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FADs deployed to help recreational fishers land a catch
FISH Aggregating Devices (FADs) have now been deployed along the state’s coastline, giving recreational fishers a better chance of landing a catch this Spring and Summer.
Twenty of the GPStracked floating buoys have been anchored to
the ocean floor between northern Sydney and Tweed Heads, with a further 14 to be deployed along the coast to Eden over the coming month.
Locally, FADs can be found off Laurieton, Crowdy Head and Port Macquarie.
Their coordinates
and depth, along with the Code of Conduct for FAD fishing, can be found on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website at dpi. nsw.gov.au/fishing/ recreational/resources/ fish-aggregating-devices.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the FADs ensure that “fishing remains accessible, sustainable and enjoyable for everyone”.
"FADs not only attract fish but also boost coastal tourism and support local businesses - a win-win for fishers and regional communities alike,” Ms Moriarty said.
Monitoring by DPIRD has shown that mahi mahi (also known as dolphinfish) are the most common species found around FADs, representing 95 percent of the catch.
The devices remain in the water until early winter, when they are retrieved for routine maintenance, including cleaning and checks of the GPS systems, anchors, chains and ropes.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to stay informed about FAD locations, deployment updates, and responsible fishing practices via the FishSmart app. Fishers are also reminded to check the latest marine weather forecasts before heading offshore and ensure they have all the safety gear required for boating.
Low-carbon concrete jobs boost for Mid North Coast
FROM Page 1
“The transition to net zero is not just about reducing emissions,” Ms Sharpe said.
“It’s about creating jobs, building industries, and ensuring communities benefit from the opportunities of a lowcarbon economy.
“These concrete panels are lighter, stronger and can be made with recycled polystyrene, reducing both transport emissions and the amount of waste going to landfill.”
Minister for the North
Coast Janelle Saffin said Solidcast is an example of regional innovation leading the way.
“By backing manufacturers like Solidcast, we’re building supply chains at home, reducing reliance on imports, and keeping investment and jobs in our regions,” Ms Saffin said.
The expansion will create 25 full-time jobs during construction and operation.
The funding comes through the
q Precast walls in use. Photo: Solidcast website.
q DPIRD Senior Fisheries Management Officer Travis Morgan with Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty ahead of a FAD deployment. Photo: supplied, DPIRD.
q Three FADs have been deployed off Crowdy Head, Laurieton and Port Macquarie. Image, Google Maps.
CRIME CONCERNS
“Residents in Bain Street, Walters Street, Waugh Street, and James Street are getting tired of a group of teenagers, who are well known to the police, running feral and damaging their property.“
Between 15-18 September, Amy alleges that approximately 40 calls were made to 000 by locals following concerns of a teen boy riding a dirt bike at high speeds during school pick-up.
The young man was reportedly doing wheelies and other dangerous stunts in the street, causing noise disturbances and leaving residents scared to leave
Ocean
Pool
happen
their homes.
Concerns grew as the young rider narrowly missed colliding with multiple children as they walked home from school.
“Several residents called Triple Zero as they were watching him and waiting for their own children to come home from school,” said Amy.
“On Thursday afternoon, the police never arrived to investigate; they only sent links to the callers for them to upload security footage, videos and photos they managed to get.”
When presented with Amy’s concerns, a spokesperson for NSW Police told News Of The
Area, “Police continue to see instances of illegal trail bike offences throughout the Mid North Coast – including the Wauchope area – and as a result have increased taskings of known ‘hot-spots’ of illegal trail-bike riding.
“Reckless behaviour by riders will not be tolerated by police, and riders breaking the law should expect police action in the form of infringements, charges, license suspensions or bike seizures.”
Residing in Wauchope for the past seven years, Amy is often home as she is the full-time carer to her two sons, both of whom have Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“I have noticed a higher number of teens pretending to walk to school, and then 20 minutes later walking back in the direction they have come,” said Amy.
“Or they come out later in the day yelling and screaming at each other, setting off all of the neighbourhood dogs.”
During the evening, residents report experiencing threatening yelling and screaming from behind the safety of their front doors into the early hours.
“They have broken into cars, houses, keyed cars, let down air in car tyres, and they have destroyed products from one of the local bakeries; they have threatened people's lives,” Amy said.
After 12 Triple Zero calls were placed on the morning of Saturday, 20 September, following teens allegedly riding their bikes closely together at high speeds and targeting residents, a highway patrol officer finally arrived to speak with those concerned.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the action they were hoping for.
“The residents who spoke to the highway patrol officer were informed that the police were simply too busy to attend, and the Triple Zero calls were marked in their
“There’s no capital investment required by Council.”
system as a low priority, and that he would hang around for a while and keep watch,” Amy said.
The perceived lack of action from police has Amy and her neighbours considering leaving town.
“Some residents are considering selling their family homes and moving,” Amy said.
“Those who are renting and are in the financial position to move, have already begun looking for new properties.”
A spokesperson for NSW Police said the law enforcement agency is continually working to improve response times.
“The safety of the community is the first priority of the NSW Police Force, and we continually strive to exceed community expectations in our customer service delivery, which includes response times,” the spokesperson said.
Numerous factors can affect urgent response times including the number of urgent calls, distance of required travel, traffic congestion, weather events, and peak periods.
Response times may also be impacted when higher-risk situations, such as domestic violence or life-threatening incidents, are given priority
“Every Police District Commander is accountable
for meeting the individual target response time for their district based on their First Response Agreements, which are benchmarked on international standards,” the spokesperson added.
NSW Police maintains regular operations targeting youth crime are being conducted throughout the district, including initiatives like Operation Soteria.
“Last weekend, six juveniles were arrested and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act during an Operation Soteria Surge on the Mid North Coast,” the spokesperson said.
“During the same operation, 35 traffic infringement notices were issued to a range of riders and drivers, and 10 bail compliance checks were conducted on known youths.
“These operations are regularly held on the Mid North Coast and will continue.”
Anyone with information about the illegal use of motorbikes on the Mid North Coast is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Free access for all. A place to swim, meet and relax.”
Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving where lives are at risk should contact Triple Zero (000) immediately. Reports assist police with ongoing investigations and future taskings.
“Will be a boost for tourism (est, 28,000 p.a.)”
“A place to exercise and stay healthy, for those who don’t feel safe in the surf and don’t like chorine.”
• No capital investment from Council • Free access for all • Tourism boost (est. 28,000pa)
• A safe place to swim, exercise and stay healthy
“With a ramped entry the pool will be easily accessible for the elderly and families with children.”
“With 100,000 visitors the pool is economically warranted & costs just $3 per person pa to maintain”
“An important place for rehabilitation, low-impact exercise, and social connection for older adults, and disabled people.”
• Just $3 per person pa to maintain We are asking for Council to include the Ocean Pool Project in their Recreation and Open Space Plan update at the Aug 21 meeting. Your support is critical to help make this happen. If you want the Ocean Pool to become an official Council project go to portmacquarieoceanpool. org.au/get-involved/
Pat Conaghan Robert Dwyer
* Survey of 808 conducted May and June 2025.
Member for Cowper
Member for Port Macquarie
FROM Page 1
q An arrest made during a previous Operation Soteria Surge on the Mid North Coast. Photo: NSW Police.
By Sis HIGGINS
SURF Life Saving on the Mid North Coast has launched another summer season, with Nippers set to return to the sand in October.
Members marked the start of patrols at the Raising of the Flags ceremony at Macksville-Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday 27 September.
The event, attended by surf lifesavers, community members and guest dignitaries, featured representatives from the SLSCs of South West Rocks, Kempsey-Crescent Head, Hat Head, Port Macquarie, Tacking Point, WauchopeBonny Hills, Camden Haven and Macksville-Scotts Head.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Director, Doug Menzies, addressed the gathering acknowledging the efforts of local volunteers over
By Sis HIGGINS
COLLINS Booksellers in Port Macquarie is inviting locals to join the celebrations for “Love Your Bookshop Day” on Saturday 11 October, with a full day of activities running from 10am to 4pm.
the previous summer and highlighting the significance of continued community involvement in Surf Life Saving.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp also spoke at the ceremony, imploring beachgoers not to make the job of the surf life savers any harder than it needed to be.
“We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful coastline and amazing surf, but it’s our volunteer lifesavers who make it safe for all of us to enjoy as they generously give up their own time to protect our community,” he said.
“So, this summer, let’s do our bit too and swim between the flags, listen to the lifeguards, wear sunscreen and make the most of our incredible beaches.”
Clubs and volunteers remain vital to beach safety, with Newcastle Permanent backing the movement for
The national event is dedicated to celebrating the magic of local bookshops, places where people of all ages discover new ideas, stories, and voices.
Collins will host book readings, children’s activities, giveaways, and author
more than 20 years.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast President Rod McDonagh ESM praised volunteers for their commitment.
“Last summer our volunteers took nearly 3,500 preventative measures,” he said.
“They clocked more than 20,000 patrol hours, which is no small feat.”
Mr McDonagh said Nippers provides a vital pathway for the future of Surf Life Saving.
“Nippers is a stepping
signings, offering something for the whole family.
“This is a chance for our community to come together and rediscover the joy of books,” said Wendy Ranger, owner of Collins Bookstore.
“Our team is passionate about helping readers find
that perfect story or spark of inspiration.
“Love Your Bookshop Day is a reminder that bookshops are not just retail spaces, but gathering places for inspiration and connection.”
From childhood favourites to thought-
stone for young people to become skilled lifesavers.
“With almost 150,000 visitors to our beaches last summer, and more expected this season, their role is essential.”
Young members gain surf awareness, CPR and rescue skills while enjoying beach activities.
provoking new releases, Collins Booksellers encourages locals to explore and celebrate their reading journey.
The event also includes special opportunities for children to take part in creative activities, with
Last season the partnership between Surf Life Saving and Newcastle Permanent supported more than 800 Nippers across eight clubs from Camden Haven to Macksville-Scotts Head.
storytime sessions and interactive fun designed to inspire a new generation of readers.
Love Your Bookshop Day carries the theme “Discover the magic. Discover you.”, a celebration of how books can ignite imagination, create connections, and even change lives.
We invite you, your family, and friends to take part in Choosing Hope, a walk of honour in remembrance of a baby you hold close to your heart.
|
q Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast club representatives at the Raising of Flags ceremony. Photo: supplied.
By Sue STEPHENSON
A SPECTACULAR sunrise marked the start of another gruelling but successful Beach to Brother trail running festival, which has left even the most exhausted competitor vowing to return.
Over 450 participants
took part in the showcase event last Sunday 28 September.
Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer counted down the start for around 200 marathon and relay runners who set off from Town Beach at dawn, aiming to reach the top of
B2B proves a ‘showcase’ event Nominations open for Citizen of the Year
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has opened nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, which celebrate individuals, groups and organisations.
North Brother Mountain in Laurieton within seven hours.
Other events included the half-marathon, and the 10km and 5km runs.
The event supports Hastings Little Wishes, a local charity supporting the families of children with a
There are three award categories. These are: - Citizen of the Year: recognising individuals making an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Year: celebrating young people aged 16–25 who lead with passion and inspire others through their actions.
- Community Spirit Award: for individuals,
serious illness.
Dr Kristian Prados from the event’s sponsor Coast Cardiology, praised how the event was run.
“I think the organisers Mick and Shaz Maher have done a really great job,” he said.
“We’re really grateful that they started this nine years ago. It’s been an awesome event.”
Next year marks the tenth
bring people together, foster connection, and strengthen community spirit.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the region is full of extraordinary people, be
anniversary of the Beach to Brother and many of the weekend’s competitors are already planning their return.
Blayne Mcghee said it was “one of the hardest things I’ve done… I can’t wait to go again next year”.
Amber McCallum said, “It’s a tough event but it’s a special one.”
This year’s winners were as follows.
- The Tarkine 42K:
community leaders or quiet achievers.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank them for their contributions,” he said.
Vladimir Shatrov, 03:33:57. - Enriched Health Care 42K relay: Too Scott To Handle, 03:40:05.
- Hammer Nutrition 21K: Chris Noble, 01:55:58.
- Men & Women at Work 10K: Trent Alley, 00:55:40.
- Busways 5K: Hunter Pociask, 00:40:35. For full results, go to https://www. beachtobrother.com.au/ results/.
Sunday 9 November. Details can be found on Council’s website at: pmhc. nsw.gov.au/Residents/ Community-support/Citizenof-the-Year-Awards.
q What a view! Photos: Sportive Media.
q Dawn West captured this stunning dawn shot of runners heading off from Town Beach Port Macquarie towards Laurieton.
Sweet Tooth takes bronze
By Luke HADFIELD
SWEET Tooth Marshmallows, a growing name in artisan confectionery, has received national recognition after its Raspberry Marshmallows won a Bronze Medal at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards.
The handcrafted treats are the creation of 14-yearold Patrick Dale, who has already made a mark in the gourmet food world with his modern take on the classic marshmallow.
Patrick, who was named Australian Tween Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, said the award was a dream come true.
“We are so excited and honoured to be recognised by
the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards,” Patrick said.
“I started Sweet Tooth Marshmallows because I love creating fun, delicious treats that make people smile.”
Judges praised the Raspberry Marshmallows for their vibrant fruit flavour, light and fluffy texture, and all-natural ingredients.
The recognition places Sweet Tooth among Australia’s top producers of gourmet marshmallows, known for their quality ingredients and small-batch craftsmanship.
Patrick launched Sweet Tooth Marshmallows in 2022 at just 10 years old.
“My business started… when I asked my Mum in our local Woolworths at
Lake Cathie: why are there no chocolate marshmallows and why do shop-bought marshmallows lack flavour?”
Since then, the business has developed a loyal following at markets, festivals and online.
The brand has previously collected Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, further cementing its reputation for creativity and consistent quality.
The Sydney Royal Fine Food Show is regarded as one of the nation’s leading food industry competitions.
It is judged by experts who celebrate excellence in flavour, innovation and quality across a wide range of categories.
‘Let Our River Speak’ exhibition opens
By Pauline CAIN
THE Innes Artists group has given voice to the Hastings River in their “Let Our River Speak” exhibition, which opened at the Glasshouse Gallery on Saturday, 27 September.
The exhibition theme focuses on the river and its seven tributaries through “luminous river-scapes, intricate studies of flora and fauna, and reflections on history, memory and impact”.
Uncle Bill O’Brien gave the Welcome to Country at the opening of the exhibition.
“Put your hand to your brow and you will see a river or two, that is like our veins that bring life to the land,” he said.
Gallery curator Bridget Purtill welcomed the crowd of more than 200 and spoke about “the wonderful relationship” between the 12 women of the Innes Artists group.
”Their long term friendship has seen them come together in art to create the work that is around you,” she said.
The Innes Artists are Jill Cairns, Jan von Schoenberg, Fran Daly, Penny Lindsay, Kim Madden, Patricia Clarke, Trish Cameron, Marilyn Davies, Peg Eather, Eve Baumgart, Netti Riethmuller and Johanna Ireland.
Artist Jill Cairns addressed the crowd at the opening.
“Today we are one, we are all the Hastings River which comes together from those droplets above and gradually works its way through extraordinary situations to make our beautiful river,” she said.
“I am so proud of them (the Innes Artists) and this beautiful exhibition in this wonderful space.
“What better place to have [this exhibition] than in our beautiful Glasshouse Gallery, in our own town,
beside our river, with our local ladies.”
The exhibition also includes work from the Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club.
The collaboration came about after Ms Cairns judged a local photographic exhibition a few years ago.
“It was there I met Gary Brittell, the image steward of the Port Macquarie Panthers Photography Club and invited them to collaborate with us.
“This beautiful exhibition showcases this collaboration between artists and photographers and tells the stories of the Hastings River.”
The exhibition runs until 9 November.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm and public holidays from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free.
q Patrick Dale. Photo: Sweet Tooth Marshmallows.
q A full house: over 200 people attended the opening on Saturday 27 September.
q Tom Sheppard with his works ‘Wilson River Evening’ and ‘At Rollands Plains’ and Barbara Sheppard with her ‘Sunset Reflections on the Hastings’.
Tribute to iconic rocker at Glasshouse
By Bill HARROW
RENOWNED as Australia’s premier tribute to the legendary Joe Cocker, the “Joe Cocker Express” is set to bring its new tour, Mad Dogs vs The Englishmen, to the Glasshouse on Thursday 16 October.
The live show pays homage to the unmistakable soulful sounds of Joe Cocker, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
It delivers the passion,
energy and hits that reflect the highs, grit and glory of the artist’s unforgettable career.
All the Cocker classics are performed including, Feelin’ Alright, You Can Leave Your Hat On, With a Little Help from My Friends and many more.
The Joe Cocker Express features a powerhouse ensemble of nine of Australia’s finest musicians, united by a shared mission: to recreate the magic and emotional depth of Cocker's legendary
live performances.
With stunning attention to detail and raw musicality, they have captured the essence of Cocker's unforgettable sound.
For more details, go to the Glasshouse website at glasshouse.org.au/.
News Of The Area has one double pass to the show to give away.
Be the first to email the words “Mad Dogs vs The Englishmen” to media@ newsofthearea.com.au.
Marine Rescue support North Coast vessel retrieval
VOLUNTEERS from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie offered vital communications support as two missing men on an 8.4 metre catamaran were returned to shore following an eight-and-ahalf-hour search and rescue mission.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said volunteers at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio hub received a call from the missing vessel at around 9pm on Sunday, 28 September. The men were approximately 22 nautical miles (40km) east of Sandon Shoal.
Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command
to rescue the two sailors.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Iluka Yamba 30 deployed for the mission,” Inspector Murray said.
“AMSA diverted the AMSA Challenger aircraft to the location reported by one of the occupants of the missing catamaran and provided updated positional information to the crew on board Iluka Yamba 30.”
Conditions were challenging offshore, with a 1.5-metre swell and wind chop.
“IY 30 reached the vessel, which was 26 nautical miles (48km) south-east of Yamba, just after 11pm,” Inspector Murray said.
Art exhibition returns to Laurieton
By Luke HADFIELD
THE Hastings Valley Fine Art Association (HVFAA) is returning to the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) for its annual exhibition.
It will be held from Friday 3 to Monday 6 October.
“The art exhibition was a huge success last year with many works purchased,” HVFAA member Sue Burrows said.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of artistic works, from abstract to contemporary
styles.
“Several local awardwinning artists will be exhibiting.
“Original pen drawings, watercolour, oil and acrylic art and much more will be on display.
“Local scenes of Camden Haven will be a highlight this year.”
The HVFAA is a not-forprofit community organisation that has been fostering the development of art within the Hastings Valley since its founding in 1983.
Over time it has grown into the largest and most successful art association in the region.
The Laurieton Group has been an integral part of that growth.
The group meets weekly in the Laurieton Hall on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm, and sessions are open to anyone with an interest in exploring their creative side.
No special talent is required, only a willingness to have a go.
For more information contact Debbie Ashton-King on 0448 839 656.
“The crew checked on the welfare of the two men on board and secured a towline before beginning the journey back to Yamba Marina.
“It was a slow sevenand-a-half-hour trip back to Yamba, with the sailors safely returned to land at 6.30am (Monday 29 September).
“The two men were extremely fatigued but grateful for the assistance provided.
“The volunteer crew on board Iluka Yamba 30 was also fatigued, but they persevered in challenging conditions, while the communications support provided by radio operators from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie was exceptional.”
q The Joe Cocker Express.
q Volunteers at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio hub received a call from the missing vessel at around 9pm on Sunday, 28 September.
q Members of the Hastings Valley Fine Art Association.
Port Mac Goss: Bob Downe
By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
BOB Downe is an Australian comedy legend, with the “Prince of Polyester” making us laugh and sing along for 40 years!
“Let’s face it kids, “ says Bob, “I’m not getting any older!"
To celebrate, he’s bringing his anniversary show, “Choose Bob”, to Port Macquarie for one night only at the Glasshouse Theatre on Saturday, 15 November.
Audiences from Perth to Brisbane to Melbourne have roared with laughter and sung the hits with Bob this year - and now it’s Port Macquarie’s turn.
This week, Dave "Scoop" Lazarus sat down with Bob Downe for Port Mac Goss.
Bob, you once starred in a Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II, and now, in what must be a major highlight, you are finally coming to the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.
I couldn’t agree more Laz!
How many times have we driven past the Glasshouse and I’ve wondered out loud: “How fantastic would it be to do a show there!” Well, I’m finally doing it and it’s as exciting as the first time I hosted Countdown, or indeed when I met Her late Majesty and she asked me if she could see a valid work permit!
Forty ridiculous years, what is your secret?
Grab the wheel and don’t let go. Keep moving! I’m like a comedy shark but with nicer teeth and much better hair and makeup. Seriously though, I stopped counting at about 25 years in and suddenly here I am. And I’m only 39!
You have had many highlights through your four decade career. Give us several of your best entertainment memories.
Memory One: Hosting not one, but three Mid-Winter Balls in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, in front of the toughest
Let’s create a new vision in your backyard!
comedy audience you could imagine: politicians, journalists and rich people. Yuck! The third one in 2013 was the night Bill Shorten slipped out and changed sides against Julia during my comedy set. I wish I’d caught the bugger sneaking outhistory could’ve been quite different.
Memory Two. The aforementioned Royal Variety Performance in 1995. I went on between Marvin Hamlisch and Elaine Paige and let me tell you it was a tight fit! And the tears and tantrums backstage with all those star egos! In the end we said: “Alright Cliff, do half an hour! We’ll see you at the Dorchester.”
Memory Three. Hosting all those Sydney Mardi Gras broadcasts - nine of them! Interviewing Bono, Kylie, the Village People. You didn’t even know I was gay, did you.
About 10 years ago I was on a P&O cruise and you made your debut as a headliner comedy act. Do you believe making these appearances on cruise
ships has helped your career?
Absolutely! 95 percent of the people on board those comedy cruises might’ve glimpsed me on the telly, but have never seen me live. They don’t know what hits ‘em! I’m sure it helped with the fabulous crowds that turned up to the first leg of my 40th anniversary tour earlier this year. The best thing about the comedy cruises has been befriending so many great comedians from around the country. We speak each other’s language!
When "Bob" is not performing and you are relaxing as Mark Trevorrow, how do you spend a typical day?
Flat on my back. I get up as late as possible and find every excuse not to leave the house! There’s always costumes to clean, the garden to water and emails to catch up on. I also find YouTube very helpful.
After 40 years, will Bob
Downe ever retire?
I can’t! I don’t have any super! Seriously though… when I can’t dance any more
Lake Cathie community mourns the loss of Duncan
By Rachael THORPE
IF you drove past Club Lake Cathie this week you may have wondered why the flag was flying at half-mast.
Members, staff and the Lake Cathie community are mourning the loss of club mascot “Duncan”, the muchloved pet of local Wilfred Taylor.
“Technically he was the offspring of a black labrador and a groodle,” Wilfred said when asked about Duncan’s breed.
“But really, he was just a big, hairy dog.
“He came from a litter of six and I first saw him when he was four weeks old.
“I didn’t choose him, he chose me.”
Club staff member Jemma Peters said Duncan was “extremely clever and very road smart”.
“He even knew to walk around the bowling green, not on it.”
For many years Duncan had a duck as his best mate, appropriately named “Duck Duck”.
Wilfred, Duncan, and Duck Duck were well known in the area and regulars at the club; all three had their own membership cards.
Duncan was also a favourite of the local postman.
The furry giant learned
that if he brought the mail inside once it was delivered, he would receive a treat from Wilfred.
Duncan quickly learned to bring the mail in one piece at a time to maximise the number of treats he was given.
One of his more unusual skills was being able to open a pistachio with his teeth, spit out the shell and eat the nut.
Sadly, Duncan developed cancer, and after ten-and-a-half years of devoted companionship to Wilfred he has crossed the rainbow bridge to join his old friend Duck Duck.
I might just make a podcast and write a memoir or two. And actually start reading all those books I’ve been collecting for 50 years!
q Australian comedy icon Bob Downe.
q Duncan. Photo: Sharon Drewitt.
q Wilfred Taylor and Duncan.
Wauchope Arts Council turns
By Pauline CAIN
WAUCHOPE
Community Arts
Council is celebrating its 30th year with two new shows.
In 1995 the Arts Council was formed under the umbrella of Arts NSW, and has since provided a diverse range of cultural experiences including live music, theatre, film, workshops and exhibitions.
“Wauchope and surrounding hamlets were home to many creatives who relocated from the cities during the eighties,” the Arts Council said in a statement.
“Writers, actors, visual artists and musicians instigated a number of arts and cultural activities that transformed the community.”
Founding member Krissa Wilkinson told News Of The Area, “The Arts Council
is a community group run by volunteers committed to cultural development, enrichment, support and collaboration.
“We rely on fundraising and membership to supplement community events.”
As a celebration of 30 years of operation, the Arts Council is hosting two special shows this month.
“We Mavericks” will perform on Sunday 12 October at 2pm, while “The Maes” will appear the following Saturday, 18 October, at 8pm.
Victoria Vigenser and Lindsay Martin make up “We Mavericks”, and perform contemp-folk, alt-country and acoustic-pop.
They are described as “masters in the art of connection, fusing soulful
vocals, effortless strings and driving rhythms to form a singular musical voice”.
They’ll be joined by multi-instrumentalists
Rachel Johnston and Trent
Arkleysmith.
Meanwhile, “The Maes” are touring much of Australia to celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, “Abreast”.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Their music “brings modern folk to life with lush harmonies and acoustic mastery on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo.”
They will be joined by
the
Isaac Gunnoo on bass and cellist Monique Clare. The performances, which are ticketed, will be held in
Wauchope Community Arts Hall.
q The Maes. Photo: supplied.
q We Mavericks. Photo: supplied.
Safer travels ahead for Mid North Coast drivers
By Pauline CAIN
THE Hastings Community Woodworkers Guild will exhibit their wares at the CWA Rooms on Town Green in Port Macquarie on Friday and Saturday.
Beautifully crafted woodwork by members includes toys, wall art, cutting boards, novelty items, souvenirs, serving boards, jewellery, treasure boxes, resin art, bowls, clocks and more.
The group was formed in 1994 as the Hastings
The ‘Woodies’ first met at Wauchope Showgrounds, before purchasing the old woodshed at Timbertown in 2005.
They built a huge waterwheel and installed a wide range of machinery for use by members, including a slabbing saw for cutting large logs.
The Woodies worked individually or together on larger projects, many in support of other local communities.
The group’s next move
By Sis HIGGINS
DRIVERS across the Mid North Coast can look forward to safer journeys, with the NSW Government investing more than $6.5 million in road safety upgrades.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp welcomed the funding, describing it as a major boost for residents, freight operators, and visitors who rely on the region’s busiest and most challenging routes.
was back to the Wauchope Showgrounds, where they worked with the Wauchope Men’s Shed on personal and community items, including hangers for the Wauchope Quilting group.
The first Annual Exhibition of Fine Woodwork was held at the Scout Hall in Buller Street, Port Macquarie in 2000.
The Guild celebrated their 30th Anniversary this year at Wauchope RSL.
In recent years the Woodies have enjoyed working with CWA members
“These are significant routes for residents, freight, and visitors travelling through the Mid North Coast and the Oxley electorate.
“Anyone who drives Waterfall Way or the Oxley Highway understands how dangerous these routes can be, especially in poor weather.
“Every day families, farmers, truckies, and tourists rely on these corridors.
“Whether it’s kids on their way to school, freight
Stalwart RDA volunteer to retire Woodworkers show their wares
By Sis HIGGINS
WAUCHOPE Port Macquarie
Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is celebrating the contribution of long-serving volunteer secretary Catherine Wagstaffe as she prepares to retire from her role in 2026.
Catherine, fondly known as Cathy, has lived in Port Macquarie for 20 years and dedicated the past eight years to serving as secretary of the organisation.
News Of The Area was informed that Cathy’s efforts help keep the program running smoothly, supporting riders, carers, and the team of dedicated volunteers.
Cathy highly recommends the position to any potential volunteers and encourages others to step forward.
“The smiles of the clients are a weekly reward,” she said.
Despite her passion for
the work, recent health issues have led Cathy to make the difficult decision to retire, leaving behind treasured the friendships and connections built during her time with Riding for the Disabled.
Cathy has also valued the close-knit team of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the program possible.
Together, the RDA team ensures riders gain confidence, skills, and happiness through their weekly sessions.
Wauchope Port Macquarie Riding for the Disabled expressed deep gratitude for Cathy’s dedication.
The organisation continues to welcome new volunteers and encourages anyone interested to get involved.
More information can be found through the Riding for the Disabled Association’s website or Facebook page.
deliveries, or emergency services responding to calls, safety on these roads is nonnegotiable.”
Mr Kemp also highlighted the importance of continued investment closer to home.
“I am pushing for a safe and reliable alternative route to Waterfall Way, as well as long overdue safety solutions at the Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts in Port Macquarie,” he said.
The package includes $5
to present their annual exhibition to the local community.
Port Macquarie CWA President Jill Adams said, “We love having this exhibition in our rooms and appreciate the support of the Woodies, particularly their donation of toys for distribution at Christmas to those in the community in need.”
The exhibition is open on Friday 3 October from 9.30am to 3pm and Saturday, 4 October from 9.30am to 1pm. Entry is free and all items are for sale.
million for roadside barriers, shoulder widening and corner safety upgrades on Waterfall Way at Old Hillgrove Road, Metz ($2.6m); Bullock Creek No. 2, Ebor ($2.4m); and $1.5 million to widen shoulders and improve corner safety on the Oxley Highway between Walcha and Honeysuckle Creek at Yarrowitch.
The upgrades form part of the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, which is investing $46 million across the state to reduce road trauma.
Gary finds confidence with RDA
By Sis HIGGINS
PORT Macquarie local
Gary has lived in the community for more than 30 years, but it was joining Wauchope Port Macquarie Riding for the Disabled (RDA) that gave him the chance to build confidence, make friends, and connect socially.
Starting out was no easy task, recalled Gary’s sister Tracey.
“Initially Gary was so nervous he almost shook off the horse,” she said.
Those nerves soon turned into joy.
Now Gary looks forward to his weekly rides and the conversations he shares with the volunteers who make the program
possible.
“He’s always so happy to be there.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers supports the program, filling vital roles such as leading horses and side-walking with riders to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Wauchope Port Macquarie Riding Develops Ability operates every Tuesday during the school term, giving participants the opportunity to build skills, grow confidence, and make lasting friendships.
The organisation welcomes new riders and volunteers, with more information available on its Facebook page.
Woodworkers Guild.
q Roadworks are ahead for the Mid North Coast. Photo: Canva.
q Volunteer Ian leading, and Chris side walking, as Gary rides his horse: Photo: supplied.
q Regional Representative Sue Harding-White joined Cathy in completing the Annual Audit. Photo: supplied.
q Some of the crafted woodwork on display at the 2024 exhibition.
Greens to introduce cat containment laws in NSW
NEW laws will be proposed by the Greens in the NSW Parliament in October that would make people responsible for keeping their cat safely at home and give councils the discretion to regulate and enforce cat containment measures in priority areas.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said, “The failure of the NSW Government to act on cat containment is a tragedy for the environment, and is now a national embarrassment.
“We are now the only state that hasn’t addressed the extinction of native animals as a result of wandering pet cats.
“Protecting our precious and threatened native species is the primary driver for us taking this step, but the truth is that irresponsible cat owners that allow their animals to roam free and unsupervised are not taking care of the animals that they
have a responsibility to care for.”
The proposed legislation seeks to:
1. Amend the Local Government Act 1993 to allow Councils to make orders on defined areas within the Local Government Area that would require an owner or occupier to take action as necessary to prevent a cat from escaping from premises on which the cat is kept.
a. Failure to comply with this order would be an offence with a maximum penalty of 8 penalty units or $880.
2. Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 to require that a person in charge of any animal, including cats, must not without lawful authority intentionally release an animal from the premises where it is kept unless the animal is accompanied by the person.
a. This would be in addition to the requirement
for a person in charge of an animal to ensure the animal is provided with food, water, and shelter.
b. A breach of this section would be an offence with a maximum penalty of 8 penalty units or $880.
“Our plan is two fold and acts to protect animals and empower Councils to work for their community,” Ms Higginson said.
“We intend to create a responsibility for cat owners, to ensure that the cat is kept on the same premises where it is cared for with food, water and shelter.
“We also want to see Councils given the authority to make decisions about priority areas in their communities where people can be required to take action to prevent cats from wandering.”
The NSW government's Animal Welfare Committee, in a report released in August, found a lack of evidence to support mandatory cat
containment and cat curfew laws.
“A major issue that emerged throughout the inquiry was cat containment or cat curfews, and whether or not this should be mandatory,” said Emma Hurst MLC, Committee Chair.
“Overall, many believed
that there are benefits to voluntary cat containment, but that the potential negative consequences of mandatory or punitive cat containment laws make them unworkable in New South Wales at present.
“It was apparent to the committee that there is currently insufficient evidence that mandatory cat containment and cat curfew laws are effective, and in fact they could have adverse consequences including the costs imposed on councils and significant increases in euthanasia rates.”
Funding windfall for community organisations
REGIONAL Australia Bank has returned more than $98,000 to local organisations across Wauchope and Laurieton through its Community Partnership Program (CPP), celebrated at an event at Wauchope Country Club earlier this month.
The CPP encourages bank members to nominate a local organisation they care about, and each year the bank donates a share of its profits to those groups on their behalf.
This year’s $98,000 in funding will support a wide range of local causes, from sporting clubs and schools to health services and grassroots charities.
Regional Australia Bank CEO David Heine said the event highlights the strength of the mutual sector.
“Through the Community Partnership Program this year, we donated around 13 percent of our profits back into communities,” Mr Heine said.
Heart of the Hastings: Brendan Crabtree
BRENDAN Crabtree may not have grown up in Camden Haven or Port Macquarie, but over the past decade he’s become a familiar face in the community.
“I moved here with my family about 10 years ago and I’m so glad to be raising my kids here,” Brendan said.
“I just love how welcoming and tight-knit the community is.
“Everyone gets in and helps out where they can.”
That spirit of pitching in has shaped the way Brendan has given back.
Much of his community
involvement has been through sport, from sponsoring junior clubs and running education sessions to providing physio support on the sidelines or stepping up as a coach.
“I’ve coached a couple of seasons of soccer since moving here,” he said.
“Right now I’m running to raise funds for Cure Cancer, which supports early-career researchers working on bold new ideas.
“Cancer has impacted people very close to me, and I have hope that one day research will find a
cure to this awful disease.”
Brendan has set himself the goal of raising $2,400 through his fundraising page.
“It only takes a minute to donate and any amount, big or small, will go a long way in helping me reach my target,” he said.
“I really appreciate the support.
Do donate, visit https:// sm25.grassrootz.com/ curecancer/brendan-crabtree/. Running a small business locally has also allowed Brendan to contribute directly to the
region.
“I’m really proud of being able to live here, service locals through my business, and then give back off the back of that,” he said.
Looking ahead, his hopes for the community remain focused on health and growth.
“I hope the region continues to flourish, and that our sporting and fitness clubs keep growing,” Brendan said.
“They play such a big role in the health of our kids and the community in general.”
“That compares with an average of 0.6 percent from the big four banks, and around five percent from other mutuals. “It shows the scale of impact a memberowned bank can deliver when people choose to bank for their community.”
Last year the CPP returned more than $2.79 million to over 2,300 organisations across regional Australia.
Children suffer as hidden victims of coercive control
BARNARDOS Australia warns that children in regional NSW are bearing the brunt of coercive control, as new crime statistics reveal rural communities are experiencing dramatically higher rates than other areas. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and
Research quarterly report shows regional NSW recorded 170 coercive control incidents from July 2024 to June 2025 compared to 127 in Greater Sydney, with some regional areas experiencing rates more than three times the state average.
“The data shows that children in regional and
rural areas are trapped in a perfect storm: higher rates of coercive control, limited access to support services and greater social isolation,” Barnardos Australia Program Manager Mark Hoare said.
The quarterly report shows 59 percent of cases involved harassment and monitoring, while financial
abuse affected 48 percent of victims across the state.
Barnardos Australia is calling on state and federal governments to recognise children as victim-survivors of domestic violence and coercive control in their own right, ensuring they receive dedicated support services and are prioritised alongside their parents.
“These controlling behaviours are being experienced by mothers and children daily in the family home,” Mr Hoare said.
“These children often have no escape and they’re paying the ultimate price, and in rural and regional areas there’s often limited access to specialist support services.
“Children are trapped in dangerous situations.
“The data shows only nine charges were laid from 297 incidents over the past year and of these only one was proven while two were withdrawn.
“Of all the incidents across the states, more than half result in no charges.”
q The Greens’ law would introduce fines for roaming cats.
q Community organisations receiving the funding at the Wauchope Country Club.
q Brendan Crabtree.
Kicking goals for mental health
State champions
MacKillop struck back in the first five minutes of the second half with Darcie Gleeson taking on the line and scoring, before Lily Moseley’s successful conversion evened the score at 6-6 with fifteen minutes remaining.
St John’s soon hit back with another try but were unable to convert.
MacKillop then capitalised on a rare opportunity close to the line to score their second try three minutes from full time.
“A successful conversion
by ‘Golden Boot’ Moseley gave the girls a slender two point lead,” Ms Denham said. That slim advantage was maintained until the final whistle, prompting wild celebrations from the MacKillop players. The win secured MacKillop College the NRL Schoolgirls Trophy and cements the school’s reputation as a rising force in rugby league. Darcie Gleeson was awarded the Most Valued Player Award.
NOW in its sixth year, the Neami Community Cup will bring the Port MacquarieHastings community together on Wednesday 8 October for a day of soccer, connection and conversation about mental health.
An initiative of Neami National’s Mid North Coast service, the Community Cup is a free, family-friendly soccer round robin held at Findlay Park in Port Macquarie from 9am - 2pm.
The event is run during World Mental Health Month and aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and highlight the services available to support wellbeing in the community.
The Neami Community Cup was first held in 2019 and has since grown into a much-loved fixture on
hundreds of participants and spectators each year.
Past events have seen school teams, community groups, service providers and families take part, all united by the goal of breaking down barriers to talking about mental health.
This year’s Community Cup will see 34 local organisations hosting information stalls and 20 teams competing on the field, alongside raffles, mini games, a lucky door prize, free BBQ and coffee, and awards for best dressed team, best dressed stall and Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Delivered by Neami National and funded by donations from Community Housing Limited, Port Saints Soccer Club and local businesses, the Cup is a
that mental health support is strengthened when people feel connected and included.
Neami Mid North Coast Service Manager Cherie Caltabiano told News Of The Area, “The Neami Community Cup has become a highlight of World Mental Health Month on the Mid North Coast, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming more stalls and more teams than ever before.
“Sport has a unique way of breaking down barriers and sparking conversations.
“The Neami Community Cup uses soccer as a way to bring people together, celebrate community spirit and encourage open conversations about mental health.
“Whether you’re playing, cheering from the sidelines, or stopping by to connect with a local support service, everyone is welcome at the Neami Community Cup.”
Intrepid swimmers take on inaugural Rainbow Gold Swim events
WAUCHOPE Bonny Hills
Surf Life Saving Club held the inaugural Rainbow Gold Swim events at Rainbow Beach on Sunday, 28 September.
Organisers report that all events were a “great success”.
The weather was overcast with little to no wind as 79 intrepid swimmers set out over three swim distances,
with 71 reaching the finish line.
The 2km event was won by James Hamblin from Port Macquarie in a time of 27:08 minutes, and the first female
finisher was Kaitlin Jean from Byabarra in a time of 30:33 minutes.
Second and third places were won by Lachlan Hamblin from Port Macquarie and James Harwood from
Armidale, and by Alison Joyce from Whoota and Laura Granfield from Port Macquarie, in the men’s and women’s events respectively.
In the 1km swim James Hamblin again took honours, with Thomas Crofton from Balgowlah Heights and Michael Fox from Duckenfield in second and third place.
Jean was again first female with a win in the 1km, and Millicent Crofton from Balgowlah Heights and Allison Joyce from Whoota took second and third place. In the 400m Sarah Mitchell from Port Macquarie was first female finisher and Jayden McDonald from Hallidays Point was first male finisher, followed by Andrew Mitchel and David Trotter in second and third place.
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 24
Kaitlin
q Participants at last year’s Neami Community Cup. Photo: supplied.
q (Back L-R) Erin Denham (coach), Siena Kind, Ellah Armitage, Millie Byrne, Sophia Wilmot, Isabella Hawkins, Lily Moseley, Lenni Gosling, (Front L-R) Alison Montgomery (staff), Grace Byrne, Evie Evans, Lainey Fenton, Darcie Gleeson, Ella Oliver and Matilda Medlin. Photo: supplied.
q Participants at the 2km start line.
q Winners James Harwood, Michael Fox, Kaitlin Jean, Andrew Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Jayden McDonald, James Hamblin, Lachlan Hamblin, Thomas Crofton, Millicent Crofton, Laura Granfield and Alison Joyce.
Messina defends title
By Rikki WALLER
CONFIDENTLY fighting her way through eight full rounds, Port Macquarie boxer Jessica Messina successfully defended her Australian Welterweight title last Thursday, defeating Arlene ‘Angerfist’ Blencowe via unanimous decision.
It’s the 33-year-old athlete’s first professional boxing title to defend following her securing the belt in June last year.
Taking to the ring at Bella Vista Hotel in Sydney, Jess delivered according to her gameplan throughout the eight two-minute rounds.
“The fight went great. My team came up with a great gameplan that we had been working on throughout camp and I executed it almost perfectly on the night,” Jess told News Of The Area.
She does admit however, that it wasn’t her best pre-fight preparation.
“We had a 10-12-week camp and to be honest it wasn’t the greatest prep as I was hit hard this flu season and was sick almost every other week, with actually coming down with influenza six weeks prior to the fight,” said Jess.
“However, we kept pushing forward and made the most of the training sessions we had.”
Her opponent, Arlene Blencowe, is a seasoned combat athlete, having previously held a boxing World Title.
She is however best known for her career as an Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athlete where she has competed against top fighters including the infamous Cris Cyborg.
Although Arlene is no longer ranked, Jess wasn’t taking the fight lightly; a loss meaning that she would have been sent packing back to the beginning.
“Every win feels amazing, however this one had a lot riding on it because I had everything to lose
and not much to gain,” she said.
“I was the champ with world rankings and as mentioned, Arelene was more known for her MMA career, so at this time she did not have any ranking in boxing, so a loss would have put me back to square one.”
First picking up the gloves at 17-years-old and turning to the gym where she became hooked on the sport, Jess’ relationship with boxing is complex.
“It’s a love-hate relationship. It gives you the highest highs where nothing else compares to the feeling of winning but it also gives you the lowest lows,” she said.
With her biggest inspiration however spurring from an intense longing to fulfil her potential and be the best boxer she can be, she has no plan to stop anytime soon.
“I want to go international and win World Titles,” Jess said.
“And I won’t stop until I get there.”
Wauchope Mixed Bowlers
By Marie WINTER
MONDAY 29th September
2025 there were 4 rinks of social bowlers on the green at the Wauchope Country Club , the weather was perfect for lawn bowls.
The roll of the winning marble rink 4 was Fred de Waard and Todd Watling
The lucky losers marble rink 3 was Patricia Fletcher and Meckle
Simpson
The Jackpot number was 10 which was not picked therefore the Jackpot will be carried forward to next week.
The raffle prizes were picked up by Jenny, Todd, Rod, Ian, Patricia and Lauchie.
Wauchope Womens Bowling Club
By Julie FRASER
THURSDAY 25/9/25 . Winners ,
Most number of ends
Wendy Kennedy and Lill Allen
Losers Highest Score , Julie Samuelson and Kathy Sweeney
Losers Highest Score ,Marie Aitken , Marie Winter and Pat Coombes
Jackpot Susan Valance
Raffle winners Lill Allen , Glenda Elford , Yvonne
Carmichael and Enid Brooker
Hastings Ladies Social Golf
By Leonie MULVIHILL
MONDAY 29/9/2025. Game
Best 1-2-3 Emerald Downs Trophy. 43 players.
Winners - 45 points c/b
Lyn Miller
Jan McFarlane
Gaylene Fielding
Runners Up - 45 points
Robyn Cobban
Anne Radburn
Jude Turk
Third - 44 points
Deb Broome
Robyn Cooke
Effie Blueming
NTP - Carol Gleeson 2nd hole, Gaylene Fielding 9th hole
Gobblers - Lyn Crosscombe 8th hole, Anne Rowsell 1st hole
Lucky numbers - Deb Broome and Emi Sato
Brilliant Blues
THE Kendall Blues have secured a rare “three-peat”, claiming victory in three consecutive Hastings District Rugby League grand finals.
Playing the Lake Cathie Raiders at Lake Cathie Sporting Complex on Saturday, 27 September, the Blues fought their way to an 18-30 win to secure the silverware once more.
The teams were neck and neck during the regular season, with the Raiders pipping the Blues to the minor premiership by one point.
The Raiders edged the sides’ Round 2 matchup, winning 24-16, before securing a big 34-10 win in Round 13.
The Blues know how to win however, taking out back-to-back premierships in 2023/24.
In a game of twists and turns the Raiders’ Ollie Nosworthy was first to
Emerald Downs Golf Course
By Colin EVERINGHAM
TUESDAY 23/09/2025
Number of Players – 24
Game Played –Stableford- 18 holes
NTP 4 Shaun Brumfield ( Birdie)
NTP 9 Ted Ball
NTP 11 Ian Camejo
NTP 15 Ian Camejo
Winner- Ted Ball - 43 Points
(sensational golf)
2 nd Pat Daley - 42 Points
3 rd George Evans - 39 Points
4th Ray Marsh - 38 Points
5 th Glenn Holt - 36 Points
6 th Don Jessop - 34 Points
Friday 26/09/2025
Number of Players – 26
Game Played –Stroke- 9 holes
Winner- Don Stiegrad - 31 Nett
2nd Col Everinghamt - 33 Nett
3rd Mick Hourigan - 34 Nett
4th Terry McFarland - 34 Nett
5th Neil Clancy 37 Nett
6th John Rock- 37 Nett
NTP 11th Mick Hourigan
NTP 15th Terry McFarland
cross the tryline, with a successful conversion from Blake Wells giving Lake Cathie a 6-0 lead.
A show of speed from Ryan Long earned the Blues their first try of the game, which was converted by Jack Chapman to even the scores.
Long then crossed the line for his second, converted again by Chapman to give the Blues a 6-12 lead.
Ollie Nosworthy grounded his second try of the day minutes later, before another successful conversion evened the scoreline.
With the sides locked at 12-12 at the half-time interval, the Raiders were first to draw blood in the second stanza, with Dane Hill going over the line for Lake Cathie.
The score now 18-12, the Blues’ Taylor Eggins soon barged over for four points, allowing the unflappable Jack Chapman to restore parity with another successful conversion.
It was soon the Blues’ turn to take the lead, with the classy Ryan Long breaking from the half-way line to score a top-class individual try - his third of the game.
Another Chapman conversion gave his side a 24-18 lead.
The lead was then extended by Taylor Eggins’ second try of the day, before Chapman kicked his fifth conversion to extend the scoreline to 30-18 in favour of Kendall.
Hastings District Rugby League described the game as an “epic battle between the two leading teams throughout the season”.
Hastings District Rugby League Trophy Winners 2025: Minor Premiers 2025 - Bun Hayward Cup: Lake Cathie Raiders.
Highest Try Scorer 2025: Sam Ylias, Kendall Blues.
Highest Points Scorer 2025: Jack Chapman, Kendall Blues.
Player Of the Year - Keith Young Memorial 2025: Blake Wells - Lake Cathie Raiders.
Player Of the Grand Final 2025 - Catherine Mary/Nifty Nev Dornan Memorial: Ryan Long, Kendall Blues. Hastings League Premiers 2025Bain Cup: Kendall Blues.
q Arlene Blencowe and Jessica Messina following the eightround bout for the belt. Photo: supplied.
q The Kendall Blues celebrate their third Hastings District Rugby League grand final victory in a row Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
A local touch for your property needs
FOR over three decades, the familiar face of Mr Alan Stone has been a cornerstone of the Mid North Coast community.
With a deep-rooted commitment to the region, Mr Stone, the owner of Coastal Realty & Strata, brings a wealth of local knowledge and personal dedication to his comprehensive property services.
Having been actively involved in local sports organisations since the early 1990s and now a proud
member of the local Chamber of Commerce, his connection to the Mid North Coast is both long-standing and profound.
Coastal Realty & Strata is not just another property business; it is a professional and independently owned strata management company with all its operations managed right here on-site in Port Macquarie.
This local focus ensures that clients receive personalised attention and a deep understanding of the
specific needs and nuances of the Mid North Coast property market.
Beyond their specialised strata management services, Coastal Realty & Strata offers a full spectrum of real estate solutions.
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or manage residential or commercial properties, their team is equipped to assist.
Furthermore, they extend their expertise to the rural property sector, catering to a diverse range of client requirements across the region.
At the heart of Mr Stone's business philosophy lies a commitment to fairness and transparency. He firmly believes in offering a fair and reasonable pricing structure to all clients, whether they are engaging Coastal Realty & Strata for strata management or their diverse real estate services.
This dedication to value ensures that clients receive professional service without unnecessary financial burden.
Driving the company's property management division is Nikki, a seasoned professional with a sharp eye for detail.
Her experience and dedication to her role ensure that clients' properties are managed efficiently and effectively, providing peace of mind to property owners and landlords alike.
Nikki’s meticulous approach guarantees that every aspect of property management is handled with the utmost care.
For residents considering a change in their current strata
management arrangements, or those looking to navigate the complexities of real estate sales or property management, Coastal Realty & Strata offers a welcoming and expert solution.
The team encourages potential clients to visit their office or make a phone call.
Both Mr Stone and Nikki are readily available and eager to discuss individual needs and provide tailored
assistance for any enquiry.
The company also extends its reach to aspiring real estate professionals or those seeking a career change within the industry.
Mr Stone is always open to discussions about opportunities within Coastal Realty & Strata, inviting interested individuals to drop by the office for a chat about the exciting prospects in real estate.
Are you feeling dissatisfied with the level of service? Slow response times. Missed enquiries. Ongoing frustration. If you answered YES, then it’s time to move on.
Give Coastal Realty & Strata a call today or drop into our office to have a chat with our experienced Strata Team. We are a locally owned and operated firm, ensuring all operations and services are efficiently managed right here in Port Macquarie.
q Coastal Realty & Strata owner Alan Stone.
q Coastal Realty & Strata offers specialised strata management services and a full spectrum of real estate solutions.
OPINION & LETTERS
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I've told my husband he is sometimes insensitive in his responses, but he doesn't seem to be able to change.
Do you have any suggestions?
He's great in every other respect.
Claudia Q.
Dear Claudia,
Firstly, I offer my condolences regarding your husband's occasional insensitivity.
People can be brash or unthinking at times and it can be hard to handle.
Perhaps you could suggest
to your husband that he run his responses through AI.
For example, imagine you are about to go out and you've put on some makeup at which point your husband says something like: 'What have you done to your face?'
Now, if he'd run that through AI, it would have given him a few more palatable options, such as, and I quote: 'Oh, you look different. Did you try something new with your makeup?' or … 'You did something with your makeup today, right? It's bold. Tell me about it' or … ‘Oh honey, you did not come to play -- you came to slay. I see it. I fear it. I support it.'
These responses could (potentially) make you feel better, but maybe not.
In fact if my husband replied with any of the above
AI responses, I'd probably think he was having an affair.
Not just any affair, but an affair with the lovechild of Liza Minnelli and Liberace. It would also mean toning back on the usual retort, such as, 'At least I didn't brush my hair with the leg of a chair' or 'Mmmm. Shorts and boots.
Interesting.'
Without concrete examples from you, it's hard for me to offer a more specific solution, but I've always found a withering stare is particularly effective in many situations.
Sometimes the less said, the better.
That may be a good message for your husband too.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Regional jobs axed in public sector 'coward cuts'
By Rachel JACKSON, AAP
MORE than 200 people are being cut from a state's top regional agency in what unions say is a short-sighted budgetary surrender.
The move will come at a cost to research, recovery and biosecurity for regional communities, according to the NSW state public sector union.
"This (NSW) government can no longer claim it supports the various research stations across the state," the Public Service Association said in a statement on Friday. "These locations are being left to die on the vine."
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is set to axe 228 frontline staff, according to the union statement.
The figure marks an increase from previous estimates that 165 jobs would be cut, a four percent workforce reduction.
A need to reduce staff numbers was foreshadowed by NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty in a February budget estimates hearing.
The "coward cuts" go much deeper than initially thought, NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said on Friday.
Fishing heats up for the Long Weekend
By Kate SHELTON
WITH the fantastic weather for the school holidays and long weekend, local and visiting anglers have great opportunities across the beautiful Mid North Coast region.
In the Port Macquarie area, game fishing anglers have been targeting striped marlin with success. Hopefully we will be in for a bumper upcoming season on the inshore black marlin.
Snapper remain active but require more effort, with anchoring and burling proving effective.
Kingfish have been plentiful around Trag Rock and Crescent Head.
You could almost always guarantee a feed by fishing the flathead grounds in around fifty metres of water. In the Hastings River, fishing off the breakwalls is the pick of locations, producing some nice bream, with mullet strips proving to be the most effective bait.
Meanwhile, Settlement Point and Limeburners are yielding flathead, along with some terrific, hard-fighting trevally in the canals.
Moving south, Lake Cathie
is currently thriving.
The abundance of prawns and bait is benefiting predatory fish, with flathead and whiting numbers now flourishing.
Further south in the Camden Haven area, a few stubborn drummer and luderick remain on offer off the rocks, with Crowdy and Diamond Head worth a look, using cunjevoi and prawns as bait.
Evenings around Perpendicular Point have also produced nice bream and the occasional tailor.
Beach fishing remains strong, especially at Grants Beach and Bonny Hills for bream and whiting.
Finally, mulloway activity seems to be more consistent, with good reports coming from Grants Beach at North Haven with most fish between legal size and ten kilos.
with his first striped marlin he caught skip-baiting on local game fishing boat ‘Eastbound’ skippered by Joel Pavy.
"This decision is not just reducing a headcount but taking away years of knowledge and experience across a range of fields," he said.
"It feels like once again the premier and the agriculture minister have been keeping secrets about the swift removal of these employees, and the diabolical impact it will have on frontline services across regional NSW."
Many of the staff to go are older than 55 and have worked with the agency for more than two decades.
Affected staff will be able to apply for 96 proposed DPIRD roles, and some will be provided pathways to seek other public sector jobs.
Unions previously proposed the agency cut staff from senior service, or the 655 temporary workers employed by affected divisions.
The department acted as a standalone agency before a major restructure in 2024, branded by opposition MPs as a plan for "regional ruin".
Premier Chris Minns said the changes were part of the state government's commitment to regional NSW.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development was contacted for comment.
Clocks forward this Sunday
DAYLIGHT saving for 2025 starts at 2am AEST on Sunday, 5 October.
Clocks are moved forward by one hour to 3am, giving you more daylight in the evening. Changing your clocks can affect your sleep and daily routine.
The NSW Government offers the following tips to adjust easily:
• Gradual bedtime changes: adjust your bedtime by 15 minutes each night before the change to help your body transition smoothly.
• Adjust your clocks before bed: to kickstart your day and avoid any timing issues, set your watch and household clocks that don't automatically update overnight to the new time before you go to bed.
• Maximise morning light: get outside in the morning to help reset your body clock.
• Stay consistent: keep your sleep schedule consistent to avoid disruption.
q Kaleb Cooper
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For Sale
8 small Vintage toy cars, Dismy, Lesney matchbox, some in original boxes. $80 the lot 6585 7393
BEATRIX Potter figurines. Mr & Mrs Puddleduck & Foxy Whiskered Gentleman $85 each 0401 226 410
MOBILITY walker Lightweight & foldable Indoor use. Exc con RRP: $600. Sell for $80. Ph 0458 659 427 F260925
CHEST Freezer Kelvinator, white, 150L discontinued model, GC $100. 0400 779 531 SOLID built king dbl bed with mattress barely used from spare room deceased estate. $100 0429 911 952
Boats
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Caravans
Caravans
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
BEYOND
PARADISE
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Having left the sun-soaked shenanigans of Saint Marie behind, this Death in Paradise spin-off delves deeper into the lives of DI Humphrey Goodman and his fiancée Martha (Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, both pictured) as they settle into her coastal Devonshire hometown. There’s still silly crime capers (case in point: this week, Goodman joins the local players to act out a murder mystery that turns out to involve a very real knife in the victim’s back), but the focus is on the characters’ personal narratives.
FRIDAY,
October 3
7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa
Millie a hand to build a mini deck.
8.35 Professor T. (Mav) A prominent barrister and his second wife are found shot dead in their home. 9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGs, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 10.20 ABC Late News.
10.40 The Assembly. (PG, R) 11.25 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SUNDAY
THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ARE BASED ON A PACK OF LIES
ABC TV, 9.05pm
Fifteen years after her husband, Rob (Sex Education pictured), vanished without a trace – along with her life savings and her parents’ retirement fund – Alice (Rebekah Staton) walks past him on the street. Alice soon discovers she’s not the only one Rob has fleeced… in fact, the conman has been operating all over the UK. While her charming cad of an exhusband sets about wooing his latest victim, widowed author Cheryl (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), Alice uses the tricks she learnt from him expose his scam. Marrying whimsy with dark humour, this revenge drama will have you falling for both sides of the story.
MONDAY THE AMAZING RACE
AUSTRALIA: CELEBRITY
Energetic host Beau Ryan (pictured) always appears larger than life, but in Monday’s episode of the Race, the former NRL player takes it to another level, literally – appearing on a digital billboard above the streets of Taipei to direct the five remaining teams to their next challenge. From embracing local cuisine at the bustling markets to testing their gaming skills at an arcade and tracking down “techno dancing gods”, the teams’ Taiwanese adventure is a smorgasbord of traditional and nextgeneration cultural experiences in the crowded city. Exhaustion is beginning to set in, but there’s one final push for the pit stop.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R)
8.25 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG, R)
9.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PG)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Catch Me A Killer. (Malsv)
11.45 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R)
2.00 Qatar: A Dynasty With Global Ambitions. (PGav, R)
3.00 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. (Final) 7.55 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 MOVIE: Ticket To Paradise. (2022, Ml) A divorced couple team up and travel to Bali to stop their daughter from getting married. George Clooney, Julia Roberts. 10.45 Motorway Patrol. (PGl, R)
12.45 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R) Georgina joins forces with an unlikely ally.
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 Find My Country House Australia.
8.30 MOVIE: Expend4bles. (2023, MA15+alsv) A team of mercenaries tries to prevent World War III. Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone.
10.30 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG)
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)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.35 Addams Family. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 Jeannie. 11.05 The West Wing. 12.05pm MOVIE: How To Find Forever. (2022, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Battle Of The
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.30 The Dog House. (Return, PGa) A five-year-old girl considers a poodle-cross. 8.30 The Brighter Side. Looks at a loaded fries business that proves big dreams can start small. Matty J and Laura talk life and money. The team provides smart scam tips. 9.00 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Hosted by Tom Gleisner. 10.00 10’s Late News. 10.25 10 News+. (R)
6.00 Australian Story: Striking A Chord – Astrid Jorgensen. (R) Looks at Astrid Jorgensen. 6.30 Back Roads: Lucindale, South Australia. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Return, Ma)
brother Sputty is implicated in a murder.
10.30 I, Jack Wright. (Final, Mal, R) 11.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Bing. 6.05 Bananas In Pyjamas. 6.20 Peppa Pig. 6.25 Wiggle. 6.40 Shaun The Sheep. 6.45 Paddington. 7.00 Bluey. 6.40pm Bluey’s Big Play. 7.25 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (Return) 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.05 Late Programs. 5.55am Numberblocks.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PGav)
8.25 75 Years At Longleat.
9.20 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication. (PGa, R)
10.20 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)
11.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
12.55 Murder On The Dancefloor.
1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGl, R)
4.00 Life In Bloom. (PG, R)
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.35 Finding Your Feet. (2017, PG) 8.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 10.20 After Hours. (1985, M) 12.10pm Goodbye Lenin! (2003, M, German) 2.25 The Grass Harp. (1995, PG) 4.25 The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 6.30 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 8.30 Free State Of Jones. (2016, MA15+) 11.05 Adoration. (2013, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, October 5
6.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly. (PG)
8.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal) 9.05 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Premiere, M)
Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 10.35 MOVIE: Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996, Md, R)
11.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 The Art Of... (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Bing. 6.05 Bananas In Pyjamas. 6.20 Peppa Pig. 6.25 Wiggle. 6.40 Shaun The Sheep. 6.45 Paddington. 7.00 Bluey. 7.15 Bluey’s Big Play. 8.05 Bluey. 7.30pm Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: My Freaky Family. (2024, PG) 9.05 MOVIE: Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. (2022,
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Nefertiti: To Whom Belongs This Beauty? (R)
8.30 Destination Ancient Rome. (PGa, R) An exploration of ancient Rome. 10.15 Kiss The Future. (Malv, R)
The story of the Siege of Sarajevo.
12.05 Humanity In Danger. (Premiere)
2.00 Auschwitz: The Hidden Traces. (Mavw, R)
3.00 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 10.35 The Assistant. (2019, M) 12.15pm The Promise. (2016, M) 2.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 4.30 Finding Your Feet. (2017, PG) 6.35 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 Sing Street. (2016, M) 12.40am Free State Of Jones. (2016, MA15+) 3.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PGl) A deserving mum gets a makeover.
8.00 MOVIE: Die Hard 2. (1990, Mlv, R) A cop becomes involved in a hostage situation at an airport while waiting for his wife’s plane to arrive. Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton.
10.30 MOVIE: The Jackal. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A jailed Irish sniper is hired by the FBI. Bruce Willis, Richard Gere. 1.00 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R)
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. The Rugby Championship. Australia v New Zealand.
9.40 Test Rugby: Australia v New Zealand Post-Match.
10.30 MOVIE: Sharko: The Mark Graham Story. (2024, Mav)
12.00 Next Stop. (R)
12.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 1.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Helping Hands. (PG, R)
reveller falls 20 metres off a cliff, lifeguards cannot believe the state he is in. 7.00 Soccer. Australia Cup. Final. Heidelberg United FC v Newcastle Jets. 10.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGl, R)
8.00 Andrew And Fergie: Duke And Duchess Of Excess. (Premiere) Examines the duke and duchess’s journey.
9.30 MOVIE: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. (2020, Ml, R) An exploration of the Bee Gees. Barry Gibb.
12.00 Miniseries: The Victim. (Mav, R)
1.15 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.
NBN News.
Grand Final Night. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Grand Final. Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos.
NRL Grand Final Post-Match.
MONDAY, October 6
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)
8.40 Railway Revolution: How Trains Shaped Our World. (Premiere)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Mayflies. (Mal, R)
11.55 The Allegation. (Mav, R)
2.30 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Casablanca.
Continued. (1942, PG) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10
Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 10.00 The Last Emperor. (1987, M) 1pm The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 3.05 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 5.05 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 6.55 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 8.30 Bad Company. (1972) 10.15 November. (2022, M, French) 12.15am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, October 7
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGv)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 The Point. (R)
11.30 Spies Of Terror. (Malv)
1.25 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (R)
2.30 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7.30. (R)
6am Children’s
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 7.50 The Movie Show. 8.25 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 10.00 Sing Street. (2016, M) Noon 20th Century Women. (2016, M) 2.10 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 3.55 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 6.15 First Cow. (2019, PG) 8.30 Unforgiven. (2013, MA15+, Japanese) 11.05 Iceman. (2017, MA15+, Rhaetic) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.00 The Rookie. (Madv) The team mobilises to locate a suspect. 10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav)
11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) 12.00 The Great Diamond Heist. (PGa, R) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 Murder In A Small Town. (M) The team investigates when a body is found at a local wedding between members of two feuding families.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) Brett’s new bond stirs buzz.
The Agenda Setters.
Pretty Hard Cases. (Madv) 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 The Block. (PGl) 9.10 Murder Down Under: The Toolbox Murders Pt 1. (MA15+adv)
The Equalizer. (Return, MA15+v)
Transplant. (MA15+m, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A
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FAMILY (22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
WEDNESDAY, October 8
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The People Vs Robodebt. (Final, Mal)
8.40 Great British Train Journeys From Above. (Premiere, PG)
9.35 Code Of Silence. (Malv)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 COBRA. (Mal)
11.50 Freezing Embrace. (Mals, R)
1.35 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGav, R)
2.40 Curious Traveller. (R) 3.45 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 9.40 Merlin. 10.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 RFDS. (Ma) Eliza second guesses herself.
8.30 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu. (M) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Experts share advice on living well.
10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mas)
11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, 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 The Block. (PGl) 8.35 Sydney 2000. Looks at the Sydney 2000 Olympics 25 years on.
10.05 The Grand Tour. (Ml) 11.20 9News Late.
Pointless. (PG, R)
10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Patient. 9.40 MOVIE: What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 11.15 The Bloody Decade. 12.15am Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 6.55 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PG, Italian) 8.45 First Cow. (2019, PG) 11.05 Bad Company. (1972) 12.50pm November. (2022, M, French) 2.50 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 4.50 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 6.25 The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 8.30 The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+) 10.30 Heathers. (1988, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, October 9
9.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) 10.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.05 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. (R)
8.30 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve. (Premiere)
9.40 Blue Lights. (Return)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Davos 1917. (Mlv)
12.05 The Head. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGalv, R)
3.05 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.25 Addicted Australia. 2.30 Bamay. 2.55 Insight. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch. 6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island Specials. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide. 1.35am Conversations. 2.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Late Programs.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Murder Party. Continued. (2022, PG, French) 6.40 The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 8.40 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 11.05 The Te$t. (2022, M, Spanish) 1.05pm Long Story Short. (2021, M) 2.50 First Cow. (2019, PG) 5.05 Mosley. (2019, PG) 6.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Thicket. (2024, M) 10.30 Master Gardener. (2022, M) 12.35am The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+) 2.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) David struggles to contain his anger.
8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+s) Jim Jefferies tells the story of the time he met and nearly killed his comedy idol John Cleese.
9.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) The teams head to Prague, but their train plans are soon thrown into chaos.
11.00 Gatecrashers.
12.00 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Of Wellness. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The
State champions
By Pauline CAIN
MACKILLOP College’s U16
Girls rugby league team has made history by winning the NSW NRL Schoolgirls Trophy.
In a tightly contested game against St John’s College Dubbo played at Bathurst on Wednesday, 24 September, the MacKillop girls fought hard to come away with a 1210 win and be crowned State Champions.
Coaches Erin Denham and Kate Cowan said they are “incredibly proud of the girls and their achievement”.
“From the opening whistle, the match was a tight arm wrestle… with both sides displaying strong defence and hard running,” Ms Denham said.
The game was 6-0 at halftime with St John’s in the lead.
CONTINUED Page 13
The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation. Photo: supplied.
