GUULABAA - Place of Koala, the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre, has been named a winner of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) 2025 Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence.
Announced at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, the award recognises Guulabaa as a global exemplar of conservationled design, Indigenous collaboration, and resilient land stewardship.
Guulabaa is one of only twelve winners across the Asia Pacific, and one of just two from Australia to be recognised this year.
Developed by the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales and designed by global CONTINUED Page 2
BIKER APPEAL
By Sue STEPHENSON
q Tom Owens, Principal at Gensler Sydney (centre), receiving the ULI Award.
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Solo sailor saved after losing power
THE volunteers of Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have had no time to rest in the wake of the recent floods, with a solo sailor the latest to benefit from their skills and swift response.
The sailor’s vessel lost power when trying to enter the Hastings Bar on Tuesday, 3 June.
Watch Officer Richard Raab received a call from the skipper of the 10-metre yacht just after midday.
He was requesting assistance following engine failure.
“He came too close to Town Beach and the Bar and phoned in saying he had lost power,” Mr Raab said.
“We asked him to keep sailing further out, which he was able to do.”
A volunteer crew was
quickly assembled and deployed on board rescue vessel Port Macquarie 21.
“It was not a hazardous situation, but it involved quite a bit of work.”
Mr Raab said a towline was secured to the yacht, which was then guided safely across the Bar into
the Hastings River.
“The yacht [was] safely moored at the public mooring and the crew returned to base.”
The skipper of the disabled yacht was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW at the time of the incident.
Guulabaa recognised with international design award
FROM Page 1
architecture and design firm Gensler, Guulabaa was conceived in direct response to the
We
catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, which impacted koala habitats across the region.
The project involved collaboration with First
Nations communities and integrated traditional cool burning practices to reduce bushfire risk and restore forest health.
This approach also enabled the use of local sustainably sourced native hardwoods in
Did you know that we do weekly Seniors Big Day Out Cruises every Wednesday?
In July there are also several dates to enjoy our Christmas in July event.
You may event get a visit from Santa!
construction.
“Guulabaa challenged us to rethink what regenerative architecture should be,” said Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler Australia.
“It is not about making a bold statement, but about designing with care, deep listening, and respect for Country. “This project shows what is possible when we listen to our client, stakeholders, project partners, and First Nations knowledge holders, and design with long-term impact in mind.”
Set within a 25-hectare site in Cowarra State Forest, Guulabaa, meaning “Place of Koala” in the local Gathang language, offers a unique blend of conservation, cultural storytelling, and ecotourism.
Visitors experience
elevated timber walkways, immersive educational spaces, and First Nationsled narratives that deepen understanding of wildlife, heritage, and environmental stewardship.
“Guulabaa is about more than protecting koalas. It brings people together, across generations, cultures, and disciplines to care for Country and build a shared future where nature and community thrive,” said Kathy Lyons, Senior Manager, Country and Community, Forestry Corporation of NSW.
“Its success is already inspiring similar projects across New South Wales, and ULI’s recognition affirms that this model is both powerful and scalable when approached with care and respect.”
q Marine Rescue Port Macquarie secures the yacht and takes its skipper to safety.
Photos: Marine Rescue NSW.
q Guulabaa – Place of Koala is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre. Photo: FCNSW.
q Chemo@Home nurse Helen Adair was taken by the SES to treat a cancer patient. Photo: supplied.
“He sustained a traumatic brain injury, a broken back and neck.
“The accident changed his life in an instant.
“James spent almost two weeks in an induced coma in Westmead Hospital, with serious concern for both his neurological and physical prognosis.
“He now remains in ICU with varying levels of consciousness, undergoing assessments to determine the extent of his brain injury.
“Whilst James is (without a doubt) lucky to be alive today, he now faces a long, slow road to recovery with intensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical support.
“James is not only a beloved friend and community member; he is also a devoted husband and a father, with a young family who need to be able to bring him home.
“While James’ strength and determination remainthe financial toll of recovery on their family will be
Delivering vital chemo to flood-isolated patient
By Sis HIGGINS
PORT Macquarie-based cancer nurse Helen Adair delivered vital chemotherapy to a Crescent Head resident on Wednesday 28 May, thanks to the quick response of the State Emergency Service (SES).
Helen is a registered nurse with chemo@home and needed to reach her patient Christopher Dockrill,
significant.”
The Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is joining Allie in asking for support.
“Our thoughts are with James and his family over these hard times.
“James is a regular at Jolly Nose who has recently jumped on board our committee - doing great things for the community.”
Allie has started a GoFundMe page which can be found by searching “help-james-recover-after-atraumatic-brain-injury”.
Erica, James and their daughter.
supplied.
to administer his scheduled chemotherapy infusion for multiple myeloma.
With Crescent Head Road underwater, she turned to the SES for help.
Dressed in scrubs and carrying her infusion equipment, they transported her across the flooded area, ensuring she reached Christopher’s home without
delay. He had already missed a treatment the previous week due to the severe weather, and another delay could have impacted his care.
Chemo@home provides treatment to patients in their own homes, offering a safe and convenient alternative to hospital-based care.
Dozens of patients on
the Mid North Coast are currently supported by the service, which is particularly valuable during times when travel is unsafe, or access is cut.
This is one of many floodrelated incidents SES crews responded to, as volunteers worked around the clock to support communities across the region.
Disaster relief extended
STATE and Federal governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding.
Support available includes:
• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) and non-profit organisations to help clean up and restore their business.
• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible primary producers directly impacted by flooding to help with clean-up and getting their operations back on track.
• Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible rural landholders to assist with clean-up, repairs and recovery work, including fixing damaged fences, infrastructure or equipment affected by East Coast severe weather and flooding.
• A $5 million program to clear drainage on private land following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• A $180 hardship payment for individuals, capped at $900 for households of five or more, to help cover essential items like food, clothing
and medicine following the recent flood event.
Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to do so, which will inform future recovery.
Premier Minns said he was aware that more support for primary producers would be required.
“In line with the response to the recent floods in Queensland, we will need further assistance for many primary producers on the Mid North Coast,” he said.
“In the coming week I'll be working with the Commonwealth Government to extend grants up to $75,000 in harder hit areas so that we can work with coastal communities to get back on their feet.”
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the funding announcement was a “start and a positive move in the right direction”.
“I know that this is not the full amount that we were hoping for and
I will keep working with our local Mayors and State MPs to get this increased to the maximum threshold of $75,000 for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses.”
Newly elected Member for Lyne Alison Penfold was less impressed however, labelling the funding “simply not good enough”.
“How could they not assess the disaster as requiring the same response and level of support provided to Lismore in 2022 where payments of $75,000 were provided straight up, rather than in increments?
“Farmers across the region are facing individual losses of well over $1 million and the impact on the dairy industry is so significant it will have economic implications for Australia.
“Small business owners and operators are a long way from refitting offices, replacing IT equipment or stock, let alone keeping their staff employed.
“I can’t even describe the situation for residents who have lost everything.
"What will $25,000 get them?”
q
Photo:
Watch out for Orla The Artist
Prepare for the launch of the latest Hello Koalas sculpture on the award-winning Trail, created by talented artist Cherie Hurley, who not only teaches visual arts at The Seed Art School but is also a talented actor starring in a variety roles at Player’s Theatre, most recently “Bonnie and Clyde”.
Hello Koalas sculpture ‘Orla The Artist’ is a vibrant young lady just like her creator, lively and full of good spirits and she is always happy.
‘Orla the Artist’ does splash a lot of paint about but like Cherie, she has a whimsical smile and a cheeky glint in her eyes.
This is the 90th Hello Koalas one metre high sculpture created since the Trail’s launch in 2014, commissioned by The Seed Art School which is ideally located right next door to the Hello Koalas Gallery + Gift Shop.
Like all Hello Koalas artists, Cherie started with a sketch of her idea as seen in this photo. Cherie moved on to painting a 30cm 3D plaster cast of the Hello Koalas sculpture design to take the transition from a 2D drawing to a painted one metre fibreglass sculpture. ‘Orla The Artist’ will shortly be on display outside The Seed School in all her creative glory.
Congratulations Cherie –Orla is a real beauty!
How the sky came alive
By Rikki WALLER
THE sky came alive on Sunday evening, 1 June, with Port Macquarie locals stopped in their tracks by colourful lights, flashes, and luminous glowing.
Leaving a trail of bright blue, white and green - and veils of flickering reds - the stellar phenomena was observed by those who were impressed, and those wondering what on earth they had just witnessed.
Campbell Barron was finishing up a support shift on Fernhill Road when the whole sky lit up.
He managed to grab a very impressive video of the exact moment a light trailed overhead.
“It was observable for approximately 15 seconds and it took me a few seconds of being stunned to grab the phone to try and get some footage of it," he told News Of The Area.
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“It travelled from my left to right at quite a low angle to the ground, at incredible speeds.
“It was changing colours from red and purple to blue to green as it was throwing off different materials… due to the heat of the entry into the atmosphere.”
Campbell noted that there wasn’t a sound in the sky as the spectacle was in flight, but “the majority of the material appeared to break-up just above land with a loud sonic “crack”.
Shelley Parker was sitting at home in the Westport area when her computer work was interrupted by something she saw out of the corner of her.
“My room is facing south. I saw it [fly] from one side of the window to the other. It was huge”, she said.
“I thought it was a shooting star then realised it was way too big.
“No sound, just light. A big ball of white and blue surrounding it with a long blue-ish green tail.”
Making his way home from work on his motorbike, David Norris noted that it was exactly 5.57pm when he spotted the fire in the sky.
“I was just past the old Koala Hospital on Lord Street, and noticed it streak across the sky in my upper vision - left to right,” he said.
“It had a really long green tail and sparkly gold coming off the front of it.
“I thought it had to be a meteorite as it was so high and going across the sky sideways. No way was it a firework.”
Port Macquarie
Observatory member Steve Phelps, confirmed that what many observed was one of two spectacular events that occurred on Sunday evening.
“First was the meteorite seen over NSW about 6pm,” he told News Of The Area.
“These often have a green to red or yellow colour when photographed due to metals in the object and the ionisation of gases as the object enters the atmosphere at very high speed.”
Based on eyewitness reports, Steve said the meteor’s “final disintegration was somewhere over the South Coast of NSW.”
The second unrelated and very magical experience was the Aurora Australis, which peaked at approximately 8pm.
“This was predominantly red at our latitude although further to the south other colours such as green were also captured on camera,” Steve said.
Other parts of the state and country also reported seeing the Aurora Australis dancing in the sky on Sunday night, something that the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) communicated on Facebook as being a G4 severe geomagnetic storm.
The storm is ongoing, but the BOM says conditions are now at level G0 meaning that the chances of a similar sky dance this week are unfortunately slim.
q Sunday’s space junk flying to the right of Watonga Rocks. Photo: Steve Phelps.
q The magic of Aurora Australs from North Brother Mountain. Photo: Steve Phelps.
Ellen celebrated as Hidden Treasure
PORT Macquarie’s Ellen Crepaz has been celebrated as one of 74 women from regional, rural and remote New South Wales included on
the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2024.
Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the NSW
Rural Women’s Network, recognising impactful community volunteers.
“I never imagined my path would lead here,” Ellen
Wanted man found at Port Macquarie resort
By Sue STEPHENSON
A MAN has appeared in Port Macquarie Court on a serious list of charges following an extensive police investigation and a dramatic arrest.
Brandon Darren Kelly, 26, had been the subject of six outstanding warrants since March.
He faces charges ranging from domestic violence and stalking, to escaping custody and a police pursuit.
Officers attempted to arrest Kelly on several occasions in Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and Ballina.
Following inquiries by the North Coast Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team, assisted by the Region Enforcement Squad, Dog Unit, and Mid North Coast Proactive Crime Team, officers attended a resort
said.
“Helping others gave me purpose in my darkest moments, and to now be honoured for that is
in Port Macquarie about 10.20am Tuesday, 3 June, where they located Kelly allegedly hiding behind a door.
He was arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop; drive at speed; licence expired more than two years; possess prohibited drug; escape police custody; state incorrect name or address to an authorised officer; and put feet on seat in or on public passenger vehicle/ train.
Six outstanding warrants were also executed for the alleged domestic violence as well as assault, knife, property, traffic and bail offences.
Kelly appeared before Magistrate Georgina Darcy in Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday, where bail was formally refused.
His charges will now be heard by the courts in Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Hornsby.
incredibly humbling.”
Despite facing numerous health issues, Ellen has channelled her struggles into a source of strength, helping others while finding healing and purpose through her work.
She founded the Mid North Coast EaTs platform to support local businesses, highlight community talent and drive awareness of critical issues such as homelessness and mental health.
Ellen’s tireless efforts as a homelessness advocate have provided resources, hope, and dignity to those in need.
Her mental health advocacy has opened doors for inclusive conversations and much-needed support within the community.
Ellen’s impact as a social media influencer has extended far beyond her 20,000 followers on Mid North Coast EaTs. Through heartfelt posts, engaging campaigns, and events like the EaTs Soul Savour Festival, she has raised significant funds and awareness for local charities.
Nominations are now open for 2025 at https://hiddentreasures. awardsplatform.com/.
for her
ACCEPTS ALL PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS
q Ellen Crepaz has been recognised
volunteer work.
q The man was arrested at a Port Macquarie resort on Tuesday. Photo: NSW Police
New date for Hastings Arts Trail
By Sis HIGGINS
THE recent floods forced the Hastings Arts Trail to be postponed, but a new date’s already been set. It will now be held on the weekend of 5-6 July, coinciding with the rescheduled ArtWalk.
Hastings Council through a Creative Community grant.
all keen to be part of it,” she said.
The Trail is an initiative by local artist and facilitator Vivianne Hazenveld, and is supported by Port Macquarie-
Ms Hazenveld said she has been thrilled by the level of interest in the event.
"Local artists, businesses, and the wider community are
Decision expected on waterlogged fields
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is expected to make a decision before the long weekend on the use of its sporting fields and community parks.
In a statement, Council said it is closely monitoring the conditions with a view to progressively re-opening these facilities.
Significant rainfall since the beginning of the year, including the impacts of the recent severe weather event and limited drying opportunities, has left many fields waterlogged and unsuitable for play.
Mayor Adam Roberts has appealed to the community to remain patient and to consider the “significant amount of work that is being done to assess and restore all assets”.
“Incredibly, we have
experienced just 16 fully dry days since January 1 this year, with close to 500mm of rain falling in the rain gauge at Port Macquarie Airport in the month of May alone,” he said.
“This level of inundation has not just affected the condition of our 60 sporting fields, but it has also impacted the state of our parks, playgrounds, reserves and roads - all requiring significant Council resourcing to inspect, assess and schedule for repair.
“Many of these assets were not only affected by waterlogging, but there was debris, damage to irrigation, electrical infrastructure and access constraints.”
Cr Roberts said Council staff are prioritising their reopening, however the safety of players comes first.
“That means allowing
the right assessments to take place and the required time afforded to each individual field to dry out so that they meet appropriate playing standards.
“It is also important that electrical infrastructure at sporting venues is safe and does not present hazards to users.
“Laurieton, Lake Cathie, Wauchope, and Camden Haven sports fields have all been assessed this week, and I believe decisions will be made ahead of the long weekend about their status, which may include some reopenings - albeit with limited service levels such as mowing and line marking.”
Users can stay across Council’s decisions and the status of sportsfields via the PMHC website.
“I’m already planning to make it a regular event.”
The Trail allows the public to step into studios and creative spaces across the region, from Wauchope and the Camden Haven to Port Macquarie’s CBD and industrial precinct.
With drawing, painting, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, mixed media, and weaving on display, it offers a chance to meet the artists, see how they work, and purchase pieces directly from the source.
“It’s such a relaxed and fun thing to do, visitors can decide who they want to see, at a pace that suits them.”
Despite the setback caused by flooding, the renewed energy around the rescheduled event reflects the
region’s strong creative spirit and sense of community.
“Having studied and worked in Creative Recovery after the bushfires, I believe the trail will really help people connect, and lift their spirits.”
Studios and venues will be open from 10am to 4pm
on both days and most have easy access.
Entry is free, though gold coin donations are welcomed to support the event’s future. For more information and to explore the interactive map of venues, visit hastingsartstrail.com.
Laugh and cry with ‘Harry and Pearl’
AN inspirational chat over a cup of coffee led to the formation of the Harry and Pearl Ensemble Theatrical Group. Bill Harrow and Judy Campbell had performed many plays together in “The Night for Murder Group” and for the Players Theatre.
The first show they were in was “Get Knitted” and their characters were Harry and Pearl.
The names stuck.
It wasn’t long before they got their heads together and started writing scripts for one-act plays, including “A Farm Stay”, which was staged at the Players Theatre two years ago.
Their latest production, “Edmund and June”, is set down for 7pm Saturday, 7 June, as part of the Players’ One Act Play Festival.
Comedy is the focus of their writing.
“The ability to make people laugh is priceless," Judy said.
Their keyboards are always tapping away with ideas for scripts that are collaborated on then refined as they are rehearsed.
Last June, the couple performed their original piece “Mismatched” in Port Macquarie and at the Red Tree Theatre in Wyong.
They left both audiences in fits of laughter.
“We try to write shows that Australian audiences have no trouble identifying with,” Bill said.
Not only does their work provoke a good laugh but it can also lead audiences to shed a tiny tear.
“Edmund and June” will also be performed in Taree from 6pm, 14 June, as part of the “All the World’s a Stage” event.
The venue is Mid Coast Christian College at 423 Kolodong Road, Taree.
For more details, call 0419 233 577.
q Harry and Pearl (aka Bill Harrow and Judy Campbell).
q Trail organiser Vivianne Hazenveld in her studio. Photo: Cherie Rayner, Reimagined Images.
By
“I
victory lifts
everyone's spirits,” he said in a Channel 9 interview following the win, sending a "shout out" to all those dealing with the impact of floods.
As a mate of mine, I contacted Laurie and thanked him for his
Port Macquarie Goss: NSW coach Laurie Daley
encouraging words, and he kindly agreed to this interview for Port Macquarie Goss.
Laurie, what made you think of our region after your Origin win?
I knew that this victory would give everyone in NSW a lift. At the end of the day, we only play a game of football. The real heroes are the ones who deal with the aftermath of getting things back to normal, when properties and businesses have flood water, debris etc to deal with.
You are no stranger to Port Macquarie. I remember about 15 years ago you were coaching a Country team and set up camp at Sails Resort ahead of the game. What do you like about the place?
Port Macquarie is a great place. Back then it was my first opportunity to coach a representative team and it was a lot more relaxed than the pressures of being in charge of the NSW Origin team now.
You have surrounded yourself with good people this series, including Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. What does he add to the team?
Craig in the NRL on a week to week basis is a huge asset. We get the players for a week to prepare for the game. There are so many media commitments and distractions, and having Craig and some other great people around me, when it gets time to set out the game plan and train, I have a great team. I am the head coach, however it is a team effort.
Game Two is in Perth on 18 June, and players from both teams have to play two club games before that date. Do you get nervous during those games, keeping your fingers crossed that there are no injuries or suspensions that could jeopardise your team's momentum?
Yes, that is always an issue. In fact, before the next game, there is a long weekend Monday game,
where five players from Game One are playing for their clubs. I will be anxiously watching and hope that they get through without injury.
For Game Two, are you expecting Queensland to bring a different team and mindset?
For sure. Queensland are famous for it and they are the most dangerous when they have the odds against them. My biggest challenge as the coach is to make sure that NSW don't have the one-nil, complacent attitude. Queensland will be much harder to beat in Game Two in Perth. We must go in with the same attitude as Queensland, because there are 26 players on the field that can all play football. So, it comes down to one or two moments that can win or lose the game.
Last question, can you give us a score prediction for Game Two?
I never do that, but let me say that I will be happy to win by one point.
Student triumph at Shakespeare Carnival
By Pauline CAIN
STUDENTS from St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie (SCAS) and St Paul's College in Kempsey have shone at the finals of the statewide Shakespeare Carnival.
They competed against 20 other schools at Sydney’s Seymour Centre on 1 June.
The event was run by the acclaimed Sport for Jove Theatre Company.
“It featured intensive workshops and performances that pushed every participant to new heights,” said SCAS’ Director of Performing Arts Isabella Mistry.
SCAS students were successful in a number of categories.
They won the Smartphone Short Film
category with “Taming of the Shrew”.
The judges were captivated by the creativity, technical finesse and bold storytelling of filmmakers Xavier Yates and Charlie Finnecy.
The composition “Dead and Gone”, inspired by “Hamlet”, earned second place in the Music category.
Composer and performer Minnie Yonge was accompanied by Zaza Semchyshyn, Kira Mistry, Angelina McRae, and Charlie Finnecy, with the piece praised for its emotional depth and sophisticated interpretation of Shakespeare’s themes.
The school's finalists also included Bronte Hollins and Summer Hodgkin in the Duologue
category, performing "Twelfth Night".
“Bravo to all our performers,” Ms Mistry said, “you've made your mark on the state stage and beyond.”
The students from St Paul's also enjoyed success.
Kaitlyn Chadwick, Sam Farrell and Gracie Campbell were runnersup for their Group Devised piece, inspired by the witches of “Macbeth”.
“Their ‘witchy’ performance was captivating and hilarious as they manipulated Macbeth to murder,” drama teacher
Amanda Jordan said.
Ms Mistry added, “It is a joy to connect with Amanda and her students and I look forward to future drama collaborations with St Paul's College.”
Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
AS his side celebrated an important victory in Game One of the State of Origin, NSW coach Laurie Daley’s mind was on the Mid North Coast.
hope this
q St Columba Anglican School students (top from left) Angelina McRae, Charlie Finnecy, Xavier Yates, Zaza Semchyshyn, (bottom from left) Minnie Yonge, Kira Mistry, Bronte Hollins and Summer Hodgkin. Photo: supplied.
CASSIE Clark is one of those people who always seems to be doing something for others, and she’s been that way since she was a kid.
“My very first memory of giving back was when I was about eight,” Cassie told NOTA.
“One of my sisters was in the Miss Australia Quest, raising money for what was then called the Spastic Centre - now the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
“Mum and Dad threw all sorts of events like Hawaiian nights and raffles to help raise funds.
“That was over 50 years ago!”
Cassie grew up in the Brownies, Girl Guides and then became a Ranger, experiences she believes shaped who she is today.
“Being part of that as
a kid taught me just how important it is to give back,” she said.
At just 15, Cassie started leading a local Girl Guide group for children with disabilities.
“What I got in return was so much more than I could give,” she said.
When Cassie moved to Port Macquarie 12 years ago, she jumped straight into the community.
She teamed up with the Saints Netball Club and spent four years helping to coach and train young umpires so they could get accredited.
It was just another way she saw a need and quietly stepped in to help.
Her café, Seasalt, has also become a place where community really matters, supporting a host of local fundraisers.
“Anytime someone’s organising something to
raise money, I try to give a voucher or help however I can,” she said.
One night that really stood out was when Cassie and her team hosted a special dinner for members of the Ukrainian community.
“We have a staff member, Alina, who’s Ukrainian, and we wanted to help her connect with others here,” she explained.
“It wasn’t a fundraiser, just a way to help people feel a little less alone. It was a beautiful night.”
Cassie is also part of the Bravehearts community and has been for the past four years.
You might’ve seen her dressed up as the charity’s mascot Ditto, shaking hands with local kids.
“I must be the oldest mascot ever!” she laughed.
“But it’s one of my favourite things. It’s such a
great cause and teaches kids about body safety in a fun way.”
So, what’s next for Cassie?
“I’ve got no doubt I’ll
be involved in plenty more causes this year.
“Whatever I give, I always seem to get back tenfold.
“Knowing the money
raised helps someone out when they’re doing it tough, that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Photography conference moved to July
By Sis HIGGINS
THE 2025 NSW Northern Zone Annual Photography Conference, originally planned for May, will now be held from Friday to Sunday 11-13 July, due to the floods.
Hosted by the Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club, the threeday event was postponed to ensure safety and accessibility for attendees travelling from across regional NSW
The club anticipates welcoming over 350 photographers and their partners from nine clubs throughout the Northern Zone, including Forster, Grafton, Armidale, and Port Macquarie.
expert-led workshops, keynote presentations, and industry displays.
Held at Panthers, the conference features a packed program of exhibitions,
The public will have the opportunity to view entries in the Northern Zone photographic competition, vote for their favourite, and enter the draw to win a free
family portrait session.
Attendees can also take part in a variety of activities across the weekend, including gear buy-swap-sell tables, professional development workshops, and special guest talks from prominent photographers such as Rob
Smith, John Swainston, and Des Crawley. For more information or to register, visit the Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club website or follow their social media channels.
q Cassie Clark.
AFL to help clubs affected by flooding
By Aiden BURGESS
THE recent deluge had a big impact on sporting clubs across the Mid North Coast, with the AFL responding by pledging $50,000 in relief for local clubs.
The money will come from the AFL’s Community Relief Fund and has been earmarked for 14 clubs.
It can be used to cover insurance excess payments,
to hire alternative venues so training can continue, and to bridge the loss of revenue through multiple match day cancellations.
“The AFL is conscious of the impacts these weather events are having on families and local businesses across the Mid North Coast,” Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said.
“Volunteer assistance and funding that is normally
National champion
each day, Noah came away with a clean sweep of his singles matches.
“NSW had the pressure, as we had won 12 out of the last 14 national titles, and you could see that all the other states were striving to beat us.”
Playing a mix of singles, doubles and mixed doubles
WA were increasingly strong in doubles, but it was Victoria that proved difficult for Team NSW after both teams tied at the end of all matches.
NSW were ultimately victorious, securing the
raised to assist football clubs, is importantly needed elsewhere.
“So, to ease the load, it is imperative for the AFL to support our local clubs via the Community Relief Fund.
“Local AFL clubs are the heartbeats of many local communities, and we hope the provision of these funds not only helps clubs get back on their feet and return to playing footy, but also
2025 Pizzey Cup following an exciting one set victory over Team Vic., based on a countback.
The Pizzey Cup is a distinguished national tennis championship for secondary school students, allowing boys and girls aged 18 and under to represent their state in teams of eight players.
Despite Noah’s obvious talent, his mother Rebecca recalls that tennis wasn’t his
TEAM BUILDINGFun
brings the wider community together during the recovery stage of this difficult time.”
Community Football and Competition Manager for AFL Northern NSW Brad Greenshields, said the financial assistance is a big step in assisting North Coast clubs to overcome recent obstacles.
“Clubs have been forced to pay for alternative training venues, replace equipment,
first sporting love.
“Our family loves several sports but tennis was never really on the radar until we moved houses when Noah was six," she said.
“He made friends with our new neighbours and their young son was doing tennis lessons.
“They used to practice together so Noah asked if he could do lessons too.”
Noah started at Westport Tennis Club and when his skills improved, he entered the tournament arena.
“He did well pretty much right from the beginning,” Rebecca said.
Noah now trains at Port Macquarie Tennis Club with Aaron Waters.
The club allows him to use their facilities whenever he needs to and Aaron tries to hit
or have lost income from avenues they usually rely on such as canteen sales, while their home grounds have been constantly closed due to the wet conditions,” he said.
“There are players who haven’t been to training yet and as a result haven’t registered.
“Clubs have been unable to use the cash flow that those registrations normally provide.
with him as much as he can to ensure he feels competitionready.
It’s a standard of skills and frequency of training that can be hard to find for a regional athlete.
For Noah, it was exactly what he needed in the lead-up to his state selection.
“The trials were tough but it was something Noah really wanted to achieve.
“He played some of his best tennis to make it into that team.”
Being one of the youngest players was a daunting prospect, but with the support of his family, friends, tennis club and school, he backed himself.
“I knew I had the ability to make the NSW team,” Noah said.
“I wasn’t sure originally
“This injection of funds will provide a much-needed boost to clubs that have experienced a downturn in income and increase in expenditure that wasn’t budgeted for at the start of the year.”
Affected clubs across the Mid North Coast have been informed of the financial assistance via a letter from the AFL’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon.
[that] I’d make it this year, being only 15, but it was my goal.
“I’m already preparing to trial successfully again next year.”
Also this year, Noah has won the Gosford Junior 250 in the 16s division and he has been a finalist and semifinalist in Men’s Opens events.
Still being in school means the support of his educators is incredibly important.
“MacKillop has been really supportive. I’m allowed to train in sport time and… take some days off to travel.”
Noah’s ultimate goal is to win a Grand Slam one day or, at the very least, to qualify to play in one.
For now, he’s setting his sights on playing Junior ITF tournaments and training with the National Academy.
q Noah in action at the All Schools National Tennis Championships. Photo: supplied.
Hastings Valley netballers hit the court at state titles
By Rikki WALLER
PLAYERS from the Hastings Valley Netball Association are competing in Sydney over the long weekend in the Netball NSW HART Senior State Titles.
Comprising athletes from the association’s six clubs, the three-day tournament is the principal competition for players aged from15 years.
They will join coaches, umpires and officials in enjoying the challenge of intra-state competition, highlighting the power of grassroots netball.
With competitions being played at Camden and Campbelltown across Opens, 17s and 15s, expectations are as high as the competition is tough.
“After winning the 14’s Division 2 State Title last year, the 15’s step up into the Championship division, playing the best of the best for their age in NSW,” 15s coach Kelly McHugh told News Of The Area.
“We play 19 games, with every game contested.
“[This will be] some of the toughest competition the girls would have played.”
While Sutherland and Penrith are likely to be the early pacesetters, the girls are looking forward to bringing their talent and tight teamwork to the court.
“The players have pushed themselves extremely hard and are ready to let the big guns know who the country kids are.”
The coach of the 17s,
Natalie Jordan, is expecting the metro teams to be the strongest, including host association Camden.
Country teams like Barellan and Orange are also on her radar as one’s to watch.
“We play all three [of those teams] on the first day so it's a tough start to the campaign but hopefully it builds resolve in our girls to bring their best game for the rest of the weekend”, she said.
With 18 teams in their division, the 10-strong Opens squad will play six fiercely
contested games per day across the three days, with every match played at grand final intensity.
“Barellan looks very strong on paper with a couple of Premier League players in the mix, and Wagga Wagga and the ADF [Australian Defence Force] are always tough”, said Opens Co-Caption Molly Styles.
Opens Coach Amy Quirk, said that “since February, the teams have been training hard both on and off the court, honing their skills through
Magpies in wet weather win against Saints
By Aiden BURGESS
PORT Macquarie Magpies have shown just why they are the defending premiers with a hard fought win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints, in wet and tough conditions at Richardson Park.
The Magpies prevailed 11.7 (73) to 9.7 (61), thanks largely to a dominant third quarter.
It was the Saints first game since 26 April due to a number of washouts, but it would be the Magpies who would spoil their homecoming party.
Both teams found it tough going early in the wet and muddy conditions, in a back and forth start to the game that saw the visitors take a 26-20 lead into quarter time.
The contested ball was
king in the second quarter, as both teams tried to will themselves into the contest.
Any momentum was hard to come by, in a rugby-like contest and hard slog forward to gain the all-important territory advantage.
Scoring was naturally at a premium in the second quarter, as the Magpies headed to the sheds with a narrow 33-30 lead.
The Saints came out firing to start the third, with a goal in the opening minute giving them a 36-33 lead.
But the momentum would be short lived, as the Magpies made the premiership quarter their own with their run and carry troubling the Saints.
Three quick goals from the Magpies extended their
lead to 51-36, as the game started to open up into a more free flowing affair.
A much-needed goal from the home side cut the lead to 51-42 with six minutes left in the third, but Port hit straight back with a six-pointer, and a goal just before three quartertime saw them take a 63-42 lead into the final break.
Facing a 21-point deficit, the Saints kicked a muchneeded goal to start the fourth quarter.
The Saints showed resilience and fight throughout the final term, but it was the Magpies who would handle the conditions better as they held off the home side for a 12-point victory.
Jai Langenberg was a force for the Saints, kicking five goals, while Shane Williams kicked five goals for the Magpies.
The Saints now host the Macleay Valley Eagles this weekend at Richardson Park.
a strength and conditioning program, practice matches, and intensive team sessions.”
Amy strongly believes in all the teams’ abilities to show up and perform, sharing how the community can show their support.
“The teams are ready to represent the Hastings Valley region with pride and determination.
“Supporters can follow live scores on the Netball
and
Hastings Valley veterans Leanne Rutherford, Faye O'Neil, and Alex Scarabello will umpire on the day alongside debutante Grace Bunt who will be officiating at her first State Titles. State Champions will be crowned on Monday afternoon.
Friday Afternoon Golfers Results
By Colin EVERINGHAM
Snappers maintain top spot
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour Snappers have maintained top spot on the ladder with a dominant 46-10 win against the Hastings Valley Vikings at Coffs Rugby Park, during the latest round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
It was the Snappers fourth win from five games this season, as the defending premiers sit on top of the ladder.
consolidated second spot on the ladder with a 42-10 win against the Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.
The SCU Marlins fell agonisingly short in their game against the Grafton Redmen in Grafton, pipped 8-7.
Port Macquarie Pirates
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season has this weekend off, before resuming with Round 8 matches on Saturday, 14 June.
updates on the Hastings Valley Netball Association Facebook page.”
q U17s team with Coach Natalie Jordan and Manager Melissa O'Reilly. Photo: supplied.
q U15s team with Coach Kelly McHugh and Manager Benita Seymour. Photo: supplied.
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OPINION & LETTERS
Loss of XPT service
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE XPT service from Grafton to Sydney has been taken off the rails and replaced with coaches for twelve months.
Pensioners, seniors, students without a car and children all rely on this daylight service.
The majority of these people would prefer to travel by train for the comfort it provides including a buffet car and multiple toilets.
This service was ideal for people in the Hastings region affording superb scenery, support from onboard staff and reaching Sydney in daylight.
There are new regional trains being trialled presently.
Surely one of these trains can be fasttracked and used to replace the Grafton XPT.
Alternatively, the government should lease a regional train from Victoria and get people off the highway and back on ribbons of steel.
Coaches might be less expensive to operate but they are statistically more dangerous and they provide less comfort than a train.
Without a train, NSW TrainLink services are second class and customers' needs are still in the waiting room.
Regards, Geoff RICHARDSON, Port Macquarie.
On theCouch
DEAR Jasminda,
It’s Normine B again. It was so much worse than you imagined.
As my brother in law was ripping down the driveway, he knocked over my prize geraniums, breaking the pot and my heart while he was at it.
The dog thankfully came away unscathed, but the cat wasn’t so lucky.
He now has a bruise on his nose.
I’m thinking of filing a lawsuit. What do you think?
Normine B
Dear Normine,
While I would not normally respond to two conundrums from the same person, I now feel emotionally involved in your life (a dangerous position for an Agony Aunt to be in).
This morning, I woke to a frightful vision of your brother fanging it down the driveway in his (noiseless) Tesla, hence not alerting the dog or cat.
I then imagined him careening into your prized geraniums, a shard of terracotta flinging against his bumper and slicing through his "I bought it before he was crazy" sticker (a foreshadowing of your brother's
declining mental state that those following along should take note of).
The dog (a white Shitzu) now alert to the ruckus, bolted under the house and managed to commando roll in a sticky black substance hidden there for a future fireplace restoration.
When he emerged, he looked more like Pepe le Pew.
It was not his finest moment and an ominous precursor to his showdog potential the following weekend.
Meanwhile, while your head was buried in your lap (crying over spilt geraniums and your diminished social standing at the Brinsdale Best in Show Extravaganza), Calvin (your rare Exotic Shorthair with attitude) took the Tesla head on (quite literally).
That he came away with only a bruised nose (and ego) was a miracle in this otherwise cataclysmic (intentional witticism) evening.
Normine, I feel as though this situation is getting too unwieldy to remedy.
I don't recommend a lawsuit, which would be a drawn-out process with no winners.
Sort of a cross between Careful, He Might Hear You and Wolf Creek.
Normine, you need to rise above the situation and let bygones be bygones (though I doubt Calvin will forget this anytime soon).
Re-pot some new geraniums (a tad too obvious metaphor for regeneration) and hold your head high.
diem, Jasminda.
NEWS
AUTISM Spectrum Australia
(Aspect) has announced the development of a new K-6 campus in Port Macquarie.
Set to open in early 2026, the new campus in Thrumster is designed to meet the growing demand for autism-specific education in the region.
It will provide a purposebuilt learning environment for primary schoolchildren on the autism spectrum and will complement Aspect Hunter School’s existing satellite classes at St Joseph’s Primary School and MacKillop College, further strengthening inclusive education opportunities in the community.
The approved plan includes the construction of eight classrooms, creating a school capable of supporting up to 48 students.
The project will involve both refurbishing the existing homestead and onsite structures, as well as the construction of new buildings.
The development also includes landscaping, installation of playground equipment, fencing and additional parking to ensure a welcoming and functional environment for students and staff.
Craig McNee, Principal Aspect Hunter School, said the new campus is a significant step forward in ensuring that more children on the autism spectrum have access to high-quality, tailored education.
“We look forward to continuing our strong partnerships with local schools, while working with families, educators and the broader community as we bring this development to life,” said Mr McNee.
“This is an exciting opportunity to expand our support for students on the autism spectrum and create a dedicated, supportive and flexible learning environment where they can thrive.”
Aspect currently operates 10 autism-specific schools across NSW and South Australia, plus 113 satellite classes, with more than 1300 Autistic students aged
ur Paper, Y ur
Voice
Aspect school announced for Port Macquarie
four to 17 years enrolled. Aspect educates a high representation of First Nations students, who make up 6.2 percent of all enrolments, 24 percent in Port
Carpe
q The design of the new school at Thrumster.
Macquarie. It is seeking to expand its satellite program - an autism specific classroom located within an external school - by partnering
with more mainstream and independent schools in the region to meet the growing demand for specialist education.
SUDOKU
WASSON
Cecil Walter
25th May 2025. Late of Lakewood and formerly of Port Macquarie. Loving husband of Carole-Anne. Much loved father of Stephen, Brooke, Brett and Jonathon. Poppy Fox to Andrew, Saylor, Grayson and Parker.
Aged 78 years
The Relatives and Friends of Cec are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of his Life to be held Tuesday 10th June 2025 at the Camden Haven Anglican Church, Mission Terrace, Lakewood commencing at 10.30am. Thence for private cremation.
G.
Laurieton
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BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
THE PIANO
ABC TV, 7.30pm
You’d have to be made of stone not to shed a tear when watching this poignant and powerful reality series highlighting the extraordinary stories of everyday Australians and the power of the piano. Hidden away as host Amanda Keller interrogated the public in train stations, shopping centres and markets, musical powerhouse Harry Connick Jr and classic concert pianist Andrea Lam have slowly been casting for a concert at Sydney’s City Recital Hall – and tonight’s the big night. With Connick Jr and Lam guiding them, Grace, John, Stefania (pictured), DJ and Vincenzo will share the musical opportunity of a lifetime.
FRIDAY, June 6
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5. (PG, R) 11.10 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R) 2.00 Restoration
6.30 Claire Hooper’s
Of Games. 7.00 ABC News.
Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis discovers how a sauna can save frogs. 8.35 The One That Got Away. (Mal) Rick and Ffion face a dangerous new suspect.
9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson. 10.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
10.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.20 ABC Late News. 11.40 Father Brown. (PGav, R) 12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
FARMER WANTS A WIFE
SEVEN, 7.30pm
As finale week begins for this romantic reality romp, two farmers have already found their happily ever afters (or so we believe… we’ll find out how their fairytales have turned out in an upcoming reunion). A third – South Australian wheat, barley and lentil producer Thomas (pictured) – is on the cusp of telling Clarette that she’s won his heart, but first he has to break the news to Rachael and Laura. Meanwhile, Jack and Corey find out if mother really knows best – taking the contestants of their parents’ choosing on their final 24-hour dates. Jack makes up for lost time with vet Olivia, while Corey heads out on the water with Keeley and prepares for a tough goodbye back at the farm.
7.30 Malta: The Jewel Of The Mediterranean. (PGa, R) 9.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Atlantic Crossing. (PGa, R) 11.55 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R)
1.45 The Head. (Malv)
3.45 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY
KILLING SHERLOCK WITH LUCY WORSLEY
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
8.30 House Of Wellness. (PGal) Mel Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Yvie Jones and Dr Renee Lim to explore pet therapy.
9.30 MOVIE: Where The Crawdads Sing. (2022, Masv, R) A girl becomes a murder suspect. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith.
12.05 Nurses. (Ma, R)
1.05 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.35 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
It’s hard to imagine that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of literature’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes – the hero of more than 60 original stories and more adaptations than we have space to list – came to hate his iconic creation. But as historian Lucy Worsley (pictured) examines in this intriguing three-part series, Doyle decided that his rather lucrative character had made him enough money, and sent Holmes over the edge of a waterfall in a 1893 story. In Thursday’s conclusion, Worsley investigates what drove Doyle to revive the sleuth in 1903 and how the author had a falling out with magician Houdini.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 14. Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Dolphins versus St George Illawarra Dragons match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015, MA15+alv, R)
An FBI agent is enlisted to help fight the war on drugs. Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin.
1.00 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
6.30 The Project. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple want to move to the Northern Beaches. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.
9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrities include Pamela Anderson. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 NewsDay.
7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Inside The Superbrands. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 Young Sheldon. Noon Innovation Nation. 12.15 MOVIE: Deadly Sorority. (2017, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00
6.00
SATURDAY, June 7
6.10 Father Brown. (Final, PGav) Mrs Devine’s son is framed for murder.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Sister Julienne presents Joyce with an award.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) The discovery of a saint’s bones at an archaeological dig causes a stir in the village.
10.05 Bergerac. (Ml, R) There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone.
10.50 Reunion. (Mlv, R) Christine is closer to the answers she seeks.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm The Most Magnificent Thing. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. (Return) 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Dragon Ball Super. 11.00 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, June 8
6.30 Compass: Grief, A Love Story. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (Final, PG) The day of the concert arrives.
8.30 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv) Bergerac must save his daughter, confront his past and finally crack the case.
6am Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Isadora Moon. 6.55 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Super Shark Highway. (Premiere) 10.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Freedom. (Mal, R) Elizabeth Taylor struggles to reinvent herself.
8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: English Country Idyll (Stourhead And Scotney Castle) (PGa) Explores a missing masterpiece.
9.35 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) The weather creates havoc.
11.35 Suspect. (MA15+av, R)
3.35 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A look at immigration, customs and quarantine.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 13. GWS Giants v Port Adelaide. From Corroboree Group Manuka Oval, Canberra. 10.30 MOVIE: Battleship. (2012, Mv, R) A US Navy ship fights aliens. Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård. 1.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Perth Super 440. Day 1. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGal, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE: No Time To Die. (2021, Malv, R) 11.45 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R) 1.15 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
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)
The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R)
Love
Or
It Australia. A couple are at a crossroads with their little house in the Sutherland Shire of NSW. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) Married business owners who need a weekend escape from their chaotic lives search for a retreat in the Blue Mountains. 9.40 Airport Australia 24/7. (PGad, R) The airport faces a blackout and a plane
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (Final, PG, R)
8.25 Queens Of Ancient Egypt. (Mav, R)
9.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 1. 11.05 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R)
11.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.40 The World From Above. (R)
3.40 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 8.05 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 10.00 The Tender Bar. (2021, M) Noon Radioactive. (2019, M) 2.05 Flash Of Genius. (2008, PG) 4.15 Goal! (2005, PG) 6.25 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 8.30 The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+) 10.30 Day And Night. (2010, MA15+, German) 12.25am The 355. (2022, M) 2.40 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Belle. (2013, PG) 8.30 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 10.35 The 355. (2022, M) 2.30 The The Emperor’s 8.30 The Sira. (2023, MA15+, The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+)
11.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Perth Super 440. Day 2. Highlights. 12.20 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 9.50
(64)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00
3.30 MOVIE: Hating Alison Ashley. (2005, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Monster Family 2. (2021, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban. (2004, PG) 10.15 Late Programs. 6am
MONDAY, June 9
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PGa, R)
8.20 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (PGaw, R)
9.15 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG, R)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Living Black. (R) 11.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 2. 1.25 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
3.15 The World From Above. (PG, R)
3.45 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) The final 24-hour dates end with some unexpected revelations from the ladies before an emotional farm farewell.
9.00 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena attempts to land the plane before it crashes and calls on the 118 for help.
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Malv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PG) 8.45 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 1. Finals. 10.35 100% Footy. (M)
Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Mas)
Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
TUESDAY, June 10
9.45 I Was Actually There. (Ma, R) 10.15 ABC Late News.
10.30 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.55 Books That Made Us. (Final, Malsv, R) 12.50 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Dancing
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGals)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Highgrove: The King’s Country Home. (R)
11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 3. 1.25 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R)
3.05 The World From Above. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Ninja. (2010, PG) 7.50 Charade. (1963, PG) 10.00 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, M) Noon The Whole Truth. (2016, M) 1.40 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 3.45 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 5.50 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 7.30 The Straight Story. (1999) 9.40 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, German) 11.20 The City Of Lost Children. (1995, M, French) 1.30am Late Programs. 6am Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 7.40 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 9.25 The Movie Show. 10.00 The City Of Lost Children. (1995, M, French) 12.05pm The Straight Story. (1999) 2.15 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 3.35 Every Day. (2018, PG) 5.25 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.30 Gosford Park. (2001, M) 10.05 Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.35 Doc. (Ma) Amy and Richard reconnect while treating a patient whose diagnosis is not at all what it seems.
9.35 Accused. (Mav) A divorced woman is put on trial.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
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WEDNESDAY, June 11
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Alone Australia. (M) 8.30 The Veil. (Mal) Imogen and Adilah continue their journey to Paris. 10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 History Of The Amalfi Coast. (PGa, R)
11.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 4. 1.25 The Wall: The Orchard. (Malsv, R)
3.05 The World From Above. (R)
4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
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. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 Born To Kill? (Mav, R)
12.00 Touching Evil. (MA15+adv) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 3. Finals. 9.40 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Next Stop. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.10 Junior Vets. 8.40 BTN Newsbreak. 8.45 Abbott Elementary. 9.30 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs.
6am WorldWatch. 9.50 Soccer. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 (Re)Solved. 1.25 Uncovering Incels. 1.40 Late Life Lesbians. 2.35 Framed. 3.05 News. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Seven. (1995, MA15+) 10.50 MOVIE: Hereditary. (2018, MA15+) 1.10am (Re)Solved. 2.05 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 3.00 Late Programs.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.20 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 8.15 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 10.20 Gosford Park. (2001, M) 12.55pm Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 3.15 The Movie Show. 3.45 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 5.25 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.40 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, M) 9.30 The Piano. (1993, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, June 12
(R)
(R)
Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)
Gardening Australia. (R)
5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.55
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Our Medicine. (PG) 8.45 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley. (PGh) 9.45 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mv) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 The Day The Rock Star Died: Buddy Holly. (R)
11.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 5. 1.25 Pagan Peak. (MA15+asv, R) 3.05 The World From Above. (R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) VICELAND (31)
Shopping. 6.30
7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGads) Harper might be making the wrong choice.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (Final, PG) Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli must decide who will be the winner and pocket $250,000.
11.00 Inside Detroit. (Mal, R)
12.30 Raines. (Mahv)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 2.10 Insight. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Roswell: The First Witness. 10.05 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.55 Homicide. 12.45am Late Programs.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 8.10 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 10.25 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, M) 12.20pm Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) 2.20 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 4.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 6.35 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 7.30 Casablanca. (1942, PG) 9.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+) 1.25am Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
National champion
Panthers Port Macquarie
The Westport Club
Frankies Cafe
Four Espresso
El Motel Inn
Glasshouse Port Macquarie
Redcross Blood Donation Centre
Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie
Florence Jones
Port AdVenture Cruises
CWA, Port Macquarie
Lilys Cafe
Majestic Cinema
Port Macquarie Hotel Bottle Shop
Port Macquarie Surfing Museum
The Witchy Nook
Colonial Meats
Rock Salt Marina
By Rikki WALLER
IT’S one for the MacKillop College history books. Year 10 student Noah Pociask has become the school’s first national tennis champion.
Selected as the only student from Combined Catholic Colleges, Noah competed as part of the NSW Tennis team at the All Schools National Tennis Championships in Bendigo. It is the highest tennis achievement earned by any student in the history of the school.
The NSW team consisted of eight boys with seven from Sydney. Noah was the only regional athlete.
“I had an amazing week down in Bendigo,” he told News Of The Area. “The atmosphere was amazing and the level was really high.
News Of The Area
Port Macquarie News Of The Area would like to thank these businesses for their support: in being stockists of the paper:
Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant
Big W, Settlement City
Woolworths, Settlement City
Big Boz Cafe
Ken Little’s Fruit & Veg
Foodworks Munster Street
Seniors Centre
Shelly Beach Store
Flynns Beach Pharmacy
Roam Cafe
Flynns Beach Post Office
Home at Roto House
Mercure Centro
Belle Property
Band Wagon Cafe
For Everything Surf & Skate
Ridges Hotel
Ritchies IGA Port Central
Port Macquarie Library
Bels Bakery
Ritchies IGA Gordon Street
Plunketts Terry White Chemmart
Ned Kelly’s Bait & Tackle
Douglas Hanly Moir
Ryan James Podiatry
PCYC Port Macquarie
Port City Bowling Club
Hill Street Store
Spar Clifton
Twenty24
Mid North Coast Dental Centre
John Oxley Motors
Patrick Auto Group
Belly Bombers
Aldi Port Macquarie
Billabong Zoo
Please support these businesses where you can.
Group Therapy Cafe
Ritchies IGA Sovereign Hills
Douglas Hanly Moir
Coastal Realty & Strata
Wauchope Newsagency
Bennett Steel
Wauchope IGA
Anatolian Breeze
Charlie’s Takeaway
Port Landscape and Nursery
U3A Port Macquarie
Ruins Way Cafe
Port Macquarie Golf Club
Tacking Point Tavern
Your Discount Chemist
Coles Lighthouse Beach
Emerald Downs Golf Course
Lighthouse Beach Post Office
q Noah Pociask took home the 2025 Pizzey Cup with Team NSW.
