Port Stephens News Of The Area 19 MARCH 2026

By Chris KARAS

PORT STEPHENS FAMILY OWNED NEWSPAPER

Rally Car racing champ Kaylie Newell’s international quest

FROM Page 1

Ass team in prominent events such as the 50th anniversary Otago Rally on the south island, the Peter “Possum” Bourne Memorial Rally, and the Silver Fern Rally.

It is a huge fillip for the astute navigator who has achieved a wealth of success throughout her decorated 15-year racing career.

She formed a potent partnership with another rally great in Tony Sullens in the MRF Tyres team, with the duo capping a memorable 2025 campaign by clinching the Australian Rally 2 Wheel Drive championship in Tasmania.

It was a maiden national

title for cool-hand Newell after combining with Sullens in their Citroen DS3 car to claim three outright and four class state championships plus a third Production Cup Rally trophy.

“Winning both the NSW and Australian Rally 2 Wheel Drive championships with Tony was a huge thrill,” said Newell, who began her navigating career aged 18.

“I achieved plenty and learnt a lot from one of the country’s finest rally car drivers.

“Stepping up on to the international stage in New Zealand is a fresh challenge for myself this year and an opportunity that I intend to grab with both hands.”

Newell continues to thrive amid the pressure of seven day endurance and weekend rallies, in a professional field of worldclass drivers.

“As a navigator, I am the eyes into the future,” she said.

“My role is to support the driver to visualise road directions, conditions and surfaces ahead of time, while travelling at the car’s fastest pace.”

Back home, she will also contest the Australian Safari Event Rally and Sunraysia seven day endurance rally with Brinkman before heading back across the Tasman for a crack at the Flinders to Flieurieu Rally in

Have Your Say

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

AND 08/03/2026

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.

35 Victoria Pde 16-2024-99-2

3

6

9

14

APPLICANT: STEPHEN COON (Mark Lawler Architects)

CONSENT AUTHORITY: Port Stephens Council

ASSESSING OFFICER: Isaac Lancaster: 4988 0566 or isaac.lancaster@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION PERIOD: 14 Days (19 March 2026 – 2 April 2026)

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 2 April 2026

dwelling SOLDIERS POINT 115 Soldiers Point Rd 16-2016-892-5 S4.55(1A) Modification to dwelling, retaining walls –design changes 115 Soldiers Point Rd 16-2019-653-3 S4.55(1A) Modification to pool – amend finish levels

27 Elizabeth St 16-2023-606-3 S4.55(1A) Modification to dwelling alterations, swimming pool, shed –increase pool size

Future of Sketchley Cottage at risk without support

FROM Page 1

Cottage remains uncertain.

Operated by the Raymond Terrace Historical Society, the cottage and adjoining museum are maintained almost entirely by volunteers, with just six active members currently carrying the bulk of the workload.

The Society is responsible for all operating expenses, which totalled around $12,000 last year, placing a growing financial strain on the small team.

Insurance alone for the cottage and museum complex reached $5,800, and it continues to rise each year.

Many members now contribute their annual subscription yet are unable to assist with meetings, open days or fundraising activities.

Few new volunteers are stepping forward.

The Society’s bank balance has steadily declined over the past three years, making it increasingly difficult to

cover ongoing costs.

Despite these challenges, volunteers remain passionate about preserving the site, which holds a unique place in the region’s history.

“The descendants of local pioneering families have entrusted us with their historic mementos to show and educate the current and future generations,” volunteer Rose-Marie

“Our fear is if we lose Sketchley Cottage and the Museum then we can never replace the tangible objects we have on hand.”

Sketchley Cottage is believed to be the earliest and last remaining slabbuilt cottage in the local government area.

It was originally connected to the Doribank Estate, established in the late 1820s.

After Colonel Kenneth Snodgrass took possession of the Eagleton Estate in 1839, buildings were constructed on that land.

Following the

subdivision of the estate in 1854, former convict William Sketchley purchased the homestead block.

The original house was destroyed by fire in 1857, but a nearby barn was converted into the cottage that still stands today.

The Historical Society hopes that council support will help secure the future of the site, allowing volunteers to focus on sharing the district’s rich history.

“Members would much prefer to be promoting the town’s history, and that of the wider district, over just

trying to raise money to pay bills.

“It has a very rich history, which I feel the local population is not aware of,” said Robyn Witt, Secretary of the Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society. The community has an opportunity to experience the historic cottage firsthand when it opens on Sunday 22 March from 10am to 2pm.

Visitors can explore the cottage and museum displays at 1 Sketchley Street, and speak with volunteers about local history while enjoying tea and scones.

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

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

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

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

EDITOR

NEWS: media@newsofthearea.com.au

ADVERTISING: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

FLIPBOOK ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au

SOCIAL: facebook.com/myallNOTA

POST: PO Box 1000, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324

CLASSIFIEDS

Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Phone us: (02) 4981 8882 Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri Phone line Open 9am -2pm

BUSINESS ADVERTISING

Tracey BENNETT 0484 263 558 tracey@newsofthearea.com.au

Child protection the focus of IWD event

By Nico LOMBARDO

CHILD protection and foster care were the focus of an International Women's Day event at the Raymond Terrace Library on 13 March.

The guest speaker was Lake Macquarie’s 2025 Woman of the Year Astrid Hocking, who shared her many accomplishments and initiatives as a child advocate.

Ms Hocking’s journey as a foster carer spans more than 24 years.

She has hosted more than 90 children in her family, from newborns to teenagers.

After a visit to the Philippines, she began training staff at an orphanage for trafficked and abandoned children.

There she became involved with the Hearts and Hands Community Development charity, of which she is now the chairperson.

Active in both Australia and the Philippines, Hearts and Hands is a notfor-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of children.

ADVERTISING

Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Its programs include “Community Hearts”, which offers disadvantaged children and their communities the opportunity to learn skills for self-sustainability, and “Umbrella Hearts”, which is an awareness-raising campaign to promote dialogue about child abuse.

Her philosophy is that education is key for adults and children alike.

She argues that many have little understanding that some behaviour is unacceptable and end up passing it on to their children.

“Many people have told me that they got

hit as a child and they’re okay,” she said.

“My [response] is ‘that is why you think it’s okay’.”

Ms Hocking is campaigning for politicians to improve the state of the foster care system.

“From the time I got involved the system has been in crisis, it’s just that the crisis got worse.”

She is hopeful that a difference can be made by educating adults and children and making impactful and lasting changes in disadvantaged communities.

Shoal Bay sparkles for festival

By Jacie WHITFIELD

SHOAL Bay’s waterfront was transformed into a lively street party on Saturday 14 March, as locals and visitors flocked to the annual Food and Wine Festival.

The evening of tasting plates, local wines, salumi platters, cocktails and vibrant entertainment was enjoyed under perfect autumn weather.

With the street closed to traffic and scattered with seats, shade and dining tables, festivalgoers embraced the relaxed atmosphere while braving long queues to sample signature bites and drinks from local restaurants, artisans and regional producers.

The event quickly filled with a steady

stream of people, creating a bustling yet happy and easy-going energy.

Live music at both ends set the tone for the festivities, with performers keeping the crowd entertained as people mingled, danced, dined, explored the stalls and soaked up the pristine backdrop.

Many gathered around the cooking demonstration area to sample freshly processed sea urchin - some claiming it was “better than an oyster”.

They flocked to learn from headline Chef Darren Robertson, as he prepared a delicious dish inspired by fresh local produce.

Families, groups of friends and couples were all part of the crowd, enjoying the chance to experience Shoal Bay in a different way.

q

The balmy evening conditions added to the success of the event, allowing diners to linger outdoors and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Event organisers were pleased to see the strong turnout and the positive response from the community.

As well as celebrating the region’s food and wine culture, it also highlighted the hospitality and creativity of local businesses.

Visitors could be seen moving between stalls, overflowing from restaurants,

Botanical artist on show

LAKE Macquarie-based botanical artist

Lauren May SK is presenting her first solo exhibition, Botanical Observations, at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens this month.

The exhibition brings together a curated collection of original watercolour paintings of local native plants, with eucalyptus leaves and native flora as recurring subjects.

Each piece reflects Lauren’s deep commitment to observation, accuracy and the quiet beauty of nature.

“Botanical Observations is really about slowing down,” Lauren said.

most respected repositories for botanical illustration and documentation.

Lauren developed her technical skill as an artist at the University of Newcastle, completing a Bachelor of Natural History Illustration; a specialised degree that is no longer offered.

Her training continues to underpin her practice today as she approaches each painting with careful observation and traditional drawing and painting techniques.

NELSON BAY CANCER PATIENT TRANSPORT GROUP

“Each work begins with detailed study from life, and then I gradually recreate it on paper by building layers of watercolour to achieve depth and realism."

Lauren hopes her exhibition will encourage visitors to notice the intricate detail in the gardens around them.

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

Lauren’s work is held in significant botanical art collections including The Florilegium Society at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney collection, and at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in the United States, one of the world’s

“They’re designed to reward close looking. We often walk past extraordinary detail every day,” Lauren said.

“When you pause and really look at a leaf and its colour, its vein structure, the way the light hits it, it becomes something special.”

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

For those inspired to learn the techniques behind the paintings, Lauren also runs smallgroup observational drawing and botanical

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

discovering new flavours, and chatting with makers, bakers and providores.

The relaxed format encouraged people to take their time, share plates and enjoy the social nature of the evening.

By night’s end, the packed street and buzzing atmosphere reflected the event’s growing popularity, with many attendees saying they hoped the festival returns every year.

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.

• Our services are subject to available resources.

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.

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

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

Phone: 0407 252 566

Phone: 0407 252 566

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

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

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

Council announces winners of IWD scholarships

FOUR $1,000 scholarships have been awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions in business, sport, health and community leadership across Port Stephens.

The recipients of the 2026 International Women’s Day Scholarships were announced by Port Stephens Council during an event held on Saturday 7 March at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

Council’s International Women’s Day Scholarship program offers three $1,000 scholarships each year to support women across arts, culture, environment, business, community, health and sport.

The fourth $1,000 scholarship is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay.

“The International Women’s Day Scholarship is about acknowledging the impact women have in Port Stephens,” Mayor Leah Anderson said.

“We are removing barriers to help them work towards their goals and provide practical support to take the next step.”

Thirteen high-calibre

applications were submitted for this year’s scholarship, highlighting the incredible work women are doing across the community.

Mayor Anderson thanked everyone who applied for sharing their ideas and aspirations.

This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of women contributing across the region.

Mrs Madison-Kate Davidson will develop practical resources to help parents and carers confidently talk to children about body safety and protective behaviours.

These resources will support prevention and family wellbeing.

Mrs Precious Mbara will expand her cupcake decorating workshops for young women.

These workshops create safe and inclusive spaces that build confidence, creativity and connection.

Miss Ava Foster has represented NSW and Australia in touch football and will continue competing at a high level.

She will also mentor local girls and deliver skill development opportunities in Port Stephens.

q The recipients were announced by Port Stephens Council during an event held last Saturday at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

Miss Holly Kennedy will continue to provide free nutrition education and develop communitybased preventive health initiatives that focus on equity and long-term well-being.

This scholarship is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay.

Mayor Anderson said this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ reflects the spirit of the scholarship program.

“When women are supported to grow their skills, leadership and confidence, it strengthens families, workplaces and our wider community,” she said.

“These women are giving their time, knowledge and leadership back to our community.

“When we invest in women who are investing in others, we all gain,”

Building Commission visits Hunter

THE Hunter has been chosen for Building Commission NSW’s first major campaign of 2026.

The three-day trip, from 16-18 March, saw Building Commission NSW inspectors and the NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, visit Singleton and areas of Maitland and Newcastle.

“This is a great opportunity

for Building Commission NSW to connect with community and better understand building issues those in the Hunter are experiencing, and how we can help,” Mr Sherrard said.

“With the Hunter expected to experience considerable population growth over the next 20 years, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have a robust and capable

building industry that can support new and established residents.

“Regional NSW has been a major focus for Building Commission NSW over the past couple of years and that will remain a priority in 2026.”

During the campaign, Building Commission NSW inspectors visited apartment buildings and freestanding homes to address defective work and ensure signage and insurance is in place.

SafeWork NSW inspectors also joined inspections, focussing on preventing falls from heights and falling objects, and ensuring the safe operation of plant, machinery and equipment.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said, “While we are seeing improvements in worksite safety, we are keen to continue ensuring construction workers can stay safe and healthy on the job.

"This week’s site visits in the Hunter region are part of SafeWork NSW’s regular program of proactive compliance across the state.

"SafeWork NSW's proactive visits to construction sites play an important role in reducing the number of serious incidents by preventing harm, strengthening compliance and sharing practical safety tools."

A compliance blitz conducted by SafeWork NSW last year which targeted construction sites in the Hunter region saw inspectors visit 13 sites, resulting in 17 improvement notices, nine prohibition notices and three penalty notices totalling $13,500.

Inspectors will also be ensuring work is carried out with appropriate high-risk work licences in place and engaging industry about psychological health and safety.

As part of the visit to the Hunter, Building Commission NSW will also take part in local government and community meetings and speak with local high school and TAFE NSW students.

Meetings will be held with Singleton, Upper Hunter Shire and

Mayor Anderson added.

The International Women’s Day Scholarship is open to women aged 16 years and over from across Port Stephens.

It forms part of Council’s broader community funding and scholarship programs, which support education, personal development and community leadership across the region.

Muswellbrook Shire councils while community pop up events will occur in Maitland and Charlestown.

While Building Commission NSW have toured regional TAFE campuses before, this will be the first time the agency will visit local high schools.

Building Commission NSW will visit Hunter Trade College and Rutherford Technology High School where students can hear from lived experiences from staff, importance of compliance and knowledge and how the regulator can help foster and support future careers.

Staff and the Building Commissioner will also take part in an industry event at the University of Newcastle.

Last year, Building Commission NSW visited over 850 sites in regional NSW, including an inspection blitz in the Hunter region in October.

During this blitz, Building Commission NSW Inspectors visited 41 sites, where they issued 22 Penalty Infringement Notices, nine Written Direction Notices and 13 Rectification Orders.

Government extends funding for two key programs

THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”).

The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in 1981.

The NIL Scheme helps eligible applicants to borrow up to $2,000 for appliances, furniture, car repairs or medical expenses, or up to $3,000

for housing-related expenses such as rental bonds or recovering from a natural disaster.

Over the 2023-24 financial year, the program provided 13,485 loans.

Families with dependents collectively earning $100,000 each year, or singles earning $70,000 each year, are eligible for a NIL Scheme loan.

The NIL Scheme additionally provides financial relief for those who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, as well as people living on a pension.

In a further boost, the Government will also fund the ASCA

Program from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 at a total of more than $8.5 million.

The ASCA Program supports not-for-profit organisations which empower older residents living in retirement villages, boarding houses and nursing homes.

These organisations help by giving guidance on older residents’ rights under the Retirement Villages Act 1999 and the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, including representation at tribunal hearings and assisting with resolving disputes.

In the last financial year, 4,849 individuals received legal services

or community support through the ACSA Program.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the programs have a “long history of supporting the people who need it most, including older residents and domestic violence victim-survivors”.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “NILS serves to protect vulnerable consumers from predatorial loan practices which might take advantage of them and their inability to reconcile their loans quickly.

“By offering this alternative, consumers can safely obtain items

for the household or key medical procedures while safeguarding their financial wellbeing and independence.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said most users of the No Interest Loans Scheme are renters.

“By using these types of loans which don’t garner interest they can offset their expenses and use money to pay rent and avoid homelessness,” she said.

“NILS is an important scheme for vulnerable people renting homes allowing them another way to navigate their expenses so they don’t fall into a deeper cycle of debt.”

Hardwood supply chain at risk from soaring fuel prices

A FIFTH-GENERATION family

timber operation in Bulahdelah says it is absorbing an almost $8000 weekly fuel surge to keep hardwood moving to Australia's cities.

Anthony Dorney and his brothers operate two hardwood sawmills, SA Relf and Newells Creek, continuing a timber cutting tradition which has lasted for more than a century. Last week, Anthony pulled up to the bowser and paid $2.90 a litre.

"It's obscene," he said.

In a single week, the Dorneys say daily fuel costs across the two operations have climbed by more than $7,800.

Every tonne of Tallowwood, Ironbark and Blackbutt that leaves Bulahdelah does so on the back of a fuel-powered truck.

The two mills employ more than ten percent of the local town's

population and supply a large share of north-east NSW's hardwoodrunning supply chains south to Sydney and the Central Coast, west to Canberra, and north to Brisbane.

"It's not a case of panic buying," Dorney said.

"It's all due to a critical shortage at the bowser and growing rationing between customers."

Nationals MP Alison Penfold, the Member for Lyne, raised the issue directly to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in Federal Parliament last week.

“Yesterday the minister insisted that there is no fuel supply shortage,” Ms Penfold said.

“The Dorney family in Bulahdelah run two timber mills, multiple hauling and felling crews, and a fleet of logging and freight trucks.

“In one week alone, their daily fuel costs have increased by $7,800.

“Minister, under your watch, why are Australians like the Dorney family, and their business, running out of fuel?”

Mr Bowen acknowledged regional supply chains are under severe pressure and confirmed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been directed to impose hard penalties against profiteering.

“We've been very clear that noone in the fuel supply chain should seek business or economic benefit out of that,” he said.

Timber industry body Forest and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) is warning that soaring regional fuel prices are threatening the nation’s hardwood supply chain.

"With 90 percent of our population living on just 0.25 percent of Australia’s land mass, regional communities are feeling the impact of surging fuel prices more

country was attacked by US and Israeli forces.

acutely than their city cousins,” said FWCA chairman Steve Dobbyns.

“The

Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push

By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP

RATIONING fuel in Australia's major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic

and social issues, a peak motoring body says.

Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil corridors, after the

The conflict in the Middle East has spiked oil prices, sending unleaded petrol prices in Australia above $2.20 a litre, and diesel to more than $2.60 a litre.

Fuel transport companies support a proposal by One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce to reserve fuel for farmers and regional areas as the Iran war drags on.

Mr Joyce argues this would ensure supermarket shelves remained stocked and other key industries could continue operating.

Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, said Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queensland-based company transports fuel for 500 businesses.

But NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the organisation did not support the proposal.

"It will have an economic and social connection impact and we believe it's unnecessary," he said.

"Fuel supplies have continued

throughout this war and urge Australians not to panic buy and stockpile, particularly diesel."

Mr Joyce said Australia should be part of a global effort to end Iran's blockade, as US President Donald Trump calls on countries to step up.

"If you are part of a beneficiary of it being resolved, you got to do something for it," he told ABC's Insiders.

Mr Khoury said there were reports in some locations of people buying four times the amount of fuel usually sold.

"When Australians are stockpiling fuel in jerry cans in homes, that behaviour will inevitably lead to shortages," he said.

"If that behaviour stops, it will go a long way to stabilising the situation."

The federal government on Friday announced up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from the emergency reserves of companies would be released to address shortfalls.

Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure

By Robyn WUTH, Tess IKONOMOU and Zac DE SILVA, AAP

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel - more than a month's supply - as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand.

The country is "as prepared as possible" with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days' supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday.

The stockpile includes 2.7 billion litres of diesel, or 30 days of supply, and 800 million litres or 29 days of jet fuel.

Global concerns over the USIsraeli-led war in Iran have fanned fears of fuel shortages, leading to regional supply issues and price hikes.

"We have received all our expected shipping of petrol and diesel that our refineries continue

to work, and the supply of petrol has been secure and has been just as expected," Mr Bowen said.

"What we have seen is real and unacceptable shortages in rural and regional areas in particular, as we've been dealing with a massive explosion in demand - demand up 100 percent at every terminal across Australia.

"This has seen shortages for farmers, for people in regional areas in particular, which the government has been working very hard with the industry to get addressed as quickly as possible."

The government has moved to ease the pain for motorists, releasing up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from emergency reserves to meet regional demand.

NSW will convene an urgent roundtable to address concerns over the impact of the US-IsraelIran conflict, as its premier urges restraint at the bowsers.

Representatives from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local councils, mining, unions and consumer protection groups were set to meet with government officials on Monday.

"Global events are putting pressure on fuel markets around the world and we are making sure NSW is prepared as we can be and well co-ordinated if those pressures continue," Premier Chris Minns said.

"I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone but it's important people don't buy more fuel at the bowser than they need."

Iran has closed one of the world's busiest oil corridors - the Strait of Hormuz - in response to the US-led war launched against it, causing a global shortage that has led fuel prices to skyrocket.

Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, according to Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queensland-based company services 500 businesses.

"We've got a lot of angry

customers that want their fuel," he told AAP.

"A lot of them have been pretty good to deal with and understand the situation we're in.

"Every other fuel distributor in the country, we're all the same. It's really impacted our business because we just can't get the volume we require on a normal day."

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has raised the prospect of city rationing to help address the issue.

"It is a crisis," he told ABC Radio on Friday.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly provided assurances Australia has enough fuel and said shortages were down to people stockpiling.

He has also rejected calls to bring in fuel rationing in metropolitan areas.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the nation had plenty of fuel.

"We've got big stockpiles of fuel, whether it's petrol or diesel or jet fuel, and we work around the clock to make sure that Australia doesn't run out, we're certainly not expecting that we will," he told Sky News on Sunday.

Labor has also relaxed its fuel quality requirements, meaning higher sulfur petrol usually reserved for export can be sold in Australia in a bid to tackle increased demand.

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said despite there being enough volume of fuel in Australia, it was a "small mercy" for farmers and businesses.

"When they go to the petrol station or they call their contractor and there's no fuel available, they've got a supply crisis," he told Sky News.

Mr Joyce said trucks had to be kept moving to ensure food remained on supermarket shelves and other vital services were maintained.

The consumer watchdog has told fuel retailers to respond to claims they dramatically hiked petrol and diesel prices soon after war broke out.

Penalties for false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled to a maximum of $100 million per offence as the crisis deepens.

Australia has also relaxed quality standards for the next 60 days to boost the domestic market.

WINC - WILDLIFE IN NEED OF CARE

PORT STEPHENS News Of The Area

Wildlife in Need of Care

WILDLIFE in Need of Care

Inc. (WINC) is a dedicated volunteer organisation committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned

native wildlife.

WINC provides support across a wide region, including the Port Stephens LGA, servicing areas from Fern Bay west to Duns Creek,

Brandy Hill, Seaham, East Seaham and Glen Oak, and north to Karuah.

Their work also extends throughout the Dungog LGA, including Paterson, Vacy, Martins Creek, Wallarobba, Clarence Town, Gresford, East Gresford, Lostock and

Carrabolla.

The organisation also assists wildlife across parts of the Southern Mid Coast region, including Hawks Nest, Limeburners Creek, Allworth, Booral, Girvan, The Branch, Nerong and surrounding southern Great

An underwater life

THE extraordinary story of Valerie Taylor AM - a globally celebrated underwater storyteller, shark researcher, and conservationist - is coming to the Tomaree Headland precinct.

The “Valerie Taylor – An Underwater Life” exhibition will be on display from 18 March until 17 April from 9am to 3pm.

Through a stunning collection of images, text, and never seen on tour 3D scans of objects, the exhibition showcases the pioneering work of Valerie and her husband Ron.

It highlights their significant contributions to marine conservation,

their innovations in diving, and their groundbreaking underwater filmmaking that has inspired generations.

More than just a retrospective, An

Underwater Life serves as a compelling call to action.

Raising AWARENESS and Raising MONEY

$270 was donated by this feature

Lakes areas.

If you encounter injured, orphaned or distressed wildlife, please contact the 24-hour rescue hotline on 1300 946 295.

As a non-profit organisation, WINC relies on the generosity and support of the community. If you would like to make a donation or become a member, please email wincenquiries@gmail.com to learn more about how you can help support the care and protection of our native wildlife.

It aims to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates and changemakers to protect marine biodiversity.

The exhibition delves into Valerie's tireless advocacy, her achievements as a marine conservation pioneer, and provides important insights into shark safety, challenging common misconceptions.

“We are incredibly proud to host this important exhibition at the Main Hall, Tomaree Lodge,” said Doug Cross, Chairman of the Tomaree Museum Association (TMA).

“Valerie Taylor’s legacy is a powerful reminder of our connection to the ocean, and we hope her story will inspire our community to become advocates for marine protection.

“The exhibition includes displays from the TMA’s Sustained by the Sea project

New recruits for transport and roads agency

SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month.

From filling potholes to rebuilding flood-damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network.

as well as exciting models and artifacts by Matt and Julie Johnstone from Atlantis.

“We are extremely grateful to the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice for allowing the TMA the temporary use of the Main Hall at the Tomaree Headland Precinct for this travelling exhibition and also acknowledge the support of Port Stephens Council.”

The exhibition is presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum and has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program. It will tour venues across New South Wales and Western Australia from 2026 to 2027.

Entry is free.

They join an existing group of 92 apprentices and trainees progressing through the program from previous intakes.

Participants have the opportunity to earn and learn on the job while developing practical skills in their chosen field, from civil construction and bridge maintenance to heavy diesel mechanics, business, finance and project management.

New recruit Maddi

Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo, the new recruits will soon get their hands on the tools.

Ormsby said the Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship appealed to her because of the opportunity to do handson work outdoors.

“There’s such a great mix of bridges we look after, everything from concrete and timber structures to heritage ones,” Maddi said.

“We don’t just maintain them, we get the chance to build them too, and we work across all sorts of locations.

“I’ve only been in the job a few weeks, and I’ve already

ADVERTISING

had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”

Matt Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Road Maintenance and Resilience at Transport for NSW, said the program gives “people real skills, real experience and a recognised qualification while boosting the capability of our workforce across NSW”.

“As they build their skills on live sites, they’re helping lift the resilience of

Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

our transport network and supporting the teams who keep NSW moving,” he said.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.

“These young workers

are gaining practical skills on live projects while helping maintain the roads and bridges our local community depends on.

“This investment strengthens our local workforce and ensures we have the capability to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need.”

Ferry a national finalist

By Thomas O’KEEFE

LOCAL business the Original Tea Gardens Ferry is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Small Business Awards.

The owners of this muchloved local service, which carries a large chunk of local tourism back and forth across Port Stephens Bay, will head to Sydney on 2 May for the awards.

“The ferry has such a special place in the hearts of the local community, so to [be] recognised at a national level is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved,” Kerrie

Jeffreys told News Of The Area.

“This recognition belongs to our amazing crew, our wonderful passengers, and the communities of Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens who support us every day.”

The heritage ferry service, which connects Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens across the sparkling waters of Port Stephens, is well-known to locals and visitors.

Since taking over the business a few years ago, Kerrie has worked tirelessly to transform the ferry into a vibrant tourism experience

while preserving the history and charm of the traditional service.

Her recent achievements have included the successful installation of dedicated jetties for loading and unloading commercial passengers.

“Today the ferry offers a range of experiences including history cruises with local storyteller John ‘Stinker’ Clarke, long lunch cruises with local restaurants, and special events celebrating the stories of the bay.

“[It] also works closely with community organisations including local Probus Clubs,

U3A groups and visiting tour groups, sharing the maritime history of Port Stephens with passengers while cruising the

Regional housing market booms, outpacing capitals

By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP

WITH the prospect of paying at least $1 million for a home in many of Australia's capital cities, buyers are once again looking to escape to the country.

The regional property market surged in the three months to January, outpacing the capitals, according to figures from data firm Cotality.

Dwelling values rose 3.2

q Buyers are once again looking to escape to the regions in search of a better value and quality of life. Photo: PMHC.

percent for the quarter in regional areas, compared to 2.1 percent in the combined capitals.

Competitive market conditions in the cities, poor housing affordability and a boost in internal migration sent buyers packing for the country long after COVID-19 lockdowns sparked the initial migration trend.

"With capital city prices still near record highs and stock levels tight, many households are once again looking to regional Australia for greater value and livability," the firm's head of research Gerard Burg said.

"We're seeing momentum build across a wide range of regional markets, from inland hubs to coastal centres and miningadjacent regions.

"This reflects a renewed

movement of people and capital into areas where buyers' budgets stretch further and competition for available homes is strong."

Sydney's median home value sat at $1.23 million in January, followed by Brisbane at $1.02 million, with Perth and Adelaide tipping over $900,000, according to a PropTrack report released on 2 February.

Compared to those cities' prices, many of the fastest-growing regions can offer only modest housing affordability relief, if any.

Queensland's Sunshine Coast had a median value of more than $1.2 million in January, with weekly rents at $832, Cotality's data showed.

Geelong, a Victorian port city and hotspot for

Melbourne escapees, had a median value of $771,298, with rents at $558.

The NSW Hunter region has long been one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia, with a median of $956,142 and rents at $698 in Newcastle-Maitland.

The market report showed Wagga Wagga, in southern NSW, experienced the highest growth in value at 8.1 percent for the quarter.

The median value in the regional city was $665,062 in January.

Regional Western Australia had the strongest growth among the states, with values rising 6.1 percent, up from 4.9 percent.

Albany, a coastal city on the state's southern tip, experienced a value hike of 7.7 percent, with a median value of $783,389.

Foster care recruitment drive across the Hunter

HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive.

Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families.

There is a particular need for people to care for sibling groups, some with children

under five years old; and adolescents, who often wait the longest to be placed with foster carers.

Research shows that many potential carers remain hesitant due to misconceptions about their eligibility and the time required to foster a child.

There are many ways to start fostering, including providing just a few days of respite to other foster carers.

In January, the Foster Care Allowance was increased for the first time in 20 years, lifting the base rate by 20 percent.

According to the State Government, a foster carer of a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4,500 better off each year.

“I know there are hundreds of people across the Hunter who have what it takes to become a foster carer,”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“I encourage anyone who is considering fostering to reach out and find out how you can support vulnerable kids in our communities.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “There are many ways you can help a vulnerable child, by providing emergency, respite, short or long term care.

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 9th March 2026 with 20 players (Wet day).

“You can foster if you rent or own your own home, if you’re single or married, work full-time or are retired – all you need is love in your heart and space in your home.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said that local foster carers are the backbone of the state’s care system.

“We know fostering looks

Queensland and South Australia's markets also grew, while regional NSW and Victoria only shifted slightly.

Small local market declines were recorded in the Bowral, Mittagong and Bateman's Bay regions in southern NSW, and in Warrnambool on Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

A renewed focus on the regions is not good news for all locals, as low rental vacancy rates are met with rapidly increasing rents. Regional rent growth was slightly above the capitals at 1.6 percent, compared to 1.4 percent. Rents outside the cities have risen by almost 42 percent in the past five years, well ahead of wage growth at 17.5 percent.

different for everyone, which is why we’re focused on removing barriers and backing carers with practical, financial and professional support,” he said.

“If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to step forward and be part of the Hunter’s foster care community.”

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Muree Golf Results

Nett Winner : Robbie Kerehoma, 43pts. Bonus Point Winner : Fred Rimoni, 40pts. No Runners Up today as insufficient starters.

Division 2 : Karen Harley. Drive & Chip, 7th Hole :

Division 1 : No Winner.

Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole

Division 1 : Robbie Kerehoma. Division 2 : Lester Lake. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole : Division 1 : Gary Watt.

Division 2 : Jim Gill. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole,

Division 1 : Shayne Mullarvey.

Division 2 : John Jefferson (birdie Ball Winners :

Tanilba Bay Veterans Golf

By Ian WILLIAMS

RESULTS OF PLAY FOR 10th

March 2026.

The weather was perfect for golf, mostly sunny and warm for most of the morning.

We played a 2 Man Stableford

Aggregate game over 9 holes,

normal start, off the back nine. A roll up of 19 players today, we always look forward to Tuesday's.

RESUKTS OF PLAY: Winners:

Keith Chapple & John Street nett 41 pts Runners up:

Steve and David Enderby..nett 38 pts

Ball winners : Jim Carberry & Barry Disch.nett 37 pts

Robert Duffy (V) & Mark Moore nett 36 pts

Kim Miller & Greg Garvin.nett 34 pts

Brian Marshall 40pts, Graham Woolley 39pts, Shayne Mullarvey 37pts, Greg Sessions 36pts, Jenny Hale 35pts, Jim Gill 34pts, and Karen Harley 33pts. Lucky Prize Draw Winner : Phil Rogan.

Lenny Hardes & Ian Williams nett 33 pts

NTP 11th hole:

A grade Barry Disch

B grade Bob Skinner

C grade Charlie Skinner

D & C 18th hole:

A grade Barry Disch

B Grade Joh Street

C grade Charlie Street Longest drive 2nd Hole:

By Lee RANKIN

A grade Barry Disch

B grade Steve Enderby

C grade Jim Carberry Next week, 17th March, will be an Individual Stableford

game over the front nine off the white tees with a normal start.

Rego from 7am and Tee off by 8am.

Northern Hawks soaring high

By Chris KARAS

THREE of rugby league’s modern day achievers have banded together to influence the fledgling Northern Hawks Rugby League Club in 2026.

Parramatta great Peter Sterling - who now lives in Port Stephens - will take on a club ambassador role with the Hawks.

The former Kangaroos playmaker will be joined by premiership-winning Newcastle Knights forward Steve Simpson, who was appointed Head Coach for this year’s campaign in the Newcastle Rugby League competition, and former Gold Coast Titans Head Coach Garth Brennan, who serves as the Hawks’ Head of Pathways.

All three are highly respected rugby league figures and valuable acquisitions.

Their involvement is a key part of the club’s growth.

Sterling adds strength to the club’s leadership group while his support provides both inspiration for players and credibility for the club, as it continues to grow across

Newcastle and the Hunter.

The Northern Hawks are preparing for an exciting 2026 season with strong momentum across both the men’s and women’s programs and a growing presence in the Port Stephens sporting community.

Competing in the Newcastle Rugby League competitions, the Hawks have steadily built a reputation as one of the region’s most ambitious and communityfocused clubs.

With teams across senior men’s, women’s and youth pathways, the club continues to provide opportunities for local players to develop their skills while representing Port Stephens at a high level.

The 2026 season will see the Hawks field teams in the Denton Engineering Cup, the Women’s Premiership competitions, and the Under 19s men’s pathway program.

The club is also working closely with junior partners, such as the Raymond Terrace Roosters, to strengthen development pathways for young players coming through the local system.

Simpson, a former NSW Origin and Australian back rower, brings a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience to the Hawks program.

The Knights legend made 216 top grade appearances and figured in the club’s 2001 NRL Grand Final triumph over Parramatta before playing 13 Origin matches for NSW and eight Tests for the Kangaroos. He cut his coaching teeth with the Hawks Under 19s squad before his appointment as Head Coach.

Supporting the development pathway is the home spun Brennan, who is working closely with players and junior partners to ensure local athletes have a clear and professional pathway to senior representative opportunities.

Northern Hawks club president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the focus this year is not just on performance, but on building a sustainable program that connects players, families and the wider community.

“The Northern Hawks are about more than just rugby league,” he said.

Langsford selected for AsiaPacific Touch Cup

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay’s Jake Langsford will represent the Philippines’ national touch football team at the upcoming 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup in Mudgee.

The quicksilver winger/ halfback has earned selection in the Philippines Mixed Open side for the prestigious international touch football tournament to be staged from Thursday 23 April to Sunday 26 April at the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex.

Langsford will play in the middle position, a role that requires peak fitness, quick decision-making and the ability to control the tempo through the centre of the field.

It is a rare opportunity to represent both his heritage and the Port Stephens sporting community.

Langsford continues to stamp his mark across two football codes, representing the Nelson Bay Gropers in rugby while also excelling in touch football.

q Nelson Bay flyer Jake Langsford displays his Philippines representative touch football singlet.

Playing on the wing for the Gropers, he is renowned for his raw speed, agility and sharp footwork, and often uses his evasiveness to beat defenders and create attacking opportunities out wide.

He will now pit his touch football skills against

opponents from 15 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The country town of Mudgee expects to host 500 players and officials for the four-day international tournament, which will feature a host of talent in the Mens, Womens and Mixed categories.

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

13/3/26

OUTRIGHT winners.

John McDonalds & Ron McKay. 76 Bonus points winners.

Phil Germon & Ron Dews. 78 Ball winners.

Barry Disch & Peter Couvaras. 71

Matt Baldwin & Brian Riddell. 68

Kim Miller & Grahame Glover. 66 Bradman Award. Hugh Potts & Wendy Couvaras NTP4TH.

A. Phil Germon. B. Bob West D&C7TH.

A. John McDonald. B. Bob West D&C18TH.

“We’re building something that gives local players a genuine pathway to higher levels of the game while also creating a strong community club that people in Port Stephens can be proud of.”

Chapman said the club was proud of the strength of its football leadership group.

“Having people like Steve Simpson, Garth Brennan and Peter Sterling involved brings enormous experience and credibility to the club.

“More importantly, they’re passionate about developing local players.”

The women’s program continues to grow rapidly, reflecting the surge in participation across rugby league nationally.

Several Hawks players have already represented the region.

Off the field, the Hawks are continuing to expand their partnerships with local businesses and organisations who support the club’s vision of creating opportunities for young athletes in the region.

With the season now underway, Chapman said the club is encouraging local residents who are passionate about community sport to get involved.

“Like many community clubs, we rely heavily on volunteers.

“Whether it’s helping on game day, supporting team logistics, assisting with

events or contributing behind the scenes, volunteers are a huge part of what makes the Hawks possible.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, supporting the club or learning more about the Northern Hawks is encouraged to reach out through the club’s social media channels or website.

“The Hawks are a community club and we welcome anyone who wants to be part of the journey.”

Northern Hawks played

their first trial against Singleton last Saturday. They will host the Way Way Roosters in a second trial this Saturday 21 March at Lakeside Sports Complex from 4.30pm, before their season launch at the Junction Inn Hotel.

A third trial is scheduled against Lakes United on 28 March at Cahill Oval before both clubs meet in the opening Magic round on 11 April at Maitland Regional Sportsground.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

JOIN THE NORTHERN HAWKS TEAM

The Northern Hawks Rugby League Club is calling on the Port Stephens community to get involved and be part of the 2026 season.

As one of the region’s fastest-growing rugby league clubs, the Hawks rely on the support of dedicated volunteers to help deliver a successful season for our players, families and supporters.

Get involved today!

A. Phil Germon. B. Bob West Money hole.

A. Phil Germon Lucky number. 4. Peter Couvaras There were 16 starters. Congratulations to all the winners.

Next game Friday 19/3/26 2nd round Presidents Cup

Be part of the team behind the team.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to assist with:

Game day operations

Ground set-up and pack-down

Team support and logistics

Timekeeping and sideline assistance

Events and community activities

General club administration

No rugby league experience required — just a willingness to help and be part of a positive community club.

Whether you can volunteer every week or just occasionally, your support will make a real difference.

Pythons crash out of title race

By Chris KARAS

MEREWETHER Lions Cricket Club are on the cusp of a deserved Newcastle District Cricket Senior Men's Division One championship title.

The rampant Lions will be chasing premiership glory when they host rivals Waterboard Wests in the 2025-26 Grand Final this Saturday at Connolly Park.

Rowan Kelly’s in-form Merewether line up sent reigning joint premiers Port Stephens Pythons tumbling out of the trophy race with a five wicket semi-final victory at their home base last weekend.

With only two losses this summer from their 16 fixtures completed, the consistent Lions are tipped to bring home the silverware on the back of their well-balanced X1.

Champion all-rounder Stephen Pryde top scored with an unbeaten 74 before claiming two wickets (2-42 off eight overs) to help Merewether advance to the title decider.

The talented Pryde faced 57 balls and struck 11 boundaries and a six, with support from number three Brad Smith (70 runs off 69 balls) and skipper Kelly (47 not out off 32 balls), as the Lions amassed 5-258 from their 40 overs.

Gold rush for Grant siblings

By Chris KARAS

CORLETTE superfish Rafe Grant has produced some of his finest performances in the pool at elite level.

The 13-year-old schoolboy underlined his potential with a swag of medals at the recent NSW Country Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Rafe and elder brother Stefan, 14, proved the golden boys of the Nelson Bay Swim Club after collecting an impressive eight medals between them.

Both siblings broke through for their first major titles with tremendous displays in the freestyle, butterfly and medley disciplines.

Rafe continued his exceptional season by claiming triple gold in the 13yrs Boys 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle finals plus silver in the 200m freestyle.

Not to be outdone, versatile Stefan showed why he is rated one of the state’s brightest endurance swimming prospects by winning gold in the 14yrs Boys 200m butterfly and picking up silver medals in the 800m and 1500m freestyle finals and 400m medley race.

Nelson Bay Swim Club’s Head Coach Tom

Davis told News Of The Area that his quality squad performed “exceptionally well” at the three day event.

“The most pleasing part was watching three new team members in 11-year-old Jacinta Scott and 10-year-olds Marlie Ross and Roz Davis, all qualify for their first major championship and record their best times,” he said.

“They had a great time together and supported each other and the older kids.

“Alexis Scott managed a couple of top 20 swims with a personal best time in her 50m backstroke in another season of solid improvement.

“Our six swimmers, who are now preparing for the National Age Championships in April, all featured in the medals which is extremely pleasing.”

In a first for the club, the girls team of Bonnie Norton, 16, Lara Budd, 15, Isabella Hol, 16, and Hanna Mounter, 15, secured a bronze medal in the medley relay.

Bonnie and Lara collected individual medals in the breaststroke events while Isabella also snared bronze in the Girls 50m butterfly final.

Merewether lost two early wickets with only 29 runs on the board, before Smith smashed an impressive five sixes and seven boundaries in a vital third wicket partnership of 84 with Brent Watson (21).

Pryde also combined with Kelly, who clouted six boundaries and a six, in an unbeaten match-turning stand of 94 for the sixth wicket.

Lions ace Tom McKendry then bagged 4-31 off eight overs and Watson 3-28 off five to sink the brave Pythons for a total of 209 in reply.

Opening batsman Leigh Williams (43 runs off 35 balls with six boundaries and two sixes), club legend Josh Moxey (35 off 41 balls), all rounder Matthew Dean (31 off 18 balls with

four boundaries and two sixes) and stalwart Jarryd Johnson (25) kept the Port Stephens side in the hunt with valuable knocks.

There was a tinge of disappointment for the competitive Pythons after an injuryriddled campaign and the unavailability of key players throughout the summer.

After finishing joint champions with the Pythons in a rain-marred Grand Final last season, the Wests X1 are eager to lift the trophy outright.

They crushed Cardiff-Boolaroo by 79 runs in their semi-final clash last Saturday at Jesmond Park - skittling their opponents for 65 with Rebels representative skipper Mitch Kroehnert snaring 4-21 in an eight over spell and Michael Rippon (2-9 off 38 deliveries).

The talented Mounter clinched gold in the 200m medley plus medals in the 50m and 400m freestyle and 100m butterfly, before falling ill and having to withdraw from the remainder of her races.

Diggers swimmers hold their own at AIF National Swimming Championships

their all” on the day.

FROM Page 24

disciplines with a string of top four finishes.

Husband and wife Mick and Debbie Nash performed with distinction for the Nelson Bay club and led the charge with inspirational swims.

Mick, 47, produced powerful swims to finish fourth in both the 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle championship race while wife Debbie, also 47, followed suit with a fifth placing in the Women's 50m freestyle championship final.

Vice president Keith Elliott, 60, lined up in the 25m, 50m and 100m freestyle sprints along with 62-year-old team member Angie Sinclair.

In a huge blow, the club’s oldest swimmer Ted Nabeuer was ruled out of the carnival due to illness.

and Barwick finished fifth in the 4 x 50m handicap relay in their quest for the Ray Weekes Memorial Trophy.

They also placed fourth in the 4 x 50m nominated time relay event with president Barwick, Mick Nash, Sinclair and Elliott competing for the Tobruk Shield.

The experienced Barwick, who competed in the 25m and 50m freestyle sprints, told News Of The Area that the team had “given

The Vision Splendid

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT seems the newspaper is flogging the dead horse to resurrect another shot at addressing the unacceptable risk of two infamous intersections, Bucketts Way and Medowie Road, as well as roasting Labor politicians.

“Funding promises for highway intersections” (NOTA 17 April 2025) informs me of one certainty, the paper knows nothing of the design history of dual carriageways, particularly locally.

As I suggested in an unpublished letter in 2025, a long, long, long time ago in an office

far, far away, a plan was conceived.

Turning a two lane, two way road into separated dual carriageways from the Victorian to Queensland borders with specific on/off ramps that excluded vehicles from making a left or right turn across a carriageway to the other.

Of necessity, to meet this requirement, bypassing villages and towns occurred.

As examples take Karuah and Bulahelah bypasses as to how it should be done, which is easy using Google Earth.

As examples of how it should not be done, take the politically-motivated suggestions for the Bucketts Way, the Medowie Road and

Nelson Bay club stalwarts also figured in two relay events.

The team of Elliott, Sinclair, Debbie Nash

Italia Road as cited in the article.

You could add the Myall Way too, whilst you have Google Earth open.

You could ask the likes of Gordon Chirgwin, formally of the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.

I respect his opinion because he is correct.

Politicians and reporters firing off the odd angry shot should know better when it comes to funding a design only.

It happens each and every time leading up to an election - local, state and federal.

This is why ‘design’ considerations should be left to the experts, not the wannabes.

A design is the cheapest ‘campaign promise’ any politician can make when only dubious upgrades to intersections are on offer, for all the good they will not do.

The AIF Swimming Association is the longest established adult swimming association in Australia.

Is the “Vision Splendid" long gone?

You would say no looking at the changes to the M1 around Raymond Terrace.

The time to achieve it?

Well, regardless of affiliation (or not), all roads lead to Canberra.

Perhaps now might be a good time to ask the current incumbent: “What went wrong at Nabiac way back when?”

As a not so retired Scientific Officer, Geotechnical and Scientific Services Section, Engineering Technology Branch DMR/RTA/ RMS these things are like infidelity, some always knows.

OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper

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

Anna Bay Tavern

Anna Bay Bakery

BYO Cellars Anna Bay

Ingenia Holiday Park

Middle Rock Retirement Village

Anna Bay Village

Seawinds Village

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Woolworths Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay Newsagent

Nelson Bay Real Estate

Seabreeze Hotel

Port Stephens Visitor Info Centre

Tackleword Port Stephens

Essence Cafe

Dolphin Watch Cafe

West Diggers

Harbourside Haven

Bernie Thompson Village

Shoal Bay Pharmacy

IGA Shoal Bay

John Patterson

Bill King Aged Care

Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay

Fingal Bay Cafe

Regis Aged Care

Corlette Store

Uniting Care

Homestead Village

Sandy Shores

Big4 Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Foodworks Salamander Bay

Wanda Beach Pharmacy

Mobil Salamander Bay

Caltex Salamander Bay

Coles Salamander Bay

Natural Tucker

Woolworths Salamander Bay

Horizons Golf Club

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

Seaham General Store

Opal Aged Care

Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace

Angeez Takeaway Raymond

Terrace

Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace

Terrace Central Plaza Post Office

Newsagent Terrace Central Plaza

Woolworths Terrace Central Plaza

MarketPlace Woolworths

Raymond Terrace Shell

Raymond Terrace Library

Lakeside Newsagent

R&R Property

Foodworks Lakeside

Lakeside Leisure Centre

Muree Golf Club

Saxby's Bakery Salt Ash

Tanilba Bay Nursing Home

Tanilba Bay Retirement Units

Coles Tanilba Bay

Endevour Servo Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Newsagent

Post Office Tanilba Bay

Blue Marine Services

Chemist Lemon Tree

Club Lemon Tree

Tilligerry RSL

Tilligerry Real Estate

Coles Medowie

7-Eleven Medowie

Medowie Newsagent

Medowie Pharmacy

Woolworths Medowie

Medowie Social

Medowie Football Club

BP Servo Medowie

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

Metro Servo (Airport Side)

Metro Servo (Lavis Lane)

Fingal confusion Stinker's Stories

By John 'Stinker' CLARKE

PREPARE yourself to be confused.

As a permanent resident of the coastal hamlet of Fingal Bay for over 50 years, it could be assumed that I have learnt the names of local beaches, bays and islands.

The truth is that I’m still confused after all this time and I will attempt to explain why.

When my wife and I arrived in Fingal in 1974 the small community was referred to as Bardouroka with a post code 2315.

All our mail was addressed to Bardouroka.

Sometime later the name was changed by someone to Fingal Bay, however the caravan park retained the old name.

The bay was not Fingal Bay but False Bay as ships, sailing northwards, mistook the wide opening as the entrance to Port Stephens, unknowingly sailing into a dead end.

In 1898 a huge southerly sea washed the finger of land - which had a covering of trees, bushes, rocks and a crude track from the lighthouse - into the sea!

The Fingal Spit was formed and has changed little since.

It is said that the light keeper, Mr Priest, woke to find, after a night of powerful winds and raging sea, that he now lived on an “island” with all its complications.

Fishermen, over the years, have referred to the Spit as “Narrowgut”.

Now an island, as we all know, is separated from the mainland by a permanent body of water.

This is not the case in Fingal as the Spit comes and goes, so Fingal Island is not a true island.

Geographers would refer to the Lighthouse Island or the Outer Light as being on a “tide island”.

In a book I wrote recently, “The Outer

Light”, I called the “island” Fingal Island for simplicity.

However, it is definitely not Shark Island!

For reasons unknown to me, the sign on the local beach and Mr Google tells us that if you cross the Spit you will arrive on Shark Island.

This is not true.

Shark Island sits to the northeast of Shark Bay, and is a split block of rock with very little vegetation and a home for a pair of sea eagles.

The Outer Light first shone in 1862 and is recorded as being erected on Point Stephens.

Point Stephens is a projection or a point on the eastern face of Fingal Island.

Along the northern aspect of Fingal Island is the “Gantry”, known by many as “Government Hole” or to the old fishermen as “Crayfish Hole”.

Next bay to the east is the “Grit Hole”, which features in the excellent book by Arthur Murdock “Sheer Grit”.

This magnificent natural pond surrounded by crushed shell was always called “Shelly”.

The final conundrum is: why Fingal?

This is a real teaser.

Some believe Fingal to be a mythical Scottish giant or “fair haired stranger” who walked out of the sea up the rocks onto the mainland.

Top quality seafood

By John 'Stinker' CLARKE

THERE is always debate over the best eating fish.

Which fish performs best in the kitchen?

To my mind it is hard to beat the tropical fish from the far north of the country – Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Mangrove Jack and others. Locally, my preference is for Snapper, Pearl Perch, flathead and whiting. All of which are readily available to those keen to chase them.

Port Stephens is blessed with a choice of top-quality fish both inside and outside the Port and along our beaches.

Inside the Port from Karuah to the entrance, flathead, whiting, mulloway and bream are the most likely to be caught and now is the time to get out there.

The same can be said for whiting on the beaches particularly Fingal and Stockton Beaches which are being visited by thumping great whiting between 35-40cm in length.

Worms are by far the best bait while pipis

From here there are some differences of opinion involving “The Poems of Ossian the Son of Fingal” translated in 1762 by James McPherson.

Felix Mendelssohn wrote an overture, “Fingal’s Cave”, inspired by Fingal’s Cave on Staffa Island off Scotland.

To complicate the issue further is that there is another Fingal in NSW with a lighthouse – Fingal Head in the far northern corner of the state.

Anyone who has visited Fingal Head will have noticed that the rock structure directly in front of the lighthouse, known as Giant’s Causeway, is identical to the rock formation on Staffa off Scotland.

There is one constant in the naming of Fingal, whether it be Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, Fingal Bay Port Stephens or Fingal Head in the Tweed region however.

That is the presence of Joseph Banks who was on the crew as a botanist with Captain Cook when he sailed along the eastern coastline of Australia in 1770 and was also onboard, as a naturalist, when Cook sailed past Staffa on his way to Iceland in 1772.

Could it have been Joseph Banks who named Fingal?

While we are at it, does anyone know the origins of Lemon Tree Passage?

and nippers will do the trick.Outside the heads, over the close reefs and around the islands, snapper are going crackers.

Thumpers over 4kg are biting like Bengal tigers from Birubi to Broughton.

Plastics are becoming increasingly popular however, being somewhat of a relic, I still prefer to float a fresh bait down a rich berley trail and hang on.

Best baits include king prawns, yellowtail and slimy mackerel.

A simple recipe is fresh snapper fillets dipped in a smooth batter and cooker crunchy, golden brown set on a bed of fried rice with a drizzle of sweet and sour or plum sauce. Amazing!

From the Mayor's desk

By Leah ANDERSON Port Stephens Council

RAYMOND Terrace has a proud history as a busy river port, and that heritage is still part of our town’s identity today.

The town has grown, and it’s time we worked together on a new plan that reflects our community’s priorities.

The Raymond Terrace–Heatherbrae Strategy has been guiding our direction since 2015 to make this place a strong major regional centre and a great place to live, work and play.

Most of the actions are completed, with two important tasks remaining, allowing taller buildings in the town centre and activating Council-owned sites.

These steps would let us build more housing and support new roads, drainage, pathways and public spaces.

Our town has the potential to support 2,500 new homes.

It’s vital that these are the right kind of homes, too. We want our young people to be able to afford to live here, and our seniors to have the option to downsize without needing to leave their friends and family.

By planning for a variety of housing types, like townhouses and smaller units, we can help every generation stay connected to Raymond Terrace.

We’re now creating the Raymond Terrace Place Plan to shape its future together.

This is a 20-year guide designed to celebrate our local character while making sure we have the right mix of homes and public spaces for everyone.

This plan is also about the practical things that make daily life better.

Your feedback has made it clear that safety, the upkeep of our parks, better walking, cycling, and transport connections are major concerns.

We’re looking at real fixes with your input to make sure this plan reflects what matters most.

So far our team has been out at local shopping centres and Parkrun to listen to what you want for Raymond Terrace.

There is still a chance to share your ideas at our Community Workshop, to be held at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club on Thursday, 26 March 2026, from 5pm to 7pm.

If you can’t attend, you can still share your thoughts on our Have Your Say website until 7 April 2026.

Your input will make sure the Raymond Terrace Place Plan reflects what matters most to the people who live, work, and visit here.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Iran war is illegal under UN Charter

DEAR News of the Area,

ALL wars are tragic, inevitably causing unnecessary death, destruction, chaos and misery, at great financial and social cost.

Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits war, calling for member states to: "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Therefore, the current US-Israeli war on Iran appears to be illegal under the UN Charter: an important international law.

Iran was not attacking Israel or America, and there was no imminent

threat from Iran.

The US-Israeli air strikes derailed ongoing peace negotiations with Iran, which were making "significant progress" as Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, declared on X on 27 February 2026.

Furthermore, in March 2025, the U.S. Annual Threat Assessment (p.25) said, “We continue to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not reauthorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003".

Why is the Australian Government supporting this illegal, pointless and destructive war on Iran? Regards,

Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.

Choir leader calls it a day

DEAR News Of The Area,

YES, I am retiring!

So it is with some trepidation and regret that I sit down to write this letter.

For those who do not know, the SeaSide Singers Community Choir began after I placed a tiny advert in The Examiner newspaper in February 2009.

So we started with 50 music lovers; some experienced singers, some who had not sung since school and some starting out in retirement on a “Bucket List” of wishes, but all loving the pursuit of creativity and friendship.

We all have to start somewhere and our reference point was that wonderful invention of the internet, searching “How to run a choir!”.

My degree in music wasn’t

enough for this big idea!

We needed sheet music, we needed funds, we needed venues, we needed uniforms and legal documents and we needed the community’s backing.

For those who were with us from the start, I salute you and thank you for your commitment, expertise and love of singing.

I also thank the Port Stephens Council for grants.

I was the President and Conductor and Ron the Treasurer and Property Manager for some years. Assisting was a committee of seven willing helpers elected to help sustain the choir’s vitality, financial management, protocols and procedures under the guidance of Jeanette Antrum.

After about five years we then progressed to the Finale computer

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

MY daughter's class is holding a fundraiser to raise funds to paint the play equipment.

I've let the relatives know and now they are getting competitive with their offers.

Kylie G.

Dear Kylie,

Fundraisers used to be done in a clandestine way, much like nanna slipping little Jimmy a cool fifty bucks in an envelope.

No one else got involved, and the exchange was beneficial without being showy.

Money was still raised, but there was no leader chart of donations.

No award for most funds raised. And no public humiliation.

Now things have moved online.

School fundraisers document funds raised in real time, with benevolent relatives able to leave a note for the school and broader community to see.

A fundraiser has, therefore, turned into a version of a sporting carnival (or perhaps The Hunger Games) with competitive relatives raising the stakes in $20 increments.

Nothing quite spurs on a family

program and the Samsung tablet systems, downloading accompaniments, thanks to Jenny Bolton.

How the technical world moves on, even in the arts!

We have consistently had about forty members, some who have discovered their love of music and singing after many years, and now enjoy friendship and fulfillment through a wonderful educational hobby that gives enjoyment through relating to and entertaining the community.

The SeaSide Singers instigated the first Choral Festival in Port Stephens and have since run many successful events and educational workshops, bringing tourism dollars to Nelson Bay.

I was proud to conduct an operetta “I Remember” by invitation of the local composer Vic Marden.

It was about the 100th anniversary of WWI with David Scrogie as piano accompanist and the magnificent Newcastle Army Band in the High School auditorium.

Then in 2018, a select group of

Union boss should stick to Newcastle

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT is curious that in the 6 March NOTA article titled “Port Stephens Council reaffirms stance on offshore wind” that a union representative backed by the Labor Environmental Action Network asserts there was consultation.

than to see that little Georgie is sitting level with the lowest donors, while silver spooner Ollie P is at the top of the charts with online messages like: 'Go, Ollie, we love a good colour run' and "Nanny and Pa love you, Ollie' and 'Colour Me Happy' (from an uncle who clearly hasn't watched Pretty Woman).

Then, before long, Georgie's aunt (a stockbroker by day) ups the ante with a cool $100. It's on! Ollie's Dad, who notices his son is down by $10 makes a further $11 donation in a bid reminiscent of the ratings-winning bidding wars on The Block.

And so, while bank accounts are being depleted faster than oil reserves, the school's P&C sits back and watches the proceedings with glee.

What started as an exercise in raising funds to repaint play equipment has morphed into a whole new range of possibilities.

Gerald, the P&C president calls in an architect to draw up a new concept plan.

A full-scale pirate ship is in the works along with climbing towers, an Olympic pool, and a zipline from the school canteen to the lower carpark.

Mary the treasurer fires up her Excel spreadsheet. Meanwhile, the kids are none the wiser.

They just want to run around being doused by coloured powder. Don't worry about competitiveness, Kylie.

Everyone's a winner in this scenario.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

twenty travelled to Japan as part of the Sister Cities delegation. Each year we celebrate our community spirit by giving free concerts at nursing homes, retirement villages, at the marina and at shopping centres.

The choir has performed at many functions and festivals and has grown in popularity and esteem in the community and been nominated for council and community awards, thanks to our loyal members and capable committee.

I am also gratified by the many strangers in the community who tell me how much they have enjoyed our events.

It also gives me great joy and satisfaction to know that we have touched so many lives of both the singers and the audience here.

So a very big thank you to all our singers, conductors, the local media and audiences.

Please continue to support us!

Regards, Diana SOUTER, Corlette.

Hunter Jobs Alliance needs to be transparent about who funds them.

Yet I have not encountered anyone from the public who was aware of any consultation regarding RD licences.

There was certainly no inperson consultation.

Mr Page’s claim appears misleading at best; it seems

Justin Page even described it as “absurd” that councillors were unaware of any consultation.

he considers the mere release of “guidelines” to amount to consultation.

Further, his claims about votes on polling booths are completely inaccurate.

The unelected Justin Page and his union buddies should stay in Newcastle and stop trying to tell Port Stephens how to think.

As councillors we have to declare all donations.

Regards,

Cr Mark WATSON, Port Stephens Councillor.

SUDOKU

Step

Separate

Formal

Ovarian Cancer: Signs & Symptoms

2 x cane chest of drawers (L) 70cm H x 36cm D x 36cm W, $15. (S) 66cm H x 35cm D x 26cm W $10. 3 drawers each 4982 8787

50s Jukebox $50 Ph 0429 945 604 F120326

COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898

COFFEE table, hand crafted, mahogany $100. 0493 777 707 F210825

COKE bottles & cans x 14, some bottles full 2000 Olympic can, 1989 Ghost Busters can, 1987 America Cup bottle & more. $40. 0447 076 485 F121125

BAR fridge, new $50. Ph 0429 945 604

4982

BEARING buddies, x 2, brand new, 50mm stainless steel, marine grade, suit single axle trailer. $20 ono. 0414 013 244 F190226

BEDSIDE table, 3 drawer, timber, mid brown, well made, as new, W 44cm x D 39cm H 66cm. Bargain. $100 0407 987 388

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

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

DINING table $30. Ph 0429 945 604

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

DOUBLE bed frame with headboard $70 0466 880 639.

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

Top prices paid by local collector. Call Jim 0400 060 215 e190426

DVD Set ofThe Danielle Steel Collection - 19 movies, exc cond. $15 Hawks Nest. Ph 0414 848 307 F200326

CABINET timbers many species Heatherbrae 0408 674 721

CAMPING shower Companion Aquaheat lithium, brand new $300 Ph 02 4997 2040 e200326

FISH pond, 1300 x 1100 outdoor filter, solar oxygenator. Includes 13 goldfish 9 - 12.5cm. $350 Ph 0473 835 422 Free

TIMBER double bed base with 4 drawers underneath. GC. Pick up Medowie. Ph 0466 013 853 F260226

CAMPING Thetford porta-potti, brand new. $50. Ph 02 4997 2040

Classifieds 4981 8882

CAR cover, suit small car VGC, $25. 4982 8628 F190226

OUTDOOR table glass top, 8 chairs 150 x 150, VGC. 0412 949 695.

FRIDGE slide. Drop down style. BNIB. Suits 60L fridge. $650 ono. Ph 0408 945 040.

FUTON $30. Ph 0429 945 604

GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20

outdoor

$20. 0432 671

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

LOUNGE Suites x 2 $30 each. Ph 0429 945 604

LOUNGE, 3 seater

Oatmeal Fabric, GC Solid Const. 225cm x 90cm $400. 0438 228 016

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

SAMSUNG TV, 110cm $50. Ph 0429 945 604

SAND anchor, galv unused. $50. Peter 0419 932 992

SANKYO autozoom 8Z movie camera in box $70. 0416 089 747

WALT Disney, black & white, 8mm movie ‘The Grocery Boy’ in original box $80. 0416 089 747 F180925

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

, 000 - size 8, boys / girls clothing $20 per box. Some new, great cond. Pick up from Clarence Town. 0432 050 619 F240925

FORD Falcon ute canopy 1999-2011 fibreglass, 6 windows cream colour 155cm wide x 195cm long x 65cm high. Ideal for ute or trailer. Good condition Cheap. Best offer. Ph (02) 4981 7523

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

padded blanket box $50 ph 4982 0063

GUITAR amplifier 30watts, twin speaker Livingstone FA30cm $30. Ph 0421 286 861

HEDGE trimmer, Ozito electric 50cm $50. Ph 0408 945 040. F190326

HEDGE trimmer Ryobi, 18v 60cm w/ sweeper. $100. Ph 0408 945 040

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

MENS top quality leather jacket with detachable liner. Purchased in Turkey, as new, suits 40” chest, dark brown. $99. 0419 932 992

MICROWAVE, Omega chrome & black, GC $100. 0493 777 707

MIRROR, gold timber frame, 70 x 100cm $30. 0438 228 016. F190226 SIDE Steps x 2, suit 91 Nissan Patrol, with brackets. $80. 0435 580 192.

MOBILITY SCOOTER

Shoprider, GC, New Batteries, Front Basket & Rear Bag Can Deliver. $1,750 0418 430 643

WHEELCHAIR, Breezy BasiX2, GC. $80. Ph 0420 430 993 F070825

INDOOR or outdoor table, with tempered frosted glass & black trim, 150 x 89cm. $70 0466 880 639.

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

ENTERTAINMENT centre, new, $100 ph 0493 777 707 FRIDGE, 4 door with water dispenser, ice maker, spill proof, Ext Cond, make an offer ph 0493 777 707 F041225

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

setting New, make an offer ph 0493 777 707

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

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

F241025 LEATHER coat, mens Made in AU. $95. 0428 287 239

PRINTER Cartridges x2 suitable for Brother printers $20.00 for both. 0418 603 286

SNOW chains. Never used. Suit 13-inch wheels. $80. Peter 0419 932 992

SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495 SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335 F060325

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

TENT, Magnitude Wanderers w/awning sleeps 4, $50. 4982 8628

Classifieds 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea. com.au

TRIKE, red, Gomier brand. $250. Ph 0417 044 660

TWO old usable Surfboards suitable for kids learning. $40 for both. Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190 F131125

PNEUMATIC tyres x 6 on 10” diameter rims off tandem boat trailer $90. 0419 932 992. TYRE and rim for wheelbarrow, 10” Pneumatic. $40. 0419 932 992.

WANDERER single pop-up ensuite tent brand new. $50. Ph 02 4997 2040.

STUDENT desk, GC $40. (02) 4024 3104 DVDs x 250, exc cond great variety. $100 the lot. 0439 440 112. LEATHER lng 2 str x 2 gd cond $500 Rattan lng 3 pce gd cond $200 Bedrm furn + other items make an offer. T Gdns 0408 254 016 LARGE parrot cage 2

RETAINING wall Terracotta link blocks approx 100, new, suit garden edge / retaining wall. DYO. Bargain. $100 You collect. 0407987388

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242 ALLRe310826

SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $6,500. 0415 678 687 Motors

Caravans

2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle, full annex, toilet/shower, air cond, QB, lots of storage $32,000. Reg X91945 0431 736 481

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

BETTER

SEVEN, 7pm

HOMES AND GARDENS

A Friday-night fixture for the past 20 years, there’s now a double dose of home inspiration as this lifestyle staple branches out to Saturday evenings as well. That means twice as many renter-friendly DIYs, tasty tricks to try in the kitchen, pet care solutions and landscaping ideas. Host Johanna Griggs says the new schedule means “more house calls than Dr Harry” as the team showcase extraordinary properties and gardens from around the country. In this instalment, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love (both pictured) enlist the help of Dr Harry Cooper for a pet project.

FRIDAY, March 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The Professor investigates a woman’s death.

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

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

10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R)

12.00 Smother. (Mlv, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

MONDAY 9-1-1

SEVEN, 8.40pm

From a billionaire caught in the mouth of a humpback whale to an outer-space emergency and a giant Jack-o’-Lantern, the ninth season of this first responder drama seems to have given up entirely on believability. Monday’s instalment, titled “War”, changes all that. Bringing the team back down to earth, the heavy-hitting hour deals with internal conflict at Station 118. Following his dismissal of Hen (Aisha Hinds), Chimney (Kenneth Choi) comes under fire from Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured) and Buck (Oliver Stark), but Eddie (Ryan Guzman) supports his captain’s decision. Meanwhile, in dispatch, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is unsettled by a new AI assistant programmed to use her voice.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. (R) 9.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens. (PG, R) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (MA15+as) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R) 2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R) 3.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

TUESDAY THE MATTER OF FACTS

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: The Dressmaker. (2015, Malsv, R) After a woman returns to her home town in the Australian outback, old rivalries are reignited. Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth.

10.30 MOVIE: About A Boy. (2002, Mal, R) An immature man befriends a young boy. Hugh Grant, Toni Collette.

12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

On the 1949 release of George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, the notion of rewriting history and events to fit political narratives was a daunting prospect to most of the Western world. In 2026, an era rife with social media trolls, AI chatbots and international campaigns designed to undermine our faith in facts, Orwell’s world is no longer far from our reality. Award-winning journalist Hamish Macdonald (pictured) wades into the fray in this compelling three-part documentary, heading to the frontline of the global information wars to explore how disinformation travels through the digital ecosystem. Tuesday’s premiere examines the effects of modern technology on our brains and belief systems.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos.

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

10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) Dylan O’Brien.

12.55 Fishing Australia. (R)

1.25 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It

SATURDAY, March 21

6.00

FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG, R)

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+av, R)

1.05 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R)

2.55 Nazi Death Marches. (PGav, R)

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

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31)

6am A United Kingdom. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.00 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 9.10 Americanish. (2021, PG) 10.55 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 12.45pm Manon Des Sources. (1986, M, French) 2.55 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 4.55 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 6.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 8.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 11.00 The Nature Of Love. (2023, MA15+, French) 1.10am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, March 22

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml) William struggles with his confinement.

8.50 Frauds. (Mls) Bert reveals her master plan.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)

10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Sweet Country. (2017, MA15+v, R)

12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

FAMILY

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Race For Ancient Egypt In Colour.

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci: The Disciple Of Experience Pt 2. (PG, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PG, R)

11.20 History Of The Sitcom. (MA15+l, R)

2.30 The Sculpture. (PGav, R)

3.55 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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

8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012, Mv, R) A secret agent, who specialises in policing aliens living on Earth, must travel back in time to save the planet. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin. 10.10 MOVIE: Knock At The Cabin. (2023, Malv) A family is taken hostage. Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff. 12.10 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PGan, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Malv, R) A mission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers. Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance.

10.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017, MA15+asv, R)

12.45 Epic Builds. (R)

1.35 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value.

Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Final. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 11.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 12.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team works to prove

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)

8.10 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Hosted by Ant and Dec.

9.30 The Hunters: Beaumont Children Mystery. (Mav, R) 11.00 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madlv, R)

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

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.30 9News Late.

My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)

The First 48. (Ma, R) 11.50 A Killer Makes A Call: Lewis. (MA15+av, R) 12.40 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGav, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus.

SBS MOVIES (32)

(64) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.30 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 8.15 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 10.10 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.40pm Official Competition. (2021, M, Spanish) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 5.40 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.30 Gosford Park. (2001, M) 11.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 1am Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show.

MONDAY, March 23

6.00

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. (Return) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (PGal) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.40 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.45 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am The Movie

Show. 6.15 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.10 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 10.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 11.55 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 2.30pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 4.05 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.55 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.30 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 10.05 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 11.55 Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) 1.30am A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish) 3.25 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 24

R) 1.55 Parliament. 2.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.00 The Slow Mo Guys’

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 Rock Legends. (PG)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+adv, R)

11.55 Wolf. (Mals, R)

2.10 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am Selkie. (2000, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.25 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 10.00 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 12.35pm Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 2.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.15 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.55 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 7.30 Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 9.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.15am The Son. (2022, M) 2.25 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 4.10 A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish)

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Chimney grapples with his decision.

9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Autopsy USA. (Mav, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 Doc. (Ma) The hospital brings in the FBI.

Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma)

Continued. 7.00 Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Innovation Nation. 11.10 Snackmasters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00

Morning Programs.

6.00

WEDNESDAY, March 25

6.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Face To Face. (Mal)

11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+sv)

2.35 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)

3.40 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, 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 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 To Be Advised. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.30 Next Stop. (R) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Hello SA. (PG)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00

Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.50 Late Programs.

(32)

6am The Movie Show. 7.05 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.45 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 10.20 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 1pm Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 6.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.00 Fallen Leaves. (2023, Finnish) 9.30 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 11.40 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.15am Late Programs.

THURSDAY, March 26

FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Ultimate Vets. 9.40 Animal Park. 11.10 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.40 A Spy Among Friends. (Final, MA15+)

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 In Memoriam. (Madls)

12.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as, R)

2.25 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31) VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 1.55 Fashionista. 2.05 Insight. 3.05 News. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 Alone Denmark. 6.20 The Curse Of Oak Island. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 12.55am The Swiping Game. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 4. 3.20 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.05 Discovering Film. 8.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.00 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 12.10pm The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.40 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.10 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 5.45 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 7.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 9.45 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 My Way. 11.10 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.10pm MOVIE: Next-Door Nightmare. (2021, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) Flat-tyres ruin some Christmas cheer. 8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016, Mls, R) Bridget Jones becomes pregnant. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth. 11.10 To Be Advised.

12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Talking Honey. 11.10 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.10pm MOVIE: You Can’t Take My Daughter. (2020, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Reloaded. (2003, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 11.40 Late Programs.

Diggers impress

Where

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay Diggers swimmers covered themselves in glory at the 90th annual Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) National Swimming Championships last weekend at Tomaree Aquatic Centre.

Hosting the prestigious event for the first time since 2014, the Nelson Bay club did the Port Stephens region proud with wholehearted performances in the pool.

Four hundred swimmers from across the nation took part in the milestone carnival, which featured all strokes and relay events off a scratch/handicap system.

The opening ceremony took place at 11am on 14 March and featured various infantry services and a bugler playing The Last Post.

Nelson Bay Diggers Swim Club president Richard Barwick laid a wreath in the water on behalf of the host club.

Squad members narrowly missed out on the medals but showed their depth across all

CONTINUED Page 12

Experience authentic Italian cuisine, elevated by uniquely crafted cocktails and a curated selection of fine wines. Dine indoors or alfresco, taking in magnificent seaside views in a refined yet relaxed setting.

OPENING HOURS HAPPY HOUR

Wednesday – Sunday Saturday & Sunday | 3pm – 5pm

Weekdays

Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm

Dinner: 5pm – 9pm Weekends Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner: 5pm – 9.30pm

Reservations: 0411 616 542 Email: functions@sirenaseaside.com.au Online Reservations: www.sirenaseaside.com.au