Port Stephens News Of The Area 11 May 2023

Offshore racing lights up the Port Stephens coastline

By Marian SAMPSON

WILD weather proved challenging for the crews participating on the last day of the NSW Yachting Championships and Act 3 of the TP52 Gold Cup at Sail Port Stephens.

23 yachts contested the three-day Windward-Leeward Series, which made for some great sailing off the coast with vantage points from Box Beach to Bennetts Beach being enjoyed. Principal Race Officer

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Lindsay HALL

q Flying spinnakers in strong winds proved risky business for some competitors. Photo: Salty Dingo.

Pharmacists share concern over planned change to medication dispensing

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prescription medication.

As a part of the financial strategy of the Labor government, citizens with chronic medical conditions that require regular medication may be eligible to receive a supply for 60 days at a time, double the current limit, for the same cost per prescription.

The 60-day dispensing policy will provide doctors with the option to prescribe a two-month supply of more than 320 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), including medicines for conditions such as heart disease, cholesterol, Crohn's disease and hypertension.

Dubbed ‘60 Day Dispensing’ the announcement has made waves in the media, with Butler promising the policy

would save Australians up to $180 per year, with fewer visits to pharmacies and clinics necessary.

“Australian pharmacies already do much more than just dispense medicine and the Government is supporting our trusted pharmacists to play an even bigger role in the healthcare of Australians,” Mr Butler said.

Pharmacists, however, have begun to speak out in opposition to the policy change and they are making their convictions clear.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Trent Twomey, said there’s no guarantee that patients will receive the medicine they need or that pharmacies wouldn’t close as a result of this new policy, and this, he says, is worrying.

“This is a $3.5 billion

cut to patient care across every single community in Australia and that should worry patients,” Professor Twomey said.

Local pharmacists in Port Stephens have banded together in support of the sentiment shared by the vast majority of the Pharmacy Guild.

Richard Buckley of Anna Bay Pharmacy is deeply concerned at the impact the policy will have on smaller pharmacies, particularly in rural areas.

“Pharmacies use the funding from dispensing medicines to allow us to provide lots of subsidised services which the public enjoy for free,” said Richard.

“Without these fees we will struggle to offer those services.”

Starting a social media campaign to raise public awareness of the concerns

surrounding the policy, the team of pharmacists at Amcal+ Salamander Bay are calling upon members of the community to join a petition asking the government to reconsider its plans.

“The 60 day dispensing policy by the Albanese Federal Labor government was a decision made by politicians without a single thought of the consequences to patients, and to the viability of pharmacy,” they posted to social media.

“These changes will create medication shortages, create a higher risk of medication misadventure and medication wastagethere will be further repercussions.”

Owner and pharmacist Scott Elsegood of Terry White Chemmart Nelson Bay

said that with medications already difficult to reliably source, 60-day dispensing is set to make a problematic situation even worse.

Moreso is the fact that some of the medications listed on the scheme are for complex mental health issues.

“Even at 30 days sometimes it’s inappropriate for people,” he said.

“Increasing that to 60 days, particularly if they hoard it, could just be diabolical and could break down families and other relationships.”

Jamie Pisani of Shoal Bay Pharmacy believes that the government may be overstating the potential benefits to the public.

“We are keen to see a result that gives our patients increased convenience and real savings, without losing

the ability to deliver quality service,” James said.

“Many of our most vulnerable patients may not see the benefits of these reforms, so I think it's important that these policies are scrutinised and given the proper attention they deserve.”

Sharing this position with colleagues and professional peers, Dora Antonas of Discount Drug Store in Nelson Bay wants the community to know that there is no division amongst pharmacists on this issue.

“We are all standing together on this,” she said.

“This is going to affect us all the same way.

“We may work in different businesses, and in some ways we can be in competition with each other, but on this we completely support one another.”

Controlled burns through 52 hectares of Worimi Conservation Reserve

By Lindsay HALL

THE NSW branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service commenced work on a hazard reduction burn in Port

Stephens on Friday 5 May.

The controlled burn, which is being conducted throughout various points in the Worimi Conservation Reserve, is intended to

Information is correct at time of printing. For up-to-date information visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4988 0255.

reduce the fuel load across 52 hectares of bushland.

The Department of Planning and the Environment (DPE) assured local residents that the NPWS was working

closely with the board of the Worimi Conservation Lands “to ensure the burn protects and respects the cultural heritage values of the area”.

Hazard reduction burns

play a vital strategic role in reducing the risk of wildfires.

The east coast of Australia is one of the most fire-prone regions in the entire world.

“Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, cultural heritage, neighbours and communities

NOTICE OF NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (DA) FOR NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT:

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

NOMINATED INTEGRATED

DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL(S): TYPE OF APPROVAL: APPROVAL AGENCY: Nominated Integrated Environment Protection Authority

ASSESSING OFFICER: Isaac Lancaster Phone: 4988 0566 Email: Isaac.lancaster@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: Monday 8 May 2023 to Tuesday 6 June 2023

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: Tuesday 6 June 2023

WHERE TO VIEW INFORMATION: The documents accompanying the DA may be inspected during the exhibition period at Council’s Administration Building between 9am and 5pm weekdays. The documents accompanying the DA are also available on Council’s DA Tracker during the exhibition period. datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

WHO CAN MAKE A SUBMISSION: Any person can make a written submission in relation to the DA to Council during the exhibition period. If the submission is an objection, then the grounds of the objection must be specified in the submission.

Please note: All written submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered by Council during the assessment of the DA. Submissions are considered to be ‘open access information’

from future bushfires,” said a DPE spokesperson.

“This burn is one of the many that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is planning in national parks within the Hunter Coast Central Coast Branch during Autumn.”

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

SATURDAY 20 TO SUNDAY 21 MAY 2023

Seaview Crescent, Salamander Bay and the access road to the Port Stephens Sailing and Aquatic Club, Soldiers Point will be closed to traffic between 8am and 4pm from Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 May, for Sail Port Stephens event. For more information contact event organiser on 0407 387 302.

FRIDAY 26 MAY 2023

Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace between Swan Street and William Street, and Glenelg Street between Hunter Street and Port Stephens Street will be closed to traffic between 7am and 11pm on Friday 26 May for Illuminate event. Access for residents and business operators will be provided. For more information contact event organiser on 0432 655 581.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

2023 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Learn more about the coastal hazards impacting our coastline and estuary areas.

• Wednesday 7 June from 5pm to 7pm, online

• Thursday 8 June from 10am to 12pm at Bruce Scott Pavilion, Tomaree Sports Complex

• Thursday 8 June from 3pm to 5pm at Tanilba Foreshore Hall, Tanilba Bay

Register your interest at pscouncil.info/cmp

RAYMOND TERRACE WORKS

HIGH PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY AREA

We’re upgrading the road infrastructure within the Raymond Terrace CBD to improve safety. Find out more at pscouncil.info/raymond-terrace-hpaa

Offshore racing at Sail Port Stephens

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Denis Thompson said, “I was watching the weather models all night and we were not expecting the weather to get fresh until around 1pm.”

Warm and waterproof sailing gear was the order of the day, and everyone was on time as all involved geared up to get two quick races in to round off the IRC handicap focused event that is part of one of the most popular sailing regattas on the calendar.

The start line was off Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest, with the top mark close enough that those in the surf club could sit back and enjoy the action.

As the start time drew closer the short chop and white caps increased, which saw some entries withdrawn, including local boat 51st Project, which unfortunately suffered some gear failure.

Owner of 51st Project,

Julian Bell, was a little disappointed with having to pull out of the third day as the Beneteau First 50 would have lapped up the stronger winds.

“We had a great regatta, unfortunately we had to pull out of day three with equipment failure, otherwise it would have been great conditions for us,” he said.

Bell stayed positive however, adding, “Sail Port Stephens is such a big part of our sailing calendar, for us it’s a family event, and socialising is also a huge part of that.”

For the second race, winds were gusting to over 30 knots.

At this wind speed boats can start to broach, sails start to tear, and gear starts to break.

The yachts punched through the chop to the top mark, rounded, then it was a spinnaker run back to the finish line.

The TP52s were recording over 20 knots of

boat speed on the way home to the finish.

Some of the smaller boats decided to run with headsails rather than spinnakers, and a few crews had a bit on their plate as sails blew out.

IRC Division 3 winner was the consistent performer So Farr, the Farr 31 of Dale Sharp out of Lake Macquarie Yacht Club.

Sydney 36 Stormaway from Middle Harbour Yacht Club took second place, with another Sydney 36, King Tide, rounding off the podium.

ORC results were almost the same with So Farr on top, then Stormaway and King Tide swapping places.

IRC Division 2 had two Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club boats continuing their battles as Keiran Mulcahy’s King 40 Soozal took first place, and Sail Port Stephens stalwart Gerry Hatton’s Mat 1245 Bushranger second. Nine Dragons, the DK46 from Middle Harbour Yacht

club was third.

Again, the ORC results featured the same boats with a slight change in order – Bushranger, Soozal, Nine Dragons.

The TP52s conducted the Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup Act 3 in conjunction with Sail Port Stephens and the

competition was fierce.

Consistent performer Matador secured the firstplace trophy in both IRC and the class TPR rating, Matt Donald’s Gweilo also took second in both.

Third place under IRC was Geoff Boettcher’s Secret Mens Business from South

Australia, and third place in TPR was Craig Neil and his crew on Quest.

The whole team at Sail Port Stephens look forward to welcoming you when you next choose to sail at one of the best regattas in Australia.

SES volunteers take on swim and fitness testing

By Marian SAMPSON

NSW SES Port Stephens members completed their swim and fitness tests last week.

In the NSW SES, all levels of Flood Rescue Operators are required to demonstrate their fitness and ability to selfrescue.

The swimming component was completed at Lakeside Leisure Centre, with the fitness component completed at the local SES Unit.

All SES members are required to complete these tests as part of their initial and ongoing currency.

Alysha Springett, Deputy Unit Commander of Port Stephens SES told News Of The Area, “Safety is paramount, and these tests have been specifically designed to ensure

a base level of fitness for our members.”

There are three different levels of swim tests, depending on the type of Operator.

The In-Water swim test consists of a 200 metre swim (in under four minutes 30 seconds), floating on the back for two minutes, followed by five minutes of non-stop treading water.

The On-Water and LandBased Operator test consists of a 25 metre swim (in full two piece uniform plus Personal Floatation Device (PFD)), then a 50 metre swim in swimmers (in under one minute 30 seconds), floating on the back for two minutes, followed by five minutes of non-stop treading water.

The Boat Operator test

consists of a 25 metre swim (in full two piece uniform and PFD), then a 25 metre swim in swimmers, followed by 30 seconds of non-stop treading water.

The fitness test then comprises nine separate activities designed to test strength, endurance, flexibility, movement and balance of members.

q Heading off on the windward leg. Photo: Salty Dingo.

q Lugging equipment is all part of the job that our SES volunteers do.

q SES members in the pool conducting their In-Water swim tests.

Remembering the Forgotten Fleet

By Geoff WALKER

ANZAC Day remembers previous generations of Australians who sacrificed so much to keep us free as a nation.

However there were others, now passed on, who were largely forgotten.

One such group was the 'Forgotten Fleet'.

Had it not been for Medowie couple Bill and Ruth Lunney, this story could very well have vanished into the mists of time.

Their book tells the tale.

It started out in 1942 when the Australian and American forces repelled a determined thrust by the Japanese to secure the airstrips and garrison at Milne Bay, New Guinea.

It was then developed into a major hub from which the allies could mount operations to push back the Japanese. There was a problem, however.

They needed a fleet of small ships to ferry supplies to forward bases.

The American army turned to Australia for help.

They went up and down the coast requisitioning shallow draught, seaworthy craft such as tugs, trawlers, ferries, barges and other small ships.

The oyster boat 'Stella Maris' from Port Stephens was one of them.

As for the crew, they took onboard adventurers, those too young for military service or those too old to be recruited.

They also included the disabled.

One eye, one leg or one arm made no difference.

Bill Lunney was one of

them, as was the late Frede Oulund, a Danish merchant seaman stranded in Sydney by the war.

He was wounded at Milne Bay but recovered and went on to captain his own little ship.

Frede’s wife Margaret lived independently to the age of 100 in her two storey home by the water in Lemon Tree Passage.

Bill has passed on and his wife Ruth, a former Raymond Terrace High School teacher, has reprinted the book as 'Forgotten Fleet 2'.

As many as 1100 of the little ships, each armed with a single machine gun,

transported everything from tents to tanks, bully beef to bulldozers to the frontline troops.

They returned with mail and the sick and wounded.

The 'Stella Maris' continued its work as an oyster boat for many years after the war and came to a sad ending when it sank at its moorings in Tanilba Bay about ten years ago.

Lemon Tree Passage also has links with another lesser known vessel which operated

not as a little ship, but as part of 'Z' force.

Built in Brisbane in 1942, it was a replica of a Macassan Prau, which could blend in with the Indonesian fishing vessels as it landed coast watchers and spied on Japanese naval movements.

After leaving the Lemon Tree Passage marina, the 'Bintang Siang' foundered and ended its days on the beach at South West Rocks.

'Forgotten Fleet 2' is available from Port Stephens library services.

q

Sixteen-year-old Bill ready to sail.

q Ruth Lunney at her Medowie home.

qMargaret Oulund with Frede's medals and his picture in the book.

Federal roads funding announced

By Thomas O’KEEFE

FEDERAL funding for local roads has recently been announced in the fourth stage of the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Local Roads and Community Infrastructure’ program.

Five local Councils within the Federal electorate of Lyne have been allocated a grand total of almost $12 million.

The total amounts for Phrase 4 (‘Parts A and B’ combined) are, by Council: Maitland City: $1,376,182; Port Stephens: $1,230,752; Dungog Shire: $906,393; MidCoast: $5,349,312; and Port Macquarie-Hastings: $2,880,252.

“The Program has now become critical for regional Councils in infrastructure delivery,” said Dr David Gillespie, Federal Member for

Lyne.

“In my recent Vision 2030 Plan survey of 3,000 households across the Lyne electorate, roads were the number one priority, this program will go some way towards getting more road projects on the agenda.”

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (all one Department) stated that Councils will be able to access their Phase 4 funding allocations from July 2023.

“I’ve discussed the need to not only maintain existing levels of funding for infrastructure in regional areas like ours, but also further investment given the importance of roads to our region and the economy,” Dr Gillespie told NOTA.

With close to half of the overall Federal funding

q Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie (centre) on one of the patchworked, potholed roads in desperate need of repair

within Lyne electorate going to MidCoast Council, one may hope that the Myall Way, among several other desperately damaged arterial roadways, may finally get some attention.

“In government, The Nationals put in place a number of good programs for regional Australia.

“These programs, combined with the regionalisation agenda we took to the last election, should be embraced if Australia is not only to bring regional infrastructure up to standard, but also move the growth out of our major cities and into rural and regional towns,” Dr Gillespie added.

However, given that the existing list of MidCoast Council’s ‘Major road and bridge projects’ only specifies three planned projects south of the Lakes Way, the southern section of the LGA is likely not a priority.

Raymond Terrace streets continue to be reinvigorated

THE creation of a new Community Corner, featuring local artwork and new seating, is just one of the town centre projects being delivered by Port Stephens Council in Raymond Terrace, thanks to funding from the NSW Government Streets as Shared Spaces program.

"In 2020 we asked the community about their vision for Raymond Terrace, developing the Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan, and since then, we’ve been rolling out a program of works to help see this vision become

a reality,” Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

“Improving Raymond Terrace is a key action the community elected me on and I’m proud that we’ve been able to access a range of grant funding programs to make action happen.

“From early May, thanks to the NSW Government Streets as Shared Spaces Program, we’ll be implementing a range of improvements across the Raymond Terrace town centre, including colourful street and footpath stamping, a street art program, a makeover of King

Street and the Marriage Trees park, reimagining the old fire station to a bright community corner, new wayfinding signage and new community events and activations,” he added.

Vibrant Places Coordinator Amber Herrmann said thanks to funding like this, Council can continue to roll out the 20 year vision to revitalise the town centre and improve public spaces for our community.

“The three biggest priorities of the Raymond Terrace community are

healthy streets, lively spaces, and unique experiences, particularly in William Street, Adelaide Street and the river foreshore.

“We know this recipe can really boost business in a town centre," Ms Herrmann said.

“As part of our Streets as Shared Spaces program, we’re working with local aboriginal artists, business and students to bring vibrancy and colour to existing furniture, walls and other underutilised spaces –all with the aim of linking key sites across the town.

“I’m really excited to

Marine Rescue receive Yachtsman Life Cell device

By Marian SAMPSON

MARINE Rescue Lemon

Tree Passage has received the generous donation of a Life Cell Yachtsman device for its LT30 vessel.

The device is designed to reduce the amount of lives lost at sea by ensuring

all key safety equipment is contained in one place when abandonment is the only option.

The device combines equipment in a flotation device, significantly reducing the chance of safety items being lost or unable to be found in time

to abandon the vessel. The vessel will be able to deploy the Life Cell Yachtsman in the event that they are responding to persons in the water.

Mick Chubb of Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage told News Of The Area, “It is believed that

LT30 is the first Marine Rescue vessel to have the device fitted.” The crew of Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage are very thankful to Life Cell Marine Safety for their assistance in obtaining the device for their vessel.

see the town centre come to life with these simple yet impactful projects, it’s projects like these that let the community tell the story of their place and be proud of where they live.

“We’ll also be acknowledging the historical importance of the Marriage Trees and King Street area, improving the vibrancy of the site with improved signage, temporary seating, lighting and a play feature.

“Finally, to encourage social cohesion and to celebrate our reinvigorated

spaces we’ll be holding a range of community events and activations like the upcoming Illuminate Raymond Terrace and Raymond Terrace Festival,” she added.

The Community Corner, street stamping, Marriage Trees activation and wayfinding signage works are scheduled to be complete by June.

The program is part of a larger program of works to revitalise Raymond Terrace.

For more information about these works visit pscouncil.info/rt-sass

q Lemon Tree Passage Marine Rescue’s Vessel Master Daryl Jurd with the device.

Lindsay HALL 0430 048 398 lindsay@newsofthearea.com.au

Chris KARAS 0400 819 153 chris@newsofthearea.com.au

Marian SAMPSON 0414 521 180 marian@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

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POST: PO Box 1000, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324

New report shows impact of COVID-19 on NSW healthcare system across pandemic

treated them as 'very good' (65 percent) or 'good' (26 percent).

Tracey BENNETT 0484 263 558 tracey@newsofthearea.com.au

THE Bureau of Health Information (BHI) has released its latest ‘Healthcare in Focus' report, which reflects on the pandemic’s effects on key aspects of public health system performance throughout 2020 to 2022.

‘Healthcare in Focus – New South Wales and the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022’ examines public hospital activity and performance, including patients’ experiences, across multiple sectors of the healthcare system – focusing on ambulance services; emergency departments (EDs); admitted patients; elective, or planned, surgery; and virtual care.

BHI Chief Executive Dr Diane Watson said the report illustrates a health system that was already at or near record levels of activity at the beginning of 2020, before the pandemic.

“While ambulance, ED, admitted patient and elective surgery activity fluctuated over the course of the pandemic, the NSW health system was once again experiencing high levels of demand by the end of 2022,” said Dr Watson.

“During this period, patients tended to wait longer to receive care than prior to the pandemic.”

The report uses patient survey results to track the impacts of COVID-19 on patients’ experiences of care.

“In general, patients’ overall experiences of care in NSW public hospitals had been improving leading up to 2020,” said Dr Watson.

“While ratings of care did decrease at times during the pandemic, they generally remained above mid-2019 levels.”

The report also looks at patients’ experiences of virtual care, which was used increasingly during the pandemic, and the experiences of patients transported by ambulance to the ED.

Healthcare in Focus also provides insights into patient outcomes.

The number of deaths from any cause in NSW was lower than expected in 2020, within the expected range throughout 2021, and higher than expected in the first half of 2022.

Many people were admitted to hospital with COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022.

However, fewer were admitted for respiratory and cardiac diseases and stroke than prior to the pandemic and fewer of these patients died within 30 days of their admission.

The report also highlights

some key differences in how rural and urban areas experienced the pandemic.

Emergency Department Patient Survey 2021–22 results

Also released last week were the results of the Emergency Department Patient Survey (EDPS) 2021–22, which reflect the experiences of almost 22,000 people who attended one of 77 large EDs in NSW from July 2021 to June 2022.

“It’s important to remember that this survey was in the field when health services and staff were managing the Delta and Omicron waves,” said Dr Watson.

“This included additional preventative measures to ensure the safety of staff and patients, which may have affected experiences of care.”

Almost nine in ten patients (88 percent) said, overall, their care was 'very good' (61 percent) or 'good' (27 percent), and around nine in ten (91 percent) rated the ED health professionals who

For the majority of survey questions, patients were slightly less positive than the previous survey. However, there were some questions that decreased more notably.

For example, 55 percent of patients rated how ED health professionals worked together as ‘very good’ (compared with 59 percent in 2020–21).

The Snapshot report also compares the experiences of patients who attended EDs in urban hospitals with those who attended EDs in rural hospitals.

For most questions, there were no significant differences in experiences between rural and urban patients.

Healthcare in Focus –New South Wales and the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022 and the results of the Emergency Department Patient Survey 2021–22 are available at bhi.nsw.gov.au

More detailed EDPS 2021–22 results, including for individual EDs, are available in the supplementary data tables at https://www.bhi.nsw.gov. au/data-portal.

Fire and Rescue Open Day

By Marian SAMPSON

THE whole family is invited to come and meet local firefighters and learn about

home fire safety at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW)

Open Day on Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Firefighters will be

q The team at Fire and Rescue NSW are urging everyone to get fire ready for winter. Photo: Marian Sampson.

opening the doors to Salamander Bay Fire Station and Raymond Terrace Fire Station from 10am to 2pm with a range of free activities

including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations.

Families will also be able to check out fire trucks, learn

about firefighting equipment and chat to local firefighters about the critical work they do to keep communities safe.

Captain Malcolm Smith said the Open Day is an opportunity to show people that FRNSW firefighters do so much more than fight fires.

“From road crashes, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters to urban search and rescue, medical responses and humanitarian relief, our firefighters are prepared for anything and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.”

Captain Smith said the day is also a great time to talk to the experts about home fire safety in the lead up to winter.

“This year we want you to ask yourself ‘are you ready?’ and prepare your homes early for winter by checking your smoke alarms and knowing what to do when it sounds.

“Only working smoke alarms save lives and a home

fire escape plan helps you to get out and stay out if there is a fire.

“Statistics indicate the risk of fatality in a house fire is halved if the home has a working smoke alarm.

“Smoke alarms should be tested every month, vacuumed every six months and replaced every ten years.

“Replaceable batteries should be changed each year.

“We also see a ten percent increase in the number of home fires during the winter months, with more fires starting in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to things like heaters and electric blankets,” he said.

“Our fire station doors are open on May 13 so come and meet your local firefighters and learn how to keep your family safe from fire and other potential dangers,” he said.

For more information on the FRNSW Open Day visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/ openday.

Tomaree Ladies Probus heads to Lake Macquarie

By Marian SAMPSON

AS autumn steals the summer sunshine and we gear up for the winter months, there is no stopping the members of the Tomaree Ladies Probus Club from getting out and enjoying themselves.

Recently the Tomaree Ladies Probus and friends enjoyed a beautiful autumn day immersing themselves in a journey of exploration of art and a heritage home at Lake Macquarie.

The trip was organised by the group’s Outings Officer Heather Wilson.

The first stop was morning

tea at Lake Macquarie Art Gallery which was followed by a guided tour of the 2022 Archibald Prize winners.

Julie McAllister from the Tomaree Ladies Probus Club told News Of The Area, “Volunteer Garth told the stories behind each piece of art selected, ranging from teeny tiny portraits to immense floor to ceiling-high works.”

After a lakeside verandah luncheon at Toronto Hotel, the group of ladies headed on to Cooranbong’s 1896 built Sunnyside Historic Home, the residence of pioneer writer and educator Ellen G White.

“Three volunteers met the

bus up the drive for a most informative life story of Ellen’s beautifully furnished double storey home.”

The day was finished off with afternoon tea at the nearby Elephant House.

Probus President Mary Judge thanked organiser Heather and the day’s bus driver, Michael.

If you wish to join this innovative Club and hear fascinating speakers, enjoy similar trips and outings, movie dates, BBQ’s and make friendships, please ring President Mary on 4984 9344 or Secretary Nanette on 4981 5380 for more information.

Yaacaba hosts blokes for BBQ every Friday

By Lindsay HALL

THE Yacaaba Centre in Nelson Bay is calling upon men of the area to join them every Friday for a sausage sizzle, a drink and a yarn.

Yaacaba Manager Louise Simpson said she encountered the initiative at her first counselling placement, and was impressed how such a simple idea had such a great impact.

“The men who came along really kind of started to own it,” she shared.

“They took over the cooking, and really drove the publicity for it.

“It gave them a kind of purpose.”

As the team of counsellors at the Yacaaba Centre reflected on the social impact of the past few years, they all agreed that an unfortunate legacy of the Coronavirus pandemic was a sense of isolation that was not readily going away.

So it was that the Friday Men’s BBQ was born.

The weekly event was launched on Friday 5 May, and while the first lunch was an intimate gathering, those who attended were hopeful that the coming weeks would draw greater crowds.

Donning the apron was community volunteer Chris, a member of what the Yacaaba staff have affectionately dubbed ‘The A team’.

“When we need work done on the grounds, or something fixed at our units, they’re the first people we call,” said Louise.

Chris said he greatly values the work he gets to be part of for Yacaaba, and hopes that more men can find something worthwhile in the community as they gather together.

“I think it’s really wonderful what they’re doing here,” he said.

The Yacaaba Centre

is embarking on a series of new initiatives in the coming months that will see them work to increase their capacity to provide counselling services to the area.

Plans have been submitted to Port Stephens Council for approval that will allow building renovations to provide disability access to the Centre.

Following that Louise hopes to transform the grounds and establish more counselling rooms on site.

“We really want to be all about serving and providing for this whole community, no matter who you are, no matter your race or religion or gender.

“What we want for the men who come on Fridays is to be able to connect with one another without pressure or any agenda.”

The Yacaaba Centre Men’s BBQ is a free weekly event held every Friday from 12pm to 2pm at their Donald St address.

q Members of the Tomaree Ladies Probus Club on their day out at Sunnyside Historic Home at Cooranbong.

Australasian Gasshuku martial arts in Raymond Terrace

By Chris KARAS

SOME of the finest karate exponents down under and across the Tasman will gather in Raymond Terrace from Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4 for the prestigious Australasian Gasshuku tournament.

The three day event takes place at Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu’s NSW Honbu Dojo in Port Stephens with NSW Chief Instructor Shihan Bob King, 6th Dan, as host.

Shihan Bob King has more than 50 years experience in the martial arts, the past 27 years as a direct student of Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, 9th Dan.

Mr King told News Of The Area, “This is an annual gathering of all the Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu (KU) schools from Australia and New Zealand featuring participants from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and across the Tasman as well as some from non KU schools who share an interest in old style karate and kobudo (weapons) training.

“In a nutshell KU, as we refer to ourselves, focuses on practical application practices and the

principles which govern those practices,” explained Shihan King.

This consists of percussive impact (striking), joint manipulation, chokes, strangles, throws and takedowns, ground fighting and pressure point manipulation.

These methods of addressing self defence are taught by way of single person or solo, exercises and two person drills.

This year’s Gasshuku will have a number of senior instructors teaching including Shihan Bill Johansen (5th Dan), Shihan Bob King (6th Dan), Shihan Peter Wetherspoon (6th Dan), Sensei Wolfgang Vogel (4th Dan) and Sensei David Beattie (3rd Dan).

Later this year five members of the Raymond Terrace Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu school will attend the 2023 World Gasshuku international event in Naha City on the Japanese island of Okinawa from October 21-24.

Shihan Bob King, 6th Dan and NSW Chief Instructor; Sempai Sally Lewis, 1st Dan; Sempai John Sullivan, 1st Dan; Tom Page 1st kyu

and Jake Wallace (Junior Shodan) will fly the flag for Port Stephens on the trip.

More than 100 participants from 26 countries will attend the special event to train under the guidance of Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, 9th Dan, the founder and chief instructor of Koryu Uchinadi.

Those travelling to the World Gasshuku include the most senior instructors from around the world featuring several 6th Dans.

The fact that this event is being held in Okinawa - the birthplace of Karate - is of special significance to all those attending.

As well as training there will be tours of places of importance to the history and evolution of Karate.

As well as participating in the training, a few of those attending from the Raymond Terrace school will undergo rank assessment over the four days. Shihan Bob will be assessed for his 7th Dan, and Page and Wallace will both be assessed for their 1st Dan black belts.

For further enquiries contact Bob King on 0416 197 644.

Zonta Hunter Newcastle holds local fundraiser

By Thomas O’KEEFE

WOMEN’S and girl’s empowerment was the focus of the annual Zonta Hunter Newcastle fundraiser in Tea Gardens on Sunday, 7 May.

As melaleuca blossoms fell like autumn snowflakes, over 80 'Zontians' and visitors gathered to embrace the expertly paired wine tastings of Jac&Jones from the Hunter Valley with exquisite food from Taste Me Creative Catering.

“We have a lot of amazing tastings to get through,” Jacquie ‘Jac’ Christie told News Of The Area, referring to the catalogue including Jonesy’s Sparkling Brut, semillon, chardonnay, rosé, shiraz, botrytis, limoncello, and a delightful Moscato that tasted like a dreamy first date.

The effervescent Jac introduced each vintage’s backstory, as attendees enjoyed the mouth-watering morsels prepared by Taste Me’s Peter and Gillian, inside ‘Lovely’, the aptly christened and customised silver bus.

Adding to the fundraiser were Denise’s Australianmade ‘handy bags’, decorated with beautifully colourful designs and perfect for any occasion.

“The sale of these helped us get through the COVID isolations,” Denise told NOTA.

A little light rain hardly dampened the vibe as raffle prizes were awarded, to the collective sighs and cheers those hoping to snag one of the incredibly generous hampers, the lavender soap, the ‘mystery box’, or a gift

certificate for ‘Helen’s on Engel’ B&B.

By 2pm, the ‘prodigal sun’ returned, igniting the petrichor as the gathering commenced the ‘long lunch’, featuring a delectable baked ham, chicken wings, veggie tarts, quiche, and the ‘drunken fruitcake’, soaked in Jac&Jones’ liqueur muscat.

“Today’s funds go directly to local needs, including scholarships for women at Hunter TAFE, and helping to protect domestic violence victims in the Newcastle/ Hunter area,” Club President Kate Magee announced.

The ever-energetic Helen Blackbourn hosted the perfect, golden autumn afternoon of leisurely socialising, and all present were evidently sated and satisfied.

“Thanks to all, especially the most amazing support from the volunteers, including Jac&Jones, and we were all amazed by Taste

q Denise and the Zontians selling handy bags for charity.

q Jac (left), Helen (third from left) and the Zontians of Hunter Newcastle.

q Jonesy and Jac, from Jac&Jones wines.

q Koryu Uchinadi Newcastle senior karate class is enjoyed by a mix of men and women students aged sixteen and older at all levels from white to black belt.

Me’s incredible food,” Ms Blackbourn told NOTA. “It was a wonderful day,

made

more wonderful by the people who came.”

Modular origami on display at Raymond Terrace Art Space

CURRENTLY on display at the Raymond Terrace Art Space is ‘Folded Awareness’ by Lettice Jay Gamer.

On exhibition until 25 May, 'Folded Awareness' is

a collection of origami and folded paper works influenced by the style of Modular Origami.

Origami can be a form of mindfulness, requiring

focusing on one thing in the present moment and bringing awareness to thoughts.

q On exhibition until 25 May, 'Folded Awareness' by Lettice Jay Gamer is a collection of origami and folded paper works influenced by the style of Modular Origami.

Each work reflects something that has helped the artist practice mindfulness and create awareness of self.

The Raymond Terrace Art Space, situated within Raymond Terrace Library, provides a free exhibition space for artists showcasing various mediums. The Art Space is managed by Port Stephens Council volunteers and is open to the public during library opening hours. For enquiries about this exhibition contact Jo Gamer at jgamer@tpg.com. au.

Friday 26 May 2023 5 to 9pm

Riverside Park Raymond Terrace

FIRE AND LIGHT COMMUNITY PARADE LIVE MUSIC ROVING ARTISTS SILENT DISCO FOOD TRUCKS FIREWORKS

pscouncil.info/illuminate-raymond-terrace

q Each work reflects something that has helped the artist practice mindfulness and create awareness of self.

OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Anna Bay Surf & Skate

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Taylors Beach Industrial Cafe

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Twin Rivers Workwear & Uniforms

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Bull n Bush Medowie

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery, Pauls Corner

Fighter Beans Cafe

Fighter World Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Mayoral Scholarship Recipient - Callan Astin

By Marian SAMPSON

THIS week News Of The Area continues to profile some of the talented young people who were awarded Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships for 2023.

Callan Astin will be studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) at Newcastle University.

Callan graduated from Irrawang High School last year, taking out several academic awards.

Callan’s degree choices tie into his interests in the electric vehicle market and the global journey towards emissions reduction.

Having received his $2000 scholarship, Callan told News Of The Area, “I am going to save the scholarship as a bit of a nest egg as I don’t know what expenses are going to come up through my studies.”

Callan’s scholarship was funded by Tomago based Ampcontrol, Australia’s largest privately owned electrical engineering company leading advanced global manufacturing of award winning

innovations, products, solutions and services to the resources infrastructure and energy sectors.

One of the key benefits of the scholarship program for the recipients is an ongoing connection with their sponsor business, which will hopefully assist them in gaining a career here in Port Stephens at the completion of their studies.

The program is now in its fourteenth year and all scholarships are funded by businesses who are active in the Port Stephens region.

Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “I would hope that one day that these people who are in this room are the mentors and the sponsors of the new generation that is coming through in 15 to 20 years

time.

“I have been able to see in the past five to six years the benefits of the program and being able to connect with the sponsors and use this small amount of money to help them through university, keep them in university and come out the other side with jobs and experiences which will help them in the future,” he said.

Mayoral Scholarship Recipient - Cooper Lack

By Marian SAMPSON

ANOTHER 2023 Mayoral Academic Scholarship winner, Cooper Lack was on a stellar trajectory during his time at Tomaree High School.

In 2022 he was not only School Captain but also Dux and first in course in Biology, Chemistry, Maths Extension 1 and 2, PDHPE and Advanced English.

Not only does Cooper excel in the academic world, he also plays representative cricket and a number of other sports.

Cooper’s passion for animals saw him secure a volunteer position at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, which ties in well to his choice to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.

Cooper hopes one day to return to the Port Stephens Koala Hospital as a vet where he plans to work

towards koalas being removed from the endangered species list.

“I’ve always liked the idea of helping out animals,” Cooper said.

“I also have been working at the

Toboggan Hill Park and have been there for the past two and a half years.

“It’s a great job.

“I really like it.”

Cooper's $2000 scholarship was funded by Hunter Land, who deliver large scale industrial and commercial developments in the region.

Mayoral Scholarship Recipient - Ebony Newton

By Marian SAMPSON

MAYORAL Academic Scholarship

winner Ebony Newton lives in Port Stephens, and was a campus leader at All Saints College St Mary’s Campus at Maitland in 2022.

Placing on the NSW Distinguished Achievers List for Advanced Mathematics Extension 1, French Beginners, English Advanced and Food Technology, Ebony was also first in course in French and Religion.

She is also a talented athlete, representing the school in NSW Athletics.

Ebony has an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement and believes her degree will open career opportunities in the future.

“I am going to the University of Newcastle to study a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Science,” Ebony said.

“It will be a whole new experience,” she said.

Ebony told News Of The Area

she spends her spare time sprint hurdling.

“I train six days a week for that - I find it is a really good escape for other things in my life - it is totally different to study.

“I really enjoy that.”

Ebony started out in Little Athletics and is now part of Athletes NSW where she competes at a national level.

She has her sights on the

Olympics and is hopeful that she will compete at the games in the future. Ebony’s Mayoral Academic scholarship was funded by the Wests Group, one of the region's largest employers.

q Mayor Ryan Palmer with Callan Astin and Mikhaila Halford, Capability Development Manager at Ampontrol. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Mayor Ryan Palmer with Mayoral Scholarship recipient Cooper Lack and Hilton Grugeon of Hunter Land. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Mayor Ryan Palmer with Mayoral Scholarship recipient Ebony Newton and Lee Smith of the Wests Group. Photo: Marian Sampson.

DEAR Jasminda,

A FRIEND visited recently and said how much she loved our bathroom mirror because it made her look much thinner.

Does this mean that I've been under a false illusion about my own weight?

Gillian W.

flattering, but that may be because you try on the frames without your script-specific lenses.

When you pick up the same frames fitted with their proper lenses, you realise just how deluded your poor vision has made you.

It's a harsh reality.

Very harsh.

Glancing sideways into a mirror makes you appear bigger than you are.

Glancing into your phone when the reverse camera setting is in place makes you look like Jabba the Hut.

There is so much variation in our reflection, that it's hard to know what we really look like.

Photos can distort our image too, so in some photos we look fairly decent, and in others we look like a hot mess.

READING by Lynne Miles: Matthew 24: 42 & 43 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and not let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."

Dear Gillian,

THERE is so much variation in mirrors.

The mirrors in shops that sell swimwear, for example, would have to be the most unflattering mirrors in existence. They have bright lights and no space to move around, so it is impossible to view how you look from the back.

The mirrors in Optometrists seem very

Maybe your friend has a mirror that is particularly unflattering due to a number of factors including the lighting and angle.

It's what's on the inside that counts, anyway.

If you are a kind and loving person, you will always look beautiful to those who really matter.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Homelessness advisory group well overdue

DEAR News Of The Area,

IN regards to the article as per this heading: Advisory Group tackles challenge of homelessness in Port Stephens. "Well about bl**dy time!"

We are all very aware of this most heartbreaking crisis which is that of homelessness, and I am certain we would all agree that this crisis is now one which requires urgent action.

Although well overdue, a huge congratulations must be extended to all of those involved.

This is most certainly a (small) step in the right direction, but most importantly, we are leading the way for other LGAs to take this initiative on board and together, end the

homelessness crisis.

Councillor Leah Anderson made a statement in regards to the expected waiting times for social housing in the area, on page 2 of this article, and I quote, "At present the expected waiting period for social housing in the area is two to three years".

Having had lived experience of homelessness over the past six years, as well as utilising several of the community service groups in the area including, but not limited to, Hume Housing and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Centre, I feel I am more than qualified and in the position to ask you "where, or from whom, did you obtain the statistics in relation to the wait times

in the area for social housing?", and yes, I most certainly wish to challenge you on this statistic.

The facts I intend to present to you are based solely upon my experiences over the past six years, of course the information I present to you can be confirmed via the appropriate channels.

You say the wait time for social housing in the area is between two and three years, if this is the case then I am wondering why it is that I have been on the waitlist for social housing for six years?

I am also a suitable candidate for Priority Housing, so I ask you, why is it that for five years every application I made to be placed on this list was declined?

My last resort was to approach Port Stephens Family and Community Services and pray that they might be able to help me, which they did, and they did so without any judgement, without any questions and without allegations, they went above and beyond to help me, and I am forever grateful.

Although it took them nearly six months to get me approved and placed on the list for Priority Housing, they didn't give up.

That was fifteen months ago.

Upon receiving confirmation of my approval for Priority Housing, I was advised via telephone that the wait time for Priority Housing is at least six months but no longer than twelve months, as stated that was

now fifteen months ago.

I would like to point out that on my application for housing, I requested just a one bedroom home.

All my children are adults now so it's only me.

So, once again, I ask you why you say wait times are only between two to three years and yet I have been waiting for six years and an extra year and a half on the priority housing list?

Thank you, I look forward to your response.

Regards, Renae NEWCOMBE, Rutherford.

The housing situation and the homeless

DEAR News Of The Area,

GOOD to see we have a local Advisory Group who are onto it.

Our housing crisis started years ago by lack of Government planning, and more recently because we are over-populated, with many more to come as recently rumoured.

We need a good investigative journalist to properly report on the situation as it is, and why it is. After

World War II the Government built massive estates of family homes which were occupied by young families.

However they didn’t take into account the fact that families grow up and leave home and in some instances an elderly spouse dies, leaving a family home occupied by one person.

This is still evident today.

The then ‘Housing Commission’

never thought that one day the sole occupant of a family home would have to downsize and make way for new families by building, on that same estates, small villas or flats so that these people could stay within their own community where they had all of their attachments and friends.

In addition there are vacant Dept of Housing homes and flats boarded up in need of repair.

The now Department of Housing

also sold off a lot of their stock in now lucrative suburbs making millions in income.

The stock was never replenished.

Some time ago Australia was criticised for taking in only three percent of the world’s refugees but no one made mention that Australia has only 0.03 percent of the world’s population.

All of our essential services can’t catch up and housing should

have been considered as the most important for any future mass intake of new population.

Hopefully in the near future we will have an investigative journalist who will be permitted to put all the cards on the table and we can all see the big picture!

Trauma experiences contribute to young people using violence in the home

SYSTEMS which categorise young people as either perpetrators or victim-survivors has left services unable to recognise the ongoing impacts of trauma on young people who have experienced adultperpetrated domestic and family violence or who may have other unmet support needs.

Released last week by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the ‘WRAP around families experiencing AVITH: Towards a collaborative service response’ report found that difficulty recognising and understanding adolescent violence in the home results in young people and their families falling through service

gaps.

A major finding of the research was that the impacts of adult perpetrated harm – both previous and current – were the “single greatest contributing factor” to the complex scenario of young people using violence at home.

Importantly, families who had struggled to get support for children’s other needs, including needs related to communication, neurodivergence or wider experiences of victimisation, required coordinated support to address their child’s responses to feelings of distress.

The new report by Elena Campbell, Associate Director, Centre for Innovative Justice RMIT

University, follows the findings of the PIPA project: Positive Interventions for Perpetrators of Adolescent Violence, which identified the necessity of wraparound, collaborative responses to address the risk and need across the family.

One of the primary findings found that mothers and children who have experienced adult-perpetrated domestic and family violence and the ongoing impacts of trauma, need “opportunities to build attachment and form their collective identity around positive experiences.”

Padma Raman PSM, CEO of ANROWS, stated that this research shows why children must be recognised as victim-survivors in their

own right, which the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 recognises.

“Many young people who are using violence in the home have themselves experienced domestic and family violence.

“This research highlights the need for greater understanding among services systems about the impacts of DFV, trauma and reasons why young people use violence,” Ms Raman said.

“This research shows the need for additional supports, sufficient resourcing of services, and a suitably skilled workforce to provide traumainformed care and support, rather than just punitive or accountability measures.”

Ms Campbell said many services and individual practitioners have

been working hard for a long time to respond to this complex issue.

“It cannot be the remit, however, of just one sector.

“With a wide range of needs across a family structure – including those resulting from past or current abuse – we need a clear, coherent and coordinated framework through which policymakers, organisations and practitioners alike can respond.

“This AVITH Collaborative Practice Framework aims to be the first step on the road to recognition – and to services being resourced to provide the support they know is required.”

To read the full report and to access the framework visit https://www. anrows.org.au/project/wrap-aroundfamilies-experiencing-adolescentviolence-in-the-home-avith-towardsa-collaborative-service-response/.

Regards, Peggy STRANSKY, Nelson Bay.

Hurdman cleans up in medal stakes

By Marian SAMPSON

LOCAL athlete Shari Hurdman has been cleaning up medals throughout the 2022-2023 athletic season.

The St Philip’s Christian College student took out two gold medal placings at the All School State Championships in September 2022 which was followed by the All Schools National Championships, where she took out a Bronze medal in the 400 under 16’s and a Silver in the under 16’s 4x400m mixed relay team.

January saw the 2023 NSW Country Championships, where once again Hurdman scooped up medals with four gold medals in the under 17’s 100m, 200m, 400m and

400m hurdle events and two silvers in the U17’s long jump and 4 x 100m open relay.

In February at the 2023 NSW Junior Championships she stormed home in 55.07 seconds to take gold in under 17s 400m event, before picking up another gold in the 400m hurdles.

In March Hurdman went on to compete in the Sydney Track Classic Invitational where she came seventh in the 400m open female event with a time of 54.92 seconds.

Again it was gold at the 2023 Junior National Championships in Brisbane in April where she again shaved her times with a Bronze in the under 18’s in the 400 m event, finishing in 54.54 seconds.

q Racing in the 4x400m mixed relay at the All School Nationals in Adelaide.

Nelson Bay Golf Club

SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2023

Mens Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

Overall winners:

1 Jamie O’Connor (‘2) 37

2 James Marshall (7) 35

Women’s Stableford:

1 Robyn Roacher (21) 38

2 Sue Conrades (32) 31

3 Kim Quigley (35) 30 c/b

MONDAY 1 MAY 2023

VETS Stableford:

DIV 1:

1: Frank Mahoney 24

2: Alan Bentley 21

DIV 2:

1: Paul Michael Fuller 23

2: Don Jones 20

TUESDAY 2 MAY 2023

Stableford Ladies

A1 Colleen Beattie (20) 38

A2 Jenny Frost (10) 34

B1 Anita Hutchinson (28) 45

B2 Diana Johnson (23) 35

C1 Annette Rumble (35) 32

C2 Patricia Hawkins (33) 31

LADIES 9 HOLE STABLEFORD:

OVERALL WINNERS:

1 Irena Nash (41) 15

2 Amanda Lakeman (49) 13 c/b

WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2023

Mens Stableford: Gymea Course:

A1 John Morgan (13) 37

This was a personal best and a Youth Commonwealth Games qualifying time.

There were also two silvers and more personal bests in the under 17’s 200m where she was piped by 0.01 seconds for the gold and another personal best of 12.11 seconds in the under 17s 100m of just 12.11 seconds.

Hurdman finished the event with another gold medal in the 4 by

A2 Neil Edwards (11) 34c/b

B1 Chris Hani (11) 34c/b

B2 Nathan Lilly (17) 40

C1 David Hurley (27) 36

C2 Theo Rutten (40) 34c/b

Mens Stableford:

Christmas Course:

A1 Peter Metham (14) 38

A2 Guy Jennings (11) 36

B1 Peter Carter (17) 40

B2 Col Buchanan (20) 36

C1 John Maslen (29) 35c/b

C2 Yuri Suska (30) 35

THURSDAY 4 MAY 2023

Women’s Stableford:

Gymea Course

A1 Diana Johnson (23) 35

A2 Louise Kerr (27) 33

B1 Margot Phegan (33) 32c/b

B2 Norma Hocking (33) 32

Mens Stableford:

Nelson Bay Croquet Club

By David WILSON

THE Club’s Autumn Golf Croquet

Singles were played on Sunday 30th April 2023. The competition was open to all members and 10 members entered: Gary Allen, Faby Batho, Barry Elliott, Marion Graff, Jan Marshall, Brenda-Lee Peet, Rod Peet, Jan Puckeridge, Marty Quirke and David Smith.

The players were split into 2 blocks of 5 players with all players playing 4 games in a round-robin first round – the winner of each block playing a final. The games were handicap play, 13-point games with a 50-minute time limit.

Both blocks were tightly contested with players in each tied on number of wins. In Block A, Gary Allen finished on top on hoop count-

q Shari Hurdman with her Australian Junior National medals in Brisbane in April 2023

400m under 18s relay race.

Anja Hurdman told News Of The Area, “Shari trains three times a week in Macquarie Hunter Sports Centre with coach Vanessa Price and her close-knit squad.

“During the off-season they are replacing a track session with beach sprints, plyometrics and stair climbing drills at Merewether.”

Shari Hurdman is certainly one to watch as she is currently ranked

Gymea Course:

Overall Winners :

1: John Townsend (24) 37

2: Geoffrey McMurray (17) 32

Vets Stableford:

1 Mike Coghlan 20

2 David Diemar 19

FRIDAY 5 MAY 2023

Women Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

1 Fran Giudes (16) 34

2 Beth MacDuff (25) 36

Mens Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Peter Sutton (12) 41

A2 David Warder (10) 38

A3 Neil Edwards (11) 36

B1 Benjamin Robson (22) 36

B2 Alan Bentley (22) 34C/B

B3 Michael Trigas (19) 34

C1 Manny Mifsud-Ellul (24) 37

seventh in the world for her age group in the 400m sprint.

Shari, sixteen, attends school at St Philip's Christian College Salamander Bay and is in year 11.

“In mid-2025 when she’s eighteen, her plan is to head to college in the USA on a University Sports Scholarship,” Anja said.

Shari’s dream is is to one day compete at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

oriHC2 David Chapman (35) 35

C3 Paul Simpson (25) 34C/B

SATURDAY 6 MAY 2023

Mens Stableford:

Xmas Bush Course

A1 Jon Newbery (39) c/b

A2 Alan Mundey (15) 39 c/b

B1 Paul Marks (21) 37 c/b

B2 Greg Durie (18) 37 c/b

C1 John Keane (24) 37

C2 Kent Williams (27) 32

Mens Stroke: Gymea Course:

Overall Winner:

Angelo Fortune (32) 67

A1 Murray Atkins (8) 69

A2 Scott Quinn (6) 72

B1 Callan Alderson (19) 70 c/b

B2 Darren Hancock (20) 70 c/b

C1 Angelo Fortune (32) 67

C2 George Fynn (42) 69

q Shari Hurdman in full flight racing in Sydney.

q Brenda-Lee Peet (left) playing Jan Puckeridge (right).

q Barry Elliott playing Jan Marshall.

back from Brenda-Lee Peet. In Block B, Faby Batho finished on top on hoop count-back from Marty Quirke and David Smith. Gary won the final 6-3

over Faby.

Pickleball gold for Port Stephens at NSW Open

By Chris KARAS

WHEN Fingal Bay resident Tony Mayers was introduced to the fast growing sport of pickleball through friends last May, he wasted no time venturing into the unknown.

The popular indoor or outdoor paddle sport piqued his curiosity and before too long an intrigued Tony – urged on by close associates Jane

and John Eyres - had joined the Port Stephens Pickleball Club based in Nelson Bay.

Fast forward twelve months and the durable Mayers, who turns 65 in June, has produced medal-winning achievements at various competitions across the State including doubles gold at the recent NSW Open.

A converted Tony told News Of The Area that the sport of pickleball

was “a great way to stay fit and healthy and meet new friends”.

“You get the opportunity to travel and broaden your horizons by meeting and playing with both male and female competitors in fun surrounds,” said Mayers, who has quickly accumulated a swag of

medals on the doubles and mixed doubles circuit.

“The friendships formed are invaluable,” he added.

Tony was one of five Port Stephens Club representatives that competed at the NSW Open at Wahroonga –clinching gold medals in the 65yrs + Men's Doubles with club mate Kevin Bell and 65yrs + Mixed Doubles with Christine Johnson.

Jack Johnston paired with Maria Hawe to snare a silver medal in the 65yrs+ Mixed Doubles while Cheryl Sanderson and Christine Johnson teamed up to claim silver in the 65yrs+ Women's Doubles.

Pickleball involves two players or four players hitting a wiffle ball over a 36-inch-high net using solid-faced paddles.

Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a rule infraction.

Growing up in Taree, the versatile Mayers played rugby league, hockey and tennis in his youth.

He was a talented rugby league five eighth with Taree Zebras and Taree United and a capable defensive hockey fullback with Port Stephens, Mayfield and Campbelltown Colts.

Tony entered his first Pickleball tournament last September – the

Sydney Doubles – and collected a bronze medal after teaming up with great mate John Eyres of Salamander Bay.

The pair competed at the Australian Open in Brisbane last October – with John clinching the Mens 60yrs + singles championship gold medal and teaming up with his wife Jane (Mixed Doubles) and Tony (Men's Doubles).

Tony teamed up with Hervey Bay’s Trixie Flegler in the Mixed Doubles.

Earlier this year Mayers and Eyres competed in the Men's Doubles at the Victoria Open on the Mornington Peninsula with Tony also partnering Cairns player Glenn Lawler to reach the Mixed Doubles quarter finals.

Tony and John also play in Newcastle for the Hunter Pickleball group that meets at the Wickham Badminton Courts.

Port Stephens Pickleball Club meets Mondays and Wednesdays (10am to 12 noon) and Thursdays (2pm to 4pm) at the Nelson Bay PCYC at 7 Austral Street.

The Club has organised a Social Pickleball Challenge with Halliday’s Point on June 2 but is currently tuning up for the Barrington Coast tournament on May 20-21 in Taree.

Family of League to hold Sportsmen’s Dinner Golf Day

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Men of League/ Family of League will hold its 14th annual double header Sportsmans Dinner and Golf Classic on the weekend of May 27-28 at Nelson Bay Golf Club.

Guest speakers at the Sportsmen’s Dinner on Saturday night are legendary Parramatta winger Neville Glover and Newcastle Knights Director of Rugby League Peter Parr.

After 20 years the Foundation has changed from the Men of League

to the Family of League to reflect the changing face of the game, with more young girls and ladies now being involved in the code.

Port Stephens Family of League stalwart Peter Norman told News Of The Area, “In these challenging times the commitment and values still honour the proud history and heritage of the Men of League Foundation.

“The four man ambrose Golf Classic will be staged on the Sunday with events for men, women and mixed teams for members and non members, handicap players and non

handicap players,” said Norman.

The respected Parr has returned to his home town Newcastle after a stellar career in football management.

He won two premierships with Souths Newcastle before venturing into coaching and administration roles with Western Reds and Adelaide Rams.

Parr joined Brisbane in 1999 and was part of a premiership winning organisation with the Broncos in 2000 before linking with the North Queensland Cowboys.

In various roles such as CEO,

Football Manager and Director of Football, Parr spent 21 seasons in the Cowboys system and was a major contributor to the club’s success.

The Cowboys won the NRL premiership in 2015 and made Grand Final appearances in 2005 and 2017.

Parr was a mentor to the likes of Johnathon Thurston, Jason Taumalolo, Matt Scott and late coach Paul Green.

Glover, a personality winger, made 121 first grade appearances for Parramatta including the 1976 Grand Final loss to Manly – scoring 54 tries - and 11 matches for Penrith.

He represented NSW against Great Britain and played two Tests for Australia against New Zealand in 1978.

Glover is the current Family of League president of the North Lakes area of the Central Coast and was awarded an OAM for his services to rugby league and the community.

The MC for the night is accomplished ABC Sports commentator Gerry Collins.

Tickets are $60 per head for the Sportsmen’s Dinner and $90 per head for the golf event.

Enquiries (02) 4981 1132.

Suellen Goyne takes out win at Port Stephens Surf Festival

FROM Page 24

The event, which included the SUP State Titles and Longboard State Titles, saw surfers from all over NSW compete for the chance to secure their place at the 'Aussies', which will take place later this year.

The festival was held at One Mile Beach and Birubi Beach.

The Longboard State Titles spanned across five days (29 April – 3 May) where the promising east coast swell consistently delivered sets from 2-4 ft daily.

This allowed the longboarders to show off their stylish manoeuvres on the waves and provided a challenging but rewarding experience for all the participants.

This event attracted longboard lovers of all ages, from groms competing in the Junior and U18 divisions, up to competitors in the Over 70 division, of whom the majority have competed in Surfing NSW events for decades, and all share the same sentiment that a few days surfing in Port Stephens, catching up with old mates, will always be on the cards.

“We are stoked with the

success of the 2023 Longboard State Titles and Port Stephens Surf Festival presented by Okanui,” said Surfing NSW Board Member Mark ‘Winny’ Windon, who was on site throughout the event and shared the commentary mic.

“The competition was intense, the standard of surfing was high.

“It’s great to see so many talented athletes showcasing their skills in such beautiful surroundings, and I’m looking forward to cheering them on as they compete at Aussies this year.

“Longboarding has such a rich history with the members of Surfing NSW and I hope to see this board discipline increase in participation.”

Congratulations to all the winners and athletes for their efforts.

Results:

Junior Log: Charlie Ticknor

Under 18 Male Longboard: Charlie Ticknor

Under 18 Female Longboard: Jasmin Howarth

Open Log Male Log: Tom Bennett

Open Log Female Log: Blaze

Angel

Open Male Longboard: Kyle Teale

Open Female Longboard: Blaze

Angel

Over 40 Male Log: Shane Baker

Over 40 Male Longboard: Shane Baker

Over 40 Female Longboard: Laura Pigott

Over 45 Male Longboard: Jason

Livingston

Over 50 Male Longboard: Jason

Livingston

Over 50-60 Female Longboard:

Suellen Goyne

Over 55 Male Longboard: John

q The Longboard State Titles spanned across five days, where the promising east coast swell consistently delivered sets from 2-4 ft daily. Photo: Mat Spillard.

Fraser

Over 60 Male Longboard: Richard Smith

Over 65 Male Longboard: Storm Carter

q Port Stephens Pickleball Club representatives Cheryl Sanderson, Tony Mayers, Kevin Bell and Christine Johnson display their medals at the recent NSW Open staged at Wahroonga.

POINT

• Neat and tidy, this is the ideal Port Stephens holiday unit or permanent home unit.

• Water views from the air conditioned living room and balcony, relax and enjoy a terrific lifestyle in this fantastic location.

• Featuring two bedrooms with built ins, internal laundry, updated bathroom and updated kitchen.

• The unit has lock up garaging for one car, and an additional allocated car space.

• The secured complex also features a swimming pool for your enjoyment.

• The unit is just a short walk to a choice of beaches, local café, restaurants, tennis courts, boat ramp and parks.

• Currently tenanted to a great long term tenant.

FINGAL BAY 3 Creswell Place SHOAL BAY

• Quiet street position without the hustle and bustle of the tourist season but still close to everything.

• Original beach cottage with potential to renovate into a terrific weekender or permanent rental, or start again and build your dream home on nearly level block.

• Spectacular homes popping up all around in this idyllic suburb.

• Port Stephens’ iconic Shoal Bay - the only local area with beaches both inside the protection of the Port and surf beaches as well.

• Plenty of activities to suit everyone, including picturesque Tomaree Mountain, boat ramp, national park, selection of restaurants opposite waterfront.

• 150m to national park at end of street, with walking tracks to Wreck Beach and beyond. Within 1km of Shoal Bay Beach, Zenith Beach, Wreck Beach, Box Beach and not much further to Fingal Bay too!

Auction if not sold prior.

• Combined living/dining area that opens onto impressive outdoor entertaining

• 3 Bedrooms with built-in robes and ensuite to main.

• Double Garage

GET TO THE POINT A SLICE OF PARADISE AT FINGAL BAY ENDLESS POTENTIAL AT SHOAL BAY WEEKEND GET AWAY

• Very Private: Fully fenced with bedrooms and living areas away from the street

• Quiet street in the most picturesque suburb in Port Stephens!

• Visit nelsonbayrealestate.com.au for further details and price guide.

• 650m2 block located in North Arm Cove, a beautiful coastal area ideal for weekend getaways

• Conveniently located just off the main road for easy access, while still being private

• Zoned NON-URBAN, making it perfect for using as your own camping playground or future investment

• Located across the shores of Port Stephens, just a 15-minute drive from Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest & an hour from Newcastle city

• Ideal location for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other water sports on the sandy shores of North Arm Cove

• A unique opportunity to own your own weekend camping getaway in a stunning coastal area with plenty of activities to enjoy.

211 Myall Street, Tea Gardens

$26,400 per annum gross (negotiable)

CONVENIENTLY located, this versatile commercial space sits in Myall Street, Tea Gardens, the main arterial route to and from Hawks Nest.

This will be a busy stop for passing traffic as well as a highly convenient location for local residents.

With parking available at the front door, benefiting any business from the proximity to essential services, shopping centres, a range of cafés, shops, and local offerings.

The property features a large building situated in the busy business precinct.

Suitable for a range of uses, including commercial office and service retail and providing ample storage space.

The advantages of the property

are the accessible entrance, you can drive through to the rear for deliveries, parking at the side and front of shop.

The glazed shopfront with generous signage opportunities, open plan in layout with a single office, lunchroom, and bathroom at the rear of the premises. Contact today to arrange a private inspection. Inspections are by appointment only. Call Kerrie Bailey on 49970262.

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.

   

   

   

BIG CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

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.

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

PORT STEPHENS

MYALL COAST

Camping COUNTRY RIVER CAMP

Riverside camping at Booral

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.

Wanted to Buy

War Medals

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

For Sale

COSMOPOLITAN

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

For Sale

For Sale For Sale

NEW 5L water jug with tap. $15.00 Call 0493 078 190 F230323

TENT Pegs 5 x Large heavy galvanised metal In unopened package 8mmx300mm $10 Ph: 4981 7523 f270423

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

4 BURNER/side burner bottle with safety valve plus cover & accessories Little body rust. $50 (for breast cancer research) MEDOWIE 4982 9942

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

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

GOLF set leather bag, Slazenger cart woods steels extras. $250. Ph 0476 789 721 Re081222

GOLFING accessories

Golf balls - around 100? 20 cents each Golf buggy $25 Clubs and drives $2 each. Ph: 4982 2335 F260123

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

PORTABLE clothesline GC, $25. 0413 023 296

TIMBER extendable dining table and 6 chairs VGC. Cream/peach colour $250. 4981 2251 e110523

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

For Sale

0415 419 741

mail@kmyc.net.au Finduson Facebook

2 cream leather two seater lounges. $500 each or both for $900 exc cond. 0400 955 778 Re280923

BBQ, 2 burner, VGC hardly used inc gas bottle, on wheels $110 0427 980 079

BICYCLES Girls and boys, VGC $20 each Ph: 4982 8628 F200423

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

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

GUITAR left-handed Redding as new never played with soft case $230 Ph: 4981 9939

PRYDE Windsufing mast suits 7 metre sail. Little used. $99 Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992

WALKING Machine electric, Proflex Elite near new. $100 Ph: 4997 9313

ALUM step ladder, 32 x 61. $25. 0402 087 401

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.

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 F180822

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

Ph: 4919 8117

ELECTRIC Saw Black & Decker $50 Ph: 4997 0611 F020323

ELECTRIC Heaters

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

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

EUROPEAN 2 x Single adjust slatted bedframes & 2 latex mattresses VGC $485 both PH: 49979797

F2 Wave 8.4 windsurfer & fin, Mennem brand 8.5 litres VGC. $99. 0419 932 992. Tea Gardens F230223

GARDEN tools

Rake, Hoe, Mattock & Fork $15 each

Ph: 4997 0611F020323

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 Gardens. F230223

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

MOBILITY AIDS - All in excellent condition

Meal Tray Walker $100 3 Wheel Walker $90 Shower Stool $70

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

RINGS Sapphire Diamond and Gold new $100. Gold with small Diamond $100. Mens ring with Sapphire $100

Ph: 0457 087 178 F130423

SALON hair dryer, new $20. 0457 087 178 F230223

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

“SHOPRIDER”

Motorised Portable Chair Brand new Unused Battery, charger & manual. Can deliver New Price $3390. Sell for $2250 Ph: 0404 202 499 e010623

SOFA Bed Floral linen fabric $80 0407 915 768 F300323

WELLINGTON boots as new size 10 $25 4997 0611

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

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

WOMENS new black leather jacket, small to medium, worth $400, asking $100 0457 087 178 F130423

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

Boats

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

MOBILITY Scooter 4 wheel. Good cond. with front basket, rear bag and charger. $1200 Free delivery

Ph: 0418 430 643

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

TOW hitch clamp

SCA brand new $15

Ph: 0493 078 190

TINNY 3.1m car topper 8HP Merc. Gal. Folding trailer. Good condition No Rego. $2800 ono Ph 0427 224 744 ReS230923

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY THE MESSENGER

ABC, 8.20pm

TUESDAY THE SUMMIT

FRIDAY SHAZAM!

7FLIX, 5.45pm

This kid-friendly fun-fest focuses on 14-year-old foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel). Separated from his mother at a carnival 10 years ago, Billy has not had a great run, but when he is finally fostered with a caring family, he is unexpectedly gifted the superpowers of a powerful wizard (Djimon Hounsou). Upon saying the word “Shazam”, these powers transform his body into that of an adult superhero (played with wonderful comedic timing by Chuck alum Zachary Levi, above). Hijinks, magic battles and heartfelt moments ensue.

FRIDAY, May 12

6.00 The Drum.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross visits seed farmers.

8.30 Traces. (Ma) There is another deadly explosion. Sarah and McKinven’s growing attachment has fraught consequences.

9.20 Mayfair Witches. (Mals)

10.05 Interview With The Vampire. (Mhlnv)

Prepare to be transfixed by talented rising star William McKenna (Nowhere Boys, pictured), whose soulful, doe-eyed performance propels this excellent new eight-part drama. Based on the bestselling novel by Aussie writer Markus Zusak, who also oversaw the making of this quirky and uplifting series, it tells the story of homebody and taxi driver Ed, who spends most of his humdrum existence with his dog. One day, he receives a mysterious note on a playing card, setting him on the unlikely path of a suburban hero. Also starring Alexandra Jensen (Frayed) and Guy Edmonds (Wellmania), it features a crowd of captivating characters and a winningly mysterious premise.

NBN, 7.30pm

Jaw-dropping snow-covered mountain peaks and the majesty of nature… with an aching insight into greed and betrayal. This high-octane action-adventure series celebrates its spectacular location on New Zealand’s South Island, while also tapping into the human competitive spirit – and thirst for cash. Fourteen strangers – including a sock designer, a marine scientist, a doughnut connoisseur and an outback nurse – set out to win $1 million in a cut-throat comp that sees them scale great heights, valleys and emotional depths to claim the money. Narrated by Jai Courtney, if you’re afraid of heights it’ll be a dizzying experience.

SBS World News Late.

11.00 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav)

11.55 Reunions. (Ma, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (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 visits the home and factory of Shelley Simpson, owner of Mud Australia.

8.30 MOVIE: Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, Mal, R) After a taxi driver working in Broken Hill, NSW, is told he does not have long to live, he sets out on an epic journey to a euthanasia clinic in Darwin in a bid to die on his own terms. Michael Caton, Jacki Weaver, Ningali Lawford.

11.05 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R) It is the final day of the Farmstays and the Farmers spend time with their remaining ladies.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Penrith Panthers versus Sydney Roosters match, with news and analysis.

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

1.00 Surfing Australia TV. (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. Special guest is John Cleese.

7.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGal) Glick’s jetski does something unexpected.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mal, R) On Australia Day, Sam and Tammy attend to a man passed out in the middle of the road in his car.

9.30 Territory Cops. (PGalv, R) Takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Northern Territory Police.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Madlv, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, May 13

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 11.00 The World From Above. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

(PG, R) 3.10 Grand

4.30 Scottish Vets

R) 5.25 How Deadly World.

6.50 Bluey. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (Premiere, PGa) A nun investigates crime.

8.15 Miniseries: The North Water. (Malsv) Part 1 of 5. A disgraced ex-army doctor joins a whaling vessel as a ship’s surgeon.

9.20 Ragdoll. (Premiere, MA15+av)

A recently reinstated detective investigates a shocking crime involving the murder of six people.

10.05 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (Mv, R) Part 4 of 4.

11.00 Fires. (Ml, R)

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. Round 3. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Eschborn-Frankfurt. H’lights. 4.30 Cycling.

UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 7. H’lights.

5.30 Walking Wartime England. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. (R) Coverage of the second semi-final from the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest from Liverpool, England.

10.00 Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina. (Madlv, R) Celebrates the lives of singer Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina.

11.30 Nine Perfect Strangers. (Mlv, R)

Nine people spend time at a retreat.

3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) Ernie Dingo explores Bruny Island.

5.00 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. (PG)

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Better Homes. (R) 1.00 Dog Patrol. (PG, R) 1.30 Football. AFL. Round 9. Sydney v Fremantle.

4.30 Motorbike Cops. (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 investigate when a drug-detector dogs sits beside a woman’s bags.

7.30 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021, Mv) The true meaning of family gets tested like never before when Dom and the crew search for a cyberterrorist. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena.

10.30 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012, Mv, R) A secret agent, who specialises in policing aliens living on Earth, must travel back in time to save the planet. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones.

1.00 Home Shopping.

SUNDAY, May 14

6.30 Compass: The Gangster Pastor.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Grand Designs: Derbyshire. Hosted by Kevin McCloud.

8.20 The Messenger. (Premiere, Mal)

A taxi driver receives mysterious messages.

9.10 MOVIE: Misbehaviour. (2020, Ml, R)

A group of women protests Miss World. Keira Knightley, Greg Kinnear.

10.55 Interview With The Vampire. (Mhlnv, R)

11.40 Mayfair Witches. (Mals, R)

12.25 MotherFatherSon. (Mav, R)

1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.10 The Heights. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 8. H’lights.

10.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 2.30

AusMoto Show. 3.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World C’ship. Round 4. H’lights.

4.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI

World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 8. H’lights.

5.30 Walking Wartime England. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. (PG, R) Coverage of the grand final from the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest from Liverpool, England.

11.30 MOVIE: Marley. (2012, Mad, R) Charts the life of Bob Marley. Bob Marley.

2.00 The Buildings That Fought Hitler: We Shall Never Surrender. (PG, R)

3.40 The Source. (Mal, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Jabba’s Movies. (PGav, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive, special investigation.

9.45 The Latest: Seven News.

10.15 Born To Kill? Gerald And Charlene Gallego. (MA15+av) Takes a look at how the love affair between Gerald and Charlene Gallego resulted in a trail of rapes and murders.

11.15 Quantum Leap. (Mav) Ben leaps into the body of a flight attendant.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. (2005, Mahv, R) Harry competes in the Triwizard Tournament. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson.

10.35 MOVIE: The Chronicles Of Riddick. (2004, Mlv, R) Vin Diesel.

12.45 The First 48. (Mav, R)

1.35 Surfing Australia TV. (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) Glick’s jetski does something unexpected.

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa) A couple of Jack Russell cross pugs and a pooch called Little Little Rex are matched with potential companions.

7.30 MOVIE: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981, Mv, R) An archaeologist and adventurer sets out on a quest to recover the fabled Ark of the Covenant. Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies.

9.55 To Be Advised.

11.00 Fire Country. (PGav, R) Jake is suspected of being an arsonist.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 The Summit. (Premiere, PGl)

9.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

10.00 Nine News Late.

10.30 Australian Crime Stories. (Ma, R)

11.25 The First 48. (Mal)

12.15 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (Mv, R)

1.05 The Garden Gurus. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

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

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) Amateur cooks compete.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) After the mysterious death of an astronaut in a highly sensitive Mars simulation, the NCIS team must send its cyber intelligence specialist Ernie Malik into the habitat to investigate alone.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) The murder of a TSA agent leads the team to hunt down a killer involved in drug smuggling.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, May 15

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. (R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Marcella. (Mal, R)

2.35 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.00 Escape From The City. (R)

4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.05 Inside The Modelling Agency. (R) 11.00

Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. 12.05

WorldWatch. 2.00 Every Family Has A Secret. (Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. H’lights.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Blow Up. (Premiere, PG) Two teams of five have 12 hours to create a futuristic or fantasy-themed balloon world.

9.00 9-1-1. (Madv) Bobby is determined to prove his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor was murdered and bring his killer to justice.

10.00 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) Carlos searches for a missing friend.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days. (PGa, R) The experts help a mum of one.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

(2016, PG) 6.35 All Roads Lead

Rome. (2015) 8.15 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG)

The Hole In The Ground. (2019, M) 12.10pm

Woman In Black. (2012, M) 1.55 Roxanne. (1987) 3.55 Modern Times. (1936, PG, No dialogue) 5.30 English Vinglish. (2012, PG, Hindi) 7.55 Bangla. (2019, M, Italian) 9.30 Magnetic Beats. (2021, M, German)

TUESDAY, May 16

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 10.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R) 11.00 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (Mv, R) 1.45 Gruen. (Ml, R) 2.30 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.00 Escape From The City. (PG, R) 4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Incredible Homes. (R) 10.05 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R) 11.00 Secret Cities. (Mans, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 First Australians. (PG, R) 3.10 Living Black. (R) 3.50 The Cook Up. (R) 4.20 Scenic Coastal Walks With Kate Humble. (PGaw,

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Blow Up. (PGal) Hosted by Stephen Curry and Becky Lucas.

8.35 The Rookie. (Return, Mav) John comes face-to-face with serial killer Rosalind once again who is not done with him.

1.10

9.35 The Rookie: Feds. (Premiere, Mv) Simone Clark begins her career as an FBI agent.

10.35 The Latest: Seven News.

11.05 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Madv, R) 12.30

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

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) Amateur cooks compete.

8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Return, Malns) Hosted by Tom Gleisner.

9.40 Just For Laughs Australia. (MA15+ls) Hosted by Nath Valvo.

10.10 Ghosts. (Final, Ms)

10.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

FROM Page 1

Tilligerry Social Golf Club results

Tilligerry Social Golf Club results for 5/5/23

Outright winner.

Grahame Glover. 35 Runner Up. Ron McKay. 33 Bonus points winner

Wendy Couvaras. 34 Runner Up. Greg Hinton. 31 Ball winners. Ed Martin. 29

Adam Cowie. 26

Ron Dews. 26

Peter Couvaras. 25

Bradman Award. Bill McMaster D&C4th.

A. Ron Dews.

B. Ed Martin D&C7th.

A. Ron McKay. B.

NTP18th. A. Sean Brennan Lucky number 18. Mark Skidmore

There were 12 starters today. Congratulations to all the winners. Welcome to a new member Rod Taylor,

hope you enjoyed your day. We wish Brian Baldwin a speedy recovery after his operation today. Next game Friday 12/5/23 Single Stableford.

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

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) Emelia Jackson returns.

8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

9.40 NCIS. (Mmv) The NCIS team works to solve the murder of a senator’s daughter who has a large online following.

10.40 To Be Advised.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, May 17

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

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)

8.30 Stacey Dooley: Are You Ready For War? Follows Ukrainian civilians training to fight.

9.30 The World According To Kim Jong Un. (M) Takes a look at Kim Jong Un.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Furia. (MA15+alv)

11.55 Unit One. (Mals, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, May 18

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Justin and Leah prepare for a farewell.

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.35 Accused. (Masv) When a female comic is assaulted, she uses her platform to try the case in the court of public opinion.

10.35 The Latest: Seven News.

11.05 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Anita Cobby Murder. (MA15+av, R) A look at the murder of Anita Cobby.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7.30

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

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) The cooks tackle a service challenge.

8.40 North Shore. (Mlv) Max’s attempts to win over Meg fail and the case throws open more questions than answers.

9.40 Law & Order: SVU. Maxwell’s husband becomes a POI.

10.40 Fire Country. (Mv)

11.40 Bull. (Mav, R)

12.30 The Project. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence: Planet Fox. (M) Rupert steps in to run Fox News.

8.30 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Malv)

Part 3 of 4. Phoebe is devastated to learn that the FVLS funding is going to be cut.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Catch And Release. (Mal)

11.50 Black Sands. (MA15+as, R)

4.35 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)

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.

9.55 The Front Bar. (M) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

10.55 The Latest: Seven News.

11.25 Fantasy Island. (Ma) Siblings work to fulfill their late mum’s fantasy.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

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

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) Amateur cooks compete.

8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav, R) Benson enlists the help of Detective Andy Parlato-Goldstein to investigate his old college’s secret society.

9.40 To Be Advised.

10.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) Velasco finds himself in trouble.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

By Marian SAMPSON