Myall Coast News Of The Area 25 April 2024

By Thomas O'KEEFE

CONTINUED Page 2

By Marian SAMPSON

CONTINUED Page

Young people get creative at Youth Week art workshop

FROM Page 1

The chosen image was of a cactus, with a gently fading sunset sky background, which attendees were free to re-interpret as they wished.

“Enjoy it, we don’t want perfection, we want fun,” Sharon told the group.

“Be really expressive, and do something amazing.”

The workshop began with outline drawing simple shapes like ovals and circles, lines, and 'panels' in pencil on canvas, over which the fading colour strokes could then be applied.

Most attendees exhibited a clear passion for painting, radiating energy as they shrugged off anxieties and got into their paintings, following Sharon’s guidance.

“Light colours first, dark colours last, and be mindful of which direction the 'light source' in the image is coming from,” Sharon instructed.

Archie Wall led the way in experimenting with a flicking effect to make the final image really pop, then actively encouraged and helped others.

Many youths sought Sharon’s feedback, and could be seen allowing themselves a few quiet grins of pride towards the end.

“I surprised myself, having never painted like this before... it's never going to be perfect,” said one attendee, Casey.

Finishing touches, shadow lines and cactus spike accentuations, as well as some vivid succulent blooms brought on both elation and relief, once the session ended, and parents arrived to be genuinely amazed at what had been achieved in just three hours.

Workshop attendees even started showing photos of their own previous artworks,

q A busy room of young people staying safe, being productive, and exploring their creativity.

discussing and encouraging, conversing and complimenting each other.

The workshop also formed a study in how perfectionism can hold back the beauty in the world.

“Some of the most famous artists' work is messy, like Picasso or Matisse, or Brett Wheatly and his charcoals,” Sharon said.

“I learnt how to be an artist by copying and studying the classics and greats.

“Perfectionism stifles most artists - don't be tempted to keep fixing and changing,” was Sharon’s sound advice.

q The target picture of the day, although attendees were encouraged to add their own creative flair.

q Artist Sharon Tudor Smith gets the young people going with some basic outlining techniques.

q Sisters Amber and Casey took their own approaches to the painting.

q

‘IRONCLAD GUARANTEE’

Mr Littleproud visited Nelson Bay on Thursday 18 April to make the announcement, after heading offshore with local tourism operators.

“The National Party will not be part of any Coalition Government that does not stop this project,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I make that ironclad guarantee.

“As Nationals we won’t support this and we will abolish this project.”

Mr Littleproud also took the opportunity to discuss the potential of nuclear energy as an alternative to renewables like offshore wind.

“I have come to Port Stephens to give the people of Port Stephens confidence that there is a better way to reduce our emissions.

“That is transitioning from coal to nuclear with gas and renewables in the right place.”

When asked by local media what he would say to people who were “scared by nuclear”, Mr Littleproud said to look to global examples.

“Look around the world,” he encouraged.

“We are one of only two G20 countries that doesn’t have nuclear energy.

“We are not talking about 1950s technology, we are talking about modern technology which is being used safely around the world.

“We’ve had a nuclear industry here for over 60 years, it’s called Lucas Heights.

“Less than one and a half kilometres from there are houses selling for $1.5 million.

“We are not saying they will be everywhere across the

country but we will have a mix that will go into the grid that spreads our energy risks, that doesn’t put all our energy eggs into one basket and makes sure we can give that firming power to industries like Tomago.”

Following Mr Littleproud’s Nelson Bay visit, Nigel Waters from EcoNetwork Port Stephens said the Coalition’s energy policy “makes no sense”.

“(It) is incompatible with the objective of net zero emissions by 2050 which the Coalition claims to also support,” said Mr Waters.

“We are very disappointed that the Nationals and Liberals are not prepared to wait for the five or more years of detailed studies that would precede any final decision on

Marina.

offshore wind.

“Many local residents have genuine concerns about the possible environmental impacts of an offshore wind industry, but many of the claims being made by opponents are not based on any evidence, and amount to fear-mongering misinformation.”

EcoNetwork has put out ‘myth busting’ FAQs about offshore wind and takes the position that nuclear power is not a realistic or acceptable part of Australia’s energy

future.

“We look forward to the next stage of investigations into the pros and cons of offshore wind that will commence later this year,” said Nigel Waters.

“We are arguing strongly for environmental assessments to be genuinely independent, funded jointly

by the proponents who are awarded licences, but not under their control.

“This is something that both opponents and supporters of wind farms can agree on, and the Federal Government needs to arrange it in order to ensure the assessments have credibility,” he said.

Will. Since the secondary categories are not persons to whom there is clear obligation to provide for, a claimant must establish, based on the particular circumstances that the deceased should have made provision for the claimant.

Continued next week.

Local opponents to offshore wind gathered to hear Mr Littleproud speak at Nelson Bay

q Mr Littleproud said he does not believe the Hunter is the right location for offshore wind development.

q Nationals leader David Littleproud has promised to stop offshore wind development off the Hunter coast if the Coalition regains power.

Long-delayed Jetty upgrades to begin in late April

By Thomas O’KEEFE

AFTER years of delays, boaties and fishers of Tea Gardens are relieved to hear that upgrade work to the Apex Park Jetty in Tea Gardens is set to begin from Monday, 29 April.

“The improvements include widening and lengthening the existing boat ramp, a floating centre pontoon, and the boat rigging area will also be extended to align with the new boat ramp width,” MidCoast Council has announced.

Mike Ferris from the Myall River Action Group told News Of The Area, “It will be great when it finally arrives, but the project should have been done years ago.

“Funding was announced in July 2020, under the Better Boating Program, but it has taken nearly four years, and Council has had the initial grant of more than $300,000 since that time.

“By now, it has more than doubled in price, which can only be due to the timeframe that it has taken to get things moving.

“It could have been handled more efficiently.”

Paul Bendy, from the Tea Gardens Slipway Association, echoed Mike’s frustration over project timing.

“Why has it taken so long?

“The funding arrived at the same time as the Slipway upgrades, and we had finished our project, a much bigger job, within eleven months.

“Actual construction time was sixteen weeks, the other seven months were paperwork.

“Costs have gone up, and it must be related

to the delays, things get more expensive every day.”

Council says the project began with community consultation in 2021, and the upgrading contract was awarded to Hunter Wharf and Barge in January 2024.

Council advises that the jetty, boat ramp, and part of the car park in Apex Park will be closed for the duration of the works, which are anticipated to take twelve weeks, weather permitting.

Alternate boat ramps will be available for use during construction, including the ramps on Marine Drive in Tea Gardens, and Moira Parade in Hawks Nest.

Council’s Manager of Strategy and Projects,

“The new design required additional funding to be sourced which has now been secured through a combination of State and Federal grants along with a co-contribution from Council. We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked towards delivering a facility for them that will provide long-term boating and recreational enjoyment.”

For more information on this project, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ tea-gardens-jetty-replacement and sign up to receive updates.

Amanda Hatton told NOTA, “Council is excited to finally be delivering this project after a redesign was undertaken to better align with the community’s expectations for the facility.

Veteran honoured for World War II service

By Thomas O’KEEFE

WORLD War II Australian armed forces veteran Roy Day has been honoured in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, with a special presentation of a medallion by the Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch on Monday 15 April.

Roy, at 97 years young, is one of the oldest surviving WWII veterans in the area, and was unaware that the presentation would be taking place.

He was genuinely stunned speechless at the rare honour, presented by Tea Gardens RSL subBranch President Mal Motum.

“The 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, and the end of WWII was on 15 August 2020, and in recognition of this the Government has issued a Medallion to all living veterans of WWII, who contributed in any way,” Mal explained.

“Roy was an instrument fitter, and has the thanks of a grateful nation.”

Roy told News Of The Area to receive the honour was “so nice, if a bit embarrassing”.

“It was a very long time ago,” Roy said.

“Six years ago, Veteran Affairs rang me up and told me that, of the 990,000 people sent in uniform to the war, they only knew of 6000 remaining.”

Roy was initially called up for the war at age eighteen, however, due to his work at the time in a ‘critical industry’, his boss managed to get a stay on

the call-up.

However, Roy was keen to get involved, and only three months later, when he received a second notice, he joined the RAAF.

“I did basic training in NSW, and medical training in Victoria, then spent most of my time in WA as a medical orderly, looking after POWs returning to Australia.

“Some were not very well at all, for obvious reasons.

“After WWII, I went back to the machine shop to make surgical instruments again.”

Roy has enjoyed life ever since, including looking after a large staff in government communications services, before ultimately retiring and travelling around Australia, twice so far, with his wife, Lynette.

“On ANZAC Day, I will go to the Dawn Service at 6am, then the March from 10:30am down Marine Drive, with the RSL group at the front, and later my wife Lynette and I will go to lunch,” Roy said.

Help shape the Myall Coast’s future

MYALL COAST residents are invited to help shape the strategic direction of their region by reviewing MidCoast Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

“Our Community Strategic Plan sets the direction for our community for the next ten years and we want to hear from MidCoast residents to make sure we are on track,” said MidCoast Council’s Mayor, Claire Pontin.

This plan sets out the community’s long-term vision and the outcomes that matter to them.

The plan is used by Council and community, State and Federal Government agencies to plan for our region’s future.

The community is asked to review the plan every four years to ensure when new Councillors come

on board after a Local Government election, there is a clear direction from the community on what is important.

The community’s priorities are captured in the plan, and help Council prepare its annual plans for implementation.

Other agencies will also use the plan to deliver outcomes in the areas of their responsibility.

“We know things change over time, so we want to know if there are emerging priorities for our region that need to be included in our plan,” said Mayor Pontin.

You can have your say online at https://www. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ CSP by completing a short survey and quick poll.

The consultation is open until Sunday 30 June.

There will be four workshops held across the MidCoast, with people able to register to attend any one, no matter where in the LGA they live.

Workshops will take around two hours and participants will identify MidCoast priorities across the four key areas in the community strategic plan:

• a resilient and socially connected community

• strategic management of our built and natural environments

• a thriving and strong economy

• strong leadership and good governance.

If you can’t make a workshop, there are pop-up sessions planned between 30 April and 15 June at Pacific Palms, Wingham, Forster, Bulahdelah, Old Bar, Harrington, Hallidays Point, Stroud, Nabiac and Taree.

FRY BROS

q WWII veteran Roy Day,

q ‘Australia

q ‘Thank you for your service’

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If you are interested in any of the above positions, please call(02) 4997 9211 or email your resume and driving record to teagardens@anlscape.com.au

surprised as he is presented his special Medallion by Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch President Mal Motum.

remembers’ –the reverse of the Medallion features a stunning red poppy.

– the Medallion presented to Roy Day and the surviving WWII veterans around Australia.

Cold War warrior

By Thomas O’KEEFE

Branch

Honorary Secretary Chris Fredericks, who has spoken with NOTA about his experiences, describing himself during his period in the army as a ‘Cold War warrior’.

“We served in between Vietnam and the more recent wars overseas, which meant a lot of training - someone once told me ‘never join a peace-time army’, and I soon understood why,” Chris explained.

Joining in 1976, Chris followed his father, who had served 49 years in the Medical Corps, including during WWII.

Chris was part of the 4 Troop A Squadron 1st Armoured Regiment, the ‘tankies’.

To the layperson, that means he worked with and drove tanks, including the post-WWII era British Centurions and Cheiftains, and then 1970s-era German Leopards, as well as armoured personnel carriers and many other heavy vehicles.

Chris has vivid memories of the training at ‘Puckapunyal Peaks’.

“(It was) a 320 km run over all the mountains down there, carrying full battle kit

(60kgs), firearms (including an SLR), 16-person teams with one stretcher, a .50cal and a Charlie Gustaf recoilless gun.

“We got two weeks to complete it.

“Most did it within seven to ten days, and it included tests of mine warfare skills, first aid skills, infantry tactics, and also NBC (Nuclear/ Biological/Chemical) warfare suits, which were hell to wear.”

The Australian Army posted Chris on exchanges to the UK and to Osnabruck, Germany, where he worked as a driver, operator, gunner, crew commander, corporal, and troop sergeant. As a tank commander in Germany, Chris recalled one exercise on a tank gunnery range, where he and his crew showed up the British officers.

“Australian R Squadron was in competition against the best tank gunnery troop in the British Army at the time, using Chieftain tanks, and we beat them!

“Their gunners were trained for 3000m range, but we could hit at 3500 km, so we eliminated all the targets before they even acquired them.”

After leaving the army due to atrial fibrillation complications, Chris later

joined the Australian Federal Police, where he used his skills on several missions, including the bodyguarding of visiting VIPs.

q Leopard tanks are good jumpers, apparently, as shown here at Puckapunyal range in 1978. Chris was driving, doing 70 km/h to jump the dirt road.

“Close Personal Protection (CPP) for names like the Queen, and a few international Presidents, including Bush Senior, and many ambassadors from countries with combative histories, like around the Middle East,” Chris said of his experience.

“It is nothing like you see

in the movies, there is a lot more that goes on with CPP, most of which you would never notice.”

Life in the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps

By Thomas O’KEEFE

AMONG the veterans’ groups represented on ANZAC Day this year will be the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC), including Shirley Croxon from the Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch.

Shirley, spoke to NOTA about her experiences, which included 23 years in the WRAAC.

“I joined in 1967, following in my Father’s footsteps in enlisting,” Shirley said.

“He was a genuine digger on the Western Front in WWI, and served again in WWII.

“I looked at his example and believed he'd certainly given his service to the country, and I could do something, too.

“The WRAAC was formed post-WWII, as the Government realised that they needed women ready, available, and capable in several support positions.”

When she joined the Reserves, Shirley’s civilian job as a full-time physical education teacher saw her given the role of instructor with the Reserve, backed up by her post-graduate studies in sociology.

An instructor for several years, Major Croxon was then posted to the Reserve Civil and Staff College (RCSC) in Melbourne, as

the officer responsible for validation of the College's three promotional courses: Junior course (Leftentants to Captains), Intermediate (Captains to Majors), and Senior (Majors to LeftenantColonels), covering subjects including military operations, tactics, leadership, military law and administration.

Shirley also had the opportunity to travel with serving Army personnel to witness where her father had fought in France, and then to ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli for ANZAC Day.

“Sitting there, looking at the Cove, you can just hear the gentle water.

“It is so emotional, thinking of what happened there,” Shirley explained.

“HMAS Australia was in the waters that ANZAC Day, too, and the two national anthems were played by the military band, it was very moving.

“The Turkish people were very kind to us, we were actually surprised to be applauded at the Turkish Memorial, and it shows how two countries can respect each other, especially as former enemies.”

Shirley has also been fortunate enough to visit Istanbul twice – the original goal of the Gallipoli landings.

On the realities of being a Reservist, Shirley is realistic and open.

“We go through the same training, and can meet and work with people from all different trades, professions and backgrounds.”

q This year’s spotlighted veterans (L-R) Chris Fredericks, Shirley Croxon and Roy Day at the Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch meeting before ANZAC Day this year.

Firies attend joint training

By Thomas O’KEEFE

FIREFIGHTERS from the two state services congregated for a joint training session in Tea Gardens on Tuesday, 16 April, in what was hopefully the first of several collaborative sessions moving forward.

Passers-by may have noticed the lights and action around the small fleet of emergency services trucks, and the volunteers of the Pindimar-Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service (RFS) along with the Tea Gardens Fire & Rescue 471 firefighters.

Fire & Rescue Captain Jim Wisemantel led the tour of the operational areas of the trucks, highlighting several differences between the

equipment setups of both services.

“The idea is to give both crews a basic familiarisation for relay pumping, and booster training in the future,” Jim said.

“We are such a small town and fairly isolated, so we must back each other up, as no big fleets of trucks will be coming down the hill like in the cities.”

While the RFS and Fire & Rescue do have clear 'zone' demarcations, given the relative isolation from reinforcement crews, one service will, and has, inevitably come to rely upon backup from the other.

The local RFS has been reinforced by brigades from across the MidCoast, Lower Hunter and Port Stephens

districts, while Fire & Rescue’s nearest official reinforcements would have to come in from Newcastle or Williamtown.

Despite the many differences, key similarities remained, such as the lifesaving halo sprinkler system on all trucks.

Practice ensued, hooking up the big RFS Mid Coast District water tanker to the Fire & Rescue truck and hoses, then a simulated 'gas attack' with wide spray-shield, by which the twist nozzle turns the hi-pressure spray into a parabolic umbrella that blocks heat and flame, preventing flare-ups, and allowing a safer approach to eliminate gas fires.

q

“I am pleased that we can work so well together,” RFS Captain David Bright told NOTA.

“It is a good thing for the town that the Brigades can support each other.

“Following the success of this joint training, we are planning to do more to enhance our joint capabilities.

“Next is checking out the hydrant booster systems, and further exploring the capabilities of each other's vehicles.”

q

Fire & Rescue 471 Captain Jim Wisemantel leads the run-down on his Brigade’s heavy vehicles.

q Working as one, the crews connect the Rural Fire Service tanker to Fire & Rescue hose trucks, an important basic skill on the fire-ground.

One Rural Fire Service volunteer tries on the air tanks that Fire & Rescue firefighters use to enter burning buildings.

Karuah’s town logo project has clear frontrunner

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE KARUAH Progress Association (KPA) has received 27 design concept submissions for a new town logo, more than 100 community comments, and discovered a clear town favourite.

Local Year 4 student Leiana Manton’s logo (no.11) received 734 votes as the highest ranked concept, several hundred votes higher than the runner-up.

“Given the fact that Leiana’s design is preferred by the majority of the community, we have decided to send it to the professional designer to be modified for use as the official Karuah logo,” Marion Brown, Secretary of the KPA, told NOTA.

“Meg Bartley, of Artley Designs, based on the Central Coast, will then summarise the submissions into a good cross-section of the community’s desires, but the final logo will be based on Leiana's design.”

KPA President Breanna Landwehr told News Of The Area, “The KPA engaged Karuah Public School in 2023

to assist in design ideas for a new logo.

“We would like to thank all the students and extended community for their creative and thoughtful contributions, especially Leiana.

“Funding for the logo project has come from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR),

and the logo may also feature on potential merchandise, fostering community pride.

“We will invite Leiana along the journey so she can share the story of this logo and what it means to her, which can be captured and shared in the future website, through the local newsletter, and beyond.”

“I’m happy, excited,” Leiana said, “this is the first time I’ve put anything into a competition.

“The bridge connects the north to the south, the oyster

is for the oyster farmers in Karuah, and the Aboriginal ‘meeting place’ symbol is a First Nations representation of the whole community coming together,” Leiana told NOTA.

“I wanted to make sure that the whole community is included, Worimi and nonWorimi people.”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. We will remember them. Lest we forget.

is very proud of her daughter’s efforts to promote the local community.

“I’m glad that she's taken it on,” Pearl said.

“Having a logo is significant for Karuah, it is a good opportunity for somebody her age to be able to do it.”

Leiana is a descendent of the Worimi people of Port Stephens, and her father is a fourth generation oyster farmer of 26 years.

Leiana’s mother Pearl

q Leiana’s most popular design, featuring the connective bridge, historic oysters, and the Worimi meeting place.

Myall Park Complex one step closer to completion

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE old canteen on Myall Park was finally carted away on Tuesday, 15 April, early in the dewy morning.

After many months waiting, the old canteen was hoisted and swept away on the back of a tilt-tray truck, by Aaron of Gould’s TiltTrucks in Raymond Terrace.

Keeping an eye on proceedings was Cyc from the Hawks RLFC, and Peter Kristina, who will be giving the old canteen a new home up the coast.

“We had to cut a metre off the end to fit on the tilt truck, under current transport regulations,” Cyc told NOTA.

“This section of the total old structure came here back in 1998, had some customisations over the

years, and Peter is helping us out in a major way by taking it off our hands.”

“It was originally built from two containers, both donated, in the late 90s and early 2000s, and that old canteen has seen us through four Grand Finals, three we won, and 25 seasons of football at our home field.”

The tilt-tray's surgical back-and-forth gently lifted the canteen from its old home, then the local mynahs and pied butcherbirds came to investigate the newly exposed land, and fossick for breakfast in ground that had not been bare for almost 30 years.

As the grind of metal-onmetal heralded progress, Aaron made it look easy, and soon the canteen was free of the surly bonds of Earth, and ready to be tied

Westpac chopper flies to aid of burns victim

SHORTLY before midnight on Friday 19 April, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to Hawks Nest to assist a woman with serious burns from a fire.

The patient was treated on scene by the helicopter's critical care medical team before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for specialist treatment.

q Finally away, the ‘wide load’ is headed up the coast to a new home, after almost 30 years serving the Hawks RLFC.

down and labelled ‘wide load’.

The cut-off metre-long section, handled by local Trent Murphy, lay as a pile of rubble, which now needs to be cleared up to make way for Stage 2A of the Complex project.

"Stage 2A will begin within four to six weeks, containing the new toilet

block and meeting room,” Dacca, the Hawks’ man in charge of the Complex project, told NOTA.

“2A is ready to go, but we need to continue raising funds for 2B, which will contain a change room for male and female teams, and the kids’ teams, and at least we are moving on, in the right direction.”

Mobile speed camera sites to double in NSW Consultation open on offshore electricity infrastructure regulations

THE NSW Government is doubling the amount of roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras.

Cameras will be able to be deployed in 2,700 new sites across the state.

The NSW Government says the number of enforcement hours will remain at around 21,000 hours per month across NSW, regardless of the new sites where cameras can operate.

So far in 2024, 109 people have lost their lives on NSW roads - thirteen higher than the same point in 2023.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

Jenny Aitchison said, “The rollout of 2,700 new mobile speed camera enforcement sites across NSW will predominantly occur in regional NSW where 1,650 new sites will be eligible once the scoping period is completed over the coming twelve months.

“This is entirely appropriate considering regional NSW represents a

third of the NSW population but two-thirds of deaths on our roads.

“We want the public along for the ride on this and urge

anyone with a suggested site in mind where safety would be enhanced by a roadside mobile camera to tell Transport for NSW.”

q Mobile speed cameras will be able to be deployed in 2,700 new sites across the state.

THE Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is now consulting on proposed regulations for offshore electricity infrastructure.

The proposed regulations support the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 and set out requirements for offshore wind projects once an offshore electricity infrastructure licence has been granted.

The government says the regulations will assist in establishing an offshore wind industry in Australia.

Specifically, the proposed regulations set out the requirements for management plans, a design notification scheme, financial securities, safety and protection zones, work health and safety, record keeping, and fees.

DCCEEW has prepared a consultation paper to explain the proposed regulations.

q The new regulations will assist in establishing an offshore wind industry in Australia.

“It provides a high-level description of key parts in the proposed regulations and explains how processes might work in practice,” said the Department.

You can access the consultation paper or make a submission at https://app.converlens. com/climate-au/offshoreelectricity-infrastructureregulations-2024.

Submissions close at 11:59 pm on 12 May 2024.

q Aaron carefully loads the old canteen onto the tilt-truck as new owner Peter watches on.

q The hole left behind now needs to be cleaned up to avoid presenting any dangers at upcoming home games at Myall Park.

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Stinker’s Fishin’: Fishing red hot

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

TO our many school holiday visitors, a warm Port Stephens welcome.

There is a chance that I am biassed however I reckon that you have arrived in a boating, diving, surfing, sightseeing, seafood and fishing wonderland.

For those attempting to catch a fish the news is all good.

The main target offshore is snapper which I’m pleased to report are cruising in excellent numbers over all the reefs and through the white water from Birubi north to Broughton Island.

Plastics or fresh bait on sunrise will do the trick.

I bagged half a dozen thumpers in front of the Outer Light just on sundown.

The beaches are on fire and have been since Christmas.

Old Schoie reports cracker bream are just behind the first line of breakers on Stockton Beach while Fingal Beach is always worth a try between the surf club and the Spit.

The notorious Fingal Spit goes under water following the recent five metre sea we experienced.

My advice is don’t cross the Spit!

Inside the Port, things are getting out of control with monster mud crabs to an astounding three kilograms lumbering through the mangrove forests while blue swimmers are few but big in size.

Thumping flathead are ambushing plastics, hard bodied lures and bait from Shoal Bay to Tilligerry Creek.

Sea mullet are on the move.

Watch the commercial fishermen at work on Stockton Beach, One Mile, Boat Harbour and Fingal.

Enjoy your holiday and stay safe.

q The National Parks and Wildlife Service are actively promoting a central agency for management of turtle records.

q Stockton Beach bream are lining up.

Stinker’s Fishin’: A win for turtles

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

A COUPLE of weeks back I was astounded to read in the local press that ’41 dead turtles… with crushed shells’ had been reported since October 2023.

Having a great interest in turtle welfare I set out to clarify the situation.

Great news for the turtle population of Port Stephens and for those who care for our 200-500 turtles.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have taken a step forward and are actively promoting a central agency for record management.

Locals and visitors alike, who frequent our beautiful waterways, are encouraged to contact 1300 072 757 (1300PARKS) immediately to report sick, injured or dead turtles.

The more information you can give, the better – venue, time, photograph and name if appropriate.

Government partners Marine Parks, Maritime, Fisheries and Water Police are all involved to offer greater protection for this iconic animal.

Private agencies are asked to inform NPWS of any turtle issues brought to their attention.

NPWS has agreed to meet with a wider range of stakeholders in the future to further protect turtles.

Karuah RSL sub-Branch gears up for ANZAC Day

Service being held in Memorial Park, Karuah,” said Scott Beaumont, Karuah RSL sub-Branch.

THE members of the Karuah RSL sub-Branch have been out amongst their local community in the weeks leading up to ANZAC Day.

So far, sub-Branch members have given key addresses at the respective commemoration services of Karuah, Booral and Stroud Public Schools.

Ray Prigg spoke to students at Karuah, Alec Miller presented at Booral, while Bob McMaster gave the address at Stroud Public, talking about the jobs of military working dogs.

Final touches have also been made to the ever-growing memorabilia display in the Karuah RSL Club, getting ready for ANZAC Day itself, when the Club expects over 600 visitors.

q Karuah RSL sub-Branch member Alec Miller with students at Booral Public School.

“On ANZAC Day members and visiting returned servicemen and women are invited to form up in the main street from 5.40am ready for the march, which will step off at 5.45am for the start of the Dawn

“At 7.30am all Dawn Service guests will be served breakfast in the club.

“At 9am the main Commemoration Service will be conducted in the carpark in front of the main entrance to the club, which will be followed by the traditional game of two up and other activities.”

q Karuah RSL sub-Branch member

Bob McMaster and students from Stroud Public School.

Community benefits from annual charity golf day

By Thomas O’KEEFE

GOOD Friday’s Police and Community Charity Golf Day in Hawks Nest raised $35,000 in its 35th year, reinforcing the importance of the town’s longest-running charity golf event and its continued success.

“Our event is all about helping as much of our community as possible, and the committee felt strongly about a project that not only gives back to the people who support Police and local businesses, but gives everyone the best possible chance to ensure our community stays together,” Tea Gardens’ Senior Constable Trent Moffat told NOTA.

“Through the support of our sponsors and supporters we have been able to assist a broad sector of our community again this year, and our schools will benefit from funding for active kids’ programs and education resources.

“We’re proud to include the Karuah Public and Pre Schools for the first time because the people and businesses of our neighboring town are always a major source of support for our annual fundraiser.”

The event committee also proudly confirmed it will be funding a community

defibrillator project at one of the town’s most popular unpatrolled swimming spots on Jimmys Beach, to be unveiled at the Myall Mullets’ Winter Solstice gathering on 22 June.

“We have needed a defibrillator at that location previously and we hope another one is never needed, but if the situation ever arises again the first aid response time will be dramatically reduced,” Trent explained.

Every cent of the $35,000

raised will be distributed between the following causes:

Tea Gardens Primary School P&C - funding for the school’s Learn to Swim program and literacy resources.

Hawks Nest Pre-Schoolfunding towards a playground shade sail project.

Karuah Public School P&C - fundraising kick-starter for a playground shade structure project and sports uniforms.

Karuah Pre-School - Funding towards a

playground replacement deck project.

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Community Transport (The Clinic Bus) - Funding assistance for this vital and free community transport service.

Meals On WheelsFunding assistance for an essential community organisation caring for our elderly citizens.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - an annual contribution to the Service’s operations and community fundraising efforts.

Garth Allen will also receive assistance with

Targeting knife crime across NSW

A MAJOR police operation throughout NSW has targeted knife crime across the state. Operation Foil ran from 1pm Thursday 11 April 2024 until 1:30am Saturday 13 April 2024, and saw more than 800 officers from every Police Area Command and Police District in NSW, assisted by specialist officers from Youth Command, Police Transport and Public Safety Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, target knife crime and antisocial behaviour.

During the high visibility operation 51 knives/weapons were seized with 145 people charged with weapon related offences, including seizure of a firearm.

Additionally, police detected a number of breaches, including: 51 people arrested over outstanding warrants, 170 drug detections, 1,065 traffic infringement notices issued, and 410 rail infringement notices issued.

Police also performed almost 5000 random breath tests and 469 bail compliance checks.

Operation Pivot was also run in conjunction with Operation Foil, and is an initiative to reduce crime through early intervention and engagement with young people.

Since it began in 2021, Operation Pivot has seen police engage with more than 3200 at-risk youths across NSW, and deliver anti-violence presentations to 987 schools, educating more than 180,000 students.

Detective Superintendent Darren Newman, Operations Manager NorthWest Metropolitan Region said the aim of Operation Foil was to remove weapons from the streets and make the community safer.

“Operation Foil was established to focus on knife crime and to get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those individuals who may potentially use them to

target other people,” said Darren Newman.

“People need to understand that carrying a knife is illegal unless you have a justifiable reason.

“If you are armed with a knife and become involved in an altercation where someone is injured or even killed, you can face a substantial prison sentence.

“We have also been working with our colleagues from Youth Command as part of Operation Pivot in attending schools and speaking with kids to deter them away from knife crime.

“Operations of this nature will continue to be run by police,” said Superintendent Newman.

q During the high visibility operation 51 knives/weapons were seized with 145 people charged with weapon related offences, including seizure of a firearm.

equipment and travel related expenses to represent our community and the region in Europe and the United States at the All-Abilities Golf Tour Championships.

“The event has become an important day for the community’s fundraising calendar,” Stephen Mount told NOTA.

“It’s important the day remains on Good Friday and that we receive the support needed to ensure everyone is fulfilling their community responsibilities.

“So many sectors of our community rely on this day and its continued success and this year’s result is a credit to the generosity of the people who turned out in support.

“It’s a no-brainer for old locals and we need to ensure we continue to pass on the baton and maintain our town’s unique community spirit.

“Events like this are getting harder to come by, which is all the more reason to ensure it continues well into the future.”

q The proposed location of the new defibrillator at Jimmys Beach.

q The Myall Mullets like to swim in freezing cold water every other morning.

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FAMILY HOME IN THE MYALL QUAYS

From the Mayor’s desk

By CLAIRE PONTIN Mayor, Midcoast Council

THIS month Councillors and senior staff start our Community Conversations program, which will see us visit fifteen locations across the MidCoast.

I invite all members of the community to come along and hear from us about

the projects and initiatives we have planned over the coming twelve months.

We will be talking about the work we are doing on our long-term financial sustainability and the action plan that will guide us and the introduction of a single Local Environment Plan for the MidCoast.

We will also be providing information on projects that are underway in various communities, along with discussing our plans for the 2024-25 financial year.

For information on where we will be near you, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ conversations

During this month we will be starting several important consultations with our community.

The first of these is our community strategic plan, which sets the direction for our community for the next ten years.

We review our plan every four years to ensure when our new Councillors come on board after a Local Government election, there is a clear direction from the community on what is important to you.

The plan is a high-level vision for the region that captures all of our aspirations and is implemented in a range of different ways.

For those aspects that are the responsibility of Council to deliver, we take a lead from the Community Strategic Plan aspirations and outline what we can do towards those aspirations in our annual plan.

It also supports us to have conversations with other service providers about what is important to our region.

The second is our draft MidCoast Local Environmental Plan, which we will be seeking feedback on through late April

ANZAC Day reflections

By Anne JOHNSON, Tea Gardens Family Research and Local History Inc.

FAMILY research can take us on an interesting journey – usually when we are older and there is more time to wonder about our forebears.

Why did they go their different ways?

With ANZAC Day approaching, I look back at the effect of the Second World War, for instance.

My Grandfather was the manager of the Allen Taylor timber mill at Winda Woppa, with three of his four sons also employed there.

The three were married and their parents had helped them into houses they were then paying back as they all needed that help during the Great Depression of the thirties. They must have thought life was looking positive.

Their youngest brother had attended Newcastle Boys’ High School and was employed in the management section of Commonwealth Steel.

When the war broke out the pressure was on to join up or to do something towards helping the situation.

Uncle Neill moved to Newcastle and was employed at Commonwealth Steel as a boiler-maker.

He also became a member of the Volunteer Coastal Watch group.

Uncle Bill and Aunt Edna (née Ripley) moved to Williamtown where they had a dairy farm producing food for the war effort.

My father Jack also produced food, becoming an oyster farmer.

Post-war he started his own bush timber mill and remained in Tea Gardens.

Their sister, Lillian, had married Richard Valentine Amiss, an Englishman, and returned to England with him in 1934 when his family needed him to run their business.

After the war broke out their premises were closed for the duration and both of them worked in factories for the war effort.

Uncle Allen resigned from his Commonwealth Steel job to join the R.A.A.F.in June 1941. He became part of the

459 Squadron.

By January 1942 he was training in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and in 1943 was listed as being in the Middle East/Italy region.

It seems strange to have a photo of Allen and his crew taken in what is obviously the desert.

However in a letter to his parents, from the very vague address RAAF Headquarters, Middle East and dated 16 May 1943, he writes, “At the moment I am on the edge of the desert with plenty of sand and flies – we have not had a dust storm for some considerable time now but when the dust blows up you eat sand, breathe, digest it - well it is not very nice anyway, as for the flies it is hard to say which is worse between them and the sand.

“We do get a break from the sand but these little black so and so’s are present the whole time – That is a big enough moan for the moment, I think… Well, folks, I will have to draw this very short letter to a close now but I thought I had better let you know I am still stamping around this little old lump of turf, sand or what you will?

“Give my regards to the folks at home

through to July.

A Local Environmental Plan (LEP) provides the planning controls and framework that guides development in the MidCoast.

Currently we have three Local Environmental Plans (from the former Council areas) that have different approaches resulting in an inconsistent planning framework across the MidCoast.

Having one MidCoast LEP will provide a consistent direction on how development in the MidCoast will occur.

It will provide more certainty for the community and the development industry and will achieve good planning outcomes.

I encourage the community to find out more about these projects and provide feedback where appropriate.

whom I hope with yourselves are in the best of health and enjoying life as much as possible in these trying times.

“So long, look after yourselves and all the best, your loving brother Allen.”

Further information comes from an article in the Dungog Chronicle on Friday 7 January,1944, titled ‘Newcastle Airman Helped In Rescue’.

‘The Minister for Air (Mr. Drakeford) announced details of the part played by a Newcastle airman, Flying Officer Allen Ringland, in the rescue of occupants of a. dinghy off the Dodocanese Islands.

‘Ringland was captain of a plane, attached to. an Australian naval cooperation squadron.

‘While on reconnaissance over the Dodocanese, he and his crew sighted distress lights from a dinghy on the sea.

‘They 'pin-pointed' the position; then flew back to two Swedish relief ships which they had passed earlier in the night.

‘Although the Australians did not know whether the dinghy contained friend or foe, they signalled the position to the Swedish vessels and continued to circle the ships until they saw them alter course to pick up the survivors.

‘The crew then completed the reconnaissance.

Tea Gardens Men’s Bowling Club News

By John SLATER

17 APRIL

It is nice to have some bowls this week after our efforts last week were washed out.

This week’s bowls were sponsored by the Tea Gardens Fisherman’s Co-Op.

Forty players faced the starter this week in fine weather.

Both the grass and the synthetic were used with the grass playing good despite the wet weather over the last few weeks.

The morning game was decided by the Lowest winning margin and with a margin of

just 4 Graeme Watkins, Col Fossey and Dave Ransome were the winners.

The afternoon game was determined by the lowest winning score and Kev Barbie, Barry Goode, and Ian Baker managed that feat with a score of 9.

The Garden Eatery voucher was won by Alan Greenhalgh. Our thanks to the Garden Eatery for their sponsoring of this voucher.

20 April

The Pennant season rolls on with the Tea Gardens Mid-Week Division 3 side, after going through their Sectional games undefeated and winning their quarter-final,

were beaten by Lemon Tree Passage in their semi-final.

A brilliant season from Division 3. Well, done! The Saturday Pennant season continues with the round seven results as follows.

Grade 5 retains their place on top of the ladder with a good win over Karuah 67-47.

They next play Hexham at home.

Grade 6 are only 1.5 points adrift of East Maitland on the ladder after a comprehensive win against Karuah 89-35. They play Mayfield West in their next encounter.

‘Flying Officer Ringland is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Ringland, of Tea Gardens.’

Allen didn’t make it home.

He and his crew were reported missing at sea ten miles off Cape Gata, Cyprus on 3 March, 1944.

The plane, a Ventura MK5, was never found and their deaths are commemorated in Egypt in the Alamein War Cemetery maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The Air Forces panels there commemorate more than 3,000 airmen of the Commonwealth who died in the campaigns in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Greece, Crete and the Aegean, Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Somalilands, the Sudan, East Africa, Aden and Madagascar, who have no known grave.

He was only 25.

The First World War had already affected my Mother’s family.

Two of her brothers (she was the youngest of 8) served in the Army, and the oldest, William Ward, lost a leg in the trenches at Gallipoli.

Lest we forget – not just those who served, but those whose lives were changed as the result of war.

This may be a major factor in your family’s story.

SPORT

Grade 7 were caught short at Stockton losing by just 5 shots 51-56.

The Grade 7 ladder now has 5 of the six teams with scores in the 30’s with Tea Gardens in fifth spot.

Grade 7 next play at home to Hexham.

In other news.

The Sectional play-offs for Open Pennants are fast approaching with the finals to be played on the 18th/19th and the 25th/26th of May.

Next week we will commemorate Anzac Day with a change in format with one game of 18 ends turnaround Triples.

q Allen (with cap) just after a trip, with his crew: a Scottish wireless operator, air gunner and an observer.

q Allen Ringland.

Draws

The Write Direction

By John BLACKBOURN

Where are we?

TRYING to make sense of where our economy is at present is getting more confusing by the day.

The All Ordinaries index is now above 8000 points, the highest level I have seen in over 50 years.

So, are we in boom times?

Last Wednesday’s economic report says there is “no end to the property cyclone” as construction costs keep rising, while more builders head into insolvency.

It goes on to say that Australia wide, every month, more than 200 building and construction companies go under.

In fact, in the current financial year so far there have been 987 insolvencies (in the eight months), which is up from 1495 from last year and just 782 a year earlier.

The article goes on to say that many subcontractors and suppliers are still waiting to get paid and suggests that the game survives on a cash flow method where the next new home being built covers the cost of building the current one.

Next, we look at the price of gold, which is said to be the safe method for holding the value of money in insecure times.

This week gold has hit another all-time high of $A3,500 per ounce and even online sellers of one ounce of gold are seeking up to $A5,400.

The share market is saying that things have never been better economically for investors, delivering capital gains and dividend incomes to the extent of achieving record high prices as determined by an All Ordinaries index above 8000 points.

Meanwhile the asset class best understood by the average Aussie, that of

DEAR Jasminda,

MY son went overseas recently and returned with multiple broken bones from a mountain biking accident.

I'm wondering about the best way to approach this so he doesn't continue to engage in risky activities into the future.

Josie B

Dear Josie,

Mmmn. This is a tricky one.

Whether something is a risky activity comes down to a whole range of factors including expertise, experience, preparation, and external variables that can't always be planned for. Sometimes an accident is just that - plain bad luck.

Likelihood levels also come into it.

It could be argued that there is more risk in your son driving to work than a holiday-based biking accident.

We can't prepare for every potential danger, but we can certainly assist with

home ownership, has reached the highest price anyone of us could imagine.

This also suggests that boom times have arrived.

So why are so many builders and materials suppliers going to the wall?

We could also say that investors in gold are covering their positions by buying and holding that commodity as they think an economic downgrade is a distinct possibility.

It also asks the question as to why professional investors are still buying equities on the share market when prices are at their highest ever.

The only answer here must be that they see further price increases for quality equities, just like house buyers must think that the present real estate price increases will continue.

All of this needs to be seen in the

mitigating those dangers.

To start with, he is going to be feeling very sore and sorry, so now isn't the time to dwell on the accident.

It's certainly not the time for any 'what were you thinking?' conversations when you give him his evening sponge bath (no doubt more excruciating for him than the accident).

What he needs is your physical and emotional support.

He will already be upset with himself.

As he starts to feel better, you could ease into conversations about how to be better prepared in the future.

Was the track slippery?

Was he trying to ride a course above his skill level?

Was fatigue involved?

Was he wearing all the necessary safety gear to minimise injury?

Did he have delusions that he was world class rider John 'The Tomes' Tomac instead of Bradley from the Bay?

We can help our kids pack for exciting adventures, but there are some things that can't be packed, including life experience.

Learning from mistakes is unfortunately one of the best, and sometimes most painful, ways to grow.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

context of interest rates as cash deposits are the viable investment alternative to equities and real estate.

Last week two major international banks operating in Australia announced their first interest rate reduction on deposits, whilst my own Aussie Bank has just increased its deposit rate for existing and new accounts.

Interesting reactions to the same issues that everyday investors and mortgage holders are looking at.

The most understandable sign of how we think our world is going must be the delightful rain we are receiving, which is making us all feel so positive after a hot and humid summer.

Trying to understand where the real game is going is becoming harder with each report.

Proposed environmental assessment processes for offshore wind farms

DEAR News Of The Area,

THERE is some local pushback on the development of offshore wind farms, some of which is genuinely based on environmental angst regarding the potential impact of these developments on the “pristine” offshore environment. The environmental impact assessments (EIAs) will in theory address this situation.

But these environmental impact assessments/statements will have to be demonstrably independent and transparent to avoid being accused of bias or being influenced by the proponents.

This would render the EIAs and associated work unacceptable to sectors of the community, including those waiting to see how the environmental impact assessments will be undertaken.

Any doubt as to the independence of the impact assessments/statements will undermine the entire process and will no doubt be used by some to continue to drive more angst and division in the community.

Independence and transparency can be achieved by establishing a trust fund

that the successful licensees subscribe to financially either equally or in proportionate amounts based on the size of their licence.

This will provide a single fund to support environmental assessment work pertaining to the development of wind farms in the licence area.

The Trust and associated entities will have to be clearly independent from the proponents and the Government with very clear Terms of Reference.

However, the Government will be required to put in place the necessary legislation and regulations to establish the trust and to ensure that proponents adhere to the proposed process.

To maximise credibility of the process an oversight body (committee) will need to be put in place to ensure that the Trust is fulfilling its obligations to deliver an independent and transparent EIA.

This committee may comprise academics from various universities and institutions and include private sector and independent/international expertise as required.

The entire structure and process will be

funded by the Trust using the money held in trust for the proponents.

This process will help ensure a more broad-based ecosystem approach is taken to the required studies, for example, including a wider buffer zone around the individual licenced areas, and covering the areas between the individual leases generating a better understanding of the of the ecology and potential impacts across the entire lease area and not just the individual licenced areas with their minimal buffer zone.

This arrangement should be cheaper for the proponents and provide better environmental outcomes overall and a better basis for developing their work.

It will also build trust with the community for the proponents and the Government.

The data collected through these surveys will be owned by the Government and made publicly available for peer review and “blue sky” research by other institutions.

A time limit prior to releasing the data for further research may be appropriate but should not extend beyond two years.

This will allow further independent

research to be undertaken in these areas potentially leading to any unrecognised long term impacts being identified by independent researchers.

The proponents may resist this proposed approach claiming the need for corporate confidentiality.

There may be some specific technical features of each proponent’s proposal which might require “commercial confidence”.

The Trust should be given the discretion to allow some limited studies and assessments to be conducted separately by individual licensees.

But the bulk of the required environmental assessment will be common to all technical proposals.

Finally, it should be noted that certain individuals in the community have already publicly stated that they will not necessarily accept or believe the science!

Presumably, this is a belief system that will require some other intervention.

READING by Lynne Miles: Proverbs 10: 12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions." (Hatred.)

Bulahdelah Golf Club News

By Thora-Lou SMITH

WEDNESDAY April 17th was the Mabel MacKenzie Medal Stroke round and Lou Smith was the winner with 70nett from Terry Stellema with 79nett. Barbie Gordon got the NTP and Meg South won the jackpot.

Thursday April 18th was a Vets Stableford round. 25 players enjoyed a beautiful day and Lou Smith

just managed to hold off contenders with 38pts from Alex Reekie with 37pts and Jeff Graham with 35pts. Matt Host and Jeff Graham won the NTPs and Ken Hughes grabbed the jackpot.

Unfortunately, the weather was not kind on

Saturday 20th; but 21 dedicated players turned up in the rain to contest the Men's March Monthly Mug and a Stableford round for the

ladies. The sun did eventually come out for a few hours and the Mug winner was Geoff Harvey with 70nett from Stewart McNaughton with 71nett on a c/b from Zac Watt. Alison Benson was the ladies' winner with 28pts from Lou Smith with 27pts. Stewart and Zac were the only

Tea Gardens Women's Bowling Club

By Lynda RICHARDS

TUESDAY 16th April:

Round 2 (Semi Final) Club

Championship Triples and social bowls played. Format for social bowls was a game of Fours (Precy Swaddling swinger Lead), just 12 ends bowled. The winners were Precy, Carolyn Fredericks, Loretta Baker and Pat Baker 17 v Precy, Jan Coomer, Kris MacDonald and Judi Polak 8. Results of the Triples Competition Dawn Jones, Ingrid Luck and Sandra Leisemann were having a close contest v Lynda Richards, Robyn Beaumont and Dale Winter, 6 all on the 7th end. From here on Sandra's team slowly edged

in front with just 3 ends left to bowl they held a lead of 7 shots (16 v 9). Dale's team won the last 3 ends but didn't score enough points to win the game, ultimately losing by 2 points, 16 v 14. Lyn Nightingale, Gay Pezet and Bev Harrington led all the way defeating Irene Roberts, Deyonne Page and Lynne Green 21 v 12.

Thursday 18th April: The Final of the Triples Lyn Nightingale, Gay Pezet and Bev Harrington v Dawn Jones, Ingrid Luck and Sandra Leisemann. This game was "neck to neck" from the start, on the 10th end the score was 8 all, from here on things changed the next 4 ends resulted in

Bev's team gaining 13 shots (5,1,5 & 2) the score now 21 v 8, with just 3 ends left to bowl nearly an impossible task for Sandra's team to make a come back. TGWBC Club Championship Triples winners are Lyn, Gay and

2 players to get the NTPs and Heta Pierson won the jackpot. Long drivers were Toby Carroll, Alan Benson, Garry Willadsen and Lou Smith.

Next Saturday is the April Monthly Mug, and the Vets will play on Wednesday 24th in respect for ANZAC Day on the 25th.

q Winners Club Championship Triples: Lyn Nightingale,

Bev winning by 10 shots 22 v 12. Great bowling by all competitors. Social bowls played 2 games of Fours 12 ends, Danni Smith swinger Lead. Danni, Deb Gardner, Dorothy Thompson and Dale Winter 8 v Danni, Precy Swaddling, Lynda Richards and Bev Dunn 8. A win for Kris MacDonald, Sue Morris, Dale Cameron and Pat Baker 12 v Jan Coomer, Carolyn Fredericks, Deyonne Page and Bette Saillard 7. Naturally the winners for the

Hawks Nest Ladies Golf

By Dianne BOWES

RESULTS for Saturday April 13th 2024

35 Ladies teed off on a glorious autumn Saturday in an individual Stableford event.

A Grade: 1st Maxine Mitchell on 37 (best score of the day); 2nd Ann Syme 35; 3rd Helen Haynes 34 C/B

B Grade: 1st Renea Kerr 35; 2nd Donna O’Brien 34; 3rd Janet Moore 32

Place getters (34-30): Mandy Dickson, Samantha Leggatt, Marcia Smith, Cheryl Rose, Julie Hammond,

Kay Kim, Sue Campton, Marguerite Miller and Denise Sainty. NTP 10th Hole: Annie Benton Tuesday’s team event was played off the grey tees as a Waltz Stableford. Players kept their individual scores, but the team score for each hole was recorded in a waltz rhythm of 1-2-3 (the best 1 score on the first hole, best 2 scores on the 2nd, best 3 scores on the 3rd and repeat). A very good field of 65 ladies had fun in their teams, with a lot of happy chatter in the clubhouse afterwards. Special

mention today goes to Denise Sainty with a magnificent eagle on the 15th. From 115 metres out, she used her 5 hybrid to land the ball on the edge of the green and roll it into the hole for 2 shots, & 4 points. Also, to Jo Collins who chipped in for a 3/4 pointer on the 17th.

Results for Tuesday 16th

April 2024

1st Sue Kovacs, Annie Benton, Denise Sainty & Sue Brownrigg

2nd Joanne Scott, Carol Wiggins, Janet Olsen & Shaz Carter

3rd Sue Campton, Deb

Gardner, Deb Dummett & Dawn Wiggins

Place Getters: Pauline Barham, Maxine Mitchell, Karen Serhan & Rhonda Dorman; Robyn Wade, Janet Moore, Marlene stokes & Helena Wilton; Marguerite Miller, Sari McDonald, Di Davis & Carolyn Affleck.

Chip Ins: Denise Sainty, Jo Collins, Carolyn Affleck, Barb Birmingham, Di Rumble Dickson & Donna Gorton.

Tuesday Lady Vets 9 Hole

1st Pat Marr 21; 2nd Ann

Browning 17; 3rd Pam Kelly 16

Congratulations to all our winners and participants today.

day were Kris, Sue, Dale and Pat.

Coming events: Tuesday 30th April Unfurling of the Pennant Flag, following the ceremony 12 ends of bowls followed by lunch.

LIGHTHOUSE WEEK FINGAL BAY

Join Stinker in the first week in May for ‘Lighthouse Week” when the residents of Fingal Bay celebrate 162 years since the Outer Light at Point Stephens on Fingal Island first shone.

The week commences on Wednesday 1st May when he will be conducting a historical tour across the island and up into the lighthouse where the views along the coastline from Broughton Island to Newcastle are stunning.

Those interested need contact Moonshadow Cruises.

On Thursday 2nd, a free picture presentation will be given on the ‘History of Fingal Bay and the Outer Light’ at the Cellars Café on Market Street. The presentation will commence at 4pm followed by an open discussion Q & A session from 5pm.

Sunday 5th May Fingal local, friends and visitors gather in Market Street from 2pm for music and dance.

‘Lighthouse Week’ is in its third year and is organised by the Fingal community to share the fascinating history of this unique coastal hamlet. All welcome.

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CANVAS bag for shopping trolley. $14 4982 8628 F150224

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

CHEFS uniforms, 2 jackets (small), 4 trousers (3 medium, 1 small) 1 cap. $70 for the lot. Ph 0412 783 707 F250124

CHEST of drawers

Antique, 3 full length drawers and 2 half length drawers. 160cm x 55cm x 120cm H. $120 0418 950 995

CHEST of drawers large, wooden, 104cm H x 105cm W. Painted off white, VGC. $30. 0403 177 795 F210324

EXTENSION Cord 25 metres 10 Amps $25 4919 8277 Tea Gardens F021123

FISH fern for pond or aquarium. 0466 880 639

HUSQVARNA self propelled lawn mower VGC, mulcher catcher petrol edger GC $300 for both units. 0427 980 079

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

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

LARGE Invacare Meteor mobility scooter imacculate condition front basket,

OFFICE chair, IKEA exec, as new. $100. Ph 0418 191 818

PIANOLA rolls cabinet timber with leadlight glass door, elock, 70cm x 46cm x 105cm high $100. 0418 950 995

WOMENS vanity bedroom chair, gold velveteen cover with back and round seat with a pleated skirt on wheels, retro 1970s, exc cond. $100 ono 49817523

FRIDGE, great second fridge, GC. $45 or offer 49979313 F080224

FRIDGE/FREEZER in good working cond

Hisense, 350L $150 Photos available. Hawks Nest. 0419 444 119

FULL length Driza-Bone wet weather coat. $90 0419 985 601

GO Fit Vibration Platform $100 ono. Must sell 0417 664 032 F010224

MENS valet chair gold vinyl covered seat, hanging back for coats, shirts etc and a tray for the wallet and valuables exc cond. $70 49817523

MICROWAVE, new small $100. 0493777707

MOBILITY white raised toilet seat on legs, arm rests and brand new bowl. Stands over exiting toilet, light easy pickup and replace no installation req. Exc cond. $60. 4981 7523

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

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

SCOTTY’S Cinema gift cards $75. Buy for $60, expire June 25. 0418 845 358

WORLD book encyclopedias, full set Offer. 49979313 F080224

COFFEE/Lamp table Walnut stained good cond. Top has glass inset 60cm x 60cm H 44cm Magazine shelf at bottom $50. 0430 092 825 f140923

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

ANTIQUE sewing machine, Singer 306K model. Good working order, manual & all attachments inc. $75 0419 970 527

CURLING iron $10 0493 777 707 F150224

DRESS, New, Short Sleeve, Golden Blue Marble print

0427

HAIR dryer with diffuser new, worth $170, will sell for $15. 0493 777 707 F150224

NEW Mahogany side tables. $100each 0493 777 707

HOLDEN Astra car rim and tire tubeless steel belted radial. Size 205 / 55R16 $70 ono. Ph 4981 7523 F150623

HOLDEN racing team shirt from early 2000’s Red with insignias of Dunlop, Holden and Coca Cola. Large. $10 4981 7523.

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

SINGLE base mattress and white bedhead clean, GC with single clean quality used linen $100. 0408 431 488

STACER Seaway 435 boat, IBP617N, Honda 40hp 4 stroke motor, low hours, gal trailer R43321 Bimini boat cover, life jackets plus extras. Exc cond. $13,000 ono. Ph 0428 865 938 Re260924

SUBARU Outback Touring wagon, 2011 2.5L auto, AWD, 155km rego till Feb 2025, log book. DZD22L. $8,500 0448 253 290

JAYCO Journey single axel, single beds shower/toilet, microwave auto awning, review camera, all as new 16.5 ft, 15 months old TL85A1. $62,500. Ph Les 0419 194 188

MILLARD Horizon 2001. Rollout awning 12 months rego. Annex N65160. $10,000 Ph 0438 020 040

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

Ph 0415 344 394

BABY carrier, BabyBjorn new price is over $300 selling for $90 ono. Ph 0412 783 707

NURSES shoes size 8 ladies, worn once $70ono 0413 401 589

WHEELCHAIR Breezy Basix, Transit. Exc. Cons $100. 0432 210 234

MILLARD Horizon 2003 19ft dual axel light weight. Tare 1544. GVM 1944. 2 x 200 solar panels, anderson plug 3 way fridge, queen bed, shower/toilet, full 12 months rego, roll out awning. Non smokers Selling due to update $25,500. Q25752 0418 430 643 Re220824

Boats Motors

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY AFTER THE PARTY

ABC, 8.30pm

This simmering New Zealand series bravely steps into the darkest corners and implores the viewer to explore a confronting scenario. Beloved Kiwi actress Robyn Malcolm, known for her impeccable comic timing from hits such as OutrageousFortune and UpperMiddle Bogan, goes all in for this devastating story as Penny, a middle-aged, free-spirited mother who saw something disturbingly life-changing at a party involving her ex Phil (Peter Mullan) and their teenage daughter’s friend. When Phil returns five years later, their lives begin to unravel as flashbacks shed light. Scalding performances and evocative scenery drive this fresh and confronting drama.

FRIDAY, April 26

TUESDAY

MINISERIES: THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB

SEVEN, 9pm

Based on the novels by Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood, this quintessentially British crime drama is humming with quirks and well-drawn characters. It’s a murder mystery that aims for fun and the investigations lead to some pleasingly unpredictable outcomes and laugh-out-loud moments. This small-town mystery follows a trio of improbable but sharp crimesolvers in dog walker Suzie (Jo Martin), crossword writer Judith (Downton Abbey Samantha Bond) and the local vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan), with detective Tanika (Natalie Dew) not far behind. Faithful to the book, it’s a cosy and light adaptation that brims with character rather than tension.

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Dambusters With Dan Snow. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

SBS World News.

Ancient Egypt By Train. (PGa, R) 8.30 JFK: The Home Movie That Changed The World. (Mav, R)

9.25 Secrets Of The Lost Liners.

World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

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

WEDNESDAY RICK STEIN’S FOOD STORIES

SBS FOOD, 7.30pm

He may be pushing 80, but British chef Rick Stein still possesses a winsome childlike wonder when it comes to food. There are many great chefs, but Stein is in a realm of his own with his zest and passion for the history and people behind a dish. Indulging in the fish-loving foodie’s immense back catalogue of shows is a satisfying pastime, but tonight there’s fresh fare with this charming new series exploring modern-day British food. It’s a smorgasbord of lovely scenery, diverse dishes and good oldfashioned chin-wagging as he indulges in a stirring pilgrimage. Complete with recipe demonstrations from his Padstow abode, Stein has a wonderfully engaging recipe for hosting that’s all his own.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Clarissa Feildel cooks stir-fried Hokkien noodles. 8.30 MOVIE: Robin Hood. (2010, Msv, R) An archer returns home to England, only to find the country suffering under the yoke of devious noblemen. Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen.

11.25 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

12.25 Celebrity Obsessed: Christina Grimmie. (MA15+av, R)

1.25 Medical Emergency. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels.

9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.

10.40 MOVIE: The Jackal. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A jailed Irish sniper is hired by the FBI. Bruce Willis. 1.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

2.00 Pointless. (PG, R)

Norton Show. (PGlsv, R) Celebrity guests include Lesley Manville, Hugh Bonneville, Lashana Lynch and Big Zuu. 10.30 Fire Country. (Mv, R) 11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s

SATURDAY, April 27

TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R) 3.00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 4.00 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time. (Final, R) 4.50 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (R) 5.20 Landline. (R) 5.50 Aust Story. (R)

6.20 Back Roads: Tom Price, Western Australia. (PG, R)

Presented by Heather Ewart.

6.50 Bluey. (R) Bluey and Bingo want to play with Dad.

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

7.30 Father Brown. (Return, Mv) A murderer is on the loose in Kembleford.

9.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Ma, R)

Part 4 of 5. Desperate to uncover the truth, Joe finds himself on the run.

10.40 A Life In Ten Pictures: Bruce Lee. (Mv, R) A look at Bruce Lee’s life in 10 pictures.

11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World C’ship. Round 3. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Women’s race. H’lights. 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Men’s race. H’lights. 4.30 Roman Megastructures. (PGasv, R) 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGa)

6.30 News.

7.30 Arthur: A Life With The Royal Family. (PGals, R)

8.30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG)

9.25 Miniseries: The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family. (PGa, R) 10.30 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 11.25 Everything You Love. (Premiere, Mals) 12.25 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R) 1.30 Miniseries: New Gold Mountain. (Malsv, R) 3.30 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50

Destination Flavour. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30

ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 2.

4.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

5.00 Seven News At 5.

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Officers stop two newlyweds at the border.

7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor. (2008, Mv, R) Adventurers battle a resurrected Chinese emperor. Brendan Fraser, Maria Bello.

9.40 MOVIE: Blade Runner 2049. (2017, MA15+v, R) A young blade runner unearths a secret. Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford.

12.55 Celebrity Obsessed. (MA15+alv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Mystic. (R)

House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

SUNDAY, April 28

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (Final, R) 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. (PG, R) 4.45 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass.

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma)

8.30 After The Party. (Premiere, Malns) A woman’s ex-husband returns to town.

9.20 The Luminaries. (Premiere, Mdv) Two adventurers meet on a voyage to New Zealand.

10.15 Shetland. (Mal, R)

11.15 Savage River. (Malsv, R)

12.10 The Messenger. (Mal, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Landline. (R)

4.30 Art Works. (PGns, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Ascot Kayaking. (PG, R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 3. 4.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic Apparatus World Cup. H’lights. 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG)

8.30 Egypt: The Treasure Of The Sacred Bulls. (PG, R)

9.35 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)

10.35 Yorkshire Ripper: The Secret Murders. (PGav, R)

11.30 Death Of A Dynasty. (Mv, R)

12.25 Secrets Of Playboy. (MA15+a, R)

2.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.45

World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. (PGa, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France

24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

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6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

11.30 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 3.

4.30

Ellis’s Adios in sixth place, John Booth’s Larceny in eighth place and Rick Pacey’s Elusive in tenth place.

Mr O’Rourke urged anyone thinking of coming to 2025 Sail Port Stephens to get in early and reserve a berth for the Passage Series, which will run from Monday

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March 31 to Saturday April 5. At the event’s presentation night, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington confirmed that the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, will continue its long-standing commitment to the event.

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6.00 Ready Steady Cook. (PGa, R) Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

7.00 The Dog House. (PGa)

A bulldog has lost its spark since its long-term companion passed away.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Madl) Crewmates help an elderly patient at the local boatyard who has been on the floor for two days.

10.30 So Help Me Todd. (PGav, R)

A juror dies during Susan’s first big trial.

11.30 FBI: International. (Mv, R)

Jubal Valentine and Nina Chase join the fly team in Rome to gather intel after an American architect is abducted.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

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6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl)

The cooks have 75 minutes on the clock to create a dish representing their food dream. 9.00 FBI. (Mv) When a federal judge is gunned down execution-style in broad daylight, the team is sent looking for a suspect with ties to a local Islamic centre. Things become tense between OA and his girlfriend Gemma.

12.00 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

q The MV Tea Gardens, an Original Tea Gardens Ferry, crosses the bay with the regatta in the background. Photo: Salty Dingo and Pantaenius Australia.

MONDAY, April 29

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 MOVIE: They Shall Not Grow Old. (2018, R) 2.50 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.20 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.10 The Art Of France. (PGan, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.10 Heritage Rescue. (R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Dambusters With Dan Snow. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 Farmer Wants

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

TUESDAY, April 30

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 After The Party. (Malns, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Muster Dogs. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

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6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Outta Town Adventures. (Return, PGa) 11.00 Secret Cities. (Mans, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Heritage Rescue. (PG, R) 3.05 Living Black. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Dambusters With Dan Snow. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Mads, R)

11.55 Faking Hitler. (Ml)

12.50 Reyka. (MA15+av, R)

3.50

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by

MasterChef Australia. (PGl) A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes.

FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The murder of a geology

WEDNESDAY, May 1

9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Outta Town Adventures. (PGan) 11.00 Secret Cities. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R)

2.30 Insight. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Most Extraordinary Homes. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, May 2

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For

9.30 Unbelievable Moments

Caught On Camera. (PGa) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Talking Footy.

12.00 Parenthood. (Ma, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures Of Arabia. (R)

8.30 Bettany Hughes Treasures Western Turkey. (PG, R)

9.25 Blue Lights. (Mal)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Illegals. (MA15+av)

12.00 Miniseries: The Long Call. (Ma, R)

1.50 The Queen’s Mother In Law. (PGa, R)

2.45 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R)

3.30 World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World

By Marian SAMPSON

Stephens was host to the second largest sailing regatta in the country over the past two weeks.

Just when it looked like the Sail Port Stephens (SPS) Passage Series couldn’t grow any further, the iconic regatta once again surpassed trends with a record fleet of 115 entries.

Among the entries were a large number of first-time competitors who didn’t have the advantage of rebooking from 2023.

The event was preceded by a race to the harbour from Newcastle.

No SPS would be complete without Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) member Greg Newton competing in a Beneteau called ‘Antipodes’.

He has done so without fail for the past sixteen regattas, aboard a 42s7, a First 47.7, an Oceanis 523 and most recently an Oceanis 45, all bearing the same moniker.

Newton is also a longterm regatta sponsor through his company, Rolly Tasker Sails.

“I believe I’m one of only two owners who’s done every regatta, the other being ‘Jeanneau’ sailor Peter Lewis from Middle Harbour Yacht Club,” Newton said.

“The initial attraction was that it’s so close to Sydney, and once you’re there you can set the boat up and enjoy five or six days of sailing – that’s the beauty of it.

“The blend of inshore and offshore sailing is also fantastic for cruising sailors because some days you think ‘geez it’s going to be rough out there’ and then

they run an inshore course.”

The timing for the 2024 series coincided with the NSW school holidays for the first time since 2017.

“Our regatta dates change each year to avoid clashing with Easter and other calendar events, so falling inside the school holidays this year caused some initial trepidation,”

Regatta Director Paul O’Rourke said.

“But in our 17th year it’s going to be the biggest and hopefully best ever, both on and off the water.”

Pittwater’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club had 18 starters in the regatta, ahead of custodians Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (twelve) and the Cruising Yacht Club

of Australia (eleven).

Nine locals from Port Stephens Yacht Club were added to the mix.

Local yachts and their crews used their local knowledge and had strong results with Julain Bell’s ‘51st Project’ taking out sixteenth place with 66 points in Division One.

In division Two Dennis

Hume and his crew on ‘Wubaray’ took out 22nd place and ‘Una Vita’ skippered by Peachey and Rundle came 24th on 87.5 and 92.5 points respectively. They were followed by fellow Port Stephens Yacht Club members ‘Raptor’ under Richard Kerr on 97

q The Sail Port Stephens fleet at the heads. Photo: Hoover.