INSTEAD of a dozen red roses, a bottle of bubbly or romantic poetry, Emily Parrott gave her hubby a camel for their first Valentine's Day.
"When he met me, that's when he met camels," she said of husband Luke.
"He found his first two loves.
"As long as I don't ask which one comes first then we don't have a problem."
Nearly 15 years after that fateful February, camels remain the centre of the Parrott family's world.
The couple runs the Oakfield Ranch with Ms Parrott's father at Anna Bay, hosting camel rides along the picturesque beaches of Port Stephens.
They're gearing up to take 10 camels, including Foxy Lady, Polished Copper, Bronte, Barry and Jeffrey on a nearly 6000km roundtrip via South Australia to Queensland for the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail.
CONTINUED Page 3
By Cosette DE LORENZO
q Cameleer Emily Parrott has found the less bottom in the saddle, the better.
Uncle and niece take on the outback in fundraising rally
FROM Page 1
Rally” - Australia’s largest independently run fundraiser for Cancer Council Australia.
Participants set off from Alice Springs, driving cars worth $1500 or less across some of Australia’s toughest roads.
The event has raised over $56 million so far, with each team required to raise a minimum of $5000 to participate.
Keerly Newton, a Registered Nurse and Associate Lecturer from Medowie, has teamed up with her uncle Richard Pettigrew, a truck driver from Jundah in
Queensland.
“We’re taking on this journey in a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer that’s more rust than car, but it’s ours,” Keerly said.
“We’re not mechanics – we’re just doing this with love, rust, and a ridiculous amount of zip ties.”
Cancer has hit Keerly’s family hard.
Lyndall Pettigrew, Keerly’s mum and Richard’s sister, died in May 2024 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
Fourteen days later, their much-loved grandmother and mother, Judy, passed away from squamous cell carcinoma.
They’ve taken on the team name JL Trailblazers to honour the women.
“Too many loved ones, too many losses. The rally is our way of fighting back and keeping their memories alive with every kilometre.”
Richard said he was proud to be making the journey alongside his niece.
“It’s about giving back, honouring Lyndall and Mum, and doing something powerful in their name.”
For more about Keerly’s and Richard’s’ efforts, go to spring2025.shitboxrally.com. au/jl-trailblazers.
Applications open for community grants
APPLICATIONS are now open for Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program, which funds communityled, local projects across Australia.
Eligible not-for-profit groups from New South Wales can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of
improving connection and mental wellbeing in their local communities.
Since 2020, Australia Post has awarded more than 350 grants to community groups across Australia.
Last year, the program awarded 71 projects across the country, contributing more than $500,000 of funding.
More than half of successful applications were in regional areas.
This year, Australia Post has announced a significant expansion of its Community Grants program for 2025, with an additional allocation of up to $250,000 allocated to support grassroots initiatives that enhance mental wellbeing, foster connection,
and build resilience in disaster-impacted communities.
“In times of disaster, it’s local organisations that are best placed to support the recovery process,” said Nicky Tracey, Australia Post General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement.
“They understand their communities, know what’s
needed, and are there for the long haul.
“That’s why we’re proud to offer an additional allocation of up to $250,000 in community grants this year, to support projects in disasterimpacted communities across Australia that promote mental wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and build resilience within their communities.”
Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on Monday, 7 July 2025. To check eligibility, visit: auspost.com.au/grants.
Successful applicants will be notified in September 2025.
Caswell Cr 16-2023-668-2
S4.55(2) Modification to alterations/additions to dwelling – extend wall and add covered balcony
WILLIAMTOWN
55 Slades Rd 16-2025-307-1 Subdivision
NOTICE OF ADVERTISED DEVELOPMENT
Council has received the following Development Application (DA)
DA NO: 16-2025-293 1
DEVELOPMENT SITE: LOT: 2 DP: 15682 42 Cook Parade LEMON TREE PASSAGE
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Change of use from Business Premise (Hairdresser) to Retail Premise (Bottle Shop) APPLICANT: FREEPORT PTY LTD
CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council
ASSESSING OFFICER: Christopher Primrose contact: 4988 0523 or email christopher.primrose@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (26/06/2025 – 10/07/2025)
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 10/07/2025
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 4:30pm weekdays)
To make a submission:
Any person can make a written submission in relation to the DA to Council during the exhibition period. If the submission is an objection, then the grounds of the objection must be specified in the submission.
Mail PO BOX 42 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 Email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
PROPOSED ROAD CLOSING
All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL, 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace, within twenty eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration. Once the submission period is completed, Port Stephens
Enquiries:
q Keerly Newton with the JL Trailblazers vehicle.
Forget the diamonds, camels are a girl's best friend
FROM Page 1
Winding through the red dust to the Queensland outposts of Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton in July, the trail features camel races and rides, live music and markets at every stop.
Ms Parrott, who has been around camels since she was a baby and began racing at 14, can get the animals running up to 45km/h.
It's a bumpy - or humpyride around the dirt track as jockeys skilfully hover above the saddles.
"They're not very nice to sit on at speed," she said.
"They're quite bouncy, so the less your bottom is in the saddle is probably more comfortable."
Apart from the rollicking races, the trail is a celebration of the outback spirit and pays tribute to the storied history of cameleers in colonial times.
Camels were brought to Australia from Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent during the gold rushes, when they were used to transport goods across the arid inland.
of effort they've put in for humanity," she said.
Many of the animals were then released into the wild.
An eccentric "globetrotter" named HD Constantinou spent nine years walking with camels and a cameleer from Sydney to Perth in the 1930s, wearing through 50 pairs of boots.
"He stated he had walked every inch of the way across from Sydney, the camels... carrying his baggage," Brisbane's Telegraph newspaper reported in 1939.
Ms Parrott feels an affinity with the ancient creatures, a passion passed down by her father who bought 20 camels to establish his business.
"Animals don't get enough recognition for the amount
Cameleers established their own transport and import businesses until cars were introduced in the 1920s.
"Donkeys and camels are a huge part of Australia's history.
"They were brought over here to build Australia up."
Her 10-year-old daughter Abby, who will accompany her parents on the outback trail with her six-year-old brother Cooper, has observed the deep connection between her mum and the herd.
"About six months ago she said, 'mum, when do I get my special power?'
"I said, 'what do you mean?' and she said, 'your special power, how you know what animals are thinking'."
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail kicks off with the Jundah camel races on July 5 and ends in Winton on July 26.
q Emily and Luke will follow the winding Outback Camel Trail on a 6000km round trip.
Tragic death at airport precinct
emergency services were called to a worksite near Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
told NOTA, “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and condolences are with the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
About 9.20am on Wednesday 18 June 2025,
A MAN has tragically died after being trapped under equipment which fell on a construction site within the Newcastle Airport precinct.
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NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered aid to the man at the scene, however he was unable to be revived.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
A spokesperson for Newcastle Airport
As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Household water bills to increase
HUNTER Water bills for a typical household customer will increase by 6.9 percent next financial year including inflation and then by 3.8 percent each year plus yearly inflation in subsequent years.
The rise comes after a pricing determination by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said IPART reviewed costs and prices for water and water-related services provided by Hunter Water as part of setting maximum prices from 2025-26 to 2029-30.
"The decisions released today by the Tribunal will allow Hunter Water to make important investments to continue delivering high-quality and reliable services, without raising bills more than they need to,” Ms Donnelly said.
“The increases in maximum prices and bills are mainly driven by the efficient costs of new infrastructure, including the proposed Belmont desalination plant.”
Under IPART’s decisions, bills for a typical household customer receiving water and wastewater services will increase:
• In 2025-26 by $54 (or 4.4 percent), before inflation is added. After adding inflation, these bills will increase by around $86 (or 6.9 percent). This would see typical bills increasing from $1,241 in 2024-25 to $1,326 in 2025-26.
• In the subsequent four years, typical bills will increase on average by $53 (or 3.8 percent) each year, before adding inflation. This would see typical bills increasing to $1,540, plus inflation, in 2029-30.
“The Tribunal’s decision will mean the typical household bill in 2029-30 will be 5.9 percent lower than Hunter Water proposed at the beginning of this process," Ms Donnelly said.
“Under these prices, Hunter Water customers will continue to pay around
the median of water bills when compared with other major water businesses around Australia.”
The prices set in this review will apply to customers from 1 July 2025.
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the costs of providing water and wastewater services are rising.
“Prices will increase over the next five years to ensure we can continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services and secure our region’s water future,” he said.
“During extensive community consultation with over 9,000 customers, the views and needs of our customers and community have helped to shape our new prices.
“We will recover most of the cost increases through our variable water charge.
“While no price increases are desirable, this approach provides the best opportunity for our customers to influence their bill by managing water use around their homes.”
New prices come into effect on 1 July 2025.
Additional flood support petition
AN E-PETITION is now available on the NSW Parliament website calling for upgraded support to assist Hunter and Mid North Coast communities devastated by the May flood.
The petition calls on the NSW Government to maximise Category C funding and urgently declare Category D funding for devastated small businesses, primary producers and
communities in the two regions.
“Category C provides assistance for severely affected communities, regions or sectors and includes clean-up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and/or the establishment of a Community Recovery Fund,” said Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell.
“Category D is exceptional circumstances assistance generally considered once the impact of the disaster has been assessed and specific recovery gaps identified.
“Under the joint Australian GovernmentState Government cost sharing for the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, assistance is requested from the states and requires agreement from the Prime Minister.”
The e-petition requires 20,000 online signatures to be formally debated in the Legislative Assembly and can be found at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/ epetitions-list.aspx
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In home treatments to organise and manage appointments with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapists, Podiatry and more to maintain your independence.
DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE
Caring staff assisting with house cleaning and laundry services and all domestic duties
HOME MAINTENANCE AND GARDENING
Mowing and light gardening with basic repairs to your home.
MOBILITY AND DEXTERITY SUPPORT
Ramps and safety rails for your mobility. Advice and access for mobility aids and equipment.
Whiteley opens Human Therapeutics Plant
FAMILY-OWNED
Australian manufacturer Whiteley has officially opened its new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago.
The $25 million purposebuilt plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington opened the new plant in a ceremony attended by more than 100 key stakeholders and staff last Thursday.
Once fully operational, the new facility will create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations.
“This facility is a longterm investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing,” said Dr Greg Whiteley, Executive Chairman of Whiteley.
“This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations.
“This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter region at the centre of
therapeutic manufacturing in Australia.”
Whiteley is Australia’s largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants and high-level infection control solutions.
A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995.
Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets.
The company recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the USA and Canada.
The new facility will also serve as a hub for
collaborative research with leading Australian universities, including the University of Newcastle, University of Sydney and Western Sydney University, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections.
“This is more than a factory. It’s a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness,” said Dr Whiteley.
“We’re proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future.”
Speaking at the opening,
Kate Washington MP praised the company’s commitment to regional growth and international excellence.
“It’s a proud day for Port Stephens when an impressive and innovative local manufacturer backs itself to become even bigger and better,” Ms Washington said.
“Whiteley is an awardwinning local manufacturer that’s strengthened Port Stephens position as a manufacturing powerhouse – by expanding its operations and our local economy.
“I congratulate the wonderful Whiteley team for its commitment to making more world-leading infection prevention products, right here in the Hunter.”
q The new Human Therapeutics Plant will create 30 new jobs.
q Whiteley Executive Chairman Dr Greg Whiteley with Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington at last Thursday’s opening.
Meet the crew who keep Marine Rescue boats running
By Matt COLEBORNE
EVERY Wednesday morning, before most people have had their second coffee, a group of volunteers is already elbowdeep in checklists, toolkits, and the unmistakable scent of salt and diesel.
They’re not responding to an emergency - they’re making sure Marine Rescue Port Stephens can when needed.
At the d’Albora Marina
boat shed, a dozen or so volunteers quietly get to work on PS31 and PS30 - the two vessels responsible for most of the emergency responses in Port Stephens waters.
Known as the Wednesday maintenance crew, they’re the ones who make sure nothing fails when lives are on the line.
“We’re not in the photos,” said long-time volunteer Mark, “but if something breaks out there, it’s on us.
“So we take a lot of pride in doing it right.”
The boats get a workout.
Between weekly training exercises, public safety patrols, and emergency callouts in all conditions, there’s always something needing attention - a frayed tow line, a misbehaving bilge pump, or a searchlight that’s decided it no longer wants to rotate.
“Rescue boats don’t have easy lives,” said Ken, who’s been part of the crew for over a year.
“They get banged up, used hard, and every week we
uncover something new.”
The team goes through a long and detailed checklist: lifejackets, radios, stretcher mounts, EPIRBs, anchor chains, navigation lights - all checked, tested, cleaned, and serviced.
The work is methodical, quiet, and vital.
Even the Maintenance Log reads like a story in itself, scrawled with notes from boat crew after jobs:
• "Fender missing.”
• “Tow line has been shortened (don’t ask).
• “Hatch handle snapped clean off.”
• “That's just boats,” Ken shrugs.
“You don’t fight it - you listen to them.”
The volunteers come from all walks of life: retired tradies, ex-boat crew, an IT tech, and even a former vending machine repairman.
“I may not be jumping onto boats at 3am anymore,” said Ian, who’s been volunteering for nearly a decade, “but I still feel like I’m part of every rescue.
“When they leave the dock, I know I helped make that happen.”
The crew say the work is rewarding - not just for the purpose it provides, but for the mateship.
q Maintenance crew member Bob Montgomery.
There’s a steady rhythm of banter, laughter, and cups of tea shared between jobs.
“If you like solving problems and don’t mind smelling like WD-40 before 9am,” said Bob with a grin, “you’ll fit in just fine.”
Marine Rescue Port Stephens is calling for more helping hands.
No boating experience is required - just a willingness to pitch in, learn, and contribute to the safety of the local boating community.
To find out more about joining the Wednesday maintenance crew, visit marinerescueportstephens. com.au or message the team on Facebook.
q Maintenance crew members Mark, Victoria, Ken, Mark (Boat Manager), Rob (Coxswain), Bob, and Ian (Chief Engineer).
Leptospirosis Alert!
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by rats through their urine. When exposed to the organism, dogs can develop a variety of different signs ranging from mild to fatal. The most severe outcome is liver and/or kidney failure, and in these cases, dogs often succumb to the infection. Dogs contract leptospirosis through ingestion or contact with freshwater sources such as creeks, dams, puddles and even from eating contaminated grass.
Unfortunately, the disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can pass from dogs to humans and infection can be serious in people.
Recently there have been new cases of leptospirosis in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie. In the past there have been cases elsewhere in Port Stephens. Owners of dogs who have an active outdoor lifestyle or where there may be high numbers of rats in these areas should strongly consider vaccinating their dogs against leptospirosis, as vaccination can limit the severity of the infection, reduce the risk of death, and limit the risk of transmission to people. The vaccine is available at veterinary clinics and requires two doses 2-4 weeks apart with annual boosters for protection.
Budget funding for Stockton sand erosion
A TOTAL of $21.5 million has been allocated in the 2025-26 NSW Budget to continue sand renourishment works at Stockton Beach.
According to the City of Newcastle, Stockton suffers from coastal erosion as its sand naturally moves north, but the Newcastle Breakwater impacts this movement from the south.
“Beaches naturally move - not only landward and seaward but sand also flows like a river to the north,” a City spokesperson said.
“It is estimated that approximately 146,000m3 of sand naturally moves north from Stockton Beach along the Stockton Bight each year – that's the equivalent of about 58 Olympic swimming pools full of sand.”
Due to its erosion issues, actions to preserve the beach are outlined in the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint.
The NSW Government has previously worked with the City to deliver 130,000 cubic metres of sand to Stockton Beach.
The new Budget funding is set to deliver the next phase of the Blueprint, which involves a range of action including finalising environmental approvals, creating and implementing an environmental monitoring
plan, securing licences, planning the approach to procurement, and delivering beach nourishment.
This investment over five years is in addition to the $6.3 million stage one project administered by the NSW Government and jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City.
Minister for the
Environment Penny Sharpe said while significant progress has been on the restoration of Stockton Beach, there's more to do.
“This investment delivers on our election commitment and funds the largest beach repair project ever undertaken in NSW,” she said.
Chair of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel and
Six hours in the dark
IT’S been ten weeks since the crew of John Thompson - Marine Rescue Port Stephens’ offshore vessel - steered into the blackness of open ocean for what became one of the unit’s most challenging rescues in recent memory.
But for those on board that night, the moments are still vivid.
“It was one of those calls that comes just as you sit down to dinner,” recalls volunteer crew member Matt Coleborne.
“We left our families, still hungry, and launched into the unknown.”
On Saturday, March 29, around sunset, the five-person crew was tasked to assist Hustle, a 10-metre flybridge cruiser that had run out of fuel roughly 30 kilometres off the coast.
With a new moon above and 2.5-metre swell below, the conditions were unforgiving.
“There was no light. No horizon. Just the stars, the wind, and the motion,” Coleborne said.
“You lose all depth perception. It’s surreal.”
The team - Robert Johnson, Howard Faulks, Mark Page, Andy Wilson, and Coleborne - located Hustle after 8pm and attempted a textbook tow-line throw from the deck of John Thompson.
But in the confusion of swell and darkness, the first approach missed.
The second attempt landed perfectlyonly to be ripped off course by wind.
In a bold move, the crew reversed John Thompson into position, only to be met by a wave that surged over the rear deck, momentarily lifting the crew off their feet.
“I thought I was going to be washed flat across the deck,” said Coleborne.
“Then I felt a grip on my harness - Robert had me.
“One hand on the rail, the other on my
tether. Calm as anything.”
Once the tow was secured, the journey home wasn’t without drama.
Around 10pm, the tow bridle snapped under pressure.
Within 14 minutes, the crew re-rigged the line in complete darkness, relying on instinct, communication, and months of training.
The final challenge came outside the marina at Nelson Bay, where a 3-4 knot current made rafting the two vessels
together feel “like threading a needle in a wind tunnel”.
But inch by inch, they brought Hustle alongside and safely onto the fuel dock at D’Albora Marina just after midnight.
“It was a long, physical, mentally demanding night,” said Coleborne, who completed his crew rating shortly after the mission.
“But it felt like the culmination of all the training and teamwork we’d been building for months.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp is celebrating confirmation of the beach’s Budget inclusion.
“It’s one thing to have a blueprint – it’s another to have the funding confirmed in this year’s Budget and to be moving onto the next steps of getting sand back on the beach,” he said.
Reflecting on the experience weeks later, the crew agrees: the conditions were tough, but it was the quiet moments of calm leadership, instinctive teamwork, and unwavering support that stood out most.
“We’re volunteers,” Wilson said.
“No one’s getting paid to be out there at midnight, in the dark, getting knocked around by waves.
“But we do it - for the community, for each other, and because when someone’s in trouble out there, we want to be the ones who show up.”
q Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe and Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp take a stroll at Stockton Beach.
q Crew members Howard Faulks, Mark Page, Matt Coleborne, Andy Wilson and Robert Johnson (Duty Skipper).
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry –More Than Just a Ferry Ride!
Think we just do ferry crossings? Think again! The Original Tea Gardens Ferry is proud to offer so much more than our popular daily services between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens.
We’ve got a fleet of three charming ferries, each available for private charter — perfect for birthdays, club outings, school groups, or a memorable day out with friends.
Our smallest vessel seats 25 comfortably, while our spacious flagship, the MV Tea Gardens, is licensed to carry up to 92 passengers.
Accessibility? No problem.
The MV Tea Gardens is the only vessel in Nelson Bay with easy wheel-on, wheel-off access — ideal for guests with mobility aids, wheelchairs, or walking frames.
Planning a special event?
• Choose from our dedicated cruises like morning teas, sunset sizzles, or history tours — and we can even organise catering for you, or you’re welcome to self-cater with your own delicious spread.
• Call Kerrie today on 0412 682 117 to plan your next on-water adventure. At the Original Tea Gardens Ferry — we’re more than just a crossing... we’re a destination in ourselves!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
HISTORY BUFFS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
Did you know Port Stephens is bursting with stories beneath the surface — from ancient Worimi culture to wartime secrets, fishing tales to lobster legends?
Join us on Monday 7th July for our very first HISTORY CRUISE and discover the hidden past of our beautiful bay — as told by none other than John “Stinker” Clarke himself!
You’ll cruise past Soldiers Point, glide by Middle Island, and head towards Tomaree Headland — all while hearing the colourful history that shaped our region:
How the lobster industry really began
Which headland was a WWII lookout post
And how the Worimi people shaped this landscape long before we arrived. This isn’t your average cruise. It’s 2 hours of laughter, learning, and local legends, all with a cuppa in hand.
Only $55 – includes morning tea Departing 10am sharp from Nelson Bay Wharf BOOK NOW with Kerrie on – seats are filling fast!
Bring a mate who loves a good story and make a morning of it.
Stay local... Sail local.
Warm up the bay!
Bush poetry to support Sketchley Cottage
By Cosette DE LORENZO
AN afternoon of Bush Poetry will take place on 28 June at the Raymond Terrace Community Church.
Renowned bush poet Bob Skelton, also known as the “Minmi Magster”, will be at the event.
Skelton has authored seven poetry collections and won local and international awards.
The event is being held by the Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society to raise money to retain the
Sketchley Pioneer Cottage.
The cottage was the family home of William Sketchley, an English convict sent to Australia in 1830 for stealing.
He became a landholder of 85 acres (34 hectares) and turned the one-roomed dwelling into a cottage large enough to house his ten children.
It is the only known 1840s colonial building in Port Stephens and was donated to the Historical Society in 1975.
The Society consists of volunteers with a shared
interest in local history.
They will celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary in November.
"Its role in preserving and displaying local history is as relevant to the future as to the past," a group spokesperson said.
The Bush Poetry event will be held from 2pm to 4pm and includes afternoon tea.
For details, contact 0421 976 278.
All proceeds will go towards the preservation of the Sketchley Pioneer Cottage.
q Sketchley Pioneer Cottage.
Photo: Tomaree Museum.
Sando’s serves up Christmas in July
Club (HNGC).
From Friday 4 July,
members and visitors can enjoy a festive dining experience every Friday and Saturday evening, with a special two-course menu ($49) or three-course menu ($59), served alongside the regular Sando’s favourites.
Expect seasonal classics,
rich winter flavours, and a touch of Christmas cheer in every dish, like Cognacflamed butternut pumpkin soup, oven-roasted turkey with double-smoked ham and cranberry sauce, or a decadent traditional Christmas pudding with brandy custard.
The celebrations wrap up with a spectacular Christmas
q A
q Expect seasonal classics, rich winter flavours, and a touch of Christmas cheer in every dish.
Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday 26 July.
This one-night-only event includes a premium Christmas buffet, live music, and a night of dancing, laughter, and festive celebration.
Tickets are $89 for members and $99 for visitors and bookings are essential.
“This is a brand-new event for us, and we’re so excited to see it come to life,” said Emily McCormack, Events & Marketing Manager at HNGC.
“The team at Sando’s always blow us away with their creativity and flavour, so we know this festive season is going to be something really special.
“With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and festive charm, Christmas in July at HNGC promises to be a highlight of the winter social calendar.”
For menus and further information, visit the HNGC website or book directly at reception.
special Christmas Gala Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday 26 July.
1/1 Tallean Road
•
• Short stroll to Marina, shops, and cafés.
• Open-plan living creates inviting, spacious atmosphere.
• Private courtyard with garden and bush views.
• Three generous bedrooms offer space and comfort.
• Master bedroom includes ensuite for added luxury.
• Stair lift provides easy access between floors.
• Air-conditioned home with double garage convenience.
• Walk to golf, bowling, tennis, and marina.
• Embrace relaxed coastal lifestyle in friendly community.
• Premium industrial shed with high-end fit-out and showroom-quality presentation.
• 322m² ground floor, plus 163m² mezzanine and 73.5m² third-floor storage (total 485m² plus storage and parking).
• Stunning epoxy resin floors
• Amazing showroom with cathedral ceilings.
• Ground floor also includes car bays, kitchen, large office, lounge area, full bathroom, and extra toilet.
• Stunning single-level home in Tanilba Bay’s newest estate
• Walking distance to schools, shops, transport, and the waterfront
• Four spacious bedrooms with built-in robes
• Main bedroom features an ensuite and walk-in robe
• Comfortable living space and generous dining area
•
•
• Split-system air conditioning for year-round comfort
GUIDE $950,000 to $1,050,000 excluding GST (if applicable)
• Upstairs features a huge mezzanine, laundry area, lounge, and multipurpose room.
• 19kW solar panel system and 3-phase power.
• Three additional allocated parking spaces (42m²).
• High visibility with street frontage to Shearwater Drive, & the building also faces Port Stephens Drive.
• Just 400m to the new Homemaker Centre, home to Harvey Norman, Spotlight & more.
• Well-maintained and move-in ready — perfect for families
• Master bedroom features ensuite for added privacy and comfort.
• Double garage plus extra parking for multiple vehicles.
• Walk to shops, drive to Nelson Bay and Salamander. $1,050,000
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Port Stephens named a trending Winter holiday destination
By Cosette DE LORENZO
PORT Stephens has been named a trending winter school holiday destination by travel booking site Wotif.
“Port Stephens’ popularity is well and truly booming this year,” said travel expert Rebecca Hurley.
“It’s great to see the momentum continue into the winter school holidays as a trending destination, especially following its crowning as the 2025 Aussie Town of the Year.”
The NSW coastline has consistently proven a firm favourite,
with destinations such as Newcastle, Wollongong and Kingscliff also named as some of this winter’s most popular travel areas.
“Port Stephens is the ultimate winter escape – just far enough from the city to feel like a proper getaway – where whale sightings, peaceful beaches, and cosy seaside charm are waiting around every headland.”
Port Stephens was also named a best value domestic destination, noting many affordable accommodation options in the area.
Alongside coastal favourites, city and rural destinations have seen
increased interest with standout events drawing visitors.
Ms Hurley said travellers are “looking for unique and memorable experiences.”
“Mildura, in particular, is stealing the spotlight – literally and figuratively – with the ‘Trail of Lights’, an immersive art installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro, who is famed for Uluru’s Field of Light.”
Nearly a quarter of Australians are planning to travel in July, according to Wotif.
Funding for coal mining regions
THE 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions.
“The Authority will help guide
the future economic development of the four coal mining regions –the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment,” the NSW Government said in a statement.
As part of its remit, the Authority will develop a framework to allow funding to be spent on projects
like infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs.
This will be done in concert with the Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority.
The NSW Government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year.
The model of the Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said the Authority will play a key role in driving job creation in the Hunter, including in the future energy sector.
“The Hunter has always been the engine room of NSW – now it’s time to position ourselves as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing as well,” Mr Park said.
"We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the Authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth.”
Within the Authority, four
local divisions will be created in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West, featuring representatives of industry, workers, local government and community groups.
“The Authority will work handin-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation – not left behind by it,” Mr Park said.
"This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow.
“It’s about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come."
Currently, around 25,000 people are directly employed in NSW coal mines.
Under current planning approvals, by 2040 all four of the state’s coal-fired power stations, and 32 of the state’s 39 coal mines, will close.
Duty MLC for Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said mining will continue to be a “massive employer to so many in the Hunter for years to come”, however we must be ready for the reliance on coal to decrease.
“The establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority gives everyone in mining and the supply chain time to reskill and take advantage of the new wave of opportunities coming to the Hunter,” she said.
The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months.
Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate threemonth and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities.
Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on regional students, seniors, and families, and condemned a lack of public consultation or explanation.
“These passes weren’t a luxury,” Ms MacDonald said.
“They were essential, used by students to get home from university, by older residents staying socially connected, and by working people accessing health care and services in regional hubs.
“To remove them without warning and call it a ‘pause’ is a cost-of-living hike by stealth.”
The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420,
offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network.
It has now been paused, leaving only more expensive 14-day and 30day options.
Ms MacDonald said the change has effectively doubled the monthly cost for many users.
Labor MLC Emily Suvaal, responding to Ms MacDonald in parliament, said the Discovery Passes were solely designed for tourism use.
“The Discovery Pass is a discount product promoted for tourism travellers and intended for their use only,” Ms Suvaal said.
“It was never intended as a discounted product for commuters or as a concessional entitlement.
“As they are, the terms of the Discovery Pass are not considered fit for purpose by Transport for NSW.
“Transport for NSW has put a hold on some of the pass options while the current terms are assessed and amendments are considered.
q The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network.
“A decision on the longer-term Discovery passes will be made following this review.”
Ms Suvaal notes that Discovery Passes make up “just four percent of total annual patronage”.
Ms MacDonald challenged the
characterisation of the passes as tourist products.
“Real people, regional people used this pass to live their lives affordably and now they’re left without answers,” she said.
“Meanwhile, metro passengers
can tap on and off with regular options, while regional travellers are told to ‘just buy six 30-day passes in a row’.
“Regional people shouldn’t have to beg for services that are taken for granted in the city.”
q Shoal Bay’s Zenith Beach from Tomaree Mountain viewpoint.
q Minister Ryan Park says it's time to position the Hunter as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Nikki Short.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
THE official film of the Formula One World Championship revs into theatres this week with F1, starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem.
Produced in collaboration with Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile - the governing body for Formula 1 racingand Hollywood legend Jerry Bruckheimer, this boasts some of the most thrilling and energetic racing sequences ever committed to film, and feature appearances from the actual driver of the 10 real-life Formula 1 teams.
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a “washed-up” former star racer who was forced into retirement following a crash in the 90s.
When the owner of the fictional
APXGP team and old friend Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) approaches him with an offer to mentor the up-and-coming Noah Pearce, Hayes has to battle his poor reputation and prejudice against his age to prove that he still has what it takes.
Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) has proven a deft hand at balancing human drama with incredibly ambitious and fast-paced action, always ensuring the audience knows exactly what’s going on.
This is cinema made for the cinema,
M3GAN 2.0 is the sequel to the surprise sci-fi/horror sensation from 2022, reuniting all the (surviving) members of that cast with NZ director Gerard Johnstone.
Though the original was a fairly straightforward “robot turns
evil” thriller, a massive part of its success was due to the over-thetop performance of the titular figure which made the film a “camp classic”.
For the sequel, all pretence at seriousness is out the window as everyone involved is embracing the comedic aspects that worked so (unintentionally) well last time.
Though roboticist Gemma destroyed the M3GAN robot and ended her research, she has retained the program in a harmless home appliance.
When Gemma learns that her work has been stolen and used by an unscrupulous organisation to develop a military robot that goes rogue, she makes an agreement with M3GAN to build her a new body if she will combat the new threat.
Still on the horror/comedy front, select cinemas will be showing Y2K, a film that premiered
in the US last December but, possibly, was made 25 years too late.
The directorial debut of comedic actor Kyle Mooney, the film lampoons the panic surrounding the “Y2K Bug” that was so widely publicised in 1999 by exploring a scenario in which at the tick of midnight, January 1 2000, all machines gain sentience and attempt to kill humans.
A group of teenagers at a New Years Eve party - notably led by Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler and Julian Dennison - battle the machines for survival.
Mooney comes from the Saturday Night Live comedy school, so expect a lot of slacker/stoner humor if you give this a watch.
Miley Cyrus makes an attempt to break into the same spaces as Taylor Swift with the release of her “visual album”, Something Beautiful.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
THE latest winners of the Raymond Terrace Community Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed.
Irrawang PS: Claire has been nominated for her willingness to assist others at school and in the community. She goes out of her way to support children with diverse learning needs, helping them to regulate their emotions so they are ready to learn.
Raymond Terrace PS: Jackson is nominated for the respect and consideration he shows younger students. He always remains calm and acts with responsibility when supporting younger students no matter the situation. He specifically leads by example encouraging safety while on the school bus.
Grahamstown PS: Bohdi was nominated for his outstanding role as a supportive big buddy to new kindergarten students. Bohdi has truly embraced his role as a big buddy, ensuring that each kindergarten student feels supported and cared for as they transition into the school community.
His attentiveness and vigilance allow him to quickly identify when a kinder student may need assistance, whether it’s during playtime or in the classroom. Bohdi is always ready to step in, offering a comforting presence and helping to ease any worries.
Irrawang HS: Gabbi has been selected as a featured Star Struck dancer after successfully
The film purportedly is structured in three acts, with performances and songs interspersed with spoken-word pieces or conversations.
While certainly visually striking in many places, it is essentially a collection of music videos strung together.
French romantic comedy Riviera Revenge also comes to select screens this week.
Military man François has been an authoritative force in his family his whole life, but seeks to make a pleasant retirement with his wife Annie.
While tidying, he comes across a letter revealing that Annie had an affair 40 years ago, and he sets off to the French Riviera to confront this scoundrel in the name of honour.
André Dussollier and Sabine Azéma have brilliant chemistry in this witty and heartwarming script from writer/director Ivan Calbérac.
auditioning for this regional opportunity, representing IHS with pride and commitment throughout the audition and rehearsals. She consistently demonstrates her personal best when representing the school for dance, showing enthusiasm, teamwork, and respect for her peers and teachers
Hunter River HS: Lily is nominated for her initiative in supporting 'Do It For Dolly Day'. She approached the school’s Wellbeing team with the idea to hold a bake
sale, raising awareness and funds for Dolly's Dream, a foundation dedicated to ending bullying and supporting families affected by it. Through her dedication and hard work, $525 was raised.
Salt Ash PS: Ollie has shown incredible resilience, determination, and maturity this year. He has embraced a ‘have a go’ attitude in all situations and continues to step up as a positive role model. Ollie consistently demonstrates school values of being a positive,
respectful, and safe learner. Recently, he supported his peers in the playground by using the problemsolving wheel, helping to achieve a positive outcome.
Medowie PS: Cooper was nominated for his outstanding support at the school’s athletics carnival by marshalling students, organising heats, moving equipment and running errands. His outstanding efforts greatly contributed to the overall success and enjoyment of all at the carnival.
is a kindergarten student who goes out of his way to help others.Through his actions he has quickly become a caring and respected member of the school community. Recently he spent his break making sure other students had a handball to play with, retrieving it for them without being asked.
Karuah PS: Alby is nominated for volunteering his time to make sure the local cemetery is respectfully looked after and clear from rubbish.
Domestic violence, assaults and theft on the rise
By Cosette DE LORENZO
NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences.
Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to
show a significant decline over the past two years, while the other nine offences remained stable.
Domestic violence rates showed a widespread increase throughout the state, with higher rates recorded in eight of 13 regional areas, and three of 15 Greater Sydney locations.
Executive Director of BOCSAR
Jackie Fitzgerald said, “Of the
three major offences trending upwards, the increase in domestic violence-related assault is the most geographically widespread.
“Most of regional NSW and several Sydney locations are showing increases.
“We’re also seeing sharper rises in family violence (up 7.3 percent) compared to intimate partner assaults (up 4.9 percent),
along with a 9.5 percent increase in child victims of domestic assault.”
Ms Fitzgerald noted that increased rates do not necessarily mean a higher occurrence.
“It’s possible that greater community awareness and proactive policing are encouraging more victims to come forward,” she said.
“These figures highlight the growing willingness of victims to speak out, supported by more accessible and confidential
reporting pathways.”
Retail theft was the only property offence to increase over the two year period.
“Liquor continues to top the list of stolen goods.
“In the year to March 2025, it was involved in nearly one in four shoplifting incidents.”
Alongside regular reports, BOCSAR conducts crime and victim surveys to provide insights on both reported and unreported crimes.
Seaham PS: Archie
q PBL award winners receive their awards.
From the MAYOR'S DESK
By Mayor Leah Anderson Roads Acceleration Program Extension
ROADS are vital to our everyday life.
Whether it’s getting to work, school, or the local shops, we all rely on safe, well-maintained roads.
We know roads are the most important issue for our community - we’ve heard it through our Community Satisfaction Survey, Liveability Survey and as Councillors out and about in our community.
Earlier this year, we announced the Roads Acceleration Program (RAP), a $20 million investment over three years to repair and upgrade roads across our community.
This is the biggest investment ever in our roads, supported by the Council's budget, the Special Rate Variation, and grants from State and Federal Governments.
But even with this significant investment, we know there’s still more to do.
Years of limited funding, rising construction costs, and damage from weather events have left a big backlog of repairs.
Our roads aren’t up to the standard the community deserves - we need to act quickly to catch up.
That's why this month, Council approved an extra $9 million to boost road repairs across Port Stephens.
We’ve worked hard to find ways to boost funding for this program without placing additional pressure on ratepayers. We’re using funds from our Natural Disaster Reserve - created to help recover from storms and floodsand planning to sell surplus land.
We’ll begin the necessary legislative process to sell these properties and make sure all proceeds will be reinvested into our Roads Acceleration Program.
The roads to be repaired as part of this additional funding have been identified by our elected representatives and prioritised based on their condition, use, and community feedback.
Some of the upgrades planned for 2025/2026 are in Raymond Terrace, Corlette, Medowie, and Salt Ash.
We’re also continuing to seek grant funding and will explore every opportunity to secure additional funds for the RAP.
Our community deserves a reliable road network - we’re doing everything we can to make that happen, as better roads mean a stronger, safer Port Stephens for everyone.
Dorin’s Draws
By Paul DORIN
The Write Direction: Economic death spiral
By John BLACKBOURN
INTERESTING headlines from the USA this week: “Billionaire sounds alarm on US economy’s ‘death spiral’”.
That certainly gained my attention after a 40-year career in the finance game, including many years working in the USA and Switzerland plus a number of other western and Asian nations.
Fortunately, this headline looks to be publicity for a soonto-be-published book by a noted economist and venture capitalist who was guest speaker at a forum for media representatives associated with TV news service CNN.
Views expressed included that the USA economy is nearing the point of no return and is approaching its death spiral in a classic fashion; where countries go broke due to too much debt, stoked by volatility and uncertainty in their markets.
This certainly looks to be what
is occurring in the USA today under the Trump administration.
None of this is new in the world of finance and we hope that none of these possibilities ever happen, but it certainly helps people focus their attention on government debt and how these borrowings can ever be repaid.
Because many are now watching this problem in the USA, the world’s largest economy, we then look at how other nations might be responding to these issues.
France has just announced new tax hikes where its government is collecting capital in the hope that they can prevent a similar situation.
Italy is raising its capital gains tax from 26 percent to 42 percent to create more revenue.
Even Norway has increased its wealth taxes, adding to the reality of Scandinavia becoming one of the world's heaviest taxed locations.
We are trained to look at how smart money and professional investors react to the financial risks becoming obvious in a number of nations.
In Norway’s case individuals worth $54 billion have recently left
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I WAS scrolling through the local community page on the weekend and came across a cheeky post.
The post didn't raise an eyebrow, but what did was the pile-on from adults hating on this young person.
It seems strange that people over a certain age would stoop this low.
Why are people so cruel on social media, and where are the checks and balances?
Gina T.
Dear
Gina,
The vision that came to mind reading your post was of Taylor Swift in an outfit reminiscent of Jayne Torvill (from Torvill and Dean fame), skating over the hate (metaphorically) and shaking it off (literally).
Community pages, despite their mission to be fun, friendly places for people to share stories and pictures with each other, are sometimes (unfortunately) a breeding ground for behaviour that wouldn't be anticipated (or tolerated) elsewhere.
For every genuine post about a missing cat or a person needing a handyman to fix a sink, there's an unnecessarily cruel laughing emoji or a completely unrelated rant.
These attacks ensue with a level of unconnectedness akin to Bob Katter side-swiping a conversation about same sex marriage and replacing it with a focus on limbs being torn off bodies
that country, resulting in a loss of taxation of nearly $600 million from its yearly revenue.
Even Spain has recorded one thousand fewer high-net-worth taxpayers migrating from their country, their first ever negative result of this type.
Investigation into public land access
A NSW Government committee has begun investigating access to publicly owned land and waterways in New South Wales, including national parks, marine reserves, crown land, state forests, water catchments and Aboriginal land.
The Select Committee on Access Restrictions to Public Lands and Waterways was established by a resolution of the NSW Legislative Council on Wednesday 28 May 2025.
The Chair of the committee, Mark Banasiak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, said that many activities are banned or restricted on some public lands, including
recreational activities such as four-wheel-driving, shooting, horse riding, hiking, rock climbing, camping and fishing.
“The committee would like to investigate the extent and rationale to access restrictions across public lands and waterways, including the balance between environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation and public access,” he said.
Mr Banasiak noted that restrictions to access can have an impact on local communities, recreational users and industries such as tourism, forestry and agriculture.
The inquiry will examine the legislative and regulatory
by north Queensland's crocodiles (sans Bob's adroit conversational dexterity).
This is despite very clear group rules with more good behaviour cues than a school anthem.
Are the group admins overworked? Complicit?
Trying to moderate posts but really working for ASIO and taking notes on potential security breaches?
Nigel from the ATO crossreferencing cashie requests?
Retired sportsmasters (feeling dispensable, sportsrelated bunions, socks and sandals, more self-loathing than Sue Sylvester from Glee)?
These are questions I cannot answer, Gina.
I do know, however, that the behaviour people display in person is very different from the behaviour some people display from their keyboard.
The psychological effects of trolling are also very real, so the role of a moderator is an important one.
As is the role of an editor (if mine thinks I've been unnecessarily cruel to retired sportsmasters, I apologise for my own - until now subconscious - residual hostility over a poorlytimed balance beam transition and a lunchtime detention).
All I can suggest is to lead from the front, Gina.
Post sunsets and sunrises, help search for lost dogs, never post a picture of someone's poor parking skills, call out racism (and all the other 'isms) and don't stoop to the pettiness of mocking spelling errors in a futile game of one-upmanship.
diem, Jasminda.
Australia is now considering new taxation for five percent of its comfortably retired superannuants with good investment balances, as one method of correcting its borrowing binge for its nonproductive expenditure.
frameworks governing access restrictions and the consultation processes used when access is restricted or reviewed for public lands and waterways.
“I am looking forward to hearing from a range of stakeholders who are interested in using public lands and waterways, whether it be for recreation use such as mountain biking, climbing or four-wheel driving, or to run a business such as outdoor adventure tourism,” Mr Banasiak said.
The committee welcomes submissions from interested stakeholders and members of the community. The closing date for submissions is 1 August 2025.
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE concurrent use of the terms “responsible” and “offshore wind farm development” in Australian waters is oxymoronic.
There is nothing responsible in developing something offshore that costs twice as much as a similar development onshore, will take twice as long to get up and running and has the potential to seriously deplete and further distress the ocean, our main already over-burdened heat and carbon absorber.
Carpe
Regards, Cherylle STONE, Soldiers Point.
READING by Lynne Miles: Psalm 18: 30 & 31a REFUGE - "As for God, His way is blameless; the Word of the Lord is tried and true. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God but the LORD?"
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Anna Bay Tavern
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Stinker’s History: Daphne the author
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
RECENTLY I wrote about the amazing life and times of Geoffrey Wikner.
I mentioned in that article that I was introduced to Mr Wikner by my neighbour, a lady by the name of Daphne Rooke.
As it was with Mr Wikner, Daphne has an extraordinary story to tell. The following is a small part of that story.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 5 January 1950, page 6, reported the following.
“Nelson’s Bay and Newcastle district will provide the background for two Australian novels to be published in America within the next 18 months.
“Both novels will be the long-range result of what was originally intended as a three weeks’ holiday at Nelson’s Bay by a South African authoress.
“Mrs. Daphne Rooke, her husband and six-year-old daughter, Rosemary, migrated to Australia from South Africa three years ago. “After a year in Sydney, they went to Nelson’s Bay for three weeks’ holiday.
“The place and people who lived there so intrigued Mrs. Rooke that she has not been back to Sydney since.
“Instead, she has taken up residence in a house being built gradually round a garage.
“Since she moved in among the sawdust and shavings of her rapidlyexpanding home, she has been writing continuously.
“It was here that she wrote her second novel, to be published by an American firm next month.
“Entitled ‘A Grove Of Fever Trees,’ it is set in North Zululand, where she spent her girlhood.
“As a change from novels, Mrs. Rooke has also written a book, ‘Be Not Disturbed,’ dealing with Captain Geoffrey Wikner’s flight to Australia in a Halifax bomber.
“Written in the form of a diary, it was compiled from Mr. Wikner’s personal records of the trip.
“In a foreword, Mrs. Rooke has told of his early life in Australia.
“In an epilogue, she deals with his and his wife’s life since they returned to Australia and established a holiday camp at Nelson’s Bay.”
Daphne Rooke and husband Bertie were our neighbours in Fingal Bay from 1975 to 1991.
Fantastic neighbours, the couple were inseparable whether it be bushwalking, playing cards or on
the golf course. Late at night Daphne could be heard hammering away on a typewriter.
It was some time before I was to learn the story of the Rookes –
Stinker’s Fishin’: Monster mullet
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
WITH the mullet schools moving on, it was one of the last schools of fish that surprised even the fishermen.
As the fish were hauled closer to the beach it was noticed that the mullet were different to all the fish that had been caught earlier in the season.
These mullet were monsters, all weighing around the five kilogram mark.
Even experienced commercial fishers were amazed at the size of the mullet as it generally takes about 30 fish to fill a box – these whoppers went six to the box!
An explanation was offered to me in that the big mullet may well have been washed out of closed waters like Grahamstown Dam in
the flood conditions that we have been experiencing over the past few weeks.
In closed waters, where there are no predators and the fish’s entire day is taken up by eating, mullet grow to extraordinary sizes. I recall an old mate of mine Bill Croft, who worked for the Water Board, reporting a mullet that weighed over 10kg!
Eels and bass also thrive in the dam.
While on the mullet I had a call from a fishing friend on the Tweed who recently watched mullet being hauled on Kirra Beach in Queensland.
The schools will head as far north as Double Island Point.
Now it is the turn of sea bream and luderick to arrive.
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Daphne as a writer and “Bertie”, real name Irving, who played the piano for black and white movies before becoming a builder and travelling to South Africa where he met Daphne.
q Daphne Rooke was a brilliant woman.
q Local commercial fisherman Lee Tarrant struggles with a couple of five kilogram mullet at the Nelson Bay Fishermans Coop.
Light and Luminosity at Arts Centre
By Simon EKINS
LOCAL artists have used their creative skills to manipulate light and colour in the latest exhibition at Port Stephens Community Arts Centre (PSCAC).
“Luminosity” explores the interplay of light in art, with innovative works that highlight brightness, shadow, and transformation.
The subtleties in the change of light can vastly alter a mood; from dark and threatening to glowing vivacity.
Carol Young is the current Featured Artist.
When she and her husband moved to Fingal Bay in 2016, she soon discovered the arts centre, and began watercolour painting under the tutorage of Nada Yonge.
As a painter, she
continues to learn, attending workshops wherever possible.
Carol says that in retirement she is trying to
spend more time on her art, and loves painting wildlife, fauna and local scenes of Port Stephens.
The Featured Potter
for this exhibition is Janet McDonell.
“I moved to the Bay in 2020 to enjoy my retirement, and was immediately drawn
to the welcoming and friendly community,” she said.
“I’ve always enjoyed dabbling in arts and crafts, so
discovering the PSCAC was a wonderful surprise.
“I soon… became a member of a warm, supportive and inspiring [pottery] group, where everyone is happy to share ideas and techniques.
“Pottery has become a deeply satisfying creative outlet for me, and I believe there is something magical about shaping a simple block of clay into something beautiful and useful.”
The gallery and its gardens are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 1pm.
Young children can look for the Fairy Garden and leave letters in the Fairy Letterbox.
Members of the Monday morning painting group have their work on display in the Annex Gallery, and many members have other craft items for sale.
Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks
By Simon EKINS
THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders.
Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW's 895 national parks and reserves.
A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free.
The pass is currently available to some Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders.
This decision will ensure that all DVA card holders can apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.
National Parks and reserves in NSW conserve close to 10 percent of the state, protecting unique ecosystems across deserts, alpine regions, coastal areas, rainforest and Ramsar-listed wetlands.
Croquet club celebrates anniversary
By Ruth E WILSON
NELSON Bay Croquet Club
members celebrated 29 years of active competitive and social croquet on 17 June.
In 1996 eleven members led by Margaret-Rose and Tommy Thompson plus Anne and Eric Bone established the sport in the local area.
Currently 94 enthusiasts have the choice of playing six days out of seven each week.
The game is played at the 4981 Nelson Bay Road courts.
Club members recently competed in the Croquet NSW Division 2 Golf Croquet State Championships hosted by Ballina Cherry Street Croquet Club with parts of the tournament held at
Byron Bay and Lismore croquet clubs.
Nelson Bay members Marty Quirke and David Wilson finished runners-up in the Doubles held 11-12 June.
Results in the Singles championship 13th to 15th June were Marty Quirke claiming runner-up while Sherry Gordon’s 4th place in her block placed her in the final round of 16
Nelson Bay Croquet Club President Gary Allen congratulated the competitors followed by Margaret-Rose Thompson cutting the birthday cake made by club Social Secretary Faby Batho.
A huge Happy Birthday shout out by all attendees finished a day of special celebration.
Only five percent of parks and reserves in NSW have vehicle entry fees.
They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter.
“Our veterans have given so much to Australia; this is about giving something small but meaningful back,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places.
“The invitation to visit the best National Parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether from NSW or interstate.”
Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “Veterans served in defence of this great
land, so it makes sense that they have earned free access to our beautiful national parks.
“We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”
Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from Monday, 7 July 2025, by visiting https://pass. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ concession/application.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.
q CNSW Division 2 Doubles Runners-up: David Wilson, Ray Chapman (Tournament Referee), Marty Quirke and David Scott (Tournament Manager).
q A family runs towards the sea at Booti Booti National Park, where park entry fees for motor vehicles apply. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE.
q Carol Young and her featured work.
q A striking painting from the centre’s latest exhibition.
q Margaret-Rose Thompson with Social Secretary Faby Batho.
SUDOKU
Tilligerry Social Golf Club
By Margaret McKAY
RESULTS for 20/6/25
Outright winner. Sean Brennan. 38 Bonus points winner.
John McDonald. 34. C/b Ball winners.
Grahame Glover. 34
Bob Westt. 33
Colin Marsdenn. 32
Matt Baldwin. 32 Bradman Award.
Wendy Couvaras
NTP4th. B.
Bill McMaster
D&C7th. A. Kim Miller. B. Sean Brennan D&C18th. Dianne Porter Bryan Porter. B. Bob West Money hole. A. John McDonald. B. Sean Brennan Lucky number. 15. Brian Riddell There were 16 starters. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game 29/6/25 2. Person Ambrose.
Kids Boot Camp 043
Bulldogs snap Marlins winning streak
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay men's AFL team have tasted defeat for the first time this season in the Hunter Central Coast seniors competition.
In a thrilling Black Diamond Cup tussle at Dick Burwell Oval last weekend, the Warners Bay Bulldogs edged out the second ranked Marlins 11.9 (75) to 10.10 (70) - snapping their rivals’ seven game winning streak.
The Bulldogs overcame
a five point deficit going into the final term to become the first club to lower Nelson Bay’s colours in 2025. Spearheaded by top displays from skipper Luke Roach, Zac Yurisich, Sebastian Thomas, Connor Betts, Tom Schultz, Jake Cerniauskas, Archie Wiltshire and three major six pointers by forward Zac Munz, the tenacious Warners Bay lineup finished strongly with a flurry of goals to claim four valuable competition points.
Nelson Bay trailed 27-14 at the end of the first quarter and 31-29 at the half time interval before surging back with four goals to lead 5550 at three quarter time.
Siblings Lachlan and Adam Blyth turned in strong performances for the Marlins along with Jayden Baldwin-Rymer, Harrison Lack, Beau Red and Mitchell Walls.
Coach Wayd Blackburne and Mitchell Hall booted three goals apiece for Nelson Bay, with six pointers also
from Mark Spencer, Joel Schneeberger, Lachlan Blyth and Andrew Riley.
Meanwhile, the Nelson Bay women's team prevailed against Newcastle City Thirds by 4.12 (36) to 4.4 (28) in a gripping Black Diamond Plate contest at the No 1 Sports Ground.
The Marlins were off target in the goalkicking department with Olivia Feldman, Ella Toscano, Tori Borg and Amelia Glen the only players to boot six pointers in a low scoring
Neptunes shine in Origin touch football
By Chris KARAS
The
q NSW notch a classic try against Queensland in last week’s State of Origin touch football series in Coffs Harbour.
representatives played in the Touch Football State of Origin series in Coffs Harbour against fierce rivals Queensland, in what
is considered the toughest domestic tournament on Australian soil.
Nicole, an Australian Emus legend, impressed for the NSW Women's 50s team while 17-year-old Ali was blooded in the NSW Women's 20s lineup against the powerful Maroons.
The Blues retained the State of Origin Shield trophy after producing a stunning second day revival described as “the comeback of the ages.”
In its 16th iteration, the State of Origin series showcases elite players from NSW and Queensland in interstate best-of-three battles, held over two days of action.
After Queensland had clinched 13 of the 18 best-of-
encounter.
Nelson Bay potted only two goals in a wayward first half effort to lead 14-0 and 21-3 before charging to a 36-10 advantage at the end of the third term.
The Newcastle team stormed back into reckoning with 18 unanswered points in the final quarter but were kept at bay with bustling defence from the Marlins in the closing stages.
The Marlins were best served by the tireless Feldman and Borg, Scarlett Lack, Kaitlyn Mamotte, Ellie Duffy and Catalina Labra Knox.
three games on the opening day and nine series wins by Saturday afternoon, the pressure was on the Blues.
They required four victories, with NSW smashing records as they won 5-1 in the Women's 45s; 11-9 in the Mixed Open; 6-2 in the Women's Open and 6-5 in the Men's Open, to tie the series and retain the Shield.
NSW defeated the Maroons 5-2 and 4-1 in the Women's 50s with evergreen Nicole showing vintage form.
Joining Ali in the NSW 20s team was Anna Bay international Ava Forsterjust weeks after helping the Australian Emus retain the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup trophy on the Gold Coast.
The Blues rolled the Maroons 3-2 following a 7-4 loss on the opening day.
Outstanding prospect Ali, who made her international
AFL stalwarts compete at Hunter Masters
By Chris KARAS
THEY hold their own each week against the Hunter Central Coast AFL youth brigade but the senior stateswomen at Port Stephens Power are thirsty for Masters football.
Nine stalwarts of the Power club - demon defender Josie Johnson, Leaf Wilson, Sam Furner, Airlie Coleman, Emma Chester, Jemma Astley, Cassie Terranova, Tamara Stacker and Justine Hourihan - recently participated in the Hunter Masters exhibition Mini Carnival at Newcastle’s No 1 Sports Ground.
The tournament featured veteran men’s and women’s players aged over 35 from the Newcastle and Port Stephens region in a classic promotion for Masters AFL.
Skill, endurance and competitive matches were the order of the day.
Inspirational Power skipper Josie Johnson told News Of The Area that the Masters format “has proved popular with the local seasoned campaigners.”
Josie and her Power team mates compete in the Senior AFL Black Diamond Plate competition where their experience and game smarts keep them in good stead.
Nelson Bay Marlins ace Jessie Blyth took the field with her mother-in-law Penny Blyth and led the way with another all-action performance.
It was a first ever match experience for 54-year-old Penny, who has proved a fine stalwart for the Marlins over the years.
She capped a memorable debut match by booting a spectacular goal to send the vocal crowd into raptures.
The Hunter Masters exhibition mini carnival was a top promotion and ideal lead into this year’s National AFL Masters Over 35s Championships to be staged in Darwin from September 28 to October 4.
Penny’s husband Michael and three sons Adam, Lachlan and Matthew, have also given sterling service to the Marlins on and off the field.
Anyone interested in playing Masters AFL is invited to a Come and Try Day on Monday 7 July (during the school holidays) at Nelson Bay’s Dick Burwell Oval from 3pm to 4.30pm.
By Lee RANKIN
debut this year in the Australian 18s Girls team that won the Asia-Pacific Youth Touch Cup, turned in top notch performances. She and Ava were two of 11 Nelson Bay Neptunes products to represent the Blues against the Maroons in this year’s Origin series.
Other Neptunes to don the Sky Blue were Andi Law (Women’s Open), Hugh Doherty (Men’s Open), Nicole Mitchell (Women's 50s) and Martin Shiner (Men's 55s).
John Clark – the world’s top ranked senior referee – joined son Alec and wife Sam, along with John Frost and Amanda Crowley, as part of the experienced Nelson Bay referees contingent on the interstate panel.
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers
By Gary WATT.
RESULTS from a Stroke competition and 4th R’d of Club Championships played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 16th June with 37 players.
Nett Winner : John Hogan, 70nett on c/b
Nett Runner Up :
Matthew Smith, 70nett. Bonus Point Winner : Bill McMaster, 69nett. Bonus Point Runner Up : Shayne Mullarvey, 70nett on c/b.
Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole, Div 1 : Graham Woolley. Div 2 : No Winner. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole,
Div 1 : Matthew Smith.
Div 2 : Noel Sewell. Drive & Chip, 7th Hole, Div 1 : Shayne Mullarvey, (birdie)
Div 2 : Kel Dorney. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, Div 1 : Gary Watt, (birdie)
Div 2 : Christine Osborne. Ball Winners :
Jenny Hale 70nett, Bronwyn Smith 71nett, Robbie Kerehoma 73nett, John McDonald 73nett, Ron McKay 73nett, Barry Leo 73nett, Jim Asvestas 74nett, Kel Dorney 74nett, W Osborne 74nett, Ralph Brown 75nett,
Christine Osborne 75nett, and Gary Watt 75nett. Lucky Draw Prize Winner : Denis Christie. Next Mondays game is at Nelson Bay GC and is an 7:30am start. Visitors are welcome any Monday, please ring Gary Watt on 49814536 for starting times.
SEEN?
STATE of Origin bragging rights have dominated discussions in the Shoal Bay
household of touch football internationals Nicole and Ali Mitchell.
accomplished mother-daughter Blues
q Port Stephens Power women's AFL warriors Josie Johnson, Leaf Wilson, Sam Furner, Airlie Coleman, Emma Chester, Jemma Astley, Cassie Terranova and Tamara Stacker. Absent: Justine Hourihan.
Medowie FC juniors feature in Newcastle rep squads
The Bumblebees can boast 21 promising Newcastle junior representative players in this year’s Northern NSW Community State Youth Championships.
They are part of a strong Port Stephens contingent aged 11-16, who will showcase their skills at the prestigious annual tournament to be staged from 7-11 July at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
The best community junior footballers from across northern NSW will represent their respective member zones and battle it out against each other to be crowned State Cup champions.
Teams will compete in
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER - Page 28
the Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 boys and girls divisions.
Last year, Newcastle proved the dominant region - capturing the Under 12 Girls, Under 12 Boys, Under 13 Boys, Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Boys championship titles.
Medowie FC committee member Matt Morris, who will coach this year’s Newcastle Under 13 Boys squad with club mate Brad Hunt, told News Of The Area that the “cream of Port Stephens’ emerging junior football talent will be on show.”
“While I’m proud to see Medowie FC juniors selected in the various squads, it is encouraging to have the
best young prospects in the region on board,” said Morris.
“It is a great opportunity for the Port Stephens juniors to show their wares at a representative level.”
Medowie FC’s outstanding crop of junior representatives include:
- (Under 12 Boys) Jack Blue, Sam Lynch and Brax Thompson
- (Under 12 Girls) Olivia Pacevski, Asher McDonald and Alice Pegg
- (Under 13 Boys)
Lachlan Wright, Jacob Bonham, Toby Cox, Byron Hunt, Jordan O’Dwyer, Zac Poole, Taylor Walker and Chace White
- (Under 13 Girls) Kaliyah Butler and Mia Curnow
- (Under 14 Boys) Tyler
Lavender, Leo Marland, Lincoln Prout, Flynn Tolhurst and Quincey Wilson
Other talented Port Stephens juniors to earn Newcastle caps include:
- (Under 12 Boys) Armie Neaves (Tilligerry FC) and Jonah Punshon (Nelson Bay FC)
- (Under 13 Boys) Nick Campbell (Nelson Bay FC), Finn Dellow and Luka Vuletic
(Tilligerry FC)
- (Under 13 Girls) Zoe Adams, Madeline Duckett, Aaliyah Kemp, Jesse O’Tool and Sofia Stilo (Tilligerry FC), Macenzy Chapman and Indyanna Chapman (Nelson Bay FC)
- (Under 14 Boys) Oliver Boyers, Xavier Grill, Harry Kowaliw, Rhys Stratilas and Zac Wood (Nelson Bay FC), Liam Munro and Ethan Nunn (Raymond Terrace FC)
- (Under 14 Girls) Ava Chamberlain and Mylie
Wily Redmond engineers Gropers to triumph
By Chris KARAS
DEPTH of talent is a key element for sporting clubs when formulating a playing roster.
For young Nelson Bay rugby playmaker Kade Redmond, it has been a chance to nail down the number nine jumper with his beloved Gropers in this year’s Hunter Suburban Men's Rugby competition.
Despite an embarrassment of halfback riches at the club this season, the mercurial Redmond grabbed his opportunities in the top grade with skilful displays in the Presidents Cup series.
Redmond’s speed off the mark, slick service to his outside backs and sound kicking game have been a feature of the Gropers’ bright early season form that has the club entrenched in the top four.
The quicksilver half was best on ground in Nelson Bay’s emphatic 43-24 win
over Muswellbrook Heelers at Highbrook Park last Saturday - inspiring team mates with his darting runs, scrambling defence and organisational skills in a top class performance.
Crafty Kade hails from good rugby league stock.
He is the son of Nelson Bay Bomboras legend Craig Redmond, a fearless prop forward who built a reputation for his bustling runs and bone jarring defence in the local league.
Kade and elder brother Jake, a former talented centre, played rugby league during their junior days before joining the Gropers and forcing their way into the top grade.
Nelson Bay fought tooth and nail before overpowering the Heelers on their home turf.
Riddled with injuries, the depleted Gropers produced a Herculean defensive effort to tame the giant Muswellbrook forward pack, led by powerhouse prop Harry Hobsen.
The Gropers lost rookie prop Eddie Du Vos with a back injury early in the match but opened the scoring when Redmond dashed over for a scintillating solo try after a huge clearing kick by fullback Will Clark.
Flanker Ryan Marshall booted the first of his four conversions before the Heelers hit back with tries by fullback Scott Wilson and the strong running Hobsen.
With Redmond combining brilliantly with fly half Khace Petera, the Gropers spun into action enabling centres Michael Hotene and Mitch Affleck to create havoc out wide.
Nelson Bay led 19-17 at the half time interval and piled on another four tries in the second stanza through speedy wingers Brayden McMaster and Jake Langsford, flanker Jordan Byfield and hooker Ollie Edwards.
Tireless number eight and team captain Adam Edwards proved a tower of strength
for the Gropers along with locks Rona O’Connell and Lewis Affleck, young prop Jake Affleck, hooker Edwards, try scoring machine Jordan Byfield and fullback Clark with his clearing kicks and power running.
Hunter Women’s In the Hunter Women's
series, Newcastle University finished strongly to slam the Gropers 20-7.
University led 5-0 at the break before stamping their mark.
Classy winger Tanya Jones scored Nelson Bay’s lone try, which was converted by talented fly half and Players’
q Lock Ronan O’Connell makes a crunching tackle with half Kade Redmond, during the Gropers’ 43-24 win over Muswellbrook Heelers.
Johnson (Tilligerry FC) and Zara Wilson (Nelson Bay FC)
Leading Medowie FC coaches Morris and Hunt will guide the Newcastle Under 13 Boys along with Sam Ross and Felicity Pacevski (Under 12 Girls) and Jaye Walker (Under 14 Girls).
Tilligerry FC’s State Youth Cup championship-winning mentor Spencer Doyle takes the coaching reins of the Newcastle Under 12 Boys squad with Nadine Dellow in charge of the Under 13 Girls.
Player award recipient Tash Harris.
Other players to impress were hard working number eight Sierra Nowlan and hooker Jessica Beam.
Nelson Bay men have a tough task against Singleton Red Bulls this Saturday at Rugby Park at 3pm, while the women clash with the Wanderers at Medowie’s Boyd Oval.
State Junior Rugby honours for young Gropers
By Chris KARAS
RISING Nelson Bay Gropers juniors
Lachlan Dunning, Matthew Green, Wade Rolston and Xavier Powell, have claimed State Junior Rugby Championship honours.
The talented quartet featured in the Parramatta Two Blues Under 15s representative squad that lifted the Bowl Trophy at this year’s NSW Junior Championships staged at Marcellin Park in Maitland.
The prestigious carnival showcases the best young rugby talent in NSW.
Dunning, a smart utility, shone for the Two Blues along with fly half Green and power forwards Rolston and Powell.
The Gropers’ young guns also featured prominently in the Club Day partnership with the Singleton and Wanderers clubs at Tomaree Sports Complex.
Green, centre Caden Foster, back rower Will Enright and Hunter Wildfires rep flanker Flynn Squires, travel two hours each Thursday from Singleton for club training at Nelson Bay. This is testament to their commitment to achieving success and honing their skills.
Casey Dunning’s fourth ranked Under 15 Gropers took on premiership pacesetters Maitland last Saturday at Marcellin Park, in a fixture that could shape their 2025 campaign.
Nelson Bay enjoyed mixed success on the day with victories in the Under 10s, Under 14s, Under 15 Boys and Under 15 Girls.
Gropers’ Under 9s coach Patrick Arthur has unearthed some exciting young talent in his development squad.
They include the promising Mitchell Bright, Ludic Maree, Julian Arthur, Conor Bowe, Arianna Reynolds, Aiden Nettle, Lucas Norman, Xander Pugh, Ben Wilson, Jackson Carroll, Will Shaughnessy, Jack Wither, Archie Cowan and Bohdi Macbeth.
Under Pat’s guidance the young hopefuls have shown a marked improvement in each game in all facets of play and have delighted supporters with their developing skills and team work in the Hunter Junior Rugby competition.
q Nelson Bay U9s have shown improvement in the Hunter Junior Rugby development competition. Photo: Caleb Nettle.
/ COLD CALLING LEGEND $36 per Hour | 3 Days per Week | 4 Hours per Day
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Are you based in Port Stephens and looking for casual, flexible work with a great hourly pay with bonuses? We want to hear from you!
We’re looking for a motivated Telemarketer to sell print and digital newspaper advertising to local small businesses to help them boost their visibility. If you’ve got the gift of the gab and a passion for helping businesses grow, we want to hear from you!
What you’ll be doing:
• Making outbound sales calls to small business owners.
• Presenting and selling advertising opportunities.
• Building rapport and closing deals over the phone.
• Maintaining records of calls and sales activity.
• Following scripts and hitting call KPIs.
What we’re looking for:
Confidence and resilience on the phone and a love for conversation.
• Excellent communication and sales skills.
• Previous experience in telesales or ad sales a plus.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic. Why join us?
• $36 per hour + super + a generous commission structure (uncapped earning potential).
Supportive, relaxed work culture with clear expectations.
• A chance to work directly with the business owner and make a real impact.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.
Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au
Applications close: 5pm, 23rd June 2025.
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BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY GRANTCHESTER
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Take one 1950s Cambridgeshire village, add a jaded cop and a local vicar with a talent for solving crimes and you have the winning formula for this cosy murder-mystery series. After a somewhat rocky start, new vicar Alphy Kotteram (Rishi Nair) has found a home in Grantchester, and a good friend in DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green, pictured, with Nair). Season 10 begins with a double episode tonight, which sees the Easter fete upended by a suspicious death, while there might be romance on the horizon for Alphy. Then, a murder at the university uncovers some deadly academic rivalries.
FRIDAY, June 27
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (Final)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 The One That Got Away. (Final, Mal) Helen is missing as the countdown to day seven nears and there are fears she may be the next victim.
9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
10.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
10.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.20 ABC Late News.
11.35 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SATURDAY
MOVIE: BARBIE
NBN, 7.30pm, PG (2023)
Margot Robbie (pictured) stars in Greta Gerwig’s brilliantly feminist live-action take on the life of the world’s most famous plastic doll. Barbie is enjoying an idyllic life in Barbieland, a matriarchal utopia populated by impressive versions of Barbie (notably played by Issa Rae, Emma Mackey and Kate McKinnon) and equally unimpressive versions of Ken (including an unforgettable Ryan Gosling’s blonde bombshell as their de facto leader). Then one day, Barbie finds herself contemplating her own mortality and soon some very unusual things start happening to her. It seems the answers to her problems lie in the Real World, where Barbie will not only have to find a way to save herself, but also prevent a Ken uprising. It’s pink-hued perfection.
MONDAY PARENTAL GUIDANCE
NBN, 7.30pm
Often thoughtprovoking, sometimes controversial, this parenting panel program returns for a third season with eight new families keen to get to the bottom of their child-rearing quandaries. Over four episodes, they’ll tackle screen time, peer pressure, body image and mental health – working through real-world challenges designed to test their at-times polarising parenting philosophies and discussing with the group other ways the situation could have been handled. Gold Logie nominee Allison Langdon and Dr Justin Coulson (both pictured) return to lead the conversations and take a closer look at the issues on the table. With a focus on technology and online safety, Monday’s premiere is a must-see.
Walking With Dinosaurs. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles.
8.25 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter. (PGa, R)
6.30 The Project. (Final) A look at the day’s news.
7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple need a larger home in Western Sydney. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R)
Hosted by Tom Gleisner. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Guests include Dominic West. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00
6.00
SATURDAY, June 28
6.00 Landline. (R)
6.30 Australian Story: Break It Down
– The Raygun Phenomenon. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Return, Mv) A suspicious death interrupts the Easter Fete.
9.05 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv, R) Tensions rise to boiling as Stella scrambles to adapt to her new way of life.
Little Disasters. (Mdls, R) Police and Social Services investigate jointly.
10.50 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef: Visitors. (R) 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet.
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (Final, PG)
9.35 Irish Road Trip With Miriam Margolyes. (PGa, R)
10.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R)
11.35 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
3.10 Colosseum. (Mav, R)
4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) There’s a huge threat to biosecurity.
7.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, Ml, R) American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles try to build a race car for Ford so they can defeat Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale.
10.40 MOVIE: Baby Driver. (2017, MA15+v, R) A getaway driver gets involved in a doomed heist. Ansel Elgort.
7.30 MOVIE: Barbie. (2023, PGlv) Barbie leaves Barbieland for the first time. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling.
9.50 MOVIE: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011, Mls, R) A middle-aged man’s wife asks for a divorce. Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling.
12.00 MOVIE: Love Road. (2023, Mls, R)
1.35 Great Australian Detour. (PGl, 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 Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A woman is suffering buyer’s remorse. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) Clare and her best friend Brid are on a mission to find Clare’s family a home in Western Sydney. 9.40 Airport 24/7. (PGdl, R) A revolutionary airport trial 10 years in the making faces cancellation. Australian Border Force new recruit Nelson makes a find. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mas, R) 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Petite
Maman. Continued. (2021, PG, French) 7.05 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 9.50 The Movie Show. 10.25 Quake. (2021, M, Icelandic) 12.20pm On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, M) 2.30 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.00 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 6.50 Lord Of The Flies. (1963, PG) 8.30 Only The Brave. (2017) 11.05 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 29
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella forms an unlikely alliance.
8.55 Little Disasters. (Mals) The investigation continues.
9.45 MOVIE: The Tracker. (2002, Mav, R) Four people search for an accused murderer. David Gulpilil.
11.20 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) (R)
7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Secret Life Of The Tasmanian Devils. (Premiere) 10.25 Abbott Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Paris: Mystery Of The Lost Palace. (PGav, R)
8.30 Arc De Triomphe: The Passion Of A Nation. (PG, R)
9.30 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R)
10.30 New Zealand From A Train. (PGa, R)
11.25 Jerusalem: Builders Of The Holy City. (PGav, R)
12.30 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
3.15 Colosseum. (MA15+v, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa) 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody: Murder On Prescription Pt 2. (MA15+dlv) The original murder suspect is found dead.
10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: On Borrowed Time – The Michael McGurk Assassination. (Malv, R) 12.00 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
1/2. Continued. (1963, PG, Italian) Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 9.55 Lord Of The Flies. (1963, PG) 11.35 The Ides Of March. (2011, M) 1.30pm Children Of Heaven. (1997, PG, Farsi) 3.05 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 5.15 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 6.40 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 8.30 Body Of Lies. (2008, MA15+) 10.50 If Life Gives You Lemons. (2018, M, Italian) 12.30am Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGl)
8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.30 The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars. (Mal) Profiles the wrongfully convicted Andrew Malkinson. 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 The First 48. (Mal, R) 12.10 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dmns, R) 1.00 Destination WA.
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Business Drive. (R)
6.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Emily and her son meet a chilled-out pug.
MONDAY, June 30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PGaw, R)
8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (PG, R)
9.15 Stephen Fry: Willem And Frieda. (PGa, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Classified. (Mlv) 11.50 Kin. (MA15+lv, R) 1.45 Colosseum. (Mav, R)
2.35 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Kirby puts on the performance of her life.
7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mal) The first Couples Cove arrives. 8.50 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena begins to question her abilities when she is assigned a rookie to mentor.
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.00 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Mals)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Parental Guidance. (Return, PGa) Eight sets of parents with very different parenting styles put their methods to the test.
9.00 100% Footy. (M) Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Cam Smith and James Bracey look at the latest rugby league news, with exclusive insights from an expert panel of some of the sports’ most influential figures.
10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1.
12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1 Late.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
MOVIES (32)
TUESDAY, July 1
Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Lunana:
A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 8.10 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 10.00 Only The Brave. (2017) 12.35pm All The King’s Men. (2006, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Children Of Heaven. (1997, PG, Farsi) 5.05 The Movie Show. 5.40 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 7.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 9.20 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd. 10.10 Warm Props. 11.20 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Brady Vs Belichick: The Verdict. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Help, I’ve Gone Viral! 6.15 Alone UK. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. (Return) 10.25 Dark Side Of The Cage. 12.15am Race For The Planet. 1.35 New Wave: Dare To Be Different. 3.15 WorldWatch.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.40 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 If Life Gives You Lemons. (2018, M, Italian) 11.45 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 2.15pm Malcolm. (1986, PG) 3.50 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 5.55 The Snow Foxes. (2023) 7.30 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 9.15 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) 7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals) The couples look at an intimacy crate.
9.00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (Return, MA15+) Gordon Ramsay helps struggling New Orleans restaurants get reinvigorated before Super Bowl LIX.
10.00 First Dates UK. (PG) Singles experience the thrills of dating.
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.40 Tipping Point: Wimbledon Special. A trio of Australian tennis royalty, including John Millman, Sam Stosur and Dylan Alcott, trade their racquets for buzzers in a special tennis legends edition in the name of charity. 9.10 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2 Late. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00
WEDNESDAY, July 2
Tracks. (PGal, R) 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 How Disney Built America. (Premiere, PG)
8.25 The King & The Prince’s Secret Millions. 9.20 The Veil. (MA15+v)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 My Brilliant Friend. (Mals)
12.20 L’Opera. (Mls, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Hum Do
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. (Premiere, MA15+a)
11.20 Stags. (MA15+adlv)
12.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 To Be Advised.
8.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3 Late. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at all the news from Australia and around the world, as well as the latest sport and weather.
5.30 Today. The latest in news, current affairs, sport, politics, entertainment, fashion, health and lifestyle.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00
(R)
(R)
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 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35
Hamare Do. Continued. (2021, PG, Hindi) 7.50 Goal! (2005, PG) 10.00 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 11.45 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 1.20pm Mad Max. (1979, M) 3.00 All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 5.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.30 Risky Business. (1983, M) 9.20 Interview With The Vampire. (1994, MA15+) 11.35 L.A. Story. (1991, M) 1.20am Late Programs.
July 3
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes: Turkey.
8.25 7/7: The London Bombings: Bombers Strike Again. (Mal)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 The Silence. (MA15+av)
1.15 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av, R)
3.00 The Best Of The HAVASI Symphonic. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(Re)Solved. 1.25 Deep Fake Neighbour Wars. 2.20 Framed. 2.50 Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Alone UK. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Coriolanus. (2011) 10.45 MOVIE: The Promise. (2016, M) 1.05am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 White Coat Rebels. 2.00 Stuck. 2.15 Insight. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 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. (Return) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The
Movie Show. 6.40 The Snow Foxes. (2023) 8.20 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 10.00 Risky Business. (1983, M) 11.50 L.A. Story. (1991, M) 1.35pm Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 3.55 Goal! (2005, PG) 6.05 Oink. (2022, Dutch) 7.30 Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 9.30 Kill Bill: Vol. 1. (2003, MA15+) 11.35 Romper Stomper. (1992, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The
(64)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (Return, PG) Contestants compete for a top prize of £1 million. Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Pacific Ditching. (Return, PG) Looks at a cargo jet crash.
10.30 Million Pound Pawn. (Return, PG)
11.30 Evil By Design. (Malv, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 1. Cronulla Sharks v Parramatta Eels. From Sharks Stadium, Sydney. 10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4 Late. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
