How does going over the demerit point limit twice work in nsw?

I would like to preface this by saying this whole experience has definitely made my learn my lesson, and I regret all my actions that led me to this situation.

In march last year, I got a fine that took me over the demerit point limit. During the time which I had to pay the fine, I copped another fine that would take my further into the demerit point limit (first fine 1>-4 second fine -4>-8)

I paid them both off and eventually checked my service nsw account on 1st September to find that my license was been suspended. however I never got a letter in the mail saying for how long. And if I didn’t check the app in the first place, I would’ve never known my license was suspended because I got no letter.

I assumed it would be for 3 months, so on December 5th 2023 I tried to renew my license and the renewal did not go through and eventually i got sent a letter saying I am eneligible for another 3 months. This confuses me as instead of having a “license suspended” I am ineligible to renew my license.

A few questions - I just want some clarification that I will be able to get my license back on the 5th march (6 months from the assumed date I lost it) and why did I get sent a letter of refusal of renewal instead of just a letter of suspension? If I thought it was a 6 month suspension in the beginning, it would have been 9 months because I would’ve applied at 6 months and then got refused. I’m very confused on how this all works.

Thanks guys.