Gloucester District News Of The Area 25 MARCH 2026

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Show delivers thrills, crowds and a dazzling finale

GLOUCESTER

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A

CLIMATE WHIPLASH

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

A grave undertaking

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

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

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Bucketts

Club Gloucester

Lovey's IGA

R & R Property

Gloucester Library

Gloucester Caravan Park

Hebbys Bakery

Yates & Twomey

Hannaford

By Kim TEOH

WANDERING around a graveyard may seem like a strange thing to do, but that’s exactly what Debbie Hicks has been doing for the past several years.

“I moved to Gloucester in December 2020 during Covid and you were allowed to go about on your own,” she told NOTA.

“Gloucester Cemetery was close by and I enjoyed the delightful babblers.”

On her walks through the cemetery, Debbie noticed that the wordings on some older headstones were deteriorating.

She then began photographing headstones and uploading the images to “Find A Grave”, a free genealogical resource owned by Ancestry.com and used by people all over the world researching their family history.

“Rural cemetery information is then digitally preserved,” Debbie said.

Debbie started photographing the Presbyterian Section, then worked row by row, covering the Anglican Old, Anglican New, Catholic, Methodist, NonDenominational, and a large portion of the Columbarium Walls, Baptist and Lawn

percent.

Regions leading the way on crime reduction

By John WATTS

RECENTLY released data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) demonstrates that crime rates in NSW have generally been stable or have declined over the past two years.

The statistics also show that those living in regional NSW, and in postcode 2422 in particular, are generally much less impacted by crime than those living in

Greater Sydney.

“In the two years to December 2025, recorded crime in Regional NSW showed more favourable trends than Greater Sydney,” explains a BOCSAR media release.

“No major offence categories increased, and four declined, including robbery (down 12.9 percent), break and enter dwelling (down 10.9 percent), break and enter non dwelling (down 14.1 percent), and steal from motor vehicle (down 7.4

percent).

“In contrast, crime in Greater Sydney was largely stable, with a significant increase in retail theft (up 14 percent).”

Although retail theft, generally known as shoplifting, increased in Sydney, as did sexual assault, they were both stable in regional NSW.

Over the last two years in the Mid North Coast there was no increase in any crime rate, and break and enter from dwelling offences decreased by 22

Sections.

Find a Grave users can request photos of specific graves, and volunteers like Debbie will take and upload the images.

Debbie’s unique work was recognised when she was nominated for the Gloucester Local Citizen of the Year Award in January 2024.

Although Debbie moved away from Gloucester in June 2024, she continues photographing headstones in the local cemetery whenever she has the opportunity.

“I couldn’t have done as much without the support of the MidCoast Council and resources from Gloucester District Historical Society,” she added.

While crime rates in regional areas are generally lower than in Sydney, the BOCSAR report shows that crime rates for postcode 2422 over the past two years are generally also well below the rest of NSW.

Some examples are:

- The homicide rate for NSW was 1.3 per 100,000, but zero for postcode 2422.

- The NSW rate for drug offences was 471.1 per 100,000 for all of NSW, but 52.9 for postcode 2422.

- The rate of theft offences was 2135.9 for all of NSW but 952.7 for postcode 2422.

- The rates of both

sexual offences and assault for postcode 2422 were closer to the rest of the state but still lower.

Despite some reports to the contrary, in the last two years there has been no increase in youth crime, and in regional NSW youth crime rates have fallen, according to the BOCSAR statistics.

“The flat rate of legal actions suggests that youth crime has remained stable across NSW,” said Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of BOSCAR. “In Regional NSW, however, youth offending is falling.

“Youth court actions fell by 13.7 percent in regional areas over the past two years.”

THE MidCoast Council Koala Safe Spaces team will host an interactive stall at the Nabiac Market on Saturday 28 March, helping residents to improve koala habitats across the region.

Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties and speak directly with experts about how to establish and maintain koala-friendly landscapes.

Attendees will also have the chance to win a prize, thanks to the support of Manning Entertainment Centre.

Winners will receive free tickets to the powerful theatrical production, KOAL. Part climate-catastrophe, part clown show, KOAL is a one-woman performance for the end of the world.

As wildfires tear through Australia, a baby koala, a coal miner and an Indigenous girl strive to hold onto their homes before all burns and turns to ash.

Council encourages community members to drop by, pick up a tree, and take a step towards creating a koala-safe future.

Free free koala feed trees were also offered at a Council stall at Gloucester Show on Saturday.

Three artists, one street

By Wendy BUSWELL

ANNE Grant, Johanna de Roder and Paula Koert-Bain live on the same street in Smiths Lake.

However it was not until their separate daily walks crossed paths that they discovered a shared connection: art.

Combining textiles, ceramics, and drawing, the three artists will present an exhibition titled “Three Artists One Place” at the Gloucester Gallery, beginning Wednesday, 25 March.

The shared environment provides inspiration to each artist, who use their

individual media to respond to the landscape.

Anne Grant draws on the Bauhaus and Constructivist art movements.

"The clarity, geometry, and balance still feel modern and fresh today," said Anne.

"The works remain minimal and abstract, but colour plays a prominent role.

“I use colour to create rhythm, harmony, and a sense of balanced composition."

Land and water inspire Johanna de Roder.

"I form sculptural and functional ceramics using different colour palettes influenced by nature’s

elements," she explains.

Paula allows the textiles to guide her art.

"I eco-dye fabrics, which often reveal beautiful, random representations of the landscape,” she said.

“I then select, accentuate, and bring them to life through stitching.

“My stitches are the equivalent of brushstrokes; creating both form and texture as do the fabrics themselves.”

For Johanna and Paula, this is their first exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery.

Anne’s work was part of a group exhibition in 2022; her positive experience and the

locality of the gallery were key reasons for proposing this joint exhibition.

The artists have visited the gallery a number of times, further strengthening their connection to the space.

"Charlie, Arts Gloucester’s administrator, does a terrific job of ensuring the exhibition is a success in every way," the artists remarked.

The trio hopes that gallery visitors will find joy in the exhibition.

"I hope the viewer experiences something of the joy I feel when creating the pieces," Paula told News Of The Area.

"And an element of surprise," Johanna added.

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

By Tom WARK, AAP

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission.

The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed.

NSW produces the second most amount of coal of any state behind Queensland, according to Geosciences Australia.

Emissions requirements will be a condition of any project expansions, the government says, but its own Net Zero Commission says any move to expand coal production is at odds with environmental goals.

In December, the commission found any

increase in coal mining activity would leave the state at odds with the Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement.

The position sets firm expectations on producers and the communities that rely on coal mining, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

Regional communities who rely on mining for employment and trading partners who want

commitments met can all gain confidence from the plan, the government says.

However, Greens MPs and environmental groups say it fails the climate test.

"This policy still allows coal production to grow, and that's completely incompatible with a safe climate," Greens coal spokeswoman Cate Faehrmann said.

The government has failed to impose any environmental restrictions on the nine expansions approved since the government took office in 2023, the Lock the Gate Alliance said.

"The NSW government is using semantics to mask the truth that coal project approvals will continue as business as usual," head of research Georgina Woods said.

Only three of NSW's 37 operating coal mines have enforceable emissions limits, the Net Zero Commission found.

Stopping new coal mines was a welcome step but the continued acceptance of

Anne suggests that the art evokes a feeling or a memory, reminding viewers that we each perceive our surroundings differently.

"That difference," said Anne, "is what makes this planet so beautiful and each of us unique."

MIDCOAST Council is kickstarting a program to restore unsealed roads severely damaged during the May 2025 flood event.

The work undertaken at each site will depend on a need-by-need basis however will mostly include gravel resheeting, grading, and associated minor infrastructure works like pipe repairs, table drain reformation and minor culvert restoration.

Included in the program are Rawdon Vale Road, Moppy Road, Tibbuc Road and Belbora Creek Road.

expansions was exposing residents to more climate harm, the Australian Conservation Foundation said.

"It's time to wind up all coal projects in NSW starting today and prepare for a renewable-powered net zero emissions future,"

Artist Bettina Digby will be the special guest and speaker at the exhibition opening, to be held at 11am on Sunday, 29 March.

Motorists may experience minor delays during the works however major road closures are not anticipated.

“If closures are required, they will be planned in advance and the community given a weeks' notice,” Council said in a statement.

“Residents in and around these works may experience temporary noise, dust and short-term access delays.” These works are funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

campaigner Freja Leonard said.

The minerals sector welcomed support for mine expansions but NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said blocking new mines placed a limit on future economic opportunities for the state.

Bushwalkers explore the Tops

GLOUCESTER Environment

Group members undertake a bushwalk in the local area each month, with their February walk featuring

highlights of the Barrington Tops.

The late summer jaunt was led by Steve Robinson.

“After so much hot

weather, our group of 16 enjoyed visiting the alpine plateau where temperatures were a good ten degrees cooler than Gloucester,” said

the group’s Louise Duff.

“We started with a five kilometre circuit following Dundunra and Boundary Roads near the Dingo Gate on the western edge of Stewarts Brook State Forest.

“Eucalypt trees towered above us and clouds of butterflies flitted through the understorey.

“We were all excited to see a Wombat ambling to its den.”

The walkers took a brief stop at Gologolies Camping Area for morning tea, and were reportedly “blown away” by the spectacular views towards Moonan Flat.

Next stop was Polblue Falls.

“Most of our group took the short two kilometre walk to a lookout over the falls, while some more intrepid members scrambled down to the creek,” Louise said.

“Water cascaded over a series of rock ledges into a pool, which would make a refreshing swimming spot on a hot day. None of us took up the offer.”

For lunch the group visited Gummi Falls in the headwaters of the Manning River, where a light rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm.

“It’s incredible to think the Manning, Karuah and Hunter Rivers all have their headwaters here in the Barrington Tops, supplying

Drake released back into the wild

MIDCOAST Council’s Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results, especially for one koala nicknamed “Drake”.

Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney’s Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025.

When caught, Drake was in

poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, had developed wet bottom and weighed only six kilograms.

Drake was sent to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for care.

Council’s Koala Project Officer, Caitlin Orr said there were some early concerns about whether the sick koala would pull through.

“By all accounts he was a bit of

CLIMATE WHIPLASH

FROM Page 1

from heat and fires, to intense rainfall and floods, and back to extreme heat and fire danger – sometimes within just days,” said Dr Martin Rice, Climate Council Research Director when releasing the report.

“This rapid flip between conditions, known as ‘climate whiplash’, is making disasters harder to prepare for and recover from, and Australians are paying a high price for failure to rein in climate pollution as disasters become more frequent, damaging and expensive.”

The report noted that over the summer Victorian

communities were flung from catastrophic fire warnings to flash flooding within a week, then back to extreme heat only 10 days later.

While in Western Australia after 45°C heat the Eyre Highway was closed due to fires ignited by dry lightning, only to be cut off again two days later by floodwaters.

“The Otways in Victoria epitomised the 2025/26 summer of breakneck climate whiplash,” explains the report.

“Some residents of Wye River on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road evacuated under catastrophic fire danger warnings, and a week later

a difficult patient,” she said.

“He often refused to take his medication but after a few weeks he settled down and responded well to treatments.

“But then he went backwards again after coming down with a fungal infection.”

But, after four-and-a-half months, Council received the call that Drake had improved so much he was ready to be released.

the same community watched floodwaters carry cars out to sea after record-breaking rainfall.”

The report indicates that annual disaster costs per Australian have risen 222 percent since the 1980s and the MidCoast local government area has been particularly hard hit.

MidCoast Council has applied for state and federal disaster recovery funding 16 times since 2019, with $232 million in flood damage in 2025 alone.

Some of the disturbing facts detailed in the report are:

- 2025 was Australia’s fourth hottest year on record

“He was much happier and tested negative for chlamydia,” Ms Orr said.

“He was in much better spirits and when released at the same tree he was captured at he climbed straight up into the canopy for a feed which is a great sign.”

Staff will continue to keep an eye on Drake to make sure he continues to do well.

and January 2026 the fourth hottest January

- Six consecutive days in January saw at least one Australian location reach 49°C or higher, while Port Augusta, SA, became the most southerly place on Earth to record 50°C - 2025 and 2024 were the two warmest years on

water to the farms and towns along their way to the sea,” Louise said.

The tour ended with a visit to the legendary “Cock Rock”.

“Some bright spark has ruined the joke by painting the name in huge letters on the rock face,” Louise said.

“Despite the graffiti, Cock Rock is truly impressive, thrusting skywards with phallic vigour.”

The Gloucester Environment Group plans a range of activities including RiverCare, KoalaWays, Bird Watching, Native Seed propagation, Bushwalking and quarterly feasts.

To participate in any (or all) of these activities, please contact Gloucester. enviroinment.group@gmail. com.

record for Australian ocean temperatures and hotter oceans fuel tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall

- Insurance premiums are up 51 percent in five years, impacting all households even if they aren’t directly affected by fire, floods or storms.

The report concludes that

without far deeper and faster cuts to climate pollution, the extreme heat, flash flooding and catastrophic fire danger experienced this summer will continue to worsen in the years ahead.

The full report can be accessed at www. climatecouncil.org/ resources.

Market information sought from major fuel companies

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has written to the chief executives of the major fuel companies to seek information to inform the state’s response to fuel distribution challenges arising from the war in the Middle East.

While the Federal Government has confirmed that fuel deliveries to Australia continue to arrive

as planned, NSW and other states are experiencing localised shortages and distribution issues in the face of increased demand.

The NSW Government is seeking historical information on storage and stocks, as well as sales and orders.

“We are also requesting information on future orders and forecasts,” the

NSW Government said in a statement.

“This information will be used to form a more complete view on what is happening in the market and how the government can work with the fuel industry and end customers to maintain economic activity through a period of uncertainty.”

According to the government, fuel supplies are

arriving in NSW as expected and supply remains secure.

“We are continuing to monitor the impacts the Middle East conflict is having on NSW fuel distribution,” Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said.

“We are planning for all possible scenarios, noting the unpredictable nature of the overseas conflict and the potential for the fuel situation

to deteriorate.”

To support national coordination, the NSW Government has designated the Secretary of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Anthony Lean as the state’s fuel coordinator.

Mr Lean is working with Anthea Harris, who has been appointed as the

Commonwealth’s Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator.

The NSW Government’s message remains that “people should only buy as much fuel as they need”.

Motorists are encouraged to download the NSW FuelCheck app or visit the FuelCheck website for daily information on fuel prices as an indication of the availability across the state.

What goes into your petrol pump price?

By Thomas O’KEEFE

GLOBAL events, most notably the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, have seen petrol and diesel prices skyrocket in the last few weeks, with a jump of 10 cents per litre (c/l) seen in a matter of days.

As of Sunday 22 March 2026, crude oil prices are around US$122 per barrel – high by any standard, especially considering that US$100/barrel is both a historical and psychological threshold – but it means little to the suburban or regional motorist, who rightfully worries most about the price at the pump.

While petrol prices continue to rise on a daily basis, it is pertinent to

consider the hidden costs built into the big board along the kerb.

Australia imports a staggering 90 percent of its liquid fuel needs, all of which are hit with an automatic federal ‘fuel excise’ – another name for a tax – as soon as it leaves the supplier’s depot.

The fuel excise is recalculated every six months and is tied to the consumer price index to keep up with inflation, although in the relatively rare event that CPI decreases, the fuel excise does not also decrease, it just stays stationary until the next rise.

The latest fuel excise recalculation was in February 2026, and the Australian Tax Office confirms that the fuel excise is now set at 52.6

cents per litre.

This means that every litre of fuel that comes into Australia is automatically 56.2c dearer, before it reaches any retail service station.

At the servo, the pump price is, of course, at the discretion of those running the business, and will invariably pass on the excise entirely, as well as a 10 percent GST imposed by the Federal Government.

The GST is 10 percent of the pump price, inclusive of the excise carry-over, meaning that motorists pay a tax on a tax.

A standard modern family SUV (Rav4, X-Trail etc) has a petrol tank up to 60L.

So, at the current price of $2.50/Litre, including an

excise of 52.6c/Litre and 10 percent GST, a driver may pay up to $150 in fuel, plus $33.72 in excise, then another $18.37 in GST (calculated at 10 percent including the excise), for a grand total of $202.09.

According to the federal Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), “[The fuel tax] is one of the oldest taxes in Australia, applying since Federation in 1901.”

“Since 1992, fuel tax has been a general revenueraising tax with only a minor link with the Australian Government’s overall level of road funding,” explains the PBO.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the self-described “peak organisation for

motoring clubs” in the country, claims that “Australian motorists paid an estimated $15.71 billion in net fuel excise in 2023-24, but, over the decade to 202223, only 57 percent of fuel excise was reinvested in land transport projects.”

The AAA calls for every cent of fuel excise to be reinvested into land transport projects.

It is entirely possible for the Australian Government to lower the excise, with the most recent precedent occurring in the Budget for 2022-23, when then-

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (Morrison Liberal Government) announced a temporary six-month halving of the excise.

“Events abroad are

pushing up the cost of living at home: higher fuel, food and shipping costs are increasing inflation and stretching household budgets,” Mr Frydenberg said in 2022.

Practically speaking that temporary excise halving saved Australians 22c/L every time they filled up, equating to “around $700 saved over the six months by a family with two cars filling up once a week.”

“Events abroad” referred to the Russian war in Ukraine, which was new at the time, as well as the jump in fuel demands as the world emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns.

It is also worth noting that 2022 was a federal election year, and 2023 was a NSW state election year.

Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices

THE NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations

Stargazing

across the state.

The app allows consumers to compare prices, track price cycles, save favourite stations and receive price-drop alerts before filling up.

Under NSW law, fuel retailers must:

• Register with FuelCheck and report price changes in real time

• Ensure displayed prices match the price charged at the bowser.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “It’s the law for fuel retailers to register and correctly report their

By Dave RENEKE

IMAGINE stepping into an elevator, pressing the “up” button, and eight days later stepping out into space.

No rocket roar. No fiery launch. No crushing G-forces. Just a ride straight up.

It sounds unbelievable, yet the idea of a space elevator is beginning to look surprisingly real.

The concept is simple but astonishing.

Picture a cable about 100,000 kilometres long stretching from Earth to an orbiting platform far out

prices through FuelCheck, so motorists can have confidence.

“NSW Fair Trading is significantly increasing its compliance activity to make sure motorists get accurate price information every time they fill up.

“If consumers see a price mismatch between FuelCheck and the bowser, they should report it via the app or website to NSW Fair Trading.”

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

individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

To ensure compliance, NSW Fair Trading is currently conducting unannounced inspections of fuel retailers across metropolitan and regional areas.

Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.

NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.

All aboard the space elevator

in space.

Special vehicles called “climbers” would travel up and down the cable carrying cargo, satellites and eventually people.

In effect, it would be like a vertical railway linking Earth with space.

For decades this idea belonged firmly in the world of science fiction. However, some scientists believe the technology could actually work.

With the right materials and engineering, space elevators could become reality within a couple of decades.

If that happens, the impact could be enormous.

Launching objects into orbit using rockets currently costs thousands of dollars per kilogram.

A space elevator could slash those costs dramatically, possibly to less than US$50 per kilogram.

That would make putting satellites into space far cheaper and could even open the door to routine human travel beyond Earth.

The biggest challenge is the cable itself. It must be unbelievably strong and incredibly light, strong enough to stretch tens of thousands of kilometres into space without snapping under its own weight.

For many years no material on Earth could do the job.

Then scientists discovered something remarkable: carbon nanotubes.

These are tiny cylinders made of carbon atoms arranged in sheets similar to graphite, the same

substance found in pencil leads.

Despite their microscopic size, carbon nanotubes are amazingly tough.

They are flexible, extremely light and up to one hundred times stronger than steel.

With materials like these, what once sounded like a “Jack and the Beanstalk” fantasy could become a real transportation system for space travellers.

The cable itself might be only about one metre wide and thinner than a sheet of paper, yet capable of supporting loads of up to thirteen tonnes.

Even more astonishing is how the structure would stay upright.

The cable would be anchored near Earth’s equator and stretch far

Douglas Connor.

NOTA seeking writers

TELLING the incredible stories of regional communities is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.

beyond geostationary orbit.

At the far end, a huge counterweight, possibly even a captured asteroid, would keep the cable pulled tight.

Because the Earth is spinning, the entire structure would remain stretched outward, much like the string of a yo-yo when it is swung around.

Once the system was operating, electromagnetic climbers would glide along the cable carrying passengers and cargo between Earth and a transfer station high above the planet.

Instead of explosive launches, reaching orbit might one day feel more like taking a very long elevator ride.

Building such an enormous structure might sound impossible, but engineers have a surprisingly simple strategy inspired by bridge building.

First, a satellite would deploy a very thin cable down toward Earth.

Then robotic climbers would crawl up the cable, attaching additional strands each time they travelled.

Gradually the cable would grow thicker and stronger until it could handle heavy loads.

Early experiments have already begun.

Researchers have even held serious workshops at NASA to study the idea.

What once sounded like pure fantasy is now being discussed as a genuine engineering challenge.

Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke was once asked when such a thing might finally be built.

His reply became famous: “About fifty years after people stop laughing.”

It seems people may finally have stopped laughing.

One day the journey to space might begin with nothing more dramatic than pressing the “up” button in an elevator. See Dave’s website: www.davidreneke.com.

The family-owned NOTA is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area.

Gloucester and Dungog.

Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals to join the team in both

“If you have a talent for writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor

“As the paper continues to grow, we are looking for enthusiastic reporters to help cover the region’s news and sport.”

Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the awe-

inspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.

Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.

If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let’s start the conversation. Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to doug@newsofthearea.com. au.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PATIENCE

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, pictured) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective on complicated cases. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability, and isn’t shy about expressing it.

Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R)

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

ABC Late News.

Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)

Mysteries. (PGa, R)

(MA15+adhlnsv)

Rage. (PG)

WEDNESDAY

MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW

ABC TV, 9.30pm

A jewel in the crown of Australia’s cultural events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day on the calendar to broadcast a celebration than April Fool’s Day? Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (pictured) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to next-generation talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Ma)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R) 1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

THURSDAY

RIOT WOMEN

SBS, 9.35pm Happy Gentleman Jack Last Tango in Halifax, acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes pride in creating authentic, complex and fierce female characters. Her latest project is no exception, focusing on a group of menopausal British women who form a punk rock band for a local talent contest. It’s not long before teacher Beth (Joanna Scanlan, pictured), shoplifter Kitty (Rosalie Craig), pub landlady Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) and midwife Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) discover they’ve actually got quite a lot to shout about. The six-part series covers a lot of ground and is a testament to the power of female friendship.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

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

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) A man plots his own abduction. David Oyelowo.

1.00 Next Stop.

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+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

SATURDAY, March 28

own dinner.

8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Taya’s birthday turns to chaos with the arrival of Ned’s high-maintenance mother. Lauren secretly discovers who Taya’s father is. 8.40 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Neville and the team investigate a death and discover a hidden world of data mining, crypto and murder.

9.40 Frauds. (M, R) Bert reveals her master plan. 10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PG)

8.25 Homebodies.

9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An unemployed man attracts suspicion. 7.30 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. 9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) Two MiB agents uncover a sinister plot involving a traitor who is aiding an alien invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson.

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) A research team’s ocean dive spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu.

10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R)

12.35 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A man is hoping to find a best friend. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R)

SUNDAY, March 29

6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.

8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.

9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.

10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R)

10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 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! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs. 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. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs.

9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma, R)

10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)

11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Women’s race.

3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6am Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.35 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.55 Discovering Film. 10.40 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.45pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 3.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 6.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 8.30 Moonfall. (2022, M) 10.55 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+, Polish) 1.35am Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 3.15 Late Programs. 6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 10.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 Mia And The The Assassin. (2015, Merchant Ivory. 8.30 A Room Burning Days. (2022, Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)

8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges. 10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren. 12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)

The First 48: Death In Desire. (MA15+a, R) 12.00 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R) 1.00 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

MONDAY, March 30

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

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

FAMILY (22)

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Crystalized. 7.50 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The

Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.15 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 7.30 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 9.25 How To Make A Killing. (2024, MA15+, French) 11.30 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 31

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

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

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.

9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.

10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R) 12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00

7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv) 11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R)

2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7MATE (64)

FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Explore. 11.45 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 12.15pm MOVIE: The Aegean. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Terminator. (1984, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs.

MADE FRESH, MADE DELICIOUS

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

$20 meals + $5 schooner

ENTERTAINMENT

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.

8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday - Trivia from 6.30pm

Thursday - Meat Raffle & Joker Poker from 5.30pm Sunday - Roast Lunch, Full menu also available BEHIND THE BAR

8 tap beers • Great wines • Cocktails

to keep locals and visitors coming back

WEDNESDAY, April 1

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (PG)

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R) 12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

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

Travel Guides. (PGls, R)

MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R)

One Tank Holiday. (R)

9News Late.

Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping.

THURSDAY,

April 2

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.25 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) 9.35 Riot Women. (Premiere)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

12.05 Blackwater. (Malsv, R)

2.15 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs. 6.15 Discovering Film. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs. 6am Finding You. (2020, PG) 8.10 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 10.00 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 11.45 Man Up. (2015, M) 1.20pm The Longest Week. (2014, M) 2.50 Discovering Film. 3.45 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 5.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 7.30 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.10 What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol. 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A drunk driver gets his car airborne. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage to impress the judges and secure their place in the semi-finals. 9.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) 12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise.

Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

MOVIE: Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.

Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: Wanda And Sully. (2023, M) 2.30 Nanny.

DUNGOG ANNUAL ANGUS SALE

This Friday 27th March @ 11:30am Dungog Saleyards Proudly Sponsored by Norco Rural Store, Dungog

$250 Norco Voucher to Best pen of Steers (6 or more)

$250 Norco Voucher to Best pen of Females (4 or more)

Includes the following locally bred cattle:

M Mackay – 10 angus steers 2y.o

M Darr – 7 angus steers 2y.o

U Houtsma – 2 angus steers 2y.o

C Bowen – 8 angus steers 18mths

K Flannery – 12 angus / angus X steers 15mths

B &T Dark – 12 angus steers 12mths

Verheul Holdings – 14 angus steers 8 to 10mths

PFT McGirr – 11 angus steers 7 to 8mths

U Houtsma – 5 angus heifers 2y.o

PFT McGirr – 8 angus heifers PTIC

P Dooley – 5 angus cows PTIC (100% Millah Murrah blood)

Urban Angus – 5 angus heifers & calves Melbee – 12 angus heifers & calves

Thomson Family Trust – 4 angus heifers & calves

N Hopson – 4 angus heifers & calves (rejoined)

P Rizk – 3 angus cows & calves (1st & 2nd calf)

G & M Kingston – 7 angus cows & calves (2nd & 3rd calf)

AT & MK Rumbel – 4 shorthorn steers 17mths

– 2 shorthorn heifers & calves

– 4 devon / shorthorn cows & calves

A/h

In Memory

David Anthony Boylan

03/06/1946 - 09/03/2026

Sadly David passed away in a house fire at his home in Gloucester on Monday 9th March.

His children, Jackie, Belinda and Matthew Boylan would like to sincerely thank the Gloucester community who looked out for him, supported him and cared for him.

Special thanks to his neighbours Rob & Mel, Graham, and Cecilia who always made time for him. Thank you also to Brad, as well as Michelle & the team at Commonwealth Bank. You are all very special people.

We hope you remember him as we doeccentric with a heart of gold.

Wanted to Buy

War Medals

Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215

Antique china & figurines, Sterling silver items, old gold jewellery, wind-up watches & pocket watches, silver proof coin sets. Please phone: Annie 0419 219 634 or Ron 0408 967 747

KEYS - Has anyone found a set of 3 keys, probably in Dowling St if so, ontact Robert on 0423 807 791 to return the keys for reward of $100.

BEGONIA plant $15 Ph 0477 827 291

CLIVIA Plants $15 Ph 0477 827 291

CHRISTMAS tree medium sized, $30 Ph 0477 827 291

DINING chairs, 6 black leather & chrome, msg for photo. 0427 818 294

LOUNGE chairs x 4 pieces. good cond Ph 0493 777 707

MUGS, 15x brand new Ph 0493 777 707 F041225

OUTDOOR table glass top, 8 chairs 150 x 150, VGC. 0412 949 695.

RUG good condition Ph 0493 777 707

TIMBER double bed base with 4 drawers underneath. GC. Pick up Medowie. Ph 0466 013 853

WINDSURFING board F2 AXXIS plus boom & bag. 85 liters, No dings 0419 932 992

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

COFFEE

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

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

CORNINGWARE casserole dish $50 Ph 0477 827 291 For Sale

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242

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

MAKYBE Diva framed print. Very good cond $50. Ph 0409 022 542 F180326

MARTAWILEY print $50 0477 827 291

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

SPALDING tennis racquet with cover. $20 0457 193 071

SWIMMING pool magnesium salt 25kg bag $90. Ph 0477 587 881 F121125 For Sale

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.

OPINION

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace.

A man offered to buy it.

He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold.

He said he couldn't attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash.

Nigel W.

Dear Nigel,

It appears you have moved from Marketplace to its darker and more sinister brother: Marketplace Mobland.

News Of The Area

Sally from Sage and Light comes across all vibey and spiritual on her profile, until you have to negotiate a fair-priced bulk smudging stick sale with her.

It's akin to negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Selling is even more fraught.

Our local Vinnies has become the frequent beneficiary of my failed Marketplace negotiations. Some buyers have an innate ability to wear sellers down.

Most recently, my exchanges over a pair of spanking-new Nikes morphed into chess-level wheeling and dealing.

Beaten down, annoyed, but willing to accept a low-ball offer, I agreed to a price.

The purchaser then asked if I could meet her at a more convenient location.

“Forget it,” I said.

With the cost of petrol at the moment, I could have bought myself a pair of Balenciaga Speed Trainers.

All that pales into insignificance,

Surviving Marketplace is a hard enough task - a zone where the normal rules of engagement don't apply.

though, when you enter the domain of Marketplace Mobland. This is the space of shady deals done behind abandoned scout halls in the dead of night.

The buyer arrives in a hotted up Benz with NOCOPS number plates.

In the back of his vehicle, you make out two shadowy accomplices in balaclavas.

The buyer (Murray during initial messages, but now Muz in conversations you suspect have taken place on a burner phone) emerges from his car.

You notice he has one hand clutching a brown paper bag, the other is twitching in his pocket. Slowly, he ambles towards you, throws his cigarette butt in the dirt and grinds it with the heel of his cap-toe shoe.

“We do this on the count of three,” Muz says.

And, on three, Muz hands you the bag, and you hand over a Labubu doll worth six-months' of diesel. Forlornly, you head back to your car.

The deal is done. Or is it?

Seller's remorse creeps in.

What will you say to your daughter

Sophie?

Have you sold your soul on Marketplace Mobland?

You turn and start to run towards the Benz.

One of the goons steadies a rifle at your face.

“It's name is Baba, you yell, but your scream is lost in the screech of the Benz's spinning wheels.

Later, in your driveway, you drag

Dorin's Drawings

the cash out of its bag.

In true mob form, it's a wad of counterfeit.

You see your daughter at the screen door.

“Daddy,” she cries, “I can't find Baba”.

May this be a lesson to you, Nigel.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Recycling for the future

GLOUCESTER Garden Club members took part in a comprehensive discussion on recycling and waste management at their first meeting for 2026.

Guest speaker Jessie Summerville, the Water Resilience Officer with MidCoast Council, highlighted different recycling programs and what waste each bin can take.

“Your recycled waste is sent to a Visy material recovery facility where it is sorted and made into new products,” said Garden Club spokesperson Peter Hazell.

“And these days you can leave bottles and jar lids on, remove the food and liquids but no need to rinse them, and dispose of them in your yellow

recycle bin.”

After reports from President Di Relf, secretary Michele Marland and treasurer Bob Marland, the club’s resident “Green Thumb” Mandy Griffis ran the ‘show and tell' section of the meeting.

With hot weather impacting the region, Peter said fewer entries were received in the flower and veggie competitions, however the display still featured an “impressive lineup”.

Best in the flower competition was Dot Harris’ rose, second place went to Pearl Beggs’ yellow nerine and third was a tie between Shirley Hazell’s red nerine and Anne Williamson’s pink fairy rose.

Pearl Beggs’ dragon fruit was a popular winner

of the veggies section, with Garth Rodrom second with a cucumber. Equal third were Tessa Searle with a lovely bunch of tomatoes and Di Relf

with a large wrinkly Hubert squash.

Raffle winners at the meeting were Anne Williamson, Pearl Beggs and Fay Relf.

The membership draw winner was not claimed and jackpots for the next meeting.

Helen Evans won the lucky door prize.

New SES building set to finish on time

THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing

well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council.

Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-

owned road reserve.

The slab has been laid, and crews have been focusing on completing external services like inground stormwater and electrical works.

The pouring of external pathways began in early March, with civil works around the site continuing.

“Crews working on the site were faced with some early stormwater reticulation issues but have overcome the issue with minimal delay,” Council said in a statement.

Steel work, including frame erection, is expected to begin by midMarch.

“The upgrade will

Show delivers thrills, crowds and a dazzling finale

FROM Page 1 into each other.

“The fireworks went really high, and one was like a flower.”

provide a much larger premises than the current building allowing for improved safety standards and the installation of new technology to access emergency operation systems,” the spokesperson said.

“There will also be more room to house the newest generation of flood and storm response vehicles and vessels.”

The current facility is located in Booral and considered inadequate to meet the needs of volunteers.

The contract for the new build was awarded to Precise Build and is funded by a $2 million grant from the NSW Government.

Popular events included post splitting, the dog high jump, a reptile show, and the ever-popular animal nursery.

“My favourite things were the hula hoop lady, the man cooking a loaf of bread over a fire, and I saw a serious animal at the end,” said Banjo.

Five-year-old Banjo visited the show on Friday with his kindergarten class, and then again with his family on Saturday evening.

“It was a snake, a poisonous one, and it was really long, but I didn’t get to touch it because it was poisonous.

“We saw swans, we saw wild pigs, we saw hamsters, we saw bunnies and we saw a turkey and some chickens.

“I went with Mum and Dad and watched the demolition derby. The one that won had flames in it, and it was kind of noisy, and they tried to crash

The official opening and grand parade were on Saturday afternoon and showcased horses, vintage machinery, old cars and cattle.

Greg Channon, President of the Gloucester AH&P Association, which organises the show, was delighted with how things went this year.

“We had a good crowd this year and the weather was good – no gumboots needed - and we didn’t have to cancel anything,” said Greg.

“The motor bike guy who did tricks in the ring was a new event and was very popular, as were the new dog trials.

“People told me that the fireworks were the best we’ve ever had, and the demolition derby was really good.”

Foster care recruitment drive across the Hunter

HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive.

Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families.

There is a particular need for people to care for sibling groups, some with children

under five years old; and adolescents, who often wait the longest to be placed with foster carers.

Research shows that many potential carers remain hesitant due to misconceptions about their eligibility and the time required to foster a child.

There are many ways to start fostering, including providing just a few days of respite to other foster carers.

In January, the Foster Care Allowance was increased for the first time in 20 years, lifting the base rate by 20 percent.

According to the State Government, a foster carer of a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4,500 better off each year.

“I know there are hundreds of people across the Hunter who have what it takes to become a foster

carer,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“I encourage anyone who is considering fostering to reach out and find out how you can support vulnerable kids in our communities.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “There are many ways you can help a vulnerable child, by providing emergency, respite, short or long term care.

“You can foster if you rent or own your own home, if you’re single or married, work full-time or are retired – all you need is love in your heart and space in your home.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said that local foster carers are the backbone of the state’s care system.

“We know fostering

looks different for everyone, which is why we’re focused on removing barriers and backing carers with practical, financial and professional support,” he said.

“If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to step forward and be part of the Hunter’s foster care community.”

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Farmers share insights on mental health

RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land.

Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows a clear cultural shift.

“Farmers are increasingly recognising that wellbeing is fundamental to the sustainability of their farms and families,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Conversations around mental health are becoming

more open, and more farmers say they would reach out for professional support if needed.

“However, the findings also reveal that more farmers reported a decline in their mental health over the past 12 months than an improvement.”

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the results reflect both progress and sustained pressure across the sector.

“We are seeing real change in how farmers talk about mental health,” Mr Warlters said.

“There is greater openness and a stronger willingness to seek support.

“But the pressures they

are facing are significant and ongoing.

“Drought, rising costs and uncertainty don’t switch off at the end of a season.

“They compound over time, and that takes a toll.”

The report also highlights the broader impact on families.

Many farmers expressed concern about their children’s futures, including financial stability, access to education and long-term employment opportunities.

Community remains a cornerstone of rural life and farmer wellbeing.

Farmers consistently describe local networks as essential during difficult seasons, providing practical

support and shared understanding.

Mr Warlters said timely assistance can ease both practical and emotional strain.

“Practical help matters, but just as important is knowing someone understands the realities of farming life,” he said.

“No farmer should feel they have to carry that weight alone.”

Rural Aid is encouraging any farmer or farming family experiencing stress or hardship to seek support early.

Farmers seeking assistance can call Rural Aid’s confidential counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.

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Veterans on Tuesday

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS a fine warm day at the Gloucester Course on Tuesday 17 March for the Gloucester Veterans regular outing with Rob Burrows and Derek Bardwell taking top honours.

The event was a Four Ball Aggregate Stableford sponsored by Karen Howarth and the winners were Rod Burrows and Derek Bardwell with an aggregate score of 68

points. Modest though that score might be, it was three points ahead of the leading ball winners Karen Howarth and Jim Dunn 65. Debbie Sate and Ian Maggs 64 were next with the last balls going to Peter Sate and Tony Berecry 63.

Debbie Sate turned in the top individual score of 39 points by virtue of a great round and a count back.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin

Gloucester Lady Bowlers Report

By Jennifer BURLEY

UNDER overcast skies the Semi Final of the Bonnie Hazelwood Triples was played to go forward to the Final.

In steamy conditions both matches saw great bowls played by all ladies.

Jill Everett,Jenny Stevens and Judy Sheely 19 defeated Joan

Ridgeway,Ruth Redman and Kerrie Green 15. And Jenny Burley, Jill Carson and Suzanne Cross 18 accounted for Paula Standen,Karen Heiningher and Di Pritchard 15. Therefore on Wednesday 25th Judy's team will play Suzanne's for the honour of this Trophy.

Social Play saw 2 games of Pairs.

Derros Day at Gloucester Golf

By Peter WILDBLOOD

ON SATURDAY 21 March the Gloucester Golf Club celebrated Derros Day, an annual event sponsored by an anonymous group of golfers who celebrate the occasion in absentia.

The day itself was a fine Autumn day with good golfing conditions for a Four Ball Better Ball Stableford with the winning pair, local Chris Steele and visitor Robyn Lunn from Belmont, scoring 45 points.

They were followed by runners up. Dave Saunders and Brendon Murray just a single point behind

trophies at the 4th and 13th holes were won by Sally Higgins and Tony Burnet while those at the 6th and 15th holes went to Karen Howarth and Trevor Sharp.

On Tuesday 24 March the Gloucester Veteran Golfers were due to play an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Amanda Robertson. Next Tuesday, 31 March, Julie and Steve Kri9ss will sponsor an Individual Stableford.

Gina Dalmulder and Helen Banks 25 defeated Penny Gibson and Bev Murray 8 and Debbie English and Val Pritchard 16 defeated Bev Germon and Deb Horner 11. Well played all.

The Mixed 4s Championship Final which was played on Sunday 15th saw the team of Joan Ridgeway, Judy Sheely,Kevin Everett and Mike Sheely 29 defeating Jill Carson, Joy and Steven Hurworth with Tony Tersteeg 7, congratulations to both teams for making the final, and all players for competing in this event.

on 44.

Balls were won by Chris Steele and Robyn Lunn 45, Brendon Murray and Dave Saunders 44, Paul Coote and Brian Osborne 43, Nathan McInnes and Brian McInnes 43, and Harrison Jones and Nathan Webber 42.

The top individual scores were turned in by Brian Osborne 41, and John Nicolson 37. And speaking of individual scores Paul Blanch had but three strokes on the par-5 10th hole for an Eagle Nest Trophy; he hit a driver, a 5-wood and sunk a 110 cm putt.

The winner of the Super Sevens

in a small rain threatened field for the week ending Friday 20 March was Wayne Maddalena on a count back from the leading ball winner Wayne Maddalena both scoring 15 points.

Bill Murray and Dave Mann also won balls with their 14 points apiece.

This coming Saturday 28 March the Gloucester Golf Club will be playing a Four Person Ambrose as a celebration of the role Tom Blundell played in the life of the club.

The following Saturday there will be the April Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by Arkwood Organic Recycling.

Women on fire

By Peter WILDBLOOD

IT WAS another great week for the Gloucester Golf Ladies with yet another Pennant win, some handy performances at the Bulahdelah Open and a win for Myrelle Fraser in the regular Wednesday competition.

The Gloucester Ladies Pennant team won their third Pennant match making their season to this point a three-out-of-three affair.

This time they won 3 matches to two over Emerald Downs at Wauchope with Anne Wand winning her match again making her a winner in all three matches this season.

Congratulations are due to the five players who played in the Bulahdelah Open Day on Wednesday 18 March. Everyone played well but special mention is due to Evelyn Blanch who came third in Division 1 with 36 points, and to Debbie Sate and Anne Wand who each won a Nearest-to-the-Pin trophy.

For those ladies who stayed at home last Wednesday18 March, the event played was an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Sally Higgins.

The winner was Myrelle Fraser, 36, with Margaret Dunn, 34 as runner up. Balls were won by Elaine Murray, and Cheryl Goodrich, 33.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin was won by Myrelle Fraser and Cheryl Goodrich.

On Wednesday 25 March the Gloucester Golf Ladies were scheduled to play an Individual Stroke event for the WGNSW Medal.

Next Wednesday, 1 April, they play an Individual Stableford sponsored by Pat Burrows.