FIRE returned to the Myall Coast barely a month after the December 2025 blazes, with a new bushfire igniting in bushland near Nerong last week.
Residents of the area awoke to the strong smell of smoke on the morning of Saturday, 31 January, then discovered that ash had fallen like snowflakes throughout the night, and continued to do so all day.
The fire began in the Myall Lakes National Park near Nerong Waterholes, but did not directly threaten the township of Nerong itself.
Instead,
By Thomas O’KEEFE
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
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Weekend fire fright
FROM Page 1
was pushed by a persistent and gusty north-easterly wind to the south, remaining east of the Pacific Highway and west of the Myall River, with the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest in its visible path.
Firefighters carried out backburning overnight on Saturday along the southern edge of the fire and continued strengthening containment lines, with the assistance of heavy machinery and aircraft, including the Marie Bashir Large Air Tanker (LAT), the largest airborne tanker the RFS fleet has.
Multiple NSW RFS volunteers from across the Mid Coast District answered the call to save the towns and properties nearby, and, so far, prevented it from jumping the Myall River into Mungo Brush, and from crossing the Pacific Highway – although heavy smoke has seen traffic control go into effect.
On the fireground, the small army of volunteer firefighters were fed by supplies donated by Tea Gardens Coles, as well as
meals ordered from the Tea Gardens Hotel.
NSW RFS sent Community Liaison Officers Brenda and Keeley to Tea Gardens shops to help inform the public, while an apocalyptically dark brown and black cloud loomed ever closer to the northwest, bringing larger and larger groups of concerned citizens seeking reassurance and answers.
Hazards Near Me remains the source of truth for these events, even if technological restraints mean it does not update frequently.
Saturday afternoon, the fire’s official rating went from ‘Advice’ to ‘Watch and Act’ with visitors to town strongly advised to leave, to avoid later road closures.
Locals were made to understand their choices between staying and defending or evacuating on their own – the decision ultimately up to them.
Locals awoke to several mornings of thick and heavy smoke, the same pall blanketing Sydney Harbour after several days blowing down from the Mid North Coast.
On Sunday, the fire carried on to
well over 5000ha, butting up against the swampy banks of the Myall River estuary up Mungo Brush Road, and threatening the grasslands outside of the pine plantation.
The most immediate concern for those who stayed was the ashes becoming embers, falling while still alight on piles of dead leaves, uncleaned gutters and other fuel, starting spot fires kilometres from the main front.
Smoke inhalation and 30-plus heat also a concern for elderly and infirm, locals advised to please check on neighbours.
Tea Gardens Jack & Co Caltex servo was kept open later than usual to service the fire trucks, and SES Stroud and Nabiac personnel came in to assist with food distribution on Sunday.
Sunday night, rain, glorious rain, arrived in a thunderstorm riding upon a southerly buster, hitting the fireground by 8pm, and the BOM issued a ‘severe thunderstorm warning’ for the very same region still ablaze that night.
The wind reversal put the main fire front back upon its blackened wake, but the northern front may still pick up and head back towards Bulahdelah and Nerong.
q Smoke clouds covered an otherwise sunny day on Bennetts Beach. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Debra and Keeley, NSW RFS Community Liaison Officers, helped keep Tea Gardens locals stay informed of the situation.
Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q The view from the air. Photos: NSW Rural Fire Service.
WATER SUPPLY SAVED
FROM Page 1
Service.
Operational control was handed over to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) late on Saturday, 31 January.
NSW Police set up roadblocks to keep Viney Creek Road clear for fire trucks and equipment streaming down the hill into the pine plantation.
The plantation sits atop the Tea Gardens Aquifer, the source of potable drinking
water for more than 5,000 residents of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.
The fire ripped across bushland on Saturday and reached the pine plantation, making light work of its evenly spaced tall trees.
The aquifer operates by pumping water from underground via several pumphouses, which send it to the central filtration and treatment plant.
Potable town water is then pumped to reservoirs
atop the hill overlooking the twin towns.
From there, it is gravityfed into the town water system.
Mains power was inevitably cut to the pumphouses when power poles throughout the plantation area were hit by the raging fire.
Astute observation by Bulahdelah RFS member Rod Parr during an early inspection ahead of the fire front identified the risk.
Group Officer Nathan Burchill then rallied MidCoast Council’s infrastructure teams to bring in generators to restart the pumps and keep water flowing to the treatment plant.
“We started early in the morning, saw the power lines and realised they would go, getting on top of the fact that the aquifer pumps and water treatment plant power would go with them,” Rod told News Of The Area.
Several large generators were brought to the site
and installed by MidCoast Council workers.
While Essential Energy assessed damage to mains lines, the pumps were able to continue drawing water from underground and sending it to the water treatment plant.
This kept the facility operating and replenished the Tea Gardens reservoirs with clean, potable water.
Tea Gardens’ hilltop reservoirs were never in direct danger, nor did their levels drop below a healthy, almost-full level throughout the fiery weekend.
Pyro-cumulus clouds formed above the aquifer and pine plantation overnight, seen Sunday morning.
The plantation suffered significant damage, but its orderly plantings and wide tracks for harvesting machinery made it easier to navigate than typical overgrown eucalyptus bushland.
The mill within the plantation became the fireground headquarters, fortunate to have a few bars of mobile phone signal.
A similar fire started in December 2023 due to dry lightning, and the same cause is currently suspected for the 2026 blaze.
by Robert Lindsay
If you are over the age of 55 and seeking a lifestyle change, you may want to consider moving into a retirement village. Retirement villages are regulated by the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (NSW). A common way to obtain a right to reside in a retirement village is to enter into a 99year Lease. In doing so, you are essentially purchasing a 99-year Lease which will be registered over the title to the land. You will be required to pay an ‘ingoing contribution’ for the Lease, which is treated as a ‘loan’ from you to the Village Owner. You will also be required to pay ‘recurrent charges’ which are periodic payments (usually fortnightly) to the Village Owner for the maintenance of the village and provision of services.
If you wish to leave the retirement village, then in order to ‘sell’ your interest in the village, you will be charged a departure fee. The way the
departure fee is calculated is provided for in the Lease terms and increases each year you reside at the village. Once your interest in the village is ‘sold’, you will be refunded your ingoing contribution (loan component), less the departure fee and any other costs you are liable to pay under the Lease. If during the period that you reside in the village, the home you occupy gains or loses value, this gain or loss will also be shared as provided for in the Lease terms.
In summary, moving into a retirement village is more of a lifestyle choice rather than a financial investment.
If you are considering living in a retirement village, or wish to obtain legal advice in this regard, please contact the Mullane & Lindsay property team.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
q A burned-out track through the pine plantation, leading to Tea Gardens Aquifer. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Flames leapt among the plantation pines. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q
Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
MULLANE & LINDSAY TAKING THE LEAD
Flip side of offshore energy debate
By Sue STEPHENSON
wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen
opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence.
Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn are “repeating misleading” claims and represent a “very small minority view”.
As reported in News Of The Area (27 January) the minister’s announcement ahead of the Australia Day long weekend progresses the research and development phase to “demonstration” (also referred to as R&D), which involves trials and testing of renewable technology.
It also signals that the government is moving on from the setback of Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian-based
Equinor pulling out of the project.
In criticising the project’s revival, Member for Lyne Alison Penfold shared that the Minister had “gone against the community’s wishes,” a sentiment echoed by President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) Troy Radford, and members of the community groups “Save the Myall Coast Save Port Stephens” and “No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens”.
However, coordinator of the HJA, Justin Page, has refuted their claims about the environmental, social, and regulatory aspects of offshore wind projects.
“These claims misrepresent both how offshore wind is assessed and regulated in Australia and the true diversity of community views,” Mr Page shared in a statement to NOTA.
“Offshore wind, particularly at the research and demonstration stage, offers tangible economic and environmental benefits for the Hunter and Port Stephens regions.
“What began as a narrow vested interest in recreational fishing has become a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against Labor governments.”
He described as “incorrect” Mr Radford’s claim that the offshore wind farm off Port Stephens “didn’t stack up” due to environmental risk, economic justification, and social licence, and said these assessments would only have been undertaken during formal feasibility studies - had a licence been accepted.
“Moreover, environmental, navigational safety, and stakeholder impact assessments are not prepared by the Federal Government, as Mr Radford suggests. They are undertaken by developers after accepting a licence and are independently assessed by Commonwealth regulators before any project can proceed.”
Mr Page said he has engaged with Equinor over the past two years and cited its official explanation for withdrawing from the project as “a combination of broader global challenges affecting the industry and developers... and project-specific factors."
According to industry group Hunter New Energy, the project was expected to generate more than 2 gigawatts of electricity if it proceeded, along with “thousands of construction jobs and several hundred ongoing roles”.
A statement on its website reads: “[This] new round of Federal offshore wind research and demonstration licences has quietly reopened the long-term opportunity for Newcastle reframing the Hunter zone as a testbed for future development.”
Salamander Bay resident Kathy Brown also contacted NOTA to question the veracity of the arguments used by opponents.
She rejects Ms Penfold’s assertion that the community has made it "blatantly clear” that offshore wind is not feasible or wanted off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast.
“What the community made blatantly clear on this side of the Bay was their support for Labor at the last Federal Election,” Ms Brown said, “where the incumbent MP was returned with an increased majority.
“That’s the only thing close to a survey I have seen on the topic of offshore wind.
“Those who say that it is not supported by the community aren’t basing that observation on any facts.”
Federal Labor MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi told reporters last week that it was important to make sure that the government was speaking and consulting with the public.
“[And] also making sure that all the right environmental laws and protections are in place to make sure that the right things are being done.”
At the time of writing, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson had yet to issue a public comment on the latest development but has previously thrown her support behind the project.
*Kathy Brown’s Letter to the Editor can be found in this edition’s Opinion pages.
q A representative photo of an offshore wind farm. Source: Austrade.
Death Cafe returns to Tea Gardens
By Sis HIGGINS
COMMUNITY conversation about life, loss and everything in between returned to Tea Gardens this week, with the Death Cafe restarting at the local library.
The Death Cafe provides a safe, welcoming space for people to talk openly and listen to others about death and what it encompasses,
without judgement or expectation.
One reader on Facebook said the sessions were informal and shaped entirely by those who attended.
“No set agenda, just participant-lead discussions and questions!” they said.
The return of the Death Cafe followed a long break due to library renovations, as well as clashing events and holiday periods.
The session was held on Monday, 2 February from 10am at Tea Gardens Library, using the new meeting room.
Death Cafes are part of a growing global movement that encourages honest conversations about death,
dying and grief, helping people better understand their own thoughts and feelings.
It aims to connect people in a supportive environment.
The session is designed to be respectful and inclusive, with no presentations, no sales and no pressure to speak.
People were welcome to attend whether they wished to share, listen quietly or simply learn from the experiences of others.
For more library events and information, residents were encouraged to visit the library website, call (02) 7955 7001 or email library. events@midcoast.nsw.gov. au.
MPs flood recovery appeal
MEMBER for Myall Lakes
Tanya Thompson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp are calling on the Minns Government to urgently double the Small Business Recovery Grant from $25,000 to $50,000.
They say Labor has failed communities affected by the March 2025 floods, by allowing the deadline
for recovery grants to pass without delivering the support needed.
In a joint statement, the MPs said businesses across the Myall Lakes and Oxley electorates continue to be burdened with damaged premises, disrupted transport routes, delayed infrastructure repairs, insurance gaps and
prolonged reductions in trade.
Mrs Thompson said frustration is growing among business owners who feel early commitments made during visits to floodaffected areas have not been followed through.
“Months on from the floods, our communities are still waiting,” she said.
Photo: Antoni Shkraba Production.C
“We aren’t talking about short-term impacts, they are ongoing, compounding costs that $25,000 simply does not cover.
“We are hearing the same message everywhere - the support on offer does not match the scale of the damage yet the Government is refusing to listen.”
Mr Kemp said the reality on the ground is that many businesses simply cannot fully recover under the
current level of support.
“We have businesses that still haven’t been able to reopen, others operating at a fraction of their capacity, and owners who’ve been forced to remortgage their homes just to keep the doors open,” he said.
“There is work to be done and customers ready to come back, but stock is damaged or unusable and the grant on offer doesn’t
come close to covering the cost of getting back up and running.
“When businesses cannot reopen properly or are forced to cut jobs, families feel it, workers feel it, and local economies suffer.
“The Minns Labor Government must deliver the level of support that allows businesses to properly rebuild and employ locals again.”
q Death Cafe resumes for connection and conversation.
If
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Subsidies for future health workers
UP TO $12,000 in financial support is on offer for students enrolled in medical, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, Aboriginal health and allied health degrees across NSW.
The new round of applications for the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies Program opened on 28 January.
This year, support will be available for up to 4,000 students across the state.
“More than 7,900 healthcare students across NSW have already accessed financial
support through this Program, and even more will benefit in 2026,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
The program is designed to create a future pipeline of health workers by supporting students with fees, technology, travel, and other costs related to their studies.
Successful students who are at the start of their degree will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years. Graduating students will receive one-off payments of
$8,000 after acceptance of employment for a position within NSW Health.
Students must be willing to make a fiveyear commitment to working in the NSW public health system.
There are a limited number of subsidies available, and applications will remain open until all subsidies are awarded.
For details on how to apply, including the full list of eligible workforce groups and locations, visit health.nsw.gov.au/careers/ Pages/health-study-subsidies.aspx.
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Experience the excitement of Australia’s Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat & Bendigo.
• 5 Star Coach Transport
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Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
Bulahdelah - Hawkes Nest - Tea Gardens - Karuah HAWKES NEST & TEA GARDENS : Door to Door | Pick-up & Drop-off ALL INCLUSIVE COACH TOUR
the rich heritage of Victoria with a journey along the Silo Mural Art Trail, the country’s biggest outdoor gallery. We return via The Wagga Canola Trail, a
Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
INCLUDES: All Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Tours
q Medical student Aimee Long is one of the 7,900 students who have benefitted from the program since 2024. Photo: NSW Health.
Bob Dyer, a great contributor
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
FAMILY and friends gathered on Broughton Island to farewell legendary islander Bob Dyer, who passed away recently.
No one did more for the betterment of recreational fishing, the environment, and Broughton Island, than Bob.
It was 1969 when Bob, a Life Member of Maitland Off-Shore Fishing Club, was first lured to Broughton Island by the fishing opportunities.
In 1973, Bob was accompanied by wife Fran and later boys Kevin and Robert.
Motoring the 8 nautical miles to Broughton required a reliable boat that could handle the, at times, difficult sea conditions.
“Gibber” was such a craft, and ferried the family for many decades.
During the 1980s, the permanency of the shacks on the island came into question and it was during this time that Bob and others fought to retain the shacks and the base radio, which was so essential for the safety of all those wishing to visit or stay on the island.
As a result of the insecure period of occupancy, the Broughton Island Conservation Society Inc. (BICSI) was formed with Bob as the President and spokesperson.
With his years of valuable experience and a logical and committed manner, Bob was a vital contributor as an advisor to NPWS and later to the early development of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park.
Bob's efforts and tireless contribution will continue to be appreciated by those who enjoy the fishing and boating around Broughton Island.
q Family and friends gathered on Broughton Island to honour the memory of Bob Dyer.
New tests for drivers
INTERNATIONAL visitors must undergo a series of additional tests before hitting Australian roads, after new rules came into effect on 1 February.
Drivers and riders aged 25 years and over, from a broader selection of countries, are now required to pass knowledge and driving tests before converting their overseas licence to a NSW licence.
The changes close long-standing inconsistencies that led to licences being granted to untested drivers from “List B” countries, including the US and UK.
Drivers under 25 already undertake knowledge and driving tests, and that requirement will remain unchanged.
Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government was pulling every lever to keep people safe.
“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions,” she said.
The reform builds on new requirements for long-term residents to convert their overseas licences within six months of moving to NSW.
It also brings NSW in line with other states and territories.
Service NSW is temporarily increasing its testing capacity with online bookings updated weekly.
The list of impacted countries and testing requirements can be found on the nsw.gov.au website by searching “knowledge and driving test exemptions”.
Lifesavers celebrate Australia Day
By Thomas O’KEEFE
FEW better ways exist to celebrate Australia Day than a day at the beach, unless it is made even better by free food, music and amazing weather, as it was on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, this year.
Thanks to a grant from Surf Life Saving NSW, Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) was able to host all that and more from midday.
TGHN SLSC Registrar Kerrie Moore told News Of The Area the Club's Events Committee were keen to present an event with a beach theme in keeping with the National Australia Day Council aim of “respect, reflect, celebrate”.
“The Club was successful in gaining a grant from National Australia Day Council to hold the event,”
“The grant enabled TGHNSLSC to support local
businesses in provision of food, drink, music and photography, with the Tea Gardens Soccer Club also assisting with the servicing of the beef and gravy rolls, they did a great job.”
“The event gave TGHNSLSC an opportunity to show off what skills our Life Savers have in both water craft and rescue, demonstrate first aid skills and also [showcase] the culture of friendship and team work within the Life
Saving Community.”
Activities included volleyball, sack races and tug-o-war organised by Abbey Keighran and the Bush Turkeys Youth Group for the kids.
Music provided by local superstar DJ Jomeca pumped loud enough to be heard from out in the water, taking the party offshore too.
With water temperatures above 20 degrees, the beach itself played host to several
demonstrations, including first aid, inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and rescue jet ski launches.
Murky waters and a steady south-westerly offshore wind kept swimmer numbers low, but there were plenty of free coffees, temporary tattoos and showbags to go around.
The last Australia Day event hosted at Bennetts Beach was prior to COVID, so 2026 saw a welcome return and a nice addition to the Tea
Gardens Lions’ Australia Day
Breakfast just down the road.
The community response was overwhelming, with a significant number of children and adults turning out, many pleasantly surprised by the return of the event after many years off.
Volleyball proved popular, along with demonstrations showing how to use a defibrillator and tourniquet.
Many enjoyed the lighter conditions of the afternoon, taking a much-needed aquatic cool-down before a restful evening on the national public holiday.
Your local voice in NSW Parliament
q Lifesavers prepare to launch the rescue jetski for a demonstration.
q The IRB demo hit a few waves on the way out.
q DJ Jomeca kept the tunes pumping all the way down to the beach all afternoon. Photos: Thomas O’Keefe.
Community roars
AUSTRALIA Day was celebrated in true Australian tradition, with the Tea Gardens Lions Breakfast held at Moira Parade Park, overlooking the Myall River at Hawks Nest.
The annual event, run by the Tea Gardens Lions Club, is free to attend and features plenty of fun activities, as well as the legendary Tea Gardens Lions barbecue.
The event raises money for several community projects around the twin towns.
This year’s major project is uniting community interest behind a proposed fenced offleash dog park at Providence Bay Park, between Bennetts Beach and Reflections Hawks Nest Caravan Park.
The park gives the many dog owners of the twin towns a place where they can legally unleash their canine companions near the salt air
of the beach, with certainty that their pooches will be protected too.
From 6am, the Lions were toiling to set the scene.
Above them, ospreys and pelicans took full advantage of the persistent southwesterly wind.
They hovered over the Myall estuary, hunting for their own breakfasts in the clear waters while humans enjoyed the Lions’ barbecue in the park.
Local musician extraordinaire Ewald Jordaan was busy providing awesome live music all morning.
The crowds thronged for the thong throw, the threelegged and egg-and-spoon races, and the ever-popular free facepainting, provided by a team of local artists –Jeanette, Sherrie, Rozz, Sue and Pam.
At 9am, the national flag was proudly raised by Jan
Peeters, recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year award, and everyone joined in for a rare two-verse singing of Advance Australia Fair.
Soon enough, everyone came to appreciate the 30km/h wind, not just for the amazing flutter in the flag, but also because it felt like having a fan on high for everyone at the park.
The sun appeared by 10am, and there was no chance of rain to spoil the festivities.
The next highlight was the announcement of the 2026 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year – Paul Bendy and Gingerlily Shelton, respectively.
Lions President Amanda Sykes said Paul Bendy had a profound and positive impact on the health of our waterways and the maintenance of boating infrastructure.
“[Through his] involvement in the Myall River Action Group, the Myall Lakes Aquatic Club and the Tea Gardens Slipway Association.
“This infrastructure benefits the entire community by providing access for tourists, boaties and commercial maritime businesses.”
“Paul was instrumental in ensuring that the Tea Gardens Slipway is environmentally compliant and that an important part of Tea Gardens Marine History remains viable long into the future.”
Paul is also the Treasurer of the Myall Lakes Aquatic Club, which is instrumental in maintaining boating infrastructure around the lakes.
As team leader on the recent rebuilding of wharves and jetties projects and the effluent barge mooring infrastructure he provided
inspirational leadership in ensuring that the Tea Gardens Slipway remains viable.
This is an enormous undertaking that requires many hours of negotiating with authorities, grant applications and meetings.
Gingerlily was visibly stunned to be presented with her Young Citizen award, saying she had only found out about the nomination the night before, after returning home from work.
“Gingerlilly has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and service through her commitment to the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club and the wider community,” Amanda announced.
Gingerlily has also been selected by Hunter Education to participate in the Women on Water and Float Your Boat programs, which support young women entering marine industries.
An 11:30am flyover by one of the new F-35A Lightning II jets out of RAAF Williamtown was a welcome capper to the morning on Moira Parade.
While the Lions packed up for the day, many headed down to Bennetts Beach to enjoy the next big Australia Day event from midday.
Her list of achievements include being an active member of surf club from the age of five, obtaining her surf lifesaving certificate at just 13 and achieving 100 per cent patrol attendance every year. Amanda said the accolades also include, “involvement in weekly Nippers programs as a water safety team member, assisting in the rescue of swimmers swept out in rips, volunteering as a first aider at community events, and establishing the first junior Girls Rugby League team in Hawks Nest.”
q The fluttering flag was proudly raised by 2025 Citizen of the Year Jan Peeters. Photos: Thomas O’Keefe.
q The 2026 Young Citizen Gingerlily Shelton, Lion Helen Watkins, and 2026 Citizen of the Year Paul Bendy.
q Quinn Hadfield is remade into “Spidergirl” by volunteer facepainting artist Pam Ness.
q The volunteer facepainting artists were a hit with the kids (L-R) Sue, Rozz, Jeanette, Pam and Sherrie.
q The 11.30am flyover brought clearer skies and still-strong winds.
q Local musician Ewald Jordaan provided awesome live music all morning.
Hawks Nest Thursday Night Darts
By John EDWARDS
29th JANUARY. Winner’s going through undefeated:Bill Hagan and Daren Rapley.
Hawks Nest Vets
By Len GOUGH
27/1/2026
HN VETS 9 hole Stableford
Front Nine Nett Scores
1 st Chris Barrett 21
2 nd Alan Crittenden
20c/b
3 rd Kevin Marr 20
4 th Robert Murdoch 19
Balls down to 15c/b
Myall Coast Vets
By Tony SMITH
29/01/2026. STABLEFORD . A Grade
TGCC Bowling Club Report
By Kay BERCZELLY
MY REPORT opens this week, well done Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest for surviving a VERY SCARY fire emergency, what a great community to stay vigilant & keep safe though this experience !!!
Reports WE 01.02.25
Ladies Bowls Tuesday 27.01.26
We had 15 ladies today with 2 x rinks of 2 bowl 4s - thanks today to Maryanne
TGSC Walking
Football
By Shayne REYNOLDS
THE last Wednesday afternoon in January turned out to be glorious with a constant breeze finding its way through the row of huge pine trees along the southern boundary of Memorial Park that were offering the playing group plenty of long shadows making our game conditions very comfortable indeed.
A few gentle tweaks to the “rules” this week made for a very open, fun game with heaps of applause, friendly banter and many
Runners up: Teagan Diaz and Graeme Bramley. Ladies highest score with a great finish of 121 Lyn Peirson .Men’s highest score: Michael Russom-140. Darts are on every Thursday night. Everyone is welcome to play.
Back Nine Nett Scores
1 st Ronald Wright 21
2 nd Keith Harrap 19
3 rd Colin Rapley 18
4 th Lloyd Smith 17c/b
Balls down to 16c/b
Nearest To Pin
3rd Robert Ziehike
5 th Richard Kemp
10 th Graham Illand (Birdie)
16 th Mike Forte
1.Ronald Wright 37
2. George Matheson 35 c/b
3. Peter Nealon 35
4. Bill Kerr 34 c/b
5. Ross Clissold 34 c/b
Cuss for being ‘swinger’ today. We also had our ‘Spider’ today, which is a fundraiser for the free clinic bus.
Winning team today Skip Dale Winter, 3rd Sheril Johnson, 2nd Dawn Jones & Lead Maryanne Cuss - with the lowest winning score 14-13.
Mixed Thursday Bowls 29.01.26
We had 8 ladies & 2 men, which constituted 1 x rink of 3 bowl triples & 1 x rink of 4 bowl pairs. Today’s winners with the lowest margin Maryanne Cuss & Deb
goals scored by happy players including four stunners from Richard and an end tally of 6 goals to 7 as far as my memory serves. With quite a few novice players the slight tweaks agreed on by the players made for a freer flowing, open and more comfortable game for all present. So much so, that the entire playing group who had just completed two 15-minute halves all opted for another 15-minute session that went on to the tally from the two previous 15-minute halves. The extended game till ended in a tight result as mentioned which says volumes for our
SPORT RESULTS
B Grade
1. Kenneth Hudson 39 c/b
2. Guy Dickens 39
3. Fred Sparksman 37 c/b
4. Terry Hulme 37
5. Colin Bell 36
Gardner with a score of 16-8
Men’s Wednesday Gala day 28.01.26
Sponsor today was The Hawks Nest Golf Club
We had 41 bowlers today & played all games on the synthetic in very warm conditions.
Overall winners were Mark Vollmer, Richard Wiles & Len Baker.
Morning winners with the lowest winning margin were Col Mowbray, Bill Jones & Craig Bengston.
Afternoon winners decided by the highest
practice of selecting mixed teams every week depending on who shows up and who is able to play.
“Come when you can, Play when you want, Rest when you need”
I have reported on many fun games, however this one topped the pops with so much laughter, applause and fun being had by everyone on and off the field. It was great to witness and be involved in. Well done everyone, see you next week.
Our post-game gathering proved to be lots of fun with many stories being shared.
Thanks to Gary and Vicky for the action photos and to
C Grade
1. Doug Hamm 38
2. Paul Ibbetson 36
3. Gordon Morrison 35
4. Peter Sinclair 33
5. Grahame Brydon 32
winning score Col Fossey, Garry Porter & Rick Islaub. Today marked the first ‘Lucky Draw’ sponsored by Riverstone Logistics, provider of transport services - a big thank you to Riverstone Logistics for coming onboard for this new sponsorship opportunity for TGCC Bowling Club & the newly introduced monthly ‘Lucky Draw’ $50 Mumm’s Voucher. Please contact Riverstone Logistics for all your transport needs on 1300 916 400
Today's winner Greg
Richard for taking care of the laundry this week. Cheers! Anyone 50+ years young
NTP. A B C
3rd. Bennett, Fred Scott, Steve Barrett, Chris 5th Clissold, Ross Dickens, Guy Sinclair, Peter
Smith!!! Well Done Greg!
Just a quick reminder there is a group of ‘very talented bowlers’ who get together on Friday afternoons from 3pm for a social game, a drink & a sausage sizzle. All beginners welcome ! Mixed Sunday Bowls 01.02.26
Some very brave resilient bowlers turned up this morning in what could only be described as a ‘pea souper’ of heavy smoke from the local Nerong Fire. 28pp arrived to play bowls & that's exactly what they did!!
welcome to drop in for a game and/or just a look-see. Twilight season meets 5pm
10th Byrnes, Glenn McDermott, Stephen McDonald, Jim 16th Gurney, Peter Plim, Marty Clifton, Neil Balls to. A 30 B 31 C 29
Not deterred by the heavy smoke & the predicted 34 degree forecast, we had 4 rinks of 3 bowl triples & 1 rink of 4 bowl pairs. Everyone hung in there, because at the end of bowling, there was a FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE !!! These Sunday bowls are proving to be the highlight of the bowls week. Today’s lucky rink winners were: Col Mowbray, Gavin Schofield & Bev Dunn What a fun day, albeit in very hot & difficult circumstances !! Well done Tea Gardens Sunday Bowlers !
Wednesdays at Memorial Park Cnr Witt and Hough Streets Tea Gardens
q Bill Hagan and Daren Rapley. Runners up: Teagan Diaz and Graeme Bramley.
q Ladies and men’s highest score: Lyn Peirson and Michael Russom.
q Jeff and DK battling it out.
q Robyn on attack and Richard defending.
q Open field shot with Precy about to pass the ball.
Bulahdelah Golf Club Report
By Thora-Lou SMITH
SCOTCH Foursomes was the game for the Vets on Thursday 22nd January and the winners were Rod Norberry & Mick Welsh with 66.5nett (h/c 14.5) on a c/b from Stephanie Plackson & Ray Mansell (h/c 21.5). Third were Mick Gardiner & Steve Brooks with 67.5 (h/c 25.5). NTPs were Mick Gardiner, Stephanie Plackson, Glenn Grainger and Marty Bramble.
Saturday 24 th January was a Stableford and 43 players enjoyed a fairly warm day on the course. A grade winner was Craig Littlechild with 35pts from Dave Schlenert with 34pts. B grade winner was Rick
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS week ending
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
By Dianne BOWES
THE Australia Day long weekend brought lots of visitors to the area, many of whom played in Saturday’s golf competition. Conditions were perfect for the ladies 18 hole Stableford, with a great field of 36 players teeing off. Chip ins came from Trish Sattler on the 2 nd , Di Bott on the 5 th , Maxine Mitchell 7 th , Judi Salmon 8 th and Julie Hammond 17 th .
Results: Saturday 24/1/26
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
A Grade Winners: 1 st Julie Hammond 38; 2 nd Karen Green 33 C/B; 3 rd Marcia Smith 33
Winter with 40pts from Steve Fitzgerald with 35pts. C grade winner was Jayce Coghlan with 40pts on a c/b from Joel Slack. Ladies' winner was Alison Benson with 33pts from Meredyth Rae with 31pts. NTPs were Max Schlenert, Steve Fitzgerald and Stephanie Plackson while the long drivers were Max Schlenert, Peter Cheers, Jayce Coghlan and Bernie Newton. Brad Gleeson won the 17th Jackpot.
Monday 26 th January was an Australia Day Celebration and Melanoma Institute Fundraiser with 18 pairs contesting the 4BBB. Winners were Dylan & Carl Morice with 49pts from Wayne Pollard & Jeff Crockett with 47pts and Rod Norberry & Mick Welsh with
30th January
Monday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. C Richards & S Matheson, 3. G Smith & L Wood E/W 1. L
B Grade Winners: 1 st Pauline Barham 39 (best score of the day); 2 nd Carol Maher 38; 3 rd Di Bott 37 Place Getters (37 – 32 C/B): Elizabeth Patrick, Trish Sattler, Nadine Lennox, Carolyn Affleck, Judi Salmon, Yvonne Sullivan, Evelyn Potts
NTP Hole 10: Deb Matheson (A Grade) NTP Hole: 16 Yvonne Sullivan (A Grade)
Another great field of 47 ladies played in Tuesday’s Stableford round in fine conditions, with a very welcome sea breeze keeping temperatures down. Scores were very close over the field, with just 5 shots separating the top 20 finishers. But the day belonged to Fran Henderson, who finished with the best overall score
SPORT RESULTS
45pts.
NTPs were Brad Gleeson, Peter White & Lou Smith while the long drivers were Rod Norberry, Ollie Grubelic and Bernie Newton. The golfers enjoyed a delicious “Aussie” lunch following the game. Thanks to all the helpers, cooks and sponsors: Peter Newman, Coles (Forster), Bulahdelah Pharmacy, Access Fuels, Reddy Servo, Kevin Styles, Steph Plackson, Wayne Pollard, Forster Butcher, Bulahdelah Men's Shed, Mick & Arrin Gardiner. It was a great day!
Thursday 29th January was a Vets Stableford and the winner was Wayne Pollard with 37pts on a c/b from Bob Denelzen and Ken Hughes with 34pts. John Stellema, Craig Littlechild, Rod Norberry and Glen
Butler & P Baily, 2=. K Mc
Murray & S Chopping, 2= C Lance & M Churton.
Tuesday: N/S 1. A & J Macintoch, 2. H Blackbourn & E Buckpitt, 3. D Dummett
of 39 and 1 st in B Grade, including her first ever birdie on the 16 th , as well as snagging NTP on the 5 th . Sari McDonald also scored a birdie on the 7 th , and Jo Scott had a chip in on the 18 th . Spare a thought for Maxine Mitchell, whose great tee shot on the 10 th fell just 1 cm short of winning the eagles nest, which must be within 50 cm of the hole. She claimed the NTP instead. Well played, ladies!
B Grade Winners: 1 st Fran Henderson 39; 2 nd Deb Gardner 37; 3 rd Jo Scott 36 C/B
C Grade Winners: 1 st
Leahy won the NTPs. Saturday 31st January was the first Monthly Mug of the year and the Mug winners were Zac Watt with 69nett (c/b) and Alison Benson with 71nett. A grade winner was Zac Watt
from Ken Hughes with 70nett. B grade winner was Rod Norberry with 70nett from Steve Sharp with 71nett. C grade winner was Carl Morice with 69nett from Jayce Coghlan with 72nett. Meredyth Rae
was the ladies' runner up with 72nett. NTPs were Steve Sharp and Arrin Gardiner. Long drivers were Zac Watt, David Shultz and Bernie Newton. Rodney King had a great return to golf, winning the jackpot!
& P Lau
E/W 1. L
Butler & K Mc Murray, 2. A & D Shannon, 3. L Eardley & C Edgecombe.
Wednesday: 1. E Digby
Debbie Andrews 37; 2 nd
Di Rumble Dickson 36; 3 rd Janet Olsen 36
Place Getters (36 C/B – 33 C-B): Rosarie Mullins, Di Bowes, Deb Dummett, Di Davis, Louise Chadwick, Cheryl Foster, Di Bott, Kathy Griffiths, Robyn Richardson, Angela Squires and Sue Kovacs
Bohemian Spirit NTP Hole 5: A Grade Angela Squires; B Grade Fran Henderson; C Grade Liz Edmonds
NTP Hole 10: A Grade Maxine Mitchell
It was fantastic to see a big field of 10 players tee off in the Lady Vets 9 Hole event on Tuesday, their first game for 2026 after rain caused last week’s game to be cancelled. There wasn’t a struck match between the top 2
& D Hipkins, 2. M Rowden & J Armstrong, 3. B Treharne & S Matheson.
Friday: N/S 1. B Treharne & S Matheson,
players, both finishing with 18 points, with a tight tussle for the minor placings.
Results: Tuesday 27/1/26
Lady Vets 9 Hole
Stableford
1 st Sue Nicholson on 18 C/B; 2 nd Di Lindstrom 18; 3 rd Rhonda Dorman 13C/B; 4 th Jeanette Kemp 13
Thursday Lady Vets saw a good field of 47 players tee off in the 9 hole Grey Tee round. Kay Webb was all smiles to be back at golf sporting a new knee, and welcome to Saw Lim who played her first round of Lady Vets competition today. Dawn Gough and Di Smith shared the honours for the Play of the Day with birdies, Di on the 3 rd and Dawn on the 16 th . Both ladies hit beautiful tee shots which
2. T & J Thatcher, 3. J Glover & N Grehan E/W 1. J Gray & P Baily, 2. S Aldrich & S Chopping, 3. P Marr & S Schmeding.
landed very close to the pin, and sank their putts for 1 under par. Chip ins today: Di Rumble Dickson has 2, one on the 12 th , another on the 15 th , Viv Ballinger on the 13 th from 5 metres out, and Rosarie Mullins on the 7 th from 6 metres. Well played, ladies!
Results: Thursday 29/1/26
Lady Vets 9 Hole Grey Tees
1 st Marg Bonney on -4 C/B; 2 nd Marlene Stokes -4’ 3 rd Viv Ballinger -3; 4 th Chris Simmons 2; 5 th Dawn Gough 4
NTP Hole 3: Division 1 Deb Dummett; Division 2 Di Smith; Division 3 Rhona Smallcombe
q Australia Day event winners Carl and Dylan Morice.
q Fran Henderson had a great win on Tuesday.
q Thursday Lady Vets winner this week was Marg Bonney.
q Julie Hammond was the winner in A Grade on Saturday.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
The Write Direction
By John BLACKBOURN
It’s a personal view
I AM writing this view on the day the Coalition seems to be falling apart.
There is a clear policy divide between the city Liberal Party and the regional National Party which looks like divorce for that union.
The city party is saying the legislation that it supported in the Senate helped the government get its modified legislation passed into law.
The regional party is saying it can no longer combine with the city crew because of its leader, whilst unnamed Liberals are reported as saying the National Party Leader has openly lied to them (which was said by Barnaby Joyce as his reason for jumping ship to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party).
None of us were in the room in order to see which tale is the right one and politicians, being what they are, are only going to tell us how each spins their own version of the facts.
My view is that no matter who they elect as Opposition Leader, they cannot bring that group back into power by the next election, even if the two parties reunite, which looks unlikely.
Our political system looks to be in a terminal mess, and our democratic form of government clearly isn’t working.
Ukraine remains an unsupported mess and Zelenskyy hit the nail on the head by saying there is a lot of talk going on, but no action appears likely.
WE could say the same about the Palestinian situation and Trump’s new
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
Dear Jasminda, Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them?
Hayley S.
Dear Hayley,
Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is a real one.
Figures back up the stories with hospitalisations on the rise (94 young people - up from 60 the previous year - were treated at Sydney Children's hospitals in 2025).
Not obeying basic road rules is dangerous enough, but when kids (sometimes without helmets) are simultaneously chatting and hooning along at 25km an hour, it's a game changer.
I always imagined an e-bike was for people who were getting close to needing a knee replacement, but the e-bike is now ubiquitous with status.
Nothing quite says mum and dad are time-poor entrepreneurs too busy microdosing ayahuasca and holding Zoom conferences to spend time with their kids than an e-bike under the Christmas tree.
And in 10 years' time, for every kid who ends up on the psychologist's couch talking
plan to replace the United Nations with his own “Board of Peace”.
Canada's Prime Minister has suggested the world's middle powers get together to form another group, but the issue remains, who wants to fund it?
My view is that with each nation going in its own direction, we all are easy targets for the big dogs and it all seems to come down to who can we trust and who can we feel confident with in order to form some type of association in the hope that this might offer us protection.
News Of The Area
about their poverty-riven childhood: 'It started the year Mum gave me a clappedout, second-hand pushy she scored off Marketplace ...', there will be another ruminating (perhaps from their wheelchair) on the lifelong injuries they sustained from their e-bike.
Or maybe they will be there to work through the guilt they feel following the injuries an elderly person sustained after they side-swiped them (though some of those mobility scooter riders are like Mad Max extras, so be on the lookout for them too).
Your question asks about the responsibility of motorists.
Being on the road is a shared responsibility, and you are right to seek out how to safely navigate the road with e-bikes. You should treat an e-bike rider the same way you would treat a traditional cyclist.
They wear the same protective gear as a traditional cyclist (bugger all), but their increased speed leads to an increase in the potential for damage.
As a responsible motorist, you should give them plenty of space, take particular care when overtaking, show them the same respect you would hope a motorist would show your own children, and drive defensively, because you can never tell what level of experience or common sense another road user has.
For my part, I'll be sticking to my acoustic bike on designated bike paths where I will continue to channel my passive aggression at e-bike kiddies overtaking me by inwardly chanting, 'Use your legs, you lazy silver-spooner,' to get me up the hills.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
As for Greenland being acquired by another member of NATO, the mind boggles, but then everything Trump does fits neatly into that space.
We are all living in a confusing world and as such, we all form a view about each situation.
I know it’s dangerous because none of us are experts, but we all need to take a guess at what is going on in our world and share that view with friends in the hope that it might eventually make sense to most of us.
Community praised for bushfire support
Dear News Of The Area,
I would like to personally thank several members of the local community for their support during the recent Nerong bushfires.
On Saturday 30 January, when things looked their most dire, we had multiple crews out defending the twin towns of Tea Gardens Hawks Nest and two RFS Community Liaison Officers from Taree
and Tuncurry - Debra and Keeley - set up outside Tea Gardens Coles to keep the community as informed as possible.
Once it became clear that the valiant volunteer force of firies had probably not been fed for several hours, I asked Derryn Chadban at Tea Gardens Coles for help.
He and his staff set straight to preparing and donating a large quantity of food from the supermarket, which I was able to then
ferry out to the pine plantation down Viney Creek Road, where the firies were catching their breath after an intense all-day firefight. Tea Gardens' Jack & Co Caltex servo was also kept open later, thanks to the foresight of manager Alex Sinclair (also a volunteer firie in the field that day), to ensure the many trucks on duty could refill before heading back the long distances they had travelled from all over the Mid
Coast RFS District.
These volunteers, and the people who helped them, are all members of our awesome community.
I am happy to sing their praises, mainly because I know they are all too humble to do it themselves.
Councillor Thomas O'Keefe MidCoast Council
Office Administration – 30 Hours p/w
We are now seeking applications for an Office Administration position.
The role is based at our Raymond Terrace office and is available as permanent part-time, working 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-3:30pm.
Duties include:
Booking and tracking advertisements
Processing raw ad copy to the design team with ad building instructions
Proofing adverts to customers and gaining approvals
Invoicing and debt collection
Provide general advice and information on the organisation’s products and services
Answering phone line
Other general and miscellaneous administration as required
Skills and experience:
Use of Google Drive spreadsheet
Use of Microsoft Excel
Emailing and touch typing
Very methodical with high attention to detail
Customer focused and personable
Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal)
Highly regarded, but not essential:
Basic skills using Adobe inDesign an advantage but not necessary for an application,
MYOB use an advantage but not necessary for an application
Applications can be made by emailing your Resume together with a Letter of Application. Your Letter of Application should address strengths and weaknesses of each of the above criteria, along with anything additional that may support your application.
Training provided.
General Manager office@newsofthearea.com.au
Applications close at 5pm, 27th February 2026.
Wanted to Buy
War Medals
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e190426
Public Notices
2X cane chest of drawers (L) 70cm H x 36cm D x 36cm W, $15. (S) 66cm H x 35cm D x 26cm W $10. 3 drawers each 4982 8787
WINDSURFING carbon boom. Chinook. $80 Peter 0419 932 992
PRINTER Cartridges x2 suitable for Brother printers $20.00 for both. 0418 603 286
RAM 2019 black and chrome side mirrors $100 for both. 0432 671 259
WINDSURFING sail in new condition, 9m2 Used 3 times. $90. Peter 0419 932 992
WOK , New $20. Ph 0493 777 707
WOMENS large tailormade golf wet weather outfit. $50. 4997 0611
FRONT & rear bumper for early model VW Beetle. Reasonable cond. $100 for both. 0414 936 625 F231025
per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619
Notice of Road Closure, Saturday 7th March 2026. Marine drive between Ogden & Charles St & Maxwell St at Myall Way between 6-30am and 1-30pm for Reflections Rod Run, Hot Rod Show and Markets
MICROWAVE Russell Hobbs RHM0300 61cm wide, still in the box, $100. Tanilba Bay 0415 302 447 F231025
SANKYO autozoom 8Z movie camera in box $70. 0416 089 747
SEWING machine cabinet $50. Ph 0404 877 447
SIDE Table, Mahogany 15mths old, $100. 0493 777 707
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495 F270225
Lions Club of Tea Gardens Festive Season Raffle results drawn on 26/1/2026. First prize Ticket number 20612- J Nagle. Second prize ticket number 21762- K Baker. All winners notified. Thanks to all who participated. e120226 OZTRAIL fridge freezer exc cond cover and vehicle accessories inc $550 ono Ph 0410 214 156 Pick up Medowie.
MUGS, 15x brand new Ph 0493 777 707
LOUNGE chairs x 4 pieces. good cond Ph 0493 777 707 F070825 PAINTING of vase & flowers, framed, 4ft x 2.5ft. 0493 777 707
RUG good condition Ph 0493 777 707 F040925
TRAVERTINE coffee table, exc cond and
WINDSURFING board F2 AXXIS plus boom & bag. 85 liters, No dings 0419 932 992
Aspire 499 Caravan, TW-1270kg easy tow, DBL bed combo shower toilet air cond, diesel heater Smart TV, solar, gas elect, 12V appliances new awning, grey water tank, tool boxes front & rear, rego 6/26, very tidy well maintained, worth a look. $30,990. Y35394 0429 696 941
Carvans
HOBIE Mirage Sports kayak with MirageDrive
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
AACTA AWARDS 2026
TEN, 7.30pm
While Australia is generally well represented on red carpets during Hollywood’s annual awards season, this true-blue celebration of local screen excellence is where the stars truly shine. The Gold Coast ceremony is a chance to showcase local talent on home soil. Apple Cider Vinegar and The Narrow Road to the Deep North lead the nominees, with 20 and 12 nods respectively. Succession and All Her Fault star Sarah Snook (pictured) will be recognised for her indelible impact on Australia’s entertainment industry with the Trailblazer Award.
FRIDAY, February 6
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG) Mrs Hall’s world is rocked by bad news.
8.35 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa) Mick’s father is taken hostage.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.10 Smother. (Mal, R)
12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew, barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Their connection deepens before a disturbing discovery in Wednesday’s
second chapter. An intoxicating watch, the four-part romance is rife with betrayal, suspicion and violent consequences as fear seeps into every aspect of Cushla’s life.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love meets a former textiles teacher.
8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mal, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo. 11.05 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) 12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.
Home In WA. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Room For Improvement. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026. 8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Night. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight. 3.00 Next Stop. (R) 3.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.30 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 5.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Pre-Show. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2026. Honours Australian television creatives and performers. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show
SATURDAY, February 7
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG, R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Human. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim moves in with Kath.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) Two teams compete in the local lawn bowls’ championship as the season draws to a close.
10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.10 Laos: Echoes Of Serenity. (Premiere, PGaw) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Four Continents C’ships. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Women’s. 5.30 Imperial Crown: The Myth, Mystery And Majesty.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)
8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Tenacious Davoser Railways. (R) Looks at the funiculars of Schatzalp and Parsenn.
9.35 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bathurst. (PG, R)
10.40 Lord Lucan. (Malv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 2.30 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
4.45 PBS News. 5.45 Mastermind Australia. 6.45 The Food That Built The World. (Return) 7.35
From Above. 8.30 Icons Unearthed:
10.20 Marcella. 12.10am WWE
6am Hajjan.
6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day And Caulfield Charity Family Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Two men keep changing their stories. 7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, Mhv, R) A former soldier disrupts the burial place of a 2000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz.
10.00 MOVIE: American Made. (2017, MA15+l, R) A pilot is recruited by the CIA. Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. 12.20 MOVIE: Daughter In Disguise. (2021, Mav, R) Emily Alatalo.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
7TWO (62)
Morning Programs. 11.30 The Outdoor Room. 12.30pm This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Wildlife ER. 5.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day And Caulfield Charity Family Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. (Return) 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Weekend Today. 11.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. H’lights of the Milano Cortina 2026 games. 1.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. Replay. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Post Midnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Overnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Jeffreys and Dylan Alcott.
(82)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) A couple have outgrown their property.
8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives.
9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure.
10.50 Matlock. (PGa, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SUNDAY, February 8
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. (R) 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)
8.30 Dog Park. (M) Roland guides his daughter through a breakup.
9.00 This England. (M) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
9.50 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) Joyce faces a difficult situation.
10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Tiddler. 3.55 Children’s Programs. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 MOVIE: Space Jam: A New Legacy. (2021, PG) 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05 Laos: Echoes Of Serenity. (PGa) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. AlUla Tour. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. H’lights. 5.30 The Anti-Soviet Fighters.
VICELAND (31)
1.40 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 PBS News Horizons. (Premiere) 10.00 WorldWatch. 10.30 Fashionista. 10.45 Mastermind Aust. 2.15pm Jeopardy! 4.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 PBS News Compass Points. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 The Architecture The Railways Built. (Return) 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. (Return) 8.30 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. (Premiere) 10.10 Late Programs.
Continued. (2023, PG, Arabic) 7.25 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.10 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 11.05 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.55pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021) 5.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 7.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 8.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 10.35 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 12.40pm Dating Amber. (2020, M) 2.20 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 4.15 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 6.10 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 8.30 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 11.00 Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 12.30am The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 2.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Alpine Rally of East Gippsland. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (Premiere) 8.25 Grand Canal: China And Its Wondrous Waterway. 10.15 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R) 11.15 George Michael: Portrait Of An Artist. (Mdls, R) 1.00 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R) 1.50 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 2.55 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.55 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6.00 Better Homes. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. H’lights. 1.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG, R) 2.00 MOVIE: Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. (1977, PGh, R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)
8.40 The Fall Of The House Of Beckham. (Premiere, M) Looks at the public fallout of the Beckhams.
9.40 The Royal Rich List. (Premiere, PG) Looks at royal assets worth £21 billion.
11.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.20 Temple. (Mal)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.00 Australian Ninja Warrior. 11.50 Soccer. EPL. Liverpool v Newcastle. 1.50pm Motor Racing. FIA Formula E World C’ship. H’lights. 2.55 Surfing Aust. 3.25 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 3.55 LEGO Masters. 5.35 MOVIE: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. (2004, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban. (2004, PG) 10.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Golf. Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. H’lights. 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 Forging Champions. (PGl, R) 1.00 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 2.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) In the final two weddings, one bride takes a big leap of faith in an experiment first.
8.35 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Night. Coverage includes women’s downhill alpine skiing, men’s 10km cross-country skiing and men and women’s parallel giant slalom qualifiers and finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
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6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 9.00 Seinfeld. 9.30 World Endurance Championship: Season Review. 10.30 Soccer. EPL. Tottenham v Manchester City. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Lightning v Flyers. 2.30 Snackmasters. 3.50 LEGO Masters. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Three Men And A Baby. (1987, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Eleven. (2001, M) 10.00 Late Programs.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) A car owned by a US Navy cyber engineer explodes just as her teenage daughter is about to take a driving lesson. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) Bruno suspects a bomb was planted to destroy DNA evidence and
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
9GEM
MONDAY, February 9
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge. (Final, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (Final, PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Good With Wood. (PGs, R) 10.00 Skeleton’s Serious Kids. (PGal) 12.05 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Karnak: The Largest Temple In The World. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R)
World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (Return)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Other People’s Money. (Premiere, Mn)
11.30 Vigil. (Malv, R)
2.30 The Great House Revival. (R)
3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 7.55 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 11.45 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 2.15pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.05 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 5.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 7.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 9.50 One Of A Kind. (2023) 11.45 Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 1.40am Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, February 10
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6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Human. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena and Hen navigate their way back home.
10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av)
11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.35 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) After nine weddings, the next phase of the experiment begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Night. Coverage includes men’s team downhill alpine skiing, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing slopestyle finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
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STORY STARTS on BACK COVER - Page 20
7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. 9.30 Doc. (Ma) A popular weight loss medication reveals the cracks in a couple’s relationship. Two sisters face an unexpected diagnosis.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)
12.30 Childhood’s End. (Premiere, Mav)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Over two nights, a new task is revealed and the photo ranking returns, where connections and cracks start to form.
9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Night. Coverage includes short track mixed team relay finals, 500m and 1000m qualifiers, women’s alpine skiing and men’s moguls qualifiers.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Overnight. 5.30 Today.
A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.00 Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 11.50 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.05 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 5.45 Enigma. (1982, PG) 7.35 Walkabout. (1971, M) 9.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 11.45 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 1.35am Late Programs.
Flathead central
Looking through his album there were monster Longtail Tuna, Mac Tuna, giant Bream, Mulloway, Drummer, Snapper, Threadfin Salmon, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Estuary Bass from the upper reaches, New Zealand Trout and Mangrove Jack from Coffs Harbour. Even thumping blue swimmer and mud crabs.
Nothing is safe when the Coles crew is on the water. All fish, caught on lures, are released – not so the crabs.
Last week, accompanied by son Mat, the pair focused their efforts on catching and
releasing big flatheads – the results are spectacular.
Over the period of the week, moving around the Port, the team landed ten “lizards”, the smallest being 80cms.
The complete catch for the week: 98cm, 93cms, 90cms, 93cms, 89cms,
87cms, 83cms, 81cms and 80cms.
Anyone would be excited to catch one of these fish.
It was interesting to learn that one of the 93cm
flatheads had a tag, so details were sent to DPI Fisheries. I am waiting to hear where and when the monster was tagged.
If there is a better flathead fishery in this country than Port Stephens, I would like to know where it is.
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82) 9GEM (82)
WEDNESDAY, February 11
6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45
Face To Face. (Ma, R)
Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)
Golden Boy. (MA15+s, R) 2.20 The Great House Revival. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl) 8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl)
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)
10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (Return, PGa)
11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)
12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Revelations week sees the couples show some vulnerability as a new task begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboarding halfpipe and moguls and men’s super alpine skiing.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Overnight.
5.30 Today.
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 Enigma. (1982, PG) 10.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.45pm Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.35 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 5.45 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 9.30 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 11.10 Late Programs. 5.50am The Big Steal. (1990, PG)
THURSDAY, February 12
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) 9.20 In Flight. (Madlv) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R) 11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R)
1.40 Silent Road. (Ma, R)
3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, 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) Harper’s guilt surges.
8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind years earlier. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy gets closer to Colette.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Night. Coverage includes men’s skeleton runs, snowboard cross, moguls qualifiers and finals and women’s super alpine skiing.
Olympic Winter Games
Of The Area
Flathead Central
By John 'Stinker' CLARKE
THERE are many champion fishers, some are specialists in one or two species of fish –snapper, mulloway, kingfish and all the others.
Only a very few local recreation fishers can lay claim to catching anything that moves.
Lemon Tree’s Wayne Coles is one such champion.
There is nothing that swims that “King Coles” can’t catch.
q Just one of the cracker flatheads landed by the Coles boys.
