PROJECT PROGRESS
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Hunter offshore wind project takes
FROM Page 1
Pty Ltd is the only project to be offered a feasibility licence initially, despite the proposed project area only taking up around 40 percent of the total declared zone.
“Other applications were for overlapping areas and found to be of lower merit,” the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water stated on Friday.
The Equinor and Oceanex project is proposed for the southern end of the declared zone, around 20 kilometres off the coast, predominantly off Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the southern end of Port Stephens.
The project, if it proceeds, is expected to employ around 3,000 workers during construction and create around 200–300 permanent local jobs.
The Department claims the project will “inject development expenditure worth hundreds of millions of dollars” into the Hunter region and leverage existing heavy industry.
Proponents say the offshore wind farm has the potential to generate over two
gigawatts (GW) of electricity, equivalent to powering 1.2 million homes or two Tomago smelters.
“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for generations, and my decision today is a big step towards providing that powerhouse with reliable renewables,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“The project I’ve shortlisted offers the biggest rewards for the Hunter and Australia – supporting our workforce and energy security, protecting our environment and sharing our marine space with the people and industries who rely on it today.”
A spokesperson for Oceanex Energy told News Of The Area the announcement was the beginning of a seven-year research and consultation period.
“We will work with our partner Equinor and government through this preliminary award process and be prepared to continue with the early-stage development of the project.
“This includes working with community, First Nations groups, industry and universities to ensure we get
the foundations right for a world-class project.
“The community will be involved in this process through detailed consultation and information sessions, and a chance to shape what we think will be an incredible new industry for the region.”
Oceanex says the southern end of the declared zone was chosen for the project due to its close proximity to the Port of Newcastle.
“[That is] where the majority of work will take place, the majority of jobs will be based, and it is closer to the transmission point for electricity.
“This will assist cheaper electricity being provided than if the project was further away.”
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said no other region is as well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the offshore wind industry.
“Newcastle’s world class infrastructure, our deepwater port, skilled workforce, abundant resources and energy smarts means our region is poised to lead this transformation,” Ms Claydon said.
“A new offshore wind industry in Newcastle
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 09/06/2024 TO 16/06/2024
Information is correct at time of printing. For up-to-date information visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4988 0255.
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living development –add carers residence
4 Pastures Dr 16-2024-286-1 Swimming pool, cabana, awning, shed, retaining walls NELSON BAY
16 Irawari Cres 16-2024-123-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling
5 Krait Cl 16-2024-277-1 Attached dual occupancy and works
4 Echo Pl 16-2024-276-1 Detached shed, attached carport, swimming pool
SALAMANDER BAY
8 Cook St 16-2021-1027-2 S4.55(1A) Modification
138 Salamander Wy 16-2024-200-1 Retaining walls
SHOAL BAY
66 Government Rd 16-2024-278-1 Patio roof
SOLDIERS POINT
59 Soldiers Point Rd 16-2024-274-1 Swimming pool and landscaping
RAYMOND TERRACE
3 Tyrell Cl 16-2024-261-1 Retaining walls
16 Meredith Cres 16-2024-169-1 Shed
ROAD CLOSURE
NAIDOC WEEK AND CLEAN UP DAY
NAIDOC Week: Port Stephens Council advises that William Street and Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace, between Adelaide Street and Glenelg Street, will be closed to traffic between 10am and 11am on Thursday 4 July 2024.
Stockton Street and Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, will be closed to traffic between 9:30am and 11am on Wednesday 10 July 2024.
Community Clean Up Day: Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace, between William and William Bailey Streets, will be closed to traffic between 7:30am and 12pm on Friday 5 July 2024. Further enquiries may be made by contacting the NAIDOC event organiser on 0428 618 874 or Council’s Events Team on phone 4988 0255.
means new jobs in local manufacturing, construction, maritime, transport and logistics industries, as well as growing our vocational education and training pathways – at TAFE and university.”
Mr Bowen has indicated further consultation with First Nations groups, communities, unions and marine users will continue throughout the feasibility licence process, while environmental studies and a detailed management plan is prepared.
The Department has also
highlighted requirements for offshore wind developers to consult with fishers and “avoid, mitigate and offset any impacts on fishing”.
According to the Minister, recreational fishers may be able to travel and fish within the offshore wind zone with exclusion zones in place, citing examples where this occurs in Europe.
Local fishers however, will believe it when they see it.
“Mr Bowen is now spruiking that there will only be a 50 metre exclusion zone,” said Troy Radford, President
“The fact is that legislation currently is 500 metres.
“We are not going to be allowed to fish in there.
“Even if we were…if it [offshore wind cabling) doesn’t stop the bait fish from congregating there, we still won't be able to fish in there because the fish will tangle around the cables and ropes.”
Mr Radford said the area proposed for the offshore wind farm is home to one of the region’s iconic offshore fishing sites, known as the
community celebration Little Beach for all Sat 29 Jun 2024, 11am to 2pm pscouncil.info/little-beach-for-all Proudly funded by the NSW Government
COMMUNITY CATCH UPS
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE EVENTS
Community Catch Ups are an opportunity to have an informal chat with your local Councillors, General Manager, and Council staff about what’s important in your local place.
Saturday 29 June 2024, 11am to 1pm – Little Beach Reserve, Nelson Bay Tuesday 30 July – Facebook LIVE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ELECTION
CANDIDATE INFORMATION SESSION
Anyone thinking of nominating for the 2024 local government election in Port Stephens is encouraged to find out more about what’s
involved in representing the community at an upcoming information night.
Port Stephens Council is hosting a free Candidate Information Session from 5:30pm Wednesday 17 July at the Council Chambers to help prospective candidates find out what it’s like to serve on Council.
Date: Wednesday 17 July 2024
Time: 5:30 to 7:30pm
Location: Council’s Administration Building, 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace or online.
Register: pscouncil.info/candidate-info-session
The session will recorded and made available on Council’s website.
of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC).
q The Hywind Tampen wind farm in Norway, the largest in the world of its kind, is owned by Equinor Energy.
Photo: Jan Arne Wold/Woldcam.
next steps
‘car park’.
“In twenty years, nearly 20,000 fish have been tagged in that area,” Mr Radford said.
“That is huge.
“He [Chris Bowen] has taken no consideration into that at all, and again just hasn’t listened.”
Mr Radford also expressed disappointment over a lack of consultation between the Novocastrian Wind proponents and the fishing club.
“It’s very disappointing that no Equinor or Oceanex representatives have made contact with the NPSGFC to discuss any aspects of their planned project within the Hunter offshore wind zone.
“Not even a brief introduction to start the consultation process.
“The NPSGFC is a key stakeholder, recognised by the Australian Government, and they can’t even pick up the phone?
“How’s that for consultation!”
On the issue of fishing, offshore wind developers Oceanex Energy say detailed consultation will be undertaken over the sevenyear feasibility licence period to “ensure we understand what impact there is, if any, and how it can be minimised”.
“In many areas around the world, offshore wind farms have been found to stimulate increased fishing opportunities,” an Oceanex spokesperson told NOTA.
Lyne Nationals MP
David Gillespie has slammed the announcement of the feasibility licence being awarded, labelling it a “slap in the face to the Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities”.
“This is not a community opposed to renewables, just opposed to renewables that threaten their livelihoods and the environment they treasure,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The Minister continues to try and sell this project as providing reliable renewable energy.
“There is nothing reliable about wind energy.
“While the Minister likes to quote nameplate capacity, we know that the average actual capacity for a wind farm is 35 percent.”
The region’s union bodies, however, have welcomed the announcement.
“The Hunter Jobs Alliance is excited to continue engagement with Oceanex and Equinor to work on maximising local jobs, supply chains, manufacturing, best practice environmental mitigation strategies, and community benefits for our region,” said Justin Page, coordinator of the Hunter Jobs Alliance.
“We have had good engagement with this wind proponent leading up to this point and can now work on ensuring there is good community consultation throughout the environmental assessment stage to have genuine
environmental concerns heard and addressed.”
Mr Page said the Department was consulting locally on regulations impacting the burgeoning offshore wind industry.
“There has been consultation on licence conditions including local content, local jobs and supply chains, transmission, safety zones, work health and safety, financial securities, and management plans to underpin community and key stakeholder consultation requirements.”
Jo Lynch of the Hunter Community Environment Centre said, “The commencement of environmental sites studies is a crucial phase in the development process for
offshore wind and we look forward to working with successful proponents to ensure the Hunter's offshore wind industry is ecologically sustainable.”
Mark Watson, an independent Port Stephens Mayoral candidate, described the licence announcement as “a huge insult to the residents of Port Stephens”.
“It is quite clear that a large portion of residents oppose the offshore wind farm which will heavily impact the fabric of the community, the environment and livelihoods of many,” he said.
“There is no social licence granted by the community; the Minister should not be able to just walk in and destroy what the locals hold
q The Equinor and Oceanex project is proposed for the southern end of the declared zone, around 20 kilometres off the coast, predominantly off Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the southern end of Port Stephens.
dearest to them, which is the natural beauty that Port Stephens has to offer.
“The so-called ‘3000 jobs created’ does not take into account the long term ramifications of a region that relies heavily on environmental tourism, hospitality, commercial and recreational fishing.
“The Minister by his own admission does not even think fishing takes place ‘that far out’ in the declared zone,” Mr Watson said.
Local environmental group EcoNetwork, which believes “offshore wind can be an important part of the renewable energy mix”, is waiting until more is known about environmental impacts before taking a position.
“Greenpeace says whales are not impacted, but we need to see the details in the environmental assessments, including any possible impacts on migratory and other bird species, and how they can be mitigated,” said Sue Olsson, the group’s vice president.
“In the meantime, climate change remains the primary threat to life on the planet, and that needs to be addressed urgently, including transitioning to renewable energy as soon as possible.” If the Novocastrian Wind project is proven to be feasible, Oceanex and Equinor can then apply for a commercial licence to build an offshore wind project to generate electricity commercially.
Road upgrades to allow for renewable energy construction
ROADS between Newcastle and Dubbo will be upgraded to allow for more efficient transportation of components for renewable energy projects.
The components will include wind turbine blades, batteries and transformers.
The state government’s $128.5 million investment will also support preliminary
planning for a logistics precinct at the Port of Newcastle, where large and heavy components will be stored and then loaded for delivery to project construction sites.
The initial road upgrades will prioritise the route from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone near
Dubbo.
A portion of the route will also be used for transportation to the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the government’s investment was a “win-win” for the state.
“$128.5 million in the
2024-25 Budget to not only improve the roads we drive on, but also ensure the construction of more renewable energy projects which will drive down power bills.
“To build solar and wind farms and our new transmission network we’ll need trucks to carry their components to sites.
“Upgrading the roads ensures delivery can happen quickly and safely.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, “The Hunter is central to the transformation of our energy system and investments like these will ensure our region continues to prosper into the future.
“Port to Project will
upgrade our road network, making it safer for all drivers, and create a logistics hub at Newcastle Port.”
Individual renewable energy project developers will need to ensure vehicle movements can be accommodated on any additional local roads to their project sites.
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Site announced for new Medowie high school
FROM Page 1
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “I am delighted that we can share the location of the community’s new public high school with the Medowie community.
“This new high school will give Medowie families access to a world-class education in their local area.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said, “Today marks an important milestone for the Medowie community as we announce the site for our very first public high school.
“By building Medowie’s public high school at this site, we will be transforming our town and our kids’ futures.
“After almost 20 years of fighting for this school, it’s difficult to describe how excited I am to be announcing the site where our government is going to finally make it a reality.”
q Port Stephens councillors Jason Wells and Giacomo Arnott with Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington (centre).
From Meryl’s Desk
From MERYL’S DESK
In the midst of a challenging economic landscape, where every dollar counts , the Albanese Government has unveiled a series of transformative measures through the Federal Budget announced last week, aimed at bolstering the lives of residents in Paterson. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to tax relief, the initiatives are diverse and impactful, promising a brighter future for all.
Last month, the Albanese Government delivered our second budget surplus built on a vision of compassion and fairness. We’re building over a million new homes, increasing Commonwealth rental assistance, strengthening Medicare, cutting student debt, and reforming the HECS payment system to give our children and grandchildren a fair go. We’re also injecting $20 billion into domestic manufacturing to create a Future Made in Australia that services a green economy. We want more money in your pocket, and that’s why we’re giving every Australian a tax cut from the 1 July 2024. To find out how much our tax cuts will benefit you, please visit the Treasury website.
One significant change announced by the government, is the capping of the indexation rate on student loan debt, commonly known as HELP. E ective from 1 June 2023, this decision ensures that HELP debts will never grow faster than wages, o ering financial relief to over 15,000 individuals in Paterson alone. Additionally, the government's investment in university students through the Commonwealth Prac Payment program underscores its commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in fields crucial to our society, such as teaching, nursing, and social work.
Opposition says Budget ignores regional NSW
billion in current union wage demands for which no money has been provided in this Budget.
“This is a Government of excuses.
“Chris Minns’ broken promises mean less money for our schools and hospitals, less investment in our roads and key infrastructure and less cost-of-living support.”
the Budget as one which “puts people first”.
“Essential services have been put on the backburner for too long,” she said.
“This Government is committed to making sure these services exist and are the best they can be.
In our electorate of Paterson, we are investing $137.5 million towards upgrading Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm. The NSW State Government will be matching our funding. This is a vital infrastructure project that will improve safety and reduce travel times from Newcastle to Nelson Bay.
The Albanese Government's dedication to supporting veterans and their families is commendable. With a substantial injection of $477 million into services provided by the Department of Veterans' A airs, including record funding levels not seen in three decades, the welfare of those who have served our nation is prioritized and secured.
The government's commitment to infrastructure development is equally notable. From upgrades to major roads like Nelson Bay Road to investments in regional airports and active transport pathways, these initiatives not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate local economies and improve quality of life for residents.
The Albanese Government’s progressive vision for Paterson means that we’re investing in education, healthcare, inclusivity, and building a thriving community that’s part of a prosperous and forwardthinking nation.
The Albanese Government's focus on healthcare is unwavering. By indexing Medicare rebates for essential medical tests and ensuring pensioners and concession card holders in Paterson won’t pay more than $7.70 for their PBS medications for the next 5 years, it ensures equitable access to healthcare services while alleviating financial burdens on households. The extension of the National Bowel Cancer Screening program and support for sports participation further promote the well-being of Paterson's residents.
THE NSW Opposition has slammed Labor’s Budget, delivered last week, for “delivering more deficits, higher taxes and less investment” while ignoring the state’s costof-living crisis.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said despite the State Government’s taxes bringing in record revenues, NSW is facing further cuts to overall health, education and infrastructure spending.
Meanwhile, Nationals leader Dugald Saunders and his party colleagues have accused Labor of failing to consider the needs of NSW’s regional residents.
“There are concerning cuts to the money that will be rolled out by the Department of Regional NSW, including for natural disaster support, and hardly any new funding to combat biosecurity threats,” Mr Saunders said.
“We are investing in the infrastructure, essential services, and roads to strengthen our region and ensure the people in it continue to prosper for decades to come.
“The 2024-25 Budget makes significant progress on our commitment to build a better NSW.”
I understand that Government services can be complicated, and that’s why I want to make sure that all members of our community are able to contact me for support or guidance. In addition to my Raymond Terrace office being open five days a week, I encourage you to keep an eye out on my socials and website for information regarding my mobile offices occurring regularly throughout our electorate. This is an opportunity for you to meet me or a member of my team who can help you with your needs or point you in the right direction.
“Instead of helping struggling households and small businesses, Chris Minns is imposing more taxes and blaming everyone, from Canberra to Donald Trump, for his Government’s budget mismanagement instead of the real culprit - their unfunded deals with union bosses,” Mr Speakman said.
“Capital investment is also going backwards in the bush when it comes to schools and hospitals, so there’s no good news for our hard-working farmers and families.”
Shadow Minister for Finance Eleni Petinos said the Budget delivers no relief for NSW households suffering from Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.
In addition to these measures, the government's tax cuts, extended to every Australian taxpayer, provide much-needed relief, particularly for middle-income earners. With an average tax cut of $1500 for individuals in Paterson, coupled with the promise of a fairer tax system that benefits the majority, the Albanese Government demonstrates its commitment to easing the cost of living for hardworking Australians.
“Before the election, Labor promised that their union deals would cost the Budget nothing but they are costing at least $9 billion, and that’s without taking into account more than $6
“This is a budget that sends NSW households and small businesses backwards, adding more than $6 billion extra tax in the next three years - it’s the same old Labor.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley has celebrated
Port Stephens-specific Budget measures include continuation of the new Medowie High School, and upgrades to Irrawang and Hunter River High Schools. The Budget also confirmed $1.4 billion to continue construction of the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects (over four years), $85 million for the Nelson Bay Road upgrade between Bobs Farm and Williamtown, and $74.2 million to continue major construction on the Hexham Straight Upgrade between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge (NSW and Australian Government funded).
Funding was also included for dredging the Myall River at Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest.
The emphasis on vocational education and training, enhanced by initiatives such as Fee-Free TAFE and incentives for apprenticeships, opens doors to new opportunities and fosters economic growth. By investing in skills development and industry diversification, the government ensures that we will remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Older Australians and carers may also benefit from my updated Pensioners and Seniors Kit booklet, now available from my office. In this kit you’ll find information regarding the age pension, concession cards, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and much more. The Albanese Government is proud to continue Labor’s strong tradition of support for older Australians.
It is clear that the Albanese Government's vision for Paterson is one of progress, prosperity, and inclusivity. By investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic resilience, it lays the foundation for a thriving community. I hope the people of Paterson embrace these initiatives with optimism, knowing that I am working hard for our community.
As always, if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my o ce.
I am committed to being the champion for the people of Paterson, working hard to be your voice in Canberra. As always, if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
q
Have Your Say News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Mail to media@newsofthearea.com.au
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman speaks in NSW Parliament.
Dutton’s nuclear plan ‘collapses under scrutiny’
By Doug CONNOR
ANNOUNCING the Coalition's plan for the nation’s energy future last week, Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said “nuclear energy for Australia is an idea whose time has come”.
“Of the world’s 20 largest economies, Australia is the only one not using nuclear energy, or moving towards using it,” he said.
Mr Dutton proposed seven sites across the country on which an elected Coalition government would build “zero-emissions nuclear power plants”, including the decommissioned Liddell Power Station near Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley.
The other NSW site suggested is the Mount Piper Power Station in the state’s Central West.
“Each of these locations offer important technical attributes needed for a zeroemissions nuclear plant, including cooling water capacity and transmission infrastructure, that is, we can use the existing poles and wires, along with a local community which has a skilled workforce,” Mr Dutton said.
“A key advantage of modern zero-emissions nuclear plants is they can be plugged into existing grids.”
The Opposition Leader claimed communities chosen to house a nuclear plant would benefit from “high paying, multi-generational
jobs”, regional economic development and improved infrastructure.
The Coalition proposes initially to develop two establishment projects using either small modular reactors or modern larger plants.
Mr Dutton claimed last week a small modular reactor could begin producing electricity by 2035, while larger plants could deliver electricity by 2037.
In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the Coalition’s nuclear plan as “farcical”.
“They've made an announcement without any substance, no costings, no real timelines, no idea of what form the reactors will take, how big they will be, what the engagement with the community is,” Mr Albanese told Sky News.
In the wake of the Coalition announcement last week, Greens leader Adam Bandt took the opportunity to slam both major parties.
“Peter Dutton’s nuclear ‘plan’ is a dangerous smokescreen for keeping coal and gas in the system for longer,” Bandt said.
“Peter Dutton’s plan can’t be implemented, because he can’t win government nor repeal the nuclear ban in the Senate, but Labor loves this fake fight because it distracts attention from Labor opening new coal and gas.
“It’s becoming clearer by the day that neither Labor nor the Liberals care about taking strong climate action.”
Last Friday during Question Time, NSW Premier Chris Minns declared in no uncertain terms that the state government “will not be repealing the ban on nuclearproduced energy in New South Wales”.
“According to the New South Wales Department for Climate Change, Energy and
Environment, they estimate that large scale nuclear reactors would cost $70 billion to replace the 8300 megawatts of coal fired power stations,” Mr Minns said.
“If you were to do the small scale modular nuclear reactors, the number would increase to $211 billion.
“CSIRO says small scale nuclear is $230 to $380 a megawatt hour.
“Large scale nuclear is up to $230 a megawatt hour, and wind and solar is between $90 and $120 a megawatt hour.”
Port Stephens-based environment group EcoNetwork says it is “emphatically opposed to the siting of a nuclear power plant in Muswellbrook or indeed anywhere in Australia”.
“High cost, time to completion, environmental and health risks all add up to nuclear being a bad idea,” said EcoNetwork’s Vice President Sue Olsson.
“Muswellbrook is already on the way to becoming a renewables powerhouse, with AGL having decommissioned the Liddell coal power station, now preparing the site for future use as part of the Hunter Energy Hub.
“Projects include pumped hydro including use of an existing mine void and a 500 MW/2GWh grid scale battery, one of Australia’s biggest, on the Liddell site, with construction already under way.
“The question is, why would the Opposition Leader want to site a nuclear power station where a renewables makeover has already commenced?
“It makes no sense.”
Ms Olsson told News Of The Area the Coalition’s nuclear plan “collapses when it comes under scrutiny”.
“As Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor from Griffith University says, the proposal
for seven nuclear power stations is, at present, legally impossible, technically improbable, economically irrational and environmentally irresponsible,” she said.
EcoNetwork’s biggest concern centres on environmental impact.
“Eleven of the eighteen coal plants Australia has left are set to close over the next decade,” Ms Olsson said.
“The best estimates are that it takes around ten years for planning and licensing and nine years to build a nuclear power station, so all up around 20 years.
“Attempting to implement nuclear will delay the transition away from coal and gas, and increase household electricity bills, while we await the arrival of nuclear.”
Ms Olsson also noted “significant community, environment and health risks posed by nuclear power”, as well as the high levels of water usage required to cool the reactors, and the storage of radioactive waste.
“And then there is cost,” she said.
“Nuclear is currently the most expensive newbuild electricity generation technology, particularly compared to renewables.
“Government subsidies funded by the taxpayer would be required over the long term.”
On Monday, the Lyne Electorate Council Chairman announced a ‘Nuclear Energy Information Forum’ would be held on July 10 in Lorn, featuring Federal Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie and Mr Robert Parker, the founder of Nuclear for Climate.
The event will be held at the Lorn Bowls Sports and Recreation Club at 6pm and will promote nuclear power’s “potential to provide Australians with cheap and reliable electricity”.
“Australia’s current energy policy is not serving our country’s short, medium and long-term best interests,” Lyne Electorate Council Chairman Alison Penfold Penfold said.
“The Nationals with our Coalition partners have put nuclear energy on the table because we believe that we should be utilising
all viable energy systems to ensure that Australians have access to cheap, reliable, and sustainable electricity.
“Whether as a nation we ultimately decide to proceed with nuclear power, we should be able to have an objective discussion about the technology, how it works, the risks, costs and benefits.”
Dr Gillespie said he is looking forward to talking with his constituents about nuclear energy.
“The supply of cheap and reliable energy is a critical ingredient to business growth and job creation across the Hunter and mid coast,” Dr Gillespie said.
“I know of local businesses whose growth is restricted because they can’t get any more electricity from suppliers.
“This situation is ridiculous.”
For more information visit https://NuclearForumLorn. eventbrite.com.au.
This is the Lyne Federal Electorate Council’s second Nuclear Energy Information Forum, with one scheduled for Taree on Tuesday 9 July.
q Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's nuclear plan has attracted a mixed reaction.
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Winter is well and truly here, and our furry friends are feeling the cold too!
Animals particularly susceptible to the colder weather are short-coated breeds, older animals with arthritis, smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and animals with minimal body fat.
To ensure your pet is kept cosy and safe this winter:
- Keep them inside with you in the warm, and ensure outdoor areas are sheltered from wind and rain with warm bedding.
- Ensure susceptible animals have jumpers or coats to keep them (and their joints!) warm
- Maintain regular exercise and play.
- Ensure air-conditioner lters are cleaned to minimise air-borne pollutants.
- Place suitable barriers in front of repits and replaces to reduce the risk of injury.
- Save baths for sunny days or use active drying methods a er bath-time.
- Use moisturising conditioners to stop sensitive skin from drying out.
NSW Governor visits
Port Stephens
By Simon EKINS
HER Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC, KC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson will be visiting Maitland, Raymond Terrace, Port Stephens and Tea Gardens from Wednesday, 26 June to Friday, 28 June 2024.
Community leadership, health, sustainability, industry, education, volunteering and art will be on the agenda during the visit.
“We are delighted to be visiting the Hunter, Australia’s leading regional economy, with its wonderful community spirit, precious heritage assets and stunning natural landscapes,” Mrs Beazley said.
“Dennis and I look forward to engaging with local people, businesses and organisations in the days ahead.”
Beginning in Maitland, the Governor and Mr Wilson will engage with a presentation by Maitland City Council, afterwards visiting Carrie’s Place, which has provided domestic and family violence and homelessness services to the community since 1979.
Later, as Patrons, they will meet with members of Maitland and Port Stephens Parkinson’s Support Groups.
The Governor and Mr Wilson will participate in an industry breakfast with Hunter Defence, before returning to Maitland Showground to learn more about Slow Food Hunter Valley, a volunteer organisation supporting biodiversity, sustainability, advocacy and education.
They will also discover the story ‘Behind the ‘Ugg’ at the Mortels Sheepskin Factory.
In Raymond Terrace, the Governor and Mr Wilson will meet with Port Stephens Council for breakfast, before joining Seaham Public School students to learn
about the School Parliament program. Later, they will meet volunteers and staff of Marine Rescue Port Stephens, before visiting the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute and learning about the work of staff and volunteers at Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
In the evening, the Governor and Mr Wilson will host a Vice Regal reception at Maitland Town Hall to thank community leaders and representatives.
On the final day of their program, the Governor and Mr Wilson will meet with community artists from the Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Myall River areas at Galleries in the Gardens, before joining volunteers of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest branch of the Red Cross for lunch
Margaret Joan Beazley, AC, KC, is an Australian jurist who is the 39th and current Governor of New South Wales, serving since 2 May 2019.
She was previously the President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal, the first woman to hold the office, from 2013 until February 2019.
q NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Mr Dennis Wilson.
Positive citizenship recognised
By Marian SAMPSON
A GROUP of exceptional local students were recognised by Port Stephens Council last week with Community Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Awards.
Nominated students for PBL awards are featured in News Of The Area each week during school term, with a lucky few getting extra recognition at an awards ceremony held at Council Chambers, presented by Mayor Ryan Palmer.
The award winners:
• Belle from Irrawang Public School was recognised for consistently demonstrating PBL values.
She is a role model for younger students and her peers.
• Nicholas, also from Irrawang Public School, was acknowledged for his outstanding sportsmanship.
Nicholas encourages other students to participate fully in school life.
• Irrawang High School student Talleira has represented the school in the NRL School to Work program.
She is a role model for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Zahli is Irrawang High School's first Academic Advisor on the student leadership team, mentoring students across all years.
• Lexie from Raymond Terrace Public School was recognised for her leadership.
She leads by example in the ‘Big Looks After Little’ program.
• Jassim is a school captain at Raymond Terrace Public School. He consistently leads by example, while considering others before himself.
• Hunter River High School’s Sibella was recognised for her efforts during a visit to Stewart House.
She worked hard to ensure other students were engaged in the activities on offer.
• Jennie Ann embodies Hunter River High's values of respect, responsibility and excellence. She works hard to be a positive role model for other students.
• Menzies from Grahamstown Public School was nominated for demonstrating care and compassion.
• Grahamstown student Clancy was recognised for his exceptional sportsmanship.
• Seaham Public School student Kaleiya was recognised for excellence in citizenship.
• Lilliana, also from Seaham Public School, was recognised for upholding the school's values.
• Finn from Medowie Public School was recognised for his engagement in all aspects
of school life and his citizenship.
• Eden from Medowie Public School was recognised for being a great role model.
• Salt Ash Public School student Blake was recognised for his empathy and being responsible.
• Teddy was recognised for his behaviour, attitude towards learning and patience for others.
He demonstrates his school’s PBL values of being a positive, respectful and safe learner.
Teddy welcomes new students with empathy, kindness and compassion.
• Estelle from Karuah Public School was recognised for being a great PBL ambassador and for leading by example.
• Malikah was recognised for being a great role model and showing exceptional kindness.
q Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer presented the awards.
q The winners of the Community Positive Behaviour for Learning Awards with Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer.
Jan’s Patchwork Group extends helping ‘Hands for Yacaaba’
By Lindsay HALL
LADIES that quilt together can truly make a difference together.
Early in the year the members of Jan’s Patchwork Group out of Anna Bay had the notion of holding a craft fair, having been inspired by a recent visit to a similar event in the Hunter Valley.
“On the car ride on the way back I just said: ‘We should do this’,” said Jan Hall, the coordinator of the group.
Over a weekend in April, the group opened the hall of their host - Gateway Presbyterian Church - to display their craft-work alongside contributions from the Port Stephens Men’s Shed, local artists and other individuals who were keen to contribute.
The fair was a rousing success for the group, but much more so for the true beneficiaries of the event - notable Port Stephens
charity the Yacaaba Centre.
“Each year we choose a charity to support and do a little fundraising,” said member Colleen Maloy.
“This year we wanted to see if we could upscale that a bit.”
That is exactly what the group accomplished through the entry fees and sales at their show, along with their more targeted ‘Hands for Yacaaba’ initiative.
Members of the group crafted a series of hands in different colours which would later be attached to bunting.
The hands would represent individuals and businesses in Port Stephens who wished to contribute financially towards the work of the Yacaaba Centre.
Upon making a donation, a hand was decorated with the contributor's name.
Upon competition, the intention was to present the bunting to the Yacaaba Centre along with the donated funds.
The presentation was finally made on Friday 21 June at one of the group’s weekly crafting sessions, as Yacaaba director Louise Simpson joined the ladies for a while.
“Once again we’re humbled by the community and by these ladies who have been able to pull
this funding together,” said Louise, following the presentation of a cheque for $6800.
“Considering that we have had to fundraise for half of our service in the last
twelve months and we’re busy applying for grants, we’ll have to continue that over the next year, with no long term funding being committed at this stage.
“We’re hoping for that to
change in the future, but for now this is really important to being able to maintain our services.
“It’s amazing, really great community support, and we appreciate it.”
q Jan’s Patchwork Group presented the Yacaaba Centre’s director, Louise Simpson, with $6800 raised through their recent craft show.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
By Marian SAMPSON
THE Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program is reaping rewards in our region.
Last week’s nominees included Irrawang Public School’s Kylahni, who was nominated for leadership and sportsmanship.
Raymond Terrace Public School’s Halle was nominated for supporting other students.
Brody from Grahamstown Public School was nominated for being a great role model.
Malachi from Irrawang High was nominated for representing the school at the state swimming championships.
Zoe from Irrawang High was nominated for representing the school at ANZAC Day.
For Chase from Salt
Stargazing: Don’t be a luna-tic
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
THE Moon's influence on human behaviour and physiology has been a subject of fascination and debate for centuries.
While many beliefs about lunar effects remain rooted in folklore, recent scientific research has provided some insights into the Moon's potential impact on various aspects of human life.
Sleep patterns appear to be one area where the Moon may exert some influence.
A 2021 study found that sleep patterns in rural communities without electricity, Indigenous populations, and urban settings were affected by the lunar cycle.
Sleep onset was later and duration shorter on nights preceding the full moon.
This could be due to the increased brightness of the full moon, which may cause people to feel more alert at night.
Perhaps this explains why werewolves are always so grumpy – they're just sleepdeprived!
However, the Moon's effects on mental health and mood remain largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence.
A 1985 meta-analysis found no correlation between mental health hospital admissions and moon phases, and a 2019 study of 17,966 individuals seeking mental health care in an inpatient setting uncovered no connection between admissions, discharges, and lunar phases.
So, if you're feeling a bit loony, you can't blame it on the Moon!
Regarding the menstrual cycle, research has yielded mixed or weak results.
A 2021 analysis of a previous study involving over 300 females reported some correlation between the full moon and the onset
of menstruation. Messy stuff I know, but it proves the Moon isn't as in sync with women's cycles as old wives' tales would have us believe.
Some studies suggest that the lunar cycle may have a small impact on childbirth as well.
A 2021 study of 38.7 million births in France revealed slight but significant variations in birth patterns related to moon phases, with births increasing during the full moon.
Perhaps babies are just eager to get a good look at that big, shiny orb in the sky!
The Moon's influence on human physiology may be mediated through its effects on the Earth's magnetic field.
The gravitational pull of the Moon causes subtle fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field, to which some people might be sensitive.
However, the effect is tiny, and it's unclear if it's strong enough to induce biological changes.
So, if you're feeling particularly magnetic during a full moon, it's probably just your sparkling personality!
While some studies have found correlations between lunar phases and various phenomena such as traffic accidents and outdoor crime rates, these effects are often small and may be explained by factors such as increased illumination
during full moons rather than direct lunar influence. It's disappointing to know that if you get a parking ticket on a full moon night, you can't use the "the Moon made me do it" excuse!
In conclusion, while the Moon's impact on Earth's environment and ecosystems is undeniable, its effects on human behaviour and physiology remain a subject of ongoing research.
Some studies suggest small influences on sleep
patterns and possibly childbirth, but many traditional beliefs about lunar effects on human behaviour lack strong scientific support.
Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between lunar cycles and human life.
In the meantime, feel free to howl at the Moon – just don't expect it to howl back!
See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.
Ash Public School showing kindness is a way of life. Logan from Medowie Public School was nominated
for demonstrating the school's PBL values at the athletics carnival. Harrison from Seaham
Public School was recognised for helping out at the school disco. Eva from Karuah Public
School was nominated for her kindness and commitment to her community.
Origin glory for White
By Chris KARAS
TEN months ago Port Stephens rugby league sensation LillyAnn White was calling the shots as a schoolgirl half back with the Raymond Terrace Magpies in the Newcastle Hunter Womens A Grade Rugby League competition.
Last Thursday at a chilly Leichhardt Oval the Tea Gardens native underlined her enormous potential by helping NSW lift the Women's State of Origin Under 19s trophy with a recordbreaking 46-4 triumph over Queensland as a dashing fullback.
The former Australian Schoolgirls ace produced a strong debut performance in the
number one jumper as the ‘Baby Blues’ turned on the style with a ninetry rout.
Eighteen-year-old Lilly-Ann was joined in the Sky Blues team by Newcastle club mates Evah McEwen and utility half Evie Jones, who was also part of the NSW squad in 2023.
Rising Illawarra playmaker and Sky Blues skipper Kasey Reh was best on ground – mesmerising the Maroons with her tactical kicking and creating four tries plus scoring one herself in a masterclass display.
Talented centres Lindsay Tui and Indie Bostock, hooker Chelsea Savill, prop Bronte Wilson, winger Maria Paseka, five eighth Evie McGrath, lock forward Ryvrr-Lee Aloa and powerful back rower McEwen also notched tries with Savill (three) and second rower Charlotte Basham (two) landing five conversions as the Sky
q Raymond Terrace Roosters junior Lilly Ann White helped NSW secure the Under 19s Womens Origin trophy with a strong debut performance in the record breaking 46-4 win over Queensland at Leichhardt Oval.
Blues posted the biggest winning margin since the Women's Origin Under 19s conception back in 2021.
It has been a meteoric rise for LillyAnn since being named the Knights’ Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year last season.
The Raymond Terrace Roosters junior product has established herself as
one of the brightest fullback prospects in womens rugby league and was rewarded with a two year Development contract with reigning NRLW champions Newcastle.
She hopes to play a role in the 2024 campaign as Ben Jeffries’ Knights chase a premiership trifecta.
Earlier this year the gifted White skippered Newcastle to a Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final appearance where they were beaten 24-12 by Kasey Reh’s all conquering Steelers.
Lilly-Ann earned her NSW jumper with a dynamic performance at fullback in Country’s thrilling extra time 26-18 victory over City last month in the annual Under 19s clash at Leichhardt Oval.
The emerging custodian cut a swathe through the City defence with her elusive running and tricky step and capped an impressive display with a customary try.
NSW Under 19s coach
Kate Mullaly told News Of The Area that Lilly-Ann “has a bright future in the game”.
“She was one of thirteen players in our Sky Blues squad that featured in the Tarsha Gale Cup premiership decider and has proved an inspiration with her leadership qualities and exceptional attacking skills in pressure moments,” quipped the former World Cupwinning Australian Jillaroos assistant.
“Coming into the NSW camp the girls worked hard to mix and it paid off with a huge team effort in the Origin showdown with the Maroons,” she added.
Tomaree Tri Club to host Point2Pub race
By Simon EKINS
THE Tomaree Triathlon Club was recently thrilled to announce the return of the Bannisters Point2Pub Swim Classic, scheduled for Saturday 29 June at Soldiers Point.
This community-favourite event features a two kilometre open water swim and the McCauley K, a one kilometre option.
Swimmers start from Soldiers Point jetty and head towards Wanda Headland before turning back towards the jetty to exit the water and finish with a short run up to the finish arch in the beer garden of the Cheeky Dog.
Winners in both events will receive trophies, with prize money for the top three male and female finishers in each event along with random draw sponsor prizes.
A special one kilometre Trident Swim event allows participants to swim with fins or snorkels, though
no division prizes will be awarded.
“This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, encouraging swimmers of all levels to participate,”
Club President Terry Withers said.
“Our mission is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for athletes of all levels.”
The Tomaree Triathlon Club has been operating on the Tomaree
peninsula for over 30 years and is dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through various sporting events, including triathlons, open water swims, and community activities.
For more information and to register, visit https:// tomareetriclub.org.au/point2pubswim/ and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
NOTA seeking community writers
in our region.
TELLING the incredible stories of Port Stephens is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.
Amid widespread newspaper closures, the independently-owned and family-run NOTA remains passionate about keeping locals up to date with all the latest news,
sport, current affairs and more.
Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals to join the team.
“I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”
Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.
Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the awe-inspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life
If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let's start the conversation.
Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
q Marshalls and lifesavers are always on hand during events.
q Last year’s event proved popular in perfect conditions.
Pindimar dances the night away
By Thomas O’KEEFE
LIVE music and plenty of dancing kept the attendees at the Pindimar Bush Dance warm on a cold winter’s night on Saturday 22 June, inside the Pindimar Fire Station Hall.
The Pindimar/Bundabah Community Association’s annual ‘winter warmer’ this year was a fun-filled dance party, complete with western attire, and a mix of country and classical rock provided by Maitland’s ‘Hillbilly Rock’ duo.
As waves of rain crashed into the roof of the big station shed, the 60 or so revellers were kept warm and toasty inside by the songs, the wood and gas heaters, and the food.
“The Pindimar/Bundabah Community Association (PBCA) runs an annual event to bring the community together, usually around the solstice,” PBCA President Vivien Panhuber told NOTA.
Apparently it took six cooks to make the gravy, but the lamb and gravy rolls ended up a delicious meal for the combined efforts, which certainly was no gravy train.
Vivien’s own mulled wine recipe, prepared by
PBCA Treasurer Andrew, did its own fair share of warming people up, while the ever-popular coin toss was also hotly contested, the prize being a bottle of locally-prepared butterscotch schnapps, and ultimately going to Bundabah’s Philip Pomery.
The relentless rain drowned out the mic sometimes, other times resembling a stadium's thunderous applause for the band and dancers alike, especially after the 'Heel'n'Toe', which took some training, then became an endurance race as the tempo kept increasing.
“We can do that,” was the optimistic call from a few
barn-dancers, as they learnt the steps to the likes of Boot Scootin’ Boogie, while the instructor, Elaine, did her best to show them the moves.
One attendee noted that the Pindimar Fire Station needs a pole to assist dancers at future events
The dancing proved a great way to warm up, with some even having to head outside just to cool down.
Others clocked up their cardio for the week, and the enthusiasm of the night was summed up in many ways, such as Andrew’s admission, “I got all the right moves, just not in the right order.”
q Much dancing and merriment was seen on the dancefloor.
q Elaine did her best to train dancers in the ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’.
Chasing stories of love and connection
CHASING stories of love and connection, Helen established Night-Jar Photography in 2018, capturing the incredible wedding days of unique couples across the region.
“I'm deeply passionate about capturing the intimate, honest, joyful moments as your day unfolds,” said Helen.
“Forever chasing stories of love and connection in a
documentary style approach, I offer guidance through prompts to keep an energetic flow throughout your day."
Helen describes herself as a visual storyteller with a “deep love for documenting
q Night-Jar Photography is dedicated to “capturing the intimate, honest, joyful moments” of a wedding day.
families as they are, right at this moment in time.”
Based in Port Stephens, Helen also travels throughout NSW, specialising in all aspects of family photography.
“I like to chase the
intimate details of love and connection, capturing those soul filling moments as they unfold naturally,” she said.
A mum of two, it is Helen’s little girls who have inspired her photography journey.
‘Intimate and personable’ at Valhalla
WELCOME to Valhalla; a Scandinavian-inspired Australian sanctuary offering the unique and rustic charm of 'where country meets coast'.
For five generations, members of the Spruce family have continued their traditional farming practices, providing the Port Stephens community with the finest quality vegetables, including the famous ‘Anna Bay Tomatoes’.
In recent years they have expanded their repertoire from growing the food to preparing it with love, turning it into quality meals and dishes.
From here, Valhalla Restaurant Bar was born and sits at the front of the beautiful Spruce Estate.
The name ‘Valhalla’ is a famous one in Viking (Norse) mythology.
As one of the beautiful halls of Asgard, home of the Norse gods, Valhalla is the feasting-hall of honourable
heroes slain in battle, and Odin rules over them.
Together, the heroes and gods feast under a ceiling
thatched with golden shields while the golden tree Glasir stands outside.
The beauty of Valhalla is one of a kind, both homely and heartwarming.
“With an Australian/ European feel and Viking/ Scandinavian influence, Valhalla is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy good company in our iconic surroundings,” the Valhalla team said.
“With its captivating green backdrops, ample
space, air of freedom and Australian/Scandinavianinspired atmosphere, you will feel as though you've stepped back in time as you enter the intimate and personable world that is Valhalla.”
Designed and created to be more than just a restaurant and bar, but also an unforgettable and uniquely atmospheric world within itself, Valhalla offers extensive choices for social gatherings, weddings,
“I love documenting life, freezing time and preserving a record of now as our little ones grow so quickly.
“Are you ready to tell your story together?”
parties, functions and events.
Open from Wednesday through to Sunday, Valhalla serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with weekly live music, daily happy hour and an extensive menu of over 50 choices!
Escape to the coastal countryside and indulge in the atmosphere of Valhalla. Visit the website for menu, trading details and events enquiries. Contact events@ valhallarestaurantbar. com.au and weddings@ valhallarestaurantbar.com. au.
q Set out across 40 acres of coastal farm land, Valhalla Restaurant Bar is located on the beautiful Spruce Estate, Port Stephens.
Truly unique venue
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Moonshadow-TQC Cruises is
“Cruise Port Stephens with your loved ones in celebration of your special day,” said the Moonshadow team.
“Enjoy stunning scenery with breaktaking 360 degree views, delicious cuisine, and even spot a dolphin or two.
“Our professional on-site wedding specialist will assist you with tailoring the wedding of your dreams.”
Contact Moonshadow’s wedding specialist today on 02 4984 9388 to find out more.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN OPINION & LETTERS
Dutton's reactors too expensive
DEAR News Of The Area,
AT long last, Mr Dutton has revealed (ABC TV, 19 June) that his nuclear proposals are not commercially supported by private enterprise companies.
Instead, the Opposition has opted for a socialistic approach, whereby taxpayers cough up 100 percent of the cost for seven wholly government-owned and controlled nuclear reactors
Judging by recent overseas experience, those construction costs will be insanely expensive.
For instance, Mr Dutton indicated a preference for Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, but failed to mention the huge costs and construction delays of the most recent US build: Georgia's Vogtle Units 3 and 4 AP1000 reactors.
They took 15 years to build at a cost of more than US $35 billion (AU $53.7 billion), double the projected timeline and cost.
This equates to US$15,766/kW of planned
READING
by Lynne Miles: Matthew 24: 35"The skies and the earth will pass away but My words will NOT pass away," says the Lord.
capacity (AU $24,180/kW): compared to solar PV at AU $1505/kW for solar PV and wind power at AU $5545/kW (fixed) and AU $6856/kW (floating).
The only other Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear project in USA was the two-unit V.C. Summer nuclear project in South Carolina, which went bankrupt in 2017 after years of mismanagement and corruption, and after
construction costs blew out from US $9.8 billion to $25 billion (AU $37.5 billion).
Will Dutton's nuclear reactors be a similar financial disaster for Australia?
Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.
Future plans for Medowie centre
DEAR News Of The Area,
THERE has long been arguments on the subject of what governments should use public money for and the Medowie Sports and Community Centre is a prime example.
This project has been plagued with issues since the first sod was turned in 2017.
In an ideal world where a council has covered all its ‘primary’ obligations, such as roads, rubbish, footpaths and keeping rates down, such investment would be grand.
However, in this case it simply reinforces that the pork barreling of the past can come back and bite you on the arse.
Infrastructure projects such as this should be funded by private enterprise, not local government.
Imagine the benefit the entire LGA would have gained if that $6.5 million had gone into road repairs?
According to one of our own past councillors, this would have constructed approximately 6.5
km of new tarred road!
And God only knows how many pothole infested sections of road could have been repaired correctly, improving the safety and driving experience for locals and visitors alike.
Would this extra $6.5 million have meant the entire LGA would have gotten green bins that much sooner?
Perhaps, by not spending this $6.5 million, there would have been no need to raise the rates as much as it is going to, or indeed at all.
Now the council is trying to save face by asking the entire population of Port Stephens to "have a say" in where to go next.
They have offered a number of ideas, most of which seem very localised in their nature, so let's think outside the box and consider what will get the best return for the entire Port Stephens community.
Option 1: Sell the thing and reinvest the funds into local roads across the entire LGA.
Surely, if it cost $6.5 million in 2017 it should have appreciated considerably since?
Option 2: Offer the facility as a local training centre to TAFE NSW, not just a remote learning centre the likes of Salamander Bay.
There are all the facilities necessary to offer on-site hospitality training covering those skills businesses within our LGA are constantly crying out for. Surely, with some creative thinking, there would be room to offer other trade skill training such as hairdressing, upholstery and dare I say (tongue in cheek) pothole repair.
Anyway, all I have to say to council is this: Think of what will benefit the entire LGA and help build an overall better Port Stephens, not just something to put you in good with the residents of Medowie.
Regards, Bill DORAN, Tanilba Bay.
Worrying claims on electricity costs
DEAR News Of The Area,
RECENT letter writer Bruce Murray makes a number of patently wrong claims about the CSIRO Gencost Report, in the NOTA of 6 June.
The Gencost Report documents the lifetime costs of various types of electricity generation.
It appears that he has either not read the CSIRO document, or has failed to understand it.
For example, he claims that the report doesn’t take into account the capacity factor of different forms of energy, when the capacity factor is clearly documented for every form of electricity generation.
In fact “capacity factor” is mentioned 22 times in the document.
That is the average output vs the maximum output of a generator.
They estimate offshore wind has a CF of 50 to 55 percent - which matches overseas installations.
By comparison the Eraring coal power station has an actual CF of 60 percent, according to AEMO (the energy market operator).
The CSIRO report is based on the internationally accepted standards for estimating the levelised cost of energy.
The method takes into account all costs in the life cycle of the asset, including capital costs, operational and maintenance costs, fuel costs, capacity factor, the expected life of the different assets and the cost of decommissioning at the end of life.
According to the World Nuclear Association, the life of a nuclear power plant is 30 to 40 years, not 70 years, as claimed.
No turbines last that long, no matter what the fuel.
Most generation assets have lives of 25 to 40 years and then have to be refurbished or replaced.
The claim that it only applies to renewable energy is obviously disingenuous.
CSIRO and every other scientific examination of the costs of nuclear energy show that it is the most expensive way to generate electricity.
By contrast, the published data on a year’s actual wholesale prices in the NEM (National Energy Market) show that solar is around ⅓ of the cost of coal and wind is around half of the cost of coal power.
Note that coal is still around 60 percent of electricity generation and dominates the wholesale price.
Nuclear electricity prices would be at least two to three times more expensive than coal, giving us much higher electricity prices than we have now.
The British have a lot of experience with nuclear power but their Hinkley reactor will
Area
theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I've started going to soccer matches with a good friend and our sons, who are both in the same class at school. We thought this was a great way to save fuel and catch up.
The problem is, I've now discovered my friend is highly competitive when it comes to sport.
She yells at the other team and the referee and she sulked last week when my son got player of the match.
It's becoming unbearable.
Fiona S.
Dear Fiona,
There are many different parenting styles and the disparities between them come to full realisation during weekend sports matches.
There's the working parent who spends the entire match on her phone extolling the virtues of a four-bedder reno dream and organising open house inspections while her kid is bending it like Beckham.
There's the parent there purely for his social life who talks through the entire match so you miss the game.
There's the organiser who always remembers the frozen oranges, brings extra jumpers and drink bottles, has upto-date first aid training, and sorts out the end-of-season present for the coach.
Then there's your friend who will make the soccer season a living hell for you, your son, and anyone within earshot.
You'll be tarred with the same brush through association.
You can try a number of tactics - ignore the bad and praise the good; come up with feeble excuses not to travel together anymore, have a word in the coach's ear and get them to address what's expected of parents, or confront the issue like the goalie - head on.
Explain that you value the friendship and that you love the way your sons get on, but you see the game as a fun way for them to learn new skills and nothing more.
The way your friend reacts will sort the issue out, one way or another.
have taken about 20 years and has been costed at $89 billion for a facility slightly larger than Eraring - incredibly expensive.
We also have the cheapest and most abundant renewable energy in the developed world, unlike the small, relatively crowded, cloudy island of Britain.
Dutton’s nuclear plan is nothing more than a ploy to delay the transition to clean energy.
Regards, Brian TEHAN. Corlette.
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Mail to media@newsofthearea.com.au
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Nelson Bay Golf Club Results
16 JUNE – 22 June 2024
Sunday 16 June 2024
Men’s Stableford Gymea course
A1 Danny Marmo (19) 36
A2 Tyler Perrin (15) 34
A3 Stephen Rigby (19) 33
B1 Adam Bootland (22) 40
B2 Ray Baunach (29) 35
B3 Malcolm Rose (25) 33
L+Z Chalmers Trophy Gymea Course
Overall, Winners
1 Zoe Stewart (41) 37
2 Arja Levonpera (22) 35c/b
3 Maree Cousins (23) 35
L+Z Chalmers 4bbb Gymea Course
Overall, Winners
1 Zoe Stewart & Neil Edwards (2) 44
2 Josephine Richart & Danny Marmo 41c/b
3 Jenny Hazer & Peter Hazer 41
4 Claudia Stockenhuber & Michael
Stockenhuber 40c/b
Monday 17 June 2024
Vets Results Division 1
1. Bob Beverley 23
2. Alan Gadsby 22 Division 2
1. Stephen Mitchell 24
2. Geoff White 21
Tuesday 18 June 2024
Women’s Par: Brush Course
A1 Robyn Kennett (15) 2
A2 Linda Drake (17) -3
A3 Peri Kennedy (18) -5 c/b
A4 Jenny Hazer (20) -5c/b
B1 Donna Hall (28) 1c/b
B2 Mary Kay (31) 1
B3 Chris Wright (31) -1
B4 Meg Flack (30) -4c/b
C1 Ann Tuner (32) 1
C2 Sue Wilson (45) -3
C3 Linda Goudge (43) -4c/b
C4 Di Brown (34) -4 c/b
9 Hole Tuesday Stableford: Gymea Course
Overall, Winners
1 Jennifer Maher (44) 14
2 Joan Frost (34) 11
Wednesday 19 June 2024
Stableford: Brush Box Course
A1 Wayne Cleaver (12) 38
A2 Murray Atkins (9) 36c/b
A3 Graeme Luke (10) 36
B1 Peter Schoonhoven (18) 37
B2 Ian Sandy (23) 36
B3 Sam Cockburn (20) 35 c/b
C1 Clifford Bishop (39) 45
C2 Chris Kelly (30) 39
C3 Flynn O’Malley (28) 37
Men’s Stableford: Christmas Courses
A1 Garry Ensor (11) 39
A2 John Wade (12) 36
A3 Max Pride (8) 34
B1 Col Buchanan (20) 38
B2 Neil Young (17) 37
B3 Craig Windon (16) 36
C1 David Hurley (28) 35
C2 Richard Bennett (25) 34
C3 John Ambrose (29) 33 c/b
Thursday 20 June 2024
Women’s Stroke: Gymea Course
A1 Karen West (18) 72
A2 Annette Rumble (32) 74
A3 Nicola Bethwaite (25) 76 c/b
B1 Pam Norman (41) 69
B2 Janette Ferrier (46) 70 c/b
B3 Liz Kalousek (49) 70
Vets Results
1 Laurie Sellers 21
2 Robert Rollason 19
Friday 21 June 2024
Ladies Stableford:
Christmas Course
Overall winners
1 Debbie Childs (24) 41
2 Nicola Bethwaite (25) 38
3 Susie Anderson (21) 35
4 Debra Bartlett (46) 34c/b
Men’s Stableford: Christmas Course
A1 Phil Ismay (16) 37c/b
A2 Robert Skinner (18) 37
A3 Peter Sutton (9) 34c/b
A4 Christopher Gilbert (12) 34
B1 Tony Knife (24) 38c/b
B2 Zbigniew Wasilewicz (27) 38
B3 Stephen Mitchell (28) 37c/b
B4 Len Cooper (24) 37c/b
Saturday 22 June 2024
Men’s Stableford: Gymea Course
Overall winners:
1 John De Ridder (39) 36
2 Kenneth Oberman (16) 35
3 Wayne Cleaver (12) 33
4 Craig James (16) 32c/b
Men’s Stableford:
Christmas Course:
Overall winners:
1 Mark Fisher (18) 35
2 Michael Trigas (21) 34
3 Andrew Driscoll (27) 30c/b
4 Stephen Rigby (17) 30
Experienced Magpies roll Seagulls
By Chris KARAS
RAYMOND Terrace Magpies remain on track for the 2024 Newcastle Hunter Rugby League Mens A Grade minor premiership.
The undefeated Magpies edged out a gritty Lakes United Seagulls side 16-12 last Friday night at Lakeside Sporting Complex to maintain a four point buffer over rivals Waratah-Mayfield.
The experienced halves combination of five eighth Kyle
Handford and maestro number seven Kurt Lewis showed their class in the Magpies’ hard fought win –the club’s ninth in succession from as many games played.
Raymond Terrace are entrenched at the top of the table on 18 points – four clear of the Cheetahs (14 points) who rolled the Cardiff Cobras 26-0 last Saturday at Cardiff Oval.
The Magpies had to fight tooth and nail to stave off a fierce Seagulls challenge with Handford, Lewis
and sharp centre Robert Chaffey notching crucial tries and both halves each landing a conversion.
Lakes United stayed in the hunt with vital four pointers by interchange Ethan Perrin and clever half back Liam Squires that were converted by five eighth Luke Walsh.
Waratah Mayfield tackle the Seagulls this Saturday at Cahill Oval from 11.50am before Raymond Terrace host the Dudley Magpies at Lakeside Sporting Complex from 4pm.
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 17th June 2024 with 40 players.
Nett Winner : Lester Lake, 37pts.
Nett Runner Up : Barry Leo, 33pts.
Bonus Point Winner : Col Kerrison, 37pts.
Bonus Point Runner Up : Greg Hinton, 34pts, c/b Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole : Div 1 : Ron McKay.
Div 2 : Greg Hinton.
Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole, :
Div 1 : John McDonald.
Div 2 : Brian Marshall.
Drive & Chip, 7th Hole,
Div 1 : Gary Chapman.
Div 2 : Dennis Christie.
Drive & Chip, 18th Hole,
Nelson Bay Croquet Club
By David WILSON
STATE Championship for Liz Friend
THE Croquet NSW 2024 Division 2 Golf Croquet State Championships were held 13th-14th June at Manly (Doubles) and 15th-17th June at Chatswood (Singles). Division 2 is for players with a handicap between 5 and 8.
8 pairs entered the Doubles with Liz Friend (playing with Lance Howes from Marrickville), Sherry Gordon & Rod Peet and Brenda-Lee Peet & Rae Uptin from Nelson Bay. The qualifying round was played as a single block round-robin of 7 games. The top 4 pairs contested the championship semi-finals with
Liz & Lance beating Jaki Gaskell (Jamberoo) & Janelle Wilson (Canberra) 7-3 before taking the championship 3-7 7-6 7-5 over Penny Paterson & David Adams (Mosman) in the best-of-three final. In the Plate competition, Sherry & Rod and Brenda-Lee & Rae won tight semi-finals, before Brenda-Lee and Rae took the final 7-5.
19 players entered the Singles with Liz Friend, Sherry Gordon, Les Guzowski and Rae Uptin from Nelson Bay. Liz was seeded into the Red Block and won 4 of 9 games; Sherry (3 wins from 8 games), Les (2 from 8) and Rae (3 from 8) were seeded in the White Block with Rae qualifying for the championship semi-finals on hoop count-back. The play-offs were 19-point games.
Try merchant Tash Harris bags double
By Chris KARAS
SHARP running Nelson Bay centre Tash Harris has developed into a try scoring specialist in the Hunter Rugby Womens competition.
The elusive Harris has nabbed nine tries for the fifth placed Gropers this season in eight matches to date – using her raw speed, fleet footwork and evasion skills to good effect.
Quicksilver Tash was at her mercurial best last Saturday at Ernie Calland Field when she racked up a try double in Nelson Bay’s 22-10 victory over Southern Beaches.
The dashing centre capped a strong performance for the depleted Gropers, who registered a fifth win to stay in touch on 23 points with competition big guns Merewether Carlton (40), Wanderers (39),
Raymond Terrace Under 19s demonstrated their attacking class in a 60-6 shellacking of Kearsley at Jeffery Park last weekend in the NHRL D Grade Mens Northern competition.
The Magpies raced in ten tries with boom centre Troy Such and promising fullback Harper Such both nabbing hat-tricks as the visitors ran amok.
Elusive centre Jake Atkins collected a try double with interchange prop Aidan Fellows also crossing in the try-fest that pleased coach Mark Collison.
Skipper and half back Whare Kuru continued his points scoring spree with a contribution of twenty from ten conversions.
Third placed Karuah Roos also flexed their muscles to whip
Div 1 : Gary Gazzard.
Div 2 : Peter Toth.
Ball Winners : Alan Foster 34pts, Gary Chapman 34pts, Gary Watt 34pts, Bob McKeand 33pts, Ron Dodd 32pts, Gary Gazzard 32pts, Ralph Brown 32pts,
Rae lost in the semi-final 8-10 to Lance Howes (Marrickville) but finished 6th losing the 5th/6th place play-off 3-10 to Janelle Wilson (Canberra). In the Plate competition, Liz (8-10), Sherry (8-10) and Les (5-10) all lost in the 1st round.
The Nelson Bay Croquet Club’s Gala Day is held annually on 17th June to celebrate the Club's 'birthday' (the date the club moved to their present facility on Tomaree Sports Complex in 2011).
Despite the recent wet weather, a clear and bright winter day greeted the 42 members and guests, visitors from Maitland, Newcastle National Park, Pelican
CONTINUED Page 23 q Liz Friend playing a shot.
Hamilton Hawks (32) and Maitland Blacks (26).
Nelson Bay’s wily hooker forward Jade Brown was best on ground and was a popular choice for the team’s Players’ Player award.
Brown and Harris were ably supported by power forward Taylor Rich, strong running centre Emjay Walters and dynamic fullback Tanya Jones, who posted the Gropers other two tries.
Coach Josh Gamgee believes he has genuine trump cards in Harris, Walters and the flamboyant Jones as the team builds towards the finals series.
The former Manly rugby ace is pinning his trust in talented halves Briennan Napoli and Leah Nowlan, who have enjoyed outstanding campaigns after ten rounds of the 2024 series.
Nelson Bay women's team will be part of a Hunter Rugby double header this Saturday at Empire Park when they do battle with Cooks Hill Brown Snakes at 4.30pm.
the Stroud Raiders 48-6 at Lionel Morten Oval.
Strong running back rower Aiden Bills scored three of the Roos’ ten tries and potted two goals for a personal tally of sixteen points.
Other try scorers for Karuah were winger Brody Morley (2), dynamic fullback Mitch O’Bryan (2), hooker Daniel Evans and winger Adam Crampton with stalwart half Sam Croese booting two goals.
The win was a good tonic for the Roos who square off with competition leaders Paterson Rivers this Saturday at Paterson Sports Ground from 3pm.
Second placed Raymond Terrace Under 19s face the Stroud Raiders this Saturday at Stroud Showground from 3pm in another important clash.
Tony Care 31pts, Phil Rogan 31pts, Bob Sellick 31pts, Michael Best 31pts, John D’Este 31pts, Bryan Porter 31pts, and Ian Dean 31pts. Lucky Draw Prize Winner : Dave Hurley.
Stinker’s History: Pure grit on Fingal Island
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
COLLECTING shell grit was a steady source of income during the tough times of the Depression years and there were ample supplies of the crushed shell from Boat Harbour and Rocky Point to Broughton Island.
The grit was purchased by poultry companies to strengthen the egg shell and to use as a cushion when the eggs were to be packed in boxes for transport.
One of the richest deposits of the naturally crushed shell was on Fingal Island in a small bay aptly named ‘Shelly’ or the ‘Grit Hole’.
Arthur Murdoch found himself unemployed in 1929 and left Newcastle to seek a livelihood.
He commenced bagging shell grit on Fingal Island in 1930 and remained till the end of the decade, living in a humpy built close to the Grit Hole.
The view towards Broughton Island would have been spectacular.
Speaking of island experiences and the dangerous ‘Spit’, Arthur stated, “The fact that it (the Spit) existed made our lives a bit more hazardous.
“If it had been an island, in fact, everybody would have accepted island life and would have made all
Snapper time!
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
I HAVE been saying it for years.
It is not necessary to travel long distances to catch cracker fish.
Let me tell you about an outing I had recently.
Sitting at home in Fingal with nothing in particular on my mind
I just happened to look out the window and noticed a sizeable sea crashing into the southern face of Boondelbah Island.
Looking in an easterly direction
FROM Page 22
and Toronto croquet clubs.
The day started with Founding and Life Member Margaret-Rose Thompson welcoming everyone before they enjoyed morning tea. The main part of the day
I estimated a swell of around two metres on a dropping tide.
The wind, a moderate southerly.
Snapper time!
I packed ‘Stinkpot’ as quickly as possible and opened the freezer to check my bait supply.
Nothing! Apart from a handful of dried up king prawns and three packets of mullet fillets from the 2023 mullet run.
Checking the time of day it was 20 minutes to 2 o’clock when I left the beach in Kiddies Corner.
was a series of games that tested mallet skills. The games included perennial favourites such as “Walk the Plank”, “Nearest the Peg”, “Tyre Jump”, “Four Balls” and the wobbly mallet. The day was rounded off by a traditional BBQ, the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake and the
Driven along by nine wild horses I motored straight for the Outer Light.
Funny how I have been doing this for over forty years and yet I was as excited as a kid in a toy shop.
Conditions were perfect as I dropped anchor and frantically baited one rod with a prawn and the other with a strip of elderly mullet.
The rods were set in the rod holders and it was time to wait.
Two or three minutes then ‘Zzzzzzzz’, something had swallowed the prawn and was heading north at a great rate of knots.
A cracker snapper smack on six kilograms was scooped aboard and
awarding of prizes for the various games.
Congratulations to MargaretRose Thompson who acted as MC and Faby Batho and her team who were in charge of the catering - a great effort. game”.
their crossings to the mainland by boat; they would have accepted that rough seas would keep them on the island.”
Arthur lived an idyllic life on the island and recorded his experiences in a wonderful book ‘Sheer Grit’ from which I have borrowed his final entry.
“When at last, it is my turn to leave, I would like one last look at the sea and islands.
“I will leave my hut, in my will, as a home for homeless lighthouse keepers.
“I will ask that my ashes be scattered, half on Shelly, a quarter on the southern lease, one-eighth on the road I made and one-eighth at the lighthouse.
“At last, then, my ashes will solve what I never could do in the flesh: how to be in four different places at once.”
Born in 1906 Arthur Murdoch died in 1993 and with the help of friends he was granted his final wish.
into the iced esky. ‘Zzzzzz’ and off we go again. The mullet strip had been gobbled up by a 3.5 kg snapper. And so the craziness continued until I had landed another half dozen super snapper. Enough.
“She was one of thirteen players in our Sky Blues squad that featured in the Tarsha Gale Cup premiership decider and has proved an inspiration with her leadership qualities and exceptional attacking skills in pressure moments,” quipped the former
Up came the anchor and home I motored.
I recall motoring up my driveway with ‘Stinkpot’ in tow - 4pm! What a trip.
Time to clean the fish and cryovac the fillets and into the freezer. Phew.
World Cup-winning Australian Jillaroos assistant.
“Coming into the NSW camp the girls worked hard to mix and it paid off with a huge team effort in the Origin showdown with the Maroons,” she added.
q Arthur Murdoch and the Calvert family outside Arthur’s island hut.
q The Grit Hole on the northern face of Fingal Island.
q My first fish of the day, a 6kg cracker.
q Margaret-Rose Thompson organising the games.
q Liz Friend and Lance Howes were presented as winners of the Doubles Championship.
Netballers impress at state titles
By Chris KARAS
THEY couldn’t replicate their State Netball championship winning heroics from the previous season but Nelson Bay’s Open representative team can hold their heads high after spirited showings at the recent Netball NSW Senior Titles in Sydney.
A serious knee injury sustained by talented centre Ashlee Hall soured the Bay’s Open Division Two campaign that concluded with an eighth place ranking and tally of eleven victories from their seventeen fixtures completed.
In a savage blow, the skilful Hall
ruptured her ACL early in the carnival and was sorely missed.
Once again the inspirational mother-daughter coaching combination of Amanda and Taylar Wilks came to the fore as Nelson Bay reeled off seven consecutive wins including a courageous 15-13 triumph over eventual champions Hawkesbury City at Narellan Sports Hub.
Player-coach Taylar led the way on and off court with mum Amanda, the long serving Nelson Bay representative convenor, taking on an assistant mentoring role that proved invaluable.
emerging 15yrs netball team finished a creditable fourth at the State Senior Division 4 championships.
“After the Division Three State title success last year the girls stepped up a grade and were competitive to the end,” a proud Amanda told News Of The Area.
“To lose a key player like Ashlee made our task more difficult and had a marked effect on her teammates who managed to battle on courageously and string together some crucial wins,” reflected Wilks senior.
“Ashlee is highly regarded in the region as a skilful player and innovative junior coach who devotes much of her spare time to fostering grassroots netball,” Amanda added.
Nelson Bay also chalked up wins over Quirindi (16-6), Westlakes (1911), Great Lakes (14-7), Tamworth (23-16), Lakeside (17-7), Sapphire Coast (15-10), Manning Valley (15-9), Ballina (19-3), Blue Mountains (23-6) and Hastings Valley (11-8).
Their only losses were to second placed Blacktown City (16-13), third placed Woolgoolga District (17-8), fourth placed Nambucca Valley (1812), fifth placed South Gungahlin (1714), Coffs Harbour (13-11) and ADF (13-5).
Nelson Bay’s Open squad was managed by Michele Chadwick and featured Sienna Burrows, Ashleigh Martin, Emma Dawson, Ella Jones, Lucy Levido, Ashlee Hall, Jilarnie Ahoy, Katie Schein, Ruby Gardner and Mikaela Burrows.
In encouraging signs for the future the Nelson Bay 15yrs representative team produced outstanding displays to finish fourth in the Division Four
Courageous Power show character
By Chris KARAS
LAKE Macquarie is the team to beat in the 2024 AFL Hunter Central Coast Senior Women's Black Diamond Plate competition.
The all-conquering Dockers showed they are a force to be reckoned with after thumping a depleted Port Stephens Power line up 77-0 last Saturday in wet conditions at Ferodale Oval in Medowie.
It was an eighth consecutive victory for the undefeated Dockers who have dominated this year’s Black Diamond Plate series from the outset.
They are the runaway leaders and premiership favourites on 32 points with a massive percentage and will take some stopping for this year’s title.
Despite the loss, the gallant Port Stephens side remain in the top four on 20 points with the Cardiff Hawks – four points behind second placed
Newcastle City.
Experienced Power skipper Josie Johnson told News Of The Area that the side struggled to contain the attacking weapons in the Lake Macquarie lineup.
“They are a champion team with so many big guns but I was proud of my girls who never stopped trying in difficult circumstances,” reflected the NSW Masters defender.
“We were missing six key players and lost another two to injuries
Nelson Bay workhorse Lewis Affleck a standout as Gropers sink Medowie in local derby
FROM Page 32
Marauder Danny Murphy it was a farewell appearance at Boyd Oval before retirement with former teammates in Medowie prop and skipper Eric Tolhurst and number eight Sam Ellul chairing the wily utility half from the field at full time.
The mercurial Dunn capped a top display by scoring two of the Gropers’ six tries in the muddy conditions.
Classy halves Illisoni Vonomatairatu and Khace Petera, Khai Poulsen and Hotene also grabbed five pointers with rookie half Jake Langsford kicking the lone conversion.
Nelson Bay’s seventh successive win lifts the club into second spot on the ladder on 37 points behind competition leaders Singleton Red Bulls (40) and was an ideal tune up for this Saturday’s match of the round against the undefeated Cooks Hill Brown Snakes at Empire Park in Bar Beach from 3pm.
The premiers are keen to avenge their 19-17 first round loss to the Brown Snakes, who have pushed their title claims under the guidance of
clever hooker and skipper Nick Niven, talented goalkicking centre Cameron Logan and former Gropers utility Jake Alexander.
q Nelson Bay forward Liam Keating charges through the Medowie defence with team mate Lewis Affleck in support during the Gropers’ 32-0 rugby triumph at Boyd Oval. media@newsofthearea.com.au
category.
Fiona McGrath’s talented charges registered thirteen victories from their sixteen matches to finish on 26 points behind eventual champions Quirindi (30 points), runners up Sapphire Coast (27) and third placed neighbours Port Stephens (26).
A highlight was the 13-10 triumph over tournament winners Quirindi that underlined the high skill level, tenacity and commitment in the emerging squad.
Nelson Bay were the only club to defeat Quirindi during the three day carnival.
They also posted wins over Wollondilly (11-1), Brunswick Byron (20-7), Sapphire Coast (12-10), Scone (14-8), Narrabri (15-7), Blayney &
during the match,” explained Josie, who was forced to reshuffle her squad throughout the clash.
“Another two of our players in forwards Kim Neal and Corinn Gollner were playing only their second match,” she added.
Port Stephens went into the game minus talented midfielder Hannah McDermott, Danelle Savuro, star defender Beth Daniels, centre half forward Mikaela Cameron and winger Joanna Purtle and lost dynamic halfback Lauren Kidd (neck injury) and gun forward Tara Maguire with torn ankle ligaments during the showdown.
On a positive note, talented Power full forward Jessie Blyth was switched to fullback and turned in an
District (17-12), Armidale (15-9), Gunnedah (15-7), Cowra (21-13), Tamworth (14-9), Muswellbrook (243) and Inverell (16-15).
The only blemishes were narrow losses to Tumut (19-18), Port Stephens (15-12) and Casino (9-7).
Coach McGrath and team manager Michelle Weber believe the girls lifted to pay homage to assistant coach Ashlee Hall after she tore her ACL while playing in the Opens division.
Nelson Bay’s outstanding 15 years squad featured Isla Foster, Chelsea Johnson, Melody Tibbs, Anneliese Jones, Poppy McGrath, Amber Redman, Charlize Vines, Charli Ball, Kate Slade and Sophia Akbal.
outstanding performance.
She was supported by the inspirational Johnson and vice captain Cassandra Terranova, who earned the Players’ Player award for her non-stop effort at centre half back.
Lake Macquarie ruck rover and skipper Rebecca Ives was best on ground and engineered a 40 point onslaught in the first quarter.
But the courageous Power outfit rallied in the final three terms with spirited defence to stem the flow.
Port Stephens hope to rush back several of their missing stars for this Saturday’s tilt with The Entrance/ Bateau Bay Blues at Bateau Bay Oval from 10am.
Tanilba Veteran Golfers
By Ian WILLIAMS
TUESDAY 18.06.24
Player registration from 7.30am, Tee off from 8.30am.
9 Hole, 3rd Leg of the Denzel Crawford Trophy, Individual Stableford event
SPONSORED BY GREG
DELAHUNTY
RAY WHITE REAL ESTATE
TANILBA BAY
Total Player Number: 25
FRONT NINE: WINNERS: Andrew Corbett 22 nett pts
RUNNERS UP: Richard Eaton 19 nett pts
BALL WINNERS: Adam Cowie 18 nett pts
Barry Disch 17nett pts
Ray Stubbs 17 nett pts
Len Hardes 17nett pts
NTP:
A Grade: not won
B Grade not won
C Grade: not won D & C:
A Grade: Len Hardes
B Grade: Adam Cowie
C Grade: Richard Eaton BACK NINE:
WINNERS: Garry Paysano 17 nett pts
RUNNERS UP: Barry Samson 14 nett pts c/b
BALL WINNERS: Fred Drury 14 nett pts
David Jackson 11 nett pts
John Stree 11 nett pts
Kim Miller 10 nett pts
NTP:
A Grade: not won
B Grade: not won
C Grade: not won
D & C:
A Grade: Kim Millet
B Grade: not won
C Grade: not won
Next week, 25th Jun , 4th Round
Denzel Crawford Trophy, Individual Stableford off White Tees.
q Nelson Bay’s
q Nelson Bay’s talented Opens representative netball squad finished eighth at the recent Netball NSW State Senior Division Two titles in Sydney.
SUDOKU
For Sale
Wanted to Buy
Maxwell William Sanson (Max)
Aged 67 years of Tea Gardens
Adored husband of Donna, much loved father and father in law of Morgan, Ricky and Odette, best Pop ever of Hugo and Matilda.
Family and friends are invited to say goodbye to Max at Mumm’s on the Myall on Tuesday 2nd July, 2024 from 1pm until 4.30pm.
Donations to Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary may be left at Mumm’s to support patients of the Calvary Mercy Hospice.
Business
for Sale
Lawnmowing & Gardening Business
Small town in Port Stephens waters. 75% market share & growing. Full time role with large client base would suit owner operator. Included is 4x4 ute, large box trailer, zero turn ride on, push mowers, wipper snippers, plus other tools.
$55,000 the lot. Ph 0417 417 077
ads@newsofthearea.com.au 02 4981 8882
Public Notices
Trivia Fundraiser Proudly supporting Angel Flight Sunday 30th June 2pm $10 per person
Tilligerry RSL Sports Club Raffles - Auction - Prizes For more info Ph Sean 0487 673 921
Oyster Cove require a Yard Hand for our busy boat yard on the Tilligerry Peninsular. Contact our office on 02 4982 4832
Personals
676
DOONAS single x 2, $30 each. Mattress protectors x 2, $10 each. New in packaging. 0408431488
DRAGON 4-stroke outboard motor, suit kayak. 0411 037 787 $250. Fingal Bay. e190724
Positions Vacant MOBILITY scooters any condition, suits parts. Cash and prompt pickup 0418 430 643 ENGEL 40L Fridge/ freezer complete with transit bag. Ex cond and working order. $750 0414 694 522 e040724
A FIT guy wishes to meet a lady 50-60 yrs old for coffee, dinner & enjoy life. call 0415 344 394 e040724
PREASSURMENTS Ltd hydraulic deadweight tester with weights. 4982 3790
FLOOR lamp twin flexible arms can send photo if interested $50 Tea Gardens. Ph: 0412 083 543.
MENS golf set, left handed, exc cond woods and irons. $95 4997 0611 F060624
0493777707 F150224
scooters second hand, all good cond, can deliver for details phone 0418 430 643
WOMENS vanity bedroom chair, gold velveteen cover with back and round seat with a pleated skirt on wheels, retro 1970s, exc cond. $100 ono 49817523
winter clothing size 10-12
PVC pipes, different lengths and widths. $20 for the lot. 4982 2335 F250424
RECORDS, Scottish and Pipe bands, Irish singers and bands & 4 box sets of classics, call for details. 0487 015 730
Items
GARDEN Tools spades and forks & other assorted. $5 each Workbench, make an offer. 4982 2335
937
FRIDGE, LG side by side, ice and water maker, 1700 x 900 Downsizing, has to go $500. 0418 950 995
BED single, GC, no stains. $60. 0433210187 F160524 GOLF cart and new batteries plus golf trailer (TD16HE). $6,750 4997 0435
BLACK Pepper Ladies quilted microfibre Jacket in Winter White Size 18-20 $35 Tea Gardens 0412 083 543. F270624
BOOTS, Wellington long, Size 10. $20 4997 0611
BOOKS for sale - 16 x Bryce Courtenay from $1 - $2 each, 3 x Colleen McCullough $1 - $2 each, 2 x Wilbur Smith $2 each. 0404969257
HAIR dryer with diffuser new, worth $170, will sell for $15. 0493 777 707
HEATERS, Delongi oil heater $40. Rinnai convection heater $40 Tambrook radiant heater $40. 0487 015 730 F020524
HELMET, RXT metro small ladies motorbike helmet with shield. $60 0466 880 639 F250424
suction roller assist to roof rack . $25 Tea Gardens. 0439 870 665 JIGSAW aeg made in Germany. $45 49872392
REFRIGERATOR
Kelvinator 230, small goes well, new fan motor $100. 0433
REFRIGERATOR
Kelvinator Opal N520 large. No frost, low energy, goes well. $100 0433 210 187
RISOTTO and rice maker, 10 cup. $169 on special, brand new. $69.95 0427 307 580
SHARK navigator upright vacuum cleaner. Exc cond. $50 0438 230 750
SHOWER stools x 2 hardly used, white, $10 each. 4982 2335 F250424
SOFA three seat with chase & two cushions, brown fabric easily cleaned, covers removable. $100 0433 210 187 F200624
TREADMILL, rarely used. $200 ono Raymond Terrace 0412 585 156 F020524
Boats
STACER Seaway 435 boat, IBP617N, Honda 40hp 4 stroke motor, low hours, gal trailer R43321 Bimini boat cover, life jackets plus extras. Exc cond. $13,000 ono. Ph 0428 865 938
Motors
Ranger 2011 3L exc
COLOURED canvas bags for shopping trolley x 4. $14. 4982 8628
CURLING iron $10 0493 777 707 F150224
MAKITA hammer drill keyless chuck $35. 49872392 LADIES 2 piece wet weather golf outfit, cheap $70.
JAYCO Freedom 2005 anniversary edition pop top. approx 15ft, single axel, raised, gross 1455 2 single beds. Rego Dec 2024. Sad to sell Pindimar. R46510 $15,000. $14,000.
LAWN roller, $80 ono Raymond Terrace. 0412 585 156
WALL mirror, 75cm x 60cm, wood surround $10. 4997 9313
Horizon 2001. Rollout awning 12 months rego. Annex N65160. $10,000 Ph 0438 020 040 Re270924
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA
TEN, 7.30pm
Fresh from their adventures in the flourishing foodie paradise of Hong Kong, the top seven contestants are back in Melbourne, brimming with inspiration for their next dishes. But as judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin (pictured with Allen) and Jean-Christophe Novelli reveal, it’s not necessarily a warm welcome that awaits – rather, it’s the time-auction elimination. As we all know, the most valuable thing in the MasterChef kitchen isn’t truffles, lobster or caviar, it’s time. Starting with 120 minutes and the usual under-bench staples (minus eggs – those cost extra), the contestants bid using their time for more ingredients.
FRIDAY, June 28
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (Final, R) 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Madl, R) 2.00 The Split. (Ml, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Miriam & Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis visits an ornamental garden. 8.30 Silent Witness. (Final, MA15+a) As the evidence mounts against the accused police officer, the local CID finds dissent within their ranks.
9.30 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
10.10 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
10.40 Austin. (PG, R)
11.10 ABC Late News.
11.25 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
MONDAY
TENNIS:
WIMBLEDON
GEM, 8pm
Break out the white slacks, a bowl of strawberries and cream and even a Pimm’s cup – it’s that time of year again. The world’s tennis elite converge on SW19 for two weeks to catch some rare London sunshine and hopefully etch their name into the Grand Slam’s history books (the record £50 million prize pot also wouldn’t hurt). Though the time difference isn’t too friendly to us Aussies, avid sports fans can begin building their late-night viewing stamina here ahead of the Paris Olympics, with host Roz Kelly, and expert commentators Jelena Dokic (pictured) and Brenton Speed ready to take us through every point.
Morning Programs. 10.10 Great Canal Journeys. (PGan, R) 11.05 Icons. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Dagger In The Cathedral Of Florence. (Mav, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 Haka Warriors 2022. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Haka Warriors 2023. 4.15 Scenic Coastal Walks. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Movement And The Madman. (Ma)
8.30 Secrets Of The Lost Liners. (Final, PGa)
9.20 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGa, R)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 World On Fire. (Final, Mav)
11.50 Cargo. (Mal, R)
3.30 Peer To Peer. (PGv, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
TUESDAY
TIPPING POINT AUSTRALIA OLYMPIC SPECIALS
NBN, 7.30pm
Surely there’s no stronger competitive spirit than that of an Olympian –but will the famously difficult Tipping Point machine reward their efforts? In this edition of Todd Woodbridge’s (pictured) game show – the first of two specials featuring Australia’s sporting stars –three of our nation’s swimming legends dive headfirst into a general knowledge quiz to raise money for their chosen charities. Libby Trickett, Blake Cochrane and Emily Seebohm compete against each other to see who can make the biggest splash.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Julie Goodwin.
8.30 MOVIE: Under The Tuscan Sun. (2003, Ml, R) A recently divorced woman holidaying in Tuscany buys a villa on a whim and encounters unexpected romance. Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan.
10.50 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav, R)
11.50 Criminal Confessions. (Malv)
12.50 Boy To Man. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 17. Canterbury Bulldogs v Cronulla Sharks.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Canterbury Bulldogs versus Cronulla Sharks with NRL news and analysis.
10.40 MOVIE: The Little Things. (2021, Malnv) Denzel Washington.
1.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
2.00 Pointless. (PG, R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom Gleisner.
8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by Julia Roberts, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Hanks and Cher. 9.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00
SATURDAY, June 29
6.00 Stuff The British Stole: Australia’s Egyptian Mystery. (PG, R) Marc Fennell investigates a mummy.
6.30 Back Roads: Hebel, Queensland. (R) Heather Ewart travels to Hebel.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the
Black. (Ml, R) Angela scams her way into Goodes.
11.25 Shetland. (Mal, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Jersey And Guernsey. On Jersey, a sailing duo are set to take part in the historic Gorey Regatta and are hoping to regain their title.
8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 1. Florence to Rimini. 206km hilly stage. From Italy. 2.20 Blinded. (MA15+a, R) 4.10 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Steel
Magnolias. Continued. (1989, PG) 7.55 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 10.00 All You Need Is Crime. (2019, M, Italian) 11.55 Mindscape. (2013, M) 1.45pm Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.00 When Mum Is Away… With The Family. (2020, PG, Italian) 5.55 2001: A Space Odyssey. (1968) 8.30 Bull. (2021, MA15+) 10.10 Ricordi? (2018, MA15+, Italian) 12.15am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 30
6.00 Antiques Roadshow.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Austin. (PG)
8.30 Ladies In Black. (PG) A catalogue photoshoot creates tension.
9.20 The Split. (Ma, R)
10.20 Shetland. (Mal, R)
11.20 Annika. (Ma, R)
12.10 The Trouble With Maggie Cole. (Final, Mv, R)
1.00 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Classic Countdown. (PG, R)
4.00 Landline. (R)
4.30 Art Works. (PGa, R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Arc De Triomphe: The Passion Of A Nation. (PG)
8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 2. Cesenatico to Bologne. 199km hilly stage. From Italy.
1.50 Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK. (PG, R)
2.40 Hitler: Countdown To War. (PGav, R)
3.35 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
4.30 WorldWatch. 5.00 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.25 Alone Denmark. 6.35 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 MH370: The Lost Flight. 9.30 WWE Legends. 11.05 Late Programs.
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6am When Mum Is Away… With The Family. Continued. (2020, PG, Italian) 6.55 Fill The Void. (2012, PG, Hebrew) 8.35 Satellite Boy. (2012, PG) 10.15 Speed Kills. (2018, M) 12.10pm Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 2.15 Steel Magnolias. (1989, PG) 4.25 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 6.40 Every Day. (2018, PG) 8.30 The Assistant. (2019, M) 10.10 Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020, MA15+, Bosnian) 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Officers uncover a surprising secret. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 16. Adelaide v GWS Giants.
10.30 MOVIE: xXx. (2002, Mlv, R) An athlete becomes a secret agent. Vin Diesel, Samuel L. Jackson.
1.00 Criminal Confessions: Chris Watts – Confession Untold. (MA15+av, R) A look at the case of Chris Watts.
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 Drop Dead Weird. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Twister. (1996, PGvla, R) Helen Hunt.
9.45 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997, Mv, R) A volcano threatens Los Angeles. Tommy Lee Jones.
11.45 MOVIE: Song To Song. (2017, Madlns)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.00 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow. Dream. Australians share bright ideas and tips.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A Yorkshire terrier pair show size does not matter. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal) It is a holiday
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dream Home. (PGl) 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation. 9.45 The Latest: Seven News. 10.15 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Bedside Murders. (Mav, R) 11.15 Born To Kill? David Carpenter. (MA15+av, R)
Lipstick Jungle. (Ms, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping.
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise 5am News.
Sunrise.
Day. 5.00 Bargain Hunt. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 2.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning
Travel Guides. 5.40 MOVIE: Bridge To Terabithia. (2007, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Jupiter Ascending. (2015, M) 10.05 MOVIE: Kane. (2023, MA15+) 11.45 Court Cam. 12.15am Angel
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGl) 8.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.00 The Murder Of Lyn Dawson: Unlikely Heroes. (Mal, R) Part 3 of 4. 10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The First 48. (Malv)
Transplant. (MA15+m)
The Lap. (R)
Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
The Divergent Series: Insurgent. (2015, M) 9.45 MOVIE: RoboCop. (1987, MA15+) 11.45 Court Cam. 12.15am Love Island USA. 1.10 Life After Lockup. 2.35 Rich House, Poor House. 3.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike. 4.30 Transformers Bumblebee: Cyberverse Adventures. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop
Children’s Programs. 1.30pm Travel Guides. 5.30 MOVIE: Goosebumps. (2015,
7.30
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, July 1
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Malaysia. (PGa, R) Nick Knowles heads to Malaysia. 8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 3. Plaisance to Turin. 230.5km flat stage. From Italy.
1.45 Sisi. (MA15+asv, R) 3.45 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
TUESDAY, July 2
SBS MOVIES
6am Monsieur
Verdoux. Continued. (1947, PG) 8.05 When Mum Is Away… With The Family. (2020, PG, Italian) 10.00 Breathless. (1960, M, French) 11.40 On Chesil Beach. (2017, M) 1.45pm A Friendly Tale. (2020, PG, French) 3.40 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 5.30 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 7.30 A Most Wanted Man. (2014, M) 9.45 The Year Of Fury. (2020, MA15+, Spanish) 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Dream Home. (PGl) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
9.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) The team investigates a kidnapping.
10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mdv)
11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Evil By Design: The Man Behind The Curtain. (Mav, R)
12.30 The Event. (Mav, R)
1.30 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Do You Want To Live Forever? (PGam) Part 3 of 4. Participants bravely confront their deepest medical fears as they take on challenging tests.
8.40 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth: Fasting. (PGa) Chris finds out how changing his eating habits can help his quest for longevity.
9.45 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1 Late. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.30 The Project. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. 8.40 Have You
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Denham To Swindon. Presented by Michael Portillo.
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi explores how cheating death can change your relationship to life and loved ones.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 4.
1.50 Unseen. (Mals, R)
3.35 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
5.25 Underground Worlds. 6.20 Forged In Fire. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. (Return) 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. (Final) 12.15am
6am Whisky
Galore. Continued. (2016, PG) 6.50 A Friendly Tale. (2020, PG, French) 8.45 Every Day. (2018, PG) 10.35 The Assistant. (2019, M) 12.10pm Annie Hall. (1977, M) 1.50 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 3.25 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 5.15 Brideshead Revisited. (2008, PG) 7.40 Infinite Storm. (2022, M) 9.30 Beyond The Summit. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 7.30 Dream Home. (PGl) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 9.10 The Good Doctor. (Ma) The team deals with a mass casualty event that forces them to put aside their emotions following a recent tragedy.
10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mav) Two men are injured in an explosion.
11.10 The Latest: Seven News.
11.40 The Real Manhunter. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tipping Point Australia Olympic Specials. (PG) Three Australian swimming legends, including Libby Trickett, Blake Cochrane and Emily Seebohm, dive into the game to raise money for their chosen charities. Hosted by Todd Woodbridge. 9.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2 Late. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
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Tilligerry Social Golf Club
21/6/24
OUTRIGHT winner. John McDonald 70 Runner up. Matt Baldwin. 72 Bonus points winner. Jack Johnstone.74 c/b Runner up. Adam Cowie. 74 Ball winners.
Ron Dews. 76 Ed Martin. 80 John Clayton. 81 Brian Riddell. 82 Bill McMaster. 83 Ron McKay. 84 Grahame Glover. 84 Colin Marsden 84 Bradman Award. Wendy Couvaras Ntp4th. A. Brian Riddell. B. Bryan Porter D&C7th.
A. Matt Baldwin. B. Kel Dorney D&C18th. A. Jack Johnstone. B. Ed Martin Money hole.
A. Jack Johnstone. B. Bill McMaster Lucky number 6. John Clayton There were 18 players. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game 28/6/24 2 person Ambrose and BBQ. New players always welcome. Registration is at 7.30 starting time 8am.
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 Tracey on 0484 263 558 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au
9GO! (83)
WEDNESDAY, July 3
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Michael Mosley: The Doctor Who Changed Britain. (PG) A look back at the late Michael Mosley’s career.
8.10 The Truth About Sleep. (R) Takes a look at the nature of sleep.
9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 5.
1.55 Trom. (Mv, R)
3.35 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 6.20 Forged In Fire. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Under The Banner Of Heaven. (Premiere) 12.10am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Brideshead Revisited. Continued. (2008, PG) 7.25 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 9.25 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 11.15 A Most Wanted Man. (2014, M) 1.30pm Frantz. (2016, PG, French) 3.35 The Kid From The Big Apple. (2016, PG, Mandarin) 5.50 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 7.35 28 Days. (2000, M) 9.30 You Were Never Really Here. (2017, MA15+) 11.10 Hemel. (2012, MA15+, Dutch) 12.45am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, July 4
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review. (R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 5. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 A Short History Of Living Longer. (PGas, R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Simply Nigella. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Secret Science. (Final, R) 1.25 The Greek Islands With Julia Bradbury. (R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review. (R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 4. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Insight. (R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (PG) Part 3 of 5.
8.30 Martin Clunes Secret World Of Guide Dogs. Follows actor Martin Clunes as he rehomes fitness guru Jaina Mistry’s retired guide dog Laura.
(R) 10.55 News. 11.10 The Art Of... (R) 11.40 Talking Heads. (PG, R) 12.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 1.05 Parliament. 2.05 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. (PG, R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PGa, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 6.
2.00 The Congregation. (Mas, R)
3.40 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.
10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Talking Footy.
12.00 Dracula. (MA15+hv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
10.00 Front Up. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Hypothetical. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.25 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 6.15 Forged In Fire. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. (Premiere) 10.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Medical Emergency. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45
6am The Kid From The Big Apple. (2016, PG, Mandarin) 8.15 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 10.05 Infinite Storm. (2022, M) 11.55 Beyond The Summit. (2022, M, Spanish) 1.30pm Brideshead Revisited. (2008, PG) 3.55 Belle And Sebastian 3. (2017, PG, French) 5.40 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 7.30 The Power Of One. (1992, M) 9.50 Joe. (2013, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Pawn Stars.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: On The Move. (PG) Taronga’s African savannah exhibit welcomes some giraffes as its first residents, followed by five South American capybara by way of a zoo in New Zealand.
8.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3 Late.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
Morning Programs.
The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.05 Country Life
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes. 8.45 NCIS: Sydney. (Final, Mav) JD’s son is kidnapped by an assassin in exchange for a wanted criminal in NCIS custody. 9.45 FBI: International. (Mav) The fly team heads to Bulgaria.
Sheldon. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: There’s Something About Mary. (1998, MA15+) 11.00 Seinfeld. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Irene’s generosity inspires Leah. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.45 Air Crash Investigations: Deadly Exchange. (PGa, R) Explores the crash of Flight 5966.
12.45 The Goldbergs. (PGl, R)
1.15 Criminal Confessions. (Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 18. Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs. From CommBank Stadium, Sydney. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. Post-match NRL news and analysis of the Parramatta Eels versus South Sydney Rabbitohs clash. 10.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4 Late. 5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.35 10’s Late News. 11.00 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Ms) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 8.40
Children’s Programs. Noon Resto My Ride Australia. 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30
7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Beverly Hillbillies. (1993) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Metro Sexual. Midnight Love Island USA. 1.00 Life After Lockup. 2.00 Late Programs.
By Lee RANKIN
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9GO! (83)
Local derby
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay Rugby’s unsung hero Lewis Affleck has hit a purple patch of form in the Gropers’ 2024 Hunter Suburban premiership campaign.
After a twelve month sabbatical the underrated lock forward has returned to the premiers with a new zest of life and a lead-by-example motto.
The teak-tough Affleck has lived up to his reputation as a fearless warrior in the Nelson Bay ‘engine room’ with tireless performances for the Gropers this season.
He is the son of stalwart Gropers centre Dave Affleck and the younger brother of second rower Mitch Affleck.
Following the loss of key forwards Isaac Laracy, skipper Hamish Bartlett and Jordan Byfield, the super fit number eight has stepped up to become one of the competition’s most respected figures.
Lion hearted with a massive work rate, Lewis
remains a vital cog in the Gropers’ quest for back to back titles.
His tenacious defence and powerful running has been a feature of Nelson Bay’s winning streak with the twenty-yearold tyro leading the way.
“It is great to be back playing rugby with the Gropers and sharing some memorable moments with my teammates,” an excited Lewis told News Of The Area.
“We are gaining momentum in the lead up to the finals and I’m enjoying my role as a forward leader,” he stated.
It has been a meteoric rise for young Affleck who caught the eye of club officials with strong performances for the Nelson Bay Premier Three and Under 18 rugby teams in 2022.
Last Saturday he was best on ground in the Gropers’ 32-0 victory over Medowie Marauders at Boyd Oval along with flanker Sam Rocher, fullback Will Dunn, centre Michael Hotene and industrious forward Mitch Workman.
For club stalwart and ex-
CONTINUED Page 24
Meryl Swanson MP - Federal Member for Paterson
q Experienced Nelson Bay utility half Danny Murphy is chaired from the field by former Medowie Marauders team mates Eric Tolhurst and Sam Ellul after the Gropers 32-0 Suburban Rugby triumph in his final appearance at Boyd Oval.