By Thomas O'KEEFE
“We’re
“Our
By Thomas O’KEEFE
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
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generation of young river guardians who feel a deep connection to ‘place’, and understand the importance of looking after the waterways and the animals that call them home.”
The Stroud Junior Landcare members are a passionate group of young environmental stewards, learning through hands-on activities like tree planting, water testing, and discovering native species, all focused on caring for Mill Creek and its thriving platypus population.
Recent events included a launch day at the Stroud Showgrounds featuring creek walks, games, and nature discovery.
It included a homeschool workshop where “Yapii”, the new platypus mascot, joined in for a day of science, storytelling, and connection to nature.
With the express aims of building connection, joy and collective purpose, these groups are about more than conservation.
“We’ve partnered with MidCoast Council to conduct water quality and macroinvertebrate testing, helping kids understand the science behind healthy waterways,” Rachel said.
“By caring for our waterways, we’re also nurturing a sense of shared purpose and belonging.”
The Stroud Community Rivercare group began with a fully booked pre-launch workshop featuring guest presenter Dr Gilad Bino, a platypus researcher from UNSW, and a walk along Mill Creek to explore habitat and discuss restoration plans.
The group’s official launch included a smoking ceremony led by Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway, who planted a
red cedar tree as a symbol of renewal and regrowth, acknowledging the history of red cedar logging in the region.
Volunteers then planted over 200 lomandra grasses to support creekbank restoration.
On Mother’s Day, families gathered by the creek to plant more than 100 native trees and grasses, some in memory of mothers who had died.
The plantings are continuing the effort to stabilise banks after flooding and protect precious platypus habitat, as there are now regular sightings.
“The idea was developed while participating in the Rural Aid Community Builders program, the aim… being to unite the region in a way that combines the three
key themes of environment, farming and agriculture, and the arts,” Rachel said.
“We are engaging local artists and hope to have a platypus themed art installation included in each participating town.”
A local author has even written a children's book about the platypus, which is due to be published by the end of the year.
In addition, Katherine Warrick, a researcher from the University of Western Sydney, is studying PFOS contamination in platypuses – a chemical best detected in liver tissue.
“During flood clean-up, if anyone finds a deceased platypus, it could contribute to vital scientific research.”
The animals can be carefully bagged and placed in a freezer ahead of contacting Katherine through the University.
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anniversary last year, and was awarded Life Membership back in 2018.
In a recorded acceptance speech, he said this year’s acknowledgement was particularly special.
“To be recognised in this way, alongside so many talented individuals who have shaped our industry, is deeply humbling,” he said.
“I've always believed
that our work is about more than just business. It's about connection, understanding, and enriching lives through travel.
“When we set out all those years ago it was with a simple but vital goal, to give tour operators and wholesalers a unified voice, a shared platform, and a sense of community.
“The fact that CATO continues to grow, to advocate, and to elevate our part of the
industry is testament to the many people who've carried that mission forward.”
Peter was praised for his unwavering support of industry deregulation when he was CATO Chairman, and his steadfast belief in the land supply side of the industry.
CATO is a trade association representing the domestic and outbound land-supply sector of the Australian travel industry.
Full members comprise tour operators and wholesalers while
q Aqua Analytics technicians will be checking leaks from this week.
Associate Members consist of tourist offices and travelrelated product and service providers.
One of CATO’s most recognisable achievements through lobbying the Australian Government, has been the introduction of Smartraveller.
This is the service the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses to issue realtime travel alerts, and to keep Australians updated on the whereabouts of loved ones travelling overseas.
TECHNICIANS from Aqua Analytics will again be on the lookout for leaks across the MidCoast when the NSW Government’s Regional Leakage Reduction Program returns to the region from this week.
Beginning in Hawks Nest on Monday 16 June, the technicians will spend five weeks using state-of-theart acoustic technology to uncover leaks in MidCoast Council’s drinking water network
The major population hubs of Tea Gardens, Forster, Tuncurry, Old Bar, Taree, Wingham and Harrington will all be targeted.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said cutting down on the amount of water lost to leaks was an ongoing focus
for Council.
“This is the third time we’ve had Aqua Analytics here to survey parts of our network and it’s allowed us to make significant reductions in the amount of water going to waste,” said Mr Scott.
“Each time they discover a leak we get in and repair it quickly and as a result we’ve been able to fix hundreds of leaks and save tens of thousands of litres of drinking water per day.”
Mr Scott said the
work would also benefit residents, with the technicians able to detect potential leaks on people’s properties from their water meter.
If a potential leak is discovered, a letter notifying the resident will be left in their mailbox and it will be up to them to have it fixed.
Mr Scott said this could help customers uncover concealed leaks, which would otherwise prove costly over time.
that
There is a general rule in Australia that CGT is deferred when there is a transfer of ownership of a CGT asset (such as shares or the transfer of real estate) from a deceased person and to the deceased’s legal personal representative (e.g. executor) or to a beneficiary until the time when a beneficiary decides to sell the CGT asset.
However, there are some exceptions to this general rule:
1. Pre-CGT asset: for assets acquired by the deceased before 20 September 1985 (i.e. when CGT was introduced) there are further steps to be eligible for the CGT exemption.
2. Property: a beneficiary can sell an
inherited property exempt from CGT provided that: (a) the property was the main residence of the deceased; (b) the property was not used to produce income; and (c) the property is disposed of within two (2) years of the death of the deceased.
3. Foreign residents: where the deceased or the beneficiary is a foreign person, it is very likely that the CGT exemption will not apply to CGT assets.
However, where CGT assets are not transferred to the deceased’s executor or beneficiary, CGT will likely apply.
Assets that are specifically exempt from CGT include: money in Australian currency, motor vehicles, the proceeds of life policies, or superannuation death benefits.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
By Thomas O’KEEFE
LIFESAVERS at the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHNSLSC) are seeing some muchappreciated upgrades installed at their gear shed on Bennetts Beach.
While a small army of SLSC volunteers were taking advantage of a rare
sunny day this autumn on Sunday 15 June to air out and maintain lifesaving equipment, the club’s volunteer building manager, David Lau, revealed the inprogress upgrades.
“The main difference is the dedicated first aid area,” David said.
“Before, first aid was just done on a bed in the
corner of the big bare room, now it will have a dedicated and semi-private area, with supplies ready at hand and more easily restocked.
“The building works are due to the increased number of treatments for first aid this past season.
“The internal renovations of the gear shed’s room will also make it a central
facility for drones, first aid, radio communications, and a kitchenette for lifesavers who are on duty – a bit more than the plastic table and chairs they have had to date.
“The gear shed will also soon see a specially designed base unit area for emergency equipment, and surf club volunteers who also happen to be nurses have given valuable input to
of blue bottle stings.
Last season saw quite a few of the stingers in the waters at Bennetts Beach, and the lack of hot water in the gear shed meant that lifesavers had to carry buckets of hot water down from the bar kitchen in the adjacent clubhouse.
The works have been made possible due to community donations, surf
for the upgrades since January, and is hoping that everything will be installed and operational by September, when the new beach season starts again.
“It will be very civilised and more hygienic when it’s all done,” he said.
In the 2024-25 beach season, more than 1,500 preventative actions were recorded, more than
By Thomas O’KEEFE
FIRE safety around chimneys is an area too often overlooked but serious hazards can build up over time, requiring regular maintenance to keep households safe.
From shoddy amateur workmanship and inappropriate materials,
to a total lack of care and attention, wood-burning fireplaces and their chimneys can hide problems for years, as some local households have discovered in the wake of recent prolonged and heavy rains.
“Fireplaces and chimneys are like cars, they need regular and proper maintenance by a professional,” Craig Baldwin of Stroud Road’s Baldyhall Rural Engineering told News Of The Area.
“Australian Standards do exist for fireplaces, and anyone installing one over a weekend with some mates is probably not meeting those standards.
“[In] one house I assessed,
the rafters inside the roof on either side of the chimney were blackened and charred, so I was forced to remove the door and make the fireplace inoperable so the house did not burn down.”
Another chimney Craig recently assessed had been surrounded by lead flashing on a tin roof, with galvanised steel pieces holding it down.
When attempting to rectify the problem, he discovered that the lead had not been sealed properly in the first place, and had developed cracks.
It was also concealing rusted-through holes in the tin roof which led to subsequent leaks inside the ceiling.
The chimney was not much better, and was loaded with creosote from years of neglect.
Creosote is a flammable, tar-like substance that builds up inside chimneys as a byproduct of incomplete combustion when wood is burned.
Smouldering fires leave behind large amounts of creosote, while burning
unseasoned softwoods produces the most.
Creosote is highly flammable, potentially toxic, and regular chimney cleaning by a professional is the best way to prevent or remove buildup.
A lot of country households prefer fireplaces because wood fuel is abundant.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) instructs those with fireplaces to burn fires fast for one to two hours, each day the fire is lit. “If the fire smokes for more than 10 minutes when you start it, or more than a minute when you add fuel, then there is a problem with the fuel, the operating method, or both,” the EPA advises.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
RESULTS of the 2025
Federal Election have been finalised and the writs returned to the GovernorGeneral Sam Mostyn.
This marks the end of the electoral process for the House of Representatives and Senate and paves the way for the opening of the 48th Parliament on 22 July.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the election count was the largest and most complex the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) had ever delivered.
It took over a month for clear results in the 40 Senate seats being contested.
New and returning
Senators will now sit alongside the continuing 36 Senators elected in 2022.
The Australian Senate consists of 76 seats, comprising 12 Senators per state, and two per territory (ACT, NT).
State Senators are elected for six-year terms while the election of territory Senators coincides with the House of Representatives.
This is in contrast to the US Senate, upon which Australia’s system was partly modelled, which has only two senators per state.
Australia has more due to Section 24 of the Australian Constitution, which states that the number of members in the House of
Representatives “shall be, as nearly as practicable, twice the number of senators”.
The House of Representatives has 151 seats, which can continue to change as the population grows and electoral boundaries are redrawn.
Senate positions will increase as a result.
Senators cannot introduce any bills that involve money or taxation – these being the exclusive domain of the House of Representatives – but they have the power to block or refuse any Bill.
The NSW Senators elected in the 2025 federal election are: Tony Sheldon and Tim Ayres (Labor); Andrew Bragg and Jessica
By Thomas O’KEEFE
THE “Barrington Rivers Platypus Initiative” has been promoted at a series of community-based events in recent months.
As reported in NOTA in October 2024, work is underway to shine a spotlight on the elusive platypus which call the region’s waterways home.
‘Becan’ and ‘Yappi’, the two new platypus mascots for the initiative, have been out and about at community events such as the Gresford Billy Cart Derby and Tocal Field Days, spreading awareness and information.
“The name Barrington Rivers is really starting to resonate across the region – it’s helping unite the communities along our river
valleys, all of which flow from the Barrington Tops,” said one of the initiative's copilots, Stroud’s Rachel Barry.
“This initiative is all about connection – to place, to each other, and to the health of our waterways.
“After these floods, the need to protect and restore our rivers has never felt more urgent.
“We’re working to
Collins (Liberal); Mehreen Faruqi (The Greens); and Warwick Stacey (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation).
Nationals Deputy Leader Perin Davey was a notable loss.
Her seat was secured by One Nation's Mr Stacey through preference flows.
The Senate composition is now: ALP (28 seats), Liberal-National Coalition (27 seats), Australian Greens (11 seats), and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (four seats), with minor parties accounting for the remainder.
The Labor and Greens majority allows them to pass legislation on which they both agree without the support of crossbenchers.
support farmers and landholders in adopting bestpractice approaches – like revegetating riverbanks –not only to protect platypus habitat, but to safeguard their land from erosion and future flood damage.”
Along with fellow coordinators Dr Sian Ineson of Vacy and Julie Overton of Paterson, Rachel is driven by the aim of establishing a shared symbol for the region, while honouring Aboriginal connections to Country and supporting farmers and creek custodians.
“We’re hoping the platypus can become a uniting symbol across our region, as the creeks and rivers that run through our towns connect us, and the platypus is a reminder of that shared connection, a sense of regional identity, grounded in caring for the environment.
“We also want this project to recognise and respect the deep cultural connection that Aboriginal peoples have to this land, water, and the platypus.
“This is platypus country, rich with stories, knowledge,
and custodianship that go back thousands of years, and we hope to include and learn from those stories as part of the broader conversation.”
Many farmers are already doing the work of looking after creek lines, especially in the aftermath of flooding, and the Platypus Initiative seeks to encourage even more collaboration across the landscape, helping landholders to repair riparian zones, improve water health, and protect biodiversity, all while keeping productive farms thriving.
A MAJOR multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) concluded successfully on Saturday, 14 June off the coast of the Hunter.
Over 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff participated in the most comprehensive marine rescue simulation ever conducted in the region.
Volunteers and vessels from six Marine Rescue NSW units - Newcastle, Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, and Brisbane Water - joined forces with NSW Police Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Police PolAir, Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and the Westpac
Rescue Helicopter for the live activation.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the fullscale training event met its goal of testing real-time response coordination across sea and air assets.
“This was an unprecedented operation for our region - one that truly put our volunteers and systems through their paces,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
“The collaboration we saw on the water and over the airwaves demonstrated exactly why these exercises are so critical.”
NSW Police Marine Area Command Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said the
initial scenario involved four people (represented by manikins or plastic targets) in the water.
“Today’s simulation involved a six-metre vessel with four people on board, who set out earlier this morning on a whale watching trip,” Chief Inspector Brazzill said.
“The crew had logged their departure with Marine Rescue NSW and were scheduled to return at 6am.
“When the crew failed to Log Off, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers conducted inquiries and located the vessel trailer at the boat ramp, the incident was escalated to NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Multiple agencies and assets were deployed to conduct an immediate search of the highest-probability area, aiming to locate and rescue survivors and recover all missing persons.”
The simulation involved designated search areas stretching from Stockton Bight to Redhead, with rescue vessels operating up to five nautical miles offshore.
Four Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (RWCs) focused on inshore areas, while air assets provided aerial reconnaissance and coordination.
Participants were tasked with locating and recovering targets, including manikins and simulated debris, as
part of a realistic maritime emergency scenario.
Rescue vessels moved in formation through assigned grid patterns, replicating the tactics used during real-life searches.
While activity was underway on the water, over 30 Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators based at the Marine Rescue Newcastle base coordinated communications, honing their skills in supporting a high-pressure, evolving operation.
“The radio communications exercise ran parallel to the on-water activity and was a key element in testing our full regional response capability,”
NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, after visiting residents in Barrington last week.
On Wednesday, 11 June, applications opened for grants of up to $25,000, available to small businesses and non-profit organisations in NSW impacted by recent flooding.
Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the grants can be used towards expenses such as the cost of safety inspections, essential building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space.
The NSW Opposition says
$25,000 is simply not enough, however Labor Ministers have urged primary producers to submit impact assessments so the government can consider further support.
“The primary industries natural disaster damage assessment survey, which is on my department's website, is available now for farmers and other primary producers to report damage,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said in parliament.
“As they work to get through this period, that system is set up for people to report specific damage that they see.
“That gets fed through the Government's processes to determine what support, if any, is needed going forward.
“But up to $25,000 in grants are available now, and I encourage people who need that support to apply.”
Mr Saunders, who met with Member for Upper
Hunter Dave Layzell and farmers in Barrington last week, said the onus was being put on farmers to “try and prove how severe this event was”.
“Both the Prime Minister and the Premier have visited properties where people have lost absolutely everything,” he said.
“They have heard similar stories to what we’ve heard today, so it’s disgraceful to think they still don’t understand the reality of this when they have literally seen it with their own eyes.
“Businesses and producers of all kinds are feeling majorly let down right now and they need a much higher level of support so they have a pathway forward or they won’t be able to survive.”
Mr Layzell said the package on offer barely scratches the surface.
“Homes have been left in shocking conditions, beef
and dairy farmers have lost significant numbers of cattle and fences and machinery have been wiped out,” Mr Layzell said.
“Our primary producers are bleeding right now and are in desperate need of help, but this feels like a slap in the face.
“It’s nowhere near enough when you consider the massive cost of fodder, freight and agistment, the ongoing strain on feed, and the fact farmers are having to offload their cattle to stay afloat.
“We need more funding on the table now to actually make a difference.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth to provide a wide range of support for communities impacted by the recent severe weather.
“Some of these regions have been hit with two natural disasters in recent months, so we are providing assistance for small businesses and nonprofit organisations to help them bounce back,” Mr Dib said.
“The grants of up to $25,000 will help with the clean-up efforts and are part of a raft of disaster recovery support payments to assist
Zone Commander Duemmer said.
“It also allowed less experienced volunteers to gain critical operational experience in a live training environment.”
Zone Commander Duemmer thanked all participating agencies for their contribution and emphasised the importance of ongoing joint exercises to maintain rescue readiness.
“Our ability to respond effectively in life-threatening situations depends on how well we train together. This exercise reinforced the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of every volunteer and team member involved,” he said.
affected communities.”
Eligible people can also receive a one-off payment of $180 or up to $900 per household for Personal Hardship Assistance to help cover costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation through Service NSW.
q Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington.
INTERESTED schools, community groups and sporting organisations now have until Thursday 31 July 2025 to apply for a Water Wiser Grant.
Originally due to close on Monday 30 June, MidCoast Council has extended the application period for the
q Students from Old Bar Public School using their new hydration station which was installed with funding from the Water Wiser Grant program.
program by a month to account for the impact of the recent flooding.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said it was important to give people more time.
“We understand there was a lot of interest in the grants when we launched the program back in May, but then the flood hit and people obviously needed to put their energy elsewhere,” said Mr Scott.
“We’re hoping that by giving those groups that were looking to apply another month, they’ll have the time they need to get their applications in.”
The program offers eligible organisations grants of up to $10,000 to co-fund projects and activities that increase water conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awarenessraising initiatives.
More than $45,000 was
awarded to schools, sporting groups and community halls in 2024 during the program’s first year.
Mr Scott said he would love to see the positive impact the program had delivered continue.
“The Water Wiser Grants program is great because it gives not-forprofit organisations across the MidCoast access to the funding they need to improve the way they do things,” he said.
“Whether it’s as simple as installing rainwater tanks in their gardens to reduce reliance on town water, or large-scale irrigation improvements at sporting fields, it all contributes to making our region more sustainable and resilient.”
Applicants are encouraged to read the full guidelines for eligibility and criteria before submitting their applications. To apply or find out more, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov. au/water-wiser-grants
q The development of an offshore wind industry off the Hunter coast has divided opinions in recent years.
A COALITION of unions, business groups, industry representatives and environment advocates have called for a “fullscale commitment from both federal and state governments” on the “responsible” delivery of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter.
“While offshore wind became a campaign issue in the seat of Paterson, voters ultimately backed Labor’s renewable energy agenda,” said a joint statement from the Hunter Jobs Alliance, HunterNet, Maritime Union of Australia and the Hunter Community Environment Centre.
“In neighbouring electorates such as Newcastle, Hunter, and Shortland, strong support for Labor’s clean energy policies reinforced the region’s clear commitment to a renewable future.”
In January 2024, 27 local
organisations signed an open letter backing offshore wind development in the Hunter.
This month the coalition issued an updated letter to demonstrate strengthened support and urge more decisive action from all levels of government, including the development of a state offshore wind strategy.
In February 2025, the Federal Government officially offered Equinor and Oceanex Energy a feasibility licence for their Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm project off the Hunter coast.
This offer is currently being assessed by the proponent.
Feasibility licences are issued for seven years, with proponents required to consult with communities and undertake environmental assessments.
Equinor and Oceanex say the offshore wind farm has the potential to generate
over two gigawatts (GW) of electricity, equivalent to powering 1.2 million homes or two Tomago smelters.
The local coalition believes the offering of a single feasibility licence is a “missed opportunity”, given the believed capacity of the broader Hunter Offshore Wind Zone to deliver up to five GW of clean energy.
“Granting feasibility licences for the full five gigawatts will allow for proper environmental and economic assessment, while capping it at just two gigawatts risks undermining the viability of offshore wind in the Hunter,” said Justin Page, coordinator of the Hunter Jobs Alliance.
“If we’re serious about jobs, clean energy, energy security and long-term regional prosperity, we need to plan for the full potential from the start.”
Ivan Waterfield, CEO of HunterNet, said further
projects would provide the scale to “build a genuine industry, not just a project”.
“It means three decades of design and construction work, more than 50 years of operations and maintenance, and real opportunities for long-term jobs, workforce training, domestic manufacturing, and strong regional supply chains.”
Johanna Lynch of the Hunter Community Environment Centre said the establishment of offshore wind is urgent to meet the nation’s climate goals, but stressed that it must “respect the natural environment every step of the way”.
“That's why it's critical that assessment and mitigation of all environmental impacts occurs at the outset, and that proponents maintain open consultation and collaboration with community members and experts with relevant local
knowledge, to implement solutions to the potential impacts facing migratory bird species including the Albatross, and the marine ecosystem of the Hunter coast.”
On the other side of the fence, opponents of offshore wind development are calling for the entire process to be halted, citing inadequate community consultation and environmental concerns.
In a statement to media last week, the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club took aim at a “botched consultation” process and a recently-finalised Senate inquiry.
On 3 July 2024 the Senate launched an inquiry into the “offshore wind industry consultation process”, which was set to report its findings by 13 February 2025.
After requesting several extensions, the final report was finally tabled on 5 June 2025.
The report recommended that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) consider ways to improve engagement with First Nations and Traditional Owner groups, and provide “targeted and localised information for each declared area” and a “physical presence to provide information… [and] listen to concerns”.
Another recommendation was that consultation provide a “clear narrative about the broader context of offshore renewable energy”, including the need to transition away from fossil fuel.
Ongoing consultation was also recommended between proponents and local businesses, worker representatives, marine
NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise.
With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers.
They moved through check-in, security screening, border controls and baggage collection while airport staff and partner agencies closely observed.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton thanked the community for turning out in force to support their airport and said terminal preparation and readiness
could not happen without them.
“Thank you also to Business Hunter, the University of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council for supporting our Mass Passenger Exercise and getting the message out for volunteers,” Mr Horton said.
“Our terminal was absolutely buzzing today with people showing up ready and excited with their bags, surfboards, oversized luggage and even a service dog, people with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities to help us test accessibility.
“That level of detail and support is what makes this region special.”
Mr Horton said the Mass Passenger Exercise marked
the end of the construction phase and the beginning of the new international terminal’s operational journey.
“We’re now moving from build to activation and today was about making sure we are ready to deliver from day one,” he said.
Participating agencies included Australian Border Force, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, who joined airport teams and ground handling partners alongside Jetstar to validate safety and readiness.
Newcastle Airport’s new terminal will offer Jetstar’s direct flights to Bali from October with further domestic and international services expected to follow.
users, and community groups.
The committee additionally recommended that the Government and DCCEEW “proactively ensure that foreign actors, spam engagement, and misinformation and disinformation do not overpower local community voices from being heard in local public debate”.
Troy Radford, the President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club, said the Senate inquiry once again failed to effectively consult impacted communities.
“Effectively shutting down a Senate probe into this consultation - or lack thereof - would seem to be another glaring examplé of the absence of civility by government and a dismal acceptance of regional inequality,” he said.
“For the people of Port Stephens and the Myall Coast, this Senate inquiry shutdown looks, waddles and quacks like yet another breakdown of democracy.
“For a start, consultation was so obviously botched that Federal Minister Chris Bowen ordered an independent investigationthe Dyer report.
“The result was damning and the regions understandably awaited an adequate response.
“However, once reelected, Bowen pressed on toward simply flick-passing the consultation buck to ‘big wind’ proponents.
“Throw in a now-closed Senate probe that also didn't consult witnesses and anyone could be forgiven for questioning why there was no fair-go, respect or integrity shown to areas like Port Stephens and the Myall Coast.”
q Participants from across the Hunter volunteered for the exercise.
36 Koonwarra Drive, Hawks Nest
$1,300,000
NESTLED in the serene enclave of Swan Bay within Hawks Nest, 36 Koonwarra Drive offers an idyllic retreat for holidaymakers, discerning owner-occupiers, or astute investors.
This splendid fourbedroom, two-bathroom house is a solid brick and tile construction, standing proudly on a 556 square metre plot that combines the pleasure of ample space with the ease of low maintenance.
The property's prime
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The spacious courtyard to the rear is the perfect stage for al fresco entertainment or quiet reflection, while the front downstairs balcony invites you to unwind with your beverage of choice, overlooking the lush reserve and sparkling waterways.
Water enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with nearby boat ramps facilitating easy access to the Myall River for
larger vessels and jet skis.
The double lock-up garage provides secure storage for vehicles and watercraft alike, ensuring all your 'toys' are safely housed.
This gem in Hawks Nest's crown presents a rare opportunity for those seeking a blend of leisure and lifestyle.
Viewings of this superb property are exclusively by appointment.
Don't miss your chance to secure your slice of paradise – contact John Rumble (0425 289 200) today to arrange your private inspection.
READING by Lynne Miles: Psalm 46: 1
STRENGTHENER - "God is our strength and refuge; a very present help in time of trouble."
By John BLACKBOURN
CYNICS of our political system might suggest the whole game looks like feeding time at a piggery.
It is essential to make sure there are enough buckets of slops for all to enjoy.
That is probably a bit tough, but it is often the way the public views this political feeding frenzy.
When governments are elected after winning the vote, their leader selects his favoured few for the top jobs.
However in order to stop the noisy grunters from upsetting the others, they need to provide more feed in a safe location in order to keep their troops
focused on the job at hand.
The losers, called the opposition, then select their team to directly oppose the winners.
The top jobs meet in what is called “the cabinet”.
Those selected are generally the ones who have shown loyalty to the person elected as party leader in the past.
They get the big jobs with the highest pay and prestige, and we are told they have the best talent to govern our nation.
We then have the opposition party selecting a “shadow cabinet” which this year totals some 23 members.
To keep the remainder of the porkers happy, they have added an “outer ministry” of seven players.
But wait, there are more roles to be filled.
So, we now have “shadow assistant” positions numbering another 12 members, all receiving increased money and staff for taking on these roles.
Now they have some 42 positions filled by their piglets, all of whom are in the opposition pens.
Yes, there were those who missed out.
Six existing members failed to be elected plus another seven who were
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
WHEN I was in the hairdresser last week, I overheard the woman opposite me tell the hairdresser that she wanted a new style because she was about to leave her husband after 18 years of marriage. On my way out, I took a quick glance at the person in question, and realised, to my horror, that it was Claudia from my social group.
I now feel burdened by this information. She seemed so happy in her relationship. We were even invited to a dinner cruise with her and Larry in a couple of weeks. What do I do now?
Leanne
Q.
Dear Leanne,
Perhaps instead of telling you what to do, I should tell you what not to do.
Under no circumstances should you repeat this conversation, told in confidence, to anyone else. What happens at Sharon's Live and Let Dye Salon stays at Sharon's Live and Let Dye Salon.
A hairdressing salon is very much like a confessional booth (with more comfortable chairs and Taylor Swift's Shake it Off on rotation).
Hairdressers, due to the amount of time they spend giving their customers their undivided attention, become a therapist of sorts.
A simple, 'How are you? Can I get you a tea or coffee?' followed by three hours of pampering, sets off a chain reaction that invariably results in customers feeling relaxed enough and 'heard' enough to chat about everything from children's careers
dumped from their positions, as no doubt they failed to show support or loyalty to their elected leader.
We also have 10 independents, one Green, Bob Katter and one Centre Alliance member.
The government has 94 members and
AUSTRALIA has long supplied energy and manufactured products to the world.
We can protect this tradition by updating.
Local companies have already moved into cleaner production and we already supply more
than 40% of our National Electricity Market with clean energy.
At independent industry think tank Beyond Zero Emissions, we created an assessment to measure progress to clean exports in our industrial regions.
Our recent assessment of the Hunter
shows local industry wants to move to clean production, but delivering that clean energy to industry is lagging on 17 of 19 indicators.
Local industry needs the Hunter Transmission Project completed in 2028 to deliver that clean energy and some 74 percent of the renewable energy capacity pipeline is yet to receive planning approval which typically takes between five and eight years.
Australia’s only remaining steel bar
to sick parents, to, in this case, unravelling relationships.
A hairdresser is much more than someone who styles hair.
They quite literally strip down surface pretensions.
Who else sees you in the harsh light of day, reflected back to yourself in a mirror, half a roll of foil clamped around your regrowth, a dark cape enhancing the purple circles under your eyes.
And so begins the great unburdening.
The conversation starts simply enough, often with the weather, but by the time you reach the basin with its reclining chair, essential oils wafting through the air, and a cranial massage delivered by the hands of an angel, not only are you ready to tell your hairdresser your innermost secrets, you're probably ready to include them in your will.
Then, feeling a bit light headed, you confidently agree to anything, including the offer of the extra-cost hair smoothing treatment and blowdry, and you feel incredible.
You also naively believe that you will be able to pull off the new style with your Kmart hairdryer and some hair clips.
This is the stage your friend was at.
She felt unburdened and vivacious.
Her hairdresser was just about to remove her cape in the final unveiling, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon (or perhaps like a woman leaving Larry the plumber with his gammy leg and gambling addiction) when she spotted you and the spell was broken.
Leanne, I implore you to treat the overheard conversation with the discretion it deserves.
Perhaps your friend will announce her decision on the cruise.
Until then, hold your tongue more firmly than Sharon wrangling your hair into a topknot.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
the coalition opposition has 43 on their team.
Hopefully they can all work to achieve a happy piggery which delivers productive outcomes for the benefit of our nation.
I think that is called bringing home the bacon.
processor, Milltech Martin Bright, saved nearly $5 million from 2014 to 2024 whilst saving 44,000 tonnes of emissions through a large solar installation, upgrading air compressors and the purchase of a power analyser, among other things.
Our regions can be clean manufacturing powerhouses.
But we need to coordinate and prepare regionally and nationally, now.
Regards, Heidi LEE, CEO, Beyond Zero Emissions.
By Claire PONTIN, Mayor, MidCoast Council
THE communities of the MidCoast area have just experienced the worst flood in living memory.
Council staff and I are working round the clock to address the widespread damage that this has caused and to seek ongoing support from the State and Federal emergency
support agencies.
I have been meeting with Ministers and agency heads to ensure that they are well informed on progress and to seek additional support for the cleanup and for affected families and businesses.
I have followed these discussions up with a formal request to the Premier seeking a higher level of financial support for those devastated by the MidCoast floods.
My heart goes out to the people of the MidCoast whose lives have been disrupted.
There was widespread inundation and devastation of homes, both commercial and primary production businesses, extensive damage to public infrastructure, and the isolation of many communities.
The scale of this disaster is unprecedented. Hundreds of homes have been rendered uninhabitable.
Friends, neighbours, workmates and family members have been displaced, with their lives
upended in a matter of hours.
The emotional and financial toll on residents and business owners cannot be overstated.
The recovery is going to be long and hard.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the emergency services that supported our community during the flood and continue to do so as we face the mammoth clean up.
In the face of adversity, the spirit of our community has shone brightly.
Residents have come together to support one another, offering shelter, supplies, and assistance to those in need. Local businesses have opened their doors to provide resources, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.
This collective resilience and compassion are testaments to the strength of our community.
Council teams have worked around the clock - often in difficult and distressing circumstances - first providing essential services during horrendous conditions and then quickly shifting
into the long and difficult road to recovery. Their efforts have been instrumental in supporting our community during this challenging time.
Council is committed to supporting the community through this and will continue working with state and federal governments, local organisations, and residents to ensure residents have the resources, information, and assistance needed to recover and rebuild, together.
I have been calling for urgent housing support, business recovery assistance, mental health services, funding for infrastructure repair, and a greater investment to help make our infrastructure more resilient next time.
Council is here to help. If you have any questions or need any information pertaining to the flood, clean up and assistance please visit the Flood Recovery page on Council’s website.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THE main recreational activities at Port Stephens have traditionally been fishing and boating.
From the 1880s up until the Second World War, there was an additional outdoor sporting activity in the Myall Lakes district - recreational shooting.
Groups would travel to Port Stephens for the combined activities of fishing and shooting.
For many years from the late 1880s, fowls, ducks, swans and wallabies around the Myall Lakes area were under continued attack from recreational shooters.
Some of the material presented consists of descriptions of travel excursions by tourists or sporting parties to the Port Stephens area, in which recreational shooting formed a major component.
It is difficult to comprehend today, with the controls in place by NPWS, NSW Fisheries and environmental bodies, that the hunting and fishing methods of the pioneering families and visitors were not only acceptable but eagerly pursued.
I have included certain newspaper articles that appeared around the time that reflect the attitude towards recreational hunting and fishing.
The newspaper articles are the result of research conducted by Kevin and Mary McGinness.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 12 June 1882, page 3, reported:
“No greater treat can be afforded a lover of beautiful scenery than a trip to Port Stephens, and thence up the Myall Lakes. “The fishing and shooting to be done is superb, the lakes being literally crowded with swan and duck, besides schnapper, mullet, bream, and other species too numerous to mention. This route will find all they desire at Witts Hotel.”
The Newcastle Sun of 24 March 1926, page 6:
“Three lovers of fishing have returned to their homes in the Newcastle district after an eight day excursion in the locality of Port Stephens and Myall Lakes.
“The party succeeded in catching over 600 fish of many kind.
“Shooting in the bush was also enjoyed, and many parrots and other birds were secured.
“The visit was full of interest, from a scenic point of view, and the party
considers that the area over which it travelled is well worth seeing by others.”
Recreational shooting in the Port Stephens area had ceased by the start of the Second World War.
By 1939, parts of the Myall Lakes had been declared a sanctuary area.
The Dungog Chronicle of 24 February 1939, page 4, reported:
“Ducks and swans are plentiful on the Myall Lakes, and shooters are always after them.
“As this area has been declared
a sanctuary, Mr. A. E. Dickinson, of ‘Parklands,’ intends to protect the birds, and with the assistance of two more rangers will patrol the area.”
Mr Arthur Dickinson had previously been an honorary ranger at Mount Tomaree, Port Stephens.
After leaving Mount Tomaree around 1939, Arthur Dickinson purchased a property named ‘Parklands’ near the Myall Lakes and resided there until his death in 1954.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
SCHOOLGIRL swimmer
Kayleigh Thompson has competed at State Championship level for the second year in a row.
A nine-year-old student at Tea Gardens Public School (TGPS), Kayleigh’s journey this year started with a fantastic run through the school, zone and regional swim meets, where she impressed in backstroke, the individual medley, butterfly, and freestyle races.
Her efforts in the 50metres freestyle took her, once again, to Homebush in Sydney for the State Championships.
“Kayleigh achieved a huge personal best in the heats, it was a great swim,” proud mother Lauren Thompson told NOTA.
Having reached the finals at the State event,
Kayleigh finished in 8th place.
Her goal next year is to go one step further to Nationals.
“She’s been driven to make it to Nationals since she was six-years-old,” Lauren said.
“Next year, she is hoping to make it in multiple strokes and races; her favourites are backstroke and freestyle.”
Over the last year, Kayleigh has started competitively swimming with the Stroud Seals Swim Club, who operate out of Raymond Terrace.
After an encounter with former Olympian Matthew Gray at TGPS last month, Kayleigh’s sights are firmly set on making it to the international level one day.
The talented Kayleigh is also active in Nippers and with the Tea Gardens Soccer Club.
Myall Coast Vets
12/06/2025. 2BBB
STABLEFORD
1. Stephen Rees & Lance Muir 47
2. Leonard Moloney & Reginald Alderson 46 C/B
3. Noel Quince & Graham Illand 46
4. Frank Murphy & Keith Glanville 45
5. Gordon Morrison & Kevin Williams 44 c/b NTP. A B C
3rd. Bernardin, Peter Norberry, Rodney Hill, Ken
5th. Jackson, Paul McDermott, Stephen Kirwan, Ross 10th Muir, Lance Billinghurst, Peter Carruthers, Steve 16th McNaughton, Stewart Ward, Damien Balls to. 37 c/b
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
hole. The team with the lowest total score wins, in this case after 18 holes. In freezing conditions, the field of 50 hardy players battled strong winds out on the course, with many struggling to play well in their many layers of warm clothing. But the
Hawks Nest Vets
By Len GOUGH
10/06/2025. ROUND 3 HN Vets C’ship. HN Vets Stroke Event
Front Nine Nett
Scores
1st Colin Clinch 34
2nd Colin Amos 36c/b
3rd Ian Richardson 36
4th Gregory Blyton 37
Balls down to 39c/b
Back Nine nett scores
1st Bill Morris 34
2nd John Reynolds 36
3rd Glenn Byrnes 37c/b
4th Graham Illand 37c/b
Balls down to 40 Nearest To Pin
3rd Lyle Hudson
5th Gregory Blyton 10th Noel Shelly 16th Ronald Wright
challenging conditions didn’t seem to bother our leaders today, and it was the pairing of Jo Scott and Di Bott who had a convincing win with a combined score of 72.5.
The next 6 pairs finished within 1.5 shots of each other in a close tussle for the minor placings, so we’re looking forward to more hot competition for this year’s title in the final round next week.
Results: Tuesday 10/6/25
Ladies 18 Hole Foursomes Championship Round 1
By Michelle COLE
WINNERS of Thursday 12th
June Darts
Winner Matt
and
Runner up was Phil Jones. Ladies’ Highest pointscore was Kay Jones on 92 and Men’s highest pointscore was Phil Jones on 140
Darts on every Thursday night. Everyone is welcome.
1st Jo Scott & Di Bott on 72.5; 2nd Ann Morris & Cheryl Foster 76; 3rd Judy Gilbert & Anne-Marie French 76.5 Place Getters (77C/B - 78.5): Angela Squires & Michele Nelson; Jo Buttrey & Carolyn Affleck; Marcia Smith & Fran Henderson; Robyn Keegan & Judy Benson; Lorraine Bragg & Colleen Inskip; Ann Syme & Elsa Jones Congratulations to everyone who braved the elements to compete in this event – well played!
q Ladies’ Highest pointscore was Kay Jones on 92 and Men’s highest pointscore was Phil Jones on 140.
The Tuesday Lady Vets numbers have been down in the past couple of weeks, perhaps because the conditions haven’t been favourable. However, there were some good scores carded in close competition, with special mention of Ann Browning scoring a fine 14 in the wild wind this week.
Results: 3/6/25 1st Robyn West 13 C/B; 2nd Pat Dodd 13; 3rd Pat Marr 12 C/B; 4th Jeanette Kemp 12
Results: 10/6/25 1st Ann Browning 14; 2nd Sylvia Bolden 7
We had a great field of 58 ladies who played in Thursday’s 9 hole Lady Vets event in chilly conditions. It was hard to tell who was who out on the course with everyone rugged up from top to toe, but the warmth in the clubhouse afterwards was a welcome relief. Rosarie Mullins and Michelle Larkin led the field with very good nett scores of 33 and 35 respectively. There were also 3 chip ins today, all on the 3rd hole: Rosarie Mullins, Sharon Barwick and Maureen Ward all hit accurately from off the
green to sink their shots in style. Well played!
Results: Thursday 12/6/25
Lady Vets 9 Hole Event 1st Colleen Inskip on -3; 2nd Sharon Barwick -2; 3rd Carol Wiggins -1 C/B; 4th Maureen Ward -1; 5th Ann O’Brien 0 NTP Hole 3: Division
1 Denise Sainty; Division 2 June London; Division 3
Sue Hair NTP Hole 16: Division
1 Trish Collins; Division 2
Marie Pegram; Division 3 Ann Browning
per Hour | 3 Days per Week | 4 Hours per
Are you a confident, friendly and energetic person who loves connecting with people?
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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
Applications close: 5pm, 23rd June 2025.
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SUNDAY
ABC TV, 7.30pm
It’s been 20 years since Spicks and Specks first aired and Australia realised that watching famous folk replace song lyrics with completely unrelated texts was TV gold. To celebrate, host Adam Hills and team captains Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough are back with another round of their greatest hits. Tonight’s guests include comedians Nina Oyama and Steph Tisdell, stage and screen powerhouse Natalie Bassingthwaighte (pictured, with Oyama), Ball Park Music frontman Sam Cromack and with singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko serenading the winning team once all is said and done.
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
10.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
Anderson.
10.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.20 ABC Late News.
11.35 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
SEVEN, 7.30pm
If you were marooned on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? A bridal gown, bouquet and a blind date probably aren’t too high on the list, but in this new reality romance series, that’s exactly what you can expect. After a speed dating event, 12 singles (including Amy, right) are matched up and married, before being dropped off on a remote tropical island with nothing but their formalwear and each other. Completely removed from their lives, technology and distractions, it’s an immersive experience not for the fainthearted, as the lovelorn participants have nowhere to hide – but everything to gain. Radio star Jackie O narrates as sparks fly and campfires aren’t the only thing igniting.
TUESDAY
As ubiquitous as awardfilmmaker and podcaster Marc Fennell (pictured) might seem on TV, host is just now making an appearance on this evergreen search for ancestral answers.
Fennell is used to helping others uncover their hidden histories, but the time has come to turn the lens on himself. Seeking clarity about his Indian grandparents’ lives and the experiences that shaped them, Fennell starts his exploration in Singapore, before visiting Malaysia to learn more about his great-grandmother and her unique heritage. Then, it’s a long way to Tipperary, where Fennell finds forbidden love and a couple of Irish scandals (and scoundrels) on his father’s side.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles. (PGa)
8.25 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter. (PGav, R)
9.20 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Atlantic Crossing. (Mal, R)
12.05 Exterior Night. (MA15+v, R)
3.15 The World From Above. (R)
4.20 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (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.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PGal) Melissa Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Yvie Jones and Archie Thompson to discuss skin checks.
9.30 MOVIE: Maid In Manhattan. (2002, PGls, R) A senatorial candidate falls for a maid. Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes.
11.40 Border Security: International. (PGadl)
12.10 Nurses. (Ma, R)
1.10 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 16. Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Wests Tigers versus Canberra Raiders match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Out Of Time. (2003, Mlv, R) A police chief investigates a double murder. Denzel Washington, Eva Mendes.
12.45 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)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 6.30 The Project. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. Clare looks for a home for her family in Western Sydney. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Guests include Ricky Gervais. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R) 1.30 Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius. (Ml, R) 2.30 Singapore Symphony Orchestra. 4.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
5.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 5.30 QI. (PGs, R)
6.00 Landline. (R)
6.30 Australian Story: Forget Me Not – Jim Rogers. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Classic 100 Concert 2025. The Classic 100 countdown is performed in concert.
9.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R) Stella is forced to realise that being the new Queen of Mystery Bay isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
9.55 Little Disasters. (Mal, R) A mother rushes her baby to the emergency room.
10.40 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef: Builders. (R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
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. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Joanna Lumley’s Danube. (PG, 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)
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv) Stella scrambles to adapt to her new way of life.
8.55 Little Disasters. (Mdls) Police and Social Services investigate jointly.
9.45 MOVIE: Wake In Fright. (1971, Masv, R) A teacher stays overnight in a mining town. Donald Pleasence.
11.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Play School Show Time. 5.45 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 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 Super Shark Highway. 10.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.05 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Blue And Gold. (R) 2.10 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.10 Antarctica From Above. (PG) 4.45 American Candy. (PGl) 5.40 Hitler’s British Island. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet.
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PGa)
9.35 Irish Road Trip With Miriam Margolyes. (Ml, R)
10.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
11.35 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
3.10 The World From Above. (R)
4.15 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.45 Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 1. Qualifying. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 1. Pre-Race and Race 18. 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) Authorities investigate a nervous man.
7.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World Dominion. (2022, Mav) Earth is once again dominated by prehistoric predators. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard.
10.40 MOVIE: Black Hawk Down. (2001, MA15+lv, R) Josh Hartnett. 1.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 1. Highlights.
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGal, R)
6.00 Getaway.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (Final, PG)
8.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PGalns, R)
10.35 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989, Mls, R)
12.25 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGl, R)
1.10 Surfing Australia TV. (R)
1.35 Destination WA. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (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 Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to stay or leave.
8.30 House Hunters Australia. (R) Newlyweds must decide between the inner-city and suburban North Shore for their first home.
9.30 Airport 24/7. (PGa, R) Duty manager Dan must deal with holiday passenger numbers and a self-check-in outage. 10.30 Elsbeth. (PGv, R) 11.30 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
7TWO (62)
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Range Of Motion. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. ProMX C’ships. Round 5. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.00 SBS50. (R) 5.05 Michael Mosley: The Doctor Who Changed Britain. (PGa, R) 5.40 Hitler’s British Island. (PGa)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PGa, R)
8.25 The Lost Scrolls Of Vesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG, R)
9.20 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, R)
10.15 New Zealand From A Train. (R)
12.10 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R)
2.55 Colosseum. (Mav, R)
3.45 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.15 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly. (R)
VICELAND (31)
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11.10 Marilyn: Her Final Secret. (PGa, R)
(62) VICELAND (31)
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 8.15 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 10.10 Dating The Enemy. (1996, M) 12.10pm The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.50 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 4.35 First Cow. (2019, PG) 6.50 Sky Pirates. (1986) 8.30 Gone Girl. (2014, MA15+) 11.15 Eager Bodies. (2003, MA15+, French) 1am The Whole Truth. (2016, M) 2.45 Late Programs. 6am Summerland. Continued. (2020, PG) 6.40 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.20 Sky Pirates. (1986) 10.00 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 12.10pm Voyage Of The Damned. (1976, M) 3.00 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 4.55 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 6.55 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 8.30 Love And Mercy. (2014, M) 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Better Homes. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 2. Qualifying. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 2. Pre-Race and Race 19. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGl) 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madv)
10.45 Crime Investigation Australia. (MA15+alv, R)
12.15 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 2. Highlights. 1.15 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
5.25 PBS Washington Week. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Colosseum. Midnight WWE Legends. 12.55 Letterkenny. 2.45
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PG)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mav)
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 The First 48. (Ma, R) 12.00 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+mns, R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Business Drive. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns to impress judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli. 8.20 Fake. (Ml) Birdie attends the wedding of one of her friends with Joe by her side, a relationship milestone she’s yearned for. 9.15 FBI. (Mav, R) A young woman’s abduction leads the FBI back to a cold case from 18 years ago.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PG, R)
8.25 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (Final, PGa, R)
9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (R)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Classified. (Malv)
11.30 Kin. (MA15+l, R)
2.25 Colosseum. (Mav, R)
3.15 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.15 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan 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. (PGad) David hits a dead end.
7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Premiere, Mal) Aussies are married and stranded on an island.
9.05 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Final, PGal) The farmers return.
10.45 The Agenda Setters.
11.45 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R) 12.50 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Mals)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Movie
Show. 6.10 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 7.45 First Cow. (2019, PG) 10.00 The Whole Truth. (2016, M) 11.45 Lord Of The Ants. (2022, M, Italian) 2.20pm The Movie Show. 2.55 The Majestic. (2001, PG) 5.40 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 7.45 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 9.30 Burn All My Letters. (2022, MA15+, Swedish) 11.40 Our Kind Of Traitor. (2016, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
Barrier Reef. (R)
9.50 I Was Actually There. (PG, R) 10.20 ABC Late News.
10.35 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.55 Evacuation. (Ml, R) 12.45 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 1.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.00 The Point. (R)
12.00 Headhunters. (Malv, R)
1.45 Freezing Embrace. (MA15+av, R)
4.15 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.45 Japan 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. (PG) Cash gets a clue.
7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals) Three new couples say “I do”. 9.20 Doc. (Ma) Gina deals with a devastating revelation. Amy is forced to confront her demons.
10.20 Accused. (Masv)
11.20 The Agenda Setters. 12.20 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R) 1.20 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 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (Final, PG) 9.00 100% Footy. (M) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml) 11.30
6am The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 8.00 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 10.00 Nowhere Special. (2020, M) 11.45 Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 2.30pm The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.25 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 6.15 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 7.55 The Assistant. (2019, M) 9.30 Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 12.15am Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Hunt For Truth: Tasmanian Tiger. (PG, R)
8.30 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma)
9.25 The Veil. (MA15+av)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Malv)
11.50 L’Opera. (Mls, R)
3.40 Colosseum. (Mav, R)
4.30 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. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan. 10.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 Stags. (Premiere, MA15+adv)
12.00 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.00 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 Australia’s Most Identical. (Final, PG) 9.10 The Grand Tour. (Ml) 10.40 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.40 9News Late. 12.10 La Brea. (Mv, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
6am The Final
Countdown. Continued. (1980, PG) 6.10 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 7.55 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 10.00 The Assistant. (2019, M) 11.35 Decision To Leave. (2022, M, Chinese) 2.05pm The Movie Show. 2.40 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 4.40 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 5.40 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 7.30 Sing Street. (2016, M) 9.30 Love Proof. (2022, M, Swedish) 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes.
8.30 7/7: The London Bombings: Fragments Of Evidence. (Ma)
9.40 Sherlock & Daughter. (Final, Mv)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 The Silence. (Malv) 1.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av, R) 2.45 Colosseum. (Masv, R)
3.30 9/11: Four Flights. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGd) 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Presented by Graeme Hall. 8.30 MOVIE: The Proposal. (2009, PGls, R) An editor gets engaged to her assistant to get a green card so she can continue working in the US. Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds.
10.50 To Be Advised.
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.
6am Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 6.25 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 8.15 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 10.10 Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 12.45pm While We’re Young. (2014, M) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 5.15 The Way. (2010, PG) 7.30 Ali. (2001, M) 10.25 Quake. (2021, M, Icelandic) 12.20am The Red Riding Trilogy: 1983. (2009, MA15+) 2.20 Late Programs.
By Dianne BOWES
LAST Saturday’s round of Hawks Nest Ladies Golf was the June Monthly Medal, with 31 ladies playing in two grades for honours in very pleasant conditions.
And for the second week in a row it was Di Bowes who finished at the top of the leaderboard, just squeaking in with 74 nett on a countback from Robyn Keegan. Marcia Smith (who was our Tuesday Medal winner), Kathy Griffiths and Liz Patrick all shared a score of 75, so it was a very close competition for the medals.
Other highlights included Jo Scott’s great chip in on the 14th after some bunker trouble, which saved her score on that hole.
Results: Saturday 7/6/25
Ladies 18 Hole Stroke/
Monthly Medal
A Grade Winners: 1st
Marcia Smith 75 C/B; 2nd
Kathy Griffiths (Medal Winner) 75; 3rd Jo Buttrey 80
B Grade Winners: 1st Di Bowes 74 C/B (best score of the day/ Medal Winner); 2nd Robyn Keegan 74; 3rd
Elizabeth Patrick 75
Place Getters (76 C/B – 81 C/B): Sue Hair, Di Bott, Roma Bernardin, Liz Edmonds, Tanya Sinclair, Antje Basson
A Grade Gross Winner: Kathy Griffiths 93; B Grade Gross Winner: Sue Kovacs 103
Tuesday’s event was the first leg of the Ladies Foursomes Championships, a game in which pairs of players hit alternate shots with one ball from tee to
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