Myall Coast News Of The Area 20 April 2023

Anderson Art Awards at Galleries in the Gardens

By Thomas O'KEEFE

ART united hundreds in Tea Gardens for the Galleries in the Gardens’ inaugural Anderson Art Award on Friday 14 April.

“The Award honours the amazing generosity of Lee and Rob Anderson to the local arts, including their purchase of the house on Marine Drive six years ago to give the Galleries a home,” Anne Stuart, who heads the Galleries’ curatorial team, told NOTA.

“Rob had suggested an award, open to all, bringing new art to the

CONTINUED Page 3

Doug CONNOR

q Kim Blunt, Senior Curator for Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Lee Anderson, Anne Stuart, and Ian Morphett.

Doug

Charity golf day to raise key funds for RFS

By Thomas O’KEEFE

A FUNDRAISING event to support the fundamental functions of local firefighters will be held at the Hawks Nest Golf Club, with the RFS Sheargold Annual Charity Golf Day on Friday, 12 May.

Following last year’s successful event, the four-person Ambrose starts at 8:30am, followed by a raffle, auction and Lions Club BBQ, with all proceeds going to the Pindimar/ Tea Gardens Rural Fire Brigade.

“The local RFS members are all unpaid volunteers who offer their time and expertise to attend fires, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and to assist other emergency services, as required, so this is an exciting community event, run for a great cause,” Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS Brigade Captain David Bright told NOTA.

“The brigade needs the funds raised to purchase life-saving equipment, and to upgrade the existing station facilities to basic modern standards.”

“Hopefully, the Golf Day can fund an extension to the Tea Gardens shed, with a dedicated locker-room for our men and women to change into their gear, and an accessible bathroom with basic laundry facilities.”

“As a volunteer brigade, we get very standard issue things, we constantly have to fundraise to protect the community,” Captain Bright added.

Captain Bright informed NOTA that the Tea Gardens station has had no working toilet since August 2022, with repairs already four weeks behind official schedule.

“The Pindimar/Tea Gardens local brigade actually had to pay Council for the DA to make these needed changes, despite the shed sitting on Council land,” Captain Bright noted.

Now in its fourth year, powering through the pandemic, the RFS Golf Day was originally an initiative of the Hawks Nest Golf Club, recognising the volunteer brigade’s real and ongoing need for funding during the raging

bushfires of 2019/2020.

The Golf Club has maintained its admirable initiative by choosing to continue the RFS Golf Day annually.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, while the entry fee is $50, with all bookings through the Hawks Nest Pro Shop (4997 0740). For more information call David on 0408 680 835 or Neil on 0439 644 829.

q The raging infernos of the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Anderson Art Awards at Galleries in the Gardens

FROM Page 1

community to make the Galleries more inclusive and, although he passed

three months ago, he would be thrilled with the outcome,” Lee Anderson declared to the large outdoor crowd.

“Art creates debate, raises awareness, and a local gallery is an opportunity to unite the community,” added Ms

reality.

“Things started slowly after we announced last December, but eventually the entries came flooding in, with 147 entries from 85 artists, two thirds of whom were non-members of the Galleries,” Mr Morphett announced.

The exhibition ran ‘2D’

(paintings, photography and sketches), and ‘3D’ (sculptures and installations) prizes, with 100 and 47 entries, respectively, the winners sharing $7000 prize money, raised by local sponsors.

As guests enjoyed catering by Seagrass Café, the unenviable task of choosing just four winners from 147 fell to Kim Blunt, Senior Curator from the Maitland Regional Art

Gallery (MRAG).

“Awards like these are gateways for many new artists, and I thank the Galleries for keeping art and culture alive,” Ms Blunt told the attendees.

Kim’s words follow:

Julia Ross’ Stuck! The Myall River (2D winner) “quietly captured a moment that for many might otherwise go unnoticed”, while Emille Tseronis’ The Ages (2D Highly Commended) was “stylistically interesting, experimental, with minimal pallet and restraint”.

Jannette Bickely’s The Wedding (3D winner) had “exquisite, Sgraffito technique that keeps the artist present in the work, makes the patterns divine” while Helen Jackson’s Earthflow (3D Highly Commended) “showed stark contrast with other entries.”

The difference between a Means and

test

Assets

for aged care Pensioners

by Cavelle Lindsay

If you're moving into an aged care home, you may have to pay a means tested care fee and accommodation costs. The means test will determine the amount you need to pay towards your accommodation costs.

The means test takes into account all income sources, including superannuation, investments, and employment income. The maximum income amount to be eligible for a full pension is currently $190 per fortnight for single individuals and $336 per fortnight for couples combined.

The pension gradually reduces for income received above this limit.

The asset test reviews all asset types held in your

name and may impact the amount which is paid to you.

The maximum asset limit to be eligible for a full pension is currently $280,000 for single individuals and $419,000 (combined) for couples.

The pension gradually reduces for those with assets above this limit.

It's important to note that the means and asset tests for the Aged Care Pension can be complex and may vary depending on a range of factors. We suggest you seek advice from an aged care financial advisor for more specific information for your individual circumstances.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Anderson, who thanked exhibition coordinator Ian Morphett for his hard work in making the Award a

q A full Gallery at the Anderson Art Awards in Tea Gardens.

q 3D Highly Commended ‘Earthflow’ by Helen Jackson.

q 2D Winner ‘Stuck! The Myall River’ by Julia Ross.

q 2D Winner Julia Ross (left) with judge Kim Blunt from Maitland Regional Art Gallery (right), and ‘Stuck! The Myall River’ (bottom).

q 3D Winner ‘The Wedding’ by Jannette Bickely.

q 2D Highly Commended ‘The Ages’ by Emille Tseronis.

q Lee Anderson speaking about the importance of art in the community.

FROM Page 1

usage of a tourist facility in Swan Bay to a ‘transitional group home’.

Part of the facility at 2 Old Punt Road, Swan Bay, known as the Fisherman’s Village, has for the past ten years been used as a drug and alcohol treatment centre, operated by Connect Global Limited.

29 of the 39 on-site cabins are currently utilised for Connect Global purposes, however the facility is not zoned for this use, with the ten remaining cabins used for tourism purposes.

A report prepared for Councillors by Steven Peart, Group Manager of Development Services at Port Stephens Council, recommended the DA be refused on the basis of a number of social impacts and land use conflicts.

“The proposed development fails to satisfy Clause 2.3 (zone objectives) as it is likely to detract from existing tourist and visitororiented land uses,” the report stated.

Stephen Leathley, a town planner with 35 years experience, spoke for Connect Global during public access, arguing that while the Fisherman’s Village was zoned for tourism in the nineties, it was no longer used for that purpose.

“The council report before you recommends refusal,” Mr Leathley said.

“That refusal is based around land use conflict or incompatibility of locating a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in a tourist village or tourist resort.

“However, there is an important distinction here.

“This facility was abandoned some 25 years ago in 1998 when the RAAF started flying F/A18s over it.

“This Council was involved in a very lengthy and costly court case in relation to that.

“That Supreme Court case made the finding that this facility was not suitable as a tourist resort.”

Mr Leathley then asked councillors to defer the matter and consider “granting a two year, time limited approval” to Connect Global.

“Give Mr Pene (Connect Global Director) an opportunity to work with the community.

“We would do public consultations during that process, drop-in sessions, so that the community that does have some concerns can come out and have a look at it over that two year period.

Wollen, who have lived in the area for 25 years, then addressed councillors, citing traffic concerns and social issues they believe have arisen as a result of Connect Global running their program locally.

“The motorbikes and groups of walking men, plus the increased police visiting the area was starting to unnerve us, when we learned that all of this activity was due to an unapproved rehabilitation facility being established at the former oyster barn in Fisherman’s Village,” Stanley said.

By this point in the meeting, Cr Arnott had reminded meeting attendees several times to be respectful of speakers, with strong contingents of Connect Global supporters and objectors in attendance.

Diane then spoke of the intimidation she claims members of the community have experienced as a result of speaking out against the rehabilitation centre; a comment which received a boisterous response from meeting attendees.

“Our neighbours, who have also lived there (Swan Bay) for a long time, many of whom are elderly and have health issues, would have come tonight if they hadn’t been so terrified of these people,” Diane said.

“They are too scared to come out of their homes and complain.”

“The proposed development is not considered to be suitable for the site.

“The proposed development is not considered to be in the public interest as the development is likely to create a land use conflict, cause adverse social impact on the surrounding land uses and received substantial opposition from the community.”

“It also gives us the time to acquire the other nine cabins we believe we can get a hold of if we have that time.”

Worimi Elder Uncle Lenny Anderson then addressed Council on behalf of Connect Global, citing the program’s high success rate.

“91.23 percent of Aboriginal people who have been through this program in the past ten years have not reoffended,” Mr Anderson said.

“I have been there, I have seen it.”

Mr Anderson then spoke of the Fisherman Village’s “geographically isolated” position, citing benefits for Indigenous program participants, five of whom are reportedly currently undertaking treatment at Connect Global.

“Please don’t stop the program.

“This program will only benefit the community, not be detrimental.”

Cr Giacomo Arnott, performing the duties of Acting Mayor in Ryan Palmer’s absence, asked Mr Anderson if there was another suitable site for the program in Port Stephens which would avoid the current land use conflicts.

“It will not be the same,” Mr Anderson said.

“If it leaves that area there it will not have the same effect for Aboriginal people, the clients or the people who have been sentenced there.

“That is the best, most peaceful area that you could want or need.”

Swan Bay residents Diane and Stanley

Fisherman’s Village cabin owner Michelle Shetab, a vocal opposition to the Connect Global usage of the Swan Bay site for several years, also provided councillors with her thoughts.

“Are the courts and the magistrates that send these men to Fisherman’s Village aware that the Fisherman’s Village is a Council approved tourism facility only, and that these men mix freely with families and children on site?

“Fisherman’s village is not a Council approved rehab and not a Council approved transitional group home.

“Councillors, your staff have had the courage in outlining the problems with this DA and you have a duty to do what is right and support the community protests by voting to reject the DA.

"Let me be very clear, a family tourist village, or anywhere that has families and children attending, is not an appropriate site,” Ms Shetab said.

After a last-minute reshuffle of agenda items prolonged the decision for the tense crowd, it was time for Councillors to vote, with Cr Arnott announcing he would be supporting the refusal of the DA in line with the staff recommendation.

“I understand the position of the proponent.

“I understand especially the position put forward by people talking about the work that occurs at this facility, but for me, when we are assessing Development Applications we are CONTINUED Page 5

“The proposed development is incompatible with surrounding land uses, resulting in adverse social impacts.

FROM Page 4

bound to follow the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

“That means we need to consider only planning matters when considering a DA.”

Cr Glen Dunkley then proposed that Council defer the decision to allow investigation of a limited time consent to find an alternative location for the facility, which was supported by Cr Steve Tucker.

“I think this is a good program and I would like to see it continue,” Cr Tucker said.

from voting, while Mayor Palmer and Cr Doohan were absent.

Following the meeting, Connect Global director Ross Pene said he was “disappointed with the Council decision”.

“We have been operating an important community facility out here at Swan Bay for the last ten years that has reformed the lives of many men.

“It has turned them away from a life of crime, drugs and alcohol.

“We have saved the lives of families’ sons, husbands and fathers.

“We have turned these men into contributing members of society.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing that Council has been unable to see through the deceit from the primary objectors and have instead become party to it.

“We operated out here for eight years before a new owner bought in at Fisherman’s Village knowing full well that we were operating a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, and that individual then started raising objections and stirring up some people in the local community, and it wasn’t until that point did we start having issues with Port Stephens Council.”

Village

Cr Tucker then enquired to Council’s Development Services staff as to the compliance protocol of ceasing rehabilitation centre activities if the DA was refused.

“If it gets refused this evening, there is currently active compliance action that is being undertaken against the use at the location,” Group Manager Development Services Steven Peart said.

“That compliance action has essentially been on pause for a little while, pending a decision, so if it was refused tonight that compliance action would be picked up and continued.”

Cr Tucker and Cr Dunkley then voted in favour of the amendment to defer the decision on the DA, with Crs Arnott, Anderson, Francis and Wells voting against.

“We did hear from Council staff in our briefings that a limited time consent would basically allow the issues raised in the independent Social Impact Statement to continue occurring for a period of two years,” Cr Arnott said.

Councillors Arnott, Anderson, Francis and Wells then voted to refuse the DA, with Crs Tucker and Dunkley voting against.

Councillors Kafer and Bailey abstained

Mr Rene told News Of The Area that when Connect Global began utilising the Fisherman’s Village for rehabilitation purposes, it was not in use as a tourist facility.

“It is significant to note that Port Stephens Council lost a major court case over this site that went to the Court of appeal in 2005, and that case ended up costing the Council and the ratepayers upwards of $10m.

“The Court found that due to the RAAF F/A-18 noise impacts, the Fisherman’s Village tourist resort facility was not capable of operating on a commercial basis as a tourist resort and that Council should never have approved it.

“It actually ceased trading in 1998, so there has been no tourist accommodation on this site for 25 years and anyone that is familiar with this area knows that to be a fact.

“We were introduced to the site on the basis that it was essentially an abandoned tourist resort, so this was a change of use of the facility,” he said.

“Instead of providing temporary accommodation and activities and programs for tourists, we are providing essentially the same – accommodation and programs, to individuals who want to turn their lives around from drugs and alcohol.

Girl overboard: Dolphin watching cruise almost ends in disaster

By Lindsay HALL

A YOUNG girl has been saved from drowning by the quick response of the crew of the cruise vessel from which she fell.

The girl and her family had been passengers on a dolphin watching cruise operated by Imagine Cruises out of D’albora Marina in Nelson Bay.

“The girl and a friend had been sitting together in the net at the bow of the vessel,” said Frank Future, Imagine’s General Manager.

“A freak swell came very suddenly and the boat lurched, and unfortunately the young girl fell into the water.”

According to an eyewitness, after falling into the water the boat passed over the girl, though the skipper was quick to respond, halting the vessel and calling his crew to action.

“Very fortunately, our crew did exactly what we’re trained to do when this kind of thing happens,” said Frank.

Upon retrieving the girl from the water, the boat was immediately returned to the

Marina so that the girl could be assessed for injury.

She appeared to have suffered no significant harm.

“She was very shaken up, of course.

“In 28 years of operating, this is the first time anything like this has happened,” Frank responded when asked whether there were any safety concerns to address.

“We’ve interviewed the crew and conducted a review of our own safety procedures, lodging reports with RMS and AMSA.”

According to management, Imagine Cruises complies with all requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and there has been no concern or suggestion that the company or crew are in any way at fault.

“Freak occurrences like this are impossible to predict.

“I'd particularly like to honour the actions of the crew member who dove into the water within seconds,” Frank said.

Passengers of the cruise were offered replacement bookings following the event.

“But that did not stop the Labor Deputy Mayor Giacomo Arnott and his Labor colleagues voting on bloc to refuse the DA based on what they say is land use conflict between tourist accommodation and a drug and rehabilitation facility.”

Mr Pene described Tuesday’s Council meeting proceedings as like “watching ostriches stick their heads in the sand”.

“If Fisherman’s Village was actually providing tourist accommodation, of course we would not have set up here in the first place.

“But that is not what is happening here, there is no tourist accommodation being provided and Councillor Giacomo Arnott and his Labor colleagues did not want to hear anything about that.”

Since the meeting, Connect Global has

indicated it will appeal the Council’s decision.

“We now have no options but to appeal,” Mr Pene said, “and that just means more waste of ratepayers’ money, and money we could be allocating to our work.

“Our compromise of Council granting a two year time limited consent was only supported by Councillors Dunkley and Tucker, whom we thank for their support, but the Labor Councillors were not interested.

“It will simply divert our focus and resources away from our important work while we fight through a court process to get this facility approved, a facility that is supported by many people in the community, many businesses, the Aboriginal community and the legal fraternity, but not Port Stephens Council.”

“I would like to give these guys some time to either find a new location or to come to an arrangement with the owners of the remaining units.”

q An aerial view of the Fisherman’s

at Swan Bay. Photo: Australian Rural.

Youth Week comes to town

YOUTH Week is on from 20 to 30 April and is an opportunity for local children and young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

The state-wide celebration features lots of local events, including at Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest.

MidCoast Council has teamed up with the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA), the Lions Club, and The Y, to sponsor a free Fun Day at the Tea Gardens Pool on Friday 21 April from 10am to 2pm.

Entry is free for all with a DJ playing music, big pool inflatables, a free Lions BBQ,

and pool side games with prizes.

Sandra Bourke, from the HNTGPA and a member of the event coordination team, shared, “This will be a great free day at our local pool. Even if it is a bit cooler, wear a wetsuit and enjoy. “There will be lots on, but it is also a time and place for young locals to just meet up and share some fun.”

Cleared volunteers from all the Service Clubs will be attending together with professional staff from The Y and MCC, to ensure the day is well supervised and safe.

Youth Week events are one way that Tea Gardens –Hawks Nest can celebrate and support the 650 children and

q Children, young people, and their families, carers and friends are all very welcome at the free fun day at Tea Gardens Pool on 21 April from 10am. young people living in our community.

Children and young people living in regional communities can encounter specific challenges around accessing study, employment and sports opportunities, obtaining support for dealing with drug and alcohol issues, and overcoming transport constraints.

Youth Week is one way children and young people can connect and be involved and supported in a range of online activities, opportunities, and events.

Visit nsw.gov.au/ youthweek or www.midcoast. nsw.gov.au/Get-involved/ Things-to-do/Whats-on/ Youth-Week-2023.

Historic problems affecting Myall River mouth

By Thomas O’KEEFE

DECISIONS made a century ago still wreak consequences upon the mouth of the Myall River.

Maps from the National Library of Australia’s Trove clearly show that, in 1845, a large peninsula jutted from the western end of Winda Woppa, known as ‘Myall Point’.

“It stretched over 2km from Winda Woppa and marked the designated navigation channel to the port of Tea Gardens... before overdevelopment and a cyclone wiped it out,” Gordon Grainger of the Myall River Action Group (MRAG) told NOTA.

Google Maps’ satellite

shows the present sand build-up, likely the remnants of the once prominent Point.

“The eastern entrance, girded by Myall Point, was the original, natural entrance to the Myall River, and it appears that Mother Nature is attempting to rebuild the Point.”

“The ‘Eastern Channel’, what many call the ‘Shortcut’, is actually the original, natural entrance to the river,” Mr Grainger informed NOTA.

“In the early 1900s, Myall Point proved unnavigable for steam ships coming into Tea Gardens for timber, so Corrie Creek was dredged to get the wood to Pindimar Bay instead.”

“The passage between Corrie Island and the

Have your say on three new Council draft policies

mainland, or ‘western channel’, is the result of dredging Corrie Creek,” said Mr Grainger, referring to the original tidal marsh that once existed where the Corrie Channel is now.

“The Corrie Channel flows due west, the only river mouth on the eastern seaboard to do so, a very unnatural situation that stops new oceanic water from entering the river system,” Mr Grainger explained.

“This means prolonged desalination, among other environmental catastrophes.”

Agreement Policy provides a framework for establishing and administering planning agreements.

Planning agreements benefit the community, providing funding for future public facilities.

Council encourages anyone interested in these

It would seem, therefore, that the ‘shortcut’ is, in fact, the ‘Natural Entrance’, while the ‘Corrie Channel’ is an artificial aberration.

“MRAG contends that a permanent, eastern Natural Channel should resume its ‘designated navigation’ title, hence the responsibility of State and Federal Governments,” Mr Grainger stated.

MRAG believes basic physics would also indicate that the tidal currents are presently halved between the natural and artificial channels, killing the river’s natural self-clearing ability.

policies to provide feedback. Submissions close at 4:30pm on Wednesday 17 May.

To read the draft policies and have your say, head to https://haveyoursay. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ current-draft-policies-publicexhibition

q Google satellite image showing the Bay today, with the same areas of concern (circled).

1845 Hydrographic Office map showing Corrie Creek (top arrow) and Myall Point (centre) with the natural and original designated navigation channel parallel, extending into Port Stephens Bay.

Country Club thanks Pindimar/ Tea Gardens RFS

By Thomas O’KEEFE

GRATITUDE is a dish best served hot, and after a game of barefoot bowls, as the Tea Gardens Country Club did for the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service volunteers on Sunday 16 April.

“After their extraordinary and overwhelming response to the 2019/20 bushfires we wanted to do something to try to repay them.”

“We wanted to put on a thank-you meal for the volunteers, but COVID just got in the way,” Warren Gooley, Tea Gardens Country Club’s General Manager told NOTA.

“It is an honour to host them, and great to see them have a good day,” Mr Gooley

said.

“It’s a long-awaited thank you, and I hope it shows that the volunteers’ efforts are never forgotten.”

A gloomy, rainy morning cleared into a cheery afternoon, as 30 RFS volunteers and family from the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Brigade came out to enjoy the autumn afternoon on the Country Club’s green.

For many, it was a first, but after a few drinks and plenty of ‘practice’ bowls, there were more than a few experts by dinner-time.

As darkness descended, everyone tried their luck at the Country Club’s meat raffle, and some actually beat the odds.

The firies were then treated by the Country Club to an amazing gourmet meal at award-winning The Garden Eatery, featuring the highlights of their menu, including the deliciously sweet Honey Chicken, and their famous Mongolian Beef.

Brigade Captain Bright thanked everyone for attending, glad to see that everyone had had a good afternoon and evening.

“We want to thank Warren and the Country Club, and Jenny and The Garden Eatery for putting on the bowls and the amazing food.

“The executive committee wants to make this an annual thing at the conclusion of fire season,” Captain Bright

Osprey nest saved from power lines

By Thomas O’KEEFE

VULNERABLE birds of prey have been successfully rescued from a potentially horrific outcome, thanks to the actions of Essential Energy ground crews on Friday 13 March.

Motorists and pedestrians heading out

Osprey nests are among the biggest of raptor constructions, reaching up to 2m wide, and while the rental market may be tight for humans, the very real danger of a catastrophic fire or power outage prompted the company to build a new domicile across the road for the nesting resident raptors.

to the ospreys, but could also cause unplanned power outages and poletop fires,” Rob Ridley, Acting Operations Manager for Essential Energy, Mid North Coast, told NOTA.

“Following a report from a Tea Gardens community member, Essential Energy supplied the new pole and nest cradle for the relocated nest, which is located

announced.

The

adjacent to the original nest.”

Waiting for the right moment when both resident ospreys had left the nest to go fishing, the ground team brought in the cherry-picker to make the delicate move.

“Essential Energy’s teams followed an operational procedure developed by an environmental specialist ensuring Essential Energy meets with its statutory obligations and all necessary steps are taken to protect this vulnerable species when relocating nests.”

“In addition, Essential Energy liaised with National Parks and Wildlife, Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park (Department of Primary Industries) and MidCoast Council.

“A short power outage affecting some customers in Tea Gardens enabled field team members crews to safely complete the necessary work and Essential Energy thanks the community for their understanding and patience,” Mr Ridley gratefully added.

the frontlines. “Photos can’t show the sound of a raging bushfire, but it’s like a freight train

coming right at you,” Captain David Bright recalled for NOTA.

q Barefoot bowling at its finest at the Tea Gardens Country Club green.

q RFS volunteers and family were treated to the exquisite cuisine at The Garden Eatery in thanks.

q RFS volunteers Brendan Brookhouse and Patrick Hurkett just returned from training at Mid Coast Fire Control Centre in Taree.

q Essential Energy’s ground team preparing to relocate the nest from the 11,000v pole (right) to new pole (left).

q The osprey surveys from atop its new nest pole home.

q Drone shot of the ospreys’ new digs above the marsh on Limekilns Road.

memory of the 2019/20 bushfires was still vivid for those who were on

Have your say on Council’s 2023-2024 Operational Plan

MIDCOAST Council’s 2023-24 annual Operational Plan, budget and fees and charges are on public exhibition for community feedback until 19 May.

“This plan, and our budget, shows the community what we will be delivering next financial year. The plan also shows how we will measure our performance against these commitments,” Mayor Claire Pontin said.

The Delivery Program and Operational Plan outlines seven areas of focus for Council:

• Climate actions

• Customer service

• Development assessment

• Economic development

• Local and regional roads

• Financial sustainability

• Culture

This year’s Operational Plan outlines infrastructure,

environmental and community projects to be delivered, and activities to stimulate the local economy, improve the experience of the community when interacting with Council and to streamline the development assessment process.

“We look forward to delivering major road works to The Bucketts Way, Thunderbolts Way and The Lakes Way, with an upgrade of Cedar Party Creek Bridge.

“We also have money to continue our program of additional upgrading of local roads.

“Major infrastructure improvements are also underway, such as a new reservoir and water mains at Gloucester, completion of the new water treatment plant, and expansion of the bore field at Nabiac,” Mayor Pontin added. Council will continue to

consolidate the new draft MidCoast Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan, and finalise its review of the Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy.

“We will continue to look for better and more efficient ways of doing things and make the best possible use of our budget.

“We are constantly seeking additional NSW and Australian Government funding to bring more benefits to our region,” Mayor Pontin said.

“Our aim is to provide the best level of service possible within our budget.”

The 2023-2024 budget projects that Council will receive income from include continuing operations of $321 million which consists of $174 million in rates and annual charges, $58 million in user charges and fees, $9 million in interest and investment revenues, $6 million in other revenues, $33 million in operating grants and contributions and $41 million received for

capital works through grants and contributions.

Its operating expenditure is projected to total $307 million which includes $111 million in employee costs, $9 million in borrowing costs (interest repayments), $86 million in depreciation on community assets and $101 million in materials, contracts and other expenses.

Council will undertake a capital works program of approximately $72 million which includes $60 million on transport infrastructure assets (roads, bridges, drainage, footpaths etc).

This amount includes approximately $11 million of works under the $100 million road program Council is undertaking in partnership with the State Government.

Expenditure of $15 million on sewer infrastructure and $30 million on water infrastructure is also proposed for 2023-2024. Council will borrow

approximately $11 million to meet its share of the 2023-2024 expenditure on the $100 million road program.

At the same time, it will reduce the principal outstanding on existing borrowings by $18 million.

“We recognise that we have considerable work to do to ensure our financial sustainability and this needs to start with removing any waste or inefficiencies and determining a more appropriate level of service in some areas.

“We have funded projects for next year to help us with these important decisions,” Mayor Pontin explained.

To read the 2023-2024 draft Operational Plan, annual budget, and proposed fees and charges, and to provide your feedback, please visit www.haveyoursay.midcoast. nsw.gov.au before the public exhibition period closes on Friday 19 May.

Two men charged after Sydney to Swan Bay kidnapping

ROBBERY and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged two men over the alleged kidnapping of a man and a woman at Fairfield earlier this year.

About 11.40am on Wednesday 18 January 2023, a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were walking towards a carpark on Court Road, Fairfield, before two men wearing balaclavas grabbed the pair and forced them into a vehicle.

The vehicle then exited the carpark and was last

seen travelling west along The Horsley Drive.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad were notified and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Bultje.

About 12.15am on Friday 20 January 2023, the pair escaped a location at Swan Bay, about 25km north-east of Raymond Terrace, before calling a family member who contacted police.

Local officers from

the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and assessed the pair, before they were taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment; the man's finger was severed during the incident.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad and South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES) – executed two search warrants at homes in Smithfield and Cartwright

from 6.45am on Tuesday 4 April 2023.

Two men, aged 24 and

ANZAC Day to commemorate significant anniversaries

By Marian SAMPSON

2023 is a significant year for Australia's annual ANZAC Day commemorations.

It is the 70th anniversary of the armistice which ended the Korean War, the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in

the Vietnam War, and the second anniversary since the Australian Armed forces withdrew from Afghanistan.

On 27 July 1953 an armistice was signed to end the fighting in Korea.

Almost 18,000 Australians served in that war, including some 340 who lost their lives.

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was controversial.

In 1964, the National Service Act was introduced.

The Act was a scheme which introduced selective conscription in Australia, designed to create an army of 40,000 full-time soldiers.

Essentially, young Australian men were selected through a lottery process to serve and potentially die for their country.

Many of those conscripted were sent on active service to the war in Vietnam.

In 2023, the Australian Government will mark the

25, were arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where they were both charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, and one count each of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

Police will allege in court the pair were taken to a location at Swan Bay where they were held against their will.

50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vic Jones of the Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch told News Of The Area, “This year, Australians are encouraged to honour and remember the service of some 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War and their families.”

Tragically, 523 Australians lost their lives in the Vietnam war, and over 3,000 were wounded.

For those who served

The older man was also charged with one count of damaging property by fire for a separate incident, where a Molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown towards a home in Bossley Park on Sunday 22 January 2023.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court earlier this month, where they were formally bail refused to reappear before Parramatta Local Court on Monday 1 May 2023.

in Vietnam recognition has taken time, the war was not a popular one and the Australian National Archives recognise that many of our returning soldiers “were subjected to abuse by antiwar protesters”.

Another anniversary to be recognised is the anniversary of the last Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel withdrawal from Afghanistan in June two years ago.

Around 30,000 ADF personnel served in Afghanistan and 41 died there.

q Two men have been charged over an alleged kidnapping of a man and woman at Fairfield in early 2023.

q Two men have been arrested over the incident.

ANZAC time capsule

By Thomas O’KEEFE

ANZAC Day’s significance on Australian calendars will be augmented in Tea Gardens this year, with the installation of a time capsule, and a special revitalisation of the mural at ANZAC Park on Sunday, 23 April, before the main events on Tuesday, 25 April.

“The time capsule was envisaged in 2018, the centenary of the end of WWI, and planned for the 2019 Service, however, COVID got in

the way,” Jennefer RossHenry, Secretary of the Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch told NOTA.

The mural was originally established on the side of the NSW Maritime building in 2007, with artwork designed by students from Tea Gardens Public School after a series of projects based on talks by ADF veterans.

The students’ designs were transposed onto large boards by local artist Jen Nichols, then outlined and painted by the children in

their final workshop, and conscientiously pieced together by the teachers.

In 2022, the NOTA reported on mindless vandals’ attempts to desecrate the mural, prompting local charities to unite and repair the damage.

of artist kids who were originally involved decided to make an explanation of the mural,” Mrs Ross-Henry said.

the refinished mural and its

Bulahdelah CWA hosts Mid Coast branch meeting

By John SAHYOUN

THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) has been in existence since 1922, with branches in every state and territory and 8000 members in New South Wales alone.

The organisation strives

to support women, children and their communities; working tirelessly to ensure robust representation to all levels of government on key social issues.

Recently an event was held at the Bulahdelah Golf Club featuring

representatives from the 20 branches within the CWA’s Mid Coast NSW district.

The event was a chance to catch up with old friends and for the district committee to discuss agenda items and talk about how the CWA was going to support

new explanatory board at 2:30pm on 23 April.”

On 25 April, ANZAC Day begins with the traditional Dawn Service at 6am, followed by a BBQ breakfast donated by the Tea Gardens Country Club, and cooked by the Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS volunteers.

At 10:30, the line-up starts at ANZAC Park, with the commemoration set for 11am, and guest orator on the day will be Peter Sinclair.

This will be followed

by a $10-a-head lunch at the Country Club, with veterans bearing medals to be treated to drinks.

ANZAC fundraising memorabilia this year features ‘Penny Memories’ – carefully copied diary pages of original ANZACs, from their time at war, and limited edition ‘Prominent Medals of Gallipoli’, containing reproductions of campaign medals with vials of sand collected from the peninsula.

rural communities now and into the future.

It was also the occasion for eagerly anticipated handcrafts judging, where each branch pits itself against each other.

With literally dozens of suitcases filled with handicrafts ranging from knitting, crocheting, patchwork to embroidery, the judges from Nelson Bay had a tough time deciding the winner who would go on to the state final being held

in May at Bathurst.

The overall winner was the Wingham branch.

Bulahdelah CWA would like to thank the Junior CWA from Bulahdelah Central School for assisting in the catering and setup.

The Bulahdelah Show and Bulahdelah CWA recently celebrated their duel 100 year celebrations, with the local branch contributing a stall at the show to raise funds for local organisations.

Bulahdelah CWA has long been instrumental in fundraising for local organisations such as local schools, preschools, Scouts and the cricket club.

For more CWA action, join them on the last Wednesday of the month at the CWA rooms at Wade Park, Bulahdelah from 10am for Devonshire teas featuring their world class cooking or drop in and say hi every Wednesday between 10am and 1pm.

q ANZAC Day stalls at Coles Tea Gardens.

q The time capsule to be buried before ANZAC Day.

q Penny Diaries sold for fundraising this year.

q A chance for many to get together over a cuppa.

q A wide variety of handicrafts were on display.

Karuah By Night a great success

By Thomas O’KEEFE

LIGHTS, music, food and family fun filled the spectacular autumn evening at ‘Karuah By Night’, held at Longworth Park on Saturday, 15 April.

Funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Grant, ‘Karuah By Night’ was an initiative of Port Stephens Council, held to reinvigorate Karuah in the wake of the last few years of COVID restrictions.

Acknowledgement of country was complemented by the Midnight Dreaming Dancers, a group of young Aboriginal dancers under the tutelage of local artist and dancer Renae Lamb, out of

Newcastle.

Music throughout the night was provided by musician/ singer Hamish McClure, from Gloucester, and musician/ singer Rochelle Rigby, from Medowie, in her first public appearance.

Local rock covers band Brewhaha delivered many beloved classics, including Midnight Oil hits.

As dusk fell, the neon installations and special water lights show began, with the Karuah River backdrop perfect for the nautical/undersea theme.

Other highlights of the night were the stilt-walking ladies, and the kaleidoscopic neon face-painting for the kids in the Neon Tunnel of Fun.

“It was an unbelievable night, with more people turning up than anyone could have expected,” said local Marion Brown.

“Some people even think this was bigger than the old Karuah Oyster Festival.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington, who also attended, told NOTA, “It’s difficult to say what was shining more brightly on the night – the light show or the smiles on everyone’s faces.

“I loved seeing the Karuah community shining in every possible way.”

In fact, so many people enjoyed the dream-like weather that most of

the food trucks, as well as the local IGA and some restaurants actually sold out of food and beverages, too.

Such an overwhelming attendance is what the

Local folk win Easter Raffle

LOCAL people won all three prizes in this year’s Easter Raffle by the Myall Koala and Environment Group (MKEG).

Tiana Jeba, daughter of the Hawks Nest Newsagency owners, drew the winning tickets for MKEG.

The top ticket, for three pelican watercolours donated by Chez Rand, had been the first ever purchased online from the group.

It was bought by Jill Madden, the immediate pastpresident of MKEG, who gracefully asked for a redraw.

That prize then went to Jie Huang, who bought her ticket at the Hawks Nest Seniors

Expo in February.

Second prize, of a photograph of an osprey on canvas by Ann Woods, went to John Rumble, while Jan Barter won the hamper of local products.

MKEG Treasurer Trish Blair said the raffle proved to be very successful, with money going towards preserving the locally-endangered Myall Coast koalas and wildlife environment.

“We preserve, rehabilitate and protect native animals, birds, other fauna and flora and the local environment and their habitat,” she said.

“To do this we plant koala

food trees in public reserves and give away hundreds of free koala food trees to local people to plant on their properties.”

MKEG members of the Bitou Buster group remove lantana, asparagus fern, mother-of-millions, polygarla and morning glory from reserves and public land.

She thanked the people who donated prizes or items for the hamper of local products, including: Bec Mount, Harleigh-Mae Honey Hive, Old Inn wines, Tea Gardens Kombucha and Tillermans restaurant.

Reconnecting Regional Grant aims for, and local businesses have vowed to be even better prepared in future.

Karuah By Night was a welcome event after COVID

shut down the Oyster Festival, and many visitors, locals, and businesses, affirmed that they would like to see this become a regular event.

q Brewhaha performed Aussie rock classics after dark.

q Musician/singer Hamish McClure provided entertainment throughout the evening.

q Ladies on stilts kept festivities going beyond the twilight.

q The Midnight Dreaming girls displayed Aboriginal cultural dances.

q Kids enjoyed the neon undersea lights show.

q Medowie’s Rochelle Rigby made her live stage debut.

q Large crowds descended on Longworth Park.

q Tiana Jeba drawing raffle tickets with MKEG President Richard Streamer and Treasurer Trish Blair.

Boxing Club encourages youth participation

By John SAHYOUN

WHILE boxing is often perceived as a violent pastime, the sport in fact requires high levels of self-control, hard work, impressive fitness levels and most of all, team work.

Competitors can often

be found having a chat and a laugh after rounds, with the sport providing an opportunity for local youth to engage in purposeful social interaction.

The Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Boxing Club was founded in 2017, initially under the PCYC banner,

by volunteer trainers Phil Wallis, Steve Pietsch and Rob Wylie.

The local area has since supported the club through generous donations of equipment from many community groups.

On 4 March, 23 Boxers from Taree, Nelson Bay and Muswellbrook travelled to Hawks Nest for a sparring day with the local boxing team.

A fantastic level of boxing was showcased, but more

importantly the event was a great display of mateship and sportsmanship.

The club has had hundreds of local children come through its doors over the years.

Some are there for fitness, some to build confidence and resilience, and some want to compete in the sport; with attendees never put under any pressure to spar.

Training is at 5pm Monday and Wednesday and

Zonta Hunter Newcastle hosts Wine and Long Lunch

By Thomas O’KEEFE

BUILDING a better world for women and girls will be the focus at Zonta Hunter Newcastle’s annual fundraiser in Tea Gardens on Sunday 7 May.

“Zonta International is a women’s service club empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy,” Helen Blackbourn, founding Charter President of the Hunter Newcastle Hunter Area club, told NOTA.

“Our focus is helping to empower women locally and internationally through the Zonta goals of advocacy and service.

“We celebrate the

achievements of young women with University, TAFE scholarships and high school awards as well as contributing to the community by supporting victims of domestic violence.”

An international service club established in 1919 in the USA, Zonta now spans over 1000 clubs across 62 countries, with the Hunter Newcastle group chartered in 2014 by Tea Gardens’ Mrs Blackbourn, who has also helped charter clubs in Gunnedah, Moree and Port Macquarie.

“The Hunter Area club has since grown to become the largest in NSW (District 24), with members attending from across the Hunter

Region and beyond,” Mrs Blackbourn added.

“Zonta’s work for women around the world includes support through scholarships, producing breast cushions for mastectomy survivors, and compact essential birthing kits for mothers in developing countries.

“Locally, one major Club support program is a $1000 scholarship for young women studying midwifery at Newcastle University, and last year two entrants could not be separated, so a generous Zonta member’s donation allowed both to be funded.” works of Jac & Jones from Pokolbin, with ‘Lovely’, their custom silver English mobile bar, paired with delectable delicacies by Chef Gillian from Taste Me Creative Catering,

8:30am Saturday morning at the Hawks Nest Scout Hall, with complete beginners welcome.

“It’s the shared passion for getting kids active by Scouts and the Boxing Club that makes the relationship such a good one,” Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Boxing Club coordinator Rob Wylie told News Of The Area.

“We are pleased to announce the club will be opening up a beginners boxing class on a Saturday

morning at 8:30am.

“It is important to recognise Scouts Australia in the club's success as without the use of the Scout Hall, which is given to us at a very affordable rate, we would not have a venue where we can stay set up and provide the cheapest kids activity in the district,” said Mr Wylie. Boxing will return on Wednesday 27 April.

For more information on getting involved, contact the coordinator on 0423014415.

all of which promises a ‘long lunch’ that will be fulfilling for both the attendees and Zonta’s beneficiaries: women and girls around the world.

Tickets to the 7 May event

and its very worthy cause can be purchased for $65 through Trybooking, or contact Helen for more information at helenbbcove@gmail.com.

q The wine tasting crowd in 2022.

q Chefs at work at last year’s Zonta Hunter Newcastle event in Tea Gardens.

q Jacquie Christie of Jac & Jones Wines, Pokolbin

q Helen Blackbourn with Jac & Jones and ‘Lovely’, the silver mobile bar last year.

q Attentive watchers of a sparring match.

q Slugging it out in a friendly contest.

THIS

The main house features timber flooring throughout and ducted air-conditioning.

The main bathroom has a corner spa, ceiling fans and built-in robes in the three bedrooms.

The open-plan living room and dining room adjoining the kitchen open out to the front deck. The laundry accommodates an extra shower and toilet.

The double carport is featured at the

front of the double lock up garage and ideal as a covered outdoor entertaining area.

The self-contained flat features built-in robes, kitchen and bathroom with the two bedrooms opening onto a fully enclosed/ screened alfresco area - perfect for all weather entertaining.

Set on a large and level 1012sqm block this home also features rear lane access to a large 12m x 8m Colourbond shed with an extra bathroom and small office space. This property has endless opportunities. Contact the agent today to arrange a private inspection.

Inspections are by appointment only. Call John Rumble on 0425 289 200.

Location and space

4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/2 garages and 2 carports/445 sqm

LESS than 400m to the riverfront, this Coupland Ave home is in a highly desirable location.

It is a home full of surprises - large, open plan and with a great floor plan.

A lovely entry into a home that features high 9ft ceilings and freshly painted and recently updated.

Two very large master bedrooms at the front, both with huge floor to ceiling built in robes.

A wide hallway leads through to a contemporary bathroom, with plenty of light.

A double vanity and two transom windows allowing light to flow through to this area.

A separate WC, and a huge walk-in shower with a rain head and a separate deep soaking spa tub.

The living and dining space is open plan and once again there is a sense of space with the high ceilings. This area has a nook where the original fireplace used to live (could be restored again), and now features a skylight and full-length window allowing for plenty of light.

A large contemporary kitchen with a huge four door pantry, which was updated less than five years ago, offers plenty of workspace, storage, a gas burner cooktop and a microwave.

A servery leads through to what could be another dining space.

The home has a long private study –perfect for those working from home.

A split level at the rear – there is a huge laundry with access to the outdoors and another bathroom.

The home also features a surprising additional space - in-law accommodation or a fully self-contained flat that could be used as income potential (as a private rental or Airbnb).

There is a large bedroom with a bank of built-in robes and another living space (or additional bedroom) with further built-in robes.

This part of the home has its own private entrance.

The property has a combination of floating floors, carpet and tiles.

A double garage and a double carport with side access, perfect for those with campervans and/or a boat. Fully fenced and low maintenance, the gardens also

offer spearpoint, as a water source.

Extras include air conditioning, ceiling fans, solar power 6.6kw/h, raised veggie garden beds, garden shed, solar flood lights, remote awning for the rear of the home and quality window fittings.

For more information contact Ivy Stevenson on 0432 705 766 or Bryan Stevenson on 0419 384 569.

Dorin’s Draws By Paul

As Time Goes By

By Anne JOHNSON

WHILE enjoying the many travel shows on TV, the scenes of centuries past are before me, making our local history seems so new.

On a recent walk along Marine Drive organised by the Tea Gardens Family Research and Local History group, I was asked to relate some memories of the area while growing up.

However I decided to start back further…

In 1860 there was a boom in the timber industry.

Tea Gardens became desirable as a despatching area for the sea going vessels carrying the timber coming from Bulahdelah and the Upper Myall.

Superintendent Merewether of the Australian Agricultural Company checked the Tea Gardens area in 1864 and stated that “the site is a narrow strip of poor land between the river and a large swamp and is fitted for little else but the purpose for which it is required. Indeed its only value arises from the fact that there is deep water close to the banks.”

It is noted in newspapers of the late 1800s that the dredge was required, as it is today!

The dredged sand was pumped onto land at the east end of Marine Drive, over time thus allowing housing to be built there.

Superintendent Merewether also stipulated that building on the direct riverside was not allowed – a good move!

Thus the timber mills were built at Hawks Nest.

And that is where things started - the first hotel and school - but when there was an economic depression in the 1880s, the timber industry collapsed and Tea Gardens became the main settlement. Mr Witt took up the lapsed Hawks Nest hotel license and opened his first hotel in 1883.

DORIN

DEAR Jasminda,

My friend uses a filter when we are in photos together which makes her look completely different, but it makes me look different too.

I don't wear a lot of makeup and yet, in photos she posts on social media, I have impeccable eyebrows, bright lipstick, and my teeth are much whiter.

I'm happy in my own skin and just want to be seen in photos the way I am in real life.

Flawed.

Lillian R.

Now, though, filters can make you look like a sultry Hollywood star complete with narrow waist, peachy complexion, and teeth so bright they glow in the dark. With retouch tools you can erase every blemish.

The problem is that sooner or later people who use filters have to head out into the real world, or go on a date, and no amount of soft lighting is going to remove those dark shadows and crowded teeth and the bit of Duck Pad Thai stuck to your double chin.

Then there's the other issue you've uncovered - the filtered by association issue - where everyone in the photo gets a glow up whether they want to or not.

This is particularly fraught when it's a family photo and they are all genetically enhanced with dark eyeliner, perfect brows, false eyelashes and blood-red lipstick: Mum, Dad, little Johnny in his soccer gear, and Bruce the nowemasculated Bullmastiff.

Dear Lillian,

Merewether’s description of the area was correct, however I am sure he would be amazed if he could see the area today.

On the narrow strip of poor land the three main streets developed.

In the 1940s we referred to them as the front, the middle and the back street.

Everyone knew each other so numbering wasn’t important.

When entering the area, driving over the gravel road from the ‘big hill’, there was just one cleared section where the skate park is now.

That was the cricket pitch and I am told that “courting” took place walking along the back tracks en route to the cricket.

On either side of the gravel road were gutters and I remember the bottlebrush blooming.

Where we first turned to enter Tea Gardens was at the corner of Myall Way and Copeland Street where there was just one house, considered to be out in the bush (that house is still there).

The large swamps and areas of scrub were enjoyed by us as children.

I remember going along the bush tracks and picking wildflowers – boronia, dogrose, flannel flowers and Christmas bells.

The gathering of Christmas bells often saw us wearing gumboots!

Now those areas have been converted into attractive housing developments, with the soil dug out for fill, creating pleasant water features.

It is interesting to note that in 1961 the Shire Clerk recorded, for Hawks Nest, 27 families, including 16 pensioners and 11 cars, while Tea Gardens could muster 102 families and 70 cars!

In the 1960s the importance of rutile and zircon found in our area saw the Mineral Deposit Co. set up in Hawks Nest ready for

THERE was something quite fun about those early filters where everyone sported dog ears or devil horns or myriad other embellishments because we all knew they were fake (except for one expartner of mine whom I suspect really did have devil horns, but that's another problem for another day).

Good on you for keeping it real, Lillian. Tell your friend to stop posting pictures of you unless you approve of them or else you'll start repaying the favour with an au naturel series.

the space age. The long sought after bridge became a necessity for the heavy mineral trucks which

‘Mother Nature’ always wins

DEAR News Of The Area, NICE to see a young man questioning inaccuracy in print (Col Nicholson, NOTA 13 April).

I too have risen to the occasion to question the same claims made by the Myall River Action Group in 2013.

I think it was.

Col, you should consider the totality of three back to back La Nina events, about 36 months of rain going down the drain of the bathtub called Myall Lakes.

My degree document states I am

an Applied Geologist (Double Major in Geology and Chemistry).

My chosen specialisation was/is sedimentology and without boasting I was well enough trained to read rock and as well as the unconsolidated sediment, upon which Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are built.

You might consider it nothing new, but as a result of climate change, according to the Smithsonian Institute (et al), sea level has risen some 13 to 20cm since 1900 and the rate at which it is rising is increasing.

The impact is more energy into the

process of mass sediment movement which is basically in the direction of the ‘Short Cut’.

Some say King Canute wading into a rising tide was trying to hold it back, his non detractors said he was demonstrating you cannot hold back the tide, and such is the case with the idiocy of continued dredging of the ‘Short Cut’.

You might also consider that the Corrie Island channel was made to provide safe passage into the Myall River in all weather.

It was an economic consideration to collect the sawn up trees, and other cargo,

had been crossing the river by ferry, and was opened in 1974. And so it continues…

I believe.

And if I may say, it’s an excellent voyage, in terms of the vista and relaxation by ferry to Nelson Bay and back, having done it more than once.

As to the loss of a RAMSAR site?

Go look at the Great Barrier Reef.

You will be here well after 2050 and will be able to see what ‘Human Nature’ has done to the Earth.

I do recommend Googling PBS PETM, because we are still on track to a ‘worst case’ scenario CO2 wise.

Respectfully yours, Mervyn MCCONNOCHIE BSC (UNSW), Karuah.

READING by Lynne Miles: Matthew 28: 16-20 (Abridged) "Jesus later spoke to His remaining eleven disciples. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you even to the end of the age."

q Anne’s brother selling Christmas bells on the road on the outskirts of Tea Gardens in around 1960.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Where you can pick up

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

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

Some key facts on the Myall River

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WRITE in response to the Col Nicholson letter in the last edition and in response to Thomas O’Keefe’s excellent article on the dredging of the Myall River.

I am able to speak with some authority, having been the chairperson of the Port Stephens and Great Lakes Estuary Management Committee, which initiated and received many reports on the health of Port Stephens and its many waterways.

Presumption indicates a lack of knowledge or understanding.

Fact: Corrie Creek was first dredged in the late 1890s to allow boats to transport timber to Pindimar Bay.

It was a vital economic decision of the day (similar to the creation of the Panama Canal) and not because of sedimentation build up.

Fact: Whilst a bureaucrat stated “the health is equivalent to other compatible estuaries” and was a true observation at the time, therein lies the falsehood.

The river was naturally oceanic and was never meant to be estuarine.

Dr Scanes was appointed to conduct an investigation who concluded that the Myall river was losing its oceanic characteristics.

In Dr Scanes’ report, ‘Ecological Condition of the lower Myall River Estuary’, commissioned by GLC in 2010 the opening comments were “The authors wish to thank the Myall River Action Group and other members of the Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest community for raising

Hawks Nest Bridge Club

By Shayne FULLER

THE Hawks Nest Bridge Club’s inaugural Tuesday evening session started on 18 April.

This session is available every Tuesday evening – bridge players need to be seated by 5.45pm for a 6pm start. Leslie Falla will also be offering bridge lessons for beginners on a Thursday afternoon starting soon.

With regard to both of the above, for further information please contact Leslie by phone 0413 487 282 or email lesfalla@ bigpond.net.au

BRIDGE RESULTS

Monday 3/4/23 1. Sue Donohue & Bruce Eyre 2. Carol Richards & Sue Matheson

3. Bea Treharne & Jeanette

Whalen E/W 1. Liz Howarth & Davina O’Brien

2. Lyn Butler & Kerry McMurray 3. Jan Armstrong & Dawn Dale

Wednesday 5/4/23 1. Peter Baily & Beverley Richardson 2. Margaret Rowden & Jan Armstrong 3. Jeanette Whalan & Sue Matheson E/W 1. Esther Digby & David Hipkins 2. Shayne Fuller

Hawks Nest Ladies Golf

By Elsa JONES

SATURDAY 1 April 39 ladies played Monthly Medal/2nd round

GNSW Div. 1

1st D. Sainty 69 Medal

2nd K. Griffiths 71

3rd M. Dickson 72

Div. 2

1st A. Basson 75

2nd K. Green 76 c/b

3rd J. Moore 76 Medal

Gross winners

Div. 1 A. Benton 87

Div. 2 S. Mcdonald 105c/b Balls down to 79

NTP 10th

Div. 1 D. Sainty

Div. 2 S. Brownrigg

Tuesday 11th April 42 ladies played Monthly Medal, 2nd round

& Julia Dixon 3. Carolyn Bywater & Susan Helsen

Friday 7/4/23 1. Jim & Trish

Thatcher 2. Bea Treharne & Sue

Matheson

3. Peter Baily & Gordon

Morrison E/W 1. Esther Digby & Janet Corden

2. Adrian Ryan & David Hipkins

3.Sue Donohue & Bruce Eyre

Monday 10/4/23 1. Sue

Donohue & Bruce Eyre = Chez

Rands & Leslie Falla

3. Bea Treharne & Sue

Matheson = Liz Caro & Trish

Thatcher E/W 1. Shirley Pearson & Liz Howarth 2.Pat

the profile of the changes to the river entrance and thus providing the opportunity for this study.

“We are particularly grateful to Gordon Grainger for many interesting and fruitful discussions on the topic of the lower Myall River; and for his tireless efforts in collecting an outstanding set of data on the clarity.”

Regards, Len ROBERTS, Tea Gardens.

Marr & Sylvia Schmeding 3.Leigh Wood &Geoff Smith

Wednesday 12/4/23 (Howell)

1. Sue Matheson & Leslie Falla 2. Geoff Smith & Leigh Wood 3. Davina O’Brien & Susan Helsen 4. Shayne Fuller & Sherrie O’Keefe = Peter Baily & Beverley

Richardson

Friday 14/4/23 1. Jim & Trish

Thatcher 2. Chez Rands & Leslie Falla 3.Bea

Treharne & Sue Matheson

E/W 1. Bill Taylor & Jennifer Fowler = Esther Digby & Beverley Richardson 3.John Gray &Margaret Churton = Jan Armstrong &DawnDale

Karuah Golf Club News

By Sharon WEDD

15/4/23 SATURDAY

4BBB Stableford

Winners: T Russell and J Hudson 47pts

NTP- 2/11 M Turvey

4/13 A Callaghan

The Karuah Open Sunday shotgun starts 7am and 11am please arrive early to ensure the fields can hit off on time.

Hawks Nest Vets

By Len GOUGH

11/4/2023.

STABLEFORD

Also 1 st Round RSL Trophy

Front Nine. Nett Scores

1 st Colin Clinch 22

2 nd Laurie McClure 18c/b

3 rd Peter Campbell 18c/b

4 th Alan Crittenden 18

Balls to 14

Back Nine. Nett Scores

1 st Stephen Macmahon 22

2 nd Tony Smith 18c/b

3 rd. Paul Fordy 18c/b

4th Noel Shelly 18c/b Balls to 15c/b

NTP

3 rd Ross Weightman

5 th Peter Olsen

10 th Maxwell Stephens

16 th Graham Illand

Bulahdelah Golf Club News

By Thora-Lou SMITH

AFTER a couple of weeks of wet weather, 18 Vets finally got back on a tough course on Wednesday April 12.

D.Schoonhoven won the Single Stableford event with 37pts from C.Nebauer with 36pts and J.Farrugia with 35pts.

NTPs were C.Wheatley and D.Schoonhoven. The course was still heavy on Saturday April 15, but 27

golfers were keen to get out in the sunshine.

The Single Stableford event was won by A.Jobson with 40pts from A.Gardiner with 36pts.

Ladies’ winner was T-L.Smith with 36pts from B.Newton with 31pts.

NTPs were A.Gardiner and B.Gordon while long drivers were A.Gardiner, M.Bramble, S.South and T-L.Smith.

Arrin also won the $27 jackpot with a great shot on the 17th.

Tea Gardens Men’s Bowling Club News

By John SLATER

12 APRIL

THE morning started bright and sunny, and 48 players were looking forward to some good, nominated triples competition today especially as the grass green was back in play.

I thought that the grass was going to be a tad heavy, but it turned out to have a nice pace to it and it was a pleasure to play.

Unfortunately, the rain came 2 ends into the afternoon game bringing a stop to play.

Prize money was given to both surfaces based on the morning game.

Both games were decided by the “Highest winning score.”

The winners on the grass with a score of 17 were Bill Heylbut, John Parkinson, and Bruce Murray.

The synthetic game winners were Geoff Page, Ian Baker, and Bill Thrift with a winning score of 19 and having to survive a 2-end countback.

The Garden Eatery voucher was won by Merv Mills. Our thanks to the

Garden Eatery for their support.

15 April

Round 7 of the open-gender Pennant competition was played today in near perfect bowling weather.

The First National Grade 5 Dolphins played a local derby at Karuah and came away with a good win to keep their Sectional playoff hopes alive.

They dropped one game in their 66-47 win and retained second place on the ladder.

The First national Grade 6 Dolphin's played the

Fishing competition results

By John EDWARDS

RESULTS from Hawks Nest Social Club Fishing Competition on 14 - 16 April.

Ladies and overall

Season Ready

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 24

and only 20 ladies, so we are still looking for more,” Mr Neighbour said.

“We are looking at the best teams we have had in a while, and I would be very surprised if we are not represented in the premiership end-season.”

Mr Neighbour, a

Hawk of three years, was especially confident about the Ladies Tag.

“Half of the girls’ team is brand new, but it’s looking like their best year yet.”

The tyranny of distance has made it a struggle garnering sixteen players at training, but all teams are keen, including Juniors, with the U-12s being the first fielded by the Hawks in

winner: Christine McKenzie with a great catch of Flathead, Tailor, Luderick and Bream.

Runner up: Andrew

competition leaders New Lambton at home.

It was always going to be a tough match and the side did well to hold New Lambton to just 59 shots in a low scoring game.

The final score New Lambton 59, Tea Gardens 43.

Grade 6 are in 5th place in the sectional standings. The First National Dolphins Grade 7 side also played at home and recorded a good win against Hexham 83-42.

Grade 7 are currently standing in 4th place on the sectional ladder with three

Sharp with some nice Mahi Mahi and Snapper.

Junior winner: Jett with a good catch of Flathead and Tailor.

Good to see such a large turnout and would like to welcome our new members.

games yet to play.

Next week in round 8 Grade 5 play Beresfield at home, Grade 6 are down the road at Karuah and Grade 7 play away at East Maitland.

16 April

The semi-final round of the Club Minor Singles championship was played today with Noel Jackson taking on Neil Kibble and Colin Buddle opposing Peter Campbell.

Consistency in bowls is the key to winning matches and Neil had that in abundance today recording a good win over Noel 25-9.

It was a similar scenario

in the remaining game with Peter outdrawing his opponent on too many occasions, leaving Colin to play catch-up bowls.

Peter ran out the winner 25-15 in a game that will be a good learning experience for both players.

Next week Neil Kibble takes on Peter Campbell for the title.

In other news.

A nomination sheet is on the notice board for the Club Mixed Pairs and already there is an indication there will be a good field.

Hawks Nest Golf Club Thursday Night Darts

By John EDWARDS

RESULTS from Hawks Nest Golf Club Thursday Night Darts on 13 April.

Winners: Darren Rapley and Darby Neville.

Runners up: Michael Russom and Gene McKenzie.

Ladies Highest Score:

Sandra Hagan - 93.

Mens Highest Score: Matthew Peirson - 125.

Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm darts start 7pm. Darts are available for use if needed.

Everyone is welcome to come along and play.

more than eight years.

Mr Neighbour was very optimistic about the Men’s coming season, saying, “Several key players have come on board this season, and our new Head Coach is Chad Redman, a former Newcastle Knight and Gold Coast Titan in 2015.”

“The Hawks have amazing sponsors, and this is one of the few clubs where players don’t have to pay to play.”

Ben Hanson, Publican of

Hawks’ major sponsor the Tea Gardens Hotel, affirmed everyone’s excitement, stating, “It’s the best team we have had in years.”

All players enjoyed the friendly nature of the trial games, exemplified when a few Lady Hawks played admirably for the shorthanded Stockton side.

The Hawks’ first real season game is set for Saturday, 22 April, versus Raymond Terrace, a home game at Myall Park.

q Winners Darren Rapley and Darby Neville with runners up Michael Russom of Gene McKenzie.

q Winner: Christine McKenzie. q Runner Up: Andrew Sharp. q Junior Winner: Jett.

q Female players from Hawks and Stockton after their trial game.

q Lady Hawks and Stockton cheer the Men’s team onto the field.

BIG CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

Puzzle Play 172

NEWS OF THE AREA

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED

TIDES

CHART - 7 DAYS

ANSWERS: SPOT THE

1. The bird has four tail feathers. 2. The umbrella toadstool is missing a spot. 3. There is an extra puddle on the ground. 4. The raindrop splash is missing from the large puddle. 5. One red spot on the toadstool at left is square. RHYMING PAIRS: Boat and coat. Car and star. Fish and dish. Fire and tyre.

Memorial Notice

Memorial for Brett Mitchell

Garage Sale

SATURDAY 22/4. 8am2pm. 1 Starboard Way Tea Gardens. Lawn Mower, Laptop, Electric heaters, Dog/Puppy Bed & Jackets, Clothes & Plants.

Free

Saturday 22nd April 10.30am

Sanderling Avenue Hawks Nest (on the beach)

Feel free to wear Parramatta Colours

Public Notices

Karuah Motor Yacht Club

is a sports club that is family orientated located on the Karuah River Waterfront. We are a licensed premises open every Friday night from 5:00pm for delicious meals and desserts.

BUILDING materials for free. Approx 100 terracotta roof tiles VGC Reinforced timber gate 4ft6” square. Some hardwood timber. Pickup

21 Hunter Street Raymond Terrace

FREE Outdoor table 6 chairs and cushions 0408 431 488

For Sale

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

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

4 x 17”x 6” Steel rims, fitted with 255/65x17 Dunlop AT23 tyres. Suit current Nissan Navara $130ea ono. Ph 0404 094 028

BABIES & Childrens clothes, new, make an offer. 0457087178 F140722

For Sale

BICYCLES Girls and boys, VGC $20 each Ph: 4982 8628

COCA Cola sign in wooden and glass frame 40cmx30cm $25

Coca Cola mens red shirt with signage size XL $10 3 tow balls, 2 large heavy metal shackles. Best offer. Ph 4981 7523.

COSMOPOLITAN

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

For Sale

F2 Wave 8.4 windsurfer & fin, Mennem brand

8.5 litres VGC. $99. 0419

932 992. Tea Gardens

GARDEN tools

Rake, Hoe, Mattock & Fork $15 each Ph: 4997 0611

GASTRA Nitros

Windsurfer 9 meter sail & bag. Used only

4 times. $99. Mast 4.9

Luff 514cm Base 24cm Boom 249cm. IMCS

29. 0419 932 992 Tea

For Sale For Sale

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

OVER bed patient table Timber laminate & white $40. Ph: 4982 2335

PARRAMATTA

Eels large framed autographed club jersey 2001, 90cmW x 105cmL personally custom made Beautiful piece $875ono

Ph: 4981 7523 ReS160223

TV Corner cabinet Shelving underneath 2 door unit, on wheels 100cm W x 60cm H 65cm L. $50. 4981 7523

UNIFORM, St Brigids winter pinafore, size J4 exc cond. No smoking home. $20. 0422070333 F230323

WELLINGTON boots as new size 10 $25 4997 0611F020223

War Medals

Facebook

0415 419 741 mail@kmyc.net.au Finduson

For Sale

SOT kayak. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190

BBQ 5 burner with wok, inc rotissery kit, stainless steel on wheels with gas bottle. exc cond. $175 0458 422 338

Wanted to Buy

Antique China & Figurines, English Silver, Fountain Pens, Old Jewellery & Watches. Please phone: Annie 0419 219 634 or Ron 0408 967 747

CAMPING

COLOURED standing bar signs. Tooheys beer 32x13cm. Swan Premium lager 30x10cm $10 each or $15 both Ice bucket, gold anodised metal, Wolf Blass insignia, 30cmH $10 Ph: 4981 7523

DARK timber four draw desk with optional upper hood three shelves also slide out laptop desk shelf. $40. Desk chair. $30 Swivel large adjustable comfortable chair. Good used Ph: 0401 546 848 Sandy, Tanilba Bay

Gardens.

GOLF or Shopping Scooter, 4 wheel drive 2sp Lotus Blake Tycoon AZ36. Can be fully disassembled $2,950 ono. 4997 0435

GOLF set leather bag, Slazenger cart woods steels extras. $250. Ph 0476 789 721

GOLFING accessories

Golf balls - around 100? 20 cents each

Golf buggy $25 Clubs and drives $2 each. Ph: 4982 2335 F260123

PRYDE Windsufing

mast suits 7 metre

sail. Little used. $99

Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992

RAIL Corp Wall telephones and desktop push buttom phone 90’s Nokia Mobile 6300 in box, charger and manual 00’s. Samsung mobile and charger 00’s. 2 x Motorola units, chargers with info 90’s. Cheap best offers 4981 7523 F151222

WINDSURFER and fin 85 litres, Freerace 2.6m long. In a bag. No dings Some accessories available. $80. Peter 0419 932 992. Tea Gardens.

WALKER heavy duty suits big person $100 Ph: 4982 2335 F300323

WOMENS Levi jeans new, size 8 - 10. $50 0457 087 178 F130423

Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215e130723

COMPETITION WINNERS!

Congratulations to Otis from Hawks Nest and Victoria from Salamander Bay who both won the News Of The Area colouring in competition. We hope you both enjoy the Koala encounter

COUNTRY RIVER CAMP

Riverside camping at Booral Text for details 0418 945 252

Public Notices

Pesticide Use Notice

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) advises that the following pesticide use is proposed for use in the Bulahdelah area.

The pesticide fipronil will be for the euthanasia of wild European honey bees within the Varroa mite emergency eradication zone in the Bulahdelah area during the period from late April 2023 for up to 12 months.

This work is strictly controlled by NSW DPI, in accordance with an Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority permit [PER84929v2].

The bait stations will be clearly signposted and all directions of these signs including tampering should be followed.

For further information regarding this notice visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa

CURLING wands x 3 Near new. Big curl small curl, and crimper Separately $10 each Ph: 0457 087 178

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

DRESS, New Sleeveless, Pink/Blue Multicolour Mid length Size M $45

Ph: 0427 818 294

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

ELECTRIC treadmill adjusts to incline Foldable. Tracks distances, times and calories. Has emergency stop function. $50

Ph: 4919 8117 F260123

ELECTRIC Saw Black & Decker $50

Ph: 4997 0611 F020323

ELECTRIC Heaters

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

GOOD antique Queen Anne dressing table with mirror $60 Ph 0429 601 039 F070422

GUITAR

HANGING coloured print wooden frame, picture of large outdoor sign for indoor bowling. New in packaging 50cmL x 40cmW $15. 4981 7523

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

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

LAWNMOWER and line trimmer. Both RYobi. 36V battery and charger. $365 0418 279 142 e270423

LOUNGE 3 piece

$50. Other items too 0425 254 612 F271022

MOBILE phone ZTE excellent cond. $100 0457 087 178 F090323

RINGS Sapphire Diamond and Gold new $100. Gold with small Diamond $100. Mens ring with Sapphire $100 Ph: 0457 087 178

SALON hair dryer, new $20. 0457 087 178

SEKA Shoprider mobility scooter as new hardly used. Immaculate Front basket and rear bag. Blue in colour $2300. Can deliver Ph: 0418 430 643

SOFA Bed Floral linen fabric $80 0407 915 768 F300323

SPIRIT level aluminum surround 120cm L $20

Ph: 4981 7523 F020323

SNOW chains brand new, unused adjustable, suits 16 inch wheels or others $95

Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992

ST Phillips uniforms boys Blazer size 24 $50. Boys summer shirts sizes

18, 20 & 22 $10 each

Ph 0415 353 798

WOMENS new black leather jacket, small to medium, worth $400, asking $100 0457 087 178

WOMENS new coat medium to large, wool worth $120, sell $50 0457 087 178

Boats

ATTN: Boat-carscaravans! Cut and polish, all paint work, Mag wheels polished or repaint, small sandblast and repaint parts

For Quote: 0484 137 580

HORIZON 3.1m v nose punt. 8 H.P. 2/ stroke Merc. Gal. folding trailer Good condition No Rego. $3,100 Ono Ph. 0427 224 744

STACER 3.4m tinny with Mariner 15HP outboard UN497N on registered trailer CL6484. VGC ideal Bay runabout Many extras $2,000 Ph: 0414 568 563 e200423

EUROPEAN 2 x Single adjust slatted bedframes & 2 latex mattresses VGC $485 both

1 Oil filled 2400 watts $40 for both. Please ring 0404 724 347 F020622 MOBILITY Scooter 4 wheel. Good cond. with front basket, rear bag and charger. $1200 Free delivery

PH: 49979797

Ph: 0418 430 643

TIMBER extendable dining table and 6 chairs VGC. Cream/peach colour $250. 4981 2251

TOW hitch clamp SCA brand new $15

Ph: 0493 078 190 F020323

2021 JAYCO Penguin Outback poptop. 5 months rego TJ25MB As new $32,000. 0432 465 556 or 4997 2040

2 PERSON

TRADES&Services

Home

Servicing Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens, Karuah, and the North Port Stephens area.

Servicing Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens, Karuah, and the North Port Stephens area

Small to Medium Residential Building, Construction & Home Maintenance Projects.

Small to Medium Residential Building, Construction & Home Maintenance Projects

Contact David Lyne 0418 166 912 davidjlyne@gmail.com www.homepropertymaintenance.com.au

Contact: David Lyne 0418166912 davidjlyne@gmail.com www.homepropertyimprovements.com.au

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

MIDSOMER MURDERS

ABC, 8.20pm

FRIDAY TRACES

ABC, 8.30pm

Standout performances from a female-led cast help set this crime drama apart from the throng. Embellished with the moody backdrop of a Scottish town and the peculiarities and intricacies of forensic science (don’t mix acid and petrol), this second season has a new case to explore, with all the familiar faces, including Molly Windsor, Laura Fraser (pictured) and Martin Compston, returning. In tonight’s second instalment, Emma (Windsor) and Daniel (Compston) face tough decisions after the end of the trial.

FRIDAY, April 21

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Traces. (Mal) A second bomb attack puts pressure on McKinven and Sarah to find and stop the culprit.

9.20 MOVIE: Miss Fisher And The Crypt Of Tears Part 1. (2020, Mv, R) Phryne Fisher embarks on a globetrotting adventure. Essie Davis.

10.10 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe. (Ml, R)

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.55 Close To Me. (Mals, R)

11.40 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Peace never lasts in Midsomer, but fans wouldn’t have it any other way. In tonight’s second instalment of season 23 – yes, this delightfully cosy detective series has composed intriguing murder plots since 1997 (retirement beckons but don’t fret) – it’s a place of investigation, rather than a destination, for much-loved DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon, pictured). Challis Court is a swanky gated retirement community set up for former police officers, where the retired criminal catchers dream of relaxing and enjoy their golden years. When a new member of their community, Elaine Bennet (Sabina Franklyn), is found dead, it’s soon apparent this idyll is not all it’s cracked up to be.

I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!

TEN, 7.30pm

It’s been a bittersweet season I’m a this year

– while hosts Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris (pictured) are happily ensconced in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the “spiritual home” of the series, for the first time in three years, it’s the untraditional pairing’s last hurrah for the foreseeable future, with Brown decamping to rival network Seven in July. Until then, the number of hangry and humbled celebrities in the so-called jungle is starting to dwindle – two more are sent packing tonight in an emotional double elimination – so tune in for one of your last chances to see Morris and her beloved “Docteur” in action.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Wrecks That Changed The World. (PG)

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways. (PGa, R)

9.25 Exploring Northern Ireland. (R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av)

11.40 Cheyenne & Lola. (MA15+lv, R)

2.00 Romulus. (MA15+av)

3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs, Pete Colquhoun and Charlie Albone give a World War II veteran’s garden a makeover.

8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) In Paris on business, a Harvard professor uncovers an ancient and far reaching conspiracy when he is asked to investigate the murder of the elderly curator of the Louvre whose body was found inside the museum. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen.

11.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGl, R) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

1.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Parramatta Eels versus Brisbane Broncos match, with NRL news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012, Mlv, R) A suicidal man distracts authorities. Sam Worthington.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGal) Harries meets children from war-torn Ukraine.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Malv, R) Follows NSW Ambulance’s Sydney operations as it deals with a case involving a stabbing victim.

9.30 Territory Cops. (PGadl, R) A man wanted for a serious domestic violence charge has trapped himself on a balcony.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mal, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, April 22

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Breaking The Biz. (PG, R) 10.50 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Figure World C’ships. H’lights. 3.30 Athletics. Marathon de Paris. H’lights. 4.30 Going Places. (R) 5.00 Where Are You Really From? (PGa, R) 5.30 Lost Home Movies Of Nazi Germany. (PGavw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

6.50 Bluey. (R) Bingo pretends to be Boss Bluey’s new employee.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 MOVIE: Eat Pray Love. (2010, Ml, R) An unhappy woman goes on a round-the-world journey to find herself after undergoing a painful divorce. Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem.

9.50 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (PG, R) Part 1 of 4. A young hairdresser joins an underground movement trying to stop the rise of the far right.

10.50 Fires. (Mal, R) Farmers deal with the fire’s aftermath.

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

7.30 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG)

8.30 A Year From Space. Images captured by satellite help tell the story of the big events of 2022.

10.00 Becoming Marilyn. (Man, R)

11.05 Outlander. (MA15+)

12.20 Germinal. (Masv)

1.20 The Big Fat Quiz Of The Decade. (Mls, R)

3.05 MOVIE: Little Woods. (2018, Mal, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, April 23

R) 4.15 Grand Designs NZ. (R)

5.00 Art Works. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Grand Designs: Tunbridge Wells. (PG)

8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv)

Part 2 of 4. Barnaby investigates when a resident of a police retirement community is found dead.

9.50 Close To Me. (Madl)

10.40 MotherFatherSon. (Malns, R)

11.40 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.20 Road To Now. (PG, R)

2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.05 Rage Closer. (R)

3.10 The Heights. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG,

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 6. Geelong v Sydney. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. A wrap-up of the game, including panel discussion and interviews, with access to players, coaches and staff.

11.00 MOVIE: Charlie’s Angels. (2019, Mv, R) A team of elite female agents, known as Angels, recruits the services of a young systems engineer who has blown the whistle on a dangerous new technology that her former employer is developing. Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. (2002, PGhv, R) Boy wizard Harry returns to Hogwarts. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson.

10.45 MOVIE: Birds Of Prey. (2020, MA15+alv, R) Margot Robbie.

12.40 The First 48. (Mav, R)

1.30 The Pet Rescuers. (PGm, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) Harries meets children from war-torn Ukraine.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

8.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv) Danny helps Texas Ranger Waylon Gates deliver an infamous drug cartel boss to arraignment.

9.30 CSI: Vegas. (Mav) A silver ink note threatening Maxine Roby’s life is found at the crime lab.

10.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) Whistler struggles with a CI.

11.30 Fire Country. (Mv, R)

A massive tree falls on Eve.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Women’s Race. H’lights. 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. FlecheWallonne Men’s Race. H’lights. 4.00 UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Women’s Race. H’lights.

4.30 UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Men’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 Lost Home Movies Of Nazi Germany. (PGavw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Secrets Of The Giant Mammoths. (PG) An investigation into the mammoth.

8.30 The Black Death: Outbreak. (PG) Part 1 of 2.

10.30 Muhammad Ali. (PGavw, R)

12.15 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R)

2.00 How The Nazis Lost The War. (PGa, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) The farmers meet two new ladies and choose one for a romantic date.

8.30 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return) An exclusive, special investigation.

9.30 The Latest: Seven News.

10.00 Born To Kill? Dale Hausner And Samuel Dieteman. (MA15+av) A look at Dale Hausner and Samuel Dieteman.

11.00 Quantum Leap. (PGav)

12.00 The Rookie. (Madv, R) The rookies develop confidential informants.

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters. (PG)

8.50 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.50 Nine News Late. A look at the latest news and events.

10.20 Australian Crime Stories. (Mv, R)

11.30 The First 48. (MA15+al)

12.15 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+v, R)

1.10 The Garden Gurus. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

5.00 News Early Edition. 5.30 Today.

(83) 9GO! (83)

6.30 The Sunday Project.

A look at the day’s news.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebs will want to impress as they board the African Queen

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) Captain Milius returns to Hawai’i as the NCIS team works to catch a dangerous high-value US government target with the help of an informant unlike any they have ever encountered.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) OA is forced to confront his fears.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, April 24

6.00 News. 9.00 News.

10.00 Landline. (R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 MOVIE: Eat Pray Love. (2010, PG, R)

3.15 Escape From The City. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Legacy List. (PG, R) 10.25 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.15

Icons. (PGalv, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 A Way Of Seeing. 2.20 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

TUESDAY, April 25

6.00 News. 9.00 Anzac Day March Sydney.

11.30 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 12.00 ABC News On Anzac Day. 12.30 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.30 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. 2.30 ABC News On Anzac Day. 3.00 Escape From The City. (R) 3.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 4.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

5.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.25 Belsen: The Untold Story. (Mav, R) 11.25 Dylan Alcott: Sir Peter Cosgrove. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Such Was Life. (PGal, R) 2.10 Black Anzac. (PG, R) 3.10 Living Black. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 The Queen’s Jewels Heirlooms And Legacy. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Kirby loses her songwriting mojo.

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.30 MOVIE: 1917. (2019, MA15+av, R) During World War I, two British soldiers are assigned the critical task of delivering a life-saving message. George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth.

10.50 The Latest: Seven News.

11.20 How To Look Good Naked. (Man, R)

12.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

4.50 Anzac Day Dawn Service.

6.00 NBN News.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown.

9.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) Remy pursues a depraved pastor and his sadistic brother who kidnapped two teenagers.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R)

4.20 10 News First Presents: ANZAC Day.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGl) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9.00 Accused. (Premiere, MA15+av) A father he comes to believe that his teenage son may be planning an unimaginable crime.

10.00 The Good Doctor. (Mam) Marcus and Audrey clash over a patient.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+asv, R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities face their final food trial, before yet another celebrity will be eliminated from the jungle.

9.00 NCIS. (M, R) Gibbs and McGee head to Alaska as the team works to uncover the conspiracy behind the serial killer.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, April 26

Secrets Of The Royal… (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Mal) The participants focus on their own strategies.

8.30 Brian Cox: How The Other Half Live. Part 1 of 2.

9.30 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+lsv) Stirling arranges a rematch.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Furia. (MA15+av)

12.05 Unit One. (MA15+s, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, April 27

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Legacy List. (PGaln, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Icons. (PGavw, R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Dolly: The Sheep That Changed The World. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (M)

8.30 Asking For It. (Malv) Part 2 of 3.

9.30 Miniseries: Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (MA15+) Part 2 of 3.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (Final, MA15+adv)

11.55 Beneath The Surface. (Madl, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club. (Premiere, M)

8.35 Accused. (Mav) After a married couple discovers their newborn is deaf, they elect to try a surgical procedure.

9.35 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGals) Sketch comedy series.

10.35 The Latest: Seven News.

11.05 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Tears For Daniel And Murder Of Innocence – Sian Kingi. (MA15+as, R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown.

9.00 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+as) An internet dating site becomes the source of terror for a young widow. Muncy struggles with Velasco’s absence.

10.00 Fire Country. (Mv) A wildfire breaks out in Drake Country.

11.00 Bull. (Ma, R)

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli and series creator Simon Cowell. Hosted by Ant and Dec. 9.45

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown.

9.00 Gogglebox Australia. (Final) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.00 Law & Order: SVU. (Masv, R) Rollins catches up with an old flame.

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

Thomas O'KEEFE

q Hawks kicker Jacob Wicks-Palm successfully makes a conversion from the sideline.