Dungog Shire News Of The Area 25 FEBRUARY 2026

Dungog community unites behind new action plan

By Shannon BENTON

MORE than 40 community members gathered at the Dungog CWA rooms the evening of 10 February, to celebrate the launch of the Dungog Community Development Action Plan, a document designed to guide the town’s future through locally driven ideas and initiatives.

Hosted by the Dungog/ Clarence Town CWA, the event highlighted the strength of community collaboration, with attendees acknowledging the organisation’s generous support in providing the venue.

Rural Aid was also

PLANNING CONCERNS

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

Shannon BENTON 0400 136 360 benton@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

EDITOR

We

COUNCIL has received an updated status report on the replacement of the suspension bridge over the Paterson River at Gresford.

“[The project] is funded under the State Government’s Betterment Program to replace the existing Gresford Suspension Bridge,”

DUNGOG Shire Council has endorsed the implementation of a culde-sac at the Durham and Duke Street intersection in Clarence Town, as part of the New Clarence Town Bridge project.

“This treatment will support safe pedestrian and cyclist access to the Williams River Holiday Park while accommodating the required heavy vehicle turning movements following completion of the new bridge,” Dungog Shire Council said in a statement.

Council previously received a report outlining community feedback on four proposed design options for the intersection.

OUTLETS

Where

Clarence Town Clarence Town IGA

Clarence Town Post Office

Clarence Town Bowling Club

Paterson

Paterson Friendly Grocer

Paterson Service Station

Paterson Country Cafe/Newsagent

Vacy

Vacy General Store

Dungog

Dungog Information Centre

Dungog Newsagent

Lovey's IGA

Dowling General Store

Dungog RSL

Long Room Cafe

Hidden Valley Clothing

Bottlemart

Farmers Warehouse

Royal Hotel

Gresford

Gresford Foodworks

Gresford Garage & Rural

Gresford Butchery Providore The Beatty Hotel

Dungog Shire Council said in a statement.

“Following further investigations and stakeholder consultation, the downstream alignment (Option 3) has been confirmed as the preferred option.

“This alignment avoids private land acquisition, reduces environmental

impacts, improves construction staging and traffic management, and minimises impacts on adjoining properties.”

Consultation with Hunter Water and Telstra is progressing to coordinate relocation of infrastructure, while adjacent landholders and local residents have been

notified of the revised alignment.

Minor fencing adjustments remain subject to agreement but do not require land acquisition.

Council is continuing discussions with the Reconstruction Authority regarding potential funding for separate

riverbank stabilisation and flood mitigation works. It is recommended that Council proceed to advertise the bridge construction tender in Q1 2026, with construction anticipated to commence in Q3–Q4 2026, subject to funding confirmation and final approvals.

The options were placed on public exhibition between 5 December 2025 and 23 January 2026, with 33 valid submissions received.

All four options maintained pedestrian and cycle access to the Williams River Holiday Park and accommodated required heavy vehicle turning movements.

The designs varied in their treatment of vehicle access, intersection configuration and pedestrian safety measures.

“Option 3 removes the Durham Street intersection by introducing a cul-de-

sac, eliminating turning conflicts and reducing overall traffic movements in the immediate area,” Council stated.

“It also provides improved pedestrian safety through better sight lines and a full centre median refuge

with hard barrier protection.

“While this option may result in slightly longer travel distances (up to 900 metres) for some residents and users accessing nearby facilities, it significantly reduces vehicle,

pedestrian and cyclist conflict points.”

Council states that cost estimates for Option 3 can be accommodated within the project’s existing budget allocation.

After considering the community feedback and

undertaking a detailed safety assessment, Council noted the submissions received and adopted Option 3 – Culde-sac in Durham Street, recognising it delivers the “highest overall safety outcome for all road users”.

Dungog community unites behind new action plan

FROM Page 1

production of the booklet, while Steph Walsh was thanked for her work in shaping community feedback into a clear and cohesive plan.

The visually striking publication outlines a series of projects across seven key themes: community connection, recreation, youth engagement, enhancing town appeal, tourism, business vitality and agriculture.

Penny Willcock and Marion Stuart led the evening, introducing a range of speakers who expanded on the opportunities identified in the plan.

Special guest Julie Overton, from the Paterson Community Builders team, shared insights into their own successful action plan, including the creation of a weekly community hub offering food, workshops and a safe meeting space.

Tourism initiatives were discussed by Dungog Regional Tourism chair Cameron Archer, while Cheryl Royle provided

an update on the formation of a Youth Voice Council for young people aged 12–25, with a public meeting scheduled for February 23 at the Doug Walters Pavilion.

Jim Doyle spoke about the “It Takes a Community…” program, which provides opportunities for youth camps, music access and local sports participation.

Ideas to enhance Dungog’s visual appeal also generated interest, with plans for streetscape improvements, signage upgrades and tree planting.

A task group, led by Helene Leane, is already forming, alongside discussions around a potential sculpture trail.

The action plan is now available in hard copy at the Dungog Shire Visitors Centre and online, with organisers encouraging residents to get involved.

“This is a community-driven plan,” organisers said.

“If a project speaks to you, we invite you to be part of bringing it to life.”

A couple’s journey from Thailand to Vacy

By Shannon BENTON

VACY has become home to an unlikely love story, one that has benefited the region’s culinary scene.

Natthanicha ‘Nim’ Chaiyachin and Pieter Wood began their journey as a couple online, introduced through family connections.

Months of daily conversations then led Pieter to travel to Thailand in October 2022 to meet Nim for the first time.

“By the end of that month we had fallen in love and were engaged to be married,” Pieter said.

“I left Thailand soon after and returned just three months later.”

Nim, originally from the rural Issan region in north-east Thailand, was a high school teacher specialising in traditional Thai dance.

Her family had a strong culinary background that would later prove pivotal in their story.

“[They] had a history and strong connection to cooking Thai food which I got to experience first hand in Thailand,” Pieter said.

After returning to Australia together in April 2023, the couple settled in the Hunter, eventually finding their place near Vacy along the Allyn River.

“We both love the area. Nim is a country girl, so she feels at home

close to nature,” Pieter said.

“We have beautiful views over the countryside and are very happy to be living in such a beautiful and peaceful environment.”

Opening a restaurant had long been a shared dream, and in May 2024 that dream became reality when they took over the former Flying Duck site and launched Zabb Thai.

Despite having no prior experience running a restaurant, Nim developed the menu herself, drawing on family recipes, hands-on experience and countless hours of trial and error.

“Customers tell us it’s the best Thai they’ve ever had, even better than Sydney,” Pieter said.

“We’re proud to bring a true taste of Thailand to Vacy.”

Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions

By John WATTS

CONCERNS have been raised about where to accommodate construction workers if a major renewable energy project goes ahead.

As reported by NOTA (2/10/2024), the Stratford Coal Mine has come to the end of its useful life and owners Yancoal have lodged an application with the NSW Department of Planning seeking to convert the site into a solar/pumped hydro renewable energy hub.

Yancoal’s application indicated that 350 workers would be employed during the construction phase of the project, but the company has provided no details about whether the workers would live in or around Gloucester, and if so, where they would be accommodated.

No decision concerning the approval of the project has yet been made by the government, although Yancoal expects a final decision within the next few months.

NOTA sought details from Yancoal concerning its plans to accommodate

DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL

the 350 workers during the construction phase, but none were provided.

“As mentioned in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), if the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub project proceeds (pending government approvals and Yancoal Board feasibility and financial assessments) a Construction Workforce Accommodation Strategy would be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders,” said a Yancoal spokesperson.

Local town planner Tibor Kovats thinks it is unsatisfactory that accommodation details are not provided as part of the approvals process, because of the potentially significant impact on the town.

“The glib recommendation for a Construction Workforce Accommodation Strategy only means this matter is being deferred for consideration when it should be more thoroughly addressed at the assessment phase,” said Mr Kovats.

“There isn’t even an outline of what the

Strategy should contain, so it is anybody’s guess as to what measures it will contain, and what roles and responsibilities and costs are involved.

“Yancoal is a significant and experienced builder of mines and associated infrastructure in a variety of geographies in Australia and it should be able to give a fairly accurate prediction of the construction workforce needed for the project, and if workers will reside in the Gloucester district, commute within the region or ‘fly in, fly-out’ from outside the region.

“Prior to a recommendation or decision on the project, the Department should engage an independent socio-economic study which provides substantive content to the proposed Construction Worker Accommodation Strategy and a Community Enhancement Plan that details measures to provide the health, education and other social services that the construction workers (and their families) will require locally.”

Peter Markey from McGrath Real Estate Gloucester, which manages many rental properties, is also concerned about the impact on the town.

“Rental accommodation in and around Gloucester is at capacity at the moment,” said Mr Markey.

“There are more people looking to rent than available properties, now and for the foreseeable future.

“An influx of workers

wanting accommodation will increase rental rates and could displace many locals already renting.

“I would also be concerned that if all the motels were booked out by the workers for the three or four years of construction, it would have a significant impact on tourism when word got around, as it would, that everything was booked out, and that impact would likely last for a long time.”

Trudy Schultz from Accommodation Gloucester sees the need for community consultation.

“Gloucester’s shortstay accommodation and motels are already limited,

particularly during peak tourism periods and any additional pressure from proposed projects has the potential to reduce visitor capacity, which is a valid concern for a town where tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses,” said Ms Schultz.

“At the same time, Gloucester has a long history of adapting and making the most of opportunities that come its way and we, as a town, have demonstrated time and again that it can manage change responsibly - particularly when the community is informed, consulted and part of the conversation.”

DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES

Notice is hereby give pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (as amended) that the following applications have been granted consent during the period of 1 January31 January 2026

Childcare workers on 'ick' alert after abuse scandals

By Robyn WUTH, AAP

AUSTRALIA’S childcare workers are on "ick" alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns.

A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nation's early childhood education and care system.

It was sparked by calls for reform after a series of highprofile scandals, including allegations of sexual abuse, unnecessary restraints and other failings in the sector.

Goodstart Early Learning chief executive Ros Baxter, representing a non-profit group that is the nation's largest operator of childcare centres, said the organisation's staff were urged to report any uncomfortable incidents.

"Nothing is more critical than children's safety," Dr Baxter told the inquiry.

"I have met several times over the last year with every one of our centre directors in every centre across the country... we talk about anything that gives you an ick.

"Anything that gives you a moment of something just

not looking right, you will absolutely be supported through that process" of reporting, she said.

The sector has been battling child-safety concerns since it was revealed a Queensland worker sexually abused dozens of girls at childcare centres in one of the worst paedophile cases in the nation's history.

Ashley Paul Griffith was sentenced to life in prison in November 2024 after admitting to more than 300 offences at daycare facilities in Queensland.

He is separately accused of abusing at least two dozen children in NSW and in Italy.

The distressing abuse scandal deepened after a second worker from the Affinity Education Group was charged with more than 70 sex offences in Victoria.

Joshua Dale Brown worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and 2025, including many run by Affinity.

"These are all very serious and troubling matters, and I want to express how profoundly sorry I am that something like this could occur to any child in our care," Affinity chief executive Glen Hurley told the inquiry.

"It is something that

should never have happened.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child harm and will dismiss employees found to be in breach of this safeguard.

"On behalf of Affinity, I offer my sincere apology for the incidents that occurred at centres."

Affinity has since conducted a review to address safety concerns and implemented strict new childcare requirements, which have led to a reduction in reported incidents, he said.

CCTV has been installed and incident reporting simplified under a "see something, say something"

policy.

"Our full focus is on strengthening safety, quality, and oversight across our services," Mr Hurley said.

"The early indicators have been reassuringwe've witnessed reduced complaints, breaches, and a more stabilised workforce."

Affinity childcare centres recorded more than 1,700 regulatory breaches between 2021 and 2024, the inquiry heard.

"We treat all of these safety incidents and breaches extremely seriously," Mr Hurley said.

By Nick WILSON, AAP

GEN Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors.

Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 percent considering the move, Regional Australia Institute research shows.

More than 5.3 million Australians - about 37 percent of metropolitan residents - say they would consider making the shift.

For generation Z, the financial pull is particularly strong, with more than half (52 percent) citing cheaper living costs as a key driver and 50 percent pointing to more affordable housing.

At 28, economic development worker Mikaela Carroll is part of that shift.

After finishing university at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she and her

partner Ryan left Brisbane in a van with plans to stop briefly in Bunbury, a regional town south of Perth.

"We ended up staying there for five years," she told AAP.

"We really loved it."

Originally planning to "top up the bank accounts" somewhere more affordable for a few months, the couple found themselves with good jobs and a lifestyle their city-based friends couldn't afford.

The pair have since relocated to Launceston in Tasmania, where they retain the benefits of regional life while being closer to family.

"Living down here, we were able to buy a place that's only a six-minute drive to work," Ms Carroll said.

"That, in itself, is a huge, huge challenge in metropolitan areas."

While perceptions are shifting, it remains to be seen how many young city dwellers will act on their intentions.

Only 23 percent of gen Z Australians considering

the move said they would do so in the next two years, climbing to 37 percent in the next five years.

Fear of isolation remains the biggest hurdle preventing young Australians from making the move, with 44 percent worried about being cut off from family and friends.

Ms Carroll admitted the distance had been trying, but said the benefits outweighed the downsides.

"I definitely feel like I've got better mental health than I did when I was living in Brisbane because I'm not constantly worrying about the end of my lease," she said.

While more Australians are leaving cities for the regions than the reverse, the think tank's Regional Movers Index shows it is not a one-way phenomenon.

Capital-to-region migration accounted for 11.5 percent of all major relocations in the September quarter, only a few points ahead of the 8.4 percent who moved the other way.

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Regional housing market booms, outpacing capital cities

By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP

WITH the prospect of paying at least $1 million for a home in many of Australia's capital cities, buyers are once again looking to escape to the country.

The regional property market surged in the three months to January, outpacing the capitals, according to

figures from data firm Cotality released on Wednesday.

Dwelling values rose 3.2 percent for the quarter in regional areas, compared to 2.1 percent in the combined capitals.

Competitive market conditions in the cities, poor housing affordability and a boost in internal migration sent buyers packing for the country long after COVID-19

lockdowns sparked the initial migration trend.

"With capital city prices still near record highs and stock levels tight, many households are once again looking to regional Australia for greater value and livability," the firm's head of research Gerard Burg said.

"We're seeing momentum build across a wide range of regional markets, from inland

hubs to coastal centres and mining-adjacent regions.

"This reflects a renewed movement of people and capital into areas where buyers' budgets stretch further and competition for available homes is strong."

Sydney's median home value sat at $1.23 million in January, followed by Brisbane at $1.02 million, with Perth and Adelaide tipping over

$900,000, according to a PropTrack report released on 2 February.

Compared to those cities' prices, many of the fastest-growing regions can offer only modest housing affordability relief, if any.

Queensland's Sunshine Coast had a median value of more than $1.2 million in January, with weekly rents at $832, Cotality's data showed.

FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”.

The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.

A total of 4,285 complaints were made by

people in NSW, up four percent since the previous quarter.

"No phone or internet service” had the largest increase, up 32.2 percent to 608 complaints.

Other notable increases were observed for intermittent service or dropouts, up 25.9 percent; slow data speed, up 23.9 percent; and partially restricted service, up 21.3

percent.

Service and equipment fees observed the largest decline of 10.1 percent, down 1,463 complaints.

22.6 percent of complaints were from regional areas and 77.4 percent were from major cities.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers

were saying.

“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.

“I agree with Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert when she says consumers don’t see phone and internet connectivity as optional anymore, these are vital not only for business and education but the basics of everyday life.

“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”

In December 2025,

Geelong, a Victorian port city and hotspot for Melbourne escapees, had a median value of $771,298, with rents at $558.

The NSW Hunter region has long been one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia, with a median of $956,142 and rents at $698 in Newcastle-Maitland.

The market report showed Wagga Wagga, in southern NSW, experienced the highest growth in value at 8.1 percent for the quarter.

The median value in the regional city was $665,062 in January.

Regional Western Australia had the strongest growth among the states, with values rising 6.1 percent, up from 4.9 percent.

Albany, a coastal city on the state's southern tip, experienced a value hike of 7.7 percent, with a median value of $783,389.

Queensland and South Australia's markets also grew, while regional NSW and Victoria only shifted slightly.

Small local market declines were recorded in the Bowral, Mittagong and Bateman's Bay regions in southern NSW, and in Warrnambool on Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

A renewed focus on the regions is not good news for all locals, as low rental vacancy rates are met with rapidly increasing rents.

Regional rent growth was slightly above the capitals at 1.6 percent, compared to 1.4 percent.

Rents outside the cities have risen by almost 42 percent in the past five years, well ahead of wage growth at 17.5 percent.

NSW Farmers organised multiple regional and rural visits from the TIO, offering communities a chance to raise connectivity concerns and learn about services.

Attendees reported concerns about their ability to call emergency services, with many people citing previous failures, and that rural and regional Australians felt forgotten and tired of complaining, particularly since unreliable mobile connectivity had become a persistent issue since the 3G shutdown.

“The government’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation is a critical step toward better voice and data services,” Mrs Thompson said.

“Requiring that mobile coverage be reasonably available outdoors across the

country will improve safety and improve liveability for everyone, not just those who live in the capital cities.

“But there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done to make sure that providers are accountable to the UOMO and deliver what’s been promised.

“NSW Farmers continues to advocate that UOMO must be a complementary tool and not replace investment in improvements to the existing terrestrial network – we know a lot of farmers struggle daily with reliable and quality connection.

“So I think we need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PROFESSOR T

ABC TV, 8.30pm

“Truth and justice are not always compatible,” muses Professor Jasper Tempest (Ben Miller, pictured) after witnessing the process firsthand. Having spent some time on remand charged with attempted murder, the fastidious academic finally gets his day in court this week. As the trial progresses, Tempest must weigh whether to tell the truth and save himself, or lie and protect his former lover, DCI Christina Brand (Juliet Aubrey). The court proceedings unfold alongside investigation into the grisly death of a prison officer.

FRIDAY,

February 27

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Sophie Thomson visits a home orchard with unfamiliar fruits.

8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Professor T must make a tough decision.

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

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

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

WEDNESDAY

TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

ABC TV, 8pm

The brainiacs behind quirky quiz show QI will be kicking themselves for not thinking of this format first: in a museum after dark, four comedians compete in a series of cheeky but clever challenges. Filmed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, it’s hosted by Alex Lee (pictured) and even borrows QI stalwart Alan Davies for its inaugural episode. Each week’s winner will earn the honour of having their personal treasure placed on display at TMAG in perpetuity – be that an actual treasure or just a seriously strange object they’re keen to get out of their house. Zoë Coombs Marr, Tegan Higginbotham and Brett Blake join Davies to puzzle their way through Wednesday’s premiere.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo.

8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World. (Premiere)

9.25 Fly With Me. (PGal, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Return, Ma)

12.00 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+as, R)

1.50 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)

3.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY

THE HOSPITAL: IN THE DEEP END

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Adam Dovile transforms a cluttered garage.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) After a revered member of the sailing club is brutally bludgeoned to death, Judith, Becks and Suzie must navigate simmering grudges within the tight-knit community in a hunt for justice.

10.30 To Be Advised.

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

12.40 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

Real patients, real medical emergencies and real emotions – this landmark medical series puts three famous faces in the thick of the public health system to witness firsthand what our frontline heroes face every day. Food journalist Matt Preston (pictured), tennis star Jelena Dokic and Hollywood actor Ruby Rose scrub in for a life-changing experience at St Vincent’s Hospitals in both Sydney and Melbourne. Each has a personal connection to public health, and viewers will see a new side to the stars as they observe specialists working in departments close to their own hearts. Honest, raw, vulnerable and surprisingly heart-warming, this excellent docuseries is essential viewing.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Sea Lion Surprise. (PGm)

8.30 MOVIE: Olympus Has Fallen. (2013, MA15+lv, R) A former agent must save the White House. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman.

10.50 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R)

12.35 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)

SATURDAY, February 28

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim gives up smoking.

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

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

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026. (Mln) Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney.

10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting up a temporary hospital in East London.

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

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, March 1

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage.

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

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

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (PG, R) 11.15 Outlander. (MA15+av, R)

1.35 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)

3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger tries negotiating a deal.

7.30 MOVIE: Fast X. (2023, Mv) A terrifying threat from the past surfaces and is determined to destroy everything and everyone Dom loves. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez.

10.30 MOVIE: Baby Driver. (2017, MA15+v, R) A getaway driver gets involved in a doomed heist. Ansel Elgort.

12.50 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (Return, PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Runaway Bride. (1999, PGls, R) 11.00 MOVIE: Something Borrowed. (2011, Mls, R)

1.05 Find My Beach House Australia. (PG, R)

Great Australian Detour. (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)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGl) Megan and Justin are on the hunt for a home. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined by Sir Idris Elba, Martin Freeman, Erin Doherty, Wunmi Mosaku and singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team takes on a harassment case. 12.00 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Penny announces Farty Marty has to be put down.

9.00 This England. (Ml) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.

9.45 MOVIE: Shine. (1996, PGav, R) A pianist suffers a nervous breakdown. Geoffrey Rush.

11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.40 Ragdoll. (MA15+av, R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rome: Secrets From Above. (Premiere)

9.35 Ancient Empires. (MA15+av, R) Looks at the life of Julius Ceasar. 11.40 Powerful Women.

12.30 MOVIE: Fiona Clark: Unafraid. (2021, Malns, R)

2.00 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022, PGal, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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6am Children’s Programs. 4.50pm Peppa Pig. 5.00 Thomas And Friends: Sodor Sings Together. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 8.30 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 10.20 Radioactive. (2019, M) 12.20pm The Daughter. (2015, M) 2.10 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 3.55 Discovering Film. 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 My Girl. (1991) 8.30 Argo. (2012, M) 10.55 Unfaithful. (2002, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs. 5.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6am Mia And The White Lion. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.25 My Girl. (1991) 10.25 The Tunnel (Part 1) (2001, M) 12.05pm Argo. (2012, M) The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 4.25 The 6.25 Charade. (1963, Parasite. (2019, MA15+, Korean) 10.55 1.25am Petrol. (2022,

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol.

8.20 The Mystery Of The Lady In The Lake. (Mav) Takes a look at the murder of Shani Warren. 9.50 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv, R) Takes a look at the murder of John Furlan. 11.20 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madl, R) 12.20 Temple. (MA15+alv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News.

Married At First Sight. (PGls)

FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! 9.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.30 Surfing

(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9News Late.

Hunting Bundy:

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t

MONDAY, March 2

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

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

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Other People’s Money. (Ml)

11.35 The Old Man. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.15 9-1-1. (Masv) Hen’s attempts at keeping her health issues private start to impact more than just her physical wellbeing.

10.15 Granny Killer: The Unsolved Murders. (Mav, R) Takes a look at John Wayne Glover.

11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.50 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

7TWO (62)

5.40pm

6.05

Masks. 6.20

5.55

6.25

6am The Orator.

Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Charade. (1963, PG) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Man Up. (2015, M) 11.40 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 2.10pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 3.55 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 5.40 Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 8.30 Blood Diamond. (2006, MA15+) 11.05 The Last Samurai. (2003, MA15+) 1.55am Late Programs. 5.55 The Movie Show.

TUESDAY, March 3

3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav, R)

8.30 Insight. (Return) 9.30 Dateline. (Return)

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

11.55 Syndrome E. (MA15+s, R) 1.55 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 2.50 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (PG, R) 3.45 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore 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 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Mav) After receiving tragic news, Jake refuses to give up on a beloved patient, landing himself in conflict with several Westside surgeons.

10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (MA15+al) Follows the work of an ambulance service. 11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals)

12.10 MOVIE: Taken Again. (2023, Mav, 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 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 Epstein: Making Of A Monster. 10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Love Cheats. (Return, Ma)

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Discovering Film. 7.25 Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 10.20 Eiffel. (2021, M, French) 12.20pm First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 2.10 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 4.10 Charade. (1963, PG) 6.10 Wings Of Desire. (1987, PG, German) 8.30 Memoirs Of A Geisha. (2005) 11.10 Shakespeare In Love. (1998, M) 1.25am Blood Diamond. (2006, MA15+) 4.00 Late Programs.

Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday.

WEDNESDAY,

March 4

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. (R) 11.15 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Under The Dragon’s Tail. (2005, Mv) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum. 9.05 Destination Flavour: Singapore. 9.25 My Unique B&B. 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7. 11.10 The Toy Hospital. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Social Schism.

8.30 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (Premiere)

9.25 Prisoner 951. (Premiere)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Face To Face. (Return, Malv)

12.00 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, Mav)

1.50 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30

THURSDAY,

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 The 1% Club UK. (PGa)

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

9.30 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R) Hosted by Shane Jacobson.

10.30 Marching In. (Premiere, PG)

12.00 On The Inside: Collingwood’s 2025 Season.

1.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Sometimes

Always Never. (2018, PG) 7.40 Discovering Film. 8.35 Wings Of Desire. (1987, PG, German) 10.55

March 5

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PG, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (Final, PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads. (Return)

8.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Return, Ml)

9.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.05 Parliament Question Time. 2.05 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour: Singapore. 9.25 My Unique B&B. 10.15

Paddington Station 24/7. 11.05 The Toy Hospital. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Top 7 Pyramids. 3.00 Going Places. 3.30 Cook Up. 4.05 Wonders Of Europe. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

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6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 Naked City: Hitmen. (Premiere, MA15+dlvv)

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mlv, R)

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

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)

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

9.35 A Spy Among Friends.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 In Memoriam. (Madlv)

12.00 The Hollow. (Madlv, R)

2.05 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: To Catch A Killer. (2023) 10.40 Brassic. 12.30am Couples Therapy. 1.40 Cosplay Culture. 3.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

SBS MOVIES (32)

Moving. (1993, M, Japanese) 1.10pm Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 4.05 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 5.55 Tokyo Story. (1953, PG, Japanese) 8.30 Thelma & Louise. (1991, M) 10.50 Arcadia. (2024) 12.45am Memoirs Of A Geisha. (2005) 3.25 Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show. 6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 8.10 Tokyo Story. (1953, PG, Japanese) 10.40 The Longest Week. (2014, M) 12.15pm Shakespeare In Love. (1998, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Discovering Film. 4.00 Limelight. (1952, PG) 6.25 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Gravity. (2013, M) 10.15 Misery. (1990, MA15+) 12.15am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. Tane’s court date looms.

7.30 Football. AFL. Opening Round. Sydney v Carlton.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Kick Ons. (Return) A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Tragic news spreads through town.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 NBN News.

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June

the Gloucester community for their support during the loss of Jerry. For your cards, Facebook messages, flowers and those who attended the

It was greatly appreciated. Sincerely Bev.

News Of The Area OPINION

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

On theCouch

DEAR Jasminda,

HOW do we agree on a movie as a family?

I'm so sick of scrolling through trying to locate a movie everyone will enjoy.

Heather P.

Dear

Heather,

You are right. Trying to find a movie that incorporates everyone's interests is a nightmare.

How is it possible, for example, to find a movie where a swashbuckling pirate discovers a solution to the climate crisis while finding/losing/finding a romantic partner, creating a genetic

mutation that saves humanity, meeting a loyal dog, and forming a singing/dancing troupe that wins the national titles.

That is what it would take to find a movie that satisfies everyone in my household.

We have such divergent tastes, that it is often easier to part ways (armed with our laptops) so we can be entertained without causing friction.

This solution does mean that we are not enjoying an activity as a family, but the alternative, where everyone talks over the top of each other, falls asleep, or keeps asking for plotline explanations, is hardly enjoyable either.

The only way around this conundrum is to give each family member a turn.

You could, for example, each select a movie you'd like to watch, and then have someone draw a movie selection out of a hat.

This can continue until all suggestions have been enjoyed

(or totally pulled apart), and then the process can start again.

Though not every family member will be happy, it may give you a chance to explore each family member's interests, and perhaps you will learn something new about them (a secret desire to sing in an acapella group, for example or, more worryingly, an obsession with serial killers).

There are so many movie options with streaming services, that we are spoiled for choice. I miss the days when we would go to the video shop to select a new release.

Others will no doubt remember when the only movie choice was whatever was on free-to-air.

Perhaps a family board game night could be a nice alternative to your dilemma.

Now, will it be Monopoly, Scrabble, The Game of Life, Uno or Rummy-O?

Council updates

COUNCIL has received

audited Financial Statements for the year to 30 June 2025, with the NSW Audit Office issuing an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, confirming the statements present a fair view of Council’s financial position and performance.

“While the audit outcome is positive, key financial indicators reflect ongoing

operating deficits, reduced liquidity and limited revenue flexibility,” Dungog Shire Council said in a statement.

“Council continues to rely heavily on external funding, with several performance ratios below benchmark.

“These results highlight the importance of continued prudent financial management and reinforce

the need for sustained government funding to support Council’s long-term financial sustainability and its capacity to deliver essential services and infrastructure to the community.”

Adoption of Grants Management Strategy 2026–2030

Council has adopted its Grants Management Strategy

PLANNING CONCERNS

Government, the proposed new framework aims to:

• reduce duplication across the strategic planning system

• align housing, jobs and infrastructure planning

• support councils with clearer guidance and direction

• make planning priorities and policies easier to navigate and implement.

The paper also proposes new regional planning boundaries that would move Dungog Shire from the Hunter region into a broader Regional NSW classification.

While Council broadly supports the intent to simplify and

better align strategic land use planning with infrastructure delivery, it is “strongly opposed” to the removal of Dungog Shire from the Hunter region classification.

“Council considers that effective regional planning must reflect genuine functional relationships, including shared infrastructure systems, labour markets and environmental assets, all of which the Dungog Shire currently shares with its Hunter Joint Organisation council partners,” a spokesperson for Dungog Shire Council said in a statement.

“Dungog Shire plays a critical role in the Lower Hunter’s drinking water supply, contributing approximately 65 percent

of the region’s water through Chichester Dam, Grahamstown Dam (via the Williams River), and supplementary river systems.

“Council is concerned that reclassification into a single Regional NSW plan would weaken coordinated planning for these interdependent systems and undermine regional water security outcomes.”

Council’s submission supports retaining existing Hunter regional boundaries and strengthening governance arrangements through Joint Organisations to ensure coordinated infrastructure, land use and environmental planning across functionally connected areas.

2026-2030 following public exhibition, during which one submission was received and considered.

“The Strategy establishes a coordinated, wholeof-Council approach to identifying, applying for and managing grants, with the aim of improving success rates, strengthening governance and ensuring compliance with funding and acquittal requirements,” Council stated.

“It aligns grant activity with Council’s Community

Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan to ensure funding applications directly support identified priorities.”

The submission received raised matters relating to responsiveness, approval processes and resourcing.

In response, Council has endorsed amendments to refine the Strategy, including changing grant champion meetings from monthly to quarterly to better align with Integrated Planning and Reporting timeframes,

clarifying exclusions relating to sponsorships under Council’s Sponsorship Policy, and updating the Strategy period to 2026–2030.

“Adoption of the Strategy reinforces Council’s commitment to strong governance, improved financial sustainability and a proactive, structured approach to securing external funding to support community infrastructure, services and long-term strategic outcomes.”

New minimum age for e-bike usage

A MINIMUM age to ride an e-bike is being introduced in NSW.

Under current NSW Road Rules, a child of any age can

ride an e-bike and bicycle riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike’s design allows. A review led by Transport

for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW, while also considering whether children

and teenagers have the skills, maturity and awareness of potential dangers required to safely carry passengers.

“As part of this review

there will be consultation with experts in child development and road safety, including the NSW Office for Youth and Young People, and will listen directly to parents and young people before making a final decision on the appropriate age threshold,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“Advice and findings will be provided to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads by June, with the NSW Government to make a final decision on an age limit and passengers.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said, "Police see firsthand the consequences when powerful e-bikes are misused.

"By introducing sensible age settings and cracking down on illegal, high-powered bikes, we are helping police prevent dangerous behaviour before more people are seriously hurt.”

NSW to adopt EU Safety Standard

NSW will also adopt the European safety standard (EN15194) in March this year to ensure e-bikes operate like bicycles, and not motorbikes.

Under this standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and power assistance must cut out at 25km/h.

No power assistance is delivered at all after 6km/h if a rider is not pedalling the bike.

The standard also includes strict battery, electrical and fire-safety requirements, as well as anti-tampering protections to prevent power and speed limits being altered.

A three-year transition period will apply.

From 1 March 2029, only e-bikes meeting the European standard will be road legal in NSW.

After a period of consultation, retailers will be required to clearly specify whether a bike meets the EU standard and is therefore road legal in NSW.

Minister for Transport John Graham said, “The adoption of the EU standard is part of building a safe and clear framework of rules around this popular form of transport.

“The community has spoken against souped-up motorbikes masquerading as e-bike and this new standard makes clear that e-bikes must perform like bicycles not motorbikes.”

Funding for community groups

THIRTY-THREE community

organisations in the Gloucester and Stroud regions have benefited from a share in $92,000 through Stratford Coal’s 2026 Community Support Program.

The funding will support a diverse range of local organisations including primary and high schools, rural fire services, creative and cultural associations, historical societies, sporting clubs, community halls, country clubs, preschool services and support groups.

Over 30 community representatives attended a presentation on 3 February at The Little Avon in Gloucester to celebrate the funding boost.

Rod Williams of the Stroud Road Community Hall and Progress Association said, “We would like to thank Stratford Coal for their ongoing support in the local community.

“Most of the organisations receiving funding are run by volunteers, and continued financial investment is needed for the organisations to continue to operate.

“All yearly running costs for the Stroud Road Community Hall and Progress Association are raised through either donations or

q Stratford Coal is investing over $92,000 across 33 community organisations in the

Support Program.

fundraising events.”

Stratford Coal Operations Manager John Cullen congratulated the successful 2026 recipients.

“We are dedicated to making a positive difference to the Gloucester and Stroud communities and its people and a key way of doing this

is funding programs and initiatives year on year through our Community Support Program.

“We always enjoy hosting a Community Support Program presentation so we can get everyone together to celebrate their donation and discuss how they are going to

invest it into their programs or bring a new idea to life for the benefit of the people in our community.

“This year we are pleased to see that our funding will go towards enhancing school programs and learning opportunities, help run local community events, purchase

vital firefighting equipment, build new playground equipment at schools, improve local signage, update outdoor community spaces, install a publicly accessible defibrillator and upgrade buildings and facilities.”

The Stratford Coal Community Support Program runs annually. Funded by Yancoal Australia it provides financial assistance to local groups working in the areas of health, community, environment, arts, culture, education and training.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST EXTENDED Development Opportunities – Dungog Shire Council Land

Dungog Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified parties for the development of several Council-owned land parcels within the Dungog Shire Council area.

Council is seeking proposals that deliver genuine value to the community, and submissions that identify potential opportunities for ongoing revenue generation for Council will be highly desirable.

Available land parcels include:

(South of) Melbee Circuit, Dungog – approx. 18ha (R1, R5)

Crolls Mill Lane – approx. 4050m² (MU1)

41 Common Road, Dungog – approx. 8600m² (RU1)

138 Abelard Street, Dungog – approx. 2.3ha (RU1, R1)

Proposals may include a range of opportunities (including residential, industrial and/or commercial, depending on the site), provided they are consistent with relevant planning requirements. Council encourages proponents to consider how proposals align with Council’s strategic planning framework, including the draft Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan.

Due to strong interest, Expressions of Interest have been extended to 5pm Monday 16 March 2026.

For more information or to submit an EOI, please visit our website. www.dungog.nsw.gov.au

Councils supported to identify land for affordable housing

THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects.

The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and

managing affordable housing sites utilising operational land – from planning through to construction and delivery.

“A major barrier to building more affordable housing is the high cost of acquiring well-located land,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“Council owned sites such as former depots or unused facilities that are well serviced and close to

public transport can be ideal locations for affordable housing to support lowincome households.”

The guide provides detail on delivery options available to councils to release and manage operational land for affordable housing and how councils can form partnerships with entities such as government agencies and housing providers to maximise the impact of

affordable housing.

It also includes case studies showcasing successful affordable housing projects led by councils to meet the needs of their communities.

For example, Shoalhaven City Council transformed surplus council land in Bomaderry into 39 affordable housing units, while Lismore City Council is partnering with Landcom, Homes NSW

Caravan partners sought in disaster recovery push

THE NSW Government is establishing a panel of caravan suppliers to deliver “At-Home Caravan Programs” for disaster recovery.

Activated immediately after a disaster, the program will support the NSW Reconstruction Authority to provide temporary accommodation for residents who have lost their homes.

The program will see caravans placed on impacted residents’ private property, allowing them to remain close to their community while they rebuild or repair their home, or make longer-term relocation arrangements.

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Recovery Ashlee

Paterson Golf Club

SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD

FIELD | 39 members

DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner

Shaun Heffernan (5) 41 Points, Runner Up Greg

Scott (6) 40 Points, 3rd Place

Timothy Kiem (9) 37 Points DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Michael Croucher (18) 39 Points, Runner Up Denis Crossman (19) 37 Points, 3rd

Abbott said, “The At-Home Caravan Program has proven to be a critical option for communities recovering from disasters, particularly in regional and rural areas.

“Establishing a dedicated panel of caravan suppliers means we can act faster, with confidence, and scale up temporary accommodation when future events occur.

Place Rodney Crossman (19)

36 Points BALL COMP | Steven Wallington (15) 36 Points, Stuart Heathwood (14) 36 Points, Greg Sainsbury (20) 36 Points, Michael Cairney

and a community housing provider to construct 56 new affordable housing units.

The NSW Government has set five-year housing completion targets for 43 local government areas in Sydney, the IllawarraShoalhaven, the Lower Hunter and Central Coast, and a single housing target for regional NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully

“It also gives industry a clear pathway to support recovery efforts and play a direct role in helping communities through some of their toughest moments.”

The panel of caravan suppliers will be formed under the new Disaster Recovery Standing Panel, established in late 2025, and will support the rapid deployment of temporary accommodation following floods, bushfires, storms and other emergencies.

An open market Request for Quotation (RFQ) will identify capable caravan suppliers who can supply caravans quickly to help

(25) 35 Points, Robert Richardson (11) 35 Points, Michael Shanley (16) 34 Points, Paul Geddes (5) 34 Points, Stephen Watson (13) 34 Points, David Singles (27) 34 Points, Peter Griffin (18) 33 Points, Peter Nicholson (12) 33 Points. NEAREST

THE PIN | 1st/10th - Glenn Davies (6), 2nd/11th - Shaun Heffernan (5), 5th/14th - Ramsey Vane-Wood (5), 9th/18th - Shaun Heffernan (5) MEMBERS DRAW | No.25, Joseph Jackson (27th/39), $57.50 won, $57.50 carries forward MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Shaun Heffernan (5) - 11th - 1 Ball UPCOMING EVENTS | 28-Feb Individual Stableford, 7-Mar Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 14Mar Individual Stableford, 21-Mar Individual Stableford, 25-Mar Course Renovations, 28-Mar Individual Stableford. Schedule subject to change.

said, “All levels of government need to play their part to help address the housing shortage.

“The Minns Labor Government’s land audit has identified several sites that are no longer being used that can deliver thousands of new homes.

“With the support of this new guide, we’re asking councils to do the same.”

communities when temporary accommodation is needed most.

Suppliers appointed to the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will form part of a pre-qualified network of suppliers, ready to be activated as required to support recovery needs and programs across NSW.

The RFQ will run from Wednesday 18 February to Wednesday 18 March and can be accessed via the Buy NSW website. You must be a registered supplier to access the RFQ.

Hunter’s heroes

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16

said in an interview this week how eager he was to represent the All Whites at this year's World Cup.

Whether there's a chance his arm could be twisted by Australia remains to be seen, but his contribution is proving invaluable for Milligan after starting this season on the bench.

Bayliss' goal came after a tense first half where both sides failed to take their chances.

Macarthur coach Mile Sterjovski had dropped goalkeeper Filip Kurto for Young Socceroos representative Alex Robinson.

The Bulls' new No.1 looked assured between

the sticks and he was not at fault when Macarthur failed to clear Bayliss' shot and the midfielder struck in from the edge of the box with a follow-up.

Bayliss' confidence was clearly high by the fact he tried an audacious long-range effort to lob Robinson soon after his goal.

Robinson avoided calamity and Macarthur boss Sterjovski threw Mitch Duke and Luke Brattan, who both started on the bench after their midweek exploits in the Asian Champions League Two, on in search of an equaliser.

But the Bulls came up empty and are now winless in their last five games and sit sixth.

Hunter’s heroes

By George CLARKE, AAP

LACHLAN Bayliss has continued his blistering run of form to move the Newcastle Jets closer to the A-League Men premiership with a 1-0 win over Macarthur. With eight rounds of the regular season left to play, the Jets sit four points clear of Auckland after Sunday's victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The win was the Jets' eighth-straight victory and there's every chance Mark Milligan's men run down the record set of 10 consecutive wins set by the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013. The Jets face Central Coast and the Wanderers over the next fortnight before a potentially season-defining showdown with Auckland. Bayliss has played a major part in the Jets' hot streak, the midfielder's 54th minute effort his fifth goal in as many games. Born in Darwin, Bayliss has won junior international caps for New Zealand and