Myall Coast News Of The Area 19 MARCH 2026

COAST

Pensioner slams stagnant rates rebates

By John WATTS

IN August 2023, NSW

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig announced that pensioners could apply for up to $250 in rebates on their ordinary council rates and waste charges.

Further rebates of $87.50 for water rates and another $87.50 for sewerage rates, were also available.

But the rebates were not new.

They were introduced in 1993 to cover what was then 50 percent of annual rate charges.

Pensioner Ian Parks, who has become increasingly dismayed that

his rates keep increasing while the rebates do not, recently wrote to Minister Hoenig, MidCoast Council (MCC), and Upper Hunter State MP Dave Layzell, asking for some action.

“Why are we being penalised by owning our own home and being treated like ‘cash cows’?” he wrote in his letter.

“Why are we being forced to choose between food, medications, transport, power, cooling or heating, the odd outing, or paying MCC’s exorbitant rates?”

In its reply, MCC agreed that the rebate was inadequate but suggested that it was a matter for the NSW Government.

CONTINUED Page 2

PRICE PRESSURES

Hardwood supply chain at risk from

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Pensioner slams stagnant rates rebates

FROM Page 1

A Council spokesperson told News Of The Area, “With relentless and increasing cost shifting from state and federal governments onto local councils, MidCoast Council believes the responsibility rests with those entities to provide more relief for pensioners, especially considering pension rates have not increased for a long time.”

Council said it would continue to lobby the Government for a change.

However, in his reply, Member for Upper Dave Layzell suggested it was a Council matter and made no mention of State Government responsibility.

He recommended that Mr Roberts lobby Council - which he had done - and offered to make his own representations.

Minister Hoenig did not reply.

“…this type of assistance is next to useless,” Ian had told them.

“You’re killing us financially, and you don’t seem to care!”

The Combined Pensioner and Superannuants Association has pointed out that the 50 percent discount has become largely obsolete, resulting in a concession that offers only a fraction of the value that was initially intended in 1993.

As his letters have not resulted in relief, Mr Parks has decided to form a local lobby group to try and get some action.

Anyone interested can contact him on 0414 582 019 or via parksy56@bigpond.com.

Ferry a national finalist

By Thomas O’KEEFE

LOCAL business the Original Tea Gardens Ferry is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Small Business Awards.

The owners of this much-loved local service, which carries a large chunk of local tourism back and forth across Port Stephens Bay, will head to Sydney on 2 May for the awards.

“The ferry has such a special place in the hearts of the local community, so to [be] recognised at a national level is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved,” Kerrie Jeffreys told News Of The Area.

“This recognition belongs to our amazing

crew, our wonderful passengers, and the communities of Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens who support us every day.”

The heritage ferry service, which connects Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens across the sparkling waters of Port Stephens, is wellknown to locals and visitors.

Since taking over the business a few years ago, Kerrie has worked tirelessly to transform the ferry into a vibrant tourism experience while preserving the history and charm of the traditional service.

Her recent achievements have included the successful installation of dedicated jetties for loading and unloading commercial passengers.

“Today the ferry offers a range of experiences including history cruises with local storyteller John ‘Stinker’ Clarke, long lunch cruises with local restaurants, and special events celebrating the stories of the bay.

“[It] also works closely with community organisations including local Probus Clubs, U3A groups and visiting tour groups, sharing the maritime history of Port Stephens with passengers while cruising the harbour.

“Every day we get to share the beauty and stories of Port Stephens with people on the water.

“Being recognised like this makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Drake released back into the wild

MIDCOAST Council’s Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results, especially for one koala nicknamed “Drake”.

Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney’s Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025.

When caught, Drake was in poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, had developed wet bottom and weighed only six kilograms.

Drake was sent to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for care.

Council’s Koala Project Officer, Caitlin Orr said there were some early concerns about whether the sick koala would pull through.

“By all accounts he was a bit of a difficult

patient,” she said.

“He often refused to take his medication but after a few weeks he settled down and responded well to treatments.

“But then he went backwards again after coming down with a fungal infection.”

But, after four-and-a-half months, Council received the call that Drake had improved so much he was ready to be released.

“He was much happier and tested negative for chlamydia,” Ms Orr said.

“He was in much better spirits and when released at the same tree he was captured at he climbed straight up into the canopy for a feed which is a great sign.”

Staff will continue to keep an eye on Drake to make sure he continues to do well.

PRICE PRESSURES

FROM Page 1

In a single week, the Dorneys say daily fuel costs across the two operations have climbed by more than $7,800.

Every tonne of Tallowwood, Ironbark and Blackbutt that leaves Bulahdelah does so on the back of a fuel-powered truck.

The two mills employ more than ten percent of the local town's population and supply a large share of north-east NSW's hardwoodrunning supply chains south to Sydney and the Central Coast, west to Canberra, and north to Brisbane.

"It's not a case of panic buying," Dorney said.

"It's all due to a critical

shortage at the bowser and growing rationing between customers."

Nationals MP Alison Penfold, the Member for Lyne, raised the issue directly to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in Federal Parliament last week.

“Yesterday the minister insisted that there is no fuel supply shortage,” Ms Penfold said.

“The Dorney family in Bulahdelah run two timber mills, multiple hauling and felling crews, and a fleet of logging and freight trucks.

“In one week alone, their daily fuel costs have increased by $7,800.

“Minister, under your

watch, why are Australians like the Dorney family, and their business, running out of fuel?”

Mr Bowen acknowledged regional supply chains are under severe pressure and confirmed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been directed to impose hard penalties against profiteering.

“We've been very clear that no-one in the fuel supply chain should seek business or economic benefit out of that,” he said.

Timber industry body Forest and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) is warning that soaring regional fuel prices are threatening the nation’s hardwood supply chain.

Churches combine for prayer service

Death Certificate – is the information correct?

by Cavelle Lindsay

one, issued by Birth, Deaths and Marriages. It is an important document so you must take time and care when completing the application form. It may be used to transfer joint bank accounts into the name of the surviving joint account holder, or it may be included in an application for probate by the executor of the estate. It may also be used for any claim for death benefits arising from a superannuation fund and life insurance policies held by the deceased. The most common mistake we see is including or excluding a person on the form as a de facto partner. Some people do this without understanding the meaning of a de facto partner. Issues may then arise with banks, superannuation funds and life insurance agencies if the details on the death certificate are incorrect. For example, if you have included a de facto partner on

the death certificate and he, she or they are not a de facto partner as recognised under the relevant legislation, and then an application is made for superannuation death benefits, a super fund will review the death certificate and if the deceased did not have a binding nomination, then the superannuation fund may contact the named de facto partner and ask them if he, she or they are considering making a claim for the death benefits. In the instance where the de facto partner is not a de facto partner as recognised by the legislation, this may cause issues with the superannuation fund paying any death benefits.

If you have recently received a death certificate and the details contained on the document are incorrect, please contact us and we can assist you with having this changed.

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"With 90 percent of our population living on just 0.25 percent of Australia’s land mass, regional communities

AROUND 40 people from the four Christian churches in Tea Gardens gathered to celebrate the 99th World Day of Prayer at the Tea Gardens Baptist Church on Friday, 6 March.

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which will celebrate its centenary in March 2027.

Australia was part of the first International World Day of Prayer in 1927.

This year’s service was written by the Christian church of Nigeria, with African-themed decorations

are feeling the impact of surging fuel prices more acutely than their city cousins,” said FWCA chairman Steve Dobbyns.

adorning the church hall.

“Different parts of the service were led by all four churches and everyone was moved by the stories of three women whose daily lives of poverty and suffering in Nigeria led them to turn to God where they found hope and strength,” said Susan Carter, a Deacon of the Baptist Church in Tea Gardens.

“For many people, the World Day of Prayer is an event they attend each year and one lady shared that she had gone to World Day of

“The cost of fuel is up to a dollar higher in regional communities and they can’t just walk to the shops or catch a train."

Prayer 57 times.”

The churches of Tea Gardens take turns hosting four key events each year.

“[These are] the World Day of Prayer, a time of prayer for the persecuted church, a time of prayer for the Nations, and Christmas carols at the two nursing homes in our area,” said Susan.

“If you missed this year’s World Day of Prayer, maybe you will be able to attend next year’s on the first Friday of March 2027 at St Stephen’s Catholic church.”

Motorfest turns 21

By Thomas O’KEEFE

AUTO lovers united at Myall Park to celebrate the 21st outing of Motorfest on Saturday 14 March, hosted by the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club.

Grey skies were no barrier for more than 300 cars on display and the over 1000 people perusing the auto alleys.

“We have an awesome array of cars… from Port Macquarie to Sydney, and west of Stroud to Tamworth,” Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club President Dave Jones told News Of The Area.

In the context of the recent oil supply crisis, it would have cost a few pretty pennies to fill up many of the cars, and the trucks that hauled them down the highway.

On show were big American cars - Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Fords, Chryslers, Cadillacs and Thunderbirds - along with Jaguars and Daimlers and more economically-built European cars like Morris Minors.

The oldest vehicles were from the WWI era, others just over 100-years-old, like the 1925 Nash Tourer Ajax.

There were 14 prize

categories.

Bonnets were open to display shiny engines as judges roamed, paying attention to paintwork, engine bays, upholstery, originality, and overall presentation.

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“The condition and cleanliness of some cars is unbelievable, an enormous credit to all who put this together,” he said.

Special Guest Will Hagon, the voice of Australian motoring, interviewed car lovers of all types, and helped call out the winners.

Takings from the day will be shared between several charity and community service groups, including the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club, the Free Clinic Bus, and the Pindimar/ Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service.

Hunter trainee lands port role

HUNTER trainee Tilley Murgatroyd is taking her first steps into a maritime career as a Port Officer with Port Authority of NSW, after completing a hands-on traineeship delivered through a unique collaboration with Port of Newcastle and Svitzer.

Through the Newcastlebased industry traineeship, Ms Murgatroyd rotated across towage, pilotage support, on-water safety and port operations, gaining rare insight into the roles that keep one of the nation’s busiest ports operating safely and efficiently.

“Training in maritime operations here in the Hunter has been an

incredible opportunity,” Ms Murgatroyd said.

“Hands-on training like this is rare, and learning to operate vessels across different conditions, including day and night operations, has given me real on-water experience and the confidence to start my maritime career in Newcastle,” she said.

Port Authority Chief Operating Officer John Finch described Tilley as an exceptional trainee, noting that she had been offered a 12-month contract as a Port Officer, based in Newcastle.

“This traineeship demonstrates how collaborative, handson training can open

meaningful pathways into the maritime sector,” John said.

“By rotating across three organisations, trainees gain direct insight into the realities of maritime work and the teamwork, and specialist skills required to operate a safe, busy port.

“It is a merit-based pathway that provides a strong foundation for anyone aspiring to work on the water.”

Port of Newcastle Acting CEO Glen Hayward said programs such as this were important to support early-career entrants and strengthen the Hunter’s future workforce.

“Port of Newcastle,

Port Authority, and Svitzer each play a vital role in the maritime supply chain, and this program reflects our shared commitment to developing local talent.

“Building the next generation of skilled maritime workers, including raising awareness and interest among women, is critical to developing the workforce required to keep up with the growing economy and the port’s diversified future.”

Svitzer General Manager East Dylan Sheehan said, "Towage is central to keeping Newcastle operating safely and efficiently, and we're proud to help give young people a real understanding

of how it works. Supporting trainees helps to build the local skills pipeline and

ensure the Hunter has the maritime workforce it needs into the future."

Council seeks support on disaster recovery and pension rates

MIDCOAST councillors have thrown their support behind funding for disaster recovery and increased financial assistance for pensioners.

The issues will be raised at the Australian Local Government Association’s national conference to be

held in Canberra in June.

Mayor Claire Pontin proposed two motions to take to what is the largest annual gathering of local government leaders in Australia.

These motions were supported at the February meeting of Council.

The first motion calls on the Federal Government to amend its disaster recovery funding arrangements to include betterment funding for roads and bridges and upfront payments for Councils when it comes to rebuilding after a disaster.

“At the moment most of the funding only allows for work to be done on a likefor-like basis,” Cr Pontin explained.

“So the next time there’s a flood chances are the same thing will happen again.

“I am asking for what is called betterment funding which means the designs can be improved to increase resilience to future events which allows for future cost savings instead of continuously having to rebuild.”

Following the May 2025

floods, which destroyed a number of roads and two significant community linking bridges in Tiri and The Bight, MidCoast Council has consistently raised the need for funding to be available for improving replacement structures to be more resilient in future flooding events.

The second motion proposed by the Mayor calls for the Federal

Government to increase its financial assistance to pensioners.

“When you consider the pension rates have not increased for a long time and the State and Federal governments continue to cost shift onto local councils, we think there is more they can do to support our pensioners and we will be pushing for that.”

Landscape inspires Stroud author

By Thomas O’KEEFE

STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region.

Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek.

It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children.

“‘Where Ripples Rise” encourages curiosity, mindfulness and a love of nature, including a special highlight of the local platypus – Yapii in the Gathang language –which is, happily, quite abundant across the region,” Rachel told News Of The Area.

“The project was developed in collaboration with Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway, who assisted with the inclusion of words for local plants and animals in the Gathang language, giving children the opportunity to learn language while deepening their understanding of Country.”

Uncle Justin also provided a Worimi Dreaming story of Yapii the platypus, as an added bonus for the book’s publication.

Rachel and illustrator Estelle Leishman share a strong commitment to sustainability and nurture a love of the natural world in children.

They also hold a deep respect for Aboriginal culture and knowledge, which is thoughtfully reflected throughout the book.

Estelle’s detailed artwork brings the creek environment to life.

The illustrations were made with eco-

Tasmania

Burnie, Wynyard, Cradle

Strahan,

paints, created from natural materials gathered at the creek.

The book also includes a hidden creature activity, encouraging children to become naturalists and search the pages for bushland animals.

“‘Where Ripples Rise’ offers a meaningful learning opportunity for children,” said Karuah Public School Principal Toni Lyle.

“This gentle story shows us the bridge between curiosity, learning and genuine heartfelt connections to Country.”

Aboriginal Education Officer Nicki Ridgeway also praised the book, describing

it as “a beautiful story that connects children to Country and encourages respect for waterways.”

The book was supported by a MidCoast Arts Support Grant, and printed locally in Newcastle on FSC-certified paper.

“Where Ripples Rise” is the first book published under The Bower Farm Collective imprint, reflecting the Collective’s commitment to nature, community, creativity and connection to Country.

Its release marks a special time for Rachel, who welcomed twins into the family just two weeks ago.

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Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure

By Robyn WUTH, Tess IKONOMOU and Zac DE SILVA, AAP

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel - more than a month's supply - as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand.

The country is "as prepared as possible" with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days' supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday.

The stockpile includes 2.7 billion litres of diesel, or 30 days of supply, and 800 million litres or 29 days of jet fuel.

Global concerns over the US-Israeli-led war in Iran have fanned fears of fuel shortages, leading to regional supply issues and price hikes.

"We have received all our expected shipping of petrol and diesel that our refineries continue to work, and the supply of petrol has been secure and has been just as expected," Mr Bowen said.

"What we have seen

is real and unacceptable shortages in rural and regional areas in particular, as we've been dealing with a massive explosion in demand - demand up 100 percent at every terminal across Australia.

"This has seen shortages for farmers, for people in regional areas in particular, which the government has been working very hard with the industry to get addressed as quickly as possible."

The government has moved to ease the pain for motorists, releasing up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from emergency reserves to meet regional demand.

NSW will convene an urgent roundtable to address concerns over the impact of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, as its premier urges restraint at the bowsers.

Representatives from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local councils, mining, unions and consumer protection groups were set to meet with government

officials on Monday.

"Global events are putting pressure on fuel markets around the world and we are making sure NSW is prepared as we can be and well coordinated if those pressures continue," Premier Chris Minns said.

"I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone but it's important people don't buy more fuel at the bowser than they need."

Iran has closed one of the world's busiest oil corridors - the Strait of Hormuz - in response to the US-led war launched against it, causing a global shortage that has led fuel prices to skyrocket.

Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, according to Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queensland-based company services 500 businesses.

"We've got a lot of angry customers that want their fuel," he told AAP.

"A lot of them have been pretty good to deal with and understand the situation

we're in.

"Every other fuel distributor in the country, we're all the same. It's really impacted our business because we just can't get the volume we require on a normal day."

One Nation MP Barnaby

Joyce has raised the prospect of city rationing to help address the issue.

"It is a crisis," he told ABC Radio on Friday.

Mr Joyce said trucks had to be kept moving to ensure food remained on supermarket shelves and

other vital services were maintained.

The consumer watchdog has told fuel retailers to respond to claims they dramatically hiked petrol and diesel prices soon after war broke out.

Penalties for false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled to a maximum of $100 million per offence as the crisis deepens.

Australia has also relaxed quality standards for the next 60 days to boost the domestic market.

Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push

q The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.

By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP

RATIONING fuel in Australia's major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says.

Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces.

regional areas as the Iran war drags on.

Mr Joyce argues this would ensure supermarket shelves remained stocked and other key industries could continue operating.

Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, said Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queenslandbased company transports fuel for 500 businesses.

But NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the organisation did not support the proposal.

"It will have an economic and social connection impact and we believe it's unnecessary," he said.

Trump calls on countries to step up.

"If you are part of a beneficiary of it being resolved, you got to do something for it," he told ABC's Insiders.

Mr Khoury said there were reports in some locations of people buying four times the amount of fuel usually sold.

"When Australians are stockpiling fuel in jerry cans in homes, that behaviour will inevitably lead to shortages," he said.

"If that behaviour stops, it will go a long way to stabilising the situation."

said shortages were down to people stockpiling.

He has also rejected calls to bring in fuel rationing in metropolitan areas.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the nation had plenty of fuel.

"We've got big stockpiles of fuel, whether it's petrol or diesel or jet fuel, and we work around the clock to make sure that Australia doesn't run out, we're certainly not expecting that we will," he told Sky News on Sunday.

Labor has also relaxed its fuel quality requirements, meaning higher sulfur petrol usually reserved for export can be sold in Australia in a bid to tackle increased demand.

The conflict in the Middle East has spiked oil prices, sending unleaded petrol prices in Australia above $2.20 a litre, and diesel to more than $2.60 a litre.

"Fuel supplies have continued throughout this war and urge Australians not to panic buy and stockpile, particularly diesel."

Fuel transport companies support a proposal by One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce to reserve fuel for farmers and

Mr Joyce said Australia should be part of a global effort to end Iran's blockade, as US President Donald

The federal government on Friday announced up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from the emergency reserves of companies would be released to address shortfalls.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly provided assurances Australia has enough fuel and

Development continues apace in the MidCoast

MIDCOAST Council had the highest number of development applications lodged in regional NSW for the October-December 2025 quarter, representing a value of $392,358,034.

Between 1 October 2025 and 31 December 2025, Council received 1,521

individual customer requests. During this period, Council assessed more applications than any other regional NSW council, at 469 applications. Decisions have been made on 278 development applications or modifications.

The average time Council took to make a decision was 80 days.

This meets State Government expectations and compares well against other large regional councils, which average 83 days.

Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant acknowledged that further work is required to reduce development assessment times, which would have a direct benefit for the MidCoast economy. Before a new development application can be considered official

in the NSW Planning Portal, Council must do an initial review.

At an average of 10 days, the time Council takes to do this check is consistent with the average for regional councils; however, it doesn’t meet the State’s expectation of seven days.

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said despite there being enough volume of fuel in Australia, it was a "small mercy" for farmers and businesses.

"When they go to the petrol station or they call their contractor and there's no fuel available, they've got a supply crisis," he told Sky News.

“Council’s building development and advisory team have further streamlined the application review process,” said Ms Pleasant.

“We achieved a sevenday review timeframe in the month of December 2025, and we’re confident our review period will soon consistently meet the State’s expectations.”

Review into feral animal management

A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW.

The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years.

The control program has been built on increased aerial culling, a free bait initiative, and the promotion of landholders working together to address pests.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has now tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Minister Moriarty will be requesting the Independent Commissioner to consider and recommend actions that will:

• Examine the best available tools and techniques for controlling feral pigs and deer at a regional scale, including new and emerging technologies.

• Work through the challenges of delivering feral pest programs across different landscapes and land tenures

• Increase landholder participation in regional programs, to ensure landholders deliver on their biosecurity duty and improve the success of on-ground management efforts including trapping and baiting.

Preliminary advice will be delivered to the NSW Government in June 2026 and a final report will be delivered in October 2026.

“The NSW Government’s feral pig and pest program is culling more pigs than ever before but there is still more work to be done,” Minister

Moriarty said.

“We are supporting landowners to carry out coordinated ground control before and after the aerial shoot, to deliver best practice pest animal management.

“Dr Katherine Clift’s review into our feral pig program is an important next step in making sure we are getting the most out of the program.

“The findings will help refine how public and private land managers work together, ensuring control programs are consistent, practical and responsive to local needs.”

Over the next two months, Local Land Services is planning to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

Aerial shooting is a key component of coordinated control programs, that

follows months of work being undertaken with primary control measures such as baiting and trapping.

These primary control methods are currently considered the most effective at reducing large feral pig numbers, with aerial shooting used in combination to address any remaining pigs.

Local Land Services helps facilitate broadscale, crosstenure pest animal control programs across NSW in line with Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans, working closely with landholders to coordinate control efforts.

The NSW Nationals have a different view however, arguing that a review is unnecessary.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Moylan, argues farmers don’t need another study but rather

q Minister Moriarty with landholder Andrew McIntyre.

helicopters in the air, boots on the ground and pigs being shot, baited and trapped at pace and scale.

Over the next two months, Local Land Services is planning

Foster care recruitment drive across the Hunter

HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive.

Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families.

There is a particular need for people to care for sibling groups, some with

children under five years old; and adolescents, who often wait the longest to be placed with foster carers.

Research shows that many potential carers remain hesitant due to misconceptions about their eligibility and the time required to foster a child.

There are many ways to start fostering, including providing just a few days of respite to other foster

carers.

In January, the Foster Care Allowance was increased for the first time in 20 years, lifting the base rate by 20 percent.

According to the State Government, a foster carer of a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4,500 better off each year.

“I know there are hundreds of people across the Hunter who have what

it takes to become a foster carer,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“I encourage anyone who is considering fostering to reach out and find out how you can support vulnerable kids in our communities.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “There are many ways you can help a vulnerable child, by providing emergency,

respite, short or long term care.

“You can foster if you rent or own your own home, if you’re single or married, work full-time or are retired – all you need is love in your heart and space in your home.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said that local foster carers are the backbone of the

to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

state’s care system.

“We know fostering looks different for everyone, which is why we’re focused on removing barriers and backing carers with practical, financial and professional support,” he said.

“If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to step forward and be part of the Hunter’s foster care community.”

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Hunter landholders urged to plan through tough conditions

WITH parts of the region experiencing dry conditions, patchy rainfall and the likelihood of more hot weather still to come, Hunter Local Land Services says planning ahead for pastures and livestock has never been more important.

Across the region, producers are reporting tightening feed availability, uneven pasture growth and declining soil moisture reserves following a run of warm conditions and inconsistent rainfall.

In some areas, summer pasture responses have been short-lived, placing additional pressure on feed budgeting and grazing management decisions as producers look ahead to autumn.

To support landholders, HLLS is offering seasonal updates, dry time planning resources and upcoming agriculture events focused on pasture management, livestock nutrition and risk mitigation strategies.

These activities are designed to provide practical, locally relevant advice to help producers

prepare early and respond confidently to changing seasonal conditions.

HLLS is also advising farmers to utilise the Farming Forecaster program, which aims to provide practical, predictive information on weather, soil moisture and pasture production to support informed grazing and feed management decisions.

Monitoring sites in the Hunter are incorporated into a wider national network of soil moisture probes and weather stations across Australia.

The program operates by collecting real-time data from soil moisture probes and on-farm weather stations.

This data is transformed into clear, user-friendly information that is readily available online, allowing producers to track local conditions and trends as the season unfolds.

Teresa Hogan, Livestock Officer with HLLS, said with seasonal conditions across the Hunter remaining variable, tools like Farming Forecaster give producers

a clearer picture of what’s happening in their paddocks now and what may be coming.

“By combining local weather data, soil moisture information and pasture growth forecasts, producers can make more informed decisions around stocking rates, supplementary feeding and planning for autumn and winter.

“Having access to this type of information helps graziers manage risk, respond earlier to changing conditions and make the most of any rainfall that does arrive.”

The pasture forecast tool uses validated modelling and historic data that incorporates site-specific data along with information from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.

It provides forecast pasture growth rates (kgDM/ha/day) and production estimates (tDM/ha), along with an indication of the likely range in pasture availability over the next three to four months.

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,

CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to energy lab

THE CSIRO has officially launched the $3 million upgrade of the Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle.

The national science agency says the upgrade will significantly expand Australia’s capability to test, validate and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable, reliable and secure electricity system.

The expanded facility includes a suite of advanced capabilities, including the ability to simulate microgrids and grid faults, test inverter performance under realworld conditions and run large-scale experiments combining solar, batteries and electric vehicles.

One of its standout demonstrations is vehicle-togrid technology, which uses electric vehicles as flexible batteries to store excess solar energy and return power to

the grid during peak periods.

CSIRO’s Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton, said the new facility provides a powerful national capability at a time of rapid change in our electricity system.

“The Renewable Energy Integration Facility provides industry, researchers and system operators with an independent laboratory to test how technologies such as wind, solar, batteries and electric vehicles can integrate safely and reliably into the grid,” Dr Hilton said.

“As Australia transitions to a cleaner, more electrified economy, we need the confidence that new energy technologies can operate safely and reliably across the system. This upgraded facility strengthens Australia’s capability to test exactly that.

“The facility will support more efficient use of electrical infrastructure, ultimately helping improve

energy affordability for Australian homes and businesses."

CSIRO Energy Systems Research Program Director Dr John Ward said the new laboratory will help Australia tackle both local and global challenges in the energy transition.

“The Renewable Energy Integration Facility allows us to simulate and stress-test real-world grid conditions, giving us deeper insight into how inverter-based technologies like solar and batteries perform as their share grows across the electricity system,” Dr Ward said.

“Australia faces unique challenges – from long, remote distribution networks and record levels of rooftop solar, to increasingly volatile weather and rising demand from energyintensive data centres.

“This facility allows

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: 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 March at 5pm AEDT. For more information and to apply, visit: essentialenergy.com.au/ EssentialGrants

q Demonstrating Vehicle-togrid (V2G) technology in CSIRO's Renewable Energy Integration Facility.

us to work side-by-side with industry and market bodies to design innovative solutions.

“The facility also supports Australian innovation and manufacturing by providing a rigorous, independent environment to evaluate new technologies before they reach market,” he said.

The facility is open to external industry and research organisations for collaboration and commercialisation projects that help address energy sector challenges.

Expressions of interest should be directed to EnergyEOI@csiro.au.

Australian start-ups and

Government extends funding for two key

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 lowincome earners since its establishment in 1981.

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 housingrelated 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 each year, are eligible for a NIL Scheme loan.

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, boarding houses and nursing homes.

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,

small to medium enterprises are encouraged to explore support through CSIRO’s Kick-Start Program.

The Renewable Energy Integration Facility upgrade was made possible with funding from the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Universities Program.

programs

including older residents and domestic violence victim-survivors”.

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 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.”

Club making a racquet

By Thomas O’KEEFE

MYALL Park Tennis Club has seen its sports offerings and success grow over the past few years, with players recently winning medals at the World Pickleball Association tournament in Lake Macquarie.

The WPA event ran from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February at Mount Hutton

Tennis and Pickleball Club, bringing together over 100 players from clubs around the region.

They included Helen Haynes and Samantha Leggatt from Myall Park who took home silver medals.

“This is a clear indication of the club going from strength to strength,” Club President Libby

McDermott told News Of The Area.

Located at Myall Park sports area, the club has been bolstered by its inclusion of the everpopular pickleball as well as regular tournaments with clubs from nearby towns.

“At recent open days, it was wonderful to be able to show our community just

how much fun tennis and pickleball are, resulting in new members joining the club community.”

After a successful AllAges Welcome Open Day in February, more are planned for May and August.

Existing tennis club players are currently preparing for the Aand B-graded tennis competitions.

The Hawks are getting the band back together

THE Tea Gardens Hawks are entering the 2026 season with several past players added to the roster.

Secretary Neil Reynolds said these players will “add to the Hawks’ onfield resolve, and support players returning from 2025, and younger performers registering with the club”.

The club has appointed

experienced personnel in leadership positions, with Trent Murphy and Ryan Saunders assisting in coaching roles, and last year’s club captain Jimmy Sinclair also adding input.

The campaign begins with trial games on 21 and 28 March, with the competition commencing on the weekend after Easter.

Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League have not yet released the competition draw or confirmed gradings.

Saturday 21 March will see a three-way competition between the Hawks, Paterson River, and Abermain.

This innovation will see each team play four 20-minute quarters against

each other.

The first game will start at 1:30pm.

Saturday 28 March will feature the Ladyhawks’ first 2026 outing.

They will play a trial against Clarence Town.

Coach Alex Sinclair is confident of a competitive team this season.

A second three-way trial has been arranged between the Hawks, Clarence Town, and Karuah.

named after a local Nippers member who, despite being legally blind from an early age, still always got involved and gave his best.

Evelyn Taylor (Under12s) took out the Vince McLean Award, donated by Vince’s family for an up-and-comer who always keeps on trying.

The Rex Sargeant Award, for a junior who goes above and beyond normal Nippers expectations, was awarded to Lacey Preston (Under13s).

The Dr Everett Award, for the winner of the highest overall points throughout the season, went to Anneke Whitburn (Under-12s).

Organisers said they couldn’t be prouder of the efforts put in by the Nippers over the season, and of the improvements made in and out of the water.

Club registrar Kerrie Moore said the club adjusted its offering this year to give the Nippers a more rounded experience.

“As always Nippers on a Sunday morning can be successful according to the weather and the conditions at Bennetts Beach, so one of the aims this season was to

have a number of mornings at Jimmys Beach to give the children the opportunity to experience calmer waters and develop stronger swimming and board skills,” Kerrie said.

“However, this was not always possible because of mother nature's changeable attitude, but our Nippers and Age Managers made the best of it.”

Kerrie thanked everyone who supported the program for their assistance through the season, including those who assisted with sign-in and catering.

“Nippers can't happen without parents/carers/ grandparents bringing the children along each Sunday, and we also ask parents to help out with activities, so

TGSC Walking Football Results

By Shanye REYNOLDS

PLAY day Wednesday was a lovely afternoon with lots of shade and a light cooling breeze making conditions no less than perfect for all our eager players.

The two 15-minute halves were separated by a 5-minute rest and drink break. The second half was followed, after another rest and drinks break, by another 10-minute session as is becoming the norm every game day for most players.

A big welcome to our “Newbie” this week, Shirley, who played with so much vigour all game it looked like she had been playing for years but it was in fact this

was her very first game. Congratulations to Len for scoring a “hat trick” of three goals this game with only four tumbles, things are definitely on the improve, watch this space.

Every player showed great skills and even some flashy reverse passes that managed to surprise and outwit the competition and even themselves sometimes! All in all, it was a fun filled game, plenty of laughs, applause and banter from everyone on and off the field.

Big thanks to Karen for taking the laundry this week and David who brought some lovely snacks that were greatly appreciated by everyone during our always well attended after game sit’n’chat session.

“Other

Bulahdelah Bowling Club

By Amy ANDERSON

PENNANTS Round 2, had both Bulahdelah teams

Bulahdelah Golf Club News

By Thora-Lou SMITH

THE ladies played their first Pennant round at Tuncurry Monday 2nd March and even though the result wasn't great, they looked fantastic! The match played on Monday 9th March was more successful with 4/5 wins. Wednesday 4th March was a Stableford and the winner with 33pts was Terry Stellema from Lou Smith with 31pts on a c/b from Alison Benson. No NTP and Lou grabbed the 17th jackpot. Wednesday 11th March was the 2nd Medal round and Barbie Gordon

Hawks Nest Ladies Golf

By Dianne BOWES

THURSDAY the 5th of March was another stifling morning, with only 39 ladies playing in the Lady Vets 9 hole event. There were some fantastic scores carded, with Deb Matheson (a brilliant 44 off the stick) and Liz Ross both finishing with nett 35, Liz Edmonds 34, Carol Wiggins 35 and a delighted Gene Prigg 36 close behind. Gene played a great game, her best in years she thought – well done! Chip ins came from Saw Lim Ling on the 6th hole, and Robyn Keegan on the 17th from 5 metres out. But it was the consistent Di Smith, who’s been hovering close to the top of the leaderboard for weeks, who romped in with the day’s impressive win. Well played, ladies!

Results: Thursday 5/3/2026

Lady Vets 9 Hole Event

1st Di Smith -12; 2nd Viv Ballinger -6; 3rd Lorraine Bragg -4; 4th Ann Browning -2

NTP Hole 3: Division

1 Jo Scott; Division 2 Liz Edmonds

NTP 16th Hole: Division

1 Deb Matheson; Division 2

TGCC Bowling Club Reports

By Kay BERCZELLY

WEEKENDING 15.03.26

Our Sponsors this week - Riverstone Logistic - providing local transport services.

Having just returned from a short summer holiday on our beautiful north NSW coast, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the wonderful Jane Uff for kindly filling in for me & keeping our

19 March 2026

SPORT RESULTS

play away games.

Our 4’s taking on Taree Railway at Taree Railway Bowling Club and our 7’s played Forster at Forster. Congratulations to our 4’s!

was the winner with 75nett from Colleen Richards with 77nett. Barbie also won the 17th jackpot.

The Vets played a 4BBB Multiplier on Thursday 5th March and the winners were Wayne Pollard & Jeff Crockett from Peter Norman & Mick Welsh. Damian Bishop & D.Harris came next. NTPs were Mick Welsh, Marty Bramble, Ray Mansell and Toby Carroll. Thursday 12th March was the Vet's Monthly Mug and the winner was Stewart McNaughton with 68nett on a c/b from Ray Mansell. Ken Hughes was 3rd with 69nett. NTPs were Marty Bramble, Wayne Pollard (x2) and Ray Mansell who was also the best putter

Marg Bonney; Division 3 Viv Ballinger

There were only 28 takers for the first Monthly Medal Saturday Competition for the year, but the battle for B Grade was enthralling. Despite scoring a 10 on one hole where she had some bunker trouble, Carol Maher came home with a great gross score of 71, winning on a count back from Roma Bernardin also on 71. Liz Edmonds came in a further shot behind on 72 to complete the B Grade sweep of the leaderboard. Well played, ladies!

Results: 7/3/2026

Ladies 18 Hole Stroke

March Monthly Medal

A Grade Winners: 1st Kathy Griffiths 72; 2nd Deb Matheson 75; 3rd Sari

Winning 2 of 3 rinks and the master board. A well deserved win. Our 7’s had some great bowls with one rink winning and the other two going down.

with only 26 putts!

Saturday 7th March was a Stableford and the A grade winner was Marty Bramble with 40pts from Ray Mansell with 36pts (on a 4-way c/b!). Steve Sharp also had 40pts to win B grade from Mick Gardiner with 38pts. Ladies' winner was Barbie Gordon, also with 40pts from Lou Smith with 34pts. NTPs were Allan Benson, Steve Sharp, Paul Smithson, Bob Denelzen, Steve Fitzgerald and Barbie Gordon, with a great birdie putt. Long drivers were Brad Schlenert, Zac Watt (only a putt from the green!), Luke Barry and Bernie Newton.

Saturday 14th March was a Stroke event and the A grade

McDonald 79

B Grade Winners: 1st

Carol Maher 71 C/B; 2nd

Roma Bernardin 71; 3rd Liz Edmonds 72

Place Getters (74-75):

Robyn Richardson, Ann Syme, Sue Brownrigg, Judi Salmon

NTP Hole 5: A Grade

Kathy Griffiths; B Grade

Roma Bernardin

NTP Hole 10: A Grade

Angela Clipperton

A Grade Gross Winner: Deb Matheson 93 C/B

B Grade Gross Winner: Sue Kovacs 102

After some welcome rain early in the week, last Thursday was again quite warm and humid for the 48 lady vets who played in the 9 hole event. The freshly cored and sandy greens made for

bowling community informed of the week’s results in fine fashion. She’s not only the newly unified Bowling Club’s Secretary, but she’s an amazing work horse & friend - thanks Jane!

Ladies Tuesday Bowls 10.03.26

20 of our ladies enjoyed 2 x rinks of 3 bowl triples & 1 x rink of 2 bowl 4s. Winners with lowest margin 16-15 were Precy Swadling, Bette Saillard & Judy McGavok.

Men’s Wednesday Gala

Congratulations go to Forster Bowling Club on their win.

Social bowls Tuesday mornings, names in by 9.30 on green to play at 10.

winner was Dave Schlenert with 67nett from Arrin Gardiner with 70nett on a c/b from Geoff Matheson. B grade winner was Rod Norberry with 70nett on a c/b from Steve Fitzgerald. C grade had 2 impressive scores - Dylan Morice won with 63nett and Charlie Matheson was 2nd with 64nett! Ladies' winner was Colleen Richards with 72nett from Barbie Gordon with 74nett. NTPs were Toby Carroll, Allan Benson, Al Jobson, Stewy Mcnaughton, Jake Zabielo, Barbie Gordon and Colleen Richards. Long drivers were Toby Carroll, Paul Cheers, Steve South and Barbie Gordon. Anthony Smith won the 17th jackpot.

some interesting putts, with lots of stories afterwards about the near misses. Sally MacDougal had no trouble though, finishing with a wonderful score of nett 29 after 51 shots off the stick. She also claimed NTP on the 16th in C Grade, and chipped in from 6 metres out on the 17th. Our overall winner today though, has been in great form in recent weeks playing very consistent golf, so well done Viv Ballinger.

Results: Thursday 12/3/2026

Lady Vets 9 Hole Event 1st Viv Ballinger -6’ 2nd Chris Simmons -2; 3rd Karen Serhan -1 C/B; 4th Pam Keegan -1; 5th Rosarie Mullins 2

NTP Hole 3: Division 1

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. Our Saturday jackpot bowls will resume after Pennant season.

Gough

NTP Hole 16: Division 1

Judy Benson; Division 3 Sally MacDougal

Congratulations too, to the Queen of Putt for Dough, Janet Moore who took the prize this week!

The club farewelled one of our golf Pros this month, with Glen Haynes taking up a new position at Forster/ Tuncurry Golf Club. Glen has been instrumental in helping to grow the ladies’ game at Hawks Nest, conducting introductory groups of Get Into Golf for new and returning players. This was followed with coaching clinics, drills and private lessons, as well as his coaching videos, all of which prepared and encouraged ladies to participate in the

many competitions run at Hawks Nest. Many of our experienced golfers have also sought Glen’s expertise, to refine and develop their game for elite competition such as pennants.

Glen has also been building up our club junior numbers, and is proud to have coached the junior girls through the Australian Golf Scholarship Program. He is now looking forward to the challenge of working with golfers in a larger community again, having previously worked in the greater western Sydney

Day 11.03.26

Today saw 43 bowlers with both grass & synthetic surfaces used.

Overall winners with a total of 44 were John Bates, Wayne Duggan & Mark Nightingale.

Morning winners decided by the highest winning margin of 20 were Peter Gurney, Ron Green & Brian Newbery.

Afternoon winners decided by the lowest winning margin of 3 were Col Amos, Craig McDonald & Mark Hair.

this week’s winner: Bill Jones.

80 Club winner: Bruce Murray

Happy Birthday to Ron Green - enjoy your birthday drink voucher.

Mixed Thursday Bowls 12.03.26

Today we had 13 ladies & 3 men - perfect numbers for 2 x rinks of 2 bowl pairs - a great opportunity for our Pennants ladies & men to practice for both OG Pennants & the upcoming Women’s Pennants Season

commencing on 24th March 2025.

Today's winners with lowest score after a tied game - were Mark Vollmer, Vicky McMillan, Chris Fossey & Ron Berczelly.

Raffle winner: Pat Baker.

Saturday Open Gender Pennants 14.03.26

Our Grade 5 ladies & gents fought hard & long against our local rivals Karuah at Tea Gardens on the synthetic green. Certainly tenacity reigned with Tea Gardens taking the

done people, a great display

tied, however East Maitland

Masterboard 60-49 to East Maitland

It was a very hard day for our Grade 7 ladies & gents. These Waterboard teams, proved to be far better bowlers on the day with the final Masterboard reading Waterboard 91 Tea Gardens 41

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

John 12: 12 & 13

The Write Direction

By John BLACKBOURN

Fishing for a future

WHAT do you do for an escape from the humdrum of normal life?

My “away from it all” has always been fishing.

I was introduced to the sport by my father and we spent many weekends in an old rowing boat in Middle Harbour chasing flatties, bream and whatever

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

MY daughter's class is holding a fundraiser to raise funds to paint the play equipment.

I've let the relatives know and now they are getting competitive with their offers.

Kylie G.

By Lynne MILES

found its way onto our lines, which in those days were green cord, a lump of builder’s lead and barbless hooks.

The memories of those days of regular outings are firmly implanted in my psyche.

Then my grandfather, who owned a cruiser on the sound at Terrigal, moved me on to chase better snappers and ocean pelagics.

Over the years I regularly fished the mighty Colorado River above the Glen Canyon Dam in south west Utah USA, which holds back 145 miles of the river.

We lived on a friend's 65-foot houseboat and spent weeks at a time being modern day Robinson Crusoes.

For a number of years we fished in arctic waters in northern Canada at a fly-in camp well north of any human habitation.

Dear Kylie,

Fundraisers used to be done in a clandestine way, much like nanna slipping little Jimmy a cool fifty bucks in an envelope.

No one else got involved, and the exchange was beneficial without being showy.

Money was still raised, but there was no leader chart of

This was made easier by the fact that I had a basic pilot’s license, and we used an old Beaver float plane which held five of us plus supplies.

The weather was so difficult you never knew what day you would be able to fly out.

We fished east Malaysia and in waters between Alaska and Russia, and the Great Barrier Reef from Gladstone on a charter boat for two-week trips each winter.

My USA friends would come here and we would travel to the Northern Territory for barramundi.

We would find very out-ofthe-way locations such as near

donations.

News Of The Area

No award for most funds raised. And no public humiliation. Now things have moved online.

School fundraisers document funds raised in real time, with benevolent relatives able to leave a note for the school and broader community to see.

A fundraiser has, therefore, turned into a version of a sporting carnival (or perhaps The Hunger Games) with competitive relatives raising the stakes in $20 increments.

Nothing quite spurs on a family than to see that little Georgie is sitting level with the lowest donors, while silver spooner Ollie P is at the top of the charts with online messages like: 'Go, Ollie, we love a good colour run' and "Nanny and Pa love you, Ollie' and 'Colour Me Happy' (from an uncle who clearly hasn't watched Pretty Woman).

Then, before long, Georgie's aunt (a stockbroker by day) ups the ante with a cool $100. It's on!

Ollie's Dad, who notices his son is down by $10 makes a further $11

Australia’s first uranium mine at Gunlom Falls, plus Litchfield Park and other known spots.

Crowdy Head was our favourite local spot just above Taree.

Sadly, like so much of Australian waters now, it's basically fished out.

That brings me to the NZ trip that I have just returned home from at the Bay of Islands from Russell, the first capital city of NZ after its settlement by the British.

Sadly, that magnificent area was much harder to succeed in than normal.

Locals were saying that

Iran war is illegal under UN Charter

DEAR News of the Area,

All wars are tragic, inevitably causing unnecessary death, destruction, chaos and misery, at great financial and social cost.

Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits war,

calling for member states to: "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Therefore, the current US-

Israeli war on Iran appears to be illegal under the UN Charter: an important international law.

Iran was not attacking Israel or America, and there was no imminent threat from Iran.

The US-Israeli air strikes derailed ongoing peace

The Vision Splendid

DEAR News Of The Area,

It seems the newspaper is flogging the dead horse to resurrect another shot at addressing the unacceptable risk of two infamous intersections, Bucketts Way and Medowie Road, as well as roasting Labor politicians.

“Funding promises for highway intersections” (NOTA 17 April 2025) informs me of one certainty, the paper knows nothing of the design history of dual carriageways, particularly locally.

As I suggested in an unpublished letter in 2025, a long, long, long time ago in an office far, far away, a plan was conceived.

Turning a two lane, two way road into separated dual carriageways from the Victorian to

Queensland borders with specific on/off ramps that excluded vehicles from making a left or right turn across a carriageway to the other.

Of necessity, to meet this requirement, bypassing villages and towns occurred.

As examples take Karuah and Bulahelah bypasses as to how it should be done, which is easy using Google Earth.

As examples of how it should not be done, take the politicallymotivated suggestions for the Bucketts Way, the Medowie Road and Italia Road as cited in the article.

You could add the Myall Way too, whilst you have Google Earth open.

You could ask the likes of Gordon Chirgwin, formally of the

Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.

I respect his opinion because he is correct.

Politicians and reporters firing off the odd angry shot should know better when it comes to funding a design only.

It happens each and every time leading up to an election - local, state and federal.

This is why ‘design’ considerations should be left to the experts, not the wannabes.

A design is the cheapest ‘campaign promise’ any politician can make when only dubious upgrades to intersections are on offer, for all the good they will not do.

Is the “Vision Splendid" long gone?

donation in a bid reminiscent of the ratings-winning bidding wars on The Block.

And so, while bank accounts are being depleted faster than oil reserves, the school's P&C sits back and watches the proceedings with glee.

What started as an exercise in raising funds to repaint play equipment has morphed into a whole new range of possibilities.

Gerald, the P&C president calls in an architect to draw up a new concept plan.

A full-scale pirate ship is in the works along with climbing towers, an Olympic pool, and a zipline from the school canteen to the lower carpark.

Mary the treasurer fires up her Excel spreadsheet. Meanwhile, the kids are none the wiser.

They just want to run around being doused by coloured powder.

Don't worry about competitiveness, Kylie.

Everyone's a winner in this scenario.

some seven long liners have been working in the Bay recently, pulling lines with over 2000 hooks on each and basically ruining that pristine area for recreational fishing, which just happens to be the economic life blood that provides the local community with income from holidaymakers.

The New Zealand government has just introduced legislation to ban commercial fishing along the coast from Auckland and many hope this may provide future security for recreational fishers.

Others say “watch this space” to see if it works.

negotiations with Iran, which were making "significant progress" as Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, declared on X on 27 February 2026.

Furthermore, in March 2025, the U.S. Annual Threat Assessment (p.25) said, “We continue to assess

You would say no looking at the changes to the M1 around Raymond Terrace.

The time to achieve it?

Well, regardless of affiliation (or not), all roads lead to Canberra.

Perhaps now might be a good time to ask the current incumbent: “What went wrong at Nabiac way back when?”

Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not reauthorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003". Why is the Australian Government supporting this illegal, pointless and destructive war on Iran?

Regards, Kenneth HIGGS, Raymond Terrace.

As a not so retired Scientific Officer, Geotechnical and Scientific Services Section, Engineering Technology Branch DMR/RTA/ RMS these things are like infidelity, some always knows.

Yours, Mervyn MCCONNOCHIE, Karuah.

Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

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BEDSIDE table, 3 drawer, timber, mid brown, well made, as new, W 44cm x D 39cm H 66cm. Bargain. $100 0407 987 388

BOOTS, leather, ladies made in Canada. EUC $60 4982 8787

casserole dish $50 Ph 0477 827 291

CURTAIN and rod in original packaging. $70 Oslo pencil pleated curtain 270 - 340 x 250cm, colour stone Ph 0417 044 660

DINING table $30. Ph 0429 945 604

DINING table, stainless steel legs. $100 0493 777 707

GLASS turbo oven $20; RUSSELL Hobbs Electric steamer $20 LARGE outdoor table $20. 0432 671 259

padded blanket box $50 ph 4982 0063

GUITAR amplifier 30watts, twin speaker Livingstone FA30cm $30. Ph 0421 286 861

HEDGE trimmer, Ozito electric 50cm $50. Ph 0408 945 040. F190326

HEDGE trimmer Ryobi, 18v 60cm w/ sweeper. $100. Ph 0408 945 040

HOMER Simpson Framed Picture, New $100. 0493 777 707

MENS top quality leather jacket with detachable liner. Purchased in Turkey, as new, suits 40” chest, dark brown. $99. 0419 932 992 F260226

MICROWAVE, Omega chrome & black, GC $100. 0493 777 707

SANKYO autozoom 8Z movie camera in box $70. 0416 089 747

SEWING machine cabinet $50. Ph 0404 877 447

MIRROR, gold timber frame, 70 x 100cm $30. 0438 228 016. SIDE Steps x 2, suit 91 Nissan Patrol, with brackets. $80. 0435 580 192.

MOBILITY SCOOTER

Shoprider, GC, New Batteries, Front Basket & Rear Bag Can Deliver. $1,750 0418 430 643

tusk, make an offer Ph 0493 777 707

WETSUIT, waterproof welded seams, O’Neil 3/2mm, L/S, new cond $100. 0421 286 861

WHEELCHAIR, Breezy BasiX2, GC. $80. Ph 0420 430 993

WINDSURFING carbon boom. Chinook. $80 Peter 0419 932 992

DOUBLE bed frame with headboard $70 0466 880 639.

CABINET timbers many species Heatherbrae 0408 674 721F050326

CAMPING shower Companion Aquaheat lithium, brand new $300 Ph 02 4997 2040

CAMPING Thetford porta-potti, brand new. $50. Ph 02 4997 2040

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CAR cover, suit small car VGC, $25. 4982 8628

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OUTDOOR coffee table new in box. Top black durostone 93 x 93cm Freedom range. 45cm H $55 4981 2713

FISH pond, 1300 x 1100 outdoor filter, solar oxygenator. Includes 13 goldfish 9 - 12.5cm. $350 Ph 0473 835 422 e190326

FORD Falcon ute canopy 1999-2011 fibreglass, 6 windows cream colour 155cm wide x 195cm long x 65cm high. Ideal for ute or trailer. Good condition Cheap. Best offer. Ph (02) 4981 7523

Joy Golf Shoes Mens black size 10 worn once as new. $100 Ph 0408 683 670 BOX, pine, coffe table or storage $100 4982 8787

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KOGAN air conditioner/ heater works well. $100 4981 2251

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PRINTER Cartridges x2 suitable for Brother printers $20.00 for both. 0418 603 286

TENT, Magnitude Wanderers w/awning sleeps 4, $50. 4982 8628

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TRIKE, red, Gomier brand. $250. Ph 0417 044 660 RUSe240926

TWO old usable Surfboards suitable for kids learning. $40 for both. Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190

PNEUMATIC tyres x 6 on 10” diameter rims off tandem boat trailer $90. 0419 932 992. TYRE and rim for wheelbarrow, 10” Pneumatic. $40. 0419 932 992.

WANDERER single pop-up ensuite tent brand new. $50. Ph 02 4997 2040. F130326

STUDENT desk, GC $40. (02) 4024 3104 DVDs x 250, exc cond great variety. $100 the lot. 0439 440 112. LEATHER lng 2 str x 2 gd cond $500 Rattan lng 3 pce gd cond $200 Bedrm furn + other items make an offer. T Gdns 0408 254 016

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BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

SEVEN, 7pm

A Friday-night fixture for the past 20 years, there’s now a double dose of home inspiration as this lifestyle staple branches out to Saturday evenings as well. That means twice as many renter-friendly DIYs, tasty tricks to try in the kitchen, pet care solutions and landscaping ideas. Host Johanna Griggs says the new schedule means “more house calls than Dr Harry” as the team showcase extraordinary properties and gardens from around the country. In this instalment, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love (both pictured) enlist the help of Dr Harry Cooper for a pet project.

FRIDAY, March 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The Professor investigates a woman’s death.

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

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

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

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R)

12.00 Smother. (Mlv, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

By John EDWARDS

12

Runners

MONDAY 9-1-1

SEVEN, 8.40pm

From a billionaire caught in the mouth of a humpback whale to an outer-space emergency and a giant Jack-o’-Lantern, the ninth season of this first responder drama seems to have given up entirely on believability. Monday’s instalment, titled “War”, changes all that. Bringing the team back down to earth, the heavy-hitting hour deals with internal conflict at Station 118. Following his dismissal of Hen (Aisha Hinds), Chimney (Kenneth Choi) comes under fire from Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured) and Buck (Oliver Stark), but Eddie (Ryan Guzman) supports his captain’s decision. Meanwhile, in dispatch, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is unsettled by a new AI assistant programmed to use her voice.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. (R) 9.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens. (PG, R) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (MA15+as) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R) 2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R) 3.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

TUESDAY

THE MATTER OF FACTS

On the 1949 release of George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, the notion of rewriting history and events to fit political narratives was a daunting prospect to most of the Western world. In 2026, an era rife with social media trolls, AI chatbots and international campaigns designed to undermine our faith in facts, Orwell’s world is no longer far from our reality. Award-winning journalist Hamish Macdonald (pictured) wades into the fray in this compelling three-part documentary, heading to the frontline of the global information wars to explore how disinformation travels through the digital ecosystem. Tuesday’s premiere examines the effects of modern technology on our brains and belief systems.

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

8.00 MOVIE: The Dressmaker. (2015, Malsv, R) After a woman returns to her home town in the Australian outback, old rivalries are reignited. Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth. 10.30 MOVIE: About A Boy. (2002, Mal, R) An immature man befriends a young boy. Hugh Grant, Toni Collette. 12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (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 3. Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game. 10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) Dylan O’Brien. 12.55 Fishing Australia. (R) 1.25 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Postcards. (PG, R)

SPORT RESULTS

SATURDAY, March 21

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Final, Mav, R) 2.05 David Attenborough’s First Life. (R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (R) 3.50 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (Final, 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. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M) A teenager goes missing.

8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Taya gets into trouble at school. Ned explores a new business opportunity. Lauren makes a secret deal with a cowboy.

8.40 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Catherine finds herself entangled in a case when an old friend becomes a murder suspect.

9.40 Frauds. (Md, R) Follows a woman fresh out of prison.

10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

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. 9.40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 9.55 Vintage Voltage. (R) 10.50 Peter Andre’s Greek Odyssey. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Piquancy Silent Heroes. (PG) 5.35 Berlin: Stories Of The City. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

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

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

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+av, R)

1.05 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R)

2.55 Nazi Death Marches. (PGav, R)

3.55 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am A United

Kingdom. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.00 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 9.10 Americanish. (2021, PG) 10.55 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 12.45pm Manon Des Sources. (1986, M, French) 2.55 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 4.55 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 6.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 8.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 11.00 The Nature Of Love. (2023, MA15+, French) 1.10am Late Programs.

SUNDAY, March 22

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.40 Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me. (PG, R) 4.30 Creative Types. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml) William struggles with his confinement.

8.50 Frauds. (Mls) Bert reveals her master plan.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)

10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Sweet Country. (2017, MA15+v, R)

12.40 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)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 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. 8.00 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 Peter Andre’s Greek Odyssey. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point. (R) 1.00 Cycling. Provelo Super League. Round 6. Q Tour. Queen’s Stage Mount Mee. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 Berlin: Stories Of The City.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Race For Ancient Egypt In Colour.

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci: The Disciple Of Experience Pt 2. (PG, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PG, R) 11.20 History Of The Sitcom. (MA15+l, R)

2.30 The Sculpture. (PGav, R)

3.55 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31)

4.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 PBS News Compass Points. 5.45 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.40 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 MOVIE: Conan The Barbarian. (1982, MA15+) 10.55 Late Programs.

(32)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.30 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 8.15 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 10.10 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.40pm Official Competition. (2021, M, Spanish) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 5.40 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.30 Gosford Park. (2001, M) 11.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 1am Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012, Mv, R) A secret agent, who specialises in policing aliens living on Earth, must travel back in time to save the planet. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin.

10.10 MOVIE: Knock At The Cabin. (2023, Malv) A family is taken hostage. Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff. 12.10 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PGan, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62)

Shopping. 8.30

Homes. 11.00 Room For Improvement. 11.30

Noon Australia’s Best Drives. 1.00

Practice. 1.30 Better Homes. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 Horse Racing. Golden Slipper Day and William Reid Stakes Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Malv, R) A mission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers. Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance.

10.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017, MA15+asv, R)

12.45 Epic Builds. (R)

1.35 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 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Final. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 11.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

12.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team works to prove a landlord’s culpability after a building collapse leaves multiple people dead and injured. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.

6am Athletics. World Indoor C’ships. Night session. Cont. 7.30 Morning Programs. 8.30 Cards And Collectables Aust. 9.00 Motor Racing. Indycar Series. Grand Prix Of Arlington. H’lights. 10.00 Soccer. EPL. West Ham v Manchester City. Noon Golf. Aust WPGA C’ship. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 6.00 MOVIE: The Beverly Hillbillies.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)

8.10 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Hosted by Ant and Dec.

9.30 The Hunters: Beaumont Children Mystery. (Mav, R)

11.00 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madlv, R)

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.

7TWO (62)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.30 9News Late.

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

11.00 The First 48. (Ma, R)

11.50 A Killer Makes A Call: Lewis. (MA15+av, R)

12.40 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGav, 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.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) New alliances shape the first post-merge vote. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mhmv) The discovery of an exsanguinated sailor takes the team into the world of modern-day vampires. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+) The SVU must determine fact from fantasy when a famous author twists the details of a serious crime. 10.30 NCIS: Origins.

MONDAY, March 23

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 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. (PGal) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.40 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)

3.45 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05

Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25

And Flour.

6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.10 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 10.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 11.55 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 2.30pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 4.05 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.55 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.30 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 10.05 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 11.55 Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) 1.30am A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish) 3.25 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 24

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. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PG)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adv, R)

11.55 Wolf. (Mals, R)

2.10 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)

3.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (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. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Chimney grapples with his decision.

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. (Mav, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

By Diane RUSSELL

RESULTS week ending13th

March

Monday: N/S 1. S Richards & S Matheson, 2. J Whalan & B Treharne, 3. C Rands & L Falla.

6am Selkie. (2000, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.25 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 10.00 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 12.35pm Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 2.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.15 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.55 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 7.30 Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 9.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.15am The Son. (2022, M) 2.25 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 4.10 A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish)

E/W 1. S Fuller & L Butler, 2. D Hipkins & P Baily, 3. S Bowen & A Ryan.

Tuesday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. A & J Macintosh, 3. E Buckpitt & H Blackbourn

E/W 1. M Tulk & D Russell, 2. L Butler & G Muggleton, 3. J Urquhart & P Lau.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 Doc. (Ma) The hospital brings in the FBI.

9.40 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A trapped crash victim needs rescuing. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGals)

12.10 Dirty John. (MA15+v)

(64) 7MATE

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.

A Current Affair.

Married At First

SPORT RESULTS

Wednesday: N/S 1. B

Treharne & S Matheson, 2. A Ryan & E White, 3.D Russell & J Corden. E/W 1. J Armstrong & M Rowden, 2. D Hipkins & L Butler, 3. S Chopping & M

Tulk.

Friday: N/S 1. C Rands & L Falla, 2. J Whalan & C Richards, 3. L Hulme & J Corden. E/W 1. J Armstrong & D Dale, 2. D Hipkins & B Eyre, 3. S Pearson & M Rowden.

ADVERTISING

Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WEDNESDAY, March 25

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Face To Face. (Mal) 11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+sv)

2.35 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)

3.40 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

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) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

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 To Be Advised. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Freddy And The

THURSDAY,

March 26

Myall Coast Vets By Tony

SMITH

12/03/2026. 4 PERSON Ambrose

1. Michael Stoneman & Neville Wilson & Peter J Hughes & John Sneddon 58.875

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.40 A Spy Among Friends. (Final, MA15+)

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 In Memoriam. (Madls)

12.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as, R)

2.25 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am The Movie Show. 7.05 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.45 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 10.20 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 1pm Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 6.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.00 Fallen Leaves. (2023, Finnish) 9.30 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 11.40 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.15am Late Programs. 6am The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.05 Discovering Film. 8.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.00 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 12.10pm The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.40 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.10 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 5.45 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 7.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 9.45 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

(64)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) Flat-tyres ruin some Christmas cheer.

8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016, Mls, R) Bridget Jones becomes pregnant. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth. 11.10 To Be Advised. 12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

SPORT RESULTS

2. Brian Newbery & Peter Bernardin & Bill Kerr & Peter Gurney 59.125 3. Paul Ibbetson & Mike Forte & Ross Weightman & William Hopkins 60.125 4. James Slater & Ronald Rowe & Breton Gibbs & Raymond Bott 60.75 5. Lyle Hudson & Jim Rutter & Bob Williams & Graeme Bramley 61.375 NTP. A B C 3rd. Carter, Graham Benson, Graham 5th Newbery, Brian Campton, Larry 10th Sneddon, John Hughes, Peter J Benson, Graham 16th Williams, Bob Hudson, Kenneth Taylor, Stephen Balls to. 64.5

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By Thomas O'KEEFE

NIPPERS at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) celebrated their annual presentation day on Sunday, 1 March.

Due to the overwhelming interest from parents, grandparents and carers, a venue change was required from the SLSC Clubhouse to the Hawks Nest Golf Club.

The 2025-26 season saw a record 147 Nippers registered, from Under-6s to Under-13s.

Brydie Hicks from the Under-13s age group won the Chris Richards Encouragement Award,