Gloucester District News Of The Area 15 OCTOBER 2025

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent ~ Family Owned

GLOUCESTER DISTRICT Of The Area News

Wednesday, 15 October 2025

By Marilyn SANDERSON

OCTOBER is Mental Health

Awareness Month and Barrington’s Adrian Rovere is on a mission to lift the burden of mental health for young men.

Known locally as “the Sheriff”, Adrian is taking on the “Lift the Load Challenge”, an annual fundraising campaign run by the Top Blokes Foundation - a youth mental health charity founded in Wollongong in 2006 by Melissa Abu Gazaleh.

The Foundation addresses young men and boys' mental health outcomes, through the provision of social education programs aimed at improving behaviour, wellbeing and their relationships with school and community.

“Our vision: Mentoring CONTINUED Page 2

Gloucester Study Hub opening 2025

FUNDING FOCUS

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

We

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper

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

By John WATTS

AFTER a year off, CWA Gloucester Evening Branch is once again inviting the local community to start their week with kindness, as well as a delicious cooked breakfast, when the club hosts its annual fundraiser for local cancer support organisations.

The event will be held on Monday 20 October from 7:30am to 10:30am at the CWA rooms in Church Street.

For $18 per person, guests can enjoy a freshly prepared spread of breakfast favourites.

All funds raised will go directly to Gloucester Cancer Support Groups, who provide vital assistance to locals affected by cancer, as well as their families and carers.

Whether it’s emotional support, practical help during treatment, or simply a safe place to connect,

these organisations are a lifeline to many in the community.

Last year’s road closures and construction made hosting the event not possible.

CWA members say they’re thrilled to finally welcome everyone back.

“It just wasn’t the same without our big breakfast

last year,” said CWA member Lauren McRae.

“As soon as the roadworks were complete, we knew the event would be back for 2025 and we can’t wait to get cooking for the community once again.

“Alongside the hearty meal, attendees will have the chance to buy raffle

FUNDING FOCUS

FROM Page 1

support to sporting infrastructure to our flood recovery, a gap has appeared between our needs and the funding provided by the Albanese Government.

“By providing a prebudget submission to Treasury 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,

tickets for a wonderful prize."

With good food, great company and the spirit of giving in the air, the morning promises to be as heartwarming as it is delicious.

“All community members, young, youngat-heart, locals and visitors, are warmly

and individuals to write or email with details about 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

Sheriff out to arrest mental health

FROM Page 1

boys and young males to redefine their notion of

a ‘Top Bloke’ as resilient, empathetic and authentic,” the organisation states.

The Lift the Load Challenge requires participants to carry 10kg for 50km throughout the month in support of men's

mental health.

Adrian however is aiming to lug 30kg over 100km; triple the weight and double the distance required for the challenge.

This is his second event raising money for men’s mental health.

“Five years ago, a younger, fitter me, accepted the 21-day Push

Up Challenge,” Adrian said.

“I amassed 16,000 push-ups with a one-day personal best of 1200.”

Noting that everyone has been “impacted by the demons of mental health”, Adrian’s reasons for joining the challenge are personal.

His older brother, Mark, who was diagnosed

with schizophrenia in his mid-twenties, died by suicide more than three decades ago.

“Despite living with this challenging condition he graduated as a high school maths teacher, married and had a son.

“But Mark’s was a tortured life.”

Adrian said the phone

encouraged to attend.

“No bookings are required, simply bring your appetite and a willingness to support a worthy cause.”

For more details, contact the Gloucester CWA Evening Branch via Facebook or drop by the CWA Rooms on the day.

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.

call that informed him of his brother’s death was “like a gut punch from Mike Tyson”.

Raising money for the Top Blokes initiative, Adrian hopes to “fund programs aimed at defeating this insidious affliction (suicide)”.

If you wish to donate, go to the Top Blokes Foundation’s website and search for Adrian Rovere’s page.

Gloucester

Old church, new vision in Stroud

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.

Going, going, gone

By Kim TEOH

THE Gloucester Uniting Church raised $1,500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service through a charity auction last month.

The auction was organised by the church’s lady parishioners, with their husbands’ support.

“Our church is very committed to supporting the Gloucester community,” said auctioneer Bob Tebbet, noting the vital nature of the helicopter service.

“Whilst auction attendance numbers were

small, the generosity of those attending was great and there was a great feeling of Gloucester community spirit on the day,” a grateful Bob added.

The new president of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Gloucester Volunteer Support Group, Kevin Arney said he was “honoured and very proud of our team”.

“Thank you to the Uniting Church Ladies Fellowship for their support of this fantastic community service,” he said.

“Well done to Sandy Tebbet and her team.”

In attendance at the

auction were Ray and Kelly Boyer, who moved to the region from Newcastle a year ago attracted to Gloucester’s natural beauty, friendly residents, low traffic and supportive community.

“My husband and I had the best time and really got a few bargains,” Kelly said.

“The entertainment factor was outstanding and the Uniting Church extremely hospitable and welcoming.”

Kelly said she hopes the parishioners can draw a much bigger crowd if they decide to do it all again.

Aged Care

Services

INTRODUCING CHAPO!

English Roman Nose Bull Terrier x Bull Arab

His dad is the Bull Terrier & his mum is a smaller Bull Arab x Vaccinated, Desexed, Lifetime Registration

Born approx 5th April 2025 (5 months)

Chapo’s adoption fee is $650

Chapo and his siblings have proven to be very sweet and affectionate pups since arriving at our facility. While they can be timid when separated, they quickly warm up with slow and gentle interactions.

Chapo is eager to learn and grow. Like all puppies, Chapo will benefit greatly from early socialisation and exposure to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences. This will help him develop into a well-rounded and confident companion. He would thrive in a home where he is fully included as a member of the family and receives positive guidance, plenty of love, and attention.

He is still growing into his personality, but he is already showing himself to be a very loving pup who can’t wait to find his forever family.

If you have an existing dog, a meet and greet is required to ensure compatibility. Please bring your dog’s current vaccination certificate to this meeting, as our pups are not yet fully vaccinated.

Chapo’s adoption fee is $650 and includes his desexing, lifetime registration & current vaccination. Chapo is also regularly treated for fleas and worms.

To enquire more or to meet Chapo, please call 0499 900 272 or email ccacfpetadoptions@gmail.com and speak to one of our friendly staff. Chapo is located in East Maitland.

Marie Laurie captivates with lace and laughter

By Kim TEOH

CALLS of “wow!”, “ooh!” and “ahh!”

echoed through the Gloucester SeventhDay Adventist Hall on Sunday, 28 September, as 92-year-old Marie

Laurie captivated the audience at Ladies’

Time Out with her remarkable lacework and heartfelt storytelling.

Marie grew up on the Maslen farm on Jacks Road, Gloucester.

Her dreams of becoming a nurse led her down many paths, including

marriage and a life in Moppy as a farmer’s wife.

But it was during a holiday abroad that her life took an unexpected turn.

“While on holiday in the UK with my daughter, we had to hang around as the youth hostel wouldn’t let us check in till 4pm,” Marie said.

To Marie’s delight, the pair stumbled upon a shop offering lacemaking classes and she was instantly hooked.

What started as a way to pass time eventually became a lifelong passion.

Her intricate lacework not only became a creative outlet but opened doors to international travel and recognition, as she shared her skills and knowledge across the globe.

Following Marie’s inspiring presentation, Carol Sickle from the church demonstrated how to make hearty and healthy lentil

rissoles, followed by visitor Kim Teoh, who cooked up a Malaysian dessert called Sago Gula Melaka.

Many attendees were introduced to sago for the first time - a starchy pearl-like ingredient derived from the pith of palm trees.

“This is a yummy dessert,” said attendee Zuali Barrett, who loved the sago cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk.

Looking ahead, organiser Beryl Landers shared plans for the next Ladies’ Time Out on Sunday, 19 October.

“We will be sewing with purpose,” Beryl announced.

“Each month will have a different focus, and October, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will be supporting the Heart2Heart Project.

“Specially designed and sewn heart-shaped pillows will be donated to

2026 KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION INFORMATION

EARLY BIRDS

Sessions 2 to 4; 9am - 12pm

Our transition program, ‘Early Birds’ provides opportunities for students to visit the school and participate in classroom and playground activities.

The program supports a smooth and positive transition experience from home to school for kindergarten class of 2026. The program fosters an environment of safety and belonging and allows students to commence kindergarten with confidence.

Successful Foundations provides children with the opportunity to actively demonstrate their knowledge with the context of the school, through play!

PARENT AND STUDENT SESSIONS

Session 1 (Term 3)

Tuesday 5th August 9:15-10:15am

 Children can attend playgroup, 9:15-10:15am while parents/carers attend information session with school counsellor.

Session 2 (Term 4)

Tuesday 28th October 9:15-10:15am

 Children can join Early Birds while parents/carers attend Information Session with Principal.

 Students attend Early Birds transition program from 9am - 12pm. Pick up at the front office.

STUDENT SESSIONS

Session 3 (Term 4)

Tuesday 4th November 9-12pm

 Parent’s kiss and drop for Early Birds.

 Uniforms on display and available to purchase.

Session 4 (Term 4)

Tuesday 11th November 9-12pm

 Parent’s kiss and drop for Early Birds.

 Uniforms on display and available to purchase

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

02 6558 1555 admin@gloucester.catholic.edu.au

www.gloucester.catholic.edu.au @stjosephsprimarygloucester

hospitals for breast cancer patients as they provide underarm comfort post-surgery and serve as a symbol of care and support,”

Beryl said.

“Some will also be donated to children’s wards and nursing

homes for comfort,” she added.

Beryl invites seasoned sewers or those who simply want to lend a hand to make this event a meaningful one, to come along on Sunday, 19 October at 2pm.

MP calls for reversal of Telstra store closure

MEMBER for Lyne Alison Penfold has described a move from Telstra to close its Taree store a “bastard act”, calling on the telco to immediately reverse its decision.

Telstra has announced it will close the Taree store on Monday, 10 November 2025.

Penfold said Telstra had turned its back on customers in Taree and neighbouring communities.

“This is yet another low blow by commercial bean counters who put profits before people,” she said.

“I have spoken to Telstra about its decision, and it is clear this is all about the bottom line.

“This is a busy store, and it’s hard to believe that it isn’t making a return for the business.

“And it is hard to believe that any decent executive would consider closing services in a community devastated only five months ago by a one in 500-year flood.”

Ms Penfold said the decision meant jobs would be lost and services would disappear.

“I am informed that some of the Taree employees will be relocated to other stores, but not all of them,” she said.

“This is simply not good enough.

“And I don’t buy the benefits it is trying to sell that customers will still have access to the same services they receive face to face at the Taree store.

“Firstly, the Forster and Port Macquarie stores are at least 40 minutes to an hour away, and public transport to them is limited.

“Secondly, many of the people who seek assistance from in-store staff want face-toface service, not from some online ‘bot’ and not from someone sitting in an overseas call centre.”

A spokesperson for Telstra told NOTA that Taree is one of the telco’s “quieter stores in the region”. “Many enquiries in store are bill payments and prepaid recharges, which can be done in person at Australia Post, Coles and Woolworths in Taree,” they said.

“As part of this transition, the majority of our Taree team members have been offered redeployment opportunities at nearby locations.

“We’re continuing to support them through this change.”

Deforestation can cause ‘eight-fold increase’ in flood event risk

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.”

Infrastructure 'key' offers to unlock regional housing

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."

Shape how roads and streets are managed in NSW

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.

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

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.

FRIDAY, October 17

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)

Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 To Be Advised. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

MONDAY

THE GOLDEN BACHELOR

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

EVA LONGORIA: SEARCHING FOR SPAIN

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.

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) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.30

6.00

SATURDAY, October 18

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.

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)

Selling Houses Australia. (Final)

(Mal, R) Ambulance crews

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:

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. 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.

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)

Morning

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)

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. (Premiere) 5.30 Flying Knights.

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)

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

MONDAY, October 20

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.

TUESDAY, October 21

3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

(31) 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

(32)

6am The Movie

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.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. Noon The Voice. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby:

The Golden Bachelor. (Premiere, PGls)

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.

WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap

UK. 1.35 Homicide. 2.30 SBS50. 2.35 MH370: The Lost Flight. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Matchmakers. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Hoff Roading. (Premiere) 9.25 Alone. 10.25 Hoarders. 11.20 Brand Bollywood Downunder. 1am Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

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. 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.

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) 11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) 12.10 Pretty Hard Cases. (Madv) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise.

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 food, drinks, functions and live music. And the place to stay for work or holiday.

WEDNESDAY, October 22

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.

6.00 Seven News.

Home And Away. (PGa)

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)

Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv)

The Grand Tour. (Ml)

9News Late.

Resident Alien. (MA15+asv)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

THURSDAY, October 23

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Gardening Australia. (R)

7.30. (R)

(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 Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00

6am Morning

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.

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.

MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

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. 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.

(64)

Rieu DVDs x 22. $30. 0447 076 485

HORSE riding boots Elastic sided, Black leather, ladies, GUC 2 pairs available, $25 per pair: 1 x Dublin 36 (EU) /

deliver. $950 0418 430 643 SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique. Make an offer. 4982 3495F270225 STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190 PIANOLA and stool in GC, over 50 player rolls $1800 ono

Shoprider VGC, easy to use

Ford Falcon LPG

good condition $6,500. 0431 607 774

SUBARU Liberty 1991, AWD, 5 spd manual, cruise control 300,330kms.One owner/driver from new regular serviced. $7500 Medowie 4982 9942

SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $7,800. 0415 678 687

TR76FN. Contact 0415 359 809

News Of The Area OPINION

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

On theCouch

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.

Buggy rollover

SIX Speople were injured in a buggy rollover at Davis Creek west of Barrington Tops last Sunday.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was among a large contingent of emergency services called to the site, on a farm near Aberdeen, around 2pm on 5 October.

A woman aged in her

sixties had suffered arm injuries and was treated at the scene by a paramedic and doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team, as well as paramedics from NSW Ambulance.

She was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Ambulance paramedics

also treated a child, who was flown to John Hunter Hospital in the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.

A further four adults were injured in the rollover.

They were treated at the scene and were taken to John Hunter Hospital by road.

All were in a stable condition.

Greyhound body aims to connect with community

By Mick MCDONALD

MID North Coast Greyhounds aims to connect with the community at a Breakfast With The Stars promotion to be held at the Kanangra Drive track in Taree on Sunday, 26 October.

This will run from 9am to 10.45am and will include a free barbecue breakfast.

“We’re trying to get hold of those people who have a retired greyhound but don’t really know what the greyhound industry is about,’’ club manager Peter Cassar explained.

He said club officials and trainers will be present and will be happy to discuss all aspects of the industry.

“We want to give anyone, particularly those who

don’t know much about greyhound racing or who have preconceived ideas, a good visual of what we’re about,’’ he said.

Mr Cassar understands that many people who now have greyhounds as pets wouldn’t necessarily be great supporters of greyhound racing.

“We’re trying to promote the greyhound itself rather than the negative aspects around racing.

“We know there’s life after racing for greyhounds and we’re here to support that,’’ Mr Cassar said.

“We want to see retired greyhounds go to a new home and a new life.’’

He said figures indicate that 1300 greyhounds have been rehomed in this area in

Disaster Relief Australia team returns to region

DISASTER Relief Australia volunteers returned to the region last week to provide further assistance to flood affected communities.

The veteran-led organisation is helping residents continue to rebuild after devastating floods in May this year.

More than 500 volunteers deployed for several weeks in June and July at the request of the NSW Government.

They now return on a

smaller scale to provide more help with debris removal, repairs and flood recovery tasks in and around the Taree area.

Funded with the support of Disaster Relief Australia partner NAB Foundation, Operation Locke 2.0 will run for two weeks with approximately 30 volunteers on the ground each week in seven-day rotations.

In addition to supporting recovery efforts, Disaster Relief Australia volunteers will also lead and facilitate the efforts of corporate and community volunteers who want to help in their own back yard.

Disaster Relief Australia Chief Executive Officer Dave Smith AM, CSC, DSM said the organisation welcomes the

opportunity to return to the area and provide ongoing support for long-term disaster recovery.

“Our volunteers were on the ground towards the end of the response phase of this disaster to work alongside the NSW SES,” he said.

“Our ability to deploy rapidly expedited the transition into recovery and our volunteers made significant progress in helping communities begin to recover and rebuild.

“Our initial tasking was at the request of the NSW Government via the National Emergency Recovery Agency.

“This time, our return is supported by our partner NAB Foundation and we will assist residents and Mid Coast Council with various

the last five years.

Mr Cassar said owners will have the chance to give their dogs a run on the club’s exercise track during the morning.

“That’s a grass track on the far side of the complex.

“The owners can give them a run with other dogs and they’ll also get the chance to meet people in the industry as well as other people who have greyhounds for pets,’’ he said.

Mr Cassar said there will also be vets on hand to discuss greyhound and general pet welfare.

He added the club will consider making this an annual event.

The club’s annual meeting will be held later that day.

tasks.

“We appreciate the opportunity to return to this area and further help.

“Our veteran volunteers have the skills and experience to coordinate efficient and cost-effective recovery efforts, and we are honoured to be able to return and assist in such a tangible and practical way.”

Established in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia unites the skills and experience of veterans and motivated Australians to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.

Volunteers receive training, leadership opportunities, and the chance to serve alongside likeminded individuals who are committed to helping others in times of crisis.

Seasonal flights to Tasmania launched

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 organisation Aussie Ark.

The sponsored devil is aptly named “Newy” and can be visited at Aussie Ark’s conservation facility in the Barrington Tops.

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Gloucester Lady Bowlers

By Jennifer BURLEY

IN WARM conditions the Semi Final of the Ladies Fours Championship, with some great bowls played by all four teams, was decided.

Di Pritchard, Lou Clements, Bev Murray and Judy Sheely beat the team of Paula Standen, Val Pritchard, Pat Cox and

Penny Gibson 26 to 13.

And the team of Jill Everett, Suzanne Cross, Joy Hurworth and Karen Heiningher went down to the team of Julie Kriss, Joan Ridgeway, Jenny Burley and Bev Germon by 28 to 110.

Thus, on Wednesday 15 October, the Final will be played between Judy's team and Bev's.

Good luck to both teams.

There were also three ladies who had a friendly roll up, and in a draw of the cards Karen Heiningher 's team won the trophy of the day.

Ladies please note that due to Daylight saving bowls have moved 30 minutes earlier, names in by 8 am play to start 8.30.

In earlier news, congratulations to Joan Ridgeway and Bev Germon on being the winners of the Ladies Pairs Championship, defeating Bev Murray and Di Pritchard 20 to 5.

There were two games of Social Play and one Triples match.

Jill Everett, Joy Hurworth and Penny Gibson 20 defeated Pat Cox, Debbie Cushway and Helen Banks 15.

There was also one match of 4s with a swinger: Paula Standen, Gina Dalmulder, Suzanne Cross and Judy Sheely 13, in a close match, defeated Paula (swinger), Julie Kriss, Val Pritchard and Kerrie Green 12.

Gloucester Parkrun

By Carolyn DAVIES

THERE was already some warmth in the air for the start of Gloucester's 226th parkrun.

After a bumper crowd for the long weekend before, it was the locals that dominated those

gathering at the start. Visitors from Singleton, Central Coast and Taree added to the 55 finishers for the day.

As usual, the parkrun started on time, which saw a couple of latecomers muttering 'I am always late' as they took

off after the retreating crowd of walkers and runners.

There were signs of summer already, with patches of grass in the park turning brown, although the upturned trees in the river and the dried mud on the path still told the story of the winter floods only a few months ago.

Golf Croquet Mid North Coast

By Bev MURRAY

LAST weekend the four Mid North Coast golf croquet clubs met at Taree courts for the District Championships.

Forster and Port Macquarie contested Division 1 (handicaps up to 4) while all four clubs contested Divisions 2 and 3 – Division 2 being handicaps 5-8 and Division 3 handicaps 9 upward.

Representing Gloucester were Division 2: Bev Fagan

(singles) and Bev Murray and Al Minis (doubles).

Division 3: Alec Bruce (singles) and Chris Sims and Denise Bruce (doubles).

In Division 2 Bev Fagan started with a marathon game against Forster but eventually went down 6-7.

Bev then went down to Taree and Port Macquarie 4-7 and 5-7 respectively.

In the doubles Gloucester started strongly with Bev Murray & Al Minis having

a comfortable win against Forster 6-2. They then went down to Port Macquarie 2-7 before coming back convincingly 7-1 against Taree.

In Division 3 Gloucester again started strongly with Alec Bruce taking a win against Forster 7-6. He then went down to Port Macquarie 4-7 before having a convincing win against Taree 7-2.

Playing the doubles Chris Sims & Denise Bruce were 3-7 against Taree, 3-6 against Forster and 4-5 against Port Macquarie.

Well done to all players. It had been a great day both competitively and socially.

The walkers and runners were cheered by the volunteers as they turned at the halfway point, with some of the walkers choosing to break into a run around the cone before returning to a comfortable amble to start the second lap. Trudie Murray achieved her goal of getting to halfway before the

By Peter WILDBLOOD

THE Gloucester Veteran Golfers drew a good-sized field playing in tip top conditions on Tuesday 7 October with Paul Thibault coming home for a close win with a strong score. The event was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Elaine and Bill Murray and played in great Spring conditions on a course recovering well

from a wet winter.

The winner with a Stableford score of 40 points was Paul Thibault with runner up Anne Wand, 39, just that single point behind. Balls were won by Hayden Moller and Mark Stone 37, Carolyn Davies, Derek Bardwell, and Amanda Robertson 35 with joint sponsor Elaine Murray, 34, needing a count back to pick up the last ball on offer.

The Nearest-to-the-

Pin at the 4th and 13th holes was won by Elaine Murray and Derek Wand while Carolyn Davies and Mark Stone did the job at the 6th and 15th holes.

On Tuesday 14 October the Gloucester Veteran Golfers were due to play an Irish Four Ball sponsored by Margaret and Jim Dunn with Robyn and Tony Burnet. Next Tuesday, 21 October, they will be playing an Individual Stableford.

first finisher.

Josh Slade was the first male finisher, visiting from Singleton for his first time at Gloucester parkrun, with local Ellie Cameron the first female finisher.

The warm weather seemed to suit a few people with personal best times for Connor McLean, Aaron McLean, Chris Thomas, Jane Liddle and Roger Liddle.

Thanks to the bumper roster of volunteers which made the event happen, with Rod Eckels and Tracy Wilson helping to set up before Rod backed up as scanner. Gary Ferris was the steady hand of timekeeper, although John Watts was on his trainer wheels in his finish tokens' role, needing assistance from young Roy McRae after Roy completed his run first.

Gina Dalmulder took on the role of tailwalker, guiding the group from behind. Marc Dalmulder was taking a break from recent personal best times to put his photography skills into

practice, taking some great shots of runners and walkers in the park surrounds. Ros Poynting donned the blue vest of parkwalker - a role not often seen at Gloucester parkrun - which has the aim of being a friendly face (anyone who knows Ros knows she is always smiling!) to provide support and encouragement to walkers. It is part of parkrun's commitment to increasing the number of people who walk (rather than run) at parkrun events. Ros did the role with style, even managing to gently persuade a couple of walkers to complete the course rather than stopping halfway. Ros was also smiling about finishing 70th last week on her 70th parkrun.

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

Blundell Memorial golf bonanza

By Peter WILDBLOOD

ON Saturday, 11 October, the Gloucester Golf Club played its annual Tom Blundell Memorial and golfers turned out in numbers to take advantage of the top course conditions presented to them

The event was a Four Person Ambrose, and the clear winners were Paul Blanch, Mark Monro, Strawb Benson and Jackson Blanch 57, two strokes ahead of a clutch of teams two strokes back on 59 separated by multiple count backs to take second, third, fourth and fifth placings.

Rob Moore, Mark Garner, Phil Bowden, Steve Yates headed the list with Chris

Murray, Ollie Murray, Mitch Andrews and Will Andrews next followed by Paul Garland, Steve Williams, Kev Arney and Steve Macdonald 59 with the final placing going to Stacey Groves, Linc Groves, Kelly Groves and Ryan Groves.

Balls went to three teams all with 60 strokes after handicap all separated by further count backs: Steve Benson, Brendon Murray, Peter Bignall and Josh Wiolson, followed by David Maddalena, Wayne Maddalena, Doug Blanch and Bill Murray with final clutch of trophy balls to Matt Higgins, Ryan Yates, Simon Fox and Daniel Tull.

At the 4th and 13th holes

the Nearest-to-the-Pins went to Chris Murray 471 cm, Mitch Andrews 841 cm, and Gary Threadgate 320 cm representing the three grades.

At the shorter 6th and 15th holes the NTP honours were won by Steve Williams 363 cm, Brian Osborne 325 cm, and Paul Coote 32 cm.

The long drives at the 8th and 17th holes were won by Paul Blanch, Paul Garland and Linc Groves.

The Super Sevens for the week ending Friday 10 October was won by Dave Mann with 18 Stableford points.

He was followed by ball winners Paul Blanch 17, Peter Markey and Doug Blanch 16,

Next Saturday, 18

be

The

Rabbet, Davies named women’s Foursomes Champs

By Carolyn DAVIES

THE Gloucester Golf Ladies accepted the challenge last Wednesday, 8 October, in playing 27 holes on a warm day for their Foursomes Championship won by Dale Rabbett and Carolyn Davies.

A Foursomes is when partners play alternate

shots and have each partner potentially responsible for making good on any of their partner’s poor shots. This is why the event traditionally starts with each player saying “sorry” to their partner so there is no need for apologies out on the course for any duffed tee

What a season!

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 16

and Saturday mornings with boundless energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for learning the game.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Sofi Tooth and Kymani Tarr, whose dedication and encouragement turned every session into a positive, funfilled learning experience.

Their support helped foster confidence, friendships, and a true love for netball.

NetSetGo Awards

Coaches Awards: Hannah McRae, Jessica Ninness, Grace Waters

Best New Player: Margo Gazecki

Encouragement Award: Dulcie Laurie Well done to all our

shots, chips, bunker shots or missed putts.

The Ladies Foursomes Champions for 2025 are Dale Rabbett and Carolyn Davies who finished with a gross score of 138 over the 27 holes; Evelyn Blanch and Myrelle Fraser, 148, were runners up. The net winners

NetSetGO stars – we can’t wait to see you back on court in 2026!

Junior Competition: big crowds and bigger hearts

The Junior Grand Final was a season highlight, with Team Pink and Team Blue putting on an incredible show of teamwork and determination.

With a big crowd of parents and supporters lining the sidelines, the atmosphere was electric.

Team Blue proved too strong on the day, with accurate shooting and composed play securing a 36–22 win. But both sides walked off the court as winners, having played with great sportsmanship and heart.

Junior Awards Most Improved: Jessie Webb

Encouragement Award: Isla Denyer

Highest Point Score: Nikita Partridge

Coaches Awards

Pink – Matilda Kellner

Black – Laney Leu

Blue – Fern Wilson

Purple – Clancie Partridge

A massive thank you to junior coaches Makaylee Gooch, Kaitlin Perry, Chloe Doolan, and Ellie Cameron for their incredible guidance all season.

And special recognition to our junior umpires - Saige Partridge, Evie Kemp, Kaitlyn Beggs, Madison Gooch, Emma Bignell, Kara Brooks, Emily Perry and Kymani Tarr - for keeping the games fair and fun each week.

were Moya Harris and Rhonda Nightingale, playing better than their handicap, with a score of 108½.

Balls were awarded on the day for the net scores and went to Moya Harris and Rhonda Nightingale, closely followed on a count back by Evelyn Blanch and Myrelle,

109¾, and Alison Windeyer and Lesly Harrison, 111.

The Nearest-to-the-Pin prize on the 4th and 13th holes was won by Elaine Murray and Anne Wand. Anne also took out the prize for Division 1 on the 6th and 15th holes, with Margaret Dunn doing so for Division

2.

This Wednesday, 15 October, the Gloucester Golf Ladies will play another Monthly Medal followed by their Annual General Meeting. The following Wednesday they play another delayed Monthly Medal.

Intermediate Grand Final: A game to remember

The Intermediate Grand Final between Yellow and the undefeated Green was a true spectacle.

Yellow stormed ahead early, but Green showed their champion qualities with a determined comeback.

A final-quarter surge from Yellow had the crowd roaring, but Green held strong to take the title, 53–46.

Intermediate Awards

Most Improved: Chloe

Doolan

Encouragement Award: Sophie Webb

Highest Point Score: Kymani Tarr

Tamika Preston Memorial

Sportsmanship Trophy: Kymani Tarr

It was a thrilling end to a season filled with hard work, development, and strong friendships on and off the court.

The 2025 season has also seen representative netball continue to grow,

development opportunities for our junior umpires and coaches and a boost in junior numbers, the future of Gloucester netball is looking brighter than ever.

The GDNA thanks all players, parents, coaches, umpires, and volunteers for making the 2025 season such a success.

We can’t wait to see you all again next year - bigger, stronger, and ready to play!

What a season!

By Margo CAMERON