Camden Haven News Of The Area 27 March 2026

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Brosnan and Tracey Hannah.

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Luke’s brother Remy

LONG-TERM BLUEPRINT

By Rachael THORPE

Luke

Rachael

Doug

OUTLETS

Record fourth title for Comboyne rider

FROM Page 1 streak.

Luke’s ride through Victoria’s high country extends an impressive winning

Bill HARROW 0437 776 247 bill@newsofthearea.com.au Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au

He rode to a breakthrough World Cup victory at Lake Placid last October, and also won at Crankworx Rotorua

South Korea in early May.

Vale trailblazer Janet Cohen

By Sue STEPHENSON

CAMDEN Haven environmentalist, artist, and assisted dying advocate Janet Cohen, is being remembered as a trailblazer who fought to live her death as she lived her life: “with purpose and conviction”.

Janet died in Port Macquarie Base Hospital on 16 March, 12-years after she was first diagnosed with lung cancer.

She was 72.

Throughout her illness, Janet never wavered in her commitment to serving the arts, the environment and the disadvantaged.

Friend Steve Adams summed up her contribution to society.

“Janet was an activist, artist, writer, environmentalist, humanist, nature lover, and one of the nicest people on the planet.”

Partner Glenn Brewer met Janet while trekking through the Tasmanian wilderness in 1995.

He followed her to WA before the couple moved east in 1996, later settling in Dunbogan.

Janet worked at Port Macquarie Hastings Council for five years as a Cultural Development Officer, before leaving to become a freelance arts consultant.

In 2006, her “dream job” came up at Sea Acres in Port Macquarie, where she spent the next 10 years working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to manage the rainforest centre’s revitalisation.

Friend Les Mitchell said she was a passionate advocate for the environment.

“She had a wonderful ability to articulate the arguments for conserving nature,” he said.

“The protection of the natural values of

Camden Head was a particular focus for her, despite her health.”

Together they argued for the establishment of a Council biodiversity committee, “to ensure community input was taken into account in planning decisions, to protect biodiversity in our local area.”

A non-smoker, Janet discovered she had lung cancer in 2013, just before her 60th birthday.

Two years later, she was told it was terminal.

In 2017 she resigned from Sea Acres and joined the fight to allow the terminally ill to end their life with the support of a healthcare professional.

She became an advocate for Dying with Dignity and Go Gentle, writing that “I don’t want people to say I lost my battle with cancer. I want an empowered, meaningful death.”

When MP Alex Greenwich introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill to the NSW Parliament in 2021, Janet shared her story in the media and in parliament, becoming one of the faces of the proposed legislation.

The Bill was passed on 19 May 2022.

After an 18-month implementation period, the legislation came into effect on 28 November 2023, making NSW the last state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying.

Janet did not get the chance to take advantage of the law she helped introduce, however Glenn praised staff at Port Macquarie Base Hospital for the care and compassion they showed in respecting her final decisions.

Janet's life has been celebrated privately. It was her wish that her transition be low key in keeping with her Buddhist practice.

LONG-TERM BLUEPRINT

FROM Page 1

shaping the town’s future.

First drafted in 2021, the plan has remained unratified despite its significance as a long-term blueprint for the commercial and civic heart of Laurieton.

Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce President Luke Hadfield told News Of The Area, “The decision to place the draft on public exhibition gives the community a genuine opportunity to engage with a document that will help guide the future

direction of the town centre for years to come.”

A key outcome for the Chamber was Council’s decision to extend the exhibition period beyond the standard minimum requirement, with the draft to remain on public display for 45 days and not conclude before 1 June.

Mr Hadfield addressed Council in person during the public forum prior to the meeting, speaking on behalf of several community organisations and stakeholders who had

expressed concern that a standard 28-day exhibition period would not provide adequate time for meaningful public review.

He also acknowledged Mayor Adam Roberts for moving the amendment to extend the consultation period, along with Councillors Danielle Maltman, Rachel Sheppard, Chris Kirkman and Nik Lipovac for engaging in consultation leading into the meeting.

“I commend the Mayor for recognising the level of interest this carries within the

MP’s push for more social housing

MEMBER for Port Macquarie

Rob Dwyer has called for more social and affordable housing across the Port Macquarie electorate during an address to Parliament on Tuesday night.

Ahead of the state budget, Mr Dwyer said more funds were needed to increase supply as housing stress and homelessness were continuing to rise across the region.

“Too many people in our community are struggling to find a safe and stable place to live,” he said.

“We are hearing more and more stories of people sleeping in their cars, staying temporarily with friends or family, or living in parks and public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.

“This is not just a housing issue, it is a social issue, a health issue and a community issue.”

Mr Dwyer said one of the most concerning aspects of the crisis is the lengthy wait times for suitable properties.

“For someone already doing it tough, a decade is simply too long to wait for secure housing.

He also highlighted the increasing pressure in the

private rental market, where rising costs are pushing lowincome households out of reach.

“This includes people on the Age Pension, disability support and other income supports, as well as essential workers like nurses, aged care staff and hospitality workers.

“These are the people our community depends on, yet many are being priced out of the very communities they serve.”

Mr Dwyer acknowledged recent investment by Homes

NSW, including the upcoming development at the corner of Gordon and Grant streets in Port Macquarie.

It will deliver 94 new homes, including 28 social and 66 affordable housing units.

“This is a welcome project and will make a real difference… however, it will only meet a small fraction of the demand.”

Mr Dwyer told Parliament that the June State Budget presents a critical opportunity for the Government to take meaningful action.

community and supporting a more practical exhibition timeframe.

That decision gives people a fairer opportunity to engage and reflects the importance of getting community input right.”

The Chamber will now coordinate a community response effort aimed at ensuring residents, businesses and stakeholders are aware of the exhibition process, understand how to participate, and can put forward constructive feedback where necessary. This will include emphasising the need to engage actively in the formal process rather than limiting discussion to social media commentary.

Hastings SES volunteers honoured at awards night

NSW STATE Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers from the Hastings Cluster were recognised for courage, long service and outstanding commitment to the community at an awards ceremony held at the Westport Club.

The event highlighted the dedication of local volunteers who balance family and work commitments with training and call-outs to support the community during floods, storms and fires.

Awards were presented by NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns alongside local dignitaries

including MP Robert Dwyer, Mayor Adam Roberts and Port Macquarie Council General Manager Robert Fish.

SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was awarded to Mark Anderson and Michael Ward for their work during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods. Their overnight deployment to assist Macksville turned into a weeklong redeployment assisting the Mullumbimby unit near Lismore with multiple flood rescues, using vehicles and boats, dealing with landslips, power outages and loss of the local mobile

communications tower.

The Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was also awarded to five members of the Hastings Cluster Flood Rescue team for their selfless service during flooding in 2025.

Alfred Portenschlager, Shane Geurts, Christopher Staffort, Coen Acret and Will Steggall were acknowledged for their courage during extreme and dangerous weather conditions, when they conducted rescues and evacuations along the Hastings River during multiple 12-14 hour shifts in the major flood event last

May.

“None of us serve expecting recognition, yet moments like this remind us of the importance of what we do - even when it requires stepping into challenging or dangerous situations,” said Mr Portenschlage, a Leading Senior Operator (LSO).

Mr Geurts, the Unit Commander of Wauchope SES, said the award underscored the importance of “stepping up and helping others when it matters most”.

“Being part of the NSW SES is about more than volunteering, it’s about being there for people in times of need,” he said.

NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citations were also presented to the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and

Camden Haven units, in recognition of exemplary actions that saved lives and protected communities during significant flooding across the entire Mid North Coast in May 2025.

NSW SES Volunteers assisted in 475 storm and sandbagging flood support jobs, 12 flood rescues, 10 evacuation requests, 60 medical, food, and supply drops, along with requests for transport and fodder deliveries.

Long and diligent service was also acknowledged, with National Medals (15 years) presented to Henry Lundell, Scott Witchard and Tori White, and a National Medal clasp (25 years) presented to Will Steggall.

Mr Steggall, a Senior

Operator, said the milestone was a “big one”.

“It’s great to be recognised by the SES,” he said.

“You see so many selfless acts of courage, compassion and service in the SES - it’s uplifting.”

Ray Unger received the NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Award for a decade of active and Meritus service.

National Emergency Medals (Bushfires 2019–2020) were awarded to Paul Burg, Sarah Burg and Katie Blake in recognition of their service during the significant bushfire emergency period.

Volunteers’ family members and employers were also acknowledged for their support of local NSW SES members.

Home stretch for Beach to Beach

By Rachael THORPE

THE 11km Beach to Beach Shared Pathway is now in the home stretch with only three sections left to be completed. Once done, this will result in a continuous off-road route from North Haven to Pilot Beach via Laurieton and Dunbogan.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council acts as the custodian and technical advisor on the project, however

construction is heavily reliant upon successful grant applications.

The pathway is designed to provide safe and equitable access to all sections of the community, including those with limited mobility, and to allow for exploration of the coastline without requiring a car.

Next week, the organising committee is meeting at Laurieton United Services Club to provide a

planning update, and share information on their vision for the remaining segments.

Those present will include the State Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, Mayor Adam Roberts, and Port Macquarie Hastings Council General Manager Robert Fish.

Committee President Penny Small told News Of The Area, “We’d like to invite all interested residents to come along to the meeting.

Recognition for Bonny Hills trio

BONNY Hills residents Bill Howell, Melinda Robinson and Brian Barker have been recognised for their service to the local community.

They are the recipients of the inaugural Bonny Hills Progress Association’s Community Awards, which were presented on 17 March following the association’s annual general meeting.

The meeting included updates on key projects.

Re-elected VicePresident Kathy Regan encouraged residents to “have their say” about the overdue Rainbow Beach Reserve Draft Masterplan, referring to it as the

‘investment map’ for the future of the iconic area.

She also emphasised the need to keep applying pressure on governments to begin planning for an overpass at the intersection of Houston Mitchell Drive and the Pacific Highway.

Members also heard that the quality of water entering the ocean from the Waste Water Treatment Plant was generally high, except after heavy rain.

This can cause overload and low quality run-off.

Ongoing delays in diverting output for use in sports fields and as garden water in new residential

areas was described as frustrating.

Investigations into the plant life around Bonny Hills have revealed its remarkable beauty and variety, with booklets, maps and a database in the pipeline.

Members also heard how the fifth Bonny Hills Art Prize was a great success with increasing interest from artists and the public, year-on-year, and profits going into community projects.

Strong support by local businesses and an army of volunteers underpinned this success.

“The voices of the community are needed to ensure the project remains a top priority for both Council and State Government.

“A strong community turnout is the most effective way to demonstrate that the Camden Haven is united in its request for the funding required to cross the finish line.”

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 31 March commencing at 6.30pm.

Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston

Vale Councillor Lisa Intemann

By Sue STEPHENSON

THE Hastings Valley has lost one of its tireless champions, with the death of Councillor Lisa Intemann.

Her sudden passing in John Hunter Hospital on 20 March, after what her family said was a “short period of care”, prompted community members to publicly share their gratitude for her 27 years as an elected representative.

They recalled “a feisty fighter” with “steadfast beliefs” who worked to “secure justice for those living in poorly resourced conditions”, and who had the “honesty, bravery and ability to actually listen to the community”.

Cr Intemann, who lived in Wauchope, was also a mother and grandmother.

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Mayor Adam Roberts has extended his condolences to her family on behalf of the

wider community.

Cr Intemann was first elected in 1995 and served three terms until 2008, when Council entered a four-year administration period.

She was re-elected in 2012; then again in 2016, 2021 and 2024.

A former journalist with the Wauchope Gazette, she was also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and held non-executive directorships on organisations including the Hastings Co-op.

Both Cr Roberts and Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac have shared statements acknowledging their colleague’s community service.

Some of those comments follow.

Mayor Adam Roberts

“Lisa dedicated much of her life to serving the Port Macquarie-Hastings community, and her passion for making our region a better place was evident in

everything she did.

“From her early days in the mid-1990s through to her many roles across Council and the community, Lisa brought care, insight and a deep understanding of local issues.

“Lisa’s contribution to public life has left a legacy, and she will be remembered not only for her service, but for the genuine way she connected with people.”

Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac

“[Lisa] would speak bluntly, directly and honestly, without softening her language to spare feelings or avoid confrontation.

“I respected her work ethic, in addition to her incredible local knowledge and willingness to support other Councillors when they needed another voice on the floor.

“On hearing a decent case being presented… she would quietly say ‘here, here’ or

‘well said’ and then you knew you were on the right track.

“I will miss those moments, and her postmeeting chats.

“I was greatly impressed by her ability to speak in the Chamber from the heart, backed up with factual details and without notes on just about any subject. I aspire to be that good one day.

“There were some meetings where she was particularly fired up and I would sit back, eat my popcorn, and watch the debate unfold.

“It still brings a smile to my face.

“Vale Lisa Intemann. You will be missed.”

Locals promoting the region

By Rachael THORPE

THE Big Axe in front of the visitor information centre at Kew is a familiar sight as you exit the highway.

Built in 2013 and known as iKew, it is staffed and maintained by a group of 28 volunteers.

These dedicated locals provide an extensive selection of information on activities including walking, cycling, swimming, fishing, eating, and shopping to the approximately 5,000 visitors who pass through each year.

iKew has a wide range of local, handmade

crafts and souvenirs for sale which prove very popular with domestic and international visitors, with the organisation keen to reinforce the benefits of buying locally.

Organising Committee president Geoff Browning told News Of The Area, “This is the most friendly and cohesive group that I have ever been a part of; I love giving back to a community that welcomed me with open arms after a challenging period in my personal life.”

Recently the Chamber of Commerce held a meeting at iKew, with Chamber

President Luke Hadfield telling News Of The Area, “One of the Chamber’s key goals is creating opportunities for local businesses and community groups to connect, and hosting this event at the iKew centre gave our members a valuable insight into one of the region’s most important visitor gateways.

“The volunteers who keep the centre operating do an incredible job.

“Their commitment ensures visitors arriving in our region receive a warm welcome and local knowledge that often

encourages them to stay longer, spend locally and explore more of what

During peak periods the centre facilitates Driver

Reviver, a program that the volunteers are very passionate about.

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

By Tom WARK, AAP

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission.

The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no

longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed.

NSW produces the second most amount of coal of any state behind Queensland, according to Geosciences Australia.

Emissions requirements will be a condition of any project expansions, the

government says, but its own Net Zero Commission says any move to expand coal production is at odds with environmental goals.

In December, the commission found any increase in coal mining activity would leave the state at odds with the Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement.

The position sets firm expectations on producers and the communities that rely on coal mining, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

Regional communities who rely on mining for employment and trading partners who want commitments met can all gain confidence from the plan, the government says.

However, Greens MPs and environmental groups say it fails the climate test.

"This policy still allows coal production to grow, and that's completely incompatible with a safe climate," Greens coal spokeswoman Cate

Faehrmann said.

The government has failed to impose any environmental restrictions on the nine expansions approved since the government took office in 2023, the Lock the Gate Alliance said.

"The NSW government is using semantics to mask the truth that coal project approvals will continue as business as usual," head of research Georgina Woods said.

Only three of NSW's 37 operating coal mines have enforceable emissions limits, the Net Zero Commission found.

Stopping new coal mines was a welcome step but the

continued acceptance of expansions was exposing residents to more climate harm, the Australian Conservation Foundation said.

"It's time to wind up all coal projects in NSW starting today and prepare for a renewable-powered net zero emissions future," campaigner Freja Leonard said.

The minerals sector welcomed support for mine expansions but NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said blocking new mines placed a limit on future economic opportunities for the state.

Council opens grants program

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has announced the opening of its Community and Major Events Grants, inviting event organisers, community groups, and creatives to bring their ideas to life and “activate our region with vibrant experiences”.

PMHC is now accepting applications for this round of Community Grants for the following categories.

Community Projects (up to $7000)

To support community-led projects and programs that strengthen inclusion, participation, connection, resilience and wellbeing.

Creative Community (up to $7000)

To support creative and cultural activities that encourage artistic expression, storytelling, and community engagement through art forms such as visual arts, performance, music, dance, and digital media.

Community Events (up to $5000)

To support local community groups to deliver inclusive events that foster connection, wellbeing, and participation, including events marking national or global observances.

Micro Grants (up to $2000)

To support unexpected opportunities for our community organisations to

enhance people, places and spaces.

Eligible groups are also encouraged to apply for Major Events Grants of up to $5000.

These are aimed at supporting groups whose event has the potential to bring a significant number of overnight visitors from outside the region.

Applicants should demonstrate that their event has the potential to develop and maintain an ongoing major events status, can contribute positively to the region’s economy, and can possess the potential for long-term growth and sustainability.

For more information and how to apply, visit the council’s website.

St Joseph’s Day inspires giving

By Sis HIGGINS

STUDENTS at St Joseph’s Primary School in Laurieton raised more than $500 for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion during St Joseph’s Day celebrations on Thursday 19 March.

The day combined reflection, learning and giving to support vulnerable communities through water, food, education and livelihoods.

Principal Rick Galvin described the day as a meaningful celebration that brought the school community together, with a strong emphasis on its history and shared values.

“It was a wonderful day,” he said.

“Year 1 and 2 led us in a beautiful liturgy with wonderful songs.

“We listened to insights from ex-teacher Joan Wood and ex-student John Wood, who told us all about the history of the school.

He also shared a Gospel reflection on St Joseph,

highlighting his example of quiet strength, humility and service.

“To live the 'St Joseph’s Way' is to recognise that we are a family bound by quiet courage and a commitment to looking out for one another.

“We see this ‘St Joseph’s Way’ come to life in the unique roles we each play.

“For our students, this means practising ‘Quiet Courage’.

“We challenge you to be a protector of your peers’ feelings, leading the way with kindness and ensuring everyone truly belongs.

“For our staff, this means leading with a ‘Guardian’s Heart’.

“By being a calm, listening presence, you build the nurturing space that our students need to grow in faith.

“And for our parents, this means being a ‘Safe Harbour’.

“In the busyness of daily life, you follow Joseph’s example by choosing to be fully present, ensuring your children feel truly seen and

loved.”

The afternoon shifted to action, with Year 5 and Year 6 students leading the Project Compassion fundraiser.

They organised a range of activities, including a talent show, which encouraged participation from across the school.

Project Compassion is a national initiative run by Caritas Australia during Lent.

It encourages students to learn about global inequality and take action through fundraising and awareness.

q Students enjoy the fun and games as part of the St

CWA branches gather for Group Council

By Pauline CAIN

BULAHDELAH Country Women’s Association hosted the Mid North Coast Group Council Meeting on Wednesday 11 March.

President Belinda Moore welcomed visitors to the Bulahdelah Golf Club with five junior branch members greeting guests and helping to serve food and drinks.

Immediate past state president Joy Beames travelled from Dunedoo for the meeting, which was attended by 13 branches, 36 group officers and councillors, and 15 observers.

Represented were members from Wingham, Wallamba, Forster, Gloucester, Kendall, Lake Cathie-Hastings, Port

Macquarie, Wauchope, Gladstone, Yarrahapinni and Nambucca Heads.

Group President Lynn Moore, Treasurer Janella Leotta, and Secretary Eunice Roberts, conducted the official business of the day while Group Handicraft Officer Mary McEnallay and her team ran the handicraft competition.

“The branch handicraft challenge, which involved creating items of food, was well represented with 14 branches entering,” Mary said.

“It was also great to have some entries in the Chairperson’s Challenge Kantha Stitch Embroidery.”

Kantha refers to both the style of running stitch, as well as the finished cloth, made by women from the

Bengali region of India.

Lyn Cummings and Carol Vincent from the CWA Hunter River Group judged all the items and were impressed with the variety and quality of entries.

The Rose Bowl Ella Evane Trophy went to Gloucester Evening Branch

with 643 points, the highest score for the eight item challenge.

The shield donated by the South West Rocks branch went to the second highest score - the Wauchope and Wingham branches on 630 points.

The Barbara Reichert

Dovida Aged Care

Trophy for third

The North Haven Baptist Church family would like to wish everyone in our community a safe and happy Easter. We hope this special time of year brings moments of rest, joy, and time with family and friends.

Easter reminds us of a message that has brought hope to people for generations. Through Jesus, we see that God’s love is real, His forgiveness is freely offered, and no one is beyond the possibility of a fresh start.

If you are looking for a place to reflect, to reconnect with faith, or simply to experience the hope that Easter brings, we warmly invite you to join us for our Easter services – Good Friday at 9.00am and Easter Sunday at 9.30am.

Announcements galore as fuel shortages hit hard

IN Parliamentary Question Time on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns provided an update into fuel shortages across NSW.

At the time of speaking, he said 32 petrol stations in NSW were without any kind of fuel.

“That's down from 51 stations yesterday but concerningly, 187 stations are out of diesel,” he said.

“The split of regional and metro stations are 78 stations in regional New South Wales and 109 in metropolitan Sydney.

“I can also report to the house that of the stations that are without fuel, there is an alternative service station with fuel within 30 kilometres, which is good news.”

Premier Minns said that Australia currently has more fuel available than it did on 25 January, however the “marketplace is not efficiently distributing it”.

He also categorically denied that NSW would introduce “Covid-style emergency measures”.

“I'm not going to be in a situation where we're bringing back home schooling or lockdowns or any of these kinds of preposterous interventions.”

It was then announced that the government will use legal powers to compel the major oil companies in Australia to provide information as to how and where they will be distributing fuel, particularly to regional communities.

Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices

The NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have

run out of fuel.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state.

Under NSW law, fuel retailers must:

• Register with FuelCheck and report price changes in real time

• Ensure displayed prices match the price charged at the bowser.

To ensure compliance, NSW Fair Trading is currently conducting unannounced inspections of fuel retailers across metropolitan and regional areas.

Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “NSW Fair Trading is significantly increasing its compliance activity to make sure motorists get accurate price information every time they fill up.

“If consumers see a price mismatch between FuelCheck and the bowser, they should report it via the app or website to NSW Fair Trading.”

Retailers who break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.

Site launched for reporting fuel shortages

The Coalition has launched a new website allowing regional Australians a direct way to report fuel outages and supply issues.

Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the site, nofuelhere.com.au, would show Energy Minister Chris Bowen “exactly where

q FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state.

communities are being hit”.

“We are facing a fuel supply crisis in the country and regional Australians are bearing the brunt of this with skyrocketing fuel prices and increasing supply outages,” Ms Penfold said.

“This website is about showing Minister Bowen exactly where fuel is not available or is being voluntarily rationed and the impact that is having on regional communities.

“I will be providing the information to the Minister to assist him to be fully informed of the locations of fuel shortages in the hope that this will trigger him to use the powers that he has.”

The website allows locals, businesses and transport operators to log shortages, highlighting the scale of disruption across the country.

“People in regional Australia should not have to wonder whether they will be able to fill up their car, keep their farm running or get goods to market,” Ms Penfold said.

“I encourage anyone experiencing fuel shortages to report it through No Fuel Here so we can make sure the Government has the information it needs to act.”

Calls for free public transport at Easter

With fuel prices hitting

Small business survey opens

THE Council of Small Business Organisations

Australia (COSBOA) has launched its 2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey, focused exclusively on small businesses operating in regional, rural and remote Australia.

The national research initiative aims to capture the lived experience of businesses beyond major cities, ensuring regional conditions are clearly reflected in national policy discussions throughout 2026.

The annual survey gathers insights across business performance and outlook, workforce and skills, housing and childcare access, health services, digital connectivity, banking access, energy and insurance costs, disaster impacts and small business wellbeing.

COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio said strengthening the regional evidence base is critical to ensuring national reform conversations

are underpinned by real experience from across the country.

“Running a small business in regional Australia can be fundamentally different to operating in a capital city,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“Workforce shortages, constrained housing supply, service gaps, connectivity limitations, disaster recovery and the cost of doing business can have amplified impacts in regional and remote

record highs and household budgets being hit hard, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have called on the NSW Government to provide free public transport this Easter long weekend.

Petrol has now skyrocketed past $3 a litre in NSW.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said many families would be rethinking what they can afford this Easter.

"This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure.

“Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families' pockets when they need it most," Ms Sloane said.

NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh said XPT and Trainlink coaches should be included.

“For families in regional NSW, the Easter long weekend often means a long drive, and now, an expensive one.

“Free travel on XPT and Trainlink coaches gives regional families a real alternative,” Mr Singh said.

Market information sought

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has written to the chief executives of the major fuel companies to seek information to inform

communities.

“If national decisions are going to work for small business, they must reflect the realities faced outside metropolitan centres. That starts with credible, on-theground data.”

The findings will form part of COSBOA’s annual Small Business Perspectives Report and inform its engagement with government, regulators and policymakers throughout 2026.

“This survey ensures that when we engage with decision-makers, we do so with independently gathered

the state’s response to fuel distribution challenges arising from the war in the Middle East.

While the Federal Government has confirmed that fuel deliveries to Australia continue to arrive as planned, NSW and other states are experiencing localised shortages and distribution issues in the face of increased demand.

The NSW Government is seeking historical information on storage and stocks, as well as sales and orders.

“We are continuing to monitor the impacts the Middle East conflict is having on NSW fuel distribution,” Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said.

“We are planning for all possible scenarios, noting the unpredictable nature of the overseas conflict and the potential for the fuel situation to deteriorate.”

The NSW Government’s message remains that “people should only buy as much fuel as they need”.

Councils call for petrol priority

Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) is calling on the NSW Government to ensure that fuel supplies to councils are prioritised, warning that essential community services

data drawn directly from business owners themselves.

“Regional small businesses sustain local economies and communities across Australia. Their experience must be clearly represented in the national policy conversation,” Ms Cappuccio said.

COSBOA says broad participation across industries and geographic regions will be essential to building a robust and representative picture of regional small business.

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

would be put at risk without guaranteed supplies.

The president of the peak body for local governments across the state, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, has written to Minister Penny Sharpe urging her to prioritise access to fuel supply for essential council services and functions, particularly should emergency fuel supply declarations be made.

“I have today requested that the NSW Government take action to guarantee the supply of fuel to councils so that the critical services we deliver are protected,” Mayor Byrne said on Tuesday.

“Basic services that could be impacted by fuel shortages include garbage collection, water and sewerage services, aged care, community-run transport services, and road works.

“Apart from pricing pressures across the board, the impacts are being most acutely felt by some of the most remote councils in NSW, which are already under significant financial sustainability pressures.”

Mayor Byrne represented the local government sector at the recent NSW Fuel Security Roundtable in Sydney with the Premier, government ministers, department secretaries, industry, and representative groups.

Responses are confidential and independently managed by research agency Survey Matters. The 2026 COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Survey closes on 30 April 2026.

Regional small business owners can participate at https://research. surveymatters.com.au/n/ L4DcGDl?ver=1734032926. Founded in 1977, and incorporated in 1979, the COSBOA is a member based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing the interests of small businesses.

Marlin and mackerel fire up

By Kate SHELTON

AS April approaches, the mornings are feeling cooler and we are experiencing some consistent southerly winds.

Along the North Haven breakwall this week, the sight of large schools of mullet gathering at the river mouth suggests the spawning run is just about to kick off.

It’s a busy time for our local commercial fishers as well, who are keeping a close eye on the headlands to continue the generations-old tradition of beach netting.

The Hastings River has been dealing with some murky water this week from the rain we’ve had, but that hasn't stopped the fish from biting.

For those chasing flathead, fresh garfish and soft plastics are the standout performers.

Luderick numbers are also on the rise, with cabbage and weed flies proving effective around the Lady Nelson wharf, the CBD main wharf, and the breakwalls.

The offshore scene is particularly electric right now. I managed to head out last weekend off Port Macquarie and found some incredible activity in just 20 metres of water off Shelly Beach.

The water was a warm 25 degrees and thick with tuna and the odd mackerel.

The highlight, however, was the billfish action, we managed to land one out of three marlin in a high-energy session.

With the upcoming full moon, expectations are high for mulloway.

Enthusiasts are already congregating at the breakwalls, especially during the high tide. If you're looking for fresh bait, the cleaner water near the river mouth is currently holding

plenty of pike, garfish, and herring.

With large swell caused from the recent southerly winds, those braving the beaches have been rewarded with quality mulloway and an increasing number of tailor, particularly at North Shore in the protected corner of the breakwall.

Further south, school-sized mulloway are keeping anglers happy in and around Lake Cathie. With the full moon approaching and the mullet run starting, we expect to see some

much larger specimens hitting the beaches shortly.

Rock fishing is also at its peak, Perpendicular Point and Diamond Head are producing excellent tailor, some pushing the 2kg mark, especially for those using garfish or surface poppers. Drummer and luderick are also being caught in good numbers in these areas.

For the boaties, rumours of mackerel off Bonny Hills and Crowdy Head are circulating, making it a great time to prep the offshore gear.

The Macleay River is currently a hotspot, with healthy schools of mulloway, bream, and flathead keeping everyone busy.

Success here is all about timing, fresh bait and the high tide are the keys to a productive session.

Offshore, up at Grassy Head, the mackerel fishing has been hit and miss.

With the school holidays fast approaching, expect to see a surge of visiting anglers hitting the water to make the most of this autumn golden period.

A warning though for those crossing the bar, the swell has made for some dangerous conditions this week.

HEART HEALTH NSW Supporting patients and families

HEART Health NSW’s volunteer group provides vital support to patients and families within the cardiac unit at Port Base Hospital.

“We visit patients and their loved ones, offering reassurance, emotional support and encouragement - helping them understand there is life after heart surgery and recovery is possible,” the group said.

“Our volunteers also assist the rehabilitation team by setting up exercise stations, timing exercises, supporting equipment preparation and sterilisation, and helping create a positive and encouraging environment.

Heart Health NSW is a fully volunteer-

run group, with no paid employees.

Raising andAWARENESS

Raising MONEY $100 was donated by this feature

Fundraising efforts go directly toward purchasing equipment and enhancing facilities within the cardiac unit to improve patient care.

PRINCE

Volunteers facilitate four walking groups: Laurieton, Gladstone, Port Macquarie, Wauchope.

“No one walks alone and you’re never expected to walk a marathon.

“It’s about connection, movement and support at your own pace.”

The group also holds a mid-year picnic and a Christmas party to “bring everyone together and celebrate progress and community spirit”.

“We kindly ask local businesses and community members to support us by donating a prize for our raffle - helping us raise funds to continue supporting heart patients and their families.

“Together we strengthen hearts and build a stronger community.”

THE NSW Schools Spectacular audition team headed north on Wednesday for live Featured Vocalist auditions, giving Coffs Coast and Northern NSW

public school students the hometown advantage.

Secondary students from schools across the region –Coffs Harbour, Gulmarrad, South Grafton, Casino,

Camden Haven, Ballina, Bellingen, Mullumbimby, Maclean, Bonville and Woolgoolga - auditioned at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium in the

Spectacular auditions begin Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its twoyear inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities.

The Committee's final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations.

Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change.

"Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel safe and supported,” Mr Atalla said.

“We need to continue planning for the future and investing in long-term solutions.”

The inquiry visited ten different communities across regional NSW, including for hearings at Bourke, Broken Hill,

Kempsey and Tamworth.

“People told us that funding place-based, community-led responses is the most effective way to respond to youth offending,” Mr Atalla said.

The report makes a number of recommendations relating to the organisation and oversight of funding arrangements, support for young people involved in the

hopes of securing a place in the world’s largest annual variety show produced by the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit.

This is the third consecutive year the team has taken auditions on the road into the regions to provide greater opportunity for regional students.

Riverina was first up, followed by Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

The NSW Schools Spectacular has launched the careers of many beloved Australian artists such as Human Nature, Nathan Foley, Jack Vidgen, Paulini and 2024 Australian Idol runner-up Ilish Rettalick, who took to the Qudos Bank Arena stage for the first time as a Featured Artist in 2024.

Schools Spectacular crowd favourite and Year

Youth Justice system, police resourcing, and training for police and Local Court magistrates.

"Keeping children engaged in education, safe in the evening, and supported during difficult times is vital,” Mr Atalla said.

“Programs that provide at-risk children with wraparound support and skills for life give young

Last call for local ideas

CHARITIES, community groups and not-for-profit organisations delivering community-led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March.

The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, communities and the environment.

One organisation that received funding in the 2025 round is Repurposing for Resilience, a Eurobodallabased local group that is giving discarded solar panels a second life through creative, community-led reuse.

Lisa Cornthwaite from Repurposing for Resilience says the grant enabled the organisation to activate its Plate Forward initiative.

The project combines sustainability outcomes with strong community and wellbeing benefits by repurposing an original 1950’s Carapark trailer into a mobile dishwashing station.

“With the grant we’ve created a service that

offers reusable cutlery and crockery, which we take out to events to stamp out single use packaging,” Lisa said.

“It might seem like a small thing, but it has a giant impact not only for the environment but also for the wellbeing of our community.”

Essential Energy’s Head of Sustainability, Sophie Cruickshank, says the program is designed to support regional, rural and remote organisations across Essential Energy’s footprint, like Repurposing for Resilience, who are already leading positive change in their communities.

“We know there are many community-led organisations across our footprint doing incredible work in sustainability and resilience,” Sophie said.

“These grants are about giving local groups the support they need to turn strong ideas into real, on-the-ground outcomeswhether that’s improving sustainability, supporting the energy transition, or strengthening community resilience.” .

With a total funding pool of $150,000 for FY26, the program supports projects aligned to two key themes:

11 Maclean High School student Alora Mahoney is auditioning for her fourth consecutive year, wowing on the Qudos Bank Arena stage in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Schools Spectacular Creative Director Sonja Sjolander, said holding auditions across regional NSW makes a substantial difference to student confidence and overall performance.

“We’re searching for truly original talent; not just the usual song-and-dance routine, but extraordinary students with a distinct spark, capable of electrifying both the audience and the 5,000 performers they’ll inspire and lead,” explained Ms Sjolander.

“Heading into the regions to see young artists in their local environment gives us a better sense of student personality and individuality, which is so

people the support they need to thrive.

"We heard positive feedback on current initiatives during this inquiry.

“However, there are opportunities to expand and improve service delivery and availability in regional NSW to better support at-risk young people.

“Our hope is that the

important for this year’s theme ‘Original’.

“We look forward to seeing what these students can potentially bring to this year’s show.”

In the hours before auditions, students participated in a half-day skills workshop to develop performance quality and vocal technique.

“This year’s regional tour is a collaboration, not just an audition,” said Ms Sjolander.

“The show isn’t fully finished yet, so the workshop is also a chance to share original ideas to integrate into the creative design of the production.”

More than 5,000 NSW public school students from hundreds of schools across New South Wales will come together at Qudos Bank Arena on 27 and 28 November 2026 for the 43rd Schools Spectacular, ‘Original’.

recommendations will help to do this."

The report also recommends that the NSW Government provides a progress report on the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee.

The inquiry's final report can be found on the Committee's webpage, along with the interim report tabled in May 2025, and evidence received throughout the inquiry.

q The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.

energy transition, and sustainability and climate adaptation.

“These focus areas are about helping organisations

use energy in smarter, cleaner ways and supporting initiatives that protect the environment and prepare for future challenges.

“We encourage eligible community groups to apply before applications close,” Sophie said. Applications close 31

Farmers share insights on mental health

RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land.

Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows a clear cultural shift.

“Farmers are increasingly recognising that wellbeing is fundamental to the

sustainability of their farms and families,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Conversations around mental health are becoming more open, and more farmers say they would reach out for professional support if needed.

“However, the findings also reveal that more farmers reported a decline in their mental health over the past 12 months than an improvement.”

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the results reflect both progress and sustained pressure across the sector.

“We are seeing real change in how farmers talk

about mental health,” Mr Warlters said.

“There is greater openness and a stronger willingness to seek support.

“But the pressures they are facing are significant and ongoing.

“Drought, rising costs and uncertainty don’t switch off at the end of a season.

“They compound over time, and that takes a toll.”

The report also highlights the broader impact on families.

Many farmers expressed concern about their children’s futures, including financial stability, access to education and long-term employment opportunities.

Community remains a cornerstone of rural life and farmer wellbeing.

Farmers consistently describe local networks as essential during difficult seasons, providing practical support and shared understanding.

Mr Warlters said timely assistance can ease both practical and emotional strain.

“Practical help matters, but just as important is knowing someone understands the realities of farming life,” he said.

“No farmer should feel they have to carry that weight alone.”

Rural Aid is encouraging

New funding for regional events

A NEW $50 million fund aimed at building community connections and supporting events in regional areas has been announced by the NSW Government.

The Active Regional Communities Package delivers funding through three streams for nonprofit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and

any farmer or farming family experiencing stress or hardship to seek support early.

Farmers seeking assistance can call Rural Aid’s confidential counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.

1. $15 million for Regional Events and Partnerships: Grants up to $2 million to support regional communities attract or develop new events across industry, sport, culture, or music; boost economic impact of existing events; improve accessibility with upgraded infrastructure. Applications open on 16 March 2026.

2. $25 million for Community

Participation: --Grants of up to $1 million to improve access to local activities and regional connection. For example, upgrading sports grounds to competition standard; expanding cultural and community facilities; safe transport and/or staffing to expand participation in group activity and engage across a region. Applications open on 23 March 2026.

3. $10 million for

Local Priorities: Grants of up to $100,000 to help community organisations boost well-being and social or economic participation. Funding could upgrade safety and equipment; hire skilled staff to tutor, referee or supervise; increase the frequency and range of activities; support and establish groups that support community connection and resilience. Applications open on 13 April 2026.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “This funding will deliver major events for regional towns that entertain local audiences, attract tourist dollars, and inspire participation.

“Club secretaries, coaches, show judges, referees, players, tuck shop and BBQ volunteers are the glue that binds a village or town together and these grants will make sure locals can participate in activities that will enhance their wellbeing.

“Regional towns have infrastructure that can be upgraded or its useability expanded with this new funding so they can hold regional sporting, cultural or industry events; or improve existing facilities to make it easier for women, youth or disabled to participate.

“I encourage community and sporting groups, local councils, and major organisations to start thinking about what they can do to increase economic benefits and the fun and joy of country life.”

THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”).

The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in 1981.

each year, are eligible for a NIL Scheme loan.

boarding houses and nursing homes.

Government extends funding for two key programs

The NIL Scheme helps eligible applicants to borrow up to $2,000 for appliances, furniture, car repairs or medical expenses, or up to $3,000 for housing-related expenses such as rental bonds or recovering from a natural disaster.

Over the 2023-24 financial year, the program provided 13,485 loans.

Families with dependents collectively earning $100,000 each year, or singles earning $70,000

The NIL Scheme additionally provides financial relief for those who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, as well as people living on a pension.

In a further boost, the Government will also fund the ASCA Program from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 at a total of more than $8.5 million.

The ASCA Program supports not-for-profit organisations which empower older residents living in retirement villages,

These organisations help by giving guidance on older residents’ rights under the Retirement Villages Act 1999 and the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, including representation at tribunal hearings and assisting with resolving disputes.

In the last financial year, 4,849 individuals received legal services or community support through the ACSA Program.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said

the programs have a “long history of supporting the people who need it most, including older residents and domestic violence victimsurvivors”.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “NILS serves to protect vulnerable consumers from predatorial loan practices which might take advantage of them and their inability to reconcile their loans quickly.

“By offering this alternative, consumers can safely obtain items for the household or key medical procedures while safeguarding their

Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country.

Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on the issues impacting the country, their aspirations and insights into their schooling and home life.

In 2025, more than 4,000 NSW young people

completed the survey, naming cost of living (66 percent), mental health (31 percent), climate change and the environment (25 percent), and housing and homelessness (23 percent), as the most important issues in Australia today.

Mission Australia State Director NSW and ACT Di Kapera said the Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to understand what young people across the state are going through.

“We’ve been doing the Youth Survey for 25 years now, and it continues to give activities.

us valuable data on a group whose perspectives are often missing or ignored,” Ms Kapera said.

“In 2025, for the second year in a row, cost of living was the number one issue of concern for NSW respondents.

“Young people told us that the high cost of housing and everyday essentials was impacting them and their families.

“We expect that this year’s survey will once again reflect the fact that many families around the country are doing it tough.

“They’re struggling to find affordable housing, pay the bills and put food on the table, with many parents making sacrifices so their children don’t miss out.”

Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government, nongovernment organisations, local councils, schools and the public.

“Data from the survey is utilised by a variety of organisations, educators and government stakeholders to inform policies, research and the creation of programs and

services that assist young people,” Ms Kapera said.

“We aim to get responses that span a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and locations so that the survey reflects the diversity of our state.”

The survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, study and work.

This year’s survey will include some new areas of

financial wellbeing and independence.”

NSW Rental

Commissioner Trina Jones said most users of the No Interest Loans Scheme are renters.

“By using these types of loans which don’t garner interest they can offset their expenses and use money to pay rent and avoid homelessness,” she said.

“NILS is an important scheme for vulnerable people renting homes allowing them another way to navigate their expenses so they don’t fall into a deeper cycle of debt.”

focus, including questions on the teen social media ban, the changes to their neighbourhoods that would impact young people’s lives, and barriers to participating in community events.

Youth Survey 2026 is open from March 19 to August 14 and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Respondents can complete the survey online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website. Go to www. missionaustralia.com.au/ youthsurvey.

By Manny WOOD

Toxic love, testamentary obligation

WILLIAM died at 48 without a will, leaving an estate valued at $360,000.

His assets included a small rural property, a motor vehicle and minimal cash.

Under intestacy rules, the estate passed to his sister, Amelia, with whom he had limited contact.

William had, however, been in a long but volatile relationship with Kristina for almost a decade.

Their relationship was marked by periods of living together, frequent conflict, police involvement and repeated separations.

Kristina often left the home with nowhere stable to go, sometimes staying in motels, on couches or in her car before returning.

Despite the instability, there were moments of connection.

William proposed to Kristina, gave her jewellery and told her the property was “her home”.

When living together, she contributed by cooking, cleaning and maintaining the home while relying on him for accommodation.

The relationship ultimately ended several months before William’s passing.

Both were subject to apprehended violence orders and were living separately at the time he died. Kristina did not learn of his death until several weeks later.

Following his death, Kristina brought a family provision claim.

Although she was not entitled under intestacy, as no de facto relationship existed at the time of William’s death, she argued that she had been partly dependent on William for many years, particularly for housing and had been the person closest to him over the last decade.

She also relied on her financial hardship, lack of assets and dependence on Centrelink.

Amelia opposed the claim, arguing the relationship had ended and was characterised by what she described as very ‘toxic behaviour’.

She submitted that William had no obligation to Kristina, given they were no longer together at the time of his death.

The Court accepted that the relationship was troubled but enduring.

It found that Kristina had been partly dependent on William and was someone who would naturally be expected to receive testamentary provision.

Her financial need was significant, while Amelia’s circumstances were comparatively secure.

The Court awarded Kristina the entirety of the estate, subject to costs, effectively displacing William’s sister.

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

This fictional column is not legal advice. Ask a question

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Plenty of problems

DEAR News Of The Area,

WE are living in dangerous times.

We are facing multiple challenges and many crises.

The Iran war, fossil fuel shortages, climate change, destruction of our precious planet, Russian aggression and our major ally now gone feral. In Australia we have our own problems.

Inequality, an unfair tax system, unaffordable housing, lack of tradespeople, rural and regional disadvantage, increasing energy demand, lack of modern infrastructure, low productivity and innovation, the list could go on.

Now is not the time for simple solutions to complex problems.

Any party that voters choose must have clear and credible policies to fix these issues.

If they don’t, they won’t get

fixed.

There is no magic wand held by some populist wannabe.

What is needed are careful and considered policies with the aim of creating a more equal, united, resilient, law-abiding, sovereign nation that values community.

We must get billionaires and corporations out of government, listen to the science, and act with humility.

This is slow, hard and at times frustrating work that requires a strong commitment to a reform agenda.

And we need a federal MP who is visible, engaged, and communityfocussed. One who leads on these issues, not stays below the radar from one election to the next.

Regards, Harry CREAMER, Port Macquarie.

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda, I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace.

A man offered to buy it.

He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold.

He said he couldn't attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash.

Nigel W.

Dear Nigel,

It appears you have moved from Marketplace to its darker and more sinister brother: Marketplace Mobland.

Surviving Marketplace is a hard enough task - a zone where the normal rules of engagement don't apply.

Sally from Sage and Light comes across all vibey and spiritual on her profile, until you have to negotiate a fair-priced bulk smudging stick sale with her.

It's akin to negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Selling is even more fraught.

Our local Vinnies has become the frequent beneficiary of my failed Marketplace negotiations. Some buyers have an innate ability to wear sellers down.

Most recently, my exchanges over a pair of spanking-new Nikes morphed into chess-level wheeling and dealing.

Beaten down, annoyed, but willing to accept a low-ball offer, I agreed to a price.

The purchaser then asked if I could meet her at a more convenient location.

“Forget it,” I said.

With the cost of petrol at the

moment, I could have bought myself a pair of Balenciaga Speed Trainers.

All that pales into insignificance, though, when you enter the domain of Marketplace Mobland. This is the space of shady deals done behind abandoned scout halls in the dead of night.

The buyer arrives in a hotted up Benz with NOCOPS number plates. In the back of his vehicle, you make out two shadowy accomplices in balaclavas.

The buyer (Murray during initial messages, but now Muz in conversations you suspect have taken place on a burner phone) emerges from his car.

You notice he has one hand clutching a brown paper bag, the other is twitching in his pocket. Slowly, he ambles towards you, throws his cigarette butt in the dirt and grinds it with the heel of his cap-toe shoe.

“We do this on the count of three,” Muz says.

And, on three, Muz hands you the bag, and you hand over a Labubu doll worth six-months' of diesel. Forlornly, you head back to your car.

The deal is done. Or is it?

Seller's remorse creeps in.

What will you say to your daughter Sophie?

Have you sold your soul on Marketplace Mobland?

You turn and start to run towards the Benz.

One of the goons steadies a rifle at your face.

“It's name is Baba, you yell, but your scream is lost in the screech of the Benz's spinning wheels.

Later, in your driveway, you drag the cash out of its bag.

In true mob form, it's a wad of counterfeit.

You see your daughter at the screen door.

“Daddy,” she cries, “I can't find Baba”.

May this be a lesson to you, Nigel.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Tribute to councillor Lisa Intemann

DEAR News Of The Area, I WISH to pay a public tribute to this wonderful woman who served seven terms on our council and was a true giver to our community in many ways.

During her council service she had to endure some tough times, but she remained bravely steadfast in her commitment.

When the council was sacked in 2008 due to the mismanagement of, and the cost blowout of the Glasshouse Theatre, she was the only member of the Council to stand again at the next election.

Being involved in a number of community groups myself, I can genuinely say that Lisa was a ‘go to’ person for many of us to raise their issues.

She was trusted, approachable and helpful, in fact the ideal councillor, always putting the community first.

My words can never say enough about her.

I wanted to nominate her for an Order of Australia Medal for her outstanding dedication to public service, but sadly she has passed before organising that was possible.

Having seen her at a council meeting just four weeks ago, her passing came as an enormous shock.

We will miss you Lisa, but you will not be forgotten, you will live in the memories of many of us.

Regards, Sue BAKER, Dunbogan.

Meteoric rise

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 24

with a third-place finish at the NSW All Schools Championships.

He then set his sights firmly on qualification for the nationals in Brisbane during the April school holidays.

Lachlan said, “I am hoping to throw a PB (personal best) and maybe even medal at nationals.”

With limited access to coaching and few local competitions, Lachlan has taken a self-driven approach to improvement, using online resources and travelling to gain competition experience.

KCC Men's Golf Report

By Danny LLOYD

THURSDAY Stableford was sponsored by TASTE BAKEHOUSE.

Best in the ungraded singles was David Larcombe with 39.

David also teamed with Keith Vayne to take out the Mystery 6s with 68, on countback from William Hancox and Kobi Harris.

Kew Bowling Club

By Andrew RICHARDS

22nd MARCH, 2026

In Round 8 of Open Pennants, Grade 4 lost to Lake Cathie 42-58 on the Master Board (1-9). Grade 6 defeated Lake Cathie 55-43 (9-1), while Grade 7 lost to Kew Country Club Men’s Veterans Golf

RESULTS 23/03/2026 Single Stableford –non graded Sponsored by Schweppes

33 Starters

Lake Cathie Bowling Club

By Suzanne MILES

SUNDAY, 15th March, Open Gender Pennants, Round 7 -

Grade 3 - LCBC (away) V Sth. West Rocks - winner - LCBC - B/Brd. 90/49 Pts. 10/0.

Grade 4 - LCBC (away) V Comboynewinner - LCBC - B/Brd. 57/48 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 6 - LCBC (home) V Kempsey Hts. - winner - Kempsey Hts. - B/Brd. 73/50 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 7 - LCBC (away) V Wauchopewinner - LCBC - B/Brd. 54/53 Pts. 9/1.

TUESDAY, 17th March, Ladies Social

LUSC Ladies Social Golf Club

By Robyn KING

TUESDAY 24th March 2026

There were 16 ladies playing a Stableford + NTP event today. Numbers were down with some players being deterred by rain the previous day and overnight. However the

LUSC Snooker Club

By Michael EYLES

THE Tuesday night competition held on North Haven Social Golf Club

By Rod BARNETT

WEDNESDAY 18th March the weather was perfect for early morning golf and

In January, he competed in Dubbo before heading to the ACT State Championships, where he claimed silver with a personal best throw of 34.83 metres.

He carried that momentum into the NSW State Championships at Homebush, opening with a solid 35.61 metre throw using a single turn technique.

Holding first place for most of the event, Lachlan entered the final round needing an extra 40 centimetres to secure gold.

On his final attempt, he delivered a powerful three turn throw of 39.14 metres, sealing the State title in dramatic fashion.

Lachlan will now travel to Brisbane in mid April to represent NSW at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, where he is aiming to break the 40 metre mark.

SPORT RESULTS

Larry Southall won the GAREL GOLF NTP ($78).

Saturday Stableford was sponsored by ALLAM PROPERTY GROUP MONTEREY.

Best in the singles was Murray Dick from Brody Corbett (40pts c/b).

Clear winners in the 2B were Jack Chapman and Brody Corbett (77pts).

Sam Kerr jagged the NTP ($92).

The LNC Div I pennant was decided today at Tuncurry GC, with Port Mac edging out the KCC team.

Wauchope 54-61 (1-9). Grade 6 is now in 2nd place, while Grade 7 is third.

Next weekend, Round 9 is played on Saturday 28th March. Grade 4 plays Comboyne at Lake Cathie (neutral venue). Grade 6 plays Kempsey Heights at Kempsey Heights, while Grade 7 plays Comboyne at Comboyne.

In Wednesday Social Bowls, Dave

Winner – Ian Read 35 Pts. C/B.

2nd – Vincent Lyons 35 Pts.

3rd – Michael Laurent 34 Pts. C/B.

Ball Winners – Ted Fargas 34, Rene Bolger 33 & Peter Hammer 33 C/B.

Charlie Hartshore eagle on the 18th.

Bowls -

Rink 3 - Ann Butlin, Nola Scott & Lynne Watson - winners.

Rink 3 - June Wilson, Pam Begley & Yvonne Howard - runners-up.

Rink 2 - Shauna Proctor, Vera Hamilton, Lyn Gibson & Jan Opitz - winners.

Rink 2 - Ros Hancox, Anne Wilson, Di Fischer & Roberta Henry - runners-up.

WEDNESDAY, 18th March, Mixed Pairs Club Championship Teams through to 2nd Round -

K. Bohlscheid & H. Bohlscheid, L. Gibson & J .Myers, C. Knox & G. Knox, K. Jobson & T. Jobson, M. Peasnell & R. Peasnell, S. Tupper & I. Tupper, R. Hancox & D. Hancox, P. Begley & D. Begley,

course stood up quite well overall.

Div 1: 8 players

Winner: C. Rose 17(c/b)

R/Up: J. Stapleton 17

NTP: L. Innes

Div 2: 8 players

Winner: D. Keane 21

R/Up: J. Braithwaite 18

NTP: J. Braithwaite

17/3/26 had 16 players compete. The Major Final was won by Bob Clark, and the runner up was Fred Farrugia. The Minor Final winner was Ron Phinn who defeated Charlie Gyomrey. The Thursday night

Kew Country Club course was in great condition. We played a Stroke round as part of our annual Eclectic Competition and the winner on the day was Keith Loney with a net score of 52.Nearest to pin winners were Rod Barnett and Lou Forster

Wagstaff, Dave Harvey and Ian (Super Skip) claimed first prize. The Runners Up were Adrian Hilton, Keith Collins and Neil Dark. Voucher winners were Dave Harvey, John Hilton, Bob Carr and Lindsay Moran.

In the Friday Jackpot Triples the jackpot wasn’t drawn. Rink Winners were Adrian Hilton, Steve McGregor and Mick “Biscuits” Ashford. Runners Up were John

Kew Ladies Bowls

By Velvanie HARTAS

EVEN though there were a few members away there was still a good roll up for our Social Bowls, which everyone enjoyed.

S. Proctor & N. Proctor, L. Lawson & J. Fuller, C. Jones & C. Jones, A. Butlin & K. Pritchard,

R. Henry & G. Darcy, J. Taylor & C. Taylor, N. Holt & R. Edwards, V. Hamilton & D. Hamilton.

THURSDAY, 19th March, Men's Social Triples -

Rink 15 - Des Hancox, Terry Miles & John Myers.

Rink 16 - Roy Peasnell, Barry Nash & Steve Webster.

Rink 15 - Ron Bol, Rob Pengilly & John Greenwood - Silver Medal.

Women's Pennants, Round 3 -

Division 1 - BYE.

Division 4 - LCBC (home) V Nth. Haven

Next week will be a 1,2,3 Waltz with teams of 3 playing a Stableford. Always a lot of fun.

Cardies’ Results - 9 Cardies today with the winner being, yet again, Iris Aldridge.

INVITATION to any ladies interested in playing social golf - please 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.

competition held on 19/3/26, attracted 14 players. Andy Scott won the Major Final, defeating Rocky Davis. In the Minor Barry Cook prevailed defeating Ron Phinn.

and the best putting score was Laurie Hamilton.

Our game scheduled for Wednesday 1st April is a single stableford and the starters are Peter Tatti and Peter Raschke.

Hilton, Stewart Rogan and Rod Quirk. Voucher winners were Phil Collins, Daryle Barr, Viv Gunter and Trevor Boyle.

Bowls this week include Wednesday Social (mufti dress) and Friday Cashpot Triples, names in by 11.30 for a 12.30 start. There are no Pennant Games at home this week.

But before going out to play bowls

We had a lovely birthday cake for one of our members Mary Nelson who was celebrating her 90th birthday.

- winners - LCBC - B/Brd. 60/21 Pts. 7/0.

FRIDAY, 20th March, Scroungers & Skins Fun Day - No results to hand.

SATURDAY, 21st March, Open Gender Pennants, Round 8 -

Grade 3 - LCBC (home) V Wauchope - winner - Wauchope - B/Brd. 72/55 Pts. 9.5/0.5.

Grade 4 - LCBC (home) V Kew - winner - LCBC - B/Brd. 58/42 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 6 - LCBC (away) V Kew - winnerKew - B/Brd. 55/43 Pts. 9/1.

Grade 7 - LCBC (home) V Comboyne - winner - Comboyne - B/Brd. 61/50 Pts. 9.5/0.5.

SUDOKU

Funeral Notice

GARLAND, Doreen

Late of Kew

Dearly loved wife of Oscar (dec), loving mother of Ernest, adored nan of Vanessa, Oscar and Hudson. Aged 95 years. A service celebrating the life of Doreen will be held at the Camden Haven Anglican Church, Mission Terrace, Lakewood on Tuesday, 31st March 2026 commencing at 11am.

MARK G HAMMOND FUNERAL SERVICES

67a Bold Street

Laurieton, NSW 2443

Accredited Member FDA of NSW (02) 6559 5999

with armrests $90. 0459 597 012

Stihl BR420. Petrol

6586 3136

6559 6656

CRYSTAL vase, 30cm high, $25. Ph 0401 226 410

FISHING rod, brand new, daiwa beef stick 3.66m, 15 - 24kg. $85 0457 450 387

FLURO light, 60cm wide w/ 2 globes. $30

FRIDGE - top mounted LG, 7 yrs old. 143cm high x 54cm wide x 65cm deep $60. Ph 0410 199 915

CRANE pro-shot ball launcher for tennis cricket etc. Shoots up to 10m, 6v rechargable battery. $10. 6559 6514 OPEL Big Button M phone, 4G, SOS, GPS hearing aid compatible bluetooth, talking keypad BNIB. Paid $79, selling for $50. 6559 6514

IRISH China, Claddagh Design, 2 vases, 1 mug $10 each. 0447 445 319

RYOBI 18v easy reach pole hedge trimmer 40cm. 2 only $150. Ph 0490 090 519

2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle, full annex, toilet/shower, air cond, QB, lots of storage $32,000. Rego X91945 0431 736 481

THE Pierre Trudeau biography by George Radwanski. Hard back $5. 0447 445 319

RETREAT

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PATIENCE

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, pictured) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective on complicated cases. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability, and isn’t shy about expressing it.

FRIDAY, March 27

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Return, M) A body is found drained of blood.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R) 10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

ABC Late News. 11.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)

1.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R)

2.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

WEDNESDAY

MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW

ABC TV, 9.30pm

A jewel in the crown of Australia’s cultural events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day on the calendar to broadcast a celebration than April Fool’s Day? Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (pictured) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to next-generation talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Ma)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

THURSDAY

RIOT WOMEN

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

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

SBS, 9.35pm Happy Gentleman Jack Last Tango in Halifax, acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes pride in creating authentic, complex and fierce female characters. Her latest project is no exception, focusing on a group of menopausal British women who form a punk rock band for a local talent contest. It’s not long before teacher Beth (Joanna Scanlan, pictured), shoplifter Kitty (Rosalie Craig), pub landlady Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) and midwife Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) discover they’ve actually got quite a lot to shout about. The six-part series covers a lot of ground and is a testament to the power of female friendship.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) A man plots his own abduction. David Oyelowo.

1.00 Next Stop.

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)

9GO! (83) 6am Discovering Film. 6.40 The Red Turtle. (2016,

Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Freaky Friday. (2003, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: 27 Dresses. (2008, PG) 11.45 Seinfeld. 12.15am

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

Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, M) 11.35 Late Programs.

SATURDAY, March 28

ABC FAMILY (22)

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 Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PG)

8.25 Homebodies.

9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

MOVIES (32)

6am Princess

Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.35 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.55 Discovering Film. 10.40 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.45pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 3.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 6.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 8.30 Moonfall. (2022, M) 10.55 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+, Polish) 1.35am Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 3.15 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, March 29

6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.

8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.

9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.

10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R)

10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 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 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.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs.

9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma, R)

10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R) 11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Women’s race.

3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An unemployed man attracts suspicion.

7.30 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. 9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) Two MiB agents uncover a sinister plot involving a traitor who is aiding an alien invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson. 11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, 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: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) A research team’s ocean dive spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu.

10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R)

12.35 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30

Love

Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30

v Manchester

Friends 2:

2.40

And All. (2023, PG) 4.50 Young Sheldon. 5.20 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016, M) 10.10 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges. 10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren.

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

1.10 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.

6.00 NBN News.

Married At First Sight. (PGls)

60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9News Late.

My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)

First 48:

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 10.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.25 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.25 Merchant Ivory. 8.30 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 10.40 Burning Days. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 1am Late Programs.

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6am

MONDAY, March 30

ABC FAMILY (22)

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: Crystalized. 7.50 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

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)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, 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 Home And Away. (PGa)

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

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.

9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.

10.40 The Agenda Setters.

11.40 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.00

Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

6am The

Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.15 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 7.30 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 9.25 How To Make A Killing. (2024, MA15+, French) 11.30 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 31

(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.35pm 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 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv)

11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R)

2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 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 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.

8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

10.30 The Agenda Setters.

11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Explore. 11.45 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 12.15pm MOVIE: The Aegean. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Terminator. (1984, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

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6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs.

WEDNESDAY, April 1

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. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (PG)

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

11.40 Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Jeopardy! 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993) 12.40am Dark Side Of

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning

Programs. 6.15 Discovering Film. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, April 2

7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 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 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.25 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) 9.35 Riot Women. (Premiere) 10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

12.05 Blackwater. (Malsv, R)

2.15 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

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

WorldWatch.

The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 Insight. 2.55 News. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone Denmark. 6.05 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Brassic. 11.55 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Finding You. (2020, PG) 8.10 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 10.00 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 11.45 Man Up. (2015, M) 1.20pm The Longest Week. (2014, M) 2.50 Discovering Film. 3.45 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 5.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 7.30 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.10 What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

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

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, 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. (Mal)

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 The Zoo. 6.30 Better Homes. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 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.

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGls, R)

8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R)

10.20 One Tank Holiday. (R)

10.50 9News Late.

11.20 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 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.

6am Children’s Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Addams Family. 11.00 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: The 13th Summer. (2022, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A drunk driver gets his car airborne.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage to impress the judges and secure their place in the semi-finals.

9.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: Wanda And Sully. (2023, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30

Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

MOVIE: The Matrix Revolutions. (2003, M) 11.05 Seinfeld. 12.05am Rugby Heaven. 1.05 Love Island UK. 2.05 Late Programs.

By Sis HIGGINS

A YOUNG Hastings athlete has claimed a state title after an impressive rise in hammer throwing over the past two years.

Lachlan Wilson, a Camden Haven resident and student at St Joseph’s Regional, picked up a hammer just two years ago and has quickly become a regular presence at Laurieton fields, training and competing each week.

Last week, he secured the NSW State Championship in the Under 14 division, competing against eight of the best young athletes in the state.

His victory followed a strong season that began

CONTINUED Page 15

Meteoric rise