Port Stephens News Of The Area 19 December 2024

By Simon EKINS

It

But

That

RESCUE

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED PORT STEPHENS NEWSPAPER

Police commended for lifesaving rescue at Shoal Bay Beach

FROM Page 1

Beach.

Around 11:55 pm on the evening of 27 November 2024, police were called to Shoal Bay Beach in response to reports of a swimmer in distress.

Constables Gray and Orwell immediately left the job they were attending and proceeded to Shoal Bay Beach, where witnesses indicated the location of the swimmer in distress.

Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old man approximately 30 metres

offshore.

The man, who was severely fatigued, was flailing his arms and struggling to stay above water.

Constables Gray and Orwell proceeded to the beach area, where Constable Gray removed his uniform and entered the water.

Swimming approximately 50 metres to reach the distressed swimmer, Constable Gray observed the 24-year-old sink below the surface - unable to stay afloat due to his state of exhaustion.

Constable Gray grabbed the man and brought him

back to the surface before securing him in a rescue swimming hold to keep his head above water.

He then dragged the swimmer back to shore, where both officers worked together to pull him above the waterline and place him in the recovery position.

At this stage, the 24-yearold was unresponsive but still breathing.

Emergency services were on-site to provide immediate care, and the man was transported to the Mater Hospital for further treatment.

Following medical care, he made a full recovery and was released from the hospital on 28 November 2024.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the actions of the constables are “powerful examples of the compassion and courage that define the NSW Police Force”.

“The NSW Government is immensely proud of our police officers, who face challenges and dangers every day with courage and resilience,” she said.

“This act of bravery is a powerful reminder of the heroism our officers display, putting the safety of others above their own without a moment’s hesitation.

“While most people instinctively move away from danger, police officers run toward it.”

Teacher charged over allegedly possessing child abuse material

A TEACHER at a Port Stephens school has been charged over allegedly possessing child abuse material.

On Tuesday 3 December 2024, police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into reports a 23-year-old male teacher was in possession of child abuse material.

Teen missing from Port Stephens

POLICE are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the Port Stephens area.

Jessy McVay, aged 17, was last seen on Stockton Street, Nelson Bay, about 5pm on Tuesday 10 December 2024.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Port StephensHunter Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jessy’s welfare due to his young age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance,

about 160cm tall, of thin build, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

Jessy is known to frequent the Newcastle, Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay areas.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

On Friday 13 December 2024, the 23-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station.

He was charged with possessing child abuse

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, police executed a search warrant at a school in Port Stephens and seized several devices for forensic examination.

material and was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Police are unable to reveal the name of the school at this time.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 01/12/2024 AND 08/12/2024

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.

PROPOSAL

TANILBA BAY 17 Diggers Dr 16-2024-646-1 Patio cover WALLALONG 72 High St 16-2024-632-1 Shed

ROAD NAMING

SECTION 162 ROADS ACT 1993

Pursuant to section 162 Council proposes to name the roads described below: Proposed Name: Emerald Close Locality: MEDOWIE NSW 2318

Council Ref: PSC2022-01576-0017

Description: The new road “Emerald Close” will be constructed off Nut Bush Drive, Medowie within a subdivision Lot 145 DP 1308219.

Submissions should be received at Council within 28 days of the date of this notice by post or email statutory.property@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

For more information please contact Vanessa Green on 4988 0403.

BOAT RAMP CLOSURE

FINGAL BAY

The Fingal Bay boat ramp will be closed during the summer holidays from Friday 20 December 2024 until Monday 3 February 2025. For more information visit pscouncil.info/fingal-bay-boat-ramp-closure

q Jessy McVay, aged 17, was last seen on Stockton Street, Nelson Bay.

Fingal Beach SLSC launches replacement for storm-damaged matting

FROM Page 1

for replacing it.

Fingal Beach had become an “inclusive” beach in November 2018, thanks to Ability Links NSW, Port Stephens Council, Push Mobility and generous members of the community.

The occasion was marked by an Accessible Beach Day and the special beach matting was opened for use by then Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer.

However, the loss of the matting left a burden in excess of $57,000, which far exceeded the surf club’s financial capabilities.

It reached out to a wide range of government agencies but was unable to secure support, so the onus was back on the club to replace it.

“Thanks to the commitment and persistence of the club directors, and with the support from Julie Saric at Sirius Insurance, the matting was replaced and re-laid by club volunteers, nearly six years to the day it was first laid down,” said President of Fingal Beach SLSC Jo Cooper.

The club also has specialist beach wheelchairs,

Funding

By Tess Ikonomou

IKONOMOU, AAP

AN extra 5000 social homes will be built through $3 billion in joint funding as part of a fast-tracked round of Labor's signature housing policy.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil will announce a new partnership with the states and territories to deliver the additional homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund.

The fund will support the delivery of 20,000 social and 10,000 affordable homes.

It follows the first investment through the housing fund, announced in September, to deliver up to 13,700 social and affordable

which can be used in conjunction with the beach matting.

Joining Jo and her team for the re-launch of beach matting, and to mark the end of the 2024 Nippers season, was Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson.

“What this means for Port Stephens and the importance from my viewpoint for Council, is that we need our beaches to be accessible for all,” the Mayor said.

“Without the beach matting and these chairs, not only people with disabilities but families with prams

would find it difficult to enjoy the area.

“I want to thank Jo and the club for being able to make this happen and being relentless with your unwavering support for the community.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, club patrol members took some of the Nippers out into the bay in their surf boats to meet a special visitor.

Santa Claus arrived courtesy of the NSW Police Launch, giving Rudolph and his mates a rest before the big day.

He delighted local families with a wave and a “Ho Ho Ho”.

For more information on Fingal Beach SLSC and how to use the beach wheelchairs, visit fingalbeachslsc. com/.

to fast-track

homes.

The extra capacity is expected to alleviate rent pressures and help thousands of vulnerable Australians get into social housing.

The second round of funding will seek states and territories that can rapidly deliver more housing through contributions such as offering new land.

The jurisdictions will be encouraged to partner with community housing providers and will have to show the projects add to new housing stock.

Money will be provided on a "use it or lose it basis".

Applications for state and territory governments to submit projects will open this

thousands more social homes

week and close at the end of January.

The federal government will also fast-track the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund, with applications to open in mid2025.

The government has asked Housing Australia - the nation's independent housing agency - to set up a working group with peak community housing bodies to help engagement with the sector.

Ms O'Neil said the way out of the nation's housing crisis was to build.

"While we're working with states, territories and industry to bring tens of thousands of homes online as quickly as possible, Peter

Dutton is promising to scrap Labor's housing fund and the 30,000 homes that come with it," she said.

"This partnership is about building thousands of homes quickly, and it's one part of Labor's ambitious plan to build more houses right across Australia, making housing more abundant and affordable."

q A new federal partnership with the states and territories will help deliver 5000 social homes.

q Jo Cooper explains to Mayor Leah Anderson how the matting benefits the community.

q One of the wheelchairs that will provide specialist beach access.

q Santa arrives on the beach in style.

Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS.

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

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

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Skin cancer warning

By Thomas O'KEEFE

CANCER caused by overexposure to the sun should always be of concern, as some startling statistics have revealed.

An alarming number of younger beachgoers are deciding that a tan is attractive, and are spending hours unprotected under the scorching rays.

The daily UV rating, which is the real factor for concern, can be checked on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.

Recent ratings have been well over ten, well in the “extreme UV” range, which recommends sun protection between 8am and 5pm.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is the most common cancer affecting 20-39-yearold Australians.

Australia has the highest rates in the world, with one person diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes, and one related death every six hours.

“A big issue is that our older population in Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest has a lot of sun damage from the outdoor lifestyle of their youth,” local GP Dr Sonya Stemper told News Of The Area.

“They grew up in an era when the dangers of UV exposure were less well-known, products we have now were less available –sunscreens, protective clothing, eyewear.

“Our patients are very good at putting sunscreen on their grandchildren but often neglect their own skin, and there is also a misconception that ‘it's too late’ or ‘the damage has been done’ which is simply not true.

“Regular sun protection can, in fact, help reverse some of the pre-existing damage

Instant health advice for when accidents happen

If your child is unwell or injured call healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will help you access the health care you need from anywhere, day or night. health.nsw.gov.au/anywhere Healthcare anywhere 1800 022 222 call

and of course prevent new damage, and there are treatments for actinic keratoses, a common precursor for skin cancer.”

The iconic “Me No Fry” TV ad of the mid1990s featured stop-motion eggs suffering vivid consequences of sun exposure to the tune of War's “Low Rider”.

It left an indelible impression upon kids at the time, who would now be in their 30s and 40s.

Back then, SPF15+ was the best the market had to offer, but in 2024 the minimum should be SPF50+.

More recent “there's nothing healthy about a tan” ads featuring black tumours spreading across the back of an unsuspecting teenage beachgoer, may have less of an impression due to their sermonising tone.

Dr Stemper stresses that sun protection should not be expensive or feel unpleasant, it should not sting the eyes nor feel like wearing an oil slick.

“Lightweight clothing can let air circulate and protect our skin and there is a plethora of rash vests and protective swimwear.”

Dr Stemper moved to Tea Gardens from Queensland in 2020, due to family work commitments that had been disrupted by the COVID lockdown.

Her surgical experience aligned with a need at Hawks Nest Medical Centre for a doctor to help patients with skin cancer.

“The first patient I saw was a nurse who came in for a skin check and I noticed a lesion on their knee.

“They said, ‘Oh, that's nothing’ and it ended up being a squamous cell carcinoma – a common type of skin cancer.

“From then on, I have seen many, many skin cancers, some particularly nasty ones that I'd never seen in my career before.

“I diagnose one or two melanomas per week and unfortunately the statistics suggest melanoma numbers will double over the next 20 years.

“I encourage my patients to regularly check their skin, present early if there are new or changing lesions, and protect their skin on a daily basis as the damaging UV radiation can occur on a sunny, overcast or even rainy day.”

Every year nearly 2000 Australians die from skin cancer which is mainly caused by UV radiation which can occur on sunny, cool and overcast days.

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide is the message of the Cancer Council's SunSmart program to protect our skin (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses).

q Dr Stemper gives Talika a once-over for any epidermal anomalies.

Emergency planning workshop a success

By Simon EKINS

VOLUNTEERS from an array of services and volunteer organisations gathered at Salt Ash Community Hall on Monday 9 December for an emergency planning workshop.

The evening was aimed at assisting horse and large animal owners to plan and prepare for an emergency event such as a fire or flood.

Emceed by Heidi Chappelow, Emergency Management Project Officer with Animal Plan Hunter, the workshop included several speakers such as veterinarians and emergency planners from Local Land Services, NSW Police, Port Stephens Council, and volunteers from Port

Stephens State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, NSW Farmers and Hunter Horse Haven.

Attendees were given presentations on disaster planning, management and recovery, biohazard awareness and communication and emergency contact details and phone apps.

A workbook was filled in by the participants, assisting local landowners with managing their properties with regards to protecting their land and animals ahead of and during disastrous events.

Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS volunteer and local horse owner Amy responded to a question from concerned

residents about emergency exit routes in landlocked rural areas by offering her services.

“We can help you design a safe escape plan depending on the size and outlay of your property, the number and type of animals you have and the likely direction of a threat such as a bushfire,” she said.

Dr Kristi Arnot from Local Land Services said, “Also think about the type of feed and fluid you are storing for your animals in high temperatures, and how you are storing those items.

“Plastic water troughs will not survive a bushfire, so consider using concrete or more robust containers for disaster recovery situations.”

A generous spread of food

Parliament

and drink was

by

Stephanie Dale, President of Hunter Horse Haven said, “It was fantastic to see so many local expert organisations getting together for this workshop.

“A lot has been learned and we hope to hold more of these events in the future.”

For more information on the Emergency Planning Workshop or volunteering for HHH visit hunterhorsehaven. com.au.

q The combined workshop with emergency planning experts and local livestock owners.

provided

volunteers from Anna Bay’s Hunter Horse Haven (HHH), who are entirely funded by donations.

q Phil Hudson from Port Stephens SES and Heidi Chappelow from Animal Plan Hunter.

q Heidi Chappelow addresses workshop attendees.

Thieves plunder dune plants

By Simon EKINS

LAST week, News Of The Area published a story on how Port Stephens Council’s (PSC) Coastal Management Program had been certified by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, allowing volunteers such as Shoal Bay local Mike Shaw to lead a concerted effort to protect coastal assets.

Sadly, after a huge mission involving the planting of 200 pieces of coastal vegetation, provided by PSC, thieves have uprooted and stolen some 30

plants.

“It’s quite puzzling,” Mike told News Of The Area as he repaired cycle tracks running through part of the recovery area.

“We really don’t know why anyone would want plants that are really only suitable for the dune.

“We call this area the missing link, as our ultimate goal was to have a continuous shared pathway all the way from Tomaree Head to Corlette, and this section was always the most difficult one

q The red circles indicate where the newly planted vegetation was uprooted.

because of the fragility of the dunes and the limited space here.

“I’ve lived here for 33 years and I’ve always been involved with work around Shoal Bay Beach.

“Originally I was a member of the Council’s Shoal Bay Beach Preservation Committee from 1991, but this was recently disbanded and we now work under Landcare which Council still supports.”

Immediately after the theft, local Facebook groups lit up with support for Mike and

the Landcare Group.

The Ngioka Horticultural Centre at Little Beach was quick to donate replacement plants and Mike sprung into action once again to repair the threatened dune area within 24 hours of the loss.

“The Ngioka Centre assists a lot of the Landcare groups with plants and stock so we were lucky they could help us out” added Mike.

The endorsed Coastal Management Program can be found at pscouncil.info/cmp.

q Mike Shaw from Shoal Bay West Landcare Group.

q The new plants above Shoal Bay Beach.

q Keeping on top of repairs.

Karuah’s Christmas magic

By Thomas O’KEEFE

KARUAH saw an early celebration of Christmas with a double whammy of events held at the RSL and Longworth Park on Wednesday, 11 December.

Starting with the Kids Christmas Party and Disco at the RSL Club, children were treated to music, prezzies and dancing along with Ruby the Clown, and a special early appearance by Santa and two of his elves.

Santa then led the kids in procession down the hill to Longworth Park for Carols by Candlelight, the first such event held by the Karuah Progress Association (KPA) since COVID-19.

Against the peaceful backdrop of the Karuah River, Santa's sleigh and reindeer hosted young and old for photos.

As the sun set, the Christmas lights around the park and onstage lit up for the final songs.

Paul Jackson from Karuah loaned the sleigh and reindeer to the community for the event, prizes were generously donated by local businesses, and a sausage sizzle left lots of customers satisfied.

“It was great to see the whole community come out and celebrate together. Well

Association for a wonderful event,” said Chris Fraser, Karuah RSL General Manager.

“The community spirit, from local business donations and local performers, to local volunteers and locals enjoying the songs and lights, is what this season is all about.”

KPA Committee Member Kylie Kaye agreed: “What a great way to spread some Christmas cheer after a big year.” The carols were hosted by Katie Pranevicius and Cameron Peace.

They featured performances by Chris Wilcox and performing arts group GET VOCAL.

Led by teacher Katie, they sang a mix of traditional,

classic and contemporary Christmas favourites.

GET VOCAL teaches children and adults and its singers were excited to perform and rack up some experience.

“We will be back, bigger and better next year, and want to introduce a full band in 2025,” Chris said.

Marion Brown, KPA Secretary, thanked the Karuah Community for making the Carols in Longworth Park a tremendous success.

“It was our first event since COVID-19, and we couldn't have wished for a more wonderful outcome,” she said.

“The music by GET VOCAL was truly outstanding, and

“This

q Kids enjoyed the beautiful weather with a game of rugby.

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q Santa Claus took photos with many of the Karuah kids on his patented sleigh.

Santa’s arrival with his sleigh brought magic to the night.

event would not

have been possible without the incredible support of the Karuah Progress Association committee, dedicated volunteers, and our generous sponsors.”

q Families

friends took in the afternoon and ambience at Longworth Park.

'Wholly achievable': calls grow for $10-a-day childcare

By Abe MADDISON, AAP

CALLS for further reforms to create a universal childcare system are mounting, after major government announcements to improve access for families.

Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would abolish the childcare activity test and offer three days of subsidised care to families earning up to $530,000 a year.

The proposal would scrap the activity test, which determines the level of childcare subsidies parents get based on the number of hours they work, opening up childcare to an estimated 150,000 children.

Removing the activity test was "the first plank towards a truly universal system", Impact Economics and Policy lead economist Angela Jackson said.

"We can see very clearly that the current market just isn't working," Dr Jackson said.

Over the past year, childcare fees have increased by 10.6 percent, eroding the benefits of the $5 billion Cheaper Child Care Reforms introduced in July 2023.

"I think the next step is to really have a look at the way in which support for people using early childhood education and care has often failed to deliver in terms of access, quality and the cost, and whether or not we need

some really fundamental reform," Dr Jackson said.

A $1 billion fund to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services has also been announced, following parliament's approval of a 15 percent wage rise over two years for early childhood educators.

"I can't tell you how important this week was for these kids who were missing out from disadvantaged backgrounds," Dr Jackson said.

The fund, which will prioritise not-for-profit and government centres, will give providers more security through direct funding and had genuine potential to eradicate the nation's childcare desert, The Parenthood's Maddy Butler said.

A childcare desert is an area where three or more children compete for one childcare place, and they predominantly exist in outersuburban, regional, rural and remote communities.

"The current early education market has failed country towns," Ms Butler said.

"Providers don't have the financial incentive to set up or stay open there and the early educator workforce means existing services often can't run at full capacity."

Jay Weatherill, from Minderoo Foundation's Thrive by Five campaign, said

the fund was "what rural and outer-suburban communities have been crying out for".

"Not having access to childcare and early learning affects everyone, because parents can't get back to work when they want to, and local businesses and services suffer," the former South Australian premier said.

"The next step should be a commitment to free early learning for low income families and a $10-a-day cap on out-of-pocket fees for everyone else."

Labor is believed to be considering the cap as a federal election promise as it pursues its long-term goal of universal childcare.

Parents pay about $50 per child per day, and childcare was recently identified as the third fastest-growing cost in the Consumer Price Index.

Each time governments increased subsidies, the value of the gains was eroded by increases in the cost of care, Dr Jackson said.

"The current market settings encourage providers to charge higher fees, rather than drive more cost-effective and higher quality care," she said.

A supply-side system, where providers were funded based on service delivery costs and parents paid $10 to $20 per day, was "wholly achievable", she said.

"There are debates about whether… higher-income earners should contribute

more, and I think you can have those debates within this context," she said.

Australian Childcare Alliance president Paul Mondo said rushing change increased the chance of getting it wrong and causing long-term damage to the sector that would be difficult to reverse.

A report commissioned by the alliance found that if the costs of delivering highquality services weren't considered in supply-side funding, centres might be forced to take a minimalist approach to staffing.

"Universal application of a supply-side funding model would be complex and costly to get right, taking years to implement which is too late for many families struggling under the cost-of-living crisis that is happening now," Mr

The meaty history of the mince pie

By Kimberley G CONNOR, Food Historian and Historical Archaeologist

THIS year as you sit down to a well-deserved cup of tea and a mince pie, or leave a plate out for Santa, take a moment to think about the centuries of history behind this Christmas staple.

During the medieval period it was common to mix meat or even fish with expensive imported ingredients like sugar, dried fruit and spices.

Recipes of this type, sometimes called ‘shrid’ pies, are included in some of the earliest English recipes collections.

By the end of the 16th century the pies had acquired both their modern name (‘minst pyes’ in The Good Haus-wives Treasurie, 1588) and the strong connection with Christmas which meant they were sometimes also called Christmas pies.

Early modern recipes continued to have a good proportion of meat - veal or beef, mutton or even tonguebut they called for more and more fruit, spices and sugar.

Shipped from the Middle East, the East Indies and the Americas, these ingredients

were a way to show off wealth and good taste.

For families that could only afford them once or twice a year then Christmas was the time.

Since then, as those ingredients became cheaper and as the combination of meat and sweet fruit became less fashionable the meat has all but disappeared from mince pies.

The only reminders of mince pies' meaty history are the name, and the suet (kidney fat) which is still found in many recipes but can be replaced with butter for vegetarians.

If you’re not avoiding meat this season, however, why not add some meat to your mince pies with this seventeenth century recipe?

Not only does it cut down on the sickly sweetness of modern mince pies, but it’ll be a great conversation starter over a glass of eggnog.

The following is a mincemeat recipe based on My Lady of Portland’s Mince Pyes from ‘The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby, Knight Opened’ (1669).

• 113g cooked beef, veal or tongue, diced (great for using up leftovers from roast beef or lamb or

similar)

• 227g suet

• 170g currants

• Peel of 1/8 lemon, diced

• 2/3 green apple, cored and grated

• 1 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/3 tsp mace, grated

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup rosewater

• 40g sugar

• 1/4 cup sherry

• Candied citron and orange peel, sliced

• Dates, sliced

• Caraway seeds To make the mincemeat,

combine the meat, suet, currants, lemon, apple, ground spices, sugar and rosewater in a large bowl.

When making the pies, prepare shortcrust pastry cases and fill them with mincemeat then place slices of candied citrus peel and a sprinkle of caraway seeds before covering with the lid.

You can make either more modern small pies or, for a more traditional feel, make one large pie in a pie-tin.

For more historical recipes, see Kimberley’s blog Turnspit & Table at www. turnspitandtable.com.

q Mince pies ready for baking.

Dr Jackson said there was no need to rush into a supplyside system and it could be delivered sensibly.

"We need to outline just how a universal system could work, and how it can be delivered in a way that we know the benefits of the additional government investment aren't going to be eroded," she said.

The government's proposals were a "gamechanger" that would mean thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children could access early education and care, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle said.

"The activity test effectively denied many children the opportunity to access crucial early learning

services," she said.

"Our families are five times more likely to access only one day of care as a result of the activity test, and many families disengage completely because of the small amount of subsidised care available."

Dr Jackson said it was important to recognise that childcare was "a critical market for the Australian economy".

"It's the key mechanism by which we invest in the next generation of workers, but it is also a huge enabler in terms of participation of women," she said.

"So if we can get the market working in terms of the quality and the cost and access, then we can also help unlock a lot of economic potential."

q Kimberley Connor is a historical archaeologist, food historian and postdoctoral scholar with Stanford Archaeology Center. Her work combines archaeological analysis with archival research to study historical diets.

Have Your Say

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media@newsofthearea.com.au

Mondo said.

q Anthony Albanese is making childcare access a central plank of Labor's re-election bid. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS.

CHRISTMAS WISHES 2024

KMYC will be closed as of 14th December 2024 and will reopen on 31st January 2025. The committee would like to wish all their members a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

Our office will be closed from 5pm Friday 20th December 2024 and will reopen at 9am on Monday 6th January 2025.

Off Tarean Road, Karuah Waterfront

PORT STEPHENS Of The Area News

Cruises board at Lemon Tree

Passage, Taylors Beach & Karuah

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

A spectacular Christmas celebration

WITH candy canes already restocked on supermarket shelves and ornaments decking the halls of shopping centres around the country it’s official, Christmas is just around the corner!

Hunter Valley Gardens are giving everyone the chance to celebrate early this year with their annual Christmas Lights Spectacular which is open every day (except Christmas Day) until Sunday 26 January 2025.

Kickstart your festive spirit with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas lights display, featuring over four million lights and illuminated

attractions brightening up the gardens.

There are over eight acres of breathtaking light displays for families to explore, as well as the accompanying rides, performances, and delicious food to enjoy along the way.

For thrill seekers big and small, the spectacular 35-metre-long Superslide, Swing Chairs and Spinning Teacups are operating from 6pm to 10pm each night.

Families can head to the Igloo Marquee to tell Santa their Christmas wish and get a photo each night until Christmas from 5:30pm to 10pm.

Enjoy the action-packed

show program that is bound to keep you entertained all night, with wandering magic and character performers on Thursday and Friday nights and sensational Christmas themed stage performances on Saturday and Sunday nights at 6.30pm.

“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to the Hunter Valley Gardens this year to experience the magic of the festive season,” said Kim Jacobs, Hunter Valley Gardens’ Marketing Manager.

“We have some special changes this year, including plenty of new installations and added photo opportunities for guests, including our 10+

for

family, with an

metre Christmas trees, five metre Teddy Bear Seat, Mr and Mrs Claus, Candyland and so much more!

“Everyone can make unforgettable Christmas

memories at Hunter Valley Gardens this year with our entertaining program of live shows, exciting rides, and epic installations.”

Enter a new world

with the family and explore the variety of event zones, including Winter Wonderland, Toyland, Fairyland.

Open 5:30pm to 10:30pm (last entry at 9:30pm), rides from 6pm to 10pm (last rides at 9:45pm).

Closed on Christmas Day.

Spoilt for choice at The Lolly Bug

THE Lolly Bug is a family owned business carrying over 1500 varieties of goodies!

“We offer lollies, chocolates, gourmet foods and so much more,” The Lolly Bug team said.

They also stock confectionery from around

the world - English sweets, Dutch licorice, American products including Reese’s and Hershey's, New Zealand sweets, Australian favourites, hand made chocolates, choc-coated goodies, large lollipops and novelty items.

A unique range of gifts including fun signs and mugs is also available in

store.

“Our gourmet range includes a large number of hot sauces including Blairs and Australia's awardwinning Scorpion Strike.

“With so many options, you'll be spoilt for choice.”

The Lolly Bug is now open in two great Port Stephens locations - Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.

q The Christmas Lights Spectacular has something

the whole

extensive program of entertainment and attractions set to take over Hunter Valley Gardens until 26 January.

q The Lolly Bug stocks confectionery from around the world.

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Delicious and local

SINCE 1989, Saxby's Bakery & Cafe has served up delicious offerings to customers from throughout the Port Stephens region.

“A scrumptious array of cakes, breads, pies, sausage rolls, pasties and other baked goodies are served at our comfortable cafe,” said the Saxby’s team.

“Make that upcoming celebration all the more special with a cake from Saxby's.

“Our talented Port Stephens bakers can customise our delicious cakes to suit your specifications."

In addition to being a place where you can pick up special dessert-style cakes, Saxby’s Port Stephens cafe is a great

place to relax and unwind.

“Our friendly staff serves Devonshire teas and barista-made coffees as well.

“The next time you are in the Salt Ash region, be sure to visit Saxby's Bakery & Cafe.

“Our baked treats suit all tastes and appetites.

“We are situated at

Heritage and hidden treasures

BASED in Lemon Tree Passage, the Wangi Queen Showboat is a heritage attraction that entices both locals and visitors.

Many people travel from afar to experience the vessel's charm.

Its signature 2.5-hour lunch and sunset cruises provide a unique and memorable way to explore the exceptional beauty of Port Stephens' western harbour.

Boasting a rich history, the Wangi Queen is steeped in maritime heritage, earning its place on the coveted list of Australian National Maritime Museum's treasures.

Dating back to 1922, this showboat stands as a splendid testament to classic boat-building craftsmanship.

What sets the Wangi Queen apart is not just its historical significance but

also the meticulous details that adorn its structure.

The window sashes, for instance, hold a secret of their own - crafted from teak salvaged from an 1855 sailing ship that met its fate in the waters off Sydney Harbour in the 1920s.

These intricacies weave a narrative of resilience and homage to seafaring history.

For those seeking a family-friendly adventure, Wangi Queen's Treasure Hunt is a popular attraction during school holidays.

Equipped with activity booklets, young explorers are invited on an exciting quest to unravel clues and uncover hidden treasures scattered around the vessel. It's an engaging way to blend entertainment with education.

Cruises board at Lemon Tree Passage and at Taylors

Beach, a mere 15-minute drive from the bustling hub of Nelson Bay. Cruises are also available out of Karuah twice a month, weather permitting.

"The Wangi Queen Showboat is a living piece of history," says Shane Herrmann, who has regularly worked the Queen’s helm since 2011 when it was based at Campbells Cove in Sydney.

“It’s a pleasure to showcase these beautiful waterways on such a classic Australian vessel.”

Wangi Queen is the perfect pick for anyone seeking a delightful maritime experience.

The newly installed espresso machine is an added bonus, with the on-board barista serving The Cat’s Pyjamas by coffee roaster Seven Miles.

Whether it's a lunch tour or evening sunset cruise, this heritage-listed gem promises an experience to remember.

Gift vouchers are available for those looking to surprise someone special.

Call 0411 388 380 for cruise times and fares, or visit www. wangiqueen.com.au.

q People travel from far and wide to experience the charm of the Wangi Queen.

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Visit the biggest Arts Centre in the Bay

WITH over 300 members, Port Stephens Community Arts Centre has many creative hands working to stock their gallery.

There are cards for all occasions, embroidery, handcrafts, hand-made jewellery, hand-spun and hand-woven garments,

knitwear, leatherwork, millinery, mosaics, paintings, patchwork, photography, pottery, printmaking, quilting, textile arts – they could easily boast that there’s something here for everyone!

“Prices are most reasonable, and visitors are free to wander through the many display rooms at their leisure,” said the Arts Centre team.

“Often, visitors are able to speak with group members while they are working in one of the three large workrooms.

“Young children love to visit the Fairy Garden.

“They enjoy writing a letter for the fairies, and popping it into the letterbox located in the garden.

“Those who include their home address will receive a special thank you response from the resident fairy.”

Terrace StrikeZone is a Christmas must-see

RAYMOND Terrace

StrikeZone tenpin bowl has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland designed to bring the joy of the festive season to children and adults alike.

The centre features more than $10,000 worth of Christmas decorations, lights and theming.

There are neon signs, huge posters, bells, holly, 16 new themed masking units and so much more.

Even the already bright and sparkling, recently extended arcade area and the prize shop have been given the treatment.

To the amazement of children, and the delight of cost conscious parents, the main feature is Santa’s lounge.

Designed to allow families to save money by taking their own Christmas photos, it features a couch and life sized figures of the jolly man

himself along with his wife.

Centre owner, Neville Marchbank, admits he might have overdone things a little with his big spend.

“But I’m a Christmas tragic, what can I say?” he said with a beaming smile, adding that every child’s look of wonderment is more than enough compensation, not to mention the thanks of parents who have saved money on Christmas photos.

Underscoring his festive

q The new-look Christmas wonderland at Raymond Terrace StrikeZone.

generosity are the extremely low special prices for the duration of the DecemberJanuary school holidays.

“We will again slash our casual bowling prices for the duration of the holidays.

“This applies to both children’s and adults’ games.

“As well, we will maintain our unbeatable weekend specials and re-introduce our popular holiday early birds’ hour of $6 games,” Neville announced.

The Christmas presents aren’t just for casual bowlers.

Every League bowler who qualified for Nev’s December 14 $2000 Christmas Toy Tournament walked away with a prize.

This week they are vying for $600 worth of cash prizes and a number of mystery prizes in the Side Hustle –

a concept with prizes for achieving certain scores or conversions within their weekly league games.

Raymond Terrace StrikeZone is a 20-year old family owned and run business continually reinventing and updating to keep up with the times while maintaining a commitment to Tenpin Bowling as a legitimate sport.

The 16 lane centre boasts all new approaches, state of the art oil and programmable oiling machines able to set a multitude of sports patterns while also guaranteeing the consistency and integrity of the house oiling pattern… features which recently convinced Hall of Famer and former World Champion Amanada Bradley to join a StrikeZone league.

“We won’t be hanging our pins from strings like an arcade game any time soon,” Neville said.

A major programme of significant additions to the bowl is 70 percent completed. The two storey addition will see 3D Mini golf upstairs over a licensed pool and darts lounge.

“We had hoped to be open for the holidays but, like so many other building projects throughout the Newcastle and Port Stephens area, we have been severely hampered by trade and materials shortages.

“We simply are not prepared to sacrifice quality for speed.”

Neville believes that the additions will create both casual and semi-permanent job opportunities which are much needed in the local area.

to Saturday 10am – 4pm

10am to 1pm

q Something for everyone at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre.

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Keep learning at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

THE Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a partnership between Port Stephens Council and Port Stephens Koala Hospital, a volunteer group that aims to provide the world best practice standards of care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas to give them the best opportunity to be returned to the wild.

The Koala Sanctuary is a new opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of local koalas in Port Stephens.

Day visitors to the sanctuary enjoy unique experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting.

Tailored education sessions are offered from local guides on koala care, rehabilitation and eventual return back to the wild.

These School Holidays the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is open daily

from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm) and includes the following activities and features:

Koala Centre – visitor admissions and guest reception areas

Sanctuary Story Walkoffering visitors an immersive educational experience of the koala habitat

Koala Hospital –Construction of a $2 million expansion has concluded and now offers a brand new Koala Viewing Window into the clinical services area to observe non-invasive treatments of koalas in care (subject to clinic times).

Sanctuary SKY Walk and elevated viewing platform

- The Sanctuary SKYwalk and viewing platform is a 225 metre in length elevated pathway and viewing platform, offering a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat,

a perfect photo opportunity and educational experience.

Fat Possum Caféoffering an extensive range of delicious menu items and ‘grab and go’ eats and treats, great barista coffees and a huge range of quality souvenirs, a lasting memento of your visit.

Deluxe 4-star accommodation - guests will be able to wake up with the koalas by staying in on-site four star glamping tents.

Spring School Holiday Activities

Scavenger Hunt: Can you solve the mystery phrase of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary’s Scavenger Hunt?

Included within the admission price while you explore the Sanctuary grounds keep your eyes open to find the answers to each of the Scavenger Hunt’s questions to solve the mystery phrase: “Koalas are one of the few animals in

More than a golf club

NESTLED in the picturesque seaside town of Hawks Nest, Hawks Nest Golf Club is more than just a destination for golf enthusiasts - it’s a hub for family fun, relaxation, and coastal dining.

Make a day trip and catch the scenic ferry across the water from Nelson Bay for a

truly memorable experience.

Hawks Nest Golf Club features a stunning 18hole championship course surrounded by lush greenery and native wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable

game for players of all skill levels.

Social golf is available every day during the summer holidays, making it easy to plan a casual game with friends or family.

After a day on the course or exploring the area, unwind at Hawks Nest Golf Club’s

the world that have a similar feature to humans. What is the feature?”

For more information visit www. portstephenskoalasanctuary. com.au/experience/ scavenger-hunt.

Educational Sanctuary Talks

These School Holiday visitors can enjoy morning ‘Sanctuary Talks’ hosted by the Education Coordinator from the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

These informative talks will include interesting facts about these unique Australian marsupials, the main threats the koala population faces and how we can help secure a future for wild koalas.

Each talk will commence at 11.30am and concludes around 12:15pm on the following dates:

•Saturday, 28 December 2024

• Monday, 30 December 2024

new restaurant, Sando’s.

This modern coastal eatery serves fresh, locally inspired dishes that capture the essence of the seaside lifestyle.

“During the holidays, we host a variety of exciting events - from Kids’ Golf Clinics for aspiring little golfers to free family fun nights featuring Music Bingo and Kids’ Discos,” said the

q These School Holidays the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is open daily from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Photo: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

• Thursday, 2 January 2025

• Saturday, 4 January 2025

• Monday, 6 January 2025

• Thursday, 9 January 2025

• Saturday, 11 January 2025

• Monday, 13 January 2025

• Thursday, 16 January 2025

Hawks Nest Golf Club team.

“Enjoy live music every Sunday afternoon and take part in our Monster Raffles held every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.”

Want to stay up to date with everything happening at Hawks Nest Golf Club?

Follow them on Facebook or visit the website for the latest news, event updates, and specials.

• Saturday, 18 January 2025

• Monday, 20 January 2025

• Thursday, 23 January 2025

• Saturday, 25 January 2025

• Monday, 27 January 2025

• Thursday, 30 January 2025.

“Whether you’re here to play a round of golf, indulge in delicious coastal cuisine, or enjoy quality time with family and friends, Hawks Nest Golf Club is your ultimate destination.

“Plan your visit today and experience the magic for yourself!”

Rare coastal acreage

9-13 Koree Street, Pindimar

Price: $580,000

SITUATED within the tranquil coastal surroundings of Pindimar, this 3.2-acre parcel of land at 9-13 Koree Street presents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the idyllic Port Stephens region.

With the gentle sea breeze and the soft rustling of leaves, this small acreage epitomises the tranquillity of semi-rural living, combined with the convenience of nearby modern amenities.

Boasting a splendid rural landscape zoned RU2 with building entitlement, this is the canvas upon which to create your own coastal retreat or to construct a stunning home, resonating with the natural beauty of the area.

Imagine waking up to the peaceful ambience, with easy access to power and being approximately

200m from the water's edge.

For the discerning buyer, the prospects are enticing - a chance to establish a dream residence, holiday home, or a savvy addition to one's property portfolio.

With its proximity to pristine beaches, the inviting community of Tea Gardens, and the vibrant city life of Newcastle within reach, this land offers a balance of seclusion and connectivity.

Explore the potential of this small acreage by booking a private inspection or take a leisurely drive by to truly appreciate the locale.

Contact John Rumble at 0425 289 200 to discover more about this coastal gem.

Please note, while information is considered reliable, interested parties are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence to verify the details provided.

Century 21 Coastal Properties

Live the Waterfront Lifestyle This Summer

& LETTERS

Dutton's nuclear ‘con job’

DEAR News Of The Area,

MR DUTTON'S so-called nuclear plan is nothing more than a "con job".

The worst aspect is the Coalition's intention to effectively freeze Australia's clean energy transition and extend the life of coalfired power plants until 2035 or later, while we wait for nuclear plants to come online.

The nuclear plan is really a "Trojan horse" for keeping dirty coal in Australia's energy mix for another 10 to 15 years, after which they will endanger local communities, families, children, farmlands and waterways with radioactive nuclear fission reactors.

The plan seems to lack any substantive details about the type and size of nuclear reactors, how much each one would cost or where the radioactive waste would go.

All I could find is a vague sentence on page 6 about "small modular reactors" or "larger nuclear reactors such as AP1000 or APR1400".

In fact, so-called "small modular reactors" don't exist: they are not commercial and there are no factory-made nuclear "modules".

As for Westinghouse AP1000, two recent projects do not inspire confidence.

In Georgia, USA it cost $A 53.7 billion

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

dollars for just two 1,100 MWe reactors and took 11 years to complete.

Another project in Utah was abandoned due to costs blowout but not before spending $US 9 billion of taxpayers' money.

The Korean APR1400 has also suffered cost blowouts and delays.

World Nuclear Industry Status Report says that the 5.2GW Barakah project in the UAE dictatorship may have cost as much as $US 40 billion ($A 60.4 billion), with unquantifiable secret military side-agreements.

The inconvenient fact for Mr Dutton is that nuclear power is outmoded and fast being eclipsed by renewables.

Globally, nuclear only supplies 9.15 percent

of electricity compared to more than 30 percent from renewables.

For the sake of our children and their children's children, it is imperative that Australia continues our clean energy transition.

We must reject Dutton's nuclear "con job".

Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace

The pressures of the holiday season

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends.

It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.

Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult, and the holidays may not feel “jolly” at all.

It can bring additional financial pressures,

relationship strain, or pressure to host the perfect Christmas.

The season to be merry can also amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who are separated from family or have lost a loved one.

So, as we head into the holiday break, regardless of what you’re dealing with, please know that you don’t have to face this time alone.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential,

The Big Screen

By Lindsay HALL

CINEMAS are hoping to bring in the families this week, with only two new releases, but both targeting an all-ages audience.

Mufasa: The Lion King will have its obligatory release prior to becoming available on Disney plus.

A prequel to the 2019 remake “The Lion King”, this film similarly is a photorealistic animated feature, recounting the tale of how a young Mufasa came to build the kingdom of Pride Rock.

While the original “The Lion King” was a global phenomenon that is regarded as one of the Mouse House’s very best, the remake was received tepidly upon release five years ago.

There is clearly enough good will surrounding it though, since the entire

voice-cast return for brief roles in this film, alongside the newcomers portraying younger versions of some of the well-known parental characters.

Director, Barry Jenkins, has been vocal in promoting the film, emphasising the important legacy of the original as a story that introduced many young people to Shakespeare, tragedy and the importance of community.

Playing equally well to the nostalgia of parents, but with far more guaranteed laughs, the much-beloved but clueless inventor and his long-suffering dog return to the screen with Wallace and Grommet: Vengeance Most Fowl.

This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to introduce younger children to the delightfully absurd world that was first brought to life by creator Nick Park

and available around the clock, including on Christmas day. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online to us at www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport.

It’s really common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs.

But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say.

Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where

in 1993 with “The Wrong Trousers”.

Returning along with the title characters, for the first time since that original short, is the diabolical Feathers McGraw.

Filmed in Claymationa stop-motion format that utilises clay models - this series understandably requires long production periods in order to produce films of any quality.

Aardman entertainment, the company that also produced “Chicken Run”, had a difficult relationship with Dreamworks who produced the 2005 feature “The Curse of the WereRabbit”, which resulted in a degree of reluctance to attempt another Wallace and Grommet feature.

Added to this was the complication that Aardman’s preferred supplier of modelling clay closed down in 2023 (fortunately they had already purchased enough to complete the film).

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

I HAVE 45 people coming to my place for Christmas.

Parents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and three rescue dogs are descending on our doorstep. I'm stressed about how I'm going to feed everyone and worried some will want to stay overnight.

I don't have any extra room. Help!

Katie M.

Dear Katie,

I can tell, without even meeting you, that you are a reliable soul, a great host, and you probably live on the coast within walking distance to a beach.

Chances are you also have a well-stocked bar and an inground pool.

you need to be.

And finally, a big thankyou to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.

Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.

Regards, Georgie

Who wouldn't want to come and spend Christmas Day with you, and possibly extend the stay, maybe stretching it out until New Years' Eve, at which point it would be silly to leave because of the traffic.

No, far better for your extended family to start packing up around the 5th of January so they can go back to work on the 6th.

and they are playing it to their advantage.

And there you'll be, passing around beetroot dip and Artisan biscuits and tripping over Uncle Roger's gammy leg that's stretched out on the pouffe, but you'll soldier on, or rather glide, in your baby-blue sarong, with the grace and dignity of Mary because you're a doer, Katie.

You get things done.

On Boxing Day, while your guests alternate between lolling on a blowup flamingo, sunning on the sun lounges, having 30-minute showers (can I have another towel, Katie?) or giving you plaintive 'what's for brunch?' looks, you'll be at Aldi stocking up on gluten-free cereal (Uncle Roger's new girlfriend can't tolerate Weetbix, but doesn't mind a long-neck or two), more cheese and crackers (cousin Clara has built up quite an appetite doing laps) and another Christmas ham (Limos, the rescue Rottweiler named after the Greek god of hunger took off with the last one).

I feel you'll have to just soldier on with this Christmas.

HARMAN, CEO

of Beyond Blue.

One of the strengths of the Wallace and Grommet series is that the time is taken to ensure every production is completed to the highest standard.

The film will come to Netflix in January, but will be well worth the price of a cinema screening.

And, even though you will protest, with the modern version of, 'there's no room at the inn,' they will not heed you, nay, because your home is like a little Christmas miracle.

Your guests may try to sweeten the deal by bringing you gifts as useless as gold, frankincense and myrrh (a tropical punch reed diffuser that makes your sinuses play up and some silver-plated cubic zirconia hoop earrings that bring out a rash), but don't be fooled.

They know the game,

You've made your bed (and everyone else's) and now you (and they) will lie in them (including Limos, whose PTSD has been miraculously soothed by your 1000-thread count sage sheets (who knew?). Next Christmas, may I suggest a trip away (somewhere they can't find you).

And make sure you AirBnB your house just in case they are tempted to turn up and housesit.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Hypocritical policy

DEAR News Of The Area, ISN’T it so hypocritical and controversial for the Liberal Party, who in all instances generally back up private businesses rather than the Government to venture

into big business ventures.

But when it comes to their nuclear energy solution, they expect the Government, that is the Australian taxpayers, to foot the bill. Why is it so?

The energy providers, as well as big Australian businesses, believe there is NO future and profits to be had in such a controversial, politically risky and very expensive venture.

Regards, Yves MONNET, Nelson Bay.

READING by Lynne Miles: Luke 2: 6 & 7 "And while they were in Bethlehem the time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger as there was no room for them in the Inn."

Stinker’s History: Arthur on the island - Part 3

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

EARLY in 1944 with the war receding from Australia, Arthur Murdoch returned to Fingal Island.

By the end of the same year the island was deserted with no sign of any troop movement or wartime activity.

So it was that in 1945 Arthur returned to the island to resume digging shell grit.

Jack Lund was back in Nelson Bay and the pair were reunited, having first worked together in 1930.

Each weekend Arthur would drive from Newcastle to fill 100 bags with grit, which Harry shipped into the Nelson Bay wharf on his launch.

It was right back to where the project commenced in 1930 - without the “Coweambah”.

Everyone who ventured onto the island was made welcome by Arthur who hosted many fishermen both commercial and recreational.

It was an open house as Arthur loved company.

Commercial fisherman and lobsterman “Old Mouldy” Tarrant and his sons would spend time with Arthur in his hut during the lobster season and when Arthur left the island the Tarrant family

moved in.

Arthur interacted with many light keepers over his period on the island from the time he first met the Headkeeper Jack Berryman.

He met Lightkeeper Parker when he first lived on the island.

Later, around October 1930, Murdoch relates that Reg Southwood and his family replaced the Berryman family as Headkeeper.

The Morgans left and the Solways arrived.

In September 1932 the Berrymans returned because of shutdowns and seniority.

In 1933 a new Lightkeeper McIntosh arrived with his family followed in 1934 by Eric Ralston.

Bill Presbury was a Relief keeper in the mid to late 1930s.

Others came and went.

Permanency was not a part of a lightkeeper's life.

It was a continuous cycle of placement, replacement, promotion and relief work.

Just as Arthur would adjust to sharing the island with one keeper another would arrive.

Some were missed, others were not.

The session of digging and bagging shell grit in 1947 was Arthur's last on the island.

Returning to the mainland

he returned to the building industry.

I read with interest a letter to the Editor of the Port Stephens Examiner written by Arthur in 1989.

Arthur recalled the lighthouse school which was conducted in the feed shed at the back of the lighthouse.

“Hanging on the wall in my time was the frame printed ‘school library’.”

When visiting the then Head Keeper, Wilf Tulk, in the late 1950s, Arthur was told by the little daughter of the Assistant Keeper Hickey, that when she sent her correspondence lessons back to the school in Nelson Bay, she got a little note from her teacher.

The teacher who marked the papers, wrote on a note that she was always pleased

to mark her lessons as, when she was a little girl, her first school was on the Outer Light.

Arthur Murdoch's book "Sheer Grit", first printed in 1984, again in 1999, then 2017, has become a legendary historical record, "great yarn" and an honest reflection of how life was for some, during tough early times.

Written in simple terms Arthur's ability to relate a story, create a situation and to document a significant event in our short history is a genuine talent.

One that he may not have been aware of.

Nancy Calvert was instrumental in encouraging Arthur to sit down and write his story.

This he did in the Calvert's house in Nelson Bay where he would sit in the corner of the kitchen, drink three big pots of tea and roll cigarettes.

Stinker’s Fishin’: Fishing paradise

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

A WARM summer welcome to our visitors, many towing a boat and armed to the teeth with fishing gear and high fishing expectations.

The good news is that you have come to the right place.

There is no bad news.

Port Stephens is truly a fishing paradise, a massive expanse of water that is difficult to picture.

To really appreciate the waterway it would be a top idea to take a ride on a local helicopter and fly from Stockton Beach north to Broughton Island, then turn over the Myall Lake system before following the Myall River to Corrie Island where it pours into the Port.

Flying up the centre of the Port is an awesome experience and would give you an appreciation of just how immense this waterway is. Finally aim the chopper

up the mighty Karuah River before returning to base.

If the helicopter ride is out of the question, drive up to the lookout on Gan Gan Hill, just out of Nelson Bay.

No wonder fish love this place!

So where do you start?

The questions that you must ask yourself are as follows.

What am I trying to catch and where can I catch them?

If your focus is on bream, dusky flathead, crabs, whiting or luderick.

Then your target area is inside the headlands, in the still waters of the Port.

If your preference is tailor, salmon, jewfish or sand whiting concentrate your efforts on any of the beaches between Stockton and Box Beach.

You may be keen to chase drummer, groper, bream, tailor, kingfish, salmon or snapper - it’s the rocks for you. Anywhere from Boat

Harbour in the south to Fingal and Tomaree Head further north.

The boaties are more likely to chase snapper, teraglin, kingfish and jewfish.

Outside the heads in the wide expanse of the open ocean is your destination.

Inside the Port is, and always has been, a fishing mecca.

The mangroves, wharves, bridges, oyster racks, weed beds, mud flats, breakwalls, sand banks and rocky ledges all hold fish in the right conditions.

Best spots: Nelson Bay breakwall, Soldiers Point, Tilligerry Creek, Lemon Tree Passage, Karuah River and Corrie Island.

The local fishing beaches are second to none.

Stockton Beach (Long Beach, 19 Mile Beach, Big Beach): same name, same result – fantastic fishing.

Kingsley, One Mile, Fingal,

q Arthur grew to love the island and made many friends over the years. A friendly, happy man, Arthur became a major part of island folklore.

At the end of the evening a pile of tobacco was under his seat on the floor.

Arthur dedicated his work to Nancy, who he secretly adored.

The Calverts, Ray and sister Deidre, treasure the original "Sheer Grit" document.

It could not be printed as it was originally written as certain families were unhappy with Arthur's disclosures.

Not suggesting that it was untrue, however let's just say it could be embarrassing to some.

Murdoch voiced his opinion about the last lightkeepers in his book in 1984.

“Actually the whole tribe have passed the point of being an endangered species.

"They have had it; in a few short years they will become extinct."

How right he was.

q Remember you are in a Marine Park and rules do apply.

Box Beach and Hawks Nest beaches must be experienced to be appreciated.

Wide expanses of gently sloping beaches with deeper channels behind the first line of breakers.

Best spots are Stockton, Fingal and Hawks Nest beaches.

Rock fishing is a dangerous game and the same applies here.

The rewards are exciting but the risks are many.

Unless you are experienced or are accompanied by an experienced rock fisherman, my advice is to give the rocks a miss, there are plenty of other spots to catch a fish –safety is always your greatest concern.

Under no circumstances

take the kids on a rock fishing excursion on a rising sea.

If there is somewhere along our coastline that provides better reef fishing and drifting then I would like to know where it is.

The snapper fishing from Birubi to Broughton is legendary while the popular flathead drifts are loaded.

Good luck, good fishing and enjoy the

Dolphin Watching | Whale Watching | Broughton Island | Snorkelling

q Arthur Murdoch’s original writings of what was to become ‘Sheer Grit’, a book entitled ‘The Island’.

Hottest snapper spots are Fishermans Bay, Fingal Outer Light, Boondelbah Island and Broughton Island. Top flathead drifts are One Mile, Boulder Bay, Fingal, Little Island and north of Broughton.

festive season with us.

q Champion Charter operator Paul Lennon with a handy local lizard.

q Karuah champion Joey Trinkler with a giant mud crab.

PM rubbishes Dutton's nuclear energy plan as 'farcical'

By Emily VERDOUW and Tess Ikonomou IKONOMOU, AAP

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese says Peter Dutton is "hiding from scrutiny" of his $330 billion nuclear energy plan by releasing it weeks before Christmas.

Mr Albanese also criticised the bill for the opposition leader's plan, telling journalists it would be fully funded by taxpayers "because no private sector investor will go anywhere near this".

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on Friday announced the nuclear energy plan, which he said would

lead to cheaper electricity for Australians.

Setting up seven reactors across five states would cost each of Australia's 13.6 million taxpayers more than $24,200.

There was no price modelling for power bills.

The prime minister condemned the policy's modelling, arguing public investment in "the most expensive form of energy" would drive up electricity costs, not lower them.

"That's why he didn't come out with a single costing of what difference it would make for

congratulates

at

of

consumers," Mr Albanese told journalists on Saturday.

The coalition's nuclear energy plan will likely be beset with hurdles and delays, a leading environmental law expert warned.

The current prohibition on nuclear generators was the first obstacle and opposition from the states would create a "bunch of issues", Australian National University professor Andrew Macintosh said.

The premiers of NSW, Victoria and Queensland have said they would not repeal their states' prohibitions on nuclear power

plants, and WA Premier Roger Cook slammed the Liberal policy costings as a "con".

The federal government could acquire land to build the facilities, Professor Macintosh said, but that could be an "enormous debt" and wouldn't solve the gap caused by ageing coal-fired power stations retiring within the decade.

"If you're wanting to make nuclear energy a large part in our generation capacity in the national electricity market, then you're going to have to do something to bridge the gap," he said.

"It's going to take a long time

before you even get the first nuclear generator, let alone a whole fleet that's able to basically trade one for coal. We shouldn't kid ourselves."

Nuclear energy generation would be up to twice as expensive as large-scale solar, according to analysis by the national science agency CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The coalition has attacked Labor over high energy bills as households struggle with cost of living pressures.

The nation's coal power plants would be shut by 2038, according to the operator.

Prof Macintosh said decarbonisation of the power grid was going to cost a lot of money regardless, but generation from renewables was cheaper.

Nelson Bay Croquet Club

By David WILSON

THE President’s Cup is the Nelson Bay Croquet Club’s final championship of the year - Golf Croquet level-play singles open to all members of the club but limited to 16 players.

Players are seeded into 4 blocks with the winners of each block contesting semi-finals and final13-point games with no time limit with a 19-point final.

Peter Gordon, Greg Long and Rob Batho shared 2 wins each in Block A with Peter finishing top on hoop count-back (+10 to Greg’s +4 and Rob’s +1).

Brenda-Lee Peet won Block B with 3 wins ahead of Marty Quirke. Chris Cox won Block C with 3 wins ahead of Faby Batho. Rod Peet won Block D with 3 wins ahead of David Wilson, Col Bailey and Jane Scorer each with 1 win. Each block was won by the top

seed in that block.

In the semi-finals, Peter Gordon beat Rod Peet 7-4 and Chris Cox beat Brenda-Lee Peet 7-4. In an entertaining and close final decided by a narrowly missed hoop or clearance, Peter triumphed 10-7 over Chris.

The championship featured some great croquet and was a fitting end to the competitive club program for 2024.

Superfish Ebony crowned two time state champion

By Chris KARAS

CORLETTE superfish Ebony Nix has savoured fresh success in the swimming pool.

The talented sixteen-year-old underlined her potential with a six medal haul at last week’s Speedo NSW Senior State Age Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Ebony was crowned NSW champion for both the 50m and 100m freestyle in the Under 17 Girls category after winning gold in both events – then added three bronze medals plus a silver medal to cap an outstanding meet.

The rising prospect defeated Ivy Miller from Wests Illawarra Aquatic Club in the 50m freestyle final on the opening night in a time of 26.89 sec before capturing a second gold medal after tipping out Coast and Valley’s Ella Mounter to claim the 100m freestyle title with an impressive time of 58.07 sec.

It was a meritorious achievement by the Nelson Bay Swimming Club champion who had the distinction of

collecting a medal in each of her six events.

She showed her all round capabilities by picking up a silver medal in the 50m backstroke final and bronze medals for the 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly and 100m backstroke.

The Tomaree High School student was joined at the Senior State Age titles by three of her promising Nelson Bay colleagues in Stefan Grant, Lachlan Parker and Lara Budd.

All four produced a combined thirteen personal best times during the championships with superb performances in various events against the best young swimmers in NSW.

Ebony has been a part of Tomaree Aquatic Centre’s Squad Program since the age of eight under the tutelage of Head Swim Coach Tom Davis.

Her latest achievements are a massive confidence boost as she prepares for the National Age Swimming Championships to be staged at Brisbane Aquatic Centre

next April.

“Ebony continues to be an inspiration to younger swimmers at Tomaree and Nelson Bay Swim Club with her tremendous work ethic," a proud Davis told News Of The Area.

“She is a dedicated and gifted young swimmer with the ability to go a long way” he said.

“Just as impressive were the wholehearted performances from young Stefan, Lachlan and Lara who produced their best in elite company,” Tom said.

“These are encouraging signs for Nelson Bay Swim Club.”

Grant recorded personal best times to finish ninth in the Under 13 Boys 200m butterfly; seventeenth in the 100m butterfly; 22nd in both the 50m butterfly and 200m individual medley and 36th in the 50m freestyle.

Parker also lowered his previous best times to finish tenth in the Under 14 Boys 50m butterfly; eleventh in the 50m freestyle; fifteenth in the 100m freestyle; 23rd in the 50m breaststroke and 35th in the 100m breaststroke events.

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a 2 Person Ambrose played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 9th December with 58 players followed by Christmas Presentation Lunch.

Nett Winners : Bronwyn & Matthew Smith, 62 Nett.

Nett Runners Up : Connie Lendich & Bill McMaster, 65 Nett.

Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole :

Ian Dean & John Howlett. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole : David Hurley & Bruce Stimpson. Drive & Chip, 7th Hole : Bob McKeand & Brian Neale. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole : Barry Leo & Wal Hutchinson. Ball Winners : Shayne Mullarvey & Jim Asvestas, 65.5 , Graham Woolley & Warren Deuis 67, Wayne Smith & Ralph Brown 67.5, Lester Lake & Peter Toth 68,

Frank Vandruten & Michael Moussa 68.25, Michael Best & Bob Sellick 68.5, John Jefferson & Alan Foster 68.75, John Hogan & Peter Hawkins 69.75, and Peter Martyn & Michael Day 70.25. Next weeks game is at Tanilba Bay GC with a 7:30am start, visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times.

q Corlette’s Ebony

was

NSW Under 17 Girls 50m and 100m freestyle champion.

Lara proved competitive in her pet breaststroke event in the Under 14 Girls section – posting slick

Muree Golf Results

By Lee RANKIN

SATURDAY 7th Dec. Stroke. Net Scores.

Nix

crowned

times to finish ninth in the 50m; seventeenth in the 100m and a creditable 23rd in the 200m.

q Rod Peet

Peter Gordon

the end

their semi-final.

SUDOKU

12noon

be monitored during this time. Merry Christmas

Free

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CHILDREN’S & baby’s clothes, new, winter & summer, make an offer 0493 777 707

CLOTHES iron $10 0493 777 707

COFFEE table and wall unit, walnut stain $40 each or both for $50. 0423 545 331

COFFEE Table / TV table, black with glass top, 1200 × 600 x 440 high, $60. 0433 210 187

COFFEE

COLONIAL TIMBER BEDROOM SUITE. Queen bed base & bed head. New Queen mattress. 6 drawer dressing table w/ attached mirror. 2 bedside chests. $350 ono 4982 3567

Wanted to Buy

ANTIQUE bottles and old fishing items. Any items related to the early days of Port Stephens Ph 0401 618 827

Boats

HEATERS, electric, from $10, free local delivery 49829225 F180724

HOMEMAKER mini blender with 4 cups and lids, new. $12. Ph 4982 8628 F031024

KAYAK fishing $200 minimal use 0417 402 190

SLIM single mattress and base. 760 x 1900mm. $50. 4997 2017

SOFA three seat with chase & two cushions, brown fabric easily cleaned, covers removable. $100 0433 210 187

THROW rug, homemade, woollen crochet $30. 4982 8787

THROW rugs, assorted colours, $8 each. 4982 8787

TOTAL flow sump pump, brand new in box $60 ono pick up TG 0409 526 684

ALLY craft 4.75m Yamaha 60hp 4 stroke 70

FREE clean fill, pool excavation in thornton, must be within 5km radius for delivery. Ph 0476 789 721

Wanted to Buy

War Medals

Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e100425

Gold and Silver

Top prices for scrap and coins paid by local dealer. Call Les 0455 660 884

2 seat leather sofa

$100. Nelson Bay 0410 492 885

ADJUSTABLE Patient Bed KS with Air Mattress 6 months old, cost $15k selling $2.5k, ph 0494 069 492

ANTIQUE Rocking cradle. Wooden attractive, and safe to use. Mattress included 90x70x66cm. $95 Ph: 4938 5923 f241024

BABY love car seat up to 4yrs old. Excellent cond $100 ph 0493 777 707 f141124

BED, king single GC, no stains, $60 0433 210 187

BOXING gloves, size small, Sting brand, $10 49828628 F190924

, assorted colours, $4 each. 4982 8787

DINING table with 1500 x 900 x 10 thick black tinted glass top and crome metal frame $100. 0433 210 187

DINNER Set Noritake Vintage Issabella, 40 piece in GC $120. Ph 0458 257 676

ELEGANT wrought iron table with glass top and 5 chairs

Please call for photos pickup Thornton $100. 0412783707

MEN’S joggers, new size 10, worth $40 will sell for $10. 0493 777 707

EXPRESS Milk Frother used once, $10. 4982 2335

TRAILER (TD16HE) ideal for golf cart, offroad bikes or ride-on mower. Long rego Nov ‘25 $750 4997 0435

Classifieds 4981 8882 ads@ newsofthearea .com.au

fridge, wash machine, gas, solar and electric capabilities, Walkinshaw chassy. Bargain! Now $67,000 Call Mel 0412 689 843 or Paul 0413 629 052. Selling due to health reasons. Inspect in Hawks Nest. e191224 Classifieds 4981

TV hardly used, TCL Smart TV. Unwanted gift. $350. 4982 3521

size S: 2 LS shirts (H-M): (Eddie Wood). 1 H-M Trousers Suitable for end of year Functions as new. $30 0412 783 707

TWO outdoor chairs near new. $20 for both 0493 777 707

FAN, for table, black exc cond. $20. 0493777707

FISH fern for ponds or aquariums, from $5 0466 880 639

CABBAGE patch dolls x 2, GC, $15 each. 49828628 DINGHY 2.4m fibreglass oars and rowlocks 2HP Yamaha OB with stand. $500 the lot. Will separate and deliver locally. PH 0423 810 689

CEILING Fan, Lucci Future Eco 48 inch, T5 with 22 watt lite, bedroom size, have two, $60. 0433 210 187

MOTORHOME specialist. Repair and paint, cut and polish all paint work. Renew all mouldings. Ready for sale or travel. 0484 137 580

4982 8787

HAIRDYE, ash blonde $5 each. 0493 777 707

TWO timber Mimosa (Bunnings) folding indoor/outdoor chairs As new cond. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190

VEHICLE dent repair outfit with body filler $50 (never used) 0402 087 401 f311024

WALKER, new, unused med wt, adjust. Cost $200, sell for $99 Call Peter 4919 1121

MUSIC CD’s, 50s to 90s hard to finds & rarities

Large quantity. $100 4966 5000

MOBILITY Scooters A range of pre-loved, all in very good condition From $500-$1600. Can deliver! 0418 430 643 FILING Cabinet, 3 drawers, beige $40 4982 2335

NEW 31 dinner plates & 11 bowls. Buy all together or separate. $60. 0493 777 707

PET Door up to 18kg

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PRIDE Go-Go Scooter Brand new never been used, $1600. 0402 652 621 e020125

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LAMP shades x2 new $15 for both 0493 777 707 QUEEN quit cover new $15 0493 777 707 f191224 HAIR curling wand $5 0493 777 707

WHEELCHAIR $250. 0402 652 621

WOK, new with glass lid, $20. 0493 777 707

WORK boots, new, size 10, Blacksmith. $20 0493 777 707

WOMENS winter clothing size 10-12 quality, near new, nothing over $20. Ph 49385923 for address F200624

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA

NBN, 7pm

Now in its fifth year, this holiday concert is becoming a Christmas tradition. Australian music royalty Delta Goodrem (pictured) returns with a blend of highlights from past Christmas specials and new performances. This year, Delta and her musically talented friends are ringing in the season in Hollywood, with Josh Groban, “Kid at Christmas” crooners Calum Scott and Christina Perri, Howie from the Backstreet Boys, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, chef Curtis Stone and Aussie DJ Fisher just some of the stars taking to the stage.

FRIDAY, December 20

TV (2)

6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. Alice Zaslavsky is joined by Andrea Lam.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 A (Very) Musical Christmas.

9.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A look back at 2024.

10.00 Neighbours Does Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R)

10.30 The Cleaner. (Ml, R)

11.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year: Hard To Build Houses. (R)

12.20 Rage Best New Releases 2024. (MA15+adhnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

MONDAY

CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND

SBS, 7.35pm

Produced by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, Christmas at Graceland celebrates the festive season at the singer’s famed family home. Big-name music stars are joining the fun, performing Christmas songs and Elvis classics in locations throughout the home and grounds: from the “jungle room” to the pool and “chapel in the woods”. Performers include Alanis Morrisette, Rey, Post Malone (pictured), John Kacey Musgraves and Lainey This special also includes neverbefore-seen home movies of Elvis and his family, while some iconic friends of the King of Rock’n’Roll share their memories of Christmas at Graceland –his favourite time of year.

TUESDAY A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS

ABC TV, 8.05pm

In comparison to the lighter Christmas fare that rolls around A Boy

Called Christmas is unafraid to embrace darker elements, while still retaining the necessary spirit of the season. In this original story, a boy named Nikolas (Henry Lawfull, pictured) sets out on a quest to the snowy north to find his father, and encounters extraordinary adventures along the way with the help of a reindeer and a pet mouse. Featuring a fabulous cast, including the late, great icon of British cinema, Maggie Smith, as well as a positive message, this is a movie sure to ignite some festive Christmas cheer.

Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGa, R)

8.35 Marlon Brando In Paradise.

9.35 Kennedy. (Final, PG)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 De Gaulle. (Premiere, Ma)

11.55 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R)

1.55 Miniseries: Too Close. (Madls, R)

2.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R)

3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love revamps a cluttered laundry.

8.30 MOVIE: Jaws. (1975, Mlv, R) A police chief, a game fisherman and a marine biologist set out to hunt down a giant killer shark that is terrorising beachgoers in a small seaside community, despite a lack of support from the local mayor. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw.

11.00 MOVIE: Underwater. (2020, Mlv, R) 1.00 Taken. (Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft.

8.30 MOVIE: Jingle All The Way. (1996, PGv, R) A man searches for a Christmas present. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad.

10.15 MOVIE: Parenthood. (1989, Mas, R) Steve Martin.

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.30 MOVIE: LOL Surprise: The Skate Dance Movie. (2024) 7.30 Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30

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

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Demi Moore. 8.40 MOVIE: Daddy’s Home 2. (2017, PGals, R) Two men plan to have the perfect Christmas, but when their fathers arrive, their holiday is turned into chaos. Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, December 21

6.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGn)

8.30 Christmas At Longleat. 9.25 Tis The Season: The Holidays On Screen. (Mal, R) 10.55 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R) 12.05 Miniseries: The Dark Heart. (Mal, R)

2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (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 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. The team counts down to Carols In The Domain with a Christmas camping celebration. 8.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of Carols In The Domain from Sydney. Featuring The Wiggles, Samantha Jade and many others. 10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular. (PG, R) Featuring dance and musical performances.

1.00 Taken. (Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016, Mlsv, R) Dwayne Johnson. 9.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms. 11.35 MOVIE: The Dunes. (2021, MA15+alsv, R)

1.10 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGs, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.00 Jamie’s Christmas Shortcuts. (R) Jamie Oliver transforms leftovers. 7.00 The Dog House. (PGa, R) The team makes a doggy Christmas dinner.

9.00 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm) A five-year-old dachshund has become very unsteady on its back legs and requires surgery. 10.00 Ambulance Australia. (Maln, R) A crash results in a broken leg, but paramedics fear the patient may also have spinal cord injuries. 11.00 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) It is a busy shift for the ambulance service. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final)

8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Final, Ml)

8.45 Love Me. (MA15+s)

9.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)

You Can’t Ask That. (Ma, R) 12.45 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 6.45 Fireman Sam. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 8.00 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.20 Teen Titans Go! 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 3.15pm Wiggle. 3.30 A Very

6am Go! (2020)

7.55 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 9.30 Petite

Maman. (2021, PG, French) 10.50 Nowhere Boy. (2009, M) 12.40pm The Comeback Trail. (2020, M) 2.35 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 4.40 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 6.55 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 8.30 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 10.45 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, December 22

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Weekend Prospector. 2.00 Rides Down Under:

4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (Final, PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Tsunami 2004: The Day The Wave Hit. (Ma) 9.20 Jonathan Ross’ Myths And Legends. (PGa, R)

10.15 Curse Of The Ancients. (Mav, R)

11.05 Napoleon: In The Name Of Art. (Mans, R)

1.00 Rise Of The Nazis: Dictators At War. (Mav, R)

2.10 Love Your Garden. (R)

3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)

4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

1.55pm Jeopardy! 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS Washington Week. 4.55 Shane Smith Has Questions. 5.50 The Engineering That Built The World. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Christopher Reeve, The Eternal Superman. 9.40 WWE Legends. 11.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.25 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 9.00 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 10.50 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 12.45pm We Might As Well Be Dead. (2022, M, German) 2.35 Go! (2020) 4.30 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 6.20 Little Women. (1994, PG) 8.30 Force Of Destiny. (2015, MA15+) 10.30 The Woodcutter Story. (2022, MA15+, Finnish) 12.25am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 9. Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A look at tactics scammers use.

12.00 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (Final, MA15+a, R) Patrick confronts his resentment.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Christmas With Delta. A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem. 9.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law.

11.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Mv)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 The Dog House. (PGa) The Griffiths family hopes Gigi the Labrador

Garfield, James Corden, Ruth Jones and Laufey. 10.10 MOVIE: Baywatch. (2017, MA15+ln, R) Lifeguards uncover a criminal plot. Dwayne Johnson. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, December 23

6.00

6am Children’s Programs. 5.15pm Supertato. 5.20 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Tabby McTat. 6.55 Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas. 8.00 MOVIE: Get Santa. (2014, PG) 9.40

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Christmas At Graceland.

8.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas.

10.10 How To Make It In Comedy. (MA15+l, R)

11.05 Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident. (MA15+av)

1.10 Wisting. (Malv, R)

2.00 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R)

3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)

3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGav, R)

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

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 10. Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game.

11.00 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) A murderer is on the loose.

12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Neil and Simon start a business together.

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Ml, R)

8.30 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (MA15+alv, R)

9.30 Miniseries: Love Rat. (Premiere, PGal)

11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Drive TV. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00

6am Little

Women. Continued. (1994, PG) 7.10 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 9.15 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.30 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 1.45pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 3.25 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 5.00 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 6.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 8.30 I Love You Too. (2010) 10.30 Destination Wedding. (2018, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, December 24

A Bite To Eat With Alice.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction Christmas Special. (PG)

8.05 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG)

9.45 Believing In Australia. (Mns, R) 11.30 Ithaka: A Fight To Free Julian Assange. (Final, Mlv, R) 12.30 Keep On Dancing. (Final, R) 1.35 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 2.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.35 Rage Closer. (R) 3.40 Christmas In Australia With Christine Anu. (R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum. (R)

8.30 Christmas In The Cotswolds.

9.25 ABBA In Concert. (R)

10.25 The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly. (Mls, R)

12.05 Babylon Berlin. (Mav)

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

3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGav, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

Joy Of Painting. 6.20 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd. 9.20 Stacey Dooley: Inside The Convent. 10.30 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.10pm WorldWatch. 5.40 Joy Of Painting. 6.10 Travel Man: Jon Hamm In Hong Kong. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 9.20 Hoarders. 10.55 Two Weeks To Live. 11.55 Letterkenny. 12.25am Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.15 Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. 3.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am

Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 7.40 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.20 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 11.10 Breathless. (1960, M, French) 12.50pm Cousins. (2021, M) 2.40 Little Women. (1994, PG) 4.50 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 6.35 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 8.30 Phar Lap. (1983) 10.40 My Old Lady. (2014, M) 12.40am Birds Of Passage. (2018, MA15+, Spanish) 3.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Special.

7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG, R) A show of military precision, entertainment, massed pipes and drum performances from Scotland.

9.30 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993, PGal, R) A cynical TV weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again. Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott.

11.40 ABBA Vs Queen. (PGa, R) 12.40 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGal, R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem.

Major sporting honours for Anna Bay's Mason Kelman

FROM Page 28

gained selection in the NSW Schoolboys rugby squad that attended a two-day camp at the NSW Waratahs Centre of Excellence at Kensington.

The Anna Bay colt demonstrated his incredible versatility by also representing Hunter as a fullback at the State AFL Primary Schools Championships in Albury and the Hunter Wildfires at the Junior State Cup Rugby titles at Camden.

An elated Kelman told News Of The Area that being named the region’s number one primary schools athlete was “a huge honour.”

‘It has been an amazing year for myself in

representative sport and one that I won’t forget in a hurry,” he said.

“I feel so proud to have picked up such a prestigious award and want to thank my coaches and teammates for their tremendous support.”

Away from his school commitments, the strong running prop stepped up an age group to help the Nelson Bay Gropers Under 13s reach the Hunter Junior Rugby fifteens per side and Spring Sevens finals.

When he’s not running around making an impact in rugby league, union or AFL you’ll find the rising star fooling defences with the Nelson Bay Neptunes representative touch football squads.

WEDNESDAY, December 25

6.00 Rage On Christmas Day. (PG) 9.00 News. 9.30 The Pope’s Christmas Mass. 11.30 News Breakfast. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG, R) 2.05 MOVIE: A Christmas Carol. (1938, G) 3.15 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (R) 4.45 Bluey. (R) 4.55 Classic Choir: The Christmas Card. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Morning Programs. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point: Road

Referendum. 2.05 Tradfest: The

Castle Sessions. 2.35 Such Was Life. 2.45 Plat Du Tour. 2.55 The Cook Up. 3.25 Lapland: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland. 4.15 Copenhagen: Europe’s Greatest Christmas Market. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. (Mdns)

8.30 Rock Legends: ABBA. (R)

9.30 The Night Manager. (R)

10.35 Paul Newman: Always On The Move. (Malv, R)

11.35 Maxima. (Mav)

12.35 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a)

3.20 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PG, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. (PG) 10.30 Mayor’s Christmas Carols. (PG) 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv, R) 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Simon Reeve.

7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley. 10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019, PGals, R) An aspiring singer gains a new perspective. Emilia Clarke.

12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, Ml, R)

9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983, Mdl, R) Chevy Chase.

11.30 The King’s Christmas Message.

11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980, G, R)

1.35 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 MOVIE: School Of Rock. (2003, PGl, R) A down-and-out rock guitarist takes a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious primary school. Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White. 8.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 13. Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks. From Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. 10.30 MOVIE: The Truman Show. (1998, PGla, R) A man is unaware his life is on TV. Jim Carrey, Laura Linney. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.15 Bluey. 6.30 Thomas And Friends. 6.40 The Adventures Of Paddington. 7.00 Fireman Sam. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Scoob! (2020, PG) 9.10 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.40 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 10.00 Horrible Histories. 10.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.55 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Walk With Me. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.45 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 8.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 10.30 Destination Wedding. (2018, M) 12.05pm I Love You Too. (2010) 2.05 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 3.45 Phar Lap. (1983) 5.55 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 8.30 Heartbreak Kid. (1993) 10.20 The Way Way Back. (2013, M) 12.15am Late Programs.

THURSDAY, December 26

6.00 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R) 7.00 News. 9.00 News Breakfast Late. 9.30 Pilgrimage: The Road To The Scottish Isles. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Tracy: A Force Of Nature. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.55 The Royal Variety Performance. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.55pm Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Zog. 6.55 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Pokémon Detective Pikachu. (2019, PG) 9.20 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.00 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.05 Destination Flavour: Singapore. 9.20 For The Love Of Dogs Xmas. 10.15 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. 11.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tradfest: Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 French Atlantic. 3.30 Cook Up. 4.00 The Lakes. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (PGa, R)

9.30 Daddy Issues. (Mls)

10.30 Billy Joel: Live At Yankee Stadium. (PG, R)

12.05 DNA. (Mav)

1.00 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnv, R)

1.55 Miniseries: The Night Logan Woke Up.

(MA15+dv, R) 4.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

NEWS (53) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.25pm Bamay. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 Joy Of Painting. 6.10 Travel Man: Rebel Wilson In Florence. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Running Man. (1987, MA15+) 10.20 MOVIE: Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 12.30am Letterkenny. 1.55 The Dangerous Rise Of Andrew Tate. 2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 10.30 Food Lover’s Guide. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Derry Girls. 2.05 Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 3.10 Preserving Taste. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Joy Of Painting. 6.10 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Jordan. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. 10.05 Cars That Built The World. 10.55 Question Team. 11.45 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Courted. Continued. (2015, PG, French) 6.50 Arthur And The Two Worlds War. (2010, PG) 8.45 Phar Lap. (1983) 10.55 My Old Lady. (2014, M) 12.55pm Heartbreak Kid. (1993) 2.45 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 4.40 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 6.40 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 8.30 The Daughter. (2015, M) 10.20 Adoration. (2013, MA15+) 12.25am Late Programs.

Pickers.

Wars. 10.30

Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Morning session. 12.30 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars. 9.10 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 12. Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 12.30 Criminal Confessions: The Worst Betrayal. (MA15+av, R)

A missing woman is discovered murdered in the backyard of her family home.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.

6am Children’s Programs. 12.45pm MOVIE: Alice-Miranda: A Royal Christmas Ball. (2021, C) 2.15 MOVIE: Penguins Of Madagascar. (2014) 4.00 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: A Savage Christmas. (2023, M) 9.30 MOVIE: Christmess. (2023, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

(34) 7MATE (64) 7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) 8.30 Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On. (PGa)

10.45 Captivated. (Malsv)

11.40 Resident

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 Dog House Australia: Tails Of Redemption. (PGa, R) Revisits some of the people from the show. 7.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible – Fallout. (2018, Mlv, R) A secret agent’s mission goes wrong. Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill. 10.25 MOVIE: The Incredible Hulk. (2008, Mv, R) A scientist transforms into a giant monster. Edward Norton. 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Children’s Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: In The Heights. (2021, PG) 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PG) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The O.C. 12.30am The Nanny. 1.30 Life

9GO!

Sporting recognition

By Chris KARAS

DUAL State schoolboys

representative Mason Kelman has capped a momentous 2024 by taking out the coveted Port Stephens Primary Schools Sportsperson of the Year award.

It was a double celebration for the twelveyear-old powerhouse forward after also being named the top sportsperson at Anna Bay Public School.

Young Mason created history earlier this year when he became the first

athlete from the Port Stephens region to represent the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association in two different sports during the same year.

The emerging prop forward from One Mile Beach was one of the best players for the Sky Blues at the National Primary Schools Rugby League Championships in Canberra back in August.

Mason turned in dynamic performances to help NSW finish joint champions with Queensland after both sides salvaged a 24-all draw in the trophy decider.

Blessed with raw power and natural ball skills, the strapping Kelman also CONTINUED Page 26

q Anna Bay Public School pupil Mason Kelman, Port Stephens Primary Schools Sportsperson of the Year, with parents Christine and James.