Port Macquarie News Of The Area 24 APRIL 2026

By Sue STEPHENSON

The

Over

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Warning after extreme weather's financial toll revealed

By Andrew STA FFORD, AAP

AUSTRALIANS are counting the ballooning cost of extreme weather events after they caused almost $5 billion in insured losses in 2025, more than 700 percent up on the previous year.

And the financial toll is only expected to get worse, with independent analysis indicating it could blow out to $35 billion annually by 2050.

The eye-watering sum was revealed by the Insurance Council of Australia, with worrying implications for higher premiums and the insurability of properties, especially in flood-prone areas.

Five extreme weather events including a cyclone and major hailstorms prompted 294,000 insurance claims in 2025, the council said.

Queensland was the source of the vast bulk of claims, making up a whopping $4.18 billion

out of the $4.8 billion national total in insured losses.

It was the largest insured loss damage bill the state had recorded in more than a decade, eclipsing the $3 billion caused by devastating 2022 floods.

NSW incurred the remaining $539 million in 2025 claims.

The year featured north Queensland floods in February, Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March, NSW's mid north coast floods in May and two severe hailstorms in October and November.

The estimated cost of flooding and damage from Tropical Cyclone Alfred from February 28 to March 11 was estimated at $1.5 billion and was the source of 133,000 claims.

However, the costliest event was hailstorms in Queensland and NSW in late November, which generated almost 93,000 claims totalling $1.7 billion.

Claims were made

for damage varying from dents on car roofs and smashed windscreens to uprooted trees and inundated homes.

The total economic cost of extreme weather events in 2025, including insured losses and broader economic costs, was estimated to be more than $8.6 billion, the council said.

Insured losses from extreme weather stood at $2.35 billion in 2023 and $585 million in 2024 - underscoring the insurance industry's difficulty in forecasting losses from one year to the next.

The council had previously estimated the cost of 2025's extreme weather at $3.5 billion.

Insurance Council of Australia deputy chief Kylie Macfarlane said the toll of extreme weather may only get worse.

"According to independent analysis undertaken for the Insurance Council in 2022, the cost of extreme

FLOOD FUNDING

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waste removal projects managed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

This fund will target removing hazardous debris from riverbanks and land that requires specialised equipment.

A further $8.8 million will be dedicated to repairing riverbanks (riparian zones) and coastal areas, including critical work on the Manning Point spur wall.

We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions.

A

weather events is projected to grow by five per cent each year and reach a total of at least $35 billion annually by 2050," she told AAP.

"Compounding this, inflationary pressure, particularly in the construction sector, is making it more expensive to rebuild and repair, with costs flowing directly through to insurance premiums."

Ms Macfarlane said extreme weather's unpredictability and intensity demonstrated the urgent need for

authorities to invest in mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities.

"Keeping insurance affordable and accessible will require governments at all levels to strengthen the resilience of homes, businesses and communities, reform land use planning, and support Australia's transition to net zero," she said in a statement.

Costs were expected to increase further due not just to climate risk but to a volatile geopolitical environment, with supply chain issues caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the council said.

$5.61 million will extend grants for small businesses and nonprofits.

An additional grant of up to $25,000 will be available through Service NSW in the coming weeks - lifting the maximum available support to $50,000.

These are specifically for businesses and notfor-profit organisations that suffered direct damage as a result of the severe weather event in May last year.

The grant will contribute towards extraordinary clean-up, repair and restoration of damaged business premises and assets including damaged equipment, flooring and walls.

Another $7.2 million will support community recovery and resilience activities including the funding of Engagement and Resilience Coordinators to support councils’ work with communities.

$1.9 million will go towards disaster legal services and $4.2 million will be directed to mental health support.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP said, “People across the Mid North Coast were hit hard by these back-to-back severe weather events, which caused widespread disruption and damage to homes, businesses, and the environment.

“As I said at the start of this event in May last year, recovery is a long haul; it is not days and weeks, it is months and years.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said, “This additional funding package will provide that practical on the ground support so the communities of the Mid North Coast can continue to rebuild their lives.”

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has welcomed the announcement of increased grants for small businesses.

“For our small business owners who have worked tirelessly to recover – often having to dip into their savings just to keep their doors open – this support was a long time coming and will make a genuine difference.

“The support provided mirrors what was delivered in previous flood events and reflects the true burden of flood damage.”

“From the very beginning, small business owners have been calling for the support they need to rebuild and strengthen their resilience,” Mr Kemp said.

“They campaigned hard, and today we are finally seeing that effort pay off.”

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said while the funding is a positive step forward, serious concerns remain about the timing of the support, coming nearly one year after the floods.

“This funding is welcome, but it has taken far too long to arrive. It’s been like extracting blood from a stone,” Ms Penfold said.

“In that time, we have seen businesses close, families struggle, and a community forced to carry the burden largely on its own.”

The announcement follows sustained community pressure for the full $50,000, including a flood rally held on 29 June 2025 at the Kempsey Racecourse.

By Bill HARROW

PORT Macquarie residents are being encouraged to have a “final say” on the proposed ocean pool at Oxley Beach ahead of a Council vote on the project.

Spokesperson Paul Adams told media on Monday 20 April that the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee (PMTPC) had launched a new survey to demonstrate the community’s level of support.

“We are very confident the planning proposal will

go ahead because councillors should be listening to what the community wants,” he told News Of The Area.

Previous surveys conducted by the committee returned positive results.

“We need to be mindful that they have been internally conducted and are only useful as a guide,” Mr Adams clarified.

“However, coming up to the Council vote, an independently conducted survey would provide the most accurate indicator of

support.”

The current survey can be accessed via the ocean pool committee’s website and is being conducted by external consultants, Umwelt.

Mr Adams said that because Oxley Beach is protected, structures are prohibited.

The planning proposal before Port MacquarieHastings Council seeks permission to use the beach.

It is accompanied by 21 separate reports relating to Aboriginal heritage, the environment and ecology, and technical reports regarding parking and traffic.

The planning proposal was submitted towards the end of September last year with initial Council comments received just before Christmas.

Since then, the ocean pool committee has been attending to requests for further information.

Mr Adams said that should Council approve the planning proposal, it will then be referred to the Planning Commission for a “gateway

Council statement on ocean pool Survey ahead of ocean pool vote

CONCERNS related to the community’s understanding of the Ocean Pool proposal for Oxley Beach, have prompted Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to release the following public statement.

PMHC Statement In-light of ongoing community interest and media attention regarding the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Project, Port Macquarie Hastings Council wishes to update the community about

the status of the project proposal and the planning pathway process.

The Port Macquarie Ocean Pool Project is a communityled initiative, driven by the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee (PMTPC), which was established in 2016.

It is important to note that this project is not a Council project, and Council has a position of non-involvement in the development, funding, or delivery of the Ocean Pool.

The proposal is currently at a preliminary statutory planning stage, known as a Planning Proposal.

This process considers whether changes to planning controls, such as zonings and permissible land uses, are appropriate before progressing to the Development Application (DA) stage.

decision”.

This is a NSW Government process determining if a project can proceed.

The next step would be to submit a development application with all the finer details of the engineering,

At this time, no DA has been lodged with Council.

Under NSW planning legislation, Council’s current role is to assess whether the proposal demonstrates sufficient strategic merit to proceed further.

If Council determines that the Planning Proposal should progress, it is then referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for a Gateway Determination.

Only if a Gateway Determination is issued would the proposal move to a formal public exhibition phase.

This is the stage of the process that would provide the opportunity for community feedback to Council before any decision is made on amendments to planning controls.

building works and all the specific architectural details.

The land for the proposed pool is jointly owned by Council and Crown Lands.

Council is the consenting authority.

Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer attended Monday’s media briefing and said that should Council approve the planning proposal, and the community demonstrate that the pool is wanted, he will lend his support at a state level.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council General Manager Robert Fish said that the planning process is governed by NSW legislation and that there is currently no fixed timeline on the pathway approval process.

“The full planning process for the Ocean Tidal Pool will be governed by NSW legislation and Council’s Planning Proposal Policy, ensuring the assessment process follows a consistent, transparent and evidencebased approach,” Mr Fish said.

“Council is not currently in a position to consider or comment on the project or community feedback until we receive and have assessed all requested information, and a report is presented to a future Council meeting for Councillors’ consideration.”

“Council’s prior considerations included providing in principle support to enable commencement of planning processes only, but clearly outlined that this did not imply or commit Council to funding the project, future ownership or operational responsibility and ongoing maintenance.”

Council has already assessed and approved a development application for the future Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre, and this project remains Council's highest priority recreational infrastructure project.

Council remains committed to continue sourcing funding to help deliver the project as the current pool facility is approaching end of life.

Further information, including a fact sheet on Council’s position on the project and the approval pathway process, can be found on council’s website.

Still no firm timeline on Regional Rail fleet

By John WATTS

WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet.

“A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications on

the NSW and Australian rail networks,” said NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks.

When complete, the Regional Rail fleet will consist of 29 new trains, featuring 117 carriages.

Ten long regional and nine short regional trains will replace the current XPT and XPLORER services, and 10 regional intercity trains will replace most of the current Endeavour fleet.

According to a

Transport for NSW project update on 8 April, the new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to arrive, with ten trains now in Australia.

“All long regional trains are manufactured, half of the short regional trains are manufactured, and production is underway on every remaining carriage,” the update read.

“Testing is also progressing with two trains undertaking intensive testing across electrified and non-electrified networks, trialling the bimode capability using both overhead electric and diesel power – an Australian first for passenger rail.”

Signage recognises importance of flying foxes

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has recognised the importance of the flying fox community at Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve to the local ecosystem.

On 17 April, the International Day of the Bat, new signage and First Nations artwork was launched at the reserve.

In a joint project between PMHC’s environment and cultural teams, the signage includes English and the local Gathang language, in which Gulanbung is translated as “place associated with many bats”.

It was later anglicised to Kooloonbung Creek.

Mayor Adam Roberts was at the launch and recognised the work of local volunteers, the Friends of Kooloonbung Creek and PMHC staff.

“I recognise that they play an integral role in

forest regeneration through pollination and seed dispersal which is invaluable to the survival of many of our endangered species, including our much-loved koalas,”

Mayor Roberts said.

Jake Simon, a Worimi-Biripi artist, was commissioned by PMHC to design a flying fox motif that he describes as being “in reverent tribute to the Birpai people and the sacred Kooloonbung Creek reserve”.

“I have woven a narrative into this artwork that embodies the essence of land, sea and sky, with the central figure being the majestic flying fox,” Jake said.

“Within the bat’s form, delicate motifs capture the spirit of Birpai country, intricately illustrating the vibrant tapestry of their surroundings.

“This piece is a spiritual and cultural homage,

In the meantime, following a recent upgrade of the existing XPT fleet, Sydney to Grafton train services will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am, while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 05.15am service.

reflecting the deep connection of the First Nations people to their heritage.”

Byron Reynolds, a PMHC ecologist, explained that the large colony of flying foxeswhich can swell to 100,000 depending on the seasoncombined three species, being black, grey-headed and little red flying foxes.

“From March to April, numbers can grow to more than 100,000, due to the flowering of Broadleaf Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquinervia) that the flying foxes feed on,” Byron said.

“Recently we had approximately 50,000 little red flying foxes who have just left for Queensland where they birth their babies.

“Little Reds are incredible creatures and travel here from Queensland in search of prolific flowering events and feeding almost exclusively on nectar.

“They are like backpackers working their way up and down the eastern coast.”

Due to Kooloonbung Creek being a sensitive environmental area, PMHC’s bridge team re-purposed recycled bridge hardwood timbers that the signs have been manually mounted on.

This was done instead of using concrete and is required under environmental plans.

Regulars rally behind Breakwall HQ’s Bec Howard

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now shelved breakwall replacement, and kept the town caffeinated during floods, the pandemic and the Black Summer of 20192020.

When news spread that she was being moved on, the community made it clear it hadn’t forgotten her efforts.

“Very sad for a great local operator. Is it always about the money?” Jenny Dykstra shared on a post that, at last count, attracted 200 more comments.

Others included: “Favourite cafe, jobs for so many good young people, who never fail to make people feel good”.

“This is abhorrent. So disappointing for our community.”

“Bec has set the standard not only for locals but visitors from all over the world.”

And, “Bec [I] will miss seeing your beautiful smile, as will so many others. You should be very proud of your success. It won't be the same without you.”

Speaking to News Of The Area, Bec said she was “absolutely overwhelmed” by the support she has received.

“It shows that I have definitely achieved what I set out to do, which is to make an impact on the community through my business.”

Bec said she has never had compliance issues or complaints.

Despite this, Council said in a statement that a new five-year lease for the North Town Beach Kiosk (Breakwall), “will be entered into with East Audley Pty Ltd”.

It thanked Bec for her “contributions and services… to the community”.

“During that time the kiosk has become a wellloved stop for locals and visitors alike, providing a welcoming place to gather while enjoying one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic coastal locations,” Group Manager Liveable Communities, Lucilla Marshall said.

To facilitate a “respectful transition”, a three-month changeover period was

offered.

Breakwall HQ’s was the only one of three Council managed leases to change hands.

The current operators of Salty Crew Kiosk at Town Beach and Bonny’s Cafe at the Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club have been renewed for another five years.

With all three lease agreements expiring, Council said it initiated a competitive EOI process to ensure a fair and transparent allocation.

“The EOI had a focus on offering Council competitive market rental, refurbishment works and compliant applications.

“Submissions were assessed against predetermined criteria including compliance with submission requirements, relevant experience, service offering, financial return, proposed refurbishment, and broader community benefit.

“All three successful operators demonstrated the strongest applications that best met the requirements of these criteria.”

Artists’ comeback a success

By Sue STEPHENSON

success”.

More than 400 people visited the club over the

Easter long weekend to view the works of Caroline Baker, Debbie Sarkoezy, Linda Lockyer, Brian Barker, Julie Mills, Jan Wilson, Karen Cornish, Rita Carosi, Graeme Cox, Sue Poleweski Jones and Thelma Farmer.

The exhibition represented the group’s “comeback” after a six-year break.

“There was a lovely, vibrant atmosphere throughout the four-day event,” Rita Carosi told News Of The Area.

“The opening on Easter Saturday was very well

attended.

“Brian Barker welcomed our guests and introduced David Trotter, President of the WBHSLS Club, who officially opened the exhibition.

“On Sunday afternoon, visitors also enjoyed a painting demonstration by Brian, which generated a great deal of interest.”

Rita said that as a result of this “wonderful outcome” the group was able to donate more than $1,200 to the surf club.

They now hope to do it again next year.

Thrumster pathway petition

By Rachael THORPE

AT Port Macquarie-

Hastings Council’s (PMHC) open forum on 13 April, residents Jeff Woodgate and Lynette Hawken presented a petition and spoke on the need for improved pathways in Thrumster.

The petition, containing 294 signatures, was tabled at the Council meeting on 16 April.

By Rachael THORPE

EACH year the NDIS funds almost $600 million dollars for the purchase and maintenance of assistive technology such as wheelchairs.

But as the scheme continues to experience cost blowouts and participants wait up to a year for wheelchairs to be funded, millions of dollars’ worth of equipment is going to waste.

For Wauchope resident Lorraine Battle, this presented a challenge after

her 51-year-old son Brett passed away two months ago.

“Brett was an incredibly brave person who went through so much and displayed immense strength,” she said.

“He really did live up to his surname.

“He had a unique sense of humour, and a love of books and vinyl records.”

Lorraine didn’t want Brett’s TiLite wheelchair to gather dust in storage, particularly after seeing how much joy he got from using it.

However, there is no

formal scheme for recycling or passing on mobility items and some online marketplaces ban the sale of anything they view as medically related.

For safety and comfort, a wheelchair needs to be scripted or customised to the individual but when needs change, they become obsolete.

This results in garages full of unused equipment.

Lorraine contacted local occupational therapist Nick Reginato for help.

She was delighted that he was able to refurbish

Brett’s wheelchair and other equipment for use by somebody else.

Brett was born with medical conditions that affected his entire life.

In his younger years he enjoyed working in a bookshop in Newcastle,

It requests that Council provide walkways in Thrumster that would provide safe pedestrian access to traffic lights at the intersection of John Oxley Drive and Carlie Jane Drive.

This would allow pedestrians to safely cross John Oxley Drive to access both schools and shops.

Councillor Hamish Tubman moved a motion seconded by Cr Nik Lipovac that the petition’s sponsors be advised that their objectives have already been identified.

“Things are happening and there are plans to address those concerns,” Cr Tubman told the meeting.

“For the parts not addressed by the plan, please continue to put in submissions.”

The motion was passed unanimously 8-0.

Council staff have identified the link as a medium-term priority in PMHC’s Walking and Cycling Plan. They noted that the pathways await funding from limited internal and external sources, and that there are a number of other missing links and gaps in the network that have been assessed as more critical.

followed by a period studying hairdressing.

But as his health declined, he returned home to his family.

Multiple hospital stays followed, and ultimately, he lost one leg, which necessitated the use of a

wheelchair and the assistance of support workers, like Nichole Budin.

“Brett always said when your wheelchair gives you part of your life back, you really learn to appreciate it, and he loved whizzing around in it,” Nichole said.

An insight into the world of aviation

THE public will have a rare opportunity to step inside the world of aviation when the Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) Aviation Expo opens the hangars at Port Macquarie Airport to visitors on Sunday 26 April.

Hosted in partnership with the Australian International Aviation College (AIAC), the free Aviation Expo will run from 9am to 2pm.

Visitors will be able to

walk among aircraft, meet pilots, explore aviation displays and learn about flying training pathways, while gaining a behindthe-scenes look at airport operations.

HDFC president Rod Davison said the event is about sharing aviation with the wider community.

“The Hastings District Flying Club has been part of Port Macquarie’s aviation story for 68 years,” he said.

“Opening the hangars allows the community to come in, meet the pilots and see the aircraft up close.

“For many young visitors, it may be their first experience sitting inside a cockpit, and that moment can spark a lifelong interest in aviation.”

The event also highlights opportunities for those considering aviation careers.

AIAC CEO Todd Liu said the Aviation Expo helps

people realise that a career in aviation can begin locally.

“Many people think becoming a pilot is out of reach, but every pilot begins with curiosity and a first step.

“Events like the HDFC Aviation Expo allow people to explore aviation up close, ask questions and discover how training pathways can lead to professional flying careers.”

EOIs open for community grants

EXPRESSIONS of Interest

(EOIs) are now open for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants Program, with up to $450,000 available for projects in each electorate.

State MPs are urging community groups, councils and not-for-profit organisations to take advantage of the funding opportunity and put forward

projects that will strengthen local communities.

“The CBP program consistently delivers for our region by improving facilities, supporting local groups, and helping build stronger, more

connected communities,” Oxley MP Michael Kemp said.

Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer described the program as a key driver of local infrastructure investment and community development.

From craft store to community hub

By Rachael THORPE

FOR California-born Dawn Tindall, Australia was just going to be one stop of several on a working holiday.

But meeting her now husband and falling in love with the country and its people, meant a change of plans.

The couple and their daughter now call Port Macquarie home.

With a background in education and disability, Dawn is passionate about sustainable economies, which led to her setting up

the store Community Crafts in the Colonial Arcade.

The original goal was to create a space where people could donate unwanted craft items that could be sold on at a small cost, keeping unwanted products out of landfill while allowing consumers on a budget to purchase crafty wares.

What Dawn didn’t anticipate was the shop becoming a community hub, where locals would gather looking for community connection and assistance with accessing social services.

“We receive a lot of

donations from people who are about to be made homeless,” she said.

“We have also become a safe space for some marginalised sections of society; we’re no longer just a craft shop.

“I cover most of the operating costs of the store and have help from volunteers to sort the donated items.

“Currently I’m putting together a craft directory for the local area, but my long-term goal is to build a cooperative that is circular in nature.”

Air conditioning,

accessibility for wheelchairs, and the availability of hot drinks, sees locals popping in for a chat, and workers from nearby businesses eating their lunch at the tables and chairs in the centre of the store.

Recognising the growing need, Dawn has applied for a social work student to be allocated to the shop two days a week to liaise with those needing referrals to additional services.

The shop regularly hosts craft classes as well as a local board game group.

“The Community Building Partnerships grants directly benefit our community, often creating local jobs and increasing business opportunities, while at the same time enhancing local investment across the Port Macquarie electorate,” he said.

“The program has consistently delivered practical upgrades that make a real difference whether it’s improving local sporting facilities, upgrading community halls, or enhancing accessibility for residents.”

The statewide program is investing $41 million in 2026 to support community infrastructure projects, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 available for

individual initiatives.

Eligible projects include capital works such as the construction, refurbishment or maintenance of community facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment and vehicles that directly benefit the community.

The 2026 round will be delivered through a new twostage application process, beginning with an EOI.

EOIs close at 5pm on Friday, 8 May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the end of June 2026, with successful projects to be announced in early 2027.

For further details on eligibility, project guidelines, and application submission, visit https://www.nsw.gov. au/grants-and-funding/ community-buildingpartnership/communitybuilding-partnership-2026

Fire safety education opportunity

FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will be throwing its doors open to the public again next month with important safety advice for adults and fun opportunities for the kids.

Port Macquarie Fire Station will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 9 May, showcasing its fire trucks, equipment and

highly-trained firefighters.

There will be a range of free activities on offer including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations.

Firefighters will be on hand to answer questions about home fire safety, smoke alarms and the risks relating to lithium-

ion batteries.

FRNSW Station Officer Tim George said the Open Day is a terrific opportunity for firefighters to interact with the community they serve.

“Come along for an exciting day out, get a close up look at our fire trucks, learn how we operate and ask us about

safety advice or even how to join,” he said.

“We are happy to provide advice about how to make your home safe from fire and how to prevent a lithium-ion battery from overheating.

“Lithium-ion batteries aren’t just found in e-bikes, they’re used to power almost everything

portable from an electric toothbrush to a stick vacuum cleaner.

“We can discuss the best safeguards to avoid a kitchen fire or help you create a home fire escape plan.”

Visitors to the Open Day can also book in a free safety visit from FRNSW staff.

High-speed wahoo and surprising lake snapper

By Kate SHELTON

THE weather should be good for the long weekend with opportunities for a fish on Sunday and Monday, making it a prime time to explore the local systems.

In the Hastings region, bream fishing has been a major highlight lately.

Night sessions using mullet strips have proven most effective, while daytime lure enthusiasts are finding success with spinner blades, soft vibes, and crab imitations in spots like Limeburners Creek, the Coal Wall, and further upriver.

On the beaches, North Shore has been holding strong numbers of tailor for those using metal lures, while the Lighthouse and Oxley areas provide consistent bream catches during calmer spells.

Offshore, snapper are biting well with expectations rising as winter nears, and pearl perch are showing up off Point Plomer and Lighthouse Beach.

Deep drop anglers are also finding success with blue eye and bar cod out wide.

Moving south to the Camden Haven, the rock fishing scene is looking promising despite some recent swell.

Tailor are biting aggressively at Perpendicular Point, Bonny Hills, and Crowdy Head. Mulloway numbers are also on the rise off the ledges, with fish ranging from 4kg to 15kg, alongside plenty of drummer for those using prawns or cunjevoi.

For those preferring lighter tackle, luderick are readily available on weed bait.

Offshore conditions are shaping up well for a variety of desirable species; snapper fishing is exceptionally good for this early in the season, and pearl perch are being caught consistently off Lake Cathie and Crowdy Head.

Anglers can also expect

bonus catches of teraglin and kingfish to round out their haul.In the Macleay River region, there are some great fishing opportunities to be had from both the shore and the sea.

Shore-based anglers are landing good-sized bream

and the occasional flathead off the breakwalls.

For those heading offshore, kingfish are being caught on the deeper reefs off Crescent Head when conditions allow.

Further north, the inshore reefs are producing

Push-ups for better mental health

By Sis HIGGINS

LIFELINE Mid Coast is urging locals to register now for The Push-Up Challenge, Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event.

The tenth annual challenge runs from 3 to 26 June.

Community members are encouraged to sign up as individuals or teams, with funds raised directly supporting Lifeline Mid Coast’s vital local services.

Lifeline Mid Coast CEO Catherine Vaara said

registering for the challenge is a powerful way to make a difference.

“The Push-Up Challenge isn’t really about push-ups, it’s about starting conversations, breaking stigma, and reminding people that mental health affects every family, every workplace, and every one of us.

“From our Lifeline Mid Coast Centre, our team answered around 26,000 calls last year.

“Behind every number is a real person reaching out for crisis support, and that

care extends beyond the phones through the support programs, community education, and training we deliver here for local people.

“This challenge helps ensure we can continue to provide local support when it’s needed most.”

Participants of all ages and abilities can take part while raising funds, with daily targets linked to important mental health facts.

Individuals aim to complete 3,307 push-ups across 24 days to honour the 3,307 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024.

Those who find pushups too challenging can set a personalised goal, substituting exercises such as sit-ups or squats.

“I haven’t done many push-ups in my life, but I’ll be stepping up and taking part, and I invite others to join me,” said Catherine.

“Together, we can show that mental health is something we stand up for as a community.”

Founder Nick Hudson said

the event has already made a significant national impact.

“What started as a simple fitness challenge has grown into a fun way for every Australian to connect with their community, get fit, learn about mental health and honour the lives tragically lost to suicide.”

As the challenge enters its tenth year, it has already encouraged more than one million Australians to take a proactive approach to their fitness and mental wellbeing. It has raised more than $60 million for mental health services nationwide, with organisers expecting those

decent-sized snapper and tasty tuskfish, making for a rewarding trip. With the favourable forecast for the weekend, it’s a fantastic time to get the gear ready and hit your favourite local hotspot.

numbers to continue to grow. By registering through Lifeline Mid Coast, participants ensure funds raised stay within the region, helping to deliver crisis support, education and community programs.

To register visit the Lifeline Mid Coast website: lifelinemidcoast.org.au/pushup-challenge.

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Karen’s desire for inclusivity

By Sis HIGGINS

KAREN Faichney has long been driven by a desire to strengthen connections across the Port Macquarie community.

Growing up in the region, she developed a deep appreciation for its strong sense of belonging, something that continues to guide her volunteer work today.

“I grew up in the Port Macquarie area and have always loved the strong sense of community here,” Karen said.

“Seeing that not everyone

has the same support inspired me to get involved… helping people feel supported, included and connected.”

Karen contributes her time across multiple organisations, supporting people experiencing homelessness while also championing inclusion through the arts.

Through Make a Difference PMQ, she helps coordinate volunteers and delivers practical support including meals, clothing and food hampers.

She is also involved with Queer Screen, helping bring LGBTQIA+ events and

representation to the Mid North Coast.

“What I enjoy most is seeing how much difference a small act of kindness can make,” she said.

“Whether it is supporting someone doing it tough or helping people feel seen and represented.

“It is incredibly rewarding.”

Karen’s efforts have helped strengthen both services and community awareness, particularly over the past five years.

She is proud of helping grow the volunteer program at Make a Difference PMQ,

while also supporting the expansion of Queer Screen events locally.

Looking ahead, she hopes to see even greater collaboration and compassion across the region.

“I would love to see our communities continue to become even more connected, inclusive and compassionate,” she said.

“I would love to see more people stepping up to volunteer… and more events and programs that make everyone in our community feel like they belong.”

Karen’s contribution reflects the impact

Leadership change for Land Council

By Sis HIGGINS

BIRIPI and Dunghutti man

Malcolm (Cal) Davis has been appointed the new councillor for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Mid North Coast Region.

The appointment follows the recent retirement of his predecessor Peter Smith, who served in the role for 15 years.

Cr Davis brings decades of experience in the Aboriginal Land Rights sector, having been involved since the introduction of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983.

NSWALC Chairperson Dr Raymond Kelly welcomed the appointment, highlighting the depth of experience Cr Davis brings to the position.

“We look forward to

welcoming Cr Davis as the next Mid North Coast Region Councillor.

“We are confident that his experience in Land Rights will position him well to continue Councillor Smith’s momentum in delivering lasting benefits for Aboriginal people across the region.

“We want to thank Mr Peter Smith for all he has

done across his 15 years of service as Councillor for his region and wish him well as he enters into his retirement.”

Cr Davis said he is pleased to be returning to NSWALC and is committed to representing the interests of Mid North Coast communities.

“Over the course of my career, I have devoted my time to working with

individuals can have when they choose to give their time and energy to others.

Land Councils along the coast, supporting growth and stability within their organisations.

“My appointment as Councillor for the Mid North Coast region will allow me to continue this work and advocate for strong, selfdetermined communities.

“I am committed to continuing to support LALCs to become sustainable and can thrive for the benefit of our communities, our children, and the future of

Improvements in home waste management

RESULTS from the 2025 MidWaste Kerbside Waste Audit have revealed that households in the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area are

outperforming state averages for waste management.

Local households achieved a 75 percent landfill diversion rate, with most of the household waste being

successfully kept out of landfill through recycling and the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service.

“This is a win for our community,” Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) Group Manager for Utilities Planning and Design Cameron Hawkins said.

“We want to thank our residents for their ongoing efforts and commitment to recycling and waste reduction.

“Simple, everyday actions can have a powerful impact and these outstanding results are proof of that.

“We all have a vital role to play in reducing waste and protecting our environment.”

Key results from the report include:

• 98 percent of households present a general waste bin, with 83 percent presenting both recycling and FOGO bins.

• Recycling contamination remains relatively low, at nine percent of the recycling stream, while FOGO contamination is just one percent.

• The overall recovery rate of recyclable materials through the kerbside system sits at 91 percent.

• 45 percent of all household food waste is being correctly placed in the FOGO bin. This is significantly higher than the NSW average for similar FOGO systems (29 percent) and reflects steady improvement following the introduction of FOGO.

Garden organics recovery is particularly strong, with 99 percent captured through the FOGO service.

The results also highlighted opportunities to improve recycling and waste disposal habits and increase landfill diversion rate to 85 percent.

The report noted that

Her work continues to shape a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Land Rights.”

Cr Davis has previously served as CEO of Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council and held senior leadership roles within NSWALC, including Regional Councillor, Deputy CEO and Acting CEO. His appointment comes at a critical time, as consultation continues on the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026, which has raised concerns due to potential impacts on Indigenous land rights processes.

over 30 percent of general waste consists of food, either loose or still in its packaging, that could be removed from its container and placed in the FOGO bin.

Redirecting this material has the potential to reduce general waste by almost a third.

Recyclable materials, particularly paper, cardboard and plastic containers that belong in the yellow bin still account for about 10 percent of general waste collected.

Hazardous waste like vapes, batteries, e-waste and household chemicals, which can be dropped off for free at Council’s waste facilities, also continue to appear in household red bins.

Men invited to connect and share

MEN across the North Coast are being encouraged to connect, share and support one another through Men’s Table community groups.

These groups aim to provide a safe, welcoming space for men to meet regularly over dinner, share the highs and lows of life, and build trusted friendships over time.

Commissioned by Healthy North Coast through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program, Men’s Table groups are delivered as part of local Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention

Yarn bombing stich-up

By Pauline CAIN

COMMUNITY members came together on Saturday 18 April in Port Central shopping centre to stitch together pieces for a yarn bombing project.

Collected over the past few months by local artist Leah Dowland, the pieces will feature in ArtWalk.

They will be installed on the palm trees at the Hay Street entrance to Port Central in early June.

There were 15 or so women who stopped by to help stitch the panels together.

Most had also knitted or crocheted pieces and were keen to see what others had done and be part of the next stage of the project.

One participant said, “For those of us who are into craft it is good to be able to do this for a reason, for a community project.

“It makes you feel good

about what you are doing.”

Another participant said,

“It is also good to chat with like-minded people while we work on this.”

Passing shoppers stopped

to look and chat, drawn in by the colour and activity.

Leah told News Of The Area, “I put 200 yarn packs together and they’ve all been claimed and many have been

returned.

“There is still time for participants to hand in their contributions.

(TRISP).

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said initiatives like Men’s Table play a vital role in reducing suicide in the community and the stigma that is sometimes associated with seeking support.

“On the North Coast, the rates of suicide are above the NSW and Australian averages, especially among men,” Ms Wheeler said.

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and programs like Men’s Table help create spaces where people feel supported and more comfortable reaching

“If people are only just hearing about the project, and want to get involved, they are welcome to use their own acrylic yarn to knit or crochet a piece and drop it off to the Port Central information desk.

AI cameras spotted more than 1000 bushfires over summer

By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP

ARTIFICIALLY intelligent cameras detected more than 1100 bushfires in Australia over summer, including some that would have been missed by humans until they posed a greater risk.

One fire outbreak caused by lighting strikes, for example, could have damaged a pine forest if cameras had not alerted firefighters.

Pano AI revealed the findings on Tuesday after installing more than 100 high-resolution cameras across areas of NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

The detections follow a summer of severe heatwaves in several Australian states,

and the fourth warmest January recorded since 1910, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Pano AI's fire-detecting technology, typically installed on fire towers, uses ultra high-definition cameras to scan for smoke during the day and heat at night.

It compares what it finds to a database of more than three billion images and alerts emergency services if it detects fire with a high level of confidence.

The technology identified 1132 unplanned fires during summer, including 667 in NSW.

Those fires were detected using 19 cameras, Forestry Corporation NSW innovation manager Jamie Carter said,

out for help.”

Regional Men’s Table host Al Stratton believes creating opportunities for men to come together, talk openly and support each other can have a powerful impact.

“These groups help foster a sense of belonging and make it easier for people to seek help early,” Mr Stratton said.

“These Tables are about giving everyday blokes the skills to recognise when someone might be struggling and the confidence to start a conversation that could save a life.”

Local men are encouraged to register for an upcoming Men’s Table ‘Entrée’ session in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 28 April at themenstable.org/ get-involved.

Eventually, the pieces will need to be between 10 and 12 metres in total length.

ArtWalk is celebrating 10 years and will be held in Port Macquarie on Friday 5 June.

“The three pieces on display are about three meters in length each but will be added to.”

and had proven particularly useful at night when fire towers were unstaffed.

In one instance, fire could have risked a pine plantation if not spotted by the technology and brought under control by fire crews.

"There was a big lightning storm that moved across the Victoria-NSW border and one of the cameras over at Timbillica picked up about six or seven new ignitions after dark," he told AAP.

"Knowing they were there in the evening, a lot of good work got done that night which meant we didn't have big fires developing the next day."

The technology could not replace humans with local knowledge, Mr Carter said, but it was helping to monitor more areas and predict the spread of more bushfires.

"They're definitely having an impact on reducing the number of fires that would get to a size where they'll

cause significant damage," he said.

The technology is used by more than 150 government agencies in Australia, including the NSW Rural Fire Service, Country Fire Authority in Victoria, and National Parks.

While early in its adoption, Pano AI chief operating officer Arvind Satyam said it had helped firefighters reduce the time needed to call for aerial support from 30 minutes to five minutes.

"AI is absolutely being applied for good here," he said.

"AI can give you that advantage, can allow you to understand these incidents sooner, gives you the context, allows agencies to respond safely and more effectively."

Other efforts to detect bushfires early include Google's FireSat program that will use a constellation of 50 satellites to monitor remote parts of Australia by 2030.

Electric truck transition preparing for the long haul

By Tom WARK, AAP

WAR in the Middle East and associated spiralling diesel costs could spell the perfect time for truck fleets to keep edging closer to electrification.

Last week, the NSW government announced an expansion of heavy vehicle electrification incentives as part of its EV roadmap, along with investment in more fast chargers and kerbside charging stations for cars.

Australia's trucking industry has been relatively cautious taking up electric models, and the heavy vehicle peak body's boss said there was no better time for fleets to start deciding if battery power was the way forward.

"There'll come a time when it makes absolute sense to change, (but) it's not there yet," Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia head Todd Hacking told AAP.

"But with the war in Iran, now's a really good time to take stock and investigate exactly where you're at."

Under the current NSW incentive, only 4.5 tonne trucks are eligible, but the expansion will increase the threshold to vehicles up to 23 tonnes.

The trucking industry's gradual transformation will mean a more resilient economy for decades, the premier told reporters.

"(That will) further take us away from our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and electrify our economy," Chris Minns said.

"We're rated as the best state... when it comes to electric vehicle investment and government strategy, but we want to double down.

Mr Hacking said the ramping up of electric truck production in China was likely to permanently shake up Australian trucking.

"We will see more brands in Australia in the truck market than we've ever had before," he said.

"That is a good thing. Competition in the market breeds better solutions."

In the more mature personal transport market, EVs make up about 15 percent of new car sales in NSW.

The government says switching to an EV from a petrol-run vehicle can cut fuel costs by up to $3000 a year, or entirely if using home solar, making the choice an economic one for those frustrated at the bowser.

Alongside more fast chargers in regional blackspots, more kerbside charging stations will be built to help those who cannot charge at home, such as apartment residents.

The government will also invest in training for 2000 regional mechanics so country drivers can have

their vehicles safely looked after closer to home.

State opposition leader Kellie Sloane said the government's roadmap was a

step backwards for motorists and does nothing to protect from future fuel shocks.

"This is not a strategy. It is a smokescreen. A classic

Minns Labor government attempt to distract from three years of missed opportunities on EV infrastructure," Ms Sloane said.

Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction

A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW.

Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months.

Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations Centre, the taskforce will use predictive services and weather intelligence to support agencies to target efforts where they are needed most.

Participating agencies include the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation

of NSW, Crown Lands and Transport for NSW.

The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state.

Fire and Rescue NSW’s Acting Commissioner, Mick Morris said, “Taskforce Fire Guard is about strengthening how agencies work together to deliver hazard reduction burns where it will make the greatest difference to community safety.

"It does not replace existing planning or command arrangements, rather it supports them by improving coordination, situational awareness and

access to specialist capability, enabling agencies to take advantage of the narrow windows available when conditions are right.”

Current conditions have created a valuable window for hazard reduction activity with burns underway across multiple regions.

These activities are reducing fuel loads, helping to lower fire intensity and better protect communities ahead of future fire seasons.

There may be periods when communities experience smoke and residents are encouraged to download the Hazards Near Me app, follow health advice and take care while driving.

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said, “Hazard reduction is one of the most

effective ways to reduce bushfire risk, and we will take advantage of favourable conditions wherever possible to safely carry out this work across multiple regions.

“While people may see or smell smoke, these burns are carefully planned and closely monitored to ensure community safety.”

Since 1 July 2025, agencies have treated 45,000 hectares across NSW, helping to protect more than 127,000 properties through a targeted focus.

A list and map of planned burns can be found on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw. gov.au/hr or download the Hazards Near Me app for information on upcoming hazard reduction burns in your ‘Watch Zone’.

q The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state.

Farmers hit hard by food waste

By John KIDMAN, AAP

AUSTRALIAN fruit and vegetable growers are missing out on the sale of up to a million tonnes of produce annually that never makes it to market.

That's a whopping $2.5 billion a year but a figure dwarfed by the costs linked to such a huge loss.

Data shows Australian horticulture experiences average food loss rates of about 20 percent per farm, with growers often wearing the expense of paying for seed, water, fertiliser, crop protection and labour.

This represents an enormous but largely invisible economic risk,

costing an estimated $36.6 billion annually, or about 1.4 percent of GDP.

As such, it's one of the largest avoidable sources of productivity loss in the Australian economy.

In response, a new national research program is under way that aims to help farmers tackle surplus and on-farm losses.

Leading the program, End Food Waste Australia says it will put growers at the centre of national on-farm trials designed to measure where losses occur.

Practical ways to lift utilisation from each harvest are also being tested, product specifications reviewed, commercial pathways for surplus and out-of-spec produce identified and farm-

ready resources developed.

The program is funded through Hort Innovations Frontiers with various government co-investment.

Director of Research, Development and Extension Francesca Goodman-Smith says the project will work with growers on industrywide solutions.

"International trials have shown growers can increase profitability by up to 20 percent through food waste reduction," she said.

"When food isn't sold its not just the food that is wasted, it is also the fertiliser, water, labour and opportunity cost of using that land."

Hort's General Manager of Production and Sustainability Anthony Kachenko says

there's a need to focus on improving profitability.

"Australian growers produce some of the best horticulture products in the world and work hard to get it to market," he said.

"This national program will support our growers by providing practical, commercially realistic tools to maximise value from each harvest."

A key element will be consumer research examining preferences and product specifications, the cosmetic and size standards that influence sales.

"Just because fruit has a cosmetic defect doesn't mean it's inedible," according to Rowan Little from Victorianbased fresh produce grower Montague Farms.

"We've reached almost 100 percent crop utilisation for our apples through secondary markets to cider and juices, and are looking at the same for plums.

"If we can unlock value in new markets and sell more from every crop, that's good for growers and good for the whole supply chain."

The research and trials will test what works under Australian conditions using data collected from participating farms.

Outputs are expected to include measurement tools and loss-reduction resources, grower training materials and case studies that set out what options work and what they cost.

The findings will be published in order to make resources easy for growers to find and apply.

By Sis HIGGINS

MID North Coast residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need.

But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could.

The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, up from four percent for public funds and five percent for private funds.

On the surface, the change appears positive, with more money expected to flow to charities.

However, sector leaders say the issue is more complex

and that increasing the payout rate alone will not address deeper structural problems.

Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, said the change overlooks a key barrier within the system.

“Australians want more community-based groups to be eligible to receive support from Giving Funds, so that support can flow to where it’s needed most,” Ms Sidey said.

To receive funding, charities must hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which allows donors to claim tax deductions.

Yet many organisations, particularly smaller or regional groups, do not meet the criteria or face significant barriers in applying.

This limits where Giving Funds can direct their money, even when demand for support is high.

“The demands on charities are immense and Giving Funds are vital sources of funding for their work across the community.

“Increasing mandatory distributions for Giving Funds without addressing wider system reform, is like turning up the water pressure without checking the plumbing.”

Data shows many funds already exceed the new six percent threshold, raising questions about whether the change will significantly increase overall giving.

“This change to Giving Funds’ minimum distribution

is unlikely to significantly increase support for [small and regional] charities because, as the Government notes, around two-thirds of Public Giving Funds, and around half of Private Giving Funds, already distributed more than six percent of net assets in recent years.

“It could also disincentivise giving by introducing regulatory instability.

“The system is complex, confusing and hard to navigate for donors and charities.”

Philanthropy Australia is now calling for broader reform, particularly changes to the DGR system to improve access and reduce complexity.

IN a world where kindness can sometimes feel in short supply, two remarkable women in Port Macquarie are proving just how powerful grassroots community support can be.

Better known as The 2 Mums, Julie Bowes and Sherrill Weidenbohm have become familiar faces around town for their unwavering generosity and a commitment to helping others in need.

What started as a simple idea to raise funds for neighbours facing hardship has blossomed into a community-wide movement.

Every six weeks, residents can find these tireless volunteers near Woolworths at Settlement City, where they run cake stalls featuring homemade treats that bring a sweet touch to

fundraising efforts. Their work is supported locally by the Woolworths store manager, a breast cancer survivor, who helps make these stalls possible.

Fundraising doesn’t stop at cakes.

With the support of St Thomas Church, The 2 Mums host raffles and special events, most notably a Trivia Night that was a huge success in bringing people together for a great cause.

These events aren’t just about raising money but also celebrating community spirit and shared purpose.

Over the years, The 2 Mums have supported a range of local charities and individuals in need.

Their efforts include fundraising for the Breast Cancer Society, supporting people living

with stage 4 cancer so they can make lasting memories with their loved ones, and delivering practical support to those who need it most.

One of their proudest achievements came last year when their largest fundraiser - a combined effort of stalls, raffles, and community events - raised $10,000 for the Oncology Department at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

This generous donation will directly improve services and support for local cancer patients.

This year, The 2 Mums continued their mission, raising $1,000 for a 12-month-old boy who has faced significant health challenges - a testament to their unwavering dedication to helping families facing tough times.

But these incredible outcomes wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community.

The 2 Mums are always seeking donations - especially vouchers and prizes - for their raffles, as well as volunteers and visitors to support their cake stalls and events.

Whether it’s a delicious slice of cake, a winning raffle ticket, or a table full of trivia buffs, every contribution makes a meaningful difference for local families in need.

To keep up with their events and stories, follow @The2Mums on Facebook.

By Aiden BURGESS

Macquarie and Grafton.

AFL North Coast Round 2 wrap Season begins for AFL North Coast juniors

THE AFL North Coast season continued with Round 2 matches in Port

The Port Macquarie Magpies recorded their first win of the season in dominant fashion, smashing

the Northern Beaches Blues 24.12 (156) to 4.2 (26) in Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Magpies women’s side had a 4.2

By Aiden BURGESS

THE Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season kicked off last weekend.

Port Macquarie Pirates started their premiership defence with a 19-17 win against the Hastings Valley Vikings.

In second grade, the Pirates were 45-27 winners over the Vikings.

Coffs Harbour Snappers got their season off to a dominant start, having a 45-7 win against the Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.

The Snappers reserves started their premiership defence with a 24-12 win against the Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.

Coffs Harbour Snappers women started their premiership defence in dominant style with a 50-0 demolition of the Kempsey Cannonballs.

The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season has a bye this Anzac Day weekend.

(26) to 2.7 (19) win at home against the Northern Beaches Blues.

Port Macquarie Magpies reserves had a 9.7 (61) to 0.6 (6) win against the Northern Beaches Blues.

Coffs Harbour Breakers reserves started their season in dominant style with a 15.12 (102) to 1.6 (12) win against the Grafton Tigers in Grafton.

Round 3

The AFL North Coast season continues with Anzac Day matches in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.

Coffs Harbour Breakers and Sawtell/Toormina Saints face off in their grand final rematch at Fitzroy Oval.

Northern Beaches Blues and Grafton Tigers reserves play off at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

By Aiden BURGESS

AFL North Coast’s juniors return to the field this Sunday.

The Bellingen Bulldogs Youth Girls 17s team begin their premiership defence in Urunga, when they take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.

The Port Macquarie Magpies Under 16s Boys begin their premiership defence at home, when they host the Northern Beaches Blues.

The Nambucca Valley Lions Youth Girls 15s also begin their premiership defence at home, when they host the Northern Beaches Blues.

Rugby resumes Funding to boost women in sport

and girls in sport.

are encouraged to apply for funding to boost the number

The Port Macquarie Flyers Under 14s Mixed team begin their premiership defence in Nambucca Heads, when they take on the Nambucca Valley Lions.

The Northern Beaches Blues Youth Girls 13s begin their premiership defence in Port Macquarie, when they take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.

The AFL North Coast junior competition is played each Sunday across five divisions.

This season’s grand finals will be played on Sunday, 30 August, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

“Women and girls deserve equal opportunities to participate, lead, and build careers in sport,” he said. The program follows the success of the Her Sport Her Way grants and is focused on delivering long-term improvements.

Funding is available across four streams:

- Career Activations: promotes awareness of career opportunities in sport.

- Career Offerings: strengthens pathways and support for young women pursuing careers in sport.

- Participation: removing barriers and increasing access for women and girls.

- Capability: building organisational capacity and fostering inclusive sporting cultures.

Eligible applicants will include NSW Office of Sport recognised State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability.

Clubs and organisations working with underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications close at 1pm on Thursday, 30 April. For more information or to apply, visit the Play Her Way Innovation Program website.

Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

TUESDAY 14/04/2026

Number of Players – 26

Game Played –Individual

Stableford

Winner – Lucas Boath

(visitor) – 44 Points ( great effort)

2nd Ken Gallie -

39 Points (On Count Back)

3rd Col Everingham - 39 Points

4th John Gillard -

37 Points ( On Count Back)

Hastings Ladies Social Golf

By Leonie MULVIHILL

6th Rob Toone -

37 Points (On Count Back )

NTP 4 George Evans

5th Ken Baldwin37 Points ( On Count Back )

NTP 9 Steve Vickers

NTP 11 Ian McKenzie

NTP 15 Dave Mayes

Friday Afternoon Golfer Results

By Colin EVERINGHAM

NUMBER of Players: 21 playing on the Back 9 holes.

Winner: Gerry Nagle Nett

31 was on 15, now on 7

2nd: Peter Mansfield Nett

34

3rd: Graham Haggerty Nett

35

4th: Ken Gallie Nett 37

5th: Glenn Holt Nett 38

6th: Neil Clancy Nett 39 NTP 11th Hole Second Shot:

Peter ?

NTP 15th Hole First Shot:

Gerry Nagle - Great Shot

Raffle Winner: Peter Mansfield

Hastings Ladies Social Golf

By Leonie MULVIHILL

MONDAY 20th April. Best

1-2-3 Stableford. 50 players.

Winners: 48 points

Gladys Harvey

Angela Ayres

Linda Murphy

Runners Up: 46 points

Anne-Marie Cecil

Anne Radburn

Chris Essex Third: 45 points

Carol Walker

Wauchope Mixed Bowls

By Marie WINTER

THE winning marble was rink 4 with a very large margin of 36 was Larry Wedd, David Woodlands and skip George Campbell

Runners up with a margin of 13 on rink 2 was Maki Ngaro, Sandra Hackney and skip Marie

Winter.

The lucky losing marble on rink 4 was John Smyth, Jim Fancourt, and skip Ian Gabriel.

The jackpot number picked was 11 but the number was 3 ,therefore the jackpot will be carried over to next week.

Raffle prizes were

Barbara Collins

Lynne Russo

NTP: 15th hole Jenny Dykstra, 18th hole Gaylene

Fielding

Birdies: Wendy Thompson 11th hole

MONDAY 20th April. Best

1-2-3 Stableford. 50 players.

Winners: 48 points

Gladys Harvey

Angela Ayres

Linda Murphy

Runners Up: 46 points

Anne-Marie Cecil

Anne Radburn

Chris Essex

Third: 45 points

Carol Walker

picked up by Gina, Jenny, Paul, Gunnar, Sharon, and Mickle

Visitors are welcome to join in for a social game of bowls on Monday, name in by 12 noon, game starts at 1.00pm Ring 0409 156 333 for details.

Wauchope Women's Bowling Club

By Marie WINTER

THURSDAY 16th April

2026 was the final game of lawn bowls for the ladies grade 3 pennant teams at Westport against Westport.

The Wauchope ladies finally came through with a 5.1 victory and this puts Wauchope ladies through to the regional play off on Thursday 30th April. Congratulation ladies. Meanwhile a social game of bowls was played on the green at Wauchope Country Club with the

Barbara Collins

Lynne Russo

NTP: 15th hole

Jenny Dykstra, 18th hole Gaylene Fielding

Birdies: Wendy Thompson 11th hole

Port Macquarie Sailing Club

By Jeff WALSH

19-4-26

ROUND 4 of the Port Macquarie Sailing Club’s Sprint Race series (races 14 – 19) was held on Sunday in yet another variable Southerly. To be fair, the first 2 races weren’t too bad, but then the wind seem to go all over the place, varying 60 degrees in some shifts. The first race of the day (race 14 of the series) was right at high tide, but then the run out tide got stronger as the day progressed. At least it was nice and sunny. Frank O’Rourke set a little triangle course for the 3 morning races with an upriver start working to Starboard buoy A at the mouth of the Governors Way Canal, a reach across and slightly upriver to Starboard buoy B, a run downriver to Starboard buoy C towards the end of King Point, and a work back to the start finish line. Races 14 and 15 were both 1 lap sprints and race 16 was 2 laps. After lunch, the final 3 races were all of 1 lap, but a new Port Buoy C was added off the anchorage to tighten the downriver run, then a run across to the old buoy C, now a Port buoy D, and a work to the start/finish line.

The 1st race of the day, race 14 of the series, for the Arrow cats saw Jack Corthals on ‘Crackerjack’ finish ahead of Tony Kuhn on ‘Stella’. The monohull division, once yardsticks were applied, was won by Jeff Walsh in his Impulse ‘Serenity’, just ahead of Terry Howard in his

Impulse ‘Flying Dragon’ and 3rd place Steve Couch in his Laser ‘Lazybuoy’ after a race long battle. Simon Gandy and Ezra Mert in their MG14 ‘Vamos’ were next followed by Germain Corthals in the Club Laser and Dave and Hudson McNeill in their Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’.

In race 15 for the Arrow Cats, ‘Stella’ raced well to finish ahead of ‘Crackerjack’.

The monohull division was dominated by ‘Flying Dragon’ after the rest of the fleet fell into a wind hole at buoy A. ‘Serenity’ came in 2nd followed by ‘Toy of Joy’, although once the yardsticks were applied, ‘Lazybouy’ just came in ahead of the Club Laser, pushing ‘Toy of Joy’ to last place. ‘Vamos’ failed to cross the finish line and scored a DNF.

Race 16 of 2 laps saw ‘Stella’ again finish ahead of ‘Crackerjack’. The monohull race was a bit of a comedy of errors, with a number of boats forgetting the 2 lap format for this race and tacking out into the tide to the finish line at the end of the 1st lap. ‘Vamos’ didn’t make this error and finished well ahead of the rest of the monohulls. ‘Lazybuoy’ also remembered the course but was still beaten to 2nd place by ‘Flying Dragon’ although he did hold off ‘Serenity’. The Club Laser and ‘Toy of Joy’ rounded out the monohull fleet.

After the lunch break, ‘Crackerjack’ was back to winning in race 17 after ‘Stella’ enlisted Grandson Julian to help balance the boat in the gusts. ‘Vamos’

took another win in the monohulls followed by ‘Flying Dragon’, 2 seconds ahead of ‘Serenity’, who was only 11 seconds ahead of the Club Laser. Steve Couch had decided not to race his Laser in the afternoon, but when Hudson from ‘Toy of Joy’ was called in to work, he stepped in to that job, but yardstick still relegated them to last place.

The start of race 18 was a bit of a comedy when the start clock stuck, but as the fleet were all waiting right near the start line, the starter called out “GO” and everyone just went for it. ‘Crackerjack’ once again won the Arrow Cats, but by a smaller margin over ‘Stella’. The monohull fleet all finished within 89 seconds, with ‘Vamos’ taking 1st place over ‘Flying Dragon’, ‘Serenity’, the Club Laser, and ‘Toy of Joy’.

The final race for the day, race 19, saw ‘Crackerjack’ finish a little further ahead of ‘Stella’ this time. ‘Vamos’ also had another win in the monohulls ahead of ‘Flying Dragon’, ‘Serenity’, ‘Toy of Joy’, and the Club Laser.

Next Sunday is race 9 of the Summer Series starting at 1PM, the final race of the season. At this stage, no one is rostered on duty. The Port Macquarie Sailing Club’s presentation night will be on Saturday 9th May starting at 4pm with pre-dinner drinks at the clubhouse, presentation of trophies at 5pm, then we move next door to Banks Café for dinner at 6.30pm. Please make sure you are booked in for the dinner.

winners Simone Thompson, Patricia Fletcher, Joan Copp and Beth Gabriel taking home the winning vouchers. The Jackpot was number 29 Karen Issac who was not playing therefore the money will roll forward to next game. The raffle prizes were picked up by Pat Coombes, Simone Thompson, Marie Winter and Heather Bartlett.

The social lady bowlers are back on Saturday morning at the Wauchope Country Club. The winners with the highest score were

Patricia Fletcher, Marie Aitken and Glenda Elford.

The lucky losers with the highest score of 6 on any one end were Patricia Fletcher, Ita Muusers and Marie Winter. The jackpot No 3 Rosie Ansley who was not playing.

Raffle prizes were picked up by Pat Coombes Glenda Elford, Jenny Wooster and Sue Petterson

There are no bowls on Saturday 25th April , ANZAC DAY. Reminder it is Trade table on 23rd

Dorin's Drawings

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Letters to the Editor

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies.

For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel.

The long-period comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) - last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master firehas returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 years.

As the comet sweeps inward toward the Sun, reaching perihelion on 19 April before passing relatively close to Earth on 26 April, observers across Australia are in a prime position to witness it.

Away from city glare, coastal towns offer ideal viewing conditions: dark horizons over the Pacific, crisp autumn air, and early morning skies unspoiled by

Sporting

“When your team is losing at half time do you get up and walk out the gate thinking it’s all over, or do you stick around and hold firm, optimistically believing they can come back stronger,” he said.

“I’d suggest to Councillors, don’t kick the Sporting Fund while it is down.”

Cr Lipovac’s motion passed 7-1 with Cr Sheppard the opposing vote.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar. How can I encourage her to try something more ageappropriate?

Gerard H.

Dear Gerard,

Well, don't you sound like a wet sock.

And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the washing machine with water dripping on it from a split hose pipe until it turns into a stiff, stained, smelly, unproductive item.

Age-appropriate? At what age is it no longer acceptable to engage in an activity that keeps the brain engaged?

Do you think taking up a new

creative outlet should be limited to those under 40?

What, in your mind, is more age-appropriate?

Bingo? Joining a crochet group? Donning a flowery swimming cap and a matronly one-piece and taking up synchronised swimming at the local pool? Seated lawn skittles?

If your mum is 70, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with.

She probably fought for equal pay, she no doubt marched for reproductive rights.

I bet she wore mini skirts and platform boots and suede flares.

She probably burnt her bra as part of the liberation movement.

And (along with her friends) she no doubt enacted a whole lot of other changes that future generations (like yours) benefit from.

While we're at it, your mum no doubt gained a university degree and worked while trying to raise a family. That family includes you, Gerard, you judgy little wet sock.

Your mum would have spent endless days rocking you to sleep and changing your nappies and ensuring your every whim was attended to.

She no doubt did your washing and cooked your meals for decades too.

The comet cometh

artificial light.

Look toward the constellation Pegasus constellation, specifically the easily recognisable "Great Square”, just before sunrise.

With luck and clear weather, the comet may glow faintly to the naked eye, its tail stretching like a ghostly brushstroke across the sky.

Comets have long stirred human imagination.

In antiquity, they were often seen as omens - harbingers of change, disaster, or divine intervention.

The appearance of Halley's Comet, for example, was recorded in 1066 and later embroidered into the Bayeux Tapestry as a portent of conquest.

Today, we understand comets not as supernatural signs but as icy relics - frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.

Each one is a time capsule, composed of dust, rock, and volatile ices that vaporise as they near the Sun, forming the luminous

coma and tail.

What makes C/2025 R3 extraordinary is its orbit.

Unlike short-period comets that return every few decades, this one hails from the distant Oort Cloud, a vast spherical halo of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.

Its elongated path means it spends most of its existence in deep space, only briefly visiting the inner planets before retreating again into darkness.

No written record, no ancient chronicle, no civilisation has ever documented its passage - until now.

For photographers, capturing this rare visitor is both a challenge and a thrill. A sturdy tripod is essential, along with a camera capable of long exposures.

Use a wide-angle lens to frame the comet against the landscapeperhaps the silhouette of Norfolk pines along the NSW coast or the curve of a quiet beach.

Start with exposures of 5–15 seconds, adjusting ISO and

aperture depending on brightness.

If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more detail: the nucleus glowing at the centre, the tail fanning outward like cosmic smoke.

There is something deeply humbling about standing under the same sky that Stone Age humans once gazed upon, watching the return of an object they may also

Then, like all the other mums out there, she worried about your every life stage, because that's what mums do.

So now it's her turn.

I hope she clears out your old bedroom and turns it into a notso-soundproof studio.

I hope she puts out a casting call to other like-minded women who have spent their lives devoted to others. And I hope their first band meeting kicks off with a punk version of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Maybe you can make a cameo, waving a wet sock for the 'sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me' section of the chorus.

Hell, you've made me want to learn the electric guitar. Or maybe the drums.

Can you send me your mum's number?

And instead of being so discouraging (and disparaging) you should be proud that you are the son of a great role model who is keen to keep learning and embracing change.

Rock on, Gerard's mother.

As for you, Gerard, pay attention to my usual sign off...

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

have seen - perhaps with wonder, perhaps with fear.

Long after our cities fade and our histories blur, C/2025 R3 will continue its silent journey, looping back again in another 170,000 years.

For now, though, it is here. Step outside before dawn. Look up. And take your place, however briefly, in the long story of the sky.

See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

Sporting Fund was established in 1999 by former Mayor Wayne Richards to provide financial assistance to local athletes aged 13–21 years who have been selected to represent at state, national or international levels. It is designed to reduce inequity of access.

It oversees the Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship, which boasts local recipients including paralympian Ryley Batt and recent National and World Cup downhill mountain bike winner Luke Meier-Smith. The fund has previously engaged

in fundraising activities, however vacancies on the governing subcommittee mean regular fundraising has not occurred. This has resulted in the fund relying on existing reserves as well as a Council allocation of $6,000 per year. The fund currently stands at $45,000.

SUDOKU

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BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY BAD COMPANY

ABC TV, 8.15pm

Pitting the unbridled chaos of Anne Edmonds (above right) against Kitty Flanagan’s (above left) deadpan wit, this new character-driven sitcom –set in an avant-garde inner-city theatre company –is a match made in comedy heaven. The hilarious headliners are respectively cast as artistic director Margie and corporate cost-cutter Julia, who find themselves at odds when the latter is tasked with saving the failing Argyle Theatre. Created by Edmonds and directed by Fisk’s Tom Peterson, this playful satire puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.

FRIDAY, April 24

TV (2)

WEDNESDAY

SAS:

AUS V ENG

SEVEN, 7.30pm

When you’ve trained as an Olympic athlete, you might reckon that you’re ready for anything. But for gold medallist Mack Horton (pictured), who attempts a version of Special Forces selection in the new season of this gruelling reality series, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “They are worlds apart,” says Horton. “At the Olympics, you spend four or more years preparing for a single moment. On SAS have no idea what’s coming in the next few seconds.”

The swimmer is one of seven Aussies competing against UK celebrities in TV’s ultimate test of endurance. His teammates include Neighbours star Ryan “Toadie” Moloney, cricket legend Brad Hodge and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

THURSDAY

RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R) 11.45 Like A Version. (R) 12.00 News. 12.55 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 1.50 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml, R) 2.20 The Assembly. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Matched. (PG, R) 9.50 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (PGv)

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R)

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

10.20 News. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PGl, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.05 Love Me. (Mdls, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.10 Last Post: Winds Of Change. 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 A New ANZAC. (PGal)

9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 The King. (Madls)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Manv, R)

1.45 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. (Premiere) Discovers the best Sydney has to offer.

9.00 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep.

11.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.30 Weekend Sunrise.

He’s best known for championing Cornwall and its classic seaside fare, but British chef Rick Stein (pictured) is married to an Aussie and his love affair with our fair country stretches back 60 years. Stein first visited our shores when he was 19, on a trip he describes as “the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food.” In his debut Aussie series, the celebrated restaurateur retraces that life-changing voyage, starting in Sydney Harbour where his adventure began all those years ago. Comparing the city’s food culture then to the vibrant food scene that exists today, Stein catches up with local legend Neil Perry and checks out Chinatown, before sharing a recipe for salt and pepper crab.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.

10.45 MOVIE: Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv, R)

A young, naive soldier is sent to Vietnam. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger.

1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Anzac Day Dawn Service. 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.40 Building The Dream. Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders

7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Motor Racing.

SATURDAY, April 25

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Anzac Day March Sydney. 12.30 Gallipoli Dawn Service. 1.30 Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. 2.25 ABC News On Anzac Day. 3.00 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.00 Last Post: Winds Of Change. (R) 4.05 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.55 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Langham: London’s Grandest Hotel.

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R)

10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.55 Matched. (PG, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

A cyclone batters the Top End.

8.40 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) A plane passenger vanishes mid-flight.

9.45 Frauds. (Final, Ml, R) 10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am

3.50 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with some of the members of the Eastwood Country Women’s Association.

8.00 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale.

11.50 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Pacific Four Series. Game 3. Australia v New Zealand.

10.00 MOVIE: Midway. (2019, Mlw, R) Charts the Battle of Midway. Woody Harrelson.

12.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

1.30 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)

Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Unforgettable Christmas. (2023) 9.50

SUNDAY, April 26

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGv, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 3.25 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly. (Return, PGl)

8.15 Bad Company. (Premiere, PG) A theatre centre’s new CEO tries to prevent its downfall.

8.45 Bergerac. (Return, M)

9.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl, R)

10.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R)

10.40 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG, R)

8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG, R)

9.40 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)

10.35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.35 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (Ml, R)

1.05 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGl, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.00 MOVIE: Bravery & Betrayal. (2025, Malv) Looks at the SAS troops that were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us. (MA15+al, R) 12.10 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PGl)

8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Operation Bastille. (Masv) Looks at Operation Bastille.

The First 48: Among Friends. (Ma, R)

American Ripper. (Premiere, Mav)

Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Two brothers are impressed by a pure husky. 7.30 Love It Or List

MONDAY, April 27

6.00

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

SBS World News Late. 10.35 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mlv) 11.45 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (M)

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Eddie and Buck’s flight to LA is cancelled. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGadl) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 28

6am Morning

Programs. 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 4.40 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023, MA15+, Korean) 1.15am Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Exit. (Malv) 12.00 Clean Sweep. (Mals, R) 3.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

(32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) The rival renovators try to prove their worth. 9.05 Doc. (Mav) A shocking turn of events ensues when Amy and Jake treat an expectant mother injured during a robbery.

Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Surfest: 40

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.20 Discovering Film. 9.15 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 11.00 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 12.50pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.45 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 4.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.15 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 8.30 The Flowers Of War. (2011, MA15+) 11.10 Comandante. (2023, MA15+, Italian) 1.20am Late Programs.

WEDNESDAY, April 29

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.15 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

TV (2)

(3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05

Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 11.05

Tracks. 12.00

2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Chernobyl: Inside The Meltdown. (M)

9.25 The Audacity. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv)

12.00 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)

2.05 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.40 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm WorldWatch. 12.45 Question Team. 2.35 The Swiping Game: What Is Yellow Fever? 2.50 The Bee Whisperer. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Spy Game. (2001, M) 10.50 Brassic. 12.35am Count Abdulla. 1.35 Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.30 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie

Show. 6.10 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.05 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 10.20 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.25pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 10.50 The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.

April 30

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.20 Urzila. (Mals, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (M, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(3)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Return)

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. (Final, Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Australia’s Deadliest. 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 My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Rookies. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 McDonald And Dodds. 10.45 Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

(6)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mv) 9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG)

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

(8)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Surfing Australia. Noon LEGO Masters. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.35 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.30 LEGO Masters. 3.35

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (Premiere, a)

8.35 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)

9.30 Riot Women. (Malv)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Under The Bridge. (Malsv)

12.05 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)

2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R)

4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch.

11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Brassic. 12.50am Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 Superheroes. (2021, M, Italian) 12.15pm Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 2.30 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing. (1942, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Rendition. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A Tesla tests everyone’s patience. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. More performers take to the stage. 9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

10.45 To Be Advised.

11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Rookies.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL

7MATE (64)

Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 LEGO Masters. 2.30pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: He’s Just Not That Into You. (2009, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Rugby Heaven. 1.00 Love Island UK: All Stars. 2.05 The Real Housewives

Sporting Fund’s future

By Rachael THORPE

An

A

The

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Councillor