Gloucester District News Of The Area 18 FEBRUARY 2026

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GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

THIRD time’s a charm for Gloucester singersongwriter Jess Coombes who released her new single, The In Between, on Thursday, 12 February.

The In Between continues her focus on telling her stories of regional life through her country-pop style of music. Singer-songwriter, producer and video director Jake Davey cowrote the single which stemmed from Jess thinking about learning to slow down and focus on the present rather than always looking ahead.

“I had a bit of an idea around learning to look at the in between, rather than always looking forward,” she said.

“It’s about slowing down, living in the moment and appreciating the

REMEMBERING DAVE

By John WATTS

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

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

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

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

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

Bretti closure ‘a huge loss’

TOURISM Gloucester has described the permanent closure of the Bretti Campground due to dangerous flood damage as a huge loss for the area.

“Bretti wasn’t just a campground, it was part of our fabric,” the organisation shared after MidCoast Council confirmed the free site is now off limits.

“For many families, camping at Bretti was a generational tradition; parents bringing their kids, who later returned with their own.

“It was where holidays were made, stories were shared, and memories were built year after year.”

The association also noted that the reserve brought visitors to the town, which supported local businesses and services.

“It’s a blow to regional tourism, local businesses, and the sense of connection people have to the Gloucester area.

“This decision will be felt — not just by visitors, but by our entire community.”

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Bretti was a drawcard for YouTubers and Grey Nomads alike, who described it as “stunning” and a “special place”, although its popularity

often meant it was packed on weekends and holidays.

The reserve, on Thunderbolts Way about 25kms north of Gloucester, sustained extensive damage in the 2025 floods.

The floods also claimed the life of a Sydney man aged in his 70s.

Witnesses say he was hit by a wall of water as he was towing his camper over a crossing.

His SUV and the camper were later recovered but his body has not been found.

A report on the incident was forwarded to the NSW Coroner in December.

Council has provided alternatives for campers planning to visit Gloucester over the Easter to Anzac Day period.

Copeland Camping Reserve is a free alternative and spots can be booked at the Barrington Reserve.

Gloryvale Reserve is open, however the campgrounds still remain closed due to flood damage.

More information can be found by searching “Outdoor Facilities” on the MidCoast Council website.

Gloucester muso launches new single

FROM Page 1

simple things like driving down a dirt road, looking at sunsets.”

Jess, who was born and bred in Gloucester and grew up on a property, said writing her own songs was important to sharing the stories of regional life.

“Country music and the storytelling side is what has always drawn me to it,” Jess said.

“It’s made me want to write my own songs and get my own stories out there.”

Jake produced the single, playing all instruments on the track, with Rhys Zacher on drums.

The new release comes immediately after a successful Tamworth Country Music Festival for Jess who was a TMFM Discovered finalist and also follows the release of two original singles in 2024 and 2025 - Small Town

Life and Found Our Way - as she continues to build her music career.

“I’m at the stage where I want to grow my audience and get more listeners, and radio play is a big part of that,” she said.

“I’d love to get on more stages and play more shows and festivals.

“There are two more singles coming this year, so it’s about keeping things moving.”

Grant to ‘Remember the Deeds’

GLOUCESTER RSL sub-Branch has received a grant for its Remember the Deeds project.

The $1,450 will be used on cabinets to contain military memorabilia and stories from WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War. It’s one of three Upper Hunter subBranches to secure funding through the NSW Government’s Veteran Community Grants Program.

Gresford and Dungog were also successful in receiving a share of the $112,000 supporting veterans-related programs across the state.

Bucketts

Club Gloucester

Lovey's IGA

R & R Property

Gloucester Library

Gloucester Caravan Park

Hebbys Bakery

Yates & Twomey

Hannaford

Formerly known as the Anzac Community Grants Program, the 2025 round of the VCGP was the first delivered under a refreshed program design.

There is now more emphasis on funding projects that enhance veteran wellbeing, support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.

Region continues on ecotourism journey

MIDCOAST Council is celebrating one year of ECO Destination Certification for the Barrington Coast, as awarded by Ecotourism Australia.

The region is renowned for its exceptional natural assets, including the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops and the Ramsar-listed wetlands of the Myall Lakes.

The landscapes in the region continue to attract visitors seeking authentic,

immersive nature experiences.

Over the past year, MidCoast Council has sponsored three local businesses to achieve ECO Certification - The Steps Barrington & Barrington Bike Park, Waukivory Estate and Forster Dive Centrewho join Myall River Camp and Wandha Myall Lakes as the region’s five Eco Certified businesses.

MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin said the ECO Destination

Certification remains a proud achievement.

“The anniversary recognises both achievement and continued momentum, with Council working closely with industry, operators and community to protect the region’s natural and cultural assets while enhancing experiences for locals and visitors alike.”

The Barrington Coast is one of five destinations in NSW to hold the certification, and one of 15

destinations nationally.

Certification involves assessment against more than 90 criteria across key areas including destination management, environment and climate, culture and tradition, and social wellbeing.

MidCoast Council will invite expressions of interest later in the year from tourism operators seeking to undertake the Strive 4 Sustainability or Eco Certification program for their business.

Workshop to explore flood response

FOLLOWING the significant impacts of the May 2025 weather event, MidCoast Council is hosting a “Community and Service Hubs Workshop” facilitated by the Australian Red Cross.

“Following large scale events like the May 2025 floods it is important for the organisations that responded to unpack and workshop the experience to identify improvements for future events,” MidCoast Council said in a statement.

“MidCoast Council invites all those responsible groups to come together to discuss how the situation unfolded, reflect on the incredible efforts, learn what worked well and strengthen future responses.

“Those insights are invaluable when it comes to planning for future events.”

The workshop –Reflecting, Learning and Strengthening Future Recovery - will be held on Thursday 19 March from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Yalawanyi Ganya, Council Chambers, 2 Biripi Way, Taree.

The workshop is relevant to all community groups and organisations that established hubs, provided financial or material assistance or extended services in response to the floods.

The workshop will provide a constructive space to share experiences, identify what worked well and explore what could be improved from supporting volunteers and managing donations to communicating clearly to avoid duplication of efforts.

“There will also be a focus on future events on how we can all work better together through clear

communication, strong coordination and shared preparedness.”

Register by 13 March at

www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ community-and-servicehubs-workshop

Enquiries can be made

at

Odwyer@midcoast.nsw.gov. au or 0418 769 494.

Extra public holiday for NSW

By Cosette DE LORENZO

AN additional public holiday has been announced for NSW this year.

It falls on the Monday following Anzac Day, 25 April, which falls on a weekend.

“Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn on Anzac Day to commemorate and remember those who have served,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said.

“The additional holiday on Monday does not replace

Anzac Day on 25 April.

“Instead, it reinforces its importance and significance as well as making it consistent with other major public holidays.”

Substitute public holidays are already used for other key dates such as

Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when those dates fall on weekends.

However, not everyone welcomes the move.

Concerns have been raised that introducing an extra day off risks shifting focus away from the

symbolic significance of the day.

“Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“If anything, it is a

reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on to the next generation.”

On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition

AN updated MidCoast Council strategy guiding how on-site wastewater systems are managed across the region is now on public exhibition.

The draft 2026–2031 On-site Wastewater Management Strategy is on public exhibition until Thursday 12 March, setting out a proactive, risk-based approach to regulating around 13,000 septic systems across the MidCoast.

Under the strategy, Council will roll out a revised region-wide program to inspect all registered septic systems over the next five years.

High-risk systems will be prioritised and inspected annually, particularly in environmentally sensitive oyster aquaculture areas.

The strategy also restructures compliance and service fees, replacing the current model with one that links costs to services delivered.

Owners of very high-risk systems are proposed to be charged $380 annually.

Council says this reflects the need for annual inspection and ongoing compliance management.

Recycling habits improving

EACH year MidCoast Council conducts a visual inspection of a select number of recycling bins across the LGA.

This project is intended to provide residents directly with education about how they are doing with sorting their recycling.

This year 726 bins were inspected across Tea Gardens, Forster, Tuncurry, Harrington and Taree.

After a bin is inspected a tag is placed on the bin, rating the residents' recycling efforts from one to five stars.

Following the inspections, Council announced that Taree residents were the standout recyclers, with over 60 percent of recycling bins rated a perfect five stars.

Common mistakes that were observed during the inspection program included the following items that do not belong in the yellow lidded bin:

• Soft Plastics

• Garden pots

• Buckets, toys and clothing

• Coffee cups and long life milk containers

Batteries and gas cannisters were also highlighted as an issue as they pose a significant fire hazard and jeopardise waste collections teams’ safety.

These items must be taken to community recycling centres or other safe battery collection points.

REMEMBERING DAVE

FROM Page 1

celebrate the wonderful diversity of Gloucester, and I can say that festival-goers will be in for a wonderful

surprise, but I can say no more,” Dave told NOTA in May last year.

Dave later let slip that part of the festival was to involve him riding down Gloucester’s

main street in the same glittering silver stiletto that was part of the closing ceremony for the Sydney Olympics, and a prop for the stage version of “Priscilla,

All other system owners would contribute $76 per year.

The fees may be reviewed in future years to reflect changes in service delivery costs and regulatory requirements once the strategy is adopted.

Fees are collected to support proactive inspections, reports, follow-up compliance support, replacement of and education to help owners better maintain their systems.

MidCoast Council’s Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant, said

the strategy strikes an important balance between environmental protection, public health and equity for property owners.

“This strategy is about moving to a more equitable and transparent regulatory approach of managing septic systems across the MidCoast,” Ms Pleasant said.

“Property owners will be able to clearly see what they are paying for, high-risk systems will receive the attention they need, and Council will be better equipped to protect our waterways and community health.”

Elderly targeted in carpark fraud

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast.

Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including several suburbs across Sydney.

Queen of the Desert”.

Due to Dave’s death, the organisers who had been working with him decided that it was necessary to scale back his plans a little and hold a picnic in Billabong Park instead.

The picnic, held on Saturday, celebrated both Dave’s life and also his dream that a time would come when no child or young adult would be picked on because of their sexuality, and that bullying and non-acceptance towards the LGBTQIA+ community would cease to exist.

“It was clear from this event (the picnic) how much love the community had for Dave and we know he would have been watching over them with pride today,” said Tamworth Pride on Facebook, which supported the event.

“From little things big things grow and we can’t wait to attend their next event in 2027.”

According to the organisers the picnic was a lovely evening full of great stories and laughter.

Although there was no parade as planned by Dave, the giant stiletto was still the centrepiece of the evening.

Investigators were told two men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims inside shopping centre carparks, between Saturday 3 and Wednesday 7 January 2026.

“One of the men would allegedly approach the victims, claiming there is an issue with their vehicle before asking them to raise the bonnet and inspect,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle.”

Following extensive inquiries, about 12.20pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers attended a service station on Manning River Drive, Glenthorne, where they arrested two men, aged 37 and 57.

They were both taken to Taree Police Station, where they were charged with 72 offences each, relating to alleged fraud, theft, and “enter vehicle without consent".

Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on

Thursday 8 January 2026, where they were formally refused bail and remain before the courts.

Investigations under Strike Force Pitstop have continued, with further alleged offences identified in Medowie, Tuncurry, Waratah, Wyong, Gundagai, Mount Warrigal and Sydney.

Police believe the men arrived in Australia on Sunday 28 December 2025, when they allegedly made false representations on passenger cards and Visa applications.

The men, who appeared before Parramatta Local Court this week, are now charged with a total of 89 offences each.

As inquiries continue, police continue to appeal for information about two other men they wish to speak with; however, police believe the men may now be offshore.

The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of solid build, depicted wearing a white with black checkered long sleeve shirt, black shorts, sunglasses, and a black hat with a white graphic on front.

The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of medium build, depicted wearing a white sleeve shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white bottoms, a blue face mask, a black hat with a white graphic on front.

Anyone who may recognise these men or has information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026

NSW Volunteer of the Year

Awards are now open, with family, friends and workmates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.

The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.

According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.

“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.

“Now more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering - and that’s what these awards are all about.”

The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year was Molly Croft, who was recognised for her work raising awareness and funding for young people with cancer.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have my life changed by volunteers, and so every time I get to give back and try and make a difference, I feel very honoured to do so," she said.

“Recognising their work and celebrating the work of volunteers is worth so much, and that’s what the awards achieve.”

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our communities.

“Our state would not be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day," she said.

“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.

“The NSW Volunteer

of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.

“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”

The Emergency Volunteer

of the Year Award category is supported by the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.

“Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked, and without expecting recognition," Minister Dib said.

“Whether it’s responding to floods, fires or storms, these volunteers drop everything to keep people safe, often missing out on time with their own families.

“If someone in your life gives their time as an emergency volunteer, I’d

COST OF LIVING ASSISTANCE

encourage you to nominate them and show them that their time and service matters.”

Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at https://www.volunteering. com.au/awards/about-theawards/.

Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population

NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years.

The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand.

Between December 2023 and December 2025, the remand population increased by 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) to a record 6,081.

As a result, people on remand now make up 46 percent of the adult prison population, the highest proportion ever recorded.

“If current trends continue, people on remand will account for half the

prison population within the next two years,” said Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of BOCSAR.

Domestic violence offences account for a third of NSW remand population

“About half of the growth in the remand population over the past two years is due to an increase in domestic violence defendants being held in custody prior to their court date,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“The number of people on remand for a domestic violence offence rose by 483 people, or 33 percent, to 1,943 in December 2025.

“One in three adults on remand is now being detained in relation to a domestic violence offence.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the increase reflects long-running growth in

domestic violence charges laid by NSW Police, combined with changes in bail outcomes.

“Domestic violence legal actions have increased by around 50 percent since 2019.

“More charges mean more people coming before the courts and more people subject to a bail decision,” she said.

“In addition, bail refusal rates for domestic violence offences have increased recently.

"Between 2023 and 2025, the domestic violence bail refusal rate rose from 17.5 percent to 19.4 percent, further contributing to the growth in the remand population.”

Record high in Aboriginal incarceration December 2025 also

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week.

Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue.

During the operation, police conducted 9,126 drug tests with 604 people returning positive samples and conducted more than 121,000 breath tests with 167 drink driving offences detected.

While the operation focused on detecting drivers operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, the high-visibility operation saw police across the state issue more than 6,500 traffic infringement notices, including 1,695 for speedrelated offences, 267 for mobile phone use, and 77 restraint-related offences.

Three people lost their lives on NSW roads.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the focus on targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue doesn’t end with the conclusion of this operation.

“While Operation RAID has wrapped up, police continue to have a highly visible presence on our roads.

“Too many lives have been shattered because someone thought they were fine to drive when they weren’t.

“Too much of what happens on our roads is preventable.

“Police are out there every day, but they can’t be everywhere – we need drivers to make better, safer choices – for themselves, their passengers and everyone else.”

Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, said disappointingly, drivers continued to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs and too much alcohol.

marked a new record in the number of Aboriginal adults in custody, which reached 4,452 people.

Aboriginal adults now make up a record 34 percent of the NSW prison population, despite representing only three percent of the general population.

“The incarceration rate for Aboriginal adults is now an alarming 15 times higher than for non-Aboriginal adults,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“In December 2025, around one in 25 Aboriginal men living in NSW was in prison.

“These record numbers show that we are still not seeing the reductions needed to address Aboriginal overrepresentation in custody or to meet Closing the Gap targets.

“This remains one of

the most persistent and pressing challenges facing the criminal justice system.”

Remand, DV and Indigenous prison populations hit new highs in NSW

In December 2025, the adult custody population was 13,133 (12,275 men and 858 women).

The overall prison population remains below pre-pandemic levels –502 fewer people than in December 2019 when the population was 13,635.

Despite this, December 2025 recorded new highs for several cohorts, including:

• Remand population: Reached a record 6,081 people, an increase of 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) since December 2023.

• Domestic violence offenders: Reached a record

3,565 people in December 2025, up 24 percent from 2,878 in December 2023.

Of those in custody for a domestic violence offence in December 2025, 54.5 percent were on remand (1,943 people), up 33 percent from 1,460 in December 2023.

• Aboriginal adults in custody: Reached a record 4,452 people in December 2025, representing 33.9 percent of the adult prison population - the highest number and proportion on record.

Between December 2023 and December 2025, Aboriginal adults in custody increased by 681 people (up 18.1 percent), compared with an increase of 343 people (up 4.1 percent) among non-Aboriginal adults.

“People affected by drugs, alcohol and fatigue are some of the most dangerous behaviours we see on our roads because all of them slows reactions, impair judgement and puts every road user at risk,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Drug use by those driving vehicles is particularly concerning as data indicates that 24 percent of fatalities on NSW roads involve the presence of illicit substances.

“Last year, there were over 28,000 positive roadside drug indications with police conducting over 215,000 random drug tests.

“Drivers need to understand that when they consume any illicit drug, the chances of being involved in a fatal crash increase.

“Unfortunately, police consistently see a high number of roadside drug test detections, often combined with alcohol or high speeds, during each traffic operation, which is why officers will continue to run enforcement activity to deter dangerous driving behaviour.”

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state.

Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites.

DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations, with just two approved pyrethroid miticide active ingredients available in Australia - flumethrin and tau-fluvalinate (sold as Bayvarol and Apistan).

“The resistant mites were collected from Northern NSW flumethrintreated bee colonies where the mid-treatment inspection revealed poor treatment efficacy in the hives and dead colonies,” Ms Frost said.

DPIRD Senior Bee Biosecurity Officer, Rod Bourke, said best practice mite management is now more important than ever for beekeepers managing hives with Varroa.

“Beekeepers can use the Varroa management tool,

rotate chemical modes of action (MOA) and follow the label and permit conditions,” Mr Bourke said.

“Check mite loads two to three weeks after treatments have been added and when removed so you can monitor treatment efficacy and the risk of pyrethroid resistant mites in your apiaries or region.

“If a product does not appear to work, you may need to try the next suitable miticide with a different MOA otherwise mites will harm the colony further.

“Pyrethroid-based miticides remain an important part of integrated pest management for Varroa mite and avoiding back-to-back treatments with pyrethroids is critical in preserving their effectiveness.”

If beekeepers suspect treatments are failing, they can call the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

NSW DPIRD staff will work with beekeepers to assess the situation and assist in screening mites for resistance, if needed.

Screening has also shown the pyrethroid resistant mites carried endemic viruses already established in Australia with no exotic viruses.

Testing to date indicates that the resistance is unlikely to be associated with a new Varroa mite incursion.

Distribution of resistant mites is likely to be isolated to a small area at this stage and bee biosecurity officers are surveying Varroa mites across NSW to get a better idea of the distribution of resistant mites.

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION

TEN, 7.30pm

Blindsides don’t come much more epic than when producers of this enduring reality series unexpectedly replaced long-time host Jonathan LaPaglia with former winner David Genat (above). It was a power move that no one saw coming, and sets the scene for another unpredictable season of strategic gameplay in the Samoan jungle. Fellow fan favourites Brooke Jowett, Harry Hills, Simon Mee and Mark Warnock also return to compete against a fresh batch of 20 ambitious newcomers.

FRIDAY, February 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (M) Professor T investigates when a bride is found dead on her wedding night floating in the hotel swimming pool.

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

9.45 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mv, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Final) 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

TUESDAY

AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST CONMAN?

SBS, 8.35pm

This two-part documentary has all the hallmarks of an espionage blockbuster: helicopters, parachutes, politicians and even the CIA. However, the man of mystery at its centre is no Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt – rather, John Friedrich was an everyday engineer. After building the Victorian branch of the National Safety Council into an advanced civilian search and rescue operation, the ambitious and charming Friedrich rose to the upper echelons of Australian society – before a spectacular fall from grace. Over two nights, intrepid investigator Marc Fennell (right) sets out to discover the truth behind the fraudster and the enormous anomalies left in his wake. You couldn’t make this up.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (Return) 8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. (R)

9.35 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R)

11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+s, R)

1.40 The Lesson. (Mals, R)

4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

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

THURSDAY

GRAND DESIGNS TRANSFORMATIONS

ABC TV, 8pm

There’s very few among us who hear the words “flatpack furniture” and don’t groan. Albeit cost-effective, the so-called solution is synonymous with frustration, arguments and losing an entire weekend to a “one-hour” task. That makes Tasmanian couple Richard and Alice’s (pictured) passion project all the more impressive. The pair have come into possession of a 140-year-old glasshouse that was shipped to Australia from the UK as a DIY kit in the late 1800s. They’re hoping to rebuild its delicate timber framework piece by piece – without the original instructions. Host and architecture professor Anthony Burke keeps an eye on the process, which involves hand-cutting 500 panes of glass to complete the puzzle.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Charlie Albone fixes a shady corner in the garden.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) When a man with no connection to Marlow is found dead, Judith, Becks and Suzie investigate.

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

12.15 GetOn Extra.

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 14 – Night. Coverage includes men’s biathlon and women’s curling, ski cross qualifiers and final. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s curling and 1500m speed skating final and men’s 15km biathlon and ice hockey.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Overnight. Coverage includes men’s ice hockey and curling and two-woman bobsledding heats.

6.00 10 News+.

6.30

SATURDAY, February 21

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa) Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mv) When an online PTA meeting at Causton Grammar ends in murder, Barnaby and Winter head back to school to learn the deadly antics in the lives of pupils, teachers and parents alike.

10.05 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.

10.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Premiere)

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PGa, R)

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Outlander. (Msv, R)

1.40 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.35 Barkley Manor. (PGa, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Pre-race and race.

9.30 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021, Mv, R) The true meaning of family gets tested like never before when Dom and the crew search for a cyberterrorist. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena.

12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Highlights.

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Night. Coverage includes men’s four-man bobsleigh, ski cross qualifiers and finals and mixed team aerials and ski mountaineering relay.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes mixed ski mountaineering relay, men’s and women’s mass start speed skating and women’s biathlon.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Overnight.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Jules loves his inner city beach bungalow, whereas Erin wants space and is keen to search for it.

8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ms, R) Graham Norton is joined by Chris Pratt, Cynthia Erivo, Dawn French, Rob Beckett and Jack Savoretti.

9.50 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+l, R) Ghostface resurfaces in New York City. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega. 12.10 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am The Third Man. (1949) 8.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, Cantonese) 12.30pm Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, Cantonese) 2.35 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Discovering Film. 5.05 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 6.35 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 8.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, February 22

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The novice handlers face two stock-handling tasks.

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Spike goes missing.

9.00 This England. (Mal) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting up a temporary hospital in East London.

9.50 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R)

10.50 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)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Colosseum With Dan Snow. (Premiere)

9.20 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) Looks at the empire built by Alexander the Great. 11.15 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. (Mans, R)

2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)

3.30 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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6am The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.35 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 8.05 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 10.00 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 12.30pm Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, M, German) 3.00 5.00 Princess Caraboo. And God Created Woman. (1956, Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 2am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PG)

8.40 Murder On A Cruise. (Mav) Looks at Micki Kanesaki, who vanished during a Mediterranean cruise with her ex-husband in 2006.

10.40 The Hunters. (Mav, R)

12.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Highlights.

1.10 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) Love is in the air at the commitment ceremony.

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Night.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Post Midnight.

3.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)

4.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

Today Early News.

Today.

6.00

MONDAY, February 23

Watch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R)

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)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Mals)

11.30 Vigil. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Malv, R)

3.40 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. (Premiere) 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. (Return) 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Princess

Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.55 Discovering Film. 8.55 And God Created Woman. (1956, French) 10.35 Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 12.40pm Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 2.50 The Movie Show. (Final) 3.25 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.55 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 6.50 The 39 Steps. (1935) 8.30 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 10.25 Amadeus. (1984, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, February 24

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.20 Smother. (Mals, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

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

8.35 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (Premiere, Ml)

9.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? (Ma, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

12.00 Syndrome E. (Malv, R) 2.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 3.00 My Name Is Reeva. (Mav, R) 3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

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

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

9.00 9-1-1. (Madv) Athena revisits a painful part of her past while responding to a call. Buck coaches Harry as he prepares for the firefighter CPAT test.

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

12.00 Conviction. (MA15+a, 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)

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. Replay.

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Hello SA. (PG)

TV Shop:

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Mav) Amy and Gina, with an assist from Jake, team up to help a victim of domestic abuse.

10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is seriously injured after his car left the road.

11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals)

12.10 Childhood’s End. (Mav)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

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6am The Movie Show. 6.35 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 8.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 10.15 The Te$t. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 Casablanca. (1942, PG)

5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 The Peacock. (2023, M) 12.55am Traffic. (2000, MA15+) 3.35 Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 5.45 The Movie Show.

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

and

WEDNESDAY, February 25

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Killer Mega Shark. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (PGsv, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Saving Yellowstone. 8.30 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (PGal)

9.30 Trespasses. (MA15+l)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Face To Face. (Ma, R)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R)

3.25 My Name Is Reeva. (Ma, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 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

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie

Show. 6.20 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.00 Discovering Film. 10.00 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.45 Amadeus. (1984, M) 2.40pm A King In New York. (1957, PG) 4.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 6.15 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 8.30 Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 10.40 One Cut Of The Dead. (2017, MA15+, Japanese) 12.25am The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.50 Late Programs. 5.50 Boychoir. (2014, PG)

THURSDAY, February 26

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered.

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

9.20 A Spy Among Friends.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

11.50 The Hollow. (Malv, R)

1.50 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.45 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 10.00 The Peacock. (2023, M) 11.55 The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.15pm Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 4.50 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 1.10am Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 3.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)

8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver is caught racing through a stop sign.

9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+a) The investigation reveals a first drug exportation.

10.00 Air Crash Investigations: A Perfect Storm. (PGa)

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.40 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

7MATE (64)

The Chase Australia. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. Leah comforts Lacey.

8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The simple life of an English bookshop owner changes after a celebrity enters his shop. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts.

11.05 To Be Advised.

12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy, Beth and Colette get involved in a faceoff.

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 MOVIE: I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not. (2025, MA15+aadl)

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.10 Great Australian Detour. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Mdl) Follows the activities of police units. 8.30 To Be Advised. 10.30

MOVIE: Dentist On The Job. (1961, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.40 Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

SMART

‘A Merchant Meet Up’

Looking for all Merchant descendants Of Richard and Elizabeth Merchant (1800-1860’s).

Over 20 yrs of exhaustive research have been done by Denise Merchant Overton, both vols of her book will be available on the day. Come and add yourself, your branch to the family tree or just meet and cement a relationship with new-found relatives.

Bring photos to share plus any anecdotes passed down by your ancestors. It will be fun and informative. For a small donation there will be a historical walk around the lovely town of Paterson by Dr. Cameron Archer AM, author of many books on the region.

When: Saturday 21st February 2026

Where: John Tucker Park, Paterson NSW 2421 Time: 12pm-3pm and then 7pm an evening meal at the Paterson Tavern, Paterson.

For more details contact Sharan Fergie 0401888063 or email neilandsharan@fergiefamily.com

AGM NOTICE

The Annual General Meeting of Gloucester Sports Committee Inc will be held at Gloucester Bowling & Recreation Club on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, commencing at 6.30pm.

All club representatives and other interested persons are invited to attend.

TOYOTA Corolla, late model, low km,s Ph 0408 647 997 Wanted to Buy

Sale

COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898

COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485 F121125

CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619

COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713

COLLECTION of frogs approx. 60 pieces, all sizes. $50. 0457193 071

DOUBLE Pine Bed w/good mattress. $100 4982 0063

PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono 0498 176 876

SPALDING tennis racquet with cover. $20 0457 193 071

STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190

SWIMMING pool magnesium salt 25kg bag $90. Ph 0477 587 881 newsofthearea.com.au

COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466 F190625

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558

WHEELCHAIR electric Shoprider VGC, easy to use new batteries can deliver. $950 0418 430 643

JACKAROO, 1999 Diesel 3lt, reg 11/26 GC, new major parts fitted inc tyres, still blows smoke when running $1,000+. DK28EY. Ph 0456 448 236 or 55 Skye Rd Barrington.

$7500 Medowie 4982 9942

Avan Aspire 499 Caravan, TW-1270kg easy tow, DBL bed combo shower toilet air cond, diesel heater Smart TV, solar, gas elect, 12V appliances new awning, grey water tank, tool boxes front & rear, rego 6/26, very tidy well maintained, worth a look. $28,990.

OPINION

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

My wife recently picked every green mango off our tree because she was worried about possums and bats.

Now we have green mangoes all over the house and they don't seem to be ripening.

Has she made a fatal mistake?

George F.

Dear George,

Since I'm not a mango expert, I was tempted to type your query into AI, but then, on pondering that decision,

I felt confident that AI would drip feed me an overlyenthusiastic answer that, at best, would give me no real clarity, and, at worst, would be erroneous, incorrect through omission, and/or provide ghost citations (for example: The Grower's Guide to Magnificent Mangoes: Science Indirect).

The response would also use the same amount of water it would take to water an actual mango tree and similarly drip feed it in that aggravating peoplepleasing manner that AI has adopted to make mere mortals feel special.

I imagine it would go something like, 'So, George, you're growing your own fruit. Good for you. Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A.

You are right to be concerned that your wife has prematurely picked

News Of The Area

your mangoes, but there may be no cause for alarm.

Are the mangoes hard?

If you give me some more information, I may be able to offer some solutions.'

This conversation could go on ad finitum because AI starts off helpful, and ends up clingy.

Soon, what was a simple question has more segues than a Seinfeld episode.

Not only are you getting tips for growing mangoes, but you're being offered a three-week mango cleanse diet, a daily itinerary for a round-the-word mango expedition, 32 things to do with mango skins, and potentially relationship counselling (and you have now used enough water for a mango orchard).

Instead, George, let me offer you some casual mango tips (learned the old-fashioned way i.e. trial,

error, and a local hobby farmer).

1. It is actually okay to pick mangoes when they are green - a good tip is to look at the colour of the stalk. If it's yellow, then go for it.

2. Mangoes will ripen at room temperature in their own good time, but you can hurry the process along by putting them in a brown paper bag (the bag traps an odorless gas called ethylene which speeds up the ripening process).

3. Once one mango starts to ripen, they will all join in, like some weird, sweet-smelling flash mob.

4. Now you have a new problem i.e. what to do with 75 ripe mangoes. Let me come back to you on that one.

$1 million for biocontrol research

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.

Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, selfsustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool.

Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture industries close to $4.9 billion each year through crop loss and weed-management costs.

On average, biocontrol returns $23 in benefits for every $1 invested and significantly reduces reliance on herbicides.

This $1 million investment by the NSW

Environmental Trust for the 2025-26 financial year will support new research initiatives led by the CSIRO in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The initiatives will target 11 weeds across diverse ecosystems from arid lands to moist forests.

For example, massrearing and releasing a cochineal insect to tackle Hudson pear, while a leafsmut fungus will manage wandering trad – each tailored to the specific environment and species.

The next steps to manage weeds are to ensure approved

biocontrol agents are easy and safe for the community to use.

Following biocontrol agent releases, monitoring programs will evaluate their impacts on weeds and the recovery of native ecosystems, and findings will be shared through a statewide network.

The project includes a co-designed Aboriginal Engagement Plan ensuring Traditional Custodian knowledge and values guide biocontrol efforts and strengthen outcomes on Country.

The Trust has already invested $3.4 million to date.

Previous projects have reduced the impacts of serious environmental weeds such as the coastal invader sea spurge, helping native

species to recover.

Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO Senior Research Scientist said, "This project unites cutting-edge science and ecological knowledge to tackle one of our most persistent environmental challenges – restoring landscapes impacted by invasive weeds.

"Biocontrol offers a sustainable, long-term solution to managing invasive weeds, helping native ecosystems recover and thrive without the need for repeated chemical intervention.

"Successful biocontrol reduces the burden on land managers, improves biodiversity, and supports more resilient landscapes for future generations."

$15 million investment in renewable energy

THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW.

The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary

Education, Steve Whan.

The Strategy supports the government’s Energy Roadmap, which is expected to generate around 7,000 jobs during peak construction and about 4,500 ongoing roles.

Jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, the Strategy builds the pipeline of skilled workers needed to design, build and maintain renewable energy generation, storage and transmission projects

across the state.

The Strategy includes school-based trade taster programs through to apprenticeships engagement through to apprenticeships, traineeships and secure longterm employment.

It also includes targeted initiatives to increase participation by women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As part of the investment, the Strategy will expand the

Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, strengthening links between schools and renewable energy employers and giving students hands-on exposure to local career opportunities.

The Strategy will also create Skills Coordinator roles to work closely with renewable energy employers, training providers and local communities to support local students and workers into renewable energy jobs.

workforce

Transgrid will play a major role in delivering the Roadmap, including construction of the NSW component of EnergyConnect, Australia’s largest energy transmission project, and delivery of the Hunter Transmission Project, which will carry renewable energy from regional NSW to homes and businesses.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Penny Sharpe said, “The Energy

Roadmap is delivering thousands of regional jobs across NSW to make sure families have energy they can trust and afford.

“Building renewable energy at scale means building the workforce to match, and this strategy connects students, apprentices and local workers with job opportunities.”

Spotlight on road safety with free workshops

MIDCOAST Council is hosting free workshops during March 2026 to improve road safety across the area.

The free workshops are designed to increase participants' knowledge and awareness of road safety.

“The outcome is improved driver behaviour supporting a safer environment for all road users,” MidCoast Council said in a statement.

“Three separate workshops are being held

to address some of the key safety areas.”

Motorcycle Safety –Survive the Ride workshop Taree, Saturday 14 March, 10am-1pm

Supported by Survive the Ride Association of NSW’s Dave Tynan, the workshop aims to help improve safety and aid decision making when riding.

Helping Supervisors of Learner Drivers

Tuncurry, Tuesday 17

March, 6pm-8pm

Taree, Wednesday 18 March, 6pm-8pm

Aimed at those supervising a learner driver, the workshop will provide guidance on how to structure driving lessons and reduce the stress that can come with teaching someone to drive.

Caravan Safety workshop

Taree Saturday 21 March, 10am-1pm

A popular workshop

that helps to improve safety when towing a caravan by providing practical skills and tips to keep you safe while towing.

The workshops benefit both those who are planning their first road trip, and those who are seasoned caravanners.

Bookings are essential. Book online at www. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/whatson

Next steps for Emergency Services Levy reform

OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry.

While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays.

The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing it with a “simple and transparent” levy spread across all properties.

Currently, the burden

of paying the ESL is placed only on those who take out property insurance.

The cost of this levy for residential insurance has increased 48 percent from 2017-18 to 202324, adding pressure on household budgets.

All mainland states, apart from NSW, have implemented propertybased levies to fund their emergency services.

In November 2023, the Minns Labor Government committed to reforming the ESL. The parliamentary inquiry will build on extensive public

consultation carried out since then, and seeks to develop a consensus and strengthen support for the reform’s direction.

To inform the inquiry process, the Government will release an options paper which includes five levy model options.

This follows a comprehensive collection of property level insurance policy data and land classifications performed by local councils under legislative amendments.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This is an important step in moving funding for emergency

services to an equitable and sustainable footing that cuts the cost of insurance.

“The parliamentary inquiry will provide an open and transparent forum to test the proposed framework and ensure stakeholder perspectives are meaningfully considered.

“We want to work with the Opposition and the crossbench to plot the last leg of this journey.

“This system funds services that protect all of us – and it is time for all politicians to work together to reform it.”

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!

Blanch, Robbins in Four Ball Golf Win

By Peter WILDBLOOD

PAUL Blanch and Dave Robbins finished three points ahead of the field at the Gloucester Golf Course last Saturday, 14 February.

The event was a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford sponsored by Gloucester Tyre & Auto and was played on in fine warmish conditions on a course looking great and nicely improving after the hot weather and recent rain.

The winners in a handy sized field were Paul Blanch and Dave Robbins with a

combined score of 45, a score three points ahead of runners up on a count back, Peter Sate and Dale Rabbett 42. Balls were won by Paul Blanch and Dave Robbins 45; Peter Sate and Dale Rabbett; Chris Murray and Simon Fox, and by Paul Garland and Steve Williams 42.

Dave Robbins turned in the best individual card with a score of 40 Stableford points.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Chris Murray, 386 cm, in A grade, and Jeff Reynolds, 367 cm, in

B grade, with Dale Rabbett, 310 cm, nearest of the women golfers in the field. At the 6th and 15th holes Phil Bowden in A grade finished 28 cm from the holes winning the NTP Jackpot and a dozen balls for his trouble. In B grade it was Dave Saunders, 221 cm; in C grade Bruce McKenchnie, 328 cm, and for the women golfers Dale Rabbett, 423 cm, all over again!

The long drive at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Phil Bowden, Mitch Young and Darrell Wisemantel in the three men’s grades.

The winner of the Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 13 February was Greg West with 17 points and a favourable countback. Balls were won by Peter Markey 17, Peter McIntyre and Bill Murray 16, and by Rob Moore 14.

On Saturday 21 February the Gloucester Golf Course will be hosting an Individual Stableford sponsored by Avon Valley Concreting and the following Saturday Kelly Partners will sponsor a Four Person Ambrose.

By Jennifer BURLEY

AFTER early fog the day became quite warm and sultry for the second round of the Mixed Triples Championship and those who played a game of Social Bowls. A game of 4s with a swinger was proceeded by the monthly "Spider" event for all, which was won by Lou Clements, congratulations Lou. As the numbers were depleted because of the Championship, Debbie English, Val Pritchard,Bev Germon and Penny Gibson 16 defeated Debbie (swinger) Gina Dalmulder,Jill Carson and Helen Banks 13 in

a game of 4s. Results for the Mixed Triples were Jenny Burley,Vic Hebblewhite and Mark Groves 24 defeated Paula Standen,Andrew Henderson and Alec Laurie 13. Joan Ridgeway,Neville Atkins and Tony Tersteeg 29 defeated Jim Grech,Karen Heiningher and her father Rob 8. Julie and Steve Kriss and Bev Murray 26 defeated Jenny and Max Stevens with Lou Clements 16. And finally Deb Horner,Joe Pfeifer and Gary Moss 23 defeated, on the last end,Terry Davis,Judy and Mike Sheely 22. Therefore in the Semi Final, Mark's team versus Tony's team, and Bev 's

Gloucester Lady Bowlers Game changer

By Scott BAILEY, AAP

Origin

team takes on Gary's with the winners going forward to the Final.The Semi Final for the Mixed Pairs Championship was played on Sunday 8th the results being, Jill and Kevin Everett 29 defeated Penny and Rob Gibson 2 and Joy Hurworth and Jeff Kellie 14, with an extra end, defeated Bev Murray and Tony Tersteeg 13, both teams playing great bowls, thus Sunday 15th is set for the Final between the two winning pairs. As a footnote re the Mixed Pairs Championship it was noted that there were a record number of entries, and spanned many age groups.

Steele in Close Vets Golf Win

By Peter WILDBLOOD

THE Gloucester Veteran Golfers outing on Tuesday 10 February saw Chis Steele win by a single point on a course showing some nice improvements after the dry period earlier in the year.

The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Di and Steve Burns and attracted a modest sized field.

The winner was Chris Steele with 40 Stableford points just one point ahead of runner up, Jim Dunn, 39. Balls were won by Rick Paff 37, Roy Crichton and Peter Sate 36, and by Sally Higgins and Carolyn Davies 34.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Arthur Poynting; at the 6th and 15th holes that honour went to Carolyn Davies and Rick Paff.

This past Tuesday, 17 February, the Gloucester

Veterans played an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Joy and Steve Hurworth. Next Tuesday 24 February there is scheduled an Individual Stableford sponsored by Anne Wand.

had chosen to represent the Kiwis or Lions instead of the Kangaroos in Test football.

Queensland.

Under previous rules, no player was able to run out on the interstate arena if they

But that rule will no longer exist, allowing anyone to play Origin if they lived in NSW or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or had

their father play for either state.

Previously tier-one nations were treated differently to tier-two countries, with players who prioritise the likes of Samoa and Tonga already eligible.

The changes will pave the way for the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake to represent the Blues, after his one Test for New Zealand against Scotland back in 2017.

Fonua-Blake could now join Payne Haas in one of the most fearsome front rows in Origin history this year.

It also means Kalyn Ponga could switch allegiances to New Zealand without being ruled out of Origin, while AJ Brimson and Victor Radley are also now eligible again after playing for England.

"Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown and our rules need to reflect that," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said.

"If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they've represented New Zealand or England at Test level.

"State of Origin is about where you're from and what state you're eligible for — not which country you represent internationally.

"If you're eligible, you should be able to play for your state.

"Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special and we want the best players playing if they're eligible.

"The Commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin and this change strengthens both."

The changes come as the NRL also confirmed that an Origin match will be taken to Auckland in 2027, marking the first in-season clash between NSW and Queensland overseas.

"Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary," V'landys said.

"State of Origin isn't just a football match — it's a cultural phenomenon.

"It's the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.

"The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park and it will be a milestone moment for the game."

Magic round

q Myrelle

Fraser.

By Carolyn DAVIES

THE Gloucester Golf Ladies played the penultimate round of their 12 hole Summer Competition last Wednesday, 11 February, starting their round with a mist hugging the course - a mist so thick that the players' drives were hit out of sight! The dams were full after the recent rain, the rough was thick enough to hide the balls that strayed from the fairway and the bright pink of crepe myrtles in bloom delighted all.

A magic day and another magic round for Myrelle Fraser, who won the event with a solid score of 27 points.

Balls went to Rhonda Nightingale 25, and Cheryl Goodrich, 24. Margaret Dunn also picked up a ball on a count back with a score of 23 points on her first game back in a while.

Carolyn Davies took out the prize for Nearest-to-the-Pin the pin at the 4th and 13th holes, with Karen Howarth following suit at the 6th hole.

The final round of the Gloucester Golf Ladies Summer Competition will be played on 17 February and the season proper begins the following week with their Beginners Day.