Port Macquarie News Of The Area 03 APRIL 2026

By Pauline CAIN

By Sue STEPHENSON

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Man extradited to face historical armed robbery charges

By Tom WARK, AAP

ARTWALK will celebrate its 10th year on Friday, 5 June.

Port Macquarie

Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts was joined on Tuesday by councillors, Council GM Robert Fish and a collection of this year’s artists at Four Espresso Café in the Port Macquarie CBD to make the announcement.

Widely recognised as one of the Mid North Coast’s premiere cultural events, ArtWalk recognises and celebrates the region’s artists, storytellers and creative minds.

“It’s a wonderful celebration of our people, our place and the creativity that continues to shape and reflect our Port Macquarie Hastings community,” Mayor Roberts said.

was arrested

“Since its inception in 2016, ArtWalk has become one of the most anticipated events on our community calendar and attracts thousands of residents and visitors into the heart of Port Macquarie.

“Over the past 10 years we have seen incredible installations, performances, exhibitions, street art, projections and creative activations that transform the CBD into a vibrant cultural hub for one night each year.”

Some of the artists selected for this year’s ArtWalk include:

• Curious Legends: puppeteers and theatre company

• Leah Doeland’s Yarn Bombing community project is back

• Lucy Juhnke and

last Monday and extradited to NSW on Tuesday charged with armed robbery and hostage-taking relating to incidents from nearly 30 years ago.

Police allege MacDonald entered a bank on October 28, 1996, in Coonabarabran, west of Tamworth, armed with a shotgun and demanded cash from staff.

He allegedly took a female customer hostage and held her until he reached his motorcycle to ensure his escape.

Three months later, MacDonald allegedly robbed another bank in Laurieton, again armed

Collins: showcasing

• ArtWalk x Luminance: Young artist’s exhibition

• Tortuga: activating Clarence Street

• Chalk River Labs

- Night Parrots: lighting sculpture

• The Cage: activating Phillips Lane

• St Thomas Church: projections, live music and food.

Many more artists and activations are still to be announced.

“Events like ArtWalk don’t happen on their own,” said Council GM Robert Fish.

“They happen because of the continued support from the community, artists, businesses and PMHC’s ongoing investment in arts and culture.

with a shotgun.

After allegedly directing staff to fill his duffel bag with cash, MacDonald is accused of taking a staff member hostage and escorting her to his getaway car before releasing her.

NSW Police issued arrest warrants for both incidents in 1997.

After being extradited the 76-year-old was driven to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with two counts of armed robbery and two of detaining for advantage.

MacDonald's lawyer Sally McPherson told a bail court on Wednesday

the 76-year-old did not want further legal representation.

"Mr MacDonald... anticipates he will selfrepresent through these matters," Ms McPherson said.

NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks told reporters on Wednesday the declining use of cash in society had contributed to fewer bank robberies, but new forms of crime had taken their place."As offenders change their techniques, so do the police's to try and identify them," Det Supt Marks said.

MacDonald did not apply for bail and will appear in Port Macquarie Local Court on 21 May.

““Each year, attendance continues to grow, and we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, artists and visitors who tell us how much they value the chance to come together and experience our beautiful town in a completely different way.”

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Wauchope students off to work at Royal Easter Show

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plates inspired by local ingredients.

“It is exciting; being at the Royal Easter Show, going to the city, meeting students and teachers from other schools,” said

teacher Simeon James.

“In the classroom students get to work with such small quantities, so to get an opportunity to work with so much produce is more of a real world experience for them.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the Wauchope students would bring a “real taste of the Mid North Coast region” to the iconic agricultural show.

“It’s fantastic to see them representing their region with such skill and enthusiasm,” he said.

“The Rural Café gives these young people a valuable opportunity to step outside the classroom and gain

hands-on experience in a real hospitality setting, working alongside professional chefs.

“I’d encourage anyone heading to the Show to drop in, enjoy some great local flavours and support these hardworking students.

“You’ll be experiencing true Wauchope hospitality.”

Regional migration surge continues along NSW coast

By Sis HIGGINS

A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers.

While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining a steady migration trend.

The latest Regional Movers Index, delivered by the Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), shows people are still leaving capital cities in significant numbers, even as volumes ease slightly

compared to last year.

The Sunshine Coast and Greater Geelong led net internal migration, followed by the Fraser Coast, Lake Macquarie and Moorabool.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the pattern of movement is evolving, with more people exploring new regional locations.

“We are seeing a trend of capital-city dwellers still choosing popular locations, but regional-to-regional movers looking elsewhere,” she said.

“What hasn’t declined is interest in a regional move.

“Capital-to-region migration remains robust, recording the second highest migration figures since the end of the pandemic.”

The Mid North Coast has become a standout region,

with Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour consistently ranking among the most popular destinations for internal movers.

These areas offer a combination of coastal lifestyle, relative housing affordability and access to essential services, making them attractive to families, retirees and increasingly, remote workers.

Port Stephens and the MidCoast local government area are also seeing sustained migration gains, driven by proximity to larger centres like Newcastle while still offering a slower pace of life.

The Nambucca Valley is also benefiting from a spillover effect as buyers and renters look beyond more competitive markets.

The report highlights

that internal migration is no longer just a pandemicdriven trend, but part of a longer-term structural shift in how and where Australians choose to live.

Capital-to-region migration accounted for 11.6 percent of all relocations between local government areas and continues to outpace movement in the opposite direction.

Sydney and Melbourne remain the primary contributors to this shift, accounting for the majority of people relocating to regional areas.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Regional and Agribusiness Banking

Executive General Manager Kylie Allen said the findings reinforce the need for continued investment in

regional communities.

“That shift brings real opportunity and reinforces the need for coordinated planning around housing and investment in infrastructure so regions can sustain momentum and support growing communities,” she said.

With around a quarter of first home buyers now

purchasing in regional or remote areas, demand is expected to remain strong. However, the continued influx is placing pressure on housing, infrastructure and services, leaving councils across the region balancing growth with the need to preserve the lifestyle that continues to draw people in.

From Port to London one plié at a time

By Sis HIGGINS

PORT Macquarie dancer

Conor Bann-Murray is turning a childhood passion into an international career, proving that big dreams can start in regional Australia.

Conor grew up in Port Macquarie and moved to Sydney at 16 to pursue professional dance training.

He quickly made his mark, becoming the most

successful graduate in his full-time year at Brent Street, one of Australia’s leading performing arts studios.

On the day of his graduation, his career took a significant step forward when he received a call from his agent confirming he had secured a role in the national tour of “Wicked the Musical”.

Since then, Bann-Murray has built an impressive portfolio, performing

alongside some of the world’s biggest music artists.

“I want that dance contract, I want the agent,” he said.

His credits include working with Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Meghan Trainor, Tones and I, and Jessica Mauboy, placing him among Australia’s most indemand commercial dancers.

Despite this success, opportunities within

Woman pulled from water on Lord Howe

A WOMAN has died after being pulled from the water at a beach on Lord Howe Island.

About 10.30am on Wednesday 25 March, emergency services were called to Neds beach, Lord Howe Island, following reports of a person unresponsive in the water.

Members of the public pulled a 54-year-old

woman from the water and commenced CPR.

Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District attended with the assistance of local hospital staff, and assisted with first aid, before the woman was taken to Gower Wilson Memorial Hospital; however, she was unable to be revived.

Police have commenced inquiries into the

circumstances surrounding the incident and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Australia’s commercial dance industry remain limited, with only a small number of largescale productions and touring roles available each year.

As a result, many dancers look overseas to build sustainable careers and gain consistent work in the global entertainment industry.

For Bann-Murray, the next step is clear.

His ultimate goal is to become a touring professional back-up dancer, performing on international stages and working with leading artists around the world.

He recognises that opportunities to accelerate a career at this level are rare, and approaches each audition with determination and focus. With strong training, high-profile experience and a clear vision for the future,

CONSTRUCTION of a new signalised pedestrian crossing on Hastings River Drive is set to be complete by late June.

The upgrade will see the existing zebra crossing near Aston Street removed and

Safety upgrade for Hastings River Drive crossing REALITY CHECK

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(Year 2) and the Operational Plan 2026-27.

The drafts recommend taking up the available six per cent rate peg, and increasing water and sewer fees and charges.

Substantial borrowings and drawing down on reserve funds are also flagged.

Mayor Adam Roberts said this will ensure Council maintains core infrastructure and service delivery while “investing in the infrastructure to support our growing region”.

Council’s plans include its largest ever capital works program.

Worth more than $200m, it includes the initial construction stages of the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme ($51.7m) and the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme ($32m).

Cumulative cost

Based on current forecasts, Cr Hornshaw has calculated that the cumulative cost to ratepayers over the five-year program will amount to a 20 percent increase in general rates; a 27 percent increase in fees and charges;

replaced with pedestrianactivated traffic lights.

Upgraded street lighting, improvements to sections of roadway near the signals, and updated line marking and signage will also be installed.

Council has appointed Alliance Construction Group to deliver the works, with construction expected to begin on Monday, 30 March and be completed by late June, weather and site conditions permitting.

General Manager Robert Fish said the lights will significantly improve safety for people crossing that

a 36 percent increase in water rates; a 48 percent increase in sewer rates; and a 32 percent increase in waste charges.

“Our water and sewer are at capacity, and a huge investment is needed in order to develop more housing,” he said.

“But that is not the fault of current residents.

“We are asking the State Government for a massive investment in water and sewer infrastructure.

“But if we push this rate rise through, [they] can cost shift onto us - just as we cost shift onto ratepayers.

section of Hastings River Drive.

“This is an important location of Hastings River Drive, relied upon by a considerable number of users given its proximity to nearby residential and retirement homes, commercial outlets, schools and numerous sporting fields.

“Upgrading the existing crossing to signalised lights will provide a safer and more accessible way for people to cross the road, while also improving traffic management along this busy corridor.”

“I don’t think that’s fair.

Council’s General Manager Robert Fish acknowledged the potential increases but clarified to News Of The Area that they are not yet confirmed.

“Importantly, the Long Term Financial Plan sets out assumptions and forecasts, not fixed decisions for the entire period,” he said.

“The figures referenced represent cumulative projections over a five-year period, rather than single-year increases.

“Council reviews its budget, rates and charges annually, with each year’s Operational Plan subject to further community engagement before being adopted.”

Lack of support

Cr Roberts said he has lobbied the state and federal governments for grants to subsidise costs to the community.

“Support hasn’t been forthcoming as yet, even though both [major] projects carry a State-significant Infrastructure (SSI) categorisation,” he said.

“This lack of financial support from other levels of government means that Council must now look at other options within our own budgets and revenue streams… which, unfortunately, includes raising fees and charges and taking up the available rate

During construction, motorists and pedestrians may notice temporary traffic changes in the area.

Work will include temporary lane closures, work zone speed limits and short pedestrian detours near the site, while access to nearby homes, businesses and facilities will be maintained throughout construction.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program and Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

The project follows a

resolution of Port Macquarie Hastings Councillors in 2023 to progress with the signalisation of the Hastings River Drive pedestrian crossing.

Councillors supported the upgrade after investigations identified the location as a priority for improved pedestrian safety.

Motorists are advised to please adhere to changed traffic conditions, observe all temporary signage and speed limits, and allow additional travel time while construction is underway.

peg.”

In an earlier statement, Mr Fish said it’s a case of managing the financial realities that businesses and councils across the state are facing.

“Our budget makes reasonable and responsible adjustments to rates to support these challenges.

“Whilst these adjustments are needed, our rates and charges remain in the vicinity of fees and rates charged by other councils in the region.

“If we don’t push ahead with the current draft plans and budget, it could also mean reducing service levels for maintaining our public spaces, amenities and other essential assets.”

Cr Hornshaw noted how general rates were frozen during Peta Pinson’s terms as Mayor and suggested that current councillors should also “play that brinkmanship game”.

“We should be saying to the State, ‘it’s needed, but our

ratepayers can’t afford it, find the money some other way’.”

Have your say

The draft “Our Community Our Plan in Action” went on public display on Monday 30 March and will be available until 1 May.

It can be found online on Council’s Have Your Say page.

Just go to haveyoursay. pmhc.nsw.gov.au/draftoperational-plan-2026-27.

The page also lists the planned council “pop-ups” to discuss the budget, which start from 8 April.

Residents are being urged to review the documents and to leave feedback through the proper channels.

Comments left on social media are not taken into account.

The draft will be finalised and presented to councillors again in June.

Cr Hornshaw’s projections are based on the forecasts on Page 22 of the Long Term Financial Plan.

Launch of The Chair Syndicate

By Rachael THORPE

SARAH Eade lives in Port Macquarie and is married with two children. Aged 38, she is in the prime of her life.

In 2019, a workplace injury led to surgery on her spine.

This resulted in a spinal cord injury that left Sarah needing to use a wheelchair full time.

While her peers are working and planning a future full of travel and new experiences, her days are

often consumed by medical appointments and associated paperwork.

This has motivated Sarah to help set up a chapter of The Chair Syndicate in the Port Macquarie region; a social group designed specifically for wheelchair users.

Her goal is to coordinate fun social events designed specifically for wheelchair users of any age.

Their inaugural outing was last Saturday at Delizioso in Laurieton.

“Creating new social

connections with other wheelchair users via The Chair Syndicate is so important,” Sarah told News Of The Area.

“It is crucial to have a social outlet with people that truly get the struggle and day to day challenges we face.

“We laugh about things others wouldn’t understand and there’s a feeling of belonging and being a part of something fun while making meaningful connections and friendships.”

The first Chair Syndicate

was started in Newcastle by Tania Lewis.

She told News Of The Area, “The Chair Syndicate focuses on strength, identity, independence and community.

“Inspired by the brotherhood and sisterhood culture found in motorcycle clubs, we are aiming to build a similar sense of crew, loyalty, and belonging, but with a disability empowerment focus.

“Our motto is ‘No pity.

Just power’.”

Sarah’s plans for the Port Macquarie group include wheelchair skills classes, an obstacle race for wheelchairs, and a cocktail making class. For more information email onestarfishoneocean@ gmail.com.

Relief for struggling motorists as fuel tax slashed

By Zac DE SILVA and Grace CRIVELLARO, AAP

AUSTRALIANS under the pump from sky-high fuel prices will get some financial relief after the federal government succumbed to pressure to halve the tax on petrol and diesel.

The decision to cut the fuel excise from the start of April will save motorists about $19 on a 65-litre tank, or 26.3 cents a litre, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after a meeting of national cabinet on Monday.

State and territory leaders also ratified a plan to respond to the economic shockwaves from the war in the Middle East, which may include fuel rationing if supplies of oil begin to dry up.

"The longer this war goes

on, the worse the impacts will be," Mr Albanese told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra.

"I and the government understand that people are really worried but we have a plan to get through this."

The framework for responding to fuel shortages has four levels of action: plan and prepare, keeping Australia moving, taking targeted action, and protecting critical services for all Australians.

The second level - keeping Australia moving - was in force, Mr Albanese said.

Under the third level - taking targeted actiongovernments will look for "practical measures" to reduce people's fuel use.

The highest level of response would require

stronger demand measures to ensure emergency services, utilities and other critical workers can get access to fuel.

Senior ministers have previously said rationing and COVID-style mandates were a last resort, preferring voluntary steps like encouraging Australians to work from home where possible.

Along with cutting the fuel excise, the government will also cut the road-user charge, which affects heavy vehicles.

The two measures would work in tandem to provide cost-of-living relief, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Together, the reduced tax and levy incomes would cost the budget $2.55 billion over the three-month period.

A scheduled increase to the heavy vehicle road user charge will also be delayed by six months, costing an additional $53 million in foregone revenue.

Dr Chalmers said he had asked the consumer watchdog to ensure the price cut was passed on to consumers.

"If you do the wrong thing by Australian motorists and Australian truckies, the ACCC will come down on you like a tonne of bricks," he said.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor had been calling for the fuel excise to be cut

since Friday, and on Monday accused the prime minister of being the "last to lead" in a national crisis.

"Australian families and small businesses will pay less for fuel because the coalition led and the government followed," he said in a statement.

"We welcome the national fuel security plan, but the reality is we still do not have a clear plan to get fuel to the servos that have run dry."

The National Road Transport Association said the cut to the road user charge was welcome, but many freight operators

would still be under financial pressure.

"These companies still have March's fuel bill to pay," the association's chief executive Warren Clark said in a statement.

"Fuel prices remain high, cash flow is tight, and businesses are working hard to stay on the road."

Earlier, Energy Minister Chris Bowen introduced emergency legislation to parliament, allowing the government to take on the financial risk of importing extra fuel into Australia.

"The risk premium for purchasing discretionary

cargoes is rising," he told parliament.

"Work to scope deals and secure additional fuel is already under way."

"That's why today's bill is so urgent. This bill creates a strategic reserve to secure the supply of strategic materials that are vital for Australia's economy."

The laws were expected to pass the lower house with bipartisan support on Monday and be debated in the Senate on Tuesday.

Australia has 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel stockpiled, Mr Bowen said.

By Sis HIGGINS

REGIONAL Development

Australia (RDA) Mid North Coast is asking the community to help answer a key question: are recent childcare reforms making a real difference in regional areas?

In 2023, RDA Mid North Coast found only 65 percent of childcare demand in the region was being met, costing families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year.

The findings showed a clear shortage, with many families unable to access care, limiting their ability to work and affecting local businesses.

To better understand what is happening on the ground, RDA Mid North Coast

has launched two short, anonymous surveys for parents and providers.

Dr Madeleine Lawler, CEO of RDA Mid North Coast, said community input is essential to driving meaningful change.

“RDA MNC's role is to gather credible regional evidence and put it in front of decision-makers,” she said.

“Community voices from parents who can't find childcare to providers under workforce pressure are what make that advocacy count.

“This survey is how those voices are heard.”

According to the Mitchell Institute, more than 60 percent of regional communities across Australia are considered “childcare deserts”.

A childcare desert is where there are more than

three children for every available place.

This gap continues to impact access to early learning across the Mid North Coast.

Since that report, both the Federal and NSW governments have introduced changes to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.

However, there is still limited regional data showing whether these reforms have improved access, affordability or workforce conditions.

RDA Mid North Coast is calling for fair access to funding for all childcare providers, including forprofit centres.

Private providers play a major role in regional areas but are often excluded from grant programs.

Nationally, the role of family day care has also come into sharper focus.

Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) made a submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into early childhood education and care in February 2024.

It called for stronger recognition of the model and its ability to support more families.

The final report acknowledged these concerns, including the need

to review subsidy settings, support services in regional and remote areas, improve access to care outside standard hours and create stronger training pathways.

Several recommendations reflected FDCA’s position and highlighted the potential for family day care to play a bigger role in improving access.

Parents and families are encouraged to share their experiences, while providers can give insight into capacity,

workforce pressures and the impact of recent policy changes.

Each survey takes under five minutes to complete and does not collect identifying information.

RDA Mid North Coast said every response will help strengthen its case for targeted investment and reform to support the region.

Visit https://rdamnc. org.au/projects/childcareon-the-mid-north-coast/ to access the surveys.

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

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

The meeting included updates on key projects.

"investment map" for the future of the iconic area.

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

areas was described as frustrating.

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

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

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

This can cause overload and low quality run-off.

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

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

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

RESIDENTS and visitors to the North Shore of Port Macquarie are invited to a free Get Ready for Emergencies Family Fun Day on Sunday, 19 April, to help the community better prepare for floods, storms, bushfires, and periods of isolation during ferry outages.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm at Kangaroo Park, directly opposite the Settlement Point Ferry, and is a joint initiative of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Marine Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the Northside

Progress Association (NSPA), with support from partner agencies.

NSW SES Port Macquarie Unit Commander Katie Blake said, “The North Shore faces unique challenges during severe weather and ferry outages.

“This event is about giving residents the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to stay safe.”

Designed for both new and long-term residents, the day will combine practical workshops, handson demonstrations, and family-friendly activities to

build local resilience and strengthen community networks.

The Family Fun Day will help residents understand local hazards, develop personalised evacuation plans, learn when to evacuate, identify trigger points for action, share knowledge between neighbours, emergency services, and community groups, and improve practical skills through demonstrations such as sandbagging and gutter cleaning. There will be a range of interactive workshops and demonstrations on the day,

Shout-out for singers Emergency preparedness on the North Shore

By Pauline CAIN

LOCAL musician Robyn Ryan OAM is preparing a performance of “The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace” at St Agnes' Catholic Church in Port Macquarie in August.

August is International Peace Month.

“The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace” premiered in 2000 and was the result of a commission from the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, England, to commemorate the millennium.

Originally dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo War, its theme of hope in the face of war is a moving one in any age.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a weekend of joyous choral singing in Port Macquarie,”

said Robyn.

“We just need singers nowsopranos, altos, tenors and basses.”

Heather Moen-Boyd, a renowned organist from Sydney, will accompany the choir on the digital pipe organ in St Agnes’ Church.

She is an experienced recitalist on the pipe organ, and is organist and choir director at Scots Presbyterian Church in Mosman.

Funds from the concert will support the homeless and needy in the community through the St Agnes’ Foundation.

Workshops will be held Saturday 8 August 9.30am-4.30pm.

The final rehearsal will be the following day Sunday 9 August 10am-12.30pm followed by a public concert at 2pm.

Singers can register by email to robmusic44@gmail.com with “Armed Man” in the subject line.

including home emergency kit building; flood mapping and inundation information; sandbagging demonstrations; gutter cleaning and seasonal property preparation; emergency information apps and communication tools; and a display of community response and recovery equipment.

The day will also feature a range of fun activities for children, including face painting, SES and RFS trucks, Marine Rescue and SES rescue boats, colouring competitions, treasure hunts, and preparedness challenges.

Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began.

But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia.

Pickles released details of the trend on Wednesday, revealing searches for electric vehicles on its site had risen by 111 percent in the three weeks to March 21.

The growth follows widespread fuel shortages, and price rises that have seen some regional service stations charge more than $4 a litre for diesel.

Interest in battery-powered vehicles spiked in the second week of March, Pickles automotive solutions general manager Brendon Green said, with 98 per cent more customers adding an electric car to their wish list.

"Interest has been steadily growing but this has certainly been more of a hockey-stick acceleration in EV interest overall," he told AAP.

"We didn't see it coming, that's for sure."

Whether the rise signalled a

permanent change may depend on fuel prices, Mr Green said, although sales had been climbing over time.

"There seems to be a direct line between the petrol spike and people looking into EVs but I think this is going to accelerate their interest," he said.

Rising interest in electric vehicles comes one month after they set a new record to represent 11.8 per cent of new car sales.

But the full impact their rising popularity may not be known for months, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president James Pickering said, as some manufacturers had begun to accept pre-orders.

"We're hearing a lot of dealers are not just running down stock in the country but some of them are running down stock in transit," he said.

"The true (representation) of what's going on now will not just be in the March sales figures but also the April figures."

Mr Pickering said increased demand for EVs could also free up fuel for other sectors that were harder to decarbonise.

"EVs are critical for energy security," he said.

"What we are seeing right now is a response to the energy security concerns that Australia has had for quite some time."

Flickerfest brings world’s best short films to Port Macquarie

By Pauline CAIN

PORT Macquarie audiences were part of the Flickerfest National Tour over the weekend, as the iconic short film festival celebrates 35 years. Flickerfest screened on 27 and 28 March at Majestic Cinemas in Port Macquarie, with further events in Kempsey and Sawtell.

Local film lovers settled into their seats to see awardwinning Australian and international shorts.

Festival Director

Bronwyn Kidd described the mix of films as “really fun and entertaining”, noting the opportunity for cinephiles to “connect with like-minded film lovers”.

The Best of International Shorts opened with 'Radix', winner of Best International Animation at Flickerfest 2026; a beautiful fourminute stop motion film about two mysterious treelike creatures.

The Oscar-nominated and beautifully crafted 'A Friend of Dorothy' with Miriam Margolyes and

Stephen Fry was a favourite with audiences.

Indonesia’s 'My Plastic Mother’, winner of the Best International Short, struck a chord as it followed a young boy and the harsh reality of his life in a landfill.

The poignant yet funny 'The Singers' was the last film for the night and the local audience was moved by the music and the story.

The following evening saw the Best of Australian Shorts programme, showcasing 'Tuesday Tuesday' starring Peter

Phelps, 'Packed Away' by Michala Banas, Matt Day’s 'Baby Shower' with Hugo Weaving, and 'Trading Cards', winner of Best Australian Animation.

This year’s competition selected 190 films from over 3700 entries - showcasing films from Flickerfest alumni as well as newcomers.

Flickerfest began as a small local festival at the Balmain High School in 1991.

Since then it has grown to become “Australia’s leading Academy accredited and BAFTA recognised” short film festival, with thousands of entries coming from filmmakers across the globe.

Council a winner as placemaking summit comes to town

PORT Macquarie played host to the 2026 Place Leader’s Asia Pacific Urban Leaders’ Summit from 25-28 March, with Council taking out an award for the annual ArtWalk event.

Delegates from across Australia attended the threeday summit, which brought together place-makers, designers, planners, cultural practitioners and community builders to discuss the importance strategic placemaking has on local communities.

At the 2025 Place Leaders Awards announced during the summit, Port Macquarie Hastings Council was awarded the Placemaking for Prosperity Award for ArtWalk, now in its 10th year, and received a Highly Commended for Place Engagement for Mrs York’s Garden.

Community-led placemaking was top of the agenda at the summit held at the Glasshouse, with the

2026 theme being “Place Engagement”.

Mayor Adam Roberts opened the summit, telling delegates across government, academia, community and industry sectors that “great places aren’t just designed, they’re co-created”.

“Our approach to placemaking begins by listening to local voices and celebrating the unique character of our Port Macquarie Hastings area,” Mayor Roberts said.

“The community is proud to be Summit Partner while at the same time showing off our stunning natural assets of pristine coastlines, bushland and waterways, and vibrant town centres.

“Instead of being stuck in lecture halls, our local landscape became the classroom with delegates being given ample opportunity to immerse themselves in our beautiful surroundings while learning from local, national and international experts.”

Council staff led walking

tours that included Port Macquarie Town Centre, Phillips Lane, Mrs York's Garden, Town Beach Reserve and visits to Tacking Point Lighthouse, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and Wauchope Farmer’s Markets.

Several Council experts in planning, community engagement and economic development presented to delegates, using local examples of placemaking and activation.

“I’m really proud of the expertise of our team at Council and how they

were invited to present on projects that have made a positive difference not only to residents in Port Macquarie and the Hastings area, but to our visitors,” Council General Manager Robert Fish said.

“We are committed to ensuring that the community has a voice in shaping our places and spaces and have actively invited feedback on numerous plans, the most recent being the City Heart Strategy and Master Plan which was adopted by PMHC in February.”

Free flu vax for vulnerable

By Sis HIGGINS

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Homelessness Services is partnering with Mid North Coast Health to deliver free flu vaccinations and Hepatitis C testing.

The pop-up health support event on Thursday 9 April is being held at

140 Horton Street, Port Macquarie.

It is designed to support some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

Organisers say the service is open to everyone, with no cost and no appointment required.

“Come along, have a chat with the health team, and

take care of your health,” they shared.

“Please spread the word.”

The pop-up aims to make essential healthcare more accessible for people experiencing homelessness or hardship, who may otherwise face barriers to regular medical support.

Community members are encouraged to attend, speak with health professionals and take proactive steps to protect their health.

Local Businesses of Dungog

The inclusion of both flu vaccinations and Hepatitis C testing reflects a broader focus on preventative care and early intervention.

Events like this play an important role in community healthcare while also providing a safe and welcoming environment for support.

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Bec blitzes her goals

By Sis HIGGINS

ANYONE who shops at op shops like Willing and Able knows there are community

gems behind the scenes who make the experience a pleasant one.

They are the friendly faces, the helping hands, the

people who quietly make your day just that little bit better.

One of those friendly faces is this week’s Heartbeat

of the Hastings, Bec*.

She is part of the team at Willing and Able creating a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for the community every day.

One of the longest serving employees, Bec has spent the past 15 years building confidence and skills through supported employment.

For her, it is more than just a job.

It is the purpose and the chance to keep growing.

Born in Port Macquarie, Bec attended Westport Primary and high schools before completing her HSC.

“I was born here in Port Macquarie at the old hospital on the hill,” she said.

“I did Hospitality at TAFE, then I met Donna who was working for Centrecare at the time.

“Later, she started working at Willing and Able placing Supported Employees, and she gave me a call.

“That was 15 years ago and I’m still here.”

Supported employment provides people with disability real, paid jobs, with on-the-job support funded through the NDIS to help them succeed.

Over the years, Bec has become a familiar and valued presence, taking on a wide range of roles across the organisation.

“I’ve worked in the Op Shop doing clothes sorting, bric-a-brac sorting, helping move furniture around, putting bric-a-brac and clothes out on shelves and racks, serving customers at the register.

“And I’ve been the main Willing and Able barista since the coffee shop opened.

“There isn’t much I

haven’t done in the Op Shop.

“I’m a ‘bitzer’!” What stands out most for Bec is not just the work, but the people.

“Relationships, connections and friendships, and I love how helpful and understanding everyone is.” Her journey has been one of quiet determination and personal growth.

“We do reviews on our job performance every year and in the past I was always too slow at making coffees.

“I’m now fast enough.

“I worked hard to get here and I’m really proud of myself.”

Looking ahead, Bec remains focused on what matters most to her.

“I would like to keep working at Willing and Able and achieving my goals, and maybe one day I might look at open employment.”

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Willing and Able has been offering employment under this model in its various formats since 1986.

‘La Bohème’ draws big crowds to The Glasshouse

By Pauline CAIN

A LARGE and appreciative Port Macquarie audience was treated to a cinematic experience of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of La Bohème last Friday, 27 March at The Glasshouse.

Puccini’s “La Bohème” was first performed in 1896 in Turin, with The Met Opera’s 2025 version described by the New York Times as an “awe-inspiring spectacle”.

It is one of the most performed operas in the world, telling a timeless story of love, friendship and loss familiar across the globe.

“We were delighted to welcome over 260 patrons to enjoy this magical screening of the Met Opera,” said Bec Washington, Curator,

Glasshouse SELECT Theatre Program.

“The screening provided the unique opportunity to experience an opera of scale in intimate detail and comments from our patron survey were testament to this.”

Patron survey comments included:

“Seeing such a quality world class production was amazing and I never dreamt I would be so fortunate.”

“Having such a huge stage and a large orchestra, a big pit and a fabulous conductor was the most thrilling Glasshouse experience.”

Central characters

Rudolfo (English tenor Freddie De Tommaso) and Mimi (Armenian soprano Juliana Grigoryan), were both played by emerging stars singing their first leads on

The Met Opera stage. Franco Zeffirelli’s production debuted in 1981 and is still as grand and powerful as it was then.

The spectacle of the Café Momus scene drew audible gasps and applause as it always does in the theatre.

Audience members

The Port Macquarie audience was drawn to the lyrical and emotional music, in particular well-known arias “Che gelida manina” and “Mi chiamano Mimi”.

during the interval were keen to discuss the music, the lavish sets and the emotional plot, describing it as “goosebump material”.

“I was moved to tears by the story and the music."

Many attendees have made sure they are booked in for Opera Australia’s “Don Giovanni” in August.

Audience member Wendy Byron said, “We are so lucky to have access to this amazing production here in Port Macquarie.

Report shows a ‘runaway train of AI slop’

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation.

The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities.

The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.

ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a “runaway

train” of AI slop and malicious lies, designed to delay progress.

“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” she said.

“We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions, create confusion during emergencies, and erode trust in the information people rely on.”

The Committee was chaired by Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan with input from Senators Malcolm Roberts and Ralph Babet.

Senators Canavan, Roberts and Babet released dissenting reports.

ACF’s submission called

for a national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy, stronger accountability for social media platforms, truth in political advertising laws, and an investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding.

The report contained 20 recommendations, which included improving support for regional and independent media outlets, social sciences research relating to threats to climate and energy information integrity, and relevant regulators to combat and expose corporate “greenwashing”.

It also recommended greater transparency of election campaign activities,

and broadening the Australian Curriculum to strengthen media literacy.

Jonathan Cassell, Greens councillor for the City of Coffs Harbour, agrees that disinformation about climate change is a regional issue.

“In my experience, regional voters tend to be more conservative,” he said.

“They are likely to accept disinformation if it suits their beliefs of how things used to be or should be.

“Unfortunately, climate change is moving faster than people can cope with and so disinformation and denial reinforce each other."

Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.

“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Selfregulation is failing." The report can be found on the Senate website, via www.aph.gov.au

Donation speeds up lifesaving response

By Rachael THORPE

A $4500 DONATION from the Rotary Clubs of Laurieton and Port Macquarie West has allowed new roller doors to be installed at Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), improving emergency response times.

The Camden Haven SLSC has been serving the local community since 1956, with a record of zero drownings between the flags.

Keeping North Haven Beach safe for everyone requires a team of dedicated volunteers, along with large amounts of specialist rescue

equipment which is stored in the club building.

Coastal weather has taken its toll on the roller doors to the storage area in recent times, with extensive rust leading to difficulty in raising the doors.

Camden Haven SLSC President Kate Dwyer told News Of The Area the club is “extremely grateful” for the donation.

“The old doors were very slow to open, and seconds count in a surf rescue,” she said.

“Thanks to the Rotary Clubs we can now ensure our team gets out as fast as

possible.”

Port Macquarie West Rotary Club President Brendan Seed said the Rotary clubs could see the benefit in the investment.

“It is a pleasure to be able to help an organisation that does so much to keep the community safe,” he said.

“It has been great to join with another Rotary Club to fund this.”

The Rotary Club of Laurieton has been able to have a significant impact in the local community through their twice-a-year book sale, grants from Rotary International, and the

recycling of

and cans. Their next major fundraiser is the Winter book

Crown land bill to undergo further consultation

THE NSW Government’s Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 has been deferred, to allow for more consultation on proposed changes.

The bill, introduced to parliament on 17 March, faced fierce criticism from legal experts and Indigenous land rights advocates.

Critics argued the bill would limit the ability of Aboriginal land councils to claim unused Crown land.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council warned it could hollow out Aboriginal land rights, while the NSW Greens said it “attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth”.

The Law Society of NSW (LSNSW) said the bill should be withdrawn immediately before it resulted in “further potential injustice” to NSW Aboriginal communities.

LSNSW President Ronan MacSweeney said one provision in the proposed bill could significantly affect land rights claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act

(ALRA) 1983 (NSW).

“This legislation fundamentally alters what has been long understood to be land claimable under the ALRA,” he said.

According to LSNSW, the proposed new section s 5.20B(4) of the Crown Land Management Amendment (CLMA) would deem the granting of a lease under that Act as “lawful use for the purposes of another Act”.

They say this could enable the Government to “bank” any Crown land simply by granting a lease and then “sit” on that land without using it.

Mr MacSweeney said that this subsection was included in the Bill among a number of provisions which responded to a recent statutory review of the CLMA.

“The Law Society is concerned that this proposed section, which has the potential to thwart otherwise valid claims by Aboriginal communities to disused Crown land, was not a recommendation of

the statutory review,” Mr MacSweeney said.

“It was not subject to consultation before being introduced without notice.

“The lack of consultation with affected stakeholders on this provision is exacerbated by the publication of the statutory review two days after the amending legislation was introduced.

“The Law Society is concerned that proposed s 5.20B has been inserted into this Bill, rather than via direct amendment to the ALRA itself, to avoid scrutiny of a measure which would undermine the purpose and operation of the ALRA.

“The Law Society calls on the NSW Government to withdraw the provision and refer the remainder of the amending legislation to a parliamentary inquiry,” Mr MacSweeney said.

The Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Dr Raymond Kelly, described the bill as an “attack in stealth to erode land rights in NSW”.

“For more than 40 years, Aboriginal land rights has been a driving force for justice, empowerment and self-determination for our communities,” Dr Kelly said.

“We have secured land, defended Country, built housing, created jobs, and grown an economic base for our people. This benefits everyone in this State.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the process to date as “highly flawed”.

“This bill has sparked major opposition because people can see exactly what it is, an attempt to make serious changes to Crown lands law, including changes that impact Aboriginal land claims, through a process designed to avoid proper scrutiny.

“The High Court made it clear that the State cannot defeat an Aboriginal land claim by pointing to a lease on paper where the land was not actually being used when the claim was made.

“This bill is designed to get around that decision

by letting the Minister retrospectively change the use of Crown land after the fact, to defeat a claim that was valid when it was lodged.

“This is an injustice in the making and an attempt to avoid the return of Crown lands subject to Aboriginal land claims.”

The proposed amendments will now be the subject of further consultation before the bill is considered again.

A spokesperson for Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told NOTA, “While a range of stakeholders were engaged as part of the statutory review of the act last year, the NSW Government will take the time to engage with stakeholders including Local Aboriginal Land Councils prior to the Bill being debated in the upper house.”

The spokesperson said the land claims system has “arguably never properly worked since its introduction” in 1983.

“We have more than

43,000 historical claims, some dating as far back as 1984,” they said.

“We want a system that works for everyone.

“One that can protect vital community assets like well-used sporting fields, fire stations, surf clubs and community centres, but that can at the same time activate unused land for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“That’s why we invested $1.5 million in a business case to try and find a way to address the historic backlog in cases.”

Mr Kamper’s spokesperson said the NSW Government stands by the principle that unused Crown Land should be claimable and provided to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“The proposed changes we have put forward are there to address edge cases that became claimable due to technical non-compliance, such as an invalid sub-lease.

“These sites are well utilised by the local community.

“They were never intended to be claimable in the spirit of the Act.”

Technology transforming fire responses

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 unfold.

“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.

'Poorly designed' minor drug diversion scheme panned

By Alex MITCHELL, AAP

LESS than a quarter of people eligible for a diversion program for minor drug possession incidents are having their matters dealt with outside of court.

Crime statistics analysis from NSW, the last Australian jurisdiction to introduce a drug diversion program, shows nine per cent of nearly 12,000 relevant drug events between February 2024 and March 2025 resulted in a person being diverted from court.

Only about a quarter of that group were eligible for the diversion program, and only 22 percent of those eligible people received the diversion.

Critics said the Early Drug Diversion Initiative was

poorly designed and police discretion was undermining the intent of the program and exacerbating disadvantage.

The data showed 10 out of every 11 eligible Aboriginal people were sent to court instead of getting a criminal infringement notice (CIN), compared to two out of every three non-Aboriginal people.

A CIN requires a person to complete a telehealth intervention or pay a $400 fine.

The Aboriginal Legal Service said the data showed systemic discrimination within the police force, adding the program was failing First Nations people.

"Even when police have the option to divert an Aboriginal person away from court, they are choosing to charge them and force them

to face criminal punishment," ALS acting chief executive Sharif Deen said.

"Whenever police have the power to decide who can access alternatives to court and avoid criminal charges, we see worse outcomes for our people."

Wealthy people received the lion's share of CINs (46 percent) despite making up only a quarter of eligible participants.

Almost all people caught with MDMA and/or at a music festival were diverted, along with half caught with cocaine.

But only 8.5 percent of ice users were diverted for treatment.

Introducing the scheme, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said it responded directly to expert evidence

and recommendations from the state's ice inquiry.

"Drug use and dependence are very much health issues and ones that are far better addressed through health support outside the courts and criminal justice systems," he said in October 2023.

Mr Deen said the data showed the government had done little to confront police use of discretion concerning Indigenous people.

Uniting's NSW/ACT advocacy head Alice Salomon was similarly scathing, saying the force was policing based on postcode and drug type.

"The scheme's poor design, along with police culture, is undermining the intent behind diversion," she said.

"With non-diverted cases

q The punishment dished out for minor drug possession can vary significantly, analysis shows. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.

flowing into the courts, the report identified significant potential savings for the taxpayers of NSW if the scheme was better utilised."

People eligible for diversion must have a small amount of non-cannabis drugs and have no prior convictions for serious drug offending, among other criteria.

Drug checking at music festivals was introduced into NSW in 2025.

Interclub Challenge played in ‘great spirit’

COFFS City came out on top in a strongly-contested Interclub Challenge played against Iona FC on Saturday, 28 March.

The two Mid North Coast clubs played pre-season games across the following divisions: U12 Boys, U14 Boys, U16 Boys, U16 Girls, and Ladies and Men's premier and reserve grades.

Coffs won five games to two to take home the trophy.

“All games were played in a great spirit and high standard of football with the close results for most games showing the evenness

between the two clubs,” said Iona Sports Club Football President Paul Stephens.

“In the main men's game the standard was particularly high and a great introduction for the level of football our newly promoted team must reach each week.

“Iona had several excellent chances forcing some great saves from Coffs City in a very even game which Coffs City eventually won 1-0.

“Next year Iona will travel to Coffs Harbour and we look forward to trying to bring the trophy back home.”

Bogies Bandits Social Golf Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

TUESDAY 24/03/2026

Number of Players – 21

Game Played –Monthly Medal - Stroke

Winner -Colin Everingham – net 68

2nd George Evans – net 70

3rd Ken Gallie - net 71 (On Count Back)

4th Denis Mcgrath - net 71 (On Count Back)

5th John Gillard - net 71 (On Count Back)

6th Chas Viner - net 71

NTP 4th Denis Mcgrath ( birdie)

NTP 9th Steve Vickers

NTP 11th Lucas Boath ( visitor)

NTP 15th Ian Camejo

Hastings Ladies Social Golf

By Leonie MULVIHILL

Results for Monday 30th March. 3 Person Ambrose. 48 players.

Winners: With 32.17

Anne Rowsell

Donna Missingham

Anne Marie Cecil

Runners Up: With 32.7 c/b Di Heseltine Leonie Mulvihill

Carol Gleeson

Third: With 32.7

Mary Butler

Effie Blueming June Dunlop

Wauchope Women's Bowling Club

By Marie WINTER

THURSDAY 26th March

2026 there were 2 rinks of social bowls played at the Wauchope Country Club.

The winners on the day with the shortest margin were Eliane Tayloe, Kath Cooper and skip Julie Samuelsson who on the 2nd last end the

score a draw and on the last end scored one.

The lucky losers with the most shots on any one end were Pat Fletcher, Yvonne Carmichael and skip Marie Winter.

The Jackpot No. 52 was Sue Vallance who was not playing and the jackpot will be carried forward to next

week. The Grade 3 Pennant team was playing at home against Port City and the Wauchope ladies played like Champions and brought home the 6 points. Well done ladies.

The raffle prizes were picked up by Fay Paine x 2 , Lil Allen and Pat Coombes.

Friday Afternoon Golfers Social Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

27 MARCH 2026

Number of Players: 17 playing on the Back 9 holes. Winner: Colin Blott Nett 34 was on 12, now on 5 2nd:

Sharks dial in

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 20

particularly in attack, despite the visitors working hard to shut down the home side's runners.

The Roosters were

victorious in an impressive 16-4 win.

In a hard-fought game of rugby league, the Sharks reserve grade side proved too strong right across the paddock against a new-look Roosters team, taking out a

38-4 win.

In the first grade clash a classy Port Macquarie side dominated for most of the game however the Roosters showed real promise for the season in both their attack and defensive play.

The Sharks went home with a 30-4 win.

Dorin's Drawings

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

IMAGINE a world where the Moon never showed up for its nightly shift.

No silver spotlight draped across oceans, no quiet companion hanging above late-night thinkers.

Just a blazing Sun clocking out each evening and leaving us with… a blackout.

Romantic? Not exactly.

Mysterious? Maybe - but mostly inconvenient.

Let’s start at the beach.

Without the Moon’s gravitational pull, tides would shrink into polite little ripples, like the ocean forgot how to be dramatic.

Gone are the surging waves that crash with flair; instead, we’d get something closer to a lazy shoreline shrug.

Sure, the Sun would still tug at the oceans, but it’s like comparing a symphony to someone tapping a spoon on a mug. Predictable, mild,

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

How do we cope when there is so much chaos in the world? It feels as though every new day brings a worse news story than the day before.

Georgia D.

Dear Georgia,

There is no point denying that the world feels as though it is in a massive state of flux at the moment.

It is hard to navigate each day when news stories alert us to escalating conflicts, rising fuel prices, and confoundedly, in the

midst of it all, reports of a stoush between Kyle and Jacquie O (which is somehow up there as a headline with the war (I mean... excursion?!?) in Iran.

Georgia, you are not alone in the way you are feeling.

Many people are rubbing their collective heads so much that toupee sales are rising at the same rate as fuel.

The positive (yes, let's look for a positive) is that times of immense chaos and uncertainty are often a precursor to a new state of being.

After flux comes renewal (or so the theory goes).

There will be a time when the events of today will form part of history, and that is when we can analyse what went wrong (and how) so future leaders can learn from the mistakes of current ones.

In the meantime, be as kind as you can to yourself and others.

Sometimes one gentle,

understanding act can have a ripple effect.

Maybe it's as simple as saying hello to a stranger at a bus stop, or carrying a person's groceries to their car, or throwing a ball to your dog, or making your partner a cup of tea.

Don't underestimate the value of small steps, Georgia.

The world is full of decent people and sometimes it can be hard to see that when some current decision-makers seem hell-bent on destroying what we could have (namely a peaceful and sustainable world).

I'm not trying to get all John Lennon on you (imagine!) but at some point, for the sake of future generations, there will need to be a reckoning for those who get richer and more powerful by peddling the politics of division and hatred. This earth only has so much to give.

What if we had no Moon?

and a bit dull.

“Oh look, it’s high tide again… how thrilling.”

And then there’s the night skyor what’s left of it.

Without the Moon’s glow, stargazing might actually improve (hello, galaxies!), but stepping outside would feel like walking into a pitch-black room and hoping for the best.

Midnight strolls would turn into obstacle courses.

Romance would take a hit too.

It’s hard to whisper sweet nothings when you’re busy tripping over your own feet.

Culturally, we’d be in trouble.

No “moonlight” anything.

No iconic songs crooning about lunar longing.

Replace “Fly Me to the Moon” with “Fly Me Toward That General Direction of Space” and suddenly it’s not quite the same vibe.

Poets would scramble for metaphors.

“Your eyes shine like… distant traffic lights?” Not great.

The real chaos, though, comes from Earth itself.

The Moon doesn’t just sit there

looking pretty - it stabilizes our planet’s tilt.

Without it, Earth could wobble like a spinning top running out of patience.

That means seasons going rogue.

Imagine one year of scorching heat followed by decades of deep freeze. Weather forecasts would become wild guesses.

“Tomorrow: possibly summer, possibly ice age. Dress accordingly.”

Wildlife wouldn’t escape unscathed either.

Many animals rely on moonlight for navigation, hunting, and reproduction.

Sea turtles, for example, use the glow of the horizon - often influenced by the Moon - to find their way.

Without it, their journeys could become confused and chaotic.

Predators and prey alike would have to rewrite their survival playbooks in a darker, less predictable world.

And then there’s the folklore we’d lose.

No werewolves dramatically

NEWS

howling at the full Moon - just regular wolves, howling at… vibes, I guess.

No “man in the Moon” to spark imagination. Bedtime stories would feel emptier, stripped of that glowing, watchful presence.

The sky would be vast, yes - but also strangely blank, like a story missing its main character.

Even human behaviour might shift.

While the science is debated, there’s long been a belief that full moons stir something in us - restlessness, energy, maybe a

dash of mischief.

See that rhythmic brightening of the night, our connection to natural cycles could feel a little less magical, a little more mechanical.

In the end, a moonless world wouldn’t just be darker - it would be quieter, flatter, less poetic.

The Moon doesn’t just light our nights; it shapes our planet, our stories, and our sense of wonder. Take it away, and we’re left with a sky that works… but doesn’t quite sing.

Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

Boaters urged to stay vigilant this long weekend

MORE than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are standing ready around the clock to assist boaters on the state’s waterways this Easter long weekend.

From the Tweed to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama, rescue crews across 46 units will be on call 24/7, supported by more than 120 rescue vessels positioned for swift deployment.

On the Mid North Coast, 711 volunteers across nine units are on standby.

Commissioner Todd Andrews said Easter is

traditionally an extremely busy period for Marine Rescue NSW, but he anticipates that the current fuel situation may lead to fewer boaters taking to the water.

“Historically, our crews are in high demand over Easter, with large numbers of boaters enjoying our waterways,” Cmr Andrews said.

“We have observed reduced recreational boating activity in recent weeks, with concerns around fuel pricing and distribution.

“Because of that, we may

see a reduction in boaters on the water this Easter.”

Despite this, Marine Rescue NSW is urging skippers who do get out on the water to remain vigilant to risks.

“We’ve seen far too much trauma on our coastline over summer,” Cmr Andrews said.

“My hope is that we get through this Easter weekend with no fatalities or serious injuries.”

Cmr Andrews urged boaters to plan their trip carefully, ensure their vessel is in good working order, and carry the correct safety equipment, including properly fitted lifejackets.

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LIMITED edition Franklin Mint teddy bear in North American Indian costume. 40cm tall, posed on a stand Collectors item. $95 0400 993 382

MOBILITY walker, good cond. Pick up PM. $30 0429 434 856

CLASSIFIEDS

PENTAX ESP10 vintage camera w-case & manual- top condition $200 Ph 0481 046 477

PICNIC 3pce aluminum folding setting exc cond $40. Ph 0481 046 477

PIERRE Trudeau biography by George Radwanski. $5. Ph 0447 445 319

POLY tarps, grey 1800mm x 2400mm top condition. 3 for $25 or $10 each. Ph 0481 046 477

QUEEN bed, wood and iron, new mattress, used as spare for visitors $200 02 6585 1564. e270326

RECLINER lounge chairs 1 seater x 2 exc condition, fabric coffee colour. $350 ono for both. Ph 0416 214 242

ROYAL Albert bone china small rose vases $25 for pair 13cm H. Photo’s avaliable 02 6585 1564 SOLD

BED, fold up, metal frame, ideal for camping or extra bed. $25. 0400 124 942

BED stick, vgc $50 Ph 0419 224 403 For Sale

BEER brewing kit complete plus 250 bottles. $99. 6559 6656 F130226

BIKE for children near new. $50. Ph 0415 858 981.

BLACK school shoes new balance, size 2 US as new $25 Ph 0458 659 427

COMPUTER desk with keyboard drawer and storage shelf on top $50. 0459 597 012 F270226

COOPERS

brewing complete outfit + 82 Pet beer bottles. $30. Ph 0481 046 477

CORDLESS leaf and grass blower, battery operated, as new, never used $80. Ph 02 6582 2793 F200326 SOLD

GOLF Balls and Tees x 50. Great Cond $50. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890

GOLF Iron: Dynacast Up n Downer, stainless steel, 37-degree golf chipper. $30. 0416 135 363 For Sale

GOLF PGF Men’s Clubs. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 sand wedge, putter. $20 the lot. 0401 031 833 SOLD

CPAP machine ResMed, like new, inc nose and face masks. $480 6583 5185

GOLF set RH 5 woods 9 irons with senior grips for vets plus putter bag $180. 6559 6656 e170426

To place a classified ad, Call 02 4981 8882 The deadline is 12pm Wednesdays.

List an item for sale for $100 or less for free

NEW printer ink cartridges epson 73N 1 each of genuine cyan magenta and yellow plus 1 each of generic cyan and yellow $25 Ph 02 6584 9884 SOLD

AWNING Front ARB

Windbreak, $35 with straps. 0403 820 455

BREVILLE smoking gun Model BSM600, In original box , used twice $25. 0428 559 572 F130226

CRYSTAL vase, 30cm high, $25. Ph 0401 226 410 F060326

WHEELCHAIR, Gilani brand, manual, foldable brand new GC $95 Ph 0412 310 475 SOLD

2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle, full annex, toilet/shower, air cond, QB, lots of storage $32,000. Rego X91945 0431 736 481 e030426ALL

SOLID pine timber TV cabinet. GC. $50. Ph 0400 779 531

TABLETOP round glass 1370cm dia, 10mm thick $100. Ph 0414 184 498

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242 ALLRe310826

WALKER, Deluxe Seat KCare, brand new, still in wrap. $100. Ph 0421 512 431 Business For Sale For Sale

GUITAR Valencia TC40 acoustic guitar with stand also learners literature and CD’s $60 ph 0418 214 394

OLD fashioned desk, 6 drawers large, GC. $40 Ph 0459 365 025

Do YOU have an EVENT you would like to showcase over EASTER?

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

GARDENING

AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 7.30pm

Autumn is synonymous with fallen foliage at the end of its life cycle, but leave it to optimistic Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis to find a fresh perspective to the season. In this episode, he focuses on fiery shrubs that can bring vibrant colour to any garden – without the epic clean-up. Meanwhile, Millie Ross focuses on seasonal produce, spending time with a Victorian family who operate a heritage quince orchard to learn more about the ancient, aromatic fruit. Plus, Sophie Thomson sets up wicking beds for vegie success.

FRIDAY, April 3

6.00

MONDAY

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA

SBS, 6pm

Despite best efforts from rival networks, the hottest seat on Australian TV remains black chair. The only thing that could make facing host Marc Fennell’s (pictured) intense questioning more difficult is a touch of sibling rivalry – enter Family Week. The hardest quiz show on the box returns for its eighth season with a quartet of families eager to test not just their own knowledge, but their bonds. The Coutinho clan kicks things off in Monday’s premiere, when West Coast Eagles tragic Josh, Good Luck Charlie fan Aerin, Thirsty Merc enthusiast Tiarne and their vintage Chrysler Valiant-loving dad Kemal go head to head in their chosen categories and a gruelling general knowledge round.

WEDNESDAY TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

host Alex Lee invites Becky Lucas, Takashi Wakasugi, Bron Lewis and Dilruk Jayasinha (all pictured) to unleash their creativity and showcase their knowledge of Australian history, animal facts, priceless artworks and prehistoric creatures. Perhaps most impressive: even though TMAG holds the world’s most significant collection of Tasmanian tiger specimens, it took episodes for a thylacine to become the topic of discussion. The winner will place a personal treasure on display – will visitors be treated to Lucas’s broken phone, Wakasugi’s dog statue, Lewis’s lock of hair or Jayasinha’s first plane ticket to Australia?

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Mv) A music student is found dead.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R)

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

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

10.55 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. (R)

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

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman. 8.45 BattleBots. 9.35 Gladiators UK. 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Secrets Of The Conclave.

9.40 Lost Secrets Of Jesus.

10.40 Haigh’s Chocolates: From Bean To Bar. (R)

11.10 Sisi. (Mav)

12.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+av, R)

2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)

3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

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

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.00 MOVIE: My Best Friend’s Wedding. (1997, Ml, R) After a woman’s friend announces his engagement, she realises she loves him and sets out to prevent the wedding. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz.

10.15 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010, Mlsv, R) A bounty hunter is assigned to find his ex-wife. Gerard Butler.

12.35 GetOn Extra.

1.05 Damnation. (MA15+asv, 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 5. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm.

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

10.45 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A restaurateur seeks justice. Jackie Chan.

1.00 Explore TV: Antarctica. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Andrew Winter helps James and Brendan. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Follows property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie as they search for the perfect home for two sets of buyers.

9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Guests include Bruce Springsteen. 10.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

11.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Alabama Grand Prix. H’lights. 1.30 Celebrity Ghost Stories. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30

6.00

SATURDAY, April 4

6.00

A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

8.15 Top End Bub. (PGs) Ned, Taya and Trevor help Leroy put on a great show for the local footy fundraiser.

8.45 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) Marlon receives a mysterious phone call from his fatally-wounded former boss.

9.45 Frauds. (Mlv, R) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.

10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Edward Vs George: The Windsors At War. (Premiere)

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGa, R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)

10.15 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+s, R)

1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

3.00 Matched. (PG, R)

3.50 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 Bamay. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Seven News.

6.00

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Snow White And The Huntsman. (2012, Mhv, R) A sorceress orders for her former husband’s daughter to be killed after learning she will be defeated by her. Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron.

10.45 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Wonka. (2023, PGav)

10.50 MOVIE: The Legend Of Tarzan. (2016, Mav, R)

12.50 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R)

1.50 My Way.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.15 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Epic Builds. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A couple dream of different dogs.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Andrew Winter tempts an Aussie larrikin to move. Neale Whitaker tries to convince Michelle to give up on her dream. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Follows dispatchers and paramedics. 12.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) 1.00 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm

7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Abbott Elementary. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

SUNDAY, April 5

6.00

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Neha and Debbie team up.

8.50 Frauds. (Mal) An unforeseen disaster derails the gang’s plans.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (Ml, R) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

10.25 Top End Bub. (PGs, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Ten Canoes. (2006, M, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.45 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Unwrapping King Tut: Secrets Of The Mummy.

8.25 Akhenaten, The Secrets Of The Forgotten Pharaoh. (R)

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGadn, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.20 Bronze Age Apocalypse. (R)

12.55 Me And My Tourette’s. (Mals, R)

2.00 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.00 Working Class Man. (Madl, R) Looks at rocker Jimmy Barnes’s hit book Working Class Man and the next chapter in his life. 10.30 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml, R)

A look at INXS performing at Wembley.

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

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 8.00 MOVIE: Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles. (2023, PGaa) The true story of The Wiggles. Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook. 10.15 9News Late. 10.45 The First 48: Escape Plan/ Path Of Terror. (MA15+av, R) 11.40 A Killer Makes A Call: Jackson. (Mav, R) 12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) A night of rewards proves too much for some to handle. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Final, Mav) With a Stinger missile and murderer in the wind, the team races to prevent a deadly attack. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking implications. Bruno protects his squad during a raid. 10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) The team investigates the death of a marine’s son.

MONDAY, April 6

6am Children’s Programs. 4.15pm Play School Dance It Out. 4.20 Fizzy And Suds. 4.40 Bluey. 5.00 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Kangaroo Beach. 6.55 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.20 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 7

Of London. (PG) 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.20 Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

SBS World News Late. 10.40 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Premiere, Ml)

11.35 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.30 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China 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 Australian Idol. (PGal) The top six take to the stage. 9.15 9-1-1. (M) Harry’s first day as a probie proves to be more challenging than Chimney expects. 10.15 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.15 The Agenda Setters. 12.15 Conviction. (MA15+av, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

A Current Affair.

Married At First Sight. (Mls)

100% Footy. (Mal) Features the

6am My

Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.35

The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.20 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 10.35 Animalia. (2023, M, French) 12.20pm Discovering Film. 1.10 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 3.30 Ponyo. (2008) 5.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 7.30 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 9.50 Barbarella. (1968, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs.

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: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGl)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adlns)

11.55 Elvira. (Malv, R)

3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

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

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

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 Doc. (Ma) The race for chief resident intensifies. 9.40 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

The Agenda Setters.

St. Denis Medical. (PGas)

Dirty John. (MA15+v)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Green Lantern. (2011, M) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City.

(32)

6am Mosley. Continued. (2019, PG) 7.05 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 9.05 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.40 Barbarella. (1968, M) 12.30pm The Miracle Club. (2023) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 5.20 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.35 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 9.30 Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 11.40 Mad Max. (1979, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

6.00

WEDNESDAY, April 8

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00

Dateline. (R) 2.35 Insight. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 48 Hours: Escape From Chernobyl.

8.50 Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes. (Ma, R) Explores the story of Chernobyl.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Rise Of The Raven. (Masv)

12.10 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malsv)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.10 Adventure Time. 9.35 Teen Titans Go! 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final) 9.20 MOVIE: Enigma. (2001) 11.35 Brassic. 1.25am Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Ponyo.

Continued. (2008) 7.45 Discovering Film. 8.45 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.00 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Mad Max. (1979, M) 2.55 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 5.35 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 7.35 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 9.30 Zardoz. (1978) 11.30 Mad Heidi. (2022, MA15+) 1.15am Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 3.20 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 5.15 The Movie Show.

THURSDAY,

April 9

Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.10 Animal Park. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.45 Riot Women.

10.55 SBS World News Late.

11.25 In Memoriam. (Malv)

12.15 Bonn. (Mav, R)

2.10 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The 2000s. 2.50 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 8.40

The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 10.40 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 12.35pm Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 2.50 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 5.05 Discovering Film. 5.50 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 7.40 Risky Business. (1983, M) 9.30 Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 11.30 Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+) 2.15am Zardoz. (1978) 4.10 Hard Eight. (1996, M)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, 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. (Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 The Aussie Property Flippers. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)

8.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms. 10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ma) 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

10.45 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Innovation Nation. 12.40 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PG) 10.20 One Tank Holiday. 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.40 Late Programs.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Thursday

7MATE (64)

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Sharks dial in

By Mick BIRTLES

THE Port Macquarie Sharks played a series of four preseason trial games against the Nambucca Roosters on Sunday, 29 March.

The Group 3 side travelled north to Coronation Park in Nambucca Heads with winning on their minds and the respectable crowd was treated to some topnotch football.

In the Under 18s matchup both teams showed that they were going to be contenders in their respective groups this year. The game was played without spite and with an impressive level of on-field maturity for such young squads.

The home team took out the win, defeating the Sharks 34-12.

In the Women’s tackle game, last year's Group 2 premiers the Roosters demonstrated they still have a winning attitude and showed real form,

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