Coffs Coast News Of The Area 14 FEBRUARY 2025

By Andrea FERRARI

“Every

Cr

“Everything

“Our

DOCTOR INFLUX

By Andrea FERRARI

q Mayor Nikki Williams speaks at the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast.

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Forestry fire specialists deployed to Victoria

q Forestry Corporation fire specialists have been deployed. Photo: supplied.

MID NORTH COAST fire specialists from Forestry Corporation have deployed to Victorian firefronts as part of an interstate NSW firefighting contingency.

Victoria has experienced significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.

NSW fire agencies have assisted through the deployment of firefighters and Incident Management Team personnel.

Four Forestry Corporation staff members responded on Saturday, 1 February and a further five Forestry Corporation fire specialists deployed on Thursday, 6 February.

“While we have had fires in NSW and the threat especially in the south and the west is not over yet, it is important to share resources

around the country when we can,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said on Friday.

“Our firefighters are highly skilled and experienced in Australian bushland firefighting and are always ready to lend a hand in regional NSW or further afield.”

Group Leader Gary Miller from Wauchope deployed for seven days as an Operations Officer in the IMT at Ararat.

“We were there to give the local Victorian IMT personnel some time off as they have been fighting fires and overseeing the fire management since December with major efforts involved in the containment of the fires in the Grampians," Gary said.

“It was great to assist our colleagues in Victoria, a great learning experience in

training on the Victorian fire systems and a good opportunity to share fire knowledge across the multi-agency IMT.”

Gary deployed to Victoria alongside firefighters Hannah Mangnall and Bronson Lovett from Wauchope and Daniel Macaree and James Martin from the Hunter.

A second firefighting field crew started their seven-day deployment on Friday.

This deployment was made up of Aden Hitchcock from Dorrigo, David McLaughlin from Coffs Harbour, Paul Douglas from Wauchope and Daniel Carey from Taree. Forestry Corporation’s nine personnel have deployed as part of the 200-strong NSW deployment alongside NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Fire and Rescue NSW and State Emergency Services personnel.

q Victoria has experienced significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. Photo: supplied.

WARMEST WELCOME

We would like to introduce our newest member of our team our Chef, Joy Cassells. We are so happy to welcome her aboard and so far, she has delighted us with her wonderful comfort food, fresh salads, pastas and yummy desserts. We look forward to seeing what other creations she comes up with during the coming winter months.

Don’t forget! We have lovely sandwiches, wraps and fruit platters for your next meeting. (24 Hours’ notice required).

Chill & Chat Café 22 Earl street In the community Village just behind Coles Open Monday – Friday 9am to 2 Lunch at 12

DOCTOR INFLUX

FROM Page 1

careers and contribute to the local community.

“Our decision to come to Coffs Harbour was always part of our plan; we love the town’s beauty, diversity and the opportunity to make a real impact in regional healthcare,” Dr Abasseri said.

Bonville local Jessica Zullo has returned to Coffs Harbour as a junior doctor after studying in Newcastle.

She loves the sense of community of her hometown and hopes to help those in need.

“No matter where I was for placement - Newcastle, Tamworth - I’d always come back to get that sense of home and community,” Dr Zullo said.

“I wanted to do my JMO training somewhere that feels like home.”

Across the state, more than 1000 medical interns have joined NSW Health where they will learn from experienced and highly skilled medical staff.

Twenty-nine of the new junior doctors have started work at Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) public hospitals.

q New Coffs Clinical Network junior doctors. Back: Usman Masood, Mel Richardson (MNCLHD), Megan Betts (MNCLHD), Mostafa Abasseri, Jumpei Takeuchi, Tom Masters, Alfred Sing, MNCLHD Deputy Director of Medical Services Dr Renee Strazzari, Shae Strydom, MNCLHD Network Manager Medical Administration Allirra Wingfield, Lilli Reardon. Front: JMO Manager Alicia Butchers, Caio Christiansen, Issy Ferguson-Roberts, Isra Karem, Makana Hilton, Isobel Waugh, Jessica Zullo, Zayn Al-Timimi and Director of Prevocational Education and Training Dr William Fox.

MNCLHD Acting Chief Executive Jill Wong extended a warm welcome to the new cohort of interns.

“Interns are a core component of our medical care teams in our hospitals and will play an important role in caring for our communities now and into

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice to become

independent practitioners.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and the future.”

on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

They also rotate across different specialties in each hospital during their intern period, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

Woopi named top mainland beach

By Andrea FERRARI

WOOLGOOLGA has been named the top beach on the Australian mainland in Tourism Australia’s official 2025 Best Australian Beaches list.

The top spot nationwide went to the Bay of Fires in Tasmania.

Woolgoolga resident and State MP Gurmesh Singh took to social media alongside Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams to celebrate.

“As locals, we’ve always known our region has an abundance of world class beaches,” Mr Singh said.

“Whether it’s a morning swim or surf, spectacular sunrises, or a refreshing dip after school or work,

it’s clear the Coffs Coast has some of the best coastal views in the country.

“But now Woopi’s charm is no longer a secret. We're not surprised Woopi Beach and its surrounding vibrant beachside village stood out among the rest.

“It’s great for the tourism industry and local businesses to see Woolgoolga getting the recognition it deserves.”

Tourism Australia's beach ambassador, conservationist Brad Farmer AM, has a criterion of 130 individual points upon

which to judge the nation's best beaches.

With more than 12,500 beaches, rivers, lakes and lagoons in Australia, Mr Famer researches the location online before contacting various stakeholders in the region, including fishermen, tourist operators and councillors.

He then travels to the locations and spends between one day and a week in the area.

Working through his multitude of boxes to tick he operates a vast and exhaustive process getting third-party endorsements, and a feel for the nuances and peculiarities of the location.

"I will stop, have lunch, go for a swim, ride a board, speak to the fishermen, go to the local government and interview visitors to get a broad cross-section so that it truly speaks to the nature of that particular spot," Mr Farmer said.

Mr Singh invited people to share their favourite photo of Woolgoolga Main Beach on his Facebook post.

1.

2. Woolgoolga, New South

3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island

4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland

5. Little Lagoon, Western Australia

6. Fishery Bay, South Australia

7. 1770, Queensland

8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia

9. Caves Beach, New South Wales

10. Cowes Beach, Victoria.

NOTA has selected several to be shared alongside this story.

The top 10 Best Australian Beaches for 2025:

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Wales

q Ainslie Wroe’s photo of Woolgoolga Main Beach sweeping around in a bay.

q Lisa Nichols’ photo of the weekly Fluoro Friday.

q Glynis Kirby’s photo of Woolgoolga SLSC.

q Kylie Reedy’s photo across Woolgoolga Main Beach dotted with gulls.

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Mayor Nikki Williams: ‘My first 100 days’

“The value of submissions is so important; that’s how you make a difference.”

With strategic planning about to begin on its Delivery Program for 2026-2030, Cr Williams explained how Council needs to consider the long-term before implementing any change.

“Where we’re most effective is to create overarching strategies for how our city will work.

“You can't please all of the people all of the time. That’s the hardest bit of my job - saying ‘no’.

“There are times we don’t have the funds

and the resources, but it’s how we say it.

"[Making] people feel heard is important.”

Cr Williams spoke of an elderly man she met during her campaign, who was distressed about an issue with his rates.

“The first thing I did when I walked into my office was call him.

“We investigated his issue, and it turned out Council was wrong, and he was right; we changed someone’s day because we listened.”

Within the Council's offices, the new mayor is promoting teamwork and collaboration and instilling her own business ethic of “do less and do it better”.

She lists resilience and always pushing for excellence as her strengths.

In 2011, the now Mayor was a young mum with baby triplets who had left their father.

Her own father had died and she was 500kms away from close family.

She thought, “no-one is coming to save me,” and learnt to pivot to fix each challenge.

Cr Williams appealed to Chamber members to imagine life “post-bypass” and to embrace investment.

“Investors need to feel confident in our city.

“We want to open the door and say, ‘how

can I help you?’.”

Cr Williams has re-joined the NSW Country Mayors’ Association (CMA) and will work alongside the mayors of Bellingen Shire, Nambucca Valley, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings on key issues such as housing and waste management.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garth Shipperlee, told News Of The Area that it was great to kick off the new year with a soldout breakfast.

He felt the mayor “led with heart and soul”.

“There was such an engaging and positive vibe throughout the room that after a challenging few years we can say, ‘Coffs is back and we’re open for business’.”

q Bellbowrie Motors’ Max Lawrence and Gosling Group’s Toran Rex.

q Life House Care’s Nathan Hannaford, Fellow Creative's Amber Hannaford and Cr Cath Fowler.

q Gosling Group’s Lochie Martin, Toran Rex and Matt Gosling.

q Brand Etc’s Gina Ingleby and Observatory Apartment’s Lydia Crossingham.

q Southern Cross Austereo’s Luke Campbell, City of Coffs Harbour’s Lewis Belling and Coffs Harbour Golf Course’s Paul McAra.

q We Do Nails’ Leonie Cuneo, Novak Properties’ Lisa Novak, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Novak Properties’ Mark Novak.

q Paradox Media’s Chris Grieve and Coffs Harbour Toyota’s Anthony White.

q O’Brien Plumbing and Relining’s Will Ward, Geolink’s Jacob Sickinger and Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Manager, Tiga Cross.

q Chamber committee members Melissa Parisi, Cherie Parik and Lindsay Martin.

q Coffs Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Garth Shipperlee with Blue Frog Marketing’s Hunter Leonard.

q Mayor Nikki Williams and Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce President Ray Smith.

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Forestry ‘misstated’ native logging yields

By Andrew VIVIAN

ASSESSMENTS of the economic and employment impacts of the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP) have been based on grossly inflated claims, according to the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA).

It follows confirmation that Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) has been overstating its native logging yields for the past three years.

The organisation blames a “data extraction error from its sales database” for the incorrect numbers in its annual biomaterial report, which is legally required to show the area of native forest logged and the volume of timber products obtained.

Environmentalist and NEFA co-founder Dalian Pugh, said he had reservations for some time about Forestry’s figures.

After comparing its data with satellite imagery, he found “something wasn’t right”.

NEFA complained of gross errors and data inconsistencies, which led to FCNSW releasing a revised 2023 Report last October.

“I knew their figures were wrong but I didn’t know how wrong,” Mr Pugh told News Of The Area.

“[Over] the three years, they have reclassified 65,584m3 of premium large high quality logs as lower value small high quality logs, and reduced claimed yields of low quality logs by 616,384 tonnes.

“If the new data is to be believed, it means that all assessments of the Forestry Corporation’s performance have been based on inflated false information for years.

“There is no reliable data from FCNSW available to gauge what they’ve been up to all these years.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson is calling for the NSW Auditor General to investigate FCNSW

for maladministration.

“For this data to be revised down by 28 percent, without any public announcement, calls into question the entire justification for continued native forest logging,” she said.

“The reported yield from native forest logging forms a critical part of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management.

“Despite oversight by the EPA and auditing by the Auditor General, these gross errors would not have been identified or rectified except for our repeated questioning of errors and inconsistencies in the Forestry Corporation’s data.”

A spokesperson for FCNSW said the data extraction error related only to some product categories and was confined to the biomaterials report.

They added that while the volume of some product categories had been misstated, the database correctly and accurately records the volumes sold in every product category and the revenue received.

q Revised Forestry Corporation reports have led to renewed calls to end native forest logging.

Photo: supplied, Friends of Pine Creek.

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

Towards a solution to the rural doctor crisis

By Ned COWIE

AN orientation day for Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Rural Medicine has been held at the university’s Macksville campus, with students in third and fourth year of their medical studies welcomed to the area.

Solving the issues which have led to a shortage of doctors in regional and remote areas requires a multifaceted approach, but the Doctor of Medicine program offered by CSU is working out some of these challenges by encouraging students to complete studies in rural areas, to make local connections, and even to return to the region they know and grew up in.

Students in first and second years of the Doctor of Medicine qualification at CSU in Orange attend two weeks each year at a regionally located clinical

school.

However, when in the third, fourth and fifth years of their five-year course, they relocate to a clinical school in the region of their choice.

“Previously we ran the program out of Macksville Hospital, but this is the first year we will have our own campus here in Macksville,”

Associate Professor and Head of Campus, Karly Field told News Of The Area at the River Street building which has been set up for medical studies.

“For the third, fourth and fifth year of their

studies, students spend one day per week with a GP at one of several partnering local clinics and three days at Macksville Hospital,” she explained.

The final day of each week is spent on campus with students following their curriculum and discussing cases which they have encountered through the practical experience days.

Professor Field said the school aims to equip future graduates with a broad and holistic understanding of their field before decisions such as specialisations are made.

Show postponed over potential election clash

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Coffs Harbour Show Society has postponed this year’s event, originally scheduled for 15-18 May, because of a potential clash with the Federal Election.

Securing a firm commitment for the Showground is vital to ensure that the entertainment, attractions, and other essential components of the Show can be properly arranged.

However, the Showground Trust was unable to confirm the venue’s availability on the dates allocated by AgShowsNSW.

Without a confirmed booking in place, the Show Society determined

This year, two young medical students who grew up in the Coffs Harbour region returned to live locally while they participated in the program.

Now in the third year of their undergraduate studies, Daya and Siya completed high school at Coffs Harbour Education Campus and Bishop Druitt College respectively.

They see many advantages in attending a regionally-based clinical school and look forward to the year at the Macksville campus.

“I think there is a bias that students who have studied in remote areas are less clever and less

Singh: Small dispute costs to ‘skyrocket’

MEMBER for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh has decried the planned closure of Community Justice Centres in NSW by 30 June 2025, arguing that the “cost to resolve small disputes is about to skyrocket”.

“There was no consultation or explanation for the closure of these Community Justice Centres, nor have any public announcements been made,” Mr Singh said.

“The closure of Community Justice Centres in Coffs Harbour, across the North Coast and throughout NSW is causing angst in our community.

“Community Justice Centres have been successfully assisting NSW residents settle their disputes for over 40 years.

“Without them, costs will be higher, our courts will be under more pressure and there will be

more demand for police intervention.”

In November 2024 the NSW Government offered the following response to questioning from Greens MLC Sue Higginson in parliament regarding the planned closure.

“The NSW Government

remains committed to ensuring that the NSW community has access to information and services that help them resolve their disputes quickly and informally,” the statement read.

“The Department of Communities and Justice

that it was not feasible to proceed with planning and organisation within the limited timeframe.

The Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show traditionally enjoys strong local involvement by the region’s residents, schools, community groups, and local businesses, all of which contribute to making the event a highlight of the regional calendar.

The Show Society said it appreciates the understanding and continued support of the community during this period of uncertainty and will provide further updates regarding the event as more information becomes available.

experienced,” Siya told NOTA, “but actually the opposite is true.

“Because there are less students in the cohort, it allows you to see more patients and encounter a really wide range of medical situations,” she explained.

“I personally would like to stay rural,” Daya told NOTA.

“You get a lot more communication and connection and it's very rewarding being able to follow through and see the results (of treatment).

“I love to build a relationship with patients and other medical staff,” she said.

will establish an in-house mediation service for legislatively mandated referrals.

“The details of the new service, including the role of mediators, are currently being determined.

“The new service will be operational from 1 July 2025.”

q CSU Northern Rivers Clinical School students Mikayla, Bella, Maddie, Himanya, Theo, Siya and Daya, with Associate Prof. Karly Field (front row, centre).

Political and business leaders take the stage

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Chamber of Commerce members met on Thursday 13 February to hear from several prominent local speakers, including a keynote speech by Mayor Nikki Williams.

Opening the breakfasttime meeting, Chamber President Ray Smith welcomed attendees and introduced Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh to the stage.

Mr Singh began with some personal news, saying he would be excusing himself early from the meeting to take his “little one” to his first day at school.

He then mentioned the “looming” Federal election, which must take place by May, noting its potential impact on “business and the region”.

The State MP also discussed the future of the Coffs Coast once the longawaited bypass is complete.

“It’s really exciting to imagine what our city will look like post-construction, once we have the bypass,” he said.

“Coffs used to be the Maccas drive-through for travellers.

“Once the bypass is completed, we’ve got to aim for Coffs Harbour to be a destination.

“Having a bypass does change a city and we need to plan ahead.”

Mr Singh also raised the issue of upcoming consultation on the Jetty Foreshores redevelopment.

Championing lower flight prices from Coffs Harbour was another matter of key importance, he said.

Bonville Golf Course General Manager Brad

Daymond then took the stage, discussing the fourday Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby coming to C.ex Coffs International Stadium in April.

“The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is set to transform the region into a hub of rugby celebration, with activities catering to fans, players, and families alike,” he said.

“This drawcard sporting event is set to see over 2000 players and their families descend on the Coffs Coast from 3-6 April to join in the festivities, culminating in a showcase game between the Australian Barbarians and

the Japan U23 squad, coached by the renowned Eddie Jones

“The Japanese team will base their high-performance training camp in the city, offering unique opportunities for fans to attend open training sessions and meet players.”

The City of Coffs Harbour Events team has been integral in bringing this event to the Coffs Coast.

Big Banana Fun Park CEO Michael Lockman presented news of the park’s new team

building packages, from tackling puzzles in the ‘escape rooms’ to axe throwing experiences.

Bishop Druitt College (BDC) Principal Nick Johnstone and Deputy Principal Simon Doyle then shared their experiences volunteering overseas during the Christmas period.

Mr Johnston took students to Cambodia as part of a cultural immersion program running for almost 20 years at BDC.

Through BDC’s partnership with Krou Yeung School (KYS), Australian and Cambodian students and educators work collaboratively, sharing teaching methodologies and resources while fostering cross-cultural communication skills.

Mr Doyle spent the month of December volunteering for HopeFull, a charity which provides free pizzas to war torn communities in Ukraine.

q Bishop Druitt College Assistant Principal Simon Doyle, Marketing Manager Holly Heather and Principal Nick Johnstone.

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Bonville Golf Course GM Brad Daymond.

Species discovered after 40 years in preservation

By Andrea FERRARI

HAVING lain

deep in the vaults of the National Herbarium of NSW unidentified for more than 40 years, an aged specimen found in Coffs Harbour in the early 1970s has finally been described and catalogued as a new species of mintbush.

A paper recently published in scientific journal 'Telopea’ identifies the new species as “Prostanthera floydii”, honouring the late Coffs Harbour botanist Alex Floyd OAM, who first collected the species in 1980.

Found in the Coffs Harbour hinterland, the

new species belongs to the ‘mint family’, which includes most culinary herbs like rosemary and thyme.

The research and identification required local field work and cultivation of

the plant at the herbarium.

“It's a really lovely species when you look at it in the wild,” said Trevor Wilson, Systematic Botanist at Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

“We've only seen it

q

species of mintbush, ‘Prostanthera floydii’, discovered in Coffs Harbour.

flattened as a preserved specimen, but when you look at it growing, it has enormous flowers which makes it quite striking.

“It doesn’t have the same strong smell as other species in the ‘mint family’, but that does not exclude it from having compounds useful for other things like

medicine.

“It’s an untapped resource.”

Dr Wilson, the lead author of the paper, said Prostanthera floydii will likely be listed as threatened in NSW and its re-discovery greatly improves its conservation chances.

“It’s a big win for biodiversity because it is quite different from other species we know; we've recognised there's even more diversity of the mintbush genus so I'm excited,” he said.

“Broadly speaking, preserving a greater amount of biodiversity means that we have more resilient systems to stand the changing climate.”

With more than 1.4 million plant specimens stored at the National Herbarium of NSW, Dr Wilson said it’s likely there are many more species stored away without a name or that have been wrongly identified.

“These plants give us insight into what's happened in the past and that allows us to project in the future about how we can help ourselves and make the world a better place.”

Often described as a ‘museum for plants’, a herbarium is a research collection of preserved plants stored, catalogued, and arranged systematically for study.

Herbariums act as botanical safehouses that protect plants against extinction and are critical for understanding our biodiversity and how we can conserve it.

The new

q The new species of mintbush is now being cultivated.

Feedback sought on West Coffs Shared Path

THE City of Coffs Harbour is now accepting feedback on the concept design for the West Coffs Shared Path project.

The project aims to establish a convenient network of pathways throughout West Coffs Harbour and improve access to the City Centre.

The path will be wide – generally 2.5 to 3 metres across where the terrain allows – and encourage ‘active transport’ suitable for walkers, bike riders and mobility scooters.

“The knowledge of locals will help guide this project which due to its sheer size will need to be delivered in stages,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.

It’s envisioned the sixkilometre network will

incorporate some existing pathways and run mostly on flat ground through parkland, bush reserves and creek lines, offering a direct and gently graded route to the Central Business District.

The shared path will have three major arms –one extending south to the Combine Street area, a central route extending toward future residential areas near Spagnolos Road and Roselands Drive, and a northern leg running to Pearce Drive near Shephards Lane.

The network will connect some 12,000 residents of West Coffs and link to the City Centre via an underpass on what will become the old highway post-Bypass near Coffs Street.

“The concept design

includes pedestrian/cycle bridges over creeks and safe road crossings. In some areas, where necessary, the path will include on-road cycleways in low-traffic areas,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

“This is about improving connectivity in West Coffs, making it easier for people to get to schools, parks and other areas for recreation.”

The West Coffs Shared Path will also link with the Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway, and include new lighting and wayfinding signage.

The community is invited to provide feedback on the concept design.

This can be done through a questionnaire on the City website.

q An illustrative image

Two community drop-in sessions with project staff at Yarrila Place (Level 1, 27 Gordon Street) will also be held:

• 11am-1pm, Thursday 20 February; and

• 3.30pm-5.30pm, Wednesday 26 February.

Childcare shortage impacting other sectors

A DIRE shortage of childcare places is causing children on the Mid North Coast to be excluded from early learning.

Sector experts say the shortage is spilling into other sectors as nurses, aged care workers, teachers and other essential workers are unable to return to work when their children are young.

As many as 50 children compete for a spot in some areas, with some of the worst access in the surrounds of Nambucca Heads, Bellingen and Valla.

A 2023 survey by Regional Development Australia found that 52 percent of local families are not able to secure childcare.

Jay Weatherill from the Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign said governments must act to ensure all children and families, regardless of their

postcode, have access to childcare and early learning.

“Universally accessible early childhood education and care would not just support all children to thrive, but allow regional, rural and remote communities to flourish,” said Mr Weatherill.

“Without sufficient early education and care, thousands of parents – usually mothers – are left unable to work and support their families on their own terms.

“This leaves families financially worse-off, children more likely to start school developmentally vulnerable and local businesses and essential workforces facing staffing constraints, as we’re seeing on the NSW Mid North Coast.”

In December the Federal Government announced they would spend $1 billion to build or expand more than

160 early learning centres in underserved areas of the country.

“We’re calling on all parties to commit to improving access to early education in Australia’s regions, so that every child and family can thrive,” said Maddy Butler, Campaign Director at advocacy group The Parenthood.

A 2024 study by Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute found that about 24 percent of Australia’s population live in areas classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – where there are more than three children per childcare place.

It also found about 700,000 Australians live in areas with virtually no access to childcare at all.

“We know that highquality accessible childcare has huge benefits, for both workforce participation and helping young children to thrive,” said Mitchell Institute Director and report lead

Consultation opened on Friday, 7 February and closes on 2 March 2025.

“Once we’ve gathered your input, we’ll refine the concept and move into the detailed design phase with the final plan due to be ready by late 2025,” Mr Fitzgibbon

the world are committing billions of dollars, pounds and euros to increase the supply said.

“The final design will guide future grant applications and phased delivery of the project.”

This project is funded by the NSW Government under the Get NSW Active program.

of childcare, without much understanding of the best way to do it.”

author, Associate Professor Peter Hurley. “Governments around

q Jay Weatherill from the Minderoo Foundation.

Threatened animals on show

By Andrea FERRARI

ARTIST Nadia Waters is presenting an exhibition entitled “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” featuring drawings of threatened animals from the Bellingen and Armidale areas.

She will open the exhibition at Bellingen’s Nexus Gallery on Sunday 2 March, and it will run until 28 March.

The artworks are a reminder of the human impact on biodiversity.

“The fragile existence of these local animals facing habitat destruction from urban development and extreme weather, is highlighted through torn-edge cardboard,” Nadia said.

The repurposed cardboard used for the artworks demonstrates beauty in the ordinary and supports sustainability.

The raw softness and gentle quality of chalk and powder pastels emphasises the animals’ vulnerability.

“Sweet animals like the Koala, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Diamond Firetails are shown alongside the majestic Masked Owl, the grand Southern Greater Glider and a kind pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos."

Circular sheltering branches of banksia and eucalypt carefully hold the animals in their environment.

Nadia chooses her subject to share her passion that native wildlife is beautiful, deserving of nurture and preservation.

“I hope people enjoy the exhibition, and that it inspires a sense of wonder in our natural world.”

Optus ‘fasttracks’ 5G network

OPTUS has announced it is “fasttracking its 5G network rollout” on the Coffs Coast, with upgrades that include the activation of 5G on two existing sites.

This brings the total number of 5G-enabled sites in the Coffs Harbour region to nine, alongside the company’s 25 4G sites.

“Local businesses and customers in the region will soon notice the positive impacts of Optus 5G connectivity as the roll-out continues over the coming months,” said Nick Channell, Local General Manager at Optus.

“The improved connectivity for Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas will bring significant benefits, including faster data speeds and wider 5G mobile coverage as more 5G sites are turned on, helping the community to stay better connected.”

q Hopscotch, a Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphagnicolus).

q Casuarina Care, a Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). q Artworks by Nadia Waters include Moonlight Glide, a Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans).

Men’s Shed’s gift to canasta players

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Pines

Canasta group are the delighted recipients of playing card holders handmade by members of the Woolgoolga Men’s Shed.

Problem solver and star Canasta player Hannele Perho, resident at The Pines in Woolgoolga, knew she had to find a solution to holding multiple cards in her hands while playing Canasta.

More than a decade ago, Hannele had seen a version of the wooden card holder at the Corindi Beach Canasta group, so she knew what she wanted.

Initially Hannele went to the local Mitre 10 store to buy some wood to try to make them herself.

She discovered that Mitre 10 donated wood to

the Woolgoolga Men’s Shed, which she approached in mid-2024 to see if they could produce a wooden card holder for a minimum thirteen playing cards.

These came into play at the beginning of this year.

“We were delighted with the quality,” Ms Perho told News Of The Area.

“The men who made them obviously took pride in their work as they produced first class items for us.

“Every time we use the wooden card holders, we think of the Men’s Shed and want to recognise them for the great work they do.

“So often today, people take pride in their work and never hear how the end user treasures their efforts.

“Bouquets to the Men’s Shed from the Pines Canasta group.”

Inaugurated in July 2024 to coincide with the opening of the new air-conditioned

Pines Clubhouse, the Canasta group has burgeoned, welcoming residents and guests on Thursdays from 10 am – 12 noon.

“Playing Canasta certainly ticks all the boxes that the Mayo Clinic recommends for our ageing brains,” Ms Perho said.

Times Gone By: From morse code to matrimony

By Karen FILEWOOD

WHEN Sarah ‘Maud’ Dammerel was six years old, her parents George and Sarah Dammerel and siblings Matilda, George and Helen relocated from Ollera (near Armidale) to Moonee Beach in 1885, taking up 140 acres of farming land.

She gained another

brother, Clarence, in early 1886 and two years later a sister, Florence.

As a former sailor and due to the family property’s seafront position opposite the Solitary Island lighthouse, George Dammerel was appointed Signal Master in 1887 to open communication with the lighthouse.

A flagstaff and small flag house were built on their property and equipped with signal flags, morse lamp, telescope, code book, logbook etc. then, over time, Maud and her family learnt the art of signalling. Their advanced skill enabled them to help George with his duties which included maintaining

a constant lookout on the weather and shipping, as well as keeping contact with lighthouse workers and shore authorities.

Meanwhile, John ‘Harry’ Henry Fisher, born to shipping pilot John Fisher and his wife Eliza at Eden in 1884, found work with the Navigation Department at Seal Rocks Lighthouse in 1905.

He was sent to Green Cape lighthouse in 1910 as

“It can keep your brain in shape and improve your brain function and memory. Plus, you can network with your fellow players and connect with others over morning tea.

“Playing Canasta is a no brainer, pardon the pun, and

a relieving officer, promoted to first assistant lightkeeper, then began duty at Solitary Island lighthouse.

He and Maud Dammerel formed a friendship via their signalling which grew to courtship, with Harry regularly visiting her by rowing from the lighthouse to the mainland and the couple exchanging fond messages by signal lamp after dark.

They married in September 1912 at the Dammerel house then returned to the Solitary

Early end to Bush Fire Danger Period

to the

of rain across the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen LGAs and the forecast for a warmer and wetter autumn, the Bush

Fire Danger Period will end on 18 February.

“This means landowners will no longer require a Fire Permit

from 18 February,” said Superintendent Sandra Huer, District Manager Coffs Coast, NSW RFS. Landowners will be

required to comply with the following conditions:

• Notify neighbours and the RFS online at least 24 hours before lighting.

• Check the weather forecast and fire danger

• Use fire safely with clearings all around

• Maintain fire on their

The game of Canasta was devised in Uruguay in 1939 and was intended to be as engaging as Bridge. It is the card game that featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger, and in the classic series I Love Lucy.

Island lighthouse to reside for the next two and a half years.

Over time the couple lived in all but one lighthouse on the New South Wales coastline with John as head light-keeper, until his retirement in 1949 when they moved to Strathfield and while Harry stated he would miss the sea and tending the lighthouses, he still had “the smell of kerosene in his clothes to remind him of them”. land

• Monitor the fire in person and see that it is fully extinguished.

q Pines Clubhouse players Hannele Perho, Bernie Geyson, Brian Moore and Maria Moore.

q The canasta card holder made by Woolgoolga Men’s Shed members.

DUE

amount

Busy time for Older Women’s Network

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Older Women’s Network (CH OWN) committee has developed a busy calendar of diverse events for its members for 2025.

The increase in organised group activities for the group is in line with OWN NSW’s belief in a society rich in social

capital, where mutual respect and trust are paramount; diversity and debate are valued; and people and their networks have a legitimate voice.

Lorraine Penn, Coordinator of CH OWN, is excited about the many events.

“We identified that many of our members are still in

the workforce on a part or full-time basis and cannot always attend our monthly gatherings,” Ms Penn told News Of The Area.

The meetings are held at Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living’s Pavilion Room on the second Wednesday of the month.

Not wanting women to miss out on connecting with

others, CH OWN has now introduced several other social events and outings.

CH OWN nurtures a welcoming atmosphere.

It has been well supported since it was launched in January 2025, attending local cinemas and the Jetty Theatre.

“The films we have viewed to date include Conclave, A Complete

q Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network adds more social gatherings to its calendar.

Unknown and Goodrich and we are scheduled to see Maria and Babygirl.”

Depending on the screening time, the members meet for coffee, lunch or dinner after the film.

“Viewing a film together and then discussing… and rating it out of five, can create some fascinating conversations.

“Many of our members

Gold for Coffs Quality Hotel

By Andrea FERRARI

QUALITY Hotel City Centre in Coffs Harbour has been named a 2024 Gold Award winner by leading hotel franchise group Choice Hotels Asia-Pac.

These annual awards recognise exceptional performance and an unmatched dedication to the guest experience across properties in Australia and New Zealand.

The internal excellence awards motivate franchisees to continuously strive for more.

Choice Hotels Asia-

Pac Director of Franchise Performance Anthony Stanley said the team at Quality Hotel City Centre are masters when it comes to customer service, achieving the equal-tohighest scores in this crucial category when looking at the entire Australasia portfolio of hotels.

“In addition to the customer service factor, ownership of the hotel runs a constant program of

improvement to rooms and facilities,” Mr Stanley told News Of The Area.

“So, we have a perfect marriage of product and service that makes Quality Hotel City Centre a leader within the Choice network and within the hotel’s own competitor set.”

The joint managers of the property are always looking at ways to enhance the guest experience and this is what sets them apart from the competition.

This might be adding Nespresso coffee pod machines to the rooms or offering guests a discount on in-house food and beverage in the event they forgo room servicing, which has sustainability benefits, without compromising the guest experience.

Franchisee owner manager Michael Dougherty told NOTA, “Our team is honoured to again receive the Gold Award.

“It’s recognition of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards and

subscribe to the streaming services, but there is nothing better than watching the big screen,” Ms Penn said.

“We are also scheduling trips to local theatre companies, writing festivals and whale watching excursions in 2025.”

To find out more about CH OWN go online to ownnsw. org.au/get-involved/joingroup/coffs-harbour.

always striving to exceed guest expectations.

“We want to stay ahead and lead in areas of environmental responsibility, team culture and standards of service and facilities offered.

“The Coffs Coast is a vibrant and beautiful area to own and operate a business.

“The major sporting and cultural events, tourism and a strong corporate presence gives me confidence to continue reinvesting and developing the business further.”

q The network is actively social.

q Quality Hotel City Centre wins Choice Hotel Gold Award.

q Michael Dougherty, franchisee owner and manager of Quality Hotel City Centre Coffs Harbour.

For Food’s Sake Summit – Day 1 | Pacific Bay Resort

For Food’s Sake Gala Dinner, curated by Mindy Woods | Pacific Bay Resort

Pink Silks Trust’s fundraising milestone

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Pink Silks Trust (PST) capped off 2024 having raised $150k for Coffs Coast women’s organisations and hospitals, while reaching a milestone $1.5m since its foundation eighteen years ago.

PST holds three annual events, which are always well-supported and combine fun and friendship.

A very successful Ladies Long Lunch at Latitude 30 in May last year and the recent annual Pink Silks Charity Ladies Race and Golf days, completed the charity’s 2024 fundraising year.

“We are so grateful for the support, generosity and contribution of many businesses and individuals towards the work we are doing… for better women’s

health outcomes and towards national research,”

PST Chair and co-founder Tanya Johnson OAM told News Of The Area.

From the total of $150,000 raised, $140,000 stays locally and $10,000 goes towards national research.

There were six main beneficiaries in 2024.

- Coffs Harbour Health Campus Palliative Care Unit received $27,000 for two full home bed and mobility packages.

- Coffs Harbour Community Health Continence Clinic is to receive a Tesla Chair, valued at $75,000, which will be the first in a NSW public hospital.

- Five defibrillators, worth $15,000, have been donated to the Defib Hero App program and will be accessible in the Coffs LGA 24/7.

- Lifeline North Coast received $15,000 to assist the North Coast division provide training and

CHH COFFS HARBOUR HARDWOODS

development for three new Suicide Bereavement Facilitators and ten new Crisis Support/Domestic Violence counsellors.

- The CanDo Cancer Trust, Brenda Johnson Memorial Fund, which assists women attending the North Coast Cancer

Institute, received $8000 to help pay the household bills of those experiencing financial hardship.

- And a donation of $10,000 was made to The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, for research into Small Bowel Cancer.

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q Pink Silks Trust Chair and co-founder Tanya Johnson OAM (second from left) with race day revellers.

q Pink Silks Trust Charity Race Day supporters. Photos: Rex Clutario, Lifeline NC.

q Pink Silks Trust Charity Race Day supporters. Photos: Rex Clutario, Lifeline NC.

Entries open for ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

ENTRIES are open for the fourth annual “Rumble in the Jungle Trail Run” at Ulong, where runners explore the rainforest and waterfalls of Bindarri National Park.

Distances range from a one kilometre (km) kids run all the way up to a 50 km ultramarathon.

The community event continues to grow in popularity, with 300 runners entered in the first week of entries opening.

President of Coffs Trail Runners Keelan Birch said the Ulong event

Songwriting in Bello

By Andrea FERRARI

BELLINGEN is one of five locations to host “Regional Sessions”, which bring industry connection and songwriting skills to NSW.

The program is put on by the Australasian Performing Right Association Limited (APRA) and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS).

These one-day songwriting events are for beginner, emerging and midcareer songwriters, producers and composers to learn from industry pros and connect with their musical peers.

The Bello speaker panel includes Coffs Harbour native Billie-Jo Porter and Gumbaynggirr man Nate Weatherall along with Australian stars Ben Lee, MO'JU and ROSHANI.

The program format features speaker presentations, audience participation in panel

discussions, interactive workshops and an opportunity for the audience to grow their local music community through networking on the day.

There will also be live performances and casual socialising opportunities.

Billie-Jo told News Of The Area why this opportunity is a winner for musicians

was “getting more popular and more professional”.

“Last year we had around 300 runners on the day and there are already that many who signed up in one week which is amazing,” he said.

"We are seeing a lot of people running this event again and again as they love the community atmosphere and the scenery in Ulong and Bindarri National Park.

“We have many locals who have entered, but also many travelling from Brisbane and Sydney who are looking to

explore the Coffs Harbour hinterland.

“The word is getting out about this event.

"Hikers are welcome in our shorter distances and we even have a kids race with kids activities.

“We just want to promote being active in a beautiful part of the world."

While the event has doubled its capacity for 2025, the event is over 60 percent sold out and entries are selling fast.

to attend: “[they’re] such a valuable opportunity for songwriters, producers and composers of all levels to gain valuable insights to improving song craft.

“It does not matter if you are just starting out, or you’ve

been writing for years, events like these are a fantastic way to grow skills, find new inspiration and connect with other like-minded people.

“I've gained so much from attending events like this, and I can honestly say they've

had a profound impact on the direction of my career.

“You’ll get the chance to dive into new songwriting techniques, explore your creativity, and get inspired by other like-minded musicians.”

Billie-Jo will be talking about the art of songwriting and collaboration.

She’s passionate about sharing how to tap into that creative flow, how to be true to yourself, and developing your own unique voice.

“We’ll talk about the importance of storytelling in songwriting, and how to bring emotion and authenticity into your work.”

She’s looking forward to sharing some of her own experiences, “and hopefully, spark some fresh ideas for those in the room”.

What makes these sessions so valuable is the real, honest exchange of ideas, she said.

“It’s about digging deep into what makes a song resonate.”

For songwriters, this is an opportunity to step back from the pressures of the industry and focus on the joy of creating.

The Regional Session held at Bellingen Memorial Hall on Thursday 20 February has an allocation of free tickets along with paid options.

q Trail run distances range from a one kilometre kids run all the way up to a 50 km ultramarathon.

q Billie-Jo Porter.

q Nate Weatherall. Photo: @brewcasa.

Banks agree to no regional branch closures - until 2027

By Andrew BROWN, AAP

THE major banks will be banned from closing regional branches for the next two years to arrest the decline of face-to-face services outside major cities.

The federal government has imposed a moratorium on branch closures until the end of July, 2027.

Some 36 percent of bank branches in regional Australia have shut their doors since 2017.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the moratorium came after NAB accepted a new agreement to not close regional branches, with the Commonwealth Bank and Westpac extending their previous arrangements.

A moratorium was already in place at ANZ, following their takeover of

"If we want a strong national economy, then regional Australia needs to be a big part of the story, and that means making sure that banking services are available to the businesses and workers and people and communities of regional Australia," Dr Chalmers told reporters on Tuesday.

"We also want to make sure that there are still faceto-face services for people who need them in the bush and people for whom digital alternatives may not necessarily work."

The Labor government has also signed an agreement with the major banks to increase their commitment to services available at Australia Post outlets.

Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB have all

reached an agreement to provide banking services at post offices, also called Bank@Post, with ANZ also agreeing to terms to join the scheme.

Macquarie Bank and HSBC have also started negotiations with Australia Post to sign on.

"This means that we can shore up the financial outlook for Bank@Post, but also, importantly, provide greater certainty and services and choice to customers in rural and regional areas," Dr Chalmers said.

"There is more work to do to secure the best version of banking services for people in regional Australia, but these two announcements are very big, very substantial, very important announcements in their own right."

Australian Banking

"While

Farewell for Ron Powell, aged 94

By Andrea FERRARI

WELL known Coffs Harbour

resident Ron Powell passed away on Thursday, 30 January 2025, aged 94.

Ron was a senior area manager with the Waltons chain when he planned, purchased space and built a Coffs Harbour store in the early 1970s - managing it for many years.

“Ron was a well-known figure in the local business world and helped start numerous small businesses,” his son-in-law Fraser Young told News Of The Area.

He was a volunteer with the Coffs Harbour Show Society, the Botanic Gardens, the Rotary Club, the Orchid Society and was on the P&C committee at the Jetty High School.

By Andrea FERRARI

BOOSTING volunteer numbers in the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Coffs Harbour Unit is the focus of a Come and Try Day being held on Saturday 15 February.

The family-friendly event gives members of the public the chance to participate in a range of hands-on experiences with their local SES unit.

Attendees will learn about radio communications, rescue demonstrations and activities, using defibrillator machines and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation, water diversion techniques and much more.

“Being a keen gardener, his beautiful flowers were displayed weekly at the Suncorp.

church.

He taught small business studies at the local TAFE and was a long-time member of the Coffs Harbour Bible Church.

“He was a wonderfully generous man, always ready to give a helping hand, some practical advice or even cash to a needy cause.”

Ron’s wife Betty passed away in 2012.

They are survived by five children (Allen, Neale, David, Joy and Robyn), and many grand and great-

“This Come and Try Day is a chance for anyone interested in volunteering with the SES to discover what we do,” NSW SES Zone Volunteer Engagement Officer Sharon Sawyer told News Of The Area.

“Explore our headquarters, check out our cool vehicles and boats, chat with our members, and try some of the activities and training that our members do on a regular basis.”

Participants will also gain an understanding of how the NSW SES works with communities to plan and prepare for floods, storms and tsunamis.

NSW SES Coffs Coast Local Commander Jeannie Veitch said there are many

benefits to volunteering with the SES.

“We’ve seen the amazing work our NSW SES volunteers do for their communities,” Chief Inspector Veitch said.

Association chief executive Anna Bligh said the industry was committed to customers in regional areas.

Australians continue to shift to digital grandchildren. A

Powell will be held at Coffs Harbour Bible Church in

Toormina at 2pm on Friday, 14 February.

q NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Coffs Harbour Unit members.

q The late Ron and Betty Powell.

q Walton’s Store (right) in 1971, on High Street, Coffs Harbour.

q Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh says the sector is committed to the regions. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.

Bello collab plays for Palestine

By Andrea FERRARI

WATCHING the daily news about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict with feelings of despair and powerlessness, Bellingen music teacher Emiliano Beltzer kept asking himself what he could do.

“Direct action is one possible answer: going to demonstrations, sharing information on social media, and keeping ourselves informed,” he said.

“Then I thought, as a musician, I can also use my music as a tool of expression.”

As his idea grew he gathered the support of musicians from Bellingen and the Coffs Coast, and the “Bello Collab” was born.

The result of this collaboration is an eleventrack album titled “Songs for Palestine”.

The album includes contributions from the Bellingen Singers choir (directed by Hayley Egan), Georgie Chorley, Reimagined

(Lillie O’Rourke, Oscar Eager, Otis Lyons, Louise Gore and Emiliano Beltzer), Katie Crane, Lttle Kng, Pablo Blitzer, Salvatore Rossano, Titan Sky, Joshua Szabo, Ali Shkaki and Louise Gore.

The artwork featured in part on the album cover is titled “Nunguu Jiindas” (Kangarooo Sisters), by Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan.

The album launched on 2 February as an awareness and fundraising campaign.

“We are raising money for Palestine because the country has been destroyed like it never has before, and Palestinians will need all the help they can get to rebuild it,” Emiliano told News Of The Area.

“We do it because we think it is a humane thing to do, and because even if it is very small, it is a direct action that will have a direct consequence.”

brought something very different, “and yet, somehow, all the songs seem to blend in nicely together”.

“It goes to show the wide variety of music and musicians that we have in this area.”

Seven tracks were recorded at Emiliano’s home studio, which he describes as “literally a garage with the laundry at the back”.

He’s set it up to fit in a five-piece band, and recorded some of the songs live.

“There is no postproduction, just mixing and mastering,” he said.

Other songs had a different process, where he worked alongside the artist until they were happy with the product.

The charities and aid organisations under consideration for donations include Olive Kids, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA).

q The “Songs for Palestine” album cover features the painting “Nunguu Jiindas” (Kangaroo

“People are paying attention to the music online, but the main aim of the album is to raise money, so

please take those extra five minutes to click buy and to spread the word,” he said.

Woopi VIEW clubs to support IWD

By Andrea FERRARI

LIFETIME

Bellinger River resident Yvonne Tyson celebrated her 90th birthday on 30 November 2024 surrounded by family at the Urunga Golf Club.

Yvonne is the eldest of her six siblings, with four of them over 80.

She has, over the years,

Emiliano says the beauty of the album is that everyone property.

By Andrea FERRARI

WOOLGOOLGA day and evening VIEW clubs are hosting a combined International Women's Day event at the C.ex Club.

Taking place on Friday 7 March, the fundraising event supports The Smith Family Learning for Life Program.

There will be market stalls with local sellers and nonprofit organisations, raffles and entertainment.

“This is our second collaboration, and we look forward to a great event,” Woolgoolga Evening View Club spokesperson Elfie Garbers told News Of The Area.

“Our guest speakers are

Yvonne celebrates 90 years

been a prolific volunteer for the Bellingen View Club, Bellingen Show Society, Meals on Wheels and still gives her time to the Bellingen Red Cross and the Uniting Op Shop with her sister Lois.

She also supports husband Wal in his volunteering with Bellingen Lions Club, and over many years Urunga Anglers Club, Bellingen Cricket Club and more.

In the early years with their young family of five kids Wal and Yvonne ran a dairy farm.

They subdivided the farm in 1973, building a new home on the eastern part of the

The couple still live there today overlooking the beautiful Bellinger River and their old farm, which was settled in 1863 by Wal’s great grandfather William Tyson, brother to George Tyson of Fernmount.

Yvonne loves her garden, her home and her family.

She loves cooking up a storm in the ‘WallyVon Café’, as her family have named her kitchen.

Scones, jam and cream, choc chip cookies and jam drops are Yvonne’s specialties, along with jams, pickles and chutneys from 100-year-old recipes.

two women who are trailblazing in previously maledominated positions,” she said.

Roxanne EvansHickman, a graduate of Bishop Druitt College, the University of New England and the University of NSW, is currently a Project Engineer for Ferrovial Construction, overseeing the design and construction of the Coffs Harbour Bypass Project.

Angela Martin, General Manager of Lifeline North Coast, oversees a senior leadership team working to deliver crucial suicide prevention and postvention services as well as overseeing the Gamble Aware Program for Mid and

Northern NSW. The primary competition prize is a painting called “Celebrating Our Differences” by Gumbaynggirr artist Lilly Clegg from Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Corindi Beach.

VIEW Clubs of Australia are the largest sponsors of the Learning for Life Students program through The Smith Family, currently helping 1785 students.

“We have several VIEW Clubs in our area - reach out if this is something you may be interested in,” Ms Garbers said.

She can be contacted at woolgoolgaevening viewclub@gmail.com.

The album is available only via Bandcamp at https:// bellocollab.bandcamp.com/ album/songs-for-palestine.

q Yvonne Tyson celebrates her 90th birthday.

q Yvonne and Wal Tyson.

Sisters) by Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan.

q Woolgoolga View Club members

(back) Ailsa, Barbara and Yvonne and (front) Kay, Elfie, Carmell and Maisie.

A world beneath the water

By Andrea FERRARI

ACCLAIMED deep-water diver and photographer Dr Mark Spencer will present a free talk at the National Marine Science Centre on 6 March.

The presentation, titled “Ocean of Self - Forty Years of Ocean Exploration”, will run from 6-8pm with no booking required.

A resident of Coffs Harbour, Dr Spencer’s talk and slide show will include deep dives into the local marine environment as well as stunning discoveries and experiences of his international underwater exploratory work.

He will discuss a variety of experiences, from exploring the wreck of the “Keilawarra” to memorable experiences with marine megafauna.

His photographs, including rarely seen shipwrecks hidden in the deep, have been featured in publications such as National Geographic and Australian Geographic.

“While my main aim is to

just entertain the audience with fascinating shipwreck stories and memorable marine wildlife experiences, I also will attempt to explain what draws us to the ocean – whether we’re exploring beneath it, surfing it or just yearning to live near the sea,” Dr Spencer told News Of The Area.

“And on that topic, I will briefly touch on the themes of my book, ‘Ocean of Self’, which discusses the similar experiences when we explore the deeper realms of our own nature.”

Dr Spencer attributes his ocean and earlier cave-diving explorations as filling him with a sense of wonder and awe for the largely hidden world around us.

“There is a sense of connection with this natural world that I believe is important for people to rediscover,” he said.

“It’s what the world needs at this time of our evolution which has focused perhaps too much on technology and consumerism.”

The lecture is one of a “Marine Discovery Series”

being hosted by Southern Cross University (SCU).

“Members of the public can learn more about the fascinating world of the oceans, from shipwrecks to nudibranchs, by attending the Marine Discovery Series (MDS) lectures at Southern

The Big Screen

By Lindsay HALL

CAPTAIN America: Brave New World hits screens this week, looking for a late Summer boost as Anthony Mackie tries to make the role his own, facing off against Harrison Ford as “Thunderbolt” Ross (previously played by the late William Hurt) as a newly elected president who may be harbouring a supersecret.

This is the first of the Marvel films to bank on audiences accepting new versions of characters while establishing a new status quo.

Of greater interest is whether Harrison Ford is on board with any sense of enthusiasm, or just collecting what was sure to be a very large cheque.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is an astoundingly long-awaited sequel to the two films that once cemented Renée Zellweger as a bona fide star. The film reunites an impressive number of cast members, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, and has been penned by the enthusiastic creator of the original book, Helen Fielding. Will the distinctly British

Bridget still appeal with her wildly varying luck in love and life?

Heart Eyes attempts to embed a new holidaythemed horror/slasher masked-maniac into the popculture psyche.

Director Josh Rubin has been responsible for a few moderate horror hits on streaming platforms (Scare Me, Werewolves Within) but this release has a big studio push behind it.

Undoubtedly it will appeal to the somewhat cynical, alternative crowd who typically eschew Valentine’s Day, but it’s likely the film leans too far in

Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre,” SCU Manager, Outreach and Education Stephan Soule told NOTA.

“The MDS lectures are held every three months (first Thursday of the month) at the Solitary Islands Aquarium.

“The events are free of charge, and no bookings are required.

“More information about the Marine Discovery Series can be found at the Solitary Islands Aquarium website under the events page.”

favour of humour to make a real, gory impact.

Ne Zha 2 continues the saga of the 2019 Chinese animated adventure based on a legendary 16th century novel.

While films like this go largely unnoticed in Western countries, this and the original Ne Zha have been some of the greatest successes in their country of origin.

Such stories are almost impossible to communicate across cultures, relying heavily on so many aspects of mythology and folklore.

Suffice to say the film is bold, filled with creative and colourful characters and is certainly never boring.

Grand Tour journeys

Record month for marine rescuers

MARINE Rescue teams on the Mid North Coast experienced their busiest January on record, according to figures released earlier this week.

There were 61 search and rescue missions, including 28 emergency responses, across the nine units stretching

from Woolgoolga to Lord Howe Island and ForsterTuncurry.

A total of 145 people were safely returned to shore.

Of the units with the highest demand, Camden Haven, Coffs Harbour and Crowdy Harrington each carried out three search and

rescues, Port Macquarie had ten while the Forster Tuncurry unit recorded 20 - one more than the other units combined.

The number of rescues was down in the service’s other five regions, including the Hunter Central Coast, Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.

This meant that even combined with the Mid North Coast figures, the statewide total of January rescues was the lowest in five years.

After a hectic December, Marine Rescue Commander Alex Barrell said boaters are clearly getting the message to “prep now and

through the early 20th Century Asian cities under British colonial rule, starting in Rangoon, and taking in Bangkok, Manila, Shanghai and more in a black and white, melancholy daze.

Edward, a British bureaucrat, panics at his prospective marriage and runs away, only to be chased by his optimistic and determined bride-to-be.

It sounds like the set-up for a romantic comedy, but there aren’t many laughs to be had in this drama, instead exploring the gulf between the life-changing adventure many of us dream of, and the drudgery of the reality we ultimately face.

The documentary The Cats of Gokogu Shrine will

boat later”.

“They are making sure their vessel and safety equipment are in good working order.”

This includes carrying enough clean fuel, monitoring the weather and water conditions and logging on to Marine Rescue NSW via its free app or VHF

definitely become a low-key favourite for a particular sort of animal lover.

At the titular Shinto shrine in the province of Ushimado local residents have accepted the responsibility to care for a rather sizable community of cats who have adopted the place as their home.

Deva is a Hindi-language Indian action film about a police officer suffering amnesia who must attempt to piece together the last case he was working on.

Director Rosshan Andrrews remakes his own 2013 film Mumbai Police, this time around with a bigger budget, global stage and more charismatic leading man.

Channel 16.

There were 9000 logged on vessels in January, which saw the service’s radio operators keep watch over 35,083 people.

They also managed 25,973 radio calls from across the state.

q Dr Spencer making a presentation to the Rotary Club of Sydney.

q Dr Spencer’s photo of his wife Becca over the back of a giant Pacific manta ray at San Benedicto Island in the Pacific Ocean west of Mexico.

q Dr Spencer in his deep diving apparel for exploring shipwrecks.

q Dr Spencer’s photo of a companion diver off South Solitary Island last weekend aboard the Jetty Dive boat.

q A turtle photographed on Dr Spencer’s dive with Jetty Dive off South Solitary Island last weekend.

WHAT'SVIBIN' ENTERTAINMENT EATERY

Artists inspired by kitchens

By Andrea FERRARI

“FROM the Kitchen” is the latest exhibition featuring the work of Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group (CHCAG) members.

Now on display at the Coffs Harbour Showground Gallery, the works span acrylics, watercolours, pastels, and mixed media.

“This exhibition’s ‘From the Kitchen’ theme is a departure from our stalwarts and [was] an exciting challenge for our members,” CHCAG President Sue Roberts told News Of The Area.

“I am thrilled to see how it’s been interpreted and how well the different artworks look on the gallery walls.

“Our exhibition committee has done a sterling job in presentation.”

Members and guests attended the opening where the People’s Choice winner from the previous exhibition, “Flowers and Gardens”,

was announced.

Bill Bright won the popular vote with “Iridescent Irises”.

The group’s Term 1 classes started this week with most fully booked.

“I’m really looking forward to what will be on display for our Students’ Exhibition, beginning on Friday 28 March,” Sue said.

“Our tutors are experienced artists, and terrific at sharing their skills and knowledge with their students.

“Even complete beginners surprise themselves at what they can create with support and guidance.

“Our Coffs Calligraphers special interest group returned for their first class, with a fun script and an exercise in creating cute birds.

“The Friday social art group continues throughout the year, and we are planning more half, one and two-day workshops.”

“From the Kitchen” is open from Monday

to Saturday, from 10am until 2pm, until Wednesday 26 March.

Entry to the Coffs Harbour Showground Gallery is free.

q Maxine Kohlhagen’s Trio Of Capsicums and Fruit Bowl.

q Ken Pay with his exhibit, Pot Drawer.

q Calligraphy ‘The Early Bird Catches The Worm’ by Nerise Windsor. q Jocelyn Challis’s ‘Collie Flower’.

q Calligraphy ‘Embrace The Chaos’ by Chris Matthes.

By Manny WOOD

High Court hears of broken promise

By Manny WOOD, Solicitor

SAMANTHA owns a farm upon which the cultivation of a variety of vegetables is conducted.

Robert works on the farm, but only receives an irregular and low income as compensation for his efforts.

After her husband’s death, Samantha tells Robert that if he continues to work on the farm, he will inherit the property when she passesaway.

Over the years, Samantha makes several Wills to this effect.

Nonetheless, the arrangement between Samantha and Robert is never put in writing and there are no witnesses to the agreement.

Robert works on the farm for another 20 years.

Four years before her death, Samantha makes a new Will, leaving Robert just $300,000 and leaving the $1.5m farm to her daughter.

When Samantha passes-away and Robert finds-out about the contents of her last will, he obtains specialist legal advice. He decides to commence action against Samantha’s executor to enforce Samantha’s promise.

The matter starts in the Supreme Court, a retrial is conducted in the Court of Appeal and finally, the matter proceeds to the High Court of Australia.

The High Court finds that if the promise was not made, Robert would have obtained employment elsewhere, at a higher level of income and would not have endured the hardship of working on the farm. Instead, the Court finds that Robert reasonably relied upon the promise.

More specifically, the Court found that there was a “clear and unequivocal” promise, that there was “encouragement”, “reliance” and ultimately, “detriment”.

In establishing these four elements of “proprietary estoppel”, Robert’s claim is successful and the Court orders the transfer of the property to him on the basis that it would be “unjust” to order otherwise.

This case demonstrates that verbal promises made decades ago can be enforced and is a reminder that even the solemn act of duly executing a Will and having it properly witnessed can be frustrated by oral statements that may be made “off the cuff” or in emotional circumstances.

Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@ tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

More training needed for politicians

DEAR News Of The Area,

REGARDING the demise of NSW Labor politician and Minister for Transport Jo Haylen.

Jo Haylen is a very capable politician.

Her loss of ministerial responsibility is a loss for all people in NSW.

Our democracy thrives on a continuing supply of people with the ability to nominate for political office.

A similar case resulted in a Federal coalition Minister, Sussan Ley, being demoted from the Federal ministry several years ago.

She has since paid the penalty and is now back in favour as the Deputy Leader of the Federal Liberal Party.

Both politicians are highly competent people, but made “errors of judgement”.

This can apply to any of us.

But in Haylen’s case it appears she

‘Urgent

was completely oblivious to the costs to the taxpayer.

She should have realized having a car and driver come from Sydney to pick her up from the Central Coast and take her to the Hunter Valley and return would be expensive, and more so on a public holiday.

She maintains she broke no rules in doing this, but if she had a legitimate entitlement to such transport, why wouldn’t she have sought out a less expensive alternative - use a local Uber service for example?

There appears to be a gap in the basic training provided to potential politicians by at least the major parties - all care needs to be taken with the expenditure of public monies, and that should be highlighted on day one of their careers.

Regards, John BURNS, Coffs Harbour.

attention’ on verges and roundabout

DEAR News Of The Area,

ONCE again I have to take issue with the state of the verges and roundabout on Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

How many near misses, accidents and possible deaths does there have to be before council/main roads or whoever the governing body is does something about the height of the weeds?

Someone is responsible for these verges and the roundabout.

I know the argument is going to be that it’s classed as “a construction zone” however the public are still using these areas and

they need urgent attention.

If you drive a truck or bus you could see over the height of the weeds, but the majority of locals don’t have these as their daily runabouts.

It would only take a couple of people with whipper snippers to bring down the forest that’s growing there and it should be on a monthly schedule especially coming up to summer and with the amount of rain (and subsequent vegetation growth).

Regards, Lyndsay ROOK, Coffs Harbour.

Why do we warn drivers of speed cameras?

DEAR News Of The Area,

REGARDING Gary Connolly’s letter to NOTA on 31 January 2025 – “In defence of speed cameras” – I would suggest going one

DEAR Jasminda,

FOR a couple of years I've been encouraging the kids to use our local Return and Earn facility, but lately they can't be bothered, so now I recycle the cans and bottles and cash in the vouchers.

It doesn't really seem worth it for all the effort.

I thought they'd appreciate the extra pocket money.

Should I just put them in the recycle bin?

Wendy L.

Wendy, putting your kids in the recycle bin seems a bit harsh, but I see your point.

No, I know, I know, you meant the bottles and cans.

From what you've described, though, your kids are possibly overindulged and indolent silver spooners who've had it too good for too long.

Please feel free to use any of those descriptors next time they can't be bothered doing something that gives back to the environment, the community and themselves.

I remember the absolute joy we used to get as kids taking our crushed cans to the local can cage (you had to crush them then, not simply toss them down a chute).

We didn't think about the recycling benefits then, but we knew a good gig when we had one.

Crushed cans equated to paddle pops. I sense you aren't going to be able to convince your kids for altruistic reasons (if you recycle 1000 cans you save 5,874.16 litres of water) maybe you could appeal to their capitalist sensibilities.

Where else can you earn 10 cents every couple of seconds? It works out, if you hit a cracking pace, to be about $180 per hour. Not bad.

Particularly if you're the one supplying cans and bottles to your offspring and driving them to the facility.

Wendy, you seem like a decent sort of a person.

Don't worry about indulging your kids.

Continue taking the cans and bottles yourself and then donate the money to a much more worthy cause than your children's piggy bank.

You can donate it to Foodbank, for example, an organisation that provides help to the one in three households in NSW that face hunger and food insecurity.

Food for thought.

step further, i.e. there should be a lot more unmarked police cars and no warning signs for speed cameras ahead.

The fear of the unknown might make drivers think twice about their speed.

And for those that complain that it’s revenue raising, don’t speed and you won’t get fined!

Regards, Trish WELSH, Coffs Harbour.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

OPINION & LETTERS

When nothing but the best is only to suppress

DEAR News Of The Area,

READING through the Coalition’s 2025 election campaign plan ‘Priorities of a Dutton Government’ released online last month, one would expect that in consideration of the recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide there would have been a committed objective detailing what intentions the Dutton government have regarding veterans’ issues.

However, in the 44-page document there were only two statements directly relating to veterans, with one of the statements making a pledge of ‘Delivering nothing but the best

for our veterans whose service to the nation deserves nothing less’.

I queried what this bold undertaking meant in real terms regarding policy and engagement, but after weeks of no response from several Coalition representatives I was disappointed but not surprised to find that the online document has now recently been edited, and the above statement has quietly been removed in its entirety as if it never existed.

Unfortunately, this reflects the broader contemptuous behaviour of politicians in relation to veterans including the systematic failure of our government in its handling of

criminal allegations against our Afghanistan veterans and the concerning level of suicide rates and homelessness experienced by exservice men and women.

The question that must now be asked is does the Coalition not intend to deliver the best for our veterans, or does it believe that it does not have the ability to do so?

To provide the answer would be simply to release the related policy so that the public can make an informed decision.

But here lies the bigger question, does the Coalition have a policy for veterans?

The only other reference directly relating to veterans remains in the current edited online version of the Coalition’s plan, which states: ‘Veterans should be recognised for their incredible sacrifices, with their specific health and employment challenges

Nuclear timeframe ‘delusional’

IT is hard to take seriously the proposal to build nuclear power stations in Australia.

The Howard government made nuclear power illegal more than 25 years ago.

Even if a Dutton government were to be elected, they would not have a majority in the Senate to change the law.

New South Wales also has State law prohibiting nuclear power.

The experience overseas is that it typically takes 15 years to build a nuclear power station.

It is delusional to think we could build seven in 12 years.

Last year the world commissioned 660 GigaWatts of renewables - solar, wind, hydro and biomass - compared with a net 4.3 GW of nuclear.

The basic reason is that the recent world average price of power from nuclear

reactors is 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 4.1 for wind power and 3.7 for solar power.

Nuclear is not just much more expensive to build.

It also imposes huge costs for decommissioning and managing radioactive waste.

If a Coalition government were to build the seven nuclear [plants] it has proposed, that would provide less than 6 GW of power.

Not all op-shops are expensive

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM writing in response to the letter of opinion from Liz Philpott (31 January 2025) headed ‘What went wrong with opshops?’.

It is not my intention to speak on behalf of the multitude of op-shops on the Coffs Coast.

I do not have the knowledge to do so.

However it is my intention to point out to the writer and to all the readers of NOTA

that whatever the truth of the writer's assertions they do not apply to Northern Beaches Anglicans (NBA) Open Door Op Shop in Woolgoolga. Since opening in 2011 we have consistently maintained a ‘low-price' pricing policy.

Anyone that visits our shop will discover $2 racks throughout the shop full of the best quality second hand clothes we receive by donation.

At certain times of the year those racks will have $1 price tags.

Reality check?

DEAR News Of The Area,

A PRETTY standard operating procedure for dealing with public graffiti employed by those who work in the public domain is to rapidly remove it and minimize publicity.

Despite this, we are still seeing a pile on by the Murdoch media, spokespersons for the Jewish community, and Peter

Dutton’s Coalition, politicizing every event and loudly targeting anyoneprimarily the PM - who they consider is not doing enough and supporting their pro-Netanyahu position.

Last week’s report regarding abandoned explosives linked to a potential threat, created a media frenzy backed by these organisations which

The fight continues

TODAY I was on a stall at the Sunday Harbourside Markets as a member of the community group, Foreshore For All, spreading the message that the Jetty Foreshore land is destined for rezoning.

I am concerned how many people I

spoke to today thought that the planned State Government development had been quashed due to the overwhelming ‘no’ vote at the poll.

Many thought that as they had voted ‘no’, along with the majority (68.8 percent in fact), that the ‘no’ vote had won and the development would not be going ahead.

We thankfully receive donations from the public Sunday-Wednesday except over the Christmas closing period. Our commitment is to the communities we serve.

We have a large and wonderfully diverse group of volunteers who work incredibly hard to sort the mountain of donations we receive each week.

We minimise that which ends up in landfill by bagging good clothing, but not the best, for appropriate, planned

did little more than hype the alarm, scuttle attempts at covert surveillance by the authorities and provided premium international advertising for the escaped perpetrator/s.

Perhaps an ‘own goal’?

The quantity and type of mining explosive found was apparently sufficient, if employed correctly, to make a crater 40m in diameter.

Last week the new US President released a suspended shipment of 90kg

Yes, in a perfect world this would be the case.

It would be fair and democratic to expect that when 33,161 members of a community vote ‘no’, that the Government representatives involved at all levels would take this directive on board and go back to the table to reconsider.

However, we do not live in a perfect world nor does it appear that we even live in a true fair and democratic country.

Independents come in all types

LEON Walsh wrote last week that our Member for Cowper was the ‘Member for Port Macquarie’.

Pat is available every week in Coffs Harbour - you only need to make an

appointment.

Limitations are that sometimes he’s in Parliament in the ACT - but that applies to all MPs.

If it comes to that, I understand that the Teal party candidate is on leave from Port Macquarie Hospital anyway?

He is partly correct to say that Pat is touring the electorate in his mobile offices in the six months leading up to the election in an attempt to be even more available to us when we go to vote.

That’s pretty well the same in the other electorates as well.

prioritised and addressed’.

This statement falls far short of any commitment as defined by the word ‘should’ and stands out as the usual rhetorical platitudes pushed by politicians regarding veterans’ issues.

At a critical time when the Defence Force is facing a recruitment challenge, when veterans and their families are experiencing homelessness, and when the suicide rate amongst ex-service personnel is far higher than the national average, it beggars belief that rather than stand by their convictions the Coalition would instead suppress a declaration and uncourageously step back from a commitment that our country so desperately needs.

Regards, Adam FULLER, Former peacekeeper and veterans advocate.

The demand for power in 2037 will be somewhere between 60 and 100 GW, depending on how much oil and gas we replace with electricity.

The proposal is really aimed at continuing to burn coal for decades, when accelerating climate change demands urgent action to close down our coal-fired power stations.

Regards, Prof. Ian LOWE, Griffith University.

distribution overseas.

Our donors and customers alike will testify to the warmth of welcome they receive.

Many volunteers and customers find NBA Op Shop a haven in which they find acceptance, love, a listening ear and a warm smile.

Why not come and check us out at 21 Scarborough St, Woolgoolga.

Regards, David HANGER, Coordinator, NBA Op Shop.

bombs to Israel.

A single bomb is capable of razing infrastructure and killing everyone within a 350m radius.

It hardly rated a mention.

I guess you could say the Palestinian and Lebanese people also know a thing or two about feeling vulnerable.

Regards, Dave WOOD, Boambee East.

The community needs to know that the fight continues and the next step is to stop the rezoning and to keep this land in public hands for our recreational use in the future so we all can use and enjoy it, particularly our children coming behind us and their children behind them.

Regards, Fran STEPHENSON, Coffs Harbour.

Last of all, ‘independents’ come in all colours.

Many are left and sometimes far-left candidates.

Some are actually ‘middle of the road’ folk who might actually have some experience in business - it sure helps!

Regards, JF SERCOMBE, Coffs Harbour.

DEAR News Of The Area,

DEAR News Of The Area,

DEAR News Of The Area,

Your ideal retreat

Address: 24 Aquamarine Drive, Toormina

Price: $689,000

Beds: 3, Bath: 1, Car: 1

Land size: 414.4 sqm

WELCOME to the perfect sanctuary for those looking to downsize without compromising on space for family visits, or for smaller families eager for a spacious backyard.

24 Aquamarine Drive is a meticulously maintained property that embodies

comfort and functionality, making it an ideal choice for your next home.

As you approach this charming residence, you'll be greeted by a beautifully landscaped front yard, highlighted by a striking circular stainedglass window that adds character and warmth. The convenience of a single lock-up garage with remote access and internal entry ensures ease of living. Step inside to be

The second and third bedrooms come equipped with built-in wardrobes, while the laundry features an extra toilet for added convenience.

Retreat to the master bedroom, thoughtfully designed for direct access to the family bathroom. Enjoy delightful views of your well-tended yard and the serene reserve beyond, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels like a private escape.

Outside, the two-level yard is meticulously kept, featuring a block retaining wall and ample space for children's play equipment.

A garden shed offers extra storage, and there's a great pergola over the entertaining area, perfect for hosting family barbecues or simply enjoying the outdoors.

The picturesque views overlooking the reserve provide a peaceful ambiance that contrasts

beautifully with the vibrancy of residential life.

With Sawtell's stunning surfing beaches and delightful cafés just a few kilometres away, along with easy access to local schools, this location truly offers the best of both worlds.

Experience the charm, comfort, and convenience of 24 Aquamarine Drive-where your dream home awaits.

Agents: Chris Hines (0439 667 719) and Kim McGinty (0432 953 796).

Visit newsofthearea.com.au to sign up for a FREE digital subscription to one / all of our newspapers. You will be sent an email when each of the printed editions are available to be read online. www.newsofthearea.com.au

perfect for family gatherings

Toormina – Walk to Everything!

Convenience meets comfort in this well-presented 3-bedroom family home, perfectly positioned within walking distance of Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre, the medical centre, public transport, and local schools. Recently refurbished, it boasts a modern kitchen, fresh paint, and new floor coverings throughout.

The light-filled lounge/living area features easy-care vinyl plank flooring and air conditioning for year-round comfort. All three bedrooms include ceiling fans and cozy carpets, creating the perfect retreat.

Step outside to the huge covered entertaining area—ideal for family BBQs, gatherings with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day. Kids and pets will love the spacious, level, fully fenced backyard. Added bonuses include security screens on most windows and a single garage with a mezzanine storage level.

This home has it all—location, lifestyle, and low-maintenance living. Book your inspection today and fall in love!

Central Coffs – 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

This well presented 4 bedroom home has the ideal location with Brelsford Park opposite and the town centre is only minutes away on foot. Easy care polished timber floors have been used throughout the home. 3 bedrooms have robes with the master featuring a huge ensuite and walk in robe. The dining area adjoins the well appointed kitchen with the lounge/living area being open and airy. There is also a third toilet in the laundry and off street parking for 2 cars and a private courtyard. The excellent tenant pays $600 per week with the lease expiring in January 2026. Arrange your inspection today!!

The owner is offering these lovely townhouses on an individual basis (three sold with three still available). Each townhouse has 3 bedrooms – 2 with robes, a dishwasher compliments the kitchens & the living areas are open plan. The garages have internal access with each townhouse having their own yard. The schools and shopping centers are close by with Sawtell’s café strip & beaches being approximately 5 minutes away by car. All townhouses are currently leased with all tenant’s keen to stay!

FABULOUS FAMILY TOWNHOUSES 2 Toormina Rd, Toormina 1/88 Albany St, Coffs Harbour 15A Lady Belmore Drive, Boambee East 1 3 1 2 4 1 3 1 FOR SALE – $677,500 FOR SALE – $579,000 FOR SALE – $525,000

All ready for first Big Banana Coffs Classic

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Suns are all set to host the inaugural Big Banana Coffs Classic this weekend.

The Suns and The Big Banana Fun Park have joined forces to launch the new basketball tournament, held over three big days.

It gets underway Friday, 14 February.

The carnival is a junior

tournament featuring Under 18s, Under 16s, Under 14s, and Under 12s Boys and Girls divisions.

The three-day carnival is being held at Sportz Central and the Wiigulga Sports Complex, with finals to be played at Sportz Central on Sunday, 16 February.

In addition to the host Coffs Harbour Suns’ teams, visiting teams from the Armidale Lions, Ballina

Breakers, Bellinger Valley Braves, Byron Bay Beez, Central Coast, Grafton Vikings, Inverell Miners, Kempsey Kookaburras, Lismore Storm, Newcastle Falcons, Port Macquarie Dolphins, Taree Tornadoes, and Tweed Valley will also take part.

Perfect 10 for Nana Glen in T20 Cup

By Aiden BURGESS

NANA Glen Lizards have continued their winning run in the T20 Cup, recording their tenth straight victory in this season’s competition.

The Lizards remain undefeated after a five wicket win against Bellingen/ Dorrigo Cricket Club at Fitzroy Oval.

Bellingen/Dorrigo won the toss and elected to bat, and were bowled out for 62

in the 15th over.

Josh Bartlett was the pick of the Lizards’ bowlers taking 3-10 from four overs, with Zane Guthrie (2-16 from four overs), and Jonathon Paff (2-15 from 2.5 overs) and Riley Dagger (2-18 from three overs) each taking two wickets.

Lincoln Kellett top scored for Bellingen/Dorrigo with 33.

The Lizards reached the total in the 12th over, Matt

Giri leading home his side to finish on 39 not out.

Lincoln Kellett had a great spell for Bellingen/ Dorrigo, taking 4-16 from four overs.

Coffs Colts maintained second spot on the ladder with an 18-run win against Sawtell at Richardson Park.

The Colts won the toss and elected to bat, posting 8/121 from their 20 overs.

Tom Rawding top scored with a knock of 63, captain

q The club offers Australian Sailing National Small Boat Start 1 and 2 courses.

Connor McCoy next best with 29.

David Schutt was the pick of the Sawtell bowlers taking 3-23 from four overs.

The Colts defended their total as Sawtell finished on 4/103 from 20 overs.

James Arnold top scored for Sawtell finishing on 47 not out, Tony Slaviero took 2-13 from four overs for the Colts.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue were

also winners in Round 11, beating Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Grey by three wickets at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Rebels Grey scored 7/92 from 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Prabhjot Singh took 3-12 from four overs for Rebels Blue, and Anu Grewal took 2-14 from four overs.

Rebels Blue chased down the total in the 16th over, Aaron Singh top scoring with

35.

The T20 Cup ladder is:

1. Nana Glen Lizards. 42 points. 10 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result.

2. Coffs Colts. 28 points. 5 wins. 4 losses. 2 no results.

3. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue. 25 points. 4 wins. 5 losses. 2 no results.

4. Sawtell. 23 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. 3 no results.

5. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Grey. 19 points. 3 wins. 7 losses. 1 no result.

6. Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club. 18 points. 2 wins. 4 losses. 3 no results.

Season sets sail at Urunga

A NEW sailing season starts this weekend at the Urunga Sail Training Club, with beginners learning the ropes on the beautiful waters of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers.

Australian Sailing National Small Boat Start 1 and 2 courses are offered for beginners and anyone wanting to brush up on their sailing skills.

“We see the positive impact of sailing, particularly in young people,” said Derek Ridgley, Principal of the Urunga Sail Training Club.

“It engages them

Nana Glen records ‘smashed’

By Aiden BURGESS

NANA Glen Lizards are in a commanding position after the opening day of their two-day match against Coffs Colts Cricket Club, in the latest round of the Sixers Cricket League’s first grade season.

The Lizards were 7/350 at stumps after 80 overs of play at Fitzroy Oval.

Daniel Craig was simply magnificent for the ladder leaders, finishing the day

unbeaten on 211.

Ty Adams was next best for the Lizards with a knock of 77.

Connor McCoy was the pick of the Colts bowlers taking 4-61 from 17 overs.

Nana Glen Cricket Club congratulated Daniel Craig on his historic knock.

“Dan Craig, at just sixteen years of age, has smashed the Nana Glen Cricket Club records.

“Dan scored 211 not out to record his maiden

first grade century/double century.

“This is the highest first grade score in Nana Glen Cricket Club’s history, an absolutely fantastic achievement.

“The Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association historian has confirmed that Dan Craig is the only junior player to have ever scored a double century in first grade.

“The previous highest score for a junior player

in first grade was sixteenyear-old Josh Lawrence for Bellingen against Colts in 2003, he scored 159.”

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels will be chasing another 170 runs for victory when their two-day match against Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club resumes this weekend.

The Rebels were 1/21 at stumps after bowling out Bellingen/Dorrigo for 190 on the opening day of their two-day match at Phillip

mentally and physically, with learning many life skills like leadership, teamwork and communication, and resilience.

“Plus, it is a fun way to learn, and is adaptable to people‘s abilities and interests.

“All kids and adults should have a chance to sail, plus it’s a wonderful way to explore our beautiful waterways.”

The Urunga Sail Training Club is a volunteer organisation which has been teaching sailing on the Mid North Coast for 14 years.

Last year the club ran a “Women on Water” program, with some students going on to become assistant instructors.

The course teaches how to confidently skipper and crew a sailing dinghy, basic sailing maneuvers, boat parts and rigging, safe boat launching and retrieval, capsize recovery drills, reading the tides and weather conditions, understanding the 'Rules of the Road', who has right of way on the water, and more.

For more information email urungasailtraining@ gmail.com or phone Derek on 0427 115 892.

points. 4 wins. 1 loss. 2 no results. 2 byes.

Hughes Oval.

Connor Burgess took 3-28 from his 13 overs for the Rebels, which included both Bellingen/Dorrigo openers.

Anu Grewal took 3-45 from 18.2 overs, and Scott Jennings took 2-28 from 8 overs.

Brodie Bartlett top scored for Bellingen/Dorrigo with 61, Mike Hartley was next best with 38.

The first-grade ladder is: 1. Nana Glen Lizards. 31

2. Sawtell Cricket Club. 25 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. 4 no results. 1 bye.

3. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 23 points. 2 wins. 3 losses. 2 no results. 3 byes.

4. Bellingen/Dorrigo Cricket Club. 20 points. 2 wins. 3 losses. 2 no results. 3 byes.

5. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 19 points. 2 wins. 3 losses 2 no results. 2 byes.

q Coffs Harbour Suns players and coaches at the Big Banana Coffs Classic launch.

Coffs junior cricket seasons resumes

By Aiden BURGESS

CRICKETERS returned to the field from their school holiday break last weekend as the Sixers Cricket League’s junior season resumed.

The Under 16s season resumed with Round 10 matches.

Nana Glen Lizards maintained top spot on the ladder with a 42-run win against the Coffs Colts Cricket Club at Reg Ryan Oval.

The Colts won the toss and elected to bowl, with the Lizards finishing at 5/119 from 20 overs.

Leo Tarlinton retired on 50 not out off 34 balls.

The Lizards restricted the Colts to 6/77 from 20 overs, Charlie Cameron taking 2-5 from two overs.

Sawtell Sloggers maintained second spot on the ladder after a 32-run win against the Macksville Bulls at Toormina Oval.

Sawtell won the toss and elected to bat, finishing at 9/97 from 20 overs.

Busby Hibberd top scored with 37 off 20 balls.

Asher Flakelar took 2-3

from two overs for the Bulls, Aston Ramunno took 2-11 from two overs, and Chris Woods took 2-13 from two overs.

Chasing 98 to win, the Bulls were bowled out for 65 in the 19th over.

Zachary Perin took 2-6 from two overs for Sawtell, and Oakley Baylis took 2-8 from 1.3 overs.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels were also winners in Round 10, beating Bellingen/ Dorrigo by six wickets at Urunga.

The Rebels won the toss and elected to bowl, as Bellingen/Dorrigo finished at 6/83 from 20 overs.

Anthony Dyson finished on 41 not out, and William Jamieson took 2-10 from three overs for the Rebels.

The Rebels chased down the target in the 16th over, Sahibjit Singh top scoring with 25.

The Under 14s season also returned to action last week.

Sawtell Storm maintained top spot on the ladder with an eight wicket win against the Woolgoolga Cricket Club

Rebels at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

The Rebels won the toss and elected to bat, with the home side scoring 6/74 from 20 overs.

Jaybien Johnson took 2-5 from his three overs for Sawtell, Denzel WynnePrimus took 2-2 from two overs.

Sawtell chased down the target in the 12th over.

Diggers Cricket Club moved into the top four with a 13-run win against Bellingen/Dorrigo Green at Valla Beach.

Diggers won the toss and elected to bat, finishing at 0/128 from their 20 overs.

Darcy Franks top scored on 43 not out off 27 balls; Dustin Parry was next best with 32.

Diggers defended their total with Bellingen/Dorrigo finishing at 6/115 after 20 overs.

Anthony Dyson top scored retiring on 43 not out, Tate Bailey was next best finishing on 29 not out.

Sam Champion took 2-19 from three overs for Diggers.

The Second Under 12s

season of the summer also got underway last week, with the new season divided into two competitions.

Diggers Cricket Club Red had a 19-run win against the Sawtell Sixers at Jetty Oval.

Diggers scored 6/96 after opening the batting, Jennifer Martin finishing on 50 not out.

Jasmine Macpherson took 2-14 from three overs for Sawtell.

The Sixers finished at 5/77 after 16 overs, Hunter Lynch top scored with 32, and Hamish Loy took 3-19 for Diggers.

Bellingen Green had a 30run win against Dorrigo in Urunga.

Bellingen scored 6/115 from 20 overs after opening the batting, Harrison Kelly top scoring with 30.

Bellingen restricted Dorrigo to 6/85 from 20 overs, Finlay Moffatt top scored with 28 and Mia Gilbert finished on 25 not out.

Gabriel Hunton took 2-13 from three overs for Bellingen.

Macksville Bulls Blue had an 18-run win against

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue at Macksville.

The Bulls were 1/105 from 20 overs after opening the batting, and defended their total with the Rebels finishing at 7/87 from 20 overs, Cooper Heinz taking 2-16 from three overs.

Sawtell Sloggers had a five wicket win against Macksville Bulls White at Toormina Oval.

The Bulls were 5/46 from 20 overs after opening the batting, Percy Martin took 2-4 from two overs for Sawtell.

Sawtell chased down the target in the 13th over, Hugo Lonergan took 2-10 from one over for the Bulls.

Urunga Cricket Club had a nine-wicket win against the Nana Glen Lizards at Nana Glen.

Urunga won the toss and elected to bowl, as the Lizards scored 5/51 from 20 overs.

Urunga chased down the target in the 18th over.

The Under 16s ladder is:

1. Nana Glen Lizards. 30 points. 7 wins. 1 loss. 1 no result.

2. Sawtell Sloggers. 28 points. 7 wins. 2 losses.

3. Macksville Bulls. 24

points. 6 wins. 3 losses.

4. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 14 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result.

5. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 12 points. 3 wins. 6 losses.

6. Bellingen/Dorrigo. 0 points. 0 wins. 9 losses.

The Under 14s ladder is:

1. Sawtell Storm. 3.56 points average. 32 points. 8 wins. 1 loss.

2. Macksville Bulls. 3.40 points average. 34 points. 8 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result.

3. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 2.25 points average. 18 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result.

4. Diggers Cricket Club. 2.22 points average. 20 points. 5 wins. 4 losses.

5. Bellingen/Dorrigo Blue. 2.22 points average. 20 points. 5 wins. 2 losses.

6. Bellingen/Dorrigo Green. 1.11 points average. 10 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. 1 no result.

7. Nana Glen Lizards. 1.00 points average. 8 points. 2 wins. 5 losses.

8. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 0.20 points average. 2 points. 0 wins. 6 losses. 1 no result.

Junior cricketers represent region

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour’s best junior cricketers have represented their region during the third round of North Coast Cricket Council’s Inter-District competition.

Sixers Cricket LeagueCoffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s Under 16s, Under 14s, and Under 12s representative teams took on Clarence River Junior Cricket Association in South Grafton, in the final round before this weekend’s grand finals.

All three Coffs Harbour teams qualified for their respective grand finals.

Coffs Harbour Under 16s finished with three wins from as many games, after beating Clarence River by 19 runs.

Coffs Harbour posted

9/148 from 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Zane Guthrie top scored finishing on 60 not out, Tom Craig was next best with 27.

Coffs Harbour successfully defended their total, bowling out Clarence River for 129 in the 47th over.

Manat Singh took 3-12 from six overs, and Tom Craig took 2-13 from nine overs, while Max Morgan had a good cameo with 2-2 from 1.4 overs.

The Coffs Harbour Under 16s side takes on Clarence River in this weekend's grand final at Fitzroy Oval.

Coffs Harbour’s Under 12s side also finished with three wins from as many games, after beating Clarence River by seven wickets.

Clarence River won the toss and elected to bat, and were bowled out for 110 in the 24th over.

Jack O'Connor had a great spell for Coffs Harbour taking 5-9 from four overs.

Jennifer Martin took 2-28 from six overs, including both openers.

Coffs Harbour reached the total in the 33rd over, Sehaj

Singh Mahal top scoring with 32, and Jack O'Connor next best with 25.

The Coffs Harbour Under 12s side takes on Valleys Cricket in this weekend's grand final at Reg Ryan Oval.

Coffs Harbour’s Under 14s side qualified for the grand final after beating Clarence River by five wickets.

Coffs Harbour won the toss and elected to bowl, and had Clarence River all out for

89 in the 45th over.

Sahibjit Singh had a superb spell taking 5-23 from seven overs, and Joshua de Groot took 2-10 from six overs.

Coffs Harbour chased

down the target in the 24th over, Riley Wood top scoring with 39.

The Coffs Harbour Under 14s side takes on Clarence River in this weekend's grand final in Grafton.

Cricket NSW launch new junior programs

By Aiden BURGESS

CRICKET NSW have launched a slew of Term 1 programs that children can register for to play cricket until the end of summer.

An Under 8s competition got underway last week, and

will be played over five weeks on Thursday afternoons from 4.30pm at Bray Street.

All equipment will be provided, and the matches will be played with a soft ball, suitable for beginners or those with a little experience.

In Port Macquarie, similar

format matches will be played on Fridays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Oxley Oval.

Further north, an eighta-side competition is starting for Under 10s in midFebruary, with five teams from Far North towns such as Ballina, Lennox Head,

Bangalow, and Alstonville.

The Coffs Harbour Under 10s competition got underway last Saturday.

Cricket NSW Cricket Manager Far North Coast, Jacob Graham said the Term 1 programs would provide a great experience for

those wanting to start their cricketing journeys.

“The Term1 programs are designed to provide a great junior cricketing experience to children that are excited to play cricket after watching the Australian cricketers etching their amazing wins

this summer and want to try the game,” he said.

“The short, sharp match formats are designed for our young players to start their cricketing journeys and be able to play and love cricket for life.”

q Coffs Harbour’s Under 14s side.

Hockey juniors shine at National Championships

By Aiden BURGESS

TWO of Hockey Coffs Coast’s best young players have shone while playing for their state.

Levi Fischer and Molly Williams achieved outstanding results playing for NSW at the Under 16 National Indoor Hockey Championships in Canberra.

Fischer was part of the gold medal winning NSW State team at the National Championships, while Williams’ NSW Blues team finished fourth.

Fischer and his teammates scored two crucial late goals to snatch the gold medal from Queensland.

He and his NSW teammates had an exceptional run to the finals after being undefeated in their pool matches. They came up against some stiff

opposition in the semi-finals, narrowly beating Queensland Gold 3-2.

The final itself was a spectator’s delight, with fast, skilful hockey in front of a large, appreciative crowd in the nation’s capital.

The NSW boys had their backs to the wall but rallied late in the final quarter, scoring two goals in as many minutes to take the win over Queensland Maroon, 3-2.

Molly Williams and her NSW Blues team also made a promising start to the tournament, with wins over Tasmania and Western Australia in the pool stages, as she earned player of the match against Tasmania.

After a penalty shoot-out win over ACT in the quarter finals, the Blues girls faced NSW State in the semi-finals.

In a very close game, the Blues narrowly went down 2-1.

Williams' Blues team played for bronze, and after a tight contest that finished locked at full-time, they would eventually lose a penalty shootout 2-1 to finish fourth overall.

President of Hockey

Coffs Coast, Dean Herbert, congratulated the two juniors, as Levi Fischer embarks on a big year of international hockey.

“Levi and Molly can be incredibly proud of their efforts,” he said.

“We’ve got a strong

‘Tee time’ for charity golf day

By Andrea FERRARI

TEE time for “Livable’s” Charity Golf Day is Sunday 9 March with registrations closing on Sunday 23 February.

The community-driven event supports Special Olympics North Coast.

Held at Sawtell Golf Club, it will bring together golf enthusiasts, businesses, and local supporters to help athletes with intellectual disabilities pursue their sporting dreams.

Livable is a local not-forprofit organisation dedicated to delivering services in aged care, disability and family support.

With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community wellbeing, Livable provides tailored support that empowers

individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Special Olympics North Coast provides life-changing opportunities for athletes to participate in their chosen sports - fostering inclusion, confidence, and community spirit.

Special Olympics does not receive government funding and relies entirely on community donations and fundraising efforts to sustain its programs.

The Livable Charity Golf Day is curated to be a fantastic day of golf, networking, and giving back.

Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, with proceeds raised going directly towards supporting Special Olympics North Coast athletes with uniforms, registrations, travel expenses, and access to competitions.

Livable’s Chair Stephen Avery, said the organisation believes in creating opportunities for all to flourish.

“This Charity Golf Day is a wonderful and inclusive way to unite our community.

“We see a fabulous opportunity to celebrate people of all ages and abilities along with supporting the Special Olympics North Coast in empowering athletes to pursue their dreams.”

Special Olympics North Coast Chair Francine Reeves, said she was thrilled by the “incredible support” for athletes.

“This generosity not only provides essential financial assistance but also helps athletes build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in an inclusive community.

“Every contribution has

indoor hockey community here in Coffs Harbour, which helps our juniors to train and improve.

“On top of his indoor hockey representation, Levi will head to Europe shortly to represent Australia in the Under 16 age group.

“He’ll join another Coffs Coast product, Evie Laverty, on a tour of Belgium and the Netherlands, playing representative fixtures across Europe.

“It’s a super-exciting time and we wish them every success.”

The team at Livable invites everyone from the

seasoned golfer to the firsttime player to sign up and tee off for a great cause, or register or learn more about

Nana Glen junior scores historic double century

By Aiden BURGESS

DANIEL Craig has had an innings he will remember for the rest of his life.

The 16-year-old scored 211 not out while playing for the Nana Glen Lizards in their first-grade match against the Coffs Colts Cricket Club at Fitzroy Oval.

It is the highest first grade score by a Nana Glen Cricket Club player, and a Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association historian has confirmed that it is the first double century scored by a junior player in first grade.

His magnificent knock comes on the back of outstanding performances

playing for NSW Country at the Under 17 National Championships in Tasmania, which saw him named in the Team of the Tournament.

Nana Glen Cricket Club secretary Glen Pearce praised the young player on his historic innings.

“Daniel returned back to Coffs Harbour from the National Championships and resumed his first-grade duties, and had immediate success as on Saturday, 8 February he scored 211 not out off 248 balls against Coffs Colts at Fitzroy Oval,” he said.

“This was Daniel's maiden first grade century and double century.

“Daniel's younger brother

Tom happened to be batting with Daniel when he passed the 200 mark.

“Daniel had been suffering cramps and severe fatigue leading up to the milestone as it was a hot and humid day.

“He has scored a number of centuries in school cricket competitions; however, this innings was a particularly outstanding achievement considering the high standard of the opposition and the manner in which he accumulated the runs.”

Pearce gave some background about this exceptionally talented young cricketer.

“Daniel has played all his junior cricket with Nana Glen

Cricket Club and has been playing first grade for the past two seasons,” he said.

“Daniel is a very talented batsman and wicket keeper, and he has represented the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association and Northern Coastal area in numerous age groups in many representative competitions.

“Daniel is coached by his father, AJ Craig, who is a longtime player and committee member of the Nana Glen Cricket Club.

“AJ Craig was a batsman and wicket keeper in Nana Glen's first grade team when they won the competition in 2004/2005.

“Daniel's younger brother a meaningful impact on their journey.”

can be found online at livable.org.au/golf.

is also an outstanding cricketer; batting is his main focus and he has also scored centuries in a number of junior competitions.

q Levi Fischer in action for NSW.

q Molly Williams in action for NSW.

Tom

“Nana Glen Cricket Club are very proud of the Craig Family and their achievements, on and off the cricket field.” sponsorship opportunities. Details

q Tom Craig, AJ Craig and Daniel Craig.

q The Special Olympics North Coast Golf Team with coach Brendan Barnes (back) and Chair Francine Reeves (second from right).

Coffs club hold their first event of the year

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour & District

Sporting Car Club have started their racing year by holding their first event of the 2025 Khanacross series.

Twenty-three drivers raced at Raleigh Raceway, and after some light morning rain the sun was shining and conditions were perfect, making for fast turns around some very technical tracks.

A club spokesperson gave a recap of the high-octane day of racing on the upgraded track.

“In the women’s category seven drivers jostled for the top spot.

“Christie Shaw pulled no punches in the Datsun 1600 taking out third, Melissa Smith in a Nissan Pulsar Q cruised into second on the tail of Sharon Beard driving a Subaru Impreza who took out first place in the women’s division and third outright.

“There might be some awkward conversations around the dinner table as both Melissa and Sharon beat their husbands in the outright standings,” they said.

“The juniors were unfazed by the wet conditions in the morning and put on an impressive show with the kids pushing the cars to their limits on the track and driving

in with smiles for miles.

“It was great to see some of the Kempsey juniors up for the day, mentored by veteran racer Bernie Keast, as well as some new faces joining the juniors in Coffs with the new member Isabella showing real promise racing for the first time supported by her dad Matt, another new face, riding shotgun.

“Another new Coffs junior Harlem Runge (12 years) lived up to his motorsport pedigree, taking out juniors third place at his first ever racing event.

“Kai Hancock (15 years) claimed second place making the wet turns look easy in his

2WD thanks to some drift training on a snow track last week.

“Special mention must go to Harvey Nicholson (13 years) from Kempsey, who not only took out first in juniors and second overall, but only lost out to Liam Beard by 3.75 seconds after knocking a flag on the final run and taking a penalty of five seconds.”

Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club is set for an exciting year, with lots of grass roots events on the calendar, including the Quality Accounting Coffs Coast Rally in May, which is a round of the QLD and NSW Rally Championships.

Grassroots events are open to drivers 12 years and up with no experience necessary, with the club having manual and automatic club cars available free for

Kalang set for racing action

THE 2025 Kalang River Classic will be held on Sunday, 23 February at Urunga, with entries still open.

The Classic is a 15 kilometre paddling race

Park Beach Women’s Bowls Club

By Anne ORR

CLUB Triples Championship 2024/25.First round 4.2.25. L Clancy, B Fane, S Willis def Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O’DOWD

4/2 MEDLEY Stableford

Peter Matten 36c/b, Allan Burns 36c/b, Joshua Chapman 36, Jacob McArdle

Safety Beach Women’s Golf Club

By Marilyn ELY

TUESDAY 4 February.

on the picturesque Kalang River, taking on a set course around Newry Island.

All types of non-powered watercraft feature including outriggers, dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, skulls and

K Blow, D Walsh, R Crestani 26-19; C Dodds, R Riley, J Monks def D Doyle, L McLeod, V Slater 24-20; A M Taylor, R Jupp, J Brown def A Worboys, R DeMeio, J Woodford 2219; J Clarke, D Hargraves, Y Schmidt d C Keogh, J Kennedy, 35c/b. Balls to 31c/b. NTP 3 A: Trevor Smith, B: Dieder Galas, C: Ian Lightfoot. NTP 11 A: Trevor Mitchell, B: Garry Herbert (pro pin), C: Wayne Farrell 5/2 Single V Par Sandra Guymer +1c/b, Glenys

stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).

The full course takes about two hours to complete, while shorter races are offered for juniors, and racers on SUPs and kayaks.

M Watt 24-19. Semi Final 06-02-25. C Dodds, R Riley, J Monks def L Clancy, B Fane, S Willis 24-18; A M Taylor, R Jupp, J Brown def J Clarke, D Hargraves, Y Schmidt 28-12. Final to be played 06-02-25. Social Bowls Wednesday

Davidson +1, Maureen Ryan -1. Balls to -5. NTP 3 3 Linda Wood, 11 1&2 Natalie Oliver. Pro pin 7 Natalie Oliver 6/2 Play 9 Letitia McEntyre 22, Nicole Owen 20. Balls to 17c/b. 7/2 Stableford Lochie

Safety Beach Women’s Golf Club opened the new 2025 competition year with a 2 Person Medley Ambrose to support Pancreatic Cancer in memory of a much loved past member, Kath Coombs. It was a wonderful day, wonderfully supported with lots of donations received from raffles and merchandise. Thank you everyone who participated on the day.

Urunga Men’s Veterans Golf

By Ross HARDAKER

FEBRUARY 10 . Single Stableford.

30 starters contested today’s event, including 1

visitor from Caboolture Qld. Winner, with 40 points, Brett Bosbach, 2nd Dave McGilvray 39, 3rd John Davis 38 c/b.

Run-down Selwyn Newby 38, Peter Inskip 37, Garry Matthews, Wazz Rawlings 36, Paul Bastick, Kim Michelsen,

q Sharon Beard in the Subaru Impreza took out first place in the women’s division and third outright.

juniors, and a small fee for other newcomers.

Coffs Harbour & District

Sporting Car Club has been running motorsports events since 1966, and relies on community support to ensure that future drivers are able to learn car control in a safe environment.

The club is actively recruiting new members, no experience is needed to get involved, and new volunteers are always welcome.

Please contact secretary@ coffscarclub.com.au for more information on volunteering, sponsorship opportunities and event information.

q OC6 racing in the Kalang River Classic.

The event has been run every two years by the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club since 2021.

“Urunga is our club’s home base and we paddle weekly on the pristine

5.2.25. S Betts, L McLean, P Garner d M Trengrove, T Merritt, D Futcher 19-15; T Thorn, K Dunn, S Hancock d H Illingworth, C McVicar, J Pierce-Kennedy 32-10; N Barker, A M Taylor, J Parker d V Maher, J Kennedy, L McLeod

Smith 35c/b. NTP 7 Brian Holman, Jenny Kelloway 8/2 Stableford A: Charoen Sroyphet 37c/b, Lochie Smith 37. B: Cameron Wright-terry 38, Jason Carr 37. C: Andrew White 40, Timothy Burns 39. Balls

There were 54 players and the winners were Marian and Len Brading with 66.5 pts. Second place Di and Tony MacRae 67 pts. Third Marlene and Neil Power 67.5 and Teresa King and Jai Townsend 68.25. The Ladies only team was won by Lorraine Broomfield and Yolly Gallacher. Tuesday 18

Peter Brotherton 35. Bradmans, our visitor, Chris Mouldey 21. NTPs 3rd Bruce Parker, 9th Andrew O’Keeffe, 18th Artie Hassett. Longest Putt Artie Hassett. Slab Winner Bruce

Parker, again ! Dave McGilvray managed to shoot his age today, with an impressive 84 off the stick. I think this was a first for Dave today, may there be many more .

Kalang River,” said organiser Beth Spriggs.

“It gives our club members pleasure to host such a fun, exciting event and to share the river with other different types of watercraft and enthusiasts from other areas.”

For more information go to https:// kalangriverclassic.com.au or contact organisers on 0414 475 085.

SPORTS RESULTS

15-13; C Jones/L Clancy, J Farrell, J Stirton d B Bodel, M England, A Worboys 15-11; Social bowls Friday 7.2.25. D Futcher, R Lane d G Haigh, C Cutt 26-7; T Merritt, K

to 33c/b. NTP 7 A: Joseph Whalan, B: Jason Carr, C: Andrew White. NTP 11 A: Allan Heffernan, B: Nathan Cooper (pro pin), C: Jason Penrose Ladies Rhonda Cooper 34c/b

D Lindner d S Bailey, D Walsh 25-7.

Karen

is a 4BBB in conjunction. Don’t forget to watch your emails for invitations to other clubs and to keep up with new notifications.

Any new members will be made very welcome and Pro Terry can provide lessons, clothing and equipment.

q Paddlers in action on the Kalang.

Blow, T Blow d C McVicar, C Keogh, R Holloway 22-16; T Aarts, P Elliott d M England, C England 18-15; G Duffey,

Ladies 9 Hole Narelle Hall 18c/b, Diane Leahy 18c/b, Theresa Beswick 18. NTP Maureen Ryan. Saturday Sal Narelle Hall 9/2 Medley Stableford

Wilson 38, Neil Oates 37. Balls to 33c/b

q Safety Beach Women's Golf Club.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Bellingen Diggers Swimming Club

By Elizabeth CASEY

30.1.25

THERE were eight swimmers tonight.

RACE 1 $ 50m Freestyle

There was one bust in this race, Sue Crossley taking one second off her time.

Mike Navin came from behind coming first, in second was Amanda Vockler and in third was Rachel Browning.

HEAT 2

Peter Allison swam like a bat out of hell coming first, in second was Jim Baird and in third was Dean Bonventi.

FINAL

Mike Navin put the pedal to the metal coming first and in the money, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Amanda Vockler.

RACE 2 25m Butterfly

Amanda Vockler held on tight coming first, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Jim Baird.

CEX Woolgoolga Lawn Bowls

By Suzanne BRACHER

RESULTS for week 4/2/2025 to 7/2/2025

4/2/2025 am (triples) J Lynn, D Porta/ V. O’Brien, H Dunbar (D) D Foster, M Campos, N Haines. Rink:11 E Nielsen, D Mahoney, J Hampstead.

Cex Coffs Bowls Club

By Mary BUCKLEY

THE final of our Club Pairs was played between Di De La Cruz and Joan Griffin against Ardis Ellsmore and Angela Fryer. Ardis and Angela made a great start but Di and Joan soon caught up and the scoring was ‘shot for shot’ through the remainder of the game. The final score after 21 ends was 17

Park Beach Men’s Bowling Club

By Todd BROWN

MIXED Triples/Fours Tuesday 21 January 2025

M Cutts, C Jones, J Thorn, P Lilly d P Elliot, B Smith, T Aarts, S Jones 30 – 15

G Williams, A Orr, R Beaumont, G Hinsley d M England, R Jupp, E Kidd, C England 32 – 9

K Williams, W Moore, P Booth, M Berube d S Clouten, K Johnson, J Mortas, P Rambow 31 – 7

C Weatherall, J Kennedy, D Walsh, R Oakley d R Coffey, H Major, J Leak, K Morrison 19 – 12

S Kindred, AM Taylor, C Domdahn, K Kaaden d T Wisley, D Catling, N McVicar, M Star 16 – 15

P North, G Stanford, J Dunn d Keith B, Clyde W, Russel L 19 – 17 Macca, D Wilson, Nicko d S Crawford, I Trengove, R Farmer 30 – 10

J McLeod, A Dorrington, C Hansen, D Hull d W Grimshaw, A Stone, J Robinson, M Flint 20 - 18

Fours Thursday 23 January 2025

C Hansen, A Dorrington, D Hull, R Shephard d N Dean, M Berube, R Host, J Bishop 20 – 12

K Johnston, D Hoffman, B Smith, R Aitken d S Crawford, T Lainsbury,

RACE 3 100m Freestyle

There was one bust in this race, Sue Crossley taking three seconds off her time.

HEAT 1

Mike Navin had his fast swimmers on tonight coming first and in second was Amanda Vockler.

HEAT 2

Peter Allison came in like a bullet coming first and in second was Rachel Browning.

RACE 4 Brace Relay

HEAT 1

Sue Crossley and Mike Navin blew the others out of the water coming first and in second was Peter Allison and Amanda Vockler.

HEAT 2

Jim Baird and Amanda Lockman held on by the skin of their teeth coming first and in second was Dean Bonventi and Rachel Browning.

A great night had by all, come and join us for some fun and laughter on Thursday night at 5.15.

6.2.25

There were twelve swimmers

PM 4/2/2025 game played (pairs ) Rink 9: T McKenzie, P Buck (D) J Taylor, K Costello.

Rink10:R Gurber, R Shaw (D) G Forbes, I Bridge. Rink 11: M Lambert, C Latham (D) H Pallister, G Pallister. Rink 12: D Barnard, S Dodd (D) S Barnard, R Bennell.

Rink 13: G McInerney, Col Davis (D) S Wall, W Gavenlock. Wednesday 5/2/2025 Woopi

all. This called for a tie breaker with Ardis and Angela coming through with three winning bowls. Congratulations Ardis and Angela, and Di and Joan – some fabulous bowls played and a great game to watch, kept everyone on the edge of their seats!!

Also got some social games played through January, despite the hot, humid weather.

Tuesday 7th January: Rosemary Williams, Angela Fryer, Sue Wilson

P Rambow, I Trengrove 30 – 15

G Williams, R Beaumont, M Flint, G Hinsley d K Williams, W Grimshaw, J Robinson, D Condon 18 – 14

D Burridge, R Lane, M McCabe, P Lilly d S Kindred, D Powell, L Frail, H Katala 24 – 15

J McLeoad, D Catling, B Trottman, B Garner d J Leak, K Crooks, P Elliott, D Wilson 23 – 11

R Finch, C Weatherall, G Duffy, C Holland d H Major, R Felton, C Brian, K Morrison 25 – 14

A McKee, R Douglas, W Moore, S Jones d P North, L Goodacre, P Booth, J Dunn 19 – 14

Mixed Triples/Fours Tuesday 28 January 2025

D Catling, N McVicar, M Star d G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley 23 – 22

M England, E Kidd, R Jupp, C England d S Clouten, P North, P Booth, J Dunn 32 – 11

AM Taylor, P Lawrence, K Kaaden d J Kennedy, C Weatherall, R Oakley, D Walsh 20 – 18

C Hansen, J Long, P Lilly, M Berube d K Williams, J Leak, H Major, K Morrison 28 – 14

J Stirton, M Flint, J Murtas, I Trengrove d P Elliot, D Stirton, B Smith, S Jones 16 – 13

S Crawford, G Stanford, P Rambow, D Wilson d R Coffey, A Dorrington, K Johnston, D Hull 26

SPORTS RESULTS

and one helper tonight.

RACE 1 $25m Breaststroke

There were two busts in this race Jo Brotherton and Rachael Wallace taking one second off their time.

HEAT 1

Elizabeth Casey held her own race coming first, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Mike Navin.

HEAT 2

Jim Baird had his froggy legs on coming first, in second was Rachel Browning and in third was Sue Crossley.

HEAT 3

Andrew Denham came from behind coming first and in second was Andrew O’Keeffe.

FINAL

There was one bust in this race, Jim Baird taking one second off his time.

Peter Allison finally did coming first and in the money, in second was Andrew Denham and in third was Elizabeth Casey.

RACE 2 25m Freestyle

There were two busts in this

Wanderers. Rink 9: G Woolley, S Ferro, J Hampstead (D)

Punk in, C Nightingale, J Martin. Rink 10: I Gentle, P Jones (D) J Simmons, M Lambert.

Rink 11: T Collins, J Whalen, J Taylor (D) K Stirling, R Pillon, P Hayton. Rink 12: I Brien,

G Burgess, S Oliver (D) J Lynn, Bear, D Mason. Rink 13: N Wills, K Costelloe (D)

d Rosemary Williams(s), Robyn Groundwater, Jeanette Kutz 18-8; Chris Irvine, Di De La Cruz d Joan Griffin, Mary Buckley 22-5.

Thursday 9th January: Angela Fryer, Mary Buckley d Jeanette Kutz, Joan Griffin 26-16; Robyn Groundwater, Di De La Cruz d Rosemary Williams, Jan Appleton 18-10.

Tuesday 14th January: Sue Wilson, Dot Heron d Rosemary Williams, Di De La Cruz 14-11;

– 12

W Grimshaw, J Robinson, R Douglas, R Aitken d M Cutts, C Jones, J Thorn, D Condon 18 – 14

Fours Thursday 30 January 2025

N Dean, P Elliot, R Host, J Bishop d J McLeod, D Catling, B Trottman, B Garner 25 – 8

B Walmsley, A McKee, J Thorn, D Condon d K Johnson, D Hoffman, G Stanford, D Wilson 37 – 9

J Leak, J Robinson, L Frail, T Cooper d P North, L Goodacre, P Booth, J Dunn 24 – 16

C Hansen, A Dorrington, D Hull, R Shephard d H Major, C Brian, B Smith, I Trengrove 20 – 15

J Eding, S Kindred, H Katala, G Colman d G Williams, M Flint, R Beaumont, G Hinsley 19 – 16

G Duffy, P Rambow, K Morrison, T Erskine d D Burridge, R Lane, M McCabe, P Lilly 32 – 18

Mixed Triples Tuesday 4 February 2025

C Weatherall, V Valentine, D Valentine d A Orr, D Walsh, R Oakley 32 – 8

M Star, D Catling, R Wisley d P Elliot, B Smith, S Jones 19 – 16

B Worboys, K Morrison, I Trengrove d M Cutts, J Murtas, P Lilly 18 – 17

W Grimshaw, J Robinson, M Flint d M England, E Kidd, C England 18 – 16

race Jo Brotherton taking one second off her time and Amanda Lockman taking three seconds off her time.

HEAT 1

Peter Allison held on by a fingernail coming first in second was Mike Navin and in third was Elizabeth Casey.

HEAT 2

Sue Crossley came in like a wrecking ball coming first, in second was Rachel Browning and in third was Jim Baird.

HEAT 3

Rachael Wallace romped it in coming first, closely followed by Jill Williams and in third was Andrew O’Keeffe.

RACE 3 75m Freestyle

There were three busts in this race, Rachael Wallace and Andrew O’Keeffe both taking one second off their time and Amanda Lockman taking eleven seconds off her time.

HEAT 1

Mike Navin ploughed through the water coming first, in second was Jill Williams and in third was

N Wills, J Simpson. Social 6/2/2025 AM: C Nightingale, M Campos, D Mahoney (D) L Fairhall, H Dunbar, J Merchant. Friday PM 7/2/2025. (Game Played 2.4.2) Rink 5: G McInerney, G Jones (D) R Gurber, D Barnard. Rink 6: C Malcamsou, B Malcamsou (D) J Lynn, R Bennell.

Rink 7: S Hancocks, D Hancocks (D) J Gibbons, R Whelan. Rink 9: P

Chris Irvine, Jeanette Kutz, Mary Buckley d Chris Irvine(s), Graham Cowell, Jan Appleton 28-9.

Thursday 16th January: Joan Griffin, Di De La Cruz d Ardis Ellsmore, Mary Buckley 18-10; Robyn Groundwater, Sue Wilson d Rosemary Williams, Jeanette Kutz 12-9.

Tuesday 21st January: Beryl Foster, Chris Irvine, Graham Cowell d Viv Gayford, John Agst, Rosemary Williams 22-8; Ardis Ellsmore,

S Kindred, K Johnson, K Kaaden d H Major, AM Taylor, R Lawrence 23 – 15

R Aitken, J Long, B Johns d K Williams, C Hansen, M Berube 31 – 15

J McLeod, A Dorrington, D Hull d S Clouten, T Aarts, R Alford 19 – 13

P North, P Booth, J Dunn d K Bienfield, C Jom, R Douglas 27 – 7

J Leak, S Macca, D Wilson d R Coffey, D Hoffman, B Nicho 24 – 18

T Brown, G Stanford, D Conden d G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley 17 - 16

Triples Thursday 6 February 2025

G Stanford, J Thorn, D Condon d R Kelly, R Wisley, K Kaaden 22 – 18

J Eding, H Katala, G Colman d C Weatherall, D Valentine, T Erskine 21 – 20

D Catling, B Trottman, B Garner

Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

TUESDAY , 4th February, 88 MNC

Veteran Golfers competed in a single stableford event at Nambucca Island Golf Club, in very good golfing conditions.

A Grade (0-15):

Winner - David Nicholls 40, 1st runner-up Murray Ingram 36, 2nd

Peter Allison.

HEAT 2

Sue Crossley swam like lightning coming first, in second Rachel Browning and in third was Jim Baird.

RACE 4 50m Backstroke

HEAT 1

Peter Allison blitzed the field coming first, in second was Jill Williams and in third was Mike Navin.

HEAT 2

Sue Crossley was on the ball coming first, in second was Jo Brotherton and in third was Elizabeth Casey.

HEAT 3

Andrew Denham made waves taking out first, in second was Andrew O’Keeffe and in third was Rachel Browning.

A great night had by all, come and join us for a some fun and laughter on Thursday night at 5.15.

We would like to thank our sponsors Bellingen IGA, The Bellingen Providore and Fullers Fresh.

Diamond, G Pallister (D) J Burgess, K Costelloe. Rink 10: A Wroe, R Shaw(D)

J, Coltman, B Symes Rink 11 Fred C, B Merchant (D) C Nightingale, S Wall. Rink 12: J Taylor, P Buck (D) M Campos, L Virag. Rink 13: J Hampstead, W Gavenlock (D) S Oliver, C Davis.

Jeanette Kutz d Angela Fryer, Jan Appleton 18-13.

Tuesday 28th January: Chris Irvine, Graham Cowell d Margaret Stock, Sue Wilson 10-7; Viv Gayford, Jeanette Kutz v Jen Armstrong, Robyn Groundwater 8-6.

Thursday 30th January: Joc Landrey, Jan Appleton d Jen Armstrong 19-12;Beryl Foster, Ardis Ellsmore. Jeanette Kutz d Margaret Stocks, Robyn Groundwater, Di De La Cruz 26-22.

d G Chalmers, L Goodacre, K Morrison 19 – 16

A Dorrington, D Hull, R Shephard d S Kindred, J Lowndes, S Bloomfield 22 – 18

K Johnson, P Lilly, R Lane d T Lainsbury, D Powell, C Parker 21 – 13

L Frail, P Elliot, M Flint d C Hansen, R Aitken, J Long 21 – 21

G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley d J McLeod, D Hoffman, P Newman 25 – 6

N Dean, R Host, J Bishop d M Miller, W Moore, S Jones 24 – 14

G Meyer, R Douglas, S Crawford d P North, P Booth, J Dunn 22 – 18 B Edwards, R Felton, R Alford d C Brian, H Major, I Trengrove 24 – 16

J Robinson, D Wilson, J Baker d D Burridge, M McCabe, T Cooper 25 - 11

runner-up Ken Klem 35 c/b.

B Grade (16-22):

Winner – Barry Ellis 40 c/b, 1st runner-up Steven Robinson 40, 2nd runner-up John Buganey 37 c/b.

C Grade (23-45):

Winner – Ken Graham 38, 1st runner-up Craig Riddington 37, 2nd runner-up Alan Guthrie 36.

NTP’s: 4th Nick Jenkins, 8th Phil Lynch, 13th Simon Thorn, 18th Geoff Knight. Ball run to 32 pts.

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

FEBRUARY 05 - Howard St

Rimfire Range. The 30m Field Class match was conducted with 38 participants. Master Grade: Ben R 92.6, Jake Buckley 88.3, Daniel Finlay 85.6, A Grade: Stuart D 90.4, Matt Walsh 88.6, Johan Clarence Valley Past Presidents Association

By Rhonda KESBY

THE Clarence Valley branch of the Past Presidents Association covers a large area from the Clarence right down to Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

The Past Presidents Association meets every three months and is made up of fun loving people, of both actual Past Presidents and social members, enjoying a social game of bowls at venues up and down the coast.

The association is grateful for the support they receive from all of these clubs in not only providing the venue, but usually waiving the green fees and also supplying the members with a raffle prize to be

Sawtell Bowls Results

By Geoff HAMPSON

MONDAY Twilight Bowls 3/2/25

R Redman, J Cherne, Tony Goninan Def J Chapman, P Day, G Hampson

T Wright, D Beedie, K Taylor DEF R Hampson, B Connors, M Friend

E Korchma, Toni Goninan, D Ryan DEF K Mason, L Kratz, L Mitchell

S Kennedy, C Christian DEFD R

CHGC Ladies Comp

By Leah RAY

TUESDAY 4th February SINGLE

STABLEFORD A GRADE - Fiona Ross 24, Jenny Malouf 23 B GRADE - Sue Girard 25, Doris Peters 19 (CB)

NTPs - 12th hole - Chris Cuthbert, Robyn Walsh 15th hole - Chris Cuthbert, Sue Girard WEDNESDAY 5th February 4BBB STABLEFORD

Coffs Harbour District Darts

By RAY BEASLEY

SAWTELL RSL Club

Summer Comp

Monday 3 February

Bull Finish def Fluke Shots 6-3

Bad Habbits def Surgical Steel 7-2

Warriors def Thunderstruck 7-2

DILLIGAF - Bye

180s

Craig S (1)

Table Tennis Results

By Dale ALLEN

FRIDAY 7th February, 2025

Division 1

Yash Tyagi d Lachlan Dierkx

3/1, Troy Prystasz d Paul Hendriks

3/1, Reece Baker d Yash Tyagi

3/1, Paul Hendriks d Lachlan

Dierkx 3/0, Reece Baker d Paul

SPORTS RESULTS

Greyling 85.5, Alan Newey 81.6, Geoff Slattery 75.2, Jessica Hancock 73.0, B Grade: Member-832 87.4, Cherelle Steinhardt 87.3, Sarah Jones 79.7, Michelle D 77.2, Hayley R 74.3, Ryan Banks 72.0, Kieron Hayden 65.1, Mitchell Buckley 3.0, C Grade: Carl P 86.3, Pete C 77.3, Phil Hartmann 77.1, Jeffrey W 75.0, Matt Miller 74.0, Hugh N 73.1, Cooper Finlay 73.0, Aaron Drayton 70.1, won at the end of the day. Thank you to all of the venues involved in providing the Past Presidents people with immaculate greens and lovely lunch facilities on these days.

Recently the Past Presidents Annual General Meeting was held at CEX Woolgoolga who kindly donated their conference room for this occasion.

Those elected to office were , President – Colin Milne, Vice Presidents – Ken Costelloe and Owen Kesby, Bowls Secretary – Ken Costelloe, Secretary/Treasurer – Brian Hall, Publicity Officer –Rhonda Kesby, Auditor – Terry Glass, Committee – Carol Newman, Margaret Daley, Sue Cornish, Rebecca Gordon-Smith, and Yvonne Hall.

Our Patron is Ron Wood.

Avery, M Flint

B Tremayne, B Kennedy DEDF S Beedie, N Elford

TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls 4/2/25

H Muir, N Feltrin, L Savage, J Partridge DEF M Friend, M Sharman, J Wheeler, C Hill

S Mason, L Kratz, N Harvey DEF M McDonald, N Elford, J Poletti

T Rhoades, G Griffiths, J Townsend DEF H Dodd, L North, D Grebert

WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls 5/2/25

- CHGC Ladies Open Day OVERALL WINNERS 1. Mary-Ellen Harrison & Michelle Wadsworth 46 (CB) 2. Jo Habgood & Kerry Farmer 46 (CB) 3. Joyce Lawrence & Patricia Bailey 46 GREAT SCORE - Greer Galloway - Eagle on 14th STRAIGHTEST DRIVE - 7th hole - Sally Knight, Alison Barrow, Judy Lenard NTPs3rd hole - Ruth Challinor, Margaret Gill, Gail McDonald 6th hole - Jane Horne, Chris Cuthbert 12th hole -

100s

Elaine (4)

Ben (1)

Bob (1)

Craig C (3)

Craig S (3)

Dave C (1)

Jeremy (2)

Kevin (1)

Kyle (3)

Michael (1)

Peter (1)

Reg (1)

Ricky (4)

Rob Ho (2)

Hendriks 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d Troy Prystasz 3/2, Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Paul Hendriks 3/0, Reece Baker d Lachlan Dierkx 3/0, Yash Tyagi d Troy Prystasz 3/1. WINNER: Reece Baker from Yash Tyagi. Division 2

Tim Garrad d King McKie 3/2, Terry Baker d Ann Joy 3/1, Bo Zhang d King McKie 3/1, Tim

Tyler K 63.11, Austin Atkinson 63.0, Sam Atkinson 62.1, Claude Besse

61.2, Zac Huls 60.1, Member-926

59.2, Bradley K 56.1, Rebecca B 48.0, Mitch Upton 40.2, Danielle M 39.1, Craig M 31.1, Michael F 28.0, Visitors: Chloe Borkowsky

66.3, Open Sights: Carl P 99.5, Daniel Finlay 96.1, Johan Greyling 95.4, Matt Walsh 93.3, Cherelle Steinhardt 80.0, Cooper Finlay 80.0,

Thank you to all of those taking office and a very warm welcome to the new members that joined on the day.

Our first bowls day and meeting in 2025 will be held at CEX Woolgoolga, 23 February as we get ready for another busy year. Please note that this is a change of venue and thank you Woolgoolga Bowling Club for hosting this day and offering an amazing lunch.

Please arrive by 9.00am to register your name ready for the cards to be written up.

You can then enjoy a cup of coffee and we can be out on the green by 10.00am.

This is the fun part and we anticipate much laughter as we try to get back into the swing of this frustrating game that we all love, called lawn bowls.

J Chapman, D Bond, W Meadows DEF C Christian, E Nicolaou D Wheeler

W Hall, D Anderson, A Berry DEF N McClelland, J Richardson, J Urge

I Maverick, M Jenkins, T Mitchell DEF N Lamond, B Newling, G Campbell

P Covington, W Vaughn, J Townsend DEF R Mitchell, A Birse, P Cook

L Zecchinati, N Wong, P Warby DEF D Frost, G Fisher, R Petterson

R Williams, B Fitzpatrick, L

Karen Brown, Lyn Bastick, Linda Gra 15th hole - Robyn O’Brien, Jennifer Johnston, Linda Gra

SATURDAY 8th FEBRUARY LADIES

STROKE OVERALL WINNERS 1. Leah Ray 2. Dallas Hogan 3. Brenda Fane GROSS WINNER - Carrie Fagan

NTPs - 3rd hole - Kerry Farmer, 6th - Tracey Kean 12th - Carolyn Hoogervorst, 15th - Karen Brown

PUTTING COMP - Brenda Fane

Steve (1)

Trevor (3)

Will (1)

High pegs

Edward (98)

Kevin (75)

Leader Board

Bad Habbits 7

Warriors 7

Bull Finish 6

Fluke Shots 3

Thunderstruck 2

Surgical Steel 2

DILLIGAF 0

Garrad d Terry Baker 3/1, Bo Zhang d Terry Baker 3/0, Tim Garrad d Ann Joy 3/2, Bo Zhang d Ann Joy 3/0, King McKie d Terry Baker 3/1, Bo Zhang d Tim Garrad 3/2, Ann Joy d King McKie 3/2. WINNER: Bo Zhang from Tim Garrad.

Division 3

Nick Jankovic d Char Berglund 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Sharee

Phil Hartmann 78.2, Pete C 75.0, Mitch Upton 40.0

The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 27 participants. Ben R 199.14, Pete C 195.9, Jake Buckley 194.12, Johan Greyling 194.9, Jeffrey W 193.8, Cooper Finlay 192.8, Carl P 192.7, Kathy Atkinson 191.6, Phil Hartmann 190.8, Jessica Hancock 190.4, Hayley R 189.7, Cherelle Steinhardt

It takes many people to organise and run an event to achieve an enjoyable and successful day and some of those members working diligently behind the scenes, setting up the raffles, supplying raffle prizes and selling raffle tickets are Bob Skinner, Debbie Costelloe, Margaret Daley and Yvonne Hall.

A very big thank you for all your much appreciated efforts.

An exciting event for this year is The NSW State Friendship Carnival to be held on the Northern Tablelands at Uralla Bowling Club from Friday, 17 October to Sunday 19 October 2025. This is an event to look forward to as an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful friendship and hospitality of the Northern Tablelands members as well as play bowls.

These carnivals are so much fun

Preston DEF R Stock, B Kennedy, B Martin

P Swain, J Clarke, B Briddle DEF A Jones, M Gibbons, W Kellam

G Dennis, T Brooks, A Sorbello

DEF K Raymond, M Cutts, J Murtas

R Smithers, R McClelland, J Rice

DEF P Bird, J Oates, M Aujard

P Paunovic, K Sharman, M Flint

DEF M Hastings, A Baker, H Slater

FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls 7/2/25

G Peel, M Flint, W Meadows DEF N Kotrozos, J Oates, J Townsend

Coffs Harbour Golf Club

By Vicki SILVER

MONDAY Vets - 10th Feb 2025

47 members and guests played a single stableford 9 hole event. Gents Winners: Trevor Bissett 22 Roger Martin 21 Chris Oddy 20 John Miles 19 Gents Ball Comp: Geoff Clerke 18 Stuart Malouf 17 c/b

Sawtell Veterans Golf

By Ian REYNOLDS

RESULTS for 10th February 2025 9 Hole Stroke Net 24 Starters

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 4th February 2025

Templeton 3/2, Vaibhav Tyagi d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Lulu Zhang 3/1, Vaibhav Tyagi d Nick Jankovic 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Char Berglund 3/2, Vaibhav Tyagi d Char Berglund 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Nick Jankovic 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Vaibhav Tyagi 3/2, Char Berglund d Sharee Templeton 3/1. WINNER: Vaibhav Tyagi from Lulu Zhang.

189.6, Member-677 188.5, Matt Miller 188.5, Sam Atkinson 183.3, Claude Besse 183.1, Sarah Mackay 182.7, Mitch Upton 182.6, Aaron Drayton 182.2, Austin Atkinson 182.1, Ryan Mackay 180.2, Rebecca B 172.0, Daniel Rees 156.1, Leah Gallo 138.0, Diezel Gallo 55.0, Visitors: Mirah Miller 178.3, Jacob Whittaker 170.0

and an opportunity to play against people from out of our own region so get a team together and join in the fun.

Each team needs to be four players, open gender and at least one player must be a member of Past Presidents. Entry forms will be available nearer the date.

If you are not a member of Past Presidents, and would like to join in our fun, come along to Woolgoolga 23 February and become a member but only if you are prepared to have a laugh and enjoy yourself, smiles are free.

Full members (people who have held the office of President in a Bowling Club) pay $15.00 and social members $10.00 annually. For all inquiries and or information, please phone Brian Hall 0487 288 229.

E Tindall, L Savage, A Robertson DEF G Hampson, K Taylor, D Ryan

L Zecchinati, N Wong, N Lamond DEF A Baker, B Blight, B Biddle

K Lowrey, B Hamilton, W Bujeya DEF D Frost, P Covington, N Sillar

L Read, P Paunovic, A Sorbello DEF P Bird, J Clarke, G Walsh

T Brooks, G Dennis, R Cridge DEF M Friend, N Elford, L Mitchell

K Sharman, C Christian, A Berry DEF L North, N Harvey, D Grebert

T Karam, J Urge, M Sillard DDF W Vaughn, A Wagstaff, D Anderson

Andy Gilkes 17 c/b

Ladies Winners:

Anne King-Scott 21

Ruth Challinor 19

Maureen Franklin 18 c/b

Bev Miles 18 c/b

Ladies Ball Comp: Jo Corrigan 18

Roz Bennett 17 c/b

Chris Tessari 17

Nearest the Pins: 12th Hole Bev Miles & Andy Gilkes

15th Hole Kirsty Arthur & Trevor Bissett.

Ladies

Rosie Hrncir 35, Lesley Kimber 36 c/b, Brenda Connors 36 c/b Men

Clyde Williamson 29, John Gordon 30, Brian Bayliss 31 c/b

Main Draw Winners: - Larry Hodgson - R/U Laurie Preston

Consolation Winners: - Dave

Lewis - R/U Bernie Couzens

Division 4

Dominic Arjona d Jo Ellis

3/0, Dale Allen d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Dale Allen d Jo Ellis 3/0, Jo Ellis d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Dale Allen d Dominic Arjona 3/2. WINNER: Dale Allen from Dominic Arjona.

Always looking for new players and members.

Return Thanks

NEIL WITHERDIN

30/8/56 - 5/1/25

Julie, Amanda, Emma and families wish to thank the many people who attended Neil’s funeral or sent flowers, cards and messages. Your support has been wonderful. A big thanks to Boambee FC for the special day held for Neil. Thanks also for the donations to Coffs Harbour Cancer Institute.

KEVIN JOHN CAMERON

24.08.1956 - 04.02.2025

Loved son of Glad & Jack Cameron. Loving soul mate of Dale. Loving dad of Naomi and grandad of William and Charlotte. Loving brother of Peter, Margaret, Sandra, Robert, Daryl and Terry. Loving uncle to all his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Loved and respected by all who knew him. Taken far too early. Privately farewelled.

SAMES

Peter Francis

31st January 2025, late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved husband of Maura. Loving father of Keiron and Bridie. Loved poppy of Lila and Gabrielle.

Deeply Loved, Deeply Missed

A private family Funeral Service was held for Peter, followed by cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Kathleen Brewster ‘Kath’ 8th February 2025

Predeceased by her cherished husband Ted, Kath was mother to Liz and Tim, a grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by family, many friends and colleagues in Coffs Harbour and beyond.

Aged 98 Years

Family & friends are warmly invited to attend Kath’s celebration of life to be held Wednesday, 19th February 2025 at 9am in the Chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. For livestreaming details please visit the Victor Rullis Funerals website.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL

SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Mary Ellen Johnston 10th February 2025

Passed away peacefully at Shoreline Aged Care. Late of Woolgoolga, formerly of Clarence Valley. Beloved wife of Barney. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Sandra & Richard, Maxine & Chris, Russell & Lynda. Proud grandma and great-grandma. Loving sister of John, Sid (dec), Jenny, Mackie and Linda.

Aged 85 Years

LUMLEY, Bruce

Sadly passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Thursday, 6th February 2025. Dearly beloved husband of Patricia, dear father & father-in-law of David & Kellie, Stephen & Sharon. Dear grand-father of Joshua, Jordan, Alyssa, Chad, Ben, great Grand-father of Elliott & Arlo

Aged 93

Will be Sadly missed by All.

You are invited to join Patricia & family for a celebration of Bruce’s life on Monday, 17th February 2025, at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club at 4pm.

In the caring hands of ALLIED FUNERAL HOME 124

MANWARRING

Frederick Vincent ‘Fred’ 9th February 2025, peacefully at RFBI Raleigh Urunga, late of Urunga. Dearly beloved husband of Pearlie (dec’d). Loving father and father-in-law of Ricky & Colleen, Trevor & Sharen, Peter, Brian and Janine & Shaune Landrigan. Dear pop of Scott, Kate, Charlyn, Rachael and their partners. Cherished great-pop of their families. Adored brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

Aged 89 Years

Gone Dancing With Pearlie

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Fred’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 17th February 2025 commencing at 10.00 am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Strong and determined, she loved us all.

Family & friends are warmly invited to attend Mary’s funeral service to be held on Friday, 21st February 2025 at 1pm in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Mona Elizabeth Stride 9th February 2025

Passed away peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus in the company of loving family. Late of Boambee East, formerly of Timmsvale and Sydney. Beloved sister to Herbert ‘Bert’ Stride (dec), Adeline ‘Addie’ McCarthy (dec), Cecil Stride (dec), Dora Kent (dec), Neal ‘Dumpy’ Stride (dec), Clare Booker and Derek Stride (dec). Cherished aunt to many.

Aged 100 Years At Peace

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Mona’s graveside funeral service to be held on Friday, 21st February 2025 at 10am in the Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Coramba Rd, Karangi.

VICTOR

RULLIS

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

WALTERS

Ann Lorraine (formerly Rutledge)

6th February 2025, peacefully at RFBI Coffs Harbour Masonic Village, late of Moonee Beach. Dearly beloved wife of Eddie. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Karen & Greg Mallam, Mark & Vanessa Rutledge and Peter Rutledge (dec’d). Adored grandmother of Chris, Daniel, Paul, Sarah, Naomi and Jessica. Cherished great-grandmother of their children.

Aged 86 Years In God’s Care

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ann’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 14th February 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

WRIGHT

Betty Margaret OAM

7th February 2025, passed peacefully at Woolgoolga Retirement Village. Late of Sawtell, formerly of Woolgoolga. Dearly beloved wife of Harry (dec’d). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Robert & Pamela and Lynda & Philip. Dear grandmother of Alison, Timothy, Kieran, great-grandmother of Edward and Damian. Elder sister of Bill (dec’d).

In Her 100th Year A Lifetime Of Volunteering

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Betty’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 18th February 2025 commencing at 10.00 am.

Betty’s family wish to convey their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Woolgoolga Retirement Village for their support, care and kindness. KEITH LOGUE & SONS

3 rechargable battery lamps. Cost $70 ea new, sell $100 for all 0491 035 704 f131224

pump. $50 the lot 0491 035 704

BAILEY Industrial Ladder Olympus 8, 120kgs, 2.4 metres $100 0418 278 966 BAILEY Hercules Steel Ladder, 100kgs, 1.76 metres $50 0418 278 966

Notices Revival Centres Church - Coffs HarbourHave you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?

CWA Hall 3 Dalley St, Coffs Harbour Sundays 10.00 am Mobile 0427 949 206 - revivalcentres.org

URGENTLY seeking Solpar Oil by Taubmans for mud brick floors. No longer manufactured. Any spare cans appreciated 0438 334 595

TRAIL Gazebo $40 0427 949 390

turns quick, Red/ Black, 44inch - 20 inch wide, VGC. $63. Ph 0417 471 225

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LOUNGE Suite, cane white, 1 x 3 & 1 x 1 & glass top coffee table Columbus. Brand New Bought from Santosa for $3,200, selling $1,700 0402 230 723

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OFFICE Chair, no arm rests $10 6650 0350

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 f251024

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RAISED toilet seat with padded arm rests, 12cm rise, $85. Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119

RECORDING vocal booth ISK RF-5 Desk or stand mount, unused still boxed. $100. Ph 0409 561 719

ROYAL Plum carpet offcut. New 165cmx130cm. $35 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

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TWO macrame wall hangers hand made

$50 both 0412 254 563 f310125

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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

WASHING machine

“Beta” 7kg VG Cond $380 Ph 0435 786 236

WHEELS. 3 of, with new tyres. 480/400 Axle with new bearings All suitable for boat trailer $100. 6649 1472

WINDOW frame, louvre shutter mirror. White wash timber 95cm tall x 60cm wide. $75 Photos can be supplied 0490161119 F111024

Motors

FORD FG 2009 cab chas ute, 6 spd man Tip Top tray with trundle ladder racks and tool box, H Reece T/Bar alloys 262,000kms excel cond one owner always garaged. $12,750 ono Ph 0422 440 802

MITSUBISHI Lancer

Black Edition 2017, Auto 53,000kms, exc cond serviced, well maintained one lady owner, rego Oct 2025 DC46HJ. $19,900 ono. 0439 348 389

Boats

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2012 A'Van Maddison Poptop. All extras for free-camping. Exc cond. $25,600 ono Ph 0447 550 017

2017 JAYCO PENGUIN 4.3m TOURER

CAMPERVAN

Exc cond. Dbl bed, Gas stove, 3 Way Fridge, Wtr Pump, Solar, New Btry, Fiama Awning, Light weight, Easy towing, Grt 4 Cple but can slp 3. Reg to Sep 2025. Inspect at Woolgoolga NSW. TR67KE. BARGAIN $21,000. Be Quick! Ph 0402 620 877 e140225

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

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FEATURES:

peacock. Brand new in box. Bronze finish. $150 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

SOUND Bar 2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers.

PAVERS 90mm square

$1 each. 0467 640 964 F190724

PEAK ellipse rollator safewok load 1150kgs only 6mth old As New $95 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

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 SOLD Fork Lifts

STIHL self-propelled mower battery operated with charger. Used once $400 ono. Victor mower petrol. GC. $150 0407 908 916 e070325

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

SUITCASE, 70cm, ex cond, used once. $30 6654 0829

THREE Leas floral folding screen. 165cm H x 60cm W. $30 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

TRAILER WHEEL

Ford 205-65- R15 pro sand blasted epoxy primed & painted good rubber $60 0467 634 668

WINE rack, quality compact, stackable sturdy, standard size holds 12 bottles, magnum holds 6. $15 each. Ph 0467 640 964

WORK shoes Colorado Silverton CF Black Leather Size 8 New still in box $100. 6655 3193 F061224

Classifieds 4981 8882

CROWN Forklift

ST3000 Series Stacker Excellent Condition Low Hrs $9,990.00 ONO for info/inspection/make an offer Phone John 0468 421 057

Motors

1999 Nissan Patrol STGU, manual, 4x4 diesel, 330,000klms comes with Cooper tyres, CB radio, snorkel chrome bull bar, clear view extension mirrors more extras, exc cond $30,000. CK52AQ Korora. 0407 536 896 e140225

2023 JAYCO PENGUIN 4.3m TOURER CAMPERVAN Exc cond. A/Con Dbl bed, Gas stove, 3 Way Fridge, Wtr Pump, Solar, Lith Btry, Fiama Awning, Stoneguard, Light weight, Easy towing, Grt 4 Cple but can slp 3. Reg to May 2025. Inspect at Safety Beach NSW. TT99DG. ABSOLUTE BARGAIN $23,000. Be Quick! Ph 0418 781 480

Trailer Top quality Aust. made Jimboomba

size, exc cond

bed

out kitchen Zip on annex walls X58882. $9,500 ono Ph 0427 854 551 or 0408 854 551

GAZAL Champion 1999 White Pop Top Rego July 2025. P28734. Gas stove, extinguisher, rev cycle air con, double bed, linen, new screens Single axle, spare wheel, new tail lights hoses, chocs, towball lock, mats. Too much more to list - for more information & photos call $5,500 0401 927 440

CARAVAN $52,500 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

Queen Bed with Reading Lights both sides

2 Deep Cycle Batteries

Tri-Fold Table

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

Air Conditioning. Serviced regularly

Ph John 0434 195 197

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

Caravans

Caravans

XG Camper potti (toilet) incl chemicals. As new cond. $95. Photos can be supplied. 0490161119

Caravans

Caravans

Caravans

Caravans

Caravans

SUDOKU

TRADESSERVICES

Home Improvements

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Contractors Licence 77993C

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

SPECIAIZING IN ROOF LEAKS, ROOF REPAIRS, ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE CLADDING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING, GENERAL PLUMBING

DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND

SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

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ONTHEBOX

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

MOVIE: AIR

NBN, 10.30pm, M (2023)

Ben Affleck’s steady directing hand guides this basketball biopic, telling the story of how Nike pursued rookie Michael Jordan in the 1980s, eventually creating a partnership that revolutionised the world of sports branding. Focusing on the courtship (no pun intended) of the soon-to-be superstar, several sports apparel companies attempted to lure Jordan (Damian Delano Young), with Phil Knight (Affleck, pictured) and Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) at the forefront of the acquisition for Nike. It’s a slam dunk.

FRIDAY, February 14

south of Spain. 8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv) The team investigates the death of a Burmese man on a deserted beach.

Optics. (Ml, R)

Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

ABC Late News. 11.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)

Grand Designs. (R)

Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

TUESDAY MADAM

NBN, 9pm

If Oscar-nominated actress and national treasure Rachel Griffiths (pictured) playing a pimp on network television wasn’t on your 2025 “bingo card”, you’re not alone. But if you haven’t tuned into this quirky Kiwi comedy, you’re missing out on a real treat. Griffiths plays Mack, a woman whose philandering husband (Martin Henderson) inspires her to open an ethical brothel in her small New Zealand town. Note: he’s not thrilled with the development. In tonight’s instalment, an article in the local paper makes trouble for the Sweethearts when a group of local protesters set up outside the hotel. Mack’s newfound infamy also causes chaos at home, as son Noam (Angus Stevens) lashes out in response.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (Final, Mal, R) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R)

9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (Premiere)

10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Bonn. (Mav) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+as, R) 2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.15 Living With The Boss. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

WEDNESDAY LORD LUCAN

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) The team celebrates Valentine’s Day. 8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mls, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo. 11.05 GetOn Extra.

11.35 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

Country Health

A mystery series 50 years in the making, this British true-crime odyssey studies the mystery of Richard Bingham, the seventh Earl of Lucan (pictured, with wife Veronica), who vanished in November 1974 after allegedly murdering Sandra Rivett, his children’s nanny. It’s led by Rivett’s biological son, Neil Berriman, who refuses to accept the official line (Lucan has twice been declared legally dead), as no body has been found. Aided by investigative reporter Glen Campbell in this three-part documentary, Berriman unravels claims that the missing aristocrat fled England and created a new life for himself. Wednesday’s second instalment takes them to Western Australia, where Lucan is rumoured to have joined a network of Buddhist devotees.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Dark. (Premiere, PG)

8.40 MOVIE: Valentine’s Day. (2010, Ms, R) Couples find and lose love in its many forms. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner.

11.10 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019, Ml)

1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, February 15

6.30 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 2. (PG, R) Presented by Lisa Millar.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Return, Mv) Selwyn is shot at the yacht club.

8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is called to a remote lighthouse where a body has been discovered lashed to a sailboat. Delving into the victim’s final days, she and the team discover that his life was not all plain sailing.

10.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) News of an Alaskan oil spill breaks.

10.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The body in the chimney flue is identified. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (Ml)

8.25 Scotland The New Wild. (PG)

9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (R)

10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. (Final, R)

11.15 Home Jacking. (Mlv)

12.40 The Man Who Died. (Mas, R)

2.25 Love Your Garden. (R)

3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)

4.10 Peer To Peer. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Apollo Stakes Day and Black Caviar Lightning Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, Mlv, R) A former CIA agent tries to clear his name. Matt Damon.

9.45 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012, Mv, R) A retired spy and his wife are abducted. Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen.

11.45 Border Patrol. (PGa)

12.15 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)

7TWO (62)

6.00

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars.

10.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match.

10.30 MOVIE: Air. (2023, Mal)

12.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (MA15+adl, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (82)

VICELAND (31) 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’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.05 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm MOVIE: Ruby’s Choice. (2022, PG) 3.00 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.00 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 9.40 MOVIE: 21 Jump Street. (2012, MA15+) 11.50 Young

NBN News. Married At First Sight. (PGls) 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9News Late.

See No Evil. (MA15+av) The First 48. (Mav) Iconic Australia. (PGa, R) Destination WA. (R) Talking Honey. (PG) TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Fishing Australia. (R) Today Early News. Today.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) A husky cross could be the right fit for a family. Partners get the chance to tame a stress-ball of a canine.

9.45 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Paramedics respond to a man lying on a road. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Children’s Programs.

6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the

ONTHEBOX

MONDAY, February 17

6.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.15 Great Canal Journeys. (PGs, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. (Final, PG)

8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve. (PGa)

9.35 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGa, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Wisting. (Malv)

12.45 A French Case. (Mal, R)

2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)

4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Levi makes inroads into closing a chapter.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. Alex is forced to fire an incompetent employee.

10.10 First Dates UK. (Mls) Singles experience the thrills of dating.

11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals)

12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Poms.

Continued. (2019, PG) 7.35 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 9.35 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 11.25 Baby Done. (2020, M) 1.05pm A Son. (2019, M, Arabic) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 5.25 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 7.35 My Zoe. (2019, M) 9.30 Private Desert. (2021, MA15+, Portuguese) 11.45 Sexual Drive. (2021, MA15+, Japanese) 1.05am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, February 18

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGas, R)

8.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (Final, Malv)

9.50 The Artist’s View: Guns

‘N’ Roses. (Mdl, R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Prisoner. (Premiere, MA15+alv)

11.55 Fargo. (MA15+v, R)

1.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 2.10 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.50 Peer To Peer. (R)

(64)

3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25

4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Harper feels lonely.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) The top 30 contestants undertake the group challenge, before three contestants are sent home.

9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) In rural Montana, Bex and the team hunt down a serial killer obsessed with wolves.

10.20 The Irrational. (Mav) Simon’s mother asks Alec for help.

12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Krull. Continued. (1983, PG) 7.50 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 10.00 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.40pm Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 2.20 Poms. (2019, PG) 4.00 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 6.00 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 7.35 Linoleum. (2022, M) 9.30 Punch. (2022, MA15+) 11.20 Cop Secret. (2021, MA15+) 1.15am Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 2.45 Late Programs.

Touch Footy fever

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 44

biggest events on the Touch Football calendar, and it’s now in its fourth year and growing stronger each time.

“We’ve got fifteen more teams than last year, which is a testament to how popular it’s become.

“There are teams from Taree to Tweed Heads, Inverell, Tamworth, and Port Macquarie - it’s a

brilliant competition.

(64)

“And just look at these fields. We are absolutely blessed to have facilities of this standard here in Coffs.”

Speaking in her dual role as both Mayor and a “footy mum”, Cr Williams was keen to showcase the region’s sporting

infrastructure.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

9.00 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv)

10.10 9News Late.

10.40 Forensics: Murder Scene. (MA15+a)

11.35 First On Scene. (MA15+av)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30

(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Australian

(Return, PGlv) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 9.00 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv, R) A hostage situation at a dog café sees the team delving into the world of puppuccinos and pawtein balls. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news,

6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Godzilla. (2014, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The Nanny. 1.00 Love After Lockup. 2.00 Rugby Sevens Highlights. 3.00

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

“I take my kids to Touch Football all the time, and you can see the reaction from visiting teams when they arrive here. It’s just ‘wow’.

“I think we sometimes take our stadium for granted and don’t realise

how fortunate we are to have these world-class facilities.”

On the field, the Woopi Touch Footy Under 10 Boys made a strong run to the grand final, only to fall agonisingly short in a one-try defeat to the Port Macquarie Makos.

The Coffs Hurricanes may not have made the finals but for the club, the experience was what mattered most.

Coffs Harbour Touch Football vice-president Judith McNeil, who coached the Under 14 Girls alongside Katie Hunter, relished the opportunity to compete on home soil.

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, February 19

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Lord Lucan. (Malv)

8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (Final, PG) 9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Final, Malv)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) 11.45 Rogue Heroes. (Final, Malv, R) 12.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 2.35 Barkley Manor. (Final, R) 3.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGd) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.30 Ludwig. (Mav) A body falls from a construction site.

9.45 Breathtaking. (Mal) The team takes on the COVID-19 pandemic.

10.50 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Ma, R)

11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.50 Covert Affairs. (Msv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Without A

Clue. Continued. (1988, PG) 7.00 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 9.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 11.20 My Zoe. (2019, M) 1.15pm After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 3.25 Krull. (1983, PG) 5.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.30 The Big Chill. (1983, M) 9.30 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 11.25 Swan Song. (2021, M) 1.25am From The Vine. (2019, M) 3.10 Late Programs.

THURSDAY,

February 20

(PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)

8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG)

9.30 MOVIE: Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+dl, R)

11.15 SBS World News Late. 11.45 Golden Boy. (Mdln)

12.35 The Allegation. (MA15+av, R) 2.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 3.25 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, 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) Dana nurses fresh heartbreak.

8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth. 10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Creeley divides the farmers.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) 10.00 9News Late.

Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) 11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Believer’s Voice Of

“Coffs Hurricanes were well represented with six teams, three girls’ sides and three boys’ sides,” she said.

“We’re incredibly lucky to host the tournament here.

“Not having to travel means our numbers are stronger than they might otherwise be, which is a huge advantage.

6am Morning Programs. 6.35 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 8.25 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 10.00 Linoleum. (2022, M) 11.55 Arab Blues. (2019, M, Arabic) 1.30pm 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 3.40 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 5.50 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 7.55 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 9.30 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

“It’s a privilege to play on such top-notch fields.”

“Woolgoolga has just been named Australia’s best mainland beach, which is fantastic,” she said.

“I saw the Woopi Touch Football players having a little chuckle when I mentioned it, it’s awesome.”

Uncle Troy provided the Welcome to Country and the opening ceremony encouraged thousands of visitors to experience the best of the Coffs Coast, with Mayor Williams making special mention of Woolgoolga’s new national recognition.

q Northern Eagles opening ceremony with Tournament Director Judith McNeil, Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Uncle Troy.

9GO!

By David WIGLEY