q Tea Gardens Red Cross members knitting Trauma Teddies in March. Photo: Elizabeth Fenton.
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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Trauma Teddies turn 35
FROM Page 1
as bushfires, floods and other emergencies.
They also provide a warm welcome to refugee children, and keep kids company should they find themselves in the back of a speeding ambulance.
The Trauma Teddies concept began with NSW Ambulance Superintendent Richard Hamilton, who observed the calming effect of a teddy given to a child being treated in an ambulance.
The call then went out via various Red Cross branches for volunteer knitters.
In 1997, to mark the fifth anniversary of the idea, the World’s Largest Teddy Bear was knitted, standing at a giant 5.15m tall.
The following year, the movement gained a mascot - Trauma Ted - whose design
follows the same standard pattern.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001, and on tourists in Bali in 2002, Trauma Teddies were sent to children in those areas to help them cope.
There have been other international humanitarian aid events in the decades since.
The Australian Red Cross counts more than 600 volunteer knitters who have lovingly crafted more than 50,000 Trauma Teddies a year.
That’s 250,000 volunteer knitting hours annually and up to 7.5 million hours over the three decades.
“There are 75 groups around the state knitting Trauma Teddies,” long-serving member of Tea Gardens Red Cross Elizabeth Fenton, told News Of The Area.
“And in the six months from July 2025 to January 2026, there were more than 20,000 teddies distributed across NSW.
“The stuffing for the teddies is provided by Qantas, and we need people to not just knit the teddies, but to sew them together and to stuff them and sew on their faces.”
The Tea Gardens Red Cross, which meets on the fourth Monday of every month at the Tea Gardens Uniting Church Hall on Myall Street, is bolstering its output by hosting monthly knitting groups.
“If anyone wants to join the knitting, they are welcome to come along on the fourth Tuesday of the month - 9:30am to midday,” Tea Gardens Red Cross President Helen Janes told NOTA.
“There is no need to bring wool or tools as we are well-equipped, and no need even to be a current Red Cross member. It can also be a bit of a social thing.”
M1 extension ahead of schedule
THE M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is now expected to open to traffic in late 2026, more than a year earlier than originally planned.
The accelerated timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete.
The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are being funded jointly with a total investment of $2.24 billion - $1.792 billion provided by the Federal Government and $448 million from the NSW Government.
Significant progress has been made on the ground, including the completion of five kilometres of new motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.
“The school holiday traffic we’re seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital.
“Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks.”
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said it is incredibly rewarding to see the bypass take shape.
“Seeing it power ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes - and it means the Hunter will benefit from this vital infrastructure sooner,” she said.
As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also all been completed.
Completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass means this section of the M1 extension is ready to go, and will open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year.
“Completion of the Heatherbrae section of this project means we are well and truly past the halfway mark, with all work set to be completed by the end of the year,” said Federal
q Some of the Trauma Teddies produced by Tea Gardens Red Cross. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Jane and Narelle from Tea Gardens Red Cross share the comfort that Trauma Teddies bring children worldwide. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Local MPs celebrate the progress with the project team.
TRAIN RETURN
FROM Page 1
service reliability, new carpeting and refurbished seats, and maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets.
The returning trains will also have a retro look.
As a nod to the popularity of the original livery, two power carscalled 'The City of Sydney' and 'The City of Grafton' - and six carriages will be
painted in the distinctive black, red, silver and warm white branding used by the State Rail Authority in the 1980s when the XPTs were first introduced into service.
The first return service of the Grafton XPT will run as a full set in this livery.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “We made a clear commitment to the people of Grafton and communities
along the line that coaches would only replace the Grafton train service for 12 months while we carried out these major upgrades.
“We have delivered on that promise.
“I want to thank the community for their patience over the past year.
“It has meant we have been able to fast track the $40.3 million, fiveyear program to refurbish our ageing XPTs – the workhorses of our current regional rail fleet.”
Council backs major events
Access to Wills – Part 1
by Sophie Franks
One of the first steps following a person’s death is to locate and inspect their Will. At this stage, family members and other interested parties often become curious and begin asking the question, “Can I have a copy of the Will?”
Section 54 of the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) governs the rights of certain individuals to view or receive a copy of the deceased person’s Will before Probate is granted. A key point of this provision is that a person with an interest in the estate (for example, a beneficiary or someone who may have a claim against the estate) has the statutory right to inspect or be given a copy of the Will upon request being made by them to a person who has or is in possession of the Will of the deceased person.
The legislation adopts a broad definition of “Will”. Under section 54 of the Succession Act 2006
(NSW), the term “Will” is not limited to the final valid Will but may also include earlier revoked Wills, documents that purport to be a Will, and copies or parts of such documents.
To inspect or receive a copy of a deceased person’s Will, the interested person must usually request access from the executor or Solicitor acting for the executor/s of the estate being the person or persons who ordinarily have possession or control of the Will of a deceased person. If access is refused or a copy of the Will is being withheld, the person may apply to the Court for an order compelling the parties to produce a copy. In order to rely on this right, the person must demonstrate that they have a legitimate interest.
Part 2 will continue next week….. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
- Central District Rowing Association Championship, held in March on the Manning River
MIDCOAST Council has announced economic support for a range of major sporting championships and conferences set to bring visitors to the region and deliver flow-on benefits for local businesses.
Through targeted event sponsorship, Council will support
- U14 Hockey State Championships, 10-12 April at Taree Hockey Complex
- CWA State Conference, 3-7 May at Club Forster
- Bowls State Carnival, held in May at various bowling venues across the region
- Vikings Senior Challenge, held in March each year at the Tuncurry Sports Fields
- NSW Triathlon Club Championships, held in Forster each February.
Mayor Claire Pontin said Council’s approach is focused on supporting events that deliver tangible benefits for the community.
“Council is proud to support events that bring people to our region, filling local accommodation, cafes, clubs and retail businesses and delivering real value for our community,” she said.
“These events also showcase our region as a great place to visit, compete and host, helping to build our reputation and attract future events.”
Cr Pontin said a strong events calendar helps drive year-round visitation and supports business confidence.
“Major championships and conferences create a ripple effect across the local economy - from accommodation and hospitality to services, retail and tourism experiences,” she said.
“They also create great energy in our towns and a sense of pride for locals who help make these events happen.”
Council’s sponsorship program prioritises events that demonstrate strong visitor appeal and clear economic impact, while also delivering positive community outcomes through participation, volunteering and local pride. The events will be hosted across the region drawing participants and supporters from across NSW and beyond.
q The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history.
q A previous Lakes Trail Festival. Photo: supplied.
Home Caring explained
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MEMBERS of the Hawks
Nest and District Probus Group were enlightened on the topic of home caring during a presentation by Jo Sheehan, Director of Home Caring Myall Coast (HCMC), on Friday 10 April.
Jo has been in nursing for more than 50 years, including 12 years at the Emergency Department in Gosford.
Her husband, Peter, is an ex-paramedic who now works with Jo at HCMC, along with more than 70 other staff.
“We should retire from work, but not from life,” Jo said, as she explained how the federal government’s My
Aged Care system works.
The Support At Home system has eight levels.
“Assessed” is the first of the three “As” of the bureaucratic process, followed by Approved, and Assigned.
“Individual participants are rated as urgent, high, medium, or low priority for home care, and it can take 6-12 months to receive funding depending on the rating,” Jo said.
“I have seen some rated as ‘low’ priority wait up to 18 months, and if there is a change in circumstances, the cycle starts all over again.”
Jo said the “deepest sadness” she has had was
losing people who were waiting for the system’s help.
“The point of a ‘home care package’ is to keep people out of residential aged care, as independent as possible [and] still living in their own homes.
“Most people need assistance with lawns and domestics, or shopping.
“The biggest practical concerns, other than domestic duties, are the ability to drive and avoiding ladders.
“Falling is a major problem in general, a fall from a ladder can be deadly.”
Support at Home is a new system stemming from recent legislative changes,
prompted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“The system is not perfect, and still needs fixing to avoid situations where people are paying someone to shower them or put them to bed,” Jo said.
“Everything is pushed to computers, which does not help… [so] people need their grandkids to help them on the website.
“Word of mouth remains a good way to find a provider, and you should not wait –get yourself registered now, so you can obtain your ‘AC’ number, which will be your identifier when you are ready to be assessed.”
Age limits apply, with those in need of assistance aged under 64 being sent to the NDIS, and those 65 and over coming under My Aged Care.
Hawks Nest Probus members will enjoy several
upcoming events, including Breakfast at Tillermans, tours of Newcastle Airport upgrades, a visit to Mortel’s sheepskin factory near Thornton, and a slew of other grand social outings, sports and games groups.
Local Businesses of Dungog
Authorised by Kate Washington MP, 26 William St, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
q Ten-year Probus pin recipients (L-R): Jan MacDonald, Inga Reed, Carol Harrap, Keith Harrap, with President John Lamb. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q President John Lamb with new Probus member Judy Binnie. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Jo Sheehan, from Home Caring Myall Coast, spoke to the members in April. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Forestry advocacy body warns of hidden cost pressures
FOREST and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) Chair Steve Dobbyns has warned that hidden cost pressures are overwhelming regional industries.
FWCA, an advocacy body representing forestry businesses and timber industry communities, says recent fuel relief measures are failing to deliver meaningful impact for regional industries, as underlying diesel costs continue to rise sharply across the supply chain.
While welcoming the Federal Government's decision to halve the fuel excise and scrap the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge (RUC) for three months, Mr Dobbyns said the reality on the ground tells a very different story.
“Despite promised savings of 58.7c at the bowser, diesel users are seeing prices surge to highs of $3.39/l in regional areas,” Mr Dobbyns said.
“Even with the removal of the RUC and halving the fuel excise, the Terminal Gate Prices are still almost a dollar more than before the US-Iran conflict began,” he said.
“Operators need to find
that from somewhere and they need to find it now, not just claim it back at BAS (Business Activity Statement) time.
“By then, it will be too late for some."
FWCA said wholesale diesel prices, reflected in terminal gate pricing, have surged dramatically since the onset of the conflict, with some markets jumping from around $1.60/L to over $3.00/L in a matter of weeks.
“These are the real costs driving the system,” Mr Dobbyns said.
“Terminal gate prices set the baseline for everything that follows - freight rates, contractor pricing, machinery operation and ultimately the cost of getting timber, food and goods to market.”
FWCA says focusing solely on pump price relief ignores the broader cost environment facing dieselreliant industries.
“We’ve said from the outset this isn’t just about what you pay at the bowser.
“It’s about the full cost stack.”
Across forestry, farming and freight, Mr Dobbyns said businesses are now
absorbing rising freight and haulage costs as contractors factor in fuel volatility; increased machinery operating expenses across harvesting and transport; higher parts, servicing and equipment costs linked to global supply pressures; and escalating contractor rates as fuel risk is priced into every job.
FWCA noted that even where tax relief is applied, these compounding pressures are quickly offset before any meaningful savings reach operators.
“There is a clear disconnect between policy announcements and what’s actually being experienced at the bowser in regional Australia,” Mr Dobbyns said.
“By the time relief filters through, it’s already been absorbed by higher wholesale pricing and flowon costs across the supply chain.”
For regional industries operating on tight margins, FWCA warns the situation is becoming unsustainable.
“Forestry, farming and freight don’t have the ability to simply absorb these increases.
industries - and they’re being squeezed from every direction.”
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston COACH DEPARTS: Kew -
Richmond, Ross, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston
If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au
Autocare
Barry's Butcher's Stand
Boathouse Resort
Bulahdelah Bowl Club
Bulahdelah BP Servo
Bulahdelah IGA
Bulahdelah Info Centre
Bulahdelah Library
Bulahdelah Shell Servo
Century 21 Real Estate
Coles Entry
Coles Exit
Credit Union
Estia Health
Home Timber and Hardware
Hook and Cook
Ice Cream Shack
Lady Jane Motel
Myall Meats
Myall Pharmacy
Myall River Automotive
Nerong Box
North Arm Cove
Palm Lake Resort
Pindimar Box
Post Office
R&R Real Estate
Ray White Real Estate
Riverside Mens Group
RSL Grange
SoLo Tea Gardens
T/B Bakery
Tea Gardens Boatshed
Tea Gardens Fish Co-Op
Tea Gardens Hotel
Tea Gardens Library
Tea Gardens Service Station
Tillermans
Vinnies
Woodwards Nursery
Report shows a ‘runaway train of AI slop’
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation.
The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities.
The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.
ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a “runaway train” of AI slop and malicious lies, designed to delay progress.
“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” she said.
“We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions, create confusion during emergencies, and erode trust in the information people rely on.”
The Committee was chaired by Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Nationals
community conversations
GIVE THE GRAPEVINE a MISS - JOIN US At a LOCATION NEAR YOU
You’re invited to drop into your nearest community conversation. It’s an open forum that gives locals a chance to hear from and talk to Councillors and senior staff in person
This is a chance for community members to learn about Council plans and projects, share ideas and ask questions.
There’s no need to register, just turn up on the day. Every MidCoast resident is encouraged to attend.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Stroud School of Arts Hall
Thursday 30 April 5.30 - 7pm
Hawks Nest Community Centre
Thursday 14 May 2.30 - 4pm
Bulahdelah School of Arts Hall
Thursday 14 May 5.30 - 7pm
Also coming to other locations across the region during April and May.
FIND OUT MORE
Scan to learn more and for the full schedule of dates and locations.
midcoast.nsw.gov.au/conversations
Leader Matt Canavan with input from Senators Malcolm Roberts and Ralph Babet.
Senators Canavan, Roberts and Babet released dissenting reports.
ACF’s submission called for a national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy, stronger accountability for social media platforms, truth in political advertising laws, and an investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding.
The report contained 20 recommendations, which included improving support for regional and independent media outlets, social sciences research relating to threats to climate and energy information integrity, and relevant regulators to combat and expose corporate “greenwashing”.
It also recommended greater transparency of election campaign activities, and broadening the Australian Curriculum to strengthen media literacy.
Jonathan Cassell, Greens councillor for the City of Coffs Harbour, agrees that disinformation about climate change is a regional issue.
“In my experience, regional voters tend to be more conservative,” he said.
“They are likely to accept disinformation if it suits their beliefs of how things used to be or should be.
“Unfortunately, climate change is
moving faster than people can cope with and so disinformation and denial reinforce each other."
Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.
“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Self-regulation is failing."
The report can be found on the Senate website, via www.aph.gov.au
q The type of AI-generated misinformation
Statewide approach to community consultation
THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals.
A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition.
Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning matters.
The State Government said this has led to inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to engage with and navigate the planning system.
“Consulting the community is a central part of the NSW planning system and the introduction of a single Community Participation Plan will simplify this and standardise public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state,” the government said in a statement.
“The draft plan reframes NSW’s approach to community consultation by putting the primary focus on strategic planning and major complex development applications instead of sweating the small stuff.
“It proposes longer timeframes for the community to have their say on strategic planning proposals that set out where development should occur and where infrastructure is needed; while reducing the number of low-impact development application types required to be exhibited by councils, speeding up assessment and decision making.”
Key changes include:
• Extending minimum consultation timeframes on significant state-level strategic planning initiatives like the recent draft Sydney Plan and the State Plan from 45 days to 60 days.
• Standardising the process for notification of Complying Development across
the state and giving neighbours seven days’ notice before any works begin.
• Making public exhibition requirements clear for different types of local development so that councils do not need to exhibit things like new single or two storey houses or sheds and pools that already meet planning controls.
Councils will still be able to tailor their own community engagement strategies to suit local needs and feed into other council plans and policies.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “We are encouraging more people to have their say up front when looking at the future of their city, town or suburb by focusing consultation on strategic planning decisions while making the approach to consultation on planning matters clear and consistent across the state.
“We’re taking more than 100 inconsistent and sometimes contradictory plans and bringing them into one clear, consistent approach to give communities a strong voice in the planning system.”
The move has been strongly supported by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
“The statewide Community Participation Plan will improve the planning system by introducing a consistent approach to consultation on planning matters across all of NSW, adding more certainty for communities and industry,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.
“HIA fully supports the move to put the primary focus of community consultation on strategic planning and major projects, rather than lower-impact development types such as single dwellings, sheds and pools, already designed to meet planning controls.”
The draft Community Participation Plan and discussion paper are on exhibition until Wednesday 3 June 2026.
To have your say, visit https://www. planningportal.nsw.gov.au/proposedstatewide-cpp
found on social media. Photo: Andrew Vivian.
Hawks and Panthers in see-sawing opener
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TEA GARDENS Hawks played their first game of the 2026 season at home, facing off against the Mallabula Panthers at Myall Park on Saturday 11 April.
Both sides came out of the gate energetically, heralding a see-sawing battle of stamina.
Mallabula scored the game’s first try within five minutes, but the Hawks struck back against the strong defence.
Ryan Saunders embodied pure determination to score for the Hawks, followed by an Isaac Mitchell conversion.
Five minutes later, Mallabula hopped around the Hawks defenders to score
their second near the posts for an easy conversion.
Several fairly brutal tackles and a series of infractions and play-stops killed momentum before the Hawks finally got the ball out.
They were 20 metres from their line when an intercept by Mallabula took it back to halfway.
A concerted Hawks effort led to James Sinclair finding a break up the left wing and scoring close to the posts.
Another successful conversion by Mitchell put the Hawks back in front.
The momentum was soon lost, with Mallabula scoring from the left wing and converting to re-take the lead.
Mallabula’s defence
buckled trying to stop Ryan Saunders crossing near the posts, with James Sinclair bringing it around from the wing to even the score.
The second half started with Mallabula taking quick possession and scoring next
to the posts and converting.
The visitors dominated the second half, keeping the ball near their line.
The Hawks managed one more try from the hands of Anthony “Mini” Cameron, playing his 100th game in the
Victory for Lady Hawks
The first try went to Mallabula, from a clear run up their right wing.
The second was conducted in a mirror image up the left wing, just moments later.
The Hawks’ Katie Abbott had two attempts over the
line foiled by last-second taggings, but Windjana Jane managed to get across the line for the Hawks’ first try of the season.
Another excellent run by the hungry Lady Hawks was stopped early, despite some strong attack.
Then there was a lot of back-and-forth until the first half ticked out.
In the second half, the Lady Hawks started six points down.
They were running into the sun, as Mallabula again scored through the open wing.
With just over 14 mins to go, Katie Abbott had the ball 30 metres out, executing some fancy moves to avoid tagging.
green and red.
Late game injuries on both sides and a series of interceptions, denied the Hawks further scoring opportunities, with Mallabula planting another under the uprights to take the win 34-20.
In acknowledging Cameron’s 100th game since 2011, the club described him as “a true clubman, bringing dedication, toughness, and team spirit every time he takes the field”.
Full-strength footy
HUNTER football fans are again able to enjoy a fullstrength beer as they watch NRL and A-League action unfold.
For many years, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while in contrast fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.
Calling out how unfair this was, Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby launched a campaign to
She went on to take it through the posts for another Hawks try.
A successful conversion by Lilliarne Baillie took the Lady Hawks to within a converted try of levelling the score.
The final 10 minutes was an energetic and desperate battle to keep possession, highlighting how quickly five taggings can force a handover.
The Lady Hawks’ Litiana
change the rules.
As a follow-up, the NSW Government undertook a sixmonth trial into the service of full-strength beer during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.
Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle are now able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said, “This is a commonsense
Durbin took her fourth run from the back line, this time evading Panthers to run all the way up the field for a well-earned try.
At fewer than five minutes to go, and only two points between them, the Lady Hawks regained possession within 20 metres.
decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of fullstrength, mid, light and zeroalcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said, “Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.
“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”
Evie Braddick made it past the line to successfully score, putting the Lady Hawks in front for a 18-16 win.
Along with the win, the team celebrated Gemma Clarke’s 50th game.
“Gemma has brought commitment, passion, and team spirit every time she’s stepped on the field, a fantastic achievement and a reflection of her dedication to the club both on and off the field,” a spokesperson said.
q Hawks’ Anthony ‘Mini’ Cameron scored in his 100th game. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q James Sinclair scoring one of his two tries from the wing. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Local fans during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Photo: AAP Image/Darren Pateman.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
q The second Lady Hawks try was scored by Katie. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Litiana ran most of the field before scoring the third Lady Hawks try. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Evie got through for the team’s fourth try. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Windjana scored the Lady Hawks' first try. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS week ending 10th
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
By Dianne BOWES
EASTER Saturday saw a good field of 27 tee off in the 18 hole Stableford event. The ladies were joined by visitors from Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club, Glen Innes GC, as well as country members enjoying the holiday weekend here in Hawks Nest. It was also lovely to see Di Nummy return to Saturday golf after a long absence. Robyn Keegan continued her run of great form, coming home a clear winner on 39, two shots clear of the next 4 players, all on 37 in a tight leaderboard.
Results: Saturday 4/4/2026
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
A Grade Winners: 1st Peree Watson (Hunter Valley GCC) 37 C/B; 2nd Carolyn Affleck 37; 3rd Karen Green
35 C/B
B Grade Winners: 1st Robyn Keegan 39 (best score of the day); 2nd Sue Campton
37 C/B; 3rd Sue Kovacs 37 Place Getters (36-32): Cheryl Rose, Deb Matheson,
TGCC Bowling Club Reports
WEEKENDING 12.04.26
A big thank you to our sponsors this week Tea Gardens Auto/Electrical (Bosch)
Ladies Tuesday Bowls
07.04.26
While our 8 lady Pennants ladies are away today, we had a good turn up with 15 ladies playing 2 x rinks of 2 bowl 4s. A big thank you to Karen Vollmer today for playing ‘swinger’ & making this easy. Winners today with lowest margin score of 18-17 were Irene Roberts, Susan Burns, Kris MacDonald & Karen Vollmer, well done ladies! The lucky raffle winner today is Sheril Johnson.
Tuesday Ladies Pennants
07.04.26
Our girls travelled to Soldiers Point today in the bus, thank you to Ron
Hawks Nest Social Club Thursday Night Darts
By John EDWARDS
9 APRIL.
Winners: Darby Neville and Clint Harris. Runners up: Destinee Cary and Daren Rapley. Ladies highest score: Teagan Diaz-92. Men’s highest score: John Edwards-140. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm, darts start at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and play.
April Monday: N/S 1. L Falla & C Rands, 2. L & G Conroy, 3. J Whalan & B Treharne. E/W 1. L Wood
Evelyn Potts, Liz Trollop, Carol Maher
NTP Hole 5: A Grade Julie Hammond
NTP Hole 10: A Grade Karen Green
Tuesday’s competition was very popular this week, with 54 ladies teeing off in the 18 Hole Stableford event. Despite the unwelcome heat, the scores across the field were fantastic, with two thirds of the players scoring 30 or more points. Leading the charge was Ann Syme, who showed a clean set of heels with an excellent 40 points. Amazingly, only 4 shots separated the next 20 finishers! And there were chip ins today in record numbers, with 10 ladies getting it right: Dale McClure on the 1st; Judy Benson 2nd; Sue Hair on the 2nd as well as from 25 metres out on the 4th ; Di Nummy, Di Bott, Viv Ballinger and Jeanette Kemp on the 8th; Sue Kovacs and Sharon Carter 10th; and Ann Syme on the 17th – great golf, ladies!
Results: Tuesday 7/4/2026
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford A Grade Winners: 1st
Webster for being their chauffeur, they very much appreciated this! What a wonderful victory for our girls with a Masterboard reading 38 to 33 over a very strong Soldiers Point side. Our girls from Tea Gardens have been elevated to Grade 2 & are not only holding their own, but really showing what Tea Gardens ladies have to offer !
Men’s Wednesday Gala Day 08.04.26
Today saw 43 men bowlers using both the grass & synthetic green. Overall winners with a total of 28 were John Vaughan, Denis Wilberforce & Hylton Newman (welcome back Hylton! you've been missed)
Morning winners decided by lowest winning score of 10 were Graham Reynolds, Wayne Duggan & John Bates. Afternoon winners decided by the highest
& G Smith, 2. J Glover & N
Grehan 3. S Fuller & K Mc
Murray.
Tuesday: N/S 1. A & J
Macintosh, 2. H Blackbourn & E Buckpitt, 3=. D & A
Syme 40 (best score of the day); 2nd Ann Morris 37 C/B; 3rd Judy Benson 37
C Grade Winners: 1st
Debbie Andrews 37 C/B; 2nd
Robyn Richardson 37; 3rd
Rebecca Lewis 36 C/B
Place Getters (36 C/B -34 C/B): Donna Clemens, Sue Hair, Mary Wilde, Janet Olsen, Karen Serhan, Di Bowes, Marcia Smith, Deb Matheson and Sue Campton
NTP Hole 3: A Grade Deb Matheson; B Grade Sharon Carter; C Grade Donna Clemens
NTP Hole 10: A Grade Liz
Ross
There was never a dull moment in Thursday’s Lady Vets comp, with lots of highs and lows out on the fairways and of course, a lot of laughter. Some of the best bits included Marg Bonney’s chip in from 40 metres out on the 3rd, Di Smith from 22 metres out on the 13th, and Janet Merryweather from 5 metres out on the 18th. Other chip ins today were from
winning margin of 28 were Tony Butler, Dennis Ashbridge & Geoffrey Muggleton.
Congratulations to our 80 Club winners: Hylton Newman & Kev Barbie Happy Birthday to Glenn Reinhard - enjoy your free drink voucher!
Thursday Ladies Pennants 09.04.26
Shannon, 3=. R Albon & S O’Keefe.
E/W 1. J Urquhart & M Churton, 2. S Ryder & J Fowler, 3. L Butler & G Muggleton.
Rosarie Mullins 1st, Sylvia Bolden 10th and Janet Moore 17th. Annie Benton showed she’s still got it in her first Lady Vets game in 14 months, firing a lovely 48 off the stick. Pat Marr was very happy when she sank her 20 metre putt on the 15th too. There were some other memorable moments, though, like the hapless group who followed the leader when they all hit into the dam on the 18th. Another player almost took herself out when her ball hit the tree she was trying to avoid, firing back
Wednesday: 1. E Digby & D Hipkins, 2. B Treharne & S Matheson, 3. J Armstrong & M Rowden.
Friday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2=. B
at her in a near miss. The bunkers saw a lot of action today, and the long, wet rough was another painful reminder to many ladies that it pays to hit straight. Thankfully, the Thursday spirit of enjoying a good walk, good friends and good fun prevailed.
Our 8 Pennants ladies played the ladder leaders Valentine Blue at home today. This proved to be a massive tussle, and the Masterboard at the end of the day was a heart breaking 38 - 37 to Valentine - our girls were devastated, but really they should hold their heads high !! Not only are they coming 2nd on their ladder, they
Treharne & S Matheson, 2=. L & G Conroy. E/W 1. M Forte & B Brooking, 2. J Gray & P Baily, 3. S Pearson & M Rowden.
Lorraine Bragg; Division 2
Karen Serhan; Division 3
Donna Gorton NTP Hole 16: Division 1
Fran Henderson; Division 2 Sue Fordy
Our annual fund raising drive in support of the HMRI, specifically focusing on breast, ovarian and blood cancers, has begun for 2026. The Lady Vets Raffle, with beautiful prizes donated by local businesses Estia, Hawks Nest Pharmacy and Krystal’s Massage Therapy is under way with tickets now on sale to be drawn on May 7th.
came just 2 bowls to beat the highly favoured winners. This just goes to prove our very competent Pennants ladies can win this thing, they just have to, in the words of Ted Lasso - BELIEVE ! Saturday Open Gender Pennants 11.04.26
What a season this has been for our men & ladies - with the final games of the round for Tea Gardens happening next Saturday 18.04.26 - all at home. We encourage all our bowling fraternity & their friends to come support our Open Gender Pennants people, they have done an amazing job this season.
Grade 5 vs Beresfield at Beresfield
Our strong Grade 5 bowlers, who are leading this competition, had a hiccup - they still lead the comp - however this week went down to Beresfield with the Masterboard reading 68-53. Just a hiccup!! This talented group of bowlers will come back fighting next week at home!
Grade 6 vs Mayfield West
Our Grade 6 bowlers
Hawks Nest Vets By Len GOUGH
7/4/2026. HN VETS Stableford
travelled to Mayfield this week to take on Mayfield West. Tough day on the green for these bowlers, Masterboard reading 66 - 51.
Grade 7 vs Beresfield
Well finally! our Grade 7 bowlers kicked butt today ! Last time Beresfield won convincingly, not today. Our Masterboard today read 65 - 50, well done Grade 7! The win was very much celebrated not only on the bus home, but at the Bowlo after…. gotta love the camaraderie of our bowling community. A special thank you to the ‘Cheer Ladies” who will remain nameless!!! but I believe they contributed to the win today !!!!
Mixed Sunday Bowls 12.04.26
What a wonderful turn up today for our Sunday bowls! A sunny, but albeit chilly windy morning had our jackets on today!
We had 31 participants today, playing 5 rinks of 3 bowl triples.
Our lucky rink winners on rink 9 were Gareth Cuss, Bill Jones, John Moore & Dave Ransome
q Ann Syme had a great win on Tuesday.
q Thursday Lady Vets winner, Pam Keegan.
q Winners: Darby Neville and Clint Harris. Runners up: Destinee Cary and Daren Rapley.
q Ladies and men’s highest score: Teagan and John.
q Grade 7 Winners vs Beresfield 65 -50 on Saturday 11th April 2026.
BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Exposed to asbestos or silica dust?
FOR many in our community, hard work in industries like power generation, construction and mining has been a way of life.
But for some, that work has come at a hidden cost.
Diseases caused by asbestos and silica dust often take decades to appear.
By the time symptoms develop, the connection to past employment may not be immediately obvious.
Yet under New South Wales law, people diagnosed with dust diseases may be entitled to significant compensation - even if exposure occurred many years ago.
Carter Hawkins Lawyers is a specialist firm dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by dust disease. With a strong focus on client care, the firm assists with claims through the Dust Diseases Tribunal and the Dust Board (iCare), guiding clients through what can often be a complex and emotional process.
Importantly, exposure is not limited to a single workplace.
Many cases arise from years spent working across local power stations, coal mines, and industrial employers throughout regional New South Wales.
“Even brief or secondary exposure can be enough to cause serious illness,” said the Carter Hawkins Lawyers team.
“If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a dustrelated condition, it is worth seeking advice.
“Early guidance can make a meaningful difference - not just financially, but in securing support and peace of mind for the future.”
Carter Hawkins offers a free in-home consultation to discuss your entitlements.
You can then decide whether to proceed with a claim from there.
Community Event
q Dust disease lawyer Isabella Nati and principal dust disease lawyer Jacqueline Hughes.
Dorin's Drawings
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
The Write Direction
By John BLACKBOURN
Wasted long weekend
THE long Easter weekend provided me with the opportunity to stay close to home and delivered down
Myall Coast Vets
By Tony SMITH
9/04/2026. STABLEFORD.
A Grade
1. George Matheson 40
2. Peter Bernardin 39
TGSC Walking Football
By Shayne REYNOLDS
PLAY day last Wednesday was absolutely lovely weather for a good fun game of Walking Football (soccer) with a good strong turn out of eager players who hit the field full of smiles and anticipation.
By Lynne MILES
time for me to think about our world and where we are headed.
Yes, I know that was a mistake and I’m still agonising over the fact that I should have found something more productive to do with this spare time.
Reacting to world events I was trying to make sense of what global leaders might be playing at.
Have you ever listened to someone for a while and wondered who ties their shoelaces for them?
For those national leaders who can’t take time out to reflect, their life must be like toilet paper.
They are either on a roll or they are receiving crap from their
3. Gary Wills 36 c/b
4. Garry Foster 35 c/b
5. John Lashwood 35 c/b B Grade
1. Peter Lock 39
2. Dave Thompson 35 c/b
3. Colin Bell 35 c/b
4. Les Miller 35 c/b
We, once again, played on the TGSC mid-sized field which will probably become our usual pitch for the winter season which kicks off 2nd May when we will able to utilise their larger goals making it easier for our keen sharp shooting players to bag some extra points as our current small goals are requiring all but pinpoint accuracy but it all adds
On the Couch
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
I HAVE been going really well with my eating and exercise plan, but over Easter it went out the window. I'm feeling very guilty and disillusioned.
Fiona W.
Dear Fiona,
This is completely relatable, and I'm sure many of our readers will be feeling post-Easter remorse.
In a 24-hour period, I somehow managed to eat Lindt chocolate eggs, Easter buns, Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies, Easter buns with lashings of butter, a baked dinner, and, just to top it off, a chocolate-hazelnut meringue dessert.
I could have declined the
detractors.
Hardly a pleasant task at the best of times.
The longer I live, the more convinced I am that our planet might be used by other planets as a dumping ground for dills.
Possibly our extremely brave astronauts on their trip of a lifetime might be able to shed some light on that probability. Otherwise, they might just think that politics has become show business for ugly
5. Fred Sparksman 35 c/b C Grade
1. Ron Stewart 36 c/b
2. Steve Carruthers 36
3. Kenneth Hudson 35 c/b
4. Keith Glanville 35
5. William Hopkins 34 NTP. A B
to the fun and excitement with a few goal attempts just “oh so close” missing and a couple falling short of the line. Better luck next time.
We played two 15-minute halves followed by a 15 minute follow on session by most players.
Our newbie Ray, aka Rowdy, popped two goals in!
A special mention this week
dessert, but at that stage of the proceedings, what was the point?
Now that we are back to a working week, I'm seriously regretting my life choices.
Then again, we can't be disciplined all the time. Sometimes we just have to break out.
The fact is, Fiona, there is nothing we can do about yesterday.
Decision were made.
They may have been the wrong ones.
To keep going blindly down the same path would be foolish.
The only thing we can deal with is the repercussions, in this case an expanded waistline and regret. There are ways to shift both, so let's go through some options.
1. Drink lots of water. Water will fill you up, it's good for you, and it will help to move your sluggish metabolism and flush out all that sugar.
2. Go for a walk. Walk a dog, if you have one, or just walk on your own or with an equally guilt-ridden friend. Moving is a great way to improve your mindset and it may burn off a couple of those eggs too.
3. Have a healthy lunch full of salad ingredients. This will help reset your Easter binge in a positive
people.
This cycle of bluffs, threats, fear and erratic retractions is never going to succeed in changing our world to become a better place.
Once your mind is made up as a leader and you clearly have your community on side with the direction in which you need to move, then the only response is to get on with the job at hand and deliver a result in the quickest possible time.
way.
4. Remove temptations. If you still have some chocolate treats left over, give them to friends with young kids, neighbours or other family members. You won't be able to move on while there are still Easter eggs on every surface of your house.
5. Don't be hard on yourself. It is challenging in the post-sugarhigh stage to stay positive, but you have survived many overindulging experiences in your past, and you'll survive this one too.
Perhaps now is the time to plan for the future.
Next Easter you could set limits. Have a three-egg rule, put in a 'no chocolate after 10am' clause, premake a healthy dinner so there is no temptation to just keep making poor choices.
If it makes you feel any better, I just put my Easter Sunday eating total into an app, and it told me I would need to walk for 11 hours to break even.
I guess with the price of fuel at the moment, it's an option worth considering.
Jasminda.
Whilst you and I are getting anxious about the cost of diesel and petrol, we know that once these costs have risen to the present extraordinary levels, they will never retreat to the preChristmas levels that we thought were expensive. But since we have all demonstrated that we can’t live without fuel, the reality becomes that we just continue to pay the higher price and complain about it later.
SPORT RESULTS
C 3rd Ward, Tony Barrett, Chr is 5th Weightman, Ross Carruthers, Steve
must go to Lorraine who hit the back net five times, I think, this week in our highest scoring game we have seen. Both teams getting used to the extra space offered by the larger field.
Thanks to Robyn for taking care of the laundry this week.
See you all again this Wednesday afternoon.
10th Keegan, Gerry Miller, Les Stewart, Ron 16th Williams, Kevin Sinclair, Peter Balls to. A 30 c/b B 29 C 28 c/b
Anyone who is interested or curious is welcome to come along, have a chat, look-see or give it a try.
REMINDER: Registration is due now,
Tea Gardens Soccer Club 2026 season will commence Saturday 2nd May. Junior Games from 9-11am then Walking Football game(s) from 11am.
defending.
Luke 24: 51 - 53 "While He was blessing His disciples, he left them and was taken up into Heaven. They worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the Temple, praising God."
Carpe diem,
q Lorraine popping one towards the net with DK
q Newbie Ray, aka Rowdy, about to drill a pass to Chris.
q Stephen lining up a pass to Lorraine.
2 70% of those diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will have a recurrence within 3 years
3 Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague making the disease difficult to detect
4 There is no accurate and reliable early detection test - a pap smear or cervical screening test does not detect ovarian cancer.
5 Your family history of cancer is
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2008 Jayco Sterling Poptop series 17.55-2 Tandem axle. Inc annex 3 way fridge microwave aircon sleeps 2, dbl bed, good cond. Reg TP39GP. $19,000. Ph 0437 974 290
Caravans
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
BLUE MURDER MOTEL
ABC TV, 7.30pm
When a summer storm slams into Mowai Bay in this charming murder mystery’s penultimate chapter, the Blue Motel finds itself at capacity with stranded tourists. The roads are closed, the power is out and Vinny (Michala Banas) and Cole’s (Brett Tucker, pictured) conference room has become a makeshift community shelter. So, when the local radio DJ starts broadcasting “dead air”, it’s almost certain the killer is right under their noses. However, Jamie (Jayden Daniels) is beginning to doubt the retired cop couple’s credentials.
FRIDAY, April 17
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (Mv) A father is shot in front of his daughter.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGls, R)
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Ml, R)
11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)
12.05 Love Me. (Ml, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SUNDAY
THE FLOOR
NBN, 7pm
No one quite knew what to expect when this competitive trivia showdown premiered last year, but with an average 1.3 million viewers tuning in to yell answers at the screen each night, it’s safe to say Floor is on solid ground. Now, host Rodger Corser (pictured) returns with a cast of 81 clever contestants who step into the arena ready for anything: among them are Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, Survivor alum Gerald Youles and Travel Guides Kevin Moloney. A new feature – the Freeze –will be heating things up later in the season, but Sunday’s premiere raises the stakes with a bonus $20,000 prize on offer for whoever holds the most territory by episode’s end.
THURSDAY
THE CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN
Viewers could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu when tuning into this new TV talk show: a handful of famous folk with projects to promote sit on a giant lounge and share personal anecdotes in front of a studio audience. Yes, it’s basically The Graham Norton Show –except this edition is hosted by The ’ Claudia Winkleman (pictured), and rather than the Irishman’s iconic red couch, hers is green velvet. After filling in for Norton last year, the whip-smart Winkleman has been entrusted with her own BBC chatfest. In this second episode, Claudia welcomes comedian Joanne McNally, actor Guz Khan, stage star Rachel Zegler and singer-songwriter Niall Horan for some cheeky conversation.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 A New ANZAC.
9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PGav, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The King. (MA15+d)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)
2.00 Nordland 99. (Mal, R)
2.55 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 6. Sydney v GWS Giants.
10.30 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml, R) The Giants face arch-rivals the Sydney Swans.
11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.00 MOVIE: Patsy And Loretta. (2019, Masv, R) Charts the friendship between two music stars. Megan Hilty.
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 7. Dolphins v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Dog. (2022, Mdlv, R) A US Army Ranger travels with a military dog. Channing Tatum. 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop:
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 The Nanny. 9.30 The Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched.
(51) 9GEM (82) 7TWO (62)
Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 Late Programs.
9.20 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (MA15+v, R)
10.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)
11.05 Putin And The West. (Mav, R)
2.30 Matched. (PG, R)
3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
Discovering Film. 6.25 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 8.00 Somewhere In Time. (1980) 10.00 Marie Antoinette. (2006) 12.20pm Enigma. (2001, M) 2.30 The Lady And The Highwayman. (1989, PG) 4.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.00 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 8.35 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. (2019) 11.05 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs. 6am Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 7.50 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 10.30 The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society. (2018) 12.50pm Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 2.50 Somewhere In Time. (1980, PG) 4.55 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 7.00 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 8.30 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 10.25 Master Gardener. (2022, M) 12.30am Late Programs.
Morning Programs. 12.30pm STIHL Timbersports:
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6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 3.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 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. (Return, PGals)
8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return)
9.00 Abused By Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal. (Mav, R)
10.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mal, R)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. ITM Christchurch Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.
1.30 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)
7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 DesiAussie Family Tale of Electric Korma. 8.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Women’s Race. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.30 ICU.
7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 The Floor. (Return, PGl)
8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.15 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Prescription For Murder. (Mav) Looks at the case of Dr Brian Crickitt. 10.20 9News Late.
10.50 The First 48. (Mav, R) 11.45 A Killer Makes A Call. (Ma, R)
12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, 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.
My Favorite Martian. 1.00 The Baron. 2.00 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 3.15 MOVIE: They Who Dare. (1954) 5.30 Midsomer Murders. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 8.40 Paramedics. 9.40 Emergency. 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Candy Cane Christmas. (2020) 9.50 MOVIE: Planes, Trains And Christmas Trees. (2022, PG) 11.40 My Way. 11.55 Seinfeld. 12.25pm Soccer. English Premier League. Arsenal v Bournemouth. 2.25 Australian Ninja Warrior. 4.25 MOVIE: Superman II. (1980, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Superman Returns. (2006, PG) 10.00 MOVIE: Birds Of Prey. (2020, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Beyond The Farm: Men At Work. 9.00 My Way. 9.15 Seinfeld. 9.45 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Alabama Grand Prix. H’lights. 10.55 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth. Noon Soccer. EPL. Chelsea v Manchester City. 2.00
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (Return) A batch of new contestants enters the kitchen.
8.45 Race Across The World. (Return, Ml) In a frenetic race across the world, travellers can choose any route they like, but no flights or phones are allowed. 10.00 Matlock. (PGad) The firm tackles an AI afterlife software dispute. 11.00 NCIS: Origins. (Ma, R)
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ABC FAMILY (22)
MONDAY, April 20
(2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 1.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 11.00 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Finding Your Roots. (PGa, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Tutankhamun: Secrets Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Australia’s Greek Cafes & Milk Bars. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Malv) 11.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)
3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.05 Mountain Vets. (PGa, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away.
7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Premiere, Mals)
8.40 9-1-1. (Masv) Maddie and Buck are blindsided by unexpected news.
9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
10.40 The Agenda Setters.
11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.10 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
TUESDAY, April 21
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6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 2.00 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.15 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Surfing Aust.
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6am Discovering
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6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Exit. (MA15+ansv)
12.00 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
Film. 6.25 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.30 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 10.00 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 11.50 Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.25pm Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.15 Limelight. (1952, PG) 6.40 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 8.30 Tigerland. (2000, MA15+) 10.25 The Fox. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.40am Rheingold. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 3.10 Late Programs. 6am Limelight. Continued. (1952, PG) 8.20 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 10.10 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Master Gardener. (2022, M) 2.15 Discovering Film. 3.10 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 5.05 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 6.35 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 8.30 A Woman In Berlin. (2008, Russian) 11.00 Rosenthal. (2025, M, Yiddish) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 My Reno Rules. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
9.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.
10.15 The Agenda Setters. 11.15 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R) 12.15 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGas, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
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9GO!
WEDNESDAY, April 22
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Final, Ml, R) 11.00 QI. (Ml, R) 11.30 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Final, Mal, R) 1.45 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Aust. (PG, R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
SBS World News. 7.35 Chernobyl: Inside The Meltdown: Inferno. (Premiere) 9.25 The Audacity. (M) A would-be tech titan and his therapist try to make a fortune. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+av) 11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Ma)
1.50 Classified. (MA15+v, R)
3.25 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
9.15 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL. 10.15 To Be Advised. 11.25 The Agenda Setters. 12.25 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)
1.45 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Premiere, Masv) 9.30 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (MA15+av, R) 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6am The
Chaperone. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.50 Discovering
THURSDAY, April 23
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 William And Kate: A Royal Wedding.
8.30 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)
9.30 Riot Women. (Malsv)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Under The Bridge. (Ml)
12.00 Bonn. (Msv, R)
1.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
3.55 The Zelensky Story. (Ml, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. (Premiere) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Theatres Of War. 12.35am Late Programs. 6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30
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Film. 8.35 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 10.30 Within Sand. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.40pm Speed Kills. (2018, M) 2.35 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 4.25 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.20 The Giants. (2023, PG) 8.30 The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. (2008, M) 10.20 Sasquatch Sunset. (2024, M) 11.55 Late Programs. 6am Discovering Film. 6.45 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 8.40 The Giants. (2023, PG) 10.50 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.40pm Rosenthal. (2025, M, Yiddish) 2.30 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.25 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 6.20 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 8.30 Flags Of Our Fathers. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Shanghai. (2010, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi ponders picking up the guitar again. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 7. Western Bulldogs v Sydney. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.
11.30 HMP: Behind Bars: HMP Full Sutton. (MA15+a, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Victory for Lady Hawks
By Thomas O'KEEFE
STRONG southerly winds and summer-like heat did not prevent the Lady Hawks returning to the field with a massive bang on Saturday 11 April. They won their first match of the 2026 Ladies League Tag C
Grade competition at Myall Park in Hawks Nest.
The away team was Mallabula Panthers, from across the Bay. Mallabula took possession quickly, proving slippery at avoiding taggings, but Gemma Clarke led the early charge in her 50th game, racking up the first big 30-metre run and helping to bring
Lady Hawks within metres of the line before handover.