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New arrival of joeys at Guulabaa
KOALA Conservation Australia (KCA) has welcomed a second cohort of koala joeys through its Wild Koala Breeding Program. Building on the success of the inaugural breeding season, KCA says the recent arrival of the joeys marks an important step forward in establishing a longterm, science-led solution
to support wild koala populations.
“This is no longer just a breakthrough - it’s proof that the program works,” said Dr Kate Farquharson, Manager of the Wild Koala Breeding Program.
“These joeys represent the next generation of wild koalas, raised with the behaviours and resilience
they need to thrive in their natural habitat.”
The joeys are at varying stages of early development, with some expected to start emerging from their mothers’ pouches soon, while others continue to grow under their protection.
In line with KCA’s “wild to wild” philosophy, all monitoring is
conducted at a distance using cameras and binoculars to preserve natural behaviours and ensure the best possible outcomes for eventual release.
Joeys will be released into carefully identified habitats in partnership with leading conservation organisations, helping to strengthen populations most in need.
The Wild Koala Breeding Program operates from the purpose-built facility at Guulabaa – Place of Koala, in Cowarra State Forest. Funded entirely by community support following the Black Summer bushfires, the program continues to rely on public contributions to expand its impact.
Teens charged with almost 20 offences
FOUR teenage boys have been arrested following an investigation into alleged property offences on the Mid North Coast.
About 4am on Thursday 30 April, police were called to Fern Valley Parade, Port Macquarie, following reports a vehicle had been stolen.
Following inquiries, police located the vehicle abandoned on a nearby street and established that four males had run from the abandoned vehicle.
Officers attached to
Mid North Coast Police District patrolled the area, however were unable to locate the group.
Following further inquiries, officers attended a Port Macquarie home about 1.15pm the same day.
During a search of the home, police allegedly located and seized keys to the stolen vehicle and the home on Fern Valley Parade.
One of the 15-yearold boys was charged with 11 offences:
- Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (less than or equal to $60,000);
- Break & Enter house etc steal value (less than or equal to $60,000);
- Aggravated enter dwelling with intentknowing people there;
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts);
Four boys – one aged 12, and three aged 15 –were arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station.
Four charged after Wauchope pub incident
last year. About 6.50pm on Saturday 13 September 2025, police were called to a licensed premises on High Street, Wauchope, following reports of a brawl.
At the scene, police were told a group were allegedly requested to leave the premises before an employee was pushed into a wall and
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Dishonestly obtain property by deception;
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly;
- Shoplifting value (less than or equal to $2,000);
- Breach of bail.
A second 15-year-old boy was charged with five offences:
- Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (less than or equal to $60,000);
verbally abused.
The group allegedly re-entered the premises before leaving a short time later.
Following extensive inquiries and a review of CCTV footage, police issued Court Attendance
Notices to four men –two aged 22, and the others aged 32 and 45.
All four men were
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts);
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner;
- Destroy or damage property.
The third 15-year-old boy was charged with “be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner” and “breach of bail”.
The younger boy was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
charged with “affray” and “excluded person re-enter/attempt to reenter premises”.
The 32-year-old man was also charged with “common assault”. They are all due to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
q Myka the koala
q Guulabaa resident Hope.
q Mothers and joeys at the ‘Place of Koala’ in Cowarra State Forest.
Nine new probationary constables for Port and Kempsey
NINE probationary constables have commenced duties in the Mid North Coast Police District after new officers attested at a formal ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, 2 May.
Of the new officers beginning their postings, five will be based at Kempsey and four at Port Macquarie.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp welcomed the new recruits at Kempsey Police Station.
“Having more boots on the ground in Kempsey and
Port Macquarie strengthens community safety in a very practical way,” he said.
“It means faster response times, greater visibility, and a stronger police presence where it’s needed most.”
Mr Kemp said it was particularly encouraging that a number of the new officers are locals to the Mid North Coast.
“That local knowledge and connection to community is really valuable and it helps build trust from day one,” he said.
“When officers are out
in our towns, engaging with locals and understanding the challenges they face, it leads to better outcomes and stronger relationships between police and the community.”
Class 365 comprised of 302 new probationary constables including 221 men and 81 women.
The recruits have completed eight months of foundational training and those allocated to commands within the Mid North Coast are to complete 12 months' on-the-job training and study.
RDA rider Jess marks 15-year journey
FROM Page 1
she has continued to ride weekly.”
Over the years, Jess has developed her riding ability and now enjoys a greater level of independence during sessions.
“Jess has progressed to many off-lead rides and she loves her weekly ride on either Jinx or Noble, her two favourite horses,” Ms Argent said.
Each week, Jess attends
sessions at the Wauchope Showground accompanied by her carer Roxanne Mann, who supports her participation and enjoyment of the program.
The centre provides a supportive and welcoming
TOBACCO CRACKDOWN
FROM Page 1
Mart in Wauchope; and the North Haven Tobacconist on Ocean Drive.
Since new laws came into effect on 3 November, 2025, NSW Health has issued 10 closure orders in the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
A spokesperson for
NSW Health said that in collaboration with NSW Police, it can issue a shortterm closure order for 90 days to retailers selling illicit tobacco, or illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence.
A full list of current tobacco closures can be found
on the NSW Health website with the tobacco closure orders register updated every Friday after 3pm.
In Coffs Harbour, a News Of The Area reader noticed that shops appeared to have few groceries on their shelves and not much else.
Customers would enter, they said, and the proprietor would go to the back of the
environment for riders of all abilities, with trained volunteers and well-loved horses helping participants build confidence and physical skills.
Jess is often seen greeting fellow riders,
shop and return with cartons of what appeared to be cigarettes.
An employee of another store in Short Street, Port Macquarie, who asked not to be named, observed a similar process.
Cigarettes are a source of revenue primarily for the Federal Government, and there is growing concern, including from State and Federal politicians, that illegal tobacco sales are funding organised crime.
With excise and GST pushing the price of a legal packet of 20 cigarettes to more than $40, a pack-a-day smoker would be paying more than $15,000 dollars a year for their habit.
This is driving the market for illegal cigarettes.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) plays a significant role in tackling the issue of illicit tobacco.
It works with offshore partner agencies to stop illicit tobacco before it reaches Australia, targeting and
volunteers and horses, including Bluey, another popular four legged member of the RDA team.
Her story highlights the lasting impact of the RDA program, not only in developing riding
detecting it at the border.
It also partners with a range of agencies to disrupt domestic distribution networks.
A spokesperson said, “Our objective is to break the illicit tobacco model through an intelligenceinformed approach and by working with other agencies in response to those trading in the illicit tobacco market.
“The ABF are continuing to seize record amounts of illicit tobacco at the international borders.
“Just last financial year, we seized over 2.5 billion illicit cigarettes, over 430 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco and over six million vapes.
“In addition to this, we have undertaken several successful joint agency operations in regional areas.”
According to the spokesperson, NSW Health draws on multiple intelligence sources, including reports from the public, information from law enforcement partners, and
skills but also in fostering independence, routine and a strong sense of belonging.
Programs like RDA continue to offer meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to engage, grow and thrive through the unique bond between rider and horse.
its own compliance holdings, to inform both targeted and broad enforcement activities across the state.
They said NSW Health, supported by NSW Police, actively enforces tobacco retailing legislation using an information and intelligence led risk-based approach.
A closure of premises is one regulatory tool available.
“NSW Health is aware the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products continues to evolve, with some retailers attempting to obscure and avoid the enforcement activities of NSW Health Inspectors after a closure order has been issued.
“NSW Police and NSW Health are working together to identify these methods and pivot their enforcement strategies to shut down this activity.”
NSW Health encourages the public to lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the reporting portal on the NSW Health website.
q Member for Oxley Michael Kemp welcoming the new recruits at Kempsey Police Station.
q Closure order stickers on the front of Fusian Asian Groceries and Confectionary in Short Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
q Some of the closure orders will expire in June. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
102 and still serving the community
By Sis HIGGINS
ALFRED Roy Boyle has reflected on leading Port Macquarie’s Anzac Day marches and has some advice for younger generations.
The veteran celebrated his 102nd birthday in December, surrounded by family and friends who gathered to honour a life defined by service, resilience and quiet leadership.
Now living at Highfields Manor, Mr Boyle remains
sharp and engaged despite declining health and weekly blood transfusions.
He says he was honoured to represent his community.
“My proudest moment was leading the Anzac march on Saturday [25 April],” he said.
“It was the biggest turnout of people I have ever seen and the parking was so difficult.”
Mr Boyle has led the local march for more than 25 years, becoming a familiar
and respected figure in one of the community’s most significant commemorations.
When asked about the happiest moment of his life, his answer was immediate.
“My happiest memory is my marriage to Joan,” he said.
He also shared clear advice for younger generations, pausing before responding.
“Oh this is a good one,” he warned.
“All young kids should have to do at least two years
of service to learn discipline, mateship and honour.
“I think the kids of today join gangs instead of learning respect and service.”
Those close to Mr Boyle describe him as an honourable man and a “beautiful soul”, whose life has been shaped by service to both country and community. His legacy is one of commitment, humility and enduring values.
For Port Macquarie, Roy Boyle’s story is not just a celebration of longevity, but a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice and the importance of community.
Community groups win Council grants
By Rachael THORPE
TWELVE community groups and five major event organisers have been awarded funding by Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
They are Lifeline Mid North Coast, St Agnes’ Care and Lifestyle, My Selfcare Community, Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie, Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council, St Thomas Anglican Church, Hastings District Flying Club and Flying School, Pappinbarra Progress Association, Laurie Street Heritage, Bonny Hills Progress Association, Byabarra Sports and Tennis
Club, and the Beach to Beach Shared Pathway.
The event grants went to the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, Wauchope Highland Gathering, RunHaven, Business Port Macquarie, and the Camden Haven Show.
Council estimates that these initiatives will attract 18,000 attendees and deliver more than $5 million in economic impact.
Jenny Higgins of the Flamin’ Dragons dragonboating club was delighted by the grant.
“We take out young students and people with a disability who find our
paddles heavy and difficult to manage; this funding will allow us to purchase lighter paddles, which will be accessible to everyone,” she said.
Individual projects funded encompass the arts, disability, NAIDOC, sport, signage and small infrastructure, as well as New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Penny Small, President of the Beach-to-Beach Shared Pathway, was thrilled with the project’s grant of $5,000.
She told News Of The Area that it is “earmarked for a key infrastructure boost near the Dunbogan Boatshed”.
“Planned works include a 14-space bike rack to
encourage cycling along the local pathway; a new public bench for residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront; and repairs to the
Why ‘Gidget’ loves wave dancing
By Bill HARROW
FROM an early age, Donna Liver has had an affinity for the ocean and surf - as well as for dancing.
Donna and her six siblings grew up close to the beach, with swimming, sun, and sand a regular part of life.
At 14, Donna got her first surfboard, a second-hand Bob Brown.
Accompanied by her school friends, she went to Nobbys Beach, away from the boys, to learn to surf.
“We were all self-taught and, of course, listened to the music of the time on a
portable boom box,” she recalls.
Donna has been surfing since then and has competed in several competitions, both locally and at Bondi Beach, where she lived and gave birth to her eldest son.
Competition is just a small part of Donna's love affair with surfing.
She prefers the freedom of surfing the fresh, clean waters of Port Macquarie, on Birpai Sea Country, while still raising her youngest son.
“Understanding the local tidal features, rips, and currents, is a surfer's unofficial role as a lifeguard,”
she said.
“Helping others navigate the surf and ocean, which has involved a rescue or two, comes with the territory of being a surfer.”
During her formative years, Donna learned to dance with assistance from her mother, Jenny Gould, who was a dance teacher at the time.
She studied Classical Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, and began her instruction in Physical Culture in 1976, aged eight, when a club formed in Port Macquarie.
Donna continues to practise “physie” and yoga with the founding teacher
of Port Physie and Dance, Heather Elderidge.
This year, the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Donna’s connection to the ocean extends to her roles within the National Surfing Reserves, and as secretary of the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum.
This is where she has earned the affectionate nickname, “Gidget”.
Her involvement with the surfing museum strengthens her connection to Port Macquarie's surfing history, which dates to 1912.
Donna was heavily
retaining wall,” she said.
“These additions aim to enhance the accessibility and amenity of the Dunbogan area for the entire committee.”
involved in the World Surfing Conference 2026, held earlier this year on the Gold Coast.
Eighty international delegates took part in promoting, preserving, protecting and conserving our waterways, beaches and oceans for generations to come.
“As a practising nurse, part of my obligation is to protect our natural environment and be aware of the health consequences of environmental degradation,” she said.
Donna advocates for initiatives that reduce environmentally harmful practices, to promote health and wellbeing.
She was also part of the
The grants program supports local not-forprofit organisations to fund initiatives that are inclusive and connect the community.
Enable Reference Group, which recently advocated for beach matting at Town Beach to make the surf accessible to all.
The matting will be installed for the local Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic, which has been held since 1981, and is on again between 29-31 May at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills.
Surfing gives Donna and many others the freedom to enjoy a fresh, clean, invigorating sport, while respecting its variable waves, rips, tides, and currents.
“I’m stoked to be able to dance on the waves and am excited to share this experience and feeling with others,” she told NOTA.
q Mr Boyle with close friend Michelle Nocelli at Highfields Manor. Photo: Michelle Nocelli.
q Mayor Adam Roberts with the grant recipients.
q Donna Liver. Photo: courtesy, Vivian Mitchell.
150,000 Mulloway and Dusky Flathead released
MORE than 150,000 Mulloway and Dusky Flathead fingerlings have been released into key NSW fishing locations - including the Hastings River - as part of the NSW Government’s Marine Stocking Program.
Over the past month more than 100,000 Mulloway fingerlings have been released into the Georges and Hastings rivers and Lake Macquarie.
In March, some 54,000 juvenile Dusky Flathead were released into popular Recreational Fishing Havens on the NSW South Coast, including Lake Conjola,
Burrill Lake and St Georges Basin.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “The release of these fingerlings into popular fishing spots is a great example of recreational fishing fees at work.
“This is about building fish stocks, undertaking the research needed to keep as many fingerlings alive as possible and knowing where and when to release them.”
Both Dusky Flathead and Mulloway are among the State’s most popular fishing species, with Dusky Flatheads relatively easy to
target, making them ideal for beginners and families.
Mulloway are notoriously unpredictable and can often be hard to locate.
They make long, strong runs, hooking a big one is a serious test of skill and gear and they are often considered a “rite of passage” for NSW anglers.
To ensure the success of the Marine Stocking Program into the future, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development scientists have an ongoing research and monitoring program to determine the optimum size of the fish for
release, preferred habitats and the rates of predation in the days after liberation.
The NSW Marine Stocking Program is supported by the NSW Recreational Fishing
Probus celebrates 50 years
By Sis HIGGINS
TWO long-serving Probus members were awarded Life Membership at a recent celebration of Port City Combined Probus Club.
At its April meeting, the club marked both the 50th anniversary of Probus in Australia and its own 28th birthday.
Assistant Treasurer Robert Guyer told News Of The Area that during the meeting, the club awarded life memberships to Carla
Little and Tony Robinson.
Both recipients have made significant contributions over many years, including taking on a range of leadership roles.
Carla has been a member since November 2009 and has served in positions including President, Vice President, Social Organiser and Secretary.
“Carla has not only been an active Committee member but also an active and enthusiastic contributor at all Club functions,” he said.
Tony Robinson joined the club in April 2003 and has also served extensively, including as President.
“He took over the task of steering the club forward during an awkward time in [its] history,” Mr Guyer said.
The April meeting was a celebration of both history and community.
Assistant Treasurer Robert Guyer said the recognition of Life Members reflected the strength of the club and its focus on connection and wellbeing.
“Probus provides strong social connections that… improve mental health and wellbeing as people age.”
Originally formed for professional and business retirees, the organisation now welcomes anyone who is retired or semi-retired.
With more than 90,000 members across 1,300 clubs nationwide, Probus brings members together to recognise service, commitment and community spirit.
Trusts.
Recreational fishers are reminded to ensure they have paid the recreational fishing fee and abide the bag and size limits when fishing in NSW.
Mulloway has a size limit of 70cm and bag limit of one. Dusky Flathead has a slot limit of 36cm-70cm and a bag limit of five.
q Juvenile Dusky Flathead q A Mulloway fingerling.
q Cutting the anniversary cake, club President Myrna Bristowe with new Life Members Carla Little and Tony Robinson. Photo: supplied.
Max Ramsey celebrates 102nd birthday
LAURIETON veteran Maxwell (Max) Ramsey celebrated his 102nd birthday on 6 May.
Born in 1924, Max grew up on the land across Pambula, Bimbaya and Toowoomba, where early life was defined by dairy farming, sheep, and the demands of rural work.
By the age of 12 he was already running his own team of 16 bullocks.
He describes this experience as formative, teaching him patience, problem-solving, and practical resilience far beyond his years.
At just 16, he lost his mother, before going on to serve in World War II for four years.
Like many of his generation, he returned carrying the emotional weight of war, shaped by loss and hardship, but also by a determination to keep moving forward.
After the war, Max married his wife Shirley in 1948, and the pair shared 71 years together.
Reflecting on their life, Max says their enduring partnership was built on perseverance and commitment, navigating life’s ups and downs side by side.
One of their fondest memories was relocating to Laurieton in the early 1950s, a chapter Max still recalls vividly for its simplicity and
sense of new beginnings.
A skilled tradesman, Max went on to become a Master Builder, developing a lifelong passion for working with timber.
“The timber is always
alive!” he says, describing his dedication to craftsmanship.
He also worked as an Aircraft Instrument Technician, a role that reflected his technical skill and curiosity.
Mother’s Day Classic returns
Clarry Anderson Sheet Metal
45 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie 6581 0641 or 0428 810 641
Clarry is retiring!!!
THE Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) returns to Port Macquarie for the twelfth time on Sunday, 10 May.
From humble beginnings in 1998 with 3,000 participants in Melbourne and Sydney raising $50,000, the Mother’s Day Classic has become a major fixture on the national fundraising calendar.
Up to 100,000 participants are expected to walk and run five kilometre courses at more than 90 locations nationwide
Now 102, Max continues to stay mentally and physically active, maintaining a strong belief in daily exercise and lifelong learning.
When asked the secret
this year in support of breast and ovarian cancer research.
In Port Macquarie, local event hosts and volunteers are busy behind the scenes in preparation for Sunday’s event.
“It’s always a busy time, yet it is so rewarding to be able to create this event each year, with our amazing Port Macquarie riverfront and foreshore as the backdrop to something that is extremely meaningful for so many,” said local event host Carmen AbiSaab.
“There are many people in
to a long and happy life, Max is clear: “Communicate, converse at every level with your spouse – it is the most important advice I can give”. Max now resides at Whiddon Laurieton.
our very own community who are walking their own breast or ovarian cancer journey every day.
“When someone is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, the impact also extends to partners, children, family members and friends.
“The MDC brings people together to recognise, acknowledge and support everyone’s unique story.”
Port Macquarie’s MDC is volunteer-led and funded by local business sponsors and in-kind contributors.
I am finally retiring after 45 years in the manufacturing industry in Port Macquarie servicing the Mid North Coast and covered areas from Sydney to Grafton. I have seen a lot of changes over that period - I started out with just two customers in the air conditioning trade and finished with a regular base of approximately 600 trade customers plus many repeat smaller account clients, manufacturing stainless benches for restaurants, hotels and hospitals, takeaways ventilation systems and general metal for a lot of smaller projects and handymen and women.
Throught the years I have put throgh 14 Apprentices. I have worked in Jindabyne - Canberra - SydneyNewcastle, right up to Brisbane - Kingaroy - Winderah and out west to Walcha - Tamworth - Armidale - Narrabri and Moree doing jobs in Sports clubs, Race clubs, Hotels and Takeways.
In our busiest times I had 14 staff. But most of the time we only had 6-8 permanent staff which seemed to be a good fit. In the 1980’s to 1990’s there seemed to be plenty of tradies around and wanting to work. Staff was a little short leading into COVID which seemed to put the deathknell into manufacturing industries, I could see it going the same way as Blacksmiths, Tinsmiths and the like in the last few years.
Some of my machines would be classes as vintage like me and the Trades today are more computer run with CC Machines doing most of the work, but there are still a lot of good tradies and businesses out there so I think the future is good.
I will be having a clearance sale 11-15 May at the factory. Everything must go, so if you are interested come and have a chat.
Cheers and thanks for the memories, Clarry
Guilotines & Folders PLUS Drills - Grinders
q Laurieton resident Max Ramsey is celebrating his 102nd birthday. Photo: supplied.
q Max married his wife Shirley in 1948. Photo: supplied. q A smiling Max in his younger years. Photo: supplied.
q Participants braved the elements for the 2025 Mother’s Day Classic in Port Macquarie. Photo: supplied.
Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze
By Jacob SHTEYMAN and Nick WILSON, AAP
A SPATE of fire bombings could be just the beginning as concerns mount the tax system is driving a burgeoning alcohol black market putting lives and the budget bottom line at risk.
Police have not confirmed whether illicit alcohol was behind 15 incidents at
hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since 14 April, but the industry is warning Australia's high excise settings is fuelling organised crime.
Two more Melbourne hospitality venues were attacked in the early hours of Saturday, as police investigate whether they are linked to the broader spree.
A Molotov cocktail was
thrown towards a licensed venue on Cecil Street at South Melbourne about 2.20am.
About an hour later, the glass doors of a Docklands restaurant were smashed before accelerant was used to set it alight, police said.
Three males - aged 16, 19 and 22 - were arrested in relation to the Docklands attack while no alleged offenders have been identified for the earlier incident.
Detectives from Operation Eclipse will investigate whether the incidents are linked to the broader spate of attacks on licensed venues.
If the alcohol excise is left unchecked, the nation could face a second black market scourge, after the explosion in illicit tobacco that has decimated the federal budget's excise take and spurred gang violence.
The experience of the tobacco market was a "cautionary tale", industry body Spirits and Cocktails Australia chief executive
Steven Fanner told AAP.
High excise rates equate to more than $30 on a standard 700ml bottle of spirits.
Mr Fanner warns the excise is interacting with the alcohol manufacturers remission scheme - a tax break intended to support craft distillers by allowing small manufacturers to produce their first 8500 litres or so excise-free - to do more harm than good.
The system is being gamed by dodgy operators and opportunistic middlemen, who are exploiting the scheme to buy up tax-free alcohol and undercut genuine manufacturers.
Spirits and Cocktails Australia and the Australian Distiller's Association have written to the treasurer outlining their concerns over the scheme and calling for stronger integrity measures to ensure it isn't exploited by bad actors.
They estimate tightening the scheme could save the
federal budget about $224 million over four years.
Last November, the Australian Taxation Office estimated illicit alcohol sales were worth at least $767 million, which was more than 10 percent of all spirits consumed legally in Australia, said the National Drug Research Institute.
A spokesperson for Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said the alcohol remission scheme was about supporting Australian distillers.
"We take integrity very seriously. The ATO is responsible for compliance and we expect them to crack down on anyone who is doing the wrong thing," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Police were aware alcohol could also be coming into the nation without being taxed, said Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly, although it wasn't clear whether the attacks were the beginning of an illegal alcohol trade war.
TAFE students making a difference
By Mick BIRTLES
A GROUP of dedicated TAFE students recently joined WIRES Mid North Coast (MNC) volunteers for a hands-on working bee at the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter in Coffs Harbour.
The working bee brought together the next generation of wildlife carers with experienced WIRES members, who have been working tirelessly to establish and maintain the facility with limited volunteer resources.
The students, who come from right across the Mid North Coast including Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads and Port Macquarie, rolled up their sleeves making possum dreys, moving mulch and fitting out enclosures, delivering real improvements for animals in care in just one day.
WIRES MNC volunteers were highly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, willingness to learn and eagerness to contribute.
“This day was incredibly uplifting to be part of,” a WIRES MNC representative said.
“Seeing these young people so engaged and motivated to help wildlife was inspiring, and their support has made a real difference to the shelter.”
This Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter plays an important role in supporting local carers by providing a safe space for animals to recover and prepare for release.
For many of the students, the experience offered valuable insight into wildlife rehabilitation and the
important work carried out by volunteers.
“This was a wonderful experience to help wildlife that is currently in rehabilitation while doing work that helps us achieve
competencies in our studies,” one TAFE student told News Of The Area.
“It feels great to help and I am looking forward to more opportunities.”
The students also
showed strong interest in continuing their involvement beyond their studies, with opportunities available to support the shelter through volunteer induction training.
"That's the million-dollar question," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"Everything is on the table."
But Det Supt Kelly suggested unknown crime figures were employing the same techniques used in the state's long-running tobacco turf war.
Nationals MP Pat Conaghan wants a review of the alcohol excise, which he says is unsustainable for operators and drives consumers to the black market.
As a former undercover drug operative, he believes enforcement agencies are severely under-resourced and penalties are far too low to act as a deterrent.
Mr Conaghan says there is still time to "break the back" of the illicit alcohol networks before they become entrenched.
"If we don't get on top of it now, it will turn into the same kind of monster that tobacco is," he said.
WIRES MNC hopes the day will encourage more community members to get involved, whether through volunteering, training or supporting local wildlife initiatives.
To get involved, email mncwildlifeshelter@gmail. com.
q Nationals MP Pat Conaghan wants a review of the alcohol excise. Photo: Pat Conaghan MP.
q TAFE students from across the region rolled up their sleeves to work with WIRES volunteers. Photo: supplied.
Local support for Human Rights Act
By Rachael THORPE
PEOPLE with Disability
Australia (PWDA) President Jeramy Hope has used an address to the National Press Club to repeat calls for a Human Rights Act.
He said that without enforceable rights, people with disabilities will continue to be exposed to harm with limited pathways to challenge their treatment.
“Australia’s human rights framework has gaps, and people with disabilities are living with the consequences,” he said.
“PWDA consistently hears from people who have experienced discrimination,
exclusion or harm and are left without a clear, accessible way to have their rights upheld.”
Port Macquarie resident Sarah Eade is a full time wheelchair user who supports the introduction of an Act.
“Everyone deserves similar experiences, services and opportunities,” she said.
“It shouldn’t matter if you have a disability or not, everybody’s life matters and we should be able to make safe day to day life choices for ourselves, while protected by legislation.”
The 2019 Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and
Exploitation of People with Disability heard evidence of widespread abuse, harm and neglect experienced by people with disability.
PWDA Vice-President Jarrod Sandell-Hay said, “Enforceable rights and clear safeguards are essential, particularly in systems where government decisions have a direct impact on people’s daily lives.
“Our patchwork of legal protections is simply not effective at addressing or preventing harm to our community.”
Recent NDIS reform announcements including the potential introduction of AI into decision making, have
raised concerns that reduced human involvement will result in future harm.
A Human Rights Act defines protected rights, allows courts to interpret laws consistently, and requires public authorities to centre people when crafting policy.
Australia operates under the British Westminster system of parliamentary sovereignty and common law, and well-known disability advocate Noel Hiffernan OAM feels this is sufficient.
“Our current system provides checks and balances, and operates in conjunction with the Magna Carta,” he said.
Inquiry into local government funding visits Mid North Coast
THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport is holding hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree this week as part of its inquiry into local government funding.
The Committee wants to “better understand the funding challenges faced by
local governments across regional and rural Australia and its workers who provide infrastructure and deliver services to vast areas of Victoria and NSW”.
Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP said, “The Committee is looking forward to learning more about the fiscal sustainability of local government in both northern
Victoria and regional NSW and potential solutions to current challenges for fast growing regional cities and geographically larger shires with fewer rate payers.”
Hearings began in Wodonga on Wednesday 6 May where the committee heard from shire and regional city councils such as Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Community Consultation Port Macquarie Ocean Pool
The Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee, formed in 2017 is a local organisation committed to designing and gaining approval for construction of an Ocean pool.
After years of design development, extensive research studies, successful consultation with the Birpai Traditional Owners Corporation and ongoing community engagement, the Planning Proposal was submitted to Port Macquarie Hastings Council in September 2025. This application seeks permission to build the pool at Oxley Beach and is a pre-requisite to the Gateway Determination and Development Application process.
Having received Council staff feedback, the Planning Proposal items have been finalised and the Committee are awaiting the Council staff report ahead of a Council vote expected on May 21 or June 18.
We now believe it is timely to share the submitted details of our Planning Proposal with interested community members.
Join us if you’d like to know more about the Ocean Pool project including summaries of the following:
• Site selection process
• Ecology and Biodiversity findings
• Parking studies and recommendations
• Construction estimate
• Maintenance cost estimate
• The level of community support
• Proposed timing + design details and Cost Benefit Analysis
“As a person with a disability who has suffered
from discrimination, I have found that our legal system has sufficient protections in place.”
councils in southern NSW and representatives of Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.
The Committee explored a range of issues including grant distribution processes, bushfire and flood recovery, workforce issues, and labour market conditions in regional Victoria and across the border in the Riverina.
The Committee then travelled to Wagga Wagga for hearings on Thursday, hearing from city and shire
The committee travels north to Taree today, Friday 8 May, to hear from a local government representative body from the Hunter and a range of shire and city councils along the Mid North Coast and inland up to the Tweed River.
Discussions will cover financial sustainability, insurance and risk, workforce challenges, and broader
pressures facing local government across New South Wales, especially for those councils contending with recovery from natural disasters.
Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.
Details for upcoming public hearings and more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions and transcripts of previous hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.
Club Westport on Thursday May 14 from 5 - 7pm.
Please register your attendance by scanning the QR code or emailing info@portmacquarieoceanpool.org.au
(Please add any questions you have also).
q Sarah Eade of Port Macquarie.
Budget won't be war between generations: treasurer
By Tess IKONOMOU and Andrew BROWN, AAP
POTENTIAL changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax in the federal budget would not be breaking the trust of voters, the treasurer says.
As Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, the government faces accusations it is coming after "mum and dad" investors as family trusts join capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing on the list of possible targets for change.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ruled out negative gearing changes ahead of the 2025 federal election, the treasurer said intergenerational pressures would be a focus of the budget.
"The best way to build trust is to make the right decisions for the right reasons, there are genuine intergenerational concerns and pressures," Dr Chalmers told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
"This budget is not about and never will be about setting some Australians against other Australians, it's about recognising some of these legitimate intergenerational concerns, which, in my experience, these concerns are often shared by older Australians."
Senior Labor figures have done little to dampen expectations the budget will deliver major changes to the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing for investment properties.
Asked on Sunday if the public would support changes Labor had not taken to the 2025 election, Mr Albanese said voters would make their own decisions about his government's record.
The budget is being finalised later than normal due to volatility in the Middle East affecting economies around the world.
While the treasurer said there would be a range of contingencies for further cost-ofliving relief, a decision on whether to extend the fuel excise tax cut beyond the end of June would not be in the budget.
The excise cut wiped 26 cents off a litre of fuel at the bowser and was unveiled as a three-month measure.
"We've made it really clear that it's a temporary thing," Dr Chalmers said.
"If we get closer towards the end of that three-month period... obviously we've got a range of contingencies."
The treasurer also said the budget would have net savings for the second year in a row.
Dr Chalmers said there would be more dollars in savings than revenue upgrades or tax reforms in the fiscal blueprint.
"Savings and spending restraint is doing a lot of the heavy lifting in the very responsible budget," he said.
"So much of the heavy lifting here is being done by savings and re-prioritisations to make room for those pressures."
Some of those savings have already been flagged ahead of the budget, with Labor announcing at least 160,000 people were expected to be removed from the NDIS by 2030 as the government curbs growth in spending on the scheme.
The move will do the heavy lifting in budget repair, providing more than $35 billion in forecast savings, although states have sounded the alarm about the financial burden of people with disabilities being shifted onto their health and education systems.
A further $3 billion will be saved by removing the age-based loading for the private health insurance rebate, also announced in April.
In a speech to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne on Monday, shadow treasurer Tim Wilson painted the expected changes as a "tax agenda assault on family".
"Their capital gains tax applies to everyday Australians, mums and dads, but
probably won't to industry super funds nor foreign investors in renewable energy," he told the business group.
"Labor is building a class of Australians dependent on them being in office. This government is not about a better Australia; it is about securing power."
The government will suspend the commercial broadcasting tax for a further two years as part of the budget, which it estimated would save the industry $111 million through to June 2028.
The move follows announced restrictions on gambling advertising, which are expected to hit many media companies' bottom lines.
q Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are facing questions about the budget. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
DEAR
News Of The Area,
I REPLY to Peter Sobey’s letter titled “Even War Heroes Can Be Held To Account” (17 April edition).
It is evident from Mr Sobey’s letter that one, he has absolutely no concept of Australian law and justice i.e. “The presumption of innocence - innocent until proven guilty” and two, has seemingly never put on an Australian Defence Force (ADF) uniform and defended our great country.
I suggest, Mr Sobey, you should let the courts determine the innocence or guilt of Mr Ben Roberts-Smith and in my opinion should not carelessly cast aspersions upon him via the media.
You cite the fact that comrades of Ben Roberts–Smith are giving evidence against him.
You fail to mention that Australian SAS soldiers who have admitted to killing detainees in Afghanistan on the orders of Ben Roberts Smith have been granted “transactional immunity” from prosecution for their involvement.
Yes I agree, the two World Wars were horrific (as is any war) and no soldier would suggest otherwise, but may I suggest that if good men stood by and did nothing, you would be living a far different world than you are today.
You say that the United Nations (UN) was formed in 1945 to prevent future conflicts, maintain international peace and promote human rights.
Ask yourself how well is the UN performing and are they effective when you consider the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, Afghanistan, Iraq, Timor, Palestine, Ukraine, Iran, the war on terror.
There have been hundreds of armed conflicts since 1945.
Lorelei the turtle makes ocean comeback
By Sis HIGGINS
A JUVENILE green sea turtle known as Lorelei has been successfully rehabilitated and returned to the ocean at Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie after almost a year in care at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lorelei was rescued near Crowdy Head in May last year with significant injuries and a complex medical condition known as floating syndrome, which prevents turtles from diving due to a build-up of gas beneath their shell, leaving them vulnerable on the surface.
“Due to that floating syndrome, she was hit by a boat or a jet ski, and it smashed into the top of her shell and caused damage,” said Sanctuary managing director Tiga Cross.
Due to the nature of her injuries, Lorelei - who is between 10 and 15 years old - remained in care far longer than most turtles.
“They typically only stay in care for three to six months,” Tiga said.
After almost 12 months of treatment and monitoring, wildlife carers determined Lorelei was ready to return to her natural habitat.
Lighthouse Beach was selected as the release site due to it being the most practical and its proximity to Crowdy Bay where Lorelei was rescued.
“Lighthouse and Town Beach have been two beaches that we've
The presumption of innocence Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions
You also stated: “These treaties and the institutions that seek to enforce them have been created and agreed to in order to prevent a descent into barbarity. The fact that they appear to be breached with impunity does not mean that they are ineffective.”
Are you kidding?
I served alongside the UN and in my opinion the UN today is not fit for purpose and has degraded into a highly self-serving, ineffective bureaucratic organisation that talks and talks with very little action and poor outcomes.
Mr Sobey, are you aware that China is a member on the UN Human Rights Council (it is currently serving its sixth three-year term) and that Ali Bahreini, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was appointed to chair the 2023 United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Both countries have an appalling history of human rights abuse especially towards women and their own citizens. China has been accused of rights abuses over its treatment of one million Uighurs i.e. re-education and work camps, systematic rapes and genocide all while the UN stood by and did nothing.
Now, I have no idea as to the guilt or innocence of Mr Ben Roberts-Smith, I would never condone the actions he has been accused of, and will leave such judgments to the courts to determine as I suggest you should.
However, I will fight for his rights and the presumption of innocence that he is entitled to.
Regards, Keith WILKINSON Major Rtd, Port Macquarie.
By Zac DE SILVA and Robyn WUTH, AAP
A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left halffinished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders.
The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW.
Independent analysis shows the cost has blown out from $16.4 billion in 2020 to more than $45 billion, Transport Minister Catherine King said in a statement.
''We are taking sensible decisions to realign the future of inland rail and build a safe, efficient and reliable network for the future,'' she said.
The 1600-kilometre freight line, made up of new and existing track, was designed to run from Beveridge, just outside Melbourne, to Kagaru near Brisbane, making it easier to move goods along the east coast while reducing the number of trucks on roads.
The government will hold on to land for the rail corridor north of Parkes – roughly halfway between Melbourne
and Brisbane – but has no immediate plans to build the second half of the project.
Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie slammed the move, labelling the scaled-back plan a ''road to nowhere''.
''This is a direct hit for the businesses and communities and primary producers that had all geared up for this decadal project,'' she told AAP.
''Primary producers and manufacturers wanted resilience built into the northsouth freight network … a project that is from Beveridge to Parkes loses all that additional opportunity.''
Some communities along the line had already raised concerns about noise and towns being effectively cut in two by the route.
The government will also pour an extra $1.75 billion into the east coast freight network in the budget, aimed at upgrading tracks, improving signalling and extending passing loops.
In Queensland, where 345 kilometres of proposed track will now miss out on federal funding, state Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the move was disappointing and shortsighted.
''Recent events have been a reminder of how fragile supply chains are – now is the time to be strengthening them, not eroding them,'' he said.
Queensland opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish also called the decision disappointing and says he wants to see more money flowing to the state's regions.
''We want to see more investment in regional Queensland from both the state and federal budgets,'' he said.
NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin says the government owes answers to farmers and towns along the northern part of the inland rail corridor, where land has been acquired and sections of track built.
''NSW Farmers policy supported inland rail because moving freight more efficiently matters to farm businesses, regional communities, and the prosperity of the nation,'' he said.
''Governments can't ask rural and regional communities to carry the burden of disruptive construction, then just change direction without accountability."
Farmers still struggle to get produce to market and
are demanding clarity over easements and alreadyconstructed assets north of Parkes.
''Certainty matters, and if the funding is stopping at Parkes then the government must be upfront about what happens next, because real people and real businesses have already paid a price,'' Mr Martin said.
Queensland's Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith said the decision was hugely disappointing and a missed opportunity for regional growth.
Inland rail could have taken heavy trucks off country roads that are already worn out and underfunded, he said.
''It's not going to hurt us today, but down the track, in the long term, it's devastating,'' he told AAP.
Mr Smith says the cutback comes as regional Queensland is growing strongly in productivity and needs major nationbuilding projects to keep up.
''Every region in rural Queensland, if not rural Australia, is having issues around road infrastructure that's under-maintained, undermanaged and underfunded,'' he said.
q Crowds gathered at Lighthouse Beach to farewell Lorelei. Photo: @alex.mcnaught.
used in the past that have got quite a good direction out to the Solitary Islands and quite a calm
beach,” she said. The Sanctuary rescues around 200 turtles each year.
q Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary staff release Lorelei back into the wild. Photo: @alex.mcnaught.
q Lorelei at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary the day before her release. Photo: @coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.
Friday Afternoon Golfers
By Colin EVERINGHAM
FRIDAY 01 MAY 2026
Weather: A Nice Autumn Day, Cloudy and Muggy 21oC.
Number of Players: 24 playing on the Front 9 holes.
Winner: Peter Mansfield Nett 33 was on 11 now on 5
2nd: Dennis Leembruggen Nett 34
3rd: Don Jessop Nett 35
4th: Bob Lineham Nett 36
5th: Graham Haggerty Nett 37
6th: Ken Gallie Nett 38
NTP 4th Hole Second Shot: Phil Raraty
NTP 9th Hole Second Shot: Col Everingham
Raffle Winner: Peter Slater
Wauchope Women's Bowling Club
By Marie WINTER
THURSDAY 30th April 2026.
It was a very exciting game with the score at 18 all, 25 all, every Wauchope bowler was contributing to the score. By the time the game reached 21 ends Wauchope was behind 30 to 32. A big thank you to Kempsey Bowlo for the well
prepared venue and the hospitality.
On Saturday morning, 2nd May 2026 a game of social bowls was played at the Wauchope Country Club. On the 15th end my team was holding 6 in the head when Julie the opposing skip on her last bowl slammed into the head sending the jack out to pick up the shot. Oh! Oh!
The winners on 18 to 13 were Patricia Fletcher, Jenny Wooster and Marie Winter.
The jackpot was No. 45 Donna Scaysbrook who was not playing, therefore the jackpot will be carried forward. Raffle prizes were picked up by Lil Allen, Julie Samuelsson x 2 Pat Coombes.
AFL wrap
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour Breakers have continued their undefeated start to the AFL North Coast season with a dominant 23.13 (151) to 3.5 (23) victory over the Northern Beaches Blues at Fitzroy Oval.
Port Macquarie Magpies were also winners in Round 4, edging out the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints 13.7 (85) to 12.10 (82) at Richardson Park.
Reserves Coffs Harbour Breakers
continued their undefeated start to the season with a 15.7 (97) to 5.4 (34) win against the Northern Beaches Blues.
The Port Macquarie Magpies had an 11.11 (77) to 4.8 (32) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints.
Women’s
Sawtell/Toormina Saints won their third straight match to start the season,
Wauchope Monday Mixed Bowls
By Beth GABRIEL
4.5.26
THE force forth was with Mixed Bowls this May 4th. The delightful weather after a showery morning brought six rinks of players out. Hence the green was heavy until later in the afternoon –quite variable deliveries.
Jenny Wooster and Ian Gabriel did a good job of organising the teams. The winning rink was Judith Farrand, John McGregor and
Beth Gabriel. No! It wasn’t rigged as this team tailed their opposition until at 16 all on the penultimate only to win by one solitary point. Sorry George!
The Runners Up were next door on rink 5 being Jim Fancourt, Ned McElvey and Fay Paine who trounced their opposition. Lucky Losers were Mike McNielly, Gina Wiseman and George Campbell who lost by one point as above.
Lucky Lachie Ison was
the first person drawn for a prize followed by Col, Beth, Marie twice and, Ray (who was downgraded to a second after his good win last week!). Lachie’s team had a good win on rink 3 as too did Rose Benjamin’s pair on rink 7
The Jackpot did not go off again so increases for next Monday which is our Mothers Day game and ladies play free - there should be chocolates for touchers.
Hastings Ladies Social Golf
By Leonie MULVIHILL
MONDAY 4th May. Stroke and putts. Monthly Medal. 41 players.
Least putts: Mary Butler, Jo Thomas and Jan McFarlane 14 putts
Lucky numbers: Shirley Jones and Luke Ackroyd
Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club
By Colin EVERINGHAM
TUESDAY 28/04/2026
Number of Players – 20 Game Played –Individual Stableford Winner – Ray Marsh - 37 Points ( On Count Back) 2nd Barry Nicholson (UK
smashing the Port Macquarie Magpies 11.11 (77) to 0.0 (0).
Coffs Harbour Breakers had a 7.16 (58) to 3.4 (22) win against the Northern Beaches Blues.
Under 18s
Port Macquarie Magpies had a 14.9 (93) to 7.10 (52) win against the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints.
Rugby resumes with Round 2
By Aiden BURGESS
THE MID North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season resumed after having the ANZAC Day weekend off, with Round 2 matches decided across the region.
Visitor)-37 Points 3rd Col Everingham -36 Points (On Count Back) 4th Steve Vickers -36 Points Sorry Steve (Yes) 5th Chas Viner -35 Points ( included a sensational EAGLE on the 16th hole – WELL DONE CHAS!!) 6th Don Gilson -33 Points NTP 4 Ray Marsh NTP 9 Ian Camejo NTP 11 Ian Camejo NTP 15 Ray Marsh
Round 5
The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 5 matches in Woolgoolga and Port Macquarie.
The Northern Beaches Blues host the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints, and the Coffs Harbour Breakers travel to take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.
The Snappers reserves were also victorious, triumphing 37-18.
The Snappers women were pipped 22-21 by the
Coffs Harbour Snappers won their home opener, triumphing 29-24 against the Grafton Redmen at Coffs Rugby Park.
World Croquet Day
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 24
increased involvement of younger players.
The Port Macquarie Croquet Club was established in 1951 with an organising committee elected to manage a trust account with four initial donations totalling five pounds, two shillings.
Mrs G.M. Pountney was elected as the first president along with four office bearers and four committee members.
The annual subscription was set at two guineas to be paid in advance, with the Council of the time estimating the cost of constructing a green at the eastern end of Westport Park to be 540 pounds.
After a few years of
Grafton Redmen in their grand final rematch.
SCU Marlins women were victorious 20-14 against the Port Macquarie Pirates in Port Macquarie.
Hastings Valley Vikings edged out the Kempsey Cannonballs 38-36, in their
fundraising, on 27 October 1953, an official opening attended by 160 people celebrated the opening of the clubhouse and lawns.
For the first 10 years, players were exclusively women; later, men started to play.
Now, croquet is a sport where men and women play on an equal footing with
first-grade encounter in Kempsey.
Round 3
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season continues this weekend with Round 3 matches.
Coffs Harbour Snappers
strategy and guile more important than speed or strength.
Coming events for the club include the 70th Annual Association Croquet Carnival on the Buller Street courts from 27-31 July, and Hoops on the Hastings set down for 2022 October.
The club is always looking for new members and offers free coaching for new players.
Details are on the club’s website and Facebook page.
travel to take on the Hastings Valley Vikings in Port Macquarie, and the Grafton Redmen host the Port Macquarie Pirates.
SCU Marlins reserves and women’s teams are at home against the Kempsey Cannonballs.
q Wauchope ladies grade 3 pennant team which travelled to Kempsey Bowlo to play in the regional play-off against Woolgoolga.
q Port Macquarie Croquet Club members celebrate World Croquet Day.
Dorin's Drawings
OPINION & LETTERS
On the Couch
By Paul DORIN
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. media@newsofthearea.com.au
By JASMINDA DEAR Jasminda,
Last night I made a birthday dinner for my mum.
I decided to make the veggie burgers that I used to love as a teenager because I thought it would be nostalgic.
The dinner was panned by every family member as being 'bland', 'missing something' and 'disappointing'. I feel as though my energy and enthusiasm was completely wasted.
I doubt I'll bother again.
Innes P.
Dear Innes,
In a strange way, this reminds me of a fateful trip to Europe to try to relive my younger days.
Before this, my memories of Europe were of languid afternoons sitting at bars on the top of snowcapped mountains, vigorous clubbing, copious quantities of chocolate, fondue, and, importantly, the joie de vivre one experiences in the giddy throes of youth with a childhood friend.
The return trip had a few key differences.
One: I was decades older.
Two: I was travelling with a family including sulky teens instead of my lifelong friend.
Three: It was a different season, so the snow-capped mountains were replaced with fields of green (still beautiful, but inconsistent with my memories).
Four: There was an inability to bounce back from an overconsumption of food (and Schnapps -- but that's another story).
Sitting now, on my back deck, my mind is travelling back to experiences only accessible by drawing on my memories.
And that is the point I am trying to make (if I can pull myself out of the depths of sentimentality).
You can't recreate the past, Innes. I suspect your decision around the veggie burgers was doomed from the start, because it was never about the veggie burgers.
It was about a time of life when dreams and ambitions were within your grasp.
It was about the salt in your hair after a day at the beach.
The smell of coconut oil that you'd plastered all over your body. It was about a time as vivid and evocative as a Don Henley song.
And now it has been replaced with the cold slap of being an adult, (and solar keratoses from
too much youthful sun exposure) coupled with an ungrateful family, and, to top if off, an unpalatable veggie patty washed down with alfalfa, a whole grain bun and wilted lettuce.
Heck, Innes, now I'm feeling despondent.
From experience, sharing meals based on memories can be a success or an unmitigated disaster.
Either way, no one can hold you solely responsible.
We can't relive the past, and we certainly can't expect others to understand the deeply personal elements of our particular blend of nostalgia.
Instead, they may view something important to you as 'bland', 'missing something' or 'disappointing'. There's nothing you can really do about that.
Well... nothing except perhaps swap out the veggie burger for a baked dinner with succulent roast lamb, potatoes twicebaked in duck fat to give them that satisfying crunch, honeyed carrots topped with sesame seeds, homemade gravy, and a selection of sauces including mint sauce and cranberry (gently warmed).
I suspect that may help your other family members lean into their sense of yearning.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Plenty of ocean for the animals Who will social media tax benefit?
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WAS so annoyed by the ridiculous letter written by one who thinks the poor little creatures who live along our coastline will suffer from the creation of an ocean pool!
After all, we only have hundreds of miles of coastline containing millions of all sorts of these creatures who live in such a healthy environment - ah poor things!
I bet you have never swum in the magnificent Merewether Ocean Pool (Newcastle) or your eyes would be properly opened to the wonderful experience of swimming there!
So clear, always cleaned, perfectly smooth base and no bites - so much better and safer than fighting all those wild “beautiful sea creatures” you fear.
Yep - give me the safe, clean saltwater pool any day!
And surely the council will find a good solution to any parking problem it will create.
I can’t wait until this pool happens as the old olympic pool needs replacing ASAP. Regards, Pauline MCCARTHY, Port Stephens.
By Claire STUCHBERY, Executive Director of the Local and Independent News Association
YOU may have heard that the government is proposing a new levy on tech giants like Google and Facebook to help fund Australian journalism.
Before you look away, thinking ‘what has this got to do with me?’ – a quick question.
What do you like about the website or newspaper you’re currently reading?
Maybe it publishes stories and issues that other news outlets would never cover.
Maybe it represents your culture and platforms voices that too often go unheard.
Or perhaps it tells you what’s on in the community and contributes to making the place you live feel like home.
All those things matter – a lot.
Which is why we are fighting for the funds raised from the new levy on tech giants to make their way to local and independent newsrooms.
Because the concerning thing is, under the government’s current plan, they probably won’t.
To back up a little, what the government is essentially trying
to do is ensure Australians still have access to quality news and information.
As advertisers have increasingly moved towards digital platforms, newsrooms – whose work is often read or watched on those same digital platforms – have lost revenue despite still providing a valuable service to the public.
To use a sweet little metaphor, you could say newsrooms are making chocolate, but because the ads are printed on the wrapper, only the wrapper manufacturers are making money.
As a result, many Australian newsrooms have closed, laid off journalists or simply have not had the resources to dive deeply into the stories that matter.
So the government’s on the right track, broadly-speaking, because protecting news from our own backyard is crucial. But it’s a question of which backyard.
Quality journalism is key to a well-functioning democracy, and democracy doesn’t just happen in Canberra. Or Sydney or Melbourne or any other capital for that matter.
Democracy happens all around us, every day. In the decisions of councils, the actions of local MPs, and the
experiences of everyday people. But in news deserts, democracy fights for air.
Australia already has one of the most concentrated media markets in the democratic world. Our democracy has strong foundations in many other ways – think compulsory and preferential voting – but the lack of diversity in media ownership and voices takes us down a rung on the democratic health ladder.
The government’s proposed legislation risks further entrenching this if it doesn’t create a clear path for local, independent and emerging newsrooms to benefit from the levy on tech companies.
A percentage of funds raised through the levy should go to growing diversity in the news media industry, bringing new voices into the public dialogue and addressing news deserts.
The good news is we already have a policy framework in place outlining where government intervention is appropriate and needed through the News Media Assistance Program Policy Framework. Government merely needs to apply its own policy objectives to the estimated $250 million per year the proposed levy would raise for Australian journalism.
Basing eligibility around revenue thresholds, as the current proposal does, will only entrench the status quo, further harm small publishers and volunteer-based community media, and benefit the big players (who have an important role to play, but not the only role). It creates further barriers to entry in a field that is already difficult but is so needed to help us know what’s going on around us.
In Australia we have long known there are some extremely valuable public services that cannot be funded by the user alone – think healthcare, education or roads. News and information is no different.
The government's proposed levy on tech giants is a rare chance to move the needle on media diversity and public interest journalism without dipping into its own pocket.
The trick now is to make sure the benefits flow to strengthen publications like this one right here.
About the author: Claire Stuchbery is Executive Director of the Local and Independent News Association, a not-for-profit representing more than 170 digital, local and independent newsrooms around Australia.
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Roadstar caravan 16ft, 2 berth, many extras 7mths
MERC 2000 C320 Elegante, new wheels everything works, used daily, atuo trans stuck in limp home gear. Reg CMM10P. $1000 fixed Ph Ken 0409 174 523. e150526 Motors
Caravans
WALKER, Deluxe Seat KCare, brand new, still in wrap. $100. Ph 0421
TV
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
OOOPS! I BOUGHT A PUB
SEVEN, 8pm
An actor and a teetotal filmmaker walk into a pub… No, it’s not the set-up for a corny joke, but the premise of this charming country adventure that sees Kenny star Shane Jacobson and his mate Dean Murphy (above left, with Jacobson) buy a tired old pub sight unseen and restore it to its former glory as the heart of the community. Their project is located in the tiny Victorian town of Dederang, about halfway between Melbourne and Canberra, where they assemble a colourful team of locals, tradies and experts to pull off the massive renovation.
FRIDAY, May 8
TV (2)
MONDAY 9-1-1
SEVEN, 8.40pm
It’s grim, but rather standard practice these days for an episode of a crime procedural to kick off with a dead body. However, this unusual instalment of 9-1-1 arrive at the police precinct on a bike and ask for Athena (Angela Bassett), intent on reporting his own murder. The confusing situation begins to make sense when he starts coughing and falls to the ground, apparently poisoned. While Athena teams up with Major Crimes on the confounding case, Buck (Oliver Stark, pictured) hits rock bottom and comes clean to Chimney (Kenneth Choi) about his recent reliance on prescription painkillers. In touching scenes, the entire 118 team rallies around as Buck recovers.
WEDNESDAY ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 A Symphonic Odyssey With Professor Brian Cox. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. (R) 1.40 Bad Company. (Mln, R) 2.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa) 4.40 Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Hidden Beauty Of Spain. (PGa, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 The Cotswolds With Pam Ayres. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (PGad) A monk is found dead in a chapel.
9.20 Gruen. (PG, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Urzila. (Mals, R) Comedic chaos from Urzila Carlson.
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R)
12.15 Love Me. (MA15+, R)
1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 Mystery Of The First Temple.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 The King. (Madlsv)
11.55 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)
1.45 Brian Cox: How The Other Half Live. (Ml, R)
3.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. Discovers the best Sydney has to offer. 9.00 MOVIE: Tower Heist. (2011, Mls, R)
A building manager and his staff join forces with a thief to take revenge on a Wall Street swindler. With only days to go before he gets away with his crimes, they must work out how to relieve him of his fortune. Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck. 11.10 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)
12.55 Quacks. (MA15+d)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
He’s on Australian screens every day as the host of hit game Pointless, but British broadcaster Alexander Armstrong (pictured) can’t be confined to the TV studio for too long. In this new three-part documentary, the well-travelled presenter visits India to explore some of the country’s most famous destinations, gaining a stronger understanding of its rich history, sacred traditions and culture along the way. Wednesday’s first leg sees Armstrong dive headfirst into the glorious chaos and splendour of Mumbai. He gets a well-rounded view of the bustling city, checking out colonial sites, sampling street food and even touring local homes with a real estate agent.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Snitch. (2013, Mdv, R)
A father makes a deal with the US attorney. Dwayne Johnson.
1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Premier League Stories. 1.00
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple disagree on whether to leave Coburg North. 8.30
SATURDAY, May 9
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R) 1.30 Patience. (PGad, R) 2.20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. (R) 3.10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. (R) 4.10 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (Final, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.35 Landline. (R)
6.05 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) A game show contestant is stabbed during filming of the series’ grand finale.
8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+v) Benjamin is visited by the police who promise to look into Gloria’s disappearance. Nikki performs post-mortems on a couple found in the woods.
10.15 Bergerac. (Mdl, R)
11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
3.50 Colors Of The Islands: The Caribbean. (PGaw, R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Assembly. (R) 3.20 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (Final, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Wild Prague. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly: Jimmy Barnes. (PGa)
8.15 Bad Company. (M) Julia learns about Margie’s famous sister.
8.45 Bergerac. (Mlv) Bergerac and Barney’s relationship reaches breaking point.
9.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) A game show contestant is stabbed during filming.
10.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Emerald. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 9.55 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.40 Merlin. 11.25 Late Programs.
10.20 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGa, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. (Mal) Hosted by Shane Jacobson. 8.30 MOVIE: Apollo 13. (1995, PGal, R) Three NASA astronauts find their lives in danger after a potentially catastrophic explosion. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon. 11.20 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Malv, R) 12.20 Devils. (MA15+av)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. (1980, PGv, R)
10.00 MOVIE: Conan The Destroyer. (1984, Mv, R)
11.55 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.45 Tasman Trails. (R) 1.35 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A couple are looking for an outgoing pup. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Newlyweds must decide if their townhouse is suitable.
8.30 Building The Dream. Architectural designer Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes that suit their lifestyles.
9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows paramedics as they respond to a seven-year-old boy who is gasping for air. 10.30 Matlock. (PGa, R) An airport ramp operator is accused of negligence. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
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6am Anton
Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 7.25 Discovering Film. 8.20 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PG) 10.20 The Invisible Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 12.25pm Moulin Rouge! (2001, M) 3.00 The Straight Story. (1999, PG) 5.05 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 The Little Shop Of Horrors. (1960, PG) 8.30 Treasure. (2024, M) 10.35 The Piano Teacher. (2001, MA15+, French) 1.05am Late Programs.
United
2.40 Snackmasters. 3.50 MOVIE: Speechless. (1994, PG) 5.50 MOVIE: Space Jam. (1996) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum. (2006, PG) 9.45 MOVIE: The Spy Who Dumped Me. (2018, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. (PG, R) 8.20 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (R) 9.20 Tulum: The Last City Of The Mayan Empire. (Ma, R)
10.20 The Kim Dynasty: A Family Affair. (PGa, R) 11.15 MOVIE: Duran Duran: A Hollywood High. (2022, G, R) 12.35 MOVIE: Sheryl. (2022, Ml, R) 2.20 Matched. (PG, R) 3.10 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 4.10 Colors Of The Islands: The Caribbean. (PGa, R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 Betrayal. (Malnsv) John tracks down an elusive Iranian general. 11.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Family Secrets. (MA15+a, R) Follows a police investigation.
12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PGl)
8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: The Golden Hour. (Mavv) Detectives race to find the killer of So Ra Moon. 10.15 9News Late.
The First 48. (Mav, R) 11.40 American Ripper. (Mav) 12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and
6am The Movie Show. 6.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 8.35 The Little Shop Of Horrors. (1960, PG) 10.00 The Way Back. (2010, M) 12.25pm Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PG, French) 2.05 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 4.45 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 6.25 Joan Baez: I Am A Noise. (2023) 8.30 Janet Planet. (2024) 10.40 Little Loves. (2024, Spanish) 12.30am Late Programs.
3.15 The Summit. 4.45 The Toys That Built The World. 5.45 MOVIE: Scooby-Doo. (2002, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Godzilla Vs. Kong. (2021, M) 9.45 MOVIE: The Iron Claw. (2024,
9GO!
MONDAY, May 11
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.40 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Kids Baking C’ship. 11.05 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, May 12
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG) 8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R) 9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav)
12.05 Gomorrah. (Malv, R) 2.45 MOVIE: Fiona Clark: Unafraid. (2021, Malns, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Mal)
8.40 9-1-1. (Madv)
9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Happy’s Place. (PGa)
12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.05 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 11.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Australia’s Big Backyards. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
Programs. 7.55 Joan Baez: I Am A Noise. (2023) 10.00 Manon Des Sources. (1986, M, French) 12.05pm Man Who Didn’t Want To See The Titanic. (2021, M, Finnish) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.40 The Little Shop Of Horrors. (1960, PG) 5.05 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, PG) 7.30 The Three Musketeers: Milady. (2023, M, French) 9.40 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Return)
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi looks at the work-life balance in 2026. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Exit. (MA15+av)
12.00 Breaking Point. (Mlv, R)
2.35 Primitive Medium. (R)
2.45 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.
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Holy Marvels. 9.20 Soccer’s American Dream. (Premiere) 10.15 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Homicide. 2.30 The Grudge. 3.00 Brady Vs Belichick: The Verdict. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.45 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 Rock Legends: ABBA. 9.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 4. 1.35am Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next? 2.35 Late Programs.
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6am Forever
Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 8.45 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, PG) 11.10 Little Loves. (2024, Spanish) 1pm The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 2.55 Discovering Film. 3.50 Joan Baez: I Am A Noise. (2023) 5.55 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 7.35 Hating Alison Ashley. (2005, PG) 9.30 Love And Mercy. (2014, M) 11.45 Sing Street. (2016, M) 1.45am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Preparations begin for Archie’s birthday.
7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
9.05 Doc. (Ma) While navigating the fallout from Katie’s secret, Amy treats a critically-ill patient with a dark one of her own.
10.05 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 11.05 The Agenda Setters. 12.05 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
ABC FAMILY (22)
WEDNESDAY, May 13
(2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 11.20 Back Roads. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Legacy List. (PGa, R) 11.00 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Alexander Armstrong In India. (Premiere)
8.30 The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M)
9.25 The Audacity. (M)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+asv)
12.00 Blue Lights. (Malv, R)
2.05 Classified. (Malv, R)
3.45 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY (22)
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: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv) Recruits must maintain their composure.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (M)
10.00 The Agenda Setters.
11.00 Why Bridges Collapse. (PGa, R)
12.15 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.45 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Madlv) 8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mdv) 9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG)
10.30 9News Late.
11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Discovering
Film. 6.55 The Boy And The Heron. (2023, PG) 9.10 Hating Alison Ashley. (2005, PG) 11.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 12.40pm Post Coitum, Animal Triste. (1997, M, French) 2.30 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, PG) 4.55 Discovering Film. 5.45 Moonlighting. (1982, PG) 7.35 Xanadu. (1980) 9.30 Walk The Line. (2005, M) Midnight Body Melt. (1993, MA15+) 1.30 Late Programs.
Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.10 Parliament Question Time.
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Gardening Australia. (R)
A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia.
8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr: Ladies And Gentlemen, Meet George. (Ml, R) John F Kennedy Jr launches George magazine.
9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Premiere)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Under The Bridge. (Madl)
11.50 DNA. (MA15+a, R)
2.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.
VICELAND (31)
5.55 The Curse Of Oak Island. 6.45 Jeopardy! 7.40 Jeopardy! 8.05 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 5. 1.35am Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.50 Insight. 3.50 News. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.55 The Curse Of Oak Island. 6.45 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 6. 1.35am The Nine Lives Of. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Discovering Film. 6.25 Xanadu. (1980) 8.15 Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.05 Corsage. (2022, M) 12.05pm Ali. (2001, M) 2.55 Discovering Film. 3.45 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 6.00 Golden Years. (2016, PG) 7.50 Monty Python’s Life Of Brian. (1979, M) 9.30 The Commitments. (1991, M) 11.40 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 1.20am Unfaithful. (2002, MA15+) 3.30 Late Programs.
6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 McDonald And Dodds. (Return) 10.45
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Desert Collectors. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGl) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PG) A laptop left on a rooftop causes grief for a sole trader.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. Hosted by Ant and Dec.
10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R)
12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
(64) 7MATE (64)
6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. H’lights. 12.35pm MOVIE: Police Academy. (1984, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Tango & Cash. (1989, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 Late Programs.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s State
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6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Motor Racing. Indycar Series. Sonsio Grand Prix. H’lights. 12.35pm MOVIE: June Again. (2020, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Never Been Kissed. (1999, PG) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 Rugby Heaven. 12.40am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.40 Late Programs.
DRAMA
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9GEM
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
By Bill HARROW
CONTINUED
q Port Macquarie Croquet Club members celebrate World Croquet Day.
