Port Stephens News Of The Area 25 JUNE 2026

By Nico LOMBARDO

TRUTH

By Nico LOMBARDO

Younger generation's love for their town immortalised in welcome to visitors

FROM Page 1

to visitors for years to come.

“Raymond Terrace is a great place to visit and invest, and this project helps showcase everything our town has to offer,” Mayor Leah Anderson said.

During the opening event, the attending kids got to join a workshop, in collaboration with Up&Up, to decide together how a nearby bus stop should be decorated.

They were also asked to give feedback about Raymond Terrace as part of a strategy

to build active engagement and a sense of belonging in the new generations.

“What might seem like a simple project at first glance is actually part of something much bigger happening here in Raymond Terrace,” said Port Stephens councillor Giacomo Arnott.

“What I picked up on today, looking at this great sign, is how much love there is for where we live, each other, and the things we do together,” said Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP.

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DEVELOPMENT SITE:

Stephens Council

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL TYPE OF APPROVAL: APPROVAL AGENCY: Section 91 – Activity Approval – Water Management Act Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment

ASSESSING OFFICER: Emily Allen: 02 4988 0126 or Emily.Allen@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

NOTIFICATION

SUBMISSION

‘Something is Seriously Wrong’, a real story of domestic abuse set in NSW

FROM Page 1 Mr Bright’s account of this harrowing story, with some changes in names and dialogues to preserve privacy and present more impactful moments.

author Denis Bright, who saw his family torn apart by an abuser who, after the end of a toxic marriage to his daughter, attempted to get her back by kidnapping their own child and using them as bait.

Mr Bright says what followed was two years of lies, false allegations, threats of violence, abuse and isolation, while the courts and the police failed to see the truth.

“While talking about it, while writing about it, I just kept thinking, how could this happen? Something is seriously wrong. I found myself writing it a lot,” said author Denis Bright.

‘Something is Seriously Wrong’ is also the name of the book, which records

Mr Bright’s goal is not just to present his own, singular experience, but to put a spotlight on the many victims of domestic violence that have to navigate, often alone, a deeply broken system where the bigger picture is often ignored.

“One of the biggest misconceptions of domestic violence is that it ends when the relationship ends,” said Ann Fletcher, Assistant Manager at Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services.

“Unfortunately, this is not the case. The abuse may

change form, but it does not stop.”

After a court resolution that returned the child to her mother, 70 people showed up at a party to celebrate: that’s how many it took, over the course of two years, to get the police and the legal system to finally see through the lies and connect the dots.

Unfortunately, as Mr Bright and his family recognise, not everyone is so lucky. In the year 2024, 78 women in Australia were victims of femicide, and many more were abused by their partners, who often fail to face repercussions. r Bright hopes that, through his book, more and more people will become aware of how common stories like his are, and recognise that the system has to change to protect women and children.

Lab rats get a chance at life

By Eve NESMITH

RABBITS, guinea pigs, rats and mice who were formerly used in research are now up for adoption and looking for their forever homes as pets and companions.

The Liberty Adoption

Centre, at Wyong, on the Central Coast, is now home to Australia’s first adoption centre for small animals transitioning out of research facilities into the community.

The centre is operated by an independent not-forprofit, Liberty Foundation

Australia (LFA).

“The opening of the Liberty Adoption Centre is a landmark moment for exresearch animals,” said LFA director, Paula Wallace.

“The NSW Government recognises the need to work together to provide the best

outcomes for animals when they retire from research, and has given a helping hand to charities like ours to scale up our operations.

“Simply, it means we can provide more homes for more animals coming out of research.”

The Liberty Adoption Centre is supported by funding provided by the Research Animals Rehoming

Grant, an initiative of the NSW Government.

LFA has been rehoming animals from research since 2017 and over that time has found loving homes for hundreds of animals including dogs and cats.

“There is clearly a benefit for animals in being able to live out the course of their natural lives in the community and know a different way of

life,” Ms Wallace said.

“It really is amazing to witness the capacity of these animals for love and connection. If you’re looking for a rewarding experience there’s nothing better than seeing a small animal begin to trust and experience the real meaning of home.”.

More information at: www.libertyfoundation.org. au

“The support at our public school is remarkable. It is mo than a school, it is a community that lift children up.”

Rebecca, mother of Year 1 and Year 3 students at a Port Stephens public school

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

Eve NESMITH 0494 613 397 editor@newsofthearea.com.au

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Delivery stops traffic and turns heads

By Jacie WHITFIELD

SHOPPERS and motorists in Medowie did a double-take this week when two camels carrying bathrobe-clad riders made an unexpected delivery.

In a scene more suited to a desert caravan than a suburban shopping centre, two New Zealand entrepreneurs arrived at Coles Medowie on camelback to celebrate the launch of their products into Australia.

The founders of mens skincare line Two Dudes rode the camels approximately 30 kilometres along the Port Stephens coastline before arriving at the supermarket's front entrance, where store manager Dave was waiting to receive the delivery.

The stunt also marked the launch of a fundraising campaign supporting men's mental health during Men's Health Week.

The company is donating $1 from every product sold through Coles to the charity R U OK?.

“Men's Health Week felt like the right moment to make some noise and remind blokes that looking after yourself isn't just about what you put on your face,” founders Michael McRae and Tomas Tappin said.

The supermarket team was delighted by the novelty and energy.

"When I went out the front to receive a new shipment of stock for a new range, I didn't expect they would be arriving on camelback," store manager Dave said.

"It was a really funny surprise, and the Two Dudes guys really delivered with their energy along with their actual delivery.

“Not your average day at work. It was a lot of fun."

The unusual journey attracted plenty of attention along the way, with locals stopping to take photos and wave as the camel convoy passed through town.

Mr McRae said Medowie was chosen because regional

communities embodied the down-to-earth values the company identifies with.

"The reaction from locals was brilliant,” co-founder Tomas Tappin agreed.

“People were hanging out of car windows, pulling over to take photos and having a laugh.

“We were dressed in bathrobes, so we expected to turn a few heads."

While the camels behaved themselves throughout the trip, Michael implied that the Medowie delivery may have been the last of this unconventional style.

Deadly bird flu hits our shores

THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026.

A detection of H5 highpathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia.

This is the strain of concern that has been circulating globally and the detection, near Esperance, was the first in Australia.

The H5 strain of bird flu has killed millions of birds and thousands of marine mammals since it began spreading across the globe in 2021.

The first wild bird was found sick on 14 June 2026.

The ACDP was earlier this week also testing samples taken from a sick giant petrel from the same region that returned a suspected positive result at a Western Australian government lab.

These species are migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.

At this time there have been no detections in chickens and the disease is considered low risk to humans.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting the response, where the key priority is to determine the extent of infection in Australia’s wildlife.

The disease is classed as panzootic as it exists on multiple continents and affects many species.

Some reports estimate H5 bird flu has killed millions of birds and thousands of marine mammals since it began spreading across the globe in 2021.

The Australian Government says it is wellprepared to respond to H5 bird flu and has wellestablished national response arrangements in place to respond to animal disease incidents.

The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds or animals showing  signs of bird flu. If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.

Community safe space opens in Raymond Terrace

By Nico LOMBARDO

THE intersection between William Street and Sturgeon Street in Raymond Terrace, where a fire station once stood, is now proudly hosting the new Community Corner, a place for residents to gather, enjoy activities and, most importantly, feel safe.

The Raymond Terrace Community Corner is the culmination of The Place Is Yours project, a youth-led initiative funded by a $50,000 Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office for Youth that showcases the creativity and leadership of young people.

Created through a series of community working bees over the course of a year, this new space features seating created by the Men’s Shed, landscaping, creative artwork and even a tennis table.

On 18 June a celebration took place at the newly born corner bringing together locals, politicians and the young people that made the project possible.

“Today’s more than opening a new space,” Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson said.

“This is a place that

demonstrates what can happen when young people are trusted to be part of the conversation.”

Some of the teenagers involved in the project told News Of The Area about their experiences, as well as their hopes.

Nikki Bradshaw, who painted some of the artwork, said that the corner provided a place where people could feel safe.

“The police station is right there, so you know you’re going to be safe hanging out here,” she said.

“There’s cameras, there’s always people around, and we’re in such a main part of the town.”

able to have fun. “But also not wreck it at the same time, respect the place,”

Volunteer keeps an ancient tradition alive

By Jacie WHITFIELD

FOR more than 20 years, local resident Greg Smith has been sharing the ancient practice of Tai Chi with community members, helping people discover a gentle form of movement that combines exercise, relaxation and social connection.

Mr Smith's journey with Tai Chi Port Stephens began while working in Singapore, where he was inspired by the sight of people gathering in parks during the early morning hours before the

heat of the day set in.

"I became interested in Tai Chi watching locals practise in the parks, and many encouraged me to join in," he said.

What started as a personal interest soon became a lifelong commitment to sharing the practice with others.

Following Taoist Tai Chi traditions, Mr Smith chose to volunteer his time rather than teach professionally.

"The philosophy encourages people to learn and then pass that knowledge on to others

as a form of community extension," he said.

Mr Smith teaches the traditional long form of Tai Chi, which consists of 108 flowing movements.

While it takes dedication to learn, he believes the benefits make the effort worthwhile.

"The long form provides excellent benefits for balance, joint health, focus and relaxation," he said. "It's often described as moving meditation."

Over the years, Mr Smith has witnessed participants gain confidence, improve

their physical wellbeing and form lasting friendships through their shared practice.

For Mr Smith, Tai Chi has brought both physical and mental rewards.

"From when I first started, I've found a renewed inner strength and purpose,” he said.

“It's a relaxing way to exercise and clear the mind."

His hope is that students continue their Tai Chi journey beyond the class environment and encourage others to become involved.

"If there's one lesson I'd like to pass on, it's to believe in yourself and recognise the many inner strengths you already possess," he said.

"Tai Chi can help people discover that."

2000 word limit on any subject. No entry form needed.

Entries to be typed and double spaced.

Closing date 30 September 2026

For further details please email kevin_colman@yahoo.com.au

If

Your passport to creatives in Port Stephens!

could win: 2x$150 vouchers for The Little Beach Boathouse

• $250 voucher for art from the participating business of your choice

• Moonshadow TQC Cruises family whale watching tour

Collect your passport from the Visitors Information Centre or participating creatives.

Sponsored by:

Of The Area News Reader Survey

Dear NOTA reader,

Dear NOTA reader,

Of The Area News Reader Survey

Did you know we publish across eight different areas?

Did you know we publish across eight different areas?

As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.

As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.

To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.

To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.

Please take a few moments to complete our reader survey and go in the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to spend at any of our current advertisers businesses.

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Port Stephens Creative Crawl

A CELEBRATION of artists and art lovers will take to the streets next month during the first Port Stephens Creative Crawl.

Participants are invited on an adventure to hidden artistic finds at various locations throughout the area.

The Port Stephens map is studded with creative gems in locations including Salamander Bay, Lemon Tree Passage, Taylors Beach, Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens.

Creative businesses in these locations await to connect visitors with the local art culture.

Alison Rogers, owner of Readers Retreat Book Shop in Salamander Bay, said that the creative businesses involved

in the project were passionate about art and supporting a creative community.

“The Port Stephens region is so excited to be taking part in this fantastic initiative,” Ms Rogers said.

“We want to make sure as many people as possible know about our eclectic variety of creative businesses right here in our own backyard.”

Participants in the Creative Crawl can go into the draw to win prizes including two $150 vouchers for The Little Beach Boathouse, a $250 voucher for art from a participating business, or a Moonshadow TQC Cruises family whale watching cruise.

To be in the running,

Creative Crawlers need to grab a special passport from a participating business or the Port Stephens Information Centre.

They then need to collect a stamp from every business along the Creative Crawl that they visit.

Passports are available from 1 July and participants have 19 days to collect stamps and enter the draw.

Participants are also encouraged to take photographs and share them on social media using the hashtag #creativecrawlps.

Community benefits continue thanks to club’s commitment

By Chris KARAS

ROTARY Club of Raymond Terrace is shaping up for two significant events in coming weeks.

The club will hold its Changeover Dinner on Monday July 6 at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club at 2 Jacaranda Avenue from 6pm, marking the

transition to new leadership for the year ahead.

Then on Saturday August 22, the Rotary Showcase will offer the community a behind-the-scenes look

Secret world beneath our feet

By Jacie WHITFIELD

THE Hunter Region Botanic Gardens has secured a significant $148,984 grant from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust to undertake a pioneering fungi DNA project that promises to elevate the Gardens’ scientific standing while contributing valuable new knowledge to environmental conservation.

The project will establish one of the first DNA-verified fungal reference libraries developed by a regional botanic garden in Australia, helping researchers better understand the complex and largely unseen fungal networks that support healthy ecosystems.

While fungi are often associated with mushrooms, scientists say the visible fruiting bodies are only a small part of

a much larger underground system.

Fungi play a vital role in helping plants access water and nutrients, improving soil structure, recycling organic matter and supporting ecosystem recovery following disturbance.

Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM said the research is particularly important as environmental managers face increasing challenges from climate change, habitat loss and the growing need for ecological restoration.

“The project is expected to reveal hundreds of fungal species that have not previously been documented in the Hunter Region,” he said.

“By comparing DNA collected from soil samples with preserved fungal specimens, researchers hope

to uncover the rich biodiversity hidden beneath the surface and gain a clearer understanding of how healthy ecosystems function.”

The grant also strengthens the Gardens’ role as a centre for research, education and conservation.

“This project demonstrates that the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is much more than a visitor attraction,” Professor Roberts said.

“It is a place where science, conservation, education and community engagement come together.”

The initiative will foster partnerships with universities, environmental organisations, land managers and citizen scientists while generating research with applications extending well beyond the Gardens’ boundaries.

at Rotary’s work, featuring projects from clubs across the region.

Prospective partners and community members are warmly encouraged to attend.

During the past year, Rotary Raymond Terrace partnered with the management of Terrace Central to deliver the Terrace Central Community Christmas Day event.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the event raised $5,000 for Riding for the Disabled Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter, supporting their vital work with riders of all abilities.

Rotary Raymond Terrace event manager Adam Nicholas told News Of The

The long-term benefits are expected to be felt across the region.

Data gathered through the project could help guide bush regeneration, habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring and postmining rehabilitation efforts throughout the Hunter.

The findings may also provide practical tools for councils, National Parks staff, educators, LandCare groups and industry to make more informed environmental decisions.

As researchers prepare to explore the hidden world beneath the soil, the project highlights a simple but important truth: while plants may be the stars of a botanic garden, fungi are the unseen workforce that helps keep entire ecosystems alive and thriving.

Area that one of the club’s major ongoing initiatives is the Furniture Bank.

“Through this project, donated furniture and whitegoods in good condition are collected and redistributed through local community centres, Hume Housing and other organisations,” Mr Nicholas said.

“The program provides essential household items to people escaping domestic violence and homelessness, offering practical support at a critical time in their lives.”.

Over the decades, the club has delivered a wide range of projects, from youth programs to community events such as Australia Day at Riverside Park.

Members also have opportunities to learn new skills through Rotary barbecues and personal development activities, strengthening both community connections and individual confidence.

Established in the Port Stephens region, the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace has been a proud part of the local community for 73 years - driven entirely by volunteers committed to making a difference across local, regional, national and international projects.

The club meets during the first and third weeks of each month and welcomes new faces.

National Parks funding boost

VISITORS to some of the Hunter and MidCoast region's most popular

national parks could benefit from improved facilities and infrastructure under a

new $130 million funding commitment announced in the NSW Budget.

The NSW Government says the funding will be used to upgrade and maintain national park infrastructure across the state, including walking tracks, campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor amenities, lookouts, roads and visitor centres.

For residents of Port Stephens, the Myall Coast, Dungog and Gloucester, the investment could help support visitor experiences at popular destinations including Myall Lakes National Park, Barrington Tops National Park, Tomaree National Park and other parks that attract thousands of visitors each year.

The funding will

also be directed towards repairing and strengthening infrastructure damaged by floods, storms and landslips, an issue familiar to many regional communities following several years of severe weather events.

According to the government, NSW's network of around 900 national parks and reserves recorded more than 65 million visits during the past year, highlighting the growing popularity of nature-based recreation and affordable outdoor holidays.

National parks play an important role in the regional visitor economy, drawing tourists to local towns and supporting accommodation providers, cafes, tour operators and other small businesses.

Demystifying plastic recycling

By Nico LOMBARDO

EVERYONE knows that recycling plastic is important: bottles go in the yellow bin, and from there they can be turned into something new.

At least, that’s what’s commonly thought. In reality, to complete the cycle, people need to buy products that are made from recycled materials.

To explain what can be done, Renew’s Hunter Region Branch invited expert Jess Hodge at the Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall on 21 June to talk about the ins and outs of recycling and offer practical demonstrations of how to turn old plastic into something new.

Ms Hodge is the cofounder of Resourceful Living, a company that transforms plastic waste into all sorts of objects: industrial panels, containers, trays, fences, and

even benches and desks.

Her goal is to make more and more people embrace recycling by showing them what the process involves, what the end result looks like, and how it can be used.

“If you’re not buying anything that’s recycled, you’re not helping recycling,” Ms Hodge said.

“There’s no point in using the yellow bin if you’re not prepared to buy a recycled product.

“Why bother putting money and funding into people sorting and categorising plastic if no one is going to buy the end product?”

Ms Hodge explained how plastic recycling in Australia still left a lot to be desired.

“Just in Australia, we throw out 100 kg worth of plastic a year [per person]. We had a recycling target of 70 per

cent to hit in 2025. We got 22 per cent.”

Recycling can be complicated due to all the different labels that tend to leave consumers confused, but the process itself is quite simple.

During the practical workshop Ms Hodge demonstrated how, simply by using a regular sandwich press, old plastic could be moulded into something new, even at home.

The beauty of utilising items made entirely from plastic, Ms Hodge said, is that they can be re-recycled time and time again. Eventually, once they get too brittle, they can simply be broken down into oil, which can then once again be remade into plastic, cutting down on emissions significantly.

“[Plastic]’s got quite a lot

The government says the investment forms part of a broader strategy to improve visitor experiences while protecting natural assets and supporting regional tourism growth.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the funding would help ensure parks remained safe, accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

"NSW national parks are booming and it's easy to see why. They are some of the most beautiful, accessible and affordable places for families to spend time together," Ms Sharpe said.

She said the investment would help deliver the facilities visitors want while ensuring parks remain attractive destinations for future generations.

items,” Ms Hodge said.

Community concern over recycling process

By Jacie WHITFIELD

A RAYMOND Terrace

how

for

Woolworths are being handled after repeatedly observing large quantities of plastic waste stored outdoors behind the supermarket. The resident, who asked

not to be named, said they had driven past the rear of the store several times and noticed large plastic collection bags overflowing from wire storage cages in

Glenelg Street, near the Click and Collect area.

According to the resident, the bags appeared to contain soft plastics deposited by customers through the supermarket's in-store recycling program.

"I've seen large plastic bags containing publiccollected plastics discarded outside in large wire metal containers, overflowing onto the ground with plastic everywhere," the concerned resident told News Of The Area.

The resident said the sight was concerning because the material appeared exposed to the weather, becoming wet and dirty, with some plastic scattered around the storage area.

"It looked like the bags had simply been left outside. I always assumed the plastics would be stored inside the store before being collected for recycling," they said.

The discovery has left them questioning whether the material is ultimately being recycled and whether customers are being given an accurate impression of what happens to the plastics they carefully collect and return.

Many households take care to ensure soft plastics are clean and dry before depositing them in collection bins.

"A large number of local people are dropping off their plastic regularly thinking Woolworths is honestly having it collected to be recycled, not dumped outside in the weather where it can spill onto the ground," the resident said.

They fear loose plastic could potentially be washed into stormwater drains, nearby waterways or end up in landfill if not properly managed.

"If it isn't being recycled, the public should be

informed," the local shopper said.

The resident supplied photographs showing the plastic storage area and is calling for greater transparency around the handling of soft plastics collected through supermarket recycling programs.

The concerns come as community confidence in soft plastic recycling continues to rebuild following the collapse of the national REDcycle program in 2022, which left millions of kilograms of collected plastics stockpiled around Australia while recycling pathways were reestablished.

Woolworths’ media team has been contacted for comment regarding the storage practices observed at the Raymond Terrace store and whether the materials remain destined for recycling.

WHAT'S VIBIN'

Forget winter - there’s always a warm welcome at the Golfie

WHILE the temperatures may have dropped, there’s still plenty happening at Hawks Nest Golf Club to keep everyone entertained through the cooler months.

Christmas in July will bring some sparkle and festive cheer to the Golfie, with a special Christmasthemed three-course dinner and live music on Friday, 10 July.

During the school holidays, join us for Music Bingo every Tuesday night and let the kids - big and small - hit the dance floor at our Kids Disco every Thursday.

Add in live music from Chenay Nesbitt on 12 July, social golf, and our popular Ladies Open Day, and there’s plenty to look forward to throughout July.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our first annual Colour for Cause Charity Golf Day on Friday, 21 August. Choose a charity close to your heart, wear its colours and help us colour the course.

This year we’ll be supporting the Blue Tree

q Chenay Nesbitt is back at the Golfie on Sunday, 12 July, between 4 and 7pm.

Project, raising awareness for mental health and encouraging important conversations within our community.

In September, one of the biggest events on our calendar returns with The Sandling Pro-Am coming back to Hawks Nest Golf Club. With top golf, great company and plenty of excitement, it’s shaping up to be a busy and action-packed couple of months.

Winter may be here, but

there’s no slowing down at the Golfie. From family fun and live entertainment to community events and championship golf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We look forward to seeing you around the club. Head over to our Facebook page or visit our website www. hawksnestgolfclub.com.au for more details on everything happening at the Golfie.

Stay warm, and we’ll see you this winter!

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Absolute waterfront

a recently renovated main bathroom upstairs.

POSITIONED in one of the most sought-after absolute waterfront locations on the East Coast, 115 Promontory Way presents a rare opportunity to secure a beautifully renovated waterfront residence with breathtaking west-facing views and unforgettable sunsets.

Set on a generous parcel of land extending to the high tide mark, this remarkable property offers a private stretch of beach and direct access to the water, creating a lifestyle few properties can rival.

Inside, the home has undergone extensive improvements and features four generous bedrooms, all complete with builtin robes and ceiling fans. The master suite enjoys its own ensuite, while a second ensuite downstairs provides flexibility for guests or extended family.

In total, the home offers three bathrooms, including

The brand-new kitchen has been thoughtfully designed to capture the stunning water views and is fitted with new appliances, making it the perfect place to entertain or simply enjoy the ever-changing outlook.

Multiple living areas across both levels provide space for the whole family, while high ceilings enhance the sense of light and openness throughout.

New flooring has been installed throughout the home, and significant upgrades, including roof repairs and balcony reinforcement with new timber, ensure the property is ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Step outside and experience the true highlight of this exceptional property.

A spacious balcony, outdoor BBQ area and recently concreted access to the water create the ultimate setting for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying the spectacular sunsets over the bay.

Properties of this calibre,

with absolute waterfront positioning, a private beach and extensive renovations, are exceptionally rare.

Opportunities like this do not come along often.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Tilligerry Real Estate on 02 4039 9800.

From the Mayor's desk

By Leah ANDERSON Port Stephens Council

Getting youth involved in community

WHEN we talk about building a great community in Port Stephens, it’s easy to focus on place plans, homes, roads, and local businesses.

These are crucial, but what makes our towns feel like a community is our public spaces. More importantly, it’s our local people who help bring them to life.

I believe in getting our young people involved in community projects. When we give kids a voice in their own neighbourhoods, we can help them build a lifelong sense of ownership, pride and connection to where they live.

We’re seeing the value of this youth involvement right now. Down at Bettles Park on Adelaide Street in Raymond Terrace, we’ve just installed a new visitor sign featuring artwork by local school children showcasing what they love about their town.

This sign is a collaboration between council, our schools, community stakeholders, and funding partners. It’s backed by the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme in partnership with Destination Port Stephens and Council. It proves that a welcome sign can also be a source of great pride when our young people are given the chance to connect, create and leave their mark.

Just down the road, youth energy has also completely transformed the old William Street fire station site into our new Community Corner. Local youth didn't just share ideas - they rolled up their sleeves and took ownership, turning an empty block into a hub with vibrant art, plants, seating created by the local Men’s Shed, and a table-tennis table.

The opening of Community Corner marked the end of a yearlong youth-led initiative, "The Place Is Yours".

Funded by a Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office for Youth, the project gave participants the chance to build new relationships and skills through cultural awareness programs, cooking, self-defence, wellbeing, street art, videography and more.

It’s also a wonderful example of how we can bring our Community Strategic Plan and Wellbeing Strategy to life to celebrate our young people and simultaneously strengthen community connection and pride.

Our community benefits when we give our young people the power to shape their own spaces in our towns.

Next time you’re out and about, I encourage you to enjoy these spaces for yourself. Grab a coffee and check out the new paintings at the Community Corner or spot the children’s artwork on the new sign at Bettles Park.

As the visitor information sign says, “It’s the people who make this place so special”.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Politicians on notice if Mambo fight drags on

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WOULD like to congratulate the Mambo Wetlands community group on the two public forums held recently.

I was impressed by the indepth knowledge of the speakers and how they managed to explain the issues to the attendees in a simplified understanding way. The speakers were as passionate as the community attendees about saving Mambo.

It is disappointing that community groups everywhere have to keep fighting to retain the environment and I always applaud their passion and tenacity. I believe

the last campaign to stop a developer from building on land owned on the high ground of Mambo at Port Stephens Drive took more than five years, with the community staying passionate and focussed, resulting in a victory.

In this latter campaign Port Stephens Council was supportive of the community's desire not to build on Mambo.

Should this current Mambo campaign take as long as the former one, there will be council and State elections during that timeframe. This is something that those seeking or remaining in a political career need to take onboard, should they remain focussed with building

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

There is a person in my workplace who is charming to colleagues, but then stabs them in the back at the first opportunity. He spreads rumours, pits people against each other, tells outright lies and turns on anyone who doesn't agree with him. I love the job, but can't stand the environment he's created. Help! Fiona W.

Dear Fiona,

This person you speak of sounds very much like someone who's been reading Machiavelli's political treatise ‘The Prince’, not for the purposes of writing a damn fine comparative essay in consultation with Shakespeare's ‘Julius Caesar’, but to embroil himself in acts of sabotage and manipulation for power and personal gain.

I've never understood why people have to commit dastardly acts in workplaces. It's hard enough turning up to the same grind year after year with little more to look forward to than a wage, Leonie's home-baked cookies, the end-of-year Christmas party, and the mid-year team

on Mambo and going against the community, who are passionate to protect the environment.

building conference (which does nothing to improve team building, but is an opportunity for a two-day retreat with karaoke and post-team building vodka).

And yet, these characters turn up from time to time to test our mettle.

Unfortunately the punishment for this Machievellian character cannot come from the era of the concept's inception.

If it did, we would be looking at punishments from the 1500s, in which case there would be a range of options including a public flogging or stretching (and I don't mean Child's Pose from Pilates, but a device that leads to dislocation at a minimum).

While satisfying, I'd imagine you'd have a few things to explain to HR in your annual performance review.

Instead, Fiona, you need to hold your head high, keep out of the muck heap, keep clear documentation, report issues as they arise, and (as hard as it may be) maintain your professionalism, because, eventually, he will be his own undoing (or you'll find a better job).

Either way, the truth will come out.

In Shakespearian terms, this manipulator, this 'engineer', will ultimately be 'hoist with his own petard' and vengeance will be as sweet as one of Leonie's Salted Butterscotch Choc Chunk Cookies.

Albanese government worst in Australia’s short history

DEAR News Of The Area, CONGRATULATIONS Comrade

Albanese in achieving your life’s aim to totally subvert the Australian way of life into a socialist state reliant on your every whim.

We have all been relegated to subservient, subsistence

peasants subject to government hand-outs while you and your incompetent cohorts live in luxury.

You will certainly leave a legacy, but I fear it won't be one to be proud of.

I believe this is the worst government in Australia's short history.

Marlins on track for AFL Cup finals SPORT

By Chris KARAS

NELSON Bay Marlins first grade AFL mens team have continued their charge towards the Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup finals series.

The competitive Marlins consolidated fourth spot when they trounced Maitland Saints 127-31 at Dick Burwell Oval to register their fourth win of the season.

Led by super boot forward Billy Barton - who kicked an impressive eight goals in Nelson Bay’s rollicking 96 point triumph - the Marlins demonstrated their attacking skills from the outset.

Nelson Bay booted five goals and three behinds to lead 33-10 at the end of the first quarter and another three in the second term to establish a 56-25 advantage at the half time interval.

The Marlins added 45 unanswered points in the third quarter before finishing strongly with another goal spree.

Experienced campaigner Wayd

Blackburne and Mitchell Hall bagged goal doubles for Nelson Bay with Harry Gordon, Alec Clark, Mackenzie Nelson, Tom Warren, Adam Blyth, Seth Morrissey and Hudson Roche posting six pointers in a 19-goal rout.

Nelson Bay are entrenched in fourth spot on 16 points behind

undefeated competition leaders Newcastle City (28 points), TerrigalAvoca Panthers (28) and third placed Killarney Vale Bombers (20).

Rising star Olivia Feldman celebrated her 100 games milestone last Saturday with the Marlins womens AFL team.

The inspirational skipper turned

in a strong performance as Nelson Bay hammered Maitland Saints 9921 in Senior Womens Cup action at Dick Burwell Oval.

Best on ground for Nelson Bay were the crafty Feldman, Annalise Norton, Charlotte Connick, Jazlyn Stevens, Cameron Moncrieff, Ella Toscano and Isabella Hol.

q Nelson Bay

Marlins proved too strong for Maitland Saints with a 127-31 victory in the AFL Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup clash at Dick Burwell Oval last weekend.

Mat Spillard Photography.

The Narrowgut Crew, where boys worked as men

Stinker's Stories

By John 'Stinker' CLARKE

PART TWO: See earlier NOTA edition for previous parts to this story

AGAINST his wishes, it was organised for young Ken, at the age of five years, to move back into Newcastle to live with his grandparents through the week and attend The Junction Primary School and later Newcastle Boys High School.

Ken only ever wanted to become a fisherman like his dad so when he turned 16 and finished his Intermediate Certificate it was straight back to Fingal Bay to join what was known as the "Narrowgut crew".

"It was an honour to be accepted into the Narrowgut crew made up of Joe Sproule, Jack Lund, Jack Hunter, Tommy Hyde, Roger Coyne, Ken Sproule, Ping Asquith, Charlie Asquith, my dad Jack and myself," Ken recalled.

The crew were fishermen, hardened by the sea with years of experience, who knew how to catch fish and lobsters throughout the year.

They worked together during the "travelling season", around Easter time, when massive schools of mullet headed north during their annual spawning run.

Following the mullet the "ground fish", bream and luderick, moved out

of the rivers and estuaries and swam along the beaches.

Jack Barry and Joe Sproule were the "spotters". Throughout the travelling season they would sit high up on the mountain overlooking the beach and blow their tin whistles to alert the fishermen when the fish schools were swimming around the island and onto the beach.

As other crews were working the beach, the whistle served two purposes - one, to lay claim to the school of fish; two, to alert the Narrowgut crew to take up their position. Some would row, others haul.

After the frenzied activity of the haul the crew settled back down.The fishermen relaxed on the beach and the spotter returned to his lookout high up on the headland to await the next school of fish.

As Ken was the youngest member of the crew it was his job to walk over the island to the lighthouse keeper’s quarters to fetch a can of fresh milk for the others to have a cup of tea on the beach while they waited for the fish, bream and luderick, to swim around the island onto the beach where they would run the nets and haul the fish ashore.

Once caught, the fish were loaded onto boats for the journey back inside the port to the Nelson Bay Fishermans Co-operative. Jack Hunter’s boat was "Dianna", Tommy Hyde worked "Irene" and Roger Coyne owned "Betty Lou". There were no trucks as there are today.

Joe Sproule, a much respected man, was the leader of the crew.

Charlie Asquith and Ken were the youngsters, the apprentices, in the Narrowgut crew and with respect they called him Mr Sproule.

The boys were expecting to only

earn a half-share of the catch as the junior members. All the others would take home a full share.

One day that Charlie Asquith recalled, with a smile on his face, was when the crew were working particularly hard. Big schools of fish were on the move giving the fishermen no time to rest. The two young apprentices were working flat out, as hard as any other member of the crew.

It was after an exhausting morning’s work - "Come on Kenny," said Charlie, "we are heading up the hill".

Not sure what his mate was planning, Ken followed Charlie up the mountain just as another school of bream rounded the headland onto the beach.

Despite calls from the crew for the two boys to get back onto the beach the lads climbed higher up the mountain. When they did return to the beach all the other crew members were totally exhausted.

Instead of the crew being angry, there was an acceptance that the boys were a valuable part of the team. They had made their point.

"You two young blokes work just as hard as any man in this crew, from now on you will receive a full share each," Joe Sproule decided.

"I remember that year well," recalls Charlie.

"We caught fish for 21 days straight. I was worn out but happy. That same year there was a ceiling price on fish. Luderick I recall were 7d a pound while bream were 1/4d a pound. 1942 was my first year on the beach, not my first year fishing."

The Spit stayed open all year that year and, as no one had a truck, Ken and his dad would walk from their home in Fingal across the Spit to the

The brave little tinny Stinkpot

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE

I AM sure you have heard it before.

About two years after purchasing a new boat, just about everyone starts to think that they should have bought a bigger one, with a bigger motor, to presumably catch bigger fish further out to sea.

Let me tell you my tale, which is something akin to a story that could be told to the kids before tucking them in for the night.

It concerns a brave little 11foot tinny, ‘Stinkpot’, a Savage Gull, which I saw advertised “For Sale” in the Newcastle Herald more than 30 years ago:

“Aluminium boat, trailer, 5hp Suzuki outboard, anchor, rope, life-jackets. Brand new, won in a raffle, don't like fishing - must go, $1000.”

That’s for me, no questions asked.

I immediately rang the accompanying number and rushed into Newcastle with the money burning a big hole in my pocket.

I was terrified that the little boat would be sold or that the owners may have had a change of heart and decided to keep it.

Towing the boat back to its new home in Fingal Bay, I felt like the King of Australia.

Launching ‘Stinkpot’ off the

beach at Fingal proved a simple assignment, particularly with my newly acquired, second-hand Suzuki truck, the ‘Stinkermobile’, which was to be the boat’s constant companion.

With the wind in my hair and salt in my nostrils I zoomed around and around Fingal Bay delighting in the options now available to me.

As the weeks passed, I became increasingly confident and

ventured further and further from home base, limited only, it seemed, by the fuel capacity, which I calculated could just about get me to Sydney Harbour.

Rough seas didn’t bother me as ‘Stinkpot’ would ride between the swells with the confidence of an ocean racer.

I did suffer a minor setback when crossing the Fingal spit on high tide. The spit is a treacherous waterway where swells rolling

work shed erected by the fishermen in the corner of the beach.

The others would arrive by boat from Nelson Bay. These were the war years and no one was permitted to work before sunrise or after dark for "security reasons".

"It was hard to believe, sitting on the beach looking north towards Broughton Island on a clear sunny day, that a war was on," recalled Ken.

“There was a radar house among the trees high on the hill top which we were told was vital to defence during the Second World War.

in from both the north and south smack together in the shallowest section, resulting in a vertical wall of water that lifts and drops on the one spot.

Motoring through one morning just on sunrise, I got caught in “no man’s land” and lacked the horsepower to either charge forward or do a swift around about and retreat.

Indecision led to confusion and consequently I headed skyward and did a mid-air flip, which must have looked spectacular.

“With their guns at the ready they became pretty nasty if you came in after dark without their permission.

“On one occasion we had a big bag of luderick tied up, a couple of hundred boxes ready to be shipped, when the sharks arrived. Huge sharks, tigers and bronzies ripped into the bag of fish. We came in late that night," Ken remembered.

“I was a young fisherman and it all seemed so far away. If any reason arose, where it was necessary to remain after dark, it was essential to get permission from the guards who were based in the corner of Shoal Bay.

Another adventure, or should I say misadventure, that found me short of go-forward was when I was fishing for snapper in a rugged sea in front of the Outer Lighthouse at Fingal.

The gears jammed in reverse and there I was, being washed around in what seemed to be a washing machine.

There was no way I could go forward or even find neutral, so I motored home in an angry sea, 2km in reverse, pulled along by 5 weary horses.

I had a stiff neck for a week.

OUTLETS

Where you can pick up your paper

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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)

Week 8 PBL winners announced

GRAHAMSTOWN Public School hosted the Term 2 Week 8 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards. Here are the winners:

Irrawang PS: Madeline is a dedicated school and STAR Leader. She has been nominated for her commitment to our kindergarten students. Madeline ensures that they are greeted with a friendly smile each day and assists them to arrive at class feeling safe and happy. Well done Madeline.

Raymond Terrace PS: Lilliana has been recognised for her ongoing support with Playgroup each Thursday. Lilliana consistently helps move Playgroup equipment into the hall and is always helpful and reliable, making the setup process quicker and easier for everyone involved.

Grahamstown PS: Jaiden is an outstanding all-round student who consistently demonstrates our school’s PBL values of Safety, Respect and Personal Best. As School Captain, he leads with integrity and is a positive role model for his peers, while also playing a key role in supporting and promoting cultural initiatives across our school. Jaiden actively participates in all sporting opportunities and consistently exemplifies outstanding

sportsmanship, representing both our school and opposing teams with respect. His respectful, driven and motivated nature makes him a wonderful representative of both our school and the wider community.

Irrawang HS: Mia has been selected to feature in the Star Struck 2026 Acknowledgement of Country video, recognising her as a proud and positive representative of Aboriginal culture. Mia’s warm, passionate and respectful nature makes her a wonderful representative of both her school and the wider community.

Congratulations Mia on demonstrating our school PBL values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best.

Hunter River HS: Tiana is a very responsible and engaged student who consistently demonstrates the school’s PBL values. She is always willing to take on tasks and responsibilities, showing initiative and a strong commitment to her learning. Tiana consistently uses respectful language in all classroom interactions, helping to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Salt Ash PS: Sol is receiving this Community PBL Award for showing positive and respectful behaviour at the athletics carnival. He cheered

on and encouraged others during their races, and stepped up to run in the relay team when his house was short a runner. Sol showed great teamwork and school spirit throughout the day. Well done, Sol!

Medowie PS: Cleo is a very caring student. She is organising with her family a donation drive of essential items to take to Mystery Island on her upcoming holiday. This is going to make a big difference and shows the empathy she has for others. Congratulations, Cleo, on a great initiative!

Seaham PS: Clare is a wonderful student who has thrived in her first year of school at Seaham Public School. Clare greets everyone with a smile and brightens the room wherever she goes. Clare recently supported another new student in kindergarten who was anxious about entering the classroom. Thank you Clare for being so caring.

Karuah PS: Dalila is nominated for fundraising for Ronald McDonald House. Dalila participated in a dance challenge where she danced every day for three weeks to raise money for sick kids. Dalila raised close to $700 for Ronald McDonald House. Outstanding Dalila!

‘The more you drive, the better you get’

By Nico LOMBARDO

YOUNG people below 25 years of age make up only 13 per cent of all driving licence holders in NSW yet are involved in 19 per cent of fatal crashes.

While 120 hours of supervised practice may seem like a lot, the truth is that there are many dangerous situations that might not have come up during this time, and that new drivers often have to face alone.

Most fatal crashes involving licensed drivers occur shortly after people receive their licences.

To increase awareness of safe driving practices in young people, Port Stephens Council teamed up with NSW Police to organise a workshop on 20 June for learner drivers and their supervisors to learn new things in a relaxed, off-road environment.

“The more you drive, the better you get,” said Senior Constable Rodney Minter.

“When we learn in a controlled environment, we’re better on our own. We’ve all been learners; we’ve all been here.”

Starting with a (simulated) random breath test on the side of the road, learner drivers then headed onto the main event at the Ringwood Park Motor Complex, Balickera, where they got out of their vehicles to engage with the many displays set up in the space.

Attending visitors got to watch demonstrations about braking speed and reaction times at different speeds, access many different facts and statistics, observe police vehicles up close to learn how they work, and

even sit behind the wheel of a parked truck to learn where the blind spots are and what to look out for.

NSW Police members were available to answer any burning questions from the young drivers: alcohol and drug limits, the likelihood of getting a ticket for forgetting the turn signal, how to observe a safe stopping distance in a hectic highway, how often should the tyre pressure be checked, and more.

“But if you’re in a crash, and your insurance company looks at your car, and you’ve got a bald tyre, they’re not gonna pay you out.

“The insurance company is going to sting you more than we’re going to sting you.”

The workshop saw a significant amount of participation, including by motoring journalist and digital content creator Glenn Torrens.

NSW Police and Council were pleased with the result of the experience, and are hoping

SUDOKU

World-class netballers make swift stop in Medowie

By Chris KARAS

MEDOWIE Netball Club

juniors enjoyed a fun and beneficial skills clinic with NSW Swifts stars Paige Hadley and Sharni Lambden last week at their Ferodale Park headquarters.

In a huge boon for the club, midcourt ace and new mum Hadley and wing defence specialist Lambden were on hand to educate the region’s up-and-coming juniors on the finer points of netball with two well-attended sessions.

The Nailing the Basics session was aimed at the club’s seven- to 12-yearolds looking to sharpen their

netball skills. The Advanced Skills session focused on Medowie’s emerging 12- to 16-year-old talent looking to dig deep with some hard and fast training.

Medowie Netball Club president Kerry Whitty told News Of The Area that the clinic proved a “rousing success”.

“To have two worldclass netballers in Paige and Sharni come to Medowie and teach our juniors is a massive bonus,” Ms Whitty said.

“There was a great atmosphere and real buzz around the courts and all the girls completed the skills sessions with plenty of zest.”

The amazing Hadley, a World Cup-winner with the Australian Diamonds team, returned to action with the Swifts on Mothers Day - just 10 weeks after the birth of her first child.

It was a remarkable effort from the 33-year-old international, who welcomed her son Tully in late February and worked closely with the Swifts medical team to give herself the best opportunity at staging a comeback.

The Swifts legend has won two Super Netball premierships (2019 and 2021) and has played in five Grand Finals and has served as vice-captain of the Diamonds,

q

Gold.

and

Silver medal for Port Stephens paddlers

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Dragon Boat Club paddlers continue to demonstrate powerhouse performances on the water.

While 18 of the club’s inspirational crew were completing the arduous 55-kilometre marathon paddle down Western Australia’s famous Ord River earlier this month, another five paddlers travelled north to participate in the annual Flamin’ Dragons Wauchope regatta on the Hastings River.

Nelson Bay Croquet Club

By David WILSON

THOMPSON Trophy C Grade

The Nelson Bay Croquet Club’s intraclub Thompson Trophy C Grade competition was held on Sunday 14th June 2026. 14 members entered the competition which is for Golf Croquet players with a handicap of 9 or above and is level play 13-point games with a 50-minute time limit. The players were seeded into 4 blocks, 2 blocks of 4 players and 2 blocks of 3 players. The winners of the blocks then played a semi-final and final.

In their respective blocks,

Barry Elliott, Frank Orton and Bryce Patterson were unbeaten in the roundrobin play to qualify for the semi-finals. In Block B, Prue Patterson and Kath Orton both won 2 games, but Prue qualified for the semi-finals with a better hoop difference, +5 to -1.

In the semi-finals, Bryce narrowly beat wife Prue 5-4 while Frank eased past Barry with a 7-3 win. In a close fought final, Frank prevailed 5-3 over Bryce. A tightly contested competition with a worthy winner.

Shane Ford, Gail Hook, Rebecca De Sousa, Rachel O’Connor and Belinda McKay represented the Soldiers Point-based club with distinction on the north coast - producing Herculean efforts to bring back a silver medal.

They linked with paddlers from Hawkesbury, Orange, Coffs Harbour, Deep Water (Central Coast) and the Hunter Region to form a composite crew in the Women’s 20s race at the Rock’s Ferry Reserve.

Despite lining up with

Port Stephens Veteran Golfers Association

By Gary WATT

RESULTS from a Stableford competition played at Tanilba Bay GC on Monday 15th June 2026 with 40 players.

Nett Winner : Fred Rimoni, 37pts.

Nett Runner Up : Ray Stubbs, 36pts on countback.

Bonus Point Winner : Greg Garvin, 40pts.

Bonus Point Runner Up : John Clayton, 39pts. Nearest the Pin, 4th Hole :

Division 1 : Fred Rimoni.

Division 2 : Ian Dean. Nearest the Pin, 11th Hole : Division 1 : Fred Rimoni. Division 2 : Frank van

Tilligerry Social Golf Club

19/6/26

OUTRIGHT winner.

Hugh Potts. 41 c/b Runner up.Ed Martin.41 Bonus points winner.

Bob West. 38 Ball winners. Bill McMaster.36

Ron McKay. 34

Peter Martyn. 34

Wendy Couvaras. 34

Colin Marsden.34 Bradman Award.

Matt Baldwin

NTP4TH. A. Ron McKay. B. Peter Martyn

D&C7TH. A. Hugh Potts. B. Bob West

D&C18TH. A. Ron McKay. B. Bill McMaster Lucky number. 8.Ron Dews There were 14 starters. Congratulations to all the winners. Next game 26/6/26 2 person Ambrose.

Druten.

Drive & Chip, 7th Hole :

Division 1 : Greg Sessions.

Division 2 : Col Kerrison. Drive & Chip, 18th Hole, : Division 1 : Chris Wood.

Division 2 : Jim Gill.

Ball Winners : John Hogan 35pts, Jim Gill 34pts, Frank van Druten 34pts, Karen

Harley 34pts, Chris Wood 34pts, John McDonald 34pts, Graham Woolley 33pts, Brian Riddell 33pts, Peter Toth 33pts, Barry Leo 33pts, Rod Magick 33pts, and John Howlett 33pts. Lucky Draw Prize Winner : Bruce Brideoake.

only 16 paddlers, the combined crew flashed home to finish second with a commendable effort against top-class opponents.

For talented Port Stephens paddlers O’Connor and McKay they experienced a first - stroking in the New Paddlers race.

The Flamin’ Dragons regatta featured Dragon Boat teams that competed in a 2000-metre turn race, which is all about the skill of turning a 13-metre boat as tightly as possible three times on a course.

Another highlight was the

Dragon Boat sprint racing on the second day - 200 metres of fast and furious racing on the picturesque Hastings River.

Hosted by the Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie club, the major regional dragon-boating event draws hundreds of paddlers from across the state to compete.

The popular event attracted around 400 competitors representing more than 15 different clubs for the multi-day competition that tests different elements of Dragon Boat racing.

Tanilba Bay Veterans Golf Club

By Ian WILLIAMS

16th JUNE 2026.

The weather was a little cool to start but quickly evolved into a perfect day for golf, a lovely early winters day in the early twenties.

We played a novelty 18 hole

Shortened Course par 3 & 4, 2P Stroke Aggregate game, hitting off modified tee positions.

A roll up of 28 players today, thankyou to the visiting players from the Port Stephens vets for coming out today, your support is appreciated. A great day was enjoyed by all.

Past players and visitors from other clubs are very welcome to join us, we always look forward to Tuesday's.

Winner of the STEAK & CHOPS BUTCHERY raffle was David Enderby. RESULTS OF PLAY:

Winners: Steve Robards & Ray Stubbs. nett 125 pts

First Runners up: Jim Gill & Fred Rimoni.nett 127 pts c/b

Second runners up: Lenny Hardes & Kevin Hart.nett 127

Heartbreak for Power AFL women

By Chris KARAS

PORT Stephens Power are shaping as a premiership contender in this year's AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Womens Plate competition.

The return of club legend Maz Masiero and addition of Gaelic football recruit Stephanie O’Neill has bolstered the Power’s stocks at the halfway mark of the 2026 series.

With more than 360 matches under her belt, the skilful Masiero brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forward line that has borne fruit in recent weeks.

Tim Drough’s rejuvenated charges have made their rivals sit up and take notice after superb performances over the past fortnight.

With the inspirational Masiero and team captain Josie Johnson leading the way, the Power women came

within an ace of toppling undefeated champions Newcastle City in a heartbreaking 18-17 loss at the No 1 Sportsground. They backed up that spirited performance by slamming University of Newcastle Seahawks 56-13 in last weekend’s Indigenous Round at Ferodale Oval.

It was the Power team’s fifth win of the season after eight rounds and keeps the club entrenched in fourth spot on 20 points behind pacesetters Newcastle City (28 points), Wyong Lakes Magpies (22 points) and Lake Macquarie Dockers (20 points).

Coach Drough said he couldn’t have asked for a more committed effort against the much-vaunted Newcastle lineup.

Port Stephens charged to a stunning 15-1 lead with two first-quarter goals and three behinds and held a 1512 advantage over the title

favourites at the half-time interval.

Newcastle booted the only goal in the third term to snatch an 18-15 lead before the Power kept the premiers scoreless in the final quarter - posting two behinds in a pulsating finish to nearly pull off a major upset.

Despite the one-point loss, the Port Stephens women can claim bragging rights as the first team to score goals against Newcastle this season - a psychological boost in the lead in to the finals.

Club mainstay Renee Selby told News Of The Area that the Power went into the match with a “three point plan”.

“Our aim was to score first, grab a goal and restrict Newcastle to under 50 points,” Selby said.

“We were successful with almost getting the win and to become the first side to kick a goal against such a dominant lineup was a huge

q Port Stephens Power club’s talented womens AFL team has turned in strong performances to stake claim as a premiership force in the Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Womens Plate series.

achievement.

“Without a bench, the team grew tired, but we didn’t let that affect our desire to play strong and hard.

“Every single player played a pivotal role and gave it their all.”

Best-on-ground for Port Stephens were the elusive Masiero, defender Johnson, ruck forward Selby, centre half back Bly Savuro, forward Mel McCartney, fullback

Astley and winger Grace Astley.

In superboot O’Neill the club have unearthed a real find.

She booted five goals in the 43-point victory over the Seahorses last weekend with midfielder Jenny Rojas (2) and iron woman Bianca Cattelini capping strong games with six pointers.

Other Power players to impress were Masiero,

Myers bags a double as Hawks trounce Scorpions 32-8

By Chris KARAS

NORTHERN Hawks strike

weapon Fletcher Myers was a player on a mission at the Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace last weekend.

The former South Sydney

centre produced a classy two try performance in the Hawks’ 32-8 victory over Macquarie Scorpions in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Cup series, then saluted the skies in an emotional tribute to his late grandfather Les Nowlan.

Three days earlier the

dashing back - who made eight appearances for the Rabbitohs in the NRL - was on hand to farewell one of his greatest supporters at Nowlan’s midweek funeral service at Mayfield West.

A proud Myers dedicated last Saturday’s triumph over

the Scorpions to his beloved grandad, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 81.

Hawks players observed a minute’s silence in memory of Nowlan, a great stalwart of the Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs Rugby League Club, before the recent loss to Kurri Kurri.

The sharp-running Myers was in scintillating form against Macquarie, bagging two of Northern’s six tries and creating havoc with his turn of speed to help secure the Hawks’ fifth win of the season.

Northern coach Steve Simpson was a relieved figure after the team produced a statement response to the previous week’s heavy loss to Kurri Kurri.

Gritty Gropers end Singleton’s streak

FROM Page 24

continued his purple patch of form for the Gropers with another stand-out performance in the number 15 jumper.

He was ably supported by inspirational flanker Sam Rocher and evergreen hooker Ross Buchan, with both club legends producing vintage displays to help the Nelson Bay team chalk up an important victory.

A minute's silence was observed prior to kickoff for John F Miner OAM, whose contribution to rugby spanned decades as a distinguished referee, mentor and administrator.

A life member of both the Newcastle Rugby Union Referees' Association

and Hunter Rugby, Miner dedicated countless hours to the game by helping develop referees, supporting clubs and ensuring rugby was played with fairness, integrity and respect.

His service to rugby was recognised with the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), reflecting the lasting impact he had on the code.

Nelson Bay’s scrum matched the powerful Bulls pack with locks John Lundie and Taraq Hall providing plenty of power to hold up their rivals, who gained good field position with their raking kicks.

A set piece resulted in Singleton number eight Lincoln Adler crashing over for a try out wide and 5-0

lead.

Gropers prop Riley Byfield set the tone for the visitors with several bullocking runs off set pieces to give his side plenty of momentum.

Slick hands from halfback Kade Redmond to fly-half Will Clark enabled the playmaker to kick for field position and a high tackle from the Bulls resulted in Pietrasek booting the first of four penalty goals.

The smaller and younger Nelson Bay side continued to play rugby with centres Scott Tristan and Harry Andersen and winger Keanu Offen showing pace and fleet footwork to trouble their opponents.

Rugged props Nathan McLeay and Jake Affleck rolled up their sleeves to

charge into the Bulls defence with the Gropers grabbing a 6-5 lead with a second penalty goal.

Singleton rallied through their forwards and a rolling maul allowed half back Campbell Harris to step through the Gropers defence to score under the posts for a converted try.

Nelson Bay captain Rocher and fellow flanker Hayden Wilson inspired the Gropers as they turned the big Bulls pack around with damaging runs up the middle.

Two injuries reduced the Gropers bench to three fit reserves with big lock Shane Jarvis and flanker Ollie Edwards having an early start.

Wily hooker Buchan turned back the clock -

The win over Macquarie was a significant turnaround after the Hawks were held scoreless in a 34-0 loss to Kurri Kurri six days earlier and came despite five changes to the side through the suspension of hooker Taks Kuru, injuries to utility back Manu Alexander, hooker Jayden Seckold and the unavailability of centre Kiah Cooper and winger Honeti Tua.

Coach Simpson was pleased by the manner of the win and his team’s dominant first half display with the Hawks establishing a 26-4 lead at the interval.

The Scorpions opened the scoring through centre Callan Briggs but the Hawks responded with a strong attacking rhythm that yielded tries for Myers (2), fullback Shaq Saunders, centre Cody Hancock, lock forward Luke Higgins and winger Beau-Josh Lyons.

producing a game for the ages with solid defence and barnstorming runs to get the Gropers on the front foot.

A quick-stepping Clark split the defence to link with fullback Pietrasek who positioned speedy winger Brayden McMaster to flash over for the Gropers first try.

Singleton led 12-11 at the break and extended to 17-11 with a try by fullback Brock Warner before Gropers hooker Liam Keating replaced prop Nathan McLeay.

The match entered a tense period of play with two yellow cards issued to Singleton for infringements and Pietrasek bridging the gap with a third penalty goal.

Keating split the defence with a long-range burst before Tom Akbal dashed downfield and sent winger Ryan Marshall over to score in the corner with

The

Chapman.

Jackson Eckford crossed for the visitors’ second try, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the result.

Returning skipper Higgins, five-eighth Liam Walsh and second-rower Ethan Campbell were among the Hawks’ best players with Simpson also impressed by the display of local junior Whare Kuru, who shone in his top grade debut at hooker - singling out his performance after the match. The victory keeps the Hawks in fourth spot on the ladder with 10 points from 10 games and they’ll be chasing an outright third ranking when they line up against Central Newcastle Butcher Boys this Sunday at St John Oval, Charlestown.

In the curtain-raisers, the Hawks reserve grade team fought back from an 18-4 deficit at half-time to slam the Scorpions 36-22 while the women’s side put on a dominant display to trounce Wests 48-4 with fullback Ava Glassie crossing for four tries.

Pietrasek landing the sideline conversion to establish a 2117 scoreline.

Singleton regained the lead 22-21 with a bullocking try but with the match on a knife’s edge they chalked up a host of infringements for high and late tackles.

Having run out of replacements the Gropers’ bench dug deep and continued to play running rugby and were ultimately rewarded with the cool headed Pietrasek potting his fourth penalty goal to secure a gallant victory and shatter the Bulls’ unbeaten status.

Second ranked Nelson Bay can now enjoy a two week hiatus with a bye and spare washout weekend before travelling to Empire Park at Bar Beach on Saturday July 11 to face Cooks Hill Brown Snakes from 3pm.

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BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY SHETLAND

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Expertly designed to throw even the most astute of armchair detectives off the scent, the ninth season of this Scottish crime staple has more subplots than you can shake a stick at. From domestic disputes to a hidden history in espionage and a marine research cover-up, there’s been no shortage of red herrings as Calder (Ashley Jensen) and Tosh (Alison O’Donnell, pictured) investigate the murder of local mother Annie Bett. The dust finally clears in Friday’s conclusion, as a key disclosure from Lisa Friel (Tara Lee) reframes the timeline.

FRIDAY, June 26

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.25 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00

WEDNESDAY

GUY MONTGOMERY’S GUY MONT SPELLING BEE

ABC TV, 8.35pm

It’s a good thing that Kiwi comedian Guy Montgomery has written his name all over this tongue-in-cheek televised spelling bee – as his wonderfully weird new assistant, Sam Campbell (pictured), steals just about every segment in which he appears. Sporting an impish grin and outlandish costumes – most memorably a scary party clown, the reality-warping “clock man” and a handsy game show host –Campbell conducts chaos like electricity, even catching the rock-steady Montgomery off guard a few times. In Wednesday’s season three finale, Sam fulfils his landlord duties before the curiously Campbell-esque robot, Spell-droid 3000, takes to the stage.

THURSDAY EVA LONGORIA: SEARCHING FOR FRANCE

embarks on another flavourful journey in this eight-part series that pairs perfectly with SBS’s upcoming Tour de France coverage. Whether you favour soufflé, patisserie or sautéed vegies, it’s impossible to overstate the European nation’s influence on modern dining. Longoria’s genuine affinity for French culture, cuisine and history shine through her adventure, which begins this week in Paris, where she explores “the art of the table” and meets the young chefs leading a new food scene.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Monty Don’s British Gardens.

8.30 Shetland. (Final, Mlv) Calder and Tosh turn their focus on Lisa.

9.30 Twenty Twenty Six. (M, R) Conspiracy claims about the tournament’s new football cause another crisis for Oversight. 10.30 Gruen. (PG, R) 11.10 ABC Late News.

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

12.10 The Control Room. (Mal, R)

1.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.30 MOVIE: Spy Kids. (2001, PG) 9.05 Caper Crew. 9.50 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.40 Merlin. 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Paraguay v Australia. Replay.

9.30 Wogball: Australia’s Beautiful Game. (PGal, R)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.40 The King. (Mad)

12.35 The Typist. (Masv, R)

1.45 Patagonia. (PG, R)

3.20 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.55 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. NOR v FRA.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 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, Emily Blunt.

10.20 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.

12.00 MOVIE: Murder And Matrimony. (2021, Mav, R) A wedding planner investigates a murder. Kristen Vaganos.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 17. Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 3. (1992, Mlv, R) Two cops pursue a crooked former policeman. Mel Gibson.

1.00 Next Stop. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. (2001, PG) 10.45 MOVIE: Amsterdam. (2022, MA15+) 1.25am The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.05 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A couple want to travel in a converted bus. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom

6.00

SATURDAY, June 27

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

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

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

7.30 Classic 100 Concert 2026. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of ABC Classic.

9.00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) A celebration of the Australian Chamber Orchestra after 50 years of transcending boundaries and redefining music.

10.05 The Capture. (MA15+, R) The tables turn once again for Rachel Carey. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PGas)

8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland. (PGa, R)

9.20 We Are Jeni. (Malv, R) 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. 11.30 Snowpiercer. (Mv, R)

1.15 The Elon Musk Show. (Mal, R)

3.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R)

4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

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

8.00 MOVIE: Twister. (1996, PGalv, R) Two meteorologists on the brink of divorce are forced to work together after they are caught in a severe storm. Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes. 10.20 MOVIE: 65. (2023, Mv, R)

An astronaut crash-lands on prehistoric Earth. Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt.

12.10 MOVIE: Dead In The Water. (2021, Mav, R) Catherine Lidstone.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: National Treasure: Book Of Secrets. (2007, PGv, R) A treasure hunter goes on a journey. Nicolas Cage.

9.55 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, Mav, R) A half-human, half-Atlantean goes on a quest. Jason Momoa.

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

2.05 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 Australia. (PGa, R) Grey nomads are on the hunt for a four-legged companion to join them on their caravan adventures. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) The team must update a dated house when a couple decide to sell their Drysdale homestead. 9.40 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Crewmates help an elderly patient at the local boatyard who has been on the floor for two days.

12.00 FBI. (Mav, R) A federal judge disappears. 1.00 Home Shopping.

6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 HexVets And Magic Pets. (Premiere) 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.10 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Abbott Elementary. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00

SUNDAY, June 28

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Porco Rosso.

(1992, PG) 7.45 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.00 Discovering Film. 10.50 Next Goal Wins. (2023, M) 12.50pm Vampire Seeking Consenting Person. (2023, M, French) 2.30 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.20 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 7.00 Suddenly. (1954, PG) 8.30 Fargo. (1996, MA15+) 10.20 Baby. (2024, Portuguese) 12.25am Late Programs.

6.30 Compass: Furnished With Love.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Race Around The World. (M)

8.30 Ground Up. (Mls) Hugh weathers protests against the club.

9.00 The Capture. (MA15+) Carey is under pressure to charge Whitlock as Pierson’s colleagues have a crisis in confidence.

10.00 MOVIE: Strictly Ballroom. (1992, PG, R)

11.30 Darby And Joan. (PG, R)

1.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)

4.05 Movin’ To The Country. (R)

4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY

6am Children’s Programs. 11.00 Sesame Street. 11.30 Wiggle. 11.45 Andy And The Band. 1.30pm PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 4.10 Dino Dex. 5.10 The Wiggles. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 MOVIE: My Freaky Family. (2024, PG) 8.55 Animal Park. 10.20 Secrets Of The Zoo. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Heist: The Louvre’s Stolen Crown Jewels. (PGl)

8.25 Eiffel Tower: Building The Impossible. (PGan, R) 10.10 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Rivals. (Mals, R)

11.05 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (MA15+a, R)

2.05 Queen Victoria’s Royal Mob. (Ml, R)

3.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32.

7MATE (64)

Undercover Blues. (1993, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Gone In 60 Seconds. (2000, M) 9.50 MOVIE: He Ain’t Heavy. (2024, MA15+) Midnight Prodigal Son. 2.00 MOVIE: Roadkill.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Forever Enthralled. Continued. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 8.15 Suddenly. (1954, PG) 9.45 Discovering Film. 10.35 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.45pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.25 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 4.05 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 6.40 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 8.30 Pasa Faho. (2025, M) 10.10 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) 12.25am Fargo. (1996, MA15+) 2.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.

8.30 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on major breaking news events and long-form investigations of national significance.

9.30 24 Hours In Police Custody: Black Widow Pt 1. (MA15+al, R) Police investigate a murder conspiracy.

11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.50 Angelyne. (Premiere, Madl)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 60 Minutes.

8.00 The Long Run. (Ml) Twelve athletes prepare for the New York Marathon.

9.30 9News Late. 10.00 The First 48: The Devil You Know. (Mav) 11.00 Love Cheats. (Ma, R) 11.50 Tasman Trails. (R) 12.40 Fish Forever. (R) 1.05 GolfBarons. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

CampByMe.

Today Early News.

Today.

(34)

Surfing Aust. 2.55 The Summit. 5.30 MOVIE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. (2015, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Fear Below. (2024,

MONDAY, June 29

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dino Island. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Michael Palin In Venezuela. (PG, R)

8.30 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal)

9.25 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mls, R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.20 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (MA15+av) 12.35 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 2.20 The Elon Musk Show. (Mdl, R) 3.25 Queen Victoria’s Royal Mob. (Ml, R) 4.20 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGals) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.

The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan and Nune witness a murder in public and immediately spring into action.

The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.10 The Agenda Setters. 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

Harry’s Practice. (R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

TUESDAY, June 30

Kitchen. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dino Island. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Final, PGa)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl) The guides head to Tanzania. 8.40 100% Footy. (Mal) Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Cameron Smith and James Bracey look at the latest rugby league news, with exclusive insights from an expert panel of some of the sport’s most influential figures. 9.40 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England.

12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1 Late.

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

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11.30 The Negotiator. (MA15+av) 12.20 Queen Victoria’s Royal Mob. (Mlv, R) 1.15 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 1.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round Of 32. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) 7.30 First Dates Australia. (PGl) 8.35 Doc. (Ma) Amy, Michael and Katie help a man in distress. 9.35 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 10.35 The Agenda Setters. 11.35 Happy’s Place. (PGal) 12.05 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.05 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PGls) Andy Lee is joined in the studio by a panel of Australian comedians and 100 regular Aussies via Zoom to explore the fun behind the facts that make us tick as a nation.

8.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2.

10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.15 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 10.00 The Tunnel (Part 1) (2001, M) 11.45 The Tunnel (Part 2) (2001, M) 1.30pm Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 4.10 Suddenly. (1954, PG) 5.40 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 7.30 Transcendence. (2014, M) 9.40 Another End. (2024, M) 11.50 Arkansas. (2020, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs. 6.10am Mr Blake At Your

No dialogue) 3.10 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PG, Dzongkha) 5.15 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 7.30 Johnny Mnemonic. (1995, M) 9.20 Under The Skin. (2013, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

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WEDNESDAY, July 1

6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dino Island. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (Ml, R)

8.30 The Great Killer Smog. (Premiere, Ma)

9.25 Coldwater. (Malsv)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.20 David Baddiel: Jews Don’t Count. (MA15+l, R) 12.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32. 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32.

VICELAND (31)

Cup. Round of 32. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

6am The Movie

Show. 6.20 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PG, Dzongkha) 8.25 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 10.40 Transcendence. (2014, M) 12.50pm Johnny Mnemonic. (1995, M) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.30 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 5.30 Explorers. (1985, PG) 7.30 Donnie Darko. (2001, M) 9.35 The Circle. (2017) 11.40 A Useful Ghost. (2025, Thai) 2.05am Late Programs.

July 2

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (PG)

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 The Fall And Rise Of Reggie Dinkins. (PGal)

11.30 Stumble. (PGal)

12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Wimbledon 2026 Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights, opinions and topical stories, from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. 8.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 3 Late.

5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dino Island. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.40 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 9.50 The Secret Life Of The Zoo. 10.35 Amazing Animal Friends. 11.25 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched.

7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PG, R)

8.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For France. (Premiere)

9.20 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Final, Ma)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.15 Exit. (Malv, R)

1.55 Merrill’s Marauders: Burma WWII. (Mav, R) 2.55 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

4.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32.

VICELAND (31)

Morning Programs. 2.10pm Framed. 2.40 Insight. 3.45 BBC News At Ten. 4.15 France 24. 4.45 PBS News. 5.50 Alone Netherlands. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Round of 32. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

6am Mr. Holmes. Continued. (2015, PG) 7.00 Explorers. (1985, PG) 9.00 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 10.30 Donnie Darko. (2001, M) 12.40pm The Circle. (2017) 2.45 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 5.00 Discovering Film. 5.50 And God Created Woman. (1956, PG, French) 7.30 Gattaca. (1997, M) 9.30 Total Recall. (1990) 11.40 Seeking Justice. (2011, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cash and Eden find a compromise.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 17. Geelong v Brisbane Lions.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.00 Brave New World. (MA15+asv) John becomes the centre of attention.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 1. Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights. From Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney. 10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 4 Late. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Today. The latest in news

By Chris KARAS

CONTINUED Page 17

Gropers to top of ladder

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