Port Stephens News Of The Area 14 MAY 2026

By Nico LOMBARDO

MARINE PROTECTION

PORT STEPHENS FAMILY OWNED NEWSPAPER

Art installation in Nelson Bay to promote safety for women and girls

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safety means to them.

Mayor Leah Anderson told News of the Area, “This is a beautiful public space that’s a bit underutilised, and we want to encourage more people to [see this].

“We want to make sure that we’re spreading the message of women’s safety wherever they are, especially at nighttime.”

The main innovative feature of the Nellies is that they capture data which

will be used to meaningfully improve the safety of the community.

Professor Tamara Blakemore from the University of Newcastle, one of the leading figures in this project, explained that the Nellies have sensors that can detect how many people interact with them, how those people use the area and how

long they spend in it.

Additionally, the Nellies can be used to contribute feedback and submit surveys about safety.

“Nellie likes to chat, she’s here to start a conversation, she’s sharing and hearing the stories of women and girls and what makes them feel safe.”

The data, which is completely anonymous, is uploaded on a portal that can

be accessed by Council in real time to help the government make decisions about placemaking.

Mayor Anderson said, “Sadly there’s so much domestic violence and other terrible things happening to women, and we want to create communities where we can feel safe.

“It’s a really important message, and we hope it will get a lot of interest.”

NOTICE OF ADVERTISED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING

OYSTER COVE 74 Frederick Dr 16-2026-238-1

works, earthworks, roads, landscaping, associated works and infrastructure

SALAMANDER BAY 157 Soldiers Pt Rd 16-2026-244-1 Pergola SEAHAM 38 Dixon St 16-2026-235-1 Single storey dwelling and swimming pool 11A Giles Rd 16-2026-252-1 Replace swimming pool

SHOAL BAY 18 Leonard Ave 16-2026-243-1 Alterations to dwelling

WILLIAMTOWN 6, 6A, 6B and 16 Cabbage Tree Rd 16-2026-245-1 Subdivision by way of boundary adjustment

APPLICANT: MCCLOY KINGS HILL PTY LTD CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

INTEGRATED

ASSESSING OFFICER: Courtney Sargent: 4988 0263 or courtney.sargent@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 28 Days (14 May 2026 – 10 June 2026)

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 10 June 2026

NOTICE OF ADVERTISED DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (DA):

DA NO: 16-2026-233 1

DEVELOPMENT SITE: LOT: 415 DP: 13134, LOT: 416 DP: 13134 146 Gan Gan Road ANNA BAY, 148 Gan Gan Road ANNA BAY

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Service station, commercial premises (retail

Environmental organisations unite in Raymond Terrace over marine debris

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Council and Hunter Local Land Services, hosted the 2026 edition of the annual Hunter Regional Marine Debris Workshop in Raymond Terrace.

On Monday 4 May, representatives from environmental organisations and the community came together for a five-hour discussion, sharing updates on the state of marine debris and planning collaborative action.

Heidi Tait, founder of Tangaroa Blue Foundation, talked about the promising progress that is being made on the national and local level.

Site audits in Port Stephens have revealed that average pollution levels on public land are contained, with the audits inspiring people to proactively take care of the problem.

Last year, 941kg of debris was removed from Port Stephens’ waterways thanks

to three community cleanup events.

Another successful initiative pushed by the foundation is the Rig Recycle.

Around 150,000m of fishing line and 787 spools have been recycled after being recovered or handed in at several locations, including Tackle World Port Stephens and Salamander Bay Waste Transfer Station.

While the data shows positive trends, there is still work to be done.

Edwina Foulsham from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, shared that in the waters of Port Stephens, there are 0.3 to 0.5 microplastics per cubic metre.

“There is no sample that had no microplastics in it, which is quite depressing.” she said.

“Another big problem is the presence of toxic rubber crumbs in playgrounds used as soft fall.

“The State and Federal Government are encouraging

councils to use rubber crumbs because we need to do something with the 50 million tyres that come to the end of life per year in Australia.

“So they shred it up and

use it for kids to bounce on.

“We import the cheap, nasty stuff that you can’t sell in Europe, and then we put it on playgrounds.”

Stephens Council, said that while individual initiatives are very positive the lack of coordinated effort has slowed progress.

said.

“There is a real opportunity to look at the data and be more strategic,” she said.

Further information about cleanup projects and monitoring is available on the

Critical renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked

PROPOSED legislation

currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly would allow the Energy Minister to identify the highestpriority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline and prioritise them for streamlining.

The NSW Government says it would result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth.

However, it also states the proposed law would not remove any environmental or community assessment

requirements, with developers still needing to meet all relevant planning, environmental and consultation obligations.

“Priority energy projects must demonstrate best practice in how they work with landholders and communities, particularly in regional NSW,” the NSW Government said in a statement.

“The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 will also support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline,

ensuring councils and communities hosting projects receive associated benefits.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable energy for heavy industries like the Tomago aluminium smelter, and to power economic growth across the state.

“This new legislation will mean infrastructure projects that are critical for manufacturing jobs, economic growth and energy affordability don’t get stuck in the queue,” she

FRY BROS

“No matter where you live in this state, you will benefit from us getting on with the job and delivering quality renewable projects as fast as we can.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “With a growing pipeline of energy projects ahead of us, we need a planning system that can support achieving our ambitious energy targets.

The move has been met with discontent from sections of the agriculture industry, with NSW Farmers warning that rushing approvals will deepen community distress, entrench an unfair power imbalance between large developers and landholders, and generate more objections and conflict.

said.

“We've been working hard with EnergyCo and the government to improve engagement and get better consultation and we don't want to derail that process – these issues can’t be rushed.

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

“These reforms will also make sure critical projects are not being delayed by objections from people thousands of kilometres away who will never be impacted by them – NSW locals should and will have the loudest voice.”

NSW Farmers Energy Taskforce chair Reg Kidd described the government’s new approvals plan as “reckless”.

“Under current arrangements, communities are often expected to respond to highly technical Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) within weeks.

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

“Farmers have not been given realistic timeframes to understand proposals and participate meaningfully, or object where necessary,” Mr Kidd

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

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

•

•

“If this is fast-tracked even more, additional pressure will be put on time-poor landholders already distressed and stretched.”

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 due to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.

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.

Phone:

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

Jacie WHITFIELD 0411 556 079 jacie@newsofthearea.com.au

Chris KARAS 0400 819 153 chris@newsofthearea.com.au

Nico LOMBARDO 0416 041 029 nico@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

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Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions

By Zac DE SILVA and Robyn WUTH, AAP

A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left half-finished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders.

The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW.

Independent analysis shows the cost has blown out from $16.4 billion in 2020 to more than $45 billion, Transport Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

''We are taking sensible decisions to realign the future of inland rail and build a safe, efficient and reliable network for the future,'' she said.

The 1600-kilometre freight line, made up of new and existing track, was designed to run from Beveridge, just outside Melbourne, to Kagaru near Brisbane, making it easier to move goods along the east coast while reducing the number of trucks on roads.

The government will hold on to land for the rail corridor north of Parkes –roughly halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane – but has no immediate plans to build the second half of the project.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie slammed the move, labelling the scaled-back plan a ''road to nowhere''.

''This is a direct hit for the businesses and communities and primary producers that had all geared up for this decadal

project,'' she told AAP.

''Primary producers and manufacturers wanted resilience built into the northsouth freight network … a project that is from Beveridge to Parkes loses all that additional opportunity.''

Some communities along the line had already raised concerns about noise and towns being effectively cut in two by the route.

The government will also pour an extra $1.75 billion into the east coast freight network in the budget, aimed at upgrading tracks, improving signalling and extending passing loops.

In Queensland, where 345 kilometres of proposed track will now miss out on federal funding, state Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the move was disappointing and shortsighted.

''Recent events have been a reminder of how fragile supply chains are – now is the time to be strengthening them, not eroding them,'' he said.

Queensland opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish also called the decision disappointing and says he wants to see more money flowing to the state's regions.

''We want to see more investment in regional Queensland from both the state and federal budgets,'' he said.

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin says the government owes answers to farmers and towns along the northern part of the inland rail corridor, where land has been acquired and sections of track built.

''NSW Farmers policy supported inland rail because moving freight more efficiently matters to farm businesses, regional communities, and the prosperity of the nation,'' he said.

''Governments can't ask rural and regional communities to carry the burden of disruptive construction, then just change direction without accountability."

Farmers still struggle to get produce to market and are demanding clarity over easements and already-constructed assets north of Parkes.

''Certainty matters, and if the funding is stopping at Parkes then the government must be upfront about what happens next, because real people and real businesses have already paid a price,'' Mr Martin said.

Queensland's Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith said the decision was hugely disappointing and a missed opportunity for regional growth.

Inland rail could have taken heavy trucks off country roads that are already worn out and underfunded, he said.

''It's not going to hurt us today, but down the track, in the long term, it's devastating,'' he told AAP.

Mr Smith says the cutback comes as regional Queensland is growing strongly in productivity and needs major nationbuilding projects to keep up.

''Every region in rural Queensland, if not rural Australia, is having issues around road infrastructure that's under-maintained, under-managed and underfunded,'' he said.

Global eyes on the Upper Hunter

THE first ever climate change case to reach the High Court of Australia will be heard today, Wednesday, 13 May.

The landmark moment will set a national precedent on whether Australian planning authorities are legally required to consider the local climate impacts of fossil fuel project approvals.

The case, MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd v Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc (DAMS HEG), was brought by a grassroots Hunter Valley community group challenging the approval of a major expansion of the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook.

MACH Energy sought to double the mine's output to 21 million tonnes per year and extend its life to 2048.

The NSW Court of Appeal ruled unanimously in July 2025 that the mine's approval was unlawful, finding that planning authorities are legally required to consider the specific local climate impacts of a project's downstream emissions.

MACH Energy is now asking the High Court to overturn that ruling.

Four of the world's leading climate law and science institutions have been granted leave to intervene in the High Court in support of DAMS HEG - from the Universities of Cambridge, Columbia and Melbourne, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The case is being watched internationally as a test of whether domestic law can hold fossil fuel producers accountable for the local consequences of dangerous climate change.

Driving the case forward for DAMS HEG is group president Wendy Wales and her husband Tony Lonergan, the group’s treasurer.

Both retired science teachers, Wendy and Tony run a farm in the Upper Hunter Valley, surrounded by open-cut coal mines.

They have led the case through three court levels over four years.

"Our communities are enduring increasingly terrifying climate disasters, and nature is deteriorating before our very eyes,”

Wendy said.

“Yet our governments are continuing to throw fuel on the fire by approving massive new projects and expansions like MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project.

“We have felt the catastrophic impacts of droughts, bushfires, floods and a myriad of other tragic events.

“The short term economic benefits can not be given priority over the exponentially increasing long term consequences.”

Professor Nicole Rogers, a Professor of Climate Law at Bond University, said Australia's apex court hearing its first climate change case is a “watershed moment in the history of Australian law”.

Certainty needed on rural roads

RURAL residents are crying out for reliable roads, the state’s peak farming body has told an inquiry into local government funding and fiscal sustainability.

Last week, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport held hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree.

Also present were representatives from organisations such as Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe appeared during the hearings, urging urgent reform to secure reliable funding for rural councils and critical local infrastructure.

“Councils in rural, regional and remote areas have an enormous network of roads and they need greater certainty to maintain them, which supports farm businesses and community safety,” Mr Lowe said.

“Roads are the sole connection for many rural communities and farms, but too many councils are being forced to ‘patch and pray’ with unreliable, project-based funding.”

NSW Farmers called on the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to a minimum of one percent of total Commonwealth tax revenue, providing a stable funding base for local government and a stronger foundation for local road maintenance.

At the same time, Mr Lowe said, there needed to be a pause on special variation

rates (SVR) and greater scrutiny on these applications.

“Farm businesses cannot keep absorbing sudden, steep and cumulative rate rises as councils scramble to fill funding gaps due to cost shifting from state and federal governments,” Mr Lowe said.

“They need a fairer, more sustainable model that enables councils to have funding sustainability and effectively deliver for communities in the regions, especially roads.

“It’s also critical that all landholders contribute equitably and fairly – increasing property acquisitions and land use changes from National Parks, state forestry, biodiversity offsets by mining companies and electricity generation companies are reducing rateable land which can leave the burden to fall on others, including farmers.”

Last week’s hearings featured a broad cross-section of regional stakeholders, including MidCoast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Dungog Shire and Maitland Shire councils.

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold welcomed the inquiry’s visit to Taree.

“This is an important federal inquiry and comes at a time when our local councils are weighed down by the replacement costs of flood ravaged infrastructure and community infrastructure such as roads and sporting fields that are coming to the end of life without the necessary fiscal autonomy to deliver,” she said.

“The problem with centralised decisionmaking in Canberra is that too often there is a disconnect between policy and the real outcomes that our regions actually need – it is critical that our voice is heard to help shape the Committee’s recommendations.”

“Courts around the world - from The Hague to London to Canberra - are being asked the same fundamental questions: can legal systems keep pace with the climate crisis and to what extent are decision makers who continue to approve fossil fuel projects accountable for climate impacts?

“The Mount Pleasant case is Australia's latest contribution to that global conversation, and the High Court's answer will be studied by others well beyond the Upper Hunter Valley.”

Just 12 hours before the NSW Court of Appeal's July 2025 ruling, the International Court of Justice in The Hague delivered its own landmark advisory opinion, finding that fossil fuel-exporting nations bear legal responsibility under international law for the climate harm their exports cause.

Australia had argued to the ICJ that it bore no such responsibility for emissions from its coal and gas exports.

The ICJ rejected that argument.

Saturday 16 May 2026, 9am to 3pm

Salamander Bay Waste Transfer Station and Community Recycling Centre, 4 Tarrant Road, Salamander Bay

Accepted materials include:

• Clothing (all ages and genders).

• Shoes (paired or unpaired).

• Manchester (sheets, towels, blankets, pillowcases).

• Accessories (bags, belts, scarves, hats).

• Underwear and socks.

We cannot accept:

• Anything with filling (doonas, quilts, pillows).

• Wet, mouldy or heavily contaminated items.

• Mattresses, furniture, or general waste.

We operate a zero-waste to landfill model, meaning all textiles collected are reused, repurposed, or recycled. We only exclude items that pose health or safety risks.

Learn more by scanning the QR code or follow the link below.

pscouncil.info/problem-waste-drop-off

Workshop for supervisors of L-platers

By Nico LOMBARDO

AS PART of the ongoing effort to improve safety on local roads, Port Stephens Council ran a workshop on Saturday 9 May for those helping young adults get their license.

Organised by Anna Brown, Road Safety Traffic Officer, it offered useful tips for supervisors to ensure that their learner drivers are properly equipped to handle the road.

“As supervisors, we have a direct responsibility to our learners.”

Teaching road safety is more important than ever.

In Port Stephens, there has been an increase in drivers aged 17-25 being involved in crashes.

The data also shows a significant spike in accidents

as soon as drivers get their P-plates and then another spike when they get their full license.

There are many reasons why young drivers are overrepresented in crashes, including a reduced capacity to assess risk, overconfidence, lack of experience and distraction from phones.

The best way to prepare new drivers, according to Ms Brown, is to plan out their sessions, focusing on specific aspects for them to improve, and to reinforce them through repetition.

It’s important to put learners through a variety of situations and conditions, to make sure that they never have to face something by themselves for the first time.

Another crucial factor for improving safety that

many people underestimate is the kind of car that’s being driven.

Many learners drive older models to practise, but these can often be unsafe in case of an accident.

The free website howsafeisourcar.com.au is a useful resource to see which cars are recommended to new drivers, especially when under P-plate restrictions.

“Driving is one of the most dangerous things you’ll ever do, and everyone does it on a daily basis,” said Ms Brown.

“Humans are fallible and they make mistakes, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of our lives.”

Port Stephens Council is preparing additional events to educate drivers and keep the roads safe.

Artist duo unveils new exhibition

By Nico LOMBARDO

A NEW exhibition titled

“The Artist Next Door” was just unveiled at the Artisan Collective Port Stephens, an artist-run gallery situated in d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay.

born from the environment, the weather, the smell, and everything around them.

Anne’s paintings focus on the natural beauty of Tilligerry Creek and Salamander Bay, from mangrove swamps to coastlines, striving to express their atmosphere not only with colour but also with feeling and expression.

Judy, who has previously

lived in China and Indonesia, chose to depict the sceneries of Narrabeen and Avalon.

Her works on ocean pools go past the naturalistic depictions: they incorporate geometric shapes and lines, with some strips of the painting cut out and moved around.

The emotions and feelings evoked by the scenery are

even written on the canvas itself.

“I am a bit of a graphic designer," she said while explaining her visual choices.

On Saturday 9 May, Judy and Anne celebrated the launch of the exhibition at the Artisan Collective, with many visitors and fellow artists participating.

The “Artist Next Door” exhibition will run until Saturday 30 May.

Judy and Anne began their careers as art teachers, first meeting at Bathurst High School where they worked alongside each other for many years.

After 30 years and very different life experiences,

The exhibition features a collection of watercolours and acrylics by artists Judy Hunter and Anne McLaughlin, longstanding friends and colleagues.

they are now collaborating as artists rather than teachers.

The common thread that unites their works is the depiction of natural landscapes that are local and personal to the artists.

Through plein-air painting, the artists are able to depict not just what they see but also the feelings

Zonta launches online club

THE Zonta e-Club of NSW and ACT has been established as a new online branch of Zonta International, a global organisation with over 100 years of history.

The small but growing group is looking for others who want to help build an effective online advocacy community focused on key issues affecting women and girls.

This year, one of the group’s major priorities is raising community awareness about the new coercive control laws in NSW, with similar legislation expected soon in the ACT.

Unlike traditional Zonta clubs which meet in person, the e-Club is designed for people in rural and regional areas and for others who prefer to meet online.

“We don’t just raise awareness - we take action,” a club representative said.

“And we’re building something new, which means

members can come in at an early stage and help shape the direction of our work.” Members come from diverse backgrounds - farmers, students, businesspeople, teachers, professionals, employees - but share a common goal: creating a better future for women and girls.

For those seeking more information, a ‘Discovery Session’ will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 May via Zoom.

Existing members will introduce attendees to current projects, opportunities for involvement, and how individuals can use their voice as part of a larger collective.

“This isn’t just about joining a club,” the group says.

“It’s about being part of shaping what comes next.” Contact zontaeclubnswact@gmail.com for the link to the Discovery Session.

Forest industry future under review

By John WATTS

THE forestry industry has been a contested space in NSW for many years, with some supporting the continuation of native hardwood logging and others strongly opposing it.

The issue was brought into sharper focus recently with the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to create the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

The establishment of the GKNP will result in areas which are presently state forest, where logging is permissible, being converted into national park, where logging is prohibited.

Clearly wishing to find a way forward, the NSW Government is developing a Forestry Industry Action Plan (FIAP), which it has indicated will address the following issues:

• The sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW,

• The environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species,

• The community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail,

• The future of softwood and hardwood plantations and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs,

• The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes,

• Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks, and

• Greenhouse gas emission impacts of

different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.

As part of the development of its FIAP the government appointed a panel, titled The Independent Forestry Panel (the Panel) to consult with various stakeholders and to then provide a report to the government about the various viewpoints.

In producing its report, the panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.

More than 1,700 submissions were received.

“Making this report available to the public is a key step toward modernising forestry in a way that protects biodiversity,” said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy,

PBL winners announced

THE Term 2 Week 3 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed.

Week 2 winners:

Irrawang Public School: Amara has been nominated for her outstanding, respectful behaviour while in the community. She is polite and kind to everyone.

Amara shows kindness and compassion for others. She goes out of her way to look after younger students, showing great empathy when they are sad, lonely or having a difficult time. Her respectful behaviour, kindness and compassion are true examples of school and community values.

Raymond Terrace Public School: Quinten is nominated for his commitment to the 007 Student Leadership Program. On a daily basis he organises and runs activities for younger students, particularly junior soccer. He is always encouraging and positive and helps every little

person participate and have fun. He always upholds the motto of “big looks after little”.

Grahamstown Public School: Daniel has been nominated for showing outstanding respect demonstrated at the ANZAC school assembly. A performance of The Last Post and The Rouse on the trumpet helped create a deeply respectful and meaningful atmosphere for the whole school community. Daniel’s actions showed maturity, pride, and a strong understanding of the significance of remembrance.

Irrawang High School: Vice Captain Patrick was nominated for his outstanding participation in the Raymond Terrace ANZAC Day Service, as well as proudly representing NSW at the School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Baseball National Championships in Adelaide last week. This is a fantastic achievement that reflects the school’s PBL values of

respect, responsibility and personal best.

Hunter River High School: Aaliyah is nominated for consistently demonstrating school values of respect, responsibility, and excellence. She always strives to do her best in class, is a positive role model for others, and recently showed kindness by supporting a friend in

Heritage and Environment.

“Following the finalisation of the Stakeholder Report, the panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report.

“This report will… identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs.”

This will be through:

- The NSW Government’s moratorium on logging in the proposed area for the Great Koala National Park,

- Changes to the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

- Opportunities the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could offer state forestry reform, including potential revenue for the NSW Government.

The Panel’s Stakeholder Report is available online at nsw.gov.au by searching the “independent-forestry-panelstakeholder-report”.

distress, reflecting strong community values

Salt Ash Public School: Arlo is nominated for demonstrating outstanding positivity, respect, and safety during the swimming carnival. He enthusiastically cheered on his peers and encouraged everyone to do their best, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. His positive attitude truly embodies the values of Community PBL

awards.

Medowie Public School: Ellie exhibits school expectations of being respectful, responsible and resilient every day. These qualities were embodied in the care she showed for her Kindergarten buddy, going above and beyond.

Seaham Public School: Eagan is a wonderful school citizen who is respectful and responsible. He consistently supports and includes other students during play time and in the classroom. Recently he gave up time in the

playground teaching another student how to tie up his shoe laces.

Karuah Public School: Isabella is nominated for her generosity within the community. During the holidays, Isabella held a stall in the main street selling candles. She showed respect and responsibility in all her interactions with customers and conducted transactions with integrity. Isabella then selflessly donated all the profits to a GoFundMe for a classmate battling cancer.

q The Term 2 Week 3 winners of PBL awards.

Concern about climate change increasing in Hunter: poll

SOME 30 percent of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed.

The polling of 302 Hunter residents, completed on 20 March, was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones.

Renew Australia for All commissioned research firm 89 Degrees East to investigate public support for Australia’s shift to renewable energy across select Renewable Energy

Zones (REZ) in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

The poll measured sentiment towards the shift to renewable energy as well as perception of that support in key REZs.

Highlighting the results is Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt, who said they showed growing concern around climate change.

"Thirty percent of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned

about climate change in the past 12 months,” she said.

“Bushfires (77 percent), heatwaves (75 percent) and floods (68 percent) were the top answers when Hunter residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change.”

According to the polling, 56 percent of Hunter residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills.

“Others named global energy price spikes and coal

power station breakdowns; just 15 percent said clean energy was responsible,”

Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.

"Some 69 percent of Hunter residents name solar as the ‘significant’ energy source for the future, while 43 percent nominate onshore wind, 42 percent say offshore wind, 40 percent pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30 percent, and nuclear last at 22 percent."

Ms Morgan-Schmid said the data shows a striking gap between real and

perceived support for clean energy.

“Support for clean energy in the Hunter remains strong at 60 percent, with 17 percent opposed, and 23 percent neither supporting nor opposing,” she said.

“Yet, only 40 percent of those polled said they thought there was majority support for clean energy in the region.”

Support for renewable energy projects is often seen as mixed in agricultural communities,

but one Gloucester farmer says that energy sustainability is “just good farm management”.

“As a farmer in the region, our focus is simply on running a more efficient and resilient business,” said Macka’s Pastoral Director Robert Mackenzie.

“We’re improving soil health, animal performance and energy use, with a clear focus on reducing our footprint, delivering benefits for both the business and the environment.”

Revitalised regional coach network unveiled

NEW routes and modernised coaches have been unveiled as part of a major upgrade to NSW TrainLink coach services.

A 36 percent funding increase across the NSW TrainLink coach network will lift total funding to $290 million over the next nine years.

From 1 July, 14 coach operators will run 49 routes across the NSW TrainLink coach network, delivering 638 long-distance services each week, up from the current 592 services across 45 routes.

On some routes, the changes will save passengers over two hours in travel time.

The majority of services will be operated by modern coaches featuring wheelchair accessibility, improved seating and seatbelts, mobile phone charging points, onboard defibrillators and toilets.

The new routes will service over 360 destinations across NSW and into Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said, “After listening to passengers, local operators and the

NSW Bus Taskforce, we’ve reshaped the network to make services more reliable, better connected and easier to use, matching service provision to community need.

“Alongside the network review, we’ve overhauled our coach contracts, making wheelchair accessible coaches standard with better passenger amenities like improved air conditioning and toilets standard.”

Changes to NSW TrainLink coach services:

North West:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route creating an Armidale–North Coast connection for the first time, with a train connection at Wauchope to Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• A new Armidale CBD stop for services to and from Tenterfield and Inverell. New CBD stop for Armidale for routes to and from Inverell and Tenterfield (routes 337 and 338, 327 and 328).

• A new day-return service between Tamworth and Newcastle (via coach and train).

• More services on the Tamworth–Dubbo route. Additional Wednesday service between Dubbo and Tamworth for routes 361 and 362, which will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• New daily route 352 and 351 between Tamworth and Muswellbrook, for a day-return link to and from Newcastle via rail interchange at Muswellbrook.

North Coast:

• A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route (creating an Armidale - North Coast connection for the first time). A new route will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between Armidale and Port Macquarie and return, providing an Armidale to North Coast connection for the first time. At Wauchope the coach

q The majority of services will be operated by modern coaches featuring wheelchair accessibility, improved seating and seatbelts, mobile phone charging points, onboard defibrillators and toilets.

connects with rail services giving access to and from Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

• An enhanced Port Macquarie - Wauchope service enabling travel to Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane (for the first time). Enhanced service between Port Macquarie and

Trackwork on railway lines

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out maintenance and improvement works on the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail corridors this weekend to maintain safety and reliability.

The works will take place between:

- Telarah in New South Wales to Acacia Ridge in Queensland from 5:00am

Saturday 16 May to 7:30pm Monday 18 May

- Hamilton to Turrawan in New South Wales from 3:00am Saturday 16 May to 3:00am Tuesday 19 May.

The shutdown is part of ARTC’s annual maintenance program.

Work will be delivered across more than 180 sites on the North Coast and Hunter lines including rerailing,

bridge and structural upgrades, a level crossing upgrade at Casino and signalling works.

ARTC says its crews will minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, including positioning light towers to shine away from residences, watering down work areas and limiting the number of machines operating at any one time.

Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance in planning their journey. Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com.

ARTC is reminding

Wauchope, providing both northbound and southbound connections. This enables journeys from North Coast and Queensland centres such as Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the northern rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane to and from Port Macquarie for the first time.

• Additional TareeNewcastle services with new stops.

motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signage and to obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.

increase in frequency from Monday to Friday to daily. There will be additional stops at Taree Manning Street and Newcastle Interchange.

• Improved day and night services to and from Ballina, connecting with trains at Casino.

Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said, “The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s economic supply chain and travel connections to communities in New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.

As one bridge closes, another opens

THE first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, while the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge closes for a major upgrade.

The new bridge will be

transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.

Mayor Digby Rayward said seeing traffic move onto the new bridge was a proud

moment for Dungog Shire Council and the Clarence Town community.

“It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.

“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward,” he said.

“I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience.

“I'm excited to see the entire project finalised later this year."

The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width.

It features dual traffic lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.

Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue.

Work on the project is expected to be complete in early 2027.

Federal Infrastructure

Minister Catherine King said it will make a real difference to daily life, by improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.

“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area,” she said.

“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

With traffic now utilising the new Clarence Town Bridge, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation project.

The Federal ($11.8 million) and State ($11 million) governments are jointly investing in the project.

Work on the Brig

“The program of works is designed to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services, and ARTC would like to thank the Hunter Valley and North Coast communities for their patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”

O’Johnston Bridge will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

Rehabilitation work is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.

“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.

“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Botanic Gardens Day in the Hunter

HUNTER Region Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, so Botanic Gardens Day (Aust/ NZ) commemorations are extra special this year.

The Gardens will host a free community event on Sunday, 24 May, with a range of activities on offer for all nature lovers.

“Our Art Space Gallery has many of our archival photos on display,” said events manager Jeannie Lawson.

“There will be an official address commencing at 11.00am in the Environment Pavilion with original members of the Gardens who began it all 40 years ago sharing their stories.

“We have a range of special talks commencing at 9.30am.

“Topics covered are Bonsai, succulents, orchids, native ponds, grevilleas, rainforests, bush foods, birds and bees - they all have a story here at the Gardens, so stay for the day and don't miss out on anything!”

The Gardens are run entirely by volunteers who put all their passion and knowledge into the choosing and growing of the plants on display.

Scientific research and conservation are part of the Gardens too, with limited tours of the herbarium available on the day (usually closed to the public).

In conjunction with Botanic Gardens Australia, there is also a Grow Your Health Challenge with some

great prizes to be won, which ties in with the new Mindfulness Walk launched at the Gardens in March.

“This will help you make the most out of your experience,” Jeannie said.

“You will be entertained by our wandering minstrels, and food will be available

q : Talks will be offered on bonsai, succulents, orchids, native ponds, grevilleas, rainforests, bush foods, birds and bees.

at our sausage sizzle, Kookaburra Cafe and scone stall, or bring a picnic.

“Guided tours will be available all day by donation.”

Visitors can take home a plant, join Hunter Region Botanic Gardens as a member, or sign up as a volunteer.

While the event is free, donations are very welcome.

“The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is not Council-run and receives no ongoing government funding,” Jeannie said.

“We rely on entry fees and event days to raise funds to keep us going.

“Donations, sponsorship and bequests are gratefully received.

“We value the support our community has given us for the past 40 years. Let's celebrate together!”

Visit www. huntergardens.org.au to check the event program.

$1,025,000

$1,000,000 to $1,075,000

5

Formal

Step

Separate

5

Formal

Step

Separate

$2,000,000 to $2,200,000

5

•

Step

Separate

From the Mayor's desk

By Leah ANDERSON Port Stephens Council

Floodplain risk plan and pools

IN Port Stephens, our lifestyle is defined by the water.

Whether it’s a morning at one of our world-class beaches or a weekend at the local pool with the kids, it’s a huge part of why we love living here.

But we also have to respect the impact water can have on our homes and daily lives.

That is why we’re currently working on two important plans that reflect these two sides of our community – our recreational lifestyle and our long-term safety.

We are looking for your input on our Aquatic Centres Infrastructure Plan.

Our pools at Lakeside, Tomaree, and Tilligerry mean different things to each of us.

For many families, they are the go-to on a hot afternoon or where kids gain confidence during their weekly swim lessons.

For others, it’s about daily exercise, injury rehab, or a social catchup.

You can let us know why you visit, what you enjoy and what could improve via a quick survey on our website by Sunday 29 May.

While we work to improve our pools, we are also planning for the times when water becomes a risk.

The draft Anna Bay and Tilligerry Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan has been developed to help protect local homes, local streets, and community assets.

We want to combine professional engineering with your local, lived experience.

Let us know if what we’ve mapped matches what you see on the ground – whether its water sitting in local streets after a downpour or how it behaves during a high tide. It’s on public exhibition until Monday 1 June, so be sure to take a look.

You can also join us for a drop-in information session on Thursday 21 May at the Gateway Presbyterian Church in Anna Bay. Our team will be there between 4 pm and 6 pm with maps and details to answer your questions. Both plans are key pieces of our broader Community Strategic Plan, helping us build a more resilient and liveable Port Stephens. By connecting our goals for community wellbeing with our longterm safety plans, we can be sure our region is prepared for the future while remaining a great place to live today.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Luke 24: 51 - 53 "While He was blessing His disciples, he left them and was taken up into Heaven. They worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the Temple, praising God."

A vicious cycle of inflation

DEAR News Of The Area,

AUSTRALIA is being told inflation is the nation’s biggest economic threat, yet the actions of the Federal Government suggest something very different.

Australians are tightening their belts, cutting household spending, struggling with mortgages, rent, groceries and power bills, while Canberra continues to spend at record levels.

The question many ordinary Australians are now asking is simple: if inflation is supposedly the priority, why does the government keep pouring more money into the economy?

Every week Australians hear politicians talk about “cost of living relief,” but too often these measures simply add more fuel to the inflation fire.

Handouts, subsidies and massive spending programs might sound compassionate in a press conference, but when governments continue to inject billions into the economy without restraint, demand rises and prices keep climbing.

It becomes a vicious cycle - the government spends more to offset

rising costs, which in turn helps keep those costs high.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank responds by increasing interest rates to try and slow spending. The result? Everyday Australians are punished twice.

Families with mortgages are hammered with higher repayments while taxpayers continue funding government spending sprees that appear to have no end.

There is also a growing perception that governments benefit politically from inflation staying high.

When inflation rises, governments collect more GST revenue.

Income tax receipts also increase as workers are pushed into higher tax brackets despite not actually being better off.

Asset prices remain inflated, allowing governments to boast about economic growth while ordinary Australians fall further behind in real terms.

Australians are not blind to the contradiction.

They see politicians flying around the country announcing billions for new projects, expanding

On the Couch

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years?

Melissa W.

Dear Melissa,

I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response when I came to the number at the end of your conundrum. If any of us looked at the sum total of our time doing anything we would be stressed.

There is a wonderful short story by David Eagleman called 'Sum', a fictitious account of the afterlife where everything in a lifetime is grouped.

In the story, the narrator describes how the average person would spend thirty years asleep, experience 27 hours of intense pain in one hit, and 15 months looking for lost items, amongst other things.

The point I am making with this reference is that you cannot envisage the next 45 years of your working life in an office in isolation and remain sane.

You need to break your

bureaucracy, funding consultants and growing government departments, all while lecturing households about the need for economic discipline.

Families are expected to sacrifice, yet government spending continues almost unchecked.

The hard truth is that inflation will not seriously come down until government spending is brought under control. You cannot fight inflation with one hand while accelerating it with the other.

Economic management requires restraint, prioritisation and difficult decisions — not endless announcements designed for headlines and political survival.

Australians deserve honesty.

If the government truly wants

Dangers of nuclear submarine base

DEAR News Of The Area,

ARE there secret plans for an AUKUS nuclear submarine base in Newcastle?

It would appear so, according to documents obtained under NSW Freedom of Information ("Nuclear Sub Base Secrets", Newcastle Herald, Friday, May 8).

Apparently, Newcastle is on a short list of potential east coast bases for nuclear-powered submarines, but the Federal Government continues to obfuscate and evade proper scrutiny on the matter.

Surely the people of Newcastle

and Port Stephens have a right to be consulted about such a controversial proposal?

Even an Army colonel highlighted the risks and drawbacks of such a base, including its proximity to a potentially explosive 12,000 tonnes ammonium nitrate storage facility on Kooragang Island.

In August 2020, a similar ammonium storage silo exploded violently in Port of Beirut, Lebanon, producing a 140-metre-wide crater and causing widespread destruction across nearby residential and commercial areas.

The blast and heat wave killed 220 people, injured 6,500 and left

working life down into achievable chunks, for example: If you can get through the next two hours, Marie from sales and marketing will bring in a vanilla slice after her weekly bakery run. The sugar hit that releases will give you about 30 minutes of adrenaline and positivity. If you can extend that to 45 minutes by adding a double-shot coffee, you will probably make it to the 2pm staff meeting where Julie from accounts will drone on about profit and loss stats for about half an hour.

If you can stretch the meeting to 3pm, there is every probability you will make it to knock-off time. There is also absolutely no guarantee you will be in an office job for the next 45 years. In fact it is extremely unlikely.

Many people have up to seven career changes.

For all you know, in a decade from now you may have retrained to be a dietician or a paramedic or a spin class instructor.

In that final example, you will be so full of exerciseinduced dopamine that you'll be positively bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

So, Melissa, try to find the positives in your workday, when you leave work focus on enjoyable life activities that have nothing to do with being in the office, and, if you really do find your current job futile, I'd recommend looking at alternatives. You sound young enough to be in a position to do further education and training. It would be a real shame if you looked back on your working life with regret.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

inflation under control, it must lead by example.

That means cutting waste, reducing unnecessary spending, shrinking bureaucracy and focusing on policies that grow productivity rather than simply throwing more borrowed money into the economy.

Right now, too many Australians feel like they are carrying the burden while Canberra keeps spending as if there is no tomorrow.

Until that changes, many will continue to believe the government does not really want inflation to fall - because politically and financially, high inflation suits them just fine.

Regards, Troy RADFORD, Tanilba Bay.

330,000 people homeless. Hardly a suitable site for a submarine base! British experience demonstrates that we could also be affected by potential radiological pollution of marine and coastal environments and wildlife, as well as the risk of radioactivity doses to Newcastle and Port Stephens residents, emanating from nuclear submarines.

In May 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed dozens of radiological incidents between April 2024 and April 2025 at Faslane and Coulport submarine bases in Scotland, involving “actual or high potential for radioactive release to the environment” -

including discharges of radioactive tritiated water vapour. Submerged submarines also present a serious navigation hazard in maritime channels and port approaches.

Between 1982 to 2015, the UK experienced 170 “interactions” between civilian vessels and nuclear subs, including net “snaggings”, collisions, near misses and at least 30 suspicious unexplained sinkings in UK waters, leading to loss of life, total loss of vessels and loss of fishing gear.

We don't need these risky nuclear-powered submarines in our Port of Newcastle.

Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.

Stinker's Stories

By John 'Stinker' CLARKE

TO fully realise the significance of the oyster industry you first need to understand the history of the oyster.

Oysters have been on earth far longer than us; they have been present at every turn of human history.

Fossil shells have been found as far back as 230 million years and have been collected for human consumption since the Stone Age.

In their air tight containers, they were brought on voyages of discovery as a supply of fresh food and can be found throughout the world from Norway to the waters near Morocco, Europe, Africa, America, Asia and south to Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout the Greek Period they were greatly appreciated on the table and were even used as a ballot paper.

If the citizens wanted to banish someone from their city they would vote with the top of the oyster shell.

The Romans couldn’t conceive a banquet without oysters which were imported at high cost from Gaul and England. On arrival the oysters were lowered into salt water and fattened with wine and pastries.

The Romans paid for their oysters by their weight in gold as the shellfish was considered a powerful aphrodisiac.

It was a certain Sergius Orata (140-91BC) who first had the idea of organising their breeding.

During the Middle Ages, enormous piles of oyster shells were discovered in France showing that they were largely consumed from the year 900 to 1300AD.

The history of oysters

In the 16th Century oyster meals appeared in Paris where it was expected that each guest would consume around 150.

The 18th Century saw the birth of oyster farming in Europe, France, Spain and Holland, Ireland and England.

On the American continent the native North American tribes feasted on oysters and used the shells as decorations and money for trade.

They too have ancient shell piles or middens, hundreds and thousands of years in the making.

In his book, “The Big Oyster”, author Mark Kurlansky writes, “Before the 20th Century, when people thought of New York, they thought of oysters...”.

Biologists estimate that New York Harbour contained half of the world’s oysters – then, with progress, the water was polluted.

In Australia the origins of oysters as a food source goes way back to the first inhabitants.

Being great hunters and gatherers it is not surprising to learn that the oyster was a major part of the diet of coastal Aboriginal communities.

Shell middens along the east coast, some having been carbon dated back to 6,000BC, provide an accurate record of the significance of the oyster.

Charred shells were still being tossed onto middens up until the mid 19th century suggesting that the local Aboriginal people may have preferred to cook their oysters over the open fire until the shell opened.

Oysters provided far more than food, as the shell, along with the turban shell, could be fashioned into an effective fish hook or cutting tool.

Evidence of the value of the oyster to the local Worimi people, in and around Port Stephens, can be found in all the known sites along the ocean beaches and adjacent to the river systems within the port.

The many islands, both inside and outside the Port, as far north as Broughton Island, bear testimony to thousands of years of oyster gathering.

As it was with Aboriginal people, the sustainability of all natural resources was never threatened, they took what was needed for survival and not one shellfish was wasted.

With the arrival of the First Fleet, this was all about to change.

When the First Fleet settlers arrived in Port Jackson they found their new homeland offered little in the way of edible fruits or berries.

Kangaroos, wombats and koalas were out of the question.

There was no wild game acceptable to 18th century English palates, with one exception – oysters.

From Governor Captain Arthur Phillip to the soldiers, sailors, and the convicts, all feasted on them.

One of the earliest references to oysters was made by William Bradley of the Royal Navy in his

Visit the Sydney Fish Market

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

FURTHER to my recent trip to the Sydney Fish Markets, which was an excursion that I would recommend to anyone who has any interest in fish or other creatures of the sea.

As I wandered around the expansive market area certain displays caught my attention.

I did mention a sign for “Flying Fish Roe” at $5.80 a punnet.

Never have I caught a flying fish and never have I known anyone who has.

Next to add to my confusion was a tray of extra small pipis at $35 a kilo.

I thought that there was a size limit on pipis – obviously not.

Next to catch my eye was a wobbegong shark for sale.

Again, I was surprised as I thought “Wobbys” were protected with a zero-bag limit.

By this time I’m starting to question my knowledge of fish.

There was abalone, way under size for a wild caught shellfish. It was explained to me that they were farmed.

Boxes of frog mouth pilchards, yellowtail scad and slimy mackerel –all bait to me.

Another display that tested me was Star Gazer fillets at $30 a kilo.

My only memory of a Stargazer was from the beaches on the Far North Coast where this weird fish shuffled into the sand with only its eyes above the surface.

published journal whilst aboard the H.M.S. “Sirius” in Port Jackson in 1788.

“We found fish aplenty although the harbour is full of sharks,” Bradley wrote.

“There is a great quantity of shellfish in the coves that have mud flats, at the bottom the oysters are very large.”

To their delight the early settlers in Port Stephens found the same abundance of the shellfish.

Beautiful, fat oysters were growing wild around the foreshores, in the bays and the mouths of the estuaries - they had been growing for thousands of years and were easily chipped off the rocks and mangrove roots.

In 1922 T.C. Roughley, the noted author and marine authority, stated that all through the Port Stephens seabed west of Snapper Island was one vast oyster bed.

“If in the very early days of our colonisation, you had sailed into Port Stephens in NSW at low tide

I have caught about six stargazers, none in Port Stephens.

Their numbers, I thought, were not enough to be a commercial fish. Wrong again, marketed as Monkfish they are a popular table fish.

Farmed Murray Cod was $35 a kilo, carp and Australian salmon $4.50 a kilo.

Mulloway, bream, flathead,

you would have seen a great harbour fringed with rocks, glistening sandy beaches and large expanses of mud flats bordered with mangroves.

“You would probably have seen more oysters than had ever been seen before, anywhere in the world.

“The rocks everywhere were covered with them.

“On the mud flats they occurred in such dense clusters that you would not have been able to walk there without crushing them with your boots.

“If you had been provided with a glass-bottom boat you would have seen them growing on the bottom in clumps two or three feet deep.

“There were thousands of acres of them.”

Back in Sydney town the food needs of the colonists, from these natural deposits, would have been more than sufficient for many years.

Unfortunately the oysters, in particular their shells, were to become far more valuable in other ways.

whiting, snapper, kingfish, tuna, shark – you name it, all on the floor of the market.

Prawn oil and cuttlefish ink were available in bottles along with numerous other “Taste Sensations from the Sea”.

I walked out of the market with far more questions than answers but very pleased that I took the time to go.

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Anna Bay Tavern

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Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

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Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

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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

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Natural Tucker

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Horizons Golf Club

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Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

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MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

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Foodworks Lakeside

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Muree Golf Club

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Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

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Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

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Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

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Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

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Metro Servo (Airport Side)

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Rare Humpback behaviour discovered

A NEW paper co-authored by Macquarie University lecturer and renowned whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta highlights the importance of ‘citizen scientists’ who have been integral in exposing a newly observed Humpback whale behaviour. The paper released by Macquarie

University on 4 May, ahead of Australia’s annual Humpback Day (6 May), explores the distinct action of ‘gaping’, where whales have been observed opening their mouths widely, without clear reason.

Dr Pirotta says the study, analysing 66 internet and social media instances of gaping,

Delicately poised

By Justin CHADWICK, AAP

NEWCASTLE Jets coach Mark Milligan is urging his players to write their name into the history books as the minor premiers look to seal an A-League Men grand final berth on home soil.

The two-legged semi-final showdown between Sydney and Newcastle is delicately poised after they fought out a 1-1 draw at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

Sky Blues striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos opened the scoring in the 50th minute before Eli Adams equalised eight minutes later for Newcastle.

The Jets will start as warm favourites in the return leg at their home fortress of McDonald Jones Stadium next Saturday night.

Newcastle have the chance to complete the domestic treble this season, having already secured the Premiers Plate and the Australia Cup titles for the first time in the club's history.

If the Jets get the job done against Sydney on Saturday, the domestic treble will be within touching distance.

"These boys have been fortunate to create a lot of special moments this year, but that chapter's closed now," Milligan said.

"We have a chance to go and rewrite the history books, and that comes down to how hard we want to work this week and how much desire we have. It's in our hands."

A win over Sydney on Saturday will thrust

the Jets into the grand final, where they would take on either Adelaide or Auckland.

That semi-final series is also on a knife's edge after Adelaide and Auckland fought out a 1-1 draw in Auckland on Saturday.

Sydney were denied a late penalty shout against Newcastle, but coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who only replaced Ufuk Talay six games ago, was happy with the performance.

"It was probably our best performance since I've been here," Kisnorbo said.

"I'm very proud of the players."

Star Sydney winger Joe Lolley made an impressive cameo off the bench after being

shows how tourists, whale-watch operators and drone users can provide valuable scientific observations.

“Just when we think we know a lot about humpback whales, we don’t,” she said.

“Tourism operators and citizen scientists spend hours observing whales and are a powerful resource for capturing and reporting on behaviour, using the increasingly highquality technologies many of us have on hand.”

The gaping was captured by onlookers in a range of situations – from boats (above water) during swim-with-whale activities (underwater) and with drones.

“It was so unusual to see this happen and when I heard the commentary of people watching it, I knew it was rare,” says Dr Pirotta.

It included both adults and calves and was mostly seen when there were other whales nearby.

Notably, it happened outside whales' usual feeding routines.

The research suggests a range of reasons for the behaviour including communication, social/playful behaviour, exploring ocean debris (particularly for calves) or an incidental jaw stretching or separation.

introduced in the 76th minute.

It marked the 33-year-old's first minutes since undergoing ankle surgery on a syndesmosis injury in early March, and Kisnorbo wasn't making any promises about potentially starting the former Nottingham Forest star in the second leg.

"I don't know. We'll have to see how he goes from tonight," Kisnorbo said.

"This was his first match for a long time, so we'll see how he recovers.

"He's been working hard to get fit as quick as possible... so I'm pleased that he got some minutes under his belt."

Nelson Bay Croquet Club

By David WILSON

THE Lake Macquarie Games were hosted by Toronto Croquet Club at the Lake Macquarie Croquet Centre, Glendale, from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th April 2026.

24 pairs entered the doubles which were played in 4 blocks of 6 pairs on 16th April

and the mornings of 17th to 19th April. 48 players entered the singles which were played in 6 blocks of 8 players on the afternoons for 17th to 19th April. All games were level play, 13-point with a time limit of 50 minutes.

Faby Batho, Rob Batho, Sherry Gordon and Marty Quirke from Nelson Bay Croquet Club travelled to Glendale and all played in both the

doubles and singles. In the doubles, Rob Batho & Marty Quirke won 3 games from 5 played (+4 hoop difference) to finish 3rd in Block A, while in Block B Sandra Guider/Alistair Torrance (Newcastle National Park) were unbeaten with all other pairs recording 2 wins each with Faby Batho & Sherry Gordon finishing 2nd on hoop difference (+2). In the singles, Marty Quirke won 6 games from 7 played to finish top of Block B. Rob played in Block A with Faby and Sherry playing in Block C.

On Sunday 19th April and Monday 20th April, Nelson Bay Croquet Club were honoured to have a series of coaching sessions run by Kate McLoughlin & Peter Freer. Kate is the current NSW State Coaching Coordinator and an international and state representative player while Peter is also an international and state representative player – both are members of the Canberra Croquet Club. They ran 3 separate sessions for Division 3 players (Sunday afternoon), Division 1 and 2 players (Monday morning) and coaches (Monday afternoon). The sessions were very successful with over 25 members on Sunday afternoon and over 15 members on Monday morning. All those who attended really appreciated the experience of the visiting coaches.

SUDOKU

Bulls edge out Gropers

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay rugby warrior

Jake Affleck is relishing his leadership role with the Gropers’ first grade team in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup series.

The industrious prop has started the club’s 2026 campaign in cracking form with non-stop performances in a combative forward pack.

There was no stopping the inspirational skipper last Saturday when the tabletopping Singleton Red Bulls edged out Nelson Bay 17-14 in a classic showdown at Bill Strong Oval to preserve their unbeaten status.

Affleck was one of the best on ground with another barnstorming performance that helped the Gropers secure a bonus point.

A large vocal home crowd packed into the Groperdome to watch ladder leaders Singleton Bulls prevail in a

torrid clash between the two competition heavyweights.

With Affleck leading the way, the revved up Gropers applied defensive pressure.

Hooker Liam Keating, lock Ronan O’Çonnell, flanker Hayden Wilson and line out flyers Taraq Hall and Mitch Workman showed their wares against a strong Singleton line-up with plenty of tall timber.

A glut of possession enabled the Bulls to open the scoring with a try by winger Osian Evans for a 5-0 lead.

Clever kicking into the wind from fly half Will Clark turned the Bulls around and slick hands across the backline saw Nelson Bay make several breaks out wide.

Ball retention hurt the Gropers with several turnovers allowing Singleton off the hook.

Rookie fullback Liam Pietrasek, 18, produced another top display, linking

with centre Marcel Ikinofo to send the Bay on the attack.

Sustained pressure allowed Workman to barge over for a try with rookie Pietrasek adding the extras for a 7-5 lead.

Winger Zac Summerfield and centre Ikinofo produced bustling runs before another backline movement saw Clark slice through for a converted try and handy 14-5 lead.

Singleton rallied with their trademark spoiling game and won the contested ball at the ruck and maul.

With the dominant scrum, the Bulls turned the match around to score out wide through fullback Brock Warner and close the gap to 14-10 at the half time interval.

Coach Michael Squires made sweeping changes with both wingers replaced by Scott Tristan and Brayden McMaster, halfback Jake Langsford for Kade Redmond and veterans Shane Jarvis and Zion Takarua replacing Ryan Marshall and Nathan McLeay

Lions tame Hawks in Denton Cup

to add size to the Gropers forward pack.

Playing a physical brand of rugby, Singleton were testing the referee's patience and eventually two yellow cards saw them down to 12 players.

By Chris KARAS

IT is back to the drawing board for the injury-stricken Northern Hawks first grade team in the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup series.

Steve Simpson’s charges suffered their second loss of the season last Sunday after a 40-12 drubbing at the hands of South Newcastle at Townson Oval.

There was no stopping the rampant Lions who ran in seven tries to two in a masterclass display to post their third win of the season and remain undefeated after five competition rounds.

Port Stephens netballers finish runners-up

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens’ youth teams have experienced success at this year’s Netball NSW Hunter and Central Coast Regional League series.

Emma Penfold’s talented bunch of 17-year-old warriors finished runners-up in the Division 5 category.

Kurri Kurri were crowned undefeated champions after staving off a fierce challenge from the Port Stephens lineup to claim an epic 16-13 Grand Final victory at the Niagara Park Stadium.

In a Regional League classic that went into extra time, the Kurri Kurri combination prevailed with

a robust defensive display to bring home the title.

Coach Penfold and team manager Mel Crain praised the determined efforts of their Port Stephens charges, who turned in spirited performances to reach the trophy decider.

After a first up 16-13 loss to Kurri in the preliminary rounds, the girls posted victories over Nelson Bay (168), Singleton (21-11) and Woy Woy (16-14) and drew 16-all with Dungog before sinking Woy Woy 21-20 in a thrilling semi final.

Port Stephens’ 17 years squad featured skilful prospects in Paige Boyles, Sarah Byrne, Madelane

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

Outright winner.

Connolly, Emily Crain, Charlotte Crampton, Laura Moir, Sybella O’Leary, Shelby Oldfield, Evie Oswell and Blair Vorenkamp.

Nelson Bay’s 17yrs team secured a fifth spot in Division 5, after toppling Dungog 20-15 in the competition play-offs.

In the Open division, Port Stephens bowed out following a 15-12 loss to Westlakes in a Division Four’s elimination semi-final.

Nelson Bay Opens team qualified for the Division Three finals with victories over Singleton (17-13) and Cessnock (20-12) before tasting defeat against eventual champions Charlestown (2510).

Nelson Bay were unable to capitalise with several turnovers allowing Singleton to hold the ball and wind down the clock.

chances with McMaster threatening to break free down the sideline with the game in the balance.

The Bulls regained the lead 17-14 with a try by forward Isaac Barry converted by Evans. Both sides created

A super-slick Souths outfit had too many big guns for the depleted Hawks lineup, which was still missing several key players through injury.

Dashing Lions centre

Ethan Fowles bagged a try double to cap a strong performance, with second rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, centre Jack Dodd, half back Max Buderus, winger Jacob Afflick and hooker Max Altus also grabbing four pointers in a comprehensive win.

Souths’ crafty number seven Buderus was in the thick of the action and finished with a personal tally of 16 points from a try and six conversions.

Despite the loss, the Gropers remain in second spot on 11 points - eight behind pacesetting Singleton on 19.

Power running prop Zachary Jones and sharp centre Kane Thomas scored tries for the Hawks with fullback Shaqueil Saunders kicking two goals.

Despite the loss, the Northern team remains in fourth spot on six points behind premiership pacesetters Maitland Pickers (10 points), Central Butcher Boys (8 points) and South Newcastle (8 points). The Hawks face an important round six assignment on Saturday 23 May when they host the Western Suburbs Rosellas at Tomaree Sports Ground from 3pm.

By Lee RANKIN

Local pickleballers shine at state titles

By Chris KARAS

BRUCE Scott is a highly regarded sports administrator in the Port Stephens region.

Over the past 34 years, the Salamander Bay native has made a valuable contribution to sport, including as president of Tomaree Sports Council.

A pavilion at the Tomaree Sports Complex has been named in his honour.

Now Bruce is making an impact in the growing sport of pickleball.

He was one of 18 players from the Port Stephens Pickleball Club to participate at the recent NSW Pickleball Championships in Sydney.

Making his tournament

debut in the Over 70 years division for players with a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 3.5 to 3.9, the tireless stalwart teamed with Greg Scott of Chatswood to pick up a silver medal.

The pair chalked up impressive wins over Ron Beane and Hayden Searle (11-8); Hain Gale and Michael Holtzman (11-3); Ray Glass and Geoff Mansfield (11 6); and Dennis Holland and Wayne Deer (11-9); before succumbing to Point Clare’s Peter Foley and Mark Taylor (Wamberal) in straight sets - 12-10 11-4 - in the gold medal fixture.

Other Port Stephens club players to make their tournament debuts included Corlette duo Emily Wilson

and Joel Ingram, who claimed gold in the Over 19s Mixed Doubles with DUPR of 3.49 under, and Fingal Bay’s Nicole Goggin and Lachlan Gardiner.

Corlette’s Christine Johnson teamed with Judy Tweed (Newcastle) to snare a bronze medal in the Over 70yrs Womens Doubles with DUPR of 3.49 under.

They lost their semifinal to champions Kerry West (Bateau Bay) and Belinda Harrison (Terrigal) 15-3 before downing Sheila Capperauld and Wauchope’s Deb Wilson 15-6 in the playoff for bronze.

Anna Bay’s Sean Andrews and Corlette’s Alan Surr grabbed silver and bronze medals respectively in the Skinny Singles event - a

two-player pickleball variant played on half a court that is designed to improve doubles strategy, accuracy and dinking while often incorporating crosscourt or

straight-ahead shots.

Wily Port Stephens campaigners John McDonald and John Grace, Steven Wilson, Debbie Black, Steven Laming and

Joanne Laming, Louise Davis, Cherrie McDougall, Santah Upnek Nel and William Gallagher missed out on medals but all competed with grit and determination.

Japan and Ireland to face off in Newcastle

PREPARATIONS for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will ramp up early, with Japan and Ireland confirmed for an international rugby Test at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 11 July 2026.

Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones was in Newcastle last week to make the announcement, with the fixture forming part of the lead-up to the team’s 2027 Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa at McDonald Jones

International touch football medal for Jake

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay sporting dynamo Jake Langsford has tasted international success in the touch football arena.

The 20-year-old try scoring phenomenon was a key figure for the bronze medal-winning Philippines Mixed team at the recent Asia-Pacific International Touch Football tournament in Mudgee.

It is a huge honour for quicksilver Jake, who is a gifted all round athlete with both the Nelson Bay Neptunes touch football and Gropers first grade rugby lineups.

Revelling in his role as a middle, the livewire

Langsford helped the Philippines create history by securing their first-ever medal in the Mixed category.

Jake was one of the best on ground when the spirited Philippines outfit produced a composed and disciplined display to defeat Samoa 12-7 in the bronze medal match.

With seven tries in seven appearances, he capped a superb tournament while proudly representing both his heritage and the local sporting community.

“To win a medal and be part of a history-making Philippines sporting team is a magical feeling,” Langsford told News Of The Area.

"We grew in confidence

and cohesion as the series unfolded and showed plenty of character and heart along the way.

“The team’s ability to respond to early setbacks and improve each game helped us finish on the podium.”

The campaign began with a tough 13- 4 loss to New Zealand before the team responded with emphatic wins over China (19–3) and Tonga (14–6).

A 16-2 loss to Australia followed, yet the Philippines showed resilience, bouncing back to defeat Hong Kong (18–2) and Samoa (11–5) to book a place in the semifinals.

In a return clash with the

Kiwis, the Philippines showed clear improvement from their first meeting and pushed their rivals during a 12-8 loss.

With one final opportunity to finish on a high, the team delivered against Samoa to collect a deserved medal.

A skilful commodity, Jake continues to stamp his mark across two football codes.

Playing on the wing or halfback for the Nelson Bay Gropers, Jake is renowned for his speed, agility and sharp footwork.

Stadium.

“Securing the JapanIreland international rugby Test is a huge win for Newcastle, which has quickly become a powerhouse for major events,” NSW Sports and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said.

“To have two world-class teams playing in Newcastle’s own backyard will give fans a taste of what’s to come when the 2027 Rugby World Cup comes to town.

“These major events are providing real benefit to the Hunter community, boosting

the visitor economy and showcasing Newcastle on the global stage.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said, “Japan’s Cherry Blossoms and Ireland’s national team are two of the top teams in the game.

“It’s destined to be a great match and I know Newcastle will turn out for it.

“This announcement, alongside the Rugby World Cup in 2027, further confirms Newcastle as a premier sporting destination.”

q Star Nelson Bay athlete Jake Langsford helped the Philippines claim an historic bronze medal at this year’s AsiaPacific International Touch Football tournament in Mudgee.

Since returning to the Groperdome, the dashing colt has made an impact in the club’s 31-7 victory over the highly fancied Cooks Hill Brown Snakes and 17-14 loss to competition leaders Singleton Red Bulls in the

Softball honours for Medowie schoolboy pitcher Josh Tasker

q Josh Tasker is

FROM Page 24

in Medowie and making a switch to softball.

He told News Of The Area that being named in the Hunter Primary Schools representative softball team was a “wonderful experience.”

“It is a great opportunity to test my skills against the best schoolboy softballers at an elite level - something I’ve worked hard for over the past two years,” he said.

Josh showed early potential at first base but has thrived since taking on a pitching role with the

Strikers.

His club coaches Helen Greentree and Scott Norman have had a major influence, along with Newcastle Development mentor Justin Brown.

Helen was the one who encouraged Josh to turn his hand to pitching.

She identified his natural pitching style at a Mayfield club training session and has assisted the youngster in honing his technique.

Josh has made the most of his opportunities - helping to steer the Strikers to the Under 14s Youth League Grand Final

last season against premiers Belmont.

Coach Norman was just as impressed and has watched the young pitcher grow in stature this season against older opponents.

Josh continues to improve with additional pitching training under the experienced Brown in the Newcastle Under 14 Development Squad.

He is now in the mix for selection in the Newcastle Under 14s representative softball team to play Challenge matches against Wagga in September.

“My coaches Helen, Scott and Justin have shaped my pitching and always encourage me to give my best,” said Josh.

“They have helped me develop as a player and are three people I respect so much.”

In the winter months. Josh juggles his softball commitments with his other sporting love - rugby league.

He is an emerging forward with the Raymond Terrace Roosters Under 12 Div 4 side, which competes in the Hunter Junior League competition.

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BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

SBS, 5am (live) and 7.30pm (access all areas)

Music fans turn their attention to Vienna this weekend as the Austrian capital hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. While die-hard devotees will likely catch the 5am (AEST) semi-final broadcasts live on Wednesday and Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s grand final, casual viewers are best advised to tune in for this access-all-areas pass. Aussie commentators Courtney Act and Danny Estrin present all of the action from the first semi-final tonight, while Saturday’s primetime broadcast includes a dazzling performance from pop powerhouse Delta Goodrem (pictured). Her entry, “Eclipse”, is a quintessential power ballad with an epic key change that’s tailor-made to take on the competition.

MONDAY

THE FLOOR

NBN, 7.30pm

This say-what-you-see trivia game could be the easiest money on Australian TV. There’s no need to tough it out in the jungles of Samoa , spend months renovating a high-end home for or create fine-dining

FRIDAY, May 15

(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Clarence Slockee explores diverse foliage plants.

8.30 Patience. (Final, Mv) Patience and Frankie are held hostage.

9.20 Gruen. (PG, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

9.55 Urzila. (Mls, R)

10.20 ABC Late News.

10.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)

11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)

12.15 Love Me. (MA15+, R)

1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Eurovision Song Contest. 7.30 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.30 WorldWatch. 10.00 Legacy List. (R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 The King. (MA15+s)

11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)

1.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

MasterChef; simply perform well in a few 90-second quiz battles and a $200,000 prize could be yours. Even host Rodger Corser (pictured) appears to be on easy street – a computer screen handles the questions for him. In Monday’s secondseason finale, just eight contestants remain standing on the giant illuminated board. As they face off in both their own specialist subjects and those they’ve inherited from fallen rivals, all bets are off. It’s winner takes all.

TUESDAY SHAUN MICALLEF’S GOING FOR BROKE

ABC TV, 8pm

In his 2020 docuseries

On the Sauce, teetotal comedian Shaun Micallef (pictured) tapped into Australia’s drinking culture, getting hands on with booze for the first time in 30 years. In this new three-parter, Micallef applies a similar approach to another national pastime: gambling. Its appeal is not something the comic has ever understood – he’s never even played the pokies – but with his young sons and their friends bombarded by gambling ads, he decides to take a closer look. Tuesday’s premiere begins with an afternoon of sports betting, before a game of two-up on Anzac Day and discovering how poker machines are programmed to cast a spell on players. For support, call Gambler’s Help (1800 858 858).

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Collingwood. From the SCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.

11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

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

1.20 Quacks. (Mads)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

School. 4.05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. (2017, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Wrath Of The Titans. (2012, M)

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple’s house is too small. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

SATURDAY, May 16

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 Patience. (Final, Mv, R) 2.20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. (Final, R) 3.10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. (Final, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Sharon takes a shine to Kel’s best friend.

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

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

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+) Nikki conducts an unusual post-mortem. DNA evidence forces the team to seek advice from an unexpected quarter.

10.15 Bergerac. (Mv, R) Bergerac and Barney’s relationship reaches breaking point. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 For

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

10.00 The Wonders Of Europe: Schonbrunn Palace. (PG, R) Looks at  Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace.

11.00 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R) Layton and Wilford vie for the upper hand. 1.40 The Kingdom. (Ma, R) Marc Fennell investigates Hillsong.

3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.10 Bamay: Murrumbidgee River – Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri And Ngarigo Country. (R) 5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.

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

8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. Shane Jacobson buys a rundown country pub sight unseen and attempts to bring it back to life.

8.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A climatologist tries to save his family after the planet is plunged into a sudden ice age. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum.

11.00 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R) 12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

7TWO (62)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6.10am

Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.00 Vai. (2019, PG) 9.40 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 11.05 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 12.50pm Cat Call. (2023, M, Hungarian) 2.30 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 4.20 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.20 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 8.30 Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 10.35 The Sex Of The Angels. (2012, MA15+, Spanish) 12.35am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, May 17

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 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Assembly. (PGa, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PGa, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (Final, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Dave Hughes. (PGa)

8.15 Bad Company. (PGn) Margie decides to become social media famous.

8.40 Bergerac. (Mal) Bergerac’s pursuit of Monica has severe consequences.

9.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) The team investigates the death of a business owner.

10.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)

12.15 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)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. (PG) Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.

12.00 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021, Ml, R)

2.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.55 A Certain Mother. (PGan, R)

4.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

4.45 PBS Washington Week. 5.10 PBS News Compass Points. 5.40 The Frontier. 6.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. 1.35am The Nine Lives Of. 2.30

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 9.20 Vai. (2019, PG) 11.00 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 12.55pm Close. (2022, M, Dutch) 2.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 4.30 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.30 Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 10.30 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 1am Piece Of My Heart. (2022, MA15+, Dutch) 3.00 Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm.

9.40 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.00 MOVIE: City Of Lies. (2018, MA15+lv, R)

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

1.00 Tasman Trails. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A bulldog has lost its spark. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to move or not.

8.30 Building The Dream. Architectural designer Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes that suit their lifestyles. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00

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

9.00 Child Snatchers: A Day At The Fair. (MA15+a) Looks at the disappearance of seven-year-old Mark Tildesley.

10.50 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Malv, R)

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

1.15 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO

7MATE (64)

Arrow. 2.25 Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester City v Brentford. Replay. 4.25 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Bubble’s Hotel. 5.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Life Off Road. Noon Aussie

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PG) 8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.15 To Be Advised. 10.15 9News

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 MOVIE: Blaze. (2022, MA15+) 4.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.30 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.50 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 5.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2.50pm The Summit. 5.35

2:

MONDAY, May 18

6.00

6am Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00

Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PGa, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGl, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R)

9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav) 11.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05

2.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)

3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

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

Home And Away. (PGl)

Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Ms) 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)

The Agenda Setters.

Happy’s Place. (PGal)

New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am My

Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.25 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 8.40 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.20 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 12.55pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 5.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 7.30 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 9.40 Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, May 19

Australia. (R)

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

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (Final) 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 The Negotiator. (Premiere, Mal)

12.00 World On Fire. (Mav, R)

3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight. 6.00 Seven News.

(31) VICELAND (31)

Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGal) 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PG) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 9.15

(32)

6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.10 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.55 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 10.55 UnIndian. (2015, M) 1pm Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 3.00 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 4.50 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.45 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 11.05 Late Programs.

WEDNESDAY, May 20

Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

ABC

6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Legacy List. (R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights.

Alexander Armstrong In India. (PG) 8.30 The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M) 9.25 The Audacity. (M) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+asv) 12.05 Golden Boy. (MA15+ds, R)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)

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

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Hotel

Salvation. Continued. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.50 Ama

Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 8.25 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 10.10 Discovering Film. 11.05 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 1.20pm Sweet As. (2022, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 6.00 The 39 Steps. (1935, PG) 7.40 The Tracker. (2002, M) 9.30 Monster. (2023, M) 11.50 Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

May 21

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Gruen. (PG, R) 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.25 Urzila. (Mals, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Frankie Drake. (PG) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Piquancy Silent Heroes. (PG, R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (PGa)

8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr. (Ml, R)

9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. (M)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Under The Bridge. (Madl)

11.55 DNA. (Ma, R)

2.30 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

3.40 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 4.05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

4.50 PBS News. 5.50 The Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.20 Travel Man. 8.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. 1.35am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.50 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 10.40 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.25pm Four’s A Crowd. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.15

Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 4.00 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 5.30 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Eighth Grade. (2018, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv) A punishment proves too much.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (PGal, R)

1.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45

7MATE (64)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGl)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGl) A car is found overloaded with bicycles.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. Hosted by Ant and Dec.

10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 NRL Origin Stories. (Premiere, PGl)

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.10 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)

12.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Real Steel. (2011, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.50 Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.50 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.50 MOVIE: Three Chords And The Truth. (2022, M) 4.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Bubble’s Hotel. 5.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike. 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bad Moms. (2016, MA15+) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.25 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.30 Jeopardy! UK. 3.30 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto.

Pitching ace

Where

LUNCH SPECIAL:

Tapas - Italian Style

Available Wednesday to Friday 3 for $33 pp

Choose any three house-made regional specialities from our Italian Favourites Menu and enjoy a delicious midday escape. Perfect for sharing, tasting, and discovering new favourites.

• All guests at the table must participate in this menu.

• A la carte menu also available.

HAPPY HOUR Friday - Sunday | 3pm - 5pm $8 Schooners $8 Wine $8 House Spirits Selected Cocktails $10-$15

By Chris KARAS

SOFTBALL pitching has become a way of life for talented Medowie schoolboy Josh Tasker.

After a brief stint in the baseball ranks, the 11-year-old has made a smooth transition into the Hunter junior softball pathways system.

A powerful pitcher and smart first base with the Mayfield Strikers club, young Josh turned in strong performances in the summer Youth League competition to earn selection in the Newcastle District Softball Association (NDSA) Under 14 Development Squad.

The Medowie Public School Year 6 pupil has been chosen in this year’s Hunter Primary Schools Sports Association Under 12s representative team to compete at the NSW Primary School Softball Championships in August at Curl Curl. It is a top achievement for Josh, who relocated to Port Stephens with his family from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire back in 2020 at the age of six.

Josh spent a season with the Cronulla Sharks Baseball Club before settling

CONTINUED Page 17

WEDNESDAY NIGHT is Pasta Night

Join us every Wednesday for a midweek indulgence: $55 pp

Two Entree-sized pasta dishes each Perfectly matched Italian white & red wine

Each week, we showcase a new regional Italian pasta specially, thoughtfully paired with fabulous wines to complement every bite.

Make your Wednesdays something to look forward to!

• All guests at the table must participate in this menu.

• A la carte menu also available.

OPENING HOURS:

Lunch Wednesday - Sunday 12pm - 2:30pm Dinner Wednesday - Sunday From 5pm

*Sunday & PH Surcharges