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Willing and able for 60 years
By Sis HIGGINS
ONE of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region’s most recognised organisations, Willing & Able marks 60 years of supporting people with disability, while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the community.
Despite its long history, many people are still unaware of the
full scope of services it provides and the impact it has had on hundreds of local lives.
Established in 1966 as Q Robin, a school for children with intellectual disability in Wauchope, the organisation has grown into a multi-faceted social enterprise focused on creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability.
As inclusion and
accessibility continue to gain momentum across Australia, the organisation is now exploring new approaches to open employment, aiming to create more pathways into mainstream jobs.
“We currently have several business units providing services to the community and jobs for people with disability,” says John Carroll, Willing & Able’s Engagement and
Doing it for Dylan
By Rachael THORPE
A 49-YEAR-OLD married father of three, Dylan Luke is very clear on his life goals.
He wants to play more cricket with his kids, spend time with his devoted wife, and hang out at the beach.
In early February, a niggling pain that wouldn’t go away saw him visit the hospital for scans, leading to a shock diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Dylan said he is not interested in sympathy, but hopes to inspire others to be vigilant about
their health.
“What I do want is for people to be more aware of themselves and their bodies, and if something doesn’t seem right, go and see a doctor,” he said.
“I ignored this for several months thinking it was just a sporting injury; I don’t want to see the same thing happen to anyone else.”
Dylan is now doing cycles of chemotherapy and is “just trying to keep everything functioning as normally as possible”.
“That way my family can all live their best possible lives,” he said.
Five years ago, Dylan joined the Bonny Hills Lake Cathie Cricket Club, despite not having played since he was young. With his oldest child a dedicated cricketer, it seemed like a natural fit.
He credits club members Anthony McKinlay, Justin Paggotto and Barry Spencer for helping reignite his love for the game, and this group is now at the forefront of a fundraising initiative to provide some financial relief and community support to Dylan and his family.
“Dylan is a much-loved
CCTV RELEASED
Development Manager. In 1975, services expanded to include adults, with the opening of a sheltered workshop and activity training centre in Port Macquarie.
Over the following decades, the organisation adapted alongside changes in policy and community expectations, including becoming part of the Challenge Foundation of NSW in 1984 and shifting towards supported employment after the introduction of the Disability Services Act in 1986.
This transition led to the development of business arms such as Jindalee Enterprises and Workteams, providing paid employment and skill-building opportunities.
By 1992, the organisation became Hastings Foundation Limited, before rebranding in 2007 to
member of the team,” Anthony told News Of The Area.
“He's the first to offer help and the first to crack jokes.
“He treats everyone with the same level of respect and is incredibly popular amongst the community."
The Do it for Dylan fundraiser is being held at Club Lake Cathie on 18 April at 6pm, with the night including raffles and auction items thanks to generous donations by local individuals and businesses.
Pancreatic cancer purple ribbon caps are being sold by the club for $25, with all proceeds to
Queensland registration seen in the area at the time of the incident.
Willing & Able Foundation Limited, establishing the well-known identity it carries today.
Today, Willing & Able offers supported employment, individual support and group-based activities, helping people build independence and confidence.
“We have our Op Shop, our Return ‘n Earn and X-rays recycling units, a commercial laundry catering to businesses but also offering doona cleaning for the general public, a woodworking section, a real estate signs business, car washing for local dealerships, and we take on other smaller projects from time to time,” John said.
“And we’re actively working on expansion plans into other initiatives to offer a wider range of job opportunities.
“We’re at an exciting point in our evolution!”
Enquiries to bhlccc. sponsorship@gmail.com. FROM Page 1
Buller and Hollingsworth Street, Port Macquarie, following reports of an assault.
Inquiries revealed that a man was walking along Buller Street when the occupants of a passing car began to throw objects at him.
A verbal altercation broke out between the man and the occupants of
the vehicle, before he was assaulted by a man who exited the vehicle.
The unknown man left in the vehicle a short time later and emergency services were called to the scene.
The 45-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
He was later transported to the Sydney
Eye Hospital for further treatment of head and facial injuries.
He has since been discharged.
A crime scene was established and inquiries into the incident commenced by officers attached to the Mid North Coast Police District.
As inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV of a silver Kia Rio hatchback with possible
Police wish to speak with the occupants of the vehicle who might be able to assist with inquiries.
Anyone able to identify the vehicle or its occupants is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Dylan.
q Some of the Willing & Able team showcasing their many chairs on sale. Photo: @WillingandAbleFoundation.
q Dylan Luke enjoying the beach.
q Police wish to speak with the occupants of this vehicle.
Liz Faassen bids farewell to 2WAY FM
By Bill HARROW
BETWEEN 2pm and 4pm on 29 April, Hastings Community Radio presenter Liz Faassen will broadcast her final program of “The Sounds of the Swinging 60s and 70s”.
Liz became a 2WAY FM presenter in 2014 after completing the required training.
She had listened to 2WAY FM for many years prior to this, and was a big fan of “The Dutch Allsorts" program hosted by Lonnie and Ria.
Liz has Dutch heritage and, by chance, her mother knew the program’s hosts.
In her two-hour time slot,
Liz played a lot of music from the 60s and 70s, which saw her program evolve into its current form.
Liz also took on the Sunday morning breakfast program, which was a big hit with its cruisy laid-back style and easy listening music.
She leaves behind a big legacy at 2WAY FM.
She assisted with programming and was President for two years, Treasurer for two years and a committee member for seven years.
As an ambassador for 2WAY FM, she has contributed to the station’s success through hard work and her “yes, we can do that”
attitude.
Liz has seen many changes over the years, including the studio moving from playing vinyl records to CD’s, digital recordings and the use of USBs, and now the station live streaming via 2wayfm.com.au.
“I have really enjoyed my time at 2WAY FM,” she told News Of The Area.
“I have made great friends, and it’s been like a big family - along with meeting so many people who have tuned into my programs.”
Liz hopes that all her loyal listeners, and maybe some new ones, will tune in to her remaining programs.
Documentary features local dancer
By Sis HIGGINS
YOUNG dancers in Port Macquarie dreaming of a career on the global stage are being reminded that no matter where you live, it is possible to make it.
Local talent Conor BannMurray is currently appearing in the feature documentary Dance For Your Life, which hit cinemas nationwide on Thursday 2 April.
The film follows 10 of Australia’s most promising young dancers as they compete for a coveted
position with an international dance company.
It offers a rare behindthe-scenes look at what it takes to turn passion into a profession.
Conor explains what it’s like to be a dancer.
“You're injured one week and then you're on stage the next week, and then you're in pain the week after, and then rinse and repeat.
“So, I think that's just what we signed up for, honestly.
“We love it so much, we're all crazy.”
Conor joins a line-up of standout performers including breakout star Emily Smith and Max Ostler, who previously appeared on America’s Got Talent.
The documentary captures the dancers’ journey from Australia to London.
Dancers audition for Shapehaus, a new company founded by world-renowned choreographer Dean Lee.
Lee has worked with global music icons including Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, The Pussycat Dolls, Shania Twain and The Jacksons.
Under his mentorship, the dancers are pushed physically and emotionally as they navigate intense rehearsals, fierce competition and the pressure of chasing a lifelong dream.
Directed by multi-awardwinning filmmaker Luke Cornish, the film offers an intimate look at the realities of the commercial dance world.
The story highlights Brent Street, one of Australia’s leading performing arts studios, which provides the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for dancers like Conor to audition internationally.
By Rachael THORPE
THE Rotary Club of Port Macquarie has a strong history of ‘service above self’ dating back to its inception in 1948. Its impact is felt through countless projects such as the Rotary Lodge at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, which provides accommodation for those needing to stay close to loved ones.
A significant portion of their fundraising comes from an annual book sale, with the next one occurring in Panthers Auditorium from Friday to Sunday. Book sale convenor Bob Cleland told News Of The Area, “We have more than 25,000 books on sale, with the fiction sorted alphabetically by author, and the non-fiction sorted into 30 different categories including a large range of biographies,
self-help, gardening, nature, travel and many other categories.”
The books are carefully sorted to ensure they are in good condition with adult and reference books at $3 each, children’s books 50 cents each, young adults books $2 each, and a curated collection of antiquarian books at $10 each.
Many DVDs will also be available for $1 each.
The sale will be open on
Friday 10 April from 9.30am6pm, Saturday 11 April from 9.30am-6pm and Sunday 12 April from 9.30am-3pm.
Admission is by a gold coin donation which will go to YP Space MNC, a specialist homelessness service that provides support and accommodation to children and young people aged twelve to 25 across the region.
Enquiries to Bob Cleland on 0438 761 978.
q Liz Faassen at the desk for 2WAY FM.
q Conor at front, auditioning at Brent Street. Photo: David Alrich, Perpetual Entertainment.
q Volunteers putting up signs promoting the Rotary book sale.
Seafood industry calls for reversal of cuts
By Sis HIGGINS
THE loss of a key mental health program for Australia’s seafood industry has prompted urgent calls for funding to be reinstated.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, requesting immediate action to restore the “Stay Afloat” Program.
Established in 2020, “Stay Afloat” delivers industry-led
mental health support across seafood communities.
Funding ceased in September 2025 and has not been reinstated.
“At a time when all primary industries are being hammered with uncertainty, we can’t be reducing the services available to those in mental distress,” Mr Conaghan said.
“We all know the brutal statistics around suicide within primary producer communities, and as a Federal Government we can’t be taking our hands off the wheel on this issue.”
Mr Conaghan said the seafood industry, particularly oyster farmers, had faced compounding pressures.
“The seafood industry in our electorate has been hit particularly hard in recent years, especially our oyster farmers.
“Every minor flooding event sees oyster businesses shut for weeks, if not months.
“And now with so many unable to access fuel, either due to price or supply, the level of stress is at fever pitch.”
The owner of Port Oyster Company Paul Wilson said, “It’s a backward step when taking funds away from programs.
“It’s quite devastating to see your hard word destroyed in front of you and these programs can help people affected by the disasters to get through it.
“Especially over the past few years and with the situation right now.”
NSW Farmers Oyster Committee Chair and Stuarts Point oyster farmer Todd Graham, raised the issue directly with Mr Conaghan.
“People in our industry are really struggling and now have no-one who understands our unique challenges to talk to.
“I actually tried to call
them myself last week but received no reply.
“I [have] since found out that the funding was pulled in September and they are no longer providing the service at all in NSW.”
Mr Graham said ongoing challenges continue to take a toll.
“With all the natural disasters in our region since
2019, on top of QX outbreaks in oysters, white spot disease in prawns, and the algal bloom in SA, this fuel disaster is just compounding the issues for farmers already at their wits end.”
Stay Afloat trained 189 volunteer “Trusted Advocates” across more than 70 communities to provide Mental Health First Aid and
localised wellbeing support. The initiative was devised to create programs “For Industry, By Industry” and highlights the vital role community-driven solutions play in fostering resilience. News Of The Area contacted the Minister for comment but has not had a reply.
Art Prize highlights creative hub
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regional artists to showcase their talents with 226 artworks,” Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac pointed out when officially opening the event.
“It brings together creatives, families, seniors, volunteers, residents and visitors to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our local area.”
Judge Vivianne Hazenveld is well-known for her support of the local art community, especially as the organiser of the Port Macquarie Art Trail.
She was impressed by the high quality and range of the artworks, which she described as “testament to the creative hub in our area”.
“I was looking for originality, brave creative choices, mastery of technique and the emotional impact on the viewer.”
Carly Marchment won Best in Show with “Amphitheatre Series #4 Bundanon 2025.”
Ms Hazenveld commented on Carly’s “beautiful professional skill, using old master techniques of dark and light with bold lines and a tenderly drawn, vulnerable figure in the front.”
The work was produced
at a Bundanon Trust Residency on the South Coast of NSW, with imagery inspired by the stunning surroundings, and the technique informed by Carly’s physical capacity.
“In this series I explored and experimented with different ways to adapt and move my body to achieve a balanced harmony between chaos and stillness to tell the story.”
First place winners included Jill Cairns in Oil and Acrylic with “Homage to Miss Flynn”; Sarah
Spencer in Water Based Medium on Paper with “Shellys at Dusk”; Jodi Newman in Drawing/ Pastel with “Sanctuary in the Bush”; and Anne de Nooijer in Mixed Media with “All that Skin Against the Glass”.
The exhibition runs until this Sunday, 12 April and is open 11am-6pm daily.
Event profits are donated to the Hastings Education Fund which provides financial assistance to young local people to achieve their post-school education and training.
q Port Oyster Company’s Paul Wilson on the ‘farm’.
Photo: Port Oyster Company/Facebook.
q Artist Maddalena Piola with friend Suzi Nichols.
q The large crowd waiting to hear the winners announced.
By Rachael THORPE
THE Laurieton United
Services Club was the venue for a lively community meeting held by the Beach to Beach Shared Pathway Committee on Tuesday, 31 March.
More than 180 people joined Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts, Council General Manager Robert Fish, and Director of Community Infrastructure Ben Wood to hear an update on the proposed completion.
The room was decorated
with artwork from Laurieton Public School students showcasing their ideas around the pathway.
Committee President Penny Small opened the meeting by discussing the history of the project which, when complete, will result in a continuous off-road route from North Haven to Pilot Beach via Laurieton and Dunbogan.
“This project began in 2013 with a vision of a safe and continuous pathway,” she said.
"If we design for the most vulnerable people, we design for everyone, and research
shows that designated pathways can reduce traffic accidents by 57 percent.”
Most residents spoke in favour of the proposal, as did representatives of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and Better By Bicycle Port Macquarie.
The estimated cost of the final three-kilometre section is $8 million; with the Council representatives present clarifying that the funds would need to be sourced from State and Federal governments.
Due to the significant costs and extensive work required including water
main relocation, it is likely that this last section will be done in part lengths rather than all at once.
Several present raised concerns about the danger currently posed by pedestrians and cyclists on the section of Camden Head Road between Scarborough Way and the boat ramp at Gogley’s Lagoon, reaffirming the necessity of the work.
However, a vocal group of residents who reside near that section expressed frustration around the pathway design.
Angus Morrison told News Of The Area, “The hand
Support for shared pathway Giant pumpkin a winner
By Pauline CAIN
YEAR 7 Food and Agriculture students at St Joseph’s Regional College have been enjoying the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of their labour. They’ve been busily preparing their garden plot for next season’s crop, just weeks after their record breaking wins at the Comboyne Show.
The largest pumpkin ever grown at the college was named Grand Champion and Supreme Exhibit, which meant it was up for consideration for the Royal Easter
Show in Sydney.
“While our pumpkin was nominated to represent our region in the produce display at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, unfortunately, it was not needed this year,” the college shared on social media.
“But we are proud to be nominated to attend.”
The college said the giant pumpkin grew out of just a 30sqm patch.
Students were supported by staff members David Constantine, Jeremy Bate and Mark Robertson in their endeavours.
railing that is being installed in that section will completely ruin the view from those properties.
“We are very much against the proposed railing and would prefer to see
bollards installed.”
The Committee stated that environmental protection, cost, and safety were the main drivers of the finalised design and scope.
q Committee President Penny Small addresses the community meeting.
q The Grand Champion pumpkin. Photo: supplied.
q Year 7 Food and Agriculture students from St Joseph’s Regional College with their award winning pumpkin. Photo: supplied.
Get to know Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty
WITH Anzac Day around the corner, News Of The Area gets to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty.
Buster, tell us about your journey to the Hastings region.
My wife Sandie lived in Port Macquarie for most of her life before joining the Army.
We met in Townsville in 1982 and spent many years holidaying in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie area.
After 38 years of Army service and moving around Australia during that time, we decided to make Camden Haven our home in 2014.
What inspired you to start getting involved in the local community?
In many ways, volunteering in the community has been a natural continuation of the service ethic that comes with military life.
I feel fortunate to live in
a part of the world where community spirit is so strong.
Camden Haven and Port Macquarie are places where people genuinely look out for each other, and that sense of connection is something I’ve always valued.
My involvement grew from simply wanting to give something back.
Like many people, I’ve benefited from the support and friendships that come from living in a close-knit community, and volunteering felt like a natural way to contribute.
Over time, that involvement led me into roles supporting veterans and the broader community through the local RSL sub-Branch and other activities.
What is the focus of your community work and what do you enjoy most about giving back?
Much of my volunteer work has been through the Laurieton RSL sub-Branch, where I currently serve as President.
Our focus is supporting veterans and their families, while also bringing the broader community together.
This includes organising commemorative services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, often involving local schools, as well as wellbeing, social, sport and recreation activities for veterans.
We also run community events, support local schools, aged care facilities, and work with other organisations.
What I enjoy most is the people.
Volunteers give their time freely and often quietly, without expecting recognition.
Seeing people come together, support each other, and build friendships is one of the most rewarding parts of community work.
What is one thing you’re really proud of?
Rather than one specific achievement, I’m most proud of helping maintain a strong and active RSL sub-Branch
with around 140 members that continues to support veterans while remaining closely connected to the community.
A key part of that success is our very active Auxiliary, a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes raising funds so we can continue assisting veterans and their families.
Many people don’t realise that RSL sub-Branches are run entirely by volunteers.
Being part of a team that continues to provide support, organise commemorations, and create opportunities for veterans and community members to connect is something I’m very proud of.
It’s truly a collective effort, and the credit belongs to the many volunteers who quietly give their time and energy to make it happen.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the community?
My hope is that the strong sense of community we already have continues to grow.
Regional communities rely heavily on volunteers, and encouraging new and younger people to get involved will be important for the future.
I’d also like to see continued awareness of the needs of veterans and their families, as well as ongoing support for the many local groups and organisations that quietly contribute to the wellbeing of our community.
While we always welcome new members to the RSL sub-
Branch, it’s important for veterans and their families to know that they do not need to be members to seek assistance or support.
We meet every Thursday from 9 am to 12 noon, so if you’re in the area, feel free to drop by for a brew and a chat.
The Camden Haven and Port Macquarie areas are wonderful places to live, and communities like ours thrive when people simply look out for one another and are willing to lend a hand.
Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers
THE NSW Government has announced a $15 million investment to extend the AgSkilled program over the next three years.
Announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the funding will support the continued delivery of practical, hands-on training
across key agricultural sectors including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre.
The program is designed to give workers job-ready skills without the time and cost associated with full formal qualifications, while also helping farmers and agribusinesses access a skilled and reliable workforce.
Courses are tailored to seasonal demands and delivered locally, making them accessible for workers and businesses in regional and remote areas.
“Today’s investment means our farmers and agribusinesses have a pipeline of skilled workers ready when they’re needed most,” said Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty.
“With long-term funding, this program can adapt to
new technologies, sustainable practices, and the changing needs of NSW agriculture.”
NSW Farmers Young Farmer Council Chair Jess Ryan welcomed the announcement, adding it was great to see the NSW Government listening to farmer feedback on the initiative.
“This is a win for NSW Farmers and for every young person and worker looking to build practical skills in agriculture,” Ms Ryan said.
“For three years we’ve been stuck in stop-start annual funding that makes it hard for training providers to innovate, develop new content, or even keep courses running when farmers actually have time to attend, especially through winter.
“Farm businesses are adopting new technology and
new ways of working.
“We need a training system that keeps up, so people can pick up microskills quickly and keep productivity moving in the right direction.”
NSW Farmers said the move also recognised a key weakness the organisation had raised with the previous funding model: course schedules shutting down and restarting around the winter period, precisely when many producers could take time off-farm to upskill.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the funding extension was a “great outcome” for farmers.
“We are the producers of this country - growing the food, supplying the fibre, and delivering the essential resources Australians rely on every day,” he said.
“Investing in skills and training is investing in the future of farming and ensuring our industries remain productive and sustainable.
“Building up these skills is critical if we want to grow more here in NSW, strengthen our supply chains, and reduce our reliance on overseas imports and other states.”
According to NSW Government data, the program is delivering strong results across regional NSW.
In 2024–25, more than 2,300 participants completed over 770 courses across 188 locations, achieving a 96 percent completion rate.
The previous year saw more than 2,400 participants complete more than 600 courses, with a 96 percent completion rate.
q Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty. Photo: Kim Ambrose/ SaltyFoxFotography.
q Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Photo: Tara Moriarty LMC FB.
Fishing: Rene Carroll’s 20.30kg Cobia verified
By Kate SHELTON
THE official results are in, and the record books have a new entry following the recent Port Macquarie Golden Lure tournament.
Rene Carroll’s impressive 20.30kg Cobia, taken off South West Rocks on 15 January 2026, has been formally recognised as the NSW State Record for the Female Saltwater 10kg Line Class.
The record-breaking catch was a highlight of a highstakes week aboard the vessel “Still Play’n Up”.
By day four of the competition, the crew had
been through the wringer, having lost several black marlin earlier in the week.
Looking for a change in fortune, Rene hooked up and a 15-minute battle that followed was as tense as they come. Given the fish’s aggressive power, the crew initially suspected they were hooked into a shark.
However, Skipper Chris was able to identify the prize as a massive Cobia before it reached the surface.
The excitement on deck reached a fever pitch as they realised they had a potential record-breaker on the line, especially with the ever-
present risk of local sharks "taxing" the catch before it could be landed.
Fortunately, the Cobia was gaffed and brought aboard
Free fire safety visits
FIRE and Rescue NSW
(FRNSW) is offering free fire safety visits to Mid North Coast residents.
Port Macquarie Station
Commander Tim George said FRNSW’s Safety Visit initiative is designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers.
“Our Safety Visits are a great opportunity to remind residents about fire safety around the home,” Station Officer George said.
“As part of the program, firefighters come to your home and carry out a fire risk inspection, installing a free smoke alarm where
necessary.
“People cannot smell smoke when they are asleep, so having a working smoke alarm is crucial.
“Our Safety Visit program allows us to improve the safety of some of our most vulnerable community members, and make sure they are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.”
During the safety visit, firefighters also offer personalised fire safety advice on devices like heaters, power boards and smoke alarms.
Some simple steps to improve fire safety in the
home include:
- Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working order
- If fire occurs, get out, stay out and dial Triple Zero '000' immediately
- Have an escape plan in case of fire and practise it regularly
- Keep a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit
- Never ever leave cooking unattended
- Place drying clothing at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended
- If you use a clothes dryer clean the lint filter each and every time you use it
- Don't overload power points and switch off when not in use
- Always handle candles or any other open flame with care
- Only use wheat bags for direct application to body aches and pains. Wheat bags can ignite, and are not designed to replace hot water bottles for warming beds
You can book a free Safety Visit with FRNSW at https://www.fire.nsw.gov. au/visits
completely whole, sparking an emotional celebration.
Rene, who admitted she almost jumped out of the boat in pure adrenaline-fueled joy,
Trivia night to support youth mental health
By Sis HIGGINS
HEADSPACE Port Macquarie is inviting the community to test their knowledge and creativity at a one-night-only trivia fundraising event next week.
The Thursday Night Trivia event will take place on Thursday 16 April, offering a fun and inclusive evening focused on supporting local youth programs.
The event carries a “When I Grow Up” theme, with attendees encouraged to dress as their future selves.
A Best Dressed prize will be awarded alongside trivia prizes on the night.
The event is open to anyone aged 16 and over and is led by headspace Port Macquarie’s Youth Reference Group volunteers, with support from local partners.
Organisers say the night is designed to create a welcoming space where people can meet new friends and enjoy a relaxed social environment.
A spokesperson from the headspace Port Macquarie Youth Reference Group said,
“Trivia is such a great way to bring people together.
“It’s relaxed, affordable and gives everyone a chance to feel included.
“By coming together for a fun night out, we’re also raising awareness and funds to support youth mental health and positive programs in our local community."
The event will be held at The Terrace at The Bowl, located at 159 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie.
Team registrations open from 5:30pm, with trivia starting at 6:00pm, followed by social time continuing into the evening.
Tickets cost $10, with all funds raised going towards youth-focused programs and activities in the region.
Participants can register as a team or attend individually, with organisers matching solo attendees into teams on the night.
Food, drinks, music and a lively atmosphere will round out the evening. Tickets must be purchased prior to entry, with early bookings encouraged on https://events.humanitix. com/headspace-trivia-night
was quick to praise the efforts of her crewmates Lisa, Chris, and Len.
Now that the record is official, the 20.30kg
catch stands as a crowning achievement for Rene and a standout moment in the history of the Port Macquarie Golden Lure.
q Rene and her record catch. Photos: supplied.
q Staff from headspace Port Macquarie at the unveiling of its refurbished centre in September last year.
q FRNSW fire fighters check a residential smoke detector.
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Michael Daley
By Sis HIGGINS
VOLUNTEERS and community members are the heartbeat of the Port Macquarie region, helping shape a connected and resilient local community.
Among them is Michael Daley, who has built a strong connection to the area through service, resilience and a commitment to giving back.
Mr Daley moved from Western Sydney to the Mid North Coast in 2013 to join his extended family.
“I actually grew up in Western Sydney and as a young landlocked ‘Westie’
forever dreamed of a coastal lifestyle,” he said.
His move marked the beginning of a new chapter, shaped by his own experience with mental health recovery.
“Through my experience of being supported towards recovery from a mental health condition I was inspired to give back to my community and I studied to be a social worker,” he said.
Since 2015, Mr Daley has taken on a range of volunteer roles, particularly in the mental health space, before expanding into surf lifesaving and broader community support.
He achieved his bronze medallion in 2023 and now serves as part of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club’s emergency call-out team, while also contributing as a peer support officer and community advocate.
Mr Daley said volunteering has played a key role in rebuilding a sense of purpose.
“Slowly turning this around and seeking opportunities to give is empowering,” he said.
Among his proudest contributions is his involvement in emergency response activities along the coast.
“The sense of pride for our surf lifesaving volunteer service and my fellow volunteers… is enormous,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Daley hopes the region continues to grow in a way that supports inclusion and community wellbeing.
“A consumer says ‘I want’ and a citizen says ‘We need’. I hope we can all aspire to be model citizens,” he said.
His story reflects the importance of community voices and lived experience in shaping stronger, more connected local communities like Port MacquarieHastings.
Seniors recognised for community service
SENIORS across the Oxley electorate have been recognised for their invaluable contributions to the community, receiving Local Achievement Awards as part of the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival.
Out of the 24 seniors nominated, four were chosen for the major awards, all presented by Member for Oxley Michael Kemp.
“Across the four valleys of Oxley, it is our seniors who have helped build the strong, connected communities we have today,” Mr Kemp said.
“They’re the ones fundraising for hospitals, backing local sporting clubs and giving their time because they genuinely care about their community.”
“To be recognised by your peers is something truly special, and each of the nominees and award recipients should be incredibly proud of the difference they have made.”
Local Senior Achievement Award
Winners
• Lifetime Senior Achievement Award: Ray Walkden (Kempsey) - Ray has dedicated more than 37 years of outstanding service to the Macleay Valley, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Senior Achievement Award. Through his longstanding
involvement with the Lions Club of Kempsey and the NSW SES, Ray has played a critical role in supporting the community in times of need.
As Deputy Commander of the Kempsey SES, he has been at the forefront of emergency response and disaster recovery, often among the first on scene during major incidents.
• Female Senior of the Year: Ruth Holmes (Dorrigo) - Ruth is a passionate and tireless advocate for her community across Dorrigo and Bellingen. As a member of the Dorrigo Rotary Club and Mountain Top Landcare, Ruth has consistently worked to improve local outcomes. Ruth has also played an important role in promoting events such as the Dorrigo Plateau Farm Safety Awareness Day and also actively advocates for Waterfall Way.
• Male Senior of the Year: Peter Brotherton (Urunga)Peter has been a driving force behind the continued success of the Lions Club of Urunga. After helping rebuild the club in 2014, he went on to serve as President across multiple terms. Peter is a dedicated volunteer, contributing to the club’s fundraising efforts which return around $7,000 annually to the community. One of his most impactful initiatives has been supporting the Urunga Primary School P&C to
fund the school canteen, a contribution that has allowed the canteen to expand its operation from three to five days a week.
• Seniors Community Group of the Year: Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Bazaar – The Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Bazaar has shown a remarkable and enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community. Through the delivery of essential furniture to households across the Kempsey Shire and providing critical assistance to families impacted by natural disasters, the Bazaar continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference.
Local Senior Achievement Award Nominees
• Aileen Lewthwaite (Kempsey) - 18 years of outstanding service to the Kempsey United Hospital Auxiliary, including 12 as President. She also volunteered at St Vincent de Pauls for 18 years.
• Clare Porter (Gladstone)
– Clare has had a lifelong dedication to the Gladstone community, serving the Gladstone Uniting Church for decades, leading the Ladies Church Ais for more than 30 years. Clare is also a life member of the Smithtown RFS and helped the SES and part of the Gladstone Pool Committee.
• June Boag (Macksville)
- June has volunteered for many organisations, including 25 years service to the NSW RFS, 15 years with NSW SES, and membership with the VIEW Club, Macksville Hospital Canteen and the Nambucca Seniors Citizens Club.
• Kay White (Comboyne)
- Kay has contributed more than 30 years to the Comboyne Tigers RLFC and has been a dedicated member of the Comboyne Bowling Club. A passionate supporter of the Comboyne Show and
local markets, Kay has been awarded Most Successful Exhibitor many times.
• Lorraine Daelman (Gladstone) - Dedication to the CWA Gladstone Evening Branch, served as Treasurer and now in her third term as President. Lorraine also volunteers at Gladstone Public School, Gladstone Hall Committee and Scouts.
• Rotary Club of Nambucca Valley - The Rotary Club of Nambucca Valley supports schools, youth programs and sporting groups, delivers
disaster relief, and promotes inclusion through initiatives such as Sunshine Wheels, the Chocolate Wheel and the Rotary River Run.
• The Lions Club of Bellingen – 70 years of service to the community and outstanding fundraising efforts for the Bellinger River District Hospital. Since October 2024, the Lions Club of Bellingen has raised more than $123,000 for vital medical equipment, while continuing to support local events and initiatives.
work for the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Bazaar. Providing pick-up and delivery of furniture to many homes across the Kempsey Shire and supporting countless families.
Local Businesses of Dungog
• Anne Britten, Annie Orenshaw, Brendon Cox, Geraldine Cox, Helen Arvidson, Lorraine Preston, Malcolm Arvidson, Mareea Geatches, Peta Cross, Philip Preston, Ruth Salmond, Stephen Cox, Tom Grenfell –For their volunteer
q Michael Daley is this week’s Heartbeat of the Hastings. Photo: supplied.
q Comboyne’s Kay White with Oxley MP Michael Kemp.
Clubs raise $70k for farmers
THIRTEEN regional clubs have collectively raised more than $70,000 to support farmers impacted by the devastating floods of May last year.
Member for Port
Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the fundraising effort brought together clubs from across the region with the support of Clubs NSW.
“[It] highlighted the strong community spirit and
commitment to supporting those affected by natural disasters,” he said.
Contributing clubs include Club North Haven, Club Old Bar, Club West (Taree West Bowling Club), Kempsey
RSL, Kempsey Bowlo, Crescent Head Country Club, Laurieton United Services Club, Westport Club, Panthers Port Macquarie, Gloucester Memorial Club (Club Gloucester), Club Harrington, Port City Bowling Club and Wingham Ex Services Club.
The total amount raised
Strong finish to softball season
By Rachael THORPE
THE Port Phoenix Always Able women’s softball team finished their season with a decisive win in the Mid North Coast Softball Association competition last month.
The competition has been in existence for more than 50 years, and the team of ten comprises players aged 14 to 70. Long-time player Michelle Nohotima is 54 and juggles the sport alongside her family, full time work and community service commitments.
“I’ve been playing softball for fifteen years,” she told NOTA.
“I enjoy it because I make new friends, it’s a stress relief from my busy job, and it gives me fun people to hang out with.”
Michelle broke her finger halfway through the team’s recent win but kept on playing as her side claimed victory.
“We won 13-12 in the bottom of the seventh,” she said.
“It was an extremely competitive game and this is one of the best teams I have played in.”
Softball has a long history having originated in Chicago, Illinois in 1887.
It was designed as an indoor game and a way for baseball
Passion for pickleball
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 20
professional pickleball circuit, the tournament carried a lively energy that reflected the sport’s rapid grassroots growth across the Mid North Coast.
Matches unfolded throughout the morning across a series of social and semi-competitive rounds within five doubles divisions.
Although the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly rivalries echoed between games, with many members of the local club, as well as Port Macquarie PCYC and Westport Tennis Club, enthusiastically egging each other on.
Ultimately, after
players to retain their edge in the winter months.
The sport arrived in Australia in 1937 and is now played by over 25,000 people around the country.
The Mid North Coast association is managed and facilitated by volunteers, including the umpires, with their next season commencing in October.
New players are always welcome and coaching is provided.
Enquiries to portmacquariesoftball@gmail. com.
to date stands at $70,445.80, subject to final confirmation from the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group.
“The contribution will provide much needed assistance to farmers as they continue to recover.
“This incredible result reflects the generosity of our
local communities and the dedication of our clubs.
“We are proud to stand behind our farmers and support their recovery during such a challenging time.”
The funds will be administered by the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group.
Brendan
Laura Robertson (Lower Intermediate), Julia Grey (Novice), and Matt Cosgrove
(Beginner).
Organisers described the day as a resounding success, pointing to strong participation numbers and an
inclusive environment that welcomed players of all skill levels.
The club had many people to thank including Coach
Aaron Johnson for facilitating the smooth running and flow of the day, as well as all volunteers who assisted.
Tacking Point Dippers celebrate
By Bill HARROW
TACKING Point Dippers
(Autism Swim) celebrated their presentation day on Saturday 28 March, with many smiles on the faces of the medal and certificate recipients - and their proud parents. Held at Tacking Point Surf
Life Saving Club (TPSLSC), the celebrations included the announcement that the Port Plate three-day charity golf event had raised $10,000.
This means a total of $66,000 has been raised over the five years the event has taken place.
In addition to receiving support from TPSLSC and the
golf clubs, the Dippers also thanked members of the Lake Cathie CWA for their help and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for a community grant.
Autism Swim are inclusive aquatic education specialists for children on the autism spectrum, who are 160 times more likely to drown than
their neurotypical peers. Their mission is to reduce these statistics by ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to thrive and survive and have fun around the water.
The committee of volunteers said the money raised from the charity event will be used for specialist
equipment, the training of trainers, and to encourage young people with autism to be surf aware.
In 2010, local identity
Brian Johnson, who has a child on the autism spectrum, saw the need for a local group to support young people to have fun while being safe in the surf.
Brian and his wife Suzie had contributed to a peak body for a number of years without seeing much improvement, so a committee was formed from which the local Dippers emerged.
“People struggle to understand autism, as it is so individual,” Brian told News Of The Area.
“The example I use is: if you were to look up in the night sky full of stars, each one is individual.
“On the spectrum, they all sparkle [but] in a different place surrounded by darkness.
“This is a thing that the rest of the world doesn’t understand.”
Brian, the committee, and all the volunteers have seen the great results and achievements in having the Dippers.
If anyone would like further information, visit their website at autismswim.com.au.
q Michael Hall, Simon Moore, Kari Amundsen, Leeanne Gilmour, Sophie Taylor, Laura Robertson, Megan Rombi, and Rikki Waller. Photo: Wauchope Tennis Club & Pickleball Facebook.
q Matt Cosgrove, Laura Robertson, Helen Garret and Julia Grey. Photo: Wauchope Tennis Club & Pickleball Facebook.
q The Port Phoenix Always Able women's softball team.
q The donation of $10k will go towards specialist equipment. (L-R) Laurie and Barb Smith, Page Leishman, Fran Scutts, Di Collocott, Sue Warner, Brian Johnson and Stephen Collocott.
q The Dippers celebrate their Presentation Day.
multiple rounds of quickfire games aimed at scoring as many points as possible, each category champion was crowned: Riley Best
(Advanced),
Hansard (Upper Intermediate),
Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club
By Colin EVERINGHAM
TUESDAY 31/03/2026
Number of Players – 23
Game Played –Stableford
Winner -John Gillard
- 39 points
2nd Ken Baldwin
- 38 points 3rd Steve Vickers
- 37 points 4th Glenn Holt
- 36 points
5th Ian Camejo
- 35 points ( on count back) 6th George Evans - 35 points NTP 4th Peter Mansfield NTP 9th Neil Flatters
NTP 11th Ian Camejo
NTP 15th Neil Flatters
Hastings Ladies Social Golf
By Leonie MULVIHILL
MONDAY 6th April. Stableford, 47 players.
Division 1: Winner
Leonie Mulvihill 21 points
Runner Up Liz Williams
18 points
Division 2: Winner Volli Peacock 21 points
Runner Up Jo Thomas 20 points c/b
Angela Ayres 20 points
Division 3: Winner Deb Broome 24 points
Runner Up Bev Hudson 21 points
Division 4: Winner Marie Reid 18 points c/b
Runner Up Christine
Smith 18 points c/b
Linda Murphy 18 points
NTP: Liz Fraser 15th hole and Gaylene Fielding 18th hole
Birdies: Liz Fraser 15th
Gobblers: Deb Broome 18th
Lucky numbers: Donna Missingham and Jo Thomas
Wauchope Monday Mixed Bowls
By Beth GABRIEL
30.3.26
LAST Monday was the end of our evening games. It coincides with EDST when we change from evening to afternoon. The lights had to come on early on Monday and it was obvious that the sun had past the equinox. So next Monday, Easter Monday, we start at 1 p.m. and names in by noon please.
Winners were on rink 5, being Karen Logan, Sue Greenfield and George Campbell who led all the way. AND rink 5 also was the Lucky Losers with Karen Logan, swinger, Ned McElvey with his colourful shirt and Fay Paine. But wait there is more! Rink 5 was the Jackpot lane but they didn’t win and once more that carries to the winter season.
There was another team! It was on rink 3 that were Runners Up being Fred deWarrd, Mark Farrand and Rose Benjamin.
Raffle winners were Fay, Lucky Lauckie twice, George, Jim and Patricia. Thank you to Jenny Wooster and Ian Gabriel being the organisers for the day. The teams were fairly even and three out of the four rinks had the leader change during the game. Noted is that rink 2 must have been slow as they came off at the end of their 17th end. Too much chatter probably!
This Monday there was a good roll up of players for the first afternoon bowls after evenings since the beginning of the year. This change was celebrated by a spider where each bowler puts down one bowl simultaneously and a bowl which is closest to a plastic spider on the green gets a large Easter egg. The winners were Fred de Waard, John Smyth, Ned McNeely and Fay Paine. Enjoy.
The bowling winners on rink 2 were Fred de Waard, Gunnar Furhmann and
Beth Gabriel. Also on rink 2 were the Lucky Losers Margaret Wallis, Pam Dures and John McGregor, a new player with Monday bowls. It could have been either of these teams to win as the lead changed in the first 10 ends but John’s team got stuck on 6 points! The Runners Up weren’t on rink 2 but on 6 being Gina Wiseman, Ken Webb and Lucky Lachie Ison.
On rink 4 the lead changed often from 7 all on the 9Th, 12 all on the 15th, 14 all on the 17th. A close match indeed. The closest finish however was on rink 6 being 10-10 half way with a 20-19 finish.
The Jackpot did not go off so increases for next Monday. In the meantime raffle winners were Maki, welcome back, Fred, Gunnar, Beth, Carol and John. Thank you to Margaret Wallis and Ian Gabriel for doing a great job with the teams. That is except rink 5 with a big margin.
Friday Afternoon Golfer Social Golf Club
By Colin EVERINGHAM
FRIDAY 03 APR 2026
Weather: Fine warm with a nice breeze 28oC.
Number of Players: 20 playing on the Front 9 holes.
Winner: Nigel Sellers Nett 32 was on 16 now on 7
2nd: Steve Vickers Nett 34
3rd: Gary Cook Nett 39 4th: Robert Toone Nett 39 5th: Bill Wagner Nett 40
6th: Matt Holt Visitor Nett 40 NTP 4th Hole Second Shot: Steve Vickers NTP 9th Hole Second Shot: Ken Gallie
Raffle Winner: Glenn Holt again
Wauchope Women's Bowling Club
By Julie FRASER
PATRONS Day 30/3/26
Great weather and a great Easter raffle had a good turn out of bowlers . Played at Wauchope Country Club
Port Macquarie Sailing Club
By Jeff WALSH
29-3-26
THE Port Macquarie Sailing Club was to hold the Race 3 of the Handicap Start Series on Sunday morning, but due to small fleet numbers, sailed Summer Series Race 8 instead. The Commodore’s Cup was still held after lunch. The Southerly breeze had lots of good gusts and strengthened a little after lunch but was quite variable in both strength and direction. The tide was running out quite fast then started to slow towards the end of the Commodore’s cup race. The sky was sunny. Tony Kuhn did the duty and set a course with an upriver start with a tight reach Port buoy A across the river from the Governors Way Canal, then a work across to Port buoy B off the fig tree next to the Mcinherney park boat ramp, a run down to a final Port buoy C down past King Point, and a work back upriver to complete the lap. Both races were 3 laps. Race 8 of the Summer Series in the morning saw 6 monohulls ready to race, but when Stuart Symons and Julian Kuhn on the club Pacer ‘Britania’ went to set off, the end of the rudder blade rotation pin with the wing nut on it broke off, ending their day very early.
Terry Howard in his Impulse ‘Flying Dragon’ started pretty much even with Jeff Walsh in his Impulse ‘Serenity’ but gradually drew ahead to take the win ahead of ‘Serenity’. Rob Barwick in his Impulse ‘Drift’ was just behind the other Impulses at the start but kept dropping back until retiring after the 1st lap on discovering rudder problems were what was slowing him.
Steve Bohlsen in his MG14 ‘Interceptor’ couldn’t keep with the Impulses in the gusty conditions but did manage to stay ahead of the ever improving Dave and Hudson McNeill in their Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’. The handicaps closed the times right up but didn’t change the finish order.
gust on the work to the B mark, but when the gust suddenly stopped, capsized in backwards. This break gave ‘Drift’ the breathing space she wanted, and she went on to take the win over ‘Serenity’ by 30 seconds. ‘Toy of Joy’ handled the gusty conditions well and finished not far behind the 2 Impulses, but once the yardsticks were applied, the gap was somewhat bigger.
Next Sunday is the Easter Cup, 2 stand-alone races to allow people to be away for Easter or visitors to race here. The morning race will start at 10.30am and the afternoon race will be at 1pm, remembering that Daylight Savings ends the night before. No one is rostered on duty at this stage.
5-4-26
The Port Macquarie Sailing held their Easter Cup on Sunday, a standalone event (not included in any other point scores) of 2 races which allowed sailors to spend time with family if they didn’t want to sail, or for visitors to race. While the day did have sun patches, it also had some showers. The Southerly breeze backed and veered somewhat during the morning race but settled in direction during the afternoon as the run out tide increased in strength. Stuart Symons stepped up and did the duty, setting a shortish course consisting of 3 laps starting with a work up river to starboard buoy A off the fig tree next to the Governors Way Canal, a reach across and upriver a bit to Starboard buoy B, then a tight reach to the final Starboard buoy C off the end of Park Street and a loose work back to the start/finish line to
complete the lap. In the morning’s race 1 there were 6 starters, all boats in one division to be decided on class yardstick. The faster Arrow cats took off around the course, but after the handicapper applied the yardsticks, Jeff Walsh in his Impulse ‘Serenity’ was ahead of Jack Corthals on his Arrow Cat ‘Crackerjack’ by 7 seconds. Jack’s son, Germain Corthals joined in for the days racing in the Clubs’ Laser, and the yardstick got him into 3rd place ahead of Tony & Julian Kuhn on their Arrow Cat ‘Stella’ by 39 seconds. The steadily improving Gary Herbert was next in his Laser ‘Allegro’ followed by Dave McNeill and Kim Williams in the Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’.
The 2nd race, in the afternoon, only had 4 boats racing as the Gary and Kim had to go back to Sydney meaning that ‘Allegro’ wasn’t sailing and ‘Toy of Joy’ had no crew, so did not sail either. ’Stella, without crew Julian, managed to take the win over ‘Crackerjack’, ironically by 39 seconds. ‘Serenity’ took the 3rd placing followed by Germain on the Club Laser who found a big hole in the breeze on the start line and struggled to catch a break for the rest of the race.
This left the 2 race Easter Cup Series a tie on points between ‘Crackerjack’ and ‘Serenity’, but ‘Crackerjack’ gets the win on countback. ‘Stella’ took 3rd placing followed by the Club Laser, ‘Toy of Joy’, and ‘Allegro’.
Next Sunday is yet another attempt to hold Race 3 of the Handicap Start series starting at 1 pm. Jeff Walsh is rostered on duty.
congratulations Ita
Losers were Marie Aitken , Gina and Sally Webber.
Jackpot no 53. Ita Walker was present today
Winners of fan of cards on Patrons day $25 club vouchers were Margaret Wallis , Marie Winter and Julie Fraser .
A fantastic Easter egg raffles saw committee put together several beautifully eggs . Thank you to the donations by the members and the wrappers .
The Commodore’s Cup race in the afternoon had only 3 starters as Terry Howard’s sore neck could not stand another race in ‘Flying Dragon’ and Lucy Bohlsen, the forrard hand off the MG14 ‘Interceptor’ was at a Girl Guide event, so Steve decided not to race single handed in the increasing breeze. This time, the close start was between ‘Drift’ and ‘Serenity’ with ‘Drift’ getting the upper hand to the A mark. ‘Serenity’ was hopeful to catch ‘Drift’ when she got a very good
q Rob Barwick in his Impulse ‘Drift’ who won the Commodores Cup race.
q Jack Corthals on his Arrow Cat ‘Crackerjack’ who won the event on a countback.
Dorin's Drawings
OPINION & LETTERS
On the Couch
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
By Lynne MILES
Stargazing
By Dave RENEKE
Dreamtime astronomy
HAVE you ever wondered who the first astronomers were?
What an interesting question.
Astronomy is the oldest science, but it’s also the newest.
Everything we know about the night sky has been passed down through history, and we find the oldest continuous culture on Earth, the Australian Aboriginal people, were very likely the world’s first astronomers.
Quite an accolade!
Aboriginal Australians have been gazing at the night skies for thousands of years.
It seems they even pre-dated monuments like Stonehenge, estimated at 3100 BC.
Historians have been studying Dreaming stories and deciphering cave drawings to build a picture of the heavens as seen by these ancient cultures.
Tribes used the sky for navigation, timekeeping and to mark out the seasons.
They ordered their lives by the stars.
Most groups have stories that explain tides, eclipses and the rising and setting times of the Sun and Moon.
In one story, Walu the Sun is a woman who lights her fire every morning and scatters red ochre across the clouds, creating dawn.
She then carries her torch across the sky, creating daylight. At the end of the day, she descends, puts out her fire, and travels underground through the
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
THE cost of fuel is ridiculous. How do I make travel arrangements to my work and my gym and my social engagements when it is so expensive?
Leanne M.
Dear Leanne, It is hard not to feel particularly vulnerable at the moment, when there are many external factors impacting domestically.
A trip around Australia in a Winnebago suddenly seems frivolous, when fuel costs are out of control and news reports are suggesting we take unnecessary items out of the boot to improve fuel
night back to her morning camp.
huh?
My favourite Dreaming story is about the Southern Cross, or Crux.
One Northern Territory Aboriginal group believed it was once a giant stingray, with the two pointer stars as sharks chasing it out of the sky.
You can’t beat these stories for sheer drama and imagination.
To groups near the border of Victoria, it represents the four unmarried daughters of a tribal elder named Mulululu.
Star patterns were vital.
For example, the “Emu in the Sky,” formed by dark dust lanes in the Milky Way, appears to run or sit at different times of the year.
Depending on its position, some groups knew when to hunt emus or collect their eggs. Neat, huh?
May these stories live forever!
The lure of the night sky has always been powerful. For Aboriginal Australians, it was a living map of law, survival and spirit.
Other civilisations, like those of Ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, also studied the stars, but often to predict floods, track gods or build calendars.
While many cultures charted constellations, Aboriginal astronomy stands apart in seeing the sky not just as points of light, but as shapes in darkness and stories embedded in the land.
Today, despite satellites and telescopes, the night sky still draws us in.
Whether ancient or modern, we are united by the same sense of wonder - looking up and asking where we came from. So, what’s going to happen to all these stars?
Will our Universe keep expanding forever, or will it eventually slow down and collapse into a “Big Crunch,” the opposite of the Big Bang?
Perhaps the Universe recycles itself over and over.
If so, the answer to “where did the Universe come from?” may simply be - another universe.
Hey, got a question about the night sky?
See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.
efficiency.
While governments are trying not to alarm people, there's a sense of COVID-like economic uncertainty in the air with suggestions like working from home coming into play (which isn't tenable for many occupations).
You know, sometimes I fantasise that this is some grand plot by the 'drill baby drill' brigade to force us to realise how much we need to refocus on local solutions and sustainable options.
Isn't this just another wakeup call to show that if more money and time was spent on funding ways of life that preserved resources, we'd have a fighting chance?
It's hard to focus on individual commitments to plastic reduction and EV use and market gardens, though, when countries are blowing the bejesus out of each other.
In relation to your personal plight, are you able to access public transport to work?
Are there any car-pooling opportunities?
SPORTS
Could you combine your gym and work travel by riding a bike to work?
With social engagements, local opportunities can offer that much-needed sense of community and friendship without the high travel costs.
Buying local is another way to save on transport costs and it also gives a boost to regional areas, which currently need all the help they can get.
Earth overshoot day shows that globally we are using natural resources 1.7 times the rate that the earth can replenish them, so clearly our world leaders are doing something wrong.
Now, Leanne, excuse me while I drink some water with a squeeze of lemon through a paper straw while people with too much power and more money than they could ever use make decisions fuelled (no pun intended) by greed that the rest of us will pay dearly for.
Port Boxing’s 'homecoming'
By Rikki WALLER
IT’S been a decade in the making, but Port Macquarie Boxing Club is ready for the return of fight nights.
More than just punches and pride, Homecoming Fight Night at Port Macquarie Race Club on 18 April is set to be a celebration of local talent, rising stars, and a community deeply rooted in fighting spirit.
“Hosting our first tournament in years and bringing our sport to the viewing public is going to be fantastic,” Mick Eggins, Port Macquarie Boxing Club coach, told News Of The Area.
“From our fighters, coaches, sponsors and supporters, we are pumped for the 18th.”
Headlining the night is local standout Jess Messina, who is poised to make history.
Already an established name in Australian boxing, Messina will step into the ring against Gold Coast’s Louise Creaven of Matrix Boxing Gym in a high-stakes Australian title bout at a new weight division.
A victory would see Messina crowned a two-division national champion: a rare and remarkable achievement that could cement her legacy as the region’s finest fighter.
The amateur ranks will be equally electrifying, led by main event contender Charlie Huckson.
Originally from Gloucester in the United Kingdom, Huckson brings international pedigree and grit, having previously claimed the English ABA 67.5kg title.
With over 20 fights to his name, he is now chasing a Northern NSW title in a highly anticipated fiveround rematch against his last opponent.
It’s a showdown that promises intensity and redemption.
Local pride continues to run deep throughout the card with Jordon Green, who’s fresh off
winning his division in the 2024 King of the Ring tournament.
A proud local with strong family ties to Kendall Central School and deep Birpai heritage, Green represents both the future of the sport and the enduring connection between boxing and community.
Fan interest is surging around Ryan Campbell as he prepares to settle the score in a high-tension trilogy decider against rival Harper Boyd, with one win apiece.
Alex “Ragnar” James enters the card as a fighter whose journey into boxing is as powerful as his punches.
A former Gold Coast Titans development squad player, his rugby league career was cut short by injury, but adversity forged a new path.
Inspired by the memory of his late friend Jai Green, Ragnar stepped into the ring and made an immediate impact with a devastating stoppage in his first outing.
Now, he returns as one of the most intriguing and hard-hitting prospects on the card.
The heavyweight division will shake the building as Kai Wakley,
the reigning Northern NSW Super Heavyweight champion, looks to impose his dominance once again.
Emerging talent Harley Rayment, a 2025 Golden Gloves divisional champion and St Joseph’s Regional School standout, continues his rapid rise in the 67kg division, while Tyler Bennett, a former Port Breakers junior turned boxer, brings fresh enthusiasm and dedication after just one fight - already inspired by time spent alongside IBF world champion Jai Opetaia.
Rounding out the card are determined fighters like Kurt Green, ensuring a stacked lineup from top to bottom.
After 10 years without a local showcase, the return of boxing marks a new chapter for the club and the wider community.
The message is clear: boxing is back in Port Macquarie, and it’s coming out swinging.
“The whole team knows what they are fighting for; a chance to put on a show in front of family, friends and the Hastings area.
"Everyone has taken their training to the next level and wants to show the public the talent that this area has produced.”
Matthew 28: 5 & 6
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay."
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Cool,
q Local fighter Jess Messina is the main event at The Homecoming Fight Night on 18 April. Photo: supplied.
PUZZLES
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PORT MACQUARIE
Allan Edward Masters
Passed away 27th March 2026 Aged 83 years.
Late of Nambucca Heads and formerly Port Macquarie. Cherished husband of Kay. Best father and father-in-law ever to Kim & Tom and Brett & Jodie. Amazing and adored Poppy to his grandchildren and their partners – Amy, Sarah & Tim, Laura, Silas & Dakota, Max and Zoe, and great grandchildren – Angus, Freddy, Audrey, Darcy, Bobbi and Rosie.
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WESTMAN
Diana Margaret
10 May 1941 - 3 April 2026
Passed away peacefully at hospital. Late of Evans Street, Lake Cathie. Beloved wife of John (dec). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Sharon, Darryn and Melissa, Anthony and Carla, and Janine. Adored Mardi of Daniel, Luke, Joel, Flinn and Emily. Cherished great-grandmother of Sari and Delilah.
Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Service to celebrate Diana’s life to be held at the Chapel of Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie on Friday 17th April 2026, commencing at 11:30am
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A NEW ANZAC
SBS, 8.30pm
In following the redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, this fascinating fourpart series examines the unique purpose of the national monument and its enduring impact on society. First conceived in 1916 as a tribute to the ANZACs buried on the other side of the world, the combined memorial, museum and archive is the only institution of its kind in the world. In a bid to not only honour the first ANZACs but also recognise the servicemen and women who have followed in their footsteps, an immense expansion project has been underway in recent years.
FRIDAY, April 10
TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (M) A businessman is shot in a full boardroom.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGls, R)
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R)
12.05 Love Me. (MA15+s, R)
12.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT
NBN, 7.30pm
There’s been mere days for viewers to recover from this year’s unforgettable final vows – and a moment that will go down in Married at First Sight – but for the participants, this reunion is already one month down the track. Of course, one episode isn’t enough to contain all the drama; after last night’s explosive dinner party, the conflict is still simmering and the scores remain unsettled.
A communal couch session and gentle guidance from experts Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken and the late Mel Schilling (pictured) ought to calm everything down, right? Wrong. Accusations fly as the cast watches videos of their time on the show and delves deeper into their actions throughout their relationships.
THURSDAY GRAND
DESIGNS
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Having spent 30 years creating challenging residences for their clients in unlikely places – including a World War II radar station – architect
Howard and interior designer Sarah are not shy of a seemingly impossible project. With their children off to university, the time is finally right to create their own ambitious dream home. For many downsizers, that would mean a hilltop farmhouse or cosmopolitan apartment; but for this couple, it’s a floating metallic “ship” balanced atop an ever-shifting tidal riverbed in Worthing. The enormous undertaking is far from a watertight plan and will require an abundance of clever engineering – and three years’ worth of visits from host Kevin McCloud (pictured) – to get it on the water.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 A New ANZAC. (Premiere)
9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PGa, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The King. (Premiere, MA15+av)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)
1.45 Nordland 99. (Mal, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Athletics. Australian Athletics Championships.
9.00 MOVIE: Knives Out. (2019, Mal, R)
An eccentric detective, enlisted to investigate the untimely death of a wealthy and renowned crime novelist, must deal with the deceased’s conniving family and a web of lies to uncover the truth.
Daniel Craig, Ana De Armas, Chris Evans. 11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) The top six take to the stage.
1.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Navy SEALs. (1990, Mlv, R) Charlie Sheen. 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)
6.00 10 News+.
Deal Or No Deal. (R)
6.00
SATURDAY, April 11
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Edward Vs George: The Windsors At War.
8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGn, R)
9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)
10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PGa, R)
11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)
1.55 Matched. (PG, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)
they discover a family with skeletons in the closet.
9.45 Frauds. (Ml, R) An unforeseen disaster derails the gang’s plans.
10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Athletics. Australian Athletics Championships.
9.00 MOVIE: The Huntsman: Winter’s War. (2016, Mhv, R) A huntsman encounters his former believed-to-be-dead lover while searching for a missing magic mirror. Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron. 11.30 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv, R)
1.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 3. Taupo Super400. Day 1. Highlights.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 4.30 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
7.30 The Piano. Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.
8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml) Debbie invites the blackmailer for lunch.
8.50 Frauds. (Ml) Bert and Sam struggle to keep their secrets hidden.
9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R) A local councillor is stabbed in his home.
10.25 Top End Bub. (Md, R)
10.50 MOVIE: Windrider. (1986, Mdls, R)
12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Rise And Fall Of The Maya. (Premiere)
9.20 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)
10.15 Hunting Egypt’s Lost Treasures. (R)
11.05 Elvis’ Women. (Mas, R)
2.30 Matched. (PG, R)
3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.55 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGl) 8.00 Why Planes Crash. (Premiere, PGa)
9.10 Cold Chisel: The Big 5-0. (Ml, R) Takes a look at the band Cold Chisel. 11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madl, R)
12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 3. Taupo Super400. Day 2. Highlights.
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGl) The participants return for the final dinner party.
8.50 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.50 Power. (Premiere, MA15+dlnsv) A former drug kingpin opens a nightclub. 11.05 9News Late. 11.35 A Killer Makes A Call: Terry. (Mav, R) A look at the case of Mark Terry. 12.30 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A family considers a cockapoo pup.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Anna and Terence have lived in their home in Blackburn South for eight years but have two almost teens who need their own space.
9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGalv, R) Elsbeth battles a wealthy biohacker. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
10
Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Tribemates try to win Immunity.
The Greatest: Reality TV Moments. A group of celebrities looks back at some of the greatest reality TV moments. 9.10 Matlock. (PGa) Matty juggles a big court case and her 50th wedding anniversary while representing a Jacobson Moore colleague. 10.10 NCIS: Origins. (Mv, R) The evidence room is broken
6.00
MONDAY, April 13
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.05
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mdlv)
11.40 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)
2.25 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
3.25 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 8.20 Tea With Mussolini. (1999) 10.30
TUESDAY, April 14
Roads. (R) 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.15 9-1-1. (M) The 118 helps a medical examiner.
10.15 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics. 11.15 The Agenda Setters. 12.15 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.30 100% Footy. (Mal) Features the latest rugby league news. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl) 12.00 Footy Classified. (Ml)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: 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.
In A Land That No Longer Exists. (2022, M, German) 12.25pm Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.05 The Most Beautiful Day In The World. (2019, PG, Italian) 4.00 Buckley’s Chance. (2021, PG) 5.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 7.30 The Way Of The Dragon. (1972, M, Cantonese) 9.20 The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) 11.15 Late Programs. 6am Discovering Film. 6.25 The Most Beautiful Day In The World. (2019, PG, Italian) 8.20 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 10.00 The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) 11.50 Dead Again. (1991, M) 1.45pm A Hazard Of Hearts. (1987, PG) 3.25 Tea With Mussolini. (1999) 5.35 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 7.30 Fist Of Fury. (1972, M, Cantonese) 9.30 Game Of Death. (1978, M, Cantonese) 11.25 Late Programs.
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Counting Cars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Taupo Super400.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Australian Idol. (Final, PGal) The winner is announced.
9.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.
Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: My Super Ex-Girlfriend. (2006, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30
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WEDNESDAY, April 15
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.25 Matched. (PG, R) 10.15 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 11.05 DNA Journey. (Mls) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
SBS World News.
Chernobyl: Days That Shocked The World. Survivors recall the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
9.25 The Audacity. (Premiere)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv)
12.10 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malsv)
1.55 Classified. (Mlv, R)
3.30 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY
6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.10 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.30
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend. 9.30 MOVIE: Heartbreak Ridge. (1986, M) Midnight Late Programs.
6am Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 7.30 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 9.30 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 11.30 The Way Of The Dragon. (1972, M, Cantonese) 1.25pm Brother’s Keeper. (2021, M, Kurdish) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 5.35 Funny Face. (1957) 7.30 Phantom Thread. (2017, M) 10.00 Empire. (2023, M, Danish) 11.45 The Vourdalak. (2023, MA15+, French) 1.20am Late Programs.
April 16
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Ml, R) 1.55 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs.
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6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 11.00 DNA Journey. (Ml) 12.00 WorldWatch.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)
8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)
9.40 Riot Women. (MA15+)
10.50 SBS World News Late.
11.20 Under The Bridge. (Premiere, Mdlv)
12.10 Bonn. (Mav, R)
2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.05 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained. 11.10 Brassic. 12.45am Dark Side Of The 2000s. 1.40 Late Programs.
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6am A King
In New York. (1957, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.25 Funny Face. (1957) 10.20 Fist Of Fury. (1972, M, Cantonese) 12.20pm Game Of Death. (1978, M, Cantonese) 2.10 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG)
3.50 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 5.50 The Lady And The Highwayman. (1989, PG) 7.30 Becoming Jane. (2007, PG) 9.45 Marie Antoinette. (2006) Midnight Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)
12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 The Aussie Property Flippers. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ma) 8.40 Downfall: The Prince Andrew Saga.
9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mav, R)
10.40 9News Late. 11.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Surfing Australia TV. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Mal) 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGal, R)
10.45 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 My Way. 11.45 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.45pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Gran Torino. (2008, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Rugby Heaven. 1.00 Love Island UK. 2.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm
6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 My Way. 11.40 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.40pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: We’re The Millers. (2013, MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.35 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
DRAMA
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Passion for pickleball
By Rikki WALLER
BATHED in a sea of pink, purple, and autumn sunshine, the courts of the Wauchope Tennis Club came alive on Saturday, 28 March as players and spectators gathered for the annual Purple Pickleball Tournament, part of the muchloved Lasiandra Festival.
The event, previously postponed due to poor weather, is a highlight of the festival’s program, and brought together a mix of seasoned players and enthusiastic newcomers.
Participants embraced the festival spirit with many donning vibrant outfits that matched the jacaranda-inspired theme synonymous with Lasiandra celebrations.
“The weather was perfect,” Helen Garrett, Pickleball Coordinator at Wauchope Tennis Club, said post-event.
“The smiles, enthusiasm and atmosphere were amazing.
“What a way to showcase and celebrate our community spirit that Wauchope Tennis Club and Pickleball is known for.”
While not a stop on the
Brendan Hansard and Lucy Kowalewski compete in the Upper Intermediate division. Photo: Wauchope Tennis Club & Pickleball Facebook.
