By Sis HIGGINS
MORE
Hosted by the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club (PMSLSC), “Rainbow Beaches 2026” brought the community together to celebrate a “love is love” theme. The weekend placed a spotlight on a thriving community club that has grown stronger by embracing diversity, kicking off with a panel discussion.
PMSLSC member and CONTINUED Page 3
By Matt TAYLOR
Kim AMBROSE 0423 226 651 kim@newsofthearea.com.au
Jules BARDON 0423 626 659 jules@newsofthearea.com.au
Bill HARROW 0437 776 247 bill@newsofthearea.com.au
Sis HIGGINS 0488 027 142 sis@newsofthearea.com.au
Sue STEPHENSON sue@newsofthearea.com.au
By Matt TAYLOR
NEARLY 200 parents, grandparents, students and local residents gathered outside Tacking Point Public School (TPPS) last Thursday, chanting “save our playground” and “save the koalas” as opposition to a new $6.3 million preschool spilled into a big show of community force.
Waving banners along Bangalay Drive, the protestors stressed they are not against early education – but against what they describe as the wrong site.
School parent Kate Dawes said the issue had never been about opposing a preschool.
“Look, it’s a typical case of some faceless bureaucrat having a great idea,” she said.
“I’m all for putting preschools into every public school, but it needs to be done properly. This is tick-a-box.”
Rachael THORPE 0438 876 009 rachael@newsofthearea.com.au
Rikki WALLER 0417 833 279 rikki@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
Pauline CAIN 0409 394 499 pauline@newsofthearea.com.au EDITOR
Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au Or Phone us : 9am - 3pm daily. (02) 4981 8882
www.newsofthearea.com.au
We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions.
“They haven’t properly looked at the impact on the kids. Most of these kids have nowhere to play at recess now.”
She said students in Years 3-6 were now restricted largely to concrete areas during recess, with the smaller grassed bowl reserved for younger children.
“My son, Oliver, came home and said they’ve just got concrete to play on,” she said.
“There’s not room for them on school grounds. And I just don’t see how that is appropriate for our kids to not have somewhere to play.”
Oliver, a Year 4 student, said the changes were already being felt.
“We’re losing a fair bit of our running space,” he said.
“And all the animals, not just koalas, but birds and other things are losing
some of their homes too.”
Asked what he would say to the government, Oliver replied: “I think they need to stop it. For the animals and the people.”
Grandparent Carol Roper said the scale of Thursday’s turnout reflected deep concern.
“The loss of the playground and how badly the koala habitat is impacted. I feel it’s unacceptable for the local community,” she said.
“The many voices of the community are not being heard, and that’s why so many have turned up to this protest today.”
She questioned what message was being sent to students.
“This is about
POLICE have taken action against eight alleged shoplifters after a targeted operation in Port Macquarie last Tuesday, 10 February.
The focus was on the town’s shopping hubs.
As part of the broader operation, police also laid three additional charges, conducted six ADVO compliance checks, made three drug detections, issued three move-on directions, and carried out inspections at local licensed premises.
The Mid North Coast Police District says these operations form
part of an ongoing commitment to reduce crime and ensure the safety and security of the community, particularly within busy retail areas. Targeted operations will continue.
Meantime, police still want to identify a man who may be able to assist in an ongoing investigation. It is in relation to an incident in the Port Macquarie CBD about 10.40pm on Friday 7 November.
Anyone with information can contact local police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference number, E455019194.
preservation of valuable green space for the kids and preserving a koala habitat. What message does it send the school children by taking it away? It’s all wrong.”
Her grandson Ozzie, a Year 5 student, pointed to trees he said students had helped plant near the proposed preschool and car park site.
“We don’t like it,” he said.
“I feel like we’ve done all the work and we put the trees in, and then they’re just taking them away.
“We don’t really understand why they are doing it.
“All of us love seeing the koalas around here and we don’t want their home taken away either.”
Protest organiser and school parent Nicky Kingston-Davies said the group wants the project paused.
“My message is, I would like our State Member (Robert Dwyer) to immediately talk to the senior executives at the Department of Education, as well as Premier Chris Minns – who he has previously promised to call – to say it’s reality now, the kids have lost their play space,” she said.
Asked whether it was too late to halt the development, she replied: “It’s never too late to do anything, and there’s still time to pause this project to get its merits fully investigated.”
Fellow parent Emma Schofield said families had spent months seeking answers about the site selection, environmental reports and approval pathway.
“For over three months, we’ve been trying to find out why the government is so doggedly committed to this site and not any other alternatives that don’t put our kids at risk and don’t threaten the endangered species. But they just won’t entertain the idea,” she said.
Schofield raised questions about the project’s cost, certification process and environmental compliance, saying the group was seeking greater transparency.
When asked about accusations the movement was driven by “NIMBY” sentiment, she rejected the label.
“I don’t think namecalling is very helpful. It’s irresponsible, inflammatory and exaggerated,” she said.
By Matt TAYLOR
SUPPORTERS of a new preschool at Tacking Point Public School (TPPS) have emerged publicly following weeks of tense debate about the $6.3 million project.
Philip von Shoenberg, a retired teacher who lives near the school on Bangalay Drive, has expressed his strong support for the State Government’s plan to build a free public preschool on the site, arguing the benefits are being lost amid heightened community anxiety.
“I don’t think it’s clearly understood that this is a free public preschool, benefitting 120 families in the local area,” von Shoenberg told News Of The Area.
The preschool is part of the Minns Government’s push to expand access to free early education.
It has drawn sustained opposition from hundreds of school parents and residents who argue the location will result in the loss of playground space,
increased traffic risks and environmental damage, including impacts on koalas known to move through the school grounds.
Von Shoenberg rejected claims that environmental concerns were being ignored.
“The Department of Education is clearly trying to minimise the harm and the damage to the environment, as well as to koalas,” he said.
However, he said the intensity of the debate itself was having unintended consequences for the school community.
“I’ve never seen so many people taking a photo of a single koala sitting in a tree, and that’s fine, you know, I love koala conservation, but it’s putting stress and anxiety into the school and into the community and into the students,” he said.
Von Schoenberg said he had backed the new preschool “since the beginning”, while also supporting efforts by the Tacking Point Public School P&C to address playground space and koala habitat
A WOMAN has been charged following an alleged break and enter in Port Macquarie.
It follows an investigation by Mid North Coast Police into a break-in at a medical centre on Lake Road, sometime between 4pm on Friday 6 February and 7.30am on Tuesday 10 February.
During the incident several items were stolen, and medical equipment was damaged.
Last Thursday, 12 February, police arrested a 21-year-old woman at Port Macquarie Police Station, where she was formally charged with “break and enter house steal value less than or equal to $60,000” and “destroy or damage property more than $15,000".
The woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 25 February.
Police say that as a result of the damage, the medical equipment now has limited functionality and is currently unable to be used.
This is impacting the medical treatment the practice can currently provide to patients.
concerns.
He said he remained silent for months due to “the level of abuse and vitriol” directed at him and his wife for holding a different view, but now wants to represent community members who feel they have been “shouted down”.
Opponents of the project say the issue is not opposition to preschool access but opposition to the chosen site.
They argue students in Years 3-6 are already losing access to green play space and are increasingly restricted to concrete areas during recess, with Ashdown Reserve now relied upon for lunchtime play.
The group also disputes claims they are “antipreschool”, repeatedly stating their concern is about longterm impacts on students and the school’s unique environment.
Von Shoenberg acknowledged strong emotions on all sides but claimed a small group was escalating tensions.
“There was vandalism at the work site last month, when government bunting was torn down,” he said.
“I understand police are investigating what happened.
“So, there’s this little rogue group who have hijacked the issue.
“This small group of angry people, not the entire group, are sabotaging possible
solutions.”
Protest organisers reject the suggestion the movement is being driven by a fringe element, saying their actions have been peaceful and community-focused, with growing concern about student wellbeing, traffic safety and what they describe as inadequate consultation, including with the Aboriginal community. They also point to more than 1300 signatures on a petition opposing the project.
FROM Page 1
Lifesavers with Pride Chair Jake Little said the discussion theme was “serving the community you represent”.
“The panel examined how inclusion and diversity support not only disadvantaged groups, but also the whole community,” he said.
“It examined the barriers and supports that influence why people from disadvantaged groups may or may not engage with sport.”
The event was led by Lifesavers with Pride in collaboration with PMSLSC, recently named NSW Club of the Year, alongside Surf Life Saving
NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia.
“[PMSLSC] showcased how inclusion is not only a value, but a practical strength that supports membership growth, volunteer engagement and community resilience,” Jake said.
Among the key guests were Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer and Greens LGBTQIA+ spokesperson Amanda Cohn.
Representatives from both Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW were also present.
Local support was provided by Mid North Coast Local Health District and headspace Port Macquarie.
The Department of Education has previously stated it is committed to delivering the preschool while working to reduce environmental and safety impacts.
By Andrew VIVIAN
FORESTRY Australia, a not-for-profit, independent professional association representing more than 1,100 scientists, practitioners, and farm forest growers, has released information showing well-managed forests are “critical to Australia meeting its emissions reduction targets”.
The organisation says its Forest Carbon Balance Evidence Review brings together the latest science on forest carbon dynamics and demonstrates that sustainable forest management plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, and climate resilience.
It confirms that forests are one of Australia’s most important natural resources for capturing and storing carbon.
It also acknowledges that carbon stocks can decline through natural mortality and disturbance events, such as bushfires, and argues that to accurately estimate forest carbon emissions from management, transport and processing, carbon stored in wood products - and the substitution benefits gained when timber replaces more emissionsintensive materials such as steel and concrete - should also be included when accounting for on-site carbon stocks.
Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said, “Forests are dynamic systems, not permanent carbon vaults.
“How forests are managed over time significantly influences whether they are carbon positive, neutral, or negative."
Forestry Australia claims that substituting timber for steel and concrete can reduce embodied carbon by up to 75 percent.
It also says that wildfires drive Australia’s forest emissions, with the 2019–20 bushfires accounting for approximately 35 percent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.
"Strategic fuel-reduction burning and silvicultural practices, such as thinning, can reduce carbon losses from high-risk wildfires while improving forest resilience to drought and climate change," the organisation said in a statement.
Forestry Australia says the findings reinforce the need for policy settings that protect forests from deforestation and high-severity wildfire, expand forest cover through new biodiverse plantings and plantation development on cleared land, promote the sustainable use of locally sourced wood products, and reduce reliance on imports from jurisdictions with higher emissions profiles.
“The evidence is clear,” Dr Freeman said.
“Well-managed forests are essential to delivering genuine, long-term climate benefits for Australia.”
Dailan Pugh from the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) said, “Natural native forests are
multiaged, comprised of large trees centuries old, with a succession of ages down to young regrowth where old veterans have died.
“Numerous studies have proven that by removing the older trees that store most carbon, logging has more than halved the carbon stored in forests, releasing hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in the process.”
Mr Pugh said that when a tree is logged, most of its biomass is left in the forest to rot, more is made into sawdust in milling, and much is converted into short lived products such as woodchips - meaning that as little as 6-13 percent of a tree’s carbon is made into wood products that may last a decade or more.
He said the dense regrowth of small trees following logging dries the forest and increases their vulnerability to burning.
“Allowing degraded forests to grow old and regain their lost carbon is the most effective means of removing carbon from the atmosphere, reducing the risk of wildfires, increasing stream flows and saving a multitude of species from extinction,” Mr Pugh said.
“Australia already obtains 91 percent of its timber from plantations because it is cheaper to produce, it is time to complete the transition rather than taxpayers paying a fortune to log native forests.”
Another organisation, Forest and Wood Communities Australia (FAWCA), has accused proponents
were notified on Monday 16 February and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and her family have concerns for her welfare.
of the Great Koala National Park of “hypocrisy”.
Steve Dobbyns, Chair and Director of FAWCA, said, “Environmental groups have long told Australians that plantations would replace native forests.
“Now, just as these trees are ready to supply homes, these same groups are pushing to lock them away.
“The best time to plant a plantation for sawlogs was 50–60 years ago.
“The second-best time is today.”
Mr Dobbyns says that including plantations in the GKNP will drive up timber prices, making homes more expensive and increase reliance on timber from countries with lower
environmental and social standards.
Dr Tim Cadman has an alternative view.
“Environment groups such as the National Parks Association ruled out including plantations in the GKNP.
“While the original boundaries included only native forest, there has been a realisation that the Park needs to include actual koala habitat, which includes plantations.
“The more important issue is that some native forest areas are now included with plantations and will be available for logging.
“The plantation areas will actually expand, at the expense of native forests that were originally in the Park.”
Unable
Jade is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with long brown hair and brown eyes.
She is known to frequent the Bonny Hills, Port Macquarie, Upsalls Creek, and Wauchope areas.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Mid North Coast Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 000 333.
FEDERAL Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says it’s time for the Coalition to “get on with the job” after a leadership spill saw Angus Taylor oust Sussan Ley from the role of Opposition Leader.
Mr Taylor defeated Ms Ley by 34 votes to 17 in a ballot held last Friday morning, making him the third leader of the Liberal Party in less than a year.
In a statement to media on Friday, the National Party’s Mr Conaghan - who has served as Cowper’s Federal representative since 2019congratulated Mr Taylor and his new deputy Jane Hume.
He said the confirmation of the leadership roles should “bring to a close the weeks
of media speculation and distraction”.
“It is now time for the Coalition to work as a unified team, determined not only to provide a formidable Opposition to Labor’s failing Government, but to represent our electorates and all Australians with acute focus and to the best of our ability,” he said.
“They deserve nothing less.
“Sustainable cost-ofliving support, responsible energy policy, housing affordability and putting an end to rampant inflation are at the top of our collective lists as a Coalition, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Joint Party
Room on the policies that matter the most to the people of Australia.”
Mr Taylor also has the backing of Nationals leader David Littleproud, who claims he has the “skills, smarts and conviction to lead the Liberal Party and the Coalition to win the next election”.
“Angus is the leader Australia needs to take up the fight against Labor’s reckless spending and ideology.
“Australia is experiencing a drift in our social cohesion, as well as record levels of immigration and debt, and desperately needs someone who will stand up for our great country.
“Angus can offer hope to aspirant Australians and those who are struggling to enter the housing market.”
Speaking at the NSW Country Labor conference on Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared unimpressed with Mr Taylor’s selection, branding him “just another Liberal”.
“Angus Taylor is the fourth Liberal leader in my time leading the Labor Party,” Mr Albanese said.
“And while the Liberals keep changing their leader – they never change their agenda.”
By Sis HIGGINS
INDIGENOUS creatives
across the Mid North Coast are being encouraged to apply for the fourth annual Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications now open for the 2026 program.
The initiative offers meaningful financial backing and professional mentorship, creating a pathway for Indigenous creatives to develop their work and confidence while remaining connected to culture and community.
Carly Bush, CEO of Reconciliation NSW and Director of BlakDance Australia, who joins the scholarship committee in 2026, said supporting Indigenous creatives was vital to preserving culture and storytelling.
“Supporting Indigenous artists through this scholarship is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure cultural stories continue to thrive,” Ms Bush said.
“I am thrilled to be part of a committee that uplifts such incredible talent and honours the power of Indigenous storytelling.”
For Indigenous creatives living on the Mid North
Coast, the scholarship presents a valuable opportunity to elevate local voices onto a broader platform while staying grounded in community storytelling traditions.
One recipient will receive $10,000, with the remaining eight finalists each awarded $1,000.
Tailored mentorship from industry leaders across disciplines is also part of the prize and includes writing, visual art, fashion, music, dance, film, photography and digital media.
The scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants aged 16 years and over residing in NSW.
Elisha O’Leary, a Darkinjung-born creative with Wiradjuri ancestry and Gamilaroi upbringing, and a 2025 finalist in the accessory design category, encouraged future applicants to back themselves and their cultural voice.
“Believe in yourself. I didn’t think I was good enough, but for the first time in my life I took a chance and put myself out there,” Ms O’Leary said.
“Even if we don’t win, know this is your path - your ancestors would be proud.
“It’s so important we continue to share our stories
HUNDREDS of concerned residents attended a community information session about new NSW firearms laws on Tuesday in Kundabung.
Organised by Oxley MP Michael Kemp (National Party), the event was supported by funding from Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLCs Robert Borsak and Mark Banasiak.
Mr Kemp said the afternoon gathering at Old West Guns was held to “address widespread confusion” around the laws, introduced in the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack.
“More than 600 people turned up to stand up for lawful firearm owners in NSW,” he said.
“This was a united, bipartisan show of strength.”
Joining Mr Kemp to speak at the event were Mr Borsark, Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, as well as Old West Guns owner Peter Richards.
Mr Kemp described the legislation, revealed in December, as a “rushed, knee-jerk reaction that unfairly targets firearm users who follow the rules”.
“Lawful firearm owners should not be punished because of the horrific attack at Bondi,” he said.
“That tragedy exposed
failures in background processes and system oversight, not failures by everyday, responsible firearm owners.”
The “Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025” passed Parliament on 24 December 2025, tightening gun laws, cracking down on hateful symbols, restricting public assemblies following a terrorist attack and giving police expanded powers.
As a result, an individual can now have no more than four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers who can have up to 10.
Gun club membership will also be mandatory
for all firearms licence holders and people will no longer be able to seek to overturn a licence decision through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Other significant reforms include requiring all gun clubs to use the GunSafe online platform, and a mandate of safe storage inspections before the issue of a permit.
The NSW Government said at the time that the legislation would be accompanied by a comprehensive audit of existing firearms licences, as well as a gun buyback scheme, in partnership with the Federal Government.
and culture with the world.
“Now, more than ever.
“Never give up.”
Façon Magazine Editorin-Chief Lara Lupish said the scholarship continues to play a critical role in amplifying Indigenous voices and strengthening cultural storytelling.
“Now in its fourth year, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship brings confidence and solidarity to Indigenous creatives, allowing their voices to be heard and their art to be seen and revered as part of a long line of cultural teaching passed down through generations,” Ms Lupish said.
“We cannot forget what the world’s oldest living culture can teach us all, and this scholarship helps ensure those stories are shared.”
Delivered by Façon Australia and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship is designed to support emerging Indigenous storytellers who are passionate about sharing culture, identity and lived experience through creative practice.
Applications close on 7 May 2026, with the recipient announced during NAIDOC Week on 9 July 2026.
By Pauline CAIN
THE dedicated team of volunteers at Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie have been busily preparing for their biggest fundraising event of the year, a trivia night at the Settlers Inn Hotel on Saturday 14 March.
Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing “wishes” for Australian children with critical illnesses since 1985.
The community is being
encouraged to support this work by entering a team for a fun-filled night of laughs, friendly competition and fundraising for a worthwhile local cause.
Jen Stevens, Communications Coordinator, Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie said, “We have amazing things in store thanks to the generosity of so many local businesses.
“Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the fun, this is a night you won’t want
to miss.
“Every ticket sold helps Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie bring hope and joy to local children and their families.”
A raffle and a silent auction with great prizes are up for grabs throughout the evening including overnight getaways, family fun days and pamper packages.
Guests can order dinner and drinks on the night with a 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start.
Hastings Health and Support are sponsoring the event.
Visit the “Make-A-Wish Australia, Port Macquarie Volunteer Branch” Facebook page for more information and booking details.
OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry.
While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays.
The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing it with a “simple and transparent” levy spread across all properties.
Currently, the burden of paying the ESL is placed only on those who take out property insurance.
The cost of this levy for residential insurance has increased 48 percent from 2017-18 to 2023-24, adding pressure on household budgets.
All mainland states, apart from NSW, have implemented property-based levies to fund
their emergency services.
In November 2023, the Minns Labor Government committed to reforming the ESL.
The parliamentary inquiry will build on extensive public consultation carried out since then, and seeks to develop a consensus and strengthen support for the reform’s direction.
To inform the inquiry process, the Government will release an options paper which includes five levy model options.
This follows a comprehensive collection of property level insurance policy data and land classifications performed by local councils under legislative amendments.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This is an important step in moving funding for emergency services to an equitable and sustainable footing that cuts
FROM Page 1
A day earlier, at 10.46am, a tagged white shark triggered a receiver alert off Lighthouse Beach.
That followed a 7.12am receiver detection of a bull shark at Lighthouse Beach on 12 February.
the cost of insurance.
“The parliamentary inquiry will provide an open and transparent forum to test the proposed framework and ensure stakeholder perspectives are meaningfully considered.
“We want to work with the Opposition and the crossbench to plot the last leg of this journey.
“This system funds services that protect all of us – and it is time for all politicians to work together to reform it.”
In response to the NSW Government’s announcement, Local Government NSW is calling for the collection of any new State Government charge to sit with the responsible state agency, Revenue NSW, and not councils.
LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne said that while councils supported the NSW Government making the ESL
South Beach at 3.08pm on Monday, 9 February.
fairer and more equitable by broadening its base, it would not make sense for 128 different councils to be required to collect what was clearly a State Government charge.
“LGNSW would strongly oppose any move aimed at forcing councils to wear increased administrative costs and take the political heat for what is obviously a state government responsibility,” Mayor Byrne said.
“After years of cost shifting to local government, many councils are in a challenging financial position. Continually forcing them to collect a State Government levy would be confusing for ratepayers and further hamper the ability of councils to professionally manage their finances,” he said.
“In particular, for many smaller, regional and rural councils facing an
9.28pm on 8 February, also at Lighthouse Beach.
existential threat to their financial viability, requiring them to administer a state government levy would be both unreasonable and unfair,” Mayor Byrne said.
While most of the ESL is funded from a levy on insurance, 11.7 percent of the ESL is funded by a levy on councils.
According to LGNSW, the ESL is one of the “largest cost shifts onto councils”,
state’s 37 listening stations.
amounting to $236 million in 2025-26.
“We look forward to our opportunity to address the inquiry, but it’s critical that the ESL be removed from councils to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency.
“It would be far more efficiently collected by a single NSW Government agency (such as Revenue NSW), as is the case in other states,” Mayor Byrne said.
Later that day, at 6.03pm, a 2.03-metre tiger shark was caught, tagged and released off Shelly Beach.
Further south, a 2.82-metre tiger shark was tagged and released at Miners
There were two separate alerts on 11 February. At 3.14am, a bull shark was detected via a receiver off Lighthouse Beach.
Earlier that morning, at 10.30am, swimmers were evacuated from Town Beach following a public report of a white shark in the area.
The sequence began on 7 February, when a tagged white shark was detected by a receiver off Lighthouse Beach at 9.59pm.
Another receiver alert for a bull shark followed at
The cluster of detections comes as the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) confirmed 57 SMART drumlines are deployed daily, weather permitting, between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour as part of the Shark Management Program.
The department said SMART drumlines are designed as a non-lethal mitigation tool.
When a target shark is hooked, contractors respond, tag the animal, relocate it offshore and release it.
The program aims to reduce the immediate risk to swimmers while collecting long-term scientific data.
Tagged sharks can then be tracked through the SharkSmart app, with automatic alerts issued if a tagged shark swims within 500 metres of one of the
Government researchers are currently tracking 1,557 white sharks, 787 tiger sharks and 254 bull sharks along the NSW coastline.
The tracking program has revealed the scale of shark movements, with tagged animals travelling thousands of kilometres.
The DPIRD said sharks tagged off NSW have later been detected in Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, Tasmania, sub-Antarctic islands, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
Research shows sharks move extensively and are not resident to any one location along the coast.
After release from SMART drumlines, most sharks move offshore in the short to medium term before resuming their natural migratory patterns.
The DPIRD said receiver detections occur when a tagged shark swims within
range of an underwater listening station. Those detections do not necessarily indicate a shark is close to shore for extended periods, but they provide near real-time information to authorities.
Seasonal patterns also play a role.
The department said bull sharks are more commonly detected in estuarine and nearshore waters during warmer summer and autumn months.
Tiger sharks are present year-round, while white sharks are generally more abundant in cooler months but continue to move along the coast outside winter and spring.
For beachgoers, officials recommend checking verified shark activity updates before entering the water, swimming between the flags and following the advice of lifeguards and surf lifesaving patrols.
By Kate SHELTON
I SPENT the weekend down at Nelson Bay for the 2026 Garmin Billfish Shootout, and man, what an event.
With over 100 boats hitting the water, the atmosphere was unreal and it was easily one of the best tournaments I’ve seen in a while.
It was also great to see some of our local Port Macquarie legends like Blake Herbert, Eddie Brookes, and Jack Cuneen out there representing Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club - huge effort by those guys.
Closer to home, the Hastings region has been a total hive of activity lately, with plenty of options no matter where you like to cast a line.
School mulloway have been showing up in force
around the break walls, bridge pylons, and rocks, giving light tackle fishos a real run for their money.
Those same spots are producing some nice flathead on live bait and mullet strips, too.
If you're more into lures, try to time your session with the incoming tide when the water is nice and clear.
For the luderick crowd, the break walls are the place to be, with some quality fish being pulled in on cabbage and green weed flies.
Plus, if you’ve got the crab pots handy, it’s been a great week for mud crabs in the local creeks. Beach fishing has been just as good, with heaps of bream and whiting hanging around.
Your best bet is to try the southern end of Lighthouse Beach, Shelly, or Queens Head.
Off the rocks, the tailor action is starting to ramp up as the season moves along, and you can usually find bream and luderick tucked away in the more sheltered corners.
Last weekend was one for the books offshore at Plomer Bay, it was absolutely firing with tuna, mackerel, cobia, black marlin but the sharks definitely gave everyone grief with most anglers losing catches.
Heading down to the Camden Haven, the luderick fishing in the river has been top-notch, especially near the walls.
The bream fishing has been another highlight, with some absolute crackers pushing the kilo mark taking pilchards.
at Lake Cathie, things are nice and consistent for whiting, flathead, and bream
By Sis HIGGINS
FROM Iraq to Port Macquarie, Ali and Rez Alasakira’s journey has been shaped by hard work, family and community.
Arriving in Australia in 2012, the brothers brought with him their barbering trade.
Leaving the rest of their
family behind, they first settled in Brisbane before moving to Sydney and other regional centres, working consistently in barber shops while saving money and
if you're using prawns for bait.
If you're heading outside, the snapper numbers are looking really healthy this season off Cathie and the reefs around Bonny Hills, with the odd mackerel hookup adding a bit of extra excitement to the mix.
Further north, the Macleay River is seeing a lot more whiting activity, particularly as you head into the upper reaches.
Rock hoppers have been making tracks to the headlands near the Gaol and Crescent Head, where there’s plenty of talk about cobia, tuna, and even a few kingfish.
The offshore scene in the Macleay is also really starting to pick up, with boaties bringing back some impressive hauls of mackerel, mahi mahi, cobia, and wahoo this week.
honing their skills.
“I always worked in a barber shop, even in Iraq,” Ali said.
“When we arrived in Australia, we tried to save money and look at places that would be good for the future.”
In 2019, while visiting
q Imogen Dingeldei with a cracking marlin she tagged and released. Imogen has been absolutely smashing the local game fishing scene lately, even taking home the Tag and Release Female Champion Angler title at the Coffs Harbour Undertow Hot Current comp.
Port Macquarie on holiday, Ali saw an opportunity.
“We saw beautiful weather, beautiful people,” he said.
When a shop became available at Settlement City, they decided to make the move.
Ali and Rez opened their first shop that year and now operates it alongside a second location at Port Central, opened in 2024.
Together they employ locals, including apprentices and trainees completing qualifications through TAFE.
Ali said supporting young people into the trade is important to him.
“They come and learn with us; we like to help,” he said.
The brothers have also supported the community with free haircut events
NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years.
The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand.
Between December 2023 and December 2025, the remand population increased by 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) to a record 6,081.
As a result, people on remand now make up 46 percent of the adult prison population, the highest proportion ever recorded.
“If current trends continue, people on remand
will account for half the prison population within the next two years,” said Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of BOCSAR.
Domestic violence offences account for a third of NSW remand population
“About half of the growth in the remand population over the past two years is due to an increase in domestic violence defendants being held in custody prior to their court date,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“The number of people on remand for a domestic violence offence rose by 483 people, or 33 percent, to 1,943 in December 2025.
“One in three adults on remand is now being detained in relation to a domestic violence offence.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the increase reflects long-running growth in domestic violence charges laid by NSW Police, combined with changes in bail outcomes.
“Domestic violence legal actions have increased by around 50 percent since 2019.
“More charges mean more people coming before the courts and more people subject to a bail decision,” she said.
“In addition, bail refusal rates for domestic violence offences have increased recently.
Between 2023 and 2025, the domestic violence bail refusal rate rose from 17.5 percent to 19.4 percent, further contributing to the growth in the remand
population.”
Record high in Aboriginal incarceration
December 2025 also marked a new record in the number of Aboriginal adults in custody, which reached 4,452 people.
Aboriginal adults now make up a record 34 percent of the NSW prison population, despite representing only three percent of the general population.
“The incarceration rate for Aboriginal adults is now an alarming 15 times higher than for non-Aboriginal adults,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“In December 2025, around one in 25 Aboriginal men living in NSW was in prison.
“These record numbers show that we are still not
seeing the reductions needed to address Aboriginal overrepresentation in custody or to meet Closing the Gap targets.
“This remains one of the most persistent and pressing challenges facing the criminal justice system.”
Remand, DV and Indigenous prison populations hit new highs in NSW
In December 2025, the adult custody population was 13,133 (12,275 men and 858 women).
The overall prison population remains below pre-pandemic levels –502 fewer people than in December 2019 when the population was 13,635.
Despite this, December 2025 recorded new highs for
during difficult times, including the 2019 bushfires and occasional haircuts for vulnerable members of the community.
“Every Christmas we try to help,” Ali said.
“We cut hair for the homeless or anyone doing it tough.
“We also go to people’s homes if they are sick and can’t leave their home.
“We like to help this beautiful community.”
Now aged 38, Ali said he feels fortunate to call Port Macquarie home.
His team of barbers and clients are his English teachers, helping him learn the language on the job through meaningful conversations as he cuts hair.
“Australia is beautiful, this is a beautiful place,” he said.
“We are very lucky.”
several cohorts, including:
• Remand population: Reached a record 6,081 people, an increase of 1,016 people (up 20.1 percent) since December 2023.
• Domestic violence offenders: Reached a record 3,565 people in December 2025, up 24 percent from 2,878 in December 2023. Of those in custody for a domestic violence offence in December 2025, 54.5 percent were on remand (1,943 people), up 33 percent from 1,460 in December 2023.
• Aboriginal adults in custody: Reached a record 4,452 people in December 2025, representing 33.9 percent of the adult prison population - the highest number and proportion on record.
Between December 2023 and December 2025, Aboriginal adults in custody increased by 681 people (up 18.1 percent), compared with an increase of 343 people (up 4.1 percent) among non-Aboriginal adults.
WORKS to stabilise the beach embankment at Illaroo Road, Lake Cathie, were expected to wrap up this week.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been working at the southern end, adjacent to the beach and dune area, to stabilise the edge of the road.
The work has involved installing four-tonne bags of rocks to act as mediumterm supports until a longterm solution is actioned through Council’s Coastal Management Plan.
It is part of a wideranging program of road rehabilitation works that will continue through to June.
Pavement stabilisation works are also scheduled for the following locations:
—Lorne Road, Kendall: from 50 metres west of Logans Crossing Road to approximately 200 metres west.
—Sancrox Road, Sancrox: from Frogs Roundabout westbound for one kilometre.
—Rolland Plains Road, Telegraph Point: between the Old Pacific Highway and Hidden Valley Road.
—Lake Innes Drive, Lake Innes: from 700 metres south-east of Tall Timbers Road to the start of the 2024–25 rehabilitation area
—Blackbutt Drive, Wauchope: between Cameron Street and Peppermint Crescent.
—Comboyne Street, Kendall: between numbers 21 and 55.
Council describes pavement stabilisation as a process that strengthens the existing road base by treating and reusing materials already in place, followed by a new sealed surface.
The approach improves driving conditions, extends the life of the road and reduces the need for future reactive maintenance.
By Sis HIGGINS
NATIONAL Condom Day was marked on 14 February, sharing the spotlight with Valentine’s Day to reinforce an important public health message.
The day highlights the role condoms play in protecting sexual health and supporting respectful, healthy relationships.
A spokesperson from NSW Health said, “National
Condom Day is an opportunity to remind people that looking after your sexual health is part of looking after each other.”
The spokesperson said condoms are accessible through pharmacies, supermarkets, sexual health clinics and community health services across the state.
Sexual Health Clinics on the Mid North Coast are located in Clinic 33 - Port Macquarie; Clinic 33 - West Kempsey; Taree Manning
Clinic; Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre, Purfleet; Gloucester Community Health Centre; Clinic 33 - Coffs Harbour; and Clinic 33 - Grafton.
People aged under 30 years of age can also get condoms for free through Family Planning NSW’s Freedom Condom project.
The service is relatively new and aims to make it easier for young people to access free condoms and
enjoy their sexuality in a safe and respectful way.
Condoms are one of the oldest contraceptives, and have helped to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections since before germs were discovered and electricity was invented.
NSW Health states that condoms are not a barrier to pleasure or fun, but are a way to increase safety and enjoyment with consensual sex.
MARINE Rescue Port Macquarie is opening its doors to the public this Sunday 22 February.
Visitors can see inside the Town Beach radio base between 10am and 2pm, weather (and emergencies) permitting,
The Open Day provides the opportunity for people to see first-hand how volunteer radio operators coordinate rescues and support boating safety along the Mid North Coast.
Visitors will receive guided tours, observe live radio operations, and learn how emergency calls are managed and vessels are monitored across local waters.
Community members interested in serving as radio operators can speak directly
with experienced volunteers about training, mentoring and the experience of supporting the boating community.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie also delivers training for the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP), which qualifies boaters to legally operate marine VHF radios.
Courses are conducted at the unit’s onsite training facility.
“Marine Rescue is a volunteer service that depends on the local community,” a spokesperson said.
“This is a great chance to meet the team, see what we do behind the scenes, and discover how you can get involved.”
Condoms remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmissible infections and unplanned pregnancy.
NSW Health encourages people to plan ahead and make safer sex part of the conversation.
Information about where to access condoms is available at playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/ condoms/.
People seeking confidential and non-
judgemental advice can contact the NSW Sexual Health Info Link on 1800 451 624 to speak with an experienced sexual health nurse.
Information is also available through shil.nsw. gov.au.
Health professionals say keeping condoms accessible supports healthier communities and reduces stigma around sexual health conversations.
By Sis HIGGINS
NEWMAN Senior Technical College will officially open
its new Sustainable and Future Industries building on Monday, 23 February. The College says it has
replaced ageing facilities with contemporary, industry-aligned learning environments designed to prepare students to drive Australia’s economy through to 2035.
Principal Mark Nunan said the development demonstrates the College’s commitment to futurefocused education.
“We constantly aim to improve our provisions to maintain and exceed industry and training standards,” Mr Nunan said.
“With early childhood and aged care services and skilled trades identified as
pillars of future employment, it is essential that we remain current.
“These facilities ensure our students are learning in environments that match – or exceed – what they will find in the workplace.”
Jobs and Skills Australia projects the Health Care and Social Assistance sector will grow 16.7 percent by 2033, making it Australia’s largest employment sector.
Industry forecasts show Australia will require 32,000 additional electricians by 2030 to meet clean energy targets.
Demand for early
childhood educators will increase by more than 20 percent over the next five years.
In response, Newman College has created dedicated Early Childhood Education and Care and Human Services classrooms modelled on real-world preschools and nursing wards.
The College also installed specialised fitout areas for Plumbing and Electrotechnology to strengthen training in sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
Students now gain experience in simulated retail
and business environments, reflecting the significant contribution of the business sector across the Mid North Coast.
The NSW State Government, Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited and St Agnes’ Catholic Parish funded the project.
The College delivered the build in two stages during 2025 to minimise disruption to students and staff.
Representatives from the NSW Government, St Agnes’ Parish and the Diocese of Lismore will attend the official opening.
St Agnes’ Parish Priest, Father Paul Gooley, will bless the new buildings.
By Sis HIGGINS
STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Regional College spent a school term capturing the life stories of residents at Emmaus Village to create their personalised memoirs.
Putting aside their own personal routines, 15 students sat with six residents and their families to preserve decades of experience, resilience and wisdom.
Pens poised, notebooks
open and phones switched off, they leaned in and asked the question that mattered most to residents: “Tell me about your life”.
The initiative, “Through Our Eyes”, was facilitated by St Agnes’ Catholic Parish in
partnership with the College.
Students listened to stories of childhoods shaped by war and migration, memories of first jobs and first loves, family traditions, hardship and triumph.
Pastoral and Spiritual
Care Team Leader Justine Worner said the impact had been profound.
“When someone sits down and truly listens to you, it affirms your whole life,” Mrs Worner said.
“Our residents were not
By Sis HIGGINS
MID North Coast residents are being urged to monitor for the symptoms of measles after NSW Health confirmed four new cases across the state, including one in Coffs Harbour.
That person was infectious while visiting the following locations.
Sunday, 8 February: Hyde Café at Bellingen from 10.45am to 11.40am.
Monday, 9 February:
Coffs Harbour Emergency Department from 6am to 5pm.
Tuesday, 10 February: Toormina Woolworths, from 7.45am to 8.40am; Toormina Road Vet Clinic, from 9.30am to 11am; Coles in Earl Street,
Coffs Harbour from 1.40pm to 2.30pm.
The locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Director of Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.
These can take up to 18 days to appear after an exposure.
Measles is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
It is a vaccine preventable disease.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations,” Dr Delpech said.
“The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“Anyone born after 1965
needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."
The measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas.
Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW, said there have been 14 confirmed measles cases in NSW since 1 January.
Of the four recent cases, three were acquired in NSW, while the fourth case involves a returned traveller from South East Asia where outbreaks are ongoing.
simply being interviewedthey were being honoured.
“Their stories were treated with care and reverence.”
Assistant Principal, Mission, Matthew Bushe said the students demonstrated remarkable commitment.
“They gave up their own time, week after week, and approached each conversation with maturity and compassion,” Mr Bushe said.
“They understood they were holding someone’s life story in their hands.”
Back at school, the students transcribed interviews, gathered photographs, and used Canva Education to design, edit and print individual memoir books.
“For families, these books are priceless.
“They capture voice, memory and personality in a way that will endure,” said Ms Worner.
In several cases, sons and daughters heard stories of their parents’ early lives shared for the first time.
“People should be alert. If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations… see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department.
“Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.”
A regularly updated list of exposure locations and times is available on the NSW Health website at health.nsw. gov.au/Infectious/measles/ Pages/public-exposurelocations.aspx.
NSW Health urges people who are unsure of their vaccination status to speak with their GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
By Sis HIGGINS
FROM classic red roses to native bouquets that last long after 14 February, locals embraced love in all its forms on Valentine’s Day this year.
While red roses remained a firm favourite, many customers opted for mixed seasonal bouquets and native arrangements.
Studio Verde owner Tilly Edwards told News Of The Area there was a noticeable shift in what people were choosing.
“Red roses are still a classic and definitely
popular, but this year we saw a big shift toward mixed seasonal [and] native bouquets,” said Tilly.
“Many customers chose red roses mixed in with locally grown flowers, for example red dahlias.
“Natives were quite popular as well, and I feel they were popular as they can be dried out so the arrangement can last longer in a vase.”
Of the 170 red roses in stock that morning at Tilly’s shop only 25 were left at the end of the rush, and some 70 arrangements were scooped-up by starry-eyed
lovers or the few seeking forgiveness.
Tilly said males still made up a large portion of Valentine’s Day customers, but the week also saw women purchasing for partners, friends and themselves; online as well as in person.
She recounted one couple’s romantic moment.
“A husband surprised his wife with a boxed arrangement as she waited for coffee, leaving her in tears and calling her children in excitement,” Tilly said.
Many fathers also
bought roses for their daughters, creating some of the day’s sweetest moments.
When it comes to the romantic gesture of personally choosing flowers at the florist, it remains a cherished tradition with many customers rushing in to avoid disappointment.
“Most of our sales were done on Valentine’s Day with people still coming in at 1:30pm,” she said.
Judging by Valentine’s Day, the verdict on romance in Port Macquarie is ultimately something only devoted romantics can decide.
q Stephen
By Julie FRASER
THURSDAY 12/2/26
Winners of the fan of cards
Joan Cook, Kathy Sweeney and Heather Bartlett
Losers Julie Fraser , Wendy Kennedy and Faye Paine
Jackpot no 56 Sally Webber not present .
Raffle Winners were Pat Coombes , Julie Samuelson x2 and Wendy Kennedy .
Winners of the Semi Final of the Triples Championship were Glenda Elford , Doris McKinnon and Julie Samuelson. 25/9 .
Final will be Thursday
By Maire WINTER
MONDAY 16th February
2026 there were 4 rinks of social bowlers on the green at the Wauchope Country Club for twilight bowls.
The winning marble was rink 3 Fay Paine and Lachie Ison
The runners up were on Rink 2 Sue Greenfield and Rose Benjamin
The lucky losers marble was on rink 3 Ned McKelvey and Paul Sloan
The Jackpot marble was rink 2 Rose and Sue picked the jackpot number 13 well
By Colin EVERINGHAM
TUESDAY 10/02/2026
Played at Emerald Downs Golf Course
Number of Players – 26 ( a great turnout)
Game Played –Stableford
Winner- Col Hutchings - 36 Points
2nd Colin Stibbs - 35 Points (On count Back)
3rd Denis Mcgrath -35 Points (On Count Back)
4th Ken Baldwin - 35 Points (On Count Back)
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 20
year via numerous emails, text messages and phone calls to staff and councillors, about the on-going inequities of ground allocation for preseason training,” he shared.
“Your concerns have been heard and a new system is now in place.”
For some like Wauchope Junior Rugby League Football Club however, the lack of access has already impacted preparations.
“It is so disappointing that other teams from the southern area in our competition have commenced training,” Club President Jamie Donovan shared.
“But if you fall into the
morning 19/2.
Results for Saturday 14/2/26
Winners were Linda Webb , Jenny Wooster , Marie Winter and Faye
Paine Jackpot no. 39 Faye
Paye won in attendance
Raffle winners were Enid Brooker , Mare Winter x2 and Kathy Sweeney .
By Jeff WALSH
15-2-26
done ladies they shared the kitty.
Raffle prizes were picked up by Paul, Ian, Lachie, Marie, Ned, Ken
Join us for a social game of bowls each Monday at 4.30pm, names in by 3.30pm
PORT Macquarie Sailing Club’s race 6 of the Summer Series was held on Sunday after the final race of the NSW State Arrow Cat Championships had concluded, using the same course. The light Easterly wind had been fickle all weekend, and while it did come in a bit for a lot of the race, it swung to the North East and died away as the race concluded. With many members working all weekend to run the Arrow Cat Championships, the light breeze forecast, and overcast skies with threats of showers, only 5 monohulls contested the race, the Arrow Cats not racing as they were having their presentation.
Dave Winter did the safety boat duty for the fleet. The course was 3 laps consisting of a work to a Port buoy
start/finish line to complete the lap.
The Monohulls saw Jeff Walsh in his Impulse ‘Serenity’ win the start to soon be overtaken by Simon Gandy and Logan McNeill in the NS14 ‘Upbeat’ with Steve Couch in his Laser ‘Lazybuoy’ not far behind. ‘Serenity’, with ‘Lazybuoy’ still close, managed to keep in site of ‘Upbeat’ right to the finish, so once the yardsticks were applied, ‘Serenity’ took the win, ‘Lazybuoy’ was second, and ‘Up beat’ was relegated to
3rd place. Dave and Hudson McNeill in their Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’ were a late starter and lagged behind the 3 leading boats only to be becalmed half a lap from the end and unable to finish. Gary Herbert in his Laser ‘Allegro’ was busy doing the results for the Arrow Cats, but being keen for a sail, joined the fleet after the first lap then ended up capsizing in the start of the shallows of Big Bay and not finishing – he didn’t even get any oysters while he was there.
5th Colin Mason -35 Points
6th Phil Betts - 34 Points NTP 4 Ian Mckenzie ( new member)
NTP 9 Ray Marsh
NTP 11 Terry Waterhouse
NTP 15 Phil Betts ( Visitor)
PMHC region, we are being placed at a disadvantage.”
Mr Donovan said the club will be charged $2750 to use the fields for out-of-season training, and for “come and try” and registration days.
“This booking fee for 10 sessions is more than we pay for the whole season.
“As a ratepayer, we pay for these facilities to be accessible when they are available.
“Council’s bookable
A off Settlement Point, a very loose reach across to a Port buoy B in the mouth of Limeburners, a long run against the tide to a final Port buoy C across the river from the Governors Way canal, and a work to the
system should support equitable booking processes but it doesn’t appear to be utilised in this manner.”
Other users agree.
Jess Bourne responded that the grounds have gone from inaccessible to unaffordable.
“These are grassroots sporting clubs, how are the fees affordable? It’s diabolical,” she shared.
Min Cotter said, “To think the sporting groups had to
beg and plead to use public grounds.
“Makes me so angry that all these people that run sporting groups have to go through this stress.”
While gaining access to the grounds represents a win, it is on the following conditions.
—Bookings must be made through the usual process (i.e. via Bookable) prior to use.
—Payment of relevant
fees.
—Agreement of the seasonal booking holder (where the field is booked by another seasonal user) is required to be provided with the booking request.
—Access is dependent on field availability (including planned maintenance and other bookings) and condition, with assessments undertaken to ensure player safety, equitable access, and long-term surface sustainability.
—Field availability/ allocation may vary for training, with access to ‘home field(s)’ not able to be guaranteed.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the approach balances the needs of all seasonal user groups with Council’s responsibility to protect playing surfaces, ensure safety and support longer term field standards.
In its follow-up statement, Council said the issue will be revisited ahead of the 2027 winter season with plans to develop a consistent preseason allocation framework that includes defined criteria for field allocation, including field capacity, maintenance schedules, rest periods, and turf health; improved communication processes for wet weather decisions and field closures; and options for managing training intensity and field rotation to support long term field quality.
DEAR News Of The Area,
NEW Liberal leader Angus Taylor promises that by returning to Liberal values he will restore our standard of living, protect our way of life and restore the Australian
dream of home ownership. In trying to sell this snake oil, he turns a blind eye to the fact that successive Liberal/ Nationals governments imposing their ‘Liberal values’ is the reason why our standard of living has gone backwards.
The rich are not affected because while they have gotten richer, the poor have become poorer, housing is unaffordable and young people without the prospect of an inheritance despair.
Liberal values are not the
solution, they are the cause of many of today’s problems.
People have woken up to this and it is why they are deserting the coalition parties in droves.
Regards, Stephen OTTAWAY.
IN the years since the Global Financial Crisis, one contradiction has quietly persisted at the heart of modern economic culture - a contradiction so glaring that it should unsettle anyone who still believes our systems reward contribution and punish harm.
We shame the unemployed.
We mock them, dismiss them, and treat them as though they are the dead weight of society. And yet, in the same breath, we raise interest rates because “too many people are working.”
We are told inflation is rising because the labour market is “too hot”, because wages are “too strong”, because ordinary people have “too much spending power”.
In other words: the system requires some people to be jobless - and then blames them for it. This is not an ideological
argument. It is a structural fact.
Central banks openly state that unemployment must rise to cool inflation.
Economists describe job losses as “necessary adjustments”.
Markets cheer when workers lose bargaining power.
But the individuals who bear the brunt of these “adjustments” are the very people society already looks down upon.
The irony is almost painful.
During the GFC, it wasn’t the homeless man under the bridge who collapsed the global economy.
He didn’t gamble with derivatives.
He didn’t inflate housing bubbles.
He didn’t siphon wealth upward or destabilize markets.
He simply existed - quietly, harmlessly, consuming almost nothing and harming no one.
If value were measured by harm avoided, he contributed
more to the wellbeing of the planet than the executives whose decisions triggered a worldwide collapse.
Yet he is the one we shame.
We call him lazy. We call him a burden. We call him “unproductive”.
But when inflation rises, we suddenly discover that unemployment is not a moral failing - it is a policy tool.
A buffer. A pressure valve.
The unemployed person becomes the shock absorber for the entire economic system.
And still, we treat them as though they are the problem.
Perhaps it is time to rethink what we mean by “value”.
If a person harms no one, consumes little, and destabilises nothing, why are they treated as worthless?
If a person’s absence from the labour market helps cool inflation, why do we not acknowledge the role they play?
If the system depends on
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
My wife recently picked every green mango off our tree because she was worried about possums and bats. Now we have green mangoes all over the house and they don't seem to be ripening.
Has she made a fatal mistake?
George F.
Dear
George,
Since I'm not a mango expert, I was tempted to type your query into AI, but then, on pondering that decision, I felt confident that AI would drip feed me an overly-enthusiastic answer that, at best, would give me no real clarity, and, at worst, would be erroneous, incorrect through omission, and/or provide ghost citations (for example: The Grower's Guide to Magnificent Mangoes: Science Indirect).
The response would also use the same amount of water it would take to water an actual mango tree and similarly drip feed it in that aggravating peoplepleasing manner that AI has adopted to make mere mortals feel special.
I imagine it would go something like, 'So, George, you're growing your own fruit. Good for you. Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A.
You are right to be concerned that your wife has prematurely picked your mangoes, but there may be no cause for alarm.
Are the mangoes hard?
If you give me some more information, I may be able to offer some solutions.'
This conversation could go on ad finitum because AI starts off helpful, and ends up clingy.
Soon, what was a simple question has more segues than a Seinfeld episode.
a certain number of people not getting jobs, why do we shame the very people who fill that role?
Maybe the truth is uncomfortable: our economic narratives are moral stories disguised as mathematics.
We reward those who cause the most visible activity, even when that activity is destructive.
We punish those who cause no harm, simply because they do not fit the mythology of productivity.
But the planet does not care about productivity. It cares about impact.
And sometimes the person doing “nothing” is doing far less damage than the person doing “everything”.
It might be time to stop shaming the unemployed - and start questioning the systems that require their suffering in the first place.
Regards, Calvin BARTLETT.
Not only are you getting tips for growing mangoes, but you're being offered a three-week mango cleanse diet, a daily itinerary for a round-theword mango expedition, 32 things to do with mango skins, and potentially relationship counselling (and you have now used enough water for a mango orchard).
Instead, George, let me offer you some casual mango tips (learned the old-fashioned way i.e. trial, error, and a local hobby farmer).
1. It is actually okay to pick mangoes when they are green - a good tip is to look at the colour of the stalk. If it's yellow, then go for it.
2. Mangoes will ripen at room temperature in their own good time, but you can hurry the process along by putting them in a brown paper bag (the bag traps an odorless gas called ethylene which speeds up the ripening process).
3. Once one mango starts to ripen, they will all join in, like some weird, sweet-smelling flash mob.
4. Now you have a new problem i.e. what to do with 75 ripe mangoes. Let me come back to you on that one.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Found
CHILD’S scooter & helmet. Found in Stuart Park, Saturday 25/10 6581 1939.
2 Triton Mark 3 saw benches with extension and router table. $120 6558 9242
AWNING Front ARB Windbreak, $35 with straps. 0403 820 455
BANJO Paterson Collected Works Hardcover, as new $15 Also paperback $5, Ph 0447 445 319 F230126
BEATRIX Potter figurines. Mr & Mrs Puddleduck & Foxy Whiskered Gentleman $85 each 0401 226 410
BED stick, vgc $50 Ph 0419 224 403 For Sale
ALUMINIUM 32 rung ladder (rope pull) $100 0428 489 689 F230126
ARB accessory awning alcove, $75, like new 0403 820 455
ARCHERY set, 57in - 40lb recurve bow - 12 arrows & target never used $50 Ph 0481 046 477
AUTOMOTIVE car SOS tools torque wrench, vlavle lifters, timing light and numerous guages $95 6585 7393 F241025
BULK - Cheap Workshop tools, screws nails & maintenance items. Pricing from $1 6583 2029
CAMP Ovens - 30cm and 25cm both with lids. Great used cond $50 Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890 F130226
CAMPHOR chest 96cm L x45cm H x 43cm D $30 can deliver locally 0422 538 888
CLIMBING gear, various hardware, helmet and harnesses. Make an offer. ph 0447 610 321
FULL set of Time Life International recipe books. $5.00 0447 445 319 SOLD
GARDEN leaf blower petrol engine $45 6585 7393
CORELLE baking dish, large, pink flowers decorated, $40 6584 4954
GOLF Balls and Tees x 50. Great Cond $50. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890 F130226
GOLF buggy, ladies electric, $300. 0478 565 517
GOLF Iron: Dynacast Up n Downer, stainless steel, 37-degree golf chipper. $30. 0416 135 363
GUITAR Valencia TC40 acoustic guitar with stand also learners literature and CD’s $60 ph 0418 214 394
LEAD Cystal decanter (large) $30 0447 122 829
LAWN Edger, electric with spare blades. $35 6583 2029.
PENTAX ESP10 vintage camera w-case & manual- top condition $200 Ph 0481 046 477
TOY, Coco Gorilla with tags, collectors item $100 6584 4954
TYPEWRITER, Brother Deluxe 760TR, portable ribbon. $20. Ph 0435 838 917
VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242
BED Aspire King single fully adjustable, as new cond. $890. Pick up Port Mac. 0429 434 856. e130326 Classified ads 02 4981 8882
DOLL, pedigree first walker, $100 6584 4954
DONEGAL Parian China Claddagh Design 1 mug, 2 vases. $10 each. 0447 445 319
BIKE for children near new. $50. Ph 0415 858 981.
HARD Rock Cafe jacket bought a few years ago never worn, size medium, cost over $200 sell $50 can send you photos. 0404 228 018 F071125
HOME brew, complete kit and bottles etc $60 Ph 02 6584 9884 F281125
BLACK school shoes new balance, size 2 US as new $25 Ph 0458 659
BREVILLE smoking gun Model BSM600, In original box , used twice $25. 0428 559 572 F130226
HOOVER, tumble dryer $15. 6583 2029 or 0439 107 504 F130226
LIMITED edition Franklin Mint porcelain plates 3x teddy bear series 1x Thoroughbred. With stands. $90 0400 993 382
LIMITED edition Franklin Mint teddy bear in North American Indian costume. 40cm tall, posed on a stand Collectors item. $95 0400 993 382
MARILYN Monroe framed picutre, standing in doorway 100cm x 70cm $70. 6582 5885
MOBILITY walker, good cond. Pick up PM. $40 0429 434 856 LAWN Mower, self drive, B&S 4 stroke $100. 6585 7393
MOWER, Rover, 2 stroke, with catcher & spare blades. $40. 6583 2029
EPSON Eco Tank Single Function Printer Model ET-1810, as new . $95 0422 318 119
FISHING Rod - 3 piece Jarvis Walker Surf Rock 15 foot. Exc Cond. $80 ono. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890
FOLDABLE wheelchair kamra lightweight GC $90 ph 0408 428 911F051225
FREEDOM FHC mobility walker, GC $60 0499 252 330
JANOME sewing machine, very reliable recently serviced, carry case selling $99 Ph 0415 070 962
KNEE Scooter, as new Used for 6 weeks, adjust seat, steering, front and rear brakes. $150 ono 0417 663 219 e200226
KONICA Minolta colour laser multifunction printer Suit small to medium office, exc cond, spare toner, full working order $750 ono. 0417 663 219
NEW printer ink cartridges epson 73N 1 each of genuine cyan magenta and yellow plus 1 each of generic cyan and yellow $25 Ph 02 6584 9884
PICNIC basket cane with leather look straps gingham lining. No contents as new. $10 0428 559 572 SOLD
PIERRE Trudeau biography by George Radwanski. $5. Ph 0447 445 319
PIZZA stone, 32cm diameter, used. $10 0428 559 572
RETRO Turntable Flea Market Brand FMRTC-AU. As New $50. 0428 559 572
ROOFING iron, 4 sheets, used GC. $50 the lot. 0401 226 410.
ROYAL Albert bone china small rose vases $25 for pair 13cm H. Photo’s avaliable 02 6585 1564
SEWING cabinet, Crest with a quantity of cottons & access. $35. 6583 2029 or 0439 107 504
BINOCULARS FLEXAR 8x40 fair cond $10 Ph 0481 046 477 PICNIC 3pce aluminum folding setting excel cond $40 Ph 0481 046 477
,
WESTINGHOUSE
Refrigerator. Good cond $90 ono 1702mm H x 790mm W x 612mm D 0419 226 048 F171025
WHEELCHAIR, Gilani brand, manual, foldable brand new GC $95 Ph 0412 310 475
Avan Aspire
OLD fashioned desk, 6 drawers large, GC. $40 Ph 0459 365 025
OLYMPUS MU camera 5x optical zoom with charging table $20 0435 838 917
SINGLE bed inc mattress cover & sheets $90. 0408 826 678
pine timber TV cabinet. GC. $50. Ph 0400 779 531
TUESDAY
SBS, 8.35pm
THURSDAY
ABC TV, 8pm
TEN, 7.30pm
Blindsides don’t come much more epic than when producers of this enduring reality series unexpectedly replaced long-time host Jonathan LaPaglia with former winner David Genat (above). It was a power move that no one saw coming, and sets the scene for another unpredictable season of strategic gameplay in the Samoan jungle. Fellow fan favourites Brooke Jowett, Harry Hills, Simon Mee and Mark Warnock also return to compete against a fresh batch of 20 ambitious newcomers.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (M) Professor T investigates when a bride is found dead on her wedding night floating in the hotel swimming pool.
9.15 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.45 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Smother. (Mv, R)
1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Final) 10.40 Late Programs.
This two-part documentary has all the hallmarks of an espionage blockbuster: helicopters, parachutes, politicians and even the CIA. However, the man of mystery at its centre is no Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt – rather, John Friedrich was an everyday engineer. After building the Victorian branch of the National Safety Council into an advanced civilian search and rescue operation, the ambitious and charming Friedrich rose to the upper echelons of Australian society – before a spectacular fall from grace. Over two nights, intrepid investigator Marc Fennell (right) sets out to discover the truth behind the fraudster and the enormous anomalies left in his wake. You couldn’t make this up.
There’s very few among us who hear the words “flatpack furniture” and don’t groan. Albeit cost-effective, the so-called solution is synonymous with frustration, arguments and losing an entire weekend to a “one-hour” task. That makes Tasmanian couple Richard and Alice’s (pictured) passion project all the more impressive. The pair have come into possession of a 140-year-old glasshouse that was shipped to Australia from the UK as a DIY kit in the late 1800s. They’re hoping to rebuild its delicate timber framework piece by piece – without the original instructions. Host and architecture professor Anthony Burke keeps an eye on the process, which involves hand-cutting 500 panes of glass to complete the puzzle. MONDAY
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)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (Return)
8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. (R)
9.35 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R)
11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+s, R)
1.40 The Lesson. (Mals, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Happily Never After. (2022, Masv, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Charlie Albone fixes a shady corner in the garden.
8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) When a man with no connection to Marlow is found dead, Judith, Becks and Suzie investigate.
10.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
12.15 GetOn Extra.
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)
Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 –
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Night. Coverage includes men’s biathlon and women’s curling, ski cross qualifiers and final. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s curling and 1500m speed skating final and men’s 15km biathlon and ice hockey.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Overnight. Coverage includes men’s ice hockey and curling and two-woman bobsledding heats.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Parental Guidance. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Wonder
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A couple are desperate to sell their home. 8.40 Love It Or
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa) Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mv) When an online PTA meeting at Causton Grammar ends in murder, Barnaby and Winter head back to school to learn the deadly antics in the lives of pupils, teachers and parents alike.
10.05 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 10.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Premiere)
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PGa, R)
9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)
10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.15 Outlander. (Msv, R)
1.40 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
3.35 Barkley Manor. (PGa, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Pre-race and race.
9.30 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021, Mv, R) The true meaning of family gets tested like never before when Dom and the crew search for a cyberterrorist. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena. 12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Highlights.
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 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 15 – Night. Coverage includes men’s four-man bobsleigh, ski cross qualifiers and finals and mixed team aerials and ski mountaineering relay.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes mixed ski mountaineering relay, men’s and women’s mass start speed skating and women’s biathlon.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Overnight.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Jules loves his inner city beach bungalow, whereas Erin wants space and is keen to search for it.
8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ms, R) Graham Norton is joined by Chris Pratt, Cynthia Erivo, Dawn French, Rob Beckett and Jack Savoretti.
6am The Third Man. (1949) 8.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, Cantonese) 12.30pm Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, Cantonese) 2.35 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Discovering Film. 5.05 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 6.35 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 8.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The novice handlers face two stock-handling tasks.
8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Spike goes missing.
9.00 This England. (Mal) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting up a temporary hospital in East London.
9.50 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R)
10.50 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)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 8.15 MOVIE: A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. (2019) 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Colosseum With Dan Snow. (Premiere)
9.20 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) Looks at the empire built by Alexander the Great. 11.15 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. (Mans, R)
2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R)
3.30 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
(64)
Morning Programs. 9.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PG)
8.40 Murder On A Cruise. (Mav) Looks at Micki Kanesaki, who vanished during a Mediterranean cruise with her ex-husband in 2006.
10.40 The Hunters. (Mav, R)
12.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Highlights.
1.10 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) Love is in the air at the commitment ceremony.
8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Night.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Post Midnight.
3.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)
4.00 Fishing Australia. (R)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9.50 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+l, R) Ghostface resurfaces in New York City. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega. 12.10 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Final) 8.10 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) The team heads to a
SBS MOVIES (32)
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.35 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 8.05 Storm Boy. (2019, PG) 10.00 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 12.30pm Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, M, German) 3.00 The Third Man. (1949, PG) 5.00 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 6.50 And God Created Woman. (1956, French) 8.30 Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 2am Late Programs.
6.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.10 Secrets Of The Sabre-Toothed Tiger. (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35
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)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Other People’s Money. (Mals)
11.30 Vigil. (MA15+v, R)
2.45 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Malv, R)
3.40 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. (Premiere) 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. (Return) 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.00 9-1-1. (Madv) Athena revisits a painful part of her past while responding to a call. Buck coaches Harry as he prepares for the firefighter CPAT test.
10.00 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the crimes of Ivan Milat.
12.00 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
VICELAND (31)
6am Princess
Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.55 Discovering Film. 8.55 And God Created Woman. (1956, French) 10.35 Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 12.40pm Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 2.50 The Movie Show. (Final) 3.25 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.55 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 6.50 The 39 Steps. (1935) 8.30 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 10.25 Amadeus. (1984, M) 1.20am Late Programs.
Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.20 Smother. (Mals, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ml, R)
8.35 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (Premiere, Ml)
9.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? (Ma, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R)
12.00 Syndrome E. (Malv, R) 2.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 3.00 My Name Is Reeva. (Mav, R) 3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55
Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 8.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 10.15 The Te$t. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 The Peacock. (2023, M) 12.55am Traffic. (2000, MA15+) 3.35 Motherhood. (2022, M, Japanese) 5.45 The Movie Show.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 Doc. (Mav) Amy and Gina, with an assist from Jake, team up to help a victim of domestic abuse.
10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is seriously injured after his car left the road.
11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 Childhood’s End. (Mav) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. Replay. 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
TV (2)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Killer Mega Shark. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (PGsv, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Saving Yellowstone. 8.30 Australia’s Greatest Conman? (PGal)
9.30 Trespasses. (MA15+l)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Face To Face. (Ma, R)
11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+a, R)
1.40 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R)
3.25 My Name Is Reeva. (Ma, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore 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 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.20 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
WorldWatch.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver is caught racing through a stop sign. 9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+a) The investigation reveals a first drug exportation.
10.00 Air Crash Investigations: A Perfect Storm. (PGa)
11.00 To Be Advised.
12.40 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 MOVIE: I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not. (2025, MA15+aadl)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R)
12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Great Australian Detour. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
9GEM (82)
6am Home In WA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Australian Idol. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain
6am The Movie
Show. 6.20 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.00 Discovering Film. 10.00 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.45 Amadeus. (1984, M) 2.40pm A King In New York. (1957, PG) 4.35 The 39 Steps. (1935) 6.15 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 8.30 Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 10.40 One Cut Of The Dead. (2017, MA15+, Japanese) 12.25am The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.50 Late Programs. 5.50 Boychoir. (2014, PG)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
(R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20
(3)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered.
8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)
9.20 A Spy Among Friends.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 In Memoriam. (Malsv)
11.50 The Hollow. (Malv, R)
1.50 Silent Road. (Mav, R)
4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
The Food That Built The World. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.30 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.15 WWE Rivals. 2.10 Coronado: The New Evidence. 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 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Food That Built The World. 12.30pm WorldWatch. 1.00 The Billionaires Who Made Our World. 1.55 Bamay. 2.15 Insight. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 The Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 Brassic. 12.15am Couples Therapy. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.45 Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 10.00 The Peacock. (2023, M) 11.55 The Big Short. (2015, M) 2.15pm Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 4.50 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.30 Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+) 10.40 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 1.10am Adaptation. (2002, MA15+) 3.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. Leah comforts Lacey.
8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The simple life of an English bookshop owner changes after a celebrity enters his shop. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts.
11.05 To Be Advised.
12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy, Beth and Colette get involved in a faceoff.
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
3.30
4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Shazam! (2019, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am The 100. 1.00
A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
RBT. (Mdl) Follows the activities of police units. 8.30 To
9GEM (82)
On The Job. (1961, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.40 Late Programs.
(51)
(51)
By Sue STEPHENSON
WINTER sports groups in the Camden Haven and Hastings have had a win in their push for pre-season access to playing fields, although it still comes at a cost.
After being told they couldn’t use certain grounds managed by Port MacquarieHastings Council (PMHC) until 23 March, clubs united to argue for access.
This prompted Mayor Adam Roberts to issue a statement on 29 January calling “for calm” and explaining that the fields needed time to “rest and recover”.
As a result of further discussions, Council has now agreed to allow winter sports groups to use the fields for the rest of the current
PMH Sports Council member Cr Nik Lipovac congratulated user groups for taking a stand.
“Clubs and associations have spoken out again
