“It was a long time ago,’’ Phil said with a smile this week.

“I came here with friends and there were just swarms of tourists everywhere. I vowed I’d never come back. Ever. I thought it was a terrible place.’’

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Phil spent a lifetime in journalism, starting in 1958 when he began as a cadet on the Sydney Morning Herald. He is one of Australia’s finest sports journalists, specialising in cricket and rugby union.

Phil covered four Ashes cricket tours to England while he’s been to the West Indies on four occasions. He’s been to South Africa, India and Pakistan for cricket and reported on countless rugby internationals at home and abroad. Phil’s won a Walkley Award – the highest honour in Australian journalism.

However, it was a family tragedy that forced Phil and his wife, Jeanette, to Forster. His son, Ben, was working as a pharmacist here.

“Ben’s wife died of cancer, aged just 34,’’ Phil explained.

“They had three young children. It was a horrendous situation – their youngest was still a baby when Lyn died.

“We knew Ben and the kids were going to need our support.’’

So without hesitation Phil and Jeanette made arrangements to relocate.

“I covered the 2003 (rugby) World Cup. The final was on the Saturday, I did the wrap on the Sunday and we moved here from Sydney on the Monday,’’ Phil said.

Phil had some reservations, recalling his earlier visit. However, despite the difficult circumstances that caused the move, Phil and Jeanette quickly settled into life in the Great Lakes. And Forster won them over big time.

“It’s a magnificent lifestyle and a wonderful environment,’’ Phil beams.

“We were fortunate to find a place that’s about halfway between the beach and the lake. There’s no better place to live.’’

Phil immediately became involved with the Forster Tuncurry Dolphins Rugby Club. He writes weekly reports that feature in the Great Lakes Advocate.

Jeanette, an accomplished lawn bowler, is in the Forster club.

Ben and his family have since moved to Newcastle. However, Phil and Jeanette aren’t going anywhere, apart from travelling overseas.

“Jeanette’s dragging me off to Sri Lanka next month when I should be covering the rugby semifinals,’’ Phil grumbled.

And the tourists? Well, they don’t bother him so much now.

“The local economy need tourism,’’ Phil reasoned.

“So we batten down during the peak season.’’