Dungog Shire News Of The Area 03 JUNE 2026

Crocheting for Christmas

THE crafty residents of Paterson are on a

to crochet a Community Christmas Tree.

Organised by Paterson Community Builders - an initiative of Paterson Rotary - the aim of the project is to produce enough squares to create a crocheted Christmas Tree by this December.

Many squares have been completed, with interested community members invited to join pop-in sessions to add to the collection, or to simply learn how to crochet.

Squares can also be made at home.

This month, the Paterson Community Builders Hub is moving from St Pauls Church to the new “Hub and Harvest” facility in the former gallery space behind the Post Office.

The new location will enable the group to set up a community garden, in addition to one being planned for the Paterson Cafe.

POOR RECEPTION

‘below average’

BUSINESS ADVERTISING

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By Callum GODDE, AAP

MANUFACTURING

heavyweight 3M is vowing to fight a multibilliondollar lawsuit over widespread use of “forever chemicals” at Australian defence sitesincluding the RAAF base at Williamtown.

The federal government is suing 3M for more than $2 billion to recover costs from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam that contaminated 28 defence bases across the country.

The claim, lodged in the Federal Court, alleges 3M withheld a range of information and misrepresented the effects of its aqueous filmforming foam, including environmental risks.

OUTLETS

Where

Clarence Town

Clarence Town IGA

Clarence Town Post Office

Clarence Town Bowling Club

Paterson

Paterson Friendly Grocer

Paterson Service Station

Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent

Vacy

Vacy General Store

Dungog

Dungog Information Centre

Dungog Newsagent

Lovey's IGA

Dowling General Store

Dungog RSL

Long Room Cafe

Hidden Valley Clothing

Bottlemart

Farmers Warehouse

Royal Hotel

Gresford

Gresford Foodworks

Gresford Garage & Rural

Gresford Butchery Providore The Beatty Hotel

It was the largest legal claim ever brought by the Commonwealth, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland told reporters on Thursday.

"Australians rightly expect their government

to stand up for them and to hold companies accountable when communities and the environment are impacted," she said.

PFAS are a group of about 15,000 toxic synthetic chemicals, used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease.

They have been widely used in products including cookware and firefighting foams, and are often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment.

Any recouped money would be used to cover past and future expenses incurred in investigating, managing and remediating contamination resulting from the historical storage and use of the foam.

It has already cost Australian taxpayers $1.3 billion to respond to PFAS contamination on defence estates and nearby communities, including about $408m in legal settlements.

More than 200,000

tonnes of contaminated soil had been treated or removed across defence sites to mitigate the spread, Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil said.

Another 13 billion litres of water has also been treated since PFAS contamination was identified in certain communities.

"This is not a case about personal injury or health claims," Mr Khalil said.

"It is solely focused on the environmental, economic and cultural impacts and the costs that we've incurred in dealing with those impacts.

"The current advice is that there is limited evidence of the health impacts of PFAS exposure or contamination."

3M stressed it never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased local sales of the problematic products about two decades ago.

"Despite this, the Department of Defence continued to use PFAScontaining fire fighting

foams for nearly two decades longer, as noted in a recent legislative committee report," the company said in a statement.

"We will defend ourselves against these claims through the legal process."

A Senate inquiry in November recommended legal action against 3M and said any settlement should be used to fund remediation of contaminated sites.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, who chaired the inquiry, said the lawsuit must not be treated as a budget costrecovery exercise and criticised the government for downplaying PFAS's health impacts.

"The government must finally come clean about the health risks posed by these toxic chemicals, update its public health advice, and provide proper health support for affected communities," she said.

"[The] announcement is a significant step, but

we cannot stop here."

While the science around PFAS is evolving, the federal health department says the chemicals are associated with low birth weight in babies and altered levels of hormones.

Specific chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS are linked with an increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer.

In 2018, the Department of Defence warned locals near the Richmond Air Base to reduce their intake of local fish and eggs after PFAS was found in the groundwater nearby.

Australia banned the import, use and manufacture of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS - another PFAS chemical - in 2025.

A European Unioncommissioned study estimated the economic cost of PFAS pollution in the region would reach €440 billion ($A716 billion) if current levels continued until 2050. A draft universal PFAS restriction proposal has been submitted by the European Chemicals Agency for consultation.

Nurses and midwives receive backpay

PUBLIC sector nurses and midwives across NSW should have now received backpay payments, following a pay increase decision by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in April.

The IRC ruling delivered nurses and midwives a pay rise of between 16 and 28 percent over a period of three years, backdated to 1 July 2025.

Backpayments began in mid-May and were expected to be complete by the first week of June.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the “well-deserved backpay will deliver some relief in these tough economic times”.

Registered nurses and midwives will receive a 16 percent pay increase, with 10 percent awarded in the first year, and three percent in each of the two years following

Enrolled nurses will receive an 18 percent pay increase, with 12 percent awarded in the first year, and three percent in each of the two years following

Assistants in nursing will receive a 28 percent pay increase, with 22 percent awarded in the first year, and three percent in each of the two years following.

Of first year payments, nurses and midwives have already received a three percent pay rise in an interim agreement last year, which included an increase to night shift penalties.

Public sector nurses and midwives have expressed mixed emotions since the IRC’s 16

April decision.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association noted that while the pay rise fell short of what had been hoped for, it will “go some way to addressing the challenges” in the professions.

“However, the decision does not go far enough to ensure we feel valued for the work we do, day in, day out,” the union said in a statement.

News Of The Area would love to hear

media@newsofthearea.com.au

POOR RECEPTION

FROM Page 1

network performs and how many options are available.

- Affordability: if people can afford the connectivity technology options available based on their income.

- Demographics: how age, income and education shape the way people use digital

services.

The Index uses public data from government and commercial sources, and “desktop research” to give “a full picture of digital connectivity in each region throughout NSW”.

Mobile coverage data for Optus, Telstra and TPG is current as of January 2024.

THE Lions Club of Stroud held a community information event in Allen Park on Sunday 17 May.

Residents were treated to a free morning tea and BBQ lunch and were invited to have their say on two proposed projects: the installation of outdoor exercise equipment in a local park and a new walking trail.

The event showcased the Australian Lions Foundation, Lions Membership, Lions Youth, Australian Child Mobility and the Lions Club International Foundation.

Locals also discovered how the organisation supports diabetes awareness initiatives, eye screening, paediatric cancer support, children’s mobility, and young leadership programs in schools.

Organisers said many members of the Stroud community were unaware how much work the volunteer service organisation did beyond its Bunnings barbecues and Christmas cake stalls.

The Lions Club of Gloucester provided assistance and support on the day.

Broadband coverage data for NBN Co. is current as of March 2024.

Broadband performance data, including for providers like SpaceX Starlink, covers the period from August 2023 to July 2024.

The Index score is described as a “measure of the quality and effectiveness

of digital connectivity in a selected area”.

It indicates the capability of a location to support various digital activities, such as remote work, online learning, or mobile internet usage.

The higher the score, the more favourable the conditions for digital activities in that area.

Communities with Index scores between 81-100 are highly likely to be able

to reliably conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth.

Areas with scores from 1-20 are highly unlikely to be able to access those services.

Index results across the Hunter region are a mixed bag and locals may find them hard to believe.

In the Dungog Shire, Dungog scored 48, Gresford 58, Paterson 67, Clarence

Town 65 and Vacy 55.

Allynbrook received a score of zero, while Bandon Grove scored 24.

In neighbouring MidCoast Council, Stroud Hill scored zero while Stroud scored 47.

The town of Gloucester received a score of 53, while Barrington scored 43 and Stratford 55.

Wards River scored 11, Monkerai 10 and Waukivory 22.

Street Count shows Hunter homelessness steady

NEW data suggests that rates of rough sleeping have remained steady across parts of the Hunter region in the past 12 months, while significant increases have been seen in the local government area.

Each year the NSW Government partners with local organisations across the state to complete “street counts” to provide a pointin-time count of the number of people in a geographical location observed to

be experiencing street homelessness.

These organisations include Specialist Homelessness Services, local councils, Community Housing Providers, Aboriginal organisations,

ABS data highlights business pressures

FUEL prices and supply

availability have negatively impacted 72 percent of Australian businesses, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

According to Head of Business Statistics Tom Lay, the data from the Survey of Business Conditions and Sentiments helps the ABS better understand the economic impacts of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Australian businesses.

“Businesses across all industries were impacted by rising fuel costs from global volatility and ongoing supply chain disruptions,” Mr Lay said.

“One in six businesses

experienced disruptions in their supply chain, with transport, logistics, agriculture and small businesses among those most affected.”

Over one third (36 percent) of businesses reported revenue had dropped over the past four weeks, while more than a quarter (27 percent) expect revenue to fall over the next four weeks.

Half of all businesses reported operating expenses had risen, with fuel prices and freight and delivery costs the most frequently reported reason.

About two thirds (60 percent) of businesses reported making changes to business operations

because of fuel prices or availability in May.

This included absorbing cost increases (48 percent), increasing prices (11 percent), changing or delaying production targets, schedules or volumes (six percent) and implementing a fuel surcharge or levy (six percent).

Roughly one in four businesses (28 percent) made changes to their workforce in response to fuel prices or availability, including reducing or suspending non-essential travel activities to reduce fuel consumption (15 percent) and reducing the size of the current workforce (nine percent).

local community groups and NSW Police.

The 2026 Street Count was conducted across more than 461 towns and suburbs in 77 local government areas between 23 February and 19 March.

In Port Stephens, 35 rough sleepers were counted on a single evening, down from 40 in 2025.

Five people were counted in Dungog Shire, down from seven a year prior.

Newcastle recorded the region’s highest numbers

with 66 people sleeping rough, followed by Lake Macquarie with 60.

Further north in the MidCoast LGA, numbers more than doubled in a year - from 27 in 2025 to 63 in 2026.

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said the data collected during the Street Count helped direct government investment where it was most needed.

"The urgent need to address the root causes of homelessness remains a work in progress to ensure that no one in our community is left behind," Jackson said.

"The data tells us that a lack of affordable housing and high cost of living are the most common drivers, which is exactly why the NSW

Government is laser-focused on building more homes as quickly as possible."

Ms Jackson noted that the rate of increase was slowing, pointing to a 34 percent rise in 2023 that eased to eight per cent in 2025 and five percent this year.

"We are making headway, but it won't happen overnight," she said.

Some areas offered cause for cautious optimism, with Sydney's CBD and Byron Bay both recording reductionsregions where government intervention had been concentrated in recent years.

According to the total count, the state's homeless population climbed to 2,308 people - a five percent rise on the previous year.

Welcome Experience expanded into local government sector

WORKERS will now be assisted to relocate to local government jobs in regional and remote areas, through an expansion of the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program.

Launched as a pilot in 11 local government areas (LGAs) in 2023, the Welcome Experience is a free service supporting workers and their families to relocate for roles in key sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing, emergency services - and now local government.

Announced this week, the program has now been expanded into 88 LGAs across the state and will assist people to settle into roles such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities.

“Expanding this program will help more workers and families make the move to the regions - helping councils fill those critical skills gaps and make rural and regional towns and cities even better places to live,” Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said.

Through The Welcome

Experience, essential workers are connected with a Local Connector who provides practical, on-theground support, from finding housing and accessing childcare or schools, to connecting with community and sporting groups, plus identifying employment opportunities for partners.

“The Welcome Experience helps ensure new staff and their families feel supported from day one, which makes a real difference in attracting and keeping workers in our regional areas,” said Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

“Since launching in 2023, the Welcome Experience has supported more than 3,000 essential workers such as teachers, nurses and firefighters to relocate to regional NSW, helping to strengthen frontline services and support thriving regional communities.”

The expansion of the program has been welcomed by unions and the Country Mayor’s Association (CMA).

CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM said, “The CMA Board and our 89 rural, remote and regional

council members warmly welcome Minister Moriarty’s announcement that the Welcome Experience will be expanded to include the critical local government sector.

“In many rural and remote communities, local government is the largest employer, making its inclusion essential.”

The local government sector is a major regional employer, yet workforce shortages remain an ongoing challenge for councils.

A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90 percent of councils reported skills shortages, with 66 percent indicating project delivery had been impacted by vacancies, skills gaps or training needs.

In NOTA coverage areas, the Welcome Experience will be expanded to Dungog and MidCoast LGAs from 1 July, while Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie are already part of the scheme.

At present, Port Stephens is not included in the program.

Building social resilience ahead of drought

MORE than $3,000,000 in grants is now available to empower eligible agriculturedependent communities to prepare for drought by building and maintaining their social resilience.

This is the second round of funding to be delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) through the Future Drought Fund’s (FDF) Communities Program, which is funded by the Australian Government.

Grants are available to local not-forprofit organisations (NFPs) for projects that establish and grow community networks; increase local collaboration and engagement; share knowledge and develop leadership skills; or upgrade small-scale community infrastructure.

There are two grant elements offering funding for initiatives that strengthen social resilience and drought preparedness.

A total of $2 million in Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants is available to bring to life the social resilience activities and projects already outlined in a region’s RDRP Plan.

A maximum of $100,000 is available to up to 50 RDRP regions over the life of the program, with 42 regions still eligible for some or all their allocated funding.

None of the local government areas (LGA) within the News Of The Area coverage area are currently eligible for this funding.

However, there is a further $1 million available in Small Network Grants of up to $50,000 to support agriculture-dependent communities within 314 LGAs, including Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie Hastings and Port Stephens.

Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said rural communities understand the value of investing early in social resilience because they know first-hand that drought is inevitable, even if there’s still rain on the horizon.

“While other parts of the FDF fund projects that benefit the environment or on-farm agricultural practice, through the Communities Program, we’re supporting grassroots initiatives that help people stay connected, build skills and strengthen the networks that underpin thriving communities,” Ms Karena said.

“Both the RDRP Social Outcome Grants and Small Network Grants are designed to help communities get on the front foot, by strengthening local networks, supporting training and leadership development, and encouraging collaboration.”

Both RDRP Social Outcome Grants and Small Network Grants programs are available to not-for-profit organisations that have an ABN or Incorporation Certificate and support remote, rural or regional communities in agriculturedependent areas.

Applications for both RDRP Social Outcome Grants and Small Network Grants are currently open and close on 30 June at 5pm AEST.

Funding will be announced late October.

Learn more by visiting https://frrr.org. au/funding/fdf-communities/.

Of The Area News Reader Survey

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BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

THE HARDACRES

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Like Downton Abbey but if Lord Grantham were an Irish dock labourer and Lady Violet a wily smuggler with a set of manners to match, this rags-to-riches tale is a breath of fresh air in the at-times stuffy period drama landscape. Loosely inspired by C.L. Skelton’s best-selling novels, the 1890s-set series follows the tight-knit Hardacre family from the moment a tragic accident leaves them on the brink of destitution. A bit of quick thinking in this eventful double-episode premiere results in wealth beyond measure and Mary and Sam (Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon, both pictured) promptly find themselves lording over a lavish Yorkshire estate.

FRIDAY, June 5

SUNDAY

GROUND UP

ABC TV, 8.30pm

In a 2014 episode of Sitch) and his team of beleaguered bureaucrats debate the prospect of building a stadium in Hobart – whether the locals want it or not. As that prophetic storyline becomes a reality, this cheeky new office comedy starring Sam Pang (pictured) imagines the creation of Tasmania’s first AFL team. Sent from Melbourne to establish the league’s 19th club, administrator Hugh Shen (Pang) quickly realises he’s in over his head. Working alongside ambitious public servant Destiny (Emma Harvie, Colin from Accounts hapless assistant Jameson (Dylan Murphy), Hugh is under pressure to select the team song and a club mascot in Sunday’s hilarious premiere.

MONDAY FARMER WANTS A WIFE

The women of Australia have spoken: this year’s crop of farmers is the “hottest ever”. The five rural Romeos looking for love on the reality romance series this year inspired a record number of applications, setting the bar high from the beginning of this 16th season. Grazier Alex, almond grower Jarrad, cowboy Dylan, apple cultivator Zac and dairy farmer Jason all love what they do and life on the land, but they find themselves longing for something more. All that’s about to change. Host Natalie Gruzlewski (pictured) introduces each to eight potential partners in Monday’s premiere, leaving them spoilt for choice. They get to know the city girls in a series of speed dates, before inviting five back to the farm.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. (Final, PG, R) 1.45 Bad Company. (Final, Ml, R) 2.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 2.55 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Jewels Of The Alps: Italy’s Great Lakes. (PGa, R) 11.05 Europe’s Waterways. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 The Lost City Of Ramses. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia Women. H’lights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Sinister Cover-Up. (2023, Mav, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross visits an insect expo.

8.35 Shetland. (Mv) Calder and Tosh wrestle with the revelation of Annie’s past life.

9.35 Gruen. (PG, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.10 Urzila. (Final, Mdls, R)

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)

11.45 Love Me. (M, R)

1.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains. (PG)

8.30 China With Ben Fogle. (Ml)

9.50 Rock Legends. (PGs, R)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 The King. (Return, MA15+v)

11.45 The Typist. (Malv, R)

12.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)

3.55 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Malsv, 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.

8.00 MOVIE: Angels & Demons. (2009, Mav, R) A professor and physicist race against time to find four kidnapped cardinals. Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer.

10.45 MOVIE: Gunpowder Milkshake. (2021, MA15+v, R) An assassin is reunited with her mother. Karen Gillan, Lena Headey. 1.10 Quacks. (Final, MA15+as)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 14. Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.30 MOVIE: Get Shorty. (1995, MA15+l, R) A debt collector becomes a film producer. John Travolta.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa, R) A woman with too many items wants

8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30

SATURDAY, June 6

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 1.30 Shetland. (Mv, R) 2.30 MSO: 50 Years Of ABC Classic. 4.10 Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kath, Kim and Sharon go to the races.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma)

A man is shot dead at his villa.

8.30 The Hardacres. (Premiere, PG) A working class family in 1890s Yorkshire move from a grimy fish dock to a vast country estate.

10.05 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv, R) Bergerac must negotiate for his life and solve the murder.

11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Kangaroo Beach. 4.10 Dino Dex. 5.10 TBA. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 11.00 World’s Greatest Sporting Arenas. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.05 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.35 Cecil: The Real Lion King. (PG, R) 4.30

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 MOVIE: Next Goal Wins. (2023, Ml)

9.25 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal, R)

10.20 Princess Anne: The Plot To Kidnap A Royal. (PGa, R) 11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)

2.50 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (PG, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6am The Movie Show.

6.40 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 8.35 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 10.50 Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 12.30pm Ghoomer. (2023, M, Hindi) 3.00 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 4.35 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.35 Charro! (1969, PG) 8.30 True Grit. (2010, M) 10.30 Eager Bodies. (2003, MA15+, French) 12.15am The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) 2.30 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, June 7

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Assembly. (Final, PGa, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (Final, PG, R) 4.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass: Desert Sanctuary. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Race Around The World. (Return, PG) Six filmmakers travel the world.

8.30 Ground Up. (Premiere, Ml) Follows the behind-the-scenes drama in the creation of a Tasmanian AFL team.

9.00 The Capture. (Return, MA15+v) Rachel is caught up in a deadly conspiracy.

10.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R)

11.00 The Hardacres. (PG, R)

12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Movin’ To The Country. (R)

4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 We Are Jeni. (Malv) 9.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 1.

11.05 Rescuing The Nile’s Sunken Temple. (R)

12.10 Australia Uncovered: Strong Female Lead. (Ma, R)

1.35 Entanglement. (PGa, R)

2.45 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Ms, R)

4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31)

Heaven. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

MOVIES (32)

6am Roxane. Continued. (2019, PG, French) 6.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 8.40 Charro! (1969, PG) 10.40 Point Break. (1991, M) 12.55pm Suffragette. The Movie Show. 3.30 Discovering Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) Ride In The Whirlwind. (1965, PG) 8.30 10.20 In The Land Of 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. (PG) Shane Jacobson buys a rundown pub.

8.30 MOVIE: White House Down. (2013, Mlv, R) During a tour of the White House, a policeman springs into action to stop a group of paramilitary invaders. Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal.

11.10 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Malv, R)

12.10 Devils. (MA15+av)

1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 10.30 Auction Squad. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Australia’s Amazing Homes. 1.00 Australia’s Big Backyards.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Dune: Part Two. (2024, Mav) Paul seeks revenge against those who destroyed his family. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya. 10.45 MOVIE: Arrival. (2016, Mal, R) Amy Adams.

1.05 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (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 Soccer. Women’s International Friendly. Australia v Mexico. From McDonald Jones Stadium, New South Wales. 10.00 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls as paramedics respond to a dog bite and a car crashed into a shop, as well as deliver one of the fastest response times in the show’s history. 11.00 Elsbeth. (Mv, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls, R)

8.10 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on long-form investigations.

9.10 The Philpotts: A Very British Horror. (Malsv, R) Examines a house fire. 10.45 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Malv, R)

11.45 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)

12.45 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Shark! (PGal)

8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.15 9News Late.

9.45 The First 48: Truly Lost. (Return, Mav) Two young men are shot and killed in a car. 10.45 American Ripper: No Rest For The Wicked. (Mav) 11.40 Love Cheats. (PGals, R)

Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

Let’s Eat With George. (R)

Today Early

MONDAY, June 8

6.00

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 Young Sheldon. 8.40 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.30 Chopped Junior. 10.10 Kids Baking Championship. 10.55 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, June 9

(PG, R) 2.55 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R)

9.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Mother Of Chooks. (PG)

4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Monsters Of The Deep. 11.20 Late Programs.

11.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 2. 1.20 Gomorrah. (Malv, R) 2.15 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Mas, R) 3.50 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Return, PGal)

9.00 The Rookie. (Return, Mav)

10.00 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (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 Shark! (PGal) 8.45 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 1. Finals.

100% Footy. (Mal)

9News Late.

Outback Opal Hunters. (PGal)

Footy Classified. (Ml)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

A Current Affair. (R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning

Programs. 6.55 Ride In The Whirlwind. (1965, PG) 8.25 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 10.00 True Grit. (2010, M) Noon Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) 1.55 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.55 Charro! (1969, PG) 5.50 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.40 Memory Lane. (2024, M, Dutch) 9.30 Tea With Mussolini. (1999, PG) 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.20 Jewels Of The Alps: Italy’s Great Lakes. (PGa, R) 11.20 Europe’s Waterways. (PGa, R) 2.00 Pompeii: The Last Mysteries Revealed. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Jeopardy! 4.25 Letters And Numbers. (R) 4.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia Women. H’lights. 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 For The Love Of Dogs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Likes. (Man) 11.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 3. 1.20 Divided We Stand. (Mlv, R) 2.20 Waterman: Duke –Ambassador Of Aloha. (PG, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 MOVIE: Godzilla Minus One. (2023, M) 12.35am Jack The Ripper: Hidden Victims. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Finding Graceland. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.55 Discovering Film. 7.45 Tea With Mussolini. (1999, PG) 10.00 In The Land Of Brothers. (2024, M, Farsi) 11.45 Memory Lane. (2024, M, Dutch) 1.35pm Ride In The Whirlwind. (1965, PG) 3.10 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 5.00 The Red Shoes. (1948, PG) 7.30 The Seed Of The Sacred Fig. (2024, M, Farsi) 10.30 Jane Eyre. (2011) 12.45am Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

Chargrilled steaks Fresh Fish Pub classics Chef’s specials WEEKDAY LUNCHES

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.

10.30 The Agenda Setters.

11.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mamv, R)

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm

(64) 7MATE (64)

$20 meals + $5 schooner WHAT’S ON

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm

Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm Sunday - Roast Lunch, Full menu also available BEHIND THE BAR

8 tap beers • Great wines • Cocktails ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, June 10

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (Ml, R) 3.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.05 Jewels Of The Alps: Italy’s Great Lakes. (PGa, R) 11.05 Europe’s Waterways. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.15 Patagonia. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (R)

9.20 Coldwater. (Premiere) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PGa, R)

11.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 4. 1.20 Michael Mosley: Truth About Sleep. (R)

2.30 The American Fuhrer. (PGav, R) 3.20 Nazi Death Marches. (Mav, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.45 Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

TV (2)

VICELAND (31)

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6am The Crow’s Egg.

Continued. (2014, PG, Tamil) 6.15 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.10 The Red Shoes. (1948, PG) 10.40 The Seed Of The Sacred Fig. (2024, M, Farsi) 1.40pm Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 3.30 Tea With Mussolini. (1999, PG) 5.45 I Accidentally Wrote A Book. (2024, PG, Hungarian) 7.35 Hunt For The Wilderpeople. (2016, PG) 9.30 Pride & Prejudice. (2005) 11.55 Late Programs.

June 11

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Gruen. (PG, R) 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.20 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Capture. (Mv, R) 1.55 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.55 Frankie Drake. (Ma, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

3.55 Rage Closer. (R)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

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6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Jewels Of The Alps: Italy’s Great Lakes. (PGa, R) 10.30 WorldWatch. 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Countdown Concert. 12.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 When Champollion Meets Ramses II. (PG, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Patagonia. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PG, R)

8.30 Saving Yellowstone. (PG)

9.25 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Ma)

10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Banter. 11.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 5.

1.20 Rainbow Warrior: Murder In The Pacific. (PG, R)

3.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

4.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group A. Mexico v South Africa.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Time Is Money. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Malv)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (PG) Hamish McLachlan chats with Mark Blicavs.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R)

12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

Newshour. 6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm Framed. 2.50 Insight. 3.55 BBC News At Ten. 4.20 France 24. 4.50 PBS News. 5.50 Alone Finland. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 The Americans. 11.05 Soccer’s American Dream. Midnight Raw Comedy 2025. 1.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Farmer Wants A Wife. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30

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6am Hunt For The Wilderpeople. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.45 Pride & Prejudice. (2005) 10.10 Jane Eyre. (2011) 12.20pm The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 2.15 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 3.55 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 5.40 84 Charing Cross Road. (1987, PG) 7.30 The Lost King. (2022, M) 9.30 Iris. (2001, M) 11.10 The Daughter. (2015, M) 12.55am Hope Springs. (2012, M) 2.45 Late Programs.

The

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 3. Finals. 10.05 9News Late. 10.35 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.35 A Killer Makes A Call: A Killer In Accounts. (MA15+av, R)

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) A life hangs in the balance.

7.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (Final) Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI must decide who will be the series winner.

10.10 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (Malv)

11.10 To Be Advised.

12.10 Brave New World. (MA15+asv)

1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 15. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy

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On the Couch

By JASMINDA

Dear Jasminda,

When I travel with my partner on a plane, he ignores the safety announcements and instead reads a book. I feel like if something goes wrong, I'm the only one who will be able to assist.

Bettina L.

Dear Bettina,

I've come across a range of different travellers over the years. Because I am a nervous flyer, my pre-flight observation skills are heightened and so I take

OPINION

mental notes of passengers. They fall into a few broad categoriesthose who look as though they've consumed three wines before their 10am flight; the confident business people who fly twice a week; the over-prepared passengers with their travel pillows, eye pillows, weighted blanket, rosewater spray, face mask, fluffy socks and lightweight baggage; and the mellow husbands who have left every part of the itinerary to their wives. I'm putting your partner in this category. He's already relaxed by the time he's on the plane. He doesn't have any of that residual “did we pack the passports and visas?” panic, because he's offloaded that to you. Once he's seated, your partner may as well be dosed up on Valium. He is in an oasis of calm that will not be interrupted by instructions for an event that has next to no chance of eventuating, particularly since you booked Etihad due to its outstanding safety record.

Let your partner be. I'm sure his adrenaline will kick into action if an emergency situation develops. You, by contrast, will be in full control, knowing exactly how many steps to the emergency exit, your life jacket will be on but not inflated as per the instructions, and you will have the oxygen mask affixed to your face while your partner is madly navigating the situation, blowing his safety whistle, getting caught in his seatbelt, fighting with another passenger, and ultimately being restrained by the flight attendant.

Keep up your efficiency, Bettina. Flight safety relies on people like you.

Dorin's Drawings

News Of The Area

By

DEAR News Of The Area,

(In response to: “Lyne MP’s bid to amend legal definition of ‘woman’ and ‘man’,” 26 May).

Babies may be identified as male or female by their genitals at birth, but the chromosomes really determine their gender.

Some societies used to have 5 genders.

Please see information on differing chromosome patterns.

To say there are only two genders is not true.

We need Unisex toilets, and maybe a testosterone test to determine who can play women's sport.

Please Alison Penfold, Love All, Serve All.

Regards Allen SHRIMPTON Dungog

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

WINTER astronomy in Australia comes with a bonus much of the world would envy: crisp, clear skies that seem polished overnight.

Right now, in the Hunter and Mid North Coast, the heavens are putting on a dazzling performance.

Tonight, step outside with me into your own backyard observatory. No ticket needed.

Just curiosity.

And here’s the spooky part.

The starlight hitting your eyes tonight began its journey hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years ago.

Some of those stars might not even exist anymore.

Yet their ancient light is only arriving now.

Every time you look up, you’re peering into history itself. Forget Hollywood time machines, your telescope is one.

New to astronomy? Don’t panic

Smartphone astronomy

about learning all those stars and constellations.

Nobody becomes an overnight Galileo sitting indoors glued to a keyboard.

Astronomy is wonderfully hands-on. The best classroom on Earth is the night sky itself.

Ironically, the very thing people blame for keeping us indoors - our phones and tablets - can become the perfect guide to the cosmos.

Modern astronomy apps are astonishingly clever.

Point your phone skyward and suddenly the universe introduces itself.

One of the best is the free mobile app SkyView.

It identifies almost everything above your head in seconds.

Curious about the Moon? Try The Moon for craters, phases, and lunar details.

Then there are the free ISS Flyover apps, which alert you when the International Space Station glides overhead like a silent UFO carrying astronauts travelling at 28,000 kilometres an hour.

But wait until you try Star Chart.

This little beauty turns your

NEWS

Confidence in justice system in decline

PUBLIC confidence in the NSW criminal justice system has declined over time, with a pronounced fall since 2019, according to new research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Based on a representative survey of 2,000 NSW adults, the study found that public confidence fell across all key measures from 2012 to 2025.

The decline accelerated in recent years, such that current confidence levels are now the lowest level on record.

In 2025, just over half of respondents (54 percent) expressed confidence that the system brings offenders to justice.

Confidence was higher for procedural justice measures, with 73 percent agreeing that the rights of the accused are respected and 69 percent saying accused people are treated fairly.

However, confidence is substantially lower in relation to victims and timeliness.

Just 34 percent of respondents expressed confidence that the system meets the needs of victims and only 23 percent said it deals with cases promptly.

BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said public confidence is a critical component of an effective justice system.

“Public confidence underpins the legitimacy of the criminal justice system,” she said. “When trust declines, people may be less willing to report crime, engage with police and courts, or participate as witnesses and jurors.”

Confidence in police sees the biggest decline

While confidence declined for both police and courts, the fall has been most pronounced for police,

particularly from 2019 to 2025.

Confidence that police bring offenders to justice dropped from 82 percent in 2019 to 73 percent in 2025, while confidence that police meet the needs of victims fell from 70 percent to 56 percent.

Confidence that police deal with cases promptly dropped from 66 percent to 49 percent, as did confidence in police treatment of accused people, with both fairness and respect measures falling to 69 percent (from 77 and 75 percent respectively).

“Confidence in the police has declined across a range of measures,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “Possible local factors driving the decline include strained police-community relations during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased media scrutiny, and heightened public debate around issues

tablet or laptop into a virtual planetarium.

Using GPS technology, it maps every visible star and planet above you in real time.

It feels less like software and more like science fiction.

If you really want to tumble down the rabbit hole, install Stellarium. It’s free, astonishingly realistic, and dangerously addictive. Hours vanish before you know it.

Another favourite is Celestia, which lets you roam through the universe like the captain of your own starship.

Humanity’s fascination with the stars stretches back tens of thousands of years.

Indigenous cultures worldwide used the sky as a calendar, compass, storybook, and spiritual map.

Long before GPS, the stars guided entire civilizations across oceans and deserts.

And here’s a surprise: your smartphone can now double as an astro-camera. Seriously.

Today’s phones are remarkably good at capturing the night sky. You don’t need expensive equipment

or a degree in astrophysics.

A cheap tripod helps, although I’ll confess I’ve used Blu-Tac and sticky tape in desperate moments.

Want to photograph the Moon through your telescope? Easy.

Modern phone adapters like the Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter make it simple to capture lunar craters, eclipses, Saturn’s rings, and even bright planets.

For night photography, the mobile app NightCap Camera is brilliant.

Hold your phone steady, tap the shutter, and suddenly your backyard starts looking like a NASA press release.

The universe is waiting outside tonight.

Jupiter, star clusters, shooting stars, maybe even a passing satellite or two. All from your own backyard.

Who knows? One glance upward might spark the same wonder that inspired generations before us to ask the biggest question of all: what’s out there?

Extra apprentices for Hunter

AN EXTRA 1000 apprentices and trainees have been employed across the public sector, to tackle skills shortages in essential services.

More than half are based in regional NSW.

The highest participation rates outside Sydney are in the Hunter and Central Coast (114) followed by the North Coast

such as youth crime and domestic violence.

“However, similar patterns observed internationally suggest this could also reflect a broader decline in trust in public institutions.”

Perceptions of rising crime remain widespread

The survey shows that perceptions of rising crime remain widespread, despite

and Mid North Coast (110).

“More than three quarters of these roles are aligned to critical skills areas including construction and infrastructure, net zero and energy transition, healthcare, digital, and advanced manufacturing,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said.

Women account

not always aligning with recorded trends.

For example, half the respondents believed property crime increased over the past five years, when in fact it significantly declined over this period.

“This gap between crime perceptions and reality is a consistent finding in our research,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“It highlights that people’s

for 45 percent of the cohort, reflecting growing participation in apprenticeships and traineeships across a broad range of industries.

“This is just one step along the path to boosting the value of vocational education and rebuilding TAFE,” Premier Chris Minns said.

views about crime and the criminal justice system are often shaped by a range of factors beyond recorded trends, including personal experience, media reporting and community concerns.

“Ensuring the community has access to accurate and accessible information is therefore critical to maintaining confidence in the system.”

Additional police academy class in 2026

MORE recruits are being sought for the NSW Police Force, with a new Police Academy class to be added in 2026.

The NSW Police Academy will move from three attestation classes to four, aiming to create a larger,

faster pipeline of new probationary constables for commands across NSW.

Premier Chris Minns said NSW simply “needs more police”. “This is about opening the door to more people who want to serve

their community and making sure we can get them trained and into the field as quickly as possible,” he said.

“We know we can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up."

Minister for Police and Counterterrorism Yasmin Catley said the government is pulling all available levers to improve police numbers.

“We have worked hard to recruit and retain more officers, be it with better pay, paid study at

the Academy, and new pathways for experienced police to join our police force,” she said.

“We will keep backing them, because keeping NSW safe starts with a strong, supported and growing police force.”

Major boost for local Landcare

MIDCOAST 2 Tops Landcare Connection, which covers the area from Hawks Nest to Johns River and out to Barrington, has received two significant grants under the NSW Landcare Enabling Program.

The grants are part of a $10 million funding package announced by Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW

and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty.

The program is a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW and is supported by the NSW Government.

“This latest investment under Phase 3 recognises that Landcare is not just a program, but a trusted delivery model,” said

Landcare NSW Chair Steve Bunnell.

“It enables local communities to respond to environmental challenges in ways that are practical, placebased, and enduring.”

Working together with the Hunter Region Landcare Network, MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare will be implementing the following

projects, each containing several, smaller projects:

1) Climate-Resilient Landcare ($410,870): building adaptation capacity across the Hunter and Mid Coast through shared learning, improved planning and monitoring, and collaboration with councils, technical experts and Hunter Local Land Services.

Flood response report released

A REPORT has been published examining the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s response to the severe weather event that hit the east coast in May 2025.

This project enhances coordination, resilience and the long-term sustainability of Landcare groups.

2) Listening and Learning Together ($174,257): building strong Aboriginal–Landcare partnerships across the Hunter and MidCoast, In partnership with key stakeholders from local Aboriginal communities, this project will deliver onCountry

learning experiences, cultural heritage immersions and shared workshops that encourage listening, NSW Landcare Enabling Program Manager Jodie Lovell said, “These grants will give Landcare groups across the region the support they need to expand their work, deliver innovative projects, and create stronger partnerships with Aboriginal communities.”

The review was undertaken by the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority, composed of MPs from across the political spectrum.

Taree and surrounds,” said committee chair and Labor MP Clayton Barr.

“This inquiry had a focus on the severe weather event that struck the broader NSW east coast in May 2025, particularly on the Mid North Coast region including

In the report’s foreword, Mr Barr warned of the consistently high level of demand on the Authority.

“This single agency (NSW Reconstruction Authority) is

expected to be so many things to so many people under a wide range of circumstances,” he said.

“Whether it is a power outage in the Far West, a flood in the Central West, a landslip on the North or South Coast, fires raging through the

Further funding to unlock key housing infrastructure

ANOTHER round of the NSW Government’s LowCost Loans initiative has been opened, unlocking $12 million to support regional councils to accelerate housing delivery.

Hunter Valley, or a terrorist attack on the beaches of Sydney, we are increasingly turning to the NSW Reconstruction Authority for action.

“I have a personal concern that there must come a limit to the capacity of this one agency and that future government should be mindful of such a limitation.”

Broadly the Committee found that the Authority has strengthened its disaster recovery efforts since its establishment in 2022, however further improvements are needed to better support impacted communities over the long term.

The report makes 23 recommendations aimed at improving the Authority’s operations, including:

- Strengthening interagency coordination and partnerships with local councils and community organisations;

- Expanding existing initiatives to support impacted individuals to 'tell their story once’ following a disaster;

- Increasing investment in disaster resilience and preparedness initiatives;

- Prioritising improvements to streamline payments to local councils as a matter of urgency.

Mr Barr said the review highlighted the importance of a community-led approach to disaster recovery.

“By working closely with local councils, community organisations and social service providers, the Authority can better support people who are most vulnerable in the wake of a disaster."

The report also highlights the need for continued improvements to disaster funding arrangements to ensure support reaches affected communities quickly and efficiently.

"Recovery is a long journey, and many communities are still rebuilding after this historic disaster.

“We hope the Committee's recommendations will ensure the Authority is providing the best possible support to help communities build back better," Mr Barr said.

- Clarifying the Authority’s use of planning powers and interventions, including making improvements to the Resilient Homes Program;

q Recovery Centres and Recovery Access Points were open from Raymond Terrace to Macksville in the wake of the May 2025 flooding. Photo: NSW RA.

opportunities for people to live and work in our regional communities.”

The program, which is now open to all 95 regional councils across NSW, will provide financial support for infrastructure projects such as roads, intersections, water and sewer upgrades. Under the competitive grants program, the NSW Government will cover up to 50 percent of interest costs on eligible loans, with the aim of helping councils bring forward projects that unlock new homes sooner.

Dungog

“The Low Cost Loans Initiative helps councils

right across rural and regional NSW deliver the essential infrastructure needed to support growing communities,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.

“It reduces borrowing costs, helping councils to fasttrack the roads, water and sewer services they need.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said regional communities urgently need more new homes and the supporting infrastructure that makes that possible.

“This initiative is helping councils invest in the essential services that support new housing while strengthening the long-term liveability of regional NSW,” she said.

“By partnering with councils on infrastructure delivery, we’re creating more

Among previous projects, the initiative has provided $7 million towards the $152 million construction of the new Cowarra Water Treatment Plant in the Port Macquarie region, expected to support the provision of more than 5,300 homes. Applications close at 5 pm on 31 August 2026.

Major boost for local Landcare

MOTORISTS Tare being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual “Animals on Country Roads” safety campaign.

Between 2016 and 2025, 26 people were killed and more than 1,250 crashes resulted in injuries involving animals on country roads.

Sally Webb, Deputy Secretary Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW, said driving in regional areas often means encountering unpredictable

wildlife and livestock.

“Driving on country roads means sharing the road with animals that can move quickly and unpredictably,” Ms Webb said.

“Slow down, stay alert –especially at dawn and dusk – and take note of the animal warning signs. Also look out for animals near creeks and waterholes.

“If an animal appears, brake safely and avoid swerving, as this can lead to serious crashes.

"This four-week campaign

is a great reminder to all drivers to be vigilant and cautious when traveling on country roads, especially in regions known for wildlife activity.”

The campaign runs until 30 June, encouraging motorists to take extra care on country roads and be prepared for unexpected wildlife hazards, including reporting injured animals to WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Kangaroos were involved in the highest proportion of fatal crashes involving animals in NSW, accounting for 44 per

cent of deaths over the past decade.

“Every crash has real consequences. By slowing down and staying alert, drivers can help protect their own lives, the lives of others on the road, and the wildlife that share our environment,” Ms Webb said.

For more information on road safety and driving tips in animal-prone areas, visit the transport.nsw.gov. au/roadsafety/road-users/ drivers/animals.

Bricks and pins are back

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16

Festivities will begin with the iconic Street Parade at 10am.

Winding through the heart of town, the procession will be in keeping with the 200th anniversary theme of “Looking Back. Moving Forward” and will feature floats, vintage vehicles, marching bands, school groups, community organisations, and crowd favourites like the Marching Koalas, Whizzy the Water Drop, and Neloona the Balloona.

Team registrations are at 10.30am with categories including men, women, kids, juniors, masters, and the everpopular rubber chicken throwing.

The main event then gets underway at 11am with Dave Layzell MP locked in to throw the first brick.

Distances are in imperial measurements to remain consistent with the UK and US, who currently hold the records for the longest throws.

These convert to 43.4m for a brick, and 47.5m for a rolling pin.

The tossing isn’t the only highlight of the day.

There are activities for kids, art awards, market stalls, a quilting exhibition and live music.

For more information go to stroudbrickthrowing.com.au.

By Sue STEPHENSON