Port Stephens News Of The Area 16 May 2024

By Lindsay HALL

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED PORT STEPHENS NEWSPAPER

Salvo’s Hope Community Choir sings joy and wellbeing

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the present cost-of-living crisis – things are much more bearable when people can live together “with a little harmony”.

The Salvation Army Hope Community Choir knows this to be a literal truth.

“Our Choir ‘family’ has earned a wonderful reputation for its ability to bring joy and happiness into the lives of its members as well as the audiences they entertain,” said choir

director Susan Petterson.

“It is a proven fact that singing improves our sense of happiness and wellbeing.”

The choir first formed under the umbrella of Port Stephens Council as a community group, but in 2017, when the council was unable to continue the program, the Salvation Army at Raymond Terrace was eager to carry the torch.

“Obviously the members at that time didn’t want to stop singing together,” said Susan, “and

we thought this was a wonderful opportunity to build connection with our community.”

The Choir welcomes anyone and everyone who loves to sing and is looking for a place to connect with others.

The diversity of Hope Community Choir members is reflected in their repertoire, compiled from a variety of genres such as country music, contemporary radio hits, musicals and classic

standards with a few hymns mixed in.

Since taking over stewardship of the choir Susan has led them in singing regularly at aged care homes, centres for disabled people, local shopping centres and concerts all throughout the Hunter.

When pressed on the performances that have meant the most to the group, Susan said the regular opportunities to sing at ANZAC and Remembrance

Day ceremonies linger as something special, although a performance last Christmas at the Raymond Terrace Marketplace is also a contender.

“It was such a joy to just sing carols for the people passing by.”

The doors are always open for newcomers seeking fun, fellowship and lots of great music.

“No auditions, the only criteria required to join our choir is you love to sing and enjoy bringing pleasure to others.”

Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings, beginning with coffee and chat at 5pm and then singing from 5.30pm – 7pm.

Enquiries regarding membership or booking the choir can be made via their Facebook page - The Salvation Army Hope Community Choir - or by contacting the Choir Director Susan Petterson via email at susan.petterson@ salvationarmy.org.au.

Raymond Terrace rates high for ‘rental pain’

THE Suburbtrends ‘Rental Pain Index’ has been released for May 2024, painting a worrying picture of the escalating severity of the rental market crisis in Australia.

As rental prices continue to climb and homes remain scarce, the report highlights

the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to alleviate the stress on renters throughout the nation.

The Rental Pain Index (RPI) quantifies the level of difficulty faced by renters across Australian markets.

It incorporates vital metrics such as changes in rent prices, the scarcity of rental properties, vacancy rates, changes in these rates, and the proportion of income dedicated to rent.

By synthesizing these factors, the RPI provides a score ranging from one to 100 for various regions,

where a higher score signifies more acute rental challenges, encompassing financial strains as well as the availability and suitability of rental accommodations.

On a national level, the May report indicates that 72.97 percent of locations across Australia are experiencing severe rental stress, as shown by high RPI scores.

The internationally accepted benchmark is that rent needs to be no more than 30 percent of a household budget to be affordable for people on low incomes.

According to the

Suburbtrends data, across NSW rental prices have increased by an average of 10.55 percent in the past twelve months.

The average rental costs 33.17 percent of a household budget.

Locally, Raymond Terrace received a maximum score of 100 in the RPI.

While rental prices in the town have increased by only six percent, less than the state average, Raymond Terrace renters are spending on average 39 percent of their income on their lodgings.

The rental vacancy rate in

the town is just 0.35 percent, compared to a NSW vacancy rate of 1.44 percent.

The Beresfield-Hexham area also listed among the worst 25 suburbs in the state for rental pain, recording rental price increases of nine percent in the past twelve months and a 0.62 percent rental vacancy rate.

Kent Lardner, founder of Suburbtrends, said this month's data signals a “looming reckoning for the political class who have long neglected the growing distress of the renter class”.

“The barriers to

homeownership are especially daunting for first-time buyers without familial financial support, leaving shared equity schemes in capital cities as one of the few remaining options - yet many will still find these schemes out of reach.

"Our immediate focus must be on implementing emergency accommodations and creating incentives for homeowners to offer underutilised properties for rent.

“These measures are crucial stopgaps that can provide some relief in the short term."

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 28/04/2024 TO 05/05/2024

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.

262 Gan Gan Rd 16-2024-153-1 Shed CORLETTE

4/19 Kanangra Ave 16-2024-187-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling

77 The Peninsula 16-2024-190-1 Secondary dwelling

77 The Peninsula 16-2024-191-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling, swimming pool and garage FERN BAY

26 Taylor Rd 16-2024-177-1 Change of use from dwelling to group home (permanent)

5 Taylor Rd 16-2024-178-1 As above HEATHERBRAE

470 Masonite Rd 16-2006636-20 S4.55(1A) Modification to approved industrial subdivision – amend staging and create development lots

72 Camfield Dr 16-2024-188-1 Warehouse and office

58 Camfield Dr; 60 Camfield Dr 16-2024-193-1 Industrial warehouse units, amenities, car parking, driveways, signage, associated site works, strata subdivision KARUAH

22 Peachey Cct 16-2024-180-1 Dual occupancy (detached), earthworks

3221 Pacific Hwy 16-2024-174-1

LEMON TREE PASSAGE

7 Woodoak Rd 16-2024-181-1 1 into 2 lot Torrens Title subdivision ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL

Subdivision – 73 residential lots, 5 super lots, 1 residual lot, roads, associated subdivision infrastructure, vegetation removal and other environmental works

39 Raiss Cl 16-2023-112-2 S4.55 (1A) Modification to carport – amend fall

12 Karwin Rd 16-2024-117-1 Shed 691 Medowie Rd 16-2024-159-1 Swimming pool RAYMOND TERRACE 15

Modification replace swimming pool, new deck – amend to add roof over deck

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Seniors housing - 51 Independent Living Units (ILUs) and

APPLICANT: CASWELL LIVING MANAGEMENT PTY LTD

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL: TYPE OF APPROVAL: APPROVAL AGENCY: Water Management Act 2000 –Section 90(2) Water NSW

ASSESSING OFFICER: Dylan Mitchell | Ph: 4988 0280 | Email: dylan.mitchell@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 28 Days (15/05/2024 – 12/06/2024)

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 12/06/2024

Rough sleeping on the rise in Port Stephens and MidCoast

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sleeping rough in the Port Stephens local government area (LGA) on the night of the count.

Statewide, 2,037 people were counted sleeping rough in the 2024 NSW street count, compared to 1,623 people last year – a 26 percent increase.

Street counts took place between 1 February and 1 March 2024, in more than 400 towns and suburbs in 76 LGAs across NSW.

Over 300 local organisations either consulted in the planning phase or participated in the

delivery of street counts.

Partners included community housing providers, local councils and specialist homelessness services, as well Aboriginal organisations, local health districts, local community groups, and police.

Across the state, the number of people sleeping rough has continued to rise with regional areas experiencing the biggest surge in homelessness in the past year, while metro Sydney has stabilised.

“While levels of street sleeping have stabilised in Sydney, we are still seeing an

unprecedented increase of homelessness in many of our regional towns,” Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said.

“We don’t just need data to tell us this - our regional communities are feeling this every day.

“The sobering street count figures again paint a harrowing picture of homelessness and street sleeping across our state.”

Ms Jackson said the NSW Government is “looking at every single option” to tackle the state’s housing and rental crisis.

“This includes our wide-

ranging review of Short Term Rental Accommodation rules which we are in the process of finalising very soon.

“We know the current Short Term Rental Accommodation rules are having an impact on homelessness and street sleeping, especially in our regions, which is why we are acting.”

Shadow Minister for Homelessness Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the 2024 Street Count numbers showed the State Government was “failing our most vulnerable”.

“The Minns Government housing and homelessness

crisis just keeps getting worse with a record 2,037 people sleeping rough recorded this year, an increase of 414 people since February 2023,” said Mrs Maclaren-Jones.

“As the housing and economic crisis continues to escalate, there is a real risk that more people will experience homelessness for the first time.

“The NSW Labor Government must act now and provide additional funding to support our already stretched homelessness services.”

Mrs Maclaren-Jones is also calling on the Minister for Homelessness to broaden

the scope of reporting to encompass all types of homelessness, including nuances like couch surfing and other forms of nonsecure housing, which is not captured in the Street Count.

“People are experiencing many types of housing stress, from rough sleeping to couch surfing and living in overcrowded accommodation.

“To effectively address homelessness, we must have accurate and timely data that shows the true extent of homelessness,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

183 search and rescue missions completed in Port Stephens

MARINE Rescue NSW’s 3,400 volunteers have completed their second busiest boating season on record with 3,242 search and rescue missions, including 921 emergency responses, between October 1, 2023 and ANZAC Day this year. This season’s figure was just shy of the record 3,251 missions completed during the 2022/23 boating season.

Across the Hunter and Central Coast, 993 search and rescue missions were completed including 208

emergency responses, with 2,109 people safely returned to shore across all eight regional units –Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal. 183 search and rescue missions were completed in Port Stephens.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews safely returned 7,535 boaters to shore statewide during the

2023/24 boating season.

“It's been another busy season for Marine Rescue NSW right across our 46 units.

“Unfortunately, we've seen an overrepresentation in mechanical failures with more than 40 percent of our responses related to engine failure.

“From our perspective, these are avoidable and we're again urging boaters to make sure before they head out on the water, they check their engine.

“It is important that you check your equipment because unfortunately, if things do go

If you are an adult at higher risk of severe illness or are 65 years and over, a free COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you every 6 to 12 months. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what is best for you.

wrong, you could find yourself in a life threatening situation,” he said.

q A total of 183 search and rescue missions were completed in Port Stephens from October 1 2023 to ANZAC Day.

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

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

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

Simon EKINS 0434 890 157 simon@newsofthearea.com.au

Zayne PHILLIPS 0432 644560 zayne@newsofthearea.com.au

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

EDITOR

BUSINESS ADVERTISING

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

Social housing shortfall

By Marian SAMPSON

SOCIAL, affordable and crisis housing remains in short supply across the state, with the Port Stephens and Newcastle regions no exception.

The Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) said the inaugural State of the Housing System report paints a bleak outlook for vulnerable people on the social housing waitlist and people experiencing homelessness.

The State of the Housing System 2024 report notes that the forecast levels for the delivery of social and affordable housing are significantly lower than demand, at a time when waitlists for public housing increased by 9.1 percent in the four years to 2023.

“We are now presented with substantial evidence that the housing crisis is going to get worse before it gets better.

“For the most vulnerable people in our community, who are already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of housing, the crisis will have long-term consequences for their

wellbeing, financial security, and social and economic inclusion,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.

With domestic and family violence on the rise, and homelessness surging in regional NSW, safe parking places have now been launched in Newcastle for women currently living out of their cars.

Port Stephens Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson told News Of The Area, “At least one of the Port Stephens Council-owned caravan parks is delivering crisis accommodation for women escaping violence.

“This innovation has come about through the Council-driven Port Stephens Housing Forum.

“Port Stephens Council is also focused on finding suitable developments and land to deliver more housing in the region.”

q New construction projects will assist in creating an increase of housing stock, however affordable and crisis housing remains in short supply. Photo: Marian Sampson.

Residents left with wet feet

By Marian SAMPSON

RESIDENTS around Corlette are seeing red over what they believe are long-overdue repairs and maintenance to footpaths.

Corlette resident and former Port Stephens Councillor Brian Watson-Will told News Of The Area, “The footpath access adjacent to Corlette Community Hall is

regularly subject to flooding.

“At times it is now under water with a depth of five millimetres over a length of 30 metres of the path.”

Brian noted that the original request for the footpath to be maintained was submitted to Council

over three years ago and again in May 2022.

“Please get our footpaths priorities correct instead of non-urgent works,” Brian said.

A Port Stephens Council spokesperson told News Of The Area that pathway

q Residents say the footpath that adjoins the Corlette Community Hall is in need of repair to provide suitable access.

inspections are undertaken periodically across the local government area to capture all defects.

“Repair works are prioritised based on risk and the type of defect,” they said.

“Generally higher use pedestrian areas, which includes CBDs, schools, aged care and child care facilities, receive a higher level of service.

“When repairs are undertaken, it’s generally to isolated, individual sections, rather than full pathway replacement.

“If members of the public have concerns about paths that need repair, they can lodge a report via our new report, request and apply portal on our website, selecting the roadside maintenance request tile: portstephens.nsw.gov.au/ council/report-requestapply/roads-and-drainage

“By reporting an issue this way, Council can pinpoint exactly where the issues are and the request goes directly to the team that needs to do the work,” they said.

Report paints ‘bleak’ picture of state’s biodiversity

THE NSW Government released its Biodiversity Outlook Report for 2024 last week, providing an updated overview of the state’s ecosystems and biological diversity.

In 2020, the first NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report presented the results of the first assessment of the state’s Biodiversity Indicator Program, establishing a baseline for reporting on future trends in biodiversity.

“Biodiversity is facing a number of pressures, including climate change, habitat loss and invasive species,” said Anthony Lean, Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the

Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

“These pressures are causing a decline in biodiversity in New South Wales, with nearly 1,000 species known to be at risk of extinction if there is no intervention.”

2024 report reveals that 50 percent of listed species are expected to survive in 100 years, down from 52 percent in 2020.

A total of 76 percent of all known species are expected to survive in 100 years, down from 79 percent.

Between 73 and 89 percent of genetic diversity

remains for all known plant species, down from 79-91 percent.

The report lists 305 invasive weeds and 36 pest animals as being known to occur in NSW.

On a positive note, the report states 11.2 percent of NSW has been secured for permanent protection, an increase from 8.6 percent of the state in 2020.

NSW Greens spokesperson for climate change and the environment, MLC Sue Higginson, said the latest figures on biodiversity loss in NSW are “extreme and bleak”.

“If they don't mobilse this

Government into real action I just don't know what will,” Higginson said.

“Half of all threatened species becoming extinct is an intolerable outcome.

"This severe biodiversity loss is being driven by habitat destruction in native forests and land clearing across all ecosystems.

“The Minns-Labor Government was elected on a promise to stop both of these trends, but has acted on neither.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told NOTA last week, “The NSW Government is considering the findings and recommendations of statutory reviews of the

Biodiversity Conservation Act and the native vegetation provisions of the Local Land Services Act.

“The Government response, to be published in the first half of 2024, will enable the government to deliver three key election commitments – reform biodiversity offsets, strengthen environmental protections and end excess land clearing.”

Meanwhile, Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) expressed alarm that the report failed to identify population numbers and growth as the ‘underlying causes of biodiversity decline in the state’.

SPA national president Peter Strachan said habitat loss is cited as the major threat to biodiversity, yet the report does not explain why this habitat loss is occurring.

“It is because we clear land to facilitate the agricultural and urban expansion necessary to house and feed people,” said Mr Strachan.

“In short, the primary cause of this habitat loss is our growing population.

“NSW’s population grew by 186,100, or 2.3 percent, in the year ending 30 September 2023.

“These additional people all need to be fed and housed and have other infrastructure provided to meet their needs and wants.

“It is inevitable that habitat will be destroyed to meet these demands, whatever the policies of mitigation employed.”

The 2021 ABS Census reported the Port Stephens LGA having a population of 75,276, up from 71,381 people in 2016.

Sustainable Living Festival comes to Medowie

ECONETWORK Port Stephens and the Homegrown Markets have combined to bring a Sustainable Living Festival to Medowie this weekend.

The Festival will be held at Medowie Community Centre and the Lions Park on Ferodale Road (opposite the shops) on Saturday 18 May from 9am-2pm.

“Join us for an exciting community day full of workshops, activities, live entertainment, local community

groups, speakers, a huge market, street food, live tunes, kids zone, preloved stalls, gourmet produce and more, featuring a host of sustainable initiatives!” said EcoNetwork secretary Alison Rogers.

Check out some ecofriendly and handmade wares in the marketplace, enjoy a delicious street food picnic and attend a talk or workshop on sustainable

living delivered by industry experts.

“There’s something for everyone - plenty of activities for little and big kids alike, live entertainment, delectable food and prizes to be won.

“Wonderful prizes are on offer - a balloon ride with Balloon Aloft, a family koala encounter and a conservation encounter at Oakvale Wildlife Park, a family pass to Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters,

an annual family pass to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, photography from Mathew Spillard, artwork from Wallum Art Space and book vouchers from Readers Retreat.”

The Sustainable Living Festival is sponsored by Hunter Water, Port Stephens Council and the Hunter Region Landcare Network.

See program guide on page 4

q Activities and stalls galore are on offer at the Sustainable Living Festival.

q Sustainability will be the focus on Saturday in Medowie.

Red Cross and NRMA Host RediPlan Emergency Workshop

By Thomas O’KEEFE

A RE-ENERGISED RediPlan workshop program, focusing on emergency planning and preparedness, was led by the Australian Red Cross (ARC) and NRMA at Karuah RSL on Wednesday 8 May.

Only the second of dozens planned in the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Port Stephens regions, RediPlan has been in development between the Australian Red Cross and NRMA’s ‘HELP Nation’ campaign for several years, motivated by events like the destructive 2015 East Coast Low, and the devastating 2019-20 bushfires and floods, not to mention the COVID pandemic thereafter.

“As emergencies become more frequent, intense, and expensive, we need to prepare to save lives, avoid panic, stress, and making mistakes, and help to cope and recover, making more adaptable and stronger communities,” ARC’s Karen Maloney explained.

“When we are calm, we can think more clearly, and when we can think more clearly, we can make better decisions.

“Your RediPlan should reflect your life and things that matter to you, considering the most important possessions, animals, family members.”

The NRMA, established in 1925, now has a century of insurance statistics and research related to extreme weather.

This autumn is expected to bring increased rainfall in southern NSW, and more thunderstorms in southern QLD, eastern NSW and VIC.

According to the NRMA, 70 percent of emergency events in Karuah are storm/ hail related including tree

and water damage.

Pindimar’s recent tenday bushfires were followed by torrential rains, further highlighting the extremeness of recent weather for attendees, who came from across the Bay.

Many attendees walked away realising just how unprepared they really were, and had learnt much new and vital knowledge, including where to get information before, and during, extreme weather events.

Networks and councils, emergency services, the HELP Nation site, Hazards Near Me

app and What3Words, as well as your own insurance company, can tell you about local risks, while the ABC’s official local emergency station is 1233AM, with different FM stations depending on your area.

Animal plans are essential in farm areas, and regions that can be easily cut off with one road in/out need to prepare to go without power for at least 72 hours –including food supplies and medications.

The Red Cross ‘Go-Bag’ program was also highlighted, encouraging people to prepack the utter essentials for when everything else goes catastrophic.

q Red Cross’ Karen Maloney explains why residents need to plan for the worst.

q Red Cross volunteer Paula shows an example emergency ‘Go Bag’.

Positive Behaviour for Learning program returns

By Marian SAMPSON

THE award-winning Raymond Terrace Community Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program is back for 2024.

PBL is a collaborative effort involving Hunter River High School, Irrawang High School, Raymond Terrace Public School, Grahamstown Public School, Seaham Public School, Karuah Public School, Medowie Public School, Salt Ash Public School, and Irrawang Public School.

Positive Behaviour and Learning Team Leader Merri Brady told News Of The Area, “Our mission is to advocate for the adoption of PBL as a framework by schools, parents, businesses, service

providers, and government agencies, with the overarching goal of facilitating every child's realisation of their full potential.

“Community PBL represents an extension of the successful framework already established in our partner schools.

“Presently, more than 3000 students are enrolled in schools that implement PBL, where it contributes to the well-being of students, faculty, families, and the wider community.

“We are proud of the positive impact Community PBL has had on the youth of Raymond Terrace by promoting positive behaviour for learning, thereby fostering positive behaviour for life,” she said.

This week's well deserving nominees are:

- Irrawang Public School student Olivia was nominated for representing her school with pride at the Zone Swim Carnival where she demonstrated outstanding, respectful sportsmanship.

- Cliffy of Raymond Terrace Public School was nominated for handing in some personal belongings of a student from another school at a gala day.

He handed them in and helped get them back to the owner.

- Grahamstown Public School student Harvey was recognised for being kind to his peers by helping them feel a part of the school community and by helping others in class.

He is a leader at the school, who is also a great role model during school sporting events outside school in the community.

- Irrawang High School student

q This week’s Positive Behaviour for Learning award nominees.

Tennis Club serving up cancer charity fundraiser

THE Tilligerry Tennis Club will host a Biggest Morning Tea (BMT) at their Clubhouse later this month to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Council.

"As readers should be aware, cancer will personally touch about one in three of us," said Ken Fletcher of Tilligerry Tennis Club.

"That means that for the other two in three of us, we will watch a good friend, a loved one, a parent, or a workmate suffer at the hands of this horrible disease.

"The Cancer Council helps fund a range of affirmative projects including medical research into cancer and the demand for financial funding is very strong.

"The Tennis Club is doing its bit by hosting a BMT event and we need your help!"

Guests are invited to bring a plate of food.

Raffles will be run throughout the event.

The BMT will be held on 21 May 2024 at 10:00am.

Evan was nominated for his efforts when representing the school at the recent Lions Youth of the Year competition, at all times demonstrating the school’s PBL values.

- Ella from Hunter River High School was nominated for being a helpful and model student in the school’s Cultural Room.

- Salt Ash Public School student Harriet was nominated for serving community members with pride at the school’s ‘Yarn Up’ barbeque and volunteering her time to regularly assist with ‘Breakfast Club’.

- Gracey of Medowie Public School was nominated for her citizenship at the Zone Swimming Carnival, where she demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and she maintained a positive attitude all day and cheered on all her fellow competitors.

- Seaham Public School student Matilda was nominated for being responsible for the implementation of a buddy bench at the school.

She came up with the idea, and with the help of her parents and the Cardiff Men’s Shed made it happen.

Now Seaham has a buddy bench where students can easily link up with other students in need of a friend.

- Gypsy-Rose of Karuah Public School was nominated for assisting a younger student who was walking home for the first time.

Gypsy-Rose noticed that the student was a bit confused, so with permission from her dad, she walked the student home as he wasn't sure how to get there.

The NOTA congratulates all of this week's PBL nominees for all that they have contributed to our community.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

The volunteer drivers supporting cancer patients since 2012

THE Nelson Bay Cancer Patient Transport Group has been providing a muchneeded volunteer transport service to cancer patients on the Tomaree and Tilligerry Peninsulas since 2012.

A small volunteer committee, the majority of who have been involved since day one, oversee the work of 55 volunteer drivers who, using their own vehicles, take cancer patients to and

from treatment and doctors appointments in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.

These volunteers do not just provide transport services; they also offer

emotional support and social interaction to the patients and their families.

“Going long distances for treatment can be a daunting and stressful experience, but the company of the volunteer driver helps to alleviate this,” said group secretary Richard Yeomans.

To date these volunteer

drivers have completed 5,717 trips covering more than 633,000 kilometres, assisting 301 patients.

“This service could not continue without the work of the committee, the volunteer drivers and the generous support of local organisations and individuals who help with providing funds for part reimbursement of the driver’s fuel and vehicle operating costs,” Richard said.

Benefits of youth volunteering

A 2023 REPORT by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) found that if a child is involved in volunteering before the age of thirteen, the odds of them having poor mental health are reduced by around 28 percent.

Additionally, children who demonstrate ‘prosocial’ behaviours, such as caring for others or doing acts of kindness, were eleven percent less likely to experience mental ill-health.

The data was collected as part of 'Growing Up in Australia: A Longitudinal

Study of Children (LSAC)', which has been following the development of 10,000 children since 2003.

AIFS researcher Karlee O’Donnell said the findings indicate that parents should encourage their children to volunteer in the community, particularly in the pre-teen years.

“Volunteering is one way for children to develop their prosocial skills as it provides the opportunity to care for others, show kindness and learn to take on others' perspectives,” O’Donnell said.

“This study shows the tremendous benefits of volunteering for reducing the risk of mental ill-health – especially in the pre-teen years when mental health symptoms often come to the fore for children or become worse.”

The volunteering can take many forms, such as helping at a local community sports club, participating in a community working bee, or more formal volunteering with a charity or church group.

“It’s the act of helping others in the wider

community, and building empathy and understanding, that is a critical protective factor against mental illhealth,” O’Donnell said.

AIFS Director Dr Sharman Stone said the findings indicate that having a positive connection to the community through volunteering or “offering a hand” can be a strong prevention against mental ill health.

“Parents, carers, schools and policymakers should be more aware of its value and be supportive and encouraging,” Dr Stone said.

“Now more than ever we are seeing the serious impact of mental ill health on young Australians – which includes high youth suicide rates and the high numbers of teens diagnosed with clinical anxiety and depression.”

The level of poor mental health symptoms in children increases in each year of development, with a substantial increase between the ages of thirteen and seventeen.

The study followed children from age four to five through to 16-17 years, examining over time what

“National Volunteer’s Week is a most appropriate time to acknowledge the wonderful contribution these people are making to our community.”

The group is always on the lookout for additional volunteers, particularly on the administration side.

For further information please contact the group’s secretary on 0407 252 566) or visit www.nbcptg.com.au.

effect the cultivation or promotion of ‘prosocial’ behaviours and volunteering had on mental health.

LSAC is an ongoing national study.

In 2004 around 5,000 babies aged up to one, and 5,000 four to five yearolds and their families were recruited and have been surveyed every two years since. This has given researchers a deep understanding of the experiences of children growing up in Australia.

AIFS conducts original research to increase understanding of Australian families and the issues that affect them, see aifs.gov.au

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community

• Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.

• It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.

• Our services are subject to available resources.

This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues due to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.

Phone: 0407 252 566

Email:secretary@nbcptg.com.au | www.nbcptg.com.au

q The Nelson Bay Cancer Patient Transport Group was awarded the Port Stephens Medal at the annual Australia Day awards in 2023.

q The Nelson Bay Cancer Patient Transport Group was awarded the Port Stephens Medal at the annual Australia Day awards in 2023.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE:

PRO RV offering caravan experience "like no other”

IN operation in Heatherbrae since October 2023, PRO RV pride themselves on offering an exceptional range of Australian-made caravans to their local customers.

With an ever-expanding range of touring, family/bunk and off-road caravans, PRO RV’s crafted interiors create a user experience like no other.

While PRO RV Caravans have operated across the country for more than a decade, the new Heatherbrae dealership is the brand’s first dealer-owned yard in Australia.

“We pride ourselves on our quality Australian made

caravans and our excellent customer service,” the local PRO RV team said.

“Our staff have over 30 years experience in the industry.”

PRO RV caravans are all Australian made, built in the company’s factory in Victoria.

To showcase their high quality caravan products, PRO RV will operate a stall at the Maitland Caravan and Camping Show from May 24-26 at the Maitland Showground (Site 17).

“Our caravan range is available on-road, semi offroad and full off-road.

“We also have a new range

of budget friendly caravans under $75,000.”

PRO RV are currently offering discounts on all stock vans.

PRO RV Caravans' range of caravan models will tick all your boxes, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy our wonderful country in safety and comfort.

“The build process can be upgraded to a riveted aluminium frame and a honeycomb floor in order to increase the strength and integrity of the caravan.”

The local dealership also services caravans.

Our caravan models are available in onroad, semi off road and

q Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson officially opens the PRO RV dealership in December 2023.

q PRO RV caravans are all Australian made, built in the company’s factory in Victoria.

q PRO RV will operate a stall at the Maitland Caravan and Camping Show later this month.

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN OPINION & LETTERS

By Ryan PALMER Mayor, Port Stephens Council

From the Mayor’s desk Lakeside and Mallabula Sports Facilities

ACROSS Port Stephens, sport is a big part of our culture – from touch football to netball, swimming and surfing, basketball, bowls, badminton and boxing - there is no shortage of sports for our community to enjoy.

Council is committed to ensuring all residents have fair and equitable access to quality sporting facilities.

We know that sport is a huge driver of health and wellbeing, it strengthens our social networks, and is a great way to build a sense of belonging - regardless of age, ability, background or gender.

Most recently, we’ve partnered with West Ward and Tilligerry Sports Councils to develop master plans for both Lakeside Sports Complex and Mallabula Sports Complex.

The West Ward and Tilligerry Sports Councils have invested into the development of these plans.

These commitments have been a great way to use the funds generated through user fees to improve these much loved facilities, retain and attract players, and grow the future of our local sporting clubs.

At Lakeside Sporting Complex the master plan focuses on inclusivity and expansion.

An additional international-sized field will be created by relocating the southern amenities building; upgraded lighting and an overhaul of the main amenities building will provide female-friendly facilities, making Lakeside a welcoming space for everyone.

The proposed addition of indoor sports facilities adjacent to the existing aquatic centre will create a true recreation hub.

The draft Mallabula masterplan is focused on expanding capacity and improving accessibility.

Additional playing fields and car parking will cater to the growing demand and improved pedestrian pathways and lighting will enhance safety and encourage active lifestyles.

Measures to increase passive surveillance will help everyone feel safe while enjoying the facilities and upgraded vehicle access will further improve the overall user experience.

The draft plans are now on public exhibition and it’s important that you take some time to review these plans and share your thoughts on what you think will help create a healthy and vibrant place.

The plans are on Public Exhibition until Tuesday 21 May 2024.

To view the plans and have your say visit pscouncil.info/PublicExhibitions.

Small modular nuclear reactors are like unicorns

DEAR News Of The Area,

RECENTLY (NOTA, 2 May 2024) I asked important questions about the Federal Opposition's nuclear policy, such as:

• Where will they be built?

• What type and size of reactors?

• What will happen to the tonnes of hazardous, high level radioactive waste generated by nuclear reactors?

Diel vertical migration

DEAR News Of The Area,

A RECENT article in Renew Economy contained a statement that separate research has determined that the effect on ocean habitats from the development of offshore wind farms is minimal.

I draw the Federal Government’s attention to a phenomenon called diel vertical migration which occurs at depths between 200 metres and about 1000 metres (where offshore wind farms are proposed to be built) in which small fish, phytoplankton and zooplankton migrate each night from their hiding places on the bottom to feed on the surface.

According to reputable sources, this is the largest migration on earth and it is critical to assisting with carbon sequestration in ocean depths aside from being a major source of food for cetaceans and the creatures that sharks and rays and other fish eat.

By all accounts the plankton is extremely sensitive to light and would therefore probably react adversely to the light, obstructions and noise generated by offshore wind farms and their attendant vessels.

Nowhere in the literature published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is this phenomenon even mentioned let alone acknowledged as something to be considered.

I know the phenomenon exists on the east coast of Australia.

While sailing offshore at night I have regularly observed plankton lighting up the surface when they are disturbed by the boat and dolphins.

Until recently I had no idea of the extent or complexity of this migration.

I request that you acknowledge the significance of this phenomenon and provide verifiable evidence that thousands of square kms of light-filled ocean containing numerous obstructions and making large amounts of noise from turbines and attendant vessels, if offshore wind farms are developed around Australia, will not significantly interrupt the basis of the food chain.

Yours sincerely, Cherylle STONE, Soldiers Point

Sometimes you have to call a spade a spade

DEAR News Of The Area,

IN RESPONSE to ‘Stop scaremongering over nuclear power’ by Derek Musgrove, NOTA 09/05/2024.

Scaremongering?

Serious nuclear power plant accidents include the Fukushima nuclear disaster (2011), the Chernobyl disaster (1986), the Three Mile Island accident (1979), and the SL-1 accident (1961).

Nuclear submarine accidents include the K-19 (1961), K-11 (1965), K-27 (1968), K-140 (1968), K-429 (1970), K-222 (1980), and K-431 (1985)[11][13][14] accidents.

Serious radiation incidents/accidents include the Kyshtym disaster, the Windscale fire, and the radiotherapy accident in Costa Rica, the radiotherapy accident in Zaragoza, the radiation accident in Morocco, the Goiania accident, the radiation accident

• What is the risk of radioactive leakages, reactor failures and accidents?

So far, I have received no official answers from Liberal or National Party MPs, which begs the question: what are you hiding Mr Dutton and Mr Littleproud?

As for small modular nuclear reactors (SMNRs), they are a bit like unicorns: nonexistent.

The most recent SMNR proposal was a seven module, 462 MW NuScale VOYAGR

in Mexico City, the Samut Prakan radiation accident, and the Mayapuri radiological accident in India.

Now factor in the costs associated with nuclear waste disposal for how many thousands of years, and rehabilitation for the ‘occasional whoopsie’.

Get real. https://www.sciencealert.com/ fusion-breakthrough-6-minutes-of-plasmasets-new-reactor-record Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) measured a new record for a fusion device internally clad in tungsten, the element that could be the best fit for the commercialscale machines required to make fusion a viable energy source for the world.

The device sustained a hot fusion plasma of approximately 50 million degrees Celsius for a record six minutes with 1.15 gigajoules of power injected, fifteen percent

nuclear project in Utah.

After ten years in the development, capital costs ballooned out to US $9.3 billion (AU $14 billion), which equates to US $20,000/kW planned capacity (more than AU$30,000/ kW).

The NuScale project collapsed and was terminated in November 2023.

According to GenCost 2023-24, the NuScale construction costs were much more expensive than renewable energy sources,

DEAR Jasminda,

WHENEVER he visits, my now-retired dad insists on doing odd jobs around our home such as cleaning the gutters, painting hard-to-reach ceiling cavities and replacing roof tiles.

I'm worried he'll injure himself.

Jim's son.

Dear Jim's son,

Retired dads fit into four broad categories, which I'll briefly describe before offering a solution.

1. The SKIing Dad: You'll never find the Spending-the-Kids' Inheritance Dad up a ladder. He's too busy protecting his physique for grey nomad adventures, adults-only saunas on luxury European cruises, and Country and Western 'Achy Breaky Heart' dance tournaments in Texas.

2. The Blankey Dad: The Blankey Dad has been ready for retirement since turning 40. Now he's 70, he watches freeto-air TV while dunking Scotch Finger biscuits in tepid tea. Readily identified by the crocheted rug over his knees, easy-toaccess couch-arm table, and plaintive cries of 'What's for dinner?' from around 11am.

3. The Keyboard Warrior Dad: This dad has to keep his fingers limbered up to give his two bobs' worth on any local issue. With a cat in one hand and an iPad in the other, this dad will wreak havoc on community pages on any subject from stray dogs to storm cells.

4. The Bunnings Dad: This is your dad. Five minutes after he pulls up in your driveway (armed with a tape measure, hammer, Ryobi Allrounder, spare batteries and WD40) he'll be scouting around for leaking taps, frayed flyscreens, broken dishwasher baskets and leaking gutters. There'll be no time for a cuppa. After a quick assessment (shaking his head at your lack of maintenance), you'll hear the 'I'm just going to Bunnings' war cry. An hour later, with the dexterity of a Cirque du Soleil trapezist, he'll be straddle whipping gutters, somersaulting into manholes and balancing on ladders to gasps of astonishment and occasional family cries of 'Get the hell down before you kill yourself.'

My solution is to let this dad go.

He really is the best type of dad to have and you are the envy of your peers the world over who are burdened with SKIing, Blankey, and Keyboard Warrior Dads.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

more energy and twice the density than before.

In the interim stop polluting the planet more. Go solar panels, wind turbines, wave power and other technologies beyond the thinking of troglodytes (a person who is regarded as being deliberately ignorant or old-fashioned).

Sometimes you have to call a spade a spade.

Regards, Mervyn MCCONNOCHIE, Karuah.

such as:

• rooftop solar panels at AU $1505/kW;

• large-scale wind power at AU $5545/kW (fixed) and AU $6856/kW (floating);

• Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro at AU $5450/kW. Hopefully fiscal sense will prevail and the Federal Opposition will stop chasing unicorns. Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.

READING by Lynne Miles: 1 John 1: 9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

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Stinker’s History: The pioneering Lund family

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

LAST week I wrote about the Lambourne family as being early pioneers.

The Lunds have a very similar history.

The Lunds and Lambournes, two of the earliest families to settle in the Nelson Bay area during the 1800s, were closely linked mainly through the 1912 marriage of Jack Lund and Annie Lambourne.

Jack Lund arrived in Nelson Bay to grow oysters in Cromarty Bay, from the tiny hamlet of Neranie where the Lunds owned and operated the local timber mill.

The severe 1890s depression caused many timber mills to close, leaving many lake-side hamlets all but deserted. Nowadays the once busy little community is but a campsite on the top lake in the Myalls, not far from Bungwahl.

Jack married Annie Lambourne, the daughter of Lighthouse keeper Henry. Interestingly Annie was born on the Outer Light at Fingal in 1888.

Jack Lund moved into boatbuilding and fishing on board the old ‘Aurora’, which was considered to be the earliest motorised fishing boat in the port.

The second ‘Aurora’ was built by Jack and his son Harry in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay in 1947.

Stinker’s Fishin’: Jetties ideal for learners

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

PORT Stephens is fortunate to have excellent fishing platforms, wharves and jetties, spread right around the entire system including Shoal Bay, Little Beach, Salamander Bay, Lemon Tree, Karuah and Tea Gardens.

There is a jetty for the disabled at Little Beach which caters for those in wheelchairs.

Ideal for young families learning the basics of fishing, the jetties are safe and, in most cases, easily

accessible.

Those who are not as mobile as they once were can fish comfortably from any one of the mentioned jetties.

It is well and good to have a safe and comfortable place to fish but it has very little attraction if you can’t catch fish!

The good news is that Port Stephens jetties are red hot fishing spots that produce bream, flathead, garfish, squid and more.

Longfin tuna have been reported taking lures off the Salamander jetty.

Around this time of the year it is standing room only so my advice is to take a chair,

q Shoal Bay wharf is the size of a country dance floor and is popular all year round.

something to eat and drink and arrive early to claim a spot.

I have heard that tailor are gathering wide of the Shoal Bay wharf. Toss out and hang on!

Fall Armyworm on the march

LOCAL Land Services is urging farmers across the Hunter and North Coast regions to inspect pastures and forage crops for Fall Armyworm (FAW).

This insect pest has now started to cause significant and rapid pasture damage from the Lower Macleay into the Hunter region and is a serious threat to a wide range of industries.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect pest that was first detected in NSW in 2020.

It has since been found in summer crops in NSW, including the North Coast, Northern Tablelands, North West, Hunter, Greater Sydney, South East, Central West, Riverina and Murray Local Land Services regions.

Peter Beale, Senior Land Services

Officer, Agronomy with Hunter Local Land Services said, “Damage appeared to have started in oats but then moved to ryegrass, kikuyu and clover, however, there was no obvious damage to chicory plantings.

“Winter species were chewed to ground level with these grasses unlikely to recover, however, we expect that

kikuyu should recover.

“The current situation seems to be beyond the capacity of natural predators to control and we know there are limited options for chemical or biological treatment.

The last six months have seen ideal breeding conditions for FAW but understanding the rate at which they are developing through autumn and into winter will help with decision making.

“The key is that as temperatures drop, the life cycle slows and FAW populations are expected to decline.

“During this period, there is more time to recheck fields to determine whether the infestations are likely to be damaging - rather than rushing to treat at the first sign of small larvae, it’s therefore important to check your pasture regularly to detect the early stages of infestation.”

Local Land Services will be running a webinar on 21 May covering the FAW lifecycle, identification and current control options.

Visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/events for more information.

q Pasture damage can be extensive from Fall Armyworm infestation.

q The second ‘Aurora’ built by the Lunds.

q The first Lund boat, ‘Aurora’, considered to be the first motorised fishing boat in the Port.

q Jack Lund married Annie Lambourne.

National gold medal for Fingal Bay paddler

By Chris KARAS

TRAVERSING the scenic Port

Stephens waterways is a way of life for Fingal Bay’s newly minted paddler Sandra Lyons.

Since taking up the sport of dragon boat racing three years ago the naturally gifted Lyons had developed her craft in leaps and bounds and is now regarded one of the finest senior paddlers in the nation.

It has proved a fascinating journey for evergreen Sandra since linking with the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club based at Soldiers Point.

She returned home recently with gold and silver medals after representing NSW at the Australian Dragon Boat titles that were staged at Champion Lakes in Armadale, outside of Perth – a tremendous feat.

They are the first national championship medals that Sandra has attained and a just reward for the numerous hours of intensive training sessions she has undergone in and out of the water.

One of her goals for 2024 was to claim a medal at the nation’s premier Dragon Boat regatta but to actually pick up two was a phenomenal effort by the talented late bloomer.

Both State and premium club teams from around the country participated at the national titles with Sandra competing in the Senior C squad (60+ years of age) and securing a gold medal in the Mixed Regular Small Boat (ten person) 1km pursuit event.

She showed her durability and paddling skills to back up and claim a silver medal for her state in the Women's (20 person) 500m final.

Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club president Karyn Price told News Of The Area that Sandra was a “wonderful ambassador for the club”, describing her as a “real driving force” behind the club’s regatta success in recent years.

“She is the ultimate competitor with a great work ethic who always gives her best and a top role model for all our paddlers in the region,” reflected Karyn.

“We are all so proud of her achievements and truly delighted that she could bring home both a gold and silver medal from the national titles after all the hard work she put in to prepare for the major event,” she added.

Qualification for the national championships included an Ergometer rowing test, in-person physical and in-boat qualifying sessions

Once selected, training required travelling to Sydney twice a month for three months for in-boat training with the squad, club training assisted by team coach Brendan Jones and several gym sessions per week.

61-year-old Sandra has represented the club regularly at Regional level during the past three years with her newly acquired national 1km pursuit gold medal taking pride of place among her mounting collection of paddling honours.

Talented Anna Bay paddler Janine Noonan was invited to train with the NSW Senior B (50-60 years) squad in the lead up to the titles.

Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club competed at a recent event in Urunga on the Coffs Coast in preparation for the upcoming Port Macquarie regatta over the June long weekend.

The progressive club will experiment with combinations across various disciplines as they build towards the Pan Pacific Games to be staged on the Gold Coast in November.

Gropers women trounce Southern Beaches in local try fest

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay Gropers had too many big guns for Southern Beaches in a lopsided 83-0 victory in the Hunter Women's Rugby competition.

The Gropers ran in thirteen tries with top performances from the Nowlan sisters – half back Leah and flanker Sierra – who made an impact

with their power and skill.

Both Sierra, who was named best forward at the recent Defence Forces rugby tournament, and sibling Leah grabbed try doubles to cap classy displays. There was no stopping the Gropers as they unveiled their attacking skills to post a commanding 54-0 lead at the break.

Other Nelson Bay players to snare try doubles were talented centres Tash Harris and Kristyanne Cooper, fullback Emily Harman and winger Teegan Barr, with second rower Katrece Duggan completing the rout.

Outstanding lock Chloe Zdebski booted nine conversions for a tally of eighteen points.

Nelson Bay team manager Leigh Byfield told News Of The Area that the inclusion of several rugby league recruits had “bolstered the squad for the remainder of our campaign”.

“We have added some exciting prospects in recent weeks which has strengthened our depth overall,” revealed Leigh.

The return of dynamic five

eighth Sophia Collins will boost the Gropers for this Saturday’s clash with competition pacesetters Maitland Blacks at MCS Civil Marcellin Park at 11.50am. Collins was a stand out for the RAAF team at the recent Defence Forces Rugby tournament where she earned the Best Back Award.

World Cup honours for Anna Bay father-son ref duo

By Chris KARAS

WHEN Anna Bay’s decorated touch football referee John Clark asks for performance feedback from his family there is every indication he will savour the reply.

The highly regarded official from Nelson Bay Touch Football Association (NBTFA) has two ideal companions to confide in – his sports loving wife Sam and 24-yearold son Alec who are prominent referees in their own right.

Sam was ranked the world’s best female touch football referee

between 2011 and 2015 while Alec is rated one of the top five male officials in the country and both keep John, a former Australian winger and current international referee, well grounded.

In a proud moment for the family, John and Alec were recently named as two of Australia’s 83 referees to officiate at this year’s Touch Football World Cup at Nottingham, England in July.

They will be joined by Port Stephens duo John Frost, 69, of Nelson Bay and 21-year-old Cooper Jones of Taylors Beach, giving NBTFA

Muree Golf Results

By Lee RANKIN

a contingent of four officials at the prestigious international event.

For father John and son Alec it will be a second World Cup campaign after participating as referees at the 2019 edition in Malaysia – just ten months after earning their Level 6 black badges.

56-year-old John, now rated one of the finest referees in world touch football, was rewarded for his

polished displays with the whistle by officiating the Over 40s Mens final between Australia and New Zealand.

In an odd twist, the appointment turned the clock back eight years for John after he represented Australia as a winger in the Over 40 Men's final against the Kiwis at the 2011 World Cup event in Scotland.

John and Alec had tuned up for

the touch football extravaganza by officiating together at the 2018 Youth World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

While growing up in Coffs Harbour, versatile John was a talented rugby fullback in his youth before focusing on touch football and showing tons of ability as a winger in the Port Macquarie, Canberra, Newcastle and Nelson Bay Touch Football Associations.

His rise to international status as a referee over the past nine years has been swift with son Alec’s achievements just as impressive.

In the cooler months Alec juggles his touch football commitments with playing AFL for the Nelson Bay Marlins club, where he has carved out a promising career as a dynamic centre-back in the Central Coast Hunter AFL competition.

There is another female in the Clark household with a firm grasp on touch football.

Following in the family footsteps is 22-year-old Erin, a talented link player with the Newcastle representative team and straight from the Nelson Bay Junior ranks who displays the competitive traits of her high-achieving parents and elder sibling.

q Fingal Bay’s Sandra Lyons secured gold and silver medals at the recent Australian Dragon Boat Championships held in Western Australia.

q Prominent Nelson Bay referees John Frost, John Clark and son Alec Clark will represent Australia at the Touch Football World Cup in England during July.

q Anna Bay’s John Clark (left), Sam Clark and Alec Clark are three of Australia’s finest touch football referees.

Sail Port Stephens finishes strong

By Marian SAMPSON

SAIL Port Stephens, which saw 215 boats participate in the regatta over eleven days, culminated with the inshore Bay Series comprising J70s, sports boats and off-the-beach classes from 3-5 May.

The Australian Sports Boat Association (ASBA) was also competing for its NSW titles, with three windward-leewards being completed in the eight-knot sou’easter under surprisingly bright skies.

Malcolm Dean stepped off the TP52 Frantic to helm his Shaw 650 Black Betty to three wins in the sports boats, while Celestial finished the opening salvo on four points, two ahead of Matador.

There were 65 dinghies, representing the Finns, RS Aeros and OKs, along with a mixed fleet of international canoes, B14s, 5o5s, Scow Moths and more.

Only one race could be sailed as the wind petered out, with Matt Viser leading the Finns, Justin Bakker the RS Aeros and Kevin Holdt the OKs.

Dean extended his lead, while Matador pulled a point back on Celestial with a brilliant win in fading airs.

Sunday’s conditions were in complete contrast, bringing ample wind and lashing rain to test the mettle but also providing memorable rides.

Tim Peachey’s Leech 650 The Cube got out of shape on a run, showing its keel to the world before righting itself.

In the final wash-up, no pun intended, Sam Haynes edged out David Doherty by a solitary point, with Southport’s Gary Holt in third.

“I really enjoy sailing both the TPs and the J70s,” Haynes said.

“My TP is set up more for ocean racing and I’ve been doing quite a lot of the one-design J70 ahead of travelling to the European Championships with a Corinthian team.

“We’re then doing the Corinthian Worlds, so it’s good to get back into the class before that campaign.

“It was a really testing regatta but we performed pretty well and just managed to hold on against Matador.

“Nine boats is a good fleet and I think this is a great venue.”

Gary Holt was one of three sailors to complete every race of the threepart Sail Port Stephens regatta, after buying a J70 immediately after the

Windward-Leeward series to extend his stay.

“I’d been thinking about a J70 program and (yacht manager) Mitch White found me one that wasn’t officially for sale,” Holt explained.

“Then I found out the J70s were coming to Sail Port Stephens, so I said to Mitch: ‘We’ll buy it now!’”

Holt had skiff and 49er ace Harry Price among his crew, along with Harry Miller and Jack Acton.

“I’ve had a great time here, except for today – I’ve never been so cold in my life – but I never expected to be on the podium in my first series.

“I bought the boat to qualify for the world championships in Argentina in 2025; we’re also doing the Long Beach regatta in June.”

Malcolm clocked another ASBA state title with consistent sailing in the cross-section of conditions.

Nelson Bay Golf Club

05 MAY – 11 May 2024

Sunday 05 May 2024

NO GOLF DUE TO RAIN

Monday 06 May 2024

NO GOLF DUE TO RAIN

Tuesday 07 May 2024

No Golf due to rain

Wednesday 08 May 2024

Ind Stroke: Xmas course.

A1 Trent Mather (13) 72

A2 Scott Ferguson (13) 73 c/b

A3 Chris Mawson (9) 73 c/b

B1 Greg Bezuidenhout (18) 68

B2 ken Wilson (22) 71

B3 Dave Flatt (19) 74 c/b

C1 Peter Graff (27) 74

C2 Chris Kelly (28) 76

C3 Graeme Long (27) 77 c/b

Men’s Stableford: Brush Course.

A1 Steve Wilson (14) 40

A2 Alan Mundey (13) 35

A3 Steve Conrades (14) 34 c/b

B1 Greg Spake (16) 36 c/b

B2 Mark Barden (16) 36

B3 Andy State (20) 35 c/b

C1 John Maslen (28) 34 c/b

C2 David Davis (37) 34

C3 Michael Wojko (24) 33 c/b

Thursday 09 May 2024

Ladies Ovarian Cancer Day

Vets Stableford:

1 Geoffrey Brown 34

2 Brian Stamper 34.50

Friday10 May 2024

Ladies Stableford:

Christmas Bush Course

Overall winners

1 Roz Manley (27) 31

2 Susan Hogan (27) 30 c/b

3 Heather Atkins (24) 30 c/b

4 Diane Mclean (28) 30

Men’s Stableford: Christmas Bush Course

A1 Mal Upton (18) 39

A2 Peter Mentis (11) 38 c/b

A3 David Warder (7) 38 c/b

A4 John Clark (9) 38

B1 Peter Johnston (26) 38

B2 Douglas Curtis (43) 36

B3 Zbigniew Wasilewicz (31) 34 c/b

B4 Robert Mair (41) 34 c/b

Saturday 11 May 2024

Men’s Stableford Christmas Course Overall, Winners

A1 Jarrah Morgan (23) 33

A2 Andrew Driscoll (27) 30

A3 Marc Pisani (17) 25

Men’s 27 HLS Foursomes Champs

1 Craig James & Kenneth Oberman 113.50

2 Chris Drake & Harvey Payne 114

Men’s 27 HLS

Foursomes Champs

1 Peter Gibson & Lachlan Lawson 121

2 Chris Drake & Harvey Payne 123

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

10/5/24

Colin Marsden

Ron McKay

Adam Cowie

q The inshore series offered great spectator opportunities and the fast racing saw plenty of excitement for the crews.

“Today was pretty tough as we couldn't even see the top mark because of the visibility, but the boat’s going well. We’ve done a fair bit of work on sails with East Coast Marine and Sail, and we pretty much went the right way for most of this regatta.”

Yardstick results in the RS Aeros saw the gong going to former world champion and Olympic 49er sailor Ben Austin, with a perfect scorecard in challenging conditions.

Now competing at Georges River Sailing Club, he held off Justin Bakker and Gary Ratcliffe.

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s Ian McKillip, sailing Ken, claimed the Finn division from Marcus Whitley of Woollahra Sailing Club and RPAYC’s Chris Links, ahead of a strong interstate contingent.

Toxic, helmed by Paul Foster from Wangi Amateur Sailing Club, prevailed in the OKs, beating fellow Lake Macquarie boats Two Cents (Mark Skelton) and Going Left (Lachlan Hornsby), while Craig Phillips piloted the canoe Black Pearl

to win the Mixed.

Meanwhile the crews from Port Stephens Yacht Club have received their handicapped results across the series.

Richard Kerr of Port Stephens Yacht Club told News Of The Area, “In this year's Sail Port Stephens Regatta, the Port Stephens Yacht Club had eight entries representing the club across four divisions.

“Our Intra Club competition saw first place go to Bellamy and her crew skippered by Steve Liney followed closely by 51st Project and Julian Bell's team.

“Adios and crew were third after points were adjusted for fleet size and were the highest ranked club boat within their division.

“Congratulations and well sailed to all skippers and crew,” he said.

Dates for the 2025 Sail Port Stephens have been announced, with the Passage Series running March 31-April 5, the Windward-Leeward Series 25-27 April and the Bay Series 2-4 May.

Galloping Gropers sink Marauders in eight try romp

By Chris KARAS

A STINT with the Edmonton Leprechaun Tigers in the Canadian Rugby series last season has given barnstorming Nelson Bay forward Jordan Byfield a new lease of life.

In his comeback match for the Gropers in last Saturday’s Hunter Suburban Mens Rugby local derby tilt with Medowie at Bill Strong Oval, a rejuvenated Byfield stood tall in a 46-7 triumph.

Nelson Bay outclassed a tenacious Marauders line up in wet conditions to cap a successful Old Boys and Memorial Cups Day with powerful performances from rampaging forwards Byfield, prop Beau Mason, lock and skipper Hamish Bartlett and flanker Lewis Affleck, centres Michael Hotene and Daniel Arnfield, classy halves Ilisoni Vonomatairatu and Khce Petera and gun fullback Will Dunn.

The strong-running Byfield achieved instant success when he helped the Leprechauns win the 2023 Canadian City Championship trophy for the first time in twenty years with an emphatic 46-17 victory over Druids.

He also produced a non-stop effort in the gripping 32-25 loss to Hornets in the Provincial Challenge Final in Calgary to underline a memorable North American campaign.

Now settled back home in Port Stephens, an industrious Jordan hopes to secure more silverware with his beloved Gropers.

Byfield crashed over for two second half tries as Nelson Bay chalked up a third consecutive victory with bonus points to surge into a share of second spot with Cooks Hill Brown Snakes (17 points) behind competition leaders Singleton Red Bulls (24).

The premiers led 22-7 at the interval after front rowers Mason, who was best on ground, and Nathan McLeay crossed for five pointers along with custodian Dunn and the flamboyant Vonomatairatu.

Medowie showed plenty of grit and courage and were rewarded with a try from fullback Brayden Braley on

the stroke of half time.

After the break the Gropers consolidated their dominance with Byfield grabbing a try double along with Dunn and Kiwi winger Danien Bryant.

Nelson Bay coach Michael Wiringi told News Of The Area that he was pleased with the wet weather performance from his experienced charges.

“We handled the conditions well and produced some solid rugby against a spirited Medowie side that pushed us all the way,” reflected the highly acclaimed mentor.

The Gropers tackle the Pokolbin Reds this Saturday in a sixth round fixture at Drain Oval at 3pm.

q Nelson Bay forwards John Lundie (on ground), Hamish Bartlett and Lewis Affleck pressure the Marauders with bustling defence during the 46-7 triumph at Bill Strong Oval.

q Spinnakers flying during the inshore series of Sail Port Stephens.

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED

Picture B - Starfish has moved,

whisker,

Here puss

Kids Boot Camp 011

Public Notices

Public Notice of Precipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Brian Malcolm Tucker© of the State of New South Wales, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia, Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 32195 21609, Proclamation Date 2nd May 2024, thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these, copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Brian Malcolm Tucker© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, Glossa.

A FIT guy wishes to meet a lady 50-60 yrs old for coffee, dinner & enjoy life. call 0415 344 394

Land for Sale

UPPER hunter land for sale 8000 sm (2 acres) zoned mu(1) highway frontage. $465,000 0427 753 549

For

Sale

6 x new in package single bed mattress protectors. 2 x new out of package, never used single bed fitted sheets $75 or $12 each. 0408 431 488

12VOLT 2 tone jack 12 volt wheel brace Twin 100mm saw Ph: 4982 3648 F261023

THEATRE organ with full pedal board, works well, free to good home 0432 058 522 F070324

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

3 Windsurfer boards and fins, 85 litres. 2.4m long $99. Ring 0419 932 992

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

Public Notices

Herbicide spraying

BED single, GC, no stains. $80. 0433210187

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

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

COFFEE/Lamp table

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

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Travelling port, half price, $85 used once 4982 6443 F110822

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

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

Japan. $99 Peter 0419932992

NISSAN GQ Parts: New hub seals, oil and water pump, and more. Ph 4982 8689 F231123

NURSES shoes size 8 ladies, worn once $70ono 0413 401 589 F091123

SOFA three seat with chase & two cushions, brown fabric easily cleaned, covers removable. $140 0433 210 187

Containers & Lids Most Heavy

Assorted Sizes - 40-100L Prices range from $5 -$30 each container & lid 0421 370 521

ATOM lawn edger, VGC $275. 0418 493 456 HELMET, RXT metro small ladies motorbike helmet with shield. $60 0466 880 639

BEAM hanging racks pair, powder coated steel grey and rubber Suits use with bicycles or ladders. Never used $50. 0408 431 488

BOOKS for sale - 16 x Bryce Courtenay from $1 - $2 each, 3 x Colleen McCullough $1 - $2 each, 2 x Wilbur Smith $2 each. 0404969257

CANVAS bag for shopping trolley. $14 4982 8628 F150224

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

MidCoast Council will be carrying out a range of herbicide spraying activities in various waterways, open drains, and retention ponds; on roadsides and reserves; and on sporting fields, parks, pools surrounds, cemeteries and Council building surrounds within the entire MidCoast region during the months May, June and July 2024.

These activities will be targeting general vegetation, grasses, reeds, bindii, broadleaf and annual and perennial environmental weeds and each program is subject to weather conditions. Only qualified operators will be undertaking works.

CURLING iron $10 0493 777 707 F150224

DINING table with 1500 x 900 x 10 thick black tinted glass top and crome metal frame $150. 0433 210 187

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

DRESS, New Sleeveless, Pink/Blue Multicolour Mid length Size M $45 Ph: 0427 818 294 F230223

DVD movies incl. drama and westerns, mainly last 5-20 years. Incl 1 TV series 10x10 disks

$60 Ph: 02 4966 5000

ELECTRIC Heaters 1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts 1 Oil filled 2400 watts

$40 for both. Please ring 0404 724 347

HEATERS, Delongi oil heater $40. Rinnai convection heater $40 Tambrook radiant heater $40. 0487 015 730 F020524

OFFICE chair, IKEA exec, as new. Bargain $65. Ph 0418 191 818

BABY carrier, BabyBjorn new price is over $300 selling for $90 ono. Ph 0412 783 707 F140324 Boats Motors

On the roadsides and reserves, subject to availability and need, registered herbicides Weedmaster Duo, Sixgun 360, Biochoice 360, Glymac 360 (360g/L glyphosate), and/or Metsun 600, Lynx WG, metmac 600, Kenzon and/or Grazon extra will be used as per the requirements of the label and APVMA off label permit 9907 where applicable.

In various waterways and retention ponds Herbicides Weedmaster Duo, Sixgun 360, Biochoice 360 and/or Glymac 360 (360g/L glyphosate) will be used as per the requirements of the label and APVMA off label permit 9907 where applicable and as a precaution residents are advised to refrain from using, drinking or swimming in the water for two weeks following treatments.

Registered herbicides, chemicals Spearhead, Kamba M and Broadside will be used as per label directions on sporting fields, parks, pools surrounds, cemeteries, reserves and Council building surrounds.

Scheduled areas will be assessed individually and treated as required. Individual areas will be sign-posted at the times of treatment in commonly accessed areas. A list of areas to be treated is available by calling MidCoast Council on 7955 7777.

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

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

FRIDGE/FREEZER in good working cond Hisense, 350L $150 Photos available. Hawks Nest. 0419 444 119

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

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

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

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

VARIDESK desk

stand up desk. $20 ono 4982 3790 PVC pipes, different lengths and widths. $20 for the lot. 4982 2335

VW body parts 3 fan housing engines, plus porsche 356B. 0431 751 651 F080224

015 730

REFRIGERATOR

Kelvinator 230, small goes well, new fan motor $140. 0433 210 187

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

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

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

LARGE Invacare Meteor mobility scooter imacculate condition front basket, rear bag weather shade hood can deliver. $2,300 0418 430 643

HORN sewing machine cabinet GC. $150 ono 0407 272 544 LAWN roller, $80

MICROWAVE, new small $100. 0493777707 F150224

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

NEW Mahogany side tables. $100each 0493 777 707

REFRIGERATOR

Kelvinator Opal N520 large. No frost, low energy, goes well. $160 0433 210 187

WALL mirror, 75cm x 60cm, wood surround $10. 4997 9313 RISOTTO and rice maker, 10 cup. $169 on

ROLL Top Desk, with key lock 1200 W x 600 D x 1200 H. 4 drawers each side. $400. 0418 950 995

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

WORLD book encyclopedias, full set Offer. 49979313

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

SHOWER stools x 2 hardly used, white, $10 each. 4982 2335 F250424 SLEEPERS, timber x 7 $20 for the lot. 49822335

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

MILLARD Horizon 2001. Rollout awning 12 months rego. Annex N65160. $10,000 Ph 0438 020 040 Re270924

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

MEL BUTTLE: LET ME KNOW EITHER WAY

TEN, 9.40pm

Mel Buttle has her audience in stitches without even uttering a pointed punchline. Known across social media for her hilarious and very relatable chatterbox suburban mum character called Lyn – who is actually based on her own mother – Buttle is a keen observer who isn’t afraid to be a little controversial. From growing up in Ipswich where only mutt dogs live, to the uselessness of PE teachers, Buttle even critiques her own show as Lyn, calling it “crass”. In the uproarious closing moments, Buttle reveals her comical mettle by using her mother’s text messages as rap lyrics as hip-hop music blares. It’s laugh-out-loud fare.

FRIDAY, May 17

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Final, Mdls, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R) 2.55 Back In Time For Dinner. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

why the truck was found with bodies inside and a dead driver at the wheel.

9.30 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.10 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

10.40 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R)

11.10 ABC Late News. 11.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Traces. (Final, Malv, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

TUESDAY

TONY ARMSTRONG’S EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

ABC, 8pm

In this playful new series, Tony Armstrong beguiles with his easygoing pizzazz and inquisitive manner. Oh, and the contraptions and gizmos he seeks out are pretty fun and surprising, too. On an admirable mission to find objects that help tell our nation’s unique story, Armstrong jumps on a bike and hits the road to meet everyday Aussies across the country who have objects that tell marvellous stories. Featuring wonderful chats, humorous asides and feel-good insights, Tony will use these things as the basis to become a first-time curator for the National Museum of Canberra, with a quirky exhibition that celebrates Australia’s little-known history.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Beef. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Abandoned Railways From Above. (Premiere, PG)

8.30 Supertrains: The Race For Speed. (PG, R) 9.30 Secrets Of The Lost Liners. (PGav, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 World On Fire. (Return, Mav)

12.00 L’Opera. (Mls, R)

2.45 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)

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

WEDNESDAY

THIS TOWN

SBS, 9.25pm

Poetic, gritty and energetically wry, this excellent sixpart British thriller from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight dives into a time of great social unrest. Along with a top-notch cast including Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery and Line of Duty’s Ben Rose, there’s an electric soundtrack and meticulous attention to detail as it brings to life ’80s Birmingham. A love letter to the power of music and a coming-of-age celebration, this disarmingly effervescent story follows dreamer Dante Williams (wonderful newcomer Levi Brown) as he forms a band with his friends under the shadow of the IRA. Studded with complicated relationships between friends and family, it’s arty and soulful.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: I’ll Be Watching. (2018, Mav, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Dr Harry Cooper helps a dog with a bad chewing habit.

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Carlton. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

12.00 Celebrity Obsessed: Gianni Versace. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Medical Emergency. (PG, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos.

9.55 Golden Point. A post-match wrap-up of the NRL game.

10.40 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) Benicio del Toro.

1.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

2.00 Pointless. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

And The Angry Inch. (2001, M) 11.55 Would I Lie To You? 12.55am QI. 1.35 MOVIE: Pan’s Labyrinth. (2006, MA15+) 3.30 ABC News Update. 3.35 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Manifest. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Raymond. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Children’s Programs. 5.40 MOVIE: The Flintstones. (1994) 7.30 MOVIE: Toy Story 3. (2010) 9.30 MOVIE:

6am The Scarlet And The Black. Continued. (1983, PG) 8.05 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.50 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 11.40

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Hosted by Miguel Maestre. 8.30 To Be Advised. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Bernie Taupin, Catherine Tate, Ashley Walters, Bill Bailey and Christine and the Queens. 10.35 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00

SATURDAY, May 18

6.00 Australian Story: Off Menu – Josh Niland. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Father Brown. (Mv) Hercule Flambeau returns.

8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when a former supermodel is murdered during the Carver Valley comic festival.

9.50 After The Party. (Malns, R) A death in the family sends Penny spiralling.

10.35 Shetland. (Malv, R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mysteries From The Grave: Titanic. (PG, R)

9.00 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Becker. (Mals, R)

10.50 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (R)

11.45 Everything You Love. (Final, Mal)

12.15 Paris Paris. (Premiere, Mls)

1.10 Dear Mama. (Madl, R)

3.15 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

4.05 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

7.30 MOVIE: Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. (2017, PGlsv, R) Four teens get trapped in a video game. Kevin Hart. 10.05 MOVIE: Bad Boys. (1995, MA15+dlsv, R) Detectives pursue stolen drugs. Will Smith. 12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. Perth SuperSprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys. 9.35 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.00 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997, Mv, R)

12.00 The Lap. (R) 12.50 Ageless. (PGal, R) 1.20 Talking Honey. (PG, R) 1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

6.00 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow. Dream. Georgie Tunny grills Neil Perry on business wisdom. 6.30 The Dog House. (PG, R) Dogs are matched with companions. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) Ambulance crews attend an 85-year-old man who has collapsed and cut his leg, a woman with chest pain, a male patient who has come off his

6.00

SUNDAY,

May 19

SBS MOVIES (32)

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Trixie supports an underage mother.

8.30 After The Party. (Mal) When a new accusation against Phil surfaces, Grace is terrified that he will abandon her again.

9.20 The Luminaries. (Madlv) Emery and Anna have a disastrous reunion.

10.15 Shetland. (Malv, R)

11.15 Savage River. (Mal, R)

12.10 The Messenger. (Final, Mal, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Landline. (R)

4.30 Art Works. (PGl, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Tulum: The Last City Of The Mayan Empire.

8.30 Philae The Last Temples Of Ancient Egypt. (R)

9.30 When Champollion Meets Ramses II. (PG, R)

10.30 Legendary Castles. (PGa, R)

11.30 Lance. (Mal, R) 1.25 Jack The Ripper: Hidden Victims. (Mav, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

The Bee Whisperer. 4.05 WorldWatch. 4.35 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.05 Alone Denmark. 6.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. 1.35am Dark Side Of The 2000s.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Mon Oncle. Continued. (1958, French) 7.45 Funny Lady. (1975, PG) 10.15 Undine. (2020, M, German) 11.55 Devil’s Knot. (2013, M) 2pm The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 4.35 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 6.15 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015) 11.35 Wild Things. (1998, MA15+) 1.35am Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 3.30 The Man In The Basement. (2021, M, French) 5.35 The Movie Show. 6am The Movie Show. 6.05 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 8.20 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 10.00 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 11.55 The Man In The Basement. (2021, M, French) 2pm A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 4.20 Asterix At The Olympic Games. (2008, PG, French) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.30 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 10.50 Roaring 20s. (2021, M, French) 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) 8.30 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.30 The Latest: Seven News. 10.00 Code 1: Minute By Minute. (Ma, R) 11.00 Quantum Leap. (Mav)

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. Perth SuperSprint. Day 2. Highlights. 1.00 Lipstick Jungle. (Ms, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

3.00 TV Shop. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R) 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (Return, PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late.

The First 48: Rise Up/ Somebodys Friend. (MA15+al) 11.10

Movie: Diancie And The Cocoon Of Destruction. (2014) 5.35 MOVIE: Toy Story 2. (1999) 7.30 MOVIE: Troy. (2004, M) 10.45 MOVIE: The Mod Squad. (1999, M) 12.40am Love Island

MONDAY, May 20

6.00

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MythBusters. 9.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 10.05 Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines.

8.30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PG, R)

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Christian. (Malsv)

12.45 My Brilliant Friend. (MA15+v, R)

3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

3.55 Peer To Peer. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Guess

Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.00 Asterix At The Olympic Games. (2008, PG, French) 10.10 Mad Max Fans: Beyond The Wasteland. Noon Roaring 20s. (2021, M, French) 1.35 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 3.20 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 5.35 Me And Orson Welles. (2008, PG) 7.40 The Devil Has A Name. (2019, M) 9.30 Lamb. (2021, MA15+, Icelandic) 11.30 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, May 21

5.30 7.30. (R)

R) 5.00 Landline. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 Lost Luggage. (MA15+a)

12.55 Dark Woods. (Mav, R)

3.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Samantha Armytage. 9.05 9-1-1. (Mav) After years of anticipation, Maddie and Chimney’s long-awaited wedding day arrives.

10.05 S.W.A.T. (Mav) 11.05 The Latest: Seven News. 11.35 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R) 12.35 The Event. (Mav, R) 1.35 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Summit. (PGl) 9.10 Paramedics. (Mlm) Nhi and Carlos treat an overdose patient. 10.10 100% Footy. (M) 11.10 9News Late. 11.40 La Brea. (Mav) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

7MATE (64)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Final, PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9.05 Miniseries: The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) Part 4 of 4. Judith Potts, Becks Starling and Suzie Harris race against time to catch the killer.

10.05 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma)

11.05 The Latest: Seven News.

11.35 The Real Manhunter. (Madv, R) 12.35 Gold Digger. (Final, Malv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.20 Jeopardy! 7.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 1.35am Sex Unlimited. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Shopping. 6.30 The Surgery Ship.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.40 A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm Zana. (2019, M, Albanian) 2.10 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 4.10 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 6.00 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 7.30 The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) 9.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.20am Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

ON THE Box

6.00

WEDNESDAY, May 22

6am Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Kiri And Lou. 6.55 Supertato. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Miniseries: Time. 9.30 Wreck. 11.05 Louis Theroux Interviews... 11.50 Would I Lie To You? 12.50am Whose Line Is It Anyway? 1.35 MOVIE: Across The Universe. (2007, M) 3.45 ABC News Update. 3.50 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)

8.30 24 Hours In ALDI.

6.00

9.25 This Town. (Premiere, Malv) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.05 You Shall Not Lie. (Final, MA15+als)

12.15 Black Sands. (MA15+as, R)

4.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Overlooked. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Tattoo Age. 5.45 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 17. 1.35am

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 8.05 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 10.00 The Devil Has A Name. (2019, M) 11.50 You Came Back. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40pm Me And Orson Welles. (2008, PG) 3.45 Mosley. (2019, PG) 5.35 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 7.30 The Last Vermeer. (2019, M) 9.40 The Girl Who Played With Fire. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.05am Late Programs.

THURSDAY, May 23

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Story Of Cheese. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

(PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.05 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Story Of Ramadan. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R)

8.35 Our Law. (PGa, R) Leroy is given a wake-up call.

9.45 Blue Lights. (Final, MA15+v)

10.50 SBS World News Late.

11.20 Illegals. (Final, Malv)

12.15 The Responder. (Mals, R)

2.00 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.25 Travel Man. 8.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 18. 1.35am Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.25 The Witches. (1990, PG) 10.05 The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) 12.05pm The Invisibles. (2017, M, German) 2.10 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 3.40 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 5.35 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 7.40 The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 9.30 The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.10am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

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

10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Talking Footy. 12.00 Dracula. (Premiere, MA15+hv)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Emergency. 8.00

9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30

Today. Noon

Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi makes a choice.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 11. Western Bulldogs v Sydney.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 HMP: Behind Bars: HMP Long Lartin. (MA15+a, R) Part 1 of 4.

12.30 Fortitude. (MA15+av, R) The residents take justice into their own hands.

1.30 The Goldbergs. (PGal, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

Australian futsal honours

FROM Page 24

football strongholds.

“I am a big fan of Spanish giants Real Madrid and can’t believe that I will get an opportunity to play some matches in a famous sporting country where my football heroes are based,” quipped

Thursday, 16 May 2024

the goal-scoring sensation, who is a Year 6 student at Tanilba Bay Public School.

“To wear the green and gold and represent Australia abroad will be a proud and magical moment for myself and my team mates,” he added.

During the goodwill

tour, the young Aussies will test their indoor soccer skills against international opponents on foreign surfaces and hopefully visit Spain’s world class football stadiums.

It will be Tyler’s second international tour after representing the Australian

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Summit. (PGl) 8.45 Ski Rescue Downunder. (Ml) 9.45 9News Late.

10.15 See No Evil. (Mav) 11.15 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.55 Destination WA. 2.20 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Diary. (2001, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The Nanny. Midnight Love Island UK. 2.00 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 Late Programs.

6.00 NBN

6am

Under 11 Futsal side during last year’s venture to Fiji.

“We had so much fun playing the Fijians and making new friends while in Suva and couldn’t believe how quick and agile they are around the inside football courts,” reflected Tyler.

“After matches we would all be outside kicking and chasing soccer balls and having a great time together,”

said the power striker.

Tyler is a product of the Tilligerry United Football Club where he played four seasons for the Titans in the outdoor soccer junior ranks from the age of six.

His ability to thump the ball into the back of the net at will was a feature of the young forward’s game and led to him joining New Lambton FC in Newcastle’s

Junior Development League. Bews will saddle up for his third season with the Eagles in 2024 in the club’s talented Under 12s squad. His stand out performances as a super striker in both formats make the promising goal merchant a valuable asset and player to watch on the youth football scene.

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

By Chris KARAS

EXPLORING the iconic football landmarks of spectacular Spain is a dream come true for Tanilba Bay schoolboy Tyler Bews.

From the grandeur of Barcelona’s Camp Nou, the former home of Argentinian wizard and all time great Lionel Messi, to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid – just two of the destinations on twelve-year-old Tyler’s wish list when he embarks on a two week sojourn to the proud football nation with the Australian Futsal Association Under 13 squad

this year. It is a huge thrill for the emerging striker and ardent Real Madrid supporter who impressed keen judges with his prolific goal scoring feats for Northern NSW at both the National School and Club Futsal Championship titles staged in Brisbane and Penrith to earn selection. Tyler’s lethal right boot and swag of goals propelled his Northern NSW sides to the finals of both tournaments and stamped the young marksman as a player of the future. An ecstatic Bews told News Of The Area that he looked forward to pulling on his boots and representing Australia at one of Europe’s

q Outstanding schoolboy striker Tyler Bews will represent Australia Futsal Under 13s on a goodwill tour of Spain in November. The ace forward is pictured in action for the Australia Under 11s during an international series against Fiji last year in Suva.