By Sue STEPHENSON
AS the Nerong bushfire threatened Myall Coast communities, Dungog
By Sis HIGGINS
Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au
0400 136 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au
02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
By Thomas O’KEEFE
FIRE returned to the Myall Coast barely a month after the December 2025 blazes, with a new bushfire igniting in bushland near Nerong last week.
Residents of the area awoke to the strong smell of smoke on the morning of Saturday, 31 January, then discovered that ash had fallen like snowflakes throughout the night, and continued to do so all day.
The fire began in the Myall Lakes National Park near Nerong Waterholes, but did not directly threaten the township of Nerong itself.
Instead, the blaze was pushed by a persistent and gusty north-easterly wind to the south, remaining east of the Pacific Highway and west of the Myall River, with the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest in its visible path.
Firefighters carried out backburning overnight on Saturday along the southern edge of the fire and continued strengthening containment lines, with the assistance of heavy machinery and aircraft,
including the Marie Bashir Large Air Tanker (LAT), the largest airborne tanker the RFS fleet has.
Multiple NSW RFS volunteers from across the Mid Coast District answered the call to save the towns and properties nearby, and, so far, prevented it from jumping the Myall River into Mungo Brush, and from crossing the Pacific Highway – although heavy smoke has seen traffic control go into effect.
Saturday afternoon, the fire’s official rating went from ‘Advice’ to ‘Watch and Act’ with visitors to town strongly
advised to leave, to avoid later road closures.
Locals were made to understand their choices between staying and defending or evacuating on their own – the decision ultimately up to them.
Locals awoke to several mornings of thick and heavy smoke, the same pall blanketing Sydney Harbour after several days blowing down from the Mid North Coast.
On Sunday, the fire carried on to well over 5000ha, butting up against the swampy banks of the Myall River
estuary up Mungo Brush Road, and threatening the grasslands outside of the pine plantation.
The most immediate concern for those who stayed was the ashes becoming embers, falling while still alight on piles of dead leaves, uncleaned gutters and other fuel, starting spot fires kilometres from the main front.
Smoke inhalation and 30-plus heat were a concern for the elderly and infirm.
Tea Gardens Jack & Co Caltex servo was kept open later than usual to service the fire trucks,
and SES Stroud and Nabiac personnel came in to assist with food distribution on Sunday.
Sunday night, rain arrived in a thunderstorm riding upon a southerly buster, hitting the fireground by 8pm, and the BOM issued a ‘severe thunderstorm warning’ for the very same region still ablaze that night.
The wind reversal put the main fire front back upon its blackened wake, but the northern front may still pick up and head back towards Bulahdelah and Nerong.
By Sis HIGGINS
THE Gresford Community Gallery is set to celebrate local creativity and artistic achievement with the official opening of Exhibition 2026 on Saturday, 21 February, from 2pm to 4pm.
The gallery officially opened to the public on Saturday, 31 January and will be available to view on weekends from 10am to 4pm at the gallery’s Park Street location in East Gresford.
Visitors are invited to drop in and experience a vibrant
showcase of quality art and craft by emerging and well known Hunter Valley artists.
Gresford Community Gallery Committee Member Robyn Werkhoven said, “Please drop by to view an exciting showcase of works by emerging and well known Hunter Valley artists.”
“The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fibre art, glass, print making and jewellery. “
Highlights include contemporary works by
0458 289 989 143 Dowling Street Dungog, NSW www.hiddenvalleyclothing.com.au Like us on Facebook @hiddenvalleyclothing
young surrealist painter Chloe Hooper, and accomplished artist John Barnes.
Janelle Goldman and Terry Holdom are also exhibiting their landscape pieces.
The exhibition reflects the depth and diversity of artistic practice across the region.
The official opening celebration includes the launch of a new booklet on the history of the Gresford Arboretum by the Friends of the Arboretum.
Inspired by Cameron Archer, the booklet is written by David Brouwer and
generously designed by Jane Richens and Brian Doherty.
“It is the gallery’s pleasure to host the friends of the Arboretum who will be launching their booklet on the history of the Gresford Arboretum,” said Robyn.
The launch recognises the strong cultural and historical connections between the gallery, the Arboretum and the wider community.
The exhibition celebrates local success stories.
Gallery artist Helene Leane, recently awarded the inaugural Arts and Culture
Award for her work “West to Girriwa Loop” will be featured at the Exhibition 2026.
The Gresford Community
Gallery is located at 12 Park Street, East Gresford, next to the Arboretum, with entry via the ramp and red door.
By Sue STEPHENSON
DEBATE over the merits of an offshore wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence.
Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn are “repeating misleading” claims and represent a “very small minority view”.
As reported in News Of The Area (27 January) the minister’s announcement ahead of the Australia Day long weekend progresses the research and development phase to “demonstration” (also referred to as R&D), which involves trials and testing of renewable technology.
It also signals that the government is moving on from the setback of Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian-based Equinor pulling out of the project.
In criticising the project’s revival, Member for Lyne Alison Penfold shared that the Minister had “gone
against the community’s wishes,” a sentiment echoed by President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) Troy Radford, and members of the community groups “Save the Myall Coast Save Port Stephens” and “No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens”.
However, coordinator of the HJA, Justin Page, has refuted their claims about the environmental, social, and regulatory aspects of offshore wind projects.
“These claims misrepresent both how offshore wind is assessed and regulated in Australia and the true diversity of community views,” Mr Page shared in a statement to NOTA.
“Offshore wind, particularly at the research and demonstration stage, offers tangible economic and environmental benefits for the Hunter and Port Stephens regions.
“What began as a narrow vested interest in recreational fishing has become a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against Labor governments.”
He described as “incorrect” Mr Radford’s claim that the offshore wind farm off Port Stephens “didn’t stack up” due to
environmental risk, economic justification, and social licence, and said these assessments would only have been undertaken during formal feasibility studieshad a licence been accepted.
“Moreover, environmental, navigational safety, and stakeholder impact assessments are not prepared by the Federal Government, as Mr Radford suggests. They are undertaken by developers after accepting a licence and are independently assessed by Commonwealth regulators before any project can proceed.”
Mr Page said he has engaged with Equinor over the past two years and cited its official explanation for withdrawing from the project as “a combination of broader global challenges affecting the industry and developers... and project-specific factors."
According to industry group Hunter New Energy, the project was expected to generate more than 2 gigawatts of electricity if it proceeded, along with “thousands of construction jobs and several hundred ongoing roles”.
A statement on its website reads: “[This] new round of Federal
offshore wind research and demonstration licences has quietly reopened the long-term opportunity for Newcastle reframing the Hunter zone as a testbed for future development.”
Salamander Bay resident Kathy Brown also contacted NOTA to question the veracity of the arguments used by opponents.
She rejects Ms Penfold’s assertion that the community has made it "blatantly clear” that offshore wind is not feasible or wanted off the Port Stephens and Myall
Coast.
“What the community made blatantly clear on this side of the Bay was their support for Labor at the last Federal Election,” Ms Brown said, “where the incumbent MP was returned with an increased majority.
“That’s the only thing close to a survey I have seen on the topic of offshore wind.
“Those who say that it is not supported by the community aren’t basing that observation on any facts.”
Federal Labor MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi told
reporters last week that it was important to make sure that the government was speaking and consulting with the public.
“[And] also making sure that all the right environmental laws and protections are in place to make sure that the right things are being done.”
At the time of writing, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson had yet to issue a public comment on the latest development but has previously thrown her support behind the project.
UP TO $12,000 in financial support is on offer for students enrolled in medical, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, Aboriginal health and allied health degrees across NSW.
The new round of applications for the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies Program opened on 28 January.
This year, support will be available for up to 4,000 students across the state.
“More than 7,900 healthcare students across NSW have already accessed
financial support through this Program, and even more will benefit in 2026,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
The program is designed to create a future pipeline of health workers by supporting students with fees, technology, travel, and other costs related to their studies.
Successful students who are at the start of their degree will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years. Graduating students will receive one-off payments of $8,000 after acceptance of
employment for a position within NSW Health.
Students must be willing to make a five-year commitment to working in the NSW public health system.
There are a limited number of subsidies available, and applications will remain open until all subsidies are awarded.
For details on how to apply, including the full list of eligible workforce groups and locations, visit health. nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/ health-study-subsidies.aspx.
INTERNATIONAL visitors must undergo a series of additional tests before hitting Australian roads, after new rules came into effect on 1 February.
Drivers and riders aged 25 years and over, from a broader selection of countries, are now required to pass knowledge and driving tests before converting their overseas licence to a NSW licence.
The changes close longstanding inconsistencies that led to licences being granted to untested drivers from “List B” countries, including the US and UK.
Drivers under 25 already undertake knowledge and driving tests, and that requirement will remain unchanged.
Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government was pulling every lever to keep people safe.
“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions,” she said.
The reform builds on new requirements for long-term residents to convert their overseas licences within six months of moving to NSW.
It also brings NSW in line with other states and territories.
Service NSW is temporarily increasing its testing capacity with online bookings updated weekly.
The list of impacted countries and testing requirements can be found on the nsw.gov.au website by searching “knowledge and driving test exemptions”.
FRIDAY AACTA AWARDS 2026
TEN, 7.30pm
While Australia is generally well represented on red carpets during Hollywood’s annual awards season, this true-blue celebration of local screen excellence is where the stars truly shine. The Gold Coast ceremony is a chance to showcase local talent on home soil. Apple Cider Vinegar and The Narrow Road to the Deep North lead the nominees, with 20 and 12 nods respectively. Succession and All Her Fault star Sarah Snook (pictured) will be recognised for her indelible impact on Australia’s entertainment industry with the Trailblazer Award.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG) Mrs Hall’s world is rocked by bad news.
8.35 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa) Mick’s father is taken hostage.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.10 Smother. (Mal, R)
12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.
schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew, barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Their connection deepens before a disturbing discovery in Wednesday’s
second chapter. An intoxicating watch, the four-part romance is rife with betrayal, suspicion and violent consequences as fear seeps into every aspect of Cushla’s life.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Southern Cyprus: Aphrodite’s Paradise. (Premiere)
9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PG, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)
1.40 Silent Road. (MA15+v, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love meets a former textiles teacher.
8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mal, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.
11.05 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)
12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026.
8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Night. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight.
3.00 Next Stop. (R) 3.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.30 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 5.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Pre-Show. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2026. Honours Australian television creatives and performers.
6.00
Voltage. (R) 11.10 Laos: Echoes Of Serenity. (Premiere, PGaw) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Four Continents C’ships. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30
6.30 SBS World News.
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim moves in with Kath. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) Two teams compete in the local lawn bowls’ championship as the season draws to a close.
10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30
7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)
8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Tenacious Davoser Railways. (R) Looks at the funiculars of Schatzalp and Parsenn.
9.35 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bathurst. (PG, R)
10.40 Lord Lucan. (Malv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 2.30 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Two men keep changing their stories.
6.00
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)
8.30 Dog Park. (M) Roland guides his daughter through a breakup.
9.00 This England. (M) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
9.50 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) Joyce faces a difficult situation.
10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. H’lights. 5.30 The Anti-Soviet Fighters. 6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Inglis
7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, Mhv, R) A former soldier disrupts the burial place of a 2000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz. 10.00 MOVIE: American Made. (2017, MA15+l, R) A pilot is recruited by the CIA. Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. 12.20 MOVIE: Daughter In Disguise. (2021, Mav, R) Emily Alatalo.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Post Midnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Overnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Jeffreys and Dylan Alcott.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) A couple have outgrown their property.
8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives. 9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure.
10.50 Matlock. (PGa, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Hajjan.
Continued. (2023, PG, Arabic) 7.25 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.10 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 11.05 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.55pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021) 5.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (Premiere)
8.25 Grand Canal: China And Its Wondrous Waterway. 10.15 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R) 11.15 George Michael: Portrait Of An Artist. (Mdls, R)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.40 The Fall Of The House Of Beckham. (Premiere, M) Looks at the public fallout of the Beckhams. 9.40 The Royal Rich List. (Premiere, PG) Looks at royal assets worth £21 billion.
11.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R) 1.50 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 2.55 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.55 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6am The Movie Show. 7.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 8.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 10.35 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 12.40pm Dating Amber. (2020, Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 4.15 Mr. Holmes. Big Fish. (2003, PG) 8.30 For A 11.00 Sundown. (2021, The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 2.40
12.20 Temple. (Mal)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) In the final two weddings, one bride takes a big leap of faith in an experiment first.
8.35 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Night. Coverage includes women’s downhill alpine skiing, men’s 10km cross-country skiing and men and women’s parallel giant slalom qualifiers and finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
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6.30
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 Kids
Inside The Tower Of London. (Return)
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
SBS World News Late. 10.35 Other People’s Money. (Premiere, Mn)
11.30 Vigil. (Malv, R)
2.30 The Great House Revival. (R)
3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena and Hen navigate their way back home.
10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av)
11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.35 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) After nine weddings, the next phase of the experiment begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Night. Coverage includes men’s team downhill alpine skiing, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing slopestyle finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
6am Mr. Holmes.
(2015, PG) 7.55 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 11.45 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 2.15pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.05 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 5.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 7.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 9.50 One Of A Kind. (2023) 11.45 Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 1.40am Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
8.35 MOVIE: I Am Raquel Welch. (2025)
10.10 Rock Legends.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)
12.05 DNA. (Malv, R)
1.50 We Hear You. (PG, R)
2.40 The Great House Revival. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
9.30 Doc. (Ma) A popular weight loss medication reveals the cracks in a couple’s relationship. Two sisters face an unexpected diagnosis.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)
12.30 Childhood’s End. (Premiere, Mav)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Over two nights, a new task is revealed and the photo ranking returns, where connections and cracks start to form.
9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Night. Coverage includes short track mixed team relay finals, 500m and 1000m qualifiers, women’s alpine skiing and men’s moguls qualifiers. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
6am A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.00 Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 11.50 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.05 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 5.45 Enigma. (1982, PG) 7.35 Walkabout. (1971, M) 9.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 11.45 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 1.35am Late Programs.
Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday.
WEDNESDAY, February 11
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (M, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Britain By Beach. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Race For The Sky. (PGalv, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Saving Yellowstone. (PG)
8.30 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PG, R)
9.25 Trespasses. (Mls)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Face To Face. (Ma, R)
11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)
1.30 Golden Boy. (MA15+s, R)
2.20 The Great House Revival. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl)
8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl)
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)
10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (Return, PGa)
11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)
12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Revelations week sees the couples show some vulnerability as a new task begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboarding halfpipe and moguls and men’s super alpine skiing.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Overnight.
5.30 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.30 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 Enigma. (1982, PG) 10.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.45pm Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.35 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 5.45 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 9.30 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 11.10 Late Programs. 5.50am The Big Steal. (1990, PG)
THURSDAY, February 12
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.25 QI. (Mls, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mv, R) 1.45 Camel Capers. (R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Children’s Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGl, R) 11.00 Britain By Beach. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (PGa, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Race For The Sky. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)
9.20 In Flight. (Madlv)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R)
11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R)
1.40 Silent Road. (Ma, R)
3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) VICELAND (31)
WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.05 Brassic. (Return) 12.05am Late
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 10.10 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.05pm My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 2.00
Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 3.35 Enigma. (1982, PG)
5.30 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 The Mattachine Family. (2023, M) 11.20 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 1.10am Late Programs. 5.45 55 Steps. (2017, PG)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Harper’s guilt surges.
8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind years earlier. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy gets closer to Colette.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Night. Coverage includes men’s skeleton runs, snowboard cross, moguls qualifiers and finals and women’s super alpine skiing.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes men’s snowboard cross final and women’s 10km cross-country skiing and 5000m speed skating final.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Overnight. 5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
8
I sincerely wish to thank my family, friends, and the communities of Gloucester and Upper Bowman for the love and support shown to me during the loss of John “Trudge.” For all the cards, messages, and for everyone who attended his memorial, it was truly and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Helen
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
Dear Jasminda,
Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them?
Hayley S.
Dear Hayley,
Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is a real one.
Figures back up the
stories with hospitalisations on the rise (94 young people - up from 60 the previous year - were treated at Sydney Children's hospitals in 2025).
Not obeying basic road rules is dangerous enough, but when kids (sometimes without helmets) are simultaneously chatting and hooning along at 25km an hour, it's a game changer.
I always imagined an e-bike was for people who were getting close to needing a knee replacement, but the e-bike is now ubiquitous with status.
Nothing quite says mum and dad are time-poor entrepreneurs too busy microdosing ayahuasca and holding Zoom conferences to spend time with their kids than an e-bike under the Christmas tree.
And in 10 years' time, for every kid who ends up on the psychologist's
couch talking about their poverty-riven childhood: 'It started the year Mum gave me a clapped-out, secondhand pushy she scored off Marketplace ...', there will be another ruminating (perhaps from their wheelchair) on the lifelong injuries they sustained from their e-bike.
Or maybe they will be there to work through the guilt they feel following the injuries an elderly person sustained after they side-swiped them (though some of those mobility scooter riders are like Mad Max extras, so be on the lookout for them too).
Your question asks about the responsibility of motorists.
Being on the road is a shared responsibility, and you are right to seek out how to safely navigate the road with e-bikes. You should treat an e-bike rider the same way you would treat a traditional
cyclist.
They wear the same protective gear as a traditional cyclist (bugger all), but their increased speed leads to an increase in the potential for damage.
As a responsible motorist, you should give them plenty of space, take particular care when overtaking, show them the same respect you would hope a motorist would show your own children, and drive defensively, because you can never tell what level of experience or common sense another road user has.
For my part, I'll be sticking to my acoustic bike on designated bike paths where I will continue to channel my passive aggression at e-bike kiddies overtaking me by inwardly chanting, 'Use your legs, you lazy silver-spooner,' to get me up the hills.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
FROM Page 1
Among them were Ash and Heidi Thornton, and Heidi’s dad Ken Howard,
representing three generations of the one family serving in the Dungog Brigade.
Closer to home there was
still work to do.
The Clarence Town Brigade had a welcome early mark from the fires on Sunday afternoon, thanks
to a storm passing through, but they have kept up their inspections of fire hydrants in the community.
And on Sunday afternoon,
a Dungog Category seven crew, assisted by Fire and Rescue NSW 282 Station, was called to extinguish a fire caused by a lightning strike
fire in the Dungog Common. Stay up to date with fires in the area by downloading the Fire Near Me app.
The Draft Flood Study for the Clarence Town area will be on public exhibition from 12 January to 1 March 2026. th st
The study provides flood information for Council, emergency services and the community. Outcomes of the study will help to develop strategies to support the ongoing strategic development of Clarence Town and its surrounding environs, as well as inform decision-making to minimise potential flood risk for new developments.
You can find out if your property is identified as being flood-prone by scanning the QR code and visiting our website. You can also lodge your feedback via our website, or by writing to Dungog Shire Council: 198 Dowling Street Dungog NSW 2420 before 5pm, 1 March 2026.
Like to ask our Council planning team a question about the draft Flood Study? We will be holding a community drop-in session and would welcome you to come along and have a chat to us.
Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026
Times: 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
Location: Clarence Town School of Arts Hall
Public notice–Presentation of financial statements
as per Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act.
In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Dungog Shire Council advises that the ordinary Council meeting to be held on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will include the presentation of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports for the year ending 30 June 2025.
A summary of the Financial Statements is provided below.
Income Statement
Total
Total
Depreciation,
Operating result from continuing operations excluding depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-financial assets Net
and
of
Net
Statement of Financial Position
Total current assets
Total current liabilities
Total non-current assets
Total non-current liabilities
Total equity
Other financial information
Unrestricted current ratio (times)
Operating performance ratio (%)
Debt service cover ratio (times)
Rates and annual charges outstanding ratio (%)
Infrastructure renewals ratio (%)
Own source operating revenue ratio (%)
Cash expense cover ratio (months)
In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), any person may make a submission in writing to Council with respect to the Council’s Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor’s Reports.
Copies of the Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports may be inspected at:
Internet: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au
Locations: Council Administration Centre – 198 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW, 2420 Dungog Shire Library – 17 MacKay Street, Dungog, NSW, 2420.
Submissions close 25 Feb 2026.
Despite the scale of works currently underway, some residents say more attention is urgently needed on other local roads.
One resident commented on Facebook, “Limeburners Creek Road, between Beckett’s Way and Boatfalls Drive desperately needs work done on it.”
“It is dangerous and can cause significant damage to a car due to the damage to the surface of the road.
“This damage is getting worse and can be difficult
to see in the shadows of the trees. It’s only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.”
In Dungog, Eloiza Street is also closed to traffic, except for residents, while pavement and drainage works continue.
Motorists are reminded to obey signage and traffic control to protect both workers and local residents.
Safety upgrades are underway on Clarence Town Road at the Glen Oak boundary, with works managed by Port Stephens Council.
The project includes
shoulder widening, road geometry corrections, asphalt surfacing and guardrail installation, with traffic control in place and minor delays expected.
On Summer Hill Road, around 500 metres south of Glendonbrook Road, betterment works are progressing with a causeway replacement.
Culvert installation and rock armouring will continue through February, with traffic control operating during work hours.
Bridge works are also continuing at the New Clarence Town Bridge, where pavement approach works, deck construction
and barrier installation are scheduled over coming weeks.
Temporary traffic lights are managing vehicle movements, and drivers should expect short delays in the area.
Routine maintenance is also underway, including
grading on Fishers Hill Road, tar patching on key routes, roadside slashing and footpath upgrades at Williams River Holiday Park.
Council is reminding motorists that conditions can change quickly around work zones.
Drivers are asked to slow down, follow directions, be patient and give road crews plenty of space to do their jobs safely. For real-time traffic updates, motorists are encouraged to check livetraffic.com before travelling.
By Shannon BENTON
DUNGOG is set to welcome international talent in the coming months, with acclaimed performers from the UK bringing world-class music to local stages.
The announcement highlights Dungog’s growing reputation as a destination for live entertainment, with shows catering to both folk aficionados and families.
Internationally acclaimed UK folk duo Dan Webster and Emily Lawler will return to the region to appear at the area’s brightest new venue, the Bandon Grove School of
Arts, on Friday, 20 February from 7pm.
Dan and Emily combine a rich understanding of Celtic and folk traditions with their own distinctive take on Americana and country music.
Dan’s warm, expressive vocals are beautifully interlaced with Emily’s dexterous “country-meetsCeltic” fiddle playing, creating a sound that continues to mesmerise audiences.
Americana Magazine has described the duo as being “as good as anything coming out of Nashville or Austin, Texas,” a strong endorsement
of their songwriting craft and compelling live performances.
The Bandon Grove show will kick off Dan and Emily’s 2026 Australian tour, ahead of performances around the country, including an appearance at the prestigious Port Fairy Folk Festival on 6 March.
True to the relaxed and welcoming nature of Bandon Grove events, kids are always welcome, and it’s BYOG (bring your own grog).
Adding to the excitement, much-loved children’s act Teeny Tiny Stevies have announced a school holiday show at the James Theatre,
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting more than 2,700 Field Managers to help deliver the 2026 Census, providing job opportunities on the Mid North Coast.
The roles form a critical part of the Census workforce, supporting communities across Australia to take part in one of the nation’s most important data collections.
Field Managers will work locally wherever possible, bringing on-the-ground knowledge and community connections to the role.
Each Field Manager will train, lead and manage a
team of up to 12 Census Field Officers within their local area.
Census National Spokesperson Emily Walter said local recruitment helps ensure communities receive the right level of support.
“To run a successful Census, we need to reach everyone across Australia, from our capital cities to our most remote towns,” Ms Walter said.
“While most people are expected to complete the Census online, some will need extra assistance, and Field Managers play a key role in making sure no one is missed.”
Beyond team leadership, Field Managers will also support places where people may be staying on Census night, including hotels, hospitals and caravan parks.
Ms Walter said the roles suit people with leadership experience who are looking for flexible, temporary work.
“We’re looking for people who have experience training and supervising teams and who are interested in flexible work starting in April 2026,” she said.
The ABS is also recruiting Local Engagement Officers to work closely with diverse
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY
LAST MAN STANDING
FIELD | 35 members LAST
MAN STANDING - PLAYOFF
| Winner Paul Monaghan (8) Play-Off Winner via Chip-Off, Runner Up Wayne Stedman (9) Eliminated 5th Play-Off Hole via Chip-Off, 3rd Place Brian Mowle (15) Eliminated 4th Play-Off Hole, 4th Place Stephen Pilgrim (15) Eliminated 3rd PlayOff Hole, 5th Place Michael Dobosz (23) Eliminated 2nd Play-Off Hole via Chip-Off, 6th Place Robert Richardson (12) Elminated 1st Play-Off Hole NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Paul Bennetts (22), 2nd/11th - Ramsey VaneWood (5), 5th/14th - Lee
communities.
These roles suit people with experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people who speak languages other than English.
In the coming weeks, applications will also open for Mobile Field Representatives, Remote Area Management team members and team leaders, and Community Field Officers.
performing at 10am on Friday, 10 April.
The ABC Kids TV favourites and ARIA Award winners are known for their “adult-friendly” kids’ music, played live on stage by real musicians, delivering what many describe as the most wholesome live gig experience around.
The duo have released four albums, won ARIA and AIR Music Awards, appeared on Play School and Gardening Australia, been commissioned to write for Sesame Street in the US, and secured a major book deal with HarperCollins.
The Census workforce plays a vital role in ensuring everyone can participate, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
Hunt (12), 9th/18th - Paul Geddes (6) LONGEST DRIVE | Div 1 (<15) - 3rd/12thBrodie Thackeray (11), Div 2 (16-36) - 3rd/12th - Michael Shanley (16) MEMBERS
DRAW | No.24, Jackpot, $142 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 8 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS | 31-Jan Individual Stableford, 7-Feb Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 14-Feb Individual Stableford, 21-Feb Individual Stableford, 28-Feb Individual Stableford. Schedule subject to change.
SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY FIELD | 37 members & 6 visitors. DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Timothy Kiem (10) 38 Points, Runner Up Stephen
More information about current and upcoming roles is available at www.census. abs.gov.au/jobs, where people can also join the 2026 Census Talent Community to receive job alerts.
Watson (13) 37 Points, 3rd Place Lee Hunt (12)
37 Points DIVISION 2 (1636) | Winner Ted Zawirski (28) 40 Points, Runner Up Michael Cairney (27) 40 Points, 3rd Place Michael Shanley (16) 38 Points BALL COMP | Noah Bambach (21)
38 Points, Dave Perferment [Muswellbrook] 36 Points, Michael Rose (6) 36 Points, Brodie Thackeray (11) 35 Points, Denis Crossman (18)
35 Points, John Walker (9) 35 Points, Wayne Stedman (9) 35 Points, Benjamin Herden (22)
34 Points, Peter Grifin (18)
34 Points, David Bambach (9) 34 Points, Greg Barry (17)
The ABS encourages people across regional, rural and urban Australia to consider applying and helping deliver the 2026 Census.
34 Points, Margaret Walker (24) 34 Points, David Curry (6) 33 Points, Glen Thackeray (17) [Maitland] 33 Points, Michael Croucher (18) 33 Points, Allan McKinnon (12) 32 Points & Paul Langley (11) 31 Points. NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Lee Hunt (12), 5th/14th - Denis Crossman (18), 7th/16th - Wil Coward (9) [Muswellbrook], 9th/18th - Brodie Thackeray (11) MEMBERS DRAW | No.12, Jackpot, $224 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed9 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS | 7-Feb Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 14-Feb Individual Stableford, 21Feb Individual Stableford, 28-Feb Individual Stableford. Schedule subject to change.
By Sue STEPHENSON
BARELY days after being named Dungog’s Senior Sportsperson of the Year, Paterson’s Shelby-lee Wintle was back in action.
This time, not for amateur boxing, but for a half-marathon in Maitland.
Shelby-lee shared on social media that after undergoing surgery on her hand 12 weeks ago, she knew she wouldn’t be boxing for a while, so she asked her “running coach husband” for a halfmarathon plan.
“What I didn’t realise is that after bed rest for a few weeks post-surgery I would lose a lot of my fitness, so I pretty much had to start from scratch,” she said.
“It hurt, but I needed it to.
“Every morning I battled thinking there was no point doing anything if I couldn’t box. But I knew I had to pick myself up out of bed and push myself.
“This was more than running, this was a test to myself to keep going and stick to a plan even when I felt like giving up.”
Shelby-lee received her Dungog Shire Council award on Australia Day in recognition of her many boxing achievements.
As a high school teacher, she also supports students with additional needs.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to two talented young locals: Pony Club rider Shea Egan and BMX freestyle competitor Reid Townsend.
