Port Stephens News Of The Area 21 March 2024

Medowie excitement machine Shane Fielding grabs silver medal for NSW at Australian Deaf Rugby Games

revealed the experienced top grade forward.

Shane was a key member of the NSW side that finished runners up to Fiji at this year’s Australian and Oceania Deaf Games staged in Newcastle and later participated in the National Deaf Rugby Camp at Dapto.

A dynamic running fullback or winger, Fielding made a huge impact for the NSW outfit at the Games with his speed off the mark and powerful bursts,

turning in consistent displays to impress keen judges and be considered as one of the players of the tournament.

He shone in the Blues’ 31-5 victory over the Barbarians - nabbing three scintillating tries in a best on ground performance and played strongly against the flamboyant Fijians, who were crowned gold medallists after finishing the tournament with an undefeated record.

The Medowie flyer

hopes to push his claims for selection in the Australian Deaf Rugby squad that will tour South Africa in August.

FROM Page 1 consecutive season in the Hunter Suburban Rugby competition in 2004.

Fielding is a late bloomer and began his rugby journey back in 2021 with the Medowie club as a rookie 25-year-old.

He shares a strong passion for the code, is a keen student of the game and continues to develop in leaps and bounds as a player in all facets.

The sharp runner is saddling up for his fourth

“I enjoy playing fullback and on the wing where I can finish off attacking moves,” the Medowie speedster told News Of The Area.

“Representing NSW at the Deaf Games was a huge honour and lifetime opportunity and one that I’m grateful for,” he beamed.

Club stalwart Daniel Carmody says Fielding is a popular figure at the Marauders and described the elusive back as “one heck of a rugby player”.

“Shane is a trump card on the field and difficult to contain with his speed off the mark, overall strength and tricky footwork,”

MP releases ‘Cost of Living Kit’

By Lindsay HALL

the

hardship that

of Living Help Kit’. “I created the Cost of Living Help Kit with the understanding that many people in our community are facing tough times,” said Ms Swanson, who has served as the Federal Paterson MP since 2016.

A downloadable resource that contains information on managing bills, obtaining rental assistance, toll relief and applying to the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), the ‘Cost of Living Kit’ can

help point people to options for better managing their day-to-day budget.

“It’s a toolkit designed to guide people towards the support they need and deserve,” she said.

“In these challenging times, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.”

The resource was conceived and developed by Ms Swanson and her staff, who have compiled information from the

National Debt Helpline, Moneysmart, LegalAid NSW, Service NSW and Services Australia.

“Household budgets are being stretched by the cost of food, electricity and rent,” Ms Swanson acknowledges in the introduction to the booklet.

It is hoped that the ease of access that the resource provides will go a long way to making life a lot easier for those who use it.

“The impetus for the Cost

of Living Help Kit comes from a place of concern and commitment for my constituents.

“I recognise the difficulties that come with navigating financial hardship and my goal is to simplify the process.

“He deserved that NSW jumper and will again be an asset to our club this season,” said Carmody.

Under the guidance of leading coach Josh Murphy, the Marauders should be a force in Hunter Suburban Rugby this season.

The versatile Fielding hopes to play in the flyhalf position for Medowie where he can get his hands on the ball and spark the attack with a roving commission.

“Clear and accessible information is the key for everyone in Paterson, with knowledge and resources people need to improve their situation.

“This is about empowering our community to seek help without stigma or delay.”

The ‘Cost of Living Kit’ can be downloaded from Meryl Swanson’s website at https://merylswanson. com.au/supporting-you/ paterson-cost-of-living-helpkit/, and printed copies are available for collection from her office at 35 Sturgeon St, Raymond Terrace.

Ln 16-2024-8-1 Animal boarding facility additions – new kennel

HEATHERBRAE

17 Ivory Cl 16-2024-41-1 Industrial development –storage warehouse

HINTON

ADDRESS

DA NO. PROPOSAL

NELSON

(1) Modification 3 storey dwelling, swimming pool, retaining wall – correct retaining wall height in consent 22 Wallawa Rd 16-2022-863-3 S4.55 (1) Modification alterations/additions to 3 storey dwelling, swimming pool, deck –amend consent ONE MILE 10 Seamist Ave 16-2019-529-2 S4.55 (1A) Modification single storey dwelling, swimming pool – amend dwelling, pool RAYMOND TERRACE 38 Benjamin Lee Dr 16-2024-88-1 1 into 2 lot Torrens Title subdivision, terminate strata 23 Harriet Cl 16-2024-47-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling – deck and patio roof 181 Benjamin Lee Dr 16-2024-61-1 Secondary dwelling (manufactured home) SALAMANDER BAY 306 Wanda Ave 16-2024-90-1 2 storey dwelling, demolish existing 130A Salamander Wy 16-2024-93-1 Dwelling alterations/ additions SALT ASH 161 Lemon Tree Passage Rd 16-2024-71-1 Shed and mound TAYLORS BEACH 7 Bluewater Cl 16-2024-91-1 Industrial Development – 6 light industrial sheds and retaining wall 17 Bluewater Cl; 13 Bluewater Cl; 11 Bluewater Cl 16-2023-431-1 General industrial development – 27 units over 3 buildings, parking, landscaping, civil works This is life at PSC • Senior Environmental Health Officer –closing 24 March • Financial Controller – closing 24 March • Administration Officer – closing 24 March • Construction Team Assistant –closing 24 March • Guest Services Housekeeper –closing 27 March • Casual Educators –Talent Pool Join our team! View the full position descriptions and apply now at pscouncil.info/careers Our current openings Sign up to our DA e-newsletter – visit pscouncil.info/development-applications COUNCIL NOTICES | portstephens.nsw.gov.au | 02 4988 0255 | council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au Please Note: Any submission or other correspondence received by Council may be released to any person making application to Council under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. For further enquiries, please contact Council.

Two people hit by car doing burnouts at North Arm Cove turnoff

FROM Page 1

“Emergency services were called to Somerset Drive, North Arm Cove, following reports two people had been injured by a car,” said NSW Police Media.

“Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Officers arrived to find a white Ford Falcon sedan had been performing burn-outs in front of a crowd of people when the driver lost control and hit a power pole and two people standing next to it.

“A 20-year-old woman and a fourteen-year-old girl were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for pelvic and leg injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious

condition.”

While the driver allegedly left the scene, the vehicle caught fire, leaving Tea Gardens Fire and Rescue to extinguish it, averting another avoidable bushfire in the region.

Following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland

Police Station about 7am on Monday 18 March 2024, where he was charged with multiple offences.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 May 2024.

North Arm Cove residents, who have been formally complaining about the regular burnout meets for the past several months, are far from impressed, nor surprised with

the incident.

“An inevitable occurrence, someone has to be injured or die before real action is taken against hooliganism, destruction of roads.

“The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) should be fining them for leaving tyres and rubbish everywhere,” one local resident told NOTA.

“At Clean Up Australia day, we picked up at least fifteen tyres and several rims discarded in that area.”

North Arm Cove Community Association Inc President Bob Reid said, “We hope that the two people injured at the burn-out event

q Another recent burnt out car was left to start a fire in the bush alongside the national highway.

are OK and they fully recover from their injuries.

“These burnouts have been a problem for six months.

“We have been in contact with the Police, Kate Washington’s office and MidCoast Council since August 2023 seeking action to stop them, asking for police patrols, traffic engineering solutions and video surveillance.

“They are a major safety and intimidation issue for North Arm Cove residents driving through the activity to get home, as well as to the observers.

“There is also a high risk

of an accident from motorists trying to avoid all of the burnout debris left on the road, and a major risk for bushfires considering the surrounding very dry and thick vegetation.”

Port Stephens-Hunter PD Detectives are currently appealing for information, urging anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage or information about this incident to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

Coal company fined after Hunter River pollution incident

COAL handling facility Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) has been fined $15,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) over an alleged pollution incident during ship loading activities in Newcastle Harbour.

The EPA’s investigation found that PWCS breached a condition of its Environment Protection Licence when approximately ten kilograms of coal material spilled into the Hunter River from a

wharf conveyor belt at the Carrington coal terminal last June.

Five hours later, the spill was discovered during a routine inspection where key pollution controls were found not to be in the appropriate position following repairs to the conveyor belt.

EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon said PWCS had a poor regulatory record and should have had better measures in

place to prevent and detect the incident.

“Coal handling facilities have a responsibility to ensure any ship-loading duties do not impact the surrounding environment,” Mr Gordon said.

“This potentially damaging coal material entered the Hunter River without anyone noticing for several hours.

“The Hunter River is known by local Aboriginal

people as Coquun, meaning ‘fresh water’ and is the lifeblood of the region.

“The EPA is committed to taking decisive action on pollution incidents that threaten waterways.

“While there were no obvious impacts, coal material can pose a risk to the environment and the potential consequences on marine life are concerning.

“Given the 24-hour operation of this coal terminal

and its proximity to the water, it’s crucial for PWCS to have better systems in place to prevent recurrences in the future.”

Penalty notices are one of several tools the EPA can use to achieve compliance.

These measures also include formal warnings, licence conditions, enforceable undertakings, and prosecutions.

If you suspect someone is doing the wrong thing, phone

the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.

The Hunter River flows from the largest coastal catchment in NSW to the sea.

The river begins in the Mount Royal Range in the Barrington Tops, and flows around 460km down to the ocean in Newcastle, covering an area over 21,500 square km.

Port Waratah Coal Services were contacted for comment.

q Dangerous pieces of burnout debris constantly litter the North Arm Cove turnoff.

q An ugly black scorch mark at the North Arm Cove turnoff, where Tea Gardens Fire and Rescue had to put out the vehicle fire, with flowers on the pole (top left) an unheeded reminder.

Emergency

called to Corlette house fire

By Simon EKINS

PORT Stephens emergency services were called to an incident early on Tuesday 12 March after a fire broke out at a residence on Portside Crescent, Corlette.

NSW Fire and Rescue teams were in attendance, whilst NSW Police cordoned off the street for safety and investigative purposes.

News Of The Area spoke to On Scene Commander Jim Murphy at the location.

“We were called to this address at 7:16am after a triple zero call this morning,” Jim said.

“We quickly isolated and extinguished the fire, and luckily there were no casualties.”

The incident was dealt with rapidly and professionally at a busy time of day when children are going to school, and people are on the road to work.

The cause of the fire at this time is unknown, and investigations continue.

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Ferries hit sand as river awaits dredge

By Thomas O’KEEFE

DREDGING of the Myall River estuary is yet to take place, despite recent pledges from Government representatives, and ferry services now regularly hitting the sandy bottom.

Frustrated by the apparent bureaucratic lethargy, Myall River Action Group’s (MRAG) Gordon Grainger has urged MidCoast Council, State MP Kate Washington and the Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) to carry through their recent promises.

“Council is committed to dredging the Eastern/Natural Channel in 2025, and the massive sand build-up at the mouth shows just how badly and quickly this needs to be done in order to keep the river in a pristine condition,” Mr Grainger said.

“The State Government agreed to fund the dredging of the Navigation Channel, to be achieved by mid-2024, but Council says that the necessary approvals process may take up to twelve months.”

A spokesperson for Member for Port Stephens

Kate Washington said, “Recently, the NSW Government committed to fund the dredging of the Myall River navigation channel, working in partnership with MidCoast Council to obtain the necessary approvals and licences.

"We are working with MidCoast Council to ensure the dredging can be undertaken as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, both major ferry operators have reported the same rapidly deteriorating situation in the waters.

“We are striking the

bottom in at least six spots between the entrance to the Corrie Channel and Tea Gardens,” Y-Knot catamaran ferry’s Noel Gaunt told NOTA.

“It is just getting shallower, we’ll have concerns over the particularly low tides at Easter’s full moon, the strongest tide of the year, with the highest highs and lowest lows.”

Kerrie Jeffreys from The Original Tea Gardens Ferry has similar concerns.

“We need to choose which vessel to use, now they are grinding a path through the sand, rather than just touching, in some places,” explained Ms Jeffreys.

“For the last week or two, we’ve been using ‘Jesse', which normally does the upriver runs, as she has the smallest capacity.”

The most hazardous bottomingout areas are at the dogleg before the artificial (official navigation) Corrie Channel, and adjacent Winda Woppa’s riverside, where vessels must zigzag to make the passage.

“Last Christmas, we touched sand outside Mumms on the Myall, which is the other side of the bridge from where the dredge pledge was targeted,” Ms Jeffreys added.

Whatever action eventually ends up being taken, there are still at least fourteen government bureaucracies, from local to Federal, that need to sign off on anything outside of the currently scheduled 2025 dredging of the Natural Channel to replenish the Winda Woppa stockpile.

SHOWTIMES

•

•

March - 7pm (Good Friday)

• Saturday 30th March - 3pm & 6pm (Easter Saturday)

• Sunday 31st March - 11am & 2pm (Easter Sunday)

• Monday 1st April - 2pm (Easter Monday)

• Thursday 4th April - 7pm

• Friday 5th April - 7pm

• Saturday 6th April - 3pm & 6pm

• Sunday 7th April - 11am ONLY.

q Sand visible at low tides from the Tea Gardens riverfront, shoaling up the river on the inland side of the Singing Bridge.

q Drone photos (11 March 2024) show the latest expanse of sand choking up the Natural Channel. The Winda Woppa stockpile (top left) is dwarfed by comparison. Photo: MRAG.

No moor room in Port Stephens

By Thomas O’KEEFE

BOAT owners all around Port Stephens have met an apparent dearth of options to moor in local waters, compounded by bureaucratic confusion over how to move forward.

“We are being refused new private moorings, or even being able to move an existing mooring closer to a residence, as that would also be considered a ‘new mooring’,” North Arm Cove

resident Jonathon Horton told NOTA.

“Department of Primary Industries - Marine Parks is not issuing any permits for the installation of new moorings in the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park.

“I have had numerous conversations with Maritime North, NSW Maritime, Transport of NSW, all very supportive, however, their hands are tied - they cannot issue mooring licenses with approval (permit) by

Department of Industries Marine Parks.”

The vaguely Kafkaesque situation sees one

q The twenty mooring locations around Port Stephens, all of them are currently full – the numbers indicate how many are currently on the waiting list for each.

bureaucracy claiming the other is responsible, and viceversa. When asked about the

and amenities.

q No room in the estuary at Tea Gardens. These boats now occupy prime aquatic real estate.

licensing situation, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) told NOTA that it was “a matter managed by Transport for NSW”, while Transport for NSW representatives have said, in turn, that DPI Marine Parks issue mooring permits in the Port Stephens Great Lakes area.

Transport for NSW’s ‘Moorings’ webpage has links to maps showing what moorings are available across the State, including how deep the waiting lists are.

In Port Stephens, the longest waiting lists are, in fact, in Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, with 42 waiting across the three official mooring

Land and Environment court denies marina extension DA

By Marian SAMPSON

AFTER years of community angst, the Land and Environment Court has finally ruled on the proposed extension of Soldiers Point Marina.

Port Stephens Council initially rejected the development application (DA) and now the Land and Environment Court has followed suit.

DA 16-2019-8-1 sought alterations and additions to the existing marina, including the construction of a two-storey addition comprising a members’ lounge, gymnasium, pool, spa, pool lounge, patio, decking, amenities, storage and plant rooms.

The DA also requested permission for landscaping and site preparation works including the partial demolition of the existing slipway and significant earthworks.

The Soldiers Point Marina is a significant community asset which was approved over 60 years ago.

The Marina has 90 berths and hosts a restaurant, a café, boat sales offices, workshop, laundry, sauna/massage rooms

However parking around the site has remained a contentious issue with the Marina offering a valet parking service to address part of the problem.

Roz Armstrong, immediate past President of the Soldiers Point Community Group told News Of The Area, “This decision has not only validated the Port Stephens Council's refusal of consent but also the tireless efforts of the many Soldiers Point Community Group members who, together with other community groups and residents, diligently researched issues and wrote many submissions.

“Commissioner Dixon refers to the matter of public interest and in this case the voice of public interest has been heard and listened to,” she said.

locations.

The next most soughtafter moorings along the north side are at North Arm Cove, with seven on the waiting list.

Mooring options are so tight at the moment that even a desire to move an existing mooring means first handing in the rights to it, then going to the bottom of the relevant waiting list, just to see the physical mooring anchor moved a few metres.

“Imagine the loss of private boat sales and new boat sales in Port Stephens due to the fact that there is a complete stop on permits/ licences being approved for moorings,” Mr Horton added.

q Members of the community have been in opposition to the development for years. Photo: Marian Sampson.

Landcare groups do battle with invasive weeds

By Marian SAMPSON

LANDCARE groups across the region continue to perform important regeneration work and wage war with invasive weeds.

In Corlette a group

of Landcare volunteers maintain the walking and cycling track that follows the coast along Bagnalls Beach from ‘Dutchies’ through to the western end of Bagnalls Beach, as well as looking after other areas including Kingfisher Reserve and Roy Wood Reserve.

Both these tracts of

land are important wildlife corridors.

Other Landcare groups look after the Bridle Trail at Nelson Bay, with one volunteer in particular seen almost daily as she wins the battle against invasive weeds.

Landcare volunteers do not need to be gardeners to participate, with a passion

for the environment the only prerequisite.

Margaret Wilkinson of the Corlette Landcare group told News Of The Area that volunteers are struggling to keep up with rapid weed growth in recent years.

“Not being permitted to work our areas during COVID and the rain received during that time caused an

explosion in weed growth and we’ve been struggling ever since to get on top of it.”

Local Landcare groups are now seeking more support to continue their important work.

While the benefits to the environment are clear, there are benefits for volunteers, too.

NSW Gov toughens polluter penalties

LAST week, the NSW Government announced what they described as the ‘biggest boost to environmental regulation in three decades’.

Changes have been made to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and other environmental laws, to strengthen penalties and the Environment Protection

Authority’s (EPA) powers to deter repeat offenders and make polluters pay.

Most NSW environmental penalties have not increased since 2005, including those for serious offences.

The Government says the current criminal investigation into asbestos-contaminated mulch, the biggest in the EPA’s history, has highlighted the need to address loopholes and enhance investigative capabilities.

The Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill

2024 includes a doubling of maximum penalties for Tier 1 serious offences to $10 million for companies and $2 million for individuals.

Maximum penalties for Tier 2 asbestos-related offences will also be doubled to $4 million for companies and $1 million for individuals.

On-the-spot fine amounts for certain Tier 3 offences will rise significantly to $30,000 for companies for a first offence and $45,000 for a second offence.

For individuals this will be $15,000 for a first offence and $22,500 for a second offence.

On-the-spot fines for general littering of small items will double to $160 for individuals and corporations

in public places.

The Bill attempts to crack down on small-scale illegal dumping too, with maximum penalties of $50,000 for companies and $25,000 for individuals.

On-the-spot fines of $5,000 for companies and $1,000 for individuals will be issued by public land managers, including councils, NSW Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Bill will implement a specific, higher penalty for small-scale illegal dumping on sensitive land such as childcare centres, hospitals, schools, national parks and beaches.

Maximum penalties for breaching resource recovery orders and exemptions will increase from $44,000 to $2 million, or $4 million for offences by corporations involving asbestos waste.

New product recall powers will be introduced for materials that may be contaminated with harmful substances across an entire supply chain, to quickly safeguard human health and the environment and warn the public.

A public ‘name and shame’ process will be established to issue public warnings about poor environmental performers and substandard practices.

The new law is hoped

will strengthen investigation powers, introducing investigation notices, and improving and expanding clean-up notice controls.

The bill also gives the Land and Environment Court the power to ban serial and serious offenders from applying for an environment protection licence.

The NSW Government will consider further changes in response to the ongoing investigation into contaminated mulch or recommendations of the Asbestos Taskforce and Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment

Penny Sharpe said, “Today is a downpayment on our election commitment to strengthen environmental protections in NSW.

“I’m proud that we’re introducing the biggest boost to environmental regulation since the creation of the EPA in 1991.

“We need a tough environmental cop on the beat.

“Our changes will give the EPA more power to better protect our precious places and to deter environmental crime.

“The events of the past two months have shown the urgent need to reform environment protection laws

“The main benefits our volunteers get from participating is exercise in an outdoor environment and importantly - the social cohesion over our cuppas and chats afterwards.

“Many of our volunteers have been doing this work together over ten years and more and we are wearing out!”

and increase penalties.

“These sweeping reforms will directly improve the protection of human health, the environment, and the community.

“Penalties are being ramped up to reflect the risk of harm and disruption to the environment and the community, and for those doing the wrong thing the fine will no longer just be the cost of doing business.”

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said tougher penalties were “beyond overdue”.

“We are starting from a very low bar in NSW in terms of what polluters can get away with, but the changes proposed in this new law are a modest step towards holding the worst offenders to account.

“A doubling in fines for pollution and dangerous goods offences is a good place to start and harmful use of pesticides penalties are set to increase eightfold.

“New powers for the EPA will clear the way for effective compliance action that is consistent with managing pollution and punishing perpetrators.”

While supporting the Government’s move, Ms Higginson said these changes alone will “not make these crimes unprofitable”.

“We must recognise that this cannot be the end, it must be the beginning,” Ms Higginson said.

Where

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Anna Bay Surf & Skate

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Kreative Space Studio Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Taylors Beach Industrial Cafe

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Crime in NSW far worse in regional areas

NEW research from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) exploring crime patterns in regional NSW shows that in 2023, the rate of property crime in regional NSW was 59 percent higher than in Sydney and the rate of violent crime in regional NSW was 57 percent higher than in Sydney.

“A long standing feature of crime in NSW is that regional, rural, and remote locations tend to experience higher rates of crime than in the city,” BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said.

“The gap has grown over time.

“Since 2004, crime reductions in Sydney greatly exceeded those in the regions.

“Within regional NSW, crime is also not evenly distributed and particular regional locations show crime rates are much higher than the state average.

“In 2023, rates of both violent and property crime were almost three times the NSW average in the Far West and Orana region.”

While crime is higher in regional NSW than in Sydney, it is not the case that crime is necessarily increasing.

In regional NSW, most property crimes were considerably lower in 2023 compared to 2004.

Certain offences however, have increased significantly in regional NSW over the five years from 2019 to 2023.

Motor vehicle theft is up 20 percent, while domestic assault is up 24 percent and nondomestic assault is up fourteen percent.

Sexual assault is up 47 percent, which equates to an additional 1505 incidents.

Last week, the NSW Government announced a package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety and wellbeing, particularly in regional NSW, with a focus on strengthening early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

The Bail Act 2013 will be amended to include a temporary additional bail test for young people between fourteen and eighteen charged with committing certain serious break and enter offences or motor vehicle theft offences while on bail for the same offences.

This means that a bail authority such as police, magistrates and judges will need to have

a high degree of confidence that the young person will not commit a further serious indictable offence while on bail.

This approach is designed to stop specific offending behaviour by certain young people who repeatedly engage in serious break and enter and motor theft offences.

The amendments will be subject to a twelve-month sunset clause so that any future action or changes can be made with evidence to assess the efficacy of the new laws.

Legislation will also be introduced which creates a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) for ‘posting and boasting’.

An additional penalty of two years imprisonment will be imposed on people who commit motor vehicle theft or break and enter offences and share material to advertise their involvement in this criminal behaviour.

Statewide there have been reports of an emerging phenomenon of offenders posting recordings of their offending behaviour on social media, particularly in relation to motor vehicle offending.

This type of ‘performance crime’ may encourage others, specifically young people, to engage in similar criminal behaviour.

This new provision will be the subject of a statutory review that will take place two years after it commences.

The Government also announced specific measures

to improve public safety in Moree, and a range of statewide regional crime prevention initiatives including an expansion of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) in nine Police Districts and an expansion of the Safe Aboriginal Youth Patrol Program (SAY) to an additional five Closing the Gap (CTG) priority locations.

“I’ve spoken to mayors, police area commanders and local communities who have said we need to do more when it comes to crime rates, so that’s what we’re doing,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“We know there is no easy solution but the reforms we are announcing today look at the big picture at a wholeof-community level, to really intervene and help prevent crime and give young people a chance at life.

“We will not leave regional communities behind, and we will ensure regional communities are safe and appealing places to work, live and raise a family.

“We need to work across government – police, schools, mental health – and importantly in partnership with community leaders, Aboriginal organisations and NGOs.”

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee spokesman Garry Grant said the new reforms had come as welcome news to regional communities as socioeconomic disadvantage deepened and rural crime rates soared.

“These young offenders are often violent and reckless in their behaviour, and they are also costing landholders and businesses millions of dollars every year, through both loss of

goods and increased insurance costs,” Mr Grant said.

“We all deserve to feel safe and secure in our homes, on our properties and in our communities, so it’s pleasing to see action taken to crack down on the youth crime which is causing such significant harm in the regions.

“This behaviour of stealing cars or breaking into homes and businesses and then sharing these exploits on social media is extremely concerning, and there needs to be more severe consequences if we want to reduce crime and curb the harm caused by repeat offenders.

“Sadly, without effective interventions to address opportunistic crimes in regional communities, farmers will potentially face increased on-farm theft and trespass moving forward.”

With city dwellers now less likely to be a victim of crime than those living in the bush, Mr Grant said rural and regional NSW needed all the resources available to shift the dial on crime moving forward.

“We need boots on the ground and real, considered initiatives in place to combat these rising rates of crime, and concerningly violent crime, in rural and regional areas of the state, or else the problem will simply spiral beyond the point of no return.”

The NSW Coalition is calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Regional Crime, and invites residents to provide feedback on how regional crime has affected them at https://www. nswnationals.org.au/regionalcrime/.

Report regional crime to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Church of Christ welcomes new Pastor

By Lindsay HALL

FAMILIAR to many residents and regular visitors to the Tomaree Peninsula, Port Stephens Church of Christ holds a highly visible location along Nelson Bay Drive in Salt Ash.

Since December of 2023 the congregation that gathers at the 55-year-old church has been working to revitalise their mission and ministry to the surrounding community alongside their newly appointed Pastor, Thomas Cooper.

“It’s a little funny, I must have driven past this church hundreds of times, but I’d never stopped and come inside,” Thomas said.

“In fact I wasn’t even sure that anyone was meeting here anymore.”

Thomas, his wife Brooke and their three sons were welcomed into their new role following an extended period during which the church had been without pastoral leadership.

Thomas and Brooke had most recently been involved with the congregation of Hinton Baptist Church, though prior to that they had led a church congregation in Western Australia (WA) they had established themselves in 2014.

“When you’re planting a church, everything can feel like a battle,” Thomas reflected on his experience in WA.

“There are so many legal requirements to establishing a church, as well as organising a

q Thomas Cooper is the new Pastor of Port Stephens Church of Christ at Salt Ash.

place to gather and making sure everything is in order.

“All of that is beside the fact that you’re constantly meeting new people and building relationships, and trying to help people to create a community where everyone feels welcomed.

“It was a wonderful community and an

incredible experience for the years that we served there, but it was five years of non-stop struggle.”

By contrast his first months at Salt Ash have been very different.

“We’ve been welcomed so warmly and enthusiastically by this church community, and there has been a great sense of collaboration and a desire to work together for the sake of the community around us.”

Thomas lived and worked for a number of years in Port Stephens prior to entering pastoral ministry, having trained as a teacher.

He was employed at St Philip's Christian College until 2013, so this latest appointment is something of a homecoming for him.

“It is nice to be stepping into a church that has a history and is already meeting and has services that they offer.

“For the time being I’m getting familiar with the people here and what they already do.”

Port Stephens Church of Christ has run a “friendship group” on Thursdays for quite some time that also serves as an opportunity shop.

The church will soon become part of the ‘Hands and Feet’ program, offering grocery bundles to families and individuals struggling with difficult circumstances.

Big future ahead for Ben Barwood

By Marian SAMPSON

THE future looks bright for 2023 Tomaree High School Dux Ben Barwood, with a generous $1000 donation from Legacy Australia’s Port Stephens division going towards Ben's studies at university.

Ben’s passion for engineering, particularly in automation, robotics and green energy solutions, resulted in an outstanding achievement in HSC Design and Technology.

Ben’s major project, an innovative residential

wind turbine designed for efficiency and safety in various wind conditions, was selected out of over 10,000 students for the prestigious 2024 NSW HSC SHAPE Exhibition in Sydney.

Ben, who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering degree at the University of Newcastle, credits his success to his wonderful teachers at Tomaree High School.

At age ten, Ben tragically lost his Dad, Jason, after a tough three year battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.

It was an incredibly difficult period for Ben, and his family, as they adjusted to a 'new normal' without any family living nearby.

“It's time like these when it really hits home that Ben and Corey's Dad is not here to see his boys' achievements,” Ben's mum Alyson told News Of The Area.

Jason was a talented RAAF pilot who successfully flew several different aircraft

types, including the locally based E-7A Wedgetail.

“Ben also shares his Dad's love of aviation and at age twelve, undertook local flying lessons,” Alyson said.

“He was deemed competent to fly a solo circuit, after just ten hours in the air.”

Unfortunately, Ben was too young to legally fly solo at the time.

“He dreams of one day building his own light aircraft and insists it will be powered by green energy, of course!” she said.

Alyson has no doubt that Jason would be incredibly proud of Ben's year 12 achievements.

Tomaree High School Engineering Studies teacher Martin Shiner said, "Ben has a strong focus to fulfil his potential in the field of engineering, where he displays great aptitude and wonderful knowledge, highly exemplified in his outstanding 2023 HSC results," he said.

McGowan continues assistance animal fight

By Lindsay HALL

McGowan

ANDREW

is a man who looks as though he has walked straight out of a poem by

Banjo Patterson.

Sporting a wild grey beard to his chest, a long stockman coat and, most appropriately, a Blue Heeler by his side, the rough-living but eloquent local activist is nothing if not quintessentially Australian.

“If I can, I try to put a smile on someone’s face wherever I go,” he said, having done just that to the young lady who had taken our coffee order.

“There’s so much negativity out there, and I just want to try and share a bit of joy.”

The young lady, who admitted that Andrew had “made her morning”, had been shown a photograph of one of Andrew’s proudest moments: sitting next to former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison while his beloved companion, Chelsea Dog, attempts to plant a ‘doggie kiss’ on ‘ScoMo’, both men laughing.

“Of all the things I’ve done, that was the moment at the

top,” he said.

Andrew is quick to point out that his fondness for the encounter does not necessarily equate to a fondness for the former PM, or for politicians in general.

Rather it was about what that moment represented for Andrew, for his assistance animals, and for every person in need who Andrew had walked to Parliament House to represent; after a lifetime of being overlooked, finally someone was listening.

A survivor of abuse and trauma, Andrew speaks openly about his experiences and the struggle through the years to find a path through the pain and rediscover his strength and calling.

The breakthrough moment came when he finally was able to share his story with someone who listened, and said: “I believe you.”

“That’s what we need,” Andrew said of his fellow survivors, “for people to hear our stories.”

Speaking with ease and openness, and sharing stories of his encounters with politicians, sports stars

and social reformers, as well as the endless parade of characters he has met on the road from here to there, Andrew evokes much of the spirit that draws the most Australian of descriptors: ‘Bloke’, ‘Mate’, ‘Larrikin’, and perhaps more than any other, ‘Battler’.

So it is that Andrew now spends his days asking people to listen - not just to him, but to anyone with a struggle or a tragedy in their past or a need they cannot meet on their

own.

To be a source of support and to offer hope to those battling with mental health issues, Andrew began ‘Powerful Son Revolution’, a charity that seeks nothing more or less than to find ways to show love to others in the community.

Through his own journey Andrew has discovered an amazing ally for improving wellbeing, staying safe and combating loneliness: his assistance dogs.

The benefit that he has experienced from having these constant companions by his side has meant that Andrew has discovered the strength to endure emotionally triggering situations on a daily basis, and at times they have saved his life.

“Hey Zeus here gets a little nervous when he can’t see me,” Andrew said, regarding his dark brown Staffie with affection.

“It’s not his anxiety, it’s that he worries about me.

“He takes care of me.”

From this realisation Andrew found the other part of his calling: to help prepare dogs for their own life as

assistance animals, and be a part of connecting them with the people who need them.

Our conversation is suddenly interrupted when Hey Zeus, along with Golden Nugget, Essie Girl and their foster companion, the Greyhound Eight Ball, spot a local resident taking his own dogs for a walk and rush over all at once to greet them.

Unfortunately the dogwalker is less than enthusiastic about the attention and sternly lambasts Andrew for not keeping his dogs on a lead.

This prompts Andrew to attempt to explain their status as assistance animals - which means they are exempt from any requirement for leashesbut the conversation becomes heated, and both men disengage without reaching an understanding.

It is the first of two such confrontations that interrupt our conversation in Raymond Terrace, and is emblematic of exactly the kind of attitude that brought Andrew to speak to Port Stephens Council’s February meeting in the first place.

That recent appearance - in which he argued that council signage was not sufficient as it failed to explain the freedom of access granted to assistance animals - saw Andrew in a passionate state suggesting the council was potentially in breach of state legislation.

While this point was not conceded, Andrew grinned broadly as he shared an update from that meeting.

“We had a win with Port Stephens Council.”

In an email from Council staff to Andrew, Port Stephens Council stated that while not in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act, there is “room for improvement to

better support persons in need of assistance animals within our community”.

“Two opportunities for improvement were identified throughout the investigation,” the letter read.

“1. Update Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan to promote awareness and understanding of assistance animals. This is to be actioned immediately.

“2. Update dog rule signage to clearly state that assistance animals are exempt from prohibition rules.

“This will be undertaken as new signage is installed or existing signage is replaced.”

When I ask, with some trepidation, whether Andrew sees himself as a ‘battler’ - as someone constantly ready to fight for a cause he believes in - he has no hesitation in saying yes.

“If I can go through moments like that and stand up for what’s right, that might make life better for someone who can’t do that.”

Andrew makes no claim to being especially strong or willful, or even being driven by vision or strategy.

“My strength comes from God - everything I have comes from God.

“He’s got me through to this place in my life, and he helps me everywhere I need to go.”

When I ask where that journey may take him from here, Andrew quotes a passage of scripture –Proverbs chapter three, verses eight and nine.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor.”

q Andrew and his assistance dogs Chelsea Dog and Essie Girl at their encounter with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

q Andrew gathered with his current companions: Golden Nugget, Eight Ball, Hey Zeus, Essie Girl and her puppy, Precious Andy.

q Ben Barwood (right) with Bob Brown from Legacy Port Stephens, who have contributed $1000 towards his future studies.

Seaside Singers light up Seniors Festival

By Marian SAMPSON

SONGS were sung and dancers took to the streets as the Seaside Singers performed last week as part of the NSW Seniors Festival.

The community choir, membership to which is dominated by seniors, delighted visitors to the Nelson Bay town centre.

Seaside Singers founder Diana Souter launched the choir seventeen years ago.

Members perform at a range of venues and events and rehearse once a week.

Diana explained that it is a flexible arrangement which allows members to participate in performances based on their availability.

“The Seaside Singers don’t require an audition to be a part of the Seaside Singers, everyone is welcome,” Diana told News Of The Area.

“When you sing you have fun, you use your brain, use your voices, learn something new and entertain people.”

Diana was recently recognised for her

contribution to the culture of the Nelson Bay area, receiving a Port Stephens Council Australia Day Award.

Apart from her singing, Diana is also a passionate writer and a member of a local writing group for seniors.

She would also like to see the return of a community drama group as she believes this is an important missing cultural outlet for the community.

The Seaside Singers will perform once again this Friday at the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre.

Federal grants for Paterson schools

By Lindsay HALL

THE Albanese government has approved nearly half a million dollars of funding for improvements to nineteen schools in the Paterson electorate.

Making the announcement on

Tuesday 12 March, the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson said, “From new laptops and air purifiers to upgraded outdoor sports equipment, this funding has delivered upgrades to schools in Paterson that need it the most.

“This is another important step in delivering on the Albanese Government’s commitments to build a better and fairer education system.”

The grants from the Government’s School Upgrade Fund will deliver $452,182 in total so that schools in the Paterson electorate can complete planned projects to improve student wellbeing.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” Minister for Education Jason Clare commented on the funding announcement.

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to invest in our schools and provide safer classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities.”

Among the schools benefiting from this fund are St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens Campus, Hunter River High and Tomaree Public School.

Hunter River High School will receive funds to purchase and/or upgrade ICT equipment (including laptops and tablets) and for the repair or maintenance of school facilities.

Tomaree Public School will utilise funding to upgrade or improve existing outdoor learning spaces, while the St Philip’s funding will be used towards improving existing outdoor learning spaces, installing and/or upgrading shade structures, and repairs or maintenance to school facilities.

St Philips Principal Martin Telfer expressed his appreciation and plans for the grant.

“I am so grateful for the financial support of the Government which has provided for our students beautiful large marquees which we use at events and carnivals,” he said.

“Not only do they provide much needed shade but also help to build community and a sense of pride in the school.”

Stardust Circus swings into Raymond Terrace

A JAM-PACKED touring circus show comes to Raymond Terrace this month, featuring a diverse array of acts designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Stardust Circus, the biggest circus in Australia, is designed for all ages, ensuring a magical experience for the whole family.

The travelling show, operated by the West family, consists of 30

talented performers.

One show highlight is a seven person spectacle on the flying trapeze.

“The show includes a high wire act including the performer riding a bicycle across the wire and more,” a Stardust Circus spokesperson told NOTA.

“We have a daring double aerial act with two girls including

teeth and split hangs, plus other aerial acts.

“The huge Wheel of Death features very exciting stunts on the outside of the wheel while in motion.”

In true circus fashion, the show also includes comedy acts and clowns, performing pigs, goats, dogs, ponies and more.

Stardust Circus comes to Raymond Terrace from 28 March to 7 April, next to Raymond Terrace Marketplace.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

q The Seaside Singers performing in Nelson Bay. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Seaside Singers founder Diana Souter. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Prepare to be amazed by the array of talents on display.

q Aerial talents will be on display.

BLUEWATER Stainless has been servicing the residential and commercial building and manufacturing sectors for over ten years.

Whilst specialising in balustrading, pool fencing and shower screens, the company has the capability to fabricate stainless steel, aluminium, steel, brass and copper as well as install your architectural glass needs.

Director Ben Grover grew up in New Zealand and as a teenager relocated to live in Fingal Bay.

fabricating stainless steel.

After returning to Australia in 2010, Ben started working at Bluewater Stainless, where he eventually took over the business.

Ben understands the technical components of working with stainless steel and glass and the advantages of such weatherproof products.

Bluewater Stainless have a glazier on staff as well as specialist welders and carpenters.

“These specialists mean

q Whilst specialising in balustrading, pool fencing and shower screens, Bluewater Stainless has the capability to fabricate stainless steel, aluminium, steel, brass and copper as well as install your architectural glass needs.

but we are tight knit and love what we do so this shines through in our installations and end product.”

Bluewater stainless offers balustrading and pool fencing, frameless

• 4 spacious bedrooms, perfect for families of any size

• Well-designed layout with a functional flow throughout the home

• Open plan living and dining areas, ideal for hosting guests or relaxing with family

• Stay warm during winter with a formal lounge featuring an antique timber fireplace

• Comfortable all year round with family room raked ceilings and split system air conditioning

• Low maintenance surrounds with added security of shutters on all external windows

SALAMANDER BAY

56c Salamander Way

• Single-level home with practicality, presentation, and convenient location.

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• Modern residence boasting 2 living areas, 3 bedrooms, ensuite, and double garage.

• Covered entertaining, landscaped, level fenced yard.

• Stylish kitchen with contemporary fittings and quality appliances.

• Reverse cycle air-conditioning, remote garage entry.

• Minutes from schools, shops, and waterfront.

• Freestanding home - No Strata Fees!

• Pristine beaches, easy shopping access, and proximity to Horizons Golf Course add to the amazing benefits of the property.

SHOAL

• Sought-after location with abundant recreational opportunities including Tomaree Mountain, boat ramp, and national park.

• Just 300 meters from the stunning Shoal Bay Beach & Country Club.

• Ideal for beach enthusiasts, a dream location.

• Original beach cottage, ripe for renovation.

• Perfect for a weekender or permanent rental.

• Opportunity to build your dream home on a slightly upsloping block.

HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO

HUGH MCINNES STEVEN BOOTH JACK

When

There's something for everyone, including the picturesque Tomaree Mountain, boat ramp, national park to explore,

a selection of

opposite the waterfront.

Whether you swim, walk, jog, explore, snorkel, fish, surf, mountain bike, or just relax - this is the perfect place to be.

Contact Nelson Bay Real Estate at sales@ nelsonbayrealestate.com.au or 02 4981 2655.

LOCATED atop a ridge, this

129-acre

This custom-built country homestead, featuring five bedrooms and wrap-around verandas, provides an idyllic setting for soaking in the panoramic views of vast and undulating bushland.

With every corner crafted for comfort and elegance, it presents a brilliant opportunity for those yearning for a lifestyle change.

This magnificent property promises a retreat where peace and nature blend seamlessly with stylish modern living.

Nestled along the pristine waters of Port Stephens, Tea Gardens is a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat, yet conveniently close to the vibrant hubs of Maitland and

Newcastle.

It boasts stunning natural landscapes, from sunkissed beaches to lush green bushlands, offering a plethora of outdoor activities.

With a tight-knit community and local amenities that cater to everyday needs, Tea Gardens presents an idyllic lifestyle where tranquillity meets convenience.

Contact Tom Woods at tom.woods@riverrealty.com. au or 0467 712 883.

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From the Mayor’s desk

By Ryan PALMER Mayor, Port Stephens Council

The Port Stephens Coastal Management Program

JUST a few weeks ago, Council endorsed the exhibition of the draft Port Stephens Coastal Management Program (CMP).

The CMP is a long term, future focused document designed to deliver a coordinated approach to the management of our coastline.

We all know Port Stephens has a very unique and valuable coastal environment –from our sandy beaches and rocky headlands to the mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrass beds; it’s one of our most valued assets and a big part of what makes living here so incredible.

It’s also an environment that is constantly changing and at times, under threat.

It’s important for us to have a better understanding of these threats so we can plan, manage and protect our place for future generations.

The CMP is designed to do just that - it provides a framework that meets our current needs and equips us to face future challenges.

The CMP was developed in stages, over a number of years.

We’ve been talking with the community since 2021 to better understand the coastal areas most valued and what coastal hazards affect them.

We’ve also considered detailed technical data which has helped us model future threats to our coastline and waterways.

Together with the community, we have developed 60 actions designed to reduce the impacts of coastal hazards over time.

The CMP outlines how these actions will be implemented, the costs associated with the actions and proposed funding options.

The draft Coastal Management Program is on public exhibition until 28 March 2024.

We encourage you all to take some time to review the document and have your say. It’s a large and technical document so to make it a little easier to read, we’ve developed a summary document which provides an overview of the actions.

You can view the full Port Stephens Coastal Management Plan and the Summary Document at www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/ cmp.

Dorin’s Draws

By Paul DORIN

Don’t be taken in by smoke and mirrors

DEAR News Of The Area,

IN News of the Area (29 February) a reader has suggested seeking 'help' from China in relation to renewable transition after viewing a documentary on The Silk Road.

China has the most coal-fired power stations in the world and continues to build.

Any 'help' they would like to give Australia is helping themselves to our country, which they are endeavouring to do at every opportunity.

The land, properties and companies they already own here are formidable.

Don't be taken in by the 'smoke and mirrors' and the window dressing in a doco.

Everything they do is at the expense of their people and behind the scenes is the reality of China.

Regards,

Peggy STRANSKY, Nelson Bay.

Can you help Stinker identify these ladies?

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

OVER the last couple of years I have been compiling information for a book in the form of photographs, research and interviews.

The book, titled ‘Marsh Road’, which will be launched in October-November, tells an amazing story of a community with the strongest of bonds.

Through the good times and the bad the Bobs Farm community celebrated and

commiserated as one.

Hard workers all.

Some of the photos I have collected are difficult to identify.

I am hoping someone will be able to recognise the ladies from the Bobs Farm, Marsh Road area.

Please contact me if you have any information at all relating to your family which you are willing to share.

Email stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.

Email

On theCouch

DEAR Jasminda,

My husband insists on having his window down in the car, regardless of the weather.

He says he feels stifled with the windows up and the air-conditioner on. I prefer to regulate the temperature.

How do we compromise?

Belinda W.

Dear Belinda,

I wonder if it's a short-haired thing.

People with short hair (or no hair) can enjoy having the windows down without worrying about the side-effects. It must feel invigorating to feel the wind on your face without the accompanying hair-whip.

My husband sounds like yours.

If we are going out, I leave with hair like Katy Perry and by the time we arrive I look like Dee Snider.

We've all become accustomed to modern living, but there was a time in the not-too-distant past when cars with airconditioners were a luxury extra.

In winter, getting into the car was like stepping into the deep-freeze, and in summer, you could almost smell your skin sizzling as it stuck to the seat.

Clutching the steering wheel or attempting to put on a seatbelt was a test in resilience similar to walking on hot coals.

There are times when having the window down is appealing, though.

A few spring to mind:

1. You are driving along a scenic coastal route and enjoying the salty breeze.

2. You are pretending you are Bette Midler and singing Wind Beneath My Wings.

3. You are a Golden Retriever.

Apart from those examples, it's nice to regulate the airflow and temperature.

Also, spare a thought for people in convertibles (or in Mini Mokes or on Motorcycles) who not only have to find their glasses and keys before a drive, but also their berets (or helmets), gloves, scarves, and knitted knee warmers, and in summer, lashings of SPF 50.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

READING by Lynne Miles: Mark 10: 45"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many."

Stinker’s History: The adventures of ‘Clanka’ - Part 2

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

‘Clanka’ - A Fearless Character

SOME years later, after purchasing his first trawler, ‘Delstar’, built by master shipwright Bill Ryan at Taree, the family fell on hard times and Ron was offered a job to crew a tug boat from Newcastle to Roebourne in Western Australia.

Industrial turmoil, strikes and threats were the order of the day on the waterfront.

It was in this atmosphere that Ron was offered the job to take the tug to WA.

Asking no questions Ron and deckhand Bob McLean (no relative) sailed, or should I say sneaked, out of the Newcastle harbour, in the middle of the night.

“Just enough drama to get Ron excited,” Ron’s wife Adele recalled.

“He had never gone past Seal Rocks and off he went in a tug boat to the other side of the country.

“They were gone for a month.”

As the years passed Ron bought the trawlers ‘Shamrock’ and finally ‘St Patrick’, all built in Taree by Bill Ryan.

Ron left Nelson Bay and headed north, spending twelve months in Evans Head.

He considered the Evans Head bar, the entrance to the river, to be too narrow and shallow so he moved on to Ballina, then Tweed Heads then on to Mooloolaba.

The Queensland coastal village proved comfortable for the family and they stayed, enabling youngest son Patrick to have a settled education.

Ron, accompanied by eldest son Andrew, went further north, prawning up as far as Princess Charlotte Bay.

The beginning of the end for Ron occurred in Townsville.

Reading to this point you are possibly wondering why I commenced this story of Ron McLean’s life by stating that he was wilder than Ned Kelly.

Well, it was well known to anyone associated with Ron that there were really two persons, maybe more, in the one body.

One of those persons was Clanka.

There is some confusion about the origin of the nickname but all agree it was related to Ron playing rugby league.

It seems that he was so hard that when he tackled an opposing player there was a resounding ‘clank’ sound.

Others tell me that the nickname relates to one day on the footy field when his pants were torn off while he was running down the field.

Running naked down the sideline some reckon that they heard a definite ‘clank, clank, clank’.

Regardless of where the name came from, there was no doubting that Clanka was one tough nut.

This was evident in just another incident shortly after he bought a motorbike and sidecar in 1954 off the local butcher, Teddy Cohen.

While driving along the old dirt track to Rocky Point he veered into the bush, crashed into a tree and crushed his foot and broke a heap of toes.

Just as his foot was healing he accidentally slammed the door of the Chevy on his crook foot and broke all

his toes again, a hell of a mess.

To aid in the recovery, Clanka limped into the Sea Breeze Hotel where he sat up on the bar stool and ordered two stiff scotch whiskeys.

He was closely watched by a well dressed man with a feather in his hat, obviously a city fellow.

He saw the fisherman hobble in and watched him buy the whiskies.

Clanka drank one and then poured the other on his bloodied, broken foot.

The bloke in the suit fainted, fell off the stool and lay on the floor of the pub.

This entire episode was witnessed by Barry Kafer’s uncle, who was holidaying from the Blue Mountains.

He related the yarn so many times over the following years that Barry’s father referred to him as the ‘Blue Mountain Parrot’.

Clanka, even as a young man, was a unique character, a rough diamond with many facets.

Fishermen had the reputation of being wild men but Clanka was the wildest.

Get drunk, fight, do anything.

For a bet, he ate a few live sea worms purchased in the bait shop opposite the Sea Breeze pub, but it must be said that he washed the sand off the worms before dunking them in his schooner of beer.

Then he drank the beer.

As the years went by the stories continued to grow.

It seemed that everyone in the community knew of the larrikin exploits of Clanka McLean.

His very presence made a receptionist at the Nelson Bay RSL

Club shiver with fear when she asked the question as he entered the club foyer.

“And your name sir?” she asked.

“Clanka, Clanka McLean,” came the gruff reply.

The woman went white.

It seemed to those with Clanka at the time that the receptionist was about to dive under the desk.

You would have thought she saw a ghost.

His reputation for wild behaviour was well earned and the receptionist wasn’t the only one who shook in their boots at the very mention of his name.

Every fisherman I spoke to had a story to tell about Clanka.

They agreed that he was hard and uncompromising, generous and fearless, a master seaman, a very hard worker and outstanding fisherman.

Others told me that he was a very good provider with a heart of gold, kind and even gentle at times.

If you needed help he was always there, however if you got on his wrong side, look out!

You were in real strife.

It was agreed that Clanka was a true Aussie character and a “bloody good bloke”.

“Everyone that Clanka punched deserved it,” reckoned Jimmy Chalkley.

Jimmy had a lot more to tell me.

“Talking about Clanka McLean, I was at the RSL Club one night when it first kicked off.

“I went home and went down to the Bay next morning and here’s all the coppers and everything down the waterfront.

“Anyway, I said to the coppers: ‘What’s going on here?’.”

The policeman replied: “Clanka is towing the ‘FourX’, John Foyster’s boat, into port.”

Foyster owned the Sea Breeze Hotel.

“How come you got Clanka to go and tow him in?” Jimmy asked the gathered police.

“A bit strange I thought considering we were all barred from his pub after I put a bit of a stink on there one night.”

The policeman explained further: “Clanka was drunk at the RSL last night and the word got around that the FourX, a pleasure boat, was broke down off Broughton Island and so he volunteered to go and get the boat and tow it home.”

The copper reckoned the drunk

fisherman did a mighty job.

“This is in a 56 foot boat, ‘Shamrock’, and it was blowing a 40 knot westerly.

“The sea conditions were very bad and getting worse,” added the policeman, full of praise for the fisherman’s mighty effort.

It seemed that Clanka was being considered as somewhat of a hero by the police, which was a bit of a change.

So what happened was that Clanka had got aboard his boat, drunk, and steamed to Broughton in a foul sea.

The Foyster boat was moored up in Esmeralda Cove out of the weather.

Clanka had a big heavy rope down the back for towing, so he threw them this coil of silver rope which they looped over the bow.

Then he threw all the rope overboard and looped the other end on the back bollard of his boat and steamed out of Esmeralda and didn’t look back.

When he got ashore, back in Nelson Bay many hours later, he told his friend he had “squared up with Foyster for booting us out of the pub”.

“How did you square up?” Jimmy quizzed.

“I didn’t turn right till I got to 80 fathoms!” Clanka chuckled.

So instead of heading out of Esmeralda and steaming directly home, Clanka headed straight out to sea in the howling wind and rolling swell.

You can only imagine what it was like out there.

Everyone was out looking for him because the drunk fisherman left the port at midnight and he was long overdue. The reason for being so late, only known to Clanka, was that he had taken the long way home.

The very long way home.

“Anyway Foyster ended up throwing keys to the pub, this was at 9 o’clock in the morning,” Jimmy said.

“Get your mates out of the RSL Club and the manager will let you in the saloon bar of the pub, it’s yours till 3 o’clock.

“I won’t let anyone else in.”

The publican certainly was glad to get his feet on dry land.

At this stage of the story I couldn’t go any further until I had asked Jim why he was barred from the pub in the first place for putting on a “stink”.

I was itching to find out more.

We will get back to Clanka later.

q Clanka had many vessels from small lobster boats out of Rocky Point to trawlers including ‘Shamrock’ after moving north.

Stinker’s Fishin’: Jacks - a real challenge

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

A COUPLE of weeks back I mentioned that I had spent time on the Tweed River where I had been ambushed by thumping great mangrove jack.

Fish to 5kg which I couldn’t land.

Always ready for a challenge, master fisher Wayne Coles and son Matt headed north from Lemon Tree Passage to Coffs Harbour to do battle with the mighty jack.

As expected the Coles boys came to the conclusion that when the jacks pull hard in one direction the recipe for success was to pull harder in the opposite direction.

Unfortunately, we in Port Stephens are rarely visited by mangrove jacks which prefer the warmer waters of the north.

Very few jacks have been reported in our waters and even less caught on a line.

The only time I have heard of their capture was in a net inside the port or speared over the offshore reefs.

On the odd occasion that I have caught a jack I have been amazed at the lightning speed that the fish possesses from a standing start. Their strength in the battle is reflected by the need to use a 20kg line to catch a 5kg fish.

To my mind the mangrove jack is one of the best kitchen fish I have experienced.

The real problem is getting them into the kitchen.

q Lemon Tree Passage master fisher

Wayne Coles with a solid Coffs Harbour Mangrove Jack.

practitioners.”

Laws introduced to ban conversion practices

THE NSW Government last week introduced a bill to parliament to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices, fulfilling a key election commitment.

Conversion practices, which can include so-called ‘conversion therapy’ and suppression practices, are formal or informal practices based on the ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment.

Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.

The NSW Government bill criminalises conversion practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and cause serious mental or physical harm.

It also provides redress to survivors through a civil pathway and makes it illegal to take someone out of NSW to undergo a conversion practice.

The legislative reform was developed through consultation with stakeholders including members of the health, education, legal and government sectors, faith and multicultural organisations,

LGBTQ+ community advocates and victim-survivors, academics and researchers.

“Every person in NSW deserves to be respected for who they are and that’s exactly what these new laws will do,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“It is intolerable that we have a situation in NSW where children can be told something is wrong with them and that they need to be fixed.

“I’ve personally met with survivors of conversion practices and know how important it is that we put an end to this.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said conversion practices have “severely damaging health impacts”.

“These landmark reforms are the result of diligent and extensive work and consultation across a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the model is tailored to NSW,” he said.

“We want them to function effectively and as we intend.

“We have worked closely with a wide range of health experts to ensure that this Bill is fit for purpose and provides clarity around obligations for

The Government says religious freedom will not be impacted by the legislation, with expressing a belief through sermon, taking offence at religious teachings, and seeking guidance through prayer not included in the ban.

“We have carefully considered this legislation, developing it thoughtfully following extensive consultation to ensure that it strikes the right balance between protecting vulnerable communities as well as legitimate religious and cultural practices,” Attorney General Michael Daley said.

“The Government does not intend to ban the teachings of a religious leader or expression of a religious belief through sermon.

“We have been guided by a core principle - that all people across NSW should be able to live free of practices that cause harm and be protected by evidence-based protections which the community expect, deserve and can rely upon,” he said.

Equality Australia and survivors of conversion practices have welcomed the bill.

“We stand with survivors in welcoming this bill and we urge all MPs to seize this opportunity to end these archaic and harmful practices

which have already caused untold harm and have no place in modern Australia,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.

“Years from now history will remember those who voted to put an end to these damaging practices, saving countless people from a lifetime of pain and in some cases saving lives.”

Before the state election last year both Labor and the Coalition committed to banning LGBTQA+ conversion practices.

Legislation has already been passed in Victoria, the ACT and New Zealand while Tasmania and South Australia are considering reforms.

Queensland has a ban on conversion practices in health settings.

“These practices deny the humanity of LGBTQA+ people and find no support among any medical or psychological professional  association,” Ms Brown said.

“Abuse dressed up as pastoral care or guidance is a breach of trust and power and it’s time we put a stop to the real and lasting harm conversion practices cause to vulnerable people in NSW.

“We are looking forward to reviewing the bill carefully and working with all MPs in parliament to ensure survivors are protected

comprehensively from harm.”

CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI), Anthony Venn-Brown, said conversion practices were based on outdated information.

“Homosexuality was taken off the list of mental disorders half a century ago.

“Since then, often wellintentioned people acting on illinformed and outdated information have continued to cause harm to the very people they seek to save.

“This legislation to protect vulnerable LGBTQ people is long overdue.

“We are not ‘broken’ or need ‘fixing’.

“This bill will save lives and make NSW a safer place for LGBTIQ+ people."

Conversion practice survivor and SOGICE Survivors founder Chris Csabs went through conversion practices in Sydney starting when he was only sixteen years old.

“The introduction of legislation is a good and important step towards protecting LGBTQA+ people from experiencing similar harms,” he said.

“Now we turn our attention to advocating for the legislation to be in line with the survivor-led gold standard.”

House and unit approvals down on 2022

THE latest ABS figures on new home approvals indicate that home building activity across the Hunter and Central Coast cooled slightly in 2023, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

“In 2023 total dwelling approvals in the Hunter fell 7.4 percent, while on the Central Coast total dwelling approvals fell 2.9 percent compared to

the 2022 calendar year,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.

“This in contrast to all states and territories that saw a greater decline in the 2023 calendar year. Nationally total approvals fell 15.4 per cent, while in NSW approvals fell 17.7 percent.

“There was a total of 4,786 building approvals across the

Hunter in 2023 and 1,586 on the Central Coast.

“Combined this is 6.3 percent weaker than in 2022, and 15.2 percent lower than 2021.

“It is twelve percent lower than the pre-Covid year of 2018.”

A total of 500 houses were approved in Port Stephens in the twelve months prior to

December 2022.

In the twelve months to December 2023, 208 houses were approved, a reduction of 58.4 percent.

Unit approvals in Port Stephens were also down 49.6 percent year to year.

Mr Jennion said detached homes remained the preference for home buyers in the Hunter, accounting for

55.6 percent of all approvals.

“This is despite a 17.7 percent increase in multi-unit approvals,” he said.

“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues to occur in the statistical areas of Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Cessnock.

“These top locations for

approvals, accounting for 89.5 percent of total approvals”, said Mr Jennion.

“Regionally Newcastle was the biggest mover with total housing approvals increasing by 114 percent.

“Detached dwelling approvals increased sixteen percent while multi-unit approvals increased by 159 percent.”

Expert says biosecurity levy fails pub test

By Mike HELY

THE Federal Government’s proposed $50 million Biosecurity Protection Levy fails the ‘pub test’, says Trevor Ranford, an Australian Biosecurity Award winner in 2022.

Mr Ranford, a leading horticulture industry advocate with more than 46 years experience, said despite widespread criticisms from the industry and independent experts, the Government was “blindly proceeding with this unfair tax on farmers”.

He said the Government was introducing the Biosecurity Protection Levy to balance its biosecurity budget.

The levy will affect about 85,000 domestic agricultural, fisheries and forestry producers and is due to commence on 1 July 2024.

It will collect around $50 million a year, equivalent to six per cent (on an annual basis) of the total Australian Government biosecurity funding in 2024-25.

Mr Ranford said Agriculture Minister Murray Watt wanted to

fund the Government’s “normal commitments” to biosecurityincluding at borders - by forcing the new levy on primary producers.

He said the Government had ignored a steady stream of advice against the proposed levy.

This included 50 agricultural industry organisations writing to the Prime Minister to reject the levy, and numerous industry bodies denied requests for a ‘hold on the tax’ to allow discussions about alternatives.

“There is a significant and growing body of evidence to show that this biosecurity tax will not make good policy and fails the good old Australian pub test,” Mr Ranford said.

“The industry is ready to assist with the redevelopment of this policy when the Minister decides he is ready to listen.”

National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said the levy had attracted "a tidal wave of expert criticism".

“Everyone from the Productivity Commission to the Australian

National University and the Freight and Trade Alliance has labelled this policy a dud,” Mr Jochinke said.

“It makes zero economic sense.”

He said industry stakeholders were cynical about the motivation

behind the Government’s recent decision to establish a Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Advisory Panel.

“It’s pretty clear that this panel is being tacked on at the eleventh hour to try and give the levy some

credibility,” Mr Jochinke said.

“All it’s done is demonstrate the continued shambles this process has become – with stakeholders yet to receive formal invites, or any detail on the panel’s scope and role.”

Libraries sprout community connection

By Marian SAMPSON

SEED libraries continue to grow in popularity, with 1200 seed packets loaned out across three Port Stephens library branches in 2023.

200 of those seed packets contained seeds donated by

community members.

Across Port Stephens libraries now offer a Seed Library alongside the more traditional offering of books and resources.

Tomaree Library and Community Centre coordinator Mitzi Dewhurst told News Of The

Area, “We encourage people to borrow, return and donate seeds to the Seed Library.

“The return on the loan is not only the fresh product, but the seeds harvested from the crop.

“These seeds are then shared with other library members in a

reciprocal manner.”

All you need to borrow seeds is a free library membership card.

The Seed Library collection reflects both seasonality and the diversity of donations.

“When seeds are donated to the library we arrange for them to be packaged and re-shared.”

The Seed Library is focused on providing seeds for local community members that are easy to grow, and provide ancillary benefits including companion planting and encouraging healthy eating and cooking.

The seeds include a range of herbs, flowers, vegetables and fruit from mini tomatoes to Asian greens, chillies, herbs, and flowers such as marigolds.

The collection changes according to the seasons, so there is always something different to try.

Port Stephens Libraries form a part of a global Seed Library database.

“Many customers are keen to try new seeds they may not have tried before such as sugar baby watermelon or asian greens.

“The marigolds and sunflowers

always continue to be popular.

“Parsley continues to be a favourite and seeds such as Nigella and Fenugreek tempt those looking for something a little different.

“We like to encourage the donation of seeds that are suited to our area and easy to grow, so they can be shared with others.”

All seeds must be collected from members' gardens and not parks or reserves.

Libraries have come a long way from the days of just loaning books.

At Port Stephens Libraries you will discover books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, online resources, technology help sessions, multicultural collections, ebooks and audio.

Information and resources can be explored, searched and accessed remotely as well as in person.

“We also loan board games, STEM kits, ukuleles, weaving looms and flower presses.

“We currently offer a range of programs and events from book discussion groups, educational programs, children’s activities, author visits, writers talks and workshops to name a few.”

Funding available for Hunter charities

“Our

“We

"We encourage submissions

from eligible organisations who can demonstrate an enduring community benefit for those who need it most.”

Applications can be submitted via the Charitable Foundation website and close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April.

q Trevor Ranford receives his 2022 Australian Biosecurity Award from Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.

q Across Port Stephens libraries now offer a Seed Library alongside the more traditional offering of books and resources.

Emergency preparedness review

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE STRONG gathering at the Pindimar-Bundabah Community Association Hall on Saturday 16 March testified to the reinvigoration of community efforts to be better prepared for inevitable emergency situations.

Close to 50 residents turned out to start putting up their hands for roles in the ‘Hub Houses’ strategy, which will soon form the bedrock of emergency communications at the local level.

“We got great information

from Steve Carmichael and David Bright in regards to the recent Pindimar fires and the importance of the community calling in fires they spot,” Myall Way Emergency Planning Group leader Joanne Pearce told NOTA.

“We were lucky last week because our comms did not go down, as is often not the case in a bushfire,” Jo emphasised.

“People actually need to be ready to evacuate, have plans in order, and be ready for the reality that you might not get home.

“The single road in and out

to North Pindimar was closed, showing we are quite vulnerable, as people will realise we are often not totally sure what is going on... those without internet or mobile may have nothing.”

Pindimar-Bundabah Community Association President (PBCA) Vivien Panhuber said the group would soon be applying for a grant for UHF radios.

“One good suggestion was that those with VHF licences could choose to be identified as a resource if VHF is needed to communicate out," Vivien said.

q But for the efforts of the Rural Fire Service crews and brigades last week, the only road in and out of North Pindimar was nearly cut off entirely, an eventuality for which locals need to be prepared.

The Pindimar-Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) Acting Community Engagement Officer told NOTA, “Volunteers also put themselves forward to support the active fire fighters, and ways to do this will be explored, along with enticing teenagers into support roles.

“The Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS Brigade seeks to welcome local youths to the team; they would find much to learn and be proud of in joining the RFS.”

The PBCA will also seek to discuss a cadet program with local high schools, among other avenues.

SPORT

The Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS Brigade members discussed the need for a drone with cameras capable of seeing normally as well as detecting infra-red, to quickly locate fire spot-overs in situations like the recent week-long effort, much of which was spent preventing a jump across Warri Street to engulf the only road into North Pindimar.

Drone technology was used to keep an eye on the Hazard Reduction burn at Shearwater on Wednesday 13 March by Fire and Rescue Tea Gardens, however, that technology is, as yet, unavailable to RFS crews.

Netball mentor Pearl an inspiration to the sporting folk of Port Stephens

By Chris KARAS

SHE may live with multiple sclerosis but educator Pearl Manton is a true inspiration to budding netballers in the Port Stephens region.

For more than two decades the lady dubbed ‘Aunty Pearl’ by the local netball fraternity has devoted countless hours to the sport as a player, coach and administrator.

Despite battling the disabling neurological disease, the 35-yearold Manton can be found tutoring juniors at the Karuah Pearls Netball Club on the finer points of the game and completing her off-court duties.

She enjoys her role of Club President and team coach and gets massive fulfilment from helping foster the club’s precocious young

talent.

When tireless official and brains trust Renae Lamb founded the club back in 2021 it was the visionary Manton who assisted in getting the Pearls established.

Last season she guided the undefeated Pearls to an Under 12s premiership in the Port Stephens Netball Association and earlier this year was appointed manager of the NSW Indigenous Schoolgirls team that competed at the National Carnival on the Gold Coast.

Pearl’s emphasis on teamwork, honing skills and having fun on court has resonated with the club’s player list.

“I want the girls to be free spirits on court but play as a unit and enjoy the camaraderie,” a devoted Manton

told News Of The Area.

“Thanks to the spadework done by Renae the club is growing and we hope to enter four teams in the Association competitions this season,” she quipped.

A talented goal attack/shooter in her youth, Pearl developed her game while playing for Medowie and in the Wyong-Gosford Association in her heyday.

During the week you’ll find Pearl pouring her energies into her role as an Aboriginal Education Officer at Karuah Public School.

Her passion as an educator and netball mentor has no bounds and she continues to juggle her work and sporting commitments with a minimum of fuss.

q Inspirational netball mentor and educator Pearl Manton with Australian Diamonds vice captain Paige Hadley.

q Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS Captain David Bright (far right) was pleased to see so many people showing interest in their own wellbeing at the meeting.

Nelson Bay Club Results

10 MARCH – 16 March 2024

Sunday 10 March 2024

Men’s Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

1 Tony Short (10) 42

2 Chris Mawson (10) 38

3 David Joseph (23) 36c/b

Ladies Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

1 Deborah Hall (43) 42

2 Gretchen Fryer (38) 36

Monday 11 March 2024

NO RESULTS

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Ladies Stab:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Linda Drake (18) 37 C/B

A2 Jenny Bezuidenhout (16) 37

A3 Jenny Hazer (22) 36 C/B

B1 Louise Kerr (29) 37

B2 Janet Petith (28) 35 C/B

B3 Julie Newsham (25) 35

C1 Sharon Barnes (45) 36

C2 Heather Crutch (39) 35

C3 Deborah Hall (40) 33

Wednesday 13 March 2024

Men’s Stroke:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 John Clark (10) 66

A2 Ivan Skoda (15) 67 C/B

A3 Joshua Foote (15) 67

B1 Todd Workman (18) 69 C/B

B2 Clinton Ermer (17) 69

B3 Steven Parrott (16) 70 C/B

C1 Cormac Gray (27) 66

C2 Michael Wojko (25) 74

C3 Ted Smith (25) 76 C/B

Men’s Stableford:

Xmas Bush Course

A1 Harvey Payne (5) 38 C/B

A2 Peter Rigby (15) 38 C/B

A3 Tony Short (8) 38

B1 Donald Graham (23) 38

B2 Will Strong (23) 36 C/B

B3 Jeremy King (19) 36

C1 Luke Erskine (37) 47

C2 John Ambrose (33) 37

C3 David Evans (31) 36

Thursday 14 March 2024

Men’s Stab:

Xmas Bush Course

Overall winners:

1 Brett Sansome (8) 33 C/B

2 Peter Campbell (14) 33

Ladies Stab:

Xmas Bush Course

A1 Kerrie Raper (23) 37

A2 Glenda McCaw (28) 35

A3 Mary Reisch (21) 32

B1 Celia Forsyth (49) 37

B2 Denise Wooduff (40) 34

B3 Judy McTaggart (41) 32 C/B

Men’s Vets

1 Bob Beverley 19

2 Peter Hensley 15

Friday 15 March 2024

Men’s Stab:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Martyn Jeggo (15) 37

A2 Phil Ismay (17) 36

A3 John Linton (18) 35 C/B

A4 Jason Gascoigne (12) 35 C/B

B1 Keith Le Compte (30) 38 C/B

B2 Warren Cannon (33) 38

B3 Richard Bennett (28) 35 C/B

B4 Keith Woodley (24) 35

Ladies Stab:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Suzanne Peters (47) 32

A2 Susie Anderson (21) 28 C/B

A3 Robyn Kennett (16) 28 C/B

Saturday 16 March 2024

Men’s Ind Stab + Irish 4bbb

Brushbox Course

A1 Graham Allen (9) 39

A2 David Kirby (8) 38c/b

A3 Scott Ferguson (14) 38

B1 Pierce Power (19) 41

B2 Rod Cox (16) 40

B3 Bob Kew (16) 39

C1 Paul Buckley (25) 40

C2 Flynn O’Malley (27) 36

C3 Will Strong (24) 33

Men’s Ind Stab + Irish 4bbb

Brushbox Course

A1 Wayne Finney (9) 39

A2 Graham Kerslake (14) 38c/b

A3 Scott Quinn (4) 38c/b

B1 Rex Harris (23) 41

B2 Ryan Pain (16) 39

B3 Peter Johnston (23) 37c/b

C1 Michael Monin (33) 41c/b

C2 Steve Jones (25) 41

one of several talented juniors that will take part in the special three day camp from April 19-21 at the Sydney Academy of Sport at Narrabeen.

C3 Warren Noble (30) 39c/b

Men’s C1 - Ind Stab +

Irish 4bbb 19th

Brushbox Course

1st Place – 85

Neil Lembcke

Ross Lalor

Ian Sandy

PK Kennedy

2nd Place – 84c/b

Vinko Komadina

David Kirby

Peter Jackson

Robert Connor

Men’s C1 - Ind Stab +

Irish 4bbb 10th

Brushbox Course

1st Place – 91

David Graham

Jordan Monin

Danny Marmo

Michael Monin

2nd Place – 90

David Rann

Glen Egan

Scott Quinn

Marc Pisani

Talented junior to attend AFL Indigenous Youth Leadership Camp

By Chris KARAS

MEDOWIE schoolgirl Caitlyn Ashpole continues to impress keen judges on the local AFL scene.

The thirteen-year-old tyro has developed into one of the most promising centre half forwards in the region with skilful performances for the Port Stephens Power club in the Hunter Central Coast AFL Junior competition.

An accurate goal kicker and top marker with a high work rate, the emerging Ashpole is one of the local

juniors to watch when the Power kick off their 2024 campaign next month.

Her superb displays during the Sydney Swans trials impressed officials who named the promising teenager in the club’s Junior Academy Squad as a just reward.

It followed her polished performances as captain of the Port Stephens Under 13s line up last season where she booted a bagful of goals and caught the eye with her durability and vision in the midfield.

Power officials identified the gifted Caitlyn as a top prospect at the age of six when she participated in the club’s Junior Program.

She is one of six Power juniors from Medowie to gain selection in the Sydney Swans’ 2024 Junior Academy Squads and recently was chosen to attend a NSW AFL Indigenous Youth Leadership Camp in Sydney next month.

NSW/ACT Diversity and Inclusion AFL Manager Simon Wilson told News Of The Area that Caitlin is

“She will participate in the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program for girls aged thirteen to fifteen which is the first stage of the Indigenous talent pathway,” revealed Wilson.

“The program is an opportunity to build the capacity of our participants by supporting and encouraging them

to be leaders in their community through education sessions and game development opportunities,” he said.

A highlight of the camp will be a feature match between the program participants and an Under 14 Multicultural side.

EASTER 2024

EASTER 2021

EARLY DEADLINES NOTIFICATION

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

Friday 2nd April 2021 will be printed and distributed

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below edition:

Thursday 1st April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Thursday 4th April 2023 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Friday 9th April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

For more information, please contact ads@newsofthearea.com.au

For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

We wish you all a Happy & Safe Easter from the team at Coffs Coast News Of The Area

q Outstanding Port Stephens Power AFL junior Caitlyn Ashpole will participate at the Indigenous Youth Leadership Camp at Sydney Academy of Sport next month.

Lions shock Pythons

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Cricket Club’s dreams of a unique Newcastle District Suburban Cricket premiership three-peat have been shattered.

The Pythons and Water Board Wests - the two top ranked sides in the Division One competition - were bundled out of the 2023-24 title race in spectacular fashion after shock defeats last weekend.

Merewether Lions and Warners Bay will be chasing history this Saturday when they square off in the Grand Final after boilover victories in preliminary finals action.

Both clubs have never won top grade honours and are determined to lift a maiden trophy.

Having already secured the Denis Broad OAM Cup Twenty 20 title, Josh Moxey’s all conquering Pythons were on track for a rare Division One championship trifecta.

But limited cricket this past month has blotted the team’s copybook with the Pythons humbled for a meagre 65 against Merewether at King Park - in arguably their worst batting performance of the season.

Gun Lions all rounder James Pryde was best on groundsmashing an unbeaten 38 off 52 balls and grabbing 3-24 in a rousing

eight over spell to cap a memorable display.

Talented number three Leigh Harris top scored with 60 off 90 balls including six boundaries and a six and Stephen Pryde contributed 22 runs as Merewether posted 7-154 off their 40 overs after winning the toss.

Pace twins Brock Hawley (330 off eight) and Shawn Davies (116 off eight) and warrior Lleyton Eveleigh (2-20 off seven) were the pick of the Pythons’ bowling attack.

An incredible eight ball spell by Stephen Pryde, who snared 3-1, supported by sibling James (3-24), Lachlan Price (2-8 off four) and Paul

Tanilba Veteran Golf Results

By Ian WILLIAMS

TUESDAY 12.03.2024

Player registration from 7.00am, Tee off from 8.00am.

2 Person Ambrose

Player # 26

FRONT NINE:

WINNERS:

Lenny Hardes & Kevin Hart 24.75 nett

RUNNERS UP:

Mike Lacey & John Street 26.5 nett c/b

BALL WINNERS:

Gary Payseno & Tony Hodskiss 26.5 nett

Kim Miller & Les Deane 28.5 nett

NTP:

B Grade: John Street

D & C:

A Grade: Kim Miller

B Grade: Les Deane

C Grade: Mike Lacey

BACK NINE:

WINNERS:

Andrew Corbett & Steve Enderby 21.5 nett

RUNNERS UP:

Barry Garahety & Joe Croci 24.5 nett c/b

BALL WINNERS: Steve Robards & Ray Stubbs 24.5 nett

Barry Sampson & Barry Disch 25.25 nett

NTP:

A Grade: Barry Disch

C Grade: Steve Enderby

D & C:

A Grade: Steve Robards

B Grade: David Enderby

C Grade: Barry Sampson

Next week, 19th March, Individual Stableford, white tees.

ATTENTION ALL GOLFERS

TANILBA BAY VETS DO IT BEST

The Tanilba Veterans Golf Club extends a warm welcome to all current and past players looking for a more relaxed format of our beloved game where mateship and casual competition go together. We are a group of like minded

Muree Golf Results

Lee RANKIN

people, 50yrs or older, with a love of the game, especially during our senior years, with most members, but not all, being retired. We play 9 hole competitions every Tuesday morning, we hope you'll be able to join us for a very relaxed round on a regular basis. To become a full playing member of the TBVGC we ask for a very low $5.00 annual membership fee and the payment of $15.00 game fee each round. You are also expected to be a playing member the Tanilba Golf Club, see pro shop for details.

THE TANILBA VETERANS GOLF CLUB ALSO RECOGNISE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERVICE OF CURRENT AND EX MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES (ADF) AND AS SUCH, DO NOT CHARGE JOINING FEES FOR THESE VETERANS.

Contacts:

Fred Drury (President) 0458 845 565

Bill Alexander (Captain) 0452 603 656

Dan (1-5) helped set up a stunning 89 run triumph over the reigning premiers.

Jeremy Rushford (22), champion run scorer Jarrod Moxey (14) and Lleyton Eveleigh (10) were the only Port Stephens batsmen to reach double figures.

“We saved our worst performance until last,” a disappointed Pythons skipper Josh Moxey told News Of The Area.

“The team can still reflect on a successful 2023-24 campaign - it was only our second loss of the season and we did manage to bring home the Denis Broad OAM Twenty20 trophy,” Josh added.

Warners Bay (8-143) advanced to the title decider with a 21-run victory over Water Board (122) at

Jesmond Park.

Maryland Fletcher Gold (9-120) will line up against Warners Bay in the Division Two Grand Final after rolling Water Board (119).

The Bay progressed after their semi final against Port Stephens at Feighan Oval was abandoned due to wet weather.

Port Stephens will be chasing silverware in the Division Six decider against Beresfield Memorial.

The Pythons (7-75) edged out Maryland Fletcher (71) with top performances from Jarryd Johnson (48 not out) off 92 balls with six sixes and three boundaries and Troy Elwes (4-11 off seven), Jeremy Kirk (2-15), Lachlan Freeman (2-15 off seven) and Stuart Ellis (1-19).

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Shortland Waters GC on Monday 11th March 2024 with 38 players.

Nett Winner : Robert Paul, 37pts c/b.

Nett Runner Up : Phil Sherwood, 37pts.

Bonus Point Winner : Michael Moussa, 38pts.

Bonus Point Runner Up : Frank Vandruten, 36pts.

Nearest the Pin, 2nd Hole :

Div 1 : Jamie Carr.

Div 2 : No Winner.

Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole, :

Div 1 : Col Kerrison.

Div 2 : Peter Toth.

Drive & Chip, 4th Hole,

Div 1 : Shayne Mullarvey.

Div 2 : Peter Toth.

Drive & Chip, 17th Hole,

Div 1 : Robert Paul.

Div 2 : No Winner.

Ball Winners : Michael Best 35pts, Fred Rimoni 35pts, John Wilcocks (v) 34pts, Stuart Moana (v) 33pts, Peter Toth

33pts, Lester Lake 33pts, Shayne Mullarvey 32pts, Jim Avestas

31pts, Jim Gill 31pts, and Phil Rogan 31pts.

Next weeks game is at Tanilba

Bay GC with a 7:30am start.

Visit from Muree Vets next week.

Visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times.

Kids Boot Camp 007

Pets

MALTESE Shih Tzu puppy. Boy

Available now. Located in Port Stephens

BIN# B000616552

Call or text 0474 378 452

ANTIQUE sewing machine, Singer 306K model. Good working order, manual & all attachments inc. $75 0419 970 527 F210324

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

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

For Sale

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

COSMOPOLITAN

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

CURLING iron $10 0493 777 707

MENS

exc cond. $70 49817523

For Sale

Funeral Notice Motors

FREE WARDROBE hanging spaces and drawers 0428 943 812

CHAIR recliner, black worn areas on arm 10cm x 6cm & small areas on other arm & lower back. Could be suitable to recover. Ph 0404 035 634

Positions Vacant

BOOKKEEPER

Permanent part time position: 6 hours/week

Minimum qualification: Demonstrated extensive experience in bookkeeping and MYOB. The Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre is looking for an enthusiastic, competent, qualified and experienced person to fill the position of bookkeeper.

To obtain an application form and an information package containing more details about the position, including the selection criteria, please call 02 4984 6220 or email gsblunt52@gmail.com

For Sale

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

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

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

CANVAS bag for shopping trolley. $14 4982 8628 F150224

CHEST of drawers

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

CHEST of drawers large, wooden, 104cm H x 105cm W. Painted off white, VGC. $30. 0403 177 795

CHAISE Lounge

Timber, painted white Era 1890s. $100 0418 950 995 F071223

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

COFFEE/Lamp table

12VOLT 2 tone jack

12 volt wheel brace Twin 100mm saw Ph: 4982 3648

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

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

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

DRIZA-BONE coat, XL $200. 0418 950 995 e120424

DVD movies incl. drama and westerns, mainly last 5-20 years. Incl 1 TV series 10x10 disks $60 Ph: 02 4966 5000

ELECTRIC Heaters

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

1 Oil filled 2400 watts $40 for both. Please ring 0404 724 347 F020622

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

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

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

FULL length Driza-Bone wet weather coat. $90 0419 985 601 F220224

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

GOOD antique Queen Anne dressing table with mirror $60 Ph 0429 601 039 F070422

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

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

HOLDEN racing team shirt from early 2020’s Red with insignias of Dunlop, Holden and Coca Cola. Large. $10 4981 7523. F231123

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

IKEA Stornas Bar Table

GC. $95. 0493 078 190 F020323

LADIES Bike 27”

New tires and tubes Front basket and back carrier. Geared. $100 0404 292 942

MENS gold watch Chisel, multi date, 100m water resistant, new still in box, fully working, bought from jewellers, cost $299 sell for $100. 49817523 F210324

MUSIC 50’s - 90’s CDs and vinyl 45’s various compilations plus single artists. 02 4966 5000 F310823

NEW Mahogany side tables. $100each 0493 777 707 F071223

. Size

3 Kabuto Japan. $99

Peter 0419932992

SCOTTY’S Cinema gift cards $75. Buy for $60, expire June 25. 0418 845 358

TRAVELSCOOT

Folding Mobility Scooter. As new $2,850. 0432 210 234

Boats

YACHT 27” traditional

GRP 1994 10 hp diesel Beautiful fit out. Separate head. Moored LTP Port Stephens. $18,000. Ph 0427 419 246 Photos etc

SUBARU Outback

Touring wagon, 2011 2.5L auto, AWD, 155km rego till Feb 2025, log book. DZD22L. $8,500 0448 253 290

1999 Goldstream Sapphire 2001 series. 5m with awning and sides, double bed, sofa gas/elect fridge, stovetop

2016

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

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

OUTSIDE umbrella 4 metres x 3 metres $200 ono. Must sell 0417 664 032

JAYCO Journey single axel, single beds shower/toilet, microwave auto awning, review camera, all as new 16.5 ft, 15 months old TL85A1. $62,500. Ph Les 0419 194 188

MILLARD Horizon

ROCKING chair antique 1880’s. $125 0418 950 995

2003 19ft dual axel light weight. Tare 1544. GVM 1944. 2 x 200 solar panels, anderson plug 3 way fridge, queen bed, shower/toilet, full 12 months rego, roll out awning. Non smokers Selling due to update $27,950. Q25752 0418 430 643

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

SEVEN, 7pm

After 30 years, we all know this veteran family lifestyle show is about more than just complicated DIY projects. Sometimes food is the hero and what better time than Easter to pander to your tastebuds. As much concerned with nourishing the soul as simplifying DIY, the friendly, inspirational content magically makes us feel like we could build or whip up anything – perhaps even an awardwinning garden? Outdoor inspiration blooms tonight with Charlie Albone, Melissa King and Graham Ross like kids in a candy store at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Colin Fassnidge also has the ultimate seasonal treat – a hot cross bun and butter pudding.

FRIDAY, March 22

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R) 2.00

House Of Gods. (Mls, R) 2.55 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (PG, R)

4.10 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

by Tom Gleeson.

10.05

10.35

11.05

11.20

12.10

12.55

1.45

SUNDAY

I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!

TEN, 7.30pm

Fun-loving but chock-full of disgusting and terrifying challenges, this reality TV staple returns for its 10th season, along with its sparky and knowledgeable new co-host: wildlife warrior Robert Irwin. Now that Dr Chris Brown has flown the coop, Julia Morris has a fresh jungle comrade in the young and enthusiastic son of Steve Irwin, who has inherited his father’s showman-like style. Filming in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the cast of celebrities competing can arguably rest assured knowing there’s someone who isn’t afraid of snakes or cheetahs in their midst. Tonight’s premiere reveals who’s gutsy enough to forgo creature comforts to compete for charity.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Singfest: The Literacy Of Music. (R) 10.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula.

3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

9.20

10.15

4.15

4.40

5.00

5.30

WEDNESDAY ALONE AUSTRALIA

SBS, 7.30pm

Armed with only 10 permitted items, such as a sleeping bag, a water bottle and perhaps a toothbrush, there’s no bluffing in this extraordinary survival series.

Returning with its keenly anticipated second season after hooking audiences with its Tasmanian-set debut last year, the stakes are high for the 10 competing survivalists after no doubt taking feverish notes from reigning champion Gina Chick’s audacious feat winning the 250,000 cash prize. This time they’re in New Zealand’s South Island, where being cold takes on a painful new meaning. Featuring NSW tradesman and wild game hunter Jack and Victorian wilderness adventure guide Suzan, there’s no shortage of skill and chutzpah.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 MOVIE: The Perfect Parents. (2017, Mav, R)

2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)

3.00 The Chase. (R)

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.30 MOVIE: Maid In Manhattan. (2002, PGls, R) A US senatorial candidate falls for a mysterious woman he meets while visiting New York. However, unknown to him at the time, she is a single mother who works as a maid at the hotel where he stays. Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson.

10.45 MOVIE: Argo. (2012, Malv, R) Ben Affleck.

1.15 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 MOVIE:

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.

10.45 MOVIE: The Infiltrator. (2016, MA15+adlv, R) A US agent tries to bring down a drug kingpin. Bryan Cranston.

1.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

2.05 Pointless. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 Ready Steady Cook.

Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Final, Mal) Irish comedian Graham Norton presents the second of two compilations of highlights from the recent series.

10.50 Albert Park All Access. (R) Commentary and analysis ahead of the race.

11.50 The Project. (R)

12.50 Fire Country. (Mmv, R)

1.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 23

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death

In Paradise. (Mv, R) 1.30 Miniseries: Life

After Life. (Mav, R) 2.35 Julia Zemiro’s Home

Delivery. (PG, R) 3.05 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.55 Universe With Brian Cox. (R) 4.55

Better Date Than Never. (R) 5.25 Landline. (R)

5.55 Australian Story. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Gunbower And Torrumbarry, Victoria. (R) Presented by Heather Ewart.

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

7.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Masv) Part 3 of 4.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 2 of 3. A crime wave of the kind more usually associated with London has taken hold of Oxford.

10.00 House Of Gods. (Ml, R) Sheikh Mohammad’s plans struggle.

11.00 Happy Valley. (Mal, R) Faisal comes under increasing pressure.

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Love Your Home And Garden. (PG, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage.

11.00 Urban Conversion. (R) 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup. H’lights. 3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 5.00 Grand

Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 The American Fuhrer.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa)

8.30 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication.

9.30 From Paris To Rome. (PG, R)

10.25 Those Who Stayed. (PGa)

11.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mal)

12.00 Suspect. (MA15+av, R)

3.30 Face To Face. (Mals, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Fried Green Tomatoes. Continued. (1991, PG) 7.25 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 9.05 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PG) 11.10 Undine. (2020, M, German) 12.50pm The Hole In The Ground. (2019, M) 2.30 A Monster In Paris. (2011, French) 4.10 Spread Your Wings. (2019,

SUNDAY, March 24

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30

Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.30 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.45

Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30 The ABC Of... (Final, PG, R)

6.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (Final, PG, R)

6.30 Compass. (PGa)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv) A water taxi driver is murdered.

8.30 House Of Gods. (Ma) Seyyed Modhaffer devises a new and risky way for Isa’s payments to be transported to Iraq.

9.30 Happy Valley. (Mal, R) Faisal comes under increasing pressure.

10.30 MOVIE: Suffragette. (2015, Malv, R)

12.15 Significant Others. (MA15+s, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 PBS

Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55

Swan Football. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing.

Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 2. H’lights.

4.00 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid C’ship. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. H’lights. 5.00

Wonders Of Scotland. (PG, R) 5.30 Harbour

From The Holocaust. (PGavw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa)

8.20 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Cyprus. (PGas, R)

9.15 A Year From Space. (PGavw, R)

10.35 Latest Secrets Of The Hieroglyphs. (R)

11.35 Beyond The Cut.

11.40 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Men’s race.

2.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Women’s race.

4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Golden Slipper Day and William Reid Stakes Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 2. Sydney v Essendon.

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

11.00 Lockerbie. (PGav, R) Part 1 of 4. Documents the investigation into the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

1.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint. Day 1. Highlights.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Get Clever. (R) The wonders of science are explored.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGl)

8.30 MOVIE: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021, MA15+lv, R)

10.45 MOVIE: Sleepless. (2017, MA15+dlv, R)

12.35 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

6.30 Ready Steady Cook. (R) Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 The Dog House. (PGa) A family considers an energetic cockapoo pup who their seven-year-old immediately falls in love with.

9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition.

10.40 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R)

11.55 So Help Me Todd. (PGa, R)

12.50 FBI: International. (Mav, R)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

9GO! (83)

6am Children’s Programs.

2pm Motor Racing. Formula E. São Paulo ePrix. H’lights. 3.05 MOVIE: Step Up 2: The Streets. (2008, PG) 5.05 Kenan. 5.35 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks. (2007) 7.30 MOVIE: Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. (2008, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PG) Midnight Made In Chelsea. 2.00 Below

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Jabba’s School Holiday

Movie Special. (PGahv, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Storm Boy. (2019, PGal, R) 3.30 Border Security. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes. (R)

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl)

8.30 Lockerbie. (PGav) Part 3 of 4. The FBI case against the two suspects is strong but circumstantial.

10.50 Quantum Leap. (Mav)

11.50 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint. Day 2. Highlights.

12.50 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Sea Change. (2007, Msv, R)

3.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return, PGals) A group of Aussie celebrities competes in a test of survival in the wilds of Africa.

9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When a US Navy seaman is involved in a murder, the NCIS team is called to work the case on their day off. Lucy is surprised to find out Whistler turned down a promotion in Washington, DC, to stay in Hawaii.

11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GO! (83)

MONDAY, March 25

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

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Australia Remastered. (R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (R) 4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.20 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (Final) 11.10 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Druids: The Mystery Of Celtic Priests. (PGa, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (Final, PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.00 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec takes a case involving a young burn victim and arson that forces him to confront some trauma from his past.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

9.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The team is called to Vermont after a couple growing illegal marijuana massacre their employees.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am A Monster In Paris. Continued. (2011, French) 6.40 To Sir, With Love. (1967, PG) 8.40 Belle And Sebastian 2. (2015, PG, French) 10.30 Room. (2015, M) 12.40pm Angels Wear White. (2017, M, Mandarin) 2.40 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.55 Modern Times. (1936, PG, No dialogue) 6.30 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 8.30 Das Boot.

TUESDAY, March 26

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 One Plus One. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (Final, R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. (PG, R) 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Premiere, Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00

Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

11.05

Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Final, Mlnsv) 12.00 Miniseries: Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+lsv, R) 12.30 Vise Le Coeur. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R)

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

7MATE (64)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv, R) The team investigates the case of a US Navy reservist whose body was found in a car at a gun range.

10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mv, R) An ATF agent goes missing.

11.00 The Project. (R)

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

SBS MOVIES (32)

Marx. (2020, M) 12.10am Late Programs. 5.55 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG)

7MATE (64)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

Quality fields assemble for annual Port Stephens Box Fest 2024 bodyboard championships at Box Beach

FROM Page 32

south coast, is the reigning title holder but will observe from the sidelines as former champions Dallas Singer and Kane Brewer of Shoal Bay,

John Cruickshank and South African Michael Osler do battle with local bodyboard heroes Hayden Pisani (Boat Harbour), Salamander Bay’s Nathan Price and Anna Bay’s Hamish Jenkins in a top

quality Elite field.

Box Fest is regarded as the country’s biggest bodyboarding event for prize money and participation with $3000 prize pools for both the Elite and Elite Drop Knee

divisions plus various prizes in other categories.

Port Stephens District Bodyboarders (PSBC) will again organise this year’s event with major sponsors Port Stephens Toyota and District Five Bodyboard Shop. PSBC president Chad Pisani told News Of The Area

media@newsofthearea.com.au

that this year’s Box Fest event “has attracted a high-volume of entries”.

“It is shaping up as one of the biggest local sporting festivals on record with full numbers in the Open, Juniors, Over 35 Masters and Over 45 Grand Masters categories,” enthused Chad.

“Crowds will be treated to spectacular thrillseeking action from the best bodyboarders across Australia in their pursuit of surfing silverware,” he added. For further details check the Port Stephens District Bodyboarders Facebook page.

WEDNESDAY, March 27

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 10.55 Q+A. (R)

12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cornwall. (PG, R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

12.20

1.15

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. (PG, R) 10.55 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Return, Ml)

8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (Mals)

9.25 Miniseries: Litvinenko. (Ma)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Blinded. (MA15+s)

11.45 The Wall: The Orchard. (Return, Mals)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

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

Sunrise.

6.00

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 MOVIE:

6.00

7.30

6am Welcome

Home, Roxy Carmichael. Continued. (1990, PG) 7.50 The Color Purple. (1985, PG) 10.35 Salvation Boulevard. (2011, M) 12.25pm Annie Hall. (1977, M) 2.05 Modern Times. (1936, PG, No dialogue)

THURSDAY, March 28

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Big Deal. (Ml, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cornwall. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00

8.00

Roadshow. (R)

10.20 Better Date Than Never. (R)

10.50

11.05

1.10

2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. (PGa, R) 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R)

3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bettany Hughes: Treasures of Bulgaria. (PGa)

8.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy.

9.20 The Vanishing Triangle. (Malsv)

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Illegals. (Malsv)

11.40 La Jauria. (MA15+sv, R)

3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities face the ultimate test of the jungle, all in the hope of winning money for their chosen charity.

9.00 FBI: International. (Mav) The team delves into a case involving an American who killed an elderly German man in Berlin.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30

My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55

The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.00

Dr Quinn. 3.00 Antiques

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6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

8.30 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) Rollins struggles on her return to work.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Ma, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

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Odysseys. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Bones Of Crows. 9.30 MOVIE: Natural Born Killers. (1994, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

Established and emerging bodyboarders from all over the country will test their skills at secluded Box Beach – located within Tomaree National Park – from Friday March 22 to Sunday March 24 in the keenly-anticipated surf extravaganza.

In a huge boost, four of the event’s previous winners will contest this year’s Elite competition with two-time champion Liam Lucas the only absentee due to injury.

Lucas, a Tamarama native now living on the NSW

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Photo: Shane Chalker.