ALISON Cameron-Brown has joined colleagues from around the globe in Sydney after being selected to take part in the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s (IMRF) Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) training course. Port Macquarie based Alison and Merimbula’s Sonia Teston are among 16 participants from eight countries representing 10 search and rescue organisations.
This is the first time the exclusive and intensive training course has been held in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is part of the IMRF’s #WomenInSAR initiative, which aims to increase the
By Sue STEPHENSON
KOALAS Jody and Myka captured hearts around the world when they were reunited after a road accident
PEOPLE walking along the Hastings River sometimes have cause to look twice when they see a man or woman appearing to fly above the water on a surfboard.
It is the result of a new wave of water enthusiasts taking to the region’s waterways on high-tech surf gear called electric hydrofoils (eFoils).
eFoiling is a fast-paced water sport growing rapidly in popularity, and involves riding a foilboard powered by an electric motor.
Key to the uniqueness of the sport is the use of a hydrofoil, a winglike structure attached below the board that works to lift the rider out of the water, similar to the effect of aerofoils used by airplanes.
The combination of the propeller and the lack of drag allows the rider to travel above the ocean at
great speed, both in flat water and surf conditions.
One man leading the charge is Greg Ballesty, who teaches the sport in Port Macquarie.
Greg, tell us about eFoiling.
Absolutely David, eFoiling offers an exhilarating experience for anyone with basic balance. With adjustable speeds and expert guidance you will quickly learn to ride the surface and soar above the water on a foil. If people are not confident of standing, they can ride the surface and simply glide around on their stomach or knees.
What got you involved in this adventure?
Before coming to Port, I worked for an Australian company that manufactures the boards that I use as an instructor for them. I have taught hundreds of people
how to eFoil and learn a new skill. I love seeing the reactions and truly believe it’s a bucket-list thing to do for all ages.
Where are you from originally and why did you choose Port Macquarie to set up a business like this?
Originally I am from Sydney, have lived in Singapore and more recently the Gold Coast. As a teenager, I used to holiday in Port Macquarie and was very familiar with the river and the Mid North Coast beaches. With Jacquie my wife we looked at the possibility of starting our venture and I was very confident that the area of the river where I have chosen to operate allows safe water entry and an area where the river flow is wide and slow – really just the best situation for first timers.
What are the
important things to know about eFoiling before getting started?
Rider safety is paramount in my mind and I have a detailed briefing to ensure that riders feel safe but also very comfortable. Not only are they learning something new, I want them to have a lot of fun while doing it. The secret is to not rush, take time to learn the basics and they will be flying in about 15 minutes. For the less confident, we have a larger volume inflated board named the Scooter, that has handlebars for the rider which provides a solid touch point to give riders that assurance and confidence. The board is so stable it is quite possible to ride and not even get wet. Once the right speed is reached (about 18 km/h) the wings will generate lift and the board will rise up off the water. It’s the best way to learn.
Spring Fair blooms at The Lost Plot
By Sis HIGGINS
COLOUR, flavour and music
will fill the air when the Lost Plot community garden hosts its annual Spring Fair on Saturday 13 September from 9am to 2pm.
A much-loved event on the local calendar, the Spring Fair celebrates the garden while raising vital funds to support its ongoing work. Each year it draws a crowd of families, gardeners and food lovers, coming
together to enjoy a vibrant day in one of Port Macquarie’s most welcoming community spaces.
Visitors can browse a wide variety of market stalls, with community groups such as the Girl Guides and
The Nature School hosting engaging activities.
Kids will be kept entertained with fun games and workshops, while live entertainment adds to the lively atmosphere.
Food and drink will be
a highlight, with delicious cakes, woodfired pizzas, a barbecue, cocktails and freshly brewed coffee all on offer.
Plant lovers will also find plenty to take home, with a range of greenery available
for sale.
Raffle prizes will again be a feature of the day, giving fairgoers the chance to win while helping raise funds for the garden.
Guests can also learn about the many benefits of becoming a member, taking part in working bees, and how to get involved in supporting the community garden’s vision.
Visitors to The Lost Plot are always full of praise for the space.
Daniel Tattersall said, “Lovely people, and a beautiful spot. Thanks for pizza.”
Silvana WiRepa said, “What a great place. Such an inspiration.”
While Marcia Millner remarked, “Beautiful job done with the plants.”
The organisers invite everyone to join in and be part of this special day, whether a gardener, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun family outing.
q eFoiling on the Hastings River.
q A buzzing Spring Fair last year. Photo: supplied. q Endless deliciousness at last year’s fair. Photo: supplied.
Have your say on foreshore plan
THE draft Lake Cathie Foreshore Master Plan Review is now on public exhibition, with residents invited to have their say.
“The draft builds on the 2018 Master Plan for this area and has been updated to reflect today’s challenges, opportunities, and aspirations for this muchloved space,” Port MacquarieHastings Council said in a statement.
draft plan outlines a staged vision for the future of Lake Cathie’s foreshore reserves.”
“From improved parking and new pathways to environmental protection and upgraded facilities, the
The draft plan features a continuous coastal walkway linking reserves; formalised parking; new picnic shelters, shade trees, seating and lighting; coastal protection
upgrades including sea wall staging; the relocation of fitness equipment; a reading circle and community toy/ book library; and more.
To learn more, attend a Council-run pop up event on Saturday 30 August from midday to 3pm at the Lake
Cathie foreshore (near the play space), or on Thursday 4 September from 3pm to 5:30pm at the Lake Cathie Community Hub at 34 Mullaway Road, Lake Cathie.
To have your say, you can complete the survey at https://haveyoursay.pmhc.
By Aiden BURGESS
THE COFFS Harbour Snappers have headed into the finals series on a winning note after defeating the SCU Marlins 31-22 in their local derby, during the final round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
It was the third time the Snappers had beaten the Marlins this season.
They finished second on the ladder while the Marlins finished in fourth spot.
The Port Macquarie Pirates finished as minor premiers but went down 36-34 to the Grafton
nsw.gov.au/admin/projects/ draft-lake-cathie-foreshoremaster-plan/survey_ tools/117731. Submissions close midnight Sunday 14 September 2025
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Troy Zrebiec
By Chan ANSELL
ALTHOUGH Troy Zrebiec didn’t grow up in the Port Macquarie region, he’s wholeheartedly embraced life here since making the move in January 2025.
“When I landed in Port Macquarie, I quickly found work on the Port AdVenture and realised how much I loved being out on the water,” he said.
Redmen in Port Macquarie. It was the third time the Redmen had beaten the Pirates this season.
The Hastings Valley Vikings ended their season with a 29-12 win against the Kempsey Cannonballs in Port Macquarie.
First week of finals
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division finals series gets underway this weekend with matches in Grafton and Port Macquarie.
The Port Macquarie Pirates host the Coffs Harbour Snappers, with the winner earning hosting rights for this year’s grand final.
The Grafton Redmen
and SCU Marlins play off to keep their season alive in their Minor Semi Final. First grade ladder
Troy is now volunteering with Marine Rescue, a role he takes great pride in.
“As much as I hope no one needs our help on the water, I feel privileged to be part of such an important service,” he said.
He’s even working towards his Master 5 ticket so he can one day skipper the boats.
“It’s a big goal, but I love learning and being part of
a team that genuinely helps people.”
When asked what he enjoys most about giving back to the community, Troy didn’t hesitate.
“Since moving here, I’ve made a huge life change. I love being out in the community every day, saying hello to people and lending a hand whenever I can,” he said.
“Even though I’m not a long-
Finals time
addition to experienced campaigners Caleb Prior, Ryley Rampling and co-captains Zac Campbell and Kobe Pattison.
This is the third consecutive appearance in the state finals for coach Nick Prior and the team.
The women's side this season has been led
time local, this community has welcomed me, and it feels great to give something back.”
Do you know of a volunteer who should be celebrated through our Heartbeat of the Hastings series?
Contact media@ newsofthearea.com.au.
by captain Tiffany Reynolds from Canada and Erin Ruby, who is a former NBL1 player from Hobart.
Both have missed recent matches while recovering from injury but are expected to be fit for the weekend.
Coached by Adon Bentley, the team also receives solid all-round contributions from several locals including Georgie Sallinger, Callie Gillard, Jasmine King and Cara McIlroy as part of a large squad of talented players.
It's the first time the Dolphins women have advanced to this stage of the competition.
q Troy Zrebiec.
q Port Macquarie’s women’s team will meet Central Coast in their semi-final.
Photo: supplied.
AFL North Coast finals get underway
By Aiden BURGESS
THE AFL North Coast finals series gets underway this weekend, with teams buoyed by wins in the final round of the home and away season.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints finished second on the ladder after a 17.9 (111) to 6.12 (48) win against the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park.
The Coffs Harbour Breakers finished as minor premiers, and received a forfeit in the final round by the Grafton Tigers.
Reserves
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints booked a place in this season’s final series after defeating the minor premiers the Port Macquarie Magpies 10.9 (69) to 7.4 (46).
The Coffs Harbour Breakers also earned a finals spot with a 9.7 (61) to 9.3 (57) win against the Northern Beaches Blues at Fitzroy Oval.
Women’s
Minor premiers the Coffs Harbour Breakers had a 10.3 (63) to 1.10 (16) win against the Northern Beaches Blues.
The Sawtell/Toormina
Saints were also victorious in the final round, defeating the Port Macquarie Magpies 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25).
Under 18s
Port Macquarie Magpies finished the home and away season undefeated, and had a 16.24 (120) to 3.2 (20) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints in the final round.
Preliminary finals
Grand final spots will be up for grabs during the Preliminary Finals at the Wiigulga Sports Complex this weekend.
The second and third teams on the ladder play off, with the winners through to the grand final.
The minor premiers of each grade are straight through to the grand final by virtue of finishing on top of the ladder.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Port Macquarie Magpies seniors play off for a grand final spot in their Preliminary Final.
The winner faces the Coffs Harbour Breakers in next weekend’s grand final at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
The Coffs Harbour Breakers and Sawtell/ Toormina Saints reserves play off for a grand final spot.
The winner challenges the Port Macquarie Magpies in the grand final.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Northern Beaches Blues women’s teams face off for a grand final spot.
The winner takes on the Coffs Harbour Breakers in the
grand final.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Coffs Harbour Breakers Under 18s sides play for a spot in the season decider.
The winner takes on the Port Macquarie Magpies in this season’s grand final.
NOMINATIONS are now open in the Sunrise Hastings Sports Awards 2025.
The collaborative effort between the Port MacquarieHastings Sporting Fund and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise was launched on 15 August at the Port Macquarie Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC).
The awards celebrate the achievements of local athletes and the valued contribution of sporting volunteers.
Since their inception
26 years ago, the Sunrise Hastings Sports Awards have played a pivotal role in recognising and supporting the sporting endeavours of community members.
With $10,000 in prizes to be awarded, the presentation breakfast is a highlight of the community calendar, bringing people together from all age groups and covering a wide range of sports.
Sunrise Rotary President David Lane, acknowledged the significance of the awards
during the launch.
“Sunrise Rotary started the Hastings Sports Awards to inspire our youth to engage in local sport by providing an opportunity to recognise the achievements of regional athletes and support them to achieve their sporting dreams,” he said.
“Sport brings us together as a community; it promotes not only physical and mental health but also creates social connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.
“The Sunrise Hastings
Sports Awards celebrate the spirit, commitment, and diversity of sporting accomplishments in our community.”
Mr Lane encouraged community members to consider nominating a local athlete or volunteer, with nominations from a wide range of sports encouraged.
The nomination period covers achievements from 1 October 2024 to 17 October 2025.
Chair of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund Sub-Committee Cr Nik Lipovac also launched the Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship, which is a $5000 prize to help with the costs associated with competing, travelling, accommodation, and the purchase of uniforms.
"It's the 21st anniversary of the scholarship, which has been awarded to some truly extraordinary local athletes representing 14 different sports, including those who have achieved success at international level,” he said.
“[These include] lRyley Batt (wheelchair rugby), Lauren Kitchen (cycling), Luke Meier-Smith (mountain biking) and Skyla Lange (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)".
To apply for the Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship, visit pmhc.nsw. gov.au/Wayne-RichardsScholarship.
The nine other awards managed by Sunrise Rotary are:
• Greenmeadows Health Centre Sportsperson of the Year
• AusSport Scoreboards Junior Sportsperson of the Year (primary school age)
• Donovan Oates Hannaford Junior Sportsperson of the Year (high school age)
• Flower Hotels Senior Sportsperson of the Year
• Patterson First National Real Estate Junior Team of the Year (18 years and under)
• Donovan Oates Hannaford Senior Team of the Year
• Laing + Simmons Port Macquarie Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
• Hasting Physio and Health Sporting Volunteer of the Year
• Regional Australia Bank – Excellence in Sporting Achievements (awarded at the judges’ discretion from nominees for other awards).
Nominations are open online at.sunrise-rotary. org.au/sportsawards-4/ up to midnight on Friday 17 October.
Nominations across all individual award categories will be automatically entered into the Sportsperson of the Year award sponsored by Greenmeadows Health Centre.
This year the Sports Awards Presentation Breakfast will be held at 7am on Friday 7 November at Port Panthers and is proudly sponsored by Greenmeadows Health Centre and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise.
q The finals get underway this weekend in Woolgoolga. Photo: AFL North Coast.
q Organisers and sponsors at the launch of the Sunrise Hastings Sports Awards; Julie Garland, David Lane, Alistair Flower, Haydn Oriti, Cr Nik Lipovac, Stewart Dowrick and Peter Vane. Photo: supplied.
6.00
WEDNESDAY, August 27
10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (Premiere, PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 4. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco Vs Supermarkets. (Premiere)
8.30 DNA Journey. (Premiere)
9.35 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Estonia. (MA15+al)
12.50 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)
1.50 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGv, R)
3.50 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.25 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
VICELAND (31)
Front
Marvels. 1.20
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Bree has an unruly patient.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Tik Tok: Top 100. (M) Celebrates the top 100 viral TikTok clips, including hilarious, shocking and spectacular moments.
10.30 Armed And Dangerous: Heists. (Mav, R) A look at Australia’s greatest bank heists.
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Shopping. 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 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.
6am The Grass
Harp. (1995, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 My Neighbor Adolf. (2022, PG) 10.25 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, M, Italian) 12.15pm Ping Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 5.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 7.35 Aftersun. (2022, M) 9.30 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland.
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+sv) 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R)
11.55 Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)
1.55 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGa, R) 3.55 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
Challenge. 1.45 SBS50. 1.50 Tales From A Suitcase. 3.20 News. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.25 Food That Built The World. 7.00 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 MOVIE: Chiliheads. (2021, M) 12.20am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Front Up. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 A Beginner’s Guide To Grief. 1.50 What Does Australia Really Think About… 3.00 Insight. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 6. 1.50am Late Programs.
(32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Golden Years. (2016, PG) 7.50 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 10.00 Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, M) Noon Aftersun. (2022, M) 1.55 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 3.50 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.35 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 7.30 Argo. (2012, M) 9.55 August: Osage County. (2013, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Collision Catastrophe. (Ma)
10.30 What The Killer Did Next. (Mav, R)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (MA15+adv, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am
M) 2.00 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 Seinfeld. 8.30
DRAMA
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
Finals time
By Nik LIPOVAC
THE Port Macquarie Dolphins men's and women's senior teams have qualified for the State League Basketball Finals after finishing the season in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
They now play their grand final qualifiers on Saturday, 23 August, on the Central Coast.
In the men's division, Port Macquarie faces Moss Vale in the first semi with Tamworth taking on Sutherland in the second semi.
The winners will meet in the decider at 3pm the following day. The Dolphins women's side will take on Central Coast while Canberra clashes with Queanbeyan.
The successful teams will progress to Sunday's championship match at 1pm.
The men's line-up features a strong roster of youth and experience including US imports Jaylen Nixon and Sean McCurdy. They've been well supported by young local players Blake Collins, Harry Bates, Zayn Galea, Logan Myers and Toby Harper in
CONTINUED Page 10
q The Dolphins men’s team to take on Moss Vale in the first qualifier. Photo: supplied.
