Gloucester District News Of The Area 11 FEBRUARY 2026

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent ~ Family Owned

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Passion

LONGTIME Gloucester

resident Julie Lyford and newcomer Sonja Duncan have discovered a common passion: social justice.

The two women are organising an event in Gloucester titled ‘Hidden In Plain Sight: Connection with Purpose’, which aims to spark community conversation about social justice issues both locally and internationally.

Both women bring more than 25 years of experience in social justice and sustainable futures to the event.

Julie has been Chair of WELA (Women's Environmental Leadership Australia) since 2021, is a foundation member of the Gloucester Environment

Wendy BUSWELL soon

By John WATTS

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

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

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

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

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Two-year ‘temporary’ speed zone nears its end?

By John WATTS

MOTORISTS frustrated by the long-standing - and said to be temporary - 60 km/h speed zone on Bucketts Way south of Gloucester may soon see some relief.

Heading south, the reduced speed limit, which begins at the bottom of Forbesdale Hill near Fairbairns Road, and continues to just short of Faulkland Road, has now been in place for almost two years.

Signage indicates that the restriction is due to roadworks.

However, Faulkland Road resident Debbie Wilson says little activity has occurred for extended periods.

“The last time there was any roadwork was well before Christmas,” Ms Wilson said.

“For months and months there was no roadwork and it's been there for two years.”

MidCoast Council told NOTA the 60 km/h limit was implemented as a safety measure while repair works were undertaken intermittently in the area, and that the reduced speed limit was never intended to be

permanent.

Council confirmed the speed zone was installed in 2024.

“Further additional repair works are scheduled to occur, subject to available resources and broader network priorities,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Once these works are completed, the speed zone will be reinstated to its previous posted limit.

“It is our expectation that will occur over the coming weeks.”

The previous speed limit along the affected section of Bucketts Way was 80km/h.

Passion for social justice inspires new event TRAINS RETURNING

FROM Page 1

Group, and was awarded an OAM in 2015 for her work with the community and the environment.

Sonja is a sustainability and human rights practitioner working across Australia and internationally.

She has run her own consultancy business for over 26 years.

Gloucester Transitions (previously Gloucester Sustainable Futures), an organisation that ran community conversations in 2015, 2017, and 2019, is auspicing the event.

“The events were popular and out of these conversations tangible actions happened in town,” Julie stated.

“We hope this new event, the first one since COVID, will again inspire some initiatives,” she continued.

‘Hidden In Plain Sight’

speaks to both the social justice programs currently available in Gloucester that many people may be unaware of, and to the issues of modern slavery.

“Modern slavery takes many forms,” Sonja told News Of The Area.

“The reality is that modern slavery is woven through global supply chains, which means it can touch almost everything we use in daily life: food, clothing, building materials, electronics.”

Julie and Sonja want to open up a discussion and share information because, as Sonja points out, “knowledge builds understanding”.

Sonja’s presentation aims to raise awareness of a complex and serious issue that is often hidden from view.

“My work isn’t about pointing fingers at

consumers - it’s about helping businesses and organisations understand where risks can arise and what practical steps they can take to reduce harm.”

Julie will speak about an organisation called Voices 4 Freedom, and two panels will discuss a range of social justice issues.

Both Julie and Sonja noted that difficult topics can be ignored, and they are looking forward to opening the conversation to enable people to develop tools that will help them have informed conversations.

‘Hidden In Plain Sight’ will be held on Saturday, 7 March from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Senior Citizen Centre (The CITZ).

This is a free event for any member of the community.

RSVPs are recommended via gloucestertransitions@ gmail.com or 0424 269 784.

FROM Page 1

2025 that XPT train services to and from Gloucester would be significantly disrupted for at least 12 months from mid-March that year, with buses replacing trains on two services.

The services where buses replaced trains were Route 36 from Grafton to Sydney and Route 35 Sydney to Grafton.

Before the change, Route 36 heading to Sydney normally departed Gloucester at 10.56am, and Route 35 heading north normally arrived into Gloucester at 4.22pm.

The reason given for the disruption by Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport, was to facilitate essential upgrades to the XPT fleet.

The Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink Roger Weeks has now informed NOTA that NSW TrainLink is planning a late April return of trains on the two daily Grafton services, which will include stops at Gloucester.

“Until coaches then, will continue to replace the 5.15am Grafton to Sydney and the 11.44am Sydney to Grafton services to allow for work on the trains under the XPT fleet refurbishment program,” said Mr Weeks.

“Gloucester continues to be serviced by the two other North Coast XPT services – to and from Brisbane and Casino with four daily services arriving/departing at Gloucester.

“A timeline for the new regional rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks.”

Penfold urges protection for local news coverage

FEDERAL Lyne MP Alison

Penfold has called on the WIN Network to publicly commit to maintain local news coverage and news crews provided by NBN Newcastle following its acquisition from the owners of the Nine network.

NBN currently covers news from the Central Coast in the south to the Gold Coast in the north and west to Lightning Ridge.

According to the broadcaster this market has a population of over 2.3 million people, and is the fourth largest television

market in Australia, behind Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Our local NBN journalists and camera crews have stood with us in the good times and the bad – from the May 2025 floods, 2019 bushfires to local shows and events,” Ms Penfold said in a statement.

“Their work helps amplify our voice, share our joys and our grief and help bring communities and our region together.

“It may surprise many people that not all regional areas have a local 6pm TV

news bulletin and local journalists like we do.

“We therefore cannot assume that the new owners of NBN will keep the same service we have now.

“Having real local crews means we have journalists telling our stories.

“We must protect what we have. If we don’t, we will never get it back.”

The announcement was made by the owners of the Nine Network to the ASX on Friday 30 January and requires the approval of Nine shareholders.

“The sale requires the

approval of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and I ask them to consider whether the sale will provide the same local news coverage and reporting, including ensuring local crews remain based in Taree and Port Macquarie,” Ms Penfold said.

“Any suggestion of a loss of local news coverage should result in a rejection of the deal.

“I will be writing to the ACCC and to the WIN Network to voice my concerns.”

The WIN Network

currently broadcasts into 29 markets across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.

“As the largest provider of regional television news in Australia, underpinned by significant investment in newsrooms, journalists and production and broadcast infrastructure, WIN understands the importance of strong, independent local news and a voice for regional communities,” WIN Network

CEO Andrew Lancaster said in a statement.

Dorothy Kirk a living history

By Wendy BUSWELL

BORN and bred in the Gloucester region, Dorothy Kirk's memory bridges the town’s history and its present.

Dorothy has lived through four floods and remembers the days of weekly dances.

She also witnessed the building of the high school, two preschools, the scout hall,

the Senior Citizen Centre, the hospital, the railway bridge, and the formation of the first volunteer fire brigade.

Dorothy has lived in her Phillip Street home for 64 years.

She remembers when it was a stock route, with stockmen driving cattle to the railway yards.

In 1953, the Shire Council planted crepe myrtles along

the street, placing protective barriers to keep the cattle from trampling them.

Each allotment received two trees at a cost of three pounds per tree, payable by the ratepayer.

“The trees are still blooming despite the stock.

“I get to see them flower year after year.”

However, Dorothy’s contribution to Gloucester

BUSH POETRY

goes far beyond watching trees bloom.

She was instrumental in bringing the Meals on Wheels service to the town.

Seeing a need, Dorothy took the idea to the Country Women’s Association, of which she remains a member, and gained support.

“There was a need in town,” Dorothy said.

“The 1970s brought rising inflation and unemployment, and many people were struggling.

“I was very pleased the community supported the idea.”

With no government support, the Meals on Wheels committee asked the community for funds and equipment.

“Local people also donated food from their farms and gardens to reduce costs,” Dorothy stated.

The service launched in February 1974 with eight recipients; volunteers provided a three-course meal and juice at the cost of 45 cents.

“There were over 65 volunteers from a crosssection of the community,” Dorothy continued.

"But it wasn't just about the meals," Dorothy notes.

"We knew we were helping people stay connected

“This acquisition of WIN reinforces our commitment to providing that local voice, while continuing to deliver Nine’s leading national news, sport and entertainment content to audiences across the northern New South Wales region.

“Along with our deep connection to the communities where we broadcast, WIN’s record of delivering trusted, highquality local news while complementing Nine’s national programming remains unmatched.”

with the community, so we organised birthday parties and delivered special Christmas meals."

Meals on Wheels continues to operate in the town today through the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre.

Dorothy has newspaper

clippings, brochures, and books that highlight what makes Gloucester unique: its natural beauty and, as one brochure proclaims, its community spirit.

“It’s a great town, with so much history, and I think it is important to share some of it,” Dorothy said.

Schools collaborate and celebrate

By Wendy BUSWELL

GLOUCESTER High

School hosted Gloucester, Barrington, Stratford, Stroud Road and Stroud primary schools for a morning dedicated to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and celebrating

collective achievements within the public school community.

Michael Wisely, Deputy Principal of Gloucester High School, set the tone for the gathering.

“This morning brings us together to celebrate successes, look to the future,

and find links between our schools which will hopefully spark new ideas,” he said.

Building on Wisely's remarks, principals of each school shared their school’s 2025 achievements and outlined goals for 2026.

A common thread emerged: all schools

reported impressive NAPLAN results across Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 in 2025, reflecting sustained growth in student performance.

Toni Johnson, Principal of Stratford Public School, emphasised that while her school may be small, it offers significant opportunities for students across sport, environmental programs, and creative arts.

Leanne Wakefield, Principal of Gloucester Public School, spoke with pride about her staff.

“Every day, this team makes a real difference for our students,” she said.

Erin Wilson, Principal of Stroud Public School, attributed her school’s success to two key factors: collective staff engagement and clarity in teaching.

Amy Hughes, Principal

of Barrington Public School, highlighted three years of improved results, not only in academic achievement but also in sporting and creative arts programs.

Kate Slaven, Relieving Principal at Stroud Road Public School, reflected on her brief tenure.

“In my short time here, I’ve witnessed the staff’s deep understanding of students and their families,” she said.

“The staff and students are truly amazing.”

Throughout the presentations, one teaching approach emerged as the common foundation for student success: Explicit Teaching.

This evidence-based approach involves teachers directly explaining, modelling, and guiding

students through new concepts and content.

By building foundational skills and knowledge, students gain the confidence to apply their learning with greater independence.

Amy Schafer, Assistant Principal at Gloucester Public School, elaborated on the tangible benefits.

“We’ve noticed improved student engagement and performance, as well as enhanced teacher confidence,” she explained.

As the session drew to a close, Michael Wisely reinforced the collaborative spirit of the morning.

The schools were there to support one another, he noted, and he looked forward to continued information sharing that would enhance student engagement and learning across the region.

Artists of Wallamba at the Gloucester Gallery

By Wendy BUSWELL

ARTISTS of Wallamba, a group of creatives from Nabiac and surrounding areas whose work includes ceramics, fibre art, acrylics, oils, mixed media, sculpture and jewellery, are exhibiting at the Gloucester Gallery.

Mixed media artist Ariane Bell said, “We love the Gloucester Gallery.

“Charlie Lethbridge, the gallery administrator, is great to work with and the space accommodates different styles of art.”

The group has been working together for nine years and meets every month for workshops or, as Ariane explains, “sometimes just for a chat.”

The new exhibition contains the work of Ariane, Kathleen Soper, Carmel Spark, Di Smith, Jeri McElroy, Philippa Bird, Susie Oldfield and Vicki Mullins.

Each artist’s chosen media contributes to an eclectic collection that explores the

exhibition’s theme, “Liminal”.

“While we may not know exactly what each artist will bring, our shared understanding of each other’s art gives us confidence that the art will work together.

“It’s always a wonderful moment to see how each piece fits into the overarching concept when it’s displayed together.”

Ceramicist Vicki Mullins, an interior and graphic designer, has recently moved from painting to the potter’s wheel, creating sculptural functional wares.

“It has been a steep learning curve,” Vicki told News Of The Area.

“I’m enjoying working in 3D.”

Di Smith has been honing

FRESH EYES, CLEARER VISION

her skills in lino prints.

In this exhibition, her works explore hand-coloured lino prints.

Di, Vicki and Ariane all spoke about the supportiveness of the group.

“It is a safe space to experiment,” Vicki said.

“It’s also a welcoming group.

“When I moved to the

area, the group was a great way to meet like-minded people.”

Ariane began her career as a special needs teacher, but 20 years ago she enrolled in a fine arts degree.

“Art helps me make sense of the world and assists me in processing the day-to-day of life.”

Works in the exhibition

are textural, utilising tissue paper and paint.

Ariane adds, “I have also enjoyed sewing heavy paper,” a practice influenced by her quilter and seamstress mother.

The exhibition, “Liminal”, will be on display at the Gloucester Gallery until 22 February, during regular gallery hours.

Record results for airport

THE final quarter of 2025 delivered Newcastle Airport’s highest ever passenger results.

A total of 340,778 passengers travelled through the terminal in October, November and December, ending a successful year for the airport which included the completion of the expanded terminal and new direct flights to Bali, Perth and Hobart.

December alone saw 111,007 passengers, with the Airport on track to achieve 1.334 million passengers by the end of FY26, a record number for the airport and Hunter region.

This milestone comes as international services expand.

Direct flights to Bali have launched successfully and, from 29 March 2026, passengers will be able to travel from Newcastle to Singapore via Bali, a critical connection to one of Asia’s most important hubs.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the results reflect both strong demand and the confidence of travellers in the region.

“In a case of ‘build it and they will come’, the Hunter is proving that the new terminal and greater connectivity is exactly what the region ordered,” Mr Horton said.

"Passenger demand continues to exceed expectations and this record quarter highlights the Hunter’s readiness for more direct international services.”

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, who has recently travelled on both the Bali and Perth services, said he has seen firsthand how Newcastle Airport is “redefining regional air travel”.

“These connections make it easier for local businesses to access new and existing markets and for our community to explore the world from their own backyard,” Mr Hawes said.

“The growth we’re seeing is exactly what the region needs, and the growing passenger numbers through Newcastle Airport has a benefit to local businesses that are active in and service the precinct.

“The growth and development ambitions of the airport are backed by stakeholders across the region and the passenger statistics only add to the confidence we all have for the future.”

q A total of 340,778 passengers travelled through the terminal in October, November and December. Photo: supplied.

Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown

By Alex MITCHELL, AAP

POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour.

Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, highpowered e-bikes including so-called 'fat bikes' and other throttle-only devices.

The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group of 40 e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across Sydney Harbour Bridge last Tuesday.

The convoy could be seen speeding past cars and doing wheelies across the landmark, prompting condemnation and calls for a crackdown on illegal devices.

"We've heard loud and clear the concern in the

Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers

By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP

UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay.

Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly named The Burrows.

With grape-growing a notoriously perilous business, producer Ian Napier knew he had to branch out and offer singlevineyard wine, tastings and accommodation to diversify his income.

"Blind Freddy can see that grapes are not a product that is in high demand," he tells AAP.

"You have to add value to them if you are to do any good."

The business was humming along when, in August 2023, Mr Napier was hit with a notice from Revenue NSW saying his property may be subject to land tax as its predominant use was no longer primary production.

The department then sent an assessment in 2024 saying

he owed five years' worth of land taxes, a levy from which growers are generally exempt as they produce food and fibre.

Mr Napier spent more than $100,000 in legal fees challenging the finding in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the revenue office.

The tribunal found the land tax exemption only applied if the cultivated product itself - grapes - was sold.

It ruled that the primary use of the land was instead wine production and sales, in part based on an analysis of income from wine sales compared to grape sales.

Mr Napier says the state government's "avaricious land tax grab" is penalising producers for exactly what they're encouraged to do: innovate and diversify.

"This goes to the heart of many small wine-making businesses," he says.

"I could have achieved the same result by pulling out all of my vineyards, buying grapes, having a winemaker turn them into wine and then selling the wine.

"Is that what we really want to achieve?

"Do we want primary producers to... get rid of the primary production bit and

just focus on the piece that actually makes money?"

Mr Napier's case has become something of a canary in the coalmine for other small producers around the state.

An apple orchardist who turned inferior fruit into juice and sold it, lost a tax exemption after Revenue NSW found the land was not predominantly used for primary production.

A cherry and apricot grower was threatened with penalties after launching a popular "pick-your-own" venture, which was deemed to be a competing use of the land.

Grading and packing of the produce at the farm was classified as "processing", which also affected the tax exemption.

That assessment was ultimately overturned due to the short fruit harvesting and tourist season.

NSW Farmers last week issued a warning to small and medium producersincluding those with cellar doors and fruit standssaying they appear to be firmly in the sights of the revenue office.

The organisation is calling on the government to broaden the meaning of primary production in the

state's tax legislation, which hasn't changed for decades.

It argues the law is a disincentive for farmers to add value to their produce and diversify their income in a sector increasingly prone to disruption from weather, disasters and geopolitics.

"We want to see a system that is a bit fairer," NSW Farmers business, economics and trade committee chair John Lowe tells AAP.

"We want to see our farmers having the opportunity to... make a buck and be able to diversify and re-invent agricultural production without getting penalised the moment they step over an imaginary line."

The primary producer definition could be expanded to include income generated from converting produce into a value-added product, NSW

community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them," Transport Minister John Graham said on Sunday.

"Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: if you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed."

In addition to being no more than 500 watts, e-bike batteries can only operate as a pedal-assist and cut out when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25km/h.

Anything that exceeds those power or speed limits must be registered as a moped or motorcycle.

Police already have powers to seize vehicles that

Farmers' position paper says.

That would bring NSW closer in line with other states like Victoria, which recognises produce in a "natural, processed or converted state".

Agritourism could also be considered a legitimate primary production activity under the proposed changes.

While some farmers are accusing the government of opportunistic revenueraising, Finance Minister Courtney Houssos has previously told parliament the law has long been consistently applied.

Ms Houssos says she regularly meets with producers to understand the support they need.

"It's encouraging to see producers look for new opportunities to grow their business in the face of difficult economic conditions and natural disasters," she adds via a statement to AAP.

"Under the current legislation, producers who diversify their activities will still continue to receive the

are not road legal.

Government officials said the fresh powers simplify seizure laws that were designed with cars and motorbikes in mind.

It will be one tweak in a wider reform package tackling unsafe e-bikes, it said.

E-bikes, many retailing for more than $2000, and other high-powered vehicles have become a lightning rod for controversy in parts of Australia.

A teenage boy is awaiting trial for manslaughter after allegedly killing a 59-year-old while riding an unlicensed electric motorbike through a park in Perth in July.

At least 100 illegal devices were seized and 2100 fines handed to riders during a Queensland police crackdown in December.

primary production land exemption as long as primary production remains the dominant use of the land."

Revenue NSW officials met with farmers throughout 2025, with further talks planned for 2026.

Land tax thresholds are due for review in 2027.

At Pokolbin, Mr Napier has dramatically downsized his venture and no longer sells grapes, instead using all of what he grows to make wine.

Under the beating January summer sun, workers harvest Shiraz grapes for wine that will eventually be sold at the cellar door.

Mr Napier is stuck paying an annual land tax, opting not to launch an expensive appeal against the tribunal's decision.

"This win by the government is not a win for us," he says, offering a final word.

"And it's certainly not a win for agriculture or a primary producer."

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB

SEVEN, 8.30pm

The TV equivalent of sitting down to solve a crossword with a cup of tea and a biscuit, this cosy murder series follows a trio of unlikely crime solvers in a quaint English town. As they proved in season one, retired archaeologist Judith (Samantha Bond, pictured left), dog walker Suzie (Jo Martin, pictured centre) and vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan, pictured right) make a brilliant team. Our favourite sleuths are called back into action after an aristocrat is found dead the day before his wedding – with his young fiancée, bitter son and scheming ex top of their suspect list.

FRIDAY, February 13

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return)

8.30 Professor T. (Return, M) Professor T works on a case while in prison.

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

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) A satirical news program.

10.20 Dog Park. (M, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mlv, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

SUNDAY

CRICKET: WOMEN’S T20 SERIES

7MATE, 7pm

A new innings begins on Sunday for Australian women’s cricket, with all-rounder Sophie Molineux (pictured) named as the squad’s new captain, taking over from a retiring Alyssa Healy. This Twenty20 series opener against India will be the Victoria and Melbourne Renegades skipper’s first time leading the country, taking charge ahead of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June. Several members of the team will still be smarting from India’s recordbreaking chase of 339 that knocked Australia out of the ODI World Cup semi-final just a few months ago. With a fresh tactical direction and a score to settle, Molineux and co. are set to shine.

TUESDAY

DR KARL’S HOW THINGS

everything from toilet paper to guitars –the endlessly curious Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (pictured) pulls back the cover on how books are made in the final chapter of this second season. And what better example than F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece The Great . Much attention is paid to the writing and editing behind our favourite novels, but how do those words physically make their way onto the page? At Ligare Book Printers in Sydney, Dr Karl watches as lasers etch words onto metal plates, before being loaded into a press that can print thousands of books a day. You might say it’s a real page-turner.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Lost Cities Of The Incas. (Premiere)

9.25 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) Follows the Seaview Salties.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)

11.40 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)

1.25 The Lesson. (Mal, R)

3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) Johanna Griggs heads to Bribie Island.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Return, Mav) A wealthy baronet dies alone in his study the day before his wedding.

10.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

12.15 GetOn Extra. (Return) A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.45 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. Day 7 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross qualifiers and finals and men’s crosscountry 10km final and ice hockey prelims.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross finals and skeleton runs and men’s 10,000m speed skating final and 10km biathlon sprint final.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Overnight.

6.00

SATURDAY, February 14

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim swears off men and takes up golf.

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. (Md) The midwives help a family with a history of drug addiction.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv) Engagement celebrations at Godley Manor are brought to a sinister end by a booby-trapped cuckoo clock.

10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Tiddler. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 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 Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The

6.30 SBS World News.

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

8.40 Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother. (PGads, R) 9.35 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)

10.35 Lord Lucan. (Mal, R)

11.40 Outlander. (MA15+a, R)

1.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.50 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Viceroy’s

House. (2017, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35

SUNDAY, February 15

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The handlers and their pups perform assessment tasks.

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Roland and Emma finally confront their future.

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

9.55 Call The Midwife. (Md, R)

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)

The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 MOVIE: Looney Tunes:

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (PG)

8.25 Fengyang: The Forgotten Imperial City.

10.10 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R)

11.10 South Korea With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R)

1.45 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

2.40 24 Hours In A&E. (Mal, R)

3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An influencer’s baggage attracts attention.

7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy Returns. (2001, Mhv, R) A couple battle a resurrected mummy. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz.

10.10 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017, MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent investigates an agent’s murder. Charlize Theron, James McAvoy.

12.30 MOVIE: The Right Mom. (2021, Mav, R) Anna Schafer.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Night. Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom and women’s mogul dual finals and 4x7.5km cross-country relay.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Post Midnight.

Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom, women’s cross-country relay, speed skating women’s team pursuit and men’s 500m finals.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Overnight.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple deals with a dysfunctional 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. (Mdlm, R) A specialist critical care paramedic responds to a head-on collision that has left a driver trapped in their car. 10.50 Matlock. (PGad, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGav, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Seven News.

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

8.45 The Meghan Effect: Transforming The Royals. (PG) Looks at Meghan Markle, who went from being an actor to becoming part of the British monarchy.

10.15 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R)

11.45 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.45 Temple. (MA15+al)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) After an explosive revelations week task, the actions of some have a major effect on the others.

8.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Night.

Coverage includes women’s slalom and monobob bobsleigh, men’s dual moguls and mixed team snowboard cross.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Post Midnight. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Overnight.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Masv) When a petty officer is found brutally murdered and frozen, it leads the team into a twisted underworld of seafood and sex trafficking. 9.30 Law &

MONDAY, February 16

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGals) 11.30 Vigil. (Mav, R) 2.45 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R) 3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

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

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. (Final) 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Leah crafts a romantic apology.

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

9.15 9-1-1. (Mahv) The 118s beliefs are put to the test as they respond to emergency calls involving a Jack-o’-lantern.

10.15 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the crimes of Ivan Milat.

12.15 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)

2.30 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) The newlyweds enter intimacy week and while some couples choose to embrace the challenge, others remain hesitant.

9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Night. Coverage includes men’s alpine slalom, bobsleigh and short track and women’s snowboard slopestyle and short track.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Overnight.

5.30 Today.

MOVIES (32)

6am Notorious. (1946, PG) 7.55 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 10.00 Discovering Film. 10.50 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, MA15+) 2pm Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 4.00 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 5.35 Go. (1999, PG) 7.30 The Bodyguard From Beijing. (1994, MA15+) 9.15 My Father Is A Hero. (1995, MA15+) 11.15 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 1.25am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, February 17

(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

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

8.35 MOVIE: Bardot. (2024, Malsw)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

11.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)

1.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

2.50 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)

3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The Chase Australia. 8.30 Doc. (Ma) Michael is under investigation for his actions during the hostage crisis.

9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is attacked by a gang with a machete.

10.30 St. Denis Medical. (Ms)

11.30 Madeleine McCann: Searching For The Prime Suspect. (Mav, R)

12.30 Childhood’s End. (Mav)

2.30 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) Intimacy week tasks have a mixed effect on the newlyweds. A tense men’s workshop results in poor behaviour. 9.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Night. Coverage includes men and women’s aerials qualifiers, women’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s ice hockey. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.20 Discovering Film. 8.10 Go. (1999, PG) 10.05 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 12.20pm Limitless. (2011, M) 2.20 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 4.00 Notorious. (1946, PG) 6.00 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.35 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk. (1993, M, Cantonese) 9.30 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 11.20 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

and

WEDNESDAY, February 18

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm 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 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

8.30 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PGa, R) 9.25 Trespasses. (Mals) 10.20 SBS World News Late.

Face To Face. (Mals, R) 11.45 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)

1.35 Golden Boy. (Mal, R)

2.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R) 3.15 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGas)

8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver sideswipes another vehicle.

9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)

10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (PGa)

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

12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, 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) The couples attend the second dinner party.

9.10 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Night. Coverage includes women’s alpine slalom and aerials finals, men’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s and women’s cross-country team sprint.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Overnight.

5.30 Today.

10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R)

THURSDAY, February 19

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Toronto Airport Uncovered.

8.20 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)

9.15 A Spy Among Friends. (Premiere)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 In Memoriam. (Premiere, Madl)

11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (Malv, R)

1.25 Silent Road. (Ma, R)

3.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)

4.20 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

7TWO (62) 7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Eagle Huntress. Continued. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.15 Discovering Film. 8.15 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 10.00 House Of The Seasons. (2023, M, Japanese) 12.10pm Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.40 Go. (1999, PG) 4.35 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.30 Fist Of Legend. (1994, M) 9.30 Tai Chi Master. (1993, MA15+, Cantonese) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.55 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 10.45 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 12.35pm Within Sand. (2022, M, Arabic) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 5.50 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 7.30 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, M, Cantonese) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, M, Cantonese) 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Remi and Sonny go head-to-head.

8.30 MOVIE: Under The Tuscan Sun. (2003, Ml, R) A recently divorced woman holidaying in Tuscany buys a villa on a whim and encounters unexpected romance. Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) The party fallout leads to a shocking accident.

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.

7MATE (64) 7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Night. Coverage includes men’s and women’s ski mountaineering sprints heats and finals and men’s aerials finals.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Post Midnight. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Overnight.

Coverage includes women’s ice hockey, men’s 1500m speed skating final and women’s figure free skating.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

Position Vacant

Gloucester Pre-School & Early Years

Learning Centre is looking to employ 2 highly motivated males/females to be a part of our

What We Offer:

and friendly

• A supportive, collaborative team culture

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

• Flexible rostering to fit your lifestyle

• A leadership team that values your wellbeing as much as your skills

• Beautiful natural outdoor environments, and well-resourced play spaces

We are looking for a CIII qualified educator and a CIII trainee to join our ‘school family.’

If you believe you can deliver highquality education and care for each child, applicants can access our website ‘www. gloucesterpreschool.com.au’ and follow the directions under Positions Vacant. Applications close 20th February 2026. Enquiries to director@gloucesterpreschool. com.au or call Kareen on 0265581643.

PIANOLA and stool in GC,

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

News Of The Area OPINION

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

MY ex-boyfriend is in many significant family photos such as Christmases, weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Now we are no longer together, what on earth do I do with all the pictures?

It upsets me to look at them, but I don't want to forget the occasions.

Rachel P.

Dear Rachel,

This one is very fraught.

You obviously want to remember these important milestones, but you're still as

emotionally raw as Noah and Allie from The Notebook, so don't make any hasty decisions (like buying a rundown house with a strategically placed piano and restoring it in a metaphorical attempt at rebuilding the relationship).

My nanna, who was known for her practicality, once suggested I cut my ex's face from family portraits and replace them with Tom Cruise.

Given Tom Cruise's trajectory, it was perhaps not such a great choice, but this was back in the days when cut and paste quite literally involved a pair of scissors and a Bluestick.

I didn't, of course. Instead I put the photos in a box and that is where they remain.

Yesterday, which is somewhat serendipitous for this column, I caught up with a group of former work colleagues and one showed me a family photo that

celebrated the birthday of her ninety-nine year old mother.

Through some sort of AI wizardry, she had added her father (now deceased) to the photo.

She'd also added another family member who'd been unable to attend.

While the photo was quite beautiful, I couldn't help but consider it from an ethical perspective.

What happens when histories are magically altered or changed?

How can a person in the future reconcile a photo that celebrates an event where a person is absent (i.e dead!) but (digitally at least) present?

At what point does this ability to recast the truth become dangerous? I think we are already seeing this play out in many ways on social media.

It's a slippery slope when it becomes harder and harder to distinguish what is real and

what is an approximation of real (cast in a way that benefits the creator and potentially harms others).

We can't change the past.

All we can do is work on our response to it (this is a damn heavy Jasminda, Rachel. Couldn't you have asked about e-bikes?).

May I suggest you put the photos in a clearly marked box while you are still feeling vulnerable.

Or archive photos with him in them (since they upset you) and keep the photos of those events where he is absent on display.

In keeping with my nanna's practicality, put partners from new relationships at the extremities of family photos.

Cropping a photo is far less sinister than some of the alternatives now on offer.

19-year-old Myaih Kesby fights for life

By Sis HIGGINS

PARENTS Sarah and William Kesby say their world has been turned upside down, as their 19-year-old daughter Myaih remains in a critical condition in intensive care following a sudden neurological emergency.

Only a week ago, Myaih was a happy, healthy young woman building her future.

She works full time in a traineeship with Valley Industries and is known for her creativity, kindness and love of drama and art.

“Our beautiful daughter Myaih was doing so well,” Sarah and William said on their GoFundMe page.

“She was so proud to receive her provisional driver’s licence just three weeks ago, and heartbreakingly, the card arrived in the mail today while she lies unconscious in ICU.”

Last Thursday, Myaih suffered a sudden tonic–clonic seizure at work and was taken to hospital, where she was initially admitted for observation and expected to return home the following day.

Instead, she experienced multiple further seizures and rapidly deteriorated into status epilepticus, a prolonged and lifethreatening condition.

“She is now in ICU on four anti-seizure medications and continuous oxygen support,” her parents said.

“Despite intensive treatment, she continues to seize and is mostly unconscious, even without sedation.”

Despite extensive testing, doctors have not yet identified the cause of Myaih’s seizures or neurological decline.

The crisis follows a period of profound family loss, with Myaih’s grandmother Tracey and uncle Nathan both passing away unexpectedly in the past thirteen months.

“As parents, we are living minute to minute,” they said.

“Our only focus right

now is being with Myaih, advocating for her, and supporting her through whatever comes next.”

A GoFundMe has been

established to help the family manage lost income, potential travel and accommodation costs, and daily expenses.

The funds allow the

by

side during the most frightening time of their lives.

The day Dame Marie Bashir came to Gloucester

By John WATTS

THERE was widespread sadness surrounding the recent death of the muchloved former NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir, and a number of Gloucester locals were prompted by her passing to fondly remember the day in October 2003 she spent in and around the town.

Dame Marie was born in Narrandera on 1 December 1930 and died on 20 January this year.

At her state funeral on 4 February, her daughter Alex Shehadie said that her mother was “immensely proud to be a country girl”.

Dame Marie graduated in medicine from Sydney University in 1956 and

was the first woman to be appointed Governor of New South Wales, taking office on 1 March 2001 and retiring in 2014.

“At the time of her appointment as Governor of New South Wales, she (Dame Marie) was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney; Area Director of Mental Health Services Central Sydney; and Senior Consultant to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern and to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Kempsey,” explains a NSW Government website.

In 2003 Gloucester marked a significant milestone, celebrating 100 years since its formal recognition as a township in 1903, and Dame Marie was invited to join the celebrations.

One of the important functions performed by Dame Marie when in Gloucester was the opening of Minimbah Aboriginal Garden in Gloucester District Park.

Reconciliation Australia states that Dame Marie

was a lifelong supporter of First Nations rights and reconciliation and used her position, both in her psychiatric career, and as Governor, to advocate for Aboriginal aspirations.

It should therefore come as no surprise that Dame Marie agreed to open Minimbah.

A welcome sign at the entrance to Minimbah says as follows:

“Minimbah-Place of learning.

“This special place is a symbol of respect to the Aboriginal People of this land-past, present and future.

“The connection between Aboriginal culture and nature provides lessons about the importance of respecting each other and the diverse environment that sustains us and our future generations.”

Gomeroi woman Julie Hardy, whose mum and dad were, together with others, behind the idea of the establishment of Minimbah, remembers attending the opening.

“I was there when Marie Bashir opened Minimbah, and I did an artwork which I presented to her as a thank you for coming,” said Julie.

“She was a lovely person.”

Long time Gloucester local Patsy Murrell has fond memories of Dame Marie’s visit to Gloucester, and was present when she spoke at Minimbah.

“She was so friendly and

wonderful and natural,” said Patsy

“I remember her saying that she had come to Gloucester wearing clothes that were too warm for the weather, and that she had gone to McRae’s and bought a cooler cotton frock, which she was then wearing.”

A metal plaque within MInimbah commemorates the occasion of the opening.

Taree airport plan open for community feedback

By Sis HIGGINS

MIDCOAST Council has placed a new draft Strategic Plan for Taree Regional Airport on public exhibition, inviting the community to help shape how the airport develops over the next decade.

Community members, aviation users and industry stakeholders can review the draft and provide feedback until Friday, 13 March 2026.

The plan sets out a longterm direction for the airport from 2025 to 2035, focusing on strengthening its role as a key piece of regional infrastructure while ensuring it remains financially viable and well managed.

The airport is regarded as a significant asset for the MidCoast region due

to its established facilities, strategic location and capacity to support future growth.

MidCoast Council Executive Manager Sustainable Development Rachel Pleasant said, “Our vision is for the Taree Regional Airport to be a financially sustainable aviation asset that supports the growth and prosperity of our community.

“We want the airport to be a preferred base for commercial, emergency service and civil defence aircraft operators and their service providers.”

Under the draft strategy, Council intends to prioritise upgrades and smarter use of existing infrastructure to meet the needs of a wide range of users.

These include local aviation operators, commercial services, emergency response agencies and civil defence organisations.

The plan also emphasises collaboration and innovation.

Council plans to work closely with current and prospective customers,

“Care will be taken to protect the safe and compliant operations that already exist, while strengthening the airport’s role as a preferred base,” Ms Pleasant said.

with a view to attracting new activity and exploring commercial opportunities that align with the airport’s long-term role.

While the document outlines actions across a tenyear horizon, Council has built in flexibility.

A comprehensive review is scheduled after five years to measure progress and respond to changes in demand, technology or regional priorities.

The draft Strategic Plan is available on Council’s website.

New Council cohort

NEW apprentices and trainees have been inducted into their roles with MidCoast Council.

Each year, Council provides the opportunity for a group of people to kickstart a career in a number of fields.

The positions are not just for young people.

As an equal opportunity employer, Council says it is committed to attracting and retaining quality staff by encouraging people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and levels of experience to apply. The roles on offer are relevant to people both finishing school or looking for a career change.

General Manager Adrian Panuccio said the apprentices, trainees and graduates program is part of the Council's investment in local people

and the region. “A career in local government is a rewarding way of working for your local community and we are proud to be able to offer these opportunities in our region,” he said. Applications for the program open in September of each year.

For more information, visit midcoast.nsw.gov. au/skills.

Funding applications open

APPLICATIONS for several

funding opportunities are open from 2 February to 13 March 2026.

A total funding pool of over $235,000 is available via MidCoast Council.

Last year's funding rounds helped the community deliver over 50 projects.

Some of the supported projects included the Forster Main Beach Mural, the purchase of back up power supplies for two UHF base stations in Harrington, roof repairs for Cundletown Post Office (heritage building), NAIDOC events at Taree, Forster, Gloucester and Tea Gardens, Old Bar Beach Festival, Wingham Music Festival and more.

This funding also supports events such as the Bowls NSW Women's State Carnival, which is the

largest all-female bowls participation event in the country.

Council supported a three-year partnership with Bowls NSW, which will see this event hosted on the MidCoast from 2026-2028 and result in a $7.67 million injection to the local economy over the three-year deal.

"It is important for us to be able to provide this support for the community to deliver projects that are important to them and have a real benefit to the MidCoast community," said Alex Mills, MidCoast Councils Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.

"We would also like to acknowledge our funding partners and sponsors that help to make these diverse range of grant programs possible to support our community," said Mr Mills.

Funding opportunities include:

NAIDOC Week Funding

Funding of up to $4,000 is available for whole-ofcommunity events which are planned and run by a NAIDOC Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee must meet with Council two months prior to the event to review approvals required.

If a road closure is required, the committee must meet with Council three months prior to the event. Council is proud to partner with Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver these events.

NAIDOC Indigenous Art Scholarship

This program is supported by Coastline Bank to celebrate emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in the MidCoast.

The scholarship provides $1,000 for the artist to produce a body of work, with an additional materials allowance of up to $600, enabling the successful artist to grow their creative practice, share their story, and build professional experience in the arts.

Local Heritage Fund

In partnership with Heritage NSW, Council offers grants to help restore heritage places back to their former glory.

Owners of heritage places either listed as heritage or located in a heritage conservation area can apply.

Funding of up to $2,000 is available and involves a co-contribution from the applicant.

A maximum of 50 percent of the total project cost can be funded where total project costs are less than $4,000.

MidCoast Art Support Program

This funding program aims to enhance opportunities for artists and contribute to a thriving community.

The total grant pool in this year’s program is $15,000, with up to $5,000 on offer for individuals or groups in the creative industries that have a great idea for a project that will benefit the MidCoast community.

Community and Cultural Development Grant Program

This grant program provides one-off funding to support community and cultural capacity-building projects, events and activities or purchase equipment in support of communitybased groups and eligible organisations.

Eligible organisations

may apply for funding of up to $5,000.

Events Sponsorship

This program aims to support events that capitalise on the strengths of the region in order to create a vibrant, connected community.

This program is designed to support the delivery of diverse activities and events throughout the region.

Sponsorship of up to $10,000 is available.

Applicants need to demonstrate that events drive:

- An increase in visitor expenditure and overnight stays from people outside the region

- Dispersal of event participants seasonally and geographically - Collaborative commercial partnerships with event organisers.

For more information and to apply, head to www. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/grantsand-funding.

Mid Coast locals encouraged to walk to work

By Andrew VIVIAN

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide.

The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black Dog Institute.

Day campaign also draws attention to the positive impact regular walking can have on mental wellbeing.

Every health professional promotes walking as beneficial to physical health, and the Walk to Work

As part of the refreshed campaign, individuals, workplace teams and businesses are encouraged not only to walk, but to fundraise together between

now and 27 March to support better mental health outcomes nationwide.

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said the partnership with Black Dog Institute was a natural fit and an exciting evolution for the campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with Black Dog Institute.

“Given the benefits a simple walk can have on mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress – we hope this simple reminder will go a long way in getting Australia’s working population to walk more, not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day,” he said.

The latest research from Black Dog Institute estimates that mental illness costs businesses more than $39 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover.

Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, yet almost half will not seek professional help.

Black Dog Institute Fundraising Director Laura Edwards said regular physical activity plays a

powerful role in supporting mental health.

“Engaging in exercise has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including major depressive disorder, with studies finding that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 percent.

“This is because exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that support calm, focus and overall wellbeing,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Edwards suggests workplaces have an important role to play in creating mentally healthy environments.

“Initiatives like Walk to Work Day are a simple and cost-effective way for organisations to prioritise wellbeing while supporting positive, sustainable habits with their employees.”

The initiative can result in a happier workplace with “significant savings to your bottom line,” she said.

Mr Scruby said Walk to Work Day offers flexibility for people to take part in ways

that suit their routine.

Many people can park some distance from work and walk, get off public transport a stop or two earlier, or go for a walk during their lunch break.

“There are so many benefits to walking more every day,” he said.

“As an added incentive, we’re asking Australia’s workforce to come together to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, using Walk to Work Day as a catalyst for positive change,” he said.

Working Australians are encouraged to get involved by forming workplace walking groups, introducing walking meetings or lunchtime walks.

Setting personal or team step challenges, and inviting employers, colleagues, friends and family to support their walk through donations is said to make a difference.

Now in its 27th year, Walk to Work Day continues to encourage Australians to build walking into everyday life, with benefits extending well beyond mental health.

More information, including how to fundraise, is available at www.walk. com.au.

Fraser in women’s golf win

By Peter WILDBLOOD

THE Gloucester Golf Ladies Summer Competition is moving slowly to a close as the formal year of their competition begins at the end of the month.

Myrelle Fraser took advantage of the day with a nice win on Wednesday 5 February.

The event was a 12-hole

Individual Stableford played in comfortable weather conditions even though it attracted a smaller field than usual with some players away at a special tournament at Nelson Bay.

The winner was Myrelle Fraser with a healthy 25 points with balls won by Rhonda Nightingale and Anne Maggs, both of whom scored 21 points and a favourable

Gloucester Lady Bowlers Report

By Jennifer BURLEY

IT HAS been a very busy start to 2026 combining weekly Social play with Mixed Pairs Championships and the Mixed Triples Championship which began on Wednesday with the first 2 games, but first the results of the Social two matches for those who we appreciate each week turning up to cheer on the "Championship contenders".There were 2 games of 4s with one having a swinger,Karen Heiningher,Deb Horner,Julie Kriss and Val Pritchard 18 defeated Karen (swinger) Debbie English,Jill Carson and Judy Sheely 12. And

Gina Dalmulder,Norma Relf,Joan Ridgeway and Kerrie Green 20 defeated Cheryl Tull,Jenny Stevens,Denise Redman and Bev Murray 18. Thus the winners over the field on 20 were Kerrie's team and the losers was Judy's team on 12. There were 10 ladies who each received a small "trophy" for having a "toucher". The results of the Triples Championship games played saw Paula Standen,Andrew Henderson and Alec Laurie 27 defeating Steven Hurworth (subbing for Kevin Burley)Kevin Everett and Bev Germon 21. And the other game Jenny Burley,Vic Hebblewhite

Saturday Golf

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS another hot and steamy day on Saturday 7 February for the Arkwood Organic Recycling Monthly Medal with the Medal won by John Parish on a count back from a good-sized field.

The event was an Individual Stoke with the Medal going to the lowest net score and after a favourable count-back the Medal was awarded to John Parish’s for his net 68. John also won the B grade net and gross trophies with scores of 68 and 86 respectively.

In A grade Ken Kelly had the best net score, a 69, while Paul Blanch had the top gross score of 74.

In C grade, Paul Griffiths

won the double with the top net and gross scores in the grade, 68 and 91.

Balls were won by John Parish, Paul Griffiths 68, Ken Kelly 69, Mark Stone 70, Peter Markey 71, John Nicolson, Geoff Reynolds, Stacey Groves and Steve MacDonald 72, and Chris Steele 73.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Ken Kelly, 229 cm, Trevor Sharp, 923 cm, and Garry Threadgate, 1046 cm, representing the three grades.

At the 6th and 15th holes it was Paul Blanch, 120 cm, John Parish, 260 cm and John Nicolson, 407 cm.

The long drive trophies at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Nathan McInnes in

countback from the field.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Pat Burrows.

The Gloucester Golf Ladies Summer Competition of 12-hole Stablefords continues to the last Wednesday in the month when a special Beginners Day starts the full year of 18-hole competitive golf.

and Mark Groves 19 defeated Suzanne Cross,Joy Hurworth and Jeff Kellie 11. Next Wednesday 11th will see the above 2 winning teams play each other, with Tony Tersteeg's team versus Karen Heiningher's, Max Stevens versus Steve Kriss's and Mike Sheely's versus Gary Moss's. As the 1/4 Finals of Mixed Pairs Championship were finalized on Sunday 1st with Kevin and Jill Everett defeating Sue and Ken Bryant 27 to 5, and Penny and Rob Gibson defeating Debbie and Rob Cushway 24 to 4.Therefore the Semi Final is to be played on Sunday 8th, with Kevin and Jill playing Penny and Rob and Tony Tersteeg and Bev Murray versus Joy Hurworth and Jeff Kellie, should be a couple of great games with the winners progressing to the Final on Sunday 15th.

Gloucester Parkrun

By Carolyn DAVIES

7 FEBRUARY

There was rain on the radar but that didn't faze the 71 finishers of Gloucester's 245th parkrun last Saturday.

As usual, there was a slow buildup of numbers as people wandered up to the start, with ages ranging from toddlers in prams to those still running in their eighties.

One group from Taree were on their regular trip to Gloucester - consisting of a very early morning train trip, a climb up the Bucketts to see the sunrise, followed by the parkrun and then capped off with breakfast in town before the train trip home.

The rest of the crowd was content to just do the 5 kilometres needed to get around the parkrun course. Some came along to get their regular dose of exercise, while others treated it as a chance for a walk and talk with friends.

It was the first parkrun for Maggie Compton,

with another four at their first Gloucester parkrun, including Margaret Dunford who volunteered after her run to help with the finish tokens.

The first male finisher was local Eli Soupidis, while Erica Thornton was the first female finisher.

The cooler conditions inspired a few personal bests, with locals Howard Cameron and Don Richardson improving steadily each week. Jane and Roger Liddle, Joshua Westley, Katrina Morris, Lucy Barraclough and Kouroth Maleklou all clocked personal best times.

Erin Marshall celebrated her 50th milestone, with son Hudson at the finish line to cheer her home.

The strangest request for the day (and probably for Gloucester parkrun's history) was for a massage therapist - not a role listed on the parkrun volunteer register.

The register does however have a number of volunteer roles that are

needed each week for the event to go ahead, with some volunteers often doing more than one job.

This week it was Pat Burrows' turn to be timekeeper, with a single focus on keeping track of finishing times. Regular volunteer Rod Eckels helped set up the event then handed out finish tokens - and also stepped in to set up the marquee when some raindrops started to fall part way through the morning.

Ros Poynting was the scanner for the day, as well as doubling up as photographer for the crowd shots at the start of the parkrun.

Our tailwalker was Jenny Lindsay, guiding the group from behind, and helping with event closedown by picking up cones on the return journey.

Gloucester parkrun is at 8am every Saturday - so come along and join in the fun of a 5 kilometre walk or run around Gloucester District Park (it's a free event).

A grade, Geoff Reynolds in B grade, and Blake Murray in C grade.

The Super Sevens for the week concluding Friday 6 February was won on a countback by Peter McIntyre 19.

Balls were won by Arthur Poynting 19, Paul Thibault 18, Wayne Maddalena and Ken Kelly 17, and Max Shepherd 16.

This coming Saturday, 14 February, the Gloucester Golf Club will be conducting a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford sponsored by Gloucester Tyre & Auto.

The following week Avon Valley Concreting will sponsor an Individual Stableford.

Ambrose win

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS a fine day, if a little on the cool side, for the normal outing of the Gloucester Veteran Golfers on Tuesday 3 February with a win to team Steele and Torode.

The field was a little down on normal with a few regulars competing in the Nelson Bay Veteran Week of Golf.

The event was a Two Person Ambrose sponsored by Gai Falla and the winning pair were Chris Steele and Hugh Torode with a combined net score of 68¾.

Runners up were Max Shepherd and Ken Kelly 69½, and the only two balls on offer were won by Jill Blenkey and Bill Blenkey 70.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 6th and 15th holes were won by Jill Blenkey and Max Shepherd.

On Tuesday 10 February the Gloucester Veterans were due to play an Individual Stableford sponsored by Di and Steve Burns.

This coming Tuesday, 17 February, there will be an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Joy and Steve Hurworth.