Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au BUSINESS ADVERTISING
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au
Or Phone us : 9am - 3pm daily. (02) 4981 8882
Lipovac parts ways with Liberal Party
By Luke HADFIELD
PORT Macquarie-
Hastings councillor Nik Lipovac has confirmed he is no longer a member of the Liberal Party, announcing he will once again serve as an Independent.
“I’ve decided not to renew my Liberal Party membership,” Mr Lipovac said.
“Frankly, I'm too progressive and my views don't necessarily align with just one political party.”
While a member of the Liberal Party, Mr Lipovac was never admitted to the local branch, with concerns raised about whether his views and behaviour on council were consistent with the more conservative views held by many branch members at the time.
Although not a party endorsed candidate, Mr Lipovac was a member of the Liberal Party during the 2024 local government elections and received strong support from former state MP
Leslie Williams and her successor Rob Dwyer.
Mr Lipovac acknowledged them in his announcement.
“I appreciate the endorsement from former local member Leslie Williams and the guidance provided by Terry Sara, and I will continue to wholeheartedly support the current local member Rob Dwyer who I have known for more than 20 years.”
The councillor’s relationship with the Liberal party was the focus of attention during the recent Federal Election, when he was seen publicly supporting the Independent candidate for Cowper, Caz Heise.
Ms Heise was running against Pat Conaghan of the Nationals, the Coalition partner of the Liberal Party.
Mr Lipovac shared disappointment about what he describes as a lack of communication and support from the local party organisation.
We have this Printed Edition available online for FREE, as well as archive editions.
FROM Page 1
ocean blues and greens, Halia captured the true essence of our love for the ocean, remarkably creating her masterpiece in real time.
"’The Surfer’ was painted at Cassegrain Wines over the course of the two-day regional event,” Halia told News Of The Area.
“The subject was chosen to reflect our coastal town's beach and lifestyle.”
Selling raffle tickets
“I can’t hide my disappointment by the lack of communication and assistance from some members of the local branch in the past which was also a major factor in my decision.”
That statement has drawn criticism from several former party members, who argue that Mr Lipovac’s public commitment to not always adhere to party policy was a reason why he lacked support.
Some have gone further, suggesting he was never genuinely considered a Liberal by the local base, and that his membership was viewed as an opportunistic ploy to take advantage of the party’s brand and resources.
“It was never going to work for him in the branch, you cannot be a Liberal but then go off and disparage your federal
Local artist paints for farmers
across Saturday and Sunday, Halia raised a generous $500 to support local farmers which she will personally deliver in the form of Coles food vouchers over the coming weeks.
“It was a superb couple of days with so much fun and laughter happening at the winery,” said Halia.
“It's truly a beautiful facility with generous and community-minded owners. The Cassegrain family are warm and welcoming to all.”
Mayor Roberts’ visit put some wind in the competitive sails of Phil Cassegrain, both men determined and more than willing to help Halia make a difference.
“Mayor Roberts popped in on Saturday afternoon and chipped in to buy many raffle tickets,” said Halia.
“He threw down the challenge to Phil Cassegrain to match his purchase, and Phil certainly stepped up!”
Drawn on Sunday at 3pm, the lucky winner
of The Surfer was Saki employee Meret, who purchased raffle tickets to show her support all the while excitedly run off her feet working in the restaurant.
The Hastings Arts Trail was a free community event that celebrated the region’s vibrant creative talent, inviting artists to exhibit their work in studios and venues throughout the region.
Both locals and visitors were treated to a captivating insight into the diverse world
Coalition partner like that,” one former branch member said.
“Where was his loyalty?”
As a councillor, Mr Lipovac has often positioned himself as not being afraid to speak up, and his return to independent status may allow him to more freely express those views without the limitations of party alignment.
of visual arts, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, textile art, and more.
If you missed visiting the Winery for the event, Halia and fellow local artist Jean Ballands' exhibition ‘Our Kingdom' will be on display until 30 August, with a new exhibition commencing on 31 August.
A meet and greet event with Halia and Jean will be organised for a weekend in August and the community are encouraged to keep an eye on socials for more information.
q Councillor Nik Lipovac (right) and former Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams. Photo: Cr Nik Lipovac FB.
Port parents seek childcare reassurance
By Rikki WALLER
EVERY morning, hundreds of families across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region drop their children off at a registered childcare centre.
With a kiss on the forehead and a hug goodbye, they expect them to be fed, educated, and cared for.
But above all else, they expect them to be safe.
Following the arrest of a male childcare worker in Melbourne last week over more than 70 alleged child sex assaults, Little Beginnings Bangalay has issued a letter to parents on behalf of Affinity Education Group.
It was part of a nationwide effort to ease growing concerns about the safety of children in childcare.
“We are deeply distressed by the nature of the charges laid this week against an individual who has worked in some Victorian-based Affinity centres, Joshua Brown,” wrote Affinity Education Group CEO Tim Hickey.
Acknowledging the concern and anxiety the news may be causing people within the childcare community, Mr Hickey assured families that their children’s safety was Affinity’s top concern.
“Affinity Education Group has a zerotolerance approach to any form of abuse or misconduct involving children.
“The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is - and always will be - our highest priority,” he said.
Affinity, a private equity-owned company, manages 250 centres across Australia, including the Papilio, Milestones, and Kids Academy brands.
Also known as Bangalay Child Care and Education Centre, it was announced that Little Beginnings Bangalay had been acquired by Affinity Education Group in January this year.
The change of hands was a surprise to many families who shared long-standing loyalty and love for the local centre.
“Affinity had been in the media a lot and when I heard that it was taking over Bangalay, I won’t lie, I was a bit concerned,” said a current parent of the centre who asked not to be named.
From 2021 to 2024, Affinity-operated centres were issued with 1700 regulatory breaches.
Numbers like these cast a shadow over centres that live under the Affinity umbrella.
However, parents of the Lighthouse Beach centre praise staff.
“We love the staff at the centre. Some of them have been there for a really long time and they all genuinely care for the kids,” the parent told News Of The Area.
With child safety top of mind for all families, Mr Hickey insists that “children in our centres are actively supervised by qualified educators, with clear policies in place to ensure they are always within sight and hearing distance to support their safety, wellbeing, and engagement.”
That safety is, understandably, the very least that families expect.
“We know it can be stressful, we know it’s hard work, but when we drop our kids off, we expect them to be safe. Please, just keep our children safe,” the parent said.
After fielding questions, Little Beginnings Bangalay reassured families on Tuesday of the measures in place to ensure children’s safety.
These include Working With Children checks that are verified every six months, up to date Child Safety policies, visible changing tables and bathrooms, and their beyond regulatory requirements of having
educators and children within sight at all times.
A review of the childcare system in Victoria is underway and a parliamentary inquiry has been called in NSW.
Childcare advocates are also calling for a national register and greater scrutiny over Working With Children Check applications.
Personal mobile phones are to be banned by Victorian childcare centres by 26 September with other states expected to soon follow.
*If you suspect child abuse or neglect at a childcare centre in NSW, contact the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 or call police.
q Affinity Education Group has come under fire following the arrest of a childcare worker in Victoria. Photo: Affinity Education Group website.
‘Frankie Firefighter’ to the Rescue
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is delighted to welcome Coast Cardiology to the Hello Koalas Family with the arrival of “Radiant Heart - Beat of the Coast” at their new premises at 87 Lord Street in Port Macquarie.
Hello Koalas sculpture ‘Frankie Firefighter’ was created for the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail as a tribute to members of the many fire services who worked for the safety of people and their environment during the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires.
This Hello Koalas sculpture design by Sydney artist Goya Torres symbolises Port Macquarie’s diverse rays of colour and shapes that speak for each of its attributes: relaxing, happy, passionate and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. These rays irradiate like the sun and come together in the centre of the koala: its vision fuelled by a lively heart and a friendly smile that is the essence of Port Macquarie.
Frankie’s design was modelled on the uniform of the Captain of the North Shore Rural Fire Brigade, Kingsley Searle (pictured below). ‘Frankie Firefighter’ is a brilliant representation of their courage. The insignia is generic to represent all firefighters and their mission to protect local communities and wildlife.
MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked
early childhood approach, which now supports children up to age nine, from the previous limit of seven.
economically sound.
Hello Koalas chose Radiant Heart to be the symbol for Port Macquarie when the Trail was launched in 2014. In 2021, Radiant Heart was again chosen to represent Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail in an exclusive Port Macquarie Monopoly edition, which also includes a Hello Koalas silver token. This Monopoly edition is the only game in the world that has a koala token and Radiant Heart is the central figure on the board!
The Hello Koalas sculpture was created by local artists Kim and Wayne Staples. Coincidentally Wayne worked as a firefighter some years before.
Resident at Sovereign Place Town Centre at 15 Chancellors Drive in Thrumster, ‘Frankie Firefighter’ is one of 90 one metre high Hello Koalas sculptures, painted by local artists with messages around arts and culture, heritage and wildlife conservation.
An all-time favourite, ‘Radiant Heart –Beat of the Coast’ makes the coastal connection with its vitality, vibrant colours and energy, promoting health and wellbeing within our community, which is one of the core aims of Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and its founder Margret Meagher, a leader in the field of arts and health in Australia.
Just nearby to Sovereign Place Town Centre is the new visitor experience called ‘Guulabaa – Place of Koala’ in the Cowarra State Forest. Visitors are welcomed by Hello Koalas’ largest sculpture called ‘The Big Koala, Spirit of All Koalas’, 2.5 metres high and winner of the “Best Landmark Sculpture in Australia” in the 2024 Australian Street Art Awards.
FEDERAL Member for
Lyne Alison Penfold is calling on the Federal Government to urgently revoke the latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing changes, warning of the “significant negative impacts on people with a disability living in regional and remote areas”.
The changes,
announced following the Government’s NDIS Annual Pricing Review, came into effect on 1 July and altered the pricing structure for allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy.
The change also caps travel costs to 50 percent of the hourly charge,
limited at 30 minutes (metro) or 60 minutes (remote).
“I recently sat down with a group of local allied health professionals from across the Lyne electorate,” Ms Penfold said.
“Their message was clear: this decision is not clinically informed, not regionally fair, and not
“The consequence will simply reduce service delivery in homes and natural environments, which is precisely where many people need it most.”
Ms Penfold said the impact of the travel cost change would be felt hardest in isolated and rural areas without access to public transport, whose only path to support is through mobile or homebased care.
“This is a city-centric decision that undermines the safety and accessibility of essential services,” she said.
“It does not appear that the regional impacts were properly considered, and I hold serious concerns about the data on which these changes were based.”
Another change in the price review is an expansion of the NDIS’
Phillips Lane comes alive with colour and creativity
By Pauline CAIN
THE newly revitalised Phillips Lane was a popular spot with the crowd at ArtWalk last Friday night, drawn in by the lighting, murals, interactive installations, live art and music.
bring the space to life, as previously reported in NOTA.
Remote area loadings have also been discontinued for plan managers and intermediaries.
According to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), a mix of market data, research, and public and industry engagement is utilised to inform changes to pricing arrangements and price limits through its Annual Pricing Review.
“The NDIA regularly reviews and makes changes to pricing arrangements to ensure our approach better meets the needs of participants, their families, carers and providers… [and] remains affordable and in place for future generations of Australians,” the NDIS website states.
“This is done by appointing expert committees, financial benchmarking, and forming dedicated working groups.”
Every donation to lucy’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fundraising page goes into the draw
A project to transform the once-ordinary laneway into a dynamic destination has been underway in recent months, supported by NSW Government funding through the Permit Plug Play Pilot Program.
A number of local artists were engaged to
“Phillips Lane was completely transformed and was a massive success at ArtWalk, bursting with colour, creativity and energy,” said Lucilla Marshall, Group Manager Liveable Communities with Port MacquarieHastings Council.
“It was incredible to see such a diverse crowd of all ages enjoying the space, laughing, dancing, taking photos in ‘Instagram Alley’, and soaking up the experience.
“As a new precinct
in the heart of the CBD, Phillips Lane has proven its potential to be much more than a thoroughfare.
“It’s now a canvas for creativity and a meeting place for our community.
“The activation showed what’s possible when we invest in placemaking; a flexible, welcoming space that can host everything from youth gigs and open mic nights to poetry slams, long lunches, art pop-ups, and cultural celebrations.”
Plans are underway to continue “programming and activating” the lane, with a vision of it becoming
“It
q Lyne MP Alison Penfold recently met with NDIS providers from across the region.
a regular feature on Port Macquarie’s cultural and events calendar.
is a place that is undeniably Port, and a
showcase of who we are and what we value as a community,” said Ms Marshall.
Melinda Prados, General Manager of Coast Cardiology with Dr Kristian Lee Prados and Dr David Barrett and their team pictured with ‘Radiant Heart – Beat of the Coast’ (photo Lucy Humphries)
Kingsley Searle with his team and ‘Frankie Firefighter’
q Phillips Lane bursting with life and visitors during ArtWalk. Photo: supplied.
NAIDOC LEGACY
FROM Page 1
protest movement dating back to the 1920s and ‘30s.
2025 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with this year’s theme being “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
Birpai Elder Uncle Bill O’Brien led “a minute’s silence for those Elders we have lost this year” and then continued with a traditional Welcome to Country.
He, Josh Wright and Chris O’Brien then lit a fire and invited attendees to walk through the smoke, a symbol of healing and cleansing.
Samantha McKinnon introduced the young Yapun Yapun dancers, who performed a dance of cleansing and a pelican dance they prepared with the help
of Aunty Nancy Pattison from South West Rocks.
“Many of the girls have Dunghutti and Birpai heritage,” Samantha said.
“These girls really live in two worlds.
“Their final dance is about the journey from Wauchope (Yapun Yapun) to Port Macquarie (Garup).”
Tamika Edwards, a Darug woman raised on Birpai country, said in her address, “Over the decades NAIDOC has become a powerful celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“As we commemorate this 50th [anniversary] legacy we also look forward, honouring the next generation who will carry the torch.
”Guided by the wisdom
of our elders and the groundwork laid by our forbears, each NAIDOC Week reinforces our vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.
“With every story shared,
every act of resilience remembered and every cultural practice celebrated we honour a legacy that reaches far into the past and extends into the future.
“Together we will walk forward, honouring where we have come from and looking boldly to the next generation who will carry NAIDOC and their community into the future.”
In his address, Mayor Adam Roberts thanked local Elders for their leadership, and young people for “carrying culture forward with courage and creativity”.
“May NAIDOC week be a time of connection, pride and celebration of culture, country and community,” he said.
q The Yapun Yapun dancers. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q Josh Wright, Uncle Bill O’Brien and Chris O’Brien Photo: Pauline Cain.
q The Smoking Ceremony at Town Green. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q Cleansing smoke fills the air at Town Green. Photos: PMHC.
Council leaders discuss funding challenges
DISASTER recovery and resilience, collaboration between councils and local government funding models were discussed at a meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) leaders on Tuesday.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts and Acting CEO Robert Fish joined LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM and CEO David Reynolds, as part of LGNSW’s recent tour of Mid North Coast councils.
In a statement, Council said Mayor Roberts and Mr Fish presented a snapshot of the work that PMHC has been doing in recent years to strategically plan for and deliver key and critical infrastructure.
Mayor Roberts also discussed current local government funding models and highlighted gaps in funding shortages, saying more tangible support from other levels of government is required.
“I appreciate President Miller and Mr Reynolds taking the time to visit our region so soon after the May weather event and to hear our feedback on ways we can all better prepare and recover from major disaster events,” Mayor Roberts said.
“It was also good to have the conversation around the growing gap between what major types of infrastructure Councils can afford and deliver with what little resources they have at their disposal.
“Councils such as ours require further support from State and Federal Government to help deliver what is required to ensure infrastructure delivery keeps pace with our current and forecast growth.”
Part of the role of Local Government NSW is to advocate on behalf of NSW Councils on priority issues affecting the sector, with the Board of the organisation made up of regional and metropolitan council mayors and councillors who help develop policy and advocacy programs.
Mayor Roberts says he looks forward to continuing to raise the key priorities and opportunities with President Miller and Mr Reynolds as the opportunities arise.
Cabaret, circus fusion lights up ArtWalk
By Pauline CAIN
HUSBAND and wife duo
Gordo Gamsby and Lucy Gamsby Frost brought their fusion of cabaret, circus and magic to ArtWalk in Port Macquarie on Friday night.
Locals may remember the talented pair from the Spiegeltent at the Tortuga Festival in recent years.
Lucy performed a diverse
range of acts at the free Friday night event in the Port Macquarie CBD.
“I love ArtWalk,” she said.
“It is such a fabulous free event for the community and it’s great to be back in Port Macquarie for this.”
The ArtWalk crowd loved her Lightning Lucy Cowgirl show, featuring lasso tricks, whip-cracking precision, sultry vocals and even a
musical saw.
Originally from the UK, Lucy introduced her gig in her unmistakable Northern lilt.
“I hail from the wild, wild west of Sheffield in Yorkshire,” she said.
“I have not done my full show here before so I was excited to share it with everyone.
“Our headline act AD-DJ brought a spiky acrobat and
punky vibe with his authentic energy.
“From Cirque du Soleil to the streets, this ‘acro-brat’ was a crowd favourite.”
Spike, Lucy’s five-yearold son, also joined her in the act.
”I held a rose and mummy held a whip,” he said.
Tortuga’s silent disco in the Golden Nugget (a golden mini airstream van) featured
DJ Mel who had the crowd moving with house, hip-hop, and funk.
“Here we are dancing to loud silence,” said DJ Mel.
The Space Cowboy, a multi-disciplinary artist from Byron Bay, exhibited his groundbreaking augmented reality work in an “Art Cube”, with the crowd interacting digitally via an app.
Those who wandered the
Clarence Street precinct were also serenaded by Antonio Giri Mazzella, with Neapolitan songs, an accordion and a ukulele.
Katie Crocker lit up the night with her roving hula hoop magic and Anua Alchemy’s fire show was a spectacular finale against the backdrop of the Clarence Street Wharf and the Port AdVenture Cruise boat.
q The Anua Alchemy Fire Show. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q DJ Mel and the Golden Nugget. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q Daniel Thwaites drawing in the crowd for The Space Cowboy’s augmented reality exhibition. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q Antonio Giri Mazzella serenading locals Chloe Moye and Sienna Macfarlane. Photo: Pauline Cain.
q LGNSW CEO David Reynolds, LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM, Mayor Adam Roberts and Acting CEO Robert Fish.
Category D support for farmers
ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025.
This funding is provided under Category D of the CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded
by the Australian and NSW Governments.
The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority
that enable eligible primary producers to access up to $75,000 in assistance.
Eligible primary producers can apply for grants to assist with:
• Clean-up and debris removal
• Repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment
• Restocking and replanting
• Replacing lost or damaged assets
• Restoring operations to pre-disaster levels
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This additional funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty holding them back.
“Recovery is never one size fits all, and this support will give farmers the flexibility to address the unique challenges they’re facing on the ground.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin told NOTA, “I’ve seen how hard the floods have been on our farmers on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.
“I know that the wait while we put our application (for category D funding) together
NSW Coalition aim to crack down on illegal tobacco
THE NSW opposition will introduce a Bill in Parliament to crack down on the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said while other states have cracked down on illegal tobacco, the State Government has let NSW become the “easiest place in the country for crooks to make money”.
“Everyone knows what’s going on - illegal shops run by criminals are popping up all over,” Mr Singh said.
“Chris Minns has done nothing while our communities and small businesses wear the cost.”
The Coalition’s Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 seeks to:
• Further increase the penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, including prison sentences of up to seven years for serious offending or a $1.5 million fine.
• Provide NSW Health with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to one month.
• Provide magistrates with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to 12 months.
• Give lessors the
statutory right to terminate leases where a closure order has been issued.
• Create a new offence for lessors who knowingly permit their tenant to use the store for the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes.
Mr Singh said criminals see NSW as a soft target.
“Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement.
“Chris Minns’ inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco,” Mr Singh said.
Shadow Attorney General
Alister Henskens described illegal tobacco stores as “fronts for crime gangs”.
“Our laws will disrupt their business model by shutting the doors, tearing up the leases, and putting the crooks behind bars,” he said.
“If you’re breaking the law, under the Coalition, there will be nowhere to hide.”
In an attempt to stem the tide of illegal cigarettes, the NSW Government’s new tobacco licensing scheme came into force on 1 July, meaning retailers and wholesalers who wish to sell tobacco, or non-tobacco smoking products, now must
apply for a licence to do so.
“The NSW Government’s tobacco licensing scheme will help clean out bad actors in NSW’s tobacco market and level the playing field for small businesses who do the right thing,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“Labor is getting on with the job of delivering what the Liberals failed to do, and what small businesses have long been calling for - a tobacco licensing scheme.
“Their failure to implement a tobacco licensing scheme ushered in a tsunami of bad actors into the tobacco market.”
Applicants will be required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay a yearly licence fee.
has been a tough one, but we have been successful.
“This means local producers who’ve lost feed livestock and vital infrastructure continue to get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”
The announcement follows weeks of advocacy from flood-affected residents, Councils, politicians, local leaders, and community groups.
Oxley MP Michael Kemp said while the news will bring relief for some, he has also been calling for $50,000 Category D funding to be made available for businesses.
“In contrast, the Queensland LNP Government has today announced an additional support package for those affected by the recent Western Queensland floods that includes Community Health and Wellbeing grants, Tourism Industry grants and funding for small businesses to get back on their feet,” Mr Kemp said.
“None of this has been made available to our communities.”
New penalties have also been introduced for anyone caught selling illegal tobacco or vaping products without a valid licence.
The maximum penalties for individuals is $11,000 for a first offence, and $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
The maximum fine for a corporation is $220,000.
NSW Health is doubling its number of authorised inspectors from 14 to 28 to strengthen compliance efforts across the state.
From 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025, NSW Health inspectors conducted about 400 retailer inspections and seized more than 3.2 million cigarettes, 700 kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 55,000 illegal vaping goods with an estimated combined street value of around $5.5 million.
q A rally in Taree calls for Category D funding to be announced.
Illy’s bringing The Good-er Life to town
By Rikki WALLER
AUSSIE hip-hop heavyweight Illy is bringing his The Gooder Life show to town in August as part of a 27-date regional tour.
“It’s going to be a whole lotta fun,” Illy, whose real name is Alasdair David George Murray, told News Of The Area.
“We’re bringing the energy, and the vibes, and anyone that’s seen one of my shows before, you know.
“We’ve won ARIA awards for our live show so we don’t play around.
“We’re there to have a good time.”
Fresh off the back of his major capital city Good Life tour earlier this year celebrating his #1 ARIA Australian Album of the same name, this tour follows the release of the Good Life Deluxe Edition, which features new tracks and acoustic versions of favourites Kids and Good Life.
With popular singles like Tightrope and Papercuts on the cards, the multi-platinum, ARIA Award-winning artist promises to deliver his wellknown tunes along with brand new tracks.
“The album Good Life came out last November and
I haven’t been back up since it came out so we’re playing that album and then we’re playing a lot of the classics, I guess you could say, from the back catalogue,” said Illy.
Support acts can be expected however are yet to be confirmed.
“At the moment we’re still trying to lock that in,” said Illy.
“We’re cutting that a little fine, but I think we should have something by the end of the week.”
Born and raised in Frankston, Victoria, Illy knows all too well the special nature of a regional town being given access to musical acts like his.
Port Macquarie holds a special place in his heart as the very first regional town to reach capacity during his The Long Way Round Tour back in 2023.
“Port Mac was the first show to sell out last tour and it was awesome,” said Illy.
“It was a chaotic night, and it was a whole lotta fun.
“Port Mac was always going to be on the list to come back.”
Fans who have followed Illy’s journey will remember his iconic Like A Version Ausmusic medley from 11 years ago.
That song wasn’t
originally in the plans for Port Macquarie, but with the set list not being finalised until Monday, Illy said “never say never!”
Good Life is Illy’s sixth studio album, and explores a new layer of storytelling, melody and musicality that push the traditional boundaries of hip-hop.
From the core concept of overcoming challenges and finding contentment, the album encapsulated where he was at in life during the album’s creation.
From this experience, Illy feels that the secret to the good life, or at least, his good life, is a balance of fulfilment and the constant pursuit to set new goals.
“It is kind of a balance between being content and being at peace with where you’re at and if you have regrets, not letting them consume you,” he said.
“But also, always pushing yourself to do what’s next and to keep striving and trying to set new goals and reach for them.
“So, it’s kind of like this balancing act between being comfortable with where you’re at and happy with what you’ve got, and always driving yourself forward at the same time.
“I think that’s what I’m trying to practice… I think that’s a good approach for life in general.”
That pursuit for pushing ahead has led Illy to toe the line creatively, the law graduate-turned-hip-hop headliner believing that there is great reward in his creative risks.
“You stay interested, and I guess, for me, you stay interesting,” he said.
“I’m not impressed by people who make the same album over and over again, particularly not in rap.
“They think that’s very easy to do and then very easy to claim that that’s keeping it real, but it’s not, it’s just keeping it boring, it’s not ambitious.”
Paying homage to his longstanding fans who have been there from the beginning, Illy is quick to add that although his perspective and attitudes might change slightly or grow up and mature over time, he will always give a nod to his signature sound.
he is likely to sample the local bakeries during his visit.
“Depending on the severity of the hangover, it’s a steak and mushroom pie, that’s an essential.
“I don’t want to lose that,” he said.
“I love who I am, and I want the people who have supported me for a long time to still feel that,” he said.
Something else Illy loves is a good pie, and he admits
“Potentially [also] a steak, cheese and bacon pie, potentially a sausage roll, and potentially a cheesymite scroll.
“One of those and a Bundaberg ginger beer.”
Illy is open to recommendations so if you want to nominate your favourite bakery in town,
head over to @illyal on Instagram, give him a like, and shoot through those tasty recommendations.
The Good-er Life tour comes to Finnian’s on Friday, 8 August.
The show is over-18s only, but Illy isn’t ruling out the possibility of an under 18s show in the future.
“I don’t know what festivals there are around Port Mac but if they’re allage festivals, then that would probably be the best shout,” he said.
q Australian hip-hop artist Illy.
Photo: Diego Camponar.
No ‘hard and fast date’ for new trains
By John WATTS
THE wait for XPT replacement trains looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, with Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover unable to put a date on when the new trains would come into service.
“I’m not willing to commit to a hard and fast date,” she said at a recent Parliamentary budget estimates hearing.
According to the Transport for NSW website, “The NSW Government is replacing the ageing NSW regional rail fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 safe, comfortable and more
accessible trains for customers travelling across NSW and between, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.”
In February, Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said in a statement, “The XPT fleet has reached an impressive 40-plus years in service and work is underway to ensure the fleet continues to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable service until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service.
“The NSW Government has committed $40.3 million over five years for the XPT Life Extension Project.”
Since then, XPT services to the Mid North Coast have been reduced while the ageing XPTs are refurbished.
The new trains were originally planned to be running by January 2023, but so far few of the 29 trains ordered have arrived.
News Of The Area sought comment from Transport for NSW as to whether the fact the refurbishment will take five years, also means the new trains will not come into service for at least five years, and whether the region will continue to receive a limited service during that time.
“The XPT Life Extension Project is to ensure the current
fleet continues to provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable service until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“A timeline for the new Regional Rail Fleet’s entry into
service will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing, assurance and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks.
“There is a significant amount of work to be done before the new trains enter passenger service.
“For a 12-month period during the XPT Life Extension Project, premium coaches are replacing XPTs on the Grafton route.
“Trains are scheduled to resume on the Grafton service next year.”
By Rikki WALLER
NSW POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate 16-year-old Shantana Cowan, who has been reported missing from the Mid North Coast.
Shantana was last seen in the West Kempsey area on Sunday, 25 May 2025. When she could not be located or contacted, officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were notified on Friday, 6 June 2025, and began inquiries in an effort to determine her current whereabouts.
Authorities have expressed serious concerns for Shantana’s welfare, particularly given her young age.
Shantana is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 165cm tall, with a thin build and brunette, shoulder-length hair.
It is understood that Shantana is known to
frequent the Kempsey and Port Macquarie areas.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen Shantana, or who may have information regarding her whereabouts, to come forward.
Even the smallest piece of information could prove helpful in locating her and ensuring she is safe.
Anyone with information about Shantana’s whereabouts is urged to contact Port Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Morning or evening? You choose! Relax, create, enjoy.
3/1a Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie info@theseedartschool.com theseedartschool.com 6581 1532
q An artist’s impression of the XPT replacement trains. Photo: TfNSW.
Port Mac Goss: Alex and Marianna Vozzo
By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
THIS week for Port Mac Goss, I caught up with Alex and Marianna Vozzo, the proud
owners of East Port Motor Inn.
As relative newcomers to Port Macquarie, what do you think about the vibe of
the region?
It’s heaven to us! We honestly believe that Port Macquarie is the best town in NSW. We feel “alive”. There is
so much going on in the town and it’s close to a beautiful river and ocean. The Players Theatre is across the road and the wonderful Glasshouse is first class. We have only been here for one year and we feel that is the best business and personal decision we have made as a family.
With recent renovations to the motel, setting up a new business, and still managing a motel in Taree, how do you relax when you get the chance?
We get up early and take advantage of the Coastal Walk, past Town Beach. We cannot believe how many others, so early in the morning, are also up. Living so close to the beach, we are living our dream. One special hidden gem we discovered is the Sea Acres Rainforest. Every walk results in discovering
something else we love.
You also own a motel in Taree, tell us about that experience?
It is called the InTown Motor Inn and we have owned it for three years. After only two weeks of owning the motel we were part of the big flood in 2021. We were lucky that our motel was high and dry, and we became part of the community to support and accommodate families who were affected. We had no idea how to run a motel but have learned a lot since and found out quickly that we love it. We realised immediately that good beds, TVs and shower pressure is part of the secret for a good motel.
What was the main motive to purchase another motel, this time in Port Macquarie?
Funding to celebrate and support seniors
By Sis HIGGINS
MORE funding is now available to celebrate and support older Australians, with the NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 offering $200,000 statewide for inclusive community events.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp is encouraging not-forprofit groups and councils across the Mid North Coast to apply for the grants, which will support activities held during the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival in March - the largest celebration of older people in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Our seniors have helped build the communities we know and love today,
whether through decades of work, volunteering, or simply sharing their stories and experiences with the younger generations.
“These grants make it easier for community organisations and councils to run events that are inclusive, social and meaningful,” Mr Kemp said.
Whether it’s a morning tea, a fitness class, a community concert, or an information session, the funding is designed to bring people together and honour the contributions of older Australians.
“Staying active, connected and engaged is critical to our wellbeing as we age.
“These grants will help reduce isolation and promote mental and physical health,” Mr Kemp said.
Grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 are available to all eligible community organisations to support local activities.
Larger-scale regional events run by local governments can apply for grants from $5,001 to $10,000.
Applications are now open and close at 4:00pm on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
To apply or learn more, visit: https://www.nsw.gov. au/grants-and-funding/ seniors-festival-grantsprogram
We love the beach. This business investment involves our children, with our two older sons owning the business and myself and Alex owning the building. Combined, as a family, we have put in a lot of effort into the business. To summarise, living close to the beach was the main drawcard.
You have been in Port Macquarie for one year, what is next?
Connection and networking is important to us. We are just about to become members of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association (GPMTA) and we are looking forward to meeting fellow businesses, introducing ourselves and becoming a vital part of this community's future that relies heavily on tourism to succeed.
Empowering communities through sustainable fishing
By Kim AMBROSE
CAMDEN Haven’s Brice Hayward has personal experience of the power of fishing and the ocean to change lives.
A primary school teacher and facilitator of Indigenous cultural camps, Brice believes that fishing has the potential for positive transformation in young and old alike.
By offering programs that promote recreational fishing, sustainability, and the development of skills, Brice hopes to empower individuals and communities through shared experiences.
Brice’s fishing journey began as a child, after a condition in his ear caused significant impacts to his health.
“I started fishing as a young kid due to being quite sick,” said Brice.
“I couldn't participate in sports or other activities like swimming so I started fishing.
“It became a great outlet in terms of mental health and positive life choices.”
Inspired by his own experiences, Brice later founded Fishin4Pics, an online platform designed to engage and educate individuals in sustainable fishing practices.
This includes releasing breeders, adhering to bag limits, and practicing responsible harvesting.
“Teaching the youth important sustainable messages was an avenue that really excited me, leading to
the creation of Fishin4Pics,” said Brice.
“I have always been passionate about fishing and looking after the environment and Fishin4Pics allows me
to share information on sustainability, educating the next generation to think smarter about our marine life.”
Brice is also a driving
force behind the Camden Haven Snapper Classic, a capture and release competition being held in Laurieton from 18-20 July.
“After identifying a need for a fun competition to be enjoyed by the local area I established the Snapper Classic with my mates and Plasmann, a business based at Tamworth who work really hard in the lure manufacturing scene,” said
Brice.
“Since its conception the Snapper Classic has grown rapidly and now offers amazing prizes through the support and generosity of local businesses.
“This year’s event will host 29 teams, and begins with a briefing on Friday, 18 July before 85 fishos cast off on Saturday.
“All that is needed now is good weather.”
q Marianna Vozzo.
q Member for Oxley Michael Kemp with Mid North Coast seniors. Photo: supplied.
q Brice with one of his latest catches. Photo: supplied
q Brice sharing his love of the ocean. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
Op shop turns trash into treasure
By Sis HIGGINS
A COLOURFUL new space in Port Macquarie is quickly becoming a hub for creativity, sustainability and community.
The Arts and Crafts Op Shop, founded by local social entrepreneur Dawn Tindall, offers more than secondhand craft supplies, it’s a place where people can come together, share skills and build connections.
“I opened it for ArtWalk,” Dawn said.
“I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring people in and showcase what we’re about.”
Located in two adjoining shopfronts in the Colonial Arcade, the space is half op shop stocked with donated arts and crafts goods, and half affordable venue hire.
It’s already hosted crochet
classes, painting workshops, and group meetups.
“Anyone can book the space for $15 an hour during the day or $20 after hours.
“It can be for meetings, board game nights, [such as] Dungeons & Dragonsanything that brings people together.”
At its core, the shop is about sustainability.
“Everything here is second-hand except the stickers,” Dawn said.
“We’re trying to keep arts and craft materials out of the landfill by giving them a second life.”
The op shop also plans to host Boomerang Bags, a volunteer sewing group that turns donated fabric into reusable bags, female sanitary pads and other sustainable items.
“We’ve had sewing machines donated, plus fabric
from the Players Theatre,” she said.
Dawn’s vision goes well beyond crafting.
With a background in disability employment, she’s building a self-sustaining model that can eventually employ people who want eight to 20 hours of work per week.
“The goal is to support the most vulnerable people in our community - retirees, parents, people with disabilities - through meaningful, local jobs,” she said.
With just two months left in its trial run, the Arts and Crafts Op Shop needs community support.
“Room hire is the biggest way people can help.
“If we can keep it full, we’ll never need grants, and it can all stay local.”
Phat Phuc stirs
the pie pot
By Rikki WALLER
EVERYONE loves a good pie.
Well, everyone except for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) when Wauchope’s new bakery offering, the Phat Phuc Pie Shop, tried to register its business name.
Forced to assume the registered business name of Double P Bakehouse following multiple failed attempts, the bright neon sign that hangs in the store on High Street has since gone viral on social media.
While many have admired the clever name, owner Matthew Reid revealed its deeper significance - his wife is Vietnamese, and in her culture, the name carries a positive meaning, often translated as “Happy Buddha”.
“Used together in that sequence, it is actually good karma and a blessing,” Matthew told the Daily Telegraph.
Describing his store as “not one of those shops where the customer is always right”, Matthew speaks his mind and dishes up his pies, and customer enquiry responses, in a manner true to himself.
“I don’t use the butcher, so asking which butcher I will be getting my mince from is pointless,” Matthew shared won social media a week prior to the shop’s
opening in June.
And when it comes to whether he makes everything himself, the answer was very candid.
“Yes, everything is made in house, except the bread.
“I buy that in. I, too, like my sleep, and the idea of waking up at 2am to make bread does not make me excited. At all.”
Acknowledging that regional towns and communities have different demographics to that of larger towns or cities, Matthew admits that some older folk have gotten a little upset by the name.
On the flip side however,
the reviews on social media couldn't be more different.
“We went with friends who travelled 130kms to see what all the fuss was (about),” one poster shared.
“We discovered the best pies we have ever had, anywhere.”
A member of The Australian Meat Pie Appreciation Society rode his pushbike to “sample the goods”.
“Arrived at 1.30pm and settled for a beef curry pie as they had sold out of many items,” he shared.
“Sounds like they have secured the patronage of local tradies as sausage rolls were sold out by 11am according to the lovely lady behind the counter.”
Regional buses get realtime travel technology
FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices.
All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.
Passengers are now able to:
- Track their bus in realtime using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website
- Get arrival times and capacity information
- Access interactive maps, digital timetables, and route information
- Plan journeys through Transport for NSW's Trip
Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information.
Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said, “As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to
accessing real-time data. No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.” Learn about using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw. info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps.
to amend laws to establish that Crown land is available for hunting.
Committee Chair Emily Suvaal MLC acknowledged the wide range of views on the bill.
AN Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, a private members’ bill introduced by Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.
The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, including
to abolish the Game and Pest Management Advisory Board and replace it with the Conservation Hunting Authority.
The bill would also recognise and make provision for a right to hunt, and abolish restricted game hunting licences and replace those licences with conservation hunting licences.
The bill additionally seeks
"This inquiry will ensure that stakeholder issues and concerns about the proposed legislation can be adequately considered and addressed by the House when debate resumes on the bill,” she said.
Stakeholders can make submissions until 4 August 2025 by lodging a submission via the committee's website.
The committee will then hold a hearing on a date to be determined.
The committee is due to report by 10 October 2025.
q Regular shopper Poppy Mckinlay with local social entrepreneur Dawn Tindall. Photo: Sis Higgins.
q The neon sign has grabbed the country’s attention. Photo: Facebook.
Planner
q
Annual farm census underway
NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census.
The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks.
Landholders must lodge their return by 31 August 2025 via the online portal or by completing the paper form received in the mail.
Local Land Services’ Executive Director Delivery, Rob Kelly, said the Annual Land and Stock Return helped paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW at the time of the 30 June census date.
“An accurate snapshot helps the NSW Government respond quickly and accurately to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, monitor flock and herd health and carry out emergency animal disease surveillance,” Mr Kelly said.
“This helps protect NSW from the threat of pests, diseases and emergencies while supporting primary producers and keeping supply chains strong.
“We recognise many farmers have faced significant challenges recently that have impacted their stock levels, including floods in the Hunter and North Coast regions and drought conditions in southern parts of the state.
“Despite these challenges, it is still important for everyone to lodge their Annual Land and Stock
Return as this information allows us to better respond in emergency situations and deliver timely animal health and biosecurity advice.
“If you need advice or support, please reach out to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit your nearest office.”
There are more than 170,000 landholders across NSW.
Those without stock still need to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to a landholder’s next Local Land Services rates notice if they fail to complete their return.
Landholders can visit nsw.gov.au/alsr or scan the QR code on their Annual Land and Stock Return notice to submit their return online.
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads
are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were
discovered in Tweed Heads last week.
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under
the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland.
On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature Red Imported Fire Ant nest was detected on a property on NSW’s far north coast, where it was later destroyed by authorities.
“An investigation was immediately commenced following the report of suspected fire ants and the discovery of an immature nest led to its destruction,” Minister for Agriculture Tara
said.
A genetic analysis has commenced of the specimen fire ants to determine the likely source.
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton said, "Investigations and surveillance are underway following this detection; however, the fact that the nest was immature, or nonproductive, is reassuring.
“A vigilant pest control contractor at the site quickly identified suspected fire ants.”
NSW Farmers Biosecurity
Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said the repeated detections of fire ants in NSW were a clear sign of a “colossal failure” of current biosecurity measures.
“The danger that Red Imported Fire Ants present to people, animals and the environment could not be more extreme," Mr Hegarty said.
“We’re rapidly losing the battle from one pest to another here in NSW, and the way we’re going, fire ants could well be the next threat our government fails
to control.”
Mr Hegarty called on the state government to ensure every resource was available to eradicate the ants as soon as possible.
“Current biosecurity measures clearly aren’t doing the job, and while we’ve got $100 million in new biosecurity funding, this one pest alone could cost us $60 billion over the next 30 years,” Mr Hegarty said.
“The NSW Government needs to get real on border biosecurity and properly vet high-risk materials coming into our borders, or else these ants are only going to keep marching on in until it’s all too late.”
Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests
Water Advisory have visited the North Coast for a guided tour of native hardwood production forests.
The tour, facilitated by the Forestry Corporation of NSW’s (FCNSW) Sales and Planning teams, offered an
opportunity for the NSW Government’s bridge team to see first-hand where the timbers used for their
restoration work are sourced.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to connect the dots between sustainable forest management and heritage timber bridge preservation,” said Carl Broockmann, Managing Director at Broockmann Water Advisory.
“It’s great to see how our work in the forest directly supports the longevity of some of the state’s most treasured landmarks and most important public infrastructure,” he said.
Placemaking NSW manages the Pyrmont Bridge, the oldest continuously operated electric swing span bridge in the world.
The bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber sourced from the North Coast of NSW.
The NSW Government has announced a contribution of $59.6million to the restoration of Pyrmont Bridge timber trusses over the coming 10 years, in order
to keep the pedestrian and cycleway route open between Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD.
“High quality and durable timbers of large diameter with specific strength and durability requirements are needed for the Pyrmont Bridge restoration that are only available in NSW native forests,” said David Glassod, a bridge maintenance supervisor at Placemaking NSW.
Transport for NSW is also responsible for maintaining 27 timber truss road bridges of historical and engineering significance across NSW.
“Many of these bridges will require restoration over the coming 10 years and will require a steady supply of hardwood timber sourced from the North Coast region,”
Alan Pottie of Transport for NSW said.
“These structures require premium-grade timbers such as ironbark, tallowwood, and blackbutt — species native to NSW and not available anywhere else in the world.”
FARMERS
q The Annual Land and Stock Return helps paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Moriarty
HERITAGE timber bridge restoration experts from Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Broockmann
q Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Photo: DPI.
q The Pyrmont Bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber.
Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has teamed up with professional tour operators to help remind the industry, recreational boat users and the community to keep a safe distance from these giants of the sea.
Nearly 40 NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos, to spread the message that humpbacks are protected by strict regulations and need to be given space to minimise disturbance while migrating.
Getting too close can cause whales to expend extra energy diverting and changing direction to get away from perceived threats which is why boats and watercraft need to carefully follow the rules.
These include:
• Vessels must not approach an adult whale within 100 metres or 300 metres if there is a calf
• Personal motorised watercraft such as jet skis must keep a minimum distance of 300 metres from whales at all times regardless of a calf
• Drones must be a minimum of 100 metres in all directions
There are large penalties in place for people breaching distances and getting too close to a whale.
few years thanks to whalewatching boat operators working collaboratively with NPWS to boost awareness across the state.
“Whale migration season is a huge tourism drawcard for NSW, and we want everyone to experience the awe of humpback whales while also respecting these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat,” said NPWS Project officer Britt Anderson.
“This is why Operation Ketos has joined forces with professional whale watching operators to ensure best practice while whale watching and to educate the community about the importance of maintaining minimum distances to protect the wellbeing of whales, so they do not get harmed or stressed.
“Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a significant improvement in compliance which is a terrific result.
“Our team will be out on the water again over the coming months to remind recreational and commercial boats to follow the rules to keep both whales and humans safe.”
Humpbacks can grow up to 18 metres long and weigh up to 36,000 kilograms.
These magnificent creatures undertake one of
grounds in the Southern Ocean, to breed and socialise the season with undercover operations on vessels along
If you see a boat, drone or watercraft such as a jet ski
getting too close to a whale, or a distressed or entangled whale, contact the NPWS on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on 02 9415 3333.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
THIS is the week this particular cinephile has been awaiting, with the all new Superman flying into theatres.
While films based on comics owned by Warner Bros. have been a mixed bag (to be generous), the involvement of James Gunn
(Guardians of the Galaxy) as writer, director and creative head for films under the “DC Comics” banner is a major plus.
Gunn has proven to be an eminently entertaining filmmaker, who is able to elicit laughter, choreograph engaging action as well as focus on very human characters and touch on
deeply moving themes.
All of this will fit perfectly with this newest iteration of the Man of Steel (played by David Corenswet), as the first ever superhero works to uphold truth and justice in the midst of powers that think only of themselves.
As Gunn himself puts it “He is ‘kindness’ in a world that thinks that kindness is
old-fashioned.”
That’s something I think everyone needs to experience.
A very different kind of family film also premieres with Smurfs
Based on the nearly 60-year-old comic by Belgian artist Peyo, this modern take sees Smurfette (the “girl smurf”) lead the tiny blue folk into the “real world” to rescue the kidnapped Papa Smurf from the evil wizard Gargamel.
Very much a “jukebox musical”, this film is more concerned with spontaneous karaoke moments than anything else, and the voice cast (Rihanna, John Goodman, James Corden) reflect the “songs first” attitude.
There is also a limited release of A Nice Indian Boy
Of course much humour and drama is mined from misunderstandings, willful deceptions and nervous confessions, but the real charm lay in the performances.
Soni has become a recognisable face with a soft spoken demeanor in the Deadpool films, but his quiet, nervous manner is pitch perfect for this role.
Based on a stage play by Madhuri Shekar, the film recalls comedies like The Birdcage or In and Out with its tale of an anxious, gay doctor (Karan Soni) who attempts to introduce his white fiance (Johnathan Groff) to his traditional Indian parents.
q NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos. Photo: NPWS.
q NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos. Photo: NPWS.
Taking up the whistle
By Kim AMBROSE
GRACE Broderick from the Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Raiders (LCBHR) made her refereeing debut on Saturday, 5 July, marking an important milestone in her rugby league journey.
Bravely stepping onto the field to officiate her very first game, Grace joined teammate Eva Butler in a growing trend of female players taking up
the whistle.
This trend underscores the growing opportunities for girls and women in rugby league, driven by the rising popularity of the National Rugby League Women’s Premiership (NRLW) and the implementation of inclusion initiatives like "Play our Way" and "Breaking Barriers”.
Grace’s interest in rugby league first developed through her older brother
Tim, a long-term member of the Raiders and current player in their Under 18s team.
In 2022 Grace, alongside older sister Annabel, joined the Raiders, playing in the club’s female league tag teams.
She hasn’t looked back since.
“When I heard Lake Cathie were putting together a girls league tag team I was really keen to join as I had played oz-tag before and I had enjoyed doing that,” said Grace.
“I decided to become a referee as I like to help out my community and it is a fun way to get some pocket money so I can start to save up for my own car.”
Raiders secretary Monique “Monsy” Wardle praised Grace and Eva for making the decision to step up as officials.
“We had two of our junior girls making their refereeing debut recently,” said Monsy.
“Eva Butler, who refereed her first U6s league-tag game on Saturday, 21 June and Grace Broderick who refereed her first game on Saturday, 5 July.
“The girls did an outstanding job and the club is extremely glad to have them on board.”
Club president Benny Smith told News Of The Area, “From being involved with numerous clubs over the years, the one thing they all have in common is the struggle to find enough referees to cover matches.
“There never seems to be
enough of them. "Referees are an integral part of our game and without them, we can't play.
“It's great to see these girls getting involved and helping out the club by doing the work and taking on these important extra responsibilities."
Results of swimming North Coast AGM
By Aiden BURGESS
SWIMMING North Coast has held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Grafton and online.
It was attended by delegates from 14 of the area’s clubs in addition to life members and NSW Swimming representative, Matt Levy.
The AGM was opened by President Ann Pilkie of Laurieton.
All office-holders were elected unopposed.
They are President, Ann Pilkie; Vice President North, Faye Rowles of Twin Towns Swim Team; Vice President South, John Miall of Kempsey; Secretary, Joanne Hodgson of Bellingen; Treasurer,
Helen Green of Twin Towns; Registrar, Graham Canning of Lismore Workers and Area Technical Swimming Coordinator, Jennie Riley of Woodenbong.
The competition committee comprises Samantha Bergen of Coffs Harbour, Raymond Clark of Macksville, Kathryn Robinson of Grafton, Ian Smith of Taree,
Tania Jean of Wauchope, and Kristy Magann of Lismore Workers.
The Development Committee is Luke Anderson of Woolgoolga and Helen Phipps of Coffs Harbour.
The Technical Swimming Committee is Janelle Barnett of Kempsey, Helen Green of Twin Towns, Josanne Hodgson of Bellingen, Donald
Law of Lismore Workers, Ann Pilkie of Laurieton and Faye Rowles of Twin Towns.
The organisation still needs a Competition and Development Coordinator and four more members of the Development Committee.
Trophies were presented to the winning clubs of various Swimming North Coast Championships.
- Division 1
Championships: 1st Coffs Harbour, 2nd Alstonville and 3rd Port Macquarie.
- Division 2
Championships: 1st Port Macquarie, 2nd Kingscliff and 3rd Taree.
- Short Course
Championships: 1st Alstonville, 2nd Coffs Harbour and 3rd Port Macquarie.
q Grace Broderick making her refereeing debut. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
q Grace in action. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
q Grace in action. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
By Kim AMBROSE
NINE members from Port Macquarie Swimming Club (PMSC) dove head first into the NSW Country Short Course Championships from 4-6 July, bringing home a swag of medals.
Held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, the carnival attracted some of the best regional swimmers from across the state.
Hitting the blocks for PMSC were Zara Chowdhary, Rose Eccles, Bianca Harrison, Sienna Harrison, Chloe Higgins, Owen Hilkemeijer, Daniel Ivannikov, Zara
Phillips and Jackson Ranse.
These nine representatives competed in a total of 55 individual events, swimming their way to 13 medals and 38 new personal best (PB) times.
A team highlight of the championship was the performance of the Girls 13-14 Years Medley Relay Team of Chloe Higgins (Backstroke), Bianca Harrison (Breaststroke), Zara Chowdhary (Butterfly) and Sienna Harrison (Freestyle).
This talented quartet secured second place in a fiercely competitive field, an exceptional result
considering two of the swimmers are only 13, while a third swimmer, Sienna, is just 12 years of age.
Tanya Harrison, President of PMSC, expressed pride in the broader team's performance.
“Every one of our nine representatives swam extremely well over the weekend,” said Tanya.
Thirty-eight personal best times and 13 medals at this level is testament not only to their talent but also to the many hours of training they put in year round.
“We are very proud.”
Grafton and Kempsey both win in Round 11
By Aiden BURGESS
THE GRAFTON Redmen and Kempsey Cannonballs have both been victorious during Round 11 of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
The Grafton Redmen knocked off the ladderleading Port Macquarie Pirates, 29-27, in Grafton.
The Kempsey
Cannonballs had a 45-34 win at home against the Hastings Valley Vikings.
Port Macquarie Pirates had a 44-10 win in their local derby against the Hastings Valley Vikings, in their midweek catch-up game in Port Macquarie.
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season continues this weekend with a catch-
Top referee Medal haul for swim stars
up game between the SCU Marlins and Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.
The Marlins had a 42-21 win when they last played the Cannonballs in Round 9. Round 11 results. Coffs Harbour Snappers vs SCU Marlins. First grade: Snappers 42 def. Marlins 21. Reserves: Snappers 26 def. Marlins 10. Women’s: Snappers 22 def. Marlins 17.
Under 18s: Snappers 38 def. Marlins 12. Under 16s Girls: Marlins 34 def. Snappers 29. Under 16s Boys: Snappers 31 def. Marlins 26. Under 14s Girls: Snappers 36 def. Marlins 12. Under 14s Boys: Marlins 36 def. Snappers Red 0. Grafton Redmen 33 def. Snappers Black 29. First grade ladder. 1.Port Macquarie Pirates. 39 points. 7 wins.1 draw. 2 losses. 144
to keep going and referee at more tournaments in the future.”
Receiving the invitation to join the National Referee Academy was a moment of surprise for Tamsyn.
It marked the realisation of a long-term goal and validation of the hard work she has invested in her refereeing.
“Honestly, I was shocked to receive the phone call,” Tamsyn said.
“Making the academy was one of my long-term goals, but I didn't think it would happen so soon.
“When I first started, I was definitely nervous and I often doubted myself.
“Knowing both teams were relying on me to control
the game came with a lot of pressure, but over time, that pressure became my motivation.
“It pushed me to act professionally and give 100 percent in every game to ensure I was contributing to a great match.”
Looking ahead, Tamsyn aspires to officiate higher level games and support younger referees as they advance with their duties.
“Over the next few years, l'd love to be appointed to referee more opens games at both a state and national level,” she said.
“The idea of officiating the best players in the country is incredibly exciting and long term I want to become the top female referee in Australia.
“I truly believe I have
q The successful Girls 13-14 Years Medley Relay Team: Chloe Higgins (Backstroke), Zara Chowdhary (Butterfly), Bianca Harrison (Breaststroke) and Sienna Harrison (Freestyle). Photo: supplied.
q Tamsyn organising the junior Port Mako players. Photo: Kim Ambrose/ SaltyFoxFotography.
Does the Treasurer own a calculator?
DEAR News Of The Area,
LABOR’S proposal to introduce an unrealized capital gains tax on superannuation funds has created quite a bit of attention since Chalmer’s Federal Budget back on 25 March.
I don’t believe Jim Chalmers owns a financial calculator or has thought through the effect of his tax.
Recently the Government estimated that a young person entering the work force will accumulate a superannuation balance
of $3,000,000 over their working life.
That estimate is seriously at risk if the tax on unrealised capital gains successfully passes through both houses of parliament.
Last week I presented my tax cost calculations to a small group of accountants.
I workshopped a few scenarios, all of which concluded that a tax on unrealised capital gains would have a significant negative effect on member balances.
Superannuation funds already pay a considerable amount of tax in the way of
contribution tax at a rate of 15 percent and a tax on realised gains during the year.
Assuming that a person entering the work force now works for 45 years, my conservative calculations reveal that the government’s estimated member balance of $3,000,000 at retirement would drop to $2,523,050.
The unrealised capital gains tax would cost the member $476,950.
Over the same period, contribution tax paid at the current rate of 15 percent is estimated to be around $112,005.
Members have been paying contribution tax for years now.
However, the total of both taxes would be approximately $588,955.
Many small business owners have had their selfmanaged superannuation fund purchase a business premises for them to operate from.
A significant proportion of these SMSF have no other assets other than a cash account which is used to collect rent and pay property expenses and operating costs.
A tax on the unrealised capital gains could lead to the fund not having sufficient cash reserves to pay the additional tax.
The members would be faced with only two scenarios; make nonconcessional contributions to the fund (possibly an unaffordable option), or sell the property.
There would be thousands of SMSFs that
On theCouch
Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
Email
DEAR
Jasminda,
Since the recent heavy rain events, we now have a flock of bin chickens in our yard.
They are not a very attractive bird, but I can't seem to shoo them away. How do I get rid of them?
Jonathan R.
Ah, Jonathon
Using the term bin chicken tells me everything I need to know about your position on the Australian White Ibis, despite it being an intelligent and resourceful bird, as well as a native species.
Your Flock of Ibis (not to be confused with A Flock of Seagulls, which would be an entirely different dilemma) is ('is' not 'are' as flock is a collective noun, before you correct me in an online community group) doing an important job in your yard.
Your attempts to shoo them (perhaps you'd prefer them to be rummaging around in a local skip bin) are taking them away from aerating your soil, feasting on insects, and adapting to new environments (such as your drenched yard that currently looks more like a Tough Mudder racetrack from all the vehicle traffic).
would be affected by this incredibly ill-contrived tax.
Superannuation has become less and less concessional over the years and becoming a less attractive means of savings.
The loss of tax benefits on lifetime retirement savings means members and their employers will be under pressure to make further contributions to help offset rising tax costs.
In the future, the only real benefit superannuation offers will be that it is a compulsory saving program funded by employers as a part of a total wage package and enforced through legislation.
Regards, Rodney FOX, Public accountant.
Instead of your 'Go Back to Where You Came From' attitude (misguided, since they traditionally inhabit wetlands, which your yard seems to have evolved into), perhaps you should embrace them as a significant part of Australia's cultural heritage.
It is actually our fault that the birds have relocated from their usual habitats and moved to far less suitable urban locations.
I hope this has shed some more light on the matter, and instead of calling them bin chickens (or trash vultures or flying rats or dumpster divers), you will instead embrace their distinctive repetitive grunting sounds (much like a surly Australian teenager) and marvel at them perched in your eucalyptus trees (where they are roosting to escape predators like coastal retirees named Jonathon).
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
SUDOKU
Pets
GREAT Groodle pups (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 1 boy, 8 girls. Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $1,200. Ready to go! Call or text: 0422 070 333 Located in Port Stephens
The Gardening Australia team is focused on all things First Nations in this NAIDOC Week episode, with Indigenous plants front and centre.
Costa Georgiadis is cooking up a storm in Kakadu, resident bush tucker expert Clarence Slocklee (above) – a Bundjalung man – shares his own gardening journey with us, and Josh Byrne gets a lesson in identifying the arguably more useful Noongar seasons (of which there are six).
Rounding things out, Jerry Coleby-Williams imparts his knowledge of the culturally significant bunya pine –another traditional source of nutrition – and the team pays a visit to a group using plants to ensure their Arrernte language is passed on to a new generation.
FRIDAY, July 11
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 10.25 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.10 Little Disasters. (Mal, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Madv, R) 1.55
5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis gets a taste of Kakadu cooking.
8.30 Patience. (Ma) Patience is questioned by the police after coming under suspicion in the burning man investigation.
9.20 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.30 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Space Jam: A New Legacy. (2021, PG) 9.45 BTN Newsbreak. 9.50 Robot Wars. 10.50 Late Programs.
SUNDAY
THE CROW GIRL
SEVEN, 9.20pm
Based on the Scandinavian novel by Erik Axl Sund, this dark psychological thriller flips the usual Jane Doe script on its head and instead follows the efforts to catch a serial killer who’s brazenly leaving the bodies of young men in bags all over Bristol. DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles, Broadchurch with Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly, right), a psychotherapist whose speciality is counselling criminals, to solve the case. As they dig deeper – and grow closer – the unlikely duo begin to uncover a trail that leads to overlooked missing children’s cases tracing back decades. All the while, the body count is increasing and police corruption is rearing its ugly head, but the clues are adding up.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 5. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 6. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 6. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles. Looks at The Swan
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7.
1.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
2.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGa, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WEDNESDAY ELSBETH
TEN, 8.40pm
Her wardrobe is bursting with colourful confections, her trusty totes are packed with more goodies than Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag and her brain is buzzing with more information than the standard PC –yep, Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) is every minimalist’s worst nightmare. Enter this week’s guest star, Mary-Louise Parker (above, Weeds, The West Wing), as decluttering guru Freya Frostad. Famous for her rule of “44” – the perfect number of possessions a person should own – Freya has seemingly also applied a less-is-more approach to her personal life, by offing her husband. As our charming crime solver tests Freya’s boundaries, more than a few surprising revelations are in store.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Other Woman. (2014, Mals, R) After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman tries to get her ruined life back on track. Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton. 10.50 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mlns, R) The couples receive another crate.
12.25 The Disappearance. (Ma, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple are searching for their first home. 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. (Mdl, R) Celebrity guests include Paul Mescal. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 19. Cronulla Sharks v Dolphins. From Sharks Stadium, Sydney.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Cronulla Sharks versus Dolphins match, with news and analysis. 10.45 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12. Semi-finals. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12 Late. Semi-finals.
4.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard. 5.00 Fishing Australia. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! UK. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 11.30 Golden Girls. Noon MOVIE: Superman Returns. (2006, PG) 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30
6.00
SATURDAY, July 12
6.25 Australian Story: The River Pt 2 – Franklin River Rescue. (R) The conclusion to the perilous 24-hour mission.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Mav) A familiar face arrives at the vicarage.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Masv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when a member of a village watch is murdered.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Madv, R) Stella is thrown into a tailspin.
10.40 Little Disasters. (Mal, R)
11.30 Whale Wisdom. (R)
12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG)
8.25 Emily: I Am Kam. (PG, R) Celebrates the legacy of artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.
9.35 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval. 171km flat stage. From France.
1.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.35 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (Return, PG) The team stays in Tasmania’s central highlands.
7.30 MOVIE: Titanic. (1997, Mansv, R) An upper-class woman falls for a penniless young man. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet.
11.35 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.55 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 1. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: The Castle. (1997, Ml, R) Michael Caton. 9.20 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to leave or stay. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving. 9.50 House Hunters Australia. (PGl, R) A couple look for a home near Lake Macquarie, NSW. 10.50 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth matches wits with a psychic. 11.50 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Children’s Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Caulfield Winter Race Day and Member Rewards Day. 5.00 Slow Train Through Africa With Griff Rhys Jones. 6.00 Every Bite Takes You Home. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Lara.
Continued. (2019, PG, German) 6.35 The Movie Show. 7.05 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 10.00 The Movie Show. 10.30 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.25pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.35 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 4.05 The Movie Show. 4.35 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 6.55 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 8.30 Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 10.30 La Maison. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.10am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, July 13
6.30 Compass. (PGals)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PGs) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv) Mystery Bay’s brief flirtation with happiness ends.
8.55 Little Disasters. (Mal) Jess’ fate hangs in the balance.
9.45 MOVIE: Spear. (2015, Mal, R) A young Aboriginal learns what it means to be a man. Hunter Page-Lochard.
11.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.55 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.15 Speechless. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eiffel Tower: Building The Impossible. (PGan, R) Takes a look at the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of progress that has towered over Paris for over 130 years.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. Chinon to Chateauroux. 170km hilly stage. From France.
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency: You Are Not Alone. (Ma, R)
2.40 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
Morning Programs. 1.10pm Our Law. 1.45 Cook Up Bitesize. 1.55 SBS50. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Jeopardy! 5.15 Alone: The Skills Challenge. 5.40 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.35 Engineering Reborn. 7.30 Abandoned Engineering. 8.25 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. Continued. (1943, PG) 6.45 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 9.05 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 10.40 White Tiger. (2012, M, Russian) 12.40pm To Leslie. (2022, M) 2.55 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 J. Edgar. (2011, M) 11.05 Before, Now And Then. (2022, MA15+, Indonesian) 1.05am Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 3.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 The Crow Girl. (Premiere, Malv) A detective teams up with a psychotherapist.
11.25 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
6am
Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: Curse Of The Pink Panther. (1983, PG) 5.45 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.05
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PG)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.10 To Be Advised.
10.10 9News Late.
10.30 See No Evil: The Trophy Collector. (MA15+av)
11.30 The First 48: Tell No Tales/Unfair Fight. (Mav)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Four contestants face off. 8.15 Fake. (Final, Ml) Birdie retraces her steps back to Joe’s shack, investigating his stories. Background searches on Joe are incriminating. 9.15 FBI. (Mav, R) The shooting of a corrections officer leads the team to an ex-marine
(34)
Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: Benny & Joon. (1993, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016, M)
MONDAY, July 14
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 Piripenguins. (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 The Crystal Maze. 9.45 Merlin.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (Final, R)
8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (Final, PGa, R) Sue Perkins concludes her exploration of Thailand.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10.
2.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.05 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (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. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.
8.30 9-1-1. (Mav) Following Maddie’s mysterious 911 call, Chimney returns home to find his daughter alone and Maddie nowhere to be found.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA: Meth Wars. (Madl, R)
12.30 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am 3 Days In Quiberon. Continued. (2018, PG, French) 7.25 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 10.05 The Movie Show. 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Movie Show. 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 7.30 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 9.35 Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.20 Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+) 1.10am J. Edgar. (2011, M) 3.40 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 15
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav)
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Anne Boleyn. (Masv, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Irene returns with a heartbreaking secret. 8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mls) As one couple pull the flare and leave the experience for good, two couples ignite fire in another way, taking their relationship to the next level.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Parental Guidance. (PGa)
9.00 100% Footy. (M)
10.00 Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl)
11.30 9News Late.
12.00 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Ma)
1.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
(R) 3.15 For Frogs’ Sake! (R) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.00 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.55 Growing A Greener World. (PGa, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.05 The Food That Built The World. 7.00 Jeopardy! 7.25 News. 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.25 The UnBelievable. 10.15 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Australia. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 1.25 Bamay. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.25 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.20am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million
6am 8 1/2. Continued. (1963, PG, Italian) 8.25 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 10.30 20th Century Women. (2016, M) 12.45pm Nostalgia. (2022, M, Italian) 2.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 5.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 7.30 American Pastoral. (2016, M) 9.30 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 11.15 Mother Couch. (2023, M) 1am Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 2.45 Late Programs.
11.30 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.30 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R) Kate helps a friend with a prenup.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
9GO!
WEDNESDAY, July 16
Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Latest Secrets Of The Hieroglyphs. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
How
Eat
America. (PG)
Secrets Of The Glucose Goddess. (Final, PG) 9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11. 1.45 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
2.45 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.40 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.15 Horrible Histories. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.50 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 Holy Marvels. 1.15 Stacey Dooley: Two Daughters. 2.20 MOVIE: The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.10 News. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.15 The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Dopesick. Midnight MOVIE: The Kid Detective. (2020, MA15+) 1.45 One Night In... 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Another
Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.40 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 8.35 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 10.10 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 12.15pm American Pastoral. (2016, M) 2.15 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.10 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 6.20 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 9.30 Other People’s Children. (2022, M, French) 11.25 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, July 17
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Engineering Reborn. (PGav, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PGaw)
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 12.
2.15 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
2.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
3.25 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 8.00
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 Insight. 1.30 The Giants: From Hawaii To Sumo Legends. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Over The Black Dot. 6.30 Travel Man. 7.00 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.25 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 10.35 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 12.20pm Mother Couch. (2023, M) 2.10 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 4.00 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 5.40 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 Winter Boy. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) 10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a) 11.20 Stags. (MA15+alv) 12.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av) 1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 The Zoo. 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 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.45
7MATE (64)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 2.30 Train Rescue Down Under. 3.30
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Ml) 8.30 Murder Down Under. (MA15+av) 9.30 Australian Crime Stories. (Mav, R)
Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane and Jo connect. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 19. Essendon v GWS Giants. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 Evil By Design: End Game. (Malv, R) 12.35 Life. (Madv, R) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Christmas. (2023) 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes. (2009, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
FRIDAY JULY 18TH, 2025 6:00 - 10:00
Ruins Way, Port Macquarie
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM (82)
9GO!
Top referee
supplied.
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
Port Macquarie
Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant
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
Group Therapy Cafe
By Kim AMBROSE
TAMSYN Spear from Port Makos Touch Association (PMTA) has gained selection into Touch Football
Australia’s National Referee Academy (NRA) and National Referee Squad (NRS).
The achievement recognises Tamsyn's strong performances in recent touch football events and commitment to her development as a referee.
Tamsyn's journey as a referee began with a desire to give back to her local club, where she had been a player for many years.
“After playing touch footy for several years I wanted to give back to my club by volunteering,” said Tamsyn.
“An opportunity came up to referee my first tournament.
“I thought it would be a fun weekend away and a chance to learn more about the sport, but it turned out to be so much more.
