Blogs from Dungog, New South Wales, Australia, Oceania

Today has been a frustrating day of almost but no cigar. In hindsight we placed too much reliance on the XPT being able to run. While early on it were the last means of return to close, understandably since then we realise they will also be the last to reopen while there is any risk involved. Our next brilliant option was to check out motor home relocations from Sydney to Brisbane. We went through the whole booking process for a 6 berth camper & paid a deposit. Luckily, soon after it was cancelled along with-all other relocations due to road closures & the overall fire risk. As all exits north are closed the only way out is back but the bikes have been our main problem. We have now organised a freight contractor to pick up ... read more

Our plan B was to ride to Dungog & catch the evening XPT to Brisbane. One condition was to reach the station by 2.30 to pick up bike boxes which they insist were necessary before we could book our tickets. We remarkably made the 66 km journey with a hour to spare. Fortunately the roads were very quiet but the hills were endless with 858 mtrs of ascent mostly into strong winds & some roads in very poor repair. We held up our end of the bargain & it seemed our plan was on track but soon after we were advised the evening train was initially delayed & later cancelled due to a new fire threat. We are now booked into a Dungog hotel & will re-assess tomorrow. Regardless we are safe & well away from ... read more

Though still fairly young, Dungog is becoming a significant platform for screen creators to watch their work. In the 2010 programme there were 12 new features including Lou, Road Train, Surviving Georgia and Beneath Hill 60, plus 12 Documentaries and 134 short films, 10 of these were from WA (my home town). Along with viewing a vast array of films there were street parades which welcomed Festival visitors and a shire of decorated floats, school bands and enthusiastic local participants, along with window displays from local businesses of their much loved aussie movies. There were Masterclass sessions with Gillian Armstrong, Q & A time with Underbelly producer, Des Monaghan, market stalls, art shows, antique shops and a fantastic historical museum. Opening Night Premiere and Gala Party: After the film presentation guests are whisked away to the ... read more