Tri Club hosts another successful Point2Pub
By Simon EKINS
AFTER initially delaying the event due to adverse weather, the Tomaree Triathlon Club successfully held the annual Point2Pub race on Saturday 28 June at Soldiers Point.
Despite the chilly water temperature, over 70 competitors from across the region and beyond took the plunge for the fourth annual Swim Classic.
The competitors showed incredible spirit across the two featured events - the Marquee 2km Bannisters Point2Pub and the 1km McCauley K. Club Vice President Michael Williams hailed the event a “great success,” commending both the athletes and volunteers who braved the elements to make it happen.
The 2km Point2Pub event was won by Wade Barr from the Central Coast and Matilda Smith from Weston, with Matilda
Funding announced for Tomaree Lodge
By Simon EKINS
STATE funding of $4.6 million has been announced for the Tomaree Lodge site in Shoal Bay.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said, “The NSW Government is improving access and amenity at the Tomaree Lodge site at Port Stephens to enhance the local community and visitor experience.
“The Government is committed to ensuring the site is retained for community use and public enjoyment following an initial highlevel public consultation and more recent community engagement activities.”
Immediate initiatives include new signage to improve wayfinding for people accessing the numerous walking trails; a new information centre with
site.
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A statement on the NSW Communities and Justice website read, “Tomaree Lodge has great heritage and cultural significance, and any decisions made on its future must be carefully considered and preserve the site’s integrity, as well as protect the adjacent marine and national park”. q The Tomaree Lodge site in Shoal Bay. Have you got an EVENT to promote? Let the community know. Advertise it today!
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 22/06/2025 AND 29/06/2025
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.
DA NO. PROPOSAL
two full-time staff on-site; improving community access and amenity, including the installation of two beach showers; a vibrant new mural at the entrance of the site to welcome visitors; improving information on-site, including sharing the history of this unique location; identifying areas that may be used for key community events; and, investigating the potential to open up access to parking on-
President of The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Peter Clough said, “This is outstanding news and is a great start towards the repurposing of the Tomaree Lodge and particularly highlights the commitment of the State Government and our local Member Kate Washington.
“The community will be warmed by this announcement and we will all look forward to how these funds are allocated.”
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
SUNDAY 13 JULY 2025
Port Stephens Council advises that part of Stockton and Magnus, Streets, Victoria Parade and Teramby Road, Nelson Bay will be closed to traffic for Winterfest Car Show between 6am and 3pm on Sunday 13 July 2025.
Further enquiries may be made by contacting the event organiser on 0408 180 367 or Council’s Events Team on phone 4988 0255.
Frustrated residents calling for a permanent fix to Port Stephens roads
RESIDENTS near Lemon Tree Passage Road are questioning why it was not sealed in the days leading up to last week’s forecasted storms.
The road has been subject to multiple repairs in the past few years, with the adequacy of the work a subject of debate.
Local Warwick Williams wants to see a permanent fix.
“Repair work has been done time and time again,” he said
“It’s become a nightmare to try and navigate the roads in the area.”
He told News Of The Area that he has previously contacted Councillor Ben Niland and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington
about the issue.
“These roads have been in the same condition since 2021,” he said.
“They keep talking about all this funding coming; well, where is it?”
Councillor Niland explained short term repairs may be carried out while awaiting longer-term solutions.
“The frustrating thing is, a work crew can repair something and half an hour later something else develops nearby and it looks like Council has done nothing at all,” he told News Of The Area.
“I have been lobbying behind the scenes to have Lemon Tree Passage Road and Medowie Road recategorised to State Roads to take some of the maintenance burden
off Council and let us get on with tackling the backlog of pavement failures on local roads in a meaningful way.”
Kate Washington said, “the Minns Labor Government has delivered over $11.5 million to Port Stephens Council for urgent road upgrades and emergency repairs.”
She cited extreme weather events in recent years as a challenge, but said the funding is accelerating the rate of repairs.
“Our message to Port Stephens residents is clear: we understand the frustration of dealing with damaged roads, and we're working with Councils to fix them properly.”
For residents like Warwick, who are impacted every time they drive on
their local roads, a resolution cannot come soon enough.
“There is damage being
Tomaree Tri Club hosts another successful Point2Pub race
her undefeated streak by claiming the title of first female finisher for the fourth consecutive year.
In the McCauley K, honours went to Caine Platt of Warners Bay and Millicent Crofton of Balgowlah Heights, both putting in strong performances in the shorter
but equally challenging swim.
Club President Terry Withers said, “The Point2Pub Swim Classic will return in 2026 and is open to all swimmers, from seasoned
open-water athletes to firsttime participants”.
For updates and future event details, follow the Tomaree Triathlon Club on social media and visit the club’s official website at tomareetriclub.com.au.
caused financially and mentally to residents,” he said.
for what’s going on.”
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Council launches new Community Funding Program
WITH over $450,000 available across various grants and scholarships, the 2025 to 2026 Port Stephens Community Funding Program offers vital financial support to community groups, event organisers, athletes, businesses and schools, dedicated to enhancing the Port Stephens region.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the launch of this year's program ensures the continued support of initiatives that make the Port Stephens community vibrant, inclusive and resilient.
"This year, we’re really excited to introduce the Sporting Excellence Fund, giving much needed help to our talented local athletes representing Port Stephens at national and international levels,” Mayor Anderson said.
The newly introduced Sporting Excellence Fund offers grants ranging from $300 to $800, with a total pool of $4,000 available and aims to alleviate the financial burden on elite local athletes pursuing their sporting dreams.
"This fund is all about recognising our local sports stars and removing the barriers that might stand in the way of them chasing their dreams,” she added.
The Community Funding Program features 12 distinct funding streams.
Some are open all year, while others open in rounds throughout the year.
“The year round grants that are now open ensure our community has flexible access to funding when needed, allowing local talent and initiatives to receive timely support," Mayor Anderson said.
"Whether it's promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community connections, or celebrating our unique culture and heritage, these grants help turn great ideas into reality,” she added.
The Community Funding Program has already delivered
significant benefits across Port Stephens over the years, including:
• Community Event Development Fund: Supporting events like the Sustainable Living Festival, Medowie Parkrun, and the Medowie Lions Annual Art and Craft Show.
• Major Event Sponsorship Fund: Contributing to the success of events such as Sail Port Stephens, the Peter Wilson Memorial Cup, and the Port Stephens Pro Surfing Competition.
• Vibrant Place Micro Grants: Providing new sporting equipment
to the Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation, replacing seating for the Boat Harbour Volunteer Group, and supporting Sourdough Workshops for the local Country Women’s Association.
While many funds are open year round, Round 1 for the Aboriginal Projects Fund, Community Support Fund, and Vibrant Spaces Fund open on 1 August and close on 1 September 2025, with up to $5,000 available per application.
Other annual funds, such as the Environmental Project Fund, Mayoral Academic Scholarship, and International Women’s Day Scholarship, will open throughout the financial year.
“There’s a great cross section of funding streams
q Council has launched its new Community Funding Program.
available to empower applicants to reinvigorate our streets and neighbourhoods, support local businesses, and enhance the social, cultural, environmental, and economic life of our communities,” Mayor Anderson said.
"It’s a quick and simple online application form, but if you get stuck and need some help, or have any questions, contact the team to get some helpful tips for a successful application.
“We're looking forward to seeing a range of new applications come through this year,” she added.
For full details on how to apply and to access the application forms, visit the Port Stephens Council Grants and Funding Page at pscouncil.info/grantsfunding-scholarships
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
THIS is the week this particular cinephile has been awaiting, with the all new Superman flying into theatres.
While films based on comics owned by Warner Bros. have been a mixed bag (to be generous), the involvement of James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) as writer, director
and creative head for films under the “DC Comics” banner is a major plus.
Gunn has proven to be an eminently entertaining filmmaker, who is able to elicit laughter, choreograph engaging action as well as focus on very human characters and touch on deeply moving themes.
All of this will fit perfectly with this newest iteration of the Man of Steel (played by David
Corenswet), as the first ever superhero works to uphold truth and justice in the midst of powers that think only of themselves.
As Gunn himself puts it “He is ‘kindness’ in a world that thinks that kindness is oldfashioned.”
That’s something I think everyone needs to experience.
A very different kind of family film also premieres with Smurfs
Based on the nearly 60-year-old comic by Belgian artist Peyo, this modern take sees Smurfette (the “girl smurf”) lead the tiny blue folk into the “real world” to rescue the kidnapped Papa Smurf from the evil wizard Gargamel.
Very much a “jukebox musical”, this film is more concerned with spontaneous karaoke moments than anything else, and the voice cast (Rihanna, John Goodman, James Corden) reflect the “songs first” attitude.
There is also a limited release of A Nice Indian Boy.
Based on a stage play by Madhuri Shekar, the film recalls comedies like The Birdcage or In and Out with its tale of an anxious, gay doctor (Karan Soni) who attempts to introduce his white fiance (Johnathan Groff) to his traditional Indian parents.
Of course much humour and drama is mined from misunderstandings, willful deceptions and nervous confessions, but the real charm lay in the performances.
Soni has become a recognisable face with a soft spoken demeanor in the Deadpool films, but his quiet, nervous manner is pitch perfect for this role.
Photo: Megann Evans Photography.
Council launches ‘Local Voices’ competition
COUNCIL is inviting local budding content creators, safety advocates and creatives to educate the Port Stephens community on safe driving speeds.
The Local Voices competition gives Port Stephens residents the opportunity to get creative in sharing their perspectives, telling their stories and raising awareness of the importance of safe speeds on our local roads.
“Local ideas sparked this initiative during a community jury process late last year to champion road safety across Port Stephens – and what a fun one it is!” Mayor Leah Anderson said.
Submissions are open to all ages across a variety of categories, inviting entrants to share a personal story or campaign for safe speeds, create a sign or slogan, or film a video expressing why the community should slow down.
“This is a chance to educate your community and share your message about the impact of speed, in a way that you feel comfortable with – plus there’s a chance to win a share of a massive $5,800 for your efforts," Mayor Anderson said.
“I can’t wait to see the creative talent shine through from the Port Stephens community,” she added.
The Local Voices competition is the next phase of the Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS) study, undertaken in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health.
The community jury process formed the initial phase of this project.
Dr Judy Fleiter from The George Institute for Global Health explains that the CASS study aims to find innovative ways to reduce speeding-related road trauma in NSW through increasing public demand for safer speeds.
“Travelling at safe speeds reduces the possibility of harm and the level of harm to all road users in Port Stephens.
"We hope this project will help the community understand the importance of supporting safe travel speeds,” Dr Fleiter said.
The Local Voices competition is open to entries from Monday 30 June until 8pm on
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area.
Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication.
Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us.
Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.
media@newsofthearea.com.au
Sunday 14 September 2025.
The 'Education and Awareness of Safe Speeds in Communities Project' is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.
Learn more about the Local Voices competition, find a drop in session to discuss your idea and view the full entry terms and conditions at pscouncil.info/local-voicescomp
q The Local Voices competition gives Port Stephens residents the opportunity to get creative in sharing their perspectives, telling their stories and raising awareness of the importance of safe speeds on our local roads.
Photo: TfNSW.
EXHIBITION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT MODIFICATION APPLICATION
Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry Modification 4
Application No
SSD-6125-Mod-4
Location 398 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown
Applicant Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Limited
Council Area Port Stephens
Consent Authority Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Description of development consent
The original project involves:
• extracting up to 530,000 tonnes of sand per calendar year until 2033;
• construction of site infrastructure and amenities;
• transportation of material off-site via public roads; and
• progressive rehabilitation of the site.
Description of proposed modification
The proposed modification seeks to:
• expand the extraction area by 7.1 ha to the west to recover an additional 500,000 tonnes of sand;
• enable import of local VENM sand to be processed onsite;
• amend consent conditions relating to the Biodiversity Offset Strategy;
• amend consent conditions relating to radiation survey;
• clarify the working method for sand extraction; and
• amend the Statement of Commitments.
About the exhibition
An exhibition process allows any individual or organisation to have their say about a proposed development.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Department) has received an application to modify the abovementioned approved State significant development. The application and accompanying documents (including the modification report) are on exhibition from Tuesday 8 July 2025 until Tuesday 22 July 2025. You can view these documents online at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects.
At the time of publishing this advertisement, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has not directed that a public hearing should be held.
Have your say
To have your say on this project, you must lodge a submission online through the NSW Planning Portal before the close of exhibition.
To do this, search for this project at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects and click on ‘Make a submission’. You will need to log in or create a user account.
Resources to help you use the NSW Planning Portal are available at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help including a step-by-step guide on how to make a submission. If you require further assistance making a submission through the portal, please contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695.
If you think you’ll need help making a submission using the portal, it’s a good idea to contact Service NSW sooner rather than later. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to make a submission before the project’s exhibition end date.
Before making your submission: You should read the Department’s:
• disclaimer and declaration at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help/ disclaimer-and-declaration; and
• privacy statement at planning.nsw.gov.au/privacy.
Your submission will be published on the NSW Planning Portal in accordance with our privacy statement and disclaimer and declaration. You can elect to have your name withheld from the published list of submitters. If you choose this option, do not include personal information in the body of your submission or any attachments as your submission will be published in full.
When making a submission you will be required to include:
• your name and address;
• the name of the project and the application number;
• a statement on whether you ‘support’ or ‘object’ to the application or if you are simply providing comment;
• the reasons why you support or object to the application;
• a declaration of any reportable political donations you have made in the last two years (visit planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/development-assessment/ planning-approval-pathways/donations-and-gift-disclosure or phone 1300 305 695 to find out more); and
• an acknowledgement that you accept the Department’s disclaimer and declaration. For more information, including the Department’s submissions policy, please go to planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/have-your-say.
Please note that if the application is approved, there is no right of a merit appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court by an objector.
For more information about the project: Contact (02) 8275 1831
If you require assistance to use the NSW Planning Portal or you are having difficulty making a submission online, please call Service NSW on 1300 305 695. LT0586
Beach driving open for school holidays
THE Worimi Conservation Lands reopened at first light on Saturday 5 July following severe weather from the recent East Coast Low.
The following entry points remain closed to vehicles: Fern Bay 4WD entry at Fern Bay, and selected sites in Ganyamalbaa campground.
Visitors are reminded to exercise caution along the beachfront as well as the
Recreational Vehicle Area due to water pooling and other potential hazards after the storm.
Please avoid the beachfront one hour either side of high tide due to pinch points along the beach.
Four-wheel drive users are reminded that between Gan Gan and Lavis Lane is beachfront driving only, diverting onto or behind the
frontal dune is not permitted. Penalties apply for noncompliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Nelson Bay area office on 02 4984 8200 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
q Visitors are reminded to exercise caution along the beachfront. Photo: WCL.
Public wharves close to commercial use
THE commercial use of public wharves in the MidCoast LGA has been discontinued as of 1 July, including the Yalinbah wharf on Marine Drive, Tea Gardens.
The decision looks set to impact catamaran operator YKnot Cruises, which currently utilises the wharf for its Nelson Bay-Tea Gardens service.
MidCoast Council resolved to discontinue the commercial use of public wharves in 2019.
YKnot operator Ian Cutbush spoke in Council against the decision at that time.
Council’s Director of Liveable Communities Paul De Szell said the decision was made so that public wharves remained solely for public and recreational usage, and not for private enterprises.
He said that Council staff had kept regular contact with impacted businesses since the original decision was made, and had suggested
alternatives such as constructing a private wharf for their usage.
Mr Cutbush has been operating YNot Cruises since 2017, and said he generally utilises the Yalinbah wharf three times a day, seven days a week.
On the other side of the bay, the service operates from the private D'Albora Marina in Nelson Bay, paying a recurring usage fee.
On the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, Mr Cutbush said the YKnot catamaran carried 136 passengers in a single day across the port.
Mr Cutbush said a former employee had been liaising with Council on the matter in recent years, but that he never personally knew the full details or the implications of the rule change.
If the decision is enforced, Mr Cutbush says his business is “history”.
“They have told me I have to go and buy my own
wharf, but there is nothing available,” he said.
“No one is selling the existing wharves that are there.”
Mr Cutbush employs a total of six staff.
“That is six families that will be affected,” he said.
Tea Gardens’ other ferry service, The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, also utilised the Yalinbah wharf in the past, before securing private facilities in the wake of Council’s decision.
Operator Kerrie Jeffreys said that Council had communicated details of the impending change as far back as 2019.
“Time was given to secure alternative arrangements,” she said.
“The previous owner secured the Crown land leases and when I purchased the ferry service I built my own wharf.”
Mr De Szell said all operators were given plenty of time to make other
arrangements.
“This decision hasn’t just come out of the blue,” he said.
“The decision was made and businesses were informed almost six years ago that this would eventually come about.
“And eight months ago, businesses were again told
the steps to put the restriction in place were imminent.
“Council has done everything in its power to provide businesses with more than sufficient time to come up with an alternative option.”
In a statement, MidCoast Council told NOTA, “If special considerations are given to one business, it would then be
Annual farm census underway
NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census.
The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks.
Landholders must lodge their return by 31 August 2025 via the online portal or by completing the paper form received in the mail.
Local Land Services’ Executive Director Delivery,
Rob Kelly, said the Annual Land and Stock Return helped paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW at the time of the 30 June census date.
“An accurate snapshot helps the NSW Government respond quickly and accurately to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, monitor flock and herd health and carry out emergency animal disease surveillance,” Mr Kelly said.
“This helps protect NSW from the threat of pests, diseases and emergencies while supporting primary producers and keeping supply chains strong.
“We recognise many farmers have faced significant challenges recently that have impacted their stock levels, including floods in the Hunter and North Coast regions and drought conditions in southern parts of the state.
“Despite these challenges, it is still important for everyone to lodge their Annual Land and Stock Return as this information allows us to better respond in emergency situations and deliver timely animal health and biosecurity advice.
“If you need advice or support, please reach out to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit your nearest
office.”
There are more than 170,000 landholders across NSW.
Those without stock still
need to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to a
required to do the same for every business.
“It should be noted that other operators have made alternative arrangements during the long lead time for implementing the decision.” Council has indicated that the restrictions will be enforced by its compliance team.
landholder’s next Local Land Services rates notice if they fail to complete their return. Landholders can visit nsw.gov.au/alsr or scan the QR code on their Annual Land and Stock Return notice to submit their return online.
q YKnot Cruises generally offer a ferry service between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens three times a day.
q The Annual Land and Stock Return helps paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Wild weather returns
By Cosette DE LORENZO
THE POWERFUL lowpressure system that hit the NSW coast this week resulted in flooding and power outages across Port Stephens.
The extreme weather event comes just over a month after Port Stephens was last impacted by severe flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of large waves on the coastline.
“We saw fairly significant wave action along the southern and central parts of the NSW coast [with] wave heights of five to just over seven metres in some areas, and maximum wave
heights in excess of 10 to 12 metres,” Senior Meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said.
“[That] increased the risk of coastal erosion, particularly for the central and southern parts of the NSW Coast.”
Port Stephens Council launched an emergency response, installing sandbags in Shoal Bay.
“Shoal Bay is a high-risk area for erosion, posing a serious threat to safety, beach access, and infrastructure, including Shoal Bay Road,” a Council spokesperson said.
“We’re stabilising the area by installing 450 sandbags along an erosionformed slope and will continue to monitor the site.”
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz, thanked impacted communities for their quick response.
“We are very grateful that the communities in these areas heeded our warnings.
“That has meant that there has not been as much damage to property and impact to lives as what could have been.”
Intense rainfall caused rivers and creeks to rise rapidly.
As the weather eases, the NSW SES advises people to stay informed about the potential of minor flooding by monitoring warnings on their website and Facebook page.
Category D support for farmers
ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025.
This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding
Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority that enable eligible primary producers to access up to
$75,000 in assistance.
Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist with:
• Clean-up and debris removal
• Repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment
• Restocking and replanting
• Replacing lost or
damaged assets
• Restoring operations to pre-disaster levels
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This additional funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty holding them back.
“Recovery is never
q A rally in Taree calls for Category D funding to be announced.
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads
FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads last week.
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland.
On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature Red Imported Fire Ant nest was detected on a property on NSW’s far north coast, where it was later destroyed by authorities.
“An investigation was immediately commenced following the report of suspected fire ants and the discovery of an immature nest led to its destruction,” Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
A genetic analysis has commenced of the specimen fire ants to determine the likely source.
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton said, "Investigations and surveillance are underway following this detection; however, the fact that the nest was immature, or nonproductive, is reassuring.
“A vigilant pest control contractor at the site quickly identified suspected fire ants.”
NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said the repeated detections of fire ants in NSW were a clear sign of a “colossal failure” of current biosecurity measures.
“The danger that Red Imported Fire Ants present to people, animals and the environment could not be more extreme," Mr Hegarty said.
“We’re rapidly losing the battle from one pest to another here in NSW, and
the way we’re going, fire ants could well be the next threat our government fails to control.”
Mr Hegarty called on the state government to ensure every resource was available to eradicate the ants as soon as possible.
“Current biosecurity measures clearly aren’t doing the job, and while we’ve got $100 million in new biosecurity funding, this one pest alone could cost us $60 billion over the next 30 years,” Mr Hegarty said.
“The NSW Government needs to get real on border biosecurity and properly vet
q The beginning of the storm from Shoal Bay Beach.
one size fits all, and this support will give farmers the flexibility to address the unique challenges they’re facing on the ground.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin told NOTA, “I’ve seen how hard the floods have been on our farmers on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.
“I know that the wait while we put our application (for category D funding) together has been a tough one, but we have been successful.
“This means local producers who’ve lost feed livestock and vital infrastructure continue to get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”
The announcement follows weeks of advocacy from flood-affected residents, Councils, politicians, local leaders, and community groups.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the announcement is a “step toward giving our producers the support they should have received weeks ago”.
“Many of our producers lost fencing, crops, machinery and livestock.
“It’s taken too long - but today, we’re finally seeing real, practical support for primary producers.”
While primary producers can now access the extended grants program, small business funding was not included in the Category D announcement.
“The question however is what about small businesses across the region?” Ms Penfold asked.
“Where is their additional support?
“They’ve been crying out for help too alongside our primary producers.
“I’m shocked that the NSW State Government’s request did not include support for small businesses.
“Small business is the backbone of our community and they too need additional support to get back on their feet.
“I will continue to advocate and work for them and our community – from the Hastings to the Hunter and all places in between - to ensure we get the full package of recovery and rebuilding support that our small businesses and our communities need.”
high-risk materials coming into our borders, or else these ants are only going to keep marching on in until it’s all too late.”
q Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Photo: DPI.
News Of The Area
Lions Club fundraiser for hospital equipment
By Jacie WHITFIELD
THE revitalised Lions Club of Soldiers Point, under the leadership of new President James Enraght-Moony, is holding its first community fundraising event.
Planned is an elegant dinner with live entertainment at the Nelson Bay Golf Club.
After a conversation with the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary, Lions Club Director Brad Rostron proposed that they raise money for equipment to help the hospital maintain quality care for the local community.
The proposal was accepted enthusiastically by Lions members.
So far this year, the club has donated over $11,000 to the auxiliary, which has put it towards the purchase of essential storage and retrieval equipment.
The club’s current project
is to fund shower trolleys at a cost of $8000 each.
These are designed to provide a comfortable shower experience for patients who need to remain in a lying position.
They also enable the caregiver to work efficiently and ergonomically.
Soldiers Point Lions Club has worked to support the needs of the community since June 1978.
The Club supports The Yacaaba Centre, helps pack food for Meals on Wheels distribution, and last year donated to Jupiter, Lions Hearing Dogs, Australian Lions Foundation, and Lions Clubs International.
This year the club donated $1000 to Taree Lions for flood relief.
They have also funded a scholarship for $15,000 through the Harding Miller Education Foundation, to support a high school student through their education.
The Black and White Night fundraiser will be held from 6pm on Saturday 23 August and will include an
auction and raffles.
Tickets are $110 per person, or $1100 for a table of ten.
Bookings can be online
via trybooking.com/DBEPI.
For queries, call James Enraght-Moony on 0411 259 120.
q The Lions project team: Andrew Finch (Treasurer/ Marketing/Donors), Irene Heywood (Team Leader/ Marketing), James Enraght-Moony (President Soldiers Point Lions), Jennie Brown (Donations), Annette Lupton (Major donor, Donations), Brad Rostron (Project instigator/hospital liaison), Lee Rostron (Publicity/ Trybooking), and Phil Osborne (Trybooking guru).
• Charming townhouse in central Nelson Bay location.
• Short stroll to Marina, shops, and cafés.
• Open-plan living creates inviting, spacious atmosphere.
• Private courtyard with garden and bush views.
• Three generous bedrooms offer space and comfort.
• Master bedroom includes ensuite for added luxury.
• Stair lift provides easy access between floors.
• Air-conditioned home with double garage convenience.
• Walk to golf, bowling, tennis, and marina.
• Embrace relaxed coastal lifestyle in friendly community.
• Beautifully renovated one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Nelson Bay
layout with two spacious, light-filled living areas.
• Huge undercover outdoor area ideal for entertaining guests.
• Private courtyard creates a peaceful and charming retreat.
• Three large bedrooms, plus potential fourth on ground floor.
• Master bedroom features ensuite for added privacy and comfort.
• Double garage plus extra parking for multiple vehicles.
• Ducted air conditioning ensures year-round climate control comfort.
• Walk to local shops, drive to Nelson Bay and Salamander.
$299,000
• Prime location within walking distance to restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, and D’Albora Marina
• Situated in the highly sought-after Landmark Resort
• Access to resort-style amenities including a pool, games room, and on-site restaurant
• Spacious bedroom with ample storage and direct access to a large bathroom
• Luxurious corner spa featured in the well-appointed bathroom
• Modern kitchen with brand-new appliances and open-plan living area
• Covered balcony with north-facing water glimpses
• Includes air-conditioning and other contemporary upgrades for comfort
• Ideal as a weekend getaway or smart investment in a premier coastal location
HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO
Move in and enjoy
entertaining, while split-system air conditioning ensures year-round comfort.
WELCOME to 38 Raiss Close, a stunning three-bedroom home, fully renovated and perfect for first-home buyers, investors, and families.
With all the hard work already done, this stylish property is ready for you to move in and enjoy.
The owners have transformed this home, featuring a brand-new kitchen with sleek splashback, dishwasher, and electric cooktop.
The bathroom and internal laundry have been tastefully updated, and new vinyl flooring runs throughout.
A spacious outdoor deck provides the perfect space for
Newly built steps replace the original access pathway, adding both convenience and safety.
Each bedroom includes built-in wardrobes, with a ceiling fan in the main.
A generous downstairs retreat, complete with a private entry and bathroom, offers the perfect space for guests, teenagers, or potential rental income.
Set on an elevated block with private gardens, this home is just 500 metres from the water and close to shops, transport, and the Lemon Tree Passage Marina. Please call Tilligerry Real Estate on 02 4039 9800.
From the MAYOR'S DESK
By Mayor Leah Anderson
RAYMOND Terrace is experiencing exciting growth and development, and this is good news for our community.
Over the past year, Council has approved plans for 77 new homes in Raymond Terrace, with another 27 housing units currently under assessment.
This shows that people are starting to believe in Raymond Terrace’s bright future and want to be part of it.
This progress isn’t happening by chance.
It’s the result of targeted efforts to attract new businesses and encourage development.
We’ve been focusing on unlocking the potential of Raymond Terrace, and we’re starting to see the results.
One of the biggest projects on the horizon is the redevelopment of the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.
This project includes a six-storey hotel, along with 50 apartments, a pool, and spaces for events.
These new facilities will bring life and new opportunities to the heart of our town.
Raymond Terrace has also been included in the latest housing reforms by the NSW Government.
These reforms allow for increased building heights around the town centre, making it easier for developers to create more homes and businesses in the area that meet our community’s needs.
Earlier this year, Council ran a three-month investment campaign to attract visitors and investors from Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, and across the Hunter region. The response was fantastic, with more than 9,000 visits to our development webpage, helping to put Raymond Terrace on the map as a great place to grow, invest, and call home.
All these efforts are helping turn great ideas into real projects that will benefit residents now and well into the future.
We’re absolutely committed to making the planning process easier, supporting good development, and building a connected, thriving future for Raymond Terrace.
With so much happening, Raymond Terrace is attracting the right kind of attention and is well on its way to becoming a lively, welcoming town full of opportunities for everyone.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
The danger of large trees
PORT Stephens Council has and still is performing above expectations in current economic and climate circumstances.
It will take some time to fix major issues like roads but with the professional management team and dedicated staff the future looks bright.
I would like Councillors and
management to consider the danger of large trees in residential areas. These trees were planted many years ago and have never been pruned but are a dangerous threat to both residents and their neighbours which will eventually cause litigation to council if death or damage to property occurs.
Regards, Gerry MOHAN, Shoal Bay.
Our busy port
By Anne JOHNSON, Tea Gardens Family Research and Local History
IT IS difficult to imagine that back in the late 1800s up till the early 1900s, as our area’s population was growing, that the only transport was by water.
The Australian Alum Company operated the alumite mine at Bulahdelah from 1878 to 1952.
The mineral was smelted then transported on the Myall River to Winda Woppa where it was reloaded and shipped overseas for further processing.
The timber industry was also busy transporting timber on barges from Bulahdelah to the mills at Hawks Nest.
The first mill operated from 1867.
The timber was cut to size, reloaded, and sailing ships, three posters, came to Hawks Nest to load it for overseas trade.
The ballast from these ships can still be noted today.
As time passed the timber industry grew, the peak being in the 1920s and 1930s.
Larger ships entered the port and motor launches were used to take Port Stephens wharfmen to their working places at the ships’ sides, as the Myall River was too shallow for these ships to navigate.
From about 1916 there were six abandoned ship hulks at the entrance to the Myall River at Duckhole Bay.
Some of these hulks were towed off Pindimar in the 1940s and taken further out to serve as timber storage hubs or floating wharves awaiting ocean going ships.
On 5 May 1954, the last ship
On theCouch
DEAR
Jasminda,
Since the recent heavy rain events, we now have a flock of bin chickens in our yard.
They are not a very attractive bird, but I can't seem to shoo them away.
How do I get rid of them?
Jonathan R.
Ah, Jonathon
Using the term bin chicken tells me everything I need to know about your position on the Australian White Ibis, despite it being an intelligent and resourceful bird, as well as a native species.
Your Flock of Ibis (not to be confused with A Flock of Seagulls, which would be an entirely different dilemma) is ('is' not 'are' as flock is a collective noun, before you correct me in an online community group) doing an important job in your yard.
Your attempts to shoo them (perhaps you'd prefer them to be rummaging around in a local
skip bin) are taking them away from aerating your soil, feasting on insects, and adapting to new environments (such as your drenched yard that currently looks more like a Tough Mudder racetrack from all the vehicle traffic).
Instead of your 'Go Back to Where You Came From' attitude (misguided, since they traditionally inhabit wetlands, which your yard seems to have evolved into), perhaps you should embrace them as a significant part of Australia's cultural heritage.
It is actually our fault that the birds have relocated from their usual habitats and moved to far less suitable urban locations.
I hope this has shed some more light on the matter, and instead of calling them bin chickens (or trash vultures or flying rats or dumpster divers), you will instead embrace their distinctive repetitive grunting sounds (much like a surly Australian teenager) and marvel at them perched in your eucalyptus trees (where they are roosting to escape predators like coastal retirees named Jonathon).
to load timber in Port Stephens was owned by the Union Steamship Company and among those who saw her sail out was my uncle, Percy Ward.
Percy had been the secretary of the Port Stephens Branch of the Waterside Federation since it had been formed 38 years earlier.
He remembered when two ships at a time would enter the port to load thousands of tons of timber and when his branch had 165 members.
He had seen 5000 ton ships loading timber piles, sleepers, telegraph and power transmission poles and sawn timber for interstate and New Zealand, but as time passed transport by road became increasingly available.
I have my uncle’s ledger from the 1920s which logs by name the ships which came in, the owner and the person who authorised the loading.
It then lists the names of those employed and the wage they were paid.
These waterside workers were local men – their wages would have been very welcome, especially during the 1930s Depression.
q Loading timber from a hulk off Pindimar.
q The 1927 leather-bound ledger meticulously kept by Percy Ward.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
READING by Lynne Miles: Psalm 23: 1 & 2
SHEPHERD - "The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want for anything. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters."
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Woolworths Nelson Bay
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John Patterson
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Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay
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Horizons Golf Club
Sunrise Lifestyle Resort
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Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace
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Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace
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Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza
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Foodworks Lakeside
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Chemist Lemon Tree
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Tilligerry RSL
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Stinker’s History: The war years
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
DURING the early years of the Second World War, when there was a large Army presence in the Nelson Bay area, US army engineers constructed a sealed road, which was to form part of the Nelson Bay Road.
In the 1940s wartime era there was an army camp for Australian troops (Far North Coast 2/2nd Battalion) in the sandhills, close to where the olive farm is today.
The focus of training was taking the beach in landing craft from offshore ships.
Bobs Farm played a surprisingly significant part for a community so small.
The hall was used as a battalion store for the 41st Army Battalion whose camp was located in the vicinity.
The use of the hall was necessary as the Army had issued a recall of store tents.
The hall was vacated by the Army on 4 March 1942.
q Local trawler
Because of its proximity to the Williamtown Air Base, Port Stephens was considered a prime target for an invading army. The larger boats in the Port like the “Coweambah” and the trawler “Dawn” were commandeered for the war effort.
The small boats and launches in Tilligerry Creek were thought to be
Stinker’s Fishin’: Bream off the beach
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
AFTER writing as many fishing articles as I have over the years it could be expected that nothing much would surprise me. Well, I must say I was surprised this week when Karuah champion George Trinkler told me about the efforts of two sisters fishing off Hawks Nest Beach.
The girls were fishing for bream off the beach using a method that was new to me.
The tried-and-true method for catching bream off the beach is to toss out a bait of pipis, worms, strip of mullet or live yabbies.
I was amazed to learn that the sisters were tossing hard bodied lures into the surf and
catching monster bream one after the other.
Never had I heard of tossing hard bodied lures off the beach for bream.
Lure fishing for bream is not new, it has been going on for a long time, particularly hard bodied lures and plastics around the oyster racks or any structures inside the harbour including rock walls, bridges and jetties.
Tossing hard bodies off the beach however was a whole new concept for me.
“Easy” reckons George - just drive along the beach until you spot a school of bream in the shallows then jump out and toss the lure into the school of fish, a couple of winds of the reel and whacko!
an asset to the invaders to transport Japanese troops and supplies across to the northern side of the creek. Arrangements were put in place to prevent this happening and directives were given to oyster growers and fishermen - every launch, punt and rowboat was to be kept in one designated place when not in use, especially at night. Every craft was given an individual number painted in big white letters.
In the event of an invasion, one person was nominated to go down the creek and smash a hole in the bottom of every boat.
‘Dawn’ dressed for war. The trawler and her Captain Archie Thompson conducted valuable service in New Guinea.
q Bundabah champions Hazel and Audrey with a couple of thumping bream caught just behind the shore break.
q Hazel Sweeny with a monster bream caught along Hawks Nest Beach.
MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is calling on the Federal Government to urgently revoke the latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing changes, warning of the “significant negative impacts on people with a disability living in regional and remote areas”.
The changes, announced following the Government’s NDIS Annual Pricing Review, came into effect on 1 July and altered the pricing structure for allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy.
The change also caps travel costs to 50 percent of the hourly charge, limited at 30 minutes (metro) or 60 minutes (remote).
“I recently sat down with a group of local allied health professionals from across the Lyne electorate,” Ms Penfold said.
“Their message was clear: this decision is not clinically informed, not regionally fair, and not
economically sound.
“The consequence will simply reduce service delivery in homes and natural environments, which is precisely where many people need it most.”
Ms Penfold said the impact of the travel cost change would be felt hardest in isolated and rural areas without access to public transport, whose only path to support is through mobile or home-based care.
“This is a city-centric decision that undermines the safety and accessibility of essential services,” she said.
“It does not appear that the regional impacts were properly considered, and I hold serious concerns about the data on which these changes were based.”
Another change in the price review is an expansion of the NDIS’ early childhood approach, which now supports children up to age nine, from the previous limit of seven.
Remote area loadings have also been discontinued for plan managers and intermediaries.
According to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), a mix of market data, research, and public and industry engagement is utilised to inform changes to pricing arrangements and price limits through its Annual Pricing Review.
“The NDIA regularly reviews and makes changes to pricing arrangements to ensure our approach better meets the needs of participants, their families, carers and providers… [and] remains
affordable and in place for future generations of Australians,” the NDIS website states.
“This is done by appointing expert committees, financial benchmarking, and forming dedicated working groups.”
Regional buses get real-time travel technology
q All buses are now fitted
FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices.
All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.
Passengers are now able to:
- Track their bus in real-time using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website
- Get arrival times and capacity information
- Access interactive maps, digital timetables, and route information
- Plan journeys through Transport for NSW's Trip Planner Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said, “As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data. No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.”
Learn about using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw.info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps.
Northern NSW rep side to take on Jets SPORT
NORTHERN NSW representative teams will face the Newcastle Jets as part of the A-League club’s preseason preparation.
Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) will select senior men’s and women’s representative teams to take on the Jets’ two A-Leagues sides.
Similar matches have previously appeared on the football calendar but the formal partnership between Northern NSW Football and Newcastle Jets has cleared the way for the fixtures to return annually.
“We are thrilled to grow our partnership with the Newcastle Jets and relaunch the Northern NSW All Stars v Newcastle Jets showcase matches in 2025,” said NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes.
“Newcastle Jets represent the region’s professional football presence in the A-League Men’s and Women’s competitions.
“Enhancing our strategic relationship with the Jets provides a direct avenue for our most talented
players and coaches to be exposed to elite environments and pathways.”
NNSWF will select its teams from players identified through its premier competitions including NPL Women’s NNSW, NPL Men’s NNSW, HIT106.9 Northern League One, Northern NSW Regional Super League and Premier Youth League.
Newcastle Jets CEO Tain Drinkwater said the matches would be important preparation for the club’s A-Leagues campaigns. “The AllStars match will be a great occasion for the Newcastle and northern NSW football family and one of our core focuses is to be a football club that is the pride of the region,” Drinkwater said.
“These two matches will further strengthen our commitment to the community and the Newcastle Jets.
“It is going to be a day of celebration for football in the region.”
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge was excited to give players another opportunity to shine and
potentially be identified.
“These matches are a fantastic chance to showcase talented, identified players from NNSWF’s premier competitions from across the whole region,” Doidge said.
“Players like Jason Hoffman, Taylor Regan, Nigel Boogaard, Clare Wheeler, Gema Simon and Jemma House started their journey in our premier competitions before progressing to play at national and international levels.
“I am excited to help provide opportunities for northern NSW players to compete and test themselves in a representative environment against our local A-League program and potentially be identified.”
Peter McGuinness and Jim Cresnar will be the coaching team behind the men’s Northern NSW All Stars while Heath Whyte and Craig Atkins will coach the women’s Northern NSW AllStars team.
The coaches were selected via a merit-based system and will
contribute to the identification and selection of players. NNSWF’s Technical Department will select men’s and women’s 25-player squads made up of the best talent from across northern NSW.
NNSWF will ensure appropriate preparation for its players for the matches while acknowledging the limited window available.
The preparation program will also respect club commitments
particularly during finals series matches.
Final 18-player matchday squads will then be chosen to feature in the matches against the Jets.
Northern NSW All-Star 25-player squads will be announced on NNSWF’s website and social media channels in August.
The matches will take place on Saturday 20 September at Darling Street Oval in Hamilton.
q Lyne MP Alison Penfold recently met with NDIS providers from across the region.
q Representatives from NNSWF and the Newcastle Jets.
SUDOKU
Kids Boot Camp 044
Field of dreams for league star Lilly-Ann
By Chris KARAS
TEA GARDENS native LillyAnn White has come a long way on her rugby league journey.
Since pulling on her first boots as an eight-year-old with the Myall River Hawks, the teenage dynamo has honed her craft in the Hunter Junior League and schoolgirl ranks; mixing it with the world’s best female players in the NRLW premiership.
All eyes are on the quicksilver utility back who has established herself in the top grade as a flying winger with the Newcastle Knights women's team.
With her power, pace, agility and tricky step,19year-old White is shaping as a trump card for the Knights in this year’s NRLW competition.
The Australian Schoolgirls and NSW Under
19s representative enters the 2025 season fit and sharp and brimming with confidence after making her top grade debut last year against the Canberra Raiders.
Lilly-Ann was signed on a development contract with the Knights after standout performances for the Raymond Terrace Roosters women's tackle and Newcastle Tarsha Gale Cup Under 19 teams.
She has scored three tries in seven NRLW appearances and played strongly in the Knights’ 26-12 upset loss to the newly-formed Bulldogs last Friday at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
The shock departure of superstar fullback Tamika Upton to the Brisbane Broncos has opened the door for the versatile White to don the Newcastle number one jumper.
It is the preferred position
for the naturally gifted LillyAnn, who has a battle on her hands now with experienced recruit Botille Vette-Welsh.
After stints with the Sydney Roosters, St George-Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers, journeywoman Botille brings crucial leadership and skill to the Knights squad.
A Sky Blues and Australian representative, Vette-Welsh has become one of the premier game-breakers in the NRLW and is locked with the emerging White in a two-player tussle for the custodian role.
Lilly-Ann opened the year in style when she represented the Maori Ferns in a 20-18 loss to the Indigenous line-up in the Women's All Stars clash at CommBank Stadium.
Selected on the wing, the dashing White nabbed a first half try to help give the Ferns an 18-12 lead at the interval.
Growing up, the talented Lilly-Ann left her mark in the Hunter region as an outstanding junior athlete.
She is a former recipient of the Pat Gehrig Memorial Trophy for Port Stephens Primary School Sports Association Zone Sportsperson of the Year, and showed enormous potential with the Myall River Hawks, Thornton-Beresfield Bears and Raymond Terrace Roosters junior rugby league sides.
She also captained the Bears to the Under 14s Grand Final against Newcastle Wests as a 12-year-old in the inaugural Country Rugby League Combined Women's Tackle premiership – scoring two tries in a 28-16 loss and finishing as the competition’s leading try-scorer with 17.
Lilly-Ann later tasted premiership success with the Roosters before
captaining the Knights’ junior representative squads and being named Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year.
She played fullback for NSW Country Under 19s in a 26-18 win over NSW City last season and shone for the Sky Blues in the number one jumper when they hammered
Queensland Under-19s 46-4
Establishing
Marlins and Roosters in Hunter Junior League finals mix
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens’ big wet has wreaked havoc with local sporting fixtures but keeping an optimistic vibe are the Nelson Bay Marlins and Raymond Terrace Roosters in the Hunter Junior League.
With the big end-of-season matches less than a month away, both clubs remain in the finals mix in various boys and girls age groups and are on track for top four berths.
Nelson Bay Pat Hay’s talented Under 15 Marlins show enormous potential and are strong contenders for this year’s Division One premiership title along with undefeated competition leaders Valentine.
The Red Devils have won all nine matches to date and are the team to beat for the
2025 trophy.
Matt Wallace’s well-drilled charges have racked up 264 points while conceding only 60 and have opened up a four point lead on second placed Nelson Bay with four rounds to be completed.
Valentine registered a 30-0 victory over their main rivals earlier in the season but are expected to face a much stronger and improved Marlins line-up during the finals series.
Classy halfback Zeke Hay has spearheaded the Nelson Bay campaign with skilful performances in the Number seven jumper.
The gifted playmaker has demonstrated his vision and ball skills in the Marlins’ seven victories over the Central Butcher Boys (16-10 and 188); Cessnock Goannas (14-8);
Raymond Terrace Roosters (16-12); South Newcastle Lions (18-4); Singleton Greyhounds (22-12) and Wests Rosellas (24-18).
Hay, who is also a promising Hunter Western Hornets touch football representative, has nabbed six tries and booted 19 goals for a personal tally of 62 points - a testimony of his value to the Marlins team.
Other Nelson Bay players to leave their mark include rising forwards Wade Rolston, Bryce Richards, Lachlan Parker, Xavier Powell, Josh Perry, hooker Tim Munro, five eighth Archie Atkins, centres Sonny Johnston and Kade Lawson, winger Lawson Rowe, and utility aces Charlie Symonds and Brodey Butler.
The versatile Symonds produced smart displays at
hooker earlier in the season before switching to fullback and establishing himself in the custodian role.
Butler is a power running second rower or centre with a turn of speed who has given the Marlins extra strike out wide.
Nelson Bay’s Under 14 girls tackle team currently lead the Division Three competition following a 22-10 win over West Maitland Roos last weekend at McKeachie’s Sportsground.
Emerging fullback Mia McDonald grabbed three of the Marlins’ four tries in a best on ground display.
The victory keeps the Marlins on top of the ladder on 18 points with eight wins from 11 matches - one ahead of second-placed rivals South Newcastle Lions on 17.
Chad Warrington’s Under 16 Marlins are ranked third in the Division Two competition on 14 points with seven wins from nine matches.
Pacesetters Lakes United Seagulls (18) and second placed Central Butcher Boys (16) are the Marlins’ main rivals in an intriguing series.
Raymond Terrace
The Raymond Terrace Roosters have also unveiled their depth of talent among the junior grades.
The Roosters Under 13s currently lead the Division Four competition on 16 points with six victories and two draws, and have only lost once during the 2025 season.
In an impressive team performance they trounced the Cessnock Goannas 40-16 last Saturday with an eight try rout at Mount View Park to consolidate top spot.
Sharp centre Jordan Coss (2), prop Isaac Renshaw, hooker Dillon Walsh, second rower Braithe Jenner, clever halfback Lachlan Mills and interchange players Noah Mifsud and Braeidyn Tippett crossed for Roosters’ tries with Mills potting four conversions.
West Maitland Roos (14 points), Kurri Bulldogs (12) and Cardiff Cougars (11) make up the top four.
The Roosters Under 13 Division One side has chalked up five victories and a draw and are placed one point outside the top four on 13
points behind competition leaders Wests (16), Cardiff and South Lakes (both on 15) and Valentine (14).
In the Hunter JRL Under 16 boys Division One series, the Raymond Terrace club are entrenched in third spot, with five victories and a draw, 13 points behind leaders Valentine (19) and the Aberdeen Tigers (16).
Promising five eighth Charlie Burey starred in the Roosters’ recent 38-6 win over Cessnock at Lakeside Sporting Complex - contributing 16 points with a try double and four goals.
Other tryscorers were centre Brock Bailey, winger Talon McLennan, second rower Johnathon-Lee Doyle, hooker Zac O’Neill and interchange Bailey Harrison. The Roosters Under 15 Division Three side are placed third, with the Under 14 Division Two girls in fourth spot.
Mallabula Panthers remain in fifth spot in Under 14 Division Three while the Myall River Hawks share the competition lead in women's tackle Under 14 Division Four with East Maitland Griffins on 12 points.
The Roosters have unearthed some exciting young prospects in the Under 12 Division One ranks with encouraging team efforts and a string of victories in the noncompetitive format.
q Newcastle Knights teenage dynamo Lilly-Ann White aims to establish herself in this year’s NRLW competition.
in a junior Origin showdown at Leichhardt Oval.
herself in the Knights’ NRLW team is LillyAnn’s immediate goal and showing coach Ben Jeffries that she is the club’s long term option at fullback.
q Raymond Terrace Roosters have unearthed several top prospects in their Under 12 Division One junior nursery.
SPORT
Neptunes juniors in Hornets NYC development squads
By Chris KARAS
IT HAS been a magic 12 months for Hunter Western Hornets touch football wizard Chris Lennon.
After helping guide the Australian Emus to a Mixed Open world title in England last year, the mercurial Lennon has celebrated more success in recent weeks with his beloved Hornets and NSW representative teams.
Lennon was best on ground last month when the Hornets claimed the National Touch League Men's Open championship with a 3-2 victory over Sydney Mets in Coffs Harbour.
The classy playmaker was named Player of the Men's Open final and received the Terry Jacks Player of the Series trophy for his outstanding performances at the prestigious tournament.
Chris followed it up with brilliant displays for the Sky Blues in the State of Origin Challenge against Queensland, helping NSW clinch the Men's Open title and taking out the Player of the Series Award.
Lennon was one of 88 Hornets players, coaches and referees that helped the Sky Blues retain the Origin Shield with fellow Blues reps Les Smith (Mens 50s) and Luke Cain (Mixed Open) also earning Player of the Series
trophies.
Meanwhile, Nelson Bay Neptunes juniors feature prominently in the Hornets’ Development squads for this year’s National Youth Championships (NYC) to be staged in Coffs Harbour from October 1-4.
The NYC is Australia’s premier youth touch football event contested by the nation’s best young players across a unique mix of school, regional andsState representative teams; all vying to be crowned national champions in their respective gender and/or age divisions.
The event features eight divisions. The squads are:
• 12yrs Girls
Development: Georgia Loughlin, Isabella Sugui, Ivie Redman, Kadence
McAlister, Kalea Burke, Kirra Austin, Lauren Ramien, Laykeava Brinkworth, Milah Kate Matthews, Oaklee Gledson, Payton Miller, Rose Punton, Ruby Mace and Zahli Read. Head Coach Rebecca Austin and Assistant Coach Shane Spindler.
• 12yrs Boys Development: Cayden Penfold, Colbee Young, Ethan Curry, Fletcher Pilon, Harvey Edwards, Hunter McCallum, Jaxx McDermott, Jett Miller, Kade Power, Olly Grose, Paxton Anderson, Ryder Emery, Slater Gray and Sonny Elers; Head Coach Christian Miclat and Assistant Coach Bailey Searle. Manager, Corey
Butcher.
• 14yrs Girls
Development: Allira Brennan, Billie McIlwain, Chelsea Cromack, Chloe Spindler, Delainey Borg, Hope Gilmour, Isabella Crouch, Kylah Rankin, Malisi Darcy, Mia McDonald, Olivia Carney, Rachel Gilmour, Ruby O’Brien and Sophie Stoddart. Head Coach Liz Channon and Assistant Coach Nic Grose. Manager, Shelley Darcy.
• - 14yrs Boys
Development: Austin Searle, Axle Haggath, Billy Moule, Chaz Sharpe, Finn McCarthy, Jayden Harvey, Jordan Ryan, Kalani Ale, Lachlan Muddle, Nate Hamson, Oliver Ramien, Sam
Netballers to host Indigenous and Mental Health rounds
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens Netball Association will host two significant community events at their Raymond Terrace courts in coming weeks.
The association will celebrate its annual Indigenous Round on Saturday 19 July.
Supported by Port Stephens Council, it will commence with a smoking ceremony at the courts in William Bailey Street at 8.30am.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and elevate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within the Port Stephens region,” PSNA president Jodi Cassar told
News Of The Area.
The day will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stallholders showcasing traditional and contemporary artworks, and cultural activities focused on health, wellbeing and strengthening First Nations communities.
“There’ll also be engagement with local Elders and cultural practitioners fostering connection and understanding,” said the netball stalwart.
Port Stephens Netball Association have also planned a Mental Health and Wellbeing Round on Saturday 16 August..
The association will shine a light on mental health with an inspiring day of sport and
awareness under the theme “Together we can make change”.
The day includes community fixtures featuring players and supporters united for wellbeing, with one or two being dunked into the ice baths to help the association raise valuable funds.
There’ll also be fundraising efforts for Talk2MeBro and Jupiter Australia; two vital organisations working to support mental health in the Port Stephens region and beyond, plus activities promoting conversation, connection and self-care through sport.
A determined Jodi said the PSNA hopes to amplify sport and community outcomes
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 30th June with 39 players.
Nett Winner : Les Moran, 40pts.
Nett Runner Up : Col Kerrison, 37pts.
Bonus Point Winner : Fred Rimoni, 38pts on c/b
Bonus Point Runner Up :
Greg Hinton, 38pts. Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole, Div 1 : Graham Woolley. Div 2 : No Winner. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole, Div 1 : Bob Nelson.
Div 2 : Jim Gill. Drive & Chip, 7th Hole, Div 1 : Andrew Warden, (birdie) Div 2 : Col Kerrison. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, Div 1 : Warren Deuis.
Div 2 : Karen Harley, (v)
Ball Winners : John Clayton 37pts, Peter Hawkins 35pts, Bob Nelson 34pts, Graham Woolley 34pts, Jim Asvestas 34pts, Frank Vandruten 33pts, Robbie Kerehoma 33pts, Alan Stark 33pts, Denis Christie 32pts, Kel Dorney 32pts, Danny Clark 31pts, Warren Deuis 31pts, and Lance Slade 31pts.
Lucky Prize Draw : Col Kerrison.
across both events.
“We aim to highlight the importance of sporting inclusion and cultural connection plus the role of community sport in mental
health promotion and suicide prevention,” she said.
“Another key factor is the power of grassroots partnerships in driving positive change.”
Derby day
FROM Page 24
Edwards, the tough tackling Marshall, and brothers Lewis and Mitch Affleck (combining at lock for the first time this year), the Gropers proved too strong up front.
Just as impressive were the young Nelson Bay front row of Riley Byfield, Ollie Edwards, Eddie Du Vos and Hayden Wilson (playing his first game of the season), along with flanker Cooper
Stone.
Young flanker Keanu Offen showed promise with a good turn of speed and punishing defence in his first game in two years while wingers Dan Arnfield and Jake Langsford made several long range runs.
Elsewhere, Maitland Blacks outclassed Nelson Bay women 55-7 in a lopsided contest at Marcellin Park.
Classy number eight and Players’ Player Sierra Nowlan capped a powerful game for
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Round commences with a short opening from 8.45am, with dunking to occur throughout the day.
the Gropers with a welldeserved try converted by sharp shooter fly-half Tash Harris. She was supported by sister Leah Nowlan, who tried hard to lift the team at halfback.
Nelson Bay host premiership pacesetters Cooks Hill Brown Snakes this Saturday in a blockbuster Indigenous Round clash at Bill Strong Oval at 3pm, followed by the women's showdown between the Gropers and Cooks Hill at 4.30pm.
Burey, Toby Burgess, Will Sugui and Xavier Masi. Head Coach Todd Harvey
q Hunter Western Hornets Men's Open squad celebrate their National Touch Football League title in Coffs Harbour.
q Australian Emus star Chris Lennon (right) and fellow Hornets clubmate Luke Cain display their respective NSW Player of the Series awards.
and Assistant Coach Jermaine Ale. Manager, Ben McCarthy. • -16yrs Boys Development: Cruz Tucker, Dane Chivers, Zeke Hay, Harley Parker, Jake Carpenter, Kai Fitzsimmons, Lachlan Murphy, Logan Cashmore, Luke Hedges, Nate Jackson, Oliver Shaw, Paddy Grose, Tiaki Rees, Will Doherty and Zev Drury; Head Coach Ian Doherty and Assistant Coaches Chad Jackson and Hugh Doherty. Manager, Rebecca Jackson.
q Port Stephens Netball Association will host its annual Indigenous Round on 19 July, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Round on 16 August.
In Memory
JAN WINEGARDNER
Passed away 08 July 2024
Beloved wife of Terry. Mother of Louise and Scott, and families. Forever in our hearts.
Rummage Sale
SAT 12 July. 9am to 12 noon. Medowie Uniting Church. Cnr Abundance & Lisadell Rd. Weather permitting!
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Opportunities Available
CASUAL TELEMARKETER / COLD CALLING LEGEND
per Hour | 3 Days per Week | 4 Hours per Day
Are you a confident, friendly and energetic person who loves connecting with people?
Do you excel in a results driven environment?
Are you based in Port Stephens and looking for casual, flexible work with a great hourly pay with bonuses? We want to hear from you!
We’re looking for a motivated Telemarketer to sell print and digital newspaper advertising to local small businesses to help them boost their visibility. If you’ve got the gift of the gab and a passion for helping businesses grow, we want to hear from you!
What you’ll be doing:
• Making outbound sales calls to small business owners.
• Presenting and selling advertising opportunities.
• Building rapport and closing deals over the phone.
• Maintaining records of calls and sales activity.
• Following scripts and hitting call KPIs.
What we’re looking for:
• Confidence and resilience on the phone and a love for conversation.
Excellent communication and sales skills.
• Previous experience in telesales or ad sales a plus.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic. Why join us?
• $36 per hour + super + a generous commission structure (uncapped earning potential).
• Flexible, casual hours – 3 day/week, 4 hours/day.
• Full training provided.
• Supportive, relaxed work culture with clear expectations.
• A chance to work directly with the business owner and make a real impact.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.
Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au
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Boats
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
GARDENING AUSTRALIA
ABC TV, 7.30pm
The Gardening Australia team is focused on all things First Nations in this NAIDOC Week episode, with Indigenous plants front and centre.
Costa Georgiadis is cooking up a storm in Kakadu, resident bush tucker expert Clarence Slocklee (above) – a Bundjalung man – shares his own gardening journey with us, and Josh Byrne gets a lesson in identifying the arguably more useful Noongar seasons (of which there are six).
Rounding things out, Jerry Coleby-Williams imparts his knowledge of the culturally significant bunya pine –another traditional source of nutrition – and the team pays a visit to a group using plants to ensure their Arrernte language is passed on to a new generation.
FRIDAY, July 11
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis gets a taste of Kakadu cooking.
8.30 Patience. (Ma) Patience is questioned by the police after coming under suspicion in the burning man investigation.
9.20 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.30 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
SUNDAY
THE CROW GIRL
SEVEN, 9.20pm
Based on the Scandinavian novel by Erik Axl Sund, this dark psychological thriller flips the usual Jane Doe script on its head and instead follows the efforts to catch a serial killer who’s brazenly leaving the bodies of young men in bags all over Bristol. DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles, Broadchurch with Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly, right), a psychotherapist whose speciality is counselling criminals, to solve the case. As they dig deeper – and grow closer – the unlikely duo begin to uncover a trail that leads to overlooked missing children’s cases tracing back decades. All the while, the body count is increasing and police corruption is rearing its ugly head, but the clues are adding up.
7.30 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles. Looks at The Swan
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7.
1.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
2.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGa, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WEDNESDAY
ELSBETH
TEN, 8.40pm
Her wardrobe is bursting with colourful confections, her trusty totes are packed with more goodies than Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag and her brain is buzzing with more information than the standard PC –yep, Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) is every minimalist’s worst nightmare. Enter this week’s guest star, Mary-Louise Parker (above, Weeds The West Wing), as decluttering guru Freya Frostad. Famous for her rule of “44” – the perfect number of possessions a person should own – Freya has seemingly also applied a less-is-more approach to her personal life, by offing her husband. As our charming crime solver tests Freya’s boundaries, more than a few surprising revelations are in store.
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Other Woman. (2014, Mals, R) After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman tries to get her ruined life back on track. Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton.
10.50 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mlns, R) The couples receive another crate.
12.25 The Disappearance. (Ma, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 19. Cronulla Sharks v Dolphins. From Sharks Stadium, Sydney.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Cronulla Sharks versus Dolphins match, with news and analysis.
10.45 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12. Semi-finals. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12 Late. Semi-finals.
4.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
5.00 Fishing Australia. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Space Jam: A New Legacy. (2021, PG) 9.45 BTN Newsbreak. 9.50 Robot Wars. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! UK. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 11.30 Golden Girls. Noon MOVIE: Superman Returns. (2006, PG) 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple are searching for their first home. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mdl, R) Celebrity guests include Paul Mescal. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55
6.00
SATURDAY, July 12
6.25 Australian Story: The River Pt 2 – Franklin River Rescue. (R) The conclusion to the perilous 24-hour mission.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Mav) A familiar face arrives at the vicarage.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Masv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when a member of a village watch is murdered.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Madv, R) Stella is thrown into a tailspin.
10.40 Little Disasters. (Mal, R)
11.30 Whale Wisdom. (R) 12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG)
8.25 Emily: I Am Kam. (PG, R) Celebrates the legacy of artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.
9.35 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval. 171km flat stage. From France.
1.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.35 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Cracking The Code. 10.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Lara.
Continued. (2019, PG, German) 6.35 The Movie Show. 7.05 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 10.00 The Movie Show. 10.30 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.25pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.35 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 4.05 The Movie Show. 4.35 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 6.55 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian)
8.30 Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 10.30 La Maison. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.10am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, July 13
6.00
6.30 Compass. (PGals)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PGs) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv) Mystery Bay’s brief flirtation with happiness ends.
8.55 Little Disasters. (Mal) Jess’ fate hangs in the balance.
9.45 MOVIE: Spear. (2015, Mal, R) A young Aboriginal learns what it means to be a man. Hunter Page-Lochard.
11.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.55 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.15 Speechless. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.
Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. H’lights. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. H’lights. 5.30 From The Ashes Of World War II. (Final,
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eiffel Tower: Building The Impossible. (PGan, R) Takes a look at the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of progress that has towered over Paris for over 130 years.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. Chinon to Chateauroux. 170km hilly stage. From France.
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency: You Are Not Alone. (Ma, R)
2.40 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (Return, PG) The team stays in Tasmania’s central highlands.
7.30 MOVIE: Titanic. (1997, Mansv, R) An upper-class woman falls for a penniless young man. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet.
11.35 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.55 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 1. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Caulfield Winter
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: The Castle. (1997, Ml, R) Michael Caton. 9.20 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter.
11.30 To Be Advised.
12.30 Wimbledon 2025 Pre-Show. 1.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 13 Late. Women’s final.
4.00 Find My Country House Australia. (PG, R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
7MATE (64)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm
6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Innovation Nation. 10.10 Rise Of The
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 The Crow Girl. (Premiere, Malv) A detective teams up with a psychotherapist.
11.25 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 2. Highlights. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PG)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.10 To Be Advised.
10.10 9News Late.
10.30 See No Evil: The Trophy Collector. (MA15+av)
11.30 The First 48: Tell No Tales/Unfair Fight. (Mav) 12.30 Wimbledon 2025 Pre-Show. 1.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 14 Late. Men’s final. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to leave or stay. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving. 9.50 House Hunters Australia. (PGl, R) A couple look for a home near Lake Macquarie, NSW. 10.50 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth matches wits with a psychic. 11.50 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Four contestants face off. 8.15 Fake. (Final, Ml) Birdie retraces her steps back to Joe’s
1.10pm
1.45 Cook
Bitesize. 1.55 SBS50. 2.00
H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Jeopardy! 5.15 Alone: The Skills Challenge. 5.40 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.35 Engineering Reborn. 7.30 Abandoned Engineering. 8.25 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. Continued. (1943, PG)
6.45 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 9.05 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 10.40 White Tiger. (2012, M, Russian) 12.40pm To Leslie. (2022, M) 2.55 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 J. Edgar. (2011, M) 11.05 Before, Now And Then. (2022, MA15+, Indonesian) 1.05am Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 3.05 Late Programs.
7MATE (64)
(1983, PG) 5.45 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.05 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.50 Innovation Nation. 10.05
Joon. (1993, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016, M) 10.35 Late Programs.
MONDAY, July 14
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (Final, R)
8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (Final, PGa, R) Sue Perkins concludes her exploration of Thailand.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10.
2.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.05 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies. 8.30 9-1-1. (Mav) Following Maddie’s mysterious 911 call, Chimney returns home to find his daughter alone and Maddie nowhere to be found.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA: Meth Wars. (Madl, R)
12.30 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
6am 3 Days
In Quiberon. Continued. (2018, PG, French) 7.25
Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 10.05 The Movie Show. 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Movie Show. 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 7.30 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 9.35 Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.20 Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+) 1.10am J. Edgar. (2011, M) 3.40 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 15
6.00
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Anne Boleyn. (Masv, R)
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.00 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.55 Growing A Greener World. (PGa, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Irene returns with a heartbreaking secret.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mls) As one couple pull the flare and leave the experience for good, two couples ignite fire in another way, taking their relationship to the next level.
11.30 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.30 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R) Kate helps a friend with a prenup.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 10.30 20th Century Women. (2016, M) 12.45pm Nostalgia. (2022, M, Italian) 2.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 5.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 7.30 American Pastoral. (2016, M) 9.30 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 11.15 Mother Couch. (2023, M) 1am Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 2.45 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Parental Guidance. (PGa)
9.00 100% Footy. (M)
10.00 Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl) 11.30 9News Late.
12.00 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Ma)
1.00 Fishing Australia. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM
6.00
WEDNESDAY,
July
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.15 Horrible Histories. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.50 Late Programs.
16 THURSDAY, July 17
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Junior Vets.
8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.15 Saved By
(PGa, R) 11.05 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Latest Secrets Of The Hieroglyphs. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
1.45 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
2.45 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.40 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
12.30 Holy Marvels. 1.15 Stacey Dooley: Two Daughters. 2.20 MOVIE: The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Dopesick. Midnight MOVIE: The Kid Detective. (2020, MA15+) 1.45 One Night In... 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Another
Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.40 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 8.35 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 10.10 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 12.15pm American Pastoral. (2016, M) 2.15 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.10 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 6.20 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 9.30 Other People’s Children. (2022, M, French) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a) 11.20 Stags. (MA15+alv)
12.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av) 1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00
7MATE (64)
Pickers.
Truckers.
Resto. 5.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Engineering Reborn. (PGav, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11. H’lights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Welcome To Mama’s. (2022, PGa) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PGaw) 9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 12.
2.15 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
2.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
3.25 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 Insight. 1.30 The Giants: From Hawaii To Sumo Legends. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Over The Black Dot. 6.30 Travel Man. 7.00 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.25 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 10.35 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 12.20pm Mother Couch. (2023, M) 2.10 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 4.00 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 5.40 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 Winter Boy. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.45 Late Programs.
Pawn
4.00 Counting
Wars.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Ml) 8.30 Murder Down Under. (MA15+av) 9.30 Australian Crime Stories. (Mav, R) 10.40 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.40 9News Late. 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane and Jo connect.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 19. Essendon v GWS Giants. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Evil By Design: End Game. (Malv, R) 12.35 Life. (Madv, R) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7MATE (64)
The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes. (2009, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
By Chris KARAS
MEDOWIE rugby stalwart Sam Holbert has achieved a special milestone in the Hunter Suburban Men's competition.
The veteran prop chalked up his 250th game last Saturday in the 36-0 local derby loss to Nelson Bay at Boyd Oval, turning in his customary wholehearted display in the muddy conditions.
Spearheaded by dashing utility back Will Clark and strong performances from sibling locks Lewis and Mitch Affleck, and exMarauders flanker Ryan Marshall, the Gropers proved too slick for their rivals - running in six tries to post their fifth win of the season.
Switching to centre, the elusive Clark sparked the Gropers back division with his sharp bursts from midfield and capped an outstanding performance with a try double.
With the experienced Holbert leading the way, the Medowie side made life difficult early for the Gropers forward pack - winning several contested ruck balls to spoil their rivals’ attacking plans.
Classy halfback Kade Redmond opened the try scoring after a darting run from the scrum base.
It was converted by Marshall before returning fullback Will Dunn chimed into the backline off a deft Michael Hotene pass to nab a five pointer.
Emerging hooker Ollie Edwards was rewarded for his non-stop performance with a try out wide to give the Gropers a 17-0 lead at the interval.
The talented Clark was in the thick of the action after the break as he burst through the Medowie defence to score twice before winger Cody Ross, in his comeback match after an injury spell, scorched downfield to register the Gropers’ final try.
Led by veteran skipper Adam
q Nelson Bay utility back Will Clark makes a break with centre Michael Hotene and Number 8 Adam Edwards in support.
