D-Day. (PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News.
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, Mav)
8.30 Unforgotten. (Final, Mal)
A second victim is linked to the case.
9.15 Miniseries: Better. (Final, Malv) Part 5 of 5.
10.15 Fisk. (Final, PG, R)
10.45 Melbourne Comedy Festival: The Gala. (MA15+l, R)
12.45 Fires. (Mal, R)
1.40 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (Mav, R)
2.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. (2019) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Spookiz. 12.05am Malory Towers. 12.55 A Kind Of Spark. 1.20 Slugterra. 1.40 The Rubbish World Of Dave Spud. 1.50 Summer Memories. 2.00 Horrible Histories. 3.00 Miraculous. 3.55 Late Programs.
7.30 The Temple Of Hatshepsut.
8.30 The Lost City Of Ramses. (PGa, R)
10.20 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (Mavw, R) 11.25 Face Down: Killing Of Thomas Niedermayer. (Mal)
12.25 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)
2.10 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals, R)
3.05 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
3.50 Great Canal Journeys. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
VICELAND (31)
States Of Undress. 3.40 Bamay. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 4.55 Scandinavian Star. 6.05 In The Box. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Disaster Autopsy. (Premiere) 9.25 WWE Rivals. (Premiere) 10.20 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Harry’s Practice. 10.30 House Of Wellness. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Caulfield Guineas and Hill Stakes Day. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 1.30 My Greek Odyssey. 2.30
6.00 Weekend Sunrise. The latest news, sport and weather. 7.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 3. Support races and warm up. 10.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 3. Race 20. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) 8.55 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation. 9.55 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Moorhouse Horrors. (Mav, R) A look at David and Catherine Birnie. 11.10 Autopsy USA. (MA15+a)
12.10 The Starter Wife. (Mas, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: LOL Surprise: The Skate Dance Movie. (2024) 9.00 Children’s Programs. 2pm MOVIE: Pokémon: The Spell Of Unown. (2001, PG) 3.30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 5.30 MOVIE: How To Train Your Dragon 2. (2014, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, M) 9.45 MOVIE: Godzilla. (2014, M) 12.10am
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 See No Evil: The Hand-Off. (Mal) 11.10 The First 48. (Malv) 12.00 Transplant. (MA15+m) 12.45 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R) 1.35 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Destination WA.
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
MONDAY, October 14
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
7.35 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mls)
10.05 Have I Got News For You U.S. (Mals)
10.55 SBS World News Late.
11.25 Suspect. (Malv)
11.55 Exterior Night. (Premiere, MA15+v)
2.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R) 3.50 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R) 4.40 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)
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Bavarian cuisine is on display.
9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) In the wake of a mafia-related mass casualty event, the team is tasked with keeping the peace at a hospital.
10.10 S.W.A.T. (Mav)
11.10 The Latest: Seven News. 11.40 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) 12.40 Miniseries: The Victim. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Last
Wave. Continued. (1977, PG) 7.00 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 8.50 Lola. (1961, PG, French) 10.30 Mahana. (2016, M) 12.25pm The Exchange. (2021, M) 2.10 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 3.50 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 6.00 When Mum Is Away… With The Family. (2020, PG, Italian) 7.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 9.30 First Cow. (2019, PG) 11.45 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, October 15
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Sri Lanka. (PGa)
8.35 Red Flag: Music’s Failed Revolution: F*** Pirates. Part 1 of 2.
9.50 SBS World News Late.
10.20 The Point: Road Trip. (R) 11.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v)
1.10 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
3.05 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
3.55 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Rob & Romesh Vs. 10.25 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.55 Great Australian Walks. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Outsider:
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. A young pregnant woman goes missing the day before her emergency C-section. 10.10 Made In Bondi. (Mal) Charlie receives a tempting offer from Bee. 11.15 The Latest: Seven News.
Your Money & Your Life. (PG, R)
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6am When Mum Is Away… With The Family. Continued. (2020, PG, Italian) 7.45 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 9.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 11.35 Keep Going. (2018, M, French) 1.10pm First Cow. (2019, PG) 3.25 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 5.20 Goal! (2005, PG) 7.30 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Chino. (1973, M) 11.20 Speed Kills. (2018, M) 1.15am Cleo From 5 To 7. (1962, M, French) 2.55 Late Programs.
Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Sunday evening for publication on a Wednesday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
9GO! (83) 9GO!
WEDNESDAY, October 16
THURSDAY, October 17 6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PG)
8.25 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Freedom. (Mal) Part 3 of 3.
9.20 Four Years Later. (Mls) Yash throws himself in to work and study.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Carmen Curlers. (Mas)
12.55 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)
3.40 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (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.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Akmal: Open For Renovations. (MA15+l) A stand-up performance by Akmal.
9.45 Australia: Now And Then. (Ma, R) Presented by Shane Jacobson.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 Human Error. (Final, Mlv)
Million Dollar Murders. (Mv, R)
9News Late.
Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
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6am Bran Nue
Dae. Continued. (2009, PG) 6.10 Goal! (2005, PG) 8.20 First Cow. (2019, PG) 10.35 The Legend Of Ben Hall. (2017, M) 1.10pm Chino. (1973, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 When Mum Is Away… With The Family. (2020, PG, Italian) 5.30 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 7.30 Defiance. (2008, M) 10.00 The Quick And The Dead. (1995, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Great Australian Walks. (PG)
8.30 National Parks From Above: Turkey. (PG) A look at Göreme Historical National Park.
9.25 Paris Has Fallen. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Fallen. (Premiere, Malv)
12.30 Wolf. (Malsv, R)
3.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (Ml, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Emperor’s Club. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.50 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 10.05 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 12.05pm Speed Kills. (2018, M) 2.00 Goal! (2005, PG) 4.10 The Producers. (1967, PG) 5.50 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 7.30 True Confessions. (1981, M) 9.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+) 12.35am Good Time. (2017, MA15+) 2.30 Late Programs.
IN 20 KIDS NEED YOUR HELP
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. Explores life behind bars is like for prisoners Adrian Bayley, Katherine Knight and Simon Gittany.
9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Maria James. (MA15+av, R) Revisits the murder of Maria James.
10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
12.00 Magnum P.I. 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I HAVE been part of a book club for two years.
One of the members recently confessed that they don't read any of the books (they listen to the audiobook or sometimes just read the first 50 pages and the final page).
Am I wrong to think this isn't 'real' reading?
Are they cheating somehow?
My understanding is that books need to be read, in full, to embrace their effect.
Hermione D.
Dear Hermione,
YOUR name conjures up a particular image for me.
I can see you and your fellow book club members ranged around a coffee table, a platter with cashews, sliced pear, homemade hummus dip, perhaps some black seedless grapes strategically draped over its bamboo edge.
You with your notebook full of carefully observed points of discussion.
And, when it's your turn to host, carefully selected wines based on literature, pouring
glasses of Chianti or fullbodied Port in honour of Sherlock Holmes.
Casually dropping Virginia Woolf's line about language being 'wine upon the lips', a reference completely lost by fellow book clubber Susan, whose wild gesticulations mean she somehow manages to get more wine on her lap than in her mouth.
And you would never dare to resort to book club trickery (perhaps reading a review or two, Googling a synopsis, removing any hope of an original thought by resorting to SparkNotes).
Nor would you listen to an audiobook, because that is somehow less authentic.
It's taking the work out of it. If language is wine upon the lips, what is it when someone else's lips
are involved?
I'd say it's literary infidelity.
Stick to your moral code, Hermione.
Don't cheapen the experience with Bose earplugs.
Suffer through your blurred vision and your pulled neck muscle from trying to finish the last chapter before book club night, just as the author has suffered through years of drafts, imposter syndrome, a below-minimum wage, a divorce, and a bad Goodreads review by a faceless person named LitChickxox (which felt like a knife to the heart).
You are correct in stating that the most important rule of a book club is to read the goddamn book.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Open mic Music Muster
By Meghan CORCORAN
ALL are welcome to walk up on stage and sing at this year's Music Muster.
Some of Australia’s best country music performers found their voice busking on the streets of their hometown, so it’s possible tomorrow's stars could be walking among us here in Gloucester.
Gloucester and District Country Music Club will be holding its Country Music Muster this weekend, 12-13 October, upstairs at the newly renovated Club Gloucester in Denison Street.
AAspiring singers can take inspiration from Oliver Anthony, who recently went viral with his song “Rich Men North of Richmond”, an anthem for the working class.
His lyrics about inflation,
taxes, and food poverty hit the core of everyday life.
His song kicked off at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, with his husky soulful voice singing: “It’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to, for people like me and people like you.”
The lyrics resonate with so many who understand the grit it takes “livin’ in the new world with an old soul” working in agricultural areas with “overtime hours for bullshit pay.”
The not-for-profit Country Music Muster started back in 1984.
There is no need for a manager or booking agent.
If you are a singer, songwriter, or musician, it might be worth a shot.
“We are reaching out to promote music of any form
and offer a social outlet for people who enjoy music and may not get to other towns to experience it,” spokesperson Yvonne Edwards told the News Of The Area.
“We have WiFi mics, stands, amps, the whole thing.
"Come along and hook in.”
All ages are welcome, with the event to commence on Saturday, 12 October at 10am.
Prizemoney is on offer and all performances will be judged by the audience.
Local artists Shania Bonita, “Tink” Everett, Dakota Ellis, and eleven-year-old Travis McLachlan Ifield will be representing Gloucester.
A concert will also be held in the evening at 7pm with guest artist and Country Music Golden Guitar finalist Allison Forbes.
This is a fundraiser event
Swim season opens
ALL MidCoast Council’s outdoor pools opened for the swim season on Saturday 5 October 2024.
Gloucester Pool
Gloucester outdoor pool reopened with no changes to operating hours or management.
and all proceeds will go to Cancer Research and the Westpac Helicopter.
The Gloucester Country Music Club also holds a monthly open mic where all are welcome to sing on stage.
For more details ask on the day.
The entry fee for an adult has been increased to $6, an adult day pass is $9, a three month pass is $180 and a season pass is $300.
Concession/child passes and family passes are also available.
Nabiac, Krambach, Bulahdelah and Stroud pools will reopen as unsupervised pools with entry fees for users.
Access will be controlled through an electronic entry system.
The cost of a casual entry for an adult is $5 and a season pass is $50.
Concession season passes are available for $40 (proof of concession is required).
Entry for children under 16 is free with an accompanying adult.
q Gloucester Olympic Pool.
Photo: MidCoast Council.
q Performers at a previous Music Muster event. Photo: supplied.
q Performers are welcome at this year’s Music Muster. Photo: supplied.
Nabiac, Krambach, Bulahdelah and Stroud pools
Annual tradition
RESIDENTS from across the Hunter and MidCoast regions flocked to the annual Stroud Brick Throwing and Rolling Pin Competition on Sunday, 6 October.
Originally scheduled for July, the iconic event was rescheduled due to the Stroud Showground being waterlogged.
The competition is run across four Stroud townships in four countries; Stroud in Gloucestershire, England; in Oklahoma, USA; in Ontario, Canada; and in New South Wales, Australia.
The traditional highlight is the competitive throwing events, where competitors attempt to throw a brick or rolling pin the furthest distance.
Adding to the fun on Sunday was a street parade, food stalls, a vintage car display, live music, tug-of-war, wood chop competitions and much more.
In the Open Brick Throwing competition, Angus Devon took out
first place with a toss of 87 feet, coming in ahead of near challengers Peter Dolkons, Peter Grambrill and Nathan Ward.
In the Open Rolling Pin Throwing competition, Ivy Hoadley came out on top with a gigantic 97 feet 10 inches, with Mia Finch and Rachelle Somerville coming in second and third.
In the International Brick Throwing competition, Peter Gambril topped the field with a throw of 87 feet 5 inches, with Angus Devon and Nathan Ward not far behind.
Ivy Hoadley again topped the International Rolling Pin division, followed by Mia Finch and Rachelle Somerville.
q Open Brick Throwing competition winner Angus Devon.
SPORTS
Gloucester Lady Bowlers
By Jennifer BURLEY
WELL we started off the second round of the Ladies Major Championship in bright sunny conditions and finished with our rain jackets on, but we did manage to complete the round.
Results of games: Joan Ridgeway defeated Bev Murray 25 to 17.
Judy Sheedy defeated Amanda Johns 25 to 12.
Jenny Burley defeated Helen Banks 25 to 10.
Julie Kriss defeated Di Pritchard in a real tussle 25 to 22.
And unfortunately Del Buckton had to forfeit to Jill Everett due to illness, our thoughts are with you Del for a speedy recovery.
There were 2 games of Triples
played in Social Bowls with a challenge to see which team or player could move the Jack the most, and it surprised myself as scribe as to how often the little yellow ball was moved!
Karen O'Brien, Jill Everett and Pat West 19 moved Jack 10 times defeated Jill Carson, Denise Redman and Norma Relf 17 moved Jack 8.
Playing as a swinger Lorraine Ratcliffe, Ruth Redman and Bev Germon 17 moved Jack 10 times defeated Lorraine,Marge Moore and Val Pritchard 14 moved Jack 9.
Overall winner of the "Snicker" award on a count back was awarded to Pat West on 5 snicks!
The winner of the Spider was Di Pritchard.
The next round of the Championship for next Wednesday and their markers: Jill Everett v Julie Kriss marker
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Karen Heiningher. Lorraine Ratcliffe v Suzanne Cross marker Amanda Johns. Joan Ridgeway v Judy Sheedy marker Bev Murray.
Jenny Burley v Bev Germon marker Joy Hurworth.
Ladies the sheet is on the board for the Pairs Championship ask around for a partner.
All the best to Suzanne Cross for her birthday this week
and equipment for seamless “walk-in,
Photo: nyomiaubreyphotography.
q Open and International Rolling Pin Throwing competition winner Ivy Hoadley. Photo: nyomiaubreyphotography.
q International Brick Throwing competition champion Peter Gambril. Photo: nyomiaubreyphotography.
q International Brick and Rolling Pin competitors with organiser Karen Hutchinson. Photo: nyomiaubreyphotography.
q A young rolling pin competitor lets fly. Photo: Dave Layzell MP.
Murray and Nightingale win in four ball golf
By Carolyn DAVIES
IT was a sunny start to the Four Ball Multiplier event last Wednesday, 2 October, for the Gloucester Women Golfers, with the clouds gathering for the second nine holes.
To pre-empt any issues at a hole where one or other of the players failed to score a point and so rendering their partner's score to a team zero, the “sorrys” were announced at the first tee!
The conditions were heavy after the recent rain. Galahs galore were busy feeding on the course while magpies swept on those trying to putt on the 8th green… it seemed, however, that, if a player was wearing dark colours they escaped
this torment.
The winners were Elaine Murray and Rhonda Nightingale with 61 points with both players showing consistency with their individual scores of 33 and 32. Balls went to Myrelle Fraser and Dale Rabbett with 58 points, and to Anne Wand and Gai Falla one point back on 57.
The Nearest-to-the-Pins on the 6th and 15th holes were won by Carolyn Davies in Division 1 and by Pam Paff in Division 2, with both balls just hanging on to the edge of the green to be able to qualify for the prize.
On Wednesday 9 October the Gloucester Women will play an Elaine Murray
sponsored Individual Stableford doubling as the 2024 Monthly Medal playoff in which all those who won a Monthly Medal during the year are in the running for
Magic Wand
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page
16
points. Trevor led the ballwinners of the day and he was followed by Gai Falla and Debbie Sate 34, Bill Murray 33 and Gary Peters 32; Gary needed a countback to separate his score from the field.
The Nearest-to-thePin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Arthur Poynting who finished 657 cm from the hole after his tee shot.
At the 6th and 15th holes it was Carolyn Davies, 382 cm, and Ken Kelly, 145 cm, who finished closest for the NTP trophies.
On Tuesday 8 October the Gloucester Veteran Golfers will begin their summer season with an Individual Stableford sponsored by Debbie and Peter Sate.
The following Tuesday they will be playing another Individual Stableford sponsored by Joe Farrugia.
Gloucester
Bowling Club
By George WISEMANTEL
Pickleball craze growing in Gloucester
By Wendy BUSWELL
THERE are over 14,000 official pickleball players in Australia according to Pickleball Australia.
But it’s thought that as many as 20,000 people across the country are playing the world’s fastest growing sport - including in Gloucester.
Pickleball enthusiast Brad Moore, started a local group at the end of 2023.
“I used to play on the Central Coast, and when I moved here and there was
no group, I decided to get one going,” he told the News Of The Area.
Starting with four people, the group now has 20 players.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton played on a badminton-size court with a paddle and a small, perforated plastic ball.
It can be played as singles but, more commonly, a doubles format is used.
The Gloucester Pickleball group began playing on a temporary court at the tennis
club but now uses three courts at the Recreation Centre, thanks to U3A Gloucester.
“We are always looking for new activities for our members and Pickleball is a great fit,” U3A Secretary Ray Vale said.
The group meets every Monday and Thursday at 8am and plays for two hours.
“It is mostly over 60s who play,” Brad said with a laugh.
“I think it’s because there is not as much running as tennis. It’s more about
the prize. On the following Wednesday there will be the annual Town versus Country event in the form of an Individual Stableford sponsored by Pam Paff. reflexes.”
Pickleball Australia describes the game as fun and challenging where players earn points not purely by power and speed, but also through positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.
“The game is easy to learn, fun, and great exercise,” said David Moss, one of the players.
Pickleball can be played at any level and like most sports, there is a strong social element.
“I’m new to Gloucester and I have found the Pickleball gang very welcoming to everyone, regardless of experience,” Sandra Harrison said.
The group would like to encourage anyone interested in getting involved in Pickleball to come to the Recreation Centre and try it out.
“We’ll lend you a paddle, but once you start playing, you’ll want one of your own,” Brad said.
Mark Stone wins golf medal
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THERE were only two players able to break net par in the Arkwood Family sponsored Monthly Medal at the Gloucester course on Saturday 5 October.
Mark Stone’s score was good for the Medal with new member Jim Spencer giving him a close run just one stroke behind.
The Saturday of the long weekend provided good
clear weather with more than a hint of summer in the air. The field was on the light side largely, one suspects, due to that same long weekend in the middle of school holidays drawing folk away from the course.
The event was an Individual Stroke with the Monthly Medal going to Mark Stone with the lowest net score across the field, a three under net par 69, a score that also won him the
trophy for the top net score in B grade; Mark’s gross score of 86 was best in his grade.
In the top-grade Andrew Sansom, 73, turned in the best net round while Nathan McInnes’ 79 off the stick was best gross score in A grade.
In C grade, new member Jim Spencer had the best net and gross scores with his 70 and 91, respectively.
Balls in the associated ball competition were
won by Mark Stone 69, Jim Spencer 70, with a gaggle of players on 73 also taking home a trophy ball for their trouble: John Caragoclia, Andrew Sansom, Trevor Sharp, Garry Randall, Brendon Murray and Bill Murray.
Only two grades were represented in the day’s Nearest-to-the-Pins with c-grade players missing the greens in numbers. At the 4th and 13th holes Paul
ANOTHER good field of thirty four players turned out on Thursday with mostly close games and the jackpot did not go off so it is getting to a handsome sum for next week. The winners were Allen Rose - Steve Kriss - Rob Cushway def Bob Charman - Rob Heininger - Jim Grech 18+8 (28-20) runners up were Kevin Everett - Max Stevens - Mark Brown (visitor) def Kevin Burley - Charlie Faulkner - Harry Cox 18 +5 (22-17) Tony Tersteeg - Norm McLeod - Terry Davies def Ron Jones - Graham Turnbull - Don Mehieloff 17+7 (26-19) Steven HigginsRobert Hayes def Stephen Hurworth - Terry Carson 16+8 (23-15) Neville Atkins - Col Beattie - Alex Laurie def Vic Hebblewhite - Ian Tull - Paul Sheridan 15+5 (24-19) and George Wisemantel - Dennis Bartlett - Basil Schneider def Bob Newitt - Chris Pritchard - Nigel Johns 15+4 (25-21)
Saturday mixed bowls was depleted due to the long weekend holiday
Blanch in A grade finished 1600 cm from the hole and Trevor Sharp in B grade was a little closer at 322 cm. At the 6th and 15th holes Brian McInnes in A grade and John Caragoclia were 140 cm and 462 cm from the flagstick respectively.
The Long Drives to the fairway at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Paul Blanch, Trevor Sharp and Matthew Higgins representing the three grades.
The winner of the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 4 October was Jeff
makers with Stephen Hurworth - Dennis Bartlett combining like long lost brothers to inflict a heavy def on Ron Jones - Max Stevens 19+12 (27-15) and Ian Tull - Bev Murray - Terry Davies came from behind to def George Wisemantel - David Hjorth - Joy Hurworth 14+10 (2313)
The semi finals of the men's pairs proudly sponsored by Leveltec resulted in wins to Mark Groves and Ken Bryant after a very even start against Mark Tull and Peter Jones but after being 10-9 on end eleven Mark and Ken communicated well to go on and win 2311 and in the other semi Neville Atkins and Allen Rose proved to strong for Aaron Kelly and Ben Philpott cruising to a 2817 win after being 15-14 on end thirteen.
The final of the Leveltec pairs championship will be played on Sunday 13 October at 9.30 a.m. so come along to witness our top bowlers in action. "See You on the Green"
Graham whose 19 points was well clear of the ball winners for the week; closest was Paul Coote 17, then Graeme Marsh and Bill Murray 14 and Paul Blanch with a count back picking up the last ball with his 13 points.
On Saturday 12 October the Gloucester Golf Club will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by “the Two Garrys”, Garry Randall and Garry Trevino.
The following Saturday, 19 October, Rawdon Vale sponsor another Individual Stableford.
