Port Macquarie News Of The Area 20 MARCH 2026

By Sis HIGGINS

CRASH

By Sue STEPHENSON

Sue STEPHENSON sue@newsofthearea.com.au

Jules BARDON 0423 626 659 jules@newsofthearea.com.au

Pauline CAIN 0409 394 499 pauline@newsofthearea.com.au

Bill HARROW 0437 776 247 bill@newsofthearea.com.au

Sis HIGGINS 0488 027 142 sis@newsofthearea.com.au

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

EDITOR

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Momentum builds on Wrights Road

By Sue STEPHENSON

HUNDREDS of locals have heeded the call to submit feedback on the

worsening congestion on the Oxley Highway at Wrights Road, but more are needed to strengthen the case for its upgrade.

Feedback can be left on the Transport for NSW website at haveyoursay. nsw.gov.au/sritp/northcoast.

Head to the “pin on the map" section and select “add marker” at the Wrights Rd or Lake Rd roundabouts.

“When we launched this [stage of the] campaign two weeks ago, there were around 60 pins highlighting congestion on the map,” said Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer.

“That number has now grown to hundreds, making it one of the most concentrated clusters of feedback along the NSW coastline.

Mr Dwyer said strategic upgrades including potential

intersection improvements, traffic flow enhancements and additional safety measures.

All could significantly reduce delays and improve efficiency for motorists.

Federal MPs Pat Conaghan and Alison Penfold are equally frustrated by the lack of action and have added their weight to the call for locals to “Have their Say”.

They’re also calling for a solution to be “urgently scoped and funded”.

“The Wrights Rd and Lake Rd roundabouts leading into Port Macquarie’s health and education precincts have long been flagged as the area’s worst and most dangerous bottleneck,” said Mr Conaghan.

Ms Penfold, the Member for Lyne, said the Mid North Coast community remains firmly in support of

upgrades.

“An official NSW Government petition with over 10,000 individually signed submissions was lodged in September 2025 through the joint efforts of Robert Dwyer, Michael Kemp, Business NSW, Pat and myself,” she said.

“That’s 10,000 residents from Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Kempsey who took time out of their day to physically visit a participating local business and sign on the dotted line.

“And yet, we are still waiting for action.”

Mr Conaghan wants the community to apply extra pressure in the lead-up to budget announcements.

“I know that we have asked our community for their input on this issue many times before, but we need to keep up the fight.”

to lose leadership role

MEMBER for Cowper

Pat Conaghan says he’s disappointed to be left out of the National Party’s new Federal leadership team.

Mr Conaghan is no longer the Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Financial Services, “based

on the decision of new leader Matt Canavan”.

“While I am of course disappointed by the decision, I respect that this is the process and remain absolutely committed to the National Party,” he said in a statement.

Mr Conaghan was

the first National Party member to hold a financial or economic portfolio in 70 years.

“I’m proud to have fought for a fair superannuation system that rewarded aspiration and protected farmers and small businesses from the Treasurer’s

nonsensical unrealised Capital Gains Tax.

“I’m proud to have fought for those caught up in the First Guardian and Shield collapses, whose retirement nest eggs were ripped away by unscrupulous players and a system that failed to protect them.

“And I’m proud to have brought some common sense to our broken alcohol and tobacco tax systems, introducing legislation aimed at making them not only fairer but safeguarding them from continued erosion by criminal gangs.”

Port ceramicists take to the national stage

FROM Page 1

told News Of The Area the organisation celebrates creativity and community while preserving and collecting everyday cultural objects that form part of the Australian story.

“Ula and Sonya's work continues a long-standing tradition of handcrafted Australian ceramics while bringing a contemporary sensibility to these much-loved forms,” the spokesperson said.

Sonya said the recognition was exciting and deeply meaningful.

“We are so, so, so

excited!” she said.

“We love being featured across Australia and to be a permanent fixture at a place so important to keeping moments in history alive, it's truly an honour.”

The pair’s journey into ceramics began years earlier through childhood inspiration.

Growing up in New Zealand, Sonja was fascinated by a neighbour who ran a pottery studio from her backyard, planting the seed for what would later become a career.

“When I would hang out with the

neighbourhood kids in their backyard, I always thought about how amazing it would be to create in the comfort of your own home and be creative with others,” Sonja said.

“In high school I used air-dry clay, but I always wished I’d worked with real ceramics.

“Ever since, I dreamed of owning my own pottery studio, even a small one in my backyard, but I never imagined I’d achieve it so early in life.”

Today, Sonya and Ula continue a cherished tradition of crafting decorative ceramic birds,

having taken over the business from another mother-and-daughter team.

“I think we saw this as an opportunity for us to both be creative in our work life and we loved that we would be able to take over from another mother and daughter; it felt like it was meant to be,” Sonya said.

“We love that ceramic birds have been around for decades, but people still love them and want a more modern touch.

“People send us messages all the time saying they got [a ceramic bird] as a present and

they adore it or they’ve had a set of ours for 20 years!”

For Sonya, the greatest reward remains the chance to build something creative with her mother.

“There are only so many hours in a week, and working alongside my family, even part-time, means I get to share more of that time with them,” she said.

Their journey from a small regional studio to a national cultural institution is a reminder that local creativity can leave a lasting mark on Australia’s cultural landscape.

By Sue STEPHENSON

REPORTS of domestic and family violence are soaring yet support services are grossly underfunded and struggle to meet demand.

New data from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) shows that two out of three victim-survivors cannot be assigned a case worker, leaving them vulnerable to escalating danger.

Commissioned through Equity Economics the “Unmet Demand” report shows the frontline sector is collapsing.

Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer said the figures paint a deeply concerning picture of a system under extreme strain.

“Refuges [are] full, frontline services

overwhelmed and vulnerable women and children [are] being turned away at their most critical moment of need,” he said.

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, which supports the Port Macquarie-Hastings community, is among the many organisations pushed to their limits.

“Through their hard work and dedication, Liberty delivers almost double on what they are funded for by the NSW Government,” Mr Dwyer said.

DVNSW’s pre-budget submission calls for a 50 percent increase to core funding - an investment of $177.4m.

“Goodwill is not a funding model,” CEO Delia Donovan

said, “it is exploitation.”

“Staff are paying for basic needs out of their own pockets, working unpaid overtime, and fundraising in their own time - just to keep women and children safe.

“Somewhere along the line, goodwill became a business model.”

In 2025, NSW recorded more women killed in DVF situations than any other state.

Additionally, there are 300 DVF-related assaults reported in NSW every day.

Mr Dwyer said urgent funding is needed for frontline DFV services and refuges, more case workers, and tougher monitoring of high-risk offenders.

“The NSW Government must prioritise the funding

Funding crisis leaves victim-survivors in ‘danger’ Make the most

and reform necessary to ensure that every victim who reaches out for help receives it immediately,” Mr Dwyer

said.

are known.

“And

Lord St footpath completed

THE Lord Street footpath upgrade between Flynn and Herschell streets is complete.

The work involved laying 265 metres of accessible pavement and the relocation of a pedestrian refuge.

The $412,000 upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal and State governments under the Road Safety Program, and

aligns with Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Walking and Cycling Plan.

Council has also completed a program of footpath and footbridge inspections.

Since January, inspectors have assessed pedestrian infrastructure across the local government area (LGA) including footpaths, boardwalks and footbridges.

Inspections were carried out on e-bikes with small cameras capturing conditions.

Blayne West, Group Manager of Community Infrastructure Planning and Design, said the inspections ensure Council provides ”safe, reliable and well-maintained walking infrastructure”.

“Regular condition

of your land.

Local Land Services can support you with improving productivity, controlling pests, boosting biodiversity and much more.

Explore our events and services near you.

checks allow us to identify issues early, plan for future upgrades, and ensure our paths and bridges continue to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike,” he said in a statement.

The information will be used to prioritise maintenance, plan budgets, and schedule future upgrades.

E-bike licence plate plan proposed for NSW

By Sis HIGGINS

THE NSW Liberals and Nationals have revealed a plan to introduce a licence plate scheme for e-bike riders.

Announced on Friday 13 March in Port Macquarie, the proposal aims to improve safety across the state, targeting young riders and commercial operators.

The initiative responds to growing concerns about unsafe e-bike use in busy public areas and shared pathways.

Mr Dwyer said the issue had become increasingly visible across his electorate.

“In Port Macquarie we’re seeing more young people using e-bikes to get to school, the beach and around town,

particularly along our shared paths and waterfront areas,” Mr Dwyer said.

“E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around and a great transport option for young people, but like any vehicle they need sensible rules to keep riders and pedestrians safe.

“Local residents have raised concerns about high speeds and near misses in busy areas.

“This proposal introduces practical accountability while still allowing responsible riders to enjoy the benefits of e-bikes.”

Under the proposal, a government-issued licence plate would be required for certain categories of e-bike riders.

This includes riders under the age of 18, riders

using e-bikes for commercial purposes, and operators of shared commercial e-bike fleets.

Adults aged 18 and over using privately owned e-bikes would be exempt from the scheme.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the plan would provide clearer enforcement tools for authorities.

“Transport rules work best when they’re simple, clear and consistent,” Ms Ward said.

“Low-cost identification plates for specific cohorts strike the right balance - improving safety while allowing riders to continue enjoying the freedom e-bikes provide.”

The Coalition says

the proposal follows extensive consultation and a Parliamentary inquiry into e-bike safety.

Councils, police and community groups raised concerns about risks posed by unregulated e-bike use and the difficulty of enforcing rules when riders cannot be identified.

The move follows a number of e-bike reforms from the NSW Government in recent months, including providing NSW Police with expanded powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes.

A minimum age to ride an e-bike is also being introduced, which is yet to be determined but will be between 12 and 16 years.

European safety standards for e-bikes are also set to be adopted.

Tackling AI’s impact on future jobs

By Sis HIGGINS

AROUND 150 business leaders, industry representatives and technology practitioners from across the Mid North Coast attended a “Future of Business – Technology Summit” in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, 17 March.

Hosted by Business NSW at Panthers Port Macquarie, the summit’s primary focus was how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are reshaping education,

healthcare and the future of the workforce.

Discussions highlighted the need for strong digital infrastructure, responsible AI adoption and workforce readiness, with speakers emphasising how rapidly technology is transforming industries and jobs across the region.

The spotlight on education looked at the role schools and training providers play in preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce, among other related topics.

A student panel from St Columba Anglican School offered a grounded and candid perspective on these challenges.

When asked whether AI was shaping their future choices, students said the topic was front of mind and discussed regularly with teachers.

“I think it’s a bit concerning that we aren’t hearing much of the future proofing for jobs from the [older generations] who do have the ability to change it,” one student said.

“And from what I’ve seen… there are some law jobs that are being cut out.

“For someone who wants to go into law later on, it is very scary.”

One student considering a future in physiotherapy said the impact of AI was now a major consideration in career planning.

“When I think about it… the emerging younger generation… are turning towards AI for medical advice as well and asking themselves: ‘Why would I pay $500 to see a physio if I can ask AI to give me exercises that I can do at home for free?’

“It makes me question if there will still be a demand for physios in the world in five years time when I [finish] university and get into the workforce.”

Facilitator and keynote speaker Adam Spencer, “Australia’s AI, innovation and GPT expert”, encouraged a balanced approach.

“For the last few years, I’ve just been stunned to see the explosion in AI… and just the breadth of applications that you have,” he said.

On its use in education, he warned that AI is tempting students to cut corners.

“That’s why we’ve probably got to start getting it right at school more than anything,” he said.

Healthcare discussions focused on how digital transformation is improving access and outcomes across regional communities.

Panellists explored the rollout of a single digital patient record across New South Wales. Mid North Coast Local Health District Director Digital Health Ian Treweek described it as “probably the biggest digital transformation in health in a generation”.

Panellists also highlighted the rapid growth of virtual care, enabling patients to access clinicians from home, reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving continuity of care.

By Sue STEPHENSON

THE “Bonny Hills Artists” are making a comeback.

After cancelling their regular exhibition during the pandemic, then lending their support to the Bonny Hills Art Prize, these 11 local artists are preparing for an Easter relaunch.

The group comprises Caroline Baker, Debbie Sarkoezy, Linda Lockyer, Brian Barker, Julie Mills, Jan Wilson, Karen Cornish, Rita Carosi, Graeme Cox, Sue Poleweski Jones and Thelma Farmer.

Artists returning to surf club ROUNDABOUT CRASH Advocate urges input into parking plan

By Rachael THORPE

A FULL-TIME wheelchair user for 54 years, Noel Hiffernan OAM is calling on residents to provide extensive feedback to Council on the Port Macquarie Town Centre Parking Precinct Plan.

A fierce advocate for people with a disability, Mr Hiffernan is passionate about ensuring accessible, safe and effective parking for all.

The draft plan proposes several shortterm actions including clear signage, increased use of technology, improved safety around pedestrian crossings, changes to time limits, relocation of accessible parking, and more parking for bicycles.

“The draft plan sets a staged approach to improve how on-street parking is managed in the Town Centre, helping people find a space more easily, supporting local business turnover, and improving walking connections and safety,” Port Macquarie Hastings Council said in a statement.

The plan also discusses introducing paid parking in the Port Macquarie town centre in the long term.

Mr Hiffernan has urged users of the area to have their say.

Ms Carosi told News Of The Area that they all met through the Hastings Valley Fine Art Association, where they remain active members.

“In Easter 2016, we were given the opportunity to hold an exhibition at the

Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club (WBHSLSC),” she said.

“The event was so successful that it continued for the next three years, and over that four-year period we donated $5,120 to the Surf Club.

“The exhibition was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID and in 2022 our group volunteered to support the Bonny Hills Art Prize.”

Held at The Francis Retreat, the Art Prize and its children’s workshops have been hugely popular.

Buoyed by that success, the “Bonny Hills Artists” decided to return to the

The 70-year-old was cut free and treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to nearby Port

WBHSLSC. Their “comeback” exhibition will run between 3-6 April, and feature a diverse range of works in various mediums.

The official opening from midday Saturday, 4 April, is open to the public.

Once again, 20 percent of all sales will go to the surf club.

Macquarie Base Hospital for further assessment and mandatory testing.

Dashcam video supplied to @PortMacquarieOnScene

“Unless an everyday person tells Council what is adequate or inadequate, Council simply doesn’t have sufficient information to implement plans,” Mr Hiffernan told NOTA.

“Modern cars are often larger, so existing infrastructure doesn’t necessarily accommodate them.”

A well-known community figure in the Camden Haven, Mr Hiffernan has a long history of advocacy under his belt.

In the early 1980s he acquired 486 parking tickets.

At that point in time Australia did not have the disabled parking scheme that operates today, and he found that he was consistently receiving tickets as his accessibility needs meant he was in the spot longer than permitted.

Additionally, it was difficult to find a spot that was large enough to accommodate a wheelchair next to his vehicle.

At one point the parking fines got so significant that a warrant was issued for his arrest and he spent a weekend in Parramatta Jail.

The media attention given to this contributed to a widespread accessible parking scheme being instituted by the government in the late 1980s.

Submissions to the draft parking plan are open until 7 April 2026 on the Council’s Have Your Say website, via email to council@pmhc. nsw.gov.au or via post to CEO Port Macquarie Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

shows how close nearby cars came to being hit.

The B-double is seen travelling south-west towards John Oxley Drive before entering the middle lane of the roundabout to turn west towards the M1.

As it rounded the intersection, the rear left wheels lifted off the pavement, sending its two trailers and cabin toppling over like dominos.

The roof of the B-double’s trailer was peeled away, dumping its mixed load across several lanes.

The highway was closed westbound as Police and SES redirected traffic along John Oxley Drive and NSW Fire and Rescue cleaned up the spill.

They described the load as “nondangerous”.

Two heavy vehicle tow trucks righted the B-double, with the clean-up operation lasting more than seven hours.

The highway was re-opened at 2.12am Tuesday.

Creative therapy pilot launches on North Coast

PEOPLE across the North Coast experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges now have access to new free creative therapy services, thanks to the launch of the North Coast Creative Therapies Pilot.

Launched by Healthy North Coast and funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health

Network program at a value of $1.03 million, the pilot will run until 30 June 2027, providing evidence-based creative arts therapy and music therapy to support mental health and wellbeing across the region.

The pilot was launched on Tuesday 17 March at the Salvation Army Church in Coffs Harbour.

Healthy North Coast is one of three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) nationally selected to deliver the initiative, which aims to expand access to innovative, person-centred mental health supports.

Creative therapies offered through the program are delivered by qualified practitioners accredited through the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) or the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

These therapies support people to express themselves and process experiences in ways that do not rely solely on words.

Delivered alongside other mental health supports, creative therapies can help individuals explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve communication and strengthen overall wellbeing.

Healthy North Coast CEO

Monika Wheeler said the pilot would provide new pathways to care for people who might benefit from innovative approaches to mental health treatment.

“Creative therapies offer powerful ways for people to explore their thoughts and emotions, particularly when talk-based therapies may not feel accessible or sufficient.

“Through this pilot, we’re expanding the range of mental health supports available on the North Coast and ensuring people can access approaches that work best for them.

“By working with skilled and accredited local providers, we’re helping people connect with therapies that can improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support recovery.”

Under the pilot, eligible participants can access up to ten sessions, delivered in individual or group formats.

Referrals are managed

Inshore sailfish biting

By Kate SHELTON

THIS weekend’s forecast is looking supreme, with the moon and tides aligning perfectly for some hot fishing action.

It’s the perfect time to get out there, especially since the long-term outlook predicts a few wet weeks ahead.

You’ll want to take full advantage of this pristine weather before the rain sets in and the conditions disappear.

In the Hastings region, the fishing scene has been a total hive of activity lately.

School mulloway are providing some thrilling light tackle action around the break walls and bridge pylons, while those same rocky structures are yielding plenty of flathead to anglers using live bait or mullet strips.

If you prefer lures,

try to time your session with the incoming high tide for maximum water clarity. Meanwhile, luderick fans are finding quality fish on cabbage and green weed flies along the walls, and local crabbers are reporting a very productive week with plenty of mud crabs being pulled from the waterways.

The beach and rock fishing scenes are equally rewarding right now. Bream and whiting are in abundance along the southern end of Lighthouse Beach, Shelly Beach, and Queens Head. Rock fishing for tailor is also picking up as the season rolls on, with bream and luderick remaining reliable in the more sheltered spots.

However, the real talk of the town was the massive offshore surge in Plomer Bay

last weekend. Lucky anglers encountered an incredible array of species, including tuna, mackerel, cobia, black marlin, and even sailfish, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

While that level of intensity in the bay isn’t a daily occurrence, it’s a great reminder of what happens when the currents and moon phases hit that sweet spot.

Heading south to the Camden Haven, the luderick fishing has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly around the river’s break walls.

The bream fishing is also outstanding now, with fish pushing the kilo mark being caught on pilchards.

Over at Lake Cathie, things remain consistent for whiting, flathead, and

bream, with prawns being the standout bait choice.

If you’re heading offshore, the snapper numbers are looking very healthy this season off Lake Cathie and the Bonny Hills reefs, where you might even snag a sporadic mackerel if you're lucky.

Finally, looking north to the Macleay River, there has been a noticeable jump in whiting activity in the upper reaches.

Rock fishing enthusiasts are having luck at the headlands near the Gaol and Crescent Head, where rumours of cobia, tuna, and the occasional kingfish are circulating.

Offshore fishing in the Macleay region is also on the rise, with successful boats landing impressive catches of mackerel, mahi mahi, cobia, and tuna this week.

through the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service, ensuring people receive the most appropriate care program based on their needs.

Participants assessed at Level of Care 3 or 4 may be eligible for the program.

The pilot is open to people of all ages.

Tania Miller, Registered Art Therapist from ReCreate Art Therapy - one of the successful providers following an expression of interest process - said the program helps people engage with their mental health in new and meaningful ways.

“Sometimes words can’t fully express the depth of an emotion. Through art, images can reach into those deeper places and help people express visually what may be difficult to say aloud,” said Ms Miller.

The pilot also includes creative therapies delivered in collaboration with local

participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

Creative therapists will work alongside ACCHO social and emotion wellbeing teams and will operate from the ACCHO facility or an agreed community location.

The full list of creative therapy providers delivering services in the pilot is: Art To Be – Tweed Shire; Golden Threads – Sleepy Hollow; Fionn BatchelorMullumbimby; Amanda Scott Art Therapy – Byron Bay; Creative Arts Therapy (Linda Devonshire) – Lennox Head; Create Therapy – Lismore; Experiencing Colour –James Creek, ReCreate Art Therapy – Coffs Harbour & Grafton; Happymess Studio – Bellingen; Bonnie Nilsson – Valla; Soul Sounds Music Therapy – Port Macquarie; ARTTI – Dunbogan; Play Sing Music Therapy – Grafton; Ballina Byron Music Therapy – Newrybar; Megan Thamm Music Therapy – Lismore.

Flickerfest presents two big nights of short films

CELEBRATING 35 years in 2026, Flickerfest remains Australia’s premier Academyqualifying and BAFTArecognised short film festival, showcasing A-list shorts selected from a recordbreaking 3,700-plus entries.

Flickerfest returns to Majestic Cinema in Port Macquarie for two

spectacular nights on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, bringing world-class short films straight from the Bondi festival competitions.

Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd said audiences will experience entertaining, inspiring, and awardwinning shorts that highlight the pinnacle of Australian

and international short filmmaking, celebrating bold storytelling and creative vision.

On Friday 27 March from 7pm, Flickerfest takes a trip around the world with the “Best Of International Shorts” programme.

Among a host of international highlights

enjoying their Australian premieres is the delightful Oscar-nominated “A Friend of Dorothy”, starring UK acting royalty Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, in a heartwarming journey where friendship is found in the most unexpected places.

Also hot off the Oscar nominations is the powerful and intimate “The Singers” starring an eclectic cast of non-actors in a moving tribute to friendship.

Joining the programme is Indonesian film “My Plastic Mother”, winner of Flickerfest 2026’s Best International Short Film award.

Also featured is “Radix”, winner of Best International Animation, a visually striking and imaginative animated short, and actress Renee Zellweger's directorial debut “They”, a fun film about coming together in trying times.

The following day, Saturday 28 March from 7pm, the lineup honours our unique national identity and culture with the “Best of Australian Shorts”.

Highlights include the moving drama “Tuesday Tuesday”, which won best female director at Flickerfest 2026 and stars Peter Phelps (Stingers) in a stellar performance as a man whose world is fading.

“Packed Away” is the directorial debut of actress Michala Banas (Always Greener, Mcleod's Daughters), who shines both on and off camera in this personal and intimate drama.

Actor Matt Day’s (Rake) “Baby Shower” stars the legendary Hugo Weaving in a dark comedy about family friendship and unexpected happenings at this familiar ritual.

Returning Flickerfest

alumni Jesse Vogelaar brings “The Suit”, a sharp and hilarious comedy featuring award winning actress Kat Stewart and muchloved comedian Colin Lane delivering big laughs with plenty of bite.

“Flickerfest is a really fun and entertaining festival of short films, hand-picked from our Oscar-qualifying competition in our 35th year,” Ms Kidd said.

“We hope people can come along and connect with like-minded film lovers.”

For more information or to book tickets, visit www. flickerfest.com.au/tour/portmacquarie.

News Of The Area has partnered with organisers to offer two double passes to Flickerfest in Port Macquarie.

To win, send an email to media@newsofthearea. com.au outlining what your favourite movie is and why.

Trek shines light on youth homelessness

By Sis HIGGINS

A MID North Coast woman is turning past hardships into purposeful action, walking 135 kilometres across Western Australia to support young people facing homelessness.

Hayley Gibbs draws on her own lived experience of youth homelessness to advocate for others who face instability, fear and isolation.

She is raising funds and awareness for regional

communities, with proceeds going directly to YP Space MNC.

“There was a time in my life when stability felt completely out of reach,” Ms Gibbs said.

“For me, this hike is more than just a challenge.

"It's deeply symbolic of how far I’ve come.

“Every kilometre speaks to resilience, and every step represents young people still living in the uncertainty I survived.”

Youth homelessness

remains one of Australia’s most confronting and often hidden social challenges, particularly in regional communities where services can be harder to access.

Ms Gibbs told News Of The Area that youth homelessness can be incredibly isolating and often invisible, especially in regional communities.

“Organisations like YP do more than provide crisis support - they create real pathways for young people

to rebuild confidence, stability, and hope.

“If there’s one message I’d share with young people facing uncertainty, it’s this: ‘everything comes down to perspective’.

“The hard days are shaping your strength and resilience - lean into them and learn.

“The good days are glimpses of the future waiting for you - be present and embrace your joy.”

Through the Cape to Cape walk, from Cape

Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, Ms Gibbs hopes her story offers encouragement to young people facing difficult circumstances.

YP Space MNC provides accommodation and tailored support programs for young people aged twelve to 25 across the Port Macquarie Hastings and Macleay local government areas.

The organisation has supported thousands of young people over more than 40 years of service.

Wauchope’s Luke Mackay marks milestone Ready to Ride the Wave

By Sis HIGGINS

LUKE Mackay has been recognised for 28 years of service at Ritchies Timbertown IGA and his strong connection to the Wauchope community.

A familiar and friendly face to customers, Luke has become a well-known local identity.

Ritchies Timbertown IGA Manager James Thomson said Luke had become an

important part of both the workplace and the wider community, noting that customers enjoy chatting with him about sport, music and current affairs.

“Every family and every workplace needs a ‘Luke’,” James said.

“Luke is someone who keeps everyone updated on the world, knows the stats of the weekend games, and is always early for every work shift.

“Luke represents the kind of community spirit we value so highly at Ritchies Timbertown,” said James.

Outside of work, Luke maintains an active lifestyle and a strong passion for sport.

He regularly plays golf two to three times a week and is a committed morning power walker, often setting a brisk pace along Cameron Street.

A Canberra Raiders supporter and a keen fan of 1980s music, Luke brings an upbeat spirit into the workplace each day.

Family plays an important role in his life.

Luke is the eldest son of Robyn and Ken and a proud uncle to Franklin, Oscar and Olive.

He also shares a close bond with his 99-year-old Pop, with the pair regularly discussing AFL highlights and weekend results.

Luke has a long history with IGA, having previously worked at Hastings Co-op Timbertown IGA.

THE countdown’s on to this coming week’s Ride The Wave Festival in support of locals doing it tough.

Over five days from 24 March, Port Macquarie will host surf, skate and live music events - all centred on Town Beach.

Organised by Make A Difference (MAD), the event raises funds for the frontline services providing food, connection, care and dignity to disadvantaged and marginalised members of the Port Macquarie Hastings community.

Each year, talented surfers and skaters from across NSW and beyond gather at Town Beach to compete in events that showcase skill, sportsmanship and community pride.

The festival kicks off with the Ride the Wave High School Surf Competition on 24–25 March, followed by the Ride The Wave Pro Surf

Competition between 26–28 March.

It wraps up on Saturday 28 March with the Skate Comp, markets and “Live and Local” music in the amphitheatre off Alban Place.

Headline acts this year include Charlie O’Derry, Charli Power, Chinwag, the Adam Ruthless Band, Dirty Coverz and Royal Chant.

Operating under the tagline Sun Surf Skate Music #FestivalForADifference, Ride the Wave is a popular community celebration of coastal culture.

Competitions are

designed to be inclusive, energetic and fun, giving riders of all ages and abilities a platform to express themselves and connect with friends, family and the wider community.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Ride the Wave Festival, supporting everything from event setup and pack down to ticketing, merchandise and general event operations. Individuals, community groups and businesses are all encouraged to get involved. For more details, visit ridethewavefestival.com.au/.

Gardens connecting community

By Rachael THORPE

THERE are more than 550 garden clubs in Australia with approximately 50,000 members.

For gardening guru Mal McKinlay these numbers are reflective of how a love

of gardening can connect people.

On Tuesday he hosted a gathering of 30 garden club representatives from across the Mid North Coast zone at Bonny Hills Community Hall, including attendees from orchid societies, bonsai groups, and floral art groups.

Mal juggles 45 speaking events each year alongside his work at Bonny Hills Nursery and regular radio spots.

“There’s an image of gardening being solely an interest for older people, but gardening covers so many different things,” he told

NOTA.

“It can be as small as a single pot on a balcony.

“I love hearing people’s stories about what they have achieved in gardening and how it brings the community together.”

As community gardens such as the new one underway in Wauchope become more popular, Mal is hoping to see families participating and instilling a love of gardening in children while they are still young.

These community gardens facilitate the growing of herbs and vegetables with a

communal sharing of produce and gardening skills. During the meeting ideas were discussed for bus trips known as “Friendship Day Visits” to local and community gardens. These allow for the exchange of ideas between regions as well as providing an enjoyable outing for gardeners who love to travel.

The Mid North Coast is home to some of the most established garden clubs in the country, with the Camden Haven club celebrating 40 years of operation this year, Hallidays Point marking 30 years, and excitement already building for a 70th celebration for Wauchope’s club in 2028.

ToxTails proves power of community generosity

By Sis HIGGINS

THE Hastings community has again given generously in support of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, with almost $80k raised at the ToxTails fundraiser on 7 March.

Around 200 guests attended the glamorous gala event at Haven Ridge, raising the largest total since the fundraiser began in 2022.

ToxTails has grown steadily each year, driven by organiser Dr Kristy Kostalas from the Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic (PMAC).

Since its inception, the event has helped raise $264,298.93 for Liberty’s domestic and family violence services, providing vital support for people across the Mid North Coast region.

Dr Kostalas told News Of The Area the idea for the fundraiser grew from experiences she encountered during her years working as a GP.

“Behind closed doors, in consulting rooms, you hear things that stay with you,” she said.

“ToxTails started as an idea to combine what I do professionally with

something that actually matters, and it grew from there.

“Each year it gets bigger because the community keeps showing up.”

For Liberty the funds raised translate into practical, life-changing support such as safe accommodation, transport from outlying communities, meals, and emergency relocation costs for families escaping violence.

Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the funds raised at the Toxtails event will make a direct and immediate difference to women, children and families in the region.

"Liberty is currently operating at nearly double its funded capacity, meaning community donations are essential to keeping vital services and programs running,” Ms Lamb said.

Last year, Liberty engaged with more than 3,000 people across prevention, intervention, response, recovery and healing.

"The need for our services continues to grow,” Ms Lamb said.

“Domestic and family violence remains the leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and in 2024, one woman was killed

on average every four days - one of the worst years on record.

"We can't do this alone.

“We rely on the generosity and commitment of our community to meet the needs of local families and to continue preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.

"Liberty is grateful to ToxTails organiser Dr Kristy Kostalas, major sponsor Regional Australia Bank, and every business and individual who supported the event."

Choosing Liberty as the beneficiary of the fundraiser was a natural decision, Dr Kostalas said.

“These aren’t distant statistics - these are our neighbours, our patients, people in our community who need localised, traumainformed support,” she added.

“When I looked at where funds could make the most direct impact for people in the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast area, Liberty was the clear answer.”

The event highlighted the generosity of the local community, with volunteers, suppliers and businesses contributing their time and resources to make the night possible.

Dr Kostalas said her entire

PMAC team volunteered their evening, with a special mention to Cindy Redmond who played a key role in coordinating the event.

She also acknowledged the support of Haven Ridge, Strobe Productions, Romeo’s Cocktails and Char Bar, along with many other local businesses who stepped forward to help.

“What moves me every year is that people don’t just buy a ticket,” Dr Kostalas said.

“They give generously on the night, they bid in the auction, they bring their friends, and they share what ToxTails stands for.

“Regional communities

sometimes get underestimated, but Port Macquarie shows up.”

With sponsorship applications now open for ToxTails 2027, organisers say the event will continue to grow, supported by a community determined to stand together and make a difference.

Donations can be made at any time at libertyservices. org.au/donate.

As little as $50 can provide a woman and her children with a warm meal, while $500 can help cover the cost of a removalist for a family who must relocate quickly to escape violence.

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Joan Burley

By Chan ANSELL

SOME people in our community quietly make a difference every single day, not for recognition or reward, but simply because they care.

Joan Burley is one of those people.

For the past 14 years, Joan has volunteered at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence for thousands of locals and visitors.

She describes herself as a “people person”, and it’s easy to see why volunteering has been such a perfect fit.

Joan began her journey in the Gallery before stepping into her role as a Tourism Ambassador.

Over the years, she has done far more than share brochures or directions; she has shared stories, local knowledge, and genuine connection.

Her move to Port Macquarie coincided with

her retirement from a busy, people-focused career.

Like many who relocate to our beautiful region, Joan wanted to immerse herself in her new community.

Volunteering gave her exactly that opportunity: a way to discover everything the Hastings has to offer and, in turn, promote it proudly to others.

“It’s great to promote what this amazing region has to offer,” she said.

For Joan, volunteering

isn’t just something she does, it's where she belongs.

“The Glasshouse has become my hub,” she said. In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, Joan is a reminder that community is built one interaction at a time.

If you’ve ever been greeted with warmth at the Glasshouse, there’s a good chance Joan was part of that experience - and our region is better for it.

By Sis HIGGINS

PORT Macquarie Base

Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit has strengthened its patient care capabilities following a donation of specialised mobility equipment valued at $2,268.

Heart Health NSW Inc donated a “Sara Stedy” aid to the unit, supporting safer and more efficient early mobilisation for patients recovering from cardiac events.

The Sara Stedy device enables a single clinician to assist patients with secure sit-to-stand transfers.

It reduces the physical strain on staff while helping patients regain mobility during recovery.

Coronary Care Nurse Unit Manager Janelle Kolk said the equipment was already making a positive difference for both patients and staff.

“Our team is committed to providing safe and respectful care and the new equipment strengthens our ability to do so,” Ms Kolk said.

She said the device also improved the experience for patients, allowing them to move with greater confidence, dignity and comfort as they begin their

rehabilitation.

Heart Health NSW President Bryan Gough said the organisation selected the Sara Stedy because of its practical benefits for everyday clinical care.

“Heart Health is glad to be able to provide the Sara Stedy which allows for safe transfers around the patient room,” Mr Gough said.

The donation continues a long tradition of community fundraising by Heart Health NSW, which has supported cardiac services and rehabilitation across the region for many years.

Hospital staff and

members of the Heart Health NSW community recently gathered at Port Macquarie Base Hospital to unveil a plaque honouring former President and long-time volunteer Doug Short.

Mr Short dedicated years of service to the organisation and played a key role in fundraising for equipment that continues to support cardiac patients today.

Mid North Coast Local Health District extended its thanks to Heart Health NSW Inc for the group’s ongoing commitment to improving cardiac care across the region.

Op-shop calls for support as community demand grows Donation supports cardiac care

Lifeline Shop in

is calling for new volunteers as the organisation works to meet increasing demand for crisis support funding and local community services.

The Wauchope op-shoptogether with Lifeline Shops

NEW data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in the construction industry.

The number of women enrolling in construction trades courses has more than doubled in the five years to 2025, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

Among them is Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen, 19, a promising rugby union junior who fell in love with plumbing while taking a labouring job to support her sporting career.

She now works as a

in Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Wingham and Forster - forms an essential fundraising network for Lifeline Mid Coast and relies heavily on volunteers to keep donations moving and doors open.

Bronwyn, Manager at the Wauchope Lifeline Shop, said community generosity remains strong, but more volunteers are needed to manage the growing workload.

“Every sale in our Lifeline Shop directly supports Lifeline’s life-saving crisis services,” she said.

“More volunteers mean we can process more donations, serve more customers, and ultimately

help more people in crisis.

“Even a small amount of time each week truly makes a difference.”

The Lifeline Shop is currently seeking volunteers for a range of roles, including customer service, donation sorting, merchandising, and truck drivers.

These logistics roles are particularly vital, supporting local pickups and deliveries to ensure quality donations reach the shop floor quickly.

No prior experience is required - just a friendly attitude and a willingness to help.

Volunteers receive training, flexible shifts, and the chance to work alongside what many describe as a

warm, supportive team.

“People join to give back, but they stay because of the friendships they build,” Bronwyn added.

“The Lifeline Shop really becomes a second family.”

Funds raised through Lifeline Shops help support the 13 11 14 crisis line and local mental health services. With demand for crisis support continuing to rise across the Mid Coast region, volunteer involvement is more important than ever.

Anyone interested in joining the team at the Lifeline Shop Wauchope can apply online at lifelinemidcoast.org.au, visit the shop, or call Bronwyn on 6585 2221.

Port ‘tradie’ leading the way for women Timber industry roundtable

TIMBER workers from across regional New South Wales travelled to Parliament House this week for a roundtable with industry and forestry representatives.

Workers are pushing to secure the future of the state’s forestry and timber jobs.

The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) says the two-day roundtable brought together worker representatives, employers

second-year apprentice with Port’s Enjoy Plumbing, and said shifting to the trades was the best decision of her young life.

“I was never really into school, but I was into my footy, and I got exposed to the trades while I was working a labouring job in Brisbane,” she said.

“As I began to learn about plumbing, I just got addicted to it and when I returned to Port, the first thing I did was look for an apprenticeship.”

Ms Alpen’s father and brother are both builders, and another brother is a

and forestry experts to discuss practical solutions to stabilise the industry and support regional communities that depend on timber jobs.

TFTU NSW Secretary Alison Rudman said timber workers wanted the NSW Government to recognise the importance of the industry to regional employment and local manufacturing.

“Timber workers are

qualified painter.

Ms Alpen said gaining additional hands-on skills and knowledge at the Coffs Harbour campus of TAFE NSW has made her a more rounded tradeswoman.

“The teachers are incredibly supportive and if you don’t understand something, they’ll work through it with you at your own pace,” she said.

“And it’s a great networking opportunity getting to know other apprentices who are working all over the Mid-North Coast.”

The construction sector contributes more than $2

proud of the role they play in regional communities and they want to see a strong future for the industry,” Ms Rudman said.

“This roundtable is about bringing workers, employers and experts together to focus on real solutions that protect jobs and support sustainable forestry.”

The union says timber workers are calling for the NSW Government to

billion in annual output to the Port Macquarie Hastings area, employing almost 3400 people, according to Economy ID.

TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins, a qualified electrician, said female participation was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.

“Increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” she said.

prioritise locally grown timber in government construction projects, strengthen the state’s timber supply and invest in skills to ensure the industry remains a major regional employer.

Timber workers are also calling for long-term certainty through extended wood supply agreements and stable demand for timber products, measures the union says are critical for businesses and

“More women on worksites strengthens teams, boosts productivity and supports the long-term future of the industry.”

workers alike.

“The NSW timber industry supports thousands of regional jobs and provides essential materials for housing, construction and infrastructure,” Ms Rudman said.

“Government policy should back local timber, local jobs and local manufacturing.”

The roundtable will also examine workforce development and training pathways to ensure the industry continues to attract

and retain skilled workers in regional areas.

Ms Rudman said the discussions would help shape the union’s advocacy with the NSW Government.

“Our members want secure jobs, strong regional communities and a sustainable timber industry for the future,” she said.

“That means government backing the workers and businesses who grow, harvest and process

Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure

By Robyn WUTH, Tess IKONOMOU and Zac DE SILVA, AAP

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel - more than a month's supply - as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand.

The country is "as prepared as possible" with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days' supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday.

The stockpile includes 2.7 billion litres of diesel, or 30 days of supply, and 800 million litres or 29 days of jet fuel.

Global concerns over the US-Israeli-led war in Iran have fanned fears of fuel shortages, leading to regional supply issues and price hikes.

"We have received all our expected shipping of petrol and diesel that our refineries continue to work, and the supply of petrol has been secure and has been just as expected," Mr Bowen said.

"What we have seen is real and unacceptable shortages in rural and

regional areas in particular, as we've been dealing with a massive explosion in demand - demand up 100 percent at every terminal across Australia.

"This has seen shortages for farmers, for people in regional areas in particular, which the government has been working very hard with the industry to get addressed as quickly as possible."

The government has moved to ease the pain for motorists, releasing up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from emergency reserves to meet regional demand.

NSW will convene an urgent roundtable to address concerns over the impact of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, as its premier urges restraint at the bowsers.

Representatives from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local councils, mining, unions and consumer protection groups were set to meet with government officials on Monday.

"Global events are putting pressure on fuel markets around the world

and we are making sure NSW is prepared as we can be and well co-ordinated if those pressures continue," Premier Chris Minns said.

"I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone but it's important people don't buy more fuel at the bowser than they need."

Iran has closed one of the world's busiest oil corridors - the Strait of Hormuz - in response to the US-led war launched against it, causing a global shortage that has led fuel prices to skyrocket.

Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, according to Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queenslandbased company services 500 businesses.

"We've got a lot of angry customers that want their fuel," he told AAP.

"A lot of them have been pretty good to deal with and understand the situation we're in.

"Every other fuel distributor in the country, we're all the same. It's really impacted our business because we just can't get

Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

TUESDAY 10/03/2026

Number of Players – 20 Game Played –Stableford Winner- Col Hutchings – 36 Points (On count back)

2nd Ian Camejo – 36 Points (Also on count back)

3rd Ken Baldwin - 36 Points -How surprising!!!

4th Ken Gallie - 35 Points (On Count Back)

the volume we require on a normal day."

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has raised the prospect of city rationing to help address the issue.

"It is a crisis," he told ABC Radio on Friday.

Mr Joyce said trucks had to be kept moving to

5th Denis McGrath - 35 points

NTP 4 Denis McGrath

NTP 9 Terry Waterhouse

NTP 11 Warwick Poulton

NTP 15 Steve Vickers

Hastings Ladies Social Golf

By Leonie MULVIHILL

MONDAY 16th March

played at Harrington.

Stableford, 31 players.

Division 1: Winner Gladys Harvey 18 points c/b

Runner Up Gaylene Fielding 18 points

By Julie FRASER

THURSDAY morning social bowls

Lucky winners with the most number of ends were

Patricia Fletcher Faye Paine and Glenda Elford .

Division 2: Winner Lesley Worth 18 points

Runner Up Jenny Thomson 15 points

Division 3: Winner Sue Bodner 19 points

Runner Up Tricia Foran 14 points c/b

Linda Murphy 14 points

Lucky losers with the lowest score were Jenny Wooster , Ita Walker and Pat Coombes

Jackpot no. Was 24

Kylie Hackney who was not there today . The raffle winners

Birdies: Gladys Harvey 6th hole, Gaylene Fielding 1st hole

Gobblers: Carol Walker 7th hole, Gladys Harvey 6th hole

Lucky numbers: Gladys Harvey and Carol Walker

were Heather Bartlett , Ita Walker and Glenda Elford and Doris McKinnon . There will be no trading table on Thursday 19th March 2025 . Due to Ladies Pennants to be played at Wauchope.

ensure food remained on supermarket shelves and other vital services were maintained.

The consumer watchdog has told fuel retailers to respond to claims they dramatically hiked petrol and diesel prices soon after war broke out.

Penalties for false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled to a maximum of $100 million per offence as the crisis deepens. Australia has also relaxed quality standards for the next 60 days to boost the domestic market.

Port Macquarie Sailing Club

By Jeff WALSH

15-3-26

PORT Macquarie Sailing Club was to hold a double header on Sunday, but with no wind, and the river looking like a mirror, the morning race, Race 7 of the Summer Series, was not sailed. Everyone very keenly watched the weather and a variety of weather aps to see if the wind would come in after lunch as predicted, and about 12.30, the first puffs appeared, so everyone got their boats out and rigged up with plans to start the 5th Club Championship race at 1.30, a little earlier that the programmed 2pm start. Jack Corthals and Dave McNeill saw the wind come in from home and both rushed to the club to quickly rig, so the start was delayed until 1.40pm to allow them to make the start. With a reasonable Easterly breeze puffing in under mostly sunny skies and the small tide running out, Paul Robertson set a

great course consisting of a work downriver to a Port buoy off Stevens Street, a reach across to another Port Buoy in the mouth of Limeburners, then a long run up to a 3rd Port Buoy across the river from the Governors Way Canal, and a work back downriver to the start/finish line to complete the lap.

The Arrow cats did 4 laps of the course, and as usual, Frank O’Rourke on ‘Zero’ took both the scratch and handicap wins. Jack Corthals on ‘Crackerjack’ came 2nd on both scratch and handicap, a bit over a minute ahead of Tony Kuhn on ‘Stella’.

The monohulls race was 3 laps of the course with the start made interesting by Steve Bohlsen in his MG14 capsizing almost on the start buoy with less than 2 minutes to go, then finding that the centreboard he polished up to race at Big River 2 weeks prior was now so slippery, he couldn’t get a grip on it to

right the boat (“like trying to climb a cake of soap” was the term I heard), so, after missing the start by quite a way, he retired. This left the usual battle of the Impulses, with Jeff Walsh in ‘Serenity’ winning the start, only be overhauled by Terry Howard in ‘Flying Dragon’ who led the rest of the race to the finish line, only be pipped at the line by 2 seconds by Rob Barwick in ‘Drift’. ‘Serenity’ held on to 3rd place from the never very far behind Steve Couch in his laser ‘Lazybuoy’. Although Simon Gandy in his NS14 ‘Up Beat’ finished just after the first 2 Impulses, the MG14 yardstick relegated him to 5th place. Dave and Hudson McNeill in their Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’ were keeping with the fleet until the jib tack tie-down came loose, so they retired after 2 laps.

‘Flying Dragon’ did manage to win on handicap by 8 seconds ahead of ‘Drift’, then came ‘Serenity’, ‘Lazybuoy’, and ‘Up Beat’.

By Marie WINTER

MONDAY 16th March 2026 there were Social bowlers on 4 rinks for a game at the Wauchope Country Club.

The Runners up lucky marble rink 6 was Mark Farrand, Ken Webb and skip Rose Benjamin

The lucky losers marble rink 2 were Sue Greenfield, Jenny Caller and skip Lachie Ison

The lucky winning marble rink 3 was David Woodlands, Fred De Waard and skip Martin Greenfield.

The Jackpot went to rink 2 who picked 8 but the number was 17 therefore the jackpot will be carried forward.

The raffle prizes were picked up by Ian, Jenny, Pam, John x2 and Sue

By Colin EVERINGHAM

WINNER-Ken Gallie - Net 35 -was on 8 now on 3

2nd - Don Jessop - Net 37

3rd - Colin Blott - Net 40

4th -Ray Marsh - Net 41

5th -Gary Cook - Net 41

6th -Glenn Holt - Net 43

Nearest the pins - 4th Dennis Leembruggen, 9th Ken Gallie

OPINION & LETTERS

Where are the consumer watchdogs?

DEAR News Of The Area,

WAR breaks out in the Middle East and immediately fuel prices in Australia jump.

Within two weeks they rise by more than 50c per litre.

Why?

A Government spokesman states that we have 30 days supply on hand, so for this fortnight we are purchasing fuel at the bowser that is already here, purchased at the lower price per barrel before the war started.

Why the price hike? Greed!

The transnational fuel providers/suppliers are price gouging - ripping off the Australian consumers to increase profits for their shareholders.

What are our Australian price watchdogs doing about it?

Why is this allowed to continue?

There are no winners in war.

We are all losers, including our planet.

Bombs, ballistic missiles and burning oil produce vast amounts of greenhouse gasses that accelerate global warming.

Our world will soon be past the point of no return.

God help us.

Regards, P LEGGE, Laurieton.

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

John 12: 12 & 13 "The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the LORD!""

Plenty of problems

DEAR News Of The Area,

WE are living in dangerous times.

We are facing multiple challenges and many crises.

The Iran war, fossil fuel shortages, climate change, destruction of our precious planet, Russian aggression and our major ally now gone feral.

In Australia we have our own problems.

Inequality, an unfair tax system, unaffordable housing, lack of tradespeople, rural and regional disadvantage, increasing energy demand, lack of modern infrastructure, low productivity and innovation, the list could go on.

Now is not the time for simple solutions to complex problems.

Any party that voters choose must have clear and credible policies to fix these issues.

If they don’t, they won’t get

fixed.

There is no magic wand held by some populist wannabe.

What is needed are careful and considered policies with the aim of creating a more equal, united, resilient, law-abiding, sovereign nation that values community.

We must get billionaires and corporations out of government, listen to the science, and act with humility.

This is slow, hard and at times frustrating work that requires a strong commitment to a reform agenda.

And we need a federal MP who is visible, engaged, and community-focussed. One who leads on these issues, not stays below the radar from one election to the next.

Regards, Harry CREAMER, Port Macquarie.

Why fear campaigns work

SINCE my teens, following the 1973 Arab oil embargo, we have been acutely aware of the finite nature of fossil fuels.

And although scientists have warned that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change for over a century, these concerns have become urgent since the 1980s.

So, in Australia we had in the order of 50 years to transition to more alternative fuel/energy sources.

Meanwhile in the same 50 years, three Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway and Denmark), with a collective population equivalent to Australia (22 million), have achieved over 90 percent low-carbon or renewable electricity generation, utilising hydropower, wind, and bioenergy.

Although Norway and Denmark are major producers of petroleum products, their domestic reliance on oil is decreasing, shifting toward heating and transport.

Importantly, Norway had the

foresight to impose a 78 percent total tax rate on petroleum profits, with 100 percent of net cash flows transferred to its Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is valued at over $1.5 trillion.

So, why is Australia reliant on high-risk imported fossil fuel supplies?

Why didn't we back ourselves to provide local resilient and sustainable solutions to fuel/energy sources?

Focusing on petroleum products, Australia is reliant on petroleum products primarily because our economy is structurally dependent on diesel for freight, mining, and agriculture. Rather than refining our own fuel supplies, we adopted a "Just-in-Time" Strategy with successive governments moving away from maintaining large domestic production to reduce costs, operating instead on a model that relies on constant, daily imports.

But at what real cost?

It was fiscally cheaper - but we exposed ourselves to more supply

On the Couch

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

MY daughter's class is holding a fundraiser to raise funds to paint the play equipment.

I've let the relatives know and now they are getting competitive with their offers.

Kylie G.

Dear Kylie,

Fundraisers used to be done in a clandestine way, much like nanna slipping little Jimmy a cool fifty bucks in an envelope.

No one else got involved, and the exchange was beneficial without being showy.

Money was still raised, but there was no leader chart of donations.

No award for most funds raised. And no public humiliation.

Now things have moved online.

School fundraisers document funds raised in real time, with benevolent relatives able to leave a note for the school and broader community to see.

A fundraiser has, therefore, turned into a version of a sporting carnival (or perhaps The Hunger Games) with competitive relatives raising the stakes in $20 increments.

Nothing quite spurs on a family

than to see that little Georgie is sitting level with the lowest donors, while silver spooner Ollie P is at the top of the charts with online messages like: 'Go, Ollie, we love a good colour run' and "Nanny and Pa love you, Ollie' and 'Colour Me Happy' (from an uncle who clearly hasn't watched Pretty Woman).

Then, before long, Georgie's aunt (a stockbroker by day) ups the ante with a cool $100. It's on! Ollie's Dad, who notices his son is down by $10 makes a further $11 donation in a bid reminiscent of the ratings-winning bidding wars on The Block.

And so, while bank accounts are being depleted faster than oil reserves, the school's P&C sits back and watches the proceedings with glee.

What started as an exercise in raising funds to repaint play equipment has morphed into a whole new range of possibilities.

Gerald, the P&C president calls in an architect to draw up a new concept plan.

A full-scale pirate ship is in the works along with climbing towers, an Olympic pool, and a zipline from the school canteen to the lower carpark.

Mary the treasurer fires up her Excel spreadsheet. Meanwhile, the kids are none the wiser.

They just want to run around being doused by coloured powder. Don't worry about competitiveness, Kylie.

Everyone's a winner in this scenario.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Trump has liberated the oppressed

DEAR News Of The Area,

chain "risk".

We now import over 90 percent of our petroleum fuel needs.

In terms of gas, we are the largest exporter but "forgot" to allocate an appropriate export tax. In fact, the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) - the main tax system for offshore gas - has historically collected very little revenue.

Truly gobsmacking.

So no, this is not Albo's, Scottie's or the migrants’ fault – this is over 50 years in the making. Importantly, Joyce’s regret with hindsight in reducing local fuel reserves and the Hanson/Reinhart promises are just more of the same finite fossil fuel journey.

We need a brave approach which looks beyond a three-year political term and supports our local community, environmental and economic wellbeing.

But are we now ready to be brave?

Regards

Ljubov SIMSON, Mid North Coast.

IN response to letters by Les Mitchell and Dave Wood on Friday 13 March regarding so-called breaches of international law and critique of President Trump liberating thousands of oppressed Iranians, I would have to disagree with everything they wrote.

Iran and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation have been attacking Israel for decades.

Israel has a perfect right to defend itself considering the size of the country is miniscule in relation to the rest of the Middle East.

Iran also supports Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organisations.

Iran was in the process of making nuclear weapons and has threatened America and Israel.

Iran is so reckless there is no doubt there would be a nuclear world war if allowed to make the weapons.

The fact that Iran targeted other Middle Eastern countries who were involved in peace negotiations is proof of their instability.

Trump sent a letter to Iran to

reach a nuclear agreement in 60 days in April 2025 and again in February 2026 to discuss nuclear issues and sanctions.

Iran had plenty of warning.

The school that was attacked was a tragic mistake as the target was presumed to be a military installation on an outdated map.

Some soldiers died with the children but the amount of deaths was exaggerated because satellite imagery shows 50 graves dug, not hundreds.

The Iranian people have been celebrating in the streets in Iran and other countries as their leaders were sadistic to women, oppressive and so incompetent that Iran is almost out of water. This is not because of climate change, it is because of gross mismanagement.

Also, the Trump Administration arrested Nicolas Maduro on criminal charges and freed the Venezuelan people from an oppressive regime.

Again there were celebrations in the streets.

Regards, L CHAPMAN, Mid North Coast.

SUDOKU

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PICNIC 3pce aluminum folding setting exc cond $40. Ph 0481 046 477

FOLDING wheelchair as new. $90. Ph 0431 924 857

FREEDOM FHC mobility walker, GC $60 0499 252 330

LIMITED edition Franklin Mint porcelain plates 3x teddy bear series 1x Thoroughbred. With stands. $90. 0400 993 382

GARDEN leaf blower petrol engine $45 6585 7393

LIMITED edition Franklin Mint teddy bear in North American Indian costume. 40cm tall, posed on a stand Collectors item. $95 0400 993 382

MOBILITY walker, good cond. Pick up PM. $30 0429 434 856

PIERRE Trudeau biography by George Radwanski. $5. Ph 0447 445 319

POLY tarps, grey 1800mm x 2400mm top condition. 3 for $25 or $10 each. Ph 0481 046 477

QUEEN bed, wood and iron, new mattress, used as spare for visitors $200 02 6585 1564. e270326

ROYAL Albert bone china small rose vases $25 for pair 13cm H. Photo’s avaliable 02 6585 1564

689 F230126

ARB accessory awning alcove, $75, like new 0403 820 455

Classified ads 02 4981 8882

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

BREVILLE smoking gun Model BSM600, In original box , used twice $25. 0428 559 572

FLURO light, 60cm wide w/ 2 globes. $30 Ph 0412 004 970 FULL set of 12 wood carving chisels, A1 cond $20. Ph 0481 046 477F200326 COOPERS

brewing complete outfit + 82 Pet beer bottles. $30. Ph 0481 046 477

CORDLESS leaf and grass blower, battery operated, as new, never used $80. Ph 02 6582 2793

CORELLE baking dish, large, pink flowers decorated, $40 6584 4954 F220825

GOLF Balls and Tees x 50. Great Cond $50. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890 F130226

GOLF Iron: Dynacast Up n Downer, stainless steel, 37-degree golf chipper. $30. 0416 135 363

GOLF PGF Men’s Clubs. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 sand wedge, putter. $20 the lot. 0401 031 833

GUITAR Valencia TC40 acoustic guitar with stand also learners literature and CD’s $60 ph 0418 214 394

KNEE scooter, only used for 6 weeks. Sheepskin cover, bag on front. $100 0484 344 174

MOBILITY wheelchair brand new - $220. Ph 0448 840 916.

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

SOLID pine timber TV cabinet. GC. $50. Ph 0400 779 531

STAGHORN large - 2m wide 1m high, $300 ono Ph (02) 6580 3086

WHEELCHAIR, Gilani brand, manual, foldable brand new GC $95 Ph 0412 310 475 SOLD

WOOD turning lathe and motor, 600mm bed $60 Ph 02 6584 9884SOLD

2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle, full annex,

air cond, QB, lots of

$32,000. Rego X91945 0431 736 481

OLD fashioned desk, 6 drawers large, GC. $40 Ph 0459 365 025 ALUMINIUM

CRYSTAL vase, 30cm high, $25. Ph 0401 226 410 F060326

DONEGAL Parian China Claddagh Design 1 mug, 2 vases. $10 each. 0447 445 319F150825

EXERCISE bike VGC hardly used. Includes monitors. BK1. $300 0412 380 943. Colleen

LEAD Cystal decanter (large) $30 0447 122 829

OLYMPUS MU camera 5x optical zoom with charging table $20 0435 838 917 SOLD

PAVERS, approx 500 23x19cm. $450. 0402 226 002.

SURF SKIS / KAYAK Huki ocean racing ski 11kg $400. Spectrum surf ski $200. Kayak 3.5m with rudder. Ph 0413 923 043 or 0418 437 957.

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242

WALKER, Deluxe Seat KCare, brand new, still in wrap. $100. Ph 0421 512 431

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

SEVEN, 7pm

A Friday-night fixture for the past 20 years, there’s now a double dose of home inspiration as this lifestyle staple branches out to Saturday evenings as well. That means twice as many renter-friendly DIYs, tasty tricks to try in the kitchen, pet care solutions and landscaping ideas. Host Johanna Griggs says the new schedule means “more house calls than Dr Harry” as the team showcase extraordinary properties and gardens from around the country. In this instalment, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love (both pictured) enlist the help of Dr Harry Cooper for a pet project.

FRIDAY, March 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The Professor investigates a woman’s death.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGds, R)

10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R)

12.00 Smother. (Mlv, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

MONDAY

9-1-1

SEVEN, 8.40pm

From a billionaire caught in the mouth of a humpback whale to an outer-space emergency and a giant Jack-o’-Lantern, the ninth season of this first responder drama seems to have given up entirely on believability. Monday’s instalment, titled “War”, changes all that. Bringing the team back down to earth, the heavy-hitting hour deals with internal conflict at Station 118. Following his dismissal of Hen (Aisha Hinds), Chimney (Kenneth Choi) comes under fire from Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured) and Buck (Oliver Stark), but Eddie (Ryan Guzman) supports his captain’s decision. Meanwhile, in dispatch, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is unsettled by a new AI assistant programmed to use her voice.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. (R) 9.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens. (PG, R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Sisi. (MA15+as) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R) 2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R) 3.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

TUESDAY

THE MATTER OF FACTS

On the 1949 release of George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, the notion of rewriting history and events to fit political narratives was a daunting prospect to most of the Western world. In 2026, an era rife with social media trolls, AI chatbots and international campaigns designed to undermine our faith in facts, Orwell’s world is no longer far from our reality. Award-winning journalist Hamish Macdonald (pictured) wades into the fray in this compelling three-part documentary, heading to the frontline of the global information wars to explore how disinformation travels through the digital ecosystem. Tuesday’s premiere examines the effects of modern technology on our brains and belief systems.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: The Dressmaker. (2015, Malsv, R) After a woman returns to her home town in the Australian outback, old rivalries are reignited. Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth.

10.30 MOVIE: About A Boy. (2002, Mal, R) An immature man befriends a young boy. Hugh Grant, Toni Collette. 12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) Dylan O’Brien.

12.55 Fishing Australia. (R)

1.25 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+.

6.30

SATURDAY, March 21

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Final, Mav, R) 2.05 David Attenborough’s First Life. (R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (R) 3.50 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (Final, PGl, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

Catherine finds herself entangled in a case when an old friend becomes a murder suspect. 9.40 Frauds. (Md, R) Follows a woman fresh out of prison. 10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG, R)

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+av, R)

1.05 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R)

2.55 Nazi Death Marches. (PGav, R)

3.55 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, March 22

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.40 Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me. (PG, R) 4.30 Creative Types. (PG, R)

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml) William struggles with his confinement.

8.50 Frauds. (Mls) Bert reveals her master plan.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)

10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Sweet Country. (2017, MA15+v, R)

12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Race For Ancient Egypt In Colour.

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci: The Disciple Of Experience Pt 2. (PG, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PG, R)

11.20 History Of The Sitcom. (MA15+l, R)

2.30 The Sculpture. (PGav, R)

3.55 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012, Mv, R) A secret agent, who specialises in policing aliens living on Earth, must travel back in time to save the planet. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin. 10.10 MOVIE: Knock At The Cabin. (2023, Malv) A family is taken hostage. Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff. 12.10 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PGan, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Malv, R) A mission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers. Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance. 10.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017, MA15+asv, R) 12.45 Epic Builds. (R) 1.35 Open For Inspection. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Final. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 11.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 12.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team works to prove a landlord’s culpability after a building collapse leaves

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.10 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Hosted by Ant and Dec.

9.30 The Hunters: Beaumont Children Mystery. (Mav, R)

11.00 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madlv, R)

12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv) 11.00 The First 48. (Ma, R) 11.50 A Killer Makes A Call: Lewis. (MA15+av, R) 12.40 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGav, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

MONDAY, March 23

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 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. (PGal) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.40 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.45 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. (Return) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am The Movie

Show. 6.15 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.10 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 10.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 11.55 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 2.30pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 4.05 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.55 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.30 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 10.05 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 11.55 Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) 1.30am A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish) 3.25 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 24

A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.00 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PG)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adv, R)

11.55 Wolf. (Mals, R) 2.10 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Chimney grapples with his decision.

9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.

10.40 The Agenda Setters.

11.40 Autopsy USA. (Mav, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by  Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 Doc. (Ma) The hospital brings in the FBI.

9.40 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A trapped crash victim needs rescuing. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 Dirty John. (MA15+v)

Travel Oz. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Sunrise Early News.

Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.

A Current Affair.

10.00

11.00 Innovation Nation. 11.10 Snackmasters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

6am Selkie. (2000, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.25 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 10.00 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 12.35pm Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 2.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.15 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.55 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 7.30 Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 9.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.15am The Son. (2022, M) 2.25 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 4.10 A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish)

WEDNESDAY, March 25

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Face To Face. (Mal)

11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+sv)

2.35 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)

3.40 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00

THURSDAY,

WorldWatch.

The Movie Show. 12.15pm WorldWatch.

Rivals. 1.40 Appetite. 2.50 Cook Up Bitesize. 3.00 News. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.05 Alone Denmark. 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 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.50

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie

Show. 7.05 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.45 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 10.20 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 1pm Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 6.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.00 Fallen Leaves. (2023, Finnish) 9.30 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 11.40 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.15am Late Programs.

March 26

Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.40 A Spy Among Friends. (Final, MA15+)

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 In Memoriam. (Madls)

12.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as, R)

Business. (R)

Sister Boniface Mysteries. (M, R)

Gardening Australia. (R)

A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40

2.25 Silent Road. (Mav, R)

4.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

Morning

1.55 Fashionista. 2.05 Insight. 3.05

3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 Alone Denmark. 6.20 The Curse Of Oak Island. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 12.55am The Swiping Game. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 4. 3.20 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.05 Discovering Film. 8.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.00 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 12.10pm The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.40 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.10 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 5.45 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 7.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 9.45 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

1 IN 20 KIDS NEED

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by  Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 To Be Advised.

10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

Next Stop. (R)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Hello SA. (PG)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 My Way. 11.10 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.10pm MOVIE: Next-Door Nightmare. (2021, M) 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 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) Flat-tyres ruin some Christmas cheer.

8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016, Mls, R) Bridget Jones becomes pregnant. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth. 11.10 To Be Advised.

12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 The Zoo. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.

7MATE (64) 7MATE (64)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Talking Honey. 11.10 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.10pm MOVIE: You Can’t Take My Daughter. (2020, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Reloaded. (2003, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 11.40 Late Programs.

Port Macquarie Panthers

Rock and Roll Dance Club

Port Macquarie Seniors Hall, 42 Munster St Every Thursday. Doors open 6.30pm

All welcome-come along and join the fun

Nippers impress

By Rachael THORPE

NIPPERS stole the show at the Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Championships held on 7-8 March at Flynns and Lighthouse beaches.

Edie Burgess, Royce Negus and Ralph Ward represented the Camden Haven SLSC, accumulating a huge 20 competition points between them.

Nicole Crowe, Director of Administration and Head of Junior Activities for the club, told News Of The Area, “There are three carnivals a year, this one is the largest.

“It was great to watch the kids competing and seeing the black and white caps race through the water.

“I really hope that this will inspire more young ones to join us next year.”

Categories included swimming,

paddleboarding, sprints and flags, with Ralph making the finals in his events and Edie and Royce both taking home medals.

A delighted Ralph told News Of The Area, “I had a great day, it was just amazing and spectacular.”

Edie and Ralph attend St Joseph’s Primary School and Royce goes to St Columba Anglican School, with all three joining the Camden Haven club in the last two years.

Nippers have been a part of Australian coastal life since the 1920s, with a formal nationwide rollout commencing in the 1960s.

The development program teaches young people aged five to fourteen surf safety, surf sports, and lifesaving skills, with the aim to be a primary pipeline for future surf lifesavers.