q Offshore wind campaigners, including Port Stephens’ Ben Abbott (left), with Senator Ross Cadell in Canberra last week (third from right).
YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED PORT STEPHENS NEWSPAPER
Community momentum for Shoal Bay Road alternative
FROM Page 1
and Residents Association, recently convened to agree on a course of action to improve driver and resident safety.
The groups say that single road access into and out of Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay restricts emergency vehicle access and has the potential to hamper evacuations during fires and extreme weather events.
Additionally, significant erosion and subsidence on Shoal Bay Beach has come within three metres of Shoal Bay Road, which carries a significant volume of traffic during holiday periods.
This is only set to increase with the popularity of coastal works and other plans to boost tourism in the area.
Peter Clough, President of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group, said these reasons provide a “compelling case” for additional access.
“Also, there is a case for enhanced public transport,” he said.
“Such as reinstatement of the Jetty at the Tomaree
Lodge and a public shuttle bus service to support Tomaree Coastal Walk users.
“Accordingly, we believe there is now a strong sense of urgency to commence the planning processes and route identification for an additional road.”
Port Stephens Council
released a Coastal Management Plan in June 2024 that acknowledged the need for action.
“Council has already commenced discussions with key stakeholders, namely NPWS and Crown Lands, about the potential of relocating Shoal Bay Road,” it stated.
“Hence, it is proposed that an adaptation strategy be developed for Shoal Bay to ensure an appropriate balance between development and maintenance of the natural and other assets that attract visitors to Shoal Bay.”
q Storm erosion damage within three metres of Shoal Bay Road, August 2024.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 23/02/2025 TO 02/03/2025
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.
MEDOWIE
39 Yale Cres 16-2025-94-1 Swimming pool and associated safety barriers
54 Federation Dr 16-2025-99-1 Extend existing alfresco over deck
NELSON BAY
42 Wallawa Rd 16-2025-68-1 Granny flat
RAYMOND TERRACE
16 Cederwood Cres 16-2025-90-1 Secondary dwelling 14 Sturgeon St 16-2025-74-1 1 into 3 lot strata subdivision
SALAMANDER BAY
96 Foreshore Dr 16-2025-93-1 Alterations/additions to existing dwelling
6 Seaview Cres 16-2025-83-1 Garage and cellar
SHOAL BAY
1/1 Tomaree Rd 16-2024-602-2
S4.55(1A) Modification to alterations/additions to commercial premises –modify external doors
84 Government Rd 16-2025-100-1 Swimming pool
TAYLORS BEACH
4 Bluewater Cl 16-2025-78-1 Construction of 4 light industrial units
TOMAGO
819 Tomago Rd 16-2025-79-1 Shed
WOODVILLE
893
PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD NAMING
– SECTION 162 ROADS ACT 1993
Pursuant to section 162 Council proposes to name the roads described below:
Proposed name: Citrus Drive
Locality: KARUAH NSW 2324
Council ref: PSC2022-01576-0019
Description: The new road “Citrus Drive” will be constructed off the extension of Gray Drive, Karuah within proposed subdivision of Lot 12 DP 1299990 and Lot 2 DP 748343.
Submissions should be received at Council within 28 days of the date of this notice by post or email
statutory.property@portstephens.nsw.gov.au. For more information please contact Vanessa Green on 02 4988 0403.
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ALCOHOL FREE ZONE
Notice is given that Port Stephens Council intends to temporarily suspend part of the Nelson Bay Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) during the Sail Port Stephens Street Party event on Wednesday 2 April 2025 from 9am to 10pm in accordance with section 645 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) (LG Act). For more information contact Council on 02 4988 0255.
Community frustration rises as offshore wind inquiry delayed
FROM Page 1
Hanson-Young.
On Thursday, Nationals Senator Ross Cadell issued a statement claiming an inquiry hearing “was mothballed by Labor and The Greens just 24 hours out”.
He said anti-wind farm campaigners had travelled across the country “only to find out the hearing had been cancelled on Wednesday morning”.
Senator Hanson-Young however said no hearing had been scheduled.
“No date had been confirmed for a hearing into the offshore wind inquiry and no witnesses had been invited by the committee,” she said.
“For any Senators to suggest otherwise is mischief making at best and contempt of Senate process at worst.”
Labor Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan took aim at Senator Cadell for spreading “deliberate misinformation”.
“It is now clear that Senator Cadell misled community members by advising them of a draft date that was never authorised by the committee,” she said.
“Senator Cadell’s false assertion that witnesses had already made their way to Canberra in anticipation of a hearing is incorrect and spreads purposeful misinformation.
“His actions have caused unnecessary distress to those affected and contravened Senate procedure in the process.”
Ben Abbott from No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens was one of the campaigners in attendance.
He said he was told the inquiry hearing was
imminent, although no formal invitation was issued.
“We were told up until the day before that we should receive notice that it would be on,” Mr Abbott said.
“The reason why we went down (to Canberra) was because we were concerned the invitation would come too late for us to be there.”
Rather than whether a hearing was officially scheduled, Mr Abbott said the key question was why the inquiry had experienced delays.
“What is it that we might ask of the government, that they don't want the public to know?” he asked.
On 3 July 2024 the Senate referred an inquiry into the “offshore wind industry consultation process”, following a motion from Senator Cadell.
The inquiry’s focuses include the “efficacy of community engagement”, consent from Indigenous groups, and the “impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters”.
More than 300 submissions were made to the inquiry.
The committee was initially due to deliver its report by 13 February 2025.
On 10 February, the committee was granted an extension until 13 March 2025.
This was extended last Wednesday until 24 April 2025 to allow the committee to “conclude its deliberations”.
"The inquiry has been extended to facilitate the committee being able to do its work properly and ensure all senators can participate,” Ms Hanson-Young told NOTA.
The process undertaken by the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to consult communities on offshore wind development has received significant criticism from impacted regions across Australia.
In Port Stephens, project opponents say the community was not effectively notified of consultation opportunities.
Mr Abbott said the Hunter zone consultation process was “non-existent”.
“There were no letterbox drops, no advertisements in the local news, nor on social media, and no notice of community meetings,” he said.
As required by legislation, a 65-day public consultation process on the Hunter offshore wind zone took place from 23 February to 28 April 2023.
“[Information] sessions were held in Wamberal, Doyalson, Swansea, Newcastle City, Merewether, Hawks Nest and Nelson Bay from 6 March to 9 March 2023,” the DCCEEW website states.
“Information about the consultation was shared across several platforms, including on our website and social media channels.
“Paid promotion was undertaken in newspapers, radio and social media.
“A letterbox drop of 45,200 flyers to households in suburbs and towns near the proposed area has also been conducted.”
In particular, the local recreational and commercial fishing community has been scathing of the government’s consultation attempts.
They are equally unimpressed with delays to the inquiry.
“The Labor and Greens controlled committee is once again trying to avoid legitimate scrutiny, denying
local communities, fishers, and industry stakeholders the opportunity to have their voices heard,” said Troy Radford, President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club.
“The decision to delay this inquiry is yet another kick in the guts to our community.
“People in the Hunter deserve answers about how this project will affect their livelihoods, the marine environment, and local industries like tourism and commercial fishing.
“Instead, Labor and the Greens are doing everything they can to dodge accountability.
“Concerns around offshore wind development in the Hunter region have been growing, with many questioning the lack of independent environmental
assessments, the exclusion of key stakeholders, and the potential long-term economic consequences.”
Mr Radford said the government promised consultation but delivered “little more than a box ticking exercise”.
“We call on the Senate to complete the inquiry immediately to ensure the voices of those affected are heard before it is too late,” he said.
Port Stephens councillor Mark Watson said possible disruptions to local industries need to be considered before the Hunter project progresses.
“I’m calling for greater transparency and consultation with local communities, stakeholders, and industry experts before proceeding with any further developments,” he said.
Bowen and Swanson challenged to debate Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien and Liberal candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff have challenged Energy Minister Chris Bowen and incumbent Paterson MP Meryl Swanson to a debate over offshore wind in Nelson Bay.
“If Chris Bowen and Meryl Swanson have any respect for the local community, they will turn up to a debate on the pros and cons of their offshore wind plan on 12 March,” said Mr O’Brien.
A spokesperson for Ms Swanson said neither she or Mr Bowen would be accepting the debate, as not enough notice had been given and no attempt had been made by organisers to find a time that suited all parties.
q Nationals Senator Ross Cadell addresses the media in Canberra.
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The drone that can smell
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has launched the latest tool in its technological arsenal, a drone that can “smell”.
The FRNSW Aviation Unit and Hazardous Material teams are constantly looking for innovative ways to utilise the drone fleet, first formed in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires.
The smelling capability of the new drone means crews can now use drones to detect potential threats in the air, with firefighters able to maintain a safe distance and protect the wider public.
“It’s terrific to see Fire and Rescue NSW continuing to explore new technologies to safeguard its firefighters and keep the broader NSW community safe,” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.
“This is just the latest in an ever-growing list of FRNSW drone capabilities which means firefighters can have eyes – and a nose – on any blazes they’re battling.
“The drones can fly over built-up areas, assess the risk, and help authorities protect people in their homes, at work, or in critical infrastructure such as schools or hospitals.
“Firefighters are prepared for anything, including embracing new technologies to protect the irreplaceable.”
The drone was successfully deployed during last month’s response to a major fire and chemical emergency at a waste recycling plant at St Marys in Sydney’s west.
One of several drones deployed at the scene by firefighting crews, the smelling drone was able to analyse the smoke from the fire, identifying its chemical make-up and determining any potential risk to the public.
The drone also analysed the atmosphere around burning gas cylinders within the plant to determine potential air quality impacts.
This new drone can detect 12 different
chemicals in the air including chlorine, carbon dioxide, and a range of flammable gases.
The drone can then provide live data and gas readings to Command Posts, the FRNSW Strategic Operations Centre at Alexandria, or to scientific support staff for analysis.
Other drones in the FRNSW fleet can collect water samples for chemical testing, there are smaller drones able to enter buildings through small openings to search for
trapped people or identify structural threats, and drones fitted with infra-red cameras which can assist during overnight search and rescue missions.
Drones were used extensively in the aftermath of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, carrying out damage assessments over vital infrastructure and identifying debris for collection.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell said, “The drone that
can smell means we can assess dangerous environments quickly to keep our people and the community safe.
“Our crews are highly trained to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, but this type of drone means we don’t have to risk anyone’s safety when trying to identify potentially dangerous substances.
“When crews arrive at the scene of a fire, they can quickly get one of these drones airborne to determine the threat we’re dealing with, and make crucial decisions based on immediate information.”
Two charged after
alleged firearm theft
ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives have charged two men for alleged firearm theft in Port Stephens.
About 7pm on Monday 10 February 2025, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District attended an address on Salamander Way in Salamander Bay where four firearms had reportedly been stolen.
Local police commenced initial inquiries and the next day (Tuesday 11 February 2025), officers attached to Newcastle Police District
attempted to stop a black Toyota Hilux in Hillsborough, before a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned at a school in Hillsborough.
During a search of the surrounding area, police located three of the four stolen firearms.
The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Blaine.
Following further inquiries, about 3.40am on
Monday 3 March, strike force detectives executed a boat inspection on a boat in Shoal Bay, where they arrested two men – both aged 23. The men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where the men were charged with the break and enter in which the firearms were stolen, as well as the police pursuit.
Both men were refused bail and appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court the same day.
Crash leads to alleged drug bust
A MAN has been charged with drug offences after an alleged car crash and pursuit.
About 2pm on Thursday 6 March 2025, police were called to Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay, following reports a Toyota Hilux had crashed into a power pole.
During a search of the area, police allegedly located and seized a bag containing 61.43g of methamphetamine, 42.58g of heroin, and 36.07g of cannabis.
When the driver was questioned about the bag, he allegedly ran into a paddock and officers attached to Port StephensHunter Police District pursued the man on foot.
After a brief struggle, the 35-year-old driver was arrested before being taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.
There he was charged with six offences, including drug and driving related offences, breach of bail and “resist police in execution of duty”.
He was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday 7 March 2025.
IWD scholarships awarded
MELANIE Peers, Janine Hanna, Fiona Brown and Nina Parett have been announced as the 2025 International Women's Day scholarship recipients.
The four $1,000 scholarships were presented at the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay's International Women's Day dinner at Soldiers Point Bowling Club on Saturday night.
The scholarships will support projects that align with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action’.
The theme emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, and is a call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women's advancement.
Mayor Leah Anderson said these scholarships are a testament to the vital contributions of women in the Port Stephens community.
“For the last seven years, Port Stephens Council has offered scholarships to local women to support their goals across arts, culture, environment, business,
community, health, or sport,” she said.
“This scholarship program highlights the fantastic work that’s happening right here in our community, and celebrates the achievements of women.
“This year's wonderful recipients are focused on improving community health, providing grief and trauma support, empowering women in business, and assisting women experiencing homelessness.
“I’d like to congratulate the 2025 scholarship recipients, as well as each of the applicants, and also say a big thank you to the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay for once again sponsoring a fourth scholarship this year.
“It’s a privilege to be able to celebrate International Women’s Day and show our commitment to building a future that’s equitable for everyone.”
The 2025 Port Stephens Council International Women's Day scholarship recipients are:
Melanie Peers
Melanie will utilise the scholarship to expand her
free nutritional education programs for children and families.
She aims to improve their health, behaviour, and development, and support mothers in reducing stress and promoting family wellness.
By enhancing her outreach through her Facebook group, community talks, webinars, and consultations, she will reach more families and broaden her educational impact.
Janine Hanna
Janine will use the scholarship to host a series of grief workshops at Women's Healing Sanctuary in 2025.
This initiative will support women in Port Stephens dealing with loss, trauma, and bereavement.
The scholarship will enable her to bring in certified counsellor and grief educator Sarah Tolmie to lead these workshops, ensuring professional guidance.
Additionally, the funds will subsidise attendance costs, making the workshops more accessible, and supporting the emotional well-being and resilience of women in the community.
use the scholarship to conduct a workshop empowering women in business to enhance their speaking and communication skills.
Recognising communication as the foundation of effective action in personal, professional, and community contexts, the workshop is designed to build confidence, craft impactful messages, and navigate
The scholarship will cover materials and venue costs, ensuring accessibility and supporting the vision of confident, action-driven women.
Nina Parett – Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay
Nina will utilise the scholarship to create and distribute 500 hygiene packs for women experiencing hardship and homelessness
These
will be distributed through community centres, shelters, and outreach programs.
She will also host informational workshops to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless women and strengthen partnerships with local organisations to provide holistic support and expand her outreach efforts.
Housing approvals drop across LGA
By Joseph RICHARDS
PORT Stephens has experienced the biggest drop in the Hunter in development application (DA) approvals, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
There were 277 approvals across the local government area (LGA) in 2024.
This represents a 52 percent decrease from 2023, when 426 applications were approved.
“A decline in housing approvals is due to a previous surge in approvals during the COVID period, combined with broader
economic challenges,” Mayor Leah Anderson said.
Last year, Port Stephens Council unveiled its Local Housing Strategy and Housing Supply Plan in response to predictions of 20,000 new residents over the next 20 years.
The plans focus on housing diversity, affordability and supply.
“We’re working to reduce red tape to make it easier and more affordable to lodge a Development Application and to fast track assessments for single houses, granny flats and subdivisions.
“We remain committed to the delivery of more diverse and affordable
housing across Port Stephens and are also working to attract investment in more housing types around our town centres.”
The local figures are in contrast to national data which shows approvals at their highest levels since December 2022.
Master Builders Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett said “higher density home approvals” experienced the greatest increase.
Under the National Housing Accord an average of 240,000 new homes are needed each year to address Australia’s housing shortage.
q Melanie Peers, Mayor Leah Anderson, Janine Hanna and Fiona Brown.
Fiona Brown Fiona will
diverse scenarios.
over the next 12 months.
packs
q New subdivisions like Potter’s Lane in Raymond Terrace are part of Council’s housing supply plan.
Meet
Avery’s
IWD celebrated at North Arm Cove
By Thomas O’KEEFE
WOMEN from across the Myall Coast and Port Stephens came together for a high tea to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).
Several guest speakers addressed the gathering at the North Arm Cove Community Centre on Friday 7 March.
Tea Gardens Lions member Lyn Chaikin spoke of being born in a country town before working for Qantas, where she took part in a Thomas Dooley Foundation program to work in Nepal with Tibetan refugees.
“I met the warm and caring Tibetans who wove and sold carpets, worked in a children's nursery in a Tibetan refugee camp, and taught ESL at the Queen's orphanage and at the hospital,” Lyn said.
She began a concerted program focused on genuine hygiene, starting with a strong campaign to ensure babies got washed regularly, and teaching the locals to boil their water before using it.
Lyn’s work later took her into Villawood Detention Centre, where there were many
confronting scenes.
But none of it has dulled her perspective.
“That life has been a big, big adventure,” she said.
The second guest speaker was Vanessa
Avery seeks a forever family who can offer her the love and attention she so wonderfully returns. Although her gentle personality is suitable for children, she’ll be happiest in a home with kids over the age of six to ensure her space and sensitivity are respected.
If you’re seeking a tender-hearted companion ready to share her affection and warmth, Avery is ready and waiting to be welcomed with open arms into a nurturing and loving environment.
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
Avery is a Brachycephalic breed (flat faced) so she is heat sensitive and will require regular gentle eye wiping. She has a beautiful dense plush coat that requires regular brushing.
Palfreeman, an organiser of Caring for Kiriwina, a charity focusing on helping the 50,000 people of a tiny island in the southeastern reaches of Papua New Guinea.
Kiriwinans live by subsistence farming, mainly yams and fishing, and have no running water or sewerage.
They are part of a shelltrading 'Kula Ring' in the Milne Bay Province, which is run by local chiefs, with strong input from the Church.
“The New and Old Testaments remain the only actual books written on Kiriwina, both translated into the local language by outsiders,” Vanessa said.
“There is a limited health service, no actual doctor and almost all the births are attended by Village Birth Assistants (VBAs) - strong women with an evolved sense of community.”
Caring for Kiriwina was set up to help the VBAs with simple things such as birthing kits.
During Vanessa’s first trip there in 2013, they stayed in very basic huts built above the ground and most of the villagers gathered around at night to use the power, charge phones and listen to music.
She has been back twice and had recently planned another visit.
“P&O sponsored a trip to get us there, but Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which was forming in the Pacific Ocean, prevented us from landing on the island, even though it was heartbreakingly within sight.”
Jan Peeters, organiser of the high tea, said that over the years the event has raised over $100,000 for International Women Australia.
“The Committee has decided to focus future donations on more local charities in future,” she said.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington, who also spoke, described the decision to donate locally as “a beautiful one.”
q Nearly 90 ladies turned out for the ever-popular IWD high tea at North Arm Cove.
q Guest speakers Kate Washington, Vanessa Palfreeman and Lyn Chaikin (front) with organisers Jan Peeters and Robyn Gee.
q Waiter Glen dressed to impress.
Medowie Social to be converted into registered club
PORT Stephens Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the purchase or lease of Medowie's social hub.
Medowie Social opened in 2020 and has since been leased as a Multipurpose Sports and Community Facility.
In 2024, Council surveyed the community about the future of the venue with 80 percent of over 1,200 residents who participated supporting a change of Medowie Social to a registered club.
A change of use development application (DA) was submitted and has been approved for the venue to be converted into a registered club.
Mayor Leah Anderson said this will allow the venue
to transform into a bigger drawcard for residents and visitors.
“This is an exciting opportunity for a business operator to take charge of the venue and turn Medowie Social into a thriving club for the community,” Mayor Anderson said.
“It’s an incredible community facility and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Medowie Social as a registered club.”
The EOI process is now open and is expected to close in late April.
“During this process the current vendors will continue to operate from the facility and we encourage the community to support them,” Mayor Anderson said.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and shared
their thoughts on the future of Medowie Social.
“I know the Medowie community have been waiting patiently for the outcome and it’s fantastic to see the community getting what they desired with this facility,” Mayor Anderson added.
Situated at 36A Ferodale Road, Medowie Social has been designed to be a central place for the local community to come together.
The venue includes a commercial kitchen and bar, a seating area for 200 patrons, two function rooms for an additional 160 patrons, one office, two meeting rooms and an area that could be used for a second bowling green or further development (subject to Council approval).
Dredger reports for duty
A LONG-AWAITED dredger has arrived on the Myall River, just days after reports of a ferry hitting sand on its journey to Tea Gardens from Nelson Bay.
It is anticipated the vessel will remove over 100,000m3 of sand from the Lower Myall River system.
Work will be conducted in three stages, the first being
the stretch from Corrie Island to the Singing Bridge.
The second stage will target Corrie Channel, and the third the Eastern Channel.
Removed sand will be deposited on the stockpile at Winda Woppa and used to replenish erosion on Jimmys Beach.
MidCoast Council
will manage the project, anticipating works will be completed between July and October 2025.
The Myall River Action Group (MRAG) has welcomed the arrival of the dredger, praising both Council and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington for their roles in furthering the project.
“It was the determination of MidCoast Council and the welcome perseverance of our State representative Kate Washington, who secured the additional funding allowing all three stages of the project to begin,” said MRAG spokesperson Gordon
Grainger.
A long-term advocate for protection of the Myall River, Mr Grainger said the dredge program would have a “major influence”.
“Not only does it provide safe travel between Nelson Bay and a major contributor to our tourism trade, it also has a major influence in the estuary ecology.”
Mr Grainger is also seeking to promote the importance of the Eastern Channel in maintaining river and estuary health.
“It is vital that authorities understand the return of the ‘natural’ or Eastern Channel
provides the system with fresh oceanic waters that in turn provide us with a healthy marine life,” he said.
“The eastern entrance was the official channel into the Myall system, servicing the Tea Gardens port, and was allowed to be choked with sand.
“On again being recognised as an official channel, it becomes the responsibility of State Government to maintain access, which in turn will provide cheaper, faster access as well as a healthy ecosystem.”
q A recent drone shot of the sand build up in the Myall system.
q The dredge in place on the Myall River.
From swim coach to hospitality entrepreneur
By Jacie WHITFIELD
BRAZILIAN-born Guilherme
Santos dived into Brisbane in 2011, with a six-month student visa, a sports science degree, a thousand dollars and a plan to learn English.
His experience representing Brazil in swimming (he had achieved a place in the South American Cup and the World Championships), landed him a job as a swim coach and lifeguard.
He went on to coach the Brisbane Jets and was an integral member of the Australian and Queensland coaching teams for 11 years.
Yearning to add to his income stream, Guilly plunged headfirst into hospitality entrepreneurship by working pop-up markets.
Missing his Brazilian culture and in alignment with his health philosophy, he sourced a familiar staple - the Acai.
These dark purple-hued berries are native to South America and are known as “purple gold”.
Guilly moved south in 2022 and found his feet at The Forum at the University of Newcastle, where he coached Paralympic swimmers.
After having twin girls, he and his wife Brittany launched two Acai berry stores, including one in Nelson Bay.
His enigmatic smile engages you immediately and his desire to help
others drives his passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
He’s also the Swim Director at Newcastle Grammar, which enables him to remain “on pool deck” and focus on technique, psychology and recovery.
Gilly is dedicated to giving back to the Port Stephens community, feeling blessed
mentored.
to have become an Australian citizen.
His intention is to bring swim stroke correction, technique, and strength and conditioning clinics to The Bay.
In the meantime, he enjoys being docked in the “Aussie Town of the Year”.
Local rescue unit supports Alfred effort
MULTI-PURPOSE vessels from the Lemon Tree Passage Marine Rescue unit were among those deployed to northern NSW last week in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. “Marine Rescue Lemon
Tree Passage has personnel in Lismore manning MultiPurpose Vessel MR25, and our local Multi-Purpose
MR23,
Unit volunteers worked alongside emergency service crews to assist impacted communities, through activities such as clearing roads and completing critical rescue missions.
“After several missions, MR23 is now slightly battlescarred but still going strong,” the unit updated on Sunday.
Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage also maintained a full team available to respond to rescues across the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park if required.
Marine Rescue NSW
Superintendent Dan Duemmer advised boaters to avoid going out on the water
until the weather system has passed.
“Conditions will be very dangerous on our waterways. It is not worth endangering yourself or others for a day out on the water.
“The forecast winds and swells will make boating hazardous – don’t risk it.
“If safe to do so, boaters should ensure their vessels are moored securely and anchored safely,” Superintendent Duemmer said.
For assistance, contact Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or call Triple Zero (000).
q Coach Guilly with two of the Paralympians he
q Guilly with one of the Brisbane Jets swimmers.
q Guilly on the pool deck.
Vessel
usually based at Tanilba Bay, is currently operating from Maclean,” the unit said last Friday.
q The Lemon Tree Passage Marine Rescue crew.
Discover your perfect PORT STEPHENS
Grand Opening of Ingenia Lifestyle Natura and Ingenia Lifestyle Element Clubhouses
Two Clubhouse Openings. Two Great Communities. Three Big Days of Events!
Join us Friday, 14 March through to Sunday, 16 March as we officially unveil the stunning new clubhouses at Ingenia Lifestyle Natura and Ingenia Lifestyle Element Fullerton Cove for the very first time!
Discover your perfect Port Stephens lifestyle, plus join a seminar and get expert tips from the author of How to Have an Epic Retirement Bec Wilson. It will be a weekend packed with fun celebrations and vibrant community spirit.
Bring the family and kids along for a Family Fun Day on Sunday, where you can explore the stunning communities, enjoy tasty treats and take part in exciting activities such as face painting, leaf artwork and much more.
RSVP to your choice of Grand Opening Weekend activities for you and your family
Grand Opening Weekend
Ingenia Lifestyle Natura, Port Stephens Friday 14th March
Events from 9:30 am - 1:30pm
Sunday 16th March
Family Fun Day 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ingenia Lifestyle Element, Fullerton Cove Saturday 15th March
Events from 9.30am - 12:30pm
Sunday 16th March
Family Fun Day 10:00am - 1:00pm
RSVP Today. Scan Below.
Stop wishing. Start living.
Ingenia Lifestyle New South Wales
The Company gives no warranty or makes any representations about the accuracy of the information or representations made. The information is provided solely as general information. Distances are approximate only and are calculated via Google Maps.
Natura, Poolside Living
Ingenia Lifestyle Element, Sanctuary of Wellness
Natura, Bowling Green
Kids and families help Clean Up Karuah
By Thomas O’KEEFE
KARUAH residents rolled up their sleeves to help the environment during Clean Up Australia Day on 2 March.
“A total of 28 volunteers turned out to assist the clean-up, among them
several families who brought their kids along to help,”
Cheryl Crotty, from the local Landcare and Karuah Progress Association, told News Of The Area.
“We spread out across town targeting Longworth Park, Memorial Park, Aliceton
Reserve, the Karuah Wetlands and Tarean Road.”
Around 27 bags of rubbish were collected, proving that these kinds of local, grassroots efforts are still necessary.
Most of the rubbish fell into one of two main
categories: roadside litter, and pollution washed towards the Karuah River in recent rains.
“One group focused their efforts on cleaning up the sticks and flood debris at the swimming area,” Cheryl said.
“There were bits of plastic packaging; it all blows towards the river and into it. And all the run-off through the nearby wetlands washes into the river with heavy rains.”
“We saw lots of cigarette butts, plastic packaging, bottles, food packaging, and larger items including tyres, a bike and a barbecue.”
The volunteers were not authorised to clean up on or around the highway access ramps, especially coming into
town from the south, due to legal and safety concerns.
“We have asked Port Stephens Council to assist in cleaning up the offramp, because there is a lot there that needs dire attention.
“All of the volunteers put in a great effort on a hot morning and the town looks so much better.”
According to eyewitness accounts, the wetlands and Tarean Road were the worst polluted.
This suggests that much of the litter comes from passers-through, or is the result of illegal dumping.
Karuah’s Landcare groups are now hopeful of winning a grant to help them restore some of the weedy area at Longworth Park.
Butchers, bakers and makers better off in the bush
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
BUTCHERS, bakers and smallgoods makers are better off living in the country, with research showing workers across nearly 100 occupations can get more bang for their buck in the bush.
City-based teachers, mechanics, general practitioners, chief executives, chefs, house cleaners and child care workers may also want to consider a move to the country for better pay.
There are 85 occupations where net incomes are higher in country Australia compared to the capitals, according to an analysis by the Regional
Australia Institute released on Tuesday.
There was an income premium of 26 percent in remote areas with industries like agriculture and mining, particularly among truck drivers, machinery operators, tradies and technicians.
The findings of the Beyond City Limits report were significant not just for regional economies, but the national workforce, the institute's chief executive Liz Ritchie said.
"This report busts the long-held myth that you have to live in a major city to earn a high income," Ms Ritchie said.
The research used census and tax data to look at incomes across occupations,
before factoring in age, gender, education and housing costs.
Managers and sales workers' net incomes were lower in both inner regional and remote areas, while professionals and admin staff only experienced income premiums in remote or very remote areas.
Wages were slightly lower overall in inner regional areas, such as Albury, Dubbo, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga in NSW, the Latrobe region in Victoria and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Ms Ritchie said Australians needed to know about the career opportunities in regional areas, where there were 67,000 job vacancies in
January.
"There are plenty of good jobs, where you can earn a very good income," she said.
"Combine that with the regions' livability factors, like less traffic, more affordable housing and access to nature and you can understand why so many people have already made the move."
The research recommended several policy focus areas, including promotion of regional jobs and social infrastructure investments.
The institute has launched its online interactive Regional Jobs Guide to help workers understand country labour markets.
“playing the music you grew up with”
q Several kids came down to Longworth Park to help clean up the riverside.
q Some Karuah kids took off into the wetlands to clean it up a bit.
q Jarrah, Lily and their young friends got into the spirit of Clean Up Australia day.
q Bags upon bags of rubbish were scooped up, including tyres and umbrellas.
q When it comes to pay, butchers may be able to do better in the bush, according to a new report. Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS.
Goori-Bugg Gathering: connecting kin and Country
By Joshua GILBERT
OVER a hundred descendants of James and Charlotte Bugg are set to gather in the Upper Hunter to celebrate their connection to Country.
The Goori (Aboriginal) Bugg family gathering will be held at the Gloucester Showground between 28-30 March.
According to the event organisers, this year is the Bicentenary of the arrest in Greater Horkesley, Essex, UK, of 23 years old James Bugg for stealing, then his gaoling and transportation to the colony of New South Wales as an English convict.
“He arrived in Sydney in March 1826 and was assigned to the AACo which had just commenced its operations on Worimi Country at Tahlee, Port Stephens,” the event’s website states.
Uncle John Heath told News Of The Area, “The three-day gathering will be a celebration of a remarkable dynasty that commenced amongst frontier hostilities on unceded Worimi and Birpai country and survived colonialism and the challenges of mixed race families in Australia, with many members making significant contributions in a number of fields, to help build
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
IT’S a quieter week at the box office, with only two releases vying for audience attention.
Black Bag is Steven Soderbergh’s latest film - a spy thriller starring Cate Blanchett and Michael
Fassbender as a married couple who work for a British Intelligence agency.
When it becomes apparent that someone in the department is leaking information, George Woodhouse (Fassbender) is tasked with investigating and resolving the issue.
His task becomes complicated when his wife, Kathryn St. Jean (Blanchett)
a better Australia.
“It will provide an opportunity to share our stories and learn from the experiences of other family members that may be quite different from our own.”
Activities for gathering attendees will include basket and eel trap weaving, possum and kangaroo skin cloak making, men’s and women’s yarning circles, family tree mapping and tours of important local cultural and community sites.
More information can be found on the Goori Bugg Gathering website.
is pinpointed as a prime suspect.
Boasting supporting turns from Naomi Harris and one of the former Bonds, Pierce Brosnan, this exploration into the collision of relationships and duty seems to be something of a very smart Mr and Mrs Smith.
Soderbergh excels at weaving multiple, complex plot threads while still keeping interest in well developed characters, all while ratcheting up tension
and delivering a satisfying conclusion.
That’s no small skill, and if early response to the film is anything to go by, it seems he hasn’t lost his edge.
Novocaine is another high-concept, action comedy brought by the directing duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen.
mild-mannered office clerk chooses to set out in pursuit of the bad guys to rescue her himself.
His one advantage: his total inability to feel pain.
Tasmania
New
Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) may have met the love of his life in Sherry (Amber Midthunder).
When Sherry is taken hostage in a bank robbery, the
Over-the-top violence in action comedies is a very trendy sub-genre at the moment, and Hollywood pros know how to make the scenes look good and pacey.
This film's quality depends utterly on how likable the leading performers are.
Quaid walks the fine line of charming and goofyturned engine of destruction pretty well, though it’s kind of a shame to see Midthunder (Prey) relegated to “the girl” when she is capable of much more.
Their chemistry is off the charts in their scenes together and this completely sells the premise that he would go to such extreme measures in pursuit of her.
Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
COACH
q Organising committee members Paula Mailing, Uncle John Heath, Tanya Morgan, Aunty Lynda Holden and Aunty Donna Kemp. Photo: supplied
Applications open for veteran arts program
APPLICATIONS are open for the NSW Government’s 2025
Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program, which offers up to $10,000 for a contemporary veteran or group of veterans to engage with the Anzac Memorial and the broader community through art.
The program gives veterans an opportunity to share their experience and stories of military service with the wider community through their chosen medium, while furthering their growth as artists.
Open to those who have served in the Australian Defence Force, the Veteran Artist in Residence program celebrates the Anzac Memorial’s intent as an active space for veterans and their families.
It recognises the collaboration, self-discipline, innovation and creativity that goes into being an artist along with the positive impact on health, wellbeing and connectivity.
Launched in 2019, the program has produced a vast collection of trench art,
paintings, music and poetry.
The inaugural Veteran Artist in Residence, Cory Rinaldi, is an Army veteran of Malaysia, East Timor and Iraq.
During his residency, he painted a series of works exploring the Memorial’s architecture as well as his experience of military service.
His residency culminated in an exhibition of 18 paintings and the program was recognised as the winner of the 2022 Innovation & Resilience Award at Museum & Galleries NSW's IMAGinE
q Works by Cory Rinaldi.
Awards.
“The Residency at the Memorial enabled me to heal,” Cory said.
“It gave me purpose again and once more made me feel part of a team since leaving the military.
“The Residency challenged my artistic parameters and encouraged me to paint outside of my comfort zone.
“For someone who suffers from PTSD, that’s a big deal.”
This is the third time the
Residency has been offered. Applications close on 24 March with more information available here: https://www. anzacmemorial.nsw.gov. au/about/veteran-artistresidence
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriatenessmedia@newsofthearea.com.au
MEET LAURENCE, ANNA BAY LOCAL
Laurence Antcliff knows Port Stephens because it’s where his story began. He grew up in Anna Bay, the son of Russell and Therese, and attended St Michael’s Primary School in Nelson Bay. Now, he’s raising his own family in Chisholm and, like so many locals, wants to see real action on the issues that matter—stopping the offshore wind farms, relieving cost of living, and fixing local roads.
With over a decade of leadership at the Housing Industry Association, Laurence has worked with 450 apprentices and 250 small businesses, helping young people get into trades and supporting local construction businesses. He’s spent years tackling red tape, pushing for real solutions to housing affordability, and standing up for hardworking families. Now, he’s bringing that same determination to fight for our community.
Stopping the Port Stephens Offshore Wind Farms
Fixing local infrastructure so families aren’t stuck in traffic and waiting years for projects to start
Making it easier for first-home buyers to get into the market by unlocking superannuation for home deposits
Improving local healthcare, including better hospital services in Port Stephens
Supporting small businesses with less red tape and a better deal from government
Port Stephens has given so much to Laurence and his family, and now he’s working to give back-fighting for the future of our region.
LAURENCE ANTCLIFF
Timeless style at The Studio
A HAIRDRESSER for over 40 years, Nina Hogan offers a “fresh, yet experienced” take on style.
Having recently arrived in Nelson Bay after owning her own salons in Canberra, Nina is offering a professional, glamorous hair styling experience through her new venture - The Studio.
Based in Nelson Bay Towers on Magnus Street, Nelson Bay, the boutique salon offers top quality “oneon-one service from start to finish”.
“Gaining experience over many years of hair styling, I have the expertise to be highly skilled in all aspects of hairdressing,” Nina said.
“While I am an advanced cutting specialist, I am also a highly skilled colourist, from blondes to high fashion colours known as ‘rainbow colouring’ and everything in between.
“I also do a mean French roll and hair for special events with a modern twist.”
Despite having decades of experience, Nina’s work remains extremely relevant
to the latest vogue, something she says is “critical to remain current in this industry”.
“I believe everyone should look and feel comfortable within themselves.
“Hair is a reflection of our personalities and that is on show to the world.
“While everyone may not want stand out hair styles, we all want to reflect our best to others.
“I’m here to help bring your inner self to life.”
Nina is also adapting her work to the climactic conditions of Port Stephens.
“One thing I have noticed by living here in the Bay is the humidity is a killer for good hair.
“I make my clients’ hair look the very best at its worst, that way it can withstand the elements.”
With client comfort of the utmost importance to Nina, she offers ‘silent appointments’.
“These are held for many reasons,” she said.
“Some people are socially awkward and having a silent
appointment makes them feel comfortable, or someone could have extreme grief, say the loss of a family member, and need their hair done to look respectable for the funeral but don’t have the strength to talk.
“My salon is a safe place for everyone.”
Sustainability is also a major feature of Nina’s work.
“My salon will be a sustainable salon, in conjunction with Sustainable Salons Australia.
“This means that 95 percent of all resources that would normally end up in landfill are taken and repurposed into the community across Australia.”
She is also utilising a completely organic colouring system.
Nina is offering a special deal for NOTA readers.
The first five people to ring or text Nina’s number and make a booking will receive 50 percent off a shampoo, cut and blow wave.
“They will need to reference this article,” she said.
q Nina Hogan.
522/61 Dowling Street, Nelson Bay Where your quiet holidays await!
2 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Car
Price: $340,000
THIS unit is in the most peaceful location within the ever popular Landmark building.
Sited on the top floor with easterly bushland views, enjoy all the benefits of holidaying in this thriving holiday resort whilst feeling a million miles away from the many varied activities that this building possesses.
With two bedrooms,
spacious bathroom, and very functional lounge, dining and kitchen, the unit also benefits from a balcony to enjoy the local tranquillity.
The resort features a beautiful swimming pool with wading area, spa, observation deck (idea for reading that novel you've been holding on to), sauna, parking and professional and friendly onsite managers.
A recommended renovation would see the unit benefit from a steady stream of holiday income potential.
The building is adjoining the Nelson Bay Tennis Courts, Nelson Bay Golf Club and
Nelson Bay Bowling Club, giving you a vast array of local activities and eateries within easy reach.
The coastal hub of Nelson Bay town centre is just a few minutes walk down the street where you will find an abundance of shopping and dining pleasures as well as the marina for all of your boating desires.
In all, a great holiday unit, somewhere to relax and enjoy some well-earned time away from the every day.
Please call Nelson Bay Real Estate on 02 49812655 to arrange your private viewing.
Dutton's energy policy backflips
DEAR News Of The Area,
VOTERS cannot trust Dutton on energy policy.
While the Coalition, in its final act of government in 2022, supported the development of Australia’s offshore wind industry by introducing enabling legislation, Dutton now seeks to play politics from opposition.
Of the 14 feasibility licenses issued for offshore wind projects, he selectively opposes those in key regions - Hunter, Illawarra, and the Southern Ocean - targeting them to win votes in marginal seats.
Dutton’s inconsistency is not new.
While in government, he is on the record opposing nuclear power for Australia.
Now, in a dramatic reversal, he enters the election with an ill-defined and unsubstantiated nuclear energy policy.
This comes at a critical time, as all coal-fired power stations in Australia are set to close within the next decade.
Offshore wind energy is on track to be operational by 2030, providing a timely replacement for coal-fired power, sustaining jobs, and delivering economic benefits to affected regions.
Dutton’s nuclear policy, lacking both detail and a realistic timeline, will not replace this lost capacity in time, let alone ever eventuate.
The public and investors need certainty and a clear path forward for energy policy, not political flipflopping and vague promises.
Regards, Justin PAGE, Coordinator, Hunter Jobs Alliance.
The lowest blow yet
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHERE were you on Friday, 28 February 2025… the day the music almost died in Port Stephens and the Myall Coast.
On that afternoon, Federal Minister Chris Bowen and his sidekick Meryl Swanson washed their hands of this entire area by ceasing to listen, abandoning all niceties and imposing their offshore wind farm folly - then attempting to destroy all escape routes.
The announcement of a wind farm feasibility licence is widely and rightly perceived as a kick in the guts - a betrayal rushed through by a government seen by many as running scared of its electorate.
But, it was done in a particularly brutal way, bearing the ruthless hallmarks of scorched earth politics.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
READING by Lynne Miles: 1 John 1: 9
FAITHFUL FORGIVER - "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Notable backflips from the major parties
DEAR News Of The Area,
BOTH major political parties make great promises during the build-up to an election.
But in reality many are reversed or altered after winning office.
Here are five notable backflips from each party:
ALP:
1. $275 Electricity Bill Reduction (2022
Labor campaigned on the promise that power bills would fall by $275 by 2025 due to its renewable energy policies. This commitment was effectively abandoned, with power bills increasing instead
2. Offshore Processing for Asylum Seekers (2007-2013)
In 2007, Labor, under Kevin Rudd, promised to dismantle offshore processing.
3. However, by 2013, Rudd reinstated offshore detention in Papua New Guinea, stating that asylum seekers arriving by boat would not be resettled in Australia.Carbon Pricing (2010-2013)
Before the 2010 election, Julia Gillard stated, "There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead."
However, in 2011, Labor introduced a carbon pricing scheme, which became a major political controversy.
4. University Funding (2022-2023)
5. Labor campaigned on improving higher education funding but, after winning office, allowed significant indexation of HECS-HELP debts and did not reverse Coalition-era cuts.
6. Live Sheep Export Ban
“Scorched earth” refers to the tactic of destroying everything in an area, leaving behind nothing that counts.
To a big proportion of the Port Stephens and Myall Coast population, that sums up the announcement by Bowen and Meryl Swanson.
Ironically, the announcement may have sounded the death knell for Meryl Swanson’s political career, but that’s apparently a sacrifice Labor is prepared to make.
Throwing Swanson under a bus is apparently a price worth paying for this wind farm fantasy.
Why would anyone be surprised at this scorched earth behaviour?
This was never an honorable enterprise.
The entire wind farm saga has been obscene, profane and vulgar, but this was the lowest blow yet.
Bowen and Swanson believe they’ve
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I HAVE a neighbour who parades around his backyard in the nuddy.
He opens his side gate, so I can see him from my kitchen window.
He thinks it’s funny when I tell him I can watch porn on television if I was that way inclined.
What do you suggest I do?
Signed, Bertha.
Dear Bertha, What a coincidence.
The day before I received your email, I had a conundrum sent to me from a hard-of-hearing naturist.
(2019-Present)
Labor promised to phase out live sheep exports but delayed action after industry backlash.
As of 2024, the ban remains in limbo, with no set end date.
Australian Coalition:
1. "No Cuts to ABC, SBS, Health, and Education" (2013)
Before the 2013 election, Tony Abbott promised "no cuts to the ABC or SBS".
However, in the 2014 Budget, the government introduced significant funding cuts to health, education and both broadcasters.
2. Superannuation Changes (2016)
The Coalition assured no adverse changes to superannuation before the 2016 election.
However, in the 2016 Budget, they introduced a $1.6 million transfer cap and reduced concessional contributions.
3. Net Zero by 2050 (2019-2021)
Before the 2019 election, Scott Morrison criticized Labor’s climate policies and did not commit to net zero.
However, ahead of COP26 in 2021, Morrison adopted the net-zero by 2050 target.
4. Religious Discrimination Bill (20192022)
The Morrison government campaigned on legislating stronger religious protections but abandoned the bill in 2022 after internal divisions and opposition over discrimination concerns.
5. First Home Buyer Super Access (2022)
The Coalition proposed allowing
conquered without really needing to come and see.
But, the descent into gutter politics has served only to again highlight the importance of the looming federal election. The battle for Port Stephens is far from done, and only the Coalition has
He said, "Dear Jasminda, I'm working hard on body acceptance. I enjoy weeding my garden, tending to my magnolia hedge, and replenishing the birdbath wearing nothing more than my Akubra, steel cap boots, and some SPF 50+. I would never have done this while my wife was still alive, but now she's gone, I feel I can fully embrace the time I have left by soaking up the sun and being one with nature. My problem is, lately I've had this nagging feeling that someone is watching me. Recently I've had it confirmed. Last week, midprune, I swivelled around and caught a glimpse of the woman next door peeking through her kitchen curtains at me. I thought it was just a coincidence, but then, a couple of days later, she
first-home buyers to use superannuation for home deposits in the 2022 election but did not implement it in prior terms when in power, despite advocating for the policy.
yelled out something like, 'I watch porn on television when I'm reclined.' I was horrified. I don't know what to do. Am I living next door to a pervert? I just nervously giggled and strategically covered up my remaining dignity with my pruning shears. Thankfully I'd first put the safety latch on. Who knows what injury could have befallen me. How do I stop this peeping Thomasina?"
What we have here, Bertha, is a simple neighbourly misunderstanding.
Perhaps you could have an over-the-fence conversation.
Explain that you're not used to people running around starkers. Tell him it's hard concentrating on your role decorating cakes for the CWA when he's cavorting around in his birthday suit. Maybe you two can come to an arrangement. In exchange for some freshly-baked scones once a week, your neighbour could agree to set nude gardening hours (a bit like dog off-leash hours) between 10 and 11am and provide you with bunches of freshly-cut magnolias. What do you think, Bertha?
Sounds like a win-win to me. It may even develop into a blossoming friendship.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Each of these reversals highlight the contempt the major Australian political parties hold for ordinary Australians. With an election coming soon, Australians need to understand that nothing promised is guaranteed, it is all empty promises or hypocritical at best.
promised, and is in a position to, actually rip up wind farm contracts and legally rescind the zone.
Lets vote to prevent our precious ocean from becoming some sort of Mad
Tourists not welcome
DEAR News Of The Area,
ON my recent holiday to Port Stephens I could help but notice the parking meters at Nelson Bay have spread like a virus, easterly.
Seems like everywhere I went there were parking meters for tourists, locals can park for free.
Want to snorkel at Fly point, pay up, want to swim at Little Beach, pay up; want to swim or lunch at Shoal Bay,
pay up; want to climb Mount Tomaree, pay up; want to swim or lunch at Fingal Bay, pay up; want to take in the view at Fingal Bay headland, pay up and park rear to the kerb (Doh!); want to picnic at Barry Park, pay up.
Other than weekends it has resulted in these areas being ghost towns.
It makes a mockery of
Tanilba Bay.
Max nightmare almost devoid of marine life.
Regards, Ian
Wotif’s 2025 Aussie best town award.
The mayor said “we are so proud to share our beautiful region with visitors…”.
I don’t believe charging for parking is in the spirit of sharing.
Regards, Stephen BLACKTOP, Newcastle.
Regards, Bill DORAN,
ROBERTS, Fingal Bay.
Stinker’s History: The Matador
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THE McLeay family moved to Swan Bay during the depression years.
They built a house on land owned by Mr Fred Lilley in Lilley’s Road where Ted and his brother Keith had horses.
The boys built yards to capture brumbies and break them in to sell them for pocket money.
Together Ted and Keith built a 27 footer, the “Barracouta”.
They fitted a Chev six horsepower engine, which they bought from the local Karuah baker Len Engle for £5.
Each year at the Christmas period a regatta was held at Mungo Brush.
Keith, with his mate Jacko Deakin, decided to take the “Barracouta” to compete.
For the main race it was decided to purchase a new two-bladed propeller from Laurie Simpson’s chandlery in Newcastle.
After completing the qualifying time of 12 minutes for the course Keith decided the boat went faster with the original three-blade propeller.
They went around the headland and changed the propeller back to the original three-blade.
The “Stella Maris” was the hot favourite for the event, owned by Phillips Melbourne Oyster Company of Oyster Cove, Port Stephens.
It had won all previous years.
So it was no surprise that
Phillips’ boat started from scratch with the “Barracouta” starting from 12 minutes ahead.
“Bang” went the starter’s gun and they were off!
The race was on and to the surprise of all, the “Barracouta” crossed the finish line 15 minutes ahead of the highly fancied “Stella Maris”.
With the old propeller they beat their previous time by three minutes and were awarded the prize.
Regatta organiser Don Maslen took the boys into the office and complained about them beating their previous time.
Keith explained to Don what they had done.
Fortunately Don, who was a good friend, said he would pay them on the condition that they didn’t come back.
Ted, a welder by trade, also repaired and sold boats before he built the “Que Sera”, a 40 foot timber trawler at Thornton and launched her at Hexham in 1956.
The name “Que Sera” was chosen because it means “What will be, will be”, a popular song of the era and a reflection of the future uncertainty.
The locals couldn’t pronounce this so they called it the “Queer Sarah”.
Ted just smiled.
“She caught her share of fish and prawns,” he recalled.
Moving to Nelson Bay, Ted, wife Ruth and their Collie dog Tess lived on the boat until they built their house in Tomaree Street.
The young couple often sailed to Broughton Island where Jimmy “Kerosine Tin” Karageorgis was very kind.
On occasions Ruth and Tess stayed with Jimmy on the island while Ted was trapping.
Jimmy fed Ruth her first meal of octopus and fish roe.
Ted resisted the temptation.
Later Ted went set lining and became very friendly with the Mitchell family, especially Sandy Mitchell and his sons Clyde and Barry, owners of the “Eileen Sylvia”.
Sandy took Ted, considered to be a newcomer, under his wing and guided him on the right track of fishing - treating him like a son.
Some of the other local fishermen were not very helpful at all.
Sandy suggested Ted install an Echo Sounder, which he did for £700. There were only four echo sounders in the port at that time.
“The other locals will be asking you where the reefs are now,” Sandy said. Under Sandy and the boys' guidance, Ted turned the boat into a Danish Seiner from which point fishing became profitable.
Always out to improve things Clyde Mitchell and Ted put twin gear on their trawlers (double nets).
Clyde discarded his, but Ted continued successfully using it.
It was considered that Ted’s boat was the first trawler using twin gear on the NSW coast.
After 10 years of fishing Ted decided to build a 60 foot steel boat to replace the “Que Sera”.
He firstly explained to master boat builder Reg Hyde, from Salt Ash, what he wanted.
Reg made a model boat with Ted’s measurements and design and later gave valuable assistance by completing all the woodwork in the
Hazards of the Spit
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THE Fingal Spit has, since 1898, been of great concern for those who were required to cross it.
Light keepers and fishermen were most at risk and all knew the dangers involved.
It was 1898 that the “Maitland Gale” whipped up a huge sea from the south which crashed through the narrow finger of land which served as a permanent connection between the Outer Light and the mainland.
In 1992 Rob Robinson
shared memories of life as the son of a lightkeeper on Fingal Island shortly after the ending of WW1, including a harrowing experience with the Spit.
The following are excerpts from Rob’s writings.
“At the time of the incident I'm about to relate, I was seven years old in 1919 and lived on an island off the east coast of NSW.
“My father, ex-Royal Navy, had migrated to Australia and was offered a job as a lighthouse keeper.
“The lighthouse at Point Stephens is less than a mile
from the mainland and our only access to civilisation was by way of a narrow sandspit, under eight feet of water at high tide.
“Mostly treacherous and unforgiving, it had a nasty record of accidents and was held in great respect by all who used it.
“Once every two weeks we rowed across the spit to collect the stores and mail.
“For two weeks a storm had raged and we were hungry for mail and fresh provisions.
“One morning we woke to find the wind had dropped and my dad and Mr Nelson, the keeper next door, decided to make the crossing.
“They had promised to take my brother and me on the next trip over, so, in spite of mum's protests, we set off.
“With strong pulls on the oars, we rapidly approached the spit and the most dangerous section was just ahead.
“The seas were boiling where two opposing currents met and Dad looked worried.
“I knew it was because of my brother and me, but Mr Nelson urged us to press on - there was an exultant gleam in his eye that I had seen on other occasions.
“The boat hit the rough
wheelhouse and fo’c’sle.
From Reg’s model Ted built the “Matador” in Tomaree Street with help from old friend Rex Foster, who was a retired blacksmith, and Max Kellet.
The “Matador” was launched at Little Beach in 1966 and was called out on many occasions by local police to rescue boats including “Anna E” and “Shamrock” which had gone ashore or broken down.
Local police, under Sgt Rick Kane, had no oceangoing boat at that time and relied on the powerful motors in the “Matador” when emergencies arose.
Ted fitted a 671 GM diesel main drive, a 371 GM diesel to drive the winch gear and later fitted a 371 GM to drive the onboard refrigeration and power plant.
After two years working local grounds, Ted decided to go to Queensland for the winter prawn and scallop season
Whilst doing a good deed for a man, whose boat was sinking, Ted supplied a stranger by the name of John
water and bounced and weaved as we reached the point of no return.
“Suddenly, a twisting, curling wave surged up on our stern quarter.
“In a second it slewed us broadside on and with a savage heave, the big boat rolled over.
“We were flung into the sea.
“Desperately, I pawed my way to the surface and looked around for the others.
“The boat was upside down and my father and Mr Nelson were swimming
around in circles.
“With a terrible pang I realised my younger brother had vanished.
“My father repeatedly dived, surfaced and dived again.
“I saw him swim to the upturned boat and disappeared underneath.
“Agonising seconds later he reappeared with Lindsay in his arms.
“The little chap didn't look good.
“We struggled to the beach and started to work on Lindsay.
nearing
Stewart-Moore with a mobile pump.
This man turned out to be the Managing Director of South Seas Fishing Company, a combined Australian and Japanese company.
John offered Ted a position of supplying prawns to the company in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which Ted accepted.
By this time Ted had installed a V12 GM diesel which was capable of 500 hp.
One season Ted caught 20 tonnes of prawns in one day, which were taken to Thursday Island prawn factory for processing.
The trip took 18 hours.
Unloading was done over four days - 40,000 lbs of prawns at $1 per lb.
Returning to work out of Port Stephens for three years Ted sold the “Matador” to a man from Cairns who had the misfortune of wrecking her on Half Way Reef, Torres Strait.
Ted’s local deckhands included Alan Smith, Merv Russell, Kevin Glen, Jacko Davis and Steve Thompson.
“After what seemed ages, he spluttered and coughed up a lot of water.
“We knew he'd be OK when he started to cry.
“By this time the boat had washed into shallow water and the two men were able to right her, the seas had dropped considerably and we loaded the stores.
“On the way home Dad said hopefully, ‘Now boys, we don't want to worry your mother, so let's say nothing about what happened. All right?’.”
q ‘Matador’
completion: Herbie McLeay, the painter, Rex Foster, Ruth and Ted McLeay on launching day in 1966.
q Washed high and dry during the QLD northern cyclone season.
q Crossing the Fingal Spit in a boat can be very dangerous.
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New life for old turbines
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
OLD wind turbines have found a second life in surfboard form in a world-first prototype designed to set the tone for recycling in the renewables industry.
The 10 boards are the handiwork of professional surfer Josh Kerr and his team at Draft Surf in collaboration with Spanish renewables developer Acciona.
Mr Kerr put them through their paces on a few flawless waves generated by UrbnSurf's artificial swell generation technology in Sydney.
"We're pretty proud of the product we created, it's pretty cool," he said at the event on Tuesday showcasing the prototypes.
"We just want a clean ocean to be able to surf in and enjoy."
Wind farms are now a common sight in Australia but do not last forever, with a life-cycle of between 20 and 30 years.
Turbines at the nation's oldest wind farm at Codrington in Victoria are earmarked for decommission in 2027 and hundreds more are approaching their twilight years, with community pressure to keep them out of landfill only intensifying.
As much as 90 percent of the steel, fibreglass and other materials in wind turbines can be recycled but recovering all the different components is not easy.
Finding a market for the recycled materials and ensuring quality and safety is up to scratch are other challenges.
Acciona Energia managing director in Australia, Brett Wickham, said ideally, all wind farm owners and operators would be required to recycle blades.
"Then you're driving an economy," he told AAP.
Non-negotiable recycling would force the
industry to consider end-oflife uses for each material, including opportunities to repurpose it back into new products to save on raw materials.
A composite powder material can be made from the fibreglass in the blades and used for a number of purposes, including, potentially, as an additive in
the concrete used in turbine foundations.
The company's global head of sustainability Mariola Domenech said there were construction applications and countless other opportunities, including children's playgrounds or artificial reefs.
Material from the company's decommissioned
blades have already been used in the sole of sneakers as part of another project with European fashion brand El Ganso.
"We will be looking for innovators in Australia to help us to continue delivering our solutions to manufacture sustainable products," Ms Domenech said.
Higher household bills by 2030 under nuclear: report
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
HOUSEHOLDS could fork out an extra $450 a year for power by 2030 if policymakers pursue nuclear and a slower renewable rollout, modelling suggests.
An analysis commissioned by the Clean Energy Council found the additional pricey gas needed under a nuclear pathway would drive bills higher by 2030 than if the renewables-led grid transition continues.
The modelling mirrors the energy policies on offer from the major federal parties - the Labor government is vying for 82 per cent of renewable energy in the grid by 2030, while the coalition is promising to build nuclear power plants.
Renewable energy would make up about half the energy grid by 2050 and nuclear power 38 per cent under the opposition plan.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has promised cheaper electricity long-term based on calculations it commissioned from consultancy Frontier Economics.
Using AEMO's "progressive change" scenario for the nation's energy mix, Frontier found including nuclear energy would reduce costs from $437 billion to
$331 billion - or slash costs by 44 per cent compared to the "step change" scenario.
Yet numbers crunched by professional services firm Jacobs on the clean energy industry body's behalf found households could expect a 30 percent average increase by 2030 under the nuclear pathway.
This would amount to an $449 annual increase for the typical consumer serviced by the main energy grid.
Small businesses could expect a $877 increase in their bills by 2030 if the clean energy rollout slows down while waiting for nuclear to be built.
Even bigger price jumps were possible were a coal generator to unexpectedly fail - something that becomes more likely as they age - as more gas would be needed to make up the shortfall.
Voters are set to go to the polls May 17, at the latest, and cost of living will be front of mind following a prolonged stint of high interest rates aimed at taming inflation.
Clean Energy Council chief executive officer Kane Thornton said halting renewable energy deployment and relying on coal and gas before nuclear
comes online would be a "disaster" for power prices.
"Australia would have to increase its reliance on increasingly expensive and unreliable old coal generation, as well as significantly increase gas generation, which is a much more expensive energy source," he said.
"Getting more renewables into our system, such as solar and wind and backed by pumped hydro, batteries and small amounts of gas, is the cheapest and most reliable way to keep energy bills as low as possible for Australians."
The analysis considered the influence of wholesale electricity prices on power bills for households and small businesses under each scenario.
Network costs and other components of electricity bills were not included in the modelling.
Tuesday's power bill numbers follow the Climate Change Authority's report highlighting the nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and add two billion tonnes of carbon emissions to the environment by 2050.
q Surfboard shaper Josh Kerr is making high performance boards out of old wind turbines.
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
q The nuclear pathway could increase household power costs by 30 per cent by 2030, a report says.
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS.
Eveleigh’s four wicket haul in Pythons’ triumph
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens Pythons are a step closer to securing the Newcastle District Senior Cricket Division One minor premiership.
The strong-finishing Pythons are poised to pounce after slamming Merewether in a penultimate round fixture at Connolly Park on the eve of the finals.
In form all rounder Tyran Eveleigh shapes as a trump card for the Port Stephens X1 in the 2024-25 finals series after yet another inspirational performance with the ball.
Eveleigh snared the impressive figures of 4-13 off 30 deliveries to help rout Merewether for 92 as the Pythons chalked up their 10th win of the season.
He was supported by Harry Kean (2-18 off four overs) and experienced all rounder Jarrod Moxey, who grabbed 2-33 off his eight over spell.
Earlier the Pythons elected to bat after winning the toss and posted a total of 9-180 off their allotted 40 overs with opening batsman Leigh Williams top scoring with a classy knock of 43 off 67 balls.
The prolific run scorer clobbered seven boundaries
and a six and featured along with the Moxey brothers Josh (32) and Jarrod (22) in the batting stakes.
Ben Troke (3-28 off eight overs), Brent Watson (3-38 off eight) and Leigh Harris (2-34 off eight) were the pick of the Merewether bowlers.
The win maintained Port Stephens lead on the competition table on 45 points ahead of Waterboard Wests (41), Maryland Fletcher (40), Cardiff Boolaroo and Merewether (39).
Port Stephens second X1 remained in second spot after trouncing the Merewether Nepalese at King Park.
Jeremy Kirk (3-10 off seven overs) and Jody Murphy (3-11 off six) bagged three wicket hauls and skipper Luke Cooper (2-10 off seven), to skittle the Nepalese for a paltry total of 41.
Luke Socha (18) and Jordan Hurst (11 not out) led the way as the Pythons (2-45) reached their target in the eighteenth over.
Warners Bay Maroon top the standings on 46 points – just ahead of the Pythons (44) and the Gardens Falcons (43).
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
FOURSOMES Championship
Results played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 3rd March with 36 players playing for the Chris Tutill and McGregor Family Trophies.
Overall Nett Winners : Bob McKeand & Brian Neale, 69.5 nett
Overall Nett Runners Up : Jamie Carr & Bruce Arndell, 71 nett
Overall Scratch Winners : Warren Deuis & Shayne Mullarvey, 91 gross
Overall Scratch Runners
Up : Barry Leo & Bruce Stimson, 94 gross
Nearest the Pins all one division today only.
Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole : Bruce Stimpson & Barry Leo.
Netball honours for defenders Shaela and Maeve
By Chris KARAS
ROOKIE netball juniors
Shaela Gilbert and Maeve Lewis are lapping up their on-court experiences across the Hunter region.
The Year Six pupils at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Nelson Bay have underlined their potential with impressive performances in recent weeks.
Both Shaela and Maeve are relative newcomers to the sport but are regarded as two of the brightest defensive prospects to emerge from the Nelson Bay Netball Juniors.
The talented duo are part of the Nelson Bay 12yrs representative squad, which will compete at this year’s NSW Netball State Age Junior titles in Sydney – a reward for consistent displays during the 2024 season.
Shaela and Maeve also gained selection in the Catholic Schools Diocesan North Region squad after strong performances at the recent trials at Cooks Hill.
While both are versatile players, it is in the defensive department that they have shone.
Twelve-year-old Shaela of Nelson Bay is a goalkeeper with natural ability, who was introduced to the game last
year. In her first season as an 11-year-old she showed raw talent to help the Wave Riders win the Nelson Bay Sub Juniors Grand Final, with her bustling defence and aerial dominance a feature.
She made an impact in the 24-12 victory over the Stingrays, shutting down her rivals’ point of attack with sharp intercepts and key grabs.
While gaining some experience as a goal shooter and wing defence, Shaela has the makings of a top-line goal keeper – a position in which she excels.
Sport is also in the family genes.
Shaela’s mother Monica is a skilful netballer in her own right, playing with Nelson Bay rep teams, while grandmother Deborah Orrock, 69, has been a leading player with the Australian Masters Over 60s women's hockey team for over a decade.
Also a promising swimmer, Shaela juggles her netball commitments with squad training at the Nelson Bay Swimming Club at Tomaree Aquatic Centre.
Meanwhile, emerging defender Maeve, of Salamander Bay, is preparing for only her third season of netball.
She became hooked on the sport at the age of 10 after tagging along each weekend to watch elder sister Layla, a promising 15-year-old shooter, in action at the Tomaree netball courts.
Maeve started with the Wave Riders club but enjoyed a breakout season last year when she was selected in the Nelson Bay 11yrs development squad . She helped the All Stars capture the Under 11s premiership with an emphatic 38-16 triumph over the Vipers.
It was a fine achievement by the gifted all-round sportsperson who also shows
potential at gymnastics, soccer and touch football.
Both Shaela and Maeve have quickly adjusted to the rigours and step-up in pace of junior representative netball. They combined effectively with members of the Nelson Bay 12yrs rep squad during a recent carnival at Charlestown in preparation for the Junior State titles in July. They now hope to consolidate their spots in the defensive structure and also progress to the Maitland and Polding Catholic Primary Schools rep squads later this year.
Neptunes prove a force at Junior State Cup
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay Neptunes
Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole : Jamie Carr & Bruce Arndell.
Drive & Chip, 7th Hole : Bob Sellick & Mick Best.
Drive & Chip, 18th Hole : Denis Barnett & Alan Foster.
Ball Winners : Kel Dorney & John Clayton 75.5 nett, Bryan Porter & Bill Osborne 76 nett, Alan Foster & Denis Barnett 76.5 nett, Ron Dodd & Gary Watt 78.5 nett, Col Kerrison & Lester Lake 79 nett.
Lucky Draw Prize Winners : Steve Robards & Ray Stubbs.
Next weeks game is at Horizons Resort with a 7:30am start, visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times.
touch football is a force to be reckoned with on the NSW sporting scene.
At the recent Junior State Cup Northern Conference tournament staged in Dubbo, the Neptunes performed with distinction to reach the top four in three age divisions.
Nelson Bay’s all conquering Under 12 Boys squad showed their wares, progressing to the Grand Final where they lost 11-4 to eventual state champions Northern Beaches Renegades.
It was the only loss of the championships for the Neptunes who chalked-up victories over Macksville Falcons (7-2), Wallsend Wolves (3-1), Singleton Storm (6-0), Doyalson Dragons (32), Ballina Bull Sharks (4-1) and Scone (9-0) in the pool phase.
Muree Golf Results
By Lee RANKIN
q Nelson Bay Neptunes’ 12yrs boys reached the Grand Final of the NSW Junior State Cup touch football championships in Dubbo.
They then toppled Beresfield Bandits (25-0) in the round of 16, Maitland Redbacks (6-3) in a quarter final and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (7-6) to advance to the Grand Final.
Nelson Bay’s crack Under 18 Girls outfit bowed out of the Northern Conference tournament following a courageous 11-10 semi final loss on countback to state champions Manly.
They defeated Maitland 8-7 in a quarter final before pushing the much vaunted Sea Eagles in their semi final tussle at Lady Cutler Field.
Manly downed Central Coast Sharks 13-10 in the Northern Conference Grand Final before claiming the State title with victories over Southern Conference winners Wagga Vipers (7-2) and 9-6 in the trophy decider.
Nelson Bay’s talented Under 16 Girls team also reached the Northern Conference semi finals before bowing out to runners-up
The Neptunes had stormed into the finals after a narrow 7-5 loss to Northern Beaches and victories over Ballina (8-1), Dubbo (5-4), Ryde Eastwood Hawks (7-2) and Carlingford Cyclones (52).
Newcastle Knights (12-7). Earlier the Neptunes downed Mudgee (3-2), Peninsula (5-0), Gunnedah Goannas (3-0), Norths Bears (6-1), drew 4-all with the Cyclones and suffered a 9-3 loss to the Renegades before notching wins over the Dragons (11-4) in the round of 16 and the Sea Eagles (114) in a quarter final.
Northern Beaches clinched the conference title with a 12-5 victory over the Knights and lifted the State Cup trophy with 6-5 and 10-7 victories over Southern Conference winners Canterbury Bulldogs.
q Nelson Bay 12yrs netball representatives Shaela Gilbert and Maeve Lewis have earned recognition for their defensive performances on court.
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BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
DARBY AND JOAN
ABC TV, 7.30pm
This crime-solving series finds ex-detective Jack and widowed English nurse Joan (Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi, both pictured) back on the road for its second season. This time, the travelling companions are on the hunt for answers about Jack’s past, hoping to clear his name and remove a dark cloud hanging over his career. As they travel through Queensland together, solving mysteries from town to town, the pair’s relationship is put to the test. Tonight’s premiere brings them into the orbit of brothers Doug (Martin Sacks) and Ellory (Gary Sweet), at war over their family farm.
FRIDAY, March 14
MONDAY
SAM PANG TONIGHT
TEN, 8.40pm
“Channel 10 rejected my pitch to reboot The Golden Girls,” quips Sam Pang (pictured) about his latest project. The mind boggles when it comes to a re-imagining of the iconic sitcom – would the Paying Attention? mainstay play the wisecracking Sophia or the nononsense Dorothy? All jokes aside, Pang is reviving another classic format, the tonight show, something not seen on network TV for more than a decade. Over the next eight weeks, viewers can expect Monday nights to contain a razor-sharp monologue from the two-time Logies host, as well as local and international guests. Bolstered by a witty team that includes Seats’ Tim McDonald, you won’t want to miss this.
WEDNESDAY AUSTRALIA: AN UNOFFICIAL HISTORY
Diving through the National Film and Sound Archive’s stash of government films, made to record Australia’s emerging culture in the 1970s, screen legend Jacki Weaver (pictured) has uncovered a treasure trove of a time capsule in this docuseries full of gloriously daggy scenes but also radical social change. This third and final part focuses on Film Australia’s later years and a turn towards more diverse filmmaking as women, Indigenous creatives and gay activists took control of how their own stories were told.
Journalist Jan Fran, comedian Zoë Coombs Marr and several of the films’ original subjects are among those who weigh in on these fascinating glimpses into ’70s society and how it shaped our own.
1.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (M)
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (Ma, R)
9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 A Body That Works. (Premiere, Ma) 11.50 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R) 12.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 2.45 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (PGaw, R) 3.50 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with Annie Smithers.
8.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999, MA15+av, R) An elderly man recalls his time as a prison guard where he befriended a man with an unusual gift. Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse. 12.10 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Penrith Panthers versus Sydney Roosters match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Tango & Cash. (1989, Mlv, R) Two cops serve time in jail after being framed. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Fish Forever. (PGl, R)
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton chats with celebrities. 9.50 Tom Gleeson: Lighten Up. (Mls, R) Stand-up comedy performance from Gold Logie-winner and Hard Quiz host Tom Gleeson. 11.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.25 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00
SATURDAY, March 15
6.00 Australian Story: Hooked – Dave Hughes. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Wheelbarrow Way, QLD. (PG, R) Joe O’Brien heads to Far North Queensland.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) Neville investigates a crypto-related death.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is drawn into a mystery that brings her closer to her estranged family than she would like.
10.00 The Newsreader. (Final, Ml, R) Dale and Helen turn to each other for support. 11.00 Unforgotten. (Final, Mal, R) 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe.
8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. (Premiere)
9.25 Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. (PGa, R)
10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7. 1.25 All Those Things We Never Said. (Ml, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.35 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010, Mlv, R) Bruce Willis.
9.45 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017, MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent investigates an agent’s murder. Charlize Theron. 12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.05 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 5. Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match.
9.45 MOVIE: Honest Thief. (2020, Mlv, R) Liam Neeson.
11.40 Family Law. (Ma, R)
12.30 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)
1.30 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Shaolin
Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 8.10 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 10.00 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 12.10pm Healing. (2014, M) 2.20 On The Waterfront. (1954, PG) 4.20 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 6.20 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 8.30 Mystic River. (2003, MA15+) 11.10 Shame. (2011, MA15+) 1am The Last Samurai. (2003, MA15+) 3.50 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, March 16
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (Return, PGa) Jack and Joan encounter two warring brothers.
8.20 Unforgotten. (Return, Madl) A new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team.
9.05 Boat Story. (Premiere, MA15+alv) Two strangers discover cocaine on a boat.
10.05 MOVIE: The Turning. (2013, MA15+al, R)
1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kiri And Lou. 5.45 Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Ancient Greece By Train. (PG)
8.25 Alhambra: At The Crossroads Of Cultures.
9.30 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)
10.30 Death In The Tower: King Richard. (Mav, R)
11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
1.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8. 3.30 Love Your Garden. (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
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7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 MOVIE: The Meaning Of Hitler. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 8.20 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 10.35 We’re All Going To The World’s Fair. (2021, M) 12.10pm French Exit. (2020, M) 2.15 Selkie. (2000, PG) 3.55 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 6.00 The Natural. (1984, PG) 8.30 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 10.55 So Damn Easy Going. (2022, M, Swedish) 12.35am My Little Sister. (2020, MA15+, German) 2.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) 8.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (M) A look at hit man Christopher Dale Flannery. 9.40 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R)
11.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 2. Highlights.
12.10 The Bay. (Malv, R)
1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
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6am Children’s Programs. 1.05pm Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See No Evil: The Wrong Woman. (MA15+av) 11.10 The First 48.
MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian. (2009, PG) 9.40 MOVIE: The Beverly Hillbillies. (1993) 11.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 1.15pm MOVIE: Combat Wombat. (2020, PG) 3.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. (2023, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Fast Five. (2011, M) 12.30am Gotham. 1.30 Arrow. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs.
MONDAY, March 17
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lisbon With Michael Portillo. (Premiere, PGv) Michael Portillo journeys to Lisbon, Portugal.
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries. (PGav)
9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv)
11.45 The Night Manager. (Malsv, R)
1.55 Elizabeth. (PGa, R)
3.40 Ancient Invisible Cities. (PG, 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 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Return, M) An armoured truck heist is carried out. 9.40 Suits L.A. (M) Ted and Erica try to save Lester’s movie. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGa) 12.10 Miniseries: Hatton Garden. (Ml, R)
2.30 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Natural. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.30 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 11.10 Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 1.05pm So Damn Easy Going. (2022, M, Swedish) 2.45 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 4.55 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 6.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, MA15+) 11.00 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 12.50am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, March 18
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)
11.00 Prisoner. (MA15+av)
12.10 Illegals. (Malv, R)
2.10 Elizabeth: Into The Storm. (PGa, R)
3.05 Philip: Prince, Husband, Father. (PG, R)
4.00 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 The Hunting Party. (M) 9.40 The Irrational. (Mav) Renee seeks Alec’s help. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 The Great Diamond Heist. (PGa, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
MOVIES (32)
6am Widows’ Peak. Continued. (1994, PG) 6.55 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 8.50 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 10.30 Nordic By Nature. (2021, M, Faroese) 11.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 2.15pm The Natural. (1984, PG) 4.45 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 6.35 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY, March 19
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6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.55 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 10.05 Food Markets. (PGad, R) 11.05 Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip. (Mal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (Mals)
8.40 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Mal) The juries retire to decide their verdicts.
9.35 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+av)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as)
12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Mn, R)
3.30 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.50pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35
BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 The 1% Club UK.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (Ma) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Live At The Chapel: Birds Of Tokyo. (Ml)
11.00 Autopsy USA. (Ma) 12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Scrublands. (MA15+lv)
10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 My Way. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News.
6.00
The
Or
Gogglebox
6am Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Continued. (2009, PG) 6.40 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.35 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 11.30 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 1.15pm As Needed. (2018, M, Italian) 3.00 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 4.55 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 6.50 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.30 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 11.20 Good Time. (2017, MA15+) 1.15am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, March 20
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, PG, R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.05 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. (Final, PG)
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (Final, PG)
9.15 Grand Designs Revisited. (R)
10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 The Business. (R)
11.25 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 10.00 Food Markets. (R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 The
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. Looks at how cruise lines launch new liners.
9.35 Boiling Point. (Mal)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 Breaking Point. (Premiere, MA15+a)
12.05 Blackport. (Mls, R)
2.45 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
9.45 The Amazing Race. (PG) 11.15 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Melbourne Storm v Penrith
(R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
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Mitchell.
By Chris KARAS
TOMAREE High School continues to prove a thriving nursery for sporting talent.
Renowned for its athletic prowess in various codes, the school can boast a distinguished honour roll of emerging representatives across the board.
Eight promising touch football students are in the Hunter Schools representative squads for the upcoming NSW Combined High Schools Touch Football Under 15s Championships.
Port Stephens will host this prestigious event from 27-28 March at the Tomaree Sports Complex fields.
Emerging touch football exponents Mia Gambril, Maddie Baxter, Maebel Colley, Cruiz Manning and Bowey Manning earned selection in the Hunter Girls squad after top performances at trials.
All are products of the Nelson Bay Neptunes, with wingers Gambril and Cruiz Manning, link Bowey Manning and middles Baxter and Colley tipped to make an impact during the championships.
The Hunter Girls squad will be coached by former Australian Emus legend Nicole Mitchell and Tomaree High’s outstanding junior middle Ali
Leading mentor Nicole told News Of The Area that the depth of touch football talent at Tomaree High was “exceptional.”
“To have eight students represent the region is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes for the development programs established here at Nelson Bay,” she said.
“It highlights the exceptional skill and dedication of these young athletes.
“Tomaree High is proud to be part of the supportive Port Stephens sporting community, which plays a key role in helping young athletes develop their potential,” Nicole added.
Rising Tomaree middle players Zeke Hay, Hamish Baxter and Finn Jones will line up in the Hunter Boys representative squad after clever displays this season.
The trio have also cut their touch football teeth in the Nelson Bay Association and have caught the keen eye of judges with their vision, pace and ball skills at elite level.
STRENGTHENING MEDICARE
q Tomaree High School touch football stars Mia Gambril, Maddie Baxter, Maebel Colley, Cruiz Manning, Bowey Manning, Zeke Hay, Hamish Baxter and Finn Jones.