Camden Haven News Of The Area 13 March 2026

By Rachael THORPE

KENDALL teacher Pete

Roberts

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Sis HIGGINS 0488 027 142 sis@newsofthearea.com.au

Luke

Kendall hosts ‘Laps for Life’

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play,” he told News Of The Area.

“Mobile phone use has become more of a problem, with online bullying and exclusion a huge issue.

“I enjoy swimming for general health and fitness; but I’m also motivated to participate for personal reasons.

“Thirteen years ago, a friend and teaching colleague lost their child to

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

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

Doug

0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au Sue

OUTLETS

ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au

suicide following struggles with bullying.

“My friend was unaware of the extent and impact of it on their child’s mental health until it was too late.

“On a positive note, I have definitely noticed a change since there have been restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools, as well as the reduced access to social media.”

On Sunday 22 March, a Laps for Life event will be held at Kendall Community

Pool with funds raised supporting ReachOut initiatives including resources and support services.

Mr Roberts’ team, the Happy Lappers, is aiming to swim 50.65 kilometres to raise $2026.

His personal goal is 811 laps of the 25-metre pool.

The event includes raffles and a sausage sizzle and will run from 10am1pm.

The community is invited to attend to support the swimmers.

Changing lives in Nepal

By Rachael THORPE

INTERNATIONAL

Women’s Day 2026 was marked in the Camden Haven at an early morning breakfast at Laurieton United Services Club.

Organised by Jenny Peters from the Rotary Club of Laurieton with entertainment from a local ukulele group, the event was well attended and included student representatives from Camden Haven High School with an Acknowledgement of Country given by Kitty Miller and the national anthem performed by Olwen Williams.

The highlight of the morning was guest speaker Brittani Michelle, a registered nurse and member of the Rotary Club of Wauchope who has dedicated her life to improving

the lives of girls and women in developing countries.

In 2018, she visited Nepal and was moved by what she saw: school buildings that were falling down and children unable to attend school due to a lack of basic resources.

Brittani told News Of The Area, “The women in Nepal represent power, strength, and true sisterhood.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside some incredible women and I believe all of them deserve access to healthcare and education.

“Progress doesn’t happen by accident; it comes about when people stand alongside each other.”

A chicken breeding project conceived by Brittani has enabled families in Chulthedada

to become self-sufficient.

This has led to increased school attendance.

Before the project, only 15 percent of children in the area were attending school, now 80 percent are able to get an education.

Brittani’s vision for 2026 is a focus on health and wellness for girls and women in Nepal.

The country has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, often due to economic reasons.

Brittani’s plan will involve sponsoring young women from low socioeconomic groups to access a nursing program, both academic and practical, with a focus on ensuring gender equity in healthcare.

NIGHT RESCUE

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darkness to reach the vessel.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the sole sailor was located approximately ten nautical

miles southeast of Camden Head.

The volunteer crew then established a tow in the rough conditions.

Marine Rescue returned the skipper and vessel to port

at Camden Haven, arriving alongside the Laurieton United Services Club wharf at 5am.

Unit representatives said the incident and challenging conditions demonstrated the skill, professionalism, and commitment of local

MP reflects on first year

By Rachael THORPE

MEMBER for Port Macquarie

Rob Dwyer reflected on his first 12 months in parliament during a speech to the Rotary Club of Laurieton on Monday night, 9 March.

The Rotarian and former Secretary Manager of Laurieton United Services Club, recalled starting work at the club at age 23, never anticipating that he would spend 34 years at LUSC.

He told News Of The Area, “I was fresh out of university when I went to work at the club, and I really thought I knew everything.

“I’m proud to have overseen the digitising of the administration system and watched the club go from strength to strength, thanks to great corporate governance and outstanding staff.”

While extremely active in many areas of the community, particularly initiatives involving youth, sport, and homelessness, Mr Dwyer had never considered a political career until he

was approached by former Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, three years ago.

Mrs Williams resigned during her term following the death of her husband.

This led to a by-election, paving the way for a change of direction for Mr Dwyer.

He now spends 26 weeks a year sitting in parliament.

NSW Parliament House has a rich history.

Initially constructed in 1816 as a hospital funded

by the sale of thousands of gallons of rum, it is the oldest public building in Sydney and has been the home of politics since 1829.

Mr Dwyer told News Of The Area, “It is a privilege to work in such a spectacular building, and I still get butterflies when I think about it.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have staff that know so much and have built wonderful connections. I’d be lost without them."

volunteers who remain on standby around the clock to assist boaters offshore and on local waterways.

Marine Rescue Camden Haven is one of the state’s 46 volunteer units.

Collectively, they support more than 71,000 Logged On vessels per year.

The organisation continues to welcome new volunteers and is actively recruiting.

No prior boating or emergency service experience is required, with full accredited training provided.

Women unite for Liberty

By Sis HIGGINS

SOME 80 local women

gathered on Friday 6 March for the ninth “PA YourWay” International Women’s Day Lunch to support Liberty

Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.

The sold-out event brought the community together for an afternoon of connection, conversation and shared purpose.

Held in partnership with The Stunned Mullet, the lunch welcomed women in small business, community leaders and supporters under the theme “Give to Gain”.

Founder, host and MC Peta Alexopoulos said she was proud to see the event return for another year.

“I intentionally keep the numbers small to maintain the warm and conversational

Heart of the Haven: Brian Roberts

By Chan ANSELL

BRIAN Roberts emigrated to Australia from the UK as a “Ten Pound Pom” in 1960.

He married at 17 and lived in Sydney for many years before moving to Laurieton Residential Resort in 2016.

After being retrenched at 60, Brian discovered volunteering, a passion that has brought him so much joy and purpose ever since.

“I started volunteering with Vinnies and Linked, and now I help out at Lakeside Aged Care in Laurieton,” he shared.

“My greatest satisfaction comes from chatting with residents who rarely have visitors.

“The rewards go both ways for them and for me.”

Brian is full of energy and community spirit.

He runs trivia sessions at the resort, often alongside his

daughter.

“Picture my daughter and me running trivia sessions in our resort,” he said.

“We love seeing everyone involved, having fun, and just enjoying a good laugh together.”

Brian also acts as a visitor at aged care facilities, calling Bingo, chatting with residents, and encouraging them to leave their rooms to join in the fun.

At 85, Brian is proud to

show that age is no barrier to helping others.

“In society, you only get out what you put in,” he said.

His approach to life is simple but inspiring: stay active, engage with the community, and keep a positive mindset.

“Keeping an active brain and lifestyle helps keep dementia away… and I’m looking forward to receiving a card from the King on my 100th!”

style of the lunch,” she said.

“While the event raised a modest amount of money for Liberty, for me… the real value is the connection, education and listening that happens in the room.”

Peta said the intentionally intimate format was central to the event’s impact.

“At moments during the afternoon you could hear a pin drop as people reflected on the conversations being shared.

“When we create space to listen and learn from one another, we create change that goes far beyond a measurable dollar value.”

The afternoon opened with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb.

Ms Lamb also recognised Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley, a

respected Elder and longtime supporter who was unable to attend.

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley was recognised as a 2026 NSW Parliament Finalist for Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

Speakers included CMO for Birdon Jane Hillsdon, lawyer Cicely Sylow, and Liberty’s Brooke Maggs. Brooke spoke about leadership shaped by community and reinforced the message that domestic and family violence is everybody’s business. Funds were raised for Liberty through the event and Women in Wine fundraising packs.

Women in Wine was curated with The Stunned Mullet and features female winemakers.

You risk more than your own safety going a few K’s over.

No matter how quiet it is, or how many times you’ve driven the road, every kilometre over the speed limit increases the risk of a serious crash.

Isn’t it time we got serious about casual speeding?

New record for ED demand

MID North Coast hospitals have experienced record demand for their emergency departments, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly report.

Despite this, hospital performance between October and December remained high.

Across the health district, which covers Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, there were a record 40,126 attendances, an increase of three percent or 1,166 more people, compared to the same quarter in 2024.

These are the highest numbers for the local health district since BHI reporting began in 2010.

MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong praised staff for their ongoing dedication to delivering outstanding patient-centred care throughout the busy period.

“The report shows that demand for emergency and ambulance care continues to climb across our District, in line with statewide trends,” Ms Wong said.

“Our emergency departments have been under considerable pressure, and I want to recognise the commitment of our staff who continue to support patients when they need it most.

“These results help us understand our strengths and identify opportunities to improve, ensuring the people of the Mid North Coast can continue to access the best care possible.”

Port Macquarie Base Hospital

PMBH had 13,981 ED attendances, a slight increase of 0.6 percent (or 78 attendances) compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Nearly all patients (95.8 percent) transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark and a majority of patients (81.8 percent) were discharged

within four hours, which is 21.4 percent better than its peer group average.

The hospital performed 929 planned surgeries in the quarter, an improvement of 25.9 percent or 191 surgeries, compared to the same period last year.

All urgent planned surgery was performed on time.

Wauchope District Memorial Hospital

Wauchope Hospital was reclassified when NSW Health reviewed peer groups in 2025.

This is the first time it has been reported individually in BHI’s quarterly updates.

From October to December 2025, the

hospital performed 259 planned surgeries with 92.4 percent performed on time.

All urgent planned surgery was performed on time.

MNCLHD encourages patients at all hospitals, who feel their condition has deteriorated while waiting for their procedure, to contact their treating doctor for a clinical review so they can be placed in a higher urgency category if required.

What to expect in ED

All patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED and the most serious cases are treated first.

During busy times, people with less urgent conditions will experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritised for emergency care.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during this particularly busy period,” Ms Wong said.

“Statewide Virtual Urgent Care Services for adults and children are also available to the Mid North Coast community. These services have also played an important role in easing pressure on our hospital EDs.

“They operate seven days a week from 8am to 10pm and can be accessed by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.”

MNCLHD continues to remind the community to keep EDs and ambulances for saving lives.

The Diary of ANNE FRANK

Highlights:

• The Diary of Anne Frank

• The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub Branch Museum

• Harrigans Cameron Park

Inclusions:

• Return air-conditioned coach transport.

• Daily H20

• 1 x night @ The Great Southern Hotel

• Lite Rail transport from the Great Southern to the State Theatre

• 1 x plated hot breakfast.

• Visit to the Entrance Long Jetty RSL Subbranch Museum

• Lunch @ Harrigans Cameron Park

Itinerary:

Two face court after alleged aggravated break and enter

TWO men have faced court after an alleged aggravated break and enter last week.

Day 1: Departing Port Bus by 10:20 (time TBC) we commence our pickups. Our lunch break today will be @ Heatherbrae (choose between Heatherbrae Pies, Hungry Jacks, KFC, or Guzman & Gomez own cost). Arriving at The Great Southern around 16:45. Dinner is onsite at The Great Southern Bar before we catch the lite rail around 18:15. Our show time is 19:30. After the show we will take the lite rail back to the Great Southern.

Day 2: After breakfast, we depart by 09:00. Arriving on the Central Coast around 10:45 for our visit to the Military Museum housed within The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub Branch. Lunch today is at Harrigan’s, Cameron Park. We will then continue North. Drop-offs should commence by 16:30. with Port Bus to State Theatre, Sydney Thursday 2nd

About 12.25am on Tuesday 3 March 2026, emergency services were called to Campus Street, Thrumster, following reports of an aggravated break and enter.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District attended and were told an unknown man allegedly entered the home and stole the keys to a vehicle parked in the driveway.

The occupant, a 47-year-old woman, attempted to intervene before she was

pushed to the ground by a second man –allegedly armed with a machete.

Both men then left the scene in her vehicle.

The woman sustained minor injuries.

About 1am, the vehicle was located unattended on Gordon Street, where it was seized.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.

About 7am on Friday 6 March 2026, police attached to Mid North Coast and Manning Great Lakes Police Districts executed three search warrants at homes in Wingham, Taree and Port Macquarie.

Police arrested 29-year-old Pierce Towney at the Taree address and 32-year-old Adrian Slater at the Wingham address.

They were both taken to Taree Police station and charged with multiple offences.

Appearing before Bail Division Court 1 on Friday 6 March, neither man applied for bail and both will reappear in the local crime court at Port Macquarie on 30 April.

Dr Kristy named Local Woman of the Year

DOCTOR Kristy Kostalas has been named the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for the Port Macquarie electorate, in recognition of her commitment to women and children experiencing domestic violence.

The Local Women of the Year Awards shine a light on extraordinary women whose compassion, courage and leadership strengthen communities across New South Wales.

A well-known figure in the Hastings region, Dr Kostalas has dedicated herself to creating real and lasting change for women facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

In 2022, she founded ToxTails, a grassroots initiative born from a desire to help women trapped in domestic violence, particularly those experiencing the often hidden forms of technological abuse and financial control.

The concept quickly grew into a powerful community movement.

“What began as a small cocktail event has grown into one of the Mid North Coast’s largest private charity platforms,” Dr Kristy told NOTA last year.

“It’s about uniting local businesses, patients and community members around a shared goal of supporting women and children fleeing violence.”

With the support of Regional Australia Bank, ToxTails has raised more than $180,000 for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, including $62,000 in the past year alone.

Every dollar raised stays on the Mid North Coast, directly supporting local women and children seeking safety, stability and hope.

Dr Kostalas was nominated for the award by Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, who said he was “incredibly proud” to see her recognised.

“Her compassion, drive and determination have transformed lives in our community,” he said.

“She doesn’t just talk about change, she makes it happen.

“Kristy’s impact reaches far beyond fundraising totals or professional achievements, it is felt in the lives rebuilt, the confidence restored and the futures made safer because she chose to act.”

Beyond her advocacy, Dr Kostalas is a dedicated educator and mentor.

She teaches aesthetic medicine and

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women’s health to doctors across Australia and internationally, mentors medical students at the University of New South Wales, and plays an important role in training the next generation of GPs working towards their FRACGP qualification.

Dr Kostalas was formally recognised alongside other inspiring recipients at the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

As part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March), 94 exceptional women were nominated by Members of Parliament across the state.

Region shines in state solar surge

By Sis HIGGINS

PORT Macquarie ranks as the ninth highest electorate in NSW for solar uptake, as regional communities continue to drive the state’s renewable energy transition.

The latest data, released by the NSW Government, shows households and businesses in regional NSW account for nine of the top ten electorates for rooftop solar installations.

The Oxley electoratewhich includes communities such as Wauchope and Comboyne - came in eighth in the rankings, reinforcing the Mid North Coast’s growing commitment to clean energy.

A total of 19,457 solar

systems have been installed in the Port Macquarie electorate, while 19,790 have been installed in Oxley.

Across the state, more than one million homes and businesses now have rooftop solar systems installed, representing around a third of all NSW homes.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said regional communities were setting the pace.

“From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar,” she said.

“In the final quarter of last year, solar farms and rooftop solar provided 32 percent of our state’s

electricity.

“Families and businesses are saving on their bill with solar, and the highest concentration is in the regions and Western Sydney.”

When the sun is shining, rooftop solar is now producing more power than all of the state’s coal fired power stations.

The figures reflect a broader regional trend, with families and businesses turning to solar to reduce power bills and improve energy independence.

News Of The Area was informed by the minister's office that an average fourperson household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.

Wauchope advocate ‘Woman of the Year’

By Sis HIGGINS

The award is for her volunteer fundraising efforts

and outstanding leadership across multiple business ventures in the Hastings Valley.

From her earliest days

By Kate SHELTON

IT’S been a busy week across our local waterways, with the best results coming from those sticking to the rivers or finding the warm water offshore.

From the Camden Haven up to the Macleay, here is what’s biting.

In the Macleay River region, bream populations remain healthy and active.

Anglers working lures around rocky ledges during daylight hours are reporting the most successful outings.

The real excitement, however, is happening offshore.

The waters surrounding Grassy Head and Hat Head have been "hot" lately, with boaties landing Spanish mackerel of significant size.

Looking ahead to the weekend, snapper and various reef fish are expected to be the primary targets for the local fleet, provided the current doesn't run too strong.

Further South, the Camden Haven River remains the "hot zone" this week,

with the most successful ventures occurring within the sheltered waters of the river.

Luderick fishing has been particularly fruitful, with anglers reporting impressive catches at both the Henry Kendall reserve and the local breakwalls.

On the rocks, Crowdy Head and Perpendicular Point have delivered a diverse "mixed bag" this week, including drummer, tuna, and the occasional cobia. Beach anglers aren't missing out either, as both

completing a business course through the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Webber has embraced every opportunity to grow her skills and confidence.

As co-founder and director of Playtime Childcare, she has expanded centres in Wauchope and Port Macquarie, with a new service planned for Beechwood.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been named the Oxley Woman of the Year for 2026,” she said.

“In many regional towns, just like Wauchope, there are so many people who show up every day to support one another and help where it’s needed.

“This acknowledgment means a lot to me, but it also

Lake Cathie and Grants Beach continue to produce consistent numbers of school-sized mulloway.

For the boaties, the inshore reefs off Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills are yielding decent snapper along with the odd surprise cobia. Further offshore, midweek anglers found success at the FAD, which produced several quality catches of mahi-mahi.

In the Hastings River region, the southern breakwall has been a popular hive of activity for luderick.

Bream remains a top

IN PORT

belongs to our community.

“To be able to represent Wauchope and the greater Oxley region and the people who quietly contribute so much to our town is something I’m really proud of.

The centres provide safe, child-led learning environments supporting working families, including access to NDIS and therapy services.

In the construction and sustainability sector, Jesse is also co-owner of Air Light Insulation and previously spent more than a decade as an owner and Business Manager with H.L.W Projects and Wauchope Solar and Electrical.

She also serves on the Equip Board, contributing to

target for many, with the boat ramps at high tide proving to be highly productive.

Those using fresh bait near fish-cleaning stations have been rewarded with particularly large specimens.

While the flathead bite has been somewhat variable recently, local experts suggest that persistence is currently the key to success.

Along the coast, Shelly and Miners Beach have seen an abundance of tailor and bream.

Offshore conditions at Plomer Bay were quiet last weekend due to cold water and red weed, but with a promising forecast and

stronger business networks and regional economic development.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said, “Jesse is the definition of community leadership.

“She backs herself, she backs local families and she backs the Hastings region.

“From growing successful businesses to raising significant funds for floodaffected farmers, Jesse leads with purpose and heart.

“She is an inspiration and a standout role model for women and young people across Oxley.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the Local Woman of the Year 2026 awards recognise and honour the contributions of everyday women and girls across NSW.

warmer water expected to push in, the mackerel action is predicted to fire up just in time for the weekend.

Port Macquarie Tides

On Saturday, the morning high tide peaks at 6:10am, followed by a low at 1:09pm and a second high at 6:51pm.

Moving into Sunday, the cycle shifts slightly with an early low at 12:16am, leading into a 7:02am high tide. The afternoon low will occur at 1:48pm, with the final high tide of the weekend rolling in at 7:34pm.

Call to adopt as shelters reach capacity

By Sis HIGGINS

MARCH is National Pet

Adoption Month, with animal lovers encouraged to consider welcoming a cat or dog into their home while supporting animal welfare efforts across the country.

RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said hundreds of cats and dogs are currently available for adoption.

“March is looking like a wonderful time to make a new friend, improve animal welfare outcomes nationally, and help animals across the country move into the safe and loving home they deserve,” he

said.

A Port Macquarie Animal Shelter spokesperson told News Of The Area that so far this financial year, 302 animals have come through the shelter’s doors.

“Some are strays brought in by residents or Council rangers, some are rehomed due to financial pressures or changes in living circumstances,” they said.

“Some, like kittens, are left in boxes at our front gate.”

Only 42 registered and microchipped animals were returned to their owners.

Currently the shelter has six dogs and three cats, with some ready for

adoption and others still impounded.

“Ensuring pets are registered and microchipped [means] they can be returned to owners.”

All adopted cats and dogs go home desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and flea and tick protected.

Each year the RSPCA cares for more than 77,000 animals through its shelters, with almost 27,000 reaching their forever homes.

Pet adoption can also take place through registered rescue organisations and pet rescue groups who have animals in foster care seeking permanent homes.

Petrol spikes hit home

By Thomas O’KEEFE

WAR in the Middle East is having direct impacts on the prices of basic commodities in Australia, including petrol and other fuels that keep the local economy going.

Almost overnight, the geopolitical shape of the world instigated panic that filtered through global supply chains.

Unleaded petrol is now averaging over $2/litre in many areas of the state, hurting many locals already on tight incomes thanks to the cost-of-living crisis.

According to Fuel Radar, as of Wednesday, prices of Unleaded 91 in Port Macquarie ranged from 205.9 cents per litre (c/l) to 220.9 c/l.

Diesel ranged from

228.9 to 239.9 c/l, while Premium 98 ranged from 229.9 to 245.9 c/l.

Diesel, which powers Australia’s bulk transport trucks, has also spiked, with costs presumably to be passed on to households via rises in grocery store prices as supplies get more expensive to deliver.

Owners of electric vehicles are by no means

immune, as the electricity that powers the grid, which recharges the vehicles, is heavily reliant upon the same diesel-powered supply system, not to mention the natural gas that is used to fire up power stations when demand surges.

The reason for the price hikes is that 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow sea lane that connects the Persian Gulf and oil-

Camden Haven Rebacks Soccer club, Camden Haven Little Athletics and Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park

q Archie needed 14 teeth removed and lip surgery and is now happy and healthy. Photo: Sis Higgins.

exporters Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE, to the rest of the world.

Hormuz is a natural choke point, measuring less than 40km at its narrowest point, between the southern coast of Iran and the northern tip of Oman.

The extended Iranian coastline means that even devoid of an active navy, Iran can attack the Strait at will, via drones and missile strikes, bringing global oil trade to its knees instantly.

The global air traffic hub of Dubai is only 100km away – leaving many Australian expatriates stranded as they attempt to fly home via that one key stopover, which is now in an active warzone.

According to Geoscience Australia, a Federal Government organisation, Australia is a net importer of oil, with only around 20 percent of the oil the country needs actually refined here last year.

This Seniors Week, we want to say thank you to the incredible seniors in our community. At North Haven Pharmacy, we are more than just a chemist—we are your partners in health and wellbeing.

Our Dedicated Services for Seniors:

• Healthy & Cost-Effective Farm Door Meals: Nutritious, home-style frozen meals made with fresh ingredients. Perfect for easy, healthy eating without the prep!

• Webster Packing: Stay on track with your medications effortlessly. Our team provides professional packing to ensure you never miss a dose.

• Free Home Delivery: We bring your medications and even your Farm Door meals right to your door, completely free of charge.

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Region backs circular economy

THE Port Macquarie Hastings region is one of Australia’s biggest supporters of second-hand items, based on the overwhelming success of last year’s Garage Sale Trail.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) was among the top performers in both the state and national leaderboards, ranking second in New South Wales and fourth nationally for the highest number of sales and stalls.

According to data from Garage Sale Trail, there were almost 9,500 residents who participated as sellers or shoppers with approximately

18,400 second-hand items sold – 35 percent of which would have ended up as landfill.

Held over two weekends in November, the Garage Sale Trail is a community-led and Council-backed reuse and behaviour change program that supports residents to buy and sell second-hand through garage sales.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their enthusiasm, support and willingness to get involved.

“This shared effort is what makes Garage Sale Trail such a powerful local

movement,” said Corrine de Mestre, PMHC Waste Projects Officer.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum and bring our community together again this year to make a positive impact on our environment, earn a little extra cash and strengthen our community spirit.”

The 2025 Garage Sale Trail results for Port Macquarie Hastings included:

• 9,461 estimated number of residents who took part as sellers or shoppers

• 221 garage sales

and thrift markets were held

• 18,446 secondhand items were sold and reused over two weekends - 35 per cent of these items would otherwise have gone to landfill

• $761 average takings for a household sale

• $168,499 earned by local households, community groups and charities

• $242,000 saved by shoppers buying secondhand instead of new

• 11 tonnes of items sold and kept out of landfill

• 81 percent felt more connected to the local community after

participating Local results combine registration data from national participant survey results and established reuse,

emissions and economic methodologies.

This year’s Garage Sale Trail will be held on November 7-8 and 14-15.

Gathang revival part of five-year plan

By Sis HIGGINS

GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay footprint.

CEO Gulwanyang Moran said the plan was shaped by

extensive conversations with community members about what they wanted to see happen with their language.

“We wanted to build on the hard work of previous and current language leaders who have been revitalising Gathang,” Ms Moran said.

“[The plan] distills the collective vision of our community to help guide the organisation’s work over the

next five years”.

It provides transparency around GWAC’s purpose, vision and values, along with “our promise to the community about how we will work with them”.

Community feedback identified five priorities: - ensuring the continuation of Gathang, - creating inclusive spaces,

- collaborating and partnering with community, - strengthening self determination and governance, and - operating in a sustainable and eventually economically independent way.

Consultation events were held across Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Forster and Taree, as well as online.

Elders and active language community members have also contributed their aspirations.

Ms Moran said interest in Gathang has surged in recent years and strong local governance is essential.

“Having a plan that shows the yabang we’re walking so everyone knows where we want to get to and can come with us on a journey that’s

Women underrepresented on councils

LOCAL Government NSW (LGNSW) is calling for more female representation on elected councils in NSW.

Council representatives from across the state gathered in Sydney on Friday for the peak body’s International Women’s Day event.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the role of women in the local government sector across NSW

Addressing mayors, councillors and council staff, Mayor Byrne said while there had been gains in female representation on councils

across the state, there was still much more work to be done.

“At present, we’re tracking at about 41 percent female representation on our elected councils in NSW,” said Mayor Byrne.

“While it’s pleasing to see this is up slightly from 39 percent at the 2021 election, it’s still behind our state counterparts who sit at 44 percent across the Parliament,” he said.

“And down in Canberra, our federal colleagues are up at 49.6 percent - the closest to parity yet.

“So, it’s absolutely an area where local government is shamefully lagging behind,” he said.

led by our community,” she said.

“We want to make sure that there’s a collective vision in place for our burraydjarr and the generations coming after us.”

Over the next few years, the community will see expanded language programs, new resources, online spaces and cultural services.

“Our first goal is the continuation of Gathang Language,” Ms Moran said.

“We want to see Gathang actively spoken, taught and embedded in daily life through language programs, education pathways and community-led learning.”

She described the plan as “the centrepiece of the origin story of a legacy mapped out by language leaders that have been working tirelessly for decades”.

“What I hope is that the wider community can travel with us on this journey, support, connect and respectfully learn about the languages and cultures of the country they reside,” she said.

q Local government representatives at LGNSW’s International Women’s Day event.

councillors as a contributing factor to the under representation.

“We simply have to get the pay right for Mayors and Councillors if we want genuine diversity in our council chambers,” he said.

“This year’s theme of International

is ‘balancing the scales’, and I reckon increasing representation in local government is a pretty good place to start,”

Nationals firebrand elected leader in three-horse race

on behalf of all regional Australians.”

MPs pay tribute to Littleproud’s leadership

By Dominic GIANNINI, Zac DE SILVA and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP

MATT Canavan has been elected Nationals leader after David Littleproud's shock resignation.

The firebrand senator edged out former deputy leader Kevin Hogan and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie in a partyroom ballot on Wednesday morning.

Mr Littleproud shocked colleagues as he announced he would step down from the regional party's top job on Tuesday with little notice, declaring he was "buggered" and didn't have the energy to continue as leader.

But the Queensland MP will continue representing his seat of Maranoa and has said he's willing to remain on the coalition front bench.

Darren Chester was elected the new deputy leader.

Mr Littleproud said he

was feeling like a "million dollars" after stepping down, telling reporters on Wednesday morning he'd had his best sleep in eight months.

Consistently poor polling showing Pauline Hanson's One Nation overtaking the coalition in voter support has shaken the Nationals, who fear a wipe-out at the next federal election.

Seats in regional Queensland and NSW are considered particularly at risk, threatening a number

of electorates held by the Nationals.

The rural party failed to win back the seat of Calare at the 2025 election to independent Andrew Gee, who quit the Nationals over their opposition to the Indigenous voice to parliament.

Firebrand Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also defected to the Liberal Party following the federal election defeat.

In a statement to media, Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said he was “saddened” by Mr Littleproud’s decision to step down.

“While today’s announcement from David Littleproud came as a surprise, I understand his reasons and respect his decision,” he said on Tuesday.

“David has given the Party’s top job absolutely everything he has over the past four years, and I want to sincerely thank him for his determination and dedication

Member for Coffs Harbour and NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh said Mr Littleproud had led with “clear direction, collaboration, and passion”.

“David’s time as Federal Leader will be marked by his advocacy on behalf of regional Australians, even when policy and politics were incredibly difficult to manage.

“The Nationals movement in NSW thanks David for his service since coming to the leadership.”

New recruits for transport and roads agency

SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month.

From filling potholes to rebuilding flood-damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network.

Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo, the new recruits will soon get their hands on the tools.

They join an existing group of 92 apprentices and trainees progressing through the program from previous intakes.

Participants have the

opportunity to earn and learn on the job while developing practical skills in their chosen field, from civil construction and bridge maintenance to heavy diesel mechanics, business, finance and project management.

New recruit Maddi Ormsby said the Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship appealed to her because of the opportunity to do handson work outdoors.

“There’s such a great mix of bridges we look after, everything from concrete and timber structures to heritage ones,” Maddi said.

“We don’t just maintain them, we get the chance to build them too, and we work across all sorts of locations.

“I’ve only been in the job

a few weeks, and I’ve already had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”

Matt Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Road Maintenance and Resilience at Transport for NSW, said the program gives “people real

skills, real experience and a recognised qualification while boosting the capability of our workforce across NSW”.

Connectivity boost for Karuah, Taree

THE Federal Government will provide grant funding for new mobile base stations at Karuah, Taree and Wauchope in the latest round of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), delivering 4G and 5G mobile coverage to these areas.

Each site will include back-up power, with some also incorporating additional hardening measures to reinforce mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

Minister for Communications Anika Wells said, “It is essential

all Australians have access to reliable, resilient mobile services before, during and after emergencies.

“The Albanese Government is providing investment to 17 communities across Australia so they can access help and keep in

touch with loved ones when they need it most.

“Reliable connectivity is essential for safety, economic opportunity and quality of life.”

Duty Senator for Lyne, Deborah O’Neill, said the base stations would improve the region’s

“As they build their skills on live sites, they’re helping lift the resilience of our transport network and supporting the teams who keep NSW moving,” he said.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.

“These young workers are gaining practical skills on live projects while helping maintain the roads and bridges our local community depends on.

“This investment strengthens our local workforce and ensures we have the capability to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need.”

and Wauchope

resilience in emergencies.

“We know just how important access to reliable mobile coverage is to our local communities in Karuah, Taree and Wauchope, which is why this investment is so important,” she said.

“This is so important

for people living in Lyne because improving coverage means better outcomes for people.

“Upgrades like this are not only important to locals and visitors, but crucial for our emergency services during emergencies.”

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

By Nick WILSON, AAP

GEN Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors.

Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 percent considering the move, Regional Australia Institute research shows.

More than 5.3 million Australians - about 37 percent of metropolitan residents - say they would consider making the shift.

For generation Z, the financial pull is particularly strong, with more than half (52 percent) citing cheaper living costs as a key driver and 50 percent pointing to more

affordable housing.

At 28, economic development worker Mikaela Carroll is part of that shift.

After finishing university at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she and her partner Ryan left Brisbane in a van with plans to stop briefly in Bunbury, a regional town south of Perth.

"We ended up staying there for five years," she told AAP.

"We really loved it."

Originally planning to "top up the bank accounts" somewhere more affordable for a few months, the couple found themselves with good jobs and a lifestyle their citybased friends couldn't afford.

The pair have since relocated to Launceston in Tasmania, where they retain the benefits of regional life while being closer to family.

"Living down here, we were able to buy a place that's only a six-minute drive to work," Ms Carroll said.

"That, in itself, is a huge, huge challenge in metropolitan areas."

While perceptions are shifting, it remains to be seen how many young city dwellers will act on their intentions.

Only 23 percent of gen Z Australians considering the move said they would do so in the next two years, climbing to 37 percent in the next five years.

Fear of isolation remains the biggest hurdle preventing young Australians from making the move, with 44 percent worried about being cut off from family and friends.

Ms Carroll admitted the distance had been trying, but said the benefits outweighed the downsides.

"I definitely feel like I've got better mental health than I did when I was living in Brisbane because I'm not constantly worrying about the end of my lease," she said.

While more Australians

MPs bemoan lack of action

FEDERAL MPs Pat Conaghan and Alison Penfold are renewing calls for a solution to the Oxley Highway’s congestion chaos to be “urgently scoped and funded”.

“The Wrights Rd and Lake Rd roundabouts leading into Port Macquarie’s health and education precincts have long been flagged as the area’s worst and most dangerous bottleneck,” said Mr Conaghan.

The Cowper MP is frustrated by the lack of action, noting that $5 million was jointly awarded by the State and Federal Coalition governments in 2022 to finalise planning for a solution.

With a change of government in 2023, this funding decision was reversed and the project stalled.

“Despite continued unified calls from Council, State and Federal

representatives for the funds to be reinstated, every successive annual budget handed down by Labor has neglected to allocate a single dollar to the project,” Mr Conaghan said.

Ms Penfold, the Member for Lyne, said the Mid North Coast community remains firmly in support of upgrades at the infamous bottleneck.

“An official NSW Government petition with over ten thousand

are leaving cities for the regions than the reverse, the think tank's Regional Movers Index shows it is not a one-

way phenomenon.

Capital-to-region migration accounted for 11.5 percent of all major

relocations in the September quarter, only a few points ahead of the 8.4 percent who moved the other way.

on Oxley Highway

individually signed submissions was lodged in September 2025 through the joint efforts of Robert Dwyer, Michael Kemp, Business NSW, Pat and myself,” Ms Penfold stated.

“That’s ten thousand residents from Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Kempsey who took time out of their day to physically visit a participating local business and sign on the dotted line. And yet, we are still waiting for action.”

Both MPs are calling for residents fed up with the lack of action to make a submission to Transport NSW via the ‘have your say’ portal.

“I know that we have asked our community for their input on this issue many times before, but we need to keep up the fight and keep up the pressure leading into the budget announcements for the upcoming financial year,” Mr Conaghan said.

To make a submission, residents should visit www. haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/ sritp/north-coast, head to the ‘Pin on the map’ section and ‘Add Marker’ to the map at the Wrights Rd or Lake Rd Roundabout.

“Taking two minutes to enter your submission could be the tipping point to seeing this dangerous bottleneck finally addressed,” Ms Penfold stated.

“Let’s band together like the tight knit community we are and get this done once and for all.”

Weed action program gets an update

FOUR-YEAR funding is being made available to local organisations to combat the impact of priority weeds, updating a previously annual grant program.

The new $40.7 million NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) is a key component of the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Action Plan, with funding being provided to 97 Local

Control Authorities (LCA).

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW Government Weeds Action Program’s four-year grant model provides certainty in budgeting, giving local councils and other control authorities the ability to put boots on the ground, retain staff and train new weed biosecurity officers across NSW.

“This network of biosecurity officers sustains the surveillance, eradication and containment efforts on key high-risk weeds, including parthenium weed, alligator weed and frogbit to protect our valuable farming lands.

“Our Government has modernised the Weeds Action Program to ensure it can effectively contribute to delivering our Biosecurity Action Plan by delivering trained biosecurity officers across the state who can

confidently undertake emergency responses.”

Aside from environmental benefits, Ms Moriarty said the updated program has significant financial upsides.

“Across NSW, the local control councils will invest an extra $2.19 for every dollar invested in our Government’s $40.7 million program,” she said.

“Every dollar the program spends is keeping our state free of Parthenium weed and that delivers $777 in benefits through increased agricultural productivity, reduced health impacts and environmental protection.

“For every dollar spent eradicating tropical soda apple there is a productivity return of $410 and every dollar spent eradicating Hudson pear returns $59 to the community.”

The new funding model was introduced after a review into biosecurity to

improve its implementation across the state, cut red tape and provide greater certainty to LCAs.

The program supports targeted surveillance and rapid biosecurity responses, and is building a robust statewide network to prevent, eradicate and contain priority weeds by undertaking a range of actions, such as:

• Preventing Parthenium Weed entering NSW

• Preventing spread with the aim of eradicating Parkinsonia and Tropical Soda Apple weeds

• Working with landholders to contain alligator weed, frogbit, Hudson pear, Harrisia cactus and sticky nightshade

• Instigating surveillance and rapid response resources to detect new high-risk weeds early and act quickly to stop their spread

These high-risk weed species, which can cause significant environmental and agricultural damage and pose serious health risks to livestock, wildlife and people, require urgent action to stop them from becoming more widely established.

The new Weeds Action Program strengthens weed biosecurity by providing stable funding for riskbased planning, compliance and education, and ensures accountability from the LCAs through biannual reporting and evaluation.

The modernisation of the program also includes increasing collaboration between government agencies, councils, and farmers groups.

Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the new four-year program will be delivered in partnership with Local Land Services.

By Manny WOOD

Migration law: Love without romance

ANITA, a foreign citizen, has been living in Australia on a temporary visa and has been unsuccessful in obtaining a long-term visa.

Anita meets an elderly Australian widower while volunteering at a neighbourhood community centre.

Patrick is 85 years old and has lived alone since his wife died six years earlier.

Anita initially visits regularly and helps with everyday tasks such as cooking, organising medication and accompanying him to medical appointments.

Over time, Anita moves into Patrick’s home and the two begin living together.

After two years, Anita applies for a partner visa on the basis that she is Patrick’s de facto partner. Patrick supports the application and provides a statutory declaration confirming they share a household and intend to remain together long term.

During the visa assessment process, a departmental officer interviews Anita and Patrick separately. Some answers differ.

Anita explains that she cares deeply for Patrick but finds it difficult to describe romantic feelings.

The officer forms the view that Anita may be acting more as a carer than a genuine partner.

The application is refused on the basis that the Department is not satisfied that Anita and Patrick are in a genuine de facto relationship, deciding their relationship to involve Anita providing care and companionship, rather than romantic love.

Anita seeks review before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Tribunal concludes the arrangement resembles an agreement to meet each other’s needs rather than a genuine relationship.

Anita seeks judicial review in the Federal Court.

The Court observes that the Migration Act requires decisionmakers to consider whether the parties have a mutual commitment to a shared life together in light of all the circumstances.

While love or affection may be relevant, the absence of romantic love does not necessarily prevent a genuine de facto relationship from existing.

The Court finds the Tribunal erred by treating the lack of romantic love as determinative of whether a genuine de facto relationship existed.

Thank you to Ellysha Laklem for her assistance with this column.

Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Numbers 14: 18 "The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love, forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished."

Time to bring them home

DEAR News Of The Area, WATCHING the Prime Minister mouthing Hansonisms like a puppet controlled from behind last week was simply embarrassing, so I Googled a couple of matters, i.e. how long have the so-called "Isis Brides" been detained in a camp in Syria and what is their average age.

These women, who Mr Albanese holds in contempt, are in their early twenties and early thirties, and Google also tells me that they have been held in the most squalid conditions for seven years.

By my calculations this means that some were teenagers or even children when they went to join their husbands and one must question the degree of control the girls had over their lives at the time quite apart from their life experience.

Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs freely acknowledge that the women and their children cannot be denied entry indefinitely and that our laws are sufficiently robust to deal with anyone who may wish the country harm, so talking tough is not fooling anyone.

We expect better from our leaders.

Do they realise how much fuel they are laying down for the far right to stoke its fires?

They have already made the women - and their children - a target.

For shame.

Time to bring them home.

Regards, Margaret ENGLAND, Mid North Coast.

Expressions of interest open for Volunteer Grants

FEDERAL Member for Lyne

Alison Penfold is encouraging notfor-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, with expressions of interest now open.

Volunteer Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible community organisations that rely on volunteers.

The program is designed to strengthen local volunteering by helping organisations remove barriers to participation and better support the people who give their time to serve our community.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our region,” Ms Penfold said.

“From sporting clubs and service organisations to emergency response groups and community associations, volunteers keep Lyne connected and functioning.

“These grants – albeit small in amount – do provide practical support to ensure they have the tools they need.”

Clear breach of international law

DEAR News Of The Area,

DESPITE what we might think of the oppressive regime in Iran, the US and Israel have been in breach of international law in the war they are conducting against that country.

There was no imminent threat to the US and Israel as the Omani mediator of talks between the US and Iran had indicated that Iran had offered major concessions in its nuclear program and was nowhere near developing a nuclear weapon.

If Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a clear breach of international law, so too is America and Israel’s attack on Iran.

The human suffering and destruction of infrastructure in many countries in the middle east is distressing and unacceptable and the impacts on many other countries including Australia, through the surge in oil and gas prices, will affect so many people already impacted by the cost of living.

And if the war continues many businesses could be adversely affected and we may go into a

recession.

It is yet another example of Trump’s pursuit of his new doctrine – that might is right and another repudiation of the concept of a rules-based order which had attempted to stop war between nations.

It does not serve the interests of Australia, nor most other nations. Australia’s attempt to play both sides of the fence is not from knowledge of right or wrong.

It is from cowardice, tinged with a sense of impotence, a fear of being shouted at, of being bullied and left alone to face its enemies.

Our leaders are not worthy of their followers.

Shame on both Labor and the LNP.

Meanwhile the earth is entering a phase of no return due to the impacts of global warming. Where is the international leadership on this, the most pressing issue facing humankind?

Regards, Les MITCHELL, Port Macquarie.

Australia’s ‘we’re with stupid’ moment

DEAR News Of The Area, ANYONE aware of Donald Trump ignoring advice from the Chairman from The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and listening to the outcry coming from US military experts, ex-CIA strategists and retired veterans over the unprovoked Israeli-led US strike on Iran, would be expecting a more cautionary muted response from our Government leaders; but no.

Except for the opposition from the Greens’ David Shoebridge, this was our “we’re with stupid” moment.

Funding can be used for items and services that directly support volunteers and volunteering activities, including:

- Communication equipment such as laptops, tablets, and radios

- IT software and technology upgrades

- Volunteer insurance

- Training and support materials

- Equipment to assist specific volunteer cohorts, including young people, seniors, First Nations volunteers, veterans, and people with disability

Eligible organisations must be not-for-profit and demonstrate that they rely on volunteers to deliver their services.

Expressions of interest must be submitted to Ms Penfold’s office by 5:00pm on Wednesday 1 April.

The form is available via Ms Penfold’s website under the ‘How I Can Help’ tab. For further information, organisations can contact Ms Penfold’s electorate office.

Ted O’Brien was quick out of the blocks with a “We can’t have a murderous regime with a nuclear weapon!”

Maybe he meant to say “two murderous regimes...”; given that Israel already is one.

While Albanese and Wong had to be dragged in to acknowledging Australian personnel embedded in the US operation, Cash was getting up a letter of ‘congratulations’ to the US in the senate.

Whatever for?

Surely not for vaporising a school full of children?

You also wouldn’t congratulate the US Secretary of State Rubio for being so focused on their fatal treacherous fake negotiation strategy that no Plan B was in place for the evacuation of the hundreds of thousands of US and allied personnel, plus tourists, including over 100,000 Australians, now stranded in a war zone?

You wouldn’t congratulate anyone on the massive disruption to global oil and gas supplies and negative impacts on an already straining global economy?

Neither would you congratulate them for the sickening hypermacho video published by selfproclaimed “Secretary of War” Hegseth, combining US action movie clips with actual footage of their atrocities? Really!

Is our Government so devoid of courage and intelligence that this is the best we can do?

Have Your Say

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au

Support for Bonny Hills rebuild

DEAR News Of The Area, I write regarding the article by

KCC Men's Golf Report

By DANNY LLOYD

THURSDAY competition was versus Kew Bowling Club

By Andrew RICHARDS

8th MARCH, 2026

In Round 4 of Open Pennants, Grade 4 lost to Wauchope 57-70 on the Master Board (0-10). Grade 6 lost to Kempsey Heights 47-60 (1-9), while Grade 7 defeated Comboyne 62-43 (9.5-0.5).

Kew Country Club Men’s Veterans Golf

By Laurie HAMILTON

RESULTS 09/03/2026 Single Stableford – non graded Sponsored by Camden Haven

Lake Cathie Bowling Club

By Suzanne MILES

TUESDAY, 3rd March, Ladies Social BowlsMarilyn Dewson, Effie Blueming & Chris Baldwin/Skip - winners.

Ettie Watchorn, Barbara Roberson & Cynthia Jones/Skiprunners-up.

WEDNESDAY, 4th March, Open Pairs -

LUSC Ladies Golf

By Robyn KING

TUESDAY 10th March 2026

There were 14 ladies playing a Stableford + NTP event today. Numbers were down with some players being deterred by rain the previous day and overnight.

Sue Stephenson about the Bonny Hills house demolition and rebuild above the surf club.

Par and sponsored by PRD. The clear singles winner on +7 was Robert Devlin. Next best were Kye Dunkley and Perry Harpur on +4.

In Round 5 of Open Pennants, Grade 4 lost to Lake Cathie 49-65 on the Master Board (0-10). Grade 6 defeated Port City Blue 65-43 (10-0), while Grade 7 defeated Lake Cathie 68-54 (10-0). Grade 7 is currently in first position after 5 rounds. Grade 6 is currently second. Well done guys and gals!

Next weekend, is another double header for Open Pennants,

Tyre & Service

42 Starters

Winner – Peter House 40 Pts.

2nd – Paul Dickson 38 Pts.

3rd – Peter Hammer 37 Pts. C/B.

Ball Winners – Vincent Lyons 37, Rob Lofthopuse 36, Ray Goodwin 35, Bob Myers 34 & Tony Denzel 33

Rob Penrose & Paul Goodacre - winners. Terry McDermott & Larry Wedd - runners-up.

THURSDAY, 5th March, Men's Social TriplesRink 1 - Brian Sloggett, John Morgan & Rob Edwards.

Rink 15 - Doug Rose, Ingo Model & Gary Beves.

Rink 10 - Jon Lee, Jim McGill & Ian Bond - Silver Medal.

FRIDAY, 6th March, Scroungers & Skins Fun DayDennis Hamilton - winner. Anne Wilson - runner-up.

However the course stood up quite well overall.

Div 1: 6 players

Winner: R. King 20

R/Up: M. Russell 14

NTP: V. Ryan

Div 2: 8 players

Winner: D. Keane 15

R/Up: J. Braithwaite 14

NTP: J. Hurrell

Balancing the scales

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 24

women.

Last year, the club fielded a women’s league tag team that played a full season - a massive achievement reflective of the club’s culture of grit, camaraderie and support.

This year saw the formation of the club’s first women’s tackle team, which proved very popular, but the draw locations and times didn’t align with the players’ availability, so they could not proceed.

“It would be nice to see stronger support of women in the game, and it is an absolute pleasure to see them turning up each week so eager to play.

“I’m excited for the year ahead, hopefully we keep

attracting ladies to this sport and it keeps getting bigger.”

Player Brie Ponsonby told News Of The Area, “Women in rugby league are changing the game.

"More women are stepping onto the field every season and proving that this sport is not defined by gender. “I’m really excited to be part of that growth this year and to see how far our team can go.”

The club’s vision for this year also includes greater retention of younger male players and more fully-developed men’s sides. Its goal is also to challenge the dominance of the more established clubs in the area.

q Benny Smith and the Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Women’s League Tag team.

I feel sorry for the owners, the development looks fine and the old house was a blot on the landscape. I am sorry the Progress Association opposed it; they were shortsighted and misguided.

SPORT RESULTS

The 2BBB winning pair were Paul Baker and Greg Laing on +11. Mark Young took out the GAREL GOLF NTP for $101.

Saturday’s March Monthly with games on both Saturday and Sunday. Round 6 is played on Saturday 14th March. Grade 4 plays Comboyne at Comboyne. Grade 6 plays Wauchope at home, while Grade 7 plays Port City at home. Round 7 is played on Sunday 15th March. Grade 4 plays Wauchope at Comboyne (neutral venue). Grade 6 plays Westport at Westport, while Grade 7 plays North Haven at North

Pts. C/B.

NTP

9th A Grade NO ONE, B Grade Kevin Anderson. C Grade Peter Johnson.

10th A Grade Richard Kightley, B Grade Graeme Kightley, C Grade NO ONE.

Men's Minor Pairs Club Championship Final -

Mike Ryan & Phil Innes V Bob Young & Keith Lawton, a hard fought game all the way and the score 22/19, Phil Innes & Mike Ryan, Men's Minor Pairs Club Champions 2026, well done to all who competed.

SATURDAY, 7th March, Open Gender Pennants, Round 4 -

Grade 3 - LCBC (home) V Sth. West Rocks - winner LCBC B/Brd. 73/49 Pts. 9/1

Grade 4 - LCBC (home) V

Cardies’ Results - 8 Cardies today with the winner, by a big margin, being Barbara Pole.

INVITATION to any ladies interested in playing social golfplease join us at Kew Country Club at 8am on Tuesdays or after our game for a coffee and a chat (around 11.30am) and we can explain the fees and processes.

Medal was sponsored by M&H MECHANICAL 4WD.

Grade winners were: Scott Dawson (A-66), Hayden Smith (B69) & Michael Dearling (C-66).

Haven.

In Wednesday Social Bowls, Steve Hall, Howard Burrows, and Steve McGregor claimed first prize. The Runners Up were Ray Pantlin, Chicka Thompson and Trevor Boyle. Voucher winners were Wayne Thrussell, Lindsay Moran, Keith Collins, and Dave Napper.

The Friday Jackpot Triples wasn’t played due to double

12th A Grade Vincent Lyons, B Grade Bernard Pousch, C Grade Tim Sherwin.

Our touring party travelled to Tuncurry on Monday and represented us pretty good. At the end of the day Tuncurry lead us by just 24, 364 – 340.

Kew Ladies Bowls

By Velvanie HARTAS

TUESDAY 5th

Today was the ladies first Game of pendants which was played at Kew club against lake Cathie.

Conboyne - winner LCBC B/Brd. 55/50 Pts. 9.5/.5

Grade 6 - LCBC (away) V Port City Blue - winner LCBC B/ Brd. 69/58 Pts. 9/1.

LUSC Snooker Club

By Michael EYLES

THE Tuesday night competition held on 3/3/26 had 18 players compete. The Major Final was won by Fred Farrugia, and the runner up was Graham Rees. The Minor

Regards, Carolyn OSBORNE, Camden Head.

Other good scores were nett 69s from Craig Malzard and Leigh Crowe.

Ryan Robertson won the GAREL GOLF NTP for $107.

headers in Pennants.

Next Wednesday there will be a special bowling event will be held to celebrate Seniors Week. Everyone welcome.

Bowls this week include Wednesday Seniors Days Bowling Event. Friday Cashpot Triples is suspended (due to Pennants Double Header). Open Pennants games are played on Saturday (Grade 6 and 7).

Notable good scorers were, Brian Jenner – 39, Paul Munro 37 & Wayne MOIR 35, 1ST, 2ND & 4TH in A Grade

Roger Castchpole 37 – 2nd in B

Grade

Neil Dark 35 4th in C Grade. WELL, DONE BOY’S.

There were 2. teams playing and very exciting to watch, even though it was hot out there. They were both close games with one team ending up a draw and the other team lost But a very good effort by all players.

Grade 7 - LCBC (home) V Port City - winner Port City B/Brd. 69/53 Pts. 9/1. Sunday Results next week.

Final winner was Frank Carnovale who defeated Michael Banicek. The Thursday night competition held on 5/3/26, attracted 16 players. Frank Carnovale won the Major Final, defeating Ron Phinn. In the Minor Final Bob Clark prevailed defeating Michael Eyles.

SUDOKU

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

GOING PLACES WITH ERNIE DINGO

SBS, 7.30pm

Friday’s fourth chapter of this eye-opening travelogue finds Ernie Dingo and Brooke Blurton (pictured, with Patrick De Geest) in Far North Queensland as they explore the lush greenery, wetlands and vast savannah of the Atherton Tablelands. They start their journey on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic service that winds its way through the plateau’s heritage-listed rainforest. Dingo then heads to Chillagoe National Park to experience the cultural significance of the breathtaking limestone landscape to the Wakaman people. Nearby, Blurton embarks on a nocturnal wildlife tour.

FRIDAY, March 13

(2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (Final, PG, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Final, Mal, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Following a murder at a Criminology Conference, the Professor must prove his innocence to regain his reputation.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.

10.20 Dog Park. (Final, Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

SUNDAY

FRAUDS

ABC TV, 8.50pm

Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker (pictured) as toxic best friends pulling off a heist together… where do we sign up? This thrilling new Spain-set series teams up Jones and former Whittaker as Bert and Sam, two con artists reunited after a decade apart. Their high-stakes reunion is triggered when Bert (Jones) is released from prison following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She immediately reaches out to the only person she trusts to help her carry out one last epic job. But Sam has been leading a quiet life, and Bert’s grand plan is the last thing she wants to get involved in. With a lifetime of baggage to unpack, this next-gen & Louise is an emotional but exciting ride.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.00 Make Up: A Glamorous History. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 Jeopardy! 4.55 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.25 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare. 10.05 Rock Legends. (PGs) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (Mav)

12.05 How Sports Changed The World. (PGav, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (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. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PGs, R) A young woman prepares to reopen her family hotel, while learning more about the life of her late mother. Lily James, Amanda Seyfried.

10.20 MOVIE: Nobody. (2021, MA15+v, R) A family man’s house gets burgled. Bob Odenkirk, Christopher Lloyd.

12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

THURSDAY NEW YORK GOURMET WITH JUSTINE SCHOFIELD

Travelling the world and tasting the finest local fare sounds like a dream holiday for most, but for MasterChef alum Justine Schofield (pictured), it’s essentially her 9 to 5. After jaunts to Malaysia, Macao, France and Fiji, the chef’s latest expedition sees her exploring the diverse and vibrant flavours of New York State. Following the Hudson River, north from the city, Schofield starts this episode at the Culinary Institute of America, a prestigious college whose graduates include bestselling author Anthony Bourdain. From sampling cannoli in Poughkeepsie to a picnic at Ithaca’s Buttermilk Falls, this tasty travelogue is sure to inspire future itineraries.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) Benicio del Toro.

1.00 Next Stop. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 Gladiators UK. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Golden Girls. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 8.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Quarter-final. Australia v Korea DPR. From HBF Park, Perth. 11.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 12.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 14

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

6.25

The country continues to cope with COVID. 10.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. (Return) 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 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R)

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGa, R)

10.25 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7. 1.25 Stormy. (Malns, R)

3.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6am Vai. (2019, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.25 3:10 To Yuma. (1957) 10.15 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 12.50pm Long Story Short. (2021, M) 2.35 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 4.50 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.30 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 8.30 The Fisher King. (1991, M) 11.00 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+, German) 12.35am Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+) 3.05 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Spitfire. (2018, PG)

SUNDAY, March 15

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (Return, PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Premiere, M)

8.50 Frauds. (Premiere, Mdl) Follows a woman fresh out of prison.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)

10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)

10.55 MOVIE: Judy And Punch. (2019, MA15+, R)

12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow.

9.15 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGan, R)

10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R) 11.15 MOVIE: Julia. (2021, Mals, R) 1.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8.

3.00 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997, Mv, R) A cop is recruited to be the partner of a special agent assigned to police extraterrestrials living on Earth. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino.

10.00 MOVIE: Men In Black II. (2002, PGh, R) A secret agent enlists his former partner. Tommy Lee Jones.

11.45 Highway Cops. (PGa)

12.15 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) 8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995, G, R) 10.35 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989, Mls, R) 12.25 Epic Builds. (R) 1.20 Open For Inspection. (R) 1.50 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A father and his two daughters search for a dog that can fill the house when the girls are at their mum’s.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Is Waverley, couple Rob and Nikki need work on their property to make it work for them.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Matlock. (PGadl, R) Matty and Olympia navigate a new trust

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 Britain’s Got Talent. (Return, PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.

10.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (Mav, R) A look at hit man Christopher Dale Flannery. 11.40 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mad, R)

12.40 The Age Of Elizabeth. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Million Dollar Minute. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise.

6am Spitfire. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.55 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.35 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 10.35 The Queen Of My Dreams. (2023, M) 12.25pm The Fisher King. (1991, M) 2.55 Vai. (2019, PG) 4.30 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 6.30 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 8.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 10.45 Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 12.55am Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+, German) 2.30 Late Programs.

MONDAY, March 16

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 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. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGal)

11.35 The Old Man. (Mal, R)

2.25 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGaw, R)

3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane breaks the ice.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

9.10 The Oscars. (PGalsv, R) A ceremony honouring achievements in filmmaking over the past year, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

12.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)

1.40 The Agenda Setters.

3.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.25 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 8.25 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 10.25 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 12.20pm Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 2.35 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 4.15 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 6.15 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 8.30 Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+, French) 11.15 Syriana. (2005, MA15+) 1.30am Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 17

(PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGaw, R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGd)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+dl, R)

11.55 Wolf. (Malsv, R)

2.10 Safe Home. (Malv, R)

3.10 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGav, R) 4.05 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.30 Doc. (Ma) When the hospital is hacked, it coincides with three patients showing similar symptoms.

9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A farmer is crushed by a hay bale.

10.30 The Agenda Setters.

11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PG) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am The Man Who Knew Infinity. Continued. (2015, PG) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.45 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 10.55 Tudawali. (1987, M) 12.35pm Ghoomer. (2023, M, Hindi) 3.00 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 4.45 Born To Dance. (2015, PG) 6.35 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 8.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 11.55 Hunger. (2008, MA15+) 1.35am Late Programs.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 100% Footy. (Mal)

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. From Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Replay. 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.

WEDNESDAY, March 18

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. 8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Face To Face. (Mv) 11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av)

1.30 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R) 3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGas)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan sits down with Noah Anderson.

10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 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 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+adlv) Presented by John Silvester.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

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. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05

Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.55 WWE Rivals. 2.50

SBS MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64)

6am Morning

Programs. 9.15 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 11.10 Sky Pirates. (1986, M) 12.45pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.20 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 4.20 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. (1974, M) 10.35 The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 12.40am Late Programs.

THURSDAY, March 19

(PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (Return)

8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Final, Ma)

9.35 A Spy Among Friends.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

12.00 Blackwater. (MA15+alv, R)

2.20 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 4.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20

2.55

1.35

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4.55

1.50

2.50

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Mackenzie is caught aiding and abetting.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 2. Hawthorn v Sydney.

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

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

11.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 1.00 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.10 Arabia’s Best Kept Secrets. 7.05 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. 12.55am Couples Therapy. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Australian Idol. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Discovering Film. 7.00 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 9.15 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 11.10 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.25pm The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 6.30 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 8.30 All The President’s Men. (1976, M) 11.00 Monster’s Ball. (2001, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.50 Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10

By Rachael THORPE

LAKE Cathie Bonny

Hills Rugby League Club

President Benny Smith is working hard to change perceptions of the male dominated sport.

As a father of daughters, Benny is determined to embody Australia’s International Women’s Day theme of "Balance the Scales”.

He’s worked very hard at a club level to attract and retain girls and women players, resulting in its executive committee comprising 50 percent

Balancing the scales

Join us on

Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Derwent Bridge,

New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston

COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree INCLUDES: All Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Tours

Bridge,

New Norfolk, Hobart, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Mona, Richmond, Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston

COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree INCLUDES: All Coach Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Tours