The talented athlete heads the list of local sports stars and volunteers who were honoured at a ceremony jointly hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and the Port Macquarie Hastings Sporting Fund.
More than 200 people attended the breakfast event on 7 November.
Molly is already making her mark as one of the region’s most promising young athletes.
Ranked the second-fastest 10-yearold in Australia over 800 metres, Molly broke three school records and collected four regional gold medals in athletics, while excelling in cross country, netball, and touch football.
She is also a member of St Columba Anglican School’s (SCAS) 4x100m Junior Girls Relay Team, which claimed gold at the NSW Track and Field Championships
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q Sportsperson of the Year Molly Currie with Dr Robert Clarke of Greenmeadows Health Centre. All photos: courtesy Rob Lloyd, Sportive Media.
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Region remembers veterans’ service
COMMUNITIES across
Port Macquarie and the Camden Haven paused on Tuesday to mark Remembrance Day 2025, joining millions of Australians to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in times of conflict.
Remembrance Day has its origins in the Armistice that ended the First World War.
At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent on the Western Front after more than four years of brutal fighting.
The moment became known as Armistice Day and, after the Second World War, was renamed Remembrance Day in recognition of all who have served and died in subsequent conflicts.
Each year, Australians are asked to observe a minute’s silence at 11am to honour the fallen and acknowledge the continuing impact of war on veterans, families, and communities.
Laurieton RSL sub-Branch President Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty led a stirring service in Laurieton, featuring
addresses from Camden Haven High School students, traditional pipe and drum music, and the laying of memorial wreaths.
In attendance in Laurieton was Port Macquarie Mayor Adam Roberts, who laid a wreath on behalf of Council at the cenotaph.
The Port Macquarie service was led by Port Macquarie RSL subBranch President Jason Gill, and featured a powerful address from MacKillop College Vice Captain Jessica Miles, prayers from Ged Oldfield and the playing of the Last Post by Ben Simon.
“The Catafalque Party, Port Macquarie Wauchope RSL Pipes and Drums and Port Macquarie RSL Concert Band were, as always, outstanding,” said Councillor Danielle Maltman, who represented Council at the service.
Cowper MP Pat Conaghan laid a wreath on behalf of the electorate at the Port Macquarie service.
“This year’s Remembrance Day holds
special significance as the nation marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, a conflict that involved nearly one million Australians and changed the course of our history,” he said.
“When Australians stop for a minute’s silence, we not only honour the fallen, but reaffirm our commitment to those who continue to serve
and those who carry the impact of service.
“From the beaches of Gallipoli to the skies over Europe, from the jungles of Vietnam to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, Australians have served with honour, courage and mateship.
“Their service and sacrifice form the foundation of the freedoms and values we
enjoy today.
“Since Federation, more than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to our country.
“Countless others returned home carrying the physical and emotional wounds of war.
“Their legacy is one of quiet strength, national pride and enduring sacrifice.”
q Mayor Adam Roberts lays a wreath at the cenotaph in Laurieton. Photo: PMHC.
q Laurieton RSL sub-Branch President Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty and Port Macquarie Mayor Adam Roberts at the Laurieton service.
Photo: PMHC.
q The Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band plays at the Port Macquarie service. Photo: Pat Conaghan MP FB.
q The solemn service in Port Macquarie was well attended. Photo: Pat Conaghan MP FB.
By Sue STEPHENSON
PORT Macquarie’s Big Koala has made the cover of Monopoly’s recently released
“Big Things Edition”.
The game is a nod to Australia’s unique obsession with the 1075 “big things” spread across the country.
In addition to a koala token, players can choose from miniatures of The Big Banana, The Big Merino, The Big Prawn, The Big Mango, and more.
The game’s release was welcomed by Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer, Hello Koalas founder Margret Maher, Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, and the woman who painted the original Big Koala, Pauline Roods.
“[This is] another creative win for local tourism - a true Hastings success story,” Mr Dwyer said.
Situated in the educational and tourism precinct at Guulabaa (Place of Koala) in the Cowarra State Forest, the Big Koala was launched in September 2022 as part of the award-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.
Manufactured by local industrial artist John Belfield from Johns River, it was funded through sales of
a special Port Macquarie edition of Monopoly.
In 2023, it was named the “Best Landmark Sculpture in Australia” at the Australian Street Art Awards.
It is now an iconic public
Big Koala on the board Questions over koala numbers
By Andrew VIVIAN
for Oxley Michael
Kemp says the CSIRO’s National Koala Monitoring
Program (NKMP) has revealed a staggering leap in koala numbers that “upends years of alarmism”. The 2025 report estimates
the listed population across NSW, Qld and the ACT is between 398,000 and 569,000, a dramatic rise from the 2024 estimate of just 95,000 to 238,000.
However, the researchers and conservationist groups such as the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) say the report does not reflect a sudden population boom, but rather improved data collection and broader survey coverage.
“This estimate is substantially greater than previous NKMP estimates, arising from the incorporation of additional data from across a wider area and model improvements,” an update from the NKMP states.
“These changes in the population estimates do not necessarily indicate a change in actual koala populations, but rather reflect more data being available and a refinement of the modelling approach from previous
q Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer, Hello Koalas founder Margret Maher, Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, and ‘Big Koala’ artist Pauline Roods unveiling the ‘Big Things Edition’.
NKMP estimates.”
However, Mr Kemp believes koala populations have been under-reported for decades.
“From fewer than 240,000 to over half a million in just one year. How is that considered extinction?” he said.
“It’s time the Government faced the facts and stopped using fear to justify bad policy.
“This is data from the largest and most sophisticated koala monitoring program in the nation and yet Premier Minns and Minister Sharpe are choosing to let environmental ideology guide their decisions.”
The data indicates koalas inhabit a wider range than previously recorded, with higher densities east of the Great Dividing Range and new populations toward the western edge.
Mr Kemp said the decision to push ahead with the Great
artwork, as are the 91 onemetre high sculptures on the koala trail across the Hastings and Camden Haven - all painted by local artists. Proceeds from the sale of Monopoly boards, which are
available at the Hello Koalas shop in Blackbutt Road or via its website, will help fund a second children’s book about the Big Koala, as well as koala conservation efforts.
that loss of forested and woodland habitat is still accelerating across the state.
Koala National Park (GKNP) on the Mid North Coast shows blatant disregard for evidence and a lack of understanding of sustainable forest management.
“This decision isn’t about protecting koalas. It’s about politics.
“Labor is trading science for city votes.
“Instead of acknowledging the actual data and halting the world’s most sustainable industry with the strictest forestry regulations anywhere, Labor is destroying hundreds of regional jobs and locking up land under the false guise of conservation.”
In a statement, the NPA said there is no evidence of an actual population increase, and “every key driver of decline, whether habitat loss, climate change, vehicle strike or disease, continues unabated”.
“The NSW State of the Environment report confirms
“The overall picture for koalas in NSW remains deeply concerning, and the establishment of the Great Koala National Park is a vital step toward ensuring the species’ long-term survival.”
In response to the report, a NSW Government spokesperson said, “This is good news for koalas, but they are still listed as endangered in NSW and remain under threat from habitat loss, climate change, disease, car strike and dog attacks.
“The Great Koala National Park will protect one of the state’s most significant and healthy koala populations.
“But, it’s also home to more than 100 threatened species, which are now protected.”
The technical details of the NKMP’s 2025 population estimate will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific paper, expected late 2025 or early 2026.
MEMBER
q The game’s inspiration at Guulabaa, west of Port Macquarie.
q Koala numbers on the East Coast appear to be higher than previously thought.
Photo: Dailan Pugh.
‘Amazing’ Pink Ladies launch Christmas fundraiser
By Rachael THORPE
IF you’ve ever spent time in Port Macquarie Base Hospital, it is likely that you have interacted with one of the “Pink Ladies”.
This dedicated group of approximately 70 women and 30 men can be found in almost every ward of the hospital and refer to themselves as ‘gophers’.
With one volunteer scheduled on most wards each day, they provide practical assistance to hospital staff and attend to patient comfort.
This can be as diverse as disinfecting and charging IV stands, making beds, transporting patients in wheelchairs, and maintaining a clothing pool so that all
patients can depart the hospital fully dressed.
Additionally, they do the rounds with a trolley containing snacks, toiletries, magazines, and books.
Gabby Gregory has been a volunteer for the last 14 years and spent 12 of those as President of the group.
“We moved up from Melbourne, and I wanted to find an opportunity for community work,” she told News Of The Area.
“I had done a lot of volunteering down there. I think it is in my blood.
“The volunteers I work with are simply an amazing team.
"Just thinking about them brings tears to my eyes. I couldn’t support a better cause.”
As the group’s main priority is active assistance, they only do a small amount of fundraising.
All funds raised are used to purchase equipment for the hospital.
Their last fundraiser for the year is hampers overflowing with Christmas fare, vouchers generously donated by local businesses, and gift cards.
The raffle will be drawn on 8 December, with all winners notified.
Voucher donations are still being accepted and tickets can be purchased from the Pink Ladies at the hospital.
For enquiries, contact Gabby Gregory at arthurgregory14@bigpond. com.
Sophie shines at Phoenix Art Prize
By Sis HIGGINS
SOPHIE Lien has been recognised for her creativity and passion at this year’s Phoenix Art Prize 2025, held in Bowraville.
The 22-year-old local artist won the Youth Category with her striking ceramic works of “Superstar Stacy” and “Windy Wendy.”
The Phoenix Art Prize
2025 celebrates artists of all ages and abilities, providing an inclusive platform to showcase original and expressive works.
Sophie told News Of The Area that her art is inspired by the rich traditions of ceramics and her desire to challenge convention.
“The [ceramic] medium is such a diverse and variable medium that has so [many]
historical connections,” she said.
“I like to flip it on its head and give traditional ceramic wheel-thrown forms a draglike personality that is over the top - with colourful glazes and a pair of eyelashes to add an extra touch of modern influence.”
Sophie’s lifelong aspiration is to be part of the evolution of arts in this
generation - for the Mid North Coast region.
This comes from her admiration and respect for other local renowned ceramicists who have inspired and encouraged her to keep working and developing her art practice and style.
“I hope to collaborate with other artists who share similar ideas and influences.
“I like how my art serves
as representation for people in the queer, neurodivergent and youth environments and communities.”
Sophie says she uses her art as a way to express topics close to her heart.
“As a queer, neurodivergent and young artist, I hope to use art as a voice to help these communities, and to continue on in the neverending learning of ceramics.
“The mix between traditional ceramic forms and colourful, contemporary drag-like personas, has always been a main focus of my art, with my ceramics and my drag persona Ema Stoner,” said Sophie. The winning works are now on display at the Nulla Nulla Gallery in Kempsey’s Slim Dusty Centre, until 13 December.
q The Port Macquarie Pink Ladies.
q Sophie and her winning ceramics 'Superstar Stacy' and 'Windy Wendy'. Photo: Sarah Jae, Photographer, Doula and Creative (via Facebook).
Molly’s the Sportsperson of the Year
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and was named the Hastings’ Junior Team of the Year.
The Hastings Sporting Awards are now in their 26th year and continue to play a vital role in recognising and supporting the sporting endeavours of the Hastings community.
Sunrise Rotary President David Lane, said the awards and $10,000 in prizemoney go beyond recognising results.
“The Sunrise Hastings Sports Awards were established to inspire our youth to engage in sport and to celebrate the commitment of athletes and volunteers who strengthen our community,” he said.
“Sport brings us together. It builds confidence, creates friendships, and promotes physical and mental wellbeing.
“[The] award winners embody those values perfectly.”
Winners
–Greenmeadows Health Centre Sportsperson of the Year: Molly Currie.
–AusSport Scoreboards Junior Sportsperson of the Year (Primary School Age): Bobbie Oxspring (athletics).
Bobbie has broken longstanding school, district, and zone high jump records, including a 1.57m jump that smashed a 20-year record. She has won multiple events at North Coast and Regional
Championships and finished fourth nationally.
–Donovan Oates Hannaford Junior Sportsperson of the Year (High School Age): Noah Pociask (tennis, cross country, athletics). At just 15, Noah was unbeaten as he helped NSW win gold at the national Pizzey Cup. He was the only regional player selected. Ranked 5th in NSW, he also claimed the NSW Country U18s singles title while excelling in cross country and athletics at school and diocesan levels.
–Flower Hotels Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Bayden Smith (hockey). Bayden represented the Hockey NSW Under 21s,
helping secure silver at the National Championships. He is now part of both the Junior Kookaburras and Hockey NSW Pride squads, soon to debut in the national Hockey One League. Locally, he continues to coach, umpire, and mentor young players.
–Patterson First National Real Estate Junior Team of the Year (18 years & Under): St Columba Anglican School 4x100m Junior Girls Relay.
–Donovan Oates Hannaford Senior Team of the Year: Flamin’ Dragons Senior B Women’s Crew. The Flamin’ Dragons set themselves a challenge to compete at three major Sydney regattas - starting with a gold medal at the Lunar New Year
Regatta in Darling Harbour, followed by gold and bronze at the NSW State Titles, and three bronze medals at the Australian Championships. Their success has earned them qualification for the 2026 Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan.
–Laing + Simmons Port Macquarie Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oscar Jessup (CrossFit). In his first competitive year, Oscar qualified through multiple stages to reach the 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games in Las Vegas, where he placed third in the Intellectual with CC division. He was the youngest athlete across all Games’ divisions.
–Hastings Physio and Health Sporting Volunteer of the Year: Gail McArdle (Port City Breakers Junior Rugby
League Football Club). A volunteer for over 20 years, Gail has served as canteen coordinator, registrar, and now club president, while representing the club as a Group 3 delegate. Known for her quiet dedication and advocacy for disadvantaged kids, Gail ensures every child gets the chance to play and belong.
–Regional Australia Bank Excellence in Sporting Achievements: Macey Walker (hockey), Audrey Littler (horse riding) and Ollie McCormick (martial arts).
–Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship: Bayden Smith (Hockey).
The sporting fund also presented $500 Highly Commended Awards to Lola Styles (volleyball) and Iesha Apthorpe (swimming).
q Wayne Richards Scholarship recipient Bayden Smith (centre) with Sporting Fund Committee members Simon Thresher, Richard McGovern, Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, David Barnes and Troy Highlands.
q Bayden Smith receives his Senior Sportsperson of the Year award from Alistair Flower of Flower Hotels.
q Junior Sportsperson of the Year (High School) Noah Pociask, with Haydn Oriti of Donovan Oates Hannaford.
q Junior Sportsperson of the Year (Primary School) Bobbie Oxspring with Peter from AusSport.
Finding freedom on the water
is a branch of Sailability NSW, whose mission is to offer people with varying abilities training and support on the water.
Beginning with two borrowed sailing vessels and a handful of volunteers in 2012, Kathryn Stephens has been with them since the beginning.
“I like the idea of being able to zoom up and down the river and it's really good fun.
“We have at least 120 participant sailors, plus skippers and lots of land jobs, [and] a large group of volunteers who make it all run like clockwork.
“I’ve seen incredible
Sydney.
Her competition partner Jason Elwes is a paraplegic and a member of the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie Club.
Sailability currently operates Hansa 303 Access sailing boats and three rigid-
hulled inflatable support boats, with a workforce of 60 volunteers
Rotary West still supports Sailability, and member Julie Constable has been involved since the beginning.
While not a sailor, she has worked in disability services
and is part of the team that keeps things running smoothly each week.
“We train a lot of carers here to support their clients while they are sailing,” she said.
Sailability operates most Wednesdays from September to May, at McInherney Park. To volunteer or become a sailor go to sailabilitypm. com.au.
Kathryn Stephens competing with sailing partner Jason Elwes at the Hansa 303 Asia Pacific Championships. Photo: supplied.
WRAP takes a trip to the '80s
By Sis HIGGINS
THE WAUCHOPE Regional Arts Project (WRAP) is
inviting the community to a sneak preview of its major 2026 event, “A Trip to the 80s”. The performance, from
6pm Saturday 22 November at the Wauchope Community Arts Centre, is a celebration of inclusivity, diversity and
the joy of creative expression, through a showcase of local talent.
WRAP helps emerging
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was two levels with a very steep driveway and while Sarah did her best, the living situation became untenable.
In 2024, her family made the very difficult decision to sell their home and buy one that was more accessible.
When looking at real estate listings online, Sarah discovered that almost no accessibility information was available.
Often she would arrive at a property only to
discover that she couldn’t get in the front door.
After viewing more than 20 houses, and only being able to access three of them, Sarah decided she wanted to spearhead change.
She had already carried out a peer advocacy role with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) for several years, so she approached them to run a campaign designed to improve accessibility within real estate listings, with her tagline being: “Just get me in the door.”
She hopes one day to
see every property listing for lease or sale with an accessibility profile that includes an accurate floor plan, and measurements of doorways, hallways, laundries and bathrooms.
Sarah recently ran a successful free workshop for HEM Real Estate that focused on simple things agents can do to make listings easier to navigate and more informative for the disabled community.
She hopes that all Port Macquarie-Hastings agents will ultimately get onboard with this initiative.
artists build skills, confidence and professional connections, so they can take part in the region’s thriving arts community.
WRAP Coordinator Marita Dahlhausen said the group was excited to preview the “trip down memory lane”, to give audiences a taste of what’s to come when the full “A Trip to the 80s” production hits the stage in March 2026.
““The ‘Stars of Imagination’ [group] will delight you with their performances of '80s ads, and ‘Vocally Unique’ will perform songs from the '80s and beyond, accompanied by Musical Director Ian Castle.”
The evening promises nostalgia, laughter and music, featuring vibrant tributes to 1980s television and advertising classics, alongside live performances of hit songs from the era.
By fostering creative opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds, WRAP continues to strengthen the sense of connection and belonging across the Hastings region.
War on waste: more single-use plastics banished
By Farid FARID, AAP
PESKY plastic tags on loaves of bread, tiny soy sauce fish bottles and detachable bottle tops are all being binned by a state government battling a mounting rubbish crisis.
The ambitious clean-up is part of an expanded ban by NSW coinciding with the start of National Recycling Week.
The NSW Plastic Plan 2.0, will see the winding down of
plastic bread tags and pizza box savers from late 2027 and non-compostable plastic fruit and vegetable stickers by 2030.
It will also require businesses to introduce tethered lids, meaning the cap or lid on a plastic bottle must remain attached to the bottle itself, even after it is opened, by 2030.
Without action, Sydney could run out of landfill space
by 2030 with predictions there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.
Plastic makes up around 74 percent of litter in NSW waterways with less than 16 per cent of plastic waste recycled.
"Microplastics are entering our bodies and plastic is polluting our environment and oceans, killing our wildlife," Environment Minister Penny
Sharpe said on Sunday.
"This plan moves NSW another step closer to phasing out these problematic items."
The move puts NSW in line with other states to tackle the 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste it generates each year.
It will also cut out helium balloons in 2026, plastic bags with handles - regardless of thickness by 2027 and filters on washing machines
by 2028 to combat a prolific source of microplastics.
Sushi lovers will have to adapt by 2030 with condiment containers such as soy sauce fish bottles being phased out and takeaway food containers will have to be redesigned to be recycled.
NSW began tackling problematic plastics in 2022 by phasing out items such as lightweight plastic bags, single-use cutlery, bowls,
plates, stirrers and straws.
The Boomerang Alliance, representing more than 55 environmental groups, welcomed the ambitious proposal saying the most populous state had leapfrogged others in reducing plastic pollution.
South Australia was the first state in 2021 to prohibit single-use plastics followed by Queensland and the ACT.
q WRAP Performers Mathew Newman, Ian Castle, Sienna Elms, Chloe Kirkman and Kerri Cains. Photo: supplied.
q Chloe Kirkman and Chris Wood performing a scene from the ‘Petite Miam’ yoghurt ad from the '80s. Photo: supplied.
q A musical theatre performance by Vincent Wolters. Photo: supplied.
q Sarah Eade with the staff of HEM Real Estate.
‘Cinema Under the Stars’ returns
By Sis HIGGINS
PORT MACQUARIE residents are invited to pack their picnic blankets and enjoy a free family night under the stars on Friday 28 November.
Now in its 17th season, the outdoor event at Westport Park.will feature the Oscarnominated animated film The Wild Robot (PG, 2024).
Newcastle Permanent Regional Manager Adam Power said the community could look forward to a full evening of entertainment before the movie begins at sundown.
"As a customer-owned organisation we are incredibly proud to give back to our communities and see the return of our Cinema Under the Stars events, which have become a staple within our regional NSW communities for more than 15 years," Mr Power said.
"This year's event will be action-packed with delicious food, local music, fun and activities, before we settle in to enjoy a family-favourite movie.
"The adventures of Roz the robot and her quest to survive and build friendships in The Wild Robot is set to spark your emotions and warm your heart.
“[It] is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to come together and recharge their batteries under the stars."
Live entertainment will begin at 5:30pm, with the film commencing at sundown.
Families are encouraged to bring chairs, rugs, and a sense of fun to the alcoholfree event.
For more information visit newcastlepermanent. com.au/community/cinemaunder-the-stars.
Family history comes full circle with raffle win
By Rachael THORPE
IN 1929 Alf and Valma Ostler built a home for their family on Ocean Drive, North Haven and subsequently began selling fishing tackle and groceries out of their front room.
As holidaymakers started flocking to the area, Alf built a row of cottages that are still standing today.
Their granddaughter Chris Trotter, a keen family historian who still lives in the area, told News Of The Area, “I have great memories of helping to clean the holiday cottages as a young child.
“It is amazing that they are still standing.”
Recently Chris attended the annual Camden Haven Show at Kendall Showgrounds; as a retired teacher she enjoys looking at the artwork on display.
This year she also decided to buy a ticket in the raffle.
Much to Chris’ delight, not only did she win, but her prize was a beautiful framed painting of the Ostler cottages that were built by her grandparents.
The piece was painted and generously donated by acclaimed local artist Terri Maddock and inspired by a photo of the cottages from the 1950s.
Working out of her studio in Bonny Hills, Terri paints Mid North Coast scenery in an impressionist style.
The cottages are now privately owned and sit on the Camden River opposite Alf Ostler Park.
More information on the area can be found at the Camden Haven Historical Society Museum in Laurieton.
Team. We are a locally
and operated firm, ensuring all operations and services are efficiently managed right here in Port Macquarie.
q The free outdoor event will be held in Westport Park, Port Macquarie. Photo: supplied.
q Ostler family descendants Leanne Ostler, Ray Lee, and Chris Trotter outside River Cottage.
Cancer Trust join country music fundraiser
By Rachael THORPE
HASTINGS Cancer Trust
(HCT) was formed in 2005 with a goal to mobilise funding and volunteers to assist cancer patients in the region.
Administration Coordinator Sue Ryan told News Of The Area, “We aim to fund and provide a full spectrum of equipment so that patients can be treated locally instead of travelling long distances for lifesaving treatment.”
Each year the group raises tens of thousands of dollars for essential medical equipment.
Their next event is on 16 November at Kew Country Club from 11am-4pm, as a part of the Camden Haven Country Music Day.
HCT are running raffles and a silent auction.
Items on offer include an Angus Gill pack featuring
a vinyl record, his latest CD, and his newly released book Departure and Arrival.
All were personally autographed by the singer/ songwriter from Wauchope on a recent trip home from his new base in Nashville.
Additionally, there is a TC Cassidy pack, an unopened four pack of Slim Dusty records, a sheet of 2020 Slim Dusty stamps, and a signed Kylie Minogue print.
One of the more interesting items is a print signed by the cast of “Collateral Damage,” a 2002 American thriller.
HCT is already planning another large fundraiser on 20 June 2026, at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.
For more information and volunteering opportunities visit hastingscancertrust.org. au.
Busy start to season for Marine Rescue
MARINE Rescue NSW volunteers across the Mid North Coast have experienced their busiest start to a boating season on record, with 33 search and rescue missions including 19 emergency responses during October.
A total of 56 people were safely returned to shore last month across all nine Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry.
Forster Tuncurry recorded the highest number of search and rescue missions with 14, with Port Macquarie, Trial Bay and Crowdy Harrington all recording five each.
Across the state 460 search and rescue missions were completed in October, including 130 emergency responses, safely returning almost a thousand people to shore.
Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures were staggering and followed a record month in September, highlighting
the sustained high demand for the Service’s operations.
“We have seen a 19 percent increase in demand for our services compared with the same month last year, which was previously our busiest October,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
“Our 3,500 volunteers were in high demand last month, with boaters making the most of favourable weather during the second half of the spring holidays, including the long weekend.”
The boating season began on 1 October and runs through to ANZAC Day 2026.
“It is concerning that 44 percent of our responses were for engine failure,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
“Being the start of the boating season, it is clear many skippers were caught out by a lack of maintenance and took to the water without ensuring their vessels were in good working order."
q Hastings Cancer Trust directors and friends.
q A total of 56 people were safely returned to shore last month across all nine Marine Rescue units on the Mid North Coast.
Support payments finalised for timber workers
THE NSW Government has finalised a Worker Support Package (WSP) for employees at six timber mills directly impacted by the recent moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed boundaries of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
The package also extends to harvesting operators contracted by the NSW Forestry Corporation whose supply has been restricted by the moratorium. It is in addition to existing redundancy entitlements.
The Worker Support Package includes: - top up redundancy payments: employees will receive four weeks of base pay (inclusive of employer redundancy payment) per year of employment with an impacted timber mill or harvesting operator, capped
at $150,000; - additional support for employees over 45 years of age: a further three weeks of pay for every year of service after the age of 45 (up to a cap of $50,000), to be calculated separately from the top up redundancy payment;
- education and training payments: of up to $9,000 for retraining and upskilling;
- relocation payments: of up to $45,000 for affected
workers who move more than 50 kilometres for new employment; - free access to mental health support, and financial and legal guidance.
Eligible employees are those employed on the North Coast of NSW on a full-time, part-time or casual basis who were employed on 7 September 2025 (date of the moratorium announcement) and made redundant within 18 months of that date, being 7 March 2027, as a result of this decision.
Regular redundancy payments and entitlements will be provided to workers by their employer in accordance with their employment contracts or enterprise agreements.
The Government’s redundancy top-up payment will also be provided to the workers via the employer.
Part-time and casual employees will be eligible for the redundancy payments at a pro-rata value.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “We have worked closely with affected workers, industry and unions to ensure these payments are
fair and will help meet the real costs people will face.
“These payments are about supporting workers through an incredibly difficult time, and we are committed to helping people and their families move forward with practical support.
“We will continue to work with affected workers and communities to make sure they’re supported through every stage of this transition.
“The Government understands this isn’t just about changing jobs, it is a major adjustment for families, and these payments aim to make the transition more manageable.”
Backyard bug detectives wanted
FROM 17-23 November, Australians are being urged to step outside and discover the secret world beneath their feet. Bugs in My Backyard Week is a new national initiative encouraging families, schools and nature lovers to photograph and record the mini-beasts living all around them.
It coincides with the official launch of a national citizen-science project led by the Invasive Species Council with support from Invertebrates Australia and National Geographic.
Every photo uploaded
through the free iNaturalist app helps scientists better understand Australia’s hidden biodiversity and could even help stop the next invasive pest before it spreads.
“Bug Hunt turns everyday Aussies, kids, parents, teachers, into wildlife heroes,” said Invasive Species Council’s Citizen Science Coordinator Jess Ward-Jones.
“All you need is your phone awnd a bit of curiosity.
“Every photo you take helps scientists understand and protect Australia’s
incredible wildlife – and could even stop the next fire ant or shothole borer outbreak before it spreads.
“When we say ‘bugs’, we don’t just mean insects – we’re talking about all invertebrates, from beetles and butterflies to snails, spiders, millipedes and worms.”
Around 70 percent of our native invertebrates are undescribed by Western science.
According to Coordinator Alison Mellor, almost 1000 invertebrate species found in Australia are listed as
ID’ing grunts, chimes and squelches
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Australian Museum’s FrogID Week is on, finishing at midnight on Sunday 16 November.
Australia’s biggest citizen science project and the world’s biggest frog count, FrogID Week encourages the public to make a meaningful contribution to scientific understanding of the world.
The free FrogID app enables anyone with a smartphone to record different frog species by the unique sounds they make.
These recordings provide data on the health of Australia’s frog populations and identify species that are at risk, to assist and inform conservation efforts.
To date the app has data on 1.3 million calls which has been instrumental in the scientific discovery of 13 new Australian frog species; including four of which were described as new to science in the past year.
Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID Dr Jodi Rowley, Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Biology at the Australian Museum, has told News Of The Area what readers might get to see locally. “
She said the region is home to "a huge diversity of frog species - over 40 species, including many rare and threatened species".
“The most commonly heard frogs in the area are the Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog (Litoria fallax, Drymomantis fallax), the Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera) and the Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii).
“Frogs to keep your ear
out for are the very small Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula), which can be heard chiming away from the tannin-soaked Wallum swamps on the coast.
“Up in the rainforests in the east, listen out for the deep grunt of the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) or the squelch of the Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphangnicola).”
In 2025, FrogID Week is also sharing simple ways for everyday Australians to become aware of their local frogs by encouraging more frog-friendly spaces.
Recent research shows that nine in 10 frog species are intolerant to humanmodified environments.
Dr Rowley said making small changes to green spaces is one of the ways people can support local frogs.
“For this year’s FrogID Week we’re asking frog lovers across the country to
channel their passion into their gardens and balconies by adding a simple water source, and planting native reeds, grasses, and small shrubs among rocks and logs to provide hiding spots and
threatened.
“Australia’s native invertebrates are wonderful, sometimes bizarre and often brilliantly adapted to their environment,” she said.
“We have peacock spiders that dance, beetles that glow and snails found nowhere else on Earth.
“A lovely Christmas beetle or bogong moth on our windowsill is just as fascinating – and important – as a koala or a kookaburra.”
To sign up to the Bug Hunt, go to the free iNaturalist app or bughunt. org.au/.
shelter.
“Creating my own frogfriendly backyard has been such a rewarding experience.
“Within a few months of establishing a frog pond, four species of frog moved into my backyard, all of which I recorded with the FrogID app of course.”
q Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID Dr Jodi Rowley.
Cultural burning training program
By Andrew VIVIAN
CULTURAL burning techniques are being integrated into government bushfire management frameworks across NSW.
Funded by the Federal Government program “Fire, Country and People”, the aim is to strengthen community
resilience to major bushfire events and improve land management practices across traditional Aboriginal lands.
The project is a threeyear $3 million initiative funded by the Australian Government and jointly supported by Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW).
As part of this initiative, members of the Western Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Bunyah and Birpai communities have attended training sessions at Jubullum, Grafton and Port Macquarie over the past year.
Fire training specialists, Fireground, has delivered training to provide
accredited firefighting qualifications to members of the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie/Hastings Aboriginal communities.
The program equips participants with essential firefighting skills and fosters collaboration between Aboriginal communities
and government agencies, combining traditional cultural burning methods with modern firefighting techniques.
The project will include a research component to build a scientific evidence base around cultural burning, investigating its impact on bushfire intensity and
spread.
This approach supports the integration of Indigenous knowledge into broader fire management frameworks, contributing to sustainable and culturally informed land stewardship.
FCNSW’s Aboriginal Heritage and Partnerships Manager, John Shipp, said, “This program creates an opportunity for… communities to work with government agencies to develop a path forward for effective and sustainable bushfire management, combining traditional cultural burning with modern firefighting techniques.
“This will improve the resilience of the community to major bushfires.
“The use of fire in the environment is only one aspect of the community’s land management experience, which has existed for more than 60,000 years and, importantly, this program equips participants with essential firefighting skills and qualifications for future careers in firefighting.”
Applications open for youth parliament
THE Y NSW is calling for passionate young people from across the state to apply for the 2026 Youth Parliament program, now open to students in Years 10 to 12 across NSW.
Operated for over 20 years by the Y NSW (formerly YMCA), Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change, and have their voices and recommendations heard by Members of Parliament.
Young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) in all NSW state electorates are invited to apply.
The Youth Parliament
program is designed to be safe and inclusive for all young people, and the Y NSW encourages applications that would contribute to a diverse and representative cohort.
Youth Parliamentarians receive specialised training through a series of camps and online workshops, parliamentary education and experience.
Participants also have the opportunity for community engagement and advocacy, which is all designed to nurture participants in developing their skills to create social impact and positive change.
The Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh commented
that the Youth Parliament program provides an important platform to ensure young people’s voices are heard.
“We are calling on all thought leaders, changemakers and inspired young people to apply for the 2026 Youth Parliament program so we can continue to provide a stage for their voices to be heard and their skills developed to lead our local communities,” said Mr Kennaugh.
“Each year I am amazed by the immense passion, intelligence and insight participants bring to Youth Parliament as they speak on issues that are important to
them.
“Young people are the focus of everything we do at the Y NSW, so it’s incredibly exciting watching participants flourish as they are empowered to engage with civic leadership, policy development and democratic parliamentary debate,” he added.
Youth Parliament promotes equal access to political participation for all.
In particular, it aims to address social exclusion, marginalisation, or disadvantage that prevent young people from participating meaningfully in civic or democratic life.
It aims to relieve social
and civic disadvantage among young Australians who face barriers to participation in public life, including those from low-income, regional or culturally diverse backgrounds.
The program provides practical support, education and mentoring to help young people, including those experiencing social exclusion or disadvantage, build confidence, skills and access pathways to civic and community engagement.
Next year’s program is set to be the biggest yet, with debates to be held in the Legislative Council chambers.
Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills, build confidence and use their voice on issues that matter to them.
In 2025, participants focused on key topics such as women’s health, improving medical research and diagnostics for women, environmental responsibility, educational access for young people living with disability, and reform within the youth justice system.
In the past ten years, approximately 1,500 young people have participated in the program with 92 percent of participants surveyed this year reporting higher self-confidence as a result of participating in Youth Parliament. Testament to the value of the program, former Youth Parliamentarians have gone on to become Members of Parliament and return to the program as guests and mentors.
Lian Sequeira, aged 19,
was the Youth Governor of the 2025 Youth Parliament program and shared how impactful her experience was.
“Youth Parliament is one of a kind,” she said.
“You might start unsure of what you’ve signed up for, but you’ll soon find a real sense of belonging.
“You learn not only how to advocate for others but also for yourself.
“I discovered new passions, built lifelong friendships and found my purpose. I can’t recommend it enough.”
After the formal program, participants met directly with Ministers and senior government leaders to discuss their bill proposals.
These roundtables provide a rare opportunity for young people to share their ideas with real decision makers. Graduates of Youth Parliament join a thriving network of more than 1000 alumni now working across government, law, media, higher education, local councils and community organisations.
To apply to take part in the 2026 Youth Parliament, eligible young people should visit ymcansw.org.au/youthparliament and submit their application before 4 January 2026.
School teachers and Members of Parliament can also nominate a young person.
To get involved in Youth Parliament as a volunteer or partner, please contact the team at youthparliamanent@ ymca.org.au.
q Cultural burning practices are integrated with accredited firefighting qualifications.
q Laqueesha Laurie and her father, Dane, participated in the program. Photos: FCNSW.
q Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change, and have their voices and recommendations heard by Members of Parliament.
Port Macquarie Hastings Bridge Club
By Carolyn HUGHES
THE Australian Bridge Federation holds a number of competitions throughout the year and a recent one, the Australia-wide restricted pairs, was for players with less than 300 Masterpoints (a term only bridge players would understand).
It is a classification of a players' level and this excludes very highly ranked players but to achieve 300 MP's takes years.
We were thrilled when
one of our pairs, Susanne Hollis and Tom Meakin, placed first in the country at the end of the competition.
This is a wonderful achievement and is testament to their dedication and is the result of lessons and classes they have attended over the years as well as regular play.
Should you be interested and want further information, please don't hesitate to contact me by email or 0404 98 98 95.
Wauchope Women's Bowling Club
By Julie FRASER
THURSDAY 6/11/25
Played at Wauchope Country Club
Winners of the 1st round of Major Pairs were Sue Peterson and Julie Samuelson over Pat Coombes and Heather Bartlett , Doris McKinnon and Glenda Elford over Marie Winter and Elaine Taylor, Kathy Sweeny and Lil Allen over Faye Paine and Enid Brooker , Ita
Walker and Sally Webber over Julie Fraser and Jenny Wooster . Round 2 to be played on Thursday 20/11 .
Winners of fan of cards were Sue Peterson and Julie Samuelson
Losers Elaine Taylor and Marie Winter . Jackpot no 48 Kathy Sweeney. Raffle winners were Julie Parkes, Glenda Elford , Julie Fraser and Pat Fletcher
Results of Saturday 8/11/25
Winners of most number of ends were Yvonne Carmichael and Lil Allen
Lucky losers with the highest score were Marie Aitken and Faye Paine . Jackpot number was 54 Margaret Wallis who was not playing. Therefore jackpot is carried forward to next week . Raffle winners were Lil Allen , Kathy Sweeney, Marie Winter and Faye Paine .
The General meeting
Port Macquarie Sailing Club
By Jeff WALSH
9-11-25
WITH a light 5 knot southerly and a forecast predicting more than 20 knots early in the afternoon, there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm at Port Macquarie Sailing Club on Sunday morning.
Slated for the day was the Ted Kuhn Cup, held over two races in memory of long term club stalwart Ted Kuhn who was instrumental in the construction of the current upstairs clubhouse.
The first race started against the last of the runin tide which proved quite strong in the light wind. Reid Lucas set the course with the first mark off Girraween Road, and two more up river across from the rowing club.
In the monohull division, Steve Bohlsen, sailing solo in his MG14 ‘Interceptor’ and Rob Barwick in his Impulse
Nulla
By Jules BARDON
Bowlo Nulla Cricket Club (Nulla) edged past their cross-town rivals, the South West Rocks Dolphins (SWR), in a rain-affected match in South Kempsey over the weekend.
The win has taken them to fourth in the Two Rivers First Grade competition. Nulla were looking for only their second win of the season, while SWR were
‘Drift’ were the smart competitors staying near the start line, while several others took between 2 and 3 minutes to actually cross the start line. Simon Gandy and Esra Mert in Tasar ‘Voyager’ (with Esra on the helm) slipped past Terry Howard in ‘Flying Dragon’, Steve Couch in ‘Lazybuoy’ and Troy Lewis in ‘Dead Reckoning’ who was visiting from Taree, but on the last lap, ‘Voyager’ decided to cross the finish line from the wrong side before realising the mistake and continuing on to complete the race as the wind was starting to improve.
‘Interceptor’ was able to cross the line in front of the monohull fleet but was not far enough in front to avoid the yardstick penalty. In the end it was quite a close race with just over 3 minutes between first and last position. With yardsticks
eager to get their first victory on the board.
SWR skipper Jye Woodger won the toss and elected to bowl first, after assessing the gloomy conditions, with rain forecast for the afternoon.
The gamble appeared to pay off early, as Angus Crotty was dismissed second ball by Dolphins opening bowler Luke Calthorpe. Calthorpe capitalised on the early pressure, picking up Joshua Murray for single
applied, the Race 1 monohull result was: ‘Dead Reckoning’ first, followed by ‘Flying Dragon’, ‘Drift’, ‘Lazybuoy’, ‘Voyager’ and ‘Interceptor’.
In the catamaran division, the race was led by Frank O'Rourke on ‘Zero’. Tony Kuhn was back on ‘Stella’ after several months off the water and was ably assisted by grandson Julian. On the other hand, Scott Witchard on ‘Lukim Yu’ took young Abbie for a sail and she was quite happy to get in the way, and dangle limbs in the water to help slow things down for dear old dad.
During the lunch break, Jack Corthals arrived bringing with him the forecast strengthening wind. Reid extended the course more upriver towards Hibbard Ferry to provide a longer course in the stronger winds. Several monohull sailors decided to avoid
figures.
When Flynn O’Loughlin had his stumps dismantled just before the drinks break, the game was in the balance at 3/49. This brought in captain Blake Giddy, who, alongside Troy Ward, steadied the ship and put on a much-needed 81-run partnership before Giddy was caught for 36. Ward, who was eyeing off a century, was cut short on 82 by the Dolphins’ best
Emerald Downs Golf
By Colin EVERINGHAM
NUMBER of Players – 19 Very hardy players who braved the initial rain.
Winner- Ray Marsh - net 63 ( great effort)
2 nd Luke Ackroyd - net 65
3 rd Neil Flatters - net 66
4th Ken Baldwin - net 67
5 th Peter Mansfield - net 71 ( on count back)
6 th Ian Camejo - net 71
Ray Marsh also wins the Monthly Medal – well done Ray!
Game Played –Stroke –Monthly Medal
will be held on Thursday 13th November @9 am followed by a game of social bowls .
Don’t forget our Friendship charity day on Saturday 22/11 . Red white and Blue dress code . $12 to play and all bowlers and non bowlers welcome . Phone Lil Allen on 0419 222 071 . Should be a fun morning.
the punishment and didn't partake of the second round. With winds now exceeding 15 knots, and significantly stronger gusts pulsing in between the houses and trees on the southern shore, the excitement started within minutes of the second race with ‘Interceptor’ turning turtle and taking a significant effort to get pointy side up.
Towards the end of the first lap, Jack Corthals, sailing ‘Crackerjack’, had a capsize causing some boat damage and was forced to limp back to the beach. Even ‘Zero’ had a rare swim but was quickly up and racing again. ‘Lukim Yu’ also stuck difficulties with a capsize in the shallows which made it tough to get going again with the wind and tide pushing the boat against the river bank. With the main safety boat still tied up with ‘Interceptor’, the smaller safety boat was launched, but by the time it got on scene, ‘Lukim Yu’ was sailing again
bowler of the day, Jamie Cooper, who finished with figures of 3/28.
Nulla’s lower order all contributed and guided the total to a very respectable 213.
The rain finally arrived, reducing the Dolphins’ chase to just 141 from 23 overs, once the Duckworth-LewisStern (DLS) method was implemented.
SWR didn’t let this dampen their spirits, putting
NTP 4 Ray Marsh
NTP 9 Don Gilson
NTP 11 Colin Stibbs
NTP 15 Don Gilson
Number of Players: 26 playing on the Front 9 holes.
Winner: Robert Toone Nett 34
2nd: Peter Casey Nett
3rd:
4th:
5th:
but headed to the beach having had enough. This left only ‘Zero’ competing in the catamaran division for the win of the second race and the event.
In the monohull division, ‘Dead Reckoning’ nearly capsized, but some quick athleticism saw the skipper step over the gunwale to right the boat and step back inboard without getting wet.
The crew on ‘Voyager’ found
they were at their limits and, perhaps intelligently, decided to quit while they were dry. ‘Interceptor’ eventually had to lower the sails for a tow back to the beach, leaving only ‘Dead Reckoning’ to grind it out alone for the last lap to take the win in the second race.
Next week is Race 3 of the handicap Start Series starting at 2pm with Scott Witchard rostered on duty.
Dolphins
on an opening partnership of 69 before Mitchell Clarke was dismissed for 30.
Nulla tightened up their bowling economy and continued to take wickets in the process.
SWR could only manage 117 from the reduced 23 overs, falling 24 runs short.
Nulla’s captain Blake Giddy was happy with the bowling performance.
“Flynn O’Loughlin and Angus Patterson bowled
well at the back end of the innings, which restricted them to 117.
“We’re happy with the win, but all eyes are on next week’s match against Port City,” Giddy said.
In other results over the weekend, Rovers chased down Wauchope’s reduced total of 96.
The Comboyne and Port City game was washed out, while Macquarie United Cricket Club had the bye.
THE
q Australia wide restricted pairs winners, Susanne Hollis and Tom Meakin.
q Troy Lewis visiting again from Taree in his Sabre ‘Dead Reckoning’ who won the morning race and was the sole monohull finisher in the wild afternoon race.
AFL North Coast rep teams to play in Coffs
By Aiden BURGESS
AFL NORTH Coast’s best senior players will represent their competition in Coffs Harbour next year.
The North Coast Force men’s and women’s representative teams will play at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday, 18 July.
The Force teams will face visiting representative teams from the AFL North West and AFL Central West competitions.
The Force men’s team won the Challenge Shield this year beating AFL North West in Gunnedah.
It was the first men’s representative game between the two competitions since 2018, as the Force regained the Challenge Shield with a dominant 66-point win.
The Force women played in a tri-series against AFL North West and AFL Central West teams, as they played off for the Regional Australia
The Force men’s and women’s teams hosting
the visiting sides in July will cap off a big week of representative footy in Coffs Harbour.
The annual Northern
Legends of League
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER Page 24
several years, reached out to their former teammate Trever Campbell.
NSW Championship will be held from Wednesday, 15 July, to Friday, 17 July in Coffs Harbour.
The Championship will
league),” said Jordan.
see Northern Force junior representative teams take on teams from the Central Coast, Hunter, and South Coast.
The AFL Central West is slated to host the men’s and women’s representative matches in 2027, with the likely venue being Bathurst or Orange.
all about spreading the message.
or how big this problem is in our community.
Once information about the event reached the community, several organisations also offered their support, including
Trever then shared the concept with the Laurieton Stingrays Committee, who were more than happy to support the initiative.
Rick and Tash from Healthy Hub Connect.
For local league player Jordan Thompson, the event held special significance.
“For some people today is a great day to either play or watch football (rugby
“While for other people it’s about the family members and friends who sadly are no longer here.
“That is who my jersey represents.”
Stingrays President Jarryd “Kiwi” Gaskin, coorganiser of the Camden Haven Legends of League event, said, “Today is
“Once we started to advertise the event I was overwhelmed by the number of messages we received, especially with how many players wanted to jump on board.
“I didn't realise how many locals were struggling with their mental wellbeing
“I was shocked.
“Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves and the day sent out the message that it is OK to speak up and ask for help.
“Don’t stay quiet and let things build up but instead have a yarn to a mate.”
Surf boat series returns to Bonny Hills
THE Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club will host the Bonny Hills Surf Boat Carnival over the weekend of 15 and 16 November, comprising rounds three and four of the North Coast Surf Boat Series.
The two-day event will host approximately 20–30 crews, with invitations extended to teams as far afield as Sydney and Queensland.
“The aim is to deliver competitive racing, social engagement, and fundraising opportunities for
the club,” said club representative Anna Murrell.
Saturday at 11am will see ‘guns up’ for the start of competition, with competition re-starting at 8am on Sunday.
There will be five rounds of racing each day.
On Saturday night the competitors will be hosted at Beaches Bar with tunes from the band “Smooth Moves”.
“This event is also open to the public, and Smooth Moves will play from 6-10pm,” Anna said.
Bank Cup in Gunnedah.
The Force beat North West but lost to Central West.
q This year's North Coast Force men’s team in Gunnedah.
q U18 Lake Cathie Raiders star Tim Broderick. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
q Luke White carrying four defenders to the tryline. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
q Warren Buchanan crossing the line. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
q A Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club team in competition at Scotts Head last month for rounds one and two of the North Coast Surf Boat Series.
q The thrills and spills of surf boat action from a previous series. Photos: Darryl Bullock, WBHSLSC.
Port Macquarie News Of The Area
FOR S
We’d like to thank all our lovely customers for supporting your locally-owned bookshop this year.
From all of us, we wish you all a relaxing and wonderful summer break.
And as we like to say at Collins Booksellers, lose yourself in a good book, and let your mind wander.
Harriet L.
Dear Harriet, Christmas parties are fraught at the best of times, but most people get through them by knowing that if they have a few strong drinks at the start of the night, they can probably cope with Jules from accounts turning into a messy drunk and reciting everyone's mental health leave accruals, or Garry the sales manager who (after downing a six-pack) is under the impression he has a six-
with code LOCAL at arkgenesis.com.au
Mid North Coast PRAWNMAN
Don’t forget to order your seafood for Christmas
0411 843 990 | 0432 025 998
• Crescent Head - 2pm - 4pm
• Southside Cellar - 9am - 4pm
• Kempsey carpark near Mavins servo Belgrave st - 9am - 1pm
• Port Macquarie (next to Ned Kellys’ tackle shop) - 9am - 1pm
• North Haven - 2pm - 4pm
Prawns • Oysters • Crabs • Bugs Scallops
pack, flirting outrageously and inappropriately with the office staff.
Then there's Mira, your boss, normally a straightlaced executive, who, as the night progresses, reveals her penchant for lip synching every song from the Rocky Horror Show (complete with pelvic thrusts).
These gradual devolutions are somehow acceptable, and even entertaining, when you're a bit tipsy yourself, but when you're stone-cold sober and
anticipating a car trip home that resembles the courtesy bus back from Wine Country, it's hard to stay positive.
You need to say, straight up, before anyone falls under the false pretense that you are a bodyguard, or an allied health worker, or a clinical psychologist, that you are also attending the party to enjoy yourself.
Leave your car at home.
If you don't drink, furtively order some water in shot glasses and make a show of slamming them down in
quick succession.
If there's any uncertainty as to your ability to be a rescuer, perhaps start a rousing rendition of Taylor Swift's The Fate of Ophelia, using whatever props you can find (a life ring would be handy).
Hopefully they will be smart enough to read the subtext that you will not be saving any of them that night.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Electricity cost concerns
DEAR News Of The Area,
I AM wondering if anyone else is in the same boat as we are in.
My last electricity bill has risen by three cents a kilowatt (KW) and the daily charge has gone up by 80 cents per day, plus the solar has reduced by one cent to four cents.
We are on a fixed pension, and we
can't offset the increases.
With other costs rising it is becoming a bit of a struggle.
I believe we are in for more increases in electricity costs, so what are our paid representatives doing to assist?
Regards, Barry DOWSE, Port Macquarie.
Reflections on the 1975 constitutional crisis
By Greg MCINTOSH
THE dismissal of the Whitlam Government in November 1975 highlighted the fragility of our parliamentary and constitutional system and the danger that, if the various constitutional norms that protect that system are ignored, the democratic system itself can be weakened.
The real villains in the whole affair were two State Premiers who went against a critically important constitutional convention. If they had not undertaken these acts of constitutional impropriety it is highly likely that the crisis would never have occurred.
Since 1949 the convention had been that
if a Senator died or retired mid-term they were to be replaced by someone from the same party or grouping.
In February 1975
Labor Senator Lionel Murphy resigned and was subsequently replaced by a non-Labor Senator –Cleaver Bunton.
This convention breaking decision by the NSW Premier (Tom Lewis) reduced Labor to 28 seats in the Senate.
Similarly, in June the Queensland Premier (Joh Bjelke -Petersen) refused to appoint Labor’s nominee to the Senate following the death of Bert Milliner.
The appointment of these two non-Labor Senators was to prove decisive when the Fraser led Opposition
voted to defer discussion of the Supply Bills on October 16 1975.
The important point to note here is that the Senate, as constituted in late 1975, was illegitimate.
The Senate that voted to defer the Supply Bills was not the Senate that the Australian electorate voted for in May 1974. It was a tainted chamber that did not reflect the expressed will of the people as per the ballot box result 17 months earlier.
Had established convention been followed Fraser would not have been able to put Whitlam in the position where he could not guarantee Supply and it would have been highly unlikely that the Governor-
General would have thought it necessary to intervene (Kerr dismissed Whitlam on 11 November) in the democratic functioning of the parliamentary process.
Just 16 months after the Fraser Coalition won the December 1975 Federal election a constitutional referendum (initiated by the Fraser Government) was overwhelmingly passed to amend the Constitution such that casual Senate vacancies were now mandated to be filled by Senators from the same party.
Obviously, the events of 1975 alerted even the beneficiaries of the convention breaking behaviour of the need for this constitutional reform.
It should be noted that, although it is now a legal requirement that casual Senate vacancies be filled with appointees from the same party, there is no expressed time limit as to how long it takes to make that appointment.
Apart from the 1977 constitutional change related to casual Senate vacancies no substantial reforms have been made that would likely lessen the chances of a similar crisis happening again.
Perhaps now is the time for serious consideration to be given to the following:
- the adoption of a convention such that the Senate can only delay Supply Bills (say for two months) not reject them or
delay them indefinitely - the adoption of a convention such that a casual Senate vacancy must be filled by the relevant State government (say within 30 days) of the relevant vacancy being formally announced. These two changes would go a long way towards lessening the chances of a repeat of the 1975 crisis.
Greg McIntosh was a Political Science Fellow at the Federal Parliament and a senior researcher with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Research Service. He is now retired and lives near Port Macquarie.
Australian ‘fire chiefs’ are letting us down
By Roger UNDERWOOD AM, Forester, writer and historian.
THE outcry in the media from "fire chiefs", asserting that the eastern seaboard bushfire crisis during Black Summer was the result of climate change, begs an embarrassing question.
Embarrassing for the "fire chiefs" that is.
"Where were you when the root cause of this crisis was being laid down in the bush over the last 20 years, while you were in charge?"
A second question might be: “And what are you doing today to ensure the bushfire crisis is not repeated?”
Although the "fire chiefs" are not facing up to it, the reality is that, far from being the result of climate change, serious bushfires are the result of the deadly combination of drought, heavy fuels, multiple ignitions and illprepared communities. This combination is hardly unprecedented.
It has been associated with almost every bushfire disaster all over the world during the last 100 years.
Anyone with the slightest knowledge of
bushfire history, or the merest understanding of fire science, knows that the combination of drought and heavy fuels inevitably spells uncontrollable bushfires.
Fires start all the time in the bush, year in and year out, but only those burning in dry, heavy fuels become the ugly “killer fires” that destroy towns, farms and residential areas, and take human lives.
But why on earth did our "fire chiefs" not know this, or if they did know, why did they not do something about it?
Indeed, you would think that a basic knowledge of bushfire history and fire science, plus having special insights (as they claim to have) into the recent "dangerous" escalation of bushfire weather thanks to CO2 emissions, would have made the "fire chiefs" doubly concerned with getting rural communities and bushland well prepared for an inevitable doomsday.
What did they do instead?
Focused on building up their suppression forces, buying and hiring more and bigger water bombers, and developing super-jazzy firefighting coordination
centres.
The ruling philosophy of most of our “fire chiefs” in Australia (WA currently excepted) these days seems to be "if you give me enough troops and equipment we will control any fire".
Nobody mentions the ‘F words’ – fire fuels, and the need to remove or reduce them in the expectation of a fire on a bad day.
The fact that this philosophy has failed so dramatically needs to be rammed home.
Instead, foolish politicians support it, blaming global warming for the bushfire threat.
Of course they do, as this absolves them of all responsibility for not having addressed the problem responsibly themselves.
Only in Western Australia at present do we see government Ministers and senior fire bureaucrats demonstrating an intelligent understanding of bushfire science and history and doing everything to get the bushfire house in order before trouble strikes… although it must be said that this is being done in the face of relentless criticism from environmentalists and
university academics that is undermining good policy.
An international perspective is also needed.
Failure to invest in preparedness and damage mitigation, and focusing only on putting fires out after they start, is a strategy that has always failed and not just in Australia, but in the USA, Canada and in Mediterranean countries.
Once a bushfire gets going in heavy, dry fuels, pushed by strong winds, the firefighting resources of the entire world cannot stop it.
And if there are multiple simultaneous fire starts, suppression organisations are soon swamped, and the situation becomes hopeless… as it was in NSW and Victoria during Black Summer, and in the Californian fires of 2025.
Investing in bigger and more expensive water bombers amounts to nothing more than spending more money for the same outcome: still uncontrollable bushfires.
As Albert Einstein said: “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing yet expecting different results.”
To my mind, the Australian "fire chiefs"
who blame bushfires on climate change and do not support mitigation and preparedness, are doing the community a grave disservice.
In the first place they do not take effective action to make fires easier, cheaper and safer to control when they are in a position to do so. In the second place they take refuge behind something (climate change) that cannot be tackled with certainty that it will make a difference to the current ghastly situation.
If Australia achieves “net zero” emissions of CO2, as the “fire chiefs” (and many politicians) advocate, will it really mean the end of droughts, lightning strikes and hot northerlies?
And even if it does, the outcome (“new” climate, free from drought and hot weather) is not expected to be achieved for at least another 25 years.
Turning the focus of bushfire management to climate change is a serious distraction, and a disincentive to political and bureaucratic leaders to get on with the business of getting an effective bushfire management system up and running.
No doubt our Australian "fire chiefs" are wellintentioned.
But each of them needs to face up to the realities of bushfire management in Australia: unstoppable bushfires are basically a product of drought, weather and fuel, and only fuel can be dealt with.
We need political and bureaucratic leaders who are committed to measures to ameliorate the bushfire threat today, not in 25 yearstime, and if the current “fire chiefs” are not up to the job, they need to be replaced by people who are.
Finally, for their own credibility the "fire chiefs" should resist being used for someone-else's political agenda... or they should try to refocus on promoting a real-world, practical and field-tested bushfire management approach, free from ideology.
This will require our communities and firefighters to be supported by effective programs of preparedness and damage mitigation, especially fuel reduction in bushland, not abandoned to the horrors of killer bushfires.
SUDOKU
Hop to it! - India = Taj Mahal, Jordan = Petra, Australia
BENCH grinder, brand new RYOBI, 150mm $90. 6585 7393 AIR compressor, BRC95 model, $70. 6585 7393 ELECTRIC welder Compak, heavy duty 150 with cigweld helment $80. 6585 7393
MOBILITY walker Lightweight & foldable Indoor use. Exc con RRP: $600. Sell for $80. Ph 0458 659 427
VEGETABLE dish willow pattern, with lid plus serving plate. $25 0401 226 410 f120925CH&PMQ TV unit, timber. Bow front, revolving top glass doors. $90. 0438 672 627
PAW Patrol couch bed, good condition $30. 02 6585 1564.
Kelvinator, white, 150L discontinued model, GC $100. 0400 779 531 SOLID built king dbl bed with mattress barely used from spare room deceased estate. $100 0429 911 952
STEEL craft travel cot GC with travel bag photos available. $60 02 6585 1564
TENS machine (Visage) hardly used, ex cond instructions inc, half price $35. Nick, King Creek 0418 139 156. F171025
MOBILITY aid: Soft Sock Aid. NEW $12 Shelly Beach 0428 559 572 f171025 MOBILITY aid: Pick-up reacher 750mm, with magnet head. NEW $23 Shelly Beach 0428 559 572 f171025
WANDERER Reclining Mesh Lounger. Max weight 140kg. New Unwanted Gifts. BCF RRP$159.95. 2 available $100 each, must sell as a pair. Pick up South Kempsey. 0425 322 890
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Caravans
Motors
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
RETURN TO PARADISE
ABC TV, 7.30pm
This local Death in Paradise spin-off faced serious competition at the Logie Awards this year, but came out ahead of Bump The Newsreader and The Twelve to win Most Outstanding Drama Series, so detective Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson, pictured) and co. must be doing something right. Despite plans to be back in the UK, Mack is reluctantly still in Dolphin Cove, where there’s plenty of seemingly impossible murder cases to solve, starting with the discovery of a poisoned scientist on a shark research facility’s runaway boat.
FRIDAY, November 14
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (R) 11.00 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Final, Mlv, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 1.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 QI. (PGl, R) 3.25 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross visits a peony farm.
8.30 Maigret. (Mv) Maigret tries to anticipate the bank robbers’ next move, while closing in on Honore’s killers.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
JAMIE DURIE’S FUTURE HOUSE
NBN, 8.30pm
Landscaper-turned-TV-host
Jamie Durie (pictured) puts his money where his mouth is in this new series that aims to tackle Australia’s housing crisis with savvy design, innovative building methods and environmental impact front of mind. Having recently completed the decade-long process of constructing an off-grid masterpiece in Pittwater, NSW, Durie promised partner Ameka that he was “done building”, but she laughed, “I know better”. Durie sets out to 3D-print a house on their Byron Bay farm in just three months, while also following three families facing council red tape, financial hurdles and wild weather in the process of fasttracking their own revolutionary sustainable homes.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.00 The Shape Of History. (PGav, R) 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Cancer Killers. (PG, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 4.55 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Storms From Above. (PG)
8.30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG, R) Presented by Nick Knowles.
9.25 The Scottish Island That Won The Lottery. (PG, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Sisi. (MA15+as, R)
11.45 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+av, R)
1.55 Tutankhamun. (PG, R)
3.00 Craft It Yourself. (PG, R)
3.55 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
THURSDAY VIGIL
SBS, 9.25pm
This exceptional British crime drama’s haunting theme song – Danish singersongwriter Agnes Obel’s Fuel to the – perfectly sets the scene for the nerve-
events that follow. Season two shifts the show’s setting from the claustrophobic confines of a submarine to the skies above, with a focus on deadly drones. When a British Air Force weapons test goes disastrously wrong and kills seven military personnel, detective Amy Silva (Suranne Jones, pictured) is called in to investigate. With the help of her similarly savvy partner Kirsten (Rose Leslie), Silva must determine if the shocking incident was the result of an unfortunate malfunction or something sinister.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Love To Remember. (2021, PGa, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: Jason Bourne. (2016, Mav, R) An assassin is forced out of hiding when one of his old allies uncovers information about his past. Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander.
11.00 Motorway Patrol. (PG, R)
A driver gets sleepy and goes bush.
11.30 GetOn Extra.
12.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG, R)
1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: The Arid Heart. (PG)
8.40 MOVIE: Force Of Nature: The Dry 2. (2024, Mal) A woman goes missing during a hiking retreat. Eric Bana, Anna Torv.
11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
The West Wing. Noon Pretty Little Liars. 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
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.40 The Kick That United The Nation. (PGal) Looks at Australia’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup in 2005, with interviews from the players, coaches and fans. 10.10 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.35 10 News+. (R) 11.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
6.00
SATURDAY, November 15
Morning Programs. 9.05 Short History Of The
6.25 I Was Actually There: Fairlie Arrow Abduction Hoax. (PGs, R) Looks at the ‘abduction’ of a singer.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (Return, PGav)
A scientist is found dead on a runaway boat.
8.30 Vera. (Mav, R) Vera investigates the death of a grandmother. An emergency call on the night of the murder and the disturbed state of her home suggest she may have been abducted by someone she knew.
10.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) Looks at the lives of a wealthy late Victorian family.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight. (R)
VICELAND (31)
SUNDAY, November 16
Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 3.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (Final, PGan, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG) Heat three features an array of unique talent.
8.50 The Forsytes. (PG) Jolyon makes a life-changing discovery.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (PGav, R)
A scientist is found dead on a runaway boat.
10.40 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (Final, PG, R)
3.25 The Art Of Money. (MA15+l, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.15 Crongton. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.05 Speechless. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 JFK: One Day In America: Revenge. (M)
8.25 Secret Letters Of Mary, Queen Of Scots. Codebreakers decipher letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots.
9.35 Karnak: The Largest Temple In The World. (R)
10.35 Odysseus Returns. (PG, R)
11.35 Women Who Rock. (Ml, R)
3.45 Craft It Yourself. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan. 8.00 MOVIE: Independence Day: Resurgence. (2016, Mv, R) Humans battle an alien invasion. Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum. 10.25 MOVIE: M3GAN. (2022, Malv) Allison Williams. 12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 12. Sandown 500. Day 1. Highlights.
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Black Adam. (2022, Mav, R) Dwayne Johnson. 10.00 MOVIE: Blue Beetle. (2023, Mav) Xolo Maridueña. 12.20 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Ms, R)
1.10 Cybershack. (PG, R)
1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
3.00
University of Canberra Capitals v Sydney. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: The Nut Farm. (2024, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. (2014, M) 10.20 Late
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
8.55 Lip Reading The Royals. (Ma) Takes a look at pivotal moments of drama, tension and humour in recent British Royal history. 10.25 The Day Diana Died. (PGa) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 12. Sandown 500. Day 2. Highlights.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Golden Bachelor. (Final, PGa) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) The team helps a couple in Maroubra. 8.40 Ambulance UK. (Ml, R) Paramedics respond to calls regarding an attempted suicide and an 81-year-old who has fallen off his mobility scooter. 9.55 Harry And Meghan: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Looks at the story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 10.55 FBI. (Mv, R) 11.55 The Kick That United The Nation. (PGal, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.
MONDAY, November 17
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG)
8.30 American Prince: JFK Jr. (PG)
9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 The Man Who Died. (Return, MA15+a)
11.35 A Criminal Affair. (MA15+s, R)
1.15 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 2.25 Craft It Yourself. (R) 3.20 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R) 4.30 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. (PGs)
7.30 Working Class Man. (Madl) Looks at rocker Jimmy Barnes’s hit book Working Class Man and the next chapter in his life.
9.55 The Rookie. (Mav) A familiar face returns hoping to prove himself.
11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mv) The team faces an extremist cell.
12.00 Autopsy USA: Luke Perry. (Ma, R)
1.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGln, R)
8.40 MOVIE: Crocodile Dundee. (1986, Mlsv, R) 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The Equalizer. (Mv) 12.00 Transplant. (MA15+m, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Sun
Children. Continued. (2020, PG, Farsi) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.15 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon An Almost Perfect Town. (2016, M, Italian) 1.50 On Golden Pond. (1981, PG) 3.50 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 5.40 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 7.30 Resistance. (2020, M) 9.45 The Conformist. (1970, MA15+, Italian) 11.50 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, November 18
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGl)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are?
9.35 Australia: An Unofficial History. (Ml, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Families Like Ours. (Premiere, Mal)
12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Mas, R) 2.15 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 3.20 Craft It Yourself. (PG, R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (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) 8.00 Wicked: One Wonderful Night. From the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California. 10.00 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) The team searches for two kidnapping victims.
11.00 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv)
12.00 MOVIE: Paralysed By Danger. (2021, Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG) 8.30 Jamie Durie’s Future House. (Premiere, PGl) 9.40 Beyond The Build. (Premiere, PG) 10.40
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Percy Vs Goliath. (2020, PG) 7.55 The Movie Show. 8.30 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 10.20 Resistance. (2020, M) 12.30pm One Night In Miami… (2020, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 One Life. (2023, PG) 5.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 7.30 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 9.35 Doppelganger. (2023, MA15+, Polish) 11.45 Late Programs. 5.50am Mary Shelley. (2017, PG)
WEDNESDAY, November 19
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Michael Palin In Venezuela. (PG)
8.30 Reckless. 9.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 I Am Scrooge. (Mal)
11.55 Headhunters. (MA15+lsv, R)
2.30 Being Beethoven. (PG, R)
3.35 Craft It Yourself. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Mary Shelley. Continued. (2017, PG) 8.00 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 10.00 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.05pm The Grump: In Search Of An Escort. (2022, M, Finnish) 2.10 The Grass Harp. (1995, PG) 4.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.50 Haywire. (2011, M) 9.30 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 11.40 Annette. (2021, MA15+) 2.10am Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
November 20
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (Final)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at the world of cricket and catch up with the stars.
9.30 Ashes Preview Show.
A preview of The Ashes series.
10.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Mav)
12.00 MOVIE: Secrets Of A Marine’s Wife. (2021, Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Budget Battlers. (PG)
8.40 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mdls, R)
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 Parole. (MA15+a)
11.30 Resident Alien. (Mav)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cybershack. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00
6.00
5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain. (PGa)
8.25 From That Small Island: The Irish Story. (PG)
9.25 Vigil. (Return, Mav)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Ridley Road. (Mav)
1.10 Exterior Night. (MA15+v, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
11.30 Homicide: Life On The Street. 1.20am Conversations. 2.00 Somewhere Boy. 3.00 WorldWatch.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Three Musketeers. Continued. (1973, PG) 6.15 The Grass Harp. (1995, PG) 8.15 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 10.00 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 12.05pm Haywire. (2011, M) 1.45 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 3.55 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 5.30 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983, PG) 7.30 The Client. (1994, M) 9.45 Spy Game. (2001, M) 12.05am Marmalade. (2024, M) 2.00 Late Programs.
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.
8.30 Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story. (Madl, R) The story of entrepreneur Michael Gudinski who revolutionised the Australian music industry.
11.00 Gatecrashers.
12.00 The Front Bar. (Ml, R)
1.00 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
(22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
PORT MACQUARIE
Friday, 14 November 2025
Legends of League
Where to
Panthers Port Macquarie
The Westport Club
Frankies Cafe
Four Espresso
El Motel Inn
Glasshouse Port Macquarie
Redcross Blood Donation Centre
Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie
Ahdeniz Grill House
Florence Jones
Port AdVenture Cruises
The Hearing Shop
Your Discount Chemist Horton St
Lilys Cafe
Port Pacific Resort
Majestic Cinema
Port Macquarie Hotel Bottle Shop
Port Macquarie Surfing Museum
The Witchy Nook
Colonial Meats
By Kim AMBROSE
OVER 250 past, present and future stars of rugby league laced up their boots and hit the “Sandpit” at Lake Cathie on Saturday, 8 November, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
In its inaugural year running locally, the Legends of League event featured seven games of rugby league, with an aim to start conversations around mental health and raise funds for suicide prevention charity R U OK?.
According to organisers, more than $8000 was raised on the day.
Fourteen teams competed in the event, with players travelling from as far as the Central West and Queensland to take the field in junior and senior divisions.
The awareness event was set in motion when Tom Roth and Dan Lamb, who have run Legends of League events in the Central West for the past
a copy
Port Macquarie News Of The Area
Port Macquarie News Of The Area would like to thank
Rock Salt Marina
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
Ritchies IGA Sovereign Hills
Douglas Hanly Moir
Coastal Realty & Strata
Wauchope Newsagency
Infinity Fuels Wauchope
Bennett Steel
Wauchope IGA
Mid North Coast EaTs
Anatolian Breeze
Charlie’s Takeaway
Port Landscape and Nursery
U3A Port Macquarie
Ruins Way Cafe
Port Macquarie Golf Club
Tacking Point Tavern
Lighthouse Beach Your Discount Chemist
Coles Lighthouse Beach
Emerald Downs Golf Course
Lighthouse Beach Post Office
Telegraph Point Service Station
Telegraph Point Sports & Recreation Club
Ricardoes Tomatoes
Riverview Tavern
q Local league legends proudly wearing yellow in support of suicide prevention.
