showing their commitment to keeping our environment clean and beautiful,” TGPS
Principal Mark Clemson told News Of The Area.
“It's inspiring to see our students taking real action to care for our school grounds and community.
“Every effort, big or small, makes a difference, and events like this help instill a strong sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in our students, which will benefit our planet for years to come.”
Principal Clemson was incredibly proud of how the students came together to support such an important cause.
The Clean Up Schools event was a great opportunity for TGPS Student Parliament to shine, with the Minister for the Environment Livia W, and Shadow Minister Tia P, expressing their passion by demonstrating leadership during the event.
“I’ll make sure no rubbish is on the ground and make sure the environment is taken care of,” said Tia.
On the weekend, Karuah Landcare group members, kids included, got together to clean-up the ever-important expansive wetlands that surround the town, coming off the Karuah River.
“Karuah Landcare partnered with a dozen volunteers from Karuah Progress Association and their families, who all
braved a wet morning to clean key sites in teams along the river, wetlands and parks,” outgoing Karuah Progress Association President Breanna Landwehr told NOTA.
“Their efforts built upon the momentum of similar activities held by Karuah Public School, and volunteers continue to pass on key lessons to children and young people who supported the day.
“We all can lend a hand and play our part in caring for our community –keeping it clean from rubbish is just one way.”
Significant Clean Up efforts were also planned in and around North Arm Cove.
Hot rod run
By Thomas O’KEEFE
COOL cars lined Marine Drive on Saturday 7 March as the Reflections Rod Run Show and Shine event took over the Tea Gardens riverfront for the second year in a row.
Up to 128 cars, along with 31 stalls, brought out plenty of pedestrians to look over the many prides and joys of more than 200 entrants, who had come into Tea Gardens from all over Australia, the farthest being in from Berrimah, NT.
lined up and rolling down the road this morning,” said Tillermans’ Peter Hodges.
Green Paws’ dog show returned to the Tea Gardens riverfront, too, with many furry winners, including “waggiest tail”.
There are many groups needing volunteers to keep these initiatives going, and Karuah-based residents can reach out at Karuah.Org and connect with one of the many groups led by volunteers from sports, schools or community groups like Landcare and Progress.
North Arm Cove residents can search online for the “North Arm Cove Community Website”, while residents of other towns can look up respective organisations including the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association, Tea Gardens Lions Club, or the Pindimar/ Bundabah Community Association.
culture, with with framed car factory photos, a Mr Horsepower hand-painted saw, and car maintenance kits worth hundreds.
All the auction items were donated, as the Rod Run organisers did an excellent job rounding up sponsors for the second year of the event, and even the banners went for big bucks, along with the top prize of a three-night stay at The Surf Yamba.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry ran special half-hour tours of the river, on what happened to be a gorgeous day for it, while the bricksand-mortar businesses along the riverfront benefitted greatly from the influx of human activity and interest.
Artists from the Galleries in the Garden brought out their works for a pop-up Art Mart, and mainstays like Tea Gardens Hotel, Tillermans Restaurant, and MeMa’s Bakery did perhaps their biggest day of business all year.
“It was impressive seeing the hot rods
Among the throngs of onlookers during Saturday’s Show and Shine along Marine Drive, were plenty of people striking up conversations over their shared enthusiasm for big American cars, Australian relics of industries long-gone, or several uniquely detailed oddities.
Most are lovingly restored, and clearly worshipped, the evidence in the shiny, solid designs and paint jobs rolling down the street.
Both mornings (Saturday and Sunday) the Tea Gardens Lions ran the barbecue breakfasts for "Hot Rodders" staying at Hawks Nest Reflections caravan park, and the presentation of awards was held at the Hawks Nest Golf Club on Saturday night.
A massive auction was led by local real estate agent and auctioneer John Rumble, raising even more money for local causes.
Auction items revealed a definite auto sub-
Monies raised at the auction and raffle have been donated chiefly to the local Free Clinic Bus, but also, as a special thank-you to the Lions, an extra sum towards the Lions’ current off-leash dog park project in Hawks Nest.
“We have the oldest average demographic in Australia in Tea Gardens, many of whom appreciate the Free Clinic Bus Service for getting to medical appointments and visiting friends in hospitals,” said Jan Peeters, President of the Free Clinic Bus.
“Our 25 volunteer drivers, four coordinators, and five-days-a-week transfers could not run it without such support.”
Many of the Rodders are expected to stay throughout the week, ready to attend local motor event Motorfest, set for a massive showing of over 400 cars upon Hawks Nest's Myall Park on Saturday 14 March.
q Charlie and Bonnie from Year 4 show off their recyclable collection. Photo: TGPS.
q Lilly and Leo helped clean up the Karuah Wetlands.
Photo: Karuah Landcare.
q A small selection of Hot Rods along Marine Drive, Tea Gardens.
Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
q Marine Drive was alive with visitors viewing the Show and Shine parade and stalls. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
‘UNACCEPTABLE RISK’
FROM Page 1
As reported in NOTA on 21 January 2026, the NSW Government currently has no firm plans to fix the busy and dangerous Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in the foreseeable future.
“Further investigations are underway to inform development of a business case for staged upgrades to improve safety along this section of the M1 Pacific Motorway,” Transport for NSW (TfNSW) told NOTA at the time.
“Transport advises further funding will be needed to complete development and delivery of the identified projects.”
Despite the apparent lack of urgency, former senior RTA traffic engineer Gordon Chirgwin has expressed his strong concerns about both the Bucketts Way and Medowie Rd intersections.
“I believe that the intersections of the Pacific Highway with Bucketts Way at Twelve Mile Hill and Medowie Road are of high priority,” said Mr Chirgwin.
“Both intersections present a high risk of serious high-speed accidents.
“From a few hundred metres north of Bucketts Way to south of Medowie Road there are… entrances to a caravan park; the Bucketts Way intersection; the entrance and exit to a southbound rest area; the entrance, bypass and exit for a southbound heavy vehicle inspection facility; entrances and exits for a northbound
rest area, with a facility to enter for southbound traffic; and the Medowie Road intersection.
“With this number of conflicts, and given the traffic volumes, the potential for a serious crash is high.
“Also, there are usually traffic queues in Medowie Road and Bucketts Way, especially in holiday periods, and any impatience by drivers is highly likely to precipitate an accident.
“In my professional view, the risk of an accident is unacceptable.”
The traffic situation may get worse in the near future, with several new gravel quarries set to begin operations, and an application by Yancoal to construct a renewable energy hub at Stratford.
Yancoal has indicated that 350 workers will be employed during construction, which is likely to generate significant traffic along Bucketts Way.
South of Bucketts Way the Stone Ridge Quarry and the Eagleton Quarry have both been approved, and Boral is seeking to expand the operations of its existing Seaham Quarry.
All three quarries will be serviced by the Pacific Highway and Italia Road.
When fully operational, together they will require large numbers of daily heavy vehicle trips north on the Pacific Highway through its intersection with The Bucketts Way, before performing a U-turn and heading south again.
The Deep Creek gravel
quarry at Limeburners, which was approved in late 2024, is estimated to generate at least 250 heavy truck movements per day on Bucketts Way when it becomes operational.
Additionally the government is now considering whether to approve yet another gravel quarry (Hillview Quarry) in Maytoms Lane, which would pour an additional 250 trucks per day through the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection.
A 4 July 2025 submission by Boral to the NSW Planning Department said as follows: “In conjunction, the Hillview, Deep Creek, Seaham, Stone Ridge and Eagleton quarry projects may be expected to direct up to 1,135 daily heavy vehicle trips through (or across) the intersection of The Bucketts Way and the Pacific Highway’s northbound lanes.”
The Bucketts Way/ Pacific Highway intersection is near the boundary of both the Upper Hunter and Port Stephens state electorates.
NOTA approached MPs Dave Layzell (Upper Hunter) and Kate Washington (Port Stephens) for comment about what steps they have taken, or will take, to improve the situation.
Both MPs essentially repeated what TfNSW had previously stated, with Mr Layzell adding that the Bucketts Way intersection was located outside the Upper Hunter electorate in the electorate of Port Stephens.
Cryptocurrency In Family Law
by Xander Gee
There is no doubt that over the last few years cryptocurrency has surged in popularity with brands such as Bitcoin becoming a household name. As these digital assets continue to become more prevalent in everyday life, they have also made their way into the family law sphere. Given the nature of such assets, it can pose particular difficulties in property disputes. Identifying the existence and extent of cryptocurrency holdings is often the first issue. Whilst parties have an obligation to provide ‘full and frank’ financial disclosure about all assets, undisclosed cryptocurrency can be difficult to identify. Unlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrencies can be stored in “digital wallets”, registered to a number, rather than a person’s name. They are also often lacking formal regulations and oversight, although this is still a developing area.
Another significant challenge is determining the value of cryptocurrencies
for the purpose of property division. Whilst a current value may be relatively easy to determine if you know how much cryptocurrency you or your partner are currently holding, cryptocurrency is known for its volatility, often with sharp increases or decreases in its value over relatively short periods of time. There is also the potential for unexpected tax consequences associated with cryptocurrency and in particular the triggering of significant Capital Gains Tax liability when disposing of such assets.
Both practitioners and the Courts are constantly developing strategies to manage such assets in the family law context and to accommodate the unique complexities they present. If you require assistance dealing with cryptocurrency after the breakdown of a relationship, contact Mullane & Lindsay to speak with a member of our Team.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
q The Bucketts Way/ Pacific Highway intersection.
Step up to save clubs
By Thomas O’KEEFE
ORGANISATIONS of all kinds across the Myall Coast are suffering from a lack of volunteers willing to take on critical office-holder positions.
Even groups that have no problem attracting members are having a hard time motivating people to assume leadership roles.
Every legitimate community group has at least four roles that must be filled in order for the group/club to officially continue.
These are filled at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and are President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.
A President must demonstrate leadership, practically done by chairing meetings, sticking to a meeting agenda, keeping order, calling for votes on relevant issues, and consciously avoiding autocratically calling the shots.
A Vice President typically does little in the normal course of business, but must be ready to step in at any time should the President become unavailable, mainly to ensure meetings have an official chair.
Treasurers keep the
books and produce evernecessary finance reports, which are made public for all in a given group to peruse - promoting fiscal responsibility and longevity.
The Secretary’s job has several practical responsibilities.
“A Secretary prepares agendas for committee and general meetings, usually monthly, sends them out to all who need [them], then keeps the minutes at the meetings, correspondence in/out, and keeps an eye on the snail mail and email account,” explained Ann Scully, a veteran volunteer committee member of many Myall Coast groups.
“Organisational skills, some basic writing, and people skills are very helpful for the Secretary’s role.
“Many people might be frightened of taking on responsibilities, or they may even feel that their working life is over, so they are happy to sit back, but we make sure that there is plenty of help along the way.
“Several of us enjoy volunteering for committees because we don’t want to see the clubs vanish, but also we see it as an extension of our working lives – others take on the challenge and discover they have a talent that was
q Hawks Nest and District Probus Club’s newly elected committee (L-R): Geoff
Ian
Jan
The Probus Club held its 2026 AGM on Friday 6 March.
Of the 100-plus members, just enough were found to fill the important Committee and Office-Holder roles.
In the overwhelming majority of cases, office holders have to be talked
Tasmania
into the role, rather than the robust local-form democracy that would be preferable.
Several local groups have held their AGM’s since the start of the year, and many have begun resorting to splitting up the secretarial roles into several parts, in hopes that a few members
may step up for smaller responsibilities.
So far, however, it is not working, with almost the same number of groups –many of them well-known in the area for the community services they provide and facilities they maintain – on the brink of ceasing to exist.
Other groups, like Hawks Nest Probus, have worked out succession plans whereby a Vice President one year moves into the President’s role the next year, and a mentoring role after that, keeping the support structure strong and lasting for years.
Inclusive Coach Tour - 25 to 28 Nov 2026
Ross, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Pyengana, Bridestowe Estate, Launceston COACH DEPARTS: Kew - Harrington - Taree
Green, Hugh Ross, Rose Elliot, Barbara Ross, John Lamb (President), Annie Scully, Barbara Smith, Rod Smith, Rozz Albon, Sherrie O’Keefe, Denise Lamb and Trish de Clifford (absent: Dawn Nealon).
Petrol spikes hit home
By Thomas O’KEEFE
WAR in the Middle East is having direct impacts on the prices of basic commodities in Australia, including petrol and other fuels that keep the local economy going.
Almost overnight, the geopolitical shape of the world instigated panic that filtered through global supply chains.
Unleaded petrol is now averaging over $2/ litre across the Myall Coast, Port Stephens and beyond, hurting many locals already on tight incomes thanks to the cost-of-living crisis.
Diesel, which powers Australia’s bulk transport trucks, has also spiked, with costs presumably to be passed on to households via rises in grocery store prices as supplies get more expensive to deliver.
Owners of electric vehicles are by no means immune, as the electricity that powers the grid, which recharges the vehicles, is heavily reliant upon the same diesel-powered
Connectivity boost for Karuah, Taree and Wauchope
THE Federal Government will provide grant funding for new mobile base stations at Karuah, Taree and Wauchope in the latest round of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), delivering 4G and 5G mobile coverage to these areas.
Each site will include back-up power, with some also incorporating additional hardening measures to reinforce mobile telecommunications infrastructure.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells said, “It is essential all Australians have access to reliable, resilient mobile services before, during and after emergencies.
“The Albanese Government is providing investment to 17 communities across Australia so they can access help and keep in touch with loved ones when they need it most.
“Reliable connectivity is essential for safety, economic opportunity and quality of life.”
Duty Senator for Lyne, Deborah O’Neill, said the base stations would improve the region’s resilience in emergencies.
“We know just how important access to reliable mobile coverage is to our local communities in Karuah, Taree and Wauchope, which is why this investment is so important,” she said.
“This is so important for people living in Lyne because improving coverage means better outcomes for people.
“Upgrades like this are not only important to locals and visitors, but crucial for our emergency services during emergencies.”
supply system, not to mention the natural gas that is used to fire up power stations when demand surges.
The reason for the price hikes is that 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow sea lane that connects the Persian Gulf and oilexporters Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE, to the rest of the world.
Hormuz is a natural choke point, measuring less than 40km at its narrowest point, between the southern coast of Iran and the northern tip of Oman.
The extended Iranian coastline means that even devoid of an active navy, Iran can attack the Strait at will, via drones and missile strikes, bringing global oil trade to its knees instantly.
The global air traffic hub of Dubai is only 100km away – leaving many Australian expatriates stranded as they attempt to fly home via that one key stopover, which is now in an active warzone.
According to Geoscience Australia, a Federal Government organisation, Australia is a net importer of oil, with only around 20 percent of the oil the country needs actually refined here last year.
“Australia is a minor oil producer, ranking 29th in the world and accounting for 0.5 percent of total oil production in 2020,” says Geoscience Australia data.
“Most of Australia’s oil is currently produced on the North West Shelf, some distance from domestic east coast refining capacity.”
Apparently, domestically produced grades of crude oil are generally not suited
for Australian refineries, reinforcing the importation of internationally-sourced oil, hence nearly 80 percent of Australianproduced oil was exported in 2020.
Currently, Australia only has two active oil refineries: Ampol’s Lytton site near Brisbane, and Viva Energy’s refinery in Geelong.
The Kurnell refinery in Sydney ceased refining oil in 2012, and was converted into Australia’s largest fuel import terminal in 2014.
Recent legislation mandates that Australia maintain a Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO), which is measured in mega-litres, but is often expressed in an estimate of how long the current stockpile will last.
As per an MSO update on 6 March, Australia has roughly 40 days each of petroleum, diesel and jet fuel on hand, in case of a major supply chain emergency.
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Autocare
Barry's Butcher's Stand
Boathouse Resort
Bulahdelah Bowl Club
Bulahdelah BP Servo
Bulahdelah IGA
Bulahdelah Info Centre
Bulahdelah Library
Bulahdelah Shell Servo
Century 21 Real Estate
Coles Entry
Coles Exit
Credit Union
Estia Health
Home Timber and Hardware
Hook and Cook
Ice Cream Shack
Lady Jane Motel
Myall Meats
Myall Pharmacy
Myall River Automotive
Nerong Box
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Palm Lake Resort
Pindimar Box
Post Office
R&R Real Estate
Ray White Real Estate
Riverside Mens Group
RSL Grange
SoLo Tea Gardens
T/B Bakery
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Tea Gardens Fish Co-Op
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Tillermans
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Woodwards Nursery
Council aims to speed up road and bridge repair
MIDCOAST Council has endorsed a streamlined approach to contracting out flood repair works.
Attempting to speed up the process of repairing roads and bridges, councillors at Council’s 25 February meeting voted unanimously to endorse a new procurement approach for the delivery of Essential Public Asset Reconstruction Works (EPA-RW), including the use of existing Council contractor panels for suitable low-risk works.
Fifty-six EPA-RW packages have been identified from the May 2025 flood event.
The combined value of these works is estimated at around $204 million, with The Bight Bridge representing the largest single project at approximately $35 million.
Council has additionally spent more than $40 million on Emergency and Immediate Reconstruction Works, and has been reimbursed $6.1 million so far under Disaster Recovery Funding.
“While Council can claim all eligible costs, the timing of reimbursements is currently impacting Council’s cash flow and may affect
future budget allocations,” Council said in a statement.
Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott said that Council needs to receive funding approval from the NSW Reconstruction Authority for each of the proposed Essential Public Asset Restoration projects before work can begin.
“Meanwhile, we’re getting ready to ensure the work can take place as rapidly and efficiently as possible once that funding is approved,” said Mr Scott.
“With so much to do, Council will need to use a number of different contractors.
“For low-risk works, we will use our existing panel contract to run select tenders for packages of work.
“This will save on costs and get workers on the ground sooner.
“We’ll avoid duplicating the same standard contract and cut down on administrative processes.”
Council says its existing panel contract already has a long list of contractors with “proven capabilities, capacity and appropriate
contractual terms”.
A simplified tender process will still apply, with the Reconstruction Authority also weighing in on contract decisions.
More complex projects, including major bridge reconstructions like The Bight Bridge, will be put out to open tender.
Council says the approach aims to balance risk, governance and efficiency, while maintaining compliance with legal requirements and Council’s risk management framework.
A wide variety of recovery projects are still needed, including reconstruction or repairs to bridges, landslips, drainage, culverts, sealed and unsealed roads.
Online booking for beach 4WD passes
VISITORS planning to drive on the Worimi Conservation Lands at Stockton Bight, between Anna Bay and Stockton, should be aware of a new Beach Vehicle Permit (BVP) system.
From 3 March 2026, permits will be purchased online.
Existing paper and sticker permits will remain valid until they expire.
The cost of permits will not change.
All new permits and renewals will be
available via the Worimi Conservation Lands and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) websites.
The Worimi Conservation Lands, one of the region’s most popular 4WD destinations, is owned by the Worimi people and jointly managed by the WCL Board of Management with NPWS.
Worimi Conservation Lands Board of Management Chair Jamie Tarrant said, “The new online BVP system is an important and positive change for visitors and our management of
the culturally significant Worimi Conservation Lands.
“The upgrade represents an important step that makes it easier for visitors to obtain a beach vehicle permit.
“The revenue from the Beach Vehicle Permit system is essential to the Board’s workhelping to provide safe and sustainable access, maintain visitor facilities, and contribute to conservation and cultural heritage protection across the Worimi Conservation Lands,” the Chair said.
Hunter housing approvals expand
THE latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures indicate that total home approvals for the Hunter grew two percent in 2025 compared to the 2024 calendar year.
On the Central Coast, total home approvals grew by 16 percent in the same period.
Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director, said the overall growth in approvals is “pleasing”, demonstrating that the regions remain critical housing locations due to the combination of relative affordability compared to Sydney, rapid population growth, and diverse lifestyle options.
“However, increased support by all levels of government to reduce the barriers on land development and new home building are required if the relative affordability benefits the region is known for are to be taken advantage of in 2026,” said Mr Jennion.
There were a total of 5,210 building approvals across the Hunter in 2025 and 1,223 on the Central Coast.
Combined, this is five percent stronger than in 2024, and four percent higher than the pre-Covid year of 2018.
The total value of new building approvals was $2.97 billion in 2025, an increase of 11 percent.
In the Hunter the value of building approvals was $2.35 billion, whilst on the Central Coast the value was just shy of $625 million.
Detached house approvals in the Hunter declined with a fall of 17 percent in the 2025 calendar year.
Across the region Muswellbrook saw the strongest growth in detached house approvals, up by 66 percent compared to 2024.
This was followed by Newcastle (+42 percent), Scone (+41 percent), Port Stephens
(+38 percent), and Dungog (+30 percent).
The largest declines were recorded in the Great Lakes (-66 percent), Gloucester (-50 percent), Lake Macquarie (-35 percent), Cessnock (-21 percent) and Singleton (-9 percent).”
Multi-unit approvals increased in all local government areas except for Dungog, with approvals up 38 percent in the Hunter and 50 percent on the Central Coast compared to the previous year.
In the Hunter, growth was greatest in the Great Lakes (+166 percent), Muswellbrook (+100 percent), Maitland (+54 percent), Lake Macquarie (+35 percent) and Port Stephens (+33 percent).
“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues to occur in the local government areas of Maitland, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock,” Mr Jennion said.
“These top five locations for approvals accounted for 88 percent of total approvals.
“Whilst detached homes remained the preference for home buyers, accounting for 53 percent of total approvals in the Hunter and 56 percent on the Central Coast, multi-unit approvals saw double digit growth in both regions.
“This suggests that some households are turning to more affordable smaller homes as a means of securing home ownership.
“Despite the varied results, especially for detached dwellings, it is clear that the region worked through the challenges of 2024 that were characterised by the higher cost of borrowing, land, materials and labour.
“Whilst these concerns remain, interest rate cuts in 2025 have helped bring more households back to the market, supported by the fact that many households remain in employment, which provides certainty of income.”
q Road repairs on Thunderbolts Way.
q All new permits and renewals will be available via the Worimi Conservation Lands and National Parks and Wildlife Service websites. Photo: NPWS.
Construction begins on renewable energy zone
CONSTRUCTION is officially underway on the HunterCentral Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project the state government says will generate enough energy to power more than all the homes in the Hunter.
REZs aim to group new wind and solar power generation and batteries into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ stretches from the Upper Hunter in the north to the Central Coast in the south and includes the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens regions.
In December 2024, EnergyCo selected Ausgrid as the preferred network operator to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the network infrastructure.
Ausgrid will upgrade its electricity network in the Hunter region (between Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook) to provide an additional one gigawatt of network transfer capacity by 2028, enabling up to 1.8GW of generation and storage projects.
Energy Minister Penny
Sharpe visited Kurri Kurri recently to meet workers and see the beginning of construction.
“Upgrading this critical infrastructure is another step forward in securing clean, affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses as ageing coalfired power stations retire,” she said.
“This project will unlock hundreds of local jobs and boost the economy in the Hunter region.
“The renewable energy sector directories open another door for local businesses to participate in the growing pipeline of energy projects across the state.”
The project is expected to create 590 jobs during construction, with a further 220 local jobs once operational.
“It is a great day when you can announce hundreds of new jobs coming to our local area,” said Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr.
“I would strongly encourage locals to make every effort to be a part of this exciting time in
upgrading our electricity system network.”
EnergyCo Chief Executive Hannah McCaughey said the start of construction is a “major milestone for energy security in NSW”.
“We are proud that 90 percent of the ongoing jobs are expected to be filled by locals,” she said.
“The Hunter region has a rich history when it comes to energy in NSW, and the REZ will ensure it remains a major player in future electricity
generation.”
The network infrastructure project will connect an additional 1.8 GW of new renewable generation and storage projects.
It includes: - upgrading approximately 85km subtransmission lines
- installing 18km of new underground fibre optic communications cable
- building two new energy hubs in Muswellbrook LGA (Sandy Creek and Antiene),
and - upgrading existing substations, including the one at Kurri Kurri
The Hunter-Central Coast Network Infrastructure Project is the first REZ project to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires instead of building all new transmission lines.
Dr Helen Nugent AC, the Independent Chairman of the Ausgrid Board, said, “As Australia’s first Distribution REZ, Ausgrid is proud to lead
the way in demonstrating how we can play a key role in the energy transition.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work Ausgrid has done over the past 12 months to plan this project – and importantly to carry out extensive engagement with landowners, residents and local businesses.
“We look forward to our solution providing ongoing benefits for the Hunter Region, for generations to come.”
q Energy Minister Penny Sharpe speaks in Kurri Kurri.
Off-road mateship fuels fundraiser
By Sis HIGGINS
MORE than $18,458 has been raised following the second annual Fourbie Cruise, with the region’s four-wheel drive community rallying behind children facing cancer.
Hundreds turned out to drive, donate, volunteer and support an event that continues to grow in both scale and meaning.
Almost 44 4WDs assembled at Anna Bay before rolling onto Stockton Beach in a striking convoy that stretched along the shoreline.
Supporters came from across Port Stephens and the Myall Coast, with some even coming from Sydney to take part in the growing fundraiser for Camp Quality.
A fundraising target of $25,000 had been set and while the final figure came in just short, organisers said the result was a powerful show of regional generosity.
Drivers navigated soft sand and gentle dunes while families enjoyed sweeping coastal views and a shared sense of purpose.
Event organiser Keiran Wyllie said, “The impact of the day far exceeded expectations… proving once again that the region’s off road community shows up when it matters most.”
Mr Wyllie told News Of The Area that the success of this year’s Fourbie Cruise is owed to the dedication of Team Giggles – Newcastle FUNx4.
The volunteer group has championed Camp Quality fundraising across the region.
“The team’s passion was evident throughout the day, from the meticulous planning of the convoy to the warm, welcoming atmosphere at the community gathering.
“Their shared commitment to helping kids facing cancer continues to
inspire participants and supporters alike.”
Festivities continued at B Farm Murray’s where the community gathered for food, entertainment and fundraising activities.
A barbecue sizzled while raffles, face painting, children’s games and sweet treats kept families entertained.
Local businesses donated prizes and volunteers worked behind the scenes as donations steadily climbed throughout the afternoon.
Funds raised will support camps, education programs, fun experiences and emotional services for families impacted by cancer.
Planning for next year’s event has already begun, “with hopes of expanding participation, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to build a legacy of support for Camp Quality,” Mr Wyllie said.
Gathang revival part of five-year plan
By Sis HIGGINS
GATHANGGA Wakulda
Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay footprint.
CEO Gulwanyang Moran said the plan was shaped by extensive conversations with community members about what they wanted to see
happen with their language.
“We wanted to build on the hard work of previous and current language leaders who have been revitalising Gathang,” Ms Moran said.
“[The plan] distills the collective vision of our community to help guide the organisation’s work over the next five years."
It provides transparency around GWAC’s purpose, vision and values, along with “our promise to the community about how we
will work with them”.
Community feedback identified five priorities:
- ensuring the continuation of Gathang, - creating inclusive spaces, - collaborating and partnering with community, - strengthening self determination and governance, and - operating in a sustainable and eventually economically independent way.
Consultation events were held across Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Forster and Taree, as well as online.
Elders and active language community members have also contributed their aspirations.
Ms Moran said interest in Gathang has surged in recent years and strong local governance is essential.
“Having a plan that shows the yabang we’re walking so everyone knows where we want to get to and can come
with us on a journey that’s led by our community,” she said.
“We want to make sure that there’s a collective vision in place for our burraydjarr and the generations coming after us.”
Over the next few years, the community will see expanded language programs, new resources, online spaces and cultural services.
“Our first goal is the continuation of Gathang
Language,” Ms Moran said.
“We want to see Gathang actively spoken, taught and embedded in daily life through language programs, education pathways and community-led learning.”
She described the plan as “the centrepiece of the origin story of a legacy mapped out by language leaders that have been working tirelessly for decades”.
“What I hope is that the wider community can travel with us on this journey, support, connect and respectfully learn about the languages and cultures of the country they reside,” she said.
q Forty-four 4WDs ready to rumble. Photo: supplied.
q Crowds line up for a sizzling sausage. Photo: supplied.
q Merch to fundraise for Camp Quality. Photo: supplied.
q GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms.
q Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms.
New recruits for transport and roads agency
SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month.
From filling potholes to rebuilding flood-damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network.
Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo, the new recruits will soon get their hands on the tools.
They join an existing group of 92 apprentices and trainees progressing through the program from previous
intakes.
Participants have the opportunity to earn and learn on the job while developing practical skills in their chosen field, from civil construction and bridge maintenance to heavy diesel mechanics, business, finance and project management.
New recruit Maddi Ormsby said the Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship appealed to her because of the opportunity to do handson work outdoors.
“There’s such a great mix of bridges we look after, everything from concrete and timber structures to heritage ones,” Maddi said.
“We don’t just maintain them, we get the chance to
build them too, and we work across all sorts of locations.
“I’ve only been in the job a few weeks, and I’ve already had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”
Matt Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Road Maintenance and Resilience at Transport for NSW, said the program gives “people real skills, real experience and a recognised qualification while boosting the capability of our workforce across NSW”.
“As they build their skills on live sites, they’re helping lift the resilience of our transport network and supporting the teams who keep NSW moving,” he said.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.
“These young workers are gaining practical skills on live projects while helping maintain the roads and bridges our local community depends on.
“This investment strengthens our local workforce and ensures we have the capability to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need.”
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 non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities.
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 dollars 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
Women underrepresented on councils
LOCAL Government NSW (LGNSW) is calling for more female representation on elected councils in NSW.
Council representatives from across the state gathered in Sydney on Friday for the peak body’s International Women’s Day
event.
Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the role of women in the local government sector across NSW
Addressing mayors, councillors and council staff, Mayor Byrne said while there had been gains in female representation on councils across the state, there was still much more work to be done.
“At present, we’re tracking at about 41 percent female representation on our elected councils in NSW,” said Mayor Byrne.
“While it’s pleasing to
see this is up slightly from 39 percent at the 2021 election, it’s still behind our state counterparts who sit at 44 percent across the Parliament,” he said.
“And down in Canberra, our federal colleagues are up at 49.6 percent - the closest to parity yet.
“So, it’s absolutely an area where local government is shamefully lagging behind,” he said.
In areas News Of The Area covers, Dungog Shire has one female councillor (from seven), Port Stephens has two (from 10), MidCoast has three (from 11), Port Macquarie has four (from nine), Kempsey Shire has four (from nine), Nambucca Valley has four (from nine), Coffs Harbour has three (from nine), and Bellingen has three (from seven).
Mayor Byrne pointed to
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.”
concerns over appropriate remuneration for mayors and councillors as a contributing factor to the under representation.
“We simply have to get the pay right for Mayors and Councillors if we want genuine diversity in our council chambers,” he said.
“This year’s theme of International Women’s Day is ‘balancing the scales’, and I reckon increasing representation in local government is a pretty good place to start,” Mayor Byrne said.
q Local government representatives at LGNSW’s International Women’s Day event.
q Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby.
Photo: NSW Gov.
Families invited to Invictus Sports Expo
By Chris KARAS
PORT Stephens’ heralded archers and paddlers are ready to educate patrons on the finer points of their sports at the upcoming Invictus Australia Defence Community Sports Expo in Newcastle.
Current and former serving members and their families will come together for the second annual event on Saturday 21 March at Stockton Bowls Club.
Offering a Come and Try format, the family-friendly expo will take place from 10am to 2pm.
Over 17 stands will cover Archery, Indoor Rowing, Mountain Biking, Lawn Bowls, Dragon Boating and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions,
try new activities, meet local Invictus representatives and get further involved.
Representatives from the Port Stephens Archers and Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club will be in attendance to promote their respective sporting organisations.
There will be face painting, music and sausage sizzle for a festival atmosphere plus ex-service organisation support including RSL Life Care, Disaster Relief Australia, Talk2MeBro, Kookaburra Kids and more.
Invictus Australia’s mission is to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of veterans and their families through sport and recreation.
that helped create a comfortable playing environment during a rather warm humid afternoon.
An eager roll up
TGCC Bowling Club Reports
By Jane UFF
WEDNESDAY 8/3/2026
Acknowledgement of one of our sponsors this week was Tea Gardens Fish Market, thank you for your ongoing support.
Another big week of bowls at Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club.
The Women’s Fours final was held on Tuesday 3 March, 2026. Congratulations to Pat Baker, Karen Green, Sandra Leisemann and Lorraine Murphy on defeating Bette Saillard, Jean Glover, Jane Uff and Lynda Richards 18–8. Lynda bowled exceptionally well throughout the match, with many of her well-placed
Coordinator and a Navy Veteran, told News Of The Area of the importance of sport in Defence life.
“Defence life can be an incredible adventure but it also comes with challenges - deployments, relocations, and constant change,” said the gold medal-winning paddler with Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club.
“Sport provides not just physical benefits but also social connection, friendship and a sense of belonging.
“Finding your tribe through sport makes a huge difference in adjusting to Defence life.”
Attendance is capped, so guests are encouraged to secure their free tickets early via Eventbrite or by messaging Jodie via facebook.com/groups/ invictusaustralianorthernnsw.
Invictus Australia Defence Community Sports Expo. Photo: Alex Tinker.
SPORT RESULTS
couple of late afternoon games of golf croquet followed by a BBQ sausage sizzle dinner.
By Andrew SILLAR
LAST Friday we kicked off our daylight-saving twilight social evenings for 2026 when 15 members and 1 visitor gathered at Myall Park Croquet Club for a
provided enough players for a seven a side match with one or two subs on the sideline and a couple of on-lookers joining us for a lovely afternoon of exercise
The afternoon was pleasantly cool but overcast with showers threatening & sure enough one short heavy shower brought the players in for a few minutes. Otherwise play
and social connection.
The two 15-minute halves were punctuated by the half time break with well-deserved glugs of chilled water which got all
bowls unfortunately being knocked out of contention on numerous ends. A very wellplayed game by the winners, and a determined effort by the runners-up. Well done to all ladies on a great final.
Mixed bowls on Thursday 5/3/2026 had 14 people playing. The winning team having the highest score was won by Vickie McMillan, Karen Vollmer and Bev Dunn. The raffle winner was Lynda Richards.
On Wednesday we had 40 men blowing which included 2 new members. Overall winners for the day with a total of 23 were Graham Reynolds, Wayne Duggan and Mark Nightingale. Morning Winners was decided by the lowest winning margin of 1 and the winners were Ron
Webster, Keith Smith and Terry Munright. Afternoon winners were decided by the lowest winning score of 10 and the winners were Col Amos, Craig McDonald and Ian Baker. The Garden Eatery voucher was won by Mark Peters. Thanks to the Garden Eatery for sponsoring this voucher. The 80 Club was won by Rob Young. Col Amos and Mark Peters were celebrating their birthdays and received a birthday drink voucher each.
Saturday Open Gender Pennants teams were all playing away games this week. Grade 5 were playing Soldiers Point Yellow and won the master board 59 to 47. Grade 6 were playing and unfortunately had a loss with a score of 43 to 64 against
was able to continue uninterrupted.
Standout play included visitor Jenny who, on her first time behind a mallet, scored the first 3 hoops of game 1 ... beginners' luck maybe or a budding champion?
Congratulations also to regular player Bev who players through to fulltime, after which, with some more refreshing chilled water, nearly everyone decided to get back on the field for another 15-minute session.
Len only tumbled twice this week, but got straight back onto his feet and played the full game plus the extra session.
Sadly, we bid farewell to Gary and Vicky who have been with Tea Gardens Walking Football since day one. They have sold their Tea Gardens home and are off to be closer to their kids on the Central Coast, their old stomping ground. The
scored one of those elusive "hoops-in-one" at hoop 8. Thanks to Peter who fired up the barbie & got started on the snags in time to feed the hungry players returning from game 2. All in all a very enjoyable evening to kick off the 2026 croquet season at Myall Park CC.
a Hat Trick during this game, what a send-off! We all got together for a BBQ after the game for a sausage sandwich, some mint slice thanks Karen, chocolate cake thanks Chris and snacks thanks to Vicky.
Our guests of honour were presented with a card signed by players and a lovely, and very “fitting” surprize gift from the local op shop thanks to Liz for her clever shopping.
Tea Gardens Soccer Club winter season will commence 2nd May. Junior soccer games from 9-11 then Walking Football
q Lawn bowls will be featured at the second
Myall Park Croquet Club
Gardens winning 63 to 60 against Raymond Terrace. Sunday mixed bowls had
Terrace. The winners on the day were on rink one being Bill Jones, Jane Uff and Bob
were able to finish all 12 ends. Despite the weather a great day was had by all.
q Winners of the Women’s Fours, left to right Pat Baker, Karen Green, Sandra Leisemann and Lorraine Murphy.
q Action from the Myall Park Croquet Club.
q Len letting one fly with Robyn in support.
q David blocks a shot from Lorraine with Chris and Lyn also in defence.
Hawks Nest Ladies Classic
By Dianne BOWES
2026 MARKS the 40th
Annual Hawks Nest Ladies Classic, a wonderful 2 day golf event that brings people together on the scenic mid
north coast. This year’s special Ruby Anniversary event celebrated the growth and development of ladies’ golf in our area. From its humble beginnings as part of the Myall Prawn Festival of the 1970’s, with entry fee for the game of golf just $3, the Hawks Nest Classic
SPORT RESULTS
has become one of the most popular ladies’ events on the NSW golfing calendar. It’s is a great competition for players at all levels, played in a friendly atmosphere at beautiful Hawks Nest Golf Course.
We would like to thank our major sponsor this year, Reflections Holidays, for their generous and ongoing support of Ladies’ Golf in our community. Also thank you to GWM and Burton Automotive, who offered a fabulous Hole-in-One prize of a Haval car on the 3rd hole (though sadly for the ladies the prize did not go off this year). Other local businesses such as Nelson Bay Golf Club, Estia, IGA, Mumm’s on the Myall, Tea Gardens Ferries, Myall Coast Realty, Alana’s Flowers and the Hawks Nest Pro Shop all donated prizes, and we thank our supporters for their contribution to a fabulous tournament.
Over 236 players from far and wide competed in this 2 day event, with over 40 clubs represented in the field. The Sunday night Meet and Greet had the golf club buzzing with excitement as the ladies kicked off the party. A special mention goes to Judy Spicer. returning for
her 11th year all the way from Norfolk Island. In fact, most players were familiar faces, having played in the Classic for sometimes 25 years or more. Large teams coming back included groups from Belmont, Breakers on the Central Coast, Avalon, Tanilba Bay, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree and Merewether, to name a few.
But perhaps the biggest contingent this year came from Bayview Golf Club, in Mona Vale. 34 ladies brought their wonderful sense of fun, friendship and enthusiasm for golf, as they have every year. The Hawks Nest Ladies Classic is a highlight in their golfing calendar, so the Bayview girls all hover at their computers when the booking sheet goes live each November! This year they had much to celebrate, with Jane Reed winning the Nett Champion’s Trophy, and Kaye Platt hitting a wonderful hole-in-one on the 5th hole during round 1. Kaye said it was her first one ever, hit sweetly with her 5 wood but that she lost sight of it, suspecting it had rolled into the bunker. She was ecstatic when she realized it was in the hole!
We were delighted to see
some ladies here for their first Classic, and we’re pretty sure they too, will become regulars. It’s also fantastic to see ladies who may no longer manage to play golf still coming with their friends to enjoy the party. One of the popular party highlights was 200 ladies celebrating together at the ‘Rockin’ the Ruby Red’ Dinner Dance on Monday evening, where the club became a red zone never seen before. Still looking for Alice!
A huge thank you to everyone who provided their time and effort to showcase Hawks Nest Golf Club in such a spectacular manner. This includes the hard working Hawks Nest Ladies Committee, The Pro Shop, Sando’s Restaurant, club staff and a large team of members and volunteers. Their efforts included creating floral arrangements and wonderful morning teas each day, modelling this year’s fashions, selling raffle tickets, being a willing helper around the course spotting and raking the bunkers, or a hundred other behind the scenes tasks to guarantee the event’s success. And as always, our course was in beautiful condition thanks to
Sam Coates and the ground staff team. The Ladies Classic also has a proud tradition of fund raising in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and with the generosity of our prize donors and visitors, we raised $2,062 this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Hawks Nest Ladies Classic. We’ll do it all again next year!
Congratulations to our Major Winners (36 holes) for 2026:
2026 Ladies Gross Winner
1st Katrina SkinnerOyston (Easts Leisure and Golf)
R/U Dominique Kelly (Merewether GC)
2026 Ladies Nett Winner
1st Jane Reed (Bayview GC)
R/U Ann Hamilton (Belmont GC)
2026 Ladies Stableford Winner
1st Catherine Piggott (Northbridge GC)
R/U Robin Mc Clelland (Muree GC)
The full winners list will be available of the Hawks Nest Golf Club website.
Interclub competition
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
by Cody Ross who placed Men’s Runner Up with 162 points, also representing Tea Gardens.
In the Ladies Division, Cindy Groth took out the top position with 185 points for Tea Gardens, while Christine McKenzie from Hawks Nest finished second with 105 points.
The Junior Division saw Dakoda Mendyk representing Tea Gardens take the win with 47 points, while Jack from Hawks Nest placed second with 29 points.
The day was not only about the fishing, with plenty happening off the water as well. Club members and volunteers helped cook a BBQ for everyone attending, while others generously provided a variety of salads and slices which were enjoyed throughout the day.
raffle prizes, with the club extending a sincere thank you to the local businesses and community members who kindly donated items to make the raffle possible.
The event also featured
Adding to the excitement, Bill was the lucky winner of
the day’s Lucky Door Prize.
Tea Gardens Fishing Club thanked the Hawks Nest Fishing Club for another enjoyable competition and acknowledged the ongoing friendly rivalry between the two neighbouring clubs.
q Tea Gardens won the weekend.
q John from Tea Gardens and Darby from Hawks Nest with the shield.
q 2026 Ladies Classic Major Winners Jane Reed (Bayview GC), Katrina Skinner-Oyston (Easts Leisure and Golf) and Catherine Piggott (North ridge GC).
q Kaye Platt, from Bayview GC, celebrates her Hole-In-One during the Ladies Classic.
q The Bayview ladies celebrated another great year at the HN Classic.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
The Write Direction
By John BLACKBOURN
Political possibilities
WRITING this article before I take off on another fishing trip, the on-again, off-again political stalemate that has emerged between the Libs and the Nats is back in the news.
One view is that both parties may well be better off going in their own direction in order to concentrate on becoming the primary choice of voters from their sphere of influence once more.
The Liberal Party once had its base in the capital cities of our nation and is trying to create influence in some larger regional capitals too.
Whereas the Nationals are seen to be the choice of country people and, due to the area covered by regional electorates, they control the largest land mass in our country.
The large losses experienced by the Libs
We will be installing solar panels on our two Aquatic Centres which will substantially reduce operating costs.
From the Mayor’s desk
By By Claire PONTIN, Mayor, MidCoast Council
THERE was a lot of work transacted at our last Council meeting on Wednesday 25 February.
To mention just a few:
There will be a consultative meeting held on Tuesday 24 March at 6pm to seek community input on how we might be able to improve the financial sustainability of the Manning Entertainment Centre.
I encourage you to attend to have your say.
at the previous federal election have seen them reduced to holding only a handful of seats in their onetime heartland, so clearly need to lift their game substantially in order to regain voters’ respect.
The Nats have tried to spread their wings from traditional farming seats to country coastal areas with limited success, potentially due to the influx of city residents to the coastal regions looking for cheaper real estate and better lifestyle.
The best solution may be that each of the coalition partners go back to their roots and locations of origin, and seek to recover their previously held voter bases.
Once they achieve this separately, they could then look to reforming the coalition when they had the numbers to achieve
The new Pelican Boardwalk in Forster has come in under budget so we will be extending it in the other direction towards the old Amaroo wharf.
I put forward two motions that were supported by my fellow Councillors, for consideration at the Australian Local Government Association’s Conference in June.
One motion calls on the Federal Government to fund Councils to build back improved infrastructure following declared disasters.
This would ensure infrastructure is more resilient in the face of future disasters.
The second motion calls on the Federal Government to provide more financial assistance for pensioners. Councils are increasingly being asked to cover the costs of State Government programs (referred to as cost-shifting) which are passed onto rate payers, increasing the cost of living.
Pension rates are long overdue for an increase.
government.
Before any of that can become a reality, both the Libs and Nats need to find new policy areas that interest electors as at the present time.
Their policies aren’t clear and obvious, which is another reason they are losing voter support.
As for their revolving leadership, changing leaders won’t achieve anything as this simply reminds voters there is a lack of loyalty in the party.
Unfortunately, overrated egos seem to be driving the political direction.
This offends many voters who are looking for productive policies to get our nation back on track in order to provide a better economy and safer place for us all to live.
Election outcomes determine mandate
DEAR News Of The Area,
This is a response to Ian Roberts, Fingal Bay (Letter to the Editor, 19 February).
Mr Roberts claims there was “no political mandate” for offshore wind.
The record tells a very different story: it was opposition groups, not Labor candidates, who turned offshore wind into
a federal election issue.
Social media posts from April 2025, including those shared by Mr Roberts and his fellow activists, make this clear: they staged sit-in protests outside Meryl Swanson’s office, produced their own “how-to-vote” cards, and actively supported the Liberal candidate, who campaigned explicitly against offshore wind.
Housing options, health services top concerns for country women
THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns.
Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW.
The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the end of October, with more than 750 responses from women of all ages across the state.
“Many of the issues that stood out in this latest survey
have been painful ongoing realities for rural and regional communities for too long, and we’re looking for a response from the NSW Government,” said CWA NSW president Tanya Jolly.
“We’ve been asking questions of the relevant ministers around many of these concerns, including healthcare, housing and community safety.
“It’s time for a real commitment to help start improving the likes of specialist wait times and crime rates and we hope to see this reflected in the upcoming State Budget.
“This is more than just a data collection exercise for us, this survey is about visibility and accountability and providing us with real evidence and real stories from women all over NSW to help inform our advocacy efforts on the issues that matter.”
The survey focused on women living in regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW with questions on health, safety, housing, finance, infrastructure, education, and empowerment.
Health and housing concerns topped the list for many respondents.
On healthcare, respondents said the most significant barriers were limited access to local GPs and closed patient books, long wait times for both primary and specialist care and rising out-ofpocket costs and reduced bulk
The reality is that poorly planned campaigns by local activists, who misread public sentiment and lacked experience in electoral politics, carry consequences.
Election outcomes, not protest signs or rhetoric, determine mandate.
Regards, Justin PAGE, Hunter Jobs Alliance.
By failing to win a single polling booth, these campaigns handed their opponent exactly what they claimed didn’t exist: a clear public mandate with an increased margin!
billing. Women in regional and remote areas reported having to travel regularly to access basic services, compounding cost, time, and stress.
More than 50 percent of survey participants said access to primary healthcare services like GPs was the greatest barrier to staying healthy in their community.
Twenty-five percent said access to specialist healthcare services like mental health support was the biggest barrier.
On housing, 48 percent of respondents said the high cost was the most significant barrier for women in their area accessing affordable, secure, and suitable housing.
Many respondents said more availability of affordable housing would make the biggest difference to housing for women in their community.
More secure and stable rental options and housing assistance and eligibility settings that better reflected
regional cost pressures and employment realities were highlighted as other measures that could make a real difference.
In other results:
- Almost 30 percent of respondents said crime and property theft (e.g. break-ins) was the biggest barrier to feeling safe in their community, with another 29 percent identifying genderbased violence.
- Cost of living pressures and employment challenges were highlighted as major barriers to economic participation, with job availability and security (53 percent), wage inequality and discrimination (16 percent) and cost and availability of childcare (12 percent) the biggest challenges for respondents in achieving financial security or stable work.
- On infrastructure, respondents said gaps –poor road conditions and
maintenance (35.5 percent), limited or unreliable public and community transport (20.5 percent) and patchy mobile and internet coverage (16 percent) – affected their daily life, safety and independence.
- Social isolation remained an issue for respondents, particularly for older women, new residents and women living alone.
Tanya said the association would continue to release the survey annually in order to build a clear and concise picture of the issues affecting women and their communities and how that changed or evolved as time went on.
The 2025 survey retained a consistent set of themes and a core group of quantitative questions to enable robust year-on-year comparison with the inaugural 2024 survey.
To see the full survey report, go to https:// www.cwaofnsw.org.au/ womenssurvey
READING by Lynne Miles: Numbers 14: 18"The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love, forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished."
NEIL THOMAS BACON
Passed away 3rd March 2026
Late of Hawks Nest Formerly of Dungog, Bundook & Wyongah Aged 77 years
Loved husband of Carol.
Dearest father of Mark, Dellice, Sharon Reegan, Kristy, Jessica & Ryan
Loved grandfather to his 12 grandchildren Dear brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law uncle & friend.
Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral Service to he held in Christ Church Anglican Church Dungog, on THURSDAY 12th March at 11:00am
In lieu of flowers please donate to bladdercander.org.au
HAWLEY FUNERALS
Dungog (02) 4992 1572
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FRIDAY
GOING PLACES WITH ERNIE DINGO
SBS, 7.30pm
Friday’s fourth chapter of this eye-opening travelogue finds Ernie Dingo and Brooke Blurton (pictured, with Patrick De Geest) in Far North Queensland as they explore the lush greenery, wetlands and vast savannah of the Atherton Tablelands. They start their journey on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic service that winds its way through the plateau’s heritage-listed rainforest. Dingo then heads to Chillagoe National Park to experience the cultural significance of the breathtaking limestone landscape to the Wakaman people. Nearby, Blurton embarks on a nocturnal wildlife tour.
FRIDAY, March 13
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Following a murder at a Criminology Conference, the Professor must prove his innocence to regain his reputation. 9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.
10.20 Dog Park. (Final, Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Smother. (Mal, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 Gladiators UK. 10.55 Late Programs.
SUNDAY
FRAUDS
ABC TV, 8.50pm
Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker (pictured) as toxic best friends pulling off a heist together… where do we sign up? This thrilling new Spain-set series teams up Jones and former Whittaker as Bert and Sam, two con artists reunited after a decade apart. Their high-stakes reunion is triggered when Bert (Jones) is released from prison following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She immediately reaches out to the only person she trusts to help her carry out one last epic job. But Sam has been leading a quiet life, and Bert’s grand plan is the last thing she wants to get involved in. With a lifetime of baggage to unpack, this next-gen & Louise is an emotional but exciting ride.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare. 10.05 Rock Legends. (PGs) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (Mav) 12.05 How Sports Changed The World. (PGav, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY
NEW YORK GOURMET WITH JUSTINE SCHOFIELD
Travelling the world and tasting the finest local fare sounds like a dream holiday for most, but for MasterChef alum Justine Schofield (pictured), it’s essentially her 9 to 5. After jaunts to Malaysia, Macao, France and Fiji, the chef’s latest expedition sees her exploring the diverse and vibrant flavours of New York State. Following the Hudson River, north from the city, Schofield starts this episode at the Culinary Institute of America, a prestigious college whose graduates include bestselling author Anthony Bourdain. From sampling cannoli in Poughkeepsie to a picnic at Ithaca’s Buttermilk Falls, this tasty travelogue is sure to inspire future itineraries.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PGs, R) A young woman prepares to reopen her family hotel, while learning more about the life of her late mother. Lily James, Amanda Seyfried.
10.20 MOVIE: Nobody. (2021, MA15+v, R) A family man’s house gets burgled. Bob Odenkirk, Christopher Lloyd.
12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) Benicio del Toro.
1.00 Next Stop. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 8.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Quarter-final. Australia v Korea DPR. From HBF Park, Perth. 11.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
Hawks Nest Social Club
q Winners: Marion Smith and John Edwards. Runners up: Darren Rapley and Clint Harris.
q Ladies and men’s highest score: Chris and John.
SATURDAY, March 14
TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.05 The Piano. (R) 4.25 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PGl, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M) A teenager goes missing.
8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Lauren and Ned struggle as new parents. Lauren wonders who Taya’s biological father is and if she should contact him.
8.45 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) Selwyn struggles in the wake of his shock shooting. The local community is rocked by a murder at a care home.
9.45 This England. (Final, MA15+l, R) The country continues to cope with COVID. 10.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. (Return) 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.
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6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Women. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PGa, R) 5.30 Liberation Diaries.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Chandon Ladies Day and Caulfield Victorian Owners and Breeders Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997, Mv, R) A cop is recruited to be the partner of a special agent assigned to police extraterrestrials living on Earth. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino. 10.00 MOVIE: Men In Black II. (2002, PGh, R) A secret agent enlists his former partner. Tommy Lee Jones.
11.45 Highway Cops. (PGa)
12.15 Devils. (MA15+av, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995, G, R)
10.35 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989, Mls, R)
12.25 Epic Builds. (R)
1.20 Open For Inspection. (R)
1.50 Innovation Nation. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
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 The Dog House. (R) A father and his two daughters search for a dog that can fill the house when the girls are at their mum’s.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Is Waverley, couple Rob and Nikki need work on their property to make it work for them.
9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.30 Matlock. (PGadl, R) Matty and Olympia navigate a new trust dynamic.
11.30 Elsbeth. (PGa, R) A pop star purchases a failing convent. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
8.50 Frauds. (Premiere, Mdl) Follows a woman fresh out of prison.
9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)
10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)
10.55 MOVIE: Judy And Punch. (2019, MA15+, R)
12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS week ending 6th
6am Vai. (2019, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.25 3:10 To Yuma. (1957) 10.15 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 12.50pm Long Story Short. (2021, M) 2.35 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 4.50 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.30 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 8.30 The Fisher King. (1991, M) 11.00 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+, German) 12.35am Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+) 3.05 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Spitfire. (2018, PG)
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PG, R) 11.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 5. Grafton To Inverell. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 Manhattan Project In Colour. (PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow.
9.15 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGan, R) 10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R) 11.15 MOVIE: Julia. (2021, Mals, R) 1.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8.
3.00 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG, R)
3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. 5.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 Mastermind Australia. 6.55 The Food That Built The World. 7.40 Engineering From Above. 8.35 Icons Unearthed: Marvel. 10.25 Marcella. 12.15am A Paedophile In My Family: Surviving Dad. 1.20 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.40 Jeopardy! 12.20pm SBS50. 12.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. 5.00 WorldWatch. 5.25 PBS News Compass Points. 5.55 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.50 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.45 Abandoned Engineering. 8.40 Sharon Stone: Survival Instinct. 9.45 MOVIE: Basic Instinct 2. (2006, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 Beach Cops. (PG, R) 3.00 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender. 6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PG)
8.40 Britain’s Got Talent. (Return, PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (Mav, R) A look at hit man Christopher Dale Flannery.
11.40 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mad, R)
12.40 The Age Of Elizabeth. (PG, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62)
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Spitfire. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.55 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.35 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 10.35 The Queen Of My Dreams. (2023, M) 12.25pm The Fisher King. (1991, M) 2.55 Vai. (2019, PG) 4.30 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 6.30 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 8.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 10.45 Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 12.55am Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+, German) 2.30 Late Programs.
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
March Monday: N/S 1.D. Hipkins & B Eyre, 2. C Rands & L Falla, 3. J Whalan & B Treharne. E/W 1. D
Ahmling & S Robinson, 2. S Bowen & A Ryan, 3. S Helsen & D Dale.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.45 9News Late.
10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: The Monster Escapes. (MA15+asv)
11.15 The First 48. (Mav, R)
12.05 A Killer Makes A Call. (Malv, R) 1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGalm, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 9.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Chelsea v Aston Villa. Noon Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Beetlejuice. (1988, M) 11.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 9.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester City v Nottingham Forest. Noon Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 TBA. 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour 2. (2001, M) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, M) 11.30
Tuesday: N/S 1. A & J Macintosh, 2. H Blackbourn & E Buckpitt, 3. M Thomson & J Brandis. E/W 1. S Chopping & G Muggleton, 2. L Butler & C Low, 3. W Palmer & P Lau Wednesday: 1. B
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented by David Genat.
8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) The suspicious death of a US Navy chorister draws the team into the world of obsessive fans, pop stars and earworms. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) The squad investigates an assault at a house party where no one
Treharne & S Matheson, 2. P Baily & S Aldrich, 3. A Ryan & E White
Friday: N/S 1. T & J Thatcher, 2. J Whalan & C Richards, 3=.C Rands & L Falla, 3=. B Treharne & S Matheson. E/W 1. J Glover & N Grehan 2=. S Pearson & D Dale, 2=. K Mc Murray & S Aldrich.
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM (82)
ABC FAMILY (22)
ABC FAMILY (22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
MONDAY, March 16
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGal)
11.35 The Old Man. (Mal, R)
2.25 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGaw, R)
3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane breaks the ice.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 The Oscars. (PGalsv, R) A ceremony honouring achievements in filmmaking over the past year, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
12.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
1.40 The Agenda Setters.
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 100% Footy. (Mal) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. From Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Replay.
1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
6am Discovering
TUESDAY, March 17
Compass. (R)
News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGaw, R)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PGd)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Exit. (MA15+dl, R)
11.55 Wolf. (Malsv, R)
2.10 Safe Home. (Malv, R)
3.10 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGav, R) 4.05 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Film. 6.25 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 8.25 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PG) 10.25 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 12.20pm Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 2.35 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 4.15 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 6.15 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 8.30 Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+, French) 11.15 Syriana. (2005, MA15+) 1.30am Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs. 6am The Man Who Knew Infinity. Continued. (2015, PG) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.45 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 10.55 Tudawali. (1987, M) 12.35pm Ghoomer. (2023, M, Hindi) 3.00 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 4.45 Born To Dance. (2015, PG) 6.35 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 8.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 11.55 Hunger. (2008, MA15+) 1.35am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.30 Doc. (Ma) When the hospital is hacked, it coincides with three patients showing similar symptoms.
9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A farmer is crushed by a hay bale. 10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PG)
12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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Bulahdelah Bowling Club
Bowling Club
By Amy ANDERSON
THIS week saw the start of Open Pennants 2026 across the Manning Great Lakes region. Bulahdelah Bowling Club is excited to be fielding 2 teams this season, Grade 7 and Grade 4. Both grades securing a home game for round 1. Our 4’s taking on Forster Bowling Club and our 7’s
facing off against Halliday’s Point.
A light shower on Friday had the green fresh, a little slow, but running nicely. Thanks go to our Greens Keeper and his team of volunteer helpers.
Congratulations to our 7’s!
With 2 rinks going down in close games and the third rink posting a fantastic, 18 point margin they managed to secure the big board for a well deserved win.
Our 4’s fought a good fight, with one rink winning and the other two going down, however they were unsuccessful on the master board this week. Congratulations go to Forster Bowling Club on their win.
Social bowls Tuesday mornings, names in by 9.30
on green to play at 10.
Upcoming events:
‘Bring a Mate to Bulah’ open 2 bowl pairs, date tba.
‘Queen of the Mountain’ 3 bowl ladies triples, September. Entries opening soon.
‘King of the Mountain’ 3 bowl men’s triples, October.
Bulahdelah
WEDNESDAY, March 18
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.
8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG)
9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Face To Face. (Mv)
11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av)
1.30 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R) 3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGas)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan sits down with Noah Anderson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+adlv) Presented by John Silvester.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News. 5.30
THURSDAY,
March 19
(R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (Return)
8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Final, Ma)
9.35 A Spy Among Friends.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)
12.00 Blackwater. (MA15+alv, R)
2.20 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 4.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Morning Programs. 9.15 A Matter Of Life And Death. (1946, PG) 11.10 Sky Pirates. (1986, M) 12.45pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.20 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 4.20 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. (1974, M) 10.35 The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 12.40am Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Discovering Film. 7.00 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 9.15 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 11.10 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.25pm The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 6.30 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 8.30 All The President’s Men. (1976, M) 11.00 Monster’s Ball. (2001, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.
Myall Coast Vets
Coast Vets
By Tony SMITH
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Mackenzie is caught aiding and abetting. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 2. Hawthorn v Sydney. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.
11.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 1.00 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Noel Barrett, Chris 5th Bernardin, Peter Salmon, Jeffrey Stewart, Ron 10th Collison, Laurie Ibbetson, Paul Barrett, Chris 16th Weightman, Ross Hulme, Terry Kemp,
By Jackie MURPHY
THE Tea Gardens Fishing Club celebrated a successful weekend on the water after taking a strong win against their neighbours, the Hawks Nest Fishing Club, in their latest interclub competition.
Members from both clubs enjoyed a fantastic day of fishing, friendly rivalry and great community spirit, with plenty of fish brought to the weigh-in and a strong turnout from participants and supporters alike.
Tea Gardens came out on top with an overall club score of 964 points, defeating Hawks Nest who finished with 547 points.
In the individual results, Michael Groth secured the Men’s Winner title with an impressive 184 points for Tea Gardens, followed