q Hastings Macleay Clinical Network’s new junior doctors Dr Andrew Wu, Dr Anthony Barrett, Dr Matthew Brunet, Dr Naeel Radwi, Dr Leandra McIntosh and Dr Kate Stacey are welcomed by MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong (second from left) and Director of Prevocational Education and Training Dr Leigh Cummins (right). Photo: MNCLHD.
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Demolition crews have knocked down the brick home at the corner of Ocean Drive and Beach
He shared a photo of what was left of the
The Development Application for the new property was approved by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council three years ago. Commanding one of
The BHPA was among those who opposed the DA on the basis that it did not meet the “distinct community character” agreed to in the Bonny Hills Community Plan.
Member Paul Poleweski said the latest plans show it will feature
“five bedrooms - all with ensuites - a games room, cellar, garage, pool with sunken bar, gym and boat shed, first floor library, pool room, bar, cinema, sitting room, dining room” and more.
It will also span the length of five properties on Ocean Drive that currently enjoy the same ocean view.
“Hence why some call it the Taj Mahal,” Mr Poleweski said.
As previously reported by News Of The Area, the DA was lodged by Collins W. Collins on behalf of owners J. P. and E. J. Stevens.
The work will be undertaken in three stages, starting with the home and site work, followed by the pool, boat shed and gym.
Detailed designs of the property can be found under Council’s Application Tracker.
Car ablaze at police station
By Sue STEPHENSON
AN EARLY morning car fire behind the Port Macquarie Police Station left three officers needing treatment for smoke inhalation.
Witnesses reported hearing blasts coming from the station’s secured parking lot off Hay Street around 6.35am Tuesday 3 March.
Two Fire and Rescue NSW trucks and eight firefighters arrived to find the vehicle well alight.
Personal air sets were worn as they attacked the fire with a line of hose, extinguishing it by 7.30am.
Ambulance paramedics treated officers at the scene.
A FRNSW spokesperson said the cause of the fire was
not immediately known with the investigation now handed over to the Mid North Coast Police District.
The vehicle was being
stored at the station and was destroyed.
NSW Police Media said there was no damage to police vehicles or the station.
Suspicious bin fires in Wauchope
By Sue STEPHENSON
FIREFIGHTERS were kept on the run in Wauchope overnight Monday with three separate wheelbie bins set alight, causing damage to buildings.
A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW said that just before 11.15pm, several Triple Zero (000) calls were received about a rubbish fire near the Post Office in High Street.
One truck and four firefighters from FRNSW Wauchope attended and
found the bin alight at the rear of the building.
It was extinguished, with a check of the building showing there was no internal fire or smoke damage.
As crews were at the scene, more calls came in about two other fires in wheelie bins.
One was in Oxley Lane and the other in Hastings Street. The exterior of the Community Arts Hall in Bain Park was damaged in one of the fires.
Members of the public are encouraged to come forward if they have any information by calling Crime Stoppers: on 1800 333 000.
FRNSW Wauchope was joined by crews from Port Macquarie and the Rural Fire Service in ensuring the fires did not spread.
In total, five fire trucks and 20 firefighters had to deal with the fires.
Police also attended.
The fires are being treated as suspicious.
Crime scenes were established with the incidents handed over to police to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mid North Coast Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
q The home that has long stood at the corner of Ocean Drive and Beach Street has been knocked down. Photo: Bonny Hills Progress Association.
q Fire crews in the secure parking lot behind the Port Macquarie Police Station. Photo: Port Macquarie On Scene.
q Flames and smoke can be seen from behind the station’s fence. Photos: supplied.
q The Community Arts Hall in Bain Park was damaged by fire. Photo: supplied.
Site plans released for hospital upgrade
A NEW multi-storey inpatient unit will be the centrepiece of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital upgrade, with site plans now available.
The NSW Government is investing $265 million to deliver a major redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital, representing the largest upgrade of the facility since it was built in 1994.
The release of the master plan and concept design outlines the proposed layout, including new and enhanced patient accommodation to allow for future population growth.
“The unveiling of this master plan means we are one step closer to delivering the largest upgrade since Port Macquarie Base Hospital was built,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“More hospitals, more beds, lower wait times, and better patient outcomes. It’s as simple as that.”
Key features include a new four-storey inpatient unit building, an expansion of the Emergency Department, new Maternity and Neonatal units, and mechanical system upgrades across several existing hospital buildings.
According to Minister Park, the designs have been informed by extensive consultation with clinicians.
Survey works have now been completed inside the hospital and around the grounds, utilising body-worn scanning camera technology to provide precise measurements of the facilities.
Over 20 spaces and the majority of rooms were measured as part of the scanning, along with scans of the hospital exterior which were captured by a drone.
Construction timeframes for the redevelopment will be confirmed once a builder has been appointed.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong said, “The expansion of the Emergency Department and delivery of modern birthing services is great news for our community and will have an impact for generations to come.
“It’s exciting to see what’s planned for our hospital and I am looking forward to watching this project progress.”
As part of the redevelopment, local Elders, Traditional Owners, NSW Health staff and the project team came together this week for a walk on Country led by Aunty Rhonda Radley.
“The walk offered time to reflect, learn and connect with the natural corridor behind the hospital, exploring the textures, colours, sounds and stories held in Country,” MNCLHD said in a statement.
“Aunty Rhonda’s storytelling shared the cultural, environmental and historical layers of the site, insights that will directly guide the design of the new hospital spaces.”
Staff, local residents and health partners are encouraged to review the proposed designs and share their feedback on the redevelopment.
A series of public information sessions will be held in March, providing an opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions and contribute to the planning process.
Sessions will be held at Settlement City (Tuesday 10 March, 8am-12pm), Port Central Shopping Centre (Tuesday 10 March, 3-6pm), Kempsey Central Shopping Centre (Wednesday 11 March, 11am 1pm) and Outside Ritchie’s IGA Wauchope (Wednesday 11 March, 3.30pm 5.30pm). Bookings are not required.
Community members can also provide feedback by emailing HI-PortMacquarieInfraUpgrade@ health.nsw.gov.au.
q Elders, Traditional Owners, NSW Health staff and the project team undertake a walk on Country led by Aunty Rhonda Radley.
Progress on Maria River Road
CONSTRUCTION is now underway on the $24 million Maria River Road Upgrade, with Eire Construction delivering work in stages across the northern and southern sections of the 20.2-kilometre roadway.
A total of 10-kilometres of road will be upgraded from Shoreline Drive on Port
Macquarie’s North Shore (southern section), while a further 10.2-kilometres of new road will be upgraded to join the existing seal nearest Crescent Head Road (northern section).
Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) states the upgrade will “significantly improve safety, reliability and
connectivity for residents, freight operators, emergency services and local businesses”.
A remaining 4.1km section in the middle of Maria River Road has been identified as a high koalaactivity zone and will remain unsealed for now.
Since work commenced in January, Eire Construction
has completed its site establishment, with 90 percent of culvert extensions and drainage works at the southern end now complete.
Culvert and drainage work will then continue along the northern end.
In preparation for spray sealing, gravel and other road base materials will be
imported from the Kempsey end of Maria River Road, with sealing of the southern section of road on track for mid-year completionweather permitting.
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison described Maria Road as a “vital connection for residents, local businesses and the broader region”.
“This investment will help ensure it meets the needs of a growing and dynamic community,” she said.
“I’m pleased to see that the project is moving forward, and I look forward to the many benefits this upgrade will deliver for many years to come.”
PMHC Mayor Adam Roberts said it was fantastic to see tangible progress on a project that has long been advocated for by both Port Macquarie and Kempsey Shire communities.
“Maria River Road is a critical regional link and this upgrade will deliver lasting safety and resilience benefits for our residents and road users,” Mayor Roberts said.
“With site establishment complete and major works progressing strongly, we are now seeing the project take shape.
“Being on track to seal the
southern section of the road by mid-year is a significant milestone, and we look forward to continuing this momentum as works move north.”
Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring said the partnership between all levels of Government was key to delivering the upgraded road.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when Governments work collaboratively across boundaries to deliver better outcomes for our communities,” Mayor Ring said.
“The Maria River Road Upgrade will improve reliability, strengthen transport resilience following natural disasters, and support local industry and agriculture. It’s a major investment in the future of our regions.”
Delivered in partnership between Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Kempsey Shire Council, the $24 million project is being made possible through $17.35 million under the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program and an additional $7,346,000 secured through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
q Local politicians meet with Eire Construction representatives to see the upgrade works in action.
MP’s rally cry over Wrights Rd
ONLY 60 people have officially complained about the lack of progress on the Oxley Highway bottleneck in Port Macquarie.
That’s according to MP Robert Dwyer, who is reminding residents to leave feedback via the Transport for NSW “Have Your Say” portal.
“As always, it’s the squeaky wheel that drives much needed change,” he said in a statement.
“If we can get 10,000 petition signatures in less than two weeks, I am positive
we can dramatically boost the data numbers on the website.”
Mr Dwyer said community feedback and formal submissions are key drivers of infrastructure investment decisions.
However, some argue that there are only so many ways they can point out the obvious.
“No one has time to do this over and over and have it fall on dear ears,” one person shared on social media.
“It’s been complained about for years and
submissions like this have been sought many times.”
Mr Dwyer said that over 20,000 vehicles travel the Oxley Highway each day, causing traffic congestion between Wrights Road and Lake Road.
“[It] is not just an inconvenience; it affects productivity, road safety and overall quality of life in our community.
“The Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison, has assured me that the business case has been completed and will be released in due course,
but we all need to keep on the case.
“The more people who formally request improvements, the stronger the case becomes for funding and action.
“I strongly encourage everyone who experiences delays or safety concerns on this stretch of road to take a few minutes to have their say.”
Feedback can be provided through the Transport for NSW website at haveyoursay. nsw.gov.au/sritp/northcoast.
Medical interns arrive on the Mid North Coast
FROM Page 1
in the early stages of their careers inspires them to
continue to work in rural, regional and remote areas in the future.”
Interns are medical
graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year
of practice in order to gain general registration.
The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-thejob training.
They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.
The interns also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.
The 25 junior doctors are
part of more than 1,000 new medical interns beginning their careers in public hospitals across NSW this year.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals.
“We are proud to have them on our team.”
The MNCLHD also welcomed more than 40 new graduate nurses and midwives across the Mid North Coast last week, marking an important
Market Day
Saturday 21 March 2026
19 Glenfern Avenue, Thrumster 10am–1pm
Discover Glenfern Over 50s Community at our inaugural Market Day with food, fun and community all in one place. What’s On
Free sausage sizzle
Free barista coffee & live music
Resident‐made treats
Resident Marketplace Local stalls
milestone in their transition into professional practice.
“Additional cohorts will join us throughout the year across our hospital, community, mental health, maternity, cancer and virtual care services,” MNCLHD said in a statement.
“This year’s group brings a diverse mix of experiences, with some joining us for the first time and others continuing their journey after working in roles across the district.
“Our educators and clinical teams will support each graduate as they build confidence, strengthen their skills and settle into their new roles.”
q Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer on the Oxley Highway near Wrights Road. Photo: supplied.
q MNCLHD has welcomed more than 40 new graduate nurses and midwives. Photo: MNCLHD.
20 years of classic cars
By Bill HARROW
anniversary on 15 March.
The club started with a small group of people, each sharing a common interest in classic and veteran cars.
ACCESS WIN
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to enable people using wheelchairs or scooters to access the beach.
On Friday she saw her dream come to life, as matting was rolled out at Town Beach as part of a four-week trial.
“One of the greatest assets we have in this region are our pristine beaches, and access to them should be available to all,” Mayor Adam Roberts told News Of The Area.
The aim of the trial is to see if it enables independent and dignified access to the beach for older residents,
those who use wheelchairs or mobility aids, and people pushing prams.
Ms Dalzell said she was excited to see everyone enjoy the beach.
“I hope that we can get this matting onto Flynns Beach and North Haven Beach after a successful trial here,” she told NOTA.
“In my role as a physiotherapist, I talk to a lot of people about their goals, and one of the most common responses is that they want to be able to access the beach again.”
Present at the launch
Many members have been involved in extensive restoration work of old vehicles.
In some instances,
restoration has involved extensive and painstaking reconstruction over many years.
“The love of antique and
were several members of Ms Dalzell’s initiative, the Enable Reference Group.
It is made up of residents who have lived experience with a variety of disabilities.
The group has worked
alongside Council’s Community Activation Manager Steve Bryant.
The matting was supplied by Beach Access Australia after an open tender process and is designed to be low
Make the most of your land.
Local Land Services can support you with improving productivity, controlling pests, boosting biodiversity and much more.
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classic cars provides a great social experience, leading to making new friends from a wide range of backgrounds," Tracey Duval, President of PMACCC told News Of The Area.
Members have restored Model T and A Fords, a rare Studebaker, and an even rarer 20th Century pre-WW1 Grant.
Many of the rescued vehicles had lain in fields or were abandoned and forgotten in barns and sheds for decades.
The club has over 120 members, all enthusiastic volunteers who are involved in many community events such as supplying vehicles to transport Australian veterans and their close
family members to Anzac Day marches.
Over the past two decades, the club has evolved into a not-for-profit social car club.
Members now spend more time enjoying driving their pride and joys rather than spending many hours restoring or tinkering under the bonnet.
Members will celebrate with a 20th anniversary breakfast at Taking Point Surf Club on Sunday 15 March, with catering looked after by the Lions Club.
Should anyone wish to become a member or require information, email Tracey on thesecretarypmaccc@gmail. com.
maintenance, durable and easy to use.
It does not impact core beach operations and lifeguards are not responsible for installation or maintenance.
Council is encouraging feedback from the community on the project to allow them to assess its future.
This can be sent to community.activation@ pmhc.nsw.gov.au.
THE Port Macquarie Antiques and Classic Car Club celebrates its 20th
q Club members love to bring their pride and joys out for the community to enjoy.
q Council representatives, advocates and wheelchair users at Town Beach.
q A pram user utilises the matting to access the beach.
By Rachael THORPE
WITH its vast array of rivers, lakes, and ocean foreshores, the Mid North Coast region is a magnet for those who love fishing; but there is a dark side to this which often goes unseen.
Nylon fishing lines take 100 years to break down, and stainless-steel hooks take 50 years, making discarded fishing tackle a significant environmental issue.
A joint project has been
Bid to save wildlife from fishing lines Riders HOG the road for Dice Run
Changed conditions on Oxley Highway
MOTORISTS are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Oxley Highway between Fernhill Road and Wrights Road at Port Macquarie for pavement investigation work.
The work will be carried out from 7pm to 5am on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March, weather permitting.
There will be a single lane closure and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h in place through the investigation area for the safety of workers and motorists.
Motorists are advised to drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.
By Andrea FERRARI
OVER 40 Mid North Coast motorcyclists joined the annual Charity Dice Run on Sunday 21 February.
Hosted by the Mid North Coast Harley Owners Group (MNCHOG), riders gathered at either the northern starting point in Coffs Harbour or the southern set-off park in Port Macquarie.
The funds were split 50/50 between St Vincent de Paul's Pete's Place, the homeless shelter in Coffs Harbour, and St Thomas Anglican Church’s Soup Kitchen in Port Macquarie.
“The group made a decision to support two Mid North Coast charities that don't receive government funding,” MNCHOG Director/Secretary Justin Owens told News Of The Area.
“We knew what funds we raised would have a direct impact on homelessness in our local
community,”
Fundraising dice rolls were made at several stops along the way with the fifth and final roll made at Bowra Sports Hub where presentations were made.
Pete’s Place Manager Gai Newman spoke about the support provided daily by the shelter, including essential services to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
This includes laundry and shower facilities, meals, clothing, and casework support.
“Since opening in 2018, Pete's Place has grown from assisting 15 people a day to over 110, reflecting the increasing need in our community,” Ms Newman said.
“As Pete's Place receives no government funding, [it] relies heavily on community generosity and volunteer support to continue our work.
“The donation will help provide vital items such as
non-perishable food, tents, and sleeping bags for those sleeping rough.”
Rev. Daniel Berris of St Thomas Anglican Church, Port Macquarie, said one of the church’s biggest ministries is the weekly soup kitchen running out of St Thomas Hall, “which offers a loving community
launched involving Port Macquarie Hastings Council, FAWNA, and Ozfish to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage water users to be aware of the ongoing effect of line entanglements to local wildlife.
According to FAWNA, researchers from Griffith and Charles Darwin University have identified that fishing tackle litter poses the most lethal threat of all to coastal birds of prey including Ospreys, Sea-eagles and Brahminy Kites.
Vice President of FAWNA Kym Kilpatrick told News Of The Area, “All seabirds and wading birds, all marine animals such as turtles, dolphins, sharks, dugongs and whales can be caught in discarded nets and fishing tackle.
“And the result is almost inevitable. If they are lucky,
they will have a significant injury, but more often it is a slow and painful death.
“In our rivers, platypus are also vulnerable to being caught up in discarded fishing lines and hooks - with terrible consequences.”
In the last two years the organisation has received 362 calls to assist birds that have been entangled in fishing line and hooks.
The capacity of fishhooks and line to cause severe injury to wildlife both on land and in the ocean is extreme; hooks can become embedded in skin, throats, eyes and beaks/ mouths, ripping horrific wounds, causing internal injuries, slow starvation, infection, and poisoning.
The campaign includes posters and specialised fishing tackle waste bins in popular fishing locations.
For more information on the project or to volunteer contact Emma Kark at Ozfish on EmmaKark@ozfish.org.au.
and fantastic feed.”
“The soup kitchen is supported by a whole range of local businesses who give fresh produce and groceries to our team, who then turn them into incredible meals.”
Every Wednesday the service window is open from 10.00am - 11.30am,
followed by the dining service from 12 noon till 12.45pm.
MNCHOG
members thanked their sponsors: North Coast V-Twins Motorcycles, Ocean View Hotel Urunga, Fredo Pub Frederickton, The Star Hotel Macksville and Bowra Sports Hub.
q One of the waste bins for fishing tackle.
q A brush turkey wrapped in fishing line.
q MNCHOG Treasurer Chrissy Lewis presenting the funds to Gai Newman of Pete's Place.
Call to adopt as shelters reach capacity
By Sis HIGGINS
MARCH is National Pet
Adoption Month, with animal lovers encouraged to consider welcoming a cat or dog into their home while supporting animal welfare efforts across the country.
RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said hundreds of cats and dogs are currently available for adoption.
“March is looking like a wonderful time to make a new
friend, improve animal welfare outcomes nationally, and help animals across the country move into the safe and loving home they deserve,” he said.
A Port Macquarie Animal Shelter spokesperson told News Of The Area that so far this financial year, 302 animals have come through the shelter’s doors.
“Some are strays brought in by residents or Council rangers, some are rehomed due to financial pressures or changes
in living circumstances,” they said.
“Some, like kittens, are left in boxes at our front gate.”
Only 42 registered and microchipped animals were returned to their owners.
Currently the shelter has six dogs and three cats, with some ready for adoption and others still impounded.
“Ensuring pets are registered and microchipped [means] they can be returned to owners.”
All adopted cats and dogs go home desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and flea and tick protected.
Each year the RSPCA cares for more than 77,000 animals through its shelters, with almost 27,000 reaching their forever homes.
Pet adoption can also take place through registered rescue organisations and pet rescue groups who have animals in foster care seeking permanent homes.
Dog-themed fundraiser to support RSPCA group
By Rachael THORPE
PORT Macquarie dog
enthusiasts and their pooches will descend on Cassegrain Wines later this month for a fundraiser supporting the RSPCA NSW Port Macquarie Supporter Group. The pup-themed fundraiser will help fund the group’s desexing and emergency care programs, assisting low-income pet owners to care for their pets.
RSPCA NSW Port Macquarie Supporter Group president Kath Ryan told News Of The Area, “We’re grateful to have such a supportive community around us, as well as our
fantastic vets.
“This is what enables us to prioritise the welfare of the animals.
“But we haven’t done a major fundraiser since 2024 and frankly our coffers are bare, so we hope our community event this month will raise some much-needed funds.”
Supported by Cassegrain Wines, the “Woof n Wine” event is being held at the winery from 1-4pm on Sunday 15 March.
Entry is $20 per adult, $10 per child, $15 for a concession, and $45 for a family ticket.
Registration is from 12.30pm, with all ticket holders going into the draw
for a $700 accommodation package at Ned’s Bed Motel.
All canine family members are welcome at no cost but must be on a leash.
The tickets include entry into the four competitions on the day: “The dog that looks most like its owner”, “The dog with the waggiest tail”, “The best dressed dog”, and “The dog that does the best sit stay”.
Food and drink will be available for purchase on the day with the RSPCA volunteers offering cakes and slices, and the Blah Blah Blah Coffee for Blokes men’s group cooking a BBQ.
Local vets will be onsite to provide advice on animal care and grooming, alongside
an animal behaviouralist.
For those contemplating adding a furry member
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Join the Story of Douglas Vale!
Become part of living history at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard, one of Port Macquarie’s most treasured heritage sites.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic vineyards, Douglas Vale is proudly cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers — and we’d love you to join us.
We are seeking friendly, community-minded volunteers for a range of rewarding roles, including:
TOUR GUIDES
Share the homestead’s rich history with visitors
CELLAR DOOR
Assist with wine tastings and visitor experiences
GARDENING & VINEYARD
Help care for the heritage grounds and vineyard
EVENTS SUPPORT
Assist at weddings and special functions
MAINTENANCE & GROUNDS
Help preserve our historic buildings
ADMINISTRATION & PROMOTIONS
Provide office or marketing support
No experience is necessary — just enthusiasm, reliability, and a love of community. Training and support are provided.
Volunteering at Douglas Vale offers the chance to meet new people, learn local history, develop new skills, and help preserve an important part of Port Macquarie’s heritage.
Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a few days a month, your time makes a real difference.
To express your interest, email secretary@douglasvale.com.au and become part of something truly special.
Your community. Your heritage. Your opportunity to make a difference.
to their family, the Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service (PMAWS) will be on hand with information on animals available for fostering or adoption.
q Archie needed 14 teeth removed and lip surgery and is now happy and healthy. Photo: Sis Higgins.
q All canine family members are welcome at no cost but must be on a leash.
Port shines in state solar surge ‘Blind dates’ for book lovers
By Sis HIGGINS
PORT Macquarie ranks as the ninth highest electorate in NSW for solar uptake, as regional communities continue to drive the state’s renewable energy transition.
The latest data, released by the NSW Government, shows households and businesses in regional NSW account for nine of the top ten electorates for rooftop solar installations.
The Oxley electoratewhich includes communities such as Wauchope and Comboyne - came in eighth in the rankings, reinforcing the Mid North Coast’s growing commitment to clean energy.
A total of 19,457 solar systems have been installed in the Port Macquarie electorate, while 19,790 have been installed in Oxley.
Across the state, more than one million homes and businesses now have rooftop solar systems installed, representing around a third of all NSW homes.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said regional communities were setting the pace.
“From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar,” she said.
“In the final quarter of last year, solar farms and rooftop solar provided 32 percent of our state’s electricity.
“Families and businesses are saving on their bill with solar, and the highest concentration is in the regions and Western Sydney.”
When the sun is shining, rooftop solar is now
producing more power than all of the state’s coal fired power stations.
The figures reflect a broader regional trend, with families and businesses turning to solar to reduce power bills and improve energy independence.
News Of The Area was informed by the minister's office that an average fourperson household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.
SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 2026
Located beachside at beautiful Horseshoe Bay, the Beachside Markets are held on the second Saturday of the month, and additional markets are held during school holidays.
By Rachael THORPE
FOR Port Macquarie social worker and lifelong reader Kirralee Dibben, street libraries have provided a refuge from grief.
They are popping up on lawns around the country and book clubs are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with the Romantasy genre a clear favourite.
New social media platforms such as Book Tok and Bookstagram are also at the forefront of a changed landscape where reading can become a social, shared experience as well as a digital detox.
After reading about “Blind date with a book” events, Kirralee decided to set one up locally.
Book lovers meet at a prearranged location and bring a book wrapped in brown paper with a
short blurb written on the outside.
This is followed by a book swap and general book chat.
Kirralee told News Of The Area, “I started this after I lost three family members including my dad in the space of six months last year.
“I was just looking for
a glimmer of hope and thought some fun events focussed on books would be great.”
Blind date with a book is held once a month on Town Green at 11am, with the next gathering on 21 March.
All reading lovers are welcome.
Potential gun law exemptions for farmers
THE NSW Nationals have welcomed Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s statement that primary producers will be able to apply for more than ten firearms under the state’s new gun laws.
Passed in December in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, the reforms introduced a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten.
Under questioning in Budget Estimates by Liberal MLC Susan Carter last week, Minister Catley was asked if farmers could apply for permission for more than ten firearms if required
for primary production purposes.
“If they have a genuine reason, as a business or other relevant category that they need one for, then they are entitled to seek an exemption,” Ms Catley stated in response.
“It is not our intention, for those people who genuinely need the firearms to go about their business, their farm, to not allow them to do that.
“If they have a genuine reason then they can seek an exemption.”
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh welcomed Ms Catley’s statement, in particular a clarification
that business reasons and primary production reasons can be “one and the same”.
“We look forward to holding the Police Minister to her commitment,” Mr Singh said.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan said this was welcome news for farmers across NSW, but further evidence this was rushed policy.
“The Minns Labor Government is clearly making it up as they go,” Mr Moylan said.
Ms Catley stressed that the regulations are still being drafted through consultation.
Beachside Markets, Riverside Tavern & Fredo Pies
Return air-conditioned coach transport, H20, Stop @ the Beachside Markets, Lunch and an ice-cream!
$124 per person
Our focus is on local, quality, fresh produce and homemade goods plus gourmet food trucks and live entertainment. Bring a rug and stay awhile…and bring your green bags to help keep our event plastic wise.
ITINERARY
Departing Port Bus around 08:00 we start our day heading North. Straight to Horseshow Bay! Enjoy the markets, township or wander the beach until noon. We then head out to the Riverside Tavern for lunch. Sweet stop at Fredo Pies before we finish our day around 16:00 at the Port Coach Terminal.
q Port Macquarie ranks high for solar installations. Photo: Gustavo Fring/Pexels.
q Kirralee Dibben has established a local ‘Blind date with a book’ group.
Gathang revival part of five-year plan
By Sis HIGGINS
GATHANGGA
Wakulda
Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay footprint.
CEO Gulwanyang Moran said the plan was shaped by extensive conversations with community members about what they wanted to see happen with their language.
“We wanted to build on the hard work of previous and current language leaders who have been revitalising Gathang,” Ms Moran said.
“[The plan] distills the collective vision of our community to help guide the organisation’s work over the next five years”.
It provides transparency around GWAC’s purpose, vision and values, along with “our promise to the
community about how we will work with them”.
Community feedback identified five priorities: - ensuring the continuation of Gathang, - creating inclusive spaces, - collaborating and partnering with community, - strengthening self determination and governance, and - operating in a
sustainable and eventually economically independent way.
Consultation events were held across Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Forster and Taree, as well as online.
Elders and active language community members have also contributed their aspirations.
Ms Moran said interest in Gathang has surged in recent years and strong local
Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life
By Nick WILSON, AAP
GEN Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors.
Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 percent considering the move, Regional Australia Institute research shows.
More than 5.3 million Australians - about 37 percent of metropolitan residents - say they would consider making the shift.
For generation Z, the financial pull is particularly strong, with more than half (52 percent) citing cheaper living costs as a key driver and 50 percent pointing to more affordable housing.
At 28, economic development worker Mikaela Carroll is part of that shift.
After finishing university at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she and her partner Ryan left Brisbane in a van with plans to stop briefly in Bunbury, a regional town south of Perth.
"We ended up staying there for five years," she told AAP.
"We really loved it."
Originally planning
to "top up the bank accounts" somewhere more affordable for a few months, the couple found themselves with good jobs and a lifestyle their citybased friends couldn't afford.
The pair have since relocated to Launceston in Tasmania, where they retain the benefits of regional life while being closer to family.
"Living down here, we were able to buy a place that's only a six-minute drive to work," Ms Carroll said.
"That, in itself, is a huge, huge challenge in metropolitan areas."
While perceptions are shifting, it remains to be seen how many young city dwellers will act on their intentions.
Only 23 percent of gen Z Australians considering the move said they would do so in the next two years, climbing to 37 percent in the next five years.
Fear of isolation remains the biggest hurdle preventing young Australians from making the move, with 44 percent worried about being cut off from family and friends.
Ms Carroll admitted the distance had been trying, but said the benefits outweighed the downsides.
"I definitely feel like I've got better mental health than I did when I was living in Brisbane because I'm not constantly worrying about the end of my lease," she said.
While more Australians are leaving cities for the regions than the reverse, the think tank's Regional Movers Index shows it is not a one-way phenomenon.
Capital-to-region migration accounted for 11.5 percent of all major relocations in the September quarter, only a few points ahead of the 8.4 percent who moved the other way.
governance is essential.
“Having a plan that shows the yabang we’re walking so everyone knows where we want to get to and can come with us on a journey that’s led by our community,” she said.
“We want to make sure that there’s a collective vision in place for our burraydjarr and the generations coming after us.”
Over the next few
years, the community will see expanded language programs, new resources, online spaces and cultural services.
“Our first goal is the continuation of Gathang language,” Ms Moran said.
“We want to see Gathang actively spoken, taught and embedded in daily life through language programs, education pathways and community-led learning.”
She described the plan as “the centrepiece of the origin story of a legacy mapped out by language leaders that have been working tirelessly for decades”.
“What I hope is that the wider community can travel with us on this journey, support, connect and respectfully learn about the languages and cultures of the country they reside,” she said.
Rural residents urged to report connectivity issues
FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”.
The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.
A total of 4,285 complaints were made by people in NSW, up four percent since the previous quarter.
"No phone or internet service” had the largest increase, up 32.2 percent to 608 complaints.
Other notable increases were observed for intermittent service or dropouts, up 25.9 percent; slow data speed, up 23.9 percent; and partially restricted service, up 21.3 percent.
Service and equipment fees observed the largest decline of 10.1 percent, down 1,463 complaints.
22.6 percent of complaints were from regional areas and 77.4 percent were from major cities.
Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers were saying.
“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.
“I agree with Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert when she says consumers don’t see phone and internet connectivity as optional anymore, these are vital not only for business and education but the basics of everyday life.
“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”
In December 2025, NSW Farmers organised multiple regional and rural visits from the TIO, offering communities a chance to raise connectivity concerns and learn about services.
Attendees reported concerns about their ability to call emergency services, with many people citing previous failures, and that rural and regional Australians felt forgotten
and tired of complaining, particularly since unreliable mobile connectivity had become a persistent issue since the 3G shutdown.
“The government’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation is a critical step toward better voice and data services,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Requiring that mobile coverage be reasonably available outdoors across the country will improve safety and improve liveability for everyone, not just those who live in the capital cities.
“But there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done to make sure that providers are accountable to the UOMO and deliver what’s been promised.
“NSW Farmers continues to advocate that UOMO must be a complementary tool and not replace investment in improvements to the existing terrestrial network – we know a lot of farmers struggle daily with reliable and quality connection.
“So I think we need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”
q GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @ KAMRAfilms.
q Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms.
q Mikaela Carroll and her partner Ryan have left Brisbane behind and relocated to Tasmania. Photo: Mikaela Carroll.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.
The awards are in their
20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.
“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.
Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.
the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.
According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
celebrate this amazing contribution.
“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.
“Now more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering - and that’s what these awards are all about.”
The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year was Molly Croft, who was recognised for her work raising awareness and funding for young people with cancer.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have my life changed by volunteers, and so every time I get to give back and try and make a difference, I feel very honoured to do so.
“Recognising their work and celebrating the work of volunteers is worth so much, and that’s what the awards achieve.”
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our communities.
“Our state would not be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day.
“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.
“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”
The Emergency Volunteer of the Year Award category is supported by the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.
“Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked, and without expecting recognition”, Minister Dib said.
“Whether it’s responding to floods, fires or storms, these volunteers drop everything to keep people safe, often missing out on time with their own families.
“If someone in your life gives their time as an emergency volunteer, I’d encourage you to nominate them and show them that their time and service matters.”
Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at https://www.volunteering. com.au/awards/about-theawards/.
The Comeback Tour Continues
q Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Balance the scales
THE 2026 International Women’s Day (Sunday, 8 March) theme is “Balance the Scales”, highlighting the urgent need to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
Despite decades of progress, barriers to justice remain deeply entrenched.
One in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime – yet most will never seek formal help or justice.
Across Australia, conviction rates for sexual assault cases remain persistently low – with the latest NSW figures revealing just an 11 percent conviction rate, underscoring the immense gap between legal protections and real outcomes for survivors.
UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke said, “Balance the Scales is a promise for every woman and girl to be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future.
“In 2026, unjust laws, policies, and ingrained barriers still stand in the way of fair and inclusive communities.
“This International
Women’s Day, we are calling on Australians to join a movement for real action – to transform our justice systems, amplify marginalised voices, and ensure equality is not the exception, but the rule.”
First Nations women face especially complex challenges, including overrepresentation in the justice system, intergenerational trauma, and limited access to culturally safe legal support.
First Nations women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due
to family violence than non-Indigenous women, highlighting the urgent need for community-led, self-determined pathways that centre First Nations leadership.
Climate change and disaster displacement also disproportionately impact women and girls –especially across the Pacific – exacerbating barriers to safety, security, and rights.
UN Women projects that by 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into extreme poverty – 16 million
more than men and boys –as climate-driven impacts continue to deepen existing gender inequalities.
Australia plays a crucial role in championing women’s leadership and ensuring climate justice is gender justice.
“True progress takes more than words,” Ms Clarke added.
“Together, we have the power to dismantle discriminatory systems, unlock transformation, and deliver justice, safety, and dignity for all women and girls.”
Weed action program gets an update
FOUR-YEAR funding is being made available to local organisations to combat the impact of priority weeds, updating a previously annual grant program.
The new $40.7 million NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) is a key component
of the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Action Plan, with funding being provided to 97 Local Control Authorities (LCA).
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW Government Weeds Action Program’s fouryear grant model provides certainty in budgeting, giving local councils and other control authorities the ability to put boots on the ground, retain staff and train new weed biosecurity officers across NSW.
“This network of biosecurity officers sustains the surveillance, eradication and containment efforts on key high-risk weeds, including parthenium weed, alligator weed and frogbit to
protect our valuable farming lands.
“Our Government has modernised the Weeds Action Program to ensure it can effectively contribute to delivering our Biosecurity Action Plan by delivering trained biosecurity officers across the state who can confidently undertake emergency responses.”
Aside from environmental benefits, Ms Moriarty said the updated program has significant financial upsides.
“Across NSW, the local control councils will invest an extra $2.19 for every dollar invested in our Government’s $40.7 million program,” she said.
“Every dollar the program spends is keeping our state free of Parthenium weed
and that delivers $777 in benefits through increased agricultural productivity, reduced health impacts and environmental protection.
“For every dollar spent eradicating tropical soda apple there is a productivity return of $410 and every dollar spent eradicating Hudson pear returns $59 to the community.”
The new funding model was introduced after a review into biosecurity to improve its implementation across the state, cut red tape and provide greater certainty to LCAs.
The program supports targeted surveillance and rapid biosecurity responses, and is building a robust statewide network to prevent, eradicate and
contain priority weeds by undertaking a range of actions, such as:
• Preventing Parthenium Weed entering NSW
• Preventing spread with the aim of eradicating Parkinsonia and Tropical Soda Apple weeds
• Working with landholders to contain alligator weed, frogbit, Hudson pear, Harrisia cactus and sticky nightshade
• Instigating surveillance and rapid response resources to detect new high-risk weeds early and act quickly to stop their spread
These high-risk weed species, which can cause significant environmental and agricultural damage and pose serious health risks to livestock, wildlife and people,
New recruits for transport and roads agency
SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month.
From filling potholes to rebuilding flood-damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network.
Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo, the new recruits will soon get their hands on the tools.
They join an existing group of 92 apprentices and trainees
progressing through the program from previous intakes.
Participants have the opportunity to earn and learn on the job while developing practical skills in their chosen field, from civil construction and bridge maintenance to heavy diesel mechanics, business, finance and project management.
New recruit Maddi Ormsby said the Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship appealed to her because of the opportunity to do hands-on work outdoors.
“There’s such a great mix of bridges we look after, everything
from concrete and timber structures to heritage ones,” Maddi said.
“We don’t just maintain them, we get the chance to build them too, and we work across all sorts of locations.
“I’ve only been in the job a few weeks, and I’ve already had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”
Matt Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Road Maintenance and Resilience at Transport for NSW, said the program gives “people real skills, real experience and a recognised qualification while boosting the capability of our workforce across
Stargazing: Mars or bust
By Dave RENEKE
Well, he goes way back! In February 2018, the world paused to watch a rocket launch.
That’s not unusual.
What was unusual was the payload: a cherry-red Tesla Roadster with a mannequin in a spacesuit behind the wheel.
The idea came from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX was debuting its new Falcon Heavy rocket - at the time the most powerful operational rocket on Earth.
Instead of a standard block of test weight, Musk chose something a little more… conversational.
Launched from Kennedy Space Centre, the rocket
NSW”.
“As they build their skills on live sites, they’re helping lift the resilience of our transport network and supporting the teams who keep NSW moving,” he said.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.
“These young workers are gaining practical skills on live projects while helping maintain the roads and bridges our local community depends on.
“This investment strengthens
thundered into the sky carrying the sports car and its driver, a mannequin dubbed “Starman.”
The car’s stereo was reportedly set to play David Bowie’s “Starman,” a nod to David Bowie and a detail that ensured the internet would never let the moment pass quietly.
The plan was never to land the car on Mars.
Planetary protection rules are strict, and depositing Earth bacteria - or automotive upholstery - on the Red Planet is frowned upon.
Golden Oldies ready to rumble
By Sis HIGGINS
GOLDEN Oldies rugby action returns to Port Macquarie on Saturday, 7 March from 10am.
The tournament will be hosted by Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Union Club at its Woods Street fields, featuring a full day of spirited games.
Club spokesperson Paul Smith told News Of The Area, “Fourteen teams [have] entered with around 200 players in total
including ex-Wallaroos (playing as the Wobblyroos).
“Also debuting will be the ‘Vintage Tawny Ports’ (women’s team) from Port Macquarie.”
Teams registered include the Gloucester Cockeyes, Manning Mongrels, Wobblyroos, Vintage Tawny Ports, Thunderclap, Wrinkled Horns, Cooks Hill, Nelson Bay, Vintage Ports and Waratah Old Boys.
Food and drinks will be available all day at the clubhouse
canteen, with spectators encouraged to attend, support the players and enjoy a celebration of rugby, resilience and mateship.
The Port Macquarie Pirates club has been promoting the sport of rugby in the Hastings region since it was founded by a group of enthusiasts in 1974.
Eighteen first grade men’s and women’s premierships later, the Pirates now field teams for all ages and genders, from under-6s through to Golden Oldies.
require urgent action to stop them from becoming more widely established.
The new Weeds Action Program strengthens weed biosecurity by providing stable funding for riskbased planning, compliance and education, and ensures accountability from the LCAs through biannual reporting and evaluation.
The modernisation of the program also includes increasing collaboration between government agencies, councils, and farmers groups.
Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the new four-year program will be delivered in partnership with Local Land Services.
our local workforce and ensures we have the capability to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need.”
Instead, the Roadster was sent into a solar orbit that crosses Mars’ path, effectively giving it a permanent pass to cruise the inner solar system.
The launch itself was a genuine engineering triumph.
Two side boosters separated and landed upright back on Earth in a precisely timed display that stunned viewers worldwide.
The central core didn’t make it home, splashing into the Atlantic - a reminder that spaceflight remains a serious business.
And yet, drifting beyond Earth was a red convertible with a mannequin at the wheel.
There were no scientific instruments on board, no experiments to run.
But the stunt captured imaginations across the globe.
Amid the complex maths and meticulous planning of modern spaceflight, there was suddenly room for a little theatre. Today, the Tesla continues its lonely orbit around the Sun, occasionally crossing paths with Mars.
It may circle for millions of years, a silent symbol of human ingenuityand perhaps a touch of showmanship. Serious science? Absolutely. A cosmic joyride? Also, undeniably, yes.
ELON’S always in the news isn’t he.
q Parthenium Weed. Photo: NSW Gov.
q Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby. Photo: NSW Gov.
q Club members promoting the Pirates at CSU Port Macquarie. Photo: @piratesrugby.
Hastings Ladies Social Club
By Leonie MULVIHILL
MONDAY 2/3/2026.
Stableford 48 players.
Division 1: Winner
Denese Kennedy 19 points
Runner Up Maree
Moore 18 points c/b
Emi Sato 18 points
Division 2: Winner Loz
Poulton 19 points
Runner Up Jo Thomas 18 points c/b
Margaret Rock 18 points
Division 3: Winner
Donna Heffron 21 points
Runner Up Eva Curlisa 19 points
Division 4: Winner
Sandra Lysaught 24 points
Runner Up Anne
Rowsell 21 points
NTP: 15th hole Eva Curlisa, 18th hole Barbara
Batt
Birdies: Emi Sato 15th hole, Eva Curlisa 15th hole
Gobblers: Emi Sato 15th hole
Lucky Numbers: Anne Radburn and June Dunlop
Wauchope Women's Bowling Club
By Julie FRASER
THURSDAY 26/2/2026
Due to a lot of Ladies playing Open Gender
Pennants Saturday afternoon, there will be no Saturday morning social until further notice .
Thursday lucky losers Sally Webber , Wendy Kennedy Pat Coombes and Glenda Elford.
Jackpot no. 36
Maria Middleton not in attendance
Friday Afternoon Golfers
By Colin EVERINGHAM
RESULTS for 27 Feb 2026.
Weather: Fine, Warm with slight breeze, a little humid 21 Players Played the Back nine
Raffle winners were Doris McKinnon , Ita Walker Carol Bannister and Faye Paine .
Good luck to our Lady Pennant team which starts this Thursday 5th .
Port Macquarie Yacht Club
By Andrew WALMSLEY
PORT Macquarie Yacht Club has a minimums rule for racing with a breeze holding at 4.5 knots required to commence racing.
Last Sunday Officer of the Day Teddy Clausen fortunately found the bare minimum to start the scheduled ocean buoy (short ocean triangle event) from the Bird Rock starting line.
With competing events reducing available crew numbers, five yachts faced a downwind start where variations in the available breeze quickly separated the yachts. Leeward starter, Andrew Walmsley’s Enticer found a favourable line of breeze, and established a lead of a hundred meters over the next yachts which struggled to find usable pressure.
WINNER - Terry Dohertynet 32 (ON COUNT BACK)was on a handicap of 9 now on 4. 2nd - Ray Marsh -- net 32 3rd - Colin Blott -- net 34 4th - Mike Hourigan -- net 35 5th - Graham Haggerty --net 35 6th - Bill McMillan --net 36 NTP : 11th - Ray Marsh; 15th -Don Steigrad
Port Macquarie Sailing Club
By Jeff WALSH
PORT Macquarie Sailing
Club were to hold the Sprint Series races 12 – 16 on Sunday, but with many members away at other regattas and the wind on the Hastings almost nonexistent, the 3 boats that turned up to sail, along with the duty officer and starter decided not to sail.
However, the boats that were away did get in quite a bit of sailing.
Three boats went to the regatta to join a fleet of over 60 boats at Big River Sailing Club at Harwood on the Clarence River, sailing in a rather strong South Easter on the Saturday and a lighter and more fluky breeze on the Sunday.
Frank O’Rourke on his Arrow Cat ‘Zero’ won the 13 strong Catamaran class, beating an F18 cat, some Wetas, Nacra’s, and a Hobie 18. Simon Gandy met his daughter Elsa halfway (she goes to uni in Brisbane and sails up there) to sail together in his MG14 ‘Vamos’ to come 5th out of the 14 strong Division 2 and was the first MG14.
Steve Bohlsen and daughter Lucy also sailed together on their MG14 ‘Interceptor’.
Jeff Walsh travelled to Great Lakes Sailing Club south of Forster on Wallace Lake for part of the Impulse traveller’s series. This will be the location for the NSW
State titles in November and the National titles next February, so it was a good chance to scope out the conditions. The event was piggy backed onto the Scow Moth and Lowriders State Championships at the venue. Saturday produced a nice sailable South Easter, but Sunday was a rather light and patchy South Easter, once it came in.
There was about 8 Impulses, 20 Moths, and about 10 local boats, making for a good fleet. Jeff Walsh in ‘Serenity’ was in his usual position in an Impulse fleet, near the back.
Paul Robertson and Jack Corthals sailed the Tasar
‘Flembouyant’ in the NSW Tasar State Titles at Speers Point Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie.
They had a great weekend with a 3rd placing.
Several other members were in Sydney watching the GP 50s sailing in the Sail GP event there.
Congratulations to the Americans on their win with Australia coming in 5th.
Next week is a double header with Race 7 of the Summer Series starting at 11.30 and the 5th Club Championship starting at 2.00. Simon Gandy is on duty.
At the pin end, Cool Change, with Teddy Clausen helming, appeared to win the scrap with Frank Lagudi on Third Man, and after finding sufficient breeze deployed her spinnaker and was mostly able to keep it flying for the next two legs, pulling away from Third Man, and performing remarkably to minimise the gap to Enticer at the sea mark.
Towards the middle of the line, the Adrian Duvernet’s Kookaburra 2 crossed the start ahead of Razamatazz 2, which, with Andrew Macleod helming, hit the start line with speed and overhauled Kookaburra 2 and placed a cover on that yacht, which held the length of the leg to the sea mark.
With yachts nominated in separate divisions Cool Change, Razamatazz 2 and Third Man sailed the short course on the day, while Enticer and Kookaburra 2 sailed the longer division 2 course.
Once Enticer turned at the sea mark she picked up speed on a close hauled
reach and quickly left the fleet behind. Enticer completed almost ¾ of the second leg before the next yacht completed the first leg. Enticer completed the div 2 course of 13 nautical miles before some of the Div 1 fleet completed the shorter course.
On the short course Cool Change maintained its lead over the larger Razamatazz 2 for the first triangle of the division course before surrendering its lead to Razamatazz 2 over the final two legs after the triangle, while in the same division Third Man found she couldn’t make way in the very light airs and for a while found herself sailing backwards along the course before finding breeze and resuming her chase of the other yachts.
About 40 minutes into the race, the wind changed from the very light Sou South Easterly, in which the race started, to a more respectable Easterly breeze filling in from the East at around 8 – 10 knots, making for more enjoyable sailing
State Cup secured
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 24
to see the NSW Senior State Cup remain where it belongs,” Mayor Roberts said.
“This tournament is a key cornerstone of our sporting event calendar.
“It brings thousands of players, officials and spectators to our region, injects millions of dollars into our local economy, and provides enormous flowon benefits for tourism, accommodation and hospitality operators.
“The Port Macquarie Hastings region has so much to offer as a destination and
this attraction continues to bring major events like [the] Senior State Cup back each year.”
NSWTF General Manager Dean Russell said the organisation was pleased to continue its partnership with the region.
“Our long-standing partnership has consistently delivered outstanding events for our community,” he said.
“We’re especially excited to return in 2027 to celebrate the 50th State Cup, which is a significant milestone for our sport.”
One sports-mad local cheering the announcement was PMHC councillor Nik
but it changed the run on the first leg to a faster close hauled reach.
The third leg saw a questionable port cross of Cool Change by Kookaburra 2 which allowed Kookaburra 2 to overtake Cool Change, but which also appeared to cause Cool Change to slightly change course, a cross which could easily have ended up in the protest room. Cool Change is definitely “owed one” by Kookaburra 2.
On the water, short course yachts Razamatazz 2 and Cool Change crossed the finish line ahead of Enticer, while Third Man finished well ahead of Kookaburra 2 which was last across the line.
After adjustments were made to equalize the distance sailed, Enticer was a clear winner, ahead Kookaburra 2, with Cool Change taking third place. With 2026 ocean series results of 1, 2, 1, Enticer now holds a healthy series lead over Kookaburra 2 with Razamatazz 2 in third position.
Lipovac, who had previously expressed doubts about the region’s ability to retain the tournament.
“As stated previously I genuinely thought our chances were slim considering the quality of towns and venues vying for the opportunity to host this event and in saying that I apologise that I got this wrong,” Cr Lipovac stated on social media.
“Thank you NSW Touch Football and PMHC for working together to get this over the line.
“This will make tens of thousands of people very happy!”
The Senior State Cup will be held on 4-6 December 2026 and 3-5 December 2027.
q Crew of Enticer: A Walmsley, Liz Levido, Jim Bignel and Derek Prickett.
q Visiting yacht hard aground after missing the channel near Lady Nelson Wharf.
q Simon and Elsa Gandy back together to sail in their MG 14 'Vamos' at the Big River Sailing Club Regatta on the Clarence River.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
They are our children and deserve our care
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHAT is the value of Australian citizenship?
After the disgraceful performance of Labor, the COALition and One Notion this week I am seriously starting to wonder.
There are 34 Australian citizens stuck in a squalid refugee camp in Syria made up of 11 women and 23 of their children.
Their plight has been a political football for years now since the collapse of ISIS.
The new Syrian government is wanting foreign governments to repatriate their citizens as it tries to recover from more than a decade of civil war.
This, and the previous, government expects other countries to accept their nationals when we choose to deport them.
It is hypocritical to not accept our own nationals when Syria
seeks to do the same.
Whatever one might think of these women and their life choices, bear in mind that a lot of these choices were made by male relatives on their behalf.
Most, if not all, of these men are now dead.
One of these mothers was a child when she was taken to Syria.
Then there are the 23 Australian children who certainly did not “make their bed”.
They are innocent and vulnerable children.
It is not enough to describe them as “unfortunate”.
They are our children and deserve our care.
All of these Australians should be returned home to their families as soon as possible, as is their right.
If the adults have committed crimes then, yes, charge them, try them, and punish them accordingly.
They have all agreed to this
stipulation.
But there is no excuse for leaving the children in such terrible circumstances.
Once again the rights of children are being abused in a sordid political game of who can be the toughest cop on the beat.
Again we are being failed by our current crop of political leaders.
Is it really too much to expect any of them to show some moral backbone?
To call out the racist dog whistling and appeal to our better natures rather than our worst fears?
To quote James Baldwin, “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognising this may be incapable of morality.”
Regards, Peter SOBEY, Mid North Coast.
The roles we step into
DEAR News Of The Area,
THERE may be no literal devil in our world yet there is never a shortage of people willing to step into the role: to stoke fear, to turn neighbour against neighbour, and to profit from the shadows they cast.
And perhaps Jesus never walked this earth, but the role
he represents, the one who chooses compassion over cruelty, truth over noise, and love over fear, is taken up by only a few.
It is always easier to burn than to heal, easier to frighten than to steady, easier to shout than to understand.
But every generation faces the same choice.
Not between mythical figures, but between the parts of ourselves we choose to embody. Who will we followthose who thrive in darkness, or those who dare to carry even a small light?
Regards, Calvin BARTLETT, Mid North Coast.
Bring the children home
DEAR News Of The Area,
THEIR mothers were young and naive when they left Australia to marry ISIS fighters. They were barely children themselves.
Allowing them to live in filth and squalor is a breeding ground for radicalisation, let alone shortening their lives due
to malnourishment and disease. They are Australian citizens and above all human beings.
The children are in this situation through no fault of their own.
They need to be with their mothers. That’s all they know.
Politicians, you are denying them their constitutional rights
I am doing a complete clean out of my home, but I can't decide what to keep and what to cull.
How do I make these decisions?
Claudia D.
Dear Claudia,
I am the wrong person to ask about this.
When I decide to clean my bedroom, I enter the zone of nostalgia.
Soon, I am surrounded by clothes from the 1990s, boxes of electrical cords that seem important (and yet I have no idea what they belong to), a boxed wedding dress, letters from friends, artworks that no longer suit our decor, but hold fond memories, the kids' baby teeth, orders of service from every funeral I've attended, and childhood teddy bears amongst other items.
No matter how hard I try, I'm unable to take the next step, which is to realise that these are items I will never use again, except to remove them from drawers and put them back with every spring clean.
Marie Kondo would weep over my inability to declutter.
With each item, she would ask if it brought me joy, and I would not have a sufficient answer, except to ponder if joy is really what we are after when we rearrange our belongings.
I suspect it is not the freeing nature of joy, but the sentimental pull of nostalgia.
One of my sons has inherited
this sense of longing.
He has it much worse than I do.
A couple of times I have tried to give away some things from his childhood - his Lego, a jar of shells, a size 5 hand-knitted jumper - and he looks at me as though I am trying to sell one of his kidneys.
My daughter, on the other hand, is a Marie Kondo loyalist.
She will throw anything away without a hint of reflection.
Cards, clothes, trophies. She tosses them with abandon.
Whenever she does a cull, I head to the bin and do some surreptitious retrieving.
Somewhere between these extremes is probably where you want to be with your complete cleanout, and there are some great strategies for achieving your goal.
The best one I've found is to clear everything out of the room and then sort your things into four groups: Keep, Move, Donate/Sell and Chuck.
Start with one cupboard and don't move on until you have finished.
If you are trying to work out what to keep, interrogate your reasons.
If it's a pair of shorts, for example, that you've kept for 10 years because you're going to squeeze into them one day, let yourself move on from that thought.
If it's a wedding dress that carries nostalgic memories and you have room for it, you have every right to hold onto it.
Make your decisions quickly. DO NOT SIT DOWN (this is important).
As soon as you sit on the floor and open up that box of photos and letters, Coldplay's Warning Sign playing in the background, you're on your way to an emotionallyoverloaded situation that no amount of storage boxes and Glen 20 will fix.
Carpe diem, Jasminda
Upgrade the North Coast railway
DEAR News Of The Area, IMAGINE this!
Instead of spending $93 billion on a high-speed railway between Sydney and Newcastle (which will inevitably double or triple or quadruple in cost before completion), imagine that this money is invested in the North Coast railway!
The line would be duplicated so trains could run in both directions without delays.
Steep grades would be reduced with tunnelling, bridges, embankments and viaducts, allowing trains to maintain a higher speed.
as Australian citizens. Having clean water and enough to eat are human rights. Stop this political point scoring at the expense of these women and children who have no voice.
Regards, Julia MERKEL, Mid North Coast.
Deviations would be built wherever the lines need straightening or the curves need easing, so trains could maintain a higher speed.
The lines would be electrified allowing the new regional trains to run without having to switch to their diesel engines beyond Broadmeadow.
Intersecting roads would have bridges or underpasses to maintain traffic flow and all minor roads would have state-of-the-art level crossings.
The line would be reopened
to Murwillumbah and a dedicated platform would be built at Roma Street in Brisbane. Trains to the North Coast could depart on the hour alternating between all stations trains and limited-stop expresses. Overtaking loops would be incorporated into the system as well.
Passenger trains would be given priority over freight trains.
This major upgrade to an ancient railway track would revolutionise rail travel with passengers averaging 110km/hr or more in comfort and safety and without having to pay exorbitant fares to reach their destination.
Seniors and pensioners could still enjoy subsidised travel with the money left over from this huge injection of funding. This would be affordable infrastructure spending, boosting employment and the economy, with limited impact on other essential expenditure.
Yours, Geoff RICHARDSON, Port Macquarie.
PUZZLES
SUDOKU
Kids Boot Camp
WRIGLEY
Richard Douglas
Passed away Tuesday 24th February Aged 86. Late of Tallebudgera, formerly residing in Port Macquarie.
Dearly loved by his wife Helen, son Stephen and daughter Liz and their families. Much loved brother to Ruth, Philip, Winsome, Erica, Mim, Jocelyn (dec’d) and Helen and adored by countless nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday 9th March, 1pm at Port Macquarie Uniting Church, Sherwood Rd.
BIKE for children near new. $50. Ph 0415 858 981.
BIKES, two folding bicycles, fair cond, suit caravaners/campers
$50 for the pair. Please text: 0413 762 033. F060326
BLACK school shoes new balance, size 2 US as new $25 Ph 0458 659 427 F300126
BREVILLE smoking gun Model BSM600, In original box , used twice $25. 0428 559 572
FISHING Rod - 3 piece Jarvis Walker Surf Rock 15 foot. Exc Cond. $80 ono. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890
EXERCISE bike VGC hardly used. Includes monitors. BK1. $300 0412 380 943. Colleen
, tumble dryer $15. 6583 2029 or 0439 107
KNEE scooter, only used for 6 weeks. Sheepskin cover, bag on front. $100 0484 344 174
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 F281125
ROYAL Albert bone china small rose vases $25 for pair 13cm H. Photo’s avaliable 02 6585 1564
Refrigerator. Good cond $90 ono 1702mm H x 790mm W x 612mm D 0419 226 048 F171025
SOLID pine timber TV cabinet. GC. $50. Ph 0400 779 531
STAGHORN large - 2m wide 1m high, $300 ono Ph (02) 6580 3086
Caravans
Caravans
Caravans
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
BLUE MURDER MOTEL
ABC TV, 7.30pm
McLeod’s Daughters co-stars Michala Banas and Brett Tucker (both pictured) reunite for this Kiwi murder mystery with a kooky twist. Recently retired from the Sydney homicide squad for reasons they’re not willing to discuss, married couple Vinny (Banas) and Cole (Tucker) head across the ditch for a fresh start, buying a rundown retro motel in a seaside town near Auckland. It’s not quite the dream they had in mind though – the plumbing’s a disaster, the sign is permanently askew… and there’s a dead body in one of the rooms.
FRIDAY, March 6
TUESDAY
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT
NBN, 7.30pm
Rolling green hills, tranquil bird song and luxurious accommodation – it might sound relaxing but there’s no surer way to ensure chaos and conflict among Married at First Sight than the series’ infamous Retreat Week. Like a days-long dinner party, the couples are encouraged to mingle, gain a fresh perspective and find out if their connections really work outside the four walls of their Sydney apartments. This year, it’s a bad joke that has sent the experiment into meltdown – with the fallout isolating Rachel and Steven from the rest of the group. At the final drinks night, Bec (pictured) is caught at the centre of the drama as the lingering tensions reach an explosive conclusion.
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (Final, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mal, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 Singapore Bitesize. (R) 9.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 The Toy Hospital. 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Marseille: Birth Of A Megapolis. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh visits a colourful slice of Malta.
8.35 Professor T. (PGa) Professor T is out of prison.
9.25 Tonight At The Museum. (PG, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)
10.25 Dog Park. (M, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)
12.00 Smother. (Mls, R)
1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World.
9.25 Fly With Me. (Ml, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Sisi. (PGa)
12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)
3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s
Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Killer Condo. (2022, Mav, R) 3.00 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG, R) 3.30 Women’s Test Cricket: Pre-Game. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth.
10.20 MOVIE: Anna. (2019, MA15+av, R) A woman becomes a feared government assassin. Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren.
12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy and Colette feel the heat.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
THURSDAY CREATIVE TYPES WITH VIRGINIA
“I’m not really drawn to heroes,” admits actor Hugo Weaving. Perhaps most famous The ’s menacing Agent Smith, the Sydney-based star aims to find the humanity within the fractured and complex men he plays on screen and stage – be it English cricket captain Douglas Jardine in Bodyline or monstrous father David in Patrick Melrose. Strolling around Sydney with host Virginia Trioli (pictured left, with Weaving) for this brilliant arts-focused interview series, Weaving shares insights on his career, iconic roles and creative process. A fascinating figure who refuses the Hollywood life, Weaving finds a sense of place and belonging in telling Australian stories.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015, MA15+alv, R)
An FBI agent is enlisted to help fight the war on drugs. Emily Blunt.
1.00 Next Stop.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Nanny. 9.35 Addams Family. 10.05 Bewitched. 11.05 Rugby Heaven. 12.05pm Big Rigs Of Oz. 12.35 9Honey Hacks. 12.50 Parental Guidance. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.
SMART
6.00 10 News+.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG)
7.30 Jamie Oliver: Eat Yourself Healthy. (Premiere) Jamie Oliver cooks meatballs. 8.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Professionals Tom and Erin know it’s time to make a decision on their current Queenslander. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage
6.00
SATURDAY, March 7
(PGals, R)
(PG, R)
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Premiere, PG)
Follows two married Australian detectives.
8.20 Top End Bub. (Premiere, PG)
A couple’s perfect Adelaide life is interrupted when a family tragedy strikes and they’re forced to return to Darwin. 8.50 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is shot while celebrating 50 years of police service at the yacht club.
9.50 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 10.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Final)
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R)
9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGa, R)
10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Women. 12.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men. 3.15 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)
4.15 Going Places. (PGl, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Evening session. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) 8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991, G, R) A family plans a wedding. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton.
10.40 MOVIE: Moonstruck. (1987, PGal, R) Cher.
12.35 Epic Builds. (R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Discovering Film. 7.30 The Remains Of The Day. (1993, PG) 10.00
SUNDAY, March 8
6.30 Compass.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (Final, PG)
8.30 Dog Park. (Final, Ml) It’s the day of Samantha and Steve’s wedding.
9.00 This England. (Final, MA15+l) The country continues to cope with COVID.
10.05 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) Follows two married Australian detectives.
10.55 Top End Bub. (PG, R)
11.20 MOVIE: Partisan. (2015, MA15+v, R)
1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow. (Premiere) 9.15 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) 10.55 Roberta Flack. (PGa, R) 12.25 Jackie And Lee: A Tale Of Two Sisters. (Ma, R)
1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 1.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.00 Billy Joel Live At Madison Square Garden. (PGl, R) 10.00 The Hunters. (Mav, R) 11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl)
12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 2. Highlights. 12.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00
(2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Three Thousand Years Of Longing. (2022, M) 12.35am Prodigal Son. (Premiere) 2.15 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, M) 4.20 Surfing Australia TV. 4.50
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: Rocky Mountain Murder Spree. (MA15+asv) 11.15 The First 48. (Mav, R)
Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGad, R) A loving deaf couple try to break through a cavoodle’s separation anxiety. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. After years of impasse, an intervention is necessary for a Hunters Hill couple. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (PGs, R) Olympia and Matty each put together their own collateral for Julian, hoping to regain his trust after he makes a shocking discovery. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+.
Encino Man. (1992, PG) 8.00 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, M) 10.00 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s European Vacation. (1985, M) Midnight Gotham. 12.55 Arrow. 2.35 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance
(22)
MONDAY, March 9
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Inside The Tower Of London. (Return)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 The Old Man. (MA15+v, R) 12.40 Kate And Larapinta.
1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 2. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (Premiere) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.
10.10 The Agenda Setters. (Return) 11.10 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+ls, R)
12.10 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(62)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Mr. Holmes.
(2015, PG) 6.20 Mosley. (2019, PG) 8.10 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PG) 10.05 Oliver’s Universe. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Discovering Film. 1.05 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 3.05 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.55 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 6.40 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 8.30 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 11.10 The Lives Of Others. (2006, MA15+, German) 1.35am Late Programs.
TUESDAY, March 10
A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav, R)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Exit. (Mals, R)
11.55 The Carnival. (MA15+l, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 3. 3.15 Safe Home. (Malv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane makes a huge decision.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Ma) At Jake’s father’s funeral, grief helps clarify his feelings for Amy. 10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mav) Follows the work of an ambulance service. 11.10 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics. 12.10 Dirty John. (Premiere, MA15+v) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 100% Footy. (Return, Mal) Features the latest rugby league news. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (Ml)
Sight Unseen. (Mav)
Footy Classified. (Return, Ml)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.05 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 8.10 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 10.00 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 12.35pm Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 3.00 Mosley. (2019, PG) 4.45 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.40 Summerland. (2020, PG) 8.30 Days Of Heaven. (1978, PG) 10.15 And So It Goes. (2014, M) Midnight Secretary. (2002, MA15+) 2.00 Late Programs.
DRAMA (51)
(22)
WEDNESDAY, March 11
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.20 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (Premiere)
8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG)
9.25 Prisoner 951. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Face To Face. (Mals)
THURSDAY,
6.00
2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Going Places. (R)
11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malv)
12.45 MOVIE: Cold Water. (2023, PGa)
1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 4. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
10.10 Australia: Now And Then. (Ma, R)
11.10 Unfiltered. (Return, M)
11.40 The Agenda Setters.
12.40 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+dlvv)
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Return, Ml)
11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 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.
Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Ultimate Vets. 9.50 Animal Park. 11.20 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice.
March 12
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
6am Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.20 Summerland. (2020, PG) 10.15 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.20pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.15 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 4.00 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PG) 5.50 Callie & Son. (1981) 8.30 Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 10.40 Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+) 2am Late Programs.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma)
9.35 A Spy Among Friends.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)
12.00 The Hollow. (MA15+v, R)
1.05 Dirty Bird. (R)
1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 5.
3.15 Silent Road. (Madsv, R)
4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.55 Tales From The Territories. 2.50 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch.
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30
FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Inception. (2010, M) 11.35 Seinfeld. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.30 Nanny. 4.00 Late Programs.
2.55
3.00
1.50 SBS50. 1.55
5.00
7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35
6.15
Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. (Return) 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Couples Therapy. 2.10 Late Programs.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Callie & Son. (1981) 8.45 Days Of Heaven. (1978, PG) 10.30 And So It Goes. (2014, M) 12.15pm Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, M) 2.25 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 4.20 Summerland. (2020, PG) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 8.30 Unforgiven. (1992, M) 10.55 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 1.25am Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+) 4.35 The Movie Show. 5.10 Discovering Film.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)
8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ml) A driver tries to U-turn on the Harbour Bridge.
8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Diary. (2001, Mlv, R) A woman documents a year of her life through her diary. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth.
10.30 To Be Advised.
12.10 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Phoenix. H’lights. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Golden Girls. 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30pm Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix. (1999, M) 11.15 Seinfeld. 12.15am Rugby Heaven. 1.15 Love Island UK. 2.10 Late Programs.
DRAMA
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9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
State Cup secured
By Sis HIGGINS
NSW TOUCH Football
(NSWTF) has confirmed the Senior State Cup will remain in Port Macquarie for the next two years, following a competitive tender process. The tender involved Port Macquarie-Hastings Council submitting a “comprehensive and strategically focused” bid that highlighted the region’s proven ability to deliver major sporting events. Council’s submission also outlined recently completed upgrades to grandstand seating and identified infrastructure options to further improve the Tuffins Lane Sporting Fields.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the decision to return the tournament to Port reinforces the region’s long-standing connection to the sport and its strength as an events destination.
“Port Macquarie-Hastings is widely regarded as the spiritual home of touch, so we are absolutely delighted
CONTINUED Page 15
q Mayor Adam Roberts, NSWTF General Manager Dean Russell and Port Macquarie Makos representatives launch the 2025 State Cup in December. Photo: @pmhcouncil.
