Dungog Shire News Of The Area 18 FEBRUARY 2026

By Shannon BENTON

Bennett

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Clarence Town Clarence Town IGA

Clarence Town Post Office

Clarence Town Bowling Club

Paterson

Paterson Friendly Grocer

Paterson Service Station

Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent

Vacy

Vacy General Store

Dungog

Dungog Information Centre

Dungog Newsagent

Lovey's IGA

Dowling General Store

Dungog RSL

Long Room Cafe

Hidden Valley Clothing

Bottlemart

Farmers Warehouse

Royal Hotel

Gresford

Gresford Foodworks

Gresford Garage & Rural

Gresford Butchery Providore The Beatty Hotel

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast.

Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including several suburbs across Sydney.

Investigators were told two men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims inside shopping

centre carparks, between Saturday 3 and Wednesday 7 January 2026.

“One of the men would allegedly approach the victims, claiming there is an issue with their vehicle before asking them to raise the bonnet and inspect,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle.”

Following extensive inquiries, about 12.20pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers attended a service station on Manning River Drive, Glenthorne, where

they arrested two men, aged 37 and 57.

They were both taken to Taree Police Station, where they were charged with 72 offences each, relating to alleged fraud, theft, and “enter vehicle without consent".

Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Thursday 8 January 2026, where they were formally refused bail and remain before the courts.

Investigations under Strike Force Pitstop have continued, with further alleged offences identified in Medowie, Tuncurry, Waratah, Wyong, Gundagai, Mount Warrigal and Sydney.

Police believe the men arrived in Australia on Sunday 28 December 2025, when they allegedly made false representations on passenger cards and Visa applications.

The men, who appeared before Parramatta Local Court this week, are now charged with a total of 89 offences each.

As inquiries continue, police continue to appeal for information about two other men they wish to speak with; however, police believe the men may now be offshore.

The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance,

in his 40s, of solid build, depicted wearing a white with black checkered long sleeve shirt, black shorts, sunglasses, and a black hat with a white graphic on front.

The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of medium build, depicted wearing a white sleeve shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white bottoms, a blue face mask, a black hat with a white graphic on front.

Anyone who may recognise these men or has information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FROM Page 1

The Doug Walters Foundation, established by former Australian cricket legend Doug Walters, is known for its support of grassroots cricket initiatives across regional communities.

Its focus on strengthening local clubs and facilities has made a lasting impact in towns like Dungog, where sport plays a vital role in community life.

Mr Wilkinson said the contribution would benefit

Support for local cricket rolls on VETERANS GRANTS

FROM Page 1

worn more recently in Afghanistan.

Funds will be used for mannequins and other display materials.

Dungog is one of several Upper Hunter sub-Branches to secure funding through the NSW Government’s Veteran Community Grants

players of all ages and abilities.

“Doug Walters is a great bloke, and this support has helped our local cricket club greatly,” he said.

“It’s something that will be used week in, week out by both juniors and seniors.”

Cricket remains a strong part of Dungog’s sporting culture, with Bennett Park serving as a central hub for matches, training, and community gatherings throughout the summer season.

Program.

Gresford received $1,899 to purchase a PA system compatible lectern, which can be used at the Paterson Anzac Day Dawn Service, the Gresford Anzac Day Service and the Remembrance Day service.

Formerly known as the Anzac Community Grants Program, the 2025 round

The new roller will allow volunteers and grounds staff to prepare a more consistent and reliable wicket, helping to enhance the experience for players and spectators alike.

Club representatives have expressed their gratitude to the Doug Walters Foundation for recognising the importance of regional sport and investing in facilities that support its growth.

With the upgraded equipment now in place, the Dungog cricket community is looking forward to another strong season on the pitch at Bennett Park.

Leadership opportunity for region’s youth

A “YOUTH Voice Council” meeting will be held next week at the Doug Walters Pavilion in Dungog, providing an opportunity for young people to have a real say on local issues.

Organisers say the initiative is a chance for the area’s youth to “be part of something bigger”.

“The Youth Voice Council gives young people a real say in what happens in our community,” the group said in a statement.

of the VCGP was the first delivered under a refreshed program design.

There is now more emphasis on funding projects that enhance veteran wellbeing, support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.

““You can share ideas that influence local decisions, help plan and support community events, get involved in local activities and committees, support local festivals and youth programs, [and] become a mentor or youth leader.

“This is your chance to build leadership skills, boost your resume, meet new people, and make real change in your community.”

Community members aged 12-25 years are encouraged to attend.

“No experience is required, just motivation and a willingness to get involved,” organisers said.

“You can volunteer for specific events or on project-based roles.

“If you're under 18, we'll just need parent or guardian permission.”

The meeting will take place from 6-7.30pm on Monday, 23 February at the Doug Walters Pavilion at 40 Mackay St, Dungog.

Free pizza will be provided.

For more information, contact Cheryl at cherylroyle@gmail.com.

Classical sounds and community voices

By Shannon BENTON

DUNGOG is set to come alive with the sounds of music in the coming weeks, with two very different, yet equally inviting, musical experiences on offer.

At the James Theatre on Sunday 8 March, the acclaimed Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra will present First Light, an intimate chamber music concert showcasing five of the nation’s leading classical musicians.

Described as “a clarinet melody rising like the sun from shimmering strings,” the program offers a sweeping journey through an era of discovery, emotion and light.

The performance will also feature Wavelength, a striking new ocean-inspired work by Australian composer Nicole Murphy.

Bringing the music to life are co-artistic directors Rachael Beesley (violin) and Nicole van Bruggen (clarinet), joined by Alison Rayner (violin), Stephen King (viola) and Natasha Kraemer (cello), all recognised both nationally and internationally for their expertise in historically informed performance.

The concert is presented in association with Musica

Viva Australia.

Earlier in March, locals are invited to take part in a very different musical experience with the return of Petrichor Play Choir, Dungog.

Held at Dungog Anglican Church on Sunday 22 February, the community choir will become a regular, once-a-month event, offering locals the chance to connect through music in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Following a highly successful first visit that nearly sold out, organisers are encouraging people to secure their place early.

Led by composer and performer Christopher Sutherland, the sessions feature warm-ups, musical games, singing experiments and songs from around the world.

Participants learn by ear in a supportive, nonjudgemental environment, with no previous musical experience required.

With refreshments provided and all ages and abilities welcome, the choir is designed to help people connect with the universal language of music while having a great time.

From world-class chamber music to grassroots community singing, Dungog’s

musical calendar is striking a rich and resonant chord.

Tickets for the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra are available from TryBooking, and are on Humanitix for Petrichor Choir.

Historic family set to gather in Paterson

DESCENDANTS of the Merchant family will gather in Paterson on Saturday, 21 February, to share anecdotes of a clan with significant historic links to the region.

The Australian history of the Merchants starts in the 1820s, when the Barnes and Merchant families emigrated from England.

The families were originally employed by the Australian Agriculture Company (AACo) in Stroud. Richard Merchant and Elizabeth Barnes married in 1827, after completing their indenture with AACo.

They moved around the region, finally settling in the Paterson area.

Richard and Elizabeth produced 12 children.

In the early 1850s Elizabeth converted to Mormonism, leading to a split in the family.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints were very active in the region,” said meet-up organiser Sharan Fergie.

“Converting many locals of the Hunter Valley, these families were enticed to travel to Utah in the USA.

“Initially both Richard and Elizabeth with the six youngest children were to go to Utah, with the remaining to follow. But Richard failed to travel with Elizabeth.

“Family folklore presents several reasons why Richard missed the ship with Elizabeth and the six children.”

Together with Richard, the six remaining Merchant children continued to contribute to their community in Paterson.

Today many descendants still remain in the area, with Merchant Road in Martins Creek named after Richard and Elizabeth’s oldest son, William.

In 1885 he purchased 237 acres on the south side of Martins Creek, where Merchant Road is today.

More than 20 years of research into the family’s history has been completed

by Denise Merchant Overton and compiled into two volumes titled ‘The Life and Times of Elizabeth Barnes Merchant’.

Whilst the story focuses on the Merchant family’s life in Australia, it also gives a window into early hardships of life in the Hunter Valley during the colonial era.

The gathering begins at John Tucker Park, Paterson on Saturday 21 February from 12pm-3pm, followed by an evening meal at the Paterson Tavern from 7pm.

A historical walk around the town of Paterson will also be led by Dr Cameron Archer AM, an author of books on the region (for a small fee).

For more details contact Sharan Fergie on 0401888063 or email neilandsharan@ fergiefamily.com.

Grants available for water projects

HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter.

Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical watersaving outcomes while strengthening community connections.

The NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, said programs like the Love Water Grants empower communities to turn good ideas into meaningful action.

“The Love Water Grants Program supports local solutions that save water, strengthen communities and help protect our environment for future generations,” Minister Jackson said.

Hunter Water Acting CEO, Jennifer Hayes, said the program reflects Hunter Water’s commitment to

working alongside the community to build a more sustainable future.

“These grants are about backing people, businesses and community groups across the Lower Hunter who care about their communities and the vital role water plays in their environment.

“Each year we see inspiring ideas brought to life, from smarter water use to projects that deliver real social and environmental outcomes.

“We’re proud to help turn those ideas into reality,” Ms Hayes said.

Last year, The Groundswell Collective was one of 18 Love Water Grant recipients.

Based in Lake Macquarie, the not-for-profit organisation brings people together to create a more sustainable future through community driven projects.

Their grant went towards a rainwater tank at their Shelley Street Community Garden in Toronto. The volunteer-run site supports

inclusion and wellbeing, with the community connecting through a love of gardening.

For Katie Ryan, the Collective’s Director of Communications and Community Engagement, the grant is helping to create climate resilience by reducing the garden’s reliance on drinking water, ensuring it can continue to supply fresh, locally grown produce to those in need.

“We applied for the Hunter Water grant to make Shelley Street Community Garden more sustainable.

“We needed a way to capture and store rainwater, and the grant made it possible to purchase a tank, pump and guttering so we can now collect rain from our garden sheds.

“It has allowed our garden to be more independent with our water supply and reduce our use of mains water.

“We’ve also installed an off-grid solar system to power the pump, meaning we can now run power tools,

eligible community groups, schools

Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and workmates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.

The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.

According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.

“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate

said.

“Now more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering - and that’s what these awards are all about.”

The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year was Molly Croft, who was recognised for her work raising awareness and funding for young people with cancer.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have my life changed by volunteers, and so every time I get to give back and try and make a difference, I feel very honoured to do so," she said.

“Recognising their work and celebrating the work of volunteers is worth so much, and that’s what the awards achieve.”

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our communities.

“Our state would not be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day," she said.

“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.

“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.

“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”

The Emergency Volunteer

of the Year Award category is supported by the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.

“Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked, and without expecting recognition," Minister Dib said.

“Whether it’s responding to floods, fires or storms, these volunteers drop everything to keep people safe, often missing out on time with their own families.

“If someone in your life gives their time as an emergency volunteer, I’d

COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE

encourage you to nominate them and show them that their time and service matters.”

Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at https://www.volunteering. com.au/awards/about-theawards/.

Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population

NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years.

The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand.

Between December 2023 and December 2025, the remand population increased by 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) to a record 6,081.

As a result, people on remand now make up 46 percent of the adult prison population, the highest proportion ever recorded.

“If current trends continue, people on remand will account for half the

prison population within the next two years,” said Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of BOCSAR.

Domestic violence offences account for a third of NSW remand population

“About half of the growth in the remand population over the past two years is due to an increase in domestic violence defendants being held in custody prior to their court date,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“The number of people on remand for a domestic violence offence rose by 483 people, or 33 percent, to 1,943 in December 2025.

“One in three adults on remand is now being detained in relation to a domestic violence offence.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the increase reflects long-running growth in

domestic violence charges laid by NSW Police, combined with changes in bail outcomes.

“Domestic violence legal actions have increased by around 50 percent since 2019.

“More charges mean more people coming before the courts and more people subject to a bail decision,” she said.

“In addition, bail refusal rates for domestic violence offences have increased recently.

"Between 2023 and 2025, the domestic violence bail refusal rate rose from 17.5 percent to 19.4 percent, further contributing to the growth in the remand population.”

Record high in Aboriginal incarceration December 2025 also

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week.

Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue.

During the operation, police conducted 9,126 drug tests with 604 people returning positive samples and conducted more than 121,000 breath tests with 167 drink driving offences detected.

While the operation focused on detecting drivers operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, the high-visibility operation saw police across the state issue more than 6,500 traffic infringement notices, including 1,695 for speedrelated offences, 267 for mobile phone use, and 77 restraint-related offences.

Three people lost their lives on NSW roads.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the focus on targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue doesn’t end with the conclusion of this operation.

“While Operation RAID has wrapped up, police continue to have a highly visible presence on our roads.

“Too many lives have been shattered because someone thought they were fine to drive when they weren’t.

“Too much of what happens on our roads is preventable.

“Police are out there every day, but they can’t be everywhere – we need drivers to make better, safer choices – for themselves, their passengers and everyone else.”

Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, said disappointingly, drivers continued to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs and too much alcohol.

marked a new record in the number of Aboriginal adults in custody, which reached 4,452 people.

Aboriginal adults now make up a record 34 percent of the NSW prison population, despite representing only three percent of the general population.

“The incarceration rate for Aboriginal adults is now an alarming 15 times higher than for non-Aboriginal adults,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“In December 2025, around one in 25 Aboriginal men living in NSW was in prison.

“These record numbers show that we are still not seeing the reductions needed to address Aboriginal overrepresentation in custody or to meet Closing the Gap targets.

“This remains one of

the most persistent and pressing challenges facing the criminal justice system.”

Remand, DV and Indigenous prison populations hit new highs in NSW

In December 2025, the adult custody population was 13,133 (12,275 men and 858 women).

The overall prison population remains below pre-pandemic levels –502 fewer people than in December 2019 when the population was 13,635.

Despite this, December 2025 recorded new highs for several cohorts, including:

• Remand population: Reached a record 6,081 people, an increase of 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) since December 2023.

• Domestic violence offenders: Reached a record

3,565 people in December 2025, up 24 percent from 2,878 in December 2023.

Of those in custody for a domestic violence offence in December 2025, 54.5 percent were on remand (1,943 people), up 33 percent from 1,460 in December 2023.

• Aboriginal adults in custody: Reached a record 4,452 people in December 2025, representing 33.9 percent of the adult prison population - the highest number and proportion on record.

Between December 2023 and December 2025, Aboriginal adults in custody increased by 681 people (up 18.1 percent), compared with an increase of 343 people (up 4.1 percent) among non-Aboriginal adults.

“People affected by drugs, alcohol and fatigue are some of the most dangerous behaviours we see on our roads because all of them slows reactions, impair judgement and puts every road user at risk,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Drug use by those driving vehicles is particularly concerning as data indicates that 24 percent of fatalities on NSW roads involve the presence of illicit substances.

“Last year, there were over 28,000 positive roadside drug indications with police conducting over 215,000 random drug tests.

“Drivers need to understand that when they consume any illicit drug, the chances of being involved in a fatal crash increase.

“Unfortunately, police consistently see a high number of roadside drug test detections, often combined with alcohol or high speeds, during each traffic operation, which is why officers will continue to run enforcement activity to deter dangerous driving behaviour.”

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state.

Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites.

DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations, with just two approved pyrethroid miticide active ingredients available in Australia - flumethrin and tau-fluvalinate (sold as Bayvarol and Apistan).

“The resistant mites were collected from Northern NSW flumethrintreated bee colonies where the mid-treatment inspection revealed poor treatment efficacy in the hives and dead colonies,” Ms Frost said.

DPIRD Senior Bee Biosecurity Officer, Rod Bourke, said best practice mite management is now more important than ever for beekeepers managing hives with Varroa.

“Beekeepers can use the Varroa management tool,

rotate chemical modes of action (MOA) and follow the label and permit conditions,” Mr Bourke said.

“Check mite loads two to three weeks after treatments have been added and when removed so you can monitor treatment efficacy and the risk of pyrethroid resistant mites in your apiaries or region.

“If a product does not appear to work, you may need to try the next suitable miticide with a different MOA otherwise mites will harm the colony further.

“Pyrethroid-based miticides remain an important part of integrated pest management for Varroa mite and avoiding back-to-back treatments with pyrethroids is critical in preserving their effectiveness.”

If beekeepers suspect treatments are failing, they can call the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

NSW DPIRD staff will work with beekeepers to assess the situation and assist in screening mites for resistance, if needed.

Screening has also shown the pyrethroid resistant mites carried endemic viruses already established in Australia with no exotic viruses.

Testing to date indicates that the resistance is unlikely to be associated with a new Varroa mite incursion.

Distribution of resistant mites is likely to be isolated to a small area at this stage and bee biosecurity officers are surveying Varroa mites across NSW to get a better idea of the distribution of resistant mites.

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION

TEN, 7.30pm

Blindsides don’t come much more epic than when producers of this enduring reality series unexpectedly replaced long-time host Jonathan LaPaglia with former winner David Genat (above). It was a power move that no one saw coming, and sets the scene for another unpredictable season of strategic gameplay in the Samoan jungle. Fellow fan favourites Brooke Jowett, Harry Hills, Simon Mee and Mark Warnock also return to compete against a fresh batch of 20 ambitious newcomers.

FRIDAY, February 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (M) Professor T investigates when a bride is found dead on her wedding night floating in the hotel swimming pool.

9.15 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

9.45 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mv, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

10.00 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Final) 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

TUESDAY

AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST CONMAN?

SBS, 8.35pm

This two-part documentary has all the hallmarks of an espionage blockbuster: helicopters, parachutes, politicians and even the CIA. However, the man of mystery at its centre is no Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt – rather, John Friedrich was an everyday engineer. After building the Victorian branch of the National Safety Council into an advanced civilian search and rescue operation, the ambitious and charming Friedrich rose to the upper echelons of Australian society – before a spectacular fall from grace. Over two nights, intrepid investigator Marc Fennell (right) sets out to discover the truth behind the fraudster and the enormous anomalies left in his wake. You couldn’t make this up.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (Return) 8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. (R)

9.35 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R)

11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+s, R)

1.40 The Lesson. (Mals, R)

4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

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

THURSDAY

GRAND DESIGNS TRANSFORMATIONS

ABC TV, 8pm

There’s very few among us who hear the words “flatpack furniture” and don’t groan. Albeit cost-effective, the so-called solution is synonymous with frustration, arguments and losing an entire weekend to a “one-hour” task. That makes Tasmanian couple Richard and Alice’s (pictured) passion project all the more impressive. The pair have come into possession of a 140-year-old glasshouse that was shipped to Australia from the UK as a DIY kit in the late 1800s. They’re hoping to rebuild its delicate timber framework piece by piece – without the original instructions. Host and architecture professor Anthony Burke keeps an eye on the process, which involves hand-cutting 500 panes of glass to complete the puzzle.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Charlie Albone fixes a shady corner in the garden.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) When a man with no connection to Marlow is found dead, Judith, Becks and Suzie investigate.

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

12.15 GetOn Extra.

12.45 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Night. Coverage includes men’s biathlon and women’s curling, ski cross qualifiers and final. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s curling and 1500m speed skating final and men’s 15km biathlon and ice hockey.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Overnight. Coverage includes men’s ice hockey and curling and two-woman bobsledding heats.

6.00 10 News+.

6.30

SATURDAY, February 21

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa) Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mv) When an online PTA meeting at Causton Grammar ends in murder, Barnaby and Winter head back to school to learn the deadly antics in the lives of pupils, teachers and parents alike.

10.05 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.

10.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm 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! (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Premiere)

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

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

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Outlander. (Msv, R)

1.40 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.35 Barkley Manor. (PGa, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am The Third Man. (1949) 8.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, Cantonese) 12.30pm Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, Cantonese) 2.35 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Discovering Film. 5.05 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 6.35 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 8.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, February 22

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The novice handlers face two stock-handling tasks.

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Spike goes missing.

9.00 This England. (Mal) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting up a temporary hospital in East London.

9.50 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R)

10.50 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Colosseum With Dan Snow. (Premiere)

9.20 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) Looks at the empire built by Alexander the Great. 11.15 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. (Mans, R)

2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)

3.30 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31)

MOVIES (32)

6am The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.35 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 8.05 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 10.00 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 12.30pm Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, M, German) 3.00 5.00 Princess Caraboo. And God Created Woman. (1956, Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 2am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Pre-race and race.

9.30 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021, Mv, R) The true meaning of family gets tested like never before when Dom and the crew search for a cyberterrorist. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena.

12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Highlights.

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Night. Coverage includes men’s four-man bobsleigh, ski cross qualifiers and finals and mixed team aerials and ski mountaineering relay.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes mixed ski mountaineering relay, men’s and women’s mass start speed skating and women’s biathlon.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Overnight.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Jules loves his inner city beach bungalow, whereas Erin wants space and is keen to search for it.

8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ms, R) Graham Norton is joined by Chris Pratt, Cynthia Erivo, Dawn French, Rob Beckett and Jack Savoretti.

9.50 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+l, R) Ghostface resurfaces in New York City. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega. 12.10 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PG)

8.40 Murder On A Cruise. (Mav) Looks at Micki Kanesaki, who vanished during a Mediterranean cruise with her ex-husband in 2006.

10.40 The Hunters. (Mav, R)

12.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Highlights.

1.10 Temple. (MA15+al)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) Love is in the air at the commitment ceremony.

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Night.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Post Midnight.

3.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)

4.00 Fishing Australia. (R)

4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00

MONDAY, February 23

Watch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R)

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)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Mals)

11.30 Vigil. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Malv, R)

3.40 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. (Premiere) 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. (Return) 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

9.00 9-1-1. (Madv) Athena revisits a painful part of her past while responding to a call. Buck coaches Harry as he prepares for the firefighter CPAT test.

10.00 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the crimes of Ivan Milat.

12.00 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

VICELAND (31)

6am Princess

Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.55 Discovering Film. 8.55 And God Created Woman. (1956, French) 10.35 Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 12.40pm Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 2.50 The Movie Show. (Final) 3.25 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.55 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 6.50 The 39 Steps. (1935) 8.30 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 10.25 Amadeus. (1984, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, February 24

6.00

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.20 Smother. (Mals, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ml, R)

8.35 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (Premiere, Ml)

9.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? (Ma, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

12.00 Syndrome E. (Malv, R) 2.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 3.00 My Name Is Reeva. (Mav, R) 3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

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

7.30 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Mav) Amy and Gina, with an assist from Jake, team up to help a victim of domestic abuse.

10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is seriously injured after his car left the road.

11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals)

12.10 Childhood’s End. (Mav)

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)

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. Replay.

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6am The Movie Show. 6.35 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 8.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 10.15 The Te$t. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 The Peacock. (2023, M) 12.55am Traffic. (2000, MA15+) 3.35 Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 5.45 The Movie Show.

Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday

WEDNESDAY, February 25

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Killer Mega Shark. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (PGsv, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Saving Yellowstone.

8.30 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (PGal)

9.30 Trespasses. (MA15+l)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Face To Face. (Ma, R)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R)

3.25 My Name Is Reeva. (Ma, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 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 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.20 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.00 Discovering Film. 10.00 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.45 Amadeus. (1984, M) 2.40pm A King In New York. (1957, PG) 4.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 6.15 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 8.30 Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 10.40 One Cut Of The Dead. (2017, MA15+, Japanese) 12.25am The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.50 Late Programs. 5.50 Boychoir. (2014, PG)

THURSDAY, February 26

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered.

8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)

9.20 A Spy Among Friends.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

11.50 The Hollow. (Malv, R)

1.50 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.45 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 10.00 The Peacock. (2023, M) 11.55 The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.15pm Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 4.50 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 1.10am Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 3.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)

8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver is caught racing through a stop sign.

9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+a) The investigation reveals a first drug exportation.

10.00 Air Crash Investigations: A Perfect Storm. (PGa)

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.40 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 MOVIE: I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not. (2025, MA15+aadl)

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.10 Great Australian Detour. (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

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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. Leah comforts Lacey.

8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The simple life of an English bookshop owner changes after a celebrity enters his shop. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts.

11.05 To Be Advised.

12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy, Beth and Colette get involved in a faceoff.

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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Public Notices

‘A Merchant Meet Up’

Looking for all Merchant descendants Of Richard and Elizabeth Merchant (1800-1860’s).

Over 20 yrs of exhaustive research have been done by Denise Merchant Overton, both vols of her book will be available on the day. Come and add yourself, your branch to the family tree or just meet and cement a relationship with new-found relatives.

Bring photos to share plus any anecdotes passed down by your ancestors. It will be fun and informative. For a small donation there will be a historical walk around the lovely town of Paterson by Dr. Cameron Archer AM, author of many books on the region.

When: Saturday 21st February 2026

Where: John Tucker Park, Paterson NSW 2421 Time: 12pm-3pm and then 7pm an evening meal at the Paterson Tavern, Paterson.

For more details contact Sharan Fergie 0401888063 or email neilandsharan@fergiefamily.com e180226

AGM NOTICE

The Annual General Meeting of Gloucester Sports Committee Inc will be held at Gloucester Bowling & Recreation Club on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, commencing at 6.30pm.

All club representatives and other interested persons are invited to attend.

(21/2/2008)

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

COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713 F190625

COLLECTION

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

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

COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898

STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190

COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485 SWIMMING pool magnesium salt 25kg bag $90. Ph 0477 587 881 F121125 newsofthearea.com.au

Triton Mark 3 saw benches with extension and router table. $120 6558 9242

COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466 F190625

special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242

WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643

JACKAROO, 1999 Diesel 3lt, reg 11/26 GC, new major parts fitted inc tyres, still blows smoke when running $1,000+. DK28EY. Ph 0456 448 236 or 55 Skye Rd Barrington.

$7500 Medowie 4982 9942

News Of The Area OPINION

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch

DEAR Jasminda,

My wife recently picked every green mango off our tree because she was worried about possums and bats.

Now we have green mangoes all over the house and they don't seem to be ripening.

Has she made a fatal mistake?

George F.

Dear George,

Since I'm not a mango expert, I was tempted to type your query into AI, but then, on pondering that decision,

I felt confident that AI would drip feed me an overlyenthusiastic answer that, at best, would give me no real clarity, and, at worst, would be erroneous, incorrect through omission, and/or provide ghost citations (for example: The Grower's Guide to Magnificent Mangoes: Science Indirect).

The response would also use the same amount of water it would take to water an actual mango tree and similarly drip feed it in that aggravating peoplepleasing manner that AI has adopted to make mere mortals feel special.

I imagine it would go something like, 'So, George, you're growing your own fruit. Good for you. Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A.

You are right to be concerned that your wife has prematurely picked

your mangoes, but there may be no cause for alarm.

Are the mangoes hard?

If you give me some more information, I may be able to offer some solutions.'

This conversation could go on ad finitum because AI starts off helpful, and ends up clingy.

Soon, what was a simple question has more segues than a Seinfeld episode.

Not only are you getting tips for growing mangoes, but you're being offered a three-week mango cleanse diet, a daily itinerary for a round-the-word mango expedition, 32 things to do with mango skins, and potentially relationship counselling (and you have now used enough water for a mango orchard).

Instead, George, let me offer you some casual mango tips (learned the old-fashioned way i.e. trial,

error, and a local hobby farmer).

1. It is actually okay to pick mangoes when they are green - a good tip is to look at the colour of the stalk. If it's yellow, then go for it.

2. Mangoes will ripen at room temperature in their own good time, but you can hurry the process along by putting them in a brown paper bag (the bag traps an odorless gas called ethylene which speeds up the ripening process).

3. Once one mango starts to ripen, they will all join in, like some weird, sweet-smelling flash mob.

4. Now you have a new problem i.e. what to do with 75 ripe mangoes. Let me come back to you on that one.

Flipside of e-bike debate

DEAR News Of The Area,

E-bikes are topical, let's keep the discussion going.

Jasminda (NOTA 4 Feb) and Allan Shrimpton (NOTA 11 Feb) raise pertinent issues but there are more.

Too much of the news about e-bikes is negative: Jasminda quotes increasing injury rates.

Bike usage is increasing.

She does not reference the reduction in pollution and reduction in medical costs following the cleaning of the atmosphere and increased exercise.

Allan cites the severe penalties, not for behaviour but for capability.

Jasminda further is of the belief that e-bikes are for the less mobile: “close to getting a knee replacement”.

Whereas e-bikes are a major contributor to a sustainable future.

A shire to the east of us has recently had a debate about the horrendous and increasing cost of road maintenance. The traditionalist sees population - more ratepayers - as the solution.

Most people can see the idiocy of this argument – more people, more road wear, more rate payers required… ad infinitum.

Insane thinking on a finite planet.

The bicycle reduces road wear, and hence maintenance costs in the order of 7000 times or greater (wear being proportional to the 4th power of the vehicle weight).

With respect to e-bikes the solution must be directed to rider training, a minimum age (perhaps), enforcement of misbehaviours, e.g. speed limits, and helmets and the encouragement of further uptake.

‘AverageManOnabike’ has a worthwhile take on this topic in his YouTube: “Exposed: The Ultimate Double Standard in Road Safety”.

“If it were about safety, the heavier vehicle would have the strictest limits. That's just basic risk assessment.

“If you handle a weapon, you have strict rules. If you handle a pillow, no one cares.”

Regards, Rod FLETCHER, Octogenarian cyclist, Gresford.

$1 million for biocontrol research

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.

Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, selfsustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool.

Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture industries close to $4.9 billion each year through crop loss and weedmanagement costs.

On average, biocontrol returns $23 in benefits for every $1 invested and significantly reduces reliance on herbicides.

This $1 million investment by the NSW Environmental Trust for the 2025-26 financial year will support new research initiatives led by the CSIRO in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the

Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The initiatives will target 11 weeds across diverse ecosystems from arid lands to moist forests.

For example, massrearing and releasing a cochineal insect to tackle Hudson pear, while a leafsmut fungus will manage wandering trad – each tailored to the specific environment and species.

The next steps to manage weeds are to ensure approved biocontrol agents are easy and safe for the community to use.

Following biocontrol agent releases, monitoring programs will evaluate their impacts on weeds and the recovery of native ecosystems, and findings will be shared through a statewide network.

The project includes a co-designed Aboriginal Engagement Plan ensuring Traditional Custodian knowledge and values guide biocontrol efforts and strengthen outcomes on Country.

The Trust has already invested $3.4 million to date.

Previous projects have

reduced the impacts of serious environmental weeds such as the coastal invader sea spurge, helping native species to recover.

Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO Senior Research Scientist said, "This project unites cutting-edge science and ecological knowledge to

tackle one of our most persistent environmental challenges – restoring landscapes impacted by invasive weeds.

"Biocontrol offers a sustainable, long-term solution to managing invasive weeds, helping native ecosystems recover and thrive without the need for repeated chemical intervention.

"Successful biocontrol reduces the burden on land managers, improves biodiversity, and supports more resilient landscapes for future generations."

Farmers call for firearm fairness

THE state’s peak body for farmers has presented the state government with a range of suggestions for improvements to firearms regulations.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said that “sudden, sweeping changes” to firearms laws had created adverse and unintended consequences, with ongoing uncertainty causing major problems for food and fibre producers.

“At the moment I’m hearing from a lot of farmers who don’t know whether they’re breaking the law or not because there’s this cloud of uncertainty hanging over them,” Mr Martin said.

“For farmers these are vital tools – expensive tools – that are needed to do a job,

and we’ve made it clear to the NSW Government that it needs to get the settings right around their new laws.”

NSW Farmers called for several feasibility issues to be resolved, with their statements on the following topics included below:

• Buyback Scheme: While NSW Farmers did not support the firearms changes or need for a “gun buyback scheme”, if owners were to be required to surrender firearms to meet new state-based requirements then fair compensation needed to be available to avoid financial penalty. Importantly, this needed to include ammunition, accessories and parts associated with

the surrendered firearms, with compensation based on fair market value prior to 14 December 2025.

• Gun club membership: Those involved in agriculture had to be exempted from the mandatory gun club membership requirement, which was considered severely impractical, especially in rural and remote areas where gun clubs and shooting ranges were sparse or oversubscribed. It was NSW Farmers’ view that this mandate would result in greater movement of firearms off-farm, at odds with the primary production genuine reason.

• Firearms Caps:

• Farm operations varied significantly in size,

commodity, operating environment and pest pressures. As a result, there would be farmers that had genuine use-cases requiring more than 10 firearms, and they needed a feasible and reliable pathway to apply to the Police Commissioner for approval of additional firearms based on primary production requirements.

• The limit of two Category C firearms had to be amended to account for the recategorisation of several firearms, and caps on the number per individual made cumulative based on the genuine reasons attached to the license – as was the case in Western Australia.

• Firearms registry resourcing / license terms: There was a high risk of processing delays due to increased frequency of license renewals/ applications and additional background checks. NSW Farmers did not support the need to reduce license terms to two years and existing mechanisms to cancel licenses based on criminal behavior had to be enhanced in the first instance.

• License decisions: The merit review pathway to appeal licensing decisions through NCAT had to be restored to provide procedural fairness and avoid unintended consequences regarding false accusations.

• Timing: Amendments to the regulation and design of the gun buyback scheme needed to be informed by robust stakeholder engagement including primary producers. In addition, sufficient time and clarity for licence holders was needed to transition, especially in remote/rural contexts.

“We’re conscious that there are ways to improve practicality for farmers,” Mr Martin said.

“The process to update the Firearms Regulation 2017 must not be rushed and it must provide adequate consultation opportunities with key stakeholders such as NSW Farmers to mitigate adverse and unintended consequences for food and fibre production, and the state’s biosecurity and landscape management.

“We’re continuing to build engagement with government, opposition, crossbenchers and agencies to make the best out of this situation, so we can sort out the confusions, and let farmers get on with the important job of producing healthy plants and animals.”

• Recreational hunting licences: Many farm businesses relied on recreational hunters and the significant changes for this group had to be practical, including collaboration with other farmers on their properties.

Extra public holiday for NSW

By Cosette DE LORENZO

AN additional public holiday has been announced for NSW this year.

It falls on the Monday following Anzac Day, 25 April, which falls on a weekend.

“Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn on Anzac Day to commemorate and remember those who have served,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said.

“The additional holiday on Monday does not replace

Anzac Day on 25 April.

“Instead, it reinforces its importance and significance as well as making it consistent with other major public holidays.”

Substitute public holidays are already used for other key dates such as

Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when those dates fall on weekends.

However, not everyone welcomes the move.

Concerns have been raised that introducing an extra day off risks shifting focus away from the

Next steps for Emergency Services Levy reform

OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry.

While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays.

The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing it with a “simple and transparent” levy spread across all properties.

Currently, the burden of paying the ESL is

placed only on those who take out property insurance.

The cost of this levy for residential insurance has increased 48 percent from 2017-18 to 202324, adding pressure on household budgets.

All mainland states, apart from NSW, have implemented propertybased levies to fund their emergency services. In November 2023, the Minns Labor Government committed to reforming the ESL. The parliamentary inquiry will build on extensive public consultation carried out

since then, and seeks to develop a consensus and strengthen support for the reform’s direction.

To inform the inquiry process, the Government will release an options paper which includes five levy model options.

This follows a comprehensive collection of property level insurance policy data and land classifications performed by local councils under legislative amendments.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This is an important step in moving funding for emergency services to an equitable

$15 million investment in renewable energy workforce

THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW.

The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan.

The Strategy supports the government’s Energy Roadmap, which is expected to generate around 7,000 jobs during peak construction and about 4,500 ongoing roles.

Jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, the Strategy builds the pipeline of skilled workers needed to design, build and maintain renewable energy generation, storage and transmission projects across the state.

The Strategy includes schoolbased trade taster programs through to apprenticeships engagement through to apprenticeships, traineeships and secure long-term employment.

It also includes targeted initiatives to increase participation by women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As part of the investment, the Strategy will expand the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, strengthening links between schools and renewable energy employers and giving students hands-on exposure to local career opportunities.

The Strategy will also create Skills Coordinator roles to work closely with renewable energy employers, training providers and local communities to support local students and workers into renewable energy jobs.

Transgrid will play a major role in delivering the Roadmap, including construction of the NSW component of EnergyConnect, Australia’s largest energy transmission project, and delivery of the Hunter Transmission Project, which will carry renewable energy from regional NSW to homes and businesses.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Penny Sharpe said, “The Energy Roadmap is delivering thousands of regional jobs across NSW to make sure families have energy they can trust and afford.

“Building renewable energy at scale means building the workforce to match, and this strategy connects students, apprentices and local workers with job opportunities.”

symbolic significance of the day.

“Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“If anything, it is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on to the next generation.”

and sustainable footing that cuts the cost of insurance.

“The parliamentary inquiry will provide an open and transparent forum to test the proposed framework and ensure stakeholder perspectives are meaningfully considered.

“We want to work with the Opposition and the crossbench to plot the last leg of this journey.

“This system funds services that protect all of us – and it is time for all politicians to work together to reform it.”

Dungog Shire locals encouraged to walk to work

By Andrew VIVIAN

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide.

The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black Dog Institute.

Every health professional promotes walking as beneficial to physical health, and the Walk to Work Day campaign also draws attention to the positive impact regular walking can have on mental wellbeing.

As part of the refreshed campaign, individuals, workplace teams and businesses are encouraged not only to walk, but to fundraise together between now and 27 March to support better mental health outcomes nationwide.

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby

said the partnership with Black Dog Institute was a natural fit and an exciting evolution for the campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with Black Dog Institute.

“Given the benefits a simple walk can have on mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress – we hope this simple reminder will go a long way in getting Australia’s working population to walk more, not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day,” he said.

The latest research from Black Dog Institute estimates that mental illness costs businesses more than $39 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover.

Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, yet almost half will not seek professional help.

Black Dog Institute Fundraising Director Laura Edwards said regular physical activity plays a powerful role in supporting mental health.

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“Engaging in exercise has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including major depressive disorder, with studies finding that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 percent.

“This is because exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that support calm, focus and overall wellbeing,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Edwards suggests workplaces have an important role to play in creating mentally healthy environments.

“Initiatives like Walk to Work Day are a simple and cost-effective way for organisations to prioritise wellbeing while supporting positive, sustainable habits with their employees.”

The initiative can result in a happier workplace with “significant savings to your bottom line,” she said.

Mr Scruby said Walk to Work Day offers flexibility for

people to take part in ways that suit their routine.

Many people can park some distance from work and walk, get off public transport a stop or two earlier, or go for a walk during their lunch break.

“There are so many benefits to walking more every day,” he said.

“As an added incentive, we’re asking Australia’s

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workforce to come together to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, using Walk to Work Day as a catalyst for positive change,” he said.

Working Australians are encouraged to get involved by forming workplace walking groups, introducing walking meetings or lunchtime walks.

Setting personal or team step challenges, and inviting employers, colleagues,

Game changer

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16

Fonua-Blake could now join Payne Haas in one of the most fearsome front rows in Origin history this year.

It also means Kalyn Ponga could switch allegiances to New Zealand without being ruled out of Origin, while AJ Brimson and Victor Radley are also now eligible again after playing for England.

"Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown and our rules need to reflect that," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said.

"If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they've

represented New Zealand or England at Test level.

"State of Origin is about where you're from and what state you're eligible for — not which country you represent internationally.

"If you're eligible, you should be able to play for your state.

"Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special and we want the best players playing if they're eligible.

"The Commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin and this change strengthens both."

The changes come as the NRL also confirmed that an Origin match will be taken to Auckland in 2027, marking the first in-season

friends and family to support their walk through donations is said to make a difference. Now in its 27th year, Walk to Work Day continues to encourage Australians to build walking into everyday life, with benefits extending well beyond mental health. More information, including how to fundraise, is available at www.walk.com. au.

clash between NSW and Queensland overseas.

"Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary," V'landys said.

"State of Origin isn't just a football match — it's a cultural phenomenon.

"It's the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.

"The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park and it will be a milestone moment for the game."

Game changer

By Scott BAILEY, AAP

THE NRL has made the biggest change to State of Origin in years, opening the door for New Zealand and England internationals to play if they hail from NSW or Queensland.

Under previous rules, no player was able to run out on the interstate arena if they had chosen to represent the Kiwis or Lions instead of the Kangaroos in Test football. But that rule will no longer exist, allowing anyone to play Origin if they lived in NSW or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or had their father play for either state.

Previously tier-one nations were treated differently to tier-two countries, with players who prioritise the likes of Samoa and Tonga already eligible. The changes will pave the way for the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake to represent the Blues, after his one Test for New Zealand against Scotland back in 2017.