HOMELESSNESS is a reality that affects adults and young people alike.
Yet Port Stephens, despite having a significant population of children facing homelessness, does not have a youth shelter.
On 15 April, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services, a not-for-profit organisation helping disadvantaged youth, held a mural painting workshop at The Deck in Raymond Terrace.
Many young people, some frequent visitors to the centre, exercised their creativity by decorating one of the walls of the building.
Food and clothing was also available for anyone in need.
“We wanted to do something CONTINUED Page 3
RESEARCH BOOST
The Deck Youth Centre team posing in front of the mural painted by their community. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
PORT STEPHENS FAMILY OWNED NEWSPAPER
$3 million investment into koala research in Port Stephens
FROM Page 1
transforming capabilities at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
The funding will support a three-year study tracking 100 koalas, targeting two of the species’ biggest threats, chlamydia and koala retrovirus.
The research involves advanced diagnostics including CT, X-ray, ultrasound and specialised blood analysis.
At the centre of the project is a state-of-theart 128-slice CT scanner, allowing rapid, highresolution imaging, and 3D modelling without the need for stressful sedation.
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said the investment positions Port Stephens as a leader in koala conservation.
“Our $3 million investment is driving groundbreaking research right here in Port Stephens that could change the future for koalas across Australia,” she said.
But while the technology marks a major step forward, local koala populations remain under pressure.
Habitat loss, urban expansion, road strikes and dog attacks continue to bring injured animals
into care, highlighting that disease is only part of the challenge.
Wildlife carers and hospital staff see the impacts first-hand, with many cases considered preventable.
Minister for the
Public Notices
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE APPLICATIONS LODGED BETWEEN 05/04/2026 AND 12/04/2026
Information is correct at time of printing. For up-to-date information visit Council’s DA Tracker at datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4988 0255. MEDOWIE
6 Elouera Cl 16-2026-188-1 Convert part of farm building to community facility incorporating office, disabled WC and meeting room
9 Drummer St 16-2026-198-1 Swimming pool
17 Mulubinda Pde 16-2025-316-2 S4.55(1) Modificaiton to dwelling alterations –design change FERN BAY
93 Norfolk St 16-2026-190-1 Change of use –attached secondary dwelling to dual occupancy and strata subdivision HEATHERBRAE
2 Makybe Diva Dr 16-2026-164-1 Detached dual occupancy and strata subdivision
q The research involves advanced diagnostics including CT, X-ray, ultrasound and specialised blood analysis. Photos: supplied.
Environment Murray Watt said the project reflects a commitment to supporting local environmental action.
“We’re pleased to support the important work being done at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital for one of Australia’s most
ROAD CLOSURES
ADDRESS DA NO. PROPOSAL
110 Coachwood Dr 16-2026-193-1 Awning roof and replace retaining walls
37 Lewis Dr 16-2026-171-1 Detached shed NELSON BAY
11 Moorooba Cres 16-2021-775-2
S4.55(1A) Modification to 2 storey dwelling alterations
77 Wallawa Rd 16-2026-169-1 Construct 4 unit multi dwelling houses and strata title subdivision
TANILBA BAY
1 Peace Pde 16-2026-187-1
Demolish garage and pergola, dwelling alterations, construct new garage/boat shed, extend rear deck, tree removal
beloved species,” he said.
For Port Stephens, the investment brings both opportunity and expectation.
While the research is expected to improve early detection, treatment and long-term outcomes, experts
ANZAC DAY – SATURDAY 25 APRIL
Port Stephens Council advises the temporary closure of the following Council roads for ANZAC Day events on Saturday 25 April. Further enquiries may be made by contacting the event organiser on the numbers below, or Council’s Vibrant Places team on 4988 0255.
Karuah – Memorial Dr from Tarean Rd to Bonser Ln, 5:30am to 7am, ph 0418 262 178.
Medowie – Ferodale Rd from Kirrang Dr to Medowie Rd, 5:45am to 6am, ph 0436 317 167. Nelson Bay – Stockton St from Dowling St to Victoria Pde, and Victoria Pde from Teramby Rd to Laman St, 10am to 10:45am, ph 0430 173 387.
• Raymond Terrace – Jacaranda Ave, 5:30am to 6:30am and 11am midday. Sturgeon St from Glenelg St to William St, 10:15am to 10:50am.
William St from Sturgeon St to Port Stephens St, and Port Stephens St from William St to Jacaranda Ave, 10:30am to 11:45am, ph 0435 173133.
• Seaham – Newline Rd from East Seaham Rd and the Knitting Circle memorial, 8:50am to 9:45am.
• Tanilba Bay – Lemon Tree Passage Rd from Avenue of the Allies to Fairlands Rd, 9:25am to 10am, ph 0438 440 466.
say the future of local koalas will also depend on stronger habitat protection and risk management beyond the hospital setting.
Findings from the program will be shared nationally through to 2028.
WEED TREATMENT NOTICE
PERIOD - UP UNTIL 14 DAYS FROM THIS ADVERTISEMENT
Notice is given that Port Stephens Council intends to treat infestations of aquatic weeds on or in water in the Campvale Drain and portions of the following rivers occurring in the Port Stephens Council Local Government Area:
• Hunter River and tributaries from Raymond Terrace to the confluence of the Paterson River.
• Paterson River and tributaries from the confluence of the Hunter River upstream to the Port Stephens Council boundary. Williams River and tributaries upstream from Raymond Terrace to the Port Stephens Council boundary.
Herbicides containing active ingredient 600g/ kg Metsulfuron methyl and/or active ingredient 360g/l glyphosate will be used. Residents in the treatment area should not use, drink or swim in the water during the period of treatment. Small scale reapplications may occur within 30 days of the date of the original treatment. Any further enquiries may be directed to Council on 4988 0255 or email: weeds@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Port Stephens Council
q A koala receives care at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
nice for the young people who have it rough,” said Kelly Fletcher, event organiser.
The Deck, open every Wednesday, operates as a drop-in space for kids aged 12 to 18 who find themselves in need - whether they’re facing
homelessness, missing basic necessities, or just requiring a safe space.
Each week, it helps 20 to 50 young people.
It also hosts queer support groups.
While the existence of
National recognition for Men’s Shed
By Jacie WHITFIELD
RAYMOND Terrace Men’s
Shed has been recognised on the national stage, earning finalist honours in the Bright Spark Award category at the 2026 Australian Men’s Shed Association awards in Brisbane.
While the win ultimately went to a Queensland shed, the Raymond Terrace group’s inclusion highlights the quiet and powerful impact being made locally through practical, community-driven ideas.
The Shed was acknowledged for its innovative Christmas pop-up shop, a grassroots initiative that combined craftsmanship with community care.
Members created a range of handmade wooden toys and items, which were then sold to the public at affordable prices in the lead-up to Christmas.
The shed’s sustainability also comes down to selfsufficiency.
Members slab their own timber, sourced from local tree loppers, using species like camphor laurel and cedar.
Materials costs are low, waste is minimal, and the end products are solid, sustainable, and built with pride.
The project had a dual purpose, raising funds for local charities while also easing financial pressure on families during one of the most expensive times of the year.
For many in the community, the pop-up provided access to meaningful, quality gifts that carried a personal touch, while also supporting a cycle of giving that stayed within the region.
Santa’s workshop literally became a shopfront run by wood turning, carving and whittling elves.
Beyond the awards, the initiative reflects what Men’s Sheds do best, creating connection, purpose and contribution.
Across Australia, more than 1,300 Men’s Sheds operate as spaces where skills are shared and social isolation is reduced.
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spaces like this helps the community, the Youth Centre team said local housing options leave a lot to be desired.
“The refuges are always full around here, so our young people just stay homeless,”
Kelly said.
“We just try to support them with food, clothes, toiletries and a bit of fun.”
The closest youth shelters are in Newcastle, so people often have to leave their support system to access housing.
The team’s biggest hope for the future is getting access to more funding, so they can provide more for the community and still keep their services free.
q Some of the toys in the pop-up shop staffed by Frank Seysener. Photo: Men’s Shed.
WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the longawaited XPT replacement fleet.
“A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks,” said NSW
When complete, the Regional Rail fleet will consist of 29 new trains, featuring 117 carriages.
Ten long regional and nine short regional trains will replace the current XPT and XPLORER services, and 10 regional intercity trains will replace most of the current Endeavour fleet.
According to a Transport for NSW project update on 8 April, the new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to arrive, with ten trains now in Australia.
“All long regional trains are manufactured, half of the short regional trains are manufactured, and production
is underway on every remaining carriage,” the update read.
“Testing is also progressing with two trains undertaking intensive testing across electrified and non-electrified networks, trialling the bi-mode capability using both overhead electric and diesel power – an Australian first for passenger rail.”
In the meantime, following a recent upgrade of the existing XPT fleet, Sydney to Grafton train services will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am, while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 05.15am service.
q Artist’s impression of the new Regional Rail fleet. Photo: TfNSW.
Authorised by Meryl Swanson MP, ALP, 35 Sturgeon St, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
60-year story of service, no arguing, and saving Kerry Packer
By Jacie WHITFIELD
IN a quiet corner of Medowie, Bill and Margaret Taylor are preparing to celebrate a diamond milestone.
Their 60-year marriage is a story woven with devotion to each other, their family, and to people like media tycoon Kerry Packer, who was among the many they saved on the frontline of emergency service.
Married young, their life together began at full pace.
Raising three children early meant busy days, tight routines, and a shared sense of purpose that quietly laid the foundation for something extraordinary.
Now, with a family that stretches to eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, their legacy is as expansive as it is grounded.
Bill’s career reads like a catalogue of courage.
A retired Intensive Care Paramedic with more than 30 years of service, he worked across rescue, coordination, motorcycle rapid response and as an instructor at the ambulance academy.
Among his many achievements, one very public moment stands out: being the paramedic who helped save one of Australia’s richest and most powerful men, Kerry Packer.
In 1990, Bill was called to the polo game where Packer suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
“On the day of the event my partner and I were in the Liverpool area [when] we heard from a general duty ambulance crew that a rider had fallen from his horse, unconscious, at the polo,” Bill told News Of The Area.
“As we were the only intensive care crew in the area... we were despatched to the scene.
“On arrival, we observed that CPR was being carried out on a person on the ground.
“We immediately took over treatment.
“My partner Stan intubated the patient and placed an endotracheal tube into his lungs and proceeded to ventilate him.
“I placed the monitor leads on his chest and determined that his heart was stopped and in fibrillation. “I immediately charged up the defibrillator and gave him an initial shock, which converted his heart to ventricular tachycardia.
“After finding a vein in his neck, I then gave him a drug to settle his heart down, which it did.
“At this stage we didn't know who our patient was as we were busy."
Bill said that when Stan asked the crowd who the patient was, he suddenly realised that the tall person standing beside them was James
breathing on the way to Liverpool and fighting the tube in his throat - later to be transferred to St Vincents in Sydney.”
The early defibrillation Bill provided was life-saving, prompting Packer to fund the installation of defibrillators in all NSW ambulances.
Vital role
For Bill, it’s not the high-profile cases that define his career.
It’s the countless everyday lives saved, the patients he later visited in hospital, and the heartfelt letters of thanks that followed him home.
Margaret’s role was equally vital.
As an Ambulance Emergency Call Taker, she was the calm voice on the other end of chaosguiding distressed people through moments of fear and urgency.
While Bill was on the road, Margaret was often the first point of contact, holding space for panic and pain with a steady, reassuring presence.
Together, they formed a partnership built on a simple and powerful principle: nothing stays bottled up.
“We’ve never had an argument,” Bill says. “And we’ve never kept anything back.”
It’s a statement that might sound improbable until you understand the world they lived in.
Trauma, crisis, life-and-death decisions, these were daily realities.
Instead of letting it fracture them, they made it a practice to talk through everything.
Coming home in a blood-stained uniform wasn’t a moment of shock, it was routine.
Margaret would calmly put the clothes aside for a separate wash, and then they would sit down and talk through what had happened.
That openness became their safeguard.
“Talking about it, no matter how difficult, allowed us to move on,” Bill explains.
“None of us, not even the kids, have experienced PTSD.
“We’ve always been able to speak freely.” Their home was one of honesty, resilience, and understanding, qualities that extended beyond their immediate family into a wide circle of lifelong friends from the emergency services.
Gatherings are filled with shared stories, deep understanding, and the kind of humour only those who’ve walked similar paths can appreciate.
“There’s a lot of black humour,” Bill admits with a smile.
“But it’s how we’ve coped and how we’ve stayed connected.”
After retiring from the ambulance service at Tanilba Bay, Bill’s sense of adventure didn’t slow.
He went on to work as a remote paramedic on ships, oil rigs and mining sites across the globe, while also volunteering for a decade with the Medowie Rural Fire Brigade.
Through it all, Margaret remained his steady anchor: calm, composed, and unwavering both at work and at home.
When asked the secret to 60 years together, their answer isn’t complicated but it is rare - understanding, communication and facing everything side by side.
q Bill and Margaret Taylor celebrate 60 years married on 9 May. Photo: supplied.
q Kerry Packer in 1991.
Photo: Melbourne Press Club.
Council responds to refuge allegations
By Jacie WHITFIELD
CALLS for transparency around the Port Stephens Animal Refuge continue, with community advocates and authorities publicly addressing allegations that euthanasia rates are double the state average.
Earlier this week, animal welfare advocate Callie Parnell raised concerns about Port Stephens Council’s lack of direct engagement.
She called for open dialogue and a more transparent process of presenting evidence.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst also called for an “immediate and transparent investigation” into the refuge, following whistleblower allegations.
“When credible concerns are raised about the welfare of animals in Council care, they must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” she said.
“There needs to be a transparent process where evidence can be properly examined and the community can have confidence that
appropriate standards are being upheld.
“The welfare of these animals must come first, and any issues identified must be addressed without delay.”
In response, a Council spokesperson firmly rejected claims of wrongdoing.
“Port Stephens Council rejects any allegation of ‘unlawful’ operations at the Port Stephens Animal Refuge.
“All operations at the facility are conducted in accordance with the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979,” the spokesperson said.
Council confirmed that the Office of Local Government had requested information following allegations raised during a NSW Budget Estimates hearing in March, yet stressed that it does not constitute a formal investigation.
“Council is confident in its processes and has provided all requested information and is now awaiting a response.”
It said that no evidence had been formally submitted
to substantiate the allegations and that it maintains individual records for every animal entering the facility and works actively with rescue groups to support rehoming outcomes.
“Council staff are highly competent, compassionate, take pride in their work and put the welfare of the animals first.
“The expiry of minimum statutory timeframes does not automatically result in the euthanasia of an animal.”
The spokesperson said that animals are often held beyond required timeframes, with ongoing efforts made to contact rescue organisations and secure rehoming opportunities.
Behaviour is monitored throughout their stay, and only animals subject to a dangerous animal order are unable to be rehomed.
“So far this year, 95 percent of animals taken to the Port Stephens Animal Facility have been rehomed.”
There has been increased promotion of adoption efforts, including maintaining
a dedicated website, social media presence, and weekly posts to boost the visibility of animals in care.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in enquiries, prompting the introduction of an appointment system to manage visits and ensure staff availability.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said the matter remains under preliminary review.
“Responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards are important priorities for the NSW Government,” the spokesperson said.
“The Office of Local Government is making preliminary enquiries with Port Stephens Council to obtain its policies and procedures governing its Animal Refuge operation.
“Council has indicated it will cooperate and enquiries are ongoing.
“We take all allegations seriously and if evidence can be provided that operations
of the animal refuge are not in accordance with regulations, we would like to have this brought to our attention.”
Suspected cases of animal
Volunteer for the first statewide Dolphin Census
q
a
PORT STEPHENS residents are invited to register as a volunteer and help protect dolphins by taking part in the first statewide Dolphin Census on Saturday 30 May.
The one-day census is a collaboration between Dolphin Research Australia and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to create a statewide snapshot of where dolphins are found and what habitat they use.
Dolphin Research Australia CEO Dr Liz Hawkins said, “At the moment, we simply don’t know enough about many of our dolphin populations.
“By working together as coastal communities, people across the state can help improve our understanding and contribute to protecting dolphins and their habitats.”
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Officer Andy Marshall said, “Every time we look more closely at our coastal dolphins, we uncover new insights - and often realise how much more there is to learn.
“In fact, many dolphins don’t travel as far as people assume, with some female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins spending their whole lives in the same local coastal area.”
Volunteers who register will be trained as citizen scientists in the weeks before the NSW Dolphin Census Day, with the project supported by funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.
On the day, volunteers will spend at least 15 minutes continuously watching for dolphins from their favourite
vantage points along the NSW coast – from beaches and headlands to harbours, bays and river estuaries.
No experience is needed before undertaking the training.
People can participate as individuals, with friends or in groups, bringing binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
Registered volunteers can choose to attend training in person, join a live webinar or complete a self-paced online course to help identify dolphin species, learn how to collect data and ensure safe observations.
The information collected will help fill key knowledge gaps about NSW’s dolphins and support conservation efforts.
Sign up at www. dolphinwatch.org.au
q Sir Duncan, a French Bulldog x Boston Terrier, is listed for adoption on the Port Stephens Animal Refuge website.
cruelty that fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, should be reported to the RSPCA or NSW Police.
The census aims to create
statewide snapshot of where dolphins are found and what habitat they use. Photo: Dolphin Research Australia.
A sailor’s tale of adventure and adversity
HUNTER-BASED sailor and death doula Ruth Boydell has released a memoir, “Rocking the Boat: A Life in Three Voyages”, outlining global ocean adventures in the days before GPS and chartplotters.
Ruth’s story begins at the age of 17, when she joined a thirty-something Englishman who was single-handing a sailboat around the world.
The adventures came thick and fast for the teenager, including sailing from Papua New Guinea to northern Brazil.
After returning home to Australia, Ruth purchased her own small boat and voyaged for another seven years, following roughly in the tracks of the previous journey.
Joined by various crew members, her little steel schooner crossed the Indian and Atlantic oceans, before the intrepid Ruth spent time in the Caribbean as a charter boat skipper.
Later in life she embarked
on a third major sailing voyage, this time alongside her paramedic husband, Dave.
While “Rocking the Boat” centres around a life of daring escapades, it also delves deep into issues such as loneliness, mental health and mortality.
In particular it covers Ruth’s experience of Transient Global Amnesia, a sudden and extreme temporary loss of memory.
The ordeal prompted intense thoughts about death and existence for Ruth.
“I have no memory of this experience but did have the felt sense that death is not the end and, moreover, it could be a blissful experience,” Ruth told NOTA.
She has since worked for the past nine years as a death doula, a trained, nonmedical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals nearing the end of life and their families.
Ruth said she wrote the
book to inspire people to live life to the full.
“I have lived a particularly lucky and unusual life,” she said.
“I have not only had opportunities to explore and adventure but I have taken them.
“We are here on this planet for a finite time. We might as well make it a good time, and a time for good.”
Ruth said the experience of putting her own story to paper has at times “felt a bit like pulling teeth”.
“Some of the stories which emerged as I reread letters and spoke to friends of the day, made me understand how memories wander from the lived experience.
“I have tried to write about the conflicts I had with others in a more compassionate and understanding way.
“As time passes I reflect from a more mature perspective.
“In some ways this book is no longer my story, but
q Sailor Ruth Boydell has released a compelling memoir covering her adventures across the globe. Photo: Galen Boydell.
the story of a young and courageous and sometimes foolish young woman.
"Someone other than me.” Ruth is offering three
signed copies of her book to NOTA readers.
To receive a copy, be one of the first three to email doug@newsofthearea.com.au with the subject line ‘Rocking the Boat’. Ruth’s memoir is available at most major online outlets.
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
Contact Agent
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With dual street frontage to both Gan Gan Road and Blanch Street, the property provides flexibility in how it may be accessed and utilised.
Beyond this, the land rises to higher ground, with a series of natural flat areas scattered throughout the block.
These elevated sections offer the potential to capture outlooks, including possible views back towards One Mile Beach from the upper portions of the site.
Surrounded by highquality homes, including a recently completed awardwinning residence adjacent to the Blanch Street frontage, the area provides a strong indication of what may be achieved in this highly regarded coastal setting.
The Gan Gan Road side features approximately 1.5 acres of level, mostly cleared land, well screened from the road and complemented by an established fruit orchard.
The location is outstanding - less than 100 metres to the entry of One Mile Beach (via Hannah Parade), under 500 metres to the sand, and approximately 1.2 kilometres to Boat Harbour Beach.
A rare chance to secure substantial coastal acreage in an exclusive setting, offering endless possibilities for those looking to create something truly special. Please note boundary outlines are indicative only. Contact Nelson Bay Real Estate on 02 49 812655.
OPINION & LETTERS
On the Couch
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
By Lynne MILES
The comet cometh
Stargazing
By Dave RENEKE
A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies.
For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel.
The long-period comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) - last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master fire - has returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 years.
As the comet sweeps inward toward the Sun, reaching perihelion on 19 April before passing relatively close to Earth on 26 April, observers across Australia are in a prime position to witness it.
Away from city glare, coastal towns offer ideal viewing conditions: dark horizons over the Pacific, crisp autumn air, and early morning skies unspoiled by artificial light.
Look toward the constellation Pegasus constellation, specifically the easily recognisable "Great Square”, just before sunrise.
With luck and clear weather, the comet may glow faintly to the naked eye, its tail stretching like a ghostly brushstroke across the sky.
Comets have long stirred human imagination.
In antiquity, they were often seen as omens - harbingers of change, disaster, or divine intervention.
The appearance of Halley's Comet, for example, was recorded in 1066 and later embroidered into
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar.
How can I encourage her to try something more age-appropriate?
Gerard H
Do you think taking up a new creative outlet should be limited to those under 40?
What, in your mind, is more age-appropriate?
Bingo? Joining a crochet group? Donning a flowery swimming cap and a matronly one-piece and taking up synchronised swimming at the local pool? Seated lawn skittles?
If your mum is 70, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with.
She probably fought for equal pay, she no doubt marched for reproductive rights.
I bet she wore mini skirts and platform boots and suede flares.
She probably burnt her bra as part of the liberation movement.
Dear Gerard,
Well, don't you sound like a wet sock.
And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the washing machine with water dripping on it from a split hose pipe until it turns into a stiff, stained, smelly, unproductive item.
Age-appropriate? At what age is it no longer acceptable to engage in an activity that keeps the brain engaged?
the Bayeux Tapestry as a portent of conquest.
Today, we understand comets not as supernatural signs but as icy relics - frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.
Each one is a time capsule, composed of dust, rock, and volatile ices that vaporise as they near the
The facts on migration numbers
DEAR News Of The Area,
IMMIGRATION is seen by some as our most important issue, not just now, but for some years. However there have been some rubbery figures tossed around recently.
It’s not too difficult to find the facts.
Following the closure of the Australian borders due to the pandemic, the Coalition in 2022/23 granted 538,000 visas.
From that year net immigration
has continued to decrease.
In the year ending June 30 2024 net immigration was 429,000 and to June 30 2025 it was 306,000.
These figures are lower than the Treasury had predicted, and they predict that net immigration numbers will continue to fall.
It is important to recognise the difference between net immigration and the number of visas: net is actual increase in our population with more people staying than leaving.
In 2024/25 the majority of
Bay
immigrants came from China, India, the UK and New Zealand, with numbers from the first two falling and numbers from the UK. and NZ rising comparatively to the previous year. Temporary visas were the largest contributors to migrant intake: 363,000 down from 458,000 the previous year.
Of these foreign students comprised 157,000, down from 204,000 the previous year.
As our universities now depend
And (along with her friends) she no doubt enacted a whole lot of other changes that future generations (like yours) benefit from.
While we're at it, your mum no doubt gained a university degree and worked while trying to raise a family. That family includes you, Gerard, you judgy little wet sock.
Your mum would have spent endless days rocking you to sleep and changing your nappies and ensuring your every whim was attended to.
She no doubt did your washing and cooked your meals for de-
Sun, forming the luminous coma and tail.
What makes C/2025 R3 extraordinary is its orbit.
Unlike short-period comets that return every few decades, this one hails from the distant Oort Cloud, a vast spherical halo of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.
Its elongated path means it spends most of its existence in deep space, only briefly visiting the inner planets before retreating again into darkness.
No written record, no ancient chronicle, no civilisation has ever documented its passage - until now.
For photographers, capturing this rare visitor is both a challenge and a thrill. A sturdy tripod is essential, along with a camera capable of long exposures.
Use a wide-angle lens to frame the comet against the landscapeperhaps the silhouette of Norfolk pines along the NSW coast or the
on foreign students for much of their funding, we need these students.
People on working holidays numbered 78,000, visitors 56,000 and people on temporary skilled migration visas 46,000.
The median age of migrant arrivals in 2024/5 was 26.
Throughout the history of Australia since colonisation in 1788 there have been debates about who should come here.
Conservative and Labor governments have welcomed people fleeing repressive regimes, many arriving with the little they could carry.
cades too.
Then, like all the other mums out there, she worried about your every life stage, because that's what mums do.
So now it's her turn.
I hope she clears out your old bedroom and turns it into a not-sosoundproof studio.
I hope she puts out a casting call to other like-minded women who have spent their lives devoted to others. And I hope their first band meeting kicks off with a punk version of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Maybe you can make a cameo, waving a wet sock for the 'sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me' section of the chorus.
Hell, you've made me want to learn the electric guitar. Or maybe the drums.
Can you send me your mum's number?
And instead of being so discouraging (and disparaging) you should be proud that you are the son of a great role model who is keen to keep learning and embracing change.
Rock on, Gerard's mother.
As for you, Gerard, pay attention to my usual sign off...
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
curve of a quiet beach.
Start with exposures of 5–15 seconds, adjusting ISO and aperture depending on brightness.
If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more detail: the nucleus glowing at the centre, the tail fanning outward like cosmic smoke.
There is something deeply humbling about standing under the same sky that Stone Age humans once gazed upon, watching the return of an object they may also have seen - perhaps with wonder, perhaps with fear.
Long after our cities fade and our histories blur, C/2025 R3 will continue its silent journey, looping back again in another 170,000 years.
For now, though, it is here.
Step outside before dawn. Look up. And take your place, however briefly, in the long story of the sky.
See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.
Some have brought their disagreements with them, but the majority have been so grateful to have a safe place to live they have worked very hard to make this country a better place. Multiculturalism has enriched our lives in so many ways.
My forebears came as economic refugees from the UK, knowing that they would have a better life here, and I think I’m not alone in that.
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Regards, Barbara LYLE, Tea Gardens
Stinker’s History: The ‘Dawn’ - Part 2
Stinker's Stories
By John 'Stinker' CLARKE
THIS is part two of a multi-story series on the “Dawn”, a boat which holds a special place in the history of commercial fishing in Port Stephens. Visit portstephens.newsofthearea.com. au/printed-edition-16 april-2026 to read part one, or grab a copy of last week’s paper.
WITHOUT Archie Thompson’s knowledge Ted Johansson quit, leaving the boat under the control of a 19-year-old inexperienced Dutchman, John Plooy.
John continued to work the “Dawn” for prawns and fish - tiger flathead, john dory, nannygai, latchet, gurnard, snapper and even jewfish in 60 to 70 fathoms.
At this stage the “Dawn” had been fitted with Danish seine netting by Ted, a method that was proving to be very successful.
Later when Archie became aware that John was skippering his boat he had a meeting with the young fisherman and decided to continue the arrangement which lasted for 23 years.
The young trawlerman was fast learning the ropes and was
continually amused by the never ending pranks and stunts pulled by his fellow fishermen.
“I remember the Ross brothers, who worked small prawn trawlers out of Stockton, lowering a four-gallon drum with the top cut out over the side of Warwick Harris’ small boat, without his knowledge,” John said.
“Warwick’s boat had very little power and the drum prevented it from moving either forward or in reverse.
“The fishermen on the wharf howled with laughter as Warwick could not figure out why his boat was in gear, on full revs and not moving.
“It took a while to understand Australians.”
John was the skipper when the 1955 flood turned the Hunter River into a raging torrent, washing everything in its path out into the ocean.
Amazingly after two hours sailing out to sea from the mouth of the Hunter River, the surface water was still fresh, out to 75 fathomssuch was the volume of fresh water pouring out to sea.
The tidal rush was so great at times that boats returning to port could not make any headway against it, even at full throttle.
Prawns washed out by the floodwaters were in huge numbers, however trawling and working the “Dawn” was hazardous with the amount of debris on the surface and on the ocean floor.
“When we pulled the nets to the surface, among the prawns were
two wheelbarrows and a bed,” John recalled.
“Later the nets were strained as we hauled a telegraph pole aboard.
“Travelling was quite dangerous as we were never sure what we would hit.
“The prawns were thick. In one hour we managed, with great difficulty, to haul aboard 40 boxes.
“The incredible run lasted for three months.”
In 1959 Archie returned to work on the “Dawn” where he remained till 1964.
“Sharks were our constant companions on the water, big fish well over 12 feet long, whalers and tigers mainly,” John said.
“They would surround the boat and wait for the by-catch to be washed overboard, then they would go into a feeding frenzy which was a sight to see.
“When the nets were lifted the sharks simply appeared out of nowhere and some attacked the fish in the net tearing holes.
“The only solution was to shoot them with a high powered rifle.
“It wasn’t uncommon to shoot between 20 and 30 sharks a day.
“Huge schools of yellowfin tuna also joined in the feasting.”
“Old Sammy”, Archie’s father, joined them on the “Dawn” in the latter years and was always keen to catch one of the huge yellowfin that were attracted to the boat.
Sam loved fishing whether on a trawler or handlining in the Port.
It was common knowledge that
Exciting times on the island
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
THE 1950s was a time of great excitement for nine-year-old Patricia Hickey.
She, along with her brother Robert and sisters Barbara and threeyear-old Susan, had moved into the Port Stephens lighthouse keeper’s residence with mother Millie and her father Bernie.
Living around lighthouses was not a new experience for Patricia as the family had recently moved from South Solitary Island where they had spent two years.
The paddocks, grassy fields and beaches at the Outerlight on Fingal Island was way different to the rocky ruggedness of Solitary and it wasn't long before the kids began to explore this island paradise.
"It was like all our Christmases had come at once," explained Patricia.
Patricia's fondest memories of
q Patricia, Rob and Barbara Hickey take a ride in the dinghy. Photo: supplied.
her time on the Outerlight were of the beauty of the island and the freedom to wander anywhere without fear.
"We had cows for fresh milk and a magnificent garden,” she said.
“I remember the cows crossing the Spit and the young Blanch men on horseback riding beside the herd.
“Sometimes the water was so deep that the waves would wash over the cow's backs.
“A milking cow, Muriel, was left for us on the island.
“Difficult at times, Muriel would kick over the bucket when she was being milked however dad solved the problem by singing to her which calmed her down.
“Occasionally, if we were lucky, we were given a ride on the horses.
“On their return to the mainland the young calves would be picked up and lifted onto the horse, swung across the saddle so that they wouldn't need to swim across the Spit.”
“Dobbin” was the island cart horse that would carry supplies up to the house on the days that the boat arrived with groceries, lollies, cooking tins, boot polish and mail.
Anything and everything including passengers were swung onto the wharf in a basket.
“We hated that basket and always chose to clamber up the ladder that was built down into the water,” Patricia said.
Known to the kids as Uncle Bill and Aunty Ollie, the Tulks were remembered as wonderful people.
Uncle Bill had a community garden where everyone worked and a beautiful orchard with peaches, plums, apricots and bananas.
The veggie garden grew strawberries, beans and peas, cabbages and
q Archie Thompson, known to all as ‘Youngun’, returned to Port Stephens on the ‘Dawn’ after active service in New Guinea. John Plooy is pictured in the background cooking the prawns.
Sam would regularly catch giant snapper off Fly Point, inside the port.
Onboard the “Dawn”, with a big Japanese long line hook and 70 fathom of stout chord, Sam baited up with a gurnard and waited for his opportunity.
The day came when the boat was surrounded by tuna, all big fish.
Sam tossed the heavy baited cord into the sea and hung on.
“I heard Sam, who was only a slightly built man, yell out and I turned to see him skidding across the deck of the boat towards the gunwales,” John said.
“It seemed that he was going to be pulled over the side.
“Archie and I grabbed him and held him as the huge fish on the end of the line had taken nearly all of the 70 fathoms.
“The struggle continued with the
huge watermelons.
Uncle Bill taught the kids to grow peanuts and asparagus which they considered to be interesting and educational.
To water the garden there was a small well fed by a fresh water spring.
The kids stood on a board that straddled the well and dipped their buckets into the water before watering the trees and plants.
Card nights were held regularly with both families gathering at the Hickeys.
This gathering was very exciting for the kids who would dress up for the occasion.
The kids were repeatedly told how dangerous the Fingal Spit was and were frightened to go near it, even on the odd occasion when it was dry.
“A young spearfisherman
fish on one end and the three of us on the other.
“Finally the tuna, bigger than a man, was hauled on board. It weighed nearly 200 pounds.
“Sam never bothered to catch another one.”
There was always an air of unpredictability when trawling the wide expanses off shore.
On one occasion, while working for prawns, the “Dawn” trawled up the wing of a Cessna plane that had disappeared in 1962.
Apart from fishing and prawning, the boat was always called upon for work outside the harbour.
When it was time to service the Karuah and Tea Gardens punts, she towed them to Newcastle and she also towed the barge, used to build the Tuncurry Bridge, from Sydney to Forster.
drowned on the spit during our time,” Patricia said.
“Most of the time, apart from the extremely low tides around Christmas, the Spit was covered and we were never tempted to cross.
“Heaps of sharks swam along the beach and through the spit.
“During the warm summer months we did swim in the safe corner near the rocks and of course Shelley where we spent most of our time.”
It was in Shelley that the Hickey kids gathered shells for what became a very small cottage industry.
Terracotta pots were ferried onto the island where shells, gathered from around the island, were plastered around the outside.
These pots proved to be keenly sought-after by tourists in the gift shops in Nelson Bay.
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Anna Bay Tavern
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Seawinds Village
Nelson Bay Bowling Club
Nelson Bay Golf Club
Woolworths Nelson Bay
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Nelson Bay Real Estate
Seabreeze Hotel
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Tackleword Port Stephens
Essence Cafe
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IGA Shoal Bay
John Patterson
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Friendly Grocer Fingal Bay
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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
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Woolworths Salamander Bay
Horizons Golf Club
Sunrise Lifestyle Resort
Seaham General Store
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Red Eye Café Raymond Terrace
Angeez Takeaway Raymond
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Pet Parlour Raymond Terrace
Terrace Central Plaza Post Office
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MarketPlace Woolworths
Raymond Terrace Shell
Raymond Terrace Library
Lakeside Newsagent
R&R Property
Foodworks Lakeside
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Muree Golf Club
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BP Servo Medowie
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Metro Servo (Airport Side)
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Youth Week kicks off with Street Skills
By Nico LOMBARDO
CROWDS of people gathered in Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace, to kickstart Youth Week in style.
On 17 April, the park hosted the Street Skills Festival, an event organised by Port Stephens Council to celebrate young people and help them find their own path for the future.
The festival saw the participation of dozens of local businesses and individuals, who shared their expertise for free.
There were practical tips about car maintenance with ReadyUp Skills, hair styling with Terrace Hair and Beauty and the Barber Social, a barbecuing demonstration by Terrace Meats, spray painting with Up&Up, and unique activities such as cultural weaving and bongo playing.
There were also skating and scooter displays and competitions from Grundy’s Skateboarding.
Even for older participants, there was plenty of good food, good people, and good music.
Up&Up, who supervised the DJing, said they believe that youth and hip-hop culture can be used to connect communities.
Stephen McAlister, one of the event organisers, said the goal was to “try to upskill young people and let them know what’s out there.”
Alongside workshops, many stalls were available for youth counselling services such as career guidance, mental health support and assistance with TAFE pathways.
With Boomerang Park packed full of locals and visitors, the festival was clearly a great success.
Port Stephens Council shared that the event was funded by the NSW Office for Youth and “The Place Is Yours” initiative.
Nelson Bay comes alive for street party
By Jacie WHITFIELD
THE streets of Port Stephens came alive for the 2026 Sail Port Stephens Street Party, with locals and visitors taking to social media to describe the night as “electric”, “packed” and “exactly what the town needed.”
Held in the heart of Nelson Bay, the annual celebration once again proved why it’s become a standout event on the region’s calendar, blending live music, street food, market stalls, the quintessential Aussie aroma of the charcoal BBQ and a sea of people flowing through the CBD.
Tilligerry Social Golf Club
17/4/26
OUTRIGHT winner. Peter Martyn. 40 Runner up Colin Marsden. 38 c/b Bonus points winner. Wendy Couvaras. 38 Ball winners. Matt Baldwin. 38 Bill McMaster. 37 Brian Riddell. 36
Grahame Glover. 35 Phil Germon. 35 Sean Brennan. 35 John McDonald. 35 Peter Couvaras. 35 Bradman Award. Ed Martin. NTP4TH. A. B. Sean Brennan D&C7TH.
SPORT
Among those sharing their experience was Leah Anderson, with furbaby sidekick Cr Honey, who posted that the atmosphere was “on another level this year”.
“So good to see the town buzzing and everyone out enjoying themselves.”
Many praised the food options, the familyfriendly vibe and the strong turnout.
For local businesses, the impact was significant.
Several shop owners reported a surge in foot traffic, with some describing it as one of their busiest nights outside of peak holiday periods.
A spokesperson for Dumpling Mama’s Bar and Dining said the street party brought “a constant stream of people through the doors, with people ordering takeaways while others waited for tables to turn over.”
The event created a “real energy that flowed into every shop, not just the curbside stalls.”
Cafes, boutiques and hospitality venues all appeared to benefit, with many extending trading hours to meet demand.
While crowds stretched along the main strip and music filled the air, the overwhelming tone online remained positive, a reflection of a community proud to showcase what it has to offer.
A. Bryan Porter. B. Wendy Couvaras D&C18TH.
A. Matt Baldwin.
B. Bill McMaster Money hole.
A. Kim Miller.
B. Peter Martyn Lucky number.
19. Peter Martyn There were 17 starters. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game Friday 24/4/26 4BBB Stableford.
q Enjoying the music at the Up&Up stand. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
q Terrace Meats hosting a BBQ demonstration. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
q Street party sailors getting festivities underway. Photo: Port Stephens Council.
SUDOKU
By Lee RANKIN
Mixed start for Marlins women
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay Marlins senior women's AFL team have opened their 2026 Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Women's Cup campaign on a positive note.
Unveiling some new recruits, the enterprising Marlins kicked off the season with a hard-fought 43 (6.7) to 27 (3.9) victory over the Maitland Saints at Max McMahon Oval.
In a low scoring contest against the Saints, defence was the order of the day with the talented Marlins restricting the home side to just three goals in an impressive team
performance.
Nelson Bay led 12-3 and 15-11 at the end of the first stanza before streaking away to a 36-12 advantage at the conclusion of the third quarter.
Maitland produced a whirlwind finish - outscoring the Marlins by 15-7 in the final term but to no avail.
Best on ground for the Nelson Bay women were the dynamic Charlotte Connick, Milla Gainsford, Scarlett Lack, Sophie Elliott, Cameron Moncrieff and Jaz Stevens.
There was no joy for the Marlins in second round action last Saturday after they were outclassed 123-6 by a
crack Killarney Vale team at Dick Burwell Oval.
Boasting power and speed across the park, the Bombers women dominated from the outset - kicking 11 goals to establish 36-0 and 68-6 leads at the end of two quarters.
Killarney Vale led 102-6 at three quarter time and booted an impressive tally of 19 goals for the entire match plus nine behinds.
Nelson Bay toiled hard against the premiership favourites and were best served by Annalise Norton, Amy Steele, Mikaela Burrows, Ellie Duffy, skipper Olivia Feldman and Ella Burggraaff.
Superfish Rafe leads Nelson Bay charge
By Chris KARAS
CORLETTE’S Rafe Grant has stamped his name as one of the nation's premier distance swimmers for his age group.
Lining up at his first Australian Age Swim championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre last week, the emerging 13-yearold produced a herculean effort in the pool to confirm his status as a future endurance star.
One of eight Nelson Bay Swim Club prospects competing at the national titles, Rafe proved his mettle as the squad’s youngest member, with superb swims over the 400m, 800m and 1500m distances in the Boys 13 years age category.
Rafe posted two top six finishes in the 800m and 1500m timed finals.
He raced the gruelling
800m event on the opening day - finishing a creditable sixth (9:20.04s) before placing sixth in the brutal 1500m event (18:10.44s) on day seven - a tremendous achievement.
On both occasions he
posted his second fastest times.
Rafe also finished an impressive 11th in the 400m with a personal best time of 4:25.57s - missing out on a top 10 finals swim by 0.12s - and 30th in the 200m freestyle
national debut with two top six finishes.
Magic 250 game milestone for Blyth
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay Marlins AFL stalwart Adam Blyth has chalked up a significant playing milestone.
The blue and gold’s warrior celebrated his 250th appearance for the club during the Marlins’ 95-80 loss to the Killarney Vale Bombers in opening round action in the 2026 AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup competition.
Despite the loss, evergreen
Blyth was one of the best players on ground with a powerhouse display that inspired the Nelson Bay team to a handy 20 point lead at the half time break.
The strong-finishing Bombers booted seven girls in the third term and another three in the final quarter to edge out the courageous Marlins line up.
Nelson Bay brought strong energy and pressure early and kicked five goals in the opening quarter for a 32-19 advantage
Port Stephens Veteran Golfers
Association
By Gary WATT
RESULTS from the 1st Round of our Club Championships played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 13th April 2026 with 50 players, played as a Stroke competition.
Nett Winner : Bob Nelson, 64nett.
Nett Runner Up : Karen Harley, 69nett.
Bonus Point Winner : Bob McKeand, 69nett on countback.
Division 2 : Ross Dobson. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, : Division 1 : Warren Deuis. Division 2 : Kel Dorney. Ball Winners : Phil Rogan 70nett, David Hurley 71nett, Robbie Kerehoma 71nett, Kel Dorney 71nett, Ralph Brown
71nett, Bryan Porter 72nett, Brian Riddell 72nett, Lester Lake 72nett, Peter Hawkins 72nett, Noel Sewell 72nett, John Hogan 73nett, Gary Watt 73nett, Bill McMaster 73nett, Graham Woolley 73nett, Ray Stubbs 74nett and Ross Dobson 74nett. Lucky Prize Draw Winner : Ralph Brown.
with another personal best time of 2:09.71s.
Months of solid training reaped rewards for other Nelson Bay squad members with several recording personal best times in their respective events.
Promising junior Bonnie Norton dominated the heats of the Girls 16yrs 100m breaststroke - clocking a personal best time of 1:15.61s (shaving 2.41s off her previous best) to book a spot in the B Final.
Bonnie recorded a time of 1:15.84s in the final to finish16th overall.
In the 16yrs 50m breaststroke, Bonnie finished 29th with a time of 35.11s (PB).
Sprint star Lachlan Parker registered personal best times of 24.28s (heat) and 24.20s in the Boys 15yrs 50m freestyle final to finish seventh - another fine feat with both swims under his PB (total 0.16s).
He also finished 20th in the 100m freestyle with a PB time of 54.06s and 34th in the 50m butterfly (27.02s).
milestones.
before establishing a 5131 lead going into the main interval.
But Killarney Vale responded with an early second half blitz - posting 45 points and conceding only seven in a match-turning quarter.
Despite a strong last quarter push from the Marlins, it wasn’t quite enough to get over the line.
On a special day for the Nelson Bay club, three other key players reached important
Tim Anderson registered his 150th game for the Marlins while Jason Carey and Nikolas Ellis-Brody each racked up 50 matches with wholehearted performances.
Other Nelson Bay players to impress were Zane Grant, Jayden BaldwinRymer, Hudson Roche, Wayd Blackburne (four goals) and super boot and team skipper Billy Barton (two goals).
After a second round bye, the Marlins will host the Wyong-Lakes Magpies in a May 2 fixture at Dick Burwell Oval.
Tanilba Bay Veterans Golf
By Ian WILLIAMS
RESULTS OF PLAY FOR 14th April 2026. The weather was perfect for golf, sunny and warm all morning, a perfect autumn day. We played 4ball aggregate stableford game over 9 holes, normal start on the front nine.
A roll up of 24 players today, all Visitors and past players are very welcome to join us, we always look forward to Tuesday's.
RESULTS OF PLAY:
Winners:
Gary Payseno & John Street...nett 33 c/b pts
First Runners up:
Lenny Hardes & David Enderby..nett 33 pts
Second runners up:
Jamie Carr & Barry Disch..nett 32 pts
Ball Winners: Phil Germon & Mark Moore nett 29 pts
Peter Koli & Jamie Carr. nett 27 pts
Rob McKinney & Peter Martyn..nett 26 c/b pts
Grahame Glover & Ron Dews nett 26 pts
Ian Williams & Kim Miller. nett 23 c/b pts
Ray Stubbs & Steve Robards..nett 23 pts
Greg Garvin & Ray Stubbs .nett 22 c/b pts
Laurie Northey & Andrew Corbett. nett 22 c/b pts
Hard working Lara Budd rose to the occasion in the Girls 15yrs 50m breaststroke - clocking a personal best 34.34s (by 0.79s) to claim a magnificent heat win in her opening race of the championships.
Ranked 30th seed going into the event, Lara left nothing in the tank to clinch her heat by a full body length and secure a coveted spot in the A Final.
She posted 34.66s in the final to finish tenth.
Lara also placed 33rd in the 100m breaststroke with a PB 1:18.46s.
Outstanding all round athlete Hanna Mounter was hampered by injury and swam a gutsy 100m freestyle race (1:03.23s) before withdrawing from her heavy event schedule.
Young gun Stefan Grant showed his potential with a 17th placing in the Boys 14yrs 400m individual medley in 5:00.95s (PB by 2.57s).
He recorded more PBs with a 13th placing in the 800m freestyle (9:05.81s by 0.61s); 14th in the 1500m
freestyle (17:33.14s - PB by 4.03s) and 35th in the 100m butterfly (1:02.67s).
Stefan also finished 16th in the 400m freestyle with a PB 4:25.57s and 16th in the 200m butterfly (2:19.51s).
Bella Hol finished 30th in the Girls 16yrs 50m butterfly with a PB 29.13s.
Alexis Petrovic clocked 28.11s in the Girls 15yrs 50m freestyle; a PB 30.00s in the 50m butterfly and a 30th placing in the 100m breaststroke (1:18.26s).
The squad closed the event in style with a spirited performance in the Girls 1516yrs 4 x 50m Medley Relay. Bella, Lara, Bonnie and Hanna left nothing behind as they stormed to victory in their heat, improving on their entry ranking to place 23rd and post a PB of 2:04.07s in the process.
There was no one prouder on the pool deck than Nelson Bay Head Coach Tom Davis, who watched his talented squad produce improved times in most events at the highest level.
Kevin Hart & Lenny Hardes..nett 22 pts
Grant and Vince Schubert.. nett 18 c/b pts
Bob Foster & Mike Berriman.. nett 18 pts
NTP 4th hole:
A grade Alfie.Skinner
B grade Bob.Skinner
C grade Charlie Skinner
D & C 7th hole:
A grade Barry.Disch
B Grade Bob.Skinner
C grade Charlie Skinner
Longest drive 2nd Hole:
A grade Jamie. Carr
B grade John. Street
C grade Charlie Skinner
Winner of the BYO Cellars raffle was Noel Cartwright. Next week, 21st April, will be a Stroke Aggregate, Shortened Course par's 3&4 game over 18 holes off modified tees with a modified shotgun start. There will be NTP's and Drive & Chips on the usual par 3 holes with a money hole on the 4th hole for all grades. We will also have a bacon & egg roll at the presentation.
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from the next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. (02) 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
q Nelson Bay senior women's AFL team have the talent and depth to be a force this year.
q Corlette’s Rafe Grant capped a memorable
q Nelson Bay Marlins AFL men's team celebrated four player milestones in their narrow 95-80 loss to Killarney Vale Bombers.
Brumbies sink Gropers
By Chris KARAS
NELSON Bay rugby forward Jake Affleck is made of the right stuff.
The young powerhouse prop is set for a big season in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup A Grade competition, after his lion-hearted performance in the Gropers’ 29-10 loss to premiers Scone Brumbies in the Upper Hunter Valley last weekend.
Affleck produced a courageous display against the much-vaunted Brumbies forward pack with his strong running and jarring defence, earning the Players’ Player Award.
Fielding a new look squad
for 2026, the Gropers had a blend of experience with several new recruits looking to make their mark in the top grade under new coach Michael Squires.
With a glut of possession Scone opened the scoring with a converted try by fly half Darcy Moore before Nelson Bay’s 2025 Player of the Year Will Clark - in his new position of five eighthused his slick hands to create a try for rookie centre Harry Anderson.
The smaller Gropers forward pack had the technical advantage over their rivals and kept the visitors in the game.
Led by Affleck and locks Taraq Hall and Jarrod Zuvela,
the Bay held their own.
Costly turnovers allowed the reigning premiers to regain control with Scone’s classy backline stamping their mark as centre Archie Macpherson crossed for his team’s second try, establishing a 12-5 lead at the break.
Flankers Ollie Edwards and Ronan O’Çonnell looked sharp around the rucks with number 8 and skipper Sam Rocher leading from the front and making several half breaks.
Nelson Bay fullback Will McLean - recruited from Orange - also impressed, along with centre Scott Tristan and former Hobart centre Zac Summerfield
Nelson Bay came out firing after the interval with the forwards laying a platform
for half Kade Redmond to get a clean ball and Clark splitting the defence to score in the corner for 12-10.
Coach Squires injected returning veteran Shane Jarvis and new winger recruit Marcel Ikinofo into the game to pick up the tempo.
Ikinofo showed his class with several stepping runs while hooker Luke Sweeny made an impact with his bustling runs deep into Brumbies territory.
A clever kick in behind the Gropers defence resulted in Brumbies number 10 Moore scoring beside the posts for a 19-10 lead.
Both teams had their chances with Nelson Bay winger Ryan Marshall cutting through the defence twice to just fall short, before the
Anna on track for Commonwealth Youth Games
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens hurdler Anna Taylor-Anderson is lapping up Australia’s re-emergence as a track and field powerhouse.
Inspired by the deeds of sprint kings Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy, as well as Torrie Lewis and distance queen Jessica Hull, the 15-year-old Salamander Bay schoolgirl has set her sights on competing at the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games on the Mediterranean isle of Malta.
The budding star is leaving no stone unturned in
her bid to qualify.
Anna, who is with the Port Stephens Athletics Club, hopes to represent Australia in the 100m hurdles and has already commenced an intensive training program under leading coach Bob Walkley.
The eighth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games will take place from October 27 to November 4 next year, bringing together athletes aged 14-18 from across the Commonwealth.
The Tomaree High School student is one of the best sprint hurdlers in the Hunter
NSW Division 2 Golf Croquet Championships
By David WILSON
FIVE members of Nelson Bay Croquet Club travelled to Nowra for the NSW Division 2 (handicaps 5 to 8) Golf Croquet Championships.
The doubles event was played 8-9 April with the singles played 10-12 April.
Qualifying games were level play of 13-points with a 50-minute time limit; the semi-finals of the singles were played as 19-point games.
17 pairs entered the doubles which were played in two blocks of 8 and 9 players respectively with the top 4 in each block progressing to the knock-out finals.
Rob Batho playing with Paul Coomer (Newcastle National Park) topped Block A with 7 wins from 8 games.
Liz Friend & Marty Quirke topped Block B with 6 wins from 7 games. Faby Batho & Sherry Gordon had 4 wins in Block B to finish 5th, failing to make the finals by 1 win. Rob & Paul reached the semi-final losing to Jeff Guider & Anthony Hammond (Newcastle National Park) 5-6 while Liz & Marty reached the final to lose to Jeff & Anthony 4-7. Heartbreak for Marty who lost in the final of the 2025 Division 2 GC Doubles played in Ballina.
24 players entered the singles which were played in 4 blocks of 6 players with the top 4 in each block progressing to the knock-out finals.
Sherry Gordon finished 3rd in Block A with 2 wins from 5 games with a hoop difference of +4. Marty Quirke
topped Block B winning all 5 games. Rob Batho topped Block C with 4 wins with Liz Friend 4th with 3 wins.
Rob, Liz, Sherry and Marty all qualified for the knockout finals but only Marty progressed beyond the roundof-16, eventually losing in a semi-final 7-10 to Keith Brodie (Coutts Crossing) and then the 3rd/4th play-off to Anthony Hammond (Newcastle National Park) 6-8 to finish 4th. Again, heartbreak for Marty who lost in the final of the 2025 Division 2 GC Singles played in Ballina.
Rob Batho won the consolation knock-out for the players losing in the roundof-16 by beating Jeremy Tenison-Smith (Killara) 7-5 in the final; Liz Friend finished 3rd beating Glenn Sellers
(Toronto) 7-6 in the 3rd/4th play-off. Edward Hoogenboom (Orange City) won the Championship.
Thompson Trophy Novice
The Nelson Bay Croquet Club intraclub Thompson Trophy Golf Croquet Novice competition was played on Sunday 12th April 2026. This competition is for members with a GC handicap or 12 or greater who have not previously won and Club competition. The games were level play of 13-points with a 45-minute time limit.
9 members entered and the competition was played in three blocks of 3 players in a round-robin of 2 games each followed by a knockout semi-final and final. The three block winners were Iris Maartensz, Rae Black and
Brumbies sealed victory with a converted Jesse Ridges try and penalty goal by Moore on full-time.
Nelson Bay will benefit from the tough first up assignment with plenty of positive signs to come out of the match. The Gropers travel to play Muswellbrook Heelers in an Anzac Day clash this Saturday at Highbrook Park with an early kick off scheduled for 12.30pm.
region with notable victories over the 80m and 90m at an elite level.
She led her club’s charge at the recent NSW Junior Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
With three female hurdlers to be named in the Australian squad, Anna will focus on 100m events in an effort to achieve the Youth Games qualifying mark of around 14.6s.
Anna has already achieved a personal best time of 13.06s for the 90m hurdles and believes she can quickly adjust to the 100m distance.
“Anna is a natural athlete
with loads of potential and has the drive and determination to succeed,” Walkley told News Of The Area.
“There is plenty of improvement to come on her learning curve, and she is a dedicated hurdler who is always up for the challenge.”
In switching to the 100m distance, Anna will have to clear 10 hurdles instead of nine with the space increasing from 8m to 8.5m.
She’ll now step up her training at Dick Burwell Oval at Tomaree Sports Complex. Anna will be 16 when Athletics Australia announces the squad next year.
Prue Patterson, each winning 2 games. The next best player was Pat Edmonds with 1 win and a hoop difference of 0, just ahead of Rosemary Taylor with 1 win and a hoop difference of -1. In the semi-finals, Rae Black beat Pat Edmonds 4-3 in a very tightly contested game, while Prue Patterson ran out a 5-3 winner over Iris Maartensz In the final, Rae dominated to take the Thompson Trophy Novice 6-2 in a deserved win. A great competition, wellorganised by Club Captain Trevor Black.
Northern Hawks topple Bulldogs in all three grades
FROM Page 24
With several former Nelson Bay Eels Old Boys cheering on from the sidelines, the three Northern teams stood up to be counted.
The Hawks' Under-19s set the tone for the night with a composed and clinical 26–12 victory.
Northern skipper Preston Scully led from the front as the team produced a dominant first stanza to open up a 20–0 lead at the half time break.
Cooper McKenna crossed
for a double with support from Dallas Atkins and Charlie Jones, who converted three of the Hawks’ five tries.
Kurri managed two tries in reply but were kept at bay with the Hawks' defence holding firm throughout.
It was an encouraging performance from a group that continues to develop genuine depth in the club's pathway.
The Hawks toppled the Bulldogs in a gripping Queens Wharf Hotel Cup reserve grade clash.
Strong running forward
Dean Langdon, winger Steve Whitehead, and centre Montell Kuru crossed to give Northern a solid platform before fullback Iobe Taukeisalili rounded out the scoring.
Clever half back Shaq Saunders converted three of the team’s four tries.
In the main game, the Hawks delivered a performance that tested every element of the side's character.
Kurri jumped to an early 10-0 lead with tries by hooker Brock Portsmouth
and second rower Reid Alchin before the Hawks staged revival.
Led by inspirational cocaptains in lock forward Luke Higgins and centre Manu Alexander, the Northern team rallied after the interval with a spirited team performance.
Both players proved a tower of strength throughout — Higgins commanding in the middle and Alexander providing the kind of tough, physical leadership that sets the tone for those around him.
It was crafty Northern half back Noah Ryan who proved
the difference.
Ryan was outstanding in his role with his organisational skills a feature of the win.
He pinned Kurri back repeatedly with his tactical kicking that enabled the Hawks to build the pressure that ultimately wore the Bulldogs down.
Tries by forwards Ethan Campbell, Ben Roose and centre Kiah Cooper plus a late four-pointer by Zac Jones sealed the victory with winger Beau-Josh Lyons converting all four.
It was back to back Denton
Cup victories for Simpson’s charges that will give the playing group a confidence boost leading in to Sunday’s big clash with perennial champions Maitland Pickers at the Maitland No 1 Sportsground.
Northern Hawks president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the record-breaking clean sweep against the Bulldogs “was proof of a program developing genuine strength from the ground up with pathways delivering results at every level.”
q Nelson Bay fullback Will McLean makes a break during his side’s 29-10 loss to premiers Scone Brumbies.
q Promising Salamander Bay hurdler Anna TaylorAnderson with coach Bob Walkley.
q Nelson Bay Players at Nowra: (l to r) Sherry Gordon, Faby Batho, Rob Batho, Marty Quirke and Liz Friend.
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BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
BAD COMPANY
ABC TV, 8.15pm
Pitting the unbridled chaos of Anne Edmonds (above right) against Kitty Flanagan’s (above left) deadpan wit, this new character-driven sitcom –set in an avant-garde inner-city theatre company –is a match made in comedy heaven. The hilarious headliners are respectively cast as artistic director Margie and corporate cost-cutter Julia, who find themselves at odds when the latter is tasked with saving the failing Argyle Theatre. Created by Edmonds and directed by Fisk’s Tom Peterson, this playful satire puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.
FRIDAY, April 24
(2)
WEDNESDAY
SAS: AUS V ENG
SEVEN, 7.30pm
When you’ve trained as an Olympic athlete, you might reckon that you’re ready for anything.
But for gold medallist Mack Horton (pictured), who attempts a version of Special Forces selection in the new season of this gruelling reality series, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “They are worlds apart,” says Horton. “At the Olympics, you spend four or more years preparing for a single moment. On SAS have no idea what’s coming in the next few seconds.”
The swimmer is one of seven Aussies competing against UK celebrities in TV’s ultimate test of endurance. His teammates include Neighbours star Ryan “Toadie” Moloney, cricket legend Brad Hodge and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R) 11.45 Like A Version. (R) 12.00 News. 12.55 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 1.50 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml, R) 2.20 The Assembly. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Matched. (PG, R) 9.50 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (PGv)
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R)
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)
10.20 News. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PGl, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.05 Love Me. (Mdls, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.10 Last Post: Winds Of Change. 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.
6.50pm
10.25
And
7.35
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 A New ANZAC. (PGal)
9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PG, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The King. (Madls)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Manv, R)
1.45 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
10.35
7.00
7.05
7.20 Bluey. 7.30
Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. (Premiere) Discovers the best Sydney has to offer.
9.00 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep.
11.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.30 Weekend Sunrise.
He’s best known for championing Cornwall and its classic seaside fare, but British chef Rick Stein (pictured) is married to an Aussie and his love affair with our fair country stretches back 60 years. Stein first visited our shores when he was 19, on a trip he describes as “the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food.” In his debut Aussie series, the celebrated restaurateur retraces that life-changing voyage, starting in Sydney Harbour where his adventure began all those years ago. Comparing the city’s food culture then to the vibrant food scene that exists today, Stein catches up with local legend Neil Perry and checks out Chinatown, before sharing a recipe for salt and pepper crab.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.
10.45 MOVIE: Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv, R)
A young, naive soldier is sent to Vietnam. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger.
1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Anzac Day Dawn Service.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Long Beach. H’lights. 1.10 LEGO Masters. 2.30 Nanny.
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or
SATURDAY, April 25
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Anzac Day March Sydney. 12.30 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.30 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. 2.25 ABC News On Anzac Day. 3.00 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.00 Last Post: Winds Of Change. (R) 4.05 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.55 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Langham: London’s Grandest Hotel.
8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)
9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R)
10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)
11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)
1.55 Matched. (PG, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R)
A cyclone batters the Top End.
8.40 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) A plane passenger vanishes mid-flight. 9.45 Frauds. (Final, Ml, R) 10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 The American Soldier. 10.15 Chernobyl: A Bomb That Keeps Ticking. 11.15 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 12.05am Late Programs.
Guess
Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.05 Men In War. (1957,
SUNDAY, April 26
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGv, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 3.25 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R)
6.30 Compass.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly. (Return, PGl)
8.15 Bad Company. (Premiere, PG) A theatre centre’s new CEO tries to prevent its downfall.
8.45 Bergerac. (Return, M)
9.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl, R)
10.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R)
10.40 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 10.15 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG, R)
8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG, R)
9.40 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with some of the members of the Eastwood Country Women’s Association.
8.00 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale. 11.50 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Pacific Four Series. Game 3. Australia v New Zealand.
10.00 MOVIE: Midway. (2019, Mlw, R) Charts the Battle of Midway. Woody Harrelson.
12.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Two brothers are impressed by a pure husky. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) Neale Whitaker sets out to do a sensitive renovation where the spaces will creatively connect. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30
10.35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)
11.35 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (Ml, R)
1.05 Matched. (PG, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGl, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm Motorcycle Racing. 1.15 The Swiping Game. 1.35 Jeopardy! 3.40 WorldWatch. 4.40 PBS News Compass Points. 5.10 Fashionista. 5.20 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 6.20 Abandoned Engineering. 8.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 12.40am Cycling. UCI World Tour. LiegeBastogne-Liege. Women’s race. 2.15 Late Programs.
PG, Tamil) 6.50 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 10.40 Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.40 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 10.30 That Good Night. (2017, M) 12.15pm Ping
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 MOVIE: Bravery & Betrayal. (2025, Malv) Looks at the SAS troops that were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us. (MA15+al, R)
12.10 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PGl)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Operation Bastille. (Masv) Looks at Operation Bastille. 10.15 9News Late.
10.45 The First 48: Among Friends. (Ma, R)
American Ripper. (Premiere, Mav)
Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
MONDAYS FROM 6:30 FROM 6:30 TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS FROM 10:30 FRIDAYS FROM 10:30
MONDAY, April 27
SBS World News Late. 10.35 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mlv) 11.45 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 4.40 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023, MA15+, Korean) 1.15am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, April 28
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Exit. (Malv) 12.00 Clean Sweep. (Mals, R)
3.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)
4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
Home And Away. (PG)
Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (M) 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Eddie and Buck’s flight to LA is cancelled.
The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGadl) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) The rival renovators try to prove their worth.
6am
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.20 Discovering Film. 9.15 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 11.00 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 12.50pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.45 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 4.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.15 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 8.30 The Flowers Of War. (2011, MA15+) 11.10 Comandante. (2023, MA15+, Italian) 1.20am Late Programs.
WEDNESDAY, April 29
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.15 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
9.25 The Audacity. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv)
12.00 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)
2.05 Classified. (Malv, R)
3.40 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
WorldWatch.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.20 Urzila. (Mals, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (M, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 11.05 Along Ancient Tracks. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park.
The Movie Show. 12.15pm WorldWatch. 12.45 Question Team. 2.35 The Swiping Game: What Is Yellow Fever? 2.50 The Bee Whisperer. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Spy Game. (2001, M) 10.50 Brassic. 12.35am Count Abdulla. 1.35 Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.30 Late Programs.
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.05 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 10.20 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.25pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 10.50 The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, April 30
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6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (Premiere, a)
8.35 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)
9.30 Riot Women. (Malv)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Under The Bridge. (Malsv)
12.05 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)
2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
3.05 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R)
4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch.
11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Brassic. 12.50am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Discovering Film. 6.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 Superheroes. (2021, M, Italian) 12.15pm Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 2.30 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing. (1942, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Rendition. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Return)
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. (Final, Ml)
12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Rookies. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml)
8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mv)
9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG)
10.30 9News Late.
11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A Tesla tests everyone’s patience. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. More performers take to the stage.
9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
10.45 To Be Advised.
11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)
1.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
2.30 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 Rugby League. NRL Women’s State Of Origin. New South Wales v Queensland. Game 1. 9.35 NRL Women’s
3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.35 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.30 LEGO Masters. 3.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 LEGO Masters. 2.30pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
Clean sweep
LUNCH SPECIAL:
Tapas - Italian Style
Available Wednesday to Friday 3 for $33 pp
Choose any three house-made regional specialities from our Italian Favourites Menu and enjoy a delicious midday escape. Perfect for sharing, tasting, and discovering new favourites.
• All guests at the table must participate in this menu.
• A la carte menu also available. OPENING
By Chris KARAS
NORTHERN Hawks are savouring a record-breaking milestone in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup competition. For the first time in the Hawks’ four-year existence, they have posted a clean sweep of victories in all three grades.
Last Saturday night under lights at Tomaree Sports Ground will be remembered as one of the most significant days in the fledgling club’s short history.
The Hawks claimed victories over the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in the men's first, reserve grade and Under 19 series.
Steve Simpson’s undefeated first grade charges carved out a courageous 2418 triumph after the Hawks had earlier registered wins in the Queens Wharf Hotel Cup reserve grade (22-18) and Sinalli Cup Under 19 fixtures.
CONTINUED Page 17
HAPPY HOUR
WEDNESDAY NIGHT is Pasta Night
Join us every Wednesday for a midweek indulgence: $55 pp
Two Entree-sized pasta dishes each Perfectly matched Italian white & red wine
Each week, we showcase a new regional Italian pasta specially, thoughtfully paired with fabulous wines to complement every bite.
Make your Wednesdays something to look forward to!
• All guests at the table must participate in this menu.
• A la carte menu also available.
q Northern Hawks players celebrate their gritty 24-18 victory over Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.
