Port Stephens News Of The Area 23 February 2023

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

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

John SAHYOUN 0419 439 151 john@newsofthearea.com.au

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

EDITOR

NEWS: media@newsofthearea.com.au

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FLIPBOOK ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au

SOCIAL: facebook.com/portstephensNOTA

POST: PO Box 1000, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324

Man dies after being pulled from water at Shoal Bay

A MAN has tragically died after being pulled unconscious from the surf at Wreck Beach.

About 7.40am on Saturday

18 February 2023, police attended Wreck Beach, near Shoal Bay, to investigate reports a man had not returned home after going for a surf.

Wreck Beach is a very secluded location and can only

Man located deceased in water at Swan Bay

be accessed by water or a long walk in from the car park.

Officers from Port StephensHunter Police District located the body of man, believed to be aged in his 50s, in the surf.

Officers from Port StephensHunter Police District have commenced an investigation and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

THE body of a man has been located in the water at Swan Bay.

About 9.10am on Saturday 18 February 2023, officers from Port Stephens Water Police responded to a report that a body had been located approximately 60m offshore by a member of the public in Swan Bay – approximately 20km west of Nelson Bay.

Full-fibre NBN upgrades

The body was recovered by police and returned to shore.

Whilst the body is yet to be formally identified it is believed to be that of a 44-year-old man.

NSW Police report that there are no suspicious circumstances. An investigation into the incident has commenced and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

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HOUSEHOLDS and businesses in Medowie and Raymond Terrace will be able to upgrade to a fullfibre broadband connection as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better NBN.

These upgrades are part of the NBN’s fibre upgrade program which has been boosted by the Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment to expand full-fibre access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025.

This includes over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

Fibre broadband means faster upload and download speeds, and a more reliable connection for local residents.

The benefits are even more pronounced for larger households if many devices are used, as higher speeds means the whole family can be online at the same time.

An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be

available to them over copper.

“Affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’,” said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

“It is an economic and social necessity that will drive productivity improvements and global competitiveness.”

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said the upgrades will make a meaningful difference to the quality-of-life for local residents.

“This is a nation-shaping

Port Stephens DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NOTICES in the NOTA

investment, ensuring more locals across our communities of Maitland, Port Stephens and Kurri Kurri can take advantage of an increasingly digital global economy,” Ms Swanson said.

NBN Co expects eligible premises will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024. For a full list of eligible suburbs or to register for updates, visit www.nbnco.com. au/residential/upgrades/fttpupgrade-with-higher-speedtiers.

The

Raymond Terrace homelessness crisis raised to Council

FROM Page 1

growing homeless population in Port Stephens, Di Ball, the executive director of the Raymond Terracebased Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation, fronted Port Stephens Council’s 14 February meeting during public access.

In the past several years, Di and the Wahroonga team have connected countless families and individuals experiencing homelessness to key programs and services.

At last week’s meeting, Di spoke of the growing demand for Wahroonga services, the rising issue of homelessness in Raymond Terrace, and the need for a safe location for people experiencing homelessness to access toilet and shower facilities locally.

“Wahroonga has been providing many services to our homeless,” Di told councillors.

“Coming out of Covid we were doing a pantry, and we had the community coming into the pantry to put food on the table.

“What we have been providing during Covid, and coming out of Covid, is offering meals, wipes etc.

“We provide warm meals, tea and coffee, and try to put in wraparound services,” Di said.

During the meeting, Cr Leah Anderson asked Di for clarification around the number of homeless people in the Raymond Terrace area.

“Basically, numbers can vary,” Di said.

“We were climbing throughout the past twelve months to the 300 mark.

“It could be climbing in the next six months to well over the 400 mark that are homeless,” she said.

With cold weather on the horizon, Di told councillors now was the time to act to ensure the safety of the local homeless community during winter.

“We have the winter months coming, and if the homeless don’t have a place to go for showers, or a suitable place for accommodation, this is where they start looking at abandoned buildings.”

Di also spoke to the diverse nature of homelessness in Port

Stephens.

“When you look at the homeless who come in you have different categories.

“You

“Because they are all migrating to Newcastle, they are all so stressed to the max.

“They don’t have any temporary accommodation so they are migrating out to the outer areas.

“When you look at homeless as a definition you have couch surfing, you have got ones that are sleeping in their cars, you have what they call the ‘fringe dwellers’ who are living in makeshift tents or huts, you have ones sleeping in the old Woolworths or on a park bench,” she said.

“You will also find there are families who have little ones, and these are the ones who go undetected because they are fearful of the Department of Communities and Justice.”

Di stressed the importance of changing the perception of homelessness in Port Stephens.

“There is fear in the community.

“They are no different to our sons, daughters or relatives, it’s just that they hit hard times.

“When they hit hard times, they come through my door and I am not judgemental.

“I speak to our homeless who are in psychosis, I listen to them and I show them respect.”

Equitable access to key services was also raised, with Di noting the discrepancy between services offered in Port Stephens and larger

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q Di Ball, the executive director of the Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation, brought the issue of homelessness in Raymond Terrace to the attention of councillors during public access.

regional centres like Newcastle.

“When you look at the outer areas we don’t have the resources that Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have got.

“We don’t have the resources on the mental health side of things.

“We don’t have a refuge for our youth, or a refuge for our men.

“Because there is no bulk billing, we have the biggest crisis of where these people go to.

“This is putting major pressure on Maitland, the Mater and John Hunter (Hospitals).”

Throughout the meeting, Di reiterated the importance of people experiencing homelessness in Raymond Terrace having a safe place to shower, and questioned councillors and staff about the viability of opening a number of sites in the area for this purpose; including the former Fire Station and King Park.

“Most of our clients who come in don’t have access to showers,” she said.

The fire station site is set to be demolished as part of a road widening program, with Council waiting on funding becoming available to complete the job.

According to Council’s Group Manager of Facilities and Services, Greg Kable, the fire station site is not a viable option for use in the meantime as it was purchased

through a compulsory acquisition process, with strict rules applying to its usage.

“That was the purpose for the acquisition and those are the conditions under which we own it,”

Mr Kable said.

“I think that would prevent us putting anyone in there at all, irrespective of their background or how worthy a cause it would be.

“Essentially all we can do is tear it down and build the road as proposed.”

Di also suggested that King Park in Raymond Terrace may be an appropriate location to allow the homeless community shower access two or three times a week.

Mr Kable said the use of King Park would need to be discussed with the Sports Council.

“There may be some options outside those sporting facilities that may be better suited for the purpose, so that is something we can work on with Di in the future.

“King Park would need to be put past the Sports Council and see how

that would impact on the programs they have going on there,” he said.

While no suitable location for allowing shower access was identified during the meeting, councillors and staff pledged to continue working with Di for an outcome.

Di is also seeking a suitable and central Raymond Terrace location at which to run Wahroonga programs.

“All our programs are expanding,” Di told councillors.

“Our women’s group has been going for over twelve months now.

“I was looking at places around Raymond Terrace where we can find a good space for our women to do activities indoors and out,” she said.

As her public access time came to a close, Di promised to continue supporting the homeless community across Port Stephens.

“I know one day we will have a good space where our homeless community can come and feel normal and have their showers.

“I know it is not today, but I do know it will be in the future because I will not give up.

“I will just keep knocking on doors.

“Hopefully one day we will get that centre and it is a space for people to access and feel part of the community,” Di said to applause from councillors and the small crowd.

have women who are escaping domestic violence, relocating from the country and rural areas to the surrounding areas of Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock and Kurri,” Di said.

Bright days ahead for

FOR the third time in less than a year, Australian Community Media (ACM) publications across the state have utilised their front pages to appeal to government to support their struggling regional newspapers.

In this latest iteration, dozens of ACM papers are asking NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and opposition leader Chris Minns to support regional newspapers in two key ways if successful at the March state election.

The first is to “Guarantee that no less than

rather than openly advertise them in the local paper”.

one full page of NSW government advertising will be booked each week in this and every local paper in the state”.

The second to “Reverse the 2020 regulatory change allowing local councils to bury public notices about their decisions on their websites

A common thread across the campaigns is the statement “papers in peril”, a line being used by ACM to describe the state of regional newspapers across the state.

News Of The Area director Michael Wright however, does not agree with that pessimistic view on the industry.

“What I don't agree with, and what I want to distance myself from, is the doom and gloom of the ACM headlines and inferences that seem to be speaking on behalf of all community newspapers,” Mr Wright said.

“Their [ACM] headlines say that dark days are ahead for communities across NSW.

certainly isn't the case for all newspapers across NSW.

“I see bright days ahead for us. “Tough days maybe, but certainly a future with community newspapers in it.”

NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor, who oversees the publication of four regional newspapers from Port Stephens to the Coffs Coast, said while any and all extra advertising

$40,000 in scholarships for Port Stephens’ brightest youth

FROM Page 1

of Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships.

Mayor Ryan Palmer joined representatives from sixteen local businesses to present a total of $40,000 to support our region’s most passionate local students.

Local businesses lined up to donate funds and to attract a future generation of employees for their businesses.

From developers, aerospace, manufacturing and tourism a variety of industries were well represented.

“These scholarships wouldn’t happen without the investment of local business,” said Mayor Ryan Palmer.

“Many of our sponsors have been involved with the Mayoral Academic Scholarships program for many years with some providing funding for two scholarships,” he added.

Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock spoke of the dogged determination and purpose which leads to success and job satisfaction at the awards night.

This year's sponsors included Ampcontrol, BAE Systems Australia, Business Port Stephens, Club Lemon Tree (two scholarships), Destination Port Stephens, Hunter Land, Hunter Readymixed Concrete, McDonald Jones, MOJO Homes, Newcastle Airport (two scholarships), Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Salamander Bay Recycling (two scholarships), Soldiers Point Bowling Club, The Wests Group (two scholarships), Tomago Aluminium and Weathertex.

The 2023 Mayoral Academic Scholarship recipients are:

Callan Astin | Ampcontrol

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)

Selman Hassan | BAE Systems Australia

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours)

Levi Brown | Business Port Stephens

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Data Science / Bachelor of Computer Science

Alannah Horne | Club Lemon Tree

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

Tonaya Hyland | Club Lemon Tree

University of New South Wales –Bachelor of Science - Vision Science

Holly Kennedy | Destination Port Stephens

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics (Honours)

Cooper Lack | Hunter Land

University of Sydney – Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Olivia Squires | Hunter Readymixed Concrete

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Primary Education

Jessiah Barnes | McDonald Jones

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

Liliana Seehusen | MOJO Homes

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Jackson Warburton | Newcastle

Airport

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Alexander Hankin | Newcastle Airport

Macquarie University – Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Security Studies

Sophie Bennett | Raymond Terrace Bowling Club

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Mabel Bradbery | Salamander Bay

Recycling

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Samuel Harrop | Salamander Bay Recycling

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Medical Engineering (Honours)

Gabrielle Lewis | Soldiers Point Bowling Club

University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

Isaac Lyon | The Wests Group

Australian National University – Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Environment & Sustainability

Ebony Newton | The Wests Group

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (combined)

William Clark | Tomago Aluminium

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

Georgia Sloane | Weathertex

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Science

The NOTA will be profiling the winners of the scholarships over the next few editions.

One of the newspapers promoting the ACM campaign is the Port Stephens Examiner, who highlighted their risk of closing in a similar frontpage spread in December 2022.

“It might be dark days for ACM but it

q Last week's Port Stephens Examiner front page 'Dark days ahead...'.

q News Of The Area director Michael Wright is

q Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock was keynote speaker at the event. Photo: Marian Sampson.

independent publishers!

forecasting bright days ahead for independent publishers.

streams are welcomed, a weekly mandated full page state government advertisement will not be a silver bullet for regional newspapers.

“It is vital regional news outlets focus on producing high quality, hyperlocal print and digital products which tailor specifically to their community.

“The successful independent outlets which have launched in recent times in regional NSW have set themselves apart with their intense local focus; and readers, communities and local business sectors have responded to this by supporting those newspapers in terms of advertising.”

Mr Wright agrees with the ACM push however for councils to be mandated to publish public notices in local newspapers, in the interest of transparency.

“I have seen the ACM front pages and what I do 100 percent agree with is the push to the government to reverse the 2020 regulatory

change which allowed local councils to not have to publish Development Application notices in the local paper.”

With the media landscape of Australia rapidly changing, Mr Wright sees an ever increasing opportunity for independent publishers to make their mark in regional communities.

“ACM does seem to be struggling, and I think it suggests the era of media giants is slowly disappearing.

“I feel the long term future of rural, community and regional newspapers is in the hands of local independent publishers because they seem to be able to operate at a lower cost base,” he said.

q News Of The Area made a guest appearance on the ABC's Media Watch program in response to the most recent ACM pleas for help.

Port Stephens man charged for alleged child abuse material and grooming offences

DETECTIVES from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad have charged a man following an investigation into online grooming in the state’s Hunter region.

Last month, detectives from the Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the state’s Port Stephens area.

Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a woman and her daughter aged under ten years, whereby he engaged in highly-sexualised conversations, sent child abuse material and made arrangements to meet them for sexual activity.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 47-yearold man at Tanilba Bay about 7.30am on Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Investigators later executed a Commonwealth search warrant at a Tanilba Bay home, where several electronic storage devices and other items were seized to undergo further examination.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with use carriage service to groom person intent to procure under sixteen years for sexual activity with another over sixteen years, use carriage service to transmit/publish/ promote child abuse, and

possess child abuse material.

He was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court yesterday, where he was formally bail refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

Online child safety information can be accessed via the eSafety website at https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Educational packages for parents and children are available from ThinkUKnow, a multi-agency program designed to educate and promote cyber safety.

Visit https://www. thinkuknow.org.au/

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Regular covert online investigations are conducted

by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues

Applications for Postal Votes open

By Marian SAMPSON

WORK, travel, illness and mobility issues can all impact your ability to get to

the polling booth on election day.

For those who can’t attend in person, applications for postal votes

are now open.

The 2023 NSW State election will be held on 25 March 2023.

You can apply for a Postal

interstate and overseas. Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force

Vote if you will be unable to attend a voting centre on election day during voting hours (8.00am – 6.00pm).

Registered General

Postal Voters do not need to apply for these.

A postal vote pack will be sent out to you when it is available.

For a state election or by-elections the Electoral Commission NSW must receive your postal vote

application by 6pm on the Monday before election day. Your completed ballot papers and postal vote certificate must be received by the NSW Electoral Commission no later than 6pm on 6 April.

https://nsw.crimestoppers. com.au. 0411 305 306

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q Photos from the dramatic arrest at the Tanilba Bay home.

q The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station to be charged for alleged multiple child abuse material and grooming offences.

DA notices to appear weekly in NOTA

By Doug CONNOR

NOTICES of development applications (DAs) lodged in the Port Stephens LGA will now appear weekly in News Of The Area, after Council voted to extend the notices into the publication at their February 14 meeting.

In April 2020, changes to legislation in NSW meant Councils were no longer required to publish all public notices in print.

Following this change, Port Stephens Council made the decision to cease weekly DA advertisements in newspapers.

Councillor Leah Anderson moved a motion in early 2022 to reintroduce DA advertisements back into local newspapers.

In December 2022, the decision was made to reinstate DA notices into the Port Stephens Examiner.

At last Tuesday’s Council meeting, Council voted to include Port Stephens News Of The Area in their DA Awareness Campaign, with advertisements outlining local DAs to be published each week.

“This was a notice of motion I brought to Council last year, not so much a DA

q Port Stephens Council has decided to extend DA notices into News Of The Area on a weekly basis in the interest of transparency.

Awareness Campaign, but getting the DAs advertised back in the paper,” Cr Anderson said.

“I think it is a huge improvement from where we have come from to where we are now in terms of our transparency.

“I have had some really amazing community feedback.”

Cr Anderson said

extending the notices into the NOTA would allow more Port Stephens residents a chance to see them.

“The Examiner unfortunately doesn’t get delivered to everyone’s front door.

“For some people it is quite sporadic sometimes, and some people miss out on the Examiner.

“For them to know they

can go to their local shop or Coles or wherever, there are lots of places you can get the News Of The Area… you can pop in and get one of those and see the DAs that have been lodged.”

Cr Giacomo Arnott said the extension of DA notices into the NOTA was not about supporting newspapers financially, but about improving transparency.

“For me, DAs going into newspapers isn’t about funding those newspapers, it's not about putting money into them,” Cr Arnott said.

“It’s not about the money, it is about making sure we are being transparent with the community.

“I have always struggled to put a price on transparency because it is so important.

“Extending this

advertising into another publication I think is important.”

Cr Steve Tucker, alongside former councillor John Nell, voted against the removal of DA notices from newspapers when proposed by Council in 2020.

“Ever since, support has been building with Councillor Anderson’s motion to reinstate them,” Cr Tucker said.

“This latest motion, which will include the NOTA, which I read every week, will bring balance and will support them as well.”

News Of The Area director Michael Wright welcomed the move, both in terms of transparency and support for a local business.

“Of course this decision shows the Council's commitment to transparency, however for me it's not just about that,” Mr Wright said.

“After I spoke at the December Council meeting about our paper being left out of the DA Awareness Campaign, the Mayor and management called a meeting with me to talk about News Of The Area.

“For the Mayor, councillors and management to pass this decision is also showing a level of support for a homegrown and local business too.”

Endangered rehabilitated turtles released by Sea Shelter

By Marian SAMPSON

TWO and a half years ago a badly injured green sea turtle washed up on the mud flats at Lemon Tree Passage.

Many thought she was beyond help.

Last week after many hours of painstaking care, Beryl was released back into the waters of Port Stephens.

The team at the notfor-profit Sea Shelter’s new hospital for marine life were Beryl’s saviours.

Led by marine biologist Ryan Pereira, Beryl was treated for a range of medical conditions and it was clear from her badly damaged carapace that Beryl had been hit by a boat or jet ski.

After many tube feeds and months of nurturing the 81 kilogram turtle, Beryl has been given a shot at freedom back in her home.

Beryl’s injuries mean that she has a tendency to float.

Her buoyancy system doesn’t automatically work until she gets to a depth of around five metres.

Because releasing Beryl is risky due to her inability to stay underwater easily, she has been fitted with a tracking device.

“The device cost around $5,000 to purchase and there are ongoing costs for the monitoring of Beryl which can be seen online,” Ryan Pereira told News Of The Area.

“If we see that Beryl isn’t managing to stay healthy and stay underwater, we will go and collect her.”

Beryl’s tracker will stay on her carapace for around three months at which time it will be shed.

“We really hope that we will be able to recover the device for future monitoring of other newly released turtles,” Ryan said.

Beryl was released by

carers and wellwishers at Nelson Bay Beach.

Also released at the same time was a juvenile green sea turtle which has been in care at Sea Shelter at Irukandji Shark Encounters for around one month.

Sea Shelter depends upon volunteers and donations to conduct their rescue and rehabilitation programs for a range of marine animals.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the green turtle is one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the different species.

“Green turtles are in fact named for the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat, not their shells,” a WWF spokesperson said.

“In the Eastern Pacific, a group of green turtles that have darker shells are called black turtles by the local community.

“Green turtles are found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters.

“Like other sea turtles, they migrate long distances

between feeding grounds and the beaches from where they hatched.

“Classified as endangered, green turtles are threatened by overharvesting of their

eggs, hunting of adults, being caught in fishing gear and loss of nesting beach sites.”

The Green Sea Turtle sits in the same precarious endangered position as

the koala in our region, an endemic species that sadly, because it isn’t as visible, does not attract the same funding to save the species.

q Evie the juvenile Green Sea Turtle being released.

Photo: Marian Sampson.

OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper

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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

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

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

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

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Twin Rivers Workwear & Uniforms

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

Bull n Bush Medowie

Coles Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Reducing impacts of light pollution on threatened species

By Marian SAMPSON

NELSON Bay has been recognised as a priority area for lowering light pollution to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

Light pollution can prevent species such as green turtle hatchlings from reaching the ocean and short-tailed shearwater fledglings from taking their first flight.

Many migratory shorebirds will also avoid roosting and feeding in areas that are artificially lit at night.

To limit the impacts, the Albanese Labor Government is making a $500,000 investment to reduce light pollution near threatened species’ coastal habitat.

The program is providing grants between $15,000 and $50,000 to make people aware of the impacts of light pollution on wildlife; reduce light pollution at ecologically sensitive areas to support conservation and recovery of marine turtles, seabirds and shorebirds listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; and support local communities to ensure best-practice light management methods are identified and implemented where needed.

The grants will support the development of light pollution strategies and practical initiatives such as retrofitting problematic lighting across fifteen priority locations including Nelson Bay and Newcastle.

Applications for the program are open until Thursday 10 March 2023 for a range of eligible groups including councils, researchers,

Indigenous organisations and state and territory agencies.

“Light pollution is increasing each year and is an emerging issue for wildlife conservation,” Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said.

“Australia is one of the darkest continents on earth, but light pollution is still impacting our threatened and migratory species.

“Baby turtles are being prevented from reaching the ocean and birds are struggling to roost and take their first flight.

“I’d like to see innovative, locally driven solutions to light pollution that meet the needs of communities and our threatened wildlife.

“These grants will target fifteen priority areas and will support communities in raising awareness of this novel threat.

“They will help to find solutions for reducing light pollution for protected species such as green turtles and westland petrels.”

Carmel Northwood of Econetwork Port Stephens told News Of The Area, “Marine species like nesting turtles and penguins are especially affected by light pollution.”

Carmel believes the impacts of light pollution are more widespread, for example attracting millions of insects that should be more widespread in bushland, feeding many species.

Light pollution is an issue that Econetwork has been addressing on future developments and they are pleased to see that after their engagement with Ingenia they are now planning to take light pollution into account for their Trotter Road development called Natura (previously The Boardwalk).

Econetwork also raised light pollution as an issue on the development application at the new Harvey Norman development at Taylors Beach.

For further information on how to apply for the Reducing Light Pollution in Coastal Communities Program can be found at www. business.gov.au/RLPCC.

Calls for more JPs in Port Stephens

By Jewell DRURY

NELSON Bay resident Garry Steel is calling out for a new generation to join the prestigious role of being a Justice of the Peace in the Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities.

Garry is the President of the Port Stephens Zone of the Northern NSW JP Federation.

Mr Steel moved to Nelson Bay from Newcastle more than eleven years ago and became a Justice of the Peace in order to give back to the local community.

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are volunteers appointed by the Governor of New South Wales.

The primary role of a JP is to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.

JPs come from all sections of the community and are available across NSW.

“There is currently a shortage of JPs in the Port Stephens and Myall region,” Mr Steel told News Of The Area.

“We have an ageing population amongst the majority who hold the office of Justice of the Peace, and it is time to ask the younger generation to step up and answer the call,”

Garry Steel said.

Charter Hall Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, the Amcal Chemist Salamander Bay and the Nelson Bay Discount Drug Store currently refer customers who need a JP to Mr Steel.

Locating your local JP is as easy as a google search in your area, where your local JPs will be listed.

The position of JP is purely a voluntary position but the younger generation should not underestimate the respect and value the position holds.

For example, the title of Justice of the Peace on a young person's resume gives them great credibility and respect from a potential employer and amongst the community.

“I highly recommend members of the community to answer the call to be a part of a new generation of JPs,” Garry Steel said.

Mr Steel offers his service and time as a Justice of the Peace voluntarily at local shopping centres and at All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay on a regular basis.

To find out more information on becoming a Justice of the Peace please contact Mr Garry Steel on 0431606325.

q A green sea turtle being released back into the Nelson Bay environment after a stint in rehabilitation at Sea Shelter at Anna Bay.

Photo: Marian Sampson.

q

Mr Garry Steel is the President of the Port Stephens Zone of the Northern NSW JP Federation. Photo: Jewell Drury.

Soldiers Point Lions seek support

By Marian SAMPSON

WHENEVER there is someone in need, it is often the Lions Club of Soldiers Point that picks up the baton and lends a hand.

However, the ability of service clubs to make a difference depends on active volunteers.

“Soldiers Point Lions Club is now seriously short of members, and this affects our ability to fundraise for the local community,”

Sharon Blunt of the Soldiers Point Lions Club told News Of The Area.

“We need active members to

q The Lions in action

for our community.

assist in our Club’s activities which are mostly operating BBQs that raise vital community funds.”

Soldiers Point is home to the only Lions Club in the Bay and the Club has made it their mission to contribute and assist local schools.

“We have assisted in providing a Library with furniture for the Bobs Farm School and assisted Tomaree High School with a BBQ for their school events,” Sharon said.

“We recently assisted Soldiers Point Public School for their 75th Anniversary celebrations and provided over the years to many

school libraries, purchased a BBQ and seating for the children.

“We continue to provide the Yacaaba Centre and Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre with supplies for their emergency hampers.

“In January we assisted Port Stephens Council with a BBQ for their community events.”

Last year the Lions worked with the Nelson Bay Rugby Club to provide a BBQ for their members and visitors at their home games.

“Our Club has provided funds to Angel Flight, Westpac and Careflight Helicopter Services,” Sharon said.

“In total our Lions Club during 2021/2022 provided $33,497 to a range of community, health and medical services in our community.”

If you would like to help to make a difference in your local community, consider becoming an active Lions Club member.

Lions enjoy social gatherings as well as contributing to their wider community.

Join the Legacy Golf Day

By Marian SAMPSON

IF you like a game of golf or are simply a hacker you can support a great cause at the Legacy Golf Day on 20 March at Horizons Golf Resort.

The Legacy Golf Day is a two ball ambrose event and there is even a car up for grabs for the Hole in One prize.

“Entry for the charity fundraiser is only $100 per player and this includes a bacon and egg roll and drink on arrival, burger and chips snack lunch, green fees, use of a shared golf cart for the round and a gift pack for all players,” Legatee Doug Jacka told News Of The Area.

Legacy supports the spouses and childrenof those who have served our country.

In 1923 Legacy made a promise to help veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one.

It was a simple promise that Legacy keeps today; providing the same stability, guidance and assistance that a partner would normally provide to his or her family.

Today, Legacy supports 40,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country.

There will be plenty of fun on the day with nearest the pin prizes on all par three holes, all in support of a wonderful cause.

The eighteen hole Horizons championship golf course is listed as one of the top 100 in Australia and has been credited with the title of Port Stephens’ Most Beautiful Course, offering a challenging 72 par course with 85 bunkers and 7.5 km of cart paths.

For further information please contact Doug Jacka on 0417 043 877 or email dmjacka1@bigpond.com.

Internationally, Australia is the envy of other countries for the willingness of our community to engage in active volunteerism.

You too can be a part of a wonderful movement with true blue Aussie spirit by being a part of the Lions.

For more information visit the Soldiers Point Lions Facebook Page.

If you are interested in helping the Club please contact 0490060943 or email soldierspointlionsclub@ gmail.com.

raising funds

q The First National Port Stephens team with the Legacy Bear enjoying a previous Legacy Golf Day.

Picturesque Rural Lifestyle

20 Shetland Drive, Limeburners Creek

3 bed, 1bath

12.94ha (31.975 acres)

Expressions of interestclosing 27 February

DO not miss out on your chance to secure just under 32 acres big enough for the whole family!

Set back from the roadside on just under 32 useable acres, this brick and tiled home is perfect for those wanting the rural lifestyle only six minutes from the Pacific Highway.

This impressive acreage is mostly cleared, with some timbered areas, perfect for some shade, as well as two dams and Limeburners Creek which flows through the property!

The home is single level, featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom.

This home was originally built in 1985 and has a spacious, light filled living area with sliding doors and large windows giving

you those beautiful rural views and a combustion fireplace to keep you warm on those winter nights as well as reverse cycle airconditioning.

The kitchen and dining area are open plan with slate tile flooring throughout, Bosch dishwasher, electric stove, oven, walk in pantry and ceiling fans.

The carpeted, formal, dining and living area is another great space in this versatile home to relax and unwind.

The main bedroom features carpet, two built-in robes, ceiling fan and electric roller shutters on the window.

The second and third bedroom also feature carpet, built in robes and electric roller shutters and are light

filled.

The centrally located three-way bathroom features a bath, shower, vanity, and toilet.

There is a double garage with an additional roller door at the rear for drivethru access as well as internal access to the home.

The infrastructure on the grounds includes a two bay, 6m x 12m machinery shed, a great place to store your tractors and ride on equipment and a greenhouse for those with a green thumb!

The grounds are divided into four areas.

The boundary fencing is in fair order mostly post and wire.

The property has two dams, one which has a pump installed for irrigation.

Call Emily Abela on 0476 551 276 for further information.

Take on the Nature Walk Challenge

By Marian SAMPSON

THE Wilderness Society is holding the Nature Walk Challenge in March, a fundraiser helping ensure Australian nature and wildlife is protected for generations to come.

From community based activism to national campaign strategies, Wilderness Society uses every available platform to give nature a voice at the negotiating table and support the life that supports us all.

In the past few years alone, the organisation has led efforts to successfully protect the Great Australian Bight, The Munga-Thirri/ Simpson Desert, Lake Malbena and Wollemi National Park.

Through the Nature Walk Challenge, the Wilderness Society is calling for the community to help them continue their work to protect Australia's iconic wilderness, and the wildlife

that calls it home. Challenge levels start at 30km and go to 80km or as far as you think you can stretch yourself to.

“Walking in nature is always beneficial, whether for exercise, contemplation or enjoying wildlife around you,” Sue Olsson, Vice President of Econetwork Port Stephens told News Of The Area.

“There’s the double benefit as the Nature Walk Challenge helps raise money to conserve wildlife and habitat through the Wilderness Society.

“On the Tomaree Peninsula we’re fortunate with so many local walking opportunities.

“You can stride out along the Tomaree Coastal Walk when all the sections are complete, remembering this is a national park and dogs are not permitted.

“If you prefer a shorter shady walk, one of my summer favourites is the forested bush track at Bagnalls Beach, between the western car park opposite Pantowora Street, walking eastward as far as you

want.

“It’s initially flat with a couple of short hills approaching and passing Dutchmans Beach and along the Bridle Path to the Nelson Bay marina.

“There’s variety, views and options for low tide beach walking, best with the sun behind you,” she said.

There are also some great walks around Medowie and Raymond Terrace to enjoy like the Seaham Swamp Walk.

For those living in the Myall Coast region the options around Mungo Brush are also hard to go past.

As you walk you may encounter some of our endangered species including koalas, the pied oyster eaters or even a green sea turtle if you are lucky.

So, if you are looking for the right reason to break out and get back into walking around our region try the Wilderness Society’s Nature Walk Challenge.

To sign up, visit www. naturewalkchallenge.org.au/.

New report shows forestry carbon emissions higher than expected

By Andrew VIVIAN

A NEW report released last Thursday, titled ‘NSW Forest Carbon: An Effective Climate Change Solution’, shows that logging in New South Wales emits 3.6 million tonnes of carbon each year.

The report says that this equates to 840,000 cars, or the emissions from Australia’s aviation industry.

It complements another two reports which indicate that Victoria’s native forest logging industry emits 3 million tonnes of carbon each year, while logging in Tasmania emits 4.6 million tonnes.

The figures show that protecting native forests in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania would prevent 212 million tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere by 2050, the equivalent benefit of shutting down Australia’s dirtiest coal power plant for 22 years.

Dr Jennifer Sanger, from the Tree Projects, is the author

of the three reports and says the results are alarming.

“I think many Australians would be shocked to find out that native forest logging is such a high emitting industry,” Dr Sanger said.

The reports were written in response to the lack of transparency in current emissions reporting requirements.

“Due to the way that emissions are reported, the emissions from native forest logging are not separated from the carbon dioxide absorbed by our forests,” said Dr Sanger.

“Only a net figure is reported, which masks the true level of forestry’s emissions.”

The NSW report states, ‘When forests are logged, twothirds of the carbon is released within two years.

‘Some of these carbon dioxide emissions will be recovered as some native forests regrow after logging.

‘However, it takes many decades to centuries for forests to capture lost carbon’.

Dr Sanger’s report says that two-thirds of the forest’s

carbon is released within a few years, while the remainder can take up to 50 years to be emitted.

It says that, when a native forest is logged, two-thirds of the carbon is released within two years because most wood removed from the forest is wood chipped and turned into short-lived products like paper and cardboard.

The burning of waste left on-site and mill waste also releases greenhouse gases immediately.

It acknowledges that sawn timber has the longest lifespan of up to 90 years, but claims this only makes up four to eight percent of the forest’s carbon.

Although forests that are logged are regrown, it can take decades, or longer, to recapture the emitted carbon.

“We need to act now on climate change and for Australia, this means ending native forest logging,” Dr Sanger said.

She said protecting forests is a low-cost, effective and immediate way to achieve

emissions reduction. “If the Australian Government wants to get

serious about climate change then they need to act on this issue.”

Mallabula roadworks back on track

By Geoff WALKER

SCHEDULED to be finished

by November 2022, the total rebuild of Tanilba Road, Mallabula is now back on track.

The $1,700,000 project was delayed by rain and is now nearing completion.

Much of the underground drainage has been installed along with kerbing and guttering.

This means that once the new road base has been put in place and compacted, the surface can be sealed.

A new bus stop and shelter is also under construction at

the bottom of Wychewood Ave.

The really big news is that preliminary surveys of Avenue of the Allies at Tanilba Bay have been completed with work due to start in April.

Over $3,000,000 is earmarked for this project.

“Roads are the focal point of all ratepayers these days and it is important that they understand how they are funded,” Port Stephens Councillor Steve Tucker told

News Of The Area.

“State grants are a major contributor to our roads program and are for targeted works.

“They just can't be transferred to other areas,” he added.

“The $1,500,000 Tanilba roundabout is a prime example.

“It was obtained under the 'Black Spot' initiative.

“The main road to Salt Ash was a specific government

The reports can be found at www.thetreeprojects.com/ forestcarbon.

grant of many millions of dollars which released ratepayers' dollars for other roadworks,” he stated.

Cr Tucker said Tilligerry receives more funding for roads than most other wards in the shire per head of population.

“There is no easy fix for road funding,” he said.

“We can raise the rates, apply for more grants, defer other works or just wait our turn.

“There is no such thing as a money tree,” he concluded.

NSW Koala Strategy boosts Port Stephens road safety

MORE than $457,000 will be provided to Port Stephens Council to complete the second stage of works on Port Stephens Drive at Taylors Beach, work that is hoped will better protect koalas from vehicle strike.

This follows an earlier NSW Koala Strategy investment of $845,000 to deliver the first stage of works with council.

Alison Schumacher, Director of Conservation Policy and Strategy, Department of Planning and Environment, said that more than $10 million has been committed under the NSW Koala Strategy to address vehicle strike hotspots across the State.

“This is one of the largest investments to mitigate koala vehicle strike hotspots by the

NSW Koala Strategy and the funding means koalas will be better protected from vehicle strike, which is a known threatening process in the Port Stephens area,” said Ms Schumacher.

“More than four kilometres of newly-installed fencing will prevent koalas from crossing the road, directing them and other wildlife to use the nearby culvert funded by the

NSW Government,” she said.

“While these two measures will enable koalas to safely access habitat in the area without the threat of being struck on the road, it’s important to remember that we all have a part to play in keeping koalas safe from harm on our roads.”

Koalas and other wildlife often move through habitat, looking for food or searching

for a mate. Motorists can do their bit by slowing down and taking care while driving within known koala hotspots, particularly at dusk, dawn and during the breeding season when they are often on the move.

“Signage will be installed along Port Stephens Drive advising drivers that they are approaching an important koala area and to be on the

look-out.”

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer welcomed news of the funding.

“Koalas are a beloved part of the Port Stephens community, and we are proud to partner with the NSW Government to help protect our population of koalas, which have been identified as a priority in the NSW Koala Strategy,” said Mr Palmer.

q What happens to the carbon in logged native forests.

Photo: Jennifer Sanger.

q Cr Steve Tucker is pleased that the roadworks are back on track.

q Works on Tanilba Road at Mallabula are nearing completion.

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The Write Direction

By John BLACKBOURN

The election countdown is on

IN just under five weeks time, on Saturday 25 March, the NSW State Election will be conducted.

This event provides us all with the opportunity to vote for the politicians who will guide us through the next four years of our state’s development.

Many voters have rusted on preference for a certain political party, but others might decide to change their vote in favour of a range of policies being promised which appeals to their way of thinking.

Others will vote for single issue independent candidates or select a minor party that basically represents an overall view of the direction in which they will be happy to see provided.

But in all these cases, these candidates need to be out there in the public delivering their expectations.

This is where we have issues in the Port Stephens electorate, where we seem to have a shortage of known candidates to deliver these promises.

Obviously the sitting Member will be available to offer herself for re-election and no doubt will carry the endorsement of her party.

However, does anyone out there know who the alternative candidates are and who they are representing?

They must be highly informed residents if they are aware of these people because I have not seen any publicity of names or Party of endorsed candidates who are lining up to contest this election.

My research has shown that the Coalition parties have decided via their agreement that this electorate is the preserve of the Liberal party even though we are represented Federally by the National Party.

But with five weeks to go, who is that candidate and what is she or he offering to deliver when elected?

We cannot vote locally for any of the party leaders who would hold the role of Premier or potential Premier as they represent other state electorates, but I would have thought that with only five weeks to go, people should be taking a lot more time and effort about getting out there with policy and getting into it.

Have they ever visited Tea Gardens, have they ever been to Hawks Nest, Pindimar, Bundabah or North Arm Cove?

If they have, what do we know and think about them and are they suitably successful and qualified for us to put our trust in them?

I believe at this very late stage in the political process we still do not know who we are being asked to vote for.

We have seen “leaders' picks” being forced upon voters in past elections and from my personal experience I would hate to see a local government councillor foisted upon us by any political party.

The residents of this electorate deserve a lot better than last minute decisions on who is best qualified to represent us and I would have thought the democratic process should go a lot deeper and have a lot more meaning for our future for the next four years in this part of the premiere state of Australia.

Many of those amongst us might remember the long held perception that selecting a politician is similar to growing bananas.

They start out straight and green but once elected they mature and become yellow and bent.

Our absolute priority must be to prevent that from happening, so we need time to be familiar with the candidates before we entrust our vote to them and that is something we do not appear to have in this state electorate.

CONTACT JOHN: johnblackbourn41@gmail.com

Dorin’s Draws

By Paul DORIN

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

My girlfriend leaves her GPS on in the car even when I know how to get to the location. We can't have a decent conversation because of this.

Bill S.

Dear Bill,

Have you been in a relationship for a long time?

READING by Lynne Miles: John 6: 1-14 (Abridged) "In Tiberias, a large crowd of 5000 had gathered to hear Jesus speak. They became hungry. Jesus saw their need. The disciples told Him that a young lad had five loaves and two fish for his lunch. Jesus prayed, giving thanks to God for the food and began to break it into baskets distributing it to the crowd. After the feast there were twelve baskets of food left. The people said, "Truly this is the Prophet who is come into the world."

An inappropriate site for a drug and alcohol rehab

DEAR News Of The Area,

MY name is Michelle Shetab and I am one of the owners of the Fisherman's Village (FV) holiday facility at Swan Bay.

In the past two and a half years, many owners and holidaymakers could not come to Swan Bay due to Covid, which resulted in more cabins being made available to Connect Global (CG). During this time, CG expanded and grew in numbers.

It is important to point out that CG does not own any properties in our holiday village.

Mr Pene's "business partner", Mr Hilton Grugeon, and his son are directors of a company that owns the properties at FV that CG is using for their clients. I believe Mr Grugeon's properties are leased to CG.

I can confirm that Mr Ross Pene personally has started defamation action against me which I am fighting.

About 25 people (families with children) that are hit hard by this terrible rental crisis reside in the village alongside the clients of CG.

Some of the clients are there on drug dealing charges, kidnapping, violence toward women, and other serious charges.

Some are under house arrest and walk around with ankle bracelets in the holiday village.

I am confused about Mr Pene's comment that "we are not in a third world country".

Is Mr Pene implying that FV should not be a tourist facility because it is substandard?

Many of the clients of CG are paying this charity a fee of $35,000 plus weekly rent of $350 to share one of the cabins in FV.

The fees seem to me to be for a luxury

high-end facility and not one in a third world country.

We have obtained photos of bikie gang members visiting and staying at the village and attending the C3 church with Mr Pene in their colours.

Some of these were taken directly from Mr Pene's Facebook page.

There are various dates that indicate to me that they attended regularly.

Alcohol can be seen in some photos and in the fridge of the CG where they hold their meetings.

I will leave it to the Longriders Christian Motorcycle Group to confirm if Mr Pene is the president of any chapters as to my knowledge, that is no longer the case.

In my opinion, the reason there is intense scrutiny from the charities board against CG (according to the article) may have nothing to do with rumours but with the fact that Connect Global Charities' financial reports for 2021 were due by 31 January 2022 and are about thirteen months overdue.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance.

The clients of any rehab deserve to have a place where they are not tempted by others drinking within metres around them, which in my opinion can jeopardise their recovery.

All my concerns above make FV an inappropriate site for CG.

Council has received over 70 objections and some serious concerns have been raised against the DA.

I believe there is a need for a proper investigation.

It also shows that Council has a duty of

Do you find your directions are offered in less than helpful ways, such as two seconds before your girlfriend needs to get in the right lane when she is in the left lane on a multi-lane highway?

Do you punctuate your directions with swearing and hand-wringing and rude comments that have 'licence' and 'cereal packet' in the same sentence?

I can completely understand your partner's desire to use a GPS with its unharried, self-assured voice assistant.

This person speaks in a calm, modulated tone and no matter what situation you find yourself in, she doesn't get stressed, or shout, 'Well, now where the bloody hell are we?' when your partner veers off course.

Instead, she politely and serenely returns your partner to her desired route.

In fact, she'll also be notified when there is a speed camera and how many minutes and kilometres to the destination, which is far more helpful than 'Well, great, now we'll be late.

They will have already eaten all the hors d'oeuvres' which your partner no doubt pronounces 'horse doovers' because he's not as cultured as the Sat Nav woman.

And then, her piece de resistance: a definitive 'Arrived' delivered with such confidence, that you can't help but feel in control.

There is absolutely no joy to be gained from getting directions from someone you're in a relationship with.

So let your girlfriend continue to use her GPS and converse once she's not in the advantageous position of one foot on the accelerator and two hands behind the wheel.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

care towards the people of Swan Bay and the clients of CG.

Kind regards, Michelle

SHETAB.

Have your say on Council’s SRV

DEAR News Of The Area, CRUNCH time is looming for the decision by IPART on the voracious application by our Council.

There are many in our community, most of them the elderly, large families and/or tenants who will struggle.

Among the regulations of the NSW Local Government Act is '232 (d) - Role of Councillor: to represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community'. I fail to see how the intended expenditure for the benefit of a minority being borne by

so many low and fixed income residents is in our interests, to any degree.

There have been wafflings of possible assistance which may, repeat, may, actually be put in place.

It's a bit late to mention these measures now, definitely a cart before the horse moment, especially when one of those measures would allow deferring rates for aged pensioners against their estate!

These measures are an acknowledgement by Council that it knows the additional expense is a bridge too far.

I do not recall seeing in the printed matter on the SRV information for people, mainly

those over 70 years of age, how to inform IPART of the impact this SRV application, if approved, will have on their lives.

The IPART address to which they can write is PO Box K35, Haymarket Post Shop, NSW, 1240.

If you feel strongly against this grab for cash, IPART must receive your correspondence by 3 March 2023.

Pick up your pen and tell IPART your worries.

Regards, Elizabeth MEADER, Raymond Terrace.

Firmly opposed to Fisherman’s Village rehab usage

DEAR News Of The Area,

THANK YOU for reviewing the state of affairs involving the un-approved facility at Fisherman's Village, Swan Bay.

We remain firmly opposed to the current redevelopment of Fisherman's Village from a family holiday facility to a facility that mixes families with men who are sent to Connect Global for violence, drug, and alcohol issues as determined by the NSW law courts.

The Connect Global Group has commenced an unapproved facility without consent from the Port Stephens Council and certainly no consultation with the other owners of units at the village and no notice to the local residents of Swan Bay.

Ross Pene's comments do contain what we

believe to be false statements that cannot be proved without a thorough investigation.

We have watched over several years the way in which Connect Global has sneakily infiltrated the Fisherman’s Village family holiday facility, turning it into a most undesirable, inappropriate rehabilitation centre.

They have altered their definition of the DA with the local council and again without any consultation with the local community as is their method of operation.

We have no objection to the rehabilitation of men with drug issues but it is simply not appropriate to mix that activity with children at the family holiday village.

Connect Global, as a charity, is charging $35,000 plus rent, plus using the men for unpaid labour.

Only a correct investigation can decide if this is simply a money-making organisation which pretends to be a Christian church to avoid tax or a genuine charity trying to help the community.

We are very unhappy with the lack of supervision and have witnessed men walking, jogging, and riding motorbikes all over Swan Bay and some are driving on public roads with unregistered cars and mopeds.

Also, the regular advertising of cars, boats, and bikes by the clients of Connect Global on the marketplace makes this place look more like an auction house than a rehab to us.

Having the backing of a prominent local developer as a “business partner” has surely raised our eyebrows.

It seems to be that they seem to be above the law and Port Stephens Council needs to show some guts and do the right thing.

Regards, Stan and Diana WOLLEN.

Return Fisherman’s Village to holiday spot

DEAR News Of The Area,

MY family and I used to go on holidays to Swan Bay and have some wonderful memories.

It is heartbreaking to see what has happened to this place.

I pray that Port Stephens Council does the right thing and makes this place a beautiful, relaxing, holiday spot that families can enjoy again.

Regards, Evelyn WALL, Kincumber.

levies pay for.

Connect Global was paid approx $35,000 last year for this to be carried out.

Council to blame for Fisherman’s Village mess

DEAR News Of The Area, THANK YOU for your story about our fight to keep Fisherman's Village as a tourist facility, for the safety and protection of Swan Bay residents.

I feel that the readers of News Of The Area should have a little more information.

Council received over 70 objections to this DA and I believe only two in support.

I understand that Mr Hilton Grugeon, who Mr Pene describes as his “business partner", is one of the directors of FVSB P/L that owns properties in the holiday village.

I was under the impression that Connect Global is a not-for-profit charity, not a business entity, and am confused about their connection

and I think it raises more questions for me.

According to our strata records Mrs Pene only owns two cabins, which they have lived in permanently against council and strata regulations since 2013, and Mr Pene only owns one cabin which he purchased in the last sixteen months.

There have been many owners who had to sell their cabins at reduced prices as they could not rent cabins to holidaymakers or even use their cabins due to this unauthorised facility. Holidaymakers felt intimidated and one even left during the night in fear according to their feedback.

I read with interest that Connect Global holds the contract for the maintenance of Fisherman's Village common areas which owners' strata

I am gobsmacked that "participants complete the work unpaid as part of their rehab program". Even in prison people are paid a minimum wage.

The objections to the DA seem to reflect that some people are too scared to talk publicly and have requested to remain anonymous for the fear of their safety which is of great concern to me.

The zoning does allow a transitional group but is Connect Global a rehab or a transitional group home?

Do the courts send men on bail and parole to a drug and alcohol rehab or a transitional group home or a holiday facility?

It seems convenient to try and get approval for a transitional group home just because it fits under the zoning.

What we are facing is an approved tourist facility that has been taken over by a drug and alcohol rehab without council approval and in order to tick some of the boxes, have changed the DA to a transitional group home.

Do the courts even know where they are sending these men to and the exact setup?

We can blame Connect Global or the Swan Bay Action Group all we want but really it is Port Stephens Council that has failed the holidaymakers, the rehab participants, the investors, and the neighbourhood where this beautiful community has become a battleground.

All those involved are victims of the inaction of PSC. Regards, Carl

proceeded to inform me that the village was used for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

I was furious.

I almost purchased in Swan Bay’s Fisherman’s Village

DEAR News Of The Area,

I DECIDED to purchase cabin number 24 in the Fisherman’s Village at Swan Bay.

We met with the agent on the date and time specified and conducted a property inspection of the cabin and the facilities.

I found it strange that there were a lot of men in the village and only one woman with a couple of kids.

Being a weekend, normally a holiday village would be packed with people (people, kids, families etc) and people would talk or acknowledge you as you walked by.

But the men avoided eye contact and would change direction when they saw us.

Even though I was a bit uneasy, I still decided to purchase the property and paid my

deposit.

I went back for a second visit before finalising my purchase.

It was late afternoon/evening and I was confronted by a man who was blocking my path.

As I was purchasing in the village I believed I had the right to re-inspect the facility.

He did not state who he was but proceeded to interrogate me as to my reason for being there.

I travel for work and have stayed in numerous motels and other accommodation and have never been threatened in this manner.

I also believed I did not have to justify my reasons for being there to a complete stranger.

I mentioned the incident to a local who

At no stage was I informed by the agent that this was the case, and it was sold to me as a beautiful place to visit with my family and relax.

When I spoke to the agent again after receiving the new information and expressed my concerns, they then advised me that is what they also heard but there was no formal approval for this.

Due to the non-disclosure I, a single woman, would have put myself and my family and grandkids in a situation surrounded by men undergoing drug and alcohol treatment without knowing the safety concerns that this presents as there appeared to be no formal process in place to manage the risk.

I did not feel safe nor could I relax and enjoy my cabin, therefore I decided not to proceed with the purchase.

Mr Pene states that 24/7 staff supervision is available, but these are normal cabins which means easy access in and out of the cabins, an open wide area, and no gates to keep people in and out and restrict unauthorised entry.

So how can they guarantee the safety of families and the community?

I will not be buying any properties in Swan Bay and I was told when purchasing that this was a neighbourhood scheme and had levies.

How is it possible to do both and also have a holiday village plus a drug and alcohol outreach program at the same premises?

My friend ended up purchasing there and has since had to take an AVO application against Mr Pene.

My friend agreed to withdraw her application after Mr Pene gave twelve months undertaking to the court not to harass, intimidate, approach, etc.

I believe it is called mutual undertaking.

Regards, S MULQUINEY.

To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

Auspac Media

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time. In view

BIG CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

NEWS OF THE AREA

SOLUTIONS

YOU'RE JOKIN'

Why didn’t the skeleton go to school? His heart wasn’t in it.

How does a vampire start a letter?

Tomb it may concern...

What is a monster’s favorite dessert? I scream.

What monster plays tricks on Halloween? Prank-enstein.

What kind of music do mummies love? Wrap music.

What fruit do scarecrows love the most? Straw-berries.

What does a witch use to do her hair? Scarespray.

What room does a ghost not need? A living room.

1 2 3 8 7 6 5 4 9 11 10 12

What kind of dog does Dracula have? A blood hound.

What is a ghost’s nose full of? Boo-gers.

What do birds say on Halloween? Trick or tweet.

Are black cats bad luck? Sure, if you’re a mouse.

ANSWERS: SPOT THE

1. The man is wearing a different tie. 2. The man’s coat tail is flapping upwards. 3. The hat is further away from the man.

4. One building has two extra storeys. 5. The bird’s tail feathers have blown away. HOW MANY: There are 20 bees. More fly to the left (11bees) than to the right (9 bees).

For Sale

For Sale

Funeral Notice

Wanted to Buy

Free

EXERCISE Machine Total gym shaper plus instructions, folds up Nelson Bay area Ph Ron 0478 608 379 F260123

For Sale

25 CD compilations

Newcastle Top 40 classics 50s-70s. $90

Ph: 02 4966 5000

Public Notices

Karuah Motor Yacht Club

is a sports club that is family orientated located on the Karuah River Waterfront. We are a licensed premises open every Friday night from 5:00pm for delicious meals and desserts.

0415 419 741

mail@kmyc.net.au

Finduson Facebook

3 OROTON evening purses, collectables from the 1970s, converts from should strap to clutch beautiful cond. Like new Best offers. 49817523 F160223

For Sale

BICYCLES 1 x mens

1 x womens $50 each

Ph: 0427 879 025

BOXED board games

Rum rebellion John Sands 1980’s. Top Gear game unopened 1990’s. Scrabble game collectable 1955. All good cond. Best offers

Ph: 4981 7523

War Medals

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

AIRCONDITIONER Portable Olimpia Splendid. As new, bargain $500. 4988 6302 E230223

AS new single bed with base and extra length. Asking $200 0457 674 986

BABIES & Childrens clothes,

BBQ, 2 burner, VGC hardly used inc gas bottle, on wheels $110 0427 980 079

F260123

BUFFET and Hutch White Painted Pine $200 Ph 02 49971807

BUNNYKINS Collection

Royal Doulton Crockery

6 piece Unmarked $65

Ph 0429 410 590

CABINET 4 Door Painted Hot Pink two available $20 each Ph 02 4997 1807

COSMOPOLITAN

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

CURLING wands x 3 Near new. Big curl small curl, and crimper Separately $20 each Ph: 0457 087 178

DARK timber four draw desk with optional upper hood three shelves also slide out laptop desk shelf. $40. Desk chair. $30 Swivel large adjustable comfortable chair. Good used Ph: 0401 546 848 Sandy, Tanilba Bay

SOLD

DESK 3 drawers very long 230cm. Excellent for studio or hobby. $60 Ph: 4938 5923 f260123

DINING room extension table with 6 chairs $300 ono. Ph: 4981 3565

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

GE Steam and dry iron from 60’s. Original box, exc cond. $40ono

Ph: 4981 7523

GOLF or Shopping

Scooter, 2sp Lotus Blake Tycoon AZ36. Can be fully disassembled $3500ono Ph: 49970435

PIANO, white, good for student. $500 Ph:0466 880 639

GOLFING accessories

Golf balls - around 100? 20 cents each

Golf buggy $25 Clubs and drives $2 each. Ph: 4982 2335

PRYDE Windsufing

mast suits 7 metre sail. Little used. $99 Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992

For Sale

WELLINGTON boots as new $25. 4997 0611 f020223

WINDSURFER and fin 85 litres, Freerace 2.6m long. In a bag. No dings Some accessories available. $80. Peter 0419 932 992. Tea Gardens. f260123

DVD movies incl. drama and westerns, mainly last 5-20 years. Incl 1 TV series 10x10 disks $60 Ph: 02 4966 5000 F180822

DRILL Hitachi, with battery charger. $55 0457 087 178

RAIL Corp Wall telephones and desktop push buttom phone 90’s Nokia Mobile 6300 in box, charger and manual 00’s. Samsung mobile and charger 00’s. 2 x Motorola units, chargers with info 90’s. Cheap best offers 4981 7523

Boats

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

Ph: 4981 9939

GYM Form Ab Booster Plus. Brand new. $30 Ph: 4982 8628

ELECTRIC treadmill adjusts to incline Foldable. Tracks distances, times and calories. Has emergency stop function. $50 Ph: 4919 8117

ELECTRIC jigsaw Black & Decker $40. Electric planer Black & Decker $60. Ph: 4997 0611

ELECTRIC Heaters

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

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

EUROPEAN Single adjust slatted bedframes & 2 latex mattresses VGC $500 each PH: 49979797

GYM Set complete with stacker weights total workout. $480

Ph: 0476 789 721 e170323

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

LADIES E-Bike trike New, assembled, large rear basket. $850

Ph: 0450 531 894

LADIES Swimsuit

Tankini top and matching brief, Black Size 20 Label Genevieve. Brand new all labels attached $90 Ph: 0412 083 543

LOUNGE 3 piece $50. Other items too 0425 254 612 f271022

FORMAL Dress suit mature figure Frank Lyman brand, Midnight Blue, Gold flecked overlay, worn once Size 14 Can/USA $180 Ph: 0427 818 294 e160323

GARDEN tools set Incl hoe, rake, mattock fork, spade, broom & crowbar. $60. 4997 0611 f020223

MANNEQUIN Size 12 $20 Ph 02 4997 1807

MOBILITY Frame with hand rails and legs, toilet seat and new bowl. Fits over existing toilet. As new $60. 4981 7523 f260123

MOBILITY Scooter 4 wheel. Good cond. with front basket, rear bag and charger. $1400 Free delivery

Ph: 0418 430 643

ReS040523

MUST sell! Fishing reels, lines and many others. Price - best offers! Ph: 4997 0611 f020223

ROYAL Doulton

Bone China 40 Pc 8 setting dinner set Ideal

Christmas Gift $95 Ph 0416 229 166

RYOBI 4 Stroke mower near new $220 Ph: 4997 0495

For Sale Motors

ATTN: Boat-carscaravans! Cut and polish, all paint work, Mag wheels polished or repaint, small sandblast and repaint parts For Quote: 0484 137 580

BOX Trailer 7ft x 4ft Galvanised, Carry bars Registered, in good order $500. Ph: 0417 445 490 1993 TOYOTA Landcruiser 4.5L Petrol auto 346kms good cond Reliable car. $13,500ono STJ649. 0448 253 290

SNOW chains brand new, unused adjustable, suits 16 inch wheels or others $95 Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992

ST Phillips uniforms boys Blazer size 24 $50. Boys summer shirts sizes 18, 20 & 22 $10 each Ph 0415 353 798

SUNBEAM food saver VAC420 with bags, half price $55. 49826443 F060521

TV Corner cabinet Shelving underneath 2 door unit, on wheels 100cm W x 60cm H 65cm L. $50. 4981 7523

TYRES 4 x Golf rims and tires 195-65R15

$50 all 2 FWD tires 24565R17 50% tread $10 all Ph: 4984 3710 or 0407461 454 f251022

WALKING Machine Electric digital control fold up. $350 Ph: 0476 789 721

WASHING machine

Fisher and Paykel, top loader, 7kg bowl, 3 years old, VGC. $310 ono 4997 0331. Pickup Tea Gardens

BROOKER Tinny, 4m 4stroke, 15HP Suzuki motor. Boat and trailer registered. Plus extras $3500 0466 880 639

HONDA Accord 2007 Auto, V6, Excellent cond. Reg BBD55K Ph: 0411 114 614 e020323

2006 OLYMPIC Javelin SP 19’6’ dual axle queen bed, shower/toilet combo, gas/electric fridge with freezer, microwave stove with griller 12mths rego, excellent condition $29,500 ono Ph: 0438 563 329

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY DEATH IN PARADISE

ABC, 7.30pm

FRIDAY THE INTERN

NBN, 8.30pm

Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro star in this fish-outof-water comedy from the talented hands of writer and director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated), who has a knack for perfectly mixing sweetness with unexpected silliness. DeNiro plays smartly dressed widower Ben who, at 70, turns his back on retirement and lands a job as a senior intern at an online fashion site, run by successful businesswoman Jules (Hathaway). What follows is a learning curve for both characters, with themes of the price of success and love charmingly examined. It also doesn’t hurt that Hathaway and DeNiro possess great chemistry.

FRIDAY, February 24

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert. (M) Coverage of the Opening Concert of WorldPride 2023 from the Domain, Sydney.

10.00 Kylie Minogue Golden: Live In Concert. (R) Footage from various UK venues over the course of Kylie Minogue’s Golden concert tour in 2018.

12.00 Miniseries: Butterfly. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 3. 12.45 Would I Lie To You? (R) Hosted by Rob Brydon. 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

The stakes are higher than ever in tonight’s headscratching episode of this Caribbean-set crime drama. For his latest case, police detective Neville Parker (Ralf Little, right) is tasked with investigating the curious death of a high-profile social media influencer (Akshay Kumar), who appears to have been fatally stabbed mid-air while skydiving with a group of colleagues. When the victim is found dead, caught up in a tree with a knife sticking out of his back, Parker gets busy working out who would want him dead. Turns out, the list is rather long, but Parker never fails to methodically narrow down his list of suspects to ensure justice is served.

TUESDAY WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST

SEVEN, 7.30pm

Classic sketch comedy shows Fast and Full delighted viewers for most of the 1990s with their hilarious parodies of other TV programs.

So it’s great to see the form make a long-overdue return to Aussie screens. Mad As Hell favourite Christie Whelan Browne leads an ensemble cast, also featuring Bridie Connell, Duncan Fellows (above) and Michelle Brasier, set to mercilessly poke fun at our most loved (and loathed) TV shows. Already in the firing line are Seven’s own My Kitchen Rules and SAS Australia, as well as The Bachelor, Love Island and Married At First Sight

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

8.30 Mariupol: The People’s Story. (MA15+)

10.05 Video Killed The Radio Star. (Mlns, R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 Das Boot. (MA15+v, R)

3.55 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

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

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone go on a food tour of Vancouver.

8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. (2017, MA15+sv, R) After the Kingsmen are attacked by a mysterious enemy, Eggsy and Merlin are the organisation’s sole survivors and must join forces with their US counterpart, the Statesman, to defeat the villain. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong.

11.30 Australian Idol. (PG, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Nelson Bay Golf Club Results

TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2023

NO PLAY - RAIN OUT

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2023

Mens Stableford: Bushbox Course

McClure 27 2 Raymond Mahady 23

Vets Division 2

1 Richard Thompson 22

2 Brian Stewart 22

B3 Bob Scott (19) 37

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 For The Love Of Pets. (PGm) Two cats are reunited with their families.

8.30 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015, Mal, R)

A 70-year-old retired widower is hired as a senior intern for an online fashion startup. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway.

11.00 MOVIE: Danny Collins. (2015, Madln, R) Al Pacino.

1.00 Postcards. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Take Two. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Guests include Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Hugh Jackman, Michael B. Jordan, Dame Judy Dench, Eugene Levy and Pink!

8.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Ml, R) Hosted by Nick Cody.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

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

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

A1Wayne Cleaver (13) 44

A2 Peter Metham (15) 38

A3 Tino Rossi (8) 37c/b

B1 Nigel Eves (18) 39

B2 Mike Selmo (18) 38

C1 Steve Punshon (32) 37 c/b

C2 Peter Johnson (29) 37

C3 Ian Sandy (25) 36

Mens Stableford:

Christmas Course

A1 Thomas Ainsworth (5) 39

A2 Kenneth Oberman (15) 38

A3 Harvey Payne (9) 37c/b

B1 Mal Upton (19) 37

B2 Vince Northwood (19) 35

B3 Mark Twomey (19) 34c/b

C1 Richard Van Waard (29) 38

C2 Chris Kelly (29) 37

C3 Thomas Thornton (25) 35c/b

THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2023

Women’s Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Colleen Beattie (21) 30

A2 Heather Atkins (21)

B1 Marg Reimer (30) 36

B2 Janette Oechsle (29) 35

C1 Sharan King (37) 37

C2 Di Brown (38) 31 c/b

Men Stableford:

Xmas Bush course

Overall, Winner: Steven Brown (10) 36

VETS:

1 Robert Mair 26

2 Geoffrey Brown 21

3 Martyn Jeggo 20

FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2023

Mens Stableford: Brushbox Course

A1 Peter Kent (8) 35c/b

A2 Nathan Lilly (15) 35

A3 Danny Marmo (15) 34c/b

SATURDAY, February 25

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 MOVIE:

The Boy With Green Hair. (1948, G, R) 2.00

Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 Scottish Vets Down Under. (PGm, R) 3.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 4.30 Landline. (R) 4.55

Dream Gardens. (R) 5.25 Further Back In Time For Dinner. (PG, R)

6.25 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) Charles prepares for his first second outing. Dianne is anxious to meet her date.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories and events as they unfold, with comprehensive analysis and reporting.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras. (Malns) Coverage of the 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, featuring 12,500 marchers and 200+ floats travelling along Oxford Street on a revamped route from Hyde Park to Moore Park.

10.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music videos from LGBTQIA+ artists and allies in a WorldPride Party special.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Blue Water Safari. (PG) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)

11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG) 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.00 Bowls. Ultimate Bowls 2022. Event 1. Semi-finals. H’lights. 3.00 Figure Skating. Four Continents C’ships. H’lights. 4.35 Secret Scotland. (R) 5.30 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (PG)

8.30 Portillo In The Pyrenees: An Emotional Journey. (PG)

9.30 Inside Windsor Castle. (PGa, R)

10.25 Great Escapes With Morgan Freeman. (Mav, R)

11.15 UFOs. (Return, PGa)

3.15 The Back Side Of Television. (MA15+lnv, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Blue Diamond Stakes Day and Chipping Norton Stakes Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Patrol. (PGa) Follows New Zealand border officials.

7.30 Million Pound Pawn. (PG) Part 2 of 3.

8.30 MOVIE: John Wick: Chapter 2. (2017, MA15+v, R) After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt he owes to an Italian gangster, professional assassin John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life forcing him to confront a host of killers. Keanu Reeves, Ruby Rose, Ian McShane.

11.00 Australian Idol. (PGl, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGal)

8.30 MOVIE: Grease. (1978, PGa, R) A naive schoolgirl falls for a rebel. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John.

10.45 MOVIE: Xanadu. (1980, G, R)

12.40 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (M, R)

1.35 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) Whippet rescues two men at the same time.

6.30 To Be Advised.

7.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mv)

The team investigates an arson attack at a naval defence contractor that resulted in the death of a foreman.

8.30 FBI: International. (Madv) Raines goes rogue when his sister gets abducted in Kosovo, putting his job and his life on the line to find her.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 Bull. (Ma, R) TAC’s strategy for a client is compromised.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 9.50 The Movie Show. 10.20 Mr Pip. (2012, M) 12.30pm Red Joan. (2018, M) 2.25 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 4.30 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 6.50

Hairspray. (1988, PG) 8.30 Stage Mother. (2020, M) 10.15 Miss. (2020, M, French) 12.15am Working Girls. (2020, MA15+, French) 1.55 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, February 26

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World

This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30

Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert. (M, R) 4.20 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.

(R) 5.10 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow.

Hosted by Fiona Bruce.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv)

A skydiver is murdered mid-air.

8.30 Vera. (Ma) Part 2 of 4. The badly beaten body of a homeless veteran is found on the streets of central Newcastle.

10.05 Miniseries: Butterfly. (Mal) Part 2 of 3.

10.50 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras. (Malns, R)

1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.15 The Recording Studio. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch.

1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 1. 3.00 Figure Skating. Four Continents C’ships. H’lights. 4.30 Surf Life Saving. Australian Interstate C’ships. H’lights.

5.00 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 5.30 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ancient Egypt By Train. (PG)

8.30 Tutankhamen. (PG) The story of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

9.40 Acropolis: The Ancient Builders. (PGan, R)

10.40 Castles: Secrets, Mysteries And Legends. (Mahv, R)

11.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)

1.30 Why We Hate. (Mav, R)

3.10 The Source. (Ma, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Jabba’s Movies. (PGhlv, R)

5.00 Seven News At 5.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.00 George Michael V Elton John. (Ma) Takes a look at the careers of two of the world’s most beloved pop singers, George Michael and Elton John.

10.00 Maternal. (Final, Mals) The women have to make some big decisions.

11.00 Born To Kill? Douglas Clark And Carol Bundy “ Sunset Strip Killers”. (MA15+av)

12.00 MOVIE: Step. (2017, PGal, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

Children’s Programs. 2pm Motor Racing. SpeedSeries. TCR Aust Series, TransAm Series and the S5000 Austn Drivers C’ship. 5.00 Children’s Programs. 5.15 MOVIE: Mr. Peabody & Sherman. (2014, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Back To The Future. (1985, PG) 9.20 MOVIE: The Terminator. (1984, M) 11.30 Duncanville. Midnight Millionaire Matchmaker. 1.00 Vanderpump Rules.

3.00 Late Programs.

B1 Brian Leathem (17) 36c/b

B2 Wal Hutchinson (18)36c/b

B3 Mark Twomey (19 36

C1 Graham Logan (27) 41

C2 Barrie Haigh (34) 39

C3 Peter Dee (35) 37

Womens Stableford:

Brushbox Course

A1 Denise Ball (48) 38

A2 Susie Anderson (20) 35

SATURDAY

18 FEBRUARY 2023

6am Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 8.20 Corpo Celeste. (2011, PG, Italian) 10.15 Miss. (2020, M, French) 12.20pm

Firepower. (1979, M) 2.15 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 4.10 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947,

PG) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PG) 8.30 Twist. (2021, M) 10.10 Vice. (2018, MA15+) 12.35am Mr Pip. (2012, M) 2.45 Stage Mother. (2020, M) 4.25 The Movie Show. 4.55 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue)

Mens Stableford: Christmas Courses

A1 Murray Atkins (9) 40

A2 Thomas Hammond (15)38

B1 Lee Barrett (23) 36

B2 Sean Gardner (17) 35c/b

C1 Richard Bates (25) 37

C2 Richard Graystone (25)36c/b

Mens Stableford: Brushbox Course

A1 Chris Mawson (8) 38c/b

A2 Allan Daubaras (7) 38

Thursday, 23 February 2023

B1 Dan Wilson (22) 39

B2 Stephen O’Brien (17) 36c/b

C1 Angelo Fortune (30) 32

C2 Peter Parry (30) 28

Women’s Stableford: Brushbox Course

Overall, Winners:

1 Vicki Reckling (24) 32

Mens C2, 4BBB Stab19th:

Brush Course

Overall Winners:

1 Harvey Payne &

Chris Mawson 45

2 Rod Cox & Chris Mawson 44c/b

Mens C1 4BBB STAB

Overall Winners:

1 Russ Finnerty & Jason Thompson 47

2 Glen Shorter & Scott Ferguson 46c/b

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals)

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.40 Nine News Late. A look at the latest news and events.

10.10 Australian Crime Stories: Derek Percy – The Face Of Evil. (Mal, R)

11.20 The First 48. (Mal)

12.10 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (Mav, R)

1.00 Explore TV. (R)

6.30 The Sunday Project.

A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) When Pike is ambushed while working undercover with a Japanese crime family, the team must find the person responsible. Kai digs deeper into his investigation regarding an old friend turned criminal.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) A widow holds the key to a terrorist attack.

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

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Children’s Programs.

1.30pm Surfing Australia TV. 2.00 Hollywood Medium.

ADVERTISING

Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

MONDAY, February 27

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 2.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (PG) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie.

(PG) 11.05 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PG)

12.05 WorldWatch. 2.20 First Ladies. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook

Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns.

(PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

10.50 Infiniti. (Premiere, MA15+av)

11.55 Mr Mercedes. (MA15+av, R)

TUESDAY, February 28

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (PG) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG) 11.00 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PG)

12.00 WorldWatch. 2.20 First Ladies. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook

Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns.

(PG, R)

(PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PGa, R) 5.30 Letters And

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Remi supports Bree through her counselling.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.45 Starstruck. (PG) Another batch of superfans compete for a chance to win the £50,000 prize.

10.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Ma, R) Presented by Shane Jacobson.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 Busted In Bangkok. (Malsv, R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30

7.30

Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Ml) Two teams, including Ross Noble, Dr Chris Brown, Alex Lee and Bev Killick, go head-to-head.

10.00 The Montreal Comedy Festival: Pride Gala. (R) Presented by Rhys Nicholson.

11.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R)

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

1.55

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

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

8.40 NCIS. (Mv) Parker discovers that he is the victim of identity theft while investigating the unusual murder of a US Navy ensign. Knight and Jimmy face hurdles in their relationship as their connection heightens.

10.40 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

NSW champion crowned at Grafton Speedway

FROM Page 24

From the start, the current Queensland SSA Street Stock Title holder powered to the lead and built up a handy buffer over his rivals. However, he had his run

brought to a premature end during the middle stages of the feature race when he was forced to retire due to engine woes.

With Corbett out of the running and on the infield, Carlson inherited the lead, and he was able to make the most of

his fortune and went on to score a solid victory ahead of Casino’s Brock Armstrong in second and local driver Brenden Hayes in third.

Defending NSW Champion Chris Marino endured a tough run during the qualifying heat

races, which saw him innocently involved in a heavy crash, and consequently started from towards the back of the featurerace field.

The Sydney driver fought his way through the field to finish sixth.

WEDNESDAY, March 1

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG) 11.00 Tales From The Crips. 11.10 The Wheelhouse. 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 2.10 Insight. (R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (Mls) Grandad’s brother decides to visit.

Bloodlands. (M)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Cargo. (Mal)

12.00 Witch Hunt. (Madl, R)

3.30 Face To Face. (Ma)

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

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, March 2

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.55 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 2.15 First Ladies. (PGa, R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG, R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar.

8.30 American Presidency With Bill Clinton. (PG)

9.20 Miniseries: The Walk-In. (MA15+)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 L’Opera. (Madls, R)

11.45 The Eagle. (MA15+av, R)

4.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

9.00 The Front Bar: All Sports Edition. (M) A lighter look at the world of sport.

10.00 Kitchen Nightmares Australia. (MA15+l, R)

11.10 The Latest: Seven News.

11.40 HMP Styal: Women Behind Bars. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away.

Tilligerry Social Golf Club results

RESULTS for 17/2/23

Outright winner:

Stephen Walker: +1

Runner up:

Grahame Glover: Square

Bonus points winner:

Mark Skidmore: -1. C/b

Runner up: Ed Martin: -1

Ball winners:

Bill McMaster: -2

Ron McKay: -2

Matt Baldwin: -3

Kel Dorney: -4

Jack Johnstone: -5.

John Clayton: -6

Bradman Award:

Greg Hinton. D&C4th.

A. Ed Martin.

B. Bill McMaster D&C7th.

A. Matt Baldwin.

B. Bill McMaster NTP18th.

A. Ed Martin Lucky number. 25. Margaret Gale

There were 15 starters today. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 24/2/23 2 person aggregate Stableford.

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

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

8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+av) Gender identity politics play out in court after the SVU arrests a violent suspect who killed a detective’s teenaged child.

9.40 Fire Country. (Mav) Vince’s judgment is compromised.

10.40 Bull. (Ma, R)

12.30 The Project. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

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

9.30 The Montreal Comedy Festival. Stand-up performances from comedians.

10.30 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Ml, R) Hosted by Chrissie Swan.

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

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

NSW champion crowned

By Aiden BURGESS

SHANE Carlson has been crowned state champion during the latest night of racing at Grafton Speedway.

The Raymond Terrace driver won the NSW RSA Street Stockers Title, which was his second NSW title victory.

The veteran of 30 plus years of racing added another NSW Title to his trophy cabinet.

After dominating the heatrace action, Coffs Harbour driver Chris Corbett started the NSW Title deciding feature race from pole position.

CONTINUED Page 22

q Brock Armstrong, Shane Carlson and Brenden Hayes on the podium.