Dungog Shire News Of The Area 22 APRIL 2026

Storyteller inspires next generation

Workshop participants were given insight into his creative process, including how to identify a story, research effectively, and present it in a way that resonates with modern audiences online.

“History doesn’t have to feel distant or academic,” Jacob said.

By John WATTS

Morning tea highlights local volunteer service

By Lisa WISEMAN

THE Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers group hosted a free

morning tea for the community on Saturday 18 April at the Dungog CWA Hall.

The group provides

free services for local people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness across the local government area.

Family and friends are

also provided assistance through services such as carer support groups.

The group’s motto is “a caring hand to help”.

Member Lyn Moseley said the morning tea was intended to “spread the word within the community” about the group’s services and the need for more volunteers.

A variety of roles are available, with free training provided.

Visitors from across the Dungog Shire and beyond attended to peruse information on services, ask questions and enjoy a cuppa and a selection of sweet treats provided by local CWA members. The event was made possible by a state government grant.

Other palliative care organisations also shared in the funding, and held their own events.

To find out more, phone 0457 846 806 or email admin@ dungogcarers.com.au.

Storyteller inspires next generation

FROM Page 1

“It can be immediate, personal, and something anyone can connect with, especially when shared through platforms people use every day.”

Jacob used the ‘Famous Paterson River Orange’ as an example of a story subject that

the Paterson community could tell.

Jacob’s latest documentary project, Children of the Home Front, aims to preserve the memories of Australians who experienced World War II as children.

During the war, thousands of Australian children lived through

rationing, air raid drills, blackouts, and the absence of family members serving overseas.

These experiences, often remembered from classrooms, homes, and small communities, form an important but under-recorded part of Australia’s history.

This project seeks

Dungog Shire Council

Paterson

Paterson

Paterson

Paterson

Vacy

Vacy

Dungog

Dungog

Dungog

Lovey's

Dowling

Dungog

Long

Hidden

Bottlemart

Farmers

Royal

Gresford

Gresford

Gresford

to capture their stories before they are lost.

Jacob is currently inviting contributions from individuals who remember life in Australia during WWII.

“These are deeply personal stories that deserve to be preserved,” Jacob said.

“They help us

understand not just the war, but what it meant to grow up during that time.”

Community members who would like to share their memories, or know someone who can, are encouraged to get in touch via the online contact form or by emailing jacob@ ourpast.au

Draft Operational Plan, Budget and Fees & Charges 2026 - 2027

, including infrastructure upgrades , co unit y services and how funding will be allocated .

Ta e a loo and share your feedbac before the plan is finalised Your input helps shape the future of our co unit y

e’ll be holding so e co unit y consultation sessions during the exhibition period More details to co e shortl y!

Visit our website to view the draft plans: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close 5pm, Thursday 14 May, 2026

Youth Week launches in Paterson

YOUTH Week 2026 has officially kicked off in Paterson with a vibrant, community-driven art workshop celebrating a key part of the town’s unique agricultural heritage.

Organised by Paterson Community Builders, the Youth Week launch event brought young people and residents together for a Paterson River Orangethemed art workshop led by local artist Jenny McCracken.

At the heart of the project is the creation of a large-scale orange sculpture, designed and built collaboratively by community members.

Assisting with the project is 22-year-old international

TRAIN TIMETABLE

Page 1

Australian rail networks,” said NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks.

When complete, the Regional Rail fleet will consist of 29 new trains, featuring 117 carriages.

Ten long regional and nine short regional trains will replace the current XPT and XPLORER services, and 10 regional intercity trains will replace most of the current

Endeavour fleet.

According to a Transport for NSW project update on 8 April, the new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to arrive, with ten trains now in Australia.

“All long regional trains are manufactured, half of the short regional trains are manufactured, and production is underway on every remaining carriage,” the update read.

“Testing is also progressing with two trains undertaking intensive testing across

student Charlie, visiting from Maine in the United States, who is currently spending two weeks in Paterson as part of a Watson Fellowship.

Charlie recently completed a Bachelor’s degree at Hamilton College, with a double concentration in Economics and Geology.

His Watson Fellowship supports a year of independent international travel focused on exploring small towns and rural economies around the world, making Paterson a fitting stop on his journey.

The Youth Week workshop builds on the broader “Famous Paterson River Oranges” community

electrified and non-electrified networks, trialling the bi-mode capability using both overhead electric and diesel power – an Australian first for passenger rail.”

In the meantime, following a recent upgrade of the existing XPT fleet, Sydney to Grafton train services will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am, while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 05.15am service.

arts project, which invites residents to rediscover and celebrate a once-thriving local industry. Known for their exceptional flavour and quality, oranges grown along the Paterson River were historically a defining feature of the region’s agricultural identity.

Through a series of creative workshops held at the Pop-in Community Hub at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, participants are encouraged to share stories, photographs and memories of the orange industry while contributing to collaborative artworks.

“This project brings together young people,

long-time residents and newcomers to celebrate something uniquely Paterson,” said Julie Overton, spokesperson for Paterson Community Builders.

“It’s an opportunity to share stories across generations and ensure this important part of our history is remembered.”

The project is supported by Paterson Rotary and funded by Arts Upper Hunter.

Community members with connections to the Paterson River orange industry, including stories, photographs or historical knowledge, are encouraged to get involved.

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

SHOP LOCAL DUNGOG

By John KIDMAN, AAP

AUSTRALIAN fruit and vegetable growers are missing out on the sale of up to a million tonnes of produce annually that never makes it to market.

That's a whopping $2.5 billion a year but a figure dwarfed by the costs linked to such a huge loss.

Data shows Australian horticulture experiences average food loss rates of about 20 percent per farm, with growers often wearing the expense of paying for seed, water, fertiliser, crop protection and labour.

This represents an enormous but largely invisible economic risk, costing an estimated $36.6 billion annually, or about 1.4

percent of GDP.

As such, it's one of the largest avoidable sources of productivity loss in the Australian economy.

In response, a new national research program is under way that aims to help farmers tackle surplus and on-farm losses.

Leading the program, End Food Waste Australia says it will put growers at the centre of national on-farm trials designed to measure where losses occur.

Practical ways to lift utilisation from each harvest are also being tested, product specifications reviewed, commercial pathways for surplus and out-of-spec produce identified and farmready resources developed.

The program is funded

Farmers hit hard by food waste Electric

By Tom WARK, AAP

WAR in the Middle East and associated spiralling diesel costs could spell the perfect time for truck fleets to keep edging closer to electrification.

Last Tuesday, the NSW government announced an expansion of heavy vehicle electrification incentives as part of its EV roadmap, along with investment in more fast chargers and kerbside charging stations for cars.

Australia's trucking

industry has been relatively cautious taking up electric models, and the heavy vehicle peak body's boss said there was no better time for fleets to start deciding if battery power was the way forward.

"There'll come a time when it makes absolute sense to change, (but) it's not there yet," Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia head Todd Hacking told AAP.

"But with the war in Iran, now's a really good time to take stock and investigate exactly where you're at."

through Hort Innovations Frontiers with various government co-investment.

Director of Research, Development and Extension Francesca Goodman-Smith says the project will work with growers on industrywide solutions.

"International trials have shown growers can increase profitability by up to 20 percent through food waste reduction," she said.

"When food isn't sold its not just the food that is wasted, it is also the fertiliser, water, labour and opportunity cost of using that land."

Hort's General Manager of Production and Sustainability Anthony Kachenko says there's a need to focus on improving profitability.

Under the current NSW incentive, only 4.5 tonne trucks are eligible, but the expansion will increase the threshold to vehicles up to 23 tonnes.

The trucking industry's gradual transformation will mean a more resilient economy for decades, the premier told reporters.

"(That will) further take us away from our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and electrify our economy," Chris Minns said.

"We're rated as the best state... when it comes to electric vehicle investment and government strategy, but we want to double down.

Mr Hacking said the ramping up of electric truck production in China was likely to permanently shake up Australian trucking.

"We will see more brands in Australia in the truck market than we've ever had before," he said.

"That is a good thing. Competition in the market breeds better solutions."

In the more mature personal transport market, EVs make up about 15 percent

"Australian growers produce some of the best horticulture products in the world and work hard to get it to market," he said.

"This national program will support our growers by providing practical, commercially realistic tools to maximise value from each harvest."

A key element will be consumer research examining preferences and product specifications, the cosmetic and size standards that influence sales.

"Just because fruit has a cosmetic defect doesn't mean it's inedible," according to Rowan Little from Victorianbased fresh produce grower Montague Farms.

"We've reached almost 100 percent crop utilisation

of new car sales in NSW.

The government says switching to an EV from a petrol-run vehicle can cut fuel costs by up to $3000 a year, or entirely if using home solar, making the choice an economic one for those frustrated at the bowser.

Alongside more fast chargers in regional blackspots, more kerbside

for our apples through secondary markets to cider and juices, and are looking at the same for plums.

"If we can unlock value in new markets and sell more from every crop, that's good for growers and good for the whole supply chain."

The research and trials will test what works under

Australian conditions using data collected from participating farms.

Outputs are expected to include measurement tools and loss-reduction resources, grower training materials and case studies that set out what options work and what they cost.

The findings will be published in order to make resources easy for growers to find and apply.

charging stations will be built to help those who cannot charge at home, such as apartment residents.

The government will also invest in training for 2000 regional mechanics so country drivers can have their vehicles safely looked after closer to home.

State opposition leader Kellie Sloane said the

government's roadmap was a step backwards for motorists and does nothing to protect from future fuel shocks.

"This is not a strategy. It is a smokescreen. A classic Minns Labor government attempt to distract from three years of missed opportunities on EV infrastructure," Ms Sloane said.

To

We’re

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

BAD COMPANY

ABC TV, 8.15pm

Pitting the unbridled chaos of Anne Edmonds (above right) against Kitty Flanagan’s (above left) deadpan wit, this new character-driven sitcom –set in an avant-garde inner-city theatre company –is a match made in comedy heaven. The hilarious headliners are respectively cast as artistic director Margie and corporate cost-cutter Julia, who find themselves at odds when the latter is tasked with saving the failing Argyle Theatre. Created by Edmonds and directed by Fisk’s Tom Peterson, this playful satire puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.

FRIDAY, April 24

(PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (PGv)

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R)

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)

10.20 News. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PGl, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.05 Love Me. (Mdls, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.10 Last Post: Winds Of Change. 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.

Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 A New ANZAC. (PGal)

9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 The King. (Madls)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Manv, R) 1.45 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

WEDNESDAY

SAS: AUS V ENG

SEVEN, 7.30pm

When you’ve trained as an Olympic athlete, you might reckon that you’re ready for anything. But for gold medallist Mack Horton (pictured), who attempts a version of Special Forces selection in the new season of this gruelling reality series, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “They are worlds apart,” says Horton. “At the Olympics, you spend four or more years preparing for a single moment. On SAS have no idea what’s coming in the next few seconds.”

The swimmer is one of seven Aussies competing against UK celebrities in TV’s ultimate test of endurance. His teammates include Neighbours star Ryan “Toadie” Moloney, cricket legend Brad Hodge and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

THURSDAY

RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA

He’s best known for championing Cornwall and its classic seaside fare, but British chef Rick Stein (pictured) is married to an Aussie and his love affair with our fair country stretches back 60 years. Stein first visited our shores when he was 19, on a trip he describes as “the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food.” In his debut Aussie series, the celebrated restaurateur retraces that life-changing voyage, starting in Sydney Harbour where his adventure began all those years ago. Comparing the city’s food culture then to the vibrant food scene that exists today, Stein catches up with local legend Neil Perry and checks out Chinatown, before sharing a recipe for salt and pepper crab.

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. (Premiere) Discovers the best Sydney has to offer.

9.00 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep.

11.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.30 Weekend Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.

10.45 MOVIE: Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv, R)

A young, naive soldier is sent to Vietnam. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger.

1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Hot

(PG, R)

Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker

SATURDAY, April 25

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Anzac Day March Sydney. 12.30 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.30 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. 2.25 ABC News On Anzac Day. 3.00 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.00 Last Post: Winds Of Change. (R) 4.05 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.55 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Langham: London’s Grandest Hotel.

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R)

10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.55 Matched. (PG, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6am WorldWatch.

8.30 The American Soldier. 10.15 Chernobyl: A Bomb That Keeps Ticking. 11.15 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 12.05am Late Programs.

6am Guess

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with some of the members of the Eastwood Country Women’s Association. 8.00 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale. 11.50 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Pacific Four Series. Game 3. Australia v New Zealand.

10.00 MOVIE: Midway. (2019, Mlw, R) Charts the Battle of Midway. Woody Harrelson.

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

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Two brothers are impressed by a pure husky. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) Neale Whitaker sets out to do a sensitive renovation where the spaces will creatively connect. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) The firm tackles an AI afterlife software dispute. 11.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) Elsbeth infiltrates the world of puzzle

SUNDAY, April 26

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGv, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 3.25 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.15

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly. (Return, PGl)

8.15 Bad Company. (Premiere, PG) A theatre centre’s new CEO tries to prevent its downfall.

8.45 Bergerac. (Return, M)

9.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl, R)

10.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R)

10.40 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

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. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG, R)

8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG, R)

9.40 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)

10.35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.35 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (Ml, R)

1.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGl, 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.

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6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm Motorcycle Racing. 1.15 The Swiping Game. 1.35 Jeopardy! 3.40 WorldWatch. 4.40 PBS News Compass Points. 5.10 Fashionista. 5.20 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 6.20 Abandoned Engineering. 8.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 12.40am Cycling. UCI World Tour. LiegeBastogne-Liege. Women’s race. 2.15 Late Programs.

Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.05 Men In War. (1957, PG) 10.05 Mass. (2021, M) 12.10pm Discovering Film. 1.00 Marmalade. (2024, M) 3.00 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 6.50 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 10.40 Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.40 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 10.30 That Good Night. (2017, M) 12.15pm Ping Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 Time Men In War. (1957) 6.50 8.30 Stalingrad. (2013, The Firm. (1993, MA15+)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 MOVIE: Bravery & Betrayal. (2025, Malv) Looks at the SAS troops that were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us. (MA15+al, R) 12.10 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

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 The Floor. (PGl) 8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Operation Bastille. (Masv) Looks at Operation Bastille. 10.15 9News Late.

The First 48: Among Friends. (Ma, R)

American Ripper. (Premiere, Mav)

Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)

MONDAY, April 27

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mlv) 11.45 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R) 3.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (M) 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Eddie and Buck’s flight to LA is cancelled. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGadl) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

FAMILY (22)

(31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 4.40 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023, MA15+, Korean) 1.15am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 28

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Exit. (Malv) 12.00 Clean Sweep. (Mals, R) 3.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)

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

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NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

My Reno Rules. (PGl) The rival renovators try to prove their worth. 9.05 Doc. (Mav) A shocking turn of events ensues when Amy and Jake treat an expectant mother injured during a robbery.

FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Surfest: 40 Years. Noon MOVIE: Superman III. (1983, PG) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows. (2011,

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.20 Discovering Film. 9.15 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 11.00 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 12.50pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.45 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 4.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.15 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 8.30 The Flowers Of War. (2011, MA15+) 11.10 Comandante. (2023, MA15+, Italian) 1.20am Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

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

$20 meals + $5 schooner

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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

WEDNESDAY, April 29

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.15 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

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6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 11.05 Along Ancient Tracks. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Chernobyl: Inside The Meltdown. (M)

9.25 The Audacity. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv) 12.00 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)

2.05 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.40 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Return)

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 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Final, Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml)

8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mv)

9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG)

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

THURSDAY,

TV (2)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard.

VICELAND (31)

April 30

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.20 Urzila. (Mals, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (M, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

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7TWO (62)

6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical

6am The Movie

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (Final, PG) 11.05 Along Ancient Tracks. (Mn) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 2.10 The Cotswolds With Pam Ayres. (R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (Premiere, a)

8.35 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)

9.30 Riot Women. (Malv)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Under The Bridge. (Malsv)

12.05 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)

2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R)

4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

VICELAND (31)

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Spy Game. (2001, M) 10.50 Brassic. 12.35am Count Abdulla. 1.35 Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.30 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Brassic. 12.50am Late Programs.

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Show. 6.10 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.05 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 10.20 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.25pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 10.50 The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs. 6am Discovering Film. 6.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 Superheroes. (2021, M, Italian) 12.15pm Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 2.30 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing. (1942, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Rendition. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal)

A Tesla tests everyone’s patience.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. More performers take to the stage.

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

10.45 To Be Advised.

11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

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

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s State Of

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On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar.

How can I encourage her to try something more age-appropriate?

Gerard H.

Dear Gerard,

Well, don't you sound like a wet sock.

And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the washing machine with water dripping on it from a split hose pipe until it turns into a stiff,

News Of The Area OPINION

stained, smelly, unproductive item.

Age-appropriate? At what age is it no longer acceptable to engage in an activity that keeps the brain engaged?

Do you think taking up a new creative outlet should be limited to those under 40?

What, in your mind, is more ageappropriate?

Bingo? Joining a crochet group? Donning a flowery swimming cap and a matronly one-piece and taking up synchronised swimming at the local pool? Seated lawn skittles?

If your mum is 70, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with.

She probably fought for equal pay, she no doubt marched for reproductive rights.

I bet she wore mini skirts and platform boots and suede flares.

She probably burnt her bra as part of the liberation movement.

And (along with her friends) she no doubt enacted a whole lot of other changes that future generations (like yours) benefit from.

While we're at it, your mum no doubt gained a university degree and

PUZZLES

worked while trying to raise a family. That family includes you, Gerard, you judgy little wet sock.

Your mum would have spent endless days rocking you to sleep and changing your nappies and ensuring your every whim was attended to.

She no doubt did your washing and cooked your meals for decades too.

Then, like all the other mums out there, she worried about your every life stage, because that's what mums do.

So now it's her turn.

I hope she clears out your old bedroom and turns it into a not-sosoundproof studio.

I hope she puts out a casting call to other like-minded women who have spent their lives devoted to others. And I hope their first band meeting kicks off with a punk version of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Maybe you can make a cameo, waving a wet sock for the 'sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me' section of the chorus.

Hell, you've made me want to

learn the electric guitar. Or maybe the drums.

Can you send me your mum's number?

And instead of being so discouraging (and disparaging) you should be proud that you are the son of a great role model who is keen to keep learning and embracing change.

Dorin's Drawings

Rock on, Gerard's mother. As for you, Gerard, pay attention to my usual sign off...

Council progresses several key matters

DUNGOG Shire Council considered several key matters at its Ordinary Meeting held on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

87-lot subdivision at Hanleys Creek

Council has approved an 87-lot rural residential subdivision at Hanleys Creek Road, Hanleys Creek (DA232/2022), to be delivered over two stages as part of the Cangon Park subdivision.

The approved development includes 30 lots in Stage 2 and 57 lots in Stage 3, with lot sizes ranging from approximately 8,000m² to 3.72 hectares.

Works will include the construction of new public roads, upgrades to the Clarence Town Road and Hanleys Creek Road intersection, and environmental measures

such as landscape planting and riparian rehabilitation.

In approving the application, Council noted the development is expected to support the growth of Dungog Shire and aligns with the objectives of the Dungog Shire Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan, which identifies the need to deliver more than 2,400 new homes by 2041.

The application was determined by Council due to its scale and the number of public submissions received.

Council endorsed the recommendations to grant consent subject to conditions, notify submitters of the decision, and commence a review of the Dungog Development Control Plan to reflect the updated staging of the subdivision.

Mayor Digby Rayward said the approval represents

a strong vote of confidence in the future of the Dungog Shire.

“This is a positive outcome for our region and highlights the opportunities our Shire presents for responsible development,” the Mayor said.

“Projects like this not only support population growth but also deliver real benefits for our community through improved infrastructure, investment and increased housing choice.

“We are committed to ensuring growth is well planned and aligned with our long-term vision, and this development is a good example of how we can achieve that balance.”

Proposed renaming of Vacy Sportsground

Mayor Digby Rayward has put forward a Mayoral Minute following a request

A sailor’s tale of adventure and adversity

HUNTER-BASED sailor and death doula Ruth Boydell has released a memoir, “Rocking the Boat: A Life in Three Voyages”, outlining global ocean adventures in the days before GPS and chartplotters.

Ruth’s story begins at the age of 17, when she joined a thirty-something Englishman who was singlehanding a sailboat around the world.

The adventures came thick and fast for the teenager, including sailing from Papua New Guinea to northern Brazil.

After returning home to Australia, Ruth purchased her own small boat and voyaged for another seven years, following roughly in the tracks of the previous journey.

Joined by various crew members, her little steel schooner crossed the Indian and Atlantic oceans, before the intrepid Ruth spent time in the Caribbean as a charter boat skipper.

Later in life she embarked on a third major sailing voyage, this time alongside her paramedic husband, Dave.

While “Rocking the Boat” centres around a life of daring escapades, it also delves deep into issues such as loneliness, mental health and mortality.

In particular it covers Ruth’s experience of Transient Global Amnesia, a sudden and extreme temporary loss of memory.

The ordeal prompted intense thoughts about death and existence for Ruth.

“I have no memory of this experience but did have the felt sense that death is not the end and, moreover, it could be a blissful experience,” Ruth told NOTA.

She has since worked for the past nine years as a death doula, a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals

he received to rename Vacy Sportsground to the Keith and Lesley Miles Oval.

The request was received from the Miles’ son Trevor Miles, to honour his late parents through the planting of a memorial tree and monument at Vacy Sportsground, and by renaming the facility.

The Mayor has expressed support for the proposal, recognising the significant contribution made by Keith and Lesley Miles to local sport and the Vacy community.

This includes their role in developing the sportsground while it was under their ownership, supporting multiple local sporting clubs, and ultimately gifting the land to Council to ensure its ongoing community use.

Council endorsed the proposal and will commence the formal process with the Geographical Names Board, including required statutory approvals, and consultation with the community and Vacy Sportsground 355 Management Committee.

Clarence Town Flood Study

nearing the end of life and their families.

Ruth said she wrote the book to inspire people to live life to the full.

“I have lived a particularly lucky and unusual life,” she said.

“I have not only had opportunities to explore and adventure but I have taken them.

“We are here on this planet for a finite time. We might as well make it a good time, and a time for good.”

Ruth said the experience of putting her own story to paper has at times “felt a bit like pulling teeth”.

“Some of the stories which emerged as I reread letters and spoke to friends of the day, made me understand how memories wander from the lived experience.

“I have tried to write about the conflicts I had with others in a more compassionate and understanding way.

“As time passes I reflect from a more mature perspective.

“In some ways this book is no longer my story, but the story of a young and courageous and sometimes foolish young woman.

"Someone other than me.”

Ruth is offering three signed copies of her book to NOTA readers.

To receive a copy, be one of the first three to email doug@newsofthearea.com. au with the subject line ‘Rocking the Boat’.

Ruth’s memoir is available at most major online outlets.

study offers a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of flood behaviour in Clarence Town, including flood levels, flow path, and potential impacts on properties, infrastructure, and evacuation routes.

“Feedback received during the public exhibition period has been considered in finalising the study, ensuring that local knowledge and community concerns have informed the final outcomes,” Council said in a statement.

“The adopted Flood Study will underpin future floodplain risk management planning, inform development assessments and support emergency planning and response.

“It also strengthens Council’s ability to advocate for funding to deliver flood mitigation and resilience projects.”

Mayor Digby Rayward said the study is a critical piece of work for the community.

Council has adopted the Clarence Town Flood Study following a public exhibition period.

According to Council, the

“This is about ensuring we plan properly for the future and do everything we can to understand and manage flood risk in Clarence Town.

“Having a strong evidence base means we can make better decisions,

support our community, and continue to advocate for the funding needed to improve resilience.”

Draft Operational Plan and Budget

Council has endorsed the Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026–2027 for public exhibition, inviting the community to provide feedback on Council’s proposed activities, projects and financial priorities for the coming financial year.

The Draft Plan outlines Council’s key service areas, capital works program and operational priorities, aligned with the Delivery Program and Community Strategic Plan. It also details proposed expenditure, revenue and funding allocations to support infrastructure, community services and dayto-day operations.

Community members will have the opportunity to review the draft documents and make submissions during the exhibition period before the final plan and budget are adopted.

More information on where the draft documents can be viewed (online and in-person) will be available on Council’s website in the coming days.

The early veterans of Wallarobba

By Martin HOLMES CSM

THE small locality of Wallarobba, like every other town and village throughout Australia, had men who volunteered to serve in the military during WWI.

The Wallarobba Memorial Hall celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and it is fitting to remember those men to whom it was originally dedicated.

The Wallarobba Honour Roll mounted in the Hall records the original five soldiers who served in WWI and also the 27 men who served in WWII.

The five men who enlisted in WWI were all locals living or working in the Wallarobba area and knew each other.

The WWI veterans were:

PTE Geoffrey Alexander (Geoff) Holmes – 36th Battalion (4th reinforcements) enlisted 27 June 1916.

He embarked for England arriving on 9 January 1917.

He served on the Western front and took part in the Battle of Messines where he was gassed and shot in the leg.

He returned to Australia medically unfit and was discharged on 11 February 1918.

PTE Frank Vincent Wade (Vince) Holmes – 36th Battalion (4th reinforcements) enlisted 15 May 1916.

He embarked for England arriving on 29 January 1917.

He served on the Western front and took part in the Battle of Messines where he was shot/shrapnel in the chest.

He returned to Australia medically unfit and was discharged on 22 November 1917.

PTE George Joseph (Joe) Kellner – 4th Battalion enlisted 13 July 1918.

He embarked for England arriving on 14 November 1918, just after the armistice was signed and the war ended.

He was discharged in Australia on 3 June 1919.

PTE Herbert Clarence (Herb) Mate – 35th Battalion enlisted 10 May 1916.

He embarked for England arriving on 28 December

1916.

He served on the Western front and took part in the Battle of Messines where he was shot/shrapnel in both feet on 8 June 1917.

His right foot was amputated.

He returned to Australia medically unfit and was discharged on 3 July 1918.

PTE John Jacob Smith – 34th Battalion enlisted 5 January 1916.

He embarked for England arriving on 23 June 1916.

He served on the Western front and was killed in action on 16 December 1916 at Armentieres, France.

John Smith was the first to see action in France.

The 34th Battalion left Lark Hill for the front line in

Gresford School of Arts Hall

Dungog Shire Council is inviting applications from communit y-minded residents to join the Gresford School of Arts Hall Section Management Committee .

We currentl y have several vacancies on the Committee for the remainder of the current Council term.

We are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic locals passionate about supporting this much -loved communit y facilit y

The Gresford School of Arts Hall has been at the heart of the communit y for generations , hosting a wide range of events , gatherings and acti vities throughout the year Committee members play an important role in ensuring the Hall continues to thri ve for years to come

For more information and to express your interest, please visit our website: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/eoi

Applications close 8 May, 2026

the Armentieres Sector on 21 November 1916.

This was considered a quiet sector but the unit was busy patrolling a contested no-man's land and building defensive positions.

Although quiet it did not mean no casualties.

John was on a patrol in no-man's land when he and another soldier were killed.

After only three weeks at the front he became the fifth member of the 34th Battalion to die in battle.

Geoff and Vince Holmes were brothers who served together in C Company of the 34th Battalion.

Along with Herb Mate they were all in training at Larkhill Military Camp, England, and saw each other

in camp along with other lads from the Dungog-Clarence Town area before they went to France to join their units.

All three were to take part in the Battle of Messines and all three were wounded between 4-8 June 1917.

Vince returned home first in November 1917, then Herb and Geoff returned together on the ship HMAT A11 Ascanius arriving back on 3 January 1918.

There was a local Welcome Home Association who gave all the returning soldiers a welcome home function.

Both Herb and Geoff were received at a function together on 22 January 1918 near the Wallarobba train station as reported in the Maitland Daily Mercury, Friday 25 January 1918.

They were presented with local medals inscribed with their names, unit and Messines 1916-18.

As the years progress it is important to remember the sacrifices of those who volunteered to fight for Australia, no matter the rights or wrongs of the conflict.

From the Boer Wars to war in Afghanistan, Lest We Forget and remember those who have served.

Not only on Anzac Day but indeed every day.

Dungog Shire Council Management Committee

Position Available

Dungog Showground

Dungog Shire Council is seeking applications from communit y-minded residents to join the Dungog Showground Recreation Reser ve Section Management Committee .

We currentl y have two vacancies on the Committee for the remainder of the current Council term. Your input will directl y influence the future direction of this important communit y assets

The Dungog Showground hosts a wide range of events and acti vities throughout the year Committee members play an important role in supporting the ongoing management , use and future direction of the facilit y

We welcome applicants of all ages , skills and backgrounds , particularl y those with a connection to local sporting and communit y groups

For more information and to express your interest, please visit our website: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/eoi Applications close 8 May, 2026

Students invited to enter Anzac Day Schools’ Awards

FEDERAL Member for

Lyne Alison Penfold MP is encouraging local students to take part in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, a national competition recognising outstanding learning and engagement with Australia’s defence service history.

Hosted by the Department of Veterans’

Stargazing

Affairs, the awards celebrate the work of students and teachers across schools and other educational settings.

This year’s competition invites students to:

• engage actively with veterans or currently servicing members of the Australian Defence Form, and

• research and respond

By Dave RENEKE

A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies.

For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel.

The long-period comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) - last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master fire - has returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 years.

As the comet sweeps inward toward the Sun, reaching perihelion on 19 April before passing relatively close to Earth on 26 April, observers across Australia are in a prime position to witness it.

Away from city glare, coastal towns offer ideal viewing conditions: dark horizons over the Pacific, crisp

to the 2026 theme, ‘Women in Service’.

Ms Penfold said the awards provide a valuable opportunity for young people to deepen their understanding of Australia’s military and defence force history while recognising the significant contributions women have made – and continue to make – to

national service, safety and security.

“Across the Lyne electorate, there have been and continue to be many men and women who serve our nation with distinction and honour,” Ms Penfold said.

“This year’s Anzac Award theme provides a valuable chance for students to understand more about

serving in the ADF and learn about the diverse roles women have held across all areas of service, including the progression and evolution of opportunities.”

Ms Penfold added the importance of students engaging with their local RSL sub-Branches, saying that these connections provide a unique opportunity to help

The comet cometh

autumn air, and early morning skies unspoiled by artificial light.

Look toward the constellation Pegasus constellation, specifically the easily recognisable "Great Square”, just before sunrise.

With luck and clear weather, the comet may glow faintly to the naked eye, its tail stretching like a ghostly brushstroke across the sky.

Comets have long stirred human imagination.

In antiquity, they were often seen as omens - harbingers of change, disaster, or divine intervention.

The appearance of Halley's Comet, for example, was recorded in 1066 and later embroidered into the Bayeux Tapestry as a portent of conquest.

Today, we understand comets not as supernatural signs but as icy relics - frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.

Each one is a time capsule, composed of dust, rock, and volatile

Premier’s plate

STORY STARTS

the Mariners in Newcastle.

Having also claimed the Australia Cup, the Jets can also become the first team in history to complete a glorious treble if they take out the championship.

Sunday's high-stakes encounter erupted in the 13th minute when Central Coast defender James Donachie was yellowcarded for unnecessarily treading on Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove after the pair collided in a mid-air challenge.

Officials deliberated over replays for several minutes before opting against issuing a red card, saying they could not be certain Donachie's reckless act was intentional.

"It's obvious," Cosgrove told Paramount Plus.

"It's either accidental and it's not a foul, or it's intentional and it's a red card. There's no in between.

"And that can change the game. And it's a poor decision for their goal. We (should have) had a corner.

"But, listen, we didn't do enough to win the game after that. There's no point

dwelling."

For now, the Jets have the ninth-placed and outof-contention Mariners to thank for fashioning one of the upsets of the season, a first-ever win over Auckland no less.

Adding to Auckland's anguish, the Mariners defied an alarming lack of possession to mount a sweeping counterattack that ended with Auglah putting away a sumptuous through-ball from Nathanael Blair and taking a shock lead.

Teenage midfielder Jessie Mantell skilfully initiated the attack, winning possession then setting Blair free down the left.

Days after committing to Iraq, Auglah's third goal in four games further enhanced his claims for a call-up from Graham Arnold for the looming World Cup.

Suddenly, Auckland needed to win from 1-0 down for the first time all season to keep alive their hopes of snatching the Premier's Plate from the Jets.

And they couldn't.

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was arguably the Mariners' best, but the skipper still branded

ices that vaporise as they near the Sun, forming the luminous coma and tail.

What makes C/2025 R3 extraordinary is its orbit.

Unlike short-period comets that return every few decades, this one hails from the distant Oort Cloud, a vast spherical halo of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.

Its elongated path means it spends most of its existence in deep space, only briefly visiting the inner planets before retreating again into darkness.

No written record, no ancient chronicle, no civilisation has ever documented its passage - until now.

For photographers, capturing this rare visitor is both a challenge and a thrill. A sturdy tripod is essential, along with a camera capable of long exposures.

Use a wide-angle lens to frame the comet against the landscapeperhaps the silhouette of Norfolk pines along the NSW coast or the

the side's first win in five meetings with Auckland bittersweet.

"There's a lot of character in this team and we were kind of saddened by the prospect that we're not playing finals," Redmayne said.

"But we wanted to come out here and set the set the record straight, I guess."

Auckland's frustrations boiled over when Lachie Brook was booked for dissent, the midfielder furious about not earning a throw-in deep in attack.

It was the second week in a row Brook had been yellowcarded for an over-reaction and he's walking a tightrope ahead of the finals.

If there wasn't enough thunder and lightning on the pitch already, players were forced off the field 10 minutes before halftime as a storm lashed Go Media Stadium.

Auckland emerged from the 30-minute stoppage energised and refocusedbut they could not find an equaliser.

Redmayne was called on to save numerous shots on target but it was Donachie's miraculous goal-line intervention of a 68th-minute Brook header that best symbolised the Mariners' spirited defence.

curve of a quiet beach.

Start with exposures of 5–15 seconds, adjusting ISO and aperture depending on brightness.

If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more detail: the nucleus glowing at the centre, the tail fanning outward like cosmic smoke.

There is something deeply humbling about standing under the same sky that Stone Age humans

bring history to life while strengthening ties within the community.

Entries close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 28 May. Further information, including terms and conditions, is available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

once gazed upon, watching the return of an object they may also have seen - perhaps with wonder, perhaps with fear.

Long after our cities fade and our histories blur, C/2025 R3 will continue its silent journey, looping back again in another 170,000 years.

For now, though, it is here.

Step outside before dawn. Look up. And take your place, however briefly, in the long story of the sky.

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

Paterson Golf Club

SATURDAY 18TH APRIL

INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD FIELD | 42 members & 1 visitor. DIV 1 (<15) | Winner Chris Zawirski (9) [Branxton] 39 Points, Runner Up James Cowled (12) 39 Points, 3rd Place Jarrod Roberts (13) 36 Points DIV 2 (16-36) | Winner Michael Cairney (22) 36 Points, Runner Up Ted Zawirski (25) 35 Points, 3rd Place Margaret Walker (23) 34 Points BALL COMP | Greg Scott (5) 35 Points, Benjamin Curry (8) 35 Points, Michael Dobosz (24) 34 Points, Peter Griffin (18) 34 Points, David Curry (6) 34 Points, Glenn Davies (6) 34 Points, Graeme Valentine (13) 34 Points, Robert Richardson (12) 33 Points, Edwin Orchard (18) 33 Points, Ramsey Vane-Wood (6) 32 Points, Brian Mowle (14) 32 Points, Paul Geddes (5) 32 Points, Stephen Watson (13) 32 Points, Joseph Jackson (21) 32 Points, Darren Mathers (18) 31 Points & Stephen Pilgrim (14) 31 Points. NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Mark Maddock (8), 2nd/11th - Benjamin

Curry (8), 5th/14thWayne Stedman (8), 7th/16th - Paul Geddes (5) MEMBERS DRAW | No.62, Greg Kellner (33rd/43), $132.43, $132.42 carries foward MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Unclaimed - 4 Balls

UPCOMING EVENTS | 25Apr Individual Stableford (8am shotgun start),

2-May Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 9-May Individual Stableford, 16May 2-Person Ambrose Championships (1st Round), 23-May 2-Person Ambrose Championships (Final Round), 30-May Individual Stableford. Schedule subject to change.

Premier’s plate

By Darren WALTON, AAP