Port Stephens News Of The Area 05 FEBRUARY 2026

By Jacie WHITFIELD

Flip side of offshore energy debate

By Sue STEPHENSON

DEBATE over the merits of an offshore wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence.

Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn are “repeating misleading” claims and represent a “very small minority view”.

As reported in News Of The Area (27 January) the minister’s announcement ahead of the Australia Day long weekend progresses the research and development phase to “demonstration” (also referred to as R&D), which involves trials and testing of renewable technology.

It also signals that the government is moving on from the setback of Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian-based Equinor pulling out of the project.

In criticising the project’s revival, Member for Lyne Alison Penfold shared that the Minister had “gone against the community’s wishes,” a sentiment echoed by President of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) Troy Radford, and

members of the community groups “Save the Myall Coast Save Port Stephens” and “No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens”.

However, coordinator of the HJA, Justin Page, has refuted their claims about the environmental, social, and regulatory aspects of offshore wind projects.

“These claims misrepresent both how offshore wind is assessed and regulated in Australia and the true diversity of community views,” Mr Page shared in a statement to NOTA.

“Offshore wind, particularly at the research and demonstration stage, offers tangible economic and environmental benefits for the Hunter and Port Stephens regions.

“What began as a narrow vested interest in recreational fishing has become a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against Labor governments.”

He described as “incorrect” Mr Radford’s claim that the offshore wind farm off Port Stephens “didn’t stack up” due to environmental risk, economic justification, and social licence, and said these assessments would only have been undertaken during formal feasibility studies - had a licence been accepted.

“Moreover, environmental,

navigational safety, and stakeholder impact assessments are not prepared by the Federal Government, as Mr Radford suggests. They are undertaken by developers after accepting a licence and are independently assessed by Commonwealth regulators before any project can proceed.”

Mr Page said he has engaged with Equinor over the past two years and cited its official explanation for withdrawing from the project as “a combination of broader global challenges affecting the industry and developers... and project-specific factors."

According to industry group Hunter New Energy,

the project was expected to generate more than 2 gigawatts of electricity if it proceeded, along with “thousands of construction jobs and several hundred ongoing roles”.

A statement on its website reads: “[This] new round of Federal offshore wind research and demonstration licences has quietly reopened the long-term opportunity for Newcastle reframing the Hunter zone as a testbed for future development.”

Salamander Bay resident Kathy Brown also contacted NOTA to question the veracity of the arguments used by opponents.

She rejects Ms Penfold’s

assertion that the community has made it "blatantly clear” that offshore wind is not feasible or wanted off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast.

“What the community made blatantly clear on this side of the Bay was their support for Labor at the last Federal Election,” Ms Brown said, “where the incumbent MP was returned with an increased majority.

“That’s the only thing close to a survey I have seen on the topic of offshore wind.

“Those who say that it is not supported by the community aren’t basing that observation on any facts.”

Federal Labor MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi told

reporters last week that it was important to make sure that the government was speaking and consulting with the public.

“[And] also making sure that all the right environmental laws and protections are in place to make sure that the right things are being done.”

At the time of writing, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson had yet to issue a public comment on the latest development but has previously thrown her support behind the project.

*Kathy Brown’s Letter to the Editor can be found in this edition’s Opinion pages.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED

DA NO: 16-2024-158-1

DEVELOPMENT SITE: Lot: 41 DP: 1037411

14 Tooroong Rd 16-2026-16-1 Carport

45 Kierman Cct 16-2026-3-1 Construct office, parking, warehouse, and site works

8

1

37

1

53 Sturgeon St 16-2026-25-1 Secondary dwelling

52 Rees James Rd 16-2026-28-1 Remove swimming pool and fill to ground level 54 Milkhouse Dr 16-2026-20-1 Shed ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL

WEEDS TREATMENT NOTICE

PERIOD – UP UNTIL 14 DAYS FROM THIS ADVERTISEMENT

Notice is given that Port Stephens Council intends to treat infestations of aquatic weeds on or in water in the Campvale Drain and portions of the following rivers occurring in the Port Stephens Council Local Government Area:

• Hunter River and tributaries from Raymond Terrace to the confluence of the Paterson River.

• Paterson River and tributaries from the confluence of the Hunter River upstream to the Port Stephens Council boundary.

• Williams River and tributaries upstream from Raymond Terrace to the Port Stephens Council boundary.

Herbicides containing active ingredient 600g/kg Metsulfuron methyl and/or active ingredient 360g/l glyphosate will be used. Residents in the treatment area should not use, drink or swim in the water during the period of treatment. Small scale reapplications may occur within 30 days of the date of the original treatment. Any further enquiries may be directed to Council on 4988 0255 or email: weeds@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

ASSESSING

1 DP: 1216431 2383 NELSON BAY ROAD WILLIAMTOWN 2318

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Proposed Tourist and Visitor Accommodation and Dual Occupancy

APPLICANT: AMS DESIGN & DRAFTING PTY LTD

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL TYPE OF APPROVAL: APPROVAL AGENCY: Water Management Act – Section 91 Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment

ASSESSING OFFICER: Christopher Primrose: 4988 0523 or christopher.primrose@portstephens.nsw.gov.au Courtney Sargent: 4988 0263 or courtney.sargent@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 28 Days (5 February 2026 – 4 March 2026)

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 4 March 2026

Peter Clough’s decades of dedication recognised with Port Stephens Medal

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It recognises outstanding dedication to making the region a better place to live.

Mr Clough admitted he was initially hesitant when Council advised him of the nomination.

“When Council first made me aware, I was a little [reluctant] to be considered,” he said.

“But someone – or some people – had obviously put a lot of work into the research for the nomination, so I felt it was right to let it go forward.”

Among the achievements highlighted in the citation, one resonates particularly strongly for Mr Clough: helping attract a TAFE campus to Salamander Bay.

“I am very passionate about access to higher education, particularly for younger people on the Peninsula,” he said. “At the time, the closest TAFE was about an hour away, which prohibited many people from growing their skills. “Access ensures greater participation, local jobs and meeting the needs of local

business and industry.”

Mr Clough is best known for his leadership in protecting Tomaree Headland and the former Tomaree Lodge site.

His involvement deepened in 2018, following the State Government’s announcement of $6.7 million for the Tomaree Coastal Walk.

“I took the opportunity to walk the Tomaree Lodge site,” he said.

“At the time, it was being used as a convalescent home.

“We wanted to understand what was planned and ensure the site remained in public hands.”

Working initially with the Tomaree Business Chamber (now Business Port Stephens), Mr Clough helped bring together a broad coalition of community organisations.

Within a short time, 10 diverse incorporated groups united around a shared vision: keeping the heritagelisted site accessible for community use.

“For an iconic place with such natural beauty

and serenity, the overriding desire was that it always remain accessible to the people,” he said.

One of the greatest challenges was the early risk that the site could be sold to a private developer.

Through sustained advocacy, the group secured bipartisan support to keep it publicly owned.

Over several years, they developed objectives and a vision document, delivering almost 30 presentations to community groups to build support.

“It was costing the government more than $1 million a year just to maintain the site while the buildings were decaying,” Mr Clough said.

“It became clear that a long-term future needed to

be addressed, which finally commenced in 2024.”

Asked about leadership, Mr Clough is quick to deflect praise.

“It needed leadership, yes, but we had a team of very passionate member groups,” he said.

“Becoming incorporated in 2020 gave us credibility and access to funding.

“Working as a team – across environmental, business, tourism and historical interests – was essential.”

Looking back, he is proud not only of the progress at Tomaree Lodge, now in an advanced planning stage, but also of contributions to the revitalisation of the Nelson Bay CBD and foreshore precinct.

He is also hopeful future

generations will gain a deeper understanding of the Headland’s history, including through the book “Paradise Interrupted”, produced with author Judy Washington and photographer Jenny Newman.

More than 600 copies have already been sold.

While the medal bears his name, Mr Clough insists it belongs to many.

“The Tomaree Headland group has worked harmoniously and cohesively,” he said. “There are many locals who have inspired and supported me –too many to name.”

Still, he says there is much work ahead, pointing to issues such as transport access to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, ferry services, extreme weather impacts on

Have Your Say

beaches, coach management on the Nelson Bay foreshore, and traffic and parking across the Peninsula.

For those unsure how to get involved, his advice is simple.

“Find your passion,” he said.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute and connect.

“There are so many groups looking for help –from historical societies to civic pride teams.

“Community involvement is how places like this continue to thrive.”

For Peter Clough, the Port Stephens Medal is not a finishing line, but a reminder of what can be achieved when a community works together to protect what matters most.

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness media@newsofthearea.com.au

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Fourbie Cruise gears up fundraise

supplied.

By Sis HIGGINS

FOURBIE Cruise returns on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at Anna Bay and is calling on the region’s 4WD community to rally behind children facing cancer and the families who support them.

Now in its second year, the event will once again unite drivers from Port Stephens, Newcastle and surrounding areas to raise funds for Camp Quality.

The charity that has delivered joy, resilience and practical support to families for

more than four decades.

With a fundraising target of $25,000, organisers are urging locals to get involved and help turn off-road adventure into meaningful support for families doing it tough.

The event is driven by Team Giggles – Newcastle FUNx4, a volunteer group combining a passion for four-wheel-driving with a strong commitment to giving back.

Team member Keiran Wyllie said the cause was one that resonated deeply with everyone involved.

“Childhood cancer doesn’t just affect the child, it impacts the whole family,” Mr Wyllie said.

“Camp Quality gives families moments of laughter and connection during an incredibly tough time.”

The Fourbie Cruise will begin with a convoy along Stockton Beach from 7.30am, departing from Anna Bay and heading south.

Following the beach run, the convoy will

head to B Farm Murray’s for an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment.

“A BBQ lunch, raffles, face painting, an icecream van, and a variety of games will keep the atmosphere buzzing long after the engines are switched off,” Mr Wyllie told News Of The Area.

“The four-wheel-drive community has always been known for its generosity, mateship and willingness to rally behind a good cause,” Mr Wyllie said.

Organisers hope the combination of adventure, community and purpose will inspire even more support this year.

Whether joining the convoy, attending the festivities or donating, supporters will help ensure more children can smile, play and feel like kids again.

Registration and donations can be made on their website fundraise.campquality.org. au/event/view/fourbiecruise26

Subsidies for future health workers

UP TO $12,000 in financial support is on offer for students enrolled in medical, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, Aboriginal health and allied health degrees across NSW.

The new round of applications for the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies Program opened on 28 January.

This year, support will be available for up to 4,000 students across the state.

“More than 7,900 healthcare students across NSW have already accessed financial support through this Program, and even more will benefit in 2026,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.

The program is designed to create a future pipeline of health workers by supporting students with fees, technology, travel, and other costs related to their studies.

Successful students who are at the start of their degree will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years.

Graduating students will receive one-off payments of $8,000 after acceptance of employment for a position within NSW Health.

Students must be willing to make a five-year commitment to working in the NSW public health system.

There are a limited number of subsidies available, and applications will remain open until all subsidies are awarded.

For details on how to apply, including the full list of eligible workforce groups and locations, visit health.nsw.gov.au/ careers/Pages/health-study-subsidies. aspx.

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community

Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.

It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

Our services are subject to available resources.

Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

• Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Donctor’s appointments.

This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues due to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.

Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community

• It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.

• Our services are subject to available resources. This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.

Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.

Phone: 0407 252 566

Phone: 0407 252 566

Email: secretary@nbcptg.com.au Website: www.nbcptg.com.au

Email:secretary@nbcptg.com.au www.nbcptg.com.au

It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.

Grants on offer for local creatives

PORT Stephens Council is inviting community groups, organisations and creatives to apply for Round 2 of its Community Funding Program.

The grants support projects that celebrate culture, strengthen community wellbeing and activate public spaces.

Applications for up to $6,000 per project are open until 1 March in the Community Support Fund, Aboriginal Projects Fund and Vibrant Spaces Fund.

“These grants are about backing local ideas that bring people together, celebrate culture, and create places where communities can connect and thrive,” Mayor Leah Anderson said.

“Round 1 showed just how powerful community-led projects can be.

“If you have an idea that can support the community, celebrate culture or breathe new life into a public space, I encourage you to apply.”

These grants form part of Port Stephens

Conditions ease for Oyster Cove

NSW Rural Fire Service crews worked day and night last week to contain a fire burning between Oyster Cove and Medowie.

Residents between James Road and Coachwood Drive, and Moffats Swamp, were encouraged to evacuate on 29 January before “conditions became too dangerous”.

The Fire Service undertook extensive backburning operations overnight to control the fire.

“Hard work by crews, supported by heavy machinery and aircraft, has seen this fire now contained,” a spokesperson for the NSW Rural Fire Service said.

While the immediate threat has eased, authorities have stressed that conditions can change quickly and residents should remain alert.

“Those on the eastern outskirts of Medowie, along Lemon Tree Passage Road and Oyster Cove, should continue to monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington thanked the volunteers for their efforts, acknowledging the long hours worked to protect lives and property across the area.

“Incredible effort from all of our NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers, from Port Stephens and beyond, to have now contained the bushfire at Oyster Cove,” Ms Washington said.

“Nearby residents must remain vigilant in the event of changes, but an amazing effort has turned what would have been a disaster into a collective sigh of relief from our community.”

People in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official channels, including the Hazards Near Me app and the NSW Rural Fire Service website, for the latest updates and advice.

Council’s broader Community Funding Program, which also includes year-round funding through the Community Event Development Fund, Sporting Excellence Fund, Major Event Sponsorship Fund and Vibrant Spaces Micro Grant Fund.

For more information, contact the Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.

To access the application forms, visit the Port Stephens Council Grants and Funding Page at pscouncil.info/grants-fundingscholarships.

PSC.

‘Delta’s Diamond’ launch

By Jacie WHITFIELD

LOCAL author Judy

Parkinson will launch her fifth novel, Delta’s Diamond, at Salamander Bay Library at 3pm on Friday, 6 February.

Parkinson marks another milestone in a writing career that continues to explore the complexities of human behaviour.

Set against the contrasting backdrops of Tuscany and Sydney, Delta’s Diamond is a psychological thriller that delves into

jealousy, intolerance and the destructive power of resentment.

The story follows Delta and Phillip Richardson, who travel to Italy with friends Julia and Graham Lamont for what is meant to be a twoweek holiday.

Instead, simmering tensions quickly surface.

“From the beginning, there is conflict fuelled by jealousy, intolerance and selfishness,” Parkinson said.

“After a minor car accident, the relationship

freezes and the holiday ends on a very sour note.”

Back in Australia, the fractures deepen.

Julia confronts Delta, demanding she retract earlier criticisms.

When Delta refuses, the hostility escalates into what Parkinson describes as “allconsuming hatred with a burning desire for revenge.”

Lies and accusations build towards a shattering climax in which, she says, “no one is spared the disastrous consequences.”

The idea for Delta’s Diamond grew from a combination of place, character and behaviour.

“All those three things combined sparked the idea,” Parkinson said.

Despite the suggestive title, the “diamond” itself is less symbolic than it first appears.

Delta’s diamond ring, Parkinson explains, is simply Phillip’s means of betrayal rather than a metaphor laden with meaning.

At the heart of the novel is the rapid deterioration of Delta and Julia’s friendship.

Parkinson was drawn to exploring the darker side of relationships that appear solid on the surface.

“Theirs was a very shallow friendship,” she said, “but neither recognised this until they spent close time together.”

Although the novel confronts betrayal, cruelty and revenge, Parkinson says she did not find the characters difficult to write.

“The dark side of many of us comes out when we’re under pressure,” she said.

“Writing about this is not a challenge.”

As her fifth novel, Delta’s Diamond reflects a writing process that has matured over time.

“My writing style hasn’t changed,” she said, “but I think overall, my plotting has improved.”

The European scenes are informed by Parkinson’s own travel experiences, lending authenticity to the Tuscan setting before the story returns to Australia for its most intense confrontations.

Launching the book at Salamander Bay Library holds particular significance for the author.

“The library is a great place to launch a novel,” she said.

“They are very cooperative and helpful.” Ultimately, Parkinson hopes readers close the final page with a sense of resolution, even if the journey there is unsettling.

“I hope the reader will feel that justice has been done,” she said, “even though each of the players has suffered damage.”

The launch is open to the public, with Delta’s Diamond available for purchase on the day. Have you got an EVENT to promote? Let the community know. Advertise it today! We have very affordable advertising prices, from a small Public Notice advertisement on the classifieds page, right up to a large colour display advert.

$3.85m funding push targets international flights and tourism growth in the Hunter

FROM Page 1

centre stage in the Hunter region, with a united push for targeted funding to unlock new economic opportunities.

Through a joint advocacy effort with Newcastle Airport and Destination Sydney Surrounds North, the Hunter Joint Organisation is calling for $3.85 million in funding over three years to help stimulate international tourism.

Mayor of Port Stephens and Deputy Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation Leah Anderson said, “Council recognises the economic, environmental and social benefits that a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry provides.”

“The tourism sector supports over 2,000 jobs in Port Stephens and in 2024, the region welcomed 1.72 million visitors, generating $822 million in expenditure.”

“It’s a vital part of our economy,” she said.

“Last year we celebrated the opening of the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport - a major milestone for the Hunter and for Port Stephens.

“More international visitors mean more people staying in our accommodation, dining in our restaurants, and spending in our local businesses.

“Looking long term,

tourism contributes to building a vibrant and resilient Port Stephensvisitation drives investment in infrastructure, services, and amenities that benefit residents and visitors alike.”

The proposed investment is aimed at supporting the development of international aviation access through Newcastle Airport, strengthening the Hunter’s position as a competitive destination for overseas visitors.

Regional leaders argue that relatively modest, well-targeted funding could deliver outsized returns

Weekly walk supports men in Raymond Terrace

By Sis HIGGINS

RAYMOND

Terrace Man

Walk participants meet out the front of the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed every Wednesday morning at 8am and provide a way for local men to connect, support one another and stay active.

The weekly walk brings

men together to walk, talk and share in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The group walks for around thirty minutes.

Stephen Morrison said on his Facebook post the walk creates space for conversation, connection and mutual support along the way.

“This gives us the opportunity to talk and share.

“This time can be extended over a coffee or tea.”

Organisers say the Man Walk offers more than just physical activity, giving men a regular opportunity to check in, talk openly and feel part

of a supportive community.

The walk suits men of all ages and fitness levels, with the focus firmly on connection rather than pace or distance.

New participants are always welcome, and there is no need to register or commit long term.

Men looking for a friendly, low-pressure way to stay active and connected are encouraged to simply turn up and join the walk.

for the local economy by unlocking new visitor markets and encouraging longer stays across the region.

Forecasts associated with the advocacy indicate international visitation could increase by at least one per cent, translating to an additional $268 million flowing through the Hunter economy over the next three years.

The advocacy comes at a pivotal time for the Hunter, as the region continues its transition away from coal and works to broaden its economic base.

Supporters of the proposal say investment in international tourism is a practical example of catalytic infrastructure that can accelerate economic transformation while building on existing strengths in food, wine, nature and coastal experiences.

By aligning councils, the airport and destination partners around funding, the Hunter Joint Organisation is positioning the region to compete more effectively on the global tourism stage.

Marine Rescue volunteers powered up

By Sis HIGGINS

EIGHTEEN volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens gave their time on Australia Day, supporting fundraising efforts at Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay, in challenging heat conditions.

Wearing the Marine Rescue uniform, the volunteers formed part of the fundraising team for the Australia Day celebrations, helping to feed crowds while raising awareness of the unit’s vital work on local waterways.

A Marine Rescue Port Stephens spokesperson said volunteers were setting up food prep areas and selling steak sandwiches and bacon

and egg rolls from 8.30am.

“But some who volunteered their time were on site from 6am.”

“They also sold raffle tickets and did promotions of the Unit.

“They do this because they have passion for a shared cause and they have genuine camaraderie with the friends they have made here,” they said in a Facebook post.

Throughout the day, the team cooked and served food, sold raffle tickets and spoke with members of the community about the role Marine Rescue Port Stephens plays in boating safety and emergency response.

The fundraising effort also

provided an opportunity to promote the unit and connect directly with locals and visitors enjoying the day at Fly Point Park.

Marine Rescue Port Stephens relies on volunteers both on the water and behind the scenes, and the unit is now encouraging new members to get involved.

Two upcoming information nights are scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February at 6.00pm and Sunday, 18 May at 6.00pm.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find further details and register their interest through the Marine Rescue Port Stephens website.

Visit

Bandits impress at Fijian Oz Tag Cup

By Chris KARAS

A TALENTED crop of young athletes from the Port Stephens region have left their mark at the inaugural Fijian Cup OzTag tournament in Saratoga.

Competing under the Hunter Brothers banner, the skilful contingent produced top displays to reach the finals of the international Men’s Division, staged at Lawaqa Park on Fiji’s Coral Coast.

The young Bandits proved fine ambassadors and role models, and came together with competitors from seven other teams to help build a strong foundation for OzTag in Fiji.

Staged before Christmas, the inaugural OzTag tournament showcased unique talents and celebrated the spirit of unity that defines the Fijian people.

Teams from various

communities and backgrounds trekked to the island of Viti Levu to participate in the muchanticipated event, where new friendships were forged.

Other sides to compete in the Men’s category included the Dream Team, AFL, Sigatoka, Real Ones, Hoodlegends, Eastern Saints and Seabreeze.

Port Stephens OzTag are now preparing for the upcoming Junior State Cup championships, to be staged at Werrington and Coffs Harbour this month.

The state’s best young OzTag players in the 9s to 11s age divisions will square off at The Kingsway Playing Fields in Werrington from Friday, 6 February to Sunday, 8 February.

All roads lead to Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour for the Junior State OzTag Cup’s 12s to 17s tournament, to be staged

from Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February.

Port Stephens OzTag officials have selected the following squads for this weekend’s 9s to 11s championships at Werrington.

U9/10 GIRLS: Ava Page, Avalon Christie, Elki Germon, Emmie Smith, Henley Goodsir, Isla Curtis, Isla Dark, Memphis Scully, Mikaylah Green, Mitali Nowlan, Olivia Gordon, Piper Ashpole, Poppy Gordon, Ruby Randall and Violetta Papamau. Coach: Cameron Scully.

U11 GIRLS: Audrey Brown, Aylah Rendall, Charlotte McKay, Evelyn Papamau, Grace Schmahl, Isla Daly, Lily Nolan, Maddie Pennicott, Piper Mace, Pippa Maher, Qwun Poolkerd, Ruby Fraser, Stella Cox and Willow Brind. Coach: Bonnie Daly.

U9 BOYS: Austin Mace, Hudson Morrison, Isaiah Page, Jax Hosegood, Kaleb Jones,

Lawrence Wilson, Lennox Phillips, Max Borthwick, Reed Maher, Reeve Crossing, Riley Cousens, Sebastian Hansen and Tyler Cousens. Coach: Amber Jones.

U10 BOYS: Harlen Webber,

Hayden Eirth, Hudson Smith, Kade Russell, Lamar West, Landen Weine, Nate Lui, Nate Ridley, Nixon Reed, Patrick Smith, Sunny Burgess, Will Einam and Ziggy Osborne. Coach: Joel Osborne.

U11 BOYS: Antonio Dixon, Aston Van Eldik, Austin Lodge, Bentley Muir, Clayton

Curtis, Jackson Barry, Jahkari Wotherspoon, Jax Green, Layne Spruce, Lebron Elis, Levis Toplis, Lincoln Giles, Lleyton Stanley, Mason Munro, Nate Watling and Randall Blanch; Shadows: Nate Newman and Byron Giles. Coach: Taylah Spruce.

Record spree for Port Stephens junior athletes

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Athletics Centre mainstays have opened the new season in record-breaking fashion.

Ten of the club’s most promising juniors have entered the record books with inspirational performances on the track and field at Tomaree Sports Complex.

Port Stephens Athletics Centre president Michelle Chan told News Of The Area that the spate of records in recent months was a “just

reward” for the hard toil put in by the athletes on the training track and in local meets.

Young gun Naomi Reungkitchaya, the club’s first female athlete to go through the 16 years division with the new Little Athletics and Athletics NSW structure, has achieved multiple records to date.

Her latest in the field includes a discus throw of 30.33m and shot put toss of 9.05m.

Outstanding 15-year-

old prospect Anna TaylorAnderson continues to show her versatility with recordbreaking efforts in the 200m sprint (26.88 sec), 90m hurdles (14.30 sec), javelin throw (21.56m) and triple jump (10.27m).

Six-year-old rookie Renae Fajks clocked a record time of 12.72 sec for the Girls 6s 60m mini hurdles while Noah Regan set a new club record for the 12s Boys 400m sprint with an impressive time of 1m 17.21s.

Rising eleven-year-old

sprinters Denver Trojkovic and Rhylin Green achieved something unique when they both broke the club’s 11s Boys 800m record on the same day, clocking a time of 2m 44.66s to share the spoils. Other record-breaking juniors include the talented Brayden Weiner (12s Boys), who clocked 14.18 sec for the 80m hurdles; Max Hanrahan (13s Boys) posting a time of 19.65 sec for the 90m hurdles; Jamie Taylor-Anderson (13s Girls) tossing 26.18m in the javelin and Royal Turner (13s Boys) with a record discus throw of 29.53m

U12 Neptunes crowned Peter Wilson Cup champions

By Chris KARAS

THEY endured energysapping heat, smoke haze and a first-day setback, but a cohort of local female touch footballers have covered themselves in glory by winning the region’s biggest tournament.

Nelson Bay Neptunes’ triumphant U12 Girls outfit were crowned Peter Wilson Memorial Cup champions after producing spirited displays on the final day to bring home the title.

In heatwave conditions, the super-slick Neptunes defeated Singleton Storm 3–2 in an epic Grand Final drop-off at the Tomaree

Sports Complex last Sunday to etch their names on a distinguished honour roll.

It was a second successive drop-off victory for the Nelson Bay whiz kids after the girls had earlier eliminated the undefeated Orange Thunder 3–2 in a crackerjack semifinal.

Outstanding middle prospect Zoe Peters was named Player of the Carnival.

She turned in skilful performances over the weekend and capped a memorable championship by scoring the winning try in a pulsating trophy decider.

Under the guidance of respected co-coaches Trent Colley, Cal Mitchell and

Lisa Rawlins, the Neptunes overcame a hesitant start in the two-day event to lift the championship trophy on home turf.

“The girls dropped their focus in the early rounds after a positive start, but found their groove on the final day to power their way to victory,” an elated coach Colley told News Of The Area.

“After coming into the tournament with strong form at the Wallsend Junior Rep Gala Day, they maintained the rage by working hard and believing in each other — we are so proud of their efforts,” he added.

The girls blitzed ForsterTuncurry Tornadoes 9–1,

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

30/1/26

OUTRIGHT winners

John McDonald & Ron McKay. 65 1/4 Runners up.

Wendy Couvaras & Matt Baldwin. 69 Ball winners.

Brian Riddell & Peter Couvaras. 69 3/4

Hugh Potts & Sean Brennan. 70 Ron Dews. & Phil German. 70 1/2 Ntp4th.

Kim Miller & Grahame Glover

D&C7th.

Hugh Potts & Sean Brennan

D&C18th.

Hugh Potts & Sean Brennan Money hole. Ron McKay Lucky number. 5. Blake Dillon There were 22 starters today. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 6/2/26 Single Stableford Eclectic.

Taree 3–1 and Scone 4–0, but suffered losses to Newcastle City (4–2) and Dubbo (6–3) in the early rounds before downing Central Coast Dolphins 3–0 in a quarterfinal.

Other Nelson Bay juniors to shine in a mighty team effort were exciting prospects Ayana Parker, Eden Colley, Emilia Mooney, Faith Earl, Havana Borg, Isla Trayling, Laylah Standing, Lukah Moyle, Luna Kneipp, Reegan Moyle, Remy Evans, Sailor Jenkins, Stella Schein, Eva Turner and Zalie Crispe.

In a big weekend for the Neptunes, the U14 Boys finished runners-up after an 11–2 Grand Final loss to Newcastle City Knights.

For the Nelson Bay side, it was the team’s only loss after two wins and two draws in the pool rounds and victories over Berkeley Vale Panthers (5–4) in a quarter-final and Wallsend Wolves (4–3) in a semi-final.

Nelson Bay U10 Boys and Girls squads reached the quarter-finals; the U14 Girls bowed out in the semi-finals

after a 4–1 loss to Maitland Redbacks, while the U16 Girls succumbed to Orange 7–4 in their semi-final.

The Neptunes U18 Girls continued that trend by also advancing to the semi-finals, only to crash out after a 7–3 loss to Maitland.

Other age group champions and Grand Final results included: U10 Boys: Dubbo 11, Wallsend Wolves

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

SleepTalk for children with Agi Mooy

Hypnotherapy

I SUPPORT families, parents, and children through gentle, evidence-based subconscious programs that build emotional wellbeing, confidence, and behavioural stability.

I have worked in the wellness and personal development field for over 20 years, through my practice Agi Mooy Mindset Miracles Hypnotherapy.

I specialise in helping parents positively shape their child’s emotional world, beginning from pregnancy through early childhood and beyond.

One of the key programs I offer is SleepTalk® for Children, a simple nightly method that supports children’s emotional development while they sleep.

My passion for this work came from seeing how deeply children are affected by stress, change, and the emotional environment around them, often long before they have the language to express it.

Over the years, I’ve

worked with many families who felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to best support their child’s behaviour, emotions, or confidence - especially during big transitions like starting school.

Discovering and training in the SleepTalk® method was a turning point, because it empowers parents with a gentle, nurturing way to support their child’s subconscious mind, without pressure, discipline struggles, or force.

What sets my work apart is that I focus on the root cause, not just the behaviour.

SleepTalk® works with the subconscious mind, where beliefs, emotional responses, and behaviour patterns are formed.

Rather than trying to “fix” a child during the day, parents learn how to gently reinforce emotional safety, confidence, and calm while their child sleeps.

It’s a method that takes just 2-3 minutes each night, is deeply respectful of the child,

and strengthens the parent

- child bond rather than creating power struggles.

Parents can expect a supportive, education - based approach that leaves them feeling confident, informed, and empowered.

Through SleepTalk®, I offer:

- Parent education sessions and presentations

- One-on-one SleepTalk® programs for families

- Support for children experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, sleep issues or behavioural challenges

- Guidance for expectant parents wishing to bond with

their baby during pregnancy.

Parents leave with practical tools they can use immediately at home.

To support families during the back-to-school period, I am offering introductory SleepTalk® information sessions for parents who want to understand how emotional patterns are formed and how they can gently support their child through this transition.

These sessions are

designed to educate and empower parents before they decide if they would like further support. I operate as a sole practitioner, which allows me to provide highly personalised, attentive care to each family I work with. This hands-on approach ensures parents feel supported, heard, and guided every step of the way.

Not-for-profit aged care still matters

Across Australia, aged care is changing rapidly. Large providers are merging, services are becoming more centralised, and decisions are often made far from the communities they affect.

In this environment, local, not-for-profit aged care providers matter more than ever, particularly here in Port Stephens.

For more than four decades, community-based

aged care organisations in our region, including Harbourside Port Stephens (formerly Port Stephens Veterans & Citizens Aged Care), have existed for one simple reason: to support local seniors to live with dignity, connection and care, close to home. Being not-for-profit means every dollar is reinvested back into services, people and facilities, not shareholders. Being local means

decisions are guided by community needs, not distant boardrooms.

Ageing is not just about medical care.

It’s about belonging, purpose and continuity, staying connected to familiar places, trusted faces and local networks as needs change.

Whether it’s independent living, support at home, or residential care, having services that work together within the

same community provides reassurance not only to older people, but to their families as well.

As our population ages and reforms reshape the sector, preserving strong, locally governed aged care services is vital. They are more than service providers, they are part of the social fabric

Local

White Lady Funerals Salamander Bay

WHITE Lady Funerals Salamander Bay supports you through every step of funeral planning.

Our goal is to manage the details so you can focus on honoring your loved one.

We are available when you need us, during planning, on the day of the service, and in the weeks and months that follow.

You can rely on the women of White Lady Salamander Bay for compassionate care and guidance during this difficult time.

We can help you plan a personalised farewell.

Services can be held in our chapel, a local church, or a personal location.

At White Lady Salamander Bay, we have supported families with everything from intimate athome ceremonies to large outdoor gatherings.

However you choose to honor your loved one, we will help you create a meaningful farewell.

White Lady Funerals has led with compassion and care for 35 years, guiding Australian families through the loss of a loved one.

We also support the local community by participating in events and fostering connections with nearby churches, clubs, and cultural

while offering personalised services that honor diverse cultural and spiritual traditions.

Our promise to you is

Superdrive is your private driving service across the Bay.

Pre-booked transport to restaurants, bars, airports and appointments.

The same driver each time, always on time. Clean cars, no app stress; just local, personal service.

Ph Zoe on 0480 226 689

Australian Brain Coaching

IT is never too late to change.

Yes, you can improve your life. If there is something niggling you and it is holding you back from getting the most out of life – it is possible to change. You don’t have to put up with feeling that way.

We all know what we should be doing to improve ourselves, why aren’t we doing it?

Brain coaching can help identify what is holding you back and then helps you to develop a way forward so that you can enjoy your life.

Many of my clients have found success with being able to sleep better; to be less anxious; learn new skills; or even learn how to deal with difficult people! Helen Dugdale offers a free 30 minute introductory session where we can work out steps that will suit you and your lifestyle.

Remember: You have a lot to be proud of, you've experienced a lot in your life. Reflect on your achievements.”

2026 Seniors Lifestyle

BEFORE 50 God looks after your health.

After 50 it is wise to give him a hand.

Maitland Wellness Centre operates clinics in Maitland and Raymond Terrace, providing acupuncture and massage treatments by fully trained, government-registered acupuncturists and health fund approved massage

therapists.

The clinic offers professional, compassionate care in a calm and welcoming environment.

Each treatment is tailored to the individual, with practitioners taking the time to listen, understand concerns and develop personalised care plans that support long-

term health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture is widely used to treat pain and discomfort from joints, nerves and soft tissues such as muscles and tendons.

These are problems that we commonly associate with aging.

Many seniors do not realise that a series of acupuncture or massage treatments can often

reduce the discomfort they are experiencing leading to an improved quality of life.

Treatments are gentle and most people find them deeply relaxing.

Simple movements from Tai Chi can also be prescribed and done in a few minutes each day.

They are designed to be relaxing and gently increase mobility and balance.

A strong focus at Maitland Wellness Centre is how simple, achievable lifestyle changes can positively impact overall health.

The therapists work collaboratively with your regular doctor when needed and provide supportive guidance to help clients maintain independence, comfort, and quality of life.

From the MAYOR'S DESK

By Mayor Leah ANDERSON

Planning for our community’s future

WITH the new year well underway, I’ve been out and about seeing our parks, pathways, and sports fields at their busiest.

This peak summer period shows us exactly why we need to plan ahead.

As more people live in and visit our area, our local facilities and town centres need to keep up and be fit for the future.

In Medowie, the feedback from residents at recent community pop-ups is helping us get the Medowie Town Centre Masterplan right.

It is currently on public exhibition and I encourage you to take a look and give feedback.

This is our guide for a better town centre that is safer and easier for everyone to get around - whether you are walking, cycling, or driving.

While our Place Plan is the bigpicture and wishlist for how Medowie should feel, this Masterplan is the practical guide for the streets, paths, and buildings we need to make that vision a reality.

Just like our town centres, our sporting hubs need to be well planned to keep up with future demand.

The Tomaree Sports Complex is one of our largest community facilities, supporting over 3,000 local players across many different sports.

We are now moving to the next stage of its development to ensure it remains a premier regional sports complex for our region.

Our revised plan focuses on practical fixes like better traffic flow, more parking and improved facilities.

These upgrades ensure our local players have the best possible fields and help us attract state and national events. These events bring visitors who spend money at our local shops and accommodation, providing a vital boost to our economy and local jobs.

These projects are all about having the vision and planning for the future to ensure Port Stephens remains a great place to live.

Both plans are open for feedback.

I invite you to share your thoughts by heading to our website and looking for the Public Exhibitions page.

By Paul DORIN

In support of offshore wind farms

DEAR News Of The Area

I REALLY must respond to the article Zone ‘Revived’, published in the last edition of NOTA (29 January).

Firstly, the old nugget that all the community is against offshore windfarms.

Alison Penfold, NATS member for Lyne, is quoted: “Offshore wind is simply not feasible or wanted off the Myall (or Hunter) coast. Our community has made this blatantly clear.”

What the community made blatantly clear on this side of the Bay was their support for Labor at the last Federal Election where the incumbent MP was returned with an increased majority.

That’s the only thing close to a survey I have seen on the topic of offshore wind.

Those who say that it is not supported by the community aren’t basing that observation on any facts.

Then there’s the opinion presented as fact that… “It failed on environmental risk, economic justification, and social license.” [This was] according to Mr Radford.

But the actual proponent Equinor has never completed the necessary risk assessments.

We don’t know what the environmental or economic assessments would have shown.

What we do know is that economic challenges in the United States after the election of Donald Trump caused the withdrawal of Equinor from the project.

The new President pulled the pin on several renewable projects in which Equinor had already invested heavily in the US.

That fact, plus the lack of bipartisan support for renewables here in Australia, makes it an unnecessarily risky investment for an international company like Equinor.

Mr Radford also talks about the

“industrial impacts” of windfarms on our coast.

Has he noticed the number of coal ships coming out of the largest coal port in the Southern Hemisphere?

Do they count as the industrialisation of our coast?

The same group that tried to make offshore wind a state and local government issue is saying they will do this again in upcoming elections.

Is any journalist going to ask for an explanation of exactly how any state government or local council decision will impact this issue?

It proved to be a non issue in all elections held in Port Stephens.

Labor was returned Federally and in State elections.

Our council appears to have been totally intimidated by the anti-offshore wind brigade and has passed some innocuous motherhood statements in regard to renewables that they know will go nowhere and mean nothing.

This is an important issue for our children’s future.

Nine of the warmest years since recordings have been made have occurred in the last 10 years.

All governments agree that we need to stop mining coal and move to renewables.

They only disagree on the time frame and how to get there.

Journalists should not be enabling this debate to be hijacked once again by self interested groups.

Kathy BROWN Salamander Bay

*Editor’s note: On 15 January, a week before Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen called for applications for a Research and Demonstration licence for the Port Stephens zone, a US Federal judge granted Equinor a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration. It allows the company to resume construction on its 60 percent complete, US$5.3bn, Empire Wind project off New York.

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

Dear Jasminda,

Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them?

Hayley S.

Dear Hayley,

Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is a real one.

Figures back up the stories with hospitalisations on the rise (94 young people - up from 60 the previous year - were treated at Sydney Children's hospitals in 2025).

Not obeying basic road rules is dangerous enough, but when kids (sometimes without helmets) are simultaneously chatting and hooning along at 25km an hour, it's a game changer.

I always imagined an e-bike was for people who were getting close to needing a knee replacement, but the e-bike is now ubiquitous with status.

Nothing quite says mum and dad are time-poor entrepreneurs too busy microdosing ayahuasca and holding Zoom conferences to spend time with their kids than an e-bike under the Christmas tree.

And in 10 years' time, for every kid who ends up on the psychologist's couch talking about their poverty-riven childhood: 'It started the year Mum gave me a clapped-out,

second-hand pushy she scored off Marketplace ...', there will be another ruminating (perhaps from their wheelchair) on the lifelong injuries they sustained from their e-bike. Or maybe they will be there to work through the guilt they feel following the injuries an elderly person sustained after they sideswiped them (though some of those mobility scooter riders are like Mad Max extras, so be on the lookout for them too).

Your question asks about the responsibility of motorists.

Being on the road is a shared responsibility, and you are right to seek out how to safely navigate the road with e-bikes. You should treat an e-bike rider the same way you would treat a traditional cyclist. They wear the same protective gear as a traditional cyclist (bugger all), but their increased speed leads to an increase in the potential for damage.

As a responsible motorist, you should give them plenty of space, take particular care when overtaking, show them the same respect you would hope a motorist would show your own children, and drive defensively, because you can never tell what level of experience or common sense another road user has.

For my part, I'll be sticking to my acoustic bike on designated bike paths where I will continue to channel my passive aggression at e-bike kiddies overtaking me by inwardly chanting, 'Use your legs, you lazy silver-spooner,' to get me up the hills.

diem, Jasminda.

By Lee RANKIN

SATURDAY 24th Jan. 4

Person Ambrose/ 1. Lue Tranter/Mat Foley/ Simon Smith/ Arthur Larrigo. Wednesday 28th Jan. Medley Stableford.

Where you can pick up your paper

If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Fingal Bay Cafe

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Stinker’s History: a great contributor

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

FAMILY and friends gathered on Broughton Island to farewell legendary islander Bob Dyer, who passed away recently.

No one did more for the betterment of recreational fishing, the environment, and Broughton Island, than Bob.

It was 1969 when Bob, a Life Member of Maitland Off-Shore Fishing Club, was first lured to Broughton Island by the fishing opportunities.

In 1973, Bob was accompanied by wife Fran and later boys Kevin and Robert.

Motoring the 8 nautical miles to Broughton required a reliable boat that could handle the, at times, difficult sea conditions.

“Gibber” was such a craft, and ferried the family for many decades.

During the 1980s, the permanency of the shacks on the island came into question and it was during this time that Bob and others fought to retain the shacks and the base radio, which was so essential for the safety of all those wishing to visit or stay on

the island.

As a result of the insecure period of occupancy, the Broughton Island Conservation Society Inc. (BICSI) was formed with Bob as the President and spokesperson.

With his years of valuable experience and a logical and committed manner, Bob was a vital contributor as an advisor to NPWS and later to the early development of the

Stinker’s Fishin’: flathead central

By John Stinker CLARKE

IN THIS port there are many champion fishers, some are specialists in one or two species of fish – snapper, mulloway, kingfish and all the others.

Only a very few local recreation fishers can lay claim to catching anything that moves.

Lemon Tree’s Wayne Coles is one such champion.

There is nothing that swims that “King Coles” can’t catch.

Looking through his album there were monster Longtail Tuna, Mac Tuna, giant Bream, Mulloway, Drummer, Snapper, Threadfin Salmon, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Estuary Bass from the upper reaches, New Zealand Trout and Mangrove Jack from Coffs Harbour.

Even thumping blue swimmer and mud crabs.

Nothing is safe when the Coles crew is on the water.

All fish, caught on lures, are released – not so the crabs.

Last week, accompanied by son Mat, the pair focused their efforts on catching and releasing big flatheads – the results are spectacular.

Over the period of the week, moving around the Port, the team landed ten “lizards”, the smallest being 80cms.

Have Your Say

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. media@newsofthearea.com.

The complete catch for the week: 98cm, 93cms, 90cms, 93cms, 89cms, 87cms, 83cms, 81cms and

fish. It was interesting to learn that one of the 93cm flatheads had a tag, so

where and when the monster was tagged. If there is a better flathead fishery in this

Prestigious Australia Day honour for Shoal Bay schoolgirl Zoe Smith

STORY STARTS on

BACK COVER - Page 28

at the 2022 championships in Wagga.

A feature of Zoe’s play is her copybook defence, ball skills and high work rate –

traits she has carried into the girls’ rugby ranks over the past three seasons.

Smith juggled her rugby commitments in 2025 by playing her first season of women’s tackle rugby league with the South's

Lions club in the Hunter Junior League competition.

Showing her power, stamina and turn of speed as a strong-running prop forward and winger, Zoe helped the undefeated Lions claim the HJRL

Women’s Tackle U16 Division One premiership with a 26–22 Grand Final victory over the Raymond Terrace Roosters.

The emerging flanker has also represented Hunter Wildfires and NSW Country over the past two seasons and is entrenched in the NSW Sports High

Reedman routs Pythons with 5-19

By Chris KARAS

PACE ace Ryan Reedman has dented the top four hopes of the Port Stephens Pythons in the Newcastle District Cricket Division One competition.

The Maryland-Fletcher quickly produced one of the finest individual bowling performances of the summer

in his side’s resounding 58run one-day victory over the Pythons in an important fixture last weekend at Bill Elliott Oval.

A revved-up Reedman ripped through the talented Port Stephens batting line up to snare the impressive figures of 5-19 and help skittle the visitors for a meagre total of 66.

He was ably supported by all-rounder Joshua Hole (3-9 off thirty deliveries) and Kye Potts (2-17 off eight overs).

It was one of the Pythons’ lowest first grade tallies with club stalwarts Josh Moxey (16) and Tyran Eveleigh (10) the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Earlier Maryland-

Nelson Bay Croquet Club

By David WILSON

NELSON Bay Croquet Club

Primed for 2026

The new Nelson Bay Croquet Club Committee, elected in November 2025, took office on 1st January 2026 and has wasted no time in preparing for a stellar 2026.

Dates for the club competitions have been approved, with the first

competition being the Autumn Golf Croquet Doubles to be played on Sunday 1st March and the first trophy, the Thompson Trophy Golf Croquet Singles Novice Grade, to be contested on Sunday 12th April.

Entries for the Division 2 and 3 State Pennants are due by 15th February and, at this stage, the Club looks likely to field 2 Division 2 teams and 1

Division 3 team. The Club has also successful bid to host the Division 3 State Finals which will feature four teams from regional qualifying rounds and will be held on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th July. Nelson Bay is the current holder of the Division 3 State pennants title.

The first social of the year was a Social Croquet and Pizza night on Saturday 3rd January

Bulahdelah Golf Club Report

By Thora-Lou SMITH

SCOTCH Foursomes was the game for the Vets on Thursday 22

nd January and the winners were Rod Norberry & Mick Welsh with 66.5nett (h/c 14.5) on a c/b from Stephanie Plackson & Ray Mansell (h/c 21.5). Third were Mick Gardiner & Steve Brooks with 67.5 (h/c 25.5). NTPs were Mick Gardiner, Stephanie

Plackson, Glenn Grainger and Marty Bramble.

Saturday 24th January was a Stableford and 43 players enjoyed a fairly warm day on the course. A grade winner was Craig Littlechild with 35pts from Dave Schlenert with 34pts. B grade winner was Rick Winter with 40pts from Steve Fitzgerald with 35pts. C grade winner was visitor J.Coughlin with 40+pts from Joel Slack with 40pts. Ladies'

winner was Alison Benson with 33pts from Meredyth Rae with 31pts. NTPs were Max Schlenert, Steve Fitzgerald and Stephanie Plackson while the long drivers were Max Schlenert, Peter Cheers, J.Coughlin and Bernie Newton. Brad Gleeson won the 17th Jackpot. January's

Monthly Mug will be played next Saturday.

Fletcher won the toss and posted a modest total of 124, with the capable Hole top-scoring with a patient 32 runs off eighty balls plus contributions from tailender Jason Linich (20) and an unbeaten 17 from Ethan Bedden.

Inspired bowling from Jason Eveleigh (4-17 off eight overs), skipper Lleyton

when 20 members enjoyed twilight croquet followed by a take-away pizza. This was followed by the Australia Day celebrations when 31 members and guests donned red, white and blue or green and gold while playing social croquet. A sausage sizzle was followed by the main event of the day, the 3-hoop thong knock-out challenge - following several shock results, the final saw Rob Batho triumph 2-0 over Rae Uptin.

School Rugby Sevens squad. Zoe is a talented middle with the All Schools, Hunter Hornets and Nelson Bay representative touch football teams and played in the U20s division at last year’s NSW State Cup at Port Macquarie.

She was in action with the Neptunes U16 Girls

Eveleigh (2-8 off eight) and Lachlan Freeman (2-35 off eight) put the Pythons on top.

But hopes of a seventh victory this season for Port Stephens were dashed through Reedman’s heroics with the ball.

Maryland-Fletcher (32 points) now leapfrog the Pythons (31) into the top four with pacesetters

at last weekend’s Peter Wilson Memorial Cup championships at Tomaree Sports Complex, leading the way with her natural ball skills.

The super-fit Smith is gearing up for another hectic rugby program in 2026 with the Nelson Bay Gropers U17s, Wildfires, NSW Country and NSW Waratahs, including the All Schools Sevens format.

THE weather was perfect for golf, partly cloudy and mild for most of the morning. We played an Individual Stroke over 9 holes, both back and front nines. A roll up of 30 players today, including 7 members of the Port Stephens Vet's made for a very relaxing and smooth flowing round. Thank you all for turning out today. Front nine results:

Winner : Bryan Porter (V) nett 36.5

Runner up:

Karen Harley (V) nett 39.0

Ball winners: David Enderby nett 39.5

Merewether (36), Waterboard Wests (34) and Cardiff-Boolaroo (32) making up the top three. With five fixtures to be completed before the finals series commences on 14 March, the Pythons still remain a premiership force and a feared opponent despite the loss.

Last Saturday’s batting performance was out of character with the Pythons still capable of giving the title a shake with their best playing roster.

Tanilba Bay Veterans Golf Club

Phil Germon nett 39.5

Grahame Glover nett 39.5

Laurie Northey nett 40.0

Longest Drive Winners :

A grade Ron Dews

B grade Andrew Corbett

C grade Jenny Hale (V)

Back nine results :

Winner:

Kim Miller nett 33.5

Runner up :

John Street nett 36

Ball Winners :

John McDonald nett 36.5

Rob McKinney nett 37.5

Gary Watt nett 37.5

Peter Martyn nett 39

Longest Drive Winners :

A grade Gary Watt (V)

B grade Vince Schubert

C grade Dennis Christie (V) Results of Golf Bingo, winner takes all: Lenny Hardes 17 pts Andrew Corbett 16 pts Peter Martyn 14 pts Bob Foster 8 pts

Congratulations Lenny. Next week, the 3rd February, will be the start of our official competition season, the game will be an Individual Stroke Short Course, par 3 & 4 game over 9 holes, rego from 7am tee off by 8am. All members and vistors are welcome to join us.

SUDOKU

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• Covered entertaining and fenced rear

• Corner spa to main bathroom

• Double garage with internal access and auto door

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The

LARGER

A

There

Why does everyone love living at Anna Bay? Anna Bay is the gateway to Birubi Beach, where kilometres of golden sand dunes, rolling surf and iconic coastal scenery set the tone for everyday living.

overlooking the waves. With local shops, cafés, a primary school and sporting facilities close by, Anna Bay offers the perfect balance of laidback beachside living and everyday convenience. Contact Nelson Bay Real Estate today. 02 4981 2655.

Office Administration – 30 Hours p/w

We are now seeking applications for an Office Administration position.

The role is based at our Raymond Terrace office and is available as permanent part-time, working 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-3:30pm.

Duties include:

Booking and tracking advertisements

Processing raw ad copy to the design team with ad building instructions

Proofing adverts to customers and gaining approvals

Invoicing and debt collection

Provide general advice and information on the organisation’s products and services

Answering phone line

Other general and miscellaneous administration as required

Skills and experience:

Use of Google Drive spreadsheet

Use of Microsoft Excel

Emailing and touch typing

Very methodical with high attention to detail

Customer focused and personable

Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal)

Highly regarded, but not essential:

Basic skills using Adobe inDesign an advantage but not necessary for an application,

MYOB use an advantage but not necessary for an application

Applications can be made by emailing your Resume together with a Letter of Application. Your Letter of Application should address strengths and weaknesses of each of the above criteria, along with anything additional that may support your application.

Training provided.

General Manager office@newsofthearea.com.au

Applications close at 5pm, 27th February 2026.

Medals

Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215

Public Notices

Lions Club of Tea Gardens Festive Season Raffle results drawn on 26/1/2026. First prize Ticket number 20612- J Nagle. Second prize ticket number 21762- K Baker. All winners notified. Thanks to all who participated.

Notice of Road Closure, Saturday 7th March 2026. Marine drive between Ogden & Charles St & Maxwell St at Myall Way between 6-30am and 1-30pm for Reflections Rod Run, Hot Rod Show and Markets

Wanted to Buy

2324 e060226

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 8787

6 plastic pale blue stools $25 the lot or $5 each 4997 0611 F250925

, free standing $80, Ph 0477 827 291

For Sale

COLLECTERS editions empty Chivas Salute Whisky porcelain flagons with velvet covers and boxes. Make an offer. 4981 2713

DINING table, stainless steel legs. $100 0493 777 707

ENTERTAINMENT centre, new, $100 ph 0493 777 707

EXTENSION ladder aluminimum 2.7 - 4.7m L max 100kg. $100. 4987 1680 F021025

HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707F070825

HORSE halters x3 Good leather w/ brass buckles etc. $25 ea or 3 for $60. 0433 237 871 F231025

IRON for clothing, brand new, GC ph 0493 777 707

For Sale

OUTDOOR table glass top, 8 chairs w/cushions 150 x 150, VGC, $50 0412 949 695.

OVER cab aluminium roll bar Ford AU FB ute Pick up Tea Gardens Ph: 0448 017 520 for pickup details.

OZTRAIL fridge freezer exc cond cover and vehicle accessories inc $550 ono Ph 0410 214 156 Pick up Medowie.

WALT Disney, black & white, 8mm movie ‘The Grocery Boy’ in original box $80. 0416 089 747

WETSUIT, waterproof welded seams, O’Neil 3/2mm, L/S, new cond $100. 0421 286 861 F240725

WHEELCHAIR, Breezy BasiX2, GC. $80. Ph 0420 430 993

BASKET large for wood, etc $20 Ph 4982 8787

chair, does eveything. 2 seater lounge. Ph 0402 207 519

LOUNGE chairs x 4 pieces. good cond Ph 0493 777 707

MUGS, 15x brand new Ph 0493 777 707

PAINTING of vase & flowers, framed, 4ft x 2.5ft. 0493 777 707

RUG good condition Ph 0493 777 707

4981 8882

TRAVERTINE coffee table, exc cond and other furniture items Ph 0423 208 136 F111225

WINDSURFING

FOLDING Recliner Chairs with pillow headrest. Excellent as new condition, great for campin $99.00 for both chairs. Located in HN Call 0493 078 190 F191225

KYMCO scooter 2022 rego GUT78 200cc engine $3,700 ono Ph 0410 529 698

KOGAN air conditioner/ heater works well. $100 4981 2251 F131125

WINDSURFING

PONY 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 286F240425

RAM 2019 black and chrome side mirrors $100 for both. 0432 671 259

WINDSURFING sail in new condition, 9m2 Used 3 times. $90. Peter 0419 932 992

BOOTS, leather, ladies made in Canada. EUC $60 4982 8787 F070825

Mirage 530 Kevlar Sea K. With all acessories $1500 ONO Ph 0428 246 948 RIPSTIK, near new $45 Peter 0419 932 992. F080126 BOOTS, ladies, new size 8 $20 0493 777 707 LADIES clothes, new size 16-20,

BOX, pine, coffe table or storage $100 4982 8787

BUNKS, black metal clean mattress and bedding, $60 Ph 4981 2659

BEDROOM chair and print $50 Salt Ash 0432 671 259 CLOTHES, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619 F240925

COCA-COLA

Memorabilia Collection

$95. 0409 863 898

COFFEE table, hand crafted, mahogany $100. 0493 777 707

FOOT Joy Golf Shoes Mens black size 10 worn once as new. $100 Ph 0408 683 670 F060225

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

FRONT & rear bumper for early model VW Beetle. Reasonable cond. $100 for both. 0414 936 625

LEATHER coat, mens Made in AU. $95. 0428 287 239

LIFEJACKETS PFD Level 50. Adults $50.00 Juniors $40.00 Good used condition Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190

MENS steel cap safety boots, size 6 Blacksmith $30 4982 8628

MICROWAVE Russell Hobbs RHM0300 61cm wide, still in the box, $100. Tanilba Bay 0415 302 447

GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20 LARGE outdoor table $20. 0432 671 259 F241025

padded blanket

blonde. Available for dates. Discretion In calls & out calls Ph 0433 656 207 Corlette FIREWOOD, mainly redwood, Price Neg Elaine 0428 943 812 or Blake 0416 133 925

COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485

Classifieds 4981 8882

MUSIC CD’s, 50s to 90s hard to finds & rarities Large quantity. $100 4966 5000

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

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 F060325

HALL table glass top 900 x 50 iron legs $20 4982 2335

HANAMAX compact 8mm projector in box $70. 0416 089 747

OUTDOOR coffee table new in box. Top black durostone 93 x 93cm Freedom range. 45cm H $55 4981 2713

OUTDOOR setting New, make an offer ph 0493 777 707

TWO old usable Surfboards suitable for kids learning. $40 for both. Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190

VICE, engineers 4inch 10cm, rarely used. Half price $70. 4987 1680 F280825

WOK , New $20. Ph 0493 777 707 F070825

WOMENS large tailormade golf wet weather outfit. $50. 4997 0611

BABIES hand knitted booties $3.50 a pair 4997 0611 F210825 WW2 figures & vehicles kits paints & tools for dioramas. Plus US civil war, Waterloo sets etc. Ph 0402 457 800

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 Motors

2012

823 090

FRIDAY

AACTA AWARDS 2026

TEN, 7.30pm

While Australia is generally well represented on red carpets during Hollywood’s annual awards season, this true-blue celebration of local screen excellence is where the stars truly shine. The Gold Coast ceremony is a chance to showcase local talent on home soil. Apple Cider Vinegar and The Narrow Road to the Deep North lead the nominees, with 20 and 12 nods respectively. Succession and All Her Fault star Sarah Snook (pictured) will be recognised for her indelible impact on Australia’s entertainment industry with the Trailblazer Award.

FRIDAY, February 6

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG) Mrs Hall’s world is rocked by bad news.

8.35 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa) Mick’s father is taken hostage.

9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

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

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.10 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.

schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew,

barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Their connection deepens before a disturbing discovery in Wednesday’s

second chapter. An intoxicating watch, the four-part romance is rife with betrayal, suspicion and violent consequences as fear seeps into every aspect of Cushla’s life.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Southern Cyprus: Aphrodite’s Paradise. (Premiere)

9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)

1.40 Silent Road. (MA15+v, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 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 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love meets a former textiles teacher.

8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mal, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.

11.05 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026.

8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Night.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight.

3.00 Next Stop. (R) 3.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.30 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 5.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Pre-Show. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Surfing Aust. 11.30 Parental Guidance. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader. (2010, PG) 9.45 MOVIE: Stargate: Continuum. (2008, M) 11.45

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6am Dancing At Lughnasa. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.40 The Movie Show. 7.50 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021, PG) 9.20 The Movie Show. 10.25 Limitless. (2011, M) 12.20pm Indecent Proposal. (1993, M) 2.30 Discovering Film. 3.25 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 5.35 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 7.30 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 9.35 Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs.

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6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2026. Honours Australian television creatives and performers.

10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

9GO! (83)

SATURDAY, February 7

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG, R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Human. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim moves in with Kath.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) Two teams compete in the local lawn bowls’ championship as the season draws to a close.

10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

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. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

5.30 Imperial Crown: The Myth, Mystery And Majesty.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)

8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Tenacious Davoser Railways. (R) Looks at the funiculars of Schatzalp and Parsenn.

9.35 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bathurst. (PG, R)

10.40 Lord Lucan. (Malv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 2.30 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Two men keep changing their stories.

7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, Mhv, R)

A former soldier disrupts the burial place of a 2000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz.

10.00 MOVIE: American Made. (2017, MA15+l, R) A pilot is recruited by the CIA. Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. 12.20 MOVIE: Daughter In Disguise. (2021, Mav, R) Emily Alatalo.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Post Midnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Overnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Jeffreys and Dylan Alcott.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) A couple have outgrown their property. 8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives.

9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure. 10.50 Matlock. (PGa, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Hajjan.

Continued. (2023, PG, Arabic) 7.25 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.10 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 11.05 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.55pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021) 5.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, February 8

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. (R) 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.40 The

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (M) Roland guides his daughter through a breakup.

9.00 This England. (M) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.

9.50 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) Joyce faces a difficult situation.

10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05 Laos: Echoes Of Serenity. (PGa) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (Premiere) 8.25 Grand Canal: China And Its Wondrous Waterway. 10.15 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R) 11.15 George Michael: Portrait Of An Artist. (Mdls, R) 1.00 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R) 1.50 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 2.55 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.55 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)

8.40 The Fall Of The House Of Beckham. (Premiere, M) Looks at the public fallout of the Beckhams.

9.40 The Royal Rich List. (Premiere, PG) Looks at royal assets worth £21 billion.

11.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)

12.20 Temple. (Mal)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 The Architecture The Railways Built. (Return) 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. (Return) 8.30 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. (Premiere) 10.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 7.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 8.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 10.35 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 12.40pm Dating Amber. (2020, M) 2.20 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 4.15 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 6.10 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 8.30 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 11.00 Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 12.30am The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 2.40 Late Programs.

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) In the final two weddings, one bride takes a big leap of faith in an experiment first.

8.35 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Night. Coverage includes women’s downhill alpine skiing, men’s 10km cross-country skiing and men and women’s parallel giant slalom qualifiers and finals.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Overnight.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

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

Morning Programs. 8.30 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 9.00 Seinfeld. 9.30 World Endurance Championship: Season Review. 10.30 Soccer. EPL. Tottenham v Manchester City. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Lightning v Flyers. 2.30 Snackmasters. 3.50 LEGO Masters. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Three Men And A Baby. (1987, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Eleven. (2001, M) 10.00 Late Programs.

MONDAY, February 9

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s

Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Premiere, Mn) 11.30 Vigil. (Malv, R)

2.30 The Great House Revival. (R)

3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena and Hen navigate their way back home.

10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av)

11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R) 12.35 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) After nine weddings, the next phase of the experiment begins.

9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Night.

Coverage includes men’s team downhill alpine skiing, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing slopestyle finals.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Overnight.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

TUESDAY, February 10

6am Mr. Holmes.

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6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)

8.35 MOVIE: I Am Raquel Welch. (2025)

10.10 Rock Legends.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)

12.05 DNA. (Malv, R)

1.50 We Hear You. (PG, R)

2.40 The Great House Revival. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

(2015, PG) 7.55 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 11.45 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 2.15pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.05 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 5.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 7.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 9.50 One Of A Kind. (2023) 11.45 Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 1.40am Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs. 6am A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.00 Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 11.50 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.05 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 5.45 Enigma. (1982, PG) 7.35 Walkabout. (1971, M) 9.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 11.45 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 1.35am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. 9.30 Doc. (Ma) A popular weight loss medication reveals the cracks in a couple’s relationship. Two sisters face an unexpected diagnosis.

10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)

11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)

12.30 Childhood’s End. (Premiere, Mav)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Over two nights, a new task is revealed and the photo ranking returns, where connections and cracks start to form.

9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Night. Coverage includes short track mixed team relay finals, 500m and 1000m qualifiers, women’s alpine skiing and men’s moguls qualifiers. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Overnight. 5.30 Today. 6.00 10 News+. 6.30

6.00

WEDNESDAY, February 11

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Britain By Beach. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Race For The Sky. (PGalv, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PG, R) 9.25 Trespasses. (Mls) 10.20 SBS World News Late.

Face To Face. (Ma, R) 11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)

1.30 Golden Boy. (MA15+s, R)

2.20 The Great House Revival. (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. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl)

8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl)

9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)

10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (Return, PGa)

11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)

12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)

1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 11.35 Late Programs.

(32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 Enigma. (1982, PG) 10.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.45pm Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.35 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 5.45 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 9.30 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 11.10 Late Programs. 5.50am The Big Steal. (1990, PG)

THURSDAY, February 12

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.25 QI. (Mls, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mv, R) 1.45 Camel Capers. (R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGl, R) 11.00 Britain By Beach. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (PGa, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30

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, R)

11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R)

1.40 Silent Road. (Ma, R)

3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Harper’s guilt surges.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Revelations week sees the couples show some vulnerability as a new task begins.

9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboarding halfpipe and moguls and men’s super alpine skiing.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Post Midnight.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Overnight.

5.30 Today.

WorldWatch. 11.00 The Food That Built The World. 12.30pm WorldWatch. 1.00 The Billionaires Who Made Our World. 1.55 Bamay. 2.15 Mastermind Aust. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.05 Brassic. (Return) 12.05am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 MOVIE: A Love Yarn. (2021, PG) 11.30 Home

MOVIES (32)

6am The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 10.10 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.05pm My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 2.00 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 3.35 Enigma. (1982, PG)

5.30 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 The Mattachine Family. (2023, M) 11.20 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 1.10am Late Programs. 5.45 55 Steps. (2017, PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind years earlier. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy gets closer to Colette.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Early Morning. 10.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4. Replay. 7.30pm Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. 9.05 Midsomer Murders. 11.05 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 12.05am M*A*S*H. 1.05 Creflo. 1.35

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Night. Coverage includes men’s skeleton runs, snowboard cross, moguls qualifiers and finals and women’s super alpine skiing.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes men’s snowboard cross final and women’s 10km cross-country skiing and 5000m speed skating final. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Overnight.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 6.00 10 News+. 6.30

6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: RoboCop. (2014, M) 10.55 Seinfeld. 11.55 The 100. 12.50am Love Island UK. 1.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30

Thursday, 5 February 2026

By Chris KARAS

Sportsperson of the Year

SHOAL Bay rugby sensation Zoe

Smith has commenced the New Year with a significant milestone.

On Australia Day, fierce competitor Zoe received the Port Stephens Council Sportsperson of the Year Award.

The award recognises her deeds with the NSW Waratahs U16s rugby and NSW Combined High Schools touch football teams last season.

It is a huge honour for the 16-year-old Hunter Sports High School student, who dreams of one day pulling on a Wallaroos jumper for the Australian women’s rugby side.

Mayor of Port Stephens Leah Anderson acknowledged Zoe and other community champions at Port Stephens Council’s Annual Awards

and Australia Day celebrations ceremony at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace.

An excited Zoe told News Of The Area that she was “surprised and honoured” to receive such a prestigious award in her local community.

“It was a nice feeling just to be nominated, but to be named Sportsperson of the Year by my Council came as a big shock,” the versatile schoolgirl reflected.

Last year, the promising flanker etched her name in the Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Club record books when she became the first female Gropers junior to chalk up 100 matches for the club.

It was just one of a string of honours for the gifted Smith, who has represented her state in two different sports.

The fearless flanker spent six seasons as the only girl player with the Gropers’ junior boys teams from U8s, where she held her own as a tough-tackling forward.

So impressive was Zoe in those formative years that she earned selection in the NSW Primary Schools U12s boys rugby squad that finished with a top-four ranking

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