Gloucester District News Of The Area 08 APRIL 2026

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Environment group celebrates Autumn

THE Gloucester Environment Group (GEG) held its first seasonal feast of 2026 at the Minimbah Gardens in Gloucester District Park on Sunday, 29 March.

Sixteen GEG members enjoyed Gloucester’s first touch of Autumn with the sharing of a lunchtime variety of dishes prepared from home.

“The setting was perfect,” said Gloucester Environment Group president Tibor Kovats.

The feast took place days after a dozen GEG members, who support its Rivercare program, worked at clearing weeds from the Minimbah Gardens site.

This work assisted regular custodian Julie Hardy who, with her parents Barry and Nita Hardy, envisioned and

CHAMBER QUESTIONS

Concerns mount as Gloucester Chamber future remains in doubt

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

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

Full flood recovery ‘likely by 2029’

RECOVERY continues across the MidCoast following the May 2025 flood event, however completion of works is not expected until 2029.

The recovery program - one of the biggest in the region’s history - includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips.

While work is underway, with Council working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mayor Claire Pontin said the scale of the recovery means it will take time.

“This is a very large and complex program,” she said.

“We know the community wants fast results, especially when it comes to roads and bridges, and we are working hard to deliver that.”

Council has already assessed the majority of

sealed roads for flood damage; completed major submissions for key routes like The Bucketts Way and Thunderbolts Way; captured damage data across the entire unsealed road network; submitted repair packages for more than 50 bridges; and progressed major bridge projects, including The Bight Bridge and Tiri Bridge, including a temporary access bridge at Tiri.

The total cost of the flood recovery program is currently estimated at around $281 million.

This includes $32.5 million for emergency works, $14.8 million for immediate repairs, and $233.7 million for major reconstruction projects.

As of 1 April, Council had spent more than $49 million on recovery works and received about $12 million in funding.

More than $70 million in funding claims have been submitted, with additional claims being prepared. Many of these are still being assessed under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which affects how quickly funds are received.

Council says it is carefully managing cashflow while waiting for funding approvals and advance payments.

Major reconstruction work will begin as funding is approved.

Some complex sites, including landslips and major road damage, are still being assessed and designed.

Due to the size of the program, full recovery is expected to take several years, with completion likely by 2029.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we rebuild,” Mayor Pontin said.

“Our focus is on delivering safe, long-term solutions that restore our region’s essential infrastructure.”

All works are being delivered in line with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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Fuel price crisis: some local sellers caught in the middle

By John WATTS

FUEL prices have increased markedly all over Australia since the start of the Iran war.

The Federal Government has explained this increase by the fact that ships have been unable to transport oil through the Strait of Hormuz, but what is not so clear is why fuel prices sometimes vary significantly between retail outlets in the same area.

Gloucester has four fuel retail outlets, and motorists are likely to have noticed that prices from one outlet to the other sometimes vary significantly.

On 1 April one Gloucester service station was charging 253.8 cents per litre for unleaded petrol whilst it was 320.9c/l at another.

When there is such a huge price variation it is tempting to blame the service station owner, and comments from the authorities are often directed at retailers.

“We expect petrol retailers to explain to us and the Australian public how they have arrived at their prices,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner Anna Brakey said recently.

But such blame might sometimes be misplaced.

NOTA spoke to one retailer whose prices were recently much higher than nearby service stations, and was informed that the price they were charging was simply the wholesale price they had been charged plus 10 percent.

This information was confirmed by the invoice from the supplier, Access Fuels.

The retailer told NOTA that because they were forced to charge such high prices the business was experiencing significant loss of custom.

But why, NOTA wondered, was this

supplier charging such high prices?

Was it a case of price gouging?

“Access Fuels is an Independent Fuel Distributor founded in Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast and has been servicing customers across the region including Gloucester for over 40 years,” said a spokesperson for Access Fuels.

“The vast majority of the volume of Access Fuels comes from the ‘Spot Market’, meaning that it is not under a supply contract with an importer or supplier.

“This has worked successfully for the last 16 years and has been the bedrock of how Access Fuels has kept competitive pricing to the regional areas.

“Unfortunately, the ‘spot’ market prices have increased drastically, well in excess of the contract price for fuel in recent weeks.

“Supply availability has also been greatly reduced.

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

“Access Fuels has not changed any of our pricing methods for our customers and are just passing on the costs of product we are unfortunately being charged, when we are able to get product to supply.

“This has been extraordinarily frustrating for us as a wholesale business and clearly for the retail customers that we supply to.”

Although motorists are victims of the Iran conflict, so it seems are some retailers and fuel wholesalers who lack the power of the major corporate players.

Grandmother’s pride as kids compete abroad

By Marilyn SANDERSON

YOU would be hard pressed to find a prouder grandmother than Gloucester’s Kelly Boyer.

Kelly is currently preparing to travel to Orlando, Florida with her daughter Sophie and her two grandchildren Jasper, 12, and Remi, 9, for the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships in late April and the Summit Championship in early May.

The ICU World Championships features athletes drawn from 120 member nations, across a variety of age divisions.

It kicks off with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, 22 April.

Over 20,000 spectators are expected to attend.

Sophie told NOTA 67 athletes from Newcastle will be accompanied by around 100 family and friends.

The venue for both competitions is an ESPN

sports complex within Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Both Remi and Jasper will compete in the Summit Championships which, according to Varsity Spirit, “showcases the pinnacle of competitive cheerleading and dance, drawing elite teams from across the globe”.

The Summit Championship will take

place from 30 April to 3 May.

Jasper and Remi are competing as part of team MCPD, a dance and cheerleading gym based at Cameron Park.

Remi, one of the youngest competitors, is competing in the Youth Advanced Jazz and Lyrical Dance competitions.

Jasper is competing in both the Youth Advanced Jazz Dance and in the Under 16s

CHAMBER QUESTIONS

FROM Page 1

Cheerleading Competition with his team, The Vipers.

Jasper is also participating in the ICU World Championships as part of Team Australia Youth Pom.

“Performers Australia wide were required to audition and send a show reel to demonstrate their skills,” Kelly said.

“They were given a list of

skills to include which Jasper was able to demonstrate very well.”

Both Remi and Jasper attend Hunter School of the Performing Arts at Broadmeadow.

Jasper successfully auditioned for the role of young Peter Allen in the musical The Boy from Oz, which is scheduled to be performed at the Singleton

Hub, running the Markets, coordinating the other programs that happened underneath, the advocacy, going to the Council, going to Federal and State members,” said Mr Clinch.

It was standing room only at the meeting on 26 March, which was organised to discuss the Chamber’s future, and to give members of the community an opportunity to have their say and ask questions.

It was noted that it was not an official meeting of Chamber members and therefore no binding decisions could be made.

The meeting began with immediate past Chamber president Matt Clinch outlining the problems facing the business group, including the fact that it presently has no committee members and is in debt.

“Where we ended up was two or three people doing everything – everything from all the financial stuff, running the Hub, cleaning the

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To get the role he was required to sing, tap-dance and play the piano.

“While I would like to continue performing, I would also like to study architecture in the future,” Jasper said.

Remi, on the other hand, has her heart set on making it to college cheerleading one day.

“Your focus as the Chamber is only retail and tourism,” said Anna.

“I’m not feeling the love as a service/health industry.”

“What we are asking, and I hope lots of people have thought about it, is what are you willing to get involved in?”

He then outlined the alternatives to closure, such as continuing the Chamber and/or its various activities such as New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Madonna from Bucketts of Pride expressed concerns over the Chamber’s financial transparency.

“We ask for things and they are not done. Bank statements - we don’t get them,” said Madonna.

Anna from Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre suggested the Chamber did not offer appropriate support across the business community.

Another audience member, Jo, wanted to know details of the Chamber’s financial figures, and complained that when she was a member, she never received notification about membership payments being due.

“I’d just like to know how much money the Chamber makes, and how much has gone out,” said Jo.

“Are we running at a small loss?

“Are we running at major loss?”

In response, Mr Clinch informed the meeting that in the last 12 months the Chamber had made a loss of $16,000.

Attendee Linda, who consults for government, said the Chamber’s business model was unclear.

“Its model should be

sitting on top and connecting other organisations, but it’s not doing that,” said Linda.

“But it’s trying to run all the organisations itself.”

Attendee Sandra, who has a history of past involvement with the business group, said she was sad the Chamber was facing closure after 99 years, but expressed concern that it may not be meeting its Fair Trading requirements.

“Continuing the Chamber as it is, is fraught with risk,” she said.

Local retailer Evette indicated that she had left the Chamber because it did not listen to local business owners' real concerns.

“Who’d want to take on the Chamber in this state?” concluded Evette.

Toward the close of the meeting, attendees were asked to note on a sheet whether they would be interested in becoming involved in any of the Chamber’s present activities.

Council issues update on roads and capital works

MIDCOAST councillors

viewed reports on the progress and expenditure of capital works and roadworks programs at council’s last Ordinary Meeting.

As of 13 March, Council is 70 percent of the way through the 2025-26 financial year, while the total maintenance expenditure is at just over 74 percent of the budget.

Council says the effects of the extreme increases in fuel and material costs will be monitored closely over the coming months.

Fuel costs have gone up around 30 percent, while bitumen is reported as possibly increasing by as much as 50 percent, with supply itself a concern if the Middle East conflict continues.

Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services Rob Scott said that if issues with the cost and supply of materials continue in the longer term, it will expand the funding gap between the road work Council needs to do and the funds available to do them.

“While we will do everything to pivot and do the best with what we’ve got, we are feeling the effects of supply chain and cost issues,” said Mr Scott.

“We’re also still recovering from the May 2025 flood, with a lot of our programs influenced by emergency response works such as potholing, grading, vegetation and drainage management, and bridge repair, with substantially

more work done in those categories than we originally planned.

“As Disaster Recovery Funding trickles through, we will see more work taking place across the road network.”

Drainage works are planned for a range of locations from Harrington in the north to Tea Gardens in the south.

“However, there is some overlap between planned works and the Disaster Relief Funding Agreements program of works, with time being taken to assess the recovery work we are proposing,” Council said in a statement.

Recent or current capital works include The Bucketts Way, Krambach; Manning

Point Road; Red Head Road; Wanya Road, Tea Gardens; Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach; and Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne.

A focus on linemarking over 2025-26 saw safety improvements to Thunderbolts Way, The Lakes Way north, Booral Road, and Myall Way.

Crack sealing works were completed along Manning River Drive; while heavy patching works were done on Cedar Party Road; Youngs Road; The Bucketts Way; Upper Lansdowne Road; Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester; Denison Street, Gloucester; Philip Street, Gloucester; The Bucketts Way, Gloucester; and Bulga Road.

More safety and

planned this financial year for other areas. A

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities.

The Committee's final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations.

Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change.

"Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel safe and supported,” Mr Atalla said.

“We need to continue planning for the future and investing in long-term solutions.”

The inquiry visited ten different communities across regional NSW, including for hearings at Bourke, Broken Hill, Kempsey and Tamworth.

“People told us that

funding place-based, community-led responses is the most effective way to respond to youth offending,” Mr Atalla said.

The report makes a number of recommendations relating to the organisation and oversight of funding arrangements, support for young people involved in the Youth Justice system, police resourcing, and training

for police and Local Court magistrates.

"Keeping children engaged in education, safe in the evening, and supported during difficult times is vital,” Mr Atalla said.

“Programs that provide at-risk children with wraparound support and skills for life give young people the support they need to thrive.

"We heard positive feedback on current initiatives during this inquiry.

“However, there are opportunities to expand and improve service delivery and availability in regional NSW to better support at-risk young people.

“Our hope is that the recommendations will help to do this."

The report also

recommends that the NSW Government provides a progress report on the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee.

The inquiry's final report can be found on the Committee's webpage, along with the interim report tabled in May 2025, and evidence received throughout the inquiry.

Councils want guarantees on fuel supplies

be subsidised by the waste levy councils pay to the Government

The

by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Darcy Byrne

increases incurred by councils for waste collections

“Councils across NSW are gravely concerned that without a guarantee of fuel supply, garbage services will be disrupted in coming weeks and months,” Mayor Byrne said.

“That’s why we have today called with one voice for the NSW Government to commit to supplying the fuel we need to deliver basic services.

“Councils are already at the front line in terms of waste collection and we need the State Government to partner with us to ensure that any increased costs are not being borne by us or our communities.

“Across the state this year, Councils and landfill operators will pay almost $900 million in a waste levy that currently just goes into consolidated revenue.

“That money needs to go

back into the system to help soften the blow of increases in the cost of petrol.”

Mayor Byrne also met with the Treasurer and with the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change to outline the position of local government.

At the request of the Treasurer, LGNSW will be collating information on experiences and impacts from local Councils about fuel distribution issues.

“We’re happy to assist the State Government by providing this information direct from Councils on the ground,” said Mayor Byrne.

“In this situation, Councils really are best placed to inform Government responses and policy.”

Moving forward LGNSW will meet with senior representatives from the waste sector to jointly discuss responsible ways forward for communities, Councils and

waste service providers. Concerns have also been raised over a range of other council services including the operating of council cemeteries and airports, the impact on community events and festivals, and the rising unpredicted cost of materials for ongoing projects, particularly regarding projects covered by Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation.

The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities.

The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.

ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a “runaway train” of AI slop and malicious lies, designed to delay progress.

“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” she said.

“We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions, create confusion during emergencies, and erode trust in the information

people rely on.”

The Committee was chaired by Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan with input from Senators Malcolm Roberts and Ralph Babet.

Senators Canavan, Roberts and Babet released dissenting reports.

ACF’s submission called for a national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy, stronger accountability for social media platforms, truth in political advertising laws, and an investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding.

The report contained 20 recommendations, which included improving support for regional and independent media outlets, social sciences research relating to threats to climate and energy information integrity, and relevant regulators to combat and expose corporate “greenwashing”.

It also recommended

greater transparency of election campaign activities, and broadening the Australian Curriculum to strengthen media literacy.

Jonathan Cassell, Greens councillor for the City of Coffs Harbour, agrees that disinformation about climate change is a regional issue.

“In my experience, regional voters tend to be more conservative,” he said.

“They are likely to accept disinformation if it suits their beliefs of how things used to be or should be.

“Unfortunately, climate change is moving faster than people can cope with and so disinformation and denial reinforce each other."

Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.

“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Selfregulation is failing."

The report can be found on the Senate website, via www.aph.gov.au

Crown land bill to undergo further consultation

THE NSW Government’s Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 has been deferred, to allow for more consultation on proposed changes.

The bill, introduced to parliament on 17 March, faced fierce criticism from legal experts and Indigenous land rights advocates.

Critics argued the bill would limit the ability of Aboriginal land councils to claim unused Crown land.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council warned it could hollow out Aboriginal land rights, while the NSW Greens said it “attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth”.

The Law Society of NSW (LSNSW) said the bill should be withdrawn immediately before it resulted in “further potential injustice” to NSW Aboriginal communities.

LSNSW President Ronan MacSweeney said one provision in the proposed bill could significantly affect land rights claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act

(ALRA) 1983 (NSW).

“This legislation fundamentally alters what has been long understood to be land claimable under the ALRA,” he said.

According to LSNSW, the proposed new section s 5.20B(4) of the Crown Land Management Amendment (CLMA) would deem the granting of a lease under that Act as “lawful use for the purposes of another Act”.

They say this could enable the Government to “bank” any Crown land simply by granting a lease and then “sit” on that land without using it.

Mr MacSweeney said that this subsection was included in the Bill among a number of provisions which responded to a recent statutory review of the CLMA.

“The Law Society is concerned that this proposed section, which has the potential to thwart otherwise valid claims by Aboriginal communities to disused Crown land, was not a recommendation of

the statutory review,” Mr MacSweeney said.

“It was not subject to consultation before being introduced without notice.

“The lack of consultation with affected stakeholders on this provision is exacerbated by the publication of the statutory review two days after the amending legislation was introduced.

“The Law Society is concerned that proposed s 5.20B has been inserted into this Bill, rather than via direct amendment to the ALRA itself, to avoid scrutiny of a measure which would undermine the purpose and operation of the ALRA.

“The Law Society calls on the NSW Government to withdraw the provision and refer the remainder of the amending legislation to a parliamentary inquiry,” Mr MacSweeney said.

The Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Dr Raymond Kelly, described the bill as an “attack in stealth to erode land rights in NSW”.

“For more than 40 years, Aboriginal land rights has been a driving force for justice, empowerment and self-determination for our communities,” Dr Kelly said.

“We have secured land, defended Country, built housing, created jobs, and grown an economic base for our people. This benefits everyone in this State.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the process to date as “highly flawed”.

“This bill has sparked major opposition because people can see exactly what it is, an attempt to make serious changes to Crown lands law, including changes that impact Aboriginal land claims, through a process designed to avoid proper scrutiny.

“The High Court made it clear that the State cannot defeat an Aboriginal land claim by pointing to a lease on paper where the land was not actually being used when the claim was made.

“This bill is designed to get around that decision

by letting the Minister retrospectively change the use of Crown land after the fact, to defeat a claim that was valid when it was lodged.

“This is an injustice in the making and an attempt to avoid the return of Crown lands subject to Aboriginal land claims.”

The proposed amendments will now be the subject of further consultation before the bill is considered again.

A spokesperson for Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told NOTA, “While a range of stakeholders were engaged as part of the statutory review of the act last year, the NSW Government will take the time to engage with stakeholders including Local Aboriginal Land Councils prior to the Bill being debated in the upper house.”

The spokesperson said the land claims system has “arguably never properly worked since its introduction” in 1983.

“We have more than

43,000 historical claims, some dating as far back as 1984,” they said.

“We want a system that works for everyone.

“One that can protect vital community assets like well-used sporting fields, fire stations, surf clubs and community centres, but that can at the same time activate unused land for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“That’s why we invested $1.5 million in a business case to try and find a way to address the historic backlog in cases.”

Mr Kamper’s spokesperson said the NSW Government stands by the principle that unused Crown Land should be claimable and provided to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“The proposed changes we have put forward are there to address edge cases that became claimable due to technical non-compliance, such as an invalid sub-lease.

“These sites are well utilised by the local community.

“They were never intended to be claimable in the spirit of the Act.”

1800 petrol stations inspected for fuel price compliance

THE NSW Government has inspected just under 1800 petrol stations for fuel price compliance, issuing

93 penalty infringement notices.

Over the last fortnight, the government fast-

tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency and protect

motorists from misleading pricing”.

Around 75 percent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning of April, with around half located outside Sydney.

Retailers who break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

NSW Fair Trading will continue to update its targets for inspection based on “consumer complaints, intelligence and the changing conditions in the marketplace”.

“The Government has developed a robust inspection forward plan and expects to physically inspect the majority of NSW’s service stations in the coming weeks,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“As the program progresses, regional areas will remain a key target.”

To ensure businesses are properly passing on the cost savings promised by the Federal Government’s fuel excise reduction, consumers are urged to report fuel price issues via FuelChecka government site and app which provides real-time information about fuel prices at service stations across NSW and the ACT - or the NSW Fair Trading website.

This includes mismatches between bowser prices and FuelCheck listings, as well as suspected price exploitation following the fuel excise cuts.

Consumer reports are supporting compliance activity, with NSW Fair Trading issuing 24 user intelligence-based fines last week.

On Sunday, the NSW Government announced a $2.2 million investment to upgrade FuelCheck.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Over the past two weeks, millions of NSW motorists have turned to FuelCheck to help find the best fuel price and navigate fuel supply gaps.

“This funding will allow us to make FuelCheck better for the hundreds of thousands of people who use it daily – through better data collection, stronger analysis, and streamlined user experience.

“These are uncertain times, but we want the people of New South Wales to have the utmost confidence in the real-time price transparency data provided by FuelCheck.”

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

GARDENING AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 7.30pm Autumn is synonymous with fallen foliage at the end of its life cycle, but leave it to optimistic Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis to find a fresh perspective to the season. In this episode, he focuses on fiery shrubs that can bring vibrant colour to any garden – without the epic clean-up. Meanwhile, Millie Ross focuses on seasonal produce, spending time with a Victorian family who operate a heritage quince orchard to learn more about the ancient, aromatic fruit. Plus, Sophie Thomson sets up wicking beds for vegie success.

FRIDAY,

April 3

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Mv) A music student is found dead.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R)

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

10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

10.55 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. (R)

12.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman. 8.45 BattleBots. 9.35 Gladiators UK. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

MONDAY

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA

SBS, 6pm

Despite best efforts from rival networks, the hottest seat on Australian TV remains black chair. The only thing that could make facing host Marc Fennell’s (pictured) intense questioning more difficult is a touch of sibling rivalry – enter Family Week. The hardest quiz show on the box returns for its eighth season with a quartet of families eager to test not just their own knowledge, but their bonds. The Coutinho clan kicks things off in Monday’s premiere, when West Coast Eagles tragic Josh, Good Luck Charlie fan Aerin, Thirsty Merc enthusiast Tiarne and their vintage Chrysler Valiant-loving dad Kemal go head to head in their chosen categories and a gruelling general knowledge round.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Secrets Of The Conclave.

9.40 Lost Secrets Of Jesus. 10.40 Haigh’s Chocolates: From Bean To Bar. (R)

11.10 Sisi. (Mav)

12.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+av, R)

2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

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

WEDNESDAY TONIGHT AT

THE MUSEUM

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 MOVIE: My Best Friend’s Wedding. (1997, Ml, R) After a woman’s friend announces his engagement, she realises she loves him and sets out to prevent the wedding. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz.

10.15 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010, Mlsv, R) A bounty hunter is assigned to find his ex-wife. Gerard Butler. 12.35 GetOn Extra. 1.05 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

host Alex Lee invites Becky Lucas, Takashi Wakasugi, Bron Lewis and Dilruk Jayasinha (all pictured) to unleash their creativity and showcase their knowledge of Australian history, animal facts, priceless artworks and prehistoric creatures. Perhaps most impressive: even though TMAG holds the world’s most significant collection of Tasmanian tiger specimens, it took episodes for a thylacine to become the topic of discussion. The winner will place a personal treasure on display – will visitors be treated to Lucas’s broken phone, Wakasugi’s dog statue, Lewis’s lock of hair or Jayasinha’s first plane ticket to Australia?

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm.

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

10.45 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A restaurateur seeks justice. Jackie Chan.

1.00 Explore TV: Antarctica. (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)

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

6.00

SATURDAY, April 4

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

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 Blue Murder Motel. (M) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack. 8.15 Top End Bub.

(Mlv, R) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal. 10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Abbott Elementary. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Edward Vs George: The Windsors At War. (Premiere)

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGa, R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)

10.15 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+s, R)

1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

3.00 Matched. (PG, R)

3.50 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 Bamay. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Snow White And The Huntsman. (2012, Mhv, R) A sorceress orders for her former husband’s daughter to be killed after learning she will be defeated by her. Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron.

10.45 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis.

1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Wonka. (2023, PGav)

10.50 MOVIE: The Legend Of Tarzan. (2016, Mav, R)

12.50 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R)

1.50 My Way.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.15 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Epic Builds. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A couple dream of different dogs.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Andrew Winter tempts an Aussie larrikin to move. Neale Whitaker tries to convince Michelle to give up on her dream. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Follows dispatchers and paramedics. 12.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) 1.00 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am The Boy And The Heron. Continued. (2023, PG) 8.10 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 10.15 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 12.40pm What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 2.15 Nausicaä Of The

Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.25 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 6.50 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.30 John Wick. (2014) 10.25 Sanctuary. (2022) 12.15am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, April 5

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Neha and Debbie team up.

8.50 Frauds. (Mal) An unforeseen disaster derails the gang’s plans.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (Ml, R) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

10.25 Top End Bub. (PGs, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Ten Canoes. (2006, M, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.45 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.55 Dream Gardens. (R)

5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Unwrapping King Tut: Secrets Of The Mummy.

8.25 Akhenaten, The Secrets Of The Forgotten Pharaoh. (R)

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGadn, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.20 Bronze Age Apocalypse. (R) 12.55 Me And My Tourette’s. (Mals, R)

2.00 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 8.00 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 10.15 What’s Love Got To Do With It? (2022) 12.20pm Princess Mononoke. (1997, M, Japanese) 2.50 My Neighbour Totoro. Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 8.30 10.10 Io Capitano. (2023, Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.00 Working Class Man. (Madl, R) Looks at rocker Jimmy Barnes’s hit book Working Class Man and the next chapter in his life. 10.30 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml, R) A look at INXS performing at Wembley.

12.30 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

MOVIE: Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles. (2023, PGaa) The true story of The Wiggles. Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook. 10.15 9News Late.

The First 48: Escape Plan/ Path Of Terror. (MA15+av, R)

A Killer Makes A Call: Jackson. (Mav, R)

Oz Off Road TV. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) A night of rewards proves too much for some to handle. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Final, Mav) With a Stinger missile and murderer in the wind, the team races to prevent a deadly attack. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) The hunt for

MONDAY, April 6

6am Children’s Programs. 4.15pm Play School Dance It Out. 4.20 Fizzy And Suds. 4.40 Bluey. 5.00 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Kangaroo Beach. 6.55 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ

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

Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

SBS World News Late. 10.40 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Premiere, Ml) 11.35 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.30 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am My Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.35 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.20 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 10.35 Animalia. (2023, M, French) 12.20pm Discovering Film. 1.10 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 3.30 Ponyo. (2008) 5.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 7.30 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 9.50 Barbarella. (1968, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 7

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGl)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adlns)

11.55 Elvira. (Malv, R) 3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Mosley. Continued. (2019, PG) 7.05 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 9.05 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.40 Barbarella. (1968, M) 12.30pm The Miracle Club. (2023) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 5.20 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.35 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 9.30 Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 11.40 Mad Max. (1979, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

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

$20 meals + $5 schooner

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) The top six take to the stage. 9.15 9-1-1. (M) Harry’s first day as a probie proves to be more challenging than Chimney expects. 10.15 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.15 The Agenda Setters. 12.15 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 Doc. (Ma) The race for chief resident intensifies. 9.40 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

(64) 7MATE (64)

The Agenda Setters.

St. Denis Medical. (PGas)

Dirty John. (MA15+v)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm

Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm

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

8 tap beers • Great wines • Cocktails ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, April 8

Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 48 Hours: Escape From Chernobyl.

8.50 Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes. (Ma, R) Explores the story of Chernobyl.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Rise Of The Raven. (Masv)

12.10 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malsv)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (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. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R) 12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, 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: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms. 10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

THURSDAY,

April 9

6am Ponyo.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.45 Riot Women.

10.55 SBS World News Late.

11.25 In Memoriam. (Malv)

12.15 Bonn. (Mav, R)

2.10 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

Continued. (2008) 7.45 Discovering Film. 8.45 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.00 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Mad Max. (1979, M) 2.55 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 5.35 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 7.35 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 9.30 Zardoz. (1978) 11.30 Mad Heidi. (2022, MA15+) 1.15am Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 3.20 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 5.15 The Movie Show. 6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 8.40 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 10.40 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 12.35pm Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 2.50 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 5.05 Discovering Film. 5.50 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 7.40 Risky Business. (1983, M) 9.30 Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 11.30 Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+) 2.15am Zardoz. (1978) 4.10 Hard Eight. (1996, M)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ma)

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 10.45 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R) 1.15 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(64) 7MATE (64)

Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers.

NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match.

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On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

THE cost of fuel is ridiculous. How do I make travel arrangements to my work and my gym and my social engagements when it is so expensive?

Leanne M.

Dear Leanne,

It is hard not to feel particularly vulnerable at the moment, when there are many external factors impacting domestically.

A trip around Australia in a Winnebago suddenly seems frivolous, when fuel costs are out of control and news reports are suggesting we take unnecessary

OPINION

items out of the boot to improve fuel efficiency.

While governments are trying not to alarm people, there's a sense of COVID-like economic uncertainty in the air with suggestions like working from home coming into play (which isn't tenable for many occupations).

You know, sometimes I fantasise that this is some grand plot by the 'drill baby drill' brigade to force us to realise how much we need to refocus on local solutions and sustainable options.

Isn't this just another wakeup call to show that if more money and time was spent on funding ways of life that preserved resources, we'd have a fighting chance?

It's hard to focus on individual commitments to plastic reduction and EV use and market gardens, though, when countries are blowing the bejesus out of each other.

In relation to your personal plight, are you able to access public transport to work?

Are there any car-pooling opportunities?

Could you combine your gym and work travel by riding a bike to work?

With social engagements, local opportunities can offer that muchneeded sense of community and friendship without the high travel costs.

Buying local is another way to save on transport costs and it also gives a boost to regional areas, which currently need all the help they can get.

Earth overshoot day shows that globally we are using natural resources 1.7 times the rate that the earth can replenish them, so clearly our world leaders are doing something wrong.

Now, Leanne, excuse me while I drink some water with a squeeze of lemon through a paper straw while people with too much power and more money than they could ever use make decisions fuelled (no pun intended) by greed that the rest of us will pay dearly for.

News Of The Area

Drawings

Verse of the week

Ask the real estate expert...

Pet ProtocolWhen Selling

Selling a home with pets comes with a few extra considerations, but with the right approach it can still present beautifully to buyers.

Pets indoors: We all become accustomed to our own home environment, however others may be more sensitive to pet odours. A simple refresh can make a big difference. Consider having carpets professionally cleaned and deodorised, along with a general clean of walls, curtains and soft furnishings. This helps create a fresh, welcoming feel for inspections.

During inspections: While our pets are part of the family, not all buyers are comfortable around animals. If possible, arrange for pets to be out of the home during inspections, particularly if they are excitable or vocal. This allows buyers to relax and fully enjoy their viewing.

Yard presentation: A tidy outdoor space is just as important as indoors. Ensuring lawns are clean and well maintained will help buyers focus on the space, not distractions.

Finishing touches: Before inspections, take a moment to remove pet bedding, bowls and toys, and give surfaces a quick clean to remove fur.

A little extra preparation ensures your home appeals to the widest range of buyers, while still keeping your much loved pets front of mind.

Denise

Easter traditions still strong in Gloucester

By Marilyn SANDERSON

WHILE each church in Gloucester gathered over the Easter weekend, they also came together to observe Easter Sunday in a combined 6am service at Kia Ora lookout.

This year Gloucester Baptist Church was rostered to organise the service while the Uniting Church provided tea, toast and a warm fire.

Members from the Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican and Seventh Day Adventist churches contributed to the service.

The congregation included members from the Church on the Hill, the Catholic Church and the Faith Family.

Pastor Ty Soupidis, wife Sarah and son Xavier, from the Church on the Hill, lead the congregation in song.

Sue Thomas from the Uniting Church told NOTA, “It was very pleasing to see so many young people attending the service this year.

“There were more than usual.”

The enduring significance of Easter Easter is the most holy of the Christian festivals.

It is the time Christians reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The term Easter/ Ostern is used in English and German to name the festival that celebrates Jesus’ Resurrection, but its origins are not without controversy.

Most scholars have agreed that the term embodies an expression of the east, dawn and light.

Most other Christian nations derive their term from Pascha, the Latin term for the Jewish Passover.

Easter is a moveable feast commemorated on the first Sunday following the full moon of the Equinox.

The astronomical calculation fixes the date globally so that in the northern hemisphere

Easter is fixed after the Spring Equinox while in the southern hemisphere it is fixed following the Autumn Equinox.

The date for Easter Sunday can occur on any date between 22 March and 20 April.

This system of determining the Resurrection goes back to 325CE.

The Catholic Church uses the Gregorian Calendar.

This means it is thirteen days ahead of the Orthodox Church which uses the Julian calendar to establish the date for Pascha.

Hence Orthodox Christians will celebrate Pascha on 12 April 2026.

Last year the dates aligned and they will do so again in 2028.

Easter in the northern hemisphere coincides with the Spring Equinox which pagans celebrate with fertility symbols like eggs, chickens, hares and rabbits.

When missionaries sought converts, they

drew parallels between pagan beliefs around new life and Christ’s resurrection.

Eggs represented the tomb which cracked open with a new life, so pagan symbols joined the symbol of the Christian cross that now adorns hot cross buns.

The lamb sacrificed at Passover became a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.

Many cultures celebrate Easter in

unique ways but in the 19th century French and German chocolatiers recognised that chocolate Easter eggs would have universal appeal even for those who aren’t practicing Christians.

Cadbury alone produces over 450 million Easter eggs annually for Australia and New Zealand.

Orthodox Good Friday will be on 10 April this year, so Easter treats are still on the menu.

Environment group celebrates Autumn

FROM Page 1

helped build the Gardens.

The Gardens were opened in 2003 to help promote a better understanding of the Aboriginal history and culture in the Gloucester region and to showcase indigenous plants.

Indigenous groups use the site for cultural practices from time to time.

In 2020, GEG, in association with Bucketts Neighbourhood Centrewhich was successful in obtaining a government grant - undertook much needed rejuvenation of the area.

“Flooding has had an impact on infrastructure

such as steps and balustrades next to the billabong but there is much to enjoy,” said Tibor.

“The emphasis on planting has been on naturally occurring species, including plants that Indigenous people used for food and materials to survive in nature.

“Works of art such as log carvings and hand painted timber are inspiring.

“If you can get the Gardens to yourself or ideally share it with the many native bird species that visit, you have the chance to reflect on why the Gardens were created and what function it serves.

“The word ‘minimbah’ can translate to ‘place of learning’.

“The signage erected when the Gardens were

established mentions respect, sustainability, peace and serenity.

“Gloucester residents and its visitors should be

thankful for the vision and the effort that has gone into creating and nurturing of this beautiful space.”

New name, same enthusiasm for the arts

By John WATTS

FOR over a quarter of a century the Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI) has been a focal point for the promotion of the arts in Gloucester, and those involved have big plans for the future, although under a new name.

At a well-attended event at the Gloucester Gallery on the afternoon of 29 March, it was announced by President Graeme Healy that henceforth the organisation would be known as “Arts Gloucester”.

The GACCI Committee indicated that it had decided to recommend that the name be

changed to one that is modern, better descriptive of who they are, and was more appealing to the broader community.

Founding member Julie Lyford spoke about how and why GACCI began, and the event featured performances by the Gloucester primary school drama group, and a cello and flute performance by Sarah Soupidis and Katyana Harvey.

The talented John Galagher and Mo Hjorth also entertained the audience.

Graeme Healy spoke about the organisation's future plans: more productions, training of actors and directors, building young people's involvement in

Arts Gloucester, building the music offerings, and continuing to bring first class exhibitions to the Gloucester Gallery.

“In organising this event to launch our new name we felt it important to include items to display some of our activities,” Graeme told NOTA.

“This was extremely well received by those attending and resulted in an enjoyable and successful afternoon.”

Mayor Claire Pontin enjoyed the afternoon and even bought a painting, as did another councillor, Phillip Beazley.

“I was delighted to be part of this event and see such talent on display, particularly from

the young people,” said Mayor Pontin.

“Arts Gloucester does an amazing job of promoting the arts and cultural activities in Gloucester.”

Some of the upcoming Arts Gloucester events are:

- “Twice The Drama” on 30 April and 1 May.

- “Quills and Ink”, being the new writing competition launched in February.

- Live streaming of the Sydney Writers' Festival 21 - 24 May.

Fittingly, with its new name, there is a newly revamped website, being www. artsgloucester.org.

From the Mayor's desk

By Claire PONTIN MidCoast Council

WE are continuing to work with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to ensure the funds we have outlaid on emergency flood repairs are refunded.

So far Council has spent $49 million on essential road works and have received only $12 million back.

The longer this drags on the more potential impact it has on our cashflow in the future.

Senior staff and I are meeting weekly with senior staff from NSWRA and they are well aware of our problems.

We are calling for people to join the Floodplain Management reference group.

This group is to advise Council on the development

and implementation of flood risk management plans for our region.

If you would like more information head to www.midcoast. nsw.gov.au/fmrg

I am pleased that the temporary Tiri Bridge is open and was finished many weeks ahead of plans.

The team did a great job. The focus is now on getting the permanent replacement in place.

It is also pleasing that Wingham’s The Bight Bridge project has been approved by the NSWRA as eligible for funding.

A lot of design work is still

required before construction can begin and we will keep the community informed as this project continues.

My fellow Councillors and I have been working hard on putting together the Draft Operational Plan 2026-27 and the revised 20252029 Delivery Program.

Each year, we ask the community to review these important documents and provide comments and feedback.

The documents will be presented to a Council meeting and placed on public exhibition in

the coming weeks.

Our next round of Community Conversations will kick off towards the end of April.

These events are a great opportunity for community members to hear directly about our key issues and activities; to ask questions of staff and to have a chat to Councillors.

I look forward to meeting some of you there. If you subscribe to our weekly News Wrap or visit our website you will see all the venues and dates.

Council supporting businesses to get eco-certified

MIDCOAST Council is currently sponsoring local tourism businesses to receive eco-certification through Ecotourism Australia.

Three local tourism operators were supported through the process in 2025.

Eco-certification indicates that a business meets globally recognised sustainability standards and supports businesses to improve their practices and build long-term resilience.

Executive Manager

Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant said the Ecotourism Australia program helps local businesses grow while protecting the region’s natural assets.

“With an abundance of attractive natural assets, we also want to ensure the supply and diversity of certified accommodation, tours and experiences across the region meets future market demand,” she said.

In the next round of support, Council will reimburse costs of up to $1,430 for small and micro businesses to become certified through a program relevant to their operation.

Council says it is committed to supporting an increase in the number of

certified local operators into the future.

Two certification programs are available:

· ECO Certification for nature-based tourism businesses

· Sustainable Tourism Certification for other tourism operators

Businesses will receive guidance and support

throughout the certification process from Ecotourism Australia and MidCoast Council.

Expressions of interest are now open and close on 19 April 2026.

Successful applicants will be notified by 30 April 2026 and must complete certification within 12 months to be eligible for reimbursement.

Businesses at the early stages of their sustainability journey, who may not yet be ready to pursue formal certification, are encouraged to explore the Strive4Sustainability program, which provides a tailored sustainability assessment and improvement plan.

Technology transforming fire responses

RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.

AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming how emergency services detect, assess and manage bush fires – giving crews earlier warnings, clearer intelligence and better onground coordination.

In the past year alone high-definition cameras have detected nearly 4,000 fires, giving agencies critical early warnings and helping crews make faster and more informed decisions.

The cameras have played a key role in a range of recent incidents across the state, including the early detection of fires prior to Triple Zero (000) calls in the Riverina late last year.

“When fighting bush fires, the value of early detection and accurate situational awareness cannot be overstated,” Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Trent Curtin said.

“The ability to access real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, helps us build a clearer picture of fire behaviour and conditions as incidents unfold.

“Projects like these ensure the RFS can continue to adapt and evolve in support of our volunteers and the communities they

protect.”

The drone capability of the RFS also continues to be expanded, with more than 50 trained pilots now positioned across the state.

Equipped with thermal imaging, drones provide live vision of firegrounds and help identify hot spots after a main fire has passed.

They can be rapidly deployed to emerging incidents or areas of concern, giving crews a clearer, real-time picture of conditions and improving safety for firefighters on the ground.

This bush fire season has marked a major step forward in

modernising frontline communications, building on recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to strengthen the RFS fleet.

Vehicles are being upgraded with enhanced connectivity, including an on-going roll-out of satelliteenabled systems (Vehicle as a Node technology) and thousands of trucks equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disasterimpacted areas.

Since the season began on 1 October, the RFS has responded to more than 8,750 bush and grass fires, as broad areas of the state continue to experience drying conditions.

q RFS volunteers now have improved access to

Reynolds' Strong Win in Golf Medal

By Peter WILDBLOOD

LAST Saturday, 4 April Geoff Reynolds turned in a top performance to win the Gloucester Golf Club’s April Monthly Medal with net score five strokes ahead of the field.

The Monthly Medal is an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Arkwood Organic Recycling. The Medal winner was B grade player

Geoff Reynolds with a net score of 67. Geoff also won the top trophies for net and gross scores in his grade, 67 and 86 respectively. In A grade Jamie Andrews’s 74 was best, as was his gross score of 77. Hayden Cornall, 75, turned in the top net score in C grade with Bill Murray having the best gross score in the grade with an even 100.

Balls were won by Geoff

Reynolds 67, Dale Rabbett, Ben Robinson and Chris Jones from the Toronto Golf Club, 72, Jamie Andrews 74; Hayden Cornall 75, Mark Stone and Chris Murray 76, and Steve MacDonald and Ben Veitch 77.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Steve MacDonald in A grade and Mark Stone in B grade. At the 6th and 15th holes it

Gloucester Lady Bowlers

By Jennifer BURLEY

APRIL Fools Day and the "Spider" event was the first order of play for the Social Bowlers between the scheduled competitions as the Consistency Singles Championship is due to start next week Wednesday the 8th. The

Howarth

By Peter WILDBLOOD

teams drawn were asked to play a consistency style game, ie the " kitty" was to be replaced in starting position if moved during play.The team of Kerrie Green,Jenny Burley and Val Pritchard 20 defeated Joan Ridgeway,Ruth Redman and Helen Banks 12. And team Jill Everett, Jill Carson and Bev Germon 16

was Nathan McInnes, Geoff Reynolds, and Bill Murray who were closest off the tees in their grades.

The long drive trophies at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Col McGuire, a visitor from Tanilba Bay, in A grade, by Chris Jones from Toronto in B grade and by local player Hayden Cornall in C grade.

The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 3 April

defeated Debbie Cushway,Di Pritchard and Jenny Stevens 14.

The last match saw Judy Sheely and Gina Dalmulder 15 defeat Suzanne Cross and Penny Gibson 14. As day light saving finishes on Sunday 5th, the start time reverts back to; names in by 9am with play to start 9.30.

Wins Vets Golf

IT WAS a warm sunny day for the Gloucester Veteran Golfers on Tuesday 31 March, just perfect for a standout performance from Karen Howarth.

The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Julie and Steve Kriss; it attracted a big field of Veteran golfers.

The winner was Karen Howarth with a score of 38 Stableford points. She was one of but two players inside their handicap for the day. Balls were won by Anne Wand 37,

Paul Griffiths and Gai Falla 36, with the final two balls to Ian Maggs and Peter Sate 35.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Mark Stone who backed up for another win at the shorter 6th and 15th holes where he was joined by Karen Howarth.

On Tuesday 7 April the Gloucester Veterans were due to play an Individual Stableford sponsored by Elaine and Bill Murray. Next Tuesday 14 April there will be another Individual Stableford.

Women on Wednesday

By Carolyn DAVIES

THE Gloucester Golf Ladies played their first Monthly Medal for the year last Wednesday, 1 April, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze.

The Monthly Medal winner was a very proud Anne Maggs with a brilliant score of 40 points to win across the field. Anne also won Division 2, while Karen Howarth won Division 1 with another great score of 37 points. The day was sponsored by the Ladies Captain, Pat Burrows.

Balls went to Carolyn Davies, 35, and Cheryl Goodrich and Evelyn

Blanch both on 34. Carolyn Davies won the Nearestto-the-Pin prize at the 4th and 13th holes, while Anne Maggs was on target, taking out the prize for Division 2 on the 6th and 15th holes.

The Gloucester Golf Ladies will play the first round of their Match Play Championship Wednesday 8 April with the second round played on Wednesday 15 April.

The Gloucester Golf Ladies hosted the District Pennants on Monday 30 March, with teams from Port Macquarie, Emerald Downs, Forster/Tuncurry, Wauchope and Tallwoods competing.

was won by Max Shepherd with a score of 17 points two ahead of the field of ball winners: Kev Arney and Gary Timbs 15, Rod Burrows 14, Wayne Maddalena and Brian Osborne 13 on a count back.

This coming Saturday 11 April the Gloucester Golfers will be playing an Individual Stableford sponsored by the Holstein family. The following Saturday there will be a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford sponsored by Elders Real Estate.

NOMINATIONS for all categories in the upcoming Gloucester Sports Awards have now been received. Winners will be announced and presented with their trophies on presentation night, Saturday, 9 May, at Gloucester Bowling and Recreation Club.

The nominees are as follows: Encouragement Award: Adeline Sansom, Emmett Sansom, Benjamin Sparke, Hannah McRae, Eva McSwan, Dulcie Laurie, Roy McRae, Dallas Hennessey, Haley Jones, Lucille Youness, Marcelle Youness, Maya Baker, Nikita Partridge

“These thirteen young players were nominated for an Encouragement Award by their individual clubs for their continued commitment and sportsmanship during 2025,” said Gloucester Sports Committee secretary/treasurer Lorraine Forbes.

“They will all be presented with their medals on presentation night.”

Junior Awards:

Athletics: Jaiden Katene, Tobias Katene, Liam Wamsley, William Coombe, Charlie Coombe.

Gloucester Public School: Maddie Boorer, Dane Laurie, Mitchell Andrews, Archie Baker, Sebastian House, Lachlan Honeyman, Fletcher Compton, Olley Murray, Roy Fisher.

Basketball: Daniel Brooks, Jarrod Plater, Kyharlee Holden, Bradley Higgins.

Netball: Nikita Partridge, Kymani Tarr, Daniel Brooks.

Barrington Public School: Nikita Partridge.

Hockey: Sebastian House, Jarrah Baker.

Veteran Awards:

Bowls: Neville Atkins.

Hockey: Christopher Murray.

Junior Team Awards:

Hockey: Manning Valley Hockey

Association Div 3 Junior team.

Netball: 14 Years State

Representative team.

Gloucester Public School: PSSA

Boys’ Hockey team.

Barrington Public School: PSSA Netball team, PP5 Mixed Swimming Relay team

Senior Team Awards:

Hockey: Manning Valley Hockey

Association C-Grade Men’s team.

Bowls: Grade 7 Open Pennant team.

Coach Awards:

Hockey: Chris Murray.

Netball: Sofi Tooth.

Barrington Public School: Olivia Corbett.

Gloucester Public School: Hayden White.

Tennis: Greg Billingham.

Soccer: Joel Sheely, Amilcar Reyes. Match Official Awards:

Soccer: Chris Rose, Darren Sinclair. Hockey: Jarrah Baker.

Club Administrator Awards: Netball: Margo Cameron.

Para Athlete Awards:

Bowls: Jim Grech.

Barrington Public School: Mia Wall.

Sporting Event of the Year: Bowls: NSW/ACT State Blind Bowls Championships.

Soccer: Kick for Chloe Fundraiser.

Town vs Country

By Tony KINGSTON

THERE was action aplenty at the tennis courts last Tuesday night as the Gloucester Tennis Club hosted its annual Town vs Country night. The event, first started in the 1960s, is a feature of the tennis calendar and, as its name suggests, pits Gloucester townsfolk against their country cousins in mixed, mens and ladies divisions.

The countryfolk, aided by their fresh air and clean living, have had the edge over the townies in recent years, and so it continued this year, with Country coming out on top 167 games to 123.

Townies, while disappointed in needing to once again provide the supper for next year's competition, can take comfort in knowing that they are closing the gap between their country counterparts.

Needless to say, they will also no doubt continue their longrunning campaign to extend the town boundaries, similar to Queensland in the State of Origin. For now though, Country retains the bragging rights, the Townies are in the kitchen for another year, and of course tennis was the winner.