THE STARS came out at the Pindimar-Bundabah Winter Warmer Trivia Night, celebrated in classic local fashion at the Pindimar Fire Shed on Saturday 25 July.
The theme of this year’s Winter Warmer was ‘Hollywood Glamour OpShop’, which sent many hunting through local op shops and others unearthing longheld heirlooms to augment their omnipresent fashion ensembles.
The Pindimar Fire Shed held dozens of culture personalities, alongside genuinely glamorous red-carpet attire, all of whom were up for the ‘Best Dressed’ prize, which was eventually won by Tim,
CONTINUED Pages 2
HEARTBREAK TO HEALING
By Thomas O’KEEFE
q The Kathys dynamic duo expertly ran the trivia night.
Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Christine
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Fire shed transformed for Hollywood-themed
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channeling Mexican folk and film hero Zorro, and Sharon’s authentic 1920s Prohibition-era style.
Other essences present included Indiana Jones, various cowboys and jillaroos, a James Bond or two, several fur coats (real and notso-much), many big hats and robes, and even a Clark Kent/Superman transformation.
Several local traditions returned, including the coin toss for the all-too-good locally brewed butterscotch schnapps– this year’s batch was particularly smooth among its predecessors.
Soup and damper was served, lovingly prepared by the Pindimar Bundabah Community Association team, just one of many
efforts over days in prelude to the event.
Trivia ensued in several rounds, topics ranging from movies, to music and actors, famous lines, and even devilish anagrams, with a truly baffling Baffler question over-arching all.
One or two actors’ names were butchered in the process, however there was enough movie trivia prowess within the room to make out all the questions, and most of the answers, as the Kathys (Kathy Gillespie and Kathy Jones) led the affair with an early start.
Veterans of the event, both KG and KJ managed to corral the crowd through pub-style trivia questions, costume and drawing competitions, and eventual awards presentations, with trivia team ‘7th Heaven’ coming in first after a three-way tie for second.
The usually drafty hall was warmed by an expertly maintained wood heater, and the several dozen bodies present, so many were reluctant to step out into the unrelenting cold when it was all over by 9pm.
The enormous effort by the Committee of the PBCA cannot be underestimated, nor shall it be when the annual Pindimar Markets come around, on again and scheduled for Saturday 24 October this year.
“What a great night! Thanks so much for everyone who attended this year and supporting the PBCA, this event supports things the PBCA builds and improves around our towns,” Kathy Jones said.
“Everyone who dressed up and joined the fun and helped with the night, thank you!”
q Sharon and Tim won the ‘best dressed’ prizes. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Trivia winners ‘7th Heaven’ team. Photo: PBCA.
q A big, warm room on a cold winter’s night in Pindimar. Photo: PBCA.
q The schnapps bottle was the target for many at the coin toss. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Sienna records personal best in top flight company
SIENNA Newton soared to a new personal best in the Women’s Long Jump T38 Final during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to finish fifth in a quality international field.
The 19-year-old, a product of the Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre, endured a long journey to represent her nation in the green and gold.
According to the website Australian Athletics, Sienna battled brain cancer as a child, which required surgery, and she was left with leftsided weakness.
Despite continuing to compete in able-bodied events throughout her childhood, she eventually
received a para-assessment that classified her as T38.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold wished Wallawong resident Sienna Newton the very best as she prepared to represent Australia in the T38 Long Jump event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She said, regardless of the result in Glasgow, Sienna had already made her community very proud.
“We know she will give her absolute best and, regardless of the result, she has already made us immensely proud,” she said.
Ms Penfold acknowledged that Sienna had demonstrated remarkable dedication, perseverance
and resilience throughout her sporting journey.
“Sienna’s achievements are an inspiration to our community, and we are incredibly proud to see her wearing the green and gold,” Ms Penfold said.
Ms Penfold acknowledged the dedication of Sienna’s family, coach and support team, whose encouragement and commitment helped make the achievement possible.
She said Sienna was a wonderful role model for young Australians, demonstrating that hard work, perseverance and self-belief could overcome obstacles and lead to remarkable success.
by David Collins
An 88-year-old woman owned a property in Bronte and wanted to sell it to fund her move into a retirement village.
It was her only remaining substantial asset, and she had already sold other properties to treat her children fairly.
Her daughter-in-law had been living there with her children and argued she had been promised she could stay indefinitely and would one day inherit the home. When the couple separated, the owner decided to sell.
The daughter-in-law's claim relied on proprietary estoppel, the law's way of holding someone to a property promises even without a formal contract. To succeed, she needed to show a clear promise, that she relied on it, and that she suffered real disadvantage as a result.
The Supreme Court found in favour of the owner. The alleged promise was too vague
to be binding, the daughter-inlaw's actions weren't shown to flow from it, and the owner's changed circumstances justified selling. Even if a promise existed, handing over the property would have been wildly out of proportion to any disadvantage suffered.
The lessons for families:
1. Casual promises about property or inheritance can create expectations, and disputes, but rarely bind.
2. Put genuine intentions in writing, through a will or formal agreement.
3. Contemporaneous records like texts often decide the outcome.
4. The law delivers fairness, not windfalls.
If you've made or relied on such a promise, get proper advice and documentation now.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
q Many thanks to the PBCA Committee for their huge efforts. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Sienna Miller: Photo: Declan Large.
Lyne MP launches small business survey
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold MP is calling on local small business owners to "get it off their liver" by taking part in a new survey designed to put the real experiences of regional businesses back at the centre of policy making.
She believes governments have become too comfortable telling businesses how they
If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August , you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.
should operate instead of listening to the people who take the risks, create jobs, and keep regional communities alive.
Ms Penfold said it was time for the government to stop dictating to small businesses and start responding to small businesses.
She said she wanted to hear directly from local business owners about what was working, what wasn’t, and what support they needed to succeed.
“Too often governments think they know best,” Ms Penfold said.
“They regulate more, tax more, ask businesses to fill out more forms and then wonder why productivity has stalled.
“Every successful small business owner knows that if you don't listen to your customers, you won't be in business for long. Governments should learn the same lesson.”
Ms Penfold said small businesses were far more than economic statistics.
She said they were at the heart of a community, creating local jobs, supporting local families and playing a vital role in keeping our towns and neighbourhoods thriving.
"They're the people who employ our neighbours, sponsor the local football club, donate to school raffles, support charities, coach junior sport and volunteer in our communities,” Ms Penfold said.
“They're the backbone of our local towns, yet too often they feel like they're treated as an afterthought.”
Ms Penfold’s survey, Launching The Bottom Line: Small Business Reality Survey, asks business owners about the issues which most affect their ability to grow, employ more people and remain profitable.
She expects these issues to include rising costs, workforce shortages, housing, infrastructure, energy, regulation and government red tape.
The survey also includes a dedicated "Get It Off Your Liver" section, to give business owners the opportunity to speak candidly about the frustrations they face every day.
“I don't want another glossy report that sits on a shelf,” Ms Penfold said.
"I want to hear directly from the people who are living these challenges every day so we can identify practical reforms which improve productivity, reduce unnecessary burdens and make it easier to run a business.”
Ms Penfold said the survey would form the basis of future advocacy in Canberra and would also help inform a local Small Business Roundtable to develop practical solutions for the region.
“Policy should be built from the ground up - not imposed from the top down,” she said.
“Small business owners understand risk because they live it every day. They invest their own money, employ local people and carry the responsibility of keeping their businesses afloat.
“Governments should spend less time assuming they know what's best and more time listening to those who are actually creating jobs and growing our economy.”
Ms Penfold is encouraging every small business owner from the Hastings to the Hunter - from sole traders through to larger family businesses - to take 10 minutes to complete the survey.
“The more businesses which participate, the stronger our case is to get the policies which help your business thrive,” she said.
q Ms Penfold addressing the media in Canberra at Parliament House.
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as their health declined and, ultimately, saying goodbye to them within nine months of each other.
“I didn't write this book because I had all the answers,” said Ms Allen.
“I wrote it because I know what it feels like to be exhausted, heartbroken, and desperately searching for hope.”
“My prayer is that readers will feel less alone and discover that even in grief, God can bring beauty from brokenness.”
Grief’s Gift also provides practical support for family caregivers, covering topics such as navigating aged-care
services, making difficult decisions, advocating for loved ones, and finding hope in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.
Carmen Allen’s previous works have been celebrated with awards, including the internationally read Molly Greenwood Adventures children's series.
While her children's books point young readers toward courage, character, and hope, Grief's Gift shares the deeply personal story behind the author herself.
Through both fiction and nonfiction, her writing explores themes of hope, faith, resilience, and finding purpose
through life's challenges.
To celebrate the launch of the memoir, Ms Allen hosted an in-person book launch event at Tomaree Library, Salamander Bay, on Saturday 18 July 2026.
The event included readings from the book, guest interviews, and practical encouragement for caregivers and those navigating grief, and proved to be a huge success with over eighty attendees on the day.
Grief's Gift is available online in paperback, eBook and companion journal formats, for more information, contact Carmen at: contact@ carmenLallen.com.
Lifesaving addition for busy Stroud Showground
By Jacie WHITFIELD
THOUSANDS of people attend events at Stroud Showground each year, and the community is now better prepared should a medical emergency occur thanks to the installation of a publicly accessible defibrillator.
The automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed near the Stroud and District Tennis Club, ensuring the lifesaving equipment is available for sporting
fixtures, community events and visitors using the showground precinct.
Club secretary Peta Smith said the need for a defibrillator became clear because of the number of people who regularly use the venue.
“Stroud Showground, where the tennis courts are located, is home to many significant community events that attract thousands of people annually,” Ms Smith said.
“Therefore, we recognised the immediate
community need for a publicly accessible defibrillator at the showground.”
An AED can deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm in someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, improving their chances of survival while emergency services are on their way.
Ms Smith said the club hoped the device would never need to be used.
“We hope we never have to use the defibrillator,
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however we now feel better prepared to manage an emergency at the showground and to offer someone a better chance at survival,” she said.
“There is no training required to use an AED. Once it is removed from its case, it speaks to you and delivers the instructions on what to do every step of the way.
“We do encourage locals to familiarise themselves with the location of the AED should the worst happen.”
The Stroud and District Tennis Club, which has around 35 members, offers court hire to casual players and non-members, Monday night mixed competitions during school terms, and coaching for players of all ages and abilities.
The project was made possible through a $2,500 contribution from Stratford Coal's Community Support Program.
Operations Manager John Cullen said placing
AEDs in busy public locations could make a critical difference during emergencies.
“AEDs are vital in emergency situations, so it is crucial they are in public places with high foot traffic,” Mr Cullen said.
“They can significantly increase the survival rate of an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
“Local residents and visitors to the showground can feel safer knowing the defibrillator is within reach if needed.”
q Author Carmen Allen with her new book Grief’s Gift Supplied: Carmen Allen
Flood recovery focus shifts to reconstruction works
SINCE the May 2025 flood, MidCoast Council has completed $42 million worth of emergency and immediate repair work, with a large quantity of reconstruction work now in the pipeline.
With the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) having now assessed most of Council’s funding submissions for emergency works, the focus is now moving to Essential Public Asset (EPA) reconstruction works. These are recovery works which may not be considered an emergency but are needed to restore assets back to the condition they were in prior to the flood event.
Mayor Claire Pontin said that at current estimates, there is over $240 million worth of EPA reconstruction works needed across the MidCoast.
"So far, Council has submitted EPA reconstruction funding claims to NSWRA to the value of over $112 million," said Mayor Pontin.
"These works require extensive planning and design, with each stage needing NSWRA approval before we can go to tender.
"For each project, there are quite a few steps that happen behind the scenes before reconstruction begins on the ground."
Depending on the type of work, these steps can include geotechnical investigations; preliminary design; scoping and costing; detailed design; and contractor engagement.
As approvals come through from NSWRA, the community will see more reconstruction work getting underway on our roads and bridges.
In some cases, such as The Bight Bridge, Council has been able to collaborate with
NSWRA to do multiple steps at the same time. NSWRA agreed to fund the technical investigations and preliminary designs of The Bight Bridge replacement simultaneously, which saved time. The preliminary designs are currently with NSWRA, with a response expected in coming weeks. Once this happens, Council will be able to obtain competitive tender pricing and seek upper limit funding approvals. NSWRA will then need to consider detailed bridge designs and the engagement of a contractor.
Tiri Bridge is at a similar phase, with preliminary approval from NSWRA expected soon.
Funding claims for major sealed road corridors, including The Bucketts Way, Thunderbolts Way and Manning River Drive
have been submitted and are awaiting NSWRA assessment.
Design and investigation is currently underway for Thunderbolts Way at Mares Run, and the slip at River Road, Glenthorne, while the claim for Baxter’s Ridge Slip is currently being assessed by NSWRA.
Across the MidCoast, Council has identified well over 4,000 separate damage locations on our roads, over 100 landslips, and over 70 damaged bridges.
Mayor Pontin explained that to put it into perspective, Council would ordinarily do around $60 million worth of road renewals and maintenance across a financial year.
“The EPA reconstruction work alone is the equivalent of several years’ worth of normal roadworks, explained Mayor Pontin.
"We have engaged a number of contract staff to help work through the thousands of damage claims we are submitting to NSWRA.”
q Preliminary design for the replacement Bight Bridge submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Image submitted by MidCoast Council.
NEIL DIAMOND The
Tasmania
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Thursday walkers keep moving through winter
By Thomas O’KEEFE
A WONDERFUL start to July saw the local Thursday walkers group begin the month of trekking with a hike out at Boat Harbour, seeking whales migrating the humpback highway, with blue sky, sunshine, a gradually increasing breeze and a balmy 24 degrees.
“It was quite a contrast to last year, when winds actually blew three of the group off their feet,” Ray Hughes told News Of The Area.
Initially following Boat Harbour’s designated whale watching path out to a rocky headland, the walkers could spot several spray plumes in the distance, before moving around to the other side of the bay to follow part of the Tomaree coastal track over rock shelves and more headlands and vantage points.
The odd sighting of a leviathan’s huge flipper, a body roll and a tail slap or two were also happily witnessed, no matter how distant.
The second week’s forecast of showers did
not deter an enthusiastic group from exploring a new walking track from Lorn to Bolwarra.
The early part, through many streets of Lorn, passed some magnificent old heritage houses, with quite a contrast in buildings: huge homes on huge blocks and smaller buildings, some brick and some weatherboard, most with long established gardens.
“It led to the Icky Sticky Patisserie, where all purchased treats to have with morning tea, whilst we watched a big black cloud looming in the distance,” Mr Hughes said.
“The rain hit a kilometre away from the scheduled morning tea stop, forcing everybody to scurry. Fortunately we came across a local bowling club, although nobody was there, so we took refuge on the verandah till the rain stopped, then later had lunch at the Bolwarra Lookout and took in the turf plains below”.
The following week’s plan was to extend further north up June’s Hawks Nest Nature Walk, past the surf
club and running parallel to the beach, but winter’s rains meant cancellation once again.
“A hastily reconvened Wet Thursday morning coffee club got a large group together to celebrate ‘Christmas in July’, with all dressing to the theme, sharing laughter and frivolity contributing to the unofficial mantra of a “walking group with a talking problem,” Mr Hughes explained.
Bright sunshine and a cool breeze was the order of the day for a walk around Pindimar Bay led by local Lesley Lane who shared some local history.
Setting off from the South Pindimar picnic grounds onto Piggies Beach, a very low tide offered the shoreline or out onto the sandflats.
An opportune extremely low tide at the southern end of the beach allowed the group to continue, with wet shoes, climbing over upended trees and exposed tree roots to find a small secluded beach area for the morning tea stop, then a hasty retreat the same way to ensure the inlet wasn’t too
deep with the changing tide.
The final walk for the month was blessed with sunshine and a very cool breeze, with an uneventful drive to Stockton to catch the ferry across to Queen’s Wharf and then follow the “Bathers Way” along the coastline to Merewether.
A wonderful walk ensued, past Nobby’s Beach, Newcastle Ocean Baths,
the World Pool site and Newcastle Beach, then a meander through Fletcher Park, King Edward Park and on to Strzelecki Lookout before coming to the Newcastle Memorial Walk.
The group appreciated the ANZAC Walk’s commemoration of the centenary of ANZAC and those Novocastrians who enlisted in the First World
War, as well as its stunning views back over the city on one side and out to sea on the other.
Down to Bar Beach, over another headland to Dixon Beach and on to Merewether for a well-deserved lunch break at the Surf Club.
Ambitious scheduled walks for August include from Grahamstown Dam, along the wetlands to Raymond Terrace, Glenrock SCA to Merewether Surf Club, Bennett’s Beach to Yacaaba Headland, and a Morpeth Meander.
q The wet Thursday morning coffee and Christmas in July at Benchmark, July 16 (Photo: Robyn)
q Slot Canyon, Boat Harbour on 2nd July (Photo: Lorraine)
q Pindimar Walkabout saw roots exposed by the sea on 23 July (Photo: Judy)
Helping kids and teens build relationships offline
By Eve NESMITH
WITH the ban on under16s using social media, the Government has recognised a need to fill the void and help youth connect in real life (IRL) and invested more than $2million in grassroots programs across NSW to help children and youth build healthy relationships offline.
The Connect IRL program is the direct result of feedback from young people who, at a worldfirst social media summit, asked for more government support to find a sense of community and belonging.
The program aims to help create a generation of young people who feel connected, supported and part of their community by bringing friendship, belonging and connection back into physical spaces.
“We’ve seen the research. We know that high social media usage is linked with loneliness and distress in young people and every
parent knows that our kids are spending more time online,” said the Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson.
“With nationwide social media restrictions now in place, we need to make sure we’re filling that void with meaningful connection, ensuring they have opportunities to connect inperson.
“This program has been designed with young people, for young people. It’s exactly the kind of practical investment that helps young people thrive and I can’t wait to see these projects in action.”
The program can be accessed through a range of outlets, such as sports training, creative workshops and structured mentoring, to appeal to a broad mix of young people.
The Connect IRL Grants Program is administered by the Premier’s Department, co-funded by the recently created NSW Office for Youth.
Through the program, 11
q The ban on social media has left some kids and teens without social networks. Image: pvproductions on Magnific.
not-for-profit organisations will deliver community lead projects from Sydney to Boggabilla, creating more opportunities for young people to get off their phones and engage with people in their communities.
“We know that when young people feel safe, valued and connected, they are more likely to thrive and give back to the communities they live in,” said BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson.
“Through this project young people who are engaged with BackTrack will have regular opportunities to connect in device-free spaces that are grounded in real life – from group conversations about things that matter to them, to boots-on-the-ground activities on Country.
“This connection is the foundation from which young people can build confidence, independence and a sense of real belonging.”
•
•
Take action now on farm biosecurity
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has urged farmers to urgently review
their biosecurity plans, as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza spreads.
Testing last week confirmed the influenza strain had spread between
wild birds on Australian soil for the first time since the disease’s detection last month.
NFF CEO Mike Guerin said the news is unwelcome, but not unexpected.
“Unfortunately, this is a turning point in the spread of this disease,” Mr Guerin said.
“We take comfort in the fact there’s been no mass mortality events, and there have been no detections in agriculture.
“But while this outbreak
is currently a concern for wildlife, now is the time for all farmers to review their biosecurity plans.
“Bird flu poses a serious threat to poultry, as well as a much smaller crossspecies risk across livestock industries.
“It’s imperative that farmers record accurate people and animal movements in their biosecurity plans and look for ways to reduce risks.”
There are 33 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Australia, across four states.
Mr Guerin said the spread of the disease reinforced the importance of strong biosecurity.
"We continue to advocate
for the strengthening of Australia’s biosecurity systems," Mr Guerin said.
"We'll keep working closely with Government and our members to monitor the situation and support a coordinated national response.
"Industry and Government have both invested heavily for years to prepare for this, and have learned lessons from outbreaks of other strains, including H7."
Farmers are encouraged to report any sick birds or animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Visit birdflu.gov.au for more information.
One in four Aussies skip heating or cooling due to the cost
By Eve NESMITH
TEMPERATURE extremes at either end of the thermometer carry inherent risk for vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, yet more than one in four admit they’ve gone without in times of need due to the cost.
A recent survey revealed that 27 per cent of Australians, which is 5.7 million people, fell into this category.
Research showed the matter was mostly a young person’s issue, with 1 in 3 in gen Z (36 per cent) and millennials (32 per cent) saying they’ve gone without heating or cooling for financial reasons, compared to 13 per cent of baby boomers.
Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at comparison site Finder, which commissioned the research, said Australia was in the grip of an energy affordability crisis.
"Going without heating in winter or cooling in summer isn't just uncomfortable – it can be genuinely dangerous,” she said.
“While heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster, the cold poses serious risks too, particularly for the elderly, young children and those with existing health conditions.”
1 in 4 people say they have never gone without, but they worry that keeping warm in winter or cool in summer could become a luxury they can no longer afford.
Gabaji said it was
alarming that so many were being forced into a situation that put their health at risk.
"Nobody should have to choose between paying their energy bill and staying comfortable in their own home, but that is the reality for millions of people right now.”
Gabaji said there were steps Australians could take to reduce their exposure to expensive energy bills without sacrificing their health.
"Heating and cooling account for up to half of the average energy bill, so targeting those appliances –making sure they're running efficiently and only when needed – can make a real difference,” she said.
Tips to save on energy
costs:
– Switch energy providers. It's likely you're missing out on significant savings if you haven't compared and switched energy plans in over 12 months. Previous Finder analysis shows Australians paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for their energy last year.
– Implement small habit changes. Where you can, skip the dryer and hang your clothes. Remember to only run the washer or dishwasher when full, and don’t cram the fridge - let hot food cool before storing so it runs efficiently.
– Take advantage of energy rebates and concessions. Energy rebates and concessions from your state or the federal government can help take some pressure
off your energy bills. They're generally available for eligible households, including people on lower incomes, pensioners, seniors and those with certain medical needs, such as relying on life-support equipment. The easiest way to find out if you qualify is to contact your energy provider and/or or visit your state government's website.
– Add extra insulation to your home if you can. This will keep your home warm in winter and cool during the summer. It's expensive but pays for itself in a few years as your appliances such as heaters or air conditioners don't have to work as hard to get to the temperature you're comfortable with. If you’re renting, you can DIY with weatherproof tape.
New pathway to support people in mental health crisis
By Jacie WHITFIELD
PEOPLE experiencing a mental health emergency will soon have access to a more targeted, health-led response, with new specialist teams set to provide support and connect them with the right care in their local communities.
The NSW Government has announced a new model of care backed by more than $270 million over 10 years, designed to ensure people in crisis are supported by mental health professionals who can assess their needs and provide appropriate help.
Under the new system, people who call Triple Zero (000) during a mental health crisis may be connected with dedicated mental health experts who can provide immediate support, arrange
follow-up care and link them with services best suited to their situation.
This could include counselling, local mental health services or assistance from a new specialist Mental Health Acute Assessment Team within NSW Ambulance.
The teams will include a paramedic and specialist mental health nurse who will provide face-to-face support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
They will assess each person’s needs, help connect them with ongoing care and arrange transport to a NSW Health facility if required.
A new statewide Virtual Mental Health Hub will also provide clinical advice to frontline responders, helping ensure decisions are made with specialist mental health input.
More than 100 new fulltime roles will be created as the model is introduced across NSW.
The NSW Government said the changes were developed following consultation with mental health consumers, families, carers, clinicians, advocacy groups, unions, NSW Health and NSW Police.
The reform follows recommendations from the Bondi Junction Coronial Inquest, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health care and a NSW Police review into responses to mental health incidents.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said people experiencing a mental health crisis deserved access to the right support at the right time.
“When someone is
experiencing a mental health crisis, they need the right care from the right people and that’s exactly what this new health-led responder approach will do,” Ms Jackson said.
“We have worked carefully with consumers, carers, clinicians, industrial bodies and partner agencies to design a model that is safe, effective and equitable to ensure it meets the community’s needs.”
Ms Jackson said people should continue to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
“The difference is that now when people call Triple Zero (000) during a mental health crisis, they can be connected with clinical support earlier and cared for in the least restrictive way possible,” she said.
“Our goal is simple; increase access to mental
health care, improve outcomes for affected individuals, reduce pressure on our hospital emergency departments and reduce stigma when it comes to asking for help across the community.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police would continue to attend situations where a police response was required
“Police have worked cooperatively with NSW Health to develop this model of care,” Ms Catley said.
“It is critical that people experiencing mental health emergencies get the care they need.
“Police will always respond when a police response is required to ensure public safety and the safety of those responding. That does not change.”
The new health-led response model will complement existing services, including the Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) program, which supports police and paramedics responding to mental health incidents.
The Government said community safety would remain a priority during all emergency situations.
People experiencing a medical emergency should continue to call Triple Zero (000).
For specialist mental health support, the Mental Health Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 511. The free service is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can provide advice and referrals to local services.
q Transmission among native birds has been confirmed among greater crested terns. Photo: AAP Image/Andrew Stafford.
q Warmth should not be a luxury in winter. Image: magnific.
Art that speaks through silence arrives in the Manning
By Jacie WHITFIELD
A NATIONALLY touring fibre art exhibition is set to headline the latest exhibition season at Manning Regional Art Gallery, with two thoughtprovoking displays opening to the public from 31 July to 19 September.
Echoes and Silences, presented by Untethered Fibre Artists, features the work of 20 contemporary fibre artists from across Australia.
The exhibition showcases 38 intricately crafted
artworks exploring themes including landscape, oceans, memory, emotion and silence.
Artists also delve into deeply personal subjects such as grief, disability, women's experiences and connections with the natural environment.
Each work offers a unique perspective while demonstrating the expressive possibilities of contemporary fibre art.
Joining the exhibition program is Letters for a Lover by Eric Löbbecke.
Inspired by the disappearance of his
grandfather during World War II and his grandmother's quiet acts of remembrance in Vienna, the exhibition explores themes of memory, loss and human connection.
Through ceramic bells, paintings and photogravures, Löbbecke transforms his family's history into an immersive artistic experience.
A central ceramic bell, which visitors are invited to ring, adds an interactive element encouraging reflection on remembrance and emotional connection.
The exhibitions will officially open at 6pm on Friday, 31 July.
Opening night will also
serve as a Friends of the Gallery fundraising event, with all members of the community invited to attend.
According to the exhibition organisers, Echoes and Silences is the third exhibition in Untethered Fibre Artists' five-year exhibition cycle, bringing together diverse artistic voices that explore shared experiences through contemporary fibre practice.
Both exhibitions will remain on display at Manning Regional Art Gallery until 19 September, offering visitors the opportunity to experience nationally recognised contemporary art alongside a deeply personal exploration of history and remembrance.
Talking renewables: Choosing conversation over conflict
By John WATTS
WHEN it comes to renewable energy, Gloucester residents know there are plenty of opinions – but a community workshop on Sunday, July 26th proved there's also a strong appetite for respectful conversation and reliable information.
Residents from across the Gloucester region joined others from Hawks Nest and the Mid North Coast for the Yes2Renewables workshop hosted by Gloucester Transitions at Barrington
By John 'Stinker' CLARKE
Community Hall.
The interactive session explored practical ways to identify misinformation,
build trust and have constructive conversations about Australia's energy transition.
to occasionally travel by horse and cart into Nelson Bay for supplies and to visit relatives and friends.
By this time the permanent population of the town of Nelson Bay had grown to 30.
When the sea finally settled and the driving winds subsided, the trees and rocks were gone, as was the telegraph line, which was the first and immediate communication with the outside world.
out and touched the "island" would ever be likely to return.
Today, with persistent northerly winds and a north swell, the sand builds up over a period to the degree that it is possible to walk across to the “island” from the mainland without getting your feet wet.
During what is known as the "travelling season", around Easter through to July each year, when
Yes2Renewables
National Organiser Coco Venaglia said the workshop was designed to help people find common ground when discussing complex issues.
"We are all influenced, and sometimes shocked, by the prevalence of misinformation promoted through social media channels," said Ms Venaglia.
"Such misinformation and misunderstanding can be addressed through faceto-face conversations and discussions.
“It is important to huge schools of fish move northwards, commercial fishermen drive their trucks over the Spit and set up camp in the corner of the beach facing northwards towards Broughton Island.
They will make the crossing on many occasions as they transport their fish - mainly mullet, bream and luderick - back into Nelson Bay.
There is, however, no guarantee that the Spit will
establish trust and get our facts right."
Gloucester Transitions
Dominique Jacobs said one of the afternoon's highlights was hearing the personal reasons people supported the transition to renewable energy.
"We heard about the impact of the 2025 floods, concerns about future extreme weather, personal experiences of farm loss and hopes for our children and grandchildren," said Ms Jacobs.
"At the same time, there be there in the morning.
Huge seas from the south build and have the power to wash the Spit away, leaving a raging passage of water far too dangerous to cross,
was real optimism around the region's growing uptake of rooftop solar, home batteries and electric vehicle charging infrastructure –practical solutions that save money while benefiting the wider community."
The workshop also introduced participants to the Yes2Renewables Toolkit, a free resource developed to help communities engage confidently, respectfully and constructively in conversations about renewable energy.
as was the case in 1891. Unfortunately, some have tried, with the result of 15 lives lost and numerous cases of close encounters.
KEEPERS and their families who manned the Port Stephens Outer Light lived a Spartan lifestyle which, for them, became increasingly difficult when in 1891 a mighty sea, referred to as the Maitland Gale, roared from the south and continually battered the finger of land that connected the Outer Light to the mainland.
At the time the "finger", about 180 meters wide and four metres higher than the top of storm high water, was a well-established, vegetated landform with trees and stabilising rocks.
A track from the mainland to the lighthouse across the natural "bridge" was the main artery for supply and for the lighthouse keepers and their families
Established in the 1880s the telegraph link, wires and poles - across Narrowgut, to the lighthouse - went overland to Williamtown and Stockton then under the Newcastle Harbour to Wolfe Street and the exchange in Hamilton.
Along with everything else, this vital link was washed away by the fury of the sea.
By daylight, where the land track had been, was a sheet of turbulent water 500 metres wide and six metres deep. Gone!
A landform that had taken hundreds of years, maybe longer, to develop, disappeared in a matter of hours.
To the present day there has been no indication that the previously vegetated finger of land that reached
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
WHAT is it about snapper that makes catching the fish a high priority on our angling bucket-list?
Could it be the magnificent fighting qualities of snapper, together with the quality of the fillets in the kitchen?
Maybe the attractiveness of the fish itself, with the reds, crimsons and brilliant opal fleck that shines brightest as the fish leaves the water.
For you, it may be all of
the above; or, for others, very different reasons to target snapper.
For me it is the excitement of anchoring, or drifting in and over snapper habitat, and the expectation that very soon I could be hooked up to a thumping great ‘reddie’.
Rock fishing for big snapper also generates the anticipation that the next cast could be the one that produces a whopper.
Interestingly, the first big snapper I saw landed was way back in 1975 fishing with a champion Graham Knott, off King Tommy, in front of the Fingal Outerlight.
It was shortly after sunrise
on low tide that Graham’s rod buckled.
A mighty struggle resulted in a 9kg snapper, which was washed onto the rocks.
From that day I have been hooked.
There are many fallacies when it comes to explaining the bump that appears on the heads of some big snapper.
The scientific analysis is that the bump is caused by hyperostosis, which is a natural, non-cancerous overgrowth of bone tissue.
The knob generally occurs on the forehead or the snout. It is found on both male and female fish and is more common on big, mature fish.
The exact trigger is unknown, but it is known that it is not caused by injuries, diseases or the fish bumping their heads while feeding.
I have seen snapper well in excess of 10kg that do not have any bump at all.
q Zanda Funerea, by Gemma Cross 2024, corriedale and merino fleece, steel, foam, silk, cotton. Photo: Supplied.
q Sharing views about renewables. Photo: Sonja Duncan
q The Fingal Spit was created by a huge sea in 1898.
q It’s obvious why some big snapper are called "knobbies". Here’s David Finn with proof that he’s a Big Red specialist. Photo: Supplied by John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
Gold medal haul for athletics ace Anna Taylor
By Chris KARAS
SALAMANDER Bay
athletics sensation Anna Taylor has bolstered her Commonwealth Youth Games credentials with gold medal winning feats at the Hunter Secondary Schools Athletics Championships at Glendale’s Hunter Sports Centre.
The emerging 15-yearold track and field star was part of a talented crop of Port Stephens junior athletes to stamp their mark at last week's regional titles and qualify for the upcoming NSW Combined High School championships from 9-11 September at Homebush.
Versatile Anna spearheaded a strong Tomaree High School contingent with gold medal honours in the Girls under15yrs 100m sprint, long
jump and triple jump events and as part of the triumphant 4 x 100m relay team.
She also collected a silver medal in the high jump - missing out on extra gold on a countback after registering the same height of 1.46m with Rutherford High’s Sophia Tansu. Taylor, an exciting prospect from the Port Stephens Athletics Centre, clocked a personal best time 13.13 sec to win the 100m sprint from Glendale High’s Jenice Hicks (13.24 sec) with Tomaree High’s Mia McDonald finishing fourth in 14.01 sec.
She later leaped 4.93m to claim gold in the long jump and 10.41m to clinch the under-15 triple jump event.
Fleet-footed Anna then combined with her Tomaree High classmates McDonald, Maebel Colley and Fern
Cullimore to win the 4 x 100m relay title in a sizzling time of 52.66 sec from Lambton High and Great Lakes High - just outside the regional meet record of 52.00 sec set by Maitland High back in 1999.
It was a third consecutive relay title for the champion quartet.
Top-credentialled coach Bob Walkley told News Of The Area that his gifted pupil was “on the cusp” of higher honours.
“Anna has loads of potential and a strong work ethic in all her disciplines and is tracking well for a spot in the Commonwealth Youth Games squad,” Walkley said.
“She is training the house down with her sprint work and hurdles sessions and her performances are bearing
fruit with a haul of medals at competitive meets.”
Other Tomaree athletes to shine included promising 17-year-old distance runner Cameron Andrews, who snared a silver medal in the Boys under 17-19yrs 1500m final with a time of 4:31.69 sec behind Swansea High’s Harry Hall (4:25.70 sec); silver in the 800m (2:15.84 sec) behind Hunter Sports High’s Nate Ward, with Hunter River High’s Oliver Russo grabbing bronze.
Andrews also claimed bronze in the 3000m final with Swansea High duo Hall and Tom Chalmers picking up gold and silver.
Tomaree’s Archer Todd won gold in the Boys under-15 Javelin (43.75m) and Shot Put (13.07m) while Maxx McMahon,17, earned the Boys 17-19yrs High Jump
SPORT RESULTS
By Dianne BOWES
The Lady Vets celebrated a huge milestone this week, marking 40 years of vets golf at Hawks Nest using our unique points system. In 1986, a group of fledgling golfers decided that playing for fun was the best way to go, so points were awarded simply for playing on Thursdays, as well as for winning. As the years have passed, we’ve all found that the ball might not go as far and the handicap has grown. Yet the point system has endured, encouraging participation and camaraderie in the spirit of good friends, good golf and good fun. The Ruby Tea Gardens
By Shayne REYNOLDS
GAME day last Saturday was an absolute cracker! A bit of a brisk start but when the sunshine settled in the day warmed to what was a perfect winters celebration of soccer and community.
All Lavender Management round 10 games kicked off at 9am sharp thanks to our field set up crew, the early birds
Bulahdelah Golf Club
By Thora-Lou SMITH
THE ladies played the July Monthly Mug on Wednesday 29th July and Alison Benson was the winner with 72nett
Anniversary morning tea was testament to this ideal, with 20 of our retired Lady Vets joining 42 ladies who played today, all decked out in red, to celebrate this proud history. Old friendships were rekindled and celebrated, while photos and stories were shared amongst friends. Senior veterans Jan Bardier and Betty Clinch cut the beautiful cake, and messages from our GM, past presidents and members were read by President Marg Bonney.
It was a wonderful, warm occasion for all concerned, and we thank our hardworking committees, past and present, for their dedication to this significant achievement.
Bravo, ladies!
For those playing today, the cold conditions were a challenge with the chilly early start. But as always,
Pete, Todd and Jason.
Our minis grade games, refereed by George and Tasha the Wobbegong Sharks 3 popped 3 goals in to the Reef Sharks 0 with “players of the match” awards going to Benji Evans and Maverick McGrath. Game 2 saw the Shovel Nose Sharks go down to the Port Jackson Sharks 3 goals to 5 in yet another crowdpleasing encounter. Players of the match awards bestowed upon Violet Menzie and Lennox Cox.
from Barbie Gordon with 74nett. Meredyth Rae was the only player to hit the 8th green and nobody took out the jackpot.
Three visitors joined the 27 Vets who played on Thursday 30th July and the winner was Toby Carroll
there were some great individual highlights, including Carol Wiggins’ chip in for birdie on the 3rd hole from about 15m out. Di Lindstrom and Chris Simmons had a good luck story on the 8th when they both birdied the hole. Chris had thought her ball was lost, but it was already in the hole! Liz Ross also chipped in on the 4th.
Our Midis grade games results were the Hammerhead Sharks 0 v Bulahdelah Bullets 6 and the Bull Sharks 0 v Mako Sharks 6 with many a parent, grandparent and supporter cheering them all on.
The Junior grade players are our most experienced players and really showed their stuff in front of an appreciative crowd of supporters, coaches and siblings.
with 36pts from Steve Fitzgerald with 35pts on a c/b from Rod Norberry. NTPs were Kevin Martin, Rod Norberry, Marty Bramble and Toby Carroll (with a birdie putt).
Saturday 1st August was another fine day
title (1.85m).
Xavien Dorin grabbed gold in the Boys Under 14 Shot Put with a throw of 10.49m; Jamie-Lee Taylor collected silver in the Girls Under 12-13yrs Javelin (29.03m) and Eva Hanrahan bronze in the Girls Under 15 Shot Put.
Meritorious achievements were recorded by Tomaree athletes Jayden Hotene, Calvin McKay, Hunter Travers, Ashton Terry, Mason Beaver, Rhys Dolesko, Oliver Hoffman, Willow McTaggart, Rose Cochrane, Grace Walshe, Lilly Cullimore, Zahli Read and Kalani Spackman.
Irrawang High School at Raymond Terrace paraded some talented prospects led by boom 16 year old field athlete Bryn Wells, who won gold in both the Boys under-16 long jump (5.45m)
Jo Buttrey, Sharon Barwick & Di Smith
Earlier in the week, Round 2 of the Mumm’s on the Myall Trophy was played in glorious conditions for the 46 players. Today’s individual highlights included Robyn Wade’s excellent round, as well as chip ins from Jo Collins on the 4th from 10m out; Maxine Michell on the 15th from 8m; and Anne-Marie French on the 12th – well played, ladies.
Results: Tuesday 28/7/2026
Ladies 18 Hole 2BBB Stableford
1st: Di Bowes & Robyn Wade 47; 2nd Elsa Jones& Ann Syme 44 C/B;3rd Tanya Sinclair & Carol Maher 44
Match 1 resulted in the Tiger Sharks behind in the score count 3 goals to 7 against the Bronze Whaler Sharks.
“Player of match awards” proudly received by Muhammad Alvaro for Bronze Whalers and Tobias Keeble for the Tigers with elated parents looking on. No results from game 2 this week.
With all of our grade
and 41 golfers enjoyed a Stableford on a drier course. A grade winner was Paul Smithson with 31pts on a c/b from Geoff Matheson. B grade winner was Allan Benson with 39pts from Marty Bramble with 35pts and C grade winner was
and high jump finals (1.74m). Tyler Collins earned silver in the Boys under13s 100m sprint (12.92 sec) behind winner Marlo Thompson of Great Lakes High and bronze in the 200m while Nash Rowbottom claimed silver in the Boys 17-19yrs shot put; Emily Watson bronze in the Girls under-14yrs 100m and Caleb Pucevski bronze in the Boys under-16 discus (23.61m). Others to impress were Megan McKay, Harrison Cahill, Archie Green, Wyatt Cottrell, Kynan Dorn, Harry Mathieson and Sage Funaki. Hunter River High’s Broc Agnew showed his waresclaiming silver in the Boys under-16yrs 200m (24.38 sec) behind Hunter Sports High gold medalist Flynn Ward (23.84 sec) and fourth in the 100m final.
32
After 36 holes, the Mumm’s on the Myall 2BBB Trophy winners were Tanya Sinclair and Carol Maher on 88, from Elsa Jones and Ann Syme 86. We were delighted to have Jenna and Nathaniel from Mumm’s on hand to present the winners and runners up with their prizes, and we thank them for their generous, ongoing support of ladies golf at Hawks Nest.
Last Saturday’s 18 hole round attracted 25 players, and it was a B Grade Blitz with Dawn Wiggins romping home with 40 points from Tanya Sinclair on 38 – great scores, ladies!
Results: Saturday 25/7/2026
Ladies 18 Hole
Stableford Event
A Grade Winners: 1sr Antje Basson 36; 2nd Liz Ross 33; 3rd Denise Sainty
games done and dusted, it was time for the Walking Football players to get onto the pitch, and that they did with gusto. Our game consisted of two seven-a-side teams playing 20-minute halves with nicely chilled orange slices and welcomed cold water at the ready or the (long-ish) halftime break. The music belted out across the oval to keep everyone bopping along and as usual the post-game cuppa’n’chat went down well with good
Joel Slack with 33pts on a c/b from Al Jobson. Barbie Gordon was the ladies' winner with 34pts from Karryn Bartlett with 31pts. Dave Schlenert won the 17th jackpot and other NTPs were Geoff Harvey, Ken Hughes, Luke Barry and
B Grade Winners: 1st Dawn Wiggins 40 (best score of the day); 2nd Tanya Sinclair 38; 3rd Kylie Loughland 35
Place Getters (33-32): Robyn Wade, Renea Kerr, Deb Gardner
NTP Hole 3: A Grade Marcia Smith; B Grade Sue Kovacs
NTP Hole 10: A Grade Julie Hammond; B Grade Deb Gardner
Congratulations to Maxine Mitchell and Sue Campton who took out the HN Ladies 2 Ball Match Play Competition for 2026. They were taken to the 19th by the determined team of Robyn Keegan and Sue Brownrigg in the closest of games.
Congratulations also to Jo Scott & Tanya Sinclair who placed 3rd in a strong field contesting the Country Cup Event last week. – great golf, ladies!
connection, laughter and conversation going on for an hour at least.
Thanks to “Lay down Lenny” for taking care of the laundry this week. See you all next Saturday, all 50+ yrs welcome to come and have a look-see or a try. No stress, just drop in. ( : Registrations are being taken now for games in our “Town of Origin” family fun day and fund raiser slated for 19 September. More info to come, stay tuned!
Barbie Gordon. Long drivers were Arrin Gardiner, Allan Benson, Darren Carrall and Bernie Newton.
Next Saturday is a Stroke event, and Sunday 9th August is the Men's Shed Charity Day – 8:15 breakfast for 9am Shotgun start.
I have recently joined a pilates group for relaxation.
There is one particular attendee who makes a lot of loud noises during the class, which is ruining my ability to relax. Can I say something?
Belinda N.
DEAR Belinda,
Having attended Pilates classes, I have some sympathy for the grunter and groaner.
Though most of us try to make
these sounds internally, Pilates, in its aim to increase flexibility and core strength, can be excruciating for bodies that are used to being hunched over at a desk.
The attendee you mention is probably discovering just how inflexible they are.
It is not unusual to witness a Pilates follower hopping around the room because of a cramp after trying to execute what feels like 500 leg circles.
Alternatively, they may be exhaling with frustration after losing focus while trying to remember to breathe, simultaneously focusing on the rib to hip connection, drawing in the pelvic floor muscles, and trying not to knock over their water bottle during a flamboyant attempt at the supine spine twist.
May I suggest that you observe where the grunter and groaner positions themselves (exercisers commonly have a favourite spot on the floor) and then move as far away as you can so you can enjoy
a more relaxed experience.
Perhaps, once you are adept at the exercises in your Pilates class, you could wear a discreet pair of earbuds.
If it makes you feel any better, the sounds in a Pilates class pale in comparison to those on the gym floor.
There you will find a veritable smorgasbord of grunters and moaners and whimperers and howlers. It sometimes sounds like a footy scrum at a funeral.
Persist, Belinda.
The flexibility you gain in a physical sense may also extend to your mental elasticity.
Soon you may find that you are more tolerant to the exercise quirks of the grunter and groaner, who may be doing so as a response to the woman who always scowls at her while she is simply trying to execute the Double Leg Stretch.
diem, Jasminda.
Climate change defeats Europe's nuclear plants
DEAR News Of The Area, NUCLEAR power plants consume millions of litres of water per day to cool their extremely hot reactor cores.
This year summer heatwaves and falling rainfall have defeated several of Europe's nuclear plants, forcing them to reduce power or shut down completely, and leading to an energy crisis.
One vital water source is the Danube River, which flows through 10 countries and is used for cooling reactors in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
Water levels in the Danube have fallen to historically low levels, restricting the amount of river water available.
In Hungary, the Paks nuclear power plant was forced to shut down due to extreme heat
and river levels so low that the cooling intake nozzles cannot reach the water.
Hungary lost about 50 per cent of its power generation, leading to power cuts and government calls for citizens and industry to curb electricity consumption.
Low Danube river levels also forced the shut down of Unit 1 reactor at Romania's Cernavodă
nuclear plant, triggering a state emergency. Romania will now have to import power to stabilise energy supply.
In Bulgaria, authorities warned that they may have to shut down or curtail power generation at the Kozloduy nuclear plant, due to low water levels in the Danube.
In June, France's EDF also had to reduce power output at
nuclear plants
As climate change and severe heatwaves increase, it will become more and more difficult to cool nuclear reactorsmaking them less safe and more unreliable as an energy source.
Regards, Kenneth Higgs, Raymond Terrace.
A NEW website has been created by the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team (DVDRT), an independent statutory body convened by the State Coroner.
Over the past 26 years there have been close to 300 women killed by their current or former
intimate partners following a history of domestic violence.
Seventy-five men have been killed by an intimate partner, and in three-quarters of those cases men were also the abusers in the relationship.
Since 2000, 134 children and young people and 208 other individuals have been killed
in domestic-violence related deaths.
There were 36 domesticviolence homicides in 2024/2025.
This year, 37 women have been killed and 17 children.
Coercive Control
I was recently in a mobile phone repair shop and the woman in front of me was
receiving her repaired mobile phone and two children's laptops that had had the tracking devices removed. I was shocked.
Pauline Hanson can say “just walk away” but it is not easy. She has no sympathy for these women in violent relationships; she claims they are using the system for financial gain.
Praise for Federation Compact OPINION
MIDCOAST Mayor, Claire Pontin has welcomed the Australian Labor Party National Conference's commitment to develop a ‘Federation Compact’ with local government, describing it as an important step towards fairer and more sustainable funding for councils across Australia.
The commitment includes supporting ongoing increases to Financial Assistance Grants, greater flexibility in Roads to Recovery funding, and stronger support for councils delivering essential community services.
Mayor Claire Pontin said it was encouraging to see that the Federal Labor Government was listening to recent calls from local government to recognise the significant financial pressures many councils were under.
"Long-term financial sustainability is a challenge being experienced right across local government, and this
announcement recognises that reality," said Mayor Pontin.
"Over past decades more and more has been asked of local government, while at the same time, we're facing unprecedented operational cost increases, ageing infrastructure, and decades of maintenance underfunding on our roads.” Financial Assistance Grants
from the Australian Government are the main source of untied funding for councils, allowing local governments to invest where it is needed most. However, the value of these grants has fallen from one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.49 per cent in 2026–27.
Mayor Pontin said restoring these grants over time would
give councils greater certainty to plan for the future and invest in the infrastructure and services communities need.
"We welcome this commitment and look forward to seeing this commitment translated into practical funding that supports councils and the communities they serve," she said.
So women - beware of One Nation. I believe they will reverse any domestic violence-related legislation, should they ever be in control of the Government.
Regards, Beverley Sharpe.
Domestic violence and coercive control are real Stop killing the Brumbies
DEAR News Of The Area,
I AM extremely disappointed with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and her comment that the Brumby slaughter is a ‘massive win’ for the environment.
It has come to light that there are less than 100 brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park. The inhumane way they have been disposed of is deplorable - leaving horses to die painfully and foals separated from their mothers to die alone.
It has become apparent that pigs and deer do more damage because of their numbers.
Regards, Margarete Lethorn, Pindimar.
Carpe
on the Seine and Rhone rivers.
DEAR News Of The Area,
Jeremiah 17: 7 "Blessed is the man (woman) whose HOPE is in the Lord."
q MidCoast Mayor, Claire Pontin.
For Sale
AMELIA
Wanted to Buy
War Medals
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e291026
Public Notices
AGM
TG CC Fishing Club Starts at 1pm, 16th August, AGM, lunch and weigh-in to follow at 3pm. All financial members are encouraged to attend
2 x rooms avail in 3 bdr home, own bathroom and sep toilet. On street parking. 0419 985 601
25 Corrie Pde, Corlette Sat 8th and Sun 9th Aug from 7:30am. Furniture household goods clothes, sundry items mowers ladders. Cheap prices everything must go, must vacate. F070826
78 RPM records, 50 x 10”, big bands, Rock ‘n Roll Ph 4982 9526
ELECTRIC chair, does eveything. 2 seater lounge. Ph 0402 207 519
ORGAN, currently in storage. Ph 0419 018 879
PIANO, needs new strings. Ph 0419 018 879
ANTIQUE Skillion over the hooks pendulum weighing scale for cattle $90. Ph 6585 7393
COMMODE chair w/ pan. $25. Pick up Tea Gardens. Ph 0417 404 530 F110626
BIKE safety helmets for kids x 3. $20 each Ph 0432 050 619
BOOTS, leather, ladies made in Canada. EUC $60 4982 8787 F070825
BOOTS, ladies, new size 8 $20 0493 777 707 F150126
CURTAIN and rod in original packaging. $70 Oslo pencil pleated curtain 270 - 340 x 250cm, colour stone Ph 0417 044 660 F120326
CURTAIN rods and tracks plus all fittings. 5 straight rods for windows 118-164cm plus bay window track and rod for 219cm and 5 other tracks. All in good cond $60. Ph 0410 275 495
, tall w/bottom storage & display unit above 89L x 86W x 188H $50. Pick up only Ph 0419 477 584 F300726 CABINET, tall w/bottom storage & display unit above 49L x 46W x 188H $50. Pick up only Ph 0419 477 584
newsofthearea.com.au
CHAIN tensioner for freight or logging trucks Offers. RT. 4987 1680
CHINA cabinet display unit, 3 glass shelves and storage at bottom. $50 Ph 0403 632 701
DINING
DOONA, new with valance, new with cushions $100 Ph 0493 777 707 F290126
x
$10. 3 drawers each 4982 8787
COAT, ladies, new Medium. $50. Ph 0493 777 707 F040626
COCA-COLA
Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898
COFFEE table, hand crafted, mahogany $100. 0493 777 707
DVDs x 250, exc cond great variety. $100 the lot. 0439 440 112
ELECTRIC lift recliner and massage chair
HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707
IRON for clothing, brand new, GC. 0493 777 707
BUFFET and hutch $100. Ph 0429 945 604 HEATER . $5. Used working condition Ph 4982 9225
OUTDOOR table, 150L x 90W x 72H, glass top w/ 6 chairs $80. Ph 0419 477 584 F300726
SNOW chains. Never used. Suit 13-inch wheels. $80. Peter 0419 932 992 F091025
SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335
WOOD turning 4 chisels, new set. $80. Ph 0415858981
Revitalife, remote control 10 vibration massage functions, battery backup tan colour, pure leather extra wide, whisper quiet steel frame, high back, as new, hardly used. $1450 ono. Ph 4981 7523.
FILING cabinet, good cond 1.35m H x 47cm W. $100. Ph 0415 858 981 F310726ALL
Eclipse 3.15m traveller, 4m galvanised trailer, reg S42731, 10” spare wheel water snake 12v motor 2 lifejackets, plus more $2,400. 0407 095 748 RUSe101226
2011 EVOLUTION tracker, 22ft, semi offroad, 12mths rego Z75408, bike racks on rear, washing machine separate shower/toilet tunnel boot w/pull out BBQ. $39,990 ono. Ph 0428 653 278
JAYCO Swift 2019 exc cond., 1 owner full service records many extras (e.g., TV and antenna) Easily towed with a car Reg TF28JW. $15,000 ono. Ph 0450 069 155
3 Dean Ave, Raymond Terrace, Sat 8th 10am ride on , push mower whipper snipper, tools etc., e060826 newsofthearea.com.au
Sales MOUNTAIN bike Dunlop Hi Country 26” 18speed, VGC, everything works, ready to go. $69. Ph 0438
COLLECTORS cards 54 Space Odbodz $100 Ph 0493 777 707
GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20 LARGE outdoor table $20. 0432 671 259 F241025
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2013 Mazda 3
1/27 CRJ50F. $11,800 Ph 0418 475 994
BEST ON THE BOX
MONDAY DEAL OR NO DEAL: CELEBRITY JACKPOT
TEN, 7.30pm
The Traitors Australia host Gretel Killeen (pictured) is no stranger to putting in the hard yards in the name of charity, having served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for seven years, directed a doco about AIDS orphans and entertained Aussie troops in war zones around the world. So hanging with Grant Denyer and opening some briefcases to win up to $200,000 for family violence support organisation RizeUp should be a walk in the park.
FRIDAY, August 7
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (Final) Monty Don ends his journey in the Netherlands.
8.35 Saint-Pierre. (Mav) Arch’s son is suspected of murder.
9.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.
9.50 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Hosted by Rob Brydon.
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.40 New Zealand Spy. (M, R)
11.05 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R)
11.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 Steven Universe. 9.40 BattleBots. 10.25 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY MATT PRESTON’S PLATING LOCALLY
THURSDAY BACK ROADS
at may just be haunted. Arriving in town by train, West checks out the Tree of Knowledge memorial – an ancient ghost gum that played a key role in Australia’s political history – before visiting a pub being revived by a local farming family connected to a famous shearers’ revolution. After hunting for artwork on an impressive 200km sculpture trail, he meets a group of men cashing in on cans to support the town’s older residents, takes in some local footy and struts his stuff on the catwalk in an Indigenous fashion show.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Good Ship Murder. (Return)
8.30 WWII With Tom Hanks. (Maw)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Guillaume’s Paris. (PG, R)
11.15 Beautiful Game Changers. (R)
11.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7. 1.50 Australia Uncovered: Bowraville Murders. (Malv, R)
3.30 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terrific ideas for the house, garden and the kitchen. 8.00 MOVIE: Shotgun Wedding. (2022, Malv, R) When a couple gather their families for the ultimate destination wedding, the entire wedding party is taken hostage. Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel. 10.10 The Voice. (PGal, R) The search for a singing superstar returns, with a twist. 1.10 Eyewitness. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour 2. (2001, Mlsv, R) Two detectives investigate a double murder. Jackie Chan.
12.40 Resident Alien. (Malv, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Species II. (1998, MA15+) 12.20am Legacies.
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Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
31st JULY
Monday: N/S 1. C Richards & S Matheson, 2. L & G Conroy, 3. J Glover & N Grehan.
E/W
1. D Hipkins& B Eyre, 2. E Digby & S Donohue, 3. J Patfield & L Howarth.
Tuesday: N/S 1. B Murray & J Urquhart, 2. A & J Macintosh, 3. J & T Freeland.
E/W
1. G Muggleton & L
SPORT RESULTS
Butler, 2. E Buckpitt & D Russell, 3. S O’Keefe & N Partridge. Wednesday: 1. B Treharne & S Matheson, 2. J Gray & P Baily, 3. E Digby & D Hipkins. Friday: N/S 1. J
Whalan & C Richards 2. C Rands & L Falla, 3. B Treharne & S Matheson
E/W
1. C Lance & G Trott, 2. J Gray & L Butler, 3. S Pearson & M Rowden.
10
Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple are at a crossroads
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (PGa) A student’s death exposes dark secrets at Cambridge.
8.20 Father Brown. (PGv) Father Brown investigates when rehearsals for a play are derailed by a death.
9.05 Doc Martin. (PG, R) Martin and Louisa head to London so that Martin can present his research paper.
9.50 Believe Me. (Malv, R) Worboys is finally caught and convicted.
10.40 Little Disasters. (Mals, R) 11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.40 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Isadora Moon. 3.50 Talking Tom Heroes. 4.15 Stan & Gran. 5.10 Shaun The Sheep. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Return) 9.20 Chopped Junior. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Merlin. 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Lisbon & WWII: Spies, Gold And Diplomacy. (PGa, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.30 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGa, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Prince William: A Life In Pictures.
8.25 Britannia: The Queen’s Ship. (PG)
9.25 MOVIE: Call Me Kate. (2023, PGa, R)
11.05 Those Who Stayed. (Ml, R)
11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 8.
2.15 Those Who Stayed. (Mal, R)
3.00 Stories Of Power. (R)
3.10 Osher Günsberg: A Matter Of Life And Death. (Ma, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 Record-Breaking Dams. 7.30 Record-Breaking Airliners. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Harrison Ford. 9.20 MOVIE: Firewall. (2006, M) 11.15 Hudson & Rex. 12.05am WWE Legends. 1.40 Sex Tape Germany. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
6am Roman Holiday.
SUNDAY, August 9
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (Final, R) 2.30 Race Around The World. (Ma, R) 3.30 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.
6.30 Compass: Sandwiched With Sarah Macdonald. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Race Around The World. (Final) The winning racer is revealed.
8.30 Treasure & Dirt. (Malv) Nulla Day descends into chaos.
9.30 Believe Me. (Final, Mal) Sarah and Laila try to keep Worboys in prison.
10.20 Grantchester. (PGa, R)
11.10 Father Brown. (PGv, R)
11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.45 Poh’s Kitchen Lends A Hand. (R)
3.10 Doc Martin. (PG, R)
4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 2.35pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 The Snail And The Whale. 4.15 Stan & Gran. 5.10 The Snail And The Whale. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 8.10 Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory. (Final) 8.55 Animal Park. 10.25 Secrets Of The Zoo. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Valley at Caulfield Heath. Missile Stakes Day. Saturday Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team soars over the Whitsundays. 8.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World. (2015, Mv, R) A genetically modified hybrid dinosaur escapes containment and goes on a killing spree at a theme park. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins. 11.00 MOVIE: Beast. (2022, MA15+av, R) Idris Elba.
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Drive Review. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canterbury Bulldogs v North
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels.
9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.
10.00 MOVIE: Honest Thief. (2020, Mlv, R)
11.55 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
12.55 Space Invaders. (PGa, R)
1.55 Garden Gurus Moments. (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)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Neale helps Melbourne couple Leonie and Noel, who must decide if they move from the house they built after 18 years. 9.50 Love It Or List It UK: Brilliant Builds. (Premiere) Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer look back on some of their best future-proofing renovations.
10.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) A code one comes in for a two-year-old. 11.50 FBI. (Mv, R) A chaotic campus protest turns deadly.
1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
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6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.30 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGav, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alexander The Great: Legendary Conqueror. (M)
8.25 Secret Weapons Of China’s First Emperor. (PG)
9.25 Castle Secrets. (Mav, R)
10.20 Kennedy. (PG, R)
11.10 Guillaume’s Paris. (R)
11.40 The Throwback. (R)
11.55 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 9.
3.45 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Ma, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
VICELAND (31)
Continued. (1953, PG) 7.10 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 9.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 11.30 The Way Back. (2010, M) 1.55pm 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 4.00 My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PG) 5.55 Hook. (1991, PG) 8.30 Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+) 11.30 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) 12.55am A Bigger Splash. (2015, MA15+) 3.10 Priscilla. (2023, M) 5.15 Living. (2022, PG) 6am Living.
Hook. (1991, PG) 11.50 Priscilla. (2023, M) 1.55pm Big Fish. (2003, PG) 4.15 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.10 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 8.30 Vengeance: A Love Story. (2017, MA15+) 10.20 Sin City. (2005, MA15+) 12.40am Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+) 3.40 Evil Does Not Exist. (2023, M, Japanese) 5.40 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG)
Morning Programs. 10.00 Athletics. World Under 20 Championships.
2pm Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Top Fuel Championship. Round 4. Winternationals. 4.00 Football. AFL.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 To Be Advised. 12.30 Jabba’s Movies. (PGhv, R) 1.00 Football. AFL. GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls, R)
8.10 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on long-form investigations.
9.10 The Disappearance Of Grace Millane. (Mas, R) The story of the murder of Grace Millane.
11.10 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Mlv, R) 12.10 Curfew. (Premiere, MA15+av)
1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 8. Highlights. 4.00 Bamay. 4.20 France 24. 4.50 PBS Washington Week. 5.20 PBS News Compass Points. 5.50 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Sitting Bull. 10.05 Hudson & Rex. 11.00 Under The Bridge. 12.50am Sex Tape Germany. 1.45 QAnon: The Search For Q. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 6.30 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.30 Auction Squad. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon House Calls To The Rescue. 1.00 Harry’s
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 The First 48: School’s Out. (Mav) 11.10 Black Widow. (Mav)
12.00 Murder In The 21st. (MA15+v)
12.50 Drive Review. (R)
1.20 My Way. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
(1961) 2.50 Poirot. 4.00 Midsomer Murders. 6.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 6. Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels. 8.00 David Attenborough’s Asia. 9.10 Paramedics. 10.10 Emergency. 11.10 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 MasterChef Australia. (Final, PG) The two finalists battle it out for the title of MasterChef champion 2026. 9.00 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) Gretel Killeen invites 22 infamous Australians to Claremont
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
9GEM (82)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, August 10
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGan, R) 10.45 Father Brown. (PGv, R) 11.30 Nigella At My Table. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.25 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 2.55 Race Around The World. (Final, R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve. (PG, R)
8.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal)
9.35 Alone Australia. (Ml, R)
10.45 SBS World News Late. 11.15 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)
3.00 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R)
3.55 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Ma, 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. (PGadv)
7.30 The Voice. (PG) A fresh batch of undiscovered talent step into the spotlight. 9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan and Garza lead a high-stakes operation that quickly goes south.
10.00 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.30
A Current Affair.
The Block. (PGl)
100% Footy. (Mal)
9News Late.
Outback Opal Hunters.
6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 10.00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30
6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School: Down At The Beach. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
VICELAND (31)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd. 10.10 The Americans. 11.50 Sex Tape Finland. 12.45am Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. 2.35
7TWO (62)
Hawks Nest Social Club
By John EDWARDS
6am The Fifth Element. Continued. (1997, PG) 8.00 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.20 Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) Noon Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 1.40 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 3.20 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 5.35 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PG, Japanese) 7.40 The Nugget. (2002, M) 9.30 Atlantis Inferno. (1983, M) 11.25 Sky Pirates. (1986, M) 1am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, August 11
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Great Irish Interiors. (Return) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R) 3.00 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 3.35 Agatha’s Story. 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PGv, R) 8.30 Insight.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
3pm
4.10
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Morning
From? 3.30
6.10
Lovers’
7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Robin’s Wish. (2020, M) 9.55 MOVIE: Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987, M) 12.05am While The Men Are Away. 1.15 Sex Tape Finland. 2.10 Dark Side Of The Ring. 3.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
6am Shin Ultraman. Continued. (2022, PG, Japanese) 7.50 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 9.30 Moonlighting. (1982, PG) 11.20 Atlantis Inferno. (1983, M) 1.10pm Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 3.10 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 5.30 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 7.30 The Mask Of Zorro. (1998, M) 10.00 WinnieThe-Pooh: Blood And Honey. (2023) 11.35 Late Programs.
HAWKS Nest Social Club Thursday night darts on 30th July. Winner’s after a 3 way playoff: Bill Hagan and Daren Rapley. Runners up: Barry Jones and Dylan Smith. Ladies highest score: Lyn-100. Men’s highest score : Dylan-140. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm, darts start at 7pm. Every one is welcome to come along and play.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The Voice. (PG)
8.45 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (MA15+l) Gordon Ramsay heads to The Verdict.
9.45 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.15 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
Early News.
7TWO (62)
(64) 7MATE (64)
Myall Coast Vets
Tony SMITH
(34)
SPORT RESULTS
Stoneman,
Salmon,
DRAMA
6.00
WEDNESDAY, August 12
R) 10.05 Great Irish Interiors. 11.05 Make Up: A Glamorous History. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)
8.40 Titanic Sinks Tonight. (Mav) 9.45 Six Four. (Mv) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 The Congregation. (Return, Ms) 12.05 Crime. (Malv, R) 2.50 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R) 3.45 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Mal, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School: Down At The
3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20
Of
Masks
5.55
5.30
6.45 HexVets And
7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 The Piano. 10.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00
THURSDAY,
August 13
6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) 9.30 Unfiltered. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 The Fall And Rise Of Reggie Dinkins. (PGals)
11.30 Stumble. (PGals)
12.00 Everything I Know About Love. (MA15+s)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl)
8.40 Banjo And Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. (Premiere, PG) 9.55 9News Late. 10.25 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.25 Accused: Guilty Or Innocent? (Ma) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 Swimming. Pan Pacific Championships. Day 1. Heats. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 10.00 72 Cutest Animals. 10.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm
6am The Three
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Spain With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For France. (PGalv)
9.20 Say Nothing. 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Reyka. (Return, MA15+av) 11.35 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
3.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
Musketeers. Continued. (1973, PG) 7.55 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 10.10 Sky Pirates. (1986, M) 11.45 The Nugget. (2002, M) 1.35pm Moonlighting. (1982, PG) 3.25 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PG, Japanese) 5.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 7.30 Captain Fantastic. (2016, M) 9.40 Sky Sharks. (2020, Spanish) 11.35 Late Programs. 6am Moonlighting. Continued. (1982, PG) 6.50 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 8.50 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 10.50 The Mask Of Zorro. (1998, M) 1.20pm The Way. (2010, PG) 3.40 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 5.40 Funny Face. (1957) 7.40 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 9.30 Cats. (2019, PG) 11.35 Hope Springs. (2012, M) 1.30am Sky Sharks. (2020, Spanish) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away.
7.30 Highway Patrol: Dumb Decisions. (PGdl, R)
8.30 Air Crash Investigations: Pacific Ditching. (PGa, R)
9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. (Malv, R)
10.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R)
11.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG)
12.00 Mr Robot. (MA15+adlsv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MOVIES (32)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League.
9GO!
News Of The Area
MYALL COAST
Thursday, 6 August 2026
SPORT SPORT
Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent
Inaugural invitational
KARUAH Bowling Club proudly hosted its inaugural Invitational Open Fours tournament across the last weekend of July, with the event drawing a full field of 16 teams competing for a total prize pool of $4,800.
The strong field of club bowlers travelled from many regions across the State. Clubs represented included Bulahdelah, Clarence Town, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Engadine, Gulgong,
Hamilton North, Karuah, Kurri Kurri, Maitland City, Moree, Mudgee, Peak Hill, Raymond Terrace, Sawtell, Stockton, and Tea Gardens.
Across the two-day program players took to the green for three games of 14 ends on Saturday, followed by two games of 14 ends on Sunday.
After Saturday’s games visitors enjoyed Karuah’s local oysters and prawns.
The weekend schedule provided a great mix of competitive play and plenty of opportunity to socialise over lunches and beers, contributing to a lively and engaging tournament atmosphere in perfect July sunshine.
The event brought together seasoned players and social bowlers alike, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the sport.
Tournament winners were
a composite team consisting of Karuah locals Ben Brown and Jason Greentree, together with Chole Appleby from Kurri Kurri and Cory Parker from Maitland City.
Second place went to Leon Post of Karuah’s composite team of Greg Brown and Jason Price from Raymond Terrace and Leo Kierans from Bulahdelah.
Third place went to another composite team, bringing together
Colleen and Chris Ross from Tea Gardens and friends April Smith and Tim Butley from Gulgong. Prize money was also presented to the best-performing team across each of the five games.
Karuah Bowling Club’s grass green was acknowledged as being the best in the region, a sentiment echoed by many of the players and thanks was given to local greenkeepers, Ryan and Leon Post.
q The tournament attracted bowlers from many regions around the State. Photo: Supplied by Karuah Bowling Club.