By Chris KARAS
PORT STEPHENS FAMILY OWNED NEWSPAPER
Ships turned, arrests made at annual climate protest
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
CLIMATE protesters are ramping up efforts to disrupt the fossil fuel industry, scaling and blocking a ship bound for the world's largest coal port.
Three Greenpeace activists scaled the ship on Sunday morning at Rising Tide's annual "protestival" at Newcastle Harbour, unveiling a banner reading "Phase Out Coal and Gas".
After police confirmed 11 people were charged on Saturday relating to swimming, kayaking and boating to block a shipping lane, another 21 were charged on Sunday for similar "marine-related offences".
Authorities also alleged a violent assault took place at nearby Foreshore Park involving attendees, in which a 46-year-old man was hospitalised with back, arm, leg and head lacerations.
An 18-year-old man was arrested in relation to the incident but was yet to be charged.
Rising Tide claimed a coal ship, named RAGNAR, was forced to turn around
on Sunday afternoon after about 95 people in 50 kayaks blocked its path.
A coal ship was also turned around on Saturday.
Earlier, three Greenpeace activists boarded a coal ship and unveiled their banner, having already written "Timeline Now" on its side in non-toxic paint.
One of the activists latched onto the ship's anchor chain.
Mina Bui Jones, who was arrested on Saturday for swimming into the shipping lane with the intention of disrupting coal delivery, said seeing ships turned around was "empowering" and showed "people stepping up where our government is failing us".
"It was actually beautiful to be out on the water, to see this magnificent harbour," she said.
"It was thrilling to see the boats go back into their berth, and to know that we had prevented a coal ship from making a delivery... was thrilling and I would do it again."
Elen O'Donnell, a Greenpeace activist and doctor who scaled the ship, said the protest effort was a peaceful yet meaningful defiance.
"We're trying to send a message that we do not want any new coal and gas projects, and we need a timeline to phase out fossil fuels," she said.
"We've been up here for a couple of hours, the workers on board have been super
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED BETWEEN 16/11/2025 AND 23/11/2025
Information is correct at time of printing. For up-to-date information visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4988 0255.
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SALAMANDER BAY 336 Soldiers Point Rd 16-2025-664-1 Alterations/additions to industrial building, change of use to storage premises
Soldiers Point Rd 16-2025-653-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling, including carports 186 Soldiers Point Rd 16-2025-628-1
Demolish dwelling, structures and driveway. Construct attached dual occupancy, driveway, earthworks, 1 into 2 lot Torrens Title subdivision
SALT ASH
113 Lemon Tree Passage Rd 16-2025-641-1 Swimming pool and associated safety barriers WALLALONG
101 High St 16-2025-661-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling 29 Morpeth St 16-2025-266-2 S4.55(1A) Modification to dual occupancy (1 existing) – design changes
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
CAROLS AT THE BAY 2025
Council advises the temporary closure of Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay – from Fly Point to Dixon Drive (one-way section only) for Carols at the Bay. Held at Fly Point on Sunday 7 December 2025 between 4:30pm and 9:30pm.
Enquiries: Event organiser on 0414 223801 or Council’s Events team on 4988 0255.
we've managed to stop the ship from entering the port for its scheduled unload of coal, and we'll stay here as long as we can."
NSW Police said they attempted to stop a boat that had entered its exclusion zone at about 10am on Sunday, but alleged the boat failed to stop.
They said the boat allegedly collided with a police jet ski after refusing to stop, although no injuries were reported.
A series of events have run alongside the protests, including speeches, workshops and live music headlined by Australian indie
PUBLIC EXHIBITION NOTICE PLANNING PROPOSAL – WOODVILLE FUNCTION CENTRE, 893 PATERSON RD, WOODVILLE
A Gateway determination was received from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on 10 July 2025. The planning proposal seeks to amend Schedule 1 of the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013 to insert an additional permitted use to permit, with development consent, the use of Lot 10 DP 1035397, 893 Paterson Road, Woodville, as a function centre.
The draft planning proposal will be on exhibition from Friday 28 November 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026 at:
• Council’s Administration Building, 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace (during normal business hours)
• Raymond Terrace Library, 18A Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace
its decision to approve the festive events alongside the protests.
is the world's largest coal export port, sending 150 million tonnes offshore annually, mostly to east Asia.
• Tomaree Library, 7 Community Close, Salamander Bay
• Council’s website at portstephens.nsw.gov.au under “Public Exhibitions”
Submissions:
Submissions are invited and can be lodged in writing to the General Manager at Port Stephens Council until 5pm Wednesday 7 January 2026:
• Mail: PO Box 42, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Email: council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Please quote file number 58-2024-3-1 with your submission. Submissions may be made in any format, which is able to be sent via email and is less than 10MB in size. This may include a video file or audio voice recording in addition to more traditional written format.
Enquiries:
Please phone Sarah Connell on 02 4988 0462
q Scores of climate protesters have
Photo: Darren Pateman/AAP PHOTOS.
friendly…
pop act Lime Cordiale. Newcastle City Council defended
Newcastle
Top accolades for Nelson Bay FC player-coach Amber Grosser
FROM Page 1
soccer ball just over ten years ago with the Nelson Bay club after moving to Port Stephens from her home town of Gunnedah.
She capped a busy 2025 season by guiding the Nelson Bay FC Women's Over 30s B team to the Newcastle Football Interdistrict finals as captain-coach and fostered the promising young talent in the Girls Under 12/2 and
Under 9 squads. Amber, who lives in Fingal Bay, was also the recipient of the club’s Elaine Donnelly Award for demonstrating a willingness to put the team and her teammates first and always giving her best.
Outgoing club president Todd Giles - who is relocating to Canberra with his young family - praised his successor for her dedication, leadership and passion for developing and supporting players throughout the junior and
senior ranks.
“We are all so proud of Amber’s efforts and her club spirit shines through in everything she does,” quipped the long serving official, who will remain the club’s historian.
“Her commitment to creating a positive, fun and hard working environment for her teams has not only built strong players - but strong people.
"This award recognises the countless hours she gives
to our club and community and we are so fortunate to have her on board,” he added.
Amber becomes only the second female president in the club’s proud 50-year history, following in the steps of club stalwart Vicki McLeer.
She originally joined the club “to make friends” but has since developed into a skilful winger, inspiring coach and top administrator and is regarded as an ideal role model on the local sporting scene.
Through playing and volunteering she gained her C-Class coaching licence, participated in Northern NSW Football Women in Leadership programs and has made lifelong friendships.
One of her proudest moments was receiving the Club Person of the Year Award back in 2021.
Amber is passionate about the growth of Nelson Bay FC - not just in numbers, but in community, culture and creating opportunities for all.
The respected mentor is also dedicated to increasing female participation at the club.
During the soccer season you’ll find the committed Grosser coaching, helping out on game days, working in the canteen, toiling away on the training paddock or playing Monday nights.
Joining Amber on a new Nelson Bay FC volunteer executive committee in 2026 are vice president Ryan Palmer, secretary Danielle Hobbs, treasurer Shaun Shelley and Coaching Director Dave Harasti.
Man faces court after alleged home invasion
FROM Page 1
earlier this year.
The arrest, made by NSW Police’s Raptor Squad, comes after an investigation into a series of aggravated robbery related incidents in the Nelson Bay area in March 2025.
About 5.25am on Thursday 27 March 2025, emergency services were called to Salamander Way in Salamander Bay following reports of a home invasion.
On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were told five unknown men dressed in dark clothing and face coverings – two armed with firearms, and one armed
with a knife – had entered the home.
The group of males allegedly threatened the home's occupants – a 48-yearold woman and two men aged 52 and 26 – demanding drugs before stealing their mobile phones, a luxury handbag, and a luxury hat.
The offenders then fled the scene in a white 4WD vehicle suspected to be bearing stolen registration plates.
Local police commenced initial inquiries and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the youngest man for a suspected broken nose.
The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Raptor
North who commenced investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested 21-yearold Ravon Sio in Prestons, a suburb in south-west Sydney, about 7.50am on Wednesday 26 November.
Mr Sio was taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with “robbery while armed with dangerous weapon” and “participate in a criminal group”.
He was refused bail to appear in Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday, 26 November.
He will appear again before court in Newcastle on 21 January 2026. Investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove continue.
q Strike force detectives arrested a 21-year-old man in Prestons last week. Photo: NSW Police.
REPORTERS
Cosette De LORENZO 0468 575 452 cosette@newsofthearea.com.au
Chris KARAS 0400 819 153 chris@newsofthearea.com.au
Jacie WHITFIELD 0411 556 079 jacie@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
NEWS: media@newsofthearea.com.au
ADVERTISING: ads@newsofthearea.com.au
FLIPBOOK ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au
SOCIAL: facebook.com/myallNOTA
POST: PO Box 1000, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Housing strategy report released
THE Port Stephens Housing Strategy Annual Report 2024/2025 is now available to be viewed by the community.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the report is a “great way to show the community insights on where Council is at in meeting our housing strategy targets”.
The Annual Report has been developed and published as an action of the Local Housing Strategy.
Since the adoption of the Strategy in June, Council has completed or started 50 percent of the listed actions.
Council has approved over 660 Development Applications (DA), above the 550 house target for the past 12 months.
Port Stephens is also the fastest council in the Hunter for approving applications, with an average of 49 days.
“Approvals in the past year for higher-density housing, such as dual-occupancy homes on one lot, have doubled,” Mayor Anderson said.
While exceeding the DA
rising construction materials and labour costs, and industry shortages.
“We’re proactively responding to challenges as they arise, including the potential risk of a future shortfall in housing completions, and other challenges impacting future targets.”
Mayor Anderson says housing and the lack of affordable and diverse options remains one of the biggest challenges facing the region.
“We remain committed to easing the housing challenges our community is facing and delivering options to meet the future needs of our community,” Mayor Anderson said.
q
Council has advocated to the State Government for changes to planning legislation that will make it simpler to develop more affordable homes in areas like Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace.
“We’re getting ahead now for what could impact our long-term targets for housing.
“We’re undertaking investigations and rezoning of additional residential land and taking further actions to facilitate infill housing in existing centres,” Mayor Anderson added.
To read more about the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy, visit pscouncil.info/ housing-strategy
Burnie, Wynyard,
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Council has published its Port Stephens
Tourism excellence
By Cosette DE LORENZO
PORT Stephens tourism operators
4WD Tours R Us and Moonshadow - TQC Cruises have each received top recognition at the NSW Tourism Awards.
4WD Tours R Us was awarded Silver in the Major Tourist Attraction category, while Moonshadow - TQC Cruises took out Silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operator category.
4WD Tours R Us also won bronze in the Tour & Transport Operators category.
Having claimed two major
prizes, the 4WD Tours R Us team said it was “beyond proud”.
“To say we’re thrilled is an understatement!” the business posted to social media.
“These awards recognise the passion, hard work, and dedication of our incredible team, our amazing guests, and our wonderful partners across Port Stephens and the Worimi Conservation Lands.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington congratulated the businesses on their achievement in the “coveted” NSW Tourism Awards.
The awards program is delivered by the NSW Tourism Association and aims to acknowledge excellence, innovation and professionalism across the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The NSW Tourism Association praised the “passion” shown within the industry.
Workshop to inspire creativity and self-care
By Jacie WHITFIELD
LONG-TERM Port Stephens resident and community arts advocate Tina Summers is using her creative practice to support local women, with her latest workshop funded through Australia Post’s Community Grants program.
Tina, known for helping women reconnect with their natural creativity, focuses her teaching on self-expression, exploration and using simple art processes to support emotional wellbeing.
She will lead a free Morning Tea and Art Expression workshop from 10.30am to 12pm on Thursday 11 December, hosted by the Women’s Healing Sanctuary.
The session aims to provide a relaxed space for creativity,
connection and gentle self-care.
Participants can expect a warm, supportive environment where creativity is encouraged in all its forms, with activities designed to invite reflection, joy and moments of quiet.
The workshop forms part of the Women’s Healing Sanctuary’s broader commitment to providing safe, nurturing environments for women needing rest, respite or support during times of stress,
“It’s been an incredible year for tourism in NSW, with a record 230 nominations received from across the state,” a spokesperson for the association said.
“With 125 finalists across 30 categories who showcase the strength, creativity, and excellence of our industry.
“What a wonderful recognition it has been for all your incredible hard work.”
Each year, the NSW Tourism
transition or recovery.
The not-for-profit organisation focuses on helping women rebuild confidence and wellbeing through calm, restorative experiences.
Funding from Australia Post’s Community Grants has made the event free to attend, supporting initiatives that strengthen mental health and wellbeing across local communities.
All materials and a light morning
Awards highlight businesses that demonstrate strong operating standards and a commitment to delivering quality visitor experiences.
Finalists and winners span a wide range of tourism fields including attractions, accommodation providers, tour operators and events.
More information on the awards program is available through the NSW Tourism Association website.
tea will be provided.
For women seeking gentle connection and creative expression, the Morning Tea and Art Expression workshop offers a welcoming space to unwind and replenish energy. Registrations are essential, with limited places available.
To secure a place, visit: events. humanitix.com/women-s-circlemorning-tea
q The 4WD Tours R Us team at the NSW Tourism Awards.
q Local artist and teacher Tina Summers. Photo: Facebook.
Young imaginations soar in Rotary writing competition
By Jacie WHITFIELD
YOUNG imaginations took centre stage this month as the annual Rotary Junior Schools Writing Competition returned for its third year, culminating in a celebration night on 26 November at Pacific Dunes.
Hosted by the Rotary clubs of Port Stephens, the event highlighted the creative talents of primary school students from across the region.
This year’s competition attracted 134 entries, with students crafting stories around two imaginative themes: “The Magic Carpet” for the six to nine age groups and “The Big Storm” for students aged 10 to 12.
Organisers said the quality of writing was among the strongest yet.
Rotary launched the competition three years ago in response to concerns about literacy outcomes and changing communication habits.
With reading and writing results under pressure, and children increasingly communicating through short text messages, the club
wanted to encourage young people to rediscover the art of storytelling.
The goal was simple but powerful, to nurture creativity, help students structure ideas into sentences and paragraphs, and build confidence in selfexpression.
Each year, the annual themes and word limits are carefully shaped with the guidance of professional judges.
These judges, published authors who live locally, are independent of Rotary and bring a deep understanding of storytelling to the process.
They look for creativity, imagination, independence from artificial intelligence (AI), and the all-important ability to tell a compelling story.
For the older students exploring “The Big Storm”, judges were delighted by the technical standard of many entries, with at least a dozen displaying flawless punctuation and sentence construction.
While most stories stayed true to the theme, some students surprised the judges by interpreting
the storm metaphorically, one entry even portrayed a heated argument between two people as the “storm”.
Meanwhile, the younger writers took flight with “The Magic Carpet”, producing tales of children rescued by enchanted carpets, transported to strange new worlds, and even fighting battles alongside their magical companions.
Judges said the most memorable stories featured strong plots, original ideas, and lively dialogue that brought characters to life.
Beyond writing, Rotary continues to support literacy through local debating and
public speaking competitions, helping students build confidence across multiple forms of communication.
Presentation night was a highlight for students and families alike.
Winners received certificates, handcrafted library bags made by a Rotarian, and book vouchers from Harry Hartog Bookseller and Readers Retreat.
With special permission
granted this year, one of the winning stories was read aloud on the night.
While the students were shy when asked for formal interviews, their excitement was unmistakable.
Many simply said they were “very excited” to be finalists and proud to see their words on paper.
Rotary hopes every child walks away with greater confidence, a stronger understanding of story structure, and a belief in their own creative voice, proof that even in a digital world, the written word still has the power to inspire.
If you receive a letter letting you know your package has been assigned — call Harbourside Port Stephens.
We’re your local team, ready to guide you through the next steps and make sure you get the personalised care and support you need — ensuring you receive the right support, at the right time, from people you know and trust.
q Students, Rotarians and sponsors gathered at this year’s Rotary Junior Schools Writing Competition. Photo: Henk Tobbe.
q Alison Rogers presenting an award to one of the junior writers.
Photo: Henk Tobbe.
New red-light speed camera
A NEW red-light speed camera has been installed at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Hank Street, Heatherbrae.
The camera will target red-light running and speeding from 5 December 2025.
“We know that running red lights can lead to serious T-bone crashes or vehicles hitting pedestrians,” Transport for NSW Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation Duncan Lucas said.
“About 40 percent of red-light speed camera offences are from people running red lights so we are addressing this problem head-on.
“In the five years from 2020 to 2024, 14 crashes occurred at this intersection and 12 people were injured, two seriously.”
Research shows that red-light speed cameras dramatically reduce the number of serious crashes on our roads.
“The most recent speed camera review found fatal and serious injury crashes fell by 52 percent at red-light speed camera locations, and pedestrian casualties fell by almost 70 percent,” Mr Lucas said.
The new camera will operate in warning mode for one month during which time drivers caught speeding or running red lights will be sent a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Fines and demerit points will be sent to offending drivers at the end of this period.
Fines from red-light speed cameras go directly into the Community Road Safety Fund to deliver targeted road safety initiatives in NSW.
NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP
Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community
Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.
It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.
Our services are subject to available resources. This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues due to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.
Phone: 0407 252 566 Email:secretary@nbcptg.com.au www.nbcptg.com.au
Thursday, 4 December 2025
Art fundraiser for accessible playground
THE Soldiers Point Public School P&C is hosting an art prize and silent auction to raise awareness and funds for an accessible playground.
The “To be Young and Free" art event coincides with International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December).
“We currently have students with mobility needs and we have had to fight for
ramps for these students to get access,” said Michelle Chan from the school P&C.
“We are now working towards an accessible playground so these students, and future students, can play with their friends in the playground and access all learning areas within the playground.”
The fundraising event involves a primary school art prize and silent auction
of artworks kindly donated by local artists, and created by some talented students at Soldiers Point Public School.
All artworks are available in a silent auction and can be viewed online or onsite in the Cheeky Dog function room, Bannisters on Thursday 4 December and Friday 5 December, and again on Sunday 7 December with a
presentation held at 4pm. The event is supported by Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, who has painted an artwork that will be up for auction, and State MP Kate Washington who has funded the art prizes.
Ms Washington is also meeting with the school to discuss future accessibility plans
Tracey now! 0484 263 558
PBL winners announced
THE Term 4 Week 7 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed.
Week 7 winners:
Irrawang PS: Aria has been nominated for demonstrating school and community expectations during a recent League Tag inter-school competition. She was an exceptional role model for others, showed great sportsmanship and proudly represented IPS
Raymond Terrace PS: Cairo is nominated for the way he handled himself and supported others while at the Intensive Swim program. Swimming teachers commented on his confidence to have a go at anything and supporting others to do the same. He also displayed exceptional politeness and respect to the visiting staff, always with a smile.
Grahamstown PS: Lochlan is nominated for his consistently positive attitude and enthusiasm to assist throughout the school. He always greets everyone with a smile and quietly ensures his classmates and peers feel supported and encouraged. Lochlan often sacrifices his playtime to help others who may be experiencing difficulties. He approaches every challenge
with a willingness to learn, taking on feedback and striving to improve. Lochlan’s caring nature and cheerful disposition contribute greatly to making the school a happy and positive environment for all.
Irrawang HS: As School Captain and a former PALS leader, Emalynne demonstrated outstanding leadership at the annual IHS Sports Awards last week. She MC’d the event with confidence, professionalism and a calm presence beyond her years. Her delivery helped create a polished and memorable celebration for athletes and their families.
Hunter River HS: Jamesha is nominated for consistently demonstrating excellent behaviour while in the canteen area. She is polite, respectful, and considerate of staff and fellow students, promoting her school’s PBL expectations through her actions.Her positive attitude and respectful conduct make her a great role model at school.
Salt Ash PS: Luca has been nominated for consistently showing school values through his everyday actions. He demonstrates remarkable resilience when faced with challenges, approaches others with empathy, and actively
contributes to creating a positive and supportive school environment.
Medowie PS: Alex is a dedicated sportsman. This extends to not only on the field but off the field as well. Alex
has recently demonstrated how responsible he is by tidying the school’s sports shed.
Seaham PS: Xander is nominated for his care during a recent incident at school
where a bird had flown into the classroom. Xander, in his own time, assisted the teacher in safely guiding the bird out of the classroom ensuring its safety.
Karuah PS: Braxton is nominated for being an outstanding friend who consistently shows kindness
and inclusivity to all. Always with a positive attitude, Braxton plays fairly and follows the rules, making sure everyone is having fun. His great sportsmanship and constant encouragement help others feel supported and enjoy their time together.
Headland shuttle bus trial
PORT Stephens Council has voted to support a shuttle bus trial at Tomaree Headland these Christmas holidays.
At its meeting on 10 June 2025, Council resolved that the General Manager report to Council an evaluation of a
shuttle bus service, including potential costs, operational options and funding models.
A number of potential operational models were identified for consideration.
Stops will include the Visitors Centre, Halifax Holiday Park, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Tomaree Headland and the Nelson Bay Depot.
are expected to pass through the headland for the coastal walk and the Mount Tomaree summit.
These options were informed by learnings from the 2025 Birubi shuttle bus trails, consultation with key stakeholders and a review of existing shuttle bus services in other locations.
Council staff recommended trialling Option 2, which was supported by councillors.
Option 2 includes two buses running every 20 minutes on an approximately 45-minute round trip loop, between the hours of 9am to 4pm.
The trial will run from 24 December to 4 January.
The trial will be funded using Shoal Bay smart parking revenue up to $31,000, with a full report on the results to be delivered to Council following the peak visitor period.
Councillor Mark Watson, who has been driving this initiative since June, said the trial is an important step in tackling the growing pressures on the area.
“I’m incredibly proud to see this trial go ahead,” Cr Watson said.
“During the Christmas period, hundreds if not thousands of people a day
“This shuttle service is designed specifically to reduce traffic congestion during the peak holiday weeks and create a smoother, safer experience for everyone.”
Cr Watson also noted that while securing support for the trial is a major milestone, operational planning is still underway and a procurement process needs to be undertaken.
“There’s still work to do to finalise operational details, and staff will continue exploring the best options to ensure the shuttle runs effectively,” he said.
New Daily Sydney Express Service Makes City Visits Easier for Port Stephens Residents
Port Stephens residents now have simple, reliable access to Sydney with daily (excluding Christmas Day) Sydney Express services commencing 20 December 2025. The upgraded timetable means residents can travel any day of the week for medical appointments, events, shopping, university visits, family commitments, cruise ship departures, international flights or short city breaks.
Designed around the needs of the community
With over 40 pick-up points across Port Stephens, including: Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay, Fingal Bay, Soldiers Point, Anna Bay and Corlette, residents can board close to home.
Morning service to Sydney
• Depart Port Stephens from 8.25 am
• Arrive Central Station by 12.35 pm
• Stops at Hornsby, Pymble, Chatswood and Ourimbah (on request) on the way to Sydney
Afternoon return service
• Depart Central Station at 1.45 pm
• Arrive across Port Stephens from 4.50 pm onwards
• Stops at Chatswood, Pymble, Hornsby and Ourimbah (on request) on the return journey
Affordable fares for the community
• Adult: $45 one-way / $65 return
• Concession, student, child: $35 one-way / $52 return
• Infants (0-4): free
Residents can book online, or by phone, with same-day bookings sometimes available depending on capacity.
Comfortable, safe and reliable Travellers enjoy:
• Air-conditioned, seat-belted coaches
• Onboard restrooms
• One 20 kg checked bag per person
• Friendly and experienced drivers
A new level of flexibility for locals The daily service makes it easier to:
• Attend vital medical appointments
• Visit friends and family
• Take overnight city breaks
• Access airport, train and cruise departures
• Enjoy shows, concerts or sporting events
Sandboarding Adventure & 4WD Tours
Experience the iconic sand dunes with one of Port Stephens’ most trusted family-owned operators. For more than 22 years, Port Stephens 4WD Tours has been guiding locals and visitors through the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere.
From gentle family adventures to high-energy dune runs, every tour offers incredible views, expert guidance and an easy way to enjoy one of the region’s most remarkable landscapes.
What you can enjoy
• Sandboarding on the big dunes
Ride to the top of the towering dunes, learn safe techniques and enjoy as many runs as you can fit in. Suitable for all ages.
• Beach and Dune Tours
Explore the coastline, learn about the unique environment and travel by 4WD through shifting sands and sweeping beach views.
• Flexible options for everyone
Family outings, group adventures, private tours, seniors groups and school programs are available throughout the year.
• Over 22 years of safe, reliable touring
• Friendly, experienced drivers with deep local knowledge
• Easy access from Anna Bay
• A chance to see Stockton Beach from a perspective you cannot get on your own
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• 5 bedroom home with sparkling in ground pool.
• Formal entrance opening onto grand staircase.
• Step down lounge & formal dining area.
• Separate kitchen and dining room with cathedral ceilings.
HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO HUGH MCINNES JACK JONES DEBORAH DORAN
HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO HUGH MCINNES
JACK JONES DEBORAH DORAN
Bespoke Queenslander with views and privacy
1 The Esplanade, North Arm Cove
Open home: Tuesday 9 December, 4:45pm to 5:15pm 4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car Expressions of interest
IMMERSE yourself in nature and water with this beautifully crafted “Queenslander”-style home, set on an elevated 821sqm block on The Esplanade.
Built in 2006, the residence blends classic design with modern comforts, offering sweeping water vistas at the front and lush bushland at the rear.
This property has been fully booked on Airbnb, generating a gross income of over $100,000 per year.
Due to this strong demand and occupancy, inspections are by appointment.
A wide wraparound verandah and timber-and-glass entry lead into a central hallway with polished timber floors.
To the east, a light-filled lounge and dining area feature decorative fretwork, French doors to the verandah, and panoramic water views - the perfect spot to watch breathtaking sunsets over the cove.
The kitchen is thoughtfully positioned with stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and easy access to both the dining area and outdoor entertaining space.
Dark stone benchtops complement crisp white cabinetry, while a turquoise splashback adds a vibrant touch.
The master bedroom occupies the western corner, with a tiled ensuite, walk-in robe, and French doors opening to the front verandah
overlooking the water.
Three additional bedrooms offer built-in robes and leafy outlooks, with the fourth providing direct access to the rear alfresco area.
A centrally located bathroom and separate toilet provide practical convenience.
Outside, a timber deck offers covered entertaining with bushland views, while the rear yard is fenced and landscaped with mature trees, decorative rockwork, and mulched walking paths - perfect for children, pets, or gardening.
1 The Esplanade is a rare opportunity - a bespoke home with elevated water views, spectacular sunsets, private bushland, and established gardens, delivering one of the most desirable lifestyle properties in North Arm Cove. Call Tilligerry Real Estate on 02 4039 9800.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
Stargazing: The secret star maps of moths
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
ON a moonless night, when the world goes quiet and even the gum trees seem to hold their breath, something small is commuting through the darkness.
Not a drone. Not a late-night bird.
Just a moth, humble, silent, and roughly the size of your thumb flying with the confidence of a seasoned pilot.
Inside that tiny head sits one of nature’s most astonishing tricks: a built-in map of the night sky.
Every spring, billions of Bogong moths leave the plains and grasslands of southeastern Australia and head for the Australian Alps.
Their goal?
To locate a collection of cool, hidden caves where they can spend the scorching summer months.
Think of it as the insect equivalent of checking into a mountain resort.
The twist is that each new generation of moths has never seen these caves before.
Yet somehow, every year, they locate them with pinpoint accuracy.
So, how do they pull off this annual disappearing act?
To answer that, scientists built something that sounds like it
belongs in a sci-fi film: a custommade “moth planetarium.”
Inside this tiny dome, researchers gently tethered the moths so they could flap as if in free flight, then projected the night sky overhead.
When shown a real star field, the moths turned and “flew” exactly in the direction their migration requires.
But when the stars were scrambled into a random, nonsensical pattern, the moths’ sense of direction collapsed completely.
The real magic revealed itself when researchers monitored the moths’ brain activity.
Their visual neurons, the cells that process what they see, lit up most intensely when the stars matched the proper heading for their journey.
And one region of the sky stood out more than any other: the Milky Way, especially the portion near the Carina Nebula.
The moths weren’t just flying under the stars; they were navigating by them, treating the galaxy like a glowing signpost in the dark.
But nature, ever the clever engineer, didn’t stop there.
When the stars vanish behind
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR
Jasminda,
MANY years ago, my husband and I bought a vertical burial plot with space for three people.
My husband died years ago, we didn't have any children, and I recently met another man.
Do you think it would be okay if my new soul mate and I used the two remaining plot spaces when the time comes?
Elissa D.
clouds, the moths switch to a backup system: Earth’s magnetic field.
This two-part navigation kit, celestial compass plus magnetic compass, makes Bogong moths some of the most sophisticated travellers in the insect world.
They’re not entirely alone in this talent.
Migratory birds, dung beetles, and even certain species of seals are known to use the stars as navigational cues.
But few do it with the understated grace, and sheer
Dear Elissa,
While I don't know a great deal about Feng shui, I suspect a graveyard threesome where one party cannot give consent (i.e. your long-departed husband) would be seriously bad karma.
Good karma would be placing grass (not Jim, the sinewy groundsman at Evergreen Haven) on top of your husband's tomb.
It does bring up an important subject though.
Two, in fact.
The exorbitant price of burial plots, and the need to have funeral plans in place, so others don't have to second guess your wishes.
In your husband's case, for example, he could have put in a clause that he didn't want to be buried near a tree (since the roots can cause havoc with the coffin), and he also didn't want to
improbability, of the Bogong moth.
It’s a humbling reminder that humans aren’t the only ones with a relationship to the night sky. Long before telescopes, space probes, or apps that tell us when to look up, insects were quietly steering their way across continents using the light of distant suns.
And here’s where the story takes a worrying turn.
As artificial light spreads across our cities, the stars grow fainter.
With them goes an ancient guidance system that countless
be buried under Jim – Evergreen Haven's resident Lothario (which will most certainly cause havoc with his ego if there's an afterlife).
Elissa, please rethink your plans.
If money is the issue (and it may be since burial plots cost thousands of dollars), you could (and should) consider an inexpensive alternative.
Perhaps sell the plot and with the money opt for a simple cremation.
You could ask for your ashes to be scattered in the direction as your moral compass i.e. completely off the map.
Jasminda.
creatures, including these tiny alpine tourists, depend on. If the night sky continues to fade, what happens to the travellers who rely on it?
So the next time a moth flutters around your porch light, spare it a moment.
You might be watching a veteran of a thousand-kilometre trek, guided not by GPS, but by the shimmering arc of the Milky Way, a fellow wanderer whose map is written across the heavens themselves.
$20 million to grow state’s aquaculture industry
THE state government launched the $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program on Monday, aiming to strengthen and expand the seafood industry’s economic contribution to NSW.
The program is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp, and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts.
“By investing in sustainability and productivity, the Minns Government is helping futureproof the industry, attract investment, and ensure regional communities continue to benefit from a strong, resilient seafood
sector,” the state government said in a statement.
NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin welcomed the move.
“The NSW aquaculture industry has set a target to double its farmgate production value to $300 million by 2030, and this initiative will help achieve this through industry innovation, climate change adaptation and the diversification of products,” Mr Martin said.
“As the sector recovers, this program will help ensure industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities in the coming years and decades, through the sustainable development of our natural resources and support for innovation.”
Under the program, the aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have access
to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2 million, for the following:
• Stream One - Projects focused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment upgrades, supply chain improvements and new product development.
• Stream Two - Projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as converting equipment to lower emissions or creating bioproducts and utilising waste streams such as processing of oyster shells.
• This $20 million investment will help the sector address opportunities and challenges facing the
industry such as:
• incoming mandatory Country-of-Origin Labelling requirements for seafood served in hospitality venues from 2026
• managing environmental and biosecurity risks in fisheries and hatcheries
• supply chain challenges of getting produce to state, national and international markets.
Aboriginal businesses and organisations, including Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the program will deliver real economic benefits and jobs to regional and coastal communities by helping seafood businesses
grow and become more efficient.
“This is a great opportunity for regional aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses to tap into the growing national and global appetite for high-quality protein,” she said.
“It means the industry can innovate and look at growing the exciting new developments in seaweed, algae and freshwater and marine bioproducts.
“Ultimately it’s about boosting jobs, strengthening our seafood and emerging bioproducts sectors, and making sure we can keep enjoying the great seafood New South Wales is known for.”
Business and organisations are encouraged to apply and submit projects by the end of Sunday 18 January 2026.
Program details can be found at nsw.gov.au/aidp.
Carpe diem,
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Stinker’s History: Gentleman Jim
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
JAMES (Jimmy) Thurston Hill, one of seven children, was born in the Hunter Valley town of Kurri Kurri in 1908.
Jimmy, who suffered from rheumatic fever as a child, qualified as an electrician and began working in the mines which further impacted on his health.
In 1931, for health reasons and the prospect of a better life, it was decided to move to Nelson Bay.
The coastal town had become established as a popular camping holiday destination for coal miners.
In 1933 Jimmy married Elsie Thompson - the beginning of a wonderful partnership.
In 1931 Elsie’s dad, Sam Thompson, an oyster grower and fisherman, paid the princely sum of £100 for the 50 foot, steam driven “S.S.Duncan E. McBride”.
The boat had a clipper bow with a counter stern and was used to ferry the BHP Steelworks bosses to and from the Newcastle Steelworks. Due to better transport facilities becoming available she was put up for sale.
On purchase, the boat was steamed up to the Thompson oyster lease in Tilligerry Creek where extensive alterations were carried out to convert her to a fishing boat.
In 1933 the boat became the property of Jimmy and she was registered as Licensed Fishing Boat 1 (LFB 1).
Apart from fishing and pioneering the seine netting method, Jimmy took out deep sea fishing parties with such well known personalities of the day, Sir Herbert Maitland and Athel D’Ombrain.
Running a charter business, it was necessary to install a telephone – the 6th telephone in Nelson Bay.
To make a call, it was Nelson Bay 6.
In 1935 Jimmy replaced the steam engine with a heavy, oil Ruston Diesel 35 hp engine and renamed the boat, the “Duncan”.
In November 1942 the “Duncan” was
q
q
confiscated by the Americans during World War Two and Jimmy went with his boat as an engineer serving with the United States Army Services in their Small Ships Transport Section.
Again the boat was renamed, this time as the “U.S.S.Duncan”.
Unfortunately she never reached her intended destination, the islands of the South West Pacific, and was berthed at Walsh Bay where she was left to rot in the mud flats.
Jimmy did go north where he took on many difficult missions transporting supplies and Army personnel between the islands.
Two of his most famous passengers were General Douglas Macarthur and General Blaney.
After further service in Rabaul Jimmy contracted malaria on top of his rheumatic fever and was discharged before the end of the war in 1943.
On his return to Nelson Bay Jimmy yearned to return to trawling fish and so he commenced the building of a 52 foot boat in the family’s back yard.
Daughter Neidra holds very fond memories.
“He built an open workshop equipped with a circular saw as well as a band saw and cut the keel and ribs from the bush,” she said.
“It took several years to build but I remember vividly the great launch of the new ‘Duncan’, off Fly Point Beach.
“Dad built the trolley underneath the hull, thereby cradling her as she was hauled by six trucks along Magnus Street and down Victoria Parade to Fly Point.”
Jimmy spent four years trawling fish, prawning off Stockton Beach and lobstering off Broughton Island and Seal Rocks.
He once again supplemented his income with fishing parties which included leading radio hosts Jack Davey and Bob Dyer. His new crew were his brothers Jack and Arch Hill as well as Eric Proud who had been in the Australian Navy based at Nelson Bay.
Jimmy’s health deteriorated in the last two years of his life and he died at Newcastle Hospital in 1949 –he was only 40 years of age.
Stinker’s Fishin’: Wallaby on Broughton Island
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
AUSTRALIAN rugby union international Mark Gerrard took a break from his Warringah coaching duties to spend a few days walking the beaches and catching fish on and around Broughton Island.
A Wallaby on 23 occasions, Mark was a first-time visitor to Broughton Island and has vowed to return.
Accompanying Mark was Scott Levi, announcer of popular ABC Radio program “The Big Fish”.
Both Mark and Scott took the opportunity to wander around the island before heading out to the surrounding reefs in search of snapper.
Under the guidance of local fishing champ Laurie Chadder the visitors hooked onto cracker snapper, kingfish, salmon, flathead and trevally.
Scott recorded a one hour program for “The Big Fish” that went to air through the week and can be heard through podcast.
“The weather was fantastic and the fishing was excellent,” were Mark’s final words.
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The original ‘Duncan E McBride’ moored in Esmeralda Cove on Broughton Island.
Scott Levi and Mark Gerrard battled salmon around the island.
Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch delivers the laughs
THE Nelson Bay RSL subBranch proved that laughter truly is the best medicine when they hosted their inaugural Stand-Up Comedy Evening and Dinner on Saturday, 29 November.
Held at the Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreational Club, the event brought together the community for an unforgettable night of entertainment, camaraderie, and quality comedy.
The evening featured three professional comedians who had the audience in stitches from start to finish.
Hamish Salburg brought
the house down with his portrayal of Donald Trump, complete with Secret Service detail.
In true presidential fashion, "Trump" elected a new cabinet, presented them all with presidential pins, and presented 93-year-old veteran Norm Cason with a MAGA hat.
Headline comedian Darren Sanders, bringing 33 years of industry experience, showcased why he's a veteran of the Australian comedy circuit with his polished performance.
Fiona Cox rounded out the stellar line-up, delighting the crowd with her unique comedic style.
Sub-Branch President
Mark Balsarini welcomed an impressive crowd of 70, that included military members past and present, emergency services personnel from the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, and Marine Rescue, as well as local council representatives and community leaders.
The overwhelming success of the evening has sparked immediate planning for the next comedy night.
"Everyone was in stitches and are keen to do it all again soon," said President Balsarini.
"We're already in the planning stages for our next event."
Bright young minds explore wonders of numeracy
SOME of the Hunter's brightest young minds explored the wonders of numeracy at the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Challenge held in Newcastle on Tuesday, 25 November.
The 20 Hunter students - including Luca Melia from St Brigid's Primary School in Raymond Terrace - joined 14 other Year 5 and 6 students from across NSW at University of Newcastle's iconic NUspace facility, celebrating the achievements of this year's Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Competition winners and District Award
recipients.
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said the challenge inspired the students to dream big.
"The Newcastle Permanent Maths Challenge is about taking maths off the paper and into games, handson activities and interactions," Mr Juergens said.
"This year, almost 17,000 students from across more than 350 schools participated
in our maths competition, showing interest in STEM activities such as these growing.
"We’re all about helping our local communities thrive through education and we love watching students thrive in our Maths Challenge."
This year’s challenge was designed by Newcastle Permanent's Maths Competition Director, Dr Peter Howley.
Dr Howley is a national
and international leader and award winning academic, educator and practitioner in statistics, systems thinking, process improvement, and integrated STEM.
Also the creator and coordinator of many leading national STEM education initiatives and resources for schools, and a mathematics curriculum officer for the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, Dr Howley said the
challenge was a fitting reward for the elite students across the region.
"Competitions like this give students a unique opportunity to participate, compete, challenge themselves, and engage in new experiences that support the developments of new perspectives and interests beyond the school environment," Dr Howley said.
“Students were challenged with interactive activities and quizzes and heard from leading professionals about the way statistics and mathematics are used to support fields including healthcare, medical and forensic anthropology.
"I have a long-standing passion in driving school and community engagement in mathematics, statistics and integrated STEM, and I’m excited to explore new initiatives to build on the strong foundation of this longstanding competition and support a broader range of students."
q Hamish Salburg presented 93-year-old veteran Norm Cason with a MAGA hat.
q Hamish Salburg met guests as Donald Trump, complete with Secret Service detail.
q Fiona Cox.
q Darren Sanders.
SUDOKU
Medowie athlete chases javelin gold
By Chris KARAS
WHETHER tossing a javelin on the athletics field or creating opportunities for the Newcastle Jets Football Academy, they don’t come more natural than Medowie schoolgirl Kayla Peisto.
The future looks bright for the talented 15-year-old athlete who has accumulated an impressive list of achievements in both track and field and soccer at an elite level.
Kayla is a home-spun product of Medowie Little Athletics Club and this week ventures to Melbourne to compete at the 2025 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.
The versatile Hunter
Sports High student will test her skills against the best javelin throwers in the nation when she lines up in the Girls Under 15s Javelin event.
Kayla qualified for the national titles after earning a silver medal in the 15 years javelin at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
Her javelin throw of 35.68m placed her second behind gold medallist Madison Cornish of Engadine High, who threw 35.79m to claim the title in a close finish.
Since joining Medowie Little Athletics more than a decade ago, the promising Peisto has blossomed into an all round athlete to be reckoned with.
Last Friday new president Dane Christie presented Kayla with a special $250 Club Achievement Award to recognise her dedication to athletics and assist her with the costs that come with competing.
Club secretary Eileen Christie told News Of The Area that Kayla has stamped herself one of the best junior athletes to emerge from the Medowie Little Athletics ranks.
“She is a gifted young lady who excels in many events with her javelin throwing being on another level altogether,” revealed Eileen, who was a talented athlete in her own right during her sporting days on Sydney’s northern beaches.
“The club is very fortunate to have wonderful role models like Kayla for our younger athletes to aspire to be like and we are all so proud of her,” she added.
A skilful centre midfielder with the Newcastle Jets Academy, the dedicated Peisto gained her representative spurs last season when she starred for Northern NSW Football Under 14s at the 2024 Singapore International Youth Cup - one of Asia’s premier youth football tournaments.
Kayla also left her mark at this year’s Emerging Matildas Football Championships in Sydney where she helped the Northern NSW Under 15s team finish runners up.
A highly competitive
Petera takes out Cyril Burke Medal
student, Kayla also demonstrated her durability and willpower while representing Hunter Sports
q Cyril Burke Medal winner Khace Petera celebrates his prestigious accolade with Nelson Bay Gropers committee member Wayne Bron, strapper Hugh Thompson, prop forward and committee member Nathan McLeay, vice president Brad McLeay and team manager Greg Spake at last Saturday’s annual Hunter Suburban Rugby Awards Night at Newcastle’s Customs House.
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay Gropers
excitement machine Khace
Petera is this year’s recipient of Hunter Suburban Rugby’s Cyril Burke Medal.
The classy young fly half capped a stellar 2025 season when judged the best and fairest player in the President’s Cup first grade competition by the Hunter Rugby Union referees.
Petera turned in consistent performances for the Gropers with his organisational skills and attacking flair a feature of the club’s Grand Final charge.
The Cyril Burke Medal is voted on by the referees and awarded to the player within the Suburban competition who performed
Eveleigh’s classy half ton
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens Pythons trump card Lleyton Eveleigh is relishing his new leadership role in the Newcastle District Cricket Seniors Division One competition.
The talented all rounder stepped up for the Pythons in his team’s comprehensive eight wicket win over third ranked Maryland-Fletcher last weekend at King Parkperforming with both bat and ball.
Eveleigh top scored with an unbeaten 57 as the Port Stephens first graders (2143) cruised to victory after eclipsing the visitors’ tally of 142 in the 22nd over.
After being handed the captaincy reins, a rejuvenated
Eveleigh played a key role in the Pythons’ third victory of the season that lifts the side into fifth spot on 16 points after eight rounds.
Merewether leads the competition on 20 points with Waterboard Wests (18), Maryland Fletcher (18) and Warners Bay (17) making up the top four.
Earlier in the day, the capable Eveleigh grabbed the figures of 2-27 in a fine eight over spell to help dismiss the visitors in the 39th over.
Batting at number three, the newly appointed skipper peeled off a dashing half century and combined with opener Jeremy Rushford (47) in an entertaining second wicket union to lay the foundations for an impressive
win.
The competitive Eveleigh faced 49 balls and struck seven boundaries and two sixes while Rushford also cracked seven boundaries in his 52-ball knock.
Loyal clubman Lleyton then joined forces with deputy Jarrod Moxey (18 not out) to help the Pythons reach the winning target and secure valuable competition points.
Tailender Ryan Reedman top scored for MarylandFletcher with a power-laden 40 off 48 balls with support from Mark Baldwin (31).
Premiership pacesetters Merewether host Port Stephens this Saturday in a one day fixture at Connolly Park.
Tilligerry Social Golf Club
RESULTS for 28/11/25
Outright winner. Peter Martin. 45 Runner up. Bob West. 39 Ball winners. John McDonald. 39 Ron McKay. 38 Kim Miller. 37 Grahame Glover. 37 Barry Disch. 36 Hugh Potts. 36 Bradman Award. Wendy Couvaras
NTP4TH.
A. Hugh Potts. B. Wendy Couvaras
D&C7TH. A. Barry Disch
D&C18TH. A. Ron Dews.
the best, demonstrated good sportsmanship and who made the most impact during the season.
It is named after legendary Newcastle Waratahs scrum half Cyril Burke, who made 26 appearances for the Wallabies between 1946 and 1956 and was capped 36 times by the NSW Waratahs.
Cyril had a long association with the Newcastle Waratahs as a player and coach and was inducted into the Australian Rugby Union’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Petera received the award from Burke’s son at the annual Hunter Suburban Rugby Awards Night staged last Saturday at Newcastle’s Customs House.
A skilful playmaker with
a sharp turn of speed, he finished the season with 14 votes, followed by Singleton Red Bulls winger Campbell Harris and Scone Brumbies number eight Viliami Li - both on 11 points.
Nelson Bay team manager Greg Spake told News Of The Area that the talented Kiwi had made a “huge impression” on the local referees panel.
“I spoke to the head representative of the Referees Association on the night and he noted that Khace had won the award not only due to his skills and ability but the respect that he showed to the referees and players throughout the season,” revealed Spake.
Petera is the third Nelson Bay player to receive the Cyril Burke Medal - emulating the feat of previous winners in club stalwart Grant Stewart and fullback Willy Dunn
(2023).
“This is a great honour for Khace who has proved a valuable acquisition to the Nelson Bay club since moving across the Tasman,” quipped Greg.
The mercurial five eighth hails from the small country town of Foxton on the North Island of New Zealand.
He represented Foxton Rugby Club - the oldest established organisation in the Horowhenua-Kapiti Union (1880) - before crossing the ditch in 2024 to join great mate Isaac Laracy and cousin Zion Takarua at the Gropers.
Nelson Bay Rugby Club will hold its Annual General Meeting this Sunday at the Groperdome clubhouse at 98 Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay from 3.30pm, with all players and supporters welcome.
Major singles crown for Henry
By Chris KARAS
ACCOMPLISHED lawn
bowler Andrew Henry has been crowned Soldiers Point Bowling Club’s men's major
downed experienced campaigner Tony Hinton by 25 shots to 21 to claim the sought-after title in a much anticipated final.
Both bowlers came into
won the Mattara Open singles crown and Henry posting convincing wins in the Soldiers Point quarter final and semi finals..
B. Bob West Money hole. A. Ron Dews Lucky number 23. Colin Marsden
There were 15 starters today. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 5/12/25 Single Stableford.
The premier event was live streamed and a large crowd witnessed Henry jump to a keenly contested 16 shots to 7 lead with high quality bowls by both competitors. However, in a thrilling tactical battle with both bowlers using long and short ends, Hinton fought back to trail by only two shots at 21 to 23 in the game's climax. On the final end, a composed Henry held a one shot lead but with his last bowl, converted this to two shots to open up a four shot advantage and earn the silverware.
High at the 2024 NSW Schools Cross Country Championships at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
q Medowie Little Athletics president Dane Christie presents outstanding junior Kayla Peisto with a $250 Club Achievement Award to assist her with competing costs for this week’s Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Melbourne.
q Experienced lawn bowler Andrew Henry (right) toppled in-form Tony Hinton to clinch this year’s Soldiers Point Bowling Club Men's Major Singles championship by 25 shots to 21 in a hard fought final.
Triathlon triumph
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TRIATHLETES in all their spandex-wearing glory descended upon Hawks Nest once more for the annual fisiocrem Hawks Nest Triathlon, run by Elite Energy on Saturday 29 November.
The town’s immaculate beauty and supreme flatness was once again utilised, transforming several main roads into bike and running routes, while Bennetts Beach played host to the swimming legs.
Over 700 triathletes competed in three tiered events (based upon distance), with competitors travelling from around NSW as well as interstate and abroad.
Grey skies in the morning gave blessed relief from the 35-plus degree heat of recent days, although the UV was still hitting 11 ‘Extreme’, and not even an all-morning blackout in the Hawks Nest area could derail the annual event.
From 7:30am, local
volunteers including Tea Gardens Lions Club members began marshalling at Providence Bay Park, and directing cyclists and runners down Tuloa Ave and Mungo Brush Road, then out along The Anchorage and Boulevarde to Winda Woppa and back.
The Lions’ famous barbecue ran red hot, feeding the masses at the start/finish line, helping triathletes and supporters alike to carboload and protein pack the bacon and egg sandwiches.
Light rain spat intermittently from 9am, but no deluge fell, keeping things cool for the first few hours, but the sun came out from hiding closer to 11am, and the summer heat returned.
Just before noon at least one heat-stroke casualty raised the alarm, which was answered by the Westpac Rescue helicopter, the Police and three ambulances.
Seemingly calm waters deceived some swimmers who found out too late that the beach’s waters had more
Tanilba Vets Golf
By Ian WILLIAMS
TUESDAY Vets today with our AGM as well as our regular round of golf. It was a lovely warm to hot day, perfect for a game of Two Man Ambrose enjoyed by 25 players off the yellow tees with some good scores recorded and some not so good hard luck stories as well.
RESULTS OF PLAY :
FRONT NINE:
WINNERS:
BARRY SAMPSON & BARRY
DISCH nett 29.5
RUNNERS UP:
MARK MOORE & RICHARD
CHISLETT nett 32.5
BALL WINNERS:
GRAHAME GLOVER & RON DEWS nett 35.25
KIM MILLER & PHIL
GERMON nett 36.5
GREG GARVIN & STEVE
ROBARDS nett 36.75
LES DEANE & BILL
ALEXANDER nett 45.5
LONGEST DRIVE: C grade BILL ALEXANDER BACK NINE:
WINNERS : ANDREW CORBETT & LAURIE NORTHEY nett 29.25
RUNNERS UP: IAN WILLIAMS & STEVE
ENDERBY nett 31.5 c/b
BALL WINNERS: ROB McKINNEY & JIM
CARBERRY nett 31.5 c/b
JAMIE CARR & PETER
MARTYN nett 31.5
chop than expected, but the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club (TGHN SLSC) volunteer force was on water safety duty, pulling out over
LENNY HARDES & KEVIN
HART nett 32.0
PETER KOHLI & VINCE
SCHUBERT nett 35.75
BOB FOSTER & DAVE
JACKSON nett 38.25
LONGEST DRIVE:
A grade LENNY HARDES
B grade ANDREW CORBETT
C grade KEVIN HART
Following the game we held our AGM where the minutes of last year were read and accepted. Reports from the President, Treasurer and Captain were presented an accepted. A motion from a member to standardise our start time to 8.30 am year round was defeated 13 to 12. A ballot was held to elect the committee for 2026, successful nominees were: PRESIDENT: ANDREW CORBETT
a dozen swimmers suffering cramps or panic attacks.
TGHN SLSC had 16 volunteers deployed, including on inflatable
TREASURER/ VICE PRESIDENT: PHIL GERMON
CAPTAIN: IAN WILLIAMS
VICE CAPTAIN: GARY
PAYSENO
COMMITTEE MEN: BOB FOSTER
JOHN STREET
KIM MILLER
Heartfelt thanks to Fred Drury for his service to the club as president for the past two years and for over 20 years of club membership and various committee positions during that time.
Next weeks game will be a 2 Man Aggragate Stableford over both front and back nines from yellow tees, with Longest Drive, NTP and D&C as normal.
rescue boats and jetskis.
“Conditions were tricky in the water with a six-foot swell,” Amanda Osmond, SLSC Chief Training Officer told NOTA.
“Our Youth Water Safety team did an exceptional job.”
Club Captain Wayne Bower expressed pride for all the “amazing people” who volunteered.
“The feedback from the
event organisers was that we did one of the best water safety jobs they’ve ever seen,” he said.
Cyclists, wet backsides and all, set into ‘the zone’ for the long ride into the heart of Mungo Brush Road for the bike portion of the race, the most hardcore heading out for a 36km ride, while most runners did two or 10 kilometres.
Muree Golf Results
By Lee RANKIN
SATURDAY 22nd Nov.
Stableford.
A Grade
1. John P Sullivan 37
2. Mathew Dorney 37
3. Greg Miller 37
B Grade
1. Paul Clack 42
2. Bruce Hamilton 39
3. Terence Noon 38
C Grade
1. Tom Norman 44
2. Lee Rankin 38
3. John Robson 37 Wednesday 26th Nov. Medley Stableford. A Grade
1. Jeff Schofield 40
2. Harry G Marshall 39
3. Colin Lorimer 39
B Grade
1. Chris Motum 41
2. William J Jones 37
3. Doug Vile 38
2BBB Harry G Marshall/ David Johnson 81 Pro Pin Colin Lorimer
More accolades for Shoal Bay touch football starlet Ali Mitchell
FROM Page 24
clash 7-4, the NSW women bounced back with spirited 3-2 and 10-6 victories over the Maroons to stamp their supremacy.
The talented duo later
teamed up with Ali’s elder sister Maddy to help Hunter Hornets Open women’s rep team reach the semi finals of the National Touch League.
Another highlight for the gifted Mitchell was guiding the Australian Under 18
Emus to an Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup championship title back in May
Ali produced a masterclass display in the Girls 18yrs Youth Cup final, nabbing two tries and creating others to engineer
a 6-1 victory over the New Zealand Touch Blacks at Redcliffe.
Other accolades included being named Tomaree High's Senior Sports Person of the Year and taking out the Ampol Best All Rounder Award.
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from a single
Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 24th November with 63 players including 15
Visiting Vets from Shortland Waters GC.
Nett Winner : Noel Sewell 42pts on c/b.
Nett Runner Up : Jenny Hale 42pts. Bonus Point Winner :
Thursday, 4 December 2025
Peter Hawkins 42pts.
Bonus Point Runner Up :
Tot Hulls 41pts.
Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole :
Div 1 : Barry Leo.
Div 2 : Brian Neale.
Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole :
Div 1 : Shayne Mullarvey. Div 2 : Ken Iredale (Shortland Waters) Drive & Chip, 7th Hole : Div 1 : John D’Este. Div 2 : John Howlett. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole,
It was deserved recognition for the teen titan who also starred for the Hunter and NSW Combined High School Open Girls touch football representative teams while juggling HSC studies during a hectic senior year.
Div 1 : Kevin Stewart. Div 2 : Peter Hawkins. Ball Winners : Frank Vandruten 41pts, Ross Dobson 40pts, Greg Hinton 40pts, Graham Woolley 39pts, Karen Harley 38pts, Sue Gill 38pts, Kevin Stewart 38pts,
The NSW Touch Awards Night was a celebration of dedication, leadership and excellence - recognising the incredible individuals, teams and volunteers who make the game of touch football thrive across NSW.
Shayne Mullarvey 37pts, Rod Magick 36pts, Gary Chapman 36pts, John Hogan 36pts, Tony Care 36pts, Jim Gill 36pts, and Fred Rimoni 36pts. Lucky Draw Prize Winner : Andrew Warden.
q Supporters and contestants crowded around the start/finish line in Providence Bay Park. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Cycling down Tuloa and Mungo Brush Road with dark grey skies keeping the sun’s heat at bay. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
CHARMAN
Beverley Margaret
Passed away peacefully on 28.11.2025
Aged 90 years
Late of Springwood NSW
Formerly of Hawks Nest
Beloved wife of Keith (Dec’d). Loving mother to Susan, Margot, and Lindsay. A much loved grandmother to Elly, Madeleine, LeRoy, Rory and Cadan. A dear sister to Geoff and Ross.
Family and Friends of Beverley are warmly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held in St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, cnr Ogden & Witt Streets, Tea Gardens on THURSDAY 11.12.2025 at 2:00pm
LANCE BOOTS FUNERALS 4987 2101 www.lancebootsfunerals.com.au
Antique China & Figurines, English Silver, Fountain Pens, Old Jewellery & Watches. Please phone: Annie 0419 219 634 or Ron 0408 967 747
GUITAR & Bass tuition Theory muscianship Graduate of Aust Institute of Music Course details www.guitarstudio.net.au Salamander Bay 4984 4731
Myall Coast Toy Library AGM Sat 13th of Dec at 9:30am Uniting Church Hall 120 Myall Street Tea Gardens ALL WELCOME
Garage Sale
SHOAL Bay, 1st til 20th of Dec. 0401 061 017
For Sale
HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707
HORSE halters x3. Good leather w/ brass buckles etc. $25 ea or 3 for $60. 0433 237 871
HUSQVARNA ride on mower. 48 inch, 200 hrs ex cond. $3000. 0419 404 343
JEWELLERY Women’s Gold rings,1x Gold ring w/sapphire, 1x Men’s Silver Ring, Women’s Gold Chain. All offers considered. 0493 777 707
KOGAN air conditioner/ heater works well. $100 4981 2251 F131125
Positions Vacant
Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd is the leader in Horticultural manufacture and distribution on the East Coast of Australia. Celebrating over 50 years of leading the industry ANL remains an Australian family owned and operated business.
We are currently seeking energetic Administration / Customer Service Officer, for our Horticultural Products manufacturing facility at Tea Gardens.
Position requirements:
* At least six months customer service experience (preferred but not essential)
* Must have current valid driver’s license (essential)
* Enthusiastic, hard-working attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service
* A focus on ensuring our high safety standards are met
* Computer literacy skills – Microsoft Office and familiarity with operating weighbridge and POS software (desirable but not essential) on the job training can be provided
* Understanding of landscaping materials (desirable)
2 x external spring loaded auto awnings in grey baslsalt, made for 2700mm wide sliding doors, as new $500 each fittings included Hawks Nest Ph 0427 970 636 e181225
CHRISTMAS tree with lights, conical shape 210 cms very simple assembly $45 Tea Gardens 0412 083 543 CHRISTMAS decorations for front door home and tree - take the lot $55 Tea Gardens 0412 0843 543
Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619
centre, new, $100 ph 0493 777 707
FRONT & rear bumper for early model VW Beetle. Reasonable cond. $100 for both. 0414 936 625
FOOT Joy Golf Shoes Mens black size 10 worn once as new. $100 Ph 0408 683 670 F060225 DRINK dispenser w/ tap 8L in box unused $10 4982 2335 HALL table glass top 900 x 50 iron legs $20 4982 2335
HANAMAX compact 8mm projector in box $70. 0416 089 747
$100 0493 777 707 F170725
HEAVY duty, Janome sowing machine. $80. Peter 0419 932 992 f091025
KYMCO scooter 2022 rego GUT78 200cc engine $3,700 ono 0410 529 698 RUS061125
LEATHER coat, mens. Made in AU. $95. 0428 287 239
LEATHER jacket, ladies new, worth $400 will sell $100 0493 777 707 F100425
LIFEJACKETS PFD Level 50. Adults $50.00 Juniors $40.00 Good used condition Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190 f180925
LOUNGE Chair, Bone Leather, Electric Recliner A1 cond. $200 ono. Ph 0448 521 466.
MENS steel cap safety boots, size 6 Blacksmith $30 4982 8628
MICROWAVE Russell Hobbs RHM0300 61cm wide, still in the box, $100. Tanilba Bay 0415 302 447
MUSIC CD’s, 50s to 90s hard to finds & rarities Large quantity. $100 4966 5000
MUSIC case, leather + valuable scores $100 0418 191 818 f231025
OUTDOOR setting make an offer ph 0493 777 707
* Comfortable working alone and following set instructions
* Availability to work flexible hours including early mornings and weekends
* Availability to work weekends (essential)
The successful applicants will have great customer service skills, a high level of professionalism, be well presented, proactive and selfmotivated and focused on providing maximum customer satisfaction.
Duties will include but not limited to the following:
Serving customers in our sales office, completing sales, operating a till and handling cash
Aiding and giving information to customers regarding product selection and delivery options
Operating weighbridge software and communicating information to the group
Attending phone and enquiries.
If this sounds like you, please email your CV to careers@anlscape.com.au
Only people with the right to work in Australia need apply. Recruiters need not apply.
For Sale
OUTDOOR coffee table new in box. Top black durostone 93 x 93cm Freedom range. 45cm H $55 4981 2713 F070825
PAVING bricks cement 20 x 10 cm RRP $63/sq m nearly 7m2 $100 4938 5923
PEDASTAL fan, steel, good condition. $50 0402 207 519
PIANO stool, classic Prome condition. $100 0418 191 818
RAM 2019 black and chrome side mirrors $100 for both. 0432 671 259 f091025
ROOF top tent, howling moon, model 1400 x 2400 $800.00 0490 168 582
CAMPER Trailer Ians Heavy duty off-road camper, full annexe sleeps 6-8, needs blue slip. $2,000. 0499 842 709
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x
$38,500 Ph 0437 652 111
Camper Trailer
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
MAIGRET
ABC TV, 8.30pm
The star of 75 novels that have sold more than 500 million copies, Inspector Jules Maigret is second only to Sherlock Holmes in the bestselling literary detective stakes. This adaptation features Benjamin Wainwright (pictured) as a thoroughly modern Maigret – gone are the character’s iconic pipe, bowler hat and imposing long overcoat, in favour of a five-o’clock shadow and a chic Parisian wardrobe. Maigret and wife Louise (Stefanie Martini) are first on the scene when a student is stabbed in Friday’s penultimate chapter.
FRIDAY, December 5
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. (Final) Sophie Thomson strolls through a garden symphony.
8.30 Maigret. (Mv) Maigret is hunting the killer of an innocent student when Countess Sophie begs him for help.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R)
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
BIG BROTHER AUSTRALIA
TEN, 7.30pm
Just long enough to prove that the reality format still works, but fleeting enough to leave viewers wanting more, 10’s short-and-sweet reboot of the ultimate social experiment arrives at its conclusion on Monday. This nostalgic treat combined almost all the things fans missed most – a house at Dreamworld, Mike Goldman’s narration and live streaming – with new and exciting elements: chiefly, host Mel Tracina (pictured). Taking the unpredictable nature of live TV (that is, torrential rain) in her stride, the Cheap Seats favourite has proven herself one of the most capable presenters around. The public has more say than ever when it comes to choosing tonight’s winner, but it’s Tracina who’s come out on top.
THURSDAY NEIGHBOURS
TEN, 8.40pm
R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 36. Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers. 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 3.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: Strange Journey: Story Of Rocky Horror. (2025) 9.05 Discovering Film: Diane Keaton.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)
12.00 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+s, R)
2.15 Soldiers. (MA15+av, R)
3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)
4.00 FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw.
5.40 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day’s play so far.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Late evening session.
10.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG)
11.00 Why Ships Crash. (PGa, R)
12.10 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Premiere, Malns)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
The last time viewers said goodbye to in 2022, a stellar line-up of former residents (Kylie, Jason et al) returned to Ramsay Street to pay their respects to the beloved soap’s legacy. As this encore comes to an end, the somewhat subdued send-off is a love letter to the fans who have stuck by the show in its twilight years. In a prime-time double episode farewell, with the iconic cul-de-sac under threat from a freeway expansion, Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and Shane Ramsay (Peter O’Brien) present their competing plans for the future. But Susan (Jackie Woodburne, pictured) isn’t sold on either offer, and still hopes she can convince the community to fight for their homes.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia.
8.30 MOVIE: Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom. (2023, Mav) Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman. Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson. 11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
11.50 MOVIE: Sons Of Summer. (2023, MA15+alv, 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 Summer. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) Celebrity guests include Timothée Chalamet. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00
6.00
SATURDAY, December 6
6.30 When The War Is Over: Vietnam. (PGa, R) Rachel Griffiths heads to Vietnam.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (Mdv) A stranger’s body is found in a motel room.
8.30 Vera. (Mav, R) Vera investigates the mysterious death of a fisherman. The case takes an unexpected twist when it is revealed the victim had been missing for weeks, but only dead for a day.
The Forsytes. (PG, R) Jolyon recommits to his family.
10.55 Bergerac. (Ml, R) The battle intensifies between Bergerac and Arthur. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alpine Train At Christmas. (PGa)
8.25 Christmas At Graceland. (PG, R)
9.15 Rock Legends. (PGa)
9.45 Living Black. (R)
10.15 Reckless. (Final, MA15+l, R)
11.20 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
2.40 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R)
3.45 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.55 Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day’s play so far. 8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Late evening session.
10.30 Heroes And Legends: Hall Of Fame.
12.30 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993, PGal, R) A man poses as a female housekeeper. Robin Williams, Sally Field.
10.00 MOVIE: Bad Moms. (2016, MA15+lns, R) Three exhausted mothers decide to have fun. Mila Kunis.
11.55 MOVIE: The Founder. (2016, Ml, R) Michael Keaton.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) The team helps a man sell his house in Terrigal. 8.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie attempt to help two couples find their forever homes. 9.45 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) Hana puts out an SOS to the team when she is among those taken hostage by an enraged veteran. 11.40 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (Final) 8.00 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. (Final) 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Speechless. 10.50 Late Programs.
7.20am Bring It On. (2000, PG) 9.10 Delfin. (2019, Spanish) 10.50 Everybody’s Fine. (2009) 12.45pm Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 3.00 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 4.45 Selkie. (2000, PG) 6.25 Local Hero. (1983) 8.30 Mystic River. (2003, MA15+) 11.00
SUNDAY, December 7
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG) Heat six features an array of unique talent.
8.50 The Forsytes. Soames ends Irene’s Parisian dreams.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (Mdv, R) 10.45 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R) 11.15 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.45 Simply Nigella. (R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.30 Dream Gardens. (R)
3.00 The Art Of. (Mns, R)
3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (Final, R)
FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas. 8.10 Crongton. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Abbott Elementary. 10.20 Speechless. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (Premiere)
8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (Premiere)
10.35 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R)
11.30 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (R)
12.45 Sue Perkins: Along the US-Mexico Border. (PGadlv, R)
2.55 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Nitro Funny Cars. Riverbend Nationals. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Evening session. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The 6th Day.
Morning Programs. 9.05 MOVIE: Snowed Inn Christmas. (2017, PG) 11.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. New Jersey Devils v Vegas Golden Knights. 1.50pm Soccer. EPL. Crystal Palace v Manchester Utd. Replay. 3.50 World Endurance Championship: Season Review. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Late evening.
10.30 7NEWS Spotlight.
11.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+adv, R)
12.45 MOVIE: My Husband, The Narcissist. (2023, Mav, R)
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 2025: The Year That Was. 8.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
9.40 Revealed: Death Cap Murders. (Mal)
10.55 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (Mv, R) 11.45 Wild Cards. (Mv, R) 12.35 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Msv, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00
Programs.
Seinfeld. 11.20 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix. H’lights. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Geelong Venom v University of Canberra Capitals. 2.30 Soccer. English Premier League. Chelsea v Arsenal. Replay. 4.30 Dinner With The Parents. 5.00 MOVIE: Superman III. (1983,
MONDAY, December 8
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG)
Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. (Mals, R)
Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 The Man Who Died. (Ma) 11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mal, R) 1.15 Pagan Peak. (Mas, R) 3.00 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (PG, R) 4.10 Growing A Greener World. (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 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Late evening session.
10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mav)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mal, R)
12.30 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) 8.40 MOVIE: The Dish. (2000, Ml, R) Australians help with Apollo 11. Sam Neill.
10.45 The Equalizer. (Mav)
11.35 Transplant. (MA15+am, R)
12.25 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.20 Talking Honey. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Ozzy Osbourne: The Final Encore. 9.30 MOVIE: Daytime Revolution. (2024) 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Finding
Altamira. (2016, PG) 7.30 The Movie Show. 8.05
Lucky You. (2007, PG) 10.20 One Night In Miami… (2020, M) 12.30pm The Mask Of Zorro. (1998, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Local Hero. (1983, PG) 5.40 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 9.30 A Brighter Tomorrow. (2021, M, French) 11.15 Emily. (2022, M) 1.35am The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+) 4.35 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, December 9
(R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
9.35 Australia In Colour. (PGa, R) 10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Families Like Ours. (Ma)
12.05 De Gaulle. (Ma, R)
2.00 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (R)
3.05 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.50 Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide.
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6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Motor Racing. Supercars Support Races. Dunlop Super2
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGal, R) A tradie crashes into a parked car.
8.30 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav)
9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Gary Adams. (Mav, R) Former detective Ron Iddles helps a mother.
10.30 Inside Cyprus. (PGav, R)
12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (Premiere, MA15+ds)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
Hoarders. 11.25 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.20am Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.05 Count Abdulla. 2.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today.
6am Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.00 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 9.10 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 10.55 Coalesce. (2020, M) 12.30pm Emily. (2022, M) 2.50 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 4.30 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 6.00 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 7.35 Down With Love. (2003, M) 9.30 Caravaggio’s Shadow. (2022, MA15+) 11.40 Force Of Destiny. (2015, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
6.00
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA
WEDNESDAY, December 10
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. (Final) 1.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 1.55 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PGls, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (PGaw, R) 10.10 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 South America With Simon Reeve. (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGaw, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Elvira. (Malv, R)
2.05 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGav, R)
3.10 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.15 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 MOVIE: Pitch Perfect. (2012, Mls, R)
A university freshman is coaxed into joining an all-girl a cappella group. Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow.
10.50 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGa, R)
12.20 MOVIE: Secrets Exposed. (2022, Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Ml, R)
8.30 Paramedics. (Mam, R) A flight paramedic responds to a crash.
9.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv) 11.35 Resident Alien. (Mlv) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 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 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Dragons: Gift Of The Night Fury. 8.20 Steven Universe. 8.45 Adventure Time. 9.10 Teen Titans Go! 9.30 We Bare Bears. 9.45 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.05 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Late Programs.
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6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
WorldWatch.
Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Hong Kong’s Fight For Freedom. 1.30 If You Are The One. 3.35 Fashionista. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Mad Max. (1979, M) 11.05 MOVIE: The Vault. (2021, M) 1.15am Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA. 2.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Zoo. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R) 10.25 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (Final, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Madl, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am The Movie Show. 7.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 8.50 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 10.25 Song To Song. (2017, M) 12.45pm A Brighter Tomorrow. (2021, M, French) 2.30 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 4.15 Born To Dance. (2015, PG) 6.05 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 7.30 Breath. (2017, M) 9.40 The Eight Mountains. (2022, M) 12.25am Vampire’s Kiss. (1988, MA15+) 2.20 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, December 11
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain. (PGaw)
8.25 Niagara Falls. (R)
9.25 Vigil. (MA15+v)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Vienna Blood. (Mav, R)
12.50 House Of Promises. (Ma, R)
3.30 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGalv, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 7NEWS Special: Roger Climpson. A special honouring Roger Climpson.
7.30 7NEWS: 2025 Year In Review.
A look back at the stories that shaped 2025.
8.30 MOVIE: Robin Hood. (2010, Msv, R)
An archer returns home to England, only to find the country suffering under the yoke of devious noblemen. Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen.
11.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
1.00 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Australia’s Sleep Revolution. 1.35 Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. 2.40 SBS50. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide. 12.45am Normal People. 2.25 Late Programs.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 6.45 Born To Dance. (2015, PG) 8.35 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 10.00 The Movie Show. 10.35 The Shadow Of The Day. (2022, M, French) 1pm Down With Love. (2003, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 5.30 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 7.35 Living. (2022, PG) 9.30 There’s Still Tomorrow. (2023, Italian) 11.45 Late Programs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
Mitchell’s moment
By Chris KARAS
touch football golden girl Ali Mitchell.
The rising 18-year-old youth international experienced one of her proudest moments when named NSW Touch Football’s Junior Female Player of the Year for 2024-25. She was one of many elite athletes to be recognised at the recent NSW Touch Football Awards Night function held in the Noble Dining Room at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The skilful link has proved a revelation in the women’s touch football arena with top class performances in both the junior and senior divisions and continues to show a maturity that far belies her years. Ali reached several milestones in 2025 with the Tomaree High School graduate playing a key role in NSW Under 20s bringing home the State of Origin Challenge trophy.
The outstanding Nelson Bay Neptunes junior teamed up with Anna Bay’s Ava Forster to help the Blues clinch the Origin Challenge series 2-1 against Queensland at Coffs Harbour.
After losing the opening
q Shoal Bay’s Ali Mitchell is this year’s recipient of the NSW Touch Football Junior Female Player of the Year Award.