Port Stephens News Of The Area 30 March 2023

Elders visit permanent home of

Worimi Hornet

Balarinji, depicts Kilyarr, the Wedgetail Eagle – a powerful bird of prey, which dominates the skies over Australian land and seascapes.

The colours within the artwork honour the Worimi people, demonstrating Air Force’s commitment and

recognition to Indigenous men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“The initiative to add the artwork demonstrates and honours our long-standing connection with the traditional custodians of the lands, air and seas in which we at RAAF Williamtown,

live, work and train,” Senior Australian Defence Force Officer, Group Captain Anthony Stainton said.

“Today is about the Worimi Elders seeing the aircraft on permanent display on their land.”

The Worimi Hornet had more than 30 years’ service and over 5500 flying hours and had a significant contribution to operations.

Labor victory makes winners of local services

By Lindsay HALL

LABOR’S election victory is welcome news for three vital community services across Port Stephens.

The Yacaaba Centre in Nelson Bay, the Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services are all set to receive an additional $100,000 each in funding as part of the Labor

campaign commitment.

The funding is part of a broader Labor government commitment to support and increase the capacity of local community services.

“Obviously any government funding is extremely helpful, as we are a not-for-profit organisation,” said Louise Simpson, the manager of the Yacaaba Centre.

Depending on how the

funding is made accessible, and over what period of time, the Yacaaba board plans to put the money into their planned Community Hub project.

“We will be installing disability access as a matter of priority,” Louise said.

We will also look to increase our capacity for counseling services.”

Clare Saunders of the Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre said the money would be put towards their emergency relief program, which offers food packages,

financial counseling, assists with addiction recovery and more.

The Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre also operates an extensive Arts and Culture program for Indigenous Youth, and have expanded their scope to develop an adult workshop as well.

“Our mission is targeted early intervention,” Clare said.

“We’ve been in the Tomaree Peninsula for 30 years, so it’s great that the government recognises the value of this kind of work.”

Both Louise and Clare stated that without question the biggest issue facing Port Stephens at present is the ongoing lack of affordable housing.

While intervention and counseling for domestic violence remains a high

priority, both services have noted a dramatic increase in the need for counseling related to homelessness.

“It’s important to remember that homelessness is not just about having to sleep in the street,” Clare said.

“Too many families are spending months or years couch surfing because they cannot get accepted for a rental property of their own.”

(1A)

shed (replace existing) and swimming pool MALLABULA

The Parkway

garage and attached carport extension

56 Boundary Road 16-2022-870-1 1 into 7 lot Torrens Title subdivision

NELSON BAY

1/11 Ondine Close 16-2018-224-2 S4.55 (1A) approved modification alterations and additions to existing residential flat building – design changes

16 Christmas Bush Avenue 16-2023-122-1

Alterations and additions to tourist and visitor accommodation

5 Primary Crescent 16-2023-127-1 Attached carport

ONE MILE

8 Echo Place 16-2023-99-1 Alterations and additions to dwelling

RAYMOND TERRACE

23 Irrawang Street; 21A Irrawang Street 16-2022-796-1

Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of multi-dwelling housing (3 dwellings)

48 Benjamin Lee Drive 16-2023-128-1 Swimming pool with associated safety barriers

40 Martens Avenue 16-2023-141-1 Detached shed

SALAMANDER BAY

(1A) Modification to approved dual occupancy and subdivision 9 Compass Close

Attached patio awning

SALT ASH

q Airbase Executive Officer Squadron Leader David Crossman (left) representing the Senior Australian Defence Force Officer RAAF Base Williamtown presents Worimi Elders Aunty Lorraine Lilley and Uncle Neville Lilley with a presentation in front of the F/A-18A Worimi Hornet on display at the RAAF Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre.

Labor’s Kate Washington wins emphatic re-election in Port Stephens

support I’ve received right across Port Stephens.

Minns Government.

third term and her first serving within an incumbent government.

Prior to the election a hopeful Washington told News Of The Area that in politics “you can never be sure with these things”.

On Saturday, her hopes were realised with a dominant election result.

The seat had previously been held by Labor with a margin of 5.8 percent, with votes tallied by Monday predicting a 16.5 percent swing in Washington’s favour with preferences calculated.

As news of the result came in, Washington took to social media to thank the electorate for their support.

“Thank you, Port Stephens,” she said.

“I’m humbled by the extraordinary extent of

“From Hawks Nest to Corlette, Tea Gardens to Raymond Terrace, we’ve seen results I never thought possible.

“Together, we’ve helped deliver a Minns Labor government in NSW

“Special thanks to my NSW Labor family, my work family and my ‘actual’ family - for always having my back.

“It’s the team that makes all this possible.

“Now, time to get to work!” she said.

For the past eight years Kate Washington has been working for the community from the other side of the bench.

As promised during the Labor campaign, work on the long promised high school for Medowie is set to commence within the first term of the

So too are commitments for roads and the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

Roz Armstrong, the Vice President of the Tomaree Branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) told News Of The Area, “I could not be happier.

“I became a member of the ALP in 1983 and this win for the party and our hard working member of eight years, Kate Washington, stands alongside those of the governments led by Julia Gillard, Bob Hawke and of course Anthony Albanese last year.

“It’s just a pity that Dominic Perrottet's comment of a respectful campaign was not indicative of the reality here in Port Stephens where Kate Washington was personally attacked on several occasions,” she said.

q Kate Washington with Port Stephens Council’s Labor team Jason Wells, Giacomo Arnott and Leah Anderson. Photo: Kelly Hammond.

q Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington making a commitment to Port Stephens Koala Hospital during the election campaign. Photo: Kelly Hammond.

q Jim and Lois Morrison with one of the signs they decorated with frangipanis during the campaign.

Photo: Kelly Hammond.

q An excited Roz Armstrong with Port Stephens Councillor Leah Anderson.

Photo: Kelly Hammond.

Liberals lose ground on Labor as Washington starts third term

THE people of Port Stephens have voted on their next State Government, and the results are in.

Statewide, the Labor party enjoyed a comfortable victory, with the Coalition losing a number of key seats in regional areas and Western Sydney.

Announced as the new leader of New South Wales, Premier Chris Minns said there was “not a moment to lose” in achieving results for the state.

“My team and I are ready,” Mr Minns said.

“Ready to deliver for the people of our state, no matter who they voted for.

“And ready to take

immediate action, to tackle the challenges our state is facing.

“We will work for you, every single day.

“And that starts right now.”

Locally, the incumbent Kate Washington will begin her third term as Member for Port Stephens.

Washington enjoyed (results as of Monday) approximately 55 percent of the first preference vote, with a swing of around seven percent in her favour.

The Liberal party, who announced Beresfield’s Nathan Errington as a last-minute candidate days before the deadline,

with extremely limited time to campaign, suffered an approximate nineteen percent negative swing in first preference votes (as of Monday), with Errington receiving around twenty percent of votes.

One Nation’s Mark Watson received approximately thirteen percent of the first preference vote, while the Greens’ Jordan Jensen received around five percent.

The three other candidates for Port Stephens received less than three percent each, with informal votes sitting at about 3.3 percent as of Monday.

q New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

ON 21 March, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed that surveillance and tracing activities had detected six new Varroa mite infestations in beehives at four locations across the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast

regions.

The new sites are at Mooney Mooney, Clarence Town, Mitchell’s Flat and Booral.

The new detections bring the total infested premises to 137.

DPI Varroa Mite Response State Coordinator, Dr Chris Anderson, said the detections were a testament

to the extensive tracing and surveillance work being undertaken, by beekeepers and DPI, to manage the outbreak.

“These new sites have low mite loads, which suggests they are very recent infestations,” he said.

“The recent detection on the Central Coast, however, has meant DPI is now

concentrating its Varroa response surveillance activities into the northern suburbs of Sydney, to ensure the infestation is localised and that there is no mite population in the area.

“DPI has also had to extend the eradication (red) zone west of Stanhope, and west of Bulahdelah, following the new detections

on the Mid North Coast.

“We know that this is a difficult time for impacted beekeepers, but controlling and eradicating this destructive mite is critically important to NSW and Australia.

“Changes in the number of infected premises are expected at this stage in the response, however

what is encouraging is that these mites are being found quickly.

New varroa mite detections in Clarence Town, Booral

“We thank beekeepers and the community for their cooperation with the response.

For more information, visit the DPI website www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa or call 1800 084 881.

PORT Stephens Council took out the Best Health and Wellbeing Program for Large Organisations in the 2023 Hunter Safety Awards for its all-encompassing program, PSCare.

The awards recognise local businesses who’ve integrated work, health and safety as part of their core business.

Acting General Manager Greg Kable said it’s an honour to have Port Stephens Council’s strong commitment to health and wellbeing acknowledged.

“This award is a recognition of two things – communication and collaboration across our organisation, and how we help people within our organisation to look after themselves, not just within the workplace,” Mr Kable said.

Acting Group Manager Corporate Services Zoë

Pattison said the program, introduced in September 2020, was designed to bring together the three pillars of health and wellbeing including mind, body, and culture.

“We want to empower our workforce to take the lead in all aspects of their wellbeing, with a focus on prevention, education and resources for our employees both at work but also at home.

“Our employees have a lot of information at their fingertips. In the mind space we help participants with stress management, resilience and sleep – things that are vital for quality leadership, self-awareness and time management.

“In the body space, we focus on making sure our bodies are healthy and well, with a range of different health initiatives like annual skin checks and immunisation programs.

“The culture pillar gives our staff the opportunity to

be involved in committees and provides personal and professional development.

“By providing our people with the right

tools we can help them to continuously improve and build on their physical and mental wellbeing and provide positive, cost saving

benefits,” she added.

Winners across thirteen key categories were announced at the Hunter Safety Awards on Friday

Not quite done with COVID

By Lindsay HALL

RESIDENTS of Port Stephens are being reminded that though there is no longer much media coverage,

COVID-19 is still a present concern, particularly for communities with ageing populations.

The NSW Department of Health tracked a small spike

in cases in the Port Stephens area from 20 March.

While nowhere near the concerning infection rates of the past, it is a reminder that the disease has not

been eliminated.

“In the past two weeks we have dispensed significantly more antiviral medication because of COVID than in the

four weeks prior,” local pharmacist Scott Elsegood noted.

Residents are reminded to take reasonable precautions as the season

17 March at a ceremony in Newcastle.

Council’s staff wellbeing program takes out win at safety awards

More information about the Hunter Safety Awards at huntersafetyawards.com.au.

transitions to cooler weather.

People can still practice safe social distancing, and anyone experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms should do their best to minimise their contact with others.

q Council's Acting General Manager Greg Kable, Human Resources Business Partner Stacey Irwin, Return to Work Coordinator Lyndsay O'Donnell and Communications Team Leader Gemma Hulsing.

Innovative trial launches Hunter

Water asset data into space

HUNTER Water is participating in a trial of CSIRO’s AquaWatch Australia Mission to deliver a 24/7 online information service that monitors water quality in various waterways around Australia, including two sites within the Lower Hunter’s Grahamstown water supply system.

AquaWatch combines an extensive network of Earth observation satellites with ground-based sensors, modelling and advanced analytics to provide close to real-time updates and facilitate improved management of waterways.

The AquaWatch project aims to protect drinking water reservoirs, recreational waterways and critical ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

Hunter Water Acting Group Manager Water Operations, Dr Abigail Morrow, said Hunter Water was excited to be involved.

“Today (March 22) marks World Water Day and what better way to celebrate this occasion than announcing our partnership with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO for this innovative water quality trial.

“We’re one of several water utilities, research and government groups from across Australia taking part, with Grahamstown Dam and the Williams River the focus locations for the trial locally.

“We’ve deployed an ultra-high-resolution camera in Grahamstown Dam to calibrate the satellite data, which will give us a clearer picture of water quality in the dam.

“Rather than relying on weekly samples collected at discrete points, we will have a daily assessment of water quality across the entire 180 gigalitre, 28 square kilometre dam, which will help to safeguard our drinking water through early warnings of potential water quality issues.

“We’re committed to continuously improving the way we do things.

“In future, this technology has the potential to inform how we pump water into the dam from the Williams River, helping us to continue to protect water quality and provide a safe and secure water supply for the region,” said Dr Morrow.

AquaWatch involves government, industry and research bodies collaborating to boost Australia’s capability in earth observation and aquatic environmental monitoring and management.

The trial has extended to locations in India, USA, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

For more information on AquaWatch, visit www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/ aquawatch.

q The ultra-high-resolution camera mounted on a buoy on Grahamstown Dam.

q Image captured from the ultra-high-resolution camera on Grahamstown Dam.

Hunter Water recognised in sustainability awards

By Marian SAMPSON

HUNTER Water has been named a finalist in the ’Marketing and Communications for Impact Award’ category at the Banksia Foundation’s National Banksia Sustainability Awards for its ‘Respect the Throne’ campaign.

The toilet paper shortages experienced during COVID-19 saw many turn to flushable wipes and even paper towels, none of which our sewerage system is designed for.

This behaviour resulted in ‘fatbergs’; conglomerates of sewerage, wet wipes, fats, oils and other unmentionables which can clog our sewerage pipes.

Hunter Water’s Respect the Throne campaign served as a crucial tool for keeping wipes out of pipes and creating behavioural change during the global pandemic.

After taking out the Communications for Impact

Award at the Banksia Foundation’s 2022 NSW Sustainability Awards last year, Hunter Water Marketing and Business Communications Team Leader Alicia Fry is proud this important campaign is being recognised on the national stage.

The National Banksia Sustainability Awards, now in its 34th year, aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are also at the foundation of Hunter Water’s organisational objectives.

In particular SDG 6 which focuses on ‘Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’.

“Like all other utilities, non-flushables are an ongoing issue for Hunter Water.

“The cost to us is about $5 million per year in terms of maintaining our wastewater system.

“We have always had a high number of jobs for shortnotice repairs and fixes due to non-flushables,” said Ms Fry.

“But we received an early

warning notification just after COVID-19 started.

“We saw a dramatic increase in wet wipes coming into our sewer networks right around the time when we had toilet paper shortages across the nation.

“People were flushing toilet paper alternatives.

“And with the warning, we knew we had to act fast, or we were going to have some very serious problems right across our network.

“Given the need for immediate behavioural change, Respect the Throne was designed and launched within six weeks.”

With humour at its heart, the campaign’s messaging was designed to empower the Lower Hunter community to take responsibility for sewer health, but also to provide some light-hearted relief during an incredibly difficult time.

“The word respect is

q Hunter Water’s Eliane Beveridge and Alicia Fry accepting the ‘Communications for Impact’ Award from former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean at the NSW Sustainability Awards in 2022.

Celebrating ‘Community Hero’ November Sheehan

By Marian SAMPSON

NEWS OF THE AREA is launching a series profiling the ‘Community Heroes’ of Port Stephens, and who better to start with than November Sheehan.

November has started two grassroots programs in recent years, both aimed at supporting the vulnerable in our community.

‘Heart Letter Pen’ is an amazing program which saw total strangers reach out to older people in aged care throughout the pandemic.

Post-pandemic, the need for elderly to feel included is still great and Heart Letter Pen continues to spread love through the written word.

Volunteers design the cards, different volunteers write the letters, and November looks at every single one personally to check that it is perfect in conveying positivity and care before it is sent with loving care to someone who is lonely.

After starting Heart Letter Pen, November was motivated to start ‘Scribbles and Rainbows’, another small initiative making a big difference in the lives of local children.

November saw first hand

how cost-of-living pressures were stopping some families from buying stationery for children to take to school.

In addition to her work with the elderly, November now collects stationery from the community and gives

q

it to schools and various charitable organisations, like the Rivergum Grandparents, to give less fortunate children the same start as their peers.

“Scribbles and Rainbows only started in June but the stationery supplies have been

well received,” November told News Of The Area.

November is an astounding woman who doesn’t believe she is doing anything special.

Her actions touch the lonely, the sad and the isolated in our community.

November was recognised as NSW Community Champion in the Crown and Daily Telegraph’s 2021 awards program and Port Stephens Citizen of the Year the same year.

November is working on getting cards and prepaid postage satchels ready for Mother’s Day for Heart Pen Letter, which will see satchels sent across the nation.

You can find out more about Scribbles and Rainbows and Heart Pen Letter on the group Facebook pages.

Donations of satchels can also be made via these pages.

In her spare time November is penning a book – watch this space as this Port Stephens community hero takes yet another step on her incredible journey.

If you know a community hero that you would like to see profiled in the NOTA, please send your nomination with contact details to marian@ newsofthearea.com.au.

really strong; it helps put ownership back on the individual.

“We’ve always been very focused on empowering our community when it comes to our messaging.

“It is all about empowering the individual to make changes,” Ms Fry said.

Creating fantastic new worlds for young minds

By Lindsay HALL

KIM Rigby has spent almost a decade with her mind preoccupied by the mysterious underground world of Vellistrian – after all that time, she is keen to return to the real world.

“There’s a part of me that is eager to be done with it,” she said.

Kim is the selfpublishing author of ‘The Black Fire Chronicles’ – a series of fantasy/adventure novels for teens.

“Though they’re really for anyone who will enjoy them, no matter their age.”

Hailing from Hobart, and following a career in the Royal Australian Navy, Kim and her husband settled in Raymond Terrace when life circumstances forced a change of pace.

It was at this time that Kim returned to her childhood love of reading and writing.

“I’ve been writing ever since I was a kid,” shared Kim.

“I was very encouraged by two of my teachers growing up who fostered my passion.”

As a young person Kim would escape into the magical worlds created by

Enid Blyton, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, so when the time finally came to get to work on her own stories, she wanted to create a world in a similar vein.

“Seven books into this series now, I’m finding it harder to keep track of all the plot threads I’ve started!”

Not that Kim resents the work involved in The Black Fire Chronicles, because the opportunities they have given her to connect with like-minded people have been very encouraging.

Kim has found a fast friend and supporter in fellow author Chrissy Hampton, and the two regularly meet to keep each other on track with writing and with promoting their work.

Both authors have also been privileged to join the Hunter Writers Centre, and both spent some time sitting in residency at The Lighthouse at Nobby’s, an experience that Kim referred to as “a beautiful isolation”.

Kim is committed to producing two more books in the fantasy series, and then intends to turn her attention to a work of esoteric mysteries set in Australia.

November Sheehan is always there and always caring.

OUTLETS

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

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Taylors Beach Industrial Cafe

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Twin Rivers Workwear & Uniforms

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Bull n Bush Medowie

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery, Pauls Corner

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

A new Opportunity Knocks for Medowie

By Lindsay HALL

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS – a staple of the Medowie community for 22 years – has been shuttered for the past several weeks, but locals can rest assured that it is not the end for the well regarded charity.

“We’ve always been looked after in that complex,” said Adam Cook, the Public Officer for the store and the charity service Foodway, referring to the shopping centre where they had been located for so long.

“Unfortunately things change and it just wasn’t possible for us to stay in that place anymore.”

Adam is grateful for the chance to have built not just a curio for a regional town, but to have established an organisation with deep roots in the community.

“Opportunity Knocks is run as a charity at both

ends,” Adam said, “where people coming in need of clothing can have their needs met, but we’ve always looked to how we can do the most good with what we have.”

The team is careful to select clothes and goods that will last for their patrons.

“Not to sound boastful, but we’re probably the best op-shop this side of the Black Stump.

“Our mandate has always been ‘Quality clothing at an affordable price’.”

Adam and his team have utilised the profits made by the successful enterprise to finance Foodway, a community service that provides up to $20000 worth of food parcels to struggling individuals and families each year.

In addition to this, Opportunity Knocks sends excess clothing to charitable groups in Africa each year by the tonne.

The change in location has unfortunately meant that

the store has needed to be in transition for seven weeks, which has impacted the budget of Foodway by about $13000.

In just a few weeks, however, the shop will have its grand opening on Monday 17 April at its new location in the Metro Service Station complex on Ferodale Road in Medowie, opposite Medowie Public School.

It will be just in time for the new winter season stock.

Probus Club selects new committee members

THE Probus Club of Nelson Bay, founded in October 1979, recently celebrated its 43rd changeover luncheon.

The occasion was attended by 52 members and wives, who enjoyed an enjoyable two course meal at Nelson Bay Bowling Club.

The Club’s new committee was introduced at the luncheon.

“The President is Bill Gainsford, Vice President John Wright, secretary Adrian Everett and treasurer Ron Cumming,” said Ken Shadler, Probus Club of Nelson Bay.

The other committee members are Bob Justice, Harrie Furner, Warrick Lilly, Ken Shadler and Keith Chapman.

The new committee hopes to guide the club to another successful year.

q The new home and new look of ‘Opportunity Knocks’.

q The Probus Club of Nelson Bay’s new committee.

q Club members and guests enjoy the changeover luncheon.

Do you have a story for Seniors Stories Volume Nine?

SUBMISSIONS for Seniors’ Stories 2023 open soon, giving older people the opportunity to share their life experiences.

Seniors’ Stories is a writing competition aimed at celebrating the lives and contributions of seniors by giving them an opportunity to share their own short stories.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice and

the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc (FAW) are again conducting a Short Story Competition, with the Top 100 stories to be featured in Seniors Stories Volume Nine.

This year's theme is ‘Ageing and Life Lessons’ and there are many stories all of us can tell about reflecting back on our lives.

The highlight, in addition

to being one of the Top 100 stories published in Seniors Stories Vol. 9, is to attend a ceremony at NSW Parliament House where you can share with others your experiences, successes and failures.

Long time MC Jean Kittson has people rolling in the aisles with her take on ageing.

These stories showing senior years are worth sharing and are a great way of passing on to future generations your experiences.

John Sahyoun, who you may know as a News Of The Area reporter, has been a featured writer in the Short Stories competition four times.

“It’s a great experience and really gets your creative juices going,” John said.

“It’s about telling a good yarn and who knows, you might have a story worthy of the top 100,” said Mr Sahyoun.

So grab your pens, tap into your memories, ask family/ friends for their anecdotes

and create a short story for others to enjoy.

The competition is open to all New South Wales Seniors Card and Seniors Saver Card holders.

To give you some idea of what to write about, previous successful stories are available as PDF and audio formats at www.seniorscard.nsw.gov. au/news-activities/seniors-

stories.

Stories are limited to 1000 words or less and entry is free.

The contest opens at 9.00am on 8 April and closes at 6.00pm on 20 May 2023.

Short Stories Vol. 9 will be launched in November 2023. For any queries contact Maureen Kelly OA on 0417 403 720 or email honsecretary@ fawnsw.org.au.

Children's author just wants kids to be themselves

By Lindsay HALL

CHRISSY Hampton didn’t set out to be a children’s author.

In fact, she didn’t set out to be a writer at all.

“I’m someone who’s lived a varied life,” Chrissy said.

Spending just over 20 years working for the ATO and starting a massage business, an injury led Chrissy to set out to find a more fulfilling path in her life and work.

She cared for vulnerable people and constructed solar farms in South Australia.

Injury changed those paths as well.

During this time, Chrissy had been writing poetry, and coincidentally met a publisher who was willing to put out a book of her work.

In 2013, Inner Reflections

was published.

If you ask Chrissy though, she would likely suggest it was in the stars such a meeting would happen.

“Spirituality is the most important thing to me.

“I would say that I’m an astrologer first, and then an author.

“Back then, though, I really didn’t know how to promote myself, so nothing happened with the poetry book.”

She was, however, inspired by the idea for a children’s book – something she wanted to share with her grandchildren.

It wasn’t until 2020 that she made that concept a reality, and published Lyla and the Mermaid’s Message in February 2022.

Chrissy’s work draws upon her own experiences,

her deep sense of spirituality and insights gained from her studies in astrology.

“It’s a story about helping children to see that it’s ok for us to be ourselves, to be different and unique, but to accept and respect this in others as well.”

This time, Chrissy decided to self-publish, finding great support in the Hunter Writers Centre, particularly from fellow author Kim Rigby and author/ illustrator Graham Davidson.

Working with illustrators Milena and Jelena Vitorovic, Chrissy is about to release her second book, Lyla and the Invisible Raincoat.

“What I want is to be able to help children understand it's okay to be themselves.

“I've heard that it is also reminding parents of this as well.”

q Successful authors have the chance to meet and share stories.

q Chrissy Hampton (left) and fellow writer Kim Rigby.

q The successful writers featured in Seniors Stories 2022.

q Long time MC Jean Kittson entertains the crowd.

The 15th Annual Port Stephens Art Prize

By Marian SAMPSON

THE opening of the fifteenth annual Port Stephens Art Prize filled the Port Stephens Community Art Gallery with 180 eager art lovers.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington officially opened the event, with the effervescent Christine Blosdale, a social media and consulting coach, acting as the emcee for the night.

The Port Stephens Art Prize, sponsored by Port Stephens Council, was won

by Ileana Clarke with Wendy Allen taking out second place.

Meryl Miller, President of the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, told News Of The Area, “We couldn’t do this without our generous sponsors who we thank for enabling the art prize to go ahead through their generous sponsorship: Kate Washington MP, Meryl Swanson MP, Port Stephens Council, Wests Group, Soldiers Point Bowling Club, Love Oil Collection, and Salamander Village Florist.

“The Art Prize Committee

Port Stephens seniors educator turns 90

By Lindsay HALL

SHOAL BAY resident Paul Whittemore became a nonagenarian on March 22.

Paul is a pioneer and founding member of the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Port Stephens.

U3A is a not-for-profit organisation enabling retired or semi-retired people to connect with one another over shared interests and continue to study as life-long learners.

In addition to founding the organisation, Paul taught astronomy for more than 25 years.

Paul was named in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list for his contributions to ongoing education.

Friends and family celebrated his birthday at Fly Point, with over 50 people in attendance.

The U3A Ukulele group played while everyone sang happy birthday.

Paul's response was that

he didn't need many happy returns.

While cutting the cake, purchased from Bay Patisserie, Paul pretended to cut his finger off.

“He never misses a chance to make us laugh,” said longtime friend Judy.

“He is a person who lights up the room with his presence.

“We are so lucky to have this special human being in our lives.”

worked well with all the planning for the big event.

“They assembled the exhibition which was a true example of community synergy by the team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly for two days preparing for and executing the exhibition.”

Works were received from 190 local, regional, and national artists.

“There are 422 works on display with the exhibition closing on 2 April 2023.

“Come in and view; we’re open daily 10am until 4pm, except on 2 April when we close at 2pm,” she said.

The winners of the Port Stephens Art Prize 2023 included:

Drawing - 1st Jill Cairns sponsored by West Diggers, 2nd Tricia Reust sponsored by the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre Life Drawing Group.

Miniatures - 1st Madeleine Szymanski and 2nd Michelle Frainey sponsored by Port Stephens Community Arts Centre.

Mixed Media - 1st Megan Barrass sponsored by Love Oil Collection and 2nd Lorna Bennett sponsored by Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

Painting - 1st Fiona Clark sponsored by Kate Washington and Meryl Swanson, and 2nd place went to Megan Barrass sponsored by Port Stephens Council.

q Enjoying the celebrations at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q Laughs all round as Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington chats with the centre's president Meryl Miller and members of the community. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q One of the successful artists, Megan Barrass, with Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q There were flowers for the charismatic MC Christine Blosdale. Photo: Henk Tobbe.

q Paul Whittemore celebrated his 90th birthday with friends at Fly Point.

New guard for Port Stephens Probus Club

By Marian SAMPSON

THE Probus Club Of Port Stephens, one of the larger Probus Clubs in the region, recently held their changeover lunch with over 100 members in attendance.

“This is the time of the year when all Probus Clubs conduct their Annual General Meetings and try to coax some new blood onto the Executive Committee plus all of the many activity leadership roles and other positions that keep the club running smoothly,” Ann Gibson told News Of The Area.

“This is no mean feat with nearly 160 members and counting.”

The Probus Club of Port Stephens, which will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in May this year, has indeed achieved this objective at the 2023 AGM.

“Outgoing President Phil Dodd took great pleasure in

handing over the reins to John Rebrik with Rob Buchanan as Vice President.

“Phil delivered his unique style of President’s Report at the AGM and expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from all during his tenure.”

At the following Changeover Lunch, President John led the introduction of the committee, the allimportant Activity Leaders and various other positions that are necessary to collectively carry this busy club forward.

“It was heartening to see some of the newer members of the club putting their hand up for some of the positions.” Penny Wilson stays as Secretary (her third role on committee) and Cheryl Rebrik is taking on the Treasurer’s job from Carol Hokin after six years.

Marilynn Buchanan will continue as Membership

Director and Annette Howitt has taken over from Ann Gibson as the Mutual Interest Groups (MIG) Director.

The Executive consists of President John Rebrik, VP Rob Buchanan, Past President Phil

Dodd, Penny Wilson, Cheryl Rebrik, Marilynn Buchanan, Christine Graham and Neil Hansford.

There are also 25 other positions filled by enthusiastic members, all of

whom are volunteers.

The Probus Club of Port Stephens is a mixed gender club and meets at 10:30am on the second Thursday of the month at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club with a guest

School Specatular on the hunt for Regional Gems

WHETHER it’s a flautist from Forbes, a tenor from Tibooburra or a rapper from the Riverina, the Schools Spectacular team is aiming to unearth the talent of regional and remote public school students.

Celebrating its 40th year in 2023, Schools Spectacular, held in November at Sydney’s Qudos

Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, is the world’s largest amateur variety show and one of NSW public education’s flagship arts events.

Schools Spectacular executive producer Richard Spiewak said this year there was a particular focus on encouraging participation from all corners

of the State and increasing the range of activities students could be involved with.

Mr Spiewak said this would include work experience opportunities for students studying hospitality, entertainment, construction and design.

“Often our more remote and rural students think Schools Spectacular is an event for those near Sydney,” Mr Spiewak said.

“However, one of the benefits of the COVID online learning experience is we

have the expertise and technology to do a lot of our rehearsals online, reducing the cost for students and schools that would have previously had to travel multiple times to Sydney.

“We want to unearth and encourage students and schools with a passion for the performing arts and theatre to be part of Schools Spectacular, no matter where they live.

“So whether you live on a farm at the back of Bourke or in Blacktown we want to encourage students to nominate

speaker nearly every month. Visitors are welcome. Visit www. probusclubofportstephens. org or contact Membership Director Marilynn on 0417 485 614 for more information.

to be part of this fabulous experience.”

Schools could also take part in SpecFest, which is an entertainment hub that runs alongside Schools Spectacular and features the final rounds of the rural and remote band competition, Surround Sound, on the main stage. Nominations are now open until April 6 for students and schools wanting to be involved with the show that will be held on November 24 and 25. Full details can be found on the website.

10,000 copies collected each week

q The newly elected management committee for the Probus Club Of Port Stephens.

Harrington Circus Show heads to Tilligerry

CIRCUS action is coming to the Tilligerry Peninsula from 30 March to 2 April.

Setting up at the Tilligerry RSL Sports Club, the 50 minute Harrington Circus Show will run five times from Thursday to Sunday.

Running the show are travelling circus operators

Kane Harrington and his girlfriend Camilla Brown.

Kane and Camilia said being a small and intimate show, attendees are “nice and close and a part of the action”.

“What separates us from the big circuses is the simple fact of us not having the big main attractions, we want to stay small and affordable for families.

“There is a lot for the kids!

“From beautiful aerial girls, to acrobats, jugglers, balance and comedy throughout the show.”

As is the nature of the job, Kane and Camilia live a life on the road.

“We move fast,” they said.

“New town every week.”

Since Kane was a small child, he dreamt of owning his own circus; with the recent Covid-19 pandemic providing the impetus to make it a reality.

“From a small 2m x 1m

model tent to now a 22m x 16m tent, I’ve always had the idea of being a small family run business and going into the regional towns like we have been doing,” Kane said.

“It all started during the pandemic, I sat down and thought about everything for two years and wanted to make a dream come true so far so good,” he said.

q The 50 minute Harrington Circus Show will run five times from Thursday 30 March to Sunday 2 April at the Tilligerry RSL Sports Club.

“The people are loving it and we just want to keep doing it.”

GIVEAWAY

to The Harrington Circus at

for opening night this Thursday 30 March.

Please email media@

Snake safety means more than telling dogs to “leave it!”

By Lindsay HALL

PET owners in Port Stephens have undertaken specialty training in order to better protect their own animals as well as local wildlife.

Barkers in Balance hosted a Snake Aversion training course for dogs on 19 March, inviting internationally renowned trainer Steve Austin to help local owners and their canine companions to respond with an appropriate level of caution to snakes.

“While some people hesitated about investing in the workshop, after consulting with local vets we were able to emphasise that this course could save their dogs’ lives,” said Julie Tolliday of Barkers in Balance.

“It’s a lot cheaper than the first dose of anti-venene at the vet, and has a better chance of saving their dogs’ lives than an emergency trip to the vet which may not be achieved in time to save the dog.”

The training, which involved conditioning dogs to move a safe distance away from the sight, smell and movement of a snake, has the added benefit of protecting wildlife that could be at risk from significant harm.

The training can be adjusted to teach aversion to other wildlife such as turtles, koalas, lizards etc.

The feedback from those who attended has been overwhelmingly positive, and timely, as one person reflected on social media: “Great day today. So glad I went. Especially after finding that huge python in the chook house yesterday afternoon!”.

Local Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Stalder was in attendance and was so impressed with Steve Austin and his course that she is appealing to her own clients to support the endeavour.

“To enable these dogs to continue with their training, they will need to practise.

“If you own reptiles of any kind, we'd be grateful to receive samples of scat and skin so that the dogs can continue to learn to avoid reptile scent throughout the year,” Dr Stalder said.

Julie has said that Barker in Balance will certainly run this course again, along with refresher courses for those who have already begun their training.

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch

DEAR Jasminda,

MY son wants to play weekend sport, but the thought of standing in a crowd on our precious weekends isn't filling us with a lot of joy.

Julie S.

Sharks in the bay?

By Geoff WALKER

A SHARK or a dolphin?

This is the question that has fired debate in Tilligerry after a picture of a finned creature was posted on social media.

The photo seems genuine as the background checks out with the sea wall and properties in the background.

On top of this, sharks have been sighted in this area from time to time – but so have dolphins.

Shark fins tend to have a vertical trailing edge whereas a dolphin fin has a distinctive concave shape.

The resident who took the photo claims that a baited line was thrown ahead of the shark, which took it.

After a two hour fight it was apparently dragged into the boat ramp near the amenities block on the southern side of the bay and released.

He stated that he and his friends witnessed the whole drama unfold.

On the other hand a local seasoned fisherman doubts the story.

“It would be rare for anglers to target sharks in this area or have the heavy duty gear on board the boat to handle them,” he said.

“A large hook, a wire trace and a very

strong line would be needed,” he suggested.

Whatever the case, Port Stephens has had a long history of sharks in its waters and some of the catches in the past were truly huge.

The late Tommy Priestly from Tanilba Bay told of the shark fishing industry set up in the early part of last century at Pindimar.

“As a young boy I helped unload the sharks which were meshed in the Port and up and down the coast,” he said.

“They wanted them for their skins and later they rendered down the livers for oil. The fins were also dried and sent to China to make soup,” he added.

“There were so many sharks in those days that the first haul in Salamander Bay meshed up 30 sharks which weighed between 100 and 500 pounds each,” he stated.

The whole story is recounted in the1939 book 'Fangs of the Sea' which is now something of a collector's item.

So, dear reader, what do you think?

Is the picture one of a piscatorial predator or just a playful porpoise? There are many sites where you can compare the fin images with the one in the photo.

Have fun.

Send your thoughts to media@ newsofthearea.com.au.

Dear Julie,

I suspect I might like you.

You're not one of those fawning parents who thinks the world revolves around little Johnny's ball skills.

Few things are more mindnumbingly boring than watching a sport you don't understand played by kids who don't really understand it either.

Yes, I know all about teambuilding and resilience and all those other useful skills.

But for some reason standing on the sidelines in the rain watching your child being knocked over by a kid who is supposedly twelve but has more facial hair than your husband makes you ponder about just how much more resilience your son needs.

Then there are the miserable drives home for the away games when you have to try to explain why the coach's kid got player of the match for the fifth consecutive week, all the while knowing that you could have stayed home and watched Bend it like Beckham instead.

There's sure to be at least one other parent on the team with your mindset, Julie.

You need to seek them out and then organise a roster system so you only have to endure this every second game.

On the days you have to attend, take a good book, buy a coffee and call out something encouraging every 20 minutes. Preferably not 'good job' or 'just be you'.

Both are highly irritating.

A simple 'run' could be effective, as could 'don't break anything. We don't have health insurance'.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

READING by Lynne Miles: John 12: 32 & 33 Predicting His death Jesus said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show the kind of death He was going to die."

q The controversial fin in Tanilba Bay.

q Steve Austin brings his highly regarded expertise to bear training local dogs to respect snakes.

Unique proposition: rare in the area

11

Mirreen Street, Hawks Nest

Contact agent

A RARE find - two homes on a large, level, 980sqm block with no strata title.

Perfectly positioned between both beaches and the iconic Myall River nearby, and only a short 350m walk to the shops, this unique property has so many possibilities.

Rent one house and live in the other/use it for family holidays, rent out both houses for a double

income stream or have the whole lot for yourself!

The choice is yours.

Please note: The front home is currently leased with a long term tenant on a fixed term lease.

Opportunities like this don't come along very often and will suit a lot of buyers to the area.

Contact the agent today to arrange a private inspection.

Inspections are by appointment only.

Call John Rumble on 0425 289 200.

RAAF Williamtown locals impress at National Defence AFL Carnival

By Chris KARAS

ROYAL Australian Air Force Base

Williamtown was well represented at the annual Australian Defence Forces AFL National Championships for both women and men staged last week in Melbourne.

A local contingent of thirteen players and two officials participated in the prestigious five day tournament at the La Trobe

University Sports Park Fields with the Navy Mens team retaining the Jim Small Championship trophy and the Army clinching the Womens title.

Senior Member/Head of RAAF Jade Deveney told News Of The Area that “both competitions were of a very high standard and produced some quality games”.

“Congratulations to the Navy Men and Army Women on winning the overall championship in their

respective divisions,” she said.

The RAAF Williamtown representatives included Jarrod Dilger, Joseph Harris, James Hogg, Adam Kenny, Dylan May, Jarryd May, Wayan McLauchlan, Hamish Reid, Kyle Sammons and Brock Tye (Men’s) along with Hanna Brennan, Abby Kain and Imogen Laing (Women).

Brad Stumer was Assistant Coach of the Air Forces Mens squad with Adam Blyth serving as Team

Manager.

In the Women's section the Army (7-4 46) thumped the Navy (0-2 2) and toppled the Air Force 6-4 40 to 3-1 19 to clinch the trophy with the Air Force (9-11 65) slamming the Navy (0).

The all conquering Navy Mens team finished undefeated in their category with victories over the Army 8-5 53 to 6-7 43 and Air Force 11-10 76 to 7-4 46 while the Army (9-11 65) edged out the Air Force (7-5 47).

Outstanding Air Force forward pocket Jarrod Dilger was later named in the All Stars Defence team to challenge Combined Emergency Services in a curtain raiser to the AFL clash between Port Adelaide and West Coast Eagles on April 22 in the lead up to Anzac Day at Adelaide Oval.

Air Force mentor Brad Stumer was also appointed Head Coach of the All Stars Mens squad.

The Women's All Stars team will square off with Combined Emergency Services in a curtain raiser to the GWS Giants v Brisbane Lions AFL fixture on April 22 at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

q The all conquering Navy Mens team retained the Jim Small Championship trophy at the Australian Defence Forces AFL Championships in Melbourne.

Nelson Bay Golf Club Results

SUNDAY 19 MARCH 2023

Mens Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

A1 Peter Mentis (15) 38c/b

A1 Damon Goode (9) 38

B1 Sean Gardner (17) 37

B1 Callan Alderson (19) 36

C1 Jason Pepper (24) 37

C2 Lloyd Goodwin (32) 31

Women Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course

Overall, Winners:

1 Jenny Frost (9) 32c/b

2 Charmaine Elliott (22) 32

MONDAY 20 MARCH 2023

VETS STABLEFORD

Div 1

1 Peter Backe-Hanson 25

2 Richard Lithgow 21

3 Keith Woodley 20

Div 2

1 Brian Stewart 20

2 Terry Gannon 20

3 Brian Hodges 19

Nearest to Pin Robert Moodie, Hole 5 at 348cm & Ted Williams, Hole 25 at 298 cm

TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2023

Women’s 4bbb Stableford 4-Ball: \ Brushbox Course 19-9

1 Sue Lewis & Barbara Clark - 42

2 Louise Samuelson & Michelle Brown - 40c/b

3 Lee Lewis & Pattie Bowden - 40

4 Bernice Ticehurst & Chris Ledingham - 39c/b

WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2023

Mens Stableford:

Gymea Lily Course:

A1 Ray Wright (11) 39

A2 Brian Tomlins (12) 38

B1 Kevin Hitchen (17) 43

B2 Peter Rigby (16) 39

C1 Keith Woodley (24) 36c/b

C2 Christopher Dunn (25) 36c/b

Mens Stableford: Christmas Course

A1 Chris Mawson (8) 38c/b

A2 Mark Galloway (14) 38

B1 Trevor Syme (17) 38

B2 Mark Fisher (20) 37c/b

C1 Gary McCann (24) 39

C2 William Morley (26) 38

THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2023

Women’s Par Gymea Course

A1 Gwenda Bates (30) 0 c/b

A2 Elizabeth Pfennigwerth (28) 0

B1 Marie Shepard (44) 0

B2 Adele Marshall (50) -1

Men Stableford: Gymea Lily Course

Over-all Winner

1 Peter Campbell (15) 36

VETS Stablefore: Division 1

1 David Diemar 32.5

2 Dennis Staff 34

Bob Jackson 35

Nearest to Pin: Dennis Staff, Hole 25 @ 226cm

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2023

Mens Stableford: xmas bush Course

A1 Col Herring (15) 37

A2 Neil Edwards (11) 36 c/b

A3 Guy Jennings (11) 36

B1 William Salmon (16) 38

B2 James Horgan (18) 37 c/b

Send Us Your Sports Results

B3 Robert Paul (22) 37

C1 Tim Schafer (35) 39

C2 Peter Dee (37) 38

C3 Glenn Sutton (34) 35

4BBB Stableford Xmas course

Overall, Winners:

1 Tim Schafer & Simon Wilkinson 49.

2 Susan Hogan & David Hogan 45

Women’s Stableford

Overall winners

1 Beth MacDuff (26) 34 c/b

2 Susan Hogan (30) 34

SATURDAY 25 MARCH 2023

Mens Xmas Bush

A1 Chris Tognon (15) 39

A2 Paul Collard (9) 38

B1 James Silvestri (16) 39

B2 Michael Trigas (19) 38 c/b

C1 Peter Lakeman (26) 35

C2 Phillip Osborne (24) 34

PUZZLES

BIG CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

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

170

legs.

Graph and Times are for Sydney Fort Denison TIDE CHART - 7 DAYS

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

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

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

ANSWERS: 1. Donkey Kong is a gorilla. 2. Parachuting from a tall building is called base jumping. 3. A Daddy long-legs is a spider so has eight

PORT STEPHENS

C O L O U R I N G in Competition

Take part in the News Of The Area Easter colouring in competition to win one of two great prizes.

Prize:

Our top two artists will win entry for 2 adults + 2 child (3-16yrs) to Oakvale Wildlife Park including a koala encounter.

The Koala Encounter includes:

• Education koala talk

• Behind the scenes tour

• Interaction with a koala

• 6x8" souvenir photo of you and a Koala

EACH PRIZE IS VALUED AT $405.

Oakvale Wildlife Park is set on 25 acres of wideopen natural bushland. Oakvale Wildlife Park will get you up close to SEE, TOUCH and FEEL a variety of animals, from Australian natives, domestic farm and exotic animals. With the opportunity for visitors to have an interactive experience with up to 70% of their animals, a day out with them is one unlike any other.

Enjoy interacting with the free-roaming animals, keeper talks, feeding shows, playgrounds, picnic/BBQ facilities, tractor-trailer rides and onsite café.

Don’t forget about the Splash Bay Water Park which is also located within the grounds.

Open daily (except Christmas Day) 10.00am – 5.00pm.

Visit https:// oakvalewildlife.com.au for more information

Name:

Age: Suburb: Phone Number:

Winners will be announced on Tuesday 11th April 2023 by phone.

Please post entries to: PO Box 1000, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324.

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!

TEN, 7.30pm

SATURDAY UNDER THE VINES

ABC, 8.20pm

Since the pandemic, daydreaming about uprooting to the country has become a mainstream folly. In this charming and frothy Kiwi drama, Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards play a mismatched pair of strangers who somehow inherited a winery in New Zealand together. Of course, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As we near the end of this first season, Daisy and Louis are starting to warm to each other, with Gibney and Edwards exuding a palpable chemistry. Tonight, Daisy is over the moon about Griffin (Dean O’Gorman) visiting, but the mood is soured by Louis’ wallowing.

FRIDAY, March 31

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

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson visits a quirky home garden.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Mav) Part 2 of 3. A murder leads Van der Valk and the team deep into the world of colonialism.

10.00 Jack Irish. (Malv, R) Part 2 of 4.

10.55 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.15 Close To Me. (Mals, R) A woman loses her memory.

12.00 Traces. (Madl, R)

12.45 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Another year, another band of familiar (and not-sofamiliar) “celebrities” are deposited into the jungle campsite. If you’ve managed to steer clear of the rumour mill about who will end up in the wilderness, tonight’s premiere will be a pleasant surprise. This year, the cast and crew have returned to the wilds of Africa, so expect tiger puns and elephant jokes galore from seasoned hosts Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown (right). Last season’s winner, radio star Dylan Lewis, donated his hefty $100,000 to charity Lifeline. Set to feature an outspoken radio host and a sporting legend, viewers can feel good that this palaver is all for a good cause.

TUESDAY FROZEN PLANET II

NBN, 7.30pm

Here’s a sublime

otherwise ordinary

Invite the soothing voice of legendary environmentalist

into your home. A decade after this enthralling documentary series first enamoured audiences, this scenic and life-affirming follow-up arrives. From emperor penguins launching into icy waters, a crew of camels traversing a frozen desert and snowdusted monkeys embracing against the elements, this series is a masterclass in nature’s beauty. It’s also a foreboding call to arms from Attenborough for the world to urgently tackle global warming together.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Wrecks That Changed The World. (PG)

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways. (R)

9.25 Viking Empires. (PGav, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

1.40 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

Johanna Griggs meets the Gelato Queen. Graham Ross, Charlie Albone and Melissa King check out the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Fast Ed makes lemon and lime crispy fish tacos.

8.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999, MA15+av, R) Death row guards at a penitentiary in the ’30s find themselves facing a moral dilemma when they discover one of their prisoners, a convicted murderer, apparently possesses miraculous powers. Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm.

9.55 Golden Point. A post-match wrap-up of the NRL game.

10.40 MOVIE: Creed II. (2018, Mv)

Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago. Michael B. Jordan.

1.00 Destination Australia: Christmas Island. (R)

1.30 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)

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv, R) Guests include Jamie Lee Curtis.

9.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.

10.30 Just For Laughs Australia. (Mls, R)

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+als, R)

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

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, April 1

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Love Your Home And Garden. (PG, R) 11.00 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (PG) 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Figure World C’ships. H’lights. 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. 4.30 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 4.35 Pluto: Back From The Dead. (R) 5.45 Lost Gold Of World War II. (PGal, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

6.00 Back In Time For The Corner Shop: 1970s. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Larkins. (PG) Mariette and Charley return home.

8.20 Under The Vines. (PG) As preparations for the showcase continue, Tippy, Gus and Daisy try to put Louis back on track.

9.05 Grantchester. (Mv, R) After a member of Will’s congregation is found murdered, it turns out he might have misjudged the victim.

9.55 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mls, R) Part 2 of 4.

10.45 Traces. (Madls, R)

11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

7.30 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (Final, PG)

8.30 Charles: The New King. (PGa, R)

10.25 Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne. (Mals)

11.15 Outlander. (MA15+)

12.25 Germinal. (Premiere, Masv)

1.20 Bamay. (R)

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

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, April 2

6.30 Compass. (PGa)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Final, Ma) A prestigious chess match ends in murder.

8.30 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mals) Part 3 of 4.

9.20 Close To Me. (Mals) Jo seeks help from a support group.

10.10 Finding Alice. (Mls, R)

10.55 MotherFatherSon. (MA15+dlns, R)

12.00 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.50 Road To Now. (Mav, R)

1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.20 The Heights. (PG, R)

4.15 The Recording Studio. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. The Star Champion-

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A student attracts official attention.

7.30 MOVIE: Captain America: Civil War. (2016, Malv, R) Iron Man and Captain America clash over the response to an incident involving the Avengers.

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr.

10.30 MOVIE: Rampage. (2018, Mv, R) Two giant mutated animals threaten Chicago. Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris.

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

2.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Wonder Woman. (2017, Mav, R)

11.10 MOVIE: Good Kill. (2014, Malsv, R)

1.00 From Hell: Caught On Camera. (Mlv)

1.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News First.

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

8.00 Blue Bloods. (Mv) Anthony surprises Erin with one last stakeout before her run for district attorney.

9.00 CSI: Vegas. (PGl) A woman wakes up from a four-year coma and remembers details from the night her sister died.

10.00 NCIS. (Mav, R) A ride-share driver is murdered.

11.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mav, R) A navy deserter comes out of hiding.

12.00 Bull. (Ma, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

(2009) 4.00 Motor Racing. ABB FIA Formula E World C’ship. São Paulo ePrix. H’lights. 5.10 About A Boy. 5.40 MOVIE: The Flintstones. (1994) 7.30 MOVIE: Twister. (1996, PG) 9.50 MOVIE: Dante’s Peak. (1997, M) Midnight Kardashians. 1.00 The Sex Clinic. 2.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Speedweek.

2.30 AusMoto Show. (Return) 3.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup series.

Round 1. H’lights. 5.00 Nippers. (R) 5.05

Wrestling. (R) 5.10 Starblasters Cricket. (R)

5.15 Ky’s Story: Growing With Autism. 5.25 Ky’s Story: My Sister Jorja. 5.40 Lost Gold Of World War II. (PGalv, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ancient Egypt: Top 7 Pyramids. Explores ancient Egypt’s pyramids.

8.30 Easter Island: The Ancient Builders. (R) Explores the archeology of Easter Island.

9.30 Muhammad Ali. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 4.

12.00 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

1.50 How The Nazis Lost The War. (PGa, R)

3.40 The Source. (Ma, R)

4.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 This Is Your Life: Rebecca Gibney. (PGav, R)

8.50 Code 1: The Childers Backpacker Fire. (Mav) A look at the Childers Backpackers fire.

9.50 Manhunt: Nurse Killer. (Masv, R) A look at the manhunt for Robert Adams.

10.50 Born To Kill? (MA15+av)

11.50 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)

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

2.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

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

10.10 Australian Crime Stories: The X Factor. (Mv, R)

11.15 The First 48. (MA15+alv)

12.05 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (Madv, R)

1.00 The Garden Gurus. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

5.00 News Early Edition.

5.30 Today.

6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm Galavant. 2.00 Hollywood Medium. 3.00 Top Chef. (Return) 4.10

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

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

9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When a navy petty officer is murdered, Jane and the team investigate while also protecting the victim’s friend.

10.30 FBI. (Mv, R) A cross-country serial killer is on the loose.

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

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, April 3

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 1.45 Grantchester. (Final, Mv, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Escape From The City. (R)

4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Rick Steves’ Europe. (Premiere) 11.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (Premiere, PG) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Royal History’s Myths And Secrets. (PGal, R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00

TUESDAY, April 4

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 How Extra. (PGa, R) 11.10 Countdown To War. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (PG, R)

1.45 Gruen. (Mls, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R)

3.00 Escape From The City. (R) 3.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 4.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

5.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

(Malsv, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Felicity’s honeymoon ends too soon.

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGad) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.30 MOVIE: Crazy Rich Asians. (2018, Ml, R) A university professor gets a shock when she agrees to meet her boyfriend’s family. Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 How To Look Good Naked. (Man, R)

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown.

9.00 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Ml) Hosted by Chrissie Swan.

10.00 Ghosts. (PGad) Elias Woodstone returns to the manor.

10.30 Best Of The Sydney Comedy Festival. (MA15+ls, R)

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

SBS MOVIES (32)

11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 10.00 Rick Steves’ Europe. 11.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Royal History’s Myths And Secrets. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGlv) Sketch comedy series.

8.30 The Good Doctor. (Ma) Shaun seeks legal representation and puts his faith in a promising, young lawyer who has OCD. 9.30 Quantum Leap. (PGa) Ben finds himself in 2012. 10.30 The

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The celebrities are still adjusting to camp life and now come face to face with the jungle’s most terrifying snakes.

9.00 NCIS. (PGv) The NCIS team investigates who is responsible for a potential bioterror attack at a strip mall parking garage.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

SBS MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64)

6am Little Nicolas On Holiday. Continued. (2014, PG, French) 6.45 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.45 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 10.50 11 Flowers. (2011, M, Mandarin) 1pm Fireworks Wednesday. (2006, M, Farsi) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.25 About Elly. (2009, PG, Persian) 5.35 Lady L. (1965, PG) 7.35 The 400

(1959, PG, French) 9.30 Wildhood. (2021, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

Magpies senior womens and mens teams to soar high in 2023

FROM Page 24

have some big shoes to fill but believe the club is well placed again to challenge for senior mens and womens trophies this season.

FROM Page 1 League competition last season, the accomplished half back will take over the reins as Club President in 2023.

An excited Handsaker told News Of The Area, “I

“With Magpies legend Brooke Roach opting to take a well earned rest from his

presidential duties and the club coaching coordinator role this year, the club has worked hard in the off season to maintain our player numbers,” revealed Luke.

Raymond Terrace Magpies will field six teams in

2023 – an A Grade Women's tackle and C and D Grade Women’s League Tag along with sides in the B Grade Men’s, Northern Conference Open Men and Under 18.5s.

Handsaker piloted the Magpies to a C Grade trophy

in 2022 as captain-coach – breaking an eight year premiership drought with an emphatic 30-12 Grand Final victory over Awabakal at Lakeside Oval.

Talented centre Rob Chaffey, props Zac Jones and

Steve Soper, lock Jackson McIntyre, hooker Evander Waitoa, back rowers Taamo Charlie and Will Watters and prop Nick John will back up again this season as the Magpies push for B Grade honours.

WEDNESDAY, April 5

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 10.00 Rick Steves’ Europe. 11.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG)

12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Royal History’s Myths And Secrets. (PGas, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) Hunger is becoming a driving force.

8.35 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. Part 1 of 3.

9.30 Rogue Heroes. (Premiere, MA15+)

A young officer creates a radical plan.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Furia. (MA15+av)

12.00 The Sleepers. (MA15+av, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.20 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, April 6

(PG, R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Rose and Mali attempt to find a compromise.

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

9.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R) Sketch comedy series that parodies some of Australia’s favourite TV shows.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Blood Sport – The Bondi Gay Murders. (MA15+av, R)

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

7.30. (R)

(R)

4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Rick Steves’ Europe. 11.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.00 Royal History’s Myths And Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry: The Struggle To Survive. (PG)

8.30 The Elon Musk Show. Part 2 of 3.

9.40 Vigil. (MA15+av) Vigil is forced into lockdown.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)

12.05 The Eagle. (MA15+av, R)

4.15 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.45 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

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

7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Follows dog trainer Graeme Hall.

8.30 Inside Dubai. (PG) Part 2 of 3. A behind the scenes exploration of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown.

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Final, PGls) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows.

10.30 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Ml, R)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

FROM Page 22

All eight players represented the Newcastle Maitland Region Knights with distinction at last year’s NSW Country Rugby League Championships in Grafton.

The Magpies B Grade stocks will be bolstered by

new recruits in prop Will Taano-Roi and centre Montel Kuru from Souths Newcastle and Fingal Bay prop Luke Fleming.

Handsaker will also hand over the coaching duties to experienced mentor James Ross.

The Magpies have

also appointed Newcastle representative coach Russell Grigg – who guided NSW Country to a national women's Championship title - to oversee the Women's Tackle team in 2023.

With some 20 players involved in the Knights’ Tarsha Gale Cup and NSW

Womens Premiership trainon squads and the possible availability of Jillaroos and NSW lock Talesha Quinn and star New Zealand World Cup fullback Shanice Parker, the Raymond Terrace Magpies shape as a force to be reckoned with.

KARAS

LUKE Handsaker is a name synonymous with Raymond Terrace rugby league.

The tireless player-official wears numerous hats and is a real driving force behind the famous Magpies

leading the Magpies to a

deserved C Grade premiership in the Newcastle Hunter District Rugby

-