Port Stephens News Of The Area 24 JULY 2025

By Lindsay HALL

Bruce

“Cape

But

On

The

When

MARINE HEROES

q Port Stephens residents Bruce Smalley and Merilyn Evans.

Port Stephens adventurers to drive more than 3000kms on the Drover’s Run

FROM Page 1

impressive track record since the partnership began in 1973.

“They have over 300 professionals employed and they have flown 100,000 missions since their inception.”

It would be difficult to place a figure on just how many lives have been saved

by their work, but the service has expenses.

“A chopper costs $7000 per hour and they average 6000 hours per year.”

The Drover’s Run was established in 2015 to help spread awareness about the work of the Westpac Rescue team in regional areas, and raise much needed support.

The name recalls Australian pioneers who

navigated remote, rugged terrain, on the roads to rural communities.

It conjures the image of resilience, resourcefulness and a commitment to the wellbeing of those in their care.

These are the same qualities embodied by the team members of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Commencing the run with

an inaugural dinner, teams will set out from Armatree, travelling north to Mt Oxley, through Bourke to Charlotte Plains, then into Queensland through Cunnamulla, Eulo and Toompine for a rest in Eromanga.

From there they will head east to Goodwood Station, then on through Tilpa, Louth and Gundabooka National Park before another break at

Arrests over 'abhorrent' child-like

By Farid FARID, AAP

SEVERAL middle-aged men have been arrested for trying to get child-like sex dolls shipped to their homes in rural towns.

Australian Border Force officers raided and searched properties around the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area arresting four people over the span of about a year in their crackdown on the "disturbing rise in attempted importations."

Investigators arrested and charged a 63-year-old man at his home in November.

In April 2025, officers intercepted another doll delivered in an air cargo package which was declared as a silicone doll.

This was followed by a 49-year-

old man arrested and charged in May on a rural property near Scone.

And in June 2025, another suspected child-like sex doll was intercepted on its way to a home in Whitebridge with a 55-year-old man arrested and charged at his home in northern NSW.

ABF Inspector Michael Mahony said child abuse material comes in all forms and inanimate dolls were not precluded from being classified as engaging in criminal activity.

"Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Insp Mahony said.

"The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED FROM 06/07/2025 AND 13/07/2025

material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted."

The accused were charged with the importation of Tier 2 Goods, namely child-like sex dolls, where they could face a fine of up to $782,500 or 10 years in jail or both.

Investigators seized several mobile phones and other electronic devices containing evidence of child abuse material as well as illicit drugs in one of the properties raided.

q A man has been arrested by the Australian Border Force for attempting to import child-like sex dolls Photo: Australian Border Force/AAP PHOTOS.

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.

ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL

62 Morna Point Rd 16-2023-359-2 S4.55(1A) Modification to alterations/additions of new alfresco, carport and verandah – amend to enclose alfresco area

GLEN OAK

12 Timbertop Rd 16-2025-375-1 Swimming pool, decking KARUAH

4 Malcolm Rd 16-2025-367-1 Single storey dwelling MEDOWIE

8A Abundance Rd 16-2025-361-1 Detached shed and replace existing alfresco – staged development

5 Eagle Cl 16-2025-352-1 Extend existing garage attached to dwelling 5E Ferodale Rd 16-2025-374-1 2 storey dwelling

7 Ford Ave 16-2025-378-1 Inground swimming pool and safety barriers

29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 Magnus St 16-2025-347-1

Construct 6 storey residential flat building, 6 storey serviced apartment building and associated ancillary components including a restaurant, function centre, basement parking and visitor car parking, and lot consolidation (9 into 2 Lot Torrens Title subdivision).

57 Silver Wattle Dr 16-2025-344-1Shed

158 Sunningdale Cct 16-2024-115-2

S4.55(1A)

NELSON BAY 76 Austral St 16-2025-348-1 Alterations/additions to existing dwelling 5 Donald St 16-2025-365-1 Alterations/additions to residential flat building –addition of 2 new storeys

53 Magnus St 16-2007-42-7 S4.55(1A) Modification to approved residential flat building – retaining wall

33 Victoria Parade 16-2025-355-1 Alterations/additions to existing dwelling ONE MILE

2 Reflections Dr 16-2025-349-1 Single storey dwelling

RAYMOND TERRACE

26 Yarramundi St 16-2025-359-1 Inground swimming pool and safety barriers

SALAMANDER BAY

5 Waratah Ave 16-2025-355-1 Alterations/additions to dwelling

25 Yachtsman Cres 16-2025-358-1 Swimming pool (excludes pergola)

SHOAL BAY

72 Horace St 16-2025-380-1Shed

TANILBA BAY

Byrock.

The final leg will take them through Carinda, Coonamble and Coonabarabran and finally to the home base in Tamworth.

Along the way the convoy will hold auction nights to further raise some funds to contribute to the grand total, which has so far reached more than $92,000.

The Port Stephens couple

are joining 22 other teams who have been working hard to raise funds.

“Merilyn is a retired nurse, and I’m a retired police officer, and we both know and appreciate the work and effort that goes into a rescue mission and the care that is given to the rescued,” Bruce said.

“That’s probably the main reason that we are very happy to support the service in this way.

“Plus we are able to get back in the bush.”

sex doll imports

43 Lloyd George Gr 16-2025-332-1Garage Where to view information: Online portstephens.nsw.gov.au or datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au Council’s Administration Building 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace (between 9am and 5pm weekdays)

National honours for Marine Rescue volunteers

FROM Page 1

have been celebrated during a ceremony at Nelson Head.

Rescue vessel skipper and Watch Officer Laurie Nolan, and IT Systems Lead and Watch Officer Lee Ryman, were presented with the National Medal for 15 years of service by the Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington.

Marine Rescue NSW

Commissioner Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioners Darren Schott and Todd Andrews, Central Zone

Commander Dan Duemmer, and Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart also attended the ceremony to acknowledge the pair.

The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.

“It is wonderful to see two of our members, Laurie and Lee, being awarded the National Medal for 15 years of dedicated service to Marine

Rescue New South Wales,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.

“The work and commitment that they’ve given to Marine Rescue Port Stephens over the last 15 years has been a tremendous service not only to our unit but also to the local community.”

Nolan has served in

numerous executive and operational roles at the unit, helping to shape policy, training, and operational standards.

As a Coxswain and Watch Officer, he has played a direct role in saving lives at sea and mentoring crew members.

“When I first joined Marine Rescue NSW, I never imagined I’d still be doing this 15 years later,” Nolan said.

“Back then, I was the

one soaking up every bit of experience I could from the old hands.

"These days, I find myself in their shoes - mentoring the next generation, passing on what I’ve learnt about seamanship, staying calm under pressure, and just showing up for each other.

Over 15 years, I’ve seen first-hand how a calm voice on the radio or a steady hand on the helm can make all the difference.

“It’s never about the recognition - it’s about showing up, being ready, and serving the community when it matters most,” Nolan said.

Ryman provides critical support to the unit’s IT infrastructure - ensuring vital life-saving communication systems and data remain secure, reliable, and operational.

While in the radio room

as a Watch Officer, he has balanced frontline vigilance with technical leadership.

“Most people think of Marine Rescue NSW as boats and radios - but there’s a lot that has to work behind the scenes to keep this unit operational,” Ryman said.

“When lightning took out the base (in April 2024), we had to rebuild fast - phones, servers, radios, the lot.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we got it done, and we kept the comms up the whole time.

“That’s what I’m proud of - making sure the crew on the water have the tools and support they need.

“Behind every rescue, there’s a network of people, systems, and trust.

“I’m proud to have spent the last 15 years helping ensure those systems support our crews when the call comes in,” Ryman said.

Commissioner Barrell said Laurie and Lee are both valued and trusted members of Marine Rescue Port Stephens.

“The local community is privileged to have such highly skilled and dedicated volunteers ready to assist them in their time of need. We congratulate them on their diligent service,” the Commissioner said.

q Lee Ryman, Laurie Nolan and Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart.

q Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Lee Ryman. q Kate Washington MP and Laurie Nolan.

q Marine Rescue Port Stephens base at Nelson Head.

q The awards were handed out at a ceremony at Nelson Head.

Cosette De LORENZO 0468 575 452 cosette@newsofthearea.com.au

Simon EKINS 0434 890 157 simon@newsofthearea.com.au

Lindsay HALL 0430 048 398 lindsay@newsofthearea.com.au

Chris KARAS 0400 819 153 chris@newsofthearea.com.au

Jacie WHITFIELD 0411 556 079 jacie@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

Tracey BENNETT 0484 263 558 tracey@newsofthearea.com.au

Unprecedented fish deaths likely a ‘natural phenomenon’

By Thomas O’KEEFE

COUNTLESS numbers of dead fish now line the shores of the Broadwater, Two Mile Lake, Boolambayte Lake and Myall Lake, in what is widely considered the worst such event in living memory.

“This is the most distressing and surprising sight I’ve seen since [in the 14 years] I’ve been working around the lakes,” Kerry McIntosh told News Of The Area.

Kerry runs the MV Independence, which plies the lakes ensuring human pollution is not emptied into the waters.

“I had no idea that there could have been that many fish in the lake, and now I believe that all may be dead.”

While fish kill events are not new to the area, the scope of this current one has proven genuinely baffling.

The leading suspected cause is the sheer volume of rainwater that has entered the lakes system in recent months.

“It comes from the recent heavy rains, leaving freshwater over the top of the salt, affecting the oxygen levels and apparently allowing the development of an algae which affects fish life,”

Gordon Grainger from the Myall River Action Group (MRAG) said.

MRAG advocates are in agreement that the ongoing blockages at the dual entrances, where the Myall River meets Port Stephens Bay, have contributed long-term to the current situation.

“The blockage of the natural eastern channel limits the amount of oceanic waters coming into our system, and outflow must go through the artificial Corrie Channel, which is a false channel and provides a low salinity into the system,” Gordon said.

Kerry said the problem has been exacerbated by the river mouth not “flushing freely”.

“In the weeks after Easter the banks broke and to this day the water levels have not come down; riverside swamps have naturally become part of the lake,” Kerry explained the hydrography of the Lakes system.

“Having such high water levels over the banks for so long is totally unprecedented.

“I really think the fish kill is a natural phenomenon, requiring closer study, and I have taken several samples from around the

Lakes myself.

“There is a chance of a disease, as much chance as anything else, but I do not think it is an algal bloom, because you cannot smell that –the strongest smell out there is the smell of dying fish.”

The breached banks and high

waters have caused the Myall Lakes National Park to be closed, including the Bombah Point ferry being out of service, for months.

The Independence is an environmental barge, unique in NSW, which offers a free service to cleanly pump-out sewage holds, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to do the right thing.

q Dead fish litter shorelines all around the Myall Lakes system.

Roaring Forty sails through storms and setbacks

By Cosette DE LORENZO

SOLDIERS Point Marina is often full of sailboats, but unlike the “Roaring Forty”, there aren’t many that have made the voyage to Japan and back.

Kevin Le Poidevin and Darrell Greig sailed the Roaring Forty in the double-handed Melbourne Osaka Cup, a 5500 nautical mile yacht race starting in Melbourne and finishing in Osaka.

Participants journey across the Pacific Ocean, battling multiple weather systems and currents without any outside help or

stopovers.

“The objective of the Osaka Cup is to promote a challenging longdistance, short-handed racing event traversing the Pacific Ocean and in so doing, to provide a proving ground for true seamanship,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“All competitors will agree, just making it to the starting line is a huge achievement in itself.”

The Roaring Forty is no exception.

A damaged boom forced the

crew to retire their initial attempt earlier this year.

“The carbon boom had folded in half,” Kevin said.

“No amount of Air Force Framie tape was fixing this breakage.

“Our Melbourne to Osaka race ended right there.”

The pair didn’t give up on the Osaka dream, however.

Although an east coast low delayed their travels again, they eventually set sail once more.

"I have a sign down below in

the cabin that says ‘Quitting lasts forever’, so we don't quit,” Kevin said.

“We regrouped, organised a repair and stayed focused on battling to the finish.”

The pair crossed the finish line on 4 May and Kevin then made the trip back to Port Stephens solo, arriving in Soldiers Point Marina last week.

Their journey raised money for charities Brain Tumour Alliance, Solider On and Pankind.

Farmers gather for annual conference

FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition.

NSW Farmers’ Chief Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a range of challenges.

“Every single day, each and every one of us relies on the hard work of our farmers to feed and clothe the nation,” Ms Johnson said.

“From the rising cost of doing business to green tape and pest and weed problems, farmers are up against it in their efforts to feed the future.

“But we know there are also a lot of opportunities, which is why we are coming together to develop new strategies for success.”

The two-day event at Rosehill

Gardens Racecourse will involve policy debates and presentations from industry leaders, as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, Energy and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, and Shadow Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.

“It’s crucial we put the best heads together to come up with the innovative solutions that will drive our farmers – and our food security – forward,” Ms Johnson said.

“Cutting edge issues like artificial intelligence and lab grown meat will be debated alongside perennial issues such as feral animals and renewable energy.

“There is no shortage of topics to be discussed and solutions to be formed at our Conference this year.

“I look forward to the interaction with key decision makers and discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the state’s agriculture and agri-food industries, as well as the role strong farms will play in securing our future food supply.

“It is vital to have a strong agricultural sector and robust supply chains that can feed the future, and NSW Farmers is leading the way when it comes to finding the means to make this happen.”

q The crew navigated wild weather and ocean currents.

q Kevin Le Poidevin and Darrell Greig aboard the Roaring Forty.

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms

By Iain WATT, President, EcoNetwork Port Stephens

MARINE algal blooms are the result of a rapid increase of phytoplankton in the ocean.

While phytoplankton and algae are essential to marine ecosystems, forming the base of the marine food web, producing much of the world’s oxygen, and are a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, their excessive growth can cause harmful effects on marine life, water quality, and human health.

The extensive and long-lived bloom event recorded off South Australia in recent months is a timely reminder that when a coastal system is out of balance, catastrophic consequences can occur.

Algal blooms have been around a long time and in some cases are natural, and not all algal blooms are harmful.

Most algal blooms recorded to date in NSW have been harmless but there are about 200 species of micro-algae with the potential to produce harmful biotoxins that can be detrimental to marine life and human health.

These are primarily species of cyanobacteria, certain dinoflagellates and some diatoms.

In low numbers these species are innocuous, but the rapid increase of any one or combination of these species can cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which are generally the result of human activity, poor environmental management, pollution (overloading of nutrients) and climate change.

Algal blooms can often be identified by seafoam and what can look like a light oil spill or paint spilled in the water, but these are not always HABs.

River and land-based runoff containing high levels of nutrients (nitrogen and

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

Meat raffles by Karuah Meats Club open from 5pm Meals by Heidi & Geoff UPCOMING

Sunday 7th September 2025

Our Annual fathers day thong throwing competition will be held on this day. The club will be open from 11.00am.

September 18th,19th,20th 2025

Our Annual fishing competition in May was cancelled due to the weather. It has been rescheduled to18, 19 and 20th September 2025. 2pm weigh in on Sunday 20th September 2025

AGM is on Sunday 28th September 2025.

The meeting starts at 11.00am. All are welcome to attend, with a sausage sizzle provided after the meeting.

phosphorus), from agriculture, sewage or industrial discharges, together with warm waters and sunlight provide favourable environmental conditions for accelerated phytoplankton growth, which may lead to algal blooms.

Shellfish can filter and accumulate the biotoxins produced by HABs leading to contaminated seafood.

To manage and safeguard consumers from potential risk the NSW biotoxin monitoring programme tests the shellfish flesh and the waters around shellfish growing areas such as Port Stephens.

Another major risk associated with algal blooms is eutrophication which occurs when excess nutrient loading (often Nitrogen and Phosphorus) surpasses the ability of the water body to naturally flush out the nutrients.

The flushing time for the Port Stephens estuary was reported by Ajani in 2024 to be an average of 52 days, with rapid flushing in the east port of one to five days, increasing with distance from the Heads (entrance).

The markedly slower flushing time of the western port is probably slow enough to allow algal blooms to occur after a pulse of nutrients from the catchment.

Excess nutrients can stimulate rapid overgrowth of algae.

As the algal bloom dies back and sinks to the seabed the decomposition process consumes oxygen from the water column causing a dead zone in the water and the seabed.

This low oxygen zone suffocates fish and other marine life, particularly impacting species with limited home ranges, and strong site fidelity that lack the ability to escape the dead zone.

HABs can also cause direct physical impact on marine fauna: clogging and lacerating fish gills, destroying the waterproofing of seabird feathers, potentially causing mortalities in turtles, dolphins, whales and seals.

The reduced light penetration and smothering impacts seagrass and kelp beds, important fish habitat and causes extensive economic impacts.

Coastal communities that rely on fishing, aquaculture, recreation and tourism are particularly vulnerable to impacts from algal blooms.

In Australia, there is a select, but growing, group of biotoxin-producing estuarine microalgal species that have been documented to cause seafood poisoning, and the deaths of fish or other marine life, and direct human impact including skin rashes and respiratory symptoms.

The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays, and other marine life essentially suffocating, dying and being washed up onto the beaches, impacting the beaches as a tourism asset.

In NSW, blooms linked to fish kills are a regular phenomenon, with around 20 cases reported annually.

However, the mechanisms of toxicity in these cases ranges from well-known to poorly understood.

The free-swimming microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo has been recorded in

q The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life.

Port Stephens in low numbers.

It frequents brackish to full sea water and produces the biotoxin, Brevitoxin, which in sufficient abundance is strongly toxic to humans and marine fauna.

In California, this biotoxin was responsible for widespread seabird deaths by destroying the waterproofing of their feathers among other ecological and economic impacts on visual amenity, shellfish harvest, fish kills and fishing.

Environmental conditions in the Port Stephens estuary over many years have been deteriorating especially after heavy weather events.

It would not take too many variables to align to result in a serious HAB event in the estuary, given the slow flushing times coinciding with nutrient laden water from the catchment.

An event of sufficient magnitude could potentially damage the ecology and economy of the estuary.

The solution?

Early mitigation is probably the best

option, before it becomes the usual expensive catch-up blame game.

To date Port Stephens has not experienced a HAB, but with clear warnings from events in South Australia and elsewhere, relevant authorities should be taking steps now to mitigate against this possible future outcome.

Decreasing nutrient laden water entering the estuary and urgent action on climate change can help reduce the risk and severity of a HAB.

Implementing effective riparian management, riverbank stability etc. and better agricultural practices to reduce the sediment and nutrient runoff entering the estuary is a critical step in improving estuarine health and productivity.

Decreasing urban pollutants by improved urban planning and storm water management in urban areas and adopting climate mitigation strategies at a local council level by encouraging mitigation projects will help mitigate the worst of climate induced changes on the estuary.

Hunter represented at international conference

THE region will be represented on the world stage when the Hunter Wetlands Centre attends the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands this month.

The Hunter Wetlands Centre’s Ramsar Officer, Christine Prietto will be heading off to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for the conference from 23-31 July.

She will be part of the Australian Delegation joining more than 170 nations for the week-long event.

The “Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat”, informally known as the “Ramsar Convention”, is a global treaty that promotes conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Adopted in 1971, it is the only intentional convention to deal with one habitat or ecosystem type.

A key component of the Convention is

the Conference of Parties which meets every three years to consider and adopt decisions furthering the objectives of the Convention.

Predominately attended by government representatives, it is a rare and significant opportunity for a local community organisation to take part.

“Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world,” said Ms Prietto.

“We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them.

“To be able to share the story of our centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour,” she said.

The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site comprises the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands

Centre, which was added in 2002.

It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance.

Inclusion on the “Ramsar list” is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species.

“The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia,” Ms Prietto said.

“A quarter of Australia’s avian species reside in, or visit, the region annually.

“It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit.”

In a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference.

The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of local wetlands.

“This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site,” Ms Prietto said.

“The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community, but globally.” Prietto said.

The Hunter Wetlands Centre, located in Shortland, is a community-owned, volunteer run centre focused on conservation, education and recreation.

The centre plays a key role in ongoing wetlands conservation, education and capacity building by working with community groups, local government, industry, university and land managers.

A partnership made for business

The NSW Government is here to help. Service NSW Business Bureau provides a wide range of services and tools:

• Expert advice and online resources to assist your planning and growth.

• Step-by-step guidance to help you comply with regulations.

• Manage government interactions on the go with the Service NSW Business Bureau app.

• Ongoing support available in person, over the phone or online.

q Melissa New’s photograph of a swan and its cynets.

q Christine Prietto will be representing the Hunter Wetlands at the Ramsar Conference.

Bowlers to mark 20 years since state triumph

By Chris KARAS

THEY were a bunch of local mates with a passion for conquering the greens who became the record-breaking kings of NSW Pennant lawn bowls.

Soldiers Point Bowling Club’s Men's Class of 2005 was the first Port Stephensbased club to win the No 1 State Pennants championship trophy.

The super team downed Central Coast club Bateau Bay 57-51 in a gripping final at The Entrance Bowling Club to bring home their first ever state title and etch their names in the record books.

The men have organised a 20-year reunion for Saturday August 2 at Soldiers Point Bowling Club to celebrate that magnificent achievement.

The accomplished bowlers will take a trip down memory lane and reminisce how they toppled powerhouse teams from Taren Point, Brunswick Heads and Wollongong’s Towradgi Park to stamp themselves the number one club in NSW.

Club legend Les Ritchie, a valuable member of that championship-winning Soldiers Point lineup, told News Of The Area that the team was “a close-knit group with a fierce determination to capture that elusive title.”

“We are all great mates and really connected as a team back then to grab a slice

of history,” said the talented all-round sportsman who also played first grade cricket with Sutherland and top grade hockey for St George.

The long awaited reunion will be held almost 20 years to the day since their famous Pennants triumph.

“All the boys have fond memories of that three-day carnival back in 2005 at The Entrance, and how we managed to progress and ultimately become State champions.

“They were good old days and we shared a special bond on and off the bowling greens.”

Les and his teammates were part of a golden Soldiers Point lawn bowls era.

The team also featured five NSW representatives in

The Big Screen

By Lindsay HALL

WHILE Superman got to theatres first with a surprisingly optimistic superhero film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows closely and seems to be tapping the same hope-filled well.

The “First Family” of Marvel have been through four previous attempts at big screen success, but have never managed to connect with audiences.

Hoping to change that, Marvel Studios have tapped some of their most trusted writers in Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson, along with steady-handed Matt Shakman as director and an all new cast of impressive talent.

Set in an alternate world where the futuristic optimism of the 1960’s

actually flourished and shaped things for the better, the story skips much of the usual “origin tale” tropes and instead pits the titular superhero family against the greatest threat possible, the planet-eating titan Galactus.

Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards (Pedro Pascal) and his wife Sue “The Invisible Woman” Storm (Vanessa Kirby) along with her brother Johnny “The Human Torch” Storm (Joseph Quinn) and best friend Ben “The Thing” Grimm (Ebon MossBachrach) must draw close as a family to find the strength to overcome.

As always, if you’re on board with the Marvel movies, you’ll surely enjoy this because they’ve got their machine running so effectively these dayS.

There’s also a chance you will be delightfully surprised by something just a little different from their usual formula.

For those needing more Pedro Pascal in their week, Eddington is also being released.

From director Ari Aster (Midsommar) this black comedy Western also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Dierdre O’Connell and Emma Stone, and tells the story of a Mayoral election that devolves into utter chaos.

Set in 2020 at the start of COVID lockdowns, the titular small town’s sheriff Joe (Phoenix) runs against established Mayor Ted (Pascal) when they clash over mandates to control the spread of the virus.

Conspiracy theories, religious extremism, political “othering” and

abundant gun-violence abound as the film pushes everyone toward confrontation.

Aster’s previous films are incredibly well shot, boast brilliant performances from everybody he casts, contain deeply fascinating ideas and are painfully difficult to watch - this is a man who revels in conflict and tension, and does not indulge in happy endings.

Four Letters of Love will almost certainly be

Bob Dunn, Neville Downes, Simon Lack, Jason Stokes and Jason Pietrasek plus top bowlers in Bryce Williams, David Brandt, Chris Ramage, Ross Gardiner, Alan Miller, Jim Towers and Harry Porter with team manager Allan Cloke.

Today, local boy Lack is the club’s tireless secretarymanager and still a cagey bowler in his own right.

As well as being crowned State champions in 2005, the team won six consecutive Newcastle District No 1 Pennant titles from 20032008 and finished State No 1 runners up in 2007.

“Towradgi avenged their loss in 2005 by beating us in the State championship final two years later,” Les said.

Among the 16 teams also at the 2005 State Pennants finals were the Raymond Terrace and Kahibah Bowling Clubs.

The Raymond Terrace club has since become a powerhouse on the lawn

your Mum’s favourite movie of the year, if she is able to see it.

Starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, the film is an adaptation of Niall Williams 1997 novel.

The trailers paint the picture of a budding romance between young lovers beset by the interference of cynical parents, but fails to capture the actual magic of the story, which is, admittedly, difficult to explain.

bowls scene, securing multiple state titles and boasting a wealth of NSW and Australian representatives.

During their title charge in 2005, the Soldiers Point team defeated Northmead 61-55, Brunswick Heads 9237, Towradgi Park 55-54 and hot favourites Taren Point 6447 before sinking Bateau Bay in the final.

“We had a close tussle with Towradgi who were led by Australian rep Tom Ellem before eliminating the top ranked Taren Point side in a semi-final the next day,” recalled Les.

“They were a powerful and experienced team but we outplayed them with consistent bowls to advance to the Pennant decider.”

Soldiers Point stood up to be counted in the final. Bateau Bay led 46-43 after twenty ends and 51-50 before the local Soldiers Point heroes rallied to clinch the trophy by six bowls in a classic moment.

Living in Ireland, young Nicolas and Isabel are both victims of difficult childhood circumstances who have never met and yet are drawn together by inexplicable, almost supernatural forces.

Director Polly Steele has taken on a challenge in bringing such a beloved piece of writing to the screen, but manages to weave the elements of romance, mystery and drama into an inspiring experience.

Have Your Say

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q Soldiers Point Bowling club legends Simon Lack, Les Ritchie, Bob Dunn and Neville Downes.

q The 2005 State No 1 Pennants champions: (back l-r) Bob Dunn, Bryce Williams, David Brandt, Allan Cloke (manager); Chris Ramage, Les Ritchie, Neville Downes, Ross Gardiner, Alan Miller (front) board member Doug Christensen, Jason Piatrasek, Jason Stokes, Simon Lack, Jim Towers and Harry Porter,

Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty

By Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a greater role for the government in childcare as he prepares to push through legislation tightening up the sector following horrifying allegations of child abuse at Melbourne early learning centres.

Universal affordable childcare was identified by the prime minister during the recent federal election as the one reform he'd most want to be remembered for.

But the accusations levelled against Joshua Brown, whose 70 counts of alleged abuse, including child rape, have raised concerns that the rapid expansion of government subsidies into the sector has not been met with a commensurate increase in safety and scrutiny.

"Well, it reinforces why you need a stronger commonwealth role in childcare," Mr Albanese said when asked by AAP whether

the case had changed his views on how his universal childcare ambition should be enacted.

Commentators have criticised the current model of handing subsidies to forprofit providers, arguing the incentive to cut costs and boost margins sacrifices standards and oversight.

When asked whether he envisaged the sector being run more like public schools, Mr Albanese said "we'll see how that evolves".

"I think it makes sense to have co-location of childcare centres wherever possible in schools. It is just a practical thing to be done.

"If you're starting again you would completely have co-location of child care.

"I know as a parent, we had a public school in our street but we had to send our son to a different school that was driving distancea short drive - but the next nearest school, because they had after school care.

"That's something that people across the board feel as well - that convenience

- and that's part of the productivity agenda."

But first, Education Minister Jason Clare will introduce legislation giving his department powers to conduct spot checks and pull funding from childcare centres deemed to be consistently failing safety and quality standards.

It's one of four priorities Mr Albanese identified for his first sitting fortnight back in parliament since his swingeing election win.

From Tuesday, the government will also push forward legislation cutting student debt by 20 percent and enshrine penalty rates into law.

The fourth priority, Mr Albanese said, will be seeing Labor's 24 new members sworn in and ensuring they all participate fully towards the government's long term goals.

"I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back and seeing the outcome of the election in real form," he said.

"What that represents...

is it gives the confidence that we were correct last term to prioritise people's living standards and cost of living, dealing with those pressures, and that we're correct to continue to prioritise that.

"You need to deliver for people what they need in order to then have the legitimacy to push forward on longer term changes."

The prime minister was feeling buoyant as he flew back from a successful sixday tour of China, where he balanced tensions over Chinese military build-

demonstrate the power of collective giving.

up and a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties.

Amid coalition criticism that he had failed to deliver enough tangible outcomes, Mr Albanese hit back that they didn't understand how patiently nurturing the relationship would pay dividends in the long-term.

Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor's clumsy comments that Australia should be "prepared to act" alongside the US in conflict with China over Taiwan broke with the bipartisan "One China"

policy in support of the

His eye is on a Labor dynasty to carve out a positive future for Australia in a challenging region.

"One of the things we're very determined to do is to have long-term Labor government in Australia so that we can implement the long-term changes that Australia needs.

"The world is changing fast and you can either shape that change or it will shape you."

Tomago Aluminium bonates $150k to charity

TOMAGO Aluminium donated $150,000 to local charities and community organisations in June, the result of 12 months of fundraising through its Workplace Giving Program.

The funds have been distributed to five local organisations making a significant impact in the Hunter region, including a major $80,000 donation to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, presented during a special morning tea at the smelter in July.

The remaining $70,000 was split evenly across four charities chosen by employees:

• Jenny’s Place, which supports women and

children affected by domestic violence

• Soul Hub, which provides meals and essential services to people experiencing homelessness

• Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which cares for injured and orphaned native animals

• Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, which supports individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

The program, which invites employees to make small, regular donations from their pay, has grown significantly in recent years and continues to

“We are incredibly proud of our Workplace Giving Program and the commitment our people have shown in supporting those in need,” said Jerome Dozol, CEO of Tomago Aluminium,

“These donations are not just financial - they represent a genuine connection to our community.

“I want to thank every team member who contributes.

“Together, we are making a real and lasting difference.”

Each of the recipient organisations expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support.

A spokesperson from Jenny’s Place said, “This generous donation from Tomago Aluminium will have a meaningful and immediate impact.

“It helps us continue providing safe spaces and critical support to women and children escaping violence.”

guests feel seen, valued, and cared for.

“It’s a reminder that the community is behind them.”

The donation to Hunter Wildlife Rescue will help fund medical care, food, shelter and rescue transport for native animals in distress, while the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation said the funding would be used to directly support families in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas with transport, equipment and wellness programs during treatment.

The Workplace Giving Program will continue into the next financial year, with employees nominating and voting for new charities to receive support.

q I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.

status quo across the Taiwan Strait, Mr Albanese said.

A Soul Hub volunteer added, “This kind of support allows us to keep serving nutritious meals and offering services that help our

q Tomago Aluminium staff.

q Danny Eather and Graeme Rowe from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Tomago Aluminium CEO Jerome Dozol, Potline Operator and AWU Union Delegate Troy Doherty, and AWU NSW Vice President Cameron Wright.

Coming soon: Ketch Close gem

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN From

DESK

By Mayor Leah Anderson

PORT Stephens is a community built on respect, kindness, and diversity.

It’s what makes us strong, vibrant, and proud to call this place home.

But lately, I’ve been concerned about what I’m seeing online, and I know many of you have noticed it too.

In recent months, there’s been a rise in negative and, at times, abusive comments directed at councillors, staff, and community members.

These aren’t just throwaway words typed behind a keyboard, they hurt real people, divide us, and risk undermining the community spirit we all value.

A small but vocal few are dominating online spaces with nastiness and aggression.

Their behaviour is discouraging others from sharing their ideas and opinions.

And that’s the real loss – when people feel too intimidated to speak up, healthy discussion is replaced by hostility, and good ideas are left unheard.

Earlier this month, I asked my fellow Councillors to support a stronger commitment to respectful online discussions.

This isn’t about silencing debate.

Healthy disagreement is essential for a thriving community, but it must be done respectfully. Everyone has the right to be heard, but that right comes with a responsibility to treat others with kindness.

I was elected on a platform of transparency and respect because I believe every resident should feel safe to have their say, whether that’s at a Council meeting, in an email, or online. But that only works if we create an environment where people feel safe to speak.

Each of us has a role to play in changing this culture.

Think before you post.

Ask yourself if you’d say the same thing face-to-face, and if you see someone being attacked online, call it out.

A simple reminder to "keep it respectful" can make a big difference.

Let’s not allow the behaviour of a few to define us.

Together, we can make sure our online spaces are places for ideas, discussion, and community connection – not anger and abuse.

Why suspend climate action?

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM disappointed that a cabal of conservative councillors hijacked a recent Port Stephens Council meeting and suspended our local policy on Emissions Reduction.

To make matters worse, it appears that the motion was rammed

Shoal Bay’s natural heritage must be retained

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT WAS very disturbing to read in July’s EcoNetwork newsletter about the controversial Shoal Bay carpark proposal on crown reserve land.

I am shocked by the lack of community consultation, transparency and a design that seeks the removal of beautiful, mature, iconic trees that are part of Shoal Bay’s heritage, in a place whose very identity, desirability and tourism is centred around its natural beauty and heritage.

Although it’s been framed as an attempt to balance competing needs within the community, it appears fairly evident that the removal of all 27 mature trees (bar one) including a number of iconic native species for 100 car parking spaces (550 smart parking spaces already allocated for Shoal Bay) is economically driven, even though the heart of the community is based around nature.

These are high value trees, original remnant bushland, in good condition that should have been heritage listed or at the very least registered by Council as “significant trees”.

Blackbutts can reach 200 years in age.

More needs to be done by Council to retain them with a redesign of the proposed car park… or by finding a more suitable alternate location for additional parking - like sealing off a section of the Council-owned caravan park which is little used throughout the year.

Thank you to EcoNetwork for raising these local issues and public awareness of the huge sacrifice to the heritage and amenity of the area that such trees have provided over many decades… for more intermittent holiday parking.

When natural features like these trees are destroyed, a large part of our collective history and culture is also destroyed… in just seconds.

The trees are losing their physical space and we are losing the physical manifestations of their history, culture and identity. Trees have no voice. To whom can they appeal?

If the Council is not dedicated to protecting and preserving its own natural heritage, then it’s left to us as responsible stewards to speak up, and petition our representatives at local and state government level.

Council should be setting the example for nature conservation, especially of mature native species, and particularly following

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert.

Why is there so much interest?

Jerry P.

Dear Jerry, Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It's one thing to drive a loved one to the airport, but making that trip accompanied by a Coldplay playlist is another experience altogether.

Chris Martin is an incredible songwriter.

He expresses the depth of human emotion from love to regret to redemption (and that's just in The Scientist).

He's incredibly astute, and that was pretty evident when he said, straight after the concert gotcha moment, that the deer in headlights couple were either having an affair or just very shy.

the spate of attacks/vandalism on so many big trees in the area rather than contributing to more wide scale destruction.

The people have spoken and as stated in Council's liveability report, the number one community value is the natural environment.

The TRRA have previously emphasised the need to keep the area green in the Shoal Bay Place Plan - requesting more tree cover for reserves , shade, cooling, carbon capture as well as more maintenance of existing trees - to be funded from the revenue of 550 smart parking meters.

The most distinctive asset of Shoal Bay is its natural environment; framed by a national park and still relatively uncorrupted compared to more rapidly changing areas around the bay.

However it is now under

The wide-eyed look of shock followed by a quick turnabout and hasty duck seemed to indicate that Martin was on the money with his first observation.

No longer swaying, the CEO and his people person were thrust into the limelight in a way that was never going to be good for Astronomer.

How, for example, was the chief people officer going to talk about ethical work practices at the next staff meeting?

How was the CEO going to address the organisation's reputational management when his own reputation had just gone down the gurgler?

Perhaps the only way for Andy's wife to deal with the fallout will be in true Coldplay style.

When her husband arrives home with his tail between his legs, she could simply play lyrics that have suddenly taken on a whole new level of meaning.

He will no doubt be greeted with 'Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part' blaring out the bedroom window at which point she could throw down his clothes, his shoes, and his vintage album collection featuring a signed copy of A Rush of Blood to the Head. I very much doubt this is going to be a conscious uncoupling.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

increasing pressure. Nature still dominates here and so every effort should be made to retain its unique character and natural heritage.

Some of the native trees in question have been there for my lifetime and parents’ lifetime (now 92) and should be retained for future generations as inter-generational equity.

They are a link to the history and natural heritage of the area and are an insurance that every tree grown is going to outlive us and benefit those who follow behind.

Read www.ecops.au/shoalbaycarpark for more details.

Sincerely, The Morrow family, Fingal Bay.

Ratepayers deserve to have well maintained roads

DEAR News Of The Area,

DURING a recent meeting with Port Stephens Council, regarding our local dirt roads at Swan Bay, at which 18 residents attended, Council made it abundantly clear they are now only undertaking road repairs based on a quick temporary fix and not repairing them properly.

They say it is done this way because of the limited funding in Council’s road maintenance

budget. However, if this policy continues we will never see our roads repaired properly and for the longer term.

Having dirt roads to access your property makes it all the more important to have them built properly and maintained more regularly.

Using inferior road base and constructing the roads without sufficient crowning or inadequate drainage is a recipe for them failing within days, causing premature

through without any community consultation, by a narrow margin of five votes to four against. May I take this opportunity to remind all Port Stephens councillors that they serve at the pleasure of the 76,000 residents of Port Stephens LGA, not for the benefit of polluting fossil fuel corporations or rich mining moguls.

I demand that the motion suspending the Emissions Reduction policy be rescinded and that the five councillors apologise to the citizens of Port Stephens for the rushed and arrogant way in which the suspension occurred.

The Emissions Reduction Action Plan, which I found online, is a 100-

development of pot holes. Recently some service providers refused to use our road due to the deep pot holes and very soft surface.

More concerning is what if the same action is taken by an ambulance or another emergency vehicle?

Ratepayers deserve to have well maintained roads and our Council, state and federal government representatives, Kate Washington and Meryl Swanson, need to work a lot harder to secure more funding to make this happen.

page document - a scientifically and environmentally sensible policy in harmony with the climate action agenda of all levels of government, including other local councils in our region.

If former One Nation and former Liberal Party interests don’t like this environmental policy, may I suggest that they explain in detail what they

Ratepayers are fed up with driving on dangerous and unsafe roads and in some cases unnavigable ones.

Council, please ensure more funding is found and allocated to build our roads to a professional and safe standard and maintain them more regularly.

Your residents deserve no less. Regards, Trevor PEAKE, Swan Bay.

object to and why they don't support sensible climate action.

Then, in the interests of democracy and open government, hold a public consultation process and listen to community input.

Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.

READING by Lynne Miles: Psalm 23: 3 RESTORER - "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

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Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Coles Express Servo Nelson Bay

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Kreative Space Studio Fingal Bay

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Stinker’s History: Who was Gentleman Smith?

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

WHILE researching my latest book “Marsh Road” I came across the name “Gentleman Smith”.

It was he whose cattle were tended in the Fullerton Cove and Anna Bay area by a convict assigned to him who was simply referred to as Bob.

Bob had made it known, that once emancipated, he would dearly love to settle on the land along the Tilligerry Creek.

This unfortunately did not eventuate.

It so happened that it was Magnus Cromarty, son of Captain William Cromarty, who purchased Gentleman Smith’s herd of cattle and land adjacent to the creek which he referred to as Bobs Farm.

The more I read about Gentleman Smith the more interested I became in this fascinating character.

John Smith was born in Manchester England in 1787.

At 20 years of age he was arrested for stealing stockings and sentenced to seven years transportation.

He considered himself fortunate as the alternative was to fight against Napoleon’s forces.

He was sent to a prison hulk in Portsmouth in 1809.

From Portsmouth he travelled on the ship Indian, under the name of John Sidebottom, which arrived in Port Jackson in 1810.

In 1811 he was reported as absconding from the Georges River.

He stole, then sold, tobacco from a warehouse but was found not guilty on the lesser charge of “stealing from a warehouse”.

This is where the story becomes very interesting and somewhat confusing.

It appears that John Smith, who had earlier changed his surname to Sidebottom, was already in Australia when, in 1813, all was in readiness for the ship General Hewett to take on her 300 male convict passengers and begin her voyage to Sydney town.

Among her passengers were three John Smiths, including Francis Greenway, an architect sentenced for forgery, and painter Joseph Lycett, who was also sentenced for forgery.

The ship arrived in Sydney in 1814 –Gentleman John Smith was not on board!

Regardless of when Gentleman Smith arrived in Australia, records show that in 1814 Rev Samuel Marsden married John Smith and Mary Furber.

Their first child was born in 1815.

Before their second child was born John found himself before the Magistrate again, accused of robbing a settler neighbour. He was found guilty and sentenced to serve out the remainder of his term at the Coal River settlement - Newcastle.

He sailed to Newcastle for penal settlement on board the Lady Nelson from Parramatta in 1815

Rather than this being a punishment, John fared well.

Gaining favour with Commandant Wallis in Newcastle, he was quickly appointed to the role in 1817 of Chief Constable of Newcastle.

In this role he was in charge of 17 other constables and personally supervised the lockup of the gaol each evening.

He held this role for close to six years, resigning from the role when it was “materially interfering with his domestic duties”.

During 1818 John was one of the first convicts permitted to occupy a farm at Willis Plains near East Maitland where he was assigned convicts and employed an overseer.

John owned various properties in the Maitland district including the steam driven flour mill and the Black Horse Inn.

He was far too busy with his Chief Constable rolls to be able to work on the farm himself.

Shortly after the arrival of James Morrisett to replace Commandant Wallis in 1819, John’s name appears in the Colonial Secretaries paper for the first time.

Questions are asked about his original sentence and the ship he arrived on.

It appears that John, or someone else, told

Morrissett that he had been sentenced and transported on a ship before the General Hewett.

No action is taken against Constable Smith following his admission.

In fact he received a conditional pardon from the Governor that same year.

One thing is certain, John Smith had visions and big plans.

His entrepreneurial nature was evident in many of his actions after receiving his pardon.

By August 1823 John had established the Newcastle Hotel, the first licensed premises at that time.

Liquor was prohibited in the town of Newcastle.

John continued to accumulate land in the region including lucrative farmland adjacent to the Hunter River.

In 1838 he purchased 28 acres of land in the Fullerton Cove, called Stanley Park, to fulfil a contract for the military to supply beef which he transported to the township of Newcastle by barge.

With his variety of business interests John had many convicts assigned to him.

He brought badly behaved convicts before the Magistrate to receive their punishment for misdeeds such as absconding and neglect of duty.

Quite ironic, considering his personal experiences.

In 1861, as an elderly 74-yearold, he was again before the Courts.

This time accused of feloniously, unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to a building with intent to defraud the Liverpool and London Fire and Life Insurance Company.

He was found not guilty and the charge was dismissed.

By the time of his passing in November 1870 he had an extensive collection of property as evidenced by his 19 page will. His final resting place was the family vault in the heights of the Christchurch burial ground in Newcastle.

Sadly, as is the case with many colonial burial grounds, all physical evidence of his resting place was destroyed during the beautification of the site in the 1960s.

His vault now lies between the asphalt road surrounding Christchurch Cathedral.

Many records exist which gives us an insight into the character of “Gentleman Smith”.

Whether by luck or more likely by good planning and management, John took the opportunities available to an emancipated man willing to work hard and use the colonial system to his advantage.

Without his knowledge, he played a major role in the naming of the community of Bobs Farm.

Remarkably there is more to the story in that the Fullerton Cove property was sold to Gentleman Smith in 1838 who, at the time, was described as a wealthy landowner with business interests in Maitland and Newcastle.

In 1897 Stanley Smith, Gentleman Smith’s grandson, built a two-storey homestead, estimated to cost £1800.

This majestic building stands today in Fullerton Cove.

q Stanley Park stands today in Fullerton Cove.

Stinker’s Fishin’: Port full of bream

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

I’VE said it many times – if you can’t catch a bream then you should consider joining the golf club.

That being said, some are better than others when it comes to catching bream.

When it comes to the spectacular waters of Port Stephens there are none better than the Coles family of Lemon Tree Passage.

Poppers, lures, plastics and baits - Wayne Coles and the family could catch a bream on a damp lawn.

It is this time of the year when Colesy chases big bream right throughout the Port from the

Karuah River through Tilligerry Creek to the structures around Soldiers Point and Rocks-a-Wash.

Recently the family have been focusing their attention in the East Harbour from Soldiers Point to the heads.

Barnes Rocks and Corrie Island and The Anchorage on the north side, and Nelson Bay Breakwall and Tomaree Head on the south side.

If you are an old bait man like me you could use an assortment of baits to target bream – yabbies, prawns, fresh fillet of mullet, tailor, slimy mackerel, bonito or tuna will do the trick.

One bream bait that works a treat is a strip of chicken breast.

Talking to Colesy through the week he told me that the blue swimmer crabs are still dancing from Lemon Tree to North Arm Cove.

A good day on the water would be to set a couple of crab traps then chase bream before picking up your traps on the way home.

How good is that?

EXPLAINER - The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon

By Iain WATT, President, EcoNetwork Port Stephens

THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters.

Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance.

Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an icon of the NSW rocky reefs and was proclaimed the official fish emblem of NSW in 1998.

Their gentle and curious nature makes them the highlight of any underwater experience.

They are regularly encountered in Port Stephens along the rocky coast and around the offshore islands.

Although colloquially referred to as a “groper,” A. viridis is technically a large wrasse of the Labridae family, a group known for their vibrant colours, interesting biology and dynamic sexual phases.

It should not be confused with the tropical grouper (Epinephelus spp.).

Meet the Eastern Blue Groper

The eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) can grow up to 1.2 m long and can weigh over 20 kg.

They have prominent fleshy lips and large peg-like teeth.

Eastern blue groper start life as plankton before settling into seagrass beds or other appropriate habitat where they develop into an all-female cohort, reaching sexual maturity between one and four years and breeding between July and September. They will all remain as females until around 18 years old or a length of 50 to 60 cm when some but not all, change sex to males, reaching a maximum recorded age of 35 years in NSW, but could be longer.

This sex change is a result of an extraordinary biological process known as protogynous hermaphroditism.

If the large male is removed (by fishing or natural mortality) the next-ranking female changes her behaviour and physical appearance over weeks to become male and

ensure a stable breeding population.

As juveniles, the eastern blue groper displays green/brown hues and as adult females a reddishbrown coloration, with the signature cobalt blue colouring being the terminal phase when/if they transition to become males.

Being slow growing and long lived (18 to 35 years before changing sex from female to male) makes the blue groper vulnerable to fishing pressure and environmental change.

The sudden removal of the dominant males through fishing can lower productivity causing social disruption and disrupted fertilisation rates.

Fishing pressure can also reduce the numbers of large female fish in the population.

A reduction in available large females able to change sex could reduce the number of available spawning males.

This situation may persist until a remaining female attains that critical size (DPI-NSW Stock Status Summary – Blue Groper 2024).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies Blue Groper as “Near Threatened”, due mainly to loss of key habitat and historical overfishing.

The NSW DPI stock status summary noted that the stock structure is not well understood but considered the groper stock to be sustainable but subject to other potential risks such as climate change and warming seas.

Since the mid-1990s, this species has not featured highly in catch records so it may not be a heavily targeted species by recreational fishers.

Where do they live?

The blue groper ranges from Hervey Bay in Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria, but they tend to be more common along the NSW coast.

They inhabit shallow rocky reefs, headlands, and kelp forests.

Blue groper generally live in harems with a few females, several juveniles and one male presiding over a small home range. Juveniles typically inhabit estuaries and shallow seagrass beds which provide food and shelter from predators.

As they mature, they migrate to deeper, more exposed rocky reef areas that provide both habitat and hunting grounds.

The blue groper displays high levels of site fidelity (remaining on the same site for all or most of their lives).

As a result, individuals become recognised and cherished by divers and snorkellers who often “adopt” and name local gropers.

The blue groper is primarily diurnal (hunts by day and sleeps at night) and known for its territorial behaviour.

Their diet primarily consists of hard-shelled invertebrates such as molluscs, crabs, echinoderms, prawns, and worms.

They use their peg-like teeth to dislodge prey and their pharyngeal (crushing) plate in their throat to crush prey before swallowing and larger shell fragments are expelled through the gills.

The blue groper is a keystone species playing an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of biota on rocky reefs.

While the Blue Groper does eat sea urchins, according to recent studies at the University of Newcastle the groper has a limited role in controlling the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) considered by some to be responsible for destroying kelp beds

and creating “urchin barrens”.

Conservation and legal protection

Their large size and visibility made them an easy target for fishers but over time growing public appreciation for their beauty and ecological importance, and concerns over declining numbers led to calls for better protection.

All fishing of the groper was banned in NSW in 1969. Line fishing and commercial fishing, but not spearfishing, was reinstated in 1974 with recreational bag limits of two fish per person, with a minimum size of 30 cm.

The commercial fishery was closed in 1980.

Fifty years later in February 2024, following spear fishing incidents in Sydney and Jervis Bay, the NSW Government announced a total fishing ban on groper by any method for 12 months except for Aboriginal cultural fishing.

In February 2025 the NSW Government announced that, following scientific advice and community feedback, the total ban would continue for a further three years starting in March 2025 allowing further research and monitoring of the impacts from the climate crisis, such as seawater warming and acidification on this species.

This aligns NSW with Victoria

where blue groper is fully protected.

Any person contravening the regulations may face a $500 fine for a penalty infringement notice and/ or a maximum court enforced fine of up to $22,000 and/or six month imprisonment for a first offence and up to $44,000 and/or 12 month imprisonment for a second offence.

At the time, the NSW Minister for DPI stated that “these fish should be admired not targeted”.

It should be noted that it is an offence to interfere with any protected species in any way.

The road ahead

Since protective regulations were introduced, populations in many areas have shown signs of recovery.

Divers frequently encounter large individuals in marine reserves, a testament to the effectiveness of habitat protection.

However, conservation is an ongoing process.

Maintaining healthy populations of Achoerodus viridis (together with many other species) will require continued vigilance, adaptive management, and public support.

Strengthening marine protected areas, improving enforcement, and mitigating climate impacts are all critical steps in securing the future of this iconic species.

q Lemon Tree champ Wayne Coles with a couple of thumping bream caught on hard body lures.

q An Eastern Blue Groper posing. Photo: Malcolm Nobbs.

SUDOKU

Kids Boot Camp 045

Night flight rescue

By Thomas O’KEEFE

THE Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) made a rare night-time landing at Myall Park in Hawks Nest, to assist in a patient transfer on Wednesday, 16 July.

Around 5pm, the helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to assist in the emergency transfer of a patient to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

“A man in his 70s, injured in a fall, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team for a head injury before being transported to John Hunter Hospital,” WRHS said in a statement.

Tea Gardens Fire and Rescue 471 were the first to arrive at the scene of the accident, and stabilised the patient before the ambulance arrived, with both services accompanied by NSW Police contingents to the field to meet the chopper.

That particular

Wednesday night happened to also be training night for the many teams of the Myall River Hawks Junior RLFC, for whom Myall Park is home field.

Thanks to strong community connections through and between the Myall River Juniors and Tea Gardens Hawks senior football teams, word of the impending helicopter landing at the park was swiftly carried to the field, ensuring that the players were clear before the aircraft landed.

Plenty of parents and guardians were on hand to corral the kids out of the way, as the small army of emergency responders brought the patient to the sidelines, and then wheeled the gurney out to the helicopter.

The Junior Hawks, which this year features multiple teams between the ages of seven and 17, have been playing in between bouts of heavy rain, with some matches taking teams up into

the Hunter Valley, and even down into the Central Coast.

Training was not stopped for long however, as once the ground responders were clear, they got right back to running their laps and drills in the chilly night air, pausing only to watch the Rescue Helicopter take off and zoom away to the south-west.

Operating for over 45 years, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter has grown to become a 24-7 aeromedical operation.

Its funding model includes a contract with the NSW Government, as well as significant input from corporate sponsors and community fundraising.

Each year, the Helicopter Service’s goal is to raise $12million to assist in funding its three base operations in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, and community donations ensure the quality, reliability and sustainability of the care that the service can provide to sick and injured people in Northern NSW.

New grants to help bush connectivity

q Grants of up to $3000 are availanble to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia.

THE Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia.

The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity.

Regional Tech Hub General Manager, Jennifer Medway, said the program is about delivering practical, onthe-ground support.

"People now have more options for connectivity than ever before, but having options isn’t enough if you don’t know how to access them or where to start," Ms Medway said.

"The Connect Grants are designed to bridge that gap by supporting local groups

to create opportunities to explain services, support people through choices, and share tools to improve connectivity.

“The funding can be used for things like hosting community workshops, facilitating local training sessions, producing simple, localised resources, upskilling staff or volunteers in connectivity literacy, promoting the Regional Tech Hub, or sponsoring events where connectivity information can be shared.

"We know from working with thousands of communities across Australia that people are crying out for practical, local help. “This program goes a long way to providing it,” Ms Medway said.

The Regional Tech Hub

is an Australian Government initiative delivered by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), and provides free, independent advice on phone and internet connectivity to anyone living and working in rural, regional and remote Australia.

NFF President David Jochinke said the grants will empower community-led solutions.

"Connectivity challenges won’t be solved by infrastructure alone. We need local groups and trusted organisations to help people make sense of their options," Mr Jochinke said.

"These grants compliment the work already happening in communities by supporting local groups to run events, workshops, training sessions, or create resources focused

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 14th July with 34 players.

Nett Winner : Denis Barnett, 39pts.

Nett Runner Up : Rod Magick, 36pts.

Bonus Point Winner : Steve Robards, 37pts on c/b.

Bonus Point Runner Up : Andrew Warden, 37pts on c/b.

Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole, Div 1 : Phil Rogan.

Div 2 : Rod Magick, (birdie)

Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole,

Div 1 : John Clayton.

Div 2 : Lester Lake.

Drive & Chip, 7th Hole, Div 1 : Bob McKeand.

Div 2 : Greg Hinton. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, Div 1 : Warren Deuis.

Div 2 : David Hurley, (birdie)

on improving phone and internet connectivity."

Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, community groups, councils, and regional service providers.

"The Regional Tech Hub has supported hundreds of thousands of people right across the country over the past few years,” Ms Medway said.

“The Connect Grants mean we can help even more people access the very latest connectivity solutions.”

Applications open on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 and close at noon on Friday, 8 August 2025.

Projects must be delivered within six months of approval, but applicants don’t need to have confirmed dates when applying.

For more information visit the RTH website, or contact hello@regionaltechhub.org. au.

Ball Winners : Bruce Arndell 37pts, Ron McKay 36pts, Ian Dean 35pts, John Clayton 35pts, Lester Lake 35pts, Peter Hawkins 35pts, Wal Hutchinson 34pts, Alan Stark 34pts, David Hurley 34pts, Fred Rimoni 33pts, and John Hogan 33pts. Lucky Prize Draw : David Hurley. Next Mondays game is a single stableford at Tanilba Bay GC and is an 8:00am start. SPORT

q Lift-off for the fastest way to emergency care.

q Myall River Hawks junior footy kept practicing at a safe distance.

Gropers men on finals track

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay Gropers are keen for rugby action this weekend in the Hunter Suburban Men's competition.

After registering a 28-0 forfeit victory over Newcastle Griffins, the Gropers aim to extend their winning ways when they host the Muswellbrook Heelers this Saturday at Bill Strong Oval.

Zion Takarua’s charges are entrenched in the top four on 36 points and on track for the finals with table leaders Singleton Reds (43), Scone Brumbies (42) and the Cooks Hill Brown Snakes (39).

There was no joy for the Nelson Bay women's team after a 30-0 loss to

the University of Newcastle Seahorses on home turf.

Try doubles by gun fullback Ella Morris and prop Paige Cleary and five pointers to hooker Hayley Andrews and centre Amelie CobbJohnson helped the Seahorses notch a resounding victory.

Nelson Bay’s forwards finished the game strongly with power running from prop Anna Rose Stefano, flankers Sophie Lembke and Jessica Love and number eight Sierra Nowlan making inroads.

Just as impressive were Gropers’ winger Ash Vetter and centre Tanya Jones, who were a rock in defence.

Talented flyhalf Kayla Campbell produced a classy

performance for the Bay to earn the Players’ Player award with support from sharp winger Evie Holt, who menaced her rivals with dashing runs out wide.

Campbell combined well with half back Leah Nowlan, providing slick service to gun centres Jones and Teleah Dodd in the back division as the Gropers launched many an attacking raid but to no avail.

Nelson Bay men host Muswellbrook Heelers this Saturday at Bill Strong Oval with kick off at 3pm while the women take on Hamilton at Passmore Oval Wickham at 11.50am.

Magpies on rugby league march

By Chris KARAS

RAYMOND Terrace Magpies have continued their finals resurgence in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League Men's A Grade competition.

The Magpies stamped themselves as genuine title contenders after trouncing the Maitland Pickers 64-4 last weekend in an 11 try rout at Lakeside Sporting Complex.

It was the Magpies' fifth

consecutive victory since June 14 and zooms the club into premiership calculations.

Sharp winger Caden Taylor bagged a hat trick of tries and centre Bailey Steed notched a double as the Magpies clicked into top gear in the muddy conditions.

Other try scorers for Raymond Terrace were impact props Pat Mata’utia and Jacob Tatupu, winger Liam Conlon, fullback Tom Reynolds, centre Robert Chaffey and interchange Antwone Ryan, with

Mini State Carnival experience for Nelson Bay netballers

FROM Page 24

more experienced sides,” said Ashlee.

“During the 10week program the squad developed their court skills and broadened their netball education to become a highly competitive unit.”

Nelson Bay posted wins over Woy Woy Blue (10-3), Callaghan Teal (8-7), Wyong (11-3) and Wollondilly (136) and drew five-all with

Singleton in their final pool game.

The team showed tenacity and courage in hard fought losses to Hastings Valley (6-2), Kurri Kurri (9-8) and Eastwood Ryde (10-2) and plenty of steel against carnival winners Illawarra and the well-drilled Charlestown and Newcastle outfits.

Leading the way for the Bay team were midcourt aces Faith Karas, Sailor

experienced five-eighth Kyle Handford booting 10 conversions.

After a slow start to their 2025 premiership campaign, Magpies coach James Ross has the team humming and on track for a top two finish.

Reigning premiers Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs lead the competition on 20 points after blitzing Cardiff Cobras 50-24 at Waratah Oval - six points ahead of Raymond Terrace on 14, Cardiff (12) and Dudley Magpies (11).

Raymond Terrace will be chasing a sixth successive victory when they lock horns with West Wallsend Magpies this Saturday at Les Wakeman Oval at 3pm.

Jenkins, Amarli Buckton and Jacinta Scott with goal shooter Willow Earnshaw and the promising Edwards twins Bella and Gemma at goal attack and goalkeeper.

Lending support were prolific goal shooters Bonnie Preston, Willoughby Weber and Emily Noble and young defenders Grace Warran and Cassia Stallard.

Injured utility Isla Trayling missed the Newcastle carnival but was a key player at earlier tournaments.

The talented Nelson Bay squad won its first junior representative carnival on debut at Singleton and performed strongly at other events at Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Kurri Kurri in a show of things to come.

q Nelson Bay’s Ash Vetter tackles University fullback Ella Morris with forward Holly Uney in support, on a tough day for the Gropers women.

Barton bags five goals for Marlins in AFL triumph over Saints

By Chris KARAS

SUPERBOOT Billy Barton has continued his goal spree for Nelson Bay Marlins in the Hunter Central Coast AFL Men's Black Diamond Cup competition.

The wily campaigner grabbed another five goal haul in the Marlins’ decisive 92-50 victory over Maitland Saints last Saturday at Max McMahon Oval.

Nelson Bay kicked fourteen goals and eight behinds to secure a dominant 42 point victory and remain entrenched in the top four on 20 points behind premiership pacesetters Newcastle City Blues (40 points), Warners Bay Bulldogs (36) and Terrigal Avoca Panthers (32).

Mitchell Hall and coach Wayd Blackburne booted three goals apiece for the Marlins with Seth Morrissey, Alec Clark and Adam Grant also among the goal scorers, The Marlins led 26-11 at

the end of the first third and 52-19 at the half time interval before powering their way to a commanding 72-19 advantage by the end of the third term.

Nelson Bay were best served by skipper Barton, Grant, Matthew Blyth, Jayden Baldwin-Rymer, Beau Redman and Hudson Roche. The Marlins have a tough assignment against competition leaders Newcastle City Blues this Saturday at the No 1 Sportsground at 3pm.

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

18/7/25 OUTRIGHT winner.

John McDonald. 41 Ball winners. Bryan Porter. 39 Grahame Glover. 38 Kim Miller. 39 Hugh Potts. 37 Bill McMaster. 36 Ron McKay. 34 Bradman Award.

Chris Cody NTP4th.

A. John McDonald.

B. Grahame Glover D&C7th.

A. Bryan Porter.

B. Grahame Glover D&C18th.

A. Ron McKay.

B. Grahame Glover Money hole.

A. John McDonald. B. Colin Marsden Lucky number. 3. Wendy Couvaras There were 11 starters. congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 25/7/25. 4 ball Stableford.

Muree Golf Results

By Lee RANKIN

SATURDAY 13th July. Medley Stroke.

Robson 70

Michael Sternbeck

John Waanders 71 NTP 3 Michael Dononhoe 8 Elga Tuatara Wednesday 16th July. Medley Stroke.

Shearer

Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Friday evening for publication on a Thursday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.

Positions Vacant

Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd is the leader in Horticultural manufacture and distribution on the East Coast of Australia. Celebrating over 50 years of leading the industry ANL remains an Australian family owned and operated business.

We are currently seeking energetic Administration / Customer Service Officer, for our Horticultural Products manufacturing facility at Tea Gardens.

Position requirements:

* At least six months customer service experience (preferred but not essential)

* Must have current valid driver’s license (essential)

* Enthusiastic, hard-working attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service

* A focus on ensuring our high safety standards are met

* Computer literacy skills – Microsoft Office and familiarity with operating weighbridge and POS software (desirable but not essential) on the job training can be provided

* Understanding of landscaping materials (desirable)

* Comfortable working alone and following set instructions

* Availability to work flexible hours including early mornings and weekends

* Availability to work weekends (essential)

The successful applicants will have great customer service skills, a high level of professionalism, be well presented, proactive and selfmotivated and focused on providing maximum customer satisfaction.

Duties will include but not limited to the following:

Serving customers in our sales office, completing sales, operating a till and handling cash

Aiding and giving information to customers regarding product selection and delivery options

Operating weighbridge software and communicating information to the group

Attending phone and enquiries.

If this sounds like you, please email your CV to careers@anlscape.com.au

Only people with the right to work in Australia need apply.

Recruiters need not apply.

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HALL table glass top 900 x 50 iron legs $20 4982 2335

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KIA Sportage 2009 dsl, 6 speed manual 4WD, 115,000klms VGC, reduce to sell $6,500. CC34VM Rego until March 2026 0414 527 431

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SUBARU Liberty91 5spd man, VCG, 1 owner. $3000 Medowie 4982 9942

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

THE GOOD SHIP MURDER

SBS, 7.30pm

It’s quite an odd time of year to be rolling out a Christmas special – but Christmas in July is a thing now, so why not? The Good Ship Murder is docking in Dubrovnik at this most wonderful time of the year, and Jack (Shayne Ward, pictured) and Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) are on the hunt for a replacement Santa after the ship’s usual one falls ill so that Christmas on board isn’t ruined. But when their pick, local comedian Buddy (Cliff Parisi), turns up dead (what else did you expect on a ship with a name like that?) it’s looking like Christmas might have to be cancelled after all.

FRIDAY, July 25

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane escapes to a tropical conservatory.

8.30 Patience. (Ma) A best-selling crime writer is found dead.

9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson. 9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery. 10.35 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.25 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

TUESDAY

FBI: MOST WANTED

TEN, 9.40pm

There’s both good news and bad for fans of this high-stakes police procedural: while US network CBS cancelled both Most Wanted and its fellow FBI spin-off, International, earlier this year; the silver lining for Aussie fans is that we’ve still got a full season of new episodes to catch up on before Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott, pictured) and the squad tackle their final case. Tonight, in “Radio Silence”, the task force must act quickly when two NYPD officers are gunned down during a robbery, and another pair are targeted while responding to a call. With precincts across the city on edge, the team works against the clock to track down the killer and end the bloodshed.

THURSDAY GREAT AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS

A travelogue that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this entertaining new

comedian

Nazeem Hussain, foodie Melissa Leong, writer and performer Steph Tisdell and Aussie acting royalty Claudia Karvan head off on six epic road trips that celebrate Australia’s natural beauty. Tonight, Leong introduces Hussain (both pictured) to the magic of the Red Centre on one of her favourite drives: cruising the almost 500km between Alice Springs and Watarrka National Park. There’s camel rides, bush tucker, a desert song festival and outback footy along the way, before the pair catch the sunset in Kings Canyon, surrounded by iconic rock formations made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

6.00 NBN News.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Return, Mv) A comedian is murdered on the ship.

8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals: Sex. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates royal sex scandals.

9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19.

2.00 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)

3.45 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 20. GWS Giants v Sydney.

10.30 Shaking Down The Thunder. (PGl, R) Follows the 2005 Sydney Swans. 11.45 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.15 The Disappearance. (Madv, R) Charles and Susan continue their investigation.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, 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 21. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Parramatta Eels match, with news and analysis.

10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Talking Honey. 12.10 MOVIE: Christmas At The Chalet.

6.00 10 News+.

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a spacious 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. (Ms, R) Guests include Michael Fassbender. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00

SATURDAY, July 26

6.00 Australian Story: Making A Scene – Claudia Karvan. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: North East Tasmania. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie step in to help Leonard. 8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate after a body is found covered in live rabbits at the Belville Small Pet Show.

9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Mal, R) A date night turns into graveyard duty for Stella. 10.40 Little Disasters. (Final, Mal, R) 11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Newcastle. Susan Calman explores Newcastle. 8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Nantua to Pontarlier. 184.2km hilly stage. From France.

12.50 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)

1.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1.

3.50 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

Seven News.

7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Tasmania’s world heritage wilderness.

7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Dara Ó Briain.

8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) An academic uncovers a conspiracy while helping investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen.

11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)

12.30 The Disappearance. (Mav, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (Final, PG, R)

7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return)

6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 7.55 The Movie Show. 8.25 Walk With Me. (2017, PG)

SUNDAY, July 27

6.30 Compass: The GovernorGeneral – One Year On. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Austin. (Return, PG) Austin grapples with sudden literary fame.

8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella must deal with another dead body.

8.50 Miss Austen. (Premiere) Charts the lives of Jane and Cassandra Austen.

9.45 MOVIE: Gayby Baby. (2015, PG, R) Follows four children of gay parents. Gus. 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens.

8.35 The Secrets Of Mount Olympus. (R) Takes a look at Mount Olympus, considered the residence of the gods in Greek mythology.

9.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2. 11.30 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21.

4.25 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

us on this most ambitious, fully guided adventure of our last frontier. Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Mystery Of The Homestead Murders. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the 1978 murders of Mick and Sue Lewis, whose bodies were found in their homestead.

10.40 The Crow Girl. (MA15+av)

12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

Kew - Harrington - Taree INCLUDES: All Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals,

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 2. Australia v British & Irish Lions.

10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.

10.15 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R)

12.45 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (Madl, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A project manager hunts for a new home.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition.

9.45 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple search for a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for their growing family. 10.45 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth visits a historic funeral home. 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (Return, PGl) 8.55 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating issues affecting all Australians.

10.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 1. Finals.

11.00

(R)

Today Early News.

MONDAY, July 28

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

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Portugal With Michael Portillo.

8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R)

9.15 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGaw, R)

10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later. (PGa, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. 2.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 3.00 Weeks Of War. (PGav, R) 3.55 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) Shaun Micallef, Kyle Shilling, Felicity Ward and Mia Fevola hit the dance floor in the semi-finals.

8.50 9-1-1. (Masv) The 118 is called to a research lab that has been set on fire and becomes a biohazard.

10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Morning Programs. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Your Money & Your Life. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 My Greek Odyssey. 3.30

Femmes. H’lights. 5.45 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Raw Comedy 2025. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am What Do

We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.30 All The King’s Men. (2006, M) 12.55pm All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 3.45 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.45 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 7.35 Ondine. (2009, M) 9.30 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 11.25 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, July 29

6.00

(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R)

11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PG, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 11.30 Fashionista. 11.40 WorldWatch. 12.10pm Homicide. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 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 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.15am Late Programs.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl)

8.40 100% Footy. (M) 9.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 2. Finals.

10.45 9News Late. 11.15 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml) 12.15 Footy Classified. (Ml) 1.15 Innovation Nation. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00

(64) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 8.00 Anton Chekhov’s The Duel. (2010, PG) 9.45 The Movie Show. 10.15 The Humbling. (2014, M) 12.15pm Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 7.30 I Love You Too. (2010, M) 9.30 One Fine Morning. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Jim Jefferies hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.

8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mns) The 10 remaining castaways come to the end of their adventure and return to reality.

11.20 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

12.20 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

WEDNESDAY, July 30

FAMILY (22)

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. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, July 31 6.00

Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. H’lights.

America. (PG)

8.20 Aerial Australia. (Premiere, PGa) 9.15 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (Premiere) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGan, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Holy Marvels. 1.20 Curious Australia. 1.55 SBS50. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Killer Inside Me. (2010) 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. Continued. (2008, PG) 7.40 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 10.15 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.10pm Ondine. (2009, M) 2.05 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.55 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.35 The Company. (2003, PG) 7.40 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 9.30 Book Of Love. (2022) 11.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a)

11.20 Stags. (MA15+av)

12.20 Imposters. (Madlv, R)

1.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire

7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Bathroom week brings some teams undone. 8.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 4. Finals. 11.10 9News Late.

11.40 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv, R)

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

A Current Affair. (R)

FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Motor Racing. FIA

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. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.40 Dance Life. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Iceland. (PGa, R) 2.55 The Day The Rock Star Died: Elvis Presley. (PG, R) 3.25 The Point. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (Premiere)

8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)

9.20 Snowpiercer.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)

11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage

6. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGn, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Insight. 1.30 The Giants: From Hawaii To Sumo Legends. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 9.20 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 10.55 Falling. (2020, M) 1pm I Love You Too. (2010, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 5.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.40 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 9.35 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cohen’s world is turned upside down.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 21. Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Kick Ons.

11.30 Code Blue: One Punch Killers. (Madv, R)

12.30 Life. (Madv, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

7MATE (64)

M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

DRAMA (51)

DRAMA (51)

9GEM (82) 9GEM (82)

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

NITV (34)

By Chris KARAS

q Nelson Bay’s talented Under 11 representative netball squad produced strong displays at the recent Mini State Junior Representative Development Carnival in Newcastle.