Port Stephens News Of The Area 28 September 2023

Sensory garden opens at Tomaree Community Hospital

The

for the project through the Stronger Communities grants program and Port Stephens

By Marian SAMPSON

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson secured

CONTINUED Page 4

q The cutting of the ribbon to open the garden. Photo: Marian Sampson.

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED PORT STEPHENS NEWSPAPER

REVIEW LAUNCHED INTO PFAS CONTAMINATION AT

contamination.

The review, led by Mr Jim Varghese AM, will focus on land around RAAF Base Williamtown, as well as the Oakey Army Aviation Centre in Queensland and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP said the review’s findings would inform government on how to best help communities affected by PFAS contamination.

“I have spoken directly with communities impacted by PFAS contamination to hear their concerns,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

“They want solutions.

“I would like to thank each community for this ongoing and productive consultation.

“We know that Defence’s historic use of PFAS has resulted in some diminished opportunities for land uses around some Defence bases.”

Working in consultation with Commonwealth, State, Territory and local governments, affected communities and industry, the review will explore alternative uses for impacted

land around the three key Defence bases.

An opportunity will be provided for other communities affected by Defence’s historic use of PFAS to make submissions to the review.

This includes identifying opportunities where adjacent land may be repurposed to the mutual benefit of Defence and surrounding areas.

A public consultation process and hearing schedule will be released in coming weeks, with the review expected to be finalised in early 2024.

“This is an independent review and Defence cannot preempt the outcomes,” a Defence spokesperson told News Of The Area on the potential of compensation for landowners impacted by PFAS contamination.

“The terms of reference will guide Mr Varghese’s work.

“The terms of reference are focused on land use options and re-purposing of land, and considering decision-making for land use and zoning in the context of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.”

PFAS are man-made chemicals found in a range of products, including firefighting foam and nonstick cookware.

There are many different types of PFAS chemicals, all of which last for a long time in the environment and in the bodies of people who are exposed.

Despite many

international studies looking into PFAS, there is uncertainty about their health effects in people.

In October 2018, Defence completed investigations into PFAS contamination on and around RAAF Base Williamtown.

The investigations found that PFAS is mostly concentrated in areas where

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 10/09/2023 TO 17/09/2023

ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL

ANNA BAY

14 Ocean Ave 16-2021-798-2

visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

SHOAL BAY

41 Morna Point Rd 16-2019-170-2

24 Clonmeen Cct 16-2018-695-2

34B Port Stephens Dr 16-20211100-2

BOAT HARBOUR

S4.55(1A) Modification to alterations/ additions to 2 storey dwelling –upper mezzanine, front facade, balcony, fence, pool area amendment

S4.55(1A) Modification to approved semidetached dwellings and subdivision –design changes

S4.55(1A) Modification to alterations/additions to 1 storey dwelling –roof extension and new shed amendment

S4.55(1A) Modification to 1 storey dwelling and swimming pool –amend dwelling windows and internal configurations

3 Koala Pl 16-2023-535-1 Single storey dwelling, swimming pool, spa, detached shed, retaining walls

BUTTERWICK

319 Butterwick Rd 16-2023-542-1 Replace existing retaining wall

CORLETTE

28 Sandy Point Rd 16-2022-960-2

S4.55(1A) Modification to alterations/additions to existing dwelling –amend approved plans

13 Pebble Pde 16-2023-346-1 Secondary dwelling, alterations/additions to existing dwelling and pool

HEATHERBRAE

9 Ivory Cl 16-2022-851-2 S4.11(1) Modification to Light Industrial Development – rectify minor error

MEDOWIE

20C Fairlands Rd 16-2023-516-1 Alterations/additions to 1 storey dwelling, garage, alfresco area and swimming pool

15 Settlers Cl 16-2023-519-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling, swimming pool, pool cabana

43 Lisadell Rd 16-2023-475-1 Shed

24 Indigo St 16-2023-527-1 Single storey dwelling

1 Neptune Ave 16-2023-530-1 2 storey dwelling

3 Hilltop Cl 16-2023-540-1 Shed

16 Berry Rd 16-2023-539-1 Single storey dwelling

NELSON BAY

19 Trafalgar St 16-2023-501-1 Change of use to secondary dwelling

7 Nelson St 16-2023-548-1 Convert home office to secondary dwelling

ONE MILE

6 Eucalyptus Dr 16-2022-670-2 S4.55(1A) to approved dual occupancy with fill works and shed

SALAMANDER BAY

Shores Cl 16-2023-528-1 Carport and patio

SEAHAM

1156 Clarence Town Rd 16-2023-524-1 Farm shed

19 Victory View

4 detached dwellings, 1 into 4 lot subdivision, demolition, site works WILLIAMTOWN

55C Slades

NOTICE OF ADVERTISED DEVELOPMENT Council has received the following Development Applications (DAs):

DA NO: 16-2023-42-1

DEVELOPMENT SITE: LOT: 2 DP: 584122, Irrawang High School, 80 Mount Hall Road, RAYMOND TERRACE

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Alterations and additions to school

APPLICANT: Barr Property Planning

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel

ASSESSING OFFICER: Dylan Mitchell contact: 4988 0280 or email dylan.mitchell@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (25 September 2023 – 9 October 2023)

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 9 October 2023

Where to view information: Online portstephens.nsw.gov.au or datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

Council’s Administration Building 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace (between 9am and 5pm weekdays)

Please note: All written submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered by Council during the assessment of the DA. Submissions are considered to be ‘open access information’ under Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, (GIPA) and are made publicly available on Council’s DA Tracker. Personal identifiable information is redacted from submissions uploaded to DA Tracker. If you have made a reportable political donation or gift donations (including donations of or more than $1,000) in the last 2 years, your submission will need to be accompanied by a ‘Political Donations and Gift Disclosure Declaration’ form. Visit Council’s website for details and/or a disclosure form.

q Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and Mr Jim Varghese AM at last week’s review announcement.

q Paterson MP Meryl Swanson has been vocal in her support for those impacted by PFAS contamination around Williamtown during her time in office.

AT WILLIAMTOWN

firefighting foams were previously used, stored or disposed of.

The PFAS in these locations can be found in soil and in water flowing through the source areas.

PFAS moves in surface water flowing through drains and creeks or groundwater that flows underground through soil and rock.

In May 2018, the Federal Government’s PFAS Expert Health Panel released their report into the health effects of PFAS.

The Panel concluded that there is no current evidence to suggest an increase in overall health risk related to PFAS exposure, however also said health effects cannot be ruled out.

On this basis, it recommended that residents within the Primary Management Zone should not use groundwater, bore water or surface water for any purpose.

The panel also advised that home grown foods should not be consumed.

In 2021, findings were released from an epidemiological study examining the potential health impacts of PFAS in three Australian communities, including Williamtown.

The research was led by the Australian National University and funded by the Department of Health.

The study examined the three same communities that the Federal Government’s new review will look at - Katherine in the Northern Territory, Oakey in Queensland and Williamtown in New South Wales.

Overall, there was clear evidence of elevated blood serum concentrations of PFAS in residents and workers in the PFASaffected communities, and of increased psychological

distress in the three exposed communities.

"The main factors associated with people having higher levels of PFAS in their blood were the length of time they had lived in the town, whether they regularly drank bore water or ate locally-grown foods

and if they had worked with firefighting foams in the past," study lead Professor Kirk from ANU said.

The report showed that one third of people reported being 'very' or 'extremely' concerned about their health, including one in five people who had serious

concerns about their mental health.

"We did identify an association between higher PFAS levels in blood and higher cholesterol, which has been reported in other studies internationally,” Kirk said.

q PFAS management and monitoring areas surrounding RAAF Base Williamtown.

q Mr Varghese has extensive experience in conducting independent reviews at the Federal and State level.

Sensory garden opens at Tomaree Community Hospital

FROM Page 1

Council contributed $6,000 to the project, which had a total budget of $50,000.

The major engineering tasks were managed by Geoff Diemar and Warwick Mathieson.

Geoff and Warwick’s knowledge and contact with local contractors facilitated the layout, placement of retaining walls and major earthworks associated with the project.

Local excavation contractors, bricklayers and concreters built the foundations of the garden and completed concreting paths and the foundation for the shelter.

Warwick spent many hours constructing the seating off site.

All work was completed without disruption to the hospital and in accordance with correct OH&S protocol.

The final stage of the project of planting and placement of garden features saw involvement from all club members, who placed the trees, shrubs and plants in location according to the garden plan provided by the landscape architect.

The sensory garden will offer both patients and staff an opportunity to relax.

The space is already getting utilised, allowing children to explore and families to share some final moments together in a space filled with birdsong and beauty.

“A three-president project is pretty impressive,” Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said.

“Thank you to the Council for its contribution to this project.

“This is an incredible facility.

“The influx is constant.

“This is a place of healing and wellbeing as well as the acute health side of it as well.

“To the members of Rotary this is a perfect example of service before self - this is just testimony to that.

“Garden projects are things that I really feel connected to.

“I come from a family of gardeners, intergenerational genetic gardeners.

“My father was a very good gardener and we had a very special garden - it was beautiful.

“Lots of brides used to come on a Saturday and have their photos taken in Dad’s garden.

“Gardening is something that is really close to my heart, and the palliative care nature of this garden is so

important.

“We all know that nature is so healing for all of us.

“Thanks for all of your forethought,” she said.

q Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson in the garden. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Port Stephens Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson speaking at the opening of the garden.

Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Rotary Club of Nelson Bay President Ella Clarke. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Meryl Swanson thanked the Rotarians for their vision and determination to create the garden. Photo: Marian Sampson.

Offshore wind farms “not imminent or inevitable”

By Marian SAMPSON

SPEAKING exclusively to News Of The Area, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the construction of an offshore wind farm off the Hunter coast is neither “imminent or inevitable”.

Last week, Bowen attended a closed-door community meeting in Nelson Bay with Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and a selection of concerned locals.

As a result, a consultation group featuring key industry representation from the region is to be formed to meet regularly with the Minister.

With the Federal Government now accepting Feasibility Licence applications from developers, the Minister would not commit to how many wind farms, if

any, would be approved in the Hunter Zone.

“It is a fairly small area and I don’t want to preempt how many farms will be there - I don’t know yet.”

While Minister Bowen is charged with delivering Australia’s transition to renewable energy, he has no say over the environmental impact of any proposed developments.

“That goes to the Minister for the Environment, and I don’t lobby that Minister.”

To ensure objectivity, the Department of Environment assesses applications for independence.

“One of the criticisms is that it takes too long (to get environmental approval) but if it is not good enough the application goes back.

“If an offshore wind farm doesn't pass the

environmental standards - that is it and it won’t go ahead.”

The Minister wants the community to understand that there is a big difference between a wind zone being declared and the delivery of a working offshore wind farm.

“It’s like having your learner’s permit to drive - you still have to pass the test to get to your P’s.”

When questioned about the option of ramping up solar rather than offshore wind to meet Australia’s energy demands, the Minister responded that the Government needs to “look at all of it”.

“Offshore (wind farms) I understand has more jobs than solar.

“Solar might or might not be a good idea next to Williamtown.”

Libs commit to stopping offshore wind farm developments

By Marian SAMPSON

IN a packed community meeting last week, Federal Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Ted O’Brien, assured members of the Port Stephens community that the Liberal Party will attempt to squash any offshore wind farm development for the Hunter.

In a juxtaposition to the closed meeting which Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen held on the same day, Mr O’Brien’s meeting welcomed all those holding concerns.

“We are taking as a coalition an all and the above approach to our energy and climate policy.

“What we cannot have is just this one sided view that it must be a particular type of technology and by hell or high water we are going to steam roll our way through.

“The irony of that approach is that it ain’t gonna work.

“Australians don’t cop that - Australians have never copped it.”

This is not a new position

for the Liberals, with the party opposing the wind zone in Port Stephens when raised during the last Federal Election.

The pivotal concern for many at the meeting was the perceived failure to effectively consult with the community ahead of the declaration of the wind zone.

“On the topic of the consultation engagement process, what I am hearing is that very few people received communication that there was a public consultation taking place, let alone participate,” Mr O’Brien said.

“A very open and transparent process was very important.”

Community members present expressed the opinion that insufficient research had been completed into the proposal and its impacts on the region and its environment.

“In the event of there being a major piece of infrastructure there needs to be sufficient research done specific to the area,” Mr O'Brien said.

“Evidence based assessments - evidence that is analysed and accessed.”

Mr O’Brien said the visual impacts need to be very carefully considered.

“This is what the world loves about this part of the world, and this is what gives you (Port Stephens) a natural competitive advantage that you don’t want to lose for your own sakes.

“This is what brings people here.

“The social impact needs to be assessed.

“What will the social impact be, especially for young people?”

He also expressed the need for “a cost benefit analysis” that puts the “community at the centre”, rather than developers.

O’Brien encouraged the community to keep up the fight.

“Keep hounding your members of parliament.

“I am the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change but my primary job is for my patch, that’s where it starts…no one should be let off the hook.

“I would ask you to make submissions, I am making representations on your behalf about the issues raised today.

“I hear you and I hear you on behalf of Peter Dutton,” he said.

q Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen (seated) with fisherman Greg Finn.

q A crowded Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club in Shoal Bay was testament to how many locals are concerned about the wind farm proposal. Photo: Marian Sampson.

q Liberal Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Ted O’Brien. Photo: Marian Sampson.

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

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

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Zayne PHILLIPS 0432 644560 zayne@newsofthearea.com.au

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

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Varroa Mite eradication plan dropped approach

By Doug CONNOR

FOLLOWING a meeting of the National Management Group (NMG) driving the fight against Varroa mite last Tuesday, a decision was made to move from an eradication program to a management approach.

The NSW Government agreed with all industry and Government partners that the potential to eradicate the mite is no longer possible.

Attention now turns to managing and minimising the impact of the mite, with a total of $101 million already spent attempting to eradicate it.

The NMG has suggested that noncompliance by some bee industry actors with the NSW Movement Orders and mandatory hive testing (alcohol washes) contributed to the attempted eradication program being unsuccessful.

According to the NMG, the recent spike in new detections have made it clear that the Varroa mite infestation is more widespread and has also been present for longer than first thought.

The increase in new detections and generation of a control area greater than 16,000 km2 has also stretched the eradication team’s responses to their technical limit.

Communications are being developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and industry partners to explain to all stakeholders what this shift in program means and how the Government will guide and assist affected stakeholders.

“The priority now is for the NSW

Department of Primary Industries to communicate with all the stakeholders of the beekeeper and pollination sectors and advise them what the change in program means for their industry,” Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.

NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen said that NSW will operate under an interim management strategy, which has been published in a new Emergency Order while a National Management Plan for Transition to Management is being developed.

“Following the NMG decision yesterday to transition to management, the NMG also agreed to an interim strategy to limit the impacts and slow the spread of Varroa mite, which NSW DPI has begun working with all our stakeholders to implement today,” Mr Hansen said.

NSW DPI Deputy Director of General Biosecurity and Food Safety, Dr John Tracey, said under the conditions of the interim management strategy, the whole state will either be in a Suppression Zone or Management Zone.

“The only Management Zones will be in the existing Emergency Eradication Zones in the Kempsey, Hunter and Central Coast regions,” Dr Tracey said.

“Free movement will be allowed within Management Zones, and movement outside Management Zones will be allowed under risk-assessed permit conditions.

“The rest of the state will be classified as being in the Suppression Zone, where hive movements will be allowed so long as movement declarations are completed.”

If your property is leased out in Port Stephens, you can take advantage of additional garbage and recycling bin services during the Christmas holidays.

• Your current garbage bin will be collected twice per week.

• Your current recycling bin will be collected weekly rather than the regular fortnightly service.

• The additional collection service is available for a set 6 week period only, from Mon 18 Dec 2023 to Sun 28 Jan 2024.

Costs

Book now

Applications close Fri 17 Nov 2023 – book now to avoid disappointment.

To book contact the Council Waste services team on 4988 0255 or email waste@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

they meet certain conditions,” Dr Tracey said.

“NSW beekeepers have been through a lot over the past fifteen months, so I want to remind them to reach out to DPI as we have a range of tools to support them through these challenging times.”

Under the interim strategy, all beekeepers in NSW will still be required to complete hive testing (alcohol washing, soapy water wash or miticide strip and sticky mat) and report results to DPI every sixteen weeks.

Where results indicate a mite infestation DPI will supply miticide strips to be installed in infested hives.

Hive movement declarations must be submitted to DPI for all movements of hives and all miticide treatments must be recorded and reported to DPI.

Australian Honey Bee Industry Council CEO Danny Le Feuvre has celebrated the change in approach.

“While eradication was the original goal, the focus will now shift to supporting beekeepers in the transition to management.

“There is still lots industry can do to contain and slow the spread of Varroa mite, which is why NSW will operate under an interim management strategy until the National Management Plan for Transition to Management is agreed upon.”

Crop Pollination Association President Steve Fuller says moving to management is the first step to supporting the industry through living with varroa mite.

Beekeeping Association, has been keeping bees for seventeen years, and was devastated when the NSW DPI euthanised six of her European honey bee hives.

While not surprised by the move to a Varroa management plan, she said the decision brought with it a mix of emotions.

“None of us were at all surprised, we have been expecting it for a while,” Ms Call said.

“To be perfectly honest I did burst into tears for a few minutes, more for the absolute waste than anything else.”

Ms Call is outraged however that the finger of blame for the eradication attempt’s failure has been pointed at beekeepers.

“Beekeepers, during this entire fiasco, have donated their time to help out with this eradication program.

“To be blamed at the end of that was horrifying, when we all put our hands up and said ‘Here are our bees, we know this has to be done’.”

Call also feels that beekeepers weren’t provided with correct information ahead of the outbreak which could have prevented the spread of the mite.

“Approximately five or six years ago the NSW DPI released a best practice statement that said the best way to find a varroa mite was to do a gentle sugar shake test.

“They said we should all be doing it every six months to find it as quickly as it arrived in the country.

“The sugar shake test they recommended would not and could not work.

Dr Tracey said the interim management arrangements are designed to balance risk with business continuity.

“Beekeepers in all current Emergency Eradication (red) Zones will have the option of voluntary euthanasia of hives and subsequent access to Owner Reimbursement Compensation payments if

“Our plan for the future needs to be about more than just the biosecurity response.

“We need to focus on pollination for our agriculture and horticulture sectors.”

“Beekeepers need to see the light at the end of the tunnel and have certainty that we will be a viable industry,” Mr Fuller said.

Dianne Call, the Treasurer of the Hunter Valley Amateur

“If we had been given the correct information, five or six years ago, that it needed to be an alcohol wash test every six months, most of us would have complied.

“It would have been found a lot sooner and eradication might have actually been successful.

“Seriously, the fact that they gave us the wrong

in favour of management

information is what really killed this exercise.

"Following the decision, the National Farmers' Federation Horticulture Council called on the Albanese Government to provide greater support for the biosecurity system.

“The Varroa Mite cat is now out of the bag in Australia, and there’s no

putting it back in,” Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said.

“This is devastating for the apiarists who are now faced with living with a pest that has fundamentally changed the beekeeping industry wherever it has been endemic overseas," he said.

“It’s also going to have significant impacts on the commercial horticulture

Offshore wind farm a Federal issue

By Marian SAMPSON

AS community angst rises, many have been uncertain about which agencies are responsible for offshore wind proposals and where to take their concerns.

The Federal Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Bowen, is responsible for the offshore zone that has been declared and for awarding licences and contracts.

The Federal Minister for the Environment will be responsible for the approval of any environmental impact assessments.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington told News Of The Area, “I have heard from many people regarding the offshore wind farm and I share many of their concerns.

“So I have raised our community's concerns directly with the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which is the agency responsible for the process.

“But to be clear, the development of offshore renewable energy is a Commonwealth Government responsibility; it is not the responsibility of the NSW Government.

“So the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, our representative in the Commonwealth Government, will continue to advocate on behalf of our community at her level of Government,” she said.

The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) has advised, “The development of offshore renewable energy generation is a matter for the Commonwealth Government under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021.

“Under the NSW Electricity Roadmap, the NSW Government is supporting the private sector to deliver at least 12 GW of onshore renewable energy generation by 2030 to ensure energy security and reliability is maintained as coal-fired power

stations close over the next ten to fifteen years.

“Any onshore major renewable energy projects in NSW require planning approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which includes detailed merit assessment and consultation with local communities.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said, “The Australian Government is committed to setting up an offshore wind industry to unlock renewable energy jobs, energy security and job security.

“But that's not at any cost – the Government will only be licensing projects that work well with existing industry and the environment, and deliver meaningful, long lasting community benefits.

“Before projects can commence, proponents must seek and receive approval for feasibility licences and comply with strict environmental regulations.

“There are currently no projects underway.

“Applications for feasibility licences in the Hunter close on 14 November 2023.

“These processes will give

industry and many unforeseen consequences for the wider agricultural industry and food supply.

“But we should be under no illusion this incursion will be the last.

“We have no time to spare in investing in our system, to keep other threats out of the country and to prepare for the next emergency response,” Burnett said.

NSW Farmers also weighed into the debate, arguing that the federal government should force importers to pay for biosecurity threats they create.

Ian McColl, NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee chair, said the Varroa mite outbreak clearly showed the risk of exotic animal and plant pests and diseases was very real.

“We have had a practical demonstration of how difficult biosecurity control efforts can be with Varroa mite – despite best efforts, Australia now has to live with another costly biosecurity failure,” Mr McColl said.

the community three further opportunities to have their say on individual projects,” they said.

The Federal Minister for the Environment referred the NOTA’s enquiries to Federal Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen.

Your local voice in NSW Parliament

q At the time of writing, 277 outbreaks of varroa mite have now been detected since June 2022, when the alarm was first raised at the Port of Newcastle. Photo: Rural Aid.

q A Varroa Mite on the back of a bee.

Photo: Dr Rob Manning/WA Government.

q Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington. Photo: Marian Sampson.

DR KATHRYN STALDER

Spring is well and truly here, and so too is allergy season! Like us, dogs and cats can experience allergic reactions to many things in the environment. Examples of these include fleas, pollens, mould, grasses, dust, flame retardants in carpets and upholstery, artificial fragrances, foods and storage mites which are commonly present in grains and dry foods stored inappropriately.

Allergies can present in a number of different ways in dogs and cats, but commonly result in itching, skin irritation and rashes, secondary bacterial and yeast infections, and ear infections. Allergies can also cause sneezing, coughing and conjunctivitis (dogs), as well as gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea and vomiting if ingested.

Treatment and prevention strategies will vary depending on the specific allergens and the ways in which the pet is affected. Good general principles include: flea prevention, avoiding known allergens, improving the skin and gut barrier through good nutrition with omega 3 fatty acids and topical conditioners, use of an air purifier for inhaled allergens, reducing contact time of allergens with the skin and eyes by bathing and use of artificial tears, and protective clothing.

Your vet is best able to provide specific recommendations for management of your pet’s allergies.

finds 70 percent of News Corp commentary favours ‘No’ vote

By Doug CONNOR

A UNIVERSITY of Adelaide academic says new research highlights the extent to which Rupert Murdoch-owned media outlets have campaigned against the proposed Voice to Parliament in the lead up to the Referendum.

The ‘Murdoch Referendum

Accountability Project’ research has been led by Dr Victoria Fielding, with the study commissioned by Australians for a Murdoch Royal Commission to “hold News Corp accountable for their coverage of the Voice referendum”.

“As Australia’s largest and most powerful media organisation in a highly concentrated industry, News Corp’s Voice referendum coverage has important implications for how this democratic process unfolds,” report author Dr Victoria Fielding said.

“In relation to the Voice referendum, an ideal media system which was carrying out their democratic roles effectively would give equal opportunity to the referendum ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ advocates to make their case to the Australian people.

“This does not just mean including different voices in equal proportion.

“It also means treating them equitably and holding them to the same standards.

“This equitable treatment should also include fair and reasonable scrutiny of the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ spokespeople to ensure they are not misleading the public about their case for or against Aboriginal constitutional recognition and a Voice to parliament.

“When misinformation is used to undermine public debates, democracy is damaged,” Dr Fielding said.

Over six weeks from 17 July to 27 August 2023, Fielding’s research team analysed a total of 731 pieces of content covering the Voice referendum from The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Herald Sun and Sky News.

The report makes the clear distinction between the two key types of content being produced by News Corp mastheads: commentary and reporting.

In general, Dr Fielding and her team found reporting on the Voice from News Corp outlets to be “balanced and accurate”.

In terms of commentary however, Fielding says the data tells a different story.

“The commentary, on the other hand, is almost entirely one-sided in support of ‘No’ arguments,” Dr Fielding said.

“The vast majority of commentators at News Corp are conservative, whether they be columnists in newspapers, Sky News hosts, or both.

“Our data shows that the majority of content being produced about the Voice is commentary rather than reporting, and as such when arguments are included, ‘No’ arguments dominate News Corp’s coverage at a proportion of 70 percent.”

Dr Fielding also found the commentary to be “undermining the public’s access to accurate information about the Voice referendum” through the use of misinformation.

The level of balance between outlets was also compared in the report, with The Australian found to be the most balanced of the four Murdoch mastheads being studied.

61 percent of the Voice related content in The Australian favoured ‘No’ arguments.

The Herald Sun was deemed the least balanced, with 81 percent promoting ‘No’ arguments.

Later in the report, Fielding writes of the dangers of the blurred lines between commentary and objective reporting on News Corp platforms, particularly Sky News.

“Although this research differentiates between reporters as those presenting news, and commentators as those presenting their opinions, this delineation is not always

obvious to the audience.

“Sky News commentators often present themselves as reporting news.

“For example, despite being a political commentator, Peta Credlin on Sky News (August 3, 2023) appropriates journalistic terminology in reporting her ‘exposure’ of the supposed hidden pages of the Uluru Statement, which she says were discovered through freedom of information requests.

“In this type of content, Credlin presents herself as an investigative journalist rather than a commentator.”

Sky News reporters have not taken kindly to the report, with Sky News Digital Editor Jack Houghton describing Fielding as an “activist researcher, who is campaigning for the Voice”.

Mr Houghton went on to write on Skynews.com. au that the “Australians for a Murdoch Royal Commission group will use this flawed research to front a narrative that the Voice, which is struggling in the polls, failed because of media coverage”.

Ms Fielding told News Of The Area that Sky News’ questioning of her research methodology was due to their wanting to “undermine" the project.

Change may be afoot at News Corp, with the announcement last week that Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as Chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp after a career of almost 70 years.

Dr Bonita Mason, Program Director, Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing, University of South Australia, said Murdoch has “held and has exercised deep influence over the Englishspeaking media spheres”.

“Murdoch, one of the last family-based media barons, has always been able to wield power and deep influence over the Australian and other governments and, through this influence – much of it expressed through News Corp journalism – over the societies these governments represent," she said.

“It has been widely said that some of News Corp’s activities have been a threat to democracy and an argument can be made for that, but News Corp also produces some excellent journalism and journalists, including many UniSA graduates.

“However, we have seen some damaging misinformation and disinformation from News Corp.”

Dr Mason said that despite waning international influence, in a highly concentrated legacy media environment such as Australia’s, News Corp’s influence still matters.

“We’re seeing that in the Indigenous Voice debate, when The Australian mischaracterised Professor Marcia Langton’s comments about racism and stupidity behind No campaign strategies and statements as being aimed at No voters. “Langton did not aim her comments at No voters, but such coverage is The Australian’s campaigning approach to journalism that has eroded the publication’s accuracy and credibility,” she said.

“The same kind of inaccuracy and scaremongering occurred during the native title debates of the 1990s and 2000s, and in climate coverage since.”

News Corp was contacted for comment.

Photography Club to host open day and exhibition

LOVERS of photography will enjoy a feast for the eyes at the two-day Exhibition and Open Day to be held by the Tomaree Peninsular Photography Club on Saturday 7 October and Sunday 8 October 2023 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The free event will be held at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club on Soldiers Point Road and is open to all.

“It will include an array of works by club members who are passionate to perfect their craft and to show off the beauty of the Port

Stephens area,” club member Glynis Quinlan told NOTA.

“For those interested in joining the club, the weekend event also provides an opportunity to meet with club members and find out more about the club in a relaxed fun atmosphere.”

The Tomaree Peninsular Photograph Club came to

life over a cup of coffee in November 2008 and has grown into a flourishing community of photography enthusiasts of all different levels. Meetings are held at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

Every month there is an open/themed photographic competition across four categories: Colour, Black and White, Macro and Creative/ Altered Reality.

Members bring along their printed images for display and all vote for first, second and third place.

The club also arranges an outing each month to help members improve their skills and increase general photographic knowledge out in the field.

For more information, please go to www. tpphotoclub.org or email tpphotoclub@outlook.com.

Proudly sponsored by Nelson Bay Veterinary Clinic

Art walks to launch in Nelson Bay

FREE art walks launch on Saturday 7 and October 8 from the Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre, with free guided tours offered over the two days.

“Over the past few years, we’ve supported a number of local artists to create amazing street art and murals around the Bay,” said Mayor Ryan Palmer.

“This was the perfect opportunity to link them all into a dedicated Art Walk, showcasing the existing works of the nine talented

local artists who created these pieces.

“The guided tours are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the artist, their inspiration and the art they have created – we're expecting this to be a really popular event so make sure you book in to enjoy an indepth Art Walk experience.

“The Art Walk is a project linked to the Port Stephens Arts, Events, and Culture Strategy and showcases local art while amplifying the vibrancy of our town centre,”

Mayor Palmer continued.

“We look forward to welcoming people from across Port Stephens, and beyond, to enjoy these activities and spend a day at the Bay,” he added.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Call the Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre on 1800 808 900 to secure your place.

For more information or to complete the Art Walk at your own leisure visit pscouncil.info/art-walk-nb

Local pubs named finalists in People’s Choice awards

By Pat JENSEN

THE Hunter region has long been known for its outstanding quality when it comes to pubs, but in 2023 the stakes have well and truly been raised.

Medowie’s Bull n Bush Hotel and Raymond Terrace’s Lakeside Village Tavern have just been named as finalists in the Australian Hotel Association’s (AHA) People's Choice award for best local pub.

“We know how important pubs are to their local communities right across NSW, so to have two pubs from the same region as finalists in the People’s Choice category is a testament to the strong pub culture in the Hunter,” said AHA NSW Director Liquor and Policing, John Green.

“Whilst being nominated as a finalist due to the support of the local community is special, the bragging rights as forever being known as the winner of the AHA NSW 2023 People’s Choice Award is priceless.

“I’m sure the award will sit proudly on display,” said John.

Since a change of ownership just eight weeks ago, the Bull n Bush has undergone a few changes.

“We have done little bits of renovation, with lots to come,” Licensee and owner Nathan Trotter said.

“We have put on a new Chef with a new

menu, some fresh paint and now we are focusing on the beer garden.”

Live entertainment is now offered once a week, with plans to make it a more regular feature.

“We just want to make it a nice, family friendly pub,” said Nathan.

Taking over ownership of the Lakeside Village Tavern back in 2019,

pub shareholder Helinka Adamson said the focus was on building a family-friendly pub environment for locals.

“This sort of thing is great for Raymond Terrace with a bit of recognition.

“A lot of people didn’t even know we existed here in little Lakeside,” Helinka said.

Live music is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.

Lunch time

entertainment is also offered on a Sunday, accompanied by a diverse menu and quality wine list.

Voting for this award closes on September 29 at 11:59PM.

Vote at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ XFQV2QN

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 31 October.

q The Bull n Bush and the Lakeside Village Tavern have been named finalists in the Australian Hotel Association’s (AHA) People's Choice award for best local pub.

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Anna Bay Surf & Skate

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Taylors Beach Industrial Cafe

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Twin Rivers Workwear & Uniforms

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Ba

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Hunter Jobs Alliance backs offshore wind industry

By Marian SAMPSON

THE Hunter Jobs Alliance has expressed support for the development of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter.

The Alliance is an incorporated organisation and registered charity that campaigns to maintain well-paid secure jobs in the Hunter, particularly as the energy market changes.

Justin Page of the Hunter Jobs Alliance told News Of The Area, “Carbon emissions cause climate change, which is the greatest environmental threat to the marine environment off Port Stephens.

“Global temperatures are at record levels and signs of the climate crisis are everywhere.

“We have to act now to reduce emissions.

“Government needs to ensure the proper environmental impact assessments, mitigation and harm prevention strategies, and ongoing environment condition monitoring all take place.”

Aside from the green energy benefits, Page believes an offshore wind industry would bring plenty of much-needed roles to the Hunter.

“With the right Government Policy and Framework settings we have the opportunity to create permanent secure, quality union jobs, local apprenticeships, training and transition opportunities for energy workers, maximise

Australian manufacturing for offshore wind including wind turbine components, floating structures cables, and vessels, maximise local supply chains, provide benefits for First Nations people and use regulated Australian vessels and Australian crew.

“Approximately $10 billion investment for 5 gigawatts.

“There are an estimated 3000 direct jobs, 35-65 percent local content, during the construction phase, 300 estimated direct jobs during the operations and maintenance period of 30 years.

“Offshore wind is also vital to secure the future of our existing manufacturing Industries in the Hunter like Tomago Aluminium which injects 6000 jobs and $1.2 billion into the Hunter economy, ” he said.

Not all are so thrilled at the potential impact on jobs,

q The Alliance believes an offshore wind industry could bring much-needed jobs to the Hunter. Photo: AMWU.

with commercial fishermen extremely concerned about the impact on their industry.

Fishers from Newcastle and Port Stephens provide around 12 to 15 percent of the seafood at the Sydney Fish

Rural Fire Service preparing community for busy fire season

By Pat JENSEN

WITH the warmer months quickly approaching, forecasts are predicting a hot and dry summer.

With a handful of 30 degree days in the early weeks of spring, fires are looking increasingly likely.

Already, fire services have had their hands full putting out fires in the Port Stephens area.

“With current forecasts and the El Niño effect it is shaping up to be a much busier

season than we've had in the last couple of years as we've seen these last few days,” Anna Bay Rural Fire Brigade Captain Jason Glen told News Of The Area.

“So stay up to date and keep your area safe.”

To inform and prepare the community for the increased risk of bushfires, the Anna Bay Brigade recently held

their annual Get Ready Weekend.

“Anna Bay station was open on Sunday.

“We had lots of community members visit, providing them info on preparing their properties and making bushfire survival plans, being self resilient and aware of fire danger ratings and their meaning.”

Performing such a crucial role in keeping the community safe, the Rural

Fire Service is always on the lookout for new members.

“All our local RFS brigades are happy to have new volunteers join.

“Ongoing training for all members ensures that brigades are ready for the upcoming fire season.”

Keep track with updates on fire bans at this link: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ fire-information/fdr-andtobans

Golfers hit the greens in memory of Chooky

By Pat JENSEN

FOR over 20 years, Chooky’s Day has been held at the Muree Golf Club in Raymond Terrace as an annual fundraiser.

Held this year on August 27, the annual golf day was started in honour of John ‘Chooky’ O'Rourke, a former Director and Vice President of Muree.

In 2001, John sadly passed away and his funeral and wake were held at the club.

“At the wake we raffled off four frozen chickens,” Muree Golf Club’s Administration Manager Toni Waanders said.

“In turn no one wanted them so we continued to raffle the same over again.

“Eventually we raised $1100, which we donated to the Mater Hospital.

“After such an event we decided to have an annual event in his honour, which has gone on for over 20 years.

“All profits have been donated to the Mater’s oncology support group, who do amazing work in hospice and cancer care

areas,” said Toni.

Local businesses such as Terrace Butchery, the Junction Inn Hotel and Lakeside Village Tavern have been proud sponsors of the event over the years.

This year, 130 golfers were in attendance.

“The Chooky’s Day was a great day for Muree Golf Club,” Muree General Manager Brett Holland said.

“The day also engaged the local Raymond Terrace community in raising over $5,000 in valuable funds for the Mater oncology unit in Newcastle,” Brett said.

After 20 years of running Chooky’s annual event, funds raised have totalled over $100,000, with no slowing down in sight.

q 130 golfers turned out to raise money for the

q The Anna Bay Rural Fire Service has already been involved in putting out major fires this year.

Markets and the Newcastle Fishing Cooperative.

q Peta, Tim and Jason at the Anna Bay Rural Fire Service’s annual Get Ready Weekend.

Mater Hospital at this year’s Chooky’s Day.

Catley hails Budget a win for Hunter region

MINISTER for the Hunter Yasmin Catley has heralded last week’s NSW Budget a success for the region, highlighting key funds for essential services, education, healthcare and roads.

According to the NSW Government, more than six thousand teachers across the Hunter will receive their biggest pay increase in almost 30 years.

More than a thousand education staff are also expected to be made permanent.

Labor’s $86 million regional road upgrade package should also benefit people across the Hunter, with funds contributed locally to safety improvements along Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm.

The NSW Government has also pledged funding for the introduction of a longawaited public high school in Medowie alongside $300,000 to support services for vulnerable residents in Port Stephens.

Minister Catley said the Hunter has had to fight for its fair share of funding for too long.

“This Budget prioritises people, services and projects to ensure our great region can thrive now and into the future.

“People are the backbone of the Hunter – from our frontline workers to our teachers and everyone in between.

“These people are heroes who deserve recognition which they’re finally getting under the Minns Labor Government.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the 202324 Budget sets out the Government’s plan to

“start the work of repairing the budget in a sustainable way, to rebuild our essential services and to help NSW families with the cost-of-living”.

“Budget repair begins with a $4 billion improvement in the Budget result over four years,” Mr Moohkey said.

“The Budget is forecast to return to a modest $844 million surplus in 2024-25 after five years of deficits under the Liberals and Nationals.

“The 2023-24 Budget reduces the growth of debt by $14.8 billion by 2025-26.

“Reducing debt will save taxpayers $2.3 billion of interest, which will be redirected to supporting essential services.”

Mr Mookhey said a Comprehensive Expenditure Review of previous spending allowed the Government to redirect $13 billionincluding $700 million saved by freezing the pay of politicians and reducing the number of senior executives.

“This is on top of a $2.7 billion budget improvement from increasing coal royalties, $4.3 billion reduction in net debt from restructuring TAHE (Transport Asset Holding Entity) and a $7.7 billion gross debt reduction from temporarily suspending contributions to the NSW Generations Fund,” Mr Mookhey said.

According to the Budget papers, these savings have now been redirected into

essential services, including $3.6 billion for the Essential Services Fund, $13.8 billion on hospital and health facilities, $9.8 billion on schools and education facilities, $1.4 billion to support 2,312 nurses and 500 new rural and regional paramedics, and $4 billion in natural disaster support and response programs.

With Mr Moohkey describing housing affordability and availability as the “biggest single pressure facing the people of New South Wales”, the Treasurer announced a raft of changes to “begin addressing the historic neglect of new housing supply”.

Long-term housing supply will be addressed by a $2.2 billion Housing and Infrastructure Plan which includes $300 million reinvested in Landcom to accelerate the construction of thousands of new homes (with 30 percent of these to be affordable housing), $400 million reserved in Restart NSW to deliver the infrastructure that will unlock housing across the State, and $1.5 billion committed for housing related infrastructure through the Housing and Productivity Contribution.

The Government also announced a $38.7 million Faster Planning Program, intended to speed up the delivery of quality housing projects.

A further investment of $224 million will support the Government’s Essential Housing Package, a highlight of which is $70 million in debt

financing to accelerate the delivery of social, affordable and private homes, primarily in regional NSW.

In addition, the Commonwealth’s $610 million Social Housing Accelerator program will permanently increase social housing by around 1,500 dwellings.

During last Thursday's Budget Reply, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the NSW Government had “squandered” an opportunity to deal with the housing crisis in a meaningful way.

“Chris Minns’ Budget has had $14 billion tax revenue windfall, but he’s chosen to put these funds towards union wage deals that he’d promised would cost nothing, missing a golden opportunity to help deliver the housing that NSW needs,” Mr Speakman said.

“We wouldn’t have squandered this opportunity – we would have delivered policies with vision for a better future for this state.

“First home buyers deserve choice and that’s exactly what the Liberals and Nationals would have provided.

“We would have kept and sought to expand the First Home Buyer Choice scheme and kept the Government’s reduced threshold and rates of stamp duty - providing our next generation with choice in how they enter the housing market and giving them the best possible chance of realising the Australian dream.

“The Minns Government has told communities to

’get out of the way’, while we would have sought to engage with local councils and communities to review housing targets and establish a Community Benefit Fund of $2 billion or more to incentivise and reward local communities which achieve their targets.

“We also believe in supporting opportunities for one generation to help another – and would have sought to help empty nesters downsize and to free up appropriate housing supply for younger families, with a stamp-duty exemption for older downsizers,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Housing Scott Farlow said additional taxes and charges in Labor’s Budget will make home ownership less achievable for the people of New South Wales.

“Housing was supposed to be the centrepiece of this Budget, yet the Labor Government’s only answer is to impose more taxes for those building new homes, which makes homes less affordable.

“It also imposes more costs and increases the difficulty for the private sector, which provides the vast majority of housing supply, to deliver more homes,” Mr Farlow said.

“The Government’s infrastructure centrepiece is funded by a tax on new homes, with the associated infrastructure not tied to the area in which the development occurs.

“Rather than outlining new vision and focussing on measures to increase supply,

the Government has increased taxation.”

Also reflecting on the Budget announcement, the Community Housing Industry Association of NSW (CHIA) said the Minns Government had missed a “golden opportunity to start rebuilding NSW’s broken housing system”.

CEO Mark Degotardi said the funding announced was primarily for existing, underfunded programs and services to continue and doesn’t commit funding to put more homes on the ground.

“There is no money in this Budget to help build more social housing despite the State’s social housing wait list standing at 56,000 households, the largest in the country.

“The only commitment to build more affordable housing was through reinvestment in Landcom.

“This initiative is welcome but will only deliver around 1,400 homes by 2039-40.

“That is roughly 80 affordable homes a year, at a time when the unmet housing need in NSW stands at over 220,000 homes.

“It is a drop in the ocean – it wouldn’t even meet the projected demand in any one of Sydney’s LGAs, let alone the statewide demand.

“This Budget was the perfect opportunity to show the people of NSW that the Minns Government is determined to help solve the state’s chronic social and affordable housing shortage.

“That opportunity has been missed,” said Mr Degotardi.

Medowie Christian open state-of the-art Innovation Centre

By Pat JENSEN

ON Monday, 18 September, Medowie Christian School (MCS) took a great step forward on the journey of improving the learning environment of their students with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre.

“The Innovation Centre is a renovation of a dilapidated school building that has been transformed into a modern, beautiful learning space,” Principal Elizabeth Hutton said.

“The Innovation Centre houses classrooms that include a visual art space, maker space (laser printing, 3D printing and VR space), a wood technology area and a classroom and breakout space for senior students.”

The new centre has been in the making for twelve months and was designed

to “provide facilities for MCS students who can learn, create and innovate”.

“The new facilities and equipment will support staff and students in accessing high quality learning programs at Medowie Christian School,” said Principal Hutton. The opening day featured a range of activities showcasing the centre’s benefits.

“The opening of the Innovation Centre included a Lego Masters competition, and the construction of a lego mural where each class and the children in the class, pieced together a part of a dynamic mural design.

“The Mayor of Port Stephens, Mr Ryan Palmer and the CEO of Christian Education Ministries and Board Chair of MCS Mr David Fyfe were among the dignitaries,” Principal Hutton said.

q The Innovation Centre is designed to provide facilities for Medowie Christian School students to learn, create and innovate.

LIGHT FILLED & LOCATION PLUS

• Recently renovated top floor unit with plenty of natural light.

• Two bedrooms with built-ins for ample storage.

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• Spectacular Bay views from living room and covered balcony.

• Direct access to waterfront reserve with walking pathway.

• Walking distance to popular tourist attractions such as shopping, dining and beaches.

• Expansive 626m2 block, a mere walk from the water’s edge.

• Four spacious bedrooms, three upstairs adorned with ceiling fans and built-in robes.

• The master bedroom boasts air conditioning and balcony access, while the fourth bedroom treats you to partial water views.

• The rear gardens host an undercover haven, a garage with convenient drive-through access, and a secure, fully fenced yard with a practical concrete slab and garden shed.

• A spacious bathroom on each level, each elegantly renovated with floor-to-ceiling tiles.

• A modern kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, electric cooktop, and stone bench tops.

• Revel in comfort with dual reverse cycle air conditioning & a warm and inviting combustible fireplace.

• Serene retreat in this spacious and inviting home space.

• Lounge fireplace brings warmth to cozy evenings indoors.

• Timber-floored bedrooms with wardrobes and ceiling fans.

• Comfort, style and practicality with rear yard access.

• Step outside to an entertaining area and inground pool.

• Experience comfort and style on an expansive 879m2 block.

HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO HUGH MCINNES STEVEN BOOTH JACK JONES DEBORAH DORAN

Nestled in Nature

29 Tallean Road, Nelson Bay

3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car

Expressions of Interest

ENJOY the ambience and serenity of living amongst the treetops, but still relax with the easy living of a low maintenance yard, security of double brick construction, and practicality of functional design.

With a picturesque outlook over the gum trees in one direction, and water views in the other, this is a rare chance to escape the feel of suburbia and yet, still be close to shops, beaches, and everything that Nelson Bay has to offer.

A clever floor-plan means that the ground floor can be closed off separately, and

is currently leased to a wonderful tenant, while you utilise the home upstairs.

Alternatively, unlock the doors and combine this area into the rest of the property, converting into a large family home.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a home that offers such a unique living experience. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and let the treehouse magic begin!

Modern and renovated kitchens and bathrooms feature in both the main house and the flat downstairs.

Upstairs, enjoy two bedrooms plus an office,

living area, dining, kitchen, two outdoor living areas and of course those beautiful views.

Downstairs you will find one bedroom, combined lounge/dining, kitchenette, and laundry.

The laundry has separate accesses for the house and the flat.

The apartment downstairs is leased to a very nice tenant (on an expired lease).

There is a gas heater on each level, plus a gas cooktop in the main kitchen.

Contact Nelson Bay Real Estate on 4981 2655 or visit nelsonbayrealestate.com.au

Offshore wind farm damage will be irreversible

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM writing to voice my opposition to the planned offshore wind farm in the water off Port Stephens.

I am staggered that the government believes the community was adequately consulted about this.

Very limited notice was given of opportunity to attend a meeting to learn what was being proposed, and most people were unaware of the 'opportunity' to attend, let alone that this proposal was on the table at all.

True consultation involves promoting the proposal as well as the opportunity to discuss, with adequate notice.

You have failed in this respect.

My reading on the topic of offshore wind farms is indicating there are many issues associated with them, including that they do not produce as much energy as was originally hoped, they are very costly in terms of ongoing maintenance, and the negative effect on waterways is unacceptable.

At this stage we do not know all the effects the wind farm will have on our whale migration, dolphins, fish and other sea life.

However, we do know some, and that water pollution from these monstrosities is a reality.

Port Stephens is an area known for its pristine waterways.

It very much relies on tourism and fishing industries to survive.

What will become of these when a climb up Mt Tomaree will mean staring at metal eyesores instead of nature, when our sealife is unable to migrate and breed due to the power cables and sound waves?

The majority of our community does not want this wind farm here and had you consulted adequately you would know this.

The biological, visual and financial harm that will be caused will be irreversible.

I urge you to reconsider your decision because I believe you know that is the right thing to do.

Regards, Belinda STEWART, Port Stephens.

Visual impacts will be a nightmare

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE article ‘EDF:Offshore wind won’t go ahead if environmental impact too great’ paints a rosy, albeit delusional picture of the community’s push to get a better outcome from the Commonwealth Government’s consultative processes on its Hunter offshore project.

Sure, the height of the turbines has been capped at 260 metres.

But this is at the behest of the Department of Defence, not the community.

And being only 20 kilometres from the coast, we will see just 30 metres being lopped off the apparent height of each and every structure.

We are likely to see more than 330 structures up to 230 metres tall whilst standing on the coastline.

Literally, you can count on your fingers the number of present structures in Australia that are higher.

Each and every structure is more than twice the height of the largest building in Newcastle.

By far the most deleterious effect on residents in the Port Stephens area will be visual.

It’s a nightmare that, over the next decade, will be unfolding before our eyes.

Regards, John

BROADBENT, Fishermans Bay.

Dorin’s Draws By

Paul DORIN

On theCouch

Dear Jasminda,

My Mum said she wants to be buried in her backyard and doesn't want the fuss of a cemetery burial, is this even legal?

Greta P.

Onshore vs offshore wind resources

DEAR Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy,

THANK you so much for coming to Nelson Bay to listen to community concerns about the proposal to develop offshore wind farms on the Hunter coast.

You questioned my data about average wind speeds onshore and offshore, offering to send me information that would demonstrate there is significantly stronger average winds offshore.

My source for the data is the World Wind Atlas - https://globalwindatlas.info/en .

The map shows an abundance of red and orange in the Hunter Valley.

With a difference of only ten percent in onshore and offshore average wind speeds in many areas of the Hunter Valley, there is no need to spend up to ten years gathering reliable evidence based data on the marine ecosystem and then potentially buggering up 1800 hectares of a pristine environment at 30 percent more cost than on land.

We both know there is limited time to

switch to 80 percent renewable energy.

Unlike in the marine ecosystem, there is ample data and ample degraded land that is suitable for wind farms onshore.

Most importantly it would take only five years to complete environmental assessments and construct the turbines onshore.

In addition, the technology is well tested, unlike the relatively new deep-water floating technology.

I understand that wherever these turbines are proposed, there is vigorous community opposition and it is very time consuming for companies to negotiate for space with land owners.

I suspect that you may have believed it would save time if the space was wholly provided by the government.

That is not an acceptable reason to allow the destruction of a pristine environment.

I would appreciate a response to my comments.

Regards, Cherylle STONE, Soldiers Point.

Bowen’s mind made up on offshore wind farms

DEAR News Of The Area

THE impact of the Federal Government’s declared zone for an 1800 sq km offshore wind farm off the coast of Port Stephens will destroy a community that thrives on tourism.

The wind farms will have a devastating effect on small businesses that rely heavily on tourism and game fishing, as well creating a potential decrease in property values.

Port Stephens will no longer be a destination for tourism, for both local and international tourists, when they won’t be able to enjoy its natural beauty or participate in activities of whale watching, fishing, or climbing Mount Tomaree to enjoy unspoiled, panoramic views of the scenic coastline.

Although this may be a Labor safe seat, it doesn’t grant a social licence for the Federal Government to come here with a wrecking ball and destroy the environment right before our eyes.

It must be remembered that this Government has not lived up to their election promise of a reduction on energy bills of $275, blaming their incompetence on poor modelling.

This must raise the question: Are we meant to trust them and their ‘models’ when it comes to offshore wind energy?

I have spoken to many concerned people in the community who say their major concern is a lack of consultation.

This couldn’t be more true.

By Chris Bowen’s admissions only 40,000 households in Port Stephens,

Newcastle, Central Coast and Great Lakes Were informed via the way of mail outs which amounts to only five percent of the area’s total population.

What a farce!

No wonder many in the community were unaware or unable to attend consultations.

Those fortunate enough to be informed about, let alone attend, the consultations were vastly disappointed, myself included.

Key questions could not be answered. The community was, and still is, outraged.

Imagine having a project at 1800 sq km dropped in the middle of the East Coast’s thriving game fishing grounds and whale migration corridor, littering the coast line with potential rust buckets.

Our demands are simple:

• More consultation and community engagement is required and,

• If the residents of Port Stephens choose not to have this project, we ask that it be halted immediately.

Chris Bowen thinks this is not an “opinion poll” and will not back the residents of Port Stephens.

Well, let me put it this way, Mr Bowen and Labor better start packing up their offices, because it’s time to get going.

Mr Bowen we won't forget or forgive you and your party for your poor decisions based on lack of community engagement.

Regards, Mark WATSON, One Nation.

Dear Great,

Do you know what really bothers me, Greta? The fact that now I have various searches on my laptop pertaining to burying a body in a backyard which are no doubt being intercepted by the Australian Federal Police as I type. Any minute now there's going to be a police raid with me yelling 'but I was just trying to offer advice' while a German Shepherd named Butch gnaws on my ankle and a cop handcuffs me to the front patio until reiforcements arrives.

I the intervening minutes, I can confirm that you can perform a burial on private land, but there are more conditions than getting a house DA approved including minimum depth levels, landholding requirements, a geotechnical report so your mother's remains don't end up seeping into our drinking water, LGA approval, suitable fencing around the plot site,. a land survey, and a perpetual site plan, amongst other impediments.

These steps will rely on multiple conversations with government departments. So many, in fact, that you may find yourself heading to an early grave out of sheer stress and frustration. Then there's informing the neighbours (because nothing rings alarm bells more than a neighbour's child heaving a covered corpse into the ground with Bettle Midler's Wing Beneath My Wings turned up on the Bose sound system).

Perhaps consider a 'green' burial in a natural burial park if your mum doesn't like the aesthetics of a cemetery (and who would?).

My personal hope is that one day all of us will be buried in pods that grow into trees so you can visit your loved one in a lush, shaded park instead of a forlorn concrete space.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

MY congratulations and thanks go to the person whose decision it was to introduce the fabulous John Clarke's columns to our newspaper.

What a wonderful asset he is to our area with his enthusiastic involvement in all things related to fishing, and with his great knowledge of our history.

Keep it up Stinker, you little beauty.

Regards, Noel JACKSON.

READING by Lynne Miles: Ephesians 5:8b-10"Live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord."

Stinker’s History: Boats a lifeline for oyster growers and fishermen

Stinker’s Fishin’ and Stories

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

BOATS were the main means of travel and communication with the outside world for oyster growers and fishermen.

The ferries were relied upon as they ran from Tea Gardens to Nelson Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Salt Ash carrying the mail, news and supplies – it was as if the rivers and

Stinker’s Fishin’: Snapper country

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

THE extensive reef system stretching from Birubi to Seal Rocks is recognized as being an unequalled habitat for snapper.

For as long as records have been kept and stories told, this area of

coastline has been producing quality snapper.

The good news is that we, in Port Stephens, live in the middle of the snapper capital.

The habitat that surrounds us is perfect snapper country.

The reefs from Birubi, in the

south, to Seal Rocks up north could all be considered home for snapper.

Port Stephens has a great attraction to those who desire to catch snapper in that you do not need to travel far to catch these beautiful fish. Launching at Little Beach or Shoal Bay you need only motor to Tomaree headland to be in snapper country, a distance of about 2km.

Then you can head north to Broughton or south to Rocky Point. Beach launching at Fingal and Boat Harbour opens up huge rocky reefs that are rarely fished.

In a lumpy sea snapper can be caught off the rocks and inside the port.

How lucky are we!

History goes that coastal traders, back as far as the 1930s, would drift off Broughton Island until their

anchor would grip on rock which was the signal that a reef had been found and for the crew to crowd to the side of the boat and drop their lines straight down and hang on.

Big snapper swarmed over all the reefs and it was only a matter of discovering the rocky outcrops in the underwater sandy expanse.

Watching with great interest were the old pioneering fishermen on Broughton Island including Archie Thompson, Jack Hunter, Vic Whitney and George Todd, who would note the activity and mark the location by lining up mountains and headlands on the mainland.

On other occasions the fishermen themselves would drift over sand between Broughton and Seal Rocks for days at a time until their lead line hit rock. Excellent reefs including Mungo

creeks, on which the boats sailed, were the arteries that kept the outposts alive.

One was the “Yoothapoona”, another the “Holly”.

Most heavy transport was by small steamers which plied around the Port and to Newcastle, including Engel’s store boat from Tea Gardens, the “Yalinbah”, which visited every few weeks.

For the families that lived on the riverbanks, far from the commercial centres, the Yalingbar was their only means of purchasing essential stores

and the Inner and Outer Gibber were discovered by this method.

So simple these days with technology doing all the work.

As you can imagine the fishing was sensational.

A string of eight hooks would be dropped resulting in the same number of snapper being hauled into the boat at any one time.

So thick were the snapper that the line went slack, indicating fish hookup, long before reaching the bottom.

If, on the rare occasion, the bait did reach the bottom, there was a big chance that a lobster would grab it.

The ocean floor, I was told, was crawling with lobsters.

So called spider lobsters, which I was fortunate enough to see, grew in excess of 10kg.

q Yalinbah, a supply boat for the small communities spread along the waterways throughout the port and into the Myalls. The Yalingbar was based in Tea Gardens.

q Skipper of the Yalinbah, Eric Engle, and wife Nez at the table with the kids John, Wendy, Ralph and Robyn. Bad luck if you don’t like oysters.

q Brent Hancock.

q Ben Doolan.

DEAR News Of The Area, TRY to imagine you have just left work or the shopping centre or wherever and your car has been stolen.

Maybe it’s the only car you or the family own.

Maybe you are a single mum with children who desperately needs to work.

Maybe due to a lack of transport she may lose her job.

Approximately three

weeks ago, a nice looking little car was down the embankment opposite the dam on the way to Raymond Terrace.

Obviously stolen.

Two days later, the car was still OK.

The following week wheels went missing, the door was smashed open and police tape around the vehicle.

Finally, after nearly three weeks, the vehicle was smashed and burnt

out completely – an utter writeoff.

Why, why wasn’t the owner notified?

Maybe they were.

I am sure our Police are on the ball and are trained to notice these abandoned, stolen vehicles.

I digress – if a bank is robbed and the culprits(s) are caught, it's possible time spent at His Majesty’s pleasure.

Who knows what the amount is that has been stolen and yet a stolen vehicle could be worth $10,000 or more –no big deal, insurance will

pay, of course, less excess.

Stolen vehicles, youth crime and insurance

If the owner has been able to afford the premiums, which may well have increased on renewal.

Some years ago, I had it explained to me the reason vehicles do not rate the same attention as a burglary or robbery.

At that time, the Police believed it was the RTA who were responsible to act on these matters. The RTA thought it was the Police’s responsibility.

As a result, nothing was done, except Police tape was placed around the vehicle

which evidently does not deter these low lifes from stripping and burning these vehicles.

So, we have a situation now in regards to youth crime.

Unfortunately, there is no respect for law and order in many cases.

I believe the Police in most cases know the local villains and low lifes but sadly the Courts seem to take pity on those individuals who steal, assault innocent people (no matter whether they are young or old).

We have a drug problem,

which is getting worse.

Where are these people getting the money for their drugs – could it be possible that the money is gained because of selling spare parts from stolen vehicles?

Regarding stolen vehicles and insurance – if the Police find the vehicle and the culprits, the excess is wiped.

If not, the insured still must pay the excess.

Do you think this is fair?

Regards, Peter GODSALL, Medowie.

Solid fuel fires banned in NSW State forests from 22 September

CAMPFIRES and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels have been banned in the region’s State Forests from Friday 22 September until further notice to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Forestry Corporation of NSW's Senior Manager of Stewardship, Kathy Lyons said the ban applies in all State forests from the Central Coast to the Queensland border, from Nowra to the Victorian border, and visitors should plan to bring gas stoves for cooking.

“The risk of bushfire is here, with our north and south coast firefighters already fighting many fires which have taken off due to the dry conditions,” Ms Lyons said.

“In the past few weeks our firefighters have already been tackling wildfires — with the forecast predicting hotter and

drier weather and little rain on the horizon, we need to take steps now to minimise the risk of further bushfires.

“All fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are now banned in many State forests across the state until further notice.

“Campers and picnickers wishing to light a fire to cook in these forests can only use gas appliances until the ban is lifted, which won’t be until after significant rainfall.

“This ban applies every day, not just on days when total fire bans are declared, so we are asking people who are planning to camp in the forests during spring and summer to plan ahead and bring gas appliances.

“Visitors should also be prepared for days when total fire bans are declared, as all fires including gas fires are prohibited on total fire ban

days.

“Information on total fire bans is available on the Rural Fire Service website.

“State forests are popular with campers and visitors throughout the spring and summer period and while we encourage people to get out into our forests and enjoy them, we need to act to reduce the bushfire risk during the high fire danger period.

“Solid fuel fire bans improve safety for campers and local communities.”

Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban carries a maximum penalty of $2200.

If in doubt, contact your local forestry office.

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, or to find details of your local office, visit www. forestrycorporation.com.au

In the event of a fire or other emergency, contact 000.

School holiday list of things to do in State Forests

FAMILIES wanting to get out in nature in spring can put State forests on top of their lists for places to visit during the October school holidays. Local forests offer a fun and free experience and

there’s loads to see and do.

To help you experience the best of what the region has to offer, Forestry Corporation has suggested a list of popular state forest experiences in your neck of

the woods.

• Tree Top Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest

• Strickland State Forest waterfall, arboretum and walking tracks

• Camping at Frying Pan

Creek (Telegherry River) in Chichester State Forest

• Picnic at The Pines in Olney State Forest

• Mountain Biking in Ourimbah and Olney State Forests

• Paintball in Awaba State Forest

• Fishing and canoeing in Barrington Tops State Forest on the Manning River

• Allyn River Rainforest Walking Track in Chichester State Forest

• Visit Heaton, McLeans and Hunter lookouts in Heaton State Forest

• Visit Abbotts Falls in Olney State Forest Forestry Corporation’s Acting Partnerships Leader Leah Moncrieff said it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and the physical and mental benefits are many.

“Go for a walk and just sit and listen to birdsong or if you are after more

excitement, visit Tree Tops Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest.

“There is something for everyone of all ages and fitness levels in State forests,” Leah said.

“The Pines Camping Area in Olney State Forest in the Watagan mountains has a lovely little creek a few minutes into the bush along one of the walks and a small waterfall.

“The area is beautiful, and I would recommend the Watagans for a weekend getaway, especially Sydneysiders seeking a forest break not too far from home.

“We encourage people to put State forests on their day trip plans, as well as supporting local businesses along the way.

“Especially as camping in State Forests is free.

“You can even take the family dog.”

Visitors are asked to check

the Forestry Corporation website for closures and notices, stick to formed roads and be mindful of potential dangers in natural areas.

With more than twomillion hectares of State Forests across NSW, there are still plenty of unique places to discover and activities to share.

“Our State Forests have spectacular scenery and award-winning visitor attractions.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited in a while to download our free VisitForests app and discover great places to enjoy these holidays,” Leah said.

“Visitors can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information on places to visit.”

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit forestrycorporation.com.au

q Visitors to many NSW State forests now need to switch to gas fires.

q A family enjoying the Telegherry camping area in Chichester State Forest.

70 years of service

By Marian SAMPSON

THE Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace has notched up an impressive 70 years of continuous service to the local community.

The momentous occasion was celebrated with a wellattended dinner, with the highlight of the evening the presentation of three Paul Harris Fellow awards.

A Paul Harris Fellow is the highest award a Rotary Club can present to

a Rotarian or community member in honour of their service to the organisation

Ernie Elbourne, Service Director of the Raymond Terrace Rotary Club told News Of The Area, “Recognition was given to George Proszkowiec from Terrace Showcase Jewellers who has, together with his family and in memory of his father, serviced and refurbished the internal workings of the Raymond Terrace Town Clock, free of charge for well over 50 years.

“Past President Tracy Jonovski instigated and led the School BackPack and Toys for Christmas appeals, amongst many other initiatives, and Past President John Chambers has been a member for the past fourteen years and was recognised with a second Paul Harris Fellow for his untiring commitment to helping others.”

In 2018 John saw a need within the community for essential household items that led to the formation of

the Rotary Furniture Bank. This is a significant project where donated household items and whitegoods are re-housed to those in need.

John remarked on the night that he was grateful for the support of his wife Anne, which has enabled him to help others.

During the evening, the five longest serving members were presented with awards recognising their 40 years of service to Rotary and the community.

“Recipients were Past President Ray Beaumont,

q Past President John Chambers, Anne Chambers, past President Tracy Jonovski and George Proszkowiec.

Past President Ray Davies and Past President Chris Wilson.

“Two other recipients, Past President Don Flynn and Past President Greg Gannon, who were unable to attend, were videoed earlier receiving their awards and this was shared on the night.”

The Club works closely with the community and is extremely grateful for the support it receives on its projects.

Two awards were presented in recognition of this support.

“Past President Ken

and his partner Heather Buckingham have been strong supporters of the Rotary Furniture Bank, and Osborne George Real Estate Raymond Terrace were recognised for supporting the BackPack Appeal and Toy Drive as well as being of assistance on many other occasions,” he said.

Past Rotary District Governor and Nelson Bay Rotary Club member Helen Ryan presented a certificate to President Adam Nicholas on behalf of District 9660, in recognition of the Club’s service.

Positive Behaviour for Learning Awards

By Marian SAMPSON

THE Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Awards help students to develop values and skills that enable them to grow into responsible and caring members of the community.

Merri Brady, Community

PBL Team Leader at Grahamstown Public School told News Of The Area, “Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) in the community is a joint initiative with Hunter River High School, Irrawang High School, Raymond Terrace Public School, Grahamstown Public School, Seaham Public School, Karuah Public School, Medowie Public School, Salt Ash Public

School and Irrawang Public School.

“Our objective is to encourage schools, parents, businesses, service providers and government agencies to adopt PBL as a framework, with the aim of enabling every child to achieve their maximum potential.

“Community PBL is an expansion of the effective framework implemented in all our affiliated schools.

“Currently, over 3000 students are enrolled in PBL-utilising schools, where it supports the well-being of students, staff, families, and the community.

“We take pride in the positive influence that Community PBL has had

on the youth of Raymond Terrace through promoting Positive Behaviour for Learning and therefore positive behaviour for life,” she said.

This week’s nominees

• Kirra Trappel of Irrawang Public School was nominated by her peers for sharing her afternoon tea with an elderly neighbour and filling her bucket.

Little things go a long way towards helping others.

• Nevaeh Jackson of Raymond Terrace Public School was nominated for always displaying the values of respect, inclusion and engagement.

She goes out of her way to include others, no matter who they are. She repeatedly steps up to cover others duties as part of school leadership.

• Elijah Hull of Grahamstown Public School was nominated for a PBL in the community award as he came to assist a person when they and their dog were being attacked by two other dogs.

• Irrawang High School’s Kayla Hockey was nominated as she is a respectful, responsible student and does her personal best in everything she does. With her awesome

hospitality skills, Kayla is always there to cater and welcome visitors to the school at various events, always with a smile.

• Learnah Lilley of Hunter River High School was nominated for her outstanding leadership in Wongagee Dance.

• Salt Ash Public School student Eagan Cotterill was nominated for being a kind and caring friend, sharing and helping when needed, without being asked.

• Medowie Public School’s Lucy Wilbow was nominated for living up to the school’s expectations all the time. She is a selfless student who goes out

of her way to assist teachers and students using her own initiative.

• Seaham Public School student Toby Fox was observed supporting a younger student in the playground.

Toby calmed the student who was visibly upset and in a caring way helped resolve the issue.

• Florence Smith of Karuah Public School (KPS) was nominated for always demonstrating the KPS values of respect, responsibility and pride.

Florence consistently goes above and beyond to be a kind and caring friend who is always willing to assist other students and staff.

q Raymond Terrace Rotary Club President Adam Nicholas, with Heather and Ken Buckingham, being recognised for their support of the School BackPack and Christmas toy appeals.

q This week’s PBL award nominees at MarketPlace Raymond Terrace.

Clans come together for Celtic celebrations

By Marian SAMPSON

CLANS On The Coast, Port Stephens’ iconic celebration of Celtic culture, was held over the weekend at its new venue in Raymond Terrace.

Tartan was swirling, bagpipes were blaring and the strong men threw the hammer and tossed the caber.

Clans On The Coast is designed to nurture the ongoing preservation of the Celtic culture through involvement, exposure and education opportunities which promote the Port Stephens area.

The event also creates opportunities for charitable organisations to raise much needed funds.

There was plenty for visitors to see and explore at the event as clans from across the world gathered in Port Stephens.

Incorporated into the event, which featured pipe and drum bands and highland dancing, was the The East Coast Heavy Events Championships.

There was also plenty of fun with an array of Celtic and Irish dancers, the Rusty Harper Irish folk band and the ever popular Tug-Of-War.

Finishing off the day was

a Ceilidh, a Scottish dinner dance, which featured the piping in of the haggis and some Scottish country dancing at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.

Ron Swan, founder of the event, told News Of The Area, “It was probably the best ever.

“We took it to the Terrace as it is more central.

“(Feedback was) 100 percent positive and everyone was saying they are coming back again next year.

“Proceeds from the event will go to charities.”

The event will be back again in 2023 at Raymond Terrace.

Construction kicking off at Medowie's Yulong Oval

TOUCH football, soccer and cricket clubs in Medowie will soon be equipped with a new $2.6 million sports amenities building catering to their current and future needs at Yulong Oval.

The new contemporary designed building will

replace the existing amenities and features unisex toilets, an accessible toilet, change rooms, a kiosk, storage, and a room for referees/first aid purposes.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said the design also features an undercover

like taking a leap into the future, allowing for sporting participant growth for males

and females,” Mr Palmer said.

“After the buzz from the women's soccer World

area for spectators within the

“These new facilities are

Cup and the success of the Matildas, it’s a no-brainer that we need to provide facilities that cater to inclusiveness, which is exactly what this new facility at Yulong Oval will provide.

“Once complete, Medowie will be ready to host both local level and state wide sporting carnivals – bring it on we say!” Mr Palmer added.

Port Hunter Touch Football, Medowie Football Club, and Medowie Cricket Club all call Yulong Oval home, and worked closely with Council to design a facility that caters to the sporting clubs' daily needs and provides an all-inclusive space for participants.

Councillor Jason Wells said the new amenities building will be a great asset for the Medowie community.

“It looks like it’s going to

be such a wonderful facility that can be enjoyed by participants of all ages, their families and friends,” Cr Wells said.

“Being involved in local sport in Medowie myself, I know how valuable a facility like this is to the clubs and the wider community – it's such a huge win,” he added.

The $2.6 million funding for this project has been secured through the NSW Government Regional Sport Facility Fund, NSW Club Grant scheme, Stronger Communities Fund and developer contributions.

The construction of the new amenities building will start once the old amenities have been demolished.

Keep up to date at pscouncil.info/Yulong-OvalMedowie

q The Tug O War at Clans On The Coast. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q Irish dancers at Clans On The Coast. Photo: Henk Tobbe. q Highland dancers in action. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q A pipe band on the march. Photo by Henk Tobbe.

q The new building will feature unisex toilets, an accessible toilet, change rooms, a kiosk, storage, and a room for referees/first aid purposes.

Sydney Swans pathway for Nelson Bay AFL sensation Taylor Smith

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay AFL sensation

Taylor Smith is a young midfielder in a big hurry.

A promising career with the new Sydney Swans AFLW franchise beckons for the gifted Tomaree High school girl who has carved her niche in the Hunter Central Coast AFL junior and senior ranks.

The outstanding sixteenyear-old Nelson Bay Marlins prospect is on the Swans radar after skilful performances for the club’s Academy and Top End Women’s squads these past two seasons.

At the recent Hunter Central Coast AFL Awards Night, the midfield dynamo was named the Rising Star and Best and Fairest Player in the 2023 Black Diamond Plate Womens premiership after helping the Port Stephens Power side qualify for the

finals.

Taylor also finished runner up for the Under 17s Player of the Year Award after skippering the Marlins to a Grand Final appearance against champions Killarney Vale.

With the mercurial Smith leading the way, the Marlins showed plenty of resilience in a 28-13 loss to the Bombers in a qualifying final before steering her side to an emphatic 43-15 preliminary final triumph over the Cardiff Eagles.

The Bombers had earlier edged out the Marlins and Eagles for the minor premiership on percentages after all three clubs finished the preliminary rounds on 40 points.

In the trophy decider at Hylton Moore Oval, the well drilled Killarney Vale unit toppled the Marlins 27-6 by four goals with the tireless Smith a stand out in a losing side.

Port Stephens Power stalwart Renee Selby told News Of The Area that the

athletic Taylor “has a bright future in the game”.

“She provides so much energy on the field with her speed, agility and vision and thoroughly deserved her major awards in the Senior Women's competition,” quipped Renee.

“Taylor stepped up and held her own against more seasoned players and shows a maturity far beyond her years,” she added.

A former Nelson Bay junior representative netball centre and touch footballer, Taylor showed natural ability when introduced to the AFL code at the age of twelve.

She played a key role in the Marlins’ premiership-winning Under 12 and Under 13 teams and has appeared in four of the past five Hunter Central Coast Junior Grand Finals.

Last year she was judged the competition’s Under 17 Player of the Year following her selection in the NSW AFL Under 15 representative team in 2021.

Taylor was identified by

q Budding AFL star Taylor Smith in action for the Sydney Swans Under 18s.

the Swans as a thirteen-yearold and has impressed officials with her classy performances for the Hunter representative side that rolled Central Coast, Illawarra and South Coast in the annual series.

The team has remained undefeated since 2019 with Taylor captaining the girls this year and stamping her mark in the Swans’ Under 18 Top End Womens squad.

She skippered Tomaree

High at the NSW Schoolgirls AFL and Netball State Championships this year where she inspired team mates with her all action style.

Lining up for the Swans in Super 24 fixtures in Albury and travelling to Sydney to train alongside an extended AFLW combination has given the schoolgirl a new lease of life.

Taylor, who was recently

q Emerging midfielder Taylor Smith displays her 2023 Hunter Central Coast AFL Rising Star and Player of the Year Awards.

q Talented Nelson Bay FC striker Kean Thomas was awarded the Reserve Grade Golden Boot for his 32 goals in the Newcastle Football Zone 2 competition this season.

named in the Swans Under 18s train on squad for a second successive season, aims to represent the NSW/ACT Allies in 2024 and continue her rise through the Swans Pathways program.

There is no shortage of talent in the Smith family with elder brother Xavier, eighteen, a talented Marlins AFL junior and promising golfer at Nelson Bay Golf Club.

Super striker Kean Thomas clinches Golden Boot

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay FC striker

Kean Thomas has received the Golden Boot Trophy for top goal scorer in this year’s Newcastle Football Zone 2 Reserve Grade competition.

The talented 23-year-old marksman was a dominant figure for the Bay warriors – grabbing 32 goals during the club’s successful 2023 campaign.

His prolific scoring up front and lethal boot were a feature of Nelson Bay’s

Nelson Bay Golf Club Results

17 SEPTEMBER –

23 September 2023

Sun 17 September 2023

Ladies Stableford: Brushbox Course

Over-all Winners

1 Stephanie McKay (42) 39c/b

2 Jenny Bezuidenhout (16) 39

3 Colleen Beattie (21) 37c/b

Men’s Stableford:

Xmas Bush Course

Over-all Winners

1 Jackson Monin (21) 41

2 Harvey Payne (7) 39

3 Graeme Luke (11) 38

Mon 18 September 2023

No Golf - Ladies Classic

Tues 19 September 2023

No Golf - Ladies Classic No Golf

Wed 20 September 2023

Men’s Stroke Max Double Par: Brushbox Course

A1 Harvey Payne (7) 72

A2 Michael Moussa (12) 73c/b

B1 Robert Connor (23) 69

B2 Don Thornton (21) 71c/b

C1 Peter Arnold (32) 68

C2 James Saunders (28) 69

Thurs 21 September 2023 NO GOLF Ladies classic golf

Fri 22 September 2023

Men’s Stableford: Brushbox Course

A1 Neil Edwards (11) 41

A2 Chris Mawson (11) 36c/b

A3 Peter Mentis (13) 36

B1 P Rogan (19) 35

B2 Robet Paul (20) 34

B3 Manny Mifsud-Ellul (21) 33c/b

C1 Douglas Curtis (43) 37

C2 Keith Woodley (26) 34

C3 Peter Backe-Hansen (30) 33c/b

Ladies Stableford: Brushbox Course

A1 Lyn Robertson (21) 37

A2 Jeanette Knott (42) 35

Sat 23 September 2023

Men’s Ind 4B Stableford:

Xmas Bush Course

A1 Steve Conrades (13) 41

A2 John Rowland (11) 37c/b

B1 Glen Shorter (18) 44

B2 Rod Totman (17) 40

C1 Kent Williams (24) 41

C2 Darren Cooke (27) 36

Men’s Ind 4B Stableford: Gymea Lily Course

A1 David Kirby (10) 40c/b

A2 Mervyn Livingstone (11) 40

B1 Brian Hammond (21) 44

B2 Craig Burrows (16) 41

C1 Peter Parry (32) 38

C2 Mark Faragher (38)

Ladies Stableford: Xmas Bush Course

Overall winners

1 Julie Newsham (24) 33

2 Sharon Dunn (20) 30

3 Barbara Clark (28) 29

Men’s 4B Stableford, C1 1-18: Gymea Lily Course:

Overall winners

1 Darren Hancock & Craig Burrows Score 47

2 David Kirby & Robert Connor 46c/b

Men’s 4B Stableford, C1 10-27: Xmas Bush Course: Overall winners

1 Kent Williams & Tony Hogan Score 49

2 Steve Conrades & Craig Mackenzie Score 48

enterprising displays that conjured up a deserved premiership title and Grand Final appearance.

Cooks Hill United outclassed the Bay 4-1 in last Saturday’s championship decider at Myers Park to deny their rivals a unique trophy double.

The strengthened Cookers turned on the style with a flurry of goals to avenge a 3-1 Grand Final qualifier loss to the Bay brigade and claim the champions tag. A philosophical Nelson

Bay coach Craig Watling told News Of The Area that “we were beaten by the better side on the day”.

“Cooks Hill were strong in all aspects and never allowed us to find our rhythm,” he revealed.

“All credit to them but my side can reflect on a remarkable season of achievements that included winning the Zone 2 premiership and boasting the competition’s Golden Boot recipient in Kean Thomas,” said Watling.

“The squad turned in consistent displays with our strike weapons in Kean,

Steve O’Dea and Tye Marone scoring the majority of our 80 goals,” he said.

Nelson Bay suffered a major setback during the Grand Final when they lost key defender Alex Gray through injury in the early stages of the match.

“The team took up the challenge and despite the final result we gave it our all,” quipped Watling.

“We lost only two matches this season and with most players returning along with an influx of our Under 18s talent everything points to another successful campaign in 2024,” he added.

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC. on Monday, 18th September with 42 players.

Nett Winner : Ron McKay 38pts.

Nett Runner Up. : Frank Vandruten 37pts.

Bonus Point Winner : Robert Paul 37pts.

Bonus Point Runner Up : Jim Gill 36pts, c/b.

Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole,

Div 1 : Warren Deuis.

Div 2 : Mary Kay.

Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole,

Div 1 : John Hogan.

Div 2 : Mary Kay.

Drive & Chip, 7th Hole,

Div 1 : Fred Rimoni.

Div 2 : Bill McMaster, (birdie)

Drive & Chip, 18th Hole,

Div 1 : Phil Rogan.

Div 2 : Frank Vandruten.

Ball Winners : Ralph Brown

36pts, Mark Skidmore 36pts,

Phil Sherwood 35pts, Warren Deuis 35pts, Peter Toth 35pts, Bob McKeand 34pts, Steve Robards 34pts, John Evans 34pts, Col Kerrison 34pts, Gary Watt 33pts, Lester Lake 33pts, Phil Rogan 33pts, and Dave Hurley 33pts. Lucky Prize Draw Winner : Bob McKeand.

Next Week's game is at Tanilba Bay GC, 7:30am start. Visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times.

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

Results

22/9/23 OUTRIGHT winner. Wendy Couvaras. 37 Bonus points winner. Peter Couvaras. 37 Ball winners. Colin Marsden. 34 Bill McMaster. 34

Matt Baldwin. 31 Kel Dorney. 31

ohn McDonald. 31

Bradman Award. Adam Cowie D&C4th.

A. John McDonald.

B. Wendy Couvaras D&C7th.

A. John McDonald.

B. Colin Marsden NTP18th.

B. Bill McMaster Money hole.

A. Matt Baldwin.

B. Kel Dorney There were 10 starters. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game 29/9/23 Ambrose.

Medowie netball whiz kids celebrate their winning ways

By Chris KARAS

A BATCH of aspiring Medowie netballers have made local pundits take notice with their exhilarating performances on the court.

The Medowie Glitter Bombs created some type of record when they captured the Under 11/12yrs title at the recent Port Stephens Netball Association Grand Finals at Raymond Terrace.

Comprised of nine and ten year olds, the Medowie whiz kids defeated Dungog 2612 in the trophy decider – a tremendous feat considering the girls lined up against players nearly two years their senior.

The victory completed another remarkable season for the Glitter Bombs who have dominated the junior netball scene with an imposing record since forming in 2022.

Medowie Netball Club won five of the seven junior Grand Finals they contested but it was the Glitter Bombs that stole the show with their enterprise and flair.

Coached by Port Stephens Netball’s Opens and Masters representative goal defender Felicity Pacevski, the promising rookies were discovered in the Net Set Go program last year where they finished undefeated.

A beaming Felicity told News Of The Area, “The girls enjoy playing together on and off court, train weekly and are a delight to coach.

“They gelled as a team from the start and despite conceding size against older opponents were able to string together some impressive victories,” revealed the Port Stephens 17yrs representative team manager.

“With their natural skills and determination the girls proved hard to beat and have the potential to develop into top class netballers,” she added.

The Glitter Bombs have also won the past two Port Stephens Gala Day Blue Division titles undefeated where they showcased their abundance of talent.

In their first year of competitive netball in 2023,

the team finished on top of the Under 11/12 yrs table with only one loss to Dungog and three draws before claiming the premiership.

Team captain and emerging goal attack Olivia Pacevski is one of four nine-year-olds in the squad along with goalkeeper/wing defence Kayla Hladky, wing defence/attack Layla Cassidy and wing attack/defence Ashlee Dark.

Other team members include centre Madison Thornton, goal defence Asha MacDonald, wing defence/ goalkeeper Hannah Bernie and goal shooter Emily Perkins who are all ten years of age.

Coach Felicity, who plays for the Bay Netball Club, is assisted by team managers Katie Thornton and Kerrylea MacDonald.

During the off-season,

the Glitter Bombs continue to play netball in the Port Stephens Twilight series and last year were the only girls team to compete in the Medowie Futsal competition.

“Being placed in this year’s 11/12yrs competition was a big jump for the group considering their young ages but they relished the opportunity,” Felicity quipped.

Port Stephens schools compete for William Gunther Shield

heart!

has nearly 60 years of history in the Bay.

“It was a hot day, and everyone coped very well in the heat, and the short games meant lots of time to recuperate.”

Competition sponsor John Killalea from J&J Killalea Constructions and canteen sponsor Woolworths were very generous in their support, with the overall winner Wirreanda taking home the $750 grand prize, while Anna Bay took home the runner-up award.

Special recognition went to Salt Ash school, who brought a large contingent, many of whom had never played a contact sport before.

“They played with real

“We wanted to acknowledge their tenacity and spirit, so we are proud to honour their efforts with the participation award,” said current Junior Club President Clint Brown.

Referee expertise was provided by NSW Rugby Development Officer for the Hunter, Brent Dale and his team, including three other refs that assisted.

“It was an excellent day, and we hope all the kids had fun playing rugby for their school, and sometimes giving it their very first go,” Dale said.

FROM Page 1 spring competition starts again on 13 October.

Next year's competition will be held again in the last week of the third term, coinciding with the start to 7s rugby training, before that

q The hose was an essential piece of equipment in hot playing conditions.

q Wirreanda were the eventual champions.

Photo: Caleb Nettle Media.

q Shoal Bay and Anna Bay in action.

Photo: Caleb Nettle Media.

Photo: Caleb Nettle Media.

q Medowie Glitter Bombs celebrate their Grand Final victory over Dungog in the Port Stephens Netball Association Under 11-12yrs division.

BIG CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

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

SOLUTIONS

All the words listed below can be found in the grid.

LOCALClassifieds

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Phone: (02) 4981 8882

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Public Notices

AGM

Medowie Football Club Inc.

Monday 9th October 2023

6:30pm at Bull and Bush Medowie

All members are invited to attend

For further information please contact the club at www.medowiefc.com.au

Public Notice of Precipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Bradley Warren Stuart© and Nicoletta DeBari© of Fingal Bay, New South Wales state, are not voluntarily transactors in commerce, and are the irrefutable Holders in Due Course of our property and all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording

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Dates 22nd of September, 2023; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Bradley Warren Stuart© and Nicoletta DeBari© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; GLOSSA.

SPRING PLANT SALE

SKETCHLEY PIONEER MUSEUM

Cnr Adelaide & Sketchley Streets. Raymond Terrace

SATURDAY

20 SEPTEMBER 2023

10.00am to 2.00pm

Come along, buy a plant or something for your garden and at the same time you will be supporting the RAYMOND TERRACE AND DISTRICT

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

There will also be:

• Used pots

• Garden gear

• Small bags of garden soil

• Cakes and biscuits

Wanted to Buy

War Medals

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

For Sale

BEDROOM suite Queen, inc bedhead, 2 bedside tables, mirrored dressing table, $150 Phone 0407 272 544

CACTI - Plenty of varieties 0466 880 639

For Sale For Sale

GOLF or Shopping Scooter, 4 wheel drive 2sp Lotus Blake Tycoon AZ36. Can be fully disassembled $2,750 ono. 4997 0435 Re111123

MOBILITY Scooter 4 wheel. Good cond. with front basket, rear bag and charger. $1200 Free delivery Ph: 0418 430 643

For Sale

A new donor is needed every four minutes

A new donor is needed every four minutes

COCA Cola sign in wooden and glass frame 40cmx30cm $25 Coca Cola mens red shirt with signage size XL $10 3 tow balls, 2 large heavy metal shackles. Best offer. Ph 4981 7523.

Become a donor today. Give life. Give blood.

Become a donor today.

COFFEE/Lamp table

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

COSMOPOLITAN

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

GOLF set leather bag, Slazenger cart woods steels extras. $250. Ph 0476 789 721

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

GYM equipment moving WA. Gym style treadmill $170, Total Gym Exerciser $130, Vibrating Exer Board $70, WII Console & Acc. $130 0425 289 167

HEDGE trimmer, ozito 450w, 360mm blades GC $50. 49820778 F100823

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

NEAR new motor cycle helmet . Size XL. Aeroblade 3 Kabuto Japan. $99 Peter 0419932992 F080623

NEW 5L water jug with tap. $15.00 Call 0493 078 190

OFFICE chair, adjustable height & arm and reclines. Exc cond. $80 0493 777 707

TWO Large standard English desk dictionaries Hard covers. 2 x vols Beautiful cond. $15 for both ono. 4981 7523

WALKER heavy duty suits big person $100 Ph: 4982 2335

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

WOMENS Levi jeans new, size 8 - 10. $50 0493 777 707

Give life. Give blood.

Become a donor today. Give life. Give blood.

17 Boston St, Tea Gardens. Sat/Sun. 8am start. Lots for everyone.

SAT 30/9, 9am start

As there is no garage nothing will be displayed until 9am. 23 Mulubinda Parade, Corlette. Drills welder, tools, TVs bric a brac and vaious household items.

For

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

32” TV with remote, all working, no damage $60. Ph: 0493 078 190

4 x 17”x 6” Steel rims, fitted with 255/65x17 Dunlop AT23 tyres. Suit current Nissan Navara $130 ea ono. Ph 0404 094 028

CURLING wand, near new. $15. 0493777707 F070923

DRESS, New, Short Sleeve, Golden Blue Marble print Size M / Maxi Length Light weight & lined $ 50. 0427 818 294 F230223

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

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

EXTENSION Cord heavy duty approx 30 metres $30 Phone 4919 8277 Tea Gardens f140923

ELECTRIC Heaters

HOLDEN Astra car rim and tire tubeless steel belted radial. Size 205 / 55R16 $100 ono. Ph 4981 7523

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

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

JASON La-Z-Boy rocker reliner. Light grey, 4 years old, good cond. $200 0488 662 877 ReS110124

KING Single Bed Frame Wrought iron/wooden frame Slatted base Great condition $95 Phone 02 4987 2250

PARALLEL garment rack 102x172cmH x 44.5cmWx 82cm L still in box. $12. 4982 8628

PORTABLE clothesline GC, $25. 0413 023 296 F091221

PRYDE Windsufing mast suits 7 metre sail. Little used. $99 Tea Gardens. Peter 0419 932 992 F260123

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

WOMENS new black leather jacket, small to medium, worth $400, asking $100 0493 777 707

WOMENS new coat medium to large, wool worth $120, sell $50 0493 777 707

WORK bench 136cm L $100 Ph: 4938 5923 F050522

WORK out seated in front of the TV or reading Compact Seated Eliptical pedal exerciser Model JR2 Cost new $175 plus frt sell $80 0412 347 546

Boats SALON hair dryer, new $20. 0493 777 707

TINNY 3.1m car topper 8HP Merc. Gal. Folding trailer. Good condition No Rego. $2800 ono Ph 0427 224 744 ReS230923

BBQ 4 Burner/side burner bottle with safety valve plus cover & accessories Medowie 4982 9942

1 Electric 700mm x 360mm 2000 watts

KING single tubular bed Free. 0419 985 601 F060723

• Jams and pickles

• Children’s activities ENJOY A TALK ON NATIVE BEES

Advertising within News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from the next edition. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WARDROBE, hanging spaces and drawers 0428 943 812 F070923

For Sale

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

Re280923

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

ANTIQUE wardrobe make an offer. 0428 943 812

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

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

ELECTRIC stove, Chef VGC, hardly used. $450 0428 943 812

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

Caravans

2 SINGLE Ensemble beds with bedding and covers in exc cond. $50 each 4997 0951

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

GET Fit While Seated Compact Elliptical Pedal Exercisor, Gubai model JR2 activity tracking LCD display, variable resistance, low joint impact. $80 ono. Pick up Tea Gardens. Phone 0412 347 546

LARGE CTM HS-928 mobility scooter with large seat, VGC, new rear bag, new batteries new charger. $2,600 delivered. 0418 430 643 e280923

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

MASSAGE Table $100. 0407 267 152

MOBILE phone ZTE excellent cond. $100 0493 777 707 F090323

SPARE Wheel for boat trailer, with tyre $50. 0419 985 601

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

SWAG King single with mattress $70 0419 985 601 F080623

2016 Retreat Brampton 22’. Single beds, 2 solar panels, sat dish, gas heater, many extras $70,000 ono. Reg till Nov 2023. TR76FN. Contact 0415 359 809

A new donor is needed every four minutes

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY THE ROOKIE

SEVEN, 9.15pm

SUNDAY THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW

TEN, 7.30pm

The celebrity guests who drop by this long-running chat show must wonder if there’s something in the water they’re served up because even the most guarded of A-listers are won over by cheeky Irishman Graham Norton. His group-interview format always seems to elicit candid confessions. Despite the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes, Norton’s got a slew of stars lined up for season 31. Falling under his spell in tonight’s premiere are pop superstar Kylie Minogue, Stephen Graham (Peaky Blinders), Peep Show star and author David Mitchell, comedian Mawaan Rizwan and Eurovision finalist Mae Muller.

FRIDAY, September 29

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

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis tours a high-rise haven.

8.30 Sherwood. (Malsv) As the hunt for the killer continues, Kevin Salisbury from the MET arrives to assist in the investigation.

9.35 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

Attendees of a party celebrating a sparkling wine launch are endangered when the glasses are laced with slug poison.

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

12.20 Harrow. (Mav, R)

1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

When this popular police drama started out in 2018, Nathan Fillion’s middle-aged rookie John Nolan was one of the oldest recruits LAPD had ever seen. Five seasons in and Nolan is now a training officer with a rookie of his own – but The Training Officer is a far less catchy title. This week’s episode features a case that hits close to home for rookie Celina (Lisseth Chavez) when a young girl goes missing on the anniversary of her sister’s death. While Nolan has been working with Celina on her tendency to let emotions cloud her judgment, her personal connection to this case and its victims proves crucial. It seems former rookie Nolan still has a few lessons to learn.

WEDNESDAY THE AMAZING RACE AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

If you’re a fan of watching celebrities slum it in the jungle for I’m a Celebrity…

Get Me Out of Here!, this star-studded version of the reality format might be for you. Ripped from their luxurious lives and thrust into backpacker accommodation, budget hotels and even economy class, 11 celebrity racers and their loved ones are about to get a masterclass in how the other other half travel. Former Wiggle Emma Watkins, model and TV presenter Bec Judd, Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer, former Olympian Jana Pittman and comedian Peter Rowsthorn are among those taking up host Beau Ryan’s challenge – who will be the first to tap out?

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGa)

8.40 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGa)

9.40 Tony Robinson: The Thames At Night. (R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Unseen. (Mals)

12.00 Furia. (MA15+av, R)

3.40 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.10 Going Places. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

Johanna Griggs catches up with Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac in the middle of his home renovation.

8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995, G, R) A father, already traumatised by his daughter’s marriage, is shocked by the news that both her and his wife are pregnant. At a loss about how to handle the life-changing announcement, he sets out to recapture his youth. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short.

10.45 The Voice. (PGa, R) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Mega Zoo. (PG, R) A crocodile suffers a ruptured cornea.

8.30 MOVIE: The Expendables 2. (2012, MA15+lv, R) A group of mercenaries seeks revenge. Sylvester Stallone.

10.30 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R)

Michael B. Jordan.

1.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+am, R)

2.45 9Honey Hacks.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Postcards. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom Gleisner.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ma, R) Graham Norton is joined by actors Claire Foy and Sarah Michelle Gellar, comedian Rob Beckett and director M. Night Shyamalan. Musical guest is Sam Smith, who performs Not Here to Make Friends

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.40 The Project. (R)

12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, September 30

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30

Midsomer Murders. (PG, R)

2.00 Sherwood. (Malsv, R)

3.00 Becoming Frida Kahlo. (PGa)

4.00 Australian Women In Music Awards.

5.30 The Whiteley Art Scandal. (PG, R)

6.30 Kitchen Cabinet. (R) Annabel Crabb meets Bridget McKenzie.

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

7.30 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (PG) Frank and Lu are hired to look into the drowning of a former Miss Stratford-upon-Avon.

8.20 Vera. (Mv, R) DCI Vera Stanhope and her team investigate a 30-year-old mystery.

9.50 The Newsreader. (Mdl, R) Helen is plunged into crisis when a gossip columnist threatens to expose her troubled past.

10.45 Shetland. (Mal, R) The team searches for a link between the two bodies.

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. 10.00 The Eco Show. (PG) 11.00 Curious Traveller. 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup series. Round 5. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Gone Fishing With Mortimer & Whitehouse. (PGl, R) 5.40 Secret Nazi Bases. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 MOVIE: Duran Duran: A Hollywood High. (2022)

9.10 Rock Legends: Tina Turner. (PGa)

10.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R)

10.50 Rex In Rome. (Mdl, R)

12.40 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

1.40 Bamay. (R)

3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, October 1

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders: Grand Final Special. 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline.

1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (PG, R) 3.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.05 Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip. (PG, R) 5.00 Art Works. (Final) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Voices Of Australia.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) A concert pianist is murdered.

8.30 The Newsreader. (Mdl)

As Australia’s 1988 Bicentennial approaches, Helen is determined to interview a fiery Aboriginal activist.

9.25 Mother And Son. (Mal, R) Maya and Arthur grow closer.

10.00 Annika. (Mal, R)

10.45 Total Control. (MA15+l, R)

11.40 Talking Heads. (R)

12.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.00 Escape From The City. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera. 7.00 APAC Weekly. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India Prime Time News. 9.00 Rugby League. Koori Knockout.

5.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R)

5.40 Secret Nazi Bases. (PGav, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Houdini’s Lost Diaries. (PGal, R)

9.00 Rebel With A Cause: Pat

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 9.00 AFL Grand Final Brunch. 10.30 AFL Grand Final Countdown. 12.00 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game Show.

2.00 Football. AFL. Grand final. Collingwood v Brisbane Lions.

5.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Game Presentation.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PGd, R) Drug paraphernalia is found in luggage.

7.30 MOVIE: Free Guy. (2021, Mlv) A bank teller discovers that he is actually a non-playable character inside a brutal, open world video game. Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer.

10.00 MOVIE: Unstoppable. (2010, Ml, R) A veteran engineer and a young conductor try to stop a runaway train from crashing into a populated area. Denzel Washington, Chris Pine.

12.05 12 Monkeys. (MA15+v, R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World. (2015, Mv, R)

Dinosaurs run amok at a theme park. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard.

10.00 MOVIE: Gods Of Egypt. (2016, Mv, R) A hero rises to overthrow Set, the God of Darkness. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brenton Thwaites.

12.20 My Way. (PG, R)

12.50 He Said/She Said. (Ma)

1.00 To Be Advised.

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 Luxury Escapes. A look at a Mediterranean cruise.

6.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGl, R) Lifeguards investigate a floating object.

7.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGad, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.00 Thank God You’re Here. (Mdls, R) Hosted by Celia Pacquola.

9.00 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible. (1996, Mv, R) A secret agent sets out to discover who double-crossed him and killed his colleagues. Tom Cruise, Jon Voight.

11.00 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Authentic. (PG)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Cricket. Women’s Twenty20 International Series. Australia v West Indies. Game 1. 3.30

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge.

8.45 ABBA Silver, ABBA Gold. (PG, R) Follows Swedish supergroup ABBA from the Eurovision Song Contest to present day’s CGI performances.

9.45 The Disappearance Of Grace Millane. (Mas, R) The story of the 2018 murder of British backpacker Grace Millane and how her killer was caught.

11.45 Born To Kill? Beverley Allitt. (Mav, R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

6.30 Grand

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Return) Guests include Kylie Minogue.

8.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mdv, R) When a US Marine corporal dies in a tide pool after being exposed to fentanyl, the NCIS team must quickly find the source of the drugs. Alex talks about taking a gap year. Ernie reveals some personal news.

10.30 Five Bedrooms. (Mls, R) Ainsley and Simmo’s wedding day arrives.

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

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Today.

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, October 2

6.30 ABC America This Week.

7.30 France 24 English News.

8.00 DD India Prime Time News.

9.00 Rugby League. Koori Knockout.

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) Hosted by Richard Morecroft.

life of Sheryl Crow. Sheryl Crow.

TUESDAY, October 3

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Rick Steves’ Europe. 11.10 The Last Overland: Singapore To London. (Ml, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 How The Nazis Lost The War. (PGa, R) 2.55 I Am Emmanuel. (PGa, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R)

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

2.00 Border Security: Int. (PG, R) 2.30 Border Security USA. (PG, R)

4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

A life hangs in the balance.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) The heat is on as the teams try to secure their place in a final.

9.15 The Rookie. (Mav) The team investigates a pattern of kidnappings, which leads them to a discovery that hits close to home.

10.15 The Rookie: Feds. (Mdv) Simone uncovers a trail of bodies.

11.15 The Latest: Seven News.

11.45 Chicago Fire. (Ma)

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 The Masked Singer Australia. Hosted by Osher Günsberg.

8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.45 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (Ma, R) Four mates set out to embarrass each other.

10.45 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav, R)

11.40 The Project. (R)

12.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Zara imposes on Mali and Rose.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (Final, PGl) Hosted by Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge.

9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mav, R) Follows the work of an ambulance service, giving an insight into the life and death incidents they face. 10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Shark Tank. (PGals) A panel is pitched inventions.

8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

9.40 NCIS. (Ma, R) When an NCIS agent turns up dead and Kasie is unaccounted for, the team must work quickly to find the killer.

10.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mdv, R) A marine corporal dies in a tide pool.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, October 4

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Make Me A Dealer. (PGl, R) 10.05 Rick Steves’ Europe. 11.05 The Last Overland: Singapore To London. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Inferno. (PGa, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R)

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

THURSDAY, October 5

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 WorldWatch.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG,

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Mali must act on Rose’s ultimatum.

7.30 The Voice. (PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.

8.50 RFDS. (Mal) Pete is forced to face his deepest fears when the crew are tasked with dealing with a catastrophic boat crash.

9.50 The Amazing Race. (Return, PG) Hosted by Phil Keoghan.

11.20 The Latest: Seven News.

11.50 Autopsy: USA: Desi Arnaz. (Ma) A look at the death of Desi Arnaz.

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

You? (PG, R) 2.00 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL. (Madl, R) 2.30 Aftertaste. (Ml, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia.

2.00 Frances And Annie. (Ma, R) 2.10 The Buildings That Fought Hitler. (PG, R) 3.00 Be My Brother. (R) 3.10 Inclusion Makes The World More

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) A learner driver bursts into tears.

Devils. (MA15+ad)

12.00 Nine Perfect Strangers. (MA15+s, R)

3.40 Italian Food Safari. (R) 4.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

NHK World English News Morning.

ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mls, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a prostitute a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.

11.05 The Latest: Seven News.

11.35 The Great Diamond Heist. (PGa, R)

5.30

Cricket. ICC World Cup. Group stage. England v New Zealand. Second innings.

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

A Current Affair. (R)

News Early Edition.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 The Amazing Race Australia. (Return, PGal) Eleven celebrities race around the world with those they hold dearest.

9.00 Miniseries: Heat. (Mls) Part 1 of 4. Two families become trapped in the path of an oncoming bushfire.

10.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGa) Margaret helps a client whose mother passed.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

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

7.30 The Amazing Race Australia. (PGal) Hosted by Beau Ryan.

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

10.00 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

William Gunther Shield

By Matt FINDLAY

LAST Wednesday, 20 September, in some very hot conditions, over 100 students from five schools in years 5 and 6 competed in over 25 matches to try and take home the coveted William Gunther Shield.

The schools from around the region played from 9am through until 2pm and included Anna Bay, Tomaree, Salt Ash, Shoal Bay and Wirreanda – the ultimate champions. The annual competition has not been played since 2019, due to COVID.

Finally, the Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Club have been able to reinstate it.

“The club did a great job!” said Maree Brown from Anna Bay Public School.

“I’ve been bringing school kids for years to this comp, and it’s so good to have it back – always a great day for the kids.”

Past Junior Club President and Competition organiser, Dion Cooper said, “The Shield matches have always been a great way to get kids to try Union if they haven’t or have the local schools play in a local game that

CONTINUED Page 20

q All smiles as Anna Bay Public School crosses the line.

Photo: Caleb Nettle Media.