Coffs Coast News Of The Area 17 March 2023

AFTER becoming NSW’s first certified ECO Destination in 2021 through a commitment to balance sustainable tourism practices, along with authentic First Nations history, language, culture and world-class nature-based experiences, the Coffs Coast has again been recognised. Each year, international sustainable tourism organisation Green Destinations collects outstanding entries worldwide to inspire tomorrow's travellers and today's tourism professionals –and the Coffs Coast was the only Australian finalist

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Andrea FERRARI 0410 067 966 andrea@newsofthearea.com.au

Andrew VIVIAN 0414 646 198 andrew@newsofthearea.com.au

Sam PARKER 0403 222 706 sam@newsofthearea.com.au

Susan KONTIC 0451 990 247 susan@newsofthearea.com.au

David TUNE 0418 756 797 david@newsofthearea.com.au

Aiden BURGESS 0431 769 041 aiden@newsofthearea.com.au

David WIGLEY 0407 132 074 wigley@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

EDITOR

Gumbaynggirr story celebrated on global stage

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in 2023.

The awards were judged by sustainable tourism experts from around the world and the winners were announced at ITB Berlin –the world’s leading travel trade show – last Wednesday.

The Coffs Coast’s entry, ‘Two Path Strong’, celebrates Aboriginal tourism on the Coffs Coast and the rich culture that has supported the establishment of the first bilingual school of an Aboriginal language in NSW – the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School (GGFS).

Two Path Strong placed in the top three of the Global Green Destinations Story Awards in the Culture and Tradition category.

"We are over the moon that our story was celebrated in Coffs Coast's entry of this prestigious global award," said Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) CEO Clark Webb.

"We couldn’t quite believe that we were even nominated in the first place, so for the

Coffs Coast to win top three in this elite group of culture and tradition tourism stories from around the world is simply mind blowing,” he said.

“We’re honoured and proud that the story of our Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and our cultural tourism businesses on the Coffs Coast can be told far and wide,” said Mr Webb, who is also the owner operator of Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours.

Known as the ‘sharing people’, the Gumbaynggirr people are widely celebrated for giving their abundant food, waterways and knowledge to others, so it’s fitting that they receive international recognition for their success in sustainable tourism and Indigenous education.

“Placing top three in this award is proof of what we knew all along: that the Coffs Coast is a world-leader when it comes to ecotourism and the celebration of Aboriginal culture,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos said.

PESTICIDE POLLUTION

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pollution by environmental scientist Maxine Rowley.

She presented her findings to City of Coffs Harbour councillors at the meeting on March 9, prior to debate on a motion put by Cr Jonathan Cassell and Cr Tony Judge to address community concerns about Hearnes Lake pesticide pollution.

Cr Cassell tabled a motion, seconded by Cr Judge, calling for a Council report into the litigation risks that may be faced as a result of scientific evidence of pesticide pollution in Hearnes Lake.

“The evidence is clear that Hearnes Lake is a polluted mess and more needs to be done by all levels of government to restore this essential ecosystem back to health and give confidence to the community who came

to the meeting to support action to save it,” Cr Cassell said.

“Council has a responsibility to make sure our community’s health is maintained when the public engage with natural environments such as waterways, and pollution incidents that lead to possible illnesses need to be treated very seriously.”

Cr Cassell called for a report seeking clarification that Council was upholding its legal obligations and that the community can rely on Council to take the matter seriously.

A foreshadowed motion by Cr Scott Walgamott to seek a report on the establishment of a Council-driven task force was adopted instead.

“While my motion was superseded by the foreshadowed motion by Cr Walgamott, it was pleasing to see all Councillors want

“This further cements our status as a best in class ecotourism destination with an important cultural story to be shared around the globe.”

Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan also added her congratulations.

“This award puts the spotlight on the Coffs Coast’s continued efforts to support local sustainable tourism ventures.

“It is an outstanding achievement for an Australian destination to be recognised on the global stage,” Ms Keenan said.

“The City of Coffs Harbour already strongly encourages local operators to support sustainable and responsible tourism through ECO Certification for nature-based operators and we look forward to seeing more businesses in the region start their sustainability journey through the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and Sustainable Tourism Certification, to support the region’s commitment to and status as an ECO Destination, that draws travellers to the destination year after year.”

to end the pollution issues facing Hearnes Lake,” Cr Cassell said.

“I would like to have confidence that this task force can deliver where the State Government has failed to do so but I question why this financial and managerial responsibility should fall on local government.”

Cr Judge said the extent and effect of pesticide pollution in Hearnes Lake was alarming, both in terms of the health of the lake itself and the impact on the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

“I note that the motion passed by Council last night is to have a report prepared for consideration by Council on the feasibility of a direct intervention at the source of potential contamination,” Cr Judge said.

“I am looking forward to receiving that report soon.

“I believe we must respond with an appropriate sense of urgency.”

Coalition promise $180 million in small capital works to schools

By Andrew VIVIAN

DEPUTY Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole says that $180 million promised by the Liberal and National parties, if they win the election, would more than double the previous investment in small capital works projects at regional schools.

Speaking about the Regional Renewal Program, Mr Toole said, “We’ve already invested more than $160 million in small projects that make a big difference to regional schools, like upgrades to the tuckshop or a new shade sail – and we want to keep delivering.”

Mr Toole said funding projects in regional schools will also provide work for local tradies.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said, “Schools play such an important role in their

communities and this funding allows us to work with those communities to identify and deliver projects that are important to them.”

The Regional Renewal Program was launched in November 2020 with the NSW Government co-contributing up to 80 percent of the cost for local school projects such as covered outdoor learning areas, playground upgrades and canteens nominated by schools.

Eighteen Coffs Coast schools have already benefitted from the program, including Bonville Public School, Coffs Harbour High School, Toormina High School, Woolgoolga High School and Ulong Public School.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals say they will invest $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, to build 160 new schools and upgrade others.

2023 STATE ELECTION News Of The Area - Special Coverage Seat of Coffs Harbour

Who Gets Your Vote?

By Andrew VIVIAN

WITH the NSW State election only a week away, News Of The Area has lined up the major policies of the candidates for the seat of Coffs Harbour for voters to compare.

The candidates, as they will appear on the ballot paper, are Tony Judge (Australian Labor Party), the sitting Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh (Nationals), Ruth Cully (Sustainable Australia Party), Tihema Elliston (Legalise Cannabis Australia), Sally Townley (Independent), Kellie Pearce (Animal Justice Party) and Timothy Nott (Greens).

Health

Mr Judge: “I have stood with nurses over five years and seen the eighteen hour shifts,

the understaffing and the despair.

“Nurses are burning out and patients are suffering.

“A Labor Government will mandate safe staffing levels on all shifts so that safe staffing will improve the quality of care, reduce burnout and bring nurses back to the profession they love.

“We are already in crisis and four more years of the same will cost lives.

“The future can be so much better than the present, but that means change.”

Mr Singh: “Now that the $194m Coffs Harbour Hospital upgrade has been completed, the number one priority in health is workforce – attracting and retaining staff.

“In the past ten years staff have increased by 25,700 full time equivalent staff with more than 10,000 of those roles in regional areas.

“Over the next four years we will invest $4.5 billion more to recruit more than 10,100 full-time equivalent staff into its hospitals and health services and 3800 positions will go into the regions.

“We have also secured $883 million over four years to implement a major regional health workforce incentives scheme which aims to attract and retain staff in Regional NSW alongside new training and recruitment pathways to build a pipeline of regionally based workers and futureproof healthcare in places like Coffs Harbour.

“We have doubled subsidies across the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) to $149.5 million.

“A $743 million funding boost over the next five years will enhance end-of-life care in NSW.

“We also introduced landmark reform to expand the vaccinations and medications they are allowed to administer including the contraceptive pills that will open up more GP appointments.

“700 more regional paramedics will be committed to NSW Ambulance and I’m also committed to working closely with the Health Services Union to implement the paramedic restructure being proposed which takes into account the changes to the roles our paramedics perform.”

Ms Cully: “The Sustainable Australia Party aims to achieve a healthy and long living Australian population, supported by an innovative and universal health system.

“In particular, we would better promote preventative health care through healthier lifestyle choices.

“The pre-conditions for human health are healthy soil, clean water and clean air.

“The greatest risks to human health are pollution, overcrowding, poverty, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

“We will ramp up doctor training, pay nurses and allied health decent wages, and offer free rural health degrees, to address chronic understaffing and treatment delays in rural and regional NSW.”

Ms Elliston: “Thousands and thousands of people have discovered the healing properties of cannabis.

“Cannabis should be available for us to consume fresh from the garden daily.

“It is non psychoactive in this form and extremely good for your health.

“90 years of prohibition has caused an endocannabinoid deficiency in many people that leads to all sorts of ill health and disease.

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q Tony Judge, Labor.

q Gurmesh Singh, Nationals.

q Ruth Cully, Sustainable Australia Party.

q Tihema Elliston, Legalise Cannabis Australia.

Tony

MY POSITIVE PLAN FOR COFFS

Cost of living

Labor will end secret rent bidding, stop the privatisation of our public resources and create a state owned Energy Security Corporation to deliver cleaner and more reliable energy to put downward pressure on electricity bills.

Health

Labor’s plan for better healthcare includes enforceable safe staffing levels in hospitals, increased paramedics, and a funding boost for Women’s Health Centres.

Education

Labor will recruit teachers, shift 10,000 teachers from temporary contracts to permanent and guarantee funding to rebuild the TAFE system.

Housing

Labor will increase housing supply, remove or reduce stamp duty for 95% of first home buyers and make renting fair.

Environment

Labor will create the Great Koala National Park in our backyard and legislate net zero emissions by 2050 to tackle climate change.

“Medicinal cannabis is available but at a price that is out of financial reach to too many who need it.

“Commercially produced oils and tinctures are expensive and weak.

“People are finding they are not as good as products they may have made themselves, or that they may have purchased from one of the underground producers.

“I have seen and heard many testimonials from people who were not satisfied with the cost or availability of the legal products and that they were still suffering.

“Legalising cannabis will enable a patient or their loved ones to grow the plant and make oils for them - which is extremely simple to do.

“Legalising cannabis could be the gateway to good health that will reduce the amount of money ploughed into the state health budget every year.”

Ms Pearce: “Animal Justice Party (AJP) supports increased investment in free and affordable medical, dental and mental health care services, including general and

Medicare and hospitals free to focus on health not profit.

“Community volunteers studied Hearnes Lake to find it has banned chemicals in dangerous levels.

“Woolgoolga and Emerald beaches were the second and third most polluted beaches in NSW so I will set up water testing for other catchments to see the extent of the danger.

“A 50 percent reduction in male testosterone in Australia since 1970 is linked to plastics, pesticides and chemicals sold and used on the Coffs Coast.

“Our regulator is failing to protect us from corporate greed in addition to less health workers after decades of funding cuts. “The Therapeutic Goods Administration is funded over 90 percent by those it regulates so we will fund regulators properly without corporate donations.

“The Greens have introduced a bill to NSW Parliament requiring minimum medical staff to patient ratios.

“Our platform of free TAFE and University combined with local growth in nursing courses and incentives for younger doctors to move to regional areas is part of our long term plan to ensure Australians get the care required, whatever their financial position.

opportunities for residential development. “At least 30 percent of any development will be social and affordable housing.

“A new agency will have the goal of building, maintaining and managing all social housing with the aim of increasing housing stock.

“That will have a real impact on homelessness and create more opportunities for families to find a home here.

“We can offer a fair go for renters, an end to unfair evictions, genuinely portable rental bonds and more opportunity for renters to have pets.

“As more and more people need to rent in the long term we need to make sure that they are treated fairly and have a sense of security.”

Mr Singh: “By creating a mixture of urban infill and enabling new green field housing sites, our plan enables more housing to be built at every level – including for working families.

“We’re helping councils build enabling infrastructure like the $5.85 million to upgrade North Boambee Rd which enables over 860 homes to be built.

“Our $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund will invest further in infrastructure and facilitate projects that unlock housing in regions like the Coffs Coast.

“We also have a plan for social and affordable housing through the redevelopment of Argyll Estate that will increase the number of social homes in that estate as well as increase mixed-tenured affordable homes close to schools, shops, and other amenities.

“That is part of a $183 million plan to deliver social and affordable homes across New South Wales.

“We have also launched the Regional Housing Flying Squad Program to help regional councils to assess DA’s to ensure that the supply of housing is not being held up.

repayments, while sole parents and singles are locked out of home ownership.

“As Satyajit Das observed, Australia has a two-trick economy: houses and holes.

“We dig holes in the ground (iron ore and coal) to sell for foreign income, which is diverted to hyper-investment in housing instead of productive capacity.

“It’s made billionaires of a few developers, who lobby for more growth, so they can clear more land, densify housing, and sell more high-rise boxes.

“In 2021-22, Australia’s population grew by 291,000 people (while granting less than 6000 refugee visas).

“In 2022-23, we’re on track to have 324,000 more people.

“Where will they live?

“In a housing crisis, pursuing hyper demand for housing is as rational as putting out a fire with gasoline.

“We will end investor tax concessions, foreign ownership and stabilise Australia’s population size as soon as practicable to relieve housing pressures.

“We will increase investment in public housing and ensure a minimum ten percent public or affordable social housing is integrated into significant new residential developments through zoning requirements.”

Ms Elliston: “Affordable housing has been at crisis levels for long enough to attract the attention of everyone in Australia.

“Furthermore the impacts have been felt by those that least expected it, the average Australian, hard-working, paying their taxesthen boom they cannot keep up with constant increases in rent and housing repayments.

“I live in the Argyll Estate where rezoning proposals were put forward to our community.

emergency care, health promotion and preventative healthcare initiatives.

“The AJP supports an increase in nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios in hospitals to ensure adequate staffing, improve patient safety and outcomes and reduce workplace fatigue.

“The AJP believes it is important to develop and implement a strategy to respond to the increasing health impacts of climate change and related environmental crises such as bushfires and floods.

“The AJP supports an increase in investment in community health workers to assist people from diverse backgrounds to access the health, social and other supports they need.”

Mr Nott: “The Greens will reverse the trend of health decisions made by managers without medical training and stop the sale of public assets.

“We need dental and mental health in

“Good health increases productivity and prosperity.

“The Greens policies prioritise healthy food over processed, organic over genetic and assists farmers to improve land management.”

Housing/ Homelessness

Mr Judge: “I have stood up and spoken up about the housing crisis in Coffs.

“I have achieved a rent reduction for our homeless hub, Pete’s Place, and raised the rental crisis in Coffs in national media.

“As a Labor candidate I can offer policies that will make a real difference to social and affordable housing and address that crisis.

“A Labor government will audit all vacant State-owned land to find

“We also have begun the First Home Buyer Choice program that offers eligible home buyers the choice between paying a one-off stamp duty or a smaller annual property tax which allows more people to get into the housing market sooner.”

Ms Cully: “Housing is a fundamental need and human right.

“Perversely, our governments treat homes as a speculator’s tax shelter, instead of a physical shelter, intrinsic to our security and quality of life.

“Government engineered hyper demand for housing through investor tax concessions (negative gearing and capital gains tax), foreign ownership and rapid population growth has culminated in unaffordable housing, with record levels of mortgage stress, rent stress and homelessness.

“A single wage once paid the mortgage, bought a car, and fed and clothed a family.

“Now, many families are dual-income mortgage slaves, struggling to service

“The majority of residents disagree with these proposals and insisted that they repair and refurbish public housing tenants’ homes instead.

“Our community has been in limbo for over six months now after we all received a visit without being notified to see if we had changed our minds.

“We are not being listened to by the

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Sally Townley, Independent.

q Kellie Pearce, Animal Justice Party.

q Tim Nott, Greens.

2023 STATE ELECTION Seat of Coffs

FROM Page 5

current government.

“A state-based tax on purchasing legal cannabis could contribute toward building more public housing.

“Houses built from hemp in the future would be cheaper and stronger and could be manufactured right on our doorstep.

“Fireproof, waterproof, mould resistant - leading to a better quality of health in your environment.

“But, first, we would have to legalise cannabis to enable us to stop treating hemp like a drug.

“Hemp is a versatile and low maintenance crop that has many, many uses beyond just building houses.”

Dr Townley: “The current approach to affordable housing can be seen in the approach to the Argyll St proposed redevelopment.

“The plan is to remove and relocate tenants, build more smaller high-density dwellings and retain only the exact same number of social housing homes to offer to returning tenants, with zero increase in available public housing.

“However, there is a decrease because most three and four bedroom homes will be replaced by one and two bedroom homes.

“An additional number of higher density homes will be created for the private market which does increase the stock of affordable homes for the private market, but all profits from this venture will be directed to the private contractors.

“This policy means taxpayers are missing out on the profits from the redevelopment and the stock of public housing is not increasing.

“I will seek to change this policy so that profits made from public housing construction and redevelopment go back into growing the public housing sector.

“Inclusionary zoning is another method of increasing affordable housing and involves mandating developers to include a percentage of affordable housing in certain sized developments.

“This is now widely done in metropolitan areas and could be brought into regional areas like Coffs Harbour.

“I also support stamp duty reform as a means of removing a barrier to home purchase.”

Ms Pearce: “People without a home is an indictment on our society.

“Everyone has the right to adequate housing.

“The Animal Justice Party (AJP) urges the Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments to meet their international obligations to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, stable housing that provides privacy, space, security, lighting, heating/ ventilation, sanitation and reasonable access to essential services.

“Over 116,000 people in Australia fall under the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ definition of homeless, and locally we have over 300 people experiencing homelessness.

“Homelessness significantly impacts vulnerable groups such as the women over 50, unemployed, First Nations people (especially in remote communities), youth, seniors, migrants, those with disabilities or mental health issues and victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

“These issues are compounded when people have companion animals and/or insecure housing.

“Insecure housing affects both people and companion animals. “It is a major cause of animal surrenders.

“Vulnerable groups living with animals are at a greater risk of housing instability.

“Lack of animal-friendly housing options may cause individuals to remain in unsafe or precarious living situations in order to remain with their animals.

“The AJP recognises and is guided by the expertise of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) on homelessness.

“Accordingly, the AJP supports prevention and intervention measures advocated by ACOSS in 2020 to combat homelessness, including a proactive national housing strategy, sustained investment in affordable housing, and tax reform.

“We will support any further inquiries or trials that aim to look at the underlying economics and effectiveness of interventions that prevent homelessness.”

Mr Nott: “Housing has become less affordable and this will continue with current policies.

“The failures to protect our cost of living and economy are well demonstrated with Coffs Harbour’s new development zonesflood affected.

“I will continue to push for increased supply of homes away from risks, near town centres.

“NSW Greens will improve housing affordability by increasing the number, and variety of homes, stopping the privatisation of public land used for housing and limiting rent rises and evictions due to rent increases.

“We will fund and enable local councils to create more affordable homes and support not-for-profit community housing initiatives, including shared equity and cooperative housing models.

“We will require big property developers

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to include affordable housing.

“We need housing for everyone, not excessive profit for the few.

“I will advocate for a system that integrates living, transport and employment to bring people together, safe and secure.”

Education

Mr Judge: “Our kids need and deserve the opportunities that come from a great education, but our teachers are leaving in droves.

“Under Labor, teachers will have a reduction of at least five hours per week in the crippling administrative workload that is making their job unsustainable.

“They will have more time to plan, help and teach.

“We will end the artificial cap on salaries and negotiate in good faith to restore fair pay for teachers.

“Those measures will go a long way towards addressing the exodus of teachers from the profession and help our kids get the best start in life.”

Mr Singh: “We’re focused on ensuring every child has the best opportunities to learn and reach their potential, no matter where they live.

“The first 2,000 days of a child’s life are critical to their development and success so we’re rolling out a nationfirst free universal year of pre-kindergarten learning, making preschool and childcare more affordable and introducing a full suite of developmental checks for every child before they start school.

“A new NSW school curriculum will be delivered for kindergarten to Year 10 by 2024, and Years 11 and 12 by 2025, ensuring students and teachers have access to a curriculum of the highest standard that streamlines and strengthens what is taught in our schools.

“We’re building the school workforce we need to

News Of The Area - Special Coverage

deliver the education our kids deserve.

“Since 2011, we’ve increased the teaching workforce by 8,700 FTE or fourteen percent statewide.

“We’ve introduced new incentives to attract the best teachers and principals to regional communities and started new programs to grow our own workforce in regional schools.

“A record number of new graduates (4,500) have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools this year.

“More than 15,000 existing temporary teachers and other school-based staff will also be offered permanent positions this year, providing more job certainty and ensuring teaching remains an attractive profession.

“We will maintain a relentless focus on attracting and retaining NSW public school teachers, removing unnecessary admin tasks from their workload, and introducing sweeping reforms to recognise and reward our best teachers with salaries of up to $150,000 a year.

“Our Teacher Supply Strategy is actively addressing areas of need, including incentives for rural and remote schools.

This has been endorsed and copied across Australia, including by many Labor governments, because other jurisdictions know it works and that it will make a big difference in the next few years.”

Ms Cully: “Our education system should be resourced to provide affordable, world class education and training that gives Australians the knowledge and skills they need to secure jobs and flourish in society.

“To help achieve this, the Sustainable Australia Party will: offer free and universal university and TAFE education for Australian citizens; abolish all current HECS/HELP debts for Australian citizens; and better invest in research and

development to enhance Australia’s creativity, innovation and productivity.

“Our education system also has a special role in international aid.

“Instead of poaching skilled professionals, we should support capacity building in developing countries by providing free access to online education resources.

“This is particularly important in a world where some girls and women are persecuted, and even killed, for pursuing an education. “To prevent war, we must invest in education for peace.”

Dr Townley: “We have a massive teacher shortage and no real relative increase in teachers’ pay for years.

“Fewer people are entering the profession, and many are leaving.

“This applies to early childhood educators as well as school teachers. “Without urgent action, our education system will be in crisis.

“I support pay reform for educators and more funding for public schools.

“I also strongly support a new K-12 school at Moonee to cater for the growing population on the Northern Beaches.

“A business case to kick off planning for the new school should commence immediately.”

Ms Pearce: “Our education system needs to value our educators and education is a right which should be respected, but not come at the expense of the suffering of other species.

“The AJP would like to see the formulation of programs across all areas of the curriculum to foster kindness and non violence towards all beings.”

Mr Nott: “Whether you live in remote areas, rural and regional communities, are in prison, or studying online through distance education – public education is for everyone.

“Our party’s policies on education are written by teachers through the lens of the universal value and benefit to society of wellresourced public education.

“The Greens will: Immediately give all NSW public school teachers a minimum fifteen percent pay rise, plus an assessment of inflation over the next two years

“We will provide an increase in two hours per week of Relief from Face to Face (RFF) teaching for all public-school primary teachers in NSW and two hours less face-to-face teaching for all High School teachers

“The Greens will develop a workforce plan in consultation with teachers, universities, and the NSW Teachers Federation to recruit and retain 12,000 new teachers over the next ten years

“We will provide at least one additional school councillor for every public school in NSW over the next four years and reach a target of one counsellor per 500 students by 2030.

“TAFE will be free again for all students, we will deliver a salary increase for TAFE teachers that is on par with school teachers and provide pathways to permanency for

10,000 casual TAFE teachers over the next four years.”

Jetty Foreshores

Mr Judge: “The Jetty Foreshores is the playground and the jewel in the crown of Coffs.

“Like many people I speak with, I want sensible recreational development and some hospitality facilities like cafes, restaurants and small bars.

“What I am not hearing, is support for residential development.

“Let’s preserve the Jetty Foreshores as the place to go and relax as Coffs gets bigger and density increases.”

Mr Singh: “After three years of extensive consultation, there is a strong community desire to improve the Jetty Foreshores.

“The consultation process led to the most comprehensive survey of exactly what people wanted to see – with each question clearly asking for support or opposition.

“The feedback from the community is reflected in the Refined Masterplan that sees an increase in open space equivalent to twoand-a-half football fields,

more parking (and a much greater percentage of formal parking).

“Of the total site area, 39 percent is existing vegetation, 35 percent is open space and public domain, 20 percent for parking and roads, three percent for tourism uses, 1.5 percent for residential (maximum four storeys), and 1.5 percent for commercial and community use.

“I would happily support long-term leases for tenure over these sites instead of sales.

“The Jetty Foreshores is one of my favourite spots and I’m there most days.

“I want to see it retain its character, but I also recognise that it is essential to our social and economic future that the precinct be enhanced in a sensitive, moderate, and balanced way.

“I’m proud of the $20 million investment I was able to secure to start the project and to build the new community building on the TS Vendetta site which also incorporates the lighthouse optic. “I acknowledge that there are diverse views on the future of the Jetty Foreshores – but I believe the plan strikes the right balance, and most importantly, is realistic, achievable, and underway.”

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Ms Cully: “Our vision for the Jetty Foreshore is to support and extend the restoration of native vegetation that flourished on the Coffs Coast before white settlement, in consultation with Indigenous people, the Jetty Parkland Users Group, and ecologists.

“The long-term aim is to re-establish rare and vulnerable birds and wildlife.

“We will make this area a permanent eco-tourist feature, for residents and visitors to appreciate, learn and enjoy.”

Ms Elliston: “When considering the Park Beach inlet to Coffs Creek and the newly-built boat ramp at the Jetty Foreshores, I have noticed that the Coffs Creek inlet project is built in an entirely different direction, allowing natural dredging to occur around the man made wall.

“If more observations had been done in the Coffs Creek inlet, perhaps it would have prevented the wasting of such ridiculous amounts of money on dredging near the boat ramp.

“This is just one example of the constant failures and

2023 STATE ELECTION FOR OXLEY

blatant and shameful waste of money in this electorate over the years.”

Dr Townley: “I have been unwavering for ten years in my stance that development at the Jetty should be framed in a way which retains public ownership.

“I support development at the Jetty which complements its existing social and cultural values.

“The Jetty Foreshore is a place where people gather to eat, drink and play and this can be enhanced by including cafes, kiosks, restaurants as well as playgrounds and pathways.

“The Jetty Foreshores should not be turned into a new suburb with hundreds of residents vying for space and parking.

“Building homes close to the open ocean goes against all common sense.

“Along the eastern seaboard we see property loss and damage due to storm surge and extreme weather.

“Since extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency, coastal open spaces must be retained to buffer and protect our communities.

“Much of the Jetty area is Crown land, belonging to the people of NSW.

“Some parts are Aboriginal-owned and these areas should be respected as such.

“Some is unused land being surplus railway land held by a government corporation.

“For decades, management documents have identified the transfer of surplus railway lands into public parklands.

“I will advocate for this transfer and for the area to be enhanced as a beautiful major piece of public social infrastructure which can serve our community now and into the future.”

Ms Pearce: “The AJP does not support high rise development in our Jetty Foreshore precinct.

“The land is currently zoned as public land and should remain in public hands for all to enjoy.

“The current State Government is actively working to rezone this area away from public zoning to something which will allow for multi storey residential buildings.

“This land is a public asset and should remain in public hands, and the AJP rejects proposals to take away this land from public use.”

Mr Nott: “What an exciting opportunity to make Coffs Harbour a global tourism destination.

“This incredible public space could be something great.

“Why didn’t the consultation include big ideas?

“We could increase nightlife, yet Coffs Harbour was offered outdated design, residential blocks with water views and shops looking at the street.

“I don’t accept that wealthy people must own our most valuable public space to pay for minor improvements.

“Privatising land and sterilising any disagreement as against all development demonstrates failed consultation and shows a lack of integrity.

“The Greens support development of the Jetty which includes coastal inundation in the assessment and preservation of public land.

“This tourism hub could have the Solitary Islands Marine Park and Great Koala National Park information centres together.

“I would support an open competition into the best idea and design for the area.

“The Greens want more concerts, less pokies, more local businesses, less internationals.

“The Jetty area is one of a kind, let’s get this right.”

The environment/ Great Koala National Park

Mr Judge: “We have an amazing environment and lifestyle here on the Coffs Coast.

“If I am elected to represent Coffs Harbour I will advocate for the policies, education and compliance measures needed to ensure we have the clean waterways

DOMINIC KING EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY

and the pristine marine environment we need and deserve.

“It’s what attracts and keeps so many of us here.

“It’s worth working and fighting for and that’s what I will do.

“Koalas are now critically endangered and will be extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050 if we don’t act.

“I was proud to stand with Shadow Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to announce a Great Koala National Park which will give koalas a genuine chance to survive, thrive and breed on the Coffs Coast.

“A Great Koala National Park will be a game changer for Coffs, a unique offering for domestic and international tourists and an opportunity to be a venue of choice for a wide range of people and groups.

“It can be the single greatest environmental and economic boost for Coffs in decades.”

Mr Singh: “In native forestry, only re-growth forests which have been harvested and re-grown can be harvested.

“A million hectares, or half of the state forests, are permanently protected from harvesting and managed for conservation.

“In any given year, harvesting takes place in around one percent of native forest which makes up approximately 0.1 percent of the total forested land in NSW.

“Native forest harvesting in NSW is carefully managed under tight rules to ensure the right balance is struck between environmental protection, regeneration of forests and production of timber products like house framing, flooring, furniture and packaging needed by Australians.

“Peer reviewed studies show koala populations in State Forests are on par with those in National Parks and forests also provide fantastic tourism and recreational

opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

“The $190 million NSW Koala Strategy is the biggest commitment by any government to protect koalas in the wild.

“The strategy is supporting a range of conservation actions that will provide more habitat for koalas, support local community action, improve koala safety and health, and build our knowledge to improve koala conservation.”

Ms Cully: “Australia has the highest rate of extinction on the planet.

“We support the establishment of the Great Koala National Park to save this iconic species, protect vulnerable Australian wildlife, and stop biodiversity loss.

“We must stop logging old growth forests.

“We support selective logging of plantation timber.”

Ms Elliston: “I oppose logging and have seen the destruction in our surroundings, including Sawtell Koala Sanctuary.

“Even though big business pays fines they still deforest and completely disregard our koala habitat that resided there and would have been safe from the last fires.

“Anything made of timber can be made from hemp, a renewable and sustainable resource that won’t leave our fauna homeless.

“Legalising Cannabis can be an avenue to help protect what's left for the koala and with the right approach make sure that we are planting, nurturing and restoring our forests for our future generations to protect as well.

“This brings me to our catchment.

“People deserve a clean, healthy water supply.

“My concern is for all our waterways, in particular Hearnes Lake, where recent scientific tests carried out found toxic pesticides, one of which has been banned from

CONTINUED Page 9

2023 / 24 ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY GRANTS PROGRAM –APPLICATIONS OPEN

The City of Coffs Harbour is seeking community applications for projects to be considered for funding under the 2023/24 Environmental Levy Grants Program. The City recognises the value and importance in providing a community based environmental program that offers and delivers opportunities to help sustain and improve the local environment

Grants are available from $2,000 to $25,000 and community groups are encouraged to apply.

The online application form and further information; such as policy and guidelines are available on the City’s website at www.coffsharbour. nsw.gov.au/ELGrants. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm Friday 28 April 2023. For further enquiries please contact the City’s Grants Administration Officer on 6648 4278.

use in Australia since the ‘80's.

“Hearnes Lake provides so much recreational value but it could be hurting people and they don't know.

“Pollution of our waterways is very high on my agenda.

“Hemp crops do not require toxic pesticides and can actually clean up the contaminated soil while growing but the governments refuse to see the benefits.”

Dr Townley: “We must transition from native forest logging.

“Native forests have immense biodiversity value and also are important for carbon capture and storage.

“Transition means investing more in plantations and making sure these areas are re-planted after logging.

“It also means funding a jobs package for impacted workers to re-train or re-deploy.

“I support the Great Koala National Park proposal because it will allow forests to be used for a wide variety of recreational purposes and will provide secure habitat for forest animals and plants.

“Currently taxpayers subsidise the harvesting of native forests so the existing wood supply agreements will need to be bought out but economic studies show that ecotourism will be a much bigger economic driver.”

Ms Pearce: “The AJP totally supports the Great Koala National

Park, and we wish to see the end of native logging immediately.

“The AJP accepts that contemporary human society requires wood products, however, it is currently impossible to harvest these products at scale in a way that does not cause harm to animals or the environment.

“We must constantly work to improve plantation management and harvest practices and seek better alternatives to minimise adverse impacts.

“While standing forests are best at capturing carbon, the AJP believes that minimising harm is a nuanced issue and that timber products may be more climate-friendly than cement and steel for building and construction.”

Mr Nott: “The Greens support the Great Koala National Park with a new process for allowable activities, artificial reef for Coffs Harbour and growth of our tourism industry.

“The GKNP will be an international destination putting Coffs Harbour on the world map creating jobs, growing our economy while preserving resources for future prosperity and to maintain our health.

“I support sustainable logging but cannot support logging public forests at an economic loss.

“Our forests should be used to supply more than pallets, wood chips and firewood.

“Builders struggle to find local timbers, biodiversity is lost through unsustainable practices

decreasing tourism incomes and mismanagement adds to the mass extinction while damaging roads, waterways and increasing fire risks.

“The Greens will put a moratorium on all native forestry logging in the GKNP and loala habitat in the first 100 days of the new parliament.

“This will save us money and protect our health.

“The LNP is stripping more money from our firefighters after misusing bushfire grants.

“This plus weeds, pests and fires is endangering people and holding back our economy.

“I support increasing firefighting resources and hazard reduction burning.

“The Greens will fund regulators to ensure land managers follow the law.

“Illegal activities are damaging our environment and the failure to protect the bee industry is unforgivable in the context of supporting farmers.

“The Greens support Australian farmers to be good land stewards.”

Economic prosperity

Mr Judge: “TAFE has been run into the ground over the last decade and all of us are suffering for it.

“We will restore TAFE to its rightful position as the primary

provider of technical and further education.

“TAFE students will have the opportunity to learn in their own region instead of travelling hundreds of kilometres.

“We will start building the tradies, carers and creative workers of the future.”

Mr Singh: “One of my main areas of focus when first elected was job creation.

“Over the last four years we have seen more investment into this region than at any other time.

“Through The Regional Events Acceleration Fund we have funded events like the NRL games, the BigBash Cricket, Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival, SWIFF Storyland, Curryfest Woolgoolga, and too many more to list.

“We have also upgraded many sporting fields and built the Wiigulga Multipurpose Centre, funded the Mountain Bike Club to extend their facilities, as well as funded massive improvements to the showground.

“We’re enabling the Film Studio project to continue at Pacific Bay while continuing work on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass.

“The film studios will see a generational transformation of our local economy.

“I have also fought hard to secure the funding to improve our Jetty Foreshores and improve our waterfront economic opportunities for generations to come.

“For a coastal tourist city, it is

unfathomable that there are only five venues where you can have dinner by the water.

“We’re the only political party to commit to a specific regional development fund – the Stronger Country Communities Fund – which funds so many of our local projects like the SWIFF Screenwave Festival, and upgrades to our sporting fields which helps them to run bigger and better events.

“I’ll continue to fight for funding in our region and continue the investment the State Government is making in this region.”

Ms Cully: “Lasting prosperity cannot be created by undermining the life support systems of the planet.

“We need to invest in sustainable agriculture and sustainable technologies.

“Our prosperity depends on the re-direction of speculative hyper-investment in real estate, to productive capacity and valueadding.

“Our farmers should be protected from price gouging by supermarkets, and cheap imports from countries that do not have our environmental, biosecurity or animal welfare standards.

“We need to transition the economy to one that is more innovative, diverse and selfsufficient. In a world of dwindling resources and eight billion humans, there is no future in consumerism

and the throw-away society.

“We should focus on making things that people need, and make them last.

“The pandemic exposed supply-chain weaknesses throughout the Australian economy.

“We need to rebuild core manufacturing with scale-up capacity to prepare for future economic shocks (such as pandemics, natural disasters and conflict).

“We will legislate to protect farmers from price gouging and unfair trade.

“We will employ local people to regenerate coastal areas to provide a buffer from extreme weather events and storm surges.”

Ms Elliston: “Legalising cannabis, taxing and regulating the market would bring new and innovative industries to the whole state – not just this electorate.

“Revenue from a reasonable state based tax on the sale of products for adult social consumption will also make it possible to spend more money on hospitals, health services and staff and similar for our schools.

“The amount of money wasted on arresting and criminalising 70,000 people per year on average across Australia will also be a big saving enabling us to direct police resources toward more violent crimes that do actual harm to our community.

“Opening up the hemp industry will open up new opportunities.

“Once cannabis is legalised and hemp is treated like any other crop instead of having the current restrictions place on it by its classification as a drug, it opens the way to renewable and sustainable feedstock for the machines of manufacturing such things as paper making, textile manufacturing and hemp plastic products that decompose within months not millennia.

“There will be job opportunities galore for our youth who are constantly searching for their soul purpose and find themselves adrift.

“Only by legalising cannabis can we provide these kinds of opportunities!”

Dr Townley: “Currently the health sector is the largest employer on the Coffs Coast.

“But, many health sector workers are burnt out and feel overworked and underpaid.

“We need to make sure pay and working conditions for health workers will keep them in the job.

“I believe that waste is one of our biggest issues but also potentially an economic driver.

“I would like to see the NSW government invest in new technologies and markets which can help drive circular economies using waste products as a resource.”

Ms Pearce: “The Animal Justice Party (AJP) believes in an economic system in which ethics, the protection of the natural world and its inhabitants, and all beings are highly valued for their intrinsic worth.

“The AJP recognises the limitations of using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) alone in assessing the merits of an economic system and advocates for a broader measure of a ‘good’, ethical economy.

“The AJP supports the combined implementation of Jobs Guarantee (JG) and Universal Basic Income (UBI) programs as a basic human right.

“Together they can create meaningful employment for those who want and need it, set a floor for conditions and wages, nudge the economy to full employment, and provide the means for a decent life for those people who cannot or choose not to take up employment through the JG program.

“The AJP aims for positive change and is pragmatic when it comes to achieving reform within the economic system of the day and in the future.

“Locally the AJP would like to see more opportunities within the eco-tourism space,

especially if the Great Koala National Park is established.

“This will see a massive opportunity in our local area for jobs across a range of industries.”

Mr Nott: “Greens policy is designed to keep money in the local area, choosing the maximum impact for the spend with small business growth in mind.

“Incentives given for large developers to provide affordable housing created in Coffs Harbour!

“The current election spending, waste and focus on ‘jobs for mates’ drained NSW’s economic resilience.

“Profits for the wealthy have not helped the Coffs Harbour community.

“Our economic stability is risked by the changing climate with our infrastructure vulnerable and costs to repair extreme.

“The Greens understand that our environment can only supply food, enjoyment and economic value with a minimum level of protection.

“Jobs based on the environment and agriculture both create income.

“We need to ensure one sector is not detracting from another.

“Our waterways have dangerous chemicals, our soil is washed into the rivers, smothering coral and mangroves.

“I will work to improve job opportunities and incomes while forcing regulators to do their job.

“The Greens will also focus on ensuring businesses can get workers and customers by removing the impediments of inefficient transport and limited housing supply.”

Integrity

Mr Judge: “It’s important that voters know the values that drive candidates.

“I believe in fairness and I know that doesn’t mean treating everyone the same.

“It means giving everyone the opportunity to live their best life.

“I believe in compassion and a helping hand when people need it.

“I believe in genuine integrity, not just obeying the law, but also a strong moral compass that drives everything you do.

“I believe in community, because my life experience and work in Lifeline has shown me it is the difference between life and death for so many people.

“We really are stronger together.

“Finally, I believe in kindness and civility.

“If we are to thrive, we need to look after each other and find a way to disagree but still work together.”

Mr Singh: “Integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility in politics and in our institutions.

“Fronting up and telling the truth is a crucial aspect of integrity.

“I hold my personal integrity above all else and have always been up front and open in my approach to this job.

“For example, the Boat Ramp upgrade has had its fair share of hiccups.

“But rather than walking away from the issues or blaming others, I have fronted up at every opportunity and worked with stakeholders and government departments to come up with solutions and then lobbied for money to implement them.

“I have also sought the permission of every single landowner where my election signage is appearing.

“We will implement important new measures to increase government transparency and accountability on the delivery of election commitments.

“The new measures include establishing a new website to provide the public with information on the status and delivery of state-wide and seat specific election

commitments, to be updated twice a year, producing an annual report on the progress of election commitments, which will be tabled in Parliament and tasking the Premier’s Implementation Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet with driving the delivery of commitments across government as its core focus.

“Politics is often thought to be a dirty game – but it doesn’t need to be if everyone commits to telling the truth and maintaining integrity.”

Ms Cully: “I’m running for the NSW Parliament to de-corrupt politics in NSW and implement sustainable solutions for our future.

“The Sustainable Australia Party will address the root causes of our problems rather than simply deal with symptoms.

“If I am elected, I pledge to donate my salary to Coffs Harbour charities for wildlife, the homeless, and flood relief (apart from travel and electoral office expenses).

Dr Townley: “Integrity should be a cornerstone of our Parliament.

“Instead, we are seeing ‘jobs for the boys’, dubious relationships between politicians and particular industries, such as mining, and dishonest conduct.

“The party system means members are bound to a position, no matter how it affects their electorate.

“As an Independent, I will not be beholden to anyone but the community.

“I can address each issue on merit and will act with fairness and respect at the heart of everything I do.”

Ms Pearce: “The Animal Justice Party (AJP) relies upon our core values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence in forming our position to stamp out corruption in all of its forms and in all levels and arms of government.

“Corruption is insidious and undermines the rule of law, destroys public confidence in government and seeks to give power, influence and resources to a privileged few with criminal and unethical intent to the detriment of the broader community.

“Corruption is also often detrimental to animal and environmental protection.

“The AJP supports the efforts of integrity and accountability agencies that oversee our democratic processes including our electoral commissions and anti-corruption agencies.

“The AJP supports all efforts to improve equity, transparency, integrity and accountability in local, state and federal government elections and decision-making.

“Specifically, we encourage the strengthening of state-based anti-corruption watchdogs and the introduction of a federal Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).”

Mr Nott: “The Greens do not accept donations from corporations and were integral in banning donations from developers in NSW.

“Coffs Harbour's community has not been the winner in the recent mass transfer of wealth with less people able to afford housing and cuts being made to home budgets.

“At the same time record company profits drive up inflation while the rich avoid tax.

“Only the Greens have policy focused on transparency and defending basic rights such as protection of whistle blowers and individual rights.

“Decisions made to benefit the people, not profit.

“The Greens will drive towards removing transfer of liability to the people from corporations, slow the wealth transfer and demand accountability.

“Election spending and wasted grants against costed advice is poor economic management.

“Inquiries into both the Premier and Deputy Premier, our highest positions, have

damaged trust.

“I will champion transparent evidence based decision making, defend democracy and encourage discussion of difficult topics.

“Our community deserves to see the reports it pays for within a reasonable time period.

‘We deserve to be able to defend our rights through non-violent protest.

“The selling of public resources to look like good economic managers is damaging the resilience and productivity of our economy.

“I will bring conservative economic management back to grow jobs, economic strength and prosperity.”

In summary

Mr Judge: “Through a State election campaign and my time on Council, through my work with Lifeline, through meetings and campaigns with community groups and thousands of conversations, I have taken the time to understand what people on the Coffs Coast want.

“They want a government with compassion that acts fairly in the interests of everyone.

“They want more social and affordable housing.

“They want more nurses in our hospitals.

“They want a fair go for the teachers who give our kids the best start in life and they want to preserve and protect our great natural environment.

“Most of all, they want a local member who turns up, speaks up and stands up for them.

“That’s what I want to deliver for Coffs.”

Mr Singh: “I’ve been the local Member for Coffs Harbour since 2019.

“I’m married with two young children and I’m committed to making the Coffs Coast the best possible place it can be.

“Throughout my parliamentary career, I’ve listened to the community and responded to the challenges we’ve all faced over the last four years.

“I have worked hard to create opportunities for our region but there is much more to do.

“I want to help create a future where our communities are thriving, where jobs are plentiful, and where your children can grow up and follow their dreams.

“Where grandchildren can live in the same town as their grandparents because we’ve created opportunities for their parents.

“I’ve got the energy, drive and passion to help create those opportunities – to listen to the wishes of the community and be your voice in the NSW parliament.”

Mr Nott: “Under successive Labor and Liberal-National governments, our approval system ignores planning principles for decisions advantaging the wealthy at the expense of local communities.

“We need to overhaul this system.

“The Greens will make developers pay their fair share for infrastructure and give power back to communities.

“We will return planning powers to local councils, abolish the failed Local and Regional Planning Panels and make the minister for Planning accountable.

“Coffs Harbour is vulnerable to large cost increases with our services and critical infrastructure in flood or coastal zones such as the Coffs Harbour hospital.

“Urban sprawl is expensive to maintain and irresponsible management of our assets puts jobs and lives at risk, unable to access services when needed.

“I will put an immediate halt to residential development on flood lands and complete an inventory of critical infrastructure in vulnerable or inaccessible positions.”

SEAT OF OXLEY...next week.

Korora VIEW Club celebrates International Women’s Day

By Susan KONTIC

KORORA VIEW Club hosted 30 members and guests at Sawtell RSL Club on March

7 to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).

This year’s theme for IWD was ‘Embrace Equity’ with the aim to raise awareness about gender bias and to promote inclusivity, diversity and equality.

“The international Women’s Day theme ties in perfectly with VIEW’s ethos,” said President Dianne McLeod.

“Our members have really gotten behind IWD this year,” she continued.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to discuss the theme of equity with our guest speaker Gurmesh Singh, who has experience dealing with women in politics, and to explore

ways in which we can create gender equality across our community.”

Throughout the year, VIEW members speak out on a wide range of issues that are essential for the

wellbeing not of only women, but of all Australians.

“We advocate to government on reducing child poverty across Australia, and on increasing social and affordable housing

to address homelessness,” said Dianne.

VIEW is a national women’s organisation with 14,000 members in close to 300 communities exclusively supporting the children’s education charity.

The Smith Family members sponsor students

and also volunteer, fundraise and advocate to improve the life outcomes of Australian children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

Members volunteer their support in a number of ways including reading with local children to advance their literary skills, tutoring

Flickerfest returns to Sawtell

By Susan KONTIC

FLICKERFEST, Australia’s largest Short Film Festival, returns to Majestic Cinema, Sawtell at 7pm on Saturday, March 18.

Celebrating 32 years, Flickerfest remains Australia’s leading Academy

Qualifying and BAFTA

Recognised short film festival, with an A-list programme showcasing the Short Laughs Comedy programme highlights, all handpicked from recent Bondi festival

competitions.

The short films are all entertaining, inspiring, award-winning and fresh from their premieres in competition at Flickerfest Bondi, giving local audiences the hottest contemporary shorts from Australia and across the world.

Local Sawtell audiences are in for a belly-laughing treat of a night, with the best of its Short Laughs Comedy programme featuring hilarious shorts including the winner of the Best

International Short Film Award at Flickerfest 2023, the delightfully quirky French rom-com ‘Born to Cry’, where a man confronts his fears and gets the girl, alongside an incredible band of followers.

The laugh-out-loud Swedish comedy ‘The Diamond’, is a delightfully bizarre story about a lonely man desperate to connect with the world and his would-be tiny friend, and the amusing Australian comedy ‘Married at First Fleet’ is a parody of current-day MAFS,

but set in the 18th century.

And don't miss Australia’s only film nomination at the upcoming Oscars – the heartwarming animated comedy ‘An Ostrich Told Me The World Is Fake And I Think I Believe It’, about a young telemarketer who, confronted by a mysterious

q Korora VIEW Club members celebrated International Women’s Day with ideas to improve the lives of Australian youngsters and create gender equality across the community.

students with homework at The Smith Family’s afterschool Learning Clubs, and participating in The Smith Family’s mentoring programs.

To find out more about Korora VIEW Club, contact President Dianne McLeod on 0438 035 088.

talking ostrich, learns that the universe is stop motion animation, and puts aside his dwindling toaster sales to focus on convincing colleagues of his terrifying discovery.

Tickets and information at https://flickerfest.com.au/ tour/sawtell.

q The Diamond (Short Laughs Comedy tour).

q An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It (Comedy 1).

q Married At First Fleet (Best of Australian Shorts tour).

q Korora VIEW Club Vice President Dana Stokes invited Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh to join the discussion on gender equity.

Putting on a show – support for local performances

By Susan KONTIC

vibrant energy and sense of determination that fosters a willingness to undertake new or risky projects and sweeps audiences up in the excitement.

a flourishing cultural and arts scene that stamps the Coffs Coast as an exciting and growing creative hub.

Local performing arts in particular resound with a

So, while the Council’s Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program provides access to financial support between $1000 and $7000, it’s disappointing to learn

that further progress on the promised entertainment venue in Coffs Harbour City Centre, expected to cater for audiences of up to 800 people, has been put on hold until City of Coffs Harbour’s General Fund is in surplus, which is expected to be in the 2027-2028 financial year.

Meanwhile, small and large theatre groups and

ensemble players are saying “let us entertain you” and are lining up at the Jetty Theatre for the opportunity to show what they can do.

It’s hard work, it’s stressful and, no matter how much the audience loves your work, there’s no guarantee of making a profit, particularly when the seating capacity is just 250.

Sponsorships may be one way of keeping performing arts viable according to Tamba Theatre Company’s Director Kaiyai Doenau.

“We’d definitely welcome sponsorships with people looking to team up with creative projects,” he said.

Tamba’s next production is currently in the works, while its most recent show, ‘Firebringer The Musical’, ran for ten performances last month, and was a great success with audiences.

An all-singing and dancing spectacular, it featured a cast of twelve with Musical Director Brandon Swain and Choreographer Ash Ross.

Doenau’s time at the Actors College of Film and Television provided a good grounding in most facets of performing arts and experience has honed his multi-tasking skills.

For ‘Firebringer’, he negotiated the performance rights with StarKids (USA), built sets and props and coordinated every aspect of the production.

He even collected boxes from IGA Bellingen and carved them to look like stones to create the cave entrance for the set.

‘Firebringer’ was certainly much different from his production in October last year, the one-night cabaret and burlesque show ‘Queens

of the Night’.

“I think I might be the only straight drag artist in Australia,” he laughs, “but I did look pretty good with make-up and all dressed up, and someone even asked my Mum if I was Kaiyai’s beautiful sister.”

Doenau’s exotic looks are a blending of his west-African father and his Aussie mother, but he’s lived most of his life in the village of Repton.

“I was flamboyant even as a child, singing and dancing since I was about three – and I did ballroom dancing at North Beach Bowling Club for about fifteen years,” he laughs.

“It takes years of learning lines, attending rehearsals and auditions and making the most of every part you win, even the smallest.”

There's something very special about the theatre that allows an audience to react to the performance and the players to feed off the energy of the audience.

Not only does performance art support jobs and encourage business for local venues, it also develops skills, contributes to community spirit and adds joy to life.

As Kaiyai Doenau says, “It really is important that we support all local theatre in Coffs, so it’s sustainable to present great shows with both local and touring talent.”

Authorised by Toby McGilvray, The Jetty Parklands Group, 3 Avenue Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

q Tamba Theatre Company’s Director, Kaiyai Doenau, says it’s now more important than ever to support local theatre.

Woopi High students rescue drowning woman

By Andrea FERRARI

ARMED with water skills gained in their school sport surfing sessions, three Woolgoolga High students saved a young woman struggling in a rip on Wednesday 1 March.

Year 8 and Year 9 students

Koby Kudrins, Jack Hayes and Finn Casper successfully rescued the woman from the surf at Woolgoolga Back Beach.

Their school surfing session had just finished, and students were leaving the water and preparing to leave

the beach when Finn Casper of Year 9 called out that a woman was in a rip in deep water and struggling to swim about 100 metres down the beach.

Year 8 student Koby Kudrins started running but stopped when he realised he did not have his board with him and that it would be dangerous to enter the water without it.

He instead assisted Jack Hayes, also in Year 8, who ran to the water and paddled out, using the skills that he was taught in the school’s Surf Survival course, to help the

woman onto his board and bring her back to shore safely.

“We have no doubt that these boys prevented a terrible tragedy as the woman they rescued was swimming alone in a dangerous location and was a very poor swimmer,” a Woolgoolga High School spokesperson stated.

“The boys remained calm, used their skills and knowledge, and demonstrated the kind of selfless behaviour typical of so many of our students.”

The student rescuers applied key lessons learnt in their water safety training; don't go out without a board, don't ditch the board and know how to read the surf.

“These are skills we learnt through Surf Lifesaving and our training at school sport,” the boys said.

After the rescue, the boys reported that the rescued woman was exhausted, but appreciative of their efforts.

After the adrenaline of the rescue had worn off, the boys had a debrief.

“We talked with Mr Elliott about the do's and don'ts of a rescue.”

The School surfing

The Jetty Ocean Swims are almost here

By Andrea FERRARI

ON SUNDAY 26 March, hundreds of swimmers from near and far from age seven to their eighties will hit the water for the ‘Jetty Swims’.

With last year’s swims, officially named The Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Swims, cancelled due to the warning of an extreme and dangerous weather event, and a Covid-related cancellation, the Ocean Swims in 2023 are excitedly anticipated as a well-loved and supported family event.

The first event is the Mike Blewitt Coffs Coast 600m swim around the Jetty at 8am.

Next is the John Mills North Coast Swim Academy 300m swim around two large buoys on the north side of the Jetty, starting at 8.40am.

The main event is the Beachside Radiology 2km harbour swim, looping out and around the Jetty, starting at 9.15am.

Warmly welcomed for another year as event Ambassador is Brooke

Hanson OAM, an Olympic Games gold and silver medallist, and granddaughter of Coffs’ legendary surf lifesaver and swimmer, the late John Mills.

“My family and I are so excited about this year’s Coffs swims; we will have three generations competing in different events,” Brooke told News Of The Area.

“What we are most proud of is the 300m Junior Coffs Harbour Jetty Swim which has been named in memory of my late grandfather John Mills.

“The junior race is now named the John Mills/North Coast Swim Academy swim; this event will see three of John’s great grandchildren compete.

“My sons Cooper and Billy Clarke and my nephew Taj Hanson will be joined by many kids whom my grandfather coached as well as members of the North Coast Swim Academy, many of whom also experienced the coaching, mentoring and guidance from ‘Millsy’, as he was affectionately known, for the 70-plus years he coached.

“Coffs Swim is always a wonderful morning, participants swim around

the iconic Jetty and as a proud ambassador I can’t wait to see the local community support such a fun event.”

Swimmer Greg Swan has swum in the Jetty Ocean Swim every year it’s been on and is keen for the 2023 event.

“I really like the Ocean Swim in Coffs as a family friendly event because there is an event for everyone to participate in, and for most it's about completing it or beating a personal best.

“The Harbour is a beautiful place to swim, there are quite often green turtles checking out what's happening with the swimmers.

“Also it would have been the 25th anniversary of the Jetty Swim this year but I think it's two years missed; one with Covid and one with rough seas in 2022,” said Greg.

To register for one of the Beachside Radiology Ocean Swims on Sunday 26 March 2023 visit https:// oceanswims.com/event/ coffs-ocean-swim/.

q Brooke Hanson and her father, Ian excited for the iconic Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Jetty Swims on Sunday 26 March 2023.

teachers, John Morgan and John Elliott, emphasised the most important things to learn and remember when you are thinking about swimming in the sea.

“The importance of swimming with someone else and having the knowledge to read the surf conditions.

“Always use a floatation device to perform a rescue.

“Correct board rescue technique.

“Congratulations boys; you have done yourselves and our school proud,” said Mr Morgan and Mr Elliott.

q Woolgoolga High School teacher John Elliott, student rescuers Koby Kudrins, Finn Casper and Jack Hayes and fellow teacher, John Morgan.

q NBN reporter Britt Ramsey interviews the students about the rescue: Koby Kudrins, Jack Hayes and Finn Casper.

q The NBN cameraman captures the students and their teachers talking about the rescue.

Marbles debate comes to Coffs

By Andrea FERRARI

ADFAS Coffs Coast

(Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society) returns with its second arts talk tackling a controversial subject - The Parthenon Marbles or How Lord Elgin Gained and Lost His Marbles.

On Monday 20 March at 6pm at the National Cartoon Gallery, international guest speaker Alan Read will take the audience on the historical cultural journey of the famous sculptures from the Parthenon, discussing ‘were they stolen or saved from destruction?’.

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the world’s most famous cultural sites with the Parthenon, the temple of Athena, at its heart.

In 1801, many of the monumental sculptures and friezes were removed and taken to England by Lord Elgin, a British Ambassador (of sorts), where they are now on display in the British Museum.

These marbles lie at the heart of an ongoing dispute between Britain and Greece and the fight for repatriation.

“This fascinating talk looks at the response to them over the last 200 years, from the original controversy over their purchase to the current debate surrounding the restitution of the marbles to the new Acropolis Museum in Athens,” ADFAS chairperson Libby Davis told News Of The Area.

Cath Fowler from ADFAS told NOTA the event follows

the success of the group’s first talk back in February about the Egyptian Tentmakers.

“We know people are interested in immersing themselves in our program of talks that delve into fascinating topics,” Cath said.

“It’s a great way to get out of the house, away from social media and engage in some real time information, in a welcoming environment with refreshments supplied.”

Socially it’s another local opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones who share an interest in art, history and culture.

Guest speaker Alan Read

holds a master’s and first class honours degree in History of Art from Birkbeck College, London.

He is a gallery guide at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and for Frieze Masters and regularly lectures at the NPG, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Plymouth City Art Gallery and other galleries in the UK.

He also works as a London Blue Badge Guide and a City of London Guide.

For more information you can visit the ADFAS Coffs Coast website at www. adfascoffscoast.org.au.

q The newly formed Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) in Coffs Harbour welcomes its first international guest speaker, Alan Read, who discusses the Parthenon Marbles.

Chill N Chat invites you to celebrate its 20 years

By Andrea FERRARI

CHILL N Chat café is celebrating 20 years of giving back to the community with a morning tea on Monday 20 March from 9.30am until 11am.

Past and present customers, volunteers, participants and employees who have contributed to the Chill N Chat café are all invited.

Since 2003, Chill N Chat has evolved into a hub that serves the community in partnership with Meals on Wheels and Vivocare, who are hosting the birthday tea party.

From the café’s beginnings the space was used for teaching safe food handling and barista skills to young people with disabilities.

“It became obvious, with the aroma permeating through the buildings of the Community Village buildings where the café is located, that there was a demand for coffee,” Allison Couch from Vivocare told News Of The Area.

“Soon, the café was selling coffee and food one, then two and now five days a week, sometimes doing 90 meals a day.

“Of course, this took the last 20 years to evolve and if not for the partnership between Meals On Wheels and Vivocare it would not have been possible.”

Allison says it is the perfect synergy.

“People with disabilities are achieving their NDIS goals with the support they get from Vivocare.”

“Our seniors in the

community have a beautiful environment to meet with friends and family that is affordable, friendly and

convenient which is in turn good for overall health.

“Our volunteers can reach their goals of skill

building, socialising and contributing to the community.

“At the end of the day we all feel valued for our bit that we do for the community in the way that we can.”

Meals on Wheels also offers a membership for those who are over 65 and are eligible to join My Aged Care, whose purpose is to keep seniors independent in their own homes, offering a discount on some meals in the café as an incentive.

While the café’s customer base is predominately the senior community with 3,600 members, its location near the CBD, offering great food and service, attracts a diverse customer base including workers, shoppers, grandparents with kids, day excursions from aged-care facilities.

“Plus any group you can imagine that uses the Community Village; from Tai Chi groups to language classes and everything in between.

“All in all, it is a great place to relax, chin wag and enjoy a great meal no matter who you are, knowing you are supporting a service that benefits everyone.”

From the most recent survey people come to the

Chill N Chat because of the atmosphere, value, location, amenities and wonderful service and delicious food.

“Being set in the beautiful and peaceful covered outdoor garden with full amenities for everyone, access to community services, shopping and parking it could never be replicated as Chill N Chat has a soul of its own made up by all who have become part of the Chill N Chat family.

“We hope to see you there to acknowledge each and every one of you,” said Allison.

Chill N Chat café is in the Community Village at 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour, open for morning tea from 9am and lunch from 12pm, Monday to Friday.

Fogarty Wood

q Pam Lockwood, Rebecca Clarke and Adam Baker.

q Staff and volunteers at Chill N Chat cafe: Ross Crawford, Jen Klein, Kristie Flick, Allison Couch, Esther Sleeman. Bottom Row: Donna Sadlier, Jess Dunn and Julia Sharp.

q Chill N Chat’s Jen Klein and Kristie Flick.

q Daniel Jeffcoat volunteers at Chill N Chat building innumerable transferable skills.

Cancer Council calls for stop to junk food ads

By Andrea FERRARI CANCER

Council NSW

and the Public Health Association of Australia are calling on the next NSW Government to remove unhealthy food marketing on government owned and controlled property such as public transport, with new Cancer Council NSW research showing an increase in public support for government action on food marketing.

“Cancer Council NSW research found that 83 percent of food advertisements at major train stations and on buses were for unhealthy foods,” Louise Jeffs, Community Coordinator from Cancer Council NSW’s Coffs Harbour office told News Of The Area.

“57.3 percent of people in the Northern NSW Local Health District, aged sixteen years and older are living with overweight and obesity.”

Cancer Council NSW is calling on the NSW Government to demonstrate leadership by removing unhealthy food advertising

on the property it owns, starting with, but not limited to public transport.

“Children’s exposure to food marketing influences their food and food brand knowledge, food preferences and in turn their behaviours.

“Advertisements for unhealthy food and drinks on all state owned and contracted property, including on public transport, exposes many thousands of children and young people to unhelpful

messages about what to eat,” she said.

The unhealthy foods advertised directly contradict the government’s own healthy eating advice and its efforts to tackle childhood obesity.

“We should be creating an environment to support the community to eat healthy including by reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing,” said Ms Jeffs.

The prevalence of many

cancer risk factors is higher for regional areas than for major cities according to Cancer Council research.

“Compared to people living in major cities, people in rural and remote areas have higher rates of overweight and obesity, are less likely to eat the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables, and more likely to consume

sugar sweetened drinks.”

Overweight and obesity is linked to thirteen different cancers.

Cancer Council NSW research has found that the incidence of obesity related cancers is on the rise in Australia.

“Currently, each year, excess weight is linked to more than 5,000 cases of cancer in Australia.

“The rate of obesity related cancers in Australia has quadrupled between 1983 and 2017,” said Ms Jeffs.

*The 2022 NSW Community Survey on Cancer Prevention was conducted in February and March 2022. The survey has been conducted in 2013, 2016 and 2019.

SALE

q Advertising fast food/junk food on government property, such as buses, should be stopped, according to the Cancer Council.

q Dr. Louise Baur, Professor of Child and Adolescent Health at University of Sydney, speaking for Cancer Council’s Our Kids Our Call campaign.

Music from West Bengal to Bellingen

By Andrea FERRARI

A FUSION of West Bengal beats and Himalayan folk music describes the genre of The Three Seas band who will be performing at Bellingen Showground on Saturday 1 April on their 2023 tour of Australia.

Event Organisers Ahva and Lauren from UMBL Music told News Of The Area, “It's just so fantastic we get to present such an amazing international act locally, we love to celebrate and experience cross-cultural collaborations and hope to bring more acts like this to the Coffs Coast in the future."

Following a critically acclaimed tour of the UK last year, The Three Seas are now on an extensive Australian tour in March and April, playing a variety of venues from concert halls to intimate clubs.

This inspired show reaches Bellingen Showground Hall on 1 April with support from the Sydney Improvised Music Association.

Doors open at 7.15pm with a DJ set from Ethnocyberfunk to set the mood before The Three Seas’ eclectic performance.

“These tunes will also carry us through the interval where Indian food and chai will be available from the Curried Away pop-up.”

The eclectic sound of The Three Seas includes soaring Baul vocals and majestic

sounds from North Indian traditions intertwined with Bengali beats and the deep groove of the baritone saxophone in an energetic, uplifting “Bermuda Triangle of electro-dub, funk and Hindustani music” write Songlines magazine, 2022.

The Bellingen audience can expect to be up off its feet with the dance-inspiring Three Seas performance.

Spiritual jazz, rock, dub reggae and traditional North Indian instrumentsthe khamak, dupki, estraj and dotora - all combine alongside tribal rhythms and intricate bass lines to create a joyous experience.

Over a unique fourteen-year partnership, The Three Seas have released three albums and toured extensively throughout Asia, Australia and the UK.

Last year the band recorded their fourth studio album ‘Vimana’, at the Real World studio’s in the UK, under the guidance of producer Sarathy Korwar (Ninja Tunes, Leaf).

The release of the eleven-track project which includes original compositions, arrangements of Baulgan, Buddhist chants

Rotary Clubs’ BBQ for ShelterBox

By Andrea FERRARI

ROTARY Clubs of Coffs Harbour and Sawtell have been given approval to run a BBQ on Election Day, Saturday 25 March 2023 by the State Electoral Commission, and the Coffs Harbour Showground, in support of ShelterBox; giving all the profits and donations received to assist those in desperate need.

“We are only in the first quarter of the year and already seeing the continuing war in Ukraine and major natural disasters in Turkey, Syria, Brazil, New Zealand, and Vanuatu leaving millions of adults and children homeless and scared,” said Deb Farquhar on behalf of the local Rotary Clubs.

“They do not have the basics of clean water,

sanitation, hygiene, food, and shelter.”

Rotarians of the world, through Rotary International, support the need by donating 100 percent of all funds raised in the name of ShelterBox to

continue the supply of these comprehensively kitted-out aid supports.

“The location of the BBQ will be apparent on the day, not too close to the leaflets being handed out and not

too far away not to be seen, but we’ve not got our exact location as we speak,” Deb told NOTA.

“Bray Street Butcher is supplying all the meat so expect their famous sausages,

and a Bollywood classic is on the cards for release with fans eagerly awaiting a launch date.

Drawn together by their distinct and diverse backgrounds, and their passion for creating music that resonates universally, The Three Seas’ sound is definitely unique. This tour is produced by SIMA with the support of Playing Australia and Create NSW.

“You can check the latest UMBL Music news about this show and more at www. facebook.com/umblmusic,” said Ahva.

q Roll up, roll up to the Rotary BBQ in aid of ShelterBox, a partner not-for-profit supplying curated emergency supply boxes to people in desperate need.

and all the usual BBQ sizzles and sauces.”

“The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox has provided a place of refuge to people facing some of the most difficult and uncertain moments in their lives,” said John Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary

International, who is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Kyiv, Ukraine.

The Rotary Clubs of Coffs Harbour and Sawtell urge support for their BBQ fundraiser at the city’s Showgrounds. “Please help us to help those who need the basics to survive.”

THE CITY OF COFFS HARBOUR proposes to raise a bridge and section of roadway on North Boambee Road, above the one-in-100-year flood level.

The proposed project site area is the bridge and section of North Boambee Road located immediately west-south-west of Highlander Drive, North Boambee Valley. Plans of the Project Proposal are available for the community to view from 17 March 2023 until 27 April, 2023, at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Customer Service Centre, 2 Castle Street, Coffs Harbour.

The Customer Service Centre is open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday

Plans may also be viewed on the City’s website: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/YourCouncil/Projects-and-initiatives/Current-projects

Adjoining landowners are entitled to make submissions with respect to the proposal. Submissions may be lodged between 17 March and 27 April, 2023.

Written submissions should be addressed to: The General Manager, City of Coffs Harbour, Locked Bag 155, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450. Emailed submissions will be accepted. Email to: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

q West Bengal’s The Three Seas presenting an international, cross-cultural ensemble fusing West Bengal and Himalayan folk songs with contemporary sounds.

q Raju Das, baul vocals and khamak for The Three Seas, coming to Bellingen Showground.

q An example of a ShelterBox’s contents, filled with aid items tailored to meet the needs of a community after a specific disaster.

q Rotary Clubs of Coffs Harbour and Sawtell are fundraising to buy one of the sturdy green ShelterBoxes to be sent to communities in crisis.

Howe Lee

Independent Candidate for the Legislative Council

Independent Candidate for the Legislative Counc

Independent Candidate for the Legislative Counc

The Upper House

The Upper House

The Upper House

If we are to tackle the housing crisis, we must change the mindset around housing and homes. Like schools, hospitals and public transport, public housing must be a priority for government and must be funded appropriately.

If we are to tackle the housing crisis, we must change the mindset around housing and homes. Like schools, hospitals and public transport, public housing must be a priority for government and must be funded appropriately.

If we are to tackle the housing crisis, we must change the mindset around housing and homes. Like schools, hospitals and public transport, public housing must be a priority for government and must be funded appropriately.

Commit to building a minimum of 5,000 additional social housing homes each year until we reach the long-term target of 15% of total housing stock

Mandate a minimum number of social, affordable and First Nations housing in all new developments of 15%

Commit to building a minimum of 5,000 additional social housing homes each year until we reach the long-term target of 15% of total housing stock

Introduce minimum 12-months leases

Commit to building a minimum of 5,000 additional social housing homes each year until we reach the long-term target of 15% of total housing stock

Cap rent increases to maximum 10% per annum

Immediately invest $500 million for an expanded repair and maintenance program for existing social housing stock, including efficiency upgrades for water, heating and cooling

Mandate a minimum number of social, affordable and First Nations housing in all new developments of 15%

Mandate a minimum number of social, affordable and First Nations housing in all new developments of 15%

Introduce minimum 12-months leases

Introduce minimum 12-months leases

Cap rent increases to maximum 10% per annum

Lower the priority age from 80 years to 55 years

Cap rent increases to maximum 10% per annum

Immediately invest $500 million for an expanded repair and maintenance program for existing social housing stock, including efficiency upgrades for water, heating and cooling

Immediately invest $500 million for an expanded repair and maintenance program for existing social housing stock, including efficiency upgrades for water, heating and cooling

Lower the priority age from 80 years to 55 years

Lower the priority age from 80 years to 55 years

Independent Candidate for the Legislative Council

Authorised by Lee Howe for Lee Howe Independent Candidate. 22 Moorgate Street, Chippendale NSW 2008

Join the Malaami Project weekend

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Malaami Project will be held at the Bellingen Showgrounds over the weekend of 25 and 26 March.

The Project was developed through a close collaboration between Gumbaynggirr elders and leaders and the Bellingenbased Centre for Ecological Learning.

Lisa Siegel from the Centre for Ecological Learning told News Of The Area, “The Malaami Project is about everyone coming together to develop a collective vision and blueprint to plan for relocalisation and increased climate-resilience for our Shire.

“The focus of the Malaami Project is on the long-term.

“It’s about increasing the ability of our community and local businesses to manage the long-term risks associated with a changing climate over the years and decades ahead.

“We are looking to re-vision how our local structures such as food and water supply, land and water management, energy use, health and wellbeing, and economic systems can be adjusted or rebuilt.

“We are looking to build on the amazing initiatives

that already exist to create a life-sustaining and climateresilient Bellingen Shire,” she said.

The Malaami Project featured at OzGREEN’s Thrive festival at Bellingen Showgrounds on 4 March with Conversation Circles in the Malaami tent.

“The conversations addressed what’s needed for future-building and climate-resilience,” said Katie Allwood, Malaami Project planning team member.

The official launch of the Malaami Project on Saturday 25 March will be led by Gumbaynggirr Elders, young leaders and changemakers.

Uncle Michael Jarrett and Nathan Brennan have been working behind the scenes to make this important event happen.

With an open invitation to

q Local, Sari, shares her views during Conversation Circles at the Malaami Project’s tent at Thrive festival in Bellingen.

everyone to come along to the launch, the event promises a collective learning experience about culture and Country through the experience of live music, dance, storytelling and yarning.

In the evening there will be an opportunity to join in a discussion with Gumbaynggirr Elders and changemakers about how everyone can move forward with respect for each other through the understanding of cultural knowledge and Country, to develop an overarching vision of a futureresilient Bellingen Shire.

The main events start with Learning through Culture 3.00-5.00pm featuring the Buddaabang Bari Dance Group, storytelling and song.

At 5.00-6.00pm there’s yarning, live music by Mandawuy & Friends, and

food available for purchase.

Learning through Listening to Country is from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. There are two public conversations.

Conversation 1'Custodians of the Bellinger', with Auntie Lisa Kelly, Uncle Richard Kelly and Uncle Micklo Jarrett.

Conversation 2 - 'Cultural Land Management and Sovereignty' with Nathan Brennan, Dr. Chels Marshall and Rhys Pacey.

The Malaami Futures Community Workshop being held the next day, on Sunday, 26 March, will be facilitated

Living Well Expo promotes social inclusion and healthy choices

By Andrea FERRARI

A THOUSAND-PLUS people attended the Living Well Expo, held at C.ex Coffs on Wednesday 8 March, with the organisers declaring the event a huge success.

The driving purpose of the event, led by Blue Sky Community Services and Lifetime Connect, was to promote social inclusion and healthy living.

More than 50 exhibitors

were on hand to provide information about services and supports available for older people, people with a disability or chronic condition, and their families and carers.

The day kicked off with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Richard Widders of the Garlambirla Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Elders group, followed by an opening address from Cr Julie Sechi.

Guest speakers

throughout the day included Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM from the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission, Diane Greenup of the Aboriginal Liaison Carers Gateway Service, Laura Daley from Coffs Coast Autism, and Jenni Harding, an ACT! Project Officer with Meals on Wheels NSW.

The informative and engaging speeches were interspersed with some fun activities: a performance by

the Uko Ono ukulele group, a Mix Tub activity, and some Zumba to top the day off.

The event was well received by attendees.

“We had a great time and made some useful connections,” commented Mark Poole, Community Ambassador, North Coast NSW.

“I particularly enjoyed the ukulele band and started the day with a smile on my face.”

Tracy Prior from

q The Malaami Project launched at OzGREEN’s Thrive festival on 4 March with Conversation Circles in the Malaami tent.

SINGH

by local community leaders who will guide a day-long visioning and future-building collaborative process.

Combining Gumbaynggirr cultural learnings, understandings and expertise with learnings from local community knowledge experts, the workshop represents the first steps of the community’s journey towards developing a blueprint for a longer-term climate-resilient future for Bellingen Shire.

“These initial Malaami Project events are the first phase of an ongoing initiative to develop and implement

strategies in collaboration with our Gumbaynggirr Elders and community that will make a positive impact on environmental sustainability and climate change into the future,” said Tanya Fox, member of the CEL organising committee.

The Malaami Project is funded and supported by Bellingen Shire Council via a grant from the NSW Government.

For more information on the Malaami Project, see the Centre for Ecological Learning website at http:// www.cel.org.au/.

Disability Advocacy NSW described the event as “fantastic”.

“Loved the community engagement and information sharing with services.

“Looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

Event organiser Paul Tracey said he was very

happy with the turnout on the day and the support the local service providers were able to offer.

“Next year the Living Well Expo will be back with a bigger event offering more support to the aged and disability community,” said Paul.

q Attendees at the Living Well Expo at C.ex Coffs.

q Members of Coffs Community College attending the Living Well Expo.

q Some of the 1,000-plus visitors listening to one of the main talks.

The results are in from Frog ID Week

By Andrea FERRARI

THE results are in from the Australian Museum’s annual FrogID Week held in November 2022.

These expert-verified frog records now form part of the national FrogID dataset, which thanks to tens of thousands of FrogID participants across Australia, is helping advance frog research and conservation in Australia like never before.

Dr Jodi Rowley, the biologist who passionately heads-up the project, ran her database for the Coffs Harbour LGA and reported the following figures to News Of The Area.

“FrogID has received

17,249 frog records across 31 species by 407 FrogID participants from the Coffs Harbour LGA,” Jodi said.

“So far, the threatened frog species that have been recorded in Coffs Harbour through FrogID include: Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus), Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula), Pouched Frog (Assa darlingtonia) and the Southern Barred Frog (Mixophyes balbus).”

Jodi and her team of two have now validated and identified over 850,000 frog calls from across the country since FrogID commenced in November 2017.

This has never been done before and provides the most comprehensive and up-to-

date data on the state of our frogs.

Australia has 246 native species of frog, many of which are in decline.

One of the biggest impediments to frog conservation is lack of knowledge on these small and elusive animals.

FrogID is the Australian Museum’s national citizen science project that aims to help address these knowledge gaps, allowing anyone with a smartphone to record and submit frog calls through the free FrogID app.

Every recording is listened to by one or more frog call experts at the Australian Museum.

Once verified, these

scientific frog records help build a better understanding of where frogs are distributed across Australia, when they breed, and what habitats they need to help them survive.

By building a robust year-on-year dataset, repeat FrogID Week events form

a vital component of frog conservation in Australia and enable scientists and land-managers to detect trends and changes in frog populations over time.

Threats impacting declining frog species include disease, damage to habitat

from feral animals, urban development, and drought.

“Every FrogID recording adds value to our understanding of frogs in Australia and what is required to better protect them,” said Jodi.

SUNDAY 26 MARCH

In pristine waters on the beautiful NSW Mid North Coast around the iconic timber Jetty at Coffs Harbour’s protected Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour.

DIVE IN! ENTER NOW!

MIKE BLEWITT COFFS COAST 600M

$30 8.00AM MINIMUM AGE - 10YEARS

JOHN MILLS NORTH COAST SWIM ACADEMY 300M JUNIOR SWIM

$15 8.40PM AGE RANGE: 8-13YEARS

BEACHSIDE RADIOLOGY COFFS COAST 200M $40 9.15AM MINIMUM AGE - 14YEARS

• Online entries close 2pm Saturday 25 March

• In person entries will be accepted between 2pm and 4pm at the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club on Saturday 25 March

• NO entries will be accepted on the day of the event Sunday 26 March

Presentation on Coffs Harbour Yacht Club lawn 10.45am Multi-event Entries at Discount

Coffs Coast Ocean Swims is a functioning event proudly run by Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club Inc. More detail at www.sawtellsurfclub.com.au

q Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula). Photo: Grant Webster.

q Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus). Photo: Jodi Rowley.

q Southern Barred Frog (Mixophyes balbus). Photo: Jodi Rowley.

q Pouched Frog (Assa darlingtonia). Photo: Stephen Mahony.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Foray into the hinterland rainforests

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Annual Dorrigo Foray with Friends was held from 24 – 27 February, marking its fourth year.

This is a gathering of fungi enthusiasts, birders, frog and snake observers and others who love the beauty of Coffs’ hinterland rainforests.

The Foray was chaperoned by Coffs Harbour local Steve Young, event organiser and included two scientists from the Ukraine and one from Germany.

Their special interest is research into the world of Myxomycetes (Myxos) or slime moulds.

All three are involved in highly detailed DNA analysis work that is verifying that many common species of myxos are in fact different from country to country.

Martin Schnittler, Professor, General Botany and Plant Systematics at the University of Greifswald, Germany is undertaking a study of the most likely growing environments of Myxos based on altitude within a rainforest environment.

This study is showing the dependence of the myxo spore-forming activity on the annual precipitation at varying altitudes.

Dmytro Leontyev, Professor Chief of the Botany Department H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Ukraine is in Australia to continue his work on investigating the first ever described Myxo species, Lycogala epidendrum.

This well-known myxo, through his work, has already proven that the one species has now yielded dozens of separate species from around the world.

Anastasia Kochergina from Ukraine, currently a Researcher at the University of Greifswald, Germany, studies the ecology of microscopic myxos that develop on plant substrates.

She is also studying species diversity of these organisms on various substrates.

To find these tiny creatures, she collects fragments of natural substrates such as bark, aerial and ground litter, dry grass, decayed wood etc.

In her laboratory she places them into petri dishes on wet filter paper.

Moisture stimulates the germination of myxo spores, and after a few days the entire petri dish can be dotted with fruiting bodies.

Over the course of a few days in the Coffs hinterland rainforests the group was able to observe how the

Notice is given of the public exhibition of a Draft Planning Agreement between Bellingen Shire Council and Urunga Developments Pty Ltd.

Subject Land

The whole of the land being Lot 3 DP 513358 and known as 4056 Giinagay Way, Urunga NSW 2455, is the Subject Land under the Planning Agreement.

The Draft Planning Agreement

The key objectives of the Draft Planning Agreement are to;

• Meet the demands created by the subdivision of the Subject Land for new water and sewer infrastructure;

• Promote the orderly delivery of water and sewer infrastructure to the South Urunga residential precinct;

• Establish Council’s and the Developers responsibilities for the delivery of water and sewer infrastructure to the South Urunga residential precinct and apportion costs accordingly.

The Draft Planning Agreement and other required documents will be available for viewing via the link below from Saturday 18 March 2023 until Monday 17 April 2023.

Council invites interested parties to make a written submission regarding the Draft Planning Agreement. Submissions will be received up until 4.30pm on Monday 17 April 2023. https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Services/Planning-and-Development/Items-on-exhibition

Submissions should preferably be emailed to council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au using the Reference Draft Planning Agreement 4056 Giinagay Way – Submission.

Written submissions should be addressed to;

The General Manager Bellingen Shire Council

PO Box 117

BELLINGEN NSW 2454

Please ensure that you provide an email contact to ensure that Council can contact you in a timely manner regarding any subsequent consideration of this proposal by Council.

For further details please contact Daniel Bennett on 6655 7300 between 8.30am –4.30pm, Monday to Friday

development of myxo fruiting bodies increased as the forest started to dry down after solid rain prior to the Foray visit.

Work continued afterwards in the Bruxner Rainforest area of Coffs Harbour.

The scientists also took spore samples from Steve Young’s myxo collection, and these will be DNA bar-coded back in Germany to help build a reference database of Australian species.

“The group was truly amazed at the extent and rich diversity of our own botany and in particular the large number of myxos observed during their time,” Steve told News Of The Area.

While showing the group the forests, Steve found an unusual Lycogala

epidendrum that is likely to be one of those new species and if proven so, will probably be named after him as well.

“In all they enjoyed seven days in our region and have had many experiences to look

back on after they return to Europe,” he said.

Steve, a retired commercial photographer, continues his extensive work in this field, collecting, cultivating and most importantly using highly specialised techniques to photograph the beauty of our local myxo fruiting bodies.

Steve challenges himself to continuously improve his processes and equipment to ensure he can adequately capture smaller and smaller subjects in the knowledge there are more to be found in the sub-1mm size zone. His photography has been featured in many publications, including Australian Geographic, and specialist books by the CSIRO, and notable experts across the globe.

Our team is energetic, has excellent communication skills, problem solving abilities and works in a professional and ethical way. We prioritise the individual needs of our clients and work flexibly with them in order to meet those needs. Opportunities currently exist within our Disability Services team on a permanent, full time basis. Our Service Coordinators are responsible for scheduling and coordinating all rostered services so applicants must be flexible, have highly developed communication skills, problem solving abilities, initiative, strong computer skills, excellent time management skills, an ability to work in a fast paced environment and a willingness to learn.

RECRUITING DISABILITY SERVICES OFFICER (ROSTERING)

To obtain an application package, please email recruitment@cco.net.au All

q The intrepid travellers Martin, Dmytro and Stacy with Steve Young, taking some time out for a quick group photo just before leaving Dorrigo to continue work in Bruxner Park for two days thereafter. Photo: Sue Webster.

q Stacy, Dmytro and Martin deep in the Dorrigo National Park recording an observation of a Myxomycete. Traditionally very small objects, it takes a trained specialist to know where to look and using a torch in the darker areas is always a great help. Photo: Steve Young.

q Martin, Dmytro and Stacy during their stay in Korora, taking time to collect spore samples from Steve’s collection. DNA from each sample will be sequenced to discover if any of the species are endemic to Australia and therefore potentially new species. Photo: Steve Young.

q Deep in the Bruxner Park forest the scientists undertook five separate samplings of substrates (soil, leaf litter, wood, bark and arboreal litter - leaves and dried material caught up in tree branches etc.) These samples will be used to cultivate Myxomycetes from any spores held within. Photo: Steve Young.

Big day for the Laurie family

By Andrea FERRARI

IT WAS a big day for Annette Laurie on Friday 10 March, with a fabulous celebration of her 50th birthday with a party at the Yacht Club Coffs Harbour.

Her son, Wests Tigers player Daine Laurie, came up from Sydney, and her mum Aunty Irene Laurie (Briggs) arranged an array of surprises, with family coming in from around NSW.

Perhaps the biggest

surprise was being presented with the Indigenous All Stars 2023 photo which includes Daine who proudly played in the team.

With “football in our blood”, many of the men in the family have a history of playing at one time or another, Aunty Irene told News Of The Area.

Even so, she was still surprised when Daine gave her a nana-present.

“It’s the new jacket for Wests Tigers for this year,”

she said.

For Aunty Irene while it was a time of celebration - her eldest daughter’s half century – for which she dressed to sparkle in pink sequins and diamante.

It was also a time to reflect on the journey so far.

With her husband, Ray Laurie, the father of her three children Annette, Raelene and Shaun, passing away in 1984, Irene “brought the kids up on my own”.

While she was born in Armidale, she moved with her family to Brooklana when she was very young, going to kindy in Ulong, then moving to Woolgoolga before settling and going to school in Coffs Harbour.

Her parents met in Coffs Harbour, in the Old Camp at Fitzroy Oval, as youngsters in 1944.

Today, at 75, Aunty Irene is the elder of the family, the go-to mum, grandmother to eleven, and great grandmother to six babies.

She is also proudly the “matriarch of the Briggs family”.

q Annette Laurie feeling fabulous at 50, celebrating her birthday with family and friends at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club on Friday 10 March.

q Aunty Irene Laurie with her grandson, Wests Tigers fullback Daine Laurie.

q Aunty Irene Laurie sporting her new Wests Tigers 2023 jacket given to her by grandson Daine Laurie, who plays fullback for the Inner West team.

Kingswood's Hometowns Tour comes to Moonee

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour's youth community radio station

104.1 CHY FM is taking a particular interest in a mammoth tour by Kingswood.

“It is the most extensive tour ever undertaken by an Australian band, coming to Moonee Beach Hotel on Saturday 1 April,” Angie Vaughan, Station Manager, 104.1 CHY FM told News Of The Area.

Since the tour started in mid-January 2023,

Kingswood lead singer/ songwriter Fergus Linacre has been a weekly contributor on 104.1 CHY FM.

Each Wednesday, Amber and Zoe from The A to Z of Everything program call him up to see where they've been, where they're going and what they've been up to.

"That's been a lot of fun,” said Fergus.

“The girls are great to chat with, and it's great to chronicle as much of this tour as possible."

In the first week of March

their new album ‘Home’ debuted at #1 on the ARIA Country Chart and #2 on the ARIA Australian Album chart (narrowly beaten by Tim Rogers).

Perhaps with ‘home’ on their mind, when the members of Kingswood were planning their 2023 tour they chose hometowns rather than fly-in fly-out cities.

“The first 120-plus dates of the Hometowns tour, including Moonee Beach Hotel, are only Phase 1,” said Fergus.

"The new album has much more of a rural feel and inspired us to undertake a tour of this magnitude.

"The crowd reaction to the new songs has been great.

“‘Burning Holes’, the first single from the new album, gets the best reaction – big sing-alongs in the chorus."

Making sure they get to as many hometowns as possible, Fergus and bandmate Alex Laska (guitarist/singer/ songwriter) both got their heavy rigid license and converted a big bus into a luxury touring vehicle, affectionately named Peggy, and share the driving duties.

Peggy is fitted out with six bunks, a kitchenette, shower, toilet, TVs and a ranchorelax-o lounge.

"We had some time in Melbourne to make a few ‘cosmetic’ adjustments, including curtains for the bunks, a rear opening window and a camera system to assist with driving and parking.

“She's just about perfect now.

"We've done a fair bit of touring the US and Europe, and getting around in a fittedout tour bus is quite the norm.

“There are so many great places and things to see in this country that you miss just flying into and playing capital cities."

This tour has enabled them to cross a few things off their ‘bucket list’.

“I think many people dream about doing a lap of Australia by road.

“There's so much of this country many never get to see.

“And the more we travel, the more we've come to appreciate and connect with the country."

They've had some fun along the way.

"We took Peggy for a lap of Mount Panorama when we were in Bathurst.

“Top speed was twelve kilometres, and we did it in

just under ten minutes.

“Travelling through the Northern Territory, the top end of Western Australia and crossing the Nullabor will also be highlights for sure."

Along for the ride is documentary filmmaker Darcy Newton, capturing all the travel, hijinx and shows – the full touring experience. All of which will become a feature-length music documentary.

"We were recently in Orbost (Vic), and Darcy shot the video for the album's title track ‘Home’ at the fabulous Sailor Grave Brewery.

“And after filming at this glorious scenic location, we got to taste some great beers," he said.

After the Coffs show, Kingwood heads to Queensland, into the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania doing a full lap of Australia.

Then it's off to the US and Europe in September.

"We'll be back doing more touring in Australia from November," said Fergus.

Kingwood brings their Hometowns Tour to the Moonee Beach Hotel on Saturday, April 1.

For more info on the band see www.kingswoodband. com.

q On their mega-tour, Kingswood band members get cosy in Peggy the bus.

q Filming a video clip for their new album, Home, at Sailor Grave Brewery.

q Peggy the bus, the newest member of Kingswood, on tour.

q With band member Alex Laska at the wheel, Kingswood is driving to Moonee Beach Hotel as part of the 120-plus date Home tour.

Anti-racism campaigner arrives on Coffs Coast

has an important role in promoting ideas of participation for all.

“When sport promotes equality, it filters out into the community,” Peter told News Of The Area.

“I was uncertain of how I would be received as I walked through Taree where South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell lives nearby.”

The NRL player was recently the target of racial abuse by a fan at the Penrith Panthers game on Thursday 9 March.

“I felt a strong connection with the people in Taree; they were very welcoming and expressed an uncompromising view that this doesn’t happen again,” he said.

People can show their support for Peter and interact with him and his campaign by joining the Facebook group Stamp_Out_

and people come to him for the conversation as he walks through their town.

With a passion for NRL, Peter says sport

Source:

Source:

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9 377 Sussex St Sydney NSW 2000

Coffs counts down to centenary of Legacy

By Andrea FERRARI

WEDNESDAY 22 March marks the 100-day countdown to the arrival in Coffs Harbour of The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health.

Travelling for six months on a journey that started in Pozieres, France in the lead-up to ANZAC Day in 2023, the Torch Relay is the flagship event marking 100 years of support to families of Australian Defence Force members who gave their lives or health in service.

On its international tour, in each town the Legacy Torch will be carried by local Torchbearers who include Legacy beneficiaries, ranging in age from fifteen to 98, Legatees, Ex-Service and Defence personnel.

Arriving in Coffs Harbour on Friday 30 June, the Centenary Relay will parade through the local streets.

Legatee President Jeremy Nash encourages everyone in the community to come and join in on the day.

“That will mean you are sharing with us the care we offer to the families of veterans who have given their life or health for the nation,” Jeremy told News Of The Area.

“It might also mean you will be inspired to join and assist in our mission.

“But a warning, when we stop being facts and figures on a page, being real people with

joys and tears, you will be tempted.”

Having left France, the Legacy Torch travelled to London Legacy before returning home to Australia, landing in Albany, Western Australia in May 2023.

The journey will continue throughout local towns and cities across Australia, visiting all 44 Legacy Club locations, concluding in Melbourne in October 2023.

Coffs Coast Legacy CEO Shawn Bergquist told NOTA, “Coffs Coast Legacy has a long history with the Coffs Coast community and our involvement continues to grow and transition to meet the needs of our veteran community.

“2023 also represents 60 years of Legacy on the Coffs Coast and 20 years for the Coffs Coast Opportunity Shop.

“As Coffs Coast Legacy collaborates with more organisations to improve the services and outcomes for our veteran community, we encourage our whole community to come together and be a part of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.”

Proud to be chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate this iconic charity, Jane Sury, Community Liaison told NOTA, “I am privileged to be a Torchbearer on the Coffs Coast.

“We have already connected with locals who were part of the Legacy family in the

past, and we hope to connect with many more Defence families who have chosen Coffs Harbour as their home.”

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay aims to not only commemorate the previous century, but also highlight what the future holds for the

organisation.

“As we continue to salute their sacrifice and provide continuous care to those who have given so much, we want to honour the past, thank the present and build the future for Legacy,” she said.

Trauma Teddies to the rescue

By Andrea FERRARI

TRAUMA teddies were to the rescue when Biannca M, granddaughter of Coffs Harbour Red Cross member Trish, was unexpectedly whisked off to hospital on Friday 24 February.

Biannca was taken by ambulance to hospital after a medical issue, with her Nanna accompanying her.

“The Trauma Teddies helped her recovery during an overnight stay,” Trish said.

“Back home safely on Saturday, thank goodness, Biannca and the two teddies are doing well.”

The Trauma Teddies are a stalwart trade of the Red Cross which the members and volunteers have painstakingly worked on knitting, stuffing and sewing-up for years.

“Knitters in our community knit the teddies which are then given to children during a crisis; it’s something to hug and keep them calm, supporting distressed young children – and often their

parents,” said Trish.

“Volunteers knit the Trauma Teddy ‘skins’ and then they are stuffed with hobbyfill.”

Red Cross Coffs Harbour is always grateful for donations to buy the never-ending need for hobbyfill.

The Coordinator of the Trauma Teddy program is Norma Romeril, who can be contacted on 0403 016 651.

Chatting with News Of The Area, Trish noted other causes that are close to the heart of Coffs Harbour Red Cross.

“Social inclusion and making the lives of the most vulnerable in our society better,” she said.

“The Branch has identified a need and initiated valuable programs in Coffs Harbour such as Hands On which sees members visiting aged care centres chatting to and pampering the residents with hand massages.

“We continue to engage with the community and see where best we can help.”

The branch raises funds for the valuable work of the Australian Red Cross and continues to promote awareness of their role in promoting social justice.

Red Cross Coffs Harbour welcomes membership interest from the community.

There is a wide range of membership and volunteer roles.

“The Coffs Harbour Branch was reformed in 1991.

“The majority of our current members hold 10 year, 20 year, 30 year Long Service Medals.

“Branch members have often held various executive positions, been deployed to the Brisbane floods and Townsville Cyclone and more recently the Northern Rivers floods.

“Branch members played a key role in evacuation centres during the 2019 bushfires and supporting the local communities in their recovery.

“Our members are a friendly face at the Red Cross information stands at community events held after any disaster.

“Those members who want a more lowkey role knit the wonderful little trauma teddies or cook delicious delights for our cake bakes.

“The Bunnings sausage sizzles have always been a success for the branch, and we have hosted some amazing Melbourne Cup High Teas,” said Trish.

For further information about Red Cross, joining the Coffs Harbour Branch or the many volunteering roles please contact Maureen on 0418 214 587 or maureen_hammond@ hotmail.com or Trish on 0431 288 447 or trishmill@rmwebed.com.au.

q Coffs Coast Junior Legatees Hugo, William and Jackson.

q Biannca’s visit to Coffs Harbour Hospital was made more comfortable with her two Red Cross Trauma Teddies in tow.

Can you help Wrap with Love?

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Quilters and Needlecraft Inc (CQ&N) have been busily knitting and crocheting squares for the Wrap with Love Inc (WWL) charity, which has put out an urgent call for more supplies.

Some 3,750 Wrap with Love blankets have already been sent to Turkey and 500 to Syria.

“With all the disasters happening around the world more wraps are urgently needed,” CQ&N spokesperson Shirley Rose told News Of The Area.

“If you are interested in assisting in any way and have access to a computer look up Wrap with Love Inc all the details will be there.

“Otherwise, you may wish to come along to CQ&N at 8.30am -12 noon every Thursday at Cavanbah Hall where you can find the instructions and share with others who are creating squares.”

While knitting or crocheting the individual squares is one way to help, another way is to donate 8-ply wool or help by sewing the squares together to make the blanket wraps.

The squares are ten inches square, and there are 28 to each wrap.

Donations of knitted squares, wraps or wool can be dropped off to your local library where they are parcelled up and delivered to Coffs Library where they are collected by Margaret Hivon, coordinator for Wrap with Love.

Margaret then labels them, packs them

up and has them delivered to the WWL depot in Sydney along with quilts from Dorrigo, Woolgoolga and Urunga.

“56 wraps have recently been sent to WWL; these included wraps from Dorrigo and Woolgoolga and more are ready to be sent this week,” said Shirley.

These then get sent off to the places in need.

“Margaret has filled this position for over 30 years, ever since the ABC office ceased being the drop-off point for the squares.

“The local libraries accepted being the drop off point and Margaret took on the coordinating position,” said Shirley.

At the moment Margaret is out of action.

Members of CQ&N have taken on Margaret’s work, continuing to collect, label, pack and send them off to be delivered to Sydney while busily making and sewing together wraps.

For information about helping with WWL contact either Wes Baker on 0408 651839 or Shirley Rose on 0417 250 688.

PROGRAM OUT NOW

q Coffs Quilters members Thelma, Maureen and Kitty sewing in the ends on squares, ready to make the wraps.

q Created with loving kindness, one of hundreds of thousands of Wraps with Love ever made.

q Wrap with Love blankets, to help those in need during disasters, being sent off in thousands to Turkey.

q Loading the truck that took 3,750 wraps for shipping to Turkey.

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks partner with 104.1 CHY FM

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Cronulla Sutherland Sharks have announced their From the Heart Giving Partners for 2023; supporting charities, not-for-profits and community organisations.

These partners are one national, two from the Sutherland Shire and one regional.

Over the moon to hear Coffs Harbour’s Community Radio 104.1 CHY FM has been chosen as the regional partner, Station Manager Angie Vaughan told News Of The Area, “I was absolutely thrilled when I received the call to say that 104.1 CHY FM had been selected.

“Since speaking with Jess Macartney, Head of Government and Community and Rachal Allen, Community Engagement Lead at the Club, we have some exciting

opportunities for community engagement, volunteer participation and, most importantly, fundraising.

“Funds raised with the assistance and support of the Cronulla Sharks will significantly assist with the station’s objectives, operations and youth training going forward,” she said.

Angie first received notification that the radio station had been selected in early February, but the announcement was embargoed until the Sharks publicised it later in the month.

“But I had to tell someone,” said Angie.

“So, I rang our station Patron, Matt de Groot, as I knew he lived in Cronulla and could be trusted with the utmost confidentiality.”

Upon Angie giving him the news, Matt shared his

great news, “You know I’m the ground announcer at all the Sharks home games.”

Matt got his start in radio at 104.1 CHY FM while in high school at John Paul College, Coffs Harbour and is now part of the Fitzy and Wippa Breakfast Team on 98.9 NOVA in Sydney.

“Neither the Club nor the judging panel had any idea of Matt’s association with the station until I spoke with them at the announcement in Sydney; serendipity at its finest,” said Angie.

This year’s national From the Heart partner is Gymea Community Aid and Information Services, with the two Sutherland Shire partners being Sutherland Hospital and Feel The Magic.

“The Cronulla Sharks appreciate there are countless charities and notfor-profit organisations in

need of support, however, our panel of NRL and Women’s players, Great Whites, Board and community members have selected four extremely worthy Giving Partners for the 2023 season, with each to receive a highquality experience,” Sharks Have Heart Community Engagement Lead, Rachal Allan, explained.

A panel comprising Sharks skipper Wade Graham, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team member Andie Robinson, Madeline Tynan from the Sharks Board of Directors, former player (Great White #404) Mitch Brown and local Elder Aunty Deanna Schreiber selected four worthy partners from the countless applications received.

“Sharks Have Heart, and the entire Sharks team are proud to elevate the causes

Harbour Performing Arts Centre seeks patrons

By Andrea FERRARI

HARBOUR Performing Art

Centre (HPAC) is seeking individuals to join its newly appointed Patron Mark Hardy.

The role of a patron involves assisting to provide tickets for students selected by the Principal and Teachers of HPAC to attend the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House for their strong work ethic.

Patrons will also assist the fundraising committee of HPAC which is made up of mothers and fathers of the students at the arts school.

HPAC encourages people with strong backgrounds in fundraising, strategic

to put forward their names for positions that are available, as soon as possible.

“We are only seeking an additional four patrons at this stage,” Mark told News Of The Area.

The importance of facilitating the top students to go to see the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House, is for them to see dance at its highest level.

“Like Nureyev and Baryshnikov before him, David Hallberg has not only established a place as one of the finest dancers of his generation: he has made history,” said Mark.

“David Hallberg is the Australian Creative Director of the Australian Ballet; students can observe his fascinating history of the art

form and the fine detail of dance.

“The lucky students awarded tickets will not only see Australia’s finest dancers, but some would say, some of the world’s finest dancers.”

Throughout 2023 four lucky students will be attending with a parent/ guardian to go to the Australian Ballet at the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.

Indy Pike won the inaugural award in 2020, but due to restrictions regarding Covid-19 Indy and her mother Kellie did not get to attend until December 2022.

Kellie and Indy commented that Romeo and Juliet ballet was a fantastic experience.

Teachers and the Principal of HPAC, Ms Francesca Montanaro.

The winners for this year’s awards are Miss Indy Pike to attend Swan Lake, Miss Violet Simpson to attend Don Quixote, Miss Hannah Wood to attend Jewel, and Miss Malia Crismale to attend The Dream/Marguerite and Armand.

The students selected by Ms Francesca Montanaro and the teachers at HPAC were awarded their tickets based on hard work in the early part of 2023 and other areas of achievement.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron of HPAC please call Mr Mark Hardy on 0467 199 703 or email him at

of our Giving Partners and to be their champions through our work as ‘The Community Club’,” said Cronulla Sharks Media Manager Rob Willis.

“Our From the Heart partners will have opportunities to raise awareness and funds for

their organisations, including Game Day 50-50 raffles, a 2023 signed jersey and match tickets, access to our pool of volunteers and utilising the Sharks brand and social media to raise awareness to their cause.”

q He may be the Cronulla Sharks home ground announcer, but Station Patron, Nova Sydney’s Matt de Groot, still has a special place in his heart for 104.1 CHY FM.

q Indy Pike has won a trip to attend Swan Lake at Sydney Opera House.

q Attending The Dream/Marguerite and Armand is HPAC student Malia Crismale.

q Hannah Wood will go to the Joan Sutherland Theatre to enjoy a performance of The Jewels.

q Heading to Sydney’s Opera House, Violet Simpson will see Don Quixote ballet.

Puppy love mends broken hearts

By Andrea FERRARI

MARRYING in their eighties on the bride’s birthday, 9 February, Coffs Probus members Patricia Falco and Richard Elver were making happy headlines.

Within days the couple were thrown into a dreadful waiting game after the disappearance of their beloved poodle, Monty, and the headlines on social media changed to desperate pleas for any news on their precious pup.

Five days later, with broken hearts, the couple had confirmation that Monty had been hit by a car, on the overpass by Park Beach Plaza, and had died of his injuries.

“We were devastated,” Richard told News Of The Area, “it changed our lives.”

With Kim Farlow from WIRES in Coffs Harbour supporting the couple with searches and sharing validated information on Facebook, a bond formed between the three of them.

“The family was broken hearted after losing their beloved four-year-old poodle Monty in a tragic set of circumstances,” said Kim.

“The house was not the same, their sadness was bad enough but their other dog Molly (their whippet) was crying, wouldn’t eat and was pining for her friend.

“By some twist of fate, Roxy, a poodle the same colour and age as Monty, was needing a home after her elderly owner could not care for her anymore,” she said.

On seeing the advert on Gumtree, Kim made some arrangements that morning

and within the day Roxy had been swept up, introduced to Molly, groomed, vet checked and made comfortable in her new home.

“She took to her new family so quickly it was astounding and was sitting by Patricia on the lounge and following her around the house by the afternoon.”

Richard told NOTA, “She’s a little angel, she’s a member of our family and we adore her.”

Everyone agreed this little girl is a perfect fit for the grieving family.

Kim noted that some people may say that this was too quick or that they should have waited.

“There is no way to replace Monty, he is still very loved and remembered, but what better way to honour him than adopting another

TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour receives national accolade

TERRYWHITE Chemmart

recently celebrated the national winners of their HEART Awards for the past year at a gala event held on the Gold Coast.

The TerryWhite Chemmart HEART Awards recognises excellence in health, customer engagement, service, and leadership.

The National Pharmacy of the Year award was won by TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour in NSW for their exceptional customer experience and for elevating their community services.

Network Partner Tanya Maloney dedicated the award to her entire team in Coffs Harbour and commented that after living and working in Coffs Harbour for the last 24 years, winning the National Pharmacy of the Year Award has been a reward after the

challenges of the past few years.

“I am so proud of my team, not just for the work they do every day in caring for our community, but for the culture they have helped me build in our pharmacy.

“We are a team that is truly dedicated to building better health outcomes for our community and I can’t thank them enough – our customers and patients truly mean everything to us, and they’ll be so excited for our win,” Ms Maloney said.

dog in need,” said Kim.

Patricia is a naturally happy person, but with Monty missing she was distraught.

“It is so good to see that smile back again,” said Kim.

Patricia and Richard would like to thank each and every single member of the community for the outpouring of heartfelt messages, too many to answer.

Kim sends out a huge thank you to the many Coffs Harbour locals who searched tirelessly and those who shared the posts to get the message out.

“For those kind-hearted people who tended to Monty on the roadside that night, there are no words to express our gratitude,” said Kim, Patricia and Richard.

q The TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour team with Nick Munroe, TerryWhite Chemmart’s Executive General Manager and Michael Beaumont, TerryWhite Chemmart’s Group Operations Manager

q A happy outcome: Despite losing Monty, Patricia and Richard have adopted a rescue puppy poodle to join their family.

q Patricia, bereft after losing her beloved poodle Monty and having no news of his whereabouts.

q Newlyweds Patricia Falco and Richard Elver on their wedding day on February 9, 2023. q Dear Monty, always remembered.

Great summer of the Great Southern on the Coffs Coast

By Andrea FERRARI

PACIFIC Bay Resort’s strong relationship with Journey

Beyond’s Great Southern Rail delivered a memorable travelling experience for guests across a threemonth period this summer, bringing with it a significant boost to the Coffs Harbour visitor economy.

From a modest beginning back in 2019, The Great Southern Rail experience has grown to become an iconic luxury rail adventure along the East Coast of NSW, beginning in Brisbane and making its way south to Adelaide, stopping off for a variety of experiential tours including in Coffs Harbour.

Arriving in Adelaide it turns around and heads

back up to Brisbane. The journey has become a tourism success especially popular with rail enthusiasts, many of whom have completed Journey Beyond’s Indian Pacific and The Ghan journeys.

Overwhelming demand for the route this summer season saw a record twelve round trips and over 5000 guests departing their carriages to experience a little of the incredible Coffs Coast.

Guests on the south bound journey enjoyed the hospitality of Pacific Bay Resort where they were greeted with canapés and beverages on the sand at Charlesworth Bay Beach, accompanied by Matt Flanders sharing

Gumbaynggirr dreaming stories overlooking the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Guests were then seated for a three-course luxury dining experience featuring the Coffs Coast’s fresh produce.

“Fresh caught Coffs Harbour Snapper and Kingfish, Nambucca rock oysters, Dorrigo potatoes and local blueberries and bananas set the palette for delighted guests,” said Group Marketing Manager at Pacific Bay Resort, Christopher Winn.

“The Great Southern Rail beachside dinners are a great activation of one of our many often under-utilised coastal parkland spaces.

“They encourage return visitation and drive dollars into Coffs Harbour.

“The intrinsic value created by word-of-mouth and the flow-on effect of

some of the imagery that is shared right across Australia and the world is hard to measure,” added Christopher.

“We hope to continue to deliver these incredible events through many more seasons,” said Christopher.

Making the most of the resort’s immediate natural

Calligraphers honour Nerise Windsor

By Andrea FERRARI

NERISE Windsor was honoured with Life Membership to the Coffs Harbour Calligraphers at the group’s regular meeting on Saturday 11 March at the Showground Gallery.

Kevin Schofield from the Coffs Calligraphers presented the award, sharing a little of Nerise’s calligraphic journey. “Nerise has been a member

of Coffs Calligraphers for 32 years, holding positions as Vice President, Club librarian, and class tutor, as well as President for the past five years.

“Her interest was sparked from admiring a display by Coffs Calligraphers at South Grafton High School in December 1990.

“Soon after, as a surprise gift, Nerise’s husband Les contacted the group,

arranging a membership of Coffs Calligraphers, and a kit of calligraphy supplies.

“And the rest is history.”

For many years prior, Nerise dabbled in pottery with her own wheel and kiln at home.

As Nerise says, she suspects Les saw calligraphy as a new interest, and to relieve him from helping with the many all-night kiln firings.

It seems Les was right, too.

“It’s been a pleasure to know Nerise these past five years and I’ve come to know her as a very warm, helpful, friendly, and sincere lady,” said Kevin.

“Always willing to listen and more importantly, lend her help, no matter the issue, in all situations, not only calligraphy.

“Nerise is also heavily involved in tutoring the class at our monthly meetings, and as anybody who has taken on the task of tutoring knows,

surroundings has been key to delivering the events each year for the team at Pacific Bay Resort.

“It’s with the support of the City of Coffs Harbour and the Regional Parks Trust Board that we have been able to host these events in this incredible location for a fourth consecutive year.

North bound journey on arriving in Coffs Harbour train station each Sunday, hop off to spend time at the Harbourside markets and Jetty foreshores.

Some took helicopter joy flights with Precision Helicopters, taking off from Pacific Bay Resort, for a bird’s eye view of the

it involves a great deal of preparation to present an interesting, informative, and inclusive class, successfully.”

An elegant Life Membership certificate, created by calligrapher, Cris, was presented to Nerise, alongside a bottle of her favourite tipple, Tanqueray gin.

“The presentation took me by complete surprise and caught me so unaware that I'm sure I failed to adequately thank everyone,” Nerise said.

“The beautifully framed Life Membership certificate is amazing and is now proudly hanging on our living room wall at Red Rock, waiting for our family to see it ‘up close’ when they visit this Easter.

“I know how much work must have been devoted to the layout, scribing and

illustrating of the certificate.

“A huge thank you to Cris for the very skilful preparation of the certificate and thank you to Kevin for his kind words during the presentation, his generous help behind the scenes during the preparation of the certificate and for the Tanqueray that accompanied the beautiful certificate, all immensely appreciated."

Nerise said she was honoured to join the current ranks of the Coffs Calligraphers Life Members, Maxine Kohlhagen, Colleen Little and Robyn Lawrence, and holds very fond memories of past Life Members Jim Bird and Barbara Wallace, devoted members of Coffs Calligraphers who helped her tremendously when she joined the group more than 30 years ago.

q A Coffs Harbour Calligraphers class at their Showground Gallery home.

q Coffs Harbour Calligraphers Life Member Nerise with her husband Les Windsor.

q Nerise is presented with her certificate and gift by Coffs Harbour Calligraphers member Kevin Schofield.

q The Great Southern train rattles toward The Coffs Coast on day one of its three-day journey.

q Guests travelling on the Great Southern train enjoy canapes on the sand at Charlesworth Bay Beach.

q Around 200 guests are treated to the flavours of the Coffs Coast at Pacific Bay Resort each week during the summer season.

q Matt Flanders gives Great Southern train guests a Gumbaynggirr welcome.

Flanagan makes it three in a row

SHOOTING a course record in the third round paved the way for Billy Flanagan to win his third straight Coffs Harbour Golf Club Brown & Hurley Men’s Club Championship title.

Flanagan shot a 5-under

par 64 on the club’s West Lakes course on Saturday to not only get the course record but set up a 13 stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round.

The only trouble the 21-year-old had in the final

round was the heavy rain that fell over the last two holes as he eased his way to a four round total of 9-under, 19 strokes ahead of Cameron Pollard with former course record holder Logan Toms a further shot back.

Flanagan’s hat-trick of titles is the first time a player has won the club championship three

consecutive times at Coffs Harbour since Shane Cutmore did it almost 25 years ago.

“This club has a lot of great history so to have my name on the trophy three times is awesome,” Flanagan said.

Having his name not only etched on the trophy but also in the club’s record books is something Flanagan has been quietly eyeing off.

“It (the course record) was only 3-under on West Lakes so I knew if I had a good game and played like I had been recently it was a goal that I could achieve,” he said.

The way he started his third round though, Flanagan thought it might not be his day and breaking the course record might need to wait until another day.

“Starting on the 19th tee I had actually hit the tee shot into the water so it wasn’t the best start,” he said.

“But then I made three straight birdies on 20, 21 and 22 so I felt pretty good after that.”

OPINIONLETTERS

Where is the consultation?

DEAR News Of The Area, LOGGING has recently begun in sections of Orara East State Forest in Karangi by Forestry Corp NSW.

Given the fines and warnings that FC NSW has copped over logging activities in other State Forests, concern is running very high for local residents over what is planned for such a significant green corridor on the Coffs escarpment.

If you read a public document that is published by the Forestry Corporation of NSW called ‘Koala Code of Practice:

Forest Harvesting in New South Wales’, you will find the following key points made by Forestry Corporation:

1. Community dialogue about Koalas should be initiated and maintained at an early stage to ensure exchange of information with neighbours, and local animal welfare and conservation groups.

2. Prescriptions exclude harvesting from sensitive areas such as along streams and in areas of high conservation value old growth, rainforest, rare forest types and wetlands.

3. In plantations, harvesting is also excluded

Sustainable Food

along streams and from native forest remnants embedded within the plantation. Has community dialogue about Koalas been initiated and maintained by FC NSW with affected residents at any stage?

The answer is a massive NO.

As a local resident who is part of a concerned residents group about the logging of Orara East State Forest I can confirm that NO community dialogue has occurred.

As with many things in life, if people don’t do what

they say they will do then you have to do it yourself.

So, local residents organised a meeting with Coffs Harbour Forestry Corp.

NSW in an effort to seek assurances that green corridors and pockets of remaining koala habitat would be protected and set aside.

When directly questioned about the above points 1 and 2, which are essentially their OWN RULES about codes of conduct in relation to excluding koala habitat from logging, Forestry refused to reassure local residents that they would

‘make a buck’.

Robert Potts earned the A-Grade nett title ahead of Luke Downey and Michael Ticli.

In B Grade it was Phil McLean who earned the champion tag ahead of Greg Parmenter and Michael Loy.

Blake Smoothy was the B Grade nett winner finishing in front of Graham Cowling and Shane Oxley.

The C Grade event saw Rob McIntosh win the gross crown with Arlen Horton and Rob Campbell the runnersup. The nett event was won by Ross Smith ahead of Chris Mounser and Gerrie Becker. Rob McComas won the Senior Championship while Jacob Cross was the junior champion.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

do this.

The best assurance the locals got from the meeting was that each tree and area would be assessed on its merits when the bulldozer was in front of it.

This gave very little confidence to the local residents given the fines and warnings that FC NSW has copped over illegal logging activities in other State Forests recently.

At the meeting FC NSW admitted that their mapping was not up to date and that they were unable to get accurate mapping of sections of the native forest.

It makes you wonder where their $60 million bailout by the state government goes?

Certainly not on implementing their own codes of conduct.

We all know Koalas are critically endangered and we all know that climate science tells us that removing old and established forests is a bad idea.

To allow these reckless logging practices to continue in this day and age makes absolutely no sense.

Who will make Forestry accountable for their actions?

Regards, Paul HEALY, Karangi.

Another big issue though - here on the Coffs Coast and elsewhereis the existence of big agricultural companies exploiting our land for food products grown for overseas markets.

The steamrolling of our

ecosystems is happening under the guise of the failed ‘free trade’ system.

Often, these companies have little ethical framework regarding which countries they are to be trading with, just so long as they can

The future for the CBD

DEAR News Of The Area,

DEAR News Of The Area, THE Greens vision for a sustainable food system (as outlined in NOTA, March 10) should be welcomed as a positive approach to ultimately ending food waste in NSW. preferred shopping precinct.

IT would seem there is not to be a huge retail future for the CBD.

Sad to say it is my

The availability for parking spots are diminishing and with the advent of a car

parking area being taken for another large development, supposedly to provide employment for six hundred workers.

Where are they going to

Our beautiful Coffs Coast environment deserves greater regulation when it comes to shareholder-focused environmental cowboys within the agricultural sector.

The Greens focus on sustainable agriculture will

park like so many so-called developments which will supposedly enhance the CBD?

There will be fewer retail outlets because parking is catastrophic already.

It would seem little consideration is given

hopefully also be combined with a strengthening policy framework around an end to insatiable demand driven by endless human population growth – both here and overseas - and hopefully a reassessment of this diabolical free-

trade system that we’re subjected to.

Regards, Richie TASSICKER, Toormina.

to this problem, in many cases the people making these decisions have parking provided when in this area.

Kindest regards, Ann DEANS, North Boambee Valley.

q Billy Flanagan proudly shows off the Men's Club Championship trophy he won for a third consecutive time. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing.

q Billy Flanagan tees off during the final round of the Brown & Hurley Men's Club Championship at Coffs Harbour Golf Club. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing.

OPINIONLETTERS

HYPOTHETICAL Taking a Legal Look OPINION & LETTERS

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au with Jasminda

By Manny WOOD

What is a Statutory Will?

EMILY suffers from a severe disability, affecting her cognitive abilities and preventing her from making a will.

Emily’s condition also means that she will likely have a reduced life expectancy.

Emily receives a substantial inheritance from her uncle, on her mother’s side.

Emily’s mother has been her sole carer since birth and has dealt with the challenges arising from her disability.

Emily has had no contact with her father, nor his side of the family.

Emily’s mother is concerned about what will happen to Emily’s inheritance, if she passes-away without executing a will.

If Emily passes-away without making a will, the laws of intestacy which apply in her circumstances, mean that her biological father would receive half of her substantial estate.

Her mother believes that Emily would not wish for this to occur and that such a result would be incredibly unjust.

However, legislation permits a “statutory” will to be made on Emily’s behalf, by way of an application to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The application requires the briefing of a barrister and the filing of supporting affidavits from family members, care workers and medical professionals.

It is not a cheap process, but given the size of Emily’s inheritance, her mother views the costs as warranted.

A solicitor, specialising in these matters, drafts a will on Emily’s behalf, making provision for her mother and her two siblings.

The draft will form part of the application to the Court.

Emily’s father is served with notice of the application and he does not participate.

Ultimately the Court grants the application and a will is made on Emily’s behalf on the basis that in the Court’s view, if Emily had capacity to make a will, she would make a will primarily making provision for her mother and also her siblings.

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 column is only accurate at today’s date and cannot be relied upon as legal advice.

Respect our democracy

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE lead up to an election in Australia is like the lead up to the Melbourne Cup.

People who show little interest in either horse racing or politics now become expert pundits and purport to having extensive knowledge of those subjects and then dig in.

I believe the reality is that we are barracking for teams.

Being members of a sport crazy nation is affecting our objectivity.

We should be looking at policies and the qualifications and the abilities of politicians.

We should be more concerned about outcomes.

Could it be that our tribalism is the mechanism by which we vote in governments that we soon become disillusioned with.

Remember the old adage we get the governments that we deserve.

We need to move past the old school sports carnival situation of barracking for red, blue, green and whatever other colour house your school happened to have.

Changing your vote or changing the government shouldn’t be feared.

A change of government is like a health check for our democracy.

ministries be known without government change?

Change is an opportunity to pass a lens over what has been happening in the halls of power.

If you have any misgivings about an incumbent government’s performance then an argument can be made for scrutiny.

If after scrutiny no problem is detected then return them to power at the next election.

What have we lost?

In truth, both major parties have a lot of overlapping policies and have become more alike than they used to be.

The current furor over taxing superannuation is a classic example of this.

Scott Morrison proposed the very same policy when he was in power.

Maybe we should consider another old adage when we are casting our vote.

You know the one?

The one about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

If you are dissatisfied in anyway with the current situation then cast your eyes over the alternatives, their policies, objectives and their qualifications.

You may like what you find.

Do you have a pressing problem, annoying anxiety or community conundrum? Jasminda Featherlight, our resident roving Agony Aunt, is here to help. Jasminda will be responding to questions from readers. SEND your concerns to Jasminda care of media@newsofthearea.com.au and include your name and suburb.

MY husband has decided to learn another language through an app.

Every time he gets something correct, the app makes an annoying ding.

The sound is driving me insane.

Rachel B.

BEFORE we delve into your husband's annoying antics, let's pause to congratulate him on learning a new language.

There are many cognitive and social benefits to learning a new language. Studies show that people who are bi- or multi-lingual have improved memories, enhanced problem-solving skills and superior listening skills (all the better to hear those annoying dings you mention).

If his phone is frequently dinging, it's a sign that he is getting a lot of correct responses, so that's a plus.

The dinging sound no doubt also gives your husband a little buzz of pleasure, which is probably just the positive reinforcement he needs after your constant loud sighs every time he makes some progress.

Would all the details of the robot debt policy and Scott Morrison’s secret DEAR News Of The Area, THERE have been wallabies living in the bushland on Macauleys Headland for as long as I have been living here, that is at least 46 years.

These marsupials regularly ventured as far south as the trees backing the former dunes behind the foreshores at Park Beach.

The trees still extend south to the life saving club, where they peter out.

Most of the dunal area, which was in the 1970s up to about 10 metres wide and up to 4 metres high, has since disappeared, taking nearly all of the grass and all of the bitou bush with it (good).

In the meantime the single lane track leading to the parking area at the northern end of Ocean Parade has been widened

Regards, Mark

INGLEBY.

The Coffs Harbour Ocean Parade wallaby problem

to two lanes with double lines down the centre.

A concrete footpath has been added from Pacific Towers to Myres Road.

Myres Road has been added.

And a recycled plastic footpath has been added from Myres Road north to the now much enlarged parking area.

Meanwhile the wallabies keep coming back to Ocean Parade, especially at night.

Cyclists can tell from the occasional corpses on the side of the killing zone, due to encounters with motor vehicles.

Regrettably the wallabies do not understand that they must use the concrete or plastic footpaths.

They sometimes need to cross Ocean Parade to get to grass, which is their food supply.

Most recently I saw a wallaby at 4 a.m.

If, despite these benefits, you are unable to cope with the noise any longer, may I suggest that you either move to a separate room, wear some noise cancelling headphones, or alternatively disable the motivational messages, haptic feedback and sound effects on his phone thereby taking away one of his few pleasures in life.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

near the Vincent Street council electric bbq, obviously foraging grass.

A few minutes later there was a second wallaby actually on Ocean Parade, potentially damaging cars, near the Myres Road intersection.

Suggested solutions: (a) Bring back the kangaroo sign that someone has removed from the nature strip outside 87 Ocean Parade.

(b) Council to mow the grass more frequently so that the wallabies have nothing to eat, this could force the wallabies to move elsewhere in search of food, e.g. Bellingen.

Yours sceptically, Donald TELFER, Coffs Harbour.

DEAR Jasminda,

Dear Rachel,

From the Mayor’s desk

By PAUL AMOS (Mayor)

City of Coffs Harbour

SO - the Jetty Foreshores.

Why is it so important?

Because this decision is now or never.

We all want the area improved, but what is being proposed by the State Government takes it in the wrong direction and it will be lost forever.

If the land is rezoned and sold, we will not get it back - the opportunity is gone for good.

The solution is quite simple - the land should be handed back to the City of Coffs Harbour community to be improved as we all see fit.

This comes at a time when $1.6 billion is being spent on fifteen councils in Western Sydney for just this purpose on a scheme called Westinvest.

According to the government website, Westinvest is about funding “transformational infrastructure projects that will enhance communities throughout Western Sydney. These projects will improve the liveability of communities and support economic recovery, making a real difference to the quality of life” in those areas.

For example, the people of Blacktown are being given $300 million, Canterbury $62 million and Parramatta $240 million.

You can find out more herewww.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/ westinvest

But they are not being asked to sell anything to achieve this enhanced open space and recreational infrastructure.

Our Foreshores land - as currently zoned - is worth less than $7 million, the City has had it valued.

This is a piddling amount in the scheme of things compared to the money being splashed about at the moment by the State Government.

The State Government, we know, has already spent at least another $3.25 million on creating another variation of a "vision" for the Foreshores that our community continually rejects.

What I’m saying is that we deserve the same consideration as our Sydney counterparts.

We also want parklands that all the community can enjoy with dignity and pride.

Consistently, people have said that they do not want imposingly high, private, permanent residential development east of the railway line.

People say they want easy access and adequate parking - free parking. People want buildings that join the parklands, but do not dominate the park scape or the ocean scenery, and they want fun and exciting things at the waterfront.

People want the opportunity to share in this magnificent area and share it with our visitors.

They want to showcase our Citybut they don't want to give it away.

We need this space for the City and community to grow into.

Preferential voting

DEAR News of the Area, AUSTRALIA is very fortunate to have preferential voting as it means you don’t risk wasting your vote when you vote for an independent or small party candidate – your second and later preferences mean your vote will still count if your preferred candidate’s first preference vote numbers are low and they are eliminated.

When we vote for the House of Representatives in a federal election, full preferential voting is the system, meaning

that for a vote to be valid a number indicating our preferences is needed in every square.

In NSW state elections, optional preferential voting is allowed for the Legislative Assembly, meaning that placing the number 1 beside the candidate of our choice is sufficient for a vote to be valid and numbering the other squares is optional.

NSW is now the only state using an optional preference system.

To make sure our vote is fully effective

in an optional preference system, we need to fill in our preferences beyond our first preference.

Unfortunately, about half of voters don’t number all their preferences and this favours the prominent candidates.

We can support the candidate we cheer for, but if they are unsuccessful then marking our preferences means we still have a say in which of the leading candidates gets elected.

Regards, John GRAY, Coffs Harbour.

DEAR News of The Area,

THE final margin in the 2019 state election doesn’t tell the entire Coffs Harbour story.

Over 10,000 voters exhausted their ballot by only numbering one.

Number every square Let us not forget

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT would seem that our electorate’s state election will likely be between the reelection of our excellently performing MP Gurmesh Singh and the preference sharing group of Tony Judge (Labor), Sally Townley (Independent, former Greens, non-resident) and Tim Nott (Greens) candidates.

When voting, let us not forget that the Independent candidate, whilst a councillor, voted in favour of the financially disastrous

Half of Labor’s voters effectively put the Nationals over the line by not completing their ballot, same as Greens voters.

60 percent of the electorate didn’t vote for the nationals but because they didn’t number every box those votes went

uncounted.

Number every square for your vote to be truly effective.

It’s your vote, make it count.

Regards, Peter LEWIS, Park Beach.

from the existing ‘group system’ to a ward system.

and eyesore Yarrila project, dismissing the views of the majority of residents.

The Labor candidate and the Greens publicly declared their support of Yarrila.

Presently, with regard to the Jetty Foreshore project, the Independent and Labor candidates, as Councillors, together with a Greens Councilor, have again dismissed the majority views in favour of the NSW government’s proposals.

As Councillors, candidates Townley and Judge, voted against just discussing changing the Council election process

Attitudes on Jetty Foreshores development

DEAR News Of The Area,

CATH Fowler’s letter on the Jetty Foreshores development says a lot about the attitude that has led to the plans currently before the community of Coffs Harbour.

She claims that State Election candidates Sally Townley and Tony Judge are hypocritical for supporting the sale of a car park and an office building in the Coffs CBD but opposing land sales at the Jetty Foreshores.

In doing so, she equates a car park and an office block with land at our iconic Jetty Foreshores.

Ms Fowler, a member of the Jetty Foreshores Project Steering and Advisory Committee, has inadvertently shown the real problem with the Jetty Foreshores project.

It has been driven by an attitude that all land is the same, a commodity that only has value when it can be bought, traded and developed for sale.

Not something that has value in itself,

The three afore-mentioned alternatives to Gurmesh have all demonstrated financial incompetence and have continually disregarded the views of the majority.

Regardless of whoever wins government and one’s political preferences, for the good of Coffs Harbour’s future and community, it is imperative that the proven performer, Gurmesh Singh, is re-elected.

Regards, John CHRISTIE, Korora.

or as a community asset, just an item to be used for profit or exchange.

When you see the development through that perspective it’s easy to see how the current plans and all the problems they pose have evolved.

Thankfully, I believe the community has a very different attitude to the Jetty Foreshores. They see it as an area that we can all enjoy for relaxation and an escape from a growing city, not a space to be sold and locked up in private residential development.

I hope we all vote accordingly.

Regards, Pam SOROCZYNSKI, Sawtell.

always been readily available, and there is a mechanism for free parking for those eligible (pensioners etc).

Will the abolition of parking fees result in a return to the congested times of a few years back?

DEAR News Of The Area,

I NOTE that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government have announced free parking at Coffs Harbour Health Campus from 1 July 2023 if re-elected (NOTA 10 March 2023).

Increased

DEAR News Of The Area,

I HAVE noticed the increased after hours speeding along the straight strip of Hogbin Drive between Park Beach and Arthur Street.

This section of road (and also Ford Street) is being used as a “drag” strip with vehicles and motorcycles travelling up to 90 km per hour.

At times these vehicles use both

Parking fees were introduced there several years ago, with the argument that such a move would reduce the congestion then being experienced.

I think this move was very successful – my experience has been that since its introduction, paid visitor parking has

streets as a race circuit.

I live on Hogbin Drive and witness this “hoon” behaviour every week.

I approached local member Gurmesh Singh who in turn contacted local Coffs Harbour Police and the relevant department at Coffs Harbour Council.

A police inspector contacted me, thanked me for the information and said it would be passed on to patrols.

Council contacted me and suggested

I haven’t seen any discussion of this central point.

Regards, John BURNS, Coffs Harbour.

they would install “data collection” devices on these roads to gather information to “maybe” find a solution to curb the speeding.

This hasn’t happened yet.

From what I surmise the perpetrators know that after dark it is open slather.

Just aiming to keep our community and fellow drivers safe.

Regards, Ross AITKEN, Coffs Coast.

RURALROUNDUP

Farm incomes to ease as prices drop, inputs rise

FARM cash income for all broadacre farms is projected to decrease nationally by around seven percent to average $327,000 per farm in 2022–23 but remain 46 percent above the ten-year average.

Head of Farm Performance at ABARES, Peter Gooday, said incomes for broadacre farms are expected to decrease in all states except Western Australia and South Australia in 2022–23, with incomes in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding during the year.

“Good seasonal conditions and higher commodity prices have been major drivers of improved broadacre farm performance in Australia in recent years,” Mr Gooday said.

“However, farm incomes are projected to fall slightly in 2022–23 because of lower prices for most commodities and input costs remaining high after significant increases in 2021–22.

“Incomes for dairy farms are projected to increase by around 20 percent to average $391,000 per farm in 2022–23, mainly because of higher farm-gate milk prices.

“This represents record average farm

8 Ray McCarthy Drive, Coffs Harbour 0266525121 | www.alldiesel.com.au

income for dairy producers despite the rising input costs.”

Mr Gooday said the official 2021–22 estimates of agricultural productivity in the broadacre and dairy industries had also been released last week.

“Long term productivity growth averaged 1.0 percent per year in the broadacre industries, and 1.3 percent per year in the dairy industry – a result that’s helped underpin strong performance in recent years Mr Gooday said.

ABARES farm performance and productivity results provide the only comprehensive picture of farm financial performance for Australian broadacre and dairy farms.

Australian Agricultural productivity estimates are available on the ABARES website, broken down by year, industry type and individual states and territories.

Detailed farm survey analysis is available on the ABARES website, and the underlying data is available to users through the ABARES Farm Data Portal.

The findings were released last week at the ABARES Outlook 2023 Conference in Canberra.

q Strong seasonal conditions and higher commodity prices have been major drivers of improved broadacre farm performance in Australia in recent years.

q Broadacre farm incomes in New South Wales have been impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding during the year.

Locals supporting Summer Beach Hop

WHEN the team at John Logan Entertainment (JLE) decided to launch the Summer Beach Hop way back in 2019, they knew it would take the support of other organisations to make it work.

“If we really wanted this to work and become a regular part of the local event landscape, draw visitors and entertain everyone, we needed local groups and organisations to get behind it,” organiser John Logan offered this week.

“First person to put their hand up was Stewart ‘Stoo’ Copeland from the Advanced Motoring Club of Coffs Harbour.

“Stewart was keen to have a showcase event for the club and committed early in the piece.

“We have previously mentioned Kim Towner from Harbourside Markets, but Kim also came on board with infrastructure and logistics support which was so crucial in the early days.

“However, it wouldn’t be a retro music event without dancers and music, and to round out the support, Kristy Pursch from Coffs Coast Lindy Hop, Ash Ross from Julie Ross Dance Studio and local band The DriveIns came on board as well and we want to thank them for their unwavering support,” he added.

The Summer Beach Hop kicks off on Saturday March 18.

As has also been well documented, the weekend has now grown to four events thanks to major sponsor Coffs Coast Kia.

The fun begins on Saturday morning at 10am with a smaller boutique event on the Coffs Jetty Foreshores.

Dubbed ‘Models on the Beach’ it is supported by Observatory Apartments featuring classic cars, Lindy Hop Dancers, and the Bad Sneakers Duo, followed by Tommy Memphis at 4pm at C.ex Coffs Harbour, then the Forever Olivia Show, also at C.ex, at 8pm.

On Sunday 19 March, all eyes are on the Harbourside Markets for a big day starting at 9am.

“It’s a big weekend and the weather looks like it will be good,” said John.

For more information visit www. summerbeachhop.com.au.

q Kim Towner and John Logan excitedly holding last year’s event poster.

q The Julie Ross Dance Studio crew.

q Stoo Copeland from Advanced Motoring Club

q Kristy Pursch from Coffs Coast Lindy Hop.

Unique coastal community the mountains and the sea

Sawtell Commons Estate Stage 3 Land Release Now Available.

SAWTELL Commons is a premium land offering, backing onto the pristine native forests of Bongil Bongil National Park, just five minutes from the very heart of Sawtell Village and its pristine Beaches.

With land sizes ranging from 450m2 to 660m2, Stage 3 Release has 29 level blocks remaining, rich with open space and suitable for all stages of life, whether you are looking to build your first home or dream retirement house.

Access to Bongil, Bongil national park is close enough to explore by foot or bike using existing and

planned path and cycle ways.

Residents will also have an easy connection to Bonville Creek, the perfect opportunity for fishing, Kayaking, and paddle boarding down the beautiful Bonville Creek to the ocean, an experience not to be missed.

With a climate considered by many to be one of the best in the country, our temperate winters allow you to enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, bowls, bike riding, trail walking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing all year round.

Sawtell is a friendly, quintessential coastal village, flanked by two pristine estuaries and just

BEACH

OR

BUSH

Exclusive BUYERS AGENTS

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a five minute drive via Lyons Road from Sawtell Commons.

With a plethora of lifestyle activities, gorgeous beaches, and a vibrant, friendly community, it’s no secret that Sawtell has earned its reputation as one of the most desirable regional locations to live along our beautiful Australian coastline.

Sawtell offers a variety

of dining and entertainment venues, cafés and boutique shopping nestled amongst an intimate village setting.

Enjoy your morning coffee at one of the many local cafés, walk the pristine beaches, catch a film in the Majestic Cinema or enjoy yoga up on the headland, which is frequently visited by passing pods of whales and dolphins.

There are a range of

local and national builders available to choose from, who have created a range of building designs, facades, and layouts to suit your taste and lifestyle needs.

For further information on the estate, available lots, and pricing, please contact Barry France from Sawtell Real Estate Co or visit www. sawtellcommons.com.au.

UNPAID RATES AUCTION

Auction on 24/03/2023 at 10:00am

Registration from 9:30am

Council Chambers, 44 Princess Street, Macksville NSW 2447

For list of properties see LJ Hooker Coffs Harbour Website or contact John Vickars on 0428 380 201

Coffs Harbour | 02 6652 2266

between

” W E A P O L O G I S E F O R B E I N G S O B L U N T ” h o w e v e r , w a i t i n g t o c o n s i d e r y o u r o p t i o n s c a n c o s t y o u s o m u c h i n “ D o l l a r s a n d S t r e s s ” .

: W e ’ r e n o t t r y i n g t o d i s c o u n t y o u r p r o p e r t y , w e ’ r e h e r e t o p r o t e c t y o u r p r o p e r t y p r i c e . . B E F O R E t h e i n t e r e s t r a t e s d o . w n o b o d y w a n t s t o s e l l … b u t s o m e t i m e s o u r “ c i r c u m s t a n c e s c h a n g e ” ( H i g h e r i n t e r e s t r a t e s c a n m a k e r e p a y m e n t s i m p o s s i b l e l s e w h e r e , d o w n s i z in g o r r e l a t i o n s h i p c h a n g e s )

s o k n o w t h e b a n k s “ A r e N o t ” g o i n g t o s t o p t h e s e i n t e r e s t r a t e h i k e s f o r s o m e t i m e y e t T h i s i n i t s e l f w i l l s o o n h a v e p r o p e r t y a d j u s t e d a n d n o t u p w a r d s

H o w a r e y o u g o i n g t o m a n a g e w h e n t h e L o w F i x e d T e r m I n t e r e s t R a t e i s a d j u s t e d t o t h e N e w H i g h - I n t e r e s t R a t e ?

s i d e s s e p a r a t e i n d i v i d u a l r e a s o n s f o r s e l l i n g , t h e s e H I G H E R R A T E S w i l l p l a c e s o m e h o m e o w n er s i n a v e r y P R E C A R I O U S P O S I T

I f y o u r c i r c u m s t a n c e s h a v e c h a n g e d b e c a u s e o f t h e b a n k s , w h a t a r e y o u r C H O I C E S 1 ) M a n a g e t o f i n d a w a y t o r e f i n a n c e ( w e c a n s e n d y o u t o a g r e a t b r o k e r ) k e t h e O p p o r t u n i t y N o w t o s e l l y o u r p r o p e r t y b e f o r e t h e s e r a t e s d r i v e t h e m a r k e t f u r t h e r d o w n w g o o d p r i c e ! 3 ) S i t a n d w a i t f o r t h e b a n k t o m a k e i t s m o v e

e p u t i n p l a c e a s p e c i a l m a r k e t i n g p l a n f o r a l l c h a n g e s i n c i r c u m s t a n c e ( d i f f e r e n t t o a n y o t h e r w i l l h e l p y o u s e l l a n d “ P r o t e c t Y o u r P r o p e r t y ’ s P r i c e ” n o t b e i n g N E G A T I V E w e r e b e i n g R E A L I S T I C I ’ v e b e e n s e l l i n g R e a l E s t a t e f o r 3 7 y e a r s a n d a n y o b u s i n e s s w h o h a s b e e n d o i n g t h e s a m e t h i n g f o r t h a t l o n g , k n o w s w h a t t h e y ' r e d o i n g , d o n ’ t t h e y o w w h a t h a p p e n s n e x t i n t h i s c h a n g i n g m a r k e t p l a c e a n d I k n o w h o w t o P r o t e c t Y o u r P r o p e r t y P r I n t e r e s t e d i n k n o w i n g w h a t w e d o d i f f e r e n t l y ,

a n d a f t e r o u r c h a t , i f y o u d o n t t h i n k I c a n h e l p y o u , d o n ' t c h o o s e m e , s i m p l e !

F r e e w i t h N o O b l i g a t i o n

Well Kept Investment Opportunity

10 KATHERINE CLOSE, COFFS HARBOUR

• Ideally located home with tiled loungeroom & dining area

• Grey kitchen with corner pantry, electric appliances, & laminate benchtop

• Enclosed sunroom leading out to the fully fenced level rear yard

• Ideally located close to schools, shopping centres, public transport

• Current tenant in

Boambee Valley Beauty

4&4A BANFF CLOSE, BOAMBEE

• Immaculate Rural Residential property, boasting not one, but 2

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

6

3

media@newsofthearea.com.au

•

villa located at the rear in complex of three

• Large open plan living, plus dining area, renovated kitchen with stone benchtops, electrical appliances

• Good sized bedrooms, main with ensuite, built in robes, sliding door access to rear covered outdoor entertaining area

Easy Family Living

52 KINCHELA AVENUE, TOORMINA

$899,000 - $929,000

• Substantial high set home located in great family friendly neighbourhood

• Two living areas including formal lounge at the front of the home, plus tiled family room situated off the central kitchen with plenty of bench space

• Enormous main bedroom with ensuite & walk in robe positioned at the front of the home

• Two outdoor entertaining areas, including one overlooking the sparkling inground pool

Chris Hines

Land Size: 886.8sqm

Executive Living

unre.com.au/kin52

61 JANE CIRCUIT, TOORMINA

$999,000 - $1,090,000

• Set on a huge 1100sqm lot and surrounded by thoughtful plantings the executive residence offers size, space and privacy.

• From the moment you arrive at the formal entry you know you are entering something special

• The kitchen and all three bathrooms have been recently renovated.

• Timber floors, plantation shutters, large deck overlooking pool, this home has it all.

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

5 3 4

Land Size: 1100sqm

unre.com.au/jan61

Stunning Beachside Home

9A ALPINI PLACE, SAPPHIRE

BEACH

AUCTION

• Beautifully presented home with open plan living area, renovated kitchen with wide island stone bench top

• Dual corner sliding doors provide access to the expansive covered timber entertaining deck, swim spa with heat pump

• 18 metre x 8 metre shed is lined with plywood, insulated ceiling & walls, It also offers high mezzanine storage and there is potential to purchase the property with existing substantial equipment.

• DLUG plus easy off-street covered parking for a work vehicle, caravan or boat

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

3 3 4

Land Size: 747.1sqm

unre.com.au/alp9a

Live the dream

6 Bryant Cl, Toormina

2 4 2 1

Charm and elegance combined with a user friendly design to ensure this wonderful family home appeals to the most discerning buyer! The home features: 4 bedrooms – master with ensuite and all with robes and ceiling fans, separate lounge, dining and rumpus rooms with high raked ceilings allowing natural light into these areas. The timber kitchen is well appointed and overlooks the inviting inground pool and covered entertaining area. There is also a double drive through garage , air conditioning with the leafy reserve on your rear boundary allowing privacy. The quiet cul de sac location adds further appeal to this beautiful home with the shops, schools and public transport all being close by. Put this home on the top of your inspection list.

Scott Bellamy 0438 581 611

rh.com.au/toormina

Home Open Sat 17/03 11.30am – 12.15pm

For Sale – $895,000.00

11 Hi-Tech Drive, Toormina

A RARE OPPORTUNITY - RE-DEVELOPMENT SITE

Auction 25th MARCH ON SITE 12.00 MIDDAY - Registration 11.30AM

• Held by the present owners since 1995

• Consisting of a large variety of dense shedding, standard height carports and high roof sheds plus a large shed operating as a mechanics workshop at the rear of the site

• Possession will be offered as vacant on the entire site and settlement will be on or before 90 days

2 Micorca PL, Toormina

66581611

For Sale AUCTION

Onsite 25/03/2023 at 12pm

Agent Claire Daniel 0429 686 005 Auctioneer John Vickars 0428

Sawtell 15 Seventeenth Avenue

Substantial family sized home with multiple living zones

Elevated position offers mountain views & captures the breeze

Spacious Master bedroom w/ large ensuite bathroom + living area

Extensively renovated internally and externally

Approved 60 m2 Studio Flat

Fantastic outdoor entertainment area with inground Pool

FOR SALE $1,825,000 House Contact Agent Barry France 0407 301 404 Inspect: Sat 18th March 12 30pm - 1pm

Fantastic coastal home with mountains views, recently renovated kitchen and large outdoor entertainment deck

Attractive Air BnB option with supporting financials available

Just 250m to Murrays Beach and a short walk into Sawtell Village Spacious, flat, rear yard with convenient side vehicle access

to Richardson oval and a short walk

Spacious family sized home close walking distance

The second level offers an approved kitchenette, living space, bathroom and two bedrooms, perfect for a live in family member or teenagers retreat

Multiple living area ' s and a large spacious kitchen/dining area

Perfect for First Home Buyers, Investors or Downsizers

Spacious rear yard with drive-through vehicle access

Potential for development (R3 Zoning) STCA

250m to Boambee Bay Reserve/Estuary for safe swimming, paddleboarding and fishing

to Sawtell Main Street, Beach and Public School Inspect: 11 45am - 12:15pm Sat 18th March

Substantial family sized home with multiple living zones

Elevated position offers mountain views & captures the breeze

Spacious Master bedroom with a large ensuite bathroom

High ceilings give the home a terrific sense of space

Easy access into Sawtell Village, Toormina Shops & Local Schools

Space for boat, caravan or motorhome storage

www.sawtellcommons.com.au

SAWTELL COMMONS ESTATE - STAGE 3 LAND RELEASE

Title Registration is now complete and once purchased, these blocks are ready to be built upon straight away.

House & Land packages available through a range of reputable builders!

Just 5 Minutes drive to Sawtell Village & Beaches via Lyons Road!

Currently 29 Land Lots left avaiable, ranging in size from 450m2 to 660m2

Choose the perfect block for you, appoint a builder of your choice and begin designing your dream home!

Predominantly flat, levelled blocks makes these land parcels perfect for downsizers & retirees

Set against the backdrop of native forest, enjoy direct access to planned walking & bike trails within Bongil, Bongil National Park, and connection to Bonville Creek for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing!

If you are considering downsizing or building a new home and would like to discuss how to transition into a new house & land offering within the estate, please call us today!

Display Village

Sawtell Village

Bongil Bongil National Park

Sawtell Panthers Junior Rugby League hold sign on day

By Aiden BURGESS

SAWTELL Panthers Junior Rugby League Club recently held their annual sign on day at Rex Hardaker Field.

The event drew a large crowd of enthusiastic young players and their families, eager to join the club for another exciting season of junior rugby league action.

The Panthers cater for both contact and non-contact rugby league with age groups from under 5s to under 16s male and female.

According to club officials, this year's sign-on day saw a record number of boys and girls register, with over 190 children signing up to play for the Panthers in the various age groups and divisions.

The surge in player numbers is a testament to the club’s popularity and the growing interest in rugby

league

among young people in the community.

A club spokesperson said the Panther’s committee was delighted to see such a fantastic turnout for the signon day and to receive growing support from the community.

The club is working hard to recover from a loss of support base following extended disruptions to the competition caused through COVID restrictions and last year’s record rain which severely impacted the junior rugby league competition and club activities.

The committee is determined to build on this momentum and to keep growing and improving in the years ahead.

To help facilitate this improvement and growth, the club has distributed an online survey to gather

feedback and ideas from parents, players, and other stakeholders on how to improve the running of the club.

The survey will invite feedback on a range of topics, such as club governance, coaching and training, facilities and equipment, communication and engagement, and player welfare and safety.

The Panthers have been a cornerstone of the local Sawtell and Toormina community for decades, producing many top line league players.

Recent Newcastle Knights signing Lochie Miller and Redcliffe Dolphins recruit Jarrod Wallace are former Sawtell Panthers.

Four juniors from the Panthers under 15s team have just finished their commitments with the North Coast Bulldogs Andrew Johns

Cup side.

They will return to the club this week to prepare for the local 2023 season having played in the elite junior pathway competition during the off season.

Keep an eye out for

Panthers games and events on social media and in the local newspapers over the course of the season.

This year the Junior Rugby League competition kicks off on Saturday, 29 April.

Training days are

q Juniors take part in the Sawtell Panthers sign on day.

Tuesday and Thursday at Rex Hardaker Field Sawtell.

The Club can be contacted at sawtyjuniors@outlook. com.au

Registration link: playrugbyleague.com/ register

Coffs Oztag players to play for Indigenous teams at Tag World Cup

By Aiden BURGESS

A PAIR of Coffs Harbour

Oztag players will proudly represent their national Indigenous teams at a World Cup.

Courtney-Lee Cowgill and Sam Reynolds have been selected to play for their respective Australian Indigenous teams at the ITF Tag World Cup in Ireland in August.

Cowgill will be playing in the Women’s Open side, while Reynolds will play in the Men’s Open side.

The two players have represented Coffs Harbour at various state and national Oztag championships.

Both were selected to their national Indigenous teams after standout performances at the Battle of the Nations tournament in Tweed Heads last

November.

The ITF Tag World Cup will be held from 2-5 August at the University of Limerick.

It will be the first time the Tag World Cup will be held in the Northern Hemisphere, with Coffs Harbour having hosted the previous event in 2018.

Courtney-Lee Cowgill said playing at the World Cup would be a great opportunity to represent her people and region on the world stage.

“This is an amazing opportunity to represent my mob and Coffs Harbour at an international level of football,” she said.

Cowgill has also been part of the Coffs Harbour Comets premiership winning sides in the Group 2 Ladies League Tag competition.

set to host the 2023

Top junior teams to play off in cricket grand finals

By Aiden BURGESS

THE region’s best junior cricket teams will be crowned this weekend with the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s junior grand finals set to be decided.

Sawtell Stingers will look to cap off a tremendous undefeated season when they take on the Macksville

Bulls Blue in the under 12s grand final.

Bellingen/Dorrigo take on the Coffs Colts in the under 16s grand final this afternoon.

Minor premiers Sawtell Stingers booked a place in the under 12s season decider with a dominant 9 wicket win against the Coffs Colts in their semi-final at Toormina Oval.

The Stingers restricted the Colts to 8/43 in their T20 after Coffs opened the batting, with Joshua de Groot the best of the Sawtell bowlers taking 2/2 from his 2 overs.

Macksville Bulls Blue qualified for the under 12s grand final with an eight wicket win against Bellingen/Dorrigo Green in their semi-final at

Macksville.

Bellingen/Dorrigo Green opened the batting and posted 6/74 from 20 overs.

Macksville successfully chased it down with Hunta Peterkin finishing on 23 not out from 12 balls.

Coffs Colts made the under 16s grand final with a 9 wicket win against the Macksville Bulls in their semi-final at Macksville.

Colts held Macksville to 8/65 from 20 overs, with

Harrison Mulhearn taking 2/6 from 2 overs.

The Colts chased down the total in the 12th over with James Lobb top scoring with 39.

The Colts will now play Bellingen/Dorrigo in the grand final, after Bellingen/ Dorrigo beat Nana Glen by 7 runs in their semi-final at Dorrigo.

Bellingen/Dorrigo opened the batting and posted 7/143, with Taylor Gilbert and Lincoln Kellett both making half centuries.

Bellingen/Dorrigo successfully defended their opening total with Nana

Glen finishing at 5/136, with Blake Botes top scoring with 42.

Nana Glen White and Macksville Bulls were scheduled to face off in the under 14s grand final this week.

Nana Glen White beat Nana Glen Blue by 6 wickets in their semi-final, with Zane Guthrie having an unbelievable spell of 4/2 for Nana Glen White.

Macksville Bulls beat the Sawtell Storm by 2 wickets in their semi-final in Macksville.

Coffs Harbour is

NSW State Senior Oztag Championships on March 17-19, at the Cex. Coffs International Stadium and surrounding fields.

q Courtney-Lee Cowgill (bottom row, centre).

q Sam Reynolds.

Coffs Harbour Suns junior to tour the USA

By Aiden BURGESS

COLBY Owens has received the opportunity of a lifetime to stake his claim for a US college basketball scholarship.

The Coffs Harbour Suns junior has been selected on a playing tour of the USA this year, in which he will take on some of the best high school competition in the world in the American Amateur Union (AAU) Basketball tournaments, which have featured countless future NBA superstars.

He was selected to tour the USA by AUSA

Hoops; an Australian-based basketball program created to give Australian juniors the opportunity to play in the USA, with the potential of being scouted for college basketball scholarships to play for the country's universities.

The tour kicks off in late June in Chicago, where the talented junior will play in two AAU tournaments before returning to Australia on 11 July.

The sixteen-year-old has been a Coffs Harbour Suns representative player since 2016, which included being a member of the Suns team which finished

runners up in last year's Basketball NSW Waratah League North Eastern Junior League competition.

Owens has also represented North Coast Basketball at the 3X3 National Championships, and was a part of the North Coast Academy of Sport performance squad in 2021 and 2022.

The Suns junior will be on display to numerous scouts on the USA tour, with the potential to earn a prestigious college basketball scholarship in the USA.

The potential college recruit highlighted what

he would showcase for recruiters on the tour.

“I have a good mix of offence and defence, like my favourite player Kobe Bryant,” he said.

“I’m a good perimeter shooter and I love locking down people on defence.”

He shared with News Of The Area what he was most looking forward to about playing in the States.

“Just having the opportunity of going overseas and meeting new people,” he said.

“Just the experience of playing US high schoolers and seeing how they play, and working on my skills.”

Owens also has a GoFundMe page running to help him get to the States.

Valleys Cricket book grand final spot in Premier League

By Aiden BURGESS

VALLEYS Cricket have earnt grand final hosting rights after a two wicket

win against Harwood in their North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League semi-final at Phillip Hughes Oval.

Valleys Cricket will now host this season’s Premier League grand final to be played later this month in Macksville.

Harwood opened the batting in their two day match and were bowled out by Valleys Cricket for 130.

Josh Bartlett was the chief destroyer for Valleys Cricket taking 4/14 from his 13 overs.

Valleys Cricket reached the total in the 55th over, led home by Taylor Gilbert who finished unbeaten on 44.

The Northern Districts Rebels and Harwood will play off for a spot in the grand final when they face off in the preliminary final at Harwood Oval this weekend.

The Northern Districts Rebels kept their season

Coffs Coast touch players take part in National Touch League

By Aiden BURGESS

A GROUP of top touch players have taken on Australia’s best in the National Touch League.

The Coffs Coast

players were part of their respective Northern Eagles representative teams who took on the country’s finest in Coffs Harbour.

Eight players from Coffs

Harbour Touch Association and Woolgoolga Touch Association took part in this year’s National Touch League, including Dal Phoonie (Men’s 50s), Judith McNeill (Women’s

40s), Heather Duncan (Women's 40s), Brendan Pellegrino (Men’s 50s) Kevin Rigney (Men’s 50s), Clinton Wass (Men’s 50s), Relle Donovan (Women’s 40s) and Ian Saunders (Men’s 60s).

Judith McNeill was a member of the Northern Eagles women’s 40s team, and also plays in the Coffs Harbour Touch Association’s competition.

She said her Eagles team got better as the tournament progressed.

“The whole aim was to use the first day as like a training session due to being underprepared and not having trained much together due to the distance of our region,” she said.

“We’re getting better each game, as on the opening day we lost to both Queensland teams, and then the second time we played them we beat them.”

“We only lost by 1 to the top of the table Hunter Hornets, and we beat a Brisbane team who had beaten the Hornets.”

Playing in her third National Touch League, McNeill highlighted her team's strengths and the challenges faced by Eagles teams.

“We’ve got some really good middle players that direct play for the others,” she said.

“Everyone knows what job they have to do and they do it.

“We have dominant middles who work really hard for us and dictate the play.

alive with a 42 run win against Sawtell in their elimination semi-final at Richardson Park.

The Rebels opened the batting and posted 155, with Anu Grewal top scoring with 47.

The Rebels then bowled out Sawtell for 103, with Humraj Singh taking 5/51 and Anu Grewal taking 4/31.

representative region covers north of Maitland to the Queensland border.

“So it takes us a while to gel playing together.”

The Coffs Harbour Touch Association vice-president said the current state of Coffs Coast touch was a healthy one.

“It is growing heaps and we have gone from two junior representative teams to seven this year,” she said.

“Our senior numbers are up, and the affiliation is in good shape, we just need more referees and volunteers to accommodate our growth.”

The Northern Eagles women’s 40s team lost their semi-final 4-3 against the Hunter Hornets, with niggling injuries taking their toll after the Eagles led 3-2 at half-time.

The Eagles Men’s 50s team just missed out on the semi-finals losing their game against Canberra by 1 try, and finished fifth.

q Coffs Coast touch players Dal Phoonie, Judith McNeill, Heather Duncan, Brendan Pellegrino, Kevin Rigney and Clinton Wass.

Champions Crowned

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 56

Bellingen reached the total in the 11th over and just one wicket down.

The win was extra special for the club, as Bellingen Cricket Club won the first-grade trophy for the first time since joining the

Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s competition more than 20 years ago.

Bellingen Cricket Club president Simon Degenhard gave a recap of his club’s history making win.

“After winning the toss, Bello Captain Julian Hulbert elected to bowl on what turned out to be a very pleasant

afternoon for cricket,” he said.

“During a fantastic opening spell, Nana Glen's innings quickly went pear shaped, with wickets falling in fast succession.

“The Bello bowling attack just kept on coming and coupled with sharp fielding throughout, Nana just didn't stand a chance of recovering, the final score: 10/41!

“Our boys then set about chasing the target down,

“The plan was to peak at the right time, and we’ve improved throughout the tournament.

passing Nana's tally 1 wicket down after 10 overs.

“The presentation soon followed, at which young fast bowler, William Russell was the deserving recipient of the player of the match award for his brilliant opening spell, taking 3/13 from 5 overs.

“A huge congratulations to the whole first grade squad, along with the entire Bellingen Cricket Club on a fantastic season, you've all

“Our biggest challenge is that it is hard for us to meet up to train together, as the Northern Eagles

done Bello Shire proud!”

Sawtell Cricket Club won the second grade grand final by 3 wickets against Nana Glen Blue at Richardson Park.

Nana Glen opened the batting and was dismissed for 81, with Nathan Smith the best of the Sawtell bowlers with a sensational spell of 5/8 from 5.1 overs.

Sawtell reached the total in the 25th over, with the successful chase led home by

Relle Donovan also won the coach’s award for the Eagles women’s 40s team.

James Arnold who finished on 24 not out.

Nana Glen Lizards won the third grade grand final with a 6 wicket win against the Northern Districts Rebels at Nana Glen.

The Nana Glen bowlers rose to the occasion dismissing the Rebels for 60, with Manat Singh having a superb spell of 3/10 from his 5 overs.

q Colby Owens in action for the Coffs Harbour Suns.

AFLW player helps North Coast girls to kick some goals at clinic

By Aiden BURGESS

AFLW player Cambridge

McCormick has helped AFL North Coast’s girls kick some goals during the Force Girls Development Clinic at Nambucca Heads.

The group ranged from those just starting out in the sport through to established representative players, with every player learning new skills and sporting a huge smile throughout the session.

The visiting GWS Giants player was clearly impressed by both the number of girls that took part and the ability level of all present.

“I’ve been blown away by how many girls we had here at Nambucca, it’s been fantastic to see so many girls taking up footy,” she said.

“They’re so lucky to have been able to play throughout growing up and we can definitely see how fantastic their skills are because of that, so it’s been awesome.”

The session built up from core skills of the game including hand balling and kicking into small sided games where the girls had the chance to put the skills into practice.

The games also provided a great chance to learn game sense elements such as creating space, pressuring the ball carrier, and switching the point of attack, with the rate of learning being very impressive.

Cambridge said Australian Rules was the sport for any young girl, and encouraged those of the North Coast to take up the sport in 2023.

“AFL is definitely the sport that has a position for everyone, so whether you’re someone who loves to run, or whether you’re someone who loves to get physical, or you’re someone that wants to jump, there’s a position for you on the field,” she said.

“Girls who have played

other sports, it’s really easy to transition across to AFL and give it a crack because there are so many different skills that are transferable.

“The best thing about footy is the team you’re in

and I think we’re really lucky on the North Coast to have such amazing clubs and such strong Youth Girls programs.

“Give it a try, come down to a come and try day or training with a club, and

Gary Phillips returns home to coach on the North Coast

By David WIGLEY

AFTER playing for and coaching Australian national teams, Gary Phillips has returned home to coach the next generation of footballers as the Technical Director at North Coast Football.

Phillips’ stellar career started at Coffs Harbour High School, representing Australian School Boys and spanned five decades of winning national grand finals and coaching Matildas like Sam Kerr and Emily Van Egmond.

Phillips grew up on the Coffs Coast and has never forgotten his roots.

“I grew up in Sawtell and always come here between jobs to reset whenever I can,” he said.

“I am really delighted to be back in my home town and helping the next generation of junior footballers on their football journey.

“There’s lots of talent on the North Coast, there’s talent everywhere, hopefully we can provide a platform and the opportunities to prepare juniors for the next level.”

Phillips oozes an insatiable desire for improvement and provides sage advice to juniors hoping for a future in the game.

“My message to players who want a future in the game is keep learning and get better every day.

“They say players are still physically and mentally developing up until the age of

23-years-old.

“So development is the most important thing.

“Listening and learning every day, every day is a new opportunity to improve and get better.

“You have to be passionate about your craft, you have to work hard, there are no shortcuts.

“But you also need a plan, hopefully we can help with that,” said Phillips.

Phillips shared some of the highlights of his glittering career with News Of The Area.

“It started at Jetty High School, I was selected for the Australian Schoolboys team three years in a row, in years 10,11 and 12, which I understand hasn’t been repeated since.”

After graduating from the national schoolboys team, Phillips signed for Sydney Olympic, playing in six NSL (National Soccer League) Grand Finals and winning four National Cup Finals.

After 258 appearances over an eleven year period, Phillips headed north and signed for the Brisbane Strikers; making 98 appearances over four years and winning another grand final.

“Winning the grand final for the Brisbane Strikers was the last match of my career, it was a fantastic way to go out, a memory I will never forget a full house at what is now Suncorp Stadium.

“After hanging up my

playing boots I was appointed head-coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport for four years.

“Then I was asked to coach the Tonga national team.

“That was an experience,” he laughed.

“We were bidding for a place in the World Cup.

“Ironically, we were drawn in the same qualifying group as Australia along with American Samoa and Western Samoa.

“Our first match was against Australia who had a very strong team including John Aloisi, Mark Schwarzer, Tony Popovic and Aurelio Vidmar.

“We were meant to play in Tonga but it got switched to Australia.

"The next twist was that no large stadiums were available in Sydney or Brisbane.

“So it got scheduled at the newly built C.ex Stadium in Coffs Harbour.

“We lost 22-0 but most people don’t know or understand how football is played in Tonga.

“Football was played barefooted inside the King's Palace grounds, basically on the beach - the players didn’t have football boots.

“It’s compulsory to wear boots in World Cup qualifiers.

“The football boots arrived the day before the match against Australia!

“All the players got blisters.

you’ll find you absolutely love it just like I do.”

The third and final session in the Force Girls Development Clinic will be held in Sawtell on Sunday, 16 April from 10am to 12pm.

Keep an eye on AFL North Coast socials for more details.

To find your closest footy club please go to play.afl/ play/club-finder/

“We would have beaten them if we played them barefoot on the beach,” laughed Phiilips.

After the World Cup qualifiers, Phillips received a phone call which changed the path of his coaching career.

“I received a call out of the blue from a former teammate who was now General Manager at Sydney Olympic who asked if I would take the role as head coach.

“I accepted and in our first year we finished third on the ladder and won the grand final, defeating Perth Glory in WA.

“It was a hostile atmosphere in Western Australia with over 50,000 fans at Subiaco Stadium.

“The feeling of winning a grand final as a player and a coach, for the same club is rare and surreal.

“Football is a game of fine margins, we were dead on our feet in that match and had nothing left in the tank, if it went two minutes longer, we would have lost, but that’s football,” he said.

“The next year we won the league and were crowned NSL Premiers, or the A-League as it’s called now.”

Phillips’ next appointment included coaching juniors who developed into world class players and will be playing for Australia in the FIFA World Cup this year.

“After Sydney Olympic I had three years in Vietnam before returning to Australia as head coach at the NSW Institute of Sport in Newcastle.

“A lot of the girls in the program also played in the Jets squad, so I was also appointed coach of the

Newcastle Jets women’s team in their inaugural year of the W-League.

“We had some amazing players.

“Even as a fourteen-yearold Emily Van Egmond was an amazing footballer and now she’s on the world stage playing for the Matildas, she’s an incredible athlete and a joy to coach.

“I also coached the Australian u17s team which included Emily, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Allanah Kennedy and others now in line to play in this year’s World Cup.

“I’ve worked in nine different countries in different capacities, I’m glad to be back home in Coffs Harbour doing the job I love helping the emerging talent on the North Coast,” said Phillips.

q AFLW player Cambridge McCormick and junior players.

q Gary Phillips (centre) with North Coast Football president Wendy Schaefer and North Coast Football committee member Nick Herford

400 players to compete for 43rd Challenge Cup

By David WIGLEY

OVER 400 Footballers will descend on Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads to battle for the 43rd Challenge Cup.

This year’s Challenge Cup is the largest on record,

with 26 teams spanning from Sydney to Armidale competing in the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Men’s Over 35s competitions.

Matches kick off on Friday evening 17 March and group matches continue all day

on Saturday with finals on Sunday 19 March.

Over four thousand players have already registered to play football in the North Coast Football region this year and almost one third are women.

q Coffs United have entered two women’s teams in this year’s Challenge Cup.

This year’s women’s event is one of the strongest in the 43 year history of the competition with eight teams competing for the iconic trophy.

Urunga women will be seeking to defend their trophy but will have stiff opposition from two Coffs United teams, Sawtell, Kempsey and two Nambucca teams.

Sydney’s West Pymble will be seeking to retain the Men’s Open trophy but will face stiff competition from the Coffs Coast Tigers,

Coffs United and a powerful contingent from the Mid North Coast.

Mid North Coast heavyweights Port Macquarie United and Kempsey Saints have both entered two teams, each with several mouthwatering north versus south matchups.

Port United won last year’s over 35s competition and will face the Nambucca Strikers, Coffs Coast Tigers, Foreshore Barbarians and Armidale City.

Nambucca Strikers senior

women’s coach Rhys Jones is excited for the family event to begin.

“Nambucca strikers FC are very excited to again run such a great family day with non-stop football,” he said.

“All teams play a round robin format with every team playing at least four games over the weekend.

“It’s very popular with teams and coaches in preparation for their long season ahead.

“See you there!” said Rhys.

q Last year’s winners Urunga FC will be defending their trophy

Funeral Notices

REDWOOD

Ivan Patrick

11th March 2023, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Margate,England. Much loved father of Jane and Caroline. Dear brother & brother-in-law of Geoffrey & Carol.

Aged 81 Years

Avid Bridge Player And Stamp Collector

Ivan was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

GALLATLY George Rhenius

7th March 2023, passed away peacefully at RFBI Bellingen Masonic Village, Bellingen. Much loved husband of Jan. Loving father & father-in-law of Glenn & Helen, Alan & Jan and Helen & Chris. Adored pop of 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. George will be sadly missed by all his extended family and friends.

Aged 91 Years

Our Father Kept A Garden

A Garden Of The Heart

George’s Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour, followed by interment in Maffra Cemetery, Maffra on Wednesday 22nd March 2023, commencing at 10.30 am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

John 'Jack' TYSON

Aged 91 years

4th March 2023, passed away peacefully at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

Late of Dorrigo, formerly of Orama.

Devoted husband of Shirley for 67 years. Loved father of Chris and Jan and Judy. Proud grandfather of Simone and Aaron, Blake and Bronte. Survived by sister Thelma Nicks. Privately cremated.

MALONEY, Audrey Anne

9th March 2023, passed peacefully after a short illness at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital. Loving wife of Terry (dec’d). Spectacular mother to Shane & Ruth, Maureen & Jim and Kayleen & Steve. Sensational nan to Synden & Harley, Aidan & Brette, Tom & Samantha, Nick, Sam and Tyler. Splendid great-grandmother to Freddy, Vince, Felix, Oscar, Olive and Billy.

Aged 89 Years

Maureen Ellen Payne

13th March 2023

Peacefully at her home in Glenreagh. Best friend of Jenny, loving daughter of Clyde and Hilda (both dec). Loving sister-in-law of Barbara, and auntie to Tim and Mark. She will be sadly missed by her relatives and friends.

Aged 90 Years

Friend to all, at home at last.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Maureen’s funeral service to be held on Wednesday, 22nd March 2023 at 10am in St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour. Thence for private cremation at Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Kevin (Kev) Pengilly

Together

Again With Terry Relatives and friends are invited to attend Audrey’s Graveside Funeral Prayers to be celebrated in Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Karangi on Friday 17th March 2023, commencing at 11.00 am.

Audrey’s Graveside Funeral Prayers will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

11th March 2023

Passed peacefully at Dorrigo Hospital. Much loved husband of Joan (dec). Dearly loved father and father-in-law of John & Myra, Wanda & Mel, Lesley & Danny, Susan & Shane, Mick (dec), and Mark & Amy. Loving Grandad and GreatGrandad to all his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Aged 95 Years

Forever in our hearts, always remembered. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Kev’s funeral service to be held on Tuesday, 21st March 2023 at 11am in the Coffs Harbour Crematorium Chapel, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

DEADLINE:

Dear Aboriginal Owner,

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management commenced its third term of office on the 20th of October 2020. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board hosted an Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting on the 2nd of November 2019 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board members for the 2020 to 2024 term.

A second Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting is now being held to seek nominations for the Ballangarry Family Deputy and the Marshall/Edwards Deputy.

DOC23/151790

Dear Aboriginal Owner,

Date: 26 November 2022

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park: Aboriginal Owner Board of Management nomination meeting – Deputy roles: Ballangarry Family and the Marshall/Edwards – 18 April 2023, 5.00pm

DOC23/151790

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management commenced its third term of office on the 20th of October 2020. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board hosted an Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting on the 2nd of November 2019 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board members for the 2020 to 2024 term.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

A second Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting is now being held to seek nominations for the Ballangarry Family Deputy and the Marshall/Edwards Deputy.

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@environment.nsw.gov.au

Dear Aboriginal Owner, The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management commenced its third term of office on the 20th of October 2020. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board hosted an Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting on the 2nd of November 2019 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board members for the 2020 to 2024 term.

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management is seeking to fill two vacant Deputy Board member positions, for the Ballangarry Family and the Marshall/Edwards Family groups.

A second Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting is now being held to seek nominations for the Ballangarry Family Deputy and the Marshall/Edwards Deputy.

Black Landcruiser towing large white van car has hit van rear causing major accident. Please any dashcam or witness the crash please send your contact details or dashcam.

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

Sincerely

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy, you must be present at the nominations meeting.

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

Jennie Rosser

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@environment.nsw.gov.au

Chair Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@environment.nsw.gov.au

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@ environment.nsw.gov.au

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18th of April.

Sincerely

Sincerely

Sincerely

Jennie Rosser

Jennie Rosser

Jennie Rosser

I thank the community for help. accounts@aqtgroup.com.au

Chair

Chair Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Chair, Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Chair: Jennie Rosser PO Box 4200, Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Tel (02) 6652 0900 Fax (02) 6651 9525 npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

EASTER 2021

EASTER & ANZAC DAY 2023

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Chair: Jennie Rosser PO Box 4200, Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Tel (02) 6652 0900 Fax (02) 6651 9525 npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

EARLY DEADLINES NOTIFICATION

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Chair: Jennie Rosser PO Box 4200, Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Tel (02) 6652 0900 Fax (02) 6651 9525 npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

Due to Easter & ANZAC Day Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

Friday 2nd April 2021 will be printed and distributed

Friday 7th April 2023 will be printed and distributed Thursday 6th April 2023

Thursday 1st April 2021

(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Friday 14th April 2023

Friday 9th April 2021

(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

Friday 28th April 2023

(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)

For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

We wish you all a Happy & Safe Easter from the team at Coffs Coast News Of The Area

Billy doesn’t have what he needs for school.

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

For Sale

ARCHERY bows, make an offer. 6653 8390

For Sale

For Sale For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Coffs Harbour only

Licensed Brothel Daytime or Night time always the right time

Discret back Entrance Phone 0439 958 808

SAT 18th March 7.30am. 127 Brodie Dr Coffs Harbour

SATURDAY 1st April

8.00am. 1/28 Corrigan Ave, Toormina. Electric Tools - saws, sanders bench grinder, foldable work bench & various other tools and items Cash only sale.

ELECTRONIC key control, Merlin brand found in Coronation Ave on Saturday. Phone 0411 380 625

ASHFORD Spinning Wheel Good condition $120 Ph 0403 252 931

HALF price sale everything - shed full! 7 Newcastle

2 large Trek @ Travel backpacks. 1 blue 1 green. VGC, used once. $45 each. Ph 0403 034 480 F050822

4 Rimu shevles, 1 metre long, 20cm wide with wall brackets. $35. Ph 6650 0380

A variety of pictures old & modern prints, several by old masters. Reducing collection, prices lower Phone 6652 3791

ANTIQUE Oak sideboard with ornate bevelled edge mirror. Open to offers. 0428 812 383

CAR safety lock. Solid steel bar. Steering wheel to accelorator. 3 keys $25. Ph: 6651 8500

DINING table & 6 chairs extendable. Exc cond $600. Matching buffet & hatch $500. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

JAGUAR Mk2 door $70

JIGSAW colt js65jd exc cond $30. 6651 7710

PIANO, Yamaha electric exc cond. $500. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

WHEELIE walker good cond. $50 Ph: 0408 586 400

AUS day stamp issue

1970 MUH Capt Cook

Bi-centenary mini sheet Plus extra strip of 5 cents

In commemorative folder

Postmarked Botany

1970. $25. 6651 8500

CARPET lounge/dining/ family room. Black with cream circle and swirl Thick quality, as new lovely and modern. $68 160cmW x 230cmL

DINING Table Octagon & 6 swivel chairs, exc cond. Moonee Beach $95. 0422 440 802

JIGSAWS x 20 Clean and complete as new $4 each Ph: 02 6651 2553

PRESTIGE Pressure cooker perfect cond. Trivet, basket and spare seal incl. $99 Ph: 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688 F220422

Boats

TRAILER Sailer Hutton 24 registered. Trailer & boat ready to go. $7500. 0427034446 Re230421

BAR fridge, good condition $25.00 Ph 02 66564700

BEADS, sequins, swarovski crystals various sizes & colours perfect for dance costumes, jewellery making & craft, from $1 0415 981 605

BED king and mattress good condition $70. Call John 6651 7710 F130123

BEDSIDE table dark wood with shelf 60cm High. GC $80 Ph 0418 414 040 F041122

Ph: 0415 981 605 F180822

SOLD

BILLARD table 8ft x 4ft plus accessories - equal to new. Slate top, Drop pockets, turn legs and sides. Full price $5,000 Ph: 6653 7595 Re110823

BISLEY womens workpant stretch cotton S10 1x black 1x stone Brand new $30 each Ph 0432 294 491

BOAT Garmin, 12 channel GPS128 40 years of fishing marks Coffs area. $275 Humminbird, wide eye fish finder and fishing gear. 0402 582 586 e161222

BOOTS blk 37 Dj & J $90. 0432 294 491

BOOTS, blk s37 Effegie $50. 0432 294 491 F260822

BRONZE Security door 2025mm H x 743mm W $100 Ph: 0432 869 587

CAMPING Meat griller (fold over bbq basket)

Unused $15 ono Ph 0439 682 267

SOLD

CANOES, 1 single 1 double. Jackets paddles. $300 & $500 6651 3859

SOLD

CARPET PIECE, 1.4m x 4.6m, new, cut pile light grey colour, ‘Elenus Grey’ durable soft, $100

DONUT Maker ‘Sunbeam’ DM3200, 5 normal size donuts $50. 0407 654 879

SOLD

Ph: 0407 654 879

CASIO Electronic Keyboard LK100 $100 Ph: 0432 869 587 F100223

CD collection of 10, big bands, swing, dixieland, jazz. $10 the lot. 6651 8500

CHEST Freezer Fisher & Paykel includes basket $100. 02 6653 6586 F240223

COFFEE table, timber 700cm square with drawer $75. Phone 0418 278 966

COFFEE table, timber 650cm square $65 0418 278 966

COFFEE Table timber frame smokey glass top .7 x .6mtr $60 0422 440 802 Woopi F240223

COMPRESSED

cement sheet ‘Hardies’part of sheet 1800mm x 900mm x 15mm, L-shaped. $65. 0407654879

COMPUTER aided drawing machine

Open to offers

Ph: 0429 945 374 F061022

COOKER Maxkon Multi 5 litre, nonstick 8 functions $70 0407 654 879

SOLD SOLD SOLD

DRESSING Table 6 large drawers & mirror solid timber, exc cond $95. 0422 440 802 Moonee Beach

EBIKE 250W NISHIRO built in battery. Exc cond $550. 0428 234 478 e310323

FIRM n Fold electric powerlift massage table GC. Inc: lambswool covers for the table and headrest and an electric blanket. Leather bed cover and steel frame. No cracks, tears or rust. Colour – grey Height 50-100cm; Width 68cm; Length 185 cm Owner has retired from massaging career

$1,500. 0412 054 821

FOX Tail Palms. $10 0418 653 939

FLAVOURCHEF cooking systyem-brand new $50 ono SMS 0409 916 076 F221021

FREEZER upright 170L 6 drawers, excellent cond $150. 0406 889 419 e160223

FRIDGE, fisher & paykel 275L, exc cond, $125 ono. 0428150643

FRIDGE GC, goes well. Small freezer at top $100. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688 F030223

FRONT Bar off 1997 NK Pajero. Has been in storage since new. $ 90 ono. 6651 6076 F120822

GLASS punchset serves 12 $25 0414945023

F221121

COOK canopy rangehood 60cm $50

Kitchen sink 1/1/2 basins with tap $50. Sawtell

Ph: 0458 006 643

CRAFT collection cases Polished timber. Large 34x30cm 40 sections $20. Small 30x18cm 20 sections $10. Not made in China! Ph: 6651 8500

JUST Cars magazines 60 total just $50 Ph: 0467 587 536

LAPTOP hard drive cloning kit $30. 6649 2967

LARGE bench for work or decoration. 2m have a look. Phone 6652 3791

LIFT chair, dual motor upholstered, near new $800. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

LOUNGE 2 seater 2x 1 seater wooden arm rests exc cond $100 Call John 6651 7710

LOUNGE 2 seater single seater wood arm rests exc cond. $100 6651 7710 F071022

LOUNGE FURNITURE

2 x full Leather Recliner Chairs and 2 seat faux leather sofa inc footrests + coffee table. All black and exc condition $1,000 Can separate / Offers considered. 0457416549

MATTRESS and base king single, as new $300 Ph: 0457 679 486

METRONOME for piano lessons $25. 6651 8500 F130123

MG TC 1949 project $12,000. 0409 372 995 Re210723

MIXMASTER Brevel 2 bowl free standing balloon wisk scraper model. Exc cond with book, priced to sell. $100

Ph: 0488 763 132

SHOES, size 8. Summer style, Dianna Ferrari. New. Beige / dusty pink colour. Paid $138, sell for $50. 6651 4237 or 0459 040 014 F161222

SHOWER Screen good cond 2 sides, one slider can deliver locally $99 call 0434 212 460

SLEEPING Bag 1900 x 900, also opens out to a blanket. Used once. $50 ono. 0439 682 267

SLEEPING Bag 3D Jumbo with inner Opens out fully, - 5deg used once. $75 ono 0439 682 267

SMALL table, dark wood with leather insert in top. $25. 6651 4237 or 0459 040 014

SMALL TV, VGC Bauhn, 50 x 30cm $25 ono. 6650 0380

STEERING Wheel to accelorator solid steel lock bar. Extra security for outdoor overnight parking $25. 6651 8500 F100323

SWAG – Big Country King Single in great condition $100 0408 522 575

TANDEM Holstar Grand Tourer bike, exc cond $1200. 0458 274 319 Re100921

TAPEGUN, Commercial hand tying machine includes 8 rolls tape & 5000 staples. $100 0407 654 879

TIFFANY coffee maker makes 10 - 12 cups of coffee, drip type with filter $20 ono. 6650 0380 F240223

TIMBER venetian blinds various sizes 50ml slats Brown oak as new 2 sets 210cm W, 1 set 120cm W. From $50 to $100. 0405 083 245

TIMBER venetian blind 1145 x 1155 drop. $35 as new 0419166688 F011021

TOWBAR Complete suit Subaru Forrester 2000 - 2007. $90. 0422410169

TRAILER 6x4

box tandem wheels registered TH22EE galvinised piping frame

Ph 0418 714 641

THE Great Courses university level complete 7 DVDs and books - Classic American Literature $50ono. The Great Courses university level complete 4 DVDs and books - Classic British Literature $50ono Ph: 0488 763 132 SOLD

TRAILER box, 6 x 4 heavy duty gal, new tyres, 1 yr rego. $1,500 Ph 0408 062 848

TYPEWRITER, portable Vintage Royal 200, hard cover carry case, GC $100. 6653 1402

UKULELE Makai LC80RG Concert uke with heart case, new stand tuner, educational books incl. $300. Mint condition Ph: 6658 2459

WALKER 4 x 8inch wheels top cond. $60 Ph: 6652 7062

WALKING STICK, dual handle, quad foot, easy lift from seated, adjust height, light wt/strong alum $50 0407654879 F170223

WALL unit, large, timber and glass, good cond teak. $75. 6652 5377 F270522

Motors

2007 CHRYSLER PT Cruiser Many extras! 202,325kms.Rego til Aug 23 DG05LW $6,500neg 02 6655 4369 or 0432 123 692 e070423

2008 VW Golf hatch auto, 244,307km, 6 mth rego. $6,000. Ph 0477 990 446

2014 Toyota Camry RZ 55,000klms.CSY45Z 0428 655 792

HOLDEN Epica 2011, 4 months rego BL30HO exc condition. Always garaged. 143,000kms $9500. Logbook incl Ph: 0434 011 090 e240323

NISSAN Pulsar 2016 sedan 4cyl. Exc cond Rego til May 2023 CJ48KV. 73,210kms $16,875.

Caravans

2003 Coromal Silhouette 450 camper trailer. Rego till 27/01/2024. Queen bed, double bed, new awning, microwave, 4 burner stove, grill, slide out kitchen, lots of floor space and storage Dometic fridge, ready to go. $15,000. TG44RD 0400 322 464 e070423

2010 AVAN cruiseliner fitted with remote control movers on wheels. Many extras Complete with annex and accessories Ph: 0428 525 591 $25,000

CAMPERVAN

2017 Jayco Toyota

GRILL/SANDWICH Toaster, quick clean Breville BGR400, 2400w $100 0407 654 879 F091222

GYM equipment Exercise bike, rowing machine, ab machine Open this Offers 0429 945 374

HEAD phones, bluetooth wireless, new. $35. 0428 250 205

NORDIC track VR 19 exercise bike w/ manual $550. 0417 481 120

OFFICE Chairs, high backed, black as new $75 each. Ph 0418 278 966

OUTDOOR setting table with 6 chairs $100 ono. 0427 797 266

TAPESTRY, Glass framed and wall hung $95. 0422 440 802 F130123

TENNIS racquets, man and ladies older style (Yvonne Goolagong) $40.00 each. Phone 0401 221 864

TENNIS Racquet Wilson Soft Shock Ultra 4.5 adult grip Titanium Graphite $100. 0407 654 879

WESTINGHOUSE fridge, french, WSE600

1750H x 900W x 700D

Beko fridge/freezer

RDNE400K302W

1700H x 700W x 620D

VGC, $300 - $500

Will trade for smaller 0422 505 101

WETSUIT mens full steamer size medium Very good condition

Adrenalin brand. $50

Ph: 0427 665 477

Hiace, lady owner, 210,000klms Sleeps 3, 5 months rego. White. New awning, new battery new TV, long wheel base, solar panels fridge/freezer, gas cooker, exc cond. $56,950. EQH73L 0415 981 605

VISCOUNT Streamline 16ft 2005 model, single axel, rego til Aug 23, twin beds, dining convert, full annex and new awning loads of storage & extras tare weight 1100kg $14,500 ono. Ph 0467

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

ANSWERS:

and Times are for

Graph

NAMBUCCA RIVER (high)

(low)

1.

The Earth spins on its axis.

The octopus is protecting itself.

OVER 25 YEARS

OVER 25 YEARS

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BEST ON THE BOX

TUESDAY

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? UK

SBS, 7.30pm

SUNDAY MINISERIES: IN OUR BLOOD

ABC, 8.30pm

The poignant music of the ’80s is the entrancing extra character in this musical drama based on the play by Adriano Cappelletta. Starring Matt Day (Rake), Tim Draxl (A Place to Call Home, above), and Jada Alberts (Mystery Road), it’s a moving and at times surreal fourpart drama exploring a pivotal moment in Australia’s history when the AIDS crisis hit. Embracing hope and the power of the individual, it chronicles how this country became a world leader in AIDS prevention.

When a series has confidently pedalled through a whopping 18 seasons like this one has, it’s something of a cultural phenomenon. The older generations are traditionally WDYTYA fans, but this season there’s perhaps a shift to nab a younger audience – a new generation of ancestry buffs. A younger cast of participants, including comedian Joe Lycett and soccer player Alex Scott, have traced their family tree and the trend continues tonight with Pixie Lott. The singer-songwriter is keen to confirm the family story that she has Italian ancestry from Verona, but instead she discovers ancestors battling poverty and hardship in London.

THURSDAY THE DEPARTED

7MATE, 11pm

an electrifying intensity. Set in Boston “some time ago”, it’s about two ace cops – the undercover Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the high-ranking Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon, above) – whose contrasting moral fibre has set them on a collision course. Jack Nicholson plays the Irish gang boss Frank Costello, while Mark Wahlberg, Ray Winstone and Martin Sheen are the impressive peripheral players in this water-tight, Oscar-winning thriller.

Tonight’s premiere kicks off on election night, 1983: in a crucial turn of events, for gay man David (Draxl) it means a job as the senior adviser to the Health Minister. 1703

FRIDAY, March 17

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

6.55 NSW Election Announcements. An election broadcast by the Greens.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson plants unusual herbs.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav) Part 3 of 3. A series of death notices in the Oxford Mail provides clues to Endeavour’s final investigation.

10.05 Van Der Valk. (Madv, R) Part 3 of 3.

11.35 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.50 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

12.35 Traces. (Mads, R) Kathy and Sarah examine the nightclub fire.

1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Wrecks That Changed The World. (PG)

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways. (R)

9.25 Nazis, Treasures And The Quest For Celts. (PGa, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.40 Romulus. (MA15+v, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs goes on a tour of Summerland farm. Karen Martini makes a Banh Mi burger.

8.30 MOVIE: Little Women. (2019, G, R)

During the 19th century, four young sisters, each determined to live life on their own terms, find themselves facing personal trials and tribulations that draw them together as a family. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh.

11.15 MOVIE: Payback. (1999, MA15+lv, R)

A small-time crook seeks revenge. Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus South Sydney Rabbitohs match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016, MA15+lnsv, R) A thug-for-hire joins forces with an inept PI. Russell Crowe.

1.00 My Way. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. Special guests include Simone Kessell.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Compilation of highlights.

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGal, R)

Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Mdls, R)

Hosted by Nick Cody.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (Mal, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 18

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Bowls. Ultimate Bowls 2022. Event 2. Final. H’lights. 3.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League. H’lights. 3.30 Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup Series. H’lights. 4.30 Still Running. (PG) 5.30 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PG)

6.00 Leigh Sales With Lin-Manuel Miranda.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Larkins. (PG) The Larkins throw a barbecue.

8.20 Under The Vines. (PG) Daisy gets her hands dirty with Tippy and Gus, while Louis gets more insight from Hilary.

9.05 Grantchester. (Mv, R) One half of the husband-and-wife team who own the Carmichael’s cleaning goods brand is found dead.

9.55 Traces. (Mal, R) DI McKinven’s enquiries ruffle feathers.

10.40 Miniseries: Time. (Malv, R)

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (PG)

8.30 Britain’s Scenic Railways. (R)

9.25 Britain’s Most Luxurious Hotels. (R)

10.20 Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne. (Mals)

11.10 Outlander. (Return, MA15+)

12.20 MOVIE: Working Girls. (2020, MA15+adsv, R)

2.00 MOVIE: Near Dark. (1987, MA15+av, R)

3.40 Mastermind Aust. (R) 4.45 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, March 19

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Expeditions. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch.

1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian ProMX C’ship. Round 2. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (Final, PG)

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) When officers stop two newlyweds at the border, they notice an unusually large amount of luggage. What they uncover could turn out to be one of the biggest busts ever seen.

8.00 Football. AFL. Round 1. Gold Coast Suns v Sydney. From Metricon Stadium, Queensland.

11.00 MOVIE: Hitman: Agent 47. (2015, MA15+v, R) A genetically engineered assassin tries to stop a corporation from unleashing a killer army. Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah Ware.

1.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Bridesmaids. (2011, MA15+ls, R)

10.55 MOVIE: The House. (2017, MA15+lsv, R)

12.35 From Hell: Caught On Camera. (Ml)

1.30 Surfing Australia TV. (R)

The Incredible Journey

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGa, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv) Erin hires an image consultant.

8.30 CSI: Vegas. (Mv) A social media influencer party ends with the murder of a popular guest.

9.30 FBI: International. (Md) The son of an American billionaire is found unresponsive in his Berlin apartment.

10.30 NCIS. (MA15+v, R)

11.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R)

12.30 Bull. (Mad, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.30 Compass. (Return, PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) A woman is found strangled.

8.30 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mals) Part 1 of 4.

9.20 Rampant: How A City Stopped A Plague. (Mans, R) The story of AIDS in Australia.

10.20 Queerstralia. (Mals, R)

11.20 Finding Alice. (Ml, R)

12.05 Last Tango In Halifax. (Ml, R)

1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.15 Last Tango In Halifax. (Ml, R)

4.15 The Recording Studio. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Jordan.

8.30 Lost City Of Gaul: Unearthing Bibracte.

9.30 Edward VIII: Britain’s Traitor King. (PGa, R)

10.25 The Dagger In The Cathedral Of Florence. (Mav, R)

11.25 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

1.15 How Mad Are You? (Mal, R)

3.15 The Source. (Malv, R)

4.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) As the competition continues, the top six take to the stage for a live performance.

8.45 An Audience With Adele. (PGl, R) Adele performs at the London Palladium in front of an audience of family, friends, fans and celebrities.

10.15 Manhunt: The Stoccos. (Mlv, R) Takes a look at the lengths the authorities will go to capture Australia’s worst criminals.

11.15 Born To Kill? Charles Manson. (MA15+va) Takes a look at Charles Manson.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Returning players and new faces battle it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

8.40 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) A navy captain and his wife are murdered in what appears to be a robbery gone wrong.

9.40 FBI. (Mv, R) After a university co-ed is kidnapped, Jubal becomes intent on obtaining a lead from a previous victim’s father.

11.30 The Sunday Project. (R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, March 20

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.15 Travelling In The 1970s. (PG) 11.10 Photos That Changed The World. (PG) 12.10

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

2.05 Incredible

Britain By Beach: Cornwall. (PG)

South Korea With Alexander Armstrong. (PG) Part 3 of 3. 9.25 Chef Antonio’s Recipes For Revolution. The story of an Italian restaurant.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Infiniti. (MA15+av)

12.00 Red Election. (MA15+av, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

TUESDAY, March 21

9.10 Paddington Station

(PGad, R) 10.00 Tough Trains. (Premiere)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) As the competition continues, the results of the live performances are revealed.

8.45 Starstruck. (PG) Another batch of superfans compete for a chance to win the £50,000 prize.

10.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Madln, R) Part 4 of 4.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 How To Look Good Naked. (Mans, R) Presented by Gok Wan.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

8.40 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Mls) Two teams, including Courtney Act, Peter Helliar, Nath Valvo and Steph Tisdell, go head-to-head.

9.40 Ghosts. (PGs) Sam struggles to keep Isaac’s spirits up.

10.10 The Montreal Comedy Festival. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Tommy Little.

11.10 The Project. (R)

12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

Late.

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

11.05 Manayek. (Return, MA15+dv)

12.00 La Unidad. (MA15+av, R)

1.55 Cacciatore: The Hunter. (MA15+s, R)

4.10 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 NCIS. (Mdv) NCIS agent Alden Parker grapples with his emotions when a con man from his past turns up as a prime suspect in the murder of a US Navy officer transporting millions of dollars’ worth of opioids.

10.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R)

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, March 22

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Inside Cyprus. (PGav) Ben Fogle heads to Cyprus.

9.00 The Front Bar. (M) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) Benson tries to help the young BX9 gang member who attacked her.

(Final, Malv)

12.00 No Man’s Land. (MA15+av, R) 3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R)

NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, March 23

Station

(PGa, R) 10.00 Tough Trains. 11.00 Lost World Of Joseph Banks. 12.00 WorldWatch.

Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve.

Mastermind Australia. (PG)

SBS World News.

7.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry. (PG)

8.30 London’s Super Tunnel. (R) Part 2 of 2.

9.40 Vigil. (MA15+av) Amy wonders who she can trust.

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 Exit. (Premiere, MA15+ads)

12.15 The Eagle. (Malsv, R)

3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

10.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R) Sketch comedy series that parodies some of Australia’s favourite TV shows.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

9.40 Fire Country. (Mmv) A former inmate firefighter harbouring a grudge against Sharon returns to carry out his revenge.

10.40 Bull. (Mv, R)

12.30 The Project. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Dogs Behaving

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGal) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.30 Guy Montgomery By Name. (Mals) Stand-up by Guy Montgomery.

11.00 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Mls, R)

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

COFFS COAST SPORT

Friday, 17 March 2023

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent

Champions

By Aiden BURGESS

BELLINGEN are the champions of Coffs Harbour cricket after winning the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association's first grade grand final.

Bellingen Cricket Club claimed this season’s title in dominant style with a 9 wicket win against Nana Glen in their grand final at Fitzroy Oval.

Bellingen produced a fantastic bowling performance to dismiss Nana Glen for 41, with Joel Northcott and William Russell both taking 3 wickets, with Northcott taking 3/15 from his 5.5 overs, and Russell taking 3/13 from his 5 overs.

Julian Hulbert also had a stellar spell taking 2/4 from his 6 overs.

CONTINUED Page 41

q Bellingen celebrate their first-grade premiership.