By Thomas O'KEEFE
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
EDITOR
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FROM Page 1
Club President Amanda Sykes said the goal is to raise $60,000 to deliver a purposebuilt community facility.
“This is a practical, inclusive project that responds to a real community need,” Ms Sykes said.
“We want to create a safe, welcoming space for people and their dogs, and we’re encouraging the community to get involved in whatever way they can.”
The dog park will feature fully fenced, secure areas, two separate play zones for small or timid dogs and larger or energetic dogs, covered seating, agility and basic training equipment, and a shaded, community-friendly design.
Information brochures with a secure QR code for donations will be distributed locally.
The Lions Club will be applying for grants to support the project, alongside local fundraising.
Community support can be in the form of direct donations, fence panel sponsorship or general sponsorship.
The Lions Club will also host a Fenced Off-Leash Dog Park information tent at the Lions Australia Day celebrations at Moira Parade Park from 8am.
For more information, contact teagardens.nsw@lions.org.au.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
CREWS working on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace have reached a significant construction milestone with the installation of the final bridge pile.
and clay down to solid rock below,” Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said.
“Across the project, 278 piles have now been installed, including 16 driven directly into the riverbed.
“This is complex, highly technical work and a major milestone for the crews delivering this project.”
underpins everything that follows.
With the foundations now in place, the project is said to progress to the next phases of bridge construction, including the building of piers, decks and spans.
As work continues, each stage brings the M1 to Raymond Terrace Project closer to completion.
“Piles are a key part of a bridge’s foundation, transferring weight through soil
The difficulty of such installations can be due to water conditions, environmental factors and the need for high levels of accuracy.
Each pile adheres to strict engineering standards to ensure the long-term strength and stability of the bridge structures.
The completion of piling works marks a major milestone for construction crews, as it
“We are another step closer to safer, smoother trips for our community,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said.
Once finished, the project is expected to play an important role in improving traffic congestion and travel times in the region.
The extension is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.
FROM Page 1
Bay, and Rangers from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
MidCoast Council and NSW Waterways and Fisheries also took part, boosting patrol visibility around Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Karuah.
“This was an annual multi-agency operation, to inundate the Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Karuah areas, particularly in light of the influx of tourists, showing a visible police presence in what are predominantly familyfriendly holiday areas,”
PSHD Inspector David Donovan told News Of The Area.
“We are certainly not
targeting tourists, we like to have them there, and we like them to feel safe when they are here, in our Sectored Communities, backed up by other agencies.”
“Operation: Tan Lines” focused on patrolling camping and bushwalking areas in Tea Gardens and Myall Lakes National Park and Hawks Nest, and beach users along Bennetts Beach.
The operation was coordinated by officers from Tea Gardens Police Station, with support from sector police across the district.
Assistance extended from East Gresford and Paterson to Port Stephens Bay, Karuah and Nerong, with neighbouring districts
also lending support.
“Statistically, 633 RBT tests were run, with no positives returned, [Police] see that as a positive thing, people being responsible, and we are sure that the police visibility helped,” Inspector Donovan explained.
“If people are doing the wrong thing, we want to detect it, such as driving on [the] beach without correct permits, drink-driving, for example.”
In all, 60 boats were inspected for safety equipment, with only minor warnings given out, and six random drug tests were performed.
Bennetts Beach was predictably busier, with patrols handing out 11
by Kristy Nunn
The case involved a dispute between a mother and son in relation to the estate of the late John Borland, who died on 28 April 2025 aged 81. The case looks at some interesting law regarding an executor’s authority prior to a grant of probate in relation to property of the estate.
The Supreme Court case centred on a rural property that had been owned by the deceased. There was a large acreage that had a main house and a small cottage about 200 metres apart. The house and cottage had separate postal addresses.
The Will left the entire property, containing both the main house and cottage, to his son John, but the gift was subject to a life interest to his wife (the mother) on condition that she was residing there at the date of his death. The son was the appointed executor under the Will.
The mother had been living in the main house, however, she was not in good health. She was the recipient of a home care package which provided her with various support.
The son, who lived 4 hours away, came back into his parents’
infringement notices for not having beach permits –mainly driving in the region south of the Surf Club area down to the Yaccaba headland.
Inspector Donovan said that Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay sectors are very popular with tourists.
Generally with more people increasing the likelihood of driving on the beaches and likely to be drinking alcohol.
“Operations like this
prove to people who are not obeying the rules that police will be there and will be taking action.
“Beach misuse in Hawks Nest was disappointing considering that MidCoast Council had proactively put up large, flashing signage at the Jimmys Beach 4WD entrance this year.
“For a proactive operation, it was pretty successful because it was visible, we are pleased with the results from the
community considering the RBTs and boats inspected, no formal action needed to be taken.”
On Saturday 10 January, a similar operation was run along Birubi Beach, noting the seasonal influx of tourists to the area.
PSHD police assisted Highway Patrol in checking beach permits and running random breath and drug testing near Gresford and Dungog for an extensive RBT operation.
lives when his father received a terminal cancer diagnosis. There was significant animosity between the mother and son in the final 6 months of the deceased’s life. The son installed CCTV cameras in the main house. His mother, feeling harassed, went so far as to attempt suicide.
The mother, in fear of her son, went to live with her daughter. During that time, the son moved all of her possessions out of the main house and into storage.
The mother’s application to the Supreme Court was seeking orders restraining the son from interfering with her occupation of the main house during her life pursuant to the life estate in the Will and to replace the son as administrator of the estate.
It seems, on face value, that the mother’s claim was straightforward …. this episode will continue next week.
Kristy Nunn is a Director of Mullane & Lindsay and is the leader of our Litigation Team. She has over 20 years’ experience as a litigation lawyer.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MOBILITY was restored at Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest by volunteers of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) on Thursday 15 January.
The hardy blue MobiMats, installed at The Anchorage carpark in September 2025, were an initiative spearheaded by the HNTGPA.
The initiative allows less mobile members of the local community and tourists to access the golden sands of Jimmys Beach. The project was supported by fellow community groups including the Tea Gardens Lions Club, TGHN Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), and partially funded by a federal grant backed by Lyne MP Alison Penfold.
“At our first meeting
of 2026, the Progress Committee noted the need to fix up the mobility mats –the edges had been hit with inevitable rain and wind erosion since September, presenting a few tripping hazards,” HNTGPA Secretary Bruce Murray told News Of The Area.
The site for the mats was chosen for its relatively low exposure to erosion, a decision following the
lessons learnt from the Bennetts Beach mobility mats, currently maintained by volunteers of the TGHN SLSC.
The mats are one of the more prominent recent achievements by the HNTGPA, with many more planned and in the pipeline for 2026.
HNTGPA President Sandra Bourke said, “Our goal is to make our twin towns as beautiful as they deserve to be.” Bourke hopes
this will bring Council’s attention to the need for updating signage, “...some of which still says “Great Lakes Council”.”
HNTGPA president also hopes for an upgrade to public toilets and other amenities including “road conditions, among many, many more items.”
The Jimmys Beach mats consist of three sections, with two donated by the SLSC and a third jointly funded by the Lions Club,
a federal grant, and the HNTGPA.
Together, they create a 30-metre traversable pathway from the carpark along The Anchorage to the sand.
Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday of every second month.
The first for 2026 is slated for 9 February at the Hawks Nest Community Hall from 6:30pm.
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The Italians never ventured onto the mainland.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
ONCE a little-known NSW island, Broughton has become a ‘must visit’ destination for fishermen, boaties and day trippers.
Over recent years, the island has changed socially, for the better, with an influx of families rather than a domination of fishermen.
Bird watching, hiking, photography, snorkelling and of course, fishing, are all part of the island experience.
I have been fortunate to have been a regular visitor to the island since my first trip in 1978 on board the “Waranah” with the late Col Jenkins.
It is pleasing to report that the fishing, on and around the island, remains excellent.
However, there is far more to Broughton with whales, seals, turtles, giant stingrays and dolphins cruising through the opal blue water.
Eight nautical miles (14km) north from the heads and two kilometres off the coast sits Broughton Island, three kilometres long and 2km wide.
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The history of Broughton Island is rich and colourful, which I discovered whilst researching my book “Broughton Islanders” back in 2013.
The first to arrive were Worimi folk.
Ample evidence indicates the presence of Aboriginal people who may well have walked onto the “island” before the ice caps melted.
European lobstermen were recorded back as far as the 1880s along with the Chinese who, after failing to find gold out west, moved to the coast.
On the island, the Chinese caught fish, trapped lobsters and collected muttonfish (abalone), which were salted and sent either to their countrymen, still at the diggings, or transported back to China.
In the 1890s, Italians were dropped off on the island by passing coastal traders to trap lobsters and were picked up, with their catch, on the return journey to Sydney.
It is recorded that they set up to 900 pots around the island.
The island was named by Captain James Cook after his mate Captain William Broughton.
It was 1906 when French Scientist Dr Danzig, the nephew of Louis Pasteur, arrived on the island with his entourage of assistants and researchers.
A plague of rampaging rabbits was causing havoc in the pastures of sheep farmers in NSW, turning green fields into deserts.
The aim of the French involvement was to introduce rabbits onto the island as part of a controlled study, then inject them with a virus in the hope that it would spread from one rabbit to another.
Unfortunately, the experiment failed miserably so the French team left the island - but the rabbits did not.
The rabbits remained until 2009 when they were eradicated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
With the rabbits went the rats and cockroaches, resulting in a return of natural vegetation and an increase in the bird population - from the tiny cisticolas, shorebirds, oystercatchers and quails to the apex predator, the sea eagle.
Sometime around 1920 a small Greek settlement was
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club
Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest
Monday 26 January 2026
Starts 12 noon
Grab ya fam, ya mates, and ya best beach gear
Chuck on some sunscreen, bring ya towel, and rock up for a ripper day
• Free Aussie tucker
• Live entertainment
• Free family activities
• Beach games & friendly competitions
• Surf Club displays
Let’s celebrate Australia Day together at Bennetts Beach!
established behind the first line of dunes on the northern aspect of the island, referred to as North Harbour.
This was a semipermanent community of lobstermen which was abandoned following a second fire in the late 1930s.
A small gathering of privately owned huts, along with a NPWS building, remain nestled out of the conditions in Esmeralda Cove, known as East Harbour.
The beaches around the island are spectacular, with excellent fishing for whiting and flathead in the summer months. It is the surrounding reef system that provides ideal habitat for snapper, mulloway, teraglin, a growing population of pearl perch, and kingfish, which gets the recreational fishers very excited.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TWO dozen volunteer firefighters and staff witnessed history at the introduction and familiarisation of the new ultra-heavy Tatra firefighting truck at Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service (RFS) on Sunday 18 January.
A full day of training saw experts from Offroad Trucks Australia flown out from WA to walk the local volunteers through the many ins and outs of the new machine, including plenty of hands-on opportunities.
Tatra’s introduction comes as part of the Minns Labor NSW Government’s ‘Next Gen Fleet Project’ to deliver 290 new and refurbished firefighting vehicles to NSW RFS across the state.
The past year and a half has seen the majority of trucks deployed to regional areas.
“The rollout of these modern, purposebuilt vehicles is part of a long-term strategic program to future-proof our fleet and better protect our members,” said NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin, in a statement from last year.
“These vehicles feature the latest in crew
protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions.
“This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bush fires across the state.”
Tatra is the third oldest auto manufacturer in the world, specialising in custom civilian, military and emergency services machines produced in the Czech Republic.
Fit-out of the trucks will be completed by an Australian group based at Rutherford.
Among the many attributes of the vehicle are its eight water distribution points, including a ‘monitor’ hose attached to the front bumper that can be fully controlled from inside the cabin.
Six wheels, each with tyres of 1.2metre diameter, can run in 6x6 mode, while the single spare tyre has its own crane to lower it onto the road for changing.
The Tatra’s tank holds 7500 litres onboard, including a specially segregated 700 litre crew safety tank, as well as a secondary ‘off-road tank’ that can be filled to a grand total of over 9000 litres.
Inside the cabin, approximately 60 buttons and switches are accompanied by many icons and cabin-controlled deflation/inflation of all six tires for meeting offroad terrain conditions.
It has the ability to raise and lower the cabin to help grunt out of tight spots, and both front- and rear-wheel drive for added dexterity.
Twenty-two firefighters spent several hours familiarising themselves with the Tatra, inspecting the pump systems, cab controls and crew access.
The vehicle’s crew refuge area, complete with its own monitor and inbuilt hoses, also drew close attention.
The Tatra barely fits inside the Tea Gardens RFS garage, with a finger or two to spare at the front and back, and a few items taken off the racks.
While on-road it has a total weight of 26 tonnes, hopefully clearing the 39-tonne load limit on the Singing Bridge.
To date, the Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS’ largest truck has been the Category one ‘Pindimar One’, a 4x4 dual cab with a 3000 to 4500 litre capacity.
While the Mid Coast Bulk Water Transport vehicle carries more water, it is not suited to the off-road work the new Tatra is designed for.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
TALENTED artists from across the Myall Coast brought in their pride and joy to sell and promote at the “Cool Summer: Mambo on the Myall” exhibition raffle for the local Rural Fire Service (RFS) on Saturday 17 January.
Several painters and craftspeople from the
Galleries in the Gardens were driven inside by the morning’s weather, before venturing out again to display their beloved works for sale in the natural riverside setting.
The exhibition ran into its final weeks, with its major prize - a Reg MombassaMambo memorabilia raffle ready to be drawn later in the month.
Katie Anderson led visiting kids in the creation of origami cranes, with proceeds also being donated to support the Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS volunteers.
Among the artists was Sylvia Reczek, whose landscapes are inspired by places near and far, from Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales to Mungo Brush and Bulahdelah, as well as more playful subjects such as lollies.
She has been painting for 15 years, saying, “I was always good at drawing, but never had the time to try painting while raising a family.”
Live entertainment filled the space as Galleries in the Gardens President Anne Stuart played familiar tunes on the keyboard, while outside in the sunlight the enormous inflatable Reg Mombassa fish continued to “swim”.
On loan and a survivor
from the Sydney Olympics, the inflatable fish remained a striking presence at the event.
Local polymath Chez Rands brought out her ceramic critters, including playful dogs, curious cats and mischievous mice, and some eye-catching bronze puffins.
Julia Ross showcased her hand-made jewellery, working primarily in silver and featuring vibrant gems such as bright orange
carnelian, dark labradorite and lab-made opals, known for their vivid, uniform colour.
Bridget Taylor’s large reef and coral scenes were juxtaposed with fluoro dinosaurs that caught kids’ eyes.
The leaden north-western sky remained a reminder of the morning’s weather, but the afternoon was more forgiving as the south-west cleared up until another storm hit in the evening.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THIRD generation
Broughton Islander, Scotty Brown was floating an unweighted yellowtail bait in eight metres of water just off North Island when WHAMO!
Scott had hooked something that took off like the last bus to Lemon Tree.
À mighty battle on 8kg mono and a 5/0 hook followed, as the mighty fish rocketed through the shallow water.
Finally, the monster surfaced to the excitement of
the crew.
I don’t think there is a more beautiful fish than a thumping great snapper with all the crimson, purple and red colouring.
The Brown boys generally release the big snapper, preferring fish around the 2-3kg mark for the kitchen.
As this whopper was Scotty’s best effort, the fish was hauled on board bound for the oven.
I have been visiting Broughton Island since the 1970s and I must say that the snapper fishing is equally as
good now as it was nearly 50 years ago.
Considering the improvement in fishing tackle, onboard technology, and the increase in the fishing population, it is great to be able to report that the fishing opportunities, particularly for snapper between Birubi and Broughton, remain excellent.
The Port Stephens – Great Lakes Advisory Committee has been finalised and will meet sometime in February.
I will, through this article and my ABC Radio segments, keep you wellinformed on the progress and decisions made as you are all stakeholders.
A WORLD-FIRST study by Charles Sturt University (CSU) has identified an ecosystem of parasites inside great white sharks.
The global study by researchers in CSU’s School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, and the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture Water
and Environment, found evidence of at least 116 parasites inside the apex predator.
Professor in Veterinary Parasitology Shokoofeh Shamsi and co-researcher and Adjunct Lecturer in parasitology Associate Professor Diane Barton, examined records from
Australia, the US, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as specimens in museum collections including the Smithsonian, Australian Helminthological Collection and EEB Biodiversity Research Collections.
“This global mapping shows enormous blind spots,” Prof. Shamsi said.
“[There are] vast regions with no parasite data at all, despite the great white sharks’ worldwide range.”
Most of the parasites are tapeworms (cestodes) and copepods.
Prof. Shamsi said protecting great white sharks requires understanding the unseen biological forces that shape them, including how parasites and other environmental pressures may influence their health and behaviour.
“We have next to no understanding of how these organisms influence shark health, energy use, decision-making, behaviour, susceptibility to stress, or even patterns we assume to be ‘attacks’.
“In other words, we are looking at sharks and seeing only the surface.”
Prof. Shamsi said Charles Sturt scientists at inland campuses study how
activities on land travel downstream, influencing estuaries, reefs and even the health of marine predators.
She emphasised that while there is no evidence linking parasites to shark–human interactions, it is important to consider how human activities, such as pollution or microbial change in coastal waters, could subtly affect marine wildlife over time.
“They say parasites act as sentinels… revealing when ecosystems are stressed or breaking down, so studying shark parasites is therefore not just about sharks; it is a way of diagnosing the health of the entire ocean.
“The biggest discoveries about great white sharks may lie in what we have never studied ─ their parasites and microbiome.”
Co-author Assoc. Prof. Barton, highlighted the pivotal role that museum
DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties.
The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the proposed changes “mark the most significant reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, delivering modern legislation that reflects contemporary community expectations.”
Changes include offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and banning painful prong collars.
According to Animal
Welfare League NSW CEO, Stephen Albin, the package addresses some of the worst examples of animal cruelty.
“Our inspectors spend a lot of time educating people about animal welfare, but the new laws provide muchneeded new powers to deal with the worst cases and offenders.”
More than 7,000 submissions were received during a period of stakeholder consultation, leading to the following proposed measures:
• strengthening animal fighting offences to support NSW Police in addressing their links to organised crime and addressing potential loopholes
• new offences, including leaving a dog unattended in a hot vehicle; using or possessing prong collars, which are a discredited
and painful dog training tool that is currently illegal to import; and possessing glue traps, which are already illegal to set in NSW
• strengthening enforcement powers and penalties to send clear signals to perpetrators of animal cruelty
• removing barriers to humane intervention in critical situations, allowing POCTAA inspectors to administer pain relief to animals where necessary and allowing appropriately trained Local Land Services personnel to euthanise animals in emergencies.
The changes build on reforms that have included banning puppy farms; increasing funding to approved charitable organisations to carry out animal welfare enforcement activities; and preventing people convicted of animal cruelty from keeping and
collections play in modern marine science.
She noted that these collections, combined with non-lethal research tools, allow scientists to study vulnerable species ethically and in far greater detail than ever before.
“Museum collections preserve irreplaceable biological material,” she said.
“They allow us to revisit specimens with new technologies and uncover insights that were impossible to detect when the samples were first collected.”
“Healthy oceans depend on recognising the small things, like the hidden architecture of parasites and microbes.”
The study, “How much do we know about the parasites of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and why they matter?” has been published in the International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife (vol. 28, December 2025).
By Stephanie GARDINER/ APP
NEARLY six years after the COVID-19 pandemic sent many city residents over the hills and far away, regional Australia is again experiencing sustained population growth.
Consistent growth in the regions has re-emerged in the last two years, driven largely by city escapees according to research by the Regional Australia Institute.
City residents moving to the country outnumbered migration in the opposite
direction by 36 percent in the September 2025 quarter, the think tank's Regional Movers Index showed.
The net number of people moving to Australia's regions increased by 11.8 percent, slightly below a recent recorded two-year high.
"Planning and investment to accommodate this growth is a key challenge for governments, industry and communities," the institute said in releasing the index on Monday.
Separate figures from the Bureau of Statistics showed
the regional population grew by nearly 114,000 in 2023/24, with the biggest surge on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
The growth has long put pressure on regional housing markets and infrastructure.
Dwelling values rose by 2.4 per cent in the three months to October 2025, as buyers shunned higher prices and competitive buying conditions in the cities, according to a recent report by analytics firm Cotality.
Regional rental vacancy rates were 1.7 percent in the
final months of 2025, with rents up 6.2 percent in the country compared to 4.8 percent across the capitals.
The Institute has called for a greater focus on the pressures facing regional communities, creating a framework to boost livability, jobs and skills and sustainability by 2032.
The Regional Movers Index, which uses Commonwealth Bank customer data to track population movement, showed Sydney and Melbourne were losing
residents to the regions at a higher rate than the other capitals.
The top five areas for regional movers were Queensland's Sunshine and Fraser coasts, Greater Geelong and Moorabool in Victoria and Lake Macquarie in NSW.
Emerging hot spots for sea and tree-changers were Latrobe, Devonport and the Huon Valley in Tasmania and Wodonga and the Colac Otway Shire in Victoria.
The Tasmanian and Victorian regions were
appealing to new residents for their industries, lifestyle and landscape, the bank's regional and agribusiness executive general manager Kylie Allen said.
"While the outlook is positive, attracting and retaining skilled professionals remains a challenge across regional areas," Ms Allen said.
"Even with a growing population, some sectors remain under pressure.
"Continued investment in training and upskilling will be key to meeting demand."
By Jacob SHTEYMAN/ AAP
Hanson has ambitions to turn One Nation into a genuine alternative to the mainstream party duopoly as Australia's rightwing political landscape undergoes a "monumental" shift.
Opinion polls reveal One Nation has overtaken the coalition as the nation's second most popular political movement in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
The bombshell Newspoll, putting One Nation on a first preference share of 22 percent and the coalition at 21 percent, will heap pressure on Liberal leader Sussan Ley as her party continues its post-election soul-searching.
Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam was less than effusive when asked if it was damaging to her leadership.
"You could cut this any which way," he told ABC News.
"You could blame her, you could blame her shadow cabinet, you could blame a range of people. We've got work to do as a team, or else those numbers will never change."
The survey of 1224
Australians reported in The Australian on Monday showed One Nation's support surged seven percentage points over summer while the coalition's fell by three.
It's the first time One Nation has outpolled the coalition in the long-running survey and backs up a DemosAU poll, published by Capital Brief earlier in January, that showed Senator Hanson's party level with the coalition.
The polls underscore this is more than the usual mid-cycle wobble, political strategist Kos Samaras said.
"It's a monumental crisis on the right: the conservative vote is fragmenting, the Liberal brand is bleeding legitimacy, and One Nation is vacuuming up the authentic right space that the coalition keeps trying [and failing] to straddle," he wrote on social media platform X.
Looking to shed the tag of a fringe party of protest, One Nation must prove capable of delivering sound policies and provide a genuine alternative to voters concerned about mass migration and high energy prices, Senator Hanson told radio 3AW Melbourne.
Voters aren't the only ones abandoning the coalition for One Nation.
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce jumped ship from the Nationals to One Nation before parliament broke for the summer.
Mr Joyce said a change was happening in politics in Australia and across the globe, and people were sick of being taken for granted.
In a silver lining for Ms Ley, voters rated her response to the Bondi attack much more favourably than Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's.
In a Resolve poll published by Nine newspapers on Monday, more than half of
1800 respondents rated Ms Ley's response as good and 29 percent rated it poor.
Only 32 percent rated the prime minister's response as good, with 56 percent rating it poor.
Mr Albanese said One Nation had been a divisive force since its inception.
"They promote division, and I don't want to see One Nation with a higher vote than the coalition," he told
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IMMERSE yourself in nature and water with this beautifully crafted “Queenslander”style home, set on an elevated 821sqm block on The Esplanade.
Built in 2006, the residence blends classic design with modern comforts, offering sweeping water vistas at the front and lush bushland at the rear.
This property has been fully booked on Airbnb, generating a gross income of over $100,000 per year.
Due to this strong demand and occupancy, inspections are by appointment.
A wide wraparound verandah and timber-and-glass entry lead into a central hallway with polished timber floors.
To the east, a light-filled lounge and dining area feature decorative fretwork, French doors to the verandah, and panoramic water views - the perfect spot to watch breathtaking sunsets over the cove.
The kitchen is thoughtfully positioned with stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and easy access to both the dining area and outdoor entertaining space.
Dark stone benchtops complement crisp white cabinetry, while a turquoise splashback adds a vibrant touch.
The master bedroom occupies the western corner, with a tiled ensuite, walk-in robe, and French doors opening to the front verandah overlooking the water.
Three additional bedrooms offer built-in robes and leafy outlooks, with the fourth providing direct access to the rear alfresco area.
A centrally located bathroom and separate toilet provide practical convenience.
Outside, a timber deck offers covered entertaining with bushland views, while the rear yard is fenced and landscaped with mature trees, decorative rockwork, and mulched walking paths - perfect for children, pets, or gardening.
Bulahdelah Golf Club Report
By Thora-Lou SMITH
THE Vets played a Stableford on Thursday
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS Week Ending 16th
Hawks Nest Thursday Night Darts
By John EDWARDS
15th January and Stewart McNaughton was the best of the 34 players with 40pts from Jim Parnell with 38pts on a c/b from Steve Fitzgerald. Visitor John Gebuys from QLD won the
January
Monday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. C Richards & S Matheson, 3. D Dale & J Armstrong. E/W 1. L Wood
15th JANUARY. Winner’s:
David Bills and Matt Durrant. Runners up: Darby Neville and Daren Rapley. Ladies highest score: Sharon-86. Men’s
6th/15th and 17th NTP and Ron McDaniel won the 3rd shot 1st/10th. Saturday 17th January was a stroke event in 2 grades and the A grade winner was Paul Smithson & G Smith, 2. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. S Bowen & A Ryan. Tuesday: 1. A & J
Macintosh, 2=. D Russell & R Albon, 2=. J Fowler & S Ryder,
highest score: Clinton-125. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm. Every one is welcome to come along and play.
Hawks Nest Vets
By Len GOUGH
13/1/2026
HN VETS 9 hole Stableford
Myall Coast Vets
By Tony SMITH
15/01/2026. STABLEFORD. A Grade
Front Nine Nett Scores
1st Robert Murdoch 20c/b
2nd Brian Johnson 20c/b
3rd Steve Carruthers 20
1. Lloyd Smith 42
2. Bill Kerr 37
3. Lance Muir 36
4. Ross Clissold 35
5. Graeme Bramley 34 c/b B Grade
4th Ross Clissold 19c/b Balls down to 16
Back Nine Nett Scores
1st Peter Nealon 22c/b
2nd Keith Harrap 22 3rd John Symon 20
1. Kerry Claydon 37
2. Denis Casey 35 3. David Emmerson 34 c/b
4. Noel Shelly 34 c/b
5. Fred Sparksman 34 C Grade
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
, and Sue Hair from 15 metres out on the 11th. Well played, ladies.
Results: Thursday 15/1/26
Lady Vets 9 Hole
Competition
1st: Liz Edmonds -9; 2nd Sue Hair -7; 3rd Di Smith -5; 4th Marlene Stokes -3; 5th Viv Ballinger
2 NTP Hole 3: Division 1 Rosarie Mullins; Division 2 Marie Pegram
NTP Hole 16: Division
1 Marcia Smith; Division 2 Jeanette Kemp; Division 3
Sue Hair Guess Who? (don’t sue!): which of our ladies ended up in the bunker on the 4th?
Not her ball, but her whole buggy, umbrella, clubs and paraphernalia, all upside down in the sand.
Even the kookaburras joined in the laughter as the rest of the girls tried to retrieve her equipment.
We play in the spirit of good friends, good golf and good fun at Hawks Nest - values of a player we farewelled last Wednesday.
There were 45 ladies at the Tea Gardens Hotel for a delicious lunch, with lots of the characteristic laughter and camaraderie that June Biddle inspires on show.
She was presented with a beautiful Terri Meakins print of Tea Gardens to remind her of all her friends here.
We’re sorry to see June move interstate after her years in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, but she assures us she’ll be back to visit at some stage.
We’ll certainly miss her lively sense of mischief and humour – good luck to you, June.
with 70nett on a c/b from Murray Sharp. Rasta Carroll was the B grade winner with 71nett on a c/b from Rodney Richards. NTPs were Kevin Martin and Peter Billinghurst while the long
4. S Fuller & G Muggleton. Wednesday: N/S 1. B Treharne & S Matheson, 2. A Ryan & E White, 3. G Smith & L Wood E/W 1=.
drivers were Murray Sharp, Paul Cheers, Rasta Carroll and Bernie Newton. Marty Bramble won the jackpot.
The ladies' winner was Terry Stellema with 70nett from Bernie Newton with E Digby & D Hipkins, 1=. J Armstrong & M Rowden, 3. J Gray & P Baily.
Friday: N/S 1. J Whalan & C Richards, 2. B Eyre & D Hipkins,
74nett. Golf continues on Thursday and Saturday. Come and join us on Australia Day for a 4BBB fundraiser, 8:30 start, $35 for golf and lunch – a great way to celebrate the day.
3. B Treharne & S Matheson. E/W 1. S Pearson & M Rowden, 2. J Armstrong & D Dale, 3. M Forte & L Hulme.
4th Kevin Marr Balls down to 16c/b Nearest To Pin
3rd Ronald Wright 5th Brian Johnson
1. Steve Carruthers 40 2. Dave Thompson 36 c/b
3. Noel Quince 36
4. Damien Ward 35 c/b
5. Gordon Morrison 35 NTP. A
10th Paul Young 16th Gregory Blyton NTP Omitted for 6/1 3rd Andrew Docherty 5th Lloyd Smith
B C 3rd. Wright, Ronald Kirwan, Ross 5th Clissold, Ross Tulloch, Andrew Hopkins, William
10th Morgan, Allan Quince, Noel 16th Gurney, Peter Ibbetson, Paul Balls to. A 31 c/b B 31 C 29
By John BLACKBOURN
‘TG, I’m really proud of you’
AT THIS really busy time of the year for local businesses, things are often conducted in quick fashion, with lines of tourists ready and anxious to do their shopping so they can get back to the beach or enjoy what they came here to achieve.
Best practice can become lost in that
rush.
Tourism often forgets that its success often rests on people’s perceptions when discussing the holiday with others who may not have come to our area previously.
It thrives on returning business year after year.
I am delighted to report that one particular action from a popular Tea Gardens coffee outlet recently drove home to me that instances of exceptional service and respect for customers can set up our area as a positive location, which bodes well for tourism in the future.
A person well-known to me, who has lived and worked overseas for several years, visited the coffee place with her male partner whilst having a few days here on a short holiday.
In a crowded and busy location, two takeaway coffees were ordered and provided, with the next step being to pay for them.
Being younger and well-skilled, she
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda, Frequently when I go shopping someone pushes a trolley into my ankles. How do I avoid this painful scenario?
Jim R.
Dear Jim,
In the wrong hands, a trolley can be a weapon of mass destruction, thrust into the legs of an unsuspecting shopper when they are simply trying to reach for a bag of frozen peas (or, if in Aldi, a pair of snow boots, a cocktail shaker, and a batteryoperated angle grinder).
There should be the requirement of a trolley licence, with no trolley issued unless the shopper has been through a series of basic etiquette tests. These include, at a minimum:
-the ability to start and stop within five seconds without the need to operate as a battering ram
-competence in moving quietly and efficiently down the aisle instead of using the trolley as a dodgem car with a squealing toddler in tow -the ability to make your way calmly to a checkout instead of standing with a leg in each queue, a bit like Trump between Greenland and Venezuela
had her credit card details on her phone, but that brand of card was not accepted by the business, so another card was provided - from her phone.
All was good until the cash register thought that as the first choice was rejected, maybe the second one needed to be rejected too.
So, they had two coffees and no way of paying for them, with a lengthening queue waiting for service.
The cashier said “please come back with cash when that suits”, but still delivered the coffee in a friendly fashion.
(hedging your bets on whatever scenario will move more quickly so you can bludgeon your way through).
The trolley licence should also include post-shopping etiquette.
All shoppers should be marked as “Competent” or “Not Yet Competent” as they make their way to their vehicle. Scraping the trolley along the side of a mint-condition BMW without leaving a note is an instant suspension.
Parking the trolley on a verge and then walking away as it rolls into incoming traffic is also a black mark indicating that further training is required.
Standing in a huddle with other shoppers talking about utter dribble while another person is trying to pass, will be noted as extreme passive aggression (and/or willful ignorance) and result in additional social skills training (which is a core competency unit that can cross over to other training courses such as 'Parking in a Public Carpark' and 'Cafe Considerations 101').
And, finally, leaving your trolley with rubbish in it, making it the problem of the next shopper, will require a trolley training intervention.
I feel these interceptions will resolve your issues, Jim.
Perhaps it will make you feel better to know you are not alone.
Many of us bear the scars (quite literally) of callous trolley steerers.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Yes, they returned the next day and paid for their coffee, and are now so full of praise for the employee and that business for trusting their position.
They said it would never have happened in New York, London or Hong Kong.
This simple action, when discussed with their friends, will see Tea Gardens spoken of in highly credible terms, setting our area apart and above larger tourism locations - proving again how lucky we are to be living in this community.
HAPPY New Year and a great Australia Day to everyone in the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest community, and visitors.
I would like to provide an update on the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association following our first Management Committee meeting for the year, held last week.
The new 2026 Committee includes Vice President Councillor Thomas O’Keefe, Secretary Bruce Murray, Treasurer Kay Jones, Jeanette Hart (also President of the Myall River Art Walk Group), and committee members Kath Verdon (Life Member), Leigh Allen (Life Member), Sherrie O’Keefe, and warm welcome to Joan Jenkin, Lois McShane, and Shirley Darch.
The Association has a full program planned for 2026.
One new initiative is our Guerrilla Gardening program, which targets public areas in need of care and maintenance. These small-scale volunteer works are intended to make practical, visible improvements to shared spaces.
We are also considering applying for Tidy Town accreditation later in the year, subject to how much we can achieve with the support of local volunteers and businesses.
First was Moira Parade Park Garden with a makeover, a number of wasp nests removed, rubbish removed, and the toilets cleaned before Australia Day celebrations.
The heavy graffiti in the men’s toilet will need to be overpainted despite efforts to remove.
The garden will now be further weeded, fertilised, watered, and well-mulched to ensure all plants are healthy.
Our Seniors Week celebration, themed "Live Life in Colour", is scheduled for 21 March.
It will again be 100 percent self-funded by the Progress Association.
Supporting seniors remains a big priority for us, so stay tuned for our free community concert with music, and fabulous afternoon tea (plus great lucky door prizes).
Our major initiative for the year will be commissioning a professional cost estimate to renovate the Hawks Nest Community Hall.
This will form the basis for a grant application, supported by MidCoast Council, to seek funding for upgrades - particularly the damaged faded wooden floor, run down stage, broken curtains, aged stage lighting, poor paint job, and dated amenities.
It is competitive to get grant funding but with strong community support we are better placed.
We will also continue responding to
relevant MidCoast Council strategies and plans, including the recently released Aquatic Strategy.
This includes advocating for improved heating for year-round access to the local pool, which may also require grant funding.
In addition, we will continue submitting reports and requests on behalf of the community.
We will also continue to advocate for improved telecommunications, signage, road repairs, and overall stewardship of our area.
To support this work, the Progress Association will be fundraising through Bunnings barbecues on 5 April and 8 June, with all funds raised directed back into local projects.
Please come along and buy a sanger from our volunteers.
The Progress Association is run entirely by volunteers, and its work depends on community involvement.
Residents are very
welcome to help, whether by volunteering, joining a sub-committee, or attending meetings to share their views.
We hope to see you at our first General Meeting on Monday 13 April from 6.30pm at the Hawks Nest Community Hall.
Sale
On New Year’s Day, my husband John Forrester had a medical episode in our home which ultimately was too severe for him to recover from.
To all the Emergency responders, the Ambulance, Fire Department and Police Department staff, as well as the doctors, rescue helicopter personnel and all other bystanders who assisted in trying to save his life that evening, I want to express my most heartfelt gratitude.
Not only was my husband treated with the utmost care, he was shown dignity and diligence. Your calm compassion was so reassuring in a time of crisis and allowed us time to sit with him and say our goodbyes.
From the bottom of our hears, me and my family thank you Julia and family
Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215
Curvy, luxurious blonde. Available for dates. Discretion In calls & out calls Ph 0433 656 207 Corlette e060226
RUG good condition Ph 0493 777 707
TRAVERTINE coffee table, exc cond and other furniture items Ph 0423 208 136
WESTINGHOUSE stove, free, 60cm wide GC. 17 years old. Hawks Nest. Ph. 0428 105 591
COFFEE table, hand crafted, mahogany $100. 0493 777 707 F210825
casserole dish $50 Ph 4988 6652
COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485
Chivas
2X cane chest of drawers (L) 70cm H x 36cm D x 36cm W, $15. (S) 66cm H x 35cm D x 26cm W $10. 3 drawers each 4982 8787F161025
HOUSE bricks for free x50, pick up, Ph 02 4982 8101
DINING table, stainless steel legs. $100 0493 777 707
HALL table glass top 900 x 50 iron legs $20 4982 2335 F060325
HANAMAX compact 8mm projector in box $70. 0416 089 747 F180925
HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707
halters x3 Good
etc. $25 ea or 3 for $60. 0433 237 871
OUTDOOR coffee table new in box. Top black durostone 93 x 93cm
OUTDOOR setting New, make an offer ph 0493 777 707
table glass top, 8 chairs w/cushions 150 x 150, VGC, $50 0412 949 695.
TWO old usable Surfboards suitable for kids learning. $40 for both. Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190 F131125
VICE, engineers 4inch 10cm, rarely used. Half price $70. 4987 1680
WALT Disney, black & white, 8mm movie ‘The Grocery Boy’ in original box $80. 0416 089 747
MUGS, 15x brand new Ph 0493 777 707
4981 8882 6 plastic pale blue stools $25 the lot or $5 each 4997 0611 F250925
Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd is the leader in Horticultural manufacture and distribution on the East Coast of Australia. Celebrating over 50 years of leading the industry ANL remains an Australian family owned and operated business.
We are currently seeking energetic Administration / Customer Service Officer, for our Horticultural Products manufacturing facility at Tea Gardens.
Position requirements:
* At least six months customer service experience (preferred but not essential)
* Must have current valid driver’s license (essential)
* Enthusiastic, hard-working attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service
* A focus on ensuring our high safety standards are met
* Computer literacy skills – Microsoft Office and familiarity with operating weighbridge and POS software (desirable but not essential) on the job training can be provided
* Understanding of landscaping materials (desirable)
* Comfortable working alone and following set instructions
* Availability to work flexible hours including early mornings and weekends
* Availability to work weekends (essential)
The successful applicants will have great customer service skills, a high level of professionalism, be well presented, proactive and selfmotivated and focused on providing maximum customer satisfaction.
Duties will include but not limited to the following:
Serving customers in our sales office, completing sales, operating a till and handling cash
Aiding and giving information to customers regarding product selection and delivery options
Operating weighbridge software and communicating information to the group
Attending phone and enquiries.
If this sounds like you, please email your CV to careers@anlscape.com.au
Only people with the right to work in Australia need apply. Recruiters need not apply.
ARNOTTTS biscuits memrobilia. $100. 4982 3495
ENTERTAINMENT centre, new, $100 ph 0493 777 707
EXERCISE stepper brand new $40 ph 4982 8628
IRON for clothing, brand new, GC ph 0493 777 707
tails, birds nest and other fern varieties avail. Prices start from $15 0466 880 639
PRINTER Cartridges x2 suitable for Brother printers $20.00 for both. 0418 603 286
RAM 2019 black and chrome side mirrors $100 for both. 0432 671 259 F091025
WHEELCHAIR, Breezy BasiX2, GC. $80. Ph 0420 430 993 F070825
WINDSURFING board F2 AXXIS. 85 liters, No dings. $60. 0419 932 992 F091025
WINDSURFING carbon boom. Chinook. $80 Peter 0419 932 992 F091025
WINDSURFING sail in new condition, 9m2 Used 3 times. $90. Peter 0419 932 992
BEDROOM chair and print $50 Salt Ash 0432 671 259
EXTENSION ladder aluminimum 2.7 - 4.7m L max 100kg. $100. 4987 1680
FIREWOOD, mainly redwood, Price Neg Elaine 0428 943 812 or Blake 0416 133 925 e050226
FOLDING Recliner
KOGAN air conditioner/ heater works well. $100 4981 2251
LEATHER coat, mens Made in AU. $95. 0428 287 239 F061125
WOK , New $20. Ph 0493 777 707
WOMENS large tailormade golf wet weather outfit. $50. 4997 0611
SANKYO autozoom 8Z movie camera in box $70. 0416 089 747
SEWING machine cabinet $50. Ph 0404 877 447
SIDE Table, Mahogany 15mths old, $100. 0493 777 707 BOOTS, leather, ladies made in Canada. EUC $60 4982 8787
FOOT Joy Golf Shoes Mens black size 10 worn once as new. $100 Ph 0408 683 670
tree medium sized, $30
CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619
COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898
FRAMED, Monet print brushed gold relief frame $45. 0412 083 543 Tea Gardens
FRIDGE, 4 door with water dispenser, ice maker, spill proof, Ext Cond, make an offer ph 0493 777 707 F041225
FRONT & rear bumper for early model VW Beetle. Reasonable cond. $100 for both. 0414 936 625
GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20 LARGE outdoor table $20. 0432 671 259 F241025
LIFEJACKETS PFD Level 50. Adults $50.00 Juniors $40.00 Good used condition Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495
SNOW chains. Never used. Suit 13-inch wheels. $80. Peter 0419 932 992
SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $6,500. 0415 678 687 Re170625 Motors
and the North Port Stephens area. Small to Medium Residential Building, Construction & Home Maintenance Projects. Contact David Lyne 0418 166 912 davidjlyne@gmail.com www.homepropertymaintenance.com.au
Contact: David Lyne 0418166912 davidjlyne@gmail.com
ABC TV, 7.30pm
This period drama moves into the 1970s with its trademark care and compassion to unpack the social issues of the era in its 14th season. In Saturday’s episode, there’s a new arrival at Nonnatus House in the shape of Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers, above left, with Jenny Agutter). As the convent’s latest recruit finds her feet, Phyllis (Linda Bassett) supports a pregnant mother of seven who is reluctant to have another child. Elsewhere, Shelagh (Laura Main) and Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) help a mum with her disabled son.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 All Creatures Great And Small.
8.20 Art Detectives. (PGv) A wine expert dies during an exclusive tasting.
9.05 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) A satirical news program.
10.05 A Life In Ten Pictures: Amy Winehouse. (Madl, R)
11.00 ABC Late News.
11.15 Smother. (Mal, R)
1.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
ABC TV, 7.30pm
A live spectacle from the steps of the Sydney Opera House that celebrates the diversity of Australia’s cultures, communities and laidback lifestyle, this annual concert is one hot ticket. Hosts Jeremy Fernandez (pictured), Megan Burslem and John Foreman have saved a spot for ABC viewers as an exciting line-up of homegrown talent takes the stage. Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton, social media sensation Jude York and supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos all feature before an unforgettable aerial show over Circular Quay. The event will also pay tribute to those affected by December’s Bondi Beach terror attack, and introduce remarkable Australians who will share their stories with the nation.
WEDNESDAY ELSBETH
TEN, 9pm
OK, we’ll admit it –when a cop show has high-calibre celebrities lining up around the block to be guest stars, it can make the “whodunnit” format rather redundant.
This savvy
The Good Wife spin-off solves that problem by presenting its crimes in reverse. Investigator Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston, pictured) usually has an inkling of who the crooks are from the get-go – and so do we – the fun lies in finding out how she corners them. In season three’s premiere, Stephen Colbert played a late-night host who met an untimely end. This week’s tale casts Arrested Development’s David Cross as an ex-con caught up in a hostage situation. Stay tuned for a seriously star-studded list of suspects.
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Great House Revival.
9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Sisi. (Mans, R) 11.45 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ansv, R)
1.35 Silent Road. (Mav, R)
3.30 Sinking The German Fleet. (PGav, R)
4.30 Bamay. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Challenger. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with a deep dive into the world of cricket.
11.15 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 3. Highlights. 12.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
12.45 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 6. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Maggie empathises with a patient whose mother is afraid to consent to her son’s risky surgery.
1.00 Next Stop.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A bull goes on a rampage.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) The team reboots a game-changing iconic ball.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (PGv, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Becoming Human. (PG, R) 5.00 The ABC Of... (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6.00 Back Roads: The Great Australian Road Trip. (R) Presented by Heather Ewart.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Shelagh and Sister Veronica help a disabled child.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates after a student is violently killed and dumped at the foot of three mythical monoliths.
10.05 Goolagong. (Final, PG, R) Evonne Goolagong Cawley competes at Wimbledon.
11.00 The Jetty. (Ml, R) 12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Eco Show. (PGaw, R) 10.55 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU European C’ships. H’lights. 4.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Perth. H’lights. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.05 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses.
8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Adaptable Arosa Line. (PGn, R) Looks at the Arosa Railway.
9.40 The Secret DNA Of Us. (PGa, R)
10.50 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle. (PG, R)
11.55 House Of Promises. (Ma, R)
3.30 Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police. (Ma, R)
4.30 Bamay. (PG, R) 5.00 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Australia Day and Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 MOVIE: The Sound Of Music. (1965, G, R) A woman becomes governess to an Austrian family. Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer. 10.40 Air Crash Investigations: Control Catastrophe. (PGa, R) A look at the case of Air Astana Flight 1388. 11.40 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 4. Highlights. 12.40 MOVIE: A Job To Die For. (2022, Mav, R) A woman lands her dream job. Revell Carpenter.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 6.30 Drive Safer. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 7. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Marcel clashes with the chief of oncology.
1.00 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R) A death puts Sarah Scully in the spotlight.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple in Essendon want to renovate their home.
8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives.
9.50 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Someone threatens to use a nerve agent against the emergency services.
11.00 Matlock. (PGadl, R) The team takes on an arson case.
12.00 Elsbeth. (PGa, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Mary Shelley. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.40 The Movie Show. 7.15 Barefoot In The Park. (1967, PG) 9.15 Discovering Film. 10.10 I Love You Too. (2010, M) 12.15pm The Problem With People. (2023, M) 2.10
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 New Leash On Life. (Final, PG, R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final, R) 3.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Australian Of The Year 2026. Hosted by Leigh Sales.
8.45 The ABC Of: Evonne Goolagong Cawley. (PG, R) Hosted by David Wenham.
9.15 The Jetty. (Final, MA15+a) Ember tries to uncover the truth about Amy. 10.20 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 11.20 MOVIE: Wake In Fright. (1971, Masv, R)
1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.55 Smother. (Mal, R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 11.00 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.55 MOVIE: Spy Kids 3: Game Over. (2003, PG) 9.15
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Eco Show. (R) 11.00 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Motor Racing. Best of Dakar Rally. H’lights. 4.00 Figure Skating. ISU European C’ships. Part Two. H’lights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Once Upon A Time In Space. (PG)
9.30 Pompeii: The Last Mysteries Revealed. (Mans, R)
10.20 Putin And The West: The Next Chapter. (PG, R)
11.30 Black Gold. (PGal, R)
1.05 Building The Impossible. (PG, R)
2.00 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R)
3.10 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
4.05 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS Science Technology Health Show.
VICELAND (31)
2pm
Aust. 3.00 Heroines. 4.00 France
4.30 PBS Washington Week. 5.00
Show. 5.30 Cycling. ProVelo
League. Round 1.
Kick It. 8.30 Irresistible:
We Can’t Stop Eating. 10.15 The Grudge. 11.45 The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning. 2.45am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
Discovering Film. 3.05 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 4.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 6.30 Explorers. (1985) 8.30 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. (2011, MA15+) 10.55 Late Programs. 6am Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 6.55 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 8.40 Explorers. (1985, PG) 10.40 Operation Napoleon. (2023, M) 12.50pm Body Heat. (1981, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30
Discovering Film. 4.30 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 6.20 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 8.30 Maggie Moore(s) (2023, MA15+) 10.25 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 3.30 Wildlife ER. 4.30 Dog Patrol. 5.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Aust Day and Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: City Slickers II. (1994, PGlsv, R) 2.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PGa, R) 3.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 4.30 Cows For Cambodia. (PGa) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Final. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-game coverage of The Final. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Looks at an undercover operation.
12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 5. Highlights.
1.00 Temple. (Premiere, Malv) A surgeon becomes embroiled in a strange enterprise.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(62) 7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 8. From Melbourne Park. 12.00 The First 48: Cruel Intentions. (Ma, R) Detectives investigate a mother of two’s murder.
1.00 Next Stop. (R) A look at holiday destinations.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.
5.30 Today.
6.30 10 News+. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) When a young girl finds the body of a former US Navy officer floating in the harbour, the team is led to an 18th-century sailing ship hosting a pirate-themed wedding. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Return, Mav) A new chief of detectives puts Benson to the test. An off-duty Fin tries to stop a crime. 10.30 NCIS:
Where The Dreamings Come From. (R) 2.10 Going Places. (PG, R) 2.45 The Cook Up. (R) 3.17 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PG, R) 4.03 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
The Colleano Heart. (PGa, R)
Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (Ml, R)
SBS World News Late.
Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+sv)
11.50 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)
1.50 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av, R)
3.35 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 9-1-1. (Return, M) In honour of Bobby Nash’s sacrifice, the 118 comes together to dedicate the firehouse in his memory.
10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+asv, R)
12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
1.00 Conviction. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 9. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ahmad works to thaw a frozen criminal.
1.00 Next Stop. (PGa, R) A look at holiday destinations.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny has a series of strange encounters.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6am Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 7.50 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 10.00 Girls Will Be Girls. (2024, M, Hindi) 12.10pm White Squall. (1996, M)
R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PGa, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 10.50 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Auschwitz: The Hidden Traces. (PGavw,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ma, R)
8.30 Portillo’s 200 Years Of The Railways. (PG)
9.40 Aerial Australia. (PGaw, R)
10.30 SBS News.
11.00 Exit. (MA15+adls)
11.55 DNA. (MA15+a, R) 1.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 2.30 24 Hours In A&E. (Mal, R) 3.25 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am
5.40pm
5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGal) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Doc. (Return, Mav) Amy’s past comes back to haunt her when a desperate father sacrifices everything to secure his daughter’s heart transplant.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (Return, PGal)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (MA15+a, R)
12.30 MOVIE: A Jealous Friendship. (2021, Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 10. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ripley and Charles treat members of a cult. 1.00 Next Stop. (PGa, R) A look
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
News.
SBS
JFK: The Making Of A President. (Mav, R)
The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Final, M)
9.20 Weight Of The World. (MA15+a, R)
10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Face To Face. (Mals) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+s) 1.30 Golden Boy. (Mdln, R) 2.25 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R) 3.20 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGn, R) 3.50 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.50 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. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 MOVIE: The Sapphires. (2012, PGalsv, R) Four singers learn about love, friendship and war. Miranda Tapsell. 10.40 Air Crash Investigations: Cockpit Catastrophe. (PGa, R)
11.35 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
12.05 Wolfe. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 11. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Maggie’s budding romance takes flight.
1.00 Next Stop. (R) A look at holiday destinations.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) The park receives much-needed rain.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
THURSDAY,
6am The Movie
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)
9.20 In Flight. (Madlv)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v) 11.40 This Town. (MA15+l, R)
2.00 24 Hours In A&E. (M, R) 2.50 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGas, R) 3.20 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later. (PGa, R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Show. 6.25 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982) 8.20 Perfect Days. (2023, PG, Japanese) 10.40 My Father’s Mexican Wedding. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.40pm Sing Street. (2016, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.20 Discovering Film. 4.15 Finding You. (2020, PG) 6.30 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 8.30 The Whale. (2022, M) 10.40 I Want You Back. (2022, M) 12.50am Late Programs. 6am Finding You. (2020, PG) 7.15 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 9.10 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 11.10 The Last Emperor. (1987, M) 2.15pm The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 4.15 Perfect Days. (2023, PG, Japanese) 6.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 8.30 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 10.30 Nobody Has To Know. (2021, M) 12.20am The Whale. (2022, M) 2.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Justin and Leah are at an impasse.
8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Secret Service. (2014, MA15+lv, R) A troubled young man must prove his mettle after he is recruited into a secret British spy organisation. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson.
11.15 To Be Advised.
12.15 MOVIE: A Mother’s Terror. (2021, Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. Women’s semi-finals. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 12. Women’s semi-finals.
By Dianne BOWES
THE 2026 season of ladies golf started last Thursday, the 40th year of Lady Veterans Golf at Hawks Nest.
Forty-three players brushed off the clubs before teeing off in the Lady Vets Opening Day 9 hole competition. Conditions were muggy, so the clubhouse was a cool relief after the game, but we saw some good scores carded after the long summer break.
On the front 9 it was Liz Edmonds on 35 nett who led the field, while Sue Hair was one shot clear on 36 on the back 9.
First round chip-ins came from Elsa Jones and Helena Wilton on the 2nd, Mim Murdoch on the 7th, Barb Birmingham the 8th
