Manning Valley U3A announces the start of 34 courses for Term 2, with the Autumn

season bringing many active and adventurous courses.

Heather Abbott, member of the group, runs a 7.15 am to 8 am “Let’s Walk” activity,

she says “This offers you an opportunity to walk as fast or as slow as you like, whilst

enjoying the surrounds of both your walking companions and your physical

environment. It sets you up for the day.”

Places in the Taree area to be visited this term include: Martin Bridge, The Airport

and Dawson River Cemetery, Woola Road, Cundletown, Andrew Reserve, the Rec

Ground Circuit and the Bicentennial Gardens.

Heather also runs a daytime activity “Explore Your Valley” which takes a look behind

the scenes at Venues in the Manning Valley. For example, a recent visit to Manning

Valley Aero Club drew an enthusiastic group of members, who had the opportunity to

be “hands on” with a number of light aircraft, including Cherokee, Cessna and Jabiru

planes. (See photo of Heather Abbott and colleagues visiting the Aero Club.)

For people who prefer to be armchair travellers, Manning Valley U3A’s John Dun will

be offering nine presentations in his “Time Traveller” series, this time visiting Cape

York. John says “This will be a tour in pictures and words of a trip from Cairns to the

Tip of Cape York and beyond to Thursday Island. It offers a variety of landscapes

from bustling Cairns and the highlands of Kuranda, north through historic Cooktown,

the fabulous Daintree Rainforest, and then along the Peninsula Development Road

to the astonishing Aboriginal rock art around Laura, and the fascinating bauxite

mining town of Weipa on the west coast.”

In addition, this Term 2, Paul Addison’s popular Movies series features “Comedy

Movies with Male Stars” including “To Be or Not To Be” with Jack Benny, “Airplane”

with Robert Heyes and “Johnny English” with Rowan Atkinson.

Manning Valley U3A’s popular Line Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Balance & Bones

and Chair Exercises continue. Balance & Bones will be run by both Paul Addison

and Ross Connell, emphasizing that these physical “get moving” activities are

available to all members in every age group.

In addition, Manning Valley U3A has expanded the number of locations where

courses are available to Taree, Old Bar and Chatham.

Manning Valley U3A established courses will be continuing in Term 2, and the group

is fortunate to have a capable and enthusiastic team of volunteer course leaders.

Looking ahead, the group is always keen to meet new course leaders. Heather

McLaughlin, Programs Officer says “New courses and course leaders keep our

program for members fresh and exciting. Maybe you have an interest you could

share with us. We can help you put your course together and have helpful mentors

to coach you.” “Do please contact me with your ideas.”

Enrolment details for Term 2 2025

Review our courses and enrol online from Tuesday 22 nd April to Tuesday 29 th April at:

www.manningvalley.u3a.net.org.au or in person on Tuesday 22 nd April from 10am to 12 noon at Manning Uniting Church in Taree.

We can have a chat about whatever courses interest you and help with applications and joining our groups.

Annual membership is $20, and the course fees are no more than $20 each per term, with many below this, and a couple are free.

For more information see website: www.manningvalley.u3anet.org.au

Or email: secretary.mvu3a@gmail.com

Contact for enquiries: Jennie Wright, Publicity Officer, phone 0418205971

I’m Alison Penfold, Nationals candidate for Lyne and I’m ready to go to work for the families, businesses, industries and communities of Lyne.

This election is critically important for our area and our nation. The cost of living and the cost of doing business crisis means you are having to make choices you shouldn’t have to make.

We need a government that believes in small business, regional communities and the values that have built this country. It’s about putting our country back on track for a stronger, safer and better Australia.

David Gillespie has been a vocal and local champion for Lyne for more than ten years, and I will build on his legacy of listening, caring and delivering to ensure we get our fair share and address the challenges we face on roads, health and aged care, telecommunications, and skills and jobs.

I’m a straight talker, educated in Taree and now with years of experience working in the Federal Parliament. That means I have the guts and the know how to get things done in Canberra and you will always know what I stand for, and who I stand with.

We need strong, decisive and ‘Australia-first’ leadership at the national and local level, and that is what I am determined to deliver.

You can learn more about me here, follow me on Facebook or Instagram or contact me at alison.penfold@nswnationals.org.au or 0485 874 094.

The election has been called for May 3rd, and the campaign for a stronger, independent Lyne is officially underway!

I'm running because our community deserves a representative who shows up, listens, and gets things done—someone who puts our needs ahead of party politics.

I've seen firsthand how our community solves problems together. That's the approach I'll take to Canberra: practical solutions, not political games.

Already, 169 people have donated to our campaign, bringing us to 60% of our goal. Every contribution shows the strength of our movement.

Can you help us reach our goal?te no

We need to build on this momentum:

• Can you volunteer at a booth? We need help with pre polling in the lead up to the election and on election day

• Request a yard sign. Let's show this is a two-horse race!

• Forward this message to friends and family who might support our campaign.

The National Party has taken Lyne for granted for too long. Together, we can change that.

Let's get things done,
Jeremy Miller Independent for Lyne

P.S. Our campaign launches are happening across the electorate at Pubs and cafes, are you coming? for an event near you

Our volunteers

You are the most important part of our campaign, thank you for making this campaign a success. With your help, we will show the major parties what real community representation looks like.

The hackathon was a district wide collaborative effort to support local koala populations. Hosted at Taree Universities Campus, aimed to connect our youth with country and inspire them to think big when it comes to the future of koala conservation across the MidCoast region.

With over 60 students from 6 schools across the region, we saw 9 teams pitch their ideas, which included infrared sensors, drones, artificial intelligence, Pokemon Go style apps, education campaigns and koala corridors connecting habitat.

From the simple to the advanced, it was amazing to see the creativity and imagination of our young people. We look forward to seeing their ideas brought to life.

On arrival 98% of students said they knew a little about how to help Koalas in our local environment. At the end of the day 92% of students said they knew a lot about how to help koalas locally.

Congratulations to the winning team on the day – The Koala Quest Team from Great Lakes College.

For more information you can watch the Youtube video: https://youtu.be/XuPcIuFgE6o

David Gillespie, Federal Member for Lyne.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone across our local community to celebrate Australia Day this January 26th.

As our national day  Australia Day it is a time that we celebrate our great nation and the many things we enjoy that make us the lucky country.

We are a nation that brings together an Indigenous heritage of more than 60,000 years and migrants that have come here from right around the world, helping to build the wonderful nation we live in today. 

Many of our local councils and community organisations have organised events to mark Australia Day.

It is a chance to spend time at the beach and along our rivers, enjoy a barbecue, hike in our hinterland or along the coastal walks, sharing time with family and friends, and reflecting on and celebrating the great nation we live in.

For many proud migrants who have walked the path and are now realising their dream of becoming an Australian citizen, Australia Day is a memorable day of celebrations in that journey.

Its also  would like to take the opportunity to thank the various councils which will be holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

David Gillespie announces Alison Penfold, who has been selected by the National Party to be our candidate to contest the Lyne 2025 Federal election next year. 

Alison brings a diverse life experience that is great grounding for any MP.

Growing up in Harrington and on the family farm at Hannam Vale, educated in Taree, student exchanges in Switzerland and South Korea, and tertiary studies at Australian National University (ANU).

She has travelled Australia and the world extensively and has now settled in Wauchope.

Her business experience includes as CEO of the billion-dollar live export industry, and as a business advisor to the mining, chemical, agricultural companies, as well as the timber industry.

Apart from her corporate experience, she has had a lot of roles working for the Federal and the Northern Territory Government, including two Deputy Prime Ministers, and myself when I served as Minister for Regional Health.

Her concerns about the cost of living, health, aged care, mobile and internet services, energy and housing, plus her opposition to the woke culture, are high on her agenda.

I offer my hearty congratulations to Alison whose broad life experience and deep knowledge of the electorate is totally clear.

The Federal election has not been announced while we wait for the Prime Minister to reveal the date by the middle of May 2025.

Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes, is pleased to announce that the 2025 Legal Topics for Seniors diary is now available from her Tuncurry electorate office.

Mrs Thompson said these diaries are provided by Legal Aid NSW.

“This free resource is such an invaluable tool for seniors, offering guidance on a range of important legal topics, including protecting against scams, understanding elder abuse, planning ahead, and preparing wills.

“They’re packed with practical information to help seniors navigate some of the challenges they may face, understand their rights and find details where to access advice and support.”

The diaries are available free of charge from Mrs Thompson’s office, located at Level 1, 1-9 Manning Street, Tuncurry. However, quantities are limited and will only be available while stocks last.

“I encourage seniors to stop by and pick up a copy. It’s an excellent resource to help you stay informed,” Mrs Thompson added.

For those unable to visit the office, the diary is also available online at https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ways-to-get-help/publications-and-resources

MidCoast Council processed 230 development determinations from 1 July to 30 September this year, representing millions of dollars in local investment.

Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell said that these development determinations showed that developers and homeowners remain confident in the region.

Council staff also dealt with 1,623 individual customer requests in relation to development assessment and building certification. 

MidCoast Council’s average DA processing time is 88 days, compared to other regional Councils where the average is 99 days.

“While our processing times compare favourably with other regional Councils, we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to implement our process improvement work, including the implementation of the 53 actions outlined in the Housing Barriers Report,” explained Mr De Szell.

“In particular, we are working to improve efficiency in our triaging of the more complex assessments we receive.

“We know that navigating the NSW Planning system can be stressful. We’re working behind the scenes to introduce efficiencies and supports to further speed up approvals and help the community better understand Council’s role in the system”.

The NSW Government’s ‘Planning Council League Table’ shows that MidCoast Council had more development applications lodged (219) and more applications processed (230) than any other regional Council in NSW during the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year.

Tanya Thompson MP, Member for Myall Lakes, recently joined Mid North Coast businesses to highlight The Inclusive Co Hampers, a unique initiative formed by Dundaloo Enterprises, Valley Industries, and Willing & Able.

This collaboration of three social enterprises creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities on the Mid North Coast.

The Inclusive Co Hampers, available for $85, are filled with locally sourced, premium products and assembled by individuals with disabilities, providing them with supportive work opportunities.

“It was wonderful to see local enterprises collaborating and the pure joy on the team’s faces who were so proud to be working together in such a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Mrs Thompson.

“Each hamper purchased goes directly toward creating jobs and empowering people with disabilities.”

Colin Steber, Manager at Dundaloo Enterprises, praised the initiative’s impact on the lives of the individuals involved.

“The Inclusive Co Hampers provide so much more than employment – they offer confidence, skill development, and a meaningful way for people of all abilities to connect with the community.”

Dave Isbel, CEO of Valley Industries, encouraged local businesses to consider these hampers for corporate gifting.

“When you choose a hamper from The Inclusive Co, you’re not just giving a beautiful, high-quality gift. You’re supporting local people and local products.”

The Inclusive Co Hampers are now available for purchase, making it easy for individuals and businesses to support this initiative. To order visit www.inclusiveco.com.au for more information.

Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes is encouraging residents to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by nominating them for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.

Mrs Thompson said the festival and the awards acknowledge the contributions and achievements of seniors.

“If you know a senior who makes a difference in our community, I encourage you to nominate them for their efforts,” Mrs Thompson said.

“This annual festival is all about celebrating our older residents and our community is filled with incredible seniors who deserve recognition.”

Nominations are now open for the awards program, one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors living happy, healthy, and active lives.

Winners of the Local Achievement Awards will be announced during the Myall Lakes 2025 Seniors Concerts on the 10th and 11th March 2025.

The awards program is part of an exciting schedule of events across the state.

To nominate a Myall Lakes senior, download the nomination form: www.tanyathompson.com.au/seniors-local-achievement-awards/ or contact Tanya’s office for more information.

Nominations close 5:00pm on the 28th of February 2025.

Statistics released for International Men’s Day show that we still have a long way to go to support men’s mental health.

Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson attended an event at NSW Parliament House for International Men’s Day on Tuesday November 19 that called for action to reduce the unacceptable toll of mental health and suicide for men.

Hosted by The Men’s Table, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes men getting together for a meal once a month, the event revealed new statistics that show the need is growing.

The organisation’s fifth annual evaluation report shows that there is an epidemic of loneliness among men, with almost half (43 per cent) saying they join up for friendship and connection.
- 36 per cent are struggling with meaning and purpose in their lives,
- 27 per cent are experiencing family breakdown and
- 55 per cent of these men have a lived or living experience of suicide.

Mrs Thompson said she was proud to be adding her voice to encourage men to find ways to express their emotions, anxieties and vulnerabilities in a safe space.

“Unfortunately, the statistics speak for themselves, men are around three times more likely than women to take their lives, and those that do are far less likely to have a mental health diagnosis. What this tells us is that men are suffering on their own and not reaching out for help. While suicide is a problem across all age groups, the prevalence is especially high for men in their 50s,” said Mrs Thompson.

The Men’s Table CEO, David Pointon, is co-founder of the organisation after being a founding member of the first Men’s Table and gaining massive benefits.

“We help men get together once a month for a meal and give organisers guidelines that research shows us leads to the most effective outcomes. Men often see vulnerability as weakness, but we find that once one man has the courage to be vulnerable, others soon follow and the benefits to their lives cannot be overstated.”

If you would like more information about The Men’s Table, visit themenstable.org

Ecologists on the NSW mid-north coast were surprised and delighted to find that the land around the local water supply dam is home to over 60 wild koalas, with several also spotted.

With the iconic koala declared an endangered species along much of the east coast of Australia, MidCoast Council ecologists have been mapping koala populations in the wild as part of the NSW Government funded Koala Safe Spaces program.

Thermal drone surveys revealed more than 60 koalas using the Bootawa Dam site. That equates to about one koala for every 2.5-hectares of land. While koala density in the wild varies, the koala population on the dam compound is about seven times higher than the average density found within the MidCoast and looks to be acting as a koala safe space.

“We are investigating the area to better understand why the dam holds such a large koala population and how this knowledge could be applied,” said MidCoast Council Manager of Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman.  

“We know there’s a lot more work to do so that koalas can thrive in the area. In particular, we are working with local landholders to create corridors so that koalas can move safely between habitats. But the existence of a safe space at Bootawa is a very encouraging start.”

The Bootawa dam is within an area known as the Kiwarrak Area of Regional Koala Significance. There were already a number of trees on the property that are favoured by koalas, including tallowwood, grey gum, forest red gum, and grey box. Council has been enhancing the land for koalas by weed removal and selective tree planting as well as progressively replacing some former hardwood plantation areas with diverse native forest dominated by koala feed trees.

“This recent data find will allow us to track changes in the population over time and measure the success of our conservation actions as well as the impacts of major events such as drought or fire,” explained Mr Tuckerman.

“People in the area have a strong affinity with koalas, especially the traditional owners of the land, the Biripi people. The projects we are undertaking have built on and supported work that was being done in the area by community members.”

Landholders with dams are especially encouraged to consider planting and or protecting koala food trees. Planting appropriate trees in suitable locations can support koalas and benefit landholders.

MidCoast Council is happy to share its experience with government agencies in NSW and other states and territories. As a regional partner under the NSW Koala Strategy, Council can assist local landholders in koala habitat areas to access support for on-the-ground work such as appropriate tree planting, control of environmental weeds, and stock fencing. For more information, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/koala-safe-spaces-program.

Photo credit: Erin Masters

Barrington Coast, MidCoast Council’s destination brand was one of only three destinations in Australia to make the Top 100 Green Destinations list.

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories is an annual competition that collects and celebrates initiatives from destinations globally, inspiring responsible tourism leadership.

The competition celebrates destinations leading the way in sustainable tourism and leadership and recognises innovative sustainable measures for both community and visitors.

Our story - Barrington Coast: The place where the leaves touch the waters, from the mountains to the sea focuses on Council’s Destination Management Plan. This recognises the intrinsic values of our region’s natural and cultural assets and management of visitor numbers.

MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin said this recognition was a clear sign MidCoast Council was on the right path with its Destination Management Plan.

“As we work towards obtaining our ECO Destination Certification with EcoTourism Australia, the Green Destinations Top 100 list spotlights our progress towards a more sustainable tourism industry, while creating more attractive experiences for locals and visitors,” she said.

“I encourage everyone to have a look at the Barrington Coast story which outlines our aims, goals and directions to make our region on of the best green destinations in the world.”

The opportunity to enter the Top 100 was made possible through a partnership with MidCoast Council and Ecotourism Australia, as part of the ECO Destination Certification program.

The successful Top 100 destinations were announced on 15 October 2024, with the official ceremony to take place in Chile, South America at the Green Destinations 2024 Conference.

Check out the Barrington Coast Story here: https://lnkd.in/gqGx3yVS.