By Thomas O'KEEFE
Douglas CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
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FROM Page 1
more for an afternoon of music and prizes.
The first act was a stage-filling turnout from the Myall U3A Choir who, after a year of preparation and rehearsals, delivered several sing-along songs, including several folk favourites.
Choir conductor Richard Gray involved the audience directly, orchestrating rounds like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and several sea shanties.
Newcastle-based comedian John Stericker came to town to try out some new material, in between the main acts, and right before the announcement of the door prize winners and Red Cross raffle draw.
In an energetic return after his Seniors
Concert debut last year, local guitarist Ewald Jordaan took the stage with a mix of heavy bass, strong beats and some singalong favourites, including John Denver.
The nation’s unofficial anthem, “We Are Australian”, was repeated with gusto by the audience on two occasions.
Tea Gardens Red Cross members prepared a home-made array of cakes, slices and sandwiches for the afternoon tea interlude.
Inside, the Tea Gardens Lions Club raised awareness for its primary community building venture this year, the Fenced OffLeash Area (FOLA) for dogs, planned to be situated between Hawks Nest caravan park and Bennetts Beach.
Progress Association President Sandra
Bourke said the sold-out event continues to be a highlight on the community calendar.
“It’s so wonderful to see so many of our seniors enjoying our community and our concert and simply catching up with each other,” she said.
“We love running this event and try something new every year.
“Thank you to everyone who came along - our seniors, volunteers, performers, the Red Cross and Lions, and the local businesses who support us.”
Ms Bourke did however note that the concert’s venue, the Hawks Nest Community Hall, was overdue for improvements.
“Our hall is critical for our community and in urgent need of renovation,” she said.
“This is one of our major initiatives and we look forward to seeing our seniors again next year, hopefully in better facilities."
By Thomas O’KEEFE
hidden costs built into the big board along the kerb.
Federation in 1901.”
GLOBAL events, most notably the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, have seen petrol and diesel prices skyrocket in the last few weeks, with a jump of 10 cents per litre (c/l) seen in a matter of days.
As of Sunday 22 March 2026, crude oil prices are around US$122 per barrel – high by any standard, especially considering that US$100/barrel is both a historical and psychological threshold – but it means little to the suburban or regional motorist, who rightfully worries most about the price at the pump.
While petrol prices continue to rise on a daily basis, it is pertinent to consider the
Australia imports a staggering 90 percent of its liquid fuel needs, all of which are hit with an automatic federal ‘fuel excise’ – another name for a tax – as soon as it leaves the supplier’s depot.
The fuel excise is recalculated every six months and is tied to the consumer price index to keep up with inflation, although in the relatively rare event that CPI decreases, the fuel excise does not also decrease, it just stays stationary until the next rise.
The latest fuel excise recalculation was in February 2026, and the Australian Tax Office confirms that the fuel excise is now set at 52.6 cents per litre.
This means that every litre of fuel that comes into Australia is automatically 56.2c dearer, before it reaches any retail service station.
At the servo, the pump price is, of course, at the discretion of those running the business, and will invariably pass on the excise entirely, as well as a 10 percent GST imposed by the Federal Government.
The GST is 10 percent of the pump price, inclusive of the excise carry-over, meaning that motorists pay a tax on a tax.
A standard modern family SUV (Rav4, X-Trail etc) has a petrol tank up to 60L.
So, at the current price of $2.50/Litre, including an excise of 52.6c/Litre and 10 percent GST, a driver may pay up to $150 in fuel, plus $33.72 in excise, then another $18.37 in GST (calculated at 10 percent including the excise), for a grand total of $202.09.
According to the federal Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), “[The fuel tax] is one of the oldest taxes in Australia, applying since
“Since 1992, fuel tax has been a general revenue-raising tax with only a minor link with the Australian Government’s overall level of road funding,” explains the PBO.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the self-described “peak organisation for motoring clubs” in the country, claims that “Australian motorists paid an estimated $15.71 billion in net fuel excise in 2023-24, but, over the decade to 2022-23, only 57 percent of fuel excise was reinvested in land transport projects.”
The AAA calls for every cent of fuel excise to be reinvested into land transport projects.
It is entirely possible for the Australian Government to lower the excise, with the most recent precedent occurring in the Budget for 2022-23, when then-Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (Morrison Liberal Government) announced a temporary sixmonth halving of the excise.
“Events abroad are pushing up the cost of living at home: higher fuel, food and shipping costs are increasing inflation and stretching household budgets,” Mr Frydenberg said in 2022.
Practically speaking that temporary excise halving saved Australians 22c/L every time they filled up, equating to “around $700 saved over the six months by a family with two cars filling up once a week.”
“Events abroad” referred to the Russian war in Ukraine, which was new at the time, as well as the jump in fuel demands as the world emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns. It is also worth noting that 2022 was a federal election year, and 2023 was a NSW state election year.
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electrical works.
The pouring of external pathways began in early March, with civil works around the site continuing.
“Crews working on the site were faced with some early stormwater reticulation issues but have overcome the issue with minimal delay,” Council said in a statement.
Steel work, including frame erection, is expected to begin by mid-March.
“The upgrade will provide a much larger premises than the current building allowing for
improved safety standards and the installation of new technology to access emergency operation systems,” the spokesperson said.
“There will also be more room to house the newest generation of flood and storm response vehicles and vessels.”
The current facility is located in Booral and considered inadequate to meet the needs of volunteers.
The contract for the new build was awarded to Precise Build and is funded by a $2 million grant from the NSW Government.
MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library. Photo: supplied.
by Cavelle Lindsay
The divorce of a Will maker or the annulment of his or her marriage revokes the entitlement of the Will maker’s former spouse under the terms of a Will in existence at the time of the divorce or annulment. Further, the divorce or annulment revokes the appointment of the Will maker’s former spouse as an Executor under the terms of the Will. However, if the Will specifically provides that the former spouse shall be a beneficiary or Executor (or both) notwithstanding the divorce or annulment then the divorce or
annulment has no effect on the Will. Further, the Divorce or annulment of the marriage of the Will maker does not revoke the appointment of the Will maker’s former spouse as Trustee of any property left by the Will in trust for beneficiaries that include the former spouse’s children.
If you are intending to divorce your spouse or seek an annulment of your marriage it is wise to consult your solicitor as your actions may have an effect on your Will.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
THE future operating hours and services of MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library will be discussed at Council’s 29 April meeting.
Following a period of community engagement, a feedback report is now available at the facility and online.
"We thank everyone who provided feedback on the reduced hours that is being trialled for the Stroud
customer service point and library," said Liam Bulley, Council's Executive Manager Public Spaces.
A report will be prepared for Council to decide on the hours of operation and what services the library might provide in future.
Community feedback along with operational matters will be considered by Council.
The Stroud customer service and library will
continue to open from Tuesday to Thursday 9am12pm until a decision is made.
A one-page engagement snapshot report provides an overview of the feedback Council received and the engagement activities that took place between 27 January and 2 March.
The snapshot report is available now online or at Stroud customer service point and library.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
DOGGY talents from around the region stepped out for the GreenPaws Dog Show, held on the Tea Gardens waterfront as part of the Hot Rods Run on Saturday 7 March.
The show was chock-full of talent categories (aka dogagories) that allowed more than a few of the 40 pets to shine like the flashy cars around them.
Prestigious prizes included “Best Trick”, which went to a border collie named Koda, and “Waggiest Tail”, which was taken pawsdown by Lily.
“Fancy Dress”, in keeping with the hot-rod theme of the day, went to Nellie and Coco, and “Pooches on Parade” was won by Max the chihuahua.
There were, of course, special GreenPaws prizes.
These were awarded to the favourites of organisers Sharon and Teddy, with one going to 17-year-old Little Miss Doris.
The grandest pooch prize of them all, Best In Show 2026, was taken out by Lord Desmond I, a stately pug whose demeanour far outweighed his stout form.
“Desi, as his close friends know him, was a
true character,” Sharon from GreenPaws told News Of The Area.
RADM Peter Sinclair (Retd) and son Peter Sinclair Jnr returned as special guest judges, a role the former Governor has been relishing for over a decade now.
The GreenPaws Dog Show was created about 16 years ago as an integral part of the original Myall River Festival.
GreenPaws proprietor Sharon previously judged a pet show that included species beyond canines, but being bitten by a ferret led to her specialising in dogs.
“Teddy The Wonderdog
came along in 2012, a border collie-cross-kelpie who showed great talent with a ball and frisbee, and for many years he opened the show with his tricks and leaping and flying after the ball.
“[He] was a real talent and crowd pleaser.”
In total, Sharon has judged 20 years-worth of dog shows, with only a few missed.
Prior to moving to Tea Gardens from Sydney, and setting up her mobile dog washing business, she trained more than 5000 dogs over 14 years.
Pacific Palms Recreation Club Thursday 23rd April 2026
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WESTPAC customers in Bulahdelah can now access face-to-face banking support with a new Community Banking Service.
In November 2025 Westpac announced it will be piloting the new service with local communities and councils to deliver banking in regional towns.
Bulahdelah is one of three initial towns in regional NSW involved in the pilot alongside Manilla and Dungog.
A Westpac banker will now visit Bulahdelah each Friday fortnight.
When in town, customers can visit the banker for assistance with general banking inquiries and referrals to specialist lenders
Westpac General Manager of Retail Banking, Damien MacRae, said the bank is exploring new ways to deliver banking services for regional customers.
“While the majority of our customers are now
choosing to complete their banking digitally, we recognise the importance of in-person support and offering options for customers to complete their banking in a way that works for them – whether physically, digitally or faceto-face,” MacRae said.
“This new pilot is an opportunity for us to offer support with a local banker who will understand the unique needs and requirements for Bulahdelah residents.”
The Community Banking Service follows a renewed commitment from Westpac to extend its moratorium on regional branch closures until at least 2030.
THE Tea Gardens Baptist Church will host a “Treasure Sale” on Easter Saturday, 4 April from 8am to 12 noon.
The community is invited to visit the church, grab a bargain and enjoy a free morning tea.
“Hunt for antique oddities, a ‘treasure’ or two and possibly that limited-edition sock your great-aunt claimed
was ‘art’,” a spokesperson for the church told NOTA.
“It's a rummage sale like no other, full of laughter, surprises, and deals so good.
“Support a good cause while simultaneously acquiring things you never knew you needed!”
Items on offer include camping and fishing equipment, bikes, scooters,
toys, mobility equipment, homewares, tools and fresh honey.
Proceeds from the sale will go towards church missions.
“Bringing your sense of adventure is strongly advised,” the church spokesperson said.
Enquiries to Sue on 0403 233 000.
By Tom WARK, AAP
COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission.
The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed.
NSW produces the second most amount of coal of any state behind Queensland, according to Geosciences Australia.
Emissions requirements
will be a condition of any project expansions, the government says, but its own Net Zero Commission says any move to expand coal production is at odds with environmental goals.
In December, the commission found any increase in coal mining activity would leave the state at odds with the Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement.
and the communities that rely on coal mining, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.
The position sets firm expectations on producers
Regional communities who rely on mining for employment and trading partners who want commitments met can all gain confidence from the plan, the government says.
However, Greens MPs and environmental groups say it fails the climate test.
"This policy still allows coal production to grow, and that's completely incompatible with a safe climate," Greens coal spokeswoman Cate Faehrmann said.
The government has failed to impose any environmental restrictions on the nine expansions approved since the government took office in 2023, the Lock the Gate Alliance said.
"The NSW government is using semantics to mask the truth that coal project approvals will continue as business as usual," head of research Georgina Woods said.
Only three of NSW's 37 operating coal mines have enforceable emissions limits, the Net Zero Commission found.
Stopping new coal mines was a welcome step but the
continued acceptance of expansions was exposing residents to more climate harm, the Australian Conservation Foundation said.
"It's time to wind up all coal projects in NSW starting today and prepare for a renewable-powered net zero emissions future," campaigner Freja Leonard said.
The minerals sector welcomed support for mine expansions but NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said blocking new mines placed a limit on future economic opportunities for the state.
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Barry's Butcher's Stand
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Bulahdelah Info Centre
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Woodwards Nursery
By Thomas O’KEEFE
UKELELES, guitars and many of their stringed relatives congregated to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Myall U3A Hall in Hawks Nest on Tuesday, 17 March.
Celtic pride abounded as nine players and over a dozen audience members donned green for the occasion.
“We note that St Patrick’s Day is not actually the anniversary of St Patrick’s birth, but of his death-day, since no-one really knows when he was taken to Ireland from Roman Britain back in the fourth century AD,” explained Myall U3A Music Group co-convenor Deb.
Some songs played were centuries old, others less than a hundred, but all with many weeks of practise behind them.
“If You’re Irish” was followed by “Cockles and Mussels”, a reminiscence of the mournful tale of Molly Malone, who centuries ago walked the streets of Dublin day and night, and now is said to haunt the same alleys after her untimely demise.
“The Orange and the Green” discusses the identity crisis of a young man whose parents came from opposing sides of the Troubles, while “Black Velvet Band” shares the cautionary tale of a boy who was convicted of theft and transported to Australia as a convict.
“Whistling Gypsy Rover” carries conflicting messages, either to be cautious of with whom you let your daughter fraternise, or not to judge a book by its cover, lest he be a lordling in disguise.
More modern songs were also played,
such as “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover” from the 1920s.
A few songs from the 1960s strummed in, including “Blowin’ In the Wind” by Bob Dylan, and “Six Ribbons”, an Australian piece fronted by Jon English in the 1970s miniseries “Against the Wind”, inspired by perpetually destitute Irish farmers and their attempts to win feminine hearts.
Another crowd favourite was “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”, a tribute to Ireland written in 1912, while “Forty Shades of Green” reminded attendees why the nation is known as the Emerald Isle.
The finale came with “Whiskey in the Jar”, yet another tale of betrayal, this one of a highwayman who was betrayed by his lover, yet another Molly.
THE NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing.
At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel.
FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state.
The app allows consumers to compare prices, track price cycles, save favourite stations and receive price-drop alerts before filling up.
Under NSW law, fuel retailers must:
• Register with FuelCheck and report price changes in real time
• Ensure displayed prices match the price charged at the bowser.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “It’s the law for fuel retailers to register and correctly report their prices through FuelCheck, so motorists can have confidence.
“NSW Fair Trading is significantly increasing its compliance activity to make sure motorists get accurate price information every time they fill up.
“If consumers see a price mismatch between FuelCheck and the bowser, they should report it via the app or website to NSW Fair Trading.”
Retailers who break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.
To ensure compliance, NSW Fair Trading is currently conducting unannounced inspections of fuel retailers across metropolitan and regional areas.
Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.
NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.
THE MidCoast Council Koala Safe Spaces team will host an interactive stall at the Nabiac Market on Saturday 28 March, helping residents to improve koala habitats across the region.
Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties and speak directly with experts about how to establish and maintain koala-friendly landscapes.
Attendees will also have the chance to win a prize, thanks to the support of Manning Entertainment Centre.
Winners will receive free tickets to the powerful
theatrical production, KOAL.
Part climate-catastrophe, part clown show, KOAL is a one-woman performance for the end of the world.
As wildfires tear through Australia, a baby koala, a coal miner and an Indigenous girl strive to hold onto their homes before all burns and turns to ash.
Council encourages community members to drop by, pick up a tree, and take a step towards creating a koalasafe future.
Free free koala feed trees were also offered at a Council stall at Gloucester Show on Saturday.
q FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the
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By Thomas O’KEEFE
THE Myall River VIEW Club welcomed guest speaker Rozz Albon to its Friday, 13 March meeting, in a belated celebration of International Women’s Day.
Rozz shared insights from her distinguished career in education, including her experiences in the United Arab Emirates, France and Malaysia, and from her degree in Education Psychology and PhD in Gifted Education.
In the UAE, Rozz served as Chair of Education at her institution, with responsibility for training teachers.
She then spent seven years in the south of France with her dog before settling in Tea Gardens.
“Life in the UAE presented unique challenges and experiences for those who were not native to the country,” Rozz said.
“Adaptability was essential, requiring nonEmiratis to be flexible,
tolerant, and respectful of local culture to successfully navigate social norms and expectations that differed greatly from those in Australia.
“Emiratis, the citizens of the United Arab Emirates, represent only about 11 percent of the total population of 11.5 million.
“The UAE’s population is predominantly made up of expatriates from over 200 nationalities, with significant communities from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.”
The over-dependence upon foreign workers has lately prompted the UAE government to attempt a program of “Emiratisation”, aimed at creating meaningful job opportunities for UAE nationals, reducing dependence on expatriate labour in key industries, and promoting a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
“The country is notable for its absence of poverty, as wealthier citizens ensure those less well-off have their needs met, reflecting a strong sense of community support,” Rozz added.
“Dubai is known for its strict laws regarding public morality, respect for religion and government, and has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Penalties are severe, ranging from fines to imprisonment or deportation.”
Rozz highlighted the stark contrast between life for women in the UAE and Australia.
At Abu Dhabi Women’s College, part of the Higher Colleges of Technology, which was located opposite the Men’s College, there was strict segregation between the male and female institutions.
This influenced all activities outside the home, including the transportation of students in cars with blackened privacy windows, and women’s hair and faces were covered in accordance with tradition.
“Education plays a crucial role in a woman’s marriage prospects, with a university degree considered part of a woman’s dowry, enhancing her appeal as an educated and intelligent partner better suited to raising children,” Rozz explained.
“Families tend to be large, with women often having five to twelve or more children.
“If a woman is unable to bear children, her husband may take a second or third wife.”
Rozz was presented with a single rose and a Certificate of Appreciation in appreciation of her fascinating talk.
The meeting followed a successful AGM in February, where a new committee was formed.
VIEW stands for Voice, Interests, Education of
Women and is a national women’s organisation originally founded in Sydney in 1960.
It has since grown to over 260 localised clubs with more than 13,000 members throughout Australia.
VIEW is now the largest community sponsor of the Learning for Life student program run by The Smith Family which supports more than 18,000 disadvantaged young Australians.
The Myall River VIEW Club currently has 61 members and sponsors 10 students across the country. Last year it donated more than $12,000 to The Smith Family for the students.
For more information call President Barbara on 0407 288 756, Secretary Lynne on 0425 203 544 or email myallriver.viewclub@ gmail.com.
THE Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has launched its 2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey, focused exclusively on small businesses operating in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The national research initiative aims to capture the lived experience of businesses beyond major cities, ensuring regional conditions are clearly reflected in national policy discussions throughout 2026.
The annual survey gathers insights across business performance and outlook, workforce and skills, housing and childcare access, health services, digital connectivity, banking access, energy and insurance costs, disaster impacts and small business wellbeing.
COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio said strengthening the regional evidence base is critical to ensuring national reform conversations
are underpinned by real experience from across the country.
“Running a small business in regional Australia can be fundamentally different to operating in a capital city,” Ms Cappuccio said.
“Workforce shortages, constrained housing supply, service gaps, connectivity limitations, disaster recovery and the cost of doing business can have amplified impacts in regional and remote communities.
“If national decisions are going to work for small business, they must reflect the realities faced outside metropolitan centres. That starts with credible, on-theground data.”
The findings will form part of COSBOA’s annual Small Business Perspectives Report and inform its engagement with government, regulators and policymakers throughout 2026.
“This survey ensures that when we engage with
decision-makers, we do so with independently gathered data drawn directly from business owners themselves.
“Regional small businesses sustain local economies and communities across Australia. Their experience must be clearly represented in the national policy conversation,” Ms Cappuccio said.
COSBOA says broad participation across industries and geographic regions will be essential to building a robust and representative picture of regional small business.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Responses are confidential and independently managed by research agency Survey Matters.
The 2026 COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Survey closes on 30 April 2026.
Regional small business owners can participate at https://research. surveymatters.com.au/n/ L4DcGDl?ver=1734032926.
Founded in 1977, and incorporated in 1979, the COSBOA is a member based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing the interests of small businesses.
ALMOST 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the establishment of two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff.
This NSW Government investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter region.
The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program will extend the life of 55 eightcarriage trains by over a decade by replacing internal cladding, the computer
operating system, installing more accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system, and CCTV.
The two new production lines in the Hunter, in addition to the existing three lines at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20.
The Tangaras are some of the oldest rolling stocks and refurbished carriages will help to reduce maintenance faults.
To date, four Tangara trains are undergoing upgrades with the first train now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service on the network.
Minister for Transport John Graham said, “I lived in Newcastle when it was a proud train building city.
“We’re now bringing train manufacturing jobs back to the Hunter, the home of the original Tangara fleet.
"This investment accelerates the life extension of our Tangara fleet while creating real jobs and skills
development in the Hunter region.”
Sydney Trains Chief
Executive Matt Longland said, "The Tangara Life Extension Program is
RESIDENTS and visitors
will have the opportunity to step back into the past this April and May when the Port Stephens Family History Society presents a series of heritage events in Tanilba Bay as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival 2026.
The program features five
unique events celebrating the remarkable legacy of developer Henry F Halloran, whose vision helped shape Port Stephens in the early twentieth century.
Some of the suburbs Halloran developed in this area were Salamander, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Anna
Bay, Tanilba Bay, Mallabula, Karuah and North Arm Cove (Port Stephens City).
Events include guided heritage walks, the launch of a new digital sound trail experience, and a lively 1920s-themed dance evening.
Port Stephens Family History Society spokesperson
president Robyn Cragg said, “The events are designed to bring the region’s history to life.
“Henry Halloran played an extraordinary role in shaping Port Stephens and in particular Tanilba Bay during the 1920s and 1930s.
“These events allow
domestic violence offence.”
the most comprehensive refurbishment of its kind ever undertaken by Sydney Trains.
"Our teams in Sydney and soon, in the Hunter, are carrying out critical system
people to explore that history in a fun and engaging way.
“From guided walks along the heritage trail to a roaring twenties dance and the launch of an immersive sound
upgrades, modernising on-board technologies and improving safety and accessibility features to bring these trains in line with contemporary standards."
trail, there is something for everyone interested in the story of our community.”
For full details visit portstephensfamilyhistory. com.au.
NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years.
The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand.
Between December 2023 and December 2025, the remand population increased by 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) to a record 6,081.
As a result, people on remand now make up 46 percent of the adult prison population, the highest proportion ever recorded.
“If current trends
continue, people on remand will account for half the prison population within the next two years,” said Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of BOCSAR.
Domestic violence offences account for a third of NSW remand population
“About half of the growth in the remand population over the past two years is due to an increase in domestic violence defendants being held in custody prior to their court date,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“The number of people on remand for a domestic violence offence rose by 483 people, or 33 percent, to 1,943 in December 2025.
“One in three adults on remand is now being detained in relation to a
Ms Fitzgerald said the increase reflects long-running growth in domestic violence charges laid by NSW Police, combined with changes in bail outcomes.
“Domestic violence legal actions have increased by around 50 percent since 2019.
“More charges mean more people coming before the courts and more people subject to a bail decision,” she said.
“In addition, bail refusal rates for domestic violence offences have increased recently.
Between 2023 and 2025, the domestic violence bail refusal rate rose from 17.5 percent to 19.4 percent, further contributing to the growth in the remand population.”
Record high in Aboriginal incarceration
December 2025 also marked a new record in the number of Aboriginal adults in custody, which reached 4,452 people.
Aboriginal adults now make up a record 34 percent of the NSW prison population, despite representing only three percent of the general population.
“The incarceration rate for Aboriginal adults is now an alarming 15 times higher than for non-Aboriginal adults,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“In December 2025, around one in 25 Aboriginal men living in NSW was in prison.
“These record numbers show that we are still not seeing the reductions needed to address Aboriginal overrepresentation in
custody or to meet Closing the Gap targets.
“This remains one of the most persistent and pressing challenges facing the criminal justice system.”
Remand, DV and Indigenous prison populations hit new highs in NSW
In December 2025, the adult custody population was 13,133 (12,275 men and 858 women).
The overall prison population remains below pre-pandemic levels –502 fewer people than in December 2019 when the population was 13,635.
Despite this, December 2025 recorded new highs for several cohorts, including:
• Remand population: Reached a record 6,081 people, an increase of 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) since December 2023.
• Domestic violence offenders: Reached a record 3,565 people in December 2025, up 24 percent from 2,878 in December 2023. Of those in custody for a domestic violence offence in December 2025, 54.5 percent were on remand (1,943 people), up 33 percent from 1,460 in December 2023.
• Aboriginal adults in custody: Reached a record 4,452 people in December 2025, representing 33.9 percent of the adult prison population - the highest number and proportion on record.
Between December 2023 and December 2025, Aboriginal adults in custody increased by 681 people (up 18.1 percent), compared with an increase of 343 people (up 4.1 percent) among non-Aboriginal adults.
THE new Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub was officially opened on Tuesday, 17 March, offering support to the 22,000 current and former serving veterans and their families who call the Hunter home.
Located at 48 Ken Tubman Drive in Maitland, the Hub is centrally situated for Australian Defence Force personnel based at the Singleton Military Area, Bullecourt Barracks and RAAF Base Williamtown.
“Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs make a real difference to the wellbeing of current and former serving veterans, which is why we are expanding the network,” said Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans Affairs.
“The Hunter Hub is not
just a one-stop shop for practical support services for things like health, housing and career transition, but a home base for community, connection and family fun.”
The Hub will offer targeted support to veterans, with two service navigation and community engagement staff and a dedicated Claims Adviser to provide claims and advocacy assistance.
It also includes a welcoming space for veterans and families, with a dedicated children’s play area and outdoor space.
Open Arms will provide peer support through the Hub, and Invictus Australia have partnered with RSL LifeCare to deliver a range of activities.
The Hub will also create
more opportunities for connection, including coffee catch-ups, yoga sessions and BBQs alongside other activities to be introduced over the coming months.
RSL LifeCare was awarded a $5.45 million grant to deliver the Hub.
It has partnered with RSL NSW to bolster the services available to veterans and their families in the wider Hunter community, as part of a regional ‘hub and spoke’ network.
The Hub and its service offering were designed following extensive consultations with the local veteran community, to ensure it meets the Hunter’s needs.
communities in NSW. The new Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will provide a dedicated space where veterans and their families can connect, access support
services and feel part of a community that understands their experiences.
"This purpose-built facility reflects a strong partnership between the
Australian Government, RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare and our community, all working together to better support those who have served our nation."
MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country.
Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on the issues impacting the country, their aspirations and insights into their schooling and home life.
In 2025, more than 4,000 NSW young people completed the survey,
naming cost of living (66 percent), mental health (31 percent), climate change and the environment (25 percent), and housing and homelessness (23 percent), as the most important issues in Australia today.
Mission Australia State Director NSW and ACT Di Kapera said the Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to understand what young people across the state are going through.
“We’ve been doing the Youth Survey for 25 years now, and it continues to give us valuable data on a group whose perspectives
are often missing or ignored,” Ms Kapera said.
“In 2025, for the second year in a row, cost of living was the number one issue of concern for NSW respondents.
“Young people told us that the high cost of housing and everyday essentials was impacting them and their families.
“We expect that this year’s survey will once again reflect the fact that many families around the country are doing it tough.
“They’re struggling to find affordable housing, pay the bills and put food
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said, “We have one of the largest veteran unfold.
on the table, with many parents making sacrifices so their children don’t miss out.”
Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government, nongovernment organisations, local councils, schools and the public.
“Data from the survey is utilised by a variety of organisations, educators and government stakeholders to inform policies, research and the creation of programs and services that assist young people,” Ms Kapera said.
“We aim to get responses that span a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and locations so that the survey reflects the diversity of our state.”
The survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, study and work.
This year’s survey will include some new areas of focus, including questions on the teen social media ban, the changes to their
neighbourhoods that would impact young people’s lives, and barriers to participating in community events.
Youth Survey 2026 is open from March 19 to August 14 and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Respondents can complete the survey online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website. Go to www. missionaustralia.com.au/ youthsurvey.
RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.
AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming how emergency services detect, assess and manage bush fires – giving crews earlier warnings, clearer intelligence and better onground coordination.
In the past year alone high-definition cameras have detected nearly 4,000 fires, giving agencies critical early warnings and helping crews make faster and more informed decisions.
The cameras have played a key role in a range of recent incidents across the state, including the early detection of fires prior to Triple Zero (000) calls in the Riverina late last year.
“When fighting bush
fires, the value of early detection and accurate situational awareness cannot be overstated,” Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Trent Curtin said.
“The ability to access realtime imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, helps us build a clearer picture of fire behaviour and conditions as incidents
“Projects like these ensure the RFS can continue to adapt and evolve in support of our volunteers and the communities they protect.”
The drone capability of the RFS also continues to be expanded, with more than 50 trained pilots now positioned across the state.
Equipped with thermal
imaging, drones provide live vision of firegrounds and help identify hot spots after a main fire has passed.
They can be rapidly deployed to emerging incidents or areas of concern, giving crews a clearer, realtime picture of conditions and improving safety for firefighters on the ground.
This bush fire season has
marked a major step forward in modernising frontline communications, building on recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to strengthen the RFS fleet.
Vehicles are being upgraded with enhanced connectivity, including an on-going roll-out of satelliteenabled systems (Vehicle as a Node technology)
and thousands of trucks equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas. Since the season began on 1 October, the RFS has responded to more than 8,750 bush and grass fires, as broad areas of the state continue to experience drying conditions.
q Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds.
THE Tea Gardens Hawks played a series of shortened trial games in sweltering conditions on Saturday against Paterson and Abermain.
All games were played in good spirit, with the Club thanking the visitors for their efforts.
“All clubs trialling on the day are in the Northern
By Thora-Lou SMITH
THE Ladies had their annual Open Day on Wednesday 18th March and 51 players came from 9 clubs with handicaps from 7 to 54 to contest the Stableford event. It was a great day and some excellent scores were posted. Bernie Newton (Bulahdelah) was the best in Div 1 with 44pts from Sue Ireland (Tallwoods) with 37pts and Evelyn Blanch (Gloucester) with 36pts.
By Kay BERCZELLY
WEEKENDING 22.03.26
Our sponsor this week is Myall Coast Realty. Kirsten & her team have also come on as Scoreboard Sponsors - their large sign on the car park fence, will soon be in place. We say a very big thank you to Kirsten & her team at Myall Coast Realty for supporting our bowling club.
Ladies Tuesday Bowls 17.03.26
On this sunny St Patrick’s Day, 17 of our ladies played 1 rink 3 bowl triples - a big thank you to Kris MacDonald for playing swinger in this match. 1 rink of 3 bowl pairs & 1 rink of 2 bowl 4s. Winners today with lowest score Pat Baker, Sandra Leisemann, Robyn Webster & Lorraine
By Shayne REYNOLDS
LAST Wednesday saw a moderate turn-out of eager players and a few on-lookers who participated in the first game on a slightly larger field than we have been used to playing on.
conference draw, and if their quality is an indication, the competition will be very competitive,” said the Hawks’ Neil Reynolds. No official scoring was done.
Highlights included the Hawks’ Jimmy Sinclair scoring an opening try out wide, and Ryan Saunders scoring two up the middle.
Div 2 winner was Maxine Mitchell (Hawks Nest) with 38pts from Tania Reynolds (Tallwoods) with 36pts on a c/b from Genevieve Dobbs (Taree). Div 3 winner was Vickie Jackson (Taree) with 41pts from Gai Taylor (Tallwoods) with 40pts and Meredyth Rae (Bulahdelah) with 39pts. Katrina SkinnerOyston (Maitland) had the best Scratch Score. Prizes were also given for NTPs, accurate drives and long drives. Kerri-Lee Edwards (Tallwoods) won the $50 jackpot. The ladies enjoyed Murphy. Congratulations to Carolyn Fredericks - our raffle winner today - nice to see one of our hard working Committee getting a little reward.
Men’s Wednesday Gala Day 18.03.26
Today saw 48 bowlers using both synthetic & grass surfaces - once again strong numbers from our men - they're obviously enjoying their Wednesday bowls!
Overall winners with a total of 45 were John Bates, Wayne Duggan & Marknightingale - this is these gentlemen’s second overall win in a row ! You boys are obviously doing something right !
Morning winners decided by the lowest winning margin of 1 were Peter Gurney, Ron Green & Brian Newbery - also their 2nd consecutive win of the
The playing fields for the Tea Gardens Soccer Club 2026 season launch on Saturday were all line marked earlier that Wednesday morning (thanks for your help David) and we decided to utilise the “mid” sized field for our Walking Football needs.
The extra space really opened up the game, giving
Alex Sinclair converted twice.
“The hit outs assisted the Hawks with team combinations in 2026,” said Neil.
“Highlights for the Hawks were the impacts from younger players, featuring locals Sonny Braddick and James Bowden.
“Young gun Charlie
a delicious Chinese lunch following the golf. Thanks to all who supported and sponsored the day, particularly Captain Barbie and her committee.
Thursday 19th March was unfortunately a very wet day, so the Vets missed out on their golf last week.
Saturday 21st March was a very exciting day for Paul Smithson who won the 17th jackpot with a Hole-in-One! Stewart McNaughton was the A grade winner with 40pts from Mick Welsh with 36pts. Rod Norberry was the best
‘Morning Winners’ crown!
Afternoon winners decided by lowest winning margin were Col Amos, Craig McDonald & Mark Hair - & as fate would have it, it’s this team's second consecutive win of the Afternoon Winners - too spooky !
Garden Eatery Voucher won by Glen Reinhard 80 Club won by John Bates - he’s on a bit of a winning streak !!
Happy Birthday to Kev Barbie & Col Mowbray - enjoy your free drink vouchers.
Mixed Thursday Bowls 19.03.26
Thursday morning saw some 50mm of rain in a matter of 2 hours, however, this did not dampen the spirits of 16-17 ladies who came along to play some trivia & also have a complimentary BBQ lunch to wish our ladies Pennants
all the players more space to and time to develop, pass and shine! It was quite a high scoring game which is unusual for us by any measure with multiple successful goal shots and a large number or all so close near misses. Those goal posts have a lot of apologizing to do.
As is the norm, we
Graham played well above his weight and Jrey Davis had good minutes.
“Experienced players, some short of game time, added resolve to the side.”
Trial games continue this Saturday, 28 March at Myall Park.
The Ladyhawks Ladies League Tag (LLT) side will feature in their first outing
in B grade with 37pts from Allan Benson with 36pts. Carl Morice was the C grade winner with 40pts from Peter Billinghurst with 33pts. Ladies' winner was Terry
Teams good luck. Our ladies start their Pennant’s season next Tuesday 24th March - keep an eye out for the results in coming reports.
Thank you once again to Robyn Webster, Jane Uff, Sue Burns for helping set up & also Carolyn Fredericks & Deb Gardner for cooking our sausages & onions to perfection - it was a really nice atmosphere this morningthanks ladies!
Saturday OG Pennants 21.03.26
Today saw our very successful Grade 5 teams play Lambton at Lambton. Our Grade 5 boys & girls are leading the Grade 5 Pennants Table at the moment, & 2 of their players Stu Dorahy & Les Smith are coming 1st & 2nd respectively in the players scoreboard - some pretty fine bowlers in these
had two 15-minute halves followed by a 10-minute follow on session.
Play was enthusiastic with some fantastic passing, linking up, great goal attempts amongst lots of clapping, cheering and laughter. Just good fun all round.
G’day and welcome to
supported the teams so far this pre-season.
of 2026, kicking off against Clarence Town at 1pm.
Coach Alex Sinclair is confident of a “competitive team” this season.
In the men’s competition, a second three-way trial between the Hawks, Clarence Town and Karuah will kick off at 2pm.
Neil thanked the community who have
“The Hawks acknowledge the many unnamed supporters that are consistent in their aftergame packing up efforts,” he said.
The official Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League draw has now been released. Round one will see the Hawks hosting Mallabula at Myall Park on Saturday 11 April in men’s and LLT.
Stellema with 33pts on a c/b from Colleen Richards. NTPs were Wayne Pollard, David Schlenert, Craig Littlechild and Steve Fitzgerald. Long
Grade 5 teams!
The result today was a strong one, 2 teams won & 1 lost by a very small margin, the Masterboard read a very respectable 70 - 50, which keeps this Grade 5 Pennants Team at the top of the ladder, well done bowlers!
Grade 6 - played New Lambton at Tea Gardens, with a sprinkling of Tea Garden supporters, we saw Tea Gardens take a lead in the first half, however, at the end of the day the lads & ladies from New Lambton took the Masterboard 65 - 34.
Grade 7 - what started out at being a somewhat slow start, revved up to an exciting ending. One team who were 10 behind, ended up coming in winners with a 25-21 scoreline, congratulations to Wayne Duggan & his team on a well fought day! While we
our newbie Stephen who rocked up, put on a highviz vest and hit the field, staying on and engaged for the entire game. Well done, see you in a couple of weeks when you get back from your travels.
One of our players, who is renowned for falling over gracefully every game,
had another win of 17-16, the Masterboard today read East Maitland 56 Tea Gardens 55, disappointing, but hold your head high
Grade 7, a great effort & fabulous bowling today.
Mixed Sunday Bowls 22.03.26
Our Mixed Bowls Sunday event is attracting a great amount of new & old players. Today we had 30 bowlers taking to the green. This week was played on the grass, a new experience for some. Lucky Rink Winners were rink 10 Bob Burns, Mark Peters & Bruce Yahlcongratulations Next Sunday at 9am, the TGCC will be hosting an informal meeting, mainly to introduce the new Manager. Doors open at 8.30am & meeting starts at 9am. Sunday Mixed Social bowls will commence after this brief meeting.
week.
Well done to stay on your feet with only 2 tumbles witnessed this game.
Thanks to Liz for taking the laundry this week.
See you all again this Wednesday afternoon.
Anyone who is interested or curious is welcome to come along, have a chat,
By Paul DORIN
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace.
A man offered to buy it.
He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold.
He said he couldn't attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash.
Nigel W.
By Lynne MILES
John 12: 32 & 33 "Predicting His death Jesus said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show the kind of death He was going to die."
By John BLACKBOURN
THE economists got it right again, and up went the interest rates.
However this only proves that the Government is dithering and doesn’t want to offend voters.
The government has an agenda of buying votes in order to secure its future, and has
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 20
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Event
A Grade Winners: 1st Antje Basson on 38 points (best score of the day); 2nd Liz Ross 37 C/B; 3rd Karen Green 37 C/B
B Grade Winners: 1st Jackie Rees 37; 2nd Sue Ryder 33 C/B; 3rd Cheryl Rose 33
Place Getters (37 C/B-32 C/B): Denise Sainty, Angela Clipperton, Kathy Griffiths, Deb Matheson, Maxine Mitchell, Tanya Sinclair, Di Davis, Judi Salmon
NTP Hole 5: A Grade Marcia Smith
St Patrick’s Day celebrations were in full swing last Tuesday, with 54 ladies dressed in their finest emerald green taking part in an Irish 4BBB Stableford. Teams of 4 players scored their own Stableford points, then used the best one score from the team for the first 6 holes, the best 2 scores for the following 6 holes, and so on. It was wonderful to see some old familiar faces returning to Tuesday golf (Marg, Diann, Julie and Roma), all enjoying the friendly team format.
Individual golfing highlights
chosen to do this by flinging money at everything it thinks electors might feel positive towards.
The problem is that it is either printing or borrowing those funds, creating more and more debt.
As the debt piles up for the average Sam and Sue to pay off in future years, the additional interest rate rises it creates can only hurt our ability to repay.
Even the Reserve Bank’s board voted five to four to increase interest rates.
This means the “nambypamby don’t offend the voters’ scenario” has again kicked in.
Rather than getting the economic situation on the road to recovery, they have chosen the “slow bleed” method.
Instead of putting us all through the pain of economic
included a lovely birdie on the 10th from Kristine McMahon; and chip ins from Julie Freeland (from 16m out on the 11th); Liz Ross and Helena Wilton, both on the 4th , Jo Scott 12th and Wendy Gibson 17th. There was a lot of fun and laughter out on the course, and the celebrations continued back in the club house. President Jo Scott gave us a quick refresher course on the myths surrounding St Patrick, and pointed out the similarities between the green fields of Ireland and our own golf course (though we DO have snakes!). Our favourite Irishwoman, Rosarie Mullins gave us a Gaelic greeting and 100,00 blessings, Sue Hair won the raffle prize of a seafood voucher from Tea Gardens Fish Co Op, and Maxine Mitchell won the lucky number draw.
Results: Tuesday 17th/3/2026
Ladies Irish 4BBB Stableford
1st: Sue Campton, Ann Morris, Viv Ballinger & Marg Bonney on 93 points
2nd: Di Bowes, Deb Dummett, Karen Serhan & Julie Freeland 90
3rd: Jo Scott, Kathy Griffiths, Di Davis & Marg Miller 86 C/B
Place Getters: Tanya Sinclair, Ann Syme, Sue Ryder, Marcia Smith 86; Jan Olsen, Pam Keegan, Debbie Andrews, Debbie Booth 83; Rosarie Mullins, Elsa Jones, Carol Wiggins, Liz Edmonds 81
It's akin to negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Selling is even more fraught.
Our local Vinnies has become the frequent beneficiary of my failed Marketplace negotiations. Some buyers have an innate ability to wear sellers down.
Most recently, my exchanges over a pair of spanking-new Nikes morphed into chess-level wheeling and dealing.
Beaten down, annoyed, but willing to accept a low-ball offer, I agreed to a price.
The purchaser then asked if I could meet her at a more convenient location.
“Forget it,” I said.
With the cost of petrol at the moment, I could have bought myself a pair of Balenciaga Speed Trainers.
You notice he has one hand clutching a brown paper bag, the other is twitching in his pocket. Slowly, he ambles towards you, throws his cigarette butt in the dirt and grinds it with the heel of his cap-toe shoe.
“We do this on the count of three,” Muz says.
And, on three, Muz hands you the bag, and you hand over a Labubu doll worth six-months' of diesel. Forlornly, you head back to your car.
The deal is done. Or is it?
Seller's remorse creeps in.
What will you say to your daughter Sophie?
Have you sold your soul on Marketplace Mobland?
You turn and start to run towards the Benz.
Dear Nigel,
It appears you have moved from Marketplace to its darker and more sinister brother: Marketplace Mobland.
Surviving Marketplace is a hard enough task - a zone where the normal rules of engagement don't apply.
Sally from Sage and Light comes across all vibey and spiritual on her profile, until you have to negotiate a fair-priced bulk smudging stick sale with her.
death by many acts of “tinkering around the edges”, wouldn’t it be better to solve the issue of blindly spending and get back on a positive track?
To do that, a quick cure could be considered.
Firstly, the government needs to reduce spending to what it has available within its income.
In other words, stop throwing money at non-productive
All that pales into insignificance, though, when you enter the domain of Marketplace Mobland. This is the space of shady deals done behind abandoned scout halls in the dead of night.
The buyer arrives in a hotted up Benz with NOCOPS number plates.
In the back of his vehicle, you make out two shadowy accomplices in balaclavas.
The buyer (Murray during initial messages, but now Muz in conversations you suspect have taken place on a burner phone) emerges from his car.
outcomes for its political purposes and then hit interest rates hard for a short period of time.
This should stop unnecessary spending until the debt issue can be relieved.
Do it quickly and change the economic direction so the pain being felt by the community is short lived, rather than being dragged out in the present
One of the goons steadies a rifle at your face.
“It's name is Baba, you yell, but your scream is lost in the screech of the Benz's spinning wheels.
Later, in your driveway, you drag the cash out of its bag.
In true mob form, it's a wad of counterfeit.
You see your daughter at the screen door.
“Daddy,” she cries, “I can't find Baba”.
May this be a lesson to you, Nigel.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
manner that affects everyone over a long period of time.
Currently we have a government playing politics by delaying economic recovery so as not to offend its voters.
The alternative is to look after the population and secure our longer-term sustainability by taking action now, even if there is negative reaction from punters.
ART SALE Thurs 2/4Wed 15/4. 112 Magnus St, Nelson Bay, next door to Pizazz Boutique Ph 0143656396
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ELECTRIC lazyboy chair. Dark grey colour. Exc. cond $100. 4981 2251 TWO seater lounge Os Design. In fabric Very good condition. 0429 990 351
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KYMCO scooter 2022 rego GUT78 200cc engine $3,700 ono Ph 0410 529 698
clothes, new
OUTDOOR setting New, make
OUTDOOR rolilng blinds x 3 in cream 3m x 246cm. 95% blockout Vistaweave. $80 each Ph 0457 280 995.
LEATHER coat, mens Made in AU. $95. 0428 287 239
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
WINDSURFING
CAR cover, suit small car VGC, $25. 4982 8628 F190226
ads@newsofthearea.com.au newsofthearea.com.au
SINGER hand sewing machines x 2, antique Make an offer. 4982 3495 F270225 SOFA bed vgc double $50 Ph 4982 2335
SNOW chains. Never used. Suit 13-inch wheels. $80. Peter 0419 932 992
STUDENT desk, GC $40. (02) 4024 3104
TENT, Magnitude Wanderers w/awning sleeps 4, $50. 4982 8628
TIMBER slabs boards, burls etc Heatherbrae 0408 674 721
TWO old usable Surfboards suitable for kids learning. $40 for both. Located in HN. Call 0493 078 190
TYRE and rim for wheelbarrow, 10” Pneumatic. $40. 0419 932 992.
x 84 cm, Pink, GC, $20 4982 8628.
YAMAHA piano portable apart. size w/ stand DGX200 exc cond. $200. 4981 2251
VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242 ALLRe310826
AUDI 2016 Q5 SUV Outstanding cond Immac, always garaged. low kms, v. economical 6l/100 REG DVR92E $22,500. Ph 0407 387 890
SUZUKI Grand Vitara 2001, 3 door 4 x 4 manual, Hi/low range 203,000 klm’s, VGC many extra’s, always serviced. Reg: YDB27S $6,500. 0415 678 687 Re170625 Motors
2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle,
FRIDAY PATIENCE
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, pictured) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective on complicated cases. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability, and isn’t shy about expressing it.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (Return, M) A body is found drained of blood.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R)
The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R)
Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
ABC Late News. 11.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)
1.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R)
2.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
(22)
WEDNESDAY
ABC TV, 9.30pm
A jewel in the crown of Australia’s cultural events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day on the calendar to broadcast a celebration than April Fool’s Day? Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (pictured) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to next-generation talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Sisi. (Ma) 11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R) 1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)
3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)
4.05 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY RIOT
SBS, 9.35pm
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
By Amy ANDERSON
ROUND 3 of Pennants saw our 4’s taking on Old Bar at home. Unfortunately they were out bowled on this occasion.
Our 7’s had the bye. Round 4 we had a visit from Pacific Palms 4’s. Some great bowls helped get us over the line, with 2 rink wins and taking the big board. Well done Bulahdelah 4’s.
Our 7’s took a trip to Tuncurry Beach. An enjoyable game against some strong competition, sadly we were not successful. Tuncurry won all three rinks and the big board.
Social bowls Tuesday mornings, names in by 9.30 on green to play at 10.
Upcoming events: Bowls Premier League, 13th June.
‘Bring Ya Mate to Bulah’ open 2 bowl pairs, 22nd August.
Happy Gentleman Jack Last Tango in Halifax, acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes pride in creating authentic, complex and fierce female characters. Her latest project is no exception, focusing on a group of menopausal British women who form a punk rock band for a local talent contest. It’s not long before teacher Beth (Joanna Scanlan, pictured), shoplifter Kitty (Rosalie Craig), pub landlady Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) and midwife Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) discover they’ve actually got quite a lot to shout about. The six-part series covers a lot of ground and is a testament to the power of female friendship.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) A man plots his own abduction. David Oyelowo.
1.00 Next Stop.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
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)
‘Queen of the Mountain’ 3 bowl ladies triples, 23rd September. Entries opening soon.
‘King of the Mountain’ 3 bowl men’s triples, 24/25th October.
Our Saturday jackpot bowls will resume after Pennant season.
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
TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R) 1.15 Patience. (M, R) 2.10 David Attenborough’s First Life. (Final, R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (Final, PG, R) 4.10 The Matter Of Facts. (PG, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PG) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.
8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Taya’s birthday turns to chaos with the arrival of Ned’s high-maintenance mother. Lauren secretly discovers who Taya’s father is.
8.40 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Neville and the team investigate a death and discover a hidden world of data mining, crypto and murder.
9.40 Frauds. (M, R) Bert reveals her master plan. 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. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Vintage Voltage. (R) 10.55 Peter Andre’s Greek Odyssey. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo. Men’s Race. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police. (PGavw, R) 5.35 Berlin: Stories Of The City. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PG)
8.25 Homebodies.
9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)
1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)
3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R)
4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.35 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.55 Discovering Film. 10.40 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.45pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 3.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 6.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 8.30 Moonfall. (2022, M) 10.55 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+, Polish) 1.35am Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 3.15 Late Programs.
SUNDAY,
TV (2)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (R) 3.30 Inside The Sydney Opera House. (R) 4.30 Creative Types. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Fake Or Fortune? (Return)
6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.
8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.
8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.
9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.
10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R)
10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
Hawks Nest Social Club Thursday Night Darts
By John EDWARDS
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Wknd. (PG)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An unemployed man attracts suspicion.
7.30 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet.
9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) Two MiB agents uncover a sinister plot involving a traitor who is aiding an alien invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson.
11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)
1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
7TWO (62)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Australia’s Best
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) A research team’s ocean dive spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu.
10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R)
12.35 Epic Builds. (R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (R) A man is hoping to find a best friend.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home.
9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A ’90s supermodel returns to New York for revenge.
11.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) The unit searches for an assailant.
12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
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6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. New York Rangers v Chicago Blackhawks. 12.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Bournemouth v Manchester United. 2.40 MOVIE: Fisherman’s Friends 2: One And All. (2023, PG) 4.50 Young Sheldon. 5.20 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016, M) 10.10 Late Programs.
(3)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 Estonia From Above. (R) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 2. Replay. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo. Women’s race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 Orphans Of WW2. (PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs.
9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma, R) 10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)
11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race.
1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Women’s race.
3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
VICELAND (31)
Abandoned Engineering. 8.15 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 9.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 7. 11.20 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 10.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.25 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.25 Merchant Ivory. 8.30 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 10.40 Burning Days. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 1am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)
8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren.
12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)
11.10 The First 48: Death In Desire. (MA15+a, R)
12.00 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (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.
(64)
19th MARCH. Winners after a three way playoff: Christine McKenzie and Wayne Sullivan. Runner up: Destinee Cary and Graeme Bramley. Ladies highest score: Destinee-100. Men’s highest score: Graeme-134. Darts are on every Thursday night, names in by 6.45pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and play.
q Winners: Christine
Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 10.00 Cards And Collectables Aust. 10.30 Motor Racing. Formula E World C’ship. H’lights. 11.35 Surfing Aust. 12.05pm Limitless. 1.15 Soccer. EPL. Everton v Chelsea. 3.15 Austn Ninja Warrior. 5.05 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour 3. (2007, M) 9.20 MOVIE: Three Amigos! (1986, PG) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.30 10 News+. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) The tribe continues to target the returnees. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mav) The team heads to the Top End to investigate a US-Australian training exercise that has appeared to turn deadly. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mas) A man claims his girlfriend has been kidnapped. Tynan comes down hard on Benson after a disagreement. Griffin defends his policework. 10.30 NCIS:
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml)
11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
FAMILY
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.
9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.
10.40 The Agenda Setters.
11.40 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
A Current Affair.
Married At First Sight. (Mls)
100% Footy. (Mal) Features the latest rugby league news.
9News Late.
Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Crystalized. 7.50 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.
6am The Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.15 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 7.30 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 9.25 How To Make A Killing. (2024, MA15+, French) 11.30 Late Programs.
Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams
5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv) 11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R)
2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.
8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Hawks Nest Bridge Club
By Diane RUSSELL
RESULTS week ending 20th March
Monday: N/S 1. D
Hipkins & B Eyre, 2. J Whalan & B Treharne, 3. C
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Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs.
Richards & S Matheson E/W 1. J Armstrong & D Dale, 2. S & N Kebby, 2. J Glover & N Grehan. Wednesday: 1. N Kebby & T Thatcher, 2. B Treharne & S Matheson, 3. P Baily & L Wood.
Friday: N/S 1. C
Rands & L Falla, 2. P
Baily & N Kebby, 3. B
Treharne & S Matheson E/W 1. D
Hipkins & B Eyre, 2=. P
Marr & S Schmeding, 2=. L Hulme & J Corden.
4th Paul Young 19 Balls down to 16 Nearest to Pin 3rd Kevin Marr 5th John Reynolds (Birdie) 10th Rod Brown 16th Ronald Wright (Birdie)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (PG)
8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)
9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)
10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v)
11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)
12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGls, R) 8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R)
10.20 One Tank Holiday. (R) 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)
8.25 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) 9.35 Riot Women. (Premiere) 10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)
12.05 Blackwater. (Malsv, R)
2.15 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Programs. 6.15 Discovering Film. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs. 6am Finding You. (2020,
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.
8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A drunk driver gets his car airborne.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage to impress the judges and secure their place in the semi-finals.
9.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)
12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30
Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30
MOVIE: Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: Wanda And Sully. (2023, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Revolutions. (2003, M) 11.05 Seinfeld. 12.05am
Thursday, 26 March 2026
By Dianne BOWES
THERE was a relatively small field last weekend after the recent course renovations, with the cored and sandy greens putting some players off.
Nonetheless, Saturday’s 29 Hawks Nest Golf Club ladies had a really close battle for honours on their hands.
The top 6 players were only separated by one point, with Antje Basson squeaking in with a fine score of 38 points, one up on the chasing pack. Great golfing, ladies! Welcome back to Judy Sams after a long layoff.
