By Thomas O'KEEFE
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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FROM Page 1
NAIDOC Week theme of ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, two TGPS students shared public speaking pieces about their Aboriginal culture.
Koby Franks shared his background and heritage as part of the Welcome to Country, and Archie Wall led the cake cutting at the conclusion of the event.
TGPS Principal Mark Clemson thanked all in attendance for their support of the event.
“Your presence and participation made the day truly special,” he said.
“We extend our gratitude to the volunteers, staff, and local organisations who helped make this event possible, including cultural burning with Hunter Local Land Services, and the representatives from MidCoast Council for their support and for the grant funding.”
TGPS student Archie Wall said his favourite activity of the day was boomerang throwing.
“NAIDOC day was a very nice day because of the Elders that visited the school and the fun activities run by Murrook,” he said.
“I also enjoyed the opportunity to present my speech on culture and community to the school and visitors.”
Another student, Kayleigh Thompson, enjoyed “boomerang throwing, dancing and eating the NAIDOC cake”.
Worimi Elder Aunty Dr Liz McEntyre offered the Welcome to Country at the event.
“NAIDOC Week celebrates the cultures, histories, achievements and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Aunty Liz said.
“It is a time to stand alongside our communities and honour the enduring strength and spirit of First Peoples that keeps us all going strong.”
Launched in 1975, this year marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC celebrations.
“2025 marks a powerful milestone: 50 years since NAIDOC was formally established as a national movement, honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, and celebrating our cultures and the teaching of our histories,” Aunty Liz said.
“The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Aboriginal communities who saw a future built on justice and equality.
“Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration of Australia’s First Peoples, and our allies.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look toward the next 50 years with excitement and confidence, while every day ensuring that NAIDOC remains a movement grounded in community-led vision and cultural integrity.”
Noting this year’s NAIDOC theme, Aunty Liz spoke of the importance of celebrating Indigenous youth.
“This year, the National NAIDOC
Committee took an important step toward independence, embracing self-determination as a model for the next generation,” she said.
“The theme was selected following the committee’s distress at the way in which our youth are often demeaned in the media and presented as social pariahs and potential risks to the wider community’s safety.
“To us, our youth are our cultural and social strength, and the continuity for our communities and we celebrate the role you play in all of our futures.
“You are our strength, and we know that you provide our vision in the advancement of First Peoples rights and cultures, not just in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, but across the country, and we all know that your future legacies will inspire powerful change for generations to come.”
The event was made possible through a collaboration between the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Aboriginal Reference Group, Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tea Gardens Public School, and MidCoast Council.
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as a “maiden” speech, and still informally referred to that way, these addresses are not subjected to interruption or interjection and are not allowed to be attacked or dismissed by subsequent speakers.
They are relatively uncontroversial, often consisting of a general statement of the politician's beliefs and background, rather than a partisan comment on a current topic.
Ms Penfold’s first speech marked a milestone, as she became only the second
woman from the NSW Nationals elected to the House of Representatives in the Federal Parliament’s history.
Ms Penfold outlined her upbringing and paid tribute to the former Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie.
She highlighted the recent experiences of her electorate, particularly the resilience of its residents following the devastating May floods.
And she outlined what she believed to be her role.
“My job in this Parliament will be to work constructively with the government so that together
we can solve problems and provide the resources, services and infrastructure my communities need to improve living standards, to live with dignity, to grow, to be rich in spirit and diverse in activities.”
In addition to local concerns, Ms Penfold addressed a broad range of national and regional challenges, including energy production, climate policy, national defence, immigration, and the broader direction of the country.
In her address Ms Penfold promised to work hard, listen, care, and “deliver for my constituents and the people of Australia”.
By Matt COLEBORNE
AFTER 19 years of steady, silent service through the night, Peter Bliss, a dedicated member of Marine Rescue Port Stephens, has hung up the headset on his final
overnight shift.
Often working while the rest of the community slept, Peter was one of the unit’s most reliable night radio operators, logging a remarkable 1,323 shifts and more than 8,600 volunteer hours.
Always preferring the calm and solitude of the graveyard shift, Peter’s voice was a reassuring presence for late-night boaters, fellow volunteers, and emergency services alike.
“He was the quiet force behind our nighttime operations,” said Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart.
“He didn’t seek the spotlight – just showed up, shift after shift, year after year, to keep people safe.
“That kind of contribution is
by Xander Gee
Farms are often considered as more than just real estate by those who own and work them. In many cases they are passed down through the generations from parents to their children and as such have sentimental, as well as commercial value. During a separation, this value must be balanced against the non-farming spouse’s right to a fair and equitable property settlement.
Prior to the introduction of the Family Law Act, farms maintained a special status within the Family Courts with an acknowledgement that farms were not only valuable pieces of real estate providing a home for the family, but also business assets generating an income. As such, the Courts largely took the view that as far as possible, orders should not be made that would affect the income earning potential of
the farm or require its sale. As a consequence, nonfarming spouses could be significantly disadvantaged compared to their suburban counterpart who might otherwise receive a payment from the sale of the matrimonial home.
Today, farms are largely treated as all other real property, however, there remains the view that it is preferable for a business asset such as a farm to be retained by the spouse working the farm, but only if a just and equitable result can still be achieved for both parties. A Court will consider alternatives to forcing the sale of the farm, but ultimately if the alternatives are not just and equitable then the farm will need to be sold, just as any other asset of the parties.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
rare.”
Peter received a Unit Commander’s Citation for his exceptional service before stepping away from the role due to a recent injury and a planned move closer to family in Maitland.
A sailor in his earlier years, Peter always brought a calm, steady approach to the job – whether logging a vessel, responding to a call, or helping train new operators.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens is currently calling for new volunteers to join its team – not just radio
operators, but also boat crew, maintenance support, fundraising teams, and more.
“You don’t have to commit to 8,000 hours,” said Community Relations Officer Frank Van Druten with a laugh.
“But you might find, like Peter did, that volunteering becomes something you look forward to.
“It gives back more than you expect – new mates, new skills, and the satisfaction of helping people.”
The unit’s next Volunteer Information Night will be
held at 6:00pm on Monday, 25 August at the Marine Rescue base, 5A Lighthouse Road, Nelson Bay.
All ages and backgrounds are welcome, and full training is provided.
“It’s one of the best things you can do with your time,” said Frank.
“And who knows – we might just find the next Peter Bliss.”
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1654857162019130 or search Marine Rescue Port Stephens online.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
HEAVY rains returned to mark the start of August, adding to the stream of storm events in which locals have lost count.
Saturday 2 August saw powerful winds and relentless rain sweep-in with a low-pressure system from the south east, pounding rooftops across the coastal and hinterland regions, causing flash flooding and adding more water to areas already inundated.
Major weather warnings were issued by the Bureau of Meteorology all along the coast, from Newcastle to Coffs Harbour, including the Upper Hunter, Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands
and the North West Slopes and Plains.
Damaging wind gusts in excess of 90 kilometres an hour brought down trees over the weekend and trains were cancelled along the Hunter Line between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle due to flooding at Sandgate.
The Bucketts Way, bumpy at the best of times, suffered considerable surface damage, according to reports from Stroud SES volunteers.
The heavy rain caused widespread riverine and flash flooding, while cold temperatures instigated highly irregular snowfalls and the hidden danger of black ice.
The SES reported unusually heavy falls, up to
50mm, in Walcha, Uralla, Ebor, Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes and Moonbi Ranges.
Volunteers responded to more than 100 reports of cars being stuck on the New England Highway, Waterfall Way, Norris Drive and Grafton Road.
Once the rains stop, flash flooding should subside quickly.
However, low-lying areas and those areas close to the water table, will retain floodwaters for longer.
This raises potential public health issues, especially if septic tanks have flooded and overflowed, or storm drains have been blocked and are backed up.
NBN and power outages have been experienced in
areas that are not necessarily flooded, proving the frailty of existing communications infrastructure.
The NSW SES urges residents to remain vigilant and not become complacent, and to avoid travel whenever possible.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said rivers can rise quickly, as occurred in Scone over one night.
She urged residents to heed the warnings.
“Those in the area could become isolated without power, water and other essential services.”
Moderate flooding was expected on the Paterson and Williams rivers, while
minor flood warnings were issued for the Myall, Severn, Manning, Gloucester, Macleay, Nepean, Gwydir Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.
Assistant Commissioner Hogan confirmed that the majority of flood rescue responses by the NSW SES were, disappointingly, for vehicles being driven into floodwaters.
A search was launched for a 26-year-old woman who had escaped a car that became stuck in floodwaters near Cessnock on Saturday evening.
She was washed away, while the 27-year-old driver was uninjured and was rescued.
“We implore the
community to never, under any circumstance, drive through floodwaters,” Asst Comm. Hogan said.
“If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another way.”
Over 1500 volunteers have been activated as the NSW SES responds to more than 1800 incidents since the onset of the severe weather.
To stay across the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES website.
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
By Thomas O’KEEFE
WINTER wet and chill have not dampened the spirits of The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, with the owner and crew finalists for two major regional business awards.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry is one of three finalists for the “Best Visitor Experience”, alongside tourism businesses from Forster and Barrington.
“These nominations reflect the heart and hard work of our crew, our
commitment to exceptional customer experiences, and the amazing support of our community,” owner Kerrie Jeffreys said.
“Being recognised alongside so many incredible local businesses is truly humbling.”
The Original Ferry’s winter campaign has enjoyed considerable success, including sell-outs of their local History Cruises with News Of The Area’s own John “Stinker” Clarke.
A recent Christmas in July
cruise out of Tea Gardens was also a sell-out, allowing those aboard to finally make sense of the wintry icons that go up every Christmas.
“It’s been incredible to see how much love there is for the stories of our bay, from WWII tales and Worimi culture to the quirks of local fishing life,” Kerrie told NOTA.
“In July, the MV Wallamba was decked out in sparkling tinsel and fairy lights, and our passengers did not disappoint – there were festive jumpers, Santa hats,
q
and even a few matching Christmas outfits that turned heads and raised smiles.
“And we’re extra proud that our History Cruises have been featured in both the Myall Coast and Port Stephens News Of The Area, such a wonderful recognition of the community connection and storytelling that make these cruises so special.
“Our ‘Grand Old Ladies of Sea’ have been operating in the community for over 30 years and I have been at the helm for just on three,
We’re vaccinated for winter so we don’t miss a thing.
and am mighty proud that the Queen of our Fleet, the MV Tea Gardens, has recently been accepted to The Australian Register for Historic Vessels, as she is one of few vessels that has been in continual service for over 80 years.”
The Original Ferry is also looking ahead with a renewed hiring campaign, looking for skippers and deckhands, to get a running start on the spring and summer seasons, once the rains subside.
“It is a bit of a family affair so far, my sister-inlaw is my ‘hostess with the mostest’, bringing her years of experience as a high-end maître d' in hotels all over the world; my brother as a skipper-extraordinaire has done 35 years as captain on super yachts; and my niece is one hell of a deckhand.”
Kerrie’s grander plans include talks with tourism coach operators in Australia and New Zealand, aiming for a continual stream of visitors to the Myall region.
MORE than 1200 captivebred White’s seahorse babies have been released into their new home at Port Stephens.
The baby seahorses were released into underwater ‘seahorse hotels’, an artificial habitat made to provide shelter and safety, as well as into natural seagrass and endangered soft coral environments.
“Port Stephens prides itself on our stunning waterways and rich marine life, so it’s very special to see
more than a thousand tiny baby endangered seahorses being released into our estuary,” said Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.
White’s seahorses have suffered massive population declines over the last three years due to major flooding events along Australia’s east coast.
“White’s seahorses are one of 110 species prioritised for recovery under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action
Plan,” said Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt.
The seahorse hotels are designed by scientists and made from metal that slowly rusts away in seawater.
They were built and decorated with biodegradable materials to increase habitat structure by more than 400 local school children who have joined the recovery efforts and are learning about threats to the species.
These ‘hotels’ become
covered in sponges, corals and algae that take over as the metal frames rust away.
They are used by White’s seahorses much like encrusted discarded fish traps and other marine debris.
This was the largest ever release of White’s seahorses into Port Stephens since the program began and the largest release of seahorses ever undertaken in the world.
More releases will happen later this year in Botany Bay
with traditional custodians, the Gamay Rangers.
Large-scale captive breeding of White’s seahorses is being funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program and led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“The aquaculture breeding program, which commenced in February 2024, is a flagship example of how our Government is committed to leading recovery efforts for endangered species,” said NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty.
“The Port Stephens Fisheries Institute is delivering world-class aquaculture and marine science, and I appreciate the support from the Commonwealth in funding this work and our combined efforts to recover populations of the endangered White’s seahorse.”
NEWCASTLE Airport’s brand-new arrivals area is now open.
Initially slated for an August launch, the international terminal opened early, following the work of over 2,000 individuals and more than 314,000 hours of construction.
“This terminal is a major investment in the Hunter’s future,” said Linc Horton, CEO of Newcastle Airport.
“Delivered over four years, creating 4,400 jobs in the long term, and giving our region a terminal ready to grow beyond 2.5 million passengers a year.”
Designed for long-term growth, the expansion more than doubles the airport’s capacity, enabling it to grow from 1.2 million to over 2.5
million passengers annually.
The terminal includes new swing-gate functionality, allowing for transition between domestic and international operations.
Key improvements include a larger arrivals hall with new signage, digital wayfinding and smoother connections from car park to gate; enhanced pick-up zones and two hours of free parking in Long Stay Saver; and wide-body aircraft capability, runway upgrades and new aerobridges to support future international flights.
The terminal’s opening paves the way for the international departures area to welcome passengers later this year.
Flights to Bali commence
from 21 October, with direct flights to Perth in September. Newcastle Airport continues to expand its
q The terminal includes new swing-gate functionality, allowing for transition between
HUNTER region councils can now apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.
The funding comes due to an expansion of the “Greening Our City” program beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.
“The program is
designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes,” the NSW Government said in a statement.
“By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast,
an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.”
Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.
A new advisory panel
– comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.
“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening
Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat –
whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.
“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”
The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.
TIME is running out for manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast to submit their nominations for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2025 (HMA 2025), with entries
closing in just a few weeks.
Now in its 21st year, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards shine a spotlight on the region’s manufacturing excellence, recognising businesses of all sizes that are
leading through innovation, resilience, and community contribution.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley said there are incredible manufacturers doing
outstanding work across our region, but many don’t stop to celebrate their achievements.
“This is their chance to showcase what sets them apart, gain recognition, and take pride in what they’ve built,” she said. “With over a dozen award categories, manufacturers at every stage of their journey can find a
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MEMBERS of the Hawks
Nest and District Probus Club gathered in the warm and dry confines of the Hawks Next Golf Club on 1 August to hear stories of high seas adventures.
Ninety-six attendees first congratulated Probus Life Member Ray Hoskings on his 90th birthday, with President Barb Smith thanking Ray for his instrumental role in the formation of the mixedgender Probus Club back in April 2011.
“All the ladies here today are glad to be here, and we value Roy’s membership greatly,” Barb said.
“Roy has also been a mentor to every President since the formation in 2011,”
Probus Secretary Ann Scully told News Of The Area.
Club Vice President John Lamb then stepped up to regale the members with reminiscences from his year as a mate aboard the tall ship
“One And All”, and the work the ship does with youth from the Sir David Martin Foundation.
The One And All is a tall ship built in the early 1980s in South Australia based on the original rig of an 1850s brigantine.
It participated in the 1988 Bicentenary fleet.
“It is termed a ‘jackass brigantine’, probably because it is a brig with an extra-long bowsprit,” John said.
“Although 1800s conditions were very poor, sleeping in hammocks, pirates used brigantines for their mix of triangular fore and aft sails, providing
A NEW Walking, Cycling and Trails-based Activity Strategy was adopted at MidCoast Council’s 23 July meeting.
category that fits.
“Whether it’s pioneering sustainability, launching a new product, mentoring apprentices, or driving global exports, HMA wants to hear from you.”
Past winners have used the platform to spotlight breakthrough achievements, including the 2024 Collaboration Partnership Award winners - The Melt, Allegro Energy, and Muswellbrook Shire Council - who joined forces to develop a first-of-its-kind Microemulsion Redox Flow Battery, a breakthrough in safe, scalable energy storage.
“The award recognised both our battery technology and the power of regional collaboration,” said John Klinkenberg, Principal Industrial Designer at The Melt.
“While the Upper Hunter has long been a heartland of traditional energy generation, this project shows how the region is also embracing
the future of clean energy manufacturing.
“The Melt’s Modern Manufacturing Centre in Muswellbrook is proof that regional innovation is real, and it’s happening now.” Allegro Energy was named Outstanding Start-Up in 2024 for its pioneering work in sustainable, water-based energy storage solutions.
“Winning the award gave us a huge credibility boost within the region and with our national and international partners,” said Dr Thomas Nann, CEO of Allegro Energy.
“We're proud to be part of a regional innovation ecosystem that’s solving global challenges in energy and sustainability from right here in the Hunter.
“The area’s rich industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and supportive infrastructure provides an ideal environment for innovation."
Businesses from the Hunter, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast are eligible. Entry is free.
Nominations close Wednesday 20 August 2025.
agility, and the square main sails, which gave speed under the right wind.”
The One And All was originally designed for training, presenting a challenge to trainees as everything on deck is crafted in the old style of 200 years ago, all operated by personpower.
Plenty of ship terms, once commonplace but now only for enthusiasts, were thrown overboardincluding the foremast, poop deck, baggywrinkle, ratlines, footropes, nocks and yards.
“Lots of sailors were lost going up the ratlines, especially in storms, but modern OHS demands changes to that, so deckhands all wear harnesses now.
“Trainees also practice survival at sea, including sharing and conserving body heat in a group in the water.
“Hypothermia is a big killer in the sea [as was the case] in 1998 when many were lost in the Sydney to Hobart race.”
of Public Spaces, Liam Bulley.
"Walking is the most popular activity undertaken in our region and there is a high level of community interest in this strategy," said Council's Executive Manager
"We thank everyone who has provided ideas and feedback for this important strategy. We have considered all feedback to develop the strategy."
The strategy was developed after community engagement in July and August 2024.
Over 513 people provided online feedback and 263 people spoke to Council's engagement and public spaces team during the consultation.
"The strategy provides a range of proposed walking and cycle path initiatives which support recreational activities," said Mr Bulley.
The Strategy sits alongside Council's existing Pedestrian and Access Mobility Plan which identifies walk and cycle routes to improve active transport routes to connect communities.
In May 2025, 100 people commented during the public exhibition of the draft
The Sir David Martin Foundation was set up to help kids get off the streets document.
A response to every submission is available on the website page for the project.
The strategy has 27 actions to improve walking and cycling trails in MidCoast parks and reserves.
There are 18 actions
and back on their feet. Its programs include a five-day trip on the One And All.
“The kids have to want to go, as low self-esteem is a big [issue]. They are taught selfworth and trained in various skills.”
David was humbled to have watched many kids master the skills and pull themselves up, and said many went on to start their own businesses.
The next Probus meeting will be held on 29 August at the Hawks Nest Golf Club.
to provide for trail-based activities across the region.
"These actions are exciting proposals for walkers and cyclists. The new strategy will help us seek funding opportunities to achieve the actions," added Mr Bulley.
You can read the Strategy and find out more about the project at https:// www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ walkandcycle.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
FROM the very beginning shipping has been a hazardous means of transport.
Port Stephens with all the surrounding reefs and islands has experienced more than its share of wrecks.
Between 1800-1950 tragedy struck 110 ships between Broughton Island in the north, out to sea for about 100 kilometres, and south past Morna Point along the Stockton Beach as far as the area of Anna Bay.
This part of the NSW coast is often referred to as the ‘shipwreck coast’.
In the 150-year period covered, at least 110 persons died as a direct result of a shipwreck in the vicinity of Port Stephens. Animals on
board ships also died.
An examination of the causes of the shipwrecks shows that stormy seas and negligence in navigation were the two main contributors.
A possible factor for the wreck of coastal trading ships was the practice of sailing close to the coastline to minimise the travel time between ports.
Captains could choose to travel further out to sea away from the shoreline and submerged rocks, but this increased sailing time.
They were often under pressure to complete trips in the shortest time and would choose to sail near the coastline, hopefully avoiding it and any submerged rocks.
In rough seas, or at night, ships could unknowingly travel too close to submerged rocks with disastrous consequences.
The reports of the wrecks
reveal many acts of heroism by crew members in saving lives and of attending to injuries suffered by survivors.
Some survivors of ships that foundered south of Port Stephens at Morna Point and along Stockton Beach near Anna Bay, had to make the long and difficult walk along the beach back to Stockton to seek assistance.
Early steamships did not possess great horsepower when compared to modern motor vehicles which have an average of 180 horsepower.
The steam boilers mostly produced between 25 and 50 horsepower which was inadequate to enable captains to sail away from danger in stormy seas.
Port Stephens was a harbour of refuge.
During stormy seas, captains often sought shelter in the harbour.
As there were no
navigation lights or the services of a harbour pilot in the early years, this was a problem for those captains not familiar with the area.
Sailing ships, in particular, had difficulties in entering or leaving Port Stephens in stormy weather and often ended up wrecked on the north head or nearby.
Twenty-four ships are recorded as being wrecked in that vicinity.
Captain Thomas Kehoe had the misfortune to wreck three ships at the north head.
Residents of Port Stephens and along the immediate coastline, together with the Point Stephens Lighthouse officers, performed many acts of kindness and gave practical assistance to shipwreck victims.
Many of these ended up in Nelson Bay or Anna Bay following their misadventure.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MORE rain led to many cancellations, but the indomitable Thursday Walkers group could not be kept at bay for the entire month of July.
Early July’s rain return saw the ‘Grahamstown Drain’ rule out a scheduled
walk from Grahamstown Dam to Raymond Terrace, with flooding of several creeks along the way, and the planned lunch spot at the Terrace fully inundated as the Hunter River had broken its banks.
The following week brought blue sky and sunshine, but also winds,
none of it enough to deter the eager Walkers from a trek to Boat Harbour, in search of whales.
“Our efforts were rewarded with quite a few sightings of pods cavorting in among the windy whitecaps,” walk coordinator Ray Hughes told NOTA.
“Several pods seemed to put on a show especially for us, with spouts, breaches and tail slaps.”
The gusty winds made rock hopping a perilous mission, and several walkers were blown off balance, however all got back to the lunch spot overlooking the beach in one piece.
The walk programmed for 17 July had another very cool start, but the sky was blue, the sun was shining and there was no wind as they headed off over the Singing Bridge to follow the Hawks Nest Nature Walk.
The Walkers remained
vigilant for a real koala sighting along Jean Shaw Koala Reserve, but were only rewarded by the small army of toy ones strapped to several trees beside the road.
Standing water that refused to drain away necessitated a few deviations from the bush tracks, but they made it to the Surf Club for morning tea, then on to Jimmys Beach before heading home.
“There is a series of information plaques attached to various tree guards along the walk which provide some interesting facts about our local wildlife - animals and birds - which we found delightfully informative,” Ray said.
“Around and About Maitland was next, and winter demanded jackets and beanies.
“It was even colder on arrival at Maitland Park but
The wrecks along the Port Stephens coast and inside the harbour resulted in much ship wreckage being deposited on the ocean floor or along beaches.
Some portions of hulls and larger parts such as boilers remain on the sea floor and have become popular dive sites.
Similarly, wreckage is sometimes uncovered along the beaches after severe storms have removed sand. Unfortunately, many of the ships that were wrecked carried coal which was subsequently deposited on the sea floor particularly at the north head of Port Stephens.
the group gradually warmed up as the walking took them past some old houses, some neglected, some still looking old, and some renovated and lovingly restored.”
Following the Levee, the Walkers marched behind High Street, before eventually heading down to The Long Bridge and up to Regent Street, a name lived up to with some magnificent old buildings dating back to the early- and mid-1800s.
An ambitious plan to tackle Hagan’s Lane, a track skirting several properties on the western side of the
Pacific Highway in an area still known as Tea Gardens, was stymied by more rain in late July.
“Perhaps the Thursday Walker weather gods are trying to tell us something,” Ray said.
“This is the third time we have had to cancel this walk over the past few months.”
Scheduled walks for August include a trip to Wallaroo National Park, the Grahamstown Drains, the Awabakal Nature Reserve (Dudley to Redhead) and a local wander around Shearwater.
ALMOST one million adults across the state were sunburnt at least once over a fourweek period, according to a
The “Sun Protection Behaviours Report”, released last week, shows 15 percent of people surveyed reported being sunburnt, up from 12 percent in the previous report.
The research analyses data from the 2022 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 13,000 people to report on their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks.
The report found young people were more likely to be exposed to the sun and experience sunburn, with one in four 18-24 year olds reporting a sunburn in a fourweek period.
Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing a hat and sunglasses.
The report found
more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection, though only 35 percent always or often used three or more.
It also found exposure to the sun for more than 15 minutes when UV is at its highest reduced among NSW adults overall from 46 to 41 percent.
Ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, who serves as the Chief Executive of Cancer Institute
NSW, said two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting young Australians, so it is worrying to see that an estimated one in four young people report getting sunburnt,” she said.
“I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year, so even in winter, adopting sun protection
behaviours is essential, particularly at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.”
The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year including in winter.
The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:
1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every two hours.
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses.
By John BLACKBOURN
LAST week I listed the nations with the largest debt loads, measured as a percentage of borrowings in relation to a country’s GDP.
It has worried me for some time that there doesn’t appear to be the political will for short term governments to reduce the long-term debt of their nation.
It seems they prefer to kick that can down the road for future administrations to handle the issue.
Australia’s debt equates to 50.9 percent of its GDP.
From this level of debt, it is
manageable to handle the issue.
I doubt however if we have the ability or willpower to be able to reach the Peter Costelloe high point when Australia became not only debt free but had money in the bank due to our resources boom.
Other nations with mid-range debt are Indonesia at 41 percent of GDP, Netherlands with 43.3 percent, Mexico and Poland with 60.7 percent each and Germany with 65.4 percent.
Nations with small and easily managed debt to GDP ratios include Russia with 21.4 percent, Taiwan at 24 percent, Turkiye 26.7 percent, and Saudi Arabia 34.8 percent.
My favourite nation, where everything just looks financially perfect and very well managed, is Switzerland at 36.9 percent.
Russia’s small national debt, with its armed forces in disarray along with its economy that is going nowhere, could well be the major reason why it is trying to take over its neighbour Ukraine - the major grain producer in Europe.
We could use the same reckoning as to why China is interested in obtaining Taiwan, which is a far more modern society with a high level of technical skill.
It is also interesting that Turkiye is
DEAR Jasminda,
AFTER a couple of weeks away, my husband and I have realised that we get along much better when we are away from home.
Our relationship improved, we both relaxed for the first time in a long time, and it became apparent that we are soft touches and often feel that others take advantage of that at work and in our personal lives.
How do we keep on this trajectory now we are back?
Belinda R.
Dear Belinda,
This is a challenging situation to be in, but no doubt one of your own creation, so only you can fix it. Also, remember that when you were away from home, you weren't burdened by work commitments, you probably weren't cooking your own meals, you were calm from doing complimentary yoga classes facilitated by a very flexible Argentinian, you were no doubt drinking poolside Negronis every afternoon, and you were returning from a day out to a freshly made bed and replenished beverages. It can definitely be hard to make the transition home after a holiday.
It's also why people frequently look at real estate during their time away because they are viewing life through rose-coloured glasses.
Despite those considerations, it sounds to me as though you and your husband have spent a long time being 'fixers' just like Christopher Pyne, but without his impressive pay packet and lifetime parliamentary perks.
It's natural for some people to step into
said to be creating issues amongst other countries in its region as these lightly borrowed nations seek to expand.
Nations stand, expand or fall due to their borrowings and how they manage their debt.
fixer roles, and it is actually a really positive quality, but not when it is taken advantage of.
Reading between the lines, I feel you aren't good at setting boundaries.
I don't mean like a 10-foot fence (though that could work as well) but you need to discuss what you're willing to accept, what you aren't, and also let those who will be impacted know too.
Often work colleagues and family members have just gotten used to the status quo of you taking charge.
If you put some parameters around work and family situations, everyone will be on the same page and miscommunication won't result in hostility.
Are you a couple that finds it hard to say no?
This is something you can practice, so when the situation arises, you'll be prepared, otherwise it can be easy to fall back into bad habits and that's not good for anyone's personal growth.
As an example, a staff member may want to have two weeks off when the roster has already been prepared.
If, in the past, you've made adjustments whenever staff want changes, this has become an expected behaviour for you and them.
Going forward, you could put out a roster policy which preempts any lastminute changes.
You could, for example, get the staff member to organise a staff swap with a similarly qualified colleague to be approved by you three days in advance, put a limit on the number of roster changes, or only allow changes when they are accompanied by a medical or other urgent reason with paperwork to support this.
Alternatively, you and your husband should sell up your assets, wind back or redirect your business, buy a retro camper, and drive off into the sunset, leaving them all to it.
We in our personal lives seem to operate under the same conditions.
None of us should ever forget one of life’s golden rules for finding out what is going on in our world.
That rule is: follow the money.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THROUGH my research into Port Stephens and the Myall Coast over the years I have accumulated stacks of old black and white photographs I think would be of great interest to our readers.
What do you remember of the photos attached to this story? Write in and tell us at media@newsofthearea.com.au.
received sufficient support.
By Claire PONTIN, Mayor, MidCoast Council
YOU may have seen that LGNSW has released its latest independent review into the costs that the State and Federal Government push on to Local Governments in NSW each
year.
I have been campaigning for the State and Federal Governments to put a stop to their cost shifting patterns that are increasing the financial burden placed on local councils and their ratepayers.
As a result of that cost shifting every ratepayer in NSW is forking out almost $500 a year extra in their rates and in other fees and charges that we need to pass on.
The latest cost shifting report released by Local Government NSW revealed a total extra burden to councils of about $1.5 billion per year.
This cost shifting forces Councils to assume responsibility for infrastructure, services and regulatory functions without providing sufficient funding to cover the costs.
On the floods, I am continuing to press for a fair go for our residents who have still not
I have written to Government Ministers requesting implementation of various housing and financial support packages and a better deal for our impacted local businesses.
I will be accompanying our local MP, Tanya Thompson and a group of local business owners in a delegation to discuss these matters directly with State Ministers in August.
I’ve been warned by the Mayor of Lismore that this advocacy will be required for years. He is still engaged in this, three years after the Lismore floods.
I’m up for it.
While certain circles in the media and government departments have gone quiet and seemed to have moved on, I am continuing to demand more for those who were so badly affected.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TALENT from around the local area was on show at the Bulahdelah Country Women’s Association (CWA) morning tea concert, held at Bulahdelah Golf Club on Wednesday 30 July.
The pounding rain outside was an afterthought in the presence of freshlybaked world-famous CWA scones, which kicked off a
delightful Devonshire Tea.
Live music was provided by local guitarist/singer Stephen Boyd.
Bulahdelah Central School (BCS) students helped serve the audience and also took to the stage.
“The chance to perform in front of an audience is golden for these kids,” said BCS music teacher Wendy Parsons.
“Thanks to the CWA for supporting the school band
for more than 30 years.”
Year 11 Phoenix Press
Williams played guitar and keyboard separately, singing the Blues and more upbeat fare, before BCS Vice Captain Bailee Gleeson covered Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”.
Year 12 comedian Blake Taylor had a good start, gaining plenty of guffaws at the right time, and Year 7 mime artist “Baz” emoted his
invisible box.
Year 10 flautists Salome Reitsma and Mindy Sullivan played Pachelbel’s Canon.
The “Bulahdelah Bears”, the new Year 6 girls’ cheerleading squad coached by Gary Halpern, kept an eye on the ceiling as they showed off safely lifting and standing, ending with a human pyramid.
“This is their very first display outside of
Tea Garden Soccer Club
By Shayne REYNOLDS
OUR games set down for last Saturday and Thursday afternoon training were cancelled due to the flooding of the fields.
There are another couple of recipients of the Lions Club Sportsmanship award that I would like to mention.
Luca Wallace cheers
his team on, even from the sideline while waiting for a run. He listens closely to his team parent and always puts in a huge effort. Soccer, like any sport is about learning, growing and being a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about high fives after a good play, bouncing back after a tough moment and just enjoying being out there with team mates. That is exactly what Luca does and we are very proud of
him and lots of our players. Well done Luca and thank you Tea Gardens Lions Club. Lucca Fidden took out the Lions Club Sportsmanship honours back in round 7. Lucca is a true all-rounder on and off the field, always puts her whole heart into the game, encourages her team mates and reads the game beautifully. One of her team mates was yet to score so far this year so Lucca
By Michelle COLE
THURSDAY 31st July.
Winners were Clinton Harris and Barry Jones with runners-up Graham Bramley and Mick Russom.
Men’s highest point score of 140 was Matt Peirson with Ladies highest point score of 94 was Sandra Colver-Hagen. Darts on every Thursday night.
the school, and we look forward to showing you the development of these kids over the next few years,” Mr Halpern said.
The CWA’s beautiful handmade wares were also on sale and more live music was followed by a group
rallied her team mates and did everything she could to set up her team mate for a goal, and she nailed it with the crowd going wild at what they had just witnessed. Moments like these remind us that sport is not just about winning, it’s about friendship, support and lifting each other up. Well done Lucca and congratulations. Walking Football (soccer) is on again this Saturday. Come along to Memorial Oval at 12 Midday for the meet’n greet and kick off at 12.30.
dance of the Macarena and Nutbush and a singalong of Aussie and Country classics.
“The Bulahdelah CWA sincerely thanks Bulahdelah Golf Club for letting us use the venue free of charge for the day,” CWA president Belinda Moore told NOTA.
Everyone and anyone over 50 years old is welcome. Bring a chair and a cold refreshment. Hot sausage sandwiches, Tea, Coffee, soft drinks available at our canteen. Drop in for a look!
q
Hawks Nest Vets
By Len GOUGH
29/07/2025.
HN VETS Stableford
Event
Front Nine Nett
Scores
1st Len Gough 20
2nd Gregory Weeks 19
3rd Des Patfield
18c/b
4th Colin Clinch
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
By Dianne BOWES
IT’S been a soggy week again, so unfortunately the only fixtures played were Tuesday’s Ladies 18 Hole and Lady Vets 9 Hole events. Round 2 of the Mumms on the Myall Trophy was a hotly contested game, with some very impressive individual and team plays reported in the field of 42. Congratulations to our trophy winners, Elsa Jones
Balls down to 15
Back Nine nett
scores
1st Richard Booth 20
2nd Lioyd Smith 18
3rd Chris Barrett 17
4th Denis Casey 16c/b
Balls down to 14c/b
Nearest To Pin
3rd Graham Illand
5th Gehad Serhan
10th Denis Downie
16th Richard Booth (Birdie)
and Liz Edmonds, as well as runners up Julie Freeland and Deb Dummett. Both teams played great golf over 36 holes to take the honours. Thank you to our event sponsor Mumm's on the Myall, and proprietor Jenna Menzie, who presented the trophy and vouchers to our winners today.
In the daily results, there was nothing to separate the top 3 teams, who all finished with fantastic scores of 46 points. Jeanette Patfield
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
Beach in December 2024 were recognised with a citation for teamwork and coordination.
“We are so proud of our nominees, and realise that no other surf club was recognised for a rescue,” TGHN SLSC Secretary Kerrie Morre told NOTA.
Part of that December rescue team was Luke Rochester, who was awarded TGHN SLSC Life Saver of the Year for the 2024-25 season, despite only joining the club in 2023.
“Over the past two years, Luke has become an integral member of the surf club, gaining many awards and certificates to build his life saving skills and knowledge,” Kerrie said.
“This past season Luke has gained over 83 hours
By Andrew SILLAR
GOLF Croquet July 2025
Mondays 1. Pat Rowe 41 2. Gary Bennett 39 3. Barry Abnett 34 Wednesdays 1. Pat Rowe 41
and June Martin were ultimately the winning pair on a count back. Amongst the individual highlights were Julie Freeland’s great individual score of 42, June Martin’s stylish chip in from 40 metres out on the 13th hole, and Viv Ballinger’s chip in on the 16th from 20 metres out. Well played, ladies!
Results: Tuesday
29/7/25
Ladies 18 Hole 2 BBB
Winners: 1st Jeanette Patfield & June Martin on 46 C/B (best score of the
Pat Rowe/ Mahlah Murphy 34 Barry Abnett 31
day); 2nd Elsa Jones & Liz Edmonds 46 C/B; 3rd Julie Freeland & Deb Dummett 46
Place Getters: Di Bott & Di Bowes, Viv Ballinger & Marg Bonney, Barb Birmingham & Ann Morris, Di Smith & Sharon Barwick, Dawn Wiggins & Sue Campton
NTP Hole 3: Division 1 Marcia Smith; Division 2 Deb Dummett; Division 3 Di Bott
In the Lady Vets 9 Hole Event, 8 ladies played the back nine today in a
of active patrol hours on Bennetts Beach.
“He was on two patrols and often volunteered when other patrols were short.”
Luke is also a member of the club’s Emergency Call Out Team, assisting with three callouts in the past season.
“It is always comforting to know that a member with Luke's skills is available to assist,” Kerrie said.
He has also stepped up as a member of Fingal Beach SLSC’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) team, competing in Hunter, NSW and national surf life saving competitions.
In other club news, major works are currently underway at the Bennetts Beach clubhouse, with a freshly renovated first aid room and volunteers’ kitchen being installed, under the watchful and experienced eye of volunteer David Lau.
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS week ending 1st
August Monday: N/S 1. C
Richards & S Matheson, 2. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. L & G Conroy. E/W 1. L
Howarth & E Greenhalgh, 2. S Bowen & A Ryan, 3. C Bywater & J Patfield. Tuesday: 1. A & J
Stableford game. The ever reliable Jeannette Kemp snuck in on a countback from Ann Browning today, just one shot ahead of the minor place getters.
Results: Tuesday
29/7/25
Lady Vets 9 Hole Stableford
Winners: 1st Jeannette Kemp 16 C/B; 2nd Ann
Browning 16; 3rd Di Lindstrom 15 C/B; 4th Robyn Richardson 15
The Ladies Par 3 Classic was also played last week, and it was Elsa Jones on a hot streak who won the day, with a great score of 36. Jo Scott was close behind on 35, with Judith Salmon 3rd on 33 points. Congratulations ladies!
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PAINTING of vase & flowers, framed, 4ft x 2.5ft. $100. 0493
VACUUM cleaner hands free. Unwanted gift. $260. Medowie 4982 9942
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WINDSURFING gear, assorted. Fins, mast, boom some sails and heaps of accessories. $95. Peter 0419 932 992
SUNDAY
ABC TV, 8pm
Teresa Palmer (pictured) might just be the busiest woman in Australia – the star of The Last Anniversary and Mix Tape (both streaming, Binge) is also a small business owner and mum of five (with another on the way). In this female-forward drama, adapted from the novel by Aussie author Sally Hepworth, the in-demand star plays Isabelle, a mysterious stranger who moves into the idyllic seaside community of Osprey Point – but she’s not the only one with something to hide. A stellar local cast bolsters this addictive suburban mystery.
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (Final, Ma) The police investigate the death of a man on a bus and uncover his history of eco terrorism.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 Austin. (PG, R)
11.25 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
SEVEN, 7.30pm
Spoiler alert: Ronan Keating (pictured) couldn’t catch a break in Sunday night’s premiere of A veteran of the series, who’s mentored singers in Australian, UK and German versions of the reality juggernaut, the Irish hitmaker begins the second night of Blind Auditions with an empty team. To be fair, his fellow coaches are tough competition: operatic alt-pop powerhouse Kate Miller-Heidke, Spice Girl Melanie C and Grammy Award-winning superstar Richard Marx have got some serious tricks up their sleeves. Can the smooth-talking star convince tarot reader Milly, piano man Mitchell or former forester Chris to join team Ronan tonight?
It’s been three long months, but the MasterChef Australia pressure cooker is about to release and one Back to contestant will finally hold the trophy they’ve been dreaming of. The returning cooks have gone above and beyond in showcasing the skills, creativity and composure they’ve gained, and while the perfect way to cap off the season would have been a 23-way tie, we’ll settle for one winner. In tonight’s grand finale, the two finalists go head-to-head. Impeccably dressed judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow (pictured), Sofia Levin and JeanChristophe Novelli have the best and worst jobs in the country – they get to taste the phenomenal culinary creations, but also have to choose between them.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals.
9.20 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Catch Me A Killer. (Premiere, Malv)
11.40 The Shelter. (Ma, R) 1.20 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)
3.10 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt.
10.45 To Be Advised.
11.45 Border Security: International. (PGadl, R)
12.15 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Canberra Raiders versus Manly Sea Eagles match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo III. (1988, Mlv, R) Rambo sets out to rescue his former commander. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s
TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Grantchester. (Ma, R) 1.15 Patience. (Final, Ma, R) 2.05 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 2.55 Great Southern Landscapes. (PG, R) 3.25 Earth. (R) 4.25 Would I Lie To You? (R) 4.55 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 5.25 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Snowy River, NSW. (R) Lisa Millar explores the Snowy River.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Cathy and Mrs Chapman open a fashion boutique.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate when the winner of a music award is murdered and his violin stolen.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Mdlv, R) The former Mystery Bay locals head to Melbourne.
10.40 Miss Austen. (R) Cassandra tries to keep Jane’s letters private. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
FAMILY
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. (Premiere) 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 7.55 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 The Story Of Coffee. (R) 10.10 Travelling In The 1970s. (PGdsv, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 2018 FIFA World Cup: Dreams. 3.30 The American Fuhrer. (PG, R) 4.20 First To Fight: Pacific War Marines. (PGav, R) 5.25 Oppenheimer After Trinity. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (PG)
8.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Premiere, PGan)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGal, R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.40 Ukraine: Life Under Attack. (Mal, R)
3.35 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 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. Saturday At The Valley Raceday, Missile Stakes Day and Saturday Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG)
7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Jane Thurgood-Dove. (Mav, R) A look at the murder of Jane Thurgood-Dove. 8.35 MOVIE: Inferno. (2016, Malv, R) After a university professor awakens with amnesia, he discovers he is being pursued by an assassin. Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones. 11.00 MOVIE: The Invitation. (2022, MA15+v, R) Nathalie Emmanuel.
1.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Ipswich Super 440. Day 1. Highlights.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Great Australian Detour Snow. (R) 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 6. St George Illawarra
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Canterbury Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors.
9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.
10.00 MOVIE: The Expendables. (2010, MA15+lv, R)
12.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Destination WA. (PG)
1.30 Next Stop. (PGa, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (Return) A couple’s house has been on the market for eight months.
8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows paramedics as they respond to calls, including a diver trapped underwater by a piece of concrete. 9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay exposes a toxic environment at Caffe Boa. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Sun
Children. Continued. (2020, PG, Farsi) 6.35
The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 8.40 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 10.35 Limitless. (2011) 12.35pm Gravity. (2013, M) 2.20 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PG, Japanese) 4.20 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 6.35 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 That Good Night. (2017) 10.15 The Piano Teacher. (2001, MA15+, French) 12.35am Late Programs.
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Griff’s Great American South. (R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.45 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. (PGl, R) 4.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.
6.30 Compass. (Final, PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG)
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Premiere, Ml) A stranger arrives in a Victorian coastal town.
8.50 Miss Austen. Cassandra is forced to confront past choices.
9.45 MOVIE: Tracks. (2013, Mal, R) Mia Wasikowska.
11.35 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.35 Rage Closer. (R)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 10.05 Ireland’s Historic Gardens. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (PGal, R) 4.30 Lost City Of Gaul: Unearthing Bibracte. (R) 5.30 The Burning Sky.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Roman Pantheon. 8.35 Venice From Above. (PGa, R) 9.45 Pompeii’s Secret Underworld. (Mansv, R)
10.40 Tutankhamun: Secrets
Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R)
11.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (R)
1.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.50 Pelosi’s Power. (Ma, R)
4.20 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
(64)
Kars & Stars. 5.50 Alone Sweden. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Maui’s Deadly Firestorm. 9.35 Great Australian Road Trips. 10.35 Forbidden History. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The
Emperor’s Club. Continued. (2002, PG) 8.20 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 10.10 Transcendence. (2014, M) 12.20pm Lord Of The Ants. (2022, M, Italian) 2.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.50 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 10.25 Superposition. (2023, MA15+, Danish) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 1.30 Football. AFL. Round 22. GWS Giants v North Melbourne. 4.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Voice. (Return, PGal)
8.50 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml)
A look at one of the greatest INXS concerts ever filmed, with interviews with band members Jon Farriss and Kirk Pengilly and never-before-seen backstage moments.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.50 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Ipswich Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(82) 7TWO (62) 7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 To Be Advised.
11.10 The First 48. (Mav) 12.05 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+admns, R) 1.00 Destination WA.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PGl) A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.10 Watson. (Mm) Sasha discovers a link between her current patient and a cadaver she dissected during medical school. 9.10 FBI. (Mav, R) The team races to find a killer after the president of the NY Fed is gunned down trying to help a young woman in peril. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00
(64)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Charles I: To Kill A
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PG) 8.25 Abandoned Railways From Above. (R) 9.20 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv)
11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mals, R) 1.15 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 2.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.45 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do
VICELAND (31)
6am Whina.
Continued. (2022, PG, Maori) 6.25 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 8.20 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 10.15 That Good Night. (2017) Noon Mahana. (2016, M) 1.55 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 7.30 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 9.35 The Raid. (2011, MA15+, Indonesian) 11.35 Late Programs.
Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 11.25 The Shift. (Ma)
1.05 Everything You Love. (MA15+s, R)
2.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.45 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 8.20 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 10.00 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 11.55 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 1.50pm The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 3.45 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 5.40 Where Is Anne Frank. (2021, PG) 7.30 The Lost King. (2022, M) 9.30 71. (2014, MA15+) 11.20 Bull. (2021, MA15+) 1am Mahana. (2016, M) 2.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Roo is determined to protect Cohen. Dana and Harper prepare to move.
7.30 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
9.05 9-1-1. (Mav) Following an earthquake, the 118 races to the scene of several unusual fires.
11.05 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics. 12.05 Gone. (MA15+v, 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.
A Killer Makes A Call. (Mav, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The Voice. (PGl)
8.50 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When The Going Gets Tough. (Mal) The band hits number one, but fame brings tabloids, pressure and strain.
9.50 Below Deck Down Under. (M, R) 10.50 The Agenda Setters. 11.50 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R)
12.50 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Wonders Of Volcanoes With Dara Ó Briain. (Premiere, PGa) 8.25 Aerial Australia. (PG) 9.20 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
SBS World News Late. 10.55 Estonia. (Ma) 12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+a, R) 2.25 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.05 Curious Traveller. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.15 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks
THURSDAY,
6am Murder Party. Continued. (2022, PG, French) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Where Is Anne Frank. (2021, PG) 10.00 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon The Lost King. (2022, M) 2.00 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 3.40 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 5.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.35 A Walk In The Woods. (2015, M) 9.30 Glengarry Glen Ross. (1992, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Dopesick. (Mals, R)
11.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)
1.30 Curious Traveller. (R)
2.30 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.10 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hamish McLachlan sits down with Erin Phillips. 10.00 Armed And Dangerous: Stickups. (Mav, R)
11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, 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 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 Clarkson’s Farm: Porking. (Mls) Jeremy Clarkson prepares for new residents. 9.40 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
6am Widows’ Peak. Continued. (1994, PG) 6.50 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 8.50 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 10.25 A Walk In The Woods. (2015, M) 12.20pm The Report. (2019, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.00 The Movie Show. 5.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 7.35 Hope Springs. (2012, M) 9.30 Nobody Has To Know. (2021) 11.25 Late Programs.
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. (PGal)
10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
11.30 Code Blue: The Killing Of June Fox-Roberts. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
By Thomas O'KEEFE
TEA Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) members have been honoured for their efforts in the 2024-25 season, with several nominated at the recent Hunter Branch Excellence Awards.
Local nominees included Luke Rochester for Life Saver of the Year, Jack Alterator for Youth Life Saver of the Year, Anna Fortunaso for Junior Life Saver of the Year, and David Lau for Volunteer of the Year.
The local Nippers Swimming Program, a partnership with Tea Gardens Pool and the Boomerang Bags group, was also named as a community program of distinction.
Additionally the patrol team involved in the rescue of 13 people from a flash rip on Bennetts
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