By Sue STEPHENSON
GYMNASTS at Port Macquarie PCYC have ended their first full year of competition with a swag of medals.
Forty-eight athletes, and their coaches, produced outstanding results at the PCYC State Championships in South Windsor on 15-16 November.
Club Manager Zac Campbell told News Of The Area that the team came home with multiple medals across all divisions.
“Super proud of Penny (Schubert) our Program Lead, our coaches, and our athletes on their success at CONTINUED Page 2
Kim AMBROSE 0423 226 651 kim@newsofthearea.com.au
Jules BARDON 0423 626 659 jules@newsofthearea.com.au
Bill HARROW 0437 776 247 bill@newsofthearea.com.au
Sis HIGGINS 0488 027 142 sis@newsofthearea.com.au
Sue STEPHENSON sue@newsofthearea.com.au
between Kempsey and Grafton.
Rachael THORPE 0438 876 009 rachael@newsofthearea.com.au
Rikki WALLER 0417 833 279 rikki@newsofthearea.com.au
Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au
Pauline CAIN 0409 394 499 pauline@newsofthearea.com.au EDITOR
Chantelle ANSELL 0431 232 820 chan@newsofthearea.com.au
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has again taken aim at the NSW Government's handling of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) and the related logging moratorium.
In a statement to media on Monday, Ms Penfold said the potential closure of the Pentarch Forestry mill at Herons Creek “rests entirely with the duplicitous and fallacious actions of Labor Governments”.
The Herons Creek mill is one of six directly impacted by the recent ban on timber harvesting within the proposed boundaries of the GKNP,
“In its perpetual and misguided quest for Green votes and preferences, and a newfound zeal for potential earnings from carbon credits, the NSW ALP machine is dumping the jobs of many hundreds of workers, including 80 at Pentarch’s Herons Creek mill, and changing the tenure of 176,000 hectares of State Forest to create a so-called Koala National Park.
“How the ALP can ignore the interests of all these mill workers and Union members to instead satisfy the
‘Massive’
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PCYC State.”
The gymnasts competed across four
ideology of a handful of conservationists, is beyond hypocrisy; it is a lamentable exercise in base politics.”
Ms Penfold suggested the creation of a GKNP was not about saving koalas, but instead about State and Federal governments pursuing net-zero deals.
“A closure of this timber mill shows the stark reality of the pursuit of net-zero rather than the sensible approach to emissions reduction and putting Australian industry and jobs first and foremost.”
Last week, the NSW Government finalised a Worker Support Package
(WSP) for employees at the six “directly impacted” timber mills.
The package extends also to harvesting operators contracted by the NSW Forestry Corporation whose supply has been restricted by the moratorium.
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.
disciplines: artistic gymnastics, TeamGym, FreeG and Tumbling. An “incredible” cheer squad of family and
Pre Order your real Christmas Tree before 23rd November 2025!
friends joined the support crew in Sydney, sharing that everyone was now looking forward to the next chapter for PCYC Port
Macquarie Gymnastics.
Workshops and squad trials will be held at the club in Owen Street, Port Macquarie in January.
Anyone wanting to join the competitive program is encouraged to reach out to the club.
Pick up your tree from the Scout Hall, Buller St Port Mac on Sat 13th December Limited number of trees available!
Thank you for supporting 1st Port Macquarie Sea Scouts Contact Andy at: fundraising@1stportmacquarieseascouts.com
By Sis HGGINS
LOCALS from Pappinbarra and surrounding areas gathered on Sunday 9 November at Hollisdale Hall, for a Community Resilience Workshop.
The two-hour event focused on boosting bushfire preparedness and strengthening local infrastructure.
Resilient Building Council CEO Kate Cotter said, “It’s exciting to see local communities like Pappinbarra taking action to protect what matters most.
“With support from Suncorp and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal [FRRR], these projects help turn science
into action - making homes and community buildings safer for everyone.”
The workshop gave residents hands-on knowledge about how Bushfire Resilience Ratings work.
Attendees learned practical steps they could take to make their homes and community facilities safer from bushfires.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, said, “This work in Pappinbarra shows how local passion and expert support can transform community buildings into true resilience hubs for their regions.”
As part of the initiative, the Hollisdale Hall was
upgraded to meet BAL-40 standards, offering greater protection from radiant heat and ember attack.
The Resilient Building Council also conducted a Multi-Hazard Resilience Ratings assessment to guide further improvements.
These assessments helped the hall and nearby properties become safer, stronger and more resilient.
The project built valuable local skills, knowledge and confidence in disaster preparedness, turning expert guidance into real, long-term benefits for the Pappinbarra community.
The event formed part of a wider project supported by FRRR and Suncorp.
By Sis HIGGINS
A YOUNG family is grieving after the sudden death of 35-year-old Olly King from a heart attack.
His partner, Ally Simmons, and their two daughters, Millie, 4, and Freya, 3, are now navigating life without the man described as filling their days with love, fun and adventure.
Friends say Olly was a proud “girl dad” who adored spending time outdoors with his daughters.
Claire McGregor has created a GoFundMe page to help the family cover living and funeral expenses.
Millie starts school next year and Olly had been the sole provider.
“[This is] one of the best ways to support Ally so she is able to grieve this loss with the girls without having the added pressure of going back to work before she is ready,” Claire said.
“Ally has an amazing support network of friends and family around her.
“We have been helping where we can – Millie’s
birthday party is next weekend, the girls’ dance concert is the following weekend, then Millie has all the big milestones like preschool graduation and starting Kindy, so we are rallying around Ally to make sure she’s supported.” To support Ally, Millie and Freya go to gofund. me/6f24ba529.
HIGH school students from Heritage Christian School had the chance to learn about local government and discuss issues first-hand in a mock council meeting hosted by Mayor Adam Roberts on Monday.
Thirteen students from years 7 to 12 visited Port Macquarie Hastings Council chambers where Mayor Roberts explained the three tiers of government - local, state and federal - and the difference in the roles of mayor, councillors and general manager.
The students then assumed the role of local councillors in a mock
Mayor Roberts said.
“Our young people are leaders of the future, and it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from the students and talk about local issues that are important to them.
“As part of the mock council meeting, the students discussed local sporting infrastructure priorities.
“I hope they were able to get some insight into the machinations of how local government works.”
The visit was arranged by Brenda Sarno, Youth Director at Rotary Club of PMQ West, the Heritage Christian School and the Mayor’s office.
Ms Sarno said that the
The 45-year-old man was treated at the scene for head and facial injuries before being taken to Port
A crime scene was established as officers
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“What I was most pleased by is how they connected the work we do on citizenship here at school with their engagement in the process of deliberating, assessing and planning local council decisions.
attached to Mid North Coast Police District commenced inquiries.
"It was a great day for our students."
Police now wish to speak to three men described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, who were last seen in the area in the silver Mazda. Anyone with information or video is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.
• Hunter Christmas Lights Entry
• Hunter Valley Gardens Guided Tour
• Harrigan’s HVG Christmas Dinner
• Harrigan’s HVG Accommodation
• Harrigan’s HVG Buffet Breakfast
• Hunter Valley Chocolate Co. Tasting
• Drayton’s Family Wines Tasting
• Hunter Distillery Tasting & Lunch
• 5 Star Coach Transport DEPARTS:
By Andrew VIVIAN
ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050.
This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed.
Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor Party, has previously recommended that Labor highlights the economic benefits to ordinary people when discussing energy policy, rather than the seemingly abstract “Net Zero”.
He told News Of The Area that an electorate like Cowper is positioned to benefit enormously from the growth of renewable energy, and the advantages are overwhelmingly economic.
Stronger local economy
Local energy generation brings down costs.
The North Coast sits at the far end of transmission lines, which makes power more expensive and vulnerable to outages.
When more energy is produced closer to where people live and work, households and small businesses see lower bills and more reliable supply.
Mr Leyland also pointed out that renewables bring jobs.
Large-scale wind, solar, storage and grid upgrades create a surge in construction
work - the kind of trades and contractor jobs that keep money in the community and open up long-term roles in maintenance, operations and community energy initiatives.
He said affordable clean energy is also becoming a magnet for new industries and manufacturers, such as food processors, data-driven businesses and emerging clean-tech industries.
These all prioritise regions with stable, low-cost power.
Locally-produced renewable energy gives communities like Cowper greater protection from volatility in international coal and gas prices.
Renewables also offer diversified income streams for farmers and landholders, reduced energy costs for irrigation and refrigeration, and opportunities for on-farm generation.
“Taken together, renewables give regions like Cowper the chance to build a stronger, more self-reliant local economy, one with lower energy costs, more jobs and new industries that keep young people in the region.”
Coalition’s position Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan released a statement saying the Coalition’s joint agreement to drop Net Zero is a move that will help Australian households and businesses achieve a cheaper, better and fairer way to lower emissions.
“The Coalition’s decision to drop Net Zero puts Australians and the electorates that we represent first,” the statement
read.
“Our plan is far cheaper than Labor’s *$9 trillion Net Zero plan, which would put Medicare and NDIS at risk.
“OECD countries have been cutting their emissions by one percent per year while Australia has been cutting its emissions by about two percent per year - double the OECD rate.
“We should do our fair share to reduce global emissions, but not more than the rest of the world.”
Mr Conaghan said energy would be cheaper because: “Our policy means opening up our grid to nuclear and removing the moratorium, as well as using emission reduction technology in gas and coal, like carbon capture and storage, while having renewables as a sensible proportion of the mix.
“Australia can’t mitigate all the world’s emissions when we’re only a bit over one percent of global emissions.
“So, why wouldn’t we focus more on adaptation with direct environmental action in land management, and investment in disaster mitigation like flood levees, dams and more cool burns?
“Labor’s 2030 and 2035 targets will reduce our emissions by 4.7 percent per year, putting pressure on households and industry.”
Report ‘misrepresented’
The Coalition’s figure of *$9 trillion is based on a report from Net Zero Australia (NZAu), which is a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the University of
Queensland, and Princeton University.
It aims to be “technology neutral, evidence driven and non-political”.
NZAu issued a media release on 5 November criticising how its research had been interpreted and also confused with a report from 2023.
“Different individuals and groups have been misrepresenting key cost estimates from the NZAu Australia Project as ‘the cost of Australia reaching net zero’,” it said.
It clarified that: - projected costs for reaching Net Zero in Australia by 2050 would be $300 billion over 25 years, not $9 trillion.
- this cost would consist primarily of overseas investment
- cost projections for nonrenewable energy resources did not include their substantial fuel costs
The Climate Council, a spin-off from the Climate Commission, which was abolished by the Coalition in 2013, said that abandoning Net Zero “would spell disaster for Australia’s climate, economy and household bills”.
It claims that Australian Government spending on disaster recovery would increase seven-fold by 2090, productivity would take a $135-423 billion hit by 2063 - with workers hampered by extreme heat - and deaths caused by heatwaves would increase by 440 percent in Sydney and 260 percent in Melbourne.
The Council said policy uncertainty would disrupt confidence and clarity for business, costing the economy $2 trillion in lost investment.
Weaker exports and lower growth over the next 24 years and prolonged reliance on gas and coal, could see household power bills increase by $449 by 2030.
CEO Amanda McKenzie, said: “What the Coalition is really advocating for is a more dangerous future for all Australians.
“More floods in Taree and Grafton, more fire seasons like Black Summer, and the demise of the Great Barrier Reef.
“They’ve gone from: ‘I don’t hold a hose, mate’ to ‘let’s put fuel on the fire’.”
Professor Joel Gilmore, Climate Councilor and energy expert, said: “Renewable power is already the lowestcost form of new energy.
“Four million Australian households with rooftop solar know that.”
When asked by Sky News if renewable energy is more expensive, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, said: “Not only do I not agree, economists don’t agree, scientists don’t agree, the Australian people don’t agree”.
INVESTIGATORS have added drink driving to the charges against a 22-yearold man involved in a fatal crash on the Oxley Highway.
About 9.15pm on Saturday 6 September, emergency services were called to the highway near Port Macquarie following
reports a Toyota utility and a Holden hatchback had crashed head-on.
The driver of the hatchback, a 31-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.
His front passenger, a 30-year-old man, was taken
to hospital with minor injuries.
The driver of the utility was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Mid
North Coast Police District established a crime scene as the Crash Investigation Unit examined the scene.
Upon his release from hospital, the 22-year-old man was arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was charged with driving-
related offences and granted conditional bail to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court.
On Monday, 17
November, officers received test results showing an alleged positive alcohol reading of 0.141.
Additional charges of “dangerous driving occasioning death – drive under the influence” and “drive with mid-range PCA” were laid.
The man was due to reappear before Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday 20 November.
water-quality monitoring technology has been installed at Lake Innes to improve understanding of the lake’s condition.
The new water quality buoy automatically records key water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water level every 15 minutes.
This live data is transmitted to the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) website, where it is publicly available for the community and researchers to access.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Coast and Estuary Coordinator Ben Foster said the improved monitoring will allow Council staff to make more informed management decisions in response to changing environmental conditions.
“This station gives us
real-time insight into what’s happening in Lake Innes,” he said.
“It’s a valuable tool that helps guide evidencebased decisions to protect the health of our estuarine systems and support the long-term delivery of the Coastal Management Plan.”
The new buoy builds on the success of an earlier pilot project led by Revive Lake Cathie and Southern Cross University, which demonstrated the value of continuous water quality monitoring in the catchment.
Unlike the original pilot station, the new buoy captures additional parameters and is maintained by the NSW Government’s Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, ensuring ongoing reliability and data quality.
It is a collaborative project between Port
Macquarie Hastings Council, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentFisheries and Forestry, NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy’s Wetland Rehabilitation Program, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Revive Lake Cathie.
While the data provides useful indicators of lake health, current results show conditions remain within normal ranges for the system.
Revive Lake Cathie
President Kate Aston welcomed the new buoy, highlighting the important role of local citizen science and ongoing advocacy.
“This new buoy builds on the work of our Waterwatch program and our first smart
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
ROAD-TRIPPERS will be able to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at tourism destinations, in what the NSW Government hopes will be a win for the regions.
NSW's third round of grants boosting EV charging infrastructure will result
in 159 new chargers being deployed in 48 regional hotspots, with drivers encouraged to check out towns and inject money into local economies before they hit the road.
Kempsey Shire will receive 11 charging points and MidCoast Council will get 10.
The chargers will be highpowered at between 22kW and 100kW, which can fully charge a standard EV SUV in about an hour.
Climate and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said it would make NSW the easiest place in Australia to own an EV.
Exact locations are yet to
q The new water quality buoy automatically records key water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water level every 15 minutes.
water quality sensor at Lake Innes,” Ms Aston said.
“It demonstrates the value of continuous monitoring and confirms that communitycollected data can align strongly with institutional results.
“Projects like this strengthen our local monitoring efforts, support evidence-based action, and reinforce our commitment to improving the health and amenity of the Lake CathieLake Innes estuarine system.
“Revive Lake Cathie will continue to monitor the buoy, deliver our Waterwatch program, and advocate as the voice of the lake to ensure its sustainable future.”
q A map of Round 3 locations for Destination Charging Grants.
be finalised but government officials said they would be installed at "iconic road trip routes" and at "key tourism destinations", including at rest stops, visitor centres and holiday hotspots.
"Whether you live regionally or are setting off on a road trip, the new chargers open exciting opportunities to travel further with confidence, Ms Sharpe said.
The $5.9 million worth of grants will feature $3.2
million in private investment, with six companies including NRMA and Woolworths to install the infrastructure.
"Regional NSW is full of hidden gems and now EV drivers have more places to stop and charge… communities outside the city will welcome more visitors and see the opportunities these chargers bring to showcase everything their towns have to offer," Regional Minister Tara Moriarty said.
In July, NSW announced $2.8 million in grants and $2.2 million in private capital to add 549 car-charging facilities in 130 suburbs over the coming year.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council 2024 annual report, 9.5 per cent of NSW's new car sales were EVs, while more than 100,000 full battery electric vehicles were on the state's roads in October 2025.
THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has warned that housing pressures across regional NSW are reaching critical levels.
Builders and industry leaders gathered in Taree this week for a Regional Housing Roundtable hosted with Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Member for Lyne Alison
Penfold.
“The discussions in Taree reflect the growing challenges faced by builders in regional centres, with workforce shortages, planning delays and a lack of enabling infrastructure holding back new housing supply,” HIA Executive Director Hunter, Craig Jennion said on Monday.
“Housing affordability
and supply are no longer just city problems; they're biting hard across regional Australia.
“Across the Mid North Coast the demand for housing continues to rise, yet local builders are struggling to find land, workers and approvals fast enough to keep up.
“According to HIA’s Housing the Regions report,
regional NSW accounted for 42 percent of all net migration inflows in 2024, showing a strong shift of people leaving the cities for regional life.
“Yet many towns such as Taree face worsening shortages in both skilled trades and affordable homes.
“Local builders report that project approvals can take many months, material
costs remain high and finding qualified trades is a constant challenge particularly for carpentry, bricklaying and electrical work.
“Regional communities like Taree are ready to grow, but they need the right support from government,” Mr Jennion said.
The Housing the Regions report calls for national
and state governments to focus on planning reform, land release and training initiatives to support regional growth.
“Regional NSW has a major role to play in meeting the nation’s housing targets.
“With the right policy focus, towns like Taree can be at the forefront of Australia’s housing recovery.”
COFFS HARBOUR MP
Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders earlier this week.
It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024.
Mr Singh ran unopposed in a party vote on Tuesday morning to be elected leader, less than 24 hours after Mr Saunders’ exit, who cited family reasons for leaving the top job.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is the new deputy leader, while Sarah Mitchell MLC remains the party’s leader in the Upper House.
Mr Singh, who was first
elected to parliament in 2019, said it was an honour to lead the party forward.
“Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities,” he said.
“The wellbeing of regional communities is at the heart of everything we do, and I thank my party room colleagues for affording me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Nationals across NSW.”
He also thanked Mr Saunders for his “leadership and guidance” in recent years.
Congratulating him on the promotion, Federal National Party leader
David Littleproud praised Mr Singh’s “wealth of experience”.
“I look forward to working with Gurmesh and I know he has a lot to offer, including his lived experience as a former blueberry and macadamia
farmer and knowing about the challenges our farmers are facing.
“In the lead up to Christmas, regional Australians are feeling the pain of Labor’s ideology, by what’s coming out of their wallets.
“I know Gurmesh will do a fantastic job taking up the fight to Labor and also fighting for common sense.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Mr Singh is a “strong voice for regional NSW and a tireless advocate for his community”.
“His election as leader is well deserved recognition of his hard work, integrity and commitment,” he said.
Mr Saunders, who serves as the Member for Dubbo, steps down after two and a half years in the leadership position.
"It's a difficult decision
but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself," he said in a statement to media on Monday.
Washington and Bridget Purtill
By Bill HARROW
GLASSHOUSE Port
Macquarie has launched its 2026 Education Program.
Designed to ignite creativity in students from pre-school through to Year 12, “Education@Glasshouse” engages more than 7000 young people each year from across the Manning, Hastings and Macleay regions.
Students are offered an exceptional range of curriculum-aligned productions, exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses and tours, while educators benefit from dedicated professional development opportunities.
The launch of the program was well-attended
with over 80 educators present.
Performing Arts Curator Bec Washington, told News Of The Area that the aim is to stimulate innovative thinking, which is linked to improved wellbeing and life skills.
“Curriculum aligned, school based arts participation enhances the
development of individual creativity and selfexpression,” she said.
“[This] generates new perspectives, thereby enhancing empathy and understanding.”
The 2026 Performing Arts Program features some well-known works like “Room on the Broom” and Tim Winton’s “The
along
the return of the everpopular Monkey Baa Theatre Company with “Where is the Green Sheep?”.
The Opera Australia Children’s Chorus returns to give 24 talented young performers (aged 9-14) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on stage alongside world class
artists and musicians.
The Visual Arts Program will feature the popular ARTEXPRESS and “The Neighbour at the Gate” - a National Art School touring exhibition.
Additionally, local Mid North Coast artists will be showcased via “Northern Exposure Nine” and “Regional Creative Showcase 2026.”
Bridget Purtill, Regional Gallery Curator, said: “The Gallery education program’s intention is to explore, expand and dive deeper into these exhibitions, supporting syllabus delivery and content, while creating a unique and interactive learning experience for our students, teachers and community.”
For many students, Education@Glasshouse is the only opportunity to experience cultural activities of this calibre.
The program is made possible through the support of Coastline Bank and its Community Foundation funding.
By Pauline CAIN
By Sis HIGGINS
OVER a thousand children and teachers from 22 schools across the Mid North Coast took part in the Inspired Readers Festival from 11 to 13 November.
Students met authors and illustrators who encouraged them to read, write, draw and dream bigger.
For many, including the 300 students sponsored to attend, it was a rare opportunity to learn directly from the creators they admire.
Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie played a
key role throughout the festival.
The team supported online engagement, helped raise awareness, volunteered at sessions, and were one of the Community Scholarship sponsors, ensuring more students from across the region could attend.
“This was a huge success and, really, a great initiative that Port Macquarie is fortunate to host,” Wendy Ranger said. “We were able to sponsor 45 kids to attend… from all over the region.”
Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive.
Many said the festival created a renewed excitement for reading and writing.
Teachers reported that students returned to class more energised and confident in sharing ideas, and more willing to pick up a book.
Parents also expressed their appreciation, noting the lasting impact that direct contact with authors and illustrators can have on young minds.
The Inspired Readers Festival aims to return next year, with plans already underway to expand workshops and reach even more schools.
FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition.
The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026.
“The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived experience of dementia from our communities, and to raise awareness about dementia,” Margaret Allen from DFCA said.
“There are many assumptions made about people living with dementia but, frequently, abilities are
overlooked and the need for communication and connections dismissed.”
The stories in the first edition highlighted the importance of maintaining friendships, sharing celebrations, and the benefits of music, exercise, creative activities and family relationships.
Lyn Murphy, a member of the Port Macquarie DFC Alliance Board, contributed to the first edition.
“This experience made me see the power of the written word and how I can make a difference to others by writing in this book,” she said.
Jackie Laing, a member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW), supported Lyn.
“Writing and reading ‘Unforgettable Voices’ helped me process complex emotions and deepen my empathy for the struggles faced by those living with dementia,” she said.
“It also gave me a deeper understanding of both the [person] with the diagnosis and the demanding role of the carer.”
Chairperson of Port Macquarie DFCA Gai MacPherson said, “The book is another great opportunity for the community to record the important stories of those living with dementia.”
Interested writers can enter short stories of between 500-2000 words, and poems with a maximum of 40 lines.
Writing support is available from members of the DFCA.
For more details, go to dementiafriendlypmq.com. au.
By Kate SHELTON
SPRING’S sweet chapter is wrapping up, and the anticipation for a blockbuster summer fishing season on the Mid North Coast.
Lake Cathie has been a popular spot for anglers.
Flathead have been hitting consistently, especially during the northeasterly winds, with good numbers of whiting and even a few surprise mulloway lurking near the Ocean Drive bridge.
The night-time prawn run has been red-hot, with successful catches of school prawns packing the foreshore, boat ramp, and the
perch hole.
The Hastings River continues to be a reliable source for quality flathead and whiting, which are spread throughout the system.
Bigger mulloway are starting to show up, with deep sections during tide changes proving to be the sweet spot, try working larger soft plastics.
Freshwater action has been impressive, with bass numbers surging.
Expect the bass bite to explode as summer heat arrives and insect hatches intensify.
Offshore, the action is promising. Snapper up to five kilograms have been caught
near the Port Macquarie Lighthouse using both bait and plastics.
Heading deeper, anglers have pulled up excellent catches of cod, kingfish, and various reef fish.
Marlin catches were reportedly on the quieter side last weekend.
Southbound, Crowdy and Perpendicular Point are producing some epic rock fishing, with large tailor being a standout catch.
School mulloway are active along most headlands, with Dunbogan being a popular choice for those working soft plastics.
Offshore reports include hauls of teraglin and snapper,
plus some great local kingfish catches last weekend.
In the Macleay river anglers are landing good numbers of flathead, bream, and even a few kingfish near the river mouth. Beach anglers at Hat Head have been rewarded with bream, dart and flathead.
Further offshore to the north, locals are reporting encouraging catches of snapper and kingfish.
As we head into summer, the Mid North Coast promises truly exceptional fishing.
Whether you're chasing trophies or just wetting a line, there’s an opportunity waiting for every angler. Tight lines.
By Sis HIGGINS
THE Port Macquarie
Combined Probus Club is celebrating 20 years of connection, community and good times.
Since forming in November 2005, 485 men and women have enjoyed
being part of the Clubincluding the 11 founding members still active today.
Over two decades, meetings have moved between local venues due to renovations, access issues and COVID restrictions.
President Myrna Bristowe said the Club
achieves its purpose through a mix of organisation, community involvement and social opportunities.
“[There are] wellmanaged monthly meetings, interesting speakers… movie and theatre groups, breakfasts, lunches and dinners,” she said.
Myrna praised the Club’s social committees for their long-running support and for helping build a vibrant and active group.
“The result is… that we celebrate 20 years of healthy existence and join the other 1000 Probus Clubs in New Zealand and Australia who
By Rachael THORPE
WITH the festive season fast approaching, the 1st Port Macquarie Sea Scouts have launched their popular Christmas Tree fundraiser.
The group fundraises throughout the year to cover ongoing running costs and the upkeep of the Scout Hall, but this year’s Christmas tree fundraiser has the additional goal of renovating the hall kitchen.
As well as being used by Scouts, the hall is regularly hired out to community groups and for private events, with the hope that a new kitchen will attract more bookings.
The local Sea Scouts have been going for more than 80 years with youth members meeting every week at the Scout Hall in Buller Street.
The group caters for boys
and girls aged five to 18, through Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers.
The focus is on waterbased activities such as sailing, kayaking and canoeing.
Treasurer and Fundraising Officer Andrew Anderson, started in Joey Scouts aged six.
Thirty-four years later, his own children - William and Toby - are participating.
“My favourite thing is getting out in a canoe with my boys and watching them enjoy Scouts as much as I did when I was young,” he told News Of The Area.
Orders for the $110 Christmas Trees are required by 23 November, with collection on 13 December from the Scout Hall.
Contact fundraising@1 stportmacquarieseascouts. com.
DUNBOGAN’S Maya Oakham is on a mission to improve the lives of Australia's animals.
Developing a passion for animals of all sorts at a young age, 10-year-old Maya has been fundraising for animal sanctuaries for several years.
Her next fundraiser, a garage sale, will be held on Saturday, with all money raised going to the Lucky
Stars Sanctuary in Wootton.
“I have always loved animals and when I discovered that lots of animals are kept in small cages in the meat and egg industry, I decided to become vegetarian and then vegan,” Maya told NOTA.
“But I still felt like there was more that I could do to help animals.
“So I started holding small garage sales to earn money for animal sanctuaries.
“So far I have organised four sales and this will be my fifth.”
Maya’s favourite animals are chickens.
“I have seven pet chickens and they are like daughters to me,” she said.
“They mean everything to me and Lucky Stars
have achieved the same milestone.”
The Club’s regular local activities include Scrabble, movie and theatre groups, breakfast events, and travel groups.
There are also national events.
Membership is open to
retired and semi-retired locals who want to meet new friends and stay active.
The Club meets at the Port Macquarie Golf Club on the second Wednesday of each month at 9.45am.
For details, contact Membership Officer David Morris on 0482 770 286.
By Sis HIGGINS
HASTINGS Neighbourhood Services has launched its annual Christmas appeal.
Last year the organisation supported more than 250 families doing it tough.
A spokesperson for Hastings Neighbourhood Services said they were grateful for the community’s generosity.
The team hopes locals will help again by donating gifts and essential items.
They are calling for new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers aged zero to 18.
The service also needs non-perishable food items to support families during the Christmas break when many emergency services
animal sanctuary rescues chickens as well.
“That's why I decided to donate the money to them.”
The garage sale will be held on Saturday, 22 November at 12 Bell Street, Dunbogan, from 10am to midday.
q Maya Oakham, 10, is passionate about the lives of animals.
close.
Donations can be dropped off at the Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 3pm.
“If you are stuck and cannot deliver, please email us at admin@hns. org.au and we will try to pick up,” the spokesperson said.
New or as new Santa sacks and pillowcases are also welcome to package the gifts.
The appeal runs through the festive season, with every donation helping a local family feel seen, supported and remembered.
More information is available at hastingsneighbourhoodservices.org.au.
MOTORISTS are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions at the intersection of William and Grant streets, Port Macquarie for traffic signal work.
Transport for NSW is carrying out traffic signal upgrades to provide left and right turn red arrows to improve pedestrian crossing safety.
“We will work for up to six nights between Monday 17 November and
Thursday 11 December 2025, weather permitting,” Transport for NSW said in a statement.
“Work hours are from 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday. No work will occur on Friday or Saturday nights.
“Lane closures and a reduced 40km/h speed limit will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users.
“Motorists are advised to drive and ride to the
conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.”
For more information on this work visit https:// www.livetraffic.com/ incident-details/255688, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.
To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Port Macquarie’ in the Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.
By Sis HIGGINS
PCYC Port Macquarie has welcomed a new club manager.
Zac Campbell, who grew up locally, stepped into the role on 14 November.
After attending university and time playing semiprofessional basketball, Zac joined the PCYC as a Senior Activities Officer before putting his hand up for the role of Club Manager.
“PCYC offers programs that benefit so many people; to be a leader and have the opportunity to widen our club's offerings makes me so proud,” he said.
PCYCs across the state support young people to be active, build capability and connect with the community - a role that has been recognised through a funding boost of $15.6m.
According to Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, 278 youth programs in areas like the Mid North Coast will benefit from a new partnership between the State Government and the PCYC.
Under the agreement, the government will contribute $10m, with PCYC co-investing a further $5.66m.
“This is money invested in actual, face-to-face programs on the ground for our local kids.
“Every day, programs like these are genuinely life changing.
“[They] help break cycles of disadvantage and help divert our youth away from the justice system.”
Mr Kemp said one of the strengths of the PCYC partnership is its transparency and accountability, with programs
delivered directly in their communities.
“These are programs you can walk into. You can see the young people who benefit from them.
“That’s the kind of investment our region needs - practical, visible and proven to work.”
PCYC NSW is currently identifying which youth programs will be delivered at each location, including Port Macquarie, based on local community needs.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership creates, as it gives us the flexibility to support communities like the Mid North Coast with programs that can make a real and meaningful impact,” a spokesperson said.
To get involved in the local PCYC, visit pcycnsw.org. au/port-macquarie/.
By Pauline CAIN
WAUCHOPE Country Women’s Association (CWA) is holding its Christmas Market on Saturday 6 December from 9am to 1pm.
There will be more than 30 stalls in both the CWA rooms and Senior Citizens Hall behind the clock tower in High Street.
Wauchope CWA Branch
President Doreen Burns said, “We will be providing Devonshire Teas all day with scones, jam and cream; the Wauchope Scouts will have a sausage sizzle [and] Santa will be there.
“If families would like a photo with Santa they can bring their own camera, or a photo can be printed for a small charge.”
Three young siblings will have their own stall.
They include a 12-yearold who makes things on his 3D printer; a nine-year-old girl who makes scrunchies and a seven-year-old girl who sells plants grown from seeds.
In addition to a raffle, Christmas cakes and puddings can be ordered on the day.
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is encouraging everyone to be alert to signs of avian influenza in commercial and domestic poultry, and wildlife.
Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally, however there is a risk the disease may be introduced by wild birds that migrate to Australia.
This is a year-round threat that increases during spring.
NSW DPIRD Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe said, “Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, but if it were to arrive (via migratory birds) it could have a devastating impact on our poultry industries and unique wildlife.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Simple actions, such as reporting unusual deaths and keeping poultry separated from wild birds, help to protect our
environment, industries and communities.”
According to DPIRD, NSW has comprehensive preparedness and response plans for H5 avian influenza (also referred to as H5 bird flu) which are aligned with the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) strategy.
The H5N1 strain could have devastating impacts on the state’s poultry industry, and flow on to food supply.
It also poses a risk to wildlife, as the H5 strain causes illness and mortality in wild bird species and some mammals, particularly marine mammals.
Humans can be infected with avian influenza, however the risk to the public from H5 bird flu is expected to be very low.
The majority of reported human cases have involved close contact with infected birds.
Signs of avian influenza in poultry and wildlife include:
- Sudden deaths
- Coughing/sneezing
- Swelling around the head or eyes
- Birds with abnormal posture or balance
- A drop in egg production in poultry.
If you see any unusual sickness or deaths in your poultry flock or wildlife, contact your local vet, Local Land Services, or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
It’s important to prevent direct contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, their feed and water sources and bedding material.
Additional biosecurity measures include ensuring housing areas, feeders and water containers are kept clean, and storing feed safely to avoid contamination.
New birds should be quarantined for at least 30 days before allowing contact with your existing poultry flock.
FARMERS in the North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) region are participating in a three-year project that is set to build farm productivity and resilience while protecting the region’s natural and cultural assets.
The North LLS region extends from Tweed Shire Council in the north to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in the south.
The North Coast Climate Smart Agriculture project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
The project supports farmers to adopt practices that reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability and strengthen farm business management.
It also helps them understand carbon and biodiversity incentives
and implement industry sustainability frameworks.
“The North Coast region faces challenges like pest animals, invasive weeds, plant diseases, climate change and shifting market conditions,”
Lelia Kamphorst, Acting Manager Operations said.
“These pressures affect agricultural productivity, ecosystems and community wellbeing and the Climate Smart Agriculture project responds to these challenges with practical support and education.”
Key activities include:
- Property planning workshops to help farmers plan and explore to build their farm’s capacity to deal with future challenges while gaining fresh ideas and learning from others in the same situation.
- A new workshop series designed to help farmers build practical, science-based pasture management skills tailored to
their farm and goals.
- Farming forums that bring together farmers, industry and experts to understand their climate risk exposure, identify practical ways to adapt their operations, and holistically prepare their businesses for changing conditions.
- Sustainable farm profiles to highlight local farmers who are leading the way in meeting carbon and biodiversity goals and best practice management.
- Aboriginal cultural heritage resources, including field days, to support farmers and traditional custodians to learn, share knowledge and protect cultural heritage.
The project has commenced and runs until June 2028.
For more information, and details on the upcoming workshop, contact North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
By Sis HIGGINS
DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December.
The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years.
Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches.
Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the community’s generosity drives the impact of the appeal.
“We are seeing more people in need than ever before, but with the support of the community we can make a real difference to those in need this Christmas,” Lieutenant Muendel said.
“We know that cost of living pressures are impacting people, so seeing the community still donating what they can to help others is just so touching.”
Lieutenant Muendel said gifts for all ages are needed, from babies through to teenagers.
“For those looking to donate, we recommend toys, books, and games for younger children, and gift vouchers, sports equipment and beauty products
A PARLIAMENTARY
committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW.
The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions.
The Committee will look into issues such as:
• current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and reporting frameworks for services in regional NSW outsourced to third-party
providers
• differences in government service delivery standards between metropolitan and regional areas
• options to improve monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the delivery of government funded services in regional NSW, with reference to the social justice and community sector
• the need to reform and develop legislative frameworks to improve government service delivery standards in regional NSW Communities in regional NSW have
poorer quality service provision and deal with a range of issues including community safety, family support and access to employment.
“We want to get to the bottom of some of these programs that are utilising taxpayer funds without delivering the objectives they say they are,” said Roy Butler MP, Committee Chair.
“Money is coming into these communities but sometimes the services simply aren't delivered.
“If service providers are receiving government funding to deliver important programs then
we must be clear about how these funds are spent and what the outcomes are.
“We need appropriate oversight and accountability mechanisms so communities in regional NSW receive the services they need.”
The Committee is inviting submissions from service providers, businesses, community organisations, government agencies and the public.
More information, including the inquiry's terms of reference, and how to make a submission, is available on the Committee's webpage.
for teenagers,” he said.
“We encourage parents to bring their children along when choosing a gift to donate.
“Allowing kids to select a present for a child their own age is a powerful way to teach them [the] true meaning of giving.”
Local mum Leonie said The Salvation Army helped her rebuild her life after she fled an abusive relationship.
“The Salvos helped me see that surviving wasn’t the end of my story, it was the beginning.
“They helped me build a new chapter – one filled with safety, warmth and choice,” she said.
“That freedom was made possible by the love and support I received from The Salvation Army.”
NGM Group’s Head of Community and Sustainability Kirrah McClelland, said the organisation hopes to help even more families this year.
“We were truly touched by the generosity of our community last year who helped us collect a record number of gifts, and we hope to exceed that number… and spread some extra Christmas cheer with as many families as possible.”
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
SAM Konstas will return to the scene of where he made his case for Test selection last summer, with the axed opener given a chance to face England with the Prime Minister's XI.
Dropped by Australia's selectors after a poor start to the summer, Konstas was on Monday confirmed as a bigname inclusion for the twoday game at Manuka Oval later this month.
Peter Handscomb will captain the PM's team, while veteran quick Peter Siddle will also feature in the pinkball match.
More notable is the wealth of young talent picked in the side that will be coached by Tim Paine, as Australia moves towards a transition of its Test team.
Campbell Kellaway will likely open with Konstas, after his Victoria coach Chris Rogers said last week he should be the man to eventually replace Usman Khawaja.
Nathan McSweeney is
also selected after his three Tests at the top of the order last summer, as are Victoria's teenage prodigy Oliver Peake and rising Queenslander Hugh Weibgen.
But it is Konstas' name that will attract the most interest.
It was in this fixture last year that he hit 107 from 96 balls against India, pushing his case for Test selection with several extravagant shots.
A debut came four weeks later on Boxing Day, where he famously unsettled the usually unflappable Jasprit Bumrah with a series of scoop shots on the way to 60.
But the opener has not hit another half-century in his nine innings since, scoring 103 runs at 11.44 for Australia.
Selectors had hoped he would return to form this summer with NSW, but he has passed 50 just once, averaging 20.12 for the Blues in the Sheffield Shield.
The opener has shown a more conservative approach in recent weeks, spending
time in the middle without making a big score.
"We've selected a squad that strikes a balance between youth, experience, and opportunity," chief selector George Bailey said.
"Peter Handscomb, who will captain the team, and Peter Siddle will provide valuable experience around the team for the occasion.
"It's a chance to build depth, reward performance, and provide valuable exposure and experience against international competition."
Now played as a two-day fixture, the match will act as England's warm-up game for the day-night Test at the Gabba.
PM'S XI squad to face England:
Peter Handscomb (capt), Benji Floros, Campbell Kellaway, Campbell Thompson, Charlie Anderson, Doug Warren, Hugh Weibgen, Joel Curtis, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peake, Peter Siddle, Sam Konstas, Sam Skelly.
THE Swimming North Coast Division One Championships for 2025 will be held at the Grafton Olympic Pool from 22-23 November.
Nineteen Swimming North Coast clubs have entered 269 swimmers.
The clubs are Macksville, Maclean, Port Macquarie, Coffs
Harbour, Grafton, Alstonville, Laurieton, Glouster, Taree, Casino, Stroud, Sawtell, Forster, Yamba, Twin Towns, Kingscliff, Lismore Workers,
Wauchope and Bellingen. Representing Port Macquarie and Wauchope at the Championships are Iesha Apthorpe, Zara Chowdry,
Bianca Harrison, Chloe Higgins and Morgan Jean.
“These Championships should prove to be very exciting with swimmers
finally getting to race each other,” said Faye Rowles from Swimming North Coast. “Good luck to all swimmers.”
By Aiden BURGESS
SWIMMING North Coast have held their Division 2 Championships in Port Macquarie.
It featured the North Coast’s best junior swimmers and was hosted by Port Macquarie Swimming Club. The top three point scoring clubs were Port Macquarie, Taree, and Macksville.
This year again featured a condition whereby if a swimmer had won a medal at Division 1 last year, and short course earlier this year, they were ineligible for medals, thereby giving the next tier of swimmers a chance at a medal.
Clubs who took part included Bellingen, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Crescent Head, Forster, Gloucester, Kempsey, Laurieton, Macksville, Port Macquarie, Sawtell, Stroud, Taree, and Wauchope.
The Swimming North Coast area commenced in April 2011, with the
merging of the two previous areas; Far North Coast Swimming Association and Swimming Mid North Coast.
You may not have any news room experience at all, but you are a competent writer and are passionate about the area and its people.
By Colin EVERINGHAM
NUMBER of Players – 23
Game Played –Stableford
Winner- Chas Viner - 41 Points ( great effort)
2 nd Ray Marsh - 38 Points (becoming a habit)
3 rd John Gillard - 35 Points ( on count back)
4th Ken Gallie - 35 Points
5 th George Evans - 33 Points
6 th Glenn Holt - 32 Points NTP 4 Col Hutchings
NTP 9 Col Stibbs
NTP 11 Rob Toone
NTP 15 Col Hutchings
Number of Players: 16
playing on the Front 9 holes.
Winner: Col Everingham Nett 37 was on 18 now on 8
Well Played
2nd: Terry Doherty Nett 38 c/b
3rd: Steve Vickers Nett 38
c/b 4th: Dennis McGrath Nett
38 5th: Mick Hourigan Nett 39 c/b 6th: Bob Lineham Nett 39
NTP 4th Hole Second Shot: Colin Blott also Eagled the 5th well done. NTP 9th Hole Second Shot: Steve Vickers Raffle Winner: Mick Hourigan
By Leonie MULVIHILL
MONDAY 17/11/25.
Stableford Third round Presidents Trophy. 53 players.
Division 1: Winner Liz Williams 22 points
Runner Up Jennifer Dignam 20 points c/b Liz Fraser, Sharin Stammers
and Faye O’Brien 20 points
Division 2: Winner Louise McLaughlin 21 points
Runner Up Mary Butler 20 points c/b
Jan McFarlane 20 points
Division 3: Winner Eva Curlisa 22 points
Runner Up Noeleen Hayward 21 points c/b Marie Holloway 21 points
Division 4: Winner AnneMarie Cecil 24 points c/b
Runner Up Chris Essex 24
points
NTP: Sharon Farrell 15th hole, Jenny Dykstra 18th hole
Lucky numbers: Anne Newsome and Bev Hudson
By Jeff WALSH
16-11-25
A RAINY start to the day on Sunday led to very light conditions and much debate among Port Macquarie sailors about the sense of holding a race. As the tide was nearing dead low, a 25 minute delay was decided to allow the forecast afternoon breeze to arrive and for a short course to be set by duty officer Scott Witchard. What was planned to be Handicap Series Race 2 was changed to a regular Spring Series Race 5 due the absence of the Handicap Race Coordinator, and a lack of competitors.
Just two catamaran and three monohull sailors launched into a patchy 8-10 knot nor'easter that had several patches that swung more easterly but steadily improved throughout the afternoon as the day warmed up and the sun came out.
In the Arrow catamaran division, Tony Kuhn got off to a good start on ‘Stella’ but at the first mark, halfway down river to Settlement Point, got his port and starboard shoes confused. A point Jack Corthals on ‘Crackerjack’ was happy to point out as they next passed. Despite the confusion, the rest of the race,
a short reach across the river and back upriver to the canals for four laps, proceeded with ‘Crackerjack’ unable to close the gap leaving ‘Stella’ to take the win on both scratch and handicap.
Terry Howard in the Impulse ‘Flying Dragon’ led the monohull fleet from the start line for their three lap race. Steve Couch in his Laser ‘Lazybuoy’ followed, but slowly lost ground on the downwind legs. A last lap attempt to dice with the shallows to gain a little in the upwind by staying out of the tide failed for ‘Lazybuoy’ with two groundings and dropping the main sheet with dolphins nearby and surely laughing.
Gary Herbert in his Laser ‘Allegro’ competed in his first race and performed well getting back up quickly after a capsize on the second lap. Looking forward to seeing ‘Allegro’ in more races during the season. The handicap results were also ‘Flying Dragon’, ‘Lazybuoy’, and ‘Allegro’.
Next Sunday is a double header with race 6 of the Spring Series at 11am and the 3rd Club Championship at 2pm. Jack Corthals is rostered on duty.
In 2 weeks’ time (November 29th), the Port
Macquarie Sailing Club, the Port Macquarie Yacht Club, and Sailability Port Macquarie are combining to host a ‘Discover Sailing Day’ on the Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Anyone interested in finding out and trying sailing in dingys or yachts is welcome to attend McInherney Park (The Regatta Grounds) and find out just how much fun it is.
By Beth GABRIEL
17.11.2025
THE Western Green was busy on Monday afternoon/ evening. The Mixed bowlers and a playoff on rink 13 in the Men’s singles between Peter and Phil kept a few spectators entertained.
The Winners on rink 9 were Peter Robinson, Fred DeWard and James Hayward winning eleven out of the eighteen ends. On rink 11 with ten ends were winners Sue Greenfield and Rose Benjamin (a pairs
game) as Runners Up. Lucky Losers were again on rink 9 being Gunner Fuhrmann, Maria Middleton and Martin Greenfield. The Greenfield family won enough to pay for their games next Monday evening as did Maria and James! Rink 9 also had a crack at the Jackpot but missed out so it increases for next week.
Raffle prizes went to Larry, Judith, John, Patricia, Ned and Todd. Three players on rink 8 scored there, whilst the other three
all came from rink 10! So someone went home happy from each of the rinks.
Treasurer Martin is collecting orders for our Christmas function on 15th December. There will be bowls type entertainment, supper and the Jackpot must go off that evening as well.
Come and join us any Monday afternoon, in the cool of the evening. Ring the Wauchope Country Club 65853020 Play starts at 4:30.
By Julie FRASER
RESULTS for 13/11/25
Played at Wauchope Country Club . Winner of on or before semi final was Glenda Elford and Doris McKinnon over Sue Peterson and Julie Samuelson . Next Semi Final will be next Thursday 20/11 . Winners with highest margin were Cath Cooper , Julie Fraser and Sally Webber . Losers with highest score were Ruth Baker, Julie
Clarke and Margaret Wallis . Jackpot no. 23 Sue Greenfield who was not there.
Raffle winners were Julie Samuelson , Jenny Wooster , Margaret Wallis and Sue Peterson . Results for Saturday 15/11/25
Winners with lowest score Jenny Wooster Beth Gabriel and Pat Coombes
Losers with the highest score Julie Hackney , Heather Bartlett and Lil Allen .
Jackpot no 13 Pat Coombes . Raffle winners were Doris McKinnon x2 ,Julie Fraser and Jenny Wooster . Next Saturday the 22/11 is our charity day . $12 to play . Phone Lil Allen on 0419 222 071 to enter . All proceeds to the Wauchope Rehabilitation Unit . All bowlers and non bowlers are welcome . Anyone interested in free bowls lessons call Julie Fraser on 0408998181
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.
off online with code LOCAL at arkgenesis.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I'm thinking of getting an ice bath for stress relief. Do you have any views on this? Gavin H.
Oh, Gavin,
Sometimes I read a conundrum and my first thought is, yes, I have views on this, but do you really want to know them?
I have no qualifications in ice-bath therapy, so please take my advice as it is intended i.e. a good dose of common sense. Gavin, I'm fortunate enough to live within driving distance to the beach (and I'm not alone – over 80 percent of Australia's population lives within 50km of the coast), so something that astounds
me is people making money from cold water immersion products or costly ice bath sessions at beachfront locations, when many of us can already enjoy similar benefits by plunging into the ocean.
I just don't see how you can get any stress relief knowing you are submerged in a high-density polyethylene tub with some ice blocks thrown in.
I also reckon it would be disconcerting to have Sven the influencer perched next to you, knowing his Insta reel is going to need some serious filter action after he's turned a whiter shade of pale.
I know that I wouldn't be able to get any health benefits from an ice bath, not only because I would be wondering if I was going to have a heart attack, but also because I'd be pondering the fact that most portable ice-baths will one day be landfill, the effects of which are going to last a whole lot
longer than any short-term stress relief gains. And I'm confident, that as I reached the point of hypothermia, I'd be consumed with a vision of the plastic breaking up (not breaking down) into tiny pieces and ending up in the ocean (yes that aforementioned free cold water immersion source -do you see where I am going with this?).
I'm sorry if I have deflated you more rapidly than a stick lodged in a portable ice bath, but If you must get one, could I urge you to have a trial run by putting ice into your home bath or laundry tub?
You may not even enjoy the experience, and nothing is sadder than an unrealised dream, except, perhaps, a fad that exits the mainstream and ends up in a sad heap on the verge ready for the next council clean up.
By Chan ANSELL
DURING a recent stay at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the amazing women known as the Pink Ladies.
Their dedication to the hospital and the community is truly inspiring.
One of the many ways they support the hospital is through fundraising events like “Brickfest”, held annually in Port Macquarie.
The Pink Ladies have helped out at this event on two occasions, collecting the day’s profits.
All the money raised goes straight to buying much-needed equipment for the hospital, helping both staff and patients.
I spoke with Gabby Gregory, who kindly answered questions on behalf of all the Pink Ladies. Interestingly, very few of the volunteers actually grew up in the area.
Most have retired to Port Macquarie from capital cities or other regions, drawn by the friendly community,
beautiful weather, and relaxed lifestyle.
Many joined after being patients themselves or seeing the difference volunteers make.
For them, it’s not just about helping, it's also about building friendships and giving back.
The Pink Ladies are involved in lots of different roles across the hospital.
Volunteers work in the ICU, Emergency Department, Day Surgery, and several wards, as well as pre-administration and the Fracture Clinic.
They help at the front desk, run a trolley selling toiletries and snacks, and even drive the hospital’s ECar, which they donated with help from Rotary and CWA.
The roles are varied, but for the volunteers, the reward is always the same: a sense of satisfaction and pride in helping others.
Looking ahead, Gabby shared that the Pink Ladies hope to recruit even more volunteers so they can help
across all departments, while continuing to raise funds for essential hospital equipment.
Meeting the Pink Ladies and seeing their dedication in action reminded me of the incredible difference a group
of committed people can make. Their work not only keeps the hospital running
smoothly but also brings comfort, care, and support to so many patients every day. q The Pink Ladies committee.
I AM pleased that the Liberal Party has finally made a decision for the people rather than continue their political posturing to the United Nations and the corporate media that initiated and promoted the hoax of man-made global warming.
Hopefully, it is just the first step toward abandoning the renewable nonsense altogether and focusing on the reality of supplying cheap and consistent energy for our own people here in Australia.
Australia has coal, gas and uranium, but we sell it to other countries so they can
have affordable electricity while our electricity cost is unnecessarily high due to the false notion that CO2 emissions by Australians will destroy the planet.
That is the most “unheard of thing” I’ve ever heard of.
In 1975 the scientists told us we were heading for the next ice age (and
maybe we are!).
In the 1990s the human population would become extinct from global famine (but it didn’t).
Al Gore predicted that the Arctic Circle would be “ice free” by 2014 (but it isn’t).
Tim Flannery said our dams would never be full (but they have been full).
Prince Charles said we have 96 months to save the planet.
That was more than eight years ago (the planet is still here and so are we). We have been lied to by the government, media, health officials and the selfappointed global elite who run the IPPC, WHO, WEF and the United Nations
Agenda 2030. Think for yourself. Don’t just accept what the mainstream news tells you.
Regards, David LAWRENCE, Dunbogan.
Public Notices
Are you troubled by someone’s drinking?
Al-Anon could be for you. We are a fellowship of families and friends of people with an alcohol problem. The Port Macquarie meeting is now located at Salvation Army 110 Lord Street Port Macquarie. Thursdays 5-6.30 PM. Website: al-anon.org.au 1300 252 666
CHILD’S scooter & helmet. Found in Stuart Park, Saturday 25/10. 6581 1939.
FLYNNS Beach. Professionally renovated. New kitchen, timber floors, 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms. $288,000 0419 989 788 RUS060326CH&PMQ UNDER CONTRACT
ALUMINIUM extension ladder, extend to 4.7m $90 Ph 6582 5885
ELECTRIC welder Compak, heavy duty 150 with cigweld helment $80. 6585 7393
MOBILITY aid: Raised Toilet seat. Adjustable with lid. As new $25 Shelly Beach 0428 559 572
TOY, Coco Gorilla with tags, collectors item $100 6584 4954 F220825
red cedar chair with upholstered seat $30 0401 226 410
AUTOMOTIVE car SOS tools torque wrench, vlavle lifters, timing light and numerous guages $95 6585 7393
cabinet VGC 291cm H x 90cm W $50. 0413 158 598
BEATRIX Potter figurines. Mr & Mrs Puddleduck & Foxy Whiskered Gentleman $85 each 0401 226 410
CHEST Freezer Kelvinator, white, 150L discontinued model, GC $100. 0400 779 531
CAMPHOR chest 96cm L x45cm H x 43cm D $30 can deliver locally 0422 538 888
ARTWORK tapestry, collector’s item. Valued @ $450. Selling $95. 0481 132 820 1.8 x 1.8 4 Person Spa with cover. Port Area.Ph 0429 821
2 bunk bed frames + ladder, dismantled can be assembled as separate single beds mattresses inc, pick up only, King Creek, ph Nick 0418 139 156
BBQ 4 burner, pick up only. Good condition 0408 435 237
COLLETTE Dinnigan
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses New. Unwanted Gift. $80 Pick up Crescent Head 0425 322 890
CORELLE baking dish, large, pink flowers decorated, $40 6584 4954
EPSON Eco Tank Single Function Printer Model ET-1810, as new . $95 0422 318 119
MOBILITY aid: Soft Sock Aid. NEW $12 Shelly Beach 0428 559 572 f171025
MOBILITY walker Lightweight & foldable Indoor use. Exc con RRP: $600. Sell for $80. Ph 0458 659 427
walker,
GOLF club set - left handed $90. 0459 154 409
HARD Rock Cafe jacket bought a few years ago never worn, size medium, cost over $200 sell $50 can send you photos. 0404 228 018
HUSQVARNA ride on mower 970 elect start 12.5HP. $650 0432 912 277
JANOME sewing machine, very reliable recently serviced, carry case selling $99 Ph 0415 070 962
KAYAK Viking Ozzie with accessories, GC $250. Ph. 0429 317 266.
ROYAL Albert 1692 bone china 13cm H $50 for pair. Photos available 02 6585 1564
QAZEBO 3mx 3m new never used $95 Ph 0488 979 484
SCARIFIER exc cond unused gift $99 Ph: 0435 641 556
VEGETABLE dish willow pattern, with lid plus serving plate. $25 0401 226 410 TV unit, timber. Bow front, revolving top glass doors. $90. 0438 672 627
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 F190925
WESTINGHOUSE
Refrigerator. Good cond $90 ono 1702mm H x 790mm W x 612mm D 0419 226 048
RETREAT fraser F199R Ultimate off road caravan. Dec 2019 Many extras. TR22XE exp. 20.01.26 $72,500 Robert - Kew 0408 652 242.
2013 Coromal
LARGE single bed with headboard, clean posturepedic mattress $100 Ph 0415 858 981
LEAD Cystal decanter (large) $30 0447 122 829
AIR compressor, BRC95 model, $70. 6585 7393
DOLL, pedigree first walker, $100 6584 4954
DONEGAL Parian China Claddagh Design 1 mug, 2 vases. $10 each. 0447 445 319
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MOBILITY aid: Pick-up reacher 750mm, with magnet head. NEW $23 Shelly Beach 0428 559 572
TENS machine (Visage) hardly used, ex cond instructions inc, half price $35. Nick, King Creek 0418 139 156.
SATURDAY
ABC FAMILY, 7.30pm
He’s quick to knock comedians down a peg or two on Taskmaster Australia, and doesn’t mind grilling the contestants on Hard Quiz – but does Tom Gleeson (pictured) hold back any barbs for the junior quiz contenders on this tweenage spin-off ? Not a chance! Another quartet of aspiring quizmasters land in Gleeson’s roasting pan in tonight’s episode: Veda is ready to show off her extensive dolphin knowledge, Viyona is cricket legend Jasprit Bumrah’s biggest fan, Tyler talks all things Titanic and Hrishi sets out to prove his Pluto prowess. It’s fun for the whole family.
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 11.05 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 QI. (PGs, R)
SUNDAY
ABC TV, 8.50pm
Not too many viewers would remember it, but any period drama on TV today owes a debt to the success of 1960s BBC serial The Forsyte Saga Based on John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning novels, the series drew an astounding audience of 18 million Brits for its 1969 finale. This irresistible adaptation from Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield tips its cap to the original, with leading lady Susan Hampshire (who played Fleur) welcomed into the new cast as family matriarch Lady Carteret, alongside Jack Davenport, Eleanor Tomlinson, Joshua Orpin and Millie Gibson (both pictured). Set in late 1800s London, the sumptuous costume drama follows the romances and ambitions of a prominent upper-class clan.
3.25 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Rick Steves’ Europe. (PG, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 2.05 Wildlife ER. (PG, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Living Black: 50 Years. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh discovers a tropical haven.
8.30 Maigret. (PGav) Maigret is forced to confront his past when a politically connected billionaire demands his help.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Silent Witness. (Mal, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Hurricanes From Above. (PGa)
8.30 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R)
9.20 The Welsh Valley That Won The Lottery. (PG, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (MA15+av, R)
11.45 Tokyo Vice. (Malsv, R)
1.50 New Zealand From A Train. (R)
3.35 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
MONDAY SHANE
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 1.20 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Morning session. 3.20 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 4.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session. 9.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 18. Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder. From Allan Border Field, Brisbane. 11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG, R) Presented by Chrissie Swan.
1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv) A witness makes a startling discovery.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today.
SBS FOOD, 8pm
Much like Stanley Tucci’s travels through Italy and Eva Longoria’s recent trek through Spain, Shane Delia (pictured)
charts the history of his homeland Malta through its unique food in this docuseries. The celebrated Melbourne-based chef says the vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean archipelago has long been overlooked, so it’s high time viewers got an authentic taste of its delectable delights, including the national dish stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew) and street food such as pastizzi (savoury pastries). From neighbourhood bakeries to Michelin-starred restaurants, Delia proudly loads up his plate to whet our collective appetite.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Zoe’s Having A Baby. (2023, PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Saving Asia. (PGa)
8.45 MOVIE: The Magnificent Seven. (2016, Mv, R) Seven mercenaries are hired by a small town. Denzel Washington. 11.25 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 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. 9.50 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv, R) Celebrity guests include Paul Mescal. 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Dean Spanley. Continued. (2008, PG) 6.30 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 8.05 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983, PG) 10.05 Marmalade. (2024, M) Noon Drunken Tai Chi. (1984, M, Cantonese) 1.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 3.30 Hajjan. (2023, PG, Arabic) 5.50 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 7.30 Defiance. (2008, M) 9.55 Syriana. (2005, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Get Smart. (2008, PG)
6.00
News Hour. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.10 Ireland’s Historic Gardens. (R) 10.05 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PG, R) 11.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 Soccer. Australian Championship. First quarter-final. 3.30 Soccer. Australian Championship. Second quarter-final.
6.30 SBS World News.
6.25 I Was Actually There: Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race Tragedy. (Final, PG, R) Looks at the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (PGa) A rock star is murdered in a locked theatre.
8.30 Vera. (Mv, R) Vera investigates the death of a young man whose remains are discovered in a remote cave.
10.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) Jolyon makes a life-changing discovery.
10.55 Bergerac. (Mlv, R) Bergerac searches for kidnapped baby Lily.
11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.15 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey. 6.35 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Speechless. 10.50 Late Programs.
7.30 A Royal Guide To Wales. A look at Wales’ relationship with the royals.
8.25 This Is Joan Collins. (Malsv, R) Takes a look into the life of Joan Collins using never-before-seen home movie footage.
10.15 Reckless. (R)
11.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
2.40 All Is Bright. (R)
3.55 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motorbike Cops. (PGl, R) 12.30 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 1.20 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Morning session. 3.20 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 4.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session. 9.00 Unfiltered: Cricket. (Premiere, PG)
9.30 MOVIE: Oblivion. (2013, Mlv, R) A drone repairman stationed on Earth must rescue a stranger from a downed spacecraft. Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko.
12.05 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) Experts share advice on living well.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: The Wizard Of Oz. (1939, G, R) In the middle of a tornado, a young Kansas girl is transported to the magical land of Oz. Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr.
9.35 To Be Advised. (R)
1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) Neville shares tips on fruits and citrus.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R)
Meghan: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Looks at Harry and Meghan’s life. 10.50 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The team investigates a series of fires. 11.50 FBI.
6.00
SUNDAY, November 23
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 five features an array of unique talent.
8.50 The Forsytes. (PG) James attempts to sabotage Joylon.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (PGa, R) A rock star is murdered in a locked theatre.
10.40 When The War Is Over. (PG, R) 11.15 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)
3.30 The Art Of. (PG, 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. 7.10 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.00 Speechless.
6am Hajjan.
7TWO (62)
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Gold Stars: The Story Of FIFA World Cups. 4.10 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid C’ship. H’lights. 5.10 The Throwback. (PG) 5.20 Primitive Medium. (R) 5.30 Hitler-Stalin: A Secret Relationship. (PGavw, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Black Death: Patient Zero. (PG)
9.10 Army Of Lovers: Ancient Greece. (M)
10.45 Odysseus Returns. (PG, R) 11.45 Uri Geller’s Secret Treasures. (PG, R)
1.05 MOVIE: Fiona Clark: Unafraid. (2021, M)
2.35 Mariupol: The People’s Story. (MA15+alvw, R)
4.15 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
Adventure. 1.15 Jeopardy! 3.20 Beach Volleyball. World C’ships. Bronze medal matches. 5.20 WorldWatch. 6.20 Abandoned Engineering. 7.20 Beach Volleyball. World Championships. Gold medal matches. 9.30 Liaison. (Premiere)
(2023, PG, Arabic) 8.15 The Movie Show. 8.50 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 10.30 The Client. (1994, M) 12.45pm Let Me Introduce You To Sofia. (2018, M, Italian) 2.35 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983, PG) 4.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 6.30 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 8.30 Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 10.20 The Sex Of The Angels. (2012, MA15+, Spanish) 12.20am Late Programs. 6am Widows’ The Movie Show. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 10.05 La La Land. (2016, The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 8.30 A Call To Spy.
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. First prelim. North Melbourne v Melbourne. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 The Ashes: Tea Break. 6.20 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Aust v England. Evening session. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Football. AFL Women’s. Second preliminary final. Brisbane v Carlton. 9.45 MOVIE: Godzilla. (1998, PG) 12.35am Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Cricket.
4.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Afternoon session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Evening session.
9.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 22. Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars. From Allan Border Field, Brisbane.
11.30 MOVIE: The Invisible Man. (2020, MA15+av, R) A woman is tormented by her ex-boyfriend. Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Seinfeld. 2.10 Creative Generation: State Schools On Stage. 3.55 MOVIE: Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life. (2016, PG) 5.45 MOVIE: Cats & Dogs. (2001, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Lord Of The Rings:
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World. (Premiere, Mal)
Festival. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Bendigo Spirit v Perth Lynx. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 My Way. 3.10 Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.40 Young Sheldon. 4.10 Dinner With The Parents. 4.40 MOVIE: Superman. (1978, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman Forever. (1995, PG) 10.00 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
SBS World News.
Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG) 8.30 American Prince: JFK Jr. (PG)
9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 The Man Who Died. (Mv) 11.30 A Criminal Affair. (Mal, R) 1.10 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (Mavw, R) 2.15 The Story Of Spice. (R) 3.10 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Evening session.
9.00 The Rookie. (Madv) The team helps Skip Tracer Randy when his new love interest is kidnapped.
10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) The team probes a customs broker’s disappearance.
11.00 Why Trains Crash. (PGa, R)
12.10 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)
9.00 MOVIE: Crocodile Dundee II. (1988, PGlv, R) Mick Dundee’s girlfriend is kidnapped. Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski.
11.15 9News Late.
11.45 Transplant. (MA15+am, R)
12.35 Tipping Point. (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 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am The Four
Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. Continued. (1974, PG) 7.00 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 8.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 10.35 Last Film Show. (2021, M, Gujarati) 12.40pm Corsage. (2022, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The Remains Of The Day. (1993) 5.55 The Company. (2003, PG) 7.55 Man Up. (2015, M) 9.30 Late Night. (2019, M) 11.25
Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
9.40 Australia: An Unofficial History. (M, R)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Families Like Ours. (Malns)
12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Mas, R) 2.25 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (MA15+avw, R)
3.30 The Story Of Beer. (PG, R)
4.25 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. First Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Evening session. 9.00 Murder In A Small Town. (M) Karl is called up to Seattle where he is reunited with twisted serial killer Tommy Cummins. 10.00 Homicide: With Ron Iddles. (Mav, R) 11.00 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Final, Masv) 12.00 MOVIE: Secrets At The Inn. (2022, Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
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
6.00
WEDNESDAY, November 26
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 Outta Town Adventures. (PGn, R) 10.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 10.55 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Wildlife ER. (Mal, R) 2.55 Spain’s Atlantic Train. (PGaw, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Michael Palin In Venezuela. (PG)
8.30 Reckless. (Malv)
9.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Crime. (M, R)
1.50 Devil’s Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (MA15+avw, R)
2.50 The Story Of Beef. (PGaw, R) 3.50 Travelling In The 1970s. (PGdsv, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
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! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGd, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) A lighter look at the world of cricket.
9.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG) Ricky Ponting discusses his career. 10.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.00 MOVIE: Secrets In The Snow. (2020, Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
WorldWatch.
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 8.00 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 10.00 Man Up. (2015, M) 11.35 Late Night. (2019, M) 1.30pm The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Company. (2003, PG) 5.30 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 7.30 All The Pretty Horses. (2000) 9.40 The Children Act. (2017, M) 11.40 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, November 27
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 When The War Is Over. (PG, R) 10.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.00 Parliament. (Final) 3.00 QI. (PGl, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PGl, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 Outta Town Adventures. (PGa, R) 10.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 10.55 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Royal Autopsy. (Man, R) 2.55 History Of The Amalfi Coast. (PGa, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Rule Of 3. (2019, Mav) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Budget Battlers.
8.40 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (MA15+alv, R)
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 Parole. (Mal)
11.30 Resident Alien. (Malv)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Hello SA. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
(R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain.
8.25 Britain’s Railway Empire In Colour. (PG)
9.20 Vigil. (Mav)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Vienna Blood. (Ma, R)
12.50 Willie Nelson: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw. (PGad, R)
2.50 The Story Of Sugar. (PGa, R) 3.50 Travelling In The 1970s. (Md, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.25 MOVIE: Glory. (1989) 11.35 MOVIE: The Promise. (2016, M) 1.55am We Need To Talk About Cosby. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Forbidden History. 2.15 Bamay. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide. 12.50am Somewhere Boy. 1.50 Latecomers. 3.05 Late Programs. 6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 House Of Wellness. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.15 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PG, Dzongkha) 8.20 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PG) 10.25 Dance First. (2023, M) 12.25pm All The Pretty Horses. (2000) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.45 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 5.40 Golden Years. (2016, PG) 7.30 The Tender Bar. (2021, M) 9.30 Dead Again. (1991, M) 11.30 Suffragette. (2015, M) 1.30am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGadl, R) A motorist is caught on a phone.
8.30 MOVIE: Uncharted. (2022, Mv, R) A street-smart young man is recruited by a seasoned treasure hunter to recover a famous lost fortune. Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg.
10.50 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.20 The Front Bar. (Ml, R)
1.20 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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. 6.00 NBN News.
By Bill HARROW
PORT Macquarie’s Tony Croft has been selected in the NSW Golf Croquet men’s team.
He is the only new face in the squad of 10 players.
Tony’s performances this year have been of a very high standard, particularly his achievements at this year's NSW Open tournament played in Newcastle.
Tony only started playing golf croquet three years ago.
He and his wife Tracey took advantage of a free lesson at The Port Macquarie Croquet Club and immediately became hooked on the sport.
“We really enjoy the game and the harder the competition, the better,” Tony told News Of The Area.
“I learn so much more by playing at higher levels.
“We also enjoy how welcoming the other players are, even when visiting clubs in other towns: ‘Sure, come on in and have a game,’ they say.”
Tony will now take part in two state training sessions aimed at helping him improve his execution of shots, tactics, focus and discipline.
His first major championship will be in March 2026 at Glendale.
Tony said he is very proud to represent the Port Macquarie Croquet Club.
It has grown to 88 members and welcomes anyone interested in becoming involved.
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
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
