Port Stephens News Of The Area 16 APRIL 2026

Students get hands-on saving rare threatened plant at Tomaree

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helped students connect with conservation in a tangible way.

“It’s a really interesting and attractive plant to look at, touch and smell, which makes it a great species for hands-on learning.”

Fewer than 250 plants remain in the wild in the area, so local action is crucial to its ongoing survival.

Over four practical sessions, students learned about conserving the Villous Mintbush through habitat walks, plant specimen libraries, nature journaling and quiet observation exercises designed to

build awareness of their local environment and its biodiversity.

The students visited a Villous Mintbush population in Tomaree National Park to learn how to collect plant cuttings, then potted them at the local Ngioka Nursery.

Once the cuttings have grown large enough, they will be planted at a site in the school’s grounds.

Back at school, students created that site to host the plants in the future.

The students will become custodians of the threatened plant, which will involve monitoring plant health and reporting observations back to the Saving our Species team.

The program also supported

learning across science, visual arts and literacy, while encouraging students to care for their local environment and threatened species.

By giving young people the chance to take part in real conservation work, the program is helping grow the next generation of environmental stewards.

Tomaree Public School teacher Annique Wilson said, “Students learned how to care for their local environment and protect species that need saving.

“Students were able to engage with the science, literacy and visual arts curriculum, outside of a classroom setting, to deliver real conservation outcomes.”

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED BETWEEN 29/03/2026 AND 05/04/2026

Information is correct at time of printing. For up-to-date information visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4988 0255.

SOLDIERS POINT

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18 Montevideo Pd 16-2026-185-1 Demolition, alteration and addition to dwelling, new pool and cabana SHOAL BAY

26 Horace St 16-2026-168-1 Detached dual occupancy (1 existing), dwelling alterations and 1 into 2 lot Torrens

40 Cromarty Rd 16-2026-194-1 Dwelling alterations TANILBA BAY

13 Beatty Blvd 16-2026-130-1 Detached dual occupancy, 1 into 2 lot Torrens Title subdivision TOMAGO

21C School Dr 16-2025-585-3

S4.55(1) Modification to demolish and construct industrial shed, ancillary office, site works –update stamped plans

PLANNING PROPOSAL

RECLASSIFICATION AND REZONING OF EIGHT SURPLUS COUNCIL SITES

Council is exhibiting a planning proposal to amend the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013 to reclassify eight Council-owned sites from Community to Operational land. Under the proposal, four of the sites are also proposed to be rezoned from RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential. The objective of the planning proposal is to allow for the future sale of the sites by Council and their use for residential purposes. The sites have been identified as surplus land. The sites and proposed changes are:

• 1B Jessica Close, Raymond Terrace (Lot 4 DP 807214).

Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Rezone: RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential.

• 4 Payton Street, Raymond Terrace (Lot 68 DP 248229).

Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Rezone: RE1

Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential.

• 20 Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace (Lot 1063 DP

q The Tomaree students have engaged with a hands-on environmental education project.

& PLANNING

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

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

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (16 April 2026 – 29 April

SUBMISSION

826758). Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Rezone: RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential. 27 Campbell Ave, Anna Bay (Lot 4 DP 787398). Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Rezone: RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential.

• 101 Kindlebark Drive, Medowie (Lot 721 DP 1033896).

Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Retain R2 Low Density Residential zoning.

124 Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace (southern portion) (Lot 3082 DP 786401). Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Retain R2 Low Density Residential zoning.

• 154 Rocky Point Road, Fingal Bay (Lot 17 DP 805074).

Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Retain R2 Low Density Residential zoning.

A-1 Mount Hall Road, Raymond Terrace (Lot 18 DP 238628). Reclassify: Community to Operational land. Retain R2 Low Density Residential zoning.

Council is not the designated local plan-making authority for this planning proposal, as the Governor’s approval is required when a reclassification proposal seeks to remove any public reserve status or discharge any interests affecting public land. Submissions can be made by 5pm Monday 11 May 2026.

M1 extension set to open a year earlier than planned

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to open to traffic in late 2026, more than a year earlier than originally planned.

The accelerated timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete.

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are being funded jointly with a total investment of $2.24 billion - $1.792 billion provided by the Federal Government and $448 million from the NSW Government.

Significant progress has been made on the ground, including the completion of five kilometres of new motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass.

As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace

interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also all been completed.

Completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass means this section of the M1 extension is ready to go, and will open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year.

“Completion of the Heatherbrae section of this project means we are well and truly past the halfway mark, with all work set to be completed by the end of the year,” said Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.

“The school holiday traffic we’re seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital.

“Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks.”

for

said it is incredibly rewarding to see the bypass take shape.

Have Your Say

“Seeing it power ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes - and it means the Hunter will benefit from this vital infrastructure sooner,” she said.

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Racing in the Hunter at full gallop

MINISTER for Gaming and Racing David Harris officially opened new facilities at Scone Race Club on Tuesday, 7 April, as part of a $36 million investment into racing in the Hunter.

He also visited upgrade works at Muswellbrook and Cessnock race clubs.

At Scone, the NSW Government’s Racing for the Regions program allocated $20 million to install a state-of-theart Polytrack training track, new stables and enhanced supporting infrastructure.

Minister Harris joined Racing NSW Chair Dr Saranne Cook, Director George Souris and members of the Scone Race Club Board to inspect the completed Polytrack and the first of five new stables.

The eight metre-wide Polytrack is an allweather, synthetic training surface that doesn’t require watering down or irrigation.

It also enables horses to be worked throughout the year, even during wet weather, and minimises the risk of injury by providing a consistent, secure surface.

Stage One of the stables project has seen 113 horses relocated to a modern, two-storey ‘hotel for horses’.

Once completed by the end of 2026, four single-storey stables will be added to

accommodate 302 horses, bringing the total number housed at the centre to more than 520, making it NSW’s largest regional training facility.

Located in the heart of Australia’s horse capital, the racing and training facility was founded in 1944 as the Scone Jockey Club.

The current racecourse began operating in 1994 and is renowned as one of NSW’s premier country circuits.

It is also home to the prestigious Darley Scone Cup Carnival, Australia's leading twoday country racing event.

The Hunter region is also home to two other Racing for the Regions projects.

- Muswellbrook: $4.2 million investment for a grandstand upgrade with improved viewing, expanded multi-purpose function centre, enhanced male and female jockeys’ facilities with an 80 percent increase in the size of the female jockey room, and improved steward facilities.

The renovated site is now operational, hosting its first event - the Country Championship Race Day - on 8 March 2026.

- Cessnock: $4 million invested for a grass track renovation and construction of new sand-based training track and $7.5 million for multiple stables and associated infrastructure to accommodate 160 horses.

The stables are under construction, with the tracks to follow shortly.

Once complete the upgrades will give Cessnock a premier dedicated pre-training facility offering significant cost efficiencies to trainers and free up racecourse stabling.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, “Country racecourses and clubs play a crucial role in developing our champions of tomorrow, and these upgrades will ensure the Hunter and Upper Hunter regions are competitive, grow jobs and offer world class facilities for both participants and the community.

“These projects also enable the creation of modern, inclusive workplaces, with an 80 percent expansion of female facilities at Muswellbrook accommodating the increasing number of women in racing.

“The redevelopments are about more than just improving race days and training facilities, they’re also about creating versatile venues that can host a wide range of community events and securing the long-term future of racing in regional NSW.”

These projects are funded through the Racing for the Regions program, with additional support from Racing NSW, to ensure rural and regional racecourses and associated infrastructure are up to date.

Works on East Seaham Road now complete

ROADWORKS on East Seaham Road are now complete, following investments from all levels of government.

The project included reconstructing the entire 3.1km unsealed section of East Seaham Road to become sealed and match road widths of previously constructed stages; upgraded drainage infrastructure to cater for large storm events and flooding; and installation of road safety barriers where required.

A total of $7,181,418 was invested in the project, including $842,000 of Australian Government Black Spot Funding, $2,832,000 from a NSW Government election commitment, and a Port Stephens Council contribution of $3,507,418.

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the project was a long time coming for locals.

“Locals have long campaigned for this road work to be completed and I hope that this upgraded section of road makes a huge difference to them getting about their business and their lives,” Ms Penfold said.

“The Black Spot Program targets locations with a history of crashes or a high risk of serious incidents, and this upgrade will help reduce that risk for everyone using the road.

“I thank Port Stephens Council and the team of engineers and contractors for their great work.”

Ms Penfold said regional communities deserve continued investment in infrastructure that keeps people safe and supports local connectivity.

“This is a strong outcome for East Seaham

and the surrounding community, and I will continue to advocate for practical investments that improve safety and strengthen our

Found materials turned into art

By Nico LOMBARDO

THE Port Stephens Community Arts Centre is currently featuring the work of artist Kate Wilkie.

Kate has contributed to countless exhibitions in the centre since 2007.

She is a Visual Arts and Design Technology teacher and was Technical Supervisor of the painting studio at Sydney College of the Arts for over eight years.

“I’m mainly a painter,” she said, “but because I teach industrial arts I wanted to get better with the machinery.”

“Then I just found more and more things to do.”

Kate’s section in the exhibition is all about upcycling materials and found objects to create stunning 3D artwork.

Many of the displayed pieces use a variety of timber: pine wood, silky oak, Illawarra flame trees and Huon pine, just

to cite some.

But in addition to these, there’s also objects made out of palm fronds, seed pods and even recycled cables.

These materials are shaped into bowls, baskets, clocks, ambient lights and other creative displays in ways that showcase their properties, texture and even their scent.

A particular highlight is the jewellery collection created using electroplated cicada wings in 22k gold, copper and nickel, as well as extremely rare echidna quills.

“You won’t see too many of these, you can’t just find them,” she said of the quills.

“Echidnas are native animals, so you also have to get permission to collect them.”

Kate’s creations, as well as the works of several different artists, are part of the exhibitions titled “In the Mist” and “Life Drawing”, which will run until 27 April.

need for grade-separated interchanges at Medowie Road and the Bucketts Way."

Community planting days

MORE than 1,500 trees, shrubs and ground covers will be planted across the Boat Harbour entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk this autumn.

This significant environmental project is enabled by a BUPA Landcare grant; one of only 28 projects funded by the program nationally.

The Friends of Tomaree National Park, a volunteer group, are delivering the project in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“We aim to rehabilitate degraded habitat at Boat Harbour along the north and south entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk,” said coordinator Sue Olsson.

“The Friends have been removing weeds along both walk entrances - from big

q Volunteers planting along the Tomaree Coastal Walk.

woody weeds like bitou, lantana and Brazilian pepper, to thickets of buffalo grass and the turkey rhubarb vine which both smother shrubs, ground covers and new seedlings.

“The family planting is at Boat Harbour’s southern entrance around the disturbed carpark on Kingsley Drive, where many people pull in to enjoy the views but currently look over a weedy shrubland.

“We’ll have loads of holes dug in readiness for some hardy plants.

“Together our planting will help stabilise soil, support a stronger, more resilient habitat, encourage wildlife and give onlookers and walkers a more beautiful, resilient coastal landscape to enjoy.

“In contrast, at the northern entrance, we aim to re-establish some littoral rainforest.

“Closer to the entrance from Ocean Parade a variety of woody shrubs and trees, as well as low growing lomandra and purple flax lily, will mark the walk’s edge.”

An initial community planting day took place on

Tuesday, with further events scheduled for Monday 27 April (public holiday), Saturday 9 May and 6 June. Bookings are essential. Reserve your spot and find more details at: www. ecops.au/planting2026.

Anzac exhibition returns to Nelson Bay

THE Tomaree Museum Association will present an Anzac Memorabilia Exhibition at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre at Nelson Bay from 11 April to 11 May.

The free exhibition showcases the part Port Stephens and Newcastle played in defending the area in World War Two (WWII). It features a fascinating collection of maps, compasses, uniforms, and other artefacts.

from the Tomaree Museum Association.

“Many new exhibits are on display in addition to those displayed in last year’s Anzac exhibition,” said Kevin McGuinness

This year Tomaree Museum Association will include new material on local veterans and pay tribute to two past members of the Anna Bay community who served in the Women’s Land Army - Pearl and Ruby Hyde. Their uniforms, photos and letters will be on display along with a photo of their father, Joseph Hyde, who served in World War One (WWI).

Other exhibition features include:

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

• memorabilia supplied by the family of Flight Lieutenant Donald Howard, a Catalina flying boat pilot and long-time resident of Port Stephens, who survived a crash in Papua New Guinea during the war and died aged 101.

q The exhibition features a fascinating collection of maps, compasses, uniforms, and other artefacts.

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

• history and artefacts from Lieutenant Mathieson, army transport driver and Citizens Military Force amphibious truck platoon commander, who served in the Middle East and the Pacific during WWII.

• banners telling the story of wartime training and defences in the Port Stephens area.

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

• a diorama of amphibious landing training in the bay with the U.S. Army.

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

• video interviews with servicemen who served on HMAS Manoora during WWII.

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.

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

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 0407 252 566

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

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

Fishing tips from a local legend

By Nico LOMBARDO

JOHN “Stinker” Clarke has lived in Port Stephens for more than 50 years and can hardly remember a time when he wasn’t fishing.

To him, it’s not just a hobby, but an entire way of life.

Equipped with a lifetime of knowledge and local expertise, Stinker shared all his best tips in a talk at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre on Monday 7 April.

“That’s the trick of fishing,” he enthusiastically explained to a captivated crowd.

“Catching them is easy.

"Finding them, that’s the tricky part.”

As it turns out, fish can be found almost anywhere.

For example, flathead can be caught on the Nelson Bay waterfront, mulloway are plentiful at Karuah Bridge, bream are at Tomaree, and snapper, Stinker’s specialty, can be found by taking a boat off Fingal Bay.

“Port Stephens is halfwater and half-land, so if you haven’t got a boat, you haven’t really experienced all it has to offer.”

Boat-fishing is also perfect for children, whose safety was a special focus of

the presentation.

Stinker recommended avoiding rocky areas and fishing from jetties inside harbours, or from beaches, especially Fingal Bay.

He said crabs are also easy and fun to catch - as simple as putting crab traps on rocky reefs.

Muddy areas also work well.

Stinker also talked about the way in which the hobby has changed over the years, especially the relationship between fishers and fish.

“In my day, you went to catch as many fish as you could, it didn't matter what you did with them. But fish have dignity like any other creature. Now, I’m very respectful of fish.”

XPT service to resume this month

THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades.

Sydney to Grafton train services - travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast - will resume from Tuesday, 28

April at 11.47am while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 5.15am service.

During the long-

term absence, the train restoration work included mechanical work to improve service reliability, new carpeting and refurbished seats, and maintenance to improve operation of the airconditioning and toilets.

The returning trains will also have a retro look.

As a nod to the popularity of the original livery, two power cars - called 'The City of Sydney' and 'The City of Grafton' - and six carriages will be painted

in the distinctive black, red, silver and warm white branding used by the State Rail Authority in the 1980s when the XPTs were first introduced into service.

The first return service of the Grafton XPT will run as a full set in this livery.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “We made a clear commitment to the people of Grafton and communities along the line that coaches would only replace the

q The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history.

Grafton train service for 12 months while we carried out these major upgrades.

“We have delivered on that promise.

“I want to thank the community for their patience over the past year.

“It has meant we have been able to fast track the $40.3 million, fiveyear program to refurbish our ageing XPTs – the workhorses of our current regional rail fleet.”

WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER

PORT STEPHENS SUPPORT GROUP

Keeping the choppers in the sky

THE Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is a community-owned and operated aeromedical, search and rescue service operating across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West regions of NSW.

Since 1975, thanks to the generosity and support from people right across Northern NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter has grown to become a vital 24-7 operation.

The service flies four

AW139 Westpac Rescue Helicopters from three bases at Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, providing emergency aeromedical services to 1.5 million people across Northern NSW.

Tasked by NSW Ambulance from Triple Zero (000) calls, crews draw upon extensive experience and training to respond to missions for those who are injured or requiring urgent specialist care.

Every life the service saves, and every person

they assist, provides a reminder of the critical role the helicopters and those operating them play in our region.

Community fundraising and strong partnerships have always been integral to ensuring the quality, reliability and sustainability of its operations continue.

Locally, the Port Stephens Westpac Helicopter Support Group works tirelessly to raise funds to ensure that the service stays in the air.

For more information on the Port Stephens Support Group call 0422 436 651 or email rjwilbow@bigpond. com.

PORT STEPHENS News Of The Area

q Crews draw upon extensive experience and training to respond to missions for those who are injured or requiring urgent specialist care.

Nominations open for volunteer awards

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

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

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

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

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma

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

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

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

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

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

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

our communities.

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

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

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

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

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

Statewide approach to community consultation

THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals.

A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition.

Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning matters.

The State Government said this has led to inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for

proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to engage with and navigate the planning system.

“Consulting the community is a central part of the NSW planning system and the introduction of a single Community Participation Plan will simplify this and standardise public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state,” the government said in a statement.

“The draft plan reframes NSW’s approach to community consultation by putting the primary focus on strategic planning and

major complex development applications instead of sweating the small stuff.

“It proposes longer timeframes for the community to have their say on strategic planning proposals that set out where development should occur and where infrastructure is needed; while reducing the number of low-impact development application types required to be exhibited by councils, speeding up assessment and decision making.”

Key changes include:

• Extending minimum consultation timeframes on significant statelevel strategic planning initiatives like the recent draft Sydney Plan and the State Plan from 45 days to

60 days.

• Standardising the process for notification of Complying Development across the state and giving neighbours seven days’ notice before any works begin.

• Making public exhibition requirements clear for different types of local development so that councils do not need to exhibit things like new single or two storey houses or sheds and pools that already meet planning controls.

• Councils will still be able to tailor their own community engagement strategies to suit local needs and feed into other council plans and policies.

Minister for Planning

and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “We are encouraging more people to have their say up front when looking at the future of their city, town or suburb by focusing consultation on strategic planning decisions while making the approach to consultation on planning matters clear and consistent across the state.

“We’re taking more than 100 inconsistent and sometimes contradictory plans and bringing them into one clear, consistent approach to give communities a strong voice in the planning system.”

The move has been strongly supported by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

“The statewide Community Participation

Plan will improve the planning system by introducing a consistent approach to consultation on planning matters across all of NSW, adding more certainty for communities and industry,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.

“HIA fully supports the move to put the primary focus of community consultation on strategic planning and major projects, rather than lowerimpact development types such as single dwellings, sheds and pools, already designed to meet planning controls.”

The draft Community Participation Plan and discussion paper are on exhibition until Wednesday 3 June 2026.

To have your say, visit https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/proposedstatewide-cpp

WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER

Step

Separate

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$1,300,000 to $1,400,000

Separate

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ELEVATED with stunning water views, this is a home you won’t miss as you drive past. Set in a commanding position with excellent street appeal, it captures sweeping outlooks over the water along with beautiful morning sun and cooling north-eastern breezes.

A huge tiled outdoor entertaining deck with soaring vaulted ceilings creates the perfect space to relax or host, all while taking in the view. Inside, the home continues to impress with new timber flooring and

skirting, light-filled open plan living, and expansive glass designed to maximise the outlook, complemented by stylish aluminium plantation shutters throughout.

The chef’s kitchen is both functional and wellappointed, featuring Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, an island breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, and plenty of cupboard space. Vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of space, while split system air conditioning, ceiling fans, and full insulation ensure year round comfort.

Accommodation is well laid out, with the master bedroom enjoying its own ensuite, walk-in robe and beautiful water views.

Bedrooms one and two both include built-in robes, with bedroom one also offering water glimpses and plantation shutters.

The fourth bedroom is a versatile space, currently used as a media room or home office, with sliding door access to the rear yard.

The home is immaculately presented throughout, with well-maintained bathrooms, a modern laundry flowing directly to the level backyard, and a double garage with drive-through access.

Located in the peaceful coastal village of North Arm Cove, surrounded by the stunning waterways of Port Stephens, this is a lifestyle centred around the water.

Spend your mornings kayaking through calm bays, casting a line before breakfast,

or heading out boating to explore the coastline at your doorstep.

Enjoy easy access across to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, where you’ll find cafés, shops, and the pristine sands of Jimmys Beach - perfect for swimming, or simply

unwinding by the water.

Everyday essentials are within easy reach, with Medowie just 15 minutes away, while Newcastle is approximately an hour’s drive, offering the best of both convenience and coastal escape.

If you want a home that offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle, and an entertaining area that will make it hard to keep your friends and family away… call Tilligerry Real Estate on 02 4039 9800 to arrange a viewing.

From the Mayor's desk

By Leah ANDERSON Port Stephens Council

PORT Stephens’ natural beauty attracts many visitors each summer.

While that seasonal boom is a welcome boost for local businesses, we must focus on attracting visitors and spending during the quieter months to sustain jobs and keep our towns thriving.

Events are among the most effective tools we have to reduce the impacts of seasonal visitation, support businesses, and drive visitor spend.

Our Event Sponsorship Program does exactly that. It brings people to Port Stephens outside the height of summer to showcase what we have to offer and promote our region to national and international audiences.

This month, we celebrate one of our much loved sponsored events, Sail Port Stephens.

We’ve proudly supported Sail Port Stephens since 2008 and this year remain a Major Sponsor as the regatta becomes the largest in its 18-year history.

Over three weeks, Sail Port Stephens will host three major regattas with thousands of sailors, spectators, and supporters in our waterways.

We’re expecting more than 300 yachts, each with about eight crew, making it the biggest regatta in Australia.

That scale brings direct benefits to our cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers, retailers and tour operators, and it also helps raise the profile of Port Stephens as a destination for boating, dining and relaxation.

For the first time, Sail Port Stephens will activate Nelson Bay throughout the full three-week period, creating a vibrant ‘regatta village’ at d’Albora Marina, featuring daily entertainment, markets and sailing presentations for the broader community to enjoy.

A highlight will be the Sail Port Stephens Street Party on Wednesday 15 April from 5-10pm, when Magnus and Stockton Streets come alive with food, live music, and late-night shopping.

Together, these events will bring over $3.5 million in economic value to Port Stephens, showing why ongoing investment in events and ongoing partnerships with businesses is vital to driving year round spending and supporting our local businesses and tourism.

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

Luke

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By Lynne MILES

Stargazing: Dreamtime astronomy

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

HAVE you ever wondered who the first astronomers were?

What an interesting question.

Astronomy is the oldest science, but it’s also the newest.

Everything we know about the night sky has been passed down through history, and we find the oldest continuous culture on Earth, the Australian Aboriginal people, were very likely the world’s first astronomers.

Quite an accolade!

Aboriginal Australians have been gazing at the night skies for thousands of years.

It seems they even pre-dated monuments like Stonehenge, estimated at 3100 BC.

Historians have been studying Dreaming stories and deciphering cave drawings to build a picture of the heavens as seen by these ancient cultures.

Tribes used the sky for navigation, timekeeping and to mark out the seasons.

They ordered their lives by the stars.

Most groups have stories that explain tides, eclipses and the rising and setting times of the Sun and

Moon.

In one story, Walu the Sun is a woman who lights her fire every morning and scatters red ochre across the clouds, creating dawn.

She then carries her torch across the sky, creating daylight.

At the end of the day, she descends, puts out her fire, and travels underground through the night back to her morning camp.

Cool, huh?

My favourite Dreaming story is about the Southern Cross, or Crux.

One Northern Territory Aboriginal group believed it was once a giant stingray, with the two pointer stars as sharks chasing it out of the sky.

You can’t beat these stories for sheer drama and imagination.

To groups near the border of Victoria, it represents the four unmarried daughters of a tribal elder named Mulululu.

Star patterns were vital.

For example, the “Emu in the Sky,” formed by dark dust lanes in the Milky Way, appears to run or sit at different times of the year.

Depending on its position, some groups knew when to hunt emus or collect their eggs. Neat, huh?

May these stories live forever!

The lure of the night sky has always been powerful. For Aboriginal Australians, it was a living map of law, survival and spirit.

Other civilisations, like those of Ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, also studied the stars, but often to predict floods, track gods or build calendars.

While many cultures charted

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

I HAVE been going really well with my eating and exercise plan, but over Easter it went out the window. I'm feeling very guilty and disillusioned.

Fiona W.

Dear Fiona,

This is completely relatable, and I'm sure many of our readers will be feeling post-Easter remorse.

In a 24-hour period, I somehow managed to eat Lindt chocolate eggs, Easter buns, Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies, Easter buns with lashings of butter, a baked dinner, and, just to top it off, a chocolate-hazelnut meringue dessert.

I could have declined the dessert, but at that stage of the proceedings, what was the point?

Now that we are back to a working week, I'm seriously regretting my life choices.

Then again, we can't be disciplined all the time. Sometimes we just have to break out.

The fact is, Fiona, there is nothing we can do about yesterday.

Decision were made.

They may have been the wrong ones.

To keep going blindly down the same path would be foolish.

The only thing we can deal with is the repercussions, in this case an expanded waistline and regret.

constellations, Aboriginal astronomy stands apart in seeing the sky not just as points of light, but as shapes in darkness and stories embedded in the land.

Today, despite satellites and telescopes, the night sky still draws us in.

Whether ancient or modern, we are united by the same sense of wonder - looking up and asking where we came from. So, what’s going to happen to all these stars?

Will our Universe keep

There are ways to shift both, so let's go through some options.

1. Drink lots of water. Water will fill you up, it's good for you, and it will help to move your sluggish metabolism and flush out all that sugar.

2. Go for a walk. Walk a dog, if you have one, or just walk on your own or with an equally guiltridden friend. Moving is a great way to improve your mindset and it may burn off a couple of those eggs too.

3. Have a healthy lunch full of salad ingredients. This will help reset your Easter binge in a positive way.

4. Remove temptations. If you still have some chocolate treats left over, give them to friends with young kids, neighbours or other family members. You won't be able to move on while there are still Easter eggs on every surface of your house.

5. Don't be hard on yourself. It is challenging in the post-sugarhigh stage to stay positive, but you have survived many overindulging experiences in your past, and you'll survive this one too.

Perhaps now is the time to plan for the future.

Next Easter you could set limits.

Have a three-egg rule, put in a 'no chocolate after 10am' clause, premake a healthy dinner so there is no temptation to just keep making poor choices.

If it makes you feel any better, I just put my Easter Sunday eating total into an app, and it told me I would need to walk for 11 hours to break even.

I guess with the price of fuel at the moment, it's an option worth considering.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

expanding forever, or will it eventually slow down and collapse into a “Big Crunch,” the opposite of the Big Bang?

Perhaps the Universe recycles itself over and over.

If so, the answer to “where did the Universe come from?” may simply be - another universe.

Hey, got a question about the night sky?

See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

Stinker’s History: The ‘Dawn’ - Part 1

Stinker's Stories

By John 'Stinker' CLARKE

IT was 1865 when a lone seaman on board a Norwegian sailing ship jumped off the deck onto the wharf in Stockton and ran from the authorities.

The illegal immigrant changed his name and became known as Captain Henry Thompson - so beginning the long line of Thompsons, a family who have made a major contribution to commercial fishing and the Nelson Bay community in general.

After marrying Sarah Knight in 1869, Henry moved to Stockton where he eventually owned a wine saloon.

Henry also ran the ferry from Stockton to Newcastle.

In those early days the “ferry” was a 16 foot skiff which was rowed across the Hunter River.

In January 1879 Henry married Mary Ann Diemar (nee Lilly), an English widow whose first husband Earnest, a jeweller, died on route to England on a voyage from the U.S.A.

Mary was left with four children when she arrived to live with her brother, the Reverend Sam Lilley at Swan Bay. Henry and Mary had one child, a son called Samuel, who was

eight-years-old when they came to Nelson Bay.

It is here that the story of the “Dawn” really begins.

The “Dawn” was built in the Top Harbour by Henry’s son Sam “Pop” Thompson and Sam’s son Archie.

The boat took shape adjacent to their oyster lease on the banks of Tilligerry Creek.

The 57-foot boat, driven by a three-cylinder Crosley diesel, was commandeered by the American Small Ships during the war years to sail the treacherous waters around New Guinea as a pilot’s boat.

Archie joined the Navy and remained the skipper of his own boat which was renamed the “Morwong”.

At the completion of the war Archie returned to Nelson Bay and changed the name back to the “Dawn”.

Shortly after her war service, in 1949, she sailed to Sydney to be fitted with a 671 GM Diesel.

It seems that everyone has a story relating to the “Dawn”.

Col Mitchell recalls: “Harry Hunter was lobstering up off Seal Rocks when a big blow came away forcing him into the bay to take shelter from the rising sea.

“As the wind picked up and the swell lifted it got too rough to stay there.

“Somehow Harry got ashore to the lighthouse keeper and got a phone message to Nelson Bay for someone to go up and tow him home.

“Archie Thompson, nicknamed

q Newcastle wharf 1957. The ‘Dawn’ tied up with John Plooy in the foreground and Ted Johansson mending their nets. Smoke can be seen coming from the old Stockton vehicular ferry. The fisherman with Ted is Bill Collett who built and worked the ‘Redfish’ and later the ‘Bodalla Star’.

‘Youngun’, with his brother Bernie, sailed out of Port Stephens into a howling wind and foul sea and headed straight for Seal Rocks on board ‘Dawn’ to pick up Harry.

“Everyone thought he was mad.

“On the way back ‘Youngun’ was sailing inside Broughton Island over ‘The Sisters’, a dangerous shallow breaking reef, when his engine failed forcing him to drop anchor.

“When he got it going again his starting batteries were flat as a flounder.

“‘Youngun’ had to winch Harry

Kayaker heads north

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

KAYAK fishing is becoming increasingly popular and in the current fuel crisis it all makes good sense.

I’m finding kayak fishers heading further to sea in the quest for snapper and kingfish.

It is surprising for me in “Stinkpot” when I’m out bobbing around in front of the Fingal lighthouse to hear someone say “G’day mate”.

So quiet are kayaks that you do not hear them coming.

Inside the harbour, kayakers work the shallow water for flathead

in Tilligerry Creek, North Arm Cove, Pindimar and the Karuah River tossing plastics or hard body lures behind the oyster racks on the top of the tide.

Outside the heads, in the open ocean, things are different.

Considering the swell and wind direction and strength kayakers launch off the beach at Fingal and Boat Harbour and paddle out to the close reefs or rocky outcrops.

Conditions are perfect for kayakers to launch in Kiddies Corner, in the southern corner of Fingal Beach, which is protected from most swells.

From Kiddies Corner, the

kayakers head for the south-western tip of Fingal Island just out of the Marine Park Sanctuary Zone or head to Battleship which is the first rocky outcrop south.

Drifting and tossing plastics has proven to be very successful particularly for snapper.

Some choose to toss unweighted baits of king prawn, cubed yellowtail or fillet of slimy mackerel.

Anchoring can create problems, particularly if the rock anchor jams in 40 feet of water and cannot be lifted.

The answer for those who prefer to anchor is to use a bag of sand instead of a rock pick.

What is the answer on e-bikes?

DEAR News Of The Area,

BORN at the start of the war and living throughout the war, life was pretty tough.

So like most countries, luxuries were few and far between.

As children our needs were simple.

Between the bombs and rationing we still managed to have fun.

As you may have guessed we are not young but we are definitely not spoil sports.

We love to see children and adults having fun but we would have to admit our ideas

up to close range and get a battery passed over to get it started - all this in a mountainous sea.

“It was unbelievable when ‘Youngun’ finally arrived back in Nelson Bay with Harry on behind.”

At the time, apart from Archie, there was one other man who knew the “Dawn” far better than others.

John Plooy arrived at the Little Beach Migrant Camp in 1952 as a 14-year-old from Den Helder in Holland.

John was from a fishing family in Holland so it wasn’t surprising that

when it came time to search for work he headed straight to the waterfront. A position became available in Newcastle with Norwegian fisherman Ted Johansson seining on board the “Ruby K M”.

Shortly after, Nelson Bay trawlerman Archie Thompson wanted a break from working the “Dawn”, he asked Ted and his deckhand John to work the boat for him - so beginning a 20 year association with the young fisherman and the boat.

q Salamander kayaker Al Cranney headed to Tuncurry to catch this 93cm cracker flathead. OPINION & LETTER

of fun are sadly a lot less physical than once was.

We came to Medowie almost nine years ago.

It was really peaceful at that time.

We love to walk, which we try to do regularly.

We usually now walk from Bella Roma heading towards the Bower.

Sadly now it is not so peaceful.

A recent short walk (approximately a half hour) was spoiled by 17 or 18 e-bikes/motorised scooters.

We were constantly looking over our shoulders.

The speed on some were frightening – no bells or horns.

Just us being quick enough to get out of the way to avoid serious injury, which can become catastrophic when you are older.

So, what is the answer?

Parents, please warn your children of possible injuries they may cause to older people by being stupid or even damaging themselves.

Who pays the legal cost if your son/daughter destroys someone's life.

Regards, Peter GODSALL, Medowie.

OUTLETS

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media@newsofthearea.com.au

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Fingal Bay Cafe

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond

Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

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MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

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Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

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Woolworths Medowie

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Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Forestry advocacy body warns of hidden cost pressures

FOREST and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) Chair Steve Dobbyns has warned that hidden cost pressures are overwhelming regional industries.

FWCA, an advocacy body representing forestry businesses and timber industry communities, says recent fuel relief measures are failing to deliver meaningful impact for regional industries, as underlying diesel costs continue to rise sharply across the supply chain.

While welcoming the Federal Government's decision to halve the fuel excise and scrap the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge (RUC) for three months, Mr Dobbyns said the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

“Despite promised savings of 58.7c at the bowser, diesel users are seeing prices surge to highs of $3.39/l in regional areas,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“Even with the removal of the RUC and halving the fuel excise, the Terminal Gate Prices are still almost a dollar more than before the US-Iran conflict began,” he said.

“Operators need to find that from somewhere and they need to find it now, not just claim it back at BAS (Business Activity Statement) time.

“By then, it will be too late for some."

FWCA said wholesale diesel prices, reflected in terminal gate pricing, have surged dramatically since the onset of the conflict, with some markets jumping from around $1.60/L to over $3.00/L in a matter of weeks.

“These are the real costs driving the system,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“Terminal gate prices set the baseline for everything that follows - freight rates, contractor pricing, machinery operation and ultimately the cost of getting timber, food and goods to market.”

FWCA says focusing solely on pump price relief ignores the broader cost environment facing diesel-reliant industries.

“We’ve said from the outset this isn’t just about what you pay at the bowser.

“It’s about the full cost stack.”

Across forestry, farming and freight, Mr Dobbyns said businesses are now absorbing rising freight and haulage costs as contractors factor in fuel volatility; increased machinery

operating expenses across harvesting and transport; higher parts, servicing and equipment costs linked to global supply pressures; and escalating contractor rates as fuel risk is priced into every job.

FWCA noted that even where tax relief is applied, these compounding pressures are quickly offset before any meaningful savings reach operators.

“There is a clear disconnect between policy announcements and what’s actually being experienced at the bowser in regional Australia,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“By the time relief filters through, it’s

already been absorbed by higher wholesale pricing and flow-on costs across the supply chain.”

For regional industries operating on tight margins, FWCA warns the situation is becoming unsustainable.

“Forestry, farming and freight don’t have the ability to simply absorb these increases.

“These are essential industries - and they’re being squeezed from every direction.”

FWCA is calling on the Federal Government to expand its response beyond temporary tax relief and address the full economic impact of the diesel crisis.

“We need a response that reflects how these industries actually operate - where fuel is embedded across every part of the supply chain, not just the pump price.”

q Diesel users are still experiencing price surges. Photo: supplied, FWCA.

Practical insights for producers

Livestock Australia saleyard throughput, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the Scone probe.

confidence.

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

latest data combines Meat and

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

Together, these show soil moisture declining from spring into summer, alongside increasing saleyard numbers and a relatively stable EYCI - indicating continued market

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

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

Hunter LLS Team Leader Agriculture Sarah Giblin said, “In the Upper Hunter, producers are responding early and making deliberate decisions based on seasonal signals.”

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

“These insights are about supporting better on-farm decisions - helping producers act earlier, reduce risk and maintain productivity,” Sarah said.

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

SUDOKU

Platinum Pennant heartbreak for Raymond Terrace Jets

By Chris KARAS

RAYMOND Terrace Jets are soaring high after record-breaking feats in the prestigious Bowls NSW Platinum Pennant championship series.

But their dreams of an undefeated maiden title have been shattered after a heartbreaking grand final loss to the Warilla Gorillas on home turf.

It was a case of third time lucky for the Gorillas after back-to-back grand final losses to Cabramatta and the Merrylands Magic.

The Platinum Pennants series brings together 12 teams in a “best of the best” format and features some of the world’s greatest lawn bowlers.

Boasting a formidable line-up, the Raymond Terrace team were crowned minor premiers after finishing the regular season undefeated with a record 10 victories.

Skippered by three decorated Australian champions in Lee Schraner, Jay Bye-Norris and club leader Matt Baus, and boasting six NSW representatives, the Raymond Terrace squad were title favourites.

Schraner, 44, is a dual World Singles Champion of Champions gold medallist and the only player in history to have won the Australian Champion of Champions gold medal four times.

Bye-Norris, a former national champion and threetime Victoria men's singles title winner, was recruited by

the Jets this season from the Deer Park Club in Melbourne.

The Australian representative has achieved success on the greens with both Victoria and the NSW Blues and recently captured the NSW Champion of Champion Singles title with a 25 shots to 13 victory over Corrimal’s Anthony Moran.

Other Jets squad members included the club’s highly regarded Chief Executive Officer Jason Stokes, Brendan Stokes, Tim Twining, Lachlan Freeman, Josh Bell, Peter Taylor and Shannon Gittoes.

They were joined in the series’ top five by the secondranked Warilla Gorillas, St Johns Park Saints, Cabramatta Bull Ants and Wenty Leagues Magpies.

In a blockbuster major

Moss stars for Grey Gropers

Sailing action returns

THE 2026 Sail Port Stephens Commodores Cup Passage Series got underway on Monday, marking the 19th

By Chris KARAS

FEARLESS forward warrior

Brett Moss stole the show when the Nelson Bay Grey Gropers hosted their 41st annual Golden Oldies Rugby Gala Day recently at Bill Strong Oval.

The 55-year-old tackling machine demonstrated his amazing durability, power and skill, to spearhead a vintage Grey Gropers lineup that was full of running on the

year of one of Australia’s premier offshore sailing events.

A record-breaking fleet of around 124 starters hit the

Full-strength footy

HUNTER football fans are again able to enjoy a fullstrength beer as they watch NRL and A-League action unfold.

For many years, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while in contrast fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.

Calling out how unfair this was, Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby launched a campaign to

change the rules.

As a follow-up, the NSW Government undertook a six-month trial into the service of full-strength beer during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.

Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle are now able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said,

semi-final at the Hangar, the Jets advanced to the championship decider after sinking the Gorillas by 65 shots to 51 in front of a vocal

day.

There was no stopping the rampaging number eight as he tackled himself to a standstill and inspired the Nelson Bay rugby veterans with his bone-jarring hits and diesel-powered charges into the rucks.

Keen judges at the ground had no hesitation in voting the evergreen Moss as Player of the Old Boys Tournament after witnessing his stand-out form throughout the event.

Just as impressive with barnstorming performances of the highest calibre, was

line immediately off Nelson Bay’s breakwall, making this year’s edition even bigger than a Sydney to Hobart race start.

The Commodores Cup Passage Series action will continue until Saturday, 18 April.

Leading lights in Division 1 include Marcus Blackmore’s RP52 Ammonite 52, the Kerr 40 Mk3 Condor, Shaw 11m Little Nico and two Farr 400s – Bullwinkle and Vento.

Onshore celebrations kicked off on Monday, with an official Welcome Party at d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay.

The sailing excitement began on Sunday, with the running of the Newcastle to Port Stephens Race, a key feeder event into the regatta.

Crews were treated to exhilarating strong reaching

“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said, “Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.

“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”

home crowd.

In a cruel twist, the Gorillas backed up the next day to sink the Cabramatta Bullants 56-47 in the

40-year-old Grey Groper Ryan Guntrip.

The super fit forward proved a cornerstone of the Grey Gropers attack with his powerful surges upfield and robust defence - much to the delight of loyal Nelson Bay rugby diehards at the ground.

Other teams that competed at the Over 35s Golden Oldies Gala Day were the Central Coast Seagulls, Avoca White Pointers, Raymond Terrace Uglies, Lake Macquarie Roos and the Terrigal Turtles All Abilities side.

preliminary final before gaining sweet revenge over the Jets in the championship grand final.

Legendary Grey Gropers club president Ray Milton told News Of The Area that “rugby was the winner on the day” with many of the Old Boys “turning back the clock” and enjoying the catch-up with a hard fought game and refreshment or two in social surrounds.

The Golden Oldies circuit continues this Sunday 19 April when the Lake Macquarie Roos host a Gala Day at Walters Park at Speers Point.

the fleet.

Taking line honours, and securing both PHS and ORC handicap victory, was the Thompson 920 Road Runner (LMYC), which powered to

Neptunes touch football talent honoured

By Chris KARAS

ALL Australian schoolboy middle Zeke Hay was one of several elite touch football prospects recognised at the recent Nelson Bay Neptunes Junior Representative Awards night.

The Year 10 Tomaree High student, who gained selection in last year’s All Australian Under 15s Merit Team after helping the all conquering NSW Combined High Schools outfit win a national title, received the Players’ Player Award for his stand-out performances with the Neptunes Under 16 Boys squad at this year’s Junior State Cup (JSC) Northern Conference championships in Dubbo.

Zeke’s talented Under 16 teammates Charlie Simonds, Ashton Holliday and Jack Costello also collected awards after strong representative campaigns.

Simonds received the Peter Wilson Memorial Cup (PWMC) Players’ Player Award and Holliday the Coaches Award, with the sharp running Costello earning the JSC Coaches medal for his top displays at the Junior State Cup.

Nelson Bay’s rising junior talent were honoured for their sterling efforts at this year’s annual Peter Wilson Memorial Cup and Junior State Cup tournaments during the presentation event, staged at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

Nine-year-old Nixon Read collected both the JSC Players’ Player and Coaches Awards after stand-out displays for the Neptunes Under 10 Boys squad.

Cooper Kovalevsky took out the PWMC Players’ Player Award and Nate Lui the PWMC Coaches trophy.

Four promising juniors - Evie Preston, Joy Schneider, Vally Jenkins and Ari Daniels - picked up awards in the Under 10 Girls rep team.

Evie and Joy received the PWMC and JSC Players’ Player awards respectively, while Vally and Ari were presented with the Coaches Awards.

Exciting prospects Jake Maybury (Under 12 Boys) and Ryan Poole (Under 14 Boys) received the Don Green Coaches Award for their respective age groups.

Nelson Bay Touch Football co-ordinator Nicole Mitchell

saluted the efforts of all Neptunes representatives, as well as the young coaches and managers, on a successful 2025-26 campaign.

“We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of young, passionate individuals who generously give up their time, share their knowledge and give back to our touch football community,” she told News Of The Area.

“Their commitment and enthusiasm is truly impressive and makes such a difference for our players and teams.”

Other award recipients included:

UNDER 12 Girls: PWMC Players Player, Luna Kniepp; PWMC Coaches Award, Isla Trayling; JSC Players Player, Faith Earl and JSC Coaches Award, Zoe Peters.

UNDER 12 Boys: Don Green Coaches Award, Jake Maybury; PWMC Players Player, Tal Rolston; PWMC Coaches Award, Kylen Crossing; JSC Players Player, Hunter McCallum and JSC Coaches Award, Josh Murphy.

UNDER 14 Girls: PWMC Players Player, Mia Gambrill; PWMC Coaches Award, Bonnie Sproule; JSC

Local pickleball stars make NSW debut

Championships.

Silver medals at Big Chill for pickleball ace

By Chris KARAS

IF determination and natural skill count for anything, the future looks bright for Nelson Bay pickleball stylist Louise Davis.

The gifted stroke player was in a medal-winning mood at the recent Big Chill Pickleball Tournament in Canberra where she collected silver in two categories.

Davis was one of three Port Stephens Pickleball Club trump cards to compete at the annual event in the ACT, along with decorated stalwarts John Grace and Tony

Mayers.

A dedicated Davis teamed up with club president Grace to reach the Over 60s Mixed Doubles final with a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 3.5 to 3.99.

It was the first time Louise had competed at this level with the pair finishing runners-up to gold medallists Kim Bullock (Ourimbah) and Peter Lee (Palm Beach) 11-8 11-4.

Along the way Louise and John chalked up wins over Stuart Campbell and Andy Butson (11-9), Mandy Hanratty and Peter Muffet (12-10), Georgie Rowley and Erich Daniel (11-8), Bruce Morgan and

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Pickleball Club will unveil five new debutants at this weekend’s NSW Championships at Blacktown Leisure Centre in Stanhope Gardens.

Fingal Bay’s Nicole Goggin and Lachlan Gardiner are primed for their maiden state championship along with Corlette duo Emily Wilson and Joel Ingram.

All four will compete in the Over 19 years division in the tournament,

Donna Puglisi (11-8) and Katalina May and Peter Knaus (15-5).

The durable Davis also combined with Canberra exponent Tracey Durr to pick up a silver medal in the Women's Over 50s Doubles with a DUPR of 3.0 to 3.49.

Queanbeyan’s Jenelle Hocking and Ann Dorling (Farrer) claimed the gold medal in a marathon 11-7 6-11 11-8 victory.

Ironically, Louise and Tracey had earlier posted an impressive 11-3 win over their Canberra rivals during the preliminary rounds but couldn’t repeat the feat in the title decider.

The chemistry was right with the talented Davis and Durr demonstrating their court craft with other stirring triumphs over Kate Costello and Kim Bryen (11-6),

q Outstanding Nelson Bay Neptunes Under 16 Boys prospects Ashton Holliday, Charlie

and

Players Player, Fern Cullimore and JSC Coaches Award, Abi Olatunde.

UNDER 14 Boys: Don Green Coaches Award, Ryan Poole; PWMC Players Player, Jed Hay; PWMC Coaches Award, Danny Doherty; JSC Players Player, Oscar Green and JSC Coaches Award, Anthony West.

UNDER 16 Girls: PWMC Players

which runs from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April.

They will be joined by legendary sports administrator Bruce Scott, who will make his debut in the Over 70 years division.

Scott is the long serving president of Tomaree Sports Council and a talented pickleball player in his own right.

For hard working Nicole, who happens to be the Port Stephens club’s 200th member, the state championship shapes as a huge challenge.

Port Stephens Pickleball Club president John Grace told News Of

Sharon Read and Heather Brandt (11-3), Trilby Rippon and Stacey Rippon (11-2), Kay Falck and Jacqueline Cleary (11-9) and Simone Pensko and Joanne Biscaya (15-5).

For the accomplished men's

UNDER 18 Girls: PWMC Players Player, Lexi Manning; PWMC Coaches Award, Layla Gambrel; JSC Players Player, Amelia Nicholas and JSC Coaches Award, Heidi Gibson.

The Area that a strong contingent of 20 players will represent the region at the NSW titles.

“All our players have been honing their skills at local tournaments and during training sessions and are keen to test their skills at an elite level,” he said.

The NSW Pickleball Championships is the largest pickleball event in NSW with over 900 players registered to compete. It is a Tier 3 sanctioned tournament where players of all age and skill levels can gain Australian ranking points.

pairing of Mayers and Grace, the Big Chill tournament proved a creditable showing with a top seven finish in the Over 60 yrs Mens Doubles event for DUPR of 3.5 to 3.99.

Northern Hawks win Magic Round thriller over Seagulls in Denton Cup pipe opener

FROM Page 24

The former international took over the Hawks’ top grade coaching reins this season and instilled his own rugby league values of “working hard as a team with a never-say-die attitude.”

Leading the way in the opening round triumph were powerhouse prop Ofahiki Ogden, half back Noah Ryan, elusive fullback Fletcher Myers and industrious co-captains

Timanu Alexander and Luke Higgins. Ogden, who has NRL experience with both the Canterbury and Parramatta clubs, provided plenty of go-forward in an absorbing tussle.

The Seagulls jumped to a 6-0 lead following a converted try by centre Dylan Dukes after 22 minutes.

Northern hit back seven minutes later when back rower Ben Roose offloaded to Ogden who crashed over for the Hawks’ opening try, with Myers adding the extras.

Lakes United established a 10-6 lead at the interval after winger Mason Forbes crossed for his team’s second try and moved further ahead when centre Trent Petersen potted a penalty goal.

A determined try by five-eighth Liam Walsh off a Kiah Cooper bust levelled the scores at 12-all before Seagulls hooker Nash Birch swooped to nab a four pointer and regain the lead.

Hawks winger Max Fines proved

the local hero - scampering over for the match winning try with five minutes left on the clock.

Northern Hawks’ Head of Football Garth Brennan praised his players post-match on a superb team effort.

“The club is investing in homegrown Port Stephens talent and already reaping the dividends,” the former Gold Coast NRL mentor told News Of The Area.

“There is definitely a local flavour among our first grade squad which is a huge boost for the community.

“Eleven of our top 17 are Port Stephens junior products while another three have lived in the region for a long time with the others having NRL or either NSW Cup and Queensland Cup experience.”

Northern Hawks host the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs this Saturday in Denton Cup action at Tomaree Sports Complex with kick off at 7pm. Early birds can watch the Under 19s fixture at 4.15pm followed by the reserve grade clash from 5.30pm.

2 70% of those diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will have a recurrence within 3 years

3 Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague making the disease difficult to detect

4 There is no accurate and reliable early detection test - a pap smear or cervical screening test does not detect ovarian cancer.

5

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BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

BLUE MURDER MOTEL

ABC TV, 7.30pm

When a summer storm slams into Mowai Bay in this charming murder mystery’s penultimate chapter, the Blue Motel finds itself at capacity with stranded tourists. The roads are closed, the power is out and Vinny (Michala Banas) and Cole’s (Brett Tucker, pictured) conference room has become a makeshift community shelter. So, when the local radio DJ starts broadcasting “dead air”, it’s almost certain the killer is right under their noses. However, Jamie (Jayden Daniels) is beginning to doubt the retired cop couple’s credentials.

FRIDAY, April 17

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Mv) A father is shot in front of his daughter.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.

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

10.20 ABC Late News.

10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Ml, R)

11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)

12.05 Love Me. (Ml, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.

SUNDAY

THE FLOOR

NBN, 7pm

No one quite knew what to expect when this competitive trivia showdown premiered last year, but with an average 1.3 million viewers tuning in to yell answers at the screen each night, it’s safe to say Floor is on solid ground. Now, host Rodger Corser (pictured) returns with a cast of 81 clever contestants who step into the arena ready for anything: among them are Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, Survivor alum Gerald Youles and Travel Guides Kevin Moloney. A new feature – the Freeze –will be heating things up later in the season, but Sunday’s premiere raises the stakes with a bonus $20,000 prize on offer for whoever holds the most territory by episode’s end.

THURSDAY THE CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN

Viewers could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu when tuning into this new TV talk show: a handful of famous folk with projects to promote sit on a giant lounge and share personal anecdotes in front of a studio audience. Yes, it’s basically The Graham Norton Show –except this edition is hosted by The ’ Claudia Winkleman (pictured), and rather than the Irishman’s iconic red couch, hers is green velvet. After filling in for Norton last year, the whip-smart Winkleman has been entrusted with her own BBC chatfest. In this second episode, Claudia welcomes comedian Joanne McNally, actor Guz Khan, stage star Rachel Zegler and singer-songwriter Niall Horan for some cheeky conversation.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 A New ANZAC.

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

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 The King. (MA15+d)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Nordland 99. (Mal, R)

2.55 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 6. Sydney v GWS Giants.

10.30 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml, R) The Giants face arch-rivals the Sydney Swans.

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

12.00 MOVIE: Patsy And Loretta. (2019, Masv, R) Charts the friendship between two music stars. Megan Hilty.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Dolphins v Penrith Panthers.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Dog. (2022, Mdlv, R) A US Army Ranger travels with a military dog. Channing Tatum.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 The Nanny. 9.30 The Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, M) 9.40 MOVIE: Rambo: Last Blood. (2019, MA15+)

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) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter.

8.40 Building The

6.00

SATURDAY, April 18

death. 9.40 Frauds. (Ml, R) Bert and Sam struggle to keep their secrets hidden. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+dhlnsv) Looks at a guest programmer episode from the vault. 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.20 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.20 Jersey And Guernsey. (R) 10.15 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.50 Matched. (PG, R)

2.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.45 Undermining Nazis: Paris’ Secret Tunnels. (PGav, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am

SUNDAY, April 19

6.30 Compass. (PGv)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (Final, PG)

8.25 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml) Debbie weighs up confessing. 8.55 Frauds. (Final, Mal) The day of the heist arrives.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R)

10.30 Top End Bub. (PGd, R)

10.55 MOVIE: Two Hands. (1999, MA15+lv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 4.30 Children’s Programs. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 10.00 Secrets Of The Zoo.

3.30 Figure Skating. ISU Synchronised C’ships. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Surviving WW2. (Premiere, PGaw) 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets Yoko Nakazawa.

8.00 MOVIE: The Greatest Showman. (2017, PGa, R) Follows the life of PT Barnum. Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams.

10.00 MOVIE: M3GAN. (2022, Malv, R)

A lifelike prototype doll turns deadly. Allison Williams.

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. ITM Christchurch Super 440. Day 1. Highlights. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGl)

8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde. (2003, PGl, R) Reese Witherspoon. 10.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, Mls, R)

12.30 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Sisters want to extend their family. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGa) A couple decide whether to stay in their Karrinyup home. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Matlock. (PGa, R) Matty juggles a court case and her 50th

Discovering Film. 6.25 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 8.00 Somewhere In Time. (1980) 10.00 Marie Antoinette. (2006) 12.20pm Enigma. (2001, M) 2.30 The Lady And The Highwayman. (1989, PG) 4.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.00 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 8.35 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. (2019) 11.05 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Rise And Fall Of The Maya. (M)

9.20 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (MA15+v, R)

10.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)

11.05 Putin And The West. (Mav, R)

2.30 Matched. (PG, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 7.50 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 10.30 The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society. (2018) 12.50pm Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 2.50 Somewhere In Time. (1980, PG) 4.55 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 7.00 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 8.30 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 10.25 Master Gardener. (2022, M) 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (Return, PGals) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return) 9.00 Abused By Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal. (Mav, R)

10.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mal, R)

11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. ITM Christchurch Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (Return, PGl)

8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Prescription For Murder. (Mav) Looks at the case of Dr Brian Crickitt. 10.20 9News Late. 10.50 The First 48. (Mav, R)

A Killer Makes A Call. (Ma, R) 12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

(34) 7MATE (64)

7MATE (64)

MONDAY, April 20

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 1.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00

Cafes & Milk Bars.

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Malv)

11.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Mountain Vets. (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Premiere, Mals)

8.40 9-1-1. (Masv) Maddie and Buck are blindsided by unexpected news. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.10 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGa, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

6am Discovering

Film. 6.25 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.30 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 10.00 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 11.50 Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.25pm Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.15 Limelight. (1952, PG) 6.40 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 8.30 Tigerland. (2000, MA15+) 10.25 The Fox. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.40am Rheingold. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 3.10 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 21

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 2.00 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.15 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 Exit. (MA15+ansv)

12.00 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

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

(32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Limelight. Continued. (1952, PG) 8.20 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 10.10 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Master Gardener. (2022, M) 2.15 Discovering Film. 3.10 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 5.05 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 6.35 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 8.30 A Woman In Berlin. (2008, Russian) 11.00 Rosenthal. (2025, M, Yiddish) 12.50am Late Programs.

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

7.30 My Reno Rules. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

9.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.

10.15 The Agenda Setters.

11.15 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R) 12.15 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGas, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.

A Current Affair.

The

Hawks soar high

Hawks soar high

By Chris KARAS

NORTHERN Hawks’ remodelled first grade men's team have opened their 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup campaign on a winning note.

Steve Simpson’s revamped line-up is primed for a successful season if the club’s wholehearted 18-16 victory over Lakes United last Saturday at Maitland Sports Ground is any guide.

The rejuvenated Hawks showed bucketloads of spirit, tenacity and courage, to sink the experienced Seagulls in a gripping Magic Round contest.

A highlight of the victory was the team’s desire to compete for the entire 80 minutes, which impressed club mentor Simpson - a Newcastle Knights’ forward legend and Hall of Fame inductee.

CONTINUED Page 17