Of The Area NewsCOFFS COAST
Footballing prodigy signs with Mariners
By David WIGLEY
SIXTEEN-year-old North Coast Football sensation
Logan Sambrook has taken a giant leap in his blooming career, signing a scholarship deal with A-League heavyweights Central Coast Mariners.
For the Northern Storm junior, the move to the reigning A-League Champions and Premiers represents the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“This is a dream come true,” Sambrook told News Of The Area.
“To be signed by the Mariners is everything I’ve worked for. Now, I just want to focus on my
football and give it my best.”
Sambrook caught the eye of national selectors at the national championships in Wollongong last year, where he represented Northern NSW.
His performances and goals earned him a call-up to the Joeys, Australia’s under-17 national team.
He then went on to make his mark on the PacificAus Sports Football Tour, impressing against the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Under 19 sides, and netting his first goal for Australia.
Now, the Coffs Harbour lad is set to relocate to Gosford, where he’ll live with a host family while completing his final year of
NOT GIVING UP
By Doug CONNOR
continues search for missing teenager
q Logan Sambrook representing the North Coast in the Premier Youth League.
around Emerald Beach. Jacob, aged 17 at the time, was last seen by friends at about 11pm near Emerald Beach - 20km north of Coffs Harbour - on Friday 6 December 2024. When he could not be located or contacted,
Jacob Partridge are “still out searching every day” for their son in bushland
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Footballing prodigy signs with Mariners
FROM Page 1
high school.
“My goal is to break into the Mariners' first team, but I know I need to perform consistently and keep improving to get there.
“I’ve always loved the Mariners since I first started watching football.
“Seeing incredible players come to the club, learn and develop before continuing to progress in their career, is a huge motivation for me.
“The culture and community is so strong on the Coast, I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Sambrook’s journey from grassroots football at the Northern Storm to the national
stage is testament to his dedication and talent.
He still has a strong connection to the Northern Storm, watching the men’s team take the Premiership at C.ex Coffs International Stadium last year and attending their annual awards night.
“I’d like to say a special thanks to North Coast Football, Northern NSW Football, Bishop Druitt College, Refined Recovery and Northern Storm Football, for the great coaching, support and opportunities they have given me over my football journey.
“I will be forever grateful.”
In a public statement, Central Coast
Mariners A-League Head Coach Mark Jackson gave high praise to the talented 16-year-old.
“We are really excited to be able to sign a young attacking player with such high potential,” he said.
“Logan is someone who is extremely sought after in Australian football, with multiple clubs vying for his signature, so we are delighted to have him join us on the Coast.
“He is a talented young footballer with huge potential who is well recognised in the Australian Junior National Team set up, and we look forward to working with him to continue to help him unlock that potential.”
Bodies of those killed in plane crash recovered
By Amanda PARKINSON, AAP
THE bodies of a pilot and passenger killed after their light plane crashed into the ocean have been recovered after an extensive retrieval operation by NSW Police.
Midcoast Microlights flying instructor
Mark White, 67, and colleague Simon Peutrill, 69, took off from a private airfield near Coffs Harbour on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were alerted around 4pm when the microlight plane was seen
crashing into the ocean about 1km east of Gumma, near Nambucca Heads.
Search and rescue crews recovered the body of a man from the wreckage on Saturday; a second body was recovered on Sunday morning.
Emergency services are now attempting to recover pieces of the plane from Scotts Head Beach to assist with an investigation into the incident.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent
Grant Rice told the ABC crews were in the Nambucca Valley assisting with the clean up.
"We've got our hazmat teams just picking up some debris that's been washed up along the shoreline and some of it is fibrous material," he said.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by detectives attached to the Marine Area Command.
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q Marine Rescue crews have recovered the bodies of two people whose plane crashed into the ocean. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
NOT GIVING UP
FROM Page 1
officers attached to Coffs/ Clarence Police District were notified and an investigation commenced into his whereabouts.
A multi-agency coordinated land and sea search began on Saturday 7 December and continued in daylight hours until it was suspended on the afternoon of Tuesday 10 December.
Since Jacob’s disappearance, community members have turned out in numbers to scour
local bushland areas, with another large-scale search planned for Saturday, 18 January.
Jacob’s mother, Liza, has also taken to tying care packages of food and water to trees in the bush in case her son might come across them.
“We are just going to keep doing these regular searches until we find something,” Liza told News Of The Area.
Details of upcoming searches can be found on the “Find Jacob Partridge” Facebook page.
“I’ll put up an event every time for it when we have organised mapping areas,” Liza said.
“We got to the point last time when we sort of exhausted the areas around Emerald Beach, so we are looking at branching out from there to other areas.”
Investigators are seeking to speak with anyone who might have seen Jacob in Emerald
Beach from 8pm on Saturday 7 December.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam that might assist police, is urged to contact Coffs Harbour Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Jacob is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with long brown hair.
q Missing teenager Jacob Partridge.
Photo: Find Jacob Partridge.
q The community has turned out in numbers to search nearby bushland for signs of the teenager. Photo: Find Jacob Partridge.
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Hogan endorsed as Nats candidate
INCUMBENT Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has been endorsed by the National Party to re-contest the seat in the 2025 Federal Election.
Mr Hogan, who was first elected as Page MP in 2013, said he was “humbled” to receive the party’s endorsement.
“It is an honour to serve our community and with their support I hope to continue to do so,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Based near Lismore, Mr Hogan enjoyed successful careers in both finance and education before entering politics.
The Nationals MP says Australia needs to “get our country back on track”, stating the 2025 election is “about who is best to help with cost of living, housing and rental pressures”.
“Labor have been an exceptionally disappointing Government,” Mr Hogan said.
“Cost-of-living pressures, the housing crisis and the complete lack of funding for regional communities all need reversing.
“Labor promised a $275 cut to power bills - this didn't happen.
“Instead, prices have increased, hurting our families and businesses.
“Immigration is at record levels and now no one can afford a home.
“I always believe that our best days are ahead of us, and this election is an opportunity to achieve that.”
The Page electorate includes Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond River and Clarence River local government areas, parts of Ballina Shire, as well as Woolgoolga and some northern areas of the Coffs Harbour LGA.
‘Hope on horizon’ in lifeguard dispute
By Mike HELY
REPRESENTATIVES from the City of Coffs Harbour and the union representing local lifeguards are still working to resolve the dispute that lifeguards say has been brewing for years.
The City of Coffs Harbour Event Funding Program is now accepting applications for events planned to run prior to 30 June 2025.
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United Services Union (USU) Northern Industrial Officer Noel Martin, said there was hope on the horizon.
So much so, that a follow-up meeting before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC), scheduled for Monday this week, was deferred to February so negotiations could continue.
A new meeting date has not yet been set.
The USU filed proceedings against the lifeguards’ employer, the City of Coffs Harbour, in the lead-up to Christmas with the parties appearing before the IRC on 5 December.
The lifeguards said their services were stretched to the limit, putting public safety at risk and threatening their own health and wellbeing.
Their main concerns are centred on budgeting, staffing and rostering – particularly on-call arrangements during weekends.
“The matter isn’t resolved yet, but we’re working with the council and seem to be heading in the right direction,” Mr Martin said.
“I requested the matter be stood over for 28 days to enable us to continue having positive discussions.
“We’re quietly confident there is going to be a positive outcome for lifeguards and the public.”
A City of Coffs Harbour spokesperson declined to comment on the matter “while it sits with the Industrial Relations Commission”.
Mr Hogan retained the seat in 2022 with 45.6 percent of the vote. His closest opponent was Labor’s Patrick
Deegan with 18.7 of the vote, followed by independent Hannabeth Luke claiming 13.1 percent.
q Page MP Kevin Hogan and his wife Karen.
Robert the pharmacist named Sawtellian of the Year
By Andrea FERRARI
“A LOVELY man”, “a stalwart of the community” and “best choice” are some of the almost 200 social media comments congratulating this year’s Sawtellian of the Year.
Robert Van Wyk, the popular Sawtell pharmacist, was awarded the community’s honour by Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the 105th Sawtell Super Fun Day on 1 January.
Robert is the pharmacist/ owner of Blooms the Chemist in Sawtell and Toormina.
Sawtellian of the Year is an annual award where local residents are invited to nominate people who have made an outstanding contribution to the Sawtell community.
Each nomination is supported by resumes and profiles provided by the nominator.
These are carefully reviewed by the organising
committee to determine the winner.
While technically his job is to dispense pharmaceuticals, Robert offers so much more according to the community testimonials.
He has a reputation as a person who goes above and beyond his normal duties to listen and advise.
“His broad knowledge, rarely found in the pharmaceutical profession, is so highly valued that his name is spoken of with unlimited appreciation,” Sawtell Super Fun Day Vice Chairperson Keith Bensley told News Of The Area.
The submitted profile evidenced Robert’s unfailing community spirit and reliable efforts to ensure healthcare is accessible for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, including the elderly and those with limited mobility.
His willingness to help, his compassion, his obvious commitment
to being a support in investigating adverse side effects of medication, and the generosity in giving of his time is recognised all around the local community, Mr Bensley said.
Outside of healthcare, Robert is a staunch supporter of the arts in Sawtell.
He sponsors the People's Choice Award at the Sawtell Gallery's annual Art Exhibition, demonstrating his commitment to fostering local talent and enriching the cultural fabric of the local town in which he trades.
Judging by the comments on social media, Robert’s recognition has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the community, who have shared their appreciation and support.
With almost 500 likes, the comments poured forth with endorsements of the committee’s choice for a man who is described as a legend, a champion, a most worthy recipient, and someone who supports the Sawtell community in a multitude of ways.
Help solve the coast’s ‘mushy fish’ mystery
By Sue STEPHENSON
COFFS Coast anglers are being asked to help find a solution to the spread of “mushy fish”.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher and Lecturer in Ecology Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon, is leading a project aimed at tracking the spread of the parasite behind the flesh-altering condition.
“Imagine tucking into a freshly caught Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi), which is highly prized for sashimi and sushi, only for it to crumble and have the texture of wet newspaper,” Dr Tout-Lyon said just before the Christmas/New Year seafood rush.
“This issue has been close to my heart for more than fifteen years and last year was by far the worst year I’ve experienced, with [an] abundance of mushy fish caught along the Mid North Coast.”
The parasite is believed to be moving south from Queensland, with the spread linked to the effects of Climate Change.
It is almost impossible to detect until the cooking process causes the fish to virtually liquify.
Dr Tout-Lyon, who is with the School of Agricultural,
Environment and Veterinary Sciences in Port Macquarie and the Gulbali Research Institute of Agriculture, Water and Environment, said it is not known if the microscopic parasite affects human health.
“The parasite releases an enzyme resulting in tissue disintegration leading to the familiar mushy flesh and rendering the fish unpalatable,” she said.
“This results in a lower market value for commercial fishers, wasted effort for recreational anglers, an unpalatable dinner for consumers, and a wasted product overall.”
Mahi mahi are also known to suffer from mushy flesh but unlike kingfish, this species can turn to jelly in the esky.
Many anglers throughout NSW waters have also reported other species of fish with similar issues.
Dr Tout-Lyon would like fishers anywhere in Australia or New Zealand to report any affected catches through the research project’s website.
Digital readers can click the link to complete the survey, while print readers can use a mobile phone to scan the QR code in the adjacent photo to be directed to the project page.
No download or login is required.
“To improve our understanding of the spread of the mushy fish issue in Australia, we seek the help of anglers ─ line fishers, spearfishers, First Nations cultural fishers, commercial or recreational fishers ─ to log their mushy fish catches.”
The research team has already conducted preliminary investigations in waters along the Mid North Coast and in Sydney Harbour, with anglers donating both fish tissue and water samples.
Results from this preliminary study are promising as they have validated the molecular tools being used to identify the parasite, and have also shown it can be present in fish that don’t turn mushy.
“This points to a more complex issue and interaction than we originally thought, and I’ll be relying on the continued efforts of the passionate kingfish fishing community Australia-wide to help unravel the mushy fish mystery.”
If anglers would like to contribute fish tissue or water samples to the project, they can reach Dr Tout-Lyon by emailing jetout@csu.edu. au.
q 2025 Sawtellian of the Year Robert Van Wyk receiving his award from Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.
q Lead investigator Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon and the QR code linking anglers to her ‘mushy fish’ survey. Photo: supplied by CSU.
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No answer in search for missing man
A COORDINATED multi-agency search for missing man Taweoo Kim has been suspended, however local police are continuing patrols of the Emerald Beach
Taewoo, 21, a South Korean national, was last seen about 1pm on Thursday 26 December 2024, when he entered waters at Moonee Beach, off Dammerel Crescent, Emerald Beach.
A day later, at around 9:30pm, police were notified when Taewoo had not returned to his accommodation.
Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended Moonee Beach where
items believed to belong to Taewoo were located.
Local police, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, SES, Surf Life Saving and Marine Rescue NSW quickly commenced a search of the area, which was later suspended.
Taewoo is described as being of Asian appearance, of slim build, about 175cm tall, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about Taewoo’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
q Missing man
Influential support for Sandy Beach community
By Kim SATCHELL
THE Sandy Beach Action Group has garnered support from several influential advocates in its fight against the development of 131 new homes on sensitive wetlands adjacent to Hearnes Lake.
Previous applications to develop the land have been refused on environmental grounds, however Sydney developer Elite Constructions is pushing forward with its proposal, which involves raising the homes on several metres of landfill.
Community members fear it will lead to the flooding of their properties and damage to the nearby Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Critical issues with the site were discussed at a recent meeting.
Backing the community were NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson, City of Coffs Harbour Greens councillor Jonathan Cassell, Coffs Coast National Parks Association Treasurer Sharon Peterson and former councillor and Chairman of the Coffs Coast
Park Trust Board, Rod McKelvey. Concerns about the Development Application currently before City of Coffs Harbour Council include how sustainable and future development is seen under current legislation.
“I’m quite shocked to see this inappropriate development proposal rear up under what is essentially a Zombie DA concept plan,” Ms Higginson told News Of The Area.
“We should not be accepting proposals to build new homes in locations that are not safe under the current planning controls and climate change scenarios.”
Greens councillor Jonathan Cassell told News Of The Area, "What stood out for me from this meeting is that this development does not have community support for several reasons such as worry about flooding impacts, worsening coastal inundation risks and an Environmental Impact Statement full of errors.”
Rod McKelvey, who has been privy to the history of the site from early 2000, said acquisition is the most logical resolution, given the passage of time and the environmental importance of the lake.
“It’s a natural fit into the Coffs Coast Regional Park,” he said.
Taweoo Kim. Photo: NSW Police.
Regional
q (L-R) Rod McKelvey, Elizabeth Dray, Sue Higginson MLC, Jonathan Cassell, Sue Peterson and Ian Foskett.
Coffs ED under pressure but bucks state trend
By Sue STEPHENSON
EMERGENCY departments
in the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) are bucking statewide trends in the face of ongoing staffing and pay pressures and the shortage of GPs.
The Bureau of Health Information’s (BHI’s) last “Healthcare Quarterly” report for 2024 showed that elsewhere in NSW, ED patients (on average) are waiting longer to be treated.
Between July and September, 787,590 people attended an ED and only
61 percent started their treatment within the recommended time frame.
Of this number, 195,703 arrived by ambulance - more than in any quarter since reporting began in 2010.
There were also record numbers of triage category 2 (emergency) and triage category 3 (urgent) patients.
Just 49.2 percent of the emergencies and 55.9 percent of the urgent cases were treated on time.
Despite also facing an increase in cases, the MNCLHD bettered these state averages.
Of the 36,259 attendances
at its EDs between Port Macquarie-Hastings and Coffs Harbour, nearly two-thirds of patients across all five triage categories began treatment on time,
“Our teams continue to go above and beyond to ensure our communities receive timely, high-quality care, even during periods of heightened demand,” MNCLHD Acting Chief Executive Jill Wong said.
The breakdown for Coffs Harbour Health Campus is as follows:
- 11,583 ED attendances
- 85.9 percent were transferred from ambulance to
M I S S I N G
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Health Information.
ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark time, which is better than the average of 75 percent for hospitals of a similar size
- 885 elective surgeries, with 100 percent of urgent procedures completed on time
- 81 percent of planned surgeries were performed on time, which is an improvement of 13.3 percent on the same quarter in 2023.
A second BHI report released in December shows the results of its annual Emergency Department Patient Survey.
Nine in ten patients recorded their care between July 2023 and June 2024 as being “very good” (62 percent) or “good” (26 percent).
The survey also provides insights into why people attend an ED.
Over a two-month period, 38 percent of patients said
it was because their GP or health professional service was closed while a further 23 percent said they couldn’t get an appointment within a reasonable time.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) said the unprecedented demand has put nurses at the forefront of a crisis.
“The latest quarterly BHI data confirms what our members know; that they are getting busier and busier,”
General Secretary Shaye Candish said.
“They’re treating more seriously ill patients than ever before, with unparalleled numbers of emergency and urgent presentations this quarter.”
But Ms Candish says the data cannot be primarily attributed to the GP shortage.
“Semi-urgent and non-
urgent cases have both fallen, while patients presenting with complex and acute conditions have risen.
“Members are dealing with extremely testing conditions, often working chronically understaffed while striving to provide quality clinical care to all patients.”
The NSWNMA is currently negotiating with the Minns Government for a 15 percent pay increase.
Meantime, the MNCLHD encourages the community to reserve EDs and ambulances for emergencies.
For non-urgent concerns, consult a GP, medical centre, or a virtual care service.
If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, people are encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour telephone health advice.
q More people across NSW are requesting an ambulance. Image: Bureau of
q The number of people presenting to NSW EDs with complex and acute conditions has increased. Image: Bureau of Health Information.
q Mid North Coast ED treatment times are better than the state average. Photo: supplied by the MNCLHD.
Video producers to speak at ‘Swell Chasers’
By Kim SATCHELL
THE “Swell Chasers: Surf stories of the Mid-North Coast” exhibition at Yarrila Place in Coffs Harbour continues to feature industry showcases.
From 10.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday, 15 January, video production company BathTime Productions will discuss its role in the commissioned Swell Chasers video.
The brief was to pull together and finesse contributed footage of local surfers and surf spots on the Mid North Coast.
The video has been playing on loop on a full-wall screen in a dedicated cubeshaped room of the Gordon Street museum and gallery.
It is an integral part of the cultural history of surfing in the area.
BathTime Productions are visual storytelling specialists based in Sawtell and are made up of creative directors Clare and Matt Bath,
and Tom Schneider, who is an editor and camera/drone operator.
They bring a wealth of professional television and commercial video experience to the project.
Their careers have both national and international scope but each grew up in the
area with a solid foundation of surfing around Sawtell.
They were a natural fit for the project, pulling all the strings together and packaging the eclectic mix of contributions into a more coherent community-driven project.
“The attraction to work
Woopi artist bringing condition ‘to light’
By Kim SATCHELL
FIONA Bennell is a quiet but prodigious achiever whose talents range from architecture and environmental design to art and disability activism.
Her most recent venture is to open her studio gallery to the public for a summer
exhibition entitled “Colour Matter for Grey Matter”.
The gallery is at 53 Melaleuca Avenue, Woolgoolga, and is open between 10am -12.30 pm until 17 January, and by appointment for art classes and workshops.
Fiona’s accolades date
back to her selection for the 1979 HSC Art Express.
She also has a 2004 HIA Housing Award (best renovation under $300,000), 2005 Country Energy Award (for painting), a 2006 HIA Housing Award (best new home under $800,000) and the 2008 Coffs Harbour
q The ‘Swell Chasers: Surf stories of the Mid-North Coast’ exhibition.
with the gallery was twofold,” Matt explained to News Of The Area.
“Firstly, the opportunity to present the work in this world-class facility in Coffs Harbour provided a strong motivation to get involved.
“[Then], being keen surfers and actively involved
in and around these spots day in, day out, we appreciate how stunning the local area can be.”
The team faced the daunting task of making things work together in a manner that reflected the wider range of artefacts, images and texts in the
accompanying gallery space.
The key to this was their own video work, including spectacular drone footage, and the soundtrack.
“The soundtrack made sense of it all, with the music heightening the euphoria of the surfing.”
After something of a hiatus, she has returned to her art practice with renewed verve.
Her current works are whimsical with a vibrant palette.
“My work is playful but I cannot shy away from the
difficult questions,” she told the News Of The Area.
While Fiona’s days are filled by her husband, family and grandchildren, she also lives with epilepsy.
It is why she has dedicated 50 percent of the profits from her art sales to “Epilepsy Action Australia.”
“I am motivated to bring to light a sickness that is not often talked about but often misunderstood; whose sufferers are stigmatised and impacted in their daily lives, relationships, basic freedoms and ability to participate in community without a sense of trepidation.”
Portrait Prize.
q The immersive quality of the cube and full wall screen.
q Fiona Bennell with her work ‘Picnic with a piece of sky’.
q The whimsical ‘Swing in the sky’.
q Fiona’s studio is full of light and perfect for playtime.
‘Goldilocks’ weather for Super Fun Day
By Andrea FERRARI
PERFECT
“Goldilocks
weather” (not too hot, not too cold) greeted participants in the 105th Sawtell Super Fun Day.
“The event has been cancelled in the recent past [because of] torrential rain and wind, so it was with relief and thrills that we woke up to a fine day,” organising Vice Chairperson Keith Bensley said.
The New Years Day activities kicked off in Main
Street with the annual 5km Fun Run through the streets of Sawtell.
Organised by Coffs Coast Athletics, it drew around 250 entrants from across the country.
Runners finished at the Sawtell Beach Holiday Park where the traditional Fun Day was already underway with entertainment for the children including an obstacle course, bungee run, jumping castle, aqua blaster, fun with the RFS fire hoses, and a climb on board Sawtell Fire and
Rescue’s 1920 vintage fire truck.
“Coincidentally, it was sharing the same age of 105 years as the Fun Day,” Mr Bensley said.
The 100m sprint races on the specially prepared track catered for all ages and ran for most of the day.
“The less energetic [listened] to local artist Charlie Davis from the comfort of a seat under the large shade marquee.”
After the recognition of local pharmacist Robert Van Wyk as Sawtellian
of the Year, visitors were entertained by another local, Simon Gardiner.
The day wrapped up with the presentation of by City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and
q City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams awarded sprint prizes. Photo: Glenn Thacker, Coffs Coast Athletics.
q Playtime at the Sawtell Super Fun Day.
q Sawtellian vocalist and guitar player Simon Gardiner, entertained throughout the afternoon.
q Sawtell Fire and Rescue’s 1920 vintage fire truck.
q Local singer and songwriter Charlie Davis played through the morning.
q Kids had fun with the RFS water hoses.
Highlights from the Coffs Coast Carols
By David WIGLEY
THE 2024 Coffs Coast Carols delivered a spectacular evening of music, dance, and festive cheer, capped off by a dazzling fireworks display and a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Hosted by Coffs Harbour
Mayor Nikki Williams and Councillor Julie Sechi, the event drew an estimated 5000 people to Brelsford Park for a celebration brimming with local talent.
Teen sensations Zahra Cawley and Adelaide Robinson set the tone with
soulful performances of “Snowman” and “Silent Night” before leading
a spirited rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.
Mal Winckle brought a distinctly Aussie flair to the stage with his traditional country Christmas songs, while Jess Wyborn had the crowd swaying to “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and the surprise inclusion of “Dance Monkey”.
Fourteen-year-old Dylan Wigley lifted the energy with a lively cover of Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” and a heartfelt wish for Christmas to come every day.
Louise Richards followed with crowd-pleasers like
“Sweet Caroline”, sending attendees into a singalong frenzy.
The Julie Ross Dance School brought a burst of color and grace with their bright costumes and intricate choreography.
Caleb Beaumont delighted younger fans with a medley of songs from The Wiggles.
Excitement peaked when Santa Claus arrived in style, cruising in on a gleaming trike courtesy of Coffs Harbour Trike Tours.
Children rushed to greet him as he made his way to the stage.
Imogen Daymond kept the momentum going with her renditions of “Last Christmas” and “O Holy Night”, while country duo Mak and Shar closed the evening with a mix of classic covers and Christmas carols, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks finale.
Mayor Nikki Williams praised the event as a resounding success.
“We have an incredible
depth of local talent on the Coffs Coast, and it was wonderful to see them shine,” she said.
“The carols are a fantastic way to bring the community together and Brelsford Park, after its recent renovation, proved to be the perfect venue.”
Cr Williams extended her gratitude to the sponsors, City of Coffs Harbour staff, and John Logan Entertainment for their roles in making the night unforgettable.
q The Julie Ross Dance School lit up the stage.
q Santa Claus sent the crowd and the hosts into a frenzy.
q Jess Wyborn singing ‘Dance Monkey’.
q Caleb Beaumont captured the hearts of the younger audience performing Wiggles songs.
q Imogen Daymond with a captivating performance of ‘Rock Around the Christmas Tree’.
q The grand finale with all performers on stage followed by a spectacular firework show.
q Julie Ross Dance School wowing the crowd. q Several thousand spectators enjoyed a funpacked evening at the Coffs Coast Carols 2024.
q Santa Claus arrived in style on a trike.
q Mak and Shar capped off the evening with a set of rock music and Christmas songs.
q Dylan Wigley sang ‘I wish it could be Christmas everyday’ and ‘Learn to Fly’ by the Foo Fighters.
q Mayor Nikki Williams and Councillor Julie Sechi hosted the event.
Answering the call for donated food
By Andrea FERRARI
A DONATION of meat for the months of December and January means more meals are available for those seeking support at Pete’s Place in Coffs Harbour.
The unfunded Vinnies service is a drop-in hub for around 120 people in need everyday - from parents with babies to the elderly.
Every week, for several years, Rosemary and Chris Hansen have been making meals as part of a Lions Club project and delivering them to Pete’s Place.
The meals feed up to 40 people.
The couple pay for all the food out of their own pockets but recently put out a call to see if any butcher, fresh chicken retailer or supermarket could help by donating supplies to the
cause.
“We didn’t hear anything, so I just continued to cook,” Rosemary told News Of The Area.
“Just before Christmas, a lady by the name of Nicole sent me a message asking if I could meet with her as she wanted to help.”
The lady was Nicole Martin from Guzman Y Gomez Coffs Harbour, who offered to donate 15kgs of chicken for the month of December and again for the month of January.
“We were pretty impressed and were so happy that someone else out there was prepared to help.”
Rosemary’s passion for helping people was instilled in her by her parents.
“[They] raised nine healthy children and taught us that there is always someone else out there
worse off than we are.
“I hate to say it but my mother was a terrible cook, however she did manage to feed us all.”
Rosemary’s love of cooking came from not wanting to cook the bland food she had as a child.
“We don’t cook anything for Pete’s Place that is not nutritious or that we would not eat ourselves.”
She admits she was unsure how her food supply project would be received.
“It was very daunting walking into Pete’s Place when we first started delivering the meals.
“The first day I went there, a mum was sitting on the floor with a newborn baby, and I felt for her.
“Now I don’t have a problem going in there. They are all normal people who just need a feed or some help.”
The Lions Club of Coffs Harbour works a monthly BBQ at Pete’s Place and Rosemary says the people they feed are so wellmannered and grateful.
“We also help a bit more by providing snack food at the start of each school term
Australia Day Hot Rod display
By Andrea FERRARI
THE best hot rods from the region will be rumbling into Woolgoolga for a free, family day car show at the town’s C.ex club on Australia Day, 26 January.
“Woolgoolga will once again host its annual, massive car display featuring the best hot rods, classic and muscle and vintage cars and maybe even a few custom bikes,” Darren “Brom” Bromell from the event’s organiser Chrome Bumper told News Of The Area.
Marking 13 years of Gypsy Artists
By Andrew VIVIAN
MORE than thirteen years ago, Marion Crear and Loretta Williamson got together to share their love of all things creative.
Their first meetings were held at their kitchen tables.
As more artists joined their group, they rotated their Thursday morning get-togethers through members’ homes, jokingly calling themselves the “Gypsy Artists”.
When even more local artists joined the group, a space was rented at the Toormina Guide Hall with members sharing the cost of their three hours of morning art-making.
This venue proved popular and over a number of years, the group grew and flourished.
The name “Gypsy Artists”
stuck, although meetings are now held at the Boambee East Community Centre each Thursday fortnight.
The group has always aimed to be an inclusive space for anyone who would like to create, in any medium, whether they are an experienced artist or simply a beginner who may want to try their hand at something artistic.
The Gypsy Artists’ philosophy has always been that, “Art grows when it is shared”.
There are currently more than 25 “Gypsys”.
Kerrie Stewart has been a member for six years.
“I get so much support with my art making because everyone is so encouraging and helpful,” she said.
“I enjoy sharing my skills with others who want to do what I do.”
The group’s extensive creative skills include pursuits such as ecoprinting, fibre arts, felting, printmaking, bookbinding, making art journals, altered books and many other mixed media techniques.
Experienced artists within the group usually give a workshop each meeting to teach any technique that may be of interest to members.
The Gypsy Art Group is very social and has no committee members or rules and regulations.
The only fee paid is $10 for each attendance, which goes towards rent but also funds the group’s exhibitions at the Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour.
The “Gypsies” now proudly display and sell their art and craft through these exhibitions and also conduct free creative demonstrations
for the staff to give to families who don’t have enough… for their kids to take to school.
“It’s very hard to learn and concentrate when you have an empty stomach.”
Rosemary is now looking forward to starting another big project.
“We can’t wait to get
Chrome Bumper is a social media hub providing stories and events to the car-mad community for free, including an online magazine.
Curated for community participation, the hot rod display offers free entry for both cars and the general public with trophies on offer.
“We are car crazy, and the Woolgoolga community is home to Chrome Bumper and so we wanted to put on a free day for all to check out the best on offer.”
Brom is calling out to any car owners wishing to display their pre-1980 vehicle. Go to
our Women’s Shed up and running so we can teach people to cook and be able to help out feeding more in the community.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or joining the Lions Club of Coffs can call her on 0433 994 383.
chromebumper.com.au to fill out the registration form or call him on 0434 046 532 to discuss.
Kids are catered to on the day with the C.ex Woolgoolga club providing entertainment and face painting.
Local businesses help fund the event.
“We have partnered with NAPA Auto Parts, who are providing the trophies for the event and who provide ongoing support, and Technology Centres Australia, who keep our online presence afloat while we’re on the road.”
C.ex Woolgoolga club donates its car park and auditorium for the day. Cars will be on display from 10am.
for the public most days of the event.
The next Gypsy Art Exhibition is at the Regional Botanic Garden from 13-17 January, with demonstrations
starting at 10.30am.
Sharron Arnold will be doing Gelliprint plants on Monday the 13th and Blobimals/ Concertina on the Friday;
q Nicole Martin from Guzman Y Gomez (centre) with Lions members Rosemary and Chris Hansen.
Faye Sharples
will demonstrate stencilled paper on Tuesday; Marion Crear will show art journals on Wednesday and Kerrie Stewart will do eco printing on Friday.
q Gypsy Art Group members create pieces in all mediums.
q Darren ‘Brom’ Bromell with Oliver and Aria Clayton.
Jetty Carnival supporting Coffs Nippers
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Coffs Jetty Carnival is donating $9000 to the Nippers program at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club (CHSLSC).
For almost 30 years, the carnival’s owners March’s Amusements have asked the community to recommend potential recipients of their annual fundraiser.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donation, which will go a long way
in supporting the CHSLSC Juniors,” the club’s Activities Coordinator Louise Mengel said.
“The funds will be used to upgrade resources for our junior Nippers program, including purchasing new boards to accommodate our growing membership and upgrading our tents to ensure everyone stays sun safe during training and events.”
Families of the surf club attended the special fundraiser in December.
“The Jetty Carnival was a fantastic afternoon and evening, and it was wonderful to see the kids having so much fun with their club mates and members of the community.”
March’s Amusements has been an iconic part of the show scene for decades.
Created by Stan March in 1946, it is now in the safe hands of daughter Kaylene Ritter and nephew Chris Hennessy.
The group prides itself on being an integral part of the many communities it visits across the country
The Jetty Carnival operates throughout January, culminating in a wholecommunity special event on 26 January.
Rotary exchange student jets off
By Andrea FERRARI
TOORMINA
High School student
Indy Evans is off on the experience of a lifetime, heading to Namur, Belgium for a one-year study exchange.
Indy, 16, has just finished Year 10 and will study the equivalent of Year 11 in Belgium.
On her return to Australia she will enter Year 12 at Toormina.
Indy will be supported on her journey by the Rotary Club of Sawtell.
The club’s Youth Director, Alan Freedman, will serve as her counsellor throughout the program.
As part of the Youth
Exchange Program, Sawtell Rotary Club will host a student from Belgium from July.
The primary goal of the exchange program is to provide young people the opportunity to experience a different culture and to develop as leaders who promote peace and justice around the world.
The counsellor role is not a new one for Mr Freedman, having worked with many exchange students from both the Coffs Coast and his former home of Melbourne.
“It is a most rewarding opportunity seeing the students return as young adults,” he told News Of The Area.
“I had the pleasure of presenting Indy with her Rotary Club Youth Exchange Program blazer and having a chat with her before she goes off on her year overseas.
“She is so excited at the prospect of leaving in a few days’ time and was thrilled to receive her blazer,” he said.
The presentation was planned for the Club’s special farewell meeting held on 9 December at the Sawtell RSL Club attended by over 40 people.
“Unfortunately, her blazer was not ready at the time so I presented it to her at her home.
“I know Indy will be a great ambassador not only for Rotary but our Club too, and we wish her all the very best for her year in Belgium.”
q Rotary Club of Sawtell Youth Director Alan Freedman presents Indy Evans with her Youth Exchange Program blazer.
q CHSLSC Nippers Emily Mengel, Millie Bear and Malia Partridge at the Jetty Carnival. Photo: Chris Hennessy.
q Juniors Co-ordinator Louise Mengel and carnival owner Chris Hennessy. Photo: Chris Hennessy.
q Nippers enjoying the Jetty Carnival fundraiser. Photo: Chris Hennessy.
Exhibition restores ‘inner child’
By Andrea FERRARI
WOOLGOOLGA Art Gallery’s (WAG) latest exhibition
“Magical Kingdom” is wooing audiences young and old with a fairytale world of children’s stories.
“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to restore our inner child and tap into a deeper sense of wonder and joy,” WAG spokesperson Karen Thio told News Of The Area.
Entering the exhibition and stepping though an organza-like screen, a magical kingdom opens up before you.
Three local creatives, Ann Redmond, Annie Olive and Vicki Bartlett have worked together to create a truly magical show.
Ann Redmond’s work displays her fanciful animallike and elf-like fabric creations.
Hours of sewing reflect her attention to detail.
The result is the creation of an enchanting kingdom of fairies, dragons and other surprising creatures.
Annie Olive’s exhibits show a collection of truly imaginative children’s costumes.
The child-sized costumes of dragons and fairies are beautifully constructed and sewn.
Vicki Bartlett is showing bejeweled ceramics and otherworldly polymer/multimedia creations.
She is a prominent local ceramic, polymer clay and multi-media artist who imagines and creates 3D artworks with a twist.
This exhibition is showing until 26 January.
The Woolgoolga Art Gallery is open for public viewing every day from 10am - 4pm, at 73 Turon Parade, Woolgoolga.
Entry is free and most exhibitions show the work of local artists.
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
By Poppy JOHNSTON, AAP
AUSTRALIANS have endured taxing economic conditions in the past calendar year, but there is cause for cautious hope in 2025.
Long-awaited interest rate cuts are broadly expected in the first half of the year, providing household budgets with much-needed breathing space.
Market Economics managing director Stephen Koukoulas said healthier household incomes and a recovering global economy would support a moderate pick-up in Australia's growth over the next 12 months.
Yet with the economic recovery mild and activity still overall lacklustre, the economist expected the jobless rate to creep higher, to around 4.5 percent.
While not a "catastrophic" lift in unemployment, he told AAP a weaker labour market would be a light dampener on spending.
For the Reserve Bank of Australia, inflation remained the main game and Mr Koukoulas was confident price measures were heading in the right direction.
Much emphasis will be put on December quarter inflation figures, due at the end of January, as the key source of information
ahead of the first RBA board meeting of the year in February.
Mr Koukoulas said the combination of progress on inflation, slowing wage growth and an easing jobs market - albeit graduallyshould have the RBA "pretty content" to start easing soon.
He has pencilled in a fairly shallow easing cycle, of about three 25 basis point cuts.
Canstar director of research Sally Tindall said the depth of the easing cycle remained a source of uncertainty and warned borrowers not to re-jig budgets prematurely.
Under National Australia
Bank's expected scenario of five 25-basis point cuts by mid-2026, an owneroccupier with a $600,000 mortgage could wind up with a $440 reduction in their monthly repayments.
Yet if the central bank cuts only twice, as tipped by ANZ, only a $181 monthly repayment reduction can be anticipated in the same timeframe.
Ms Tindall said variablerate mortgage-holders were on track for relief but was of the view 2025 was still going to be a tough year for many, with interest rates, rents and grocery prices "not going back to what they used to be".
"We're not going back to the days where rates were, you know, sitting in the
twos," she told AAP.
"And we're not going back to the days of lower supermarket bills.
"They're just not going to be rising by as much."
Heading into 2025, the United States was the "great uncertainty" for Mr Koukoulas as Republican Donald Trump returned to the White House.
The economist warned a US-China trade war "would be really disruptive" were the incoming president's tariff threats acted on and retaliated against.
"What he actually does versus what he's actually said, of course, remains a huge issue," he said.
It may not be all doom and gloom for the world's biggest economy, with Mr
Koukoulas highlighting proposals on government spending efficiency as a possible opportunity to get a handle on the nation's budget deficit problem.
Back at home, a federal election could see voters bombarded with promises to ease cost-of-living pain from both sides of politics.
AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the midyear update showed a federal budget sliding back into deficit, in part reflecting higher spending on childcare and $5.6 billion in election goodies filed under "decisions taken but yet to be announced".
"The upcoming election risks a further rise in government spending but is unlikely to result in a big change in near term macroeconomic policies," Dr Oliver wrote in a note.
q Artist Vicki Bartlett, with her multi media bust.
q ‘Brucie’ by Ann Redmond.
q ‘Children Costumes’ by Annie Olive.
q ‘Polymer Clay’ by Vicki Bartlett.
q Laurie Manson, (daughter of artist Ann Redmond) admiring the bunny’s cheeky bloomers.
Cheers for community Christmas lunch
By Andrea FERRARI
A MOVE to the Exhibition Hall at Coffs Showground proved a winner for the 2024 Coffs Christmas Lunch 4 U.
The free lunch for the community is held annually on Christmas Day.
Co-ordinators of the event, Nick Newling and Ange Anderson, made the decision to upsize the venue due to growing numbers.
“The new location provided an expansive space that comfortably accommodated the guests and will continue to be the venue of choice for years to come,” the pair told News Of The Area.
A crowd of approximately 140 people attended the event, from a total of 228 registrations collected by the Neighbourhood Centre, Blue Sky and Uniting’s Soup Place.
The intent of the day, from its origin as the “Orphans Christmas Lunch” 17 years ago, is to provide a safe, inclusive space for individuals without family or support at this time of year.
The event featured lucky door prizes, a sausage BBQ, buffet lunch, soft drinks and entertainment provided by 2AirFM and Marie, Linton, Laurent and Steve.
Coffs Harbour Learning Centre students, under the guidance of Kym Sanders, prepared individually wrapped Christmas cakes, and a photo booth which was a huge hit, especially for Santa photos.
“This school came on board last year and again this year, providing very special items for the community,” Ange said.
“Members of the Coffs
Coast District of Cake and Sugar Artists of NSW created some amazing Christmas decorated cookies, individually wrapped, for the guests.”
On departing each guest received a non-perishable hamper bag, soft drinks, bottled water and Christmas cake.
Major sponsors of the event included City of Coffs Harbour Council, Geo Civil Solutions, TCA Technologies, Daybreak Rotary, Hope for the Homeless and Muse Church.
Sponsorship funding assisted with venue hire, public liability and other costs associated with running the event.
Amongst a myriad of long time supporters were Faircloth & Reynolds,
Bananacoast Hotbake, Woolworths Park Avenue, Big Country Meats and Provedores.
“There was an abundance of donations from individuals this year, who I’m sure are doing it tough themselves, but were kind-hearted and wanted to ensure the event went ahead and nobody went hungry at Christmas,” Nick said.
Ange said they were inundated with offers of volunteer assistance.
“The volunteers at the event were wonderful, they all arrived with care and kindness and made the day very special for a lot of people,” said Ange.
“A special shout out to Sandy Birkett and Geoff McDonald who stepped up in a time of need.
“Some volunteers come along year after year, and that wisdom and knowledge is invaluable to help guide the new volunteers.”
The surplus food from the event was donated to Troy Arvidson’s Food Fix,
an emergency relief food initiative, to distribute to community members in need on Boxing Day and beyond, meaning the Coffs Christmas Lunch 4 U event benefitted
people for days afterwards, with minimal waste.
After participating in the experience from launch through to post-event food distribution, Ange said
community
“Even in these tough times, people show care and compassion for those in need,” she said.
spirit is alive and well in Coffs Harbour.
q Coffs Christmas Lunch 4 U organisers Ange Anderson and Nick Newling.
q Orphans Christmas Luncheon (original name of CCL4U) founder Julie Ferguson with Ange.
q Entertainment provided by Linton, Marie, Laurent and Steve.
q Serving lunch.
q A convivial atmosphere for the Christmas Day lunch.
BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Top-tier legal service
LED by recently returned local Gillian Hunter, Farrar Gesini Dunn provides the Coffs Harbour community with top-tier legal service, no matter the complexity.
“Since the launch of our Coffs Harbour office in February 2024, we have enjoyed servicing the locals in Family Law, Wills and Estate (including Elder Law), and all manner of Conveyancing,” said Gillian Hunter.
“Our Family Lawyers specialise in out-of-court solutions and offer a number of ways to resolve your matter before it proceeds to Court.
“However, if legal proceedings ensue, our family lawyers are experienced in matters involving property division, sensitive and high conflict parenting matters, child support, domestic
violence, child abduction and surrogacy agreements.
“Our Family Law Team is particularly interested in collaborative practice and harnessing innovative ways to resolve your matter.
“Preparing formidable Binding Financial Agreements is a specialty and a great source of pride for us is that we have never prepared a BFA that has been set aside.
“Our Wills and Estates Team work across all Australian jurisdictions.
“They are experts in estate planning, probate, estate administration, and estate dispute resolution.
“They will utilise every advantage to develop effective estate planning that is catered to your individual circumstances and save your estate from unnecessary contests and tax burdens.
“Our Estate Lawyers are not adverse to litigation and are well-equipped to defend your interests in an estate dispute, though they place an emphasis on alternative dispute resolution to avoid incurring costs, where appropriate.
“As part of our Elder
Law practice, we can assist with tribunal proceedings and advise you in relation to your downsizing options including advice about
and
“The Coffs Harbour office is your portal to obtaining local assistance that is
supported by a national network of specialist lawyers with city experience.
"We will match you with the right lawyer whether
“We look forward to assisting you!”
FARRARGESINIDUNN
Granny Flat Agreements
Retirement Village Contracts.
local or located in our other offices across Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
q Your local Farrar Gesini Dunn team.
Is this how we promote tourism and treat
locals?
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN Marina Parade at the Jetty Foreshores, City of Coffs Harbour Council has put a new (no parking) Bus Zone on the southern side of the road near the Jordan Esplanade roundabout.
Five parking spaces have been changed and a Bus Zone sign has been placed at each end of that space.
A very poor attempt to scratch the white perimeter lines has been done, so there appears to still be five parking spaces.
There are no markings on the road or footpath making people aware that this area is now a Bus Zone and I have seen no advertising that the council has changed these parking spaces.
Locals have been parking there for years now and would be unaware of this change, especially if they didn’t look up at the sign on each end or if they grabbed one of the parking spots in the middle section.
One would also not assume these to now be made a Bus Zone as no public buses drive down this road.
The parking ranger was there putting $320 parking fines (Sunday 29 December) on the car windscreen of devastated local ratepayers/high price renters and tourists.
How many fines have been handed out in the last two weeks since the Bus Zone has been put there?
I hope City of Coffs cancels all these parking fines until they address this poorly/ unfairly managed situation.
Who decides the best position for a Bus Zone?
It is a very congested/extremely busy position to put a Bus Zone with people attending the Sunday markets/carnival and the many needed tourists that frequent our beautiful Jetty area.
It is also placed in between a pedestrian crossing and the very busy roundabout.
Regards, Zeita HICKS, Coffs Harbour.
The Jetty’s white elephant
DEAR News Of The Area,
HOW sad for architects King and Campbell that the upper level of their award-winning Foreshore Community Building (NOTA 20/12/24) has become a white elephant, empty during yet another Christmas season.
Is our new energised council doing anything to find a tenant?
On two occasions I heard councillors say a tenant had been signed and yet they never materialised.
Could the space at least be used for pop-up events such as art exhibitions during the summer months?
Regards, Ros HOLCOMBE, Coffs Harbour.
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
We have a family of magpies that visit each day and my daughter has started feeding them. They are becoming very familiar and have even started coming into the house.
Should we encourage this friendship?
Helene G
Dear Helene,
MAGPIES are incredibly smart and social creatures and they can be an absolute delight to have in your garden.
DEAR News Of The Area,
TREVOR Harragon’s insightful letter (NOTA 3/1/25) questioning the logic behind Dutton and Co’s nuclear power stance and his making unnecessary and contentious comments about not standing in front of our Indigenous flags simply highlights a major flaw in our democratic system.
An elector’s vote counts regardless of whether or not there is any logical thought behind it.
The fact that Dutton might be deceptive, doesn’t understand nuclear technology,
A flaw in the democratic system Time for forestry sector to own up
DEAR News Of The Area,
STEVE Dobbyns’ Letter to the Editor in the 3 January edition of News Of The Area professes to ‘table the facts’, yet it is full of factual errors.
Firstly, Mr Dobbyns’ assertion that the NSW Forestry Corporation behaves responsibly is laughable given their recent action, including illegally logging the Bindarri National Park near Coffs Harbour.
The Forestry Corporation has admitted to this shocking breach, but instead of being fined they have received no more than a slap on the wrist by the NSW government, encouraging them to continue this reckless indifference to responsible behaviour.
The Bindarri National Park is home to koalas, bats, owls, platypus birds and wallabies, many of which sit on our national endangered species list.
The NSW Premier Chris Minns originally pledged to develop the Great Koala
nor has a grasp on the practicalities of the renewables roll-out doesn’t matter because the LNP will get votes simply because, as their leader, he is divisive and contentious.
Any deeper and more intelligent debate becomes almost meaningless and is a sad comment on our nation.
It is no coincidence that Dutton is being mentored by Trump strategists and promoted by Murdoch’s Sky network.
Regards, Dave WOOD, Boambee East.
Their warbling chorus is as characteristically Australian as the raucous laughter of kookaburras.
On the other hand, magpies can be territorial assailants, swooping and attacking screaming children and cyclists who dare to venture in their path.
It sounds as though you've made friends with your magpies and they have made your home theirs.
As an interesting aside, magpies have exceptional memories and recognise faces, so they know your daughter and they now associate her with their meal ticket.
The problem is, when wildlife becomes dependent on humans, it can cause all sorts of issues.
Many people feed birds thinking they are doing something positive, but there are many foods that they shouldn't eat.
Magpies, for example, should not be fed many of the common foods people feed them such as mince, cheese or bread.
National Park, stretching from Clarence to Coffs Harbour.
Yet the forests within the park are being steadily degraded, with more than 106 sectors in the proposed Great Koala National Park already closed for the harvesting of native timber.
Secondly Mr Dobbyns’ assertion that forestry in NSW generates $2.9 billion dollars into the NSW economy completely disregards the fact that the Forestry Corporation has lost $29 million dollars in a single year, which is made up by us, the NSW taxpayer.
Independent assessments of the Forestry Corporation have recommended that this completely unprofitable enterprise be transitioned away from native forest logging to plantation logging, ensuring timber supplies but avoiding the ongoing devastating and irreversible damage to our natural heritage.
From a balance and transparency
Christmas is not silly
DEAR News Of The Area,
A MONTH ago I was on holiday in your area and loved being there.
But on reading the “On the box” TV comments in your paper, I see once again Christmas being referred to as the “silly season” which I find disrespectful
and unnecessary (Christmas with Aus. Women’s Weekly).
Other religious festivals like Ramadan etc would never be called “silly” in publications – so it seems unfair to label our special Christmastime like this.
Good wishes, Judith KROHN.
Feeding them also impacts their behaviour, as you have found, with this well-fed family of magpies coming into your home and expecting a free meal when they should be outside honing their survival skills.
The best option is to have plenty of water for the birds and other wildlife in your garden and let them do their own hunting and gathering.
That way you can enjoy their antics and sounds while knowing you aren't harming them in any way.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
perspective, Mr Dobbyns’ should note that the logging industry is allowed to clearfell our native forests without having to comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australia’s national environment legislation.
This needs to end, although both the NSW Labor and Coalition parties lack the spine to enforce laws in the forestry industry around biodiversity conservation and protection that apply to the rest of us.
So, Mr Dobbyns, please stop treating us like fools and own up to the damage that the forestry sector is doing to our precious and beloved country.
Regards, Paul DAVIES, Coffs Harbour.
From the Mayor’s desk
By Mayor Nikki WILLIAMS City of Coffs Harbour Council
AS we step into a brand-new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the season that’s just passed and look ahead with positivity and energy. I hope everyone found peace and
OPINION & LETTERS
A bright start to 2025
soaked up the beautiful Coffs Harbour weather over Christmas and New Year.
The city has been buzzing with tourists with packed stores, restaurants and cafes which is a fantastic sight to see.
The weather has meant our beaches have been the place to be, and I want to remind everyone to please ensure you swim at a patrolled beach and always between the flags.
The Sawtell Family Fun Day on New Year’s Day was another shining example of our vibrant community enjoying what makes Coffs Harbour special - family, connection, and the beauty of where we
live.
In its 104th year, we saw the fun run reach record entries and Robert Van Wyk crowned Sawtellian of the Year!
Congratulations, Robert, and thank you for your dedication to our community.
Looking forward, I encourage everyone to contribute to the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan check-in, open until January 31.
This is a chance to ensure the plan continues to reflect our shared aspirations for the future. Your feedback is invaluable, so please take a moment to have your say at haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.
Australia Day is fast approaching, and while the full program of events is to be finalised, highlights include a free community breakfast at Brelsford Park, a citizenship ceremony and awards presentation at C.ex Coffs Club, and ‘The Big Dig’ treasure hunt at Jetty Beach.
Keep an eye on the City’s Facebook page for updates.
Finally, mark February 13 for our first council meeting of the year.
You can join us via live stream from the comfort of your home.
Thank you for your continued spirit and support.
Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember.
More fantasy than facts on forestry
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHEN someone with a vested interest in an activity provides facts about said activity we would do well to question these “facts” (We all know what happened to Little Red Riding Hood when she believed the spin from the Big Bad Wolf).
The recent letter “It’s time to table the facts” makes many claims about the ecological sustainability and economic benefits of native forest logging.
Although not stated in the letter, author Steve Dobbyns is a spokesperson for the industry.
The same industry, managed by the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), had to be propped up by the taxpayer to the tune of $29 million last year and over $70 million over the four years prior.
As a taxpayer and member of several non government organisations dedicated to
protecting the environment, I believe these funds would be better spent in transitioning timber workers to more sustainable employment.
Since the Black Summer bushfires FCNSW has been fined over $1.7 million for numerous breaches of its own guidelines to protect wildlife.
A 2024 Land and Environment Court judgement stated that FCNSW has a pattern of environmental offending.
Since European colonisation 60 percent of the forest estate has been cleared or degraded.
Yet ongoing logging in NSW affects the habitat of at least 150 species at risk of extinction.
Planting new trees is not the same as retaining forest.
Many species such as owls and gliders depend on hollows that only form in old mature trees.
This situation has been made far worse by the Black Summer bushfires.
Logging puts our communities in greater danger from bushfires.
If you take a look at a forest after logging, you will see huge mounds of debris left to dry out and become fuel for fires.
Recent students show that logging and thinning can increase risk of intense fires for decades to come.
The bare earth left increases erosion and invasion by weeds.
Storing carbon in forests is critical to slowing climate change.
Science shows that the larger, older trees store the most carbon, not re-growth after logging.
Logging native forests damages regional water security.
For example the Coffs/Clarence was polluted by extensive logging on the Dorrigo Plateau, requiring $100 million of
public funding to filter out sediment.
Farmers were not compensated for erosion and damage to the Kalang River after logging of the Kalang State Forest.
Wood from native forests forms a tiny part of housing construction.
Only four percent of the biomass ends up as sawn timber.
Houses are built mostly of pine from softwood plantations.
The world is facing a biodiversity crisis that threatens the survival of future generations.
NSW should follow the lead of SA, ACT, WA and Vic, and many other countries around the world and end native forest logging.
Yours sincerely, Judith KIRWOOD, Valla Beach.
Timber industry rep’s full response
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN relation to Andrew Vivian’s story in the Coffs NOTA on 20 December about Forest Corporation’s Annual Report and the North East Forest Alliance claims, only some of my response to NOTA was reported, here's the full response:
Claims by NEFA that sustainable native timber harvesting is “an economic basket case” that degrades native forests and drives “numerous species towards extinction” is emotive and baseless.
When compared to the $billion costs of managing the State’s 7.5 million hectares of National Parks, the $29M “loss” last year to provide similar sustainable native forest services for our State forests is a far cheaper form of public land management, whilst also supporting a $2.9B regional industry that employs 8900 people in NSW alone.
Against a background of an orchestrated campaign of continual
illegal, unsafe workplace invasions, regulatory changes and repeated lawfare in the courts, NEFA and a cabal of activist groups were able to disrupt legal and internationally certified sustainable harvesting operations to the extent that Forestry Corporation was simply unable to pay a dividend (F23 - $13.5M dividend paid).
Emotive claims that our native forests are being degraded and species driven to extinctions ignores both the facts and the science.
Of the public native forests in NSW, 88 percent is already managed for conservation and only 12 percent is available for timber harvesting, and those operations are spread both spatially and through time.
On average, just six trees in 10,000 are harvested each year and then regenerated (a condition of the Coastal IFOA).
However, even within the areas to be
harvested, extensive seasonal surveys are undertaken to determine what flora and fauna species are present or likely to occur and operations are planned to minimise any impacts on those species.
Species conservation requires management at the landscape scale, not at the micro or individual scale.
The more diverse the environment from old growth to young regenerating trees, the greater the benefits for the widest range of plant and animal species.
Timber harvesting by its very nature provides that biodiversity by creating a mosaic of stand structures, age classes and feed sources whilst maintaining tree species composition.
The science, rather than NEFA’s opinions, shows that koalas in our State forests are doing quite well, thank you very much.
NPWS drone surveys within the GKNP assessment area alone “estimates the koala population in the 176,000
What now at the foreshore?
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN another managerial masterstroke at the foreshore it seems the State Government has confused Jetty Beach with Sydney Harbour.
NSW Treasury has belatedly run the numbers and decided that Coffs Harbour waterfront apartments do not carry sufficient premium to cover all the boxes not ticked by
the foreshore as a viable development site.
Local developers could have told them that for free years ago.
As a development site the foreshore makes a great public park!
So what now?
Artist’s impressions and optimistic promises have collided with financial reality?
Social and affordable housing will be off
the table for a start.
I presume the government is carrying on discussions with developers while continuing to hold its zoning cards close to its chest.
The only certainty is that as the government is hell bent on a sale, developer interests will be trumping ours.
The state government’s contempt for community opinion has only been exceeded
ha assessment area is 12,111 koalas, with a 95 percent confidence interval of 10,311 to 14,541 koalas” (Sharpe, 2024) with koalas appearing to prefer coastal State forests, particularly near existing plantations.
This work supports previous work by Dr Brad Law et al whose seven-year study, which included the drought and subsequent Black Summer fires, found koala populations stable and a weak positive relationship with increasing extent of medium-intensity harvesting 1630 years previously.
The latest figures from the CSIRO’s National Koala Monitoring Program also shows significantly more koalas by using expert data, rather than expert opinions.
Kind regards, Steve DOBBYNS, Executive Officer, Forest & Wood Communities Australia.
by its reluctance to let us know what they are actually up to.
As our new Council now proudly sits “at the table” with the government, could they please keep us informed of the proposed future of our precious foreshore?
Or are they getting the mushroom treatment too?
Regards, Frank SCAHILL, Coffs Harbour.
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LOCALSPORT
Coffs to host Festival of Rugby
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour is set to host a huge weekend of rugby in April as part of the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby.
The four-day festival will run from 3-6 April, headlined by the international clash between the Japan Development XV, coached by Eddie Jones, and the Australian Barbarians.
The top flight rugby match will be played on Saturday, 5 April, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Before the international game on Saturday evening, the Coffs Harbour Snappers will play against cross town
rivals SCU Marlins in a match that promises to be an intense curtain-raiser to the main event.
The festival will also include the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge, which is a long-standing junior, noncompetitive 10s tournament featuring young players from across Australia.
The Mid North Coast Competition Super Round will also be part of the festival.
The opening round of this fiercely contested regional competition will see Northern and Southern teams converge on Coffs Harbour for a day of electrifying rugby.
This year, the event expands with the addition of a “Golden Oldies” tournament, ensuring rugby enthusiasts of all ages can hit the field.
Together, the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge and the Mid North Coast Competition are expected to draw over 2000 players.
The festivities kick off with a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday, 3 April, at Bonville Golf Resort, where celebrity guest golfers will join supporters for a day of long drives.
On Friday, 4 April, the focus shifts to the Charity Fundraising Luncheon to be held at the Coffs Ex-Services
Club.
The luncheon will be hosted by rugby royalty featuring a range of guest speakers.
This will be a traditional rugby luncheon with laughsa-plenty and will also include a raffle and auction items.
Managed by the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, the festival will serve as a fundraiser to support the foundation's Rugby For Good programs, which deliver powerful community initiatives across NSW, such as youth engagement activities, mental health workshops and inclusion programs for marginalised
communities.
NSW Rugby Union CEO Peter Murphy, emphasises the importance of the event.
"The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is a celebration of the sport at every level, from grassroots to international competition.
“We’re thrilled to showcase the power of rugby to unite communities while raising vital funds for our Rugby For Good programs, which continue to make a real difference across NSW."
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Cr Nikki Williams, said the festival will have a significant impact on the region.
"Hosting the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby reinforces our city’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events,” she said.
“It will deliver a significant boost to our local economy while providing incredible opportunities for our community to engage with an international level of competition.
“The social impact that Rugby For Good programs are having in our communities is immense and we look forward to seeing their footprint continue to grow."
Sri Lanka Tests no certainty for Aussie TV screens
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
AUSTRALIAN
cricket fans are at risk of being plunged into a television black hole for Sri Lanka, with no network having yet acquired the rights for the two-Test series.
Three weeks out from the first Test in Galle, AAP has been told that neither Foxtel or any other Australian television broadcaster had so far agreed to show the matches.
The situation comes despite a record-breaking summer, with both Seven and Foxtel trumpeting more viewers for the BorderGavaskar Trophy than ever before.
A Foxtel Group spokesperson confirmed to AAP on Wednesday that
"discussions are ongoing" with Sri Lanka Cricket, but no deal had yet been reached.
The most likely scenario is that the rights will be claimed by an Australian party, with an 11th-hour deal before the first Test starts on January 29 still expected.
But that is not yet locked in, despite Australia being set to name their touring squad on Thursday.
Among those affected would be Test captain Pat Cummins, who has indicated he will likely sit out the series
to be home for the birth of his second child.
Foxtel have traditionally shown the majority of Australia's away tours for the past 30 years, with more recent series also being streamed on their Kayo service.
Each bilateral series is reliant on a broadcast deal being struck with the home board, who negotiate fees to showcase games.
Every men's Test tour has been broadcast back to Australia for the past three
Lizards remain undefeated
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Nana Glen Lizards have won their seventh straight game to continue their undefeated run in the T20 Cup.
They beat Sawtell by 20 runs at Fitzroy Oval, in the final round before the Christmas/New Year break.
The Lizards won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 8/136 from 20 overs.
Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt top scored with 41, Toby Bailey was the pick of the Sawtell bowlers taking 2-16 from four overs, Denzel Wynne-Primus took 2-25 from three overs.
Chasing 137 for victory, Sawtell finished at 5/116 from their 20 overs.
James Arnold top scored with 31, and Justin Carlisle finished on 30 not out.
Jonathon Paff took 2-14 from his four overs for the Lizards, and Jesse Ferrett took 2-22 from four overs. Woolgoolga Cricket
Club Rebels Blue had a win against the Coffs Colts at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.
The Rebels finished at 5/132 from their 20 overs, with Taj Dosanjh (32 not out) and Anu Grewal (28 not out) top scoring.
The Colts scored 7/131 from 20 overs, Tom Rawding top scoring with
decades, with the last Test not shown in Australia being the Pakistan tour in 1994.
Streaming giant Amazon have won the rights to ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle, but their Australian arm are yet to dip their toe into bilateral series.
Foxtel did broadcast Australia's most recent Test series in Sri Lanka in 2022, while a live stream of the matches was on YouTube but not accessible from Australia.
The Pay TV network has not regularly broadcast
65. Anu Grewal took 3-20 from four overs for the Rebels, Parvinder Nagra 2-14 from four overs, and Rebels captain Taj Dosanjh took 2-17 from three overs.
The T20 Cup resumes with Round 9 matches on Thursday, 16 January.
The T20 Cup ladder is:
1. Nana Glen Lizards. 30 points. 7 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result.
Test series from Sri Lanka not involving Australia, and therefore do not have a longrunning agreement with them.
Foxtel recently agreed to a sale to British-based sports streaming platform DAZN, but that is still to be finalised over the first six months of 2025. SEN have already confirmed they will be on the ground in Sri Lanka after acquiring the radio rights, while ABC are yet to announce if they will send a team.
2. Coffs Colts. 19 points. 3 wins. 3 losses.
5.
Cricket Club. 14 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. 2 no results.
Sawtell. 12 points. 1 win. 4 losses. 2 no results.
q Coffs Harbour Snappers will take part in the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby.
2 no results.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Grey. 17 points.
wins. 3 losses. 1 no result.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue. 16 points. 2 wins. 4 losses. 2 no results.
Bellingen/Dorrigo
Coffs cricket season resumes
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Sixers Cricket League resumes this weekend as players return to the field after the Christmas/New Year break.
Round 8 of the firstgrade season begins with the opening day of two day matches in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.
The ladder leading Nana Glen Lizards take on the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.
The Lizards had a sevenrun win when they last played in Round 3.
The two sides are yet to meet this season after their Round 3 match was abandoned.
Sixers Cricket League’s second, third, and fourth grade seasons also resume this weekend.
The first-grade ladder is:
1. Nana Glen Lizards. 28 points. 4 wins. 1 loss. 1 no result. 2 byes.
2. Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club. 19 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. 2 no results. 1 bye.
3. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 19 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. 1 no result. 2 byes.
4. Sawtell Cricket Club. 16 points. 1 win. 2 losses. 3 no results. 1 bye.
5. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 10 points. 1 win. 3 losses. 1 no result. 2 byes.
The second-grade ladder is:
1. Diggers Cricket Club. 57 points. 9 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result.
2. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 47 points. 7 wins. 2 losses. 1 no result.
3. Nana Glen Lizards White. 34 points. 4 wins. 4
losses. 2 no results.
4. Urunga Cricket Club. 29 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. 2 no results.
5. Nana Glen Lizards Blue. 22 points. 2 wins. 4 losses. 2 no results.
6. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 20 points. 2 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result.
7. Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club. 17 points. 2 wins. 5 losses.
8. Sawtell Cricket Club. 12 points. 1 win. 3 losses. 1 no result. 1 bye.
The third-grade ladder is:
1. Diggers Cricket Club. 40 points. 6 wins. 1 loss. 1
Group 2 Rugby League releases draw
By Aiden BURGESS
WITH three months to go until kick off, Group 2 Rugby League have released the draw for the 2025 season.
Last season’s preliminary finalists the Sawtell Panthers host the Grafton Ghosts to kick off the season on Saturday, 12 April.
The Coffs Harbour Comets also kick off their season at home when they host the Macksville Sea Eagles on Sunday, 13 April.
Last season’s runnersup, the Woolgoolga Seahorses, take on the South Grafton Rebels during Round 1 in South Grafton.
Nambucca Roosters
begin their premiership defence in Round 2, when they travel to take on the Grafton Ghosts.
Nambucca Roosters and Woolgoolga Seahorses meet in their grand final rematch during Round 7 in Woolgoolga.
Coffs Harbour Comets and Sawtell Panthers meet in their first local derby of the season on Sunday, 18 May at Geoff King Motors Oval.
Coffs Harbour Comets reserve grade side will be going for three straight premierships this season, as they begin their campaign with a grand final rematch against the Macksville Sea Eagles.
Sawtell Panthers
no result. 1 bye.
2. Nana Glen Lizards Blue. 34 points. 5 wins. 1 loss. 1 no result. 1 bye.
3. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 26 points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 1 bye.
4. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 19 points. 2 wins. 4 losses. 1 no result. 1 bye.
5. Nana Glen Lizards White. 13 points. 1 win. 4 losses. 1 no result. 2 byes.
6. Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club. 13 points. 2 wins. 3 losses. 1 bye.
7. Sawtell Cricket Club. 11 points. 1 win. 5 losses. 2 byes.
The fourth-grade ladder is:
1. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 28 points. 7 wins. 1 loss. 1 bye.
2. Diggers Cricket Club Blue. 18 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result. 1 bye.
3. Sawtell Cricket Club. 18 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result. 1 bye.
4. Macksville Bulls. 16 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 2 byes.
5. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 14 points. 3 wins. 4 losses. 1 no result. 1 bye.
6. Bellingen Mixed. 10 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. 1 bye.
7. Diggers Cricket Club Maroon. 2 points. 0 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result. 2 byes.
their premiership defence at home against the
Scott Boland cracks top 10 in ICC bowling rankings
By Jasper BRUCE, AAP
SCOTT Boland has capped his brilliant home summer by cracking into the ICC's top-10 bowling rankings for the first time.
Australia's back-up paceman rocketed 29 places to 10th spot on the back of the best match figures of his first-class career - 10-76 in the six-wicket triumph at the SCG that sealed a historic series win over India.
Boland was player of the match in the decisive fifth
Test on a green seaming wicket, having also taken six wickets across the Boxing Day Test at his happy hunting ground the MCG.
The 35-year-old's previous best position on the ICC rankings was 36th after he took five wickets in the 2023 World Test Championship final against India in 2023.
Boland's latest honour comes as selectors deliberate the make-up of the bowling attack for the two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka that begins
this month.
A squad announcement is expected by the end of the week.
Australia could carry as many as three front-line spinners in their XI for the matches in Galle, known for its turning pitches.
There is a chance Boland will be the only specialist quick selected for the first match, with Josh Hazlewood under an injury cloud, Pat Cummins likely to miss the series for the birth of his second child and Mitchell
Starc clearly hampered during the SCG Test.
Hazlewood's injuries meant Boland played three of five matches in the BorderGavaskar Trophy, but the man of the hour should be fresh for Sri Lanka after opting to sit out of BBL duties with the Melbourne Stars.
Boland has overtaken 14th-placed Starc on the ICC rankings to join Test teammates Pat Cummins (2nd), Josh Hazlewood (4th) and Nathan Lyon (7th) in the top 10.
Superstar Indian quick Jasprit Bumrah, the BorderGavaskar Trophy's player of the series, remains atop the charts.
Travis Head and Steve Smith, Australia's two most prolific run-scorers in the series, sit in fifth and eighth respectively on the ICC's batting rankings behind ladder-leading Englishman Joe Root.
Inter-District T20 title up for grabs
By Aiden BURGESS
REGIONAL bragging rights are on the line with North Coast Cricket Council’s Inter-District T20 competition set to be decided this weekend in Coffs Harbour. The Inter-District T20
champions will be crowned during a big Sunday of cricket at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium and Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park. Playing off for the annual T20 title are the Sixers Cricket LeagueCoffs Harbour District
Cricket Association, Valleys Cricket, Clarence River Cricket Association and the Lower Clarence Cricket Association.
Round 2 matches get underway from 9am on Sunday, 12 January, with Coffs Harbour facing Lower Clarence at Coffs Coast
Sport and Leisure Park, and Clarence River playing Valleys Cricket at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Round 3 matches will be played on Sunday afternoon, with Coffs Harbour taking on Clarence River, and Lower Clarence facing Valleys Cricket at
C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
The top two teams after the round matches will play off in the grand final that evening at the stadium.
The region’s top players will be in action again the following weekend, for the third and final round of the
Opens and Over 40s InterDistrict competition.
Sixers Cricket LeagueCoffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s Open’s side play host to Clarence River at Fitzroy Oval on Sunday, 19 January. The Coffs Over 40s side takes on Clarence River at Richardson Park.
women begin
Grafton Ghosts. The fourteen round season wraps up on the
weekend of 2-3 August, with finals getting underway on Saturday, 9 August. The grand final is set for Sunday, 31 August.
The Coffs Colts host Sawtell Cricket Club at Fitzroy Oval.
q Nambucca Roosters begin their premiership defence against the Grafton Ghosts. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Scott Boland. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
C.ex
Coffs Bowls Club
By Mary BUCKEY
THE final event for the year was our Presentation/Christmas Party celebration. This is the highlight of our calendar year and was well attended. Winners and runner-ups were all rewarded for their efforts throughout the year for participating in our Club Championships. The highpoint of the Awards Presentation is the Major and Minor Players of the Year and here congratulations must go to Di De La Cruz as
Bellingen Diggers Swimming Club
By Lois LANE
2.1.25
THERE were nine swimmers tonight.
RACE 1 $ 50m Freestyle
There was one bust in this race, Jo Brotherton taking one second off her time.
HEAT 1
Coffs Table Tennis Results
By Dale ALLEN
FRIDAY 27th December, 2024
Division 1
Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz
3/0, Gavin Mordon d Yash Tyagi
3/0, Will Fang d Troy Prystasz
3/1, Reece Baker d Gavin Mordon
3/2, Gavin Mordon d Will Fang
3/0, Reece Baker d Yash Tyagi 3/2, Yash Tyagi d Will Fang 3/1, Gavin Mordon d Troy Prystasz 3/0, Reece Baker d Will Fang 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Troy Prystasz 3/0. WINNER: Reece Baker from Gavin Mordon.
Group A (Division 2 & 3)
Park Beach Men’s Bowling Club
By Bruce WORBOYS
ALAN Buchan Fours 4th – 5th January 2025
34 teams from contested the Taylor Bowls sponsored Alan Buchan Annual Fours tournament at Park Beach Bowling Club over the 1st weekend of the year, and what a fantastic weekend of bowls!!
Thanks to: Nikki for all her hard
Sawtell Bowls Results
By Geoff HAMPSON
WEDNESDAY- Men’s Social Bowls
27/12/24
N Lamond, G Burns, G Peel
DEF W Sharkey, B Fitzpatrick, P Obrien
T Ellis, B Stanley, R Moore DEF G Staunton-Latimer, A Baker, B Blight
S Sumner, P Sumner, B Biddle
DEF G Campbell, K Lewis, M Anderson
T Wright, M Flint, W Meadows
DEF N Flynn, J Flynn, J Flynn
G Hamilton, J Oates, J Tainsh
DEF K Sharman, S Sharman, R Sharman
G Flynn, C Christian, A Berry
DEF M Sillard, T Karam, J Urge
Kev Taylor, P Covington, J Richardson DEF P Paunovic, N
our Major Player of the Year (pictured). Di had a clean sweep of all the Championships for 2025. Partnering with Joan Griffin in the Club Pairs, they had a win against Jan Appleton and Angela Fryer. This was a hat trick for Di and Joan as it was their third year in a row that they won the Club Pairs. Major Singles saw Di defeating Brenda Fane and then Di, with Robyn Groundwater, Joan Griffin and Sue Wilson defeated Rosemary Williams, Dot Heron, Margaret Stocks and Jan Appleton in the Club Fours. Next was the Major Triples, playing with Robyn
Jill Williams blew them out of the water coming first, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Paul Sheridan.
HEAT 2
Andrew O’Keeffe held on by the skin of his teeth coming first, in second was Mike Navin and in third was Amanda Vockler.
FINAL
Jill Williams swam like a bat out of hell coming first and in the money, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Mike Navin.
Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/2, Bo Zhang d King McKie 3/0, Stephen Bjerking d Andrew Margetson 3/1, Tim Garrad d Colin Deng 3/1.
Division 2
Tim Garrad d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Bo Zhang d Stephen Bjerking 3/1, Stephen Bjerking d Sharee Templeton 3/1, Bo Zhang d Tim Garrad 3/2. WINNER: Bo Zhang from Tim Garrad.
Division 3
Colin Deng d Terry Baker 3/2, Andrew Margetson d King McKie 3/0, King McKie d Terry Baker 3/0, Colin Deng d Andrew Margetson 3/1. WINNER: Colin Deng from Andrew Margetson.
work and assistance, Bar and Green One Cafe staff, WBC for lunches, MBC for organisation and running the raffles and 100 square, Jak-Jak Botak for lunches, Mike/Denise/ Peter for manning the computer and cards, Kato and Taylor Bowls, Umpires Sue, Valda, Shirley and Brenda and Dave Hall for presenting the greens in superb condition.
Three teams ended with 5 wins and 43 ends - then going to margins
Two teams ended with 4 wins and 42 ends - then going to margin
Elford, Ken Taylor
J Flynn, R Williams, L Preston DEF A Wagstaff, W Vaughn, D Anderson
WEDNESDAY 1/1/25 Men’s Social Bowls
B Clugston, B Fitzpatrick, R Williams DEF G Burns, P O Brien, S Collins
T Brooks, R Cridge, J Oates DEF R Smithers, S Shaw, J Rice
T Mitchell, B Martin DEF A Baker, R McClelland, R Boulter
P Covington, W Vaughn, N Lamond DEF M Gaukroger, R Moore, R Flynn
P Paunovic, K Sharman, M Flint DEF R Wardrop, G Hitchen, S Wilkinson
G Fisher, R Petterson, M Sharpe DEF C Christian, J Leak, D Anderson
N Wong, D Frost, L Preston DEF N McClelland, J Richardson,
SPORTS RESULTS
Groundwater and Sue Wilson, and this was a very close game against Chris Irvine, Laine Down and Dot Heron, with Di’s team just winning on the last end, after Dot’s team lead all through the game!!!! Consistency Singles was the next win for Di against Ardis Ellsmore. A big CONGRATULATIONS Di, well done and well deserved.
Our Minor player of the year 2025 was Ardis Ellsmore. This is Ardis’s second year of winning the Minor Player of the year. CONGRATULATIONS Ardis.
RACE 2 25m Freestyle
HEAT 1
Paul Sheridan swam like a flash of lightning coming first, in second was Jill Williams and in third was Jim Baird.
HEAT 2
Andrew O’Keeffe put the pedal to the metal coming first, in second was Amanda Vockler and in third was Mike Navin.
RACE 3. 50m Backstroke
HEAT 1
Jo Brotherton was as fast as a
Division 4
Char Berglund d Jason Cunningham 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Jason Cunningham d John Cunningham 3/1, Char Berglund d Dominic Arjona 3/1, Dominic Arjona d John Cunningham 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Char Berglund 3/0, Lulu Zhang d John Cunningham 3/2, Jason Cunningham d Dominic Arjona 3/1, John Cunningham d Char Berglund 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Jason Cunningham 3/0. WINNER: Lulu Zhang from Char Berglund.
Friday 3rd January, 2025
Group A (Division 1 & 2)
Reece Baker d Tim Garrad 3/0, Gerard Martin d Bo Zhang 3/0, Troy
Congrats to Team Cutmore for getting an 8 pin!!
Winners – Team R Riddell – 5 wins, 43 ends, 143 points, Margin 55 2nd – Team B Sorenson – 5 wins, 43 ends, 143 points, Margin 47 3rd – Team M Brennan – 5 wins, 43 ends, 143 points, Margin 39 4th – Team C Yates – 4 wins, 42 ends, 142 points, Margin 55 5th – Team S Morris -– 4 wins, 42 ends, 142 points, Margin 19
J Urge
G Cridge, D Bond DEF P Roach, B Meadows
FRIDAY- 3/1/25 Mixed Social Bowls
A Baker, G Staunton-Latimer, B Blight DEF K Lowrey, P Warby, W Bujeya
J Flynn, G Flynn, D Hyde DEF J Wills, M Gaukroger, R Moore
K Power, S Power, D Lavender
DEF T Wright, B Newling, W Meadows
K Sharman, P Bird, C Christian DEF Ken Taylor, N Elford, G Hampson
D Frost, G Fisher, S Sillar DEF E Tindall, P Covington, N Wong
P Mont, J Urge, T Karam DEF A Wagstaff, W Vaughn, D Anderson
J Chapman, B Hamilton, J Oates DEF J Brown, J Smithers, P Paunovic
cheetah coming first, in second was Jim Baird and in third was Jill Williams.
HEAT 2
Peter Allison had his windmill arms on coming first and in second was Amanda Vockler and in third was Andrew O’Keeffe.
RACE 4 Brace Relay
HEAT 1
Peter Allison and Jim Baird swam like they were being chased coming first, in second was Mike Navin and Jill Williams and in third
Prystasz d Yash Tyagi 3/0, Will Fang d Paul Hendriks 3/1. Division 1 Reece Baker d Will Fang 3/1, Gerard Martin d Troy Prystasz 3/0, Will Fang d Troy Prystasz 3/2, Reece Baker d Gerard Martin 3/1. WINNER: Reece Baker from Gerard Martin.
Division 2
Yash Tyagi d Bo Zhang 3/1, Paul Hendriks d Tim Garrad 3/0, Bo Zhang d Tim Garrad 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Paul Hendriks 3/2. WINNER: Yash Tyagi from Paul Hendriks.
Division 3
Terry Baker d Lulu Zhang 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Char Berglund 3/1, King McKie d Char
Mens Fours Thursday 2 January 2025
B Worboys, K Johnson, M Horan, P Rambow d J McLeod, A McKee, N McKee, B Nicholson 18 – 15
P North, G Meyer, P Booth, M Berube d J Leak, P Elliott, M Benham, R Harris 20 – 12
R Aitken, R Oakley, L Morris d J Eding, G Colman, J Swan 21 – 14 J Thorn, D Valentine, T Erskin d J Long, A Dorrington, K Morrison 18 – 17
Sawtell Golf Results
By Janet O’DOWD
24/12 STABLEFORD Nathan Cooper 42, Jack Brearley 41, Nicholas Johnstone 39c/b. Balls to 34. NTP 7 A: Grant Martin, B: Brian McKellar, C: Louis White. NTP 11 A: Kelcie Davis, B: Chris Collins, C: Louis White. Pro pin: Josh Lewis 28/12 Medley Fourball Stableford Max Neal & Jase Taylor 47c/b, Terrence Matthews & Brooke Blaikie 47, Brian & Karen Wilson 46, Darren Blaikie & Ashley Muir 45c/b. Balls to 41c/b. Gross Stableford Winners: Scott & Cameron Pollard 43. Hole in 1:(11) Roger Bale. NTP 7 A: Nicholas Van Hof, B: Doug Alderman, C: Mark Shipman. Ladies: Petina Malley. NTP 11 A: Cameron Pollard, B: Roger Bale (pro pin), C: Steven Danielson. Ladies: Libby
was Paul Sheridan and Elizabeth Casey
HEAT 2
Jo Brotherton and Jim Baird came home like a 747 coming first and in second was Andrew O’Keeffe and Amanda Vockler.
A great night had by all, come and join us for some fun and laughter on Thursday night at 5.15.
We would like to thank our sponsors, IGA, The Bellingen Providore and Fullers Fresh.
Berglund 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Sharee Templeton 3/0, King McKie d Lulu Zhang 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/1, Terry Baker d King McKie 3/2, Lulu Zhang d Char Berglund 3/1, King McKie d Sharee Templeton 3/1, Terry Baker d Char Berglund 3/0. WINNER: King McKie from Terry Baker.
Division 4
Ryland Garrad d Andrew Martin 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Jordyn Scott 3/0, Andrew Martin d Jordyn Scott 3/1, Dominic Arjona d Ryland Garrad 3/1, Ryland Garrad d Jordyn Scott 3/1, Andrew Martin d Dominic Arjona 3/2. WINNER: Dominic Arjona from Ryland Garrad.
G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley d D Powell, C Hansen, C Weatherall 23 – 10
R Ryan, G Cunningham, N Unicomb d D Burridge, R Kelly, M McCabe 30 – 8
T Wisely, R Wisely, K Kaaden d W Grimshaw, J Robinson, M Flint 28 – 9
D Catling, C Brian, B Garner d R Finch, P Lawrence, I Trengove 21 – 17
H Major, R Lane, D Condon d S Jones, S Bailey, S Jones 19 – 17
Newcombe. Longest Drive: A: Andrew Watts, B: Doug Alderman, C: Scott Uruhart. Ladies: Kerryn Little 31/12 Stableford A: Max Neal 40c/b, Paul McHugh 40. B: Daniel Shipley 40c/b, Neil Oates 40, C: Mal Jensen 42, Wayne Farrell 40. Balls to 36c/b. NTP 7 A: Neal McCarthy, B: John Arnold, C: Gerard Crowe (pro pin). NTP 11 A: Paul McHugh, B: Garry Hardcastle, C: Hermie McGuire 2/1/2025 Play 9 Andy Bruce 21. Balls to 19c/b 4/1 Stroke A: Kelcie Davis 67, Warren Johnstone 70. B: Kane Hickey 68, Stephen Dawson 69c/b. C: Jake Fitzpatrick 65, Garry Herbert 72. Balls to 75c/b. Gross A: Cameron Pollard 73, B: Stephen Gee 85, C: Paul Bennett 95c/b. NTP 7 A: Steven Oberleuter, B: Paul Bayliss (pro pin), C: James Swilks. NTP 11 A: Dave Rava, B: Dave Clements, C: Jake Fitzpatrick. NTP 15: Neal McCarthy
q Di De La Cruz, Major Player of the Year.
Urunga Men’s Veterans Golf
By Ross HARDAKER
DECEMBER 30.
Single Stableford Winner, with a great 43 points, Paul Bastick, 2nd Bob Jones 38, 3rd Ross Hardaker 36 c/b.
Run-down Dave McBaron, Garry Matthews 36, Andrew O’Keeffe, Alan Titley, Grant Cardow 35, Mal Eades 33, Dennis Holmstrom 32. Bradmans Peter Inskip 22. NTPs 3rd Neil Richardson, 9th and 18th Bob Jones. Longest Putt Mal Eades.
Slab Winner Bob Jones. Finally, congratulations to our greens staff, Cameron and Danny. I have personally only been playing Royal Urunga for 19 years, but fair dinkum, the course is currently the best I have seen it, and this is
Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association
By Colin CUTT
TUESDAY 31 December 33 MNC
Vets golfers played at CEX Urunga. There was an individual stableford event played in conjunction with a two person team event which incorporated six best ball holes, six aggregate holes and six multiplier holes.
The team event was won by Martin Tizzard and Steve Currie with 65 points on countback from Greg McLagan and Mike Raymond.
The individual event was won by Terry Cleary with 37 points,
a sentiment backed by people that have been here a lot longer than me. Well done guys.
JANUARY 6
Single Stableford
31 players contested today’s event, including a visitor from Everglades Country Club.
Winner, with 38 points, Kim Michelsen, 2nd John Anselmi 37 c/b, from Dennis Holmstrom.
Run-down Dave McBaron 36, Arthur Hassett, John Davis, Dave McGilvray, Grant Cardow, Andrew O’Keeffe 35, Kevin Sanford 34 c/b. Bradmans Peter Inskip 18. NTPs 3rd Dave McBaron, 9th Andrew O’Keeffe, 18th Ross Hardaker.
Longest Putt Geoff Hardaker. Slab Winner Mal Eades.
The winner of the prestigious Bradmans Award for 2024, Pete Brotherton.
Congratulations Peter.
again on countback, from Greg McLagan. Second runner up was Jeff Porter with 35 points.
Ball run went down to 32 points.
NTPs: Terry Cleary (3rd), Brad Reeson (9th and 18th) and David Moore (16th).
Woopi Monday Vets Golf
By Shirley STRAUCH
MONDAY 30th. December 2024
25 starters
Winner Roger Castley 28 R/U c/b Trev Kempnich
2nd. R/U Geoff Thompson 29 NTP 11th. Tony Withers Di
Water endurance
and a one kilometre race for juniors,” said Fran Stephenson, Kalang River Dragon Boat Club.
Richards
NTP 12th. Chris Robbo NTP 15th. Ron Strauch Di
Richards Putting Ron Litherland
15 c/b
Frank Garth secured the NAGA & Col Wade the Frog with 23 putts. Congrats to all the winners & a Happy New Year to all. We will be playing the back 9 for the next few weeks at Terry’s request, in the hope of easing congestion with visitors.
Coffs CEX Social Golf Results
By Steve ROBINSON
and there will be refreshments, coffee vans and BBQ available on site for participants and spectators.”
5 JANUARY 2025
Coffs CEX Social Golf Club played on Sunday 5 January 2025 at Sawtell, Single Stableford.
The Winner: Terry Stephens (41 pts)
Runner Up: Jose Caravante (39 pts)
Ball Winners: Gary Brazel (37), Peter Woods (37), Dennis McCann (37), Wayne Edwards (37), Matt Smith (36), Charmaine Edwards (36), Ben Gately (34), Amrik Thandi (34), Rick Paxton (33), Mike Watkin (33), Warwick Wallace (32).
NTP’s: Jose Caravante, Scott Croft & Matt Smith
Chip In’s: Gary Brazel
Next Game is at Safety Beach, Single Stableford on 19th January 2025. All Welcome.
“This year a number of additional categories have been added to the event schedule, including a 15 kilometre race for SUPs as well as a number of fun races including a three kilometre SUP and kayak race for adults
Club member Beth Spriggs said the Classic is quickly establishing itself as a “must do” water event.
“Each time it is held it grows attracting even more participants.
“The full 15 kilometre course takes about two hours to complete
Cash prizes will be awarded in all categories and paddlers are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up themselves and/or their boats.
“There will be awards for the most impressive and imaginative dressed up entrants,” Beth said.
“In 2023 we had pirates,
sailors and tutus adding fun to the day and paddlers came from as far south as Maitland and from Currumbin in the north as well as Tamworth, Taree, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, South West Rocks and Coffs Harbour.”
Registration is now open in all categories.
For more information go to https://kalangriverclassic.com. au.
q Pete Brotherton with the converted Bradmans Trophy.
q The 15 kilometre course starts and finishes at Urunga.
Death Notices
4th January 2025, peacefully, late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved wife of Nazareno (dec’d). Dear mother and mother-in-law of Silvana & Renato
Spagnolo and Janet & Greg Potts.
Dear nonna of Mark, Ian, Alana, Karly, Adam and nonna bis of Lucas.
Dearest sister and sister-in-law of Adelina & Sergio (dec’d) Rizzo, Ivana & Albino (dec’d) Bordin, Enzo Sudiro (dec’d), Silvano & Gloria Dal Bon (both dec’d). Fond aunt of her nieces and nephews.
Aged 91 Years
Forever In Our Hearts
Teresa’s Graveside Funeral Service
was held in Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery, Coffs Harbour on Thursday 9th January 2025.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
HAMILTON
Kenneth Andrew ‘Ken’
3rd January 2025, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Tatura. Dearly beloved husband of Val. Loving father and father-in-law of Neil & Ayn, Sue & Max Boyle and Ross & Teresa. Cherished and adored pa and great-pa of their children.
Aged 89 Years
Loved And Remembered Always
A private cremation was held for Ken at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
LULHAM, Lyle
5th January 2025, late of Coffs Harbour. Loving husband of Judy. Loved father and father-in-law of Debra & Terry Cannon and Michael & Helen Lulham. Adored grandfather ‘Beetle’ of Tyler & Chelsey, Jacob, Nicholas & Bonnie, Brooke & Chris and Abbie & John. Cherished great-grandfather of Chaise, Arlo, Bronte, Wallace, Thomas, Callie, Hudson and Bobby.
Aged 90 Years Roosters Today Feather Dusters Tomorrow
A private family Funeral Service was held for Lyle, followed by private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
Shirley Wittleton
3rd January 2025
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Calvary The Brelsford, Coffs Harbour. Late of Coffs Harbour.
A much loved wife of George (Dec). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Mark & Loyce and Paul & Rosie, grandmother and grandmother-in-law to Jacob & Lulu, grandmother to Chelsea, and great-grandmother to Lucas & Maddie.
A special thank you to Dr Carrol Chan and the staff at Calvary The Brelsford for all their care.
Aged 93 Years Forever in our hearts
A private family ceremony will be held for Shirley following her private cremation.
VICTOR RULLIS
Celebration of Life
Family and friends of the late Joan Walker
19/4/1921 - 15/12/2024 are invited to a Celebration of her life at Coffs Harbour Surf Club Monday, 20 January 2025, from 10am.
AULD James Robert ‘Jim’
29th December 2024, unexpectedly. Late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved husband of Margaret. Loving father and father-in-law of Liz & Adam Latham, Jacqui & Ben Messemaker, Carina & Dean Daly and Rob Auld. Greatly loved grandad of Lexi, Leah, Spencer, Tilly, Billy, Austin and Patrick. Dear brother, brother-in-law and fond uncle of their children.
Aged 67 Years
Tragically Lost Before His Time Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 17th January 2025 commencing at 1.00 pm, thence for interment in Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Karangi. Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
Susan Elizabeth ‘Sue’
4th January 2025, peacefully passed away at Bellinger River District Hospital. Late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Tamworth. Much loved wife of ‘Pog’ (dec’d). Loving mother of Ben and Tom. Cherished sister, sister-in-law and aunty.
Aged 65 Years
Forever In Our Hearts
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Susan’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 13th January 2025 commencing at 11.30 am.
Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
Neil Robert Witherdin ‘Witho’ 5th January 2025
Passed away peacefully with his 3 girls by his side. Beloved husband of Julie. Loving dad of Amanda and Emma. Father-in-law to Andrew and Luke. Proud Poppy to Joseph, Lawrence, Lucinda and Ollie. Fond brother to Ann. Sadly missed by all his extended family.
Aged 68 Years Forever in our hearts
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Neil’s funeral service to be held on Monday, 13th January 2025 at 1.30pm in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. In lieu of floral tributes donations to Coffs Harbour Cancer Institute may be left at the chapel. For livestreaming details, visit the Victor Rullis Funerals website.
VICTOR RULLIS
(02) 6651
WILLIAMS
Jacqueline
2nd January 2025, passed peacefully at The Grange Community Care with her loving family by her side. Late of Boambee East, originally from Denmark, Europe. Dearly beloved wife of Kevin. Loving mother of Pieter and sister of Michael. Beloved cousin, niece and friend of Viggo, Johan, Kirsten and Lis in Denmark, Lisbeth, Henk, Marjo, Roel and Veronie in Holland and Gitte Kronborg in Tylstrup, Denmark.
Aged 55 Years
Forever In Our Hearts
May Your Soul Flourish In The Afterlife
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jacqueline’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 14th January 2025 commencing at 11.30 am.
Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
(02) 4981 8882
02 4981 8882
Tutor
New Vibes for 2025? Private Tutor Google me.. Donna Thorsby (0493) 082 317
Readings
New Vibes for 2025? Law of Attraction.. Fun and games.. Oracle Readings Elfi (0493) 082 317
8 Elizabeth St Sawtell Sat 11th 7am - 3pm Tall boy drawers wooden mirrors lounge whitegoods matress bric a brac & plants.
HUGE garage sale Macauleys Hd Dr CH 8-3 Sat 11th
239 Sawtell Rd Boambee East. Sat 11th 730-230; Sun 12th 730 - 1200. Large variety of items, kitchen ware quality clothing, furniture tools and bric’a’brac. Too much to list, come and see!
BAILEY Hercules Steel Ladder, 100kgs, 1.76 metres $50 0418 278 966
Industrial Ladder Olympus 8, 120kgs, 2.4 metres $100 0418 278 966
LOCALCLASSIFIEDS
DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au
For Sale
COLLECTORS
treasurers (2 volumes) Singer of the Bush AB Banjo Patersons complete works from 1885 to 1941. $100 ono. 0491 035 704
COMPUTER desk very good condition
SOLD
Make an offer 6650 0380
CREDENZA solid
timber excellent condition comes apart, pick up only. No reasonable offer refused. 0418 278 966 f100125
DOLLS house, fully furnished, hand-made
$100. Extra furnitur fairy pics & boxes from $4. 0437 015 100
EASYCOOK. Good cond. Includes air fryer insert, easy clean. $50 6652 3780 & 0407 431 090 f251024
FEED bin, solid metal with lid, used for animal feed, capacity equivalent to a 44 gal drum. $75 6653 8337
HOOVER EVC500
Evaporative Cooler, new from Bunnings $299, still in box. $80. 0434212460 F190724
JACKET, Ladies Brown, suede leather Size 10, zip front, no marks $45. 0407654879
JIGSAW puzzles, one owner. 14 available
SOLD
$5 each. 0407 368 886 f291124
KAYAK dbl fibreglass
GUC incl paddles $250 ono 0493 063 352
LEATHER cloggs for children saddle, VGC
$40. 0419 166 688 F050724
LEATHER lounge 3 x 1 + 2 x 1, 2 timber outdoor settings & 2 budgies in large cage. 0407 580 436
LOVELY vertical circular 5 shelves display tower for collectibles etc. $80 6652 3791
MOBILITY Scooter 745 Plus inc canopy shade and tarpaulin cover, ex cond, pick up only. $2,000 ono Ph 0403 743 741
MOWER Rover Micro Rider Tractor. 6spd. 24” blade with mulcher. Like brand new. Only used 3 times + mower cover $2950. 0410 439 950 ReS230525
PAVERS 90mm square
$1 each. 0467 640 964
PEAK Raised toilet seat with arm rests. 15cm. In new cond. Can be fitted Permanently to the toilet pan. $95. Photos can be supplied. 0490161119
PIANO ex cond incl stool Yamaha 93cm H. $1000 neg. 0402 760 065
PIANOS Leider & Eterna. Recently recond @ $1500. 0402 264 715
For Sale
SUN God solid concrete sand colour 70cmx70cm $95. 0427 544 342
SURFBOARD bag ProLite 2 board travel bag Excellent condtion $80 0412 450 328
TV, Bauhn, 30cm x 55cm. $20. Ph 0499 592 475
VINTAGE cane hutch 145cm tall, 75cm wide, 40cm deep. 2 shelves, 1 mirrored and 2 bottom doors
$145. Photos can be supplied. 0490161119 F111024
Boats
3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949 $2,000. 0427 528 084
3.7m Stessl Edgetracker with 2008 Honda 15hp 4 stroke outboard. Motor has gas tilt assist and electric start. Set up on a foldaway trailer. Vessel Rego IDRO18N expires 3/8/25. Trailer rego U82686 expires 28/7/25. $3200. 0431 031 415 e100125
CARAVAN $57,500 ONO
2018 Jayco Outback Journey 19-61-2OB
Caravan Dual Axle
Rego exprires 8/11/25 EXTERNAL
Independent Suspension
AL-KO Electric Braked Axels
AL-KO Esc
Winegard VHF & UHF Antenna
3 - 90 LTR Water Tanks
Picnic Table
2 - 160W Solar Panels
External Entertainment Unit
2 - 9KG Gas bottles
Privacy Screens
Fiamma Bike Rack
20 LTR Jerry Can Holder
Slide out Kitchen New Awning with LED lighting. INTERNAL
Double Bed with Reading Lights both sides
2 Deep Cycle Batteries
Tri-Fold Table
THIS LUXURY 2011 NOVA STELLAR, TOP OF THE RANGE VAN IS CUSTOM MADE AND TAKES OUT ALL THE DESIGN FAULTS FOUND IN NORMAL FACTORY PRODUCED VANS AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRICE: $50,000 ono FEATURES:
740 453
KEYBOARD, full size
electric with attached
foot pedals exc cond suit beginners or small apartments. $250 ono 0459 517 630
LARGE amount of vertical blinds, white only, new. $100 0415 981 605 For Sale
LARGE outdoor umbrella with steel brace $60. 0498 090 551
RAISED toilet seat with padded arm rests, 12cm rise, $85. Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119
ROYAL Plum carpet offcut. New 165cmx130cm. $35 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 f251024
SET of Kleeva pruning tools. Ratchet pruner pruning saw, sharpening tool, knee rest pad and gloves. Brand new As seen on TV. $45 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 f251024
WHEEL Ford 205-65R15 pro sand blasted epoxy primed & painted good rubber $75 0467 634 668
WHEELIE walker
MITSUBISHI Lancer station wagon 2007 good condition, drives well. Rego til end Sep ‘25 BE14YV $2000 0400 336 273
3 Way Full size Fridge/Freezer
3 Gas 1 Electric Cooktop with Gas Oven, Grill & Rangehood
Sphere Microwave Oven Hot Water Storage Heater
Furrion Entertainment System (Outside Speakers) Furrion LED HD TV
Ensuite with separate Shower / Toilet
3.3 KG Automatic Washing Machine
2012 A'Van Maddison Poptop. All extras for free-camping. Exc cond. $25,600 ono Ph 0447 550 017
Air Conditioning. Serviced regularly Ph John 0434 195 197
WHEELS. 3 of, with new tyres. 480/400 Axle with new bearings All suitable for boat trailer $100. 6649 1472 F181024
WINDOW frame, louvre shutter mirror. White wash timber 95cm tall x 60cm wide. $75 Photos can be supplied 0490161119
Aspire. Good brakes fold up seat, VGC $59 Ph 0417 471 225 KAYAK,
WINE Fridge – Large Transtherm Ermitage Holds 240 bottles Reasonable Offer Accepted. 0418278966
WINE rack, quality compact, stackable sturdy, standard size holds 12 bottles, magnum holds 6. $15 each. Ph 0467 640 964
WOODEN sous trolley on wheels, 3 shelves, VGC $100. 0428 367 133
WEBER BBQ with stand Excellent condition, pick up only. No reasonable offer refused. 0418 278 966 STEP ladder 3ft / 90cm Solid twin sided bailey Fibreglass blue $75 ono Steve 0418 654 341 Coffs
STORAGE cupboard 1m H x 3mL x 60cm D. 6 drawers, 2 long drawers 1m long and 3 double shelves. Black/brown outside, white inside Immac cond. Moving sale $200. 0415 981 605
WORK shoes Colorado Silverton CF Black Leather Size 8 New still in box $100. 6655 3193 F061224
XG Camper potti (toilet) incl chemicals. As new cond. $95. Photos can be supplied. 0490161119 f251024
2008 Jayco Dove Camper Van 3.8m (12ft). VGC. Sleeps 5 Frt Queen Bed Rear Double Bed Table converts to a Single Bed, 3 Way Fridge and Gas Stove, Near new Fiamma F45s Awning , 12v/ 240v Water System and Lighting plus Battery. Registered to 28th December 2025. Inspect at Boambee. Rego: V18215. $12,990. 0407007235 e240125
LUXURY Regal 23’ Caravan. Lge ensuite separate toilet/shower/ front load washing machine, full oven recessed bench elec/ hot water, Q bed/full wardrobes, reverse air/con, microwave/ lge fridge freezer, 3-way & pullout pantry, spice cupboard, lots of storage, radioTV with satellite connection wired for solar panels new awning, full annexe, fully serviced like new, front boot Rego 6/8/25, 754QPJ $33,500. Ph John 0428 464 063
Ultimate Off-road
Family Caravan
Snowy River Multi Terrain SRT22F
Sleeps 5 - double bed plus 3 bunks. Like new plastic still on the bunks
Well-equipped kitchen light filled spacious shower & bathroom
TS82ZS. $79,900. Call Olivia 0424 046 301 Coffs Harbour
List your caravan for sale here
Give us a call on 4981 8882 or email ads@ newsofthearea. com.au
7310mm (24 Foot) length, Rock and roll suspension off road with electric brakes and shock absorbers to all wheels, 2 x single beds with 3 x doonas for each bed, covers and sheets, Large Ensuite with shower/Ceramic toilet and vanity/washing machine/Hoover vacuum –shower doubles as a bath, 4 burner gas cooktop/oven/grill, 3 way fridge/freezer, Gas/240V hot water system, Microwave, Slide out food pantry – two basket drawers for food storage + wine glass storage + plate storage, Portable table located in wardrobe for eating inside the van on overnight trips, Lounge converts to another single bed, 2 x wine storage lockers + fresh water pump under the lounge, 40″ flat screen TV with DVD/radio, Slide out computer desk with 12/240v connections, Explorer plug to computer desk for aerial connections + printer drawer under desk, Dometic B3000 air conditioner, 20 KVA diesel heater under lounge with electronic controls, All windows have fly screens and block out blinds, 4.5KVA remote start generator which will run the air conditioning and other services where 240v power is not available, ¾ Tunnel containing: full annex together with plastic windows and 3meter BBQ annex extending out to the tow ball, Sunshade awning and awning struts, Front Boot Locker containing 2 new 160 AH long life Gel batteries with 5-year warranty, bag of steel stakes, bag of tension ropes, tools and hose fittings and Caravan Jack, A Frame mesh containing fresh water hoses, Under Chassis tool box containing wood blocks, caravan ramps and chocks, 8-meter sullage hose in pipe container under the caravan access from the rear, 3 x fresh water tanks, with independent valve system to enable pumping from specific water tanks, 2 x 100L and 1 x 60L tanks, 2 x external LED lights and BBQ light and LED handle at entrance, Lifestyle picnic table - folds out from side of the van, External speakers and TV connections for running a portable TV outside in the annex area, Gas bayonet at the front of the van for the BBQ, Reversing camera, New caravan cover, New awning Note: Landcruiser also available as a package deal. POA. Phone 0412 081 950 Re270625
Caravans
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Motors
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SUDOKU
Kids Boot Camp
TRADESSERVICES
Green Thumb Garden Care
Green Thumb Garden Care
Contractors Licence 77993C
SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAK REPAIRS, ROOF REPAIRS ,ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL & EAVE CLADDING
SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAKS, ROOF REPAIRS, ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE CLADDING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING
COLORBOND
SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.
4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND FLUSH EAVE LOOK
DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL. 4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND EAVE LOOK
Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au
ONTHEBOX
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY KING RICHARD
NBN, 8.30pm
Smith netted a well-deserved statue for his role as the driven and visionary Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Serena and Venus. Set in the 1990s, Richard completely sacrifices his own goals and ambitions to ensure that his two daughters would become two of the best players to ever set foot on court. While the film reportedly embellishes real-life events for dramatic purposes, this is a compelling portrait of parental love in the form of obsession, with the only critique being that by focusing so much on Richard we don’t really learn anything about the sisters and their own hardships. But even so, King Richard is an ace.
FRIDAY, January 10
SUNDAY
SCREAM VI
TEN, 9.30pm
You’d think the Scream formula would be getting tired by the sixth outing, but this subversive slasher franchise keeps finding new ways to innovate and entertain, with this latest entry moving the bloody mayhem to New York City. Set a year after the last movie, we find sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega) in the Big Apple to attend college, and once again being menaced by someone (or is that multiple someones?) in the Ghostface costume. The list of suspects stretches to more than a dozen in this sequel, which features more brutal kills than ever before, and has a setpiece involving a ladder escape between two buildings that ranks as one of the series’ best ever moments. Horror fans will lap up the gruesome thrills on offer here.
WEDNESDAY
CHANGING ENDS
ABC TV, 8.30pm
This delightful nostalgic throwback opens a door to 1987, when comedian Alan Carr was struggling with school bullies
and the highs and lows of fourth division football in Northampton. Season two draws to a close tonight, with the stress of the Cobblers’ spot at the top of the ladder – and their potential promotion – weighing heavily on dad Graham (Shaun Dooley). Eager to get some peace, mum Christine (Nancy Sullivan) ignores the protests of the football manager and takes the family on a caravan minibreak in Great Yarmouth, where a chance meeting with a like-minded soul livens up the trip for young Alan (Oliver Savell). This coming-of-age comedy is in a league of its own.
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00
News.
The Secret History Of The British Garden: The 17th Century. (R) Presented by Monty Don.
Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) Marine helps Antoine and Hélène investigate the death of an aristocrat, found dead at his chateau.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Rome. (PG, R)
10.50 Grand Designs. (R) 11.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG) 6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 MOVIE: The Prestige. (2006, Mav, R) 9.55 Rock Legends: Elton John. (PGd)
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Every Family Has A Secret. (Final, PG, R) 11.55 De Gaulle. (Mv)
12.50 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.45 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R)
3.35 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 29. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Adam Dovile tours Singapore’s culture.
12.30 The Real Manhunter: The Bus Stop Killer Levi Bellfield. (Madv, R) Takes a look at Levi Bellfield.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia.
8.30 MOVIE: King Richard. (2021, Malv) Charts how Venus and Serena Williams became who they are thanks to the coaching of their father Richard. Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney.
11.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.10 Delish. (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 Drive TV. (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: The First Wives Club. (1996, PGal, R) Three spurned women plot revenge. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler. 9.35 MOVIE: Starsky & Hutch. (2004, Mdlv, R) Two bumbling yet streetwise cops investigate a drug-running cartel with the help of their trusty informant. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. 11.40 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
ONTHEBOX
SATURDAY,
January 11
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Casablanca. (1942, PG, R) 3.15 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 4.15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: Creation. (R) English physicist Professor Brian Cox sets out in search of a greater understanding of the cosmos.
6.30 Back Roads: Andamooka And Roxby Downs, South Australia. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa) Humphrey investigates a strange case.
8.30 Vera. (Mv, R) Vera investigates when a family man is murdered the day before he was due to testify in court.
10.00 Shetland. (Final, Mal, R)
11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: Billionaire Boy. (2016) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs.
R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Round 2. Day 1. 3.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.05 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGav, R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. H’lights.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 6.30 News.
7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland.
8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (R)
9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PG, R)
10.20 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.25 Mister8. (MA15+a, R) 1.35
Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 2.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45
Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 12.30 Surf Patrol. (R) 1.00 Horse Racing. Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) A case of mistaken identity causes alarm.
7.30 MOVIE: Back To The Future Part III. (1990, PGlv, R) Marty McFly travels to the Old West. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd. 10.00 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis.
12.25 MOVIE: Deadly Seduction. (2021, MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (PG, R) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PGalv) A feud between brothers comes to a head. Sam Neill.
9.50 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, Maln)
11.50 MOVIE: Avarice. (2022, Malv, R)
1.30 Country House Hunters Australia. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Dogs are matched with companions. A basset hound is on the prowl for a new owner. Second chances are in store for a Jack Russell puppy. A couple have to see past a pooch’s size to find a place for it. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Someone threatens to use a nerve agent. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SUNDAY,
January 12
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.25 Boyer Lecture. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. (R) 12.55 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.55 Dream Gardens. (R) 2.25 The Secret History Of The British Garden.
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml)
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal) Charts the story of Delia Balmer, who survived a series of violent attacks to pursue a traumatic journey to justice.
10.05 You Can’t Ask That: Porn Stars. (MA15+s, R) Porn stars share their insights. 11.10 MOVIE: A Star Is Born. (1976, Madls, R)
1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.10 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.05 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.05 The Great Acceleration. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. (Premiere) 8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The
6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera. 7.00 APAC Weekly. (R) 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 PBS Washington Week. 9.25 Judo. (R) 9.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Speedweek. 1.30 Cycling. National Road C’ships. Elite and U23 Women’s Road Race. 5.30 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 6. H’lights.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PGa, R)
8.25 Asia’s Ancient Civilisations. (PG, R)
10.15 Putin And The West. (Ma, R)
11.25 Michael Mosley’s 21 Day Body Challenge. (PG, R)
2.10 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
Bookshop. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.15 The Majestic. (2001, PG) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm Wild Target. (2010, M) 2.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 4.20 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 6.35 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 8.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 10.30 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) Midnight Cousins. (2021, M) 1.50 Late Programs. 6am The Thief Lord. Continued. (2006, PG) 6.50 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 9.05 Funny Face. (1957) 11.00 Radioactive. (2019, M) 1.05pm Cousins. (2021, M) 2.55 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 4.35 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 6.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 8.30 Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 10.40 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.30am The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 2.50 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 1. 3.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 1. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 32. Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A look at the death of Amy Wensley.
12.00 The Duke And I. (PG, R) A look at Prince Philip’s influence.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Wild Manes. 8.30 Children’s Programs. 1.55pm MOVIE: The Black Stallion Returns. (1983) 3.55 MOVIE: Combat Wombat. (2020, PG) 5.40 MOVIE: Monster Family. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016, M) 10.10 MOVIE: The Campaign. (2012, MA15+) Midnight The Originals. 2.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 3.00 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 1. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 1. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Bloom, Iggy and Reynolds rally around Max.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) The team roadtests the Mizuno ST220 drivers.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by celebrities including Cher, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Josh Brolin. 9.30 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+lv) Four survivors from the most recent Woodsboro killings move to New York City for a fresh start. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega. 11.55 The Sunday Project. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Geelong United v Perth Lynx. 2.30 MOVIE: You, Me, And That Mountain Retreat. (2023, PG) 4.15 MOVIE: You, Me And The Penguins. (2023) 6.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 1. 7.00 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle.
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
ONTHEBOX
MONDAY, January 13
6.00
Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.25 For
(PGa, R) 10.20 Paddington
(R) 11.15 Great Canal Journeys. (PGas, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Heritage Rescue. (R) 2.50 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PGl, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Mystery Of Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure. (PGav, R)
8.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You.
9.20 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGal, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Clean Sweep. (Madlsv)
11.40 Wisting. (MA15+a, R)
12.35 Faking Hitler. (Mns, R)
2.25 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R)
3.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Lost And Found In Rome. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. (PGahlv, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (Return, PGav)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 33. Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers. From ENGIE Stadium, Sydney.
11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers. 11.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG)
A driver gets sleepy and goes bush. 12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Simon is faced with a family mystery.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 2. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 2. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 2. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 2. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy tries online dating.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mad, R) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 MOVIE: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. (2023, Mav) A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez.
10.20 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.45 The Project. (R) 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6.00
TUESDAY, January 14
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work.
8.30 Eat The Invaders. (PG)
9.05 The Penguin King With David Attenborough. (R)
10.00 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R)
12.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGan, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 8. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R)
8.40 Came From Nowhere. (Ml, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a)
11.55 Christian. (Malv, R)
3.00 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R)
3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 9.20 Leguizamo Does America. (Premiere) 11.10 Adam Looking For Eve. 12.05am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 9.15 Queen Bees. (2021, PG) 11.10 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) 12.35pm The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 2.35 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 4.10 Belle. (2013, PG) 6.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 7.55 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 9.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am Alone In Space. Continued. (2018, PG, Swedish) 6.45 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 10.30 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.20pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.50 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 7.40 Joyride. (2022, M) 9.30 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 11.25 Late Programs.
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 2. 2.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 2. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 34. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.30 Lockerbie. (PGav, R) The CIA hand over a Libyan double agent.
12.35 Underarm: The Ball That Changed Cricket. (PGl, R) A look at the 1981 underarm bowling controversy.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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(64) 7MATE (64)
3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 2. 7.00 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Tango & Cash. (1989, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The O.C. 12.35am The Nanny.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 3. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 3. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 3. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 3. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) There is an explosion at a wedding ceremony. 1.00 First On Scene. (Mv) Documents stories behind the headlines. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG, R) Georgia Moore bags some great groceries.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher. (2012, Mlv, R) A former US Army military police officer investigates the shooting of five innocent civilians by a sniper. Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike. 10.05 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
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ONTHEBOX
WEDNESDAY, January 15
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PGa, R)
9.25 The Night Manager. (MA15+v)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av)
11.50 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R)
12.50 Soldiers. (Malsv, R)
2.35 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R)
3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (PGl, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 35. Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers. From Adelaide Oval. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) A climber’s fall is captured on bodycam. 12.30 Black-ish. (PGd, R) Bow and Dre meet Michelle Obama.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 4. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mams, R) Max mandates a personal health day.
1.00 First On Scene. (Ma) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts banter about golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. (2016, Mlv, R) Jack Reacher helps an army officer. Tom Cruise. 9.55 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.20 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
11.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Belle.
Continued. (2013, PG) 6.55 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 8.45 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 10.35 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 12.10pm The Quiet Girl. (2022, M, Gaelic) 1.55 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.55 Lola. (1961, PG, French) 5.30 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 7.30 A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 9.45 Romper Stomper. (1992, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00
THURSDAY,
January 16
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 Silk Road From Above. (PGa, R)
9.30 The Darkness. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 DNA. (Malv)
11.50 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnsv, R)
12.45 Blanca. (Malnv, R)
2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Ms, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PGv, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(64)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 36. Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes. From the Gabba, Brisbane. 11.00 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. A deep dive into the world of cricket. 11.45 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+als) Pam is pushed to the emotional brink. 12.45 Black-ish. (PGa, R) Jack gets a job as a locker room attendant.
1.40 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Lola. Continued. (1961, PG, French) 6.40 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 8.35 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.05 Joyride. (2022, M) 11.55 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 1.50pm Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 3.35 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 5.30 December Boys. (2007, PG) 7.30 The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 10.00 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.30am Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 5. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 5. 12.00 New Amsterdam.
Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts banter about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30
FIRST launched in 2021, the third iteration of the Kalang River Classic will run on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Hosted by the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club, the race is held every two years for all types of nonpowered watercraft.
The set 15 kilometre course starts and finishes at Urunga and takes paddlers on a circuit around Newry Island on the picturesque Kalang River.
The last ‘Classic’ held in 2023 featured more than 140 paddlers in outrigger canoes, dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, skulls and stand up paddle boards (SUPs).
CONTINUED Page 25
Water endurance
q Outrigger paddlers in racing action.
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