PROUD Jawoyn and Wiradjuri woman and Port Macquarie local, Kristal Kinsela, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise critical support for First Nations people affected by breast cancer - less than two years after facing the disease herself.
In 2024, just months after trekking to Everest Base Camp, the business leader and author received a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis.
Treatment for the mum-of-three involved chemotherapy, a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and radiationleaving long-term impacts including medically induced menopause, chronic pain, neuropathy and fatigue.
Now, as she prepares for Kilimanjaro, Kristal says the CONTINUED Page 3
HONOUR
q Kristal Kinsela at Everest Base Camp in 2024. Photos: supplied.
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses to apply for funding, now available under Round 4 of the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.
The program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and futureproofing the EV charging network beyond 2030.
“Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said.
The grants also
present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy.
“Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop, and spend time in our communities, delivering
“This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.
“By working together
FEDERAL Lyne MP Alison Penfold has called on the WIN Network to publicly commit to maintain local news coverage and news crews provided by NBN Newcastle following its acquisition from the owners of the Nine network.
NBN currently covers news from the Central Coast in the south to the Gold Coast in the north and west to Lightning Ridge.
According to the broadcaster this market has a population of over 2.3 million people, and is the fourth largest television market in Australia, behind Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“Our local NBN
journalists and camera crews have stood with us in the good times and the bad – from the May 2025 floods, 2019 bushfires to local shows and events,” Ms Penfold said in a statement.
“Their work helps amplify our voice, share our joys and our grief and help bring communities and our region together.
“It may surprise many people that not all regional areas have a local 6pm TV news bulletin and local journalists like we do.
“We therefore cannot assume that the new owners of NBN will keep the same service we have now.
“Having real local
crews means we have journalists telling our stories.
“We must protect what we have. If we don’t, we will never get it back.”
The announcement was made by the owners of the Nine Network to the ASX on Friday 30 January and requires the approval of Nine shareholders, as well as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“I ask them (the ACCC) to consider whether the sale will provide the same local news coverage and reporting, including ensuring local crews remain based in Taree and Port Macquarie,” Ms Penfold said.
with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well-positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike."
Businesses can
“Any suggestion of a loss of local news coverage should result in a rejection of the deal.
“I will be writing to the ACCC and to the WIN Network to voice my concerns.”
The WIN Network currently broadcasts into 29 markets across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.
“As the largest provider of regional television news in Australia, underpinned by significant investment in newsrooms, journalists and production and broadcast infrastructure, WIN understands the importance of strong, independent local news and a voice for regional communities,” WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said in a statement.
review the eligibility criteria and complete an application on the NSW Government’s grants and funding page. Just search for “EV fast charging grants”.
Applications close 24 April at 11pm.
“This acquisition of WIN reinforces our commitment to providing that local voice, while continuing to deliver Nine’s leading national news, sport and entertainment content to audiences across the northern New South Wales region.
“Along with our deep connection to the communities where we broadcast, WIN’s record of delivering trusted, highquality local news while complementing Nine’s national programming remains unmatched.”
Under the agreement, WIN will continue to broadcast Nine’s signal across the northern New South Wales licence area – the television markets of Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie & Taree, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and the Gold Coast.
real benefits for local businesses and tourism.
q MP Robert Dwyer and Phil Cassegrain with some of the EV charging stations at Cassegrain Wines. Photo: supplied.
New principal for Wauchope High
By Pauline CAIN
TEACHERS and support staff at Wauchope High School recently welcomed Karen Noble as their new principal.
Ms Noble’s most recent role was Relieving Principal at Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus.
She began her teaching career at Rolland Hassall School in Chester Hill, Sydney, where she worked with students with diverse and complex learning needs.
The experience shaped her strong commitment to inclusive education and
student wellbeing.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the students, families and community of Wauchope and working closely with staff to continue building the school’s strong culture," Ms Noble said.
“A priority will be strengthening partnerships through a P&C, elevating student voice, and supporting staff growth and leadership.
“Keeping up with the incredible Wauchope staff will be my biggest challenge.
“Their commitment to students is inspiringfrom the unique sporting
Port mum taking on Kilimanjaro
FROM Page 1
climb represents far more than a physical challenge.
“People think it’ll be easyjust another mountain - but this mountain is different,” she said.
“Breast cancer has changed my body.
“This climb is about showing the reality of survivorship and advocating for my mob, who deserve culturally safe support when they face breast cancer.”
Kristal is dedicating her climb to raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) to ensure First Nations families have access to clear information,
exchange with Cumberland High School to thriving Agriculture and Hospitality programs.”
She is also an experienced Visual Arts teacher.
Ms Noble attended Bulahdelah Central School as a student, and is particularly pleased to be returning to a country town and working in a school with a strong history and beautiful setting.
She is one of 80 new principals in NSW schools in 2026.
Of those, 51 are taking up leadership roles for the first time and 29 are principals
culturally aware services and a supportive community throughout their breast cancer journey.
“BCNA walked with me during the hardest time of my life,” she said.
“Now I’m climbing for the next sister, aunt, mother or grandmother who needs that same support.
“No First Nations person should walk this path alone.”
Donations in support of Kristal’s Kilimanjaro climb can be made online at https:// bcna.grassrootz.com/bcnakilimanjaro-2026/kristal-s-team
starting at a new school.
There are 31 based in Sydney and 49 in regional, rural and remote areas.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar welcomed the principals, describing public education as both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
“Our new principals are stepping into roles where their leadership will shape not only learning outcomes, but the confidence, wellbeing and life chances of thousands of young people and their communities.”
AUNTY’S
FROM Page 1
Thursday 5 March.
Dr Aunty Rhonda’s life and work reflects a deep and enduring connection to Country, culture and community across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area and the wider Mid North Coast.
The respected Elder, educator and mentor plays a leading role in the revitalisation of Aboriginal language and culture, working to ensure traditional knowledge is preserved and passed on to future generations.
She currently serves as a board member of the Aboriginal Languages Trust, where she advocates for the protection and growth of Aboriginal languages across the state.
She is also the founder of the Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival, an event that has brought hundreds of Aboriginal women together to celebrate culture, connection and wellbeing in a culturally safe space.
Her founding of the Point Plomer “Looking After Country” initiative, which focuses on conservation, regeneration and cultural stewardship, demonstrates her commitment to caring for Country.
Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer delivered a Private Members’ Statement in NSW Parliament last week, recognising Aunty Rhonda’s “extraordinary contribution”.
Excerpts of that statement are included below.
“She (Aunty Rhonda) is a
HONOUR
respected Elder, educator, language revivalist, cultural knowledge holder and community leader, whose life's work has been dedicated to strengthening Aboriginal culture, education, wellbeing and truthtelling,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Born on her grandfather's country in Port Macquarie, Dr Radley has maintained a lifelong and deeply grounded connection to land, language and community, walking with both her saltwater and freshwater ancestors and carrying their responsibilities with humility and strength.
“For more than two decades, Dr Radley worked within the TAFE system as a teacher, mentor and coach, often going far beyond the limits of her role to support Aboriginal students and their families.
“She was among the first Aboriginal education officers in her region and has consistently
advocated for culturally safe, community-led education that enables Aboriginal people not only to survive but to thrive.
“Dr Radley is also a tireless champion for the revival and continuation of Aboriginal languages, particularly Gathang, which she weaves through education, poetry, ceremony and everyday practice.
“Beyond education and language, Dr Radley has made profound contributions to community healing, women's wellbeing and cultural connection.
“Dr Radley has also been a courageous advocate for truthtelling, including her longstanding efforts to have Blackmans Point formally recognised as an Aboriginal place, ensuring that difficult histories of frontier violence are acknowledged, remembered and learned from.
“Her advocacy reflects a deep commitment to justice, remembrance and intergenerational healing.”
q Karen Noble, the new Principal of Wauchope High School. Photo: supplied.
q Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley, finalist for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. Photo: supplied.
q Kristal Kinsela at Everest Base Camp in 2024. Photos: supplied.
By Rachael THORPE
BLAKE Edge, 28, moved to Port Macquarie in 2020 to be closer to family.
He sees that as a positive, but has conflicted feelings about life here as a young person with a disability.
Blake lives with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that leaves him with 10 degrees of vision, level two autism, and functional
neurological disorder.
Blake told News Of The Area, “Younger people leave here for greener pastures as it just isn’t affordable and there isn’t enough to do.
“I’d like to see the creation of more places that are accessible, free, and hold an expectation of meeting strangers.
“These are known as third spaces.
“As children we went
to the park to do that, but there is nowhere for adults; I facilitate board game groups, but I feel like we could do better than that.
“As a society, recreational needs are important, but recent infrastructure developments don’t seem to take those into account, particularly in relation to disabled people.
“My hope is to be able to do something worthwhile despite my disabilities.”
Third spaces are social environments distinct from home (first space), and work or school (second space).
They provide essential, neutral, and accessible locations for community, relaxation, and conversation.
These spaces, such as cafes and libraries, are designed to encourage belonging and improve mental health.
Legally blind since he was 21-years-old, a major factor in Blake’s quest for independence is the lack of tactile ground surface indicators.
These are the raised bumps found in areas such as kerbs and traffic crossings that advise vision impaired people of upcoming obstacles and ground changes.
Blake is a member of the Enable Reference Group which provides feedback to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on accessibility issues.
By Andrea FERRARI
WITH dozens of motorcyclists riding in the Mid North Coast Charity Dice Run on Saturday 21 February, organisers are hoping for clement weather
The “Open to all Motorcyclists and Riders Charity Dice Run" is a favourite annual fundraiser hosted by the NSW Mid North Coast Harley Owners Group (MNC HOG).
“The current weather forecast is looking fine,” MNC HOG Director Justin Owens told News Of The Area.
This year all proceeds will be split 50/50 between the St Vincent de Paul-run Pete's Place drop-in shelter and hub in Coffs Harbour, and the St Thomas Hall Soup Kitchen in Port Macquarie.
Funds are raised through the proceeds of the dice game.
Each rider pays $20 for five throws of the dice.
Motorcyclists follow a prescribed course with checkpoints, rolling the dice
21 February.
at each stop with the result recorded.
At the last checkpoint a winner is determined.
Further funds are raised through the raffle.
Both Pete’s Place Manager Gai Newman and St Thomas Hall Soup Kitchen’s leader Rev. Daniel Berris will attend the presentation.
Northern Bike Riders are asked to register at 9am at North Coast V-Twins Motorcycles Coffs Harbour.
The Southern Bike Riders meet and set off from Port Macquarie, and everyone heads to the Star Hotel Macksville for the fourth Roll of the Dice.
North and South riders then set off together to the Bowraville Sports Hub for the fifth Roll of the Dice and the event wrap-up.
“We will do two Rolls of the Dice at V-Twins and depart at 9.45am heading for Urunga Ocean View Hotel where the third Roll of the Dice takes place.
Community Recycling Centres
Port Macquarie Waste Management Facility Kingfisher Road, Port Macquarie Mon to Sun: 8am–4pm
Kempsey Waste Management Centre 638 Crescent Head Road, Kempsey Mon to Fri: 7am–4:30pm Sat, Sun: 9am–4pm
Kew Domestic Waste Facility 95 Herons Creek Road, Kew Mon to Sun: 8am–4pm
C ut me out and stick me on the fridge
q Blake Edge.
q The charity ride takes place on Saturday
Locals in parliament for Parkinson’s launch
PORT MACQUARIE has been well-represented at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s.
The event in Parliament House Sydney was cochaired by Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer.
Attendees from the local region included Kim and David Dahler, Carol Brazel and Rudolf Szibrowski, Robert Wilson, Matthew Easton, Lillian Atkinson, Anthony Simmon, and Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse Jody Lloyd.
Mr Dwyer paid special tribute to Ms Lloyd, who has been the local Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse since 2022.
Her role is jointly funded by the Mid North Coast Local Health District and Parkinson’s NSW, supporting communities across Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Wauchope, Laurieton and surrounding areas.
Ms Lloyd began her career in Parkinson’s care in 2019 and previously worked with a movement disorder team in the United Kingdom.
She holds advanced nursing qualifications and brings more than 20 years of clinical experience spanning Parkinson’s disease, aged care, cardiology, health education and care standards assessment.
“Jody is deeply passionate about proactive, personcentred care for people living with Parkinson’s disease,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Her focus on early intervention, education and holistic support makes a real difference to quality of life for
patients and their families.”
The group marks an important step forward in raising awareness and strengthening support for people living with Parkinson’s disease across NSW.
Mr Dwyer joined CoChairs Philip Donato MP and
Dr Joe McGirr MP to host the event, which brought together people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, clinicians, researchers and advocates, all united by a shared commitment to improving understanding, care and support.
There are 68,850 people in NSW with Parkinson’s.
For every person diagnosed, at least two family members or carers are directly affected.
Parkinson’s prevalence is much higher than prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer combined.
“The Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s will continue to advocate for more Parkinson’s nurses, for better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers across NSW,” Mr Dwyer said.
q MP Robert Dwyer with locals at the launch of Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s.
Inclusive dragon boating
By Rachael THORPE
BEC Dalzell is not your average physiotherapist.
She has big goals that include seeing her patients make the most of where they live.
In 2022, Bec approached businesses and organisations to seek expressions of interest in partnering to provide accessible water sports.
She was met with an overwhelmingly negative response, until she reached out to Jenny Higgins from the Flamin’ Dragons.
Jenny enthusiastically jumped onboard and in November that year, a successful accessible dragon boating partnership commenced.
Bec and her team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists provide kayak seats for core stability and the physical assistance to get in and out of the boat, while Jenny heads a team of volunteers who give their time every month to take a variety of disabled paddlers out on the water.
Glen Clarke has a spinal cord injury and is a full time
wheelchair user who lives in Kempsey.
He travels to Port Macquarie to participate in the sessions and told News Of The Area, “It’s great to be included in an activity that I didn’t think that I would be able to do.
“It’s an amazing feeling of freedom and normality.”
The Flamin’ Dragons is an inclusive boat club of males and females aged 12 to 84 - ranging from the social paddlers who enjoy cruising down the waterways, to those who are fiercely competitive.
They value the opportunity to share the activity with everyone else.
Jenny Higgins told NOTA, “I love doing this, it allows me to care for the community and help those who can’t compete to get out onto the water. It’s also good practice for us.”
The popularity of the activity has prompted Bec to
recently purchase a stand up paddle board with a seat to allow more of her clients to
Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are
fuelling anti-social behaviour.
Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, highpowered e-bikes including
so-called 'fat bikes' and other throttle-only devices.
The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed
a group of 40 e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across Sydney Harbour Bridge last Tuesday.
The convoy could be
seen speeding past cars and doing wheelies across the landmark, prompting condemnation and calls for a crackdown on illegal devices.
"We've heard loud and clear the concern in the community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them," Transport Minister John Graham said on Sunday.
"Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: if you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed."
In addition to being no more than 500 watts, e-bike batteries can only operate as a pedal-assist and cut out when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25km/h.
Anything that exceeds those power or speed limits must be registered as a
moped or motorcycle.
Police already have powers to seize vehicles that are not road legal.
Government officials said the fresh powers simplify seizure laws that were designed with cars and motorbikes in mind.
It will be one tweak in a wider reform package tackling unsafe e-bikes, it said.
E-bikes, many retailing for more than $2000, and other high-powered vehicles have become a lightning rod for controversy in parts of Australia.
A teenage boy is awaiting trial for manslaughter after allegedly killing a 59-year-old while riding an unlicensed electric motorbike through a park in Perth in July.
At least 100 illegal devices were seized and 2100 fines handed to riders during a Queensland police crackdown in December.
experience the peacefulness of being on the water.
q Flamin’ Dragons paddlers and passengers.
q NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes. Photo: NSW Police.
q Exercise physiologist Natalie West with physiotherapists Glen Clarke and Mark MacGibbon.
Polished perfection: hot rods a hit
By Bill HARROW
THE 2026 Show and Shine Hot Rod exhibition at Port Macquarie and Kew on 7 February proved a big hit.
Hosted by Port Macquarie Coasters Hot Rod Club, it attracted 76 entries from local, intra and interstate enthusiasts.
A big crowd in Port Macquarie was treated to a wide variety of pre-1948 hot rods, a 2014 Police Patrol Car, and a 1936 Fire Engine.
“This event means everything to me,” Allan Cliff, president of the Coasters Hot Rod Club, told News Of The Area.
“Each club has its own show in a regional centre and we all support each other's events throughout the year.
“We all love the camaraderie between enthusiasts and look forward to sharing stories about our hot rods.
“We pride ourselves on Show and Shine being a family event and love to see kids come along, we even had a colouring-in competition for the littlies with a prize for every entry.”
Show and Shine brings a lot of visitors to Port Macquarie who add to the local economy via hotel/motel bookings and visits to pubs, clubs, restaurants, fuel stations and more.
Port Macquarie Coasters also support a wide section of the community.
The free sausage sizzle was held in partnership with the local SES branch, while the Coasters regularly contribute to the Men’s Shed, and the oncology unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital - among others.
There were several trophies on offer over the weekend, including Best Car, Longest Distance Travelled and Hard Luck Story.
The local police were the judges.
Mike Barnes who travelled more than 600kms from his home in Whiteside just north of Brisbane took out the Hard Luck Story.
His immaculate 1940 Ford Deluxe experienced a problem on the way down with a starter motor lead shorting out on a hot exhaust and ruining the starter motor.
Local club members sourced a LS3 commodore starter motor that fitted and helped Mike install it.
Port Macquarie Coasters look forward to next year’s 25th anniversary event.
q A 1936 fire engine on display in Port Macquarie.
q Winner of the best Hard Luck Story was Mike Barnes, pictured with his 1940 Ford Deluxe.
q Some of the hot roads on show at Town Square.
q Police were on hand to show visitors this GTF patrol car.
Lizards, pelagics, and a missing FAD
By Kate SHELTON
IF you’re looking for calmer waters this week, the local wharfs and river mouths are the go-to spots for bream. However, the real standout has been the flathead fishing, it's been nothing short of exceptional.
Local anglers are landing impressive catches near Pelican Island and the Limeburners Creek entrance.
For the best results, try using live herring as bait during the peak of the high tide; it’s a combination the lizards find hard to resist.
Whiting are also showing up reliably in the shallows around Blackmans Point and Limeburners, taking both
Cancer Trust seeking support
By Rachael THORPE
THE Port MacquarieHastings community is being urged to support the work of the Hastings Cancer Trust (HCT) in 2026.
Cancer Council
Australia estimates that in 2024 169,500 people were diagnosed with cancer, 52,700 died of cancer and that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, making it a leading cause of death in
Australia.
The HCT has been serving the Mid North Coast since 2005, bridging the gap between government funding and the actual needs of healthcare providers who serve cancer patients and their families across the Camden Haven, Hastings and Macleay regions.
Member of HCT and nurse Donna Hughes has lost close family members to the disease.
“It is important to me to be involved with something local, where every dollar raised helps where it is needed,” she said.
Each year HCT holds a major fundraiser in late June, with this year’s ‘Lumiere Soiree’ gala event scheduled for 20 June on the mezzanine floor at the Glasshouse Theatre.
Tickets, which go on sale from 1 April, are limited to 350 and include canapés and drinks.
Entertainment will be provided by popular local group Alter Ego and DJ Jimmy.
Silent auctions will be held throughout the night and HCT is seeking local businesses to donate items and gift vouchers.
Each year funds are distributed to eligible applicants through the annual HCT grants program.
Since inception more than $2.5 million has gone to local health care providers for equipment, specialist training, palliative care, support programs and educational materials.
The Trust is operated entirely by volunteers, so all donated funds stay within the local health district to assist local cancer patients.
Enquiries to friendsofhct@gmail.com.
worms and yabbies.
While the pelagic continues with mackerel, mahi mahi, sailfish, marlin, and wahoo all in the mix, there is a slight hiccup to note that the Port Macquarie FAD is currently missing.
It is expected to be replaced within the next week or so.
Further south, the beaches around North Haven and Lake Cathie are producing some sizable tailor.
Inside the river, bream fishing remains remarkably consistent, you can drop a line almost anywhere and find success right now.
Luderick numbers are also on the rise, with both breakwalls holding decent
schools.
For those hunting flathead, both Queens Lake and Stingray Creek are yielding quality fish to those using both lures and bait.
The Macleay continues its run of fantastic fishing.
The system is currently firing for large mulloway, cobia, flathead, and mangrove jack.
To land these heavy hitters, focus your efforts around the river mouth during the top of the high tide. Live baits like herring, poddy mullet, or yakkas are your best bet.
Offshore, the Macleay region is rewarding dedicated crews with cobia, mackerel, wahoo and marlin.
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are strategically placed along the NSW coastline during the warmer months. They have been a resource for the angling community since their introduction in 2001, funded by Recreational Fishing License Fees. These structures are designed to attract pelagic species, creating productive hubs for offshore enthusiasts.
According to monitoring by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program is a resounding success for those targeting mahi mahi (dolphinfish), which accounts for a staggering 95 percent of the total catch off FADs.
Call for yarn bombers
By Pauline CAIN
PORT Macquarie’s yarnies are being called upon to join a community Yarn Bomb project.
In partnership with Port Central Shopping Centre and ArtWalk Port Macquarie, the aim is to crochet and knit beautiful, cheerful coverings for the palm trees at the Hay Street entrance to the shopping centre.
Leah Doeland, who is coordinating the project, is a local artist and arts facilitator.
“I have a passion for the joy, connections and healing that is achieved by being part of something bigger than one’s self,” she said.
“Belonging to a group and being part of a large scale project like this is priceless.”
Those interested in getting involved can head to the Port Central concierge desk to pick up a yarn pack and instructions.
There is no set pattern to follow, which makes it accessible for all abilities.
Squares, circles or original shapes of no bigger than 30cm x 30cm will be accepted.
The Murray Street Yarn Bomb project, which was installed for ArtWalk in 2023, will be removed over the coming weeks.
The new location in Hay Street will be ready by 3 June in time for ArtWalk.
Ms Doeland has contributed to ArtWalk as an artist for nine of its 10 years.
This year’s event is on Friday 5 June.
For more information, go to the Port Macquarie Hastings Council website pmhc.nsw.gov. au/Places/Art-Culture-Heritage/ ArtWalk-2026.
q The Port Macquarie FAD is currently adrift and moving south along the NSW coast. In most cases, these units are recovered once they wash ashore, allowing them to be refurbished and returned to service.
q Leah Doeland at the Port Central concierge desk where yarn packs can be collected. Photo: supplied.
q The Murray Street Yarn Bomb was for ArtWalk 2023. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q Wauchope Palliative Care Nursing Unit Manager Mary Trotter with a hydraulic assist layback commode shower chair purchased with a grant from Hastings Cancer Trust.
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has questioned the NSW Government’s Koala baseline assessments, saying that a review has found the Government’s models of koala densities broad and inaccurate.
This includes claims that cleared paddocks near Kyogle have higher densities of koalas than the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
NEFA says the survey results, often quoted by opponents of the GKNP, have led to greatly inflated koala population estimates for NSW.
The NSW Government recently released the outcomes of the assessments.
They are intended to identify koalas’ distribution and abundance across NSW, and provide a baseline against which future population changes can be measured.
The outcome included models of koalas’ distribution and densities, and a total NSW koala population estimate of around 274,000, which is much more than most other estimates.
The NEFA review’s author Dailan Pugh OAM, described the aims of the baseline survey, which are to obtain accurate maps of koala habitat and populations across NSW, as important and worthy.
“Unfortunately, the outputs of the $20 million project are too inaccurate to achieve its aims or provide a baseline,” he said.
"The modelled koala densities have not adequately accounted for cleared land, identifying very high koala numbers in farmers’ paddocks, resulting in misleading mapping and grossly inflated population estimates.”
Mr Pugh said the drone surveys used to identify
actual koala densities at 384 sites across the whole of NSW are a very small sample.
“They primarily relied on recordings of male koalas calling at least once in the breeding season, over two weeks at 1,179 sites, to model koala distributions and densities,” he said.
“This appears to have falsely inflated densities because it does not account for the fact that some males may be transients dispersing through poor quality or unsuitable habitat, therefore calls are not necessarily representative of good habitat or resident populations.
“They extrapolated their survey results across NSW using coarse mapping of aridity, distance to rivers, canopy height, koala feed tree density and soil nitrogen, without accounting for numerous other habitat attributes known to affect koala densities.
“At the very least they
should have excluded cleared paddocks from their model.”
Mr Pugh said that, based on the model, the largest area of the highest density koala habitat in NSW is to the north-east of Kyogle, with
cleared paddocks shown to have higher densities of koalas than found in the best habitat in the Great Koala National Park.
A spokesperson for Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the survey used a range of monitoring
Rotary celebrates 60 years of service Koala survey questioned
By Rachael THORPE
SIXTY years ago a group of businesspeople gathered at the Laurieton Hotel and agreed to form the Rotary Club of Laurieton.
To celebrate the six decades of service that have followed, a diamond anniversary dinner was
held at Laurieton United Services Club on Saturday, 7 February, with 100 guests in attendance.
Joining the party were past and present members of the Rotary Club; members of Taree, Port Macquarie and Wauchope clubs; and local dignitaries including Federal Member for Lyne Alison
Penfold and Port MacquarieHastings councillor Danielle Maltman.
The well-attended evening was organised by longtime Laurieton Rotarians Vere Gray, Barbara Jackson, and Jenny Rogers, with entertainment provided by the Laurietunes Ukulele Group.
techniques including heatdetecting drones and acoustic recorders.
She said the NSW survey numbers broadly align with CSIRO’s most recent koala estimates, and that koalas remain an endangered species threatened by habitat loss, disease, vehicle strikes, and climate change.
Speeches by current Club President Graham Blackett and Past President Ian Jackson paid tribute to the many achievements and efforts of the club.
Rotary District Governor Evan Burrell told News Of The Area, “Rotary continues to evolve, and the work done in Laurieton has ripple effects across the world, not just locally.”
Each year the club raises more than $20,000 through its book sales, raffles, BBQs, and can/bottle recycling - a particularly impressive effort for a club with less than 30 members.
In the last year the club has been reinvigorated with several new, younger members, including a former Rotary International Exchange Student, enabling this grassroots service organisation to provide mentorship, legacy and a
sense of community through shared values.
At a local level the club supports the Rotary Lodge at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, contributes to numerous projects in schools, and provides crucial assistance after natural disasters.
On an international level
the club has contributed to the Rotary International End Polio Campaign, helping facilitate a 99.9 percent reduction in global polio cases.
Special mention was made of club member and local plumber Steve Roberts at the anniversary dinner, who has made numerous trips to Vanuatu to carry out extensive plumbing and drainage work.
Girl Guides celebrate friendship
By Rachael THORPE
HAVING been involved in Girl Guides for more than 25 years, Sally Woodhouse is testament to the movement’s power to build lifelong connections.
“I have been a leader for fifteen years, and took part all through university,” said Sally, who is the dedicated leader of the Camden Haven Girl Guides chapter.
“It’s something that my family has always been involved in, and I have found it great for acquiring skills and maintaining connections with people as well as establishing
new ones.”
Sally’s charges will celebrate “World Thinking Day” on Sunday, 22 February, joining peers from across the globe in an international celebration of friendship held since 1926.
The theme for the centenary in 2026 is ‘Our Friendship’, and it will be celebrated locally in Bruce Porter Reserve in Laurieton on the banks of the Camden Haven River.
Approximately 30 Girl Guides members from the Wauchope, Camden Haven, and Forster units will join to connect and commemorate
the shared birthday of the movement’s founders, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.
Activities on the day will include a reflection exercise, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, craft, team building initiatives, and orienteering facilitated by Hastings Orienteering.
A delicious morning tea will be provided and any girls aged between eight and seventeen are welcome to turn up on the day and try any of the activities free of charge between 9am and 1pm, with women eighteen years and over always welcome to volunteer as leaders.
q A paddock to the north-east of Kyogle, which is claimed to have a koala density higher than the best habitat in the GKNP. Photo: NEFA.
q Rotary Club of Laurieton members at their 60th anniversary dinner.
q Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce President Luke Hadfield, Port MacquarieHastings councillor Danielle Maltman and Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold.
q Camden Haven Girl Guides enjoying morning tea.
Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers
By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP
UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay.
Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly named The Burrows.
With grape-growing a notoriously perilous business, producer Ian Napier knew he had to branch out and offer single-vineyard wine, tastings and accommodation to diversify his income.
"Blind Freddy can see that grapes are not a product that is in high demand," he tells AAP.
"You have to add value to them if you are to do any good."
The business was humming along when, in August 2023, Mr Napier was hit with a notice from Revenue NSW saying his property may be subject to land tax as its predominant use was no longer primary production.
The department then sent an assessment in 2024 saying he owed five years' worth of land taxes, a levy from which growers are generally exempt as they produce food and fibre.
Mr Napier spent more than $100,000 in legal fees challenging the finding in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the revenue office.
The tribunal found the land tax exemption only applied if the cultivated product itself - grapes - was sold.
It ruled that the primary use of the land was instead wine production and sales, in part based on an analysis of income from wine sales compared to grape sales.
Mr Napier says the state government's "avaricious land tax grab" is penalising producers for exactly what they're encouraged to do: innovate and diversify.
"This goes to the heart of many small wine-making businesses," he says.
"I could have achieved the same result by pulling out all of my vineyards, buying grapes, having a winemaker turn them into wine and then selling the wine.
"Is that what we really want to achieve?
"Do we want primary producers to... get rid of the primary production bit and just focus on the piece that actually makes money?"
Mr Napier's case has become something of a canary in the coalmine for other small producers around the state.
An apple orchardist who turned inferior fruit into juice and sold it, lost a tax exemption after Revenue NSW found the land was not predominantly used for primary production.
A cherry and apricot grower was threatened with penalties after launching a popular "pick-your-own" venture, which was deemed to be a competing use of the land.
Grading and packing of the produce at the farm was classified as "processing", which also affected the tax exemption.
That assessment was ultimately overturned due to the short fruit harvesting and tourist season.
NSW Farmers last week issued a warning to small and medium producersincluding those with cellar doors and fruit standssaying they appear to be firmly in the sights of the revenue office.
The organisation is calling on the government to broaden the meaning of primary production in the
state's tax legislation, which hasn't changed for decades.
It argues the law is a disincentive for farmers to add value to their produce and diversify their income in a sector increasingly prone to disruption from weather, disasters and geopolitics.
"We want to see a system that is a bit fairer," NSW Farmers business, economics and trade committee chair John Lowe tells AAP.
"We want to see our farmers having the opportunity to... make a buck and be able to diversify and re-invent agricultural production without getting penalised the moment they step over an imaginary line."
The primary producer definition could be expanded to include income generated from converting produce into a value-added product, NSW Farmers' position paper says.
That would bring NSW closer in line with other states like Victoria, which recognises produce in a "natural, processed or converted state".
Agritourism could also be considered a legitimate primary production activity under the proposed changes.
While some farmers are accusing the government of opportunistic revenueraising, Finance Minister Courtney Houssos has previously told parliament the law has long been consistently applied.
Ms Houssos says she
regularly meets with producers to understand the support they need.
"It's encouraging to see producers look for new opportunities to grow their business in the face of difficult economic conditions and natural disasters," she adds via a statement to AAP.
"Under the current legislation, producers who diversify their activities will still continue to receive the primary production land exemption as long as primary production remains the dominant use of the land."
Revenue NSW officials met with farmers throughout 2025, with further talks planned for 2026. Land tax thresholds are due for review in 2027.
At Pokolbin, Mr Napier has dramatically downsized his venture and no longer sells grapes, instead using all of what he grows to make wine.
Under the beating January summer sun, workers harvest Shiraz grapes for wine that will eventually be sold at the cellar door.
Mr Napier is stuck paying an annual land tax, opting not to launch an expensive appeal against the tribunal's decision.
"This win by the government is not a win for us," he says, offering a final word.
"And it's certainly not a win for agriculture or a primary producer."
19-year-old Myaih Kesby fights for life
By Sis HIGGINS
PARENTS Sarah and William
Kesby say their world has been turned upside down, as their 19-year-old daughter Myaih remains in a critical condition in intensive care following a sudden neurological emergency.
Only a week ago, Myaih was a happy, healthy young woman building her future.
She works full time in a traineeship with Valley Industries and is known for her creativity, kindness and love of drama and art.
“Our beautiful daughter Myaih was doing so well,” Sarah and William said on their GoFundMe page.
“She was so proud to
receive her provisional driver’s licence just three weeks ago, and heartbreakingly, the card arrived in the mail today while she lies unconscious in ICU.”
Last Thursday, Myaih suffered a sudden tonic–clonic seizure at work and was taken to hospital, where she was initially admitted for observation and expected to return home the following day.
Instead, she experienced multiple further seizures and rapidly deteriorated into status epilepticus, a prolonged and lifethreatening condition.
“She is now in ICU on four anti-seizure medications and
continuous oxygen support,” her parents said.
“Despite intensive treatment, she continues to seize and is mostly unconscious, even without sedation.”
Despite extensive testing, doctors have not yet identified the cause of Myaih’s seizures or neurological decline.
The crisis follows a period of profound family loss, with Myaih’s grandmother Tracey and uncle Nathan both passing away unexpectedly in the past thirteen months.
“As parents, we are living minute to minute,” they said.
“Our only focus right now is being with Myaih, advocating for her, and
supporting her through whatever comes next.”
A GoFundMe has been established to help
the family manage lost income, potential travel and accommodation costs, and daily expenses.
Indigenous students invited to share stories
THE Department of the House of Representatives has announced that entries are now open for the 2026 Yarning Competition.
‘Yarning’ is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school
students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament.
“The Yarning Competition is a wonderful new program where we recognise the emerging talent of our First Nations
artists and young people from across Australia,” said Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Yarning was designed to give young First Nations people a platform to share not just their artwork, but their ideas and perspectives.”
Students may choose a creative medium such as visual art, text, photography, video or audio to address one of the four themes –Country and Connection, Identity and Culture, Family and Community, and Reconciliation
Three winners from each of the year groups (Years 7/8, Years 9/10, Years 11/12) will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, and a prize pack valued at $250. Their artwork will also be exhibited at Parliament House. For further information and entry submission, visit www.yarning. houseofrepresentatives.gov. au. Entries close 11 May 2026.
The funds allow the parents to remain by Myaih’s side during the most frightening time of their lives.
q Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
q Myaih Kesby. Photo: GoFundMe.
Forestry firefighters deployed to South Australia
FORESTRY Corporation of NSW last week deployed 10 firefighters to South Australia to support firefighting operations following several weeks of assistance in Victoria.
Forestry Corporation, one of NSW’s four firefighting agencies, has more than 500 trained firefighters on staff, who work to protect State forests and regularly assist interstate and international fire authorities.
In recent weeks, Forestry Corporation deployed 20 firefighters to Victoria to assist with the Walwa River Road fire in both Field and Incident Management (IMT) positions.
An additional four staff assisted in the IMT at Seymour in the state’s south.
“These deployments really demonstrate the strength of NSW’s joint firefighting capability,” said Forestry Corporation’s Fire
Training and Operations
Coordinator Nathan Fischer.
“Across NSW we work side-by-side with our partner fire agencies every day and that close collaboration means we can respond quickly and effectively when incidents emerge whether they’re here at home or interstate.
“Forestry Corporation crews continue to work incredibly hard to keep our own estate safe, but just as
importantly, to support our neighbours and the broader community when the need arises. I’m proud of our people who consistently step up at short notice, integrate seamlessly with multi-agency teams, and bring their skills and professionalism wherever they’re needed,” he said.
North Coast-based Forestry Worker Grace Bolton undertook her first interstate deployment in
South Australia since gaining her national firefighting accreditation.
“This has been my first fire season, which has been super exciting and South Australia is my third deployment so far this season,” Miss Bolton said.
“It has been an experience for sure, straight into the
action responding to spot overs, putting in containment lines and spending a lot of time on the hose working hard to protect assets.
“I’ve volunteered to go to South Australia to help both the community and environment, which is currently fire affected.”
Social media ban both a success and failure
By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON and Dominic GIANNINI, AAP
WHEN Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed plans to ban children younger than 16 from social media, he did so based on a precedent set in Australia.
His announcement at the World Governments Summit came two months after an Australian law directing tech giants including Google, Facebook and TikTok to take "reasonable steps" to prevent children from holding accounts on platforms.
Other nations including the UK, Canada, Greece and New Zealand have signalled their intention to join the trend, while Spain and France will lead what Mr Sanchez called "a coalition of the digital willing" in Europe.
While having an impact around the world, though, Australia's initiative might not be an ideal example of how to comprehensively address online harm.
Almost five million accounts held by underage users have been removed or restricted under the ban but experts say millions more remain untouched and many children are evading the restrictions.
The law succeeds in some areas and fails in others, they say, and restrictions might need to be tweaked and boosted before they are used as an international example.
Australia's Social Media Minimum Age restrictions came into effect on December 10 and require digital platforms to verify users' ages and lock accounts for those younger than 16.
Ten digital platforms
were asked to comply with the law, including Google's YouTube, Meta's Facebook, Instagram and Threads, as well as Snapchat, Reddit and TikTok.
Platforms that decline to comply face fines of up to $49.5 million.
Early signs indicate the law has made an impact, with the office of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealing 4.7 million accounts were removed in the first half of December.
Snapchat announced on 2 February that it had locked or disabled more than 415,000 Australian accounts in January and Roblox, which is not named under the law, revealed 60 percent of its Australian daily active users had undertaken age checks.
The eSafety Commission is actively monitoring progress, a spokesman says,
and assessing the use of ageassurance technology and compliance with the rules.
"Early actions taken by platforms, including the deactivation of millions of accounts, show that positive action is possible," the spokesman says.
"The more challenging task is preventing recidivism and circumvention of platform systems, which is where sustained systems and effective processes matter most."
The commission will focus on fixing weaknesses in the ways companies enforce the law, the spokesman says, rather than simply issuing penalties.
"Where platforms are deliberately or repeatedly failing to meet their obligations, eSafety will take action," he says.
"At this early stage, it is too soon to draw firm conclusions about breaches."
The impact of the ban will be clearer after six months in operation, Swinburne University media senior lecturer Belinda Barnet says, but it has obviously not affected all underage users.
About one in three children younger than 16 have had their accounts locked under the changes, she estimates, with no clear reason why some accounts have been removed while others remain active.
"There are kids who seem to be under the umbrella of it and then others who get around it," Dr Barnet tells AAP.
"To me, it seems to be making a difference but it's obviously not foolproof."
The ban has already encouraged some teens to swap social networks for messaging groups on platforms such as WhatsApp, Dr Barnet says, but more research will identify its results.
"There's part of me that is very skeptical the platforms have enough incentive to get rid of some of their own user base," she says.
"I'm worried that what they're doing is a token effort."
A different approach, such as one targeting hateful language and harassment, might have provided a better outcome, conservative federal MP Barnaby Joyce says.
It could also have locked down some of the loopholes children are using to dodge the ban.
"Where we are at the moment, I have a six-year-old and a seven-year-old son and they manage to get around it," he says.
"So imagine teenagers are even more competent than them."
The outcome of Australia's attempt to address online risks is complicated, RMIT University information sciences professor Lisa Given says.
The ban has not removed all children younger than 16 from big social networks but that does not mean it has not enjoyed some success.
"If success means we
have people talking about it, if success means we're attempting to do something to address harm on social media, then... we've succeeded in that," she says.
"I don't feel it's been a success in terms of how it's been sold to parents or to the public."
Parents cannot abdicate their responsibilities as a result of this law, Prof Given says, and it does not address emerging risks such as disinformation from AI-generated content and chatbots.
Some countries considering social media bans for children are using Australia's example, but taking a different approach.
In addition to age verification, the Spanish government will weigh up plans to criminalise the spread of disinformation on social networks and penalise platforms that profit from it.
Laws being considered in Denmark will provide ways for parents to authorise their teens to access social media.
The novel approaches could create a more comprehensive means of tackling the problem, Prof Given says, and keep more children safe.
"If they implement similar legislation and they haven't been paying close attention to the kinds of challenges that we've had, they could end up replicating that," she says.
"I would hope other countries learn from our mistakes."
q Firefighters have been deployed to both Victoria and South Australia. Photos: supplied.
q Smoke fills the air on the Victorian firefront.
q While gaining global traction, Australia's social media ban might not be ideal in addressing harm. Photo: Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS.
LIVING WELL 50 PLUS
Finding the ‘right time’ to make the move
LAINE and Jim Down have called The Shoreline home for just over three years, but the decision to move into Coffs Harbour’s most exclusive retirement living estate was one they had been quietly considering for much longer.
With the upcoming opening of the highly anticipated Watermark Apartments in April, Laine and Jim’s story offers a timely insight for anyone considering their next chapter.
“We’d looked at just about every option around greater Coffs,” Laine says.
“But when we heard The Shoreline was coming, we changed our minds straight away.
“We watched it being built.
“We knew this was where we wanted to be.”
Their decision was shaped by experience.
Both had lived through the challenges of helping elderly parents who delayed moving from the family home until circumstances forced their hand.
“We said we would never do that to our kids,” Laine explains.
“We wanted to be proactive, not reactive.
“We wanted to make our own decision, while we were well and able.”
Downsizing, something many people fear, turned out to be surprisingly easy.
“I don't miss our old house at all,” Laine says.
“We’d been there nearly 50 years, but once we sold it, it stopped being our home.
“This felt right straight away.”
For Jim, safety and simplicity were key drivers.
“I was still climbing ladders, pruning trees.
“We were sensible enough to know that wasn’t going to last forever.
“Here, we don’t have to worry about maintenance, security or technology.
“It’s all taken care of.”
What hasn’t changed is their lifestyle.
They still play bowls, walk the beach, visit the Surf Club, see friends, travel, and stay closely connected to family.
“Our children both say how happy they are that
we’re here,” Lanie says.
“It takes the worry away.
“They know we’re safe.”
“Don’t leave it too long,” Jim says.
“We wish we’d come sooner.
“You don’t know what’s ahead, and it’s so much easier to make the decision early.”
The Shoreline Community Open Day will be held on 7 March, 10am to 1pm.
Register your interest and come see for yourself a theshoreline.com.au.
q The Shoreline interior.
q The Shoreline and surrounds.
q Laine and Jim enjoy a read in the library.
Queens Lake hosts national titles
By Rachael THORPE
TWENTY visiting boats joined three local boats to compete in the 2025-26 Maricat National Titles at Queens Lake Sailing Club from 7-8 February.
These small catamarans can be sailed in multiple configurations, with the Maricat Association NSW and ACT sailing for almost 50 years.
Australia, including country areas like Bathurst and Orange.
Competitors on the water ranged from ten-years-old to sailors in their late seventies, and came from all over
It is the latest major event to be held at Queens Lake, with Camden Haven rapidly building its reputation as an in-demand sailing destination.
performed well in the consistently challenging conditions.
“The strong northeasterly made competition quite tough, with wave selection proving crucial in the small and bumpy conditions,” he said.
“But the kids took it in their stride.”
Sailing Club coordinator Dave Castleton told News Of The Area, “We are getting inundated with enquiries to hold events here.
“Our canteen is renowned for its selection of local produce from local businesses, and visitors love the wide choice of accommodation and activities on offer, things that you just don’t find in the bigger cities.
“Queens Lake naturally lends itself to a range of different boats which also makes it very appealing.
“These events are a large amount of work to put on so we are limited by what our hard-working volunteers can do.”
Pro surfers Matt Banting and Jarvis Earle were on hand to mentor the juniors ahead of their heats.
The Surf Reflections Junior Series has grown over the past two years and is a 5500-rated event on Surfing Australia’s National Series calendar.
The weekend’s winners
Rock Salt Marina
Panthers Port Macquarie
The Westport Club
Frankies Cafe
Four Espresso
El Motel Inn
Glasshouse Port Macquarie
Redcross Blood Donation Centre
Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie
Ahdeniz Grill House
Florence Jones
Port AdVenture Cruises
The Hearing Shop
Your Discount Chemist Horton St
Lilys Cafe
Port Pacific Resort
Majestic Cinema
Port Macquarie Hotel Bottle Shop
Port Macquarie Surfing Museum
The Witchy Nook
Colonial Meats
Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant
Woolworths, Settlement City
Big Boz Cafe
Ken Little’s Fruit & Veg
Foodworks Munster Street
Seniors Centre
Shelly Beach Store
Flynns Beach Pharmacy
Roam Cafe
Flynns Beach Post Office
Home at Roto House
Mercure Centro
Band Wagon Cafe
For Everything Surf & Skate
Ridges Hotel
Ritchies IGA Port Central
Port Macquarie Library
Bels Bakery
Ritchies IGA Gordon Street
were:
Under 14s girls: Alanni Morris (1), Everly Morgan (2), Cleo Beesley (3), Coco Wooley (4). Under 14s boys: Max Goold (1), Clement Piellard (2), Noah Kornek (3), Nixon Vaughan (4). Under 16s girls: Alanni Morris (1), Olive Morriss (2),
Forster on 1-15 November.
Plunketts Terry White Chemmart
Ned Kelly’s Bait & Tackle
Douglas Hanly Moir
Ryan James Podiatry
PCYC Port Macquarie
Port City Bowling Club
Hill Street Store
Spar Clifton
Twenty24
Mid North Coast Dental Centre
John Oxley Motors
Patrick Auto Group
Belly Bombers
Aldi Port Macquarie
Billabong Zoo
Group Therapy Cafe
Ritchies IGA Sovereign Hills
Douglas Hanly Moir
Coastal Realty & Strata
Wauchope Newsagency
Infinity Fuels Wauchope
Bennett Steel
Wauchope IGA
Mid North Coast EaTs
Anatolian Breeze
Charlie’s Takeaway
Port Landscape and Nursery
U3A Port Macquarie
Ruins Way Cafe
Port Macquarie Golf Club
Tacking Point Tavern
Lighthouse Beach Your Discount Chemist
Coles Lighthouse Beach
Emerald Downs Golf Course
Lighthouse Beach Post Office
Telegraph Point Service Station
Telegraph Point Sports &
Recreation Club
Ricardoes Tomatoes
Riverview Tavern
Rubylee Neill (3), Arabella Georgeson (4). Under 16s boys: Hugo Spierings (1), Sandon Vowels (2) Brynn Spierings (3), Harry Stephens (4). The series continues at Urunga/Hungry Head on 8-10 May and in Tuncurry/
The club focuses on ensuring they foster a love of sailing with age being no barrier. Their next event will be
the East Coast Junior Regatta on 28 February, which is open to all boats and crews with a junior skipper.
q Maricats lined up at Queens Lake.
q Ian Frazer competing in in the 2025-26 Maricat National Titles.
q Pro surfers Matt Banting and Jarvis Earle provided inspiration ahead of the heats.
q Competitors made the most of the challenging conditions.
Port Macquarie Sailing Club
By Jeff WALSH
8-2-26
THE Port Macquarie Sailing Club was to hold Race 3 of the handicap start series on Sunday, but without the start times, held race 5 of the summer series instead. It was sailed in an easy North Easter that eased a little during the afternoon on a warm day under an overcast sky. Simon Gandy and Lucy Bohlsen in the safety boat set a nice course with a work from the start to a Port buoy off Settlement Point, a reach across to a Port buoy in the mouth of Limeburners, a long run to a Starboard buoy off the Governors Way Canal, a loose reach across to another Starboard buoy on the North side of the river half way up to the Hibbard Ferry, then a work back finish the lap at the start/finish line off the clubhouse.
The Arrow catamaran division had 3 starters for their 4 laps. Frank O’Rourke on ‘Zero’ had a reasonable lead in the first half of the race, but Jack Corthals on ‘Crackerjack’ put the pressure on in the second half of the race to finish only 23 seconds behind ‘Zero’. Tony Kuhn on ‘Stella’ was 3rd. This was good practice for these Arrow cats as they will be competing in their NSW State Championship here in Port Macquarie next weekend.
In the Monohull division, the highlight was the now common race long battle between the Impulses. Jeff Walsh in ‘Serenity’ led the start, but by the end of the first lap, Terry Howard in ‘Flying Dragon’ and then Rob Barwick in ‘Drift’ eked past. ‘Flying Dragon’ was leading into the 3rd and last lap but
Terry’s troublesome neck injury forced him to retire. ‘Drift’ opened up a 2 minute lead over ‘Serenity’ by the end of the race to take the win. Lucy Bohlsen had her Flying 11 ‘Popcorn’ rigged to race, then had second thoughts, so her Dad, Steve, jumped at the chance to race the boat, finishing 3rd.
Next week our club is hosting the NSW State Arrow Cat Championships over the weekend. Saturday’s racing will start at 1pm and Sunday’s racing will start at 11am. It is hoped to get 3 back to back races sailed each day. Our club members will be assisting in running the races.
We hope to run our club race next week after the Arrow cats finish their racing. It will be race 6 of the Summer series starting at around 2.30pm.
Wauchope Women’s Bowling Club
By Julie FRASER
THURSDAY 5/2/26 Played at Wauchope Country Club
Winners of cards
Patricia Fletcher, Jenny Wooster and Faye Paine
Losers Jenny Wooster, Heather Bartlett and Kath Sweeney
Jackpot no. 9 Yvonne Carmichael did not play
Raffle Winners were P. Coombes, Lil Allen , Enid Brooker and Glenda Elford
Triples Championship winners today were
Glenda Elford , Doris Mc Kinnon and Julie Samuelson won 32/18 over Rosie Ainsley , Sandra Hackney and Enid Brooker . Clare Everson , Kylie Hackney and Sarah Jones won 26 /18 over Kathy Sweeney , Jenny Wooster and Heather Bartlett
Lil Allen , J. Walker and Sue Peterson won 32/12
LUSC Ladies Social Golf
By Robyn KING
TUESDAY 10th February
2026
The 2026 season of golf started with a Stableford & NTP. 21 players and 9 cardies were present on the day. There were enough golfers to have 2 divisions with 3 places awarded prizes.
Div 1: 10 players
over Pat Coombes , Marie Winter and Margaret Wallis
Results for Saturday 7/2/26
Winners were Pat Fletcher , Enid Brooker and Faye Paine
Jackpot Maie Aitken no 1 not present
Raffle winners were Marie Winter , Lil Allen x2 and Jenny Wooster
Friday Afternoon Golfers
By Colin EVERINGHAM
FRIDAY 06 FEB 2026
Weather: Fine & Hot with a nice NE breeze 28oC. Number of Players: 21 playing on the Front 9 holes.
Winner: S. English 20
R/Up: K. Camilleri 18
3rd: D. Sherwin 17
NTP: D. Sherwin
Div 2: 11 players
Winner: S. Meixner 17
R/Up: J. Hurrell 16
3rd: J. Muller 14c/b
NTP: J. Hurrell
Cardies’ Results - Julie Smith was the winner today with a good win over the other 8 players.
SUMMER COMP results were announced today with the major winners being D. Keane & C. Napper.
INVITATION to any ladies interested in playing social golf - please join us at Kew Country Club at 8am on Tuesdays or after our game for a coffee and a chat (around 11.30am) and we can explain the fees and processes.
Winner: N Col Everingham Nett 35 was on 11 now on 5
2nd: Don Steigrad Nett 36
3rd: Nigel Sellers Nett 37
4th: Bob Lineham Nett 38
5th: Ken Gallie Nett 39 again
6th: Peter Casey Nett 39 c/b NTP 4th Hole Second Shot: Steve Vickers NTP 9th Hole Second Shot: Col Everingham Raffle Winner: Mike Luchwitz
Port Macquarie Yacht Club
By Andrew WALMSLEY
WITH Port Macquarie showing why it is considered to have the best climate in Australia last Sunday with a 5 – 10 knot breeze and glorious sunshine that was not too much for beach goers, while for sailors competing in last Sunday’s Port Macquarie Yacht Club river “A” race between the Town Green and Settlement Point Ferry, it was not too little. Spectators on Town Green were treated to some spectacular close quarter sailing.
The start line was crowded at the favoured pin end as eight yachts ranging in length from 25 feet to 53 feet jostled for position at the start, attempting to squeeze into any available gap. It was difficult to pick first across the line, however it was Nick Bartell’s Hanse 510 Terra Firma that came through. Enticer, Commodore Andrew Walmsley’s Eliot 36, set off in pursuit of the larger yacht going tack for tack. After being squeezed out at the start and being forced to tack away, Teddy Clausen’s Cool Change found a clear lane and clean air away from the main group of boats. Solar Coaster in company with Mike and Andrea Schulzer’s Galene followed, ahead of Third Man, Tribal Wave and Ninja.
After gybing onto the
second leg both leading yachts maintained station, while on the next leg some tactical sailing saw Enticer take the lead from Terra Firma going into the Town Green mark. Back in the fleet Galene made up ground and overtook Cool Change, while Solar Coaster lost time and it’s carbon spinnaker pole overboard on the downwind leg, which they did not find until after the race.
There was brief pandemonium on Cool Change when one of their crew was thrown overboard. He did the right thing by grabbing the rail and hanging on so Cool Change could finish the race. The rest of the crew grabbed him and hauled him aboard. No injuries other than pride, which was restored by a few laughs and beers after the race. Port Macquarie Yacht Club yachts have to meet mandatory minimum equipment and safety standards, including man overboard training. Cool Change’s crew have logged the man overboard and recovery as satisfying their training requirements.
Being a mixed fleet event yachts became strung out along the race course. Yachts began either to sail their own race, concentrating solely on performance while those in close proximity with other yachts had to
consider tactics and dealing with disturbed air from the nearby yachts. At the head of the fleet, Enticer and Terra Firma were going tack for tack with Enticer taking the port side of the course to avoid the large patch of disturbed air following Terra Firma. Mid fleet there was rarely more than a 30 second gap between Galene and Cool Change, while Third Man and Solar Coaster were also sailing in close proximity. After dropping back, Ninja flew her glorious yellow spinnaker and made up ground.
Line honours went to Terra Fima with Enticer about 30 seconds behind having lost time extracting herself from a sand bar. The midfleet duel between Galene and Cool Change saw Galene finish 5 seconds ahead of Cool Change, with that order being confirmed in the handicap placings, while the consistent Tribal Wave placed third on handicap, followed in handicap order by Third Man, Enticer, Terra Firma, ahead of Ninja and Solar Coaster, which had been somewhat hampered by the loss of her spinnaker pole during the race. Solar Coaster’s spinnaker pole was recovered by a spectator boat, while Cool Change’s crewman’s clothes were “mostly dry” by race end.
Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club
By Colin CUTT
TUESDAY 03/02/2026
Number of Players – 16 ( a few away on holidays,etc)
Game Played –Stableford
Winner- Ian Camejo - 38 Points ( On Count Back)
2nd Robert Toone - 38 Points
3rd Don Jessop -37 Points (On Count Back)
4th Dennis
q Jack Corthals on his Arrow Cat ‘Crackerjack’ who sailed well for a close 2nd ahead of next week’s NSW State Championships.
q Ken Baldwin retrieving his ball after a Hole in One on the 15th Green.
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WISH to raise the issue of koala fence crossings erected along the new section of Ocean Drive.
It is apparent kangaroos, deer and motor vehicles have been protected by the erection of fencing.
However the fencing has had overpasses built over it to allow koalas to cross the busy road if they are not killed by motor vehicles.
I understand koalas need to roam in order to breed, but they also need to do so in safety.
Regards, Ernie HILLIER, Port Macquarie.
The koala coast Koala crossings
DEAR News Of The Area,
TWENTY-SEVEN years ago former MLA
John Tingle and myself and some local businessmen made a submission for this part of the coast to be called the ‘Koala Coast’.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games were looming and we thought this would be a great name for this area so as to attract the thousands of visitors who will
be coming to see the Olympics.
We argued that Queensland has the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast and as we have a major interest in caring for our local koala population via the Koala Hospital, this would be a big drawcard.
The submission was sent in and the result was a dismal failure.
Coffs Harbour became known as the Coffs Coast and the Port Macquarie area is known as the Mid-North Coast!
How unimaginative! Mid North Coast of what or where?
With the rebuilding of the Koala Hospital and the huge promotion of Port Macquarie's koalas from the bushfires a couple of years ago, I wonder if it may be time to make a fresh submission to the government?
Regards, Kerry MEDWAY, Port Macquarie.
Mayors’ joint statement
on Waterfall Way
MAYORS’ joint statement
Waterfall Way is a critical east–west transport corridor linking the New England tablelands with the Mid North Coast.
It supports agricultural production and freight, enables access to health, education and essential services, and provides a vital connection for businesses, residents and emergency services.
Recent and ongoing closures have again exposed the vulnerability of this route and the lack of resilience in the wider road network.
For communities on both sides of the range, these disruptions are not isolated events but recurring and compounding challenges with significant flow-on impacts for local economies and livelihoods.
The mayors [acknowledge] the Minns Labor Government’s recent announcement to undertake a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and Mid North Coast roads between Bellingen and Dorrigo, including investigations into short-term fixes and potential long-term upgrades to support
access and alternate routes during extreme weather.
While welcomed, [we] stress that assessment must be matched with a clear commitment to funding and delivery.
We cannot afford another cycle of studies without action.
Our regions need solutions implemented on the ground, not just identified on paper.
In the immediate term, [we] are also calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to approve Category D assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The scale, duration and cumulative impacts of repeated and prolonged closures go well beyond standard recovery measures and warrant exceptional support for affected communities and businesses.
[We] are calling for:
- Formal recognition of Waterfall Way as infrastructure of regional and state significance
- investment in long-term, resilient solutions rather than repeated emergency repairs
- Approval of Category D
DRFA assistance to address
exceptional and ongoing impacts
- Proper assessment and funding of viable alternate routes to strengthen the regional road network.
Without sustained investment and appropriate disaster assistance… communities, industries and essential services will continue to bear the economic, social and safety costs of an unreliable transport corridor.
From Bellingen Shire
Mayor Steve Allan: “I hear the stories of distress from the entire community.”
“The cancelled cattle sales, delayed or cancelled deliveries to small businesses resulting in increased costs for the people who can afford it least, school children unable to get to school, and commute times from the plateau to the coast blowing out - [these] are just some of the impacts of this road being closed.
“People are stretched - not just because of this closure, but because of multiple slips compounded year on year, with effects rippling across the community.
“Waterfall Way is not just
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
MY ex-boyfriend is in many significant family photos such as Christmases, weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Now we are no longer together, what on earth do I do with all the pictures?
It upsets me to look at them, but I don't want to forget the occasions.
Rachel P.
Dear Rachel,
This one is very fraught.
You obviously want to remember these important milestones, but you're still as emotionally raw as Noah and Allie from The Notebook, so don't make any hasty decisions (like buying a rundown house with a strategically placed piano and restoring it in a metaphorical attempt at rebuilding the relationship).
My nanna, who was known for her practicality, once suggested I cut my ex's face from family portraits and replace them with Tom Cruise.
Given Tom Cruise's trajectory, it was perhaps not such a great choice, but this was back in the days when cut and paste quite literally involved a pair of scissors and a Bluestick.
I didn't, of course. Instead I put the photos in a box and that is where they remain.
Yesterday, which is somewhat serendipitous for this column, I caught up with a group of former work colleagues and one showed me a family photo that celebrated the birthday of her ninety-nine year old mother.
Through some sort of AI wizardry, she had added her father (now deceased) to the photo.
She'd also added another family member who'd been unable to attend.
a local road — it is a lifeline connecting two regions and supporting thousands of jobs, businesses and families.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to assess the corridor, but assessment must now be backed by funding and delivery.
“Given the scale and ongoing nature of the disruption, Category D disaster assistance is also essential to support communities and businesses while long-term solutions are delivered.”
Mayor Steve Allan, Bellingen Shire Council
Mayor Nikki Wiiliams, City of Coffs Harbour
Mayor Gary Lee, Nambucca Valley Council
Mayor Kinne Ring, Kempsey Shire Council
Mayor Adam Roberts, Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Mayor Ray Smith, Clarence Valley Council
Mayor Sam Coupland, Armidale Regional Council
Mayor Robert Bell, Uralla Shire Council.
While the photo was quite beautiful, I couldn't help but consider it from an ethical perspective.
What happens when histories are magically altered or changed?
How can a person in the future reconcile a photo that celebrates an event where a person is absent (i.e dead!) but (digitally at least) present?
At what point does this ability to recast the truth become dangerous? I think we are already seeing this play out in many ways on social media.
It's a slippery slope when it becomes harder and harder to distinguish what is real and what is an approximation of real (cast in a way that benefits the creator and potentially harms others).
We can't change the past.
All we can do is work on our response to it (this is a damn heavy Jasminda, Rachel. Couldn't you have asked about e-bikes?).
May I suggest you put the photos in a clearly marked box while you are still feeling vulnerable.
Or archive photos with him in them (since they upset you) and keep the photos of those events where he is absent on display.
In keeping with my nanna's practicality, put partners from new relationships at the extremities of family photos.
Cropping a photo is far less sinister than some of the alternatives now on offer.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
SUDOKU
Kids Boot Camp 065
For Sale
CAMPHOR chest 96cm L x45cm H x 43cm D $30 can deliver locally 0422 538 888
LIMITED edition Franklin Mint teddy bear in North American Indian costume. 40cm tall, posed on a stand Collectors item. $95 0400 993 382 BAR fridge, Westinghouse, white $75 6581 2683
OLYMPUS MU camera 5x optical zoom with charging table $20 0435 838 917 F060226
SINGLE bed inc mattress cover & sheets $90. 0408 826 678 F090126
Caravans
Caravans
Caravans
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB
SEVEN, 8.30pm
The TV equivalent of sitting down to solve a crossword with a cup of tea and a biscuit, this cosy murder series follows a trio of unlikely crime solvers in a quaint English town. As they proved in season one, retired archaeologist Judith (Samantha Bond, pictured left), dog walker Suzie (Jo Martin, pictured centre) and vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan, pictured right) make a brilliant team. Our favourite sleuths are called back into action after an aristocrat is found dead the day before his wedding – with his young fiancée, bitter son and scheming ex top of their suspect list.
A new innings begins on Sunday for Australian women’s cricket, with all-rounder Sophie Molineux (pictured) named as the squad’s new captain, taking over from a retiring Alyssa Healy. This Twenty20 series opener against India will be the Victoria and Melbourne Renegades skipper’s first time leading the country, taking charge ahead of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June. Several members of the team will still be smarting from India’s recordbreaking chase of 339 that knocked Australia out of the ODI World Cup semi-final just a few months ago. With a fresh tactical direction and a score to settle, Molineux and co. are set to shine.
(Mls, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.20 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Britain By Beach. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return)
8.30 Professor T. (Return, M) Professor T works on a case while in prison.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) A satirical news program.
10.20 Dog Park. (M, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Smother. (Mlv, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Lost Cities Of The Incas. (Premiere)
9.25 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) Follows the Seaview Salties.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)
11.40 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)
1.25 The Lesson. (Mal, R)
3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
TUESDAY
DR KARL’S HOW THINGS
6.00 Sunrise. News, sport and weather. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) The latest news and views. 12.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 2. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Contestants race to answer quiz questions correctly to avoid being caught by The Chaser. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) Johanna Griggs heads to Bribie Island.
8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Return, Mav) A wealthy baronet dies alone in his study the day before his wedding.
10.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
12.15 GetOn Extra. (Return) A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.45 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
everything from toilet paper to guitars –the endlessly curious Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (pictured) pulls back the cover on how books are made in the final chapter of this second season. And what better example than F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece The Great . Much attention is paid to the writing and editing behind our favourite novels, but how do those words physically make their way onto the page? At Ligare Book Printers in Sydney, Dr Karl watches as lasers etch words onto metal plates, before being loaded into a press that can print thousands of books a day. You might say it’s a real page-turner.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Highlights. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross qualifiers and finals and men’s crosscountry 10km final and ice hockey prelims. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross finals and skeleton runs and men’s 10,000m speed skating final and 10km biathlon sprint final. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Overnight. 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A couple move
SATURDAY, February 14
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim swears off men and takes up golf.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Md) The midwives help a family with a history of drug addiction.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv) Engagement celebrations at Godley Manor are brought to a sinister end by a booby-trapped cuckoo clock.
10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Tiddler. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Late Programs.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An influencer’s baggage attracts attention.
7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy Returns. (2001, Mhv, R) A couple battle a resurrected mummy. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz.
10.10 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017, MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent investigates an agent’s murder. Charlize Theron, James McAvoy.
12.30 MOVIE: The Right Mom. (2021, Mav, R) Anna Schafer.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Night. Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom and women’s mogul dual finals and 4x7.5km cross-country relay.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom, women’s cross-country relay, speed skating women’s team pursuit and men’s 500m finals.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Overnight.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple deals with a dysfunctional property. 8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives. 9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) A specialist critical care paramedic responds to a head-on collision that has left a driver trapped in their car. 10.50 Matlock. (PGad, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGav, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Viceroy’s
SUNDAY, February 15
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The handlers and their pups perform assessment tasks.
8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Roland and Emma finally confront their future.
9.00 This England. (Ml) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
9.55 Call The Midwife. (Md, R)
10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Super Monsters. 5.50 Octonauts. 6.00 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.20 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (PG)
8.25 Fengyang: The Forgotten Imperial City.
10.10 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R)
11.10 South Korea With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R)
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.40 24 Hours In A&E. (Mal, R)
3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
House. (2017, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 10.25 The Mattachine Family. (2023, M) 12.15pm Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 4.55 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 6.55 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 8.30 The Firm. (1993, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am The Secret Garden. Continued. (2020, PG) 7.10 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 9.10 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 10.45 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.55pm Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 2.40 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 4.30 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 6.30 Notorious. (1946, PG) 8.30 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
(32)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.45 The Meghan Effect: Transforming The Royals. (PG) Looks at Meghan Markle, who went from being an actor to becoming part of the British monarchy.
10.15 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R)
11.45 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.45 Temple. (MA15+al)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) After an explosive revelations week task, the actions of some have a major effect on the others.
8.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Night.
Coverage includes women’s slalom and monobob bobsleigh, men’s dual moguls and mixed team snowboard cross.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Post Midnight. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity…
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51) 9GEM (82)
MONDAY, February 16
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Final) 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGals) 11.30 Vigil. (Mav, R)
2.45 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R) 3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Notorious.
TUESDAY, February 17
5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
8.35 MOVIE: Bardot. (2024, Malsw)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)
11.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)
1.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.50 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Leah crafts a romantic apology.
7.30 Australian Idol. (Ml) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Mahv) The 118s beliefs are put to the test as they respond to emergency calls involving a Jack-o’-lantern.
10.15 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the crimes of Ivan Milat.
12.15 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 In The Footsteps Of Marco Polo. 10.25 MOVIE: I Am Bruce Lee. (2012) 12.05am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
(1946, PG) 7.55 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 10.00 Discovering Film. 10.50 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, MA15+) 2pm Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 4.00 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 5.35 Go. (1999, PG) 7.30 The Bodyguard From Beijing. (1994, MA15+) 9.15 My Father Is A Hero. (1995, MA15+) 11.15 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 1.25am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.20 Discovering Film. 8.10 Go. (1999, PG) 10.05 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 12.20pm Limitless. (2011, M) 2.20 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 4.00 Notorious. (1946, PG) 6.00 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.35 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk. (1993, M, Cantonese) 9.30 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The Chase Australia.
8.30 Doc. (Ma) Michael is under investigation for his actions during the hostage crisis.
9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is attacked by a gang with a machete.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (Ms)
11.30 Madeleine McCann: Searching For The Prime Suspect. (Mav, R)
12.30 Childhood’s End. (Mav)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The newlyweds enter intimacy week and while some couples choose to embrace the challenge, others remain hesitant.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Night. Coverage includes men’s alpine slalom, bobsleigh and short track and women’s snowboard slopestyle and short track.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Overnight.
5.30 Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Intimacy week tasks have a mixed effect on the newlyweds. A tense men’s workshop results in poor behaviour.
9.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Night. Coverage includes men and women’s aerials qualifiers, women’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s ice hockey. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Post Midnight.
3.00
9GO! (83)
WEDNESDAY, February 18
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 Good With Wood. (PGal, R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGadlv, R) 11.00 China On Stage. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Asia’s Ancient Civilisations. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Silk Road From Above. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
Saving Yellowstone. (PG)
8.30 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PGa, R) 9.25 Trespasses. (Mals) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Face To Face. (Mals, R) 11.45 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)
1.35 Golden Boy. (Mal, R)
2.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R) 3.15 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.
World. Noon
12.30 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.15 Mastermind Australia. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Moonfall. (2022, M) 11.45 MOVIE: Perrier’s Bounty. (2009, MA15+) 1.25am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Eagle
Huntress. Continued. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.15 Discovering Film. 8.15 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 10.00 House Of The Seasons. (2023, M, Japanese) 12.10pm Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.40 Go. (1999, PG) 4.35 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.30 Fist Of Legend. (1994, M) 9.30 Tai Chi Master. (1993, MA15+, Cantonese) 11.20 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, February 19
News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
(22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 10.10 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 China On Stage. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 2.05 Asia’s Ancient Civilisations. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Toronto Airport Uncovered.
8.20 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)
9.15 A Spy Among Friends. (Premiere)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 In Memoriam. (Premiere, Madl)
11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (Malv, R)
1.25 Silent Road. (Ma, R)
3.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
4.20 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Food That Built The World. 11.50 WorldWatch. 12.20pm The Billionaires Who Made Our World. 1.15 Mastermind Australia. 2.15 Insight. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.05 Brassic. Midnight Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.55 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 10.45 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 12.35pm Within Sand. (2022, M, Arabic) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 5.50 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 7.30 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, M, Cantonese) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, M, Cantonese) 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGas)
8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver sideswipes another vehicle.
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)
10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (PGa)
11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Malv, R)
12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 MOVIE: The Wedding Veil. (2022, PG) 11.30 Home In WA. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain
7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples attend the second dinner party.
9.10 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Night. Coverage includes women’s alpine slalom and aerials finals, men’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s and women’s cross-country team sprint.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Overnight. 5.30 Today.
Children’s Programs.
Nanny. 9.30
2pm
2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Yes Man. (2008, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.30am Love Island UK. 1.30 Legacies. 2.20 Surfing Australia. 2.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Remi and Sonny go head-to-head.
8.30 MOVIE: Under The Tuscan Sun. (2003, Ml, R) A recently divorced woman holidaying in Tuscany buys a villa on a whim and encounters unexpected romance. Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) The party fallout leads to a shocking accident.
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Night. Coverage includes men’s and women’s ski mountaineering sprints heats and finals and men’s aerials finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Overnight. Coverage includes women’s ice hockey, men’s 1500m speed skating final and women’s figure free skating.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
7MATE (64)
6am
DRAMA
ALMOST
Formerly
Aged just 12, Alanni Morris from North Shelly Boardriders scored the double win of the Under 14s and Under 16s girls.
“The surf was small and not that great but I just tried to stay busy,” she said.
“If I wasn’t catching a wave I’d move in on the bank to try and get something there.”
Port Macquarie surferto-watch Harry Stephens was one of the 12-strong local contingent.
He finished fourth in the Under 16s boys.
Other locals competing were Aliyah Cormack (girls Under 14s), Lucy Hazell
CONTINUED Page 14
q Professional surfer Julian Wilson, Under 16s winner Hugo Spierings, Under 14s and Under 16s girls winner Alanni Morris, Under 14s boys winner Max Goold, and Reflections CMO Peter Chapman.
