MESSENGER
MYALL COAST
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest - Bulahdelah - Nerong - Karuah - Medowie - Stroud - Pindimar - Bundabah - North Arm Cove
Edition 70
20th December 2016
ABN: 85 031 406 563
Myall Coast Messenger
Shop 4, 209 Myall Street
Tea Gardens 2324
Ros: 0418 425 594
Lyn: 0427 469 438
Ph: 02 4997 0749
Santa Joins the Nippers
It was hardly typical summer Christmas weather at Bennetts Beach on Sunday 18 th December but this did nothing to dampen the
enthusiasm of the Nippers from the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Surf Life Saving Club. The day may have been grey and overcast but
there was much excitement with the children participating in races, games and festive food to celebrate the Christmas season.
Of course the highlight of the morning was the arrival of the man of the moment – Santa, with his bright red suit bringing a smile
to faces both young and old. Santa proceeded to distribute gifts to all the Nippers and received a hug or handshake from
everyone in return.
By Ros Reynolds
Fax: 02 4997 0759
[email protected]
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
www.teagardensonline.com.au
DEADLINES - NEXT EDITION
Articles/Stories/Letters:
5pm Friday 30th December
Sporting Results:
2pm Sunday 1st January
Calling All Children
Santa will be abandoning his reindeer and sleigh on Saturday
afternoon for his annual ride on the Rural Fire Service truck through
Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Pindimar and Bundabah, ready to deliver
lollies to children who listen out for the fire siren.
At 2pm Santa will load up his sack with lollies and best wishes for
everyone and join volunteers from the local Tea Gardens and
Pindimar rural brigades on a drive round the streets, with the fire
siren letting us all know that he has arrived in town. Just follow the
kids and the noise to collect your Christmas Eve sweet fix.
A big thanks from everyone in our area to all those involved.
Advertisers
Get your business noticed
E: [email protected] M: 0414 776 553
www.firstclasstransfers.com.au
Come and visit us this week
Contact us for rates
and delivery dates
Phone 0427 469 438
Unit 4, 24 Wanya Road TG Industrial Estate
TEA GARDENS
AUTO ELECTRICS & MECHANICAL
4997 2560
www.teagardensauto.com.au
Shop 4, 209 Myall Street Tea Gardens - PH: 02 4997 0749
1
Community Spotlight
LEN RICHARDSON
INDEX
Community Spotlight ........... P 2
News ................................. P 1-15
Poets Corner ....................... P 13
Church .................................. P 8
Trades/Classifieds .......... P18-19
Sport ............................... P22- 24
Sudoku ................................ P 16
Fishing .................................... P5
Gardening .............................. P5
River story ............................. P4
Schools ............................. P20-21
Golf ...................................... P23
Travel ................................... P13
Tide Chart............................. P 5
What’s On ............................. P 6
THE MESSENGER TEAM
 Lyn Reid
 Roslyn Reynolds
 Daphne Thompson
 Sandra Bell
 Pat Beggs
 Shirley Cox
 Karen Neeves
 Jan Furness
 Rosalie Daw
 Shirlie Richardson
 Dorothy Ayling
 Leigh Allen
and with a considerable
amount of help from the
CTC and VIC Volunteers
POLICY STATEMENT
The Myall Coast Messenger seeks to serve
the interests of the local Community.
We seek to publish community news and
views
while
supporting
sporting,
educational, recreational and charitable
groups through the publication of relevant
information.
We encourage groups or individuals to
submit articles/stories/letters to provide
information about activities, upcoming
events and views on current issues that
influence daily life in the area.
All submissions must be signed and must
contain no statements or remarks that may
be considered defamatory, derogatory or
discriminatory against any person on the
basis of race, religion or sexual persuasion
and contain no language that is unlawful,
obscene, indecent or inappropriate. The
decision to publish an article/story/letter
rests with the Editorial team and the
decision is final.
Full names of contributors to the Myall
Coast Messenger who use non de plumes
must be registered with the Editorial Team
and made available to any reader if
requested.
All photos published become the property
of the CTC.
The information provided within the
contents of this Newspaper is the views of
the individuals who provide the details.
These views are not necessarily those of
the CTC or the Editorial Team.
Our thanks also to
Torch Publishing Company
for their assistance
2
20th December2016
He was happy in Newcastle,
assisting/directing the production
side of a variety of TV shows, but
soon it was back to England to
expand his knowledge.
Len was born in Sydney during the Great
Depression. His parents became
enamoured of Communism, as many did
in those days, and moved the family to
Russia while Len (actually John Lenin) was
still a baby. Jobs were scarce in Russia for
an English speaking journalist, so his
father moved the family to the UK. Then
began regular migrations to and from
Australia, with Len educated in both
countries.
He joined the Navy after school, but left
after 6 years. Len had been an aircraft
radar technician with the Navy and this
was his open door into the fledgling world
of television. ABC employed him as a
technician, then cameraman, and he was
the Senior Cameraman on ABC's first TV
show in Sydney. Eager to advance his
knowledge of this industry, he moved to
England and the BBC, then to Canada and
commercial television. But he missed
Australia and so moved to Newcastle, to
the start-up of NBN television.
Unable to find suitable TV
production work, he successfully (to
his surprise) applied for an
administrative role, Studio Manager
with Europe's largest commercial
photography company. It was
mostly fashion photography. This
was the '60's and Len refused to sign
a skinny young thing as a model.
'You will never make it as a model,' he
told Twiggy. Despite this, his career
flourished, but his boss' management
techniques were incompatible with Len's
style. So Len moved to Production
Manager for Independent Television
News (ITN), the provider of news
programmes for UK commercial television
companies. He recommended leasing out
the company's production crews and
facilities in slow news times and this
became a profitable business. Len was
now a Senior Executive with ITN.
His urge for new experiences led to his
becoming General Manager of Rank
Video Centre, providing television
facilities to networks and production
companies. He later became a Company
Director of the parent company, Rank
Film Laboratories Limited, the major
processor of motion picture films in the
UK. The Video Centre's advanced laser
equipment for the transfer of
programmes to 35mm film was not
profitable. Success came with the
reversal of the process, the transfer of
films to video for the emerging home
video player markets. After 5 years Len
moved back to Australia.
At that time VISNEWS was the only
television news agency supplying foreign
news to Australian networks. Through
contacts in the UK, Worldwide Television
News (WTN) gave Len the chance to sell
their services in Australia. Channel 10
became interested, which prompted Sam
Chisholm of Channel 9 to buy the
exclusive rights to WTN services in
Australia.
Len was less successful in New Zealand
where the only broadcaster, TVNZ, was
interested in neither the service nor
making their news coverage available to
WTN for international distribution. Len
made arrangements with a local film crew
and journalist to provide services on
demand. In Sydney a few weeks later, a
call from WTN's London newsroom at 3
am alerted him to the sinking of the
Rainbow Warrior in Auckland. Within
minutes the freelance crew and reporter
were on the scene - the only film crew
there. Using this as a lever, Len
persuaded Chisholm to allow ABC and SBS
to subscribe to WTN services. Len was
with WTN for 19 years, including 7 years
in Hong Kong as their Vice-President,
Asia.
Did retirement bring slippers and a pipe?
Not quite. First, a move to Sri Lanka in
the midst of its civil war, then a Georgian
house in the UK, Brisbane next, then a
cottage in Spain, and finally Hawks Nest.
Rosalie Daw
Free Clinic Bus gets new vehicle
It was a happy occasion at the Country Club on Monday 12 December when the Free Clinic
Bus committee took delivery of their new vehicle. The vehicle, an 8 Seater Diesel Kia, will
bring a new level of comfort and convenience for both drivers and users of the service.
The service has been operating for 40 years with the current group being involved for the
past 10 years. They provide free transport to medical appointments for anyone with no
other means of transport to get to their appointments. They have between 20-24 drivers
who volunteer their time as drivers. The areas services are Raymond Terrace, Maitland,
East Maitland and Newcastle.
The service is funded only by donations from service
users and many local service groups and businesses.
Committee President, Geoff Page, stressed that the bus
is “owned by the Community” and he thanked the
committee, the volunteers and everyone who has
donated and supported them to enable the service to
continue on.
After thanking the committee and the various groups
(listed below), two special awards were presented; the
first, the Humanitarian Award, went to Mark McCormack
and the Boy Scout Award went to John Verdon and Ray
Peeters.
Ros Reynolds
The Clinic Bus says Thank You to:
Tea Gardens Lions & Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Lioness Clubs - Anglican Church Op-Shop - Tea Gardens Country Club
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club - Tea Gardens Men’s, Ladies and Sunday Bowling Club groups
Rod Blanch TG Auto Electrics & Mechanical - Tea Gardens RSL Sub Branch - Karuah RSL Club
Myall Coast Rotary Club - Glen Henry – Signs - The Grange Residents Social Club - Hawks Nest Craft Group
Grange Craft Group - Palm Lake Social Club - Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Trevor Officer – Work n Play Clothing
By the Community For the Community - [email protected]
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Community News
Myall Point (of view)
with Len Roberts
[email protected]
83 Marine Drive Tea Gardens - phone: 02 4997 1300
Water Quality
Council and the community over the years have valued the
importance water quality. Recent surveys in the former Great Lakes
area showed that over 90% of people highlighted the importance of
having clean waterways. Our tourism, fishing, and oyster industries
along with general health were seen as major beneficiaries of water
quality.
Water Sensitive Design (WSD) is an approach to development and
re-development that integrates the whole water cycle into the
design (stormwater, groundwater, waste water and water supply).
This approach improves water quality and manages the volume of
water leaving a development, reduces the overall demand on water
sources and minimises the pollution entering our waterways.
Rainfall naturally contains high levels of nitrogen. When that
rainwater is concentrated as stormwater (rather than soaking into
the soil and taken up by plants) it can cause problems within
waterways such as algal blooms and increased turbidity.
When constructing a new building on an undeveloped site, the
stormwater flows of that site is altered. That is, when it rains on a
developed site, run-off is generated instantly from the hard
surfaces such as driveways, roofs, etc. In comparison, on an
undeveloped site, where there are minimal or no hard surfaces, run
-off is only generated when the soil is saturated and cannot hold
any more water.
There has been a demonstrable improvement in the health of
estuaries within the previous Great Lakes Council area over recent
years as documented in Council's annual waterway health report
card. This improvement can be attributed in part to the
development of the Great Lakes WSD policy.
The aim of the development controls is to cap nutrient inputs to
waterways for all new subdivisions and gradually reduce pollutant
loads from existing urban areas being transported to receiving
waters.
The current WSD development controls within the Great Lakes DCP
were modelled on existing controls in use by various Sydney
Councils. Since their introduction, extensive work has been
undertaken to adapt the controls to better suit our region,
including those areas outside of the main towns and villages. The
Administrator John Turner approved the following changes at the
last meeting:
83 Marine Drive Tea Gardens - phone: 02 4997 1300
Traditional with a Modern Twist
18 Karthena Crescent Hawks
Nest
Quietly located in the area of Hawks Nest known
to locals as “Swan Bay”.
The current owners of 18 Karthena Crescent have
recently undertaken an extensive renovation
turning a traditional family home into one with a
modern contemporary feel.
The home would suit an extended family with
multiple living area and 5 bedrooms plus study.
Family entertainment starts with a full size pool
table and bar area leading out to a designer white
kitchen complete with Caesar stone bench tops,
quality gas appliances plus dishwasher. The large
dining area accommodates the largest of dinner
tables great for family dinners.
Downstairs living area with built-in bookshelf
looks out onto the alfresco living area ideal for
alfresco living. Recently added to complete the
outside style of living is a fibreglass salt water in
ground pool.
For the artist in the family, a small studio is
hidden away in the garden, or can be utilised as
additional storage along with 2 gardens shed
located in the back yard and one at the side of the
house - great for bike storage.
The newly carpeted staircase leads you up to an
open landing with 4 spacious bedrooms two
with builtins and two with walk in robes plus
ceiling fans in all bedrooms. The fifth bedroom is
located downstairs.
The upstairs main bathroom and ensuite have
modern bluetooth activated mirror - for the tech
savvy family member along with quality finishes.
A smaller bathroom is located downstairs.
A second spacious living area is located upstairs
leading out onto the front verandah, another
outside space to enjoy alfresco entertaining.
Other attributes to the property is the extralarge laundry with plenty of storage and bench
space, split system air conditioning, large double
garage with internal access, fully fenced yard
and additional parking for boats or caravans
Located within a short distance to the beautiful beaches and waterways of the area.
This home is well priced at $695,000 and will appeal to many - an inspection is a must!
 Simplifying the development controls for applicants and
assessors and set-out a clear process for users;
 clarifying how the water quality objectives are applied based
on scale, type and location of development; and
 The introduction of exemptions for a house or dual occupancy
with a maximum total roof area of 500m2 that is located
outside of priority areas. The priority areas were identified
around the main residential settlements including Forster,
Tuncurry, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest; and within a 500m
buffer to major water bodies e.g. Lakes.
Excluded from the priority areas were:
National Park - State Forest - Waterways - Smaller inland villages
that had potential localised impacts on water quality but relatively
low impact on the overall catchment area; and Majority of rural
areas.
Christmas
I recently came across the Gospel of Luke written in the local
Aboriginal language Kattung. It was translated by Rev Lance
Threkeld who lived amongst the Aboriginals of the Lake Macquarie
area at Awaba. Their language group extended form the Hawksbury
to the Macleay River and as far west as Murrurundi. I cite from his
translation of Luke 2: 10, 11
10
Gatun noa ageloko wiya barun, Kinta kora; kulla nurun bag wiyan
murrarag totog kakilliko pital ko, kakilliko yantin ko kuri ko. 11Kulla
nurunba prokulleun unni purreag, kokera Dabidumba ka,
Gollomullikan ta, noa Kritht ta Piriwal ta.
10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the
Lord.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a blessed and
glorious Christmas. May we each look out for one another at this
time. Why not pop along to a church service this Christmas you
would be most welcome at any of our churches.
For a private inspection please call Kylie French 0419 464 595.
The Tea Gardens Team
James on 0438 412 317 - Kylie on 0419 464 595 - Dylan on 0418 292 908
Tea Gardens
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Buying or Selling
Wills& Estate Planning
Powers of Attorney
Criminal Law
Dispute Resolutions
Commercial Litigation
Contesting Wills
Commercial Leasing
Buying or Selling a Business
Company Transactions
 Buying/Selling a Business
 Company Transactions
 Leasing
02 4928 7300
Appointments
Fridays 2pm - 6pm
191 Myall Street
Tea Gardens 2324
www.mullanelindsay.com.au
Vexatious great-grandparents
The Full Court of the Family Court, in the recent case of Mankiewicz and Anor & Swallow, dismissed an appeal by the maternal
great-grandparents against a decision to dismiss their application
to spend time with their four great-grandchildren and a declaration that they are vexatious litigants.
The trial judge dismissed the great-grandparents application to
spend time with their great-grandchildren on the basis that there
had not been a material change in circumstances since a summary
dismissal of a similar application in 2009, and found, on the
Court's own motion, that the application was an abuse of process
as the great-grandparents were acting in concert with their son
(the maternal grandfather) and therefore declared the greatgrandparents vexatious litigants.
The great-grandparents appealed, claiming that the trial judge
had incorrectly taken notice of other proceedings and had wrongly found that they were acting in concert with their son.
The Full Court of the Family Court found that the trial judge was
able to take into account other proceedings declared vexatious
and the trial judge was at liberty to make the finding that the
great-grandparents were vexatious litigants.
by Rose Laffan.
By the Community For the Community- [email protected]
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
3
20th December 2016
Community News
 Our river is a major part of the Myall
Lakes Ramsar site, one of only 65
such sites in Australia. This means it
has been designated a wetland of
international importance. Check out
the Ramsar website for more details
OUR RIVER
 Think kindly of the river mangroves.
They continually stabilise and restore
river banks, buffer storm surges and
winds, filter pollutants and serve as a
nursery for river fish and prawns.
The NSW Roads and Maritime Services
wishes all visitors a happy and safe visit
to our river, and requests you please
watch your speed and wash.
A Message from Native Animal
Trust Fund (NATF): Every day on the
This column celebrates our river, the
Myall, which gives us pleasure,
sustenance, beauty and peace. Abuse it
at your peril, it can also be dangerous.
Without the river we would not be in this
beautiful place.
**********
We welcome newcomers to our river and
wish you a happy Christmas and holiday
season. A few river facts for you from our
previous columns:
 The river is 92 kms long, rises in the
Kyle Range of the Great Dividing Range
and descends 355 metres on its way to
Port Stephens.
 The Singing Bridge (otherwise known
as the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Bridge)
was opened on April 6, 1974, to the
delight of all who had previously
lined up for the punt to cross the
river. Strong south-westerly winds
through the bridge railings cause it to
sing.
 The name Myall appears to be
derived from the aboriginal word for
stranger which, when spoken, sounds
like myall.
 Thanks to a dredging program our
river is now clean and clear. Fishing,
prawning and oyster farming are
important industries on the Myall.
There is an abundance of wildlife to
be seen including pelicans,
cormorants, dolphins and black
swans. It's a healthy river!
river, pelicans are caught in fishing lines
and hooks. They may die if not rescued.
So please, recreational fishers, don't
discard fishing tackle thoughtlessly and
never leave a set line unattended.
Plastic bags discarded in waterways are
often a fatal hazard for our pelicans. If
you see a pelican in need of rescue,
phone 0418 NATIVE (0418 628 483).
Walks by the River
From the bridge at low tide we saw a
stingray gliding across the sandy
bottom, like a giant bat flapping its
wings. It hovered, sank to the bottom,
gently flapped the sand away searching
for food, then moved on. Springtime on
the Myall brought proud mum and dad
ducks with their offspring; one couple
carefully raised their only-child duckling.
And we often saw mother dolphin and
baby gliding in unison up the river.
A pod of dolphins frolicked under the
bridge; mum and bub emerged on the
Hawks Nest side and rolled joyfully
together, displaying their white bellies.
This was just before the stranding and
subsequent rescue of a baby dolphin at
the shortcut. Same baby?
On the River
On a Wallander (Wally) cruise, up to
Engels Reach, the river decided to
showcase its wildlife. First, a black swan
on her nest, a huge nest of piled sticks
close to the water. She glared at us as
we slid by, but didn't leave the nest.
(On a later Wally cruise to Tamboi, we
sailed close to two black swans and
their one baby. Perhaps the same mum
we saw previously?) Then a lone koala
in a bush mahogany tree on the
riverbank. Unperturbed he ignored us,
confident in his camouflage coat which
did a superb job; we had to be keensighted to see him. Next, two whitebellied sea eagles perched low on a
branch, then soaring away in disgust at
our intrusion. And closer to home, a
pod of dolphins. Captain Ray followed
the pod down a side stream. They were
too intent upon fishing to be bothered
by us. The poor fish, of a good size, fled
across the top of the water in a futile
attempt to escape.
**********
We would be delighted to receive your
contributions to Our River column at
[email protected] or 02
4997 0749. Join us in celebrating our
beautiful river.
Rosalie Daw
Christmas Is Party Time
Christmas get-togethers are in full swing in Tea
Gardens and Hawks Nest.
Volunteers at the Tea Gardens Library were
entertained by Carol and Chris at a lunch party in
the library and presented with gifts of appreciation
for their work.
Volunteers help in the library and also participate in
the Homework Club, Home Library Service, Tiny
Turtles, Story Time as well as school holiday
activities.
VINNIES HOLIDAY
CASH BINGO
The local branch of S t Vincent de Paul is again
conducting their popular “CASH BINGO”.
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Family History Research
Group held a Christmas lunch for members at
Benchmark.
Christmas shirts and hats were the order of the day
and added a very festive note.
Held every Tuesday and Thursday during the Christmas
school holidays at the Hawks Nest Golf Club, the Bingo
opens for ticket sales at 5pm and commences at 5.30
sharp.
Myall Historical Society
members enjoyed a cruise up
the Myall River on the
“Wallambah”. Eating and
conversation were the order
of the day!
The small Leatherwork Group
from Myall Community Art
and Craft Centre enjoyed their
annual Christmas Breakfast at
The Boatshed.
Starting on Thursday 22nd December and running
through to the end of January, it is a must for locals
and visiting families alike (children under 18years of
age must be accompanied by an adult).
Generous cash prizes are on offer and a meat-tray
raffle is conducted. All proceeds go to support the
Community welfare work of the Society of St Vincent
de Paul.
The restaurant and bar facilities of the Golf Club are
available to Bingo patrons with generous meals or light
snacks on the menu.
The Golf Club courtesy bus is available and can be
booked by phoning the Club on 49970145.
Ian Mackenzie-Smith
Mob: 0423 470 709
4
20th December2016
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Boating - Gardening - Fishing
Hawks Nest village renewal
getting closer
December Gardening
If you are looking for a selection of edible fruiting plants
for Xmas gifts we have a few different edibles to grow.
Lychees, white Mulberry (Shahtoot), selection of Gingers,
Mango Kensington Pride, Tamarind, an
Australian native rainforest tree, Galangale,
Tumeric, belonging to the Ginger family,
Papaya bisexual red,
Grape varieties and a variety of passion fruit.
Wishing our gardeners and readers a very
happy Xmas.
Enjoy the wonderful fruits of your labour!!!
Photo: The Planning Proposal proposes to rezone
two key areas of the Hawks Nest village area.
MidCoast Council is working closely with stakeholders and those who have made
submissions on a Draft Planning Proposal to revitalise Hawks Nest village.
Woodwards Building & Garden Centre
Thanks to the great quality of feedback received from both the community and
other stakeholders during the consultation period earlier this year, we are currently
refining the Draft Proposal .
During consultations the community told us they want to revitalise the business area
of Hawks Nest, and they are also looking to breathe new life into the village, to
create a new, exciting buzz to their beautiful and unique part of the world that helps
it stand apart from other North Coast destinations.
To have a planning proposal in place can be a complex matter. We need to ensure
that all the legislative requirements have been met and this can take some time.
The next step will be to send the amended Draft Planning Proposal to Council for
formal approval. Then it will be sent to the Minister for Planning for adoption.
We hope to have the Planning Proposal finalised by early to mid-2017.
The Draft Planning Proposal proposes to rezone two areas of land in Hawks Nest
village.
1.
The first area, alongside existing businesses in the village centre, is proposed for
a mix of residential and environmental protection. The residential areas will
provide an opportunity for new medium density housing and a boost for local
businesses, while corridors of important koala habitat will be permanently
protected - a defining feature of Hawks Nest village.
2.
The second area adjoining Hawks Nest beach is proposed to be rezoned to a
'mixed use land zone'. This zone responds to the community’s call for Council to
be more flexible, provide for greater business opportunities and create a new
vibe for their town.
We want to create a vibrant coastal feel for this area, located alongside the beach
which will enhance the leisure opportunities available in this location and create a
space for local people and visitors to enjoy together.
The community has helped guide this innovative plan for Hawks Nest village and we
are looking forward to helping them make it a reality.
Roger Busby
Manager of Strategic Planning.
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
5
20th December 2016
What’s On - Community News
WHAT’S ON
Library closing times over Christmas
24th December Tea Gardens Library will close at
1pm Reopening at 9:00am Monday 2nd January
THE PROBUS CLUB OF HAWKS NEST & DISTRICT (C)
The Probus Club of Hawks Nest & District celebrated their Christmas lunch on the 2 nd December with 100
members attending at Mumm’s. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal with several choices between the main
and dessert. The lucky door prizes were drawn some of the members who won prizes were also lucky
enough to have the cost of their dinner refunded. With perfect weather on the day, good time was had by
all.
Pat Beggs
25th December
Christmas Day Lunch @ 12.30
$60 per person - Deposit of 25% to secure your seat
Christmas Day Lunch - Country Club - Queens
Kitchen Restaurant - 2A Yalinbah Street
Bookings Essential 02 4997 0200
31st December New Year Eve

Hawks Nest Golf Club - Phone 02 4997 0145
Live Entertainment - 8pm until 12:30pm
Tea Gardens Country Club - Ph: 02 4997 0250
Live Entertainment - New Years Eve Fireworks
9:30pm

Friday 6th, Sat 7th and Sun 8th January
9.30am to 4.30pm Art and Craft Show
Myall Community Art and Craft - 245 Myall Street Tea
Gardens - Enquiries: [email protected]
Saturday 7th January
FARMERS MARKET FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
AT ANZAC PARK TEA GARDENS
Enquiries phone Melissa on 0413 833 390
SANTA arrives at
PETER SINCLAIR GARDENS
Friday 6th Saturday 7th 9am to 4pm
and Sunday 8th January 9am to 3pm
On Saturday 3rd December, Peter Sinclair Gardens had their residents
Christmas Party with family members joining them for the day.
Giant Book Sale - Myall Coast Rotary Club, in conjunction
with the Tea Gardens Library, will once again be
conducting their Giant Three Day Book Sale from 9.00am
‘til 3.00pm in the Community Hall, Booner Street, Hawks
Nest. Enquiries 0412 197 383
13th January 2017, 5 - 8pm and 14th
January from 10am to 3pm
Galleries in the Garden Cool Summer Art Exhibition at
Tea Gardens Hotel
26th January 8am - Lioness Club Australia
Day Breakfast at Moira Parade Parade
********
Every Wednesday - 2:30pm-4:30pm - Except
Public & School Holidays
MU3A Choir with Barbara Lyle, Musical Director - HN
Large Community Hall
Every Monday MU3A 9am to 1pm
Third Age Art Workshop excluding public & school
holidays
Every Thursday 9am - 12 noon
Myall Coast Toy Library - Uniting Church Hall - Contact:
Lissa 0417 662 070
Every Wednesday including school holidays 9.45am to 11am
Myall Fitness with Ann Woods - Industrial Estate Wanya
Road, Tea Gardens
To enter your event in this column
its FREE
Phone the CTC on 4997 0749
Email: [email protected]
6
20th December2016
After the Christmas lunch put on by the staff “Santa” entered the
room, to the surprise of residents and guests.
Santa had a bag of goodies for the residents and later there were
several raffles drawn.
Thank you to Rhonda and the staff of Peter Sinclair for a great day
which was enjoyed by all.
Pat Beggs
IF YOU DIDN’T ATTEND THE OPERA IN TEA GARDENS
THEN YOU MISSED ONE GREAT NIGHT
An audience of 250 people attended the
wonderful performance of an Opera entitled
Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one act opera
based on Italian folk tales of the Nativity.
After a short interval of light refreshments, we
were taken back to WW1 CHRISTMAS 1914, and
treated to the true story of THE CHRISTMAS
TRUCE.
Gian Carlo Menotti’s AMAHL AND THE NIGHT
VISITORS is a retelling of the story of the Magi
from the point of view of a young disabled boy
who lives in poverty with his widowed mother
near Bethlehem. The three Kings, following a
bright star, come across Amahl’s meagre hut and
seek shelter. They bring treasures and gifts to
give to the “Child” they are seeking, who has just
been born and who will reign over all, thus
begins this very moving performance which was
presented by LOOSE CONNECTIONS and directed
by Diane Williams.
On a clear crisp Christmas Eve over 100 years ago,
thousands of allied soldiers lay down their rifles
when they called a truce to the fighting, stepping
out of their muddy trenches and joined together
in “no man’s land” where they met and mingled
with their German enemies along the Western
Front, overcoming language barriers firstly by
singing Christmas Carols followed by a game of
football. A screening of actual footage from this
dramatic historical event was projected behind
the narrators and singers. This dramatic play was
adapted from letters written from the trenches to
loved ones and was presented by LOOSE
CONNECTIONS, directed and written by Brian
Jones, providing a fine piece of Antiwar Theatre.
Barbara Lyle gave a stunning performance as the
mother of the boy Amahl, who was played
beautifully and convincingly by Dado Burroughs.
Their duets were spine tingling. The three Kings,
played and sung by Craig Croxton, Barry MacLean
and Warwick Nichols, plus Neil Kibble as their
Page, were well supported by a cast of 20
shepherds and shepherdesses.
There were tears shed and lumps in the throats of
many in the audience of both of these moving
stories. There is so much talent in our small
town, it is almost unbelievable. You make us so
proud.
Jan Furness
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Local News
Bombah Point Campers have a
smoother ride
Bombah Point is a popular camping area on Myall Lake with locals and visitors alike,
and MidCoast Council has just completed a 1.5km extension of the sealed part of
Bombah Point Road in time for the summer holidays.
2 Marine Drive Tea Gardens
The Road is heavily used in the summer, with large numbers of caravaners travelling
to the camping ground. Council has sealed a 1.5km section of the Road linking to an
existing 1km stretch of sealed surface. Due to the existing section's condition, Council
also rehabilitated its surface.
In addition to this project, a segment of road has been resealed on Bombah Point
Road closer to Bulahdelah. The resealing was undertaken in late November.
2 Marine Drive Tea Gardens
The favourable weather conditions have allowed this project to progress quickly and
is a credit to all Council staff involved. We thank local residents and motorists for their
patience whilst this important work was undertaken.
This project was completed under Council's Rural Road Construction Program which
includes funding through the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery Scheme.
Further work on Bombah Point Road to bitumen seal the remaining gravel sections is
planned to be undertaken in coming years through the Rural Road Construction
Program.
Mr Jamie Condie
Manager Operations
(South)
MidCoast Council
Bombah Point Road is a scenic drive into the Myall Lakes National Park
and is gradually being sealed by Council.

Snapper, Scaled & Gutted $29.00 kg (approx. $15 each)

Blue Swimmer Crabs $28.00 kg (approx. $8 each)

NZ Green Lipped Mussels $12.00 kg

Oysters Large and Small from $15 a dozen
Fresh Local
Oysters, Prawns and Fish
Dining on our Wharf or Takeaway
B.Y.O. No Corkage
Visitors by Boat Welcome
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
7
20th December 2016
Church - Community News
ANGLICAN PARISH
Phone: 02 4997 1869
Email: [email protected]
TEA GARDENS
St Andrews - Corner Witt & Ogden Streets,
Tea Gardens 2324
Sunday 8.00 am Holy Communion
CHRISTMAS
CHURCH SERVICES
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Bulahdelah
St John’s, Stroud Street,
Christmas Eve - 8.30pm
A Christmas Celebration
OP SHOP
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
8:30am-12:30 pm
BULAHDELAH
St Johns: Stroud Street, Bulahdelah
Sunday 10:15 am
OP SHOP
Monday 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 3pm
KARUAH
St Columbas - 7.45am,
except 5th Sunday of the month
Tea Gardens
CATHOLIC CHURCH
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Bulahdelah
At St Andrew's Anglican Church, Tea Gardens on Sunday 4th
December, 2016, Rev Denis Kirkaldy made mention of money
raised at our Stall at the Myall River Festival which was to be
distributed amongst community groups.
Tea Gardens
Ian Lawrence, Op Shop Coordinator, presented cheques to
representatives of Little Athletics, Clinic Bus, Rural Fire Brigade
(Little Nippers, SLSC were absent) of $500 each.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community
for their continuing support.
ST STEPHEN’S
Witt Street Tea Gardens - Phone: 02 4997 1822
P.O. Box 46, Tea Gardens 2324
TEA GARDENS
Sundays:
1st, 3rd and 5th Mass 8.30 am,
Saturday Vigil 2nd and 4th at 5.15pm
BULAHDELAH - ST BRIGIDS
Sundays:
2nd and 4th Mass 8:30 am.
Saturdays:
1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday Vigil at 7.00pm
KARUAH - OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Sundays:
2nd and 4th Mass 8.30am
Saturday:
1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday Vigil 5.15pm
St Andrew’s, Cnr Ogden & Witt Streets,
Christmas Carols 7pm Sunday 18th December
Christmas Eve
6pm Holy Communion
Christmas Day
6am Holy Communion, Bennett’s
Beach, Hawks Nest
(please bring a chair)
8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s
BAPTIST CHURCH
Tea Gardens
159 Myall Street, Tea Gardens
St Brigids 26A Bulahdelah Way
Christmas Eve 7pm
St Stephens - Cnr Witt& Maxwell Streets
Christmas Eve 5.15pm
Christmas Day 8.30am
Karuah
Our Lady of the Rosary Tarean Street
Christmas Eve 7pm
UNITING CHURCH
Tea Gardens
120 Myall Street, Tea Gardens
Christmas Day 9am
Bulahdelah
Cnr Blanch & Crawford Streets
Christmas Day 9.30am
Karuah Tarean Street
Christmas Day 9.30 am
L to R:: Helmet Panhuber, Melissa Brown, Geoff Page and
Ian Lawrence
UNITING CHURCH
TEA GARDENS
Minister: Rev. Stephen de Plater
Phone: 02 4987 2041
120 Myall Street, Tea Gardens 2324
Kirk Hall, Uniting Church
Contact - Rev Ray Longmuir Tel: 02 4997 2480
Service: - Each Sunday 9.00 am
Toy Library - Thursday 9:30 - 12:30
Phone: 4997 9095
BULAHDELAH
Sunday 9.30am,
contact Thora-Lou Smith 4997 4356
KARUAH
Minister: Rev. Stephen de Plater Ph: 02 4987 2041
Service: Sunday 10.45 am
Contact: Nancy Gough 02 4997 5378
BAPTIST CHURCH
Services - 10.00am Sundays
115 Myall Street,
Tea Gardens NSW 2324
PO Box 89 Tea Gardens
Elder - Len Roberts 4997 1011
8
20th December2016
Church News
9am Christmas Day
Federal funding for local Men’s Sheds
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie today
announced Federal funding towards two local
projects at the Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest and
Harrington Men’s Sheds.
Dr Gillespie announced $1622 to the Tea GardensHawks Nest Men’s Shed towards the costs associated
with tools, equipment, community projects and
training.
Funding of $3,000 has also been made available to
Harrington Men’s Shed for with tools, equipment,
community projects and training and follows $6,500
in last year’s round of funding to install a new solar
power system at the Harrington Men’s Shed.
The grants are part of $400,000 in national funding
provided to more than 100 Men’s Shed’s across
Australia.
“Men’s Sheds provide a place where men are able to
work on meaningful projects at their own place in
their own time and gather together in a safe, friendly
and inclusive environment,” Dr Gillespie said.
Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Men’s Shed Photo: Vic Logie, Graeme
Watkins, Ian Robinson (President), Rob Hughes, DG, Ray Curtis,
Jules Anseline, Grant Hickey, John Adkins
all Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for up to $8,000 in
funding, with priority given to sheds in rural and remote areas
and in areas of disadvantage. The Australian Men’s Shed
Association (AMSA) manages the National Shed Development
Programme.
“They reduce social isolation, strengthen communities AMSA will open the next round of funding for Men’s Sheds
and contribute to improvements in the health of
shortly. Details can be found at www.mensshed.org/home/.aspx
individual men, particularly the mental health of
Any enquires on the application process for the programme can
retired and older men.”
be directed to AMSA via email at [email protected] or phone
Under the National Shed Development Programme,
1300 550 009.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Community News
Lyne Electorate
Dr David Gillespie MP
www.davidgillespie.com.au
As we rapidly approach Christmas, it is interesting to
reflect on the year and just how much has happened.
It is important to take stock of the year’s events and
give thanks for our family, friends and our
achievements, and look forward to the year ahead.
Christmas is a great time of the year. We are truly
blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Our fantastic surfing beaches, scenic coastal walks
and beautiful hinterland - it is undoubtedly the reason why one of Australia’s
premier holiday destinations is here in the Lyne electorate - from the Hunter to
Hastings!
It is not only the tourists who should enjoy this place.
We should all take the opportunity this festive season to get out and about and
spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying the very best our region has
to offer.
For some, Christmas can be a lonely time of the year. And as I often remind
people at this time, if you know someone who might be on their own – whether
it be a relative, a neighbour or a friend – take the time to reach out and wish
them a happy Christmas.
Finally, on behalf of Charlotte and I, from our family to yours, may we wish you
a very happy, holy and safe Christmas, and all the very best for 2017.
The Coalition Government is busy implementing our National
Economic Plan and keeping Australians safe and secure.
In only a matter of months we have delivered $20 billion in budget repair.
 Over the last two weeks, we've succeeded in passing the Registered
Organisations Commission (ROC) and restored the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC). These were the triggers for the double
dissolution election.
 We have put in place a new student loan program that is focused on equipping
students with the skills so they are job ready when they graduate.
 We have passed important changes to Australia’s superannuation system;
securing $6 billion in savings and ensuring that the system is sustainable and fair
for all Australians.
 We delivered tax cuts for more than half a million middle income Australians by
ensuring that they were not pushed into the second highest tax bracket.
 We have secured our border. It has been over 800 days since a successful boat
arrival but we must ensure that our laws continue to deter people smugglers
and their evil trade. That is why we are progressing legislation that will prevent
unauthorised arrivals from ever receiving a visa.
 We are also cleaning up Labor’s legacy of offshore detention centres by reaching
a one-off arrangement with the US to resettle refugees from Nauru and Manus.
 In the last sitting fortnight, we passed three key counter-terrorism bills.
 We have expanded on our big export trade deals by entering into an enhanced
strategic partnership with Singapore, delivering $2 billion in new investment in
regional Australia and more opportunities for our exporters.
 We amended the Fair Work Act to protect Victoria’s volunteer firefighters, the
CFA, from a Labor-backed takeover by the United Firefighters Union (UFU).
There is still much more to be done and as a government we are working with
our colleagues in government and across the Parliament to repair the budget
mess we inherited and implement the measures necessary to help grow our
economy so that we can afford to investment in important areas of our
community including health, education, infrastructure and social services.
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
9
20th December 2016
Police - Local News
News from the
News from the
Tea Gardens
Bulahdelah Police
About 7pm Monday 12 December 2016, police responded to a fail to pay at a Tea
Gardens Service Station where a vehicle had left without paying for $60 in fuel.
Police identified the driver the following day. He was a 40 year old male who did not
hold a current valid driver’s licence. He was subsequently charged with drive with
cancelled licence and for the stealing of the fuel.
*****
About 2pm Wednesday 7 December 2016, police stopped a car in the Myall Quays
Shopping Centre carpark. The vehicle was known to police. Checks of the 49 year
driver revealed his driver’s licence expired in May 2015 and that vehicles registration
expired in September 2016. He was issued with a court notice to appear before
Raymond Terrace Local Court for driver drive unlicensed 2nd offence and drive
unregistered vehicle.
*****
About 6.50am Saturday 26 November 2016, police were alerted to a QLD registered
vehicle where the driver was allegedly intoxicated. Witnesses at the scene had
detained the driver after he fell from the driver’s seat in the surf club car park. Police
located the vehicle and spoke with witnesses at the scene. The 17 year old driver was
breath tested at the scene. He returned a positive reading and was placed under
arrest and taken to Tea Gardens Police Station for a breath analysis. The Analysis
returned a reading of .157. He was the holder of a provisional licence which restricts
him to a zero. His licence was suspended on the spot and he was issued with a court
notice to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court for the offence of high range
drink driving.
*****
At 2.50pm Tuesday 13 December 2016, police stopped a 37 year old male on Tarean
Rd Karuah for a breath test. He returned a reading well above the legal allowable
limit. He was placed under arrest and taken to Karuah Police Station for a breath
analysis. The analysis returned a reading of 0.162. His licence was suspended on the
spot and he was issued with a court notice to appear before Raymond Terrace Local
court for high range drink driving. At the time of being stopped he was driving to pick
up his child from school. The child's mother was a front seat passenger.
*****
On the morning of 9 December 2016, police responded to a Karuah caravan park in
relation to a domestic assault between a male and female. Upon arrival police
determined both the male and female had avo's against each other and bail
conditions against each other. Both were placed under arrest and conveyed to
Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The male was a disqualified driver until 2027. He was charged with 3 x breaches of his
AVO, 3 x breaches of current bail conditions, drive whilst disqualified, assault and
affray.
The female was charged with 1 x breach of her AVO, 1 x breach of her current bail
conditions, possess prohibited drug, being in possession of goods suspected of being
stolen and affray. They were bail refused and are to appear at Maitland Court on 22
December 2016.
*****
Port Stephens Local Area Command, which we are all a part of has
experienced a horrendous year for serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Many of which I have unfortunately had the need to attend.
Contacting and informing family members that their loved ones won’t be
home tonight is a terribly hard thing to do and they do not get easier with
practice.
The above stories are true stories and only a snippet of what has
occurred recently in our local area.
All involved motor vehicles, some involved terribly drunk drivers some
included drivers that were not even licenced to be on the road. ALL included
the roads that you all use daily.
In this very special time of the year I appeal to all of you to please take care
and enjoy a very special and Merry Christmas and welcome a new 2017 in
style.
This is my eighth Christmas at Tea Gardens Police Station and Rob's first and
we are expecting it to be a busy time as the area fills with holiday makers.
We are both very honoured to work at Tea Gardens and we sincerely wish
you and your families a very Merry Christmas.
David Coyle | Senior Constable | Tea Gardens Police
Port Stephen’s LAC | New South Wales Police Force
Phone: (02) 4997 0244 | Fax: (02) 49971444 | Email: [email protected]
10
20th December2016
On or about the 3rd December 2016 person/s unknown attended the Bulahdelah
Central School and forced the roller door to the school canteen. A number of items
were stolen from the canteen during the break in. Over same time period graffiti in
form of texta written words was left on other walls and windows at the school.
Forensic Services police attended and examined the scene and as a result police are
confident of identifying those responsible.
About 9.45pm on Wednesday the 7th December 2016 a male person attended a
house in Bulahdelah and damaged two vehicles parked at the location. The male then
pushed over a large ceramic pot, causing the pot to smash and dirt to spill out onto
the driveway. Police arrived a short time later and investigations identified a suspect
at the BP service Station in Bulahdelah. Police attended the BP Bulahdelah service
station and observed the suspect drive from the service station. Police followed and
activated their warning lights and sirens to indicate for the vehicle to stop. The
vehicle failed to stop and continued west before police initiated a pursuit. Police
terminated the pursuit a short time later. Further investigations have led to a 39 year
old Upper Myall man being charged with matters relating to the incident and he will
appear at Forster Local Court to answer these charges.
About 5.10pm 13th December 2016 a Hyundai Terecan travelled north on the Pacific
Highway at Wootton towing a tandem trailer. At the time it was travelling at about
50kph. At the same time a vehicle heavy vehicle B-double combination also travelled
north. At a point about 600m south of Wattley Hill Road the B-double collided heavily
with the rear of the 4WD and trailer. As a result of the collision all vehicles were
required to be towed from the scene and the occupants conveyed to Manning Base
Hospital with minor injuries. Information and observations at the scene indicate that
at the last instant the driver of the B-double took evasive action but was unable to
avoid collision. He has subsequently been issued an infringement notice for negligent
driving.
Senior Constable Trevor McLEOD
Sector Supervisor
Police Station, 12 Meade Street, Bulahdelah, N.S.W. 2423
Police Citizens Youth Club for Tea
Gardens & Hawks Nest.
Exciting news for the youth of the Myall River area. One of the best loved and most
traditional types of community youth programs has always been the everlasting
“Police Boys Club”, now better known as the “Police Citizens Youth Clubs”.
The modern PCYC caters for both young ladies and young men where they can learn a
myriad of sports from archery to wrestling, including the noble art of boxing and the
ever popular disciplines of the various forms of martial arts. One of the main focus
areas for our young enthusiasts is the daily need of fitness and the importance of
discipline, team work and community values.
The enthusiasm for the new PCYC in Hawks Nest is a direct result of the initiative
shown by our newest resident Police Officer to Tea Gardens, Senior Constable Robert
Wylie. Rob Wylie showed no hesitation in putting down the groundwork to make this
PCYC happen for the youth of our community. Rob spoke with local estate agent,
Bryan Stevenson, from Century 21 and a vacant premises was found that would be
suitable to commence the training for our eager youngsters. The initial focus will be on
fitness and boxing, whilst the future will no doubt see the expansion of various
traditional sports.
Naturally a gymnasium that is suitable for our youth and that provides the right
equipment and safety levels, does not come cheap, nor does it have Government
funding. The PCYC is relying on their fundraising ability and the generosity of both the
local businesses and the community. The Tea Gardens Lionesses have already made a
most welcome and generous donation to Rob Wylie for the purchase of additional
equipment for the new PCYC.
No doubt other community charity organisations such as the Lions, Men’s Shed and
Rotary will be doing their best to assist this great initiative for our youth of the area. As
a community, I am sure we will all take the opportunity to contribute whenever we
can.
Initial training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please direct all your enquiries to Rob
Wylie at Tea Gardens Police Station. Phone: 4997 0244.
Following a spate of break-ins in the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest area
we would like to remind everyone to be aware of security around
their homes. Unfortunately this time of year seems to see an
increase in this type of crime so prevention is the best defence.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Local News
Tea Gardens Progress Association Myall Coast Historical Society
Our Myall Coast Historical Society Christmas celebration was all we could hope
for and more.
A cruise up the Myall River on the ‘Wallamba’ with a cooling breeze on a cloudy
misty day was appreciated after the recent hot weather. Ray our captain, gave
us a running commentary on the history of the areas we passed. He also drew
attention to sea eagles, dolphins etc. Morning tea was taken ashore at ‘Engles
Reach’. Our secretary Dawn remarked that the notice was misspelled, being
married to one, she should know! ‘Engel’. During our travels Jan Winn who has
recently published a book on the river, provided us with plenty of photos which
were circulated noting past history.
The photo of new PA Committee shows (L to R) Gordon Grainger, Leigh Allen
(Treasurer), Lorraine Lock, Trevor Jennings (President), Patricia Garrard (Secretary),
Mark McCormick (Vice President) and Eddy Lonsdale. Absent from the photo are
Trevor Cook and Cathy Humphreys.
2016 has once again been a very busy
year for the Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens
Progress Association and its
Committee. Membership has continued
to increase as more community-aware
residents realise that there are benefits
in being part of a community group that
is committed to the betterment of the
beautiful area in which we live. Our
finances have remained stable
notwithstanding the outlays and
donations that have been made to
improve our own assets and
infrastructure, and those of other local
groups.
In my mind, the highlight of the year was
the inaugural ‘Grey and Thespian Mardi
Gras’ held in April. Hundreds of people,
both local and from afar, attended the
weekend’s frivolities and I’m hopeful that
a similar standard of event will occur
again next April. The Progress Association
outlaid about $2000 which I believe was
well spent as it shows what our small
twin towns can do in the way of
entertainment and in showcasing our
area.
The Association also successfully lobbied
Council to have a dump point installed
for visiting caravanners, we had traffic
improvements undertaken in Tea
Gardens at the intersection of Myall
St and Boston St and in Marine Drive near
Coupland St and, particularly important
for Hawks Nest residents, we’ve had
Council prepare a strategic plan for the
Town Centre.
We continued up the river to Tamboy then into the Broadwater where we did a
short circuit noting the many birds taking advantage of small island outcrops of
vegetation. Gary Worth our Geologist gave us an overview of how, why and
approximately when the lakes and river were formed, 6500 years ago- quite
recent by some standards.
We returned to Tamboy where we disembarked for our lunch. This is a
delightful peaceful area where some of the fishermen’s temporary huts still
remain as reminders of earlier times. On our return, Jan Winn told us
interesting stories of past residents who had lived on the river.
Quite a few of our members had never cruised the river before but Linda, our
treasurer, certainly had and added to our knowledge. We noted that she was a
deft crew member when it came to assisting Ray with mooring duties. A good
day was had by all.
Anne Johnson.
Again in Hawks Nest, we’ve been
lobbying Council and the State
Government for funds to finish the
revitalisation of the old Hawks Nest mall.
My particular thanks go to Leigh Allen for
her tenacity in pursuing Council staff for
the planned improvements and to Chris
Klimek for the many hours he’s put into
the design of the structures required for
the mall’s enhancement. I’m confident
that, by this time next year, the
community will be able to enjoy that
space with its enhanced colour and
vibrancy.
Anyone wishing to be involved in the
advancement of our community is
welcome to join the Progress Association
by emailing [email protected] or
calling 0431 250 563.
Trevor Jennings - President
Rural Fire Service Donation
The Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Progress Association
has recently acknowledged the important work that
our local Rural Fire Service undertakes in our area.
HAWKS NEST – TEA GARDENS
PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INC.
The Association has donated $1700 for the purchase
of three portable hand held thermal imaging infra-red
cameras for use in the three fire trucks stationed at
the RFS office in Tea Gardens.
Meetings are held on 2nd Monday
each month at 7pm
in the old Library at Hawks Nest
The infra-red cameras will enable members of the
brigade to identify potential fire/hot spots which may
be out of the line of sight.
Progress Association holds
the lease for the
Old Library at Hawks Nest
"To locate fire/hot spots at the moment, current
practice involves firefighters entering potentially
dangerous areas, thus exposing themselves to 'Widow
Makers', ie large falling branches and trees" said RFS
volunteer Don O'Brien. "The Progress Association's
kind donation will certainly improve the safety of local
firefighters in the field" added Mr O'Brien.
Community Groups are
advised the hall is
available for rental. The
Current Rate is $6/hour.
For Bookings and Enquiries
Contact:
Leigh Allen on 02 4997 9313 or
Trevor Jennings on 0431 250 563
RFS volunteer Don O'Brien (on the left) accepting a cheque for $1700
from Progress Association President, Trevor Jennings.
The President of the Progress Association, Trevor
Jennings, said he was proud to be able to endorse the
Association's desire to improve conditions for our
brave RFS volunteers. "It's just another way that the
Progress Association assists the community in its dayto-day activities" said Mr Jennings.
Trevor Jennings
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
11
20th December 2016
Tea Gardens Visitor Information Centre - 02 4997 0111
Call into the VIC for advice on all our Special local Spots and Activities
Nest and Nelson Bay and it is a convenient starting
point to visit the Hunter Valley and the Barrington Tops.
All things Caravan and Camping
Next stop was Tahlee on the waterfront in the hamlet
of Tahlee/Carrington. Tahlee was initially settled by
representatives of the Australian Agricultural Company
in the 1800s. Tahlee house, which is heritage listed,
dates from that period. Tahlee Ministries host school
and church groups in various large buildings. Some of
the buildings began life at the Greta Migrant Camp
before being transported to their present position.
There are also six powered waterfront caravan sites and
several unpowered tent sites. Also on site is The
Cottage, a heritage listed absolute waterfront cottage
and the Cabin a more modern building next door. Both
are fully self-contained and accommodate two, lending
themselves to romantic weekends away. Alternately
they are ideal for residents of North Arm Cove who may
have overflow visitors in town for family events who
could choose to stay close to the Cove
rather than seek accommodation in Tea
Gardens which is a half hours drive away.
The long summer holiday season is upon us once again,
leading to an influx of holiday makers heading to Tea
Gardens, Hawks Nest and the Myall Lakes National
Park. Most of us are aware of the local accommodation
options but recently a group of volunteers from the
Visitors Centre visited a couple of out of town
accommodation options.
First stop was the Motorhomes Caravan Park at Twelve
Mile Creek where our first surprise was to find that the
site actually occupies sixty bushland acres, the rear
boundary being Twelve Mile Creek. There is a variety of
accommodation on offer from tent sites right through
to two bedroom family cabins costing from $25 per
night for a tent site to $130 for a cabin. The park is pet
friendly all year round for caravaners and campers and
one cabin has recently been fitted out to offer a pet
friendly stay.
Facilities in the park include amenities, camp kitchen,
barbecues, a clubhouse with large screen TV, Wi Fi and
even a piano. There are bushwalks, catch and release
fishing, and kayaking and swimming in the freshwater
lake. From the park visitors are a short drive to Hawks
powered sites available. These sites are for two nights
only and users are required to join the club as
temporary members. Pets are not accepted under any
circumstances.
Caravanning locals and visitors alike will have probably
noticed Tea Gardens Caravans, a cheerful yellow
building in Yandala Street. This great new addition to
the landscape offers caravan hire, sales and service.
They have a large range of spares and accessories and
do repairs including insurance work.
The hire service includes delivery to site for those who
have never towed a van and long term residential hire
of more than three months for people working in the
area or perhaps building new homes needing to live on
site.
Happy caravanning!
Back in Tea Gardens the Country Club,
along with their lovely comfortable motel,
offer low cost camping for fully selfcontained vans and motor homes with six
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the
Volunteers at Tea Gardens Visitor Information Centre
We will be closed on Christmas Day.
Motorhomes Caravan Park at Twelve Mile Creek
“Under the Myall”
Give Little Terns some big space this summer
On the swimming pool front wall in Marine Drive
MidCoast Council is calling on Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens residents and
visitors to help protect the nests of the rare Little Terns who have made the
Winda Woppa sand stockpile their summer home.
Birdlife NSW's Project Officer Mick Roderick says
“Little Terns are endangered mostly because
they breed in areas that people like to frequent,
such as beaches and sandy cays. When we find
"It's also turning into a destination of choice for breeding colonies like this it is very important for
us to step back and give the birds a chance to
some rare international visitors. Little Terns
breed. There are other areas where we can
(Sternula albifrons) are arriving in Hawks Nest
to breed after their annual migration to eastern enjoy a climb up a sand hill this summer.”
Council is asking that residents stay away from
Asia.
"Their accommodation of choice while visiting the stockpile during the summer period to allow
the birds to raise their young in peace. Dogs in
is the sand stockpile at the southern tip of
particular can disturb these birds and harm the
Winda Woppa, which Council has established
nestlings.
for the ongoing renourishment of Jimmys
"Hawks Nest attracts visitors from all over the
state during summer with its white beaches and
beautiful blue water" says Council's Natural
Assets Officer Drew Morris.
.
This ceramic mural represents the local waterways –
a sense of place, culture and conservation
Created by children of the area with the
help of the Myall Community Art & Craft Centre
Pottery Group
A 2011 Myall River Art Walk Project
The invaluable Myall Community Art and Craft Centre, with their pottery
group, invited the Tea Gardens Vacation Care Group to a workshop
during school holidays in 2010. Using clay the children cut out, with the
use of stencils and free hand, shapes that represented life under the
Myall River. These they decorated by carving and adding clay. Later they
were dried and bisque fired. Then the potters painted them with glazes
and they were fired again.
The potters had also prepared and bisque fired a number of pieces which
the children decorated with glazes. These were also fired. The Art
Centre generously donated the cost of the firings as well as the use of all
their facilities.
After mounting on backboards, a few husbands carried the works across
to the swimming pool where the Council staff mounted them on the wall.
Another community team effort.
12
20th December2016
The birds generally nest in a scrape of sand
Some 20 nests have been reported around the rather than a traditional 'nest' and their eggs are
stockpile with young birds already seen around extremely well camouflaged. For this reason, its
best to just give the area a wide berth, rather
the nests.
than walking close and trusting that you'll see a
Drew points out that "it's not unheard of for
nest before you disturb it.
these birds to nest on dredge spoil in other
Council will place signage on the beach and near
areas, and the birds similarly nested on an
the stockpile to alert visitors to their presence
island in Wallis Lake several years back.
and request
"We had a handful of nesting birds on the
people (and
Winda Woppa stockpile late last season, and
their dogs) keep
the recent dredging campaign in September has their distance
obviously been to their liking as it seems
from the birds.
they've bought some friends back this year."
Little Terns are
These birds arrive in summer to breed and then quite difficult to
depart again in early autumn. This is a good
spot in their
environmental outcome and something Council chosen nesting
will manage in the future by striving to limit
spots.
operational works in the area to outside these
Photo: by Ann
times.
Lindsey, Hunter Birds Observers Club.
Beach" explains Drew.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Travel - Poets Corner
A LITTLE ABOUT - KUNMING
Poets Corner
THE JONES' BUSH CHRISTMAS.
By Joan Williams
Farmer Jones' wife sat a cursing and cussing.
At this time of the year she was usually fussing.
With puddings and lollies, and a huge Christmas Cake,
But this year she'd had it, she needed a break.
Her man was 'old' school, thought a big roast a must.
My wife's a great cook was continually his boast.
So imagine the look on his face when she said,
'This year we're having a picnic instead.'
LAKE NEAR ENTRANCE
“Mrs Jones!' did he beg,'now I don't want to fight,
But to have a cold meal, it just isn't right.'
'If I offer to relieve you of milking that day,
And finish your job of gath'ring the hay.'
'My mind is made up, you can rant you can rave,
I'm worn out from farm work, I feel like a slave.
Just for once, just this Christmas, let ME eat, have a drink
And not spend the day at the stove and the sink.'
'We'll take off in the morning and stop where it's nice.
For the kids we'll buy soft drinks and for you I'll buy ice,
To keep cold your beer and the white wine for me,
We can sit and relax and gaze at the sea.
GROUP OF OFF DUTY TOURIST GUIDES
KUNMING is the capital of Yunnan Province in SW China and is a large modern city with a history dating
back many centuries. It was located on the old caravan roads to India and Tibet. During World War 2, it was
rapidly developed into an industrial and military centre as it was located beyond the range of the Japanese
invaders. The famous American Volunteers "the Flying Tigers" established their air base there.
When the great day arrived the weather was fine,
The truck was all laden with good food and wine.
Mrs Jones forced to drive, Mr Jones not amused,
His pride and his feelings still terribly bruised.
These days it is a popular stop over point
for tourists, particularly those visiting the
famous "Stone Forest" only 50km away.
The Forest is a group of limestone
formations and outcrops that look like
petrified trees. These formations are
caused by the erosion of the limestone
and are believed to be over 270 million
years old. when the area was a shallow
sea.
She stopped by the roadside, the spot was just right.
Far from the crowds so the traffic was light.
The gum trees were leafy, the grass soft and green.
It really was just the most beautiful scene.
Tourist guides are local girls dressed in
their traditional dress and lead visitors
through the various paths among the
formations and provide a colourful
backdrop against the grey of the rock
outcrops.
But...trouble was lurking to spoil their repast,
For Louis the Fly had cottoned on fast.
These poor suckers had stopped not ten yards from the
Dump
Which was hidden by trees and a huge Blackwood stump.
Parts of the area, which covers 500km2,
are covered by UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Louis got on his mobile, friends and family did call.
'Get yourselves moving, there's a feast for you all.
Just near the Dump what a spread I can see
Turkey and Chicken, what a feast it'll be.'
So she set the food table, helped the kids fix their chairs,
While Farmer Jones gave his indifferent stares.
His face was still sullen as he eyed off the food,
And even cold beer didn't lighten his mood.
Will Travelon
LOCALS IN MYALL LAKES URGED TO
KEEP SAFE THESE HOLIDAYS
MEMBER for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead today urged families in the Myall Lakes who are packing up
the car and heading out on a road trip these Christmas holidays to slow down, stay alert and be safe.
While we’ve made considerable ground in driving down the NSW road toll, there has been a recent spike
and sadly many people have lost their lives this year. Every death on our roads is heartbreaking – and one,
is one too many.
Everyone needs to take more care. I don’t want to see local families in the Myall Lakes loose a member or
suffer because of a road accident. Whether you’re taking the family to the beach, driving
out west in the caravan or escaping for some holiday sun, stay vigilant when it comes to
road safety these holidays.
It didn't take long for the horde to attack,
Dive-bombing family, on arms and on back.
Mrs Jones came off worst, she'd been slicing the ham...
And handling the sweets and the sponge filled with jam.
With one hand she ate, with the other she struck
She'd neglected Mortein, there was none in the truck.
So they swatted and swiped, but alas and alack,
Louis' rellies were hungry and kept coming back,
To keep you and the family safe remember that it is important you don’t drive while tired,
don’t touch your mobile phone and don’t rush – speeding kills.
The kids were all crying, Mrs Jones was quite tearful.
She looked to her man quite expecting an earful.
Instead he just helped her to gather the fray
And started to smile for the first time that day.
Stay safe on the road these holidays – I don’t want to see any more tragedies during what
is supposed to be a happy, relaxing time.
By Joan Williams
Stephen Bromhead LLM MP
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
13
20th December 2016
Community News
DON’T ACCEPT GIFTS FROM A SCAMMER
THIS CHRISTMAS
SANTA CLAUS
It's been difficult getting an interview with Santa, this
is such a busy time for him. But he finally managed
to give me an hour on one of his visits south. I was
pleased not to interview him at his chilly home, but
somewhat disappointed not to see his fabled toy
factory at the North Pole, and I would love to have
met Rudolph.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning online shoppers to
watch out for fake parcel delivery scams arriving in email inboxes this Christmas. The
ACCC’s Scamwatch has received over 4,300 complaints about this scam in 2016, more
than triple the number received in 2015. The ACCC says 350 people reported
providing their personal information to scammers, including bank account details.
Santa has few written records of his family history,
most of what he knows has been passed down
through the ages and even that is sketchy. It seems
that the first in a long line of Santas was 4th century
Bishop Nicholas of Myra in Asia Minor, now Turkey.
He was the son of a rich man and when his parents died, Nicholas became known for
his kindness to others.
It is remembered that he helped a poor man with three daughters, by giving each
daughter a dowry, an essential for marriage in those days. To remain anonymous,
Nicholas tossed a bag of gold through the window on the eve of the first two
daughters reaching the age of marriage.
For the third daughter, her father stayed up to identify his
benefactor and so Nicholas climbed onto the roof and dropped
the bag of gold down the chimney. (You can see where this is
heading.)
Protect yourself
Early Dutch settlers to the USA took the legend and stories of St
Nicholas with them. He was also known as 'Sinterklaas' to the
Dutch, and this morphed into Santa Claus. Eventually the English
Father Christmas and the American Santa Claus became one.
In 1823, the famous poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' or 'T'was the Night before
Christmas', was published in the USA. It was written by Clement Moore or, as some
scholars now believe, by Henry Livingston Jr., a distant relative of Dr Moore's wife.
The poem describes St Nicholas and names his eight reindeer. In 1863 Thomas Nast
painted St Nicholas for the Christmas edition of Harper's Bazaar magazine, and he
produced a new painting for each of the following 20 years. The poem and paintings
gradually transformed the red bishop's robes of St Nicholas to the fur lined red
costume and the portly figure of Santa Claus. Today's Santa is happy to continue the
tradition; it's cold where he lives and he loves fruit cake!
Santa told me that he lives at the North Pole. He's not sure why, but in Finland they
say he lives in Lapland. His mission remains that of his distant ancestor, St. Nicholas,
to bring presents to deserving children and to bring cheer to the world.
With a cheery Ho, Ho, Ho, he wished all our readers a very happy Christmas.
On Monday 5th December I heard local band Sage (4
members come from North Arm Cove and 1 from Tea
Gardens) playing at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club. They
were entertaining members of Neighbour Aid, referred
to affectionately by some as “Nanny Day Care”, and
they blew me away!
Organiser of the event, Dianne Burns, said, “This band is
really great. I first heard them playing at Mumms in
Tea Gardens earlier this year and decided I just had to
have them for today, whatever the cost.” One of the
local women told me, “I want so much to thank this
band for playing today. Their music is a universal
language that brings people together. I just loved it.”
I asked band members what they most enjoyed about
playing in the band and there were some interesting
replies. Bass guitarist, Sue Anderson, said the thing she
most enjoyed was learning to play an instrument. She
only started playing Bass a little over a year ago, which
amazed me.
I thought she must have been doing it all her life.
14
20th December2016
“The email may threaten to charge you a fee for holding your ‘undelivered item’, and
will ask you to open an attachment, click a link or download a file to retrieve your
parcel. If you follow these instructions, you will likely download a ransomware virus
that locks your computer.”
“Australia Post will never call you out of the blue to request payment or send you an
email asking you to click on an attachment. If you receive an email about an
undeliverable package, don’t open any attachments or download files – delete it
straight away,” Ms Rickard said.
In 16th century Europe the stories of St Nicholas lost popularity
in some countries and in England he was transformed into Father
Christmas, who brought presents for children on 25th December.
SAGE IN BULADELAH
“Scammers typically send emails pretending to be from Australia Post or FedEx, to try
and trick you into believing you have an ‘undeliverable package’. In some cases, these
emails may include your name and address and include legitimate-looking company
information, complete with fake logos.”
“To unlock your computer, scammers demand payment in the form of bitcoins (a
form of online currency) or wire transfer. Even if you pay the fee, there is no
guarantee that you will be able to access your computer again.
But the news got out and Nicholas became known as the giver of
secret gifts. He was made a Saint for his kindness. He died on
6th December and now, in parts of Europe, St Nicholas Day and
Eve are times for the giving of presents. The remains of Nicholas,
in two parts, are entombed in the Italian cities of Venice and
Bari.
Rosalie Daw
“Unfortunately this scam is particularly effective during the holiday season with so
many Australians going online to buy Christmas presents. There is nothing festive
about this scam - scammers will use it to steal your personal information and lighten
your wallet,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

Australia Post will put a notice in your letter box if a package was
undeliverable. Delete any email claiming to be from Australia Post about an
undelivered package.

Do not click on links or download files in emails you receive out of the blue especially if they are executable (.exe) files or zip (.zip) files. These files are
likely to contain malware or ransomware viruses.

If you are suspicious about a ‘missed’ parcel delivery email, call the company
directly to verify that the correspondence is genuine. Independently source
the contact details through an internet search or phone book – do not rely on
numbers provided in the suspicious email.

Regularly back up your computer’s data on a separate hard drive. If your
computer is infected by malware or ransomware you can restore the factory
settings and easily re-install all of your software and data.

Buy yourself a standalone hard drive for Christmas. These have become
relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot if your computer is infected by
malware or ransomware.
Consumers can report scams to the ACCC via the
Scamwatch Report a Scam page.
Similarly, Lead Singer, Léonie Keipert, explained that
although she’d sung a lot before, she’d never sung in a
pop music band. “This has been a real opportunity to
reinvent myself, and I just love the camaraderie,” she
said. Keyboard Player, Susan Carter, summed up what
many in the band felt when she said how she just loved
seeing the pleasure on the faces of the audience, and
watching them tapping their feet as the music took
them back to a time when they were young.
The two “boys” in the band, Phil Anderson and Jan
(Dutch for John – no, he’s not Dutch) Carter, both said
they really enjoyed singing and playing together and
emphasised that they liked the variety of the music.
And there sure was variety!
In one bracket hey did the comic rock song, Purple
People Eater, followed by the modern jazz classic, The
Shadow of Your Smile, then the more contemporary,
Take My Breath Away. Most of the music, though, was
good old rock n roll from the 50s and 60s.
There are two bands. Sage plays one month, and the
other band, New Start, plays the next. Susan Carter,
who plays in both bands, said, “We first appreciated the
need to provide music for older people when New Start
was doing concerts in nursing homes, which we still do.
Then Len Roberts, who is our pastor at the Baptist
Church, suggested we might do concerts for people in
the community. He provided the Church Hall as a
venue, and others in the church provide afternoon tea
for the shows.” These shows are totally free. They
have finished this year, for the Christmas break, but are
going to start up again in February. And guess what,
I’m going to be there!
By Rockin’ Robin.
It made me feel like I was seventeen again! The band
announced that they perform regular, FREE, monthly
concerts for retired people at the Tea Gardens Baptist
Church hall.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Community News
PORT STEPHENS KOALAS GRANTED
CHRISTMAS WISH
Member for Port Stephens, Kate
Washington has delivered a Christmas
present to local koalas through a $124,000
grant to the local rescue and advocacy
group, Port Stephens Koalas.
This grant will go towards the construction
of a dedicated koala hospital at Port
Stephens, in an effort to curb the rapid
decline in the local koala population due to
loss of habitat.
With the funding, Stage 1 of the koala
hospital will now proceed. Stage 1 will
include rehabilitation pens, carer
accommodation and storage for Port
Stephens Koalas operational equipment.
Additional funding will be required to see
Stage 2 of the hospital proceed, which will
include an emergency veterinary and
educational facilities.
The koala hospital will be manned by
volunteers and will support the work
already being undertaken on a daily basis by
Port Stephens Koalas.
It’s estimated that there may be as few as
150 koalas in the wild in Port Stephens
now. Koala numbers in NSW represent just
10 per cent of the nation’s koalas.
The grant was funded through the
Community Building Partnerships Grant.
Quotes attributable to Kate Washington MP
“I give my heartfelt thanks the volunteers of Port Stephens Koalas for all that they do to
rescue, care and advocate for our local koalas. I’m pleased to be able to back-up them
up with a financial contribution to assist them with their difficult, often heart-breaking,
work.
Kate Washington MP
Lions Club of Tea Gardens
Tickets in the Lions Club “Festive Season Raffle” are now on
sale around the area. You will find the raffle table set up at
various times at the Myall Quays Shopping Centre and the
Hawks Nest shops. The prize this year is a four night cruise
for two to Moreton Island return on the P&O “Pacific Jewel”, departing
Sydney on 3rd April 2017. The prize is valued at over $1800 and includes an
Ocean View Room and $150 on board credit. Thanks to Donna from
“Altitude Travel” Tea Gardens for organising the prize.
Tickets are only $2 each or 3 for $5 and the winner will be drawn on
Australia Day at the Hawks Nest Reserve celebrations. Proceeds from the
raffle will go to support the work of the Lions Club in the local community.
The club was represented by Vice President, John Hughes, at the Tea
Gardens Public School “Thank You Morning Tea” recently. The morning tea
is put on each year to thank all the school and community groups that have
supported the school over the past year. Many local service clubs,
businesses and community groups were represented.
Principal Mark Clemson thanked everyone for their attendance and for the
support that they had given over the year. “It is this support that helps to
make Tea Gardens Public School the very special place that it is”, he said.
“Through your support we are able to offer the students many
opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them.”
The Lions Club held their annual Christmas party with a Sunday picnic lunch
at Winda Woppa. This was the last get together for 2016 and regular
business and dinner meetings will recommence in January 2017.
Member for Port Stephens
Merry Christmas
and
a
Happy
New Year to all.
WEDNESDAY CRAFT GROUP
The Lions Club of Tea
Gardens is always looking
for new members. One
more member gives us two
more hands to do service in
our community, at home
and internationally.
Benefits of being a member include fellowship, good
times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service
to the community, learning new skills, leadership and
personal development.
Membership is open to men and women over the age of
18 years and of good moral character and reputation.
For more information contact the Membership Officer
John Adam on 4997 1335 or President Doug Allen on 0400 189 080.
ROTARY CLUB JANUARY BOOK SALE
The Old Rectory, circa 1840, a
lovely old stone building in
Raymond Terrace, was the venue
for High Tea, a much anticipated
outing for our ladies.
Our hosts Helena and Victor led us
into a lovely period dining room,
the white clothed tables elegantly
set with fine bone china, silver
candelabras and beautiful soft
pink camellias. The setting was
complete with a warm fire and
lovely cool champagne. Over the
next couple of hours or so we
enjoyed plate after plate of very
tasty savouries, sandwiches,
scones and desserts. Simply
delicious food served with ample
tea and coffee throughout the
meal made for a very enjoyable
dining experience.
By M.MUNRIGHT
Members have been sorting through in excess of 6,000 books and are
promising a great selection of hard-back and paper-back editions.
There will be many categories on offer including publications on Sport;
Gardening; Arts & Craft; Cooking; Health and many more. The collection of
children’s books is always comprehensive and very popular with the young
readers.
A substantial collection of CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and old 33⅓ and 78 records
will be on show for collectors and as an added bonus, a number of collectors’
editions of Capt. W E Johns “Biggles” books will be on sale.
The sale will be conducted over three days on Friday 6 th;
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of January at the usual venue, the
Community Hall in Booner Street, Hawks Nest.
After much discussion, the Club has decided that due to the extent of the work
involved in preparing and running the popular book sale, the usual Easter
Book Sale will not be held in 2017. In January however, the Club members will
again be ably assisted by the members of the HN/TG Surf Lifesaving Club with
the heavy work of moving the cartons of books from storage to the hall.
All proceeds from the sale will be distributed back into the Community to
organisations such as the HN/TG SLSC.
Ian Mackenzie-Smith
Publicity Officer
Rotary Club of Myall Coast
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
15
20th December 2016
Puzzle Page
Sudoku Challenge
Answers see page 18
THE PUZZLE PAGE : “Use your Noodle” No 7
Questions :
1. How can it be that a man was once married to the sister of his widow ?
2. During the harsh winter months in the Arctic, the natives often find it very difficult to hunt food.
However, even if they are starving they will never eat a penguin’s egg. Why not ?
3. If you were to put a coin into an empty bottle and then insert a cork into the
neck of the bottle, how could you remove the coin without taking the cork out of
the bottle or breaking the bottle ?
TRIVIA QUESTIONS No 7: 20TH December 2016
Questions :
1.
Which Australian state would I be in if I was living in Yagoona ?’
2.
Australian beauty queen, model and Miss Universe finalist, Jesinta
Campbell, recently married which Australian sports star ?
3.
In which Australian sport is name Stephanie Gilmore world famous ?
4.
In which year was Harold Holt sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia ?
5.
What is the common name for the Soviet Subsonic Cruise Unarmed
Decoy rocket ?
6.
What Parker Brothers game can be purchased from the Franklin Mint in
sterling silver and 24 carat gold ?
7.
What electric blues city is the setting for “The Blues Brothers” ?
8.
What modern city stands on the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan ?
9.
Who was the chief bridesmaid at Princess Anne’s wedding ?
10.
Name the actress was John Hinckley trying to impress when he shot
Ronald Reagan ?
11.
What is now the world’s largest country ?
12.
Which internationally famous Australian titled her autobiography
“Through My Eyes” ?
13.
What lawyer broke the law when he refused to be fingerprinted in
Transvaal in 1907 ?
14.
Who was the famous poet who once observed “Man’s inhumanity to
man makes countless thousands mourn” ?
15.
What US state would you be wanting to visit if you asked, “Do you know
the way to San Jose” ?
16.
What dramatic natural phenomenon occurs around 8 million times each
day ?
17.
Which Aussie golfer won the 1991 British Open ?
18.
What is the largest real animal included in the Chinese calendar ?
19.
How many spikes does the Statue of Liberty’s crown have ?
20.
What sailor’s disease did Captain Cook combat with fruit juice ?
To Solve Sudoku, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in:
 Each of the nine vertical columns
 Each of the nine horizontal rows
 Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes
Results see page 18
Wordoku Challenge
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a
few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate
it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -- Ronald Reagan (1986)
Letters used: M, V, D, J, C, K, R, E, I
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend
on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity
is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by
the handle. -- Winston Churchill
16
20th December2016
To Solve Wordoku, Every letter for the Wordoku must appear once in:



In each of the columns,
in each of the rows,
in each of the nine boxes.
Hidden Word - You will know when you have successfully completed the puzzle,
as a hidden 9 letter word will appear on the diagonal.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Letters - Opinions
All opinions expressed are those of the writers - The information
provided within the contents of this Newspaper is the views of the
individuals who provide the details. These views are not
necessarily those of the CTC or the Editorial Team.
Letters and opinion pieces
Short Takes - 50 words
Letters - maximum 200 words
Letter to the Editor
In response to the letter of Mr. Bob
Adams (Myall Messenger 6th December
2016) I have to say his new perspective
on the health of the Myall River post
dredging is quite unbelievable and his
Animal, Vegetable and Mineral theory is
way out.
I have lived here for 73 years and for 25
years of that was an oyster farmer so
was involved at all levels with the
environment and being able to "read"
the river was critical to my livelihood. I
have seen many periods of prolonged
low salinity due to flooding in the lakes
and observed on more than one
occasion, the die back of seaweed
(Zostera meadows as Bob puts it) and
the blocking of the "short cut"
exacerbated the problem with fresh
water pooling in Duckhole Bay and
flooding back up the river on the next
tide.
The prolonged low salinity caused the
die back (as in the past) a long time
before any dredging work was
started! With no weed beds to control
the movement of sand, erosion took
place just as is the case on dry land.
Large flocks of swans also add to the
problem pulling up the weed and
actually eating the roots, not the tops
which are left to float on the surface to
the annoyance of commercial
fishermen. I believe, as most of the
population do, that Tea Gardens owes
a debt of gratitude to Gordon Grainger
because without his tenacity and drive
we would still be looking at a sluggish,
muddy and smelly waterway with low
oxygen levels as well as a lack of
plankton necessary for oyster and fish
habitation. Well done Gordon and no
Mr. Adams, I am not part of any MRAG
publicity machine!
We encourage groups or individuals to submit articles/
stories/letters about activities, upcoming events and views on
current issues that influence daily life in the area. Full names
of contributors to the Myall Coast Messenger who use non de
plumes must be registered with the Editorial Team.
PLEASE SLOW DOWN and observe the 50 K speed limit in
Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest
This mother and joey were killed this
week in Spinifex Avenue, Tea Gardens.
We all know that kangaroos and
wallabies move quickly, so please be
aware that at any time you may have to
stop suddenly to avoid killing these
beautiful local animals.
Too many of our native animals are
losing their lives to fast drivers in our
area.
If you do see a native animal lying on the road, please check to see if there is a baby
nearby or in a mother’s pouch.
Call Hunter Wildlife 0418 628 483 Native or Wildlife in Need of Care
1300 946 295 for assistance in rescuing any hurt animal.
Grahame Thorn
To the Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest Communities
Subject: Pottery Group
Tim Motum
Myall Community Art and Craft Centre
Incorporated (MCACC Inc)
Letter to the Editor
A big “Thank You” to the employees of Essential Energy who worked tirelessly to
restore power to over 500 homes affected by the recent outage.
While we sat in our comfy homes complaining about the lack of power, they were
out working on the first day in absolutely sweltering conditions and on the second
day in cold and wet
conditions so we would
have all our power driven
conveniences up and
running again.
It doesn’t take long to
realise how much our lives
depend on the electricity
we take for granted when
we “flick the switch”.
The Myall Community Art and Craft
Centre Pottery Group would like to
bring the following situation to the
attention of all the membership of the
Centre and the communities of Tea
Gardens and Hawks Nest.
In a letter addressed to all Members
(sent via email and announced at the
General Meeting held 10 December
2016) the Management Committee
advised they had disbanded the Pottery
Group and closed the Kiln indefinitely,
effective immediately, requiring Potters
to remove all their work from the
Centre, unfinished and unfired, within 7
days.
It is our belief the Management
Committee have no power to act in this
manner and due process has not been
observed. The MCACC Inc Constitution
speaks clearly of processes to be
followed.
Thanks for a great job.
(Name supplied)
Letter to the Editor
Reply to Rodger Middleton
I have no doubt that Dr Pullin is a wellestablished resident, a respected
gynaecologist, and has expertise in
more than General Treatment. The
Doctor is also a learned man, well
versed, I presume, in the ways of
Science and publishing. Dr Pullin would
be familiar with the process of peer
review and of citation of information
when doing so. The Myall Coast
Messenger may not be the Lancet, but
given a Doctors Code of Ethics, he is still
bound to peer review and citation of
information.
Dr Pullen wrote - “It will be a disaster if
the river is allowed to return to its
appalling pre-dredging state. It wasn’t
natural, it wasn’t healthy and it
certainly wasn’t pretty”. All Dr Pullin
need do is reply. Either a citation of the
publication(s) from which he has drawn
the information on which his assertions
are based or he can retract his assertion
if he cannot. Such as - Scanes, P., et
al : (2010) Ecological Condition of
the lower Myall River Estuary,
Coastal Waters Science Unit,
Department of Environment Climate
Change and Water NSW. 130pp, for
example.
If the Doctor does not think I am fit
to act as peer in review of his
publication (just a lowly Geologist
after all) he can always suggest who
amongst his peers might be fit to
review a matter of Public Health and
Safety. I know my preferred choice.
Roger, your reply is the usual prodredging response, attack the
messenger, nothing from an expert
in supporting information, it’s just
more of the hype and spin (the
politics of getting grants from
Governments) that’s the norm of the
pro-dredgers in their letters to the
editor.
Mervyn McConnochie
We do not believe the full membership
of this Association is being informed of
all action taken and all correspondence
and complaints received by the
Management Committee.
The Centre is open to all members of the
Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest
communities to come and enjoy
exploring their creativity and the
friendship of others who also love
learning, gaining new skills and making
‘things’. The Pottery Group forms part of
MCACC Inc. The Association exists as a
valuable service to the community.
Based on historical events, it is tempting
to assume this recent action taken by the
Management Committee is part of a
personal vendetta; now affecting the
Pottery Group and, as a consequence, the
integrity of the Craft Centre as a whole.
This most unfortunate situation must be
resolved.
The Potters wish to thank all Centre
Members who have shown their support
and given us advice. They have
expressed anger at the actions of the
Management Committee.
Sincerely
The Pottery Group
If anyone wishes to contact the Potters please send emails to:
[email protected]
Letter to the Editor
A family of Wrens recently took up residence in a
Zygo Cactus in a hanging basket in our courtyard. For
weeks the family built the nest with such precision in
the middle of the plant in preparation for the mother
to lay her eggs. Soon there was constant tweeting
and parents flitting in and out day and night with food
for the 4 little hatchlings. They have soon grown up
and now a couple have left the nest leaving the last
one which may be a bit slower to get enough strength
to venture out. It took only a month for all this to
happen and was a joy to watch the goings on each
day.
Even a couple of blue tongue lizards tried to spoil the
new family life but were hastily chased out. Needless to say our little dog had his
nose put out by their attention but he will soon have the back yard to himself.
Cheryl & Rick Milburn.
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
We are aware that other groups within
the Centre are also experiencing
discontent resulting from the behaviour
of the Management Committee.
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
17
20th December 2016
Trades and Services
Antenna Services
Marine Services
Locksmith
Andrew Sharp
Outboard and Sterndrive
Repairs and Service
1 Winta Road Tea Gardens - Next door to
Woodwards Garden and Building Centre
Super Charge Discount Batteries
Sharpy’s Marine
PH: 0412 990 439
Computers
Home Handyman
CHRIS WARNE
HAPPY HOME HANDYMAN
Beach Recovery
Beach Recovery
Steve Webb
0418 499 750
Fully Insured, Free Quotes
Landscaping – Lawns - Carpentry
Painting and all Odd Jobs
0439 697 880
Beach Recovery
Garden Services
Darren Rapley
Marine
0417 447 034
vermicide
noun: vermicide; plural noun:
vermicides
1. a substance that is poisonous
to worms.
Repairs-Sales-Service
24hr Marine
Break Down Services
Steve Webb
Glass and Glazing
4997 0293
0418 499 750
152 Myall St. Tea Gardens
Computer - TV
Rogers Computer
Services:
Building Supplies
TV Sales and Service
Shop 8 Myall Quays
4997 1809
KEN & JENNY WOODWARD
Bricks- Pavers Building Materials
Industrial Estate, Tea Gardens
4997 0733
CLASSIFIEDS
Small up to 25 words = $15.00
Medium up to 35 words $20.00
Large up to 50 words = $35.00
BOAT HIRE
4997 0307
Tea Gardens
18
20th December2016
ANSWERS: from page 16
1. Answer : The man married his
wife’s sister first.
2. Answer : There are no penguins
in the Arctic. They are native only
to the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Answer : Simply push the cork into
the bottle, then shake the coin
out.
SUDOKU
Results from Page 16
Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch
Meets at The Tea Gardens Country Club
Yalinbah Street Tea Gardens
on 3rd Monday of the month at 2.00pm
Enquiries phone: Hon Secretary 02 4997 3380
Boat Hire
BOATSHED: 110 Marine Drive,
Answers from page 16
1. New South Wales.
2. Buddy Franklin from the Sydney
Swans.
3. Women’s ASP, World Surfing Tour.
Steph is a six time World Champion.
4. Australia Day, the 26th January
1966.
5. The SCUD missile.
6. Monopoly.
7. Chicago.
8. Mexico City.
9. Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones.
10. Jodie Foster.
11. Canada.
12. Lindy Chamberlain.
13. Gandhi.
14. Robert Burns.
15. California.
16. Lightning flashes.
17. Ian Baker-Finch.
18. The Horse.
19. Seven.
20. Scurvy.
on
Lodge Port Stephens No 522
Meets at the Tea Gardens Masonic Centre
209 Myall Street Tea Gardens
the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.00pm
Enquiries Phone 0415 143 172
WORDOKU
Results from Page 16
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Classifieds
Public Notice
Christmas
TEA GARDENS WASTE TRANSFER STATION OPERATING TIMES
DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PERIOD
Tea Gardens Waste Transfer Station will be open an additional day
being each Saturday from 8am to 12noon commencing:
Sat 24 December 2016 to Sat 28 January 2017 inclusive.
Normal operating times are:
Monday 12pm–4pm
Tuesday 8am–12pm
Wednesday 12pm– 4pm
Thursday 8am – 12pm Friday 8am – 12pm Sunday 12pm – 4.30pm
For further information please contact Council’s Waste Management
Services section on 6591 7353.
Landfill disposal fees and other relevant forms can be found on
Councils website www.midcoastcouncil.nsw.gov.au.
Forster | Breese Parade | PO Box 450 | Forster 2428 |
e: [email protected] |
Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm | Tel: 6591 7222
For Sale
FOR SALE
Bakery/cafe
Very busy, fantastic
opportunity
New equipment
and fit out
Tea Gardens. ... POA
Ph: 0407 787 384
Found
Classifieds
Small up to 25 words = $15.00
Medium up to 35 words = $20.00
Large up to 50 words = $35.00
Are there any Poets - story tellers
out there - We are always on the look out for new
thoughts and ideas
Contact us at [email protected]
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
FOUND
Gold earring in Myall
Plaza carpark
Call at the CTC to identify
and collect
4997 0749
19
20th December 2016
Tea Gardens Library - St Josephs Bulahdelah - Karuah Public School
Christmas Spirit at St Josephs
TURTLETIME
Some of you may ask what is
"Turtletime". Turtletime is a
story time program at Tea
Gardens Library designed to
develop the love of reading in
pre-school children, often
doing something crafty
relating to the story which has
been read to them by Jenelle
Bailey, a volunteer presenter
at the library.
The Christmas spirit was alive and well at St Joseph’s Bulahdelah for the last day of
school.
We had our annual Christmas celebration day, which began with a walk down the
main street and greeting all the locals with Christmas lollies and Christmas cheer. The
children then sang to all of our parents and visitors. This was then followed by a
beautiful sit down Christmas lunch. The highlight of the day was a visit from Santa.
We all had a wonderful day which was the perfect end to a busy but wonderful year.
All of the community of St Joseph’s Bulahdelah would like to wish everyone a very
happy and safe Christmas.
Monday 5th December was a
special day for the children, it
was their Christmas party as
well as story time. As usual seated on huge colourful cushions the children eagerly
waited to hear what story Jenelle would read to them to-day. After story time the
fun started. All the parents, with help from Jenelle and Carol Johnson (the Librarian),
joined in with very excited children to make a Christmas Tree Hat that they would
later wear at their Christmas party.
Proudly wearing their hats
First the children cut the shape of their hats, with assistance from Mum, then covered
the hat with an array of stickers and other pictures which they pasted onto the hat. It
was a joy watching the boys and girls making their beautiful hats, all were very proud
of the finished project and rightly so. Clearing the table of the bits and pieces left over
from making their Christmas Tree Hats, party treats started to arrive to the delight of
the children. The girls and boys had a lovely time enjoying wonderful food and treats.
By Dorothy Ayling
Karuah Public School Happenings
Last Monday, 12th December, at Karuah Public School end of year
presentation day the new school captains and vice captains for 2017 were
announced. Mrs Allardice, the Relieving School Principal, invited the proud
parents of the 2017 leaders to the stage to pin on the new badges.
The future leaders will begin duties immediately when shadowing the current
leaders at the final school assembly held on 15th December where they will
learn the ropes.
Party Time
"It’s the changing of the torch and a proud moment for
students, parents and our community" said Mrs Saffioti.
Assistant Principal. Mrs Allardice commended the current leaders on a job well
done and wished them well on their upcoming journey to high school.
Megan Saffioti
Assistant Principal
Stage 1 Teacher
2017 leaders. From left-right: Vice Captains, Daly Considine (absent) and
Sarah Emanuel and Captains Sophie Fowler and Shaqueil Saunders.
20
20th December2016
The second picture includes our outgoing current leaders for 2016
Captains Cory Bolton and Ashley Walker and Vice Captains Eloise Gentle
and Cohen Jarmain.
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Tea Gardens Public School
Commentators were Jarryd Schmidt
Tea Gardens Public
School
and Lily-Arum Laws
North Arm Cove Writers Competition
Congratulations are in order to Year Five student, Jermaine Wolfram, who was
announced as the winner of the North Arm Cove’s Writing Competition for 2017. Many
thanks to Maureen Kelly from the Writers Group who attended our last assembly to
present Jermaine with his award.
Our school would also like to thank the many parents and community friends who
have assisted us in our swim school program this year. Without your support this
program would not be able to happen.
As part of this program also back at school, Stage Three students have been
instructed on CPR techniques and the use of a defibrillator.
Jermaine’s story, titled ‘The Year of the Monkey’ sizzled from the start, as he ran over a
monkey in China and lost the monkey’s body. Once the monkey’s body was returned,
the young character’s life improved out of sight- until his next adventure!
Jermaine Wolfram
displays his writing award
with Maureen Kelly from
the NAC Writers Group.
Zumba Craze
Kindergarten to Year Two students have been lucky enough to have Zumba instructor
(and school mum) Christine Carter come, with boom box in hand, every Wednesday to
expose our students to this wonderful style of exercise. Zumba requires lots of
concentration and excellent hand-feet coordination and is designed to build stamina
and heart capacity. Whilst the students seem to find it very easy to coordinate the
movements it has been noted that some teachers find it quite difficult to get the arms
and legs in sync, while smiling at the same time. We look forward to keep trying!
Dom Lagudi
performs CPR while
Seth Gregory looks
on, defibrillator
attached and
ready to go!
Zumba Instructor Christine carter and the K-2 students enjoying physical fun.
Swim School Success
For the past two weeks 120 of our students from Kindergarten to Year Six have been
participating in either our Learn to Swim Program or Squad Training. It has been
wonderful to see the younger students gain confidence in the ‘big’ pool, swimming
unaided and being confident to help themselves if in difficulty, to our older students
gaining more confidence and building their
stamina- with some students now being
able to swim up to 20 laps.
During squad sessions, the more able
swimmers are instructed in freestyle stroke
correction and are exposed to techniques
involved in backstroke, breast-stroke etc.
This year we have been lucky to have Mal
Motum attend our squad sessions to assist
in coaching the students in breast-stroke.
The most memorable event during swim
school happened during the first week,
when one of our kindergarten students lost
his very first tooth, whilst completing
activities in the big pool. After much
searching, his infamous tooth was found on
the pool bottom, and from all reports is
now in the safe hands of the tooth fairy.
Teacher Mrs Ingram and parent
Tattiana Mitchell teaching students
the survival float.
Graduating Year 6 class of 2016
at their Year 6 Farewell on Wednesday 14 December.
BRIDGE CLUB NEWS - 17th December 2016
The Hawks Nest Bridge Club members send their best wishes to all our
community for a Happy Christmas and exciting New Year ahead. We thank
everyone who donated to raffles and bought tickets etc. and assisted with
fundraising for our dream of a new Clubhouse in 2017, for Bridge players as well
as other community groups.
RESULTS
Monday 5 December (Howell)
1 Gordon Morrison & Trish Gratwick 2 Liz Howarth & Bea Treharne 3 Alacoque
Welsh & Grahame Brydon
Handicap – Gordon Morrison & Trish Gratwick
Friday 9 December
N/S 1 Peter Parrett & Adrian Ryan 2 Chez Rands & Leslie Falla 3 Christina
LaPonder & Sue Donohue
E/W 1 Jean Little & Margaret Rowdon 2 Pat Marr & Dawn Dale 3 Shirley Pearson
& Beth Williams
Handicap – Di Ayers & June Boyd
Monday 12 December
N/S1 Carol Richards & Peter Campbell 2 Chez Rands & Leslie Falla 3 Alacoque
Welsh & Grahame Brydon
E/W 1 Sue Donohue & Christina LaPonder 2 Jean Little & Margaret Rowdon 3
Anne Phillips & Liz Howarth
Handicap – Alacoque Welsh & Grahame Brydon
Friday 16 December
Section A
N/S 1 Jo & John Younghusband 2 Carolyn Seymour & Trish Gratwick 3 Bea
Treharne & Sue Matheson
E/W 1 Trish Thatcher & Mike Parfait 2 Jeanette Whalan & Carol Richards 3 Shirley
Pearson & Alacoque Welsh
Handicap - Trish Thatcher & Mike Parfait
Section B
N/S 1Chez Rands & Leslie Falla 2 Peter Parrett & Adrian Ryan 3 Dawn Bridges &
Laurice Chivers
E/W 1 Wendy Haycock & Mike Forte 2 Jean Little &
Rowdon 3 Vera Duering & Margaret Burfield
Handicap – Wendy Haycock & Mike Forte
Any comments or enquires please contact
Linda Conroy [email protected] or 0419 694 832
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
21
20th December 2016
Bowls
Tea Gardens Women’s Bowling Club
It is just as well that bowling has finished for the
ladies of the club for 2016, they now have time to
focus on "getting ready" for Christmas Day. The
week commencing Monday 5th December was
very busy. Presentation night was on the 5th,
social bowls on Tuesday the 6th December and
breakup/Christmas party Thursday 8th December.
Tea Gardens Men’s Bowling Club
Early this month the Tea Gardens Men’s Country Club Bowling Club joined forces with
the Women’s Bowling Club to conduct their annual Presentation Night.
It was good to see a good turn up of bowlers at
Presentation Night. Club president Robyn Webster
presented awards to the winners and runners up
of the club championships that were held
Maynie Roberts and Vicki Rankin
throughout the year. Vicki Rankin and Maynie
Roberts were awarded for qualifying in the Annis Young Consistency Competition.
All present enjoyed dinner, dancing, entertainment and good company.
Tuesday 6th December: Social bowls played a game of fours and two games of
triples. The winners with a win plus ends were Robyn Beaumont, Sheril Johnson,
Sandra Leismann and Maynie Roberts. The winners of the two spiders that were
played before the bowls were Kayelene Pearson and Lynne Green.
Thursday 8th December: A fun day of bowls, not that every game of bowls isn't fun.
The green looked very colourful with all players decked out in their best Christmas
clothing, jewellery and accessories. Deyonne Page had a good start to the day
winning her first spider in 10 years. Format for play turn around triples (players
rotate their position of play hence all have a turn at lead, second and skip). No
winners, no losers. Following play a delicious lunch was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all
those who made this day possible your hard work is much appreciated.
Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bowls resumes for the ladies
on 3rd January, 2017, we will all be looking forward another good year of bowling,
friendship and fun.
Lynda Richards
It was a grand affair where trophies and prizes were presented to the winners of the
various Club Championships and Competitions held over the course of the year.
However, it was not a bowling “star”, (although he is a handy bowler), who won the
coveted Tea Gardens Country Club “Clubman of the Year Award”. There would not be
one Club member who would disagree as to President, Keith Smith’s selection of this
year’s Clubman of the Year to Club Treasurer, Graham Kelly.
Graham is an accountant by
profession. Those that have
completed an accountancy
course know just how difficult it is
to complete their training
requiring hard work, discipline
and a meticulous mind for detail.
Graham has applied his training
to his position not only at the
Bowling Club where he has been
Treasurer since 2014, Publicity
Officer for 2 years and Welfare
officer 3 years, but also during his
long career in Public and
Community service dating back to
1967.
Graham and his wife Liz are well known in the Tea Gardens area where their
association goes way back to 1980. They built a holiday home in Hawks Nest at that
time. Their love of the area saw them move from the Northern beaches of Sydney to
Tea Gardens permanently in 2002.
Apart from Graham’s involvement in the Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club, he is
heavily involved with the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club, becoming a foundation
member in 2002.
He is now a Life Member and Treasurer of that organisation. Graham is also a Life
Member of the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Probus Club where he has had a heavy
involvement since 2004. If that was not enough, Graham is also occupied with the
Hawks Nest Veteran Golfers, currently holding the position of Assistant Secretary/
Treasurer. (I’m not to divulge his golf handicap!).
Winners of the mixed
fours - Ron Webster,
Sandra Leisemann,
Robyn Webster
and Merv Mills
There is a saying, that if you want something done, and done properly, you should
always give that task to a busy man. Graham is just that, a busy man who has great
sense of community and public life. He is a wonderful asset to the Tea Gardens/Hawks
Nest area and most deserving of the Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club “Clubman
of the Year Award”.
Well done Graham!
The Jaffa
KARUAH BOWLERS BACK ON THE LAWN
Having written previously about annual cycles in the
bowling world, it seems strange now to tell you that in
early December, Karuah bowlers are starting their next
year. Our green has been unusable due to its annual
refurbishment and this usually means that we don’t
start playing at home again until early January in the
New Year. But! Due to some expert lawn husbandry,
great care and skill, our Master Green Keeper Leon Post
has worked some magic and the green will be ready to
play on this, the second weekend in December. Leon
humbly suggested that the recent good rain and sunny
weather played some part in this result!
Club bowlers will celebrate their return with a Bar-B-Q
and afternoon social competition this Saturday, the
10th December from 12 midday with the “ceremonial
opening of the green” planned for 1PM and then
bowling immediately after that. Our bowlers have
much to catch up on! In the period of the
refurbishment we have held club visits to neighbouring
clubs at Bulahdelah and Lorne. Club buses full of
bowlers descended each Tuesday on the hospitable and
welcoming members at either the Bulahdelah or Lorne
Clubs where we were welcomed as kindred spirits. We
hope that at some stage we can return their warm
hospitality and even hotter competition!
Coast. We have had bowlers travelling north visit and
play at North Haven, Southport, Townsville, and
Moranbah and locally at Soldiers Point, Tea Gardens,
and Raymond Terrace. Club players have been as far
south as Wodonga and Wangaratta. All have reported
receiving a wonderfully warm reception and having
been welcomed like locals – always a great boon when
exploring new areas.
guidance. Either ring or drop by the RSL Club for
details. For those bowlers wanting to transfer to a
friendly and social club that also has some pretty handy
bowlers, again, either ring or drop by the Club.
Although the new bowling year will be started in
Karuah by the time you read this, if you would like to
try our great sport, we would welcome the chance to
provide you with some free coaching and
Trevor Davies
Karuah RSL Mens Bowls Club
Publicity/Information Member
Our bowls club would like to acknowledge and thank all
the fire fighters who saved our town, club and homes
during the recent bush fires. See you at Karuah.
Our travelling bowlers have mostly returned home to
Karuah now and bear stories of games and
competitions played far and wide. We had a mixed
fours team who entered, played and won a bronze
medal at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold
22
20th December2016
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
Golf
Hawks Nest Ladies Golf
Saturday 3rd December 2016
Stableford
Div 1: Julie Hammond (24) 40
R/u: Gaye Gillard (16) 36c/b
Div 2: Diane Dickson (42) 38
R/u: Ros Gianacas (33) 34
Balls to 31 c/b
NTP 3rd Hole
Maree Breen, Dawn Wiggins
Tuesday 6th December 2016
Stableford
Div 1: Carol Maher (21) 35
R/u: Sue Kovacs (18) 35, June Biddle (20) 34
Div 2: Kathy Griffiths (27) 40
R/u: Robyn Richardson (26) 38, Liv Everingham (24) 35
Div 3: Sylvia Bolden (43) 37
R/u: Diane Dickson (41) 34c/b, Pat Marr (42) 34
Balls to 32
NTP 5th Hole
Carol Maher, Rosarie Mullins, Diane Dickson
Saturday 10th December 2016
Stableford
Di Davis (21) 37
R/u: Gaye Gillard (15) 34, Sue Campton (33) 33, Anne
Spillane (Rowena Woods 38) 32c/b
Balls to 30
NTP 5th Hole
Sue Brownrigg
Tuesday 13th December 2016
Stableford
Div 1: Karen Johnston (16) 35
R/u: Jo Weston (20) 34, Carol Maher (21) 33
Div 2: Sue Campton (32) 36
R/u: Roma Bernardin (33) 35, Marcia Smith (30) 34c/b
Div 3: Gabriella Bonanni (37) 35
R/u: Diane Vercoe (35) 34, Diane Dickson (40) 33
Balls to 30c/b
NTP 16th Hole
Carol Maher, Marcia Smith, Sylvia Bolden
Hawks Nest Veterans Presentation Day
8 December 2016
Stableford
A Grade
1. Ken Devlin 40 c/b
2. Errol Chivers 40
3. John Hickey 38 c/b
4. Ron Stewart 38 c/b
5. David Brailey 38
B Grade
1. Geoff True 43
2. Kevin Austin 42
3. Alan Townsend 41c/
b
4. Kevvy Williams 41 c/b
5. Brian Bloom 41
C Grade
1. Geoff Latona 41
2. Peter Ham 39
3. Barrie Newton 38 c/b
4. Peter Parrett 38
5. Richard Morley 37 c/b
NTP
10th Hole
A - Mike Forte
B - Alec Balaschow
C - Des Patfield
16th Hole
A - Paul Ibbetson
B - John McKenzie
C - Paul Dodd
Balls To: A. 32 c/b,
B. 34 c/b, C. 32
Nett Champion David Brailey
Photo: Ken Warren (the new President), Don Henderson and John
Bolden who was awarded a gift for long service to the vets
15 December 2016 - 2BBB/Stableford
1. Rob Simmons & Col Rapley 50 c/b
2. Dennis Ashbridge & Bruce Richards 50
3. Bill Vandenberg & Les Davies 47 c/b
4. Michael Ritchie & Rob Long 47
5. Ian Richardson & John McKenzie 46
HAWKS NEST
LADY VETERANS
8 November 2016
1 A Browning -2
2 S Campbell 0
3 J Biddle 3 c/b
4 D Smith 3
5 P Marr 4
6 S Bolden 5
7 A Benton 6
8 J Williams 8
9 J Patfield 9
10 S Pearson 14
Birdies:
D Smith 5th
K Johnson 5th
Hawks Nest
Veterans
9 hole 2016 Champion Bruce Clayton
Myall Coast Vets Golf
6 December 2016
Stroke
A Grade
1. Graham Brydon 35.3
2. Brian Calverley 36.6
3. Max Stephens 37.1
B Grade
1. Bob Reid 36.9
2. Kel Clarke 38.9
3. Geoff Bartier 39.6
NTP
3rd Hole
A - Brian Calverley
B - Roger Humphries
5th Hole
A - Lyle Hudson
B - Jim McDonald
10th Hole
A – John Reynolds
B _ Bob Reid
16th Hole
A – Stuart McLeod
B – David Merryweather
16th Hole
A – Dennis Downie
B – Dennis Ashbridge
C – Des Patfield
Balls to 36
Hawks Nest Men’s Golf
Wed 7 December 2016
Stableford
A Grade
1 Bill Scott 44
2 Peter Gottwaltz 43
3 Bruce Clayton 41
4 Ian Ridden 40 c/b
B Grade
1 Bill Hyde 44
2 David Scott 42
3 Robert R Lamont 41 c/b
NTP 10th Hole
A – Michael Gordon
B – Hans Schmeding
2BBB
1 David Scott & Bill Scott 52
2 Bill Hyde & Richard Booth 49
3 Steven Blain & Ian Ridden 48 c/b
Sat 10 December 2016
Stableford
A Grade
1 Fred Bennett 42
2 Peter R Jackson 41
3 Mark Lawrence 40 c/b
B Grade
1 Graham Stuart 41
2 Stuart McLeod 38 c/b
3 Duncan Mead 38
C Grade
1 Lee Rankin 40
2 John Della 38 c/b
3 David Gilbert 38
NTP 10th Hole
A – Mervyn Herbert
B – Brian Newbery
C – Ron Turnbull
Wed 14 December 2016
Stableford
A Grade
1 Ian Richardson 44
2 Christopher Taylor 41
3 Christopher Bayliss 39 c/b
B Grade
1 Ray Davis 41
2 Ian Peachey 40
3 John McDonald 39
NTP 10th Hole
A – Hayden Sheeley
B – Ross Hewett
2BBB
1 Ian Richardson & Peter John
Walters 47
2 Graeme Bramley & Edward
Simcox 46 c/b
3 Ray Davis & Max Harder 46 c/b
Sat 17 December 2016
Stableford
A Grade
1 Richard Lee 50
2 Peter Gottwaltz 43
3 Stephen Gately 39
B Grade
1 Adrian Reynolds 40
2 Denis Barnett 39 c/b
3 John Sneddon 39
C Grade
1 Dennis Poole 44
2 David Scott 40
3 David Gilbert 38
NTP 10th Hole
A – William Kerr
B – Philip Sinclair
I Love Golf - I Live Golf - I Dream Golf
…. If Only I Could Play Golf
By the Community For the Community
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70
NTP
10th Hole
A – Ron Hampton
B – Rob Matthew
C – Les Davies
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
23
20th December 2016
Swimming - HNTG Social Club
SOCIAL DARTS - by Luke Boyd
Myall Masters Swimming Club
IN THE SWIM - ISSUE 7
In this issue we discuss some more of the finer points of freestyle swimming that
coaches work on to help improve our Club members techniques:-
High elbow catch
Coaches refer to the ‘High Elbow Catch’ in describing a quality catch phase. The high
elbow catch allows optimal leverage and force to be applied to the hand and
forearm to produce drag propulsion. The high elbow is in relation to the depth of
the hand in comparison to the elbow.
Almost any exercise which emphasizes the elbow above the hand with the finger
tips pointing downward will help swimmers understand and ‘feel’ a correct catch
phase.
Thursday 7 pm, 15th December 2016 again played
host to the social darts night. The lady’s highest
score for the night was 97 points, scored by Lyn
Peirson.
The men’s highest score was 147 points scored by
Carlos Hernando. The mixed doubles team runners
up for the night were Clinton Harris and Carlos
Hernando and the mixed doubles team winners
were Mary Britton and Trent Page. Great Darts
Mixed Doubles Runners Up ,
Twenty-four social dart competitors converged on
Clinton Harris & Carlos Hernando
Thursday 8 December for a night of darts. The
lady’s highest score for the night was 101 points, scored by Mary Britton. The men’s
highest score was 125 points, scored by a golf club visitor, John. The mixed doubles
runner up team was Trevor Peirson and Mary Britton and the mixed doubles team
winners for the night were Keith Thomas and D. Neville. Great Darts
TWILIGHT GOLF - By Luke Boyd
Recovery
In the recovery phase, the elbow leaves the water first, followed by the wrist and
hand, initiating the recovery. The arm moves over the water remaining relaxed and
close to the body and prepares to commence the catch phase of the stroke.
Swimmers may use a straight arm or bent arm in the recovery phase. It is important
that whatever style is used, the recovery should be relaxed and long especially at
the wrist and somewhat the elbow. The recovery should be almost along the side of
the body, if shoulder rotation is adequate.
Breathing
Swimmers should gently blow out their air before turning their head to breathe.
Blowing out through the entire stroke phase assists in developing a smooth increase
of force through the pull/push phase.
The head should turn to breathe when the shoulder lifts in the recovery phase, and
turn back with the rotation of the shoulder to the other side. The swimmer's head
should 'lay down', and turn with one eye only out of the water.
Careful practice of extended breathing cycles assists in developing technique and
smoothing of the stroke.
Timing
Timing is one of the most important aspects of the stroke and will determine the
swimmer’s rhythm. Deviations from the stroke model that break the natural rhythm
will reduce swimming efficiency. The coordination of stroke components that a
swimmer wishes to use during competition should be practiced at all times and
under all training speeds. The stroke rate used at any particular swimming speed
will vary, but the timing and rhythm of the stroke should not.
Twilight golf lasted two holes for the first few golfers on the course until the clouds felt
it was time to water the gardens. Twilight golf will be held next week 22nd December
and will then start again 19th January 2017. Keep up the great golfing.
The winner of the twilight golf raffle was Jed Malone and Peter Walters won the
nearest to the pin competition. The runner up nine-hole twilight golfer was Mitch
Malone who scored 21 points, with the winner being Ian Ingram, scoring a well-earned
22 points. Great Golf
FISHING CLUB - By Luke Boyd
A great weekend of angling was had
by all on 16th - 18th December 2016.
The mystery fish of a drummer was
not won. Carol Hunt and Gail McKay
were the lady’s division runner up
anglers and the lady’s winning angler
was Gail Bartlett who caught a great
bream. The men’s angler runner up
was Robert Bartlett who caught
bream and flathead and the angler
who won the fishing club outing
weekend and the men’s division was
Andrew Sharp, catching whiting,
bream and flathead. Great Angling
Robert Bartlett, with part of his catch
The timing of the stroke, and the stroke rate, changes for most swimmers
dependent on the distance swum. The shorter the distance, the higher the stroke
rate.
Next issue, we will introduce some of the other swimming strokes that you might
like to learn once you have mastered your freestyle technique. What's that you ask?
Haven't mastered freestyle as yet? Well why not come on down to our Myall
Masters Swim session at Tea Gardens pool Mondays at 5 pm where hopefully we
can turn the written theory into practical results for you.
Need more information?
Contact Linda, our Club Secretary on 0423 156 433.
Coach BB
MYALL MASTERS SWIMMING CLUB - THE TWLIGHT ZONE
Last week Myall Masters swimmers, Leon Bobako, Chris Mobbs and Laurie Vickery
travelled to Western Sydney to compete in West’s Masters Club twilight meet. For
Bobako it was a nostalgic return to where his swimming prowess was firmly
instilled by his coach, the renowned Vic Arneil. No longer a 13 year old lad who
turned up every day to train in the Birrong Swimming Pool, Leon’s swimming
technique (learnt those many years ago) was evident with him placing first in all
entered events. For Leon the pool surrounds and the faces of people may have
changed after 55 years but not his passion for swimming.
Supported by Leon and Club Captain Chris Mobbs, Laurie Vickery had the best
possible start to his competitive swimming for
Myall Masters, placing first in the 50m
freestyle. Laurie’s swim was impressive.
Chris Mobbs, continues to better his form in
competition. Chris’ dedication to training
converts to success in the pool at every swim
meet.
RESULTS:
L Bobako, 65-69 years, 1st,
50 m butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke
C Mobbs, 65-69 years, 3rd, 50 m freestyle, 2nd,
50m breaststroke, 4th 50m backstroke
L Vickery, 70-74 years, 1st, 50 m freestyle
Rhonda Bobako - Publicity Officer
24
20th December2016
Ph: 4997 0203
Waterfront Bistro
Open 7 days
Lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm
Dinner 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Sunday Bistro closes at 8pm
Take away available
Daily specials
SCHOOL HOLIDAY
FUN
 Arts
& Crafts Room
 Kids Trivia Fridays @ 5pm
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
Bottle Shop &
Cellars
OPEN 7 DAYS
Live Entertainment
Fridays and Saturdays from
7.30pm
Fri 23rd Dec
Kaylah Anne
Christmas Eve
Karen O’Shea
Thurs Dec 27
Elvis Festival starts
2pm
New Years Eve
“Past Masters”
Band 8PM
By the Community For the Community
www.myallcoastmessenger.com.au
Myall Coast Messenger Edition 70