Port Stephens News Of The Area 29 February 2024

Ampcontrol partners with major offshore wind developer

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800 locals, Ampcontrol has more than 50 years of experience in the energy, infrastructure and resources industries.

Destiny Wind Acting Project Director Erin Coldham said the developing offshore wind industry can draw on the Hunter region’s extensive traditional energy generation experience.

“This partnership is an easy decision for us - we need local businesses and suppliers like Ampcontrol to be part of Australia’s offshore wind industry,” she said.

“We’ve identified some key collaboration areas from both a local and national perspectiveit’s exciting to see what could be possible.

“Offshore wind would continue the long history of industry excellence in regional areas like the Hunter - local experience and know-how will play a big role in advancing this new Australian industry.”

Ampcontrol Managing Director and CEO Rod Henderson said key industry partnerships play an important role when developing projects of this size.

“Collaboration is essential

to bring together the brightest minds so we can think radically to challenge the status quo and disrupt the future of energy,” he said.

Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said the partnership sent a “clear message to Government and stakeholders that emerging industries can and should be built right here in the Hunter region”.

"It is another demonstration of the enthusiasm and industrial capacity of local industry for the future of work in our region and the benefits that Hunter offshore wind can bring to the working communities of the Hunter,” Mr Shears said.

While industry and union bodies are throwing their support behind the development of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter, community resistance remains strong in Port Stephens and on the Myall Coast.

Chief among local offshore wind opponents is Nationals MP and Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, who says projects in the Hunter zone are “not a guarantee of longterm meaningful manufacturing jobs”.

“The only guarantee is that it will destroy jobs in the commercial fishing industry, blue water and tourism sector.

Grants available for Net Zero manufacturing

THE State Government has announced $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, a move set to benefit the Hunter's industrial sector as the nation transitions to renewable energy.

The Government says the initiative will support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid.

The initiative aims to deliver more local, secure jobs across the state, and support the diversification of regional economies.

“The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative offers funding for small

and medium businesses wanting to pilot new technology within their premises,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday.

“These grants will bolster local manufacturing in the renewables and clean-technology industries, ultimately delivering more local, secure jobs.

“This is all about supporting and backing NSW businesses, manufacturers and innovators to develop homegrown technology and products right here in the state, and securing the jobs and skills we need for a renewable energy future.”

The investment areas are aligned to the opportunity areas

identified through the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 Study, released by the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer.

This includes future energy systems and storage, transportation, built environment, biomanufacturing, power-fuels including hydrogen and agricultural technologies.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will offer the following grants:

● Renewable Manufacturing – increasing capacity to make the components for renewable energy projects, which will alleviate supply chain constraints and increase local content capability.

For example, projects could include constructing a brand-new facility for the manufacture of solar cells, or supply chain parts for renewable energy transmission.

● Clean Technology Innovation – helping businesses get scalable low-emission technologies, market-ready.

For example, prototypes of next generation residential batteries, or new laboratory equipment that can test a material’s ability to store hydrogen atoms.

● Low Carbon Product Manufacturing – establishing industrial facilities and manufacturing capabilities that can take advantage of investment

“I have been clear that I am opposed to the Hunter offshore wind project and in lock step with local people across the region,” Dr Gillespie said.

“As an industrial project in a pristine piece of coastline, it will have a significant negative economic and environmental impact on our region and local RAMSAR wetlands.

“It will increase grid instability and force electricity prices higher than households or small or large business, particularly manufacturing, can realistically afford, and raises the possibility of brownouts and blackouts.”

in new and emerging low carbon industries.

For example, building a new facility for the manufacture of low-carbon laminate timber, or implementing a new production line within an existing biomass facility for manufacturing bio-diesel.

The initiative will focus on already lab-proven technologies and the manufacturing of market-ready products that are ready to be scaledup and rolled out across NSW.

This will support NSW’s five Renewable Energy Zones and hydrogen hubs, giving them access to more materials produced in NSW.

Grants opened to the public on Monday, 26 February 2024.

To check eligibility and apply go to www.energy.nsw.gov.au/ NetZeroManufacturing.

NOTICE OF ADVERTISED DEVELOPMENT

has received the following Development Application (DA): DEVELOPMENT

DA NO: 16-2024-31-1

DEVELOPMENT SITE:

569 DP: 17775, LOT: 481 DP: 17775, LOT: 479 DP: 17775, LOT: 480 DP: 17775,

482 DP: 17775, LOT: 478 DP: 17775, 119 Old Main Road ANNA BAY, 119 Gan Gan Road ANNA BAY, 115 Old Main Road ANNA BAY, 117 Old Main Road ANNA BAY, 121 Gan Gan Road ANNA BAY, 113 Old Main Road ANNA BAY

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Seniors housing - construction of a 5 storey residential flat building comprising 32 seniors independent living units, communal spaces, commercial tenancy, carparking, landscaping, infrastructure and demolition works

APPLICANT: WPP PTY LTD

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

ASSESSING OFFICER: Samantha Krossman | Ph: 4988 0196 | Email: samantha.davie@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (23 February 2024 – 8 March 2024)

107

14/21

NELSONS PLAINS

16

RAYMOND TERRACE

48

226

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 8 March 2024

DA NO: 16-2024-55 1

DEVELOPMENT SITE: LOT: 12 DP: 1299990, LOT: 11 DP: 1299990, LOT: 2 DP: 748343 14 Gray Drive KARUAH, 24 William Street KARUAH, 314 Tarean Road KARUAH

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Torrens Title Subdivision - 3 into 32 lot residential subdivision

APPLICANT: PERCEPTION PLANNING PTY LTD

CONSENT AUTHORITY:

the objection must be clearly specified. Submissions can be made in any format (including video or audio), which can be sent via email and is less than 10mb in size.

Mail PO BOX 42 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 Email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

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wildlife.

Announcing the funding boost on Wednesday 21

February, Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said koalas are a “much-loved member of our community, and an iconic part of our region”.

“This funding is a welcome announcement for our community which cares deeply for koalas and will greatly assist the amazing army of volunteers at Port Stephens Koala Hospital.”

The funds are intended to facilitate an increase in paid staffing for the facility.

With a redevelopment of the facilities on the horizon, the Koala Hospital’s General Manager, Georgie Cairns, said that increasing the organisation’s professional capacity is becoming more critical.

“With the expanded facility it is really important to increase the services and the capacity for care of koalas and other wildlife,” she said.

“This funding has enabled us to employ a practice manager, as well as staff whose work involves gathering leaves for feed (leafing), among others.”

Ms Cairns said the

funds will also increase access to specialists such as rehabilitation workers.

The Port Stephens Koala Hospital has grown out of the Hunter Koala Preservation Society, which was founded in 1987 by residents of Anna Bay, and has been

an organisation composed largely of volunteers dedicated to preserving the native species.

Volunteers continue to be a vital part of the team, but the provision for greater clinical care by trained professionals is undoubtedly

Koala Hospital prepares to expand

By Lindsay HALL

PORT Stephens Council has approved a Development Application (DA) for the Port Stephens Koala Hospital to make alterations and additions to the existing veterinary facility within the Koala Sanctuary.

The expansion of the hospital is projected to cost $1,200,000, and will provide the staff and volunteers with increased office space, a new storage facility and a consulting room, as well as new rooms for treatment, x-rays and surgery.

Cr Giacomo Arnott was the only councillor to make

any comment on the DA at Council’s February 13 meeting, saying, “Well done to the team at Port Stephens Koalas for continuing to secure funding to expand operations, continuing to improve the care being provided to our local injured wildlife.

“It’s great to see such a dedicated team of volunteers and staff working to prevent our koalas and other local species from going extinct.

“Being able to have a better space to do their work and expand their work is critical.”

welcome news.

“NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington are two of the greatest protectors of koalas in NSW,” said Ron Land, President of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

“This funding package is 100 percent devoted to preserving an iconic Australian endangered species in Port Stephens and without it we could not continue to save the lives of

q Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.

ill, injured, and orphaned koalas at our hospital.”

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe, who worked alongside Ms Washington to secure extra funding for the facility, said, “This funding is a testament to the strong advocacy of Minister Kate Washington who has been a long time champion of protecting koalas not only in Port Stephens but across the state.

“We are committed

to ensuring koalas have a bright future in NSW and this involves supporting a range of conservation actions, including improving habitat, reducing vehicle strike and wildlife care.

“The NSW Government is taking steps to prevent koalas ending up in veterinary care, and this funding helps ensure native wildlife have the best possible outcome when treated and returned to the wild.”

q Premier Chris Minns and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington with one of the region's iconic koalas.

pleads for increased awareness

By Lindsay HALL

PORT Stephens Council heard an impassioned address at their inaugural meeting of 2024 from an advocate for disability rights - more specifically the rights of access for individuals who engage the service of an assistance animal.

Andrew McGowan gained a measure of national attention in 2016 when he walked the distance from Kempsey to Sydney with his support dog Chelsea to raise awareness of the needs of victims of violent crimes, of which he is a survivor.

Since that time Andrew, and his everpresent assistance animals, have lived a transient life, always seeking to educate others on the needs for people living with special needs.

His address to Port Stephens Council during the Pubic Access portion of the council session was stern in tone, as he expressed disappointment with the lack of awareness amongst the community in general with regard to assistance animals, and the lack of public signage informing the public that individuals travelling with assistance animals are permitted to keep them by their side in circumstances where other companion animals may be restricted.

“I’ve come to talk to you about assistance animals and their importance in the lives of those people with disabilities… and unfortunately your lack of signage that acknowledges

our animal's right to travel with us, wherever we go."

During his address Andrew referred often to his own painful experiences and the ways in which his own assistance animals have, at times, “literally saved” his life.

He mentioned his meeting with former PM Scott Morrison, and current connection with Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John, and his ongoing mission to see a change in societal attitude towards people such as himself.

At moments speaking with overwhelming emotion, pain and anger, Andrew insisted that a lack of signage that indicates the rights of access for companion animals constitutes a violation of state legislation.

“What I don’t want is people (with assistance animals) in this community being afraid to take them places.”

Andrew’s appearance was lauded by those Councillors present, with both Cr Giacomo Arnott and Cr Jason Wells thanking him for sharing his story, and seeking to clarify the responsibility of the council in this matter.

Referring to his insistence that signs in the area should be altered within six weeks, Cr Arnott asked: “You’ve laid down a deadline for us… does the Disability Act require council to have that signage?

“I’m interested in seeing that our council takes accessibility and its legal requirements very seriously.”

Cr Wells went on to

suggest that the video of Andrew’s address be allowed as a submission to the draft Community Wellbeing Strategy, on public display until February 25.

“One of the key objectives in the draft strategy is around developing and improving positive attitudes in the wider community towards people with a disability.”

With regards to Andrew’s suggestion of a breach of legislation, a council spokesperson told News of the Area, “We’ve been in contact with Mr McGowan after his public access at the last Council meeting seeking the additional information he mentioned.

“Once the additional information is received we’ll assess it accordingly.”

q Assistance animals can make huge impacts in the lives of people with disabilities. Photo: Assistance Dogs Australia. q Disability advocate Andrew McGowan.

8am - Thursday 7 March 2024

Murrook Culture Centre, Williamtown

Kate Washington MP & Meryl Swanson MP

This summer’s heat has been brutal, but it is not over just yet!

Heat stress and heat stroke are potentially lifethreatening conditions that affect our pets and our local native wildlife.

Many animals are especially susceptible, including:

- Paediatric and elderly animals

- Overweight animals

- Animals with underlying airway or heart conditions

- Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs

- Exotic pets including rabbits, guinea pigs and birds

To keep them safe on the hot days:

- Keep ALL pets inside, in air-conditioning or under a cooling fan

- If this is not possible, ensure your pet will be in shade, with access to cooling mats or shallow wading pools

- Ensure your pets have free access to cool water at all times (and consider leaving water out for wildlife to drink and bathe in!)

- Avoid all exercise or beach visits during the hottest parts of the day. Remember that sand and concrete retain heat and may burn sensitive paws

- Consider cooling treats for enrichment such as frozen kongs or lickimats If you find it hot, your pet is feeling it too!

Vehicle parking frustrations

By Marian SAMPSON

PARKING of trailers, caravans and boats on public streets and in parks has long been a contentious issue in Port Stephens.

Many believe that if you can afford a trailer, caravan or boat you should park it on your own property or pay to park it off road.

Community members have also called on Port Stephens Council to better manage vehicles parked long term on public land.

According to Council, the legalities around parked vehicles can be complex.

“Generally, Council allows the parking of registered boat trailers, trailers, caravans (vehicles) in any area that a car is able to park legally,” Marc Goodall, Compliance Coordinator at Port Stephens Council told News Of The Area.

“If a vehicle is parked illegally, Council will enforce the breach of the rules in accordance with the most relevant legislation.”

Under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (‘PSUP Act’) and related Regulation (PSUP laws), Council has powers to deal with property that they reasonably believe has been left unattended in a public place.

There is a nominated time frame of 28 days for a vehicle to be parked in a location.

Council can act after this time, however Mr Goodall said enforcement can be challenging.

”Whilst the idea sounds simple the legal process is lengthy, resource intensive and ultimately (in our LGA) achieves very little,” he said.

“The process can take in excess of 50 days before Council has power to move the vehicle.

“If the vehicle moves in that timeframe, the process starts again.”

Currently there are the remains of a burnt out caravan at the dog park at Soldiers Point - a tangled mess of metal littered with personal belongings that has been left on the roadside for weeks.

Sadly the knock on effect of this fire is that debris is now being washed into the drains and waterways.

When it comes to the management of vehicles

parked long term, Council applies a risk-based approach.

“Generally if the vehicle was originally parked legally but has now been in location for longer than 28 days, it will pose little to no risk.

“If there is a particular issue/vehicle causing a significant or unreasonable impact, and the use of the PSUP Act is likely to achieve the required outcome, Council will enforce accordingly.

“An example may be, a vehicle has been in location for a long period of time and is unregistered, this vehicle would be deemed unattended

under the PSUP Act and Council would require the removal of the vehicle from the road/road reserve or public place,” he said.

The public park opposite Soldiers Point Bowling Club has been utilised by some residents as permanent long term vehicle parking, and is being used heavily for boat parking, as are the roadsides adjacent to the dog park at Soldiers Point.

Last year Council dealt with 437 abandoned vehicles, and 369 the year before, without adding the registered and ‘legally parked’ ones to that list.

has now been sitting on the roadside at Soldiers Point for a matter of weeks.

q This burnt-out caravan

q Public parkland opposite Soldiers Point Bowling Club is being used as a parking lot for boats.

q Debris from the destroyed caravan is washing into the drains and waterways.

q Boat trailers parked around the Soldiers Point Off Lead Dog Park.

New rules to protect the Blue Groper

NEW rules mean it is now prohibited to fish a Blue Groper by any method in New South Wales, except Aboriginal cultural fishing.

Blue Gropers were made the state fish of New South Wales in 1998 and can be found in shallow coastal waters.

The Blue Groper has been protected from spearfishing since 1969 and commercial fishing since 1980.

The new changes will protect it from other forms of fishing including line fishing.

These changes will initially be implemented for a twelve-month trial period, during which time the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will consult with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to Blue Groper fishing rules.

Given the cultural significance of the species to many Aboriginal people the new changes will not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.

These changes follow recent spearfishing incidents involving Blue Gropers in Sydney and Jervis Bay.

“We have heard the community's concerns, and these new rules will make it clear to all water users that these fish should be admired but not targeted,” Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said last Wednesday.

“With their bright blue colour, alongside their placid and curious nature, there is little wonder why these beautiful big fish are so well loved by our coastal communities.

“While most fishers complied with the previous rules for targeting Blue Groper, prohibiting line fishing will improve compliance by creating the same rules for all recreational fishers and enhance the protection of this iconic fish.”

Under the new rules, a person found taking Blue Groper in NSW by any method may face a $500 penalty infringement notice and/or a maximum courtimposed fines of $22,000 or imprisonment for six months (or both) for a first offence.

For a second or subsequent offence a perpetrator may receive a $44,000 fine or imprisonment for twelve months (or both).

To support the changes, DPI Fisheries will undertake education activities, including social media reminders, to increase awareness of

responsible fishing practices.

Having campaigned for increased protection of the species since January, Opposition leader Mark Speakman said while welcome, the newly announced measures are “incomplete”.

“Banning line fishing will do nothing to stop the main problem - spearfishers illegally targeting gropers and being slapped with pathetic fines.

“While the Government has announced increased maximum penalties, it has failed to explain why it has not reviewed the inadequate $800 fine imposed on the illegal spearfisher who killed Gus the Groper in Cronulla, to explain what education activities it will carry out, or to commit to improved signage especially around known spearfishing spots.”

Shadow Minister for Environment Kellie Sloane said there have been numerous blue gropers killed across the NSW coastline in the past few months.

“While most fishers do the right thing, there needs to be better measures in place to protect these wonderful animals,” said Ms Sloane.

“The Minns Labor Government needs to explain what its proposed education campaign will involve and ensure improved signage so people are properly informed about these iconic fish and the new protections they enjoy.”

Not all anglers are pleased with the new measures either.

Tyndale fisherman Mathew Dyer says the ban on Blue Groper fishing lacks clear justification, urging the restriction be reconsidered.

Mathew, who has launched a change.org petition challenging the ban, argues that Blue Groper fish stocks are considered stable by marine biologists and fears this ban could

set aprecedent for future arbitrary restrictions.

“Despite evidence suggesting that groper fish stocks are in healthy numbers, this ban has been imposed without clear justification,” he said.

“This is not just about a single species - it's about our rights as anglers and citizens.

“If we let this happen without opposition, it could set a precedent for future bans that may not be based on sound scientific data or fair practices.

“Blue Gropers are not currently listed as an endangered species and their population is considered stable by marine biologists.

“Yet, the ban has been implemented under the guise of conservation efforts.

“We respect and support genuine measures to protect our marine life but believe in fair and transparent decisionmaking processes.”

The petition calls on relevant authorities to provide “concrete evidence” supporting the ban’s necessity.

NOTA fishing columnist John ‘Stinker’ Clarke said the Government’s move to protect the “iconic” species made sense, but suggested implementing size-limit related regulations instead of a complete ban.

“I can understand rock fishers who catch groper being annoyed by the ruling as the stocks of the fish are healthy.

“If the main aim is to protect the Blue Groper then maybe we could consider an upper size limit to be determined in much the same way that any dusky flathead over 70cm must be released.

“The law would then protect the big blues and permit recreational fishers a bag limit of two groper, which is the current allowable catch.”

From Meryl’s Desk

The Albanese Government is putting money back into the pockets of Australians, with recently announced tax cuts, demonstrating a genuine commitment to alleviating the financial strain on families, alongside bolstering childcare subsidies to addressing housing a ordability, prioritising the needs of Australians ensuring we thrive.

In a momentous development for the region's infrastructure, the Australian Government’s commitment of $1.68 billion to the M1 extension has heralded a new era of connectivity and e ciency, bringing with it the promise of reduced travel times and improved accessibility for both commuters and businesses, easing tra c congestion, and fostering economic growth by facilitating smoother movement of goods and services through these vital junctions.

The Newcastle Airport upgrade marks a significant milestone in enhancing the region's air travel infrastructure. The Australian government's $55 million commitment aims to expand facilities, positioning it as a key hub for domestic and international travel. Improvements to terminal facilities, runway enhancements, and state-of-the-art technologies to bolster safety and e ciency are underway. Not only poised to contribute substantially to the economic vitality of the region, attracting more visitors and fostering increased business opportunities, Newcastle Airport will become a thriving gateway for both leisure and business travellers.

I have been engaging with individuals and interested groups on the crucial matter of the Hunter o shore renewable energy zone. As a representative committed to serving my community, I want to emphasise the importance of acknowledging and addressing these concerns, which have become an integral part of an ongoing conversation with the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP. I have made it my priority to have an open line of communication to relay the thoughts and opinions of the community to the Minister.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my o ce.

Regards,

q Blue Gropers were made the state fish of New South Wales in 1998 and can be found in shallow coastal waters.

Where you can pick up your paper If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Anna Bay Surf & Skate

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Kreative Space Studio Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Taylors Beach Industrial Cafe

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

State begins to plan for future disasters

LAST week the State Government released the nation’s first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

The plan reveals the cost of building and infrastructure damage from natural disasters could hit $9.1 billion per year by 2060 if mitigation steps are not taken, as more frequent and severe events take an increased toll on homes, businesses and government infrastructure.

This is up from an estimated average annual cost of damage at $3.1 billion per year in NSW.

The Plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by refocusing government policy towards riskreducing actions, and details how government agencies can work together to help communities

prepare for worsening bushfires, heatwaves, floods, storms and coastal erosion.

Since 2019, NSW residents have endured over 65 declared disasters, costing taxpayers more than $6 billion, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone.

Research for the plan shows the top 20 local government areas in NSW currently most at risk from multiple hazards are the Central Coast, Tweed, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Sydney, Lake Macquarie, Blacktown, CanterburyBankstown, Sutherland Shire, Newcastle, Bayside, Liverpool, Wollongong, Parramatta, Lismore, Shoalhaven and the Inner West.

While not on this list, in 2023 Port Stephens was one of the top three LGAs with the highest level of coastal hazard, alongside Shellharbour and Newcastle.

The top three LGAs with the highest coastal hazard risk in the social environment were listed as MidCoast, Shellbarbour and Port Stephens.

These impacts include displacement from homes and communities due to building collapse or structural damage, reduction of social activity, mental distress, loss of Aboriginal culturally significant sites and potentially the loss of life and injury.

In developing the SDMP, detailed analysis was undertaken to determine the biggest threats to NSW.

The results showed that storms and floods present the highest risk to homes, businesses and infrastructure, while heatwaves and bushfires present the greatest risk to life.

The authority will deliver the next State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP) in 2026, which will identify projects for the longer term.

“We’re shifting the dial in how we address disasters as well as making sure we do not inadvertently put people in harm’s way through bad planning decisions,” said Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib.

“For the first time, NSW

finally has a plan to begin turning that around with information on how we can invest in reducing risks before disasters occur to better protect communities.

“Successive years of unprecedented natural disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities.

“There is no easy or simple solution to these challenges.

“The focus of the State Disaster Mitigation Plan is to provide a framework and clear actions for reducing risk where we can, and adapting where we can’t, through improved warning systems and a focus on resilient infrastructure.

“The increasing risk of natural disasters also increases pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who put themselves on the line keeping communities safe.

“This plan will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur.”

The genesis of North Arm Cove

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE Genesis of the North Arm Cove Paper Subdivision was grand speculation to make Port Stephens into a major city, perhaps one day to rival even Sydney.

‘Port Stephens City’, the moniker for the would-be metropolis at North Arm Cove, gained first real traction after the 1911 NSW Royal Commission as to Decentralisation in Railway Transit mooted the idea of extending the state’s railway from either Tarro or Stroud.

‘Decentralisation’ encouraged Australian residents to move away from overcrowded capital cities, and in the ‘Age of Rail’, a railway interchange was the keystone concept making Port Stephens City seem realistic.

In 1917, influential politician Austin Chapman, whose company Land Limited owned land at North Arm Cove, asked acquaintances Walter Burley and Marion Mahoney Griffin (who had won the Canberra design competition years earlier) to design a city there, complete with trademark sweeping curvilinear streets, rail interchange and port access.

“All of the evidence points to Port Stephens City being a speculative subdivision.

“Its then owner, Land Limited, hoped to profit from proposals for Port Stephens to become a naval base and a port for a decentralised Northern NSW,” North Arm Cove Community Association Inc President Bob Reid, who has researched the history extensively, told NOTA.

Mr Reid cites persuasive real estate journals of the time, which stated that “early real estate investment in the city site will be likely to be extremely profitable”, and “the investor will be standing on velvet of the thickest pile”.

Stroud Shire Council approved the Griffins’ plan in 1918, and physical subdivision and road marking began.

“The Griffin plan for Port Stephens City was never built, within a year the land was taken over by developer Henry Halloran, who substantially changed it into a waterside parkland into waterfront residential lots,” Mr Reid explained.

After Land Limited’s liquidation in 1919, Halloran more than doubled the size of the paper subdivision, incorporating his preferred ‘wheel-spoke’ layouts extending to the Pacific Highway.

That same year, Royal Navy Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s voice was added to many other ‘Weighty Opinions of Prominent Men’ in Halloran’s 1920 sales catalogue,

recommending Port Stephens as “one of the principal Docking Bases in Australia”, while Rear Admiral Creswell had claimed it “an excellent place for a destroyer and torpedo base”.

“Port Stephens will ultimately become the chief Naval Base,” he said.

q Annotated map of the approved 1918 city plan, everything north of Uralla Street was added by Halloran, everything south was the Griffins’.

q The ‘Inland Way’ was supposed to lead to the Port Stephens City docks and railway interchange.

Wildlife volunteers suffering abuse

By Thomas O’KEEFE

WILDLIFE across the Myall, Port Stephens and surrounds have been helped out by a group of volunteers, known as WINC (Wildlife In Need of Care) since 2013.

Covering Port Stephens and the Myall Coast, as far as Bulahdelah and Stroud, the 100 percent volunteer group work around their day jobs, travelling long distances to answer calls to help out “everything native”, from kangaroo joeys to raptors and flying foxes, even echidna puggles.

“Macropods (kangaroos, wallabies), birds and possums are currently the animals we see most,” Lisa, Vice President of WINC, told NOTA.

“The main goal is the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native animals.”

Lisa’s list of the many furry beneficiaries of WINC assistance is topped by birds, then macropods and possums, and reptiles, the occasional echidna, bandicoots, antechinus, planigales and phastigales.

WINC’s method involves taking care of the animals, later taking them to a ‘soft release’ site, but they can come and go as they want, and often return to the place they were cared for.

WINC has no association with any level of government, nor the better-known WIRES group.

“We pay for most of the stuff out of our own pocket, especially petrol is expensive,” Lisa explained, noting how some local fundraisers and deceased estate wills have given generously to other groups, erroneously expecting those

funds to make their way to WINC.

“Tea Gardens’ Galleries in the Gardens does an annual fundraiser, and it really helps.”

Nat answers the majority of the calls for the small WINC group of carers, but says that

sometimes the treatment of volunteers is atrocious.

“Most of the people we deal with are absolutely beautiful, but at least one per day is abusive, rude, obnoxious, feeling entitled because they think we are government-funded, but we

Rotary event supports work of RFS

By Marian SAMPSON

WHILE Christmas celebrations feel like a distant memory, the benefits of one community event are still being felt in the community.

The Raymond Terrace community came together to celebrate Christmas with festive spirit on 9 December 2023 at Terrace Central Shopping Centre.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace, and

are not.

“We can’t do it without the amazing vets, but even they receive abuse – we lost a vet in January as a direct result,” Nat explained sadly.

“We're here because we care, we don't have a callcentre, we are here in the

featured Santa Claus visits, thrilling rides for children, superhero encounters and a complementary BBQ.

Amidst the festivities, the community united to support a vital cause, raising funds for the Raymond Terrace Rural Fire Service (RFS).

“Panthera Group, the esteemed proprietors of Terrace Central, demonstrated their commitment to community wellbeing with a generous $10,000 donation,” Rotary Club of Raymond

community, helping to take on as much as we can and be a part of the community, too.

“Some days the phone doesn't stop ringing, we answer 24/7, we always return calls.”

Terrace President Adam Nicholas told News Of The Area.

Last week Mr Nicholas, alongside Terrace Central Centre Manager Crombie Pitts, presented $1,500 to Nick Pearson and Simon Fish of the Raymond Terrace RFS.

Panthera Group and Terrace Central extend heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace and all who contributed to making this community event unforgettable.

q Terrace Central Centre Manager Crombie Pitts with Raymond Terrace Rural Fire Service members Nick Pearson and Simon Fish, and Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace President Adam Nicholas.

The native necessity of Flying Foxes

By Thomas O’KEEFE

FLYING foxes have been seen swarming the skies of the Myall Coast all summer, their smells pervading the Hawks Nest side of the Singing Bridge, their screeches audible throughout the night.

Wildlife In Need of Care (WINC) volunteer and call coordinator Nat explained why these creatures are so important to the local ecosystem.

“Flying foxes are incredibly smart creatures, sweet in nature, as soon as they realise that you're there to help, they settle into care quickly and get to know you,” said Nat, who has a special soft spot for these ‘sky puppies’.

“They are ‘keystone pollinators’; if you ever want koalas, you will need the flying foxes,” Nat explained.

“Their primary diet is eucalypt blossoms, many of which only open at night, and bees are not night-time active, but flying foxes are.

“They move around the tree branches, carrying pollen in their fur and fly from tree to tree.”

The flying fox ‘camp’ near

the Singing Bridge is, in fact, composed of at least three highly social sub-species: the local grey-headed variety, the more regional black-headed kind, and the smaller ‘Little Reds’ that migrate from Queensland.

“Flying foxes can range up to 3500km in flight, and the members of the Singing Bridge camp are the same as those at Bobs Farm, alternating between the sites every other year,” Nat said.

Another major camp at Raymond Terrace has been battling for space with the ibis

the scourge of many car ducos, is environmentally valuable, as it also sticks to burned out forests and fertilises new growth, which is essential after bushfires.

Even the sticky bat poo,

q An Australian owlet-nightjar, found in Pindimar on Friday 16 February. Photo: WINC.

q This kangaroo joey, rescued by WINC, will grow up into our national symbol one day. Photo: WINC

colony that has taken root in the wetland at the corner of Adelaide and William Bailey Streets.

“As well as the blue-green algal blooms that affect the

stagnant water in Raymond Terrace, the ibis may destroy the trees there, forcing flying foxes to end up in backyards,” Nat warned.

q The Singing Bridge flying fox camp migrates to Bobs Farm every other year.

q Flitting from the treetops in the middle of the day, the flying foxes are out for a drink.

q Hundreds of flying foxes hang from the trees along Kingfisher Avenue, Hawks Nest.

School leaders honoured

By Lindsay HALL

SCHOOL captains, prefects and student body representatives were invited to St Philip's Christian College, Salamander Bay on Friday 23 February to be recognised and encouraged in their roles at the annual School Leaders Morning Tea. This event, sponsored

by the office of State MP Kate Washington, has been a mainstay for all the schools of Port Stephens for more than a decade.

School students and teachers, principals and support staff gather together at the hosting school to meet with one another as well as leaders from the community,

to share thoughts and experiences and to hear from special guests who can share about the impact that leaders can have when they are engaged in their passions.

The proceedings opened with a beautiful Welcome to Country from St Philip's Director of Aboriginal Education Johnathon Lilley

and his cohort of junior school students.

Addressing the delegates in the Gathang language, Mr Lilley told students in attendance: “We listen to the elders, for they have wisdom to share.”

The microphone was then handed to Ms Washington to introduce the guest speakers for the day.

“These events are - hands down - the highlight of my

year, every year,” she said.

“Mr Lilley reminded us of something important, that we should listen to our elders because they have things to teach us.

“But young people have a great deal to offer as well, and we should make the time to listen.”

She then opened the floor to the gathered young people to offer their answers to the question: ‘What are the

q The school leaders of Port Stephens for 2024.

Students discuss leadership qualities

By Lindsay HALL

“WHAT are the qualities of a leader?”

That was the question that Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington posed to the local students gathered in the Theatre of St Philip's Christian College for the annual School Leaders Morning Tea last week.

There was a moment of silence that followed - a pause familiar to anyone who has spent time working with groups of children - as young people surrounded by strangers summoned the courage to put up their hand.

“Good communication

skills?” came the first tentative response, a young girl whose bravery now enabled her peers to be bold.

“Listening to others?” was the next suggestion – both students receiving the murmur of affirmation from the teachers and staff gathered to encourage them.

“Being able to sit through boring meetings?” was offered by a young man who elicited some laughter, and received a knowing nod from Ms Washington.

“You know, I have definitely had to sit through my fair share of those!” she said, smiling.

“What else?” she

prompted the students to keep going.

“Confidence.”

This was no longer a question, but a statementwhich seemed appropriate.

The bravery of those first few – even the joke that lightened the mood – unlocked something profound, and what followed were ideas on leadership all the more inspiring considering the age of those sharing them.

“Resilience.”

“Kind words and actions.”

“Patience.”

“Being approachable.”

“Setting a good example.”

“Caring about others.”

In this vein, some children offered very practical, common sense qualities that most adults would do well to integrate into their daily lives such as “Have respect for others’ property”, and “Don’t run on the concrete”.

By this point momentum had well and truly gathered and the answers came swiftly, each one causing the adults in the room to regard the young speakers with awe.

“Being honest.”

“Being a role model for others.”

“Encouraging.”

“Having respect.”

“Working well with others.”

“Integrity.”

“Making others feel safe.”

“Tenacity.”

“Being someone others can trust.”

“Pride in ourselves.”

“Accountability.”

“Courage.”

“Not needing recognition for the things we do.”

“Including others.”

“Being a team player.”

“Speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

“Sportsmanship.”

“Taking responsibility for our choices.”

qualities of a leader?’.

For the next ten minutes the students responded, and their insights left the adults in the theatre overwhelmed.

So much so that both Ms Washington and the guest speakers, Lia and Ryan Pereira of Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and not-for-profit rescue group Sea Shelter, dispensed of a fair amount of their prepared notes on leadership, stating that the children already had a solid grasp on what makes a good leader.

Lia encouraged the children to “choose your true north” as they considered the future that they would create for themselves, while Ryan reminded everyone of one of the most often ignored principles of being a leader: “It’s OK to make mistakes, because it gives you the chance to learn and correct them.”

Following a group photograph the students and staff enjoyed mingling over morning tea before a ceremony in which more than 200 children were presented with a Port Stephens School Leader certificate.

The atmosphere in that theatre was inspiring, as teachers swelled with pride at the insights given by their students, who were affirming and equipping each other with a vision for leadership that is selfless and transformative.

The final contributions brought a round of applause as the culmination of all that had been said so far, and took the words away from Ms Washington and the event’s special guest speakers, who felt that there was little more they could add to a discussion on leadership when kids in primary school as well as high school had such a good grasp on the topic.

Youth counselling service appoints new Operations Manager

By Lindsay HALL

THE start of 2024 has been the beginning of a new chapter for Jupiter – the counselling and wellbeing service supporting young people in Port Stephens.

Founded by Caring for Our in Port Stephens Youth (COPSY) in March 2019, the service operates in Salamander Bay, Tanilba Bay and Raymond Terrace, providing free counselling for local residents from the age of twelve to 25.

The initiative has been well received and widely praised by the community, which has regularly demonstrated their support for Jupiter through fundraising.

Since their inception the team at Jupiter have created

‘Spaces to Talk’ in pursuit of their mission, which states, “We want to ensure the young people in our community do not feel alone when dealing with issues such as grief, loss, family breakups, friendship problems, school and study stress, addictions, risky behaviour, anger, bullying, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use, body image concerns, mental health concerns, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.”

While this mission remains the same, there is a fresh vision to connect further with the youth of Port Stephens, thanks in part to the appointment of Jupiter’s new Operations Manager, Avril Saunders.

Avril, having worked as a youth counsellor for nearly five years, stepped into the role towards the end of 2023, following a season as one of the Jupiter team’s

counsellors.

As someone whose own story involves difficult life circumstances and challenges in her youth, Avril has found a powerful sense of passion and purpose in the work she does for Jupiter.

“I wish I’d had something like this to support me when I was a young person,” she said.

“It would have helped me.”

This thought is driving Avril to expand the work of Jupiter in the coming year.

“We currently employ three counsellors for our three sites in Port Stephens, but we are hoping to plant a fourth in Medowie in the near future.”

At the same time as increasing the capacity to receive young people for counselling, Avril has been part of revising their strategies to make Jupiter more inviting to young people

with social anxiety.

“Sometimes these young people would like help but find it overwhelming to seek it out.

“Making that easier for them means being able to support kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”

A new physical and mental health program has been developed as well, spearheaded by Tracy Mackander.

While the team is excited about the possibilities that lay ahead, they do face the challenge of securing the funds to continue offering their services.

“As a community run organisation we do find it difficult to raise and maintain funding for core programs.”

As Operations Manager, Avril now faces the task of finding new sponsors and patrons in local businesses

and charitable organisations, as well as seeking government funding.

“If our team were not able to provide these services in this area, it means nearly two and a half hours on a bus for young people to travel to the nearest alternative.”

Regardless of these challenges, Avril reflects positively on her first months at Jupiter’s helm.

“It’s been wonderful, it’s been challenging.

“It’s such a rewarding place to work.”

q Jupiter’s Avril Saunders has been named the organisation's Operations Manager.

Pig Races a hit!

By Marian SAMPSON

THE annual Country Hope Pig Races at Anna Bay Tavern was yet again a wonderful success, raising $22,250 for Country Hope, an organisation providing family centred support programs to country children diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening illnesses.

“The day was a great success and a special thanks goes to the local community for their spirit and generous support,” organiser Darren James told News Of The Area.

Each year, Darren takes a local team to compete in the Riverina Outback Rally, a fundraising roadtrip which takes participants on an exhilarating adventure starting in Darlington Point

and finishing in Grong Grong.

“Where we go in between nobody knows until the rally starts everyday,” Darren said.

Not knowing the route before the start each day adds to the fun of the event for drivers and navigators.

Darren and his team have raised well over $100,000 dollars over six years for Country Hope.

Families living with childhood cancer and other life threatening illnesses often travel for long periods of time, miss work and can struggle financially while they support their child through treatments which can be emotionally and physically stressful.

Darren and his team will continue to fund raise to help these families throughout the rally and into the future.

Nats and Labor debate impact of National Vehicle Efficiency Standard

NATIONAL Party MPs have warned that the price of popular SUVs, utes and four-wheel drives will be forced up by thousands of dollars under the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), a suggestion rejected by the Department of Transport.

A NVES is a regulatory obligation on car makers to supply vehicles that on average meet a certain CO2 g/ km emissions target.

Australia is currently one of the only advanced economies globally without a NVES.

The Standard only applies to new, light vehicles (i.e. cars, SUVs, four-wheel drives and utes).

Two targets are set, one for passenger vehicles and SUVs, and a higher target for most utes and vans.

The Government has been consulting on what standard to put in place, releasing a consultation paper in April 2023 setting out the different factors to be considered.

An Impact Analysis has since been released which lays out three options forward, which is currently open for feedback.

The Federal Government says the NVES will push car makers to give Australian motorists more choices of new cars, utes and vans that use less fuel and that have until now only been available to buyers in overseas markets.

As new vehicles use less fuel per kilometre, the Government argues an average new vehicle purchaser in 2028 would save $5,710 over five years under

the NVES.

Over the life of a vehicle, the Government says its policy will provide around $17,000 in savings per new vehicle.

“Because of a lack of action on an Efficiency Standard, Australian families are paying around $1000 a year more than they need to be for their annual fuel bill – the Albanese Government is delivering long-term costof-living relief to fix that for new vehicles and put money back in people’s pockets,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

“We’re giving Australians more choice to spend less on petrol, by catching up with the US - this will save Australian motorists $100 billion in fuel costs by 2050.

“This is about ensuring Australian families and businesses can choose the latest and most efficient cars and utes, whether they’re petrol and diesel engines, or hybrid, or electric.”

National Party MPs have raised concerns about the impact of the NVES, particularly in regional and rural communities, with Senator Bridget McKenzie claiming Labor’s proposed policy will put many cars currently favoured by Australian families out of reach.

“During a cost-of-living crisis, the last thing people want to hear is that the price of a new family car or a new ute for a tradie is going to be forced up to make EVs cheaper,” Senator McKenzie said.

“If you're a tradie and you're buying vehicles such as a BT-50 or a D-Max or a HiLux or a Ranger, the Albanese Government's family car tax is going to drive up the cost of purchasing that vehicle.”

The Federal Government says there is no evidence to suggest that a NVES will increase vehicle prices.

Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) CEO Matt Hobbs said the automotive industry was in agreement that a NVES was necessary.

“Nobody disagrees Australia needs to join the rest of the developed world with a standard to ensure we get our fair share of new technology and choice of electric vehicles,” said Mr Hobbs.

“The whole industry knows putting in place a fuel efficiency standard is the right way to go.

“The argument is just about the fine details.”

The new car market has continued its strong performance into 2024 with record January sales of 89,782 new vehicles, 5.8 percent more than January 2023 and breaking the previous January record of 88,551 set in 2018.

The record January result was underpinned by continued customer preference for SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

SUVs accounted for 55.5 percent of sales while light commercials were 22.9 percent.

Passenger vehicles made up 18.3 percent of sales.

Low emission vehicles remained popular, with

hybrids, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles making up 17.4 percent of sales, while battery electric vehicles represented 5.4 percent.

“The continuing

preference for SUVs and utes demonstrates the challenges the Commonwealth Government is facing as it works to introduce a New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES),” Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber said.

“Industry wants an emissions standard that is

ambitious without limiting the choice and increasing the cost of the vehicles Australians need and want.

“Even with the current incentives offered by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, sales of battery electric vehicles appear to have plateaued during recent months.”

q Col Thompson and winning sponsor Kim Quigley from Connectt Total Business Solutions.

q Hephner the Alpaca was a hit with event volunteers.

A wise travel choice

“Some of our past trips include Neil Diamond, Andre Rieu, Elton John, Celine Dion and Paul McCartney all live in concert."

Mr Gatland said Travelwise coaches were offered with convenience and luxury in mind.

Travelwise business coordinator Steve Gatland said high quality customer service set the business apart from competitors.

“When you contact Travelwise, you can expect to be greeted with friendly, efficient service and we’ll take your call seven days a week.

“We have a five-star coach with a very clean bathroom.

“The coach has an impressive list of conveniences, including two entry doors to reduce boarding and disembarking queues.

“There is a filtered water station for guests to refill their own water bottles and an on-board fridge.

q Travelwise offers all-inclusive and fully guided tours designed for most abilities

RAMSES

Australian Museum (Day Trip)

03 March 2024

INCLUDES: Ramses 11:45am Session, All Coach Transport

$165pp all-inclusive

DANIEL O’DONNEL

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

10 to 11 March 2024

INCLUDES: A Reserve Seating, Gateway Inn Accommodation, Continental Breakfast, All Coach Transport

“The coaches offer leather reclining seats with footrests and magazine pockets.

“We have recently installed a new entertainment system which includes two ultra-high definition screens and premium sound.”

Mr Gatland both creates the tours and itineraries and drives the coach, maximising reliability and efficiency.

“We can collect customers from multiple locations along the way with door to door service available by arrangement.

“Everything is organised for you including transfers, coach transport, flights,

accommodation, meals, tours and experiences.

“Our itineraries also include options for those who are not so active and options for the more active.

“People often ask if there is much walking involved.

“This is where the options come into play.

“If you’re feeling tired and need a break from the tour program, you can stay in the coach or hotel for a rest.”

Travelwise also specialises in tours of Tasmania.

“Our sixteen-day Tasmania tour, departing 26 September 2024, includes King Island or Flinders Island, Cradle Mountain, Strahan and a Gordon River cruise, The Wall, Bruny Island, a

q Jupiter’s Avril Saunders has been named the organisation's Operations Manager.

$499pp all-inclusive (Single Sup $120)

OPERA ON SYDNEY

HARBOUR

09 to 10 April 2024

INCLUDES:

RAMES 11:45am Session, Parkroyal Accom, Hot Breakfast, All Coach Transport

$599pp all inclusive (Single Sup $120)

Freycinet and Wineglass Bay cruise, Bicheno, the Bay of Fires, Bridestowe Estate lavender farm and so much more.

“If guests don’t like flying they would travel with me and the coach via the Bass Strait, crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania.”

Mr Gatland, who began his career as a safety officer in the petrochemical industry, said he “enjoys taking mature aged citizens out on joyous occasions”.

“I have a passion for travel and connecting people to locations and experiences that they may not otherwise be able to access,” he said.

Travelwise formerly operated as Mid Coast Shuttle, and Coach Tours Australia.

LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH

Hunter Valley Wine Country (Day Trip)

19 May 2024

INCLUDES: Lovedale Long Lunch Package Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting, All Coach Transport

$184pp all-inclusive

CHICAGO The Musical

Capitol Theatre Sydney

29 to 30 June 2024

INCLUDES: A Reserve Seats, Dinner Banquet, Parkroyal Accommodation, Hot Breakfast, Bon Bon’s Fine Chocolates

Lunch, All Coach Transport

$554pp all-inclusive (Single Sup $120)

KING ISLAND & TASMANIA

Guided Coach Tour

26 Sep to 11 Oct 2024

INCLUDES: 15 Nights 4 Star Accom, Flights, 5 Star Coach Transport, Meals, Tours & Experiences

$7499pp all-inclusive (Single Sup $1570)

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Show celebrates 111 years

ON March 9 2024, the Wallamba District Agricultural and Horticultural Association is celebrating 111 years of rural shows in the district with a bumper event at the Nabiac Showground.

With festivities kicking off at 8am, the Nabiac Show will feature all the classic rural show activities we know and love, including woodchopping, livestock displays, a demolition derby and much more.

“The chips will fly as the title holders race against each other and the clock,” organisers said of the woodchopping event.

Also on display will be the well-loved vehicles of DONK (de Olde Nabiac Klub), featuring engines from yesteryear.

Live music, mower racing and a great range of food are also on offer.

The ‘Agriculture Alive’ display will feature cattle, poultry and dairy goats, with a special appearance by pygmy goats.

Show-jumping and

dressage will entertain in the horse rings, while the cream-of-the-crop of local producers will display in the Produce Hall, including locally produced honey.

The showground’s Exhibition Hall, arguably the best on the Mid Coast, will be packed full of locally produced craftwork, flowers, baking and art (which is available to purchase).

The fun will also spread to the town of Nabiac itself.

“Let’s not forget the town of Nabiac.

“Check out the window displays that are agriculture and horticulture themed, plus vote for the best scarecrow at Shellie’s Country Wear - all created by local schools.”

As is tradition with country shows, the day will end with a firework finale.

Prices: Adults $12.00, Children $5.00, Concession $5.00 (must show pension card), Family pass $35.00 (two adults and three children).

Visit www.nabiac.com/ show.

q The Wallamba District Agricultural and Horticultural Association is celebrating 111 years of the Nabiac Show.

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History powerhouse to launch fifth book

By Thomas O’KEEFE

REVERED local historian Janis Winn will soon launch her new book, a grand chronicle of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) that moulded the histories of many Myall Coast and Port Stephens locales.

‘The Chronicles of Carrington, Tahlee and the Legacy of the Australian Agricultural Company 200 Years’ will be Janis’ fifth published historical work.

“The AACo has featured in my previous books, and I finally got to focus on it especially,” Janis told NOTA.

“There has been a lot written about the Co, but not

to the details on the peoplecommissioners, what they did and where they ended up.”

“The AACo was formed in England in 1824, making this year the official 200th anniversary, and they paid roughly $1,000,000 for 1,000,000 acres, from Karuah to the Manning,” Janis explained the historical genesis.

Janis has performed extensive research, on this latest book specifically, for more than three years, delving into a mountain of primary sources and contacting many families of people who came out with Robert Dawson.

She has even lived through some of it herself, including

past personal connections to identities such as Inez Smith (a personal friend of her mother's), who married ABS White, the inheritor of Tahlee House in 1900 from his father Robert Cottle White.

“Their first attempts at raising sheep were stymied by cases of footrot along the coast, so much of the AACo’s operations were eventually moved inland to Stroud in 1847, while they negotiated to swap the area in return for the Liverpool Plains west of Tamworth.

“It was very satisfying to do this, finishing a job that I wanted to do, writing all the early history of the whole town, all covered in the five

books.”

The new book’s launch gala will take place at Tea

Gardens Baptist Church at 2pm, 9 March, and will include special guests from

the modern AACo, coming all the way from Brisbane to participate.

Spotlight on Karuah’s forgotten telecommunications black hole

By Thomas O’KEEFE

KARUAH has long suffered in the shadow of poor telecommunications, but the true nature of the town's telecom infrastructure remains largely a mystery to most.

“NBN has been terrific since we put it in, but mobiles have been a big issue,” explained Lisa Floyd, proprietor of Karuah Gardens and Riverside Motels.

“Last week's NBN blackout lost us bookings due to having no wi-fi to offer customers.”

The recent multi-town

NBN blackout magnified the mobile signal problem, as residents and weekend visitors inevitably overloaded the town’s meagre mobile signal.

Many business owners in Karuah reported digging into their personal mobile data to run EFTPOS machines, while more business was lost when patrons went home early, having spent what little cash they are now accustomed to carrying.

“When we rang Telstra to complain about the terrible mobile signal, we were told there is a tower in town, so we should be fine,” a

q This tiny facility next to Karuah’s cemetery hosts

Telstra’s additional ‘small cell’ (circled).

Karuah Progress Association representative told NOTA.

The Radio Frequency National Site Archive (RFNSA) website, which details all operating mobile towers, shows two around Karuah: the ‘macro-tower’ sitting 3.5 kilometres away on the other side of a mountain, primarily servicing the highway bypass; and a ‘small cell’ at the corner of Wattle Street and Tarean Road.

The highway tower (RFNSA Site 2324010) hosts Telstra, Optus and Vodafone transceivers, however, it is barely visible from town, and physical obstacles like trees and buildings, not to mention poor weather, easily hamper

its signal within town.

The 'small cell' (RFNSA Site 2324020) is a tiny transceiver atop a six-metre steel mounting pipe, within a small compound near the cemetery.

This ‘small cell’ only carries Telstra 4GX, and registers barely three bars 20 metres away, contributing practically nothing to Karuah’s overall mobile signal.

Karuah has seen significant expansion, with the Ironbark Estate on the western end of town bringing 113 new residences, and more estates allegedly in planning.

Telstra has been contacted for comment.

q Janis Winn is preparing to launch her new book in Tea Gardens on 9 March.

q Barely visible from Karuah’s waterfront, the macro-tower (circled) at Mosquito Creek is on the other side of the mountain, and focuses primarily upon the Pacific Highway bypass.

READING by Lynne Miles:

Can China help us on renewable transition?

DEAR News Of The Area,

I HAVE been following with interest all the letters to the Editor regarding the proposed wind farms off the coast of Port Stephens.

It seems to me that there is a lot of misinformation

regarding this project as I am not sure that even the Government knows how to go about this prospective energy replacement in our area from the existing coal fired power stations.

On Friday 9 February I was watching on TV ‘Silk

Road from Above’ on SBS when I noted how far ahead China was with its renewable energy supplies, especially in a city named Hami built in the middle of the country to supply electricity to millions of people far away from its site.

DEAR Jasminda, What is the etiquette around disembarking from a plane?

I always seem to be the last passenger sitting while everyone is fussing around, grabbing their overhead luggage and filling up the aisle.

Is there a system?

Dear Tanya,

Tanya L.

I'm assuming from your query that you travel in cattle class (me too).

If there is a more overt display of sheer bloody-mindedness and self-entitlement (apart from the Great Covid Toilet Paper Race of 2020) I'd like to see it.

Disembarking from a plane, particularly after a long-haul flight, is akin to The Hunger

Even though we don't have near the population of China, surely we should be referring to them for advice when sourcing power alternatives, not just to Europeans countries who do not have the vast expanses of inland areas like Australia

Games.

It's like some sort of hellscape –screaming toddlers, people wrangling neck pillows, lanky teens forming trip hazards with their limbs, someone trying to find a stray shoe in the overhead compartment, and various other tests of one's patience.

As a nervous flyer, I'm not in any rush once the plane has reached its destination.

I'm usually still muttering my undying gratitude to the aeronautical gods for landing safely.

The etiquette, though, seems relatively straight-forward.

Alight row by row in an orderly fashion.

Unfortunately, this common sense has missed its mark on some thick-as-mince passengers. They'll stumble and fumble and cause chaos, just so they can get to the baggage carousel before everyone else, and then wait again.

They are part of the same species as motorists who won't allow you to merge.

Use the time to fill out your declaration form, do a few calming stretches in your seat, and know that soon you'll be out of the confines of the plane and into the madness of peak hour traffic.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

does to utilise such a build.

Perhaps even on some of the disused mine sites?

This request to China could be used as a stepping stone to mend rifts of the past by consulting with engineers on these projects that already exist in their country.

No use of ocean waters or farmland required and lots of employment possibilities!

Regards, Roslyn, Corlette.

State Emergency Service warns of tree dangers

By Thomas O’KEEFE

FALLING trees have become a clear and present danger that all residents need to keep front-of-mind, and recent weather fluctuations have only exacerbated the situation.

Storms, high winds, and the volatile mix of dry weather, boring insects and water-hungry eucalypts create problems that mostly go unseen, until a giant limb suddenly drops, taking power lines, cars, and possible people with them.

“If we end up in drought, which looks like the case in Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest and Pindimar/Bundabah, the trees themselves become stressed, hence more prone to insect infestations - white ants, borers, etc,” Stroud SES Deputy Commander Greg Snape told NOTA.

“Then rains return, the trees suck up more water weight, and the timber fibres have weakened significantly, leading to limbs dropping, exacerbated by high winds and storms.

“Gums tend to drop limbs anyway, it’s the nature of the beast, but particularly a tree anywhere near a structure, fences, etc, people need to be aware of these trees’ natures.”

Deputy Commander Snape added that paving around trees, excavations in the vicinity of their 'dripline' (the radius to which water drops from its leaves), or enclosing the root system

can cause the roots to rot, decreasing the tree’s stability.

“Be aware that trees evolved in natural environments, Tea Gardens/ Hawks Nest is a sandy soil, but the water table here is brackish, so tree roots spread out rather than go really deep.

“On Pindimar’s ridges, the rocky, hard soil means trees are shallow-rooted, and can end up with very large root ball wrenching out of the ground.

“The lesson is: you've got to maintain your trees – make yourself aware of

Crown

Avenue, Hawks Nest clearly had some problems, leading to its limb snapping off.

Psalm 100: 2 & 3a"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His........"

q Some trees along Myall Park’s footpath manage to defy the laws of physics, at least for a while.

q One house in Hawks Nest now cradles half a tree on its roof.

q This big gum on

land along Tuloa

Gum tree leaf litter, which

q This eucalypt at Myall Park in Hawks Nest shows a dead section running up the trunk, with a dead limb at its apex, and sawdust at the bottom.

Stinker’s History: Harry Larcombe Part Three

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

THE following is the final instalment in a three part series on Harry Larcombe, a true Broughton Island character.

To read the previous parts, visit www.newsofthearea.com.au and search ‘Harry Larcombe’.

Part Three - Harry the Mayor Island culture shock for Sydneysiders

MANY years later on Broughton Island, as recalled by Gordon Nevin, a group of Sydneysiders had pitched a tent on the grassy patch in the northern corner of Esmeralda Beach.

Always keen to ignite the rivalry between Sydney and Newcastle, the city boys were challenged to a game of rugby league on the beach.

It must have looked very one sided as the Newcastle team, represented by every old fisherman on the island, appeared totally outclassed.

Skinny legs, navy singlets and baggy shorts seemed to be the requirements as the boney boys from Broughton walked out of their huts on the beach.

A large trap buoy was cut from the rope and used for the ball.

Harry Larcombe, the island’s unofficial ‘Mayor’, was the referee and pulled on a life jacket which had a whistle attached on a length of cord.

“Peep!” the whistle squealed.

The game commenced at a mighty pace with the Sydney team showing great skill, tossing the trap

buoy around with confidence.

The island side attacked without fear, charging every opposition player whether they had the ball or not.

One by one the city boys dropped like flies and the injury list grew as they hobbled and crawled off the beach.

The game ended in a scoreless draw when Harry blew the whistle for the second half and the lads from the big smoke wouldn’t come out from their tents.

Old school fishing techniques in action

A passionate angler, Maitland City Offshore Fishing Club eventually made Harry Larcombe an honorary life member.

Speaking for the club, Bob Dyer said Harry would always be remembered for his incredible fishing skills and knowledge of the island.

“We caught one tailor for bait between one to two kilograms off East Head one afternoon and decided to set off in my 14 footer to the ‘Big Gibber’ some twelve kilometres northeast of the island,” Bob said.

“Harry and I left at 3pm and returned to Esmeralda at 6pm with 35 magnificent snapper between four and five kilograms.

“The snapper were going crazy, unfortunately our one tailor had been used up.”

On another occasion, the crew fished behind North Island, floating mackerel bait for snapper just before dusk.

q

Harry was a little ‘under the weather’ after a few afternoon ales and was quite content to snooze when his rod screamed off, waking him.

“Another bloody big shark,” he mumbled in a disgusted manner.

For two or three minutes, the giant fish charged around the boat until Harry was convinced to get up and fight the fish.

After 30 minutes of grumbling and moaning, a 30 kilogram jewfish floated belly up to the side of the boat.

Not noted for his personal hygiene, Harry once joined Bob and Col Hutchison on board ‘Banyanda’, a regular island visitor, for a morning’s

fishing for snapper.

The morning was bitterly cold, so the men huddled together in the cabin to keep warm.

“Phew! What’s that stink?” gasped Col.

A quick search discovered that Harry was wearing an old coat used as bedding for his dogs.

“Either get out of this cabin or take your coat off!”

Needless to say a box of snapper up to ten kilograms were caught.

Harry would fish for anything at all but concentrated his efforts on luderick and jewfish from the boat.

Included in his best catches were a fifteen kilogram snapper off the bombora in the middle of Esmeralda

Stinker’s Fishin’: North Arm Cove legend lands before-school special

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

WHAT do the kids do before heading off to school each day? Breakfast, get dressed, check what’s for lunch and wait for the bus.

Not North Arm Cove champion Jimi Nolan.

Jimi dresses in his school uniform then grabs his fishing rod

and heads to a likely spot to catch an early morning flathead.

Nothing like fishing before school.

Jimi knows the best spots as there is no time to waste.

A quick flick of a plastic and ‘whammo!’, a cracker flathead smashes the lure.

Time for the bus.

Port Stephens never ceases to amaze me.

I have been writing fishing articles for over 40 years and it could be assumed that the fishing

opportunities both inside and outside the port may have diminished.

Not so in my opinion.

The fishing, from the upper reaches of the Karuah River and Tilligerry Creek, along the beaches and out through the heads to the islands and extensive reef system remains excellent.

Flathead and mulloway inside the harbour, whiting off the beaches and snapper and kingfish outside the heads.

How good is that?

From all reports it seems that the beaches, particularly Stockton and Fingal, have been loaded up with cracker whiting up to an amazing 40 centimetres.

Sea worms for bait are a must for the best results although nippers, pipis and peeled prawns will work. Worms are deadly.

Toss an excited worm just behind the first break and hang on!

and a fifteen kilogram blue groper taken on a prawn while fishing for luderick with a float.

Anyone who has caught a groper would realise that this achievement was quite amazing.

On many occasions, Harry joined Dave ‘Çhappy’ Chapman, Rosco Wilson and Peter Bless, willingly sharing his incredible local knowledge.

Known as the ‘Mayor’ or the ‘Moth’ because of his attraction to light, Harry lived on Broughton Island for 25 years before passing away in December 1990, aged 70, no longer to sing his favourite songs, ‘Donkey’s Serenade’ or 'Brokenhearted Clown’.

q Eleven-year-old North Arm Cove champion Jimi Nolan with his 63 centimetre flathead.

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

23/2/24

OUTRIGHT winners.

Matt & Craig Baldwin. 69

John Clayton & Hugh Potts. 64

Ball winners.

Ed Martin & Ron McKay. 62

Colin Marsden & Bill McMaster 62

John McDonald & Ron McKay. 59

Bradman Award.

Ron Dews & Greg Hinton

Ntp4th.

A. Ron McKay D&C7th.

A. Ron McKay.

B. Greg Hinton D&C18th.

A. Hugh Potts.

B. Bill McMaster Money hole.

A. John Clayton.

B. Colin Marsden

Lucky number.

8. Margaret Gale

There were 15 starters

Congratulations to all the winners.

Next game 1 March Single Stableford Eclectic.

An early snap of shacks on Broughton Island.

Nelson Bay Golf Club

18 FEBRUARY – 24 February 2024

Sunday 18 February 2024

Mixed Stab: Brushbox Course

4bbb L + Z Chalmers

A1 Morgan Dombkins (9) 36

A2 Peter Beatty (15) 35

B1 Michael Stockenhuber (19)

37c/b

B2 Mark Baker (21) 37

C1 Joshua Handel (28) 35

C2 Zbigniew Wasilewicz (30) 32

Mixed Stab: Brushbox Course

4bbb L + Z Chalmers

A1 Nicola Bethwaite (22) 42

A2 Robyn Butler (18) 35

B1 Donna Hall (29) 34

B2 Ann Turner (32) 33

Ladies Stab 4BBB l + Z Chalmers

Overall, Winners:

1 Terry Butler & Robyn Butler 45

2 Nicola Bethwaite & Keith Le

Compte

Monday 19 February 2024

No golf due to weather

Tuesday 20 February 2024

Ladies 9-hole Stab: Gymea Course

1 Lorraine parker (49) 21

2 Sue Hume (45) 17

Wednesday 21 February 2024

Men’s Stableford: Gymea Course

A1 Chris Baldwin (12) 3 c/b

A2 Michael Hoare (14) 3

A3 Ryan Palmer (12) 2

B2 David Schmarr (18) 4

B2 Christian Hernandz (17) 2

B3 Todd Workman (18) 1 c/b

C1 Thomas Thornton (26) 3

C2 Terry Smith (33) 2

C3 Noel Yearsley (27) 1

Men’s Stableford:

Xmas Bush Course

A1 Peter Gibson (5) 3 c/b

A2 Rod Totman (13) 3 c/b

A3 PK Kennedy (9) 3

B1 Warwick Moss (18) 3

B2 Ian Sandy (21) 1 c/b

B3 Douglas Dohnt (19) 1

C1 Kevin Henderson (37) 3

C2 Ross Pethybridge (25) 2 c/b

C3 Simon Garrett (24) 2

Thursday 22 February 2024

Vets Competition: Stableford

1 Karl Jorgensen 23

2 Mike Coghlan

Men’s Stab: Overall, Winners:

1 Steven Brown (10) 34

2 Bill Shepard (22) 31 C/B

Ladies Stab: Gymea Course

A1 Chris Ledingham (31) 35

A2 Mary Reisch (21) 34

A3 Sharan King (34) 33 C/B

B1 Janice Ingleton (42) 33 C/B

B2 Carol Townsend (51) 33

B3 Suzy Davis (39) 32 C/B

Friday 23 February 2024

Men’s Stab: Xmas Bush Course

A1 Mike Coghlan (21) 40

A2 Robert Paul (20) 38 C/B

A3 Helmut Kollmann (14) 38

A4 Wal Hutchinson (14) 36 C/B

B1 Simon Wilkinson (21) 42

B2 Max Stocker (23) 39 C/B

B3 David Shepherd (25) 39

B4 Peter Dee (35) 36 C/B

Ladies Stab: Xmas Bush Course

1 Linda Grams (39) 40

2 Anita Hutchinson (23) 38

Saturday 24 February 2024

Men’s Stab Xmas Bush Course

A1 Myles Blunt (13) 36

A2 Stephen Spillane (14) 35 c/b

B1 Bruce Thomas (21) 35 c/b

B2 Johnn Joyce (22) 35

C1 Flynn O’Malley (33) 37

C2 Terry smith (32) 35 c/b

Men’s Stableford

Brushbox course

A1 Neil Hodges (14) 37

A2 Robert Mclean (15) 35 c/b

B1 Michael Trigas (18) 35

B2 Craig James (16) 33 c/b

C1 Brendan Neville (25) 30

C2 G Fynn (37) 29 c/b

Top AFL juniors make Sydney Swans Academy squads

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Power AFL Club continues to prove a thriving nursery for the highly regarded Sydney Swans Academy.

Six Power juniors from Medowie - led by outstanding fifteen-year-old centre half forward prospect Maddi Marsh - are featured in the Swans’ 2024 Junior Academy squads.

Mercurial Maddi, a student at Catherine McAuley College, was named in the Swans’ Top End Female Under 16 program after skilful performances in pre-season trials and elite competition fixtures last season.

She will be joined at the Academy by the talented Warren siblings Tom and Jorja, promising centre half forward Caitlyn Ashpole and rising midfielder Jake Marsh.

Fourteen-year-old Tom and thirteen-year-old Jorja are two of the region’s emerging midfield dynamos

who have played three seasons with the Power after starting their AFL careers with the Nambrok Newry Bulls in Victoria.

Both are creative and durable players with natural skills and recipients of the club’s Best and Fairest Award.

Tireless Tom finished runner up in the Hunter Central Coast AFL Under 15s Player of the Year Award last season while gifted Jorja received the Power’s Best Player and Players’ Player trophies after superb performances in the junior competition.

Their father Jeff ‘Norm’ Warren was a legendary midfielder with the Hayfield AFL Club in Gippsland before relocating to the Port Stephens region.

Thirteen-year-old Caitlyn, who enjoys kicking goals and running around with her friends on match day, started at the age of six and has developed into a fine marker and

accurate kicker.

She captained the Power girls team last season and was recently chosen to attend a NSW AFL Indigenous Leadership Camp in Sydney during April and play a match against an Under 14 Multicultural side.

Young gun Jake is another exciting midfielder with a “top motor” from the Under 13s ranks with a bright future.

All six juniors will travel to Sydney and Newcastle twice a week to train with the Swan’s Academy coaching staff.

Port Stephens AFL President Heather Marsh told News Of The Area the club was proud of all six players.

“They continue to work hard and deserve selection in the Academy squad for their great attitude and consistent displays at an elite level,” exclaimed Heather.

Nelson Bay netballers impress with spirited displays in Hunter Netball Summer Series

FROM Page 28

– finishing runners up to Waratah Sabre after a 25-8 loss in the title decider.

“It was a great opportunity for our senior representative players to develop their skills both individually and as a group against skilled individuals and well drilled sides,” a proud Amanda told News Of The Area.

“Most of the girls hadn’t played together before but connected quickly on court to register some spirited

victories,” Wilks senior revealed.

“The series was a big learning curve for our team who don’t often get to play high level netball due to location and size of our Association,” said the NBNA stalwart.

“We only had seven fit players for the Grand Final but they all lifted against a strong Waratah side with wholehearted displays.

“These girls will now represent Nelson Bay at this year’s State Senior Netball championships to be staged

in Sydney,” she added.

For the State titles from June 8-10, Amanda will hand over the coaching reins to Taylar, who will also captain the team.

“Taylar has developed into a fine

Thursday, 29 February

coach, she reads a game so well and is a smart tactician who leads by example on court,” quipped Amanda, who will take on the role of assistant coach.

Eight months ago, Amanda’s Nelson Bay rep side were the pride of Port Stephens after bringing home the NSW State Senior Open Division Three championship trophy - a tremendous feat for such a small Association.

The inspirational Taylar showed her wares during the tournament then backed up to coach the Nelson Bay 14 years rep team to a sixth placing at the State Junior titles at

Liverpool City.

During the Summer Series a dedicated Taylar joined Nelson Bay colleague Michelle Webber in officiating in games to grow their umpiring skills.

Amanda also praised the efforts of Open reps Sarah Chadwick, Ashlee Hall, Katie Schein, Mikaela Burrows, Lucy Levido, Sienna Burrows, Emma Dawson, Katie Foster, Leila Jones, Ella Jones and Lynda Jones, who shone during the Summer Series.

“This team will continue to improve and represent the Hunter region with pride,” Amanda stated.

q Rising Port Stephens AFL juniors Jake Marsh, Tom Warren, Jorja Warren and Caitlyn Ashpole have gained selection in the Sydney Swans AFL Academy squads.

All conquering Magpies ready to step up a class in 2024

By Chris KARAS

RAYMOND Terrace Magpies are chasing a special milestone in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League men’s competition in 2024.

Fresh from claiming back to back B Grade titles, the all conquering black and whites are on a mission to bring home a third consecutive premiership when they step up to the A Grade ranks this year.

The Magpies have bolstered their stocks and will field a powerful line up this season under the guidance of newly-appointed coach Rick Tupou - featuring the nucleus of the premiership-winning Class of 2023.

Long-serving half back maestro Luke Handsaker will saddle up for a farewell campaign with his beloved Magpies and plans to bow out on a positive note.

The inspirational skipper engineered his team’s spirited 14-6 Grand Final victory over Abermain Hawks last September at Lakeside Sporting Complex and believes the club is capable of achieving a title trifecta.

Handsaker told News Of The Area that the Raymond Terrace rugby league fraternity were “looking forward to another eventful season in the senior divisions”.

“We have assembled a very strong squad that should prove hard to beat in this year’s A Grade competition,” quipped the legendary number seven and Magpies’ RLFC President.

“All the boys are training the house down and eager to impress at A Grade level with a club threepeat,” revealed Luke, one of the Hunter region’s hardest working stalwarts.

The Magpies have secured the services of dashing Newcastle centre Stephen Gordon and elusive North Coast representative utility Kurt Lewis as well as accomplished local juniors in Northern Hawks forward Kurtis Langdon and the teak-tough Beau Lawton.

Classy five eighth Kyle Handford - best on ground in last year’s Grand Final triumph - will spearhead the Magpies’ back division along with the clever Handsaker and dynamic fullback Montell Kuru.

Other premiership-winning Magpies to watch in 2024 include edge forwards Isaiah Bower, Jackson MacIntyre and Zac Jones plus the versatile Rob Chaffey, Pat Mata’utai and prop Blake Chaffey.

q Powerhouse forward Beau Lawton (right) returns to bolster the Raymond Terrace Magpies in this year’s Newcastle-Hunter Rugby League A Grade competition.

Bay surfers take on country’s best juniors

By Chris KARAS

BOAT Harbour’s newly crowned Under 18 national junior surfing champion Eden Hasson mastered the waves at the Surfest 2024

Burton Automotive Pro Junior classic at Birubi Beach last weekend.

Over 100 of the AustralianOceania region’s best junior male and female surfers travelled to Port Stephens last week to participate in

the Junior Pro and chase valuable regional junior ranking points.

Seventeen-year-old Hasson and fellow home-grown rising star Jimmi Hill of Anna Bay caught the eye with their surfing manoeuvres at the World Surf League (WSL) Junior Qualifying Series event.

Competing on their home patch at Birubi Beach, the talented duo turned in sharp performances in a red-hot field to further enhance their reputations.

Hasson finished a creditable 25th after reaching the Round of 32 where he scored 7.73 points in his heat behind Cronulla’s 2022 World Junior champion and top seed Jarvis Earle (9.77), Sunshine Coast’s Zeb Stokes (9.74) and Cronulla’s Kash Brown (8.57).

In an earlier heat, the teen titan advanced with a score of 10.40 after finishing second behind Palm Beach’s Ty Richardson (10.93) –the son of five time Australian Surf champion Mark Richardson.

Hill, who prepared for the

event at the Surfing NSW High Performance Camp, reached the Round of 64 and finished 49th.

Australia's two most recent World Junior Champions and top seeds Jarvis Earle (2022) and Coolangatta’s Sierra Kerr (2023) clinched the male and female Pro Junior titles respectively.

Local heroes Hasson and Hill are two of the country’s most promising surfers and have demonstrated their exceptional board riding skills on the WSL Junior Qualifying circuit.

The naturally-gifted Hasson claimed a maiden national title after toppling close mate Hill in last December’s final of the Australian Junior Championships at Phillip Island’s Cape Woolamai.

Luke Bartlett, President of Bay Area Boardriders, told News Of The Area how exciting it is to see young surfers like Eden and Jimmi doing well in elite competition.

“We know they have a lot of local support, and the people from the Port Stephens area love getting

surfside to cheer them on,” he said.

“The Junior Pro is great for the region and gives aspiring surfers an opportunity to see just where the bar is being set at a high-level competition which provides the gateway to the sport’s elite contests,” revealed Bartlett.

“Bay Area Boardriders would like to give a big thanks to Kim Burton and the WSL for their ongoing support of surfing in the local area and for bringing the WSL Pro Junior and recent wildcard trials to Birubi Beach,” he added.

Eden’s national championship triumph secured him a spot in the Australian team to contest the International Surfing Association World Junior titles to be held in Surf City El Salvador from May 3-12.

Hill, who finished 16th on the Men’s Junior Tour in 2023, is one out of the box.

Several days prior, Hill finished fourth in the 2024 Camplify Port Stephens Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event, also held at Birubi.

Bodyboard champs Hayden and Kai rule the waves

By Chris KARAS

ACCOMPLISHED bodyboard surfers

Hayden Pisani and Kai Atkinson thrive on a challenge.

Having honed their skills in recent times with the Port Stephens District Bodyboarders (PSBC) at iconic Box Beach, the outstanding duo continue to impress keen judges with their courageous manoeuvres in the surf.

Twenty-year-old Pisani of Boat Harbour is one out of the box and one of the local crowd favourites for the upcoming BoxFest Carnival, where he will test his skills against the nation’s best.

Hayden is coming off a successful campaign last season on the regional bodyboarding circuit where he was crowned the 2023 Overall Triple Crown champion and PSBC Bodyboarder of the Year.

A highlight for the surf sensation was his memorable victory at the Baron Biner Memorial event on the

Central Coast - the first leg of the Triple Crown - and third placing at the Jeff Wilcox Memorial at Forster.

The sky's the limit for the naturally-gifted Pisani, who has captured the imagination of pundits with his magnificent performances on the bodyboard.

In fifteen-year-old Atkinson the PSBC have a rising talent with the potential to one day compete on the World Tour.

The Anna Bay excitement machine performed strongly last season to finish overall champion in the Cadets (Under 16) and Under 18 Junior divisions.

Kai also took part in his first Junior Triple Crown where he turned in impressive displays against the State’s best young bodyboarders.

Both Hayden and Kai hope to one day emulate the deeds of Shoal Bay’s Kane Brewer, 25, who reached the quarter finals of the Maldives Pro during last year’s World Tour.

PSBC president Chad Pisani told News Of The Area that “the future looks bright for Port Stephens bodyboarders on the challenging circuit”.

“Hayden and Kai are two of our best young bodyboarders and their competition results speak for themselves,” Chad exclaimed.

“Both have performed strongly at an elite level and are top role models for our budding bodyboarders with their strong work ethic and willingness to teach juniors in their spare time,” he added.

q Port Stephens bodyboard champions Kai Atkinson of Anna Bay and Hayden Pisani of Boat Harbour are two of the State’s best young prospects.

q Reigning Australian Junior Surfing champion Eden Hasson of Boat Harbour was a stand out at last weekend’s World Surf League Pro Junior event at Birubi Beach.

Are you wanting Players, Coaches, Supporters for your Club in 2024?

Be sure to be included in our Sport Registration Pages Publishing February and March 2024

Phone Tracey 0484 263

Wanted to Buy

War Medals

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

Pets

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FRIDAY WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

SEVEN, 8.30pm

Author Delia Owens’ hit novel comes to life with atmospheric cinematography. NormalPeople Edgar Jones is “marsh girl” Kya. Abused then abandoned in swampland, Kya grows up alone and ostracised by her small North Carolina town, only to end up as a murder suspect after she emerges from her solitary existence to find some human connection. Produced by Reese Witherspoon, it’s a choppy adaptation that’s perhaps too slick to do the haunting tale justice. For those who haven’t devoured the book and don’t have sky-high expectations, it’s a gripping 1960s-set, moody mystery thriller with many plot twists.

FRIDAY, March 1

Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R) 2.00

Of Gods. (Ml, R) 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (R)

Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

WEDNESDAY

AUSTRALIA’S SLEEP REVOLUTION

SBS, 7.30pm

He’s the British health guru millions of Aussies look to for wellbeing advice. After revolutionising how we eat –there’s surely no one who hasn’t dabbled in, or at least heard of, the 5:2 diet– and altering the way we perceive type 2 diabetes, passionate wellness investigator Dr Michael Mosley turns his eagle-eyed focus to slumber. He dons strapping striped pyjamas in his good sport manner, but delves further than mere sleepwear fashion by participating in a cutting-edge Australian sleep program. “Our 24/7 society is in a sleep crisis,” he declares. Don’t fret – with insomniac Mosley on a mission, light-bulb moments and those elusive forty winks are on the horizon.

WorldWatch. 9.00 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 9.50 Hugh’s Wild West. (PGa, R) 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 Dirty Bird. (R)

3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R)

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Going Places. (PG, R)

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

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Patsy And Loretta. (2019, Masv)

2.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa)

3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.30 MOVIE: Where The Crawdads Sing. (2022, Masv) A girl who raised herself in dangerous marshlands finds herself the prime suspect in a murder. Daisy EdgarJones, Taylor John Smith, David Strathairn.

11.10 First Dates UK. (Mal, R) Couples meet for the first time in a restaurant.

12.10 Get On Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.40 12 Monkeys. (MA15+av, R) Cole must complete his cycle.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

THURSDAY STANLEY TUCCI: SEARCHING FOR ITALY

SBS, 8.40pm

A return trip to Italy accompanied by the breezy charms of Stanley Tucci? It’d be rude, if not a little outrageous, to say no to this gleaming rendezvous. In season two of the award-winning actor’s journey to his ancestral homeland, The Lovely Bones star adds a little extra dough to proceedings with eight episodes (two more than last time). It includes a rather personal trip to his paternal grandfather’s town of Calabria, with Piedmont and Umbria also on the upcoming itinerary. This big-budget pilgrimage begins in the “floating city” Venice. Featuring a morning at wine bar serving cicchetti (aka tapas) and a gondola ride to an 1000-year-old fish market, it’s all handsomely easy to digest.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love Amongst The Stars. (2022, PGa, R)

2.00 Pointless. (PG)

3.00 Tipping Point. (PG)

4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa)

8.40 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous. (2005, Mv, R)

11.00 MOVIE: Monster-InLaw. (2005, Ms, R)

12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.35 Great Australian Detour. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton chats with Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and Dua Lipa.

9.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PG, R) It is a busy week for British dog trainer Graeme Hall as he meets a labrador, a bulldog and a terrier.

10.30 Fire Country. (Mav, R)

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

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 2

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30

Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Darby And Joan. (Final, Mav, R) 2.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.45 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Universe With Brian Cox. (R) 4.55 Better Date Than Never. (R)

5.30 Landline. (R) 5.55 Aust Story. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Eugowra Recovery, NSW. (PG, R) Heather Ewart returns to Eugowra, one of the first towns she visited when the pandemic hit in 2020.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024. (Malns) Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney.

10.50 Rage Mardi Gras Special. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music videos that keep the festivities going long after the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade has finished.

5.00 Rage. (PG)

ABC TV (2) ABC TV (2)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. (Premiere) 11.00

Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Artistic Apparatus World Cup. H’lights. 3.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 1. H’lights. 4.00

Secrets Of A Celtic Grave. (PGav, R) 5.30 Merrill’s Marauders: Burma WWII.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PGa)

8.25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (PG)

9.20 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R)

10.20 Those Who Stayed.

11.05 Cycling. UCI Women’s World Tour. Strade Bianche Women.

12.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche.

3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am

C’ships. Evening session. Continued. 9.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm

FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. Replay. 2.10 Every Family Has A Secret. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.50 Food That Built The World. 7.20 Impossible

8.20 The Day The Rock Star Died. 8.50 Athletics. World Indoor Championships. Day 2. Morning session. 1.20am Late Programs.

6am December

Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 Young Girls Of Rochefort. (1967, PG, French) 10.20 J.T. LeRoy. (2018, M) 12.20pm The Producers. (2005, M)

SUNDAY, March 3

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders.

10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.50 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30 The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

6.30 Compass. (Return, PG)

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

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PGa)

8.30 House Of Gods. (PGl) Isa struggles to meet his financial commitment.

9.30 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) Jack heads to Belfast.

10.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R)

12.00 Harrow. (Mav, R)

12.55 Significant Others. (Mals, R)

1.50 Sanditon. (PG, R)

2.40 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PGl) 11.00 Ireland’s

Secrets From Above. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch.

12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Powerchair Football. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League. H’lights. 4.50 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 5.25 Her War, Her Story: WWII. (PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Lost Scrolls Of Vesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG)

8.30 Netanyahu, America And The Road To War In Gaza. (MA15+av)

10.05 Military Strongholds: Megastructures Of Genius. (PG, R)

11.05 Rodman: For Better Or Worse. (Mal, R)

1.05 Dirty Bird. (R)

1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 1.

3.10 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera.

6am Morning

Programs. 1.40pm Sailing. Sail GP Yachting C’ship.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Border Force executes a warrant.

7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010, Mlv, R) A retired CIA agent is attacked by a hit squad. Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker.

9.50 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A parolee is caught up in a hijacking. Nicolas Cage.

12.10 The Arrangement. (Mav, R) Megan and Kyle struggle to reconnect.

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Get Clever. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

(Return) 5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, Mlv, R) M’s past comes back to haunt her. Daniel Craig.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 11.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl, R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGm, R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Kelly meets a fluff ball named Jinglebells.

7.30 The Dog House. (Return)

A family looks for a pet.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R)

A woman becomes stranded on a remote walking track, unable to make her way out.

9.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R)

A crew attends to a woman who has contracted COVID-19 while pregnant.

11.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGlv, R)

12.00 FBI: International. (Mav, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

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6am

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R) 1.00 Jabba’s Movies. (PGav, R) 1.30 To Be Advised. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

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

8.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal) Chronicles the crimes of con man Hamish McLaren.

10.00 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav) Part 2 of 3.

11.00 Autopsy USA: Andy Gibb. (Mad)

12.00 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Night Passage. (2006, Masv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. (Return, PG) 11.00 Building Icons. 12.00 David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet.

(PG, R) 1.00 Undisputed. (PGl) 3.00 NRL

Sunday Footy: Vegas Pre-Show. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos. 5.30 NRL Sunday Footy: Vegas Post-Show.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 11.00 Buy To Build. (R) 11.30 Healthy Homes. (R) 12.00 Australian Survivor. (PGl, R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Roads Less Travelled. 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.30 GCBC. (R) 5.00 News.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) As Jane investigates her former mentor Maggie’s kidnapping, she is shocked when she learns a troubling truth and enlists her team and Whistler to prove her findings.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R)

A look at the day’s news.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

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MONDAY, March 4

ABC TV (2)

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

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Vera. (Mav, R)

2.30 Back Roads. (R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.10 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGaw, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.20 Ramses The Great Empire Builder. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Paris-Nice Race. Stage 2.

2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

3.45 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.45

6am Roxane. Continued. (2019, PG,

TUESDAY, March 5

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 One Plus One. (R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.30 Tenable. (R) 4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.00 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGad, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 The 2010s. (Ma, R) 3.00 Lucknow. (PG, R) 3.10

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)

8.30 Insight. (Return)

9.30 Dateline. (Return)

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 11.05

Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnv) 12.00

Miniseries: Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+asv, R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 3. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)

3.45 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination

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

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 Australian Idol.

6am

6.00

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6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) Missteps along the way lead to more death when the Fugitive Task Force investigates the murder of a professional basketball player’s wife, who was a famous supermodel-turned-lifestyle guru.

11.30 The Project. (R)

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

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize.

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

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv, R) Gibbs and Parker go on a road trip to find a serial killer’s victim.

10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav, R) A navy reservist is stabbed.

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

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

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WEDNESDAY, March 6

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.20 Back Roads. (R) 2.50 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.20 Tenable. (R) 4.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.10 Grand Designs. (R) 5.55 Back Roads. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.00 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 11.00

Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Dateline. (R) 2.40

Insight. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (Ml)

8.30 Pan Am: Rise And Fall Of An Aviation Icon.

9.35 Kin. (MA15+l)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Blinded. (Madl)

11.50 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Return, Malv)

12.40 My Life In Clay. (R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 4. 2.50

Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 3.45 Going Places. (PGa, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00

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

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 News. 12.00 Australian Idol. (PGl, R)

1.10 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 1.30 Coastwatch Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Psych. (Mlv, R)

3.00 The Chase.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls)

Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Talking Footy. (Return) A look at the week’s AFL news.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Inside Cyprus.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 8.45 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 11.00 The Last Emperor. (1987, M) 2.05pm The Age Of Innocence. (1993, PG) 4.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 6.30 The King Of

(1983, PG) 8.30 Midnight

(1969, M) 10.35 Once Upon A Time In America. (1984, MA15+) 2.45am Ip Man 2. (2010, M, Cantonese) 4.40 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG)

THURSDAY, March 7

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R)

10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 Wang Gungwu Lecture 2024. 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club.

1.30 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.10 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

6.30

7.00

7.30

8.00

11.10

11.25

12.15

1.00

1.45

4.30 Catalyst. (PGa, R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGas, R) 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGaw, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.20 Secrets Of The Pyramids. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Then And Now: The River Thames. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 DNA Family Secrets. (Final, PG)

8.40 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (Return, PGal)

9.30 The Vanishing Triangle. (Premiere, Mal)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 The Spectacular. (Malv) 11.50 Marion

Jones: Press Pause. (PGas, R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 5. 2.50 Exit. (Mals, R) 3.45 Going Places. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 4.55

Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

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6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma) Paramedics deal with a diabetic coma.

8.30 FBI: International. (Mv) Raines goes undercover as a wheelman as the FBI fly team races through the streets of Budapest to foil a major art heist. The situation is complicated by Dandridge, who is monitoring their every move.

11.30 The Project. (R)

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

6am Danger Man. 7.00

Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless.

11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives.

12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore.

2.00 Dr Quinn. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30

MOVIE: Lady Godiva Rides Again. (1951) 5.30

The Balmoral Hotel: An Extraordinary Year. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Late Programs.

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NITV (34)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Cutthroat

(1995, PG) 6.55 Magnetic

(2021, PG, Greek) 8.30 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 10.00 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 12.25pm Midnight Cowboy. (1969, M) 2.30 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 4.45 RBG. (2018, PG) 6.40 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 8.30 Fargo. (1996, MA15+) 10.20 I, Tonya. (2018, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Deadly Radio Romance. (2021, Mav) 2.00 Your Money &

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

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

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

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

9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+asv, R) Muncy believes Elias Olsen has struck again.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Eddie helps a woman being stalked.

11.30 The Project. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs.

11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The

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By Chris KARAS

MAKING an impact on the local netball coaching scene are Nelson Bay’s decorated mother-daughter combination of Amanda and Taylar Wilks.

The accomplished duo have formed a successful partnership as mentors with the Nelson Bay Netball Association representative teams - and have the results to prove it.

Long serving rep convenor and newly-inducted life member Amanda guided a youthful Nelson Bay Opens team to a Grand Final appearance in the Hunter Netball Summer Series Division Two competition with the assistance of her talented 25-year-old daughter Taylar.

Amanda blooded a new look side that turned in encouraging performances throughout the series

CONTINUED Page 19

q Nelson Bay Netball’s Open representative team that finished runners up to Waratah in the Hunter Netball Summer Series Division 2 competition.