By Simon EKINS
YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED PORT STEPHENS NEWSPAPER
Visitor numbers spark traffic congestion debate
FROM Page 1
Headland from Boxing Day into the new year, providing local information and directions to visitors.
Following these interactions, the THHG noted serious traffic problems at the Headland, which it says is exacerbated by poor driving habits and illegal camping.
Group president Peter Clough told NOTA that help desk volunteers witnessed ongoing safety risks as pedestrians and vehicles navigated the overcrowded headland site.
THHG solution suggestions include a shuttle bus to alleviate traffic congestion, or even a ‘Park and Ride’, as well as additional signage warning of limited parking options leading into the area.
THHG is set to meet in the near future with Port Stephens Council to discuss these concerns and other related issues.
Elsewhere, residents of Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay have once again debated the need for a bypass.
John Alexander of Fingal Bay is not supportive of the concept.
“I think the residents of Fingal Bay will deeply regret
supporting the construction of a bypass,” John said.
“It will destroy the sleepy town that it currently is.
“Fingal Bay for most of the year is a quiet and sleepy little town surrounded by very busy hubs like Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay and Salamander.
“I strongly urge people to consider the impacts a bypass will bring before pushing for one.”
Fingal Bay local Tori Poggioli however believes a bypass is much-needed.
“There are many events that could cause residents in Fingal Bay to be isolated, including coastal erosion at Shoal Bay, bushfires, flooding of the road at Shoal Bay.
“Even if there was a motor vehicle accident on the road at Shoal Bay it could block off the entire suburb as parts of the road are so narrow, it would make it difficult to get through.”
Tori’s main concern is emergency response times.
“This summer, there was one trip that took me 40 minutes to drive from Tomaree Hospital, where the traffic started to back up, to Fingal Bay, and there were so many cars jammed up in places, that even if there was an emergency vehicle close by, they would have struggled to
push through.
“A bypass would also reduce travel time to the CBD.”
Pamela Smith argues that a bypass is long overdue, and has been “discussed, even planned, repeatedly over many years”.
“Safety is an important issue because of the single and often congested road in and out of Fingal Bay,” Pamela said.
“The road at Shoal Bay is slowly sinking into the sea and over time will require even more resources to stop that.”
In a statement to NOTA on Monday, the Fingal Bay Community Association (FBCA) expressed serious concerns that Shoal Bay Road - the only road access to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay - has been threatened recently by “significant erosion opposite Shoal Bay Avenue”.
“A recent survey of the Fingal Bay community (167 responses) showed that this issue is of the highest priority and is, therefore, a major concern for our community,” said FBCA President Heather Noonan.
“FBCA supports the actions of Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association and THHG in principle.
“Whilst a permanent access solution is required in the medium to long term,
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 29/12/2024 TO 05/01/2025 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.
a more urgent issue is access to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay for emergency services in the event of an emergency or disaster.
“FBCA believes that the development of a contingency plan identifying alternate routes for emergency services, possibly using fire trails through the National Park, is the immediate priority.”
Success of tourism
Help Desks
"Help Desks" were set up by the THHG at Tomaree Headland for 12 days from Boxing Day into the new year, staffed by volunteers.
“The help desks have become more and more
popular and important particularly since the introduction of the Tomaree Coastal Walk which extends 27kms to Birubi Point,” said Peter Clough, President of the THHG.
“Information on the Tomaree Headland summit walk and the appeal of the WWII military history including the gun emplacements are also extremely popular for visitors.
“Many people are fascinated by the opportunities for the future uses of the Tomaree Lodge particularly following the recent establishment of the Community Engagement
Committee by the NSW State Government which will provide an advisory role for future use of the Lodge particularly regarding the long term planning.
“The Tomaree Headland Group has welcomed the opportunity of being represented on this committee. “The Help Desks will continue to provide an invaluable source of information for the new Community Engagement Committee, the NSW State Government, Destination Port Stephens, the Tomaree National Park authority and Port Stephens Council.
5
DA NO: 16-2024-611 1
DEVELOPMENT SITE: LOT: 14 DP: 1177850 1107 Swan Bay Road SWAN BAY
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Tourist and visitor accommodation (34 cabins)
APPLICANT: MATILDA MUNN
CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council
ASSESSING OFFICER: Rachael Petherbridge ph: 4988 0579 email: rachael.petherbridge@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (16/01/2025 – 30/01/2025)
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 30/01/2025 NOTICE OF ADVERTISED DEVELOPMENT Council has received the following Development Application (DA):
Where to view information: Online portstephens.nsw.gov.au or datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au Council’s Administration Building 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace (between 9am and 5pm weekdays)
To make a submission:
Anyone can make a submission to Council during the exhibition period. If the submission is an objection, then the grounds of the objection must be clearly specified. Submissions can be made in any format (including video or audio), which can be sent via email and is less than 10mb in size.
Mail PO BOX 42 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 Email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
q The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group help desk proved popular with visitors.
Port Stephens Council fined for polluting sensitive marine environment
by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for discharging sediment-laden water into a stormwater system that leads to a protected marine sanctuary zone within the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park.
The discharge incident occurred in June 2024 when a pond holding the water collapsed during excavation works at Neil Carroll Park in Nelson Bay, allegedly releasing it into the local
stormwater system which flows into Marine Park waters near the Fly Point-Corrie Island sanctuary zone.
Council told NOTA the incident occurred during works on the Nelson Bay Drainage Improvement project, which included the installation of a large pipe which was not connected to the existing stormwater system.
EPA Executive Director of Operations David Gathercole said the incident was concerning given the high sensitivity of nearby waters.
“The Fly Point–Corrie Island sanctuary zone within the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park encompasses two significant conservation areas that safeguard vulnerable habitats, some of which are home to protected migratory birds and diverse fish species such as seahorses, pipefish, gurnards and anglerfishes,” Mr Gathercole said.
“As part of the sanctuary zone, these areas – and the animals and habitats within them – are afforded the highest level of environmental
protection.
“It’s critical that anyone completing works nearby adheres to rigorous environmental standards to prevent potential harm.
“Our investigation found that in this case, Council failed to act promptly to stop the discharge of sedimentladen water and did not have adequate controls in place before undertaking the excavation work.
“As local councils also have responsibility for regulating pollution offences under the POEO Act, Council
should know better.
“It is reasonable to expect Council would conduct its activities to the highest standard and with appropriate regard for the nearby marine sanctuary zone.
“We expect all councils to fully comply with environmental regulations and to take all measures necessary to minimise any impact to the environment.”
Council General Manager Tim Crosdale said works were “immediately stopped while this issue was resolved”.
“Following a detailed review of processes and a number of improvements
being implemented, works recommenced and there have been no further incidents or complaints.
“Council has fully cooperated with the EPA in its investigation of this incident.
“We acknowledge there is a right of review of the imposition of the fine and will be evaluating its options in seeking this review.”
Mr Crosdale said Council understands the important role it plays in the protection of the local environment.
“We will continue to work on improvements to our systems and processes to ensure these incidents do not occur in the future,” he said.
Man faces court after 98 roos found dead on army base
By Mark RUSSELL, AAP
A MAN accused of shooting dead 98 kangaroos on an army base denies all charges against him.
Joey Pace, 43, of Williamtown, appeared briefly in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday after being arrested by a police
rural crime prevention team in the NSW
Defence lawyer Glenn Kable told the court Pace would be pleading not guilty to all charges.
Magistrate Gregory Moore adjourned the case to August 26 for hearing and continued Pace's bail.
Mr Moore ordered police to provide Pace with the brief of evidence against him by May 1.
Police raided Pace's property at Williamtown in December and allegedly seized three firearms following the discovery of the dead kangaroos on the Singleton army base in
A number of firearms were also seized from a second Hunter property.
A firearms suspension notice has been issued.
Pace has been charged with six offences including aggravated animal cruelty between October 1 and
October 8 at Broke, discharging a firearm on the Singleton military base, trespassing on commonwealth land and harming or attempting to harm protected animals, namely the 98 kangaroos.
He is also accused of failing to ensure a Stirling 20 rifle was kept safely at Williamtown on December 20, 2024, and not having approved storage for
ammunition when being the holder of a category A or B licence.
Police were called in to investigate after the dead kangaroos as well as an ammunition box and two cartridges were found on the Singleton army base on October 8.
Pace refused to comment outside court.
Hunter Valley.
q Joey Pace has denied all charges against him after 98 kangaroos were found dead on an army base. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTO.
October.
Simon EKINS 0434 890 157 simon@newsofthearea.com.au
Lindsay HALL 0430 048 398 lindsay@newsofthearea.com.au
Chris KARAS 0400 819 153 chris@newsofthearea.com.au
Jacie WHITFIELD 0411 556 079 jacie@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
Tracey BENNETT 0484 263 558 tracey@newsofthearea.com.au
Changes to water use a win for farmers fighting bushfires
THE State Government is removing some of the red tape that has prevented farmers fighting fires on their property and adjacent land.
During a fire emergency, a landholder can now use surface water and groundwater sources without a water licence or water use approval.
This includes streams, creeks and rivers abutting the boundary.
“Rules to protect the state’s water security are important but the fact is, when there is a fire, no one should need to stop and think if they are allowed to access water to keep themselves and their property safe,”
Acting Water Minister Jodie Harrison said in a statement.
“This is a commonsense decision, and it is great to see these amendments now in place for summer.”
The exemption has been made via amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.
The water can also be used for training and controlled burning, and for testing equipment, but only when it is carried out under the authority of a
firefighting agency such as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Landholders can also prepare for the threat of bushfires by taking water to store in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes.
The maximum volume for each property is 100,000 litres (0.1 ML) per year.
The NSW Government will carry out targeted
periodic surveys of landholders to understand how the exemption is being used to identify the extent and scale of water use.
While landholders are not required to submit reports, they are encouraged to log the volume of water they take under the exemption, for their own records.
Minister for Emergency
Services Jihad Dib, said landholders play an important role in a bushfire response.
“[This] also includes a trial to make it easier for farmers to keep firefighting vehicles on their properties.”
Further information on the exemptions can be found on the NSW Government’s Water website at water. dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/ allocations-availability/ drought-and-floods/waterfor-fire-preparedness-andfirefighting.
q Farmers now have easier access to water to fight bushfires. Photo: NSW Government Water.
Coach Tour - 28 to 31 March 2025
Join us on this all inclusive, fully guided tour of the Blue Mountains.
Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
Join us on this most ambitious,
Staying 3 nights at the palatial Carrington Hotel highlights of our Heritage Area.
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent
Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona,
Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
The Three Sisters - Newly Reopened Zig Zag Railway - Hydro Majestic High Tea & Tour - Scenic World - Everglades House & Gardens Tour - Bygone Beauty’s Treasured Teapot Museum Devonshire Tea & Tour - Leura Free Time - Blue Mountains Heritage Centre - Govetts Leap Lookout - Norman Lindsay Gallery Museum & More
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
COACH DEPARTS: Door to Door Pick-up & Drop-off INCLUDES: Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Tours
Meet your Council: Jason Wells
By Lindsay HALL
CARRYING on from last year, NOTA is introducing readers to the members of Port Stephens Council, one councillor at a time.
This week, News Of The Area speaks to returning councillor Jason Wells.
Who are you and where do you come from?
After growing up in Stockton, I moved to Medowie in 2004, where I live with my wife and two children.
I've worked as a teacher in a local school for the last 20 years and have been actively involved in local volunteer groups and sporting organisations.
Was there a particular impetus for your involvement in local government? Has it been a natural extension of your career and other community involvement?
My interest in local government came about
from working with former councillor, the late Geoff Dingle, through his volunteer work in my local school.
His desire to make a difference in his local community was obvious and he was always available to listen to the needs of his community.
His positive attitude and work ethic was something that I was keen to emulate.
From here I took on leadership roles in a variety of volunteer community groups.
I was then keen to lend my voice, and that of the community in a broader sense and decided to run for council.
In my first term of council, it was great to work closely with community groups across Port Stephens to assist them in meeting their goals.
What do you believe is the key to an effective local council?
An effective group of elected councillors need to be collaborative in their approach to resolving issues and developing plans to
benefit the local community.
They need to be great at listening to the voice of the community and they need to access as many groups within the community as possible to achieve this.
We also need councillors from a broad range of backgrounds, both personally and professionally, to provide opportunities for all perspectives to be included in the decision making process.
What unique qualities and/or perspective do you bring to Port Stephens Council?
My background in education over the last 20 years has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the needs of families and young people in Port Stephens.
We have amazing young people who have talents in sport and the creative arts.
As a council we need to provide key events and facilities that will foster that talent.
I am also proud to support family oriented events across Port Stephens, such as the
Karuah by Night event which brings families together to enjoy our open spaces.
These events are so important in building a positive sense of community.
Do you feel there have been any particular demographics of the Port Stephens community that have been underrepresented, or issues that have gone unaddressed, to which you would like to draw attention?
I'm particularly interested in advocating for people with a disability.
During the first term of council, I worked closely with council staff during the development of the Community Wellbeing Strategy and the associated Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
This plan was endorsed last year and I'm looking forward to the full implementation of the plan where authentic voice can be afforded to those living with a disability in Port Stephens.
I want our community to be able to celebrate diversity,
and as such, one of my first actions in this term of council was to have staff develop a framework to establish a new Disability Advisory Group, where stakeholders with lived experience can come together to provide feedback and guidance to council. I am looking forward to this group getting to work in 2025.
Taylor conquers eighth Sydney to Hobart
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TEA GARDENS resident
Steve Taylor has just
completed his eighth Sydney to Hobart yacht race, this time as Navigator aboard Richard Fromentin’s 40-foot
French yacht “Cocody”.
In recent years, Steve has been a regular crew member on Sebastian Bohm’s TP52
“Smuggler” and last year on “Lightning”, but joined the crew of the Cocody, which had sailed all the way from France, via the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Panama Canal, and then across the Pacific to enter this year’s Sydney to Hobart race.
Her owner, Richard Fromentin, is a shopping centre magnate in France and flew out to Sydney before the race and skippered the boat to Hobart.
Her crew, predominantly French offshore sailors, including several active on the Figaro circuit, covered more miles – roughly 17000nm – than any other boat to get to the start of this year’s race.
Richard was looking to engage a top-quality Australian navigator to plot
Cocody’s course to Hobart and grabbed Steve.
“As Navigator, Steve prepares something like 90 different projected courses on his computer to predict every possible weather event so that various course changes and resulting actions are fully planned and documented before the boats ever leave the dock,” Steve’s dad, Chris Taylor, told NOTA.
“Steve also had a tonne of prep work to do on Cocody before the race, including taking the French crew and owner Richard out sailing on Sydney Harbour and out to sea to cover the starting course plus various aspects of sailing out of the Sydney and NSW coast.”
Cocody easily handled the south westerly cold front that hit the fleet on Boxing Day evening, and the Skipper,
crew and Navigator sailed a very smart race to come in 16th over the line, 8th on IRC Handicap and 1st on IRC Division 3.
Richard has discussed having Steve over to France to sail in the major Mediterranean races in 2025.
“Steve had mentioned that many terms in sailing have the same name in all languages, including most of the obscenities,” Chris said of his son’s growing French language skills.
“There apparently is a prize, called the Polish Prize, presented at the end of each Sydney to Hobart race by the Royal Hobart Yacht Club for the boat that comes the furthest to compete in the race.
“I reckon that Cocody should now get this prize in perpetuity because I doubt that anyone’s going to exceed 17,000 nm in the future.”
q Port Stephens Councillor Jason Wells. Photo: supplied.
q The ‘Cocody’ finished sixteenth in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Photo: ROLEX, Carlo Borlenghi.
Lest We Forget: John Henry Hain
By Martin HOLMES CSM
THIS story is part of a series about military veterans laid to rest at Dungog General Cemetery by Dungog RSL subBranch Vice-President Martin Holmes. For more stories of local ex-servicemen, visit the NOTA website.
2654 PTE John Henry Hain – WW1 (AIF)
John Henry Hain (known as Jack) was born at Seaham in 1895 to parents James and Margaret Hain.
John aged 20 years enlisted in the AIF on 2 August 1915 at Raymond Terrace.
He was the first of three brothers to enlist in the AIF.
Initially he was allocated to the 6th Reinforcements for the 19th Battalion as in August 1915, the 19th Battalion was already overseas on the Gallipoli Peninsular.
John spent the next few months in initial training before boarding the troopship HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915 in Sydney bound for Alexandria (Egypt).
He arrived at Alexandria in early December but did not join the 19th Battalion on Gallipoli as the Battalion was in the process of withdrawing from Gallipoli and had withdrawn to Lemnos (Crete) by 19 December.
On 7 January 1916 the 19th Battalion was back at Alexandria.
In January he was admitted sick to 1st General Hospital at Heliopolis (Egypt).
On 14 February, he, along with the rest of the 6th Reinforcements of the 19th Battalion, were instead allocated to the 4th Battalion
(1st Brigade, 1st Division).
The 4th Battalion was at Tel el Kebir (110km NNE of Cairo Egypt) undergoing refit and training after evacuating from Gallipoli.
The unit undertook training until moving to Alexandria on 23 March where they boarded the troopship HMTS Simla for Marseilles (France).
Disembarking at Marseilles on 30 March they entrained for Steaenbecke (France).
On detraining they then marched for several days until reaching Petillon (France).
Here on 19 April they took over the trenches in the Armentieres sector and began a system of regular relief of the trenches.
The Armentieres sector was a relatively quiet sector on the Western front and used as an introduction for trench warfare.
On 10 July the unit began moving to Pozieres (France), part of the Somme battlefield, arriving on 19 July where
they took over trenches from the 13th Royal Fusiliers.
The opening battle for Pozieres had begun by the British on 14 July with the Australians taking over and attacking on 23 July.
The 4th Battalion was in the first attacks beginning after midnight and involved in heavy fighting until withdrawn from the battle on 27 July after Pozieres was taken.
The Battalion had suffered intense artillery fire throughout the 25 July and the men suffered severely.
Over these five days the 4th Battalion suffered 421 killed, wounded or missing out of a unit strength of 946 at the start of the battle.
It was sometime during this period that John was wounded being shot in the right thigh.
John was evacuated from the battlefield being admitted to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen (France) on 27 July. By 30 July he had been evacuated to the Graylingwell
War Hospital in Chichester (England) where he underwent further treatment.
John recovered sufficiently by 18 August to be given a fortnight leave then reported to 1st Training Battalion at Perham (England).
On 10 September he proceeded overseas back to France and rejoined the 4th Battalion on 24 September.
At this time the Battalion was in the Ypres salient where it was a comparatively quiet period.
The Battalion moved back to the Somme and spent October and November taking part in attacks.
The weather was atrocious with deep mud and continual rain and water filling the trenches and battlefield.
The Battalion moved to Ribemont (France) on 2 December with members suffering from the effects of freezing wet conditions and battle fatigue.
On 5 December, John was
evacuated sick from the field.
He was admitted to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen (France) on the 9 December and evacuated back to England being admitted to the 2nd Birmingham War Hospital, Birmingham on 15 December.
John was subsequently transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford for recovery.
He was diagnosed with deafness and determined no longer fit for military service.
On 24 February 1917, John was transferred to the 2nd Command Depot at Weymouth where he awaited repatriation to Australia.
On 4 May, John embarked on the troopship HMAT Themistocles for Sydney.
He disembarked in Sydney on 5 July and was given a welcome home party on 10 July by the residents of Seaham.
On 31 August, John was discharged from the AIF as no longer medically fit to continue serving due to deafness. Interestingly, John applied for a war invalid pension but the application was rejected on 23 August,
no incapacity as a result of warlike operations.
Whether he was later successful in obtaining an invalid pension is not shown in his service record.
He returned to civilian life working as a railway porter in Dungog.
In 1919 he married Miss Olive May Wilson of Dungog and they remained in Dungog having six children.
John retired from the railways, remaining in Dungog until his death on 23 October 1961.
He was buried in the Dungog General Cemetery (Presbyterian Section).
As a returned soldier from WW1 his headstone was erected by the Office of Australian War Graves and has a bronze plaque.
John was issued the following medals: 1914/15 Star; British War Medal 191420; Victory Medal.
John’s service is recorded on the Seaham Hall Memorial Board and Memorial Gates 1914-18 at the entrance to the Seaham School of Arts, also the Dungog and District WW1 Honour Roll.
q The grave of John Henry Hain in Dungog. Photo: Martin Holmes.
q Seaham School of Arts Memorial Gate plaque. Photo: Martin Holmes.
Fresh ideas about Aboriginal culture and farming
By John WATTS
WORIMI man Josh Gilbert has written a soon-tobe-published book titled “Australia’s Agricultural Identity (An Aboriginal Yarn)”, where he discusses farming practices on land which his ancestors have occupied for 60,000 years.
“It’s here, in Gloucester, where I explore what it means to be an Aboriginal person today, what it means to be a farmer, and even what we mean when we say we are Australian,” the book’s early pages read.
Josh was born in Gloucester where his parents grew up, and where both sets
of grandparents lived their whole lives.
His parents later moved to Sydney where his mum was studying to become a school teacher.
When he was a young child Josh and his family moved to the town of Boorowa in the south west slopes of NSW, where he developed a fascination with agriculture and its impacts.
“I became enthralled in the world that surrounded the small town I grew up in, literally watching our local economy be built and thrive on the sheep’s back right in front of me,” Josh writes in the book’s introduction.
When he was ten the
family moved to Bulahdelah, where he completed his schooling before heading to Newcastle University to study law and accounting.
As a child Josh was aware of his Aboriginal heritage, but it was not until high school that he really began to delve more deeply into Indigenous history, his family’s background and their connection to the land.
His interest was also increased when his father Andrew Gilbert became chair of the local Aboriginal Land Council.
In his fourth year of universityJosh attended a young farmers’ activity and had a light bulb moment
Postcard from the Bay
By Simon EKINS
RADIO ABC 1233 (959FM)
has added a new segment
to their Saturday morning programming entitled ‘A Postcard from the Bay’, set to air from 18 January at
where he realised that agriculture, rather than law, was the path for him.
He promptly dropped out of law school, however continued his accounting studies.
Josh is now a beef farmer and working towards his PhD in agriculture.
He is also undertaking studies in regenerative farming.
In his book Josh draws on his skills in agriculture and his knowledge of Indigenous history, particularly the impact of colonisation on his ancestors and the Aboriginal community more broadly, to develop an agricultural definition for Australia.
“Josh seeks to provide a new understanding that Australians, as a nation of farmers and land managers, need to develop our agricultural system into one where Indigenous and Western knowledge converge,” explains the publisher’s blurb.
6.40am.
The segment, which features local Fingal Bay fishing legend and NOTA contributor John “Stinker” Clarke, will be hosted by Scott Bevan and will broadcast social events, sport and general interest content throughout Port Stephens along with the usual fishing report.
John’s radio involvement stretches back over 30 years when he first went to air with rugby league legend Noel Kelly on Racing Radio 2KY program ‘Hi-Tide’.
At the time Noel had a houseboat business in Berowra and John was the fishing reporter for Port Stephens.
The two characters were joined in a “Ned and Stinker” segment which ran for close to 10 years.
John moved on to Super Radio 2SM when Noel retired and formed his own program, “Stinker’s Fishing Show”, before finally settling into the ABC with two programs each week.
One program was with Scott Levi on
NSW regional radio and the other originally with Craig Hamilton and more recently Scott Bevan.
“Early in my time on the airways I was a part of Port Stephens FM which gave me invaluable on-air experience,” Stinker said.
“Local voluntary radio is a valuable step for anyone considering radio commentary or media reporting.”
John is inviting all organisations to contact him by email at stinkerfishing@ yahoo.com.
“I can’t promise that I will be able to mention all local activities but I will do my best to promote Port Stephens.”
Reminders for region’s farmers
THE region’s farmers are being reminded of changes to the storage of firearms and the rules around summer weed spraying.
Port Stephens Hunter Police District is alerting gun owners to check the updated fact sheets on safe storage requirements, following recent changes to the Firearms Act 1996.
These apply to firearms and ammunition, and to paintball permit holders, and can be found on the NSW Police website at police.nsw. gov.au/online_services/ firearms/safe_storage.
Meanwhile, NSW Farmers' Agricultural Science Committee Chair Alan Brown, said that as property-owners prepare to tackle the spread of summer weeds, they should remain mindful of several key precautions to avoid offtarget spray drift.
This occurs when agricultural chemicals or vapour become airborne and drift outside the target area.
It can happen if chemicals are applied at the wrong time
of day, or during the wrong weather conditions.
“Simple steps such as using the appropriate spray nozzle and spraying as close to the target as possible go a long way when it comes to preventing drift,” Mr Brown said.
“Monitoring weather conditions regularly while spraying is also crucial. While we all want to get the job done, it’s vital that you stop spraying as soon as conditions become unfavourable.
“Understanding the impact of new adjuvants and formulations of popular chemicals when selecting your spray mix is also essential to reducing spray drift.
Mr Brown said consulting an agronomist for the latest advice and continued vigilance was key to preventing damage to crops.
“Previous seasons saw significant damage as a result of off-target spray drift incidents, so it’s vital that we stay alert and take
the relevant precautions.
“Failure to do so can have extensive repercussions on not just production and profitability, but livelihoods, relationships
and communities - for years to come.”
Compulsory record keeping of pesticide use is required in NSW, with records to be made within
48 hours and kept for three years.
A sample pesticide application record is available on the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
website.
*If you have been affected by spray drift, report the incident to the EPA on 131 555 as soon as possible.
“So that we can create a truly Australian agricultural yarn – one that we all build together.”
The book, published by Penguin, will hit bookshops on 27 May.
q Josh Gilbert on his farm.
q Australian rugby league legend Noel Kelly with a cracking flathead.
q Noel Kelly with NOTA’s John ‘Stinker’ Clarke at Racing Radio 2KY.
q One of the updated fact sheets on firearms storage in NSW. Image: NSW Police.
• Location: “The Shoals” at Lemon Tree Passage,
• Under 1.5km to Lemon Tree Passage Marina and Henderson Park
• Layout: Single-level 3-bedroom duplex
• Generous main bedroom; all bedrooms with built-in robes
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• Kitchen: Ample storage and bench space
• Courtyard: Fully fenced with covered alfresco area for relaxing/ entertaining
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• Garage: Single garage with auto door and internal access
• Second toilet plus bathroom with large shower and separate bath
• Only one common wall (garage and laundry)
• Ideal for retirees, first home buyers, or investors
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Apartment Details:
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Apartment (422B):
Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area flowing onto a northfacing balcony with sparkling views of the water. Includes a spacious bedroom with built-in wardrobe.
Being the rightmost unit- features an additional window in the living room and
bedroom allowing an abundance of natural light not seen in other units of the Landmark. This also includes a private balcony with an opening- unlike others within the resort. Also features split system air-conditioning.
• Studio Suite (422A):
Open-plan layout with a combined living/sleeping area, kitchenette with storage, and a northfacing balcony offering Bay views.
Landmark Resort Amenities:
Enjoy fantastic on-site facilities including a pool, games room, steam room, on-site laundry, two lifts, and free private parking.
This property offers a rare combination of location, lifestyle, and income potential.
Don’t miss your opportunity to own a slice of paradise in one of Nelson Bay’s most desirable
Of The Area
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
READING by
1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 8a LOVE - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud. It is not rude or self-seeking, it is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.
does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Love never fails."
Time to act
DEAR News Of The Area,
AT this time every year the main topic of conversation is the problem with jet skis –this year is no different.
In what has become an emotive topic, let’s take a cool-headed approach to the issue to find a suitable outcome.
Firstly, let me congratulate our Mayor Leah Anderson for confronting, head on, an ongoing major issue that has tormented the general public for decades.
The problem, as I see it, is that far too many jet ski operators have continued to be disrespectful to others on the water and family beachgoers out for an
enjoyable day, whether they be holiday makers or locals.
Port Stephens, inside the biggest Marine Park in NSW, is a prized tourist destination which is growing in popularity in a highly competitive market.
The tourist dollar is a major source of our income, as such we owe it to our visitors to provide a safe environment for all, in the hope that they will return.
Speed, noise and ‘hooning’ are the antisocial activities of most concern.
The big losers in this debate are those who use jet skis responsibly – family groups, fishers, explorers and surfers.
It must be realised that jet
skis have a vital role to play in our community particularly for Water Police, Maritime, Fisheries, Marine Park, Surf Clubs and Marine Rescue.
So, the question remains –what can be done?
Former State Premier Bob Carr solved the dilemma in Sydney Harbour in 2001 by simply banning jet skis.
This of course increased the problem in other seaside communities.
Interesting to note that on the Central Coast, Gosford MP Liesl Tesch, banned jet skis along Ettalong Beach in November 2024 with fines being enforced over the holiday period.
“Too often we have seen people breaking the law or ruining the experiences of others at Ettalong Beach,” she said.
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
TWICE now during the holidays I have been beeped while waiting at the roundabout.
I have been driving for decades but I am always wary of roundabouts and sometimes completely change my travel route to avoid them. I think in both cases I was in the right.
Can you clear up the rules for me?
Gilly W.
Dear Gilly, There are pages and diagrams on the NSW government website devoted to roundabout rules, but I find none of these as useful as the
Public safety is the most pressing factor which should be addressed by a reduction of speed inside the port.
It has been suggested that the limit should be set for all craft at 20 knots which equates to 37kmph.
Is that too high?
How will speed be assessed by the controlling body, Maritime? Closures to jet skis, similar to Ettalong, need to be considered – Little Beach, Boat Harbour, Fingal Bay, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay and Jimmys Beach to name a few where crowds, in family groups, flock.
Let us not forget other residents who rely totally on
advice my dad gave me which was: 'treat everyone like a bloody moron, because half of them are; unless you can see the whites of their eyes, don't trust their blinker'.
In the holiday season, many people are still coming down off their rum ball/ espresso martini high and don't have their wits about them.
|Some use their indicator in a very casual way and others don't use it at all.
You just can't trust that drivers are going to exit the roundabout before you enter it, and you could be in danger of being t-boned.
The main rule is to give way to traffic already on the roundabout, and this is all very well and good when
the waters of Port Stephens dolphins, turtles, sea birds and the occasional whale.
These creatures rely on us to protect them.
The latest figures from Taronga suggest that we accommodate between 200500 turtles.
I’m not sure of the dolphin population but I do know that they play a major role in bringing tourists to the port.
Surface breathing aquatic animals are susceptible to boat strike so surely a reduction in boat and jet ski speed makes sense.
For those with the ‘need for speed’ I would recommend anywhere east of
Floating offshore wind vs nuclear power
DEAR News Of The Area,
AUSTRALIA’S renewable energy transition has sparked heated debate, especially with the announcement of the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone, which aims to generate 5GW of electricity from over 300 massive floating wind turbines. Although untested at this scale, it is touted by Labor as a “clean energy solution.”
However, a comparison with nuclear power reveals significant discrepancies in cost, longevity, and overall
impact. Offshore wind falls short.
Estimates from global projects suggest that building 5GW of floating offshore wind capacity in the Newcastle region could cost between $60 and $80 billion.
According to the GenCost and Frontier Economics reports, the same $60 billion could fund 6GW of clean, safe nuclear power capacity.
Offshore wind turbines typically have a lifespan of 20–25 years and require substantial maintenance due to harsh marine conditions.
In contrast, modern nuclear power plants operate for 60–80 years, with lower long-term maintenance costs per megawatt of output.
Over a century, nuclear provides more consistent energy with fewer replacements or upgrades.
Offshore wind delivers only 35–50 percent of its nameplate capacity, meaning a 5GW project would yield just 2.5GW of effective capacity.
Meanwhile, nuclear reactors operate at 94 percent of their nameplate
capacity, so a 6GW nuclear facility would reliably produce 5.7GW - more than double the effective output of the offshore wind project.
The environmental impact of offshore wind also warrants scrutiny. Floating wind farms disrupt large areas of pristine marine ecosystems, interfere with migratory patterns, and require extensive undersea cabling that damages oceanic environments and beacheslike Hawks Nest.
Decommissioning these structures poses
further challenges, with fiberglass turbine blades and components creating significant waste.
In contrast, nuclear power, while raising valid yet manageable concerns about waste management, has a far smaller environmental footprint over its lifecycle.
Advances in technology now offer safer, more efficient solutions for waste storage and even reuse in nextgeneration reactors.
If Australia is serious about reducing emissions while securing reliable
Stinker’s Fishin’: Whiting love worms
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
WHEN it comes to catching whiting and bream off the beach there is no better bait than a live, wriggling, savage beach worm.
Pipis and nippers will catch fish however the worm will always be the preferred bait.
motorists are driving in a calm and considerate manner, but it's not worth risking an accident entering a roundabout when cars are about to enter to your right and are driving at a speed that would cause a collision. What should be a seamless and graceful glide around the roundabout morphs into a fist-shaking, horn-honking mosh pit in the Christmas holidays and extra caution is advised. Whatever you do, don't get agitated with the cars behind you and definitely don't exit your vehicle, stomp up to their car and administer the wind-downyour-window-and-let'ssee-how-brave-you-arethen-you-clown gesture, as tempting as that may be. It's not worth the stress of an altercation and you really will be holding up the flow of traffic.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
the entrance to the port. There is nowhere inside the port that I would recommend as being suitable or acceptable to high speed usage.
The efforts of the Mayor and ultimately our local MP Kate Washington can only be fruitful with continued support.
If you are genuinely concerned about the problems caused by jet skis in this community this is the time to voice your opinion.
Regards,
John CLARKE, Fingal Bay.
energy for decades, nuclear power must be part of the conversation.
Policymakers need to move beyond shortterm costs and ideological resistance to consider long-term benefits and sustainability.
Floating offshore wind cannot compete with nuclear power on cost, reliability, or environmental impact.
It’s time to invest in the more prudent, proven solution: nuclear power.
Yours sincerely, Bruce MURRAY, Tea Gardens.
Live worms are not always available - fortunately frozen, brined, sun dried and pickled worms will do the trick.
Worms dipped in metho for 30 seconds and placed in the fridge will last for ages.
The most popular beaches are Stockton, Samurai and Fingal.
There are a few on Box Beach.
I did know a bloke who pickled his worms in Johnny Walker whiskey, much to the delight of the worms and the fish. Strange creatures, beach worms are selective as to which beach they reside.
Catching your own sea worms is a bit like learning to ride a bike.
Once you get the knack you wonder why you couldn’t do it in the first place. Give it a go.
Snapper, tailor, luderick and bream are busy off all the headlands from Birubi to Fingal. Dusk and dawn.
are dynamic!
q Stockton beach champ David ‘Schoie’ Schofield tells me that worms
Lynne Miles:
Love
Stinker’s History: Growing up on the island
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THE following is an extract from my book “The Outer Light” (2018), about life on Point Stephens Lighthouse in 1953, as told by eightyear-old Peter Jones, the son of light keeper Andrew and mother Joan.
The Move
I can still remember living in Sydney at Gymea opposite a poultry farm and flower and vegetable garden.
At that time, we lived in a garage on the block where my father was building our house.
From memory I don’t think that the house was fully completed when we decided to sell and move to Port Stephens where my father was to take up the position as one of the Point Stephens lighthouse keepers.
On arrival at Shoal Bay, the removalist unloaded us, and all that came with us in the van, which was then loaded onto our transport, the “Bomb Scow”, to head out to the Island.
We passed the torpedo tubes protecting the harbour, on the inside of Tomaree, that were built during the war years. Then it was out through the heads and up along the cliff face, of which concrete observation and gun turrets were attached to the cliff face.
All this to me at eight years of age seemed unreal.
When we got out of the heads we were at 45 degrees to the large swell.
The old Bomb Scow seemed to labor and shudder up each side of the swell before plaining at speed down the opposite side at a rate of knots.
We made it to the island jetty, disembarked via the basket, to begin what turned out to become a wonderful life's experience and adventure.
The Island
On thinking back, it was like living on a farm, with cows, poddy calfs, horse, chooks, dogs, orchard garden and along with that the ocean providing fish and lobster in abundance.
We were never lonely or bored as there were always
things to do.
Riding the horse drawn cart was so exciting and fun.
For my part, beach and rock exploring and fossicking amongst drift wood and stuff that was washed up on the beach and rocks was always fascinating.
On the north side of the island, which had deep water off the rock shore line, there was a deep crevice into the rocks where the remains of what was once a large boat that had been shattered, providing me with another good place to play and pretend.
We had no electricity, so no TV, only a battery powered valve radio, which after tea was spent listening to serials - Biggles, Dad & Dave and Yes What.
Shark Bay was where we kept a wooden sled, just above shoreline and a small row boat that was used to row out and set lobster pots.
Once out on the water we would look down into the water to check on the traps through a small box with a glass bottom that my father had made.
After seeing the sea bottom it was obvious why it was called Shark Bay.
Apparently, it was a breeding ground and nursery for Port Jackson Sharks.
During the war the Army must have occupied the island.
On the high hill there was a track up to the top, where the remains of a concrete slab could be seen that was for
some kind of structure. Not far from the old jetty site were other concrete slab footings.
My father said they looked like the remains of old toilet holes, which if true, those seated would have had a lovely view across the water to Tomaree Headland.
Around Eastertime the mullet would start to run up the coast.
One fishing trawler would lay anchor off the point corner of the end of the Spit.
Several fishermen would camp up in a shed up off the beach, with a lookout positioned on the point. Boats with nets ready were stationed on the beach.
Once a school of mullet was spotted by the lookout, the men would launch the boats and row out dropping nets in the water and circling the schools of fish.
Often, we would sit on the hill and watch the men netting, and quite often sighting large sharks a little further out from where the men were netting.
The fisherman would then haul nets full of fish to the shore, which sometimes totaled tons of fish.
The men would sort out the fish and then warm themselves around a fire on the beach.
We usually ended up with a bag full of fresh fish from the fisherman. Time to leave the Island
Our time had come to leave Point Stephens Lighthouse.
The weather had been
bad for a few weeks and our departure had been delayed a couple of times. The decision was finally made with a break in the weather for us to leave.
We boarded the Store Boat (not the Bomb Scow this time) which was more of a trawler fishing boat.
Seas were big again on our departure, big deep troughs which seemed to be towering above both sides.
The skipper, Dad, Mum, Julie, Patch (my dog), Henrietta (the chook), the canary and myself, again in rough seas, heading to the heads of Tomaree.
This time after coming abreast of the cliffs, where the gun emplacements were, the boat stalled.
Everyone was quiet, except for the canary who continued to whistle loudly.
The men looked at each other while mum, Julie and I watched the giant swells crash into the base of the cliff and surge back out in a mass of foamy white water.
The men pulled the hatch up from the floor of the boat and Dad started pumping vigorously on the bilge pump as the skipper fiddled with the engine.
After what seemed a long time the engine started and we pulled away from the rocky cliff face, entered Shoal Bay and tied up at the Tomaree Jetty.
We were ever so thankful to be ashore and ready to start another adventure at Green Cape Lighthouse.
My Robinson Crusoe years
On looking back, I know how privileged and lucky we were.
It was such a great, healthy lifestyle, swimming, fishing, living on a farm, along with me pretending to be Robinson Crusoe.
My one regret was all those times trying to get away from my little sister.
Some 35 or so years later my wife Kay and I planned a picnic at Fingal Bay.
I checked up on the tide chart and low tide was about lunchtime.
When we arrived early I could see that the Spit was already high and dry, so we decided to cross over to the island.
The island was very overgrown as no cattle were there to keep the growth down.
It was as if I had an inbuilt map.
Although very overgrown
I found my way around, finding the bay where the old jetty used to be, Shelley Beach swimming hole, where I was taught to swim, the oleander clump where the cattle used to shelter from the weather and the overgrown orchard and garden.
I had a lump in my throat and shed a tear as the paddock was overgrown and brown, the dwellings had been burnt to the ground by vandals - all gone!
It was so sad that no one was living there anymore enjoying those once magnificent surroundings and the lifestyle that I had enjoyed and was so fortunate to have experienced.
A lot of good memories of times gone by.
Times I will always cherish, along with feeling very privileged to have been part of the history of Point Stephens Lighthouse.
q Life on the island was fun.
q The old Bomb Scow delivered supplies to the island.
q Peter’s mother, Joan.
q Lighthouse children: Stephen Munday with new friends Julie and Peter Jones.
State’s top swimmers flock to Nelson Bay
By Chris KARAS
CORLETTE
swimming
sensation Ebony Nix and rising 14-year-old Lachlan Parker stamped their mark at the annual Nelson Bay Swim Club Carnival at Tomaree Aquatic Centre.
The outstanding duo produced gold medalwinning swims for Nelson Bay in their respective 100m freestyle events on the opening day of the coveted meet that attracted 300 elite competitors from across NSW.
Newly crowned State champion Nix won the Girls 17 years final with a time of 1.01.93 sec before backing up to claim gold in the 50m backstroke final.
Her winning backstroke time of 31.61 sec capped a
successful start to the carnival for the young Port Stephens superfish.
The versatile Parker claimed gold in the Boys 14 years in a time of 58.35 sec and also collected a bronze medal in the 14 years 50m backstroke final.
They were part of a strong contingent of fifteen Nelson Bay swimmers that represented the club with distinction during the twoday meet last weekend.
Others included promising seven-year-olds Keana Macklan and Oceana Xie; ten-year-olds Scarlett Connor and Jacinta Scott; eleven-year-old Thomas Colbert; twelve-year-olds Beau Gardiner, Rafe Grant and Evie Burns; thirteen-year-old young guns Stefan Grant and
Alexis Scott; top fourteenyear-old prospect Lara Budd; fifteen-year-old Isabella Hol and eighteen-year-old Annekah Macklan.
In an encouraging milestone, Stefan and younger brother Rafe both recorded personal best times to collect bronze medals in their respective 1500m freestyle and 100m freestyle events.
Stefan finished third in the 1500m freestyle after posting a PB of 19.29.84 while Rafe shaved two seconds off his previous best time to claim a podium spot – clocking 1.07.50 in the Boys 12years 100m freestyle final.
Isabella demonstrated her skill and potential to pick up bronze medals in the Girls 15 years 100m freestyle in a time of 1.06.39 and 50m
backstroke (34.62 sec) while talented Lara earned a bronze with a third place finish in the Girls 14 years 200m breaststroke final (3.05.64).
The Nelson Bay carnival featured swimmers from clubs as far away as Sydney up to Taree and Port Macquarie
Nelson Bay juniors spearhead Seagulls triumph
By Chris KARAS
TOMAREE High schoolboy
Lucas Vincent has tuned up for this week’s National Under 17 Cricket Championships in Hobart with a classy batting performance for Stockton & Northern Districts in the Newcastle District first grade cricket competition.
On the eve of his firstever national age carnival, the stylish 17-year-old batsman along with fellow Salamander Bay native Ed Williams produced stand out displays on the opening day of the club’s fixture against the Belmont Whips at Cahill Oval.
Vincent, who will line up for NSW Country at the national titles, peeled off 46
runs before the Seagulls declared their first innings at 5-201 after earlier routing the Whips for a meagre total of 63.
He faced 40 deliveries and clouted four boundaries and a six during his fine knock in an ideal preparation for the prestigious Tasmanian tournament.
Rising 19-yearold paceman Williams, another junior product of Nelson Bay Cricket Club, bagged 4-18 in a sharp eleven over spell.
The Newcastle representative spearheaded the Stockton attack with talented off-spinning all rounder Nathan Hudson - the
q Salamander Bay’s Ed Williams snared 4-18 for Stockton & Northern Districts Seagulls’ first grade X1 against Belmont Whips.
Seagulls’ reigning Player of the Year and Ray Robinson First Grade Players’ Player Trophy recipient - who grabbed the impressive figures of 4-12 off fourteen overs.
In a match highlight, Lucas shared a 100-run-plus fifth wicket stand with century
maker Jeff Goninan after Belmont had claimed four early scalps.
The experienced Goninan thumped an unbeaten 108 off 93 deliveries including thirteen boundaries and three sixes as the pair piled on the runs to place the Seagulls in a commanding position.
Vincent is considered the leading under 17 batsman in NSW Country cricket and hopes to rediscover his top batting form at the national championships when the Blues square off with Victoria Country on 16 January at UTAS Stadium; NSW Metro on 17 January at Invermay Park; South Australia on 19 January at NTCA No 1 and Tasmania on 20 January at Devonport Oval.
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 6th January with 54 players.
Nett Winner : Greg Garvin, 39pts.
Nett Runner Up : Robert Paul, 38pts.
Bonus Point Winner : Ray Stubbs, 44pts.
Bonus Pt. Runner Up : Gary Watt, 41pts c/b. Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole, Div. 1 : Jamie Carr. Div 2 : Michael Best. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole, Div 1 : Shayne Mullarvey. Div 2 : Bob Sellick.
Drive & Chip, 7th Hole, Div 1 : Bronwyn Smith, (birdie) Div 2 : Greg Garvin.
Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, Div 1 : Phil Rogan. Div 2 : Peter Hawkins.
Ball Winners : Jayne Berriman 41pts, Kel Dorney 39pts, Steve Robards 38pts, Gary Gazzard 38pts, Michael Best 38pts, Col Kerrison 37pts, Wal Hutchinson 37pts, John D’Este 37pts, John Clayton 37pts, Bronwyn Smith 36pts, Ross Dobson 35pts,
Mary Kay 34pts, Greg Hinton 34pts, Ian Dean 34pts, Graham Woolley 33pts, Lester Lake 33pts, Fred Rimoni 33pts, and Alan Foster 33pts. Lucky Prize Draw Winner Lester Lake. Next weeks game is at Tanilba Bay GC with a 7:30am start, visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times
Knights' Bradman turns to Gagai in bid to be the best
By George CLARKE, AAP
NEWCASTLE’S Bradman Best
is turning to veteran teammate Dane Gagai in the hope of staking his claim as the NRL's No.1 centre and winning a debut Kangaroos cap.
Best, who has played two State of Origin games for NSW, was part of Mal Meninga's Australia squad for last year's
Pacific Championships but did not see gametime.
The 23-year-old Knights centre has shown glimpses of his destructive ability for Newcastle and NSW, scoring a try in last year's Origin decider.
But Best, whose 2024 campaign was hampered by injury, is leaning on Gagai to ensure he steals more headline moments.
Gagai, now 34, has played more than 20 times for Queensland and won seven caps for the Kangaroos.
"For myself it's about putting that Blues jersey on again and being the best version of myself and being the best centre in the game," Best said.
"To put on that Kangaroos jersey is definitely a big goal.
"I think I've got a great centre here in 'Gags', to learn off him.
"I want to follow in his footsteps and we want to be the best centres in the game."
Best's hopes of winning a call-up to the Blues set-up under new coach Laurie Daley will hinge on Newcastle's early-season form.
The Knights finished the 2024 season in eighth spot and the big question heading into the new campaign is over their halves combination.
Coach Adam O'Brien regularly chopped and
q Nelson Bay Swim Club hosted another successful carnival at Tomaree Aquatic Centre last weekend.
on the northern NSW coast. Nelson Bay Swim Club official Andi Budd thanked the tireless volunteers and generous sponsors for their support behind the scenes as well as all competitors for making the annual carnival a tremendous success.
“The two day event ran smoothly and featured competitive races across all swimming disciplines which underlined the enormous depth of talent across various clubs in NSW,” he told News Of The Area.
Hornets announce representative coaches
By Chris KARAS
LINDSEY Brain and Tom Dafter will coach the Hunter Hornets Regional Touch Football Men's Open A squad for the 2025 State Senior Championships. The Open A squad will be managed by Meaghan Eagleton.
Other coaching appointments include:
Mens Open B: Hayden RyanHill and Luke Grills; Mens 20s A: Mitch Walkaden, Brent Powell and Shelly Rush-Nichols; Mens 20s B: Matt Richards and Gary Webb; Mens 40s: Les Smith and
Nic Grose; Womens 50s: Rod Bruce and Graham Meally; Mixed Open: Cameron Maxwell and Tom Taylor; Mixed Seniors: Jamie McSpadden; Mixed Masters: Rob White; All Abilities: Rebecca Jackson.
Tilligerry Social Golf Club
10/1/25
OUTRIGHT winner. Ron McKay. 41 Runner up. Ed Martin. 38 Bonus points winner. Grahame Glover. 36 Runner up. Bryan Porter. 36 Ball winners. Hugh Potts. 35 John Clayton. 33 Brian Riddell. 33 Matt Baldwin. 32 Kel Dorney. 31
Wendy Couvaras. 31 John McDonald. 28 Bradman Award. Peter Couvaras. NTP4th.
A. John Clayton.
changed between Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce but never truly settled on his firstchoice combination.
Best said the fierce battle for the two playmaking roles only bodes well for the Knights' fortunes.
"There's plenty of depth here and the competition and the boys have been unreal," Best said.
B. Wendy Couvaras D&C7th.
A. Bryan Porter. B. Grahame Glover D&C18th. A. John Clayton. B. Ed Martin Money Hole. A. Kel Dorney. B. Ed Martin Lucky number. 18. Hayden McDonald There were 12 starters. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game 17/1/25 Single Stroke. NEW PLAYERS ALWAYS WELCOME. REGISTRATION FROM 7AM PLAY COMMENCES 7.30AM. EACH FRIDAY.
"I'm not going to say names, but the boys have been killing it and it's a good, healthy rivalry.
"Everyone does talk and the media always talk and want to know.
"But we know what the boys' strengths are and they just need to come in and just worry about them as halves and the spine."
Darren Nosti; Mens Over 45: Darren McSpadden and Jason Toby; Mens Over 50: Andrew Paton; Mens Over 55: Neil Marshall and Jeff Hescott; Womens Open: Natalie Little , Kimberly Grant and Belinda Caruso; Womens 20s: Steven Hepburn , Georgia Marshall and Jo O’Connell; Womens 40s:
SUDOKU
By Lee RANKIN
MYALL COAST
12noon
& Bass tuition Theory muscianship Graduate of Aust Institute of
CEILING Fan, Lucci Future Eco 48 inch, T5 with 22 watt lite, bedroom size, have two, $60. 0433 210 187
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MUSIC CD’s, 50s to 90s hard to finds & rarities
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FEATURES:
2 seat leather sofa
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TWO outdoor chairs near new. $20 for both 0493 777 707 F171024
MOTORHOME specialist. Repair and paint, cut and polish all paint work. Renew all mouldings. Ready for sale or travel. 0484 137 580
7310mm (24 Foot) length, Rock and roll suspension off road with electric brakes and shock absorbers to all wheels, 2 x single beds with 3 x doonas for each bed, covers and sheets, Large Ensuite with shower/Ceramic toilet and vanity/washing machine/Hoover vacuum –shower doubles as a bath, 4 burner gas cooktop/oven/grill, 3 way fridge/freezer, Gas/240V hot water system, Microwave, Slide out food pantry – two basket drawers for food storage + wine glass storage + plate storage, Portable table located in wardrobe for eating inside the van on overnight trips, Lounge converts to another single bed, 2 x wine storage lockers + fresh water pump under the lounge, 40″ flat screen TV with DVD/radio, Slide out computer desk with 12/240v connections, Explorer plug to computer desk for aerial connections + printer drawer under desk, Dometic B3000 air conditioner, 20 KVA diesel heater under lounge with electronic controls, All windows have fly screens and block out blinds, 4.5KVA remote start generator which will run the air conditioning and other services where 240v power is not available, ¾ Tunnel containing: full annex together with plastic windows and 3meter BBQ annex extending out to the tow ball, Sunshade awning and awning struts, Front Boot Locker containing 2 new 160 AH long life Gel batteries with 5-year warranty, bag of steel stakes, bag of tension ropes, tools and hose fittings and Caravan Jack, A Frame mesh containing fresh water hoses, Under Chassis tool box containing wood blocks, caravan ramps and chocks, 8-meter sullage hose in pipe container under the caravan access from the rear, 3 x fresh water tanks, with independent valve system to enable pumping from specific water tanks, 2 x 100L and 1 x 60L tanks, 2 x external LED lights and BBQ light and LED handle at entrance, Lifestyle picnic table - folds out from side of the van, External speakers and TV connections for running a portable TV outside in the annex area, Gas bayonet at the front of the van for the BBQ, Reversing camera, New caravan cover, New awning Note: Landcruiser also available as a package deal. POA. Phone 0412 081
0431 607 774
x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $7,800. 0415 678 687
Caravans
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!
TEN, 7pm
Robert Irwin wasn’t in the running to be named “King of the Jungle” last year, but season 10 of this celebrity reality staple was certainly the young presenter’s crowning glory, netting him a Gold Logie nomination. Back for another instalment of jungle hijinks with co-host Julia Morris (pictured, with Irwin), the wildlife warrior continues to breathe fresh air into the franchise in 2025, along with a new cast of stars entering the Kruger National Park camp tonight.
FRIDAY, January 17
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden: The 18th Century. (R) Monty Don visits Rousham House.
8.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R) A love affair seems to be at the heart of a young woman’s death in a nearby town.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Berlin. (Final, PG, R) Joanna Lumley concludes her journey.
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Grand Designs: Norwich. (R)
11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
WEDNESDAY
ELSBETH
TEN, 9pm
In a change from the usual gritty detective fare, this quirky comedy drama is not only a colourful cupcake of a crime procedural but strays from the “whodunnit” format, instead telling viewers who the baddie is from the beginning of an episode and then working out how to catch them. It all revolves around Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston, pictured), formerly a cartoonish defence lawyer occasionally seen in
who has just been appointed as an “outside observer” working alongside the NYPD. Elsbeth’s astute observational skills and unconventional approach bring a lot of fun to crime-solving in a series that is all its own. In tonight’s premiere, Elsbeth ruffles feathers while investigating the death of a drama student.
10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 11. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, R) A man ages in reverse. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 De Gaulle. (Ma)
12.00 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
3.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY
THE DARKNESS
SBS, 9.30pm
It’s no shock this grim but engrossing Nordic noir series is essential
The
What’s Eating Gilbert ) behind the camera and his real-life wife, the always-wonderful pictured) in the lead role. Set in Iceland and with the backdrop of a refugee crisis taking place in the country, DI Hulda Hermannsdóttir (Olin) and partner Lukas (Jack Bannon) must investigate a kidnapping, with only a vague description from the kidnapped woman’s son to go on. However, it’s not long before they realise this crime is inextricably linked to another recent case they’ve worked on, as a sordid web of intrigue in Reykjavík grows ever deeper.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. 2.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. From Melbourne Park. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 6. From Melbourne
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 37. Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Dr Harry Cooper helps clingy cavaliers.
12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 1. Highlights.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 6. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy helps a family come to terms with their deaf child’s inability to communicate.
1.00 First On Scene. (Maln) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A dog goes missing in the park.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Drive TV. (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Cast Away. (2000, Ma, R) A workaholic executive becomes stranded on a deserted tropical island after a plane crash. Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy. 10.20 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.45 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
(34) 7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32)
(83) 6am December Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 10.00 Tracker. (2010, M) 11.55 A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 2.10pm Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 3.35 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.30 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 7.40 The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 9.30 Proof Of Life. (2000) Midnight Odd Thomas. (2013, M) 1.50 The Trust. (2016, MA15+) 3.30 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M)
6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Tennis. Austn
The Line Of Fire. (1993, M) 11.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Carpool Koorioke. 2.00 Family Rules. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz.
SATURDAY, January 18
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: End Of Days. (Final, R) Brian Cox looks at how the universe will end.
6.30 Back Roads: Camperdown, Victoria. (PG, R) Presented by Kerry Staight.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. A painting disappears.
8.30 Vera. (Mad, R) Vera and the team investigate the murder of an addiction support worker.
10.05 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal, R) Charts the story of Delia Balmer. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland.
8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PG, R)
9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PGa, R)
10.15 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R)
11.25 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019, Mavw, R)
1.25 MOVIE: Subjects Of Desire. (2021, MA15+av, R) 3.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Singapore Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 WorldWatch.
VICELAND (31)
6am Petite
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) An American citizen returns from Russia.
7.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990, Mv, R) A detective goes undercover as a teacher. Arnold Schwarzenegger. 9.50 MOVIE: True Lies. (1994, Mlsv, R) A secret agent’s wife is caught up in his latest mission. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis. 12.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park.
11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 7. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) The staff grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Court abortion rights decision.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to find the right fit for a father and son duo. 8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A dog goes on a charm offensive. Determined to prove that it is young at heart, a pooch enjoys a game of tennis with a possible new family. A lovable goofball sends a couple into a spin. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Ambulance NSW responds to calls about an 88-year-old with a severe head wound. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) A collision stretches resources to the limit. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 America’s
SUNDAY, January 19
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml) Miriam Margolyes journey ends.
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Malv) Having escaped with her life, Delia lies in a critical condition in hospital as police search for Sweeney.
10.05 MOVIE: Mystery Road. (2013, Malv, R) An Indigenous detective investigates a murder. Aaron Pedersen. 12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.05 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.05 The Great Acceleration. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts:
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (Final, PG, R)
8.30 One Mind, One Heart. (PG)
10.05 Stopping The Steal. (Mal, R) 11.45 The Choice 2024: Harris Vs Trump. (PGa, R)
1.45 The VP Choice: Vance Vs Walz. (Ml, R)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
VICELAND (31)
FROM Page 20
Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.25 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 9.15 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. 10.20 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.50pm Odd Thomas. (2013, M) 2.40 December Boys. (2007, PG) 4.40 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Beau Is Afraid. (2023) 11.45 Piercing. (2018, MA15+) 1.15am High Ground. (2020, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs. 6.40am Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 10.40 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 1.10pm The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 3.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 4.45 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.35 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.30am The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) Interview with James Packer and Robbie Williams. 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 3. Highlights.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
WorldWatch. 3.30 Queer Sports. 4.30 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. 7.30 Abandoned Engineering. 9.20 MOVIE: Ascension. (2021, M) 11.05 WWE Legends. 12.40am The X-Files. 3.25
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey.
11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 8. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mdm, R) Max learns about the bequest office.
1.00 First On Scene. (MA15+av) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return, PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 The Graham Norton Show. (Mhs) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, Jamie Oliver, Lolly Adefope and Coldplay. 10.10 MOVIE: Mafia Mamma. (2023, MA15+lsv) A woman inherits her grandfather’s
Rookie player Laming also purchased a new paddle in preparation for her first tournament – this weekend’s second annual Spirit of Pickleball Challenge at Menai Indoor
Children’s Programs. Noon Basketball. WNBL. Sydney v Adelaide.
Sports Centre. The tournament perpetuates the memory of the late Michelle Gibson, who is credited along with her family for formally introducing pickleball to Sydney’s “Shire” in founding the Sutherland Shire Pickleball Club (SSPBC), who will host the event. As a sanctioned tournament with Pickleball Australia Association,
competitors will play under USA Pickleball (USAPA) rules and compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in each division. Winners of each division will be presented with the Michelle Gibson Memorial Trophy as the perpetual recognition of Michelle's legacy to the SSPBC. Anyone interested in playing pickleball can contact the Port Stephens Pickleball Club via the Open Sport app, Facebook page or email secretary.pspickleballclub@ gmail.com.
9GO!
MONDAY, January 20
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Hunt For Truth: Tasmanian Tiger. (Ml, R)
8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
9.30 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Clean Sweep. (Mals)
12.00 Wisting. (MA15+als, R)
12.55 Faking Hitler. (Ml, R)
2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (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) Cash experiences a flashback. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 1. 10.30 Motorway Patrol. (PGa) A driver decides to off-road it.
11.00 Highway Cops. (PG)
11.30 Born To Kill? Peter Moore
– The Man In Black. (Mav, R)
12.30 Wild Tokyo. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.00 US Presidential Inauguration.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 9. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Max takes a chance with Wilder.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) A 76-year-old who is a full-time carer for his wife is in agony after an accident at home.
2.00 Family Law. (Mas, R) Abby fights for her client’s right to know her biological child, who was switched at birth.
3.00 US Presidential Inauguration. Coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
5.00 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 9.50 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs.
6am Cheerful
Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.50 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 8.50 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 10.35 Murder By Decree. (1979, M) 12.50pm The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.30 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 4.20 White Lion. (2010, PG) 6.00 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.40 Arctic. (2018, M) 9.30 Stay. (2005) 11.30 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, January 21
6.00
Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 Eat The Invaders. (PG)
Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. (PG, R)
Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml, R)
ABC Late News.
11.10 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R)
12.35 Grand Designs. (R)
1.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
8.35 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (PG, R)
9.55 The Artist’s View. (PGal, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a)
11.55 Christian. (MA15+v, R)
2.55 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.45 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Summer Bay celebrates the opening of the new Bait Shop. Eden waits at Tim’s side.
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Qualifier. 11.30 Lockerbie. (Final, PGalv, R)
The court awaits the verdict tensely.
12.35 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 1. Highlights.
1.35 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 10. From Melbourne Park. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Max helps an ICU intern.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mv)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG, R) Sophie Budd explores a brewery. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)
(32)
6am RabbitProof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.40 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 8.30 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 10.25 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.15pm The Bribe Of Heaven. (2016, M, Spanish) 1.55 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 3.45 The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 5.40 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, M) 9.40 Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY, January 22
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs.
Beach. (PGn, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
SBS World News. 7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R)
The Night Manager. (Masv)
SBS World News Late.
Pagan Peak. (Mav)
11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R)
1.00 Soldiers. (Malv, R)
2.50 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
Does Countdown. 8.30 1982: The Greatest Geek Year Ever. 9.15 MOVIE: Attack Force Z. (1981) 11.00 MOVIE: Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 12.45am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The 400
Blows. (1959, PG, French) 7.40 Oliver! (1968, PG)
10.20 Arctic. (2018, M) 12.10pm Stay. (2005) 2.10 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 3.50 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 5.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 7.30 The Glorias. (2020, M) 10.10 Down With Love. (2003, M) 12.10am I’m Gilda. (2016, M, Spanish) 2.20 Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 4.20 The Movie Show. 4.55 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, January 23
6.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Rose is overruled. 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Knockout. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 1.30 Black-ish. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
7MATE (64)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 American Pickers. 11.00 Pawn Stars. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 2. 3.30pm Full Custom Garage. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 11. From Melbourne Park. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) Helen Sharpe returns to New York.
1.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) The team pays a visit to a very special farm.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Premiere, Mav) An unconventional attorney must balance her role with the NYPD and her own methods to uncover a killer. 10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Return, Mav)
10.55 10’s Late News.
11.20 The Project. (R) 12.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Outback Adventures In Western Australia.
8.30 Silk Road From Above. (R)
9.30 The Darkness. (Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Divided We Stand. (Premiere, Mal)
12.45 Blanca. (Madlv, R)
2.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
3.35 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.25 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 12.15pm WorldWatch. 12.45 The Gig Is Up. 2.20 Overlooked. (Final) 2.50 Insight. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. 12.55am MOVIE: All The Beauty And The Bloodshed. (2022, MA15+) 3.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 6.45 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 8.35 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 10.40 The Furnace. (2020, M) 12.50pm I’m Gilda. (2016, M, Spanish) 3.00 Oliver! (1968, PG) 5.40 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.40 Infinite Storm. (2022, M) 9.30 Haywire. (2011, M) 11.10 The Adopters. (2019, MA15+, Spanish) 1.10am Sound Of Metal. (2019, M) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 2. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. A deep dive into the world of cricket. 11.15 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+adls) Tommy confronts Rand. 12.15 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 3. Highlights. 1.15 Black-ish. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 TBA. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 12. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R)
Max and Wilder
Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf. 5.00 Today Early News.
7MATE (64)
Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30
Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The Nanny. 1.00 Love After Lockup. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 Late Programs.
9GO! (83)
9GO!
NITV (34)
Pickleballers tune up
By Chris KARAS
unveiled its latest batch of new recruits at last Friday’s Skills and Drills Equipment Day Demonstration event at Tomaree High School’s Multipurpose Centre.
New members Jo Laming, Linda Tighe, Steve Hopkin, Craig Goddard, Linda Blythe along with Donna and Wayne Wilcox grabbed an opportunity to hone their pickleball skills in a relaxed environment.
They were joined by club stalwarts Cheryl Sanderson, John and Jane Eyers and the indefatigable Tony Mayers and the capable Mary Cunnington.
Power hitting Mary upgraded her paddle on the day which should keep her in good stead for this year’s tournament schedule.
CONTINUED
PORT Stephens Pickleball Club
q Port Stephens Pickleball Club hosted a successful Skills and Drills Equipment Day Demonstration event at Tomaree High School’s Multipurpose Centre last Friday.