Port Macquarie News Of The Area 27 MARCH 2026

ENDURING LEGACY

By Sue STEPHENSON

Sue STEPHENSON sue@newsofthearea.com.au

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

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

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

MP’s push for more social housing

MEMBER for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer has called for more social and affordable housing across the Port Macquarie electorate during an address to Parliament on Tuesday night.

people sleeping in their cars, staying temporarily with friends or family, or living in parks and public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.

pushing low-income households out of reach.

“This is not just a housing issue, it is a social issue, a health issue and a community issue.”

Rachael THORPE 0438 876 009 rachael@newsofthearea.com.au

Rikki WALLER 0417 833 279 rikki@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

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

Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au

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Ahead of the state budget, Mr Dwyer said more funds were needed to increase supply as housing stress and homelessness were continuing to rise across the region.

“Too many people in our community are struggling to find a safe and stable place to live,” he said.

“We are hearing more and more stories of

Mr Dwyer said one of the most concerning aspects of the crisis is the lengthy wait times for suitable properties.

“For someone already doing it tough, a decade is simply too long to wait for secure housing.

He also highlighted the increasing pressure in the private rental market, where rising costs are

“This includes people on the Age Pension, disability support and other income supports, as well as essential workers like nurses, aged care staff and hospitality workers.

“These are the people our community depends on, yet many are being priced out of the very communities they serve.”

Mr Dwyer acknowledged recent investment by Homes NSW, including the upcoming development at the corner of Gordon and Grant streets in Port Macquarie.

It will deliver 94 new

homes, including 28 social and 66 affordable housing units.

“This is a welcome project and will make a real difference… however, it will only meet a small

fraction of the demand.”

Mr Dwyer told Parliament that the June State Budget presents a critical opportunity for the Government to take meaningful action.

Councillors adopt Glasshouse recommendations

COUNCILLORS discussed and noted a strategic review into the operation of the Glasshouse at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s 19 March meeting.

The review extended over a 24-month period and is an “evidencebased assessment” of the Council-owned cultural and entertainment asset.

After an initial motion on the review was brought forward by councillor Mark Hornshaw, a series of amended motions were led by councillors Lauren Edwards, Nik Lipovac and Rachel Sheppard. All amendments were voted down and a majority of councillors eventually resolved on a seven-point motion.

In part, the motion acknowledged “some

community concern exists regarding the operating deficit of the Glasshouse” and noted that the Strategic Review identified “utilisation and yield uplift, improved reporting transparency, and lifecycle asset management as the most realistic mechanisms to strengthen financial sustainability over time”.

Council adopted the 10 recommendations in the Strategic Review, including a KPI framework and reporting cadence, development of the 2026-30 Glasshouse Plan and a shift to activitybased reporting.

Council also resolved to consider alternative delivery and operating models for the facility.

Speaking to his motion in Council Chambers,

Mr Hornshaw said, “The strategic review shows quite clearly that we are falling well short.

“Studio utilisation is at 29 percent and theatre utilisation at 43 percent.

“That is a lot of empty space in a facility that should be full of life.

“Financially the position is quite sobering.

“About 4.7 million in costs, 2.1 million in revenue, leaving a 2.6 million deficit to be covered by ratepayers.”

According to a statement from Port Macquarie Hastings Council, the review found that while providing the community with free civic and cultural services, there was notable economic benefit from all Glasshouse operations.

“Every $1 million

invested by PMHC led to approximately $7 million in Gross Regional Product and 76 full-time jobs being supported,” the council statement read.

Mayor Adam Roberts said Council’s (PMHC) funding of the Glasshouse is a strategic investment to deliver public benefits which include “cultural access, participation, economic benefits to local business, education and community connection”.

“The Glasshouse has always required community subsidy, which has decreased significantly since the building was established in 2009. This funding model is the same as other similar regional venues,” he said.

“It’s a civic asset the Council has chosen to fund that delivers significant benefits to the community, including cultural access, participation, education programs and community connection.

“Since 2010, the Council’s subsidy has generally reduced, and the Glasshouse management have in recent years successfully managed operations to achieve a net cost to Council being less than budgeted.

“The annual cost to the community represents about $31 per resident, which is at the lower end of the range when compared with similar regional venues which is between $25 to $94 per resident.”

going to www.newsofthearea.com.au

“As well, the commercial streams, such as live music touring events, generate 58 percent of the operating income which offsets part of the cost of running the facility.”

Council General Manager Robert Fish said the review’s analysis and assessment included distinguishing between the community and commercial services streams.

“The distinction is important because the Glasshouse is not a single purpose performing arts venue and its value can’t be assessed solely through ticket sales or occupancy rates,” Mr Fish

While the scope of the review assessed the Glasshouse’s role, performance and operating context, it did not revisit PMHC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Glasshouse’s purpose as an arts, cultural and entertainment centre for the Port Macquarie Hastings region, nor it remaining a business unit within PMHC.

The strategic review is considered a precursor to the development of the Glasshouse Plan 2026-30, which is due to be presented back to Council by November, bringing the review’s recommendations into effect.

Vale trailblazer Janet Cohen

By Sue STEPHENSON

CAMDEN Haven

environmentalist, artist, and assisted dying advocate Janet Cohen, is being remembered as a trailblazer who fought to live her death as she lived her life: “with purpose and conviction”.

Janet died in Port Macquarie Base Hospital on 16 March, 12-years after she was first diagnosed with lung cancer.

She was 72.

Throughout her illness, Janet never wavered in her commitment to serving the arts, the environment and the disadvantaged.

Friend Steve Adams summed up her contribution to society.

“Janet was an activist, artist, writer, environmentalist, humanist, nature lover, and one of the nicest people on the planet.”

Partner Glenn Brewer

met Janet while trekking through the Tasmanian wilderness in 1995.

He followed her to WA before the couple moved east in 1996, later settling in Dunbogan.

Janet worked at Port Macquarie Hastings Council for five years as a Cultural Development Officer, before leaving to become a freelance arts consultant.

In 2006, her “dream job” came up at Sea Acres in Port Macquarie, where she spent the next 10 years working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to manage the rainforest centre’s revitalisation.

Friend Les Mitchell said she was a passionate advocate for the environment.

“She had a wonderful ability to articulate the arguments for conserving nature,” he said.

“The protection of the natural values of Camden

Head was a particular focus for her, despite her health.”

Together they argued for the establishment of a Council biodiversity committee, “to ensure community input was taken into account in planning decisions, to protect biodiversity in our local area.”

A non-smoker, Janet discovered she had lung cancer in 2013, just before her 60th birthday.

Two years later, she was told it was terminal.

In 2017 she resigned from Sea Acres and joined the fight to allow the terminally ill to end their life with the support of a healthcare professional.

She became an advocate for Dying with Dignity and Go Gentle, writing that “I don’t want people to say I lost my battle with cancer. I want an empowered, meaningful death.”

When MP Alex Greenwich

introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill to the NSW Parliament in 2021, Janet shared her story in the media and in parliament, becoming one of the faces of the proposed legislation.

The Bill was passed on 19 May 2022.

After an 18-month implementation period, the legislation came into effect on 28 November 2023, making NSW the last state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying.

Janet did not get the chance to take advantage of the law she helped introduce, however Glenn praised staff at Port Macquarie Base Hospital for the care and compassion they showed in respecting her final decisions.

Janet's life has been celebrated privately. It was her wish that her transition be low key in keeping with her Buddhist practice.

SES volunteers honoured for courage and consistency

FROM Page 1

MP Robert Dwyer, Mayor Adam Roberts and Port Macquarie Council General Manager Robert Fish.

The NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was awarded to Mark Anderson and Michael Ward for their work during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Their overnight deployment to assist Macksville turned into a weeklong redeployment assisting the Mullumbimby unit near Lismore with multiple flood rescues, using

vehicles and boats, dealing with landslips, power outages and loss of the local mobile communications tower.

The Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was also awarded to five members of the Hastings Cluster Flood Rescue team for their selfless service during flooding in 2025.

Alfred Portenschlager, Shane Geurts, Christopher Staffort, Coen Acret and Will Steggall were acknowledged for their courage during extreme and dangerous weather conditions, when they conducted rescues

and evacuations along the Hastings River during multiple 12-14 hour shifts in the major flood event last May.

“None of us serve expecting recognition, yet moments like this remind us of the importance of what we do - even when it requires stepping into challenging or dangerous situations,” said Mr Portenschlage, a Leading Senior Operator (LSO).

Mr Geurts, the Unit Commander of Wauchope SES, said the award underscored the importance of “stepping up and helping others when it matters most”.

“Being part of the NSW SES is about more than volunteering, it’s about being there for people in times of need,” he said.

NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citations were also presented to the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven units, in recognition of exemplary actions that saved lives and protected communities during significant flooding across the entire Mid North Coast in May 2025.

NSW SES Volunteers assisted in 475 storm and sandbagging flood support jobs, 12 flood rescues, 10

evacuation requests, 60 medical, food, and supply drops, along with requests for transport and fodder deliveries.

Long and diligent service was also acknowledged, with National Medals (15 years) presented to Henry Lundell, Scott Witchard and Tori White, and a National Medal clasp (25 years) presented to Will Steggall.

Mr Steggall, a Senior Operator, said the milestone was a “big one”.

“It’s great to be recognised by the SES,” he said.

“You see so many selfless

acts of courage, compassion and service in the SES - it’s uplifting.”

Ray Unger received the NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Award for a decade of active and Meritus service. National Emergency Medals (Bushfires 2019–2020) were awarded to Paul Burg, Sarah Burg and Katie Blake in recognition of their service during the significant bushfire emergency period. Volunteers’ family members and employers were also acknowledged for their support of local NSW SES members.

Woman charged after horror Point Plomer crash

AN 18-year-old woman has been charged after a crash left one dead and two injured after a singlevehicle crash at Crescent Head earlier this month.

About 9.20pm on Friday 6 March, emergency services were called to Point Plomer Road after reports a vehicle had crashed into a tree.

The crash claimed the life of 19-year-old Charlea Kelly, who was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

The driver, 18, and a second passenger, a 17-year-old girl, were airlifted to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District established a crime scene and an investigation by the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) into the circumstances surrounding the crash commenced.

On Tuesday 24 March, the driver was issued a Court Attendance Notice for “negligent driving (occasioning death)”, “negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm)”, “dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous”, and “dangerous driving occasion grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous”.

She will appear before Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2026.

Wauchope High among most improved

By Sis HIGGINS

WAUCHOPE and Kempsey high schools are two of the most improved schools in regional and rural NSW. They were among 45 public high schools recognised for delivering outstanding improvements in Higher School Certificate results.

Deputy Premier Prue Car said, “These results show what can be achieved when teachers can focus their

time and expertise in the classroom, providing highimpact teaching for their students.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence, and we will continue to challenge our students to reach their full potential.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said, “These HSC results show exactly what our plan for NSW Public Education is all about -

excellent teaching and high expectations for every student.

“These schools demonstrate that with the right support and quality teaching, our students achieve strong outcomes.”

Schools were recognised for consistent growth over seven years, improved numbers of students achieving higher HSC bands, and strong progress across all performance levels.

Each school implemented targeted improvement strategies supported by evidence based teaching practices, explicit instruction through new NSW syllabuses, high expectations and a focus on student wellbeing.

Letters jointly signed by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar were sent to congratulate the schools on their achievements.

Parents forum on AI in education

By Pauline CAIN

CHIROPRACTOR Darren Gray and secondary school teacher Vanessa Gray discussed the use of artificial intelligence in education during a forum at MacKillop College on Monday 16 March.

Hosted by the school’s Parent Forum, their presentation “Better Learning: How We Learn and the Impact of AI in

Education,” drew a crowd of parents, educators and community members hoping to gain some understanding of what artificial intelligence means for the next generation.

"The feedback from the night was incredible," said Darren.

"Parents are hungry for this conversation.

“They know AI is herethey just want practical tools

to navigate it with their kids."

Topics covered included attention, memory consolidation, the role of movement and sleep, and how chronic stress affects cognitive performance in children.

AI is already embedded in classrooms and shaping how young people learn.

Darren and Vanessa encouraged parents and educators to think about the

ENDURING LEGACY

who worked to “secure justice for those living in poorly resourced conditions”, and who had the “honesty, bravery and ability to actually listen to the community”.

Cr Intemann, who lived in

Wauchope, was also a mother and grandmother.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts has extended his condolences to her family on behalf of the wider community.

Cr Intemann was first elected in 1995 and served three terms until 2008, when Council entered a four-year administration period.

She was re-elected in 2012; then again in 2016, 2021 and 2024.

A former journalist with the Wauchope Gazette, she was also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and held non-executive directorships on organisations including the Hastings Co-op.

Both Cr Roberts and Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac have shared statements acknowledging their colleague’s community service.

Some of those comments follow.

Mayor Adam Roberts

“Lisa dedicated much of her life to serving the Port Macquarie-Hastings community, and her passion for making our region a better place was evident in everything she did.

“From her early days in the mid-1990s through to her many roles across Council and the community, Lisa brought care, insight and a deep understanding of local issues.

“Lisa’s contribution to public life has left a legacy, and she will be remembered not only for her service, but for the genuine way she connected with people.”

Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac

“[Lisa] would speak

cognitive risks of passive screen engagement, and how to raise children who are empowered users of AI rather than passive consumers.

Timed to coincide with their community presentations, Darren and Vanessa Gray have released their new book, “Gen AI: Future-Proof Your Child” written for parents, educators and carers.

bluntly, directly and honestly, without softening her language to spare feelings or avoid confrontation.

“I respected her work ethic, in addition to her incredible local knowledge and willingness to support other Councillors when they needed another voice on the floor.

“On hearing a decent case

being presented… she would quietly say ‘here, here’ or ‘well said’ and then you knew you were on the right track.

“I will miss those moments, and her postmeeting chats.

“I was greatly impressed by her ability to speak in the Chamber from the heart, backed up with factual details and without notes on just

about any subject. I aspire to be that good one day.

“There were some meetings where she was particularly fired up and I would sit back, eat my popcorn, and watch the debate unfold.

“It still brings a smile to my face.

“Vale Lisa Intemann. You will be missed.”

Announcements

galore as fuel shortages hit hard

IN Parliamentary Question

Time on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns provided an update into fuel shortages across NSW.

At the time of speaking, he said 32 petrol stations in NSW were without any kind of fuel.

“That's down from 51 stations yesterday but concerningly, 187 stations are out of diesel,” he said.

“The split of regional and metro stations are 78 stations in regional New South Wales and 109 in metropolitan Sydney.

“I can also report to the house that of the stations that are without fuel, there is an alternative service station with fuel within 30 kilometres, which is good news.”

Premier Minns said that Australia currently has more fuel available than it did on 25 January, however the “marketplace is not efficiently distributing it”.

He also categorically denied that NSW would introduce “Covid-style emergency measures”.

“I'm not going to be in a situation where we're bringing back home schooling or lockdowns or any of these kinds of preposterous interventions.”

It was then announced that the government will use legal powers to compel the major oil companies in Australia to provide information as to how and where they will be distributing fuel, particularly to regional communities.

Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices

The NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price

transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state.

Under NSW law, fuel retailers must:

• Register with FuelCheck and report price changes in real time

• Ensure displayed prices match the price charged at the bowser.

To ensure compliance, NSW Fair Trading is currently conducting unannounced inspections of fuel retailers across metropolitan and regional areas.

Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “NSW Fair Trading is significantly increasing its compliance activity to make sure motorists get accurate price information every time they fill up.

“If consumers see a price mismatch between FuelCheck and the bowser, they should report it via the app or website to NSW Fair Trading.”

Retailers who break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

Site launched for reporting fuel shortages

The Coalition has launched a new website allowing regional Australians a direct way to report fuel outages and supply issues.

Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the site, nofuelhere.com.au, would show Energy Minister Chris Bowen “exactly where communities are being hit”.

“We are facing a fuel supply crisis in the country and regional Australians are bearing the brunt of this with skyrocketing fuel prices and increasing supply outages,” Ms Penfold said.

“This website is about showing Minister Bowen exactly where fuel is not available or is being voluntarily rationed and the impact that is having on regional communities.

“I will be providing the information to the Minister to assist him to be fully informed of the locations of fuel shortages in the hope that this will trigger him to use the powers that he has.”

The website allows locals, businesses and transport operators to log shortages, highlighting the scale of disruption across the country.

“People in regional Australia should not have to wonder whether they will be able to fill up their car, keep their farm running or get goods to market,” Ms Penfold said.

“I encourage anyone experiencing fuel shortages to report it through No Fuel Here so we can make sure the Government has the information it needs to act.”

Calls for free public transport at Easter

With fuel prices hitting record highs and household

budgets being hit hard, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have called on the NSW Government to provide free public transport this Easter long weekend.

Petrol has now skyrocketed past $3 a litre in NSW.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said many families would be rethinking what they can afford this Easter.

"This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure.

“Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families' pockets when they need it most," Ms Sloane said.

NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh said XPT and Trainlink coaches should be included.

“For families in regional NSW, the Easter long weekend often means a long drive, and now, an expensive one.

“Free travel on XPT and Trainlink coaches gives regional families a real alternative,” Mr Singh said.

Market information sought

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has written to the chief executives of the major fuel companies to seek information to inform

the state’s response to fuel distribution challenges arising from the war in the Middle East.

While the Federal Government has confirmed that fuel deliveries to Australia continue to arrive as planned, NSW and other states are experiencing localised shortages and distribution issues in the face of increased demand.

The NSW Government is seeking historical information on storage and stocks, as well as sales and orders.

“We are continuing to monitor the impacts the Middle East conflict is having on NSW fuel distribution,” Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said.

“We are planning for all possible scenarios, noting the unpredictable nature of the overseas conflict and the potential for the fuel situation to deteriorate.”

The NSW Government’s message remains that “people should only buy as much fuel as they need”.

Councils call for petrol priority

Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) is calling on the NSW Government to ensure that fuel supplies to councils are prioritised, warning that essential community services

would be put at risk without guaranteed supplies.

The president of the peak body for local governments across the state, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, has written to Minister Penny Sharpe urging her to prioritise access to fuel supply for essential council services and functions, particularly should emergency fuel supply declarations be made.

“I have today requested that the NSW Government take action to guarantee the supply of fuel to councils so that the critical services we deliver are protected,” Mayor Byrne said on Tuesday.

“Basic services that could be impacted by fuel shortages include garbage collection, water and sewerage services, aged care, community-run transport services, and road works.

“Apart from pricing pressures across the board, the impacts are being most acutely felt by some of the most remote councils in NSW, which are already under significant financial sustainability pressures.”

Mayor Byrne represented the local government sector at the recent NSW Fuel Security Roundtable in Sydney with the Premier, government ministers, department secretaries, industry, and representative groups.

PRIMAVERA: YOUNG AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS

On view: Until 19 April

Time to get ‘quacking’ for duck race

By Rachael THORPE

FOR more than 20 years, Port Macquarie Lions Club has been running its iconic Charity Duck Race.

The annual event is the club’s most lucrative fundraiser, with the money raised going to local organisations.

From 10.30am on Sunday 5 April, 2,000 yellow rubber ducks will float their way

along Kooloonbung Creek to the finish line.

The race is scheduled to align with outgoing tides.

“I’ve been involved in this for the last 12 years, I love doing it,” organiser John Fulton told News Of The Area.

“It’s an excellent service project for Lions as well as being a fantastic, fun event for the community.

“Young kids especially enjoy it.”

This year the funds will be split between Endeavour Clubhouse, which supports members of the community experiencing mental health challenges; Marine Rescue, which provides 24/7 emergency response, radio monitoring and safety education to boaters; and the Hastings Education Fund, which supports students in the pursuit of their post high school aspirations.

Last year’s event raised $12,000.

Individuals and businesses can enter with prizes for the fastest ducks including cash and five nights at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour.

Tickets are available at local shopping centres or by contacting John on 0420 434457 or at anneandjohnf@ gmail.com.

CWA branches gather for Group Council

By Pauline CAIN

BULAHDELAH Country Women’s Association hosted the Mid North Coast Group Council Meeting on Wednesday 11 March.

President Belinda Moore welcomed visitors to the Bulahdelah Golf Club with five junior branch members greeting guests and helping to serve food and drinks.

Immediate past state

president Joy Beames travelled from Dunedoo for the meeting, which was attended by 13 branches, 36 group officers and councillors, and 15 observers. Represented were

members from Wingham, Wallamba, Forster, Gloucester, Kendall, Lake Cathie-Hastings, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Gladstone, Yarrahapinni and Nambucca Heads.

Group President Lynn Moore, Treasurer Janella Leotta, and Secretary Eunice Roberts, conducted the official business of the day while Group Handicraft Officer Mary McEnallay and her team ran the handicraft competition.

“The branch handicraft challenge, which involved creating items of food, was well represented with 14 branches entering,” Mary said.

“It was also great to have some entries in the Chairperson’s Challenge Kantha Stitch Embroidery.”

The Rose Bowl Ella Evane Trophy went to Gloucester Evening Branch with 643 points, the highest score for the eight item challenge.

The shield donated by the South West Rocks branch went to the second highest score - the Wauchope and Wingham branches on 630 points.

The Barbara Reichert Trophy for third went to the Wallamba Branch on 628 points.

Many members will now go on to the state conference in Forster in May.

Kantha refers to both the style of running stitch, as well as the finished cloth, made by women from the Bengali region of India. Lyn Cummings and Carol Vincent from the CWA Hunter River Group judged all the items and were impressed with the variety and quality of entries.

FILL IT: a celebration of local creativity

By Pauline CAIN

A VIBRANT celebration of local creativity is taking over MAKE/SPACE Port Central this March, with FILL IT bringing together 25 artists from across the Mid North Coast.

The community exhibition is open to the public from Tuesday 24 March to Wednesday 1 April.

Skye Petho, Programs and Partnerships Manager with Arts Mid North Coast

said, “FILL IT features an eclectic mix of 2D and 3D works which offers visitors the opportunity to connect directly with the region’s visual arts community.

“The exhibition highlights a diverse range of practices, with artists working across mediums including watercolour, oil painting, photography, and sculpture.

“Exhibition places were open to any artist wishing to participate, resulting in a rich and inclusive showcase that

reflects the depth of talent across the region.

“Visitors can expect a vibrant and engaging display that celebrates both emerging voices and more established practices within the Mid North Coast arts scene.”

Exhibiting artists include Carly Marchment, Sophia Morgan, Melanie Webb, Paula Daniel, Roxanne Gagnon, Patricia Daley, Melanie Hickling, Paul Witney, Lee Albert, Cheryl Blacklock, Rachel Urquhart,

Seniors living life in colour

By Pauline CAIN

energy to the event as part of an intergenerational partnership.

A butterfly-inspired mural was created, supported

by local artist Brad Collins.

The mural honours past residents while celebrating the connection the community shares with nature and place.

"Arts Mid North Coast connected me to Garden Village, and it's been amazing to collaborate on an initiative that brings generations together," said Brad.

Auxiliary President and resident Cheryl Pearson welcomed the new mural.

"It’s 20 years since Robyn Carrol painted the butterfly series that hangs in the community hall,” she said.

Activities included painting miniature Hello Koalas, photo opportunities with “Flying Fife” from the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail, adding brushstrokes to the

butterfly mural, and Monet inspired Virtual Reality from SilVR Adventures.

Live music from local band Ruby Blunt kept everyone entertained during the sausage sizzle for nearly 100 residents.

Port City Bowling Club contributed significant funding to make the intergenerational program possible.

"This wonderful initiative aligns with our core values of creating stronger community bonds, bringing generations together to create connections and shared learning experiences," said Operations Manager KatyLee Waldron.

The program received support from NSW Seniors Festival Grants, Port City

Help name one of Guulabaa’s koala joeys

By Sis HIGGINS

KOALA lovers are being invited to help name a new joey as part of a conservation partnership between Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) and car company Chery Australia.

KCA’s Wild Koala Breeding Facility at Guulabaa, in the Cowarra State Forest, welcomed seven healthy joeys in its first season.

To celebrate this success,

the public is being asked to help name one of the male joeys through a poll on Chery’s Instagram page.

Options include Jarrah, Banksia, Tucker and Waratah with the winning name to be announced on Friday 3 April.

More than $100,000 has been raised from vehicle sales in just the first quarter of the KCA and Chery partnership.

“Collaborations like this… make a huge difference to an

organisation like ours, allowing us to continue our vital conservation work,” said KCA Chair Sue Ashton.

Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris said, “Chery is committed to supporting native Australian wildlife and that starts with making [a] meaningful impact with organisations like the KCA.”

To vote for one of the four names, go to @cheryaustralia.

Leah Doeland, Deidre Garing, Gaynor Heading, Gai Southwell, Jamie Barber, Jan Herrera, Nicola McLeay, Kelly Crossingham, Jo Conroy, Liza Moscatelli, Kim McLean, Shyla Richards, Skye Petho and Bee Hudson.

Gowing Pacific Traders have provided exhibition spaces at both Port Central and Coffs Central, in partnership with Arts Mid North Coast.

MAKE/SPACE is located in Port Central on the ground floor opposite Bookface.

Bowling Club and Australia Post Community Grants.

Casey Baldwin from Intergen Connect reflected on the day: "It's wonderful to see older generations sharing their stories and wisdom with younger ones.

“Through art, activities, and storytelling, we create connections that last a lifetime."

Garden Village, SilVR Adventures and Intergen Connect received a Future of Ageing Award in 2025 for the Virtual Voyagers Virtual Reality Program.

"Winning the award in Sydney was amazing, and we are thrilled to take this program to a new level with creative ageing at its heart, thanks to involvement from local artists and Hello Koalas," said Joanna McNamara, Garden Village Communications and Engagement Manager.

Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 1419 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country.

Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on the issues impacting the country, their aspirations and insights into their schooling and home life.

In 2025, more than 4,000 NSW young people completed

the survey, naming cost of living (66 percent), mental health (31 percent), climate change and the environment (25 percent), and housing and homelessness (23 percent), as the most important issues in Australia today.

Mission Australia State Director NSW and ACT Di Kapera said the Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to understand what young people across the state are going through.

“We’ve been doing the Youth Survey for 25 years now, and it continues to give

us valuable data on a group whose perspectives are often missing or ignored,” Ms Kapera said.

“In 2025, for the second year in a row, cost of living was the number one issue of concern for NSW respondents.

“Young people told us that the high cost of housing and everyday essentials was impacting them and their families.

“We expect that this year’s survey will once again reflect the fact that many families around the country are doing it tough.

“They’re struggling to find affordable housing, pay the bills and put food on the table, with many parents making sacrifices so their children don’t miss out.”

Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government, non-government organisations, local councils, schools and the public.

“Data from the survey is utilised by a variety of organisations, educators and government stakeholders to inform policies, research and the creation of programs and

services that assist young people,” Ms Kapera said.

“We aim to get responses that span a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and locations so that the survey reflects the diversity of our state.”

The survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, study and work.

This year’s survey will include some new areas of

focus, including questions on the teen social media ban, the changes to their neighbourhoods that would impact young people’s lives, and barriers to participating in community events.

Youth Survey 2026 is open from March 19 to August 14 and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Respondents can complete the survey online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website.

Go to www. missionaustralia.com.au/ youthsurvey.

Dogs strut their stuff for Paws for a Cause

By Sis HIGGINS

DOGS have taken to the catwalk for the Paws for a Cause Best Dressed Dog competition.

Held at Sovereign Place Town Centre on Saturday 21 March, the event was hosted by Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service in partnership with Ritchies IGA.

The aim was to bring the community together to celebrate pets while raising awareness of animal welfare across the Hastings Region.

The competition was part of the Sovereign Place Community Fun Day and featured three categories - Best Dressed, Best WellBehaved and Best Trick.

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place in each category, as well as for

New nurses for Kempsey Correctional

at the Forensic Hospital in Sydney.

Overall Champion Dog.

Tim Walker, Community Development Manager for Ritchies IGA, said the event highlighted the value of local partnerships.

“Working with Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service allows us to create a fun event while also shining a light on the incredible work they do for animals in our region,” Mr Walker said.

provided water bowls and pet care assistance while also raising awareness of the work they do.

Organisers said the strong

turnout and positive

highlighted the

the competition to become an annual favourite in the Hastings region.

NEWLY-trained custodial and mental health nurses are being placed at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre west of Kempsey.

They are among a cohort of 43 in GradStart, which is the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network’s (Justice Health NSW), graduate program.

The graduate nurses represent a significant boost to health services in the state’s youth justice centres, correctional centres, and

They will work in multidisciplinary teams alongside experienced clinicians, caring for patients with complex and diverse health needs.

They will also support them to make healthier and more informed choices.

“Much of the work delivered by Justice Health NSW occurs out of public view, but the impact of these clinical staff will help transform the lives of our patients,” said Justice Health Chief Executive Wendy Hoey.

The nurses are being stationed across a dozen metro and regional areas, including Kempsey.

Based at Aldavilla, the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre is a maximum, medium and minimum security centre for men and women.

Judging began at 10:30am, with Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts joining the panel assessing entries.

Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service volunteers

Marlin and mackerel fire up

By Kate SHELTON

AS

and

Along the North Haven breakwall this week, the sight of large schools of mullet gathering at the river mouth suggests the spawning run is

It’s a busy time for our local commercial fishers

as well, who are keeping a close eye on the headlands to continue the generations-old tradition of beach netting.

The Hastings River has been dealing with some murky water this week from the rain we’ve had, but that hasn't stopped the fish from biting.

For those chasing flathead, fresh garfish and soft plastics are the standout performers.

Luderick numbers are also on the rise, with cabbage and weed flies proving effective around the Lady Nelson wharf, the CBD main wharf, and the breakwalls.

The offshore scene is particularly electric right now. I managed to head out last weekend off Port Macquarie and found some incredible activity in just 20 metres of water off Shelly Beach.

The water was a warm 25

degrees and thick with tuna and the odd mackerel.

The highlight, however, was the billfish action, we managed to land one out of three marlin in a high-energy session.

With the upcoming full moon, expectations are high for mulloway.

Enthusiasts are already congregating at the breakwalls, especially during the high tide. If you're looking

for fresh bait, the cleaner water near the river mouth is currently holding plenty of pike, garfish, and herring.

With large swell caused from the recent southerly winds, those braving the beaches have been rewarded with quality mulloway and an increasing number of tailor, particularly at North Shore in the protected corner of the breakwall.

Further south, schoolsized mulloway are keeping anglers happy in and around Lake Cathie. With the full moon approaching and the mullet run starting, we expect to see some much larger specimens hitting the beaches shortly.

Rock fishing is also at its peak, Perpendicular Point and Diamond Head are producing excellent tailor, some pushing the 2kg mark, especially for those using garfish or surface poppers. Drummer and luderick are also being caught

HEALTH NSW

Supporting patients and families

HEART Health NSW’s volunteer group provides vital support to patients and families within the cardiac unit at Port Base Hospital.

“We visit patients and their loved ones, offering reassurance, emotional support and encouragement - helping them understand there is life after heart surgery and recovery is possible,” the

group said.

“Our volunteers also assist the rehabilitation team by setting up exercise stations, timing exercises, supporting equipment preparation and sterilisation, and helping create a positive and encouraging environment."

Heart Health NSW is a fully volunteer-run group,

with no paid employees.

Fundraising efforts go directly toward purchasing equipment and enhancing facilities within the cardiac unit to improve patient care.

Volunteers facilitate four walking groups: Laurieton,

Gladstone, Port Macquarie, Wauchope.

“No one walks alone and you’re never expected to walk a marathon.

“It’s about connection, movement and support at your own pace.”

The group also holds a mid-year picnic and a Christmas party to “bring everyone together and celebrate progress and community spirit”.

“We kindly ask local businesses and community

in good numbers in these areas.

For the boaties, rumours of mackerel off Bonny Hills and Crowdy Head are circulating, making it a great time to prep the offshore gear.

The Macleay River is currently a hotspot, with healthy schools of mulloway, bream, and flathead keeping everyone busy.

Success here is all about timing, fresh bait and the high tide are the keys to a productive session.

Offshore, up at Grassy Head, the mackerel fishing has been hit and miss.

With the school holidays fast approaching, expect to see a surge of visiting anglers hitting the water to make the most of this autumn golden period.

A warning though for those crossing the bar, the swell has made for some dangerous conditions this week.

members to support us by donating a prize for our raffle - helping us raise funds to continue supporting heart patients and their families.

“Together we strengthen hearts and build a stronger community.”

Rallying behind Make-A-Wish

By Pauline CAIN

MAKE-A-Wish Australia, Port Macquarie Volunteer Branch, held a Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday 14 March at Settlers Inn Hotel, which was a great success.

More than 110 people

attended and the night raised just shy of $5,000 for the Port Macquarie Branch to fulfil wishes for local children.

Wish Grant and Fundraising Coordinator Tallulah Main said, “It was so amazing to see our community come together

and support our branch and local wish children.

“The evening had such a positive and fun atmosphere with AJ's wonderful trivia, our photo booth from Poseit, and styling from Willow Days.

“We couldn’t be more grateful as a branch to everyone who attended and to our major sponsors Coast Glass and Fencing, Hastings Health and Support, and Lifestyle Group Port Macquarie.

“Additionally, the support we received from local businesses who donated prizes was truly appreciated.”

Hastings Health and Support said, “We had an incredible night sponsoring and attending the fundraiser.

“Make-A-Wish does truly life-changing work for children and their families, and we’re grateful to be part of a community that rallies behind organisations like this.”

Wauchope Women's Bowling Club

By Marie WINTER

THURSDAY 19th March

2026 there was a home game of grade 3 pennants and Wauchope when down to Westport.

The winners of the social games were Elaine Taylor, Yvonne Carmichael, Jenny Wooster and Fay Paine

The jackpot no.52 Sue

Pink Ladies Regional Conference

By Rachael THORPE

PORT Macquarie Golf Club hosted 35 volunteers of the United Hospital Auxiliaries for their Mid North Coast Regional Conference this month.

Guests included UHA State President Sally Cronberger, UHA State

Treasurer Dee Hunter, and guest speaker and music therapist Phoebe ThomsonStarr.

UHAs across the Mid North Coast region raised $690,000 in the 2024-2025 financial year, with funds supporting public hospitals.

“These conferences are fabulous as we get to share

Vallance was not playing therefore the jackpot will carry forward.

The raffle prizes were picked up by Sally, Heather, Sue and Marie

Bogie Bandits Social Golf Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

TUESDAY 17/03/2026

Number of Players – 23

Game Played –Stableford

Winner -Denis McGrath –39 Points

2nd Ray Marsh – 38 Points

3rd Col Everingham - 37 Points

4th Ken Baldwin - 36 Points

(On Count Back)

5th Rob Toone - 36 Points

(On Count Back)

6th Ian Camejo - 36 Points

(On Count Back)

NTP 4th Ray Marsh

NTP 9th Ken Gallie

NTP 11th Chas Viner

NTP 15thIan Camejo

Iona and Coffs do battle in Interclub Challenge

IONA FC will take on Coffs City FC in an “Interclub Challenge” on Saturday, 28 March.

The clubs will do battle across eight grades, from junior boys and girls to senior

men and women. Games will take place at Saint Columba Anglican School (SCAS), with the first kick-off at 9:30am.

Play will continue

throughout the day with the premier senior men's game commencing at 2.15pm.

“The challenge works that every game contributes to each club's points awarded for the day,” said Iona Sports Club Football President Paul Stephens.

“The club with the most points after all games have been played is then declared the winner and takes home the Interclub Challenge trophy.”

This is the second time the competition has been played.

The first, in 2024, was declared a draw, with both clubs having four wins each.

The event was cancelled due to wet weather in 2025.

“In 2026 both clubs are looking forward to great competition and hoping to take the trophy back home,” Paul said.

ideas of different ways of fundraising and hear about the equipment that has been purchased,” said President of the Port Macquarie Pink Ladies Gabby Gregory.

“It is also a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and find out what they have been up to.”

Ms Thomson-Starr’s informative talk focussed on how the brain reacts to music, in particular the connection between humming and breathing.

The group’s next big fundraiser is a Mother’s Day raffle.

Tickets can be purchased from the Pink Ladies at Port Macquarie Base Hospital with the draw taking place on 29 April.

For more information, contact Gabby Gregory on 0435771690 or arthurgregory14@bigpond. com.

Friday Afternoon Golfer Social Club

By Colin EVERINGHAM

NUMBER of Players: 19 playing on the Front 9 holes. Winner: Glenn Holt Nett 37 was on 8 now on 3

2nd: Don Steigrad Nett 38

3rd: Peter Slater Nett 39 4th: Dennis McGrath Nett

40 5th: Rob Toone Nett 40 6th: John Rock Nett 40

Port Macquarie Sailing Club

By Jeff WALSH

22-3-26

THE Port Macquarie Sailing Club held race 7 of the Summer Series in the morning and the 6th Club Championship after lunch on Sunday in a quite variable Southerly breeze and some scattered cloud. The morning race was conducted in the last of the run in tide, and the tide ran out during the afternoon race, gathering pace as the racing progressed. Stuart Symons was on duty and set a slightly confusing course for Race 7 of the Summer Series which was shortened mid-way as the breeze started to ease off. Of course, once the shortened course flag was deployed, the breeze came back in. The course for the 6th Club Championship race was controversially complicated, with some skippers writing the course on their arms, and others just getting it wrong. Needless to say, Stuart did consider radioing the clubhouse to see if it was safe to come in to shore after the race, but the better afternoon breeze led to a level of forgiveness.

The Arrow Cat division’s Race 7 of the Summer

Series in the morning was only contested by Scott Witchard on ‘Lukim-Yu’, so he collected both the yardstick and the handicap points.

In the Monohull division’s Summer Series Race 7, Jeff Walsh in his Impulse ‘Serenity’ had a blinder, finishing ahead of Simon Gandy and Ezra Mert in the NS14 ‘Up Beat’, a lead that was increased once the yardsticks were applied. Tony Kuhn stepped out of his Arrow Cat for the morning to sail with Granson Julian in the club’s Pacer ‘Britannia’, yardstick giving them 3rd place ahead of Dave and Hudson McNeill in their Tasar ‘Toy of Joy’. The handicap positions were the same.

3 Arrow Cats contested the afternoon’s 6th Club Championship, with Tony Kuhn back on his Arrow Cat ‘Stella’ first to finish after a race long battle with Jack Corthals on ‘Crackerjack’ who lost time trying to follow the course, then came 3rd place ‘Lukim Yu’, and, once again, the handicap positions were the same.

For the monohull’s 6th Club Championship race, ‘Up Beat’ revelled in the stronger breeze to finish

well ahead of ‘Serenity’ on both yardstick and handicap. Steve Couch in ‘Lazybuoy’ was sailing well, but after mixing up the confusing course then running aground quite hard, went back to the beach in disgust. The McNeills had left to go and celebrate Hudson’s Birthday.

Frank O’Rourke was away once again, this time winning the Ian Holley Memorial Regatta at Toukley Sailing Club in his Arrow Cat ‘Zero’.

Next week is yet another double header, with Race 3 of the Handicap Start Series starting at 11.30am, then, after lunch is the Commodore’s Cup race starting at 2pm. Tony Kuhn is rostered on duty.

Dorin's Drawings

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch

By Paul DORIN

Why fear campaigns work

DEAR News Of The Area,

I FIND it hard to find sensible discussion about migration coming from the opposition.

Instead they seek to politicise the issue and turn it into a fear campaign.

Fear campaigns work because they do not require facts, merely a grievance, and appeal to our natural desire for simple solutions to complex issues.

I remember the maiden speech to parliament by Pauline Hanson in 1996 when she stated that we were going to be “swamped by Asians”.

Twenty years later, on her return to parliament in 2016, her maiden speech referred to Australia being “swamped by Muslims”.

Her naked racism may have changed hues but she really is a one trick pony.

If the National (Mining) Party is the tail that wags the Liberal Party dog then my metaphor starts to break down in an attempt to explain the way the One Notion Party seems to direct the COALition policy on migration.

Angus Taylor bemoans that migration “standards have been too low, numbers have been too high” but he fails to detail how he would address the issue.

But he does try to insist that he is “not seeking to be One Nationlite”, whatever that means.

Thou doth protest too much, methinks.

What area of migration would be suitable to cut if one did not want to sabotage the economy, causing economic pain to all of those of us who have already migrated here?

How about students?

Foreign students are one of the largest sources of income for the country and fund the university sector which provides the skills and knowledge required to build the economy in a rapidly changing world.

Cutting back the education system would not serve us well into the future.

What about farm labourers?

The National Party is usually reluctant to suggest cutting migration to this sector because

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace. A man offered to buy it. He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold.

He said he couldn't attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash.

Nigel W.

Dear Nigel,

It appears you have moved from Marketplace to its darker and more sinister brother: Marketplace Mobland.

Surviving Marketplace is a hard enough task - a zone where the normal rules of engagement don't apply.

they know that home grown Australians are largely reluctant to work on farms.

Without imported farm labour there would be a labour shortage in rural and regional areas and farmers would have to pay higher wages to attract people.

So, maybe not.

What about the migrants who work as nurses, doctors, childcare workers, and aged care workers?

These people are needed to do the jobs that maintain our standard of services and living.

Again, maybe not them.

Refugees? Family reunions?

What level of cruelty can we inflict and still feel righteous?

Blaming migrants for all our societal ills is really just a distraction from the problems caused by policies that deliberately work to increase inequality.

It is not migrants causing house prices to increase faster than wages.

It is a combination of Capital Gains Discounts, negative gearing, and stamp duty. It is a shortage of building skills caused by the failure to train more people.

Part of this is the miserable wages and conditions that apprentices have to endure. Hence we rely on skilled migrants to fill the gaps in the building industry.

Part of it is relying on the “free market” to build housing.

This leads to land banking and zombie DAs.

Housing should be a right for all, not a privilege only for those with inherited wealth.

The government should build more social housing with the aim of driving down, or at least holding steady, house prices.

Any party that uses a fear campaign, especially one that demonises migrants, is trying to sell snake oil.

The wealth, and well being, of Australia has been built on migration for many decades.

The diversity in Australia is what truly makes this such a great place to live.

Regards, Peter SOBEY, Mid North Coast.

Sally from Sage and Light comes across all vibey and spiritual on her profile, until you have to negotiate a fair-priced bulk smudging stick sale with her.

It's akin to negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Selling is even more fraught.

Our local Vinnies has become the frequent beneficiary of my failed Marketplace negotiations. Some buyers have an innate ability to wear sellers down.

Most recently, my exchanges over a pair of spanking-new Nikes morphed into chess-level wheeling and dealing.

Beaten down, annoyed, but willing to accept a low-ball offer, I agreed to a price.

The purchaser then asked if I could meet her at a more convenient location.

“Forget it,” I said.

With the cost of petrol at the moment, I could have bought myself a pair of Balenciaga Speed Trainers.

All that pales into insignificance, though, when you enter the domain of Marketplace Mobland. This is the space of shady deals done behind abandoned scout halls in the dead of night.

The buyer arrives in a hotted up Benz with NOCOPS number plates.

In the back of his vehicle, you make out two shadowy accomplices in balaclavas.

The buyer (Murray during initial messages, but now Muz in conversations you suspect have taken place on a burner phone) emerges from his car.

You notice he has one hand clutching a brown paper bag, the

Tribute to councillor Lisa Intemann NEWS

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WISH to pay a public tribute to this wonderful woman who served seven terms on our council and was a true giver to our community in many ways.

During her council service she had to endure some tough times, but she remained bravely steadfast in her commitment.

When the council was sacked in 2008 due to the mismanagement of, and the cost blowout of the Glasshouse Theatre, she was the only member of the Council to stand again at the next election.

Being involved in a number of community groups myself, I can genuinely say that Lisa was a ‘go to’ person for many of us to raise their issues.

She was trusted, approachable and helpful, in fact the ideal councillor, always putting the community first.

My words can never say enough about her.

I wanted to nominate her for an Order of Australia Medal for her outstanding dedication to public service, but sadly she has passed before organising that was possible.

Having seen her at a council meeting just four weeks ago, her passing came as an enormous shock.

We will miss you Lisa, but you will not be forgotten, you will live in the memories of many of us.

Regards, Sue BAKER, Dunbogan.

other is twitching in his pocket. Slowly, he ambles towards you, throws his cigarette butt in the dirt and grinds it with the heel of his captoe shoe.

“We do this on the count of three,” Muz says.

And, on three, Muz hands you the bag, and you hand over a Labubu doll worth six-months' of diesel. Forlornly, you head back to your car.

The deal is done. Or is it?

Seller's remorse creeps in.

What will you say to your daughter Sophie?

Have you sold your soul on Marketplace Mobland?

You turn and start to run towards the Benz.

One of the goons steadies a rifle at your face.

“It's name is Baba, you yell, but your scream is lost in the screech of the Benz's spinning wheels.

Later, in your driveway, you drag the cash out of its bag.

In true mob form, it's a wad of counterfeit.

You see your daughter at the screen door.

“Daddy,” she cries, “I can't find Baba”.

May this be a lesson to you, Nigel.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Breakwall walk for wellness

By Rachael THORPE

THE cost-of-living crisis combined with the surge in petrol prices can lead to emotional distress and an amplification of existing mental health challenges.

In Port Macquarie support is provided by the Endeavour Clubhouse, a community funded initiative opened in 2015 which provides a safe, caring environment in which adults living with a mental health condition can find support during their journey of recovery.

The Clubhouse’s members, many of whom live with complex mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, participate in activities that draw on their own skills and

q The Walk for Wellness along the Southern Breakwall.

strengths to build confidence, create new relationships, develop further independence, and increase participation in the community.

On 19 March the organisation held their annual Wellness Walk at Town Green, with the walk celebrating community connection, belonging and mental wellbeing.

CEO Garth Norris told News Of The Area, “It’s been a difficult couple of months for people living with mental ill health, as we have seen more failures in the mental health service system leading to terrible incidents that have reinforced hurtful, negative stereotypes about mental illness.

“Our hope is to inspire more positive community attitudes around mental illness and to increase community participation for people with mental ill health by reducing stigma and challenging harmful stereotypes."

This year’s event commenced with speeches and a musical performance by members and culminated in a free BBQ cooked by the Port Macquarie Lions Club.

The Australian Institute of Health and Wellness estimates that 43 percent of Australians aged 16 to 85 years will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life.

Endeavour Clubhouse is open Monday to Thursday 9am3.30pm.

SUDOKU

PORT MACQUARIE

CAMP Ovens - 30cm and 25cm both with lids. Great used cond $50 Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890

CAMPING items. All new - esky on wheels camp stove, camp table 4 person tent. $250 the lot. 0429 516 681

CAMPHOR chest 96cm L x 45cm H x 43cm D $30. Can deliver locally 0422 538 888

EXERCISE bike VGC hardly used. Includes monitors. BK1. $300 0412 380 943. Colleen e270326

FISHING Rod - 3 piece

Jarvis Walker Surf Rock 15 foot. Exc Cond. $80 ono. Pick up Crescent Head. 0425 322 890

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

52 TWO COLOUR PRESS PRINTER Seeking an experienced GTO 52-two-colour press printer to join our team. Applicants must have strong attention to detail and proven experience is a necessity. Location: Wauchope, Mid North Coast NSW Call: 02 6585 2522 CHOOKS for sale. Visit PortMacChickens.com. au e030426 FISHING gear. Nothing over $5. Landing net reels, rods inc 12ft bch rod and more Ph 0481 046 477

AWNING Front ARB Windbreak, $35 with straps. 0403 820 455

BANJO Paterson Collected Works Hardcover, as new $10 Also paperback $5, Ph 0447 445 319

For Sale

ADJUSTABLE mobility chair, padded with armrests $90. 0459 597 012

ALUMINIUM 32 rung ladder (rope pull) $100 0428 489 689

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

BED, fold up, metal frame, ideal for camping or extra bed. $25. 0400 124 942

BED stick, vgc $50 Ph 0419 224 403

brewing kit complete plus 250 bottles. $99. 6559 6656

BIKE for children near new. $50. Ph 0415 858 981.

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

CLIMBING gear, various hardware, helmet and harnesses. Make an offer. Ph 0447 610 321 F121225

COMPUTER desk with keyboard drawer and storage shelf on top $50. 0459 597 012

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

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

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

FREEDOM FHC mobility walker, GC $60 0499 252 330

FULL set of 12 wood carving chisels, A1 cond $20. Ph 0481 046 477

GARDEN leaf blower petrol engine $45 6585 7393 F191225

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

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

Classified ads 02 4981 8882

PENTAX ESP10 vintage camera w-case & manual- top condition $200 Ph 0481 046 477

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

PIERRE Trudeau biography by George Radwanski. $5. Ph 0447 445 319 F160126

LIMITED edition Franklin Mint porcelain plates 3x teddy bear series 1x Thoroughbred. With stands. $90. 0400 993 382 F121225

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numerous guages $95 6585 7393

BREVILLE smoking gun Model BSM600, In original box , used twice $25. 0428 559 572 F130226

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

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

GOLF Iron: Dynacast Up n Downer, stainless steel, 37-degree golf chipper. $30. 0416 135 363 F230126 For Sale

PGF Men’s Clubs. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 sand wedge, putter. $20 the lot. 0401 031 833 F130326

set RH 5 woods

irons with senior grips for vets plus putter bag $180. 6559 6656

Albert bone china small rose vases $25 for pair 13cm H. Photo’s avaliable 02 6585 1564 LEAD Cystal decanter (large) $30 0447 122 829 F071125

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

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

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

NEW printer ink cartridges epson

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

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

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

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

STAGHORN large - 2m wide 1m

round

1370cm dia, 10mm

$100. Ph 0414 184 498

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

PAVERS, approx 500 23x19cm. $450. 0402 226 002. e 270326

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

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

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PATIENCE

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, pictured) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective on complicated cases. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability, and isn’t shy about expressing it.

FRIDAY, March 27

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Return, M) A body is found drained of blood.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R) 10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)

1.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R)

2.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

WEDNESDAY

MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW

ABC TV, 9.30pm

A jewel in the crown of Australia’s cultural events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day on the calendar to broadcast a celebration than April Fool’s Day? Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (pictured) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to next-generation talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Ma)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

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

THURSDAY

RIOT WOMEN

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

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

SBS, 9.35pm Happy Gentleman Jack Last Tango in Halifax, acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes pride in creating authentic, complex and fierce female characters. Her latest project is no exception, focusing on a group of menopausal British women who form a punk rock band for a local talent contest. It’s not long before teacher Beth (Joanna Scanlan, pictured), shoplifter Kitty (Rosalie Craig), pub landlady Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) and midwife Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) discover they’ve actually got quite a lot to shout about. The six-part series covers a lot of ground and is a testament to the power of female friendship.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins.

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

10.45 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) A man plots his own abduction. David Oyelowo.

1.00 Next Stop.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA Series. Australia v Cameroon.

10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

Children’s Programs.

10.30

Nanny. 9.30

11.30

Timbersports. 3.30 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.30 Surveillance

8.30 MOVIE:

Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, M) 11.35 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Blackbird. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

12.25pm

(1997, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Freaky Friday. (2003, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: 27 Dresses. (2008, PG) 11.45 Seinfeld. 12.15am

SMART MARKETING

6.00

SATURDAY, March 28

6.00 Kath &

world of data mining, crypto and murder.

9.40 Frauds. (M, R) Bert reveals her master plan.

10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee

Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40

Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PG)

8.25 Homebodies.

9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An unemployed man attracts suspicion.

7.30 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet.

9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) Two MiB agents uncover a sinister plot involving a traitor who is aiding an alien invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson. 11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

7TWO

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) A research team’s ocean dive spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu.

10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R)

12.35 Epic Builds. (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)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A man is hoping to find a best friend. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home.

9.30

DRAMA (51) 9GEM (82)

v Chicago

12.40pm

English

League. Bournemouth v Manchester United. 2.40 MOVIE: Fisherman’s Friends 2: One And All. (2023, PG) 4.50 Young Sheldon. 5.20 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016,

SUNDAY,

March 29

6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.

8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.

9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.

10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R) 10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs.

9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma, R)

10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)

11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race.

1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Women’s race.

3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)

8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges. 10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren.

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

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9News Late.

My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv) 11.10 The First 48: Death In Desire. (MA15+a, R)

A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R) 1.00 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus.

MONDAY, March 30

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 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: Crystalized. 7.50 Ninjago. 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.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am The

Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.15 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 7.30 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 9.25 How To Make A Killing. (2024, MA15+, French) 11.30 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, March 31

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.

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

10.40 The Agenda Setters.

11.40 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00

Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Explore. 11.45 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 12.15pm MOVIE: The Aegean. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Terminator. (1984, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Addams Family. 11.00 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm My Way. 12.40 MOVIE: Heart Of The Man. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bruce Almighty. (2003,

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv)

11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R)

2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.

8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

10.30 The Agenda Setters.

11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs.

WEDNESDAY, April 1

6.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (PG)

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour 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. (PGas)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGls, R)

8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R)

10.20 One Tank Holiday. (R) 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 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. 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.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (PGs, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PG, R) 11.25 Can You Keep A Secret? (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Mlv, R) 1.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.15 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R)

THURSDAY,

The Matter Of Facts. (PG, R)

The Business. (R)

Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Gardening Australia. (R)

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

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning

Programs. 6.15 Discovering Film. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs.

April 2

Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.25 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) 9.35 Riot Women. (Premiere) 10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

12.05 Blackwater. (Malsv, R)

2.15 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

11.40 Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Jeopardy! 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993) 12.40am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 Insight. 2.55 News. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone Denmark. 6.05 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Brassic. 11.55 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Finding You. (2020, PG) 8.10 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 10.00 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 11.45 Man Up. (2015, M) 1.20pm The Longest Week. (2014, M) 2.50 Discovering Film. 3.45 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 5.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 7.30 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.10 What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6am The Zoo. 6.30 Better Homes. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat.

7MATE (64)

7TWO (62) VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest

6am Children’s Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Addams Family. 11.00 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: The 13th Summer. (2022, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30

Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

MOVIE: Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs.

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

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A drunk driver gets his car airborne.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage to impress the judges and secure their place in the semi-finals.

9.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm MOVIE: Wanda And Sully. (2023, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30

Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

MOVIE: The Matrix Revolutions. (2003, M) 11.05 Seinfeld. 12.05am Rugby Heaven. 1.05 Love Island UK. 2.05 Late Programs.

Meteoric rise

By Sis HIGGINS

A

Lachlan Wilson, a Camden Haven resident and student at St Joseph’s Regional, picked up a hammer just two years ago and has quickly become a regular presence at Laurieton fields, training and competing each week.

Last week, he secured the NSW State Championship in the Under 14 division, competing against eight of the best young athletes in the state.

His victory followed a strong season that began with a third-place finish at the NSW All Schools Championships.

He then set his sights firmly on qualification for the nationals in Brisbane during the April school holidays.

Lachlan said, “I am hoping to throw a PB (personal best) and maybe even medal at nationals.”

With limited access

to coaching and few local competitions, Lachlan has taken a self-driven approach to improvement, using online resources and travelling to gain competition experience.

In January, he competed in Dubbo before heading to the ACT State Championships, where he claimed silver with a personal best throw of 34.83 metres.

He carried that momentum into the NSW State Championships at Homebush, opening with a solid 35.61 metre throw using a single turn technique.

Holding first place for most of the event, Lachlan entered the final round needing an extra 40 centimetres to secure gold.

On his final attempt, he delivered a powerful three turn throw of 39.14 metres, sealing the State title in dramatic fashion.

Lachlan will now travel to Brisbane in mid April to represent NSW at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, where he is aiming to break the 40 metre mark.