Myall Coast News Of The Area 23 APRIL 2026

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New format for Karuah Anzac Day

ANZAC Day commemorations will follow a new format at Karuah this year, following requests from local families and community groups.

Hosted by the Karuah RSL sub-Branch, this year’s event takes on a “Families and Community” theme.

The day will still begin with the traditional 6am Dawn Service, with the community invited to gather with RSL members at 5:45am.

Port Stephens Council Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan will give the address and chairs will be available for members of the community who are unable to stand.

“As tradition wreaths will be laid by members of the RSL sub-Branch and the community, including the local school children laying

books donated by the Karuah RSL sub-Branch,” an event spokesperson told NOTA.

At the conclusion of the Dawn Service, a community breakfast will be held at the Karuah RSL Club.

At 9am all members of the community and RSL subBranch are invited to form up in front of the Karuah Public School on Bundabah Street to commence the Anzac Day March before a Family Service in front of the Club at 9:30am.

“By conducting its first daytime Anzac March in many years, the Karuah RSL sub-Branch is responding to the many community requests, so more veterans, school children, families and community groups can participate in the traditions of Anzac Day,” the spokesperson

said.

The Anzac Day March will step off from Karuah Public School at 9:15am, making its way with flags and medals to the Karuah RSL Club carpark and Memorial Waterfall, where seating will be available for the public for the Family and Community Service.

RSL sub-Branch member Lukas Woolley will be the keynote speaker and 335 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets will be in support as the Catafalque Guard.

Roses, rosemary and poppies will be available at the service to be laid by all who wish to do so.

“Those families wishing to lay a wreath or rose in special remembrance of a relative or family member

are encouraged to register at the Club reception or Karuahsb@rslnsw.org.au prior if they would like their name called out on the day,” the spokesperson said.

“This year marks the 125 year anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army and while this an anniversary for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), it is the Karuah families and community that are the focus of this year’s Anzac Day Service.

“The Karuah RSL subBranch acknowledges that not everyone serves in the ADF, but everyone in the community knows someone in their family who has been a serving member of our Defence Force past or present.”

Students invited to enter Anzac Day Schools’ Awards

FEDERAL Member for

Lyne Alison Penfold MP is encouraging local students to take part in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, a national competition recognising outstanding learning and engagement with Australia’s defence service history.

Hosted by the Department of Veterans’

Affairs, the awards celebrate the work of students and teachers across schools and other educational settings.

This year’s competition invites students to:

• engage actively with veterans or currently servicing members of the Australian Defence Form, and

• research and

respond to the 2026 theme, ‘Women in Service’.

Ms Penfold said the awards provide a valuable opportunity for young people to deepen their understanding of Australia’s military and defence force history while recognising the significant contributions women have made – and continue to make – to

national service, safety and security.

“Across the Lyne electorate, there have been and continue to be many men and women who serve our nation with distinction and honour,” Ms Penfold said.

“This year’s Anzac Award theme provides a valuable chance for students

to understand more about serving in the ADF and learn about the diverse roles women have held across all areas of service, including the progression and evolution of opportunities.”

Ms Penfold added the importance of students engaging with their local RSL sub-Branches, saying that these connections

provide a unique opportunity to help bring history to life while strengthening ties within the community.

Entries close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 28 May. Further information, including terms and conditions, is available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston

Still no firm timeline on Regional Rail fleet

By John WATTS

WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet.

“A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications

on the NSW and Australian rail networks,” said NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks.

When complete, the Regional Rail fleet will consist of 29 new trains, featuring 117 carriages.

Ten long regional and nine short regional trains will replace the current XPT and XPLORER services, and 10 regional intercity trains will replace most of the current Endeavour fleet.

According to a Transport for

NSW project update on 8 April, the new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to arrive, with ten trains now in Australia.

“All long regional trains are manufactured, half of the short regional trains are manufactured, and production is underway on every remaining carriage,” the update read.

“Testing is also progressing with two trains undertaking intensive testing across electrified

and non-electrified networks, trialling the bi-mode capability using both overhead electric and diesel power – an Australian first for passenger rail.”

In the meantime, following a recent upgrade of the existing XPT fleet, Sydney to Grafton train services will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am, while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 05.15am service.

South Pindimar landmark brought back to life

VOLUNTEERS from around Pindimar have brought life back to the planter underneath South Pindimar’s famous pine tree, amid concerns for the landmark’s longevity.

The tree, the tallest along South Pindimar beach, has been in place for longer than most can remember, and has always formed the focal point of community activity in the area.

“In 2025, seven volunteers helped to fill in and stabilise a wooden planter that MidCoast Council had installed at our request,” Clare Mason, Events CoOrdinator for PindimarBundabah Community Association (PBCA), told

NOTA.

Concerns had been raised that the pre-existing seat structure around the base was not beneficial to the tree, and human activity was undermining the pine’s stability.

“One idea had been to put rocks around the tree, but we knew too well that people would be tempted to pick them up and toss them into the water, so Council gave the PBCA half a metre of soil to fill in a planter, which was topped up locally,” Clare explained.

“Local woodchips were sourced by various community members, and plants were also provided by Council for the planter, but

the summer heat was too much for them.”

New plants have since been provided, and several of the volunteer planters from last year reconvened at the tree last week to replant several Council-provided lomandra hardy grasses, notable for their ability to flower and withstand the seaair environment.

“Steve Howard from the Council’s nursery is very easy to work with, especially for volunteer work, and the point now is to preserve the tree,” Clare said.

Locals and visitors are now being asked not to disturb the new garden.

The area around the base of the tree is also facing severe

erosion, with clear gaps forming between a previously installed rock barrier and the soil that remains.

Much like the Tea Gardens riverfront, tidal waters are seeping through the cracks, undermining loose material, and taking it out again.

“If the erosion keeps going, it will be to the detriment of the tree,” Clare said.

The South Pindimar Reserve, where the locallyfamous pine tree is located, is often used for events including the Easter raft races, Christmas carols, and is a fantastic picnic spot used extensively by the community and visitors to the area, with broad vistas across Port Stephens Bay.

A sailor’s tale of adventure and adversity

HUNTER-BASED sailor and death doula Ruth Boydell has released a memoir, “Rocking the Boat: A Life in Three Voyages”, outlining global ocean adventures in the days before GPS and chartplotters.

Ruth’s story begins at the age of 17, when she joined a thirty-something Englishman who was single-handing a sailboat around the world. The adventures came thick and fast for the

teenager, including sailing from Papua New Guinea to northern Brazil.

After returning home to Australia, Ruth purchased her own small boat and voyaged for another seven

years, following roughly in the tracks of the previous journey.

Joined by various crew members, her little steel schooner crossed the Indian and Atlantic oceans, before the intrepid Ruth spent time in the Caribbean as a charter boat skipper.

Later in life she embarked on a third major sailing voyage, this time alongside her paramedic husband, Dave.

While “Rocking the Boat” centres around a life of daring escapades, it also delves deep into issues such as loneliness, mental health and mortality.

In particular it covers Ruth’s experience of Transient Global Amnesia, a sudden and extreme temporary loss of memory.

The ordeal prompted intense thoughts about death and existence for Ruth.

“I have no memory of this experience but did have the

felt sense that death is not the end and, moreover, it could be a blissful experience,” Ruth told NOTA.

She has since worked for the past nine years as a death doula, a trained, nonmedical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals nearing the end of life and their families.

Ruth said she wrote the book to inspire people to live life to the full.

“I have lived a particularly lucky and unusual life,” she said.

“I have not only had opportunities to explore and adventure but I have taken them.

“We are here on this planet for a finite time. We might as well make it a good time, and a time for good.”

Ruth said the experience of putting her own story to paper has at times “felt a bit like pulling teeth”.

“Some of the stories which emerged as I reread letters and spoke to friends of the day, made me understand how memories wander from the lived experience.

“I have tried to write about the conflicts I had with others in a more compassionate and understanding way.

“As time passes I reflect from a more mature perspective.

some ways this book is no longer my story, but the story of a young and courageous and sometimes foolish young woman.

"Someone other than me.” Ruth is offering three signed copies of her book to NOTA readers.

To receive a copy, be one of the first three to email doug@newsofthearea.com. au with the subject line ‘Rocking the Boat’. Ruth’s memoir is available at most major online outlets.

Practical insights for producers

NEW analysis from Hunter

Local Land Services (LLS) is providing practical insights for producers looking to make timely decisions as seasonal conditions tighten,

with distinct patterns emerging between the Upper and Lower Hunter.

The latest data combines Meat and Livestock Australia saleyard throughput,

the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the Scone probe.

Together, these show soil moisture declining from

spring into summer, alongside increasing saleyard numbers and a relatively stable EYCIindicating continued market confidence.

Hunter LLS says this reinforces the value of producers acting early.

decisions based on seasonal signals.”

with Port Bus to Civic Theatre, Newcastle Sunday 24 May 2026

FOOTLOOSE

The smash hit musical Footloose, will have you on your feet - it’s bold, it’s electric - and it’s the first time Australia’s seen a professional production of Footloose in over 20 years. Dig out the leg warmers, crank up the neon and get ready to dance as Footloose the Musical hits the Civic Theatre stage in a dazzling production from St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle.

Set in a small Midwestern town where rock music and dancing are banned, Footloose follows Ren McCormack, a teen from Chicago who sets out to challenge the township’s strict rules and bring the beat back.

Highlights:

Inclusions:

Air-conditioned coach transport, H2O, Lunch @ Sunnyside Tavern, chosen Ticket + fees

“Aligning stocking decisions with seasonal conditions and market signals can help maintain ground cover, manage feed availability and reduce the need for more costly or reactive decisions later,” it said in a statement.

“At a local level, the Upper Hunter (Scone) shows a measured and progressive increase in yardings aligned closely with declining soil moisture, reflecting proactive and well-timed decision making.”

Hunter LLS Team Leader Agriculture Sarah Giblin said, “In the Upper Hunter, producers are responding early and making deliberate

The Maitland (Lower Hunter) data reflects a reactionary December spike in stock sales off the back of an unseasonably dramatic decline in soil moisture for this region in early Spring.

“These insights are about supporting better on-farm

decisions - helping producers act earlier, reduce risk and maintain productivity,” Sarah said.

If you're considering next steps this season, visit the LLS Farming Forecaster website for local data and reach out to the Hunter LLS Agriculture team on 1300 795 299.

q Measuring soil moisture is just one factor in responding to seasonal conditions.

With the help of his awkward but loyal friend Willard, and the spirited Ariel, daughter of the town’s stern Reverend Shaw Moore, he leads a movement to shake things up. This high-energy stage adaptation of the beloved 1980s film features powerhouse anthems like Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, Expect big vocals, bold choreography and an explosion of ’80s charisma from the St Philip’s seniors. With a cast of 86 students from Years 9 to 12, the production has been six months in the making… and it shows.

Itinerary: FOOTLOOSE, Classic Anthems: Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, and of course, Footloose.

Backed by a live band featuring some of Newcastle’s top young musicians and a creative team committed to excellence Footloose promises to be a magical crowd pleaser.

Departing Port Bus around 08:30, we head down to the Sunnyside Tavern for lunch before arriving at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle for a showtime of 13:00. Upon completion of the show, we will load and go with a comfort stop on our way home.

Commodores Cup declared 'best ever'

AFTER five days of competitive but fun racing on the spectacular waterway of Port Stephens and its offshore islands, the final results are in and the divisional winners are celebrating.

The wind gods bestowed a parting favour on the record fleet for the Commodores Cup Passage Series, summoning a 15-knot southerly breeze that quickly sent Divisions 1 and 2 to their course in Salamander Bay while Divisions 3, 4 and Non-Spinnaker sailed a more traditional course into the western reaches of the huge bay.

For the crew of Jambo, Stephanie Cook and Rob Carr’s Summit King 40, it was a matter of ensuring they avoided any major dramas and kept tabs on their nearest rivals in the series point score.

They did so and thereby clinched the Division 1 PHS crown for 2026.

“We often use the old saying about roosters to feather dusters,” Cook laughed.

“So we were very conscious of that. We’ve only had the boat for two years but we have tweaked it to get where it is.

“The difference here was we didn’t have any major stuff-ups and no equipment broke.”

Co-owner and husband Rob Carr acknowledged Stephanie’s helming prowess, guiding Jambo around a crowded and tactically challenging racecourse.

“She did a great job. I think we’ve sailed here 10 times but this year’s been the best,” Carr said.

“The [race] organisation and the communication has been extremely good. We’ll be back.”

Julian Bell’s consistently well-sailed Beneteau First 50 51st Project secured second in Division 1, with Banter – a

Beneteau First 45 from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club – third on a countback from two other boats, reflecting how tight the racing was.

Local knowledge and experience can prove the decider at Sail Port Stephens and Barry Kelly and his crew on Concealed Weapon have been sailing his Archambault M34 for over a decade.

“We knew it could go a few ways today so we just decided to sail the boat as hard as we could,” Kelly said after securing Division 2 honours.

“You never know what you’re going to get weatherwise but it’s been absolutely glorious and great racing.”

Another Fiasco, Tim Savage’s Jutson 43 from the Cronulla Sailing Club, earned a well-deserved second in Division 2, while Sail Port Stephens regular Animal Farm added another podium result to its collection.

In Division 3, Chris McSorley and his crew aboard his Hanse 445 Lunacy notched-up an extremely consistent performance across both the light and stronger breezes to take home the silverware from Mach 1, David Cartmer’s Bavaria 38 Match, and Kelsea Blue, Adrian Williams’ C&C 115.

Six years ago Max Wood convinced the owner of a neglected Compass 38 to relinquish the venerable 1976 design for the modest sum of $5000.

He spent much of the pandemic restoring it himself, replacing the rigging and the interior.

Last night he celebrated Windwood’s convincing Division 4 victory with his clearly elated crew from the Wangi Amateur Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie.

“It’s unbelievable. I think we’re about the second

oldest boat in the fleet,” Wood confessed.

“Five days of sailing, beautiful weather, great place. We have a large overlapping headsail and it worked well. But they [the crew] want me to buy new sails now.”

Putting the win in perspective, Windwood’s result was up against 27 other well-sailed boats including Charles Daniels’ Hanse 371 Eureka which was second, and Keith Masters’ Bavaria 40 Windmaiden in third.

The Non-Spinnaker Division was another win for the true believers, with Sandy Hume and his crew aboard his Catalina 320 Windfalls holding-off the challenge by two Bavarias – Paul Baston’s Namadgi 3 and Jo Gomboso’s Konan the Barbarian.

“We’re very grateful we managed to squeeze a victory,” said Hume of Windfalls’ half-point margin.

“We have a great crew, everybody’s learnt a bit, learnt from each other… It's our first Sail Port Stephens and it won’t be our last.

“The atmosphere, the social part, is terrific but we’ve had quite early nights because we’ve been knackered.”

Hume did stay a little later than usual to celebrate the long overdue win with family and supporters, joining the large crowd that gathered at the Regatta Village at d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay.

The quality of the courses, weather, racing and bonhomie of this year’s Commodores Cup Passage Series make it a

stand-out, according to Sail Port Stephens stalwart Peter Lewis who has 19 regattas to his name.

“Definitely the best ever,” Lewis declared.

“I’ll be back next year. The accommodation is already booked.

“Even though we came mid-fleet we had a fantastic time.

“We struggle a bit in the light weather, the weight of the chandelier, the champagne, the fridges and our costumes, of course,” he added, referring to the uber chic traditional beret and cape favoured by the Ca Va crew at functions.

From humble beginnings in 2007 the regatta has evolved into one of the premium events on the

Australian keelboat calendar.

“I think it has been our best edition,” agreed founding Regatta Director Paul O’Rourke.

“The weather has just been outstanding every day.

“We’ve been able to get a mix of inshore and offshore courses, the beer garden here at d’Albora Nelson Bay, the Street Party the Port Stephens Council put on – it’s all been great.”

For those contemplating heading to Port Stephens for the regatta’s 20th anniversary, O’Rourke has promised an even bigger and better event with the spirit of inclusiveness SPS is now famous for.

Dates are 12-17 April 2027.

Nominations open for volunteer awards

IT’S time for people across the Hunter to nominate family, friends or work mates for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.

The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories.

The 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report revealed that volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma

Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.

“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering, particularly in areas like the Hunter.

“That’s what these awards are all about.”

Last year’s Hunter Volunteer of the Year was Soul Hub Newcastle guest support worker David Dorhauer, who was recognised for his service to people in need across the city.

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison MP, said volunteers are a powerful force for

change in our communities.

“Our state would not be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day.

“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.

“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.

“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”

Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at The Centre for Volunteering website.

The comet cometh

By David RENEKE

A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies.

For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel.

The long-period comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) - last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master fire - has returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 years.

As the comet sweeps inward toward the Sun, reaching perihelion on 19 April before passing relatively close to Earth on 26 April, observers across Australia are in a prime

By Dianne BOWES

SATURDAY ladies enjoyed beautiful conditions out on the fairways, with 26 players contesting the 18 hole Stableford event. Visitors from Malvern Park in Melbourne, Stonecutters Ridge GC and Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club joined today’s field, with Peree Watson taking the honours in A Grade for the second week running. However it was local player Sue Campton who swept the competition aside with a magnificent round of 42 points, followed by Roma Bernardin with an equally fabulous score of 40! Deb Gardner had a cheeky chip in on the 8th, chipping from beside the 2nd tee box to roll down the slope and into the hole, while Sue Brownrigg was pleased to hole a long putt for a 3 pointer on the 2nd. Well played, ladies!

TGSC Walking Football

By Shayne REYNOLDS

LAST Wednesday playday

was a cracker. We had a great roll up of eager players, with happy faces, full of anticipation raring to get on the pitch and give it their best

position to witness it.

Away from city glare, coastal towns offer ideal viewing conditions: dark horizons over the Pacific, crisp autumn air, and early morning skies unspoiled by artificial light.

Look toward the constellation Pegasus constellation, specifically the easily recognisable "Great Square”, just before sunrise.

With luck and clear weather, the comet may glow faintly to the naked eye, its tail stretching like a ghostly brushstroke across the sky.

Comets have long stirred human imagination.

Results: Saturday 11/4/2026

omens - harbingers of change, disaster, or divine intervention.

The appearance of Halley's Comet, for example, was recorded in 1066 and later embroidered into the Bayeux Tapestry as a portent of conquest.

Today, we understand comets not as supernatural signs but as icy relicsfrozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.

Each one is a time capsule, composed of dust, rock, and volatile ices that vaporise as they near the Sun, forming the luminous coma and tail.

Unlike short-period comets that return every few decades, this one hails from the distant Oort Cloud, a vast spherical halo of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.

Its elongated path means it spends most of its existence in deep space, only briefly visiting the inner planets before retreating again into darkness.

No written record, no ancient chronicle, no civilisation has ever documented its passageuntil now.

For photographers, capturing this rare visitor is both a challenge and a thrill. A sturdy tripod is essential, along with a camera capable of long exposures.

the landscape - perhaps the silhouette of Norfolk pines along the NSW coast or the curve of a quiet beach.

Start with exposures of 5–15 seconds, adjusting ISO and aperture depending on brightness.

If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more detail: the nucleus glowing at the centre, the tail fanning outward like cosmic smoke.

There is something deeply humbling about standing under the same sky that Stone Age humans once gazed upon, watching the return of an object they may also have seen - perhaps with wonder, perhaps with fear.

silent journey, looping back again in another 170,000 years. For now, though, it is here.

Step outside before dawn. Look up. And take your place, however briefly, in the long story of the sky. See Dave’s website: www.davidreneke.com.

as Litiana Durbin slipped through to score her side’s first try of the match.

The Hawks continued to apply pressure as the first half came to a close, with Taylah Tassell and Abby Fenner managing particularly impressive runs.

Momentum shifted after the break, with Glendale scoring shortly after the restart.

The Lady Hawks hit

Ladies 18 Hole Stableford

A Grade Winners: 1st Peree Watson (HVGC) 38 C/B; 2ndDenise Sainty 38; 3rd Kathy Griffiths 36

B Grade Winners: 1st Sue Campton 42 (best score of the day);2nd Roma Bernardin 40; 3rd Ann Syme 36 Place Getters (34 C/B-29 C/B):Evelyn Potts, Deb Matheson, Di Rumble Dickson, Sue Brownrigg, Cheryl Foster, Jo Buttrey Tuesday was a glorious day for golf, with 44 ladies playing in 2 events at Hawks Nest.

In the 18 hole competition, the leaderboard was crowded at the top, with only 5 shots separating all 15 of our prizewinners.

Highlights included Angie Clipperton’s long drive which set her up for birdie on the 5th ; a 10 metre chip in from Margeurite Miller on the 7th; Jan Olsen’s chip in on the 1st; and chip ins from Jume

The mid-sized Tea Gardens Soccer Club field once again proved an absolute winner, with so many goal shots and lots of cheers due to increased passing, linking up and team work that seems to be increasing each and every game.

We played two 15-minute halves followed

In antiquity, they were often seen as back with 14 minutes to go however, via a Lilliarna Baillie try.

Not to be outdone, Glendale quickly returned serve with another converted try to widen the margin again.

The visitors kept up the pressure in the final ten minutes with strong field position and multiple close attacks, before sealing the victory with a try in the closing 30 seconds.

The match finished 22-8 to Glendale.

What makes C/2025 R3 extraordinary is its orbit.

Martin and Sue Kovacs, both on the 7th.

Results: Tuesday 14/4/2026

Ladies 18 Hole Stableford

A Grade Winners: 1st

Denise Sainty 36; 2nd Cheryl Foster 34 C/B; 3rd Maxine Mitchell 34

B Grade Winners: 1st Ann Syme 35; 2nd Fran Henderson 34; 3rd Tanya Sinclair 33

C Grade Winners: 1st

Karen Serhan 35; 2nd Viv Ballinger 34; 3rd Elsa Jones 32

Place getters (33 C/B28): Deb Matheson, Jo Buttrey, Marg Bonney, Di Rumble Dickson, Sue Kovacs, Ann Morris

NTP Hole 5: A Grade Angie Clipperton; C Grade

Debbie Andrews

NTP Hole 10: A Grade Jo Buttrey

In the 9 Hole Competition, it was wonderful to see 13 ladies competing for today’s honours. The beautiful autumn conditions suited Kate Brown, who scooped the by a 15-minute follow on session by nearly all players, as some needed to rest or head home to look after the grandies and that’s how we do Walking Football here in Tea Gardens.

No commitment.

Come when you can.

Play when you want.

Rest when you need. There were some

Use a wide-angle lens to frame the comet against

pool with a wonderful score of 22, 4 shots clear of Robyn West on 18. Well played, ladies!

Results: Tuesday 14/4/2026

Ladies 9 Hole Stableford

Winners: 1st Kate Brown 22 (best score of the day); 2nd Robyn West 18; 3rd Robyn Richardson 15; 4th Sue Nicholson 14; 5th Helena Wilton 12 C/B

There were 44 happy ladies who teed off in Thursday’s 9 hole competition under a perfect autumn sky. It was great to see Pam Gibbs back on deck, enjoying the weekly dose of fun and laughter with the Lady Vets out on the course, and later in the clubhouse. Carol Wiggins had a lot to smile about with the best nett score of 34, one ahead of Jan Olsen, who stayed out of those pesky trees on the 12th. 3 players also had chip ins today: Helena Wilton on the 3rd, Marie Pegram the 7th, and June Martin the 17th –standouts this week, one being Rowdy matched Len for tumbles. One each.

Another was we had three generations of one family take to the pitch, thankyou David, his son Marcus and grandson Dylan for playing our game in the true spirit that we have enjoyed since we started, and if that’s not

Long after our cities fade and our histories blur, C/2025 R3 will continue its

SPORT RESULTS

nice one!

Results: Thursday 16/4/2026

Lady Vets 9 Hole Event

Winners: 1st Donna Gorton 0; 2nd Kate Brown 2C/B; 3rd Rosarie Mullins 2; 4th Jan Olsen 3 C/B; 5th Janet Merryweather

NTP Hole 3: Division 1

Fran Henderson; Division 2 Robyn Richardson; Division 3 Pam Keegan

NTP Hole 16: Division 1 Robyn Keegan; Division 2 Bec Lewis; Division 3 June Martin

Hawks Nest Golf Club boasts many features,

Hawks Nest Social Club Thursday Night Darts

By John EDWARDS

16th APRIL. Winners after a playoff between 2 undefeated teams: KerriAnne Gimbert and John Edwards.

enough to celebrate Dylans’ mum was our designated (volunteered) time keeper and Grandmother Paula was voted “best supporter”.

Thanks to Robyn for taking the laundry home this week.

We have two more Wednesday afternoon games to go, then we switch to Saturday mornings from

including its abundant wildlife. Sadly, we note the absence of “Wilson”, the plucky guinea fowl, who had befriended many players on the 17th tee for more than 10 years before his recent demise. He had outsmarted the dingoes and wayward golf balls over the years, his remarkable survival aided especially by Paul, who walked out every day to feed him, as well as a host of others who took him treats in their golf bags. Wilson certainly made everyone smile, we’ll miss him.

Runners up: Dylan Smith and Wayne Sullivan. Ladies highest score: Destinee Cary-105. Men’s highest score: Graeme Bramley-125. Great to see so many players turning up every week. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and play

May 2nd at around 10.30 for a 11am kick off. Stay tuned

See you all again this Wednesday afternoon, new time 4.45 for kick off at 5pm sharp, to get our game in before it gets too dark.

Anyone who is interested or curious is welcome to come along, have a chat, look-see or give it a try.

Dorin's Drawings

Of The Area OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

The Write Direction

By John BLACKBOURN

What could possibly go wrong?

I’M sure that none of us consider ourselves competent enough to negotiate the end of the present Middle East war between the USAIsrael and Iran, but they had top negotiators from Pakistan to take the middle ground for that purpose.

By Lynne MILES

The US claimed a deal has been agreed, saying they would stop hostilities immediately because Iran has agreed to let ships move freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran agreed for the bombings to stop so they could all negotiate what the future would look like for their nation, which controls 20 percent of the world's supply of crude oil which moves through the Strait.

For the next two days only five tankers were allowed through the Strait each day.

Media speculation suggests that each of those tankers paid a fee of probably US$2 million for the privilege and probably used cryptocurrency so the payment source could not be traced.

So, what could possibly go wrong?

We don’t know if the agreement was written in English, an Arab

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar.

How can I encourage her to try something more ageappropriate?

Gerard H.

Dear Gerard,

Well, don't you sound like a wet sock.

And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the washing machine with water dripping on it from a split hose pipe until it turns into a stiff, stained, smelly, unproductive item.

Age-appropriate? At what age is it no longer acceptable to engage in an activity that keeps the brain engaged?

language or Pakistani.

Maybe if it wasn’t in writing at all because both sides had entirely different views of the deal.

How could the three nations involved in agreeing to critical areas of contention not know or not remember what the actual deal stated?

Can’t these guys read the document in order to see what the deal contained?

This is the point where any semblance of intelligence gets gobbled up in the politics.

Does it say that Israel will

Do you think taking up a new creative outlet should be limited to those under 40?

What, in your mind, is more age-appropriate?

Bingo? Joining a crochet group? Donning a flowery swimming cap and a matronly one-piece and taking up synchronised swimming at the local pool? Seated lawn skittles?

If your mum is 70, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with.

She probably fought for equal pay, she no doubt marched for reproductive rights.

I bet she wore mini skirts and platform boots and suede flares.

She probably burnt her bra as part of the liberation movement.

And (along with her friends) she no doubt enacted a whole lot of other changes that future generations (like yours) benefit from.

While we're at it, your mum no doubt gained a university degree and worked while trying to raise a family. That family includes you, Gerard, you judgy little wet sock.

Your mum would have spent endless days rocking you to sleep and changing your nappies and ensuring your every whim was attended to.

She no doubt did your washing and cooked your meals

no longer go after Hezbollah rebels in Lebanon? Were either Israel or Lebanon involved in the agreement?

I can’t see any mention of those countries being involved or even attending the initial meeting between the USA and Iran.

Again, please read the document.

Whilst it is easy to criticise the ongoing Middle East situation, we are more than likely to see similar confusion at home in relation to the prosecution of our most highly decorated soldier for alleged war

The facts on migration numbers

DEAR News Of The Area, IMMIGRATION is seen by some as our most important issue, not just now, but for some years. However there have been some rubbery figures tossed around recently.

It’s not too difficult to find the facts.

Following the closure of the Australian borders due to the pandemic, the Coalition in 2022/23 granted 538,000 visas.

From that year net immigration has continued to decrease.

In the year ending June 30 2024 net immigration was 429,000 and to June 30 2025 it was 306,000.

These figures are lower than the Treasury had predicted, and they predict that net immigration numbers will continue to fall.

It is important to recognise the difference between net immigration and the number of visas: net is actual increase in our population with more people staying than leaving.

In 2024/25 the majority of immigrants came from China,

India, the UK and New Zealand, with numbers from the first two falling and numbers from the UK. and NZ rising comparatively to the previous year.

Temporary visas were the largest contributors to migrant intake: 363,000 down from 458,000 the previous year.

Of these foreign students comprised 157,000, down from 204,000 the previous year.

As our universities now depend on foreign students for much of their funding, we need these

students.

People on working holidays numbered 78,000, visitors 56,000 and people on temporary skilled migration visas 46,000.

The median age of migrant arrivals in 2024/5 was 26.

Throughout the history of Australia since colonisation in 1788 there have been debates about who should come here.

Conservative and Labor governments have welcomed people fleeing repressive regimes, many arriving with the little they

for decades too.

Then, like all the other mums out there, she worried about your every life stage, because that's what mums do.

So now it's her turn.

I hope she clears out your old bedroom and turns it into a notso-soundproof studio.

I hope she puts out a casting call to other like-minded women who have spent their lives devoted to others. And I hope their first band meeting kicks off with a punk version of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Maybe you can make a cameo, waving a wet sock for the 'sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me' section of the chorus.

Hell, you've made me want to learn the electric guitar. Or maybe the drums.

Can you send me your mum's number?

And instead of being so discouraging (and disparaging) you should be proud that you are the son of a great role model who is keen to keep learning and embracing change.

Rock on, Gerard's mother.

As for you, Gerard, pay attention to my usual sign off...

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

War is war and I’m sure that dreadful things happen when it becomes killing someone before they kill you, as the only acceptable part of war is to win it.

None of us are aware of the facts other than what we are told by various media reports, so we are on dangerous ground by offering a view.

It will be a case where there are only losers, but I can’t see any result being achieved that might enhance the value of our brave and brilliant military personnel. could carry.

Some have brought their disagreements with them, but the majority have been so grateful to have a safe place to live they have worked very hard to make this country a better place. Multiculturalism has enriched our lives in so many ways.

My forebears came as economic refugees from the UK, knowing that they would have a better life here, and I think I’m not alone in that.

Regards, Barbara LYLE, Tea Gardens.

Funding pressures escalating for Council

DEAR News Of The Area,

Why is our local government area (LGA) struggling with declining services and infrastructure?

Over my time on the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association and as a local family, it has become increasingly clear that the pressures on the MidCoast Council are escalating.

We see it every day - in our declining roads, parks, community facilities, and the basic services our villages rely on.

Road maintenance delays,

ageing infrastructure, and slowor no - progress on local projects are not simply operational issues.

They point to a deeper problem: a funding model that is no longer working for all of regional Australia.

At the centre of this is the long-term decline in Financial Assistance Grants - the core untied funding councils depend on to deliver essential services.

These grants have fallen from around one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue to roughly 0.55 percent, and under

the current Australian Labor Party federal government, that position has not been restored.

But the issue goes further than the amount of funding.

What we’re seeing is not just less funding - it’s a shift away from flexible, locally controlled funding toward tightly targeted programs that require councils to align with federal priorities, whether or not they match local needs.

For MidCoast, the impact is amplified.

Ours is a large and

geographically complex LGA, with extensive road networks, coastal assets, and smaller communities that lack the revenue base of metropolitan areas.

At the same time, NSW rate pegging restricts Council’s ability to raise funds locally.

The result is a widening gap between what our community needs and what Council can realistically deliver.

While multiple pressures exist, the failure of the current federal government to restore crimes.

fair, flexible funding is a critical driver of the problem.

Until that changes, councils like MidCoast will remain constrained - regardless of how well they are managed.

Our community deserves better.

Until federal funding reflects the realities on the ground, the services and infrastructure we rely on will continue to fall behind.

Regards, Sandra BOURKE, Tea Gardens.

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DVD Set ofThe Danielle Steel Collection - 19 movies, exc cond. $10 Hawks Nest. Ph 0414 848 307

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PNEUMATIC tyres x 6 on 10” diameter rims off tandem boat trailer $90. 0419 932 992

Cartridges

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1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485

GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20 LARGE outdoor table $20. 0432 671 259

HEDGE trimmer, Ozito electric 50cm $50. Ph 0408 945 040.

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RUGS, 2 x grey/white GC, 240 x 160. $45 ea 0438 228 016 F190226

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HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707 OUTDOOR setting New, make an offer ph 0493 777 707 MUGS, 15x brand new Ph 0493 777 707

CURTAIN and rod in original packaging. $70 Oslo pencil pleated curtain 270 - 340 x 250cm, colour stone Ph 0417 044 660

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BEARING buddies, x 2, brand new, 50mm stainless steel, marine grade, suit single axle trailer. $20 ono. 0414 013 244

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SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495 SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335 Wanted to Buy

TYRE and rim for wheelbarrow, 10” Pneumatic. $40. 0419 932 992.

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WANDERER single pop-up ensuite tent brand new. $50.

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

BAD COMPANY

ABC TV, 8.15pm

Pitting the unbridled chaos of Anne Edmonds (above right) against Kitty Flanagan’s (above left) deadpan wit, this new character-driven sitcom –set in an avant-garde inner-city theatre company –is a match made in comedy heaven. The hilarious headliners are respectively cast as artistic director Margie and corporate cost-cutter Julia, who find themselves at odds when the latter is tasked with saving the failing Argyle Theatre. Created by Edmonds and directed by Fisk’s Tom Peterson, this playful satire puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.

FRIDAY, April 24

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (PGv)

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R)

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)

10.20 News. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PGl, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.05 Love Me. (Mdls, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.10 Last Post: Winds Of Change. 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.

WEDNESDAY

SAS: AUS V ENG

SEVEN, 7.30pm

When you’ve trained as an Olympic athlete, you might reckon that you’re ready for anything. But for gold medallist Mack Horton (pictured), who attempts a version of Special Forces selection in the new season of this gruelling reality series, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “They are worlds apart,” says Horton. “At the Olympics, you spend four or more years preparing for a single moment. On SAS have no idea what’s coming in the next few seconds.”

The swimmer is one of seven Aussies competing against UK celebrities in TV’s ultimate test of endurance. His teammates include Neighbours star Ryan “Toadie” Moloney, cricket legend Brad Hodge and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 A New ANZAC. (PGal)

9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 The King. (Madls)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Manv, R)

1.45 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm 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. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

THURSDAY

RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. (Premiere) Discovers the best Sydney has to offer.

9.00 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep.

11.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.30 Weekend Sunrise.

Yorkshire Vet. 8.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 Late Programs.

He’s best known for championing Cornwall and its classic seaside fare, but British chef Rick Stein (pictured) is married to an Aussie and his love affair with our fair country stretches back 60 years. Stein first visited our shores when he was 19, on a trip he describes as “the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food.” In his debut Aussie series, the celebrated restaurateur retraces that life-changing voyage, starting in Sydney Harbour where his adventure began all those years ago. Comparing the city’s food culture then to the vibrant food scene that exists today, Stein catches up with local legend Neil Perry and checks out Chinatown, before sharing a recipe for salt and pepper crab.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.

10.45 MOVIE: Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv, R) A young, naive soldier is sent to Vietnam. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger.

1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

SATURDAY, April 25

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6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Anzac Day March Sydney. 12.30 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.30 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. 2.25 ABC News On Anzac Day. 3.00 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.00 Last Post: Winds Of Change. (R) 4.05 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.55 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Sharon’s boyfriend ditches her.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.55 Governor-General’s Anzac Day Message. An Anzac Day address.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl) A local candy merchant dies at a summer market.

8.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG) A cyclone batters the Top End.

8.40 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) A plane passenger vanishes mid-flight.

9.45 Frauds. (Final, Ml, R)

10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.25 Fallen: A Tragic Story Of The Unnamed. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Men’s Race. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Women’s Race. H’lights. 4.30 Athletics. Marathon de Paris. H’lights. 5.30 Surviving WW2. (PGaw)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Langham: London’s Grandest Hotel.

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R)

10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.55 Matched. (PG, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

Show. 12.15pm Hostage

2.00 Bamay. 2.35 Forged In Fire. 3.20 News. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.25 Mastermind Australia. 6.25 The Earthshot Report. 7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 The American Soldier. 10.15 Chernobyl: A Bomb That Keeps Ticking. 11.15 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 12.05am Late Programs.

6am Guess

Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.05 Men In War. (1957, PG) 10.05 Mass. (2021, M) 12.10pm

Discovering Film. 1.00 Marmalade. (2024, M) 3.00

The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 6.50 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 10.40 Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, April 26

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGv, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 3.25 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG)

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly. (Return, PGl)

8.15 Bad Company. (Premiere, PG)

A theatre centre’s new CEO tries to prevent its downfall.

8.45 Bergerac. (Return, M)

9.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl, R)

10.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R)

10.40 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 10.15 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. FlecheWallonne Women’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Cold War Spies. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG, R)

8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG, R)

9.40 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)

10.35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.35 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (Ml, R)

1.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGl, 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)

6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm Motorcycle Racing. 1.15 The Swiping Game. 1.35 Jeopardy! 3.40 WorldWatch. 4.40 PBS News Compass Points. 5.10 Fashionista. 5.20 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 6.20 Abandoned Engineering. 8.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 12.40am Cycling. UCI World Tour. LiegeBastogne-Liege. Women’s race. 2.15 Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show. 6.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 7.50

Discovering Film. 8.40 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 10.30 That Good Night. (2017, M) 12.15pm Ping

Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 4.50 Men In War. (1957) 6.50 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 8.30 Stalingrad. (2013, MA15+, Russian) 10.55 The Firm. (1993, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.

6.00 Weekend Sunrise. 12.00 Seven News Special: Gallipoli Dawn Service. 2.30 Seven News Special: Lest We Forget Service. (R) 3.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with some of the members of the Eastwood Country Women’s Association.

8.00 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale.

11.50 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)

7TWO (62)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 10.30 ICU. 11.30 Harry’s Practice. Noon GetOn Extra. 12.30 Horse Racing. ANZAC Day At Royal Randwick, ANZAC Day Race Day, ANZAC Day Raceday and Australasian Oaks & Robert Sangster Stakes. 5.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 6.30 Bondi

6.00 Weekend Today. 11.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.25 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.35 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. From

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Pacific Four Series. Game 3. Australia v New Zealand.

10.00 MOVIE: Midway. (2019, Mlw, R) Charts the Battle of Midway. Woody Harrelson.

12.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Two brothers are impressed by a pure husky.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) Neale Whitaker sets out to do a sensitive renovation where the spaces will creatively connect.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) The firm tackles an AI afterlife software dispute. 11.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) Elsbeth infiltrates the world of puzzle solvers.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Unforgettable Christmas. (2023) 9.50 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PG) 11.40 Innovation Nation. 11.50 Soccer. EPL. Chelsea v Manchester United. 1.50pm Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 6 Hours Of Imola. H’lights.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00

Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.00 MOVIE: Bravery & Betrayal. (2025, Malv) Looks at the SAS troops that were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us. (MA15+al, R)

12.10 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, 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)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 The Floor. (PGl)

8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Operation Bastille. (Masv) Looks at Operation Bastille.

10.15 9News Late.

10.45 The First 48: Among Friends. (Ma, R)

11.40 American Ripper. (Premiere, Mav)

12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (PG, 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.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 MasterChef Australia. Jimmy Barnes drops into the kitchen. 8.35 Race Across The World. (Ml) The teams leave Nara City and must cross their first border into South Korea to reach the second checkpoint in Sokcho. 9.50 Matlock. (PGad) The team arranges a delicate meeting with a key

Hawks Nest Vets

By Len Gough

14/4/2026.

HN VETS Stableford

Front Nine. Nett Scores

1st Ken Hill 19c/b

2nd Lyle Hudson 19c/b

SPORT RESULTS

3rd Graeme Bramley 19c/b

4th John Forrest 19 Balls down to 16c/b Back Nine. Nett

Breton

3rd Errol Chivers 19 4th Chris Barrett 18 Balls down to 15c/b Nearest to Pin

Morning Programs. 9.40 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Long

Hawks Nest Bridge Club

By Diane RUSSELL

17th APRIL

Monday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. L & G Conroy, 3. J Whalan & B Treharne. E/W 1. J Armstrong & D Dale, 2. D

Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. E Digby & S Donahue. Tuesday: N/S 1. S O’Keefe & R Albon, 2. H Blackbourn & E Buckpitt, 3. A & J Macintosh. E/W 1. P & B Ness, 2. S Ryder & J Fowler, 3. L McMurray & L Butler. Wednesday: 1. B

Treharne & S Matheson, 2. J Gray & P Baily, 3, E Digby & D Hipkins. Friday: N/S 1. T & J Thatcher, 2. L Hulme & J Corden, 3. B Treharne & S Matheson. E/W 1. P Marr & S Schmeding, 2. E Digby & C Bywater, 3. C Lance & G Trott.

MONDAY, April 27

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6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Costco Vs Supermarkets. (R)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mlv) 11.45 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (M) 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Eddie and Buck’s flight to LA is cancelled. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGadl) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 4.40 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023, MA15+, Korean) 1.15am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 28

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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. (Final, Mv, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 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.

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. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 Exit. (Malv)

12.00 Clean Sweep. (Mals, R)

3.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) The rival renovators try to prove their worth. 9.05 Doc. (Mav) A shocking turn of events ensues when Amy and Jake treat an expectant mother injured during a robbery.

House Of Wellness. (PG) 11.05 The Agenda Setters.

New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Shopping. (R)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.20 Discovering Film. 9.15 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 11.00 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 12.50pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.45 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 4.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.15 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 8.30 The Flowers Of War. (2011, MA15+) 11.10 Comandante. (2023, MA15+, Italian) 1.20am Late Programs.

SPORT RESULTS

WEDNESDAY, April 29

6.00

Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Chernobyl: Inside The Meltdown. (M)

The Audacity. (M)

SBS World News Late.

Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv)

Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)

2.05 Classified. (Malv, R) 3.40 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

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. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go!

6am The Movie

THURSDAY, April 30

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Return)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Final, Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mv) 9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG) 10.30 9News Late.

Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00

Bulahdelah Golf Club News

By Thora-Lou SMITH

IT WAS the 3rd NSW Medal round for the ladies on Wednesday 8th April and the winner was Barbie Gordon with 75nett from Meryl Reinhard with 82nett. Barbie

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (Premiere, a)

8.35 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)

9.30 Riot Women. (Malv)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Under The Bridge. (Malsv)

12.05 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)

2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R)

4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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Show. 6.10 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.05 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 10.20 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.25pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 10.50 The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs. 6am Discovering Film. 6.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 Superheroes. (2021, M, Italian) 12.15pm Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 2.30 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing. (1942, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Rendition. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A Tesla tests everyone’s patience. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

10.45 To Be Advised.

11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Brassic. 12.50am Late Programs.

also got the 8th NTP, but no 17th jackpot.

The Vets played a 4BBB on Thursday 9th April and the winnes were Jeff Crockett & Wayne Pollard with 49pts. Runners up were Steph Plackson & Ray Mansell with 46pts on a c/b from Garry willadsen & Rob Metcalfe. NTPs were Dave Brown,

visitor Jeff Foster, Garry Willadsen and Hetta Pierson with a 3rd shot 1st/10th birdie.

38 players enjoyed a stroke round on Saturday 11th April – some players enjoyed the lovely autumn day more than the golf with scores ranging from 66nett to 86nett! Wayne Thomson was

SPORT RESULTS

the best of the A graders with 66nett from Ryan McSweeny with 67nett. B grade winner was Joel Slack with 69nett on a c/b from Rod Richards. Ladies' winner was Barbie Gordon with 69nett from Lou Smith with 73nett. NTPs were Ryan McSweeny, Joel Slack,

Barbie Gordon (with a birdie) and Steph Plackson. Long drivers were Ray Mansell, Brad Gleeson, Jake Zabielo and Bernie Newton. Dave Schlenert won the jackpot, and got the birdie putt. Next Saturday is the April Monthly Mug.

By Thomas O'KEEFE

THE Tea Gardens Lady Hawks league tag side went down to the Glendale Gorillas in cold conditions on Saturday, 18 April at Myall Park.

Buoyed by last week’s win, the Lady Hawks went into the game confident, and were frustrated to concede a converted try within the opening five minutes.

The home side struggled to gain ascendancy, but a series of unforced errors by Glendale gave them some much-needed territory gains.

A knock-on by Glendale in-goal then gave the Lady Hawks attacking advantage,

Frustrating defeat