Dungog Shire News Of The Area 13 MAY 2026

As one bridge closes, another opens

The

Mayor Digby Rayward said

“It

“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward,” he said.

“I thank the Clarence Town community and all

ROAD FUNDING

Inquiry: Road funding fix needed for rural councils

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

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RESIDENTS of Paterson and surrounding communities will come together on Sunday, 24 May for a National Volunteer Day Community Celebration.

The event, to be held in John Tucker Park, Paterson from 10am to 1pm, will recognise local volunteers and

encourage more people, especially young people, to get involved.

Volunteer organisations from Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy, Clarence Town, Dungog and surrounding areas will come together to celebrate and promote volunteering.

Funds for the event

were provided through a Community Connections Volunteering Information Hub Establishment Grant awarded by The Centre for Volunteering to Gresford Community Group Inc, with further support from the Rotary Club of Paterson.

“Community members can meet

local volunteer groups, explore ‘Try Volunteering’ opportunities, collect youth volunteer information, and connect with organisations making a real difference,” organisers told NOTA.

Groups including the Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, Community

Change to opening hours

REDUCED operating hours at the Stroud Customer Service Point and Library were adopted at MidCoast Council’s 29 April meeting.

The facility will now operate from Tuesday to

Thursday, 9am to 12pm.

The move comes after a three month trial and a community feedback period open from Tuesday 27 January to Monday 2 March 2026.

The community was

asked to complete a short survey to identify how the reduced hours trial impacted library and customer service point users.

A total of 24 surveys were completed and one written submission was received.

OUTLETS

Where

Clarence

Clarence

Clarence Town Bowling Club

Paterson

Paterson Friendly Grocer

Paterson Service Station

Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent

Vacy

Vacy General Store

Dungog

Dungog Information Centre

Dungog Newsagent

Lovey's IGA

Dowling General Store

Dungog RSL

Long

Hidden

Bottlemart

Farmers Warehouse

Royal Hotel

Gresford

Gresford

Gresford

Gresford

PROPOSED legislation currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly would allow the Energy Minister to identify the highest-priority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline and prioritise them for streamlining.

The NSW Government says it would result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth.

However, it also states the proposed law would not remove any environmental or community assessment requirements, with developers still needing to meet all relevant planning, environmental and consultation obligations.

“Priority energy projects must demonstrate

“We heard clearly that the community’s main concern was the possibility of the customer service point and library closing altogether,” said Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Paul De Szell.

“This trial was always about finding a financially sustainable way to continue offering services the community values.”

According to Council, feedback showed that most library users were able to access the service on alternative days, with minimal impact from the Monday and Friday closures.

Council notes the

best practice in how they work with landholders and communities, particularly in regional NSW,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 will also support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline, ensuring councils and communities hosting projects receive associated benefits.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy

Penny Sharpe said the government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable energy for heavy industries like the Tomago aluminium smelter, and to power economic growth across the state.

“This new legislation will mean infrastructure projects that are critical for manufacturing jobs, economic growth and energy affordability don’t get stuck in the queue,” she said.

“No matter where you live in this state, you will benefit from us getting on with the job and delivering quality renewable projects as fast as we can.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Paul Scully said, “With a growing pipeline of energy projects ahead of us, we need a

Builders, Country Women’s Association, sporting clubs, historical societies, school P&Cs and car clubs are invited to take part.

For more information, contact Paterson Community Builders at patersoncommunitybuilders@ gmail.com.

Stroud community also has access to a range of alternative services that complement those offered at the customer service point.

The Stroud Post Office operates Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, and accepts all Council payments.

Council’s call centre (02) 7955 7777 is also available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and call data shows this is the primary way Stroud residents have chosen to interact with Council.

For more information about the trial and to read the full community engagement outcomes report, head to https:// haveyoursay.midcoast. nsw.gov.au/stroudlibrary-customer-serviceaccess-trial.

planning system that can support achieving our ambitious energy targets.

“These reforms will also make sure critical projects are not being delayed by objections from people thousands of kilometres away who will never be impacted by them – NSW locals should and will have the loudest voice.”

The move has been met with discontent from sections of the agriculture industry, with NSW Farmers warning that rushing approvals will deepen community distress, entrench an unfair power imbalance between large developers and landholders, and generate more objections and conflict.

NSW Farmers Energy Taskforce chair Reg Kidd described the government’s new approvals plan as “reckless”.

“Farmers have not been given realistic timeframes to understand proposals and participate meaningfully, or object where necessary,” Mr Kidd said.

“We've been working hard with EnergyCo and the government to improve engagement and get better consultation and we don't want to derail that process – these issues can’t be rushed.

“Under current arrangements, communities are often expected to respond to highly technical Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) within weeks.

“If this is fast-tracked even more, additional pressure will be put on time-poor landholders already distressed and stretched.”

Global eyes on the Upper Hunter

THE first ever climate change case to reach the High Court of Australia will be heard today, Wednesday, 13 May.

The landmark moment will set a national precedent on whether Australian planning authorities are legally required to consider the local climate impacts of fossil fuel project approvals.

The case, MACH Energy

Australia Pty Ltd v Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc (DAMS HEG), was brought by a grassroots Hunter Valley community group challenging the approval of a major expansion of the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook.

MACH Energy sought to

double the mine's output to 21 million tonnes per year and extend its life to 2048.

The NSW Court of Appeal ruled unanimously in July 2025 that the mine's approval was unlawful, finding that planning authorities are legally required to consider the specific local climate impacts of a project's downstream emissions.

MACH Energy is now asking the High Court to overturn that ruling.

Four of the world's leading climate law and science institutions have been granted leave to intervene in the High Court in support of DAMS HEG - from the Universities of Cambridge, Columbia and Melbourne, and the Union of

Concerned Scientists.

The case is being watched internationally as a test of whether domestic law can hold fossil fuel producers accountable for the local consequences of dangerous climate change.

Driving the case forward for DAMS HEG is group president Wendy Wales and her husband Tony Lonergan, the group’s treasurer.

Both retired science teachers, Wendy and Tony run a farm in the Upper Hunter Valley, surrounded by open-cut coal mines.

They have led the case through three court levels over four years.

"Our communities are enduring increasingly terrifying climate disasters, and nature is deteriorating before our very eyes,” Wendy said.

“Yet our governments are continuing to throw fuel on the fire by approving massive new projects and expansions like MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project.

“We have felt the catastrophic impacts of droughts, bushfires, floods and a myriad of other tragic events.

“The short term economic benefits can not be given priority over the

exponentially increasing long term consequences.”

Professor Nicole Rogers, a Professor of Climate Law at Bond University, said Australia's apex court hearing its first climate change case is a “watershed moment in the history of Australian law”.

“Courts around the world - from The Hague to London to Canberra - are being asked the same fundamental questions: can legal systems keep pace with the climate crisis and to what extent are decision makers who continue to approve fossil fuel projects accountable for climate impacts?

“The Mount Pleasant case is Australia's latest contribution to that global conversation, and the High Court's answer will be studied by others well beyond the Upper Hunter Valley.”

Just 12 hours before the NSW Court of Appeal's July 2025 ruling, the International Court of Justice in The Hague delivered its own landmark advisory opinion, finding that fossil fuel-exporting nations bear legal responsibility under international law for the climate harm their exports cause.

Australia had argued to the ICJ that it bore no such responsibility for emissions from its coal and gas exports.

The ICJ rejected that argument.

As one bridge closes, another opens

the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience.

“I'm excited to see the entire project finalised later this year."

The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width.

travelling to Dungog.

Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue.

It features dual traffic lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.

Work on the project is expected to be complete in early 2027.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said it will make a real difference to daily life, by improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and

Trackwork on railway lines

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out maintenance and improvement works on the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail corridors this weekend to maintain safety and reliability.

The works will take place between:

- Telarah in New South Wales to Acacia Ridge in Queensland from 5:00am

Saturday 16 May to 7:30pm Monday 18 May - Hamilton to Turrawan in New South Wales from 3:00am Saturday 16 May to 3:00am Tuesday 19 May.

The shutdown is part of ARTC’s annual maintenance program.

Work will be delivered across more than 180 sites on the North Coast and Hunter

lines including rerailing, bridge and structural upgrades, a level crossing upgrade at Casino and signalling works.

ARTC says its crews will minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, including positioning light towers to shine away from residences, watering down work areas and limiting

the number of machines operating at any one time.

Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance in planning their journey.

Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com.

ARTC is reminding

“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area,” she said.

“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

With traffic now utilising the new Clarence Town Bridge, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation project.

The Federal ($11.8 million) and State ($11 million) governments are jointly investing in the project.

Work on the Brig O’Johnston Bridge will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle load requirements, reduce

motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signage and to obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.

Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said, “The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s

Proposed Tree Works at TUCKER PARK

Dungog Shire Council invites the community to attend an informa session about proposed tree works at Tucker Park, Paterson.

What’s Happening?

Council recently had the trees at Tucker Park assessed following concerns about falling branches, drought impacts, and the long-term sustainability of the trees.

You’re invited: Tucker Park Tree Works Community Information Session

This Community Information Session is your chance to:

Learn about the assessment findings

Understand what works are being proposed

Find out what happens next

Ask questions and chat with Council staff and the project arbor

Event Details:

Date: TODAY, Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Time: 5.30pm

Location: Paterson School of Arts Hall, 6 Duke St, Paterson

Whether you’re a regular park user or simply want to stay informed, we encourage you to come along and be part of the conversation.

ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

Rehabilitation work is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.

“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.

“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

economic supply chain and travel connections to communities in New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.

“The program of works is designed to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services, and ARTC would like to thank the Hunter Valley and North Coast communities for their patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”

Revitalised regional coach network unveiled

better connected and easier to use, matching service provision to community need.

A 36 percent funding increase across the NSW TrainLink coach network will

total funding to $290 million over the next nine years.

From 1 July, 14 coach operators will run 49 routes across the NSW TrainLink coach network, delivering 638 long-distance services each week, up from the current 592 services across 45 routes.

On some routes, the changes will save passengers over two hours in travel time.

The majority of services will be operated by modern coaches featuring wheelchair accessibility, improved seating and seatbelts, mobile phone charging points, onboard defibrillators and toilets.

The new routes will service over 360 destinations across NSW and into Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said, “After listening to passengers, local operators and the NSW Bus Taskforce, we’ve reshaped the network to make services more reliable,

“Alongside the network review, we’ve overhauled our coach contracts, making wheelchair accessible coaches standard with better passenger amenities like improved air conditioning and toilets standard.”

Changes to NSW TrainLink coach services:

North West:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route creating an Armidale–North

Coast connection for the first time, with a train connection at Wauchope to Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• A new Armidale CBD stop for services to and from Tenterfield and Inverell. New CBD stop for Armidale for routes to and from Inverell and Tenterfield (routes 337 and 338, 327 and 328).

• A new day-return service between Tamworth and Newcastle (via coach and train).

• More services on the

Tamworth–Dubbo route. Additional Wednesday service between Dubbo and Tamworth for routes 361 and 362, which will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• New daily route 352 and 351 between Tamworth and Muswellbrook, for a day-return link to and from Newcastle via rail interchange at Muswellbrook.

North Coast:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route (creating an Armidale -

North Coast connection for the first time). A new route will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between Armidale and Port Macquarie and return, providing an Armidale to North Coast connection for the first time.

At Wauchope the coach connects with rail services giving access to and from Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• An enhanced Port Macquarie - Wauchope service enabling travel to

Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane (for the first time). Enhanced service between Port Macquarie and Wauchope, providing both northbound and southbound connections. This enables journeys from North Coast and Queensland centres such as Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the northern rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane to and from Port Macquarie for the first time.

• Additional TareeNewcastle services with new stops. Route 135 and 136 Broadmeadow to Taree and return will increase in frequency from Monday to Friday to daily. There will be additional stops at Taree Manning Street and Newcastle Interchange.

• Improved day and night services to and from Ballina, connecting with trains at Casino.

Forest industry future under review

By John WATTS

THE forestry industry has been a contested space in NSW for many years, with some supporting the continuation of native hardwood logging and others strongly opposing it.

The issue was brought into sharper focus recently with the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to create the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

The establishment of the GKNP will result in areas which are presently state forest, where logging is permissible, being converted into national park, where logging is prohibited.

Clearly wishing to find a way forward, the NSW Government is developing a Forestry Industry Action Plan (FIAP), which it has indicated will address the following issues:

- The sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW,

- The environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species,

- The community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail,

- The future of softwood and hardwood plantations

and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs,

- The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes,

- Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks, and

- Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.

As part of the development of its FIAP the government appointed a panel, titled The Independent Forestry Panel, to consult with various stakeholders and to then provide a report to the government about the various viewpoints.

In producing its report, the panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.

More than 1,700 submissions were received.

“Making this report available to the public is a key step toward modernising forestry in a way that protects biodiversity,” said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and Environment.

“Following the finalisation

of the Stakeholder Report, the panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report.

“This report will… identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs.”

This will be through:

- The NSW Government’s moratorium on logging in the proposed area for the Great Koala National Park,

- Changes to the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999 - Opportunities the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could offer state forestry reform, including potential revenue for the NSW Government.

The Panel’s Stakeholder Report is available online at nsw.gov.au by searching the “independent-forestry-panelstakeholder-report”.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

SBS, 5am (live) and 7.30pm (access all areas) Music fans turn their attention to Vienna this weekend as the Austrian capital hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. While die-hard devotees will likely catch the 5am (AEST) semi-final broadcasts live on Wednesday and Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s grand final, casual viewers are best advised to tune in for this access-all-areas pass. Aussie commentators Courtney Act and Danny Estrin present all of the action from the first semi-final tonight, while Saturday’s primetime broadcast includes a dazzling performance from pop powerhouse Delta Goodrem (pictured). Her entry, “Eclipse”, is a quintessential power ballad with an epic key change that’s tailor-made to take on the competition.

MONDAY

THE FLOOR

NBN, 7.30pm

This say-what-you-see trivia game could be the easiest money on Australian TV. There’s no need to tough it out in the jungles of Samoa , spend months renovating a high-end home for or create fine-dining

FRIDAY, May 15

R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. (PGa, R) 1.45 Bad Company. (M, R) 2.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Clarence Slockee explores diverse foliage plants.

8.30 Patience. (Final, Mv) Patience and Frankie are held hostage.

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

9.55 Urzila. (Mls, R)

10.20 ABC Late News.

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

11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)

12.15 Love Me. (MA15+, R)

1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Eurovision Song Contest. 7.30 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.30 WorldWatch. 10.00 Legacy List. (R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 The King. (MA15+s)

11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)

1.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

MasterChef; simply perform well in a few 90-second quiz battles and a $200,000 prize could be yours. Even host Rodger Corser (pictured) appears to be on easy street – a computer screen handles the questions for him. In Monday’s secondseason finale, just eight contestants remain standing on the giant illuminated board. As they face off in both their own specialist subjects and those they’ve inherited from fallen rivals, all bets are off. It’s winner takes all.

TUESDAY

SHAUN MICALLEF’S GOING FOR BROKE

ABC TV, 8pm

In his 2020 docuseries

On the Sauce, teetotal comedian Shaun Micallef (pictured) tapped into Australia’s drinking culture, getting hands on with booze for the first time in 30 years. In this new three-parter, Micallef applies a similar approach to another national pastime: gambling. Its appeal is not something the comic has ever understood – he’s never even played the pokies – but with his young sons and their friends bombarded by gambling ads, he decides to take a closer look. Tuesday’s premiere begins with an afternoon of sports betting, before a game of two-up on Anzac Day and discovering how poker machines are programmed to cast a spell on players. For support, call Gambler’s Help (1800 858 858).

Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Malicious Motives. (2021, Madv, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Collingwood. From the SCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.

11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

1.20 Quacks. (Mads)

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 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

SATURDAY, May 16

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 Patience. (Final, Mv, R) 2.20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. (Final, R) 3.10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. (Final, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Sharon takes a shine to Kel’s best friend.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

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

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+) Nikki conducts an unusual post-mortem. DNA evidence forces the team to seek advice from an unexpected quarter.

10.15 Bergerac. (Mv, R) Bergerac and Barney’s relationship reaches breaking point.

11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin. 10.00 The Wonders Of Europe: Schonbrunn Palace. (PG, R) Looks at  Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace. 11.00 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R) Layton and Wilford vie for the upper hand.

1.40 The Kingdom. (Ma, R) Marc Fennell investigates Hillsong.

3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.10 Bamay: Murrumbidgee River – Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri And Ngarigo Country. (R)

5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.

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

8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. Shane Jacobson buys a rundown country pub sight unseen and attempts to bring it back to life.

8.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A climatologist tries to save his family after the planet is plunged into a sudden ice age. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum.

11.00 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R)

12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm.

9.40 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.00 MOVIE: City Of Lies. (2018, MA15+lv, R)

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

1.00 Tasman Trails. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A bulldog has lost its spark.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to move or not. 8.30 Building The Dream. Architectural designer Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes that suit their lifestyles.

9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.10am

Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.00 Vai. (2019, PG) 9.40 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 11.05 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 12.50pm Cat Call. (2023, M, Hungarian) 2.30 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 4.20 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.20 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 8.30 Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 10.35 The Sex Of The Angels. (2012, MA15+, Spanish) 12.35am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, May 17

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Assembly. (PGa, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PGa, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (Final, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Dave Hughes. (PGa)

8.15 Bad Company. (PGn) Margie decides to become social media famous.

8.40 Bergerac. (Mal) Bergerac’s pursuit of Monica has severe consequences.

9.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

10.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)

12.15 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)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. (PG) Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

12.00 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021, Ml, R)

2.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.55 A Certain Mother. (PGan, R) 4.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 9.20 Vai. (2019, PG) 11.00 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 12.55pm Close. Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.10 Sabrina. Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 10.30 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 1am Piece Of My 3.00 Late Programs.

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

8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.00 Child Snatchers: A Day At The Fair. (MA15+a) Looks at the disappearance of seven-year-old Mark Tildesley.

10.50 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Malv, R)

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

1.15 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

(2008, M) 11.45 Seinfeld. 12.15am Prodigal Son. 2.00 MOVIE: Blaze. (2022, MA15+) 4.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.30 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.50 Cry Babies Magic Tears.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PG) 8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

Today Early News.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) It’s the start of around the world week.

6.00

MONDAY, May 18

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R)

9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav)

11.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

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

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

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

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SBS MOVIES (32)

6am My

Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.25

Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 8.40 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.20 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 12.55pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 5.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 7.30 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 9.40 Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, May 19

Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 The Negotiator. (Premiere, Mal)

12.00 World On Fire. (Mav, R) 3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention.

The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGal)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30

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6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (Final) 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.10 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.55 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 10.55 UnIndian. (2015, M) 1pm Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 3.00 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 4.50 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.45 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 11.05 Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

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

$20 meals + $5 schooner

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm Sunday - Roast Lunch, Full menu also

WEDNESDAY, May 20

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 11.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (Final, PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Legacy List. (R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Alexander Armstrong In India. (PG)

8.30 The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M)

9.25 The Audacity. (M)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+asv)

12.05 Golden Boy. (MA15+ds, R)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

(2)

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv) A punishment proves too much.

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (PGal, R)

1.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml)

8.30 NRL Origin Stories. (Premiere, PGl)

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.10 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)

12.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R)

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.

6am Hotel

Salvation. Continued. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.50 Ama

Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 8.25 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 10.10 Discovering Film. 11.05

Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 1.20pm Sweet As. (2022, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 6.00 The 39 Steps. (1935, PG) 7.40 The Tracker. (2002, M) 9.30 Monster. (2023, M) 11.50 Late Programs.

May 21

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Gruen. (PG, R) 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.25 Urzila. (Mals, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Frankie Drake. (PG) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

9.00 The Assembly: Dave Hughes. (PGa, R) 9.45 Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke. (PG, R)

(R) 11.05

7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Piquancy Silent Heroes. (PG, R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (PGa)

8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr. (Ml, R)

9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. (M)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Under The Bridge. (Madl)

11.55 DNA. (Ma, R)

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

3.40 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGl)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl, R)

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGl) A car is found overloaded with bicycles.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. Hosted by Ant and Dec.

10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

VICELAND (31)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 4.05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

Travel Man. 8.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. 1.35am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30

6am Morning

Programs. 8.50 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 10.40 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.25pm Four’s A Crowd. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.15

Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 4.00 Ama

Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 5.30 The Man Who Knew

Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Eighth Grade. (2018, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 12.

FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family.

Shirley Josephine MOY Late of Morpeth, formerly Dungog. Mother to Mick and Wayne. A Funeral will be held on Thurs 14th May at 1pm, at St James Anglican Church, Morpeth.

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On the Couch

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years?

Melissa W.

Dear Melissa,

I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response when I came to the number at the end of your conundrum. If any of us looked at the sum total of our

Of The Area OPINION

time doing anything we would be stressed.

There is a wonderful short story by David Eagleman called 'Sum', a fictitious account of the afterlife where everything in a lifetime is grouped.

In the story, the narrator describes how the average person would spend thirty years asleep, experience 27 hours of intense pain in one hit, and 15 months looking for lost items, amongst other things.

The point I am making with this reference is that you cannot envisage the next 45 years of your working life in an office in isolation and remain sane.

You need to break your working life down into achievable chunks, for example: If you can get through the next two hours, Marie from sales and marketing will bring in a vanilla slice after her weekly bakery run. The sugar hit that releases will give you about 30 minutes of adrenaline and positivity. If you

can extend that to 45 minutes by adding a double-shot coffee, you will probably make it to the 2pm staff meeting where Julie from accounts will drone on about profit and loss stats for about half an hour.

If you can stretch the meeting to 3pm, there is every probability you will make it to knock-off time.

There is also absolutely no guarantee you will be in an office job for the next 45 years. In fact it is extremely unlikely.

Many people have up to seven career changes.

For all you know, in a decade from now you may have retrained to be a dietician or a paramedic or a spin class instructor.

In that final example, you will be so full of exerciseinduced dopamine that you'll be positively bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

So, Melissa, try to find the positives in your workday, when you leave work focus on enjoyable life activities that have nothing to

do with being in the office, and, if you really do find your current job futile, I'd recommend looking at alternatives. You sound young enough to be in a position to do further education and training.

Dorin's Drawings

It would be a real shame if you looked back on your working life with regret.

ROAD FUNDING

Also present were representatives from organisations such as Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.

“Councils in rural, regional and remote areas have an enormous network of roads and they need greater certainty to maintain them, which supports farm businesses and community safety,” Mr Lowe said.

the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to a minimum of 1 percent of total Commonwealth tax revenue, providing a stable funding base for local government and a stronger foundation for local road maintenance.

to fill funding gaps due to cost shifting from state and federal governments,” Mr Lowe said.

“They need a fairer, more sustainable model that enables councils to have funding sustainability and effectively deliver for communities in the regions, especially roads.

and electricity generation companies are reducing rateable land which can leave the burden to fall on others, including farmers.”

“The problem with centralised decision-making in Canberra is that too often there is a disconnect between policy and the real outcomes that our regions actually need – it is critical that our voice is heard to help shape the Committee’s recommendations.” FROM Page 1

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe appeared during the hearings, urging urgent reform to secure reliable funding for rural councils and critical local infrastructure.

“Roads are the sole connection for many rural communities and farms, but too many councils are being forced to ‘patch and pray’ with unreliable, projectbased funding.”

NSW Farmers called on

At the same time, Mr Lowe said, there needed to be a pause on special variation rates (SVR) and greater scrutiny on these applications.

“Farm businesses cannot keep absorbing sudden, steep and cumulative rate rises as councils scramble

“It’s also critical that all landholders contribute equitably and fairly –increasing property acquisitions and land use changes from National Parks, state forestry, biodiversity offsets by mining companies

Last week’s hearings featured a broad crosssection of regional stakeholders, including MidCoast, Port MacquarieHastings, Dungog Shire and Maitland Shire councils.

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold welcomed the inquiry’s visit to Taree.

“This is an important federal inquiry and comes at a time when our local councils are weighed down by the

replacement costs of flood ravaged infrastructure and community infrastructure such as roads and sporting fields that are coming to the end of life without the necessary fiscal autonomy to deliver,” she said.

Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions

By Zac DE SILVA and Robyn WUTH, AAP

A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left half-finished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders.

The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW.

Independent analysis shows the cost has blown out from $16.4 billion in 2020 to more than $45 billion, Transport Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

''We are taking sensible decisions to realign the future of inland rail and build a safe, efficient and reliable network for the future,'' she said.

The 1600-kilometre

Stargazing

freight line, made up of new and existing track, was designed to run from Beveridge, just outside Melbourne, to Kagaru near Brisbane, making it easier to move goods along the east coast while reducing the number of trucks on roads.

The government will hold on to land for the rail corridor north of Parkes –roughly halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane –but has no immediate plans to build the second half of the project.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie slammed the move, labelling the scaled-back plan a ''road to nowhere''.

''This is a direct hit for the businesses and communities and primary producers that had all geared up for this decadal project,'' she told AAP.

By Dave RENEKE

Moon and planted their footprints in lunar dust, others made the journey first - silently, bravely, and often without return.

Animals were the earliest pioneers of spaceflight, sent ahead to answer a simple but vital question: could life survive beyond Earth?

The story begins in 1947, not with a dog or a monkey, but with something far smaller - the humble fruit fly. American scientists, using a captured German V-2 rocket after World War II, launched these insects to an altitude of 109 kilometres, widely considered the edge of space. Their mission was straightforward: test the effects of cosmic radiation on living tissue.

When the capsule parachuted back to Earth and was recovered in New Mexico, the flies were found alive and unharmed.

It was a crucial success.

It proved that living organisms could survive a trip into space - and

''Primary producers and manufacturers wanted resilience built into the north-south freight network… a project that is from Beveridge to Parkes loses all that additional opportunity.''

Some communities along the line had already raised concerns about noise and towns being effectively cut in two by the route.

The government will also pour an extra $1.75 billion into the east coast freight network in the budget, aimed at upgrading tracks, improving signalling and extending passing loops.

In Queensland, where 345 kilometres of proposed track will now miss out on federal funding, state Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the move was disappointing and shortsighted.

''Recent events have been a reminder of how fragile supply chains are – now is the time to be strengthening them, not eroding them,'' he said.

Queensland opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish also called the decision disappointing and says he wants to see more money flowing to the state's regions.

''We want to see more investment in regional Queensland from both the state and federal budgets,'' he said.

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin says the government owes answers to farmers and towns along the northern part of the inland rail corridor, where land has been acquired and sections of track built.

''NSW Farmers policy supported inland rail

Animals in space

return.

From there, the stakes grew higher.

In 1948 and 1949, the United States began sending primates aloft.

The first, a rhesus macaque named Albert I, never made it to space; he died from suffocation before the rocket left the ground.

A year later, Albert II reached 134 kilometres, officially entering space.

But triumph turned to tragedy when his parachute failed during reentry, killing him on impact.

Over time, 32 monkeys and apes were sent into space, including rhesus macaques, squirrel monkeys, and chimpanzees.

These missions helped scientists understand the effects of acceleration, weightlessness, and stress on living bodies.

One of the most famous survivors was Ham, a chimpanzee launched by NASA on 31 January 1961.

Unlike many before him, Ham returned safely to Earth.

His flight showed that tasks could be performed in space - a key step toward human missions.

He lived out his life in relative comfort, dying in 1983.

While the Americans focused on

primates, the Soviet Union turned to dogs.

In 1957, the world met Laika, a stray mongrel picked up from the streets of Moscow.

Chosen for her calm temperament, she became the first animal to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2.

It was a one-way journey.

Official reports claimed she survived for days.

The truth, revealed years later, was harsher. Laika died just five hours into the flight due to overheating.

Despite her fate, her mission proved that a living creature could survive launch and orbit - a major milestone.

By the time humans reached the Moon in 1969, stepping onto its surface before a global audience, the role of animals in space had already reshaped science and engineering.

Their sacrifices had helped answer the unknowns that once made space seem unreachable.

After the Moon landing, the urgency to send animals into space declined, but they were not entirely retired. In 1973, a more unusual experiment took place aboard the Skylab space station.

Two garden spiders, Anita and

because moving freight more efficiently matters to farm businesses, regional communities, and the prosperity of the nation,'' he said.

''Governments can't ask rural and regional communities to carry the burden of disruptive construction, then just change direction without accountability."

Farmers still struggle to get produce to market and are demanding clarity over easements and alreadyconstructed assets north of Parkes.

''Certainty matters, and if the funding is stopping at Parkes then the government must be upfront about what happens next, because real people and real businesses have already paid a price,'' Mr Martin said.

Queensland's Western

Arabella, were sent into orbit to study how microgravity would affect their ability to spin websan idea from a Massachusetts high school student, Judith Miles.

Remarkably, both spiders adapted.

They spun webs in space, though finer and slightly different from those on Earth.

The experiment provided insights into how organisms adjust their movements in weightlessness.

Downs Mayor Andrew Smith said the decision was hugely disappointing and a missed opportunity for regional growth.

Inland rail could have taken heavy trucks off country roads that are already worn out and underfunded, he said.

''It's not going to hurt us today, but down the track, in the long term, it's devastating,'' he told AAP.

Mr Smith says the cutback comes as regional Queensland is growing strongly in productivity and needs major nation-building projects to keep up.

''Every region in rural Queensland, if not rural Australia, is having issues around road infrastructure that's under-maintained, under-managed and underfunded,'' he said.

From fruit flies to spiders, monkeys to dogs, these early travellers played a critical role in humanity's journey into space.

Their missions were often risky, sometimes tragic, but always meaningful.

Before astronauts could look back at Earth from orbit or walk on another world, animals had already taken that first uncertain step into the unknown - and, in doing so, helped make the impossible possible.

See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

Regional Australia encouraged to be counted

THE 2026 Census is less than 100 days away, with Census night to be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

The Census is an important tool for regional and rural communities, as it shows what local areas need to help them grow, including transport, schools, healthcare, roads and buildings.

Emily Walter, Census National Spokesperson, said the 100-day milestone is an important reminder for regional and rural communities to start preparing for Census night.

“The 2026 Census is a vital opportunity for people in regional and rural Australia to be heard and ensure their communities are accurately represented,” Ms Walter said.

“Every answer matters to help us understand what Australia needs now and into the future.

“For people in regional towns and remote communities, taking part ensures that local services and infrastructure are planned using accurate and

recent data.

“When you complete the Census, you are helping your community get the right support.”

Data from the 2021 Census showed a significant shift in where people live, with more than 184,000 people moving to regional areas over the previous five years.

This growth was driven by moves to regional Queensland (+63,700), Victoria (+62,900) and New South Wales (+59,000).

The 2026 Census will be the first opportunity to record how these shifting populations have impacted local infrastructure and where new investments in services are required.

The ABS provides tailored support to ensure everyone in regional Australia can participate, regardless of their location.

“We want to make sure everyone in regional, rural and remote Australia is supported to take part because every answer matters,” Ms Walter said.

“If you are in a small country town you can visit us at a Pop-up Hub or call us to ensure you have the support you need to be counted.

Zonta launches online club

THE Zonta e-Club of NSW and ACT has been established as a new online branch of Zonta International, a global organisation with over 100 years of history.

The small but growing group is looking for others who want to help build an effective online advocacy community focused on key issues affecting women and girls.

This year, one of the group’s major priorities is raising community awareness about the new coercive control laws in NSW, with similar legislation expected soon in the ACT.

Unlike traditional Zonta

clubs which meet in person, the e-Club is designed for people in rural and regional areas and for others who prefer to meet online.

“We don’t just raise awareness - we take action,” a club representative said.

“And we’re building something new, which means members can come in at an early stage and help shape the direction of our work.”

Members come from diverse backgrounds - farmers, students, businesspeople, teachers, professionals, employeesbut share a common goal: creating a better future for women and girls.

For those seeking more information, a ‘Discovery Session’ will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 May via Zoom.

Existing members will introduce attendees to current projects, opportunities for involvement, and how individuals can use their voice as part of a larger collective.

“This isn’t just about joining a club,” the group says.

“It’s about being part of shaping what comes next.” Contact zontaeclubnswact @gmail.com for the link to the Discovery Session.

“Additionally, Census staff will be available in remote communities from July to help people participate.”

All information collected

in the Census is protected by law and kept private. It is never shared with the police, Centrelink, or any other organisation in a way that is

likely to identify you. For more information to prepare for the 2026 Census, go to census.abs.gov.au

More funds, but not for all charities

By Sis HIGGINS

HUNTER residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need.

But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could.

The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, up from four

percent for public funds and five percent for private funds.

On the surface, the change appears positive, with more money expected to flow to charities.

However, sector leaders say the issue is more complex and that increasing the payout rate alone will not address deeper structural problems.

Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, said the change overlooks a key barrier within the system.

“Australians want more community-based groups to be eligible to receive support from Giving Funds, so that support can flow to where it’s needed most,” Ms Sidey said.

To receive funding, charities must hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which

allows donors to claim tax deductions.

Yet many organisations, particularly smaller or regional groups, do not meet the criteria or face significant barriers in applying.

This limits where Giving Funds can direct their money, even when demand for support is high.

“The demands on charities are immense and Giving Funds are vital sources of funding for their work across the community.

“Increasing mandatory distributions for Giving Funds without addressing wider system reform, is like turning up the water pressure without checking the plumbing.”

Data shows many funds already exceed the new six percent threshold, raising

questions about whether the change will significantly increase overall giving.

“This change to Giving Funds’ minimum distribution is unlikely to significantly increase support for [small and regional] charities because, as the Government notes, around two-thirds of Public Giving Funds, and around half of Private Giving Funds, already distributed more than six percent of net assets in recent years.

“It could also disincentivise giving by introducing regulatory instability.

“The system is complex, confusing and hard to navigate for donors and charities.”

Philanthropy Australia is now calling for broader reform, particularly changes to the DGR system to improve access and reduce complexity.

Coalition rejects rival camp after losing swag of votes

By Andrew BROWN, AAP

THE coalition remains confident its devastating loss at the Farrer by-election will be a one-off, rejecting suggestions it should form a political alliance with One Nation.

David Farley became One Nation's first candidate to be elected to the House of Representatives, breaking

more than 70 years of coalition rule in the southern NSW seat on Saturday.

The victory has raised the prospect of One Nation taking other regional seats and targeting outer suburban electorates, which could force the decimated coalition to seek the support of Senator Pauline Hanson's party in a bid to form government.

Paterson Golf Club

SATURDAY 9TH MAY

INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD

FIELD | 35 members & 1

visitor. DIV 1 (<15) | Winner Clinton Bridge (11) 35 Points, Runner Up Michael Shanley

Leader Matt

remained optimistic the coalition could reclaim the regional electorate, as well as heading off the threat of One Nation in other electorates.

"This is like a twolegged final, perhaps we played an away match on the weekend, where it was difficult circumstances at a by-election.

“Next time, we might be on a home-ground advantage when the choice of government is up for grabs," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

"In terms of lessons, I think it's very different than what we'll see at a federal election."

While Senator Hanson said she would work with Liberals and Nationals to

(15) 33 Points, 3rd Place

Robert Richardson (12) 33 Points DIV 2 (16-36) | Winner Greg Kellner (19) 34 Points, Runner Up Thomas Isbester (36) 34 Points, 3rd Place Brian Wright (23) 33 Points BALL

COMP | Graeme Valentine (13)

32 Points, James Cowled (11)

32 Points, Glenn Davies (5)

31 Points, David Singles (27)

31 Points, Paul Geddes (5) 31 Points, Rodney Crossman (17)

30 Points, Greg Scott (6) 30 Points, Joseph Jackson (21)

30 Points & Edwin Orchard (18) 30 Points. NEAREST

THE PIN | 2nd/11th - Wayne Stedman (8), 6th/15thWayne Stedman (8), 8th/17th - Paul Geddes (5) MEMBERS

DRAW | No.24, David Singles (10th/36), $160.60 MEMBERS

EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed -

1 Ball UPCOMING EVENTS | 16-May 2-Person Ambrose Championships (1st Round), 23-May 2-Person Ambrose Championships (Final Round), 30-May Individual Stableford. Schedule subject to change.

form a government, she said her party would not be part of a formal coalition.

"I will give them supply and confidence... they can form a government with my numbers, I'm quite happy to do that," she told Sydney radio station 2GB on Monday.

"I don't want ministerial positions, because I'm not going to be the tail on the dog... because (the Liberals) have done that with the National Party."

Senator Hanson said she felt vindicated by the Farrer by-election result.

"I've been pillaged and ridiculed and put down, and you know, everything thrown at me," she said.

Senator Canavan ruled out any coalition agreement with One Nation in order to form a government.

"One Nation itself this morning was saying they have no interest in joining a coalition with us, and the feeling is mutual," he said.

The Liberal primary vote tanked to 12.4 percent, more than 30 percentage points down on the share secured a year earlier by Sussan Ley before her ousting as party leader and subsequent resignation.

But senior Liberals have rejected calls to enter into a coalition with One Nation to ensure their party's longevity.

Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson on Sunday did not

If the Jets get the job done against Sydney on Saturday, the domestic treble will be within touching distance.

"These boys have been fortunate to create a lot of special moments this year, but that chapter's closed now," Milligan said.

"We have a chance to go and rewrite the history books, and that comes down to how hard we want to work this week and how much desire we have. It's in our hands."

A win over Sydney on Saturday will thrust the Jets into the grand final, where they would take on either Adelaide or

Auckland.

That semi-final series is also on a knife's edge after Adelaide and Auckland fought out a 1-1 draw in Auckland on Saturday.

Sydney were denied a late penalty shout against Newcastle, but coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who only replaced Ufuk Talay six games ago, was happy with the performance.

"It was probably our best performance since I've been here," Kisnorbo said.

"I'm very proud of the players."

Star Sydney winger Joe Lolley made an impressive cameo off the bench after being introduced in the 76th

rule out a possible coalition with One Nation, saying it was up to the Australian people to decide who they want to vote for.

But the following day, he said he had never supported the idea.

"The reality is, the leader of that party has already declared that she won't form a coalition with us and I have no interest in forming a coalition with them," he told reporters in Canberra.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce said the party was looking to replicate its success in western Sydney and was already speaking to potential candidates.

"What they've seen is that the polling is not an aberration," he told Seven's Sunrise program.

"It's now been validated by both South Australia and Farrer. There is a strong following out there."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the coalition's loss in Farrer was not surprising.

"It's pretty clear that the traditional coalition parties, the Liberal Party and the National Party, don't really stand for anything anymore," he told Cairns radio station 4CA.

"I'm not sure that One Nation's appeal will go beyond the sort of seat that we've seen and where they traditionally have done OK."

minute.

It marked the 33-yearold's first minutes since undergoing ankle surgery on a syndesmosis injury in early March, and Kisnorbo wasn't making any promises about potentially starting the former Nottingham Forest star in the second leg.

"I don't know. We'll have to see how he goes from tonight," Kisnorbo said.

"This was his first match for a long time, so we'll see how he recovers.

"He's been working hard to get fit as quick as possible... so I'm pleased that he got some minutes under his belt."

Delicately poised

By Justin CHADWICK, AAP