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The Beatty Hotel
UPPER Hunter dog owners are being urged to be vigilant following four confirmed cases of canine parvovirus at Gloucester District Vets since Friday, 21 November.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal illness that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs.
The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for many months and sometimes years in the correct conditions.
“All cases were diagnosed using our inhouse parvovirus SNAP
Tocal completes cultural exchange Parvovirus alert for Upper Hunter
TOCAL Agricultural College hosted 26 students and two staff from Japan’s Gifu Prefectural Agricultural College last week as part of its long term cultural exchange program.
The program began in 1992, with this year’s exchange marking the 31st visit by Gifu students.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director of Education Tocal Darren Bayley said the visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand.
“The cultural exchange program allows students to experience not only the practical side of Australian agriculture but also the values and innovation that are the staples of the agricultural industry in Australia,” Mr Bayley said.
“This exchange is about sharing students' knowledge and experiences with one another, whilst also building connections and a broader understanding of agricultural and horticultural production and international markets.
“Programs like this strengthen global collaboration in agriculture and are a cornerstone of this global connection.”
Following their time at Tocal, the group visited local farms, explored the NSW DPIRD Research facility at Ourimbah, and toured the bustling
tests and have occurred across three separate families in the Gloucester area, indicating active community spread,” Practice Manager Breanna Richards told NOTA.
Parvovirus spreads easily and silently, which is why outbreaks escalate quickly.
Dogs can become infected through:
- Direct contact with an infected dog or faeces
- Contaminated environments such as parks, footpaths, yards, vehicles and kennels
- Clothing, shoes, hands and equipment that have come into contact
with infected faeces
- Dogs actively shedding the virus, even in the early stages before symptoms appear
Because the virus is so hardy and easily transported, even indooronly dogs can be exposed indirectly.
Symptoms to watch out for include severe or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or sudden weakness, loss of appetite, rapid dehydration, and fever or low body temperature.
Any dog showing these symptoms requires urgent veterinary attention.
Ms Richards strongly urges owners of unvaccinated or overdue dogs to keep them at home and avoid all public areas - including parks, walking tracks, shared yards, and pet-friendly venues - until they are fully vaccinated.
“The parvovirus vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines in veterinary medicine,” she said.
“It works by priming your dog's immune system to recognise and destroy parvovirus quickly and effectively.
“The vaccine introduces a safe,
modified form of the virus.
“The body produces targeted antibodies, and if the dog encounters the real virus later, the immune system responds instantly, preventing illness or significantly reducing severity.
“Dogs that are overdue or unvaccinated are at high risk during an outbreak.”
If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, contact your veterinarian.
To avoid contamination, do not attend a vet clinic without first consulting your veterinarian.
Sydney Markets at Flemington.
The visit concluded with sightseeing in Sydney’s CBD, offering a well-rounded experience of both rural and urban Australia.
The Gifu delegation also enjoyed a farm tour featuring a sheepshearing demonstration and hands-on insights into calving assistance and neonatal calf care using “Dystocia Daisy”, a realistic bovine simulator.
An official welcome morning tea in the Dining Hall included formal addresses and an exchange of gifts.
Mr Bayley said by learning from each other, future farmers and educators are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing world.
“Tocal is proud to host students from Gifu Prefectural Agricultural College. These visits highlight the importance of cultural understanding and the role it plays in advancing agricultural education internationally,” Mr Bayley said.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come, fostering innovation, sustainability, and friendship across borders for many years to come.”
Tocal College is renowned for its international engagement and regularly welcomes professional agriculturalists, educators, and trainers from across Australia and around the world.
q The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand.
'It is home': coal closures not the end of rural towns
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
ONE resident in a rural town facing the closure of a major coal mine says "it's the best place to be... I'm gonna get carried out of here in a box".
Another local from Muswellbrook, a town at the frontline of Australia's energy transition, plans on staying long after BHP's Mt Arthur mine closes in 2030.
"We love our house and our land, so we're not going anywhere," the resident told researchers from the University of Newcastle.
A young businesswoman thinks her hometown of 10,000 people, which is an easy driving distance to both Sydney and Newcastle, is "open to opportunities".
"(That's) the most special thing for me," she said.
The university's anthropologists interviewed locals for nine months to understand what the closure of the Mt Arthur open-cut mine - the largest in the state - would mean for the region.
It was critical to view
areas like Muswellbrook as more than just "mining towns" in order to plan for the phase out of coal operations, according to their report released on Thursday.
"Muswellbrook existed before the mine came and it will exist afterwards," Associate Professor Hedda Askland told AAP.
"There's cautious optimism, there's a lot of concern, a lot of fear, but people still have a real sense of hope.
"They want to believe there is a future ... and they are deeply committed to this place they call home."
The report, funded by BHP's community investment program, found locals wanted the mining giant to leave a positive and reciprocal legacy in the town.
"Muswellbrook has given a lot to the industry, to the state and now that the industry is moving towards closure, there's an expectation they be cared for and prioritised," Dr Askland said.
Muswellbrook, which is home to the shuttered Liddell coal power station, also wanted to set a precedent for other regions navigating the energy transition.
The report made 12 recommendations for BHP to leave a positive legacy, including investment in social infrastructure, upskilling for young and Indigenous residents and prioritising local workers in the mine's rehabilitation process.
It also recommended collaborative planning for post-mining land use, with a focus on conservation areas and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge.
The research could help communities around Australia understand their value and strengths in the shift away from fossil fuels, Dr Askland said.
"This is a threshold moment; we're at the cusp of the next chapter for regional and rural communities," she said.
"We need to bring communities along with us to write that chapter."
q Coal train carriages at Muswellbrook. Photo: Hedda Askland.
Master plans underway for coal sites
MASTER plans for BHP’s Mt Arthur mine site in Muswellbrook and Glencore’s Macquarie Coal site in Lake Macquarie will commence after an agreement was signed by the Australian and NSW governments and local councils.
Under the agreement, $5 million in Commonwealth funding, supported by contributions from NSW, will support the development of pilot master plans detailing how the land can be re-used.
Net Zero Economy Authority CEO David Shankey
joined Minister Tim Ayres and Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton at the Mt Arthur mine site last week for the announcement.
With the planned closure of the Mt Arthur site in 2030, and the Macquarie Coal site no longer in operation, these
master plans will deliver a vision for the future uses of the land and the economic opportunities that come with it.
The plans will also outline any rezoning and infrastructure needed.
The Net Zero Economy
Authority is supporting the project as part of its ongoing work in the Hunter region, working alongside the Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils, and the Australian and NSW Governments.
“Through practical
VILLAGE INITIATIVE
connection, volunteeringhave weakened.
Tuesday, 18 November to discuss the initiative.
“Young people today are facing pressures no previous generation has faced,” said Jim Doyle from the It takes a Village Gresford Community Group.
“COVID-19 disrupted education, friendships, confidence, and independence.
“Social media has intensified comparison, anxiety, bullying, and unrealistic expectations.
“Traditional support structures - extended family, churches, neighbourhood
“Many young people feel isolated despite being more digitally connected than ever.”
Mr Doyle said the region’s adults must work proactively to support young people through these challenges.
“If we want stronger, more confident, more community-minded young people, then we must step up. We must be proactive, take responsibility, and lead by example.
“History shows that societies rise when communities are connected, united, and responsible - and
decline when that connection fades.”
Mr Doyle said the concept behind the “It Takes a Village” initiative is a simple one: if everyone does a little, young people gain a lot.
“By coordinating existing efforts, filling gaps, and creating new opportunities, young people get more ways to connect, participate, and grow - in sport, the arts, volunteering, leadership, creativity, and community life.”
A number of projects are now underway through the initiative.
Youth Council
A Regional Youth Council
is being created as a practical space for young people to share ideas, help guide decision-making, and shape activities across the region.
Youth Roundtable
A Youth Roundtable will be held before Christmas, involving leaders from every part of the communityeducation, police, community workers, sports, youth services, business, and young people themselves.
The aim is to understand challenges, share insights, and coordinate efforts so everyone is working toward the same goals. This will help guide the Youth Council and early actions in 2025.
Youth Camp
The Regional Youth Camp at Wangat Lodge in the July
holidays will bring young people together from across the region for teamwork, leadership, resilience, and fun.
“We want every young person to attend, regardless of family finances,” Mr Doyle said.
“The community is invited to sponsor a child so no one misses out.”
Music Instrument
Library
A new Music Instrument Library is being developed so young people can borrow instruments just like they borrow books.
“We are seeking people with instruments, musical skills, or time to help set it up,” Mr Doyle said.
Sports Forum –
partnerships and evidencebased planning, we are building new development pathways that will drive industry growth and support jobs in regions like the Hunter,” CEO David Shankey said.
The work will also lead to a recommendations report that will help guide future mine closures across NSW, demonstrating how the land can be re-used to the benefit of the community.
“By working closely with the NSW government, local councils and industry, we’re creating a model that can be replicated across Australia to deliver economic resilience and new opportunities in mining communities,” Mr Shankey said.
Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, described the funding as a “big win” for the region.
“The Hunter has powered Australia for generations,” he said.
“These master plans make sure we keep powering ahead with new industries and long term jobs.
“This is not just paperwork. It is the groundwork for real projects, real investment and real jobs staying in the Hunter where they belong.”
Saturday 14 March
A key initiative is the Sports Forum & Fundraiser on Saturday 14 March. The event will raise funds to sponsor junior sport costs, including registrations, uniforms, and equipment. Community Foundation (separate but supportive)
A Dungog Region & Stroud Community Foundation is also being established with full taxdeductible status.
Although separate from It Takes a Village, once operating it will support youth programs, community initiatives, and long-term regional resilience.
For more information, call Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.
q Net Zero Economy Authority CEO David Shankey joined Minister Tim Ayres and Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton at the Mt Arthur mine site for the announcement.
'Ready to fight': first-term MP rises to leadership
By Kat WONG and Alex MITCHELL, AAP
THE Liberal party's latest leader has thrown down the gauntlet, vowing to fight with her ailing party as a crucial election looms.
First-term MP Kellie Sloane completed her meteoric ascent to the top of the NSW Liberals on Friday after her predecessor Mark Speakman gave way to mounting pressure and resigned.
With just 18 months to try turn around the party's poor polling before the state election, she said she was ready to get to work.
"I don't underestimate the challenge ahead of us," Ms Sloane told reporters on Friday.
"I am ready for the fight."
Housing, infrastructure and transport are emerging as policy priorities as Ms Sloane promised to help families and young Australians.
But she faces a significant uphill battle.
No first-term opposition has won an election in NSW
or federally since the 1930s while recent polls suggest the coalition would lose more seats to Labor if an election was held today.
"They are in a pretty dire spot at the moment," election analyst Ben Raue told AAP.
"It's a very easy mechanical change to make, to sack someone and replace them with someone else, but unless that is the specific reason why you're unpopular, it's not going to change anything."
Though Premier Chris Minns acknowledged he was in competition with Ms Sloane, he stressed their parties had a responsibility to work together.
He also refused to rest on his laurels as the NSW Liberal Party had historically been a "formidable force".
"Pretty much every election in New South Wales has been close - this one will be close too," he told reporters.
"The last thing I want voters to think is that we're counting our chickens, because that's the shortest
distance between us losing the next election and where we are today."
But the greatest danger to the NSW Liberals, could come from within.
The chaotic aftermath of the federal party's election wipe-out did serious "brand damage" to the Liberal's state brands, Mr Speakman said at his resignation.
While Ms Sloane said she was not blind to the issue, she backed Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and repeatedly emphasised the "unity" of the state branch.
"I'm not going to stand here and pretend that some of the dysfunction that we've seen over time federally won't impact us at state level," she said.
"But I believe in Sussan Ley as our leader."
Ahead of the party room meeting, Ms Ley lauded the new leader as an "outstanding young woman".
Ms Sloane, a mother of three, enjoyed a decadeslong career as a journalist and news presenter before teaming up with Healthy
Harold to lead not-for-profit Life Education NSW. Beaten in pre-selection for former premier Gladys Berejiklian's Willoughby seat in 2022, Ms Sloane was comfortably elected as MP for the eastern Sydney electorate of Vaucluse at the 2023 state election and rapidly appointed to the opposition frontbench under Mr Speakman.
As late as Thursday morning, Mr Speakman was determined to hold onto his crown, launching a media blitz where he downplayed
speculation of a spill.
But when Ms Sloane - a friend and moderate faction colleague - declared her intention to lead, he agreed to step away.
Shadow AttorneyGeneral Alister Henskens had considered challenging for the leadership but pulled out before the meeting.
Ms Sloane, 52, became the second woman this week to have deposed a male state Liberal leader after Victoria's coalition opposition dumped Brad Battin in favour of firstterm MP Jess Wilson.
Female representation has been a recurring issue for the Liberal Party over concerns the coalition is bleeding votes from women. Standing with her deputy Natalie Ward, Ms Sloane said she hoped to inspire more women to enter politics. Ms Sloane will steer the coalition with new Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh, who was elected unopposed last Tuesday after Dugald Saunders' shock resignation. The next NSW election will be in March 2027.
Stargazing: The secret star maps of moths
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
ON a moonless night, when the world goes quiet and even the gum trees seem to hold their breath, something small is commuting through the darkness.
Not a drone. Not a latenight bird.
Just a moth, humble, silent, and roughly the size of your thumb flying with the confidence of a seasoned pilot.
Inside that tiny head sits one of nature’s most astonishing tricks: a built-in map of the night sky.
Every spring, billions of Bogong moths leave the plains and grasslands of southeastern Australia and head for the Australian Alps.
Their goal?
To locate a collection of cool, hidden caves where they can spend the scorching summer months.
Mobile upgrades in Vacy
TELSTRA is upgrading its mobile base station in Vacy, meaning temporary service disruptions from Friday 28 November to Tuesday 2 December.
The upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion.
Acting Regional General
Think of it as the insect equivalent of checking into a mountain resort.
The twist is that each new generation of moths has never seen these caves before.
Yet somehow, every year, they locate them with pinpoint accuracy.
So, how do they pull off this annual disappearing act?
To answer that, scientists built something that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi
congestion for customers.
film: a custom-made “moth planetarium.”
Inside this tiny dome, researchers gently tethered the moths so they could flap as if in free flight, then projected the night sky overhead.
When shown a real star field, the moths turned and “flew” exactly in the direction their migration requires.
But when the stars were scrambled into a random, nonsensical pattern, the moths’ sense of direction collapsed completely.
The real magic revealed itself when researchers monitored the moths’ brain activity.
Their visual neurons, the cells that process what they see, lit up most intensely when the stars matched the proper heading for their journey.
And one region of the sky stood out more than any other: the Milky Way, especially the portion near the Carina Nebula.
The moths weren’t just
flying under the stars; they were navigating by them, treating the galaxy like a glowing signpost in the dark.
But nature, ever the clever engineer, didn’t stop there.
When the stars vanish behind clouds, the moths switch to a backup system: Earth’s magnetic field.
This two-part navigation kit, celestial compass plus magnetic compass, makes Bogong moths some of the most sophisticated travellers in the insect world.
They’re not entirely alone in this talent.
Migratory birds, dung beetles, and even certain species of seals are known to use the stars as navigational cues.
But few do it with the understated grace, and sheer improbability, of the Bogong moth.
It’s a humbling reminder that humans aren’t the only ones with a relationship to the night sky. Long before
telescopes, space probes, or apps that tell us when to look up, insects were quietly steering their way across continents using the light of distant suns.
And here’s where the story takes a worrying turn.
As artificial light spreads across our cities, the stars grow fainter.
With them goes an ancient guidance system that countless creatures, including these tiny alpine tourists, depend on. If the night sky continues to fade, what happens to the travellers who rely on it?
So the next time a moth flutters around your porch light, spare it a moment.
You might be watching a veteran of a thousandkilometre trek, guided not by GPS, but by the shimmering arc of the Milky Way, a fellow wanderer whose map is written across the heavens themselves.
Manager Northern NSW Joshua Fulwood said, “We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country.
“As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less
“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.” Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work.
Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.
Any calls to Triple Zero from a
Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.
Telstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling.
This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receive mobile calls while connected to WiFi.
q MP Kellie Sloane (centre) is the new leader of the NSW Liberal Party. Photo: Kellie Sloane MP FB.
Gurmesh Singh wins NSW Nationals leadership
COFFS HARBOUR MP
Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders last week.
It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024.
Mr Singh ran unopposed in a party vote last Tuesday morning to be elected leader, less than 24 hours after Mr Saunders’ exit, who cited family reasons for leaving the top job.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is the new
deputy leader, while Sarah Mitchell MLC remains the party’s leader in the Upper House.
Mr Singh, who was first elected to parliament in 2019, said it was an honour to lead the party forward.
“Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities,” he said.
“The wellbeing of regional communities is at the heart of everything we do, and I thank my party room colleagues for affording me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Nationals across NSW.”
He also thanked Mr Saunders for his “leadership and guidance” in recent years.
Congratulating him on the promotion, Federal National Party leader David Littleproud praised Mr Singh’s “wealth of experience”.
“I look forward to working with Gurmesh and I know he has a lot to offer, including his lived experience as a former blueberry and macadamia farmer and knowing about the challenges our farmers are facing.
“In the lead up to Christmas, regional Australians are feeling the pain of Labor’s ideology, by what’s coming out of their wallets.
“I know Gurmesh will do a fantastic job taking up the fight to Labor and also fighting for common sense.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Mr Singh is
a “strong voice for regional NSW and a tireless advocate for his community”.
“His election as leader is well deserved recognition of his hard work, integrity and commitment,” he said.
Mr Saunders, who serves as the Member for Dubbo, steps down after two and a half years in the leadership position.
"It's a difficult decision but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself," he said in a statement to media.
"It's also the right time to allow a new leader to take up the fight ahead of the next election.
"I will continue to serve the people of the Dubbo electorate as their local member."
Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero
By Andrew VIVIAN
ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050.
This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed.
Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor Party, has previously recommended that Labor highlights the economic benefits to ordinary people when discussing energy policy, rather than the seemingly abstract “Net Zero”.
He told News Of The Area that regional areas are positioned to benefit enormously from the growth of renewable energy, and the advantages are
overwhelmingly economic.
Stronger local economy
Local energy generation brings down costs.
When more energy is produced closer to where people live and work, households and small businesses see lower bills and more reliable supply.
Mr Leyland also pointed out that renewables bring jobs.
Large-scale wind, solar, storage and grid upgrades create a surge in construction work - the kind of trades and contractor jobs that keep money in the community and open up long-term roles in maintenance, operations and community energy initiatives.
He said affordable clean energy is also becoming a magnet for new industries and manufacturers, such as food processors, data-driven businesses and emerging clean-tech industries.
These all prioritise
regions with stable, low-cost power.
Locally-produced renewable energy gives regions greater protection from volatility in international coal and gas prices.
Renewables also offer diversified income streams for farmers and landholders, reduced energy costs for irrigation and refrigeration, and opportunities for onfarm generation.
“Taken together, renewables give regions… the chance to build a stronger, more self-reliant local economy, one with lower energy costs, more jobs and new industries that keep young people in the region.”
Coalition’s position Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan released a statement saying the Coalition’s joint agreement to drop Net Zero is a move that will help Australian households and
businesses achieve a cheaper, better and fairer way to lower emissions.
“The Coalition’s decision to drop Net Zero puts Australians and the electorates that we represent first,” the statement read.
“Our plan is far cheaper than Labor’s *$9 trillion Net Zero plan, which would put Medicare and NDIS at risk.
“OECD countries have been cutting their emissions by one percent per year while Australia has been cutting its emissions by about two percent per year - double the OECD rate.
“We should do our fair share to reduce global emissions, but not more than the rest of the world.”
Mr Conaghan said energy would be cheaper because: “Our policy means opening up our grid to nuclear and removing the moratorium, as well as using emission reduction technology in gas and coal, like carbon capture and storage, while having renewables as a sensible proportion of the mix.
“Australia can’t mitigate all the world’s emissions when we’re only a bit over one percent of global emissions.
“So, why wouldn’t we focus more on adaptation with direct environmental action in land management, and investment in disaster mitigation like flood levees, dams and more cool burns?
“Labor’s 2030 and 2035 targets will reduce our emissions by 4.7 percent per year, putting pressure on households and industry.”
Mr Conaghan’s colleague in the electorate of Lyne, Alison Penfold MP, said abandoning Net Zero does not equate to abandoning climate action.
“We will do our fair share to reduce global emissions, but not more than the rest of the world,” she said.
“If we continue down Labor’s reckless plan, Australians will only feel more pain, with the estimated cost of net zero at $7 to $9 trillion, or $300,000 per Australian.”
Report ‘misrepresented’
The Coalition’s figure of *$9 trillion is based on a report from Net Zero Australia (NZAu), which is a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and Princeton University.
It aims to be “technology neutral, evidence driven and non-political”.
NZAu issued a media release on 5 November criticising how its research had been interpreted and also confused with a report from 2023.
“Different individuals and groups have been misrepresenting key cost estimates from the NZAu Australia Project as ‘the cost of Australia reaching net zero’,” it said.
It clarified that:
- projected costs for reaching Net Zero in Australia by 2050 would be $300 billion over 25 years, not $9 trillion.
- this cost would consist primarily of overseas investment
- cost projections for nonrenewable energy resources did not include their substantial fuel costs
The Climate Council, a spin-off from the Climate Commission, which was abolished by the Coalition in 2013, said that abandoning Net Zero “would spell disaster for Australia’s climate, economy and household
bills”.
It claims that Australian Government spending on disaster recovery would increase seven-fold by 2090, productivity would take a $135-423 billion hit by 2063 - with workers hampered by extreme heat - and deaths caused by heatwaves would increase by 440 percent in Sydney and 260 percent in Melbourne.
The Council said policy uncertainty would disrupt confidence and clarity for business, costing the economy $2 trillion in lost investment.
Weaker exports and lower growth over the next 24 years and prolonged reliance on gas and coal, could see household power bills increase by $449 by 2030.
CEO Amanda McKenzie, said: “What the Coalition is really advocating for is a more dangerous future for all Australians.
“More floods in Taree and Grafton, more fire seasons like Black Summer, and the demise of the Great Barrier Reef.
“They’ve gone from: ‘I don’t hold a hose, mate’ to ‘let’s put fuel on the fire’.”
Professor Joel Gilmore, Climate Councilor and energy expert, said: “Renewable power is already the lowestcost form of new energy.
“Four million Australian households with rooftop solar know that.”
When asked by Sky News if renewable energy is more expensive, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, said: “Not only do I not agree, economists don’t agree, scientists don’t agree, the Australian people don’t agree”.
q Newly elected NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh addresses the media.
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
SPICKS AND
SPECKS
ABC TV, 7.30pm
With a fan base as devoted as any rock band, this music trivia show is still entertaining audiences 20 years after it first burst onto the scene. Tonight, host Adam Hills and team captains Alan Brough and Myf Warhurst welcome another OG back to the panel: Angie Hart (pictured, middle), the lead singer of pop band Frente! who appeared on the show’s pilot episode in 2005. In fact, Hart was a pioneer of the show’s “Substitute” round, singing from the Torana 1600 service manual. She’s on the mic again this time, hoping teammates Brough and Zoë Coombs Marr (pictured, with Hart) can decode lyrics from a table tennis strategy guide.
FRIDAY, November 28
MONDAY
THE ROOKIE
SEVEN, 8.30pm
One of this police procedural’s most elusive villains returns for Monday’s compelling season seven finale. Affable sociopath Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave) has been on the run since escaping from prison at the end of season six, but seasoned cop John Nolan (Nathan Fillion, pictured) is hot on the fugitive’s tail. Nolan heads to Las Vegas with fellow detective Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) in a determined bid to catch Hutchinson while the crook recovers some stolen diamonds buried in the desert, but the criminal always seems to be one step ahead. Elsewhere, Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) looks into a mysterious bank robbery, while couple Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Bradford (Eric Winter) adjust to her new work schedule.
News. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 10.55 Rick Steves’ Europe. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Royal Autopsy. (Man, R) 2.55 The Point. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Living Black. (R) 3.35 Such Was Life. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 London: 2,000 Years Of
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Celebrates Jane Edmanson’s 38 years on the ABC.
8.30 Maigret. (Mav) Maigret grapples with his failure and tries to understand the man whom he failed to protect.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Silent Witness. (M, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
THURSDAY TOPKNOTZ
NBN, 8.30pm
“Who’s ready to holiday?” asks an excitable Grant Denyer in this action-packed aquatic adventure series. The Gold Logie-winning presenter tries out the best marine leisure experiences the world has to offer – think helicopter rides, superyachts, snorkelling, speedboats, electric surfboards, jet skis and more – alongside culinary legend Miguel Maestre, stuntman Rob Palmer, surfer Felicity Palmateer and presenter Tom Williams (all pictured) in this 10-part travelogue. In Thursday’s second episode, the crew are in New Zealand, where they’re invited to take part in a haka, pilot a racing boat, prepare delicacies in a glacier kitchen and take on river rapids on a giant inflatable unicorn. It’s not for the faint of heart.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Discovering Film: Robert Redford.
8.30 MOVIE: Thelma And Louise: Born To Live. (2025, M, R) 9.30 Discovering Film: Maggie Smith. (PG, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Sisi. (MA15+a, R) 11.55 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+asv, R) 2.15 Stutter School: Untold Australia. (PGa, R) 3.15 The Story Of Cheese. (R) 4.15 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (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. 8.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth. 11.15 MOVIE: Firestarter. (2022, MA15+av, R) A girl gains the power to set things on fire. Zac Efron, Ryan Kiera Armstrong. 1.15 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (Return)
8.30 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, Mav, R) A half-human, half-Atlantean goes on a quest. Jason Momoa, Amber Heard.
11.15 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (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)
And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R)
SATURDAY, November 29
6.00 Australian Story: Peter Garrett. (R) Presented by Leigh Sales.
6.30 Stateline. (R) An analysis of politics and local issues.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (PG) A CEO is poisoned at a corporate retreat.
8.30 Vera. (Mav, R) Vera and her team investigate a hit-and-run and a stabbing death in a remote Northumberland valley.
10.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) James attempts to sabotage Joylon.
10.55 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac goes rogue with a new lead. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.10 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.50 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, November 30 6.00
6.00
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG) Heat five features an array of unique talent.
8.50 The Forsytes. (PG) Jolyon recommits to his family.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (PGa, R) 10.45 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R)
Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
Nigella’s Christmas Bites. (R)
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.30 The Art Of. (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (Final) 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
DD India News Hour. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 11.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 Soccer.
1. 3.30 Soccer.
2.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 A Royal Guide To Christmas.
8.25 Christmas In The Cotswolds. (R)
A look at The Cotswolds at Christmas.
9.20 Christmas At Longleat. (R)
10.20 Reckless. (Malv, R)
11.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
2.35 The Story Of Chocolate. (PGa, R)
3.35 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Finding You. (2020, PG)
Maori) 6.35 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 8.30 Saturday Night Fever. (1977, MA15+) 10.45 The Handmaiden. (2016, MA15+, Korean) 1.25am And So It Goes. (2014, M) 3.05
WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (PGaw, R) 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 When The World Watched. (Premiere) 4.00 My Rembetika Blues. (R) 5.35 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGaw, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pearl Harbor: Battle In The Pacific.
8.30 Troy Story.
10.15 Bronze Age Apocalypse. (R)
11.55 Peter O’Toole: Along Sky Roads To Aqaba. (MA15+l, R)
1.35 Franklin. (MA15+l, R)
3.15 Tutankhamun. (PG, R)
4.20 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (Ml, R)
4.55 Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
Great British Adventure. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Inside The Cult Of The Jesus Army. 10.50 Liaison.
Show. (PG) 12.00 Jabba’s Movies. (PGv, R) 12.30 Border Security. (PG, R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 13. Adelaide Grand Final. Day 1. Qualifying and support races. 3.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 13. Adelaide Grand Final. Day 1. Pre-race and race 33.
9.10 MOVIE: Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit. (1993, G, R) A group of nuns attempts to save a school. Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith.
11.25 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 13. Adelaide Grand Final. Day 1. Highlights.
12.25 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
1.25 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
And Winterbottom Stakes Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Animal Rescue. 2.30 Creek To Coast. 3.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Barbie. (2023, PGlv, R) Barbie leaves Barbieland for the first time. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling.
9.50 MOVIE: Hairspray. (2007, PGls, R)
A teen auditions for a TV dance show. Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron. 12.00 MOVIE: Suburbicon. (2017, MA15+alv, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
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 Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. A couple want to travel in a converted bus. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Follows property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie as they search for the perfect home for two sets of buyers. 9.50 Harry And Meghan: The Rise And Fall. (PGa)
Morning Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 8.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (Premiere, PGal) Looks at what happens in a multi-vehicle pileup.
10.00 MOVIE: Green Book. (2018, Ml, R) A pianist hires a tough-talking chauffeur. Viggo Mortensen.
12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 13. Adelaide 500. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World. (Ml) 10.00 Essex Millionaire Murders. (Mdv) 11.00 Mobsters. (Madv) 11.50 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R) 12.40 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Ice Hockey. NHL. Columbus Blue Jackets v Pittsburgh Penguins. 1.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Newcastle United v Manchester City. Replay. 3.40 Surfing Australia. 4.40 Young Sheldon. 5.10 MOVIE: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. (2005, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers. (2002, M) 11.10 Late Programs. Morning Programs. 9.00 Carbon Copy. (1981, PG)
10.20 SBS News. 10.50 The Man Who Died. (Mav) 11.40 A Criminal Affair. (Mals, R) 1.20
Bowled Over: Untold Australia. (Mal, R) 2.25 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 3.30 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PGal, R) 4.25 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)
7.30 Queen: In Their Own Words. (Mal, R)
8.30 The Rookie. (Final, Mav) Lopez investigates a bank robbery.
9.30 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) A brewery foreman is kidnapped. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.30 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)
8.40 MOVIE: The Castle. (1997, Ml, R) A family’s life is disrupted. Michael Caton. 10.35 The Equalizer. (Mav) 11.25 Transplant. (MA15+m, R) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Finding
You. Continued. (2020, PG) 6.35 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 8.25 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 10.10 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, M) 12.20pm 5 To 7. (2014, M) 2.10 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 4.05 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 6.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 7.40 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 9.30 The Tower. (2012, M, French) 11.50 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, December 2
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6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are?
9.35 Australia: An Unofficial History. (Mals, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Families Like Ours. (Malv)
12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Malsv, R)
2.30 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R)
3.35 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PG, R)
4.25 Growing A Greener World. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R) Officers spot some dodgy activity.
8.30 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) Mayor Holman is attacked.
9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Terry Floyd. (PGa, R) A look at the case of Terry Floyd.
10.30 MOVIE: The Social Network. (2010, Ml, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.05 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 8.55 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 10.50 Couch Potatoes. (2017, M, Italian) 12.50pm Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.50 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 5.35 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 Holiday Harmony. (2022) 9.35 Happy Christmas. (2014) 11.10 Late Programs.
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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. Check what’s on at dungogroyalhotel.com.au or call us on 0418 443398
WEDNESDAY, December 3
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml, R) 11.25 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. (R) 1.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Focus On Ability Film Festival 2025. (Premiere, PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 MOVIE: When Love Is In Your Eyes. (2024, PGa, R) 2.50 I Am Not A Number. (PGa, R) 3.10 Rehabilitating. (PGa)
3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Focus On Ability Film Festival 2025. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Michael Palin In North Korea. (R)
8.30 Reckless. (Final, MA15+l)
9.35 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.55 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R)
3.00 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PGal, R)
3.55 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: A Furry Little Christmas. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 MOVIE: 1917. (2019, MA15+av, R) During World War I, two British soldiers are assigned the critical task of delivering a life-saving message. George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.00 MOVIE: Secrets On Campus. (2022, Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R)
8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) 9.30 Parole. (MA15+alv)
10.50 American Crime Story. (Premiere, Madlsv)
11.55 Resident Alien. (Mav)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64)
6am The Orator.
Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.40 The Movie Show. 8.20 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 10.15 Infinite Storm. (2022, M) 12.05pm Bliss. (2021, M) 2.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.55 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 5.45 Marie’s Story. (2014) 7.35 Begin Again. (2013, M) 9.30 Silent Night. (2023) 11.15 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) 1.20am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, December 4
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.15 Tech Smart Agriculture. (R) 11.30 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Chef Antonio’s Recipes For Revolution. (Ml, R) 3.00 Sugar Bird Lady. 3.05 Deus Ex Machina. 3.10 Hindsight. (PGls) 3.15 Standard Drink. 3.20 Return To Lullumb. 3.25 Imposter. (PGa) 3.30 La Echolalia. 3.35 Theatricality. 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Everywhere. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain. (PGalw)
8.25 Britain’s Railway Empire In Colour. (PGav)
9.20 Vigil. (Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Vienna Blood. (MA15+a, R)
12.50 House Of Promises. (Mans, R)
3.30 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
(PG, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.30 7.30. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Dirty Little Deeds. (2021, Mav, R) 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session. 5.00 The Ashes: Tea Break. 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day’s play so far. 8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Late evening session.
10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. (Return)
11.15 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.45 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.25 MOVIE: The Running Man. (1987, MA15+) 11.20 MOVIE: In Bruges. (2008, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 MOVIE: Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible. (2022, M) 2.10 Bamay. 2.40 Insight. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. (Return) 11.00 Homicide. 11.50 Late Programs. 6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Movie Show. 7.30 Marie’s Story. (2014) 9.25 The Movie Show. 10.00 Bergman Island. (2021, M) 12.05pm Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) 2.05 Delfin. (2019, Spanish) 3.45 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 5.50 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 7.30 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 9.50 Everybody’s Fine. (2009) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Holidays In The Sun. (Premiere, PG)
Topknotz. (M)
Limitless With Chris Hemsworth. (PGa, R)
Chicago Med. (MA15+am)
Next Stop.
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
7MATE (64)
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
Public Notices
Gingerbread House Decorating 5th Dec: 4-6pm Dungog Uniting Church
CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619 NEW Red Lumus ankle water proof boots size 38 $25pr. 0434 521 457
PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876 RTS051125 COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466 F190625
COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713
DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063
SWIMMING pool magnesium salt 25kg bag $90. Ph 0477 587 881
02 4981 8882
SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942 Re021025
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual,
beds, 2 solar panels, sat dish, gas heater, many extras $48,000 ono. Reg till Nov 2024. TR76FN. Contact 0415 359 809 Re281223 Caravans
Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
OPINION
On theCouch
Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
FOR five years, I have been minding a friend's dog (Minty) while they go on holidays.
This is usually no problem; the dog and I get on very well.
This time, though, I was left with instructions that Minty (who is 15) now eats breakfast at 4.30am and dinner at 3.00pm every day, and that she gets upset when she isn't fed at those times.
Despite this, Minty slept in until 7.00am, which is when I fed her.
I was also told that Minty whines if she doesn't get her walk at 9am, however we walked every evening at
6.00pm and she was just fine.
The other instruction was that she was very frail and so could only walk to the end of the street, however, she had boundless energy, so we walked to the next suburb.
Should I tell the owner?
Rosie P.
Dear Rosie,
Dogs are very much like children.
They develop certain behaviours with their parents, but will respond to other people in an entirely different way.
I think a lot of it comes down to boundaries and expectations from all involved parties.
I know this, because I own a show dog.
Now, in the ring, with his show handler, he will trot around in a square, and stand
News Of The Area
to attention, and let a stranger *throat clear* check his testicles to make sure they are present and of equal size (I don't make the rules, Rosie), and he has done this so many times that he is now a champion.
At home, however, he is more like Jake the Muss out of Once Were Warriors.
He gets in people's faces.
He brawls with dogs that don't look like him (so he's also apparently a racist).
To make matters worse, he likes to watch moments of intimacy (giving off serious Jeffrey Epstein vibes).
It's all very worrisome.
The point I'm trying to make, though, is that dogs (like children) are very adaptable (and very manipulative).
In this instance, Rosie, I think you should just keep quiet about Minty's change in routine.
It's not like she's going to report back that you've not followed the dog-sitting checklist.
As long as you handed her back with a similar disposition and physicality as you received her, I think you've done well.
You may have even taught Minty a few important lessons.
That 4.30am nonsense isn't sustainable. I'm pretty sure she knew you were onto her.
If Minty has now gone back to her old ways, so be it. It's not for you to deal with.
And at age 15, there may not be many more opportunities for you and Minty to conspire together. Possibly none, if her owner reads News Of The Area.
Kids Boot Camp 054
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Council endorses strategic planning documents for public exhibition
FROM Page 1
strategy.
Mayor Digby Rayward said the plans will guide our Shire for decades to come, while preserving what the community values most.
“These plans address where growth will occur, what infrastructure and services are needed to support growth, and the associated zoning, lot size requirements, and development types required to make it happen.
“Our Councillors and Council staff have been working incredibly hard to engage with the community to develop these strategies,” Mayor Rayward said.
“I hope the community takes this opportunity to review them and provide their feedback while they are on public exhibition.”
The draft documents on public exhibition include:
1. Draft Dungog Shire
Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)
Council’s 15-year vision for land use planning across the Shire. It sets priorities for how and where Dungog will grow, ensuring housing, infrastructure, environment, economic development, and community values are aligned in an integrated framework.
The LSPS also brings together the findings of the housing, rural lands and infrastructure into one strategic direction for the Dungog Shire.
2. Draft Dungog Shire Local Housing Strategy
This draft Local Housing Strategy identifies the types of housing needed to support a growing and ageing population, strengthen affordability, and ensure housing growth occurs in the right locations. It provides a roadmap for housing diversity such as dual occupancies, secondary dwellings, seniors housing, and appropriately scaled
infill housing - focusing growth in existing towns and villages while protecting rural landscapes.
3. Draft Dungog Shire Rural Lands Strategy
The draft Rural Lands Strategy provides a contemporary approach to managing the Shire’s agricultural and rural landscapes. It responds to community feedback about protecting rural character, enabling diversification for farmers, supporting agritourism and small-scale enterprises, and balancing opportunities for rural living, while protecting high-value farmland and biodiversity.
4. Draft Infrastructure Capacity and Prioritisation Plan
The draft Infrastructure Capacity and Prioritisation Plan identifies the infrastructure required to support future growth, including water, sewer, transport, open space,
community facilities, and utilities. It outlines priorities for staged investment and ensures growth is aligned with servicing capacity so that infrastructure leads development rather than lags behind it.
5. Draft Dungog Strategic Centre Structure Plan & Streetscape Masterplan
The draft Structure Plan sets out the long-term vision for the Dungog Strategic Centre, guiding where new housing, community facilities, employment land, and transport connections will be located. The draft Streetscape Masterplan provides detailed designs for a greener, safer and more walkable town centre, featuring tree-lined streets, wider footpaths, safer crossings, improved cycling links, and beautified public spaces that reflect Dungog’s unique character and heritage.
The major outcomes
Salvos ready to receive
By Sis HIGGINS
DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December.
The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years.
Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches.
Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the community’s generosity drives the impact of the appeal.
“We are seeing more people in need than ever before, but with the support of the community we can make a real difference to those in need this Christmas,” Lieutenant Muendel said.
“We know that cost of living
pressures are impacting people, so seeing the community still donating what they can to help others is just so touching.”
Lieutenant Muendel said gifts for all ages are needed, from babies through to teenagers.
“For those looking to donate, we recommend toys, books, and games for younger children, and gift vouchers, sports equipment and beauty products for teenagers,” he said.
“We encourage parents to bring their children along when choosing a gift to donate.
“Allowing kids to select a present for a child their own age is a powerful way to teach them [the] true meaning of giving.”
Local mum Leonie said The Salvation Army helped her rebuild her life after she fled an
abusive relationship.
“The Salvos helped me see that surviving wasn’t the end of my story, it was the beginning.
“They helped me build a new chapter – one filled with safety, warmth and choice,” she said.
“That freedom was made possible by the love and support I received from The Salvation Army.”
NGM Group’s Head of Community and Sustainability Kirrah McClelland, said the organisation hopes to help even more families this year.
“We were truly touched by the generosity of our community last year who helped us collect a record number of gifts, and we hope to exceed that number… and spread some extra Christmas cheer with as many families as possible.”
identified in the strategies include:
• Dungog and Clarence Town are the primary focus for urban growth due to their proximity to shops, transport, services and schools
• Paterson, Vacy, Gresford, East Gresford and Martins Creek to experience incremental growth while respecting village character
• diverse housing achieved by applying new zone types (including R2 Low Density) to support appropriate densities
• reducing minimum lot sizes for RU1 (Primary Production) blocks from 60ha to 40ha
• RU2 (Rural Landscape) will have a 40ha minimum lot size to suit larger, extensive rural and community uses, while protecting working agricultural land
• introducing a new zoning category, RU4 for Primary Production Small Lots, with a 20ha minimum lot size in key ‘soil-rich’ areas in Vacy, Paterson and Martins Creek
• enabling ‘farmingplus’ diversification which supports agritourism,
small-scale processing, farm stays and short-stay accommodation.
“This is a once-in-ageneration opportunity for the people of Dungog Shire to shape how our community grows and evolves, so it’s imperative we have the community review the documents and provide their feedback before they are endorsed by Council in early 2026,” Mayor Rayward said.
The documents can be viewed on Council’s website, with submissions accepted online, via email, or in writing before the public exhibition closes at 5pm on 21 December 2025.
Council will also be holding a series of drop-in information sessions so the community can come and find out first-hand the changes in their area.
Details of the sessions are also available on the Council’s website.
Council encourages all residents, landowners, business owners, and community groups to take part in this important process and help shape the future of Dungog Shire.
Reform urged as native animals face deadly spring
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
KOALA Azaliah and her joey Zali were hit by a car not long after 40 eucalyptus trees in their home were destroyed.
Mother and baby recovered after intensive care at Northern Rivers Koala Hospital in Lismore, NSW, and were released back into the wild in October.
But another joey, Guinevere, was not so fortunate, dying from injuries after being hit by a car along with its mother.
The pair were among an estimated 10 million native animals killed on Australian roads every year.
Though there are measures known to make roads safer for wildlife, new research has warned those optional design standards are often overlooked.
Wildlife could be protected through underpasses, canopy bridges and exclusion fencing, but their construction was usually left to the discretion of budget-conscious
developers, according to a Griffith University-led analysis.
"Ten million animals... that's an insanely massive number," road ecologist and the study's lead author Christopher Johnson told AAP.
"If we treated building a wildlife bridge with the same approach as we would a pedestrian bridge, we'd have a lot better outcomes."
Queensland and Victoria are the only states with wildlife-sensitive guidelines embedded in their road designs, although their standards are voluntary.
"Those guidelines are a nice-to-have, not a need-tohave," Dr Johnson said.
"Nice-to-haves don't always make it through to the end of the project."
The study called for biodiversity to be at the core of infrastructure planning, rather than being left open to interpretation.
Dr Johnson said wildlifesensitive road design should be a part of the government's ongoing nature law reforms.
"This is a really good
opportunity to try and get more ecology advice brought in earlier within project phases," he said.
Spring is a high-risk season for wildlife, as animals move around roadways to breed and forage.
As many as 80 koalas are killed on Northern Rivers roads each year and 80 percent of those hit by cars do not survive their injuries, according to statistics from the local koala hospital.
Drivers were warned to slow down, particularly in known habitats, and to look out for signage that indicated recent sightings.
"These incidents occur most often along major transport corridors where habitat has been cleared or fragmented, forcing koalas to cross busy roads to reach food trees, shelter or breeding partners," the hospital's superintendent vet Kate Thomas said.
"We cannot continue relying on voluntary guidelines that leave wildlife exposed in known hotspots."
Authorised by Alison Penfold MP, National Party of Australia, 144 Victoria St, Taree NSW 2430.
q An estimated 10 million native animals are killed on Australian roads every year. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Paterson Golf Club
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 22ND
NOVEMBER INDIVIDUAL
STABLEFORD FIELD |
35 members & 3 visitors
DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Paul Geddes (9) 39 Points, Runner Up Michael Mirisch (13) 39 Points, 3rd Place Robert Richardson (14) 38 Points DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Denis Crossman (20) 40 Points, Runner Up Greg Sainsbury (20) 40 Points, 3rd Place Benjamin Herden (21) 37 Points BALL COMP | Stephen Watson (14) 38 Points, Peter Nicholson (15)
36 Points, Paul Monaghan (7) 35 Points, Glenn Davies (6) 35 Points, Greg Scott (4) 35 Points, Greg Kellner (19) 35 Points, Peter Griffin (19) 35 Points, Brodie Thackeray (11) 35 Points, Wayne Stedman (10) 34 Points, Allan McKinnon (12) 34 Points, John Walker (11) 34 Points, Joseph Gleeson (17) [Shortland Waters] 34 Points, Darren Crear (10) [Hunter Valey] 34 Points & Michael Cairney (26) 34 Points. NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Brodie Thackeray (11), 5th/14th - Michael Cairney (26), 7th/16th - Ted
Social ride
Page 16
single file if we hear a vehicle approaching,” he said.
“If you (drivers) think we have not heard you it is legal to give a friendly toot to warn of your approach, but please sound your horn at least 50m away.
“Also, vehicles must allow at least one metre when overtaking in a 60km/h or less zone, and 1.5m in zones over 60km/h.”
Allen is also advocating for better understanding of road rules which relate to cyclist safety.
“Some drivers don't seem to know that it is legal to
Individual Stableford, 2BBB & Match Play Championships (Final), 6-Dec Individual Stroke & Monthly Medal, 13Dec Individual Stableford & Christmas Ham Day (7:30am shotgun start), 20-Dec
Individual Stableford, Kevin Rudd & Roy Bishop Trophy (7:30am shotgun start), 27Dec Individual Stableford & 2BBB. Schedule subject to change.
cross unbroken centrelines to give the cyclist the required distance, but only if it is safe to do so.
“So please don't overtake on crests and blind corners.”
Call Allen on 0438 922 091 if you would like to join a ride.
Falla, Bardwell win Vets Golf
By Peter WILDBLOOD
THE Veteran Golfers at Gloucester played a strange event on Tuesday, 18 November, in the form of a Stableford Multiplier wherein the score for the pair at each hole is the multiplicand of the two individual scores.
It’s a form of golfing quicksand during which, on this occasion, Gai Falla and Derek Bardwell prevailed.
The fact that Peter Sate turned in an impressive 39 individual points and
earned nary a mention in the combined trophy list is a testimony to the problematic nature of the event generously sponsored by Ros and Peter McIntyre.
All that said, the event, a Four Ball Better Ball Multiplier, was won by Gai Fall and Derek Bardwell with 81 points between them.
They were closely followed by the runners up, Chris Steele and Tony Berecry with 80 points.
Well back were ball winners Will Bosma and
Ken Kelly
Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Anne Wand and Derek Bardwell. At the 6th and 15th holes that honour went to Elaine Murray and Ken Kelly
This last Tuesday, 25 November, the Gloucester Veteran Golfers played an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Max Shepherd and next Tuesday they play an Individual Stableford.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER
q Derek Bardwell, Gai Falla.
73, Elaine Murray and Anne Wand 68 and Tony Burnet and Jim Dunn 65.
CYCLING enthusiast Allen Shrimpton is encouraging Dungog Shire locals to join a weekly social ride.
Each Tuesday the Ride Dungog group meets at about 8:30am to cycle the Fosterton Loop, an easy 22-kilometre loop ride from Dungog to Fosterton Bridge and return.
The loop includes about 210m of undulating climbing and features a great rest spot on the Williams River at Newells Crossing.
“It is a social ride to encourage people to join us,” Allen said.
“We never leave our mates behind, so we ride at the pace of the slowest rider.”
Allen said the ride is steadily increasing in popularity.
“It started with two riders, today we had 16 riders.
“We always enjoy a coffee at the finish.”
Aside from caffeine, safety is a key consideration of the group.
“While it is legal to ride two abreast we will move into
15
q Ride Dungog members on a recent Fosterton Loop ride.
