By Thomas O'KEEFE
BUDGET REVIEW
with their sponsors. Carole Richards sponsoring Lyla Sikora, and Lois Stevens with sponsor Lion Annette Cook.
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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Tea Gardens Lions celebrate 58th annual changeover
FROM Page 1
new members, Lyla Sikora and Lois Stevens, were inducted.
Lyla breaks the record of “youngest member” by a wide margin.
“I joined Lions because it is a different side of Tea Gardens and the community that I wanted to see,” she told News Of The Area.
“The people are quite lovely, and this takes me out of my comfort zone, with more local channels to volunteer.
“I like the international aspect of the Lions organisation, too.”
Some solid and surprising statistics were also shared on the night, such as the 330 loaves of bread and 6250 sausages that were
served at Bunnings BBQ fundraisers alone.
“It is quite amazing what our club of 35-37 members achieved over the past 12 months,” returning President Amanda Sykes told NOTA.
“We did a mammoth 31 BBQs, plus the Christmas Fair and Australia Day, not to mention festivals across Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Karuah - for everything from the soccer club to Halloween, NAIDOC and corporate events.
“A few thousand sausages were cooked and Rhonda* deserves a medal for all the onions she chopped.”
In addition, every week when it is not raining, Fred Sparksman and his crew tidied up Lions Lookout.
“We also collected eyewear and hearing aids, participated in Lap The Map and Clean up Australia Day, as well as wrapping and labelling gifts for Peter Sinclair Gardens and ESTIA residents.”
Tea Gardens Lions have several projects in the pipeline, including shading on the Myall Street playground, and an off-leash dog area at Providence Bay Park.
“We have enormous support from locals for this and if we are unsuccessful with the grant application, it is something for us to consider getting done ourselves through fundraising and Lions grants.
Tea Gardens Lions raised a total of $30,011 in FY2024-25, almost half of which was for local causes and projects, such as the playground, incoming Pioneer Poles, and upkeep of the Lions Lookout park.
The club also raises money for causes such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service.
Tax time scam alert
By Thomas O’KEEFE
THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline.
Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), financial institutions, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The ATO has previously warned of “impersonation scams”, which are messages pretending to be from either myGov or the ATO that falsely claim a person’s taxable income has been recalculated and they are due to receive compensation.
To claim the amount, they are asked to reply to an email or SMS, with identifying information such as payslips, their tax file number (TFN), driver's licence and
Medicare details.
“If someone claiming to be from the ATO contacts you and advises that you have a debt or are owed a refund or asks for your myGov sign-in credentials, bank or personal details such as your TFN, it is likely they are a scammer,” the ATO warns.
As of last year, the ATO has removed all hyperlinks from its unsolicited messages.
“Don’t click on links, open attachments or download any files from suspicious emails or SMS; we will never send an unsolicited SMS that contains a hyperlink.
“Know your tax affairs – legitimate email communication from us can be located in ATO online services.
“You can check this by logging into your myGov account – you can also contact your tax agent or the ATO.”
While the ATO is on Facebook, Instagram,
X and LinkedIn, the organisation will never use these social media platforms to discuss personal information or documentation, or ask for payments.
Scammers are criminals who primarily prey upon the unsuspecting, the unobservant, and the vulnerable.
Their modus operandi never change and include:
1. Creating a sense of urgency about a vague yet serious problem that needs attention, as soon as possible (ASAP)
2. Providing a convenient, quick and easy solution in the form of a “just click here” button or hyperlink
3. Going to great lengths to look bonafide, even copying the logos, layout and colour schemes of real messages.
The major banks and the ATO have made information and advice readily available, so customers and taxpayers can go straight to the source.
At the end of the day, it is up to the individual to make the right call, with the simplest solution being “if in doubt, don’t do it.”
For examples and more information about identifying and reporting scams, go to ato.gov.au/online-services/scams-cybersafety-and-identity-protection/scam-alerts.
q The renewed Tea Gardens Lions Committee: Treasurer John Page, 2nd VP Helen Watkins, Services Chair Ann Hill, 1st VP Rob Dorman, Membership Chair Carole Richards, and guests PDG Glenys Francis, Zone Chair Tanya Roy, and host Kevin Thomas. (President Amanda Sykes not pictured).
q Emcee, Lion Kevin Thomas, kept things moving with his ceremonial bell.
BUDGET REVIEW
FROM Page 1
handed down last week, according to the
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes described Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s third budget as “anticlimactic for the Hunter”,
with the big-ticket new investments having been announced prior and other major funding commitments largely for ongoing projects such as road upgrades and the Stage 1 redevelopment
Port Stephens named ‘Winter hotspot’
By Cosette DE LORENZO
PORT Stephens has been named a trending winter school holiday destination by travel booking site Wotif.
“Port Stephens’ popularity is well and truly booming this year,” said travel expert Rebecca Hurley.
“It’s great to see the momentum continue into the winter school holidays as a trending destination, especially following its crowning as the 2025 Aussie Town of the Year.”
The NSW coastline has
A self-managed super fund (“SMSF”) may provide tax advantages and flexibility in the investment of the parties’ superannuation during the relationship, however it can pose particular challenges following the breakdown of that relationship.
One of the difficulties is attributing a value to the SMSF for the purpose of property matters dealt with under the Family Law Act. Ensuring an accurate value is attributed to the SMSF is essential in assuring a fair outcome is achieved in a property settlement.
The SMSF may hold any number of assets, including shares in publicly listed and unlisted companies, unit trusts and real estate. Whilst
of the John Hunter Hospital.
“The key new investments for the region – including the $115 million for the Newcastle renewable energy logistics precinct, $35 million for the Thornton railway bridge, $21.5 million for Stockton beach sand renourishment and $27.5 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority –were all pre-announced,” Mr Hawes said.
consistently proven a firm favourite, with destinations such as Newcastle, Wollongong and Kingscliff also named as some of this winter’s most popular travel areas.
“Port Stephens is the ultimate winter escape – just far enough from the city to feel like a proper getaway – where whale sightings, peaceful beaches, and cosy seaside charm are waiting around every headland.”
Port Stephens was also named a best value domestic destination, noting many affordable accommodation options in the area.
Alongside coastal favourites, city and rural destinations have seen increased interest with standout events drawing visitors.
Ms Hurley said travellers are “looking for unique and memorable experiences.”
“Mildura, in particular, is stealing the spotlight –literally and figuratively –with the ‘Trail of Lights’, an immersive art installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro, who is famed for Uluru’s Field of Light.”
Nearly a quarter of Australians are planning to travel in July, according to Wotif.
the SMSF’s financial statements may provide a starting point and overview of the assets and liabilities of the SMSF, there is a risk those values may not reflect the current or true value, and it is not uncommon for an SMSF (and the assets held by it) to be formally valued for family law purposes. If this is required, the Family Law Act sets out a mechanism for appointing a qualified valuer as an impartial ‘Single Expert’ to determine the value of the parties’ interest in the SMSF. It may also be necessary to engage additional experts to value the assets of the SMSF, including any real estate.
that will directly support the economic diversification of the Hunter and its aspirations to become a renewable energy hub.
“The region will also benefit from the $2.1 billion investment in the Hunter Transmission Project and Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone over the next four years.”
“These initiatives are all welcome, but we would like to have seen funding to get the Broadmeadow Precinct up and running and a commitment to the cargo handling facility at Newcastle Airport to maximise the economic benefit of the airport upgrade.
“Our Budget submission also sought an acknowledgement of the funding required for the second stage of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment, to ensure the new building is equipped to run at capacity after the doors open. Based on funding timing in the budget for the stage 1 work, this will be a priority for the 2026 budget.
“We have welcomed funding for the Jobs and Investment Authority and Newcastle Logistics Precinct as important commitments
Mr Hawes said the Budget was light on initiatives to ease rising cost pressures on business.
“Our latest Business Conditions Survey, released this month, shows businesses are struggling with the rising costs of insurance, energy, taxes and levies and red tape, as well as dealing with the uncertainties of a volatile global economic environment,” Mr Hawes said.
“The $150 energy rebate will provide some assistance for small business but we would like to have seen payroll tax relief and a commitment to overhauling the workers compensation system, which is costing businesses and taxpayers millions of dollars a day.”
Business Hunter welcomed initiatives in the budget to boost housing construction and extend free-free TAFE training for apprentices and trainees.
Member for Port
Stephens Kate Washington said the Budget had delivered for the region.
“This Budget is about delivering on the things that matter most to our community – safer roads, better schools and more support for the places we love,” she said.
“Major upgrades like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight will cut travel times and boost safety.
“Our government’s investment in our kids' futures continues with a new Medowie High School on its way, major upgrades to Hunter River High School underway and we’re delivering a bigger and better hall for the Shoal Bay Public School students and families.
“We’re also backing Tomaree Lodge with more support to secure its future community use.
“It’s a place with deep cultural and community value – and this funding ensures it will play a meaningful role in the life of our region for decades to come.”
A summary of what the 2025-2026 NSW Budget delivered for the Hunter can be found at www.budget. nsw.gov.au/2025-26/ budget-papers/regionalnsw#hunter.
Liability limited by a scheme
under
q Shoal Bay’s Zenith Beach from Tomaree Mountain viewpoint.
Trial to keep soggy grounds maintained
WITH some of the region's sports fields still soggy after the recent floods, MidCoast Council has been trialling innovative ways to keep them maintained.
Heavy equipment including tractors with slashers and zero-point mowers are usually used to keep growth under control, but the sheer weight of the machines causes damage to the playing surface.
Instead, staff have worked with local contractors to use lightweight robotic mowers which are operated remotely.
These machines are considerably lighter resulting in less damage to the region's playing fields.
Council’s Executive Manager of Public Spaces, Liam Bulley, said the machines have allowed crews to maintain fields resulting in play returning much sooner.
“These machines only weigh 300 kilograms which greatly reduces the impact on the fields,” he explained.
“From the first trial we have seen great success and will continue to apply this practice to grounds that are unable to be serviced using traditional cutting methods.
“Fields in Bulahdelah, Coolongolook, Nabiac and Johhny Martin Oval in Taree have been too wet to mow at all this sporting season and are now scheduled for maintenance using this lightweight mower.
“This has improved the turnaround on recovery of our fields, and we are now seeing fields becoming available for use sooner.”
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Club open from 5pm Meals by Heidi & Geoff
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Dinner at 6pm
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Entertainment by Leighton James
Report paints 'catastrophic picture’ of environment
THE NSW Government tabled the 2024 State of the Environment Report last week.
Compiled by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the report is published every three years.
According to EPA CEO Tony Chappel, the 2024 report indicates that climate change is already a major factor impacting many environmental trends.
“In 2021-22, greenhouse gas emissions in NSW were 111 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, which is 27 percent lower than the annual rate back in 2005,” Mr Chappel said.
The report found that sea levels rose by 12cm between 1991 and 2021, and may rise by up to one metre by the end of the 21st century.
Severe fire weather days and hot days (35°C or more) are also projected to increase.
“Average temperatures across the state have already risen 1.4 °C since 1910 and sea surface temperatures in the Sydney area have increased by about 0.14 0.2°C per decade since the 1950s,” Mr Chappel said.
Native vegetation cover has also declined over the past three years.
“The ability of remaining habitats in NSW to support native plants, animals and ecosystems has dropped to 29 percent of their original capacity since pre-
industrialisation,” Mr Chappel said.
Additionally the number of threatened species listings in NSW has increased by 36 since December 2020.
In 2024, more than 600 plant species and 300 animal species in NSW are threatened and risk extinction.
The report found NSW air quality however meets national standards most of the time.
“In the past three years air quality has been negatively affected during extreme weather events, such as storms and bushfires,” Mr Chappel said.
Most soils in NSW are in a moderate condition, according to the report, although much of the state's agricultural land is becoming slightly more acidic, with soil pH changing by at least 0.15 from 2006-20.
Good rainfall in the past three years has helped improve water quality in some areas, but may also have been associated with significant fish kill events during that time.
Coastal vegetation and habitats such as saltmarsh, mangroves and seagrass continue to be threatened by development and climate change, Mr Chappel said.
Invasive species continue to exert pressure on native plants and animals.
“New threats, such as fire ants, will continue to pose a significant biodiversity risk if not eradicated,” he said.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment and climate change
Sue Higginson, said the report paints a “catastrophic picture”.
“The biodiversity crisis has continued unabated in NSW, despite Premier Chris Minns promising to halt extinction in NSW, with 36 new species added to the threatened species list since 2020 and a shocking five percent increase in the number of animal species threatened with extinction.
“With average temperatures in NSW already 1.4 degrees celsius above earliest records, we can assume with confidence that this means our state is already living beyond the 1.5 degrees that was legislated as a target less than two years ago. The revelations that sea levels have risen by 12 centimetres in 30 years pales compared to the existential threat posed by the likely additional one metre sea level rise predicted by the report between now and the end of the century.”
Ms Higginson said regional NSW and agricultural districts are in “serious decline” on almost all measures, noting “significant losses to woody and non-woody native vegetation, increasing rates of soil acidification, and plummeting levels of organic carbon in our soil”.
“Of the 70 key indicators covered in this report, just seven of them show any improvement.
“The number of indicators that are going backwards is more than three times higher with close to double remaining unknown.”
q Staff have worked with local contractors to use lightweight robotic mowers.
NAIDOC celebrations at Tea Gardens
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated on Thursday 24 July at Tea Gardens Public
School from 10am to 2pm. The event is free, with the whole community
invited to attend.
NAIDOC stands for “National Aboriginal and
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Islander Day Observance Committee”, and is synonymous in Australia with celebrations of Indigenous culture and history.
In 1975, it was decided such festivities should last a week, and the modern NAIDOC Week was born, inspired by an Indigenous protest movement dating back to the 1920s and ‘30s.
2025 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with this year’s theme being “The Next Generation:
Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
“This year's theme celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors,” MidCoast Council said in a statement.
NAIDOC week is a powerful way for communities to honour and elevate Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
“MidCoast Council is proud to celebrate our local Aboriginal community and provide support for NAIDOC week events through the NAIDOC Grants Program,” said Mayor Claire Pontin.
“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to learn a bit more about our local Aboriginal culture.”
This year is especially important as it marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC celebrations across Australia.
Council’s NAIDOC Grants program provides $4,000 in support for community-led events to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
New paramedic interns for the Hunter
TEN new paramedic interns set to begin the on-road component of their 12-month internships in the Hunter region, taking their next steps towards becoming fully qualified paramedics.
Four of the interns will be based in Hunter Zone 1, with the remaining six heading to Hunter Zone 2. Zone 1 is a smaller geographical area which includes parts of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and
Port Stephens, while Zone 2 covers the remainder of the Hunter.
These placements are part of a broader intake by NSW Ambulance, which on Friday officially welcomed 127 new paramedic interns and 28 trainee emergency medical call takers during an induction ceremony at the State Operations Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the induction of these new health staff
community conversations
coming soon to tea gardens
reflects the “continued growth and evolution of NSW Ambulance”.
“Each new officer has already demonstrated the core values of integrity, compassion, and service which remains central to NSW Ambulance,” he said.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the interns were stepping into a “vital role”.
“Our region deserves strong, reliable frontline care and these interns will be a valuable part of that. “They’re not just trainingthey’re making a difference.”
Right now we’re heading back out to 15 local communities across the MidCoast to provide you with an update on what we’re delivering in your area.
The program has proven to be a great way for everyone to stay updated, ask questions and speak with council staff, and it helps us understand the things that matter to your community.
We look forward to sharing this update with you.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Hawks Nest Community Centre Tuesday 29 July 2.30 - 4pm
FIND OUT MORE Scan to learn more
midcoast.nsw.gov.au/conversations
q Aaliyah, Kyan and Levi Briffa at a previous NAIDOC Week event.
Historic bowls presentation
By Thomas O’KEEFE
THE successes of the past year of bowling were celebrated at a combined presentation night at the Tea Gardens Country Club on Saturday 28 June.
“This is historic because the men’s and women’s clubs are set to amalgamate soon,” said Daryl Martin, emcee and life member and patron of the Men’s Bowling Club.
Awards were handed out for Major and Minor Pairs, Triples, Doubles and Fours, and there were awards for consistency in the novice and open categories.
State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington, who presented several awards, said she was keen to see the clubs now joining as one.
President of the women’s club Bette Saillard was
thanked for her years of service and Club Man of the Year, the only award not preposted, went to men’s club treasurer Graham Uff.
“Never have I had so many friends in my life as I have had in this club, thanks to those who helped with can collecting and pulling together all the money that lets us run our clubs,” he said.
There were also special mentions for Dorothy
FRY BROS
Thompson and Vic Garlick, both distinguished members aged well into their 90s, and both still bowling on.
Each club raised funds over the year, through their own special means.
The men’s club collected $500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service through a “wrong bias” piggybank.
Members had to contribute whenever their bowl took a wrong turn on
the green.
“Lots of the men’s members have contributed to this one,” Daryl noted.
An amount of $450 raised by the women’s club will go to the Free Clinic Bus, which takes locals to hospitals in the region for appointments, check-ups, and to visit family and friends.
This was accepted by Phil Pomery, Vice President of the Free Clinic Bus.
“The Free Clinic Bus enters its 40th year of service soon, and the driving age for volunteer drivers has been upped to 85,” Phil said.
“Rest assured that everyone gets tested for safety.”
The donation was raised through a “spider competition,” which is whoever gets the closest to a crocheted spider in the middle of the green.
q Phil Pomery accepts a donation from the Women’s Bowling Club on behalf of the local Free Clinic Bus, which turns 40 soon.
q Ladies Triples runners-up and winners: (L-R) Lorraine Murphy, Bette Saillard, Jean Glover and Robyn Webster.
q Chris Fredericks won the Men’s Minor Singles.
q Kate Washington MP presented the Women’s Major Singles awards to Robyn Beaumont and Bette Saillard.
q Club Man of the Year was Treasurer Graham Uff (centre).
Art and Craft group locks in committee
By Thomas O’KEEFE
ARTS and crafts in their many forms are assured a home on the Myall Coast, following the successful Annual General Meeting of the Myall Community Art and Craft Association on Saturday 21 June.
The AGM was attended by 41 members, with Rachael Lind presiding, alongside Public Officer Neryl Grehan.
More celebratory functions of the AGM included the awarding of commemorative service badges to several members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their time with the centre.
Ten-year service badges were handed to members Colleen MacSween, Jane Angelo, Jen Street, Jenny Love and Susan Burns, a 15-year service badge was awarded to Dawn Patterson, and 20-year badges were presented to Kathleen McKenzie, Pamela Gilchrist, Pat Penny and
as Vice President, Kerrie Croaker as Treasurer, and Elsa Jones as Secretary, with Jacqui Bright, Clare Yates and Leigh Allen making up the committee as members.
“As well as the executive committee, the Craft Centre has many volunteers to help keep our wonderful centre functioning,” Secretary Elsa Jones told News Of The Area.
“We have a shop committee who are very busy keeping our shop stocked, a kiln committee who look after the firings of our large kiln, and various other single duties [to] keep our centre one of the best in NSW.
“A letter was read out from Vera Norris, our founding President who could not be with us, to ask us to remember our beginnings and keep up the good work.”
The Myall Community Art and Craft shop not only sells incredible hand-made gifts, but also serves a secondary purpose as one of MidCoast Council's outlets for visitor
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a woodwork room where at least 10 different crafts are practised each week,
including crochet, ceramics, framing, mosaics and leatherwork.
The outgoing committee thanked all volunteers for their hard work.
q MCACC Committee Members for 2025-26: Jacqui Bright, Elsa Jones, Clare Yates, Leigh Allen, Rachael Lind and Kerrie Croaker (Marian Smith not pictured).
Walkers group continues to explore
By Thomas O’KEEFE
THE inexorable Thursday Walkers group took full advantage of brief periods of sunshine through the month of June.
“Continuing problems with heightened lake levels and even more rain forced the cancellation of the planned walk along the shoreline of Wallis Lake so a trip to the Hunter Wetlands Centre was mooted instead,” group coordinator Ray Hughes told NOTA.
The rain mostly stayed away, and the sunshine came out, as the walkers enjoyed the Wetlands Centre’s diverse offering, with a wide variety of flora and bird life, an Australian native plant nursery, and lunch options.
The month’s walking schedule had to be rejigged more than once, this time to take into account the continuing closure of Myall Lakes National Park.
A sojourn to Freshwater Beach was also put on hold, and a Lemon Tree Passage walk was brought forward.
“The Walkers managed the easy drive around to the other side of Port Stephens for a pleasant out-and-back walk alongside Tilligerry Creek, rather a misnomer for a vast amount of water that looks more like a river and even a bay in parts,” Ray recounted.
Despite a cool start, the parkland, bush, forest and water views were enjoyed in the dappled sunshine and blue skies, while birds twittered with the good company.
Further schedule changes saw the Walkers head to North Arm Cove for a wander in and around the village with a mix of suburbia and forest.
“The clouds started to disperse as the walk started, and the intermittent sunshine made everyone feel a little warmer, as did the morning tea stop with some of the locals,” Ray added.
“Water surrounds the village on three sides so the walk is interspersed with views of coves, bays and Port Stephens.”
Alum Mountain in Bulahdelah was the setting for the final group walk of June.
Conquering the mountain can be a challenge, with a long, slow climb following an old trolley trail towards the
upper mining level.
There are several viewing points towards the top of the mountain, and the northern end of the track passes several old quarries and a few caves with views over the township and out to the Markwell Valley.
“At the southern end the track pushes up a steep incline to a vantage point looking further south over the Myall River and to the east with ocean glimpses, and a wide range of flora and forest cover the mount including superb grass trees plus the contrast of some huge boulders here and there,” Ray said.
Scheduled walks for July include Grahamstown Dam-Raymond Terrace, Boat Harbour (looking for whales), Hawks Nest and Maitland.
Stinker’s Fishin’: The good old days
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
DO you remember the good old days when catching
was simple?
Shoal Bay on calm days.
Tossing a squid jig and slowly retrieving it ensured a bucket or so of thumping squid to be prepared into
q A typical catch of calamari in bygone years.
squid rings for the kitchen or to freeze away as the best possible bait for mulloway, kingfish and snapper.
Outside the headlands, big calamari squid called “green eyes” could be guaranteed to be basking out of the breeze in Hospital Bay on Boondelbah Island, cruising among the moorings in Esmeralda Cove on Broughton or taking it easy in Government Hole referred to as the Gantry on the northern face of Fingal Island.
It was in the Government Hole that I first discovered squid way back in 1975 when I was camping with a heap of schoolkids on Fingal Island as part of what was known as “End of Year Activities” at the old Nelson Bay High School.
There will be readers of this article who were part of the camping trips that went annually over many years.
The first year that Nelson Bay had a High School was 1975 when local kids could complete years 11 and 12 without travelling to Raymond Terrace or Newcastle.
The first Principal was Tom O’Dwyer who was confronted by an odd situation in that the students chose not to attend school for the last two weeks after their
November exams.
Box Beach or One Mile Beach were far more appealing.
In his wisdom, Mr O’Dwyer declared that teachers would offer activities that would encourage kids to return to school.
I, along with maths teacher Neil Goudge, offered island camping and fishing under the subject of “Marine Experiences”.
As you can imagine this option was very popular and certainly beat sitting in a class room.
Three nights on Fingal Island didn’t seem long but at the end of the trip everyone was happy to return home.
The first hurdle to overcome was how to transport 25 boys onto Fingal Island with the uncertainty of the Fingal Spit.
When the Spit could be crossed, commercial fishermen Ken Barry, Glen Tarrant and Jimmy Chalkley piled the kids into their trucks and over we went, picking us up days later.
Problems arose when the Spit was washed away.
It was the Water Police who offered their services to board their rescue boat and steam over into the quiet northern corner of the beach
where the kids would jump off before pitching their tents. On one occasion the Police were not available so it was Teddy McLeay and his trawler “Matadore” that motored out to the island.
Back to the squid.
The kids were permitted to go fishing on the beach or in the Government Hole which could be supervised.
I was amazed when one of the boys named Jones returned with a bucket full of monster squid.
Never having caught a squid I was amazed.
“How did you do that Jonesy?” I asked.
Following a short lesson I was in business.
Today squid catches are rarely reported simply because there are no squid!
Such is the case in Sydney Harbour and other well documented squid hot spots along the coast.
The question that must be asked is - where have all the squid gone?
I have no idea.
Is it that they were overfished?
Could it be a change in water temperature or water quality or maybe a change in salinity?
Hopefully one day they will return.
q Feed time at the wetlands centre at Shortland on 5 June. Photo: Bea Watkins.
q Across Tilligery Creek on 12 June. Photo: Robyn Thompson.
q Puddle Jumping at North Arm Cove on 19 June. Photo: Bea Watkins.
calamari squid
Inside the harbour, excited “squidders” gathered around the Nelson Bay Marina or drifted over the sea grass in
q The long ‘up’ along the Trolley Trail on Alum Mountain on 26 June. Photo: Rebecca Jacobs.
Regional NSW house prices start the year on the rise
REGIONAL NSW home prices grew 0.23 percent to a fresh peak in January, sitting 3.45 percent above January 2024 levels, according to the PropTrack Home Price Index released this week.
Nationally, regional areas (+0.12 percent) outpaced the capital cities (-0.16 percent) for home price growth in January, as poor affordability and a surge in choice through spring tempered recent growth in the capitals.
National home prices fell 0.08 percent in January, though they remained 3.82 percent higher year-on-year.
Capital cities led the decline in prices, falling 0.16 percent in January.
Hobart (-0.46 percent), Melbourne (-0.30 percent), and Sydney (-0.21 percent) led price falls in January, with prices also dropping in Darwin (-0.11 percent), Canberra (-0.10 percent) and Adelaide (-0.07 percent) over the month.
Annual price growth in regional areas (+4.47 percent) outpaced the capital
cities (+3.56 percent) in January.
Despite the recent downturn, national home prices have risen over the past year, and compared to March 2020, national home values are 45.0 percent higher.
“National home prices fell in January, as the softer end to 2024 carried over into the new year,” said Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist, REA Group.
“While housing demand remained resilient to persistent affordability constraints, the pace of home price growth slowed throughout 2024, culminating in small falls over the past two months.
“This softening in growth has occurred alongside a surge in stock for sale, giving buyers more choice and reducing the urgency to transact.
“Affordability challenges, weaker economic conditions and the sustained higher interest rate environment have also been contributors to slowing – and reversing –
growth.”
With interest rate cuts on the horizon, Ms Creaigh believes the price falls seen over the past two months are likely to be short lived.
“As interest rates move lower this year boosting borrowing capacities, improving affordability and buyer confidence are expected to drive renewed demand and price growth,” she said.
“However, the stretched starting point for affordability will likely dampen the uplift in prices compared to prior easing cycles, resulting in the pace of home price growth trailing the strong performance of recent years.”
q Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist, REA Group, believes the price
Photo: REA.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
The Write Direction
By John BLACKBOURN
It moved for me too
TALK about excitement generated by the earthquake near Singleton on the early morning of Wednesday 23 April.
A number of people I had never met
previously were in avid conversation with other locals at the shops in Tea Gardens. Different experiences were felt by caravanners and campers near Pindimar and Jimmys Beach to those of us in bed at home, but everyone had an experience to share of that 3am event.
It was my first experience of an earthquake, despite my 40 years working in a number of locations overseas where these events are part of everyday life.
Quakes in the Hunter seem to occur on the Hunter-Mooki fault line.
This raises a possible connection between underground coal mining plus the larger open pit operations in the Hunter district as a cause of minor earthquakes.
It is just a connection at this juncture, but an interesting one to ponder.
During the big earthquake event in
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
My wife is preparing for the latest weather event like we are getting ready for a world war. What can I do to put her mind at ease?
Kevin B
Dear Kevin,
I received your conundrum during the calm before the storm, so to speak, at which point some media outlets were using words like powerful, heavy, strong, and persistent, and others were using words like wild, smashing, battering, and cyclonic.
You are possibly like the early reports: becalmed and casually turning the pages of the newspaper, while your wife is in full bomb cyclone phase with her eyes glued to social media where she's watching Insta reels of cows flying through the air and people canoeing down main roads.
There are some of us, Kevin, that like to be prepared.
Others call us catastrophisers.
Newcastle in 1989 where 13 people died, I became aware of a friend’s experience as a regional manager of a major banking group.
He was living in a townhouse close to Newcastle city and woke up in his bed with the complete two-storey brick wall of the complex missing, giving him an uninterrupted view of his suburb.
The epicenter of that event was listed as Boolaroo and was measured at 5.6
The challenge of social licence
LAST Monday night, I attended an industry seminar down in Martin Place in Sydney with the Australian Institute of Energy (AIE) and electrical industry professionals.
I’m a member of the AIE Newcastle branch and this seminar was called “The Challenge of Social Licence in the Energy Transition” which was basically about getting major infrastructure projects through to completion in rural areas without them being killed off by opposed country folk.
When it was Q&A time, I got up as a country member and gave the group both barrels, using as my example the proposed offshore wind farm up here off the Hunter/ Myall Coast.
I explained how this project has been
dumped by “Blackout” Bowen and the feds on us in the Mid Coast area without any real prior consultation a few years ago and how, because tourism is our biggest and really only viable local industry, most of our locals are totally opposed at having this massive project located off our Myall Coast.
I explained how reminiscent this whole deal was of the good old days in the early 1990s when Sydney Water used to prepare and release multiple new Development Servicing Plans (DSPs) on Christmas Eve.
Then, when the development industry guys returned to work at the end of January and actually started to look at these new DSPs, the Sydney Water guys would tell us: ”Sorry, guys, we can’t talk to you any more about these ones as the 30 day consultation period has already ended!”
This was poor behaviour then and it still is now.
I was really glad that I made the effort to attend this seminar and felt like I was on “a mission from God” to tell all these Sydney-based and so young industry guys and girls what it’s really all about living in the country and copping the brunt of these new megaprojects.
One of the main points discussed was that country people bear many of the costs of these projects in local disruption and road impacts, noise, water and air pollution while Sydney or other major Australian cities get the resulting project benefits.
There was “stunned” silence as I went on and finally the meeting’s Chairman asked me just what my question was.
I then asked the three panel members
Offshore wind fear ‘very NIMBY’
DEAR News Of The Area,
I write in response to Cherylle Stone’s letter ‘Nothing responsible about it’ in NOTA on 26 June 2025.
She states that offshore wind development ”has the potential to seriously deplete and further distress the ocean, our main already overburdened heat and carbon sink”.
Depleting the ocean implies diminishing its quantity, which can occur in an Ice Age for example, when a four kilometre thick slab of ice covers the poles, resulting in a
fall of the sea level of about 130 metres.
Such is not the case currently, as the sea level is rising due to factors like the last remnant of the last Ice Age continuing to melt and thermal expansion of the ocean due to increasing water temperature. In my opinion I find it incorrect and irresponsible, or “nothing responsible”.
Being a Physical-Chemical dynamic system, the ocean does not feel distress it just exemplifies the laws of science.
The poor critters that live in the ocean would feel distress.
Take for example coral bleaching and
algal blooms, like the one affecting South Australia, and acidification affecting carbonate formation for many shelled creatures.
Are you being responsible or not, in suggesting a (one) wind farm off the Hunter coast "has the potential to seriously deplete and further distress the ocean, our main already overburdened heat and carbon sink"?
It’s all very ‘NIMBY’, like so many letters previously published, in my opinion.
If I may suggest, get some factual information.
Maybe we are, but you can bet when the mud hits the fan and the power goes out for five days, that we will be called upon for assistance.
And we may or may not choose to share our storm plan, complete first aid kit, battery operated AM/FM radio, torches with spare batteries, travel chargers, spare clothes and shoes, sand bags and various dehydrated meals that we will be happily warming on our Butane Combi stove.
And we will be too tired, Kevin, to assist you with your preparations, because we have spent the last week, during clear weather, trimming branches and overhanging limbs, cleaning gutters, checking the roof for loose tiles, double checking the coverage of our home and contents insurance, and preparing our flood evacuation plan.
You, meanwhile, will feel that dusting off the UNO cards, buying a six-pack of tealight candles, and having a vague (and possibly mistaken) idea of where the solitary torch is, will suffice.
And it may suffice, Kevin, but those of us who have battled through past extreme weather events will most likely empathise with your wife.
Preparation is the key when we are experiencing more and more intense storms. I sincerely hope, for your sake, that this one is just a storm in a teacup.
on the Richter scale, whereas April’s Singleton quake was a 4.6 scale event whose epicenter was defined as between Singleton and Broke.
Apparently, there have been eleven earthquakes recorded in this general location.
There were reportedly no injuries and no major problems, but it was quite interesting to experience a quake for the first time.
that, if this offshore windfarm project was starting again today from new and they were charged with getting it through the social licence obstacle course, how would they handle it differently to what has been done so far already with it.
The Chairman said ”Hmm, that’s a bloody good question!” and the three panel members proceeded to give some solid and thoughtful answers, with a very different approach to what we’ve been subjected to up the coast on this one so far.
A number of people then came up to me afterwards and said how much they appreciated having an actual country resident come down to the meeting to talk to them about this essentially rural and regional topic and wanting to continue the conversation with me.
Regards, Chris TAYLOR, Tea Gardens.
Oxymoron indeed.
Regards, Mervyn MCCONNOCHIE, Karuah.
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from the next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. (02) 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
READING by Lynne Miles: 2 Peter 3: 9 PATIENT - "The Lord is not slow about His promises, as some perceive slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
DEAR News Of The Area,
Quirky annual competition returns
q Celebrate community spirit and old fashioned silliness at Stroud’s annual Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing competition event on July 12 at Stroud Showground.
By Chris KARAS
IF
quirky community events are your fancy then the upcoming Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing competition on Saturday July 12 is worth a visit.
This popular event returns to the Stroud Showground in Cowper Street, bringing with it a funfilled day of laughter, rivalry and rural charm and a theme of “Music makes the world go around”.
“There’s something for everyone,” said event organiser Karen Hutchinson.
“Join in oversized games such as cage soccer and dart ball.
“There will be impressive demonstrations of post splitting and wood chopping, and displays of knitted, crocheted and macrame items.”
Now a staple in Stroud’s
Pearls take talents to Sydney
THE Karuah Pearls Netball Club will participate as curtain-raisers for the Suncorp Super Netball Indigenous Round match between the NSW Swifts and Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday, 5 July.
The game will be played at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park.
The Pearls, members of the Port Stephens Netball Association, were invited to participate by Netball NSW and the Swifts.
“This opportunity is a testament to the club's commitment to providing culturally supportive and inclusive pathways for young boys and girls in the Karuah community to engage actively in netball,” said Jodi Cassar PSM, President of the Port Stephens Netball Association.
annual calendar, the event celebrates community spirit, good-natured rivalry and a bit of old-fashioned silliness.
It’s the kind of grassroots gathering that makes country towns so special - and it continues to draw crowds from across the region and beyond.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to join this wonderfully weird showdown of skill, strength and sheer good fun.
Whether you're lobbing a brick with pinpoint precision or hurling a rolling pin like a country pro, there's no better way to spend a crisp winter weekend in regional NSW.
This annual event promises a blend of thrilling competitions, a festive street parade, live music and local entertainment, country style market stalls and a plethora of family-friendly activities.
The fun kicks off in the
centre of town with a vibrant Street Parade at 10am featuring a dazzling array of floats, motorbikes, cars, spirited bands, the Hunter Heroes and local school children.
Highlight of the day, the Brick Throwing contest, will officially commence at 11am with the ceremonial throwing of the first brick by Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell MP.
Participants can register starting at 10:30am, with categories for all ages and skill levels, including Men’s Adult Brick Throwing; Women’s Adult Rolling Pin Throwing; Kids Brick Throwing; Junior Rolling Pin Throwing; Rubber Chicken Throwing; and Masters Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing (60+ years).
Exciting prizes and trophies will await the winners in each category and those eager to etch their
names in the record books will need to throw a brick at least 90 feet and a rolling pin at least 101 feet.
Live performances from local acts such as the Buckett Swayers, Waratah Brass Band, and Newcastle RSL Pipe Band will keep the energy high.
Kids will enjoy a day full of fun with baby animals at the Sweet Valley Petting Zoo and the ever-popular Hunter Hero characters available for photos and fun.
The Brick & Rolling Pin Competition began in the 1960s inspired by brickmaking towns in Stroud, United Kingdom and the United States with Australia and Canada joining the festivities soon after.
Tickets can be purchased at the Showground gate (open from 7am) on the day of the event: $15 adults, $5 children and $30 family.
“Under the dedicated leadership of President Pearl Manton, the club has been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and pride
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS Week Ending 27th June
Tony SMITH
among its members.” While the Pearls currently train at the Port Stephens
Netball Association courts and Raymond Terrace, the club aspires to establish a full-
sized, well-lit netball court in Karuah to better support their growing membership and the growing numbers of young families locally.
SPORT RESULTS
Monday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. J Glover & N Grehan, 3. J Whalan & B Treharne. E/W 1. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 2. L Howarth & E
32 NTP. A B C
Greenhalgh, 3. E Digby & S Donahue.
Tuesday: N/S 1. B & P Ness, 2. R Albon & S O’Keefe, 3. H Blackbourn & J Fowler. E/W 1. J & A
3rd. Collins, Barry 5th. Williams, Bob Carruthers, Steven 10th Williams, Bob Byrnes, Glenn Hudson, Ke ith 16th Rutter, Jim Dorman, Robert Morrison, Gordon Balls to. A 28 c/b B 28 c/b C 26 c/b
Macintosh, 2. P Lau & D Dummett, 3. J Freeland & D Russell.
Wednesday: N/S 1. B Treharne & S Matheson, 2. M Churton & C Lance, 3. P Baily & J Gray.
Len GOUGH
E/W 1. E Digby & D Hipkins, 2. S Aldrich & M Rowden, 3. J Brandis & J Corden. Friday: N/S 1. J & T Thatcher, 2. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. J Whalan & C Richards. E/W 1. L & G Conroy, 2. B Taylor & H Blackbourn, 3. L Howarth & D O’Brien.
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from the next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. (02) 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
q The NSW Swifts will take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Photo: NSW Swifts. Hawks Nest Vets
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
By Dianne BOWES
HNGC HELD its Mixed Foursomes Championship last week, with 22 teams vying for the trophy on a splendid sunny Saturday.
Congratulations to Samantha Leggatt, who teamed with Jim Rutter to take the title on 74, just .5 ahead of runners up Maxine Mitchell and Peter Davies. In the Gross Division it was Helen Haynes and Harry Leggatt who were the winners with 82, from AnneMarie Freanch and Garth Allen on 94 C/B.
Tuesday’s event for the ladies was a 2 person Ambrose, with the top 2 teams qualifying for the Regional Keno Tournament later this year in Forster Tuncurry. 24 teams participated in a tight contest in surprisingly balmy conditions, with the winning pair of Maxine Mitchell and Jo Buttrey playing a blinder to finish 2 shots clear of runners up Jo Scott and Sue Kovacs. Maxine and Jo parred 8 holes in their round, and Jo birdied the 16th with a lovely chip in, to finish with a great score of 70. Jo Scott had a very stylish birdie on the 5th hole, finding the green with her tee shot before sinking a 5 metre putt, which put her and teammate Sue Kovacs into second place
Tea Gardens Women’s Bowling Club
By Lynda RICHARDS
TUESDAY 24th June: Bowls played 4 games of 3 bowls Triples. An evenly matched
overall.
Other chip ins came from Trish Sattler on the 2nd, Pam Keegan on the 9th with a ten metre putt, Di Bowes on the 7th and the 9th, Rosarie Mullins on the 13th with a 28 metre putt, and Di Bott on the 17th, also with a long putt.
Results: Tuesday 24/6/25
2 Person Ambrose 18 Holes
Winners: 1st Maxine Mitchell & Jo Buttrey 70; 2nd Jo Scott & Sue Kovacs 72; 3rd Angela Clipperton & Deb Gardner 73
Place Getters: Denise Sainty & Anne-Marie French; Cheryl Foster & Sue Campton; Ann Morris & Jeanette Kemp; Di Bott & Liz Edmonds;
Pauline Barham & Dawn Wiggins
7 ladies competed in Tuesday’s Lady Vets round, and in a tight finish between Robyn West and Ann Browning, just 1 shot separated the leaders. Ann had a magic game, scoring two five pointers, one on the 10th and the other a chip in from nearly 30 metres out on the 17th.
Results: Tuesday 24/6/25
Lady Vets 9 Hole Event 1st Robyn West 18; 2nd Ann Browning 17; 3rd Marie Pegram
Winter returned with a vengeance on Thursday, with an icy wind whipping down the fairways to make
game for Jo Plummer (swinger Lead), Dawn Jones and Sandra Leisemann v Jo, Dot Dallas and Robyn Webster. Sandra's team winning 18 v 14. The score was 8 all on the 8th end for Sheril Johnson, Ingrid Luck and Bev Harrington v Precy Swaddling, Judi Polak
conditions uncomfortable for the 45 starters. In the field again today were Sue Wilde and Michele Nelson, who’ve become regular visitors at Hawks Nest. The ladies played off the grey tees, with Deb Dummett leading home those on the front 9 with a lovely nett score of 33, and Karen Serhan on the back 9 with 35. Di Smith had the only chip in today on the 13th hole.
Results: Thursday 26/6/25
Lady Vets 9 Hole Event 1st Maureen Ward -7; 2nd Jane Harvey -6; 3rd Sue Kovacs -4; 4th Fran
NTP Hole 3: Division 1
Marcia Smith; Division 2 Elsa Jones; Division 3 Viv Ballinger
NTP Hole 16: Division 1 Fran Henderson; Division 2 Robyn Deppi; Division 3 Donna Gorton
Our Lady Veterans Captain, Marg Bonney farewelled departing Hawks Nest Golf Pro, Andrew McCormack at our presentation. She spoke for all when she thanked Andrew for his friendly guidance and support for ladies golf during his 11 years at Hawks Nest, especially his role in encouraging newcomers to the game, and always being the smiling face at the desk,
and Gay Pezet from here on Gay's team failed to add to their tally for the next 5 ends ultimately losing this contest 20 v 12. Loretta Baker ( great to see Loretta back at bowls), Jean Glover and Robyn Beaumont came from behind and snatched victory from Lorraine Murphy, Jane Uff and Bette Saillard 20 v 15. An interesting result on Rink 12, Vicki McMillan, Carolyn Fredericks and Karen Green were behind from
Hawks Nest Golf Club Social Club Darts
By MICHELLE COLE
RESULTS of Thursday 26th June darts. Winners were Graeme
into the final end the score was 12 all, then the unbelievable happened Karen's ladies scored 5 shots, winning 17 v 12. The winners on the day winning with the highest margin were Sheril. Ingrid and Bev.
Thursday 26th June: A Triples game, 12 ends for Lyn Nightingale, Sandra Leisemann
Bramley and Barry Jones with runners up Clint Harris and Dermott O’Sullivan.
Men’s highest pointscore was 123 by Paul Bennett and ladies highest pointscore 87 was Michelle Cole
Darts are on every Thursday night. All welcome.
in lessons and golf clinics. Andrew spoke warmly of the many good friends he has made here; his enjoyment watching the ladies develop and improve their golf game; his excitement for the challenges ahead for himself, Emily and the boys, with the hope that he would be back often enough to stay in touch with the HNGC community. Andrew’s priceless words of wisdom for the lady golfers? Don’t stand too close to the ball after you’ve hit it! Our best wishes go with Andrew and his family as he takes up his new position with Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane.
and Bev Dunn 12 v Lynda Richards, Judi Polak and Bette Saillard 9.
On the next rink, a game of Pairs 10 ends format for play the first bowlers send down 2 bowls then change of ends, the second bowlers bowl 4 bowls, change of ends then the bowlers who bowled first bowl their last 2 bowls. Ingrid Luck and Robyn Beaumont had an incredible victory winning here 21 v 0, their opposition Jean Glover
and Bev Harrington. The winners on the day winning with the lowest score were Lyn, Sandra and Bev. Saturday 28th June: Presentation Night for TGCCWBC and TGCCMBC, a great night enjoyed by all who attended, members and invited guests and our MP Kate Washington. Coming events: Tuesday 1st July, Round 1 of the Club Championship Major Singles.
q Maxine Mitchell was in the Winners' circle on Saturday and Tuesday this week.
q Jo Buttrey, a member of Tuesday's Winning team.
q Ann Browning, second in Tuesday's Lady Vets game.
q Kate Washington with the winner of our Major Singles Championship Robyn Beaumont and Runner Up Bette Saillard.
q Winners Graeme Bramley and Barry Jones with runners up Clint Harris and Dermott O’Sullivan.
q Paul Bennett and Michelle Cole.
SUDOKU
Opportunities Available
William ‘Bill’ Bentley
Born 26 November 1952 Passed 17 June 2025
Aged 72 years
Husband to Christine. Father to Tracey, Clint, Jody & Gene. Brother to Roy, Bob, Alan, Pat, Terry & Des.
The man who put everyone before himself will be deeply missed. Please join us for a Celebration of Bill’s Life at Tea Gardens Country Club, Saturday 16 August, 2.30pm-5.00pm
Pets
GREAT Groodle pups (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 1 boy, 9 girls. Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $1,200. Ready to go 6th July. Call or text: 0422 070 333 991003003003470 / 991003003003472 / 991003003003469 / 991003003003474 / 991003003003477 / 991003003003463 / 991003003003465 / 991003003003473 / 991003003003462 / 991003003003464 / 991003003003476
CASUAL TELEMARKETER / COLD CALLING LEGEND
$36 per Hour | 3 Days per Week | 4 Hours per Day
Are you a confident, friendly and energetic person who loves connecting with people? Do you excel in a results driven environment? Are you based in Port Stephens and looking for casual, flexible work with a great hourly pay with bonuses? We want to hear from you!
We’re looking for a motivated Telemarketer to sell print and digital newspaper advertising to local small businesses to help them boost their visibility. If you’ve got the gift of the gab and a passion for helping businesses grow, we want to hear from you!
What you’ll be doing:
• Making outbound sales calls to small business owners.
• Presenting and selling advertising opportunities.
• Building rapport and closing deals over the phone.
• Maintaining records of calls and sales activity.
• Following scripts and hitting call KPIs.
What we’re looking for:
• Confidence and resilience on the phone and a love for conversation.
• Excellent communication and sales skills.
• Previous experience in telesales or ad sales a plus.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic. Why join us?
• $36 per hour + super + a generous commission structure (uncapped earning potential).
• Flexible, casual hours – 3 day/week, 4 hours/day. Full training provided.
• Supportive, relaxed work culture with clear expectations.
• A chance to work directly with the business owner and make a real impact.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.
Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au
SAT 12 July. 9am to 12 noon. Medowie Uniting Church. Cnr Abundance & Lisadell Rd. Weather permitting! e030725
Legs can be removed for travel. $50. 0432 585 156
BABY love car seat up to 4yrs old. Excellent cond
FOOT Joy Golf Shoes Mens black size 10 worn once as new. $100 Ph 0408 683 670 F060225 GENUINE leather boots made in Canada Excellent cond. Non-slip soles. $60. 4982 8787 F211124
GOLF clubs Callaway X-Hot. Full set, as new $600 0421 218 514
PATIO Gas Heater brand new, assembled never used, $100. Ph 0412 083 543. Tea Gardens F220525 RECORDS 62 x 78s 24 x 33s, 24 x 45s $100 the lot. 0456 489 789
KYMCO scooter 2022 rego GUT78 200cc engine $3,700 ono 0410 529 698
VACUUM cleaner hands free. Unwanted gift. $260. Medowie 4982 9942
VEHICLE dent repair outfit with body filler $50 (never used) 0402 087 401
VINTAGE cameras Offers accepted. 4982 8787 F030425
COFFEE table, lovely walnut with 3 drawers $100 ono 0448 521 466
COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. $20 ea 4981 2713 f190625
LOUNGE 3m long unique, VGC, in bone material with cushions available if wanted $280 0411 894 327
MENS size S: 2 LS shirts (H-M): (Eddie Wood). 1 H-M Trousers Suitable for end of year Functions as new. $30 0412 783 707
MENS steel cap safety boots, size 6 Blacksmith $30 4982 8628 F130225
METALLIC outdoor setting table & two chairs $50 4997 0611
MICROWAVE, 52 x 30cm, VGC, $20 4919 1121 Peter
MICROWAVE brand new $100 0493 777 707 F030425
SHOES, Puma size 10 mens. Brand new, white BMW logo. $50 4982 8628
WOK, new with glass lid, $20. 0493 777 707
WORK boots, new, size 10, Blacksmith. $10 0493 777 707 F180724
MOBILITY scooter, Lotus Blake Montana scooter, powerful 36v motor, brand new batteries. Good tyres, front and rear baskets. At Corlette. $490. Ring 0414 333 199
MOTORISED bike, low km $1850 0427 704 592
SLIM single mattress and base. 760 x 1900mm. $50. 4997 2017
SOFA bed vgc double $50 4982 2335
STAND Up Paddle board, Kings inflatable Located in HN. $99.00 Call 0493 078 190
STORAGE box, restored. Ex-navy, first World War original handles $100 ono 4982 8787
TALL ceramic garden pot. Royal blue. 36cm2 top. 90cm tall. $65 matching spherical water feature $35 4938 5923 F030425
x2 for use in various Brother printers $30.00. 0418 603 286 F240425
SKI biscuits x2, ski ropes x 3 the lot for $50 ono 0414 013 244 BEAUTIFUL wooden dinning room table with chairs, immac cond $80. 49971196 F150525 TWO kitchen bench chairs, near new. $20 for both 0493 777 707
WOMENS winter clothing size 10-12 quality, near new, nothing over $20. Ph 49385923 for address
KIA Sportage 2009 dsl,
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
THAT BLACKFELLA SHOW
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Premiering on the eve of NAIDOC Week, this one-ofa-kind variety special guarantees laughs, music and quality yarns told in front of a studio audience. Aussie icon Ernie Dingo and ABC News Breakfast journo Bridget Brennan host, with musician, activist and social media star Isaac Compton (above right, with Dingo and Brennan) providing comic relief. While it’s a loud, proud celebration of Indigenous voices and culture, That Blackfella Show aspires to be a source of entertainment and a point of connection for all Australians. It’s a stacked hour of power that TV has been crying out for.
FRIDAY, July 4
Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter. (PGv, R)
SUNDAY
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SEVEN, 7pm
Now that we’ve seen all 12 celebs (and host Sonia Kruger) put their best footwork forward, the first elimination looms for the second batch of stars. and Away’s Kyle Shilling opens tonight’s show with a powerful Viennese waltz, before newsreader Karina Carvalho shuns her serious side for a sexy salsa, and Mia Fevola pays tribute to her mum Alex by waltzing to a sentimental song. It’s a hard act to follow, but Shaun Micallef (pictured) brings his very best Fred Astaire to the foxtrot. Then, the only way is up for Osher Günsberg, who’s determined to improve upon his single-digit score. Comedian Felicity Ward closes the show with a paper-doll cha cha that’s anything but onedimensional. This disco inferno is only just heating up.
Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Atlantic Crossing. (Ma, R) 12.05 True Colours. (Mlv, R) 3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
TUESDAY
GREAT CONTINENTAL RAILWAY JOURNEYS
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs visits Jimmy Rees. 8.00 Football. AFL. Round 17. West Coast v GWS Giants. 11.00 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing. 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R) The team explores ASMR.
1.00 Nurses. (Ma, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today.
SBS, 7.30pm
The always colourful Michael Portillo (pictured) and his trusty 1936 Bradshaw’s Continental Handbook are back for an eighth season of riding the rails through culture and history. This season sees Michael journey into Europe, the Balkans, Central Asia and India, seeing how things have changed since Bradshaw’s days and immersing himself in traditions and practices. The journey begins with a trip through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Michael faces some modern-day gladiators, assumes the duties of stationmaster and explores an organic olive farm, before discovering some beautiful 15th-century frescoes in a tiny church.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 18. Canterbury Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Canterbury Bulldogs versus Brisbane Broncos match, with news and analysis. 10.45 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 5. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 5 Late. 5.00 Fishing Australia. (R) The team visits South Australia’s Port Lincoln. 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) Shane checks out a laneway full of restaurants.
SATURDAY, July 5
(2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Grantchester. (Mv) 2.05 Patience. (Ma, R) 3.05 Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius. (Final, PGl, R) 4.00 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PG, R) 4.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.25 QI. (PG, R)
6.00 Landline. (R)
6.30 Australian Story: The River Pt 1. (R)
the village of Little Auburn.
10.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R)
10.55 Little Disasters. (Mals, R)
11.40 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. (Final, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.50 Dance Life. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Great Lighthouses Of Ireland. (R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.05 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PGal, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 4.30 First To Fight: Pacific War Marines. (PGav, R) 5.30 From The Ashes Of World War II.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG)
8.25 Hitler’s Jewish Soldier? Australia Uncovered. (Mav, R)
9.35 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 1.
2.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
3.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGaw, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Members Appreciation Day, Flemington Finals Race Day and Caloundra Cup 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)
7.30 MOVIE: Evan Almighty. (2007, G, R) A man is ordered to build an ark. Steve Carell.
9.30 MOVIE: No Hard Feelings. (2023, MA15+lns) A woman tries to help a teenage boy. Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman.
11.40 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
1.05 Nurses. (Ma, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)
7TWO (62)
6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Wimbledon 2025 Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights, opinions and topical stories, from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
8.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 6.
From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England.
12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 6 Late.
From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
SUNDAY, July 6
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Joanna Lumley’s Danube. (R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PG, R) 4.40 Walking With Dinosaurs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Madv) Stella is thrown into a tailspin.
8.50 Little Disasters. (Mal) Social Services threatens to split up the Carrisfords.
9.40 Namatjira Project: The Quest For Justice. (Ml, R) Charts the story of the Namatjira family.
11.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
(64)
6am The Big
Steal. Continued. (1990, PG) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.05 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 10.00 Suffragette. (2015, M) Noon The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.40 RBG. (2018, PG) 4.30 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 6.30 Music & Lyrics. (2007) 8.30 May December. (2023) 10.40 Alma & Oskar. (2022, MA15+) 12.20am Kill Bill: Vol. 2. (2004, MA15+) 2.55 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PGav, R) 11.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 1.00 Motor Racing. ProMX C’ships. Round 6. 4.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 5.30 From The Ashes Of World War II. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mont-Saint-Michel: Rising Again. Looks at Mont-Saint-Michel, a triumph of technical prowess, spiritual ambition and architectural audacity.
8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 2. Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-surMer. 209.1km hilly stage. From France.
2.10 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
3.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGalw, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGl) The second group hits the ballroom floor once again.
8.30 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.30 The Philpotts: A Very British Horror. (Mlsv) Examines a house fire.
11.00 Crime Investigation Australia. (Mav, R)
12.20 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGl) Ordinary Australians become travel critics, continuing with a trip to San Francisco, where they explores its steep hills, see some new technology and take in Yosemite National Park.
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.10 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 7. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 7 Late.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Allo! Allo! 9.10 Blackadder The Third. 9.55 Reunited. 10.55 The Earthshot Prize. 12.10pm Seinfeld. 12.40 The Jesus Strand: A Search For DNA. 2.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: The Black Stallion Returns. (1983) 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Movie 2:
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.15 Speechless. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
Glass Heart. 5.45 SBS50. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am RBG. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.50 Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 9.05 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 11.05 History Of The Occult. (2020, M, Spanish) 12.40pm Shaft. (1971, M) 2.35 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 4.30 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 6.25 Where Angels Fear To Tread. (1991) 8.30 This Boy’s Life. (1993) 10.50 The Broken Land. (2021, M, Italian) 12.30am Late Programs.
7TWO (62)
Programs. 9.10 Blackadder The
9.55 Reunited. 10.55 Searching For Michael Jackson’s Zoo With Ross Kemp. (Premiere) Noon MOVIE: Short Circuit. (1986, PG) 2.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: Undercover Blues. (1993, PG) 5.25
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple know it’s time to make a decision. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Ambulance NSW responds to calls about an 88-year-old with a severe head wound. 9.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple need a larger home in western Sydney. She wants a modern house with open plan living while he prefers an older home. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.50 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t
DRAMA
DRAMA
ABC FAMILY (22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, July 7
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (Ml, R) 8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (PG, R) 9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 3.
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.10 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (R)
3.55 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.
8.30 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena investigates the brutal beating of a man found behind a grocery store.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R)
12.30 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Malv)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Parental Guidance. (PGas) Eight sets of parents with very different parenting styles put their methods to the test.
9.00 100% Footy. (M) Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Cam Smith and James Bracey look at the latest rugby league news, with exclusive insights from an expert panel of some of the sports’ most influential figures.
10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 8. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 8 Late.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
TUESDAY, July 8
7.30. (R)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. (Premiere) 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.05 The Crystal Maze. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 6.15 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 8.15 Where Angels Fear To Tread. (1991) 10.20 The Movie Show. 10.55 A Most Wanted Man. (2014, M) 1.10pm The Movie Show. 1.45 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 3.45 Like Father, Like Son. (2013, PG, Japanese) 6.00 Another Country. (2015, PG) 7.25 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PG, Dzongkha) 9.30 Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (Return, PGav)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 4.
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
3.00 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (R)
3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Dana’s worried for Irene.
7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mlns) The couples receive another surprise crate and face off at the next Couples Cove.
10.25 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.30 Police Custody USA: Meth Wars. (Madl, R) Cops try to bring down a drug kingpin.
12.30 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Paramedics. (Return, Mlm) 8.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) Hosted by Brad Fittler, Danika
MOVIES (32)
6am Sissi: The Fateful Years. Continued. (1957, PG, German) 7.10 An Ideal Husband. (1999, PG) 9.00 Another Country. (2015, PG) 10.25 The Broken Land. (2021, M, Italian) 12.05pm Sweet As. (2022, M) 1.40 Sissi. (1955, German) 3.40 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 9.45 The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY, July 9
Mexico. (PG, R)
4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.15 Doctor Who. 11.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05
THURSDAY,
MOVIES (32)
6am Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 8.10 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 10.00 The Movie Show. 10.35 Tudawali. (1987, M) 12.15pm A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 2.30 Another Country. (2015, PG) 3.55 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 5.55 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.35 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 9.30 Mad Bastards. (2010, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
July 10
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)
8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 6. 1.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 2.55 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGad, R)
3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
Unfiltered. (PGa) 10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (Malv) 11.20 Stags. (MA15+adv) 12.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Running On Empty. (PGa) Looks at an Air Tahoma cargo plane crash. 10.30 Million Pound Pawn. (PG) 11.30 Evil By Design. (Mav, R) 12.35 Life. (Madv, R) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. State of Origin. Game 3. New South Wales v Queensland. 10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 3 of the State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland.
Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 10. Quarter-finals.
Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 10 Late. Quarter-finals. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard. 4.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 2. Wests
MOVIES (32)
6am It All Began When I Met You. Continued. (2013, PG, Japanese) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 10.00 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 11.55 Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 2.40pm Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 4.20 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 6.20 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 7.55 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 9.30 Walkabout. (1971, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
Winning Winter
By Thomas O'KEEFE
SWIMMERS with the Myall Masters have managed to stay warm and active as winter sets in, despite the temptation to hunker down.
The local Tea Gardens Pool has set seasons, and so is closed for the winter, but the creative Masters swimmers have been driven by a desire to maintain the hard-won fitness from last summer.
“You might expect that members put their beanies on and hit the couch with a hot chocolate,” Masters swimmer Sharon Taylor told NOTA.
“But they’re a creative bunch and have been keenly seeking swimming opportunities wherever they go.”
While some have endured car-pooling
to visit regional heated pools, others have had the opportunity to head overseas to train in openwater swimming in the northern hemisphere, meaning that Myall Masters blue dolphin swim caps have popped up in ponds all over the planet.
The Masters take their sport quite seriously, as seen in their numerous reported endeavours and successes last summer, and their competition continues with interclub meets in the Sydney region.
The next local group swim for Myall is a ‘friendly’ at Maitland’s indoor 25-metre pool in July.
A trio of Masters coaches also braved the frozen Molonglo region to attend the Masters Swimming National Coaching Conference in Canberra.
“Leon, Steve and I spent a weekend immersed
in swimming ideas, participating in lessons, workshops and networking with national coach leaders, stroke specialists, exercise physiologists, elite coaches, programmers and coaching peers,” Sharon explained.
“The content is designed to progress masters coaching excellence through continuing professional development, and that will find its way into the swim programming that ensues in earnest over the winter recess.
“If anyone is also thinking about getting fit and swimming once winter passes it is a good time now to get in touch and be ready to join the Myall Masters program as soon as the season starts.”
Find out more on the Myall Masters website or Facebook pages or contact Club Coach Sharon (0467 001 423) or Club Captain Shane (0412 684 003).
q Myall Masters members Steve Rees, Sharon Taylor and Leon Bobako at the coaching clinic in Canberra.