Port Macquarie News Of The Area 12 JUNE 2026

By Pauline CAIN

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CWA hospitality on show at ArtWalk

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By Pauline CAIN

PORT Macquarie Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) spent a busy day on duty on Town Square ahead of the ArtWalk 2026 opening.

The day began with the regular tearoom service, which is held every first and third Friday morning.

There were plenty of locals and visitors keen to have a cuppa and scones and chat with CWA members.

From midday the rooms were handed over to Port Macquarie Hastings Council and its ArtWalk team.

CWA members relocated to Town Square to set up their market stall.

Members were kept busy with sales of homemade craft, jams, pickles, and baked goods.

“We have had a great night connecting with members of the community,” said Port Macquarie CWA President Jill Adams.

”The CWA has a reputation for our hospitality, and for our craft and baking skills, which enables us to do the work that is important.

“The CWA is about more than tea and scones and our advocacy work has been the backbone of the organisation across the state for over 100 years.

“We raise money from events like this to support those in need locally and we are always keen to have a presence so that we can chat with the community about what we do.”

By Pauline CAIN

AUDIENCE members at the final performance of ‘Georgy Girl’ at The Players Theatre were treated to a special appearance by Keith Potger, one of the original Seekers, in Port Macquarie on Sunday 7 June.

Potger spoke to the cast on stage after the curtain call on Sunday afternoon and asked them to reprise their acapella version of ‘The Carnival is Over’.

“It was absolute music to my ears,” Potger said.

”Bruce, Athol and I are keen to encourage and promote these regional productions of ‘Georgy Girl’ because this generation of young people [has so much] energy and talent.

“The show was marvellous and I was honoured to be in the audience.

“To hear Samantha pull off those vocals was an absolute joy.

“I was transported.”

The high praise was echoed by 2wayFM presenter David Lazarus, who was in the audience.

“The show was sensational,” Mr Lazarus said.

“It was something very, very special.

“There’s a lot of people talking about this.”

Mr Lazarus interviewed Potger on his radio show ‘Talking Entertainment’ on the Monday evening following the performance.

The young cast who played ‘The Seekers’ were also on air with Potger: Isaac Long (Athol Guy), Darcy Richards (Bruce Woodley), Samantha Brennan (Judith Durham) and Elijah Koivu (Keith Potger).

Audience member Coralie Stewart, said she had heard ‘Georgy Girl’ was one of The Players Theatre’s best performances.

“I was lucky to manage a ticket for the last performance of

‘Georgy Girl’,” she said.

“I was blown away by the storyline, singing, talent and high quality of the production.

“The surprise appearance of Keith Potger after the curtain meant there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

Art helps Lillie find her voice

By Rachael THORPE

EACH year ArtWalk attracts talented artists and creators keen to share their talent with the community.

For the past two years

19-year-old Lillie Gilson-James has had her work displayed in the Glasshouse.This year she branched out with a stall at ArtWalk.

Lillie is autistic and lives with ADHD, Complex PTSD, and a high level of anxiety. Her art allows her to express herself in a world

that can be challenging.

Mentored by artist and art therapist Leah Doeland, Lillie’s pieces included crochet, knitting and acrylic painting.

“Art makes me feel very calm, and helps me to express myself,” Lillie said..

“I like to show people what I can do, and one day I’d like to have a regular market stall.”

Lillie enjoys painting realism and animals, particularly her own menagerie, which includes three dogs, four chickens, two rabbits, three cats, one bird, and two rats.

The oldest of three sisters, Lillie lives in Port Macquarie with her mum Charleen Gilson who is extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements.

“Creating art brings out her social confidence and helps her learn new things,” Ms Gibson said.

“The ArtWalk stall taught her some small business skills, and these are great for her confidence.”

Lillie took home a first prize and a second prize for her art at the Wauchope Show.

MP urges faster action on safety upgrades

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around Wauchope, where population growth is placing increasing strain on local roads.

"The Hastings Valley, the wider Hastings Valley and Wauchope are growing rapidly," Mr Kemp said.

"With that growth comes serious pressure on our road network and some key pinch points."

Mr Kemp said the recent death of local mother Amy Pollard at the intersection had reinforced long-standing concerns about the site's safety.

"Once again it's exposed what locals have known for years - that this is an inherently

dangerous stretch of road and it demands urgent action," he said.

He also referenced previous serious crashes at the same location, including one involving motorcyclist Richard Martin, who suffered life-changing injuries.

According to Mr Kemp, a key issue is the intersection's design, including a blind spot created by a left-turn lane and retaining wall, combined with increased traffic volumes entering and leaving King Creek.

"The growth has put a lot of pressure on drivers," he said. "We just don't want to see another death and there's been so many accidents."

A concept design for a

roundabout has already been developed, with $6.5 million allocated to finalise planning and acquire land for the project.

However, Mr Kemp said the current timeline, which could see planning continue until late 2027, is too slow.

"What we need is an acceleration of that planning process," he said.

"We need clear and public delivery timeframes for construction and we need a commitment that this project will not stall in the planning phase."

Mr Kemp also called for an urgent review of temporary safety measures, including further speed limit reductions, while permanent improvements are progressed.

"We need delivery. We do not need delay," he said.

Untamed artists in town for ArtWalk

By Pauline CAIN

TORTUGA was back in Port Macquarie for ArtWalk on Friday 5 June.

The weekend saw workshops for children and all abilities, and adult and children’s cabaret variety shows.

Lucy Gambsy Frost and Gordo Gambsy are the co-

directors of Tortuga. Gordo grew up here and the husband and wife team have in the past brought two of the famous wooden Spiegletents to Port Macquarie.

Each time they have gathered a team of international circus performers.

Saturday and Sunday

nights saw sold-out houses for their signature adult cabaret, “Tortuga Untamed: The Last Revel” at Got Ya Back’s theatre on Hollingsworth Street.

Liz Stephens, who had a front row seat said, “We’re so lucky in Port Macquarie that we get to see these great acts that have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and around the world.”

Also in the front row were locals, Ruth, Marilyn and Debbie.

“We are so lucky to have the opportunity to see shows like this,” said Debbie.

”So unexpected, totally entertaining.”

Ruth added, “There is such a variety of different acts which we would never normally get to see.”

Blast of sound launches ArtWalk

By Pauline CAIN

ARTWALK started with a blast of sound in a flash sing from local choirs.

More than 100 singers from a range of local choirs came together for the first time at 4pm for a quick rehearsal.

At 5pm a crowd of family and friends and many more gathered in the carpark of Clarence House to hear them sing.

Local choirs formed the Big Sing with the following joining in - Blokes Notes, Hastings Choristers, KWYRE, Mosaic from Wauchope, Song Circle,

Strongman The Great Gordo Gamsby is a 13-time Guiness world record-holder and he had the crowds cheering and cringing as he pushed a steel spring through his nose and mouth and into his tongue, and suspended a disco ball from it.

Foxy Moron has presented physical comedy shows in more than 32 countries and

Sing Australia Choirs from both Port Macquarie and Wauchope, St Columba Anglican School Youth Choir, and the newly formed Rock and Soul Choir.

The acoustics were impressively good and those who were there were treated to a lovely rendition of ‘Here Comes the Sun’.

Leanne Johnson, who coordinated the choir, thanked the audience.

“We’ll send you off now to enjoy the rest of the night with this little ditty: ‘Am I ever gonna see your face again?’,” Ms Johnson said.

Ms Johnson is the music director for both Blokes Notes and KWYRE.

Menopause campaign breaks silence

FROM hot flushes and sleepless nights to brain fog and mood changes, menopause and perimenopause are finally getting some long-overdue national attention.

The Australian Government launched the country's first dedicated awareness campaign in May.

The campaign aims to help women better understand the changes they may experience, access trusted information and feel more confident seeking support when they need it.

A new website has been developed to provide reliable

health advice, practical resources and information about available support services.

Local women had much to say about the campaign highlighting the awareness of women's health.

Lora Butcher voiced her support of the campaign.

“Any awareness is great - the lack of education on perimenopause and menopause is so disheartening,” she said.

Lora said that some women struggled\ and “think we are losing our minds when this is a condition we all need to understand - to have

access to any information available but we never have the awareness to know the information we need.

“Big yes to the campaign.”

Fiona Paterson commented: “It's about bloody time!”

Erin Richards said:“It's a step in the right direction towards women's health and one that matters.”

Donna Barlow noted that Gen X women were going through this stage of life and said, “It’s overdue and underfunded.”

The initiative follows recommendations from the Senate Inquiry

into Menopause and Perimenopause, which found many women were entering this stage of life without enough information about symptoms, treatment options or where to turn for help.

Minister for Finance and Women Katy Gallagher said it was time to bring the conversation into the open.

“Menopause should not come as a surprise, but for too long silence and stigma have left too many women in the dark,” Minister Gallagher said.

“Making sure women have credible, evidencebased information that is

easily accessible is essential to supporting their health and wellbeing. And it’s important for women’s families and the broader community to have awareness too.”

Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman differently, with symptoms ranging from hot flushes and sleep disturbances to anxiety, brain fog and changes to mental health and wellbeing.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the campaign was a direct response to what women had been asking for.

“Australian women told us they wanted their health

her playful and interactive comedy performance was a hit with the audience.

Comedian and physical performer, Malia Walsh, has spent more than 16 years in the arts and has won multiple awards.

With a background in both ballet and football her performance was both graceful and gritty.

Sideshow Pat Bath blended classic sideshow traditions with modern cabaret and a touch of the absurd.

Burlesque performer Kelly Ann Doll had the audience in the palm of her hand with her swing dance skills and her art of tease.

Master of ceremonies, world-class comedian Joel Salom, has performed in New York, Berlin, London and Mullumbimby.

He kept the show running with his pacy patter in between acts and the finale saw his unique juggling act with laser lights and synchronised sound track featuring audience member Brian aka George.

Blokes Notes performed separately and attracted a large crowd on the corner of Clarence and Murray Streets at 5.30pm.

They are a community choir for men and are a crowd favourite, providing acapella music and humour.

Blokes Notes are a notfor-profit organisation which raises funds for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, in support of the Port Macquarie and Hastings regions.

They will be singing with the Sydney Male Choir in ‘Travellin’ North with a Song’ at the Players Theatre on Friday 19 June.

to be taken seriously and our Government listened,” Minister Butler said.

“This campaign will help improve health outcomes for Australian women through better access to reliable, evidence-based, information and support.”

The campaign forms part of the Government’s $792.9 million women’s health package.

Since menopause health assessments became available through Medicare in July 2025, almost 105,000 women have accessed the service, while more than 430,000 women have benefited from cheaper menopausal hormone therapies through the PBS.

Crowd favourites return to celebrate 10 years of ArtWalk

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“To potentially welcome more than 30,000 people for our 10th birthday would be something really special.”

Cherie and Scott Rayner, from Sunset Gallery, have been with ArtWalk since the beginning in 2017.

They had a projection gallery in a carpark in Murray Street, two doors up from their original gallery.

People were able to jump and dance to an animated dance tutorial created by Jackson Raynor.

Got Ya Back (GYB) Productions first appeared at Artwalk in 2018.

Their new show, ‘The Piano Party’, was staged underneath the fig tree on Town Green.

“Similar to what we did with ‘Banjo’ in 2018, we have come up with a concept and we get to try it out,” said Tim Maddren, from GYB.

“That’s what ArtWalk is about for us.

“We are trialling a 15 minute version of what will grow and develop into something else.”

Tim sang familiar songs, accompanied by dancer Danika Clarkson, and Brian Cousins on a keyboard set inside an old grand piano.

“Brian and I came up with the idea of a piano party where

people can participate in shows - sing along and dance.

Audiences did sing along, especially with ‘Sweet Caroline’, and there was a lovely atmosphere as performers and audiences connected.”

The full-length version will be performed on 26 and 27 June at Got Ya Back’s theatre in Hollingsworth Street.

DJ Mel created a silent disco in the beautiful Golden Nugget caravan.

Blob Lab, an interactive art installation drew crowds in the Art Cube.

Roving entertainers Beeswax and Bottlecaps, and Katie Croker with her hula hoops, interacted with crowds on the street.

The stage featured Phoebe Ayla’s fire show, contortionist Foxy Moron, and comedian Joel Salom with his robotic dog Erik.

Council’s Chris Erdaide extended his thanks to all of the artists and performers who shared their creativity and talent throughout the night, and to the businesses that opened their doors and helped create the unique pockets of art, music, and activity that made Artwalk such a special event.

Calls for action on early education pressures

By Sis HIGGINS

EARLY childhood education

providers, educators and families across New South Wales are facing growing challenges, according to findings from the NSW Legislative Council’s Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector.

The inquiry examined issues including affordability, accessibility, workforce shortages and the increasing regulatory burden placed on early learning services throughout the state.

“Our youngest children deserve a system that is safe, high-quality and centred on their needs, but right now

families and educators are being let down,” Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said.

Mr Dwyer said the report confirmed concerns that had been raised by families and educators for several years, with many services struggling to manage rising costs, staff shortages and compliance requirements.

“Educators are being asked to do more every year, yet many services are struggling with rising costs, staffing shortages and increasing red tape,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Without practical support, these pressures will continue to flow directly onto families through higher

fees and reduced access to care.”

However, recent national data released by the Federal Government indicates quality and safety standards across the sector are improving.

The latest National Quality Framework Snapshot for the first quarter of 2026 shows 92 per cent of services are now rated as meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard, the highest level recorded to date.

State and territory regulators conducted 6,147 service visits during the first three months of the year, while 933 compliance actions were taken, representing a significant increase on the same period last year.

Federal Education

Minister Jason Clare said stronger oversight and reforms were delivering results.

“The percentage of childcare centres meeting the national quality and safety standards is now at the highest level ever,” Mr Clare said.

“The number of inspections by state regulators over the last 12

YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR STORIES. YOUR NEWSPAPER.

months is also the highest on record.

“That’s a good sign.

“It’s an indication that things are changing for the better.”

Mr Dwyer said regulation needed to be paired with practical support and

funding to ensure services remained accessible and affordable.

“We need a system that supports children, values educators and gives families confidence that early childhood education in NSW is accessible, sustainable and focused on quality outcomes,” he said.

The inquiry's findings are expected to inform future reforms aimed at strengthening the early childhood education and care sector across New South Wales.

Free fire safety advice with sausage sangas

By Sis HIGGINS

WINTER fire safety advice will be served alongside sausage sandwiches at Bunnings stores across New South Wales this month as firefighters launch a campaign aimed at reducing house fires and saving lives.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews will visit Bunnings stores throughout June to promote free home fire safety visits and encourage residents to check their smoke alarms as colder weather increases the risk of residential fires.

The campaign follows concerning statistics showing that 45 per cent of the 3884 homes that experienced a major fire in 2025 did not have a working smoke alarm.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said winter remained the most dangerous season for residential fires.

“As it gets colder, winter is typically the most dangerous time of year for residential fires and we want everyone in our state to be prepared,” Mr Dib said.

“Most people assume a fire will never occur, but they do happen and often spread quickly in homes

without a working smoke alarm.

“A working smoke alarm is your best protection, especially when you’re sleeping.

“So that bleeping smoke alarm just might save you.”

The campaign comes as NSW recorded 30 firerelated deaths in 2025, making it the second-worst year for fire fatalities in the past decade.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the partnership with Bunnings would help firefighters reach more people with potentially life-saving information.

“We know Bunnings is a popular place on weekends,

so our firefighters will visit local stores throughout winter, show people how to check smoke alarms, prepare a home fire escape plan, and explain why fire blankets and extinguishers should be a kitchen staple,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.

Residents can book a free home fire safety visit through the FRNSW website or by contacting their local fire station.

Fire authorities are also reminding households to test smoke alarms regularly, replace alarms every 10 years and ensure every level of the home is fitted with a working device.

World-first film festival comes to town

PORT Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, in association with the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum, is bringing the Save the Waves film festival to town on Sunday, 21 June.

The festival will be held at Flynn’s Beach from 3pm to 6pm. Entry is via a gold-coin donation.

A fund-raising raffle will be held on the afternoon of the festival with a Pieter Shaped twin-fin surfboard up for grabs.

The festival is part of a global tour by Save The Waves Coalition and is geared to bring communities together for a night of adventurous

and inspiring films for a good cause.

Organisers say that the Save the Waves Film Festival (STWFF) is the world’s only international surf and environmental film fest.

This year’s lineup of short films features surf breaks from California, Ghana, Portugal, the Azores, Canary Islands, Indonesia, Australia, Peru and Mexico.

The festival is also a showcase for surf ecosystems conservation, with new films about those who are the frontlines of coastal protection.

Tickets and proceeds benefit surf ecosystems

worldwide through Save the Waves environmental programs.

“Last year, STWFF screened in 12 countries with 50 community-led events,” said Lauren Parrino, the festival’s director of communications.

“We’re expecting additional stops and even more locations this year.”

The Port Macquarie Surfing Museum has just upgraded its website to include a Save the Waves brochure containing a QR code that can be scanned to make a booking.

Interested people can also call into the museum on the first floor of Port Central, where volunteer staff will help.

Hastings Arts Trail abuzz

By Pauline CAIN

STUDIOS and creative spaces in Port Macquarie and across the Hastings were open to the public on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June for the Hastings Arts Trail.

21 studios opened for the weekend, including some hubs with artist collectives.

Hundreds of artists were involved from Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Comboyne, Bonny Hills, Dunbogan and Lakewood.

Vivianne Hazenveld, director of the Hastings Arts Trail opened her studio as part of the trail.

She spoke about how the

weekend event has facilitated a genuine one-on-one connection between artists, makers, and members of the community.

“I’m really impressed with how all of the artists came on board and their effort to make their spaces welcoming,” Ms Hazenveld said.

The Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre (PMACC) was buzzing with waves of people all weekend.

The not-for-profit, selffunded organisation of 150 members, offered a wide range of art and craft activities for people of all ages.

Lapidary, woodwork, ceramic, silversmith, painting, drawing, spinning, weaving, textile and leather work were exhibited and dozens of artists were on hand to talk about their art.

Ceramic artist Sue Aherne and friend Martina Holt had been following the trail all day on Saturday. Sue’s work was exhibited at PMACC.

They started at Dunbogan earlier in the day and worked their way up to Port Macquarie.

“We haven’t done every single one but we managed a lot,” Sue said.

“The best thing has been the variety of different artists

and works.”

Kylie Peden, PMACC treasurer, said it was the organisation’s first time on the arts trail.

“Today has been fantastic with lots of first-time visitors,” she said.

“Some of our members

have their own studio but we come here to do this as a community, and it is nice to be part of a tribe.”

Veronique Bosshard, formerly a painter, is now vision-impaired and a ceramicist.

She collaborates with Dee Jones.

“Veronique lost her capacity to have her creative

voice and now she has found it again,” Dee said.

“I do a lot of the construction but ultimately Veronique’s hands are on it as well.”

This is the second year of the Hastings Arts Trail and it was bustling all weekend.

Vivianne Hazenveld is working towards making the trail an annual event.

Community honours women lost to violence

By Sis HIGGINS

FIFTY-three women who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence since 1 May 2025 were honoured at a National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day ceremony at Town Beach, Port Macquarie, on Birpai Country.

Hosted by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in May, the ceremony brought together community members and frontline workers to remember each woman and acknowledge the devastating impact of domestic and family violence across Australia.

Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the gathering was both a

tribute to those who had lost their lives and a reminder that more action was needed.

“Each life we honour represents a woman who should still be here,” Ms Lamb said. “Behind every number is a person, a family and a future that has been taken.

“This day reminds us that domestic and family violence is not decreasing.

“It is intensifying, and frontline services like Liberty are seeing that reality every day.”

During the ceremony, a rose was placed for each woman killed, with her name, age and home town read aloud.

Each tribute carried the message: “In your

memory, we stand united against domestic and family violence.”

A minute’s silence was also observed as those attending reflected on the loss experienced by families, communities and future generations.

Liberty reported it had received 259 referrals from women seeking support so far in 2026 and was currently operating at nearly double its funded capacity.

“These numbers reflect women reaching out for safety, often at the most critical point in their lives,” Ms Lamb said.

“We are responding to increasing complexity, heightened risk and growing

pressure on services, while working beyond the limits of our funded capacity.”

Last year, Liberty engaged with more than 3000 people through prevention, early intervention, crisis response, recovery and healing programs.

“Preventing violence requires sustained investment, strong community awareness and a collective willingness to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that enable it,” Ms Lamb said.

Liberty is encouraging community members to honour those lost through meaningful action and to play a role in creating safer communities for all.

Secret scent cues in fox urine

By Sis HIGGINS

A NOVEL research project

being led from the Port Macquarie campus of Charles Sturt University is investigating how the hidden chemical signals in fox urine could help control one of Australia's most destructive invasive predators.

The study is being led by Dr Anke Frank, a Lecturer in Ecology based in Port Macquarie, who is working

to decode the chemical messages foxes use to communicate through scent.

Foxes rely heavily on urine markings to signal territory boundaries, reproductive status, health and identity to other foxes.

Dr Frank said the research could transform the way pest managers control fox populations across Australia.

“Our research is about unpacking that hidden

chemical language, so we can use scent cues in a more targeted and effective way,”

Dr Frank said.

“We’re trying to turn fox scent communication into a practical management tool.”

The project will first identify the chemical compounds responsible for carrying specific messages before testing how foxes and other animals respond to those signals in the field.

“That allows us to enhance existing scent signals that deliberately trigger a desired behaviour,” Dr Frank said.

“For example, if a particular scent makes foxes investigate closer, we could use it as an attractant to help them find baits easier and thus improve controls.

“If we enhance scents linked to reproduction, we may be able to interfere with mating.

“On the other hand, scents that signal a dominant fox could be used to deter others and therefore protect vulnerable wildlife.”

An estimated 1.7 million foxes live in Australia, causing significant environmental and economic damage. Foxes kill millions of livestock animals each year and hundreds of millions of native animals, contributing to the extinction of more than 30 Australian mammal species.

“Our research aims to make tools for trapping and baiting more effective by developing targeted scent lures that tap into how foxes naturally communicate and make decisions,” Dr Frank said.

The project is supported by the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust and involves collaborators from University of Tasmania and University of Sydney.

Annual feral pig survey out now

By Sis HIGGINS

LANDHOLDERS across New South Wales are being encouraged to take part in the annual Feral Pig Impacts Survey to help build a clearer picture of the damage caused by feral pigs and improve future control programs.

The survey, run by NSW Government Local Land Services throughout June, collects information from landholders about the impacts of feral pigs on their properties and helps guide strategic pest management efforts across the state.

Principal Program Manager Biosecurity Jake Tanner said accurate information was critical to tackling the growing pest

animal problem.

“By mapping the impacts and damage caused by feral pigs across NSW, we can build a clearer picture of the scale of the problem and how that might change over time based on things like seasonal conditions and landholder participation in coordinated control programs,” Mr Tanner said.

The survey data is used to help Local Land Services deliver broadscale pest animal control programs and support land managers in meeting their General Biosecurity Duty to manage feral pigs and other pests.

“This helps us understand which tools work and where improvements can be made for more targeted, effective

control,” Mr Tanner said.

Local Land Services plans to run the survey annually in June, allowing results to be compared year-on-year and providing a long-term measure of how effective feral pig control programs are across different regions.

“The dedicated annual survey will provide a more

accurate snapshot of what’s happening on ground across the regions,” he said.

“Responses will help direct resources and support where they are most needed, shaping control programs and incentives and helping to identify emerging hotspots for early, co-ordinated control.”

Riders support local cancer patients

By Sis HIGGINS

COMMUNITY support for local cancer patients has received a boost, with the Hastings Chapter of the

American Motorcycle Club donating $4500.

The donation to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in Port Macquarie was presented in memory of

former club member Terry O’Loughlan.

Funds were raised through Tezza’s Memorial Poker Run, an annual event held each November in honour of Mr O’Loughlan.

Hastings Chapter President Scott Mingay said the cause remained close to the hearts of club members.

“Two of the Hastings Chapter’s members have been affected by cancer in recent years,” Mr Mingay said.

“We hope the donations help people undergoing treatment and their families who [are] going through some of the hardest days of their lives.”

The poker run has been held annually since Mr O’Loughlan’s passing eight years ago.

The event brings together motorcycle enthusiasts and community members while raising funds for

Fighting Spirit exhibition lands at Glasshouse

By Sis HIGGINS

'FIGHTING Spirit: The Art of Boxing' will open at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on 13 June, bringing together powerful stories, artwork and rare screen footage that celebrate Australia’s rich boxing history.

Developed by the National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive, the exhibition explores boxing’s connections to identity, resilience and community through paintings, photographs and archival film from national collections.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the stories behind some of Australia’s most influential boxing figures, including legendary Dunghutti boxer Dave Sands.

A highlight of the opening weekend program will be an exclusive conversation with Chad Ritchie, Dave Sands’ grandson, who will share personal insights into one of Australia’s most significant boxing legacies.

Mr Ritchie said the exhibition provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Sands family in the region where they grew up.

“It’s really exciting that the legacy of my grandfather and the Fighting Sands Brothers will be celebrated in an exhibition in the very region they grew up in,” he said.

“It’s an important way to acknowledge their stories, recognise their resilience and honour the impact they had on the region, but also on Australian boxing history more broadly.

“I’m honoured to represent the family as part of the exhibition’s opening weekend talks and encourage people to come along to learn more about these incredible boxers.”

Dave Sands remains one of Australia’s most celebrated fighters.

The proud Dunghutti man won 97 of his 110 professional bouts and became a trailblazer for Indigenous athletes during a remarkable career.

His life was tragically cut short in 1952 when he died in a truck accident near Dungog.

The exhibition offers local audiences a rare chance to reflect on his enduring legacy and the broader cultural impact of boxing in Australia.

the cancer institute where Mr O’Loughlan received treatment.

Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Nurse Unit Manager Nikki Rooimans thanked the club for its ongoing support.

The annual fundraiser has become a well-supported community event, attracting riders and supporters from across the region.

Funds raised assist the institute in supporting patients and families undergoing cancer treatment.

The donation continues a long-standing connection between the motorcycle club and the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute.

Through the annual poker run, members of the Hastings Chapter honour the memory of their friend while helping local people facing cancer treatment across the Mid North Coast.

NDIS cuts will come at a social cost

By Rachael THORPE

SUBMISSIONS to the federal government on a proposed overhaul of the NDIS scheme closed on 1 June, leaving many concerned for the scheme’s future.

A spokesperson from People with Disability Australia (PWDA) said: “We believe the overhaul will cause widespread harm across the disability community, meaning hundreds of thousands of people will be pushed into isolation, crisis and segregation when they lose the supports they rely on to survive and participate in everyday life.”

Current government modelling indicates that implementation of the new rules is likely to remove in

excess of 240,000 people from the scheme, with no framework yet in place indicating how they will be supported once they are no longer receiving support from the NDIS.

One of the most controversial proposals is to cut funding for social and community participation support by 30 to 50 per cent for all participants.

This funding assists people with a disability to access the community for leisure activities as well as essential errands such as working, medical appointments, visiting family and shopping.

Port Macquarie disability support worker Bianca Dennelly told News Of The Area: “My concern is around the mental health of the

participants.

“Their lives are already extremely challenging, and they need to be able to access the community in a way that suits them.”

The modelling also reveals cuts to social and community participation support are expected to deliver the single biggest saving in the reforms, accounting for $13.2 billion over four years.

Kay Sadler is one of many disability advocates who has been vocal on the issue.

“We dismantled the institutions of the past that housed our loved ones,”Kay said. “I’m concerned that the planned cuts may force them to be opened again.”

PWDA believes that people hear ‘social and community participation’

and think recreation or lifestyle funding.

They argue that in reality this funding provides supports that allow people to leave home safely, get to work, attend university, maintain relationships, parent their children or avoid becoming completely isolated.

PWDA Acting CEO Mx Megan Spindler-Smith said the figures had devastated the disability community.

“This Bill is deciding who gets support, who gets left behind and what kind of lives disabled people are allowed to have,” Mx Spindler-Smith said.

“This Bill must not pass in its current form. The safeguards are too weak, the risks are too high, and disabled people are being asked to carry the consequences of decisions they were never properly consulted on.”

Appeal a great success but more donations needed

THE inaugural St Thomas Emporium Winter Appeal has been hailed a great success, with an overwhelming response from the Port Macquarie community helping people stay warm this winter.

The six-week appeal concluded with a large giveaway of winter essentials on Wednesday 3 June.

Almost all donated blankets, hats, scarves and other items of warm clothing were distributed to local people in need.

A small number of winter jackets remain and will be handed out over the coming week until all items have found a new home.

Emporium co-ordinator Kerri Attenborough-Bourke said she was grateful for the generosity shown by local

businesses, churches and community members.

"Our community has really come together to support people doing it tough this winter," Kerri said.

"The response has been incredible, and we are so thankful to everyone who donated items or volunteered their time."

Kerri paid special tribute to Blake Nelson from BNCC Security, who not only helped collect donations but also provided essential hygiene packs, sanitary products and clean underwear for those experiencing hardship. Representatives from several local churches attended the giveaway to lend a hand, along with Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillor Nik Lipovac, highlighting the strong

community support behind the initiative.

"The Winter Appeal has exceeded our expectations," Kerri said. "We will continue to provide free essential items, including hygiene products, sanitary supplies and clean underwear, to those who need them."

With demand for support continuing to grow, St Thomas Emporium is now calling for further donations of winter clothing, toiletries, food staples and other everyday essentials.

These donations help support both the Emporium's assistance programs and the

church's food pantry and home-cooked meal services.

Donations of goods or financial contributions can be made at the Emporium Op Shop, St Thomas Anglican Church, 50 Hay Street, Port Macquarie, between 9.30am and 3.00pm Tuesday

to Friday, and 9.00am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

The success of the inaugural Winter Appeal demonstrates the power of a caring community coming together to make a practical difference in the lives of others.

Another kind of bird watching takes flight

By Kate SHELTON

WHILE many local bird enthusiasts have been celebrating recent rare sightings around Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie, there is another type of bird watching quietly gaining momentum and it is happening far beyond the shoreline.

Out on the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, groups of dedicated bird enthusiasts are heading offshore in search of some of Australia's most remarkable and least-seen bird species.

Known as pelagic bird watching, the activity involves travelling out to sea to observe birds that spend most of their lives over the open ocean and are rarely seen from land.

Since 2025, the volunteerrun group Port Macquarie

Pelagic has been organising monthly surveys and observation trips with the aim of documenting seabirds off the Mid North Coast.

The group was established simply for the love of seabirds and to better understand the rich marine ecosystem that exists just beyond our beaches.

Many local anglers who regularly venture offshore may not realise the incredible diversity of birdlife soaring above and around them.

Species such as Tahiti Petrels, Black Petrels, GreyFaced Petrels, Kermadec Petrels and various shearwaters can often be found over the continental shelf and deeper ocean waters.

These birds are perfectly adapted to life at sea, travelling vast distances across oceans in search of

food.

The trips have been conducted aboard Port Macquarie Fishing Charters, skippered by Brett McKinnon, whose willingness to support the project has helped make the surveys possible.

According to local pelagic bird group creator James Bennett, the group's first year produced some exceptional records.

A Soft-Plumaged Petrel observed in June and a Bulwer's Petrel recorded in November were both officially accepted by the NSW Ornithological Records Appraisal Committee (ORAC), providing valuable additions to the state's bird records.

Outings have highlighted just how spectacular the offshore environment can be. During a January trip, observers recorded nine seabird species alongside

encounters with Risso's Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, Oceanic Bottlenose Dolphins and what were believed to be Short-finned Pilot Whales.

The remarkable discoveries have continued this year, with sightings of a Grey-Backed Storm Petrel and a South Polar Skua also requiring submission to ORAC.

The Grey-backed Storm Petrel was particularly significant, with two birds recorded just two days apart, representing the most northerly records of the species ever documented in Australia.

The sightings serve as a reminder that Port Macquarie's natural wonders extend well beyond its beaches, estuaries and headlands.

Hidden offshore is a

within just two days, establishing the most northerly records of the species ever documented in Australia.

thriving ecosystem where seabirds, dolphins and whales share one of the most dynamic marine environments on the east coast.

For those interested in learning more or following

future sightings, the Facebook group Port Macquarie Pelagic regularly shares trip reports, photographs and updates from the region's growing pelagic bird watching community.

Pumpkin Run rolls into region

By Sis HIGGINS

PATHFINDERS annual

Pumpkin Run made its way to the Mid North Coast on Tuesday 9 June, delivering thousands of kilograms of fresh produce to community organisations.

Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Wingham were the final destinations on this year's Pumpkin Run, bringing the annual initiative to a close.

Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan said the Pumpkin Run remains a vital part of the organisation’s work with young people.

“Initiatives like the Pumpkin Run matter because they give young people the chance to contribute in a real

and in [a] meaningful way.

“They’re not just participants - they’re the ones doing the work, giving back, and seeing firsthand the impact they can have in their community,” Mr Brennan said.

“This year has also shown our young people that farming and regional life can be unpredictable.

“Despite the challenges with the harvest, they’ve remained committed to making sure the charities and communities relying on this support are not let down, and that’s something they should be incredibly proud of.”

More than 10 tonnes of pumpkins are grown at Pathfinders' working farm, Tilbuster Station, near Armidale, by young people in

the organisation's care.

The pumpkins are distributed to charities, neighbourhood centres and soup kitchens, where they are transformed into meals for vulnerable members of the community.

The Mid North Coast leg of the Pumpkin Run stopped at Coffs Harbour Uniting Church on 9 June, Hastings Neighbourhood Centre in Port Macquarie on 10 June and Manning Valley Neighbourhood Centre in Wingham on 11 June.

More than 40 young people, staff and volunteers took part in the journey, travelling in a convoy of utes and trailers loaded with pumpkins harvested from the farm.

Dad learns behaviour is communication

By Sis HIGGINS

UNDERSTANDING why people react differently to the world around them is the focus of a new book by local author and practitioner Benjamin French.

‘What Is Your Neurostyle? A Practical Framework for Understanding How We Feel, Think, and Connect’ introduces readers to the Neuro-Temperament Framework (NTF)

It combines temperament science and neurodiversity research to explain the different ways people process emotions, attention and sensory experiences.

The book arrives as awareness of neurodiversity continues to

grow across Australia.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows almost 291,000 Australians were diagnosed as autistic in 2022, while national ADHD guidelines estimate around 800,000 Australians are living with ADHD.

French, who has worked alongside individuals and families for more than 20 years, said the book was inspired by both his professional experience and his personal journey as a parent.

“This book did not begin as a theory. It began as people,” he wrote.

He said his daughter played a central role in shaping his understanding of human behaviour and development.

“Being her parent has

The initiative not only provides fresh produce to community organisations

been one of the greatest teachers of my life,” French said.

“She has shown me - often without words - that behaviour is communication, that regulation comes before reasoning, and that difference is not something to be corrected, but understood.”

Drawing on decades of experience, French said many people spend years wondering why they experience the world differently from those around them.

“You showed me how quickly shame dissolves when people feel understood, and how powerful it is when someone finally has language for what they’ve always felt but could never explain,” he said of the clients and families who helped shape the framework.

French describes the book as an offering for parents, adults seeking greater selfawareness, couples navigating differences and professionals supporting others.

“If this book helps even one person replace self-blame with self-understanding, or frustration with compassion - toward themselves or someone they love - then it has done what it was meant to do.”

The book encourages readers to view differences through a lens of understanding, helping build stronger relationships and greater compassion for themselves and others.

but also gives young people practical agricultural experience and the opportunity to contribute directly to their communities.

Produce from this year's

harvest has already been delivered to community centres in Newcastle and Sydney, with the Mid North Coast deliveries completing the 2026 Pumpkin Run.

Local ensemble wins another award

IT has been a big year for Judy Campbell and Bill Harrow, also known as the Harry and Pearl Ensemble. Their latest award was taken out at Wyong’s Theatrefest, a one-act play festival, with their original production of ‘Edmund and June’.

This was the prestigious Adjudicator’s Special Award, which identifies a production that can be developed to the stage of being published.

It has been a big 12 months for Judy and Bill, also known as Pearl and Harry, with them winning the

award for Best Production at Players Theatre in June last year and then going on to take out second prize from a field of 43 at Australia’s biggest festival in Ipswich.

The play, ‘Edmund and June’, features an aging ventriloquist and his very naughty dummy June. June has audiences in stitches with her childlike character and the antics she gets up to.

Judy and Bill kept their play alive while on a twomonth tour of Europe late last year with constant “running of lines”.

“We had a very funny

experience on the French railway station at Avignon. We had some time to kill and were rehearsing our lines, in English of course,” Judy told NOTA.

“Well, judging by the concerned looks on the travellers’ faces, they thought we were having a big argument.”

All of Judy and Bill’s works are original Australian plays. They work on writing scripts together along with all the set and production requirements.

Judy and Bill are currently writing and producing a new play that they intend to take on the one-act play circuit next year.

Rental vacancies rise across regional NSW

By Sis HIGGINS

RENTAL vacancy rates across regional NSW increased over the May quarter, but Port Macquarie continues to show strong demand from both tenants and investors.

According to the latest realestate.com.au Market

Insight Report, regional NSW's rental vacancy rate rose by 0.15 percentage points during May to reach 1.39 percent.

The figure was also up 0.27 percentage points over the quarter and sits 39 per cent higher than five years ago.

REA Group Economist Luc Redman said rental conditions across the Mid North Coast had eased in recent months.

"The Mid North Coast has experienced easing rental conditions, with vacancies continuing to rise," Mr Redman said.

Rain sparks parthenium weed warning

By Sis HIGGINS

RECENT rain across parts of New South Wales has prompted a warning for rural communities to keep an eye out for new outbreaks of parthenium weed, one of Australia's most invasive and dangerous weed species.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) State Priority Weeds Coordinator Bill Davidson said recent conditions had created an ideal environment for the weed to germinate.

“With bare ground and warm soil temperatures for this time of year, small weed seeds such as parthenium have ideal conditions to germinate,” Mr Davidson said.

Parthenium weed can flower within as little as three weeks of germination, making early detection critical to preventing its spread.

“Local council biosecurity officers across the state are on high alert following the rain with some new germinations already found in known infested areas,” he said.

Mr Davidson said high-risk areas included northern NSW and warmer coastal regions, including parts of the North and Mid Coast, Hunter, Western and Central West.

“If you see plants you think are parthenium weed please contact your local council biosecurity officers or call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 and we will be able to identify the plant and send staff [to] manage the weeds,” he said.

Residents are urged to photograph suspected plants and record their location but avoid touching or disturbing them.

Parthenium can cause severe skin irritation and respiratory problems in people, while also affecting livestock health.

“The most likely areas to find parthenium are in areas where livestock, including poultry, have been fed grain or hay, where earthworks have taken place and grain crops have been harvested by a contractor,” Mr Davidson said.

q Parthenium weed has distinctive tiny white flowers. Photo: supplied.

"Since late 2025, the region has seen a significant increase in rental availability, though it remains well below pre-pandemic levels, when vacancy rates were above 2 per cent.

"The improved conditions are mostly due to more dwellings becoming available across the housing market, likely due to a slowing in the population growth of the region."

Despite the broader trend, local property professionals say Port Macquarie remains a sought-after rental market.

McGrath Estate Agents Port Macquarie Licensed Property Manager Katrina Bates said conditions still favoured landlords.

"The market continues to be considered landlord friendly, with well-presented properties attracting strong inquiry levels and generally

experiencing limited vacancy periods," Ms Bates said.

"Tenants, however, are becoming more aware of pricing, particularly in higher rental brackets, which has resulted in a more measured pace to previous periods."

Ms Bates said investor confidence remained strong, with many buyers coming from outside the region.

"Investor activity in Port Macquarie continues to be

supported by both local and external purchasers, although we see 63 per cent of buyers generally are from outside the region, including both owneroccupiers and investors," she said. She said ongoing population growth, employment opportunities and the region's coastal lifestyle continued to drive rental demand in Port Macquarie.

Sunday art and music session

By Pauline CAIN

ARTISTS Anne de Nooijer and Brad Collins were part of the Hastings Arts Trail with their exhibition at Home @ Roto House on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 June.

The trail encouraged people to meet the artists, see behind the scenes and discover local art work.

Chatting with Ms de Nooijer and Mr Collins, while surrounded by their work, gave visitors an insight into their process.

Mr Collins uses birds with a human quality in much of his work.

”The images are more about the bird than the person,” said Mr Collins.

“You’re looking at a picture of a seagull that happens to have a human body, presenting the bird in a more relatable way rather than seeing them as people.

“The pelican was a big turning point in my painting style, after doing illustration for a long time.

“The pelican became a recurring cartoon character and then I started doing more traditional oil portraits.

”I thought I was going to have two different creative identities, one being a cartoonist, the other a painter and this one was my decision to combine the two styles.”

Ms de Nooijer starts with drawing something she is feeling or dealing with and then starts working with colours.

“My newer drawings are very detailed because I really enjoy the drawing part,” said Ms de Nooijer.

“All of the textiles you see are mostly dyed with nature, boiling the dye pot down and making the inks to create the tattoos, shading and details.

“The skin colour is made with avocado pits.

“I don’t want to create wasteeverything that I do - I can bury it and it will compost.”

OPINION & LETTERS

Hinge point in Oxley Beach history

DEAR News Of The Area,

This letter is to the humans protecting our home at what you call Oxley Beach.

We don’t have pens, we don’t have podiums, we can’t raise our hands at council meetings. We can’t write petitions and we don’t have a voice in the ocean pool planning proposal. But we see what you do and we’re asking you to keep fighting for us because Oxley Beach is our home. We live here, we always have and we are scared.

We are not against your pool. We are against being forgotten in the plans. We know the meetings drag on, the reports are long and people say “What's the big deal? Why bother?”

But you know why you bother and we need you to continue to tell people about us.

I am the Little Tern and I'm listed as endangered in NSW. I weigh 60grams (less than a golf ball) and I fly 6,000km from Asia to nest on your sand.

I come back every September because this beach still feels safe. When the season goes well, my chicks fledge. When it doesn’t, I don’t try again. Your voice in the community is the reason I may or may not survive.

We are the Pied Oystercatchers and the Sooty Oystercatchers. You may spot us working the low tide.

We’ve been cracking shells on these rocks for generations, raising our families here since before Port Macquarie had street lights.The rocks and reefs don’t need concrete to work....they just need to be left alone.

I'm the Black Rock Cod and I know every rock. I'm vulnerable in NSW. I’ve lived in the same cave at the Point for 25 years. I know every ledge, every shadow, every surge that moves through it. Take my cave, and I don’t relocate. I just … end.

We are the Loggerhead, The Hawksbill and Green Turtles. We may not nest here but this coast is our highway, our nursery, our kitchen. We glide through your reefs, grazing and resting in the same gutters we’ve used for centuries. We’re critically endangered & endangered.

I am the Great White Shark and I'm listed as vulnerable in NSW. I know I'm not popular with humans but the gutters and reefs at Oxley Beach are part of our path. We pass through unseen, keeping the ocean in balance the way we have for millions of years.

I am the Grey Nurse Shark. I'm critically endangered in NSW. I look fierce but I'm slow and gentle. Kinda cute even! Reefs and gutters are my resting grounds, my safe places. There aren't many of us left!

Yet, we are still here … barely!

And if you let us, we will stay. We will keep making this place wild.

We will keep making this place home for you and for future generations of our offspring and yours.

They call the concrete structure that they plan to put on our beach progress. But should progress come at the cost of destroying a beautiful, wild and pristine place? A place many seek out to enjoy, recharge, reflect and ground with mother nature away from the crowds.

Concrete doesn’t let us breathe. Concrete changes the water. It changes the currents, the fish and the food chain. When you pour concrete over a reef, you don’t just cover rock, you break something wild that holds this whole place together.

So, here you stand at a hinge point in Oxley Beach’s history. The choices you make today will echo for every child who walks this shore after you.

Once concrete is poured, reefs become walls, nurseries become foundations and ancient paths traveled by turtles, terns and rockcod disappear forever.

Your kids deserve more than a view of sand and a concrete box filled with stagnant water. They deserve the wonder of finding a Little Tern chick in a scrape, watching an octopus change colour at your approach or peering into a rockpool that’s been alive for centuries.

You are the generation that can choose to hand the next generation a living beach instead of a quiet monument to what used to be here.

Protecting Oxley Beach now is not nostalgia. It is your responsibility to the future.

Remember, every submission and email you write, every meeting you attend, every post, every comment, every time you remind people that this beach is more than a view. It is alive, it’s our home … it matters. If you stop, silence wins as there's nothing else speaking for us but you.

So from all of us who scuttle, swim, nest and burrow here: Don’t stop! Keep going!

Oxley Beach is worth it. You know it is! Keep on fighting for us because when concrete sets, we don’t come back. K.

And Oxley Beach without us is just sand and waterbeautifu,l but quiet in a way that hurts.

Please don’t let our story end here.

With deep gratitude from, The Residents of Oxley Beach, Rocks and Reef, Port Macquarie.

Regards, Robyn Rawson.

Excellent fishing all round

By Kate SHELTON

THE Mid North Coast has continued to provide excellent fishing opportunities, with anglers enjoying success across rivers, beaches, rock platforms and offshore grounds over the long weekend.

The Camden Haven River remains a standout destination. Rock fishers targeting drummer have experienced mixed results, although Camden Head has continued to produce reliable catches, with nearby headlands also holding fish. Anglers chasing luderick and bream have enjoyed excellent action, particularly around Perpendicular Point and Crowdy. Fresh weed and light tackle have been the key ingredients for success.

Offshore, snapper, kingfish and bar cod have been the main attractions, with Rowlands proving especially productive. Other deep reefs throughout the region are also fishing well. Kingfish anglers have found the best results using live baits and knife jigs.

Port Macquarie has offered diverse fishing options for both beach and estuary anglers. Local beaches have produced quality catches of bream and tailor, particularly during the run-in tide at dawn and dusk when fresh bait has significantly improved catch rates.

As swell conditions ease, beach fishing is expected to improve further. In the Hastings River, bream have been the dominant species, with anglers finding success around the top of the tide using surface lures, soft plastics and traditional baits.

Tailor have also provided exciting sport around the river mouth on high tide, especially on light tackle. Mulloway have made occasional appearances along the breakwalls, taking both lures and live bait, although persistence has been required.

Offshore fishing out of Port Macquarie was a highlight last weekend, with snapper biting strongly on shallow reefs in 20 to 30 metres of water. Pilchards, soft

plastics and a range of lures all accounted for quality fish.

Further offshore, kingfish have been caught around Trag Rock off Plomer and the Lighthouse-wide grounds in 60 to 80 metres of water, with live baits proving most effective.

With favourable weather forecast for the weekend, many anglers are expected to take advantage of the conditions and head offshore for deep-dropping opportunities.

The Macleay River continues

to produce consistent catches of bream and flathead around local wharves and breakwalls.

Beach anglers have also reported good numbers of bream, along with the occasional quality flathead.

Offshore, snapper fishing has remained outstanding for both bait and lure anglers. Those venturing wider have encountered kingfish, bar cod and pearl perch, while deep-dropping efforts have been rewarded with blue-eye cod.

ArtWalk a delight for all to share

DEAR News Of The Area,

ON the night of Friday, 5 June, I attended the Port Macquarie Art Trail with tens of thousands of other people.

I felt inspired to write the following poem about my experience.

How wonderful were people when they gave their time for free,

To gather all their family and set out at once to see

The Port Macquarie Art Trail celebrating its ten years, Much wonder and amusement and great food and souvenirs.

And though it was a winter’s night, well rugged up keeping warm, The throng did wander aimlessly to watch artists perform, And on the streets the noise and sounds were wafting through the air, The magic of the moment was delight for all to share.

From Hay Street palms well warmed with crochet sleeves of such fine art,

To those who stood amazed, where so much pleasure filled

the heart, And bright-eyed youngsters all about bedecked with lamps and toys,

The night was filled with music, and the laughter of those joys.

But Town Green was the focus, with its beating heart of night, Performers dressed artistically, festooned with drops of light, This promenade for one and all, set young eyes wide in awe, So stunning was this spectacle, such colours, such grandeur.

Then everywhere was music, so much sound of happiness, As people came together to enjoy the luminesce, And worries of the world outside forgotten on this day, Whilst watching all the children of the future as they play.

Yet silent was the Hastings with its ceaseless tidal flow,

A darkness that reflected all the rainbows of this show,

But when the evening came to end, the river now the queen, Set eyes in wonderment from fireworks across this scene.

Rex Toomey, Port Macquarie.

Shaping up as biggest expo yet

THE Living Well Expo is set to return to the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) on Wednesday 18 June from 10am to 2pm.

With an impressive forty stalls the club will once again be transformed into a bustling hub of knowledge, support and community connection.

From health and wellbeing services through lifestyle, end of life planning and local support organisations, the Expo brings together a diverse range of providers all under one roof.

Event organiser Michelle Freeman from Simplicity Funerals, said the event continues to grow each year as more community groups and businesses come on board.

“The Expo is about creating connection and access for locals.

“It’s about bringing people together and making it easier for our community to access the support, services and information they may need at different stages of life,” Ms Freeman said.

“It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where people can ask questions, explore options and connect with local providers face-to-face.”

The Expo is proudly sponsored by LUSC and News Of The Area, who continue to support initiatives that bring the community together and highlight the wealth of services available across the Camden Haven region.

Adding to the atmosphere this year, visitors can expect interactive activities, games and plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the day.

Many stallholders will also be running their own giveaways, creating an engaging and lively experience for those attending.

Shirley, a Camden Haven Local, highlighted the importance of events like the Living Well Expo for the local community.

“Events like these are so important for the community as more and more people are wanting to stay in their own homes. This day can help provide more in-home care, equipment and experiences,” she said.

The event is completely free for the community, and everyone is warmly invited to come along and make a day of it—whether staying for a short visit or spending the full morning exploring everything on offer.

From practical advice and services through to friendly conversations and new connections, the Living Well Expo continues to be a valuable opportunity for locals to access a true “room full of wealth and knowledge”.

Rose Life Care is a locally owned, family-run home care provider dedicated to supporting clients across the Mid North Coast. We are committed to helping individuals live safely and independently in their own homes through personalised services tailored to individuals unique needs.

Our comprehensive support includes personal care, domestic assistance, transport, gardening, and nursing services, available 24/7. As a local provider, we prioritise the well-being of our clients and focus on delivering compassionate, person-centered care.

Meet our team at the Ageing Well Expo and Thursday 18th June and go into the draw to win a voucher for Noshtalgia Cafe.

INCLUSIONS: H20

• Entry

• Return air-conditioned coach transport.

ITINERARY:

Departing Port Bus around 08:30 (TBC) we start our pickups for the day heading North to Sawtell Enjoy four hours of freedom to explore and indulge before we start heading home around 14:30. Finishing our day around 16:300 at Port Bus.

$79.00 PER PERSON

WITH PORT BUS TO SAWTELL SATURDAY 4TH JULY 2026

FOOD WITH FIRE

Welcome to the spice-infused extravaganza that is the Sawtell Chilli Festival.

This fiery celebration along picturesque First Avenue, is a must visit for chilli enthusiasts and foodies alike. Stroll beneath the leafy canopy of 100 year old fig trees and immerse yourself in a sensory adventure. The tantalising aroma of chilli-infused dishes wafting from more than 100 exhibitors, food vendors, stallholders, cafes, bars, and restaurants, lining the street.

Discover the tapestry of flavours, aromas, and community spirit that make the Sawtell Chilli Festival one of the greatest food festivals in Australia. Join us this July for an unforgettable experience!

AUSSIE CHILLI CHAMPIONSHIP

See State Champions from all over Australia battle it out in the Final of the Aussie Chilli Championship. They will compete, eating Chillis until they can no longer handle the fire. As the final ramps up, so does the heat. The winner will not only be crowned “Aussie Chilli Champion” but will also travel to the USA to compete in the World Chilli Championship.

BOOK ONLINE: events.humanitix.com/sawtell-chilli-26

tours require a minimum no to proceed

Hypothetical, Legal Eye

By Manny WOOD

State against State

WALLY, in his early 60s, resides in Brisbane and has established a successful business.

He divorced his wife several years ago and has a son, Andrew who is in his early 20s.

Wally had hoped that Andrew would run the business after he left high school.

To Wally’s disappointment however, Andrew decided to pursue a career playing rugby league and has started playing for a Sydney club.

Wally wants nothing further to do with Andrew and consults a solicitor with a view to disinheriting Andrew from his sizable estate.

The solicitor advises Wally that in Queensland it is possible to structure his affairs to prevent Andrew from making a successful claim against his estate.

The solicitor advises Wally that Andrew will not be able to make a claim against assets that are held as joint tenants because in Queensland there is no ability to “claw-back” these assets as “notional estate”.

On the advice of his solicitor, Wally begins purchasing Queensland property with his de facto partner as joint tenants. Wally’s will makes no provision for Andrew and he also ensures that his superannuation fund has a binding nomination in favour of his partner.

When Wally dies, the business had been sold and the bulk of his estate consists of jointly owned real estate.

Because the properties were held as joint tenants with his partner, the properties vest in his partner’s name upon Wally’s death and his estate therefore has virtually no value when he dies.

Andrew obtains his own legal advice from a solicitor practising in New South Wales.

The solicitor discovers that the registered office of Wally’s superannuation fund is located in New South Wales.

This means that despite Wally’s best endeavours to disinherit his son, a sufficient nexus can be established with the New South Wales jurisdiction and a New South Wales Court can make an order dealing with the jointly held Queensland properties and the balance of the superannuation fund.

If you have a request for a Hypothetical, call Manny Wood on (02) 66 487 487 or email manny@ tblaw.net.au.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

Every year our planet gains weight

EARTH is a pretty impressive traveller.

Every second of every day, our planet is racing through space like a perfectly balanced cosmic ballerina.

Yet if you asked someone, “So… how much does Earth actually weigh?” you’d probably get a blank stare, followed by a wild guess involving “a lot.” And yes, the official answer is definitely “a lot.”

Of course, we can’t exactly roll Earth onto a giant bathroom scale and wait for the needle to stop wobbling.

There’s no “Planet Weighing Station” at the edge of the solar system, and even if there were, the instruction manual would probably say something unhelpful like:

Step 1: Lift Earth carefully. Instead, scientists figured it out the clever way, by studying gravity. Earth’s gravitational pull keeps satellites in orbit, and by measuring how fast those satellites move and how strongly they’re being tugged, scientists can work backwards to estimate Earth’s mass.

The result is mind-bending: about 6.6 sextillion tons. That’s six followed by twenty zeros.

It’s such an enormous number your brain almost refuses to accept it, like trying to imagine how many ants could fit in a football stadium… times a billion… times another billion.

But here’s where it gets even more fun.

Earth doesn’t stay the same weight. Every year, our planet quietly gains around 100,000 pounds of extra material from space.

That’s because Earth is constantly being sprinkled with cosmic dust and tiny fragments of meteors. It’s like the universe is seasoning our planet with a never-ending shake of interstellar parmesan.

Compared to Earth’s total mass, that extra weight is tiny, like adding a grain of sand to a cruise ship. Still, it’s a fascinating reminder that our world isn’t sealed off.

Space is messy, and Earth is right in the middle of it, collecting leftovers as it goes.

As we orbit the Sun, our planet acts like a moving vacuum cleaner, sweeping up microscopic debris floating through the solar system. Every speck of dust and every grain of meteoric rock becomes part of Earth’s long story, contributing, however slightly, to its slow and steady evolution.

And it’s not just dust. Some of this incoming material burns up as

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

MY husband Glenn enjoys making spontaneous arrangements whereas I am someone who needs to plan. An example would be, 'I just had a call from Pete and Jude. They're dropping in sometime today.' He thinks I should be more easy going. What do you think?

Ursula R.

DEAR Ursula,

I’M going to deviate from stereotypical male/female roles, because I'm sure there are many men out there who also need to feel organised before guests arrive, but from my experience, there is usually one person in a couple who runs around like a lunatic, dusting cobwebs, plumping cushions, lighting scented candles, whipping together grazing plates, and ensuring the bathroom is open-heart-surgery sterile.

Then, there's the other party who says, 'Sure Pete, come on over, I think there's a six-pack in

“shooting stars,” putting on a free fireworks show before vanishing into the atmosphere.

Occasionally, larger chunks survive the trip and land as meteorites, becoming prized trophies for scientists and collectors.

In a strange way, Earth is constantly receiving little gifts from space, tiny samples from places we may never visit.

It’s like the solar system is sending us postcards, except these ones arrive at thousands of kilometres an hour.

Even more amusing is the thought that while Earth is gaining weight, it’s also losing a tiny bit. Light gases can drift away into

the fridge.

We'll rustle up a feed. Hey Ursula, Pete's coming over. Pete, bring Jude. Are your kids home?

We'd love to see them. How are Johnny's tennis lessons going? Maybe we could have a friendly volley in the backyard. Ursula, have you seen my tennis racket?'

This is often thrown on Ursula (or her equivalent) when she' justs emptied the entire contents of the pantry for its annual spring clean, or she's plonked herself on the lounge to binge on Bridgeton and Pete and Jude are not on her radar.

Now they are. She's wondering if Jude is still lactose-intolerant and whether they'll end up staying the night, which will require changing the sheets in the spare bedroom.

She's wondering if the ladder is handy so she can get to the mezzanine, which is where she last saw the tennis rackets.

She's wondering whether she can throw together a meal, get to the bottle shop, shave her legs and/ or feign a migraine.

There is really only one answer here, and that's to have an adult conversation about your different personalities and how you can both adjust to make socialising a pleasure for all those involved (including Pete and Jude, who are certain to sense tension in the air when you aim for Glenn's head during the social game of tennis).

Carpe diem, Jasminda

space, escaping Earth’s grip. So, our planet is on a very slow cosmic diet and buffet at the same time. Thankfully, the numbers balance out enough that nobody needs to tighten Earth’s belt.

It’s also a reminder that Earth isn’t alone out here.

We’re part of a giant cosmic exchange program, constantly interacting with the wider universe.

So next time you look up at the night sky, remember this.

Beneath your feet is a planet weighing 6.6 sextillion tons, steadily gaining a little more every year, cruising through space, collecting cosmic crumbs, and carrying all of us along for the ride.

Magpies win in rain affected round

By Aiden BURGESS

THE Port Macquarie Magpies have been victorious during a rain-affected round of the AFL North Coast season.

The Magpies reserves smashed the Grafton Tigers 15.14 (104) to 3.1 (19) in Grafton.

The scheduled matches

between the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints and Northern Beaches Blues at Richardson Park were cancelled due to wet weather.

The AFL North Coast season takes a break for the King’s Birthday long weekend, before resuming with Round 9 matches on Saturday, 13 June.

Senior men’s ladder. 1. Coffs Harbour Breakers. 20 points. 5 wins. 1 loss. 171.28%. 2. Sawtell/ Toormina Saints. 12 points. 3 wins. 2 losses. 105.65%. 3. Port Macquarie Magpies. 12 points. 3 wins. 3 losses. 147.25%. 4. Northern Beaches Blues. 0 points. 0 wins. 5 losses. 31.79%.

Rugby season resumes

By Aiden BURGESS

THE Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season resumes this weekend, after taking a break for the long weekend.

Undefeated ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Snappers welcome the Kempsey Cannonballs to Coffs Rugby Park.

SCU Marlins host the Grafton Redmen at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

The Hastings Valley Vikings and Port Macquarie Pirates clash in their local derby in Port Macquarie.

The Port Macquarie Pirates lead the reserves, and the Grafton Redmen lead the women’s competition.

First grade ladder

1.Coffs Harbour Snappers. 15 points. 3 wins. 0 losses. Points differential (p.d): 79. 2.Port Macquarie Pirates. 14 points. 3 wins. 0 losses. (p.d): 47. 3.Grafton Redmen. 14 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. (p.d): 42. 4.Hastings Valley Vikings. 8 points. 1 win. 3 losses. (p.d): -41. 5.Kempsey Cannonballs. 3 points. 0 wins. 4 losses. (p.d): -127.

Wauchope Monday Mixed Bowls

By Beth GABRIEL

AGAIN there were five rinks playing Bowls on Monday afternoon. It was a dubious afternoon since it rained in the morning but there were no disruptions to play by rain. It was ‘choose your own ending’ as two rinks played 18 ends, two played the designated 20 ends, and one, a pairs game played 22! The two matches of 20 ends had the biggest discrepancies!!!

The Winning team

was Jim Fancourt, Jenny Wooster and Martin Greenfield. On the 6th end and the 15th end the score was even during this match. Well chosen teams thank you George and Fay the selectors. Runners Up on rink 4 were David Woodlands and Kyle Hackney – welcome to Mondays Kylie. Welcome also Tracy to Monday bowls.

Lucky Losers were Betty Ezzy and Gunnar Furhmann who took a while to warm up but

stated to score points but too late to catch the opposition Rose and Ned. Once again the Jackpot rolls over until next week, but raffle winners Ian, Rose, Sandra, Gunnar, Fred and David twice took home the money. The AGM for Monday Mixed Bowls will be Monday 13th July and the sheet for nominees for the Taree West visit will be up soon. There are still copies of the current Behind the Jack with a calendar of events in the sign on room.

Wauchope Women's Bowling Club

By Marie WINTER

SUNDAY 31st May 2026

one game in the 2nd round of the club championship pairs was played , the results were Lisa Collins, Wendy Kennedy, Pat Coombes and Sally Webber defeated Sandra Hackney, Clair Everson,

Flamin' Dragons on the water

By Rachael THORPE

400 dragon boat competitors from 16 clubs across NSW converged on Rocks Ferry Reserve over the weekend for the Flamin’ Dragons annual regatta.

Kylie Hackney and Rose Benjamin.

On Thursday 4th June 2026 social games of bowls were played at the Wauchope Country Club.

The winners on the fan of the cards were Patricia Fletcher, Wendy Kennedy and skip Glenda Elford.

The lucky losers were

doing so well,” said Flamin’ Dragons member Jenny Higgins.

The

of action on the Hastings River went off without a hitch,” said Cr Lipovac.

With two regattas scheduled in 2025 cancelled due to flooding, the crowds were overjoyed to have sunny weather.

Saturday featured twokilometre turn races that required four 500-metre laps. This was followed by the Fast Plast Dash for Cash 100-metre race. This was over in 40 seconds and the winners rowed away with $350.

alongside a novelty race for paddlers aged over 70 years competing against paddlers with less than 12 months experience.

Sunday was dominated by 37 heats of 200 metres,

“Manning River Club got into every final, it was fantastic to see a local club

King of the break

up in the sport.”

After spending the past two years on the sidelines, King entered the competition determined to prove he could still match it with the best riders in the world.

“My goal this year was to turn up ready to compete at the highest level against the best in the world and still challenge for the win,” he said.

“Although I didn’t win this event, I still felt I did that.”

King finished just 1.5 points behind the winner and said the support he received from fans and fellow riders helped fuel his performance.

“Everyone’s support has been insane not only in this event but throughout the last couple years pushing for me

”We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback we have received; it was a fantastic event, and we were delighted to see lots of spectators watching the races.”

The event received significant sponsorship from Port Macquarie Hastings Council with Councillor Nik Lipovac officiating at the event and telling News Of The Area that the Flamin’ Dragons committee hosted a very successful event that was enjoyed by all competitors.

“It takes months of preparation and the two days

“The feedback from the teams was extremely positive, this was a tremendous event for our region.”

Additional sponsorship was supplied by Eire Constructions, Seasalt Café & Restaurant, Mount Seaview Natural Spring Water, JR Richards & Sons, Woolworths, and Kennards Hire.

Marine Rescue Port Macquarie supplied two jet skis and a rescue boat; their volunteers carried out first aid and provided a food van which served up hot meals throughout the weekend.

to be invited,” he said.

Reflecting on the result,

King said it felt as rewarding as many of his victories.

“Even though I got second in this event, it still felt as good as any of the wins I’ve had in the past,” he said.

“Now looking back, it’s a blessing in disguise [that] I wasn’t in it the last couple of years because it really gave me some motivation for this event when she showed us her teeth.

“See you next year,” he concluded in a Facebook post.

Of The Area News Reader Survey

Dear NOTA reader,

Dear NOTA reader,

Of The Area News Reader Survey

Did you know we publish across eight different areas?

Did you know we publish across eight different areas?

As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.

As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.

To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.

To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.

Please take a few moments to complete our reader survey and go in the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to spend at any of our current advertisers businesses.

Please take a few moments to complete our reader survey and go in the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to spend at any of our current advertisers businesses.

To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Age:

☐ Under 18

☐ 18-24

☐ 25-34

☐ 35-44

☐ 45-54

☐ 55-64

☐ 65+

Gender:

☐ Male

☐ Female

☐ Other

Your suburb:

Local Publication:

☐ Camden Haven News Of The Area

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Reading Habits:

1. How often do you read our newspaper?

☐ Every edition (weekly)

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2. How do you usually read our paper? (tick all that apply)

☐ Printed copy

☐ Online – via our website

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3. How much time do you spend reading each edition?

☐ Less than 15 minutes

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4. Where do you usually collect get your copy of the newspaper?

Content Preferences

5. What sections do you enjoy reading in our newspaper? (tick all that apply)

☐ Local news and community stories

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☐ Events and what’s on

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☐ Advertising features (e.g., Living Well Over 50 or School Holiday Fun)

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☐ Yes If yes, do you follow us?

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11. Would you like to receive email notifications when your weekly paper is ready to read online?

☐ Yes, my email address is ______________________________________________________________

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If you would like to enter the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to any of our current advertisers, please provide the following information.

*Your information will be used solely for prize administration purposes and will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

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SUDOKU

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BIKE for children near new. $40. Ph 0415 858 981

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

BISSELL Spinwave cordless, hardly used buyer looking for a new product. Retails for over $350, will accept $140. 0434 294 224 e260626

BOAT rod, 9” Alvey Reel and 7ft 2” penn rod $100. 6582 1019

BRADEX collectors plate, good cond. Alan Border. SN600G. $20 Ph 6582 1019 F050626

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DINNER set - Eternal Beau, for 10, excellent condition. $95. Ph 0458 659 427

DOG kennel - large wooden with hinged lid $75 ono. Ph 0457 800 799 SOLD

DONEGAL Parian China Claddagh Design 1 mug, 2 vases. $10 each. 0447 445 319

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DOULTON Ware planter pots with saucers large - $35, small - $25 Ph 0401 226 410 F070526

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FILING cabinet, light colour, inc files. 3 drawers 48cm (w) x 60cm (d) x 100cm (h) GC. $80. Ph 6582 5885

COMMEMORATION plate - 1956 Melbourne Olympics good condition $50. Ph 6582 1019 SOLD

FISHING Rod - 3 piece Jarvis Walker Surf Rock 15 foot. Exc Cond. $80 ono. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890

FISHING rod and reel $90. Ph 0428 489 689

FLURO light, 60cm wide w/ 2 globes. $30 Ph 0412 004 970

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BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY DEATH IN PARADISE

ABC TV, 7.30pm

After initially believing the official line that his late mother’s death was an accident, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet, pictured) is closer than ever to the truth in this penultimate chapter of the Caribbean crime drama’s 14th season. Given the go-ahead to reopen the investigation, the detective now has the entire Honoré police department helping out. That is, except new Commissioner Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), who is determined to make his presence known on the island. Just as the team starts to make headway in the case, Sterling pulls rank and throws a spanner in the works.

FRIDAY,

June 12

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.30 Hard Quiz.

SUNDAY

SOCCER WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA V TÜRKIYE

SBS, 1pm

As the Socceroos kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign in Vancouver this weekend, fans will be relieved to know that they won’t have to set any alarms for the opening match against Türkiye. This is only the third meeting on the pitch for the two nations – and the first since 2004, when the Crescent Stars prevailed in two friendlies. Marking their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Tony Popovic’s Aussie squad will be hoping not only to record a historic first win against Türkiye, but also to build on their impressive Round of 16 run at Qatar 2022. Niav Owens and Claudio Fabiano host SBS’s live, free and exclusive coverage, while David Basheer (pictured) leads the call.

Hour. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.30 BBC News At Ten. 10.00 France 24 International News. 10.30 PBS NewsHour. 11.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group A. KOR

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

It’s the elimination that contestants dread: the taste test. Can they keep cool under pressure? Or will they melt down at the prospect of 48 unlabelled ice-cream scoops? One by one, they’ll need to step forward, choose a bowl and correctly identify the flavour to judges Poh Ling Yeow (pictured), Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli. With jackfruit, tomato and onion in the mix, it’s no easy task. The first four chefs to guess incorrectly will land in round two, where they have 75 minutes to cook a dessert using the 48 ingredients found in the first round, and under-bench staples. It will be a bittersweet departure for one of them.

SATURDAY, June 13

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kel attends a conference.

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. (PGa) Mervin pins down a suspect in his mother’s murder.

8.30 The Hardacres. (PG) Sam and Joe try to prove themselves at the docks. Mary navigates Lady Emma’s plans for a charity party.

10.00 The Capture. (MA15+, R) Rachel is caught up in a deadly conspiracy. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6am Children’s Programs. 2.25pm Mister Maker Around The World. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Kangaroo Beach. 4.10 Dino Dex. 5.10 Octonauts. 5.35 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Caper Crew. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Abbott Elementary. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, June 14

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Race Around The World. (M) The six filmmakers face harsh challenges.

8.30 Ground Up. (Ml) AFL CEO Alistair is in town to help secure a site for the club’s new Training Centre.

9.00 The Capture. (Mv) Carey is further isolated from those around her.

10.00 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R)

11.00 The Hardacres. (PG, R)

12.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Movin’ To The Country. (R)

4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.25 Mister Maker Around The World. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 PJ Masks.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PGa)

8.25 The Hunt For The Last Nazis. (Malv, R)

9.55 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 7. 12.20 Snowpiercer. (Mv, R)

2.10 The Lost Scrolls Of Vesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG, R)

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

4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. QAT v SUI.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An American nomad is caught with medicines.

8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 2. (2018, MA15+v, R) A retired CIA black ops operative is forced back into action when his friend is murdered. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders. 11.00 To Be Advised.

12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6am

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 6. Finals. From Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

9.50 To Be Advised.

12.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) A UN diplomat is targeted by assassins.

1.35 Drive TV Presents. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A terrier cross is looking for love. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PG) Mary and David need the team’s help to bring their house up to standard so they can move on when they relocate to the mainland. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows paramedics as they respond to calls, including a diver trapped underwater by a piece of concrete. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlv, R) A minor royal mysteriously dies. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am

6am The Movie Show. 7.10 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 9.15 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.55 Iris. (2001, M) 12.30pm Gosford Park. (2001, M) 3.00 84 Charing Cross Road. (1987, PG) 4.50 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.50 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 8.30 The Big Lebowski. (1998, M) 10.40 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+) 1.10am The Tunnel (Part 2) (2001, M) 2.50 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Australia v Turkiye. Replay.

9.30 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Dream Teams. (Mals, R)

10.25 Rock Legends. (PGl, R)

10.55 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 8. 1.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)

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

2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group E. GER v CUW. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. NED v JPN.

VICELAND (31)

Fever! 9.00 The Death Coast. (Premiere) 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am Morning Programs. 4pm Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. 4.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 PBS News Compass Points. 5.45 The Frontier. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 The Death Coast. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Australia v Turkiye. Replay. 1am Creamerie. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

(32)

6am The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.00 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 8.40 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 10.55 The Take. (2016, M) 12.35pm Nobody Has To Know. (2021, M) 2.30 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 4.35 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 6.35 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 8.30 Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985) 10.25 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.50am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.

8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on major breaking news events and long-form investigations of national significance.

9.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: Murder In The Woods Pt 1. (Madv, R) A look at the investigation into a murder. 12.00 MOVIE: Sea Of Suspicion. (2021, Masv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

4.50

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Shark! (PGhl) 8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.15 9News Late.

9.45 The First 48: For Love And Honour/The Dark Side Of Love. (Malv) A West Tulsa man is gunned down.

American Ripper. (Mav)

Love Cheats. (Ma)

Fish Forever. (PGl, R)

Let’s Eat With George.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

CampByMe. (Premiere)

Today Early News.

Today.

Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm Seinfeld. 1.45 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Round 9. Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Highlights. 2.50 The Summit. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks. (2003, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.25 To Be Advised. 12.35am Arrow. 4.00 Surfing Australia TV. 4.30 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Bubble’s Hotel. 5.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive.

Tuesday - Thursday 9-4 Friday 9-3 Saturday 9-12

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) Guest chef is Adriano Zumbo. 8.15 Watson. (Return, PGas) Watson and

MONDAY, June 15

6.00

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. 11.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 12.40 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 1.15 Jia. (PG, R) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group H. ESP v CPV. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group G. BEL v EGY.

(31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) The LAPD prepares to protect the president.

10.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)

11.10 The Agenda Setters.

12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

1.10 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

A Current Affair.

TUESDAY, June 16

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Monsters Of The Deep. 11.25 Late Programs.

6.10am Master

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. 11.30 The Negotiator. (MA15+a) 12.20 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R)

2.15 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

4.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. FRA v SEN.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. Netherlands v Japan. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 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 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00

(32) SBS MOVIES (32)

Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.10 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 10.00 The Big Lebowski. (1998, MA15+) 12.10pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 1.55 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 4.10 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 5.50 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 7.30 Harold And Maude. (1971, M) 9.10 I Like Movies. (2022, M) 11.00 Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) 1am Late Programs. 6am Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.20 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 10.00 Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) Noon The Sitting Duck. (2022, M, Hungarian) 2.15 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 4.00 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 5.55 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 7.30 Shaft. (1971, M) 9.25 Bones Of Crows. (2022, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.

Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.10 Doc. (Ma) Richard looks to redeem himself while treating an overworked food delivery worker.

10.10 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 11.10 The Agenda Setters.

12.10 Happy’s Place. (PGal)

Home Shopping. (R)

WEDNESDAY, June 17

6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. FRA v SEN. Cont. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. IRQ v NOR. 10.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. ARG v ALG. 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. AUT v JOR. 4.30 The Granny Grommets. (PG, R) 4.40 Patagonia. (PGa, R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. (R)

8.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa, R)

9.25 Coldwater. (Malsv)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.20 Why Sharks Attack. (Ma, R)

12.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)

1.40 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

2.15 Ran. (Madv, R) 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group K. POR v COD. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. ENG v CRO.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.45 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

6am Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 7.45 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 9.20 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 11.05 Harold And Maude. (1971, M) 12.40pm I Like Movies. (2022, M) 2.30 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 4.10 Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982, PG) 7.30 The Graduate. (1967, M) 9.30 Riceboy Sleeps. (2022, M) 11.40 Heroic. (2023, MA15+, Spanish) 1.20am Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

June 18

Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 4.00 Frankie Drake. (PG) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (Mv, R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.40 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 9.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.35 Amazing Animal Friends. 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PGa, R)

8.30 Saving Yellowstone. (PG)

9.25 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Ma)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.

11.15 The Boys Who Said No. (MA15+avw, R)

12.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PGaw, R) 12.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group A. CZE v RSA. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. SUI v BIH.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Final, Malv)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (PG) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Madln, R)

12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)

1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. Argentina v Algeria. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Secrets Of Beautiful

6am Morning Programs. 8.25 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982, PG) 10.00 Shaft. (1971, M) 11.50 Past Lives. (2023, M, Korean) 1.50pm Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.00 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 5.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 7.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 10.00 Blood Quantum. (2019, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Highway Patrol Special. (PGl, R)

8.30 Air Crash Investigations: Crash Landing. (PG)

9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles. (Mdlv, R)

10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (Malv, R)

11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.30 Brave New World. (MA15+asv)

1.30 ICU. (PG, 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 Rugby League. NRL State of Origin. Game 2. New South Wales v Queensland.

10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 2. 11.00 NRL Origin Story. (PGl, R) Looks at the original “Origin” rule.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Explore TV Viking. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Drive TV Presents. (R)

Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. Under-19s

Shark Island

By Sis HIGGINS

PORT Macquarie

bodyboarding legend

Damian King has proven he remains among the sport’s elite, finishing second in the prestigious 2026 Shark Island Challenge after a standout performance at one of the world’s most challenging waves.

The result marked a triumphant return to competition at the iconic Cronulla break, where King has built a special connection over the past 25 years.

King said the event carried deep personal significance, with memories stretching back to his childhood.

“I’ve had a beautiful history with this place over the past 25 years competing and many memories,” he said.

“Not just the wave, which I was first introduced to when I was 13-years-old by my mum who especially drove me down from Port Mac because it was my childhood dream to surf Shark Island, CONTINUED Page 15