Dungog Shire News Of The Area 05 NOVEMBER 2025

Dungog to

Clarence Town Swim In celebrates 10th anniversary

By Lisa WISEMAN

PROPOSAL CANNED

Dungog

Dungog

Dungog

Dowling

Stall sells produce such as vegetables, plants and seeds.

healthier, which makes plants and produce healthier.

the rear of the hall.

Dungog to host composting workshop

By Lisa WISEMAN

WORMS and piles of soil will be hot topics at an upcoming composting workshop

The workshop has been planned and funded by Dungog Growers Stall. It will be held at the CWA Hall in Dowling Street, Dungog on Saturday 29 November, from 10am-2pm.

Will Power of Paterson’s Maplewood Permaculture, a renowned expert on all things compost, is the tutor.

Growers Stall representative Michelle Dado-Millyn explained that the Growers Stall wants to give back to the local community.

Every Saturday morning, the Growers

These are all grown by local people.

The growers just pay a small commission on sales, which covers costs.

But eventually that has added up.

The Growers stall decided to use the profit to benefit the growers, local gardeners, the community and the planet.

The best way to do that is to show people how to make their soil

“Soil health is key, it all starts with the soil,” Michelle said.

“It’s the food you eat and the plants you grow and how everything works together.”

There will be plenty of theoretical information about what compost is, and how to make it properly.

While the first half of the workshop will be held inside the hall, the second part will be outside, at

Workshop participants will get a chance to get their hands dirty.

The second part of the workshop will involve actually making compost piles.

Anyone who wants to improve their soil, plants and life is encouraged to come along.

Participants can book and pay for the workshop at the Dungog Growers Stall beside the CWA Hall on Saturdays, 8.30am12pm.

DISCUSSIONS at the Paterson ‘Pop-in’ at St Paul’s Church in recent weeks have produced some initial concepts for a multi-use community hub where residents can “meet, learn, and collaborate”.

During consultation for the Paterson

Community Development Plan, participants identified a lack of shared community infrastructure and gathering spaces, as well as places that could support broader outcomes, including community resilience, revitalisation, and local enterprise.

“The goal is to address gaps in social, creative, and vocational infrastructure, providing spaces for learning, skills development, and social connection,” a spokesperson for Paterson Community Builders said.

“Initially, suggestions

have arisen out of a community need to find a place for a ‘Men's Shed’ to further iterations/ proposals like a ‘Car Shed’.

“It was clear that the concept of a ’Shed’ could therefore become a community anchor to support other activities to create a unique

community precinct in Paterson.”

Work has begun to identify a possible site/ location for the Hub concept, along with preliminary scoping of operational and funding approaches.

Clarence Town Swim In celebrates 10th Anniversary

FROM Page 1

amphibious military vehicles.

Owners and enthusiasts camp there from 29 October to 1 November, with free activities, including amphibious vehicle rides on the river, popular with the public.

Drivers and their families

could be seen taking their vintage vehicles on trips around Dungog Shire, culminating in a family friendly Open Day.

Over 50 jeeps, trucks, weapons carriers and motorcycles were shown off by their proud owners.

The vehicles ranged in age from a 1942 Jeep

to modern Army Reserve vehicles currently in service.

Clarence Town resounded with the growl of engines as the vehicles paraded around the streets.

The vehicles were mostly olive-drab but the drivers’ bright Hawaiian shirts added splashes of colour.

The Governor Macquarie

Memorial Pipe band from Sydney added to the excitement while flyovers by a tiger moth and warbird were another highlight.

Proceeds from the 2025 Swim In will go to the charity Taskforce Veteran, which is an Australian organisation that supports veterans and their families.

While numbers of vehicles were down slightly this year, more organisations were represented and there were plenty of spectators.

The Australian Armed Forces Heritage Unit, the 5th Combat Service Support Battalion Army Reserve, and Taskforce Veteran, all mounted displays.

Swim In organiser and Dungog local Michael Redgate worked closely with Dungog Shire Council and Mayor Digby Rayward in planning the event.

He said that the Council was “super supportive”.

The Lions Club also assisted with planning and ran a sausage sizzle.

PROPOSAL CANNED

bags on trips for shopping or work.

The communities of Paterson, Vacy and Gresford have lobbied hard to persuade Tomra but communications with the Norwegian multinational company have stalled.

The proposal was for an RVM to be installed near the school, on land owned by the Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which is currently leased by Dungog Shire.

Paterson Progress Association (PPA) has Council permission to install the RVM with Councillor Alexandria Carruthers particularly supporting the proposal.

The PPA applied to Tomra for the RVM installation in August 2024.

That was rejected two months later on the basis it was only for “a low proportion of the NSW population”.

“The bottom line is that the PPA cannot get a straight answer on what the actual ‘nuances’ are which prevent us from having [an RVM],” Zoltan Lyall

said.

Tomra suggested taking containers to bulk recycling in Cardiff or that the PPA, a small volunteer organisation, has its “staff” run a manual facility, open seven days a week.

The PPA explained why those options weren’t viable, and asked for clarification of why their proposal was rejected.

They have also enlisted the help of MP Dave Layzell, but as yet there has been no progress.

Dungog Shire Councillor Alexandria Carruthers told News Of The Area that Paterson is a “natural choice” for a second RVM facility in the LGA.

“It’s a growing area, and connects into other growing areas on the Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy and Gresford side of our Shire.

“It’s disappointing that Tomra declined the community’s application for a Return and Earn site in Paterson.

“I would urge them to reconsider this decision in light of the clear

community support, proven demand, and the strong participation we’ve seen right across Dungog Shire.”

Cr Carruthers said the success of the Dungog site has “proven the model works” for the community.

“Dungog’s Return and Earn site has been an incredible local success.

“More than 7.4 million containers recycled and over $740,000 in refunds returned to our community in just four years.

“For a regional LGA like Dungog Shire, that’s an outstanding result and shows how strongly our residents have embraced recycling.

“For residents in Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy, Gresford and the southern part of our shire, it can mean a 35 to 45 kilometre drive each way just to reach the Dungog facility.

“That distance is a real barrier for families, older residents and community groups who want to do the right thing for the environment and in the case of community groups raise funds that benefit our community.”

DUNGOG HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN

Public Exhibition Community Information Sessions

SAVE THE DATE!

Council is preparing to bring the Dungog Housing & Infrastructure Master Plan to public exhibition — and we want your feedback on the draft strategies.

We’ll be holding a series of community information sessions soon to give residents the chance to learn more, ask questions, and share their thoug on the proposed plans.

Together, we’re planning for Dungog Shire's future. Stay tuned for furth updates on the sessions below and how you can get involved.

Please note: The decision to proceed with the public exhibition and community information sessions is subject to Council endorsement of the Dungog Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan at its meeting on Wednesday, 19 November. If Council endorses the exhibition, the draft strategies will be released for public comment shortly thereafter, and the information sessions will proceed as planned.

CLARENCE TOWN

Saturday 29 November

9.00am - 11.00am

Clarence Town Markets

Wednesday 3 December 4.30pm - 6.30pm

Doug Walters Pavilion

Saturday 29 November 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Vacy School of Arts Hall

DUNGOG GRESFORD

VACY PATERSON

Saturday 13 December 10.00am - 12.00pm

Paterson School of Arts Hall

Saturday 13 December

2.00pm - 4.00pm

Gresford School of Arts Hall

www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/HIMP

Nationals ditch net zero as Liberals ponder policy

By Zac DE SILVA and Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP

THE Nationals have set up a possible showdown with their political ally the Liberals after unanimously agreeing to scrap their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

The regional party argues Australia is doing more than its fair share to reduce carbon pollution, and emissions reductions should instead be tied to an average of similar countries within the OECD.

Leader David Littleproud said his party wasn't walking away from curbing greenhouse gas emissions or denying the existence of climate change.

"What we're saying is there's a better, cheaper, fairer way to address it," he told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.

The practical effect of the policy move would be to roughly halve Australia's annual emissions reductions.

MPs were briefed on a report from the Page Research Centre which makes dozens of recommendations, including allowing government subsidies for coal power stations and repealing Australia's Climate Change Act.

Mr Littleproud said not

all of the policy suggestions had been adopted and his colleagues had more work to do.

On Saturday, Nationals members attending the party's federal council voted to ditch net zero by 2050 from their official platform.

The move could leave Mr Littleproud at odds with his colleagues in the Liberal party, who are still reviewing their climate and energy policies in the wake of their election defeat.

Asked what would happen if the Liberals kept their commitment to net zero, Mr Littleproud said there were still a number of steps to play out.

"We're always keeping our door open but I'm respecting the sovereignty of the Liberal Party as they have respected ours," Mr Littleproud told reporters.

Opposition environment spokeswoman Angie Bell said the Liberals had their own policy processes and wouldn't be beholden to the Nationals.

The regional party's decision to walk away from formal emissions targets is likely to anger some moderate Liberals who want to remain committed to net zero by 2050.

Asked if the decision to ditch the climate goal could cost the coalition votes in inner-city seats, Mr Littleproud said the move would appeal to all voters because it would reduce energy bills.

"Much of those values and principles of regional Australians are the same as those that live in the leafy

suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, it's just that we don't have as much money in our wallet," he said.

Labor has criticised the move, saying any delay in reaching net zero would impose additional costs on the economy.

Speaking before the Nationals announced their final policy, Environment

COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE

Minister Murray Watt said the issue was a test for the Liberal party.

"The idea that you would hand over climate and energy policy to the likes of Matt Canavan and the ghost of Barnaby Joyce is like handing Dracula the keys to the blood bank," he told the ABC's Insiders program.

Under the Paris

Agreement, signed a decade ago, Australia and other member states must increase their emissions reduction targets every five years and cannot water them down.

The Labor government is committed to net zero by 2050 and is chasing an interim target of 62 percent to 70 percent emissions cuts by 2035.

'We need energy': leader touts gas to save smelter jobs

By Alex MITCHELL and Farid FARID, AAP

THE premier could use compulsory acquisition powers to increase gas supplies for industry and help secure the future of the nation's biggest aluminium smelter.

Federal and NSW government leaders have been scrambling to keep the Tomago Aluminium facility running, with a bailout reportedly worth more than $1 billion on offer.

The operators of the Hunter Valley smelter, which is majority-owned by mining giant Rio Tinto, said high energy costs had forced the company to consider ending operations when its electricity supply contracts expired in 2028.

In an address to an Australian Workers' Union conference in western Sydney, Premier Chris Minns said he was determined to keep Tomago open, linking its future to a controversial, multibillion-dollar natural gas project.

"We can't sit around waiting for Rio to make an investment decision or to telegraph their next move in for 2028," he told hundreds of delegates

"It's clear that when it

comes to manufacturing in the Hunter and in New South Wales, we need energy.

"I want to send a clear message today that we need the Narrabri gas field to produce energy as soon as possible."

The Santos-owned Narrabri gas project in northwest NSW is slated to supply up to half of the state's gas needs, but it is yet to begin producing the fossil fuel after being mired in legal battles for more than a decade.

Mr Minns cautioned landholders that his government would consider using compulsory acquisition powers if anyone stood in the way of a planned pipeline to ensure gas from the field could flow to industry.

But Oliver Yates, a clean energy consultant, said leaning heavily on gas to prop up industry was not a feasible solution and renewable energy needed to be seriously considered as the permanent fix.

"If you're going to burn gas to make electricity, it'll be vastly more expensive than renewables, let alone the emissions you get from it," he told AAP.

"Gas doesn't solve your problem at Tomago."

The former head of

the Clean Energy Finance Corporation also slammed government bailouts as "a band-aid for the moment."

He suggested the state government act as an intermediary between Tomago and renewable energy providers to build the required multibillion-dollar facilities, which would be more effective in the long run to drive down power prices.

Electricity makes up 40 percent of operating costs at Tomago, which began production in 1983 and delivers up to 590,000 tonnes of aluminium a year.

The smelter is the single

largest electricity user in the nation and consumes about 10 percent of power supplies in NSW.

Electrical Trades Union NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks described the looming shutdown as "a gut punch for the Hunter."

"Thousands of families are rightfully concerned about what the future holds," he said, adding the smelter needed a renewable energy solution that meant it wasn't dependent on high electricity prices.

"Workers and communities shouldn't have to pay the price for corporate

greed and political failure," Mr Hicks added.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he was frustrated the parties had not yet reached an arrangement but added the government would continue to engage constructively with the firm.

Its struggles follow bailouts for several other smelters and refineries, including a multibilliondollar package to save South Australia's Whyalla steelworks.

Swiss mining giant Glencore in October received a $600 million injection as part of a joint federal and state

Airport showcased on international stage

NEWCASTLE Airport was represented on the international stage last week at the Future-Proofing Airport Development workshop in Singapore, hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Bringing together decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific, the two-day forum focused on how airports can leverage next-generation technology to deliver operational excellence, sustainable growth and an enhanced passenger experience.

In attendance for the airport was Burcak Sezer GAICD, Executive General Manager People Communications.

Ms Sezer showcased how Newcastle Airport’s strategic growth and evolution, driven by a $250 million airport expansion including runway works and international terminal capacity, is unlocking

new global connections and opportunities for the Hunter region.

“Forums like this are vital for regional airports,” Ms Sezer said.

“They allow us to share our learnings, strengthen international collaboration and ensure airports of all sizes are part of the global conversation on technology, sustainability

and resilience.”

Newcastle Airport

CEO Linc Horton said the forum was an opportunity to showcase the region’s growth mindset.

“Being invited to share our story with global airport leaders highlights how far we’ve come and the value we’re creating for our region,” Mr Horton said.

deal to keep Queensland's Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery open, securing about 600 jobs.

Tasmania Industry Minister Felix Ellis pointed to the possible bailout for Tomago as evidence the federal Labor government had ignored calls from his Liberal-run state for a similar deal.

Bell Bay Aluminium in Tasmania, which is also owned by Rio Tinto, faces a potential shutdown as a 10-year deal with Hydro Tasmania nears its 31 December deadline.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

MAIGRET

ABC TV, 8.35pm

Whether your memories of fictional French detective Jules Maigret feature Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Gérard Depardieu or even Rowan Atkinson, this modern British adaptation offers an enticing update for Georges Simenon’s iconic character. This time, Benjamin Wainwright (above, Belgravia: The Next Chapter) brings a deadpan sense of humour to his Maigret, a relatively young chief inspector who prefers not to play by the rules of the Parisian police. In Friday’s premiere, he’s tasked with investigating a series of bank robberies, but instead is drawn to the murder that his colleague Foulon (Jack Deam) is working on.

FRIDAY,

November 7

SATURDAY

SOCCER

10 DRAMA, 4.30pm

For reigning A-League Men champions Melbourne City and premiers Auckland FC, the first three rounds of this season have almost been a warm-up for Saturday’s dynamite derbies. Each faces their fiercest rivals (Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix respectively) in an unmissable double-header. Auckland managed to top the table in their first season, coming out ahead of their neighbours in all three of their matches. While the Kiwi rivalry is just getting started, the Melbourne clash has a long and storied history. The action is live from Sky Stadium at 5pm (AEDT), before the 50th Melbourne Derby kicks off at AAMI Park from 7.35pm (AEDT). Andy Harper (right) provides expert commentary.

MONDAY ANNABEL CRABB’S CIVIC DUTY

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Every three years, Australians make their way to the local primary school, church or community centre to line up, number a couple of slips of paper and scoff down a sausage in bread – civic duty done. But there’s a lot more to our democracy than what goes down on election day. In this informative threepart series, Annabel Crabb (above, Kitchen Cabinet) explores the more unique aspects of our electoral system, with help from politicians, experts, journalists and even some former PMs. In Monday’s premiere, “Fairness”, Crabb examines the preferential voting system and the distinctly Australian invention of an independent, permanent election authority.

6.00 QI. (PGals, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis supercharges veggie soil.

8.35 Maigret. (Premiere, M) Maigret must choose between his sense of justice and his career when a burglar is found murdered.

9.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

10.00 Crime Night! (PG, R)

10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Silent Witness. (Mad, R)

12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Why Cities Flood. (PGa)

8.30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG, R)

9.25 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Sisi. (Mansv, R)

11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Mlv, R)

2.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R)

3.00 Curious Traveller. (R)

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

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

8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A top-secret government project, involving the creation of super soldiers, is threatened with exposure. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton.

11.15 GetOn Extra.

11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PGadl, R)

12.15 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG, R)

1.15 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Crowded Continent. (PG)

8.40 MOVIE: The Dry. (2020, MA15+alv, R) A federal agent returns to his home town. Eric Bana, Matt Nable.

11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (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)

Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 To Be Advised. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Hot Wheels. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00

10 News+.

Deal Or No Deal. (R)

The Dog House UK. (Premiere, PGa) Breeze the American bulldog meets Charlotte.

House Hunters Australia. (R) Newlyweds

SATURDAY, November 8

6.25 I Was Actually There: Cronulla Riots. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Final, PG) Chaos ensues at Humphrey and Martha’s wedding.

8.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, Mav, R) Mackenzie investigates when a mine owner is found dead in his locked bedsit.

9.25 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Final, MA15+l, R) Cheryl and Alice discover that in order to really challenge Rob, they will have to stop playing by the rules.

10.30 Neighbours Does Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.10 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. (Final) 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Royal Homes. (PG)

8.25 A Year At Kylemore Abbey. 9.25 Japan: World’s Most Punctual Train. (PG, R)

10.20 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R)

11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)

2.50 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31)

6am The

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan.

8.00 MOVIE: Independence Day. (1996, Mv, R) The US president and his motley group of allies battle to save Earth from an armada of attacking aliens. Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum.

11.00 MOVIE: 65. (2023, Mv, R)

An astronaut crash lands on prehistoric Earth. Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt.

1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, Mv, R) A computer genius disables a cruise ship. Sandra Bullock.

9.55 MOVIE: Exit Wounds. (2001, MA15+lv, R) Steven Seagal.

11.50 Next Stop. (R)

12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGal, R)

1.30 Rugby League. Ashes Tour. Third Test. England v Australia.

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) A woman with too many items wants to sell her house. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ml, R) Multiple crews, including police and fire, are dispatched after a suicidal patient phones in a bomb threat. 9.45 Gogglebox Australia. (Final, PGals, R) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 11.15 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) 12.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00

SUNDAY, November 9

6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)

8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits.

8.50 The Forsytes. (Premiere, PG) Looks at the lives of a wealthy late Victorian family.

9.45 MOVIE: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, Mals, R) Guy Pearce. 11.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.55 Rage Closer. (R)

3.00 Ask The Doctor. (R)

3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.05 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Abbott Elementary. 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 JFK: One Day In America. (M)

8.25 The Castle: Rebuilding History.

9.45 Watergate High Crimes In The White House. (Mas, R)

11.25 Ancient Superstructures. (R)

12.25 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022, PGal, R)

2.00 Sue Perkins: Along the US-Mexico Border. (PGadlv, R)

4.15 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

Movie Show. 6.15 Enigma. (1982) 8.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 10.05 Only The Brave. (2017, M) 12.35pm The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 2.25 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 4.15 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Six Minutes To Midnight. (2020, M) 10.20 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 12.10am Late Programs. 6am Under The Cover Of Cloud. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.30 The Movie Show. 7.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 11.30 Six Minutes To The Assistant. (2019, It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 6.40 Loophole. Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, M, Maori)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl)

8.30 The Girl Who Caught A Killer. (Premiere, MA15+av) Looks at the tale of Rachel Watts, who at seven-years-old, miraculously survived being abducted, assaulted and left for dead.

11.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)

12.30 MOVIE: Secrets By The Shore. (2022, Mav, R)

2.30 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 The Golden Bachelor. (PGas) 8.20 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.20 9News Late.

9.50 Social Media Murders: The Murder Of Bianca Devins. (MA15+al) 10.50 Mobsters. (Madv) 11.45 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (Mlv, R) 12.35 World’s Greatest Journeys. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted

MONDAY, November 10

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (Premiere)

8.30 American Prince: JFK Jr. (Premiere)

9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (Premiere)

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (MA15+al, R) 11.40 The Man Who Died. (Mals, R)

2.25 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 3.30 Curious Traveller. (PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) 9.00 The Rookie. (Ma) Documentary filmmakers interview the LAPD on a complicated missing person’s case connected to Nolan.

10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav)

11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav)

12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)

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 The Golden Bachelor. (PGa) 9.00 To Be Advised. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 The Equalizer. (Mav) 11.20 Transplant. (MA15+am, R) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Hello SA. (PG)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie

Show. 6.35 Loophole. (1981, PG) 8.30 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.10 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) Noon A Walk In The Woods. (2015, M) 1.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 4.30 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 6.20 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.30 Before It Ends. (2023, MA15+) 10.25 Operation Napoleon. (2023, M) 12.35am Traffic. (2000, MA15+) 3.15 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, November 11

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7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys.

8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Premiere)

9.35 The Cancer Killers. (PG) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 The Point. (R)

12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Masv, R)

2.15 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R)

3.25 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.25 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R)

8.30 Murder In A Small Town. (M) Karl and the team investigate a bear attack.

9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Mandy Ahmadi. (Mav, R)

10.30 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv)

11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa)

12.00 MOVIE: Secrets Of A Marine’s Wife. (2021, Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am It All Began When I Met You. Continued. (2013, PG, Japanese) 7.25 The Movie Show. 8.00 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 10.15 Moving. (1993, M, Japanese) 12.30pm Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, M, Maori) 2.40 Loophole. (1981) 4.35 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 10.40 Late Programs.

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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.

call

WEDNESDAY, November 12

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 QI. (PGls, R) 3.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 The Bridges That Built London. (PG, R) 11.05 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Black Death With Dan Snow. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Megabridges: Spanning The Void. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Michael Palin In Venezuela. (Premiere)

8.30 Reckless. (Premiere, Mdls)

9.35 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 I Am Scrooge. (Ma)

11.55 Headhunters. (MA15+av, R)

2.30 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R)

3.35 Curious Traveller. (PGa, R)

4.05 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

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

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee

Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 To Be Advised. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon:

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

7.30 RFDS. (Mad) A mediation attempt takes a turn for the worse.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Mel Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Dr Ahmed Kazmi where no topic is off limits.

10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mav) The team responds to a crisis at a community centre.

11.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) Hosted by Phil Keoghan.

1.00 Life. (Malsv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Budget Battlers. (PGl)

8.40 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Madv) 9.40 Parole. 11.00 9News Late. 11.30 Resident Alien. (MA15+a) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Whisky

Galore. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.40 The Movie Show. 8.15 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 10.20 Ali And Ava. (2021, M) 12.05pm The Road Dance. (2021, M) 2.15 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 4.25 RBG. (2018, PG) 6.15 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 8.30 Tigerland. (2000, MA15+) 10.25 Infinite Summer. (2024, PG) Midnight Late Programs.

THURSDAY, November 13

TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 I Was Actually There. (Final, Ml, R) 10.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mad, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 QI. (PG, R) 3.25 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG) 8.55 Long Lost Family. Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.45 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.05 The Art Of. (PG, R) 11.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Black Death With Dan Snow. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PGd, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain. (PGa)

8.25 From That Small Island: The Irish Story: New Worlds – The First Irish Diaspora. (PG)

9.25 Blue Lights.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Ridley Road. (Premiere, Mav)

1.15 Exterior Night. (MA15+v, R)

4.25 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(1987, PG) 12.10am We Need To Talk About Cosby. 1.15 WWE Legends. 2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Late Session. 2.30 Bamay. 2.55 Insight. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch. 6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. (Return) 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Kabul. 1am Homicide. 1.55 Conversations. 2.30 Somewhere Boy. 3.00 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am RBG. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.10 The Movie Show. 7.45 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 10.00 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 12.10pm The Sitting Duck. (2022, M, Hungarian) 2.25 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 4.30 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 6.20 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 8.30 Heartbreak Ridge. (1986, M) 10.55 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away.

8.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG, R) A show of military precision, entertainment, massed pipes and drum performances from Scotland.

10.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R) Explores life behind bars. 11.30 Gatecrashers.

12.30 Life. (Malsv, 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

7MATE (64)

MALTESE Shih Tzu puppies, 5 girls, 1 boy. Available from 16th Nov. Located in Port Stephens. BIN# B000616552. Call or text 0474 378 452 Pets

WHITE 6 drawer chest of drawers, GC, $50 Teac JC12 digital stereo hi-fi system, still in box $100. White half pantry cupboard with shelves VGC $50. 0434 521 457

SOLD

CLASSIFIEDS 02 4981 8882

CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619

COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466

COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713

DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063 F170725

NEW Red Lumus ankle water proof boots size 38 $25pr. 0434 521 457

HORSE riding boots

Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) / 5 (AU), 1x Dublin 37.5 (EU) / 6.5 (AU) Dungog area. 0425 334 153

PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876

News Of The Area

Dorin’s Draws

By Paul DORIN

On theCouch

DEAR Jasminda,

LAST night (when I was sound asleep) my husband woke me about the mosquitoes in the room.

He then searched (unsuccessfully) for the flyspray before trying other tactics.

By the time he'd killed them, I was wide awake and stayed that way.

What do I do to avoid this in the future,

Katie C.

Dear Katie,

There are few things

more annoying than the high-pitched buzz of a mosquito hovering around your head as you wildly slap the air.

One thing that's up there in the annoying stakes, though, is a husband waking you from your blissful dreams shouting “the mozzies are attacking me”.

Hearing about any form of attack is an unpleasant way to be roused from your sleep, but when someone can't find the flyspray, the annoyance reaches new heights.

I can picture you, Katie, bleary-eyed, trying to get your head around whether there was an intruder in the house, only to be met with the vision and sound of your husband leaping around the bed in his undies and tossing pillows, including the one he's ripped from under your

head.

I can also see him as he progresses to the “they must be behind the bedhead” stage of the bombardment, armed now with the local library's copy of Han Kang's The Vegetarian, shaking the timber frame ready to swat the enemy.

By this stage, you will be fully awake, taking in the blood smears on your Hog Bristle Quarter-Strength walls and making a mental note to update your shopping list (and possibly your will).

Remarkably, despite hubby's energetic leaps, bounds, pillow tosses and book slaps, your bedroom now resembling a circuit class in a homeware shop, he will somehow manage to be asleep within 60 seconds of conquering all in this latest (but by no means last) mozzie-man warfare

experience.

You, however, will not sleep for the next two hours.

Instead you will catastrophise about current world events including magnitude 6.3 earthquakes, microplastics found in urinary tracts, the first home buyer scheme's impact on property prices, and other 3am issues, all to the tune of Fleetwood Mac's Silver Springs, which is firmly lodged in your brain and refuses to budge.

And this is the stage, Katie, that you need to look across at your husband's peaceful face, and yell, “Wake up. Wake up. There's a mosquito on your nose. I'll whack it with the Palermo Olive Linen cushion your mother gave us last Christmas. Hold still, my love.”

diem, Jasminda.

By Shannon BENTON

RESIDENTS of Lara Aged

Care in Dungog, part of RSL Lifecare, enjoyed a special visit and morning tea on Wednesday 30 October, as part of the activities surrounding the 10th Annual Clarence Town Swim In and Rally.

Around 45 residents gathered for the event, which brought together veterans, volunteers, and community members for a heartfelt celebration of service and connection.

Morning tea was served with a beautiful array of homemade slices prepared especially for the occasion.

As part of the visit, several restored military vehicles were brought along for residents to view up close, including a selection of historic jeeps and

motorbikes.

Volunteers shared stories and details about the vehicles’ history, sparking many conversations and fond memories among residents.

One of the morning’s highlights was the presentation of six handmade blankets, created by members of the War Widows’ Guild in Queensland.

Each blanket was lovingly hand-stitched and gifted to five former Legacy ladies and one resident who had completed national service.

The presentation was led by Melissa Crane, Director of Taskforce Veteran in Sydney, who personally handed the blankets to the recipients.

The event was coordinated with support from Michael Redgate, a local community member whose father, William Redgate, is a resident at Lara.

Michael played a key role in helping organise both the Lara visit and the Clarence Town Swim In and Rally, which ran from 29 October to 2 November.

The annual rally, now in its tenth year, brings together veteran groups, local schools, volunteers, and charities in a celebration of community spirit and remembrance.

Also joining the festivities at Lara Aged Care was Victoria Thomas from RSL LifeCare’s Hunter Veteran and Family Hub in Newcastle.

“It was a truly special morning,” said Michelle Croxton, Lara Lifestyle Coordinator.

“The blankets were such a beautiful gesture, and seeing our residents recognised and remembered meant so much to everyone."

Stroud ready to throw bricks and rolling pins Memories bring veterans together

By Chris KARAS

STROUD is gearing up for one of its quirky and uniquely spirited traditions with the annual International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition returning to the Showground on Saturday 15

November.

This year’s festival embraces the uplifting theme “Music Makes the World Go Around,” promising a vibrant celebration of rhythm, community pride and good old-fashioned fun.

With a packed program of

activities, live entertainment, delicious food and fun competitions, the event is set to deliver a memorable day for the whole family.

The festival starts at 10am with Stroud’s iconic street parade, which will wind through the centre of

town in a colourful display of creativity and local pride.

It will feature floats, motorbikes, vintage cars, school groups, community organisations and performances by marching bands.

The much-loved Hunter Heroes will also make an appearance.

Participants will be putting their best foot forward in the contest for the coveted “Best Display” award.

From 11am, attention shifts to the centrepiece of the day - the legendary Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition.

The opening brick throws will be by Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell and Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, signalling the start of a series of light-hearted yet fiercely contested events.

Categories include Men’s Brick Throwing, Women’s Rolling Pin Throwing, Kids’ and Juniors’ divisions

and even a whimsical Rubber Chicken Throwing competition for the youngest participants.

Making a welcome return this year is the Masters Division for competitors aged 60 and over, celebrating strength and skill at every age.

Those hoping to make their mark in the record books will need to bring their best as current targets stand at over 27 metres for a brick and 31 feet for a rolling pin.

Registrations will open at 10:30am at the Showground.

Throughout the day, children can enjoy free face painting, meet baby animals at the Sweet Valley Petting Zoo, and take photos with their favourite Hunter Hero characters.

For the more adventurous, oversized games like cage soccer and dart ball will be available, while traditional demonstrations of wood chopping and post splitting will offer a taste of country

craftsmanship.

The air will be filled with music from a lineup of talented local acts including duo No Control, Waratah Brass Band and the rousing Newcastle RSL Pipe Band, all adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition has its roots in the 1960s when towns named Stroud across the United Kingdom and USA and later Australia and Canada came together to celebrate their shared heritage through this quirky competition.

What began as a nod to the historic brick-making towns of the original Strouds has since evolved into a cherished community tradition that celebrates fun, family, and friendly rivalry.

Tickets will be available at the gate on the day.

For more information, visit stroudbrickthrowing. com.au.

Three southbound lanes now open on Hexham Straight

THREE southbound lanes now open on the Hexham Straight, assisting to alleviate one of the region’s most frustrating bottlenecks.

The milestone marks

significant progress on the State and Federal Governments’ $2.24 billion investment to bust congestion and improve safety through the M1 to

Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening projects.

For the 50,000 motorists who rely on this corridor every day, the opening means

smoother trips between Old Maitland Road and Sparke Street.

A new southbound bridge over Ironbark Creek is now carrying four lanes of traffic,

two in each direction, while work continues on the new northbound bridge.

Once complete, motorists will travel across twin bridges with three lanes each

By Ramsey VANE-WOOD

SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER

INDIVIDUAL STROKE, TOM GOODMAN TROPHY & MALE

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS (FINAL ROUND) FIELD |

38 members & 4 visitors.

DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Paul Langley (15) 62 Nett, Runner Up Paul Geddes (11) 62 Nett, 3rd Place John Walker (11) 63 Nett

DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Benjamin Herden (24) 59 Nett, Runner Up Robert Radin (19) 61 Nett, 3rd Place Greg Kellner (19) 63 Nett BALL COMP | Greg Scott (5)

63 Nett, Peter Nicholson (15) 63 Nett, Simon Dunn (9) 65 Nett, Graeme Valentine (13) 65 Nett, Stephen Watson (14) 65 Nett, Greg Sainsbury (20) 66 Nett, Denis Crossman (20) 66 Nett, Robert Richardson (15) 66 Nett, David Singles (26) 67 Nett, Chris Zawirski (10) [Branxton] 67 Nett, Stephen Dunn (13) [Toronto]

67 Nett, Peter Griffin (19)

67 Nett, Glenn Davies (6) 67 Nett, Darren Crear (10) [Hunter Valley] 67 Nett, Michael Croucher (21)

Paterson Golf Club Ashes dilemma

STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16

But for any records to be broken, matches will need to go the distance.

Both the Adelaide and Sydney Tests were over inside three days last summer, while Perth was also wrapped up on the fourth day.

That continued a trend of the past four summers, with wickets becoming more bowler-friendly and only six

67 Nett, Lee Hunt (14) 67 Nett, Paul Monaghan (7)

67 Nett, Ted Zawirski (32) 67 Nett & Fred Cox (21) 67 Nett. PUTTING COMP | Div 1 - Wayne Stedman (10) 29 Putts, Div 2 - Stephen Pilgrim (16) 27 Putts NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Graeme Valentine (13), 2nd/11thJohn Walker (11), 8th/17th - Ramsey Vane-Wood (6), 9th/18th - Robert Radin (19) MEMBERS DRAW | No.42, Jackpot, $123 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 2 Balls 2025 MALE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL STANDINGS A-GRADE (<13) | Scratch Champion Greg Scott (5) 213 Gross (Play Off), Nett Champion Glenn Davies (6) 195 Nett B-GRADE (14-18) | Scratch Champion Peter Nicholson (15) 240 Gross, Nett Champion Peter Nicholson (15) 195 Nett C-GRADE (19-36) | Scratch Champion Greg Kellner (19) 253 Gross, Nett Champion Michael Croucher (21) 193 Nett TOM GOODMAN TROPHY (MEDAL OF MEDALS) | Winner Greg Sainsbury (20)

Tests going to day five in that time.

At the same time, Australia's players have made no secret of their desire for seaming wickets, believing it could be England's kryptonite.

Asked recently about the balance curators were facing this summer, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg indicated his organisation would not interfere.

"If I could get the roller

66 Nett UPCOMING EVENTS | 29-Oct Course Renovations (volunteers required), 1-Nov Individual Stroke, Monthly Medal & Match Play Championships (1st Round), 8-Nov Individual Par & Match Play Championships (Quarter Finals), 15-Nov Individual Stableford & Match Play Championships (Semi-Finals), 22-Nov Individual Stableford & Match Play Championships (Final), 29-Nov Individual Stableford & 2BBB. Schedule

subject to change.

SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER INDIVIDUAL STROKE & MONTHLY MEDAL FIELD | 33 members DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Peter Nicholson (15) 62 Nett, Runner Up Paul Geddes (10) 62 Nett, 3rd Place John Walker (11) 64 Nett DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Monthly Medal & Winner Paul Bennetts (24) 59 Nett, Runner Up Brian Mowle (17) 61 Nett, 3rd Place Brian Wright (23) 62 Nett BALL

out myself, I'd be on it," Greenberg quipped.

"There's competing demands in Australian cricket and I understand that.

"There's the performance demands and what might suit the team's best. There's commercial returns, which are really important.

"But ultimately, I think what we want to see is in every city that the wickets play like they should and there's a great balance between bat and ball."

The average of top-six batters in Australia has

dropped by 10 runs per player this decade, down to 31.93 from 41.47 in the 2010s and 42.39 in the 2000s.

At the same time, England have moved towards flatter wickets at home under Brendan McCullum, with a game plan geared at putting pressure back on bowlers.

"Probably the last three or four (home) summers have had a bit of life, I think," Steve Smith said last month.

"So I wouldn't be surprised if they're pretty similar to be honest.

"I think England play

way, improving travel times and freight efficiency across the Hunter.

Final works including asphalting, line marking, barriers and landscaping are now underway.

The Hexham Straight upgrade remains on track for completion in 2026, delivering three lanes in each direction over six kilometres, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to north of Hexham Bridge.

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, “This is fantastic news for the Hunter.

“For too long, Hexham Straight has been a source of frustration for locals, freight operators and visitors alike.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said, “Better roads mean safer communities, stronger freight links and more time back in people’s days.”

COMP | Noah Bambach (25)

62 Nett, Robert Radin (18)

64 Nett, Paul Langley (14)

64 Nett, Peter Griffin (19)

65 Nett, Greg Kellner (19) 65 Nett, Michael Croucher (21)

65 Nett, Phillip Watson (28)

66 Nett & Allan McKinnon (11) 66 Nett. PUTTING COMP | Div 1 - Paul Geddes (10) 25 Putts, Div 2 - Robert Radin (18) 28 Putts NEAREST

THE PIN | 1st/10th - Greg Bary (18), 7th/16th - Paul Langley (14), 9th/18thMick Mirisch (13) MEMBERS

DRAW | No.73, Jackpot, $189 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 3 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS | 8-Nov Individual Par & Match Play Championships (Quarter Finals), 15-Nov Individual Stableford & Match Play Championships (SemiFinals), 22-Nov Individual Stableford & Match Play Championships (Final), 29Nov Individual Stableford & 2BBB. Schedule subject to change.

pretty well on the flatter wickets, the way they play.

"So if there's a bit in it like there has been in the last three or four years with our bowling attack, it certainly makes things a lot more difficult for their batters."

Australia have turned their eyes entirely towards the Ashes, with Travis Head to skip the final two T20s against India to play in the next round of Sheffield Shield.

England's first batch of players also touched down in Perth on Monday, after concerns over their ability

to fire on bowler-friendly wickets was exacerbated in their 3-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand.

Albeit in a different format, England were bowled out for 223, 175 and 222 in the three losses, with up to five of their top seven for the Ashes playing.

More worrying for the tourists will be the fact they fell to 5-33, 5-81 and 5-44 on the seaming wickets, with only the in-form Harry Brook finding a way to score runs.

"WE are so blessed to have Neighbourcare and their staff who always go above and beyond."

As your trusted local inhome care provider, feedback like this inspires Dungog & District Neighbourcare to keep supporting Dungog and surrounding communities –something they've proudly done for over 30 years.

The organisation’s qualified local staff live and work in the communities they serve.

That local knowledge makes all the differencewhether it's finding the right support worker for mum, arranging a timely nursing visit, or simply helping dad get out to the shops.

Because when it comes to home care, local matters.

Neighbourcare is also here to help you navigate the Government's changes to in-home aged care through the new Support at Home program.

Their friendly team will guide you step by step, making sure your services continue smoothly and that your plan reflects your goals to live well at home.

From transport to appointments with

Community Transport, to enjoying life outside the home through social outings, and receiving fresh, healthy meals from Meals on Wheels, Neighbourcare provides truly holistic care, designed to help you stay connected and independent.

John Baillie, CEO of ADSSI, says that as a local not-forprofit, Neighbourcare's focus is simple: people first, always.

"As the only in-home care provider with an office in Dungog, our Neighbourcare team knows where you want to go - and how to get you there.

“They're part of this community and understand that a trip to a specialist or shops isn't as straightforward as it might be elsewhere,” added Mr Baillie.

Looking for a provider of in-home care that will go above and beyond for you?

Dungog & District Neighbourcare is here to support you or your loved one to live independently at home.

Speak with the local team today on 4992 3348 or visit neighbourcare.org.au to explore services and next steps.

District

Ashes dilemma

By Scott BAILEY, AAP

AUSTRALIA’S dream Ashes wickets could prove an administrator's nightmare, with growing concerns over England's ability to deploy Bazball on lively pitches.

Curators are set to face a delicate balance this summer, with Australian players publicly calling for greener wickets that offer plenty of assistance for quicks.

At the same time, Cricket Australia is banking on this summer being a big moneyspinner after posting almost $60 million in losses over the past three years, with the potential of the series breaking all-time attendance records.

The first three days in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney have already sold out, as well as the first two in Perth and Boxing Day in Melbourne.

Limited tickets also only remain for day four in Sydney, while both Adelaide and Brisbane are tracking well for that day.