Women in agriculture explore Seaham community garden
By Nico LOMBARDO
REDGATE Farm Seaham operates on a guiding premise: good food should be for everyone.
That ethos is leading its stewards to explore the idea of creating an acre of free, welcoming space for the wider community and especially for those in need.
First posted on the farm’s Facebook page, the proposal has received an overwhelmingly positive response.
“I want Redgate Farm to feel like it belongs to the wider community,” said the farm’s director, Camille Scott.
“I genuinely believe that if you
are in a position to help people, you should.”
A registered nurse, wildlife and foster carer that has worked in many challenging environments, Ms Scott unexpectedly found herself running her father’s farm, and is determined to use her own experiences to shape the business’s future.
“Becoming a farmer and running a seventh-generation property and abattoir before the age of 30 was never something I expected would happen so soon,” she said.
“I thought I would have much longer to learn from Dad before stepping into this role myself.
“Rather than walk away from it, I’ve tried to make the most of it and build something meaningful from it.”
for compromise
PORT Stephens Council has defended proposed changes to the Salamander Bay Town Centre,
insisting strong environmental protections remain in place, while community groups argue the plans
threaten one of the area's most
q Camille Scott suddenly found herself running the farm, alongside her sisters Alexis and Bridie, and she’s determined to give back to the community. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham.
Battle over Mambo-Wanda buffer zone intensifies
environmental
In a statement released recently, Council said proposals affecting land at 155 Salamander Way and 10 Central Avenue had been significantly revised following recommendations from the Joint Regional Planning Panel's assessment of the original 2009 application.
Council said the current proposal for 155 Salamander Way had substantially reduced its development footprint and would not impact high environmental value land, endangered ecological communities or preferred koala habitat.
"Council is aware that some of the current proposals
are in the last remaining buffer zone and will continue to explore these sensitivities as the proposals progress," the statement said.
Council also highlighted extensive consultation undertaken over the past 12 months with businesses, residents and community groups, including
q The cover image of the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan remains on Council's website. Community groups say the key area affected by Council's proposal is the strip of bushland visible behind the shopping centre on the left of the image - the land adjoining the Worimi Drive Estate that is now being offered for Expressions of Interest.
Public Notices
APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED BETWEEN 31/05/2026 AND 07/06/2026
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.
ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL SHOAL BAY
77
7
1
6
6 Essendene Rd 16-2026-330-1 Construction of semidetached dwellings and 1 into 2 Torrens Title subdivision
8 Verona Rd 16-2026-314-1 Swimming pool, spa pool and associated safety barrier SOLDIERS POINT
35 Ash St 16-2026-325-1 Dual occupancy (1 existing) and 1 into 2 lot Torrens Title subdivision TOMAGO
47 School Dr 16-2026-305-1 Demolition 308 Tomago Rd 16-2026-306-1 Demolition 372 Tomago Rd 16-2026-307-1 Demolition
ROAD CLOSURE
NAIDOC WEEK EVENT THU 25 JUN
Port Stephens Council advises that William Street, Raymond Terrace, between Hunter Street and Irrawang Street, will be closed to traffic for the NAIDOC community procession, between 10am and 11am on Thursday 25 June 2026.
Further enquiries may be made by contacting the NAIDOC event organiser on 0418 864 880 or Council’s Events Team on 4988 0255.
Find a green waste drop off day at portstephens.nsw.gov.au/waste
EcoNetwork Port Stephens and the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group.
However, environmental advocates dispute Council's characterisation of the consultation process.
An EcoNetwork spokesperson said consultation had been inadequate and had left many residents confused about the intent of the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan.
"Consultation involves a two-way process where you listen to the community and find compromise.
We can see no compromise to date," the spokesperson said.
EcoNetwork claims community engagement materials focused heavily on shopping centre upgrades, recreational spaces and lowrise housing, while proposed development within the wetlands buffer zone received less attention.
The group argues that more than 70 per cent of the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands buffer has already been developed and that further encroachment would reduce the remaining buffer to around 10 per cent.
"The flood-prone buffer is important for many
environmental attributes, from a linking koala corridor to protecting the internal wetlands from human impact by slowing runoff, trapping sediments and removing contaminants," the spokesperson said.
“At a time when the impacts of climate change are becoming all too apparent, it would be prudent for all land managers to ensure increased buffer zone protection of valuable environmental assets - not less,” the spokesperson said.
The Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group has also questioned the transparency of the consultation process, claiming community submissions opposing the proposal were not publicly released.
The group maintains alternative housing solutions exist that would provide additional dwellings without impacting the wetlands buffer.
Development applications for the sites have not yet been lodged.
Council says the community will have further opportunities to review technical studies and provide feedback once formal applications are submitted.
NAIDOC Week Street March and Fun Day
Thursday 25 June, 10am to 2pm at Raymond Terrace
Starting outside the Raymond Terrace Police Station, the community march will head to Riverside Park for a free family-friendly event featuring a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, BBQ, music, dance, activities and stalls. Learn more at pscouncil.info/NAIDOC-fun-day Sign up to our DA e-newsletter visit pscouncil.info/development-applications
How a female-owned farm aims to support those in need
FROM Page 1
As a single mum, Ms Scott has learned first-hand just how crucial community gardens are for connection, wellbeing, and most importantly food security.
“Good food should be for everyone, not just one sector of society or people who can afford premium products,” she said.
Redgate Farm Seaham has begun connecting with charities, women’s refuges and organisations, providing meals and support, with the eventual goal of being able to organise free community lunches, cooking classes and educational experiences.
Ms Scott runs the farm
alongside her sisters, Bridie and Alexis. She’s a believer in the importance of showcasing female perspectives in an industry that has been traditionally male dominated.
“Women in agriculture are incredibly important, and I think there are many women quietly carrying enormous workloads across farms and rural communities that often go unseen,” Ms Scott said.
Ms Scott acknowledges that the creation of a free community garden is a hefty goal.
Redgate Farm believes it will get there, one step at a time, and is eager to hear from community members and organisations that share the same vision.
Humpback highway now open
WHALE watching season is officially under way in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback whales of the annual migration.
Each year, an estimated 40,000 humpback whales travel along Australia's east coast from the icy
waters of Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds of Queensland.
Their journey along the renowned "Humpback Highway" brings them close to the Port Stephens coastline, making the region one of Australia's premier whale watching destinations.
Early sightings have already signalled a promising
start to the season. Local tourism operators report plenty of whale activity, with good numbers already passing the coast as the migration gets underway.
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
General Manager James McArthur said the annual migration remains one of the region's biggest natural attractions.
"Every season we welcome visitors from across Australia and around the world who come to Port Stephens specifically to see the humpback whale migration," Mr McArthur said.
"Even though the season has just begun, we are already seeing good numbers of whales passing through. It has been an awesome start to the
season with plenty of activity from the migration."
For those hoping to watch from land, popular viewing locations include Tomaree Head Summit, Boat Harbour, Birubi Point and Barry Park at Fingal Bay. With a little patience, visitors may be treated to the spectacular sight of whales breaching, tail slapping or sending a plume of spray into the air.
The annual migration is not only a spectacular wildlife
event but also provides a welcome boost to the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors who support accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and tourism businesses throughout the cooler months.
The whale watching season runs through until November, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to witness one of nature's most remarkable journeys along the Port Stephens coastline.
q One acre of land on the farm might be turned into a free, inclusive community space. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham.
q The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree.
q NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) photo.
Coastal Management Program reaches major milestone
Council’s program to safeguard the coastline gets certification from the State Minister for the Environment
A PLAN to protect and improve the coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach has been certified by the State Minister for the Environment, marking a significant milestone for Port Stephens Council.
Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy to address coastal hazards, safeguard community assets, and increase resilience to climate change.
The CMP covers the open coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach, the outer port east of Soldiers Point, and the inner port west of Soldiers Point.
It identifies coastal issues in these areas and sets out a timeline to implement required actions.
“This certified program outlines 67 management actions, with Council directly delivering 61 projects to reduce erosion, replenish sand, protect biodiversity, maintain public access, and enhance water
quality,” a Council spokesperson said.
q The CMP will result in a combined effort from Council and external organisations.
“Management actions mitigate the effects of coastal erosion during normal conditions and severe weather to protect our community assets such as public boat ramps, coastal roads, and foreshore pathways.”
Sandbagging and native planting operations are ongoing in many beaches, such as Shoal Bay and Corlette Beach, to trap sand and form natural resilient barriers against heavy rain and strong winds.
Stormwater outlet systems are being upgraded, and previously installed litter traps are helping to incept street pollution
before it can empty in the swimming areas.
Sand is also being transported into Shoal Bay to rebuild eroded areas along the foreshore and keep the beach accessible.
The Coastal Management Program is projected to cost $10 million over its 10year implementation.
Part of it has been funded, but more is required, and to that end Council intends to pursue opportunistic NSW Government Grants to complete it.
“The Port Stephens coastline is central to our lifestyle and economy, supporting tourism, recreation, biodiversity, and vital marine habitats,” the Council spokesperson said.
“The support at our public school is remarkable. It is mo than a school, it is a community that lift children up.”
Rebecca, mother of Year 1 and Year 3 students at a Port Stephens public school Find out how Port Stephens public schools are inspiring
Pictured, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Mike Shaw from the Shoal Bay West Landcare Group. Photo: Port Stephens Council
Heartfelt performance in makeshift church
By Nico LOMBARDO
WHAT is it like growing up in a deeply religious household?
And what can drive someone to step away from the church after 18 years of Christian faith?
Simon Vaughan shared the answers to these questions (and more) in an engaging hour-long, one-person performance titled ‘And Also With You’ in Soldiers Point Hall earlier this year.
Spectators came from as far as Newcastle to listen to Simon share his story of growing up as a religious teenager finding his place in the world, tackling topics like his isolation from non-religious peers, youth camp experiences, his eventual disillusionment with Christian tenets, and even his dating misadventures.
Soldiers Point Hall was turned into a makeshift church for the performance, complete with authentic church booklets from 2001, singing of hymns, haphazard audience participation, and even communion.
It was described as almost like a real service, moving between the heartfelt and the tongue-in-cheek.
While Simon’s personal experience was certainly not typical, his humour and
q During Simon’s performances, the venue is turned into a makeshift church.
Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan
self-awareness managed to connect the audience members regardless of their beliefs or background.
The church atmosphere proved to be extremely effective for many members of the audience, who were sent back to simpler, nostalgic, or sometimes uncomfortable times.
“For some people it feels familiar, for others it’s like, ‘Oh God, get me out of here’,” Simon said.
“It’s really like time travel. I see people actually shrink when they’re saying the words, because it’s just like they became a
teenager again.”
‘And Also With You’ was presented in collaboration with Port Stephens Council, which stated its increased interest in utilising Soldiers Point Hall to host more artistic and performance events in the future.
Council has invited community members to share how they would like the venue to be utilised in the future, and what kind of performances and art projects could be held there.
q Spiky hair and tattoos are not the usual look for a religious teenager, but Simon Vaughan made it work.
treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.
It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.
NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP
Our services are subject to available resources.
Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community
NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP
• Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Donctor’s appointments.
This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues due to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.
Is a volunteer group providing the following services to our local community
• It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.
• Our services are subject to available resources. This service is provided free of charge to patients and continues to the generosity of our volunteer drivers, financial grants and donations received from the local community.
Volunteer drivers who transport patients to the Newcastle Metropolitan area for cancer treatment and related Doctors’ appointments.
It is an ancillary service for when cancer patients cannot access any other reliable form of personal transport for treatments and appointments.
Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan
Club celebrates member's OAM
By David WILSON
NELSON Bay Croquet Club is celebrating the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia to Life Member Margaret-Rose Thompson OAM in the King's Birthday Honours 2026.
Margaret-Rose was instrumental in establishing the Club in 1996 and was one of the 17 founding members. She was also one of the agitators who persuaded Port Stephens Council to provide a facility at Tomaree Sports Complex for the sole use of the Club
in May 2008. She served as President of the Club in 2000/01.
Her contribution to establishing the Club was recognised by the naming one of the Club’s then two lawns after her and her beloved late husband Tommy and her being
made a Life Member of the Club in 2008.
She continues to play today and has coached, played and refereed all three forms of croquet: Association, Ricochet and Golf. Her coaching certification for all three forms was re-accredited in 2021 and she continues to be involved in conducting referee examinations for both Golf Croquet and Ricochet Croquet.
She has refereed at international, national, state and club level, including the inaugural Women’s World Championships held at Cairnlea (Melbourne), the Australian Singles Championships and the Interstate Shield on many occasions, and the Croquet NSW State Singles and Doubles Championships as well as district and club events within the Hunter Region.
The game of Ricochet Croquet was devised in 1984 by an Australian, John Riches of Adelaide. For many years, Margaret-Rose was the main proponent of Ricochet Croquet in NSW, running coaching sessions and referee courses throughout the State.
Despite her husband Tommy’s failing health, she continued this work until recently, travelling anywhere to give coaching sessions and referee examinations (always with Tommy in the passenger seat – she did all the driving) – she would never say no.
the music you grew up with”
q Club founders circa 1996 (left to right): Tommy and Margaret-Rose Thompson and Ann & Eric Bone.
q Margaret-Rose Thompson.
Many beneficiaries after efforts of the Motorfest event
By Thomas O’KEEFE
MEMBERS of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club delivered multiple donations directly to a number of local sports and service groups, all raised at the 2026 Motorfest event which was held in March this year.
The beneficiaries of this awesome local event included the TGHN Surf Lifesaving Club, Tea Gardens Lions, Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels, Tea Gardens Soccer Club, and the Hawks RLFC.
“Motorfest raised $7500 on the day of Motorfest, and we are very happy to be, once again, distributing these funds to local groups and clubs like these,” TGHN Motor Club President David Jones told NOTA.
Nat Skelly accepted on behalf of the local Surf Club, and explained how the donations will be put to good use.
“The motor club donation will be used to subsidise our youth (aged 1317) to attend the Hunter Surf Lifesaving Youth Camps and program in the 2026-27 season,” Ms Skelly said.
“The camps, programs and leadership training include opportunities for our youth to further develop their lifesaving skills, build confidence, teamwork, and even some focus on UAV operation or youth facilitation for the programs and search & rescue experiences, all of which are designed to empower our next generation of SLS volunteers to become confident, skilled and engaged members of the SLS and broader community.”
Tea Gardens Lions Club President Amanda Sykes accepted on behalf of her group, which is currently at the pointy end of establishing a brand-new fenced offleash area (FOLA) dog park near Bennetts Beach.
“The funds will help projects the Lions do around our towns, such as completing the new fence on the soon-to-open dog park in Providence Bay Park, Hawks Nest, which we hope to officially open on Sunday 21 June.”
While much of the dog park has been put together by the local group, funds are still needed for covered seating areas so that the humans using the park have sun and weather protection.
Alyssa Barker, from Tea Gardens Sharks Soccer Club was grateful for the funds from Motorfest, indicating that it would go towards new uniforms for the kids and players.
“Many current uniforms have been in use since 1998, and these funds also go towards reducing costs for parents to allow their kids to stay active and in the sport,” Ms Barker said.
q TGHN Motor Club members with representatives of the recipient local groups at their meeting in Tea Gardens Hotel. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe
Have your say on dogs in public places
By Nico LOMBARDO
PORT Stephens Council is asking for feedback from the community to develop a plan that will decide how dogs get to use parks, beaches, and public spaces.
The Dogs in Public Places Plan, which follows a decision made in the July 2025 Council meeting, will review where dogs can run freely, where they must be leashed, and where they cannot enter.
It will be implemented across the 17 existing dog parks and dog friendly beaches, including Bagnalls Beach, Birubi Beach, and Boat Harbour.
“We need local knowledge to understand what’s working well and what’s causing concern across our
17 dog-friendly areas,” said Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson.
“We want honest feedback on where dogs should be welcomed, where we need new dog areas, and where [dog access] should be restricted.”
In the 2024 Liveability Survey, which was answered by more than 2300 residents, most agreed that a sense of personal safety and the condition of public open spaces were top community priorities in the region.
According to the Pets in Australia national survey, half of all Australian homes have a dog, which is why Council is setting out to identify the perfect solution to give pets and their owners spaces to play and socialise while
keeping everyone safe.
“Most of us consider our dogs to be part of the family, just as I do with my dog, Honey,” Mayor Anderson said. “They give us a great reason to get outside, get active and socialise.
“With more people and pets enjoying our outdoor spaces, it is important that we find a fair balance, so these areas remain welcoming for all members of our community.”
Port Stephens residents can share their feedback on where and how dogs should be welcomed on the Have Your Say website until 7 July.
The final plan will balance community recreation with environmental conservation and strive to ensure that land is shared safely and fairly.
Grants grow greener communities
By Sis HIGGINS
A GRANTS program that last year helped plant 123,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers will return in 2026.
Grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 are available to support the native planting projects of Landcare groups,
Bushcare, Coastcare and Dunecare groups, local governments, natural resource management organisations, not-for-profit organisations and First Nations organisations.
It is the second year the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program 2026 will be available. The program is
again being delivered through a partnership between Bupa and Landcare Australia.
Last year’s program supported the planting of 123,166 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers across the country.
More than 6,200 people took part in environmental activities through 188
community events, helping restore wildlife habitat, improve urban biodiversity and create greener public spaces.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said the program continued to deliver meaningful outcomes for both communities and the environment.
“After another successful year delivering meaningful outcomes for communities across the country - including planting over 123,000 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers - we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026,” said Dr Norrish.
“We’re proud to work alongside Bupa, whose ongoing commitment recognises the strong connection between healthy environments and healthy people, particularly in our urban communities.”
Bupa Asia Pacific Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Roger Sharp said local projects often created benefits well beyond their immediate surroundings.
“While landcarers and community groups often operate at a local level, their impact can be far-reaching,” Mr Sharp said.
“We’re excited to continue the program in 2026, helping to create and improve accessible green spaces that encourage people of all ages to get active, connect socially, and enjoy the benefits of nature.”
Applications are open and close on Monday 13 July 2026 at 5pm AEST.
Community groups seeking more information about the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program 2026 can visit Landcare Australia’s website for eligibility details and application guidelines.
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness email media@newsofthearea.com.au
Photo: Port Stephens Council
q Landcare group representatives in Port Stephens planting trees. Photo: @PortStephensCouncil
Art competition calls for community vote
By Nico LOMBARDO
THE community will decide which of the 40 artworks featured in the One Square Foot exhibition receive the People’s Choice prizes.
The competition, organised by Lion Studios, challenged artists from all around Australia to paint creative pieces, on a squarefoot canvas, in any style. Artists were permitted to choose oils, acrylics, and even mixed media.
“When we designed the competition, the entries were made to fit in an Australian postbag, so we can ship them all over Australia,” said Kim Mackenzie, of Lion Studios.
Of the original 73 entries, 40 made it to the final round after being judged by local artists Peter Masters and Sally Walker, from the Port Stephens Artisan Collective.
Now they’re on display at Lion Studios. Votes can be cast either online or by visiting the exhibition in person.
“About half of the artists
on display are local, but we’ve also got artists from Sydney and as far north as Townsville,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“We had an entry from Condobolin and a few in Victoria as well.”
Voting will finish on 29 June, and winners will be announced live at an event the following day.
The top two most popular entries will receive a solo exhibition in 2027 as well as a special feature on a new coffee-table book that Lion Studios is working on.
The book will be launched in August and will be available online or at Readers Retreat in Salamander Bay.
It will contain all of the submitted artwork, with winning artists featured on the front and back cover.
Winners will also have additional space inside the book to talk about themselves and explain their artwork.
“We want to increase exposure for each of the artists,” Ms Mackenzie said.
University community honoured in King’s Birthday list
By Sis HIGGINS
UNIVERSITY of Newcastle staff and alumni were among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with ten individuals acknowledged for their contributions across education, health, public service, community welfare and defence.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor
Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated the recipients and praised their achievements.
“Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the extraordinary hard work and dedication of our community,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“In 2026, we are especially proud to celebrate the University’s staff and
alumni, whose commitment to excellence, leadership and innovation continues to shape the future of our region.
“These honourees embody the very best of our University – not only through their achievements in their respective fields, but also through their deep commitment to our communities.”
Emeritus Professor Ross Earnest Griffith was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, the textile industry and the community.
Recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) included Gregory John Budworth for services to the community through social housing, Dr Wesley John Cormick for service to ultrasound and general practice medicine, Dr Luke Anthony Coyle for service to haematology, Dr Gabor Attilla Major for service to rheumatology, and Dr Ross Duncan Macpherson for service to medicine as an
Christopher Patrick Fallon was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for meritorious devotion to
duty as a Works Supervisor at 19th Chief Engineer Works.
Public Service Medals were awarded to Dr Lanny Chor for outstanding public service to oral health service delivery in NSW and Nigel John Greenup for outstanding public service to the protection and preservation of Australia’s unique
and
q The top 40 artworks in the competition have made it to Lion Studios, and it’s now the public’s turn to judge. Photo: Nico Lombardo
anaesthetist.
The late Dr Roger Frank Peters RFD also received an OAM for service to community health, particularly as a psychologist.
natural environments
the communities that depend on them.
Professor Zelinsky said the University proudly celebrated the recipients and their lasting contributions to society.
q University of Newcastle alumni receive King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: newcastle.edu.au
Of The Area News Reader Survey
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Netballers claim state runners up honours
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens and Nelson Bay 17 years representative netball teams have covered themselves in glory at the Netball NSW State Senior championships in Sydney.
In a huge boost for the Hunter region, both squads have attained top four rankings with spirited performances in the Division Four category at the prestigious three day event.
Emma Penfold’s much heralded Port Stephens lineup enhanced their reputations with another strong showing at an elite netball tournament.
They showed skill, camaraderie and durability to finish runners up to Blayney in their quest for a State title.
Blayney, who won sixteen of their 17 fixtures played at the Baulkham Hills courts, were crowned champions with a total of 31 points - just one clear of Port Stephens (30 points) with Temora (30)
and Nelson Bay (27 points) making up the top four. It was a tremendous achievement by the talented Port Stephens outfit, who posted 15 victories and only two losses in a memorable campaign.
The girls registered wins over South Canberra Invitational 19-10, Gunnedah 32-10, Lower Clarence 1715, Young 38-5, Tumut 2714, Goulburn & District 26-7, Scone 27-10, Parkes District 15-7, Nelson Bay 1811, Armidale District 14-6, Dungog 21-6, Gloucester 377, Wollondilly 19-10, Cowra 22-12 and Glen Innes 15-12.
Their only defeats in the round robin format were to State champions Blayney 1811 and Temora 18-15.
For coach Penfold and crew, the State Championship heroics are a testimony of the team’s exhilarating form on the representative front in 2026.
Earlier this year the Port Stephens squad also finished runners up in the Netball
NSW Hunter & Central Coast Regional League Division 5 series - a tremendous feat.
They showed their wares in a Regional League classic - succumbing 16-13 to all conquering Kurri Kurri in an epic Grand Final at the Niagara Park Stadium.
Port Stephens’ mighty 17 years squad features skilful prospects in Paige Boyles, Sarah Byrne, Madelane Connolly, Emily Crain, Charlotte Crampton, Laura Moir, Sybella O’Leary, Shelby Oldfield, Evie Oswell and Blair Vorenkamp. Representative Convenor Nadina Marsh told News Of The Area that finishing runners up at a State Netball championship was an “incredible achievement.”
“Over three days of competition, this talented group showcased everything that representative netball is about — determination, resilience, teamwork and pride in the blue and white,” reflected Nadine.
“From the opening
whistle to the final game, the team continued to grow in confidence and belief, building on the combinations, connections and hard work that have been developed throughout the rep season,” she said.
“Their commitment to one another and willingness to fight for every contest was on display all weekend.
“To finish the tournament with the Runners Up Blue Patch is a reward for months of preparation, sacrifice and dedication from not only the athletes but also the coaches, managers, umpires, families and supporters who have been part of the journey.
A proud Marsh said every player had a role to perform and they “executed it brilliantly.”
“Their commitment, adaptability and teamwork were outstanding and played a huge part in their success,” she added.
q Port Stephens Netball Association’s talented 17yrs representative squad finished runners up at the State Senior Netball Division Four titles in Sydney.
WORIMI LOCAL ABORIGINAL
self-determination and resources to
Land Council-delegated areas are not traditional areas and Worimi Barray (country) also has other incorporated Land Councils that might be better placed to consider Membership, subject to your residency and community of origin and culture heritage connections.
WLALC supports initiatives that celebrate social engagements, cultural activities and
economic projects that empower the local community and change the socio-economic way that people work with our Organisation and Aboriginal people akin.
Through tourism, natural resource management, cultural education, engagement and sharing of information and resources, catering, conference and events, we work to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the WLALC community, committed to improving,
LAND COUNCIL
partnerships, we aim to create lasting opportunities for the WLALC community.
Our vision is for the Worimi people to be proud, active and independent in our lifestyle, living environment and cultural heritage.
By nurturing strong connections to land and each other, we strengthen our cultural identity and work towards self-determination.
We are committed to building a future of financial independence, cultural pride and community wellbeing driven by the actions and leadership of the WLALC.
Through education programs, employment pathways, cultural activities and strategic
We also advocate for our community at a local, state and national level to ensure that our voices are heard and respected in decisions that shape our future.
Port Stephens is more than our home - it’s a living cultural landscape that has sustained the Worimi for thousands of generations.
With deep spiritual, historical, and environmental importance, we are proud to help protect, care for, and share this place with the wider community.
Our connection to Country guides our work.
Through stewardship, collaboration, and
cultural education, the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) honours the past, supports the present and safeguards Port Stephens' future.
Our Focus in the Region Natural Resource Management. We actively manage and protect the region’s land and water.
This includes restoring ecosystems, preserving cultural sites and promoting biodiversity to ensure long-term environmental health.
Caring for Country is a shared, ongoing responsibility.
Community Partnerships - We build strong relationships with local organisations, schools,
businesses, government and non-government bodies to support local and regional development/s that drive inclusive initiatives for both the Worimi LALC community and the broader public.
Cultural Awareness - We promote and protect culture and heritage through education and sites protection engagement, offering language, storytelling and cultural workshops that foster stronger relationships, truth telling/ listening, connection and respect.
At WLALC, we’re proud to be part of this diverse region and remain committed to valuing culture, protecting land, and placing community at the heart of all we do.
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HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO HUGH MCINNES JACK JONES DEBORAH DORAN
HEATH JONES STEPHEN COSTELLO HUGH MCINNES JACK JONES DEBORAH DORAN
Peaceful Leafy Setting
TUCKED away in a quiet, established pocket of Nelson Bay, this original cottage offers a rare opportunity to secure one of the area’s early homes, held by the same family since the 1950s.
Despite its peaceful setting, you’re just moments from the heart of town, with Nelson Bay’s shops, cafés, restaurants and marina all within approximately 1.2 kilometres.
Set on a gently sloping 676m² block with a reserve at the rear, the property enjoys a beautiful leafy outlook and a desirable north-west aspect to the backyard capturing natural light and afternoon sun.
This is a property that will appeal to a wide range of buyers, first home buyers looking to enter the market, investors seeking a welllocated holding, or those searching for a block to build their dream home (STCA).
Whether you choose to restore and enhance the character of the existing home or start fresh, the setting and location make this a standout opportunity. Properties like this, offering position, potential and a genuine connection to Nelson Bay’s early history, are becoming increasingly hard to find.
Contact Nelson Bay Real Estate 02 49812 655 to arrange your viewing.
The existing home is a classic three-bedroom cottage, featuring generous bedrooms, including a spacious rear main, along with high ceilings that enhance the sense of space and provide an ideal base for renovation or extension.
Dorin's Drawings
OPINION & LETTERS
On the Couch
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
By Lynne MILES
Brewing for a big bust
By John BLACKBOURN
MOST people would tell you that the beer and wine industry is a safe and sure way to make big bucks in our present economy.
Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be the reality for the grog brewing industry.
The public company, Endeavour Group which is Australia’s largest retail drinks network has announced that it is retreating from wine production as well as selling its bottling facility in South Australia.
Endeavour owns Dan Murphys
and BWS has also announced that it will step away from key vineyards in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia due to the fact of rising growing costs and the view that retail shoppers are unlikely to accept higher prices for their premium products.
Much of their focus had been on problems with inland winegrape producing regions such as Riverland, Riverina and Murray Valley, plus these tough times are now spreading to other wine growing regions within Australia.
One industry leader has just
DEAR Jasminda,
By JASMINDA
MY friend asked me to mind her dog while she was on holiday. She didn't tell me the dog sleeps on the bed. I only discovered this on the first night.
I tried to put the dog back in its own bed and it howled and then jumped straight back again.
I tried the spare bed and it just followed me there and did the same thing.
How do I put up with this for two weeks?
I like dogs but I don't want to sleep with one.
Nadia G.
commented, “I don’t know if most Australians really know the kind of crisis the wine industry is in at the moment.”
During my thirty-five years in the investment industry, plus the fact that I owned farming and grazing properties for some forty years means that I was well aware of the boom and bust cycles in primary production, but the wine-growing industry has led the failure regime from those occupations.
When you look at the BOM
Scientific or starstruck
Stargazing
By Dave RENEKE
STARING up at the night sky, a blanket of twinkling stars, has fascinated humans for as long as we've had eyes to see.
Stars have been our guides, our muses, and the spark for both scientific exploration and, let's just say, some more "colourful" interpretations.
Enter astronomy and astrology: two fields that, at first glance, seem to share a cosmic bond, but take completely different approaches to the heavens.
Let’s take a fun, yet scientific, look at these two starry cousins.
Astrology has been around forever—well, almost. It’s been with us since the Babylonians, who were probably the first to connect the dots between stars and personal fate.
Then the Greeks got in on the action, tying zodiac signs to
everything from love lives to the fall of empires.
In ancient times Astrology was as much about understanding the universe as it was about interpreting how the stars could shape our lives.
But as time marched on and science developed, astronomy emerged.
Gone were the days of interpreting celestial movements as omens or personality guides.
In came telescopes, measurements, and a whole lot of math. Astronomy, still inspired by those early skywatchers, became focused on uncovering the truths of the universe.
Instead of focusing on predicting the rise and fall of kings, astronomers set their sights on understanding the actual workings of the cosmos.
Picture this: Two friends look up at the same star. One’s an astronomer.
The other’s an astrologer.
The astronomer is jotting down notes, calculating the star's temperature, size, and age.
They’re figuring out how far away it is and wondering if it might host any planets with the potential for life.
DEAR Nadia,
I THINK you've been hoodwinked. There is no way this dog is used to sleeping in his dog bed. Dogs are creatures of habit.
This one's habit is clearly to dive under the covers or else rest in the crook of your legs where he will sleep peacefully (apart from the occasional snore) until morning.
I'll hazard a guess that when your friend brought this dog home, she tried to make him sleep alone, but then he gave her the 'I miss my siblings' whine and her best intentions went straight out the window.
This is now a bed dog. I do have some suggestions on how to make it more bearable though.
Firstly, if it's cold, make sure he is wearing a coat.
That way he will be less likely to try to dive under the covers. Also, remove the second pillow from the bed. If he's anything like my dog, you will wake to a furry face drooling on the spare pillow, which can be a bit disconcerting.
prediction of a major El Nino (low rainfall event) for all of the eastern half of Australia for the remainder of this year, that alone would make any wine grower think hard about remaining in agriculture.
If wine production looks somewhat shaky, how do we think the beer industry might be fairing?
One of our most famous & prestigious beer brewers, James Boag is having doubts too due to the continued fall in beer consumption and is to close its
All very scientific stuff, right?
The astrologer, on the other hand, is probably thinking, "Oh, that star’s in Pisces today, so it must mean I should totally avoid important decisions until tomorrow."
There’s a bit of a gap between the two approaches.
Here’s where things get a little tricky: astrology isn’t science. It wants to be, but it just doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of the scientific method.
Scientists have repeatedly found no evidence linking the positions of stars and planets to our personalities, love lives, or fortunes.
In short, your zodiac sign isn't why you got stuck in traffic or why your coffee tasted weird this morning.
That said, the allure of astrology doesn’t fade, does it? Millions of people still check their daily horoscopes, looking for guidance or just a little cosmic reassurance.
And why? Because astrology taps into something deep inside us: the desire to feel connected to something bigger. It gives us a narrative to cling to—something to believe in, especially when the universe seems too big to make sense of.
Does that mean we should dismiss astrology entirely?
Not necessarily. It can be fun,
Ensure that the doggy door is latched.
Otherwise you may find that the dog goes out in the middle of the night and then returns to the bed with wet (or, even worse, muddy) feet and then promptly leaves paw prints all over the sheets. Alternatively, you can lock him in the laundry, buy some earplugs, and train him to sleep where he's supposed to sleep.
He may be a bit put out, but he will get used to the new arrangement pretty quickly.
Then, when your friend returns, you can let her know that Zeus has now been trained to sleep in his own bed. I can bet you any money she will undo all your good work on the first night of her return, but at least you will be able to get some decent sleep while you are dog-minding. And next time you agree to dog sit, make sure you know the finer details of the dog's habits (and his human's proclivities).
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Tasmanian Brewery & bottling plant next November after 145 years of continuous production.
No longer can they now say their product uses the pure & clean waters of Tasmania as it was brewed in Launceston.
Whilst wineries and breweries have a strong connection to the tourism industry.
Their cellar door and brewhouse closures are sure to put further pressure on multiple employment and visitor activity opportunities.
and it provides a way for people to think about their lives, relationships, and the world around them. It’s not science, but it’s a part of our cultural fabric and can even inspire people to take a closer look at the real universe through the lens of astronomy.
So, what's the takeaway here? Well, it gives us a fun, quirky way to think about our place in it, even if it doesn't have the scientific backing to predict your next big life event. The magic of the stars is less about your horoscope and more about marveling at the immense, aweinspiring universe we live in.
media@newsofthearea.com.au
Proverbs 13: 10 "Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those who take advice."
Fingal pioneers: The Barrys - Part One
Stinker's Stories
By John 'Stinker' CLARKE
WATCHING the demolition of the old Barry family home on Marine Parade Fingal Bay recently made me think of how much local history was being knocked down.
My wife Ella and I arrived in Fingal in 1974 and immediately realised that Fingal was to be our home.
One of the first of the very few local residents we met was Ken Barry and his wife Pat. Talking to the couple was a step back in time with incredible stories of fish, sharks and shipwrecks.
The following is an extraction from my book “The Outer Light” which tells the story of the Barry family.
PART 1 of 3: There is a small fresh water creek that flows down through the dunes before meandering along the sand and finally pouring into the sea in the southern corner of Fingal Beach.
For as long as anyone can recall the creek has continued to flow, sometimes gushing after heavy rainfall, other times only a trickle during periods of drought. Never has it been known to stop.
Filtered by the sand the water has remained crystal clear and was a reason why, in February 1930, Jack Barry and his wife Phil, together with 18 month old son Ken, chose to forgo their life in Newcastle to build a corrugated iron and timber shack, to call home, under the tea trees adjacent to the creek.
A rugged sandy track from
Nelson Bay and a feeling of isolation, together with no facilities, did not make Fingal attractive to others, to the Barrys, Fingal was paradise.
Looking from the door of their shack the family could see, hear and smell, the rolling surf.
A short distance to the south a protected cobblestoned foreshore nestled in the corner of the beach, while to the north a thin finger of sand reached out from the main beach to touch the most imposing landform, an island. Was it really an island?
On occasions the sea would wash away the sandy spit making the crossing very dangerous and sometimes impossible.
Then the sea would settle and the sand spit would rebuild so high that it was possible to cross without getting your feet wet.
"Narrowgut Island, Fingal Island, the Outerlight, Point Stephens or just the Island. It was all the same to us," Ken smiled.
The family lived happily in the shack for ten years until 1940 when they accepted a leasehold property and moved to higher ground on the old sand dunes that was to be the first settlement in the hamlet of Fingal Bay.
Here they were joined by other early residents
Tom Salt, Fred Burt, Ernie Sheppard and his wife Edith and the Horton family who had a small vegetable garden.
The Barry family was the first to accept the offer of leasehold land in Fingal, that was made by the Government, in an effort to expand and open up new areas and I would suggest, to rid the little settlement of the growing numbers of squatters.
After fishing for the first ten years father Jack claimed 3 acres of land to run close to 5,000 free range chooks.
This he did for the next 16 years. The property was purchased as a freehold land in 1958 when
q Fingal was a gathering of squatter shacks.
Fingal Bay was subdivided for development.
The family was virtually forced to buy the land as their lease was terminated and so it was that the Barrys became permanent residents of the little coastal town. Ken purchased his block for the cost of £248 while his dad Jack payed £300
By this time Ken had met and married Patricia Richardson, a girl from a fishing family, who lived in Boat Harbour, another small growing beachside hamlet about five miles to the south - as the crow flies.
"Boaty" could best be reached by walking through the bush and over the sand dunes from Fingal.
These days I sit with Ken most mornings and have realised that he has an amazing ability, at the age of 88 years, to recall names, dates and events.
He informed me recently that to walk from Fingal to Boat
Jumbo tailor in Fingal Bay
By John 'Stinker' CLARKE
WITH the availability of AI and other means of distorting photographs
I was a little skeptical when these amazing images landed on my desk.
Following a few questions and a visit to Fingal Beach I realised that the snaps were authentic.
This is the biggest tailor, a Jumbo, I have ever seen!
Netted off the beach, this huge fish estimated close to 10kg, by local Greg Tarrant and his commercial fishing crew was swimming with a large school of mullet.
Interesting to learn that tailor can be caught in all Australian States but rarely in the warm waters of the Northern Territory. Maximum length is quoted as 1.2 metres.
From my memories growing up on the Far North Coast of NSW, tailor were targeted from Byron Bay into South-East QLD.
Famous spots I recall were the sea walls at Brunswick, Ballina and Tweed Heads.
Across the border, Snapper Rocks and Currumbin were tailor hotspots, particularly in the morning
on first light, till sunup.
The preferred baits were Sea Garfish or pilchards on a gang of three or four hooks tossed out behind the shore break all but guaranteed an immediate strike.
There were those who chose
to cast silver lures way behind the tailor school and wind their Alvey reels as fast as they could.
The tailor immediately attacked only to be hooked.
It was well known that the home of great tailor fishing was Fraser
Harbour, through the bush to see his girlfriend, took 16,073 steps.
Growing up in Fingal, young Ken had the freedom to wander and explore.
Born in 1928 it was 1933 when five year old Kenny Barry, as there were no other kids to play with in Fingal, was permitted by his parents to walk alone around Fingal Beach and over the Spit onto the island to play with his mate Kenny Presbury.
Kenny was the son of the Assistant lighthouse keeper Bill Presbury. At the time Kenny Presbury was the proud owner of a push pedal car which the boys would ride for hours up and down beside the lighthouse.
"Only when the Spit was high and dry was I allowed to walk across," recalls Ken.
On dusk, a single tiny figure could be seen walking off the island across the Spit and around the beach.
Island where fish to 3kg could be bounced up the beach.
Here in Port Stephens, Stockton Beach and Fingal are the most productive beaches with tailor expected to arrive on all beaches any day.
The same rules apply if you wish to catch a tailor – garfish, pilchard for bait or cast and retrieve a silver
Back home just in time for an evening meal. More often than not fresh fish caught by his father Jack who had been accepted into the local fishing crew.
"On the island there was always a garden and fruit trees, bananas, pears, peaches and plums and later a big market garden on the flat ground behind Shelley Beachthousands and thousands of onions and a few tomato plants. I loved the place," explained Ken.
"Half way along the track, on the left hand side going out, there was a fence. An archway for a gate was built around the garden to keep the cows out.
“A fresh water creek flowed naturally down to the Grit Hole.
“Steve Blanch, who had a lease to run his cows on the island dug a couple of holes in the creek so that the cows would have permanent water," Ken added.
"To me the island was paradise."
spinner. First or last light are the best times to attack
In the kitchen I prefer smoked tailor fillets in a white sauce or leave the fish in the fridge overnight then cook crumbed in hot oil.
Once introduced to the moist, tasty fish you will be on the beach the next morning.
q Commercial fisherman Greg Tarrant struggles to hold a monster tailor.
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Adult learners hit hard by ATWEA exit
ATWEA College has confirmed it will phase out all accredited training programs by 30 June, 2026, following a strategic review of its operations.
While Alesco Secondary College will continue to expand, including exploration of new campus opportunities, the closure of ATWEA’s training arm will affect students undertaking vocational qualifications across NSW.
The news shocked students such as Raymond Terrace resident Deanne Choyce.
Ms Choyce is studying a Certificate III in Individual Support, specialising in aged care and disability support.
She said students and staff were delivered the unexpected news of the closure in late May.
“As adults, we don’t have the same range of education pathways that younger students do,” Ms Choyce said.
“In regional areas there are already limited face-to-face training options, particularly for people looking to gain qualifications that lead
directly to employment in sectors like aged care and disability support.”
The decision, approved by the ATWEA Board as part of the organisation’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, will allow greater investment in Alesco Secondary College and community learning programs.
In a statement, ATWEA said the move represented a return to its core mission of supporting young people through innovative secondary education while continuing to deliver accessible community learning through its Learn for Fun courses.
Chief Executive Officer Helga Smit said the decision followed consideration of the long-term sustainability of accredited training delivery and the changing vocational education environment.
Ms Choyce said students were concerned about being required to transfer to new training providers, potentially facing longer travel times, unfamiliar learning environments and disruptions to their studies.
The concerns come at a time when workforce shortages continue across the care sector, with training organisations playing a key role in preparing future workers.
ATWEA has assured students that classes will continue in the short term and that completed units of study will be recognised by receiving providers.
The organisation says it is working with quality training organisations to create clear pathways for students to complete their qualifications and minimise disruption.
Students, however, say the closure raises broader questions about the future availability of community-based vocational education in regional NSW and the barriers adult learners may face in accessing further training.
The concerns echo broader community fears that the loss of local training opportunities could have long-term impacts on workforce development and education access across the Hunter.
Funding boost for inclusive pregnancy support
By Sis HIGGINS
LGBTQ+ families across New South Wales will benefit from expanded antenatal education and pregnancy support services after the NSW Government announced $250,000 in funding for a statewide program.
The one-off funding contribution will support LGBTQ+ organisation Rainbow Families to deliver culturally appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy support throughout the next three years.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the funding would help create more inclusive options for expectant parents.
“Traditional antenatal classes and support groups may be intimidating for those in the LGBTQ+ community,” Minister Park said.
“By investing in a targeted LGBTQ+ program, we are expanding the education options for expectant and new parents across the state.
“It’s great to see a charity like Rainbow Families bringing LGBTQ+ families together, to help address some of the challenges all parents face in an inclusive and appropriate way.”
Rainbow Families CEO Ashley Scott welcomed the investment.
“This program reflects what LGBTQ+ families across NSW have needed for a long time - a genuinely welcoming space to learn, connect and build the peer support networks that are so vital to their health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood,” Ms Scott said.
“For the first time in NSW, Rainbow Families
will be able to offer a dedicated pregnancy support group for our community.”
The program aims to ensure that LGBTQ+ families, regardless of where they live in NSW, can access information, guidance and peer support tailored to their needs during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Inclusive antenatal care plays an important role in supporting healthy pregnancies by providing access to services that recognise and address LGBTQ+ specific pregnancy and parenting pathways.
The initiative includes face-to-face and virtual antenatal education classes, along with fortnightly pregnancy support groups that will provide opportunities for participants to connect, share experiences and build support networks.
Information about the program is available through Rainbow Families.
Depleted Gropers lose to Brumbies SPORTS
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay first grade rugby team have experienced one of their most courageous ever losses in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup series.
Having 14 top grade players unavailable for last weekend’s clash with Scone Brumbies at Scone Rugby Park due to work and family commitments, the Gropers were brave and sturdy in a 33-8 loss to the reigning premiers.
On paper the scoreline reflected a onesided result.
However, the match was quite the opposite with a gutsy undermanned Nelson Bay side having the better of the first and last ten minutes of the match.
It was a stout-hearted team effort from
the gallant Gropers who showed true courage and grit in the Upper Hunter against a well disciplined Scone outfit.
Nelson Bay dominated the early phases with crisp passing between backs and forwards that enabled them to camp in the Brumbies quarter.
Leading the way were the powerful back row of flankers Ronan O’Çonnell and Hayden Wilson and number 8 Mitch Workman, who tore into the Brumbies forwards through well rehearsed forward moves.
The tough tackling O’Connell was best on ground and a tower of strength with his bullocking runs and tremendous work rate.
Having his first run on start for the season, rugged centre Keanu Offen was rock solid in defence and made several strong runs in a fine
display.
Gropers fullback Liam Pietrasek opened the scoring with an early penalty goal before locks Tariq Hall and John Lundie and props Nathan McLeay and Jake Affleck made huge inroads with strong performances in the ‘engine room.’
Nelson Bay halves Kade Redmond and Will Clark created opportunities with their darting runs and clever passing before the match turned on a dime.
The Brumbies forwards began to rumble and take control as both packs ripped into each other in a classic contest.
Scone spun the ball wide with winger Henry Orton grabbing a try double to establish a 12-3 lead at the break and added another three in the second stanza to secure valuable competition points.
q Nelson Bay number 8 Mitch Workman, flanker Ronan O’Connell and lock Taraq Hall win a lineout as half back Kade Redmond sends the Gropers on the attack during the 33-8 loss to Scone Brumbies last weekend.
SUDOKU
Kids Boot Camp 083
Turkey done, USA next
the FIFA World Cup
group
By Anna HARRINGTON, AAP
SOCCEROOS coach Tony Popovic turned in a selection and tactical masterclass to deliver a 2-0 win over Turkey in Australia's World Cup opener.
Take a bow, Tony Popovic.
The Socceroos boss is the toast of Australian coaching after turning in a selection and tactical masterclass to deliver a 2-0 upset win over
Turkey.
Popovic dropped skipper Maty Ryan for young goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Jackson Irvine for Paul Okon-Engstler, while backing dynamo Nestory Irankunda from the outset.
"They were maybe shocks for a lot of people, but not shocks within our playing group or staff," Popovic said.
"Because we're all working together every day,
and we can see the quality of these young boys. We've got Mo Toure, Nestory, Junior Okon, Patrick Beach, and many more.
"It's a team selected to perform well. You never know the result, of coursewe're at a World Cup.
"But for me, it's the performance. The result is the satisfaction and the outcome. But, regardless of the result, it was the right decision."
All of Popovic's gambles repaid his faith.
Beach made eight saves, the most by a Socceroos goalkeeper at a World Cup, including some world-class efforts.
Okon-Engstler delivered a sensational assist for matchwinner Irankunda and impressed with his forward drive, hard running and physicality.
Irankunda was man of the match with his explosive,
daring performance, with he and Connor Metcalfe scoring terrific goals.
Popovic has backed Metcalfe to start despite minimal game time at his German club FC St Pauli.
"It means everything," Metcalfe said.
"I haven't played much, so I don't expect much.
"And for him to just go, 'No, I don't care, I'm gonna play you', it's a really, really nice feeling because, I mean, I don't have that feeling at my club.
"It's more of a feeling of I want to repay him with everything I've got every time I play, and I think tonight shows the amount of effort not only me but the whole team put in."
While Turkey had more possession, Australia were organised, uncompromising and desperate in defence, then aggressive in springing attacks themselves.
Popovic showed in friendlies against Mexico and Switzerland and again on Saturday that he has adapted to the drinks/advertising breaks in each half as well as any coach.
The 52-year-old is animated and direct, using the pauses as an opportunity to address his players.
That included having a word to Irankunda on the 22-minute mark.
"He told me to keep my head," Irankunda said.
"He told me to stay calm and to keep pushing, and in the end that chat that we had helped, and then I ended up scoring. It's just great that he has that belief in us."
Australia had 10 World Cup debutants - with Harry Souttar the exception - in their youngest starting lineup at such a tournament, with an average age of 24.6.
"There was no doubts or anything that was in my head going into it, thinking about the word 'inexperience'because it showed the lads are brilliant.," Souttar said.
"They carried out the game plan. Tactically, they were brilliant."
It was impossible to pick a bad Socceroos performer, both from the starters and substitutes.
"The boss always says to us that he chose us 26 for a reason," defender Aziz Behich said.
"And he's always said he'll close his eyes and pick an 11 and he'll trust.
"And the beauty of his squad is, you see the players that even come on to make an impact - we're all in this together."
The Socceroos have returned to their Oakland base to step up preparations for Friday's game against the United States in Seattle.
Top four State ranking for Nelson Bay netballers
By Chris KARAS
HARD work on and off the netball court has reaped rewards for the Nelson Bay 17 years girls representative team.
In a huge achievement for the local association, the squad returned from the recent NSW State Senior Netball titles in Sydney with a top four ranking in the Division Four category and a stellar performance against State title winners Blayney at the Baulkham Hills complex.
Coached by mainstays Amanda Wilks and daughter Taylar Wilks, the Nelson Bay team chalked up thirteen wins and a draw from their 17 matches to finish in fourth spot on 27 points.
A highlight was the 15all draw with newly crowned undefeated champions Blayney on the final day.
In doing so, the Nelson Bay lineup became the only side to take a point off the country titans in one of the best matches of the tournament.
The team’s only losses
over the three day event were against third ranked Temora (17-16), sixth ranked Lower Clarence (15-14) and runners up Port Stephens (18-11).
Showing true grit and consistency, the Nelson Bay outfit registered wins over Wollondilly (16-13), Cowra (26-12), Glen Innes (18-12), South Canberra (18-14), Gunnedah (19-9), Young & District (32-1), Tumut (2111), Scone (16-10), Parkes District (17-10), Goulburn & District (24-6), Armidale District (15-10), Dungog (2216) and Gloucester (22-15).
Players to shine included Emma Tibbs, Tayla Provis, Anneliese Jones, Melody Tibbs, Gabby McCallum, Piper Mullins, Georgia Burgess, Lucy Solomon-James, Amber Redman, Hartley CobbHamilton, Kate Slade and Charli Ball.
Nelson Bay’s 15 yrs rep squad finished a creditable tenth in the Division Three category with seven wins and a draw while the Opens team posted three wins and two draws in the tough Division Two competition.
q Nelson Bay 17yrs representative team turned in consistent displays at the recent State Senior Netball titles in Sydney to finish fourth in the Division Four category
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 8th June 2026 with 48 players.
Nett Winner : Bruce Brideoake, 38pts.
Nett Runner Up : Phil Rogan, 37pts. Bonus Point Winner : Peter Wild, 39pts on countback. Bonus Point Runner Up Noel Sewell, 39pts on countback.
Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole :
Division 1 : Bruce Brideoake.
Division 2 : Peter Toth.
Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole :
Division 1 : Graham Woolley.
Division 2 : Ian Dean.
Drive & Chip, 7th Hole
Division 1 : Barry Leo (birdie)
Division 2 : Ross Dobson.
Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, : Division 1 : Gary Chapman. Division 2 : Narelle Ballhouse. Ball Winners : Peter Hawkins 39pts, Graham Woolley 38pts,
John McDonald 38pts, Ian Dean 37pts, Peter Toth 37pts, Steve Robards 37pts, Michael Sternback (V) 36pts, David Hurley 36pts, Bruce Arndell 36pts, Frank van Druten 36pts, Jim Gill 36pts, Bob McKeand 36pts, Kel Dorney 36pts, Bob Sellick 35pts, Brian Neale 35pts, Ron McKay 35pts, and Al Stark 34pts.
Lucky Draw Prize Winner : Bruce Arndell.
q Tony Popovic celebrates the victory during
2026
stage match Australia against Turkey. Photo: Bob Frid/EPA
Kurri Kurri overpower Hawks in Denton Cup rugby league series
FROM Page 28
Northern slip back to sixth spot on eight points after tasting defeat for the fifth time this season.
Reid Alchin, five eighth Josh Moffitt, dashing fullback Hemi Knebel and back rower Matt Woolnough all crossed for tries with half back Jordi Madden booting
The Hawks forward pack led by lock Kane Graham, second rowers Ben Roose and Ethan Campbell, props Ofahiki Ogden and Zac Jones and Australian
Universities hooker Jayden Seckold toiled hard but couldn’t match the intensity shown by the determined Bulldogs.
Northern halves Liam Walsh and Noah Ryan tried valiantly to spark the
Paddlers complete Ord River Marathon
By Chris KARAS
A COURAGEOUS crew from the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club have tackled crocodiles and fatigue to complete the gruelling 55 kilometre marathon paddle down Western Australia’s famous Ord River.
Eighteen paddlers from the Soldiers Point-based club travelled west to compete in the spectacular eventand came face to face with salt water crocodiles in the process.
Local paddler Ali Parker told News Of The Area that the travelling warriors even survived a chilling moment when their boat capsized in crocodile territory.
visitors with Kurri keeping close tabs on strike backs Shaq Saunders, utility Timanu Alexander, centres Kiah Cooper and Fletcher Myers and speedy winger Honeti Tuha.
Coach Simpson will be looking for an improved showing this Saturday when the Hawks tackle cellar dwellers Macquarie Scorpions at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace from 3pm.
“But in true Port Stephens fashion we picked ourselves up and got back in the boat to complete the challenging task,” she said.
The annual Ord River paddle stretches from the Lake Argyle Dam wall to the Celebrity Tree Boat Ramp in Lilly Lagoon, Kununurra enabling paddlers to enjoy the enthralling Kimberley landscape.
Hosted by the Kununurra Dragon Boat Club, all teams support each other while traversing along the river.
Upon finishing the marathon event, the crew were forced to paddle an extra kilometre downstream
“After spotting a croc near the finish line one of the support crew flashed past our boat and created an enormous wash that tipped us over,” Ms Parker said.
with fresh water crocodiles lurking in the waters.
A third refreshment stop was cancelled with the brave crew pushing on.
“Some crew changes occurred throughout the day but there were no injuries and spirits remained high during the marathon paddle,” Ms Parker said.
The Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club paddlers to compete included Jodie Blake, Kelly Hamilton, Sally Hickman, Andrew Hickman, Peter Mullen, Kate Stenhouse, Ali Parker, Troy Vingerhoed, Sue Peters, Jacinta Veitch, Judy Nisbet, Libby Ingersole, Neville Jacobs, Kerry Jacobs, Kerry Agland, Karyn Price, Linda Reilly and club coach Brendon Jones.
Spirited Marlins AFL men show character
during a
Tanilba Bay Veterans Golf Club
By Ian WILLIAMS
THE weather was a little cool to start but quickly evolved into a perfect day for golf, a lovely early winters day. We played a 2 Person Stableford 3 x 3 x 3 game over the back 9 holes, with the men off the white tees and ladies
12/6/26
off the red tees. A roll up of 23 players today, thankyou for coming out today. Past players and visitors from other clubs are very welcome to join us, we always look forward to Tuesday's. Winner of the BYO Cellars raffle was Ian Williams
RESULTS OF PLAY:
NTP4TH.
A. B. Grahame Glover
D&C7TH. A. Hugh Potts. B. John McDonald D&C18TH. A. Kim Miller.
Winners:
Gary Payseno &
John Street nett 38 pts c/b
First Runners up: Grahame Glover &
Sandra Gaskin.nett 34 pts
Second runners up:
Jamie Carr & Barry Dischnett 32 pts
Ball Winners:
B. Bill McMaster Money hole.
A. Matt Baldwin. B. Bill Mc master Lucky number. 11. Chris Cody
There were 12 starters today. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 19/6/26 Single Stableford.
By Chris KARAS
ALL conquering Newcastle City are the team to beat in this year’s AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Men's Cup competition.
The much-vaunted City outfit staved off a strong challenge from a spirited Nelson Bay Marlins line up to maintain their undefeated status with a hard fought 11566 win last Saturday at Dick Burwell Oval.
It was a sixth successive victory for the 2026 premiership pacesetters, who turned on the style in a slick second half performance.
Key forwards Jackson Crawford and Jason Pongracic
Jamie Carr & Laurie Northey. nett 31 pts
Steve Robard & Ray Stubbs.nett 30 pts
Andrew Corbett & Peter Beesley. nett 29 pts
Ian Williams & David Enderby.nett 26 pts
Keith Chapple & Kim Miller.nett 26 pts
Rob McKinney & Peter Martyn nett 26 pts
Kevin Hart &
By Lee RANKIN
booted four goals each as Newcastle stormed home with twelve six-pointers after the half time interval.
City piled on 45 points in a vital third quarter to lead 8052.
Nelson Bay were on track for a memorable victory over City on their home turf when they kicked seven goals to lead 18-15 at the end of the first quarter and 39-35 at the half time interval.
Club legend Louis Dews produced an inspirational performance with solid support from Jayden BaldwinRymer, Andrew McConnell, Sam Norton, Hudson Roche and Jason Carey.
Hunter Central Coast representative forward and Marlins skipper Billy Barton booted three crucial goals and
Lenny Hardes.nett 25 pts
Vince Schubert & Jim Carberry..nett 23 pts
Bob Foster & Mike Berriman.nett 13 pts.
NTP 11th hole:
A grade Laurie Northey
B grade Keith Chspple
C grade Charlie Skinner
D & C 18th hole:
A grade Kim Miller
B Grade Grahame Glover
C grade Gary Payseno
radar Roche a double to keep Nelson Bay in the hunt. But the Newcastle kingpins showed their class in the second period with top displays from Crawford and Pongracic, skipper Jack Lanyon, Jack Woodhams, Tom Burke, Noah MacDonald, Finnbarr Hurley and Grady Slocombe, Jordan Dear and Max Quinlan, who each bagged goal doubles. Fifth ranked Nelson Bay host sixth placed Maitland Saints this Saturday at Dick Burwell Oval from 2pm. In Black Diamond Senior Women's Cup action, Warners Bay Bulldogs downed Nelson Bay 56-25 with top games from Marlins’ warriors Jazlyn Stevens, Annalise Norton, Milla Gainsford, Chaeli Callaghan, Charlotte Connick and Ellie Duffy.
LONGEST DRIVE: 12th Hole
A grade: Kim Miller
B grade: Rob McKinney
C grade: Vince Schubert
Next week, 16th June is a 2 Person Stroke Aggregate 18 hole Shortened Course (par 3/4), everyone off modified tees.
Money hole on the 11th for A, B & C grades.
2BBB Ross Picot/ Trevor Etheridge 43
q Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club paddlers completed the gruelling 55 kilometre Ord River Marathon in Western Australia over the June long weekend.
q Nelson Bay Marlins pushed Warners Bay Bulldogs all the way
56-25 loss in Black Diamond Senior Women's Cup action last weekend at Dick Burwell Oval. Photo Matt Spillard Photography
Death Notice
In loving memory
Peter George Webb
23 February 1943 - 13 June 2026
Age 83
A valued member of the community, deeply loved by family and friends. His memory will be treasured always. We love you dad.
Position Vacant
JOIN OUR DISTRIBUTION TEAM!
News Of The Area is looking for a reliable person to help with our weekly bulk newspaper deliveries in the Port Macquarie area.
This roles involves approximately 4 - 5 hours of work each week with the collection of papers on a Thursday evening and deliveries taking place on Friday mornings.
For more information or to express your interest, please email office@newsofthearea.com.au
Work Available
NERONG pensioner
has casual work for experienced assistant for mobile ph and computer tasks. Ph 0419 932 992
newsofthearea.com.au GLASS bottles with lids, suitable for pickles preserves etc., Ph 0458 693 754
Wanted to Buy
Medals Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e291026
Antique china & figurines, Sterling silver items, old gold jewellery, wind-up watches & pocket watches, silver proof coin sets. Please phone: Annie 0419 219 634 or Ron 0408 967 747
Villa For Sale
Modern Villa at Failford 2430. Vacant possession, move in immediately! Seven year old, 2 bed, 2 toilets, 2 parking & full laundry. Twelve foot ceilings. Over 55’s pet friendly village adjacent to Wallamba river. Ten minutes to patrolled beach. All modern fittings & appliances. Open to offers over $349k. Ph 0438 211 147
large for wood, etc. $20. Ph 4982 8787
BEARING buddies, x 2, brand new, 50mm stainless steel, marine grade, suit single axle trailer. $20 ono. 0414 013 244
BIKE safety helmets for kids x 3. $20 each Ph 0432 050 619
CURTAIN and rod in original packaging. $70 Oslo pencil pleated curtain 270 - 340 x 250cm, colour stone Ph 0417 044 660
CURTAIN rods and tracks plus all fittings. 5 straight rods for windows 118-164cm plus bay window track and rod for 219cm and 5 other tracks. All in good cond $60. Ph 0410 275 495
DINING chairs x 6. $180 Ph 0428 567 653. e090726
DINING table $30. Ph 0429 945 604
INDOOR or outdoor table, with tempered frosted glass & black trim, 150 x 89cm. $60 0466 880 639
LP records, large mixed collection. Ph 0428 567 653 for info e160726
MATTRESS, suitable for caravan w/extension as new, VGC. $100ono Ph 0402 081 752
MENS top quality leather jacket with detachable liner. Purchased in Turkey, as new, suits 40” chest, dark brown. $99. 0419 932 992 F260226
MOBILITY power chair, Pride Fusion, new batteries, tilt action. $1250 Pick up Tea Gardens Ph 0417 404 530
MOBILITY scooter car lift. Suitable for up to 80kg scooter or wheelchair suitable for all size cars As new cond. New cost is over $4000, selling for $1900. Ph 0410 275 495
MOBILITY SCOOTER Shoprider, GC, New Batteries, Front Basket & Rear Bag Can Deliver. $1,450 0418 430 643
NAHWAL tusk, make an offer Ph 0493 777 707
KIDS’ clothing, various sizes, great cond, some new. N’born to size 8. $20 Ph 0432 050 619 F110626
PRINTER Cartridges x2 suitable for Brother printers $20.00 for both. 0418 603 286
RINNAI Avenger 25
LPG unflued heater heats up to 85m sq 5.9 star rating. $600. Ph 0412 183 518.
, near new $45 Peter 0419 932 992
WIGGLES chest of drawers. $60. Ph 0432 050 619
Levi Jeans, size 8, with tags, $30 Ph 0493 777 707 F290126
OCEAN kayak w/seat and paddle. $150. Ph 0411 111 124.
SAND anchor, galv unused. $50. Peter 0419 932 992
SHOES New Balance 880, fresh foam, brand new, size 9US Mens $90. Ph 0421 286 861 SOLD
SIDE Steps x 2, suit 91 Nissan Patrol, with brackets. $80. 0435 580 192
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495 SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335
WOMENS large tailormade golf wet weather outfit. $50. 4997 0611
WOMEN’S new jumper
M-L. $20. Ph 0493 777 707.
QUINTREX Eclipse 3.15m traveller, 4m galvanised trailer, reg S42731, 10” spare wheel water snake 12v motor 2 lifejackets, plus more $2400. Ph 0407 095 748
BOOTS, leather, ladies made in Canada. EUC $60 4982 8787
TWO seater lounge OZ Design, fabric, VGC 0429 990 351
RUG good condition Ph 0493 777 707
BUFFET and hutch $100. Ph 0429 945 604. F280526
RT. 4987 1680
TABLE tennis table with accessories. Ph 0427 970 636. F110626
CHINA cabinet display unit, 3 glass shelves and storage at bottom. $50 Ph 0403 632 701
DOONA, new with valance, new with cushions $100 Ph 0493 777 707 F290126
DOUBLE bed frame with headboard. $50 0466 880 639
DVDs x 250, exc cond great variety. $100 the lot. 0439 440 112
OUTDOOR coffee table new in box. Top black durostone 93 x 93cm Freedom range. 45cm H $55 4981
LADIES clothes - pants dresses, blousees. Sizes 12-14 new and near new. Make an offer. Ph 0419 409 913
LAMPS large, new worth $600 selling for $100. Ph 0493 777 707 F290126
2251
TYRE and rim for wheelbarrow, 10” Pneumatic. $40. 0419 932 992
- 4 wheel
Boats
Pets for Sale
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
MONTY DON’S BRITISH GARDENS
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Monty Don (pictured) believes there is a lot to be learnt from Britain’s great outdoors. In his eyes, everything from the humble backyard to the grandest of grounds tells a story about the country’s culture, climate and history. Over five parts, the ardent horticulturalist travels from the north-west of Scotland to the southern tip of England to discover more than 60 different gardens and the custodians who keep them flourishing. Don begins his journey at Inverewe, a botanical wonderland in the Scottish Highlands that includes plants from all over the world.
June 19
(Mdl) Calder and Tosh discover the truth behind Rossi’s mission.
Twenty Twenty Six. (M) A new Tournament Ambassador is announced.
(MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.30 MOVIE: Scoob! (2020, PG) 9.05 Caper Crew. 9.55 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains. (PG)
MONDAY
TRAVEL GUIDES
NBN, 7.30pm
When Adelaide sisters Eliza and Liberty Paschke (pictured) arrived on the set of the inexperienced renovators brought so many suitcases with them that you’d think they were bound for Milan Fashion Week. Let’s hope the pair have learnt the art of packing light, as they’re joining the cast of for a Chilean adventure this week. Despite a shaky start on Santiago’s steep historical funicular, the siblings couldn’t ask for a better introduction to the show. Their itinerary also includes a hands-on pottery class and a street art tour through Valparaíso before concluding with a trail ride and cruise in the icy wilderness of Patagonia.
TUESDAY SMALL PROPHETS
creator Mackenzie
and realism to simultaneously enchant and bewilder viewers. It follows hardware store clerk Michael (regular Crook collaborator Pearce Quigley, pictured), whose life has been on hold since the unexplained disappearance of his partner Clea seven years earlier. Michael spends his days winding up gullible customers at work and visiting his eccentric dad (Michael Palin) in aged care. But when a surprising revelation disrupts his status quo and opens the door to a world of alchemy and magical spirits, he gets an unexpected opportunity to uncover the truth about his lost love.
8.30 Record-Breaking Bridges. (PG)
9.30 Michael Palin In North Korea. (R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.25 The King. (MA15+a)
12.15 The Typist. (Masv, R)
1.20 Shark Curry: A Cricket Delicacy. (R) 1.50 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 2.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 4.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. USA v AUS.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 MOVIE: Inferno. (2016, Malv, R) After a university professor awakens with amnesia, he discovers he is being pursued by an assassin. Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Irrfan Khan.
10.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
12.10 MOVIE: Lethal Love Letter. (2021, Mav, R) A woman finds her life being sabotaged. Clare Grant.
2.30 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 16. Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R)
7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) The team helps a divorcee.
8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00
SATURDAY, June 20
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim kicks up a major stink.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv) Mervin’s plan to fly home is interrupted by a murder.
8.30 The Hardacres. (PG) Things come to a head for Sam at the docks. Mary and Liza attend a disastrous soiree.
10.05 The Capture. (Mlv, R) Carey is further isolated from those around her. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Octonauts And The Great Barrier Reef. 4.10 Odd Squad. 5.10 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 5.35 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Caper Crew. (Final) 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Abbott Elementary. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. USA v Australia. Replay. 9.30 Shut Your Big Fat Mouth John Safran! (Ma, R)
10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.15 Snowpiercer. (Mv, R)
12.10 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
1.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
2.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)
2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. NED v SWE. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group E. GER v CIV.
9.00 The Death Coast. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. USA v Australia. Replay. 1am Creamerie. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
6am Morning Programs. 8.45 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 10.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 1pm Post Coitum, Animal Triste. (1997, M, French) 2.50 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 4.35 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.35 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 8.30 Intolerable Cruelty. (2003, M) 10.20 Kaymak. (2022, MA15+, Macedonian) 12.20am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 21
6.00
6.30 Compass: The Myth Of The Nurses On The Beach.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Race Around The World. (PG)
8.30 Ground Up. (Md) Hugh and Destiny try to secure a sponsor.
9.05 The Capture. (MA15+) The tables turn once again for Rachel Carey.
10.00 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv, R)
11.00 The Hardacres. (PG, R)
12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Movin’ To The Country. (R)
4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.25 Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 3.50 Odd Squad. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.15 Isadora Moon. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Mr.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mary Celeste: Solving The Mystery. (M)
8.25 Titanic: Secrets Of The Shipwreck. (PGalv, R)
10.15 Rock Legends. (PGs, R) 10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.15 How To Make It In Comedy. (MA15+l, R)
12.10 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
12.45 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 1.15 MOVIE: Chuparrosa. (2024, G) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group H. ESP v KSA. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group G. BEL v IRN.
Morning Programs. 1.15pm Everything’s Gonna Be All White. 2.15 Jeopardy! 4.20 France 24. 4.50 PBS Washington Week. 5.15 PBS News Compass Points. 5.45 The Frontier. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 The Death Coast. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Turkiye v Paraguay. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
(32)
6am The Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.20 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 8.20 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 10.00 Radical. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.20pm The King Tide. (2024, M) 2.15 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 4.55 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 6.50 3:10 To Yuma. (1957, PG) 8.30 Rambo III. (1988, MA15+) 10.25 Transcendence. (2014, M) 12.40am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 3. (2023, MA15+av, R) Robert McCall battles the Italian Mafia. Denzel Washington. 10.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 1. Highlights. 11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PGa)
12.15 MOVIE: Nightmare Student. (2021, Mav, R)
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 MOVIE: National Treasure. (2004, PGv, R) A treasure hunter uncovers a secret. Nicolas Cage.
10.10 MOVIE: The Tomorrow War. (2021, MA15+lv, R) Chris Pratt.
12.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.35 Explore TV Viking. (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) The team at Woodgreen makes its abandoned dogs feel extra special this time of year with a doggy Christmas dinner. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. The team helps John and Kitsa, who invested enormous amounts into their business and residential building but are now struggling. 9.40 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) It is a busy night shift for the ambulance service when they are alerted to an infectious disease outbreak. 12.00 FBI. (Mav, R) A federal judge disappears. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)
8.30 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on long-form investigations.
9.30 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Home County Cartel Pt 1. (Madlv, R) Detectives battle drug smugglers.
12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 6. Darwin Triple Crown. Day 2. Highlights. 1.05 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 (62) 7TWO
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 8.00 Boy George & Culture Club. (Mdl) Looks at English pop band Culture Club, which emerged in 1981’s UK new romantic scene with iconic style and music. 10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The First 48. (MA15+av) 11.25 Love Cheats. (Ma, R) 12.15 Tasman Trails. (PGl, R) 1.05 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 CampByMe. 5.00 Today Early News.
Today.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and
MONDAY, June 22
6.00
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)
8.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal)
9.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.30 Niagara Falls. (R)
12.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
1.40 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGl, R) 2.10 Bamay. (R) 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. ARG v AUSria. 5.30 BBC News At Six.
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.
6am Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 7.55 The Movie Show. 8.30 3:10 To Yuma. (1957, PG) 10.10 Intolerable Cruelty. (2003, M) Noon Up In The Air. (2009, M) 2.00 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.55 Music & Lyrics. (2007, PG) 5.50 BMX Bandits. (1983, PG) 7.30 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 9.35 Through Rocks And Clouds. (2024, PG) 11.10 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, June 23
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. 8.20 Young Sheldon. 8.40 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 11.15 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. (Return)
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.30 The Negotiator. (Mal)
12.20 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG, R)
12.55 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
2.05 Bamay. (R) 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group K. POR v UZB. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. ENG v GHA.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan makes a quiet arrest. Chen and Juarez race to rescue a kidnapping victim.
10.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.
11.10 The Agenda Setters.
12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62) VICELAND (31)
(31)
Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group H. Uruguay v Cabo Verde. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 BMX Bandits. (1983, PG) 8.10 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 10.15 Tudawali. (1987, M) Noon The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 2.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 4.10 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.05 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 7.30 A Shot At Glory. (2000, M) 9.40 Baghdad Messi. (2023, M, Arabic) 11.15 Late Programs.
7TWO (62)
6am Morning
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 First Dates Australia. (Return, Ml) Singles go on a blind first date.
8.40 Doc. (Ma) Richard and TJ are at odds. 9.40 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Happy’s Place. (PGal)
New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)
Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
ABC FAMILY (22)
ABC FAMILY (22)
WEDNESDAY, June 24
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Wogball: Australia’s Beautiful Game. (PGal)
8.40 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGav, R)
9.35 Coldwater. (Malsv)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.30 The Art Of Dissent. (Malv, R)
1.25 Patagonia. (PGa, R)
3.05 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)
4.15 The Choice To Love. (PG)
4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. Switzerland v Canada.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PG)
10.00 The Agenda Setters.
11.00 The Fall And Rise Of Reggie Dinkins. (Premiere, PGalv)
11.30 Stumble. (Premiere, PGal)
12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 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 To Be Advised. 8.30 NRL Origin Story. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.10 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+a, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dino Island. 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. 8.20 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.
Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. France v Iraq. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Viceroy’s House.
Continued. (2017, PG) 7.00 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 8.55 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 10.20 Corsage. (2022, M) 12.25pm Through Rocks And Clouds. (2024, PG) 2.00 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 4.00 BMX Bandits. (1983, PG) 5.40 The Efficiency Expert. (1991, PG) 7.30 I Am Zlatan. (2021, M) 9.25 John Wick. (2014, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
June 25
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 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 9.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.35 Amazing Animal Friends. 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PGa, R)
8.30 Saving Yellowstone. (Final, PGaw)
9.25 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.15 Exit. (MA15+adlnsv, R)
2.40 Patagonia. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group E. Ecuador v Germany.
VICELAND (31)
Morning Programs. 3.35pm WorldWatch. 5.35 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. England v Ghana. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 5.30 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Efficiency Expert. Continued. (1991, PG) 7.05 Discovering Film. 8.00 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 10.00 I Am Zlatan. (2021, M) 11.55 Marmalade. (2024, M) 1.45pm Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 3.35 Discovering Film. 4.30 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 5.50 Teen Spirit. (2018, PG) 7.30 Bend It Like Beckham. (2002, PG) 9.35 John Wick: Chapter 2. (2017, MA15+) 11.55 Late Programs.
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 Better Homes. 1.00
7MATE (64)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Lady Torque TV. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers: Best Of.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGadv) The Matheson sisters have a double date. Sonny goes extra hard. John has a staffing crisis.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 16. Brisbane Lions v Sydney.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 To Be Advised. 1.00 Brave New World. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7MATE (64)
3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30
Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL.
Family. 5.30
6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Batman Forever. (1995, PG) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.50 Love Island Games. 2.20 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.20 Parental Guidance. 4.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.50 LEGO Friends: Girls On A Mission. 5.10 Cry
Friends: Girls On A Mission. 5.10 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 5.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike.
9GO! (83)
Hawks loss
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.
•
HAPPY HOUR
Saturday and Sunday NOW AVAILABLE during Happy Hour
Tapas - Italian Style. 3 for $33 pp
$8 Schooners
$8 Wine
$8 House Spirits
Selected Cocktails $10-$15
By Chris KARAS
NORTHERN Hawks first grade rugby league team are licking their wounds after a disappointing 34-0 loss to Kurri Kurri in Newcastle Denton Engineering Cup action last weekend at Kurri Kurri Sports Ground.
The revved up Bulldogs produced a slick performance to run in six tries and chalk up their third win of the season in the 2026 Cup series.
Hawks’ coach Steve Simpson was left scratching his head after a listless display from the Northern side, who were kept scoreless by a determined Bulldogs outfit that never stopped probing.
The win lifts Kurri Kurri into fifth spot on the premiership ladder on eight points with three wins and two draws after nine rounds.
CONTINUED Page 21
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.
q Northern Hawks suffered a disappointing 34-0 loss to Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Cup competition last weekend.
