Gloucester District News Of The Area 04 FEBRUARY 2026

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent ~ Family Owned

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Page

2 What a Devil!

By John WATTS

GLOUCESTER businesses

received a much-needed boost, with strong trading during the recent holiday period.

Accommodation

Gloucester told News

Of The Area that tourist bookings for the period between Christmas and New Year were on par with 2024 levels, with a strong surge in bookings immediately after New Year.

This momentum continued through January and was expected to remain strong into February.

“The town itself was also noticeably busy over the holiday period, with sustained activity

By John WATTS

John WATTS 0438 346 544 watts@newsofthearea.com.au

Wendy BUSWELL 0415 124 960 wendy@newsofthearea.com.au

Marilyn SANDERSON 0419 627 663 marilyn@newsofthearea.com.au

What a Devil!

By Kim TEOH

DANIEL and Dannielle

Taverner couldn’t quite forget their visit to Aussie Ark Wildlife Sanctuary at Barrington Tops six years ago.

The experience left a lasting impression after they took their toddler son, Finley, to see the critically endangered Tasmanian devils.

Now that there is a new addition to their family, toddler Angus, they thought they would

Kim TEOH 0491 008 417 teoh@newsofthearea.com.au

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

02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au

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OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper

If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre Newsagent

Club Gloucester

Lovey's IGA

R & R Property

Gloucester Library

Gloucester Caravan Park

Hebbys Bakery

Yates & Twomey

Hannaford Stock & Land Real Estate Barrington Barrington Shop

also give him the same experience, and Finley would enjoy the visit.

“Aussie Ark is beautiful, and the staff are deeply committed to the wonderful work of conservation, something that is very close to our hearts,” said Dannielle.

“It’s a two-hour drive from Muswellbrook and a pleasant one.

“We need to appreciate and support the wonderful work of conservation.”

The project began as

Devil Ark in 2011, initially focused on breeding Tasmanian devils free of the facial tumour disease that is highly contagious amongst them, that has devastated wild populations.

Now evolved into AussieArk, it supports recovery efforts for multiple species.

Managing Director Tim Faulkner said, “Aussie Ark is the only targeted, threatened species conservation charity working to reverse biodiversity loss in Australia through sciencebacked programs that breed, rewild, and protect native species.”

“We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.

“We are working endlessly to protect Australia’s wildlife for future generations.”

Aussie Ark sits on a 400-hectare wild forest country and is a predatorproof refuge designed to protect native wildlife. It is open during selected dates each month

for their Devils in the Wild Tours, where visitors can learn about their vital conservation work and see Tasmanian devils in the wild.

The tour includes a ranger-led walk around the sanctuary and insights into their rewilding and breeding programs.

An experience that is said to be suitable

for families and wildlife lovers.

There are also accommodation options like Quoll’s Cottage and Devils Retreat nearby for longer stays within the Barrington Tops.

Aussie Ark tour bookings can be made online or through local information centres.

Serving with Hearts and Plates

By Kim TEOH

LOOKING back on how

Food with Friends started and how it is still going, founder Elizabeth Bartlett is now able to sit back and relax.

“I was at The Greens meeting some ten years ago and brought a list asking people to sign up if they were interested to start cooking free lunches for the homeless and lonely in Gloucester,” Elizabeth reminisced.

With the list, she organised the volunteers into teams of five, cooking once a month.

Elizabeth then approached the shops on the main street, and

individuals, asking for monthly contributions of $5 for groceries.

She made up posters, distributed flyers, and told her friends to let their friends know.

“The Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall on Barrington Street offered their premises and at our first lunch, 25 people turned up,” Elizabeth recalled.

“What truly gladdens my heart is sometimes seeing people come, with sad and anxious faces, and leaving with smiles after a relaxing lunch because no demands were made on them,” she added.

“Rather, they experienced warmth and

friendship.”

Elizabeth eventually handed the reins as coordinator to Maggie Magee, followed by Michael Smith and now Jane Broadbere.

Jane explained, “Food with Friends is a community based event that combines fun social interaction with a delicious course meal prepared by enthusiastic teams of volunteers.”

“As one of our regulars always says, when he finds out what’s on the menu, “Oh yum!””

Over the years, Gloucester Charities has taken over the support of Food with Friends.

“In 2025, thanks to

their support and that of some individuals, we served over 600 free meals to the Gloucester community,” Jane said.

“We thank Gloucester Charities for their food vouchers, Batter and Dough Patisserie for their generous donation of sourdough bread, McRae’s Fashion Centre for their help in making things run smoothly, and

most of all, to the Seventh Day Adventist Church for offering rent-free premises.

“They have recently renovated the kitchen so that our team members have more than enough room to work!”

Food with Friends reopens on Wednesday, 4 February, from 11.30am.

“Let’s do lunch,” Jane exclaimed.

CONSERVATION CALL

FROM Page 1

species, including the koala and greater glider.

One AWC project is the 3871-hectare Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Stroud, which contains 11 threatened wildlife species and 2 threatened plant species.

The proposal, led by AWC, is being undertaken in partnership with MidCoast Council and MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Connection.

The first phase of the project is the seeking of up to 30 local landholders interested in participating in the Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct.

“Australian Wildlife Conservancy recognises that working together is the best way to create change,” said Wayne Sparrow, AWC Regional Operations Manager.

“As a unified precinct, we can build a landscape-scale network of protected and well-managed habitat that benefits wildlife, waterways, and local communities.”

According to the NSW Government and MidCoast Council, private landholders manage more than 80% of land in NSW, and around 70% in the MidCoast region.

AWC indicates that while the proposed Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct already encompasses an impressive network of public and private conservation sites, additional support will strengthen an emerging wildlife stronghold.

“Private landholders have an important role to play in wildlife conservation,” explained Wayne.

“We’re keen to support them in managing their properties in ways that enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience.”

Local Gloucester consultant Louise Duff has been engaged by AWC to promote the conservation precinct proposal to landholders and gauge if there is enough interest to bring it to fruition.

“If the Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct gets off the ground, it will enable landholders to join forces and work together at landscape scale to conserve wildlife,” said Louise.

AWC is an organisation involved in the restoration of landscapes at scale, and in the conservation of Australian wildlife, particularly endangered species.

“We are privileged to work in partnerships with Traditional Owners, as well as with pastoralists, governments, universities and private landholders to powerfully extend the reach of effective conservation action,” explains the AWC website.

“We don’t just conserve; we innovate, we lead, and we inspire change at every

level to help shape and secure the future of Australia’s unique biodiversity.”

For those interested in learning more about the precinct, AWC is hosting an open day and guided walk at Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary on 1 March 2026.

Locals can also register to chat to a Project Officer about conservation opportunities, and/or attend a community meeting at Stroud School of Arts Hall on 31 March 2026.

Those seeking more information can do so at www.australianwildlife.org/ waulinbakh-conservation-precinct.

q Koala at Waulinbakh.

Photo: Brad Leue/AWC.

Flip side of offshore energy debate

By Sue STEPHENSON

DEBATE over the merits of an offshore wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence.

Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn are “repeating misleading” claims and represent a “very small minority view”.

As reported in News Of The Area (27 January) the minister’s announcement ahead of the Australia Day long weekend progresses the research and development phase to “demonstration” (also referred to as R&D), which involves trials and testing of renewable technology.

It also signals that the government is moving on from the setback of Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian-based Equinor pulling out of the project.

In criticising the project’s revival, Member for Lyne Alison Penfold shared that the Minister had “gone

against the community’s wishes,” a sentiment echoed by President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) Troy Radford, and members of the community groups “Save the Myall Coast Save Port Stephens” and “No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens”.

However, coordinator of the HJA, Justin Page, has refuted their claims about the environmental, social, and regulatory aspects of offshore wind projects.

“These claims misrepresent both how offshore wind is assessed and regulated in Australia and the true diversity of community views,” Mr Page shared in a statement to NOTA.

“Offshore wind, particularly at the research and demonstration stage, offers tangible economic and environmental benefits for the Hunter and Port Stephens regions.

“What began as a narrow vested interest in recreational fishing has become a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against Labor governments.”

He described as “incorrect” Mr Radford’s claim that the offshore wind farm off Port Stephens “didn’t stack up” due to

environmental risk, economic justification, and social licence, and said these assessments would only have been undertaken during formal feasibility studieshad a licence been accepted.

“Moreover, environmental, navigational safety, and stakeholder impact assessments are not prepared by the Federal Government, as Mr Radford suggests. They are undertaken by developers after accepting a licence and are independently assessed by Commonwealth regulators before any project can proceed.”

Mr Page said he has engaged with Equinor over the past two years and cited its official explanation for withdrawing from the project as “a combination of broader global challenges affecting the industry and developers... and project-specific factors."

According to industry group Hunter New Energy, the project was expected to generate more than 2 gigawatts of electricity if it proceeded, along with “thousands of construction jobs and several hundred ongoing roles”.

A statement on its website reads: “[This] new round of Federal

offshore wind research and demonstration licences has quietly reopened the long-term opportunity for Newcastle reframing the Hunter zone as a testbed for future development.”

Salamander Bay resident Kathy Brown also contacted NOTA to question the veracity of the arguments used by opponents.

She rejects Ms Penfold’s assertion that the community has made it "blatantly clear” that offshore wind is not feasible or wanted off the Port Stephens and Myall

Coast.

“What the community made blatantly clear on this side of the Bay was their support for Labor at the last Federal Election,” Ms Brown said, “where the incumbent MP was returned with an increased majority.

“That’s the only thing close to a survey I have seen on the topic of offshore wind.

“Those who say that it is not supported by the community aren’t basing that observation on any facts.”

Federal Labor MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi told

reporters last week that it was important to make sure that the government was speaking and consulting with the public.

“[And] also making sure that all the right environmental laws and protections are in place to make sure that the right things are being done.” At the time of writing, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson had yet to issue a public comment on the latest development but has previously thrown her support behind the project.

COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE

Subsidies for future health workers

UP TO $12,000 in financial support is on offer for students enrolled in medical, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, Aboriginal health and allied health degrees across NSW.

The new round of applications for the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies Program opened on 28 January.

This year, support will be available for up to 4,000 students across the state.

“More than 7,900 healthcare students across NSW have already accessed

financial support through this Program, and even more will benefit in 2026,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.

The program is designed to create a future pipeline of health workers by supporting students with fees, technology, travel, and other costs related to their studies.

Successful students who are at the start of their degree will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years. Graduating students will receive one-off payments of $8,000 after acceptance of

employment for a position within NSW Health.

Students must be willing to make a five-year commitment to working in the NSW public health system.

There are a limited number of subsidies available, and applications will remain open until all subsidies are awarded.

For details on how to apply, including the full list of eligible workforce groups and locations, visit health. nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/ health-study-subsidies.aspx.

INTERNATIONAL visitors must undergo a series of additional tests before hitting Australian roads, after new rules came into effect on 1 February.

Drivers and riders aged 25 years and over, from a broader selection of countries, are now required to pass knowledge and driving tests before converting their overseas licence to a NSW licence.

The changes close longstanding inconsistencies that led to licences being granted to untested drivers from “List B” countries, including the US and UK.

Drivers under 25 already undertake knowledge and driving tests, and that requirement will remain unchanged.

Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government was pulling every lever to keep people safe.

“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions,” she said.

The reform builds on new requirements for long-term residents to convert their overseas licences within six months of moving to NSW.

It also brings NSW in line with other states and territories.

Service NSW is temporarily increasing its testing capacity with online bookings updated weekly.

The list of impacted countries and testing requirements can be found on the nsw.gov.au website by searching “knowledge and driving test exemptions”.

FRIDAY

AACTA AWARDS 2026

TEN, 7.30pm

While Australia is generally well represented on red carpets during Hollywood’s annual awards season, this true-blue celebration of local screen excellence is where the stars truly shine. The Gold Coast ceremony is a chance to showcase local talent on home soil. Apple Cider Vinegar and The Narrow Road to the Deep North lead the nominees, with 20 and 12 nods respectively. Succession and All Her Fault star Sarah Snook (pictured) will be recognised for her indelible impact on Australia’s entertainment industry with the Trailblazer Award.

FRIDAY, February 6

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG) Mrs Hall’s world is rocked by bad news.

8.35 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa) Mick’s father is taken hostage.

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)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.10 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 TKO: Total Knock

schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew, barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Their connection deepens before a disturbing discovery in Wednesday’s

second chapter. An intoxicating watch, the four-part romance is rife with betrayal, suspicion and violent consequences as fear seeps into every aspect of Cushla’s life.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Southern Cyprus: Aphrodite’s Paradise. (Premiere)

9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)

1.40 Silent Road. (MA15+v, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love meets a former textiles teacher.

8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mal, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.

11.05 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

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

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026.

8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Night.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight.

3.00 Next Stop. (R) 3.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.30 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 5.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Pre-Show. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2026. Honours Australian television creatives and performers.

10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

6.00

SATURDAY, February 7

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim moves in with Kath. 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 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) Two teams compete in the local lawn bowls’ championship as the season draws to a close.

10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 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.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)

8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Tenacious Davoser Railways. (R) Looks at the funiculars of Schatzalp and Parsenn.

9.35 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bathurst. (PG, R)

10.40 Lord Lucan. (Malv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 2.30 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Two men keep changing their stories.

7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, Mhv, R) A former soldier disrupts the burial place of a 2000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz. 10.00 MOVIE: American Made. (2017, MA15+l, R) A pilot is recruited by the CIA. Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. 12.20 MOVIE: Daughter In Disguise. (2021, Mav, R) Emily Alatalo.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Post Midnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Overnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Jeffreys and Dylan Alcott.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) A couple have outgrown their property.

8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives. 9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure.

10.50 Matlock. (PGa, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Hajjan.

Continued. (2023, PG, Arabic) 7.25 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.10 Whale Rider. (2002, PG)

SUNDAY, February 8

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (M) Roland guides his daughter through a breakup.

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

9.50 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) Joyce faces a difficult situation.

10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (Premiere)

8.25 Grand Canal: China And Its Wondrous Waterway. 10.15 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R) 11.15 George Michael: Portrait Of An Artist. (Mdls, R)

1.00 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R) 1.50 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 2.55 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.55 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.40 The Fall Of The House Of Beckham. (Premiere, M) Looks at the public fallout of the Beckhams. 9.40 The Royal Rich List. (Premiere, PG) Looks at royal assets worth £21 billion.

11.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)

12.20 Temple. (Mal) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise.

6.30

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) In the final two weddings, one bride takes a big leap of faith in an experiment first.

8.35 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Night. Coverage includes women’s downhill alpine skiing, men’s 10km cross-country skiing and men and women’s parallel giant slalom qualifiers and finals.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Overnight. 5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

MONDAY, February 9

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (Return)

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Other People’s Money. (Premiere, Mn)

11.30 Vigil. (Malv, R)

2.30 The Great House Revival. (R)

3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R)

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

VICELAND (31)

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

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

9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena and Hen navigate their way back home.

10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av) 11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)

12.35 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) After nine weddings, the next phase of the experiment begins.

9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Night. Coverage includes men’s team downhill alpine skiing, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing slopestyle finals.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Overnight.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

6am Mr. Holmes.

(2015, PG) 7.55 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 11.45 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 2.15pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.05 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 5.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 7.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 9.50 One Of A Kind. (2023) 11.45 Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 1.40am Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, February 10

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

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

8.35 MOVIE: I Am Raquel Welch. (2025)

10.10 Rock Legends.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)

12.05 DNA. (Malv, R)

1.50 We Hear You. (PG, R)

2.40 The Great House Revival. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) 7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. 9.30 Doc. (Ma) A popular weight loss medication reveals the cracks in a couple’s relationship. Two sisters face an unexpected diagnosis.

10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)

11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)

12.30 Childhood’s End. (Premiere, Mav)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Over two nights, a new task is revealed and the photo ranking returns, where connections and cracks start to form.

9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Night. Coverage includes short track mixed team relay finals, 500m and 1000m qualifiers, women’s alpine skiing and men’s moguls qualifiers.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano

Cortina 2026.

6am A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.00 Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 11.50 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.05 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 5.45 Enigma. (1982, PG) 7.35 Walkabout. (1971, M) 9.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 11.45 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 1.35am 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. Check

WEDNESDAY, February 11

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm

THURSDAY, February 12 6.00

Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PG, R)

Trespasses. (Mls)

Face To Face. (Ma, R)

Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)

Golden Boy. (MA15+s, R)

The Great House Revival. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

Home And Away. (PGad)

The 1% Club UK. (PGl)

Highway Patrol. (PGl) 9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av) 10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (Return, PGa)

11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)

12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)

1.15 Travel Oz. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Revelations week sees the couples show some vulnerability as a new task begins.

9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboarding halfpipe and moguls and men’s super alpine skiing.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Overnight.

5.30 Today.

6am The Movie

Show. 6.30 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 Enigma. (1982, PG) 10.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.45pm Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 2.40 Discovering

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)

8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) 9.20 In Flight. (Madlv) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R) 11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R)

1.40 Silent Road. (Ma, R)

3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

4.35 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. (PGad) Harper’s guilt surges.

8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind years earlier. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy gets closer to Colette.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Night. Coverage includes men’s skeleton runs, snowboard cross, moguls qualifiers and finals and women’s super alpine skiing.

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

I

and support shown

me during the

of John “Trudge.” For all the cards, messages, and for everyone who attended his memorial, it was truly and greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Helen

Return Thanks 8

Dorin’s Draws By

Paul DORIN

News Of The Area OPINION

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

Dear Jasminda,

Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them?

Hayley S.

Dear Hayley,

Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is a real one.

Figures back up the

stories with hospitalisations on the rise (94 young people - up from 60 the previous year - were treated at Sydney Children's hospitals in 2025).

Not obeying basic road rules is dangerous enough, but when kids (sometimes without helmets) are simultaneously chatting and hooning along at 25km an hour, it's a game changer.

I always imagined an e-bike was for people who were getting close to needing a knee replacement, but the e-bike is now ubiquitous with status.

Nothing quite says mum and dad are time-poor entrepreneurs too busy microdosing ayahuasca and holding Zoom conferences to spend time with their kids than an e-bike under the Christmas tree.

And in 10 years' time, for every kid who ends up on the psychologist's

couch talking about their poverty-riven childhood: 'It started the year Mum gave me a clapped-out, secondhand pushy she scored off Marketplace ...', there will be another ruminating (perhaps from their wheelchair) on the lifelong injuries they sustained from their e-bike.

Or maybe they will be there to work through the guilt they feel following the injuries an elderly person sustained after they side-swiped them (though some of those mobility scooter riders are like Mad Max extras, so be on the lookout for them too).

Your question asks about the responsibility of motorists.

Being on the road is a shared responsibility, and you are right to seek out how to safely navigate the road with e-bikes. You should treat an e-bike rider the same way you would treat a traditional

cyclist.

They wear the same protective gear as a traditional cyclist (bugger all), but their increased speed leads to an increase in the potential for damage.

As a responsible motorist, you should give them plenty of space, take particular care when overtaking, show them the same respect you would hope a motorist would show your own children, and drive defensively, because you can never tell what level of experience or common sense another road user has.

For my part, I'll be sticking to my acoustic bike on designated bike paths where I will continue to channel my passive aggression at e-bike kiddies overtaking me by inwardly chanting, 'Use your legs, you lazy silver-spooner,' to get me up the hills.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

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Gloucester abuzz over holidays

FROM Page 1

along the main street, a positive indicator for visitor confidence heading into 2026,” said Trudy Schultz from Accommodation Gloucester.

Brian Kilby from The Steps Campground was happy with the demand for campsites over the holiday period.

“Bookings for our camping ground were up this year, and we were delighted with a great Christmas/New Year period, particularly after the floods

in May,” said Brian.

“Bookings for our mountain bike park were the best we’ve ever had.

“All our activities such as swimming, kayaking and mountain biking were popular, but the river sledding was a particular hit with all age groups.”

Bucketts Way Motel also experienced a very busy Christmas holiday period.

“We had a record number of days with 100 per cent occupancy, so it was a super busy time,” said Sue Garside from Bucketts Way Motel.

“It was crazy busy, and the town was buzzing.”

Many businesses along the main street experienced strong demand.

“We got smashed over the school holiday period, with heaps of tourists,” said Jasmine Murray from Roadies Café.

Mark Garner from Drifter Gloucester was also pleased with Christmas trading.

“The main street was busy-pumping along’” said Mark.

“It was good trading over Christmas.”

Gloucester’s popular

Donations help Gloucester locals doing it tough

By John WATTS

BUCKETTS Way

Neighbourhood Group

Inc. (BWNG) has received donations of $5,000 each from District 44 Masonic Charities and Gloucester Community Shop.

The recent donations are to support the delivery of its programs and services.

While BWNG receives some government funding, it relies heavily on grants and donations to meet growing community needs.

“The support of organisations like the Freemasons and Gloucester Community Shop means that BWNG can respond to the needs of the people of Gloucester when support is needed most,” said Anna Burley, CEO of BWNG.

Last year, BWNG provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance and emergency food relief to the community. The organisation also facilitated programs

to help young people build skills and gain experience, delivered 5,464 hot meals, and injected $3.6 million in employment back into the Gloucester economy.

“This would not be possible without the support of organisations like the Freemasons and Gloucester Community Shop,” Ms Burley added.

“We are extremely grateful to Lodge Gloucester and the Community Shop for this generous funding.

“We recognise that these funds have been raised through the dedication of volunteers and the ongoing support of the local community.

“It takes a significant number of Op-Shop sales to reach $5,000, and we are honoured that they have trusted us to reinvest this money back into our community.

“This support will make a meaningful difference to local people experiencing a

Formed in 1989, BWNG is a non-profit, locally focused organisation delivering essential community services to people across Gloucester and surrounding areas.

Its services include inhome aged care, disability support, hardship assistance and health transport.

District 44 Masonic Charities Incorporated is a community-focused charitable entity operated by Freemasons within the Mid Coast region.

One of its key fundraising initiatives is Shop 44, an op-shop located within the Taree Masonic Centre, run by volunteers selling donated goods.

Gloucester Community Shop, located on Church Street, Gloucester, is also volunteer run.

The second-hand shop raises money for local causes by selling pre-loved items that would otherwise be diverted from landfill.

Forest of Play toy store had an excellent December.

“Trading in our shop was great, it was our busiest Christmas period since we’ve opened,” said store owner Ana Watts.

“We had our busiest day ever in mid-December.”

Shelley Faull from The Common shop was also positive about the number of coffees heading out the door.

“Christmas trading was crazy for us,” added Summer from Circle of Friends.

Caitlin from Gloucester IGA told News Of The Area the store experienced very

strong trading over the holiday period.

“There was a lot more traffic through the store this holiday compared to the last one, which was fantastic to see,” said Caitlin.

While many of Gloucester’s visitors were simply enjoying a holiday, a number were also considering the town as a future place to live.

Peter Markey from McGrath Real Estate explained his agency had several people who made arrangements to inspect properties over the Christmas period.

“They were nearly all

people who’d been here before and had either fallen in love with the place, or done their research,” said Peter.

“It was a very good time, and the last couple of months have been fantastic for us so far as sales go.

“People come in and say that Gloucester is where they want to be.”

The boost follows a significant hit in 2025 due to the May floods, followed by the closure of both Thunderbolts Way and the road to the Barrington Tops for extended periods.

Transport to Treatment

Cancer treatment often requires repeat visits over an extended period of time to out-of-area facilities.

In partnership with Cancer Council NSW, our volunteer drivers help local people affected by cancer reach their treatment.

Contact us to find out how we can help.

Gloucester Social Aqua Aerobics

By Jules REAY

FOUR months into the summer season the Social Aqua Aerobics Group have had a solid attendance from 10 to our largest number on Tuesday the 27th, of 25.

It's been a physical, low impact mix of aerobic and weight classes, making participants smile and feel like they've been moving, challenging their balance,

joints and stamina.

Along with a monthly lunch at one of the many venues in town someone always jokes about seeing another dry! We're a joyful group always out to make a splash.

Two months to go we finish on April 2nd, Monday to Thursday 9.30 to 10.30am, the class is run with volunteers, cost is the pool entry.

Fraser, Robertson in Women’s Golf Wins

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS another extremely hot day at the Gloucester Course on Wednesday last, 28 January, for the regular outing by the Gloucester Golf Ladies with wins to Myrelle Fraser and Amanda Roberston.

The event was the Women’s 12-hole Individual Stableford

as part of their regular Summer Competition. The winner in Division 1 was Myrelle Fraser with 25 points. Amanda Robertson was the winner in Division 2 also with a score of 25 points. Balls were won by Moya Harris 23, Rhonda Nightingale 22, and by Lesly Harrison and Evelyn Blanch both scoring 21 points.

There was but one Nearest-to-the-Pin winner on the day and that was Dorothea Betts at the 4th and 13th holes.

The Gloucester Golf Ladies Summer Competition of 12-hole Stablefords continues well into February with the formal beginning on their golfing year on February 25.

By Jennifer BURLEY

UNFORTUNELY a slightly depleted field of ladies for the Draw of the cards Trophy as several games were being played in the Mixed Pairs Championship. Julie Kriss and Jenny Burley 17 playing 3 bowl pairs defeated Deb Horner and Val Pritchard 14.Cheryl Tull and Debbie English 17 defeated Ruth Redman and Debbie Cushway 13. And in a game of Triples with a swinger, Judy Sheely,Joan Ridgeway and Penny Gibson

Matt Peters Stars in Gloucester Golf

By Peter WILDBLOOD

ON SATURDAY 31 January

Matt Peters turned in the top Stableford score of the day in hot and steamy conditions at the Gloucester Golf Course.

The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Gloucester Auto Brokers & Detailing. The winners in the three grades were Paul Blanch 34, Matt Peters 39 and Dave Mann 37. Balls were won by Matt Peters 39, Dave Saunders, Mark stone and Dave Mann 37, Bill Murray 36, Rob Moore 35, and Paul Blanch 34.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Ben Veitch in A grade who finished 1200 cm from the hole, Matt Peters in B grade, 895 cm, and Bill Murray in C grade, 300 cm. At the 6th and 15th holes it was another full house with Steve MacDonald, 322 cm, Dave Saunders 118 cm and Paul Garland, 611 cm, doing the job in the three grades.

The long drive at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Paul Blanch, Rob Moore and Peter Sate.

On Monday, 26 January, the Gloucester Club played

a nine-hole Stableford to celebrate Australia Day. The overall winner in a strong field was Evelyn Blanch with a handy 22 points. The best men’s score on the day was turned in by Nathan McInnes 20. Evelyn and Nathan headed the ball count with additional balls won by Anne Wand 22, Paul Coote and Graeme Marsh 19, Bill Murray and Phil Bowden 18, with the final two balls to Sam Murray and Rob Moore 17. Brian McInnes was the best off the tee at the short 6th hole and the long drive trophies went to Elaine Murray and Phil

Bowden.

The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 30 January was won by Dave Mann 19, with balls won by Wayne Maddalena and Rob Moore 18, Wayne Maddalena 17,and Paul Coote and Paul Thibault 16.

On Saturday 7 February the Gloucester Golfers will play their February Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Arkwood Organic Recycling. The following Saturday Gloucester Tyre and Auto sponsor a Four Ball Better Ball.

15 defeated Judy(swinger)

Denise Redman and Di Pritchard 13. And the draw of the card trophy was won by Di,'s team.

As previously mentioned games for the Mixed Pairs were played to finish the second round, Sue and Ken Bryant 19 defeated Jill and Terry Carson 14.One other game had previously been played the results being Joy Hurworth and Jeff Kellie defeating Col Hebblewhite and his daughter Erin 15/13.And as the 1/4 finals

are to be played on or prior Sunday 1st February two games were organized for Wednesday 28th they being Joy Hurworth and Jeff Kellie defeated Jenny and Max Stevens, and Bev Murray and Tony Tersteeg defeated Suzanne Cross and Mark Groves.Thus the the winners of the above go through to the Semi finals on Sunday 8th plus the winners of the two other 1/4 final matches scheduled to be played on Sunday 1st.

Kriss, Murray win Vets Fourball

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS a fine and warm day in the low thirties at the Gloucester course on Tuesday 27 January for the Gloucester Veteran Gollfers regular outing when Bill Murray and Steve Kriss took home the top prize.

The event was a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford sponsored by Di and Derek Bardwell. The winning pair in a small field were Bill Murray and Steve Kriss with a score of 46 points. Balls were won by Sally Higgins and Ken Kelly 45, and by Mark Stone and Derek Wand 43.

The top Individual score of the day, 42, was turned in by Sally Higgins. The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Anne Wand and Rod Burrows. At the 6th and 15th holes that honour went to Gai Falla and Derek Bardwell. On Tuesday 3 February the Gloucester Veterans were due to play an Ambrose event sponsored by Gai Falla with an Individual Stableford sponsored by Di & Steve Burns set for Tuesday 10 February.