THE
By Shannon BENTON
Memorial Hall.
Held on Saturday, 11 October, the community turned out in force to enjoy a hearty afternoon of wurst und senf (kransky’s and mustard), oompah music, and plenty of canine capers, all to raise funds for the Wallarobba Hall and a new defibrillator for the community.
Crowds cheered as the sausage dogs
Lisa
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
FARMER, businessman, author and Worimi man
Joshua Gilbert will speak at the James Theatre at 11am on Saturday 25 October.
Joshua recently celebrated the release of his new book, “Australia's Agricultural Identity - an Aboriginal yarn”, which “explores a new approach to Indigenous culture and farming, combining ancient knowledge and practices with new technology and insights” .
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au Phone us: (02) 4981 8882
your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au
Paterson
Dungog
Dungog
Dungog Newsagent
Lovey's
In his book, Joshua advances the thesis that Indigenous people have always been adapters, and as such their insights are essential for the appropriate development of agriculture in 21st century Australia.
The author will discuss learnings from his family’s multi-generational involvement in agriculture, traditional Indigenous practices, and how he sees the two working together.
The free event is sponsored by Reconciliation Dungog, the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub, and Thrive
Dungog. It will also include an opportunity for discussion with Joshua about his topic. The event will be
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steeplechase course, showing off impressive speed, skill and enthusiasm.
The Fashions in the Field parade proved another highlight, with
pint-sized pups strutting their stuff in a variety of hilarious and adorable costumes that had the audience in stitches.
Event organisers said the turnout and community spirit were fantastic.
“It was such a joyful day, great food, great music, and so many happy faces,” one organiser said. Special thanks were extended to Cindy Fisher, Robyn Pizzol and Brian Harland for coordinating Oktoberfest, and to
followed by a fundraising sausage sizzle for Reconciliation Dungog. To book a spot, visit reconciliationdungog. square.site q
Louise Rowley and Marie Schmidt for running the races.
Appreciation also went to all the helpers and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the day such a success.
From sausages to steins, dachshunds to dirndls, this year’s Oktoberfest proved once again that Wallarobba knows how to throw a celebration, and do it for a good cause.
Glückwunsch, Wallarobba!
officials, I hope to draw attention to our needs and encourage the government to make funding available to our area.”
Ms Penfold is inviting community participation
in the development of the submission.
“I invite local organisations, businesses, community groups, and individuals to write or email with details about
By Shannon BENTON
IT was a day of horsepower, history, and heartwarming nostalgia at Lara Aged Care when members of the Hunter Valley Torana Club rolled in to delight residents with a special car show.
Classic Holden Toranas, mostly from the 1970s, gleamed in the sunshine as residents, families and staff admired the vibrant paintwork, polished chrome and unmistakable rumble of Australian motoring icons.
The event was co-organised by Hunter Valley Torana Club president Peter Morris and Lara Lifestyle Coordinator Michelle Croxton, who said the day was all about bringing joy and connection.
“Our residents absolutely loved it,” Ms Croxton said.
“So many shared stories about the cars they once owned, or trips they took in their younger days.
“You could see the memories sparking as soon as those engines started.”
For Peter Morris and his team of volunteers, it was a chance to give something back to the community.
“The Torana is such a big part of Australia’s motoring history,” he said.
“We wanted to share that passion with the residents and give them a day to remember.”
Residents were treated to a front-row view as the cars were parked across the grounds of Lara Aged Care, with many posing for photos beside their favourite models, from early LJs through to the powerful SL/R 5000s.
Staff described the day as one of the most engaging events of the year, combining nostalgia, storytelling and community spirit in perfect harmony.
“It’s amazing how something as simple as a car can bring so much happiness,” Ms Croxton said.
“We’ll definitely be inviting them back.”
the project or need, cost estimates (if available), and how and why the funding will help their organisation and our community.
“I would like the submission to be as comprehensive as possible, and your contribution will make this happen."
Please send your submissions to Alison. penfold.mp@aph.gov.au by COB 14 November 2025.
By Shannon BENTON
FORMER ABC weather presenter
Graham Creed and his partner Bridgit English have given one of Stroud’s most treasured landmarks a new lease on life, transforming the 1887-built St James Presbyterian Church into a striking blend of heritage and contemporary design.
The couple purchased the deconsecrated church two years ago, concerned that without intervention it might succumb to the fate of so many other historic rural buildingsdemolition or decay.
Determined to honour its past while making it viable for the future, they embarked on a meticulous restoration guided by heritage architects, MidCoast Council, and the conservation principles of the Burra Charter.
“When the church presented itself a couple of years ago, I recognised that the history of the people that have used it over time was as important as the building itself,” Graham said.
“We felt a deep desire to bring it back in a way that demonstrates its past, acknowledges those who built and worshiped it, and preserves it into the future.”
Bridgit said preserving the church’s spirit was as important as restoring its structure.
“When you step into Stroud Church, a quiet calm envelops you,” she said.
“We’ve worked with heritage experts and community members to weave its story back into the building for generations to come.”
With its restoration complete, the church is now being offered for sale.
THE chance of largescale flooding in a specific catchment area can increase by as much as 700 percent if widespread deforestation has occurred.
That is the finding of a new paper by academics who analysed decades of flooding data from regions in Australia which frequently suffer forest fires.
The loss of forest canopy has long been claimed to increase the risk of flooding –but actually proving the direct link has proven difficult since the impact of other factors such as changing climate are hard to exclude.
But a team of researchers, led by Professor Ashish Sharma from UNSW Sydney, say they have now confirmed the correlation and determined there is a very significant increase in the risk of flooding if forest canopies are removed from catchment areas.
“What we have shown is that the probability changes from a one-in-64 year flood event, to a one-in-eight year flood event if there has been deforestation.
“So we can say there is an eight-fold increase in the likelihood of there being a flood,” says Prof. Sharma, from UNSW’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
“Another way of thinking
about it is to imagine there being 64 different forested catchments.
“In any single year, the most extreme climate would cause the highest flood in one of these 64 catchments.
“But according to our analysis of the data, if there was major deforestation, then in the same year, the same flood would be exceeded in eight of the 64 catchments.
“Deforestation and mega forest fires under climate change are happening all around the world, so this is a very important topic.”
Decades of data
The results of the research have been published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal and were based on information related to three mega forest fires in south-east Australia, as well as streamflow data in the same region covering 50 years when no major forest fires were reported.
The team were able to identify nine historical years when the climate strongly matched those of 2003, 2007 and 2009 (when the devastating fires occurred), and also ensured there were no extreme rainfall patterns in any of the datasets which could distort the comparisons.
That meant any years when El Niño (lower average rainfall) or La Niña (higher average rainfall) were
declared would be ignored, as they can dramatically change the risk of flooding by themselves.
Analysis of the remaining records showed that in the years when there were no forest fires in the region, the chance of exceeding the normal annual flood levels in any given catchment area was 0.016 – or roughly 1 in 64.
However, in the period immediately following the mega fires, the chance of an unusually large flood in a catchment area rose to 0.127 – or roughly one in eight.
“Our paper tries to assess whether the loss of forest canopy increases the risk of flooding or not in largescale watershed processes,” says Dr Tae-Ho Kang, who worked on the project as a PhD candidate and is now a Senior Researcher at the K-water Institute in Korea, while continuing the work with the team at UNSW.
“This has been a question raised since the 1600s, but it’s been almost impossible to resolve because flooding in a specific location over time can be caused by many different factors, not least a change in the climate.
“What we were able to do was utilise the data when we knew there was complete tree loss from major forest fires, and compare that to historical records from the
same catchment areas when we could see the climate was very similar and the forest canopy was in place.
“And we only looked at flooding data in the wet season immediately following those mega fires in 2003, 2007 and 2009 – not two or three years afterwards.
“So basically we could see in the comparisons that the climate was similar, the rainfall was similar, and the locations and the geology were obviously the same.
“The only difference was whether there was forest canopy in the catchment area, or if there was widespread deforestation caused by the fires.
“That really allowed us to contrast the data with regards to the risk of significant flooding.”
Absorbing the rainfall
The research team, which included Professor Lucy Marshall who was at UNSW but has since taken up a role at University of Sydney, also took into consideration the fact that flooding events could be impacted by the effect of the forest fires on the surface soil.
Fires can make the soil hydrophobic – which means it repels water rather than absorbs it – thus potentially causing an increase in the chance of a flood event after rainfall.
But analysis showed this was not a significant factor in the flood risk increasing when compared to the impact of the loss of the forest canopy and leaf litter which absorbs and disperses rainfall.
And to double-check their conclusions, the research team also compared streamflow data in relevant years from areas where damage from forest fires was extensive, versus that in areas where the burning was not so severe.
“We contrasted those two sets and we could see there was a dampening effect in the forested catchments which was not happening in the more heavily deforested areas,” says Professor YoungOh Kim from Korea’s Seoul National University and a coauthor of the study.
“And that is comparing the levels of flooding in proximal areas in the same year, so obviously the climate was the same for both and the only thing significantly different is the loss of forest canopy.
“Recent mega wildfires in South Korea highlight the increasing exposure to severe forest loss driven by climate change, a phenomenon that has become increasingly common worldwide.
“According to our study, after each disastrous wildfire, societies need to seriously
consider the flood risk increase that will occur.”
The paper helps explain the specific process by which a large forest canopy helps lower the risk of flooding.
With more forestation there is a two-fold impact that reduces the impact of rainfall and reduces the risk of flooding.
The first is the canopy of the trees – that is the branches and the leaves – which first block the rain from reaching the ground.
If there is heavy rain it can also disperse the water over a wider area and over a longer time which reduces the peak amount of moisture reaching the ground, and therefore lowers the potential flood levels.
Secondly with more trees in a catchment area, there are also more fallen leaves and that dampens the flow of any rain that does reach the ground.
When there is significant deforestation the canopy and leaf litter is severely diminished, and the water they were previously absorbing goes straight into the soil, which can then more quickly get saturated. And when that happens the risk of a flood subsequently goes up.
Implications for the future
Prof. Sharma hopes the research will be taken on board by anyone involved in the process of manmade deforestation, given the devastating impact flooding can have on human populations who may be living in areas at risk.
“The data is collected from south-east Australia, but we see no reason why the conclusion does not apply in the same way anywhere else where forest canopy is being removed,” he says.
“Our main message is that extensive deforestation has a significant increase in flood risk.
“If deforestation is happening, then there should be strong consideration for planning rules or regulations regarding habitats downstream, to reduce the enhanced danger they will face from flooding.
“We would also advise that if deforestation has to occur, it should be restricted to areas that do not have vulnerable communities downstream.”
By Kat Wong, AAP
SOME regional Australians
may get a reprieve from the housing crisis as councils are offered interest relief to build more drains, roads, and other infrastructure.
Though many parts of regional Australia have ample residential land, it often isn't ready for development due to a lack of funding and planning for critical infrastructure, a 2024 national regional summit found.
From Wednesday, councils outside Sydney are now able to apply to have half the interest cost of loans for such infrastructure covered by the NSW government, helping them to deliver roads, parks and other population supports.
"Infrastructure unlocks housing, and this investment
is about making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth," Planning Minister Paul Scully said.
"By backing councils to deliver these projects sooner and at a lower cost, we're helping to deliver more homes for people who want to live, work and stay in the regions."
Up to $20.9 million will be made available by the NSW government.
Previous low-cost loan initiatives have already helped support 60,000 homes and $262 million in local infrastructure projects in regional NSW.
While the federal National Housing Infrastructure Facility is often used to fund this kind of work, small local governments usually seek
less than the minimum loan amount offered by the facility, the regional summit found.
The NSW government is also offering up to $3 million in grants to support local planning projects that improve affordability and enable new housing.
These generally range from $20,000 to $250,000 for work such as housing strategies and development control plans.
Though many acknowledge a need for infrastructure, it tends to have a "prohibitively high" per-dwelling cost, which is only worsened by skills and materials shortages, an August report from the Regional Australia Institute found.
Meanwhile, the population of regional Australia has grown even as
new housing supply in these areas continues to decline.
The regions are still more affordable than Australia's capitals but the worsening dwelling price-to-income ratios are driving those from the cities into regional
Australia and pushing up prices.
"We know housing supply is one of the biggest challenges facing regional communities," Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said.
"By supporting
councils to deliver enabling infrastructure sooner and at a lower cost, we're helping families, key workers and young people find a place to call home in the regions."
TRANSPORT for NSW is leading a “once-in-ageneration” review of the Roads Act 1993 and is seeking input from councils, community members, peak bodies and industry experts about how the legislation should be reformed.
“The aim is to create a more modern, flexible and easy-to-use law that can help enable NSW Government initiatives such as housing targets and making the state more liveable and vibrant,”
Transport for NSW said in a statement.
“In the past roads were mainly considered simply as routes for vehicles, but now they are recognised for their much wider functions including community spaces
for events and outdoor dining, corridors for housing and freight, and routes for public transport, cycling, walking and e-micromobility.”
Consultation is currently underway on an Options Paper which outlines three possible models for reforming the law and Transport for NSW is asking for anyone who interacts with the Act directly, to provide their detailed feedback.
The broader community is also being asked to contribute to an online survey and have a say about what they want roads and streets to look and feel like and what could be
done to help make them safer, easier, or more enjoyable.
“There are frustrations that the Act does not provide clarity over which authority manages what, definitions can be vague, and this leads to too much red tape, duplication and decisions not being made locally,” said Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Policy Ruth Graham.
“Ultimately the aim of this review is to create an Act that underpins a well-functioning road network.
“From highways to laneways, we need our state’s roads to help create
and connect vibrant, liveable towns and cities.
“We know that successful reform cannot be designed in isolation which is why we want to draw upon the knowledge, experience and insight of councils, industry, government agencies, community groups and individuals during this review.”
Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils Mayor Sue Moore said while road funding is not part of the review, she would welcome any reforms that would give councils more freedom to make decisions on their local road network.
“Reviewing the Act and making changes to it could support community wellbeing and liveability by providing councils with greater influence over local streets and their use for a variety of recreational activities and events,” Cr Moore said.
“Streamlining approvals processes could reduce community frustration and assist with meeting state and local housing targets.”
The Options Paper and other resources are available to review and provide feedback on at www. haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/ roads-act-1993 until 31 October.
SUNDAY THE BLOCK
NBN, 7pm
As The Block marks its 1000th episode tonight, a remarkable achievement for all involved, another potential milestone is on the horizon. So far, every team who’s completed the ultimate renovation challenge has also won at least one weekly room judging. But as 2025’s final reveal – the front garden – looms, Sonny and Alicia (both pictured) are still without a win. While their fellow teams wrestled with what’s left of their budget, creativity and energy, the Queensland parents have thrown everything at their landscaping.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis explores a lush rainforest garden.
8.30 Professor T. (Mav) An artisan baker is found dead after receiving death threats.
9.15 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) Arthur attempts to become a different person.
10.15 The Assembly: Julia Morris. (M, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)
12.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
THE
NBN, 7.30pm
You’ll either fall head over heels in love with this fresh take on the reality TV dating show or get “the ick” immediately and start scouting for more suitable options. After tempting the popular franchise away from Network 10’s warm embrace, Nine gives it a much-needed glow-up by following older singletons on their determined quest to find an authentic romance in their later years. Wants a Wife host Samantha Armytage is on hand to guide 61-year-old Barry “Bear” Myrden (pictured) as he gets to know 20 glamorous women between the ages of 51 and 66. Can the charming widower and father of three adult sons find his soulmate among this group of accomplished ladies?
THURSDAY
Following in the wellheeled footsteps of actor Stanley Tucci, who embarked on his own gastronomic pilgrimage to explore the vibrant culture and diverse cuisine of his homeland Italy, fellow thespian Eva Longoria (pictured) travels to Spain to further explore her own heritage. The Texas native has already delved into her Mexican ancestry in a separate docuseries and brings the same sense of curiosity and wonder to this new eight-part instalment. In Thursday’s premiere, the Desperate Housewives favourite visits Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, where she samples local vermouth and meets Ferran Adrià, one of the world’s most influential chefs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (PGn, R)
8.30 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG, R)
9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Catch Me A Killer. (MA15+av)
11.45 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+al, R)
2.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R)
3.05 Tough Trains. (Maw, R)
4.05 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002, Mlv, R) A man sets out to discover his identity after being hauled from the ocean with amnesia. Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper. 11.00 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.30 Motorway Patrol. (Ma, R)
12.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PGl, R)
1.00 In Plain Sight. (Premiere, Madv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Above The Clouds. (PG)
8.40 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015, Mal, R) A widower is hired as a senior intern. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway.
11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30
Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 To
Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young
Advised. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Hot Wheels. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00
6.00
R) 10.55 Travel Quest. (R) 11.55 WorldWatch. 12.55 Soccer. Australian C’ship. Round 2. Marconi Stallions FC v South Hobart. 3.00 Soccer. Australian C’ship. Round 2. Wollongong Wolves v Heidelberg United FC. 5.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.30 Flying Knights. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PGa)
8.25 Queen Victoria: Secret Marriage, Secret Child? (Premiere)
9.35 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication. (PGa, R)
10.35 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.30 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Masv, R)
3.00 Qatar: A Dynasty With Global Ambitions. (PGav, R)
4.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R)
4.30 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00
news and entertainment. 12.00 Horse Racing. Stow Storage Gothic Stakes and Tab Everest.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PGal) Presented by Chrissie Swan.
8.00 MOVIE: Live Free Or Die Hard. (2007, Mlv, R) Detective John McClane is assigned to capture a computer hacker but instead matches wits with a terrorist. Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant.
10.40 MOVIE: Cold Pursuit. (2019, MA15+av, R) A man seeks revenge for his son’s murder. Liam Neeson, Laura Dern.
1.05 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Getaway. (PG)
8.00 MOVIE: The Notebook. (2004, PGals, R) An old man reads a love story. Rachel McAdams.
10.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PGalns, R)
12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)
1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
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 Australia. (PGa, R) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (Final) The team transform a single mother’s property. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) Ambulance crews attend to a 19-year-old homeless female with leg pain. 9.45 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.45 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) 12.00 FBI:
Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R)
MOVIE: Death In Brunswick. (1991, Mlnsv, R)
Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
Ask The Doctor. (R)
The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show.
6am Morning Programs. 8.25 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 10.20 Unforgiven. (1992, M) 12.45pm O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, M) 2.45 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 4.45 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 6.35 The Wedding Planner. (2001, PG) 8.30 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 10.55 Vera And The Pleasure Of Others. (2023, MA15+, Spanish) 12.50am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, October 19
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PGl, R) 11.00 Travel Quest. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Mountain Biking. Enduro Mountain Bike National C’ships 2025. H’lights. 4.00 1986 FIFA World Cup: Hero.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PG)
8.30 King And Conqueror. (Mlv)
9.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries. (PG, R)
10.20 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R)
11.20 JFK Revisited: Through The Looking Glass. (Mav, R)
1.30 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R)
3.20 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG, R)
4.20 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
(31) VICELAND (31)
The Chaperone. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.00 The Wedding Planner. (2001, PG) 8.55 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 10.45 Maria Into Life. La Jauria. (2022, M, Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 4.05 The The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) Zodiac. (2007) 11.30
6am Morning Programs. 11.30
NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 To Be
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl)
8.10 The Rise And Fall Of Kings Cross. (M) A continued look at Sydney’s Kings Cross.
9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody: A Second Chance. (MA15+av, R)
10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Madv, R)
12.00 The Long Song. (Premiere, Masv)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Rivals.
8.30 King And Conqueror. (MA15+v)
9.30 Sydney’s Super Tunnel. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)
11.35 Four Years Later. (Mls, R)
4.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R)
4.30 Growing A Greener World. (PG, 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 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan and Juarez are caught in a hostage situation. 10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) A whistleblower lieutenant goes missing.
11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mv) 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
VICELAND (31)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.15 Living. (2022, PG) 8.10 The Movie Show. 8.45 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 11.05 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 12.55pm Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 5.00 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 7.30 UnIndian. (2015, M) 9.30 Ghoomer. (2023, Hindi) Midnight Maja Ma. (2022, M, Hindi) 2.25 Late Programs.
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGav)
8.30 Tell Me What You Really Think. (Mal)
9.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R)
10.35 SBS News. 11.05 The Point. (R) 12.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 1.00 Unusual Suspects. (Mals, R) 2.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.05 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R) 4.10 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 Murder In A Small Town. (M) A retreat takes a fatal turn. 10.10 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Maria James. (MA15+av, R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 8.25 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 10.20 UnIndian. (2015, M) 12.20pm Maja Ma. (2022, M, Hindi) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 5.35 Another Country. (2015, PG) 7.00 Made In England: The Films Of Powell And Pressburger. (2024) 9.30 I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) 11.10 Late Programs.
11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) 12.10 Pretty Hard Cases. (Madv) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Golden Bachelor. (Premiere, PGls)
Transplant. (MA15+m, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Start your day with coffee and brekky from 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm, and great hospitality all day. Open Tuesday to Sunday for good
drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for
WEDNESDAY, October 22
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. (Final) 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.50 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 The Story Of Beer. (PG, R) 10.05 Tough Trains. (Ma, R) 11.00 Luke Nguyen’s India. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tell Me What You Really Think. (Mal, R) 3.00 Bollywed. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Idea Of Australia. (PG)
8.30 Great British Train Journeys From Above.
9.30 After The Sky Fell On Lockerbie. (PGa, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 I Am Scrooge. (Madlns)
11.45 This Town. (Malv, R)
1.55 Heritage Rescue. (R)
3.35 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R)
4.05 Charles: The New King. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7.30. (R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 RFDS. (Mad)
8.30 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu. (M) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel continue down the west coast to Hari Hari.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG)
Experts share advice on living well.
10.30 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Budget Battlers. (Return, PGl)
8.40 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv)
9.50 The Grand Tour. (Ml)
11.05 9News Late.
11.35 Resident Alien. (MA15+asv)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock
her family’s reputation. 9.30 Elsbeth. (Mav, R) Elsbeth and Captain Wagner join forces.
Last Leg. (Return) 9.20 The Patient. 10.55 MOVIE: The Devil’s Advocate. (1997, MA15+) 1.35am WWE Legends. 3.10 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 6.55 I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) 8.35 The Movie Show. 9.10 Another Country. (2015, PG) 10.35 Ghoomer. (2023, Hindi) 1.05pm Belli Ciao. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 A Canterbury Tale. (1944) 4.55 The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. (1943, PG) 7.55 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.30 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 11.25 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, October 23
TV (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 I Was Actually There. (PG, R) 10.30 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Ml, R) 11.30 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 QI. (PGl, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG) 9.00 Long Lost Family. Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell.
9.45 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R)
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 The Business. (R) 11.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.30 7.30. (R)
(62) VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 To Be Advised. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00
(82)
(3)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 The Story Of Sugar. (PGa, R) 10.15 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG, R) 11.05 Luke Nguyen’s India. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Idea Of Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Bollywed. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain. (Premiere)
8.20 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve. (PG)
9.30 Blue Lights.
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Davos 1917. (Masv)
12.00 The Head. (Malsv, R)
1.50 Heritage Rescue. (PG, R)
3.30 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PGa, R)
4.00 Charles: The New King. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.30 The Late Session. 2.25 Bamay. 3.00 Insight. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide. 1.35am Conversations. 2.10 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.40 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 10.35 My Father’s Mexican Wedding. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.40pm Eiffel. (2021, M, French) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 Another Country. (2015, PG) 4.40 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 6.15 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 7.50 Monty Python’s Life Of Brian. (1979, M) 9.35 The Red Shoes. (1948, PG) 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+ls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies. 9.30 First Dates UK. (M) Singles experience the thrills of dating, including a nanny and pony groom.
10.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R)
11.30 Gatecrashers.
12.30 Life. (Malsv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
9GEM (82) 7TWO (62)
(64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) 8.30 RPA. (PGm, R) 9.30 To Be Advised. 10.30 9News
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Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
OUR home was adorned with beautifully framed photographic memories of our travels and adventures.
Over the past few visits from in-laws, these memories have all been replaced with watercolours.
Is this something to embrace or something to mourn?
Brett P.
Dear Brett,
What an unusual conundrum.
Are you suggesting your inlaws are perhaps moving in by stealth?
Were you in the house as your father-in-law took down an image of you and your wife immersed in the Holy Springs of Tirta Empul in Bali and replaced it with two pink magnolias on an aqua background?
Does he ask you to hold the spirit level as he double-checks the vertical and horizontal alignment of 'Cows at Dusk' where (due to your photographic ingenuity) a photo that looked as though you were holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa with your big toe previously hung?
Has the maternity series of your wife wearing nothing more than a strategically-placed pashmina been superseded with 'Copper Mine in Industrial Arizona - a triptych'.
Art is a very subjective thing, Brett, as you have made clear.
And though I'm sure the watercolours have been gifted through an abundance of love (and perhaps pride if your
mother- or father-in-law is the artist) a boundary has been crossed.
There are a couple of options here.
You can return your artworks to your walls and (prior to their next visit) you can replace some (but not all) of the watercolours. Alternatively, you can apply the 'Let Them' theory coined by Mel Robbins, and slow-boil like a frog steeped in passiveaggressive broth.
Or you could always try behavioural mirroring.
Next time you visit your inlaws, go armed with some gifts (pre-prepared with double-sided adhesive). A limited-edition print of MONA's famed vulva wall or Joseph Beuys's 'How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare' (1965) would no doubt complement your mother-in-law's pastelhued sitting room.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
DIRECT seasonal flights will launch between Newcastle and Hobart, connecting the two cities for the first time.
Served by Jetstar’s Airbus A320, the new service will start on 2 December 2025 and run three times a week - every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - until 21 April 2026.
The seasonal flights will return each summer through to 2028.
“Being directly connected to Tasmania’s capital is a big deal for both communities,” said Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton.
“Our region wants to travel and deserves to have these important connections available to them.”
Mayor of Port Stephens (and Newcastle Airport Director) Leah Anderson said being able to fly direct to Hobart is a fantastic win for the Hunter region.
“Our residents now have easier access to Tasmania and the door is open for more visitors to fly into our region, explore our coastline and support our tourism
businesses,” Cr Anderson said.
“Newcastle Airport is right on our doorstep and this new connection makes getting here, or getting away,
even easier.
“We want Newcastle Airport to be the first choice for every traveller from Port Stephens, the Hunter, Central Coast, Northern NSW and
even Northern Sydney.”
As part of the Hobart route announcement, Newcastle Airport is sponsoring a Tasmanian Devil through conservation
By Cosette DE LORENZO
WOMEN across NSW are being invited to take part in a major government-funded health initiative designed to support active, independent ageing.
The program, Active Women over 50, is led by Professor Anne Tiedemann from the University of Sydney and supported by the Australian
Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
It will provide free, tailored support to 1000 women from both rural and urban areas across NSW, who are keen to increase and maintain their physical activity.
“The program offers support so women can be more active and stay more active in a way that works for them,” Rosanna from the
Active Women over 50 team said.
“The free program offers telephone health coaching from a physiotherapist, behaviour-change motivational messages, a program-specific website and a private Facebook page, all designed to support physical activity.”
The aim is to help women over 50 become more active in ways that are
sustainable and enjoyable.
“Not everyone enjoys exercising, which means some people struggle to prioritise it,” Professor Tiedemann said.
She suggests starting small and increasing the amount of exercise over time, and to choose something enjoyable.
The research trial will also contribute valuable insights into how best to
promote long-term health and independence for Australian women.
Women aged 50 and over who are interested in joining the Active Women over 50 program are encouraged to register soon, as places are limited.
For more information, visit the program website or contact the research team at the University of Sydney.
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging preschool-aged children from across the Lyne electorate to take part in a unique opportunity to have their artwork featured on her new preschool graduation certificates.
Ms Penfold will judge and select four different artworks to appear on the certificate, which will be presented across the electorate at all upcoming preschool graduations at the end of the year.
“As a new member of
parliament, I was unsure what the preschool certificates should look like and thought: ‘Who better to decide than our preschoolers themselves?’.
“To the many mums and dads of preschoolers across the Lyne electorate, please
send in your children’s most creative, colourful artwork on the theme of nature.
“This could be drawings of bugs and insects, dinosaurs or dogs, butterflies in the garden or magical rainbows.
“Let their beautiful
imaginations go wild. I can’t wait to see the designs and showcase local creations.”
The graduation certificate is an A4 size in landscape.
Please submit entries by 11.59 pm AEST on Monday, 3 November 2025.
Email artwork to alison. penfold@aph.gov.au or post to PO Box 244, Wauchope, NSW, 2446.
Please include the child's name, their parent or guardian's name, and the best contact number or email with each submission.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
THE much-loved Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival is set to make its grand return from 9am on Saturday, 18 October, at Lionel Morten Oval.
This vibrant community celebration of local culture, seafood, and timber sports has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events.
What began in the 1990s as the humble Myall River Boat Race has evolved into a dynamic festival showcasing Karuah’s unique heritage.
After moving to the Karuah River under the stewardship of the Port Stephens Regatta Club, the festival took a major
turn when local legend Daryl Johnson introduced woodchopping competitions.
With his nephew, renowned axeman Brad le Losa, leading exhilarating demonstration events, the festival’s identity began to shift.
Following environmental concerns about the impact of boat races on local marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and even the rare Karuah penguins, racing was phased out.
What remained was the sound of axes ringing through the air and the unmistakable buttery taste of freshly shucked oysters.
As local oyster farmers joined in with educational displays and fresh seafood offerings, the festival embraced its dual identity, becoming the Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival we know
today.
This year marks the official move to Lionel Morten Oval, after a successful lastminute relocation in 2024 due to rain.
The new venue offers better space, accessibility, and the perfect amphitheatre seating to enjoy the woodchopping championships, which attract elite competitors from around the country.
In addition to the timber sports and oyster showcases, this year’s festival will feature more market stalls than ever before, plus classic kids’ activities including sack races, egg and spoon races, and face painting.
The pearler of the day is always the oyster eating competition, a fun and deliciously messy spectacle for participants and onlookers alike.
REPRESENTATIVES from the Aboriginal business and cultural tourism sectors came together at the Murrook Culture Centre for the eighth NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable on Thursday, 9 October.
The NSW Government event, hosted by Aboriginal Affairs NSW and Destination NSW, supported business owners and operators, and those looking to get started, under the theme ‘Walking together to create cultural tourism experiences’.
The Roundtable gave participants the opportunity to network with other business owners, connect with commercial suppliers and government representatives.
The event focused on four key themes: creating new pathways, boosting Aboriginal cultural tourism in NSW, outlining the benefits of collaboration between businesses, and empowering regional Aboriginal businesses.
Yuin-Ngarrug man Dwayne BannonHarrison, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council, delivered the keynote address.
The event also included a panel discussion involving Phil Lockyer, Head of Indigenous Affairs, Tourism Australia; Andrew Smith, CEO of Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council and Sand Dune Adventures; and Sharon Winsor, the Founder of Indigiearth and member of the Aboriginal Business Taskforce.
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Andrew Smith said, “It was great to welcome Aboriginal business owners to the Murrook Culture Centre for the roundtable discussions and discuss some of the success we’ve achieved with Sand Dune Adventures.
“As an Aboriginal owned and operated business, we know the importance of tourism and how, with a good business and marketing plan, including a good product, this can provide many benefits including training, employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.”
By Ramsey VANE-WOOD
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
2-PERSON AMBROSE (RED TEE CHALLENGE) FIELD | 29 members & 3 visitors. Winners
Garry Kiem & Timothy Kiem (6.50) 54.50 Nett, Runners Up Damian Hargraves [SGA*] & Anthony Wilkinson (5.25) 54.75 Nett *ineligible for prize, 3rd Place Paul Geddes & Ramsey Vane-Wood (3.75) 56.25 Nett BALL COMP | Phillip Watson & Stephen Watson (9.50) 56.50 Nett, Paul Monaghan & Steve Ryan [Dungog] (4.50) 56.50 Nett, Peter Griffin & Paul Langley [7.75) 57.25 Nett & Brian Mowle & Michael Shanley (7.00) 58 Nett. NEAREST THE PIN | 1st/10th - Paul Geddes (10), 5th/14th - Geoffrey Valentine [Charlestown] (22), 7th/16th - Greg Scott (5), 9th/18th - Timothy Kiem (6) MEMBERS DRAW | No.5, Ted Zawirski, $32 (15th/16) $32 carries forward MEMBERS
EAGLES NEST | Ramsey VaneWood - 2nd - 2 Balls UPCOMING EVENTS | 11-Oct Individual Stroke, Medal & Male Club Championships 1st Round, 18-Oct Individual Stroke & Male Club Championships 2nd Round, 25-Oct Individual Stroke, Tom Goodman Trophy & Male Club Championships Final Round, 29-Oct Course Renovations. Schedule subject to change.
SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER INDIVIDUAL STROKE, MEDAL & MALE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS (1ST ROUND) FIELD | 44 members DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner & Monthly Medal Wayne Stedman (10) 60 Nett, Runner Up Glenn Davies (6) 63 Nett, 3rd Place Allan Mckinnon (12) 64 Nett DIVISION 2 (1636) | Winner Michael Croucher (21) 64 Nett, Runner Up Ted Zawirski (32) 65 Nett, 3rd Place Greg Kellner (19) 67 Nett BALL COMP | Michael Rose (9) 65 Nett, Peter Nicholson (15) 65
Nett, David Bambach (10) 65 Nett, Jordan Wilkinson (5)
65 Nett, Paul Geddes (11)
66 Nett, Paul Langley (15)
66 Nett, Greg Scott (5) 68 Nett, Stephen Pilgrim (16)
68 Nett, Denis Crossman (22) 68 Nett, Simon Dunn (8) 69 Nett, Edwin Orchard (18) 69 Nett, Adele Curry
(20) 69 Nett, Brian Rohr (23) 69 Nett, Benjamin Herden (23) 70 Nett, Timothy Kiem (7) 70 Nett, Margaret Walker (23) 70 Nett, Graeme Valentine (13) 70 Nett & Stephen Watson (13) 70 Nett. NEAREST
THE PIN | 1st/10th - Brian Mowle (16), 5th/14th - Greg
By Thomas O’KEEFE
SUMMER sport got off to a hot start with the season opener of the Dungog and District Cricket Association competition.
The first match was between Karuah-Tea Gardens and WallarobbaStroud at Tea Gardens’ Memorial Park on Saturday 11 October.
The home team, the Sharks, hosted the newly amalgamated Wombats in 30plus degree weather, with many happy for drinks at the end of the first 20 overs.
Karuah-Tea Gardens came into the new season on an 18-month undefeated high, which culminated in their 2024 grand final victory.
But reality hit early with the Wombats chalking up a total score of 4/241 after 35 overs and the home team all out for 72.
Even a few ducks were seen walking off the pitch, one of them golden.
Wallarobba-Stroud’s Owen Daley scored an impressive 128 not-out, while some very tidy bowling by the Wombats kept the Sharks to their lower scoreline.
Scott (5), 7th/16th - Jordan Wilkinson (5), 9th/18th
- Jordan Wilkinson (5)
MEMBERS DRAW | No.51, Timothy Kiem (21st/44), $122 MEMBERS EAGLES NEST | Jordan Wilkinson (5) - 7th (Hole in One) - 1 Ball
UPCOMING EVENTS | 18Oct Individual Stroke & Male
Club
Championships
2nd Round, 25-Oct Individual Stroke, Tom Goodman Trophy & Male Club Championships Final Round, 29-Oct Course Renovations (volunteers required). Schedule subject to change.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16
The crowd then cheered on the quirky Pedalfest Criterion, featuring Penny Farthings, Footbikes and Dandy Horses.
Evenings were a mix of entertainment and community spirit, with the Spooky Men’s Chorale performing at the James Theatre on Friday and the Grande Finale Film or live music at the Royal rounding out Saturday night.
Sunday’s highlights included the National Mini-Dandy Horse Derby Championship, won by a nine-year-old, and the thrilling Enduro Flow Track race at the Common.
The Tin Shed Dash for Cash saw locals compete for
glory (and prizes from Event Cinemas) in the dust and sunshine.
The event was powered by generous local support, from sponsors like Tin Shed Brewery, Hunter Valley Operations, and Quarry Mining, to the tireless volunteers, schools, and service clubs who kept things rolling smoothly.
Pedalfest organisers praised the community effort, crediting Ride Dungog, Dungog Rotary, and countless volunteers for restoring the festival’s momentum.
“This year was a big step toward bringing Pedalfest back to its former glory,” said organisers.
“We can’t wait to build on this success and keep the tradition alive for years to come.”
By Shannon BENTON
THE 2025 Dungog Pedalfest has been hailed as a resounding success, marking a strong return for one of the town’s most beloved community events.
Over 26-28 September, hundreds of riders of all ages took to the tracks, trails and streets for three days of fun, fitness, and festivities.
The action kicked off at the Dungog Common with more than 250 students competing in the Hunter Schools Mountain Biking FUNduro, showing off their skills on the Flow and Pump Tracks.
Later, 60 kids and adults donned costumes for the “Kids and Cobwebs” ride through town, from ghosts and goblins to vintage cyclists. Saturday began with the traditional Fosterton Loop ride, attracting nearly 40 riders aged between nine and 70, who tackled the hills, enjoyed muffins by the Williams River, and laughed their way down Maggie Alley.
CONTINUED Page 15
