Dungog Shire News Of The Area 20 MAY 2026

From paddock to global podium

By Jacie WHITFIELD

recognised on the global stage, placing third in the Food and Beverage category of the

It is an

the family behind the farm near Gresford said feels “surreal”.

The honour represents far more than an award.

It reflects a growing movement toward transparency in food production and a desire for people to reconnect with where their food comes from.

“The response has honestly been overwhelming in the best possible way,” Kristen and Ben Nicol said.

DECLINING LEVELS

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

Doug

From paddock to global podium

FROM Page 1

“What stood out most wasn’t people celebrating the award itself, but people saying they felt proud to have watched this farm grow over the last six years and proud to support what we’re building here.

“So many people spoke about trust, values, and authenticity.

“It reinforced for us that this farm has never been built alone.

“Our community has played a huge role in what Allynview has become.”

Lots to celebrate for Palliative Care Volunteers

experiences to add to an orange heart.

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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

Placing third globally has also highlighted a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward food and farming.

“People everywhere are looking to reconnect with their food and understand the impact it has on their health, their communities, and the environment around them,” the family said.

“They want to know who produced it, how it was raised, and what values sit behind it.”

Despite the international recognition, the vision for Allynview Farm remains unchanged and perhaps even strengthened.

“This feels less like an end point and more like confirmation that we should keep building.

“Our vision has always been bigger than just producing beef.

“We want to help reconnect people with food again.”

By Lisa WISEMAN

LAST week was a particularly busy one for the Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers, with this week shaping up to be even more exciting.

The volunteer group has several reasons to celebrate.

Firstly, on Wednesday 13 May, they invited clients, carers, family and friends to a free morning tea to celebrate National Palliative Care Week.

The morning tea, made by the Volunteers, featured delicious home-cooked treats.

The event gave attendees a chance to relax, mingle and chat.

The Volunteers also created a Palliative Care Week display in Davey and Olsen’s showroom window in Dowling Street, Dungog.

National Palliative Care Week is Australia's biggest annual awareness-raising initiative for palliative care organisations.

The theme for this year is "Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers."

The window display has now changed to feature National Volunteer Week.

The 2026 Volunteer Week theme is “Your Year to Volunteer”.

Most exciting of all, the Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers have been named as one of only four Team Finalists in NSW to be nominated for the 2026 NSW Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year Award.

On Wednesday 20

May, representatives of the Volunteers will attend the award ceremony in Sydney.

At the Palliative Care Week morning tea, Palliative Care’s Margaret Jones talked about the orange heart, a symbol for compassionate care.

Margaret said that they were “excited to have a chance to pamper their clients” at the morning tea.

She invited guests and carers at the morning tea to write notes about their

The Volunteers want to promote open and honest discussion and feedback.

On Sunday 17 May a Palliative Care Remembrance Service and supper was held at the Dungog Anglican Church.

Meanwhile, every day the Volunteers provide vital assistance to local people diagnosed with a life limiting illness, as well as their carers and families.

In 2025, the Volunteers gave 1400 hours of support to people all across the Dungog Shire.

Lyne MP’s response to Federal Budget

By Sue STEPHENSON

NATIONALS Member for Lyne

Alison Penfold has called the Labor Government’s Federal Budget a “bloodbath for regional Australia”.

In her response to Labor’s Federal Budget, delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on 12 May, Ms Penfold said regional and rural communities like those in Lyne had been left behind.

“Budgets can make or break the ability of our region to thrive, and this Budget lets us down big time,” Ms Penfold said.

Her key concerns are related to the funding of roads, health, water and telecommunications.

“In terms of local services and infrastructure, there is no funding for the roads and grade-separated interchanges on the Pacific Highway, which our communities need.

“They have stripped $21.4 million from regional telecommunications funding making the challenge of addressing mobile and internet blackspots even harder.

“$103 million has been cut from the National Water Grid – the pool of funds that had the potential of providing funds to MidCoast Council for the Kiwarrak Off-River Water

Storage Project to secure the Manning’s long term water supply.

“In a funding commitment of $1.8 billion for Urgent Care Clinics, there is no funding for one in Taree despite the clear case that has been presented to them over the past 12 months.

“There is a pittance for aged care which won’t even scratch the sides of the Support at Home Waitlist, or address provider and workforce shortages in the regions.”

However, Ms Penfold acknowledged several measures in line with her prebudget submission.

These include $2 billion for housing infrastructure such as power, water and sewerage, an additional round of the Stronger Communities Program, further funding for the Growing Regions Program and an extension of the Local Sporting Champions programs.

“A few small positives do not excuse a Budget that has fundamentally forgotten communities from the Hunter to the Hastings,” she said.

Key measures In a joint statement, the Treasurer, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior ministers, described

the Budget as being about "resilience and reform.”

“It’s all about getting Australians through the global oil shock and building an economy that works for more people.

“We’re delivering more cost-of-living help and building a more productive economy, a better tax system, a fairer housing market and a stronger and more sustainable budget,” the statement read.

The Budget focuses on cost-of-living relief, housing tax reform, and energy security.

A $31.5 billion deficit is forecast with $45 billion in improved revenue.

Key measures include:

- Income Tax Cuts: From July 1, 2026, the 16% tax rate for incomes $18,201–$45,000 drops to 15%.

- Worker Offset: A new $250 permanent Working Australians Tax Offset and a $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses.

- Medicare: Increased Medicare levy low-income thresholds.

- Negative Gearing: Limited to new builds, with existing investments grandfathered.

- Capital Gains Tax (CGT): The 50% CGT discount is scrapped and replaced by an

indexation system to target real gains.

- Securing Australia’s near-term fuel and fertiliser security through Export Finance Australia’s $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility.

- Strengthening longer term fuel security with a $3.2 billion Australian Fuel Security Reserve.

- Boosting energy sovereignty by making more clean fuels in Australia, promoting electrification, and implementing a 20 percent gas reservation.

- Approvals: $500 million-plus to expedite environmental and project approvals using AI

Confidence in councils Australia’s peak local government body, the Australian Local Government Association, says the Federal Budget is a vote of confidence in the country’s 538 councils to deliver on national housing infrastructure priorities.

But it argues that more needs to be done to address the growing financial pressures threatening local government services across the country.

ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said councils were on the frontline of delivering national

productivity, housing growth, climate resilience and essential local services, but needed to be backed to deliver.

“We welcome the Federal Government’s trust in local government to support new housing and growing communities, through its announcement of $2 billion over four years to help deliver enabling infrastructure,”

Mayor Burnett said.

“However, councils have not been given the

same support to meet local community needs through secure untied funding and, in fact, support through Financial Assistance Grants has gone backwards as a share of Commonwealth taxation revenue.”

Mayor Burnett said the ALGA also welcomed the ongoing attention on local government sustainability through the Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability.

By Zac DE SILVA and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP

AUSTRALIA’S

In his first budget reply speech, Angus Taylor has conceded the Liberals and Nationals still have a long road to win back the confidence of voters, but

asked Australians to "begin to believe again".

The opposition leader outlined a plan to index tax brackets in line with inflation, returning hundreds of dollars to workers that would've otherwise gone to the government as tax.

The two lowest brackets - covering people earning between $18,201 and $135,000 - would be indexed from 2028-29, Mr Taylor said.

This would deliver tax relief of about $250 in the first year and more than $1000 in the the fourth, the coalition forecasts.

The top two tax brackets would also be indexed from the 2031/32 financial year.

"This is generational tax reform. It's fair, simple, and honest. It will back Australians to work hard, take risks, and invest in

their future. It will force government to respect your money," Mr Taylor told parliament on Thursday night.

Raising tax brackets in line with inflation each year would cost the budget billions of dollars.

But it would also end bracket creep, where pay rises push workers into higher tax brackets, even though inflation means they may not be any wealthier.

Successive governments have chosen not to index brackets, instead announcing a tax cut every few years.

During periods when the mining sector raked in windfall profits, the coalition would bank 80 cents in every dollar of resource revenue into a "future generations fund" for nation-building infrastructure.

The opposition leader also promised to cut Australia's migrant intake.

While Mr Taylor argued it would be rash to provide an exact immigration target two years away from the next election, he said the coalition's cut would be sizeable.

"The coalition will deliver one of the biggest cuts to immigration in Australian history," he said.

Under his plan, a limit would be placed on net overseas migration, equivalent to the number of homes built in the previous year.

Net overseas migration is the difference between the number of people arriving in Australia and the number of departures, and also includes temporary migrants like foreign students.

Tuesday's budget forecast the figure at 295,000 for the current financial year, dropping to 225,000 in 2027/28.

That's well below the post-pandemic high of more than 550,000, when a flood of migrants re-entered the country as borders reopened, but still higher than preCOVID levels.

In the 2024/25 financial year, about 175,000 new homes were built.

Mr Taylor said the coalition would claw back billions of dollars in savings by cutting welfare for noncitizens.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and the Family Tax Benefit would be for Australian citizens only.

The policy platform is, in part, designed to take on Pauline Hanson's One Nation,

which has been surging in the polls and last week demolished the Liberal vote to win the Farrer by-election in southern NSW.

"There's much work the coalition must do to win your confidence. But with the policies I've announced tonight, and the vision I've outlined, I hope you can begin to believe again," Mr Taylor said.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said the by-election result led the coalition "to finally see the light" and copy her party's policies.

"While they've been telling everyone that One Nation has no policies, they've been reading them very carefully because they're desperate for some good ideas," she said.

"The cosy two-party system protecting two tired, clueless and unpopular major parties is on borrowed time no matter how much they wish it was otherwise."

Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi slammed the coalition, accusing them of pandering to One Nation's politics.

"It is pathetic that the Liberals are willing to sink so low trying to out-racist One Nation," she said.

"Newsflash for Angus Taylor, migrants are entitled to the same safety net as everyone else."

Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals

By Zac DE SILVA, AAP

A ROW has broken out over the cost of cutting taxes for millions of Australians as Labor and the opposition try to sell rival economic plans to

voters.

After a week dominated by the state of the nation's finances, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the opposition of failing to properly price its plan to

bake in tax cuts to every federal budget.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor wants to index tax brackets in line with inflation, effectively giving most Australians a tax cut

each year from 2028/29, while Labor has announced a $250 rebate each year for all working Australians.

But Mr Albanese said the hit to the budget would be bigger than the opposition

predicted.

"They came out with a costing of $22 billion... we know it's at least $35 billion," he told reporters in Hobart.

"There were no facts there at all."

Mr Taylor said he stood by the four-year costing, which would be offset by cuts to government programs, including funds for social and affordable housing that the coalition believes are wasteful.

The opposition leader argued leaving current settings in place would amount to a tax hike due to bracket creep as people were pushed into higher tiers through wage inflation.

"This betrays the fact that the government plans to raise income tax rates to the tune of $35 billion... the faster inflation goes up, the more they hike them," he told Sky News.

An opinion poll published on Sunday suggested the government's plan to wind back negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount had been poorly received and was widely regarded among voters as a broken election promise.

According to Freshwater research published by News Corp, 44 percent of voters think the budget will leave their household worse off while 13 percent think it will

Fuel transparency differing between regions

THE NSW Government’s ongoing FuelCheck inspection program has revealed which regions across the state have the best and worst compliance rates for price transparency.

While approximately half of all inspections have taken place outside of Sydney, around 70 percent of all fines have been issued in regional NSW.

The Central Coast comes out on top for fuel transparency, with only one fine issued for price mismatching through the Bowser Buster campaign.

The Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions came in a close second, recording only three fines since March.

Three regions have demonstrated the worst compliance rates, with multiple fines issued to fuel retailers in the area.

The Southern Tablelands and South Coast has recorded the highest number of fines in the state, with 33 penalties

issued, predominantly for mismatches between the price at the pump and the price on FuelCheck.

Service stations in the Riverina and Central West are also amongst those logging the highest number of price mismatches, each with 30 and 21 penalties.

Service stations that display ‘red flag’ behaviours, such as receiving fines or multiple consumer complaints, will continue to be the target of NSW Fair Trading’s re-inspections.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “Our inspectors have been working around the clock and in every corner of the state checking for compliance in petrol stations to stamp out price mismatches.

“FuelCheck is a crucial tool that puts power back in the hands of motorists.

“When families pull up for fuel, they deserve clear and accurate information.

“This is about strengthening fuel price transparency and ensuring FuelCheck works for everyone.”

Single service stations in Cooma, Lismore, Kelso, Newcastle, Goulburn and Port Kembla have all been issued multiple fines in an inspection, while a fuel retailer in the Murray region was dealt with a penalty for a 24 percent price mismatch for diesel.

NSW Fair Trading has now conducted over 4,600 field inspections and reinspections.

Inspectors have also issued more than 270 fines, with around 80 percent of these penalties being for price mismatches.

Legislation that passed the Legislative Assembly last week will also make it illegal for service stations to fail to notify FuelCheck of a standard price of fuel or fuel unavailability at the bowser.

The proposed legislation

will also increase the fines for individuals from $22,000 to $55,000.

On-the-spot fines for service stations will be tripled to $3,300 for the first offence and $11,000 for the second

offence within 12 months.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Our proposed laws, coupled with our inspection program, are all about deterring

improve their circumstances.

More than 80 percent of those surveyed thought Labor had broken its promise to leave property tax concessions unchanged.

Asked whether he was disappointed by the survey results, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he wasn't expecting support for the government to increase due to its budget reforms.

"I'd be more surprised if there was a bounce," he said, pointing to the oil crisis and a "predictable scare campaign" as factors driving down support for the government.

"We're not doing this to help our primary vote, we're doing this to help more people into housing."

Startups could still be carved out from changes to capital gains tax due to fears the new inflation-linked method of calculating the charge could drive investment away from up-and-coming businesses.

"There are particular issues when it comes to the cost-based calculation in startups, particularly in tech and when it comes to (venture capital)," Dr Chalmers said.

"We recognise that there are specific issues here and so it's not unusual for there to be consultation on implementation after a big policy change is announced."

service stations from taking motorists for a ride.

“As we close in on the final retailers in the most remote regions, we want motorists to be alert to price mismatching at their local servo and report their concerns directly to FuelCheck.”

DUNGOG SHIRE News Of The Area

Steps taken to address fuel security

THE NSW Government’s Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) will run a targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) round calling for major projects that safeguard the state against future global fuel supply shocks.

The EOI will focus on commercial-scale projects valued at $100 million or more that would directly improve fuel security, including:

• fuel storage and

distribution infrastructure

• domestic, importindependent liquid fuel production, focused on renewable fuels and their feedstocks such as sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, biodiesel, biomethane and green ammonia

• heavy electric vehicle charging hubs and fleets, to reduce reliance on diesel over time.

According to a NSW Government statement,

the IDA will use its existing operating model to help remove delivery barriers, coordinate engagement across government and support endorsed projects to progress more quickly.

Alongside the EOI round, the NSW Government will run a market sounding process to help understand what’s needed to unlock future investment related to fuel security.

This will provide an option for proponents

whose projects do not yet meet IDA EOI criteria, such as those at an earlier stage of development, to still put forward information about potential projects as part of the fuel security round.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This is about making sure NSW is better prepared, better protected and better positioned to deal with global shocks, while keeping our economy and essential services moving.

“We also recognise that

not every good idea is ready to go on day one, which is why we’re running a market sounding process alongside the EOI round.”

In a further attempt to improve fuel security, the NSW Government will also expand the Renewable Fuel Scheme to include lowcarbon and renewable liquid fuels.

The Scheme currently provides financial incentives for green hydrogen and will shortly be expanded to

include biomethane.

The government will now add renewable liquid fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and biodiesel, pending consultation with industry.

The fuel security round of the IDA and the market sounding process will open on 1 June, 2026.

Proponents will have three weeks to submit their projects.

For more information on the IDA visit www.nsw. gov.au/departments-andagencies/investment-nsw/ investment-deliveryauthority.

Police charge 900-plus in DV operation

NSW POLICE have charged over 900 people following a four-day statewide operation targeting offenders with a history of domestic violence.

Operation Amarok XIII ran from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 May.

The operation is described as an “intelligenceled, offender-focused operation that aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of domestic and family violence victims and the broader NSW community”.

The Domestic and Family Violence Commandled operation also involved officers from each regions’ Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team (DVHROT), along with specialist officers from State Crime

Command’s Raptor Squad, Youth Command, State Crime Command’s Child Protection Register, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and the Police Transport Command.

Across the four days, 993 people were arrested and charged, with 299 arrest warrants executed.

Police laid 2,063 charges and conducted 1,847 bail compliance checks and 14,318 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with a total of 391 breaches identified.

Officers conducted 142 firearms prohibition order (FPO) searches, with 94 firearms and 48 weapons seized.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said that Operation Amarok sent a clear message to the “cowards committing

domestic violence offences”.

“Police target the people who pose the greatest risk: repeat offenders, wanted offenders and those with outstanding warrants,”

Minister Catley said.

“Domestic and family violence is a stain on our society.

“These offenders rely on fear and control, and Amarok is about turning that pressure back onto them.

“If you use violence, intimidation or coercive control, police will come for you.”

Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan, said officers were committed to identifying offenders, protecting victims and disrupting violent behaviour before it escalated.

“Too many people in our community are living in fear inside their own homes, and Operation Amarok is designed to intervene, support victims and ensure offenders are put before the court.

“Our focus is on removing violent offenders from homes and enforcing protection orders.

“This operation reinforces our ongoing commitment to tackling domestic and family violence year-round.

“Amarok may be a targeted operation, but our dedication to protecting victims and pursuing offenders occurs every day and never stops.”

“This operation is about holding perpetrators to account,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY SHETLAND

ABC TV, 8.30pm

It’s freezing cold, claustrophobically small and the whole place knows your business, but even reluctant returnee Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen, pictured) can’t deny that Shetland is home. Officially a resident of the Scottish isles when this ninth season begins, Calder is thrown into an uncomfortable situation by a double missing person’s case that blurs the line between private and professional lives. Annie (Sarah MacGillivray), the woman who has vanished with her young son, is a friend of Tosh (Alison O’Donnell), and had arranged to speak to her about something important the night before she disappeared.

FRIDAY, May 22

WEDNESDAY

GUY MONTGOMERY’S GUY MONT SPELLING BEE

ABC TV, 8.35pm

Living in the advent of autocorrect and AI, you might wonder who spell these days. Comedians, that’s who. Logie Award-winning host Guy Montgomery won’t let the written word go quietly, enlisting a roster of famous stand-ups, rising stars and bewildered actors to spell homophones, esoteric scientific terms and names of audience members alike. Brimming with zany set-ups and lightningfast improv, it’s one of the truest joys on Australian TV. In Wednesday’s episode, Montgomery and his sidekick Sam Campbell (near left, with Montgomery) find out if Rose Matafeo, David O’Doherty or Tim McDonald can topple the carryover champ.

WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

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. Sophie Thomson meets a horticulturalist.

8.30 Shetland. (Return, Mlv) Calder and Tosh investigate when a woman goes missing with her nine-year-old son.

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

10.05 Urzila. (Mals, R)

10.30 ABC Late News.

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

11.35 Love Me. (Mdl, R)

1.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

THURSDAY

RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA

Whether he’s at home in Cornwall or soaking up

residence, chef Rick Stein (pictured) rarely strays far from the ocean. And with a gift for preparing seafood with such fresh, natural flavour, who could blame him? However, for this tasty travelogue, the Englishman is leaving the coast behind and taking in Australian landscapes further inland. After venturing into the Outback last week, Stein heads to New South Wales’ Riverina region. He’s keen to see how the area’s floodplains have become a food bowl for the entire nation, stopping by an emu farm, the De Bortoli winery and a “perfect” Italian bakery.

Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains. (Premiere)

8.30 China With Ben Fogle. (Premiere)

9.50 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 The King. (Mas)

11.40 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R)

1.35 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)

3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.10 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

8.00 MOVIE: Ladies In Black. (2018, PGl, R) A young woman learns about life and love while working at a department store in ’50s Sydney. Angourie Rice, Julia Ormond.

10.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 12.00 Quacks. (MA15+d)

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

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 12. Canterbury Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran rescues POWs. 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)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning

10 News+.

Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List

6.00

SATURDAY, May 23

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim goes into labour.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

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

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG)

A distillery owner is poisoned.

8.30 Silent Witness. (M) When a mysterious contagion spreads on a flight, Dr Nikki Alexander must contain a deadly illness.

10.15 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac’s pursuit of Monica has severe consequences. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PGaw)

8.20 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.20 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal, R)

10.15 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.55 Matched. (PG, R)

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

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Armageddon. (1998, Mv, R) A veteran oil driller and his team must save humanity after an asteroid is discovered on a collision course with Earth. Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler.

11.35 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R)

12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Tasmania Super 440. Day 1. Highlights. 1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi. (1983, PGv, R) Mark Hamill. 10.10 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PGv, R) Kurt Russell. 12.20 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

1.10 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)

9.00 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving, as they deal with a diabetic coma, a rescue from a burning car, a child in anaphylaxis and an explosion in Chinatown.

(PGv, R) Elsbeth investigates a wealth therapist after a billionaire’s son dies in a motorcycle crash.

6am Mr. Holmes.

Continued. (2015, PG) 7.10 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 9.00 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 11.00 Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 12.40pm The First Day Of My Life. (2023, M, Italian) 2.55 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 4.55 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.55 The

SUNDAY, May 24

6.00

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Jessica Mauboy. Autistic students interview Jessica Mauboy.

8.15 Bad Company. (M) Staff are trapped when new smart locks malfunction.

8.45 Bergerac. (Mlv) Bergerac’s career is on the line as the case gets personal.

9.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R)

A distillery owner is poisoned.

10.30 Silent Witness. (M, R)

12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)

4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Shut Your Big Fat Mouth John Safran! (Ma)

8.45 Cannes Uncut. (Maln, R)

10.15 Osher Günsberg: A World Of Pain. (Mads, R)

11.25 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Becker. (Mals, R)

1.15 Matched. (PG, R)

3.00 The Sculpture. (PGav, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.00 The Real Adolescence: Our Killer Kids. (MA15+av) 10.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mad, R) 11.40 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R) 12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Tasmania Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 8.00 The Michael Jackson Story: Fame. (Premiere, Mas) Follows Michael Jackson’s rise to fame. 10.00 9News Late.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

Today Early News.

Today.

6.30 10 News+.

MONDAY, May 25

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

Ancient Greece By Train. (R) 9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav) 12.05 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.10 My Unique B&B. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Snows Of Kilimanjaro. Continued. (1952, PG) 7.55 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 10.00 The Last Castle. (2001, M) 12.20pm The Fence. (2022, M) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 The Shooting. (1966, PG) 5.35 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PG, Dzongkha) 7.35 We Don’t Need A Map. (2017, M) 9.15 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, May 26

ABC 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. 8.40 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

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. (Ma) 12.00 World On Fire. (Malv, R) 3.15 Finding Your Roots. (PGa, R) 4.15 My Unique B&B. (R)

4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.50 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.45 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 9.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 1.35am NHK World English News. 5.00

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.05 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 8.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.25 Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 12.30pm Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.25 The Snows Of Kilimanjaro. (1952, PG) 5.40 Alick & Albert. (2021, PG) 7.30 The New Boy. (2023, M) 9.40 Samson And Delilah. (2009, M) 11.35 Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

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

$20 meals + $5 schooner

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

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Ml) 8.40 9-1-1. (M) Buck is faced with his past. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Happy’s Place. (PGal) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

1.10 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

Footy Classified. (Ml)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PG) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 9.15 Doc. (Ma) While navigating the fallout from Katie’s secret, Amy treats a critically-ill patient with a dark one of her own.

10.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 11.15 The Agenda Setters.

12.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.15 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.40 MOVIE: Under Siege 2. (1995, MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.55 The 100. 12.45am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.45

7MATE (64)

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm

Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm

Sunday - Roast Lunch, Full menu also available BEHIND THE BAR

8 tap beers • Great wines • Cocktails ENTERTAINMENT

Morning Programs. 8.30

Plenty to keep locals and visitors coming back

6.00

WEDNESDAY, May 27

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Legacy List. (R) 11.10 Making It. (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.

SBS World News.

7.35 Alexander Armstrong In India. (Final, PGan)

8.25 The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M)

9.25 The Audacity. (MA15+l)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Rise Of The Raven. (Mv)

11.55 Golden Boy. (Mlns, R)

1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R)

3.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

4.20 My Unique B&B. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

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

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.

VICELAND (31)

(32)

6am Master

Cheng: A Spice For Life. Continued. (2019, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Alick & Albert. (2021, PG) 10.10 We Don’t Need A Map. (2017, M) 11.50

The New Boy. (2023, M) 2pm Madison. (2020, PG, German) 3.35 Discovering Film. 4.25 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 6.10 Another Country. (2015, PG) 7.35 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 9.10 Spear. (2015, M) 10.40 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, May 28

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 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mlv, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (PG) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(R)

Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke. (PG, R)

Frankie Drake Mysteries. (Mv, R)

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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. 8.40 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Legacy List. (PGa, R) 11.15 Making It. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 3.05 Living Black. (R) 3.35 The Cook

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (PG)

8.40 Titanic: Our Secret History. (PGa, R)

9.35 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Ma)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Under The Bridge. (MA15+l)

11.55 De Gaulle. (Ma, R)

2.50 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

3.50 My Unique B&B. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 8.15 Another Country. (2015, PG) 9.40 Discovering Film. 10.30 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 12.05pm Samson And Delilah. (2009, M) 2.00 The Most Beautiful Day In The World. (2019, PG, Italian) 4.00

The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 5.40 Kindred. 7.30 The Thicket. (2024, M) 9.30 The Sweeney. (2012, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Malv) Recruits tackle an extraction task.

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R)

12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL State of Origin. Game 1. New South Wales v Queensland.

10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 1.

11.00 NRL Origin Stories. (PGl, R) Looks at the history of the NRL Origin series.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Explore TV Viking. (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 Surfing Australia TV. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Sully. (2016, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.20am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.20 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.30 Surfing Australia. 3.00 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30

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

7.30 Highway Patrol Special. (PGl, R) Takes a look at some blatant busts.

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

10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (Malv)

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.30 Brave New World. (Premiere, MA15+asv)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62) 7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30

News Of The Area is always looking for

CONGRATULATIONS to Les and Joan Houston, celebrating 65 years of marriage on 20th May 2026. Best wishes from your sons, their

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On the Couch

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

MY friend is a good listener, but sometimes I forget my train of thought and ask her what I was talking about and she never knows. Does this seem odd?

Delia H.

Dear Delia,

There is a very big difference between pretending to listen and using actively listening skills.

Many people become adept at the former and give a damn fine impression of the latter,

News Of The Area OPINION

when in reality they only hear the occasional word.

It is a skill, and sometimes a survival mechanism, when you have friends or family members that frequently unload for hours at a time.

A conversation is a two-way contract, so if you think your friend is a good listener, consider if you are also a good listener, or if you are simply getting things off your chest that may be of no consequence.

There is nothing wrong with working through issues, but if your friend is merely a sounding board, it may be becoming exhausting for them to be constantly listening (or pretending to listen) to the (no doubt riveting, but possibly not) details of your life.

The clear cue that your friend is not listening is that she can never recall what you are talking about. Perhaps she is perimenopausal and can't remember anything.

Or perhaps, while you are unloading about your kids, or

your husband, or your dog, she is a million miles away, possibly imagining she is skiing in the swiss alps, or immersed (up to the neck) in a hot tub (a glass of pinot gris in her hand) or maybe she is imagining that she is frolicking in the ocean with Jason Momoa and/ or a seal.

Then, in the midst of these diversions, you interject with 'now I've forgotten my train of thought, what was I talking about?' and her imaginative escape is shattered.

Then she has to take a stab in the dark as to whether you were talking about your son's recent tooth extraction, or your husband's propensity to cut his toenails on the mohair rug, or your desire to paint your walls Hog Bristle because you're sick of Lexicon White.

A friendship is a give-and-take arrangement.

I'd suggest next time you catch up, you ask her what she has been up to.

And then you listen. Really listen. And ask questions to show

you're listening.

Unless, of course, she starts talking about home renovations, in which case you have permission to adopt any of the above

Dorin's Drawings

imaginative escapes or come up with your own.

Farmers urged to act early on feral pig control

WITH dry seasonal conditions being experienced in many parts of the region, Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is urging producers to act early on feral pig control.

As feed and water become limited, feral pigs are concentrating around remaining resources, increasing the risk of damage to crops, pastures and

infrastructure, and putting additional pressure on livestock production systems.

Hunter LLS biosecurity staff say these seasonal conditions create a critical window for control programs, where well-planned action can deliver stronger results.

Luke Booth, Team Leader for Invasive Pests for Hunter LLS said, “We are working

with landholders to deliver large-scale control across priority areas.

“This includes the distribution of free grain to support baiting and trapping programs, supply of traps, the deployment of dedicated feral pig control contractors, coordinated ground baiting programs and targeted aerial shooting operations.”

To stay ahead of population growth, landholders are encouraged to take a strategic approach that combines multiple control methods and aligns with seasonal conditions and farm operations.

Effective programs typically include:

• using free feeding to establish consistent feeding patterns prior to control activities

• selecting appropriate trap types and locations based on feral pig behaviour and movement

• combining control methods such as trapping, baiting and shooting to increase effectiveness

• following up initial control within three months to maintain pressure on populations

• coordinating control

Wear Orange Wednesday

COMMUNITIES across the Dungog Shire are encouraged to wear orange today (20 May) as part of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day),

showing support for the more than 11,000 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who respond to floods, storms and other

emergencies across the state.

In the past year alone, NSW SES volunteers contributed almost 900,000 volunteer hours,

DECLINING LEVELS

Typically, in April, the region’s average per person water usage each day would be about 163 litres, totalling 3.2 billion litres.

The lack of rain in April, traditionally a month when the region receives replenishing rain, together with above average temperatures has contributed to the highest April water demand since 2006. As a result of these conditions and the associated increase in demand, the FROM Page 1

region’s drinking water storages have fallen to around 62 percent, their lowest level in more than five years.

Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement, Emma Berry, said April’s high water usage highlights the need for early action.

“We can’t control the weather, but we can control how much water we use. Every day is a good day to save water, and right now it’s more important than ever,” Ms Berry said.

The Bureau of Meteorology long-range forecasts indicate continued warmer and drier conditions, increasing the likelihood of further pressure on water storages in coming months.

“While any rainfall is welcome, recent falls have been isolated and mainly

programs with neighbours to maximise impact across the landscape.

Feral pigs are highly adaptable and reproduce rapidly, making ongoing control essential.

A single sow can produce up to two litters per year, with as many as 10–12 piglets per litter, allowing populations to recover quickly if control efforts are not sustained.

Sows can breed as early as six months in favourable conditions.

“Continued control is critical to further suppress populations, particularly as pigs become more exposed and vulnerable due to reduced food availability and limited ground cover,” Luke said.

Conducting control programs ahead of key production periods, such as

rescues.

Dungog Unit Commander, Inspector Peter Todd said WOW Day is a significant date on the NSW SES calendar.

“Wear Orange Wednesday is about showing visible appreciation for the volunteers who give so much to support others,” Inspector Todd said.

“We’d love to see communities across the Dungog Shire turn orange in support of their local SES volunteers.”

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said WOW Day provides an important opportunity for the community to recognise the dedication of SES volunteers.

responding to more than 61,000 incidents, including over 45,000 storm-related requests for assistance and more than 1,100 flood

“Our volunteers are everyday people doing extraordinary things,” Commissioner Wassing said.

“They are part of the fabric of their towns and communities, giving up

crop establishment, can help reduce production losses and protect valuable inputs.

Feral pig control also helps protect biodiversity and reduce biosecurity risks, with feral pigs capable of damaging native habitats and spreading weeds, parasites and diseases.

Local Land Services is supporting landholders through the NSW Government’s Feral Pig and Pest Program 2025–26, which provides access to practical tools and resources to improve control outcomes.

Landholders are encouraged to seek advice to ensure control programs are well planned and compliant with requirements.

For more information or tailored advice, contact your local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 or visit the Local Land Services website.

time with family, work and personal commitments to help others when it matters most.”

Commissioner Wassing said WOW Day is also a chance to encourage more people to consider volunteering.

“Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding way to learn new skills, connect with others and make a real difference in your community.

“Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding way to connect with others, develop new skills, and be there for your community.

“Whether you're interested in hands-on field work, community engagement, logistics, or support behind the scenes, there’s a role for you.

“You don’t need previous experience, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to your community.”

along the coastal fringe, which hasn’t had a significant or lasting impact on our dam levels.

“Our catchments remain very dry, which means not all rainfall turns into runoff that refills our storages,” Ms Berry said.

Hunter Water’s dams can drop quickly during extended dry periods, particularly when evaporation rates are

high. With the region potentially heading toward drought conditions and water restrictions in winter, Hunter Water is asking households and businesses to start saving water now.

Simple, everyday actions can make a meaningful difference, including:

• Shorter showers - a twominute reduction in shower

time can save around 20 litres of water.

• Only watering gardens before 10am or after 4pm

• Using a bucket instead of a hose to wash cars

• Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full

• Fixing leaks promptly

• Installing waterefficient appliances and fittings.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Exposed to asbestos or silica dust?

FOR many in our community, hard work in industries like timber, farming, power generation, construction and mining has been a way of life.

But for some, that work has come at a hidden cost.

Diseases caused by asbestos and silica dust often take decades to appear.

By the time symptoms develop, the connection to past employment may not be immediately obvious.

Yet under New South Wales law, people diagnosed with dust diseases may be entitled to significant compensation - even if exposure occurred many years ago.

Carter Hawkins Lawyers is a specialist firm dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by dust disease.

With a strong focus on client care, the firm assists with claims through the Dust Diseases Tribunal and the Dust Board (iCare), guiding clients through what can often be a complex and emotional process.

Importantly, exposure is not limited to a single workplace.

Many cases arise from years spent working across local power stations, coal mines, construction sites and industrial employers throughout regional New South Wales.

Even brief or secondary exposure can be enough to cause serious illness.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a dust-related condition, it is worth seeking advice. Early guidance can make a meaningful difference - not just financially, but in securing support and peace of mind for the future.

Carter Hawkins offers a free in-home consultation to discuss your entitlements.

You can then decide whether to proceed with a claim from there.

700-plus drivers caught during traffic operation

MORE than 708 drivers have been detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation.

Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which ran from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, focused on roadside testing to identify people who may be driving while affected by alcohol and drugs.

During the operation, police conducted 8,460 drug tests with 708 people returning positive samples and conducted more than 161,397 breath tests with 211 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 5,213 other traffic infringement notices, including 1,904 for speedrelated offences, 363 for mobile phone use, and 109 restraint-related offences.

During the operation, an incident unfolded at Nerong.

About 8.55am on Friday 8 May, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of a crash.

Upon arrival, police located a vehicle that had crashed into bushland off the Pacific Highway. No injuries were reported.

Following inquiries, the driver - a 25-year-old man from Sydney - was found to be an alleged disqualified driver with two outstanding warrants for alleged break and enter offences.

The man underwent mandatory testing, which

allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with “break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal)”, “drive motor vehicle during disqualification period”, “driver or rider state false name or home address”, and “negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)”.

In a separate incident, one person lost their life in Cabramatta.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said driving impaired was selfish, reckless and deadly.

“Driving impaired with drugs or alcohol in your system is a dangerous choice that can kill someone,” Minister Catley said.

“Police cannot sit in the driver’s seat with you.

“Every driver has a responsibility to make sure

they are fit to get behind the wheel.

“Operation RAID may have concluded, but

enforcement does not stop. “If you are putting lives at risk on NSW roads, police will get you.”

Grant program to support Land Councils to care for landholdings

THE New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to offer funding to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) from across the state.

The newly offered Together on Country grants are being co-delivered by NSWALC and the EPA and are aimed at supporting LALCs across NSW in managing

their landholdings.

NSWALC Chairperson Dr Raymond Kelly said the Together on Country grant program will help Aboriginal communities safely dispose of waste, care for Country and support Aboriginal participation in the circular economy.

“Together on Country is about empowering our communities to care for their land and Country in ways that

Farmer confidence

NSW Farmers is warning state and federal governments must urgently respond to an acute cost-ofproduction shock with new data showing spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices caused by global shortages have slashed confidence.

The latest NSW Farmers Farm Business Sentiment Survey suggests 80 percent price increases for fuel and fertiliser have flowed through to freight (up 60 percent), farm chemicals (up 40 percent) and labour (up 25 percent).

The survey also showed

confidence about the year ahead had collapsed, with 80 percent of farmers expecting business conditions to worsen over the next 12 months.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said farmers were already changing decisions that underpinned the production of food and fibre.

“We were expecting a drop in conditions and confidence, but this is a stark warning to governments that food security, and the economic value of farm production, is taking an absolute beating,”

Paterson Golf Club

SATURDAY 16TH MAY

2-PERSON AMBROSE CHAMPIONSHIPS - 1ST

ROUND FIELD | 45 members.

Winners Greg Sainsbury (19) & Greg Scott (6) 59.75 Nett, Runners Up Brodie Thackeray (11) & Ramsey

Vane-Wood (6) 59.75 Nett, 3rd Place Phillip Watson (29) & Stephen Watson (14) 60.25 Nett BALL COMP | Paul Bennetts (23) & Robert

Radin (16) 60.25 Nett, Dion Rose (30) & Michael Rose (5) 60.25 Nett, James Cowled (11) & Wayne Stedman (8)

61.25 Nett, Glenn Davies (5) & Allan McKinnon (12)

61.75 Nett, Mick Mirisch (11) & William Mirisch (10)

61.75 Nett, Paul Geddes (5) & Michael Shanley (15)

62.00 Nett, Bejmain Herden (19) & Jarrod Roberts (12)

62.25 Nett, Peter Griffin (17)

are sustainable and culturally meaningful,” said Chair Kelly.

“This program will address a number of waste issues across the state, including illegal dumping, which remains a significant issue impacting land managed by our LALCs and surrounding communities.

“By empowering LALCs to manage waste, Together on Country will embed traditional ecological

knowledge of land – focused on sustainability, reuse, and regeneration – into modern waste practices.”

Through this new program, LALCs are encouraged to apply for up to $150,000 per project to improve waste management and sustainable practices within their communities.

EPA Executive Director of Engagement, Digital and Innovation, Alexandra Geddes, said the EPA was proud to work together with NSWALC to deliver this funding.

“The Together on Country grants are based on collaboration, respect and an acknowledgement that Aboriginal people have deep knowledge about how to care for Country,” Ms Geddes said.

“This funding will help Local Aboriginal Land Councils address local waste management issues on their land holdings and find sustainable, long-term solutions that work for the environment and their community.”

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.

‘plummets’ amid cost crisis

Mr Martin said.

“This data confirms the multitude of anecdotal reports that things are tough for farm businesses, and that should be a wake-up call for the nation.”

Survey respondents reported they were scaling back or decreasing the intensity of production by 22 percent, while 36 percent were changing cropping and stocking plans.

Mr Martin said governments must act quickly with practical, targeted measures that reduced the extraordinary costs faced

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by farming businesses to avoid even worse planting and stocking decisions over coming months.

“To stabilise production and protect regional jobs, we need immediate relief that lowers on-farm and supplychain costs, and finance settings that help farm businesses maintain liquidity and keep operating through this period of uncertainty,” he said.

NSW Farmers proposed time-limited tax relief to directly reduce extraordinary cost pressures and support investment

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in on-farm storage and efficiency, including relief from payroll tax, insurancerelated taxes and council rate increases where feasible, as well as waiving tolls and heavy vehicle charges and registration fees to ease freight costs. NSW Farmers also urged the Commonwealth to increase and expand the instant asset write-off settings beyond June 2026 to support storage investment and adoption of fuel and fertiliser efficiency technology.

Over the medium term, NSW Farmers called for

NSWALC encourages LALCs to consult with their communities before submitting an application, to ensure there is support for the proposed projects.

The grant funding is available to all LALCs; however, successful projects should address a specific waste issue and provide sustainable, long-term solutions.

Details of the Together on Country grant program are available at https://alc.org. au/t-o-c-grant/.

expanded access to low or zero-interest finance and underwriting settings so farmers could refinance, maintain working capital, and proceed with cropping and stocking plans.

This included new Rural Assistance Authority loan products to support efficiency and storage technology, faster access to relevant RIC loan products, and underwriting of existing farm insurance with exploration of underwriting options for new products, including crop, stock and weather cover.