Dungog Shire News Of The Area 11 MARCH 2026

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Lisa WISEMAN 0437 315 191 lisa@newsofthearea.com.au

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By Joseph RICHARDS

THE fourth instalment of the “Illuminating Women” talks will be held in the James Theatre on 20 March.

Hosted by the Dungog-Clarence Town branch of the CWA, “Painting The Past: Exploring Kimberley Rock Art” will be presented by archaeologist Dr June Ross.

Speaking on the continuing series, event organiser Philippa Graham said: “The Illuminating Women series is bringing experts in a range of fields whose reputations are not only national but of international standing.

“These women generously share their expert knowledge, and

IF ever enjoyed a movie at the James Theatre or attended an event at the Gresford School of Arts

OUTLETS

Where

Clarence

Clarence

Clarence

Paterson

Paterson Friendly Grocer

Paterson Service Station

Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent

Vacy

Vacy General Store

Dungog

Dungog Information Centre

Dungog Newsagent

Lovey's IGA

Dowling General Store

Dungog RSL

Long Room Cafe

Hidden Valley Clothing

Bottlemart

Farmers Warehouse

Royal Hotel

Gresford

Gresford Foodworks

Gresford

Gresford

also talk a little about their own lives.

“This opportunity provides context for our audiences to gain significant insight into what makes these women tick and into their passions and areas of interest.”

Dr Ross has been chief investigator for Australian Research Council projects exploring ancient Indigenous rock art.

She is also an Adjunct Professor of Archaeology at the University of New England and has worked with the Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners in collaboration with four university teams.

Dr Ross will present at 2pm on 20 March at the James Theatre. Tickets at the door.

Hall, now could be your chance to help support these much-loved community venues.

Dungog Shire Council is currently inviting expressions of interest from locals to join the James Theatre Section 355 Committee, with one position available for a four-year term.

The historic James Theatre has been bringing the community together for generations.

“From movie nights to performances and special events, it continues to be a vibrant part of life in Dungog, thanks to the passion and dedication of local volunteers who help keep it thriving,” Council said in a statement.

“We’d love to hear from residents of all ages, skills and backgrounds.

“Whether you’re passionate about arts and culture or simply keen to support a muchloved local venue, joining the committee is a great way to get involved and help shape the theatre’s future.”

Those interested in joining the James Theatre Section 355 Committee can find application forms and more information on

Council’s website. Applications close 20 March 2026.

The Gresford School of Arts Hall will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 17 March and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

The hall has long been at the centre of community life in Gresford, hosting events, celebrations and gatherings throughout the year.

“Like many local facilities, it continues to thrive thanks to the people who care about it and step up to support it,” Council said.

“If you’ve attended an event, hired the hall, or simply value having this important community space in Gresford, the AGM is a great opportunity to get involved and help guide its future.

“New faces and fresh ideas are always welcome.”

Gathang revival part of five-year plan

By Sis HIGGINS

GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation

(GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang

language across the Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay footprint.

CEO Gulwanyang Moran said the plan was shaped by extensive conversations with community members about what they wanted to see

happen with their language.

“We wanted to build on the hard work of previous and current language leaders who have been revitalising Gathang,” Ms Moran said.

“[The plan] distills the collective vision of our

community to help guide the organisation’s work over the next five years”

It provides transparency around GWAC’s purpose, vision and values, along with “our promise to the community about how we will work with them”.

Community feedback identified five priorities:

- ensuring the continuation of Gathang,

- creating inclusive spaces, - collaborating and partnering with community, - strengthening self determination and governance, and - operating in a sustainable and eventually economically independent way.

Consultation events were held across Port Macquarie,

Port Stephens, Forster and Taree, as well as online.

Elders and active language community members have also contributed their aspirations.

Ms Moran said interest in Gathang has surged in recent years and strong local governance is essential.

“Having a plan that shows the yabang we’re walking so everyone knows where we want to get to and can come with us on a journey that’s led by our community,” she said.

“We want to make sure that there’s a collective vision in place for our burraydjarr and the generations coming after us.”

Over the next few years, the community will see expanded language

Entrepreneur named finalist in rural award

FROM Page 1

“Every day, women across NSW and the ACT are holding together farms, businesses and communities under significant pressure.

“My work focuses on reducing operational strain and building practical digital capability,

so rural women can lead sustainable, commercially strong businesses without sacrificing their wellbeing.”

The 2026 NSW/ACT winner will be announced on Wednesday 22 April and will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support the development of a project, business or program, along

with access to professional development and national alumni networks.

The NSW/ACT winner will also go on to represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award later in the year.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty congratulated all

Dungog Shire Council

finalists.

“These women demonstrate the depth of talent, innovation and leadership that exists across regional NSW, and the important role women play in strengthening industries and communities,” she said.

“This Government is committed to supporting

SOFT PLASTICS RECYCLING

women who are driving positive change and creating opportunities in regional and rural NSW.”

AgriFutures Australia

General Manager Jennifer Galloway said, “The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national

programs, new resources, online spaces and cultural services.

“Our first goal is the continuation of Gathang Language,” Ms Moran said.

“We want to see Gathang actively spoken, taught and embedded in daily life through language programs, education pathways and community-led learning.”

She described the plan as “the centrepiece of the origin story of a legacy mapped out by language leaders that have been working tirelessly for decades”.

“What I hope is that the wider community can travel with us on this journey, support, connect and respectfully learn about the languages and cultures of the country they reside,” she said.

networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts.

“By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come.”

New and Improved Soft Plastics Recycling Program

From 1 March, we’ve teamed up with ReSmart to make it easier for everyone to recycle soft plastics locally.

Residents can continue dropping off their soft plastics for free at the Dungog Waste Management Facility on Short Street. All collected soft plastics will be properly processed and repurposed through this new program.

What counts as soft plastics? If you can scrunch it into a ball and it stays there, it’s good to go!

> Shopping bags > Bread bags > Chip packets > Food wrappers

Before dropping them off, please give them a quick clean, make sure they are dry, and have no leftover food on them.

Both clear and coloured soft plastics are welcome.

Because soft plastics can't go in the yellow bin, without programs like this, they end up in landfills. Through ReSmart, they’ll be repurposed into things like oil or asphalt additives.

It’s another step towards a more sustainable Dungog Shire. To find out more, head to our website or scan the QR code below.

IT’S SHOWTIME

FROM Page 1

events, woodchopping, dog shows, and the always-popular Grand Parade.

There will also be plenty of food, stalls, and entertainment, including live music and Saturday night fireworks.

“The 94th Annual Gresford Show is almost here - and this year’s major entertainment is not to be missed,” show organisers said in a statement.

“Bring the whole family and experience the biggest little country show.”

Headlining the action on Saturday afternoon is a Bison, Horses and Hounds Show.

“The incredible Rooftop Express Show team - Dave Manchon and Kendal Neilson –will take over the main ring with an actionpacked performance,” organisers said.

“A regular highlight at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, this spectacular arena show is one we’re incredibly lucky to share with our local community.

“It won’t be back in Gresford anytime soon, so make sure you’re there to see it live.”

Dungog Shire Deputy Mayor Liam Ley said the historic show is a “fantastic celebration of our rural heritage and local talent”.

“If you're looking for a great weekend, gather your family and friends and head down to the Gresford Show,” he said.

“It's going to be a big event.”

The show has a long and proud history in the region.

On 24 October 1925, members of the Gresford community attended a meeting in the Brosie's rooms at East Gresford to develop a society aimed at the agricultural, horticulture and pastoral interest within the area.

The association was first known as the "Allyn and Paterson Rivers and District Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Association".

On 20 May 1927, the first show commenced at the Showground at East Gresford, producing a strong turnout with strong entries across all sections of the show.

In August 1928, the committee decided to be known as the Gresford District Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Society, and then in later years it was renamed to the Gresford District Agricultural Society (GDAS) Incorporated as it remains today.

Have Your Say

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. media@newsofthearea.com.au

New funding for regional events

A NEW $50 million fund aimed at building community connections and supporting events in regional areas has been announced by the NSW Government.

The Active Regional Communities Package delivers funding through three streams for non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities.

1. $15 million for

Regional Events and Partnerships: Grants up to $2 million to support regional communities attract or develop new events across industry, sport, culture, or music; boost economic impact of existing events; improve accessibility with upgraded infrastructure. Applications open on 16 March 2026.

2. $25 million for Community Participation: Grants of up to $1 million to improve access to local

activities and regional connection. For example, upgrading sports grounds to competition standard; expanding cultural and community facilities; safe transport and/or staffing to expand participation in group activity and engage across a region. Applications open on 23 March 2026.

3. $10 million dollars for Local Priorities: Grants of up to $100,000 to help community organisations boost well-being and social

or economic participation. Funding could upgrade safety and equipment; hire skilled staff to tutor, referee or supervise; increase the frequency and range of activities; support and establish groups that support community connection and resilience. Applications open on 13 April 2026.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “This funding will deliver major events for regional towns that entertain

local audiences, attract tourist dollars, and inspire participation.

“Club secretaries, coaches, show judges, referees, players, tuck shop and BBQ volunteers are the glue that binds a village or town together and these grants will make sure locals can participate in activities that will enhance their wellbeing.

“Regional towns have infrastructure that can be upgraded or its useability

expanded with this new funding so they can hold regional sporting, cultural or industry events; or improve existing facilities to make it easier for women, youth or disabled to participate.

“I encourage community and sporting groups, local councils, and major organisations to start thinking about what they can do to increase economic benefits and the fun and joy of country life.”

WITH parts of the region experiencing dry conditions, patchy rainfall and the likelihood of more hot weather still to come, Hunter

Local Land Services (HLLS) says planning ahead for pastures and livestock has never been more important.

Across the region, producers are reporting tightening feed availability, uneven pasture growth and declining soil moisture reserves following a run of warm conditions and inconsistent rainfall.

In some areas, summer pasture responses have been short-lived, placing additional pressure on feed budgeting and grazing management decisions as producers look ahead to autumn.

To support landholders, HLLS is offering seasonal updates, dry time planning resources and upcoming agriculture events focused on pasture management, livestock nutrition and risk mitigation strategies.

These activities are designed to provide practical, locally relevant advice to help producers prepare early and respond confidently to changing seasonal conditions.

HLLS is also advising farmers to utilise the Farming

Forecaster program, which aims to provide practical, predictive information on weather, soil moisture and pasture production to support informed grazing and

feed management decisions.

Monitoring sites in the Hunter are incorporated into a wider national network of soil moisture probes and weather stations across Australia.

The program operates by collecting real-time data from soil moisture probes and onfarm weather stations.

This data is transformed

into clear, user-friendly information that is readily available online, allowing producers to track local conditions and trends as the season unfolds.

Teresa Hogan, Livestock Officer with HLLS, said with seasonal conditions

across the Hunter remaining variable, tools like Farming Forecaster give producers a clearer picture of what’s happening in their paddocks now and what may be coming.

“By combining local weather data, soil moisture information and pasture growth forecasts, producers can make more informed decisions around stocking rates, supplementary feeding and planning for autumn and winter.

“Having access to this type of information helps graziers manage risk, respond earlier to changing conditions and make the most of any rainfall that does arrive.”

The pasture forecast tool uses validated modelling and historic data that incorporates site-specific data along with information from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.

It provides forecast pasture growth rates (kgDM/ ha/day) and production estimates (tDM/ha), along with an indication of the likely range in pasture availability over the next three to four months.

Hunter housing approvals expand

THE latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures indicate that total home approvals for the Hunter grew two percent in 2025 compared to the 2024 calendar year.

On the Central Coast, total home approvals grew by 16 percent in the same period.

Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director, said the overall growth in approvals is “pleasing”, demonstrating that the regions remain critical housing locations due to the combination of relative affordability compared to Sydney, rapid population growth, and diverse lifestyle options.

“However, increased support by all levels of government to reduce the barriers on land development and new home building are required if the relative affordability benefits the region is known for are to be taken advantage of in 2026,” said Mr Jennion.

There were a total of 5,210 building approvals across the Hunter in 2025 and 1,223 on the Central Coast.

Combined, this is five percent stronger than in 2024, and four percent higher than the pre-Covid year of 2018.

The total value of new building approvals was $2.97

billion in 2025, an increase of 11 percent.

In the Hunter the value of building approvals was $2.35 billion, whilst on the Central Coast the value was just shy of $625 million.

Detached house approvals in the Hunter declined with a fall of 17 percent in the 2025 calendar year.

Across the region Muswellbrook saw the strongest growth in detached house approvals, up by 66 percent compared to 2024.

This was followed by Newcastle (+42 percent), Scone (+41 percent), Port Stephens (+38 percent), and Dungog (+30 percent).

Review into feral animal management

A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW.

The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years.

The control program has been built on increased aerial culling, a free bait initiative, and the promotion of landholders working together to address pests.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has now tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Minister Moriarty will be requesting the Independent

Commissioner to consider and recommend actions that will:

• Examine the best available tools and techniques for controlling feral pigs and deer at a regional scale, including new and emerging technologies.

• Work through the challenges of delivering feral pest programs across different landscapes and land tenures

• Increase landholder participation in regional programs, to ensure landholders deliver on their biosecurity duty and improve the success of onground management efforts including trapping and baiting.

Preliminary advice will be delivered to the NSW Government in June 2026

and a final report will be delivered in October 2026.

“The NSW Government’s feral pig and pest program is culling more pigs than ever before but there is still more work to be done,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We are supporting landowners to carry out coordinated ground control before and after the aerial shoot, to deliver best practice pest animal management.

“Dr Katherine Clift’s review into our feral pig program is an important next step in making sure we are getting the most out of the program.

“The findings will help refine how public and private land managers work together, ensuring control programs are consistent, practical and responsive to

The largest declines were recorded in the Great Lakes (-66 percent), Gloucester (-50 percent), Lake Macquarie (-35 percent), Cessnock (-21 percent) and Singleton (-9 percent).”

Multi-unit approvals increased in all local government areas except for Dungog, with approvals up 38 percent in the Hunter and 50 percent on the Central Coast compared to the previous year.

In the Hunter, growth was greatest in the Great Lakes (+166 percent), Muswellbrook (+100 percent), Maitland (+54 percent), Lake Macquarie

(+35 percent) and Port Stephens (+33 percent).

“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues to occur in the local government areas of Maitland, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock,” Mr Jennion said.

“These top five locations for approvals accounted for 88 percent of total approvals.

“Whilst detached homes remained the preference for home buyers, accounting for 53 percent of total approvals in the Hunter and 56 percent on the Central Coast, multiunit approvals saw double digit growth in both regions.

“This suggests that some

households are turning to more affordable smaller homes as a means of securing home ownership.

“Despite the varied results, especially for detached dwellings, it is clear that the region worked through the challenges of 2024 that were characterised by the higher cost of borrowing, land, materials and labour.

“Whilst these concerns remain, interest rate cuts in 2025 have helped bring more households back to the market, supported by the fact that many households remain in employment, which provides certainty of income.”

needs.”

The NSW Nationals have a different view however, arguing that a review is unnecessary.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Moylan,

argues farmers don’t need another study but rather helicopters in the air, boots on the ground and pigs being shot, baited and trapped at pace and scale.

Over the next two

months, Local Land Services is planning to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

Women underrepresented on councils

elected councils in NSW. Council representatives

from across the state gathered in Sydney on Friday for the peak body’s International Women’s Day event.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate

the role of women in the local government sector across NSW Addressing mayors, councillors and council staff,

Mayor Byrne said while there had been gains in female representation on councils across the state, there was still much more work to be done.

“At present, we’re tracking at about 41 percent female representation on our elected councils in NSW,” said Mayor Byrne.

“While it’s pleasing to see this is up slightly from 39 percent at the 2021 election, it’s still behind our state counterparts who sit at 44 percent across the Parliament,” he said.

“And down in Canberra, our federal colleagues are up at 49.6 percent - the closest to parity yet.

“So, it’s absolutely an area where local government is shamefully lagging behind,” he said.

In areas News Of The Area covers, Dungog Shire has one female councillor

(from seven), Port Stephens has two (from 10), MidCoast has three (from 11), Port Macquarie has four (from nine), Kempsey Shire has four (from nine), Nambucca Valley has four (from nine), Coffs Harbour has three (from nine), and Bellingen has three (from seven).

Mayor Byrne pointed to concerns over appropriate remuneration for mayors and councillors as a contributing factor to the under representation.

“We simply have to get the pay right for Mayors and Councillors if we want genuine diversity in our council chambers,” he said.

“This year’s theme of International Women’s Day is ‘balancing the scales’, and I reckon increasing representation in local government is a pretty good place to start,” Mayor Byrne said.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

GOING PLACES WITH ERNIE DINGO

SBS, 7.30pm

Friday’s fourth chapter of this eye-opening travelogue finds Ernie Dingo and Brooke Blurton (pictured, with Patrick De Geest) in Far North Queensland as they explore the lush greenery, wetlands and vast savannah of the Atherton Tablelands. They start their journey on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic service that winds its way through the plateau’s heritage-listed rainforest. Dingo then heads to Chillagoe National Park to experience the cultural significance of the breathtaking limestone landscape to the Wakaman people. Nearby, Blurton embarks on a nocturnal wildlife tour.

FRIDAY, March 13

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Following a murder at a Criminology Conference, the Professor must prove his innocence to regain his reputation.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.

10.20 Dog Park. (Final, Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 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 BattleBots. 10.00 Gladiators

SUNDAY

FRAUDS

ABC TV, 8.50pm

Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker (pictured) as toxic best friends pulling off a heist together… where do we sign up? This thrilling new Spain-set series teams up Jones and former Whittaker as Bert and Sam, two con artists reunited after a decade apart. Their high-stakes reunion is triggered when Bert (Jones) is released from prison following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She immediately reaches out to the only person she trusts to help her carry out one last epic job. But Sam has been leading a quiet life, and Bert’s grand plan is the last thing she wants to get involved in. With a lifetime of baggage to unpack, this next-gen & Louise is an emotional but exciting ride.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare. 10.05 Rock Legends. (PGs) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (Mav) 12.05 How Sports Changed The World. (PGav, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY

NEW YORK GOURMET WITH JUSTINE SCHOFIELD

Travelling the world and tasting the finest local fare sounds like a dream holiday for most, but for MasterChef alum Justine Schofield (pictured), it’s essentially her 9 to 5. After jaunts to Malaysia, Macao, France and Fiji, the chef’s latest expedition sees her exploring the diverse and vibrant flavours of New York State. Following the Hudson River, north from the city, Schofield starts this episode at the Culinary Institute of America, a prestigious college whose graduates include bestselling author Anthony Bourdain. From sampling cannoli in Poughkeepsie to a picnic at Ithaca’s Buttermilk Falls, this tasty travelogue is sure to inspire future itineraries.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PGs, R) A young woman prepares to reopen her family hotel, while learning more about the life of her late mother. Lily James, Amanda Seyfried. 10.20 MOVIE: Nobody. (2021, MA15+v, R) A family man’s house gets burgled. Bob Odenkirk, Christopher Lloyd. 12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) Benicio del Toro.

1.00 Next Stop. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 8.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian

SATURDAY, March 14

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

This England. (Final, MA15+l, R) The country continues to cope with COVID. 10.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. (Return) 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R)

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGa, R)

10.25 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7. 1.25 Stormy. (Malns, R) 3.25 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Seven News.

6.00

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997, Mv, R)

A cop is recruited to be the partner of a special agent assigned to police extraterrestrials living on Earth. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino.

10.00 MOVIE: Men In Black II. (2002, PGh, R) A secret agent enlists his former partner. Tommy Lee Jones.

11.45 Highway Cops. (PGa)

12.15 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) 8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995, G, R) 10.35 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989, Mls, R) 12.25 Epic Builds. (R)

Open For Inspection. (R) 1.50 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A

and

two daughters search for a dog that can

when the

are at their

Love It Or List It Australia. Is Waverley, couple Rob and Nikki need work on their property to make it work for them.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

SUNDAY, March 15

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (Return, PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Premiere, M)

8.50 Frauds. (Premiere, Mdl) Follows a woman fresh out of prison.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)

10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)

10.55 MOVIE: Judy And Punch. (2019, MA15+, R)

12.35 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)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 9.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Chelsea v Aston Villa. Noon Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Beetlejuice. (1988, M) 11.50 Late Programs. Children’s

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow.

9.15 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGan, R)

10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.15 MOVIE: Julia. (2021, Mals, R)

1.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8.

3.00 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Vai. (2019, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.25 3:10 To Yuma. (1957) 10.15 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 12.50pm Long Story Short. (2021, M) 2.35 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 4.50 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.30 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 8.30 The Fisher King. (1991, M) 11.00 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+, German) 12.35am Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+) 3.05 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 6am Spitfire. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.55 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.35 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 10.35 The Queen Of My Dreams. (2023, M) 12.25pm The Fisher King. 4.30 Viceroy’s House. To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 8.30 10.45 Platoon. Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 Britain’s Got Talent. (Return, PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.

10.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (Mav, R) A look at hit man Christopher Dale Flannery. 11.40 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mad, R)

12.40 The Age Of Elizabeth. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise.

Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First

10.30 Matlock. (PGadl, R) Matty and Olympia navigate a new trust dynamic. 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGa, R) A pop star purchases a failing convent. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented by David Genat. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) The suspicious death of a

MONDAY, March 16

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGal)

11.35 The Old Man. (Mal, R)

2.25 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGaw, R)

3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)

4.30 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) Tane breaks the ice.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 The Oscars. (PGalsv, R) A ceremony honouring achievements in filmmaking over the past year, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

12.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)

1.40 The Agenda Setters.

3.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

SBS MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.25 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 8.25 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 10.25 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 12.20pm Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 2.35 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 4.15 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 6.15 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 8.30 Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+, French) 11.15 Syriana. (2005, MA15+) 1.30am Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 17

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGaw, R)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGd)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+dl, R)

11.55 Wolf. (Malsv, R) 2.10 Safe Home. (Malv, R)

3.10 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGav, R) 4.05 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.30 Doc. (Ma) When the hospital is hacked, it coincides with three patients showing similar symptoms.

9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A farmer is crushed by a hay bale. 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PG) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 100% Footy. (Mal) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. From Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Replay.

Hello SA. (PG)

Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Man Who Knew Infinity. Continued. (2015, PG) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.45 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 10.55 Tudawali. (1987, M) 12.35pm Ghoomer. (2023, M, Hindi) 3.00 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 4.45 Born To Dance. (2015, PG) 6.35 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 8.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 11.55 Hunger. (2008, MA15+) 1.35am Late Programs.

DUNGOG’S BEST FOOD

Chargrilled steaks Fresh Fish Pub classics Chef’s specials

WEEKDAY LUNCHES

7MATE (64)

$20 meals + $5 schooner WHAT’S ON

ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm

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

8 tap beers • Great wines • Cocktails

Plenty to keep locals and visitors coming back

WEDNESDAY, March 18

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PGds, R) 2.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.

8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Face To Face. (Mv)

11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av) 1.30 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R) 3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (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 UK. (PGas)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan sits down with Noah Anderson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

SBS MOVIES (32)

THURSDAY, March 19

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ma, R) 11.30 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Mdl, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+adlv) Presented by John Silvester.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To

(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (Return)

8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Final, Ma)

9.35 A Spy Among Friends.

10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

12.00 Blackwater. (MA15+alv, R) 2.20 Silent Road. (Ma, R)

4.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 9.15 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 11.10 Sky Pirates. (1986, M) 12.45pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.20 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 4.20 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. (1974, M) 10.35 The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 12.40am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Discovering Film. 7.00 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 9.15 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 11.10 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.25pm The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 6.30 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 8.30 All The President’s Men. (1976, M) 11.00 Monster’s Ball. (2001, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Mackenzie is caught aiding and abetting.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 2. Hawthorn v Sydney.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

1.00 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The Equalizer. (MA15+av) 12.05

7MATE (64)

News Of The Area OPINION

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

Further intersection questions

DEAR News Of The Area,

In regards to the intersection of Bucketts Way South and Pacific Highway, there has been a number of comments regarding this intersection, all suggesting urgent attention.

I have not read anything so far about two further compelling reasons for the solution to this most dangerous intersection to be expedited.

1. The Bucketts Way South is the main diversion route should the Pacific Highway southbound be closed (all those D signs near Nabiac and through Gloucester).

This, as all in Gloucester know, puts enormous added pressure on the Bucketts Way and in particular southbound and the subject

intersection.

Pacific Highway northbound traffic is travelling in a 100kph zone at that intersection.

2. When the Heatherbrae interchange is completed in 2027/8 the northbound traffic will bypass the bottlenecks through Heatherbrae and will normally be travelling, unimpeded, in 100kph and 110kph zones.

There will not be any mitigation of the flow which is currently provided by traffic lights and bottlenecks.

Further urgent representations need to be made to get this dangerous situation corrected.

Regards,

'New and improved’ soft plastics recycling program

DUNGOG Shire Council has partnered with ReSmart to make it easier for residents to recycle soft plastics locally.

As of 1 March, residents can drop off soft plastics for free at the Dungog Waste Management Facility on Short Street, where they will be properly processed and repurposed through the new program.

“Without programs like this, soft plastics usually end up in landfills,” Council said in a statement.

“Through the new partnership with ReSmart, the materials collected will instead be repurposed into products such as oil or additives used in asphalt.

Soft plastics are flexible plastics that can’t go in your yellow recycling bin.

Items accepted include things like shopping bags,

“It’s another small but important step towards reducing waste and building a more sustainable Dungog Shire.”

Petrol spikes hit home

By Thomas O’KEEFE

WAR in the Middle East is having direct impacts on the prices of basic commodities in Australia, including petrol and other fuels that keep the local economy going.

Almost overnight, the geopolitical shape of the world instigated panic that filtered through global supply chains.

Unleaded petrol is now averaging over $2/litre across parts of the Hunter and beyond, hurting many locals already on tight incomes thanks to the cost-

of-living crisis.

Diesel, which powers Australia’s bulk transport trucks, has also spiked, with costs presumably to be passed on to households via rises in grocery store prices as supplies get more expensive to deliver.

Owners of electric vehicles are by no means immune, as the electricity that powers the grid, which recharges the vehicles, is heavily reliant upon the same diesel-powered supply system, not to mention the natural gas that is used to fire up power stations when

demand surges.

The reason for the price hikes is that 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow sea lane that connects the Persian Gulf and oil-exporters Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE, to the rest of the world.

Hormuz is a natural choke point, measuring less than 40km at its narrowest point, between the southern coast of Iran and the northern tip of Oman.

The extended Iranian coastline means that even devoid of an active navy,

q Google map of the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, showing oil transport routes in relation to Iran. Image: Thomas O’Keefe.

Iran can attack the Strait at will, via drones and missile strikes, bringing global oil trade to its knees instantly.

The global air traffic hub of Dubai is only 100km away – leaving many Australian expatriates stranded as they attempt to fly home via that one key stopover, which is now in an active warzone.

According to Geoscience Australia, a Federal Government organisation, Australia is a net importer of oil, with only around 20 percent of the oil the country needs actually refined here last year.

bread bags, chip packets and food wrappers.

Before dropping them off, please follow a few simple steps:

• Give them a quick clean

• Make sure they’re dry

• Remove any leftover food

“Australia is a minor oil producer, ranking 29th in the world and accounting for 0.5 percent of total oil production in 2020,” says Geoscience Australia data.

“Most of Australia’s oil is currently produced on the North West Shelf, some distance from domestic east coast refining capacity.”

Apparently, domestically produced grades of crude oil are generally not suited for Australian refineries, reinforcing the importation of internationally-sourced oil, hence nearly 80 percent of Australian-produced oil was exported in 2020.

Currently, Australia only has two active oil refineries: Ampol’s Lytton site near

q Local map showing Unleaded Petrol prices as of Sunday 8 March 2026. Courtesy: Petrol Spy.

Both clear and coloured soft plastics are accepted.

To learn more about the program, visit www.dungog. nsw.gov.au/News-Articles/ Soft-Plastics-Recycling.

Brisbane, and Viva Energy’s refinery in Geelong.

The Kurnell refinery in Sydney ceased refining oil in 2012, and was converted into Australia’s largest fuel import terminal in 2014.

Recent legislation mandates that Australia maintain a Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO), which is measured in mega-litres, but is often expressed in an estimate of how long the current stockpile will last.

As per an MSO update on 6 March, Australia has roughly 40 days each of petroleum, diesel and jet fuel on hand, in case of a major supply chain emergency.

Housing options, health services top concerns for country women

THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns.

Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW.

The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the end of October, with more than 750 responses from women of all ages across the state.

“Many of the issues that stood out in this latest survey have been painful ongoing realities for rural and regional communities for too long, and we’re looking for a response from the NSW Government,” said CWA NSW president

Tanya Jolly.

“We’ve been asking questions of the relevant ministers around many of these concerns, including healthcare, housing and community safety.

“It’s time for a real commitment to help start improving the likes of specialist wait times and crime rates and we hope to see this reflected in the upcoming State Budget.

“This is more than just a data collection exercise for us, this survey is about visibility and accountability and providing us with real evidence and real stories from women all over NSW to help inform our advocacy efforts on the issues that matter.”

The survey focused on women living in regional, rural, and remote areas of

NSW with questions on health, safety, housing, finance, infrastructure, education, and empowerment.

Health and housing concerns topped the list for many respondents.

On healthcare, respondents said the most significant barriers were limited access to local GPs and closed patient books, long wait times for both primary and specialist care and rising out-of-pocket costs and reduced bulk billing. Women in regional and remote areas reported having to travel regularly to access basic services, compounding cost, time, and stress.

More than 50 percent of survey participants said access to primary healthcare services like GPs was the greatest barrier to staying

healthy in their community.

Twenty-five percent said access to specialist healthcare services like mental health support was the biggest barrier.

On housing, 48 percent of respondents said the high cost was the most significant barrier for women in their area accessing affordable, secure, and suitable housing.

Many respondents said more availability of affordable housing would make the biggest difference to housing for women in their community.

More secure and stable rental options and housing assistance and eligibility settings that better reflected regional cost pressures and employment realities were highlighted as other measures that could make a

real difference.

In other results:

- Almost 30 percent of respondents said crime and property theft (e.g. breakins) was the biggest barrier to feeling safe in their community, with another 29 percent identifying genderbased violence.

- Cost of living pressures and employment challenges were highlighted as major barriers to economic participation, with job availability and security (53 percent), wage inequality and discrimination (16 percent) and cost and availability of childcare (12 percent) the biggest challenges for respondents in achieving financial security or stable work.

- On infrastructure, respondents said gaps –

poor road conditions and maintenance (35.5 percent), limited or unreliable public and community transport (20.5 percent) and patchy mobile and internet coverage (16 percent) – affected their daily life, safety and independence.

- Social isolation remained an issue for respondents, particularly for older women, new residents and women living alone.

Tanya said the association would continue to release the survey annually in order to build a clear and concise picture of the issues affecting women and their communities and how that changed or evolved as time went on.

The 2025 survey retained a consistent set of themes and a core group of quantitative questions to enable robust year-on-year comparison with the inaugural 2024 survey.

To see the full survey report, go to https:// www.cwaofnsw.org.au/ womenssurvey

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

How a team of support workers can improve care

IF YOU receive home care, you may sometimes hear:

“Your usual Support Worker isn’t available today.”

It can feel frustrating; you might have to explain things again or simply miss a familiar face.

Dungog & District

Neighbourcare (part of the ADSSI Limited group of home care services) know that consistency matters, and aim to have services delivered by the same people each time.

Still, things like illness, holidays, training, or emergencies mean the same friendly face can’t always be there.

The good news is that Neighbourcare has a team of qualified, trained, friendly faces, and there are many benefits to having a team supporting you.

1. Care is more reliable when it’s shared

Sometimes Support Workers need to take breaks for holidays, to care for their kids, or to keep you safe when they’re unwell. When your care is shared across a

team that understands you (like how you prefer your tea, or the spot you like to go for lunch), Neighbourcare can continue to support you, even when life happens behind the scenes.

2. Workers have different strengths

Every Support Worker has their own skills, experience and personality. One may be fantastic at motivating you with exercises from your physio, and another might be a whiz in the kitchen, helping you batch-cook your favourite meals. Care at home with Neighbourcare means you have access to a diverse team of talented Support Workers and benefit from their unique strengths and experiences.

3. Fresh eyes can pick up changes early

When we see someone often, it can be easy to miss small changes over time. A Support Worker who hasn’t seen you for a while might notice unusual things like being unsteady on your feet, being more tired than usual,

a new trip hazard in the home or food in the fridge not being used. These fresh eyes are valuable, helping Neighbourcare notice small

changes early and respond before they become bigger problems. With care from Neighbourcare’s local team, you can enjoy consistent and

q A Neighbourcare nurse in a client’s home.

safe support at home. Speak with the team today on 4992 3348 or visit neighbourcare.org.au to explore services and next steps. “We’re here to help you live your best life with care at home.”

The NOTA needs you!

TELLING the incredible stories of Dungog Shire is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.

The independentlyowned NOTA is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area.

Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing

to join the team in Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, Paterson and surrounding areas.

“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.

Paterson Golf Club

GOLF RESULTS | SATURDAY 7TH

MARCH INDIVIDUAL STROKE

& MONTHLY MEDAL FIELD | 35 members & 1 visitor. DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner & Monthly Medal

Clinton Bridge (12) 61 Nett, Runner

Up Ramsey Vane-Wood (5) 63 Nett, 3rd Place Peter Nicholson (12) 64 Nett DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Greg Barry (17) 62 Nett, Runner Up Phillip Watson (28) 64 Nett, 3rd Place Buck Campbell (25) 64

“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news and sport."

Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the aweinspiring locals creating

Nett BALL COMP | Broc Hunt (15) 64 Nett, Banjo Rose (29) 64 Nett, Glenn Davies (6) 64 Nett, Brian Mowle (14) 64 Nett, Paul Geddes (5) 65 Nett, Graeme Valentine (13) 65 Nett, Michael Rose (5) 65 Nett & Cain Gorfine (20) 65 Nett. PUTTING COMP | Div 1 - Ramsey Vane-Wood (5) 27 Putts, Div 2Michael Croucher (17) 30 Putts NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - David Bambach (8), 8th/17th -

change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.

Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.

If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news

Glenn Davies (6), 9th/18th - Greg Kellner (19) MEMBERS DRAW | No.48, Jackpot, $195.50 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 2 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS | 14Mar Individual Stableford, 21Mar Individual Stableford, 25Mar Course Renovations, 28-Mar Individual Stableford, 4-Apr Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 11-Apr Individual Stableford, 18Apr Individual Stableford, 25-Apr Individual Stableford (8am shotgun start). Schedule subject to change.

hit, then let’s start the conversation. Send us an email telling

us a bit about yourself to media@newsofthearea. com.au.

Positive outlook

third.

second in their pool after a defeat to South Korea before exacting revenge to win the final.

"I think you're always going to have these ups and downs in tournaments and it's probably nice it's come now," Montemurro said.

"We showed character to finish the game off and still get a result. We just have to be smarter and stick together.

"It's that little something you need in a tournament. I remember when Australia won the men's Asian Cup, they lost to Korea in the third game, a group game.

"We needed more goals, we didn't get them and we're going on another route."

Catley is likely to be absent for the quarter-final paving the way for Courtney Nevin to start at leftback.

Nevin gave away a penalty early into the first half that allowed Korea to draw level and missed her assignment as the group A winners nabbed their

"Players make mistakes, they make errors, if we are going to pinpoint errors we could be here all day," said Montemurro.

"She made a couple of errors and when you've got a young player coming in like that, they have to learn to be a little bit smarter."

Montemurro lamented his side's ability to retain possession against Korea after a first-half in which Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord both fluffed chances that would have killed their opponents off.

Once again, a brace from deep-lying midfielder Alanna Kennedy patched over Australia's failure to convert gilt-edged chances.

"Hopefully, we can start managing games better and finishing the chances we're creating," Montemurro said.

"In the first half, I think we had three or four golden opportunities that we should have probably finished.

"The attacking third is always an anomaly. You want to find that moment and you want to be clean and clinical in that moment."

By George CLARKE, AAP

JOE Montemurro is refusing to be downbeat about the Matildas' deflating Women's Asian Cup setback against South Korea by drawing a parallel with Australia's last continental triumph.

Rather than be too downcast after his side blew a 2-1 halftime lead to surrender top spot in the group to the Korean with a 3-3 draw, Montemurro is bullish about the prospect of Australia picking themselves off the canvas to go again.

The Matildas head to Perth this week for a quarterfinal clash with the secondplaced team in group B -either China or North Korea, who meet in Sydney on Monday.

But Montemurro, who looks set to be without leftback Steph Catley due to concussion, said his side could take heart from the performance of the Socceroos in the 2015 men's tournament.

Under Ange Postecoglou,