Myall Coast News Of The Area 14 March 2024

By Thomas O'KEEFE

“Over

CONTINUED

FIRE FIGHT

SMOKE

eye-witness accounts noted the blaze grew from an illegally lit ‘heap fire’ upon privately owned nonurban land, which had been partially covered with dirt and then seemingly abandoned.

Beach access enhanced by Mobi-Mats installation

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Moore, TGHNSLSC Secretary, told NOTA.

“TGHNSLSC have received a very generous donation of 'ability mats' from Redhead SLSC, and MidCoast Council has agreed to a trial of laying the mats along the current access.

“The trial will be evaluated at the end of current season, late April, and, if successful, a permanent fixture of matting and barriers will be identified and sourced,” Ms Moore added.

On Thursday, a grader and landscaping team organised by Council set to work, then SLSC volunteers David, Paula and Charlene laid the mats, securing them with 40 centimetre spikes that ensure they stay grounded.

“It’s all about improving ease-of-access for pedestrians into the beach, and beach access for SLS vehicles, too,” explained David Lau, TGHNSLSC’s Building Maintenance Manager.

“At the right angle, even regular wheelchairs can access via the MobiMats.”

Mobi-Mats create a rigid, interlocking pathway that provides all-weather traction,

and hopefully defers some of the worst erosion, mainly caused by rain runoff down the hill, which has seen the underlying concrete path become alternately inundated and dangerously exposed.

Three simultaneous projects were undertaken, including the turfing of the area immediately in front of the SLSC shed, and fixing up the corner and sand access to the beach lifeguard tower.

q Not a bad day at the office for the Councilcontracted landscapers, cleaning up the main pedestrian access to Bennetts Beach.

The ‘first customer' was Virginia, a local septuagenarian who remarked, “The slope used to discourage me, this new access mat is absolutely fabulous!”

A MidCoast Council spokesperson told NOTA, “These and other recent works were funded through Council’s beach permit revenue, which invests back into projects that enhance our foreshore areas.”

q Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC volunteers Paula, Charlene and David secure the Mobi-Mats in place.

q Before: The area in front of the SLSC shed about to be turfed.

q Job well done: Charlene, David and Paula finished with the Mobi-Mat installation.

FIRE FIGHT

Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers’ efforts extinguished the first fire, with returning crews on Thursday morning using around 8000 litres of water in blacking-out operations.

By Thursday afternoon, whether via deliberate arson or hidden smouldering heaps, the flames had rekindled into a large blaze that tracked north along Warri Street, the only accessway in or out of North Pindimar.

RFS volunteers from twelve Brigades, including Pindimar-Tea Gardens, Medowie, Girvan, Bulahdelah, Limeburners Creek, Thornton, Wootton,

Karuah, Stroud, Clarence Town, North Arm Cove, Coomba Park, as well as contingents from Tea Gardens 471 Fire and Rescue NSW, united to contain the fire on the eastern side of Warri Street, employing backburning to clear ground fuel ahead of the raging inferno.

Some brief but blessed rain fell at midnight on Thursday, but hardly enough to eliminate the danger.

On Friday, when the fire reappeared and continued north along Warri Street, RFS crews valiantly kept it from jumping west over Warri St, dowsing spot-fires caused by raining embers.

The fire moved

northwards, halfway to the Totem, but a favourable wind from 5:30pm, and a water-bombing helicopter, kept it on the eastern side of Warri Street.

Saturday saw several firies and some of their closest supporters run their fundraising BBQ at Motorfest in Hawks Nest, however another flare-up caused half the local brigade to take off to reinforce the under-resourced monitoring group.

The original heap fires along Nardoo Street, which may have smouldered invisibly, were not permitted fires, and therefore illegally lit during the official bushfire season.

“It is very dry in our area and no pile burns should be started, it's so dry that

q Local police piloting traffic through ever-thickening smoke down Warri Street on Thursday afternoon.

q Rural Fire Service back burn a dirt road off Warri Street, getting ahead of the raging inferno to stop it in its tracks.

the usually swampy area is where the fire is expanding,” said one RFS spokesperson.

“Thank you to the Tea Gardens Hotel for providing us with 85 meals for the crews still on the fire ground after the fire was contained.”

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02 4928 7300

by Rose Laffan

Mediation – or Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) – is an opportunity to work through your parenting and property division issues and to hopefully reach a final agreement without the need for Court proceedings. So how can you best prepare for mediation?

Know the cost of mediation:

There are governmentfunded providers – who offer heavily subsidised services. There can be waitlists to utilise these services and often lawyers are not able to appear.

There are private providers –whose charges vary, depending on the style of mediation and the experience of the mediator. This can be crucial depending on the complexity of your matter.

It is easy for the cost of the mediator to be a stress point so consider this early.

Think about your priorities: Consider the issues involved in your situation.

Think about what is important to you – but also what is important to the other party.

Seek advice about what is going to be possible to achieve from a legal perspective.

Consider the practicalities:

There are frequently safety concerns. If you are worried about

this make sure you communicate that to the mediator.

But there might just be physical distance between the parties that needs to be taken into account.

Prepare documents:

For a property matter disclosure requirements will need to be complied with. A balance sheet – setting out the assets and liabilities – will need to be prepared.

For either parenting or property matters there may be documents that you need to have available to support a claim that you want to make.

Plan for roadblocks:

Mediation is a difficult event. High emotions and complicated issues come up. Managing your own emotions – and dealing with those of the other party – is a big part of the process.

Keep an open mind – both about options and priorities. Remember that you can always ask for clarification – or for some time out if needed.

To achieve a result at a mediation requires compromise from both parties.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS Captain David Bright told NOTA on Sunday night, “The fire is continually emerging from the peat ground cover – we put it totally out, then it reignites 30 minutes later.

“We have to continually monitor until we

q The Hazards Near Me app delineation of the Pindimar fire on Sunday morning (10 March), status: Under Control; size: eleven hectares.

get some good rain,” Captain Bright said.

“A huge thanks to everyone who has assisted with the Pindimar fire for the last six days, it has been a major effort from locals and crew from throughout MidCoast and Lower Hunter Districts.”

Fire restrictions remain in place across the MidCoast District.

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FROM Page 1

q Rural Fire Service volunteers monitor the fire’s approach to the road.

q

The Pindimar smoke plume, as seen from Viney Creek Road on Friday afternoon.

Offshore wind zone location doesn’t ‘pass the pub test’

By Marian SAMPSON

WHILE industry is moving full steam ahead with plans for offshore wind development off Port Stephens, the local fishing community still hold grave concerns over the suitability of the location.

The recent Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) Garmin Billfish Shootout, an annual fishing contest held off the coast in areas potentially impacted by future offshore wind development, brought the issue into focus once more.

The Shootout is the biggest billfish fishing competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

According to the NPSGFC, 85 percent of the fish tagged in this year’s competition were found in the proposed wind farm zone.

The Game Fish Club’s President, Troy Radford, said the location of the Hunter offshore wind zone, which starts about 20 kilometres out to sea from the Port Stephens coast, does not “pass the pub test”.

“If this was going on in the Great Barrier Reef would this be going on?

“If the development would not pass the pub test on the Great Barrier Reef, what makes you think you can get away with doing it here?

“This marine environment is just as important as the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

The NPSGFC have staunchly opposed the development of offshore wind since it was first touted early last year, citing concerns over the environmental impacts and effects on commercial and recreational fishing and the tourism industry, including access issues if turbines are installed out at sea.

The Federal Government has maintained

that all users of the zone will be considered before any final decisions are made on offshore wind development.

“It’s our priority to manage the offshore marine environment in a way that recognises all users and balances competing interests,” the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says.

“Understanding existing users and interests in and near potential offshore wind areas is important.

“There are consultation opportunities to consider the views of existing offshore industries and ensure that any new offshore wind development can co-exist alongside other industries, such as fisheries, tourism and shipping.”

Those opposing the placement of the offshore wind zone also note the area is part of Australia’s Great Southern Reef, a system of interconnected reefs described as having “profound ecological, cultural, and economic significance”.

“Ecologically, it is a global biodiversity hotspot hosting a wide array of species, including a high percentage being unique to the region,” according to Australia’s Great Southern Reef Foundation.

“The Great Southern Reef supports important fisheries, tourism and recreation activity, contributing at least $10 billion annually to the Australian economy.

“It also plays a vital role in coastal protection, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, supporting the livelihoods and well-being of millions of Australians.”

A recent community meeting at the Port Stephens Yacht Club delved into the process that proponents need to undertake to develop a project in the Hunter offshore wind zone, with a focus on the impacts of recreational and commercial vessel activity.

However some in the room were disappointed in the lack of information provided around the environmental impact that wind farms could cause.

A local whale watch operator in attendance questioned the safety of locating hundreds of turbines off the Port of Newcastle, highlighting risks in adverse weather and referencing the famous Pasha Bulker incident of 2007 when a storm stranded a 76,000-tonne bulk carrier off Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach.

q Offshore wind was the discussion at a recent community meeting at Port Stephens Yacht Club.

q The heat map showing where fish were captured and tagged during a recent game fishing tournament held off Port Stephens.

Motorfest 2024 breaks records

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THOUSANDS of automobile admirers flocked to Myall Park on Saturday 9 March to witness the biggest Motorfest turnout ever.

“The Motor Club is extremely proud to confirm a record number of exhibitors attended our event,” Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club President Ross Anderson told NOTA.

“We can confirm in excess of 400 high-quality and classic cars and motorcycles were displayed by their proud owners.”

Motorfest attracted entries from across the State, with many flow-on effects for the local economy, such as booking out local accommodation and, no doubt, spending elsewhere in

Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

“The main aims of our Club were realised, that is to support local business and provide a great event for locals and visitors to participate in,” Mr Anderson added.

“The Motor Club acknowledges the

exceptional support from our community, and we will soon be in a position to give back that support through a distribution to several community support groups from the event revenue.”

The main beneficiaries of Motorfest’s fundraising will be the Tea Gardens Hawks

q Thousands of people came to see the hundreds of cars at Motorfest 2024.

Nest Surf Life Savers, the Pindimar-Tea Gardens Rural Fire Brigade, and the local Free Clinic Bus, with several other local groups also

enjoying benefits.

“Our thanks also go out to the many sponsors who participated at the event, either by way of a display, supply of promotional material, or on-ground assistance."

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC volunteers helped crew the entry gates, while Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighters, many of whom had been fighting the Pindimar fires for days, fed visitors with their trademark BBQ.

Mr Anderson noted that since the event, they had

IWD celebrated at North Arm Cove

By Thomas O’KEEFE

ALMOST 100 local ladies came together for an International Women’s Day (IWD) event at the North Arm Cove Community Centre on Friday 8 March.

“This is the 26th consecutive year we have run this event, and are thrilled to have raised $3390 for International Women Australia,” Jan Peeters, the main organiser of the IWD fundraiser, told NOTA.

The ladies listened to two guest speakers, Linda Harwood from The Umbrella Foundation Australia (TUFA), and locally-based celebrity Maggie Nadal, while enjoying an amazing morning tea provided by several volunteer chefs amongst their number.

Ms Harwood spoke of the conditions of women and children in Kathmandu, Nepal, towards whom the

efforts of TUFA have been directed.

“I saw the underlying social issues that led to the poverty in Kathmandu, learnt of child trafficking and how children were often sent from poor mountain villages to the city ‘to be safe’, but ended up in the sex trades,” Ms Harwood explained. Particularly horrifying was the depiction of the brutal hellscape of the handmade bricks industry, and

the debt-enforced penury suffered by the ‘women and children of the kilns’, who carry up to 1000 bricks per day on their heads while working around 1000-degree kilns in “apocalyptic conditions”.

“There is no sex education and no understanding of contraception, and many of the women are pregnant as teenagers,” Ms Harwood said.

“TUFA has attempted to help via the distribution of

received quite a few very pleasing congratulatory messages from other Motor Clubs who attended.

“Finally, our Club was once again honoured to have wonderful support from our State Member, Kate Washington, who attended to open our event and then took the time to walk through the display, talking along the way with many exhibitors and spectators.”

At only its second year back from COVID, Motorfest’s engine is purring better than ever.

q International Women’s Day event organiser Jan Peeters addresses the room full of local ladies.

simple feminine hygiene kits, with instructions on how to keep clean and washed, stop infections, and birthing kits that include pictorial instructions on how to deliver a baby.”

Second speaker Maggie Nadal offered a life story punctuated by love, the theatre, and service in the Navy, reflecting on how many

things had changed.

“I was born into a very musical family, but refused to ask my mother to support me through theatre school.”

Maggie’s life took her first into the Navy "for the uniforms", having a family, and eventually chasing her own dreams joining Canberra’s first theatre company, acting in the nude,

and becoming a pre-eminent voiceover actor for several large corporations.

“Mum said: ‘It is never too late to follow your dreams, at least you had a go’,” Maggie concluded, and the Myall Coast has been fortunate enough to enjoy Maggie’s talents on community radio, and compering recent fashion shows.

q Yellow looks good in any model, classic or modern.

q Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club President Ross Anderson, Vice President Ranald MacKay and committee members Mike Latty and Keith Pearce.

q Aficionados and rev-heads alike appreciated the classics, like this giant vestige of American industry.

q Guest speakers Maggie Nadal (l), and Linda Harwood (r) at the front table.

q Guest speaker Linda Harwood, from The Umbrella Foundation Australia, spoke about the plight of women in Kathmandu.

q Veteran local entertainer Maggie Nadal regaled with her life story - navy, nude plays and all.

q The room at North Arm Cove’s International Women's Day event.

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

Hawks Nest Golf Club

Hawks Nest Caravan Park

Benchmark on Booner

Oceanside Motel

Peter Sinclair Gardens

Jimmy's Beach Caravan Pk

Hawks Nest Motel

BYO Cellars

So Lo Hawks Nest

Alanas Gifts

Hawks Nest Realty

Hawks Nest Sport Store

IGA Hawks Nest

Hawks Nest Newsagency

Hawks Nest First National

Hawks Nest Pharmacy

Hairdinkum

Tea Gardens Council Office

Arts & Crafts Centre

Tea Gardens Library

Tea Gardens Fish Co op

Boathouse Tea Gardens

CTC Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens Bakery

Estia Health Tea Gardens

SoLo Tea Gardens

Dental Surgery Tea Gardens

Silk Haidressing

Ray White Real Estate

Vitamin Bead

Tea Gardens Real Estate

Tea Gardens Hotel

Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack

Tea Gardens Boatshed

Tillermans Tea Gardens

Hook n Cook

Century 21 Tea Gardens

Myall River Bakery Cafe

Tea Gardens Country Club

The Grange

Palm Lakes Resort

Autocare Tea Gardens

Woodwards Nursery

Puma Fuel

Home Timber & Hardware

Tea Gardens Medical Centre

Hawks Nest Doctors Surgery

Myall Pharmacy

Tea Gardens Post Office

Myall Meats

Coles Tea Gardens

Purcell & Mount Solicitors

Regional Australia Bank

Vinnies

Karuah RSL

Karuah IGA

Munchies Cafe Karuah

Riverside Motel

Karuah Motor Inn

Tony King Auto

Info Centre Karuah

Russ's Bakery

Karuah Butcher

Karuah Pharmacy

Newsagent Karuah

BP Service Station

Big4 Jetty Village

Cafe Karuah

Barry Bros Butcher

BP Servo

Bulahdelah Bowling Club

Farm & Produce

Bulahdelah IGA

Information Centre

R&R Property Bulahdelah

Rural Transaction Ctr

Shell Servo Bulahdelah

Lady Jane Motel

Nerong intersection drop point

Nth Arm Cove Community Hall

Pindimah intersection drop point

R&R Property Stroud

Post Office/newsagent Stroud

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Local historian launches fifth and final book

By Thomas O’KEEFE

POWERHOUSE historian Janis

Winn’s fifth and latest book was officially launched before 140 people at the Tea Gardens Baptist Church on Saturday, 9 March.

In ‘The Chronicles of Carrington, Tahlee and the Legacy of the Australian Agricultural Company 200 Years’, what Janis says is her final book, she has extensively covered the people and times of the oldest continuously operating company in Australia, from its humble and ambitious beginnings here on the northern shores of Port Stephens.

Emceed by Janis’ daughter Michele Winn, the event’s guest speakers included former Stroud Mayor John Chadban, who has a long personal connection to the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), and State MP Kate Washington, who officially launched the book on Janis’ behalf.

Several descendants of the AACo’s original settlers were also present, as was special guest Aaron Wakeley, all the way from Brisbane to represent the modern AACo.

“It’s wonderful to be here and show our support for Jan,” Aaron said.

“This is where the company started, and great to see people keeping that history alive.”

Michele Winn said her mum had been documenting the area's history since the 1970s.

“This is all we have known her to do,” said Michele.

Mr Chadban celebrated the detailed nature of Janis’ latest offering.

“This book is different, it deals with the settlement of the northern side of Port Stephens, when the AACo brought 250 people, 720

sheep, twelve head of cattle and fifteen horses to one million acres of wilderness along the mangrove marshes back in 1826,” Mr Chadban declared.

“Jan has done wonderfully researched work, with a painstaking eye for detail, tremendous will and energy.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington was equally enthused.

“This book has a remarkable story, about a remarkable area, by a remarkable woman,” Ms Washington said.

“The effort that goes into Jan's books is an extraordinary act of generosity, and her deep connections to the community make it more powerful.”

Janis thanked AACo, the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Family Research and Local History Group, Sabrina and Neville Smith, Pauline Ibbettson, Kim and Janine Burton for their help funding the work, and Newcastle University’s Hunter Regional Living History Group, along with Shirley Cox and Leslie Turner, especially for their exhaustive help researching.

“I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in this area, and seeing the changes over time firsthand,” Janis said.

While Janis promises this will be her last work, those in attendance were not convinced.

“Last book? We've all heard that before,” agreed the speakers.

Today, AACo owns and operates around 6.5 million hectares of land in Queensland and the Northern Territory, equating to roughly one percent of Australia’s landmass.

Karuah receives earthquake wake up call

By Thomas O’KEEFE

KARUAH experienced a minor earthquake, measuring roughly 2.5 on the Richter Scale, on Sunday 3 March at 1:21pm.

Geoscience Australia

(GA), the Federal Government’s preeminent geoscience organisation, has identified the epicentre amongst the mangroves just north of town.

No property damage has been reported, and

only a few individuals directly reported feeling windows rattling in Karuah, Medowie and The Branch, as well as domesticated dogs becoming agitated.

There is anecdotal evidence that dogs are capable of detecting the ultra-low frequency kinetic waves that can precede and accompany a seismic event.

Myall Way Emergency

Planning Group leader Joanne Pearce told NOTA that the relatively low intensity of the Karuah quake should be taken as a clear reminder of the need to prepare for more destructive events.

“Earthquakes are not too common, but also not impossible, and preparations and actions you can take for bushfires can also be useful in earthquakes,” Joanne told NOTA.

“Having a network of communications in the community, being prepared for your access road being cut off, having food stores in case you cannot get to a shop for a few days, and preparations for electricity blackouts.

“Earthquakes can affect other locations, so the emergency services focus may be on other, bigger towns first.”

the vicinity over the last decade: Karuah’s recent event (circled), two offshore from Port Stephens (arrows) and several just south of Cessnock, near an identified ‘neotectonic feature’ (red lines).

Some residents of the Myall Coast would remember the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, which wrought significant damage due mainly to the fact that few people ever expected it could happen.

As the GA information clearly shows, earthquakes are not necessarily isolated to the edge of tectonic plates.

“If you do proper emergency preparation, you only need small adaptations to be prepared for all emergencies - the main preparation can help in all emergencies, something we can all consider,” Ms Pearce added.

The last nearby quake was actually in January, its epicentre underwater off the coast of Port Stephens.

GA’s meticulous records of seismic activity around the country show that, within the last ten years, there have been three other offshore earthquakes near Port Stephens, one near Seal Rocks, and multiple onshore quakes surrounding an identified ‘neotectonic feature’ south of Cessnock.

q John Chadban, former Mayor, has launched three of Janis’ previous works.

q Mr Chadban, Ms Washington, Janis Winn and Aaron Wakeley, representing the modern Australian Agricultural Company, down from Brisbane for the launch.

q A successful launch for the Winns: Janis (middle) with her children (l-r) Kathy, Graham, Michele and Alison.

q Geoscience Australia map showing earthquake activity in

North Arm Cove’s telecom black hole

By Thomas O’KEEFE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

across the northern shores of Port Stephens are non-existent, as the next focused stage of NOTA’s telecommunications review can now show.

The residents of North Arm Cove, Carrington and Tahlee are utterly dependent upon scant signals that may or may not cross the Bay, with all identified towers being several kilometres away, blocked by rugged terrain, or, inevitably, swamped by traffic from the more populous south side.

Karuah to the west has its own problems, while Pindimar and Bundabah to the east are in the same boat as North Arm Cove, and there are only distant highway towers to the north, all of which are too far away to be of any use to residents.

The nearest mobile tower is an Optus-only transceiver at Soldiers Point, however, as last November’s infamous Optus blackout showed, communities cannot safely rely upon only one carrier.

“Our Amaysim mobile phones use the Optus network, the strength of

the signal inside our house is unreliable, and it’s not much better outside,” Doug Kohlhoff, a North Arm Cove resident with extensive ICT experience told NOTA.

“Some days our mobiles will beep every ten minutes or so with a message saying the network is unavailable.

“Important phone calls, like telehealth appointments, have been cut off halfway through.

“We did use a mobile as

q Composite map of nearest mobile transceivers to North Arm Cove, Carrington and Tahlee (dark blue areas, top) – none provide an adequate signal, leaving these areas in a virtual black hole.

Probus welcomes Life Member

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE PROBUS Club of Hawks

Nest and District inducted Ray Hosking as its newest Life Member at the Club’s AGM on Friday 1 March.

Prior to the AGM, a special announcement was made with all present, before Ray stood to take on his Returning Officer role facilitating the AGM’s elections.

“Since the club was formed in 2011, Ray has been a mentor for all Presidents and members of the Committee, and most definitely can be relied upon to offer a professional and intelligent opinion when

required,” Probus President Peter Nealon declared.

“Ray has acted as the Club’s Returning Officer for the election of the Management Committee at our Annual General Meetings, and this honour should be conferred upon Ray, who has rendered outstanding service to the club.

“Ray is a Charter Member and has been an active member of the club, always supporting the ethos of ‘Friendship, Fellowship and Fun’ whilst attending meetings and outings.

“He is a true gentleman with a great sense of wit, but at the same time can be relied

upon for his honesty and integrity.”

The motion was put forward at a prior committee meeting by Secretary Ann Scully, and was unanimously passed.

Ray joins Ann as one of only two members to have received this honour.

“It came as a real surprise,” Ray told NOTA.

“I am both honoured and privileged, grateful to the management and members for endorsing the resolution.

“We have a very vibrant organisation, and it’s wonderful to be a founding member of it.

“It is a real privilege to be a part of building the club to what it is today, at the pinnacle of my service club years.

q One of only two spots in North Arm Cove where the Gan Gan towers can be seen, hence a bar or two of mobile signal is possible.

a hotspot when the NBN was offline for almost three days recently, and we managed to have a fifteen minute video call without any buffering or interruptions.”

The Gan Gan towers, the focal point of radiobased communications in Port Stephens, are only visible from a handful of

points in North Arm Cove where a useful signal can be found on a clear day: Baromee Point, Cove Boulevarde, and, sometimes, from the Community Centre along The Ridgeway.

“Our Community Hall is meant to be a place of last resort in an emergency, but the mobile coverage there is

telecommunications, the official NBNCo website technology coverage map says that Tahlee and Carrington can get 'fixed wireless', while the Foreshore Village at NAC can get 'fixed line', advertising that "full fibre" is now available, but the even more recent NBN blackout in the region has already proven the dangers of over-reliance

q Ray accepted the Life Membership, describing it as “an honour and a privilege”.

“Rotary, Probus, I’ve always been involved in community service clubs.”

The Hawks Nest and District Probus Club goes from strength to strength, as the next meeting, set for Friday 5 April, will welcome 20 new

members, seventeen of which are individuals who have never been in Probus before.

“This is amazing,” Ann said, “as only three of the new members originated from the other local club that had folded last year.

“They are attracted to the vibrancy of our Club; the opportunities for friendship, outings and activities.

“Some have been visitors to Club meetings since last September's Broken Hill trip.”

Careful planning and controls required to ensure sustainability of forestry

By John SAHYOUN

A RECENT presentation in Bulahdelah by Noel Atkins, Director of the Resources, Energy and Environment Foundation, highlighted the need for careful planning and controls to ensure the sustainability of the native timber industry into the future.

Native hardwood forests provide timber for uses beyond the housing industry, with construction, infrastructure, mining and related industries all utilising the resource.

Official numbers show

that while twelve percent of forests are available for timber production, a maximum of two percent is harvested annually.

Calls have intensified recently for a stop to native forestry, with significant protests taking place along the NSW east coast in recent months.

Forestry representatives say stopping the industry would have a devastating effect on the many communities who rely on the hardwood industry for jobs.

The NSW industry contributes over $2.9 billion to the state’s economy and

offers 8900 direct jobs and 22000 in the various supply chains.

“In Bulahdelah it’s all hardwood native forest and we’ve been logging in the Myall Lakes area as early as the 1860s,” said Bulahdelah’s Kevin Carter, a former manager of Forestry and National Parks NSW.

“These areas have been logged about four times.

“Forestry only logs a fairly minute area so you might be lucky to be logging one to two percent in any one year,” said Mr Carter.

q Noel Atkins of the Resources, Energy and Environment Foundation spoke to Bulahdelah residents on the hardwood industry.

YOU may have heard of Linked Community Services, but may not know what they do!

Linked Community Services is a safe, trusted and reliable not-forprofit community transport provider committed to keeping its clients connected to their community.

“We offer individual transport, weekly shuttle services and fun social outings,” said the Linked Community Services team.

“Connection is so important.

“Studies show that older people who have social connection experience many mental, emotional and physical health benefits, including a sense of belonging, which has positive impacts on health, wellness and quality of life.

“That’s why the main purpose of Linked Community Services is to assist our clients to maintain connection and independence.”

Thanks to Government subsidised funding, Linked Community Services are able to provide lower cost transport services to those who need it most.

“Whether it’s taking you to an appointment, to visit friends or on one of our social outings – we are here to take you there!”

MYALL COAST News Of The Area

Aussies failing to prioritise hearing health

By Marian SAMPSON

WORLD Hearing Day was held around the globe on March 3, with Port Stephens residents reminded to prioritise their hearing health.

A recent survey reveals that only two percent of Australians prioritise their hearing over other health aspects such as physical health (52 percent), mental health (20 percent), eye care (ten percent), dental health (nine percent), and skin care (seven percent).

An estimated one in four people worldwide are predicted to be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050.

Hearing loss costs Australians around $11.75 billion annually in lost productivity and other impacts.

While awareness exists, there is a significant gap in making hearing checks a priority, particularly for older Australians.

While 77 percent of

Australians know where to go to get their hearing tested, only 38 percent have undergone a hearing test in the last three years.

Two in three adults over the age of 60 years experience some degree of hearing loss.

This increases to four in five adults aged 80 and over.

Caroline Reichard, a 62-year-old recently retired wife, mother, friend, and grandmother from Port Stephens, faced a lifelong struggle with single-sided deafness.

However, in her early forties, she encountered a decline in the hearing ability of her 'good' ear.

As her hearing in her right ear began to deteriorate, Caroline found it increasingly challenging to hear clearly at her workplace.

Eventually, at her husband’s persuasion, she consulted with an audiologist who provided her with a hearing aid.

"This wasn't just like opening one door to a world of hearing possibilities; it felt

Week

like unlocking 10,000 doors," said Caroline.

Caroline now has a bimodal hearing solution, which means she has a hearing aid in her right ear and a cochlear implant in her left ear, which has enabled

her to have 95 percent hearing in quiet listening environments.

The most important thing for Caroline is that her ability to hear clearly has reconnected her to the sounds she cherishes.

She can now hear every word her grandchildren utter, no longer missing precious moments or having to request explanations from her daughter.

Improved hearing has had a significant positive

impact on her social confidence, enabling her to meet friends at noisy cafés and restaurants without worrying in advance about where she will be seated, as she no longer relies on lip reading.

q Caroline Reichard with her grandson Bowie. Photo: Julie Firmstone.

Stunning renovated retreat

of the stunning river.

The media room also can be used as a perfect place for entertaining, relaxation or has the option to be converted into a sixth bedroom for the property!

Main bedroom: The main bedroom is a show stopper!

Overlooking the stunning Karuah River with walk in robes and an ensuite you will have to see to believe!

Bathrooms: There are three stunning bathrooms, all modern, generously sized and in immaculate condition as well as boasting rainheads in all the showers.

for a larger vessel within the area.

There is so much this property has to offer we have done our best to summarise some of the home’s best aspects.

Location: In the years to come, this is one of those spots that you'll tell stories about how you could have bought beside the river!

Just 15-20 minutes by boat to Soldiers Point boat ramp.

Kitchen: Immaculate chef’s kitchen overlooking the huge open plan space with beautiful views of the water featuring ceasarstone benchtops, waterfall kitchen island, six-burner gas Smeg stove and matching Smeg range-hood, integrated Bosch dishwasher and a spacious walk-in butlers pantry.

Bedrooms and media room: The home currently has four bedrooms, a study along with a media room.

Three of the five bedrooms feature ceiling fans, plantation shutters, down lights and are a generous size.

The study which could easily be converted to the fifth bedroom features built in cabinetry and a view

Garage: Huge double garage with space at the back perfect for a workshop or gym.

Rear gardens: Outdoors the property features a spacious (brand new) deck overlooking the level, low maintenance yard.

Downstairs: Upon entering, you will immediately notice the floating timber floors and coastal black-butt staircase.

The downstairs area also features an additional living area and storage room.

Additional features: Walk-in linen, NBN connection, town water supply (all new plumbing), solar panels, new gas and hot water system, spacious laundry with built-in cupboards.

Don’t miss your opportunity to secure the dream home you’ve always wanted.

With no work to be done, it’s ready for you to move straight in!

Call our office today to organise a private VIP inspection.

Contact sales@ nelsonbayrealestate.com.au or 02 4981 2655.

Simple renewable energy solution

DEAR News Of The Area,

OUR government appears desperate to reach its emission targets by 2030 and no matter where you sit with renewable energy there is great concern about the concerted push towards wind turbines, particularly those offshore projects which are predicted to play a very large part of the plan to reduce our carbon emissions.

Fact 1: Most of these projects are at least seven to ten years away and the feasibility studies have barely begun and community opposition to some of those projected areas is mounting and will be controversial.

Concerns over whale migrations, fisheries and the loss of natural seascapes are all valid.

By 2030 the cost of offshore wind generated electricity estimated by the CSIRO particularly in relation to floating turbines will be between two and four times more than that of a land turbine.

So, the suggestion that offshore wind generated electricity might be cheaper is unlikely.

Fact 2: Australia has eighteen coal fired power stations.

China has 1142 with 326 under construction or in a pre-plan phase.

Australia is the 2nd largest exporter of coal in the world so even if we cut our own coal usage it’s unlikely we will stop exports any time soon so let’s face it, climate change driven by Australia’s coal fired power stations is not the issue here.

A simpler solution: There are around 3.3 million houses in NSW and less than 900,000 currently have solar.

If every house in the State had a 2.5 kilowatt system installed (cost around $10,000 per house) that would mean 6.6 gigawatts generated so we could replace the three Hunter valley coal fired power stations the Feds want to

shut and we wouldn’t need the 5 gigawatt floating turbines suggested for the Hunter.

The power generation would also be owned by Australians instead of overseas interests which is what would happen with the offshore turbines.

We could then have micro grids set up with large community batteries so should there be a natural disaster such as a flood or fire like that experienced recently in South Australia where thousands of houses dependent upon the grid and its large transmission lines have lost power for weeks due to collapsing power

pylons.

Community power makes a lot of sense, particularly with extreme weather events increasing.

OK, so if the Feds funded it that would cost $24 billion, a lot of dosh but given they have pumped $14 billion already into Snowy hydro and not 1 KW has come out and it's still four years away from completion this could be seen as a more immediate and practical move towards their 2030 goal.

As Albo said recently when quizzed on the Hunter turbines: “It’s all about jobs”.

Well, there would be lots of jobs for Aussies fitting rooftop solar to two million

Big investment needed for social housing solution

HOMELESSNESS NSW is

urging the state government to spend $1 billion each year for a decade to double the supply of social housing by 2050.

Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe said the state must build 5,000 dwellings annually to lift NSW’s share of social housing from one in 20 to one in ten homes.

“NSW has failed to invest in social housing for decades.

“Last year, just onefifth of people seeking help from homelessness services could find long-term accommodation,” she said.

“Our ability to give NSW’s most vulnerable communities a roof over their heads is falling while housing stress and homelessness

soar.

“Right now, many of the 57,000 households on the social housing waitlist are forced to wait up to a decade for a safe and stable place to call home.

“Investing in social housing will not only save lives but pay dividends by easing pressure on health, community and justice services in the long run.”

In its budget submission, Homelessness NSW warns frontline services risked staff cuts and closure without a 20 percent funding boost.

“Underfunded frontline providers are being flooded with calls for help and forced to turn away one in every two people who need accommodation.

“Services will be unable

to keep staff on or their doors open without more funding,” Ms Rowe said.

“Even for people who get through the door, help is limited.

“Half of those who need temporary or crisis accommodation cannot access it.

“That means women and children are forced to return to violent partners, seek shelter in a vehicle, on a couch or the street.”

Homelessness NSW is calling for $30 million over three years to provide more temporary accommodation and ensure one-fifth was reserved for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

It also urged the government to develop

a dedicated approach to ending homelessness among Aboriginal communities, arguing 30 percent of social housing stock should be allocated to Indigenous Australians.

“It is unacceptable that we have failed to reduce the rate of homelessness among Aboriginal people who account for a third of those receiving help from frontline services in NSW,” Ms Rowe said.

“The solutions must be led by Aboriginal people and investment is needed in Aboriginal organisations and across the whole sector to support this work.”

Homelessness NSW are also calling for a 20 percent funding boost for specialist homelessness services, or $64 million a year for two years.

NSW Minister for

Housing Rose Jackson said the data featured in the preBudget submission from Homelessness NSW was “heartbreaking, but not surprising”.

“It paints a clear picture of the direct impact of the lack of housing affordability on homelessness,” she said.

“The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard, and we (the NSW Government) hear the calls to do more to support vulnerable people across NSW.

“In the lead up to the budget I will continue to advocate for more resources and funding to bolster support for housing and homelessness support across the state.

“Confronting the housing crisis is a key priority for the NSW Government, and we are actively exploring every opportunity to build more

Be part of a MidCoast Speaking 4 the Planet art-science event

SCHOOLS and community members are invited to submit art, narrative, or short dramatic performances on the theme of koalas, with prizes to be won.

“These events will give students and community members an opportunity to speak up and advocate for a sustainable future through their art,” said MidCoast Council’s Sustainability and Natural Assets Coordinator, Tanya Cross.

“They will also help educate the community on the plight of koalas and how we can all contribute to local koala conservation.”

The four competition categories are visual arts, speaking, writing, and drama.

All entries must focus on the topic of ‘Koala Safe Spaces’.

The submitted works will be displayed or presented at one of three free events supported by MidCoast Council through funding from the NSW Koala Strategy and Council’s environmental levy.

There will be two events in May for both primary and high school students and one community event in June for participants of any age.

The school events will be held at MidCoast Christian College on 10 May 2024 for

schools in the north, and Forster Civic Centre on 17 May 2024 for schools in the south.

The competition for the community will be held separately at Forster Civic Centre on 1 June 2024 and will be open for exhibition to the public.

“Now’s the time to download the information pack and think about what type of work you’d like to submit,” explained Tanya.

“If you intend to submit a work, make sure you register it by Tuesday 30 April.

“Works don’t have to be complete until the day before the event.

“We can’t wait to see what our local students and community members come up with.”

houses.

Not many jobs for us in floating turbines which will all be made offshore.

Add another thousand hectares of panels to the PFAS affected land around the airport, that’s another 1 gigawatt so 7.7 gigawatts of renewables all before 2030 and no loss of fishing ground, no dead whales from ship strike (I couldn’t help notice Bowen is backing off the SA areas due to Blue Whales), no industrialisation of our coastal waters and community protection with microgrids.

Come on Labor, back us Aussies!

Regards, Frank FUTURE, Imagine Cruises.

NEWS

homes and improve support services for people facing housing stress.”

While Ms Jackson did not comment on specific plans for addressing homelessness among Aboriginal communities, she said the NSW Government was committed to “a housing first approach”.

“That means building homes across our state and investing in crucial homelessness support services,” she said.

“The creation of Homes NSW, bringing together the housing and homelessness work of the Department of Communities and Justice with the Land, Housing Corporation and the Aboriginal Housing Office, will streamline support for residents, work to actively address homelessness and bolstering housing security for those in need, particularly Indigenous Australians.”

Photo: Peter Goonan.

Draws

The Write Direction

By John BLACKBOURN

Koala

Chaos

THE one symbol that says Australia to the rest of the world is the kangaroo.

This probably stems back to the wool boom days when the price of a pound of wool reached one pound sterling.

Rural Australia was the backbone of the nation and the kangaroo was the most prominent symbol.

Whilst the kangaroo continues to thrive, our other unique native animals such as the koala and the platypus are in serious decline.

DEAR News Of The Area,

I READ with interest the offshore wind and community engagement article in the 7 March edition.

Comments were from a UNSW Academic and an industry representative from a foreign renewable consultancy company, who were described as representatives of Australia’s energy sector, which is misleading at best.

Both were clearly on the side of climate concern requiring community engagement so we can be educated (inferred to be saved).

However, and as a point of difference, the Hunter Valley has been a powerhouse

It is therefore with the greatest of pleasure that I read recently that the Lord Mayor of Brisbane has announced an initiative to reintroduce koalas into suitable bushland areas around Brisbane as soon as his Council can identify suitable habitats and come up with a plan to protect and manage the iconic species.

Mayor Adrian Schrinner needs to be congratulated for this goal, even though the cynics will point out that the next Local Government election is due this month.

Part of my contribution to the community was as a member, then committee member, then Chairman of a residents association within our local government area for over fifteen years.

One of my inspired initiatives was a similar push to replenish the once thriving local koala population in my area.

The advice was that the demise of our local koala population was most likely due to the intrusion of population and home building in the area.

The local dog population most likely

DEAR Jasminda,

What are the expectations for Easter presents this year?

I just went to the shops for my grandchildren and there are Easter trees, Easter decorations, Easter wreaths, Easter clothes, and on it goes.

Brian W.

Dear Brian,

WREATHS? Trees? Decorations?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (feel free to sing in Michael Buble's baritone voice).

It would appear Easter eggs aren't bringing in enough retail dollars, so now we have Easter activity cases and Easter egg wreaths and flocked Easter bunnies made of polyfoam and polyethylene

also resulted in koalas being killed when they descended from their trees, often at night time, in order to drink water or swap trees, even though they achieved most of their water intake from eating gum leaves.

So where do we get koala breeding stock from in order to reintroduce them into the wild in our area?

There was considerable publicity at the time detailing the overpopulation of disease-free koalas on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, a location with an almost identical coastal climate to the Myall Coast.

Trees were being denuded by the density of koalas to the point where large areas of suitable eucalyptus on Kangaroo Island were dying out.

This in turn reached the stage where

terephthalate, and this little bunny isn't falling for any of it.

The only Easter expectations are the ones you place on yourself, but I can almost guarantee that your grandkids will be far more excited by a challenging mini egg hunt in the backyard than unwrapping bits of plastic wrapped in (you guessed it) bits of plastic.

And no, they don't need egg-hunt grabbers (that look very much like rainbow-coloured poop-scoopers), because most of them have these handy things called hands.

Just make sure you roll the foil wrapping into a fist-sized ball before recycling.

Or perhaps you could suggest that your grandkids join you in hand-dyeing some eggs or baking some homemade Easter buns.

Yes, I know you can get them straight off the shelves (and have been able to since Christmas), but nothing beats the smell of freshly-baked buns.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

culling of koalas was being considered by authorities in order to save the forests.

I immediately set about contacting the authorities with the proposition that an area in North Arm Cove could be available for resettlement as it was originally home to a positive koala population.

Yes, some fencing would be needed, plus the availability of fresh water, which could be supplied by the provision of small dams, similar to what is found on many farming properties.

The response was typical of government and local government, and could be summarised as “too hard”.

I wish Brisbane City Council good luck with their bold initiative.

of mining, energy generation and wholesale distribution of energy for decades.

Many climate zealots get caught out by the depth of the energy system and engineering knowledge that other jurisdictions more than likely don’t demonstrate.

In my case it’s 45 years of power plant and wholesale transmission engineering and there are many like me now retired in this area we’ve always called home.

The factual issue of physics and therefore the technical challenge, is that the energy density of renewables is very low compared to coal, gas or nuclear.

Put simply this means you need way,

way more renewables to meet the system demand every millisecond, 24 hours of every day and these assets are physically distributed across vast areas of land and along vast coastal marine areas, in the case of offshore wind.

They must then be joined together which adds to the expense, an expense that some of the CSIRO data chooses to exclude.

Whilst it was mentioned in the article, it’s worth repeating, and that is renewables have very low capacity factors of around 30 percent to 40 percent.

What this means is that they don’t generate any power whatsoever for most of the time.

So, renewables need to be firmed up by something else when renewables can’t generate power, power which is needed all the time.

Again, this adds to the overall expense of moving to solar and wind as the predominant sources of energy.

The decarbonisation path of using solar and wind is currently costed at $1 trillion.

That’s an eye watering amount of money to spend for almost no effect on global CO2 emissions given Australia’s miniscule contribution relative to other countries.

Regards,

Derek MUSGROVE, Tea Gardens.

READING by Lynne Miles: Mark 10: 43 & 44 ".........Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and and whoever wants to be first must learn to be the servant of all."

Council roadworks

By Thomas O’KEEFE

MULTIPLE necessary roadworks will soon begin at several key locations around Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, and MidCoast Council wishes to advise motorists to be realistic about parking and traffic, starting from 18 March, weather permitting.

“Road resurfacing works will begin in Tea Gardens, with two sections of Myall Street being repaired, as well as a section on Tuloa Avenue in Hawks Nest, and minor work along Viney Creek Road,” a Council spokesperson told NOTA.

“Council staff are asking that residents think about where they park so that work can get started.”

Residents are requested not to park on the sections of road the night prior to work being conducted.

“There may be delays in driveway access during this period.”

The Myall Street works will stretch along the main access road in and out of town, from 18 Myall Street to 74 Myall St, and between Hough and Maxwell Streets.

The longer section will very likely impact traffic in and out of Myall Quays

at Boston Street corner, Penn Estate at Penn Drive, and Coupland and Motum Avenues, and Council has advised that there could be short delays.

It is realistic to expect that traffic control will have flowon effects at the Settlers Way corner, and perhaps even as far as Myall Quays Boulevard corner, the entrance to the Coles shopping complex.

In Hawks Nest, the work will be on the busy interval along Tuloa Avenue between the corners of Kingfisher and Sanderling Avenues, which is the main corner most motorists use coming in from

q Clear evidence of the need for roadworks along Myall Street, at the Boston Street corner.

the Singing Bridge.

Viney Creek Road, the dirt road access to/from the Pacific Highway, has already seen commencement of reconstruction of 750 metres of road.

“Viney Creek Road works

include placing gravel overlay and stabilisation, followed by sealing with a width of six metres, due to stabilise on 12 and 13 March, seal planned for 14 and 15 March, weather permitting,” is Council’s official detail.

q The span of Tuloa Ave between Kingfisher and Sanderling Avenues is extremely busy most days, being the main turn directly off the Singing Bridge and into town.

“All works will be done under traffic control with minimal disruptions to traffic.”

For more information on roadworks near you, visit https://www.midcoast.nsw. gov.au/Roads.

Join the MidCoast Youth Action Collective

YOUNG people aged fifteen to 24 are invited to help shape the future of the region by joining the MidCoast Youth Action Collective.

This youth-led action group will be empowered to identify and advocate on key issues for young people in the area.

The group will also initiate, plan, and implement their ideas for youth-led activities and events.

“We often hear from young people that they’d like more of a say in the future of the MidCoast,” said Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural

Services, Alex Mills.

“They also want more things to do in the area.

“The MidCoast Youth Action Collective will allow a group of young people to represent their peers on important community matters and share ideas for events.

“It will also provide these young people with a valuable experience that may significantly benefit them on a personal and professional level.”

Participants will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills, make new friends and connect with

community members.

They will also be formally recognised for their contribution, which may provide them an edge in future study and employment ventures.

Expressions of interest are only open from Tuesday 5 March until Sunday 17 March, so get your application in promptly.

Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday 19 March.

In general, the group will meet every last Tuesday of the month from 3.30pm5pm, with a mix of in-person and online meetings held at

q The stretch between Maxwell St and Hough St sees most of the traffic coming into Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

different locations around the region.

The Youth Action Collective will be delivered

in partnership with MidCoast Council, Mid North Coast Community College, Taree Universities Campus,

Manning Support Services, Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group, and Catholic Care.

q The youth-led action group will be empowered to identify and advocate on key issues for young people in the area.

Stinker’s Fishin’: Snapper wonderland

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

IF you need any convincing that the waters off Port Stephens cannot be beaten when it comes to snapper fishing, then look no further.

I’m forever rattling on about the sensational snapper opportunities off Fingal and Broughton.

Rarely do I look south to the best kept secrets of Boat Harbour and Fishermans Bay.

Local ‘Boatie’ champion Nick Dayman knows the extensive reefs and drop-offs better than most and rarely does he return home without a cracker snapper in the esky.

Nick’s methods are very similar to mine and his results are fantastic.

Anchoring over broken ground of rocky peaks and troughs, Nick sets up a rich berley trail, inviting every

snapper within cooee to the party before tossing an unweighted bait of salmon back behind the trail.

As the fresh bait slowly sinks, expectations heighten in the hope that a big red will not be far away.

Such was the case last week when a 9kg thumper swallowed Nick’s bait and took off towards Stockton.

The snapper habitat off Boatie is ideal with reefs stretching north to One Mile headland and onwards to Rocky Point and Boulder Bay.

There is one hurdle if you intend to target this reef system and that is the distance to reach it if you are unable to launch off the beach.

The closest boat ramp to the north is Shoal Bay and to the south a long ride to Stockton.

Although conveniently close to the snapper reefs, launching off the beach at either Fingal or Boat Harbour does have a few obstacles.

Any swell hitting the beach can cause troubles which can be overcome if you have a friend to hold the boat

Hotel serves out donations

By Thomas O’KEEFE

REGULAR Wednesday raffles at the Tea Gardens Hotel have produced charitable donations to three major community groups, presented on Wednesday 6 March.

In the three months since December 2023, Trevor Officer has been running meat raffles and members’ badge draws at the Tea Gardens Hotel, raising an impressive $6000.

“We are amazed that we

raised that much in such a short time, which comes initially from the sales of $15 members’ badges, and when people in the pub learn that the money goes to a local charity, they put away the tenner and pull out a $20 note,” Trevor told NOTA.

“Our local butcher, Myall Lakes Butchery, gives us a big discount on the meat raffles, too, which increases the donations we can make back into the community.”

Last week’s donations

were the first round formally made from the Wednesday raffles, featuring giant novelty cheques for the beneficiaries’ representatives to mark the occasion.

The local beneficiaries were the Free Clinic Bus, which takes those less mobile to important medical appointments; the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Boxing Club, which gives youth a place to get fit and stay out of trouble; and Can

while you park the truck.

Sometimes, particularly at Fingal, the sand becomes very soft in dry weather and heavy traffic.

Do not think that 4x4 vehicles do noy get bogged –they do. Another trap for the inexperienced is to back the

Assist, a cancer assistance organisation that helps local individuals whose lives have been impacted by cancer diagnoses.

“The Free Clinic Bus was established in 1986, after a 1985 Government deeming that ambulances could only be used for emergencies.

“We now run days per week and moved 441 clients in 2023 alone,” said the Free Clinic Bus’ Jan Peeters upon acceptance of the donation.

Former local policeman Roby Wiley helped establish the boxing club eight years ago with other highly

Tea Gardens Men’s Bowling Club News

By John SLATER

VALE Barry Drayton

I have just received the incredibly sad news that one of our Club’s stalwarts, Barry Drayton, has passed away in hospital.

Barry would be well known in bowling circles, particularly throughout the Newcastle District where he represented the Tea Gardens Bowling Club for many years at an elite level.

Because of illness Barry

had not played for some time, but those of us who had the pleasure of playing for and against him will know just how good he was.

RIP Barry well played.

6 March

This week’s bowls programme was sponsored by Rod Morrison Gyprock.

There were only 22 bowlers on the greens today with another 16 playing midweek pennants.

Footy day was celebrated with sausage sandwiches

lovingly cooked and prepared by Master Chef Jacko. Thanks mate, much appreciated.

There was only an overall prize today due to the small numbers and that went to Col Hands and Gary Port

The Garden Eatery voucher was won by Col Hands. Thanks to the Garden Eatery for their sponsorship.

The Pennant season rolls on and although, at time of writing I do not have the scores from Round 3, I understand we had wins in all

trailer too far into the water.

All these problems are increased if your boat is over 16 ft.

After launching off the beach for many years I have experienced most of these obstacles.

The best advice I can give

dedicated volunteers, and saw a record 24 boxers in the gym last week.

“Boxing is one of the best things you can do for mental health, we are looking into doing some more in the youth mental health space, the boxing gym is a great place to get to know yourself,” Roby said.

Emma Phillips from Can Assist came up from Sydney for this presentation, saying, “We believe in raised local, stays local, and will use

those who are launching off the beach for the first time is to consider the tide, the expected conditions and the size of the swell before spending some time watching a couple of experienced crews leave the beach.

It is not as easy as it looks.

these funds to help people whom we know in the area with equitable access to cancer treatments, as we do for all our non-metro patients.”

Tea Gardens Hotel owner Ben Hanson added, “This is all about locals, with a focus on our youth and mental health in our town.

“Money raised here goes back into the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest community, and every three months we will give to another charity.”

three Grades in the Saturday Pennant competition.

I also understand that in the Wednesday competition Division 3 are at the top of

their table with no losses and Division 4 are running second with one recorded loss.

It is early in the competition, but it is good to

SPORTS

see that all our representative teams are well in the mix.

Myall Coast Vets

SMITH

NTP.

q Young 'Boatie' champion Nick Dayman with his giant reddie caught on fresh salmon fillet.

q The Richardson family of commercial fishers have been launching off Boat Harbour beach for years.

q Tea Gardens Hotel publican Ben Hanson (l) and Wednesday raffle operator Trevor Officer (r) hand over the donation cheque to Rob Wiley and the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Boxing Club.

q Jan Peeters received the donation on behalf of the Free Clinic Bus.

q Emma Phillips from Can Assist came up from Sydney to receive the donation, which will help local cancer sufferers get the assistance they need.

Tea Gardens Women's Bowling Club

By Lynda RICHARDS

MONDAY 4th March: TGWBC

Grade 3 White Pennant team played in NDWBA Post Sectional Final against a team from Soldiers Point, I am pleased to announce both our teams won their games winning on the Master Board 54 v 32. Despite our teams bowling through to the Post Sectional Finals most years, this is the first time we have won a flag in 11 years. This makes 7 Pennant flags "under our belt", TGWBC won their first flag 32 years ago (1992) that was a Grade 4 team, the next another Grade 4 in 2005, then Grade 3 and 4 in 2007, Grade 2 in 2011 and Grade 3 in 2013. Congratulations to the side comprising of Lyn Nightingale, Robyn Webster, Karen Green and Pat Baker and the other side that comprises the team Bev Harrington, Lynne Green, Gay

Pezet and Robyn Beaumont, I also need to mention their reserves Lorraine Murphy and Sheila Rattray, you have all done your Club proud.

Many thanks to TGCC & Motel for your support and providing travel to the Final and to all those who came and supported our team your enthusiasm was much appreciated and I know no one was disappointed by the standard of the bowling. Our team now proceed to the Regional Finals to be held on the 8th and 9th April at Raymond Terrace.

Tuesday 5th March: Social bowls played a game of Fours and 2 games of Triples Dale Winter, Carolyn Fredericks, Lynda Richards and Karen Green on the 13th end were 13 all v Pam Gilchrist, Lyn Nightingale, Maynie Roberts and Irene Roberts from here on Irene's ladies didn't score another point losing the game

by 8 shots 21 v 13. A close contest for Sheril Johnson, Dale Cameron and Bette Saillard 14 v Deb Gardner, Judi Polak and Dot Dallas

13. Jan Coomer, Deyonne Page and Sandra Leisemann were "on fire" winning by 17 shots, 24 v 7 their opponents Liv Everingham, Jeanette Emmett and Judy McGavock. The winners on the day winning with the highest margin were Jan, Deyonne and Sandra.

Thursday 7th March: Format for play 3 games of Fours 12 ends, a win to Vicki McMillan, Lynda Richards, Gay Pezet and Bette Saillard

14 v Danni Smith, Bev Harrington, Bev Dunn and Robyn Webster 3 winners also were Deb Gardner (swinger Lead), Carol Hayden/Jill McBride, Deyonne Page and Jean Glover 11 v Deb, Lyn Nightingale, Sue Morris and Pat Baker 10. Last but not

least

Ladies Golf Classic Report

By Dianne BOWES

38th ANNUAL Hawks Nest Ladies Golf Classic 2024

Congratulations to everyone involved in the successful staging of this prestigious golfing tournament. In its 38th year, the tournament raises funds for the Westpac rescue helicopter.

The Classic began at Hawks Nest Golf Club on Sunday, with a well-attended meet and greet function for all visiting players. An information session was followed by a fashion parade and the sale of raffle tickets. Thankyou to all those businesses that donated raffle prizes (see below).

Day 1: Playing conditions were pleasant for the 1st day’s play. Hawks Nest golf course was in excellent condition, thanks to Ben Mills and his team. Our visitors commented on the beautifully prepared course, loving its park like atmosphere and beautiful tree lined fairways.

Thanks to the outstanding organization by Captain

Jo Buttrey, President Deb Matheson, Ladies Committee and Pro Shop staff, play proceeded smoothly. Volunteers on the course, led by Damien Ward, acted as starters, spotters and bunker rakers. 4 divisions hit off in the Classic: Div 1 & 2 playing stroke; Div 3 & 4 playing Stableford. Most groups were made up of players from different clubs, many of them Ladies Classic “veterans”, some who were back for their 10th year in the tournament, as well as some first timers.

Some players are planning to return for events such as the Myall Classic in May, Ladies Open Day in July, Short Course Championships in July, and the Summer Classic in November.

Day 1 highlight - a magnificent hole-in-one, scored by Helen Haynes from Hawks Nest on the par 3, 10th hole. Congratulations Helen! A fabulous “Let‘s Get Hawaiian” themed dinner was held on Monday evening. 205 ladies enjoyed a tasty meal provided by

PK’s Restaurant, dancing to Sisters From Different Misters, and a charity auction by John Rumble from First National Real Estate, our event sponsor. This was bought by Sharon Bowers of Belmont whose son is a pilot for Westpac RH.

Day 2: Tuesday morning saw the golf, and the weather, heat up for the final day’s play. Fortunes fluctuated at this point in the competition, some playing out of their

Bulahdelah Golf Club News

By Thora-Lou SMITH

WEDNESDAY March 6th, the ladies played a single stableford and Colleen Richards was the winner with 35pts from Lou Smith with 30pts. Lou also got the 8th

NTP, but no one hit the 17th, so the jackpot will be carried over again next week.

The Vets hosted Harrington Waters in a “Friendly” at Bulahdelah on Thursday 7th, and the home team were the victors. Rod Norberry was

the individual winner with 37pts from Wayne Pollard with 35pts on a c/b from Dave Brown. Pete Norman won the major raffle and Graham Smith won the breakfast tray. Thanks to the sponsors and organisers – a great day was had by all.

Saturday March 9th was the third round of the Men's Championship and the daily winners were: A Grade (0-12) Matt Host with 73nett from Alan Crick with 75nett on a c/b from 3 other players. B Grade (13-18) winner was

Hawks Nest Golf Club Lady Veterans Golf Competition

skins, others falling away as the pressure mounted.

By late afternoon the crowd had gathered in the clubhouse, where President Deb Matheson and her helpers drew the raffle which raised over $2,538 for The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. A huge thankyou to everyone who supported this fund-raising effort during the tournament. Captain Jo Buttrey announced that there were 260 players from

Jim Parnell with 74nett from Dave Shultz with 77nett. C Grade (19+) winner was Alex Reekie with 66nett from Rod Norberry with 67nett.

Ladies' winner was Barbie Gordon with 67nett from Alison Benson with 70nett.

NTPs were Toby Carroll (x2), Jim Parnell, Wayne Coleman, Jeff Crockett and Lou Smith

7th MARCH 2024

1st Trish Collins 0

2nd Rosarie Mullins 2C/B

3rd Pam Gibbs 2

4th Heather McGuinn 5C/B

49 clubs participating in this year’s Hawks Nest Ladies Classic. Coming from all walks of life, the field saw a diverse mix of players young and old. It was a great event to hold in International Women’s Week, played in the spirit of good fun, good golf, and good friendship. There were many prizes awarded to top players on each day (a full list of results is available on the Hawks Nest Golf Club Home Page).

and Meg South. Long Drivers were Marty Bramble, Dave Johnston, Steve South and Lou Smith. Steve Sharp won the jackpot.

The Championship leaders after 3 rounds are Arrin Gardiner, Kevin Martin and Zac Watt. The battle continues next Saturday as the last round is contested.

5th Di Bowes 5

6th Janet Merryweather 6

Chip Ins

Betty Clinch 10th

Dianne Russell 11th

Carolyn Fredericks, Christine Fossey, Judi Polak and Robyn Beaumont 15

defeated Jane Uff, Sheril Johnson, Karen Green and Dale Winter 15 v 6. Winners

on the day winning with the highest margin were Carolyn, Christine, Judi and Robyn.

q Deyonne Page (Selection) and Vice President Bette Saillard with team members Bev Harrington, Lynne Green, Gay Pezet, Robyn Beaumont, Pat Baker, Karen Green, Robyn Webster and Lyn Nightingale.

q Rosarie Mullins and Peter Davies.

q Peter Davies, Jill Blenkey and Deb Matheson.

q Peter Davies and Anne McClintock.

Auspac Media

EASTER 2024

EARLY DEADLINES NOTIFICATION

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

For Sale

2 cream leather two seater lounges. $500 each or both for $900 exc cond. 0400 955 778

2 x HAND operated mobility, long pickup tools For dropped items etc $10 each ono. 49817523

For Sale

CHEFS uniforms, 2 jackets (small), 4 trousers (3 medium, 1 small) 1 cap. $70 for the lot. Ph 0412 783 707

For Sale For Sale

GO Fit Vibration Platform $100 ono. Must sell 0417 664 032

MUSIC 50’s - 90’s CDs and vinyl 45’s various compilations plus single artists. 02 4966 5000

For Sale

TV 32 inch with remote all working, no damage $70.

VW body parts 3 fan housing engines, plus porsche 356B. 0431 751 651

Friday 2nd April 2021 will be printed and distributed

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below edition:

Thursday 1st April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Thursday 4th April 2023 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Friday 9th April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

For more information, please contact ads@newsofthearea.com.au

For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

We wish you all a Happy & Safe Easter from the team at Coffs Coast News Of The Area

CHAIR recliner, black worn areas on arm 10cm x 6cm & small areas on other arm & lower back. Could be suitable to recover. Ph 0404 035 634 F020224

FREE WARDROBE hanging spaces and drawers 0428 943 812 F070923

CHIHUAHUA

3 large Millenium shirts still in packaging. $30 each. 0466 880 639

3 Windsurfer boards and fins, 85 litres. 2.4m long $99. Ring 0419 932 992

3 OROTON evening purses, collectables from the 1970s, converts from should strap to clutch beautiful cond. Like new Best offers. 49817523 F160223

COFFEE Capsule machine. Piccolo brand Still in box. Instruction book. Milk frother incl $30. Ph: 0439 252028

COFFEE/Lamp table

Walnut stained good cond. Top has glass inset 60cm x 60cm H 44cm Magazine shelf at bottom $50. 0430 092 825

COLLECTION of assorted windsurfing gear. Extensions, bases vest, fins etc. $99. Ring 0419 932 992 F191023

COSMOPOLITAN

Travelling port, half price, $85 used once 4982 6443

12VOLT 2 tone jack 12 volt wheel brace Twin 100mm saw Ph: 4982 3648

6 x new in package single bed mattress protectors. 2 x new out of package, never used single bed fitted sheets $75 or $12 each. 0408 431 488 F280923

ANTIQUE wardrobe

make an offer. 0428 943 812

DRESS, New, Short Sleeve, Golden Blue Marble print Size M / Maxi Length Light weight & lined $ 50. 0427 818 294 F230223

DRESS, New Sleeveless, Pink/Blue Multicolour Mid length Size M $45 Ph: 0427 818 294

GOOD antique Queen Anne dressing table with mirror $60 Ph 0429 601 039

NEW Mahogany side tables. $100each 0493 777 707

NEAR new motor cycle helmet . Size

XL. Aeroblade 3 Kabuto Japan. $99 Peter 0419932992

NEW 5L water jug with tap. $15.00 Call 0493 078 190

NISSAN GQ Parts: New hub seals, oil and water pump, and more. Ph 4982 8689

NURSES shoes size

WALL Hanging mirror

1100mmL x 850mmW

Good cond. $100ono Ph: 0439 440 112

WHEELY

MALTESE Shih Tzu puppies. 1 boy, 1 girl. Available from 26/2. Located in Port Stephens BIN#

BEAM hanging racks pair, powder coated steel grey and rubber Suits use with bicycles or ladders. Never used $50. 0408 431 488

DVD movies incl. drama and westerns, mainly last 5-20 years. Incl 1 TV series 10x10 disks $60 Ph: 02 4966 5000

ELECTRIC Heaters

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

1 Oil filled 2400 watts $40 for both. Please ring 0404 724 347 F020622

EXTENSION Cord 25 metres 10 Amps $25 4919 8277 Tea Gardens

HOLDEN Astra car rim and tire tubeless steel belted radial. Size 205 / 55R16 $70 ono. Ph 4981 7523

HOLDEN racing team shirt from early 2020’s Red with insignias of Dunlop, Holden and Coca Cola. Large. $10 4981 7523.

HOME Office, Solid wood Lockable Computer shelving $60.00 Phone Sam 0437 878 155 F201022

IKEA Stornas Bar Table GC. $95. 0493 078 190

LADIES Bike 27” New tires and tubes Front basket and back carrier. Geared. $100 0404 292 942 F141223

8 ladies, worn once $70ono 0413 401 589

OUTSIDE umbrella 4 metres x 3 metres $200 ono. Must sell 0417 664 032

PANASONIC 50”

plasma TV complete with panasonic compatible blue ray player. $100 024981 1199

PORTABLE clothesline

GC, $25. 0413 023 296

WORK bench 136cm L $100 Ph: 4938 5923

WORLD book encyclopedias, full set Offer. 49979313

1999 Goldstream Sapphire 2001 series. 5m with awning and sides, double bed, sofa gas/elect fridge, stovetop

2012 Billabong Shearwater with a long list of extras. VGC, always shedded. $38,000 ono X91944 . 0408431323

dish, gas heater, many extras $70,000 ono. Reg till Nov 2023. TR76FN. Contact 0415 359 809

RYOBI RSCD750 Clean and Dirty Submersible Pump with automatic float switch. As new. $75 Ph 0412 081 979 f301123

FRIDGE/FREEZER in good working cond Hisense, 350L $150

Photos available. Hawks Nest. 0419 444 119

CHAISE Lounge Timber, painted white Era 1890s. $100 0418 950 995

MILLARD Horizon 2003 19ft dual axel light weight. Tare 1544. GVM 1944. 2 x 200 solar panels, anderson plug 3 way fridge, queen bed, shower/toilet, full 12 months rego, roll out awning. Non smokers Selling due to update $27,950. Q25752 0418 430 643

To place a classified ad call 02 4981 8882 between 9am and 2pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri

1.00

1.45

5.00

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY HAPPY VALLEY

ABC, 8.30pm

After a seven-year wait, the third and final season of this supreme crime thriller lands on free-to-air. Featuring a fascinatingly ordinary protagonist in Yorkshire policewoman Catherine Cawood (played with bewitching emotional dexterity by Sarah Lancashire, pictured), this sterling British whodunnit from Sally Wainwright is a masterclass in character-led drama. In this thrilling six-episode conclusion, it’s seven years later in Cawood’s chaotic life too, with her grandson Ryan (Rhys Connah) now 16.

SUNDAY

THE EMERALD ISLES WITH ARDAL O’HANLON

SBS, 7.30pm

Irish comedian Ardal O’Hanlon (pictured) whips off any rose-coloured glasses for this very engaging and witty tour of his homeland. The Death in Paradise playful presenter in this three-part sojourn, airing in full tonight. He employs the dubious wisdom of the 1840’s book Ireland, its Scenery, Character, etc. and Mrs Hall to answer his own question:

”Are we really a bunch of superstitious, god-fearing, whisky-sodden chancers?” Airing for the first time on free-to-air.

A Dealer.

TUESDAY

BETTER DATE THAN NEVER

ABC, 8.30pm

Tonight, Asher is a bundle of nerves ahead of her first date. But when she meets her handsome date

Matt, who arrives with a posy of flowers, and the conversation flows, will her daring move steering the chit-chat into the realm of politics and religion douse the feel-good mood? Allycia’s theme park date is full of fun, but the emotional aftermath has her mum reaching for the tissues. For a complete emotional U-turn, tune into Seven’s frivolous First Dates at 9.30pm for a dose of conventional, superficial dating

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone continue their journey to the Cassowary Coast.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 1. Collingwood v Sydney. From the MCG.

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

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) A panel discusses all things AFL. 12.00

6.00

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Irish comedian Graham Norton presents the first of two compilations of highlights from the recent series.

10.50 Fire Country. (Mv, R) A delivery truck crashes into the fire station.

11.40 The Project. (R)

12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Local team takes surfboat gold medal

JIMMY’S Beach Aquatic Club (JBAC) members have won a Masters Surfboat gold medal at the recent Hunter Branch Surf Life Saving Championships, held at Stockton Beach.

The newly formed local club, now with over

50 members, has been supported by the Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) to compete in surfboat events.

Local Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest residents Steve Howell, Jeromy Nolan, John Estens and Peter

Larkin, swept by Eddie Bergsma (OAM), won gold in the Hunter SLSC Branch Championships at their first attempt.

After years without a team, Fingal Beach SLSC approached JBAC to create a joint venture to represent

the Port Stephens club in surfboat competition.

The initiative has already resulted in past club members looking to rejoin the club to participate in surfboats again.

Fingal Beach SLSC provided equipment,

competition support and officials to assist JBAC in the local Surf Life Saving Championship.

"The relationship with Fingal Beach SLSC has been fantastic for the JBAC members.

“Their support and

assistance has been amazing," said Peter Rogers, President of JBAC.

The same crew will be representing Jimmy's Beach Aquatic Club and Fingal Beach SLSC at the Hunter Central Coast Surf Life Saving ‘Stevens Group’ Round 4 Surf Boat Series to be held at Swansea Belmont next weekend.

SATURDAY, March 16

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Mas, R) 2.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Universe With Brian Cox. (R)

5.00 Better Date Than Never. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Call Of Duty – Anjali Sharma. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: East Arnhem Land, NT Pt 2. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Mav) Part 2 of 4.

8.25 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3. A grisly discovery in a college garden raises suspicion among a celebrated Oxford orchestra.

10.00 House Of Gods. (PGl, R) Isa struggles to meet his financial commitment.

11.00 Happy Valley. (Malv, R)

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PGl) 11.00 Urban Conversion. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Artistic Apparatus World Cup. H’lights. 4.00 France: A Journey Through Time. (R) 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGav)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa)

8.30 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication. (PGa)

9.30 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R)

10.30 Those Who Stayed. (Mal)

11.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo.

3.30 Face To Face. (Ma, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Lola. Continued. (1961, PG, French) 7.10 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 9.20 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 11.10 American Hustle. (2013, M) 1.40pm A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG)

SUNDAY, March 17

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.30 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30 The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

6.30 Compass. (PGa)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv) A former children’s home resident is murdered.

8.30 House Of Gods. (Mls) Batul’s politicking is interrupted by the possibility of motherhood.

9.30 Happy Valley. (Malv, R) A body is found in a drained reservoir.

10.30 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PGln, R)

11.20 Harrow. (Final, Mav, R)

12.15 Significant Others. (Madl, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.05 Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PGl) 11.00 Urban Conversion. (R) 12.00

WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Starblasters Cricket. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. (R) 2.30 Volleyball. Australian Beach Tour. Gold medal matches. 4.30 Cycling. Paris-Nice. H’lights. 5.30 Lisbon & WWII: Spies, Gold And Diplomacy. (PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (PGa) Part 1 of 3.

10.30 Pompeii: The Origins. (Mv, R)

11.30 Egypt’s Lost City of Canopus. (PG, R)

12.25 Spain’s Secret Conquest. (Mav, R)

2.45 Chernobyl: The New Evidence. (PGa, R)

3.40 Grayson Perry: Divided Britain. (Ml, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. The All-Star Mile and Chandon Ladies Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A man makes a shocking confession.

7.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, Ml, R) American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles try to build a race car for Ford so they can defeat Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale.

10.35 MOVIE: Baby Driver. (2017, MA15+v, R) A getaway driver gets involved in a doomed heist. Ansel Elgort.

1.00 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Get Clever. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

7TWO (62)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 To Be Advised. 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R)

Getaway. (PG)

9GEM (82)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PG, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.40 The Dog House. A couple dream of very different dogs.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mad, R) NSW Ambulance crews race to a call for a slashed throat and perform life-saving CPR on teens.

9.40 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R)

The ambulance service calls for help.

10.55 So Help Me Todd. (PGv, R)

11.50 FBI: International. (Md, R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

BOLD (51)

7MATE (64)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 To Be Advised.

3.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Seven News At 5.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.30 Lockerbie. (PGav) Part 1 of 4. Documents the investigation into the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

10.30 Quantum Leap. (Return, Mav)

11.30 Autopsy USA: Gilda Radner. (Ma)

12.30 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise. (2006, Masv, R)

2.30

7TWO (62)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

6.00 Fishing Aust. (R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. (PG)

1.00 Fish Forever. (Premiere) 1.30 Drive TV. (Return)

2.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R)

3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters.

6.30 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) With only days remaining, someone’s in the firing line and another must make an impossible choice.

8.40 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) After ransomware is used to cause the controls on a dam to malfunction, Ernie is tasked with finding the culprit.

10.40 FBI: International. (Mv, R)

The fly team chases a tech tycoon.

11.30 The Sunday Project. (R)

A look at the day’s news.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GEM (82)

BOLD (51)

7MATE (64)

q

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

Johnny Cash: The Man In Black Britain. 5.40 Talking Language. 6.10 News. 6.20 Wild West. 7.30 Murder In Big Horn. 8.30 The Song Keepers. 10.00 Late Programs.

q The surfboat champions in action representing Fingal Beach SLSC.

MONDAY, March 18

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline.

(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Australia Remastered. (R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.10 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (R) 9.30

Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.20 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 11.10 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch.

2.00 Blitz Spirit With Lucy Worsley. (PGav, R)

3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R)

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Roo proceeds with caution.

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

8.30

4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

9GO! (83)

6am Beauty And The Beast. Continued. (2014, PG, French) 7.25 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995, PG) 10.05 La La Land. (2016, M) 12.25pm Sex, Lies And Videotape. (1989, M) 2.20 The Man Who Knew

TUESDAY, March 19

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 One Plus One. (a, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Railway Journeys UK. (R)

11.05 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlv) 12.00 Miniseries: Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+av, R) 12.40 Trom. (Malv, R) 3.10 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R)

4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am

7MATE

Hawks Nest Thursday Night Darts

By Brenda EDWARDS

7th MARCH. Winner Magic

Ladies

q Winner: Matty Weilsgaz. Runner up: Gene McKenzie.

9GO! (83)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) With only the final four contestants remaining, tensions are on the rise as deals are exposed.

8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) The team searches for a businessman wanted for murder and an embezzlement scheme.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (Final, PG) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.15 Aaron Chen Comedy Special. (PGal) A stand-up comedy performance of Aaron Chen’s If Weren’t Filmed, NobodyWouldBelieve show.

10.15 NCIS. (Mdv, R) A navy commander is killed.

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, March 20

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners.

(R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.10 Kew

Gardens: Season By Season. 11.00 Food

Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30

Insight. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s

Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (PGa)

8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (Premiere, M)

9.30 Kin. (Final, MA15+alv)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Blinded. (Malns)

11.45 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Mal)

3.05 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Ms, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

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

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE:

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 The 1% Club. (Final, PGls)

8.35 The Front Bar. (Ml)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition.

9.40 FBI: International. (Mav) The FBI Fly Team heads to Austria to find an American teen who was kidnapped as a child.

12.30 The Project. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

7.30 Skippy. 8.00

6am Seaway. 7.00 Creflo.

Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30

My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55

The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.05

Dr Quinn. 3.05 Antiques Roadshow. 3.35 MOVIE: Spring In Park Lane. (1948) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.40

6am The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.35 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 9.20 Selkie. (2000, PG) 10.55 The Amazing Catfish. (2013, M, Spanish) 12.35pm The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.45 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 5.00 Dr Strangelove. (1964, PG) 6.50

THURSDAY, March 21

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R) 2.00 Parliament.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

6.30

7.00

7.30

12.05

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.45 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.35 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 11.25 Vanitas. 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Surviving An American Concentration Camp. (Ma) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s

Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bettany Hughes: The Silk Road Treasures.

8.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGl)

9.20 The Vanishing Triangle. (Malv)

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Illegals. (Premiere, Malv)

11.40 Unseen. (Maln, R)

3.25 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R)

4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PG) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.40 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav, R) The team joins forces with Elliot Stabler.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

NCIS: New Orleans. 11.25 Late Programs.

Tight Contest

By Thomas O'KEEFE

BOWLERS from Tea Gardens Palm Lake Resort

(PLR) celebrated a narrow victory in their twiceyearly bowls tournament with PLR Fern Bay, held at Tea Gardens on Sunday 3 March.

Palm Lake Tea Gardens hosted their counterparts from Fern Bay in a friendly ‘grudge match’ that has entered its twelfth year, with a total of 64 players competing.

More than two dozen members of the local Tea Gardens PLR cheer squad were also on hand to add their support in what was a veritable ‘David and Goliath’ battle, as Tea

Gardens had not won the event for the last four years.

“Fern Bay is a very competitive group, with some bowlers participating in Newcastle pennant competitions, while Tea Gardens has no such committed bowlers,” Doug Webber, President of Tea Gardens PLR Bowling Club, told NOTA.

“We have been creeping up on the scoreboard each year, slowly but surely.”

The battle royale is played out ‘club vs club’.

All players’ scores are accumulated into an overall team score for their respective club on the master-board.

“It came down to the last game, the final score was Tea Gardens: 118, Fern Bay: 117,” Mr Webber triumphantly declared.

Afterwards, players from both clubs, and their supporters, enjoyed a very

“The

CONTINUED Page 22-23

q Players gather close around the jack.

nice lunch of lamb burgers and sweets, put on by the Tea Gardens PLR Bowling

Committee.

whole event is just a bit of friendship and

fellowship, competition