Gloucester District News Of The Area 13 MAY 2026

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

New

food recycling laws to avert landfill crisis

By John WATTS

NEW Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling requirements are coming into force.

From 1 July, most large food businesses will have to recycle their food waste, with the aim of diverting it from landfill.

The changes will also require all councils to provide household food waste recycling services from 2030.

“Without action, NSW is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030,” said Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment.

“Sending food waste and garden waste to be recycled makes sense, whichever way you look at it.

“We can all do our bit

to drive down emissions, reduce waste and create fantastic end products –including compost, energy production and animal feed, to name a few.”

Pat Burrows, President of the Gloucester Community Garden, which already has a significant composting program, welcomed the changes, but suggested that many local home owners would also benefit from composting their own organic waste or sending it to places such as the community garden.

“If someone has their own garden, composting all their own vegetable scraps is a great idea because it really does help to promote the growth of fruit and veggies and other plants,” said Ms Burrows.

“The community garden

GOLFING MILESTONE

By Wendy BUSWELL

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

EDITOR

02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au

We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions. You can also Subscribe, for FREE, and we will email you the Printed Edition Flipbook each week.

CLASSIFIEDS

Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Phone us : Phone line Open

9am - 3pm daily (exc public holidays) (02) 4981 8882

OUTLETS

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

Road funding fix needed for rural councils

RURAL residents are crying out for reliable roads, the state’s peak farming body has told an inquiry into local government funding and fiscal sustainability.

Last week, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport held hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree.

Also present were representatives from organisations such as Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe appeared

during the hearings, urging urgent reform to secure reliable funding for rural councils and critical local infrastructure.

“Councils in rural, regional and remote areas have an enormous network of roads and they need greater certainty to maintain them, which supports farm businesses and community safety,” Mr Lowe said.

“Roads are the sole connection for many rural communities and farms, but too many councils are being forced to ‘patch and pray’ with unreliable, project-based funding.”

called on the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to a minimum of one percent of total Commonwealth

tax revenue, providing a stable funding base for local government and a stronger foundation for local road maintenance.

At the same time, Mr Lowe said, there needed to be a pause on special variation rates (SVR) and greater scrutiny on these applications.

“Farm businesses cannot keep absorbing sudden, steep and cumulative rate rises as councils scramble to fill funding gaps due to cost shifting from state and federal governments,” Mr Lowe said.

“They need a fairer, more sustainable model that enables councils to have funding sustainability and effectively deliver for communities in the

New food recycling laws to avert landfill crisis

FROM Page 1

presently composts coffee grounds from a local café, sawdust from a woodworking factory, and leaves and grass from

the nearby Gloucester Olympic Pool.

“It would also be really good if the local restaurants chatted to us about sending us some of their veggie scraps.

“We put all the compost that we make onto our gardens which are growing beautifully.”

According to the MidCoast Council, a proposed new FOGO

regions, especially roads.

“It’s also critical that all landholders contribute equitably and fairly –increasing property acquisitions and land use changes from National Parks, state forestry, biodiversity offsets by mining companies and electricity generation companies are reducing rateable land which can leave the burden to fall on others, including farmers.”

Last week’s hearings featured a broad cross-section of regional stakeholders, including MidCoast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Dungog Shire and Maitland Shire councils.

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold welcomed the inquiry’s

processing facility near the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre will be able to process up to 146,000 tonnes of organic waste annually in its first stage and will support the Council’s compliance with the State Government mandate to deliver FOGO services to the community by 2030.

The proposal by

visit to Taree.

“This is an important federal inquiry and comes at a time when our local councils are weighed down by the replacement costs of flood ravaged infrastructure and community infrastructure such as roads and sporting fields that are coming to the end of life without the necessary fiscal autonomy to deliver,” she said.

“The problem with centralised decisionmaking in Canberra is that too often there is a disconnect between policy and the real outcomes that our regions actually need – it is critical that our voice is heard to help shape the Committee’s recommendations.”

a private company is presently being assessed as a State Significant Development.

More details concerning the FOGO changes are available in a NSW government produced booklet titled ‘NSW guide to best practice FOGO’ which can be accessed online via the EPA website.

Wastewater strategy adopted

MIDCOAST Council has adopted a revised On-site Wastewater Management Strategy, providing a framework for managing approximately 13,000 septic systems across the region.

The “Healthy Land, Healthy Water: MidCoast Council’s On-site Wastewater Management Strategy 2026-2031” outlines how Council will manage on-site wastewater systems, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas where poorly performing systems can impact public health, waterways, tourism, and oyster farming industries.

“This strategy gives us a clear and consistent framework to better manage wastewater systems across the MidCoast,” said Rachel Pleasant, MidCoast Council Executive Manager of Sustainable Development.

“It takes into consideration the feedback from our community and ensures we can identify higher-risk systems earlier, respond

effectively, and continue protecting our waterways, environment, and community.”

Council says the strategy will support Environmental Health Officers to prioritise inspections and target systems that require immediate attention, helping to prevent or significantly reduce pollution in ecologically and economically important areas.

The revised strategy was placed on public exhibition from Monday 9 February to 12 March 2026, with Council receiving 186 submissions from the community.

Feedback primarily focused on the proposed funding model, the risk framework, and perceived duplication with existing servicing arrangements.

Following consideration of community input, Council made changes to the draft strategy, including retaining the current flat service fee per system rather than introducing a risk-based fee model that would have varied

fees per property based on location.

Council says this approach maintains consistency for property owners while ensuring sufficient resources to deliver the program.

The strategy was formally adopted at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 29 April 2026 and will guide the next phase of Council’s on-site wastewater management program.

Caravan Park

Hebbys Bakery Yates & Twomey

Hannaford Stock & Land Real Estate

Barrington Barrington Shop

q The strategy provides a framework for managing approximately 13,000 septic systems.

Key council plans on public exhibition

MIDCOAST Council is now inviting community feedback on its Draft Delivery Program and Draft Operational Plan.

Mayor Claire Pontin said the draft budget and program had been developed to balance community needs with long-term financial sustainability.

“Council is increasingly being relied upon to deliver services and infrastructure that were traditionally the responsibility of other levels of government, while funding sources such as the Federal Assistance Grants have

declined over time,” Mayor Pontin said.

“We have been working hard to find savings and cut costs, but we simply cannot fund every project our community would like to see, so we need to make difficult decisions and trade-offs to ensure we remain financially sustainable.”

The draft 2026–27 budget includes total expenditure of $439 million, boosted substantially as a result of disaster recovery funding.

Improving the region’s extensive road network

remains a key priority with over $58 million allocated to road renewals and maintenance.

An additional amount of over $90 million is for natural disaster recovery works arising from the May 2025 floods, bringing the total amount allocated to roads in 2026-27 to almost $149 million.

“We know our community expects better road conditions, and we acknowledge that many of our roads currently do not meet those expectations,” the

Mayor said.

“For many decades, our road network has been underfunded, and we are not currently investing at the level required to keep pace with deterioration.

“While we cannot close the funding gap, we are directing as much funding as possible into roads by finding savings across other services.”

Key road initiatives include resealing, rehabilitation, heavy patching, drainage maintenance, and safety improvements such as updated line marking,

Front row seats to Writers' Festival

By Wendy BUSWELL

THE Sydney Writers’ Festival is a celebration of books, writing, and ideas that sparks conversation across Australia. Through the Live and Local program, the festival reaches far beyond Sydney.

It invites communities to experience the diverse program in libraries and community centres, offering regional Australia the opportunity to hear new ideas, stories and voices.

Since 2023, Arts Gloucester has streamed

the event at the Senior Citizen Centre, giving local audiences front-row access to conversations with leading novelists, poets, journalists, public intellectuals, economists, politicians, podcasters, and scientists as they explore the big questions shaping our world.

“The Sydney Writers’ Festival Live and Local program is for anyone who is curious about the world and eager to explore new perspectives,” said Jenny Lindsay, Arts Gloucester’s Live and Local coordinator.

“The discussions don’t

end when the talks do.

“Last year, attendees kept the conversations going during every break; it’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where ideas flow freely.”

This year’s streamed program features wideranging conversations, including interviews with renowned philosopher A.C. Grayling, celebrated chef Stephanie Alexander, bestselling Australian author Trent Dalton, and 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay.

“People are welcome to

drop in for a single session or stay for the entire program: it’s completely flexible.”

Live and Local audience members can even join the discussion, submitting questions to the panel via text and shaping the conversation in real time.

“Several attendees from previous Live and Local events have had their questions broadcast to the panel,” said Charlie Lethbridge, Arts Gloucester Administrator - underscoring the unique opportunity for local voices to be heard on the national stage.

signage, and guideposts.

Rates increase

Council will increase rates by 3.1 percent in line with the rate peg increase as set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Individual household rates are based on individual land values as set by the Valuer General.

The share of the 3.1 percent increase will vary from area to area.

Similar increases have been applied to fees and charges, which are services that are not funded from rates

income.

“We are all experiencing price hikes across a variety of goods and services,” said Mayor Pontin.

“Council’s operating costs have also risen significantly.

"That’s why it’s important that we act responsibly and apply the IPART rate peg increase.”

The Draft Delivery Program for 2025-2029 (revised 2026-27) and Draft Operational Plan for 2026–27 will be on public exhibition from 1 May to 4 June.

Sydney Writers’ Festival will live stream its headline events to Gloucester at the Senior Citizens Centre on Thursday 21, Friday 22,

Saturday 23, and Sunday 24 May,

Critical renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked

PROPOSED legislation currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly would allow the Energy Minister to identify the highest-priority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline and prioritise them for streamlining.

The NSW Government says it would result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth.

However, it also states the proposed law would not remove any environmental or community assessment

requirements, with developers still needing to meet all relevant planning, environmental and consultation obligations.

“Priority energy projects must demonstrate best practice in how they work with landholders and communities, particularly in regional NSW,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 will also support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline, ensuring councils and

communities hosting projects receive associated benefits.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable energy for heavy industries like the Tomago aluminium smelter, and to power economic growth across the state.

“This new legislation will mean infrastructure projects that are critical for manufacturing jobs, economic growth and energy affordability don’t get stuck in the queue,” she said.

“No matter where you live in this state, you will benefit

from us getting on with the job and delivering quality renewable projects as fast as we can.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “With a growing pipeline of energy projects ahead of us, we need a planning system that can support achieving our ambitious energy targets.

“These reforms will also make sure critical projects are not being delayed by objections from people thousands of kilometres away who will never be impacted by them – NSW locals should and will have the loudest voice.”

The move has been met

with discontent from sections of the agriculture industry, with NSW Farmers warning that rushing approvals will deepen community distress, entrench an unfair power imbalance between large developers and landholders, and generate more objections and conflict.

NSW Farmers Energy Taskforce chair Reg Kidd described the government’s new approvals plan as “reckless”.

“Farmers have not been given realistic timeframes to understand proposals and participate meaningfully, or object where necessary,” Mr

Kidd said.

“We've been working hard with EnergyCo and the government to improve engagement and get better consultation and we don't want to derail that process –these issues can’t be rushed.

“Under current arrangements, communities are often expected to respond to highly technical Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) within weeks.

“If this is fast-tracked even more, additional pressure will be put on timepoor landholders already distressed and stretched.”

Change to opening hours

REDUCED operating hours at the Stroud Customer Service Point and Library were adopted at MidCoast Council’s 29 April meeting.

The facility will now operate from Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm.

The move comes after a three month trial and a community feedback period open from Tuesday 27 January to Monday 2 March 2026.

The community was asked to complete a short survey to identify how the

reduced hours trial impacted library and customer service point users.

A total of 24 surveys were completed and one written submission was received.

“We heard clearly that the community’s main concern was the possibility of the customer service point and library closing altogether,” said Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Paul De Szell.

“This trial was always about finding a financially sustainable way to continue

offering services the community values.”

According to Council, feedback showed that most library users were able to access the service on alternative days, with minimal impact from the Monday and Friday closures.

Council notes the Stroud community also has access to a range of alternative services that complement those offered at the customer service point.

The Stroud Post Office operates Monday to Friday,

GOLFING MILESTONE

FROM Page 1

the hospital now standreflecting the town’s ongoing development.

As Gloucester continued to grow, club members decided to build a new course in 1924, securing more than 50 acres (20 hectares) of land at the southern end of the then links.

This new course was constructed primarily by the labour of the associates and was officially opened on 8 May, 1928.

By 1975, new housing developments in Gloucester began to encroach on the course, prompting members to seek a new location once again.

The club sold the

8.30am to 5pm, and accepts all Council payments.

Council’s call centre (02) 7955 7777 is also available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and call data shows this is the primary way Stroud residents have chosen to interact with Council.

For more information about the trial and to read the full community engagement outcomes report, head to https://haveyoursay. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/stroudlibrary-customer-serviceaccess-trial.

existing nine-hole course for $100,000 and purchased a 52.6-acre (21 hectares) dairy farm on Bucketts Way, establishing the club’s current home.

“The original course was designed with the provision for extending to 18-holes,” said Brian Osborne, Club greenkeeper from 1973-

Women

Airlift after motorcycle accident

AROUND 2:00pm on Thursday 7 May, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a motorcycle accident on the Bucketts Way near Gloucester.

A male in his 50s, who had suffered chest and shoulder injuries, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Trackwork on railway lines

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out maintenance and improvement works on the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail corridors this weekend to maintain safety and reliability.

The works will take place between: - Telarah in New South Wales to Acacia Ridge in Queensland from 5:00am

Saturday 16 May to 7:30pm Monday 18 May

- Hamilton to Turrawan in New South Wales from 3:00am Saturday 16 May to 3:00am Tuesday 19 May. The shutdown is part of ARTC’s annual maintenance program.

Work will be delivered across more than 180 sites on the North Coast and Hunter lines including rerailing,

bridge and structural upgrades, a level crossing upgrade at Casino and signalling works.

ARTC says its crews will minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, including positioning light towers to shine away from residences, watering down work areas and limiting the number of machines operating at any one time.

2014.

“But we are happy with the course the way it is.

“Current greenkeeper Anthony Ross is doing a standout job keeping the course in top condition.”

Bob Green designed the new course, with construction supported by the Regional Employment Development (RED) fund as well as the voluntary labour of club members and local businesses.

“There was considerable effort involved in shaping the land and the greens,” Brian recalled.

“We were fortunate to have the support of people like Harold Hampton, Robert Higgins, Fred Myers, and Bob Webeck, who devoted countless hours to creating the new course.”

Past president Jill Carsen noted that despite being only

nine holes, the golf course offers a genuine challenge.

“The course has bent greens, making approaches to the pin more demanding,” she said.

“The trees planted in 1975 have matured and are now a curse for golfers.”

Current President Peter Markey told News Of The Area, “The backbone of the club has always been its volunteers.”

Jenny Buckley added,

“We all share a love of golf.”

The Club changed its name to the Gloucester Country Club in 1975, and the course and clubhouse were officially opened on 19 June 1976.

The club has weathered its share of challenges, but as Peter Markey observes, “It’s a beautiful course, and we are evolving so the club can thrive for another 50 years.”

Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance in planning their journey. Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com.

ARTC is reminding

motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signage and to obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.

Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said, “The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting

the region’s economic supply chain and travel connections to communities in New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.

“The program of works is designed to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services, and ARTC would like to thank the Hunter Valley and North Coast communities for their patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”

Revitalised regional coach network unveiled

better connected and easier to use, matching service provision to community need.

A 36 percent funding increase across the NSW TrainLink coach network will lift total funding to $290 million over the next nine years.

From 1 July, 14 coach operators will run 49 routes across the NSW TrainLink coach network, delivering 638 long-distance services each week, up from the current 592 services across 45 routes.

On some routes, the changes will save passengers over two hours in travel time.

The majority of services will be operated by modern coaches featuring wheelchair accessibility, improved seating and seatbelts, mobile phone charging points, onboard defibrillators and toilets.

The new routes will service over 360 destinations across NSW and into Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said, “After listening to passengers, local operators and the NSW Bus Taskforce, we’ve reshaped the network to make services more reliable,

“Alongside the network review, we’ve overhauled our coach contracts, making wheelchair accessible coaches standard with better passenger amenities like improved air conditioning and toilets standard.”

Changes to NSW TrainLink coach services:

North West:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route creating an Armidale–North

Coast connection for the first time, with a train connection at Wauchope to Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• A new Armidale CBD stop for services to and from Tenterfield and Inverell. New CBD stop for Armidale for routes to and from Inverell and Tenterfield (routes 337 and 338, 327 and 328).

• A new day-return service between Tamworth and Newcastle (via coach and train).

• More services on the

Tamworth–Dubbo route. Additional Wednesday service between Dubbo and Tamworth for routes 361 and 362, which will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• New daily route 352 and 351 between Tamworth and Muswellbrook, for a day-return link to and from Newcastle via rail interchange at Muswellbrook.

North Coast:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route (creating an Armidale -

North Coast connection for the first time). A new route will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between Armidale and Port Macquarie and return, providing an Armidale to North Coast connection for the first time.

At Wauchope the coach connects with rail services giving access to and from Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• An enhanced Port Macquarie - Wauchope service enabling travel to

Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane (for the first time). Enhanced service between Port Macquarie and Wauchope, providing both northbound and southbound connections. This enables journeys from North Coast and Queensland centres such as Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the northern rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane to and from Port Macquarie for the first time.

• Additional TareeNewcastle services with new stops. Route 135 and 136 Broadmeadow to Taree and return will increase in frequency from Monday to Friday to daily. There will be additional stops at Taree Manning Street and Newcastle Interchange.

• Improved day and night services to and from Ballina, connecting with trains at Casino.

Forest industry future under review

By John WATTS

THE forestry industry has been a contested space in NSW for many years, with some supporting the continuation of native hardwood logging and others strongly opposing it.

The issue was brought into sharper focus recently with the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to create the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

The establishment of the GKNP will result in areas which are presently state forest, where logging is permissible, being converted into national park, where logging is prohibited.

Clearly wishing to find a way forward, the NSW Government is developing a Forestry Industry Action Plan (FIAP), which it has indicated will address the following issues:

- The sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW,

- The environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species,

- The community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail,

- The future of softwood and hardwood plantations

and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs,

- The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes,

- Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks, and

- Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.

As part of the development of its FIAP the government appointed a panel, titled The Independent Forestry Panel, to consult with various stakeholders and to then provide a report to the government about the various viewpoints.

In producing its report, the panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.

More than 1,700 submissions were received.

“Making this report available to the public is a key step toward modernising forestry in a way that protects biodiversity,” said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and Environment.

“Following the finalisation

of the Stakeholder Report, the panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report.

“This report will… identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs.”

This will be through:

- The NSW Government’s moratorium on logging in the proposed area for the Great Koala National Park,

- Changes to the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999 - Opportunities the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could offer state forestry reform, including potential revenue for the NSW Government.

The Panel’s Stakeholder Report is available online at nsw.gov.au by searching the “independent-forestry-panelstakeholder-report”.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

SBS, 5am (live) and 7.30pm (access all areas) Music fans turn their attention to Vienna this weekend as the Austrian capital hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. While die-hard devotees will likely catch the 5am (AEST) semi-final broadcasts live on Wednesday and Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s grand final, casual viewers are best advised to tune in for this access-all-areas pass. Aussie commentators Courtney Act and Danny Estrin present all of the action from the first semi-final tonight, while Saturday’s primetime broadcast includes a dazzling performance from pop powerhouse Delta Goodrem (pictured). Her entry, “Eclipse”, is a quintessential power ballad with an epic key change that’s tailor-made to take on the competition.

MONDAY

THE FLOOR

NBN, 7.30pm

FRIDAY, May 15

This say-what-you-see trivia game could be the easiest money on Australian TV. There’s no need to tough it out in the jungles of Samoa , spend months renovating a high-end home for or create fine-dining

MasterChef; simply perform well in a few 90-second quiz battles and a $200,000 prize could be yours. Even host Rodger Corser (pictured) appears to be on easy street – a computer screen handles the questions for him. In Monday’s secondseason finale, just eight contestants remain standing on the giant illuminated board. As they face off in both their own specialist subjects and those they’ve inherited from fallen rivals, all bets are off. It’s winner takes all.

TUESDAY

SHAUN MICALLEF’S GOING FOR BROKE

ABC TV, 8pm

In his 2020 docuseries

On the Sauce, teetotal comedian Shaun Micallef (pictured) tapped into Australia’s drinking culture, getting hands on with booze for the first time in 30 years. In this new three-parter, Micallef applies a similar approach to another national pastime: gambling. Its appeal is not something the comic has ever understood – he’s never even played the pokies – but with his young sons and their friends bombarded by gambling ads, he decides to take a closer look. Tuesday’s premiere begins with an afternoon of sports betting, before a game of two-up on Anzac Day and discovering how poker machines are programmed to cast a spell on players. For support, call Gambler’s Help (1800 858 858).

(PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Eurovision Song Contest. 7.30 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Clarence Slockee explores diverse foliage plants.

8.30 Patience. (Final, Mv) Patience and Frankie are held hostage.

9.20 Gruen. (PG, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

9.55 Urzila. (Mls, R)

10.20 ABC Late News.

10.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)

11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)

12.15 Love Me. (MA15+, R)

1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 The King. (MA15+s)

11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)

1.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 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. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Collingwood. From the SCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.

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

11.45 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

1.20 Quacks. (Mads)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

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

Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple’s house is too small. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R)

SATURDAY, May 16

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 Patience. (Final, Mv, R) 2.20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. (Final, R) 3.10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. (Final, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Sharon takes a shine to Kel’s best friend.

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

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

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+) Nikki conducts an unusual post-mortem. DNA evidence forces the team to seek advice from an unexpected quarter.

10.15 Bergerac. (Mv, R) Bergerac and Barney’s relationship reaches breaking point.

11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Room On The Broom. 3.55 Odd Squad. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. (Final) 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.45 Merlin. 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 11.00 Hot Roads: World’s Most Dangerous Roads. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

10.00 The Wonders Of Europe: Schonbrunn Palace. (PG, R) Looks at  Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace.

11.00 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R) Layton and Wilford vie for the upper hand.

1.40 The Kingdom. (Ma, R) Marc Fennell investigates Hillsong. 3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.10 Bamay: Murrumbidgee River – Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri And Ngarigo Country. (R)

5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. Shane Jacobson buys a rundown country pub sight unseen and attempts to bring it back to life.

8.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A climatologist tries to save his family after the planet is plunged into a sudden ice age. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum.

11.00 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R)

12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm.

9.40 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.00 MOVIE: City Of Lies. (2018, MA15+lv, R)

12.05 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Tasman Trails. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A bulldog has lost its spark. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to move or not. 8.30 Building The Dream. Architectural designer Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes that suit their lifestyles.

6.10am

SUNDAY, May 17

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Assembly. (PGa, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PGa, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (Final, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Dave Hughes. (PGa)

8.15 Bad Company. (PGn) Margie decides to become social media famous.

8.40 Bergerac. (Mal) Bergerac’s pursuit of Monica has severe consequences.

9.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

10.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)

12.15 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)

6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.15 Peter Rabbit. 2.30 Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Paddington. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 PJ Masks. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. (PG) Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

12.00 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021, Ml, R)

2.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.55 A Certain Mother. (PGan, R)

4.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.00 Vai. (2019, PG) 9.40 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 11.05 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 12.50pm Cat Call. (2023, M, Hungarian) 2.30 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 4.20 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.20 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 8.30 Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 10.35 The Sex Of The Angels. (2012, MA15+, Spanish) 12.35am Late Programs. 6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 9.20 Vai. (2019, PG) 11.00 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 12.55pm Close. Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.10 Sabrina. Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 10.30 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 1am Piece Of My 3.00 Late Programs.

(32)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls)

8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 Child Snatchers: A Day At The Fair. (MA15+a) Looks at the disappearance of seven-year-old Mark Tildesley.

10.50 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Malv, R)

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

1.15 Harry’s Practice. (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. 7.00 The Floor. (PG) 8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues

9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) It’s the start of around the world week.

MONDAY, May 18

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R)

9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav)

11.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 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. (PGl)

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention.

The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

(31)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am My

Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.25

Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 8.40 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.20 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 12.55pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 5.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 7.30 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 9.40 Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, May 19

R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (Final) 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 The Negotiator. (Premiere, Mal)

12.00 World On Fire. (Mav, R) 3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.10 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.55 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 10.55 UnIndian. (2015, M) 1pm Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 3.00 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 4.50 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.45 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 11.05 Late Programs.

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

Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGal)

Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30

$20 meals + $5 schooner WHAT’S ON Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm Sunday - Roast Lunch, Full menu also available BEHIND

WEDNESDAY, May 20

6.00

6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

SBS World News.

Alexander Armstrong In India. (PG)

The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M)

The Audacity. (M)

SBS World News Late. 11.00 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+asv) 12.05 Golden Boy. (MA15+ds, R) 1.55 Classified. (Malv, R) 3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv) A punishment proves too much.

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (PGal, R)

1.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (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.

Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)

(Mav, R)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

THURSDAY,

6am Hotel

Salvation. Continued. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.50 Ama

Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 8.25 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 10.10 Discovering Film. 11.05 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 1.20pm Sweet As. (2022, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 6.00 The 39 Steps. (1935, PG) 7.40 The Tracker. (2002, M) 9.30 Monster. (2023, M) 11.50 Late Programs.

May 21

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 4.05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (PGa)

8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr. (Ml, R)

9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. (M)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Under The Bridge. (Madl)

11.55 DNA. (Ma, R)

2.30 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

3.40 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

Morning Programs. 8.50 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 10.40 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.25pm Four’s A Crowd. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.15

The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 4.00 Ama

(2023, PG, French) 5.30 The Man Who Knew

(2015, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Eighth Grade. (2018, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGl)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl, R)

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGl) A car is found overloaded with bicycles.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. Hosted by Ant and Dec.

10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 11.30 To Be Advised. 12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Shirley Josephine MOY Late of Morpeth, formerly Dungog. Mother to Mick and Wayne. A Funeral will be held on Thurs 14th May at 1pm, at St James Anglican Church, Morpeth.

BEER brewing kit complete plus 250 bottles. $99. 6559 6656

On the Couch

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years?

Melissa W.

Dear Melissa,

I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response when I came to the number at the end of your conundrum. If any of us looked at the sum total of our

OPINION

time doing anything we would be stressed.

There is a wonderful short story by David Eagleman called 'Sum', a fictitious account of the afterlife where everything in a lifetime is grouped.

In the story, the narrator describes how the average person would spend thirty years asleep, experience 27 hours of intense pain in one hit, and 15 months looking for lost items, amongst other things.

The point I am making with this reference is that you cannot envisage the next 45 years of your working life in an office in isolation and remain sane.

You need to break your working life down into achievable chunks, for example: If you can get through the next two hours, Marie from sales and marketing will bring in a vanilla slice after her weekly bakery run. The sugar hit that releases will give you about 30 minutes of adrenaline and positivity. If you

can extend that to 45 minutes by adding a double-shot coffee, you will probably make it to the 2pm staff meeting where Julie from accounts will drone on about profit and loss stats for about half an hour.

If you can stretch the meeting to 3pm, there is every probability you will make it to knock-off time.

There is also absolutely no guarantee you will be in an office job for the next 45 years. In fact it is extremely unlikely.

Many people have up to seven career changes.

For all you know, in a decade from now you may have retrained to be a dietician or a paramedic or a spin class instructor.

In that final example, you will be so full of exerciseinduced dopamine that you'll be positively bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

So, Melissa, try to find the positives in your workday, when you leave work focus on enjoyable life activities that have nothing to

News Of The Area

do with being in the office, and, if you really do find your current job futile, I'd recommend looking at alternatives. You sound young enough to be in a position to do further education and training.

Dorin's Drawings

It would be a real shame if you looked back on your working life with regret.

Ask the real estate expert...

Is landscaping worth the cost?

In my experience, landscaping can absolutely be worth the investment, but only when it’s done with purpose and in line with your property’s price point. You don’t need to overspend, but you do need to create a space that feels welcoming, cared for and easy to enjoy.

A home that presents as barren can be much harder to sell than one with a neat, low maintenance and thoughtfully designed garden. That first impression really does matter. Defined pathways, tidy driveways and a cohesive layout give buyers that immediate “I can move straight in” feeling the moment they arrive. If your property includes a pool, clever landscaping can completely change how it’s perceived. Rather than a maintenance burden, it becomes a lifestyle feature. Think relaxed, private and resort-like. Buyers want to picture themselves enjoying it with family and friends, not worrying about upkeep.

The key is simplicity. Choose clean lines, hardy plants and low maintenance finishes. Today’s buyers are time poor and are drawn to outdoor spaces that look great without demanding constant attention.

Done right, landscaping doesn’t just improve appearance, it strengthens your property’s appeal and can make all the difference come sale time.

Email questions to: denise.haynes@eldersrealestate.com.au

Haynes 0414 725 482

Delicately poised

By Justin CHADWICK, AAP

NEWCASTLE Jets coach

Mark Milligan is urging his players to write their

name into the history books as the minor premiers look to seal an A-League Men grand final berth on home soil.

The two-legged semi-

final showdown between Sydney and Newcastle is delicately poised after they fought out a 1-1 draw at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

Sky Blues striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos opened the scoring in the 50th minute before Eli Adams equalised eight minutes later for Newcastle.

The Jets will start as warm favourites in the return leg at their home fortress of McDonald Jones Stadium next Saturday night.

Newcastle have the chance to complete the domestic treble this season, having already secured the Premiers Plate and the Australia Cup titles for the first time in the club's history.

If the Jets get the job done against Sydney on Saturday, the domestic treble will be within touching distance.

"These boys have been fortunate to create a lot of special moments this year, but that chapter's closed now," Milligan said.

"We have a chance to go and rewrite the history books, and that comes down to how hard we want to work this week and how much desire we have. It's in our hands."

A win over Sydney on Saturday will thrust the Jets into the grand final, where they would take on either Adelaide or Auckland.

That semi-final series is also on a knife's

edge after Adelaide and Auckland fought out a 1-1 draw in Auckland on Saturday.

Sydney were denied a late penalty shout against Newcastle, but coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who only replaced Ufuk Talay six games ago, was happy with the performance.

"It was probably our best performance since I've been here," Kisnorbo said.

"I'm very proud of the players."

Star Sydney winger Joe Lolley made an impressive cameo off the bench after being introduced in the 76th minute.

It marked the 33-yearold's first minutes since undergoing ankle surgery on a syndesmosis injury in early March, and Kisnorbo wasn't making any promises about potentially starting the former Nottingham Forest star in the second leg.

"I don't know. We'll have to see how he goes from tonight," Kisnorbo said.

"This was his first match for a long time, so we'll see how he recovers.

"He's been working hard to get fit as quick as possible... so I'm pleased that he got some minutes under his belt."

Gloucester Scorpions Soccer – Round 2

Howarth wins vets golf

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS a fine and pleasant Autumn day on Tuesday 5 May for the regular outing for the Gloucester Veteran Golfers with Karen Howarth playing well to turn in an excellent winning score. The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Ken Kelly. With a very impressive 41 points the win went to Karen Howarth. Runner up was Paul Griffiths 38, and he was followed by ball winners Chris Steele 37; Gai Falla and Tony Burnet 34, Carolyn Davies 33, Hugh Torode

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Hugh Torode while at the 6th and 15th holes it was Dale Rabbett and Derek Bardwell who were on target.

This past Tuesday, 12 May, the Gloucester Veterans were due to play an Individual Stableford sponsored by Debbie and Peter Sate. The following week, 18 to 22, May the Gloucester course will be hosting the Veterans Week of Golf, an annual highlight of the Gloucester Veterans calendar with Veteran Golfers turning up from all over the state.

By Trudy SCHULTZ

ANOTHER fantastic Saturday morning on the pitch for Gloucester Scorpions Soccer Club, with beautiful weather, great games and a wonderful atmosphere around the grounds. It has been fantastic to see so many players back enjoying their football, building confidence and supporting one another each week.

Mini Roos sponsored by Accommodation Gloucester had another great morning, with plenty of smiles on tiny faces as our youngest Scorpions continue to learn the game.

The improvement in confidence, ball skills and teamwork from week to week has been wonderful to watch, with lots of encouragement coming from coaches, parents and supporters on the sidelines.

Division 3 sponsored by LMD Building Services enjoyed another strong round, with players really beginning to settle into their teams and gain confidence on the field. There has been fantastic sportsmanship, great listening skills and some

excellent passages of play developing across the competition.

Division 2 sponsored by Loveys IGA Gloucester is shaping up to be a very competitive and exciting division this season. Teams are starting to gel, players are gaining confidence every game and there has already been some terrific teamwork, determination and skill on display.

Division 1 sponsored by Gloss-Ter Carwash is looking like it will be a fantastic competition this year, with strong play, great effort and plenty of talent across all teams. The intensity, teamwork and sportsmanship shown so far has been outstanding and we can’t wait to watch the season unfold.

A huge thank you to our coaches, managers, referees, volunteers, sponsors and families who help make each Saturday possible. Community sport simply doesn’t happen without the incredible support behind the scenes. We’re looking forward to another fantastic round next weekend.

Go the Scorpions!

Gloucester Study Hub opening soon

If you’re kickstarting a degree, retraining into a new industry or simply taking the first small step towards study, get in touch with us.

FREE STUDY

HUB + FACILITIES

Available 5am – Midnight for Registered TUC Gloucester students!

Andrews wins golf championship

By Peter WILDBLOOD

SATURDAY, 9 May, saw the third and final round of the Gloucester Golf Club’s Club Championships with Jamie Andrews finishing in steady form after a commanding lead established in the first round a week earlier.

The winner on the club championship was Jamie Andrews with a threeround gross score of 233 put together over the three rounds with scores of 75, 80 and 83. It was Jamie’s sixth championship. In B grade

the champion was Dave Saunders after a three-round total of 280. John Nicolson’s total three-round score of 297 earned him the title of C grade champion for 2026. Net winners in the three grades were Nathan McInnes 227, Brian Osborne 232 and Peter Markey 232.

The day’s event, an Individual Stroke, sponsored by Brendon Murray, was played on a cool fine day and with pin placements suitably tight. The winners were Nathan McInnes, 71, in A grade with Phil Bowden 73

running up in the grade. In B grade the winner was Dave Saunders 72 and the runner up was Matt Peters, 73. The winner in C grade was Paul Coote 71 and runner up Peter Markey, 77. Balls were won by Nathan McInnes and Paul Coote 71, Dave Saunders 72, Phil Bowden and Matt Peters 73, with the last balls to Brendon Murray, Simon Fox and Doug Blanch, 74.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Nathan McInnes in A grade, Brian Osborne in B grade and

Paul Coote in C grade. The three grades were also fully represented at the 6th and 15th holes by Roy Crichton, Matt Peters and Paul Coote.

The long drive trophies at the 8th and 17th were won by Jamie Andrews, Ryan Yates and Hayden Cornall.

The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 15 May was won by Dave Mann with 16 points; balls were won by Peter Markey 15 and Kev Arney 14.

This coming Saturday, 16 May, the Gloucester Golf Club will be hosting a Four

Croquet: Forster vs Gloucester

By Bev MURRAY

IT was Gloucester’s turn to travel this time, to host club Forster, for the second of our Mid North Coast Friendship days.

Games were 13 point (or first to 7) and play was handicapped.

While the overall score at the end of the day went Forster’s way, most game scores were reasonably close.

Gloucester Parkrun

By Carolyn DAVIES

THERE was evidence everywhere of the changing of the seasons at Gloucester's 257th parkrun last Saturday. Trees in the District Park were clothed in autumn colours, each surrounded by a carpet of strewn leaves. Winter sports were being played in Gloucester and around the district, drawing some of the regular locals away from the parkrun.

There were 53 finishers, with visitors from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Lake Cathie and Crescent Head, as well as some from Taree (with their run cancelled because of the Taste of Taree).

The first male finisher was local Dean Slight, with Kerri Hoffman the first female home.

Howard Cameron promised a personal best time for his 50th milestone and he delivered, with

By Trudy SCHULTZ

THE Gloucester Scorpions

Under-14s fought back from a second-half deficit to defeat the Cundletown Jets 3-1 in an entertaining clash today.

Cundletown has always proven to be a difficult side to contain over the years, and this match was no different.

The Jets started strongly, pushing deep into Gloucester’s half on several occasions, with only their finishing preventing an early lead.

Darcy Thomas also hitting a milestone of 25 runs.

There were a total of seven personal best times for the morning - ranging from those aged in their sprightly 70s to young 20s. Gina Dalmulder achieved her PB while also amusing the on-watching volunteers - by sneaking up on John Watts in the final stretch, with John then turning on some speed to make sure he was first to the line.

There were five joining the Gloucester parkrun for the first time, with Maleo Howden and Jasmin Eggimann chalking up their very first parkrun. 'Those hills were a bit of a surprise' was the comment from one first-timer who had checked out the course online beforehand (and found no evidence of hills!).

As usual, there were finishers at the other end of parkrun experience, with

The Scorpions gradually worked their way into the contest, creating opportunities of their own in a fast-paced, end-to-end game that kept spectators engaged throughout.

Much of Gloucester’s attacking play came through wingers Eli Soupidis and River Cowley, who worked tirelessly all match.

Gloucester began the second half with less intensity, allowing the Jets to capitalise and score nine minutes after the restart.

Nicole and Andrew Haigh from Newcastle running more than 450 parkruns each.

The event could not be run without a team of volunteers.

Gaylene McNeice was back in the role of timekeeper, after achieving her 100th run milestone.

Trudie Murray was handing out finish tokens with her usual smile, and also doubling up as photographer to capture the crowd photos

Alec Bruce, even after reducing his handicap (now on 8) still came away with a 7-5 win followed by 5-7. Bev Fagan, still on a handicap of 9, had 7-5 and 7-4 wins, while going down 4-7. Chris Sims found himself with an unlucky draw and having to play off minus 1, yet still managing to come away with 5-7 and 4-7.

Dianne Shanley and Denise Bruce, while playing off lower than their normal

at the start before people began to spread out along the course. Don Richardson happily chatted with the finishers as he scanned their tokens.

The tailwalker was Mandy Edlington from Lake Cathie, completing her first parkrun at Gloucester, and building up to her 100th volunteer milestone.

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 close-range effort from Matthew Ruyter, who was playing striker at the time, nearly brought the Scorpions level before several tactical changes helped Gloucester regain momentum.

Strong build-up play from centre back Max Dellsperger created plenty of opportunities for the Gloucester forwards, and it wasn’t long before Eli Soupidis found the equaliser. Soupidis then struck again to complete his brace and give the Scorpions the lead.

The following Saturday there will

handicaps, come away with a close game for Dianne, and Denise winning her game 7-6.

In doubles, again, while most of the games went Forster’s way, many were either 6-7 or 5-7.

A nice win for Dianne Shanley and Pam Howard, playing their first doubles together and Pam’s first competition game away, were able to celebrate with a 7-5 win. Well done girls!

Chris & Pam, Chris & Denise, Elaine Leech and

Dianne all had scores of 6-7; and Dianne & Denise, Dianne & Elaine, Alec & Denise and Carol Newitt & Elaine Leech all had 5-7 results. While it was an outright win for Forster, on game scores it was a close second for Gloucester. Well done!

All agreed it had been a most enjoyable day of friendship and competition. In the next of the Mid North Coast Competitions, we will next meet Port Macquarie. This is scheduled for 24th May and will be played in Taree.

Gloucester Lady Bowlers Report

By Jennifer BURLEY

WITH a Wednesday to spare between "serious" matches of Championships and Special events the Selectors gave the Ladies a challenge in accuracy and length, that being, the Jack to be rolled into the "ditch" with the idea of the bowls, when bowled, being closest to same and remaining out of the sand.The teams were also formed by each "girl" selecting a number for position,opposition and rink.

Before the matches started the monthly "Spider" was played with the winner being Jill Carson, congratulations Jill. Now to the hard part!! keeping the bowls out of the sand. One game of Triples :Kerrie Green,Di Pritchard and Bev Germon 27 defeated Gina Dalmulder,Julie Kriss and

The Jets pressed hard in the final 10 minutes but were repeatedly denied by Gloucester’s determined defence and midfield.

As the pressure eased late in the game, Rylan Potts sealed the result with Gloucester’s third goal.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support the team today.

The Scorpions will take on the Taree Wildcats next Saturday at Omaru Park, with kick-off at 9am.

Suzanne Cross 1. And Two games of Pairs:Judy Sheely and Bev Murray 27 defeated Paula Standen and Jill Carson 12. And, Jenny Burley and Helen Banks 13 defeated Ruth Redman and Jenny Stevens 11.Quite an interesting experience, not as easy as the exercise seemed. The draw for the Thelma Bolton Pairs for play next Wednesday 13th is: Jill Carson and Bev Murray versus Suzanne Cross and Bev Germon. Julie Kriss and Cheryl West versus Joy Hurworth and Judy Sheely.The Pairs of Ruth Redman and Val Pritchard and Jenny Burley and Di Pritchard both have a bye.

Congratulations to both Grade 3 and Grade 6 of the Open Pennant teams on their wins last Saturday 2nd, only two more weeks to go.

Nightingale soars

•

•

By Carolyn DAVIES

6 May, under bright Autumn skies.

The course was being watered in preparation for the Veterans Week of Golf and the pins were still in the challenging spots from the Men's Club Championship round on the weekend and the course got the better of most the players.

The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Susie Higgins and the Division 1 winner was Rhonda Nightingale, who finished with an outstanding 39 points.

Rhonda also won the Monthly Medal for the highest Stableford score of the day. Division 2 was won by Dorothea Betts, 32. Gai Falla also conquered the course, just missing out on a win, with a solid 38 points. Gai won a ball for her efforts, as did Carolyn Davies, 34, Margaret Dunn, 30 and Julie Paterson, 27.

Anne Wand won the Nearest-to-thePin trophy at the 4th and 13th holes, while Evelyn Blanch in Division 1, and Liane Markey, Division 2, were on target at the 6th and 15th holes.

On Wednesday, 13 May, the Gloucester Golf Ladies played a Canadian Foursomes sponsored by Liane Markey.

Next Wednesday, 20 May, there will be an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Gai Falla.

•

•