Camden Haven News Of The Area 03 APRIL 2026

By Rachael THORPE

By Sue STEPHENSON

Sis

Luke

Donation speeds up lifesaving response

A

Rachael THORPE 0438 876 009 rachael@newsofthearea.com.au

Bill HARROW 0437 776 247 bill@newsofthearea.com.au

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

OUTLETS

FROM Page 1

leading to difficulty in raising the doors.

Camden Haven SLSC President Kate Dwyer told News Of The Area the club is “extremely grateful” for the donation.

“The old doors were very slow to open, and seconds count in a surf rescue,” she said.

“Thanks to the Rotary Clubs we can now ensure our team gets out as fast as possible.”

Port Macquarie West Rotary Club

President Brendan Seed said the Rotary clubs could see the benefit in the investment.

“It is a pleasure to be able to help an organisation that does so much to keep the community safe,” he said.

“It has been great to join with another Rotary Club to fund this.”

The Rotary Club of Laurieton has been

able to have a significant impact in the local community through their twicea-year book sale, grants from Rotary International, and the recycling of bottles and cans.

Their next major fundraiser is the Winter book sale running 4-12 July, with donations accepted at any time.

Call Alan on 0428 488 417 to arrange a book pick up.

Man extradited to face historical armed robbery charges

By Tom WARK, AAP

A 76-YEAR-OLD man has been extradited interstate to face historical armed robbery charges.

Alexander Robert MacDonald was arrested last Monday and extradited to NSW

Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au

on Tuesday charged with armed robbery and hostage-taking relating to incidents from nearly 30 years ago.

Police allege MacDonald entered a bank on October 28, 1996, in Coonabarabran, west of Tamworth, armed with a shotgun and demanded cash from staff.

He allegedly took a female customer hostage and held her until he reached his motorcycle to ensure his escape.

Three months later, MacDonald allegedly robbed another bank in Laurieton, again armed with a shotgun.

After allegedly directing staff to fill his duffel bag with cash, MacDonald is accused of taking a staff member hostage and escorting her to his getaway car before releasing her.

NSW Police issued arrest warrants for both incidents in 1997.

After being extradited the 76-year-old was driven to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with two counts of armed robbery and two of detaining for advantage.

MacDonald's lawyer Sally McPherson told a bail court on Wednesday the 76-year-old did not want further legal representation.

"Mr MacDonald... anticipates he will self-represent through these matters," Ms McPherson said.

NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks told reporters on Wednesday the declining use of cash in society had contributed to fewer bank robberies, but new forms of crime had taken their place.

"As offenders change their techniques, so do the police's to try and identify them," Det Supt Marks said.

MacDonald did not apply for bail and will appear in Port Macquarie Local Court on 21 May.

REALITY CHECK

FROM Page 1

Called “Our Community, Our Plan in Action”, the suite of documents includes the Delivery Program 2025-29 (Year 2) and the Operational Plan 2026-27.

The drafts recommend taking up the available six per cent rate peg, and increasing water and sewer fees and charges.

Substantial borrowings and drawing down on reserve funds are also flagged.

Mayor Adam Roberts said this will ensure Council maintains core infrastructure and service delivery while “investing in the infrastructure to support our growing region”.

Council’s plans include its largest ever capital works program.

Worth more than $200m, it includes the initial construction stages of the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme ($51.7m) and the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme ($32m).

Cumulative cost

Based on current forecasts, Cr Hornshaw has calculated that the cumulative cost to ratepayers over the five-year program will amount to a 20 percent increase in general rates; a 27 percent increase in fees and

charges; a 36 percent increase in water rates; a 48 percent increase in sewer rates; and a 32 percent increase in waste charges.

“Our water and sewer are at capacity, and a huge investment is needed in order to develop more housing,” he said.

“But that is not the fault of current residents.

“We are asking the State Government for a massive investment in water and sewer infrastructure.

“But if we push this rate rise through, [they] can cost shift onto us - just as we cost shift onto ratepayers.

“I don’t think that’s fair.

Council’s General Manager Robert Fish acknowledged the potential increases but clarified to News Of The Area that they are not yet confirmed.

“Importantly, the Long Term Financial Plan sets out assumptions and forecasts, not fixed decisions for the entire period,” he said.

“The figures referenced represent cumulative projections over a five-year period, rather than singleyear increases.

“Council reviews its budget, rates and charges annually, with each year’s Operational Plan subject to further community engagement before being adopted.”

Lack of support

Cr Roberts said he has lobbied the state and federal governments for grants to subsidise costs to the community.

“Support hasn’t been forthcoming as yet, even though both [major] projects carry a State-significant Infrastructure (SSI) categorisation,” he said.

“This lack of financial support from other levels of government means that Council must now look at other options within our own budgets and revenue streams… which, unfortunately, includes raising fees and charges and taking up the available rate peg.”

In an earlier statement, Mr Fish said it’s a case of managing the financial realities that businesses and councils across the state are facing.

“Our budget makes

reasonable and responsible adjustments to rates to support these challenges.

“Whilst these adjustments are needed, our rates and charges remain in the vicinity of fees and rates charged by other councils in the region.

“If we don’t push ahead with the current draft plans and budget, it could also mean reducing service levels for maintaining our public spaces, amenities and other essential assets.”

Cr Hornshaw noted how general rates were frozen during Peta Pinson’s terms as Mayor and suggested that current councillors should also “play that brinkmanship game”.

“We should be saying to the State, ‘it’s needed, but our ratepayers can’t afford it, find the money some other way’.”

Have your say The draft “Our Community Our Plan in Action” went on public display on Monday 30 March and will be available until 1 May.

It can be found online on Council’s Have Your Say page.

Just go to haveyoursay. pmhc.nsw.gov.au/draftoperational-plan-2026-27.

The page also lists the planned council “pop-ups” to discuss the budget, which start from 8 April.

Residents are being urged to review the documents and to leave feedback through the proper channels.

Comments left on social media are not taken into account.

The draft will be finalised and presented to councillors again in June.

Cr Hornshaw’s projections are based on the forecasts on Page 22 of the Long Term Financial Plan.

A tale of two families

By Rachael THORPE

THE ashes of long time

Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) member

John Vipond are to be spread at sea on 12 April by Heath Balkin and Tony Worton.

John and his wife Judy left Sydney in 1969 in search of a quieter life for their family, with their first home at Herons Creek.

They subsequently moved to Kendall and built a home for their two children Debi and Craig on land adjoining the golf course.

Over the years they established a close friendship with their neighbours Bill and Joy Balkin, and their four children Cheryl, Gai, Heath and Tony.

Bill and John did surf club patrols together and the families loved to get together for weekend BBQs, often playing host to members from Bill’s former club Narrabeen SLSC.

In August 1979, Bill passed away suddenly at home despite John’s best efforts to save him.

Following this, John insisted that the club’s new surf boat be named the “Bill Balkin”.

Heath was only elevenyears-old at the time of his father’s death; he looked up to John as a mentor and they became extremely close.

Debi Vipond told News Of The Area, “Craig and I eventually moved away, but the Viponds and the Balkins have always been close.

“Heath was always there

to help Mum and Dad with whatever they needed.

“Dad thought the world of Heath and many years ago asked Heath to take his ashes out and spread them when the time came.

“Heath last saw Dad four days before he died on 3 May 2025; they had an emotional talk, reminiscing about their times together and expressing gratitude for the relationship they’d enjoyed.

“They had so much love and respect for each other.”

The Vipond family would like to invite all surf club members and friends of John to form a guard of honour from the surf club down to the waters’ edge at North Haven Beach commencing at 11am on 12 April.

Surveys launched on childcare access

By Sis HIGGINS

REGIONAL Development

Australia (RDA) Mid North Coast is asking the community to help answer a key question: are recent childcare reforms making a real difference in regional areas?

In 2023, RDA Mid North Coast found only 65 percent of childcare demand in the region was being met, costing families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year.

The findings showed a clear shortage, with many families unable to access care, limiting their ability

to work and affecting local businesses.

To better understand what is happening on the ground, RDA Mid North Coast has launched two short, anonymous surveys for parents and providers.

Dr Madeleine Lawler, CEO of RDA Mid North Coast, said community input is essential to driving meaningful change.

“RDA MNC's role is to gather credible regional evidence and put it in front of decision-makers,” she said.

“Community voices from parents who can't find childcare to providers under workforce pressure are what make that advocacy count.

“This survey is how those voices are heard.”

According to the Mitchell Institute, more than 60 percent of regional communities across Australia are considered “childcare deserts”.

A childcare desert is where there are more than three children for every available place.

This gap continues to impact access to early learning across the Mid North Coast.

Since that report, both the Federal and NSW governments have introduced changes to the Early Childhood Education

and Care sector.

However, there is still limited regional data showing whether these reforms have improved access, affordability or workforce conditions.

RDA Mid North Coast is calling for fair access to funding for all childcare providers, including forprofit centres.

Private providers play a major role in regional areas but are often excluded from grant programs.

Nationally, the role of family day care has also come into sharper focus.

Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) made a submission to the Productivity

Commission’s inquiry into early childhood education and care in February 2024.

It called for stronger recognition of the model and its ability to support more families.

The final report acknowledged these concerns, including the need to review subsidy settings, support services in regional and remote areas, improve access to care outside standard hours and create stronger training pathways.

Several recommendations reflected FDCA’s position and highlighted the potential for family day care to play a bigger role in improving

access.

Parents and families are encouraged to share their experiences, while providers can give insight into capacity, workforce pressures and the impact of recent policy changes.

Each survey takes under five minutes to complete and does not collect identifying information.

RDA Mid North Coast said every response will help strengthen its case for targeted investment and reform to support the region.

Visit https://rdamnc. org.au/projects/childcareon-the-mid-north-coast/ to access the surveys.

Relief for struggling motorists as fuel tax slashed

By Zac DE SILVA and Grace CRIVELLARO, AAP

AUSTRALIANS under the pump from sky-high fuel prices will get some financial relief after the federal government succumbed to pressure to halve the tax on petrol and diesel.

The decision to cut the fuel excise from the start of April will save motorists about $19 on a 65-litre tank, or 26.3 cents a litre, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after a meeting of national cabinet on Monday.

State and territory leaders also ratified a plan to respond to the economic shockwaves from the war in the Middle East, which may include fuel rationing if supplies of oil begin to dry up.

"The longer this war goes on, the worse the impacts will be," Mr Albanese told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra.

"I and the government understand that people are really worried but we have a plan to get through this."

The framework for responding to fuel shortages has four levels of action:

plan and prepare, keeping Australia moving, taking targeted action, and protecting critical services for all Australians.

The second level - keeping Australia moving - was in force, Mr Albanese said.

Under the third level - taking targeted actiongovernments will look for "practical measures" to reduce people's fuel use.

The highest level of response would require stronger demand measures to ensure emergency services, utilities and other critical workers can get access to fuel.

Senior ministers have previously said rationing and COVID-style mandates were a last resort, preferring voluntary steps like encouraging Australians to work from home where possible.

Along with cutting the fuel excise, the government will also cut the road-user charge, which affects heavy vehicles.

The two measures would work in tandem to provide cost-of-living relief, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. Together, the reduced tax

and levy incomes would cost the budget $2.55 billion over the three-month period.

A scheduled increase to the heavy vehicle road user charge will also be delayed by six months, costing an additional $53 million in foregone revenue.

Dr Chalmers said he had asked the consumer watchdog to ensure the price cut was passed on to consumers.

"If you do the wrong thing by Australian motorists and Australian truckies, the ACCC will come down on you like a tonne of bricks," he said.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor had been calling for the fuel excise to be cut since Friday, and on Monday accused the prime minister of being the "last to lead" in a national crisis.

"Australian families and small businesses will pay less for fuel because the coalition led and the government followed," he said in a statement.

"We welcome the national fuel security plan, but the reality is we still do not have a clear plan to get fuel to the servos that have run dry."

The National Road Transport Association said the cut to the road user charge was welcome, but many freight operators would still be under financial pressure.

"These companies still have March's fuel bill to pay," the association's chief executive Warren Clark said in a statement.

"Fuel prices remain high, cash flow is tight, and businesses are working hard to stay on the road."

Earlier, Energy Minister Chris Bowen introduced emergency legislation to parliament, allowing the government to take on the financial risk of importing extra fuel into Australia.

"The risk premium for purchasing discretionary cargoes is rising," he told parliament.

"Work to scope deals and secure additional fuel is already under way."

"That's why today's bill is so urgent. This bill creates a strategic reserve to secure the supply of strategic materials that are vital for Australia's economy."

The laws were expected to pass the lower house with bipartisan support on Monday and be debated in the Senate on Tuesday. Australia has 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel stockpiled, Mr Bowen said.

Community support amid rising business costs

By Luke HADFIELD

WHILE rising fuel prices continue to create challenges for households and businesses across the country, one Camden Haven business owner says the response from his customers has been a reminder that community support remains strong during difficult times.

Jake Thrash, owner and operator of Coastside Gardens, recently made the difficult decision to introduce a temporary $5 fuel surcharge for his regular lawn maintenance clients after a sharp rise in fuel costs began affecting the day to day running of his business.

Mr Thrash, who has operated the business since 2019, said he felt uneasy when first advising clients of the change, unsure how it would be received.

"I was definitely concerned people might react negatively because no one likes hearing about

extra costs, especially at the moment when everyone is feeling pressure," he said.

"I sent out an email explaining the situation as honestly as I could, that fuel had jumped significantly and it was starting to directly impact the cost of getting from job to job."

To his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly supportive.

"A majority of clients came back with understanding and encouragement," Mr Thrash said.

"A lot of people acknowledged that small businesses are doing it tough too and that a temporary five dollar surcharge was reasonable in the circumstances.

"That support meant a lot."

Mr Thrash also welcomed

the Federal Government's decision to halve the fuel excise for three months, saying any relief would help businesses that rely heavily on transport and machinery.

"Any reduction helps. Fuel is one of those costs you cannot avoid in this line of work, so seeing some short term relief is positive."

q Jake Thrash has operated his lawn maintenance business since 2019.

Heart of the Haven: Rachael Thorpe

By Chan ANSELL

WHEN Rachael Thorpe moved to Dunbogan 16 months ago, she brought with her a real love for community and a drive to make a difference.

Originally from New Zealand, she spent a year in the US as an exchange student, and has lived in a few places across Australia.

She said moving to the Camden Haven showed her the impacts that individuals can have on a community.

“I’ve always been drawn to community life,” she said.

“But moving here made me realise how much impact we can have locally, and I wanted to contribute to where I live.”

Rachael’s commitment to

giving back is evident in the many and varied roles she has taken on.

In Canberra, she was involved in her children’s P&C and set up a Neighbourhood Watch in her suburb.

Since moving here, she has joined the Rotary Club of Laurieton and the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, where she now runs free workshops to help local businesses become more accessible.

“As a full-time wheelchair user, it can sometimes feel like I struggle with my purpose,” Rachael said.

“Getting involved in the community reassures me that my life does have value, and I can contribute meaningfully.”

Her proudest achievement so far has been

launching the Chamber’s new accessibility program.

“It’s amazing to see businesses making small changes that not only improve accessibility but can also increase their sales,” she said.

“It’s rewarding to see practical results from the effort we put in.”

Rachael is also a member of the Enable Reference Group, which is made up of disability advocates who advise Council on matters affecting the disabled community.

Looking ahead, Rachael has big plans for the region.

She hopes to see Camden Haven become the most accessible area in NSW and encourages Port Macquarie businesses to follow suit.

She’s also working to establish a local Neighbourhood Watch and a social group for wheelchair users called The Chair Syndicate.

“I feel lucky to be able to help bring people together and create opportunities for everyone in our community,” she said.

“Even small actions can make a big difference, and I want to be part of that change.”

An enthusiastic reader, Rachael hosts two street libraries in her front yard, facilitating a communityfocused exchange of literature.

She is also a regular contributor to News Of The Area’s Camden Haven and Port Macquarie editions.

Launch of The Chair Syndicate

By Rachael THORPE

SARAH Eade lives in Port Macquarie and is married with two children. Aged 38, she is in the prime of her life.

In 2019, a workplace injury led to surgery on her spine.

This resulted in a spinal cord injury that left Sarah needing to use a wheelchair full time.

While her peers are working and planning a future full of travel and new experiences, her days are often consumed by medical appointments and associated paperwork.

This has motivated Sarah to help set up a chapter of The Chair Syndicate in the Port Macquarie region; a social group designed specifically for wheelchair users.

Her goal is to coordinate fun social events designed specifically for wheelchair users of any age.

Their inaugural outing was last Saturday at Delizioso in Laurieton.

“Creating new social connections with other wheelchair users via The Chair Syndicate is so important,” Sarah told News Of The Area.

“It is crucial to have a social outlet with people that truly get the struggle and day to day challenges we face.

“We laugh about things others wouldn’t understand and there’s a feeling of belonging and being a part of something fun while making meaningful connections and friendships.”

She told News Of The Area, “The Chair Syndicate focuses on strength, identity, independence and community.

“Inspired by the brotherhood and sisterhood

The first Chair Syndicate was started in Newcastle by Tania Lewis.

culture found in motorcycle clubs, we are aiming to build a similar sense of crew, loyalty, and belonging, but with a disability empowerment focus.

“Our motto is ‘No pity.

Just power’.”

Sarah’s plans for the

Port Macquarie group include wheelchair skills classes, an obstacle race for wheelchairs, and a cocktail making class.

For more information email onestarfishoneocean@ gmail.com.

Regional migration surge continues along NSW coast

By Sis HIGGINS

A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers.

While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining a steady migration trend.

The latest Regional Movers Index, delivered by the Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), shows people are still leaving capital cities

in significant numbers, even as volumes ease slightly compared to last year.

The Sunshine Coast and Greater Geelong led net internal migration, followed by the Fraser Coast, Lake Macquarie and Moorabool.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the pattern of movement is evolving, with more people exploring new regional locations.

“We are seeing a trend of capital-city dwellers still choosing popular locations, but regional-to-regional movers looking elsewhere,” she said.

“What hasn’t declined is interest in a regional move.

“Capital-to-region migration remains robust, recording the second highest

migration figures since the end of the pandemic.”

The Mid North Coast has become a standout region, with Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour consistently ranking among the most popular destinations for internal movers.

These areas offer a combination of coastal lifestyle, relative housing affordability and access to essential services, making them attractive to families, retirees and increasingly, remote workers.

Port Stephens and the MidCoast local government area are also seeing sustained migration gains, driven by proximity to larger centres like Newcastle while still offering a slower pace of life.

The Nambucca Valley is also benefiting from a

spillover effect as buyers and renters look beyond more competitive markets.

The report highlights that internal migration is no longer just a pandemicdriven trend, but part of a longer-term structural shift in how and where Australians choose to live.

Capital-to-regional migration accounted for 11.6 per cent of all relocations between local government areas and continues to outpace movement in the opposite direction.

Sydney and Melbourne remain the primary contributors to this shift, accounting for the majority of people relocating to regional areas.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Regional and Agribusiness Banking Executive General Manager

Kylie Allen said the findings reinforce the need for continued investment in regional communities.

“That shift brings real opportunity and reinforces the need for coordinated planning around housing and investment in infrastructure so regions can sustain momentum and support growing communities,” she said.

With around a quarter of first home buyers now purchasing in regional or remote areas, demand is expected to remain strong. However, the continued influx is placing pressure on housing, infrastructure and services, leaving councils across the region balancing growth with the need to preserve the lifestyle that continues to draw people in.

q Port Macquarie’s Breakwall. Photo: @port.macquarie.01

MP launches survey to gauge electorate’s priorities

LYNE MP Alison Penfold has launched “Lyne’s Biggest Survey”, an electorate-wide consultation over local priorities.

The survey is being delivered to households across the Lyne electorate.

“This survey is about giving a voice to the concerns of each and every Lyne resident, whether you live in the big centres of the electorate, the small towns, hamlets and farms big and small,” Ms Penfold said.

hear firsthand what people’s opinions are, what they care about and what they want to see delivered.”

“From the cost of living to healthcare access, infrastructure, housing and community safety, I want to

Ms Penfold said the survey would play a key role in shaping her advocacy and representing the region’s priorities at a federal level.

“Too often, decisions are

made in Canberra without a clear understanding of what regional communities are facing,” she said.

“This survey is about making sure Lyne’s voice is not just heard, but acted on.”

Residents can complete the survey via the replypaid form delivered to

their mailbox from this week and return it in the enclosed envelope to PO Box 244, Wauchope NSW 2446, or complete it online via Ms Penfold’s website alisonpenfold.com.au.

“I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to fill it out. Your feedback will

directly inform the work I do every day representing our region.” Survey responses will also contribute to future policy advocacy, including submissions to the Federal Budget and ongoing engagement with key decision-makers.

Technology transforming fire responses

RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.

AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming how emergency services detect, assess and manage

bush fires – giving crews earlier warnings, clearer intelligence and better onground coordination.

In the past year alone high-definition cameras have detected nearly 4,000 fires, giving agencies critical early warnings and helping crews make faster and more informed decisions.

The cameras have played a key role in a range of recent

incidents across the state, including the early detection of fires prior to Triple Zero (000) calls in the Riverina late last year.

“When fighting bush fires, the value of early detection and accurate situational awareness cannot be overstated,” Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Trent Curtin said.

“The ability to access real-

time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, helps us build a clearer picture of fire behaviour and conditions as incidents unfold.

“Projects like these ensure the RFS can continue to adapt and evolve in support of our volunteers and the communities they protect.”

The drone capability of the RFS also continues to be expanded, with more than 50 trained pilots now positioned across the state.

Equipped with thermal imaging, drones provide live vision of firegrounds and help identify hot spots after a main fire has passed.

They can be rapidly deployed to emerging incidents or areas of concern, giving crews a clearer, realtime picture of conditions and improving safety for firefighters on the ground.

This bush fire season has marked a major step forward in modernising frontline communications, building on recommendations from

the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to strengthen the RFS fleet. Vehicles are being upgraded with enhanced connectivity, including an on-going roll-out of satelliteenabled systems (Vehicle as a Node technology) and thousands of trucks equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.

Since the season began on 1 October, the RFS has responded to more than 8,750 bush and grass fires, as broad areas of the state continue to experience drying conditions.

Beware the ‘runaway train of AI slop’

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation.

The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities.

The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.

ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a “runaway train” of AI slop and malicious lies, designed to delay progress.

“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” she said.

“We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions, create confusion during emergencies, and erode trust in the information people rely on.”

The Committee was chaired by Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan with input from Senators Malcolm Roberts and Ralph Babet.

Senators Canavan, Roberts and Babet released dissenting reports.

ACF’s submission called for a national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy, stronger accountability for social media platforms, truth

in political advertising laws, and an investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding.

The report contained 20 recommendations, which included improving support for regional and independent media outlets, social sciences research relating to threats to climate and energy information integrity, and relevant regulators to combat and expose corporate “greenwashing”.

It also recommended greater transparency of election campaign activities, and broadening the Australian Curriculum to strengthen media literacy.

Jonathan Cassell, Greens councillor for the City of Coffs Harbour, agrees that disinformation about climate change is a regional issue.

“In my experience,

regional voters tend to be more conservative,” he said.

“They are likely to accept disinformation if it suits their beliefs of how things used to be or should be.

“Unfortunately, climate change is moving faster than people can cope with and so disinformation and denial reinforce each other."

Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.

“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Self regulation is failing."

The report can be found on the Senate website, via www.aph.gov.au

q The type of AI-generated misinformation found on social media. Photo: Andrew Vivian.

Crown land bill to undergo further consultation

THE NSW Government’s Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 has been deferred, to allow for more consultation on proposed changes.

The bill, introduced to parliament on 17 March, faced fierce criticism from

legal experts and Indigenous land rights advocates.

Critics argued the bill would limit the ability of Aboriginal land councils to claim unused Crown land.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council warned it could hollow out Aboriginal land rights, while the NSW Greens

said it “attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth”.

The Law Society of NSW (LSNSW) said the bill should be withdrawn immediately before it resulted in “further potential injustice” to NSW Aboriginal communities.

LSNSW President Ronan MacSweeney said one

provision in the proposed bill could significantly affect land rights claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA) 1983 (NSW).

“This legislation fundamentally alters what has been long understood to be land claimable under the ALRA,” he said.

According to LSNSW, the proposed new section s 5.20B(4) of the Crown Land Management Amendment (CLMA) would deem the granting of a lease under that Act as “lawful use for the purposes of another Act”.

They say this could enable the Government to “bank” any Crown land simply by granting a lease and then “sit” on that land without using it.

Mr MacSweeney said that this subsection was included in the Bill among a number of provisions which responded to a recent statutory review of the CLMA.

“The Law Society is concerned that this proposed section, which has the potential to thwart otherwise valid claims by Aboriginal communities to disused Crown land, was not a recommendation of the statutory review,” Mr MacSweeney said.

“It was not subject to consultation before being introduced without notice.

undermine the purpose and operation of the ALRA.

“The Law Society calls on the NSW Government to withdraw the provision and refer the remainder of the amending legislation to a parliamentary inquiry,” Mr MacSweeney said.

The Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Dr Raymond Kelly, described the bill as an “attack in stealth to erode land rights in NSW”.

“For more than 40 years, Aboriginal land rights has been a driving force for justice, empowerment and self-determination for our communities,” Dr Kelly said.

“We have secured land, defended Country, built housing, created jobs, and grown an economic base for our people. This benefits everyone in this State.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the process to date as “highly flawed”.

“This bill has sparked major opposition because people can see exactly what it is, an attempt to make serious changes to Crown lands law, including changes that impact Aboriginal land claims, through a process designed to avoid proper scrutiny.

“The High Court made it clear that the State cannot defeat an Aboriginal land claim by pointing to a lease on paper where the land was not actually being used when the claim was made.

Local Businesses of Dungog

“The lack of consultation with affected stakeholders on this provision is exacerbated by the publication of the statutory review two days after the amending legislation was introduced.

“The Law Society is concerned that proposed s 5.20B has been inserted into this Bill, rather than via direct amendment to the ALRA itself, to avoid scrutiny of a measure which would

“This bill is designed to get around that decision by letting the Minister retrospectively change the use of Crown land after the fact, to defeat a claim that was valid when it was lodged.

“This is an injustice in the making and an attempt to avoid the return of Crown lands subject to Aboriginal land claims.”

The proposed amendments will now be the subject of further consultation before the bill is considered again.

A spokesperson for Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told NOTA, “While a range of stakeholders were engaged as part of the statutory review of the act last year, the NSW Government will take the time to engage with stakeholders including Local Aboriginal Land Councils prior to the Bill being debated in the upper house.”

The spokesperson said the land claims system has “arguably never properly worked since its introduction” in 1983.

“We have more than 43,000 historical claims, some dating as far back as 1984,” they said.

“We want a system that works for everyone.

“One that can protect vital community assets like well-used sporting fields, fire stations, surf clubs and community centres, but that can at the same time activate unused land for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“That’s why we invested $1.5 million in a business case to try and find a way to address the historic backlog in cases.”

Mr Kamper’s spokesperson said the NSW Government stands by the principle that unused Crown Land should be claimable and provided to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“The proposed changes we have put forward are there to address edge cases that became claimable due to technical non-compliance, such as an invalid sub-lease.

“These sites are well utilised by the local community.

“They were never intended to be claimable in the spirit of the Act.”

Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began.

But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia.

Pickles released details of the trend on Wednesday, revealing searches for electric vehicles on its site had risen by 111 percent in the three weeks to March 21.

The growth follows

widespread fuel shortages, and price rises that have seen some regional service stations charge more than $4 a litre for diesel.

Interest in batterypowered vehicles spiked in the second week of March, Pickles automotive solutions general manager Brendon Green said, with 98 per cent more customers adding an electric car to their wish list.

"Interest has been steadily growing but this has certainly been more of a hockey-stick acceleration in EV interest overall," he told AAP.

"We didn't see it coming, that's for sure."

Whether the rise signalled

a permanent change may depend on fuel prices, Mr Green said, although sales had been climbing over time.

"There seems to be a direct line between the petrol spike and people looking into EVs but I think this is going to accelerate their interest," he said.

Rising interest in electric vehicles comes one month after they set a new record to represent 11.8 per cent of new car sales.

But the full impact their rising popularity may not be known for months, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president James Pickering said, as some manufacturers had begun to accept pre-orders.

"We're hearing a lot of dealers are not just running

down stock in the country but some of them are running down stock in transit," he said.

"The true (representation) of what's going on now will not just be

in the March sales figures but also the April figures."

Mr Pickering said increased demand for EVs could also free up fuel for other sectors that were harder to decarbonise.

"EVs are critical for energy security," he said.

"What we are seeing right now is a response to the energy security concerns that Australia has had for quite some time."

Housing options, health services top concerns for country women

THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns.

Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW.

The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the end of October, with more than 750 responses from women of all ages across the state.

“Many of the issues that stood out in this latest survey have been painful ongoing realities for rural and regional communities for too long, and we’re looking for a response from the NSW Government,” said

CWA NSW president Tanya Jolly.

“We’ve been asking questions of the relevant ministers around many of these concerns, including healthcare, housing and community safety.

“It’s time for a real commitment to help start improving the likes of specialist wait times and crime rates and we hope to see this reflected in the upcoming State Budget.

“This is more than just a data collection exercise for us, this survey is about visibility and accountability and providing us with real evidence and real stories from women all over NSW to help inform our advocacy efforts on the issues that matter.”

The survey focused on

women living in regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW with questions on health, safety, housing, finance, infrastructure, education, and empowerment.

Health and housing concerns topped the list for many respondents.

On healthcare, respondents said the most significant barriers were limited access to local GPs and closed patient books, long wait times for both primary and specialist care and rising out-of-pocket costs and reduced bulk billing. Women in regional and remote areas reported having to travel regularly to access basic services, compounding cost, time, and stress.

More than 50 percent of survey participants said access to primary healthcare services like GPs was the

greatest barrier to staying healthy in their community.

Twenty-five percent said access to specialist healthcare services like mental health support was the biggest barrier.

On housing, 48 percent of respondents said the high cost was the most significant barrier for women in their area accessing affordable, secure, and suitable housing.

Many respondents said more availability of affordable housing would make the biggest difference to housing for women in their community.

More secure and stable rental options and housing assistance and eligibility settings that better reflected regional cost pressures and employment realities were highlighted as other measures that could make a real difference.

In other results:

- Almost 30 percent of respondents said crime and property theft (e.g. break-ins) was the biggest barrier to feeling safe in their community, with another 29 percent identifying genderbased violence.

- Cost of living pressures and employment challenges were highlighted as major barriers to economic participation, with job availability and security (53 percent), wage inequality and discrimination (16 percent) and cost and availability of childcare (12 percent) the biggest challenges for respondents in achieving financial security or stable work.

- On infrastructure, respondents said gaps –poor road conditions and maintenance (35.5 percent), limited or unreliable public and community transport (20.5 percent) and patchy

mobile and internet coverage (16 percent) – affected their daily life, safety and independence.

- Social isolation remained an issue for respondents, particularly for older women, new residents and women living alone.

Tanya said the association would continue to release the survey annually in order to build a clear and concise picture of the issues affecting women and their communities and how that changed or evolved as time went on.

The 2025 survey retained a consistent set of themes and a core group of quantitative questions to enable robust year-onyear comparison with the inaugural 2024 survey.

To see the full survey report, go to https:// www.cwaofnsw.org.au/ womenssurvey

Boaters urged to stay vigilant this long weekend

MORE than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are standing ready around the clock to assist boaters on the state’s waterways this Easter long weekend.

From the Tweed to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama, rescue crews across 46 units will be on call 24/7, supported by more than 120 rescue vessels positioned for swift deployment.

On the Mid North Coast, 711 volunteers across nine units are on standby.

Commissioner Todd Andrews said Easter is traditionally an extremely busy period for Marine Rescue NSW, but he anticipates that the current fuel situation may lead to fewer boaters taking

to the water.

“Historically, our crews are in high demand over Easter, with large numbers of boaters enjoying our waterways,” Cmr Andrews said.

“We have observed reduced recreational boating activity in recent weeks, with concerns around fuel pricing and distribution.

“Because of that, we may see a reduction in boaters on the water this Easter.”

Despite this, Marine Rescue NSW is urging skippers who do get out on the water to remain vigilant to risks.

“We’ve seen far too much trauma on our coastline over summer,” Cmr Andrews said.

“My hope is that we get

through this Easter weekend with no fatalities or serious injuries.”

Cmr Andrews urged

boaters to plan their trip carefully, ensure their vessel is in good working order, and carry the correct

safety equipment, including properly fitted lifejackets.

Last Easter, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers

completed 119 search and rescue missions over the fourday period, safely returning 271 people to shore.

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This magnificent home is awaiting your inspection, contact Debbi Phillips on 0435 677 256.

Hypothetical, Legal Eye

By Manny WOOD

Carrot patch chaos

FOLLOWING an honourable career as the Easter Bunny, Sir Eggward Cottontail decided it was time to hang up his tail and retire to the quaint town of Cadbury Cove.

Eggward purchased a lovely cottage in Carrot Meadows Estate.

An easement over a garden on his neighbour, Mrs Henrietta Hopsworth’s property, grants Eggward the right to use half the garden for “garden use”. Mrs Hopsworth, a notoriously particular resident, is well known for her award-winning heirloom carrots.

Eggward, eager to make friends, decided to host a housewarming on Easter Sunday, inviting the residents of Cadbury Cove. He planned an elaborate garden party along with an easter egg hunt, carrot canapés and a game of pin the tail on the bunny.

Mrs Hopsworth took grave exception to the festivities and refused to attend.

Upon seeing a flurry of residents in “outrageous” costumes trampling through her prized carrot patch in pursuit of chocolate eggs, Mrs Hopsworth donned her carrot hat and furiously made her way to Eggward’s, proclaiming the easement over the garden permitted “garden use” only, not a full-scale invasion of her carrot patch and demanded the festivities cease.

Eggward argued that an easter egg hunt constituted “garden use” as it involved the placement and retrieval of items from the garden, although conceded he should not have placed eggs on her side.

The dispute escalated and Mrs Hopsworth commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court seeking an order that the easement be ruled invalid because it interfered with her owner’s rights.

Judge Hatchington held that the easement was valid and while the s88B instrument permitted “garden use” allowing the dominant tenement the right to use half the garden for “gardening”, it did not extend to “general recreational use” and certainly didn’t include large unruly gatherings.

His Honour also observed that Eggward’s party was excessive and unreasonably interfered with Mrs Hopsworth’s rights as the servient tenement, further remarking, they should resolve future disputes over tea and hot cross buns.

Thank you to Rhiannon Beck, for her assistance with this column.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

How do we cope when there is so much chaos in the world? It feels as though every new day brings a worse news story than the day before.

Georgia D.

Dear Georgia,

There is no point denying that the world feels as though it is in a massive state of flux at the moment.

chaos and uncertainty are often a precursor to a new state of being.

After flux comes renewal (or so the theory goes).

There will be a time when the events of today will form part of history, and that is when we can analyse what went wrong (and how) so future leaders can learn from the mistakes of current ones.

In the meantime, be as kind as you can to yourself and others.

Sometimes one gentle, understanding act can have a ripple effect.

Maybe it's as simple as saying hello to a stranger at a bus stop, or carrying a person's groceries to their car, or throwing a ball to your dog, or making your partner a cup of tea.

Don't underestimate the value of small steps, Georgia.

tripping over your own feet.

What if we had no Moon?

By Dave RENEKE

IMAGINE a world where the Moon never showed up for its nightly shift.

No silver spotlight draped across oceans, no quiet companion hanging above latenight thinkers.

Just a blazing Sun clocking out each evening and leaving us with… a blackout.

Romantic? Not exactly.

Mysterious? Maybe - but mostly inconvenient.

Let’s start at the beach.

Without the Moon’s gravitational pull, tides would shrink into polite little ripples, like the ocean forgot how to be dramatic.

Gone are the surging waves that crash with flair; instead, we’d get something closer to a lazy shoreline shrug.

Sure, the Sun would still tug at the oceans, but it’s like comparing a symphony to someone tapping a spoon on a mug. Predictable, mild, and a bit dull.

“Oh look, it’s high tide again… how thrilling.”

And then there’s the night sky - or what’s left of it.

Without the Moon’s glow, stargazing might actually improve (hello, galaxies!), but stepping outside would feel like walking into a pitch-black room and hoping for the best.

Midnight strolls would turn into obstacle courses.

Romance would take a hit too. It’s hard to whisper sweet nothings when you’re busy

Culturally, we’d be in trouble.

No “moonlight” anything.

No iconic songs crooning about lunar longing.

Replace “Fly Me to the Moon” with “Fly Me Toward That General Direction of Space” and suddenly it’s not quite the same vibe.

Poets would scramble for metaphors.

“Your eyes shine like… distant traffic lights?” Not great.

The real chaos, though, comes from Earth itself.

The Moon doesn’t just sit there looking pretty - it stabilizes our planet’s tilt.

Without it, Earth could wobble like a spinning top running out of patience.

That means seasons going rogue.

Imagine one year of scorching heat followed by decades of deep freeze. Weather forecasts would become wild guesses.

“Tomorrow: possibly summer, possibly ice age. Dress accordingly.”

Wildlife wouldn’t escape unscathed either.

Many animals rely on moonlight for navigation, hunting, and reproduction.

Sea turtles, for example, use the glow of the horizon - often influenced by the Moon - to find their way.

Without it, their journeys could become confused and chaotic.

Predators and prey alike

It is hard to navigate each day when news stories alert us to escalating conflicts, rising fuel prices, and confoundedly, in the midst of it all, reports of a stoush between Kyle and Jacquie O (which is somehow up there as a headline with the war (I mean... excursion?!?) in Iran.

Georgia, you are not alone in the way you are feeling.

Many people are rubbing their collective heads so much that toupee sales are rising at the same rate as fuel.

The positive (yes, let's look for a positive) is that times of immense

would have to rewrite their survival playbooks in a darker, less predictable world.

And then there’s the folklore we’d lose.

No werewolves dramatically howling at the full Moon - just regular wolves, howling at… vibes, I guess.

No “man in the Moon” to spark imagination. Bedtime stories would feel emptier, stripped of that glowing, watchful presence.

The sky would be vast, yes - but also strangely blank, like a story missing its main character.

Even human behaviour might shift.

While the science is debated, there’s long been a belief that full moons stir something in us - restlessness, energy, maybe a dash of mischief.

See that rhythmic brightening of the night, our connection to natural cycles could feel a little less magical, a little more mechanical.

In the end, a moonless world wouldn’t just be darker - it would be quieter, flatter, less poetic.

The Moon doesn’t

The world is full of decent people and sometimes it can be hard to see that when some current decision-makers seem hell-bent on destroying what we could have (namely a peaceful and sustainable world).

I'm not trying to get all John Lennon on you (imagine!) but at some point, for the sake of future generations, there will need to be a reckoning for those who get richer and more powerful by peddling the politics of division and hatred. This earth only has so much to give.

diem,

just light our nights; it shapes our planet, our stories, and our sense of wonder.

Take it away, and we’re left with a sky that works… but doesn’t quite sing.

Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

Have Your Say

Wearable data highlights health challenges

By Sis HIGGINS

WRIST-WORN devices are providing new insights into how active Australians are and how well they sleep, with new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reinforcing the critical role of prevention in tackling chronic disease.

The findings, based on wearable devices, show adults averaged four minutes of vigorous activity and one-hour and 45 minutes of moderate activity each day in 2023.

Adults are also nearly 12 hours inactive outside of sleep.

ABS head of health statistics Matthew Montgomery said, “This is the first ABS report on Australians’ physical activity and sleep using wrist-worn devices that record movement.

“It showed that adults did four minutes a day of vigorous physical activity and one hour

KCC Men's Golf

By Danny LLOYD

THURSDAY Stableford was sponsored by IHEAR.

Kew Bowling Club

By Andrew RICHARDS

IN Round 9 of Open Pennants, Grade 4 had a good victory against the Section Leaders, Comboyne. We won two rinks, and drew on the other to claim 9.5 points, winning the Master Board 6248. Grade 6 also played their Section Leaders, Kempsey Heights, losing the Master Board by one shot (56-57), in a closely fought contest. Grade 7 defeated Comboyne convincingly 78-45 (9-1). Grade 4 has now completed its Open Pennants Season. Grade 6 is now in 2nd place, while Grade 7 is also in 2nd Place. Round 10 is played after Easter, on Saturday 11th April. Grade 6 plays Port City Blues , at Port City. Grade 7 plays Lake Cathie at home.

In Wednesday Social Bowls, Warren

Lake Cathie Bowling Club

By Suzanne MILES

TUESDAY, 24th March, Ladies Social BowlsFiona Brassey, Barbara Roberson, Sue Smith & Lynne Lawson - winners. Shauna Proctor, Vera Hamilton, Lyne Gibson & Jan Opitz - runners-up.

WEDNESDAY, 25th March, Mixed Pairs Club Championship - 2nd RoundTeams through to Qtr. Finals -

L. Gibson & J. Myers, K. Jobson & T. Jobson, M. Peasnell & R. Peasnell, R. Hancox & D. Hancox, S. Proctor & N. Proctor, C. Jones & C. Jones, R. Henry & G. Darcy, N. Holt & R. Edwards.

Open Gender Social PairsAndrew Richards & Rod Quirk - winners. Rob Penrose & Paul Goodacre - runners-up.

THURSDAY, 26th March, Men's Social TriplesBrian Pearce, Brett Meyer & Steve Philp.

John Greenwood, Rob Pengilly & Ron Bol.

Geoff Delamotte, Alan Jackson & Ken

LUSC Snooker Club

By Michael EYLES

THE Tuesday night competition held on 24/3/26 had 18 players compete. The Major Final was won by Ron White, and the runner

and 45 minutes of moderate physical activity on average in 2023.”

While the data is national, it aligns closely with local health challenges identified in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, where prevention has been flagged as a key priority.

A 2025 Health Needs Assessment, found high rates of lifestyle-related risk factors contributing to chronic disease.

Local data shows 79 percent of adults are not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, while 57 percent have inadequate fruit intake.

Obesity rates sit at 33 percent, with a further 34 percent overweight, and 27 percent of adults report risky alcohol consumption, all pointing to preventable drivers of poor health.

More than one in five people in the region are living with two or more chronic conditions, most commonly anxiety and osteoarthritis.

Australia’s 24-hour movement guidelines from the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability, recommend adults aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week.

The guidelines also recommend adults limit sedentary behaviour and get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.

Health information identifies the gap between current behaviour and recommended guidelines, presenting an opportunity for prevention through increased physical activity, improved diet and better sleep.

The report highlights strong community interest in preventative health, including exercise programs, health screening services and community education initiatives.

The report identified an opportunity to strengthen preventative health programs and improve education in partnership with Local Health Districts and community organisations.

SPORT RESULTS

Grade winners were: (A-37) Russell Eichmann, (B-39) Ian Frost and (C-39) John Simon.

All divs were decided by countback –missing out were Adam Heslop, Keith Vayne and Murray Cowled.

Barnes and Neil Verner claimed first prize. The Runners Up were Reggie Robb and Bob Kennett. Voucher winners were Bruce Gornall, Neil Dark, Chicka Thompson, Warren Barnes and Ray Pantlin.

In the Friday Cashpot Triples the major prize winners were Brad Conway, Neil Verner and Ian Poole with 2 wins and 18 ends. Runners Up were Adrian Hilton, Steve McGregor and Mick Ashford, while Jeff Nichols, Viv Gunter and Keith Collins claimed the consolation. Voucher winners were Peter Hope, Ray Pantlin, Steve McGregor and Lynne Stuttard.

Bowls this week include Wednesday Social (mufti dress) and “possibly” a Saturday game depending on levels of interest. There are no Pennant Games next weekend..

Well, that's the news for this week. Enjoy your bowls.

Norbery - Silver Medal.

Ladies Pennants - Round 4 -

Division 1 - LCBC (away) V Nth. Havenwinner - Nth. Haven, B/Brd. 49/24 Pts. 7/0.

Division 4 - LCBC (home) V Kewwinner - Kew, B/Brd. 40/36 Pts. 6/1.

FRIDAY, 27th March, Scroungers & Skins Fun Day -

Cheryl Adams - winner. Anne Wilsonrunner-up.

SATURDAY, 28th March, Open Gender Social Bowls -

Robyn Mulder & Glenys Websterwinners. Gavin O'Meara & Anne Wilsonrunners-up.

Open Gender Pennants - Round 9 -

Grade 3 - LCBC (away) V Nth. Havenwinner - Nth Haven, B/Brd. 61/60 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 4 - LCBC (home) V Wauchopewinner - LCBC, B/Brd. 76/56 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 6 - LCBC (home) V Port City Blue - winner - Port City Blue, B/Brd. 68/55 Pts. 8.5/1.5.

Grade 7 - LCBC (away) V Port Citywinner - Port City, B/Brd. 75/46 Pts. 9.5/0.5.

up was Glenn Kunze. The Minor Final winner was Graham rees who defeated Jim Hopkins. The Thursday night competition held on 26/3/26, also attracted 18 players. Jeff Locke won the Major Final, defeating Rocky Davis. In the Minor Final Graham Palmer prevailed defeating Kerry Dunn.

Saturday’s Medley was sponsored by T BONE PREMIUM MEATS.

Grade winners were: (A-37) Greg Piercy, (B-37) John Smith & (C-43) Rod Ward.

Surf’s up

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 24

non-profit launched to improve emergency response at isolated beaches in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

q Guidelines recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week.

For the Mid North Coast the report noted that early intervention is said to reduce chronic disease.

The 2026 LNC Pennants season concluded on Sunday with all KCC teams strongly competitive, particularly Div 1&4 who were just pipped by Port Mac.

“Huge thanks to Community SBK for donating new leg ropes, [it is] awesome to see our community supporting our students,” CHHS said.

Any local business interested in supporting the program with further equipment can reach out to the school.

“We’re working towards a rescue board and more equipment!” the school said in a statement.

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FRIDAY

GARDENING

AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 7.30pm

Autumn is synonymous with fallen foliage at the end of its life cycle, but leave it to optimistic Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis to find a fresh perspective to the season. In this episode, he focuses on fiery shrubs that can bring vibrant colour to any garden – without the epic clean-up. Meanwhile, Millie Ross focuses on seasonal produce, spending time with a Victorian family who operate a heritage quince orchard to learn more about the ancient, aromatic fruit. Plus, Sophie Thomson sets up wicking beds for vegie success.

FRIDAY, April 3

6.00

MONDAY

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA

SBS, 6pm

Despite best efforts from rival networks, the hottest seat on Australian TV remains black chair. The only thing that could make facing host Marc Fennell’s (pictured) intense questioning more difficult is a touch of sibling rivalry – enter Family Week. The hardest quiz show on the box returns for its eighth season with a quartet of families eager to test not just their own knowledge, but their bonds. The Coutinho clan kicks things off in Monday’s premiere, when West Coast Eagles tragic Josh, Good Luck Charlie fan Aerin, Thirsty Merc enthusiast Tiarne and their vintage Chrysler Valiant-loving dad Kemal go head to head in their chosen categories and a gruelling general knowledge round.

WEDNESDAY TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

host Alex Lee invites Becky Lucas, Takashi Wakasugi, Bron Lewis and Dilruk Jayasinha (all pictured) to unleash their creativity and showcase their knowledge of Australian history, animal facts, priceless artworks and prehistoric creatures. Perhaps most impressive: even though TMAG holds the world’s most significant collection of Tasmanian tiger specimens, it took episodes for a thylacine to become the topic of discussion. The winner will place a personal treasure on display – will visitors be treated to Lucas’s broken phone, Wakasugi’s dog statue, Lewis’s lock of hair or Jayasinha’s first plane ticket to Australia?

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Mv) A music student is found dead.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R)

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

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

10.55 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. (R)

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

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman. 8.45 BattleBots. 9.35 Gladiators UK. 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Secrets Of The Conclave.

9.40 Lost Secrets Of Jesus.

10.40 Haigh’s Chocolates: From Bean To Bar. (R)

11.10 Sisi. (Mav)

12.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+av, R)

2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)

3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.00 MOVIE: My Best Friend’s Wedding. (1997, Ml, R) After a woman’s friend announces his engagement, she realises she loves him and sets out to prevent the wedding. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz.

10.15 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010, Mlsv, R) A bounty hunter is assigned to find his ex-wife. Gerard Butler.

12.35 GetOn Extra.

1.05 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm.

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

10.45 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A restaurateur seeks justice. Jackie Chan.

1.00 Explore TV: Antarctica. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Alabama Grand Prix. H’lights. 1.30 Celebrity Ghost Stories. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30

9GO! (83) 6am Without A Clue. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.40 Discovering Film. 7.30 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.00 Flee. (2021, M, Danish) 11.40 Bad

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Andrew Winter helps James and Brendan. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Follows property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie as they search for the perfect home for two sets of buyers.

9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Guests include Bruce Springsteen. 10.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

11.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00

SATURDAY, April 4

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

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

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

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run

his fatally-wounded former boss.

9.45 Frauds. (Mlv, R) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal. 10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Abbott Elementary. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Edward Vs George: The Windsors At War. (Premiere)

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGa, R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)

10.15 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+s, R)

1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

3.00 Matched. (PG, R)

3.50 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 Bamay. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Snow White And The Huntsman. (2012, Mhv, R) A sorceress orders for her former husband’s daughter to be killed after learning she will be defeated by her. Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron.

10.45 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis.

1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Wonka. (2023, PGav)

10.50 MOVIE: The Legend Of Tarzan. (2016, Mav, R)

12.50 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R)

1.50 My Way.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.15 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Epic Builds. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A couple dream of different dogs.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Andrew Winter tempts an Aussie larrikin to move. Neale Whitaker tries to convince Michelle to give up on her dream.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Follows dispatchers and paramedics. 12.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) 1.00 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Neha and Debbie team up.

8.50 Frauds. (Mal) An unforeseen disaster derails the gang’s plans.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (Ml, R) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

10.25 Top End Bub. (PGs, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Ten Canoes. (2006, M, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.45 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.55 Dream Gardens. (R)

5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

SUNDAY, April 5

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6am The

Boy And The Heron. Continued. (2023, PG) 8.10

Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 10.15 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 12.40pm What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 2.15 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.25 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 6.50 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.30 John Wick. (2014) 10.25 Sanctuary. (2022) 12.15am Late Programs.

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Unwrapping King Tut: Secrets Of The Mummy.

8.25 Akhenaten, The Secrets Of The Forgotten Pharaoh. (R)

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGadn, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.20 Bronze Age Apocalypse. (R)

12.55 Me And My Tourette’s. (Mals, R)

2.00 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.00 Working Class Man. (Madl, R) Looks at rocker Jimmy Barnes’s hit book Working Class Man and the next chapter in his life.

10.30 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml, R) A look at INXS performing at Wembley.

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

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Blueback. (2022, PG) 10.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. New York Islanders v Philadelphia Flyers. 12.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Newcastle v Sunderland. 2.40 Innovation Nation. 2.50 MOVIE: Mr Mom. (1983, PG) 4.40 MOVIE: Superman. (1978, PG) 7.30 MOVIE:

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 8.00 MOVIE: Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles. (2023, PGaa) The true story of The Wiggles. Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl)

MOVIES (32)

6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 8.00 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 10.15 What’s Love Got To Do With It? (2022) 12.20pm Princess Mononoke. (1997, M, Japanese) 2.50 Mosley. (2019, PG) 4.35 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 6.15 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 8.30 The Miracle Club. (2023) 10.10 Io Capitano. (2023, MA15+, French) 12.20am Late Programs.

MONDAY, April 6

Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.20 Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

SBS World News Late. 10.40 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Premiere, Ml)

11.35 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.30 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) The top six take to the stage. 9.15 9-1-1. (M) Harry’s first day as a probie proves to be more challenging than Chimney expects. 10.15 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.15 The Agenda Setters. 12.15 Conviction. (MA15+av, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Married At First Sight. (Mls)

100% Footy. (Mal) Features the

6am Children’s Programs. 4.15pm Play School Dance It Out. 4.20 Fizzy And Suds. 4.40 Bluey. 5.00 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Kangaroo Beach. 6.55 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.20 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 7

ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

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6am My

Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.35

The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.20 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 10.35 Animalia. (2023, M, French) 12.20pm Discovering Film. 1.10 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 3.30 Ponyo. (2008) 5.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 7.30 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 9.50 Barbarella. (1968, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGl)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adlns)

11.55 Elvira. (Malv, R)

3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 Doc. (Ma) The race for chief resident intensifies. 9.40 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

The Agenda Setters.

St. Denis Medical. (PGas)

Dirty John. (MA15+v) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Green Lantern. (2011, M) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City.

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6am Mosley. Continued. (2019, PG) 7.05 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 9.05 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.40 Barbarella. (1968, M) 12.30pm The Miracle Club. (2023) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 5.20 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.35 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 9.30 Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 11.40 Mad Max. (1979, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

WEDNESDAY, April 8

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00

Dateline. (R) 2.35 Insight. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 48 Hours: Escape From Chernobyl.

8.50 Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes. (Ma, R) Explores the story of Chernobyl.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Rise Of The Raven. (Masv)

12.10 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malsv)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.10 Adventure Time. 9.35 Teen Titans Go! 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final) 9.20 MOVIE: Enigma. (2001) 11.35 Brassic. 1.25am Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Ponyo.

Continued. (2008) 7.45 Discovering Film. 8.45 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.00 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Mad Max. (1979, M) 2.55 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 5.35 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 7.35 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 9.30 Zardoz. (1978) 11.30 Mad Heidi. (2022, MA15+) 1.15am Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 3.20 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 5.15 The Movie Show.

THURSDAY,

April 9

Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R)

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 The Aussie Property Flippers. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)

8.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms. 10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Innovation Nation. 12.40 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PG) 10.20 One Tank Holiday. 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.40 Late Programs.

6.00

FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.10 Animal Park. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.45 Riot Women.

10.55 SBS World News Late.

11.25 In Memoriam. (Malv)

12.15 Bonn. (Mav, R)

2.10 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch.

The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The

2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The 2000s. 2.50 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 8.40

The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 10.40 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 12.35pm Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 2.50 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 5.05 Discovering Film. 5.50 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 7.40 Risky Business. (1983, M) 9.30 Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 11.30 Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+) 2.15am Zardoz. (1978) 4.10 Hard Eight. (1996, M)

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ma) 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

10.45 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Thursday

7MATE (64)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Explore. 12.40 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Resurrections. (2021, M) 11.25 Seinfeld. 12.25am Rugby Heaven. 1.25 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 2.15 Late Programs.

THE Camden Haven High School (CHHS) surf program has received a major boost with the delivery of brand new soft surfboards.

The flashy red and green boards are now ready to be used across the school’s surf skills and safety program and by students in the Targeted Sports Program (TSP).

“With a strong history of students helping in real-life rescues, we’re excited to see their skills continue to grow,” CHHS said in a statement to social media.

In

Surf’s