q Leonie setting up the display, holding one of her favourites from the collection. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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Old dogs and friends
FROM Page 1
Gallery of Victoria.
“Old Dogs” comes a year after “Strength in Movement”, which was on display at the Tea Gardens Library last April and attracted over 300 visitors.
“The effort really started last year, after I put the word out asking for subjects on local social media and other groups,” Leonie told News Of The Area.
“Word-of-mouth prevailed, people contacted me if they were interested, and I went to their places and took photos of them with their canine friends.
“Each subject received a digital copy of their photo, which have all been printed professionally in Newcastle, framed, and mounted along the entryway of the Boatshed, with the assistance of my friend Erwin.”
None of the subjects had seen the full display before it went up, and all are Myall Coast locals - 16 in total.
The timing of the display is no coincidence as NSW Seniors Week is coming up in March.
The Boatshed staff are happy to see a local’s work adorn the walls in their first display since major works were completed last December.
“The new refurbishment is still growing, and we have had comments on the accessibility and ambulant facilities,” Manager Renae told NOTA.
“We are happy to support and provide a space for a community-focused display like this, and support for our furry friends.”
q The photo display as it will stand at the Boatshed throughout March. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q ‘The real Mrs Arch’ featuring Lucy and Michael. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q ‘Pure Love’ featuring Karen and Gypsy. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
ESTUARY PLAN
FROM Page 1
blue economy, supporting industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and both commercial and recreational fishing.
However, Council warns that local estuaries are under pressure.
“Land-use change, agricultural impacts, loss of coastal wetlands, altered estuary entrances, climate
change, water pollution, flooding and inundation, declining community stewardship, recreational impacts, biodiversity and cultural heritage losses are all key issues that need to be considered in sustainably managing our estuaries,” it said in a statement.
Community feedback will help refine the management program before it goes to Council for endorsement.
To view the draft program and have your say, head to https://haveyoursay. midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ oursouthernestuaries before feedback closes on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
The CMP has been developed with funding and technical support from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, in collaboration with state agencies, Aboriginal representatives, and the local community.
q
Council reaffirms stance over offshore wind
By Douglas CONNOR
PORT Stephens Council has reaffirmed its position on potential offshore wind development off the Hunter coast.
At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 24 February, councillor Mark Watson moved a multi-faceted motion which called for a series of actions from the Federal Government.
Council has confirmed it does not currently support an offshore wind project off Port Stephens, subject to the “completion and consideration of the detailed technical studies, further community and stakeholder engagement and progression through the legislated
assessment and approval process by the Federal Government”.
Council clarified that this position is based on a desire for decision making to be informed by extensive community consultation and the completion of “thorough and robust” impact assessments.
It will now write to Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson outlining its position.
Mr Bowen announced in January that he had opened applications for research and demonstration (R&D) licences in Australia’s six offshore wind zones, including off Port Stephens.
This followed the
withdrawal of Norwegian energy company Equinor from a $10bn offshore wind project in the Hunter zone in 2025.
While a full-scale offshore wind project seems unlikely off the Hunter coast in the short term, the 1,854km2 declared zone could now be used to research and test different types of offshore renewable energy technologies.
In response, Council has called on the Australian Government to undertake “full, transparent, and properly public scoped consultation on the proposal for research and development licenses progressing”.
It has also requested a “detailed public explanation” of the scale, location, duration, infrastructure requirements and cumulative impacts of any proposed R&D activities within the zone.
Additionally, the Council is seeking formal recognition as a “key stakeholder” in any future regulatory or licensing decisions affecting its coastal waters, tourism economy, fisheries and marine
Farms and Family Law
by Xander Gee
Farms are often considered as more than just real estate by those who own and work them. In many cases they are passed down through the generations from parents to their children and as such have sentimental, as well as commercial value. During a separation, this value must be balanced against the non-farming spouse’s right to a fair and equitable property settlement.
Prior to the introduction of the Family Law Act, farms maintained a special status within the Family Courts with an acknowledgement that farms were not only valuable pieces of real estate providing a home for the family, but also business assets generating an income. As such, the Courts largely took the view that as far as possible, orders should not be made that would affect the income earning potential of the farm
or require its sale. As a consequence, non-farming spouses could be significantly disadvantaged compared to their suburban counterpart who might otherwise receive a payment from the sale of the matrimonial home.
Today, farms are largely treated as all other real property, however, there remains the view that it is preferable for a business asset such as a farm to be retained by the spouse working the farm, but only if a just and equitable result can still be achieved for both parties. A Court will consider alternatives to forcing the sale of the farm, but ultimately if the alternatives are not just and equitable then the farm will need to be sold, just as any other asset of the parties.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
environment.
Mayor Leah Anderson and councillors Giacomo Arnott, Chris Doohan, Mark Watson and Jason Wells voted in favour of the motion, with Cr Peter Francis voting against.
Justin Page, the coordinator of the Hunter Jobs Alliance, accused councillors of “ignoring the facts” in their motion.
He particularly took aim at the idea that community consultation had not taken place over the original offshore wind zone or the R&D licences.
“In August 2025, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the start of research and demonstration activities within the zone,” Mr
Page said.
“As reported by Port Stephens News Of The Area on 28 August 2025, Equinor and Oceanex Energy decided not to proceed with the Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm, and the article noted that the federal research and demonstration licence process, which councillors now claim they were unaware of, was open for public consultation from 22 August to 3 October 2025.
“On 23 August 2026, Councillor Mark Watson shared a major media article outlining consultation timeframes on his Facebook page, which was also circulated by aligned opposition groups.
“To now claim they did not know consultation was happening is absurd.
“Councillors are jumping ahead of the process, claiming authority over matters not yet determined, while ignoring the federal consultation they were already aware of.”
Mr Page suggested that councillors should instead focus on roads, rates and rubbish rather than “grandstanding over federal processes”.
“If and when offshore wind projects ever propose transmission cables over council land, it will require detailed planning, approvals, and consultation. They should deal with it at that time,” he said.
A draft Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program is now open for public feedback. Photo: Simon Patterson.
q Port Stephens councillor Mark Watson
Group's 150 hours of weed work
ANOTHER productive year has wrapped up for the dedicated volunteers of the Bitou Busters, who continued their weed removal and native planting work throughout 2025 with the support of MidCoast Council and the Myall Koala and Environment Group.
Despite a challenging winter that disrupted several of their eight scheduled Saturday working bees - along with additional “commando” weekday sessions - the group still managed to contribute an impressive 150 hours of volunteer labour, averaging 12 volunteers at each monthly session.
MidCoast Council Community Liaison Officer Steve Howard acknowledged the group’s ongoing efforts, with Council traditionally hosting a volunteer appreciation lunch each May in recognition of their contribution.
The primary focus for 2025 was the restoration of riverbank habitats along Moira Parade.
However, the group’s reach extended across Hawks Nest, beginning the season at The Anchorage before planting eucalyptus species in the koala-significant reserve at Shearwater during
May’s Wild Koala Day.
Volunteers also rolled up their sleeves at Bennetts Beach Surf Club and along Jimmys Beach, carrying out important dune stabilisation and restoration work.
When wet weather halted outdoor activities in June, the team turned indoors for a well-attended tool-cleaning and sharpening workshop at Benchmark led by Sharon Taylor.
Throughout the year, Bitou Busters tackled a range of invasive species including Bitou bush, Mother of Millions, Asparagus fern species, Easter Cassia, Lantana, and Cape honeysuckle.
“Their removal efforts are critical in protecting local biodiversity and preventing further spread across coastal and bushland areas,” said spokesperson Adrienne Ingram.
In place of weeds, volunteers planted a diverse selection of native species, including Tuckeroo, Lilly Pilly, Callistemon, Melaleuca, Banksia, Swamp lily (along Jimmys Beach and Moira Parade), Pigface and spinifex for dune stabilisation, and Eucalyptus species at Shearwater.
“These plantings strengthen habitat corridors
and support local wildlife, including koalas,” Adrienne said.
The group’s year concluded with a sponsored BBQ, thanks to Kowan at Benchmark and the Myall Koala and Environment Group.
“The final session combined light weeding at the Peter Sinclair end of Moira Parade with a walk along the newly signed Habitat Walk to Bennetts Beach - naturally finishing with coffee at Benchmark,” Adrienne said.
Interest in joining the group has begun to build, with several enquiries coming through the Myall Koala and Environment Group website.
“Bitou Busters welcome volunteers of all abilitiesfrom those keen on heavier physical work to others who prefer lighter duties or support roles.
“The combination of environmental care and social connection continues to benefit both the local landscape and volunteer wellbeing.”
Anyone interested in joining the 2026 program, which recommences in March, is encouraged to email trishablair@bigpond.com.
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q The Bitou Busters contributed an impressive 150 hours of volunteer labour.
Hot Rods ready to roll
THE waterfront at Tea Gardens will come alive as the Reflections Rod Run Show and Shine brings together classic cars, markets, live entertainment and family fun on Saturday 7 March.
Running from 9:00am to 1:00pm, visitors can experience an impressive display of over 120 hot rods and custom vehicles lining the streets.
The free event offers something for everyone,
The Greenpaws Dog Show at 11am adds to the day’s entertainment. Raffle tickets will also be available, with all proceeds supporting the Free Clinic Bus.
Live music will continue the celebrations, with a band performing at the Tea Gardens Hotel.
Event organisers say the Show and Shine is about more than cars.
“It’s about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and giving back to the community,” organisers said in a statement.
“Everyone is invited to come along, enjoy the display, meet the owners, support local stallholders and be part of one of the Mid Coast’s favourite community events.”
q The event will showcase some of the region’s finest automotive craftsmanship.
Autocare
Barry's Butcher's Stand
Boathouse Resort
Bulahdelah Bowl Club
Bulahdelah BP Servo
Bulahdelah IGA
Bulahdelah Info Centre
Bulahdelah Library
Bulahdelah
Bottleneck cleared at Hexham
THE long-awaited widening of the Hexham Straight is complete, clearing a bottleneck infamous across the Hunter.
Motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch.
The speed limit has also been increased to 80 kilometres per hour.
With all lanes now open, teams are carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage.
These finishing works will include upgrades to a reserve along the Hunter River, comprising upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.
The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care.
of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.
The Federal Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the upgrade is a “game-changer” for the broader region.
“Like so many people across the Hunter,
I’ve sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.
“I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators.
“Today, that changes.
“It (the upgrade) will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow.”
SoLo Tea Gardens
T/B Bakery
Tillermans
Vinnies
Woodwards Nursery
“I’m thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project,” said Minister for Transport Catherine King on Friday.
“This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.”
The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one
Your local voice in NSW Parliament
Logging company fined $34k
A MID NORTH COAST logging company has been ordered to pay over $34,000, and its director placed on a two-year good behaviour bond, in the Taree Local Court for a range of private native forestry offences at a property in Belbora in 2023.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) launched a prosecution against O’Connor Logging Pty Ltd and its director Stephen Sean O’Connor following a series of inspections which found evidence of forestry operations in the buffer zone around waterways (called the riparian exclusion zone).
NSW EPA Director of Operations John Forcier said the unlawful operations had impacted native vegetation and caused up to 140 tonnes of sediment to be washed into waterways that feed into Burrell Creek.
“The Private Native Forestry Code of Practice exists to safeguard native vegetation, soil and waterways, and complying with these requirements is not optional,” Mr Forcier said.
“As well as constructing and using a snig track and two log dumps within a sensitive riparian zone, the contractor was using unstable stream crossings that were not adequately constructed to prevent erosion.
“Riparian exclusion zones are established to ensure soil erosion and water pollution does not impact natural aquatic ecosystems and our inspections found much of the work occurring well within these buffer zones.”
In addition to the total penalty of $34,000, O’Connor Logging was ordered to publish a notice regarding the offence in the Manning River Times and pay the EPA’s legal costs of $15,000.
Mr O’Connor was convicted and placed on conditional release order requiring him to be of good behaviour for two years.
q Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison. Photo: Tim Crakanthorp FB.
Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform
NSW MINISTER for Police Yasmin Catley is calling on the NSW Liberals and Nationals to “come clean” about a plan to “water down” the state’s new gun laws passed in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.
Minister Catley cited comments made on radio by Shadow Minister Anthony Roberts (Liberals), which suggested that the Coalition intends to move amendments to the firearms reforms.
The reforms passed by Parliament include:
• A cap limiting individuals to four firearms (with exemptions for primary producers up to ten);
• Restrictions on straight-pull, pump-action and lever-release firearms;
• Reduced magazine capacity for Category A and B firearms;
• Mandatory gun club membership for licence holders;
• Stronger safe storage inspections and compliance requirements;
• An audit of existing firearms licences;
• A gun buyback scheme in partnership with the Commonwealth.
Ms Catley said the Coalition must be upfront about exactly which reforms they wish to amend.
“After the worst antisemitic terror attack our state has ever seen, we strengthened our gun laws to reduce risk and protect the community,” she said.
“If the Liberals and Nationals are planning to water down these laws, they need to say so plainly.
“Which safeguards do they want to remove? Which limits do they want to weaken?”
In a statement to News Of The Area, NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh clarified his position.
“It is widely acknowledged that the new firearms laws have many loopholes and unintended consequences,” he said.
“For example, shortening the maximum licence period from five years to two years puts into limbo many law-abiding citizens who now face uncertainty about when they need to renew their licences, or if their licences are still valid.
“Two months since the laws passed parliament, we’ve yet to hear even a whisper from the Minns Labor Government about the regulations that will sit alongside the new laws.
“The laws don’t come into effect until these regulations are written and will form the basis of how the laws will operate in practice.
“We will commit to fixing the laws once the Government actually finishes writing them.”
Mr Singh says firearms owners across regional NSW, as well as the small businesses and clubs that support them, are struggling with uncertainty caused by “rushed legislation”.
“We’re seeing community meetings with hundreds of people venting their anger and frustration at the Minns Labor Government's mismanagement of this issue.
“Across regional NSW, we’re seeing
record pest pressure with wild pigs, deer, rabbits and other pests wreaking havoc across the landscape.
“The government should be helping farmers to deal with these pests, not make them the scapegoats for terrorism.”
q The reforms include a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten. Photo: Michael Kemp MP.
A plan for creativity in the regions
ARTS Mid North Coast (AMNC) has welcomed the NSW Government’s launch of “Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2026–2035”, backed by a $5.2 million investment aimed at strengthening arts, culture and creative industries across regional NSW.
AMNC is the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) and peak body for arts and creative industries across the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca Valley, Kempsey, Port MacquarieHastings and Mid Coast LGAs.
The “Heartland” plan identifies six strategic priorities designed to support growth, drive innovation and embed inclusion, and to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by regional NSW:
• Champion regional First Nations arts and culture
• Strengthen regional partnerships and networks
• Unlock regional creative spaces
• Open doors to regional creative careers
• Showcase regional storytelling and creative innovation
• Amplify statewide
arts and cultural tourism
According to Arts Mid North Coast, the plan opens new opportunities for collaboration through funding streams such as the Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program, which supports co-investment between councils, cultural organisations and community partners.
It also includes establishing a RADO Sustainability Fund to restore funding levels and support the long-term stability of the RADO network.
Arts Mid North Coast Executive Director Olivia Parker was part of the Regional Plan Working Group that worked alongside Create NSW to help shape the strategy.
“We are pleased to see the NSW Government’s commitment to a dedicated strategy and funding for regional arts- a significant milestone,” said Ms Parker.
“The recognition of RADOs, such as Arts Mid North Coast, as essential to the regional arts ecosystem is especially encouraging.
“The work we do in supporting artists, delivering programs, and fostering partnerships will be key to
achieving the goals of this plan.”
Arts Mid North Coast sees this as a valuable opportunity to collaborate with Local Government,
health, education, tourism, business and community sectors across the region.
“Extensive community consultation emphasised the important role of arts and
culture in bringing people together, keeping young people in our communities and supporting community wellbeing,” said Ms Parker.
“We also know that the
Arts are a key economic driver, and by strengthening strategic partnerships, we can collectively enhance and expand cultural activity on
Tasmania
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Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
q Warren Mason performing at Tin Camp Studio at Lightning Ridge. Photo Outback Outloud Rainy King.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
LEADERSHIP opportunities
come in many forms at Tea Gardens Public School, with several being filled as the academic year kicks into gear.
Whether House Captain, Student Parliament Minister, or Class Captain, kids are taking on roles that could be their first on the path to representative government.
The TGPS Student Parliament, now over 30 years in operation and a benchmark for many schools around the state, features parliamentary portfolios in Building and Health, Student Wellbeing, Education, Environment, Sport and Recreation, Transport, and Special Events.
“The portfolios… allow students to focus on areas they are passionate about and make meaningful contributions to school life,” teacher Matthew McInnes told News Of The Area.
There are also roles for parliamentary officials such as Speaker of the House,
Deputy Speaker, Hansard reporters, Sergeant-at-Arms, and even Usher of the Black Rod.
“[These] roles… give our students a deep understanding of parliamentary processes and the importance of maintaining order and accurate records,” said Miss Elise Dunford, “Environment Senator”.
While the Parliament is tempered by the input of the Senate (teaching staff) and the Governor-General (principal), the layout and execution still gives juniors a visceral experience of how the mechanics of real-world government and leadership works.
Among the vital reallife skills is understanding process and procedure, and speaking publicly in front of their peers.
“Leadership roles at Tea Gardens Public School empower our students to become the best versions of themselves, by taking on responsibilities within
our School Parliament they develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community,” Principal Mark Clemson told NOTA.
“We are excited to work closely with our dedicated student leaders… as each plays an important role in driving initiatives across key portfolios,” added Mrs Anya Ingram, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction.
“Collaboration between Government ministers and the Opposition shadow ministry fosters critical thinking and accountability among our young leaders, preparing them for future civic engagement.”
The students are clear on the importance of their roles.
School Prime Minister, Rose, said, “I am so excited to hold this role. I am looking forward to making our school even better.”
Kaitlyn said, “I am looking forward to making fun and special events for people and I hope I can achieve the goal of making sure our school is a fun place for people to thrive
Students stepping up Volunteers clean up Wallaroo State Forest
A SMALL army of volunteers mobilised for a Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday, disposing of rubbish in Wallaroo State Forest.
The community cleanup, coordinated by the NSW and ACT Four Wheel Drive Association, the Hunter 4WD Council, and Forestry Corporation was held on Sunday, 1 March from 8:30am.
Forestry Corporation Partnership Leader Alex Capararo said, “It’s fantastic to see so many volunteers, particularly 4WD club members across the region, putting their hands up to help care for Wallaroo State Forest.
“This level of community support makes a real difference and shows how much people value these forests as places to enjoy
nature and the outdoors.”
Mr Capararo said while most visitors do the right thing, illegal dumping remains an ongoing issue in State Forests, particularly those close to towns and cities.
“Across NSW hundreds of tonnes of household and construction waste, scrap metal and abandoned vehicles are removed from state forests each year at a significant cost to the community,” he said.
“We know forests with strong community involvement tend to experience less dumping, and we’re grateful to regular forest users – bushwalkers, mountain bike clubs, horse riders, dog walkers and adjoining property owners – who help look after these areas.”
and enjoy.”
Archie said, “As Minister for Building and Health, I am looking forward to speaking to my Senator and making positive changes around the school. Being in the Junior AECG, I am going to be a good role model and do stuff for Aboriginal people.”
Aria said, “I’m looking forward to speaking in parliament and hopefully reading without making mistakes.”
Tia said, “I’ll make sure no rubbish is on the ground and make sure the environment is taken care of.”
Tegan said, “I look
forward to helping people be safe and I hope that I can achieve being in a Minister role next year.”
And from Tobias, “I’m looking forward to making sport more enjoyable.”
The 37th official opening of the School Parliament is on Friday, 12 June at 10am.
q Volunteers ready for action in Wallaroo State Forest.
q Student Parliament Ministers for 2026 (front L-R) Archie, Sarah and Koby, (back L-R) Kaitlyn, Andi, Rose and Livia. Photo: TGPS.
q Shadow Ministers Tobias, James, Zyva, Aria, Kayleigh, Tiffany, Tia and Tegan. Photo: TGPS.
q Student leaders with Kate Washington MP at the Student Leadership Morning Tea hosted by Hunter River High School. Photo: TGPS.
Stinker’s History: Grand old days
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
OLD timers may recall the great days of the Annual Mungo Brush Regatta.
Nestled in a protected corner of the Myall Lakes, on the eastern shore of the Broadwater, Mungo Brush was the perfect setting for the regatta conducted by the Port Stephens Regatta Club since 1903. As documented by Publicity Officer Tim Motum the regatta was reputed to have started as a grudge match between rival hauling teams of fishermen.
They met annually at Mungo to pit their wits and sailing skills against one another for three or four years until it became an organised event.
The regatta developed into a huge social gathering with some families staying on the lake for up to a month.
The closure of the timber mills on the shores of the lakes over Christmas gave the workers a chance to get away and they and their families attended the regatta on droghers, which acted as dance floors and sometimes provided overnight accommodation.
Everyone had to travel by water as no roads were in existence in the area.
A cutting from the Port Stephens Pilot, December 1913 read: “The S.S. Nepean will leave Sawyers Point (now known as Karuah) on
Monday 27th Dec at 6.30 am sharp. Leaving Tea Gardens at 8.30am and returning to Tea Gardens and Sawyers Point on Tuesday evening. Return fares to Sawyers Point three shillings and one shilling and sixpence return to Tea Gardens. All visitors must bring camping requisites.
Adolph Engle S.S. Nepean.”
Hugh Thurlow’s passenger boats also connected with the horse drawn passenger coaches from Newcastle, collecting people from Salt Ash and ferrying them to Tea Gardens for connection to the “Nepean”.
Other boats included the shallow draft steamer “Myall River” and the “Coweambah” picked up people from Buladelah and Bungwahl for the trip to Mungo Brush. It was not uncommon to have a crowd of 1000 at the Regatta to enjoy the boat racing, merry-go-rounds and side shows.
People used the regatta as an excuse to dress in their best clothes.
Ladies wore hats and gloves and sometimes carried parasols to ward off some of the midsummer heat, while gentlemen wore suits, or panama hats with sports trousers and blazers; watches and chains were conspicuously displayed.
Racing in the early days was all sail as it was long before the appearance of the internal combustion engine in the area.
The large work boats, used all year for fishing, were rigged with an enormous sail and resembled the early 18
q The regatta developed into a huge social gathering with some families staying on the lake for up to a month.
foot sailing boats.
One of the largest boats was sailed by the Motum brothers; the “Comet” was 22 foot long and had a nine foot beam.
Boats from outside the area soon appeared with the Forster boats being sailed to the lower end of Wallis Lake, then transported overland via Smith Lake to Bungwahl by bullock team.
The boats were then rerigged and sailed down the lake to Mungo.
The Newcastle boats were launched at Salt Ash then towed to Mungo behind one of the many vessels headed that way.
The appearance of the
internal combustion engine in the area opened up a whole new scene and once again it was the work boats that took part with all shapes and sizes of vessels vying for the ever increasing prize money.
In the early 1950s class racing began with the introduction of the ever popular Simplex Marine Engine.
Two sizes competed, the five horse power and the powerful 10/12 horse power models for larger boats.
Many owners could be seen stripping out the heavy work fitting, bunks etc to try and grab an extra knot or two.
As car engines became
both more powerful and lighter in weight, the era of the speed boat was born and for the first time boats were constructed especially for racing.
This move freed builders and designers from the requirements of the work boat and opened up a whole new era for shapes and construction.
The Lyall Bros. from Carrington - Ken, Bill and Doug - were well known oyster farmers and avid fans of the Mungo Regatta.
They built their own boats, one of which was powered by a V8 Curtis aeroplane engine and was, not surprisingly, the boat to
Volunteer of the Year Awards
NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous
positive impact of volunteers across the state.
The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding
work of volunteers in every region across NSW.
Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised
at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.
According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.
“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.
“Now more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering - and that’s what these awards are all about.”
The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year was Molly Croft, who was recognised for her
work raising awareness and funding for young people with cancer.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have my life changed by volunteers, and so every time I get to give back and try and make a difference, I feel very honoured to do so.
“Recognising their work and celebrating the work of volunteers is worth so much, and that’s what the awards achieve.”
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our communities.
“Our state would not be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day.
“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.
“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their
beat for several years.
As the prize money increased so did the interest of boat owners from far and wide with all styles of racing boats, powered and sail, being entered.
The regatta continued after the gazetting of the Myall Lakes National Park in 1972 and was supported by the NPWS and the Maritime Services Board.
Both departments assisted by authorising “sealed roads, car parking and boat launching ramps at the site”.
To the regret of many local residents and visitors, the last Mungo Brush Regatta was held in January 1999.
contributions and show that they are appreciated.
“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”
The Emergency Volunteer of the Year Award category is supported by the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.
“Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked, and without expecting recognition”, Minister Dib said.
“Whether it’s responding to floods, fires or storms, these volunteers drop everything to keep people safe, often missing out on time with their own families.
“If someone in your life gives their time as an emergency volunteer, I’d encourage you to nominate them and show them that their time and service matters.”
Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at https://www.volunteering. com.au/awards/about-theawards/.
q Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Stinker’s Fishin’: Snapper secrets
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
SO, you want to catch a snapper.
There are many ways to do this, but I will tell you how I do it.
The very first question to ask is: where do snapper gather?
The best snapper fisher in the world will not catch a fish where they are not.
Perfect underwater habitat for ‘reddies’ stretches from Seal Rocks in the north to Birubi and Newcastle in the south. Every shallow reef, island and rocky headland will hold cracker snapper in the right conditions.
Exiting the heads turn
south and sail to the reefs and bomboras off the outer lighthouse.
It can be dangerous so check it out in safe conditions first.
Assuming you are launching your boat inside the harbour I would suggest you head out to sea before sunrise, just as colour enters the sky.
If you are not an earlybird, set off an hour or two before sundown and return at last light.
It would be a really good idea to check these places out before you target them.
What I mean is check these places out during the day so you know exactly where to drop the anchor.
Expressions of interest open for Volunteer Grants
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, with expressions of interest now open.
Volunteer Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000
are available to eligible community organisations that rely on volunteers.
The program is designed to strengthen local volunteering by helping organisations remove barriers to participation and better support the people who give their time to serve our community.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our region,” Ms Penfold said.
“From sporting clubs and service organisations to emergency response groups and community associations, volunteers keep Lyne connected and functioning.
“These grants – albeit small in amount – do provide practical support to ensure they have the tools they need.”
Funding can be used for items and services that directly support volunteers
and volunteering activities, including:
- Communication equipment such as laptops, tablets, and radios
- IT software and technology upgrades
- Volunteer insurance
- Training and support materials
- Equipment to assist specific volunteer cohorts, including young people, seniors, First Nations
volunteers, veterans, and people with disability
Eligible organisations must be not-for-profit and demonstrate that they rely on volunteers to deliver their services.
Expressions of interest must be submitted to Ms Penfold’s office by 5:00pm on Wednesday 1 April.
The form is available via Ms Penfold’s website under the ‘How I Can Help’ tab.
Raymond Terrace scores Koori Knockout
By Joseph RICHARDS
RAYMOND Terrace has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Koori Knockout.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football carnival is one of the biggest Indigenous gatherings in Australia.
The event happens annually on the October
long weekend, with this year consisting of four days of rugby league at King Park in Raymond Terrace.
The knockout could attract a crowd of roughly 10,000 people a day, as First Nations teams from across NSW compete for honours - including the right to host next year’s event.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah
Anderson has high hopes that the event will earn Raymond Terrace some attention on the national stage.
“This is a huge opportunity,” she said.
“Hosting the Koori Knockout helps to position Port Stephens as a premier sporting destination, capable of hosting major events.”
Founded in 1971, the
event is centred around creating opportunities for talented Indigenous players to get into state level rugby league.
Last year, the Newcastle Yowies won the knockout, hence the event being hosted in the Hunter Valley.
Over its 55 years, the Knockout has become one of the biggest sporting and
cultural events in Australia.
“This event will be more than a sporting competition. [It is] helping local families experience a significant cultural event right here at home,” Cr Anderson said.
“It will inspire young people by showcasing our region’s capacity to host major events and celebrate the strength and leadership of
“Lyne has a proud culture of volunteerism,” Ms Penfold said.
“I encourage all eligible organisations to put forward an expression of interest so we can ensure our local groups receive their fair share of the funding available to the Lyne electorate.”
For further information, organisations can contact Ms Penfold’s electorate office.
Aboriginal communities.”
Cr Anderson expects that local businesses will see the benefits of so many people visiting the area.
“Major events like this do more than fill accommodation.
“They build community confidence in an area, bring people together and help create the sense of pride and belonging that strong communities are built on.”
q The Newcastle Yowies won the right to host the 2026 Koori Knockout. Photo: Kate Washington MP/FB.
q The Koori Knockout will be held at King Park in Raymond Terrace.
SPORT
q George Trinkler knows where all the snapper hide.
Beyond the badge: Alison Stewart honoured
By Jacie WHITFIELD
SENIOR Constable
Alison Stewart has been recognised as Port Stephens
Local Woman of the Year for 2026.
She was honoured as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which shine a spotlight on visionary thinkers, everyday heroes and trailblazing role models who make a meaningful difference in their communities.
This year, 94 women were nominated by local MPs as part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March).
With an extraordinary 36-year career in the NSW Police Force, Snr Con. Stewart has devoted her life to protecting and
strengthening the Port Stephens community.
For the past decade, she has served as Crime Prevention Officer for the Port Stephens–Hunter Police District, earning respect for her compassionate and proactive approach.
Her work extends far beyond traditional policing.
She has built strong partnerships with schools, community groups and vulnerable families, creating safer environments and positive pathways for young people at risk.
She also co-founded "The Backpack Venture", a grassroots initiative providing essential school supplies to students experiencing hardship so they can start the year with
q Woman of the Year recipient Alison Stewart with MP Kate Washington. Photo: supplied, Kate Washington
dignity and confidence.
Local MP Kate Washington praised Snr Con. Stewart’s decades of service, describing her as a role model whose integrity and compassion have made the community safer and stronger.
She will be formally recognised alongside other recipients at a ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on 5 March, and locally at the Port Stephens International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Murrook Culture Centre on 9 March.
Humbled by the honour, Snr Con. Stewart said policing has always been about people - building trust, supporting those in need and working together to create safer communities.
Hi, I’m Karryn and I’m your local personal travel manager in the Myall Lakes / Bulahdelah / Tea Gardens area.
Hi, I’m Karryn and I’m your local personal travel manager in the Myall Lakes / Bulahdelah / Tea Gardens area.
travel needs and provide that personal touch. I am also available via email or phone.
I’m mobile which means I can come to you. Let’s meet at a time and place to suit you, even at your local cafe, and we can talk about making your next holiday a memorable one.
I’m mobile which means I can come to you. Let’s meet at a time and place to suit you, even at your local cafe, and we can talk about making your next holiday a memorable one. Let me take care of your travel needs and provide that personal touch. I am also available via email or phone.
Let me take care of your travel needs and provide that personal touch. I am also available via email or phone.
I’m your local personal the Myall Lakes / Bulahdelah area. means I can come to you. Let’s meet at a suit you, even at your
Your personal travel manager
M: 0417 044 070 E: karryn.bartlett@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/KarrynBartlett local personal Lakes / Bulahdelah come to you. Let’s meet
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MP.
5 Barromee Way, North Arm Cove Lot 15, Challis Street, Pindimar
7 Yandala Street, Tea Gardens
Kayleigh’s state swimming success
By Thomas O’KEEFE
LOCAL swimming sensation
Kayleigh Thompson has had a busy summer, racking up ribbons and medals on
her way through multiple levels of regional and state competitions.
Over the summer school holidays, she trained and competed at the Country
TGCC Bowling Club Reports
By Jane UFF
WEDNESDAY 1/3/2026
Acknowledgement of one of our sponsors this week is Woody's Building and Nursery Supplies, thank you for your ongoing support.
Another big week of bowls at Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club.
TGSC Walking Football
By Shayne REYNOLDS
WEDNESDAY afternoon
blessed us with a gentle breeze, sunny weather with lots of shade thanks to the row of large pines that were being feasted on by some noisy black cockatoos.
A nice roll up provided enough players for a seven a side match with one or two
The women bowlers commenced the Women’s Fours competition on Tuesday 24/2. Bette Saillard, Jean Glover, Jane Uff and Lynda Richards won their game on Tuesday and Thursday. Pat Baker, Karen Green, Sandra Leisemann and Lorraine Murphy won their game on Thursday. These 2 winning teams will play each other in the finals on Tuesday 3/3.
subs on the sideline and a couple of on-lookers joining us for a great afternoon of sport, exercise, social connection and lots of laughs.
The two 15-minute halves turned out once again to be
“not enough” so, after a well needed 5-minute rest and chance for quite a few sips of cold water, a further 15-minute extra play session was requested and enjoyed
Zone swimming
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 24
and Kayleigh Thompson was rewarded with Junior Girl.
Kayleigh's efforts come off the back of a very impressive summer of swimming, during which she excelled in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, qualifying her for the NSW Country Championships to be held at the end of February at Sydney Olympic Park.
The TGPS swimmers’ combined efforts at the Zone Carnival saw the children return home ranked third overall among all the schools in the Port Stephens Zone.
“I was immensely proud
Regionals and the Speedo Sprint qualifying events, earning awards across multiple strokes and distances.
At the Country Regionals,
she placed first in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke, while also tracking second in the 50m breaststroke and 50m
SPORT RESULTS
There were 12 ladies who played social bowls on Tuesday with the winning team being the lowest margin were Jo Plummer, Leona Clissold and Pat Baker. The raffle winner on Tuesday was Judy McGavock and Thursday was Karen Green.
One of our sponsors, Riverstone Logistics, kindly provide a monthly voucher to Mumms on the Myall
by all on the field and the sideline too.
There was some conjecture as to the exact tally that made up the end score, however the thing that we all took off the field and was mentioned by several of our players, that this game was an outstanding display of gained skills, passing and teamwork that we have all seen to date! Well done everyone, it was a joy to watch and be a part of.
of all our little legends, all our participants did a great job,” said Teacher Anita Howarth, who supported the students on the day.
“A huge ‘well-done’ to all our swimmers - your dedication and spirit made us proud!”
Kara, a parent of Zone swimmer Otto, commented on the results and students’ conduct.
“An impressive effort today by everyone,” she said.
“The sportsmanship displayed was something to be immensely proud of too.”
A number of TGPS students will go on to represent the school at the Hunter Swimming Carnival to be held at The Forum at the University of Newcastle on Monday 16 March.
Restaurant and the lucky winner for February was Precy Swadling.
On Wednesday we had 40 men, including 1 visitor, playing. The overall winners with a total of 39 were Greg Smith, Wayne Duggan and Mark Nightingale. The morning winners were decided by the lowest winning score of 10 and the winners were Bob Peady and Phil Bowen. The afternoon
Our regular after-game “sit & chat” was a ripper!
Everyone came off the field pretty pumped and eager to share some stories and relax amongst friends.
Thankyou Lorraine for volunteering to do the laundry this week and Gary and Vicky for taking and sending through the fabulous action shots.
Gary and Vicky, who have been with us since our very first game, are moving
butterfly.
In her Speedo Sprint qualifying events, she took first in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 100 freestyle and 100m backstroke.
Those outstanding results put her on the road to Sydney Olympic Park where, from 21-23 February, Kayleigh competed at the NSW Country Championships, with the local Tea Gardens Public School swimming carnival in between.
In Sydney, Kayleigh swam her heart out yet again, placing first in the 50m backstroke, second in the 50m freestyle (by only three hundredths of a second), third in the 100m freestyle, and fifth in the 50m butterfly.
On 28 February, Kayleigh competed at the Speedo
winners were decided by the lowest winning margin of 1 and the winners were Tony Butler, Dennis Ashbridge and Geoffrey Muggleton. Garden Eatery Voucher was won by Richard Wiles. Thanks to the Garden Eatery for sponsoring this voucher.
Impromptu bowls on Friday afternoons continues to be popular and is producing newer bowlers down to the central coast and next week will be their last regular game with us. We will miss them terribly and wish them all the best in the next chapter of their story. Open invitation to all players, feel free to drop in Wednesday afternoon to help make their last day special and say hooroo.
Our Registration Assistance & Open day on Saturday morning was well attended with mums, dads,
Sprint Finals, which brings together the four fastest children in each event across NSW and the ACT.
The Sprint Finals competition was tough, but a wonderful experience for such a young athlete, and she walked away with third in the 50m backstroke and a hunger for more competition in the near future.
Despite being understandably tired from so much state-level competition, Kayleigh also competed at the Port Stephens Zone carnival on 24 February, where she managed to garner several titles, including Junior Age Champion.
Next she heads to the Regionals on 16 March.
“Kayleigh is doing well and training hard to achieve such wonderful outcomes,” said proud mum Lauren.
who are also having a go on Sundays & Wednesdays.
Saturday all our Open Gender Pennant teams were playing at home. Our Grade 5 teams won the master board by defeating Beresfield 60 to 47. The Grade 6 teams had a very convincing win over Mayfield West Red 99 to 36. The Grade 7 team weren’t as lucky as they were defeated by Beresfield black 71 to 43.
prospective junior soccer players and walking football players alike. The regos’ were flowing freely thanks to our TGSC secretary Alissa and treasurer Kate with their laptops running hot as was the BBQ with free sausage sandwiches a big hit for everyone there.
Our winter season will commence 2nd May. Junior soccer games from 9-11 then Walking Football game(s) from 11am.
q Tea Gardens representatives at the Port Stephens Zone Carnival. Photo: TGPS.
q Kayleigh with her medals at the NSW Country Regionals. Photo: Lauren Churm.
q Kayleigh ran out of hands full of ribbons and a medal representing TGPS. Photo: Lauren Churm.
Bulahdelah Golf Club News
By Thora-Lou SMITH
WEDNESDAY 25th
February was the Ladies' Monthly Mug and the winner was Bernie Newton
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSELL
27th FEBRUARY
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
By Dianne BOWES
CONDITIONS on Saturday were brutal, with the heat and humidity proving to be a deterrent for many of our regulars. Only 24 players contested the 18 hole Par event, but Sue Hair lead the way with a great round of +5, which included a chip in on the 18th. Her nearest rival was Liz Ross who finished all square, followed by Theresa Lonergan (Newcastle Golf Club) and Deb Gardner on -1.
Results: Saturday
Hawks Nest Vets
By Len GOUGH
24/2/2026.
HN VETS
Stableford
Front Nine. Nett Scores
1st Peter Olsen 19c/b
2nd Arthur King 19
3rd Dave Thompson 17c/b
4th John Reynolds 17c/b
Balls down to 15c/b
Back Nine. Nett Scores
1st Keith Glanville 21
2nd Colin Bell 20
3rd Robert Murdoch 19
4th Stephen Taylor 18
Balls down to 14c/b
Nearest to Pin
3rd Noel Quince
5th Rod Brown
10th Terry Hulme
16th Ron Stewart (Birdie)
16th Ross Weightman (Birdie)
Hawks Next Social Club Thursday Night Darts
By John EDWARDS
26th FEBRUARY. Winner’s after a two way playoff between two undefeated teams: Wayne and Daren Rapley. Runners up: Shields and Clint Harris. Ladies highest score: Sharon-101. Men’s highest score: Clinton-140. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm darts start 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
Myall Coast Vets
By Tony SMITH
26/02/2026. STABLEFORD. Monthly Mug.
with a very convincing 68nett from Kath Guyer with 70nett and Meryl Reinhard with 71nett. Meryl got the 8th NTP (and the birdie putt) while Bernie won the 17th jackpot.
The Vets played a
Monday: N/S 1. L
Rands & L Falla, 2. D Dale & J Armstrong, 3. D Hipkins & B Eyre.
E/W 1. L Butler & K McMurray, 2. J
21/2/2026
Ladies 18 Hole Par Event
A Grade Winners: 1st Liz Ross 0; 2nd Theresa Lonergan -1; 3rd Jo Buttrey -3 C/B
B Grade Winners: 1st
Sue Hair -5 (best score of the day); 2nd Deb Gardner -1; 3rd Tanya Sinclair -2 C/B
Place Getters (-2 / -6): Jo Scott, Angela Clipperton, Robyn Richardson, Sue Campton, Dawn Wiggins NTP: Hole 10 A Grade Theresa Lonergan
The ladies played a 2 person Ambrose on Tuesday, a popular event which drew 56 players out for a day of fun at golf. While it was a team event, there were some notable individual highlights. Di Davis had
SPORT RESULTS
2-person Ambrose on Thursday 26th February.
Wayne Pollard & Peter Norman were the best with 63.75nett followed by Ray Mansell & Steph Plackson with 66.25 and Rick Winter & Heta Pierson with 67.75nett. NTPs were
Patfield & L Hulme,
3. S Bowen & A Ryan. Tuesday: 1. H Blackbourn & E Buckpitt, 2. P Lau & J Macintosh, 3. S Fuller & L Butler.
a great birdie on the 5th, chipping from 68 metres out. Rhona Smallcombe had 2 chip ins, on the 7th and the 12th. Others came from Julie Freeland on the 11th from 10 metres out, Sue Hair on the 11th, Janet Merryweather on the 16th and Rosarie Mullins on the 4th. The team of Deb Gardner and Sue Campton birdied the 7th, with a strong drive from Deb, and a monster chip in from Sue from 120 metres out. Great play, ladies!
Results: Tuesday 25/2/2026
Ladies 18 Hole 2 Person
Ambrose
Overall Winners: 1st Deb Matheson & Maxine Mitchell on 70.75; 2nd Dawn Wiggins
Ken Hughes, Heta Pierson and Rod Norberry (who sank the birdie putt). Next week is a 2BBB multiplier (goody!)
Saturday 28th February was the Monthly Mug and the A grade and Mug winner was Alan Crick
Wednesday: N/S 1. B Treharne & S Matheson, 2. A Ryan & E White, 3. P Baily & S Bowen.
Place Getters (72.25 –77): Jo Scott & Tanya Sinclair; Denise Sainty & Liz Ross; Di Smith & Fran Henderson; Deb Gardner & Sue Campton; Sue Kovacs & Kathy Griffiths; Trish Sattler & Sharon Carter Bohemian Spirit NTP Hole 5: Division 1 Kathy Griffiths; Division 2 Sharon Carter; Division 3 Chris Simmons
NTP Hole 10: Division 1 Maxine Mitchell
Another golfing highlight for one of our ladies this week came during the Illawarra Vets Tournament, played at The Links Shellharbour Course.
with 69nett from Toby Carroll with 70nett. Heta Pierson was the B grade winner with 71nett from Dylan Morice with 72nett. Ladies' winner was Lou Smith with 76nett on a c/b from Barbie Gordon. NTPs were Toby, Alan, Darren
E/W 1. S Fuller & D Hipkins, 2. L Butler & S Chopping, 3. J Armstrong & M Rowden. Friday: N/S 1=. B Treharne & S Matheson,
Playing with her 6 iron, Carolyn Affleck scored a magnificent Hole in One on the 3rd hole, a short par 3 (97m) over the water into a stiff southerly. This is Carolyn’s second hole in one over the past 12 months, a fantastic achievement! Congratulations, Carolyn! Thursday was another stifling, humid day for the 44 ladies who played in the Lady Vets 9 hole event off the grey tees. But what a great morning it was for one of our long standing players: Kay Webb, who has been playing Lady Vets for 22 years, set a new Personal Best this morning. Congratulations on your achievement today, Kay! Other individual highlights
and Lou (no-one hit the 8th). Long drivers were Arrin, David Sch, David Sh and Lou. Ray Mansell won the jackpot. The course is looking magnificent – thanks to all who have contributed to its wonderful condition.
1=. T & J Thatcher, 3. J Whalan & C Richards. E/W. 1. J Armstrong & D Dale, 2. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. K Mc Murray & S Aldrich.
included Ann Morris scoring a great birdie on the 10th on her way to a nett 34; Sharon Barwick’s chip in on the 4th; and Robyn Keegan’s round of nett 35 on the front 9. Well played, ladies!
Results: Thursday 26/2/2026
Lady Vets 9 Hole Stroke/ Grey Tees
Winners: 1st Liz Ross -6; 2nd Di Smith -5; 3rd Ann Browning -3; 4th Debbie Booth 0; 5th Karen Serhan 4 NTP Hole 3: Division 1 Robyn Keegan; Division 2 Elsa Jones; Division 3 Sue Hair NTP Hole 16: Division 1 Di Bowes; Division 2 Di Rumble Dickson; Division 3 Ann Browning
3rd.
B 30 c/b C 26
Graeme Bramley
B C
Johnson, Gary Thompson, Dave Campton, Larry 5th Bernardin, Peter Hopkins, William 10th Smith, Lloyd
Quince, Noel Parrett, Peter 16th Potts, David Watson, Andrew Nicholson, Colin Balls to. A 30
c/b
q Hawks Nest player Carolyn Affleck had a Hole in One at the recent Illawarra Vets Golf Tournament.
q Tuesday's winning team of Maxine Mitchell and Deb Matheson.
q The Lady Vets helped Kay Webb celebrate her new PB on Thursday.
q Winners: Wayne and Daren. Runners up: Shields and Clint.
q Ladies and men’s highest score: Sharon and Clint.
& LETTERS
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
The Write Direction
By John BLACKBOURN
Election funding donations
WE have a Federal Election every three years and a State Election every four years.
Governments provide funding for this purpose, while the private sector likes to contribute money by way of donations in order to support the candidate or party of their choice.
Large donations can be viewed on a register available to the general public.
The threshold for declaring donations is triggered for any amount over $16,900, with donations below that level not
required to be disclosed.
While donations in Australian elections equate to a mere pittance of that spent in the USA and other large democracies, the $131 million donated in our 2025 federal election is large enough to make us all think.
So, who is making these large donations and what are they trying to achieve with these funds?
Records show that much of the donated money comes from the fossil fuel industry and lobby groups such as those representing the gambling or hotel sectors.
Well-known companies such as Sportsbet handed out $143,000, Tabcorp $131,500, the Lottery Corporation $123,000, with these funds being spread across Liberal, Labor and National parties.
Banking and financial companies such as Macquarie Group gave $205,000, Westpac $193,000, Commonwealth Bank $174,000 and crypto money groups such as Coinbase $230,000 and Swyftx $201,000.
The Australian Hotels Association donated $314,000 and Hemmes Trading gave $312,000.
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I am doing a complete clean out of my home, but I can't decide what to keep and what to cull.
How do I make these decisions?
Claudia D.
Dear Claudia,
I am the wrong person to ask about this.
When I decide to clean my bedroom, I enter the zone of nostalgia.
Soon, I am surrounded by clothes from the 1990s, boxes of electrical cords that seem important (and yet I have no idea what they belong to), a boxed wedding dress, letters from friends, artworks that no longer suit our decor, but hold fond memories, the kids' baby teeth, orders of service from every funeral I've attended, and childhood teddy bears amongst other items.
No matter how hard I try, I'm unable to take the next step, which is to realise that these are items I will never use again, except to remove them from drawers and put them back with every spring clean.
Marie Kondo would weep over my inability to declutter.
With each item, she would ask if it brought me joy, and I would not have a sufficient answer, except to ponder if joy is really what we are after when we rearrange our belongings.
I suspect it is not the freeing nature of joy, but the sentimental pull of nostalgia.
One of my sons has inherited this sense
Endeavour Group donated $184,000 and Lion Brewing $130,000.
On top of this we have the usual big hitters such as Australia’s wealthiest woman Gina Rinehart and fellow WA group the Holmes a’ Court family donating generously to achieve their objectives.
We also can’t forget Clive Palmer donating to his Trumpet of Patriots.
Elsewhere, the controversial Adani Mining contributed $842,500 and Adelaide personality Pamela Wall gave $5.2 million to the SA Liberal Party.
Some donate to multiple parties, for
Of The Area
of longing. He has it much worse than I do.
A couple of times I have tried to give away some things from his childhood - his Lego, a jar of shells, a size 5 hand-knitted jumper - and he looks at me as though I am trying to sell one of his kidneys.
My daughter, on the other hand, is a Marie Kondo loyalist.
She will throw anything away without a hint of reflection.
Cards, clothes, trophies. She tosses them with abandon.
Whenever she does a cull, I head to the bin and do some surreptitious retrieving.
Somewhere between these extremes is probably where you want to be with your complete cleanout, and there are some great strategies for achieving your goal.
The best one I've found is to clear everything out of the room and then sort your things into four groups: Keep, Move, Donate/Sell and Chuck.
Start with one cupboard and don't move on until you have finished.
If you are trying to work out what to keep, interrogate your reasons.
If it's a pair of shorts, for example, that you've kept for 10 years because you're going to squeeze into them one day, let yourself move on from that thought.
If it's a wedding dress that carries nostalgic memories and you have room for it, you have every right to hold onto it.
Make your decisions quickly. DO NOT SIT DOWN (this is important).
As soon as you sit on the floor and open up that box of photos and letters, Coldplay's Warning Sign playing in the background, you're on your way to an emotionallyoverloaded situation that no amount of storage boxes and Glen 20 will fix.
Carpe diem, Jasminda
example food delivery group Door Dash who splashed out $785,000 to the Libs and $92,500 to the ALP.
It is not clear to me how much the unions or union-dominated superannuation funds donated at election time, but the suggestion is that their large donations would be going to left wing political groups.
All of this should provide the voting public with interesting thoughts as to who is really running the country and who is paying the price needed to move things in their favour.
What mandate for offshore wind zone?
DEAR News Of The Area,
IT’S somewhat laughable that Robina Badger (Letter to the Editor, 19 February) felt “stunned” by community uproar about an offshore power station (wind farm).
There was no political mandate: I’ve lived for 36 years in this coastal strip without hearing one serious election candidate grandly promising to take power generation
into our ocean.
At the Port Stephens Council election, Labor did not, to my knowledge, publicly support any such zone.
Labor’s mayoral candidate had signs declaring her opposition.
Port Stephens Labor MP, Kate Washington, to my knowledge, is yet to call for this proposal and Paterson Labor member, Meryl Swanson, only publicly
touched on it here in the very final days of the last election campaign.
Secondly, it’s incorrect that the proposal was preliminary.
The feasibility licence offer was, in fact, an operational go-ahead, subject only to some box-ticking.
As for the community opposition being well funded, I won’t waste time on conspiracy theories: all I will say is… “Oh please.”
On the subject of aggression, I personally know of instances where locals opposing this wind-zone-on-floaties were threatened in attempted intimidation.
The difference is that they don’t play the continual victim.
Regards, Ian ROBERTS, Fingal Bay.
READING by Lynne Miles: Psalm 103:13"Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear (revere) Him."
ADAM
Patricia Judith
Passed away peacefully on 23.02.2026 Aged 84 years
Late of Tea Gardens
Beloved wife of John (dec’d). A loving mother and mother-in-law to Adam, Damien (dec’d), Kirsten and Anthony. A much loved nan nan to Jackson, Trent, Jessica, Lachlan, Jaime and Molly and great nan nan to Payton Love.
A dear sister and sister-in-law and an adored aunty and friend to many.
Patricia will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Family and Friends of PATRICIA are warmly invited to attend a formal celebration of her life to be held at Tea Gardens Country Club Yalinbah Street, Tea Gardens on FRIDAY 06.03.2026 at 2:00pm
McLeod’s Daughters co-stars Michala Banas and Brett Tucker (both pictured) reunite for this Kiwi murder mystery with a kooky twist. Recently retired from the Sydney homicide squad for reasons they’re not willing to discuss, married couple Vinny (Banas) and Cole (Tucker) head across the ditch for a fresh start, buying a rundown retro motel in a seaside town near Auckland. It’s not quite the dream they had in mind though – the plumbing’s a disaster, the sign is permanently askew… and there’s a dead body in one of the rooms.
FRIDAY, March 6
7.00 ABC News.
(PG, R)
7.35 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh visits a colourful slice of Malta.
8.35 Professor T. (PGa) Professor T is out of prison.
9.25 Tonight At The Museum. (PG, R) Hosted by Alex Lee. 9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 10.25 Dog Park. (M, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R) 12.00 Smother. (Mls, R) 1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
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 BattleBots. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
TUESDAY
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT
NBN, 7.30pm
Rolling green hills, tranquil bird song and luxurious accommodation – it might sound relaxing but there’s no surer way to ensure chaos and conflict among Married at First Sight than the series’ infamous Retreat Week. Like a days-long dinner party, the couples are encouraged to mingle, gain a fresh perspective and find out if their connections really work outside the four walls of their Sydney apartments. This year, it’s a bad joke that has sent the experiment into meltdown – with the fallout isolating Rachel and Steven from the rest of the group. At the final drinks night, Bec (pictured) is caught at the centre of the drama as the lingering tensions reach an explosive conclusion.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World.
9.25 Fly With Me. (Ml, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Sisi. (PGa)
12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)
3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY CREATIVE TYPES WITH VIRGINIA
“I’m not really drawn to heroes,” admits actor Hugo Weaving. Perhaps most famous The
’s menacing Agent Smith, the Sydney-based star aims to find the humanity within the fractured and complex men he plays on screen and stage – be it English cricket captain Douglas Jardine in Bodyline or monstrous father David in Patrick Melrose. Strolling around Sydney with host Virginia Trioli (pictured left, with Weaving) for this brilliant arts-focused interview series, Weaving shares insights on his career, iconic roles and creative process. A fascinating figure who refuses the Hollywood life, Weaving finds a sense of place and belonging in telling Australian stories.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth.
10.20 MOVIE: Anna. (2019, MA15+av, R) A woman becomes a feared government assassin. Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren.
12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy and Colette feel the heat.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015, MA15+alv, R) An FBI agent is enlisted to help fight the war on drugs. Emily Blunt.
1.00 Next Stop.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
SATURDAY, March 7
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 In The Room. (Ml, R) 1.25 Professor T. (PGa, R) 2.15 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PGa, R) 5.00 Nick Cave And Warren Ellis At Hanging Rock. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Premiere, PG)
Follows two married Australian detectives.
8.20 Top End Bub. (Premiere, PG)
A couple’s perfect Adelaide life is interrupted when a family tragedy strikes and they’re forced to return to Darwin.
8.50 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is shot while celebrating 50 years of police service at the yacht club.
9.50 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
10.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 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. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (PG, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Round 3. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Light Years: Olive Cotton. (R) 5.30 Emilie Schindler: Woman In The Shadow.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Final)
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R)
9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGa, R)
10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Women.
12.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men.
3.15 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)
4.15 Going Places. (PGl, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far.
9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Evening session.
12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)
8.30 Dog Park. (Final, Ml) It’s the day of Samantha and Steve’s wedding.
9.00 This England. (Final, MA15+l)
The country continues to cope with COVID. 10.05 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) Follows two married Australian detectives.
10.55 Top End Bub. (PG, R)
11.20 MOVIE: Partisan. (2015, MA15+v, R)
1.00 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)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
IN
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 4. Harbour City GP. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.00 Rehabilitating. (PGa, R) 5.30 Women Of WWII: The Untold Stories. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow. (Premiere) 9.15 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) 10.55 Roberta Flack. (PGa, R) 12.25 Jackie And Lee: A Tale Of Two Sisters. (Ma, R)
1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 1.
Heroines. 3.00 Making Waves: Extraordinary Women. 3.30 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS News Compass Points. 5.00 SBS50. 5.10 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.05 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Discovering Film. 7.30 The Remains Of The Day. (1993, PG) 10.00 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Mass. (2021, M) 2.20 The Movie Show. 2.55 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.50 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.35 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 8.30 Braveheart. (1995, MA15+) 11.50 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 1.35am Black Swan. (2010, MA15+) 3.30 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 8.15 Discovering Film. 9.00 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 10.50 While We’re Young. (2014, M) 12.40pm The Winter Guest. (1997, M) 2.40 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 4.45 Mosley. (2019, PG) 6.35 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Hurt Locker. (2008, MA15+) 10.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 1.15am Braveheart. (1995, MA15+) 4.25 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Agency Randwick Guineas Day and Super Saturday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991, G, R) A family plans a wedding. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton.
10.40 MOVIE: Moonstruck. (1987, PGal, R) Cher.
12.35 Epic Builds. (R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
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)
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6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGad, R) A loving deaf couple try to break through a cavoodle’s separation anxiety.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. After years of impasse, an intervention is necessary for a Hunters Hill couple. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
11.00 Matlock. (PGs, R) Olympia and Matty each put together their own collateral for Julian, hoping to regain his trust after he makes a shocking discovery. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.00 Billy Joel Live At Madison Square Garden. (PGl, R)
10.00 The Hunters. (Mav, R)
11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl)
12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 2. Highlights. 12.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)
8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.45 9News Late.
10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: Rocky Mountain Murder Spree. (MA15+asv)
11.15 The First 48. (Mav, R)
12.05 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Surfing Australia. 8.30 Surfing. Australian Boardriders Battle. 6.30pm The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Three Thousand Years Of Longing. (2022, M) 12.35am Prodigal Son. (Premiere) 2.15 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, M) 4.20 Surfing Australia TV. 4.50 Barney’s World. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Hop. 6am Children’s Programs. 7.30 Rugby Sevens. SVNS Series Perth. H’lights. 8.30 Surfing. Aust Boardriders Battle. 6.10pm MOVIE: Encino Man. (1992, PG) 8.00 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, M) 10.00 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s European Vacation. (1985, M) Midnight Gotham. 12.55 Arrow. 2.35 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance Championship. Round 1. Qatar 1812 km. Highlights. Replay. 3.40 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00
Emergency. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia v Korea Republic. 10.30 Gold Wars Downunder. (Premiere, Ml) Follows three hardcore mining teams. 11.30 MOVIE: The Lost City. (2022, Masv, R) A romance novelist gets kidnapped. Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum. 1.45 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 2.10 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) 3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
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9GEM (82)
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ABC FAMILY (22)
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MONDAY, March 9
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 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. (Ml) 11.30 The Old Man. (MA15+v, R) 12.40 Kate And Larapinta.
1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 2. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids
TUESDAY, March 10
Black Swans. (R) 9.35 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Ml, R) 10.05 Compass. (R) 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 ABC National Forum. (R) 12.05 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (Premiere) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics. 10.10 The Agenda Setters. (Return) 11.10 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+ls, R)
12.10 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 100% Footy. (Return, Mal) Features the latest rugby league news. 10.00 9News Late.
(2015, PG) 6.20 Mosley. (2019, PG) 8.10 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PG) 10.05 Oliver’s Universe. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Discovering Film. 1.05 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 3.05 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.55 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 6.40 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 8.30 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 11.10 The Lives Of Others. (2006, MA15+, German) 1.35am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.05 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 8.10 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 10.00 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 12.35pm Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 3.00 Mosley. (2019, PG) 4.45 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.40 Summerland. (2020, PG) 8.30 Days Of Heaven. (1978, PG) 10.15 And So It Goes. (2014, M) Midnight Secretary. (2002, MA15+) 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane makes a huge decision.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Ma) At Jake’s father’s funeral, grief helps clarify his feelings for Amy.
11.55 The Carnival. (MA15+l, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 3. 3.15 Safe Home. (Malv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mav) Follows the work of an ambulance service. 11.10 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.10 Dirty John. (Premiere, MA15+v)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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WEDNESDAY, March 11
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (Premiere)
8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG)
9.25 Prisoner 951. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Face To Face. (Mals)
11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malv)
12.45 MOVIE: Cold Water. (2023, PGa)
1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 4. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Return, Ml) 11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop:
6am Black
Narcissus. (1947, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.20 Summerland. (2020, PG) 10.15 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.20pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.15 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 4.00 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 5.50 Callie & Son. (1981) 8.30 Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 10.40 Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+) 2am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, March 12
(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma) 9.35 A Spy Among Friends.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)
8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ml) A driver tries to U-turn on the Harbour Bridge.
8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Diary. (2001, Mlv, R) A woman documents a year of her life through her diary. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth.
10.30 To Be Advised. 12.10 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Callie & Son. (1981) 8.45 Days Of Heaven. (1978, PG) 10.30 And So It Goes. (2014, M) 12.15pm Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 2.25 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 4.20 Summerland. (2020, PG) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 8.30 Unforgiven. (1992, M) 10.55 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 1.25am Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+) 4.35 The Movie Show. 5.10 Discovering Film.
DRAMA
DRAMA
COAST
By Thomas O'KEEFE
STUDENTS from Tea Gardens Public School (TGPS) did themselves and their teammates proud with sensational performances at the Port Stephens Zone Swimming Carnival on Monday 23 February.
Hosted at the Raymond Terrace Leisure Centre, TGPS students participated in multiple age-group events, with victories in three out of the six overall Age Champion Divisions.
Xavier Jordaan came away with the medal for best Junior Boy, James Howard took out best 11-years Boy,
q Medallists (L-R) James, Kayleigh and Xavier. Photo: TGPS.
