Coffs Coast News Of The Area 24 March 2023

Aiden BURGESS

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

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Surfers to hit the waves for the Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic

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known as ‘Wato’ was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

This year's event will also feature 2500 junior ranking points thanks to the support of Surfing NSW.

Piper O’Sullivan will be looking to defend her title after winning the under 10 girls competition at last year's event.

The Sawtell Boardriders Club member was

Local knowledge sought for Moonee flood study

LIVED experience and knowledge of flooding events in the Moonee Creek catchment is now being sought from locals for a new Flood Study.

The Flood Study is the first stage of a floodplain management process that will cover the localities of Moonee Beach, Sapphire Beach and the parts of Emerald Beach in the Moonee Creek catchment.

Its goal is to provide detailed mapping so that the City will have an even better understanding of potential flood risks to assist with future development, planning, community education and flood mitigation works.

This will help to ensure that future construction and development minimises any potential flood impacts and protects the safety and well-being of the community, making it more resilient.

“Locals – however long they’ve lived there - are our best source of data as they are the best-placed to notice the behaviour of the creek in rain events and may have photographs or other useful information.

“So we’d very much like to hear from them so we can develop the clearest possible picture of how the creek operates in times of extreme weather,” said Chris Chapman, the City’s Director Sustainable Communities.

“For this first stage of the process, we’re inviting people to take an online survey, fill in a hard copy version, or come along to a popup session with City staff and consultants at Moonee Market on 1 April.”

Local property-owners, residents and businesses are all being invited to participate in the Moonee Creek Flood Study by completing the survey. It seeks information on flood damage, behaviour, location and length experienced by property-owners or tenants in the Moonee Creek catchment area.

Photographs, recordings of flood depths or other relevant material that residents may have and would like to share would also be welcomed for the study.

The survey, and more information on the

looking to use hometown knowledge to once again triumph on her home break.

“I know where the rips are and the best waves are,” she said.

Fellow Sawtell Boardriders Club grom Fletcher O’Sullivan will be looking to add another title to the family’s trophy cabinet, while taking part in his favourite event.

“I came fourth last year in my division and second the year before,” he said.

“It’s a great event as it’s a fundraiser, and even after the comp the social nights they plan out.

“And I’ve made heaps of mates from other

By Andrea FERRARI

clubs who come for it, and I catch up with them.”

Sawtell Boardriders Club president Ged O’Sullivan said the money raised from this year's event was going towards supporting a long-time member of the Coffs Coast surfing community.

“Ian’s been involved in boardriding in Coffs Harbour for many years, and it’s nice to see it go to a local recipient and his family this year,” he said.

“It’s nice to give back to a local boardrider, and a local whose family and himself are going through a tough time.”

Correction

APOLOGIES to the young lady ballerina’s pictured in last week’s NOTA, Friday 17 March, whose photos were mismatched with the captions.

The story, ‘Harbour Performing Arts Centre seeks patrons’, on page 26,

featured accolades for the four dancers who, through their dedicated approach to performance, have each won separate trips to attend the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House.

Please see the correctly captioned photos here.

q Attending The Dream/ Marguerite and Armand is HPAC student Malia Crismale.

project, is available on Council’s Have Your Say website at www.haveyoursay.coffsharbour. nsw.gov.au/moonee-creek-flood-study.

The survey is open until 28 April 2023.

Everyone is also invited to attend a popup session with City staff and consultants at Moonee Market Shopping Centre in Moonee

on 1 April 2023 from 10am-1pm outside Coles supermarket.

The project is being conducted with specialist flood consultants JBPacific. They will be working closely with the City, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW State Emergency Service.

q Hannah Wood will go to The Joan Sutherland Theatre to enjoy a performance of Jewels.

q Indy Pike has won a trip to attend Swan Lake at Sydney Opera House.

q Heading to Sydney’s Opera House, Violet Simpson will see Don Quixote ballet.

Olympian Brooke Hanson sets out to inspire local students

By Andrea FERRARI

OLYMPIC Gold and Silver

medallist Brooke Hanson

will be speaking at Coffs Harbour’s Orara High School and Toormina High School on Monday 27 March as part of her North Coast regional tour with the Olympics Unleashed program.

Brooke will visit Orara High School on Monday morning and Toormina High School in the afternoon to present to the year nine students.

Launched in 2018, Olympics Unleashed takes Olympians and aspiring Olympians into Australian schools to inspire and motivate students to be their personal best.

Brooke will be sharing her Olympic story with the students, drawing on her career in swimming and experiences of setback and triumph to educate and

inspire the young North Coast locals.

After missing out on the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Brooke not only qualified and competed at the Athens 2004 Games but achieved an individual Silver in the 100m Breaststroke and team Gold in the 4x100m Medley Relay.

Throughout the presentations, Brooke will pass on tips to help students find their passion, set goals and overcome challenges.

“I’ll be in Coffs Harbour for the Coffs Ocean Swim on Sunday 26 March and I’m looking forward to staying on and inspiring the local students,” Brooke told News Of The Area.

“The Australian Olympic Committee Olympics Unleashed program brings students face to face with Olympians.

“I’ll be sharing my journey to Olympic Gold and Silver

medals and what motivated me to continue to strive for excellence despite many obstacles and setbacks.

“Unlocking their true purpose, no matter what field of work they are passionate about.

“I’ll talk about the importance of goal setting and how healthy eating and daily physical activity is beneficial for the well-being of every student.

“I’ll also encourage everyone to be part of the Olympic movement and what an incredible opportunity we have ahead of a home Games in Brisbane 2032.

“I’ll discuss with students how they can get involved in the build-up to Brisbane 2032

and then, come the games, it would be great to see more regional students involved and hopefully representing Australia in the green and

gold,” she said. The Olympics Unleashed program is currently available to schools across Queensland, New South

Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia with plans for NT, VIC and Tasmania in the pipeline.

“I’ll encourage all students to unleash their full potential by following their hopes and dreams.

q Brooke Hanson will share her life’s journey before and after winning gold and silver medals at the Olympics, to inspire others to be their personal best.

Judge seeks greater staff numbers, pay for fire services

By Doug CONNOR

FOLLOWING a recent meeting with local Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU’s) representatives, Labor state election candidate Tony Judge has pledged to fight for an increased supply of firefighters, as well as improved pay and conditions.

Union member Nat La Macchia said that while the population of NSW has grown significantly in recent years, and with it the number of residences, the amount of firefighters working in the state has not risen accordingly.

“That means that services are stretched, firefighters are stressed and the public is at greater risk,” Mr La Macchia said.

“We want to provide the fastest and best service possible, but the effective cuts in our capacity are making that harder all the time.”

Mr Judge described the treatment of firefighters under the current State Government as “a disgrace”.

“On top of the effective cuts in capacity, they have

not had a real wage increase over the course of the current government.

“Compared to many other professions, their purchasing power over that time has effectively dropped.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh told News Of The Area that matching staff growth with population growth is not an effective way to measure the firefighting needs of the state.

“The NSW Government does not accept the FBEU’s method of looking at population growth over the last decade to estimate the number that ‘should’ have been the growth in firefighter numbers.

“Significant population growth in NSW continues, however much of this has occurred in areas already serviced by Fire and Rescue NSW.

“The way firefighters deal with fires and emergencies has changed substantially in the last decade.

“They have better equipment that keeps them safer than ever before while being more effective at dealing with fires and other

emergencies.

“This means each firefighter has better knowledge, is more efficient and can do more than they could a decade ago.”

Mr Judge said an elected Labor government would commit to increasing staffing and pay in the fire services.

“Labor will engage an additional 600 firefighters across the State, many in regions like ours.

“That starts us back on the right path to ensuring the security of our lives and our homes.

“We will also remove the Liberal/National government’s artificial salary cap and negotiate in good faith on pay and conditions.

“Firefighters, like nurses, paramedics and other essential workers, need more than thanks and the odd bonus at the political whim

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of the government.

“They need real, tangible support.”

This week the NSW Liberal Nationals Government has questioned the numbers behind Labor’s 600 firefighter plan.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the $51 million Labor have committed over the next three years for the plan would only cover

the starting salary for 250 firefighters.

“Paying wages is just the start, those firefighters wouldn’t be trained, they wouldn’t have uniforms and they wouldn’t have access to workers compensation,” Ms Cooke said.

“When that’s factored in, Labor’s commitment would only provide around 100 firefighters.”

Save the Jetty Foreshores

Do you want to stop the development of multi storey residential accommodation east of the railway line at the Jetty Foreshores?

SAT MARCH 25 ELECTION - Consider candidates who do NOT support the proposed residential development.

Candidate Against residential development east of the railway at the Jetty?

Tony Judge

Gurmesh Singh

Ruth Cully

Tihema “Tia” Elliston

Sally Townley

Kellie Pearce

Tim Nott

The Jetty Parkland Group (JPG) advocates for enhancement and enlargement of the Jetty Parklands as envisioned in the Jetty Foreshores Masterplan 2008, which includes transfer of the railway land to the Coffs Harbour City Council.

JPG supports the current process of community consultation for a Coffs Harbour Community Jetty Foreshores Plan put forward by Coffs Harbour City Council. This plan keeps zoning control of the Jetty Foreshores in Coffs Harbour.

q Labor candidate for Coffs Harbour Tony Judge (centre) with Fire Brigade Employees Union members Nat La Macchia and Paul Eagle.

THE FARMING VOTE

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Nana Glen Hall Committee member Garry Dew, a longtime local farmer, officially welcomed attendees to the event.

The intent of the meeting was for the candidates to deliver, and the attendees to ask for, views on key agricultural issues affecting farmers in the region.

The six candidates in attendance were: Sally Townley (Independent), Ruth Cully (Sustainable Australia Party), Tony Judge (Labor), Gurmesh Singh (Nationals), Tim Nott (Greens) and Kellie Pearce (Animal Justice Party). Each spoke and

participated in an audience Q and A session officiated by Paul Shoker, Chair of the Coffs Harbour Branch of NSW Farmers.

With the focus on farming and rural life, candidates shared their opinions and policies on topics including agriculture practices and economies, soil, pesticides, fencing, local food supplies, exports, new technologies and waterway health.

Education came up as a hot topic towards the end of the meeting.

A question was put forward on why local TAFE colleges are not teaching certain agricultural courses, including machinery

maintenance.

A local farmer expressed frustration at having to send his trainees to Taree TAFEmeaning he has to pay travel and accommodation feesbelieving it would be sensible to have such courses offered here in the Coffs LGA.

Frustrations were also heard over weed management and perceived government inaction on agricultural issues.

“The bigger discussion is ‘do we need three levels of government which is resulting in paralysis?’,” Paul Shoker told News Of The Area.

Giving a shout-out to the venue, Paul said, “The Nana Glen Hall is a great example of three levels of government – local, State and Federal

– working well together to fund this backbone of the community.

“In times of emergency it becomes a Rescue Centre.” Around 60 people

attended, with farmers travelling from Woolgoolga, Bucca and the Orara Valley.

q Local farmers Ian Ellem and Garry Dew, Katie Sibio from Ulong, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and farmer Rodger Pryce, who serves as a City of Coffs Harbour Councillor.

q Independent candidate Sally Townley with local businessman Stevan Cetinich.

q Nana Glen resident Kellie Pearce is contesting the seat of Coffs Harbour for the Animal Justice Party.

q Htun Htun Oo supporting Tony Judge, Labor candidate for Coffs Harbour.

q Green candidate Tim Nott with supporters Sharon and Harry Peterson.

q Farmers and interested community members attended the NSW Farmers Meet the Candidates forum at Nana Glen Hall.

q Ruth Cully is standing for the Sustainable Australia Party.

Contact

Easter call for blood donations

By Andrea FERRARI

PRESENTING his vein at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Coffs Harbour Donor Centre for the 87th time, Shane Middleton is warmly welcomed for his O Negative blood, a blood type that is particularly in demand.

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With Easter around the corner, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is making a twin appeal for blood and plasma donors to boost supplies now, to boost supplies to cater for the expected demand.

Right now, Lifeblood needs 3,600 people to donate blood over the next week, in particular people who are A, B and O Positive and universal O Negative.

Lifeblood is also asking people to book a donation between Good Friday and Easter Monday to ensure an ongoing supply of blood and plasma for patients who will need it during the long weekend.

Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said that despite record numbers of people donating blood and plasma, demand from hospitals is at its highest level in nearly a decade.

“We now have more donors than at any point in the past ten years, however demand for all blood groups, especially O Negative, continues to increase as hospitals catch up on surgeries post-pandemic.”

She said donors of all blood types were needed every day of the year, but that the blood groups being called for today make up about 90 percent of the Australian population.

“Right now, we need 3,600 people to donate blood over the next week.

“In particular, O Negative has the universal blood type and is used to treat

q O Negative blood donor Shane Middleton has made 87 donations, visiting the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Coffs Harbour Donor Centre regularly to donate both blood and plasma.

patients when their blood type is unknown.

“It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used for trauma patients who can require huge quantities in a short amount of time.

“Fewer than seven percent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up sixteen percent of the blood ordered by hospitals,” she added.

Ms Stone said Lifeblood was also asking people to book a donation now for the Easter period, which is often one of the most challenging times of the year for Lifeblood.

“The need for blood is often unplanned and urgent and Easter is often a time when many of our donors take a break.

“This year, more than 40 of our donor centres around the country will be open on Good Friday so we are asking people to

book in and come back for another donation when they are next eligible, to ensure we can keep hospital fridges well stocked.

“With one in three of us needing donated blood or blood products in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member,” she said.

To book visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95.

Major parties talk nurse to patient ratios

By Doug CONNOR

GREENS candidates for Oxley and Coffs Harbour have called for the immediate implementation of nurse to patient ratios, and improved pay for nurses and midwives.

Dominic King, Greens Candidate for Oxley, said nurses are “worn out” after three years of pandemic conditions.

“The very least we could do is give them the pay rise they deserve and nurse to patient ratios they are asking for,” Mr King said.

“We know that improved ratios result in better care and decreased hospital time for patients, less burnout of nurses and budget savings around the hiring of expensive agency nurses.”

Timothy Nott, who is running for the seat of Coffs Harbour in Saturday’s state election, said local nurses and midwives have experienced “short staffing" and have had "wage rises frozen during high inflation”.

“A new hospital is just a building if we don’t have the nurses, midwives and paramedics that care for patients,” said Mr Nott.

“The Greens support wage rises for nurses and midwives.”

Regional GP Dr Amanda Cohn is running on Saturday for a Greens seat in the NSW Upper House.

Dr Cohn said that people in rural and regional NSW “don’t have fair access to health care”.

“On average people living in metropolitan areas of NSW live 2.2 years longer than people in regional, rural and remote areas.

“As a GP who has worked in rural communities across NSW, I have seen firsthand the consequences of

a healthcare system that is in crisis due to decades of Liberal / National governments who have not taken sufficient action.”

Amanda Bailey Derrett, the Secretary of the Coffs Harbour Branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said many local nurses and midwives are actively looking for roles outside the industry, saying that it is the “standard of patient care that suffers”.

“The demand placed on them is exhausting and they simply can’t maintain it.

“The current situation is having a snowball effect because as more nurses leave, the job gets harder, more overtime is expected and the nurses that are left want to leave as well.

“We need nurse to patient ratios to provide quality patient care and keep our nursing and midwifery workforce afloat.”

While Ms Bailey Derrett says the “world class health care that NSW residents expect can’t be delivered without safe staffing”, the NSW Government maintains that nurse to patient ratios are already in place.

“NSW already has a ratio system in place – it is called Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD),” a NSW Government spokesperson told News Of The Area.

“The flexible ratio of NHPPD allows for flexibility on the ward so that the clinical judgement of professional nursing and midwifery unit managers can allocate staff based on patient acuity, complexity of care considerations and patient requirements.

“It helps hospitals calculate the minimum number of nurses needed to deliver safe and effective care.

“The ratios proposal from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is a rigid system applied broadly across most clinical areas.

“If implemented in the manner sought, it will mean patients will be unable to access beds and wards in many circumstances.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the NSW Liberal Nationals Government has a four year plan to invest $4.5 billion more to recruit more than 10,100 fulltime equivalent staff into its hospitals and health services.

“(This is) the largest ever boost to the health workforce in the nation’s history,” Mr Singh said.

“Of these, 3800 positions will go into regional NSW.”

On Monday 20 March, the NSW Government released a statement to media spruiking the success of their $883 million regional health workforce incentive scheme, announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

The scheme targets critical and hard-to-fill roles including nurses and midwives, pharmacists, allied health professionals and pathologists as well as support and ancillary staff.

“Most importantly, this package is helping us retain the dedicated, hardworking staff who are already valued members of our communities,”said Minister for Regional Health Ms Bronnie Taylor.

Through the scheme, critical roles in rural and remote locations can be incentivised by offering health workers recruitment and retention incentive packages worth up to $10,000 per annum plus up to $10,000 in other incentives.

Incentives can include a range of benefits, such as a salary boost, sign-on bonuses, additional leave, professional development, study leave and assistance, assistance with childcare expenses, assistance with transport and housing support, and access to training and education.

Mr Singh said 249 staff members have already

taken advantage of this scheme in the Coffs Harbour electorate.

“The scheme will be delivered alongside new training and recruitment pathways to build a pipeline of regionally based workers and futureproof healthcare in places like Coffs Harbour.

“Despite what local candidates may say, both the Government and Labor opposition are not supporting nurse-topatient ratios.”

NSW Labor have also been pitching their health plan this week, promising to “repair the health system and deliver a fresh start for health in New South Wales”.

If elected, Labor is pledging to return safe staffing levels to NSW hospitals, taking pressure off nurses and ensuring they can treat patients with the care they deserve and need.

An additional 500 rural and regional paramedics have also been promised for Labor’s first term.

“The Liberals’ cap on the wages of nurses, paramedics and our essential workers is

making it harder to recruit and retain people in these roles,” said Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health.

“Our hardworking paramedics are taking this unprecedented action because of the years of underinvestment and the wage cap.

“We all pay the price when there aren’t enough health workers in our hospitals.”

Labor has also unveiled a plan to reduce ‘ambulance ramping’ times outside NSW hospitals.

The party says that ambulance ramping outside hospitals for extended periods forces paramedics to make the decision to leave non-urgent patients unattended at hospitals so they can respond to emergency calls.

“People expect an ambulance to turn up when they call one, and they expect to be able to get into the hospital when they arrive,” said Mr Park.

“Under the Liberals, these expectations can’t be met – it’s a symptom of our system being in crisis.”

q Coffs Harbour Greens candidate Timothy Nott, Dr Amanda Cohn, Oxley Greens candidate Dominic King with Amanda Bailey Derrett and Marine Cotton of the Coffs Harbour Branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.

Pat Conaghan calls for vaping restrictions

By Andrew VIVIAN

PAT

Conaghan, the

Federal

lack of comparative data around the health risks are.”

young people, concerns him.

Member

for Cowper, is calling on the Government to introduce updated legislation around the sale and distribution of vapes and e-cigarettes.

“Any parent with a teenager has received an ever-increasing number of notifications and warnings from their child’s school around the use of vapes.” Mr Conaghan said.

“And, while smoking amongst students is not a new phenomenon, the current ease of access and

He went on to say that any adult smoker knows how easy it is to buy vapes containing nicotine over the counter at any number of corner stores, petrol stations and tobacconists, despite the fact that it is currently illegal in New South Wales to do so without a prescription.

Mr Conaghan said that, while he doesn’t begrudge the choice for adults who are aware of the risks or are transitioning from regular cigarettes, the complete lack of regulation around the product, when it comes to

He pointed out that, unlike regular tobacco cigarettes, there are currently no laws on a Federal level around plain packaging or warning label information, and each state has different laws around the enforceable penalties for unlawful production and supply, with NSW’s being a fine of up to a maximum $1,650.

The current margins on vapes when sold over the counter illegally in NSW are substantial.

Because of the high levels of tax on standard cigarettes, e-cigarettes represent a much

cheaper option, allowing a level of price gouging that is appealing to distributors and render the possible fines an acceptable risk.

Mr Conaghan also notes that the product itself is currently marketed towards a younger age bracket, with candy-like flavours ranging from ‘cheesecake’ to ‘cola’, and many brands producing brightly coloured packaging and street art-styled logos.

“Your average smoker looking to convert to an e-cigarette is not going to be lured in by a product that smells and tastes like fake cheesecake,” he said.

Bello Ag Show has it all

By Andrea FERRARI

A SCARECROW competition, chill tent and silent disco are several highlights of new additions to the 2023 Bellinger River Agricultural Society Show.

The Bello Show committee has been hard at work plotting and planning for the annual event which is taking place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May.

Expect all the trappings of a country show with show competitions in the Pavillion, seeing horses, cattle, poultry, the Wood Chop, a raft of big farm machinery for kids young and old to awe over, the grand parade, a multitude of stalls and rides as well as the entertainment tent, reptile world and a petting zoo.

“We’re really passionate

about continuing the traditions of the country show while at the same time reflecting Bellingen’s unique personality,” the new Bellinger River Agricultural Society President, Dr Susan Lumsdaine told News Of The Area.

“So, this year we’re revisiting some recent favourites as well as making some new additions.

“We’re delighted to be bringing back the artisan tent and cooking demonstrations, which last year proved incredibly popular.

“This year we’re also providing a quiet zone for mums and bubs.

“After a number of really tough years we’re looking forward to bringing people together to showcase the breadth of talent in our area and to celebrate our efforts

as a rural community.”

There’s a vast array of activities, competitions and categories; whether it be submitting a piece in the Mantova Art Prize or your kids' artwork in the Children’s Art Competition.

Everyone is encouraged to get a team together for the Young Farmers Challenge or Partner Carry Competition, or to join in the Bellingen Show Fun Run.

“You can even enter your pooch in the Mongrel Dog Competition,” said Susan.

The Show Committee encourages the community to spend the day or the whole weekend soaking up the laidback country show vibes.

Music and dance fans can feast on the talents of local performers of all ages in the entertainment tent.

Foodies will be lining

up for the Bellingen Kitchen Shop cooking demonstrations delivered by popular local chef and food business owner, Mitch Grady, and expect the return

“Neither are they going to be impressed by a fluoro green case.”

According to Mr Conaghan, these products are aimed at a younger market who are far more likely to pick them up than a cigarette.

“And, while I appreciate that many studies point to vapes being a healthier alternative to tobacco, nicotine is still an addictive substance and we have not seen enough data around the long-term effects of vaping,” he said.

“I believe we need to see stronger regulation

around the production and sale of vapes in this country, replicating a similar model to traditional cigarettes.

“Plain packaging, warning labels, minimum age requirements and enforceable penalties for those caught distributing outside the regulations,” he said.

Mr Conaghan promised to work with his colleagues to see updated legislation in the Federal Parliament as soon as possible.

“Blindly allowing a fresh generation to become addicted to nicotine is not something I’d like to see in this country,” Mr Conaghan finished.

Milan from Sydney.

“The Bellingen Show atmosphere will be amped up in the late arvo with local music acts bringing the community together to enjoy the tunes, a drink at the bar

and bite to eat at one of the local food stalls,” said the organisers. There’s also the opportunity to give back to the show and enjoy some perks by volunteering.

To get involved contact Bellingen Show Volunteer Coordinator Lydia Bezeruk at volunteers@bellingenshow. com.au.

For the art shows, entries close on 22 April 2023 for the E J Mantova Memorial Art Prize.

The exhibition opens and winners are announced on Saturday 6 May at 3pm. Visit www. bellingenshow.com.au and https://www.facebook.com/ TheBellingenShow.

q The Wood Chop is a must for rural shows.

q Georgina Baker, the 2022 floral exhibit winner with Bellingen Show volunteer Mary.

q The cattle show is back in 2023.

q Find a chilled and eclectic range of entertainment at the Bellingen Show this May.

Showground amenities upgraded

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Coast Jump Club’s (CCJC) successful application in the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund grant means the club can upgrade the amenities block in the Showground.

The $273,088.00 funding comes from the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, which supports the rebuild, repair and betterment of essential community assets targeted for arts and culture, sports and Aboriginal communities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the club and the grounds as it not only

means wonderful modern amenities for our members, volunteers and visiting riders, but the amenities will now be accessible and inclusive for all people who use and visit the grounds, including those with disability,” Sally Hutchison, Secretary of CCJC told News Of The Area.

“They will also be a safer and energy efficient space with new lighting being installed, and shower dividers that are currently see-through will be replaced, giving privacy and safety to those who use them.

“To have a space that is modern, safe, that doesn’t

leak, where the water actually drains and has working showers and toilets will be a joy.

“It is projected that more people will feel welcome at the grounds, and as a result, will bring more members to the club, and more riders to our sport.”

The new amenities will provide an accessible, modern, welcoming, safe and hygienic space for women, girls, boys, and men of all nationalities and backgrounds when visiting, competing at, volunteering and camping at the grounds.

The amenities will be brought up to, and beyond code for disability use.

Energy efficient lighting and advanced technology will be present in the facilities, as well as a large vibrant mural to welcome all users to the space.

It will have mirrors, storage space and hanging hooks, vanities and power points, new tiling, access ramps, braille entry signs, as well as sensor taps, urinals and hand dryers.

“Damage, leaks and drainage will be repaired and upgraded,” added Sally.

“The current shower curtains that are hanging by a hook will be replaced with doors.”

Construction will begin in July, and it is projected to be completed in time for the Spring Showjumping Festival in October.

All of the construction will be undertaken by local businesses and artists.

“The refurbishment will be carried out by Harbour Bathrooms, and the mural will be custom designed by local Indigenous artist Nelli Gallop, who is originally from Dharawal country,” said Sally.

“Coffs Showgrounds are a wonderful place for not only the people of our sport of show jumping to come together, but for all Showground users and

visitors to enjoy.

“It is a beautiful space in the middle of Coffs Harbour that we hope to see upgraded, and used, to its full potential.

“CCJC had a vision back in 2016 to bring equestrian sports back into the heart of Coffs Harbour and this is one more step in the right direction.

“Coffs Coast Jump Club are incredibly thankful to receive this grant and look forward to welcoming people to this new space,” said Sally.

This grant was made possible through the hard work of CCJC Board member Alita Childs.

q Coffs Coast Jump Club has been granted funds to upgrade the old amenities block at the Showground. Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Coffs Coast Jump Club secretary Sally Hutchison, club board member Alita Childs and Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan.

q Jake Harvey and Moffee from Moffee in the Morning interviewing Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the amenities block after announcing CCJC’s success in the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund on Wednesday 15 March.

Chill n Chat cafe celebrates 20th birthday

By Andrea FERRARI

THE one-of-a-kind Chill n Chat café in Coffs Harbour’s Community Village celebrated its 20th birthday in style on Monday morning, 20 March.

A huge cake was shared amongst the community, customers, participants and volunteers who turned up to the garden deck of the café to raise a cuppa to the café’s success.

John Costello, Director at Vivocare, which partners with Meals On Wheels (MOW) to operate the notfor-profit café, has played a driving role in the beginnings and 20-year evolution of Chill n Chat.

“It’s not just about training and skills development or work experience,” John told News Of The Area “It’s a nurturing community café, it’s about being part of a team, a way of giving back to the community through the provision of good food, it’s an inclusive environment providing meaningful engagement.”

For Chill n Chat, success is measured not in financial terms, but rather the outcomes and opportunities it delivers for the people working in the café and its customers.

“It also provides a social

setting for our Meals On Wheel recipients; rather than just having their meal delivered to them at home and eating it alone, they can connect with others and eat together.”

Meal prices are all subsidised.

The metrics are not financial; they are about inclusion and community building and opportunity.

The training happens in the background.

“Safe food handling and barista training is naturally occurring when needed, ours is not a training program,” said John.

However, in 2003, Chill n Chat started as a safe food handling course for people with disabilities run by TAFE Outreach.

In John’s speech he shared how the café began 20 years ago with a question: “what if?”.

“What if we ran a safe food handling course and coffee making course for people with disability?”

“I went back to my work and asked people there and we had ten people signed up within a day,” he said.

In attendance at the birthday party were two of those original students, Lucy and Harold.

“That was the beginning of the café; MOW made the kitchen available to us and Council made the meeting room – as it was at the timeavailable to us."

That course ran for eight to ten weeks and during that time people kept coming by

asking if they were serving coffee.

It was another “what if?”

“What if we open for coffee and lunch one day a week?”John said.

“We started that, and it was surprisingly busy, there was a huge demand for it.

“Homemade quiches, rocket out of my garden, people just threw in to make that one day a week work.”

With that level of demand people kept asking for more days.

“We then realised we needed a chef.”

They managed to secure Glen Hawkins who was working as a support worker at the time.

He had been head chef at Summit restaurant in Sydney’s Australia Square.

“From there it really started to rocket.

“We went to three days, for two or three years.”

With a grant and partnership with Meals On Wheels, Chill n Chat went very quickly to four then five days a week.

The Chill n Chat café model has not been replicated anywhere, said John.

“It’s no one person’s vision; it happened organically.

“Because it evolved in a unique way out of the community it exists in, it’s not a model you can pick up and replicate easily.

“Certainly, the partnership with Meals On Wheels has been important to sustain it long-term because it is not just about

people with disabilities or aged care, it’s about the community,” he said.

Margaret Hoschke, Chair of the Meals On Wheels partnership, described Chill n Chat as the “best kept little secret in Coffs Harbour”.

“You’ve got to have the right mix to make it work and here it works beautifully,” Margaret said.

In her speech Allison Couch from Vivocare said in all the partnerships, everyone comes together as a team.

“There’s so many people to thank; volunteers donating their time and their skills, some for as long as I’ve been here, which is fourteen years.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos swung by the party to acknowledge the good work of the special partnership that manifests as Chill n Chat café.

“I come here a lot.

“I see Julia’s happy face all the time,” he noted, referring to a loyal participant whose brother went to school with Mr Amos.

“The food is sensational.

“There’s not many places in Coffs Harbour where you can get a great, basic chicken salad sandwich, but here at Chill n Chat it’s a speciality that I come for pretty often,” Mr Amos told NOTA.

q David Hough from Meals On Wheels with John Costello, Director at Vivocare and the Chill n Chat 20th birthday cake.

q City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos with Julia Sharp, who knows every corner of the café having worked there for many years.

q Chill n Chat café’s 20th birthday party on Monday 20 March 2023.

q Chill n Chat café’s Esther Purmodh and Daniel Jeffcoat.

q Former Meal On Wheels manager Bronwyn Webber, former Chill n Chat Café manager Julie Heaney and Meals On Wheels manager Robyn Whalen.

destroying our water security and increasing the risk of bush fire, heat wave, drought and floods.

This intense logging of native animal habitat is not economically or environmentally sustainable.

Native forests in NSW have never been logged sustainably. For decades the industry depended on the rainforest, then the old growth. There is little of either left. Now they are cutting the next largest trees. A sea of young trees with no mature trees left. This is accelerating forest ecosystem collapse.

Forestry Corporation of NSW generally operates at a financial loss on native forest logging, with a total loss of $95 million over the past 14 years.

If we end native forest logging now, we could stop using taxpayer money to destroy nature.

The money could instead be used to restore forests to reduce carbon emissions and to provide jobs in tourism, fire management and sustainable plantations.

Local sports groups given a boost

By Andrea FERRARI

PROJECTS for seven local sports group projects have benefitted from NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were on offer with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.

The successful applications range from extra equipment and change room improvements to new uniforms.

“It is so important we continue supporting our local sporting clubs,” said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

“They are the lifeblood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle.”

Officially known as the Coffs Coast Ice Hockey Association, the group well known locally as the Coffs Coast Gorillas has been granted funds for two different projects.

“The Coffs Harbour Ice Hockey Association has been very fortunate to receive two sporting grants from the NSW government,” Scott Warden, Coffs Coast Ice Hockey Association spokesperson told News Of The Area.

“The money will go towards making getting into the great sport of ice hockey easier.

“We’ll be able to buy equipment for new players to use and improve our change room facilities.

“These grants make a big difference to a club like ours,” said Scott.

In a bid to keep up to date with technology, the Coffs Coast Bodyboarding Association (CCBA) put in an application for tech equipment.

“CCBA strives to keep up to date with all the latest developments and technologies when it comes to organising and running bodyboarding events,” Paul Van Den Boom, Club Secretary, Coffs Coast Bodyboarding Association told NOTA.

“This grant has allowed us to purchase tablets and a laptop to use online event management and judging platform, Live Heats.

“We have also purchased video equipment for coaching and rider development as well as content creation for club social media.

“Additionally, we have secured extra funding to engage local media company The Video Agency to produce educational content on the inclusivity, social and health benefits of bodyboarding, that can be shared with schools and community groups,” he said.

Other local sports groups which were successful in this funding round are as follows.

Coffs Harbour Yacht Club will now build a new boat storage space.

Korora Squash Club will replace court tins in its court upgrade project.

Northern Storm Football and Sports Club will resurface its fields.

Sawtell Swimming Club has a Development Application in which it can now fulfill.

Souths Netball Club will continue the rollout of inclusive uniforms.

“The stunning NSW North Coast is one of the state’s most desirable places to live, work, visit and play.”

On March 25 support candidates who will stand up in NSW Parliament to protect our local forests and waterways.

q Coffs Coast Ice Hockey Association members.

OneMob to launch Going Walkabout project

By Andrea FERRARI

THE OneMob Radio Going Walkabout project will provide opportunities for more young people in regional NSW to build audio broadcasting skills, made possible by a $25,000 grant through the State Government's Regional Youth Radio Program.

“This program will both promote work-readiness skills for regional youth and develop a greater sense of connection and belonging within their communities,” said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

OneMon Media Aboriginal Corp CEO Lachlan Skinner said the funding would allow the station to extend their impact outside of Coffs Harbour.

"It is amazing to receive this funding to see OneMob Radio branch out and visit communities near and far,” Mr Skinner told News Of The Area.

“Since launching OneMob Radio we have been contacted on a number of occasions to visit communities, run workshops and our OneMob BIG Breakfast live events.

“However, due to funding we haven't been able to commit to these ventures but thanks to this grant we are now able to offer five communities the opportunity to host OneMob Radio in their communities for free.

“This will include an introductory workshop and OneMob BIG Breakfast," said Lachlan.

"Whilst this will be a fantastic opportunity for regional and rural young people to be introduced

to podcasting and radio broadcasting this is also a fantastic way for OneMob Radio to expand their horizons and hopefully see pop-up radio shows from these communities we look to work with.

“In addition to that, we hope to see a growing audience for OneMob Radio's social media and listenership."

Lachlan credits the development of this project

to the hard work of the team of current broadcasters, staff and Board of Directors.

“I am forever thankful for their contributions to the radio station and the role they play to the forever-growing OneMob Radio," he said.

OneMob Radio announcer and mentor Jenna Haley told NOTA, “The time on OneMob Radio for me has been so fun.

“Learning about what is involved in talking on

radio and bringing a show to the people has been mindblowing but also easier than I thought.

“I want to thank OneMob Radio for the opportunity to share my voice on this platform.

“This funding is extremely exciting for us as it is an opportunity for more young people in other communities to have a go at radio and potentially broadcast from their town onto OneMob Radio,” she said.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said eleven projects across the State were selected from a strong field of applications to develop the skills or training of young people in audio broadcasting, or to fund essential equipment to support youth radio and podcasting.

“The Regional Youth Radio Program is one of our most exciting programs as it gives young people living in the regions a platform to talk about the issues that are important to them on the public stage,” Ben Franklin said.

“The projects chosen to be delivered in 2023 will give young people the skills to create radio and podcasts, but also encourage them to develop their communication and work-readiness skills and participate in public discourse.”

q Future leader and current OneMob Radio announcer and mentor, Jenna Haley.

q Chief Executive Officer and Breakfast Show presenter for OneMob Radio, Lockie Skinner is proud to be able to offer five communities the Going Walkabout project thanks to the Regional Youth Radio Program grant.

Reform needed on social media alcohol advertising

By Andrea FERRARI

ADVERTISING on social media by alcohol companies is creating online environments for harm, with a new report revealing that 39,820 distinct alcohol ads are placed on Facebook and Instagram each year, often combined with a button prompting users to ‘shop now’.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) report, ‘Alcohol advertising on social media: a 1-year snapshot’, covers a twelve-month period.

It found 351 advertisers including Liquorland (owned by Coles), Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Jimmy Brings (owned by Endeavour Group) and multinationals Bacardi Limited, Heineken N.V. and Diageo, placed an average of 765 alcohol

ads each week on the Meta platforms.

Many alcohol retailer advertisements (91 percent) used a call-to-action button directing people to find out how to buy, while 66.7 percent used a ‘shop now’ button to directly sell alcoholic products within the app, including animated catalogues with looping videos highlighting sales and promotions.

The report found that alcohol advertising on Instagram and Facebook is intrinsically linked to the online sale and delivery of alcohol directly into the home.

FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi said the numerous alcohol ads on the platforms, and the use of ‘shop now’ buttons to sell alcoholic products, is poorly regulated and reform is needed to keep up with the rapidly evolving retail

environment.

“The fact that most ads have a direct link that instantly sells alcohol at the click of a button makes every phone a bottle shop and dramatically increases the availability of alcohol and the potential for harm, particularly when people are trying to avoid alcoholic products,” Ms Giorgi said.

“If you want to stay away from a brick-and-mortar bottle shop, you can cross the street or take a different route.

“But on social media, there is no escape when alcohol companies are allowed to relentlessly market their addictive products to people at the highest risk of harm.”

The report’s co-author, Associate Professor and Director of Digital Cultures and Societies at The University of Queensland, Nicholas Carah, said the findings are concerning given the targeted nature of social media marketing.

“This new research uses computational methods to analyse the digital marketing of alcoholic products,” Associate Professor Carah said.

“It shows thousands of alcohol ads are being pushed into social media feeds, at a

time when people connect digitally more than ever before.”

The researchers analysed data collected from the Meta Ad Library over the year to November 2022.

This new report follows a 2022 study by Monash University, The University of Queensland, and VicHealth that found children have their data used to target them with ads for alcoholic products on Facebook and Instagram.

“Companies should not be able to use personal data in order to sell people more and more alcohol,” Ms Giorgi said.

“Common sense measures are needed to prioritise community health and safety ahead of the profits made by large alcohol companies and retailers.”

The Australian government is considering changes to the Privacy Act.

Ms Giorgi said this is an opportunity to prioritise the community’s health and safety and stop companies from using personal data to target people to sell them addictive and harmful products like alcohol.

FARE Senior Policy and Research Advisor and coauthor Dr Aimee Brownbill said the amount that alcohol companies advertise matters because of the potential for marketing to contribute to harm.

“The earlier that a child or young person is exposed to alcohol marketing, the more likely they are to start drinking and the more likely they are to drink at riskier levels,” Dr Brownbill said.

“For people who might be trying to avoid alcohol, including people who have experienced alcohol dependence, alcohol marketing can trigger alcohol cravings.”

Alcoholic products cause significant harm in Australia, where someone dies from an alcohol-related cause such as liver disease, cancer, family violence or accident every 90 minutes, and someone is hospitalised because of alcohol every three-and-ahalf-minutes.

More than seventeen million Australians use social media each month and children spend an average of over fourteen hours a week online.

“It’s a constant reminder of alcohol,” Florence Jones from Coffs Harbour told News Of The Area.

“I’m on social media to catch up with friends overseas and have information on local Facebook groups that matter to me, and Marketplace.

“I’m scrolling through those and then boom, an ad for a new cider pops up and while I can scroll past it, and I do, sometimes I don’t and down the line it affects my resolve to have healthy drinking habits.”

See the full report at https://fare.org.au/alcoholcompanies-ply-communitywith-40000-alcoholadvertisements-a-year-onfacebook-and-instagram/.

q Research has found that alcohol advertising on social media can create harmful environments.

q See the stand-out words on alcohol advertising, to catch attention, and the ‘shop now’ button.

Refugee community combine for seed pod art project

By Andrea FERRARI

A STUNNING collective artwork has been created by women from the Coffs Harbour refugee community working together in the You Are Welcome Here Seedpod Project.

The collaborative endeavour launched on 15 March with a celebration of connectedness.

“The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture

and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), in partnership with Mission Australia and artist/art therapist Marg Coutts, engaged refugee women to create a work of art inside seedpods based on the theme of their journey and belonging,” Ruth Kennedy of STARTTS told News Of The Area.

The individual seed pods were then combined by Marg to create the unique, mesmerising collective artwork that is now exhibited on the foyer

wall of Mission Australia.

To launch the artwork, a collaborative afternoon of activities was organised.

Uncle Micklo Jarrett delivered a moving Welcome to Country in Gumbaynggirr language.

Celeste Abell of Mission Australia, Marg Coutts, Ruth Kennedy and participant Najat Mhi gave speeches about their role in the project.

Najat shared how much she enjoyed having the freedom to paint what she wanted about her life and her religion as she had never been free to express herself like this before.

The Gunganbu Choir, led by Uncle Micklo and Ilka Shroeder, performed a song in Gumbaynggirr language.

The Singlish Choir, created to teach English through singing, led by Ruth Kennedy of STARTTS and Cheryl Ward of Frontier Projects, performed for the first time.

They sang a call and

response gospel song featuring solos by four members.

Singlish and Gunganbu then performed a traditional Aboriginal song together in four languages including English, Gumbaynggirr, Kriol and Auslan for the hearing impaired.

Wan Carma and Alem Aseffa Terferra catered, providing a delicious lunch of traditional Malaysian and Ethiopian food.

At least 80 people attended the event and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone was so moved, some to tears, with the Welcome to Country, speeches, music, art and food,” Ruth told News Of The Area.

“It was a wonderful example of how the arts unifies people to come together as one.

“A celebration of all the cultures that make up our community, from the original first people to the newest arrivals.”

All involved in the project agreed the launch of You Are Welcome Here highlights how much support exists out there for all people of the Coffs community.

See the artwork at Mission Australia, 9 Duke Street, Coffs Harbour.

q The Singlish Choir, led by Ruth Kennedy of STARTTS and Cheryl Ward of Frontier Projects, performed for the first time.

q The Gunganbu Choir led by Uncle Micklo Jarrett and Ilka Shroeder performed a song in Gumbaynggirr language.

q Participant Najat Mhi showing her artwork.

q Ruth Kennedy from STARTTS, artist/art therapist Marg Coutts and Celeste Abell from Mission Australia.

Variety 4WD Adventure sets out from Coffs

By Andrea FERRARI

VARIETY – the Children’s Charity launches its latest major fundraiser in Coffs Harbour on Sunday 26 March.

The event is a six-day,

1,400km 4WD adventure setting out from Coffs Harbour Yacht Club, meeting at 8am for an 8.30am departure.

Around $120,000 in donations and spending will be injected into

regional New South Wales and Queensland towns as the feel-good 4WD Adventure visits eleven key towns; starting in Coffs and finishing in Lamington National Park in Queensland.

“The Variety 4WD Adventure is a six-day, turnkey exploration taking 4WD vehicles off the bitumen and into the environment that they were built for; traversing granite outcrops, navigating river runs and chasing waterfalls, all for kids in need,” said a spokesperson for Variety.

“While taking the road less travelled, participants of the special feel-good adventure raise funds for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.”

The event showcases regional travel through stunning scenery, boutique accommodation, great local food, and wine and plenty of entertainment.

Gathering in Coffs, more than 35 4WDs will hit the road traveling north, motoring to Dalmorton and then Glen Innes where they will stay the first night.

For the next four days

they make their way through Nymboi-Binderay National Park, Inverell Pioneer Village, Lockyer National Park, Condamine Gorge and River and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Arriving at Lamington National Park on Thursday 30 March, they will spend Friday exploring this natural paradise.

Each of the towns they stop in overnight will benefit from around $20,000 in tourism dollars, while kids and community groups in the vicinity can also look forward to around $25,000 in donations and

equipment.

“We choose a new regional location every year, every event, or at least try to,” Rob Vincent, Variety’s Motoring Events Manager told News Of The Area.

“The specific route was chosen to look at areas we haven’t been to in a while.

“The Coffs Harbour region is arguably NSW’s most popular 4WD area and it’s generally a beautiful location.

“It’s such a welcoming environment, beautiful scenery, big enough to hold 100-plus people at

our events, great local cafes and restaurants and somewhere our community is always looking forward to visit.”

Variety seeks to help all children attain their full potential, regardless of ability or background and in 2022 positively impacted the lives of over 32,000 children in NSW/ACT through granting almost $3 million through their grants, programs, experiences and scholarships.

More on the impact of Variety can be found at www.variety.org.au/nsw/ ourimpact/.

q The Variety 4WD Adventure will set off from Coffs Harbour Yacht Club at 8.30am on Sunday 26 March.

q The Variety 4WD Adventure will take the vehicles off the bitumen and into the environment that they were built for.

q Navigating rivers will be all part of the fun on the Variety 4WD Adventure.

No sitting for these ducks in Moonee Creek race

By Andrea FERRARI

DREAMING up a fundraising duck race, in which little yellow toy ducks compete in a dash across Moonee Creek, is a brainwave that has paid off spectacularly for the W. Short Hospitality Group.

The Coffs Coast venues managed by the Group - Toormina Hotel, Sawtell Hotel and Moonee Beach Hotel - held their inaugural ‘Great Coffs Duck Race’ on Sunday 12 March.

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.

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“As a group we want to give back to the community we live in on the Coffs Coast and we had this idea for a fun fundraiser and just went with it,” Carl Mower, the Group GM for the three hotels told News Of The Area.

The staff got behind it and sold 250 ducks for $10 at each location, ultimately raising over $8,000.

“We wanted to give back to the community who would benefit the most.

“We looked at the serious housing crisis in Coffs Harbour where people are without accommodation and even a bed for the night.

“We found the Backpack Bed For Homeless charity which produces a backpack bed like a swag.

“And we also looked at youth mental health and chose Beyond Blue.”

Both charities each received 50 percent of the profits made from the duck race.

On the day over 200 people joined the hotel organisers on the bank of the creek and released the ducks to race across the water.

Fun for all ages was had as the duckies vied for the lead.

Winners of first, second and third places received food and beverage vouchers for the hotel group.

“Staff and management from the three venues gave up their Sunday morning to host the event as well as hotel contractors, C & R Project Management, who donated their time to cook the BBQ.

“We are already planning the next duck race, which will be in Spring this year.

“We plan to host two a year to benefit our local community and those less fortunate,” said Carl.

Thanks go to support partners Southern Cross Austereo’s Triple M, Hit FM and the Listnr app.

q The ducks are off, racing to the other side of Moonee Creek.

q W. Short Hospitality Group’s Group Manager Coffs Coast, Carl Mower, Moonee Beach Hotel GM Hugh Gillroy, a Moonee race winner, Toormina Hotel GM Peter Skinner and local kids enjoy the duck races.

q The sausage sizzle at the Duck Race, hosted by C & R Project Management.

q A happy morning for all ages, racing ducks and raising money for the community.

A plum membership

By Andrea FERRARI

IN A tasty bid to tempt curiosity and commitment to their community growing space initiative, CUPS Coffs Inc. (Community Use Permaculture Space) is giving away uncommon native fruit trees to anyone who signs up to become a member on their information day.

Committee members,

representatives and the lead spokesperson for CUPS, Peter ‘Lewie’ Lewis, will be onsite manning a stand where the proposed community growing space will be located at Brian Navin Park.

“Brian Navin Park is behind Park Beach Plaza shopping centre opposite the BigW loading bay; we’ll be there on Saturday 1 April between 10am and 12 noon,”

Peter told News Of The Area.

Telling us more about the lure of the particular plum tree he’s giving away, Peter said, “The Davidson plum (Davidsonia Jersyanna) is a rare rainforest tree that loves shade and happily grows on the south side of buildings.

“It can produce up to 5kg of fruit within a year of planting, under the right conditions.”

Anyone who joins CUPS Coffs Inc on the information day will get a tree seedling free, some advice on getting the best fruity outcome, and maybe a recipe or two.

“Davidson plums are quite sour but make the best jams and also syrups or jellies that have a similar flavour profile to cranberries,” he said.

The other advantage to this endemic variety is its low maximum height of about 3m and the fact that fruit form along the main trunk within easy picking reach.

“The trees traditionally sell for around $20 to $30 so a free seedling with a $10

membership is a bargain,” said Peter.

To get your free tree, go to the information day and sign up.

The plan for CUPS is to offer the opportunity to get good individual outcomes from a shared gardening space.

The space will not only be an opportunity to provide food security, the group is keen to see people learn, swap, cooperate and participate in gaining ways to grow their own food and ways to prepare food.

Using the word ‘space’ rather than ‘garden’ was

chosen to embrace people who are not gardeners.

“The ‘space’ is for cooks, jam makers, beekeepers and people who just love working outdoors with others,” said Peter.

There’s also ‘space’ for people who love to build or work in the workshop fixing and maintaining equipment.

As a community space it can be used for yoga, meditation, musicians, songwriters, teaching, problem solving and social gatherings.

For more information about CUPS send an email to cups.coffs@gmail.com.

q A sour fruit that makes tasty jams and jellies; a free Davidson plum will be given to new members signing up at the CUPS information day.

q The Davidson Plum growing well in shade and southside walls; with free seedlings offered to new CUPS members.

Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race returns

q Pittwater to Coffs 2022 - Mark Bradford, winning skipper. In the hands of Harburg’s long-time skipper Mark Bradford, Black Jack clean-swept the trophies, also winning IRC, ORCi and PHS classes in a race where the weather decided in favour of the big boat.

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Yacht Club, in conjunction with Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, will once again host the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race, which starts on Friday 31 March 2023 off Barrenjoey Headland.

The East Coast Classic event has attracted an increased number of entrants on the 2022 race, with 31 entries to date.

The 27 monohulls will start at 1300 hours and the four multi hulls will start at 1310.

The record of 17 hours 10 minutes 31 seconds is held by the 100ft super maxi Black Jack, but this could be broken by the downwind flyer Andoo Comanche, another 100ft super maxi and the winner of the recent Sydney to Hobart.

Also in contention for the race record is the ORMA 60 REX, a 60ft Trimaran capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The first boat is anticipated to reach Coffs Harbour around 6.30am on Saturday morning, 1 April.

The battle of the smaller boats will be hotly contested.

Many of these boats competed in the 2022 event and have had victories in their division in last year’s Sydney to Hobart race.

This year, nine of the monohull fleet have elected to sail the race with only two people on board in the “double handed” division.

“It’s a challenging task to race a boat 226 nautical miles (418 kilometres) and more so with only two sailors on board,” John Wait, CHYC Commodore told NOTA.

Locals are especially looking forward to seeing the battle between Disko Trooper Contender Sailcloth and Mistral. Mistral is a home favourite, having been constructed by Coffs Harbour locals in 2018-19.

Raced by owner and sailmaker Pierre Gal in the 2019 Sydney to Hobart race, he took out

q Coffs Harbour Yacht Club members Doug Gayford and Chris Holmes welcoming the Pittwater crews in 2022.

all the major prizes in his division.

The battle between the multihulls is also generating a great deal of interest.

“Unfortunately, build-up of sand in the entrance to Coffs Harbour and the draft of some of the larger yachts, such as Andoo Comanche and Whisper, means they will remain offshore,” said John.

They will either stay for a short time

before returning to Sydney or proceed north for the 75th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, which starts on Good Friday.

Spectators can view the yachts from the Coffs Harbour marina break wall and Muttonbird Island or from the Southern Break wall.

Anyone interested in following the race online, can go to www.ybtracking.com, which

Ulong to expand its Health Hub

By Andrea FERRARI

ULONG Mountain Health

Hub is about to expand with an additional treatment space and fit-out, fully funded through grants and numerous donations big and small from the local community.

No-one knows more how valuable the Health Hub up the mountain is, being 60-minutes drive out of Coffs Harbour, than Carol Cleary, a member of Eastern Dorrigo Community (Ulong) Hall and the Showground Committee, and the proprietor of Ulong Café.

“Every week we hear someone in our community telling us how having the Health Hub here has helped them or a family member,” Carol told News Of The Area.

“And now we have all the funding in place to put a DA into Council, hopefully with no more than a sixweek processing time and then the builder can start.”

This expansion to the Health Hub at the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall, which was opened on 14 April 2021, after a five-

year journey of spreading awareness of the need and gaining funding, means a whole new treatment space will be added to complement the existing consultation room.

“Not only will we have the building but now we have the new funding to complete the fit out with essential air con and equipment.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh recently visited the Health Hub to confirm $10,000 in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“Gurmesh has been very supportive of the project all along,” said Carol.

“And we’ve had locals giving us $200 here and there, and one kind customer who donated a much larger sum for his own reasons.”

The local Lowanna builder is ready to go once DA approval gives him the green light.

The Mountain Health Hub in Ulong hall was established two years ago after the village was left without a doctor.

Through the energy

of Carol and locals like her, the hub was built two years ago, to support the efforts of Registered Nurse Lisa from TAFE and her visiting trainee nurses who provided monthly health checks in the hall.

Through an arrangement between Dr Jay Ruthnam from Northside Health in Coffs Harbour, locals are now seen in their own home village on a monthly basis without the need to leave their community.

“We had a local just the other day saying how happy he is that we have the local hub, otherwise he would have had to move away from his home in the village, to be near medical facilities.”

Carol’s daughter Katie Sibio is eager for the new treatment room to be established.

Her dream now is to have pathology services available from the Ulong Health Hub.

“I have a young son

gives the position and speed of each entrant from start to finish.

“Members of the yacht club will be on hand to greet each crew and welcome them to beautiful Coffs Harbour.

“We wish all skippers and crew favourable winds, all the best and look forward to hearing their stories on arrival,” said John.

who requires blood tests frequently,” Katie told NOTA.

“He’s really comfortable seeing Dr Ruthnam near his home and has built a lovely relationship with him and feels safe visiting him at the Hub.

“Last month he saw Dr Ruthnam and pathology had to be booked four days later in Coffs Harbour.

“With an hour-long journey down the mountain and then waiting to see a nurse not known to him,

he was very frightened, and the procedure couldn’t happen.

“We had the long journey back home, only to repeat and try it again the next day when he was calmer,” said Katie.

“Having the ability to have this done at Ulong, in familiar surroundings would be wonderful for not only me, but every other parent on the mountain with children in need of pathology.”

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh (centre) at the Ulong Health Hub with Chair of the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall and Showground Committee, Carol Cleary (right) and committee member Katie Sibio.

Housing crisis the priority for Independent Howe

DESCRIBING the housing crisis facing Australia as a “national disgrace” and “national emergency”, Chippendale’s Lee Howe is standing as an independent for the Upper House in Saturday’s NSW State Election.

Ms Howe said it is a key responsibility of government to ensure access to safe and affordable housing is

available to all, whether they are living in public housing, renting or are purchasing their own home.

“I want to change the mindset when it comes to housing, and I will start by fighting to restore the social housing safety net and strengthening protections for renters,” Howe said.

“People who have secure, appropriate and affordable

housing are happier people.

“They have better health outcomes, better educational outcomes and brighter futures,” she said.

New Zealand-born Howe has spent the past 40 years in Sydney, witnessing first hand the impacts of an eleven percent decrease in NSW social housing stock in the past decade.

“Years of neglect by

Moonee Beach artist enters Sulman Prize

By Andrea FERRARI

WISHING to spread a message on world peace and uniting religions, Moonee Beach artist and songwriter Melanie Ramsey Hale is entering the prestigious Art Gallery of NSW’s Sulman Prize with her painting ‘Velvet Rose’.

The Sulman Prize is awarded for the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project by an Australian artist.

Typically, a subject painting takes its theme from history, poetry, mythology or religion.

“I want to represent world peace through my art, as our world and its religions should come together,” Melanie told News Of The Area.

“We should all live in harmony, especially at present with our human race still fighting.”

She urges viewers to look closely at her Velvet Rose artwork, which includes varied religious symbolism, representing her hope of uniting everyone with love and kindness.

“In just attempting to spread world peace, I have won,” she said.

“All the beautiful colours in the Velvet Rose symbolise that together we are beautiful.”

Velvet Rose is an abstract painting focused on “world peace and religions of our coming together in harmony, and with love”.

Melanie describes her artistic background as having painted “anything and everything”.

“(This includes) a rearing black stallion with the Porsche logo, which I ended up gifting to a gallery owner who owned a Porsche, to family pets and plenty of angels.

“In my past, I have given away the majority of art works to people who said they loved my particular

painting.

“My mother had me sign my paintings as a child as she thought one day I would be a famous artist.”

The Sir John Sulman Prize is an annual art competition, known as the Sulman, with the exhibition of finalists shown in tandem with the Archibald and Wynne Prize exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW, this year on 6 May – 3 September 2023.

The Sulman finalists will be announced on 27 April, with the winner announced on 5 May.

The finalists and winner for the Sulman Prize are judged by an artist selected by the Art Gallery of NSW Trustees.

The 2023

successive governments has seen a significant decrease in the number of social housing homes available, while the waiting list for these homes continues to climb,” Howe said.

Howe is calling for a raft of changes to the way social housing is delivered in NSW, including restoring the social housing net to five percent of total housing stock by 2027, and setting ambitious targets to increase the total amount of social housing stock to ten percent by 2040 and fifteen percent by 2050.

Howe also wishes to see a commitment to building a minimum of 5,000 additional social housing homes each year until the state reaches a long-term target of fifteen percent of total housing stock.

Howe believes fifteen percent of all new developments and subdivisions of fifteen or more dwellings should be reserved for social and affordable housing (including for people over 55), and homes for First Nations people.

Renter and tenant rights are also at the centre of Howe’s platform, with a policy to clearly rewrite the Tenancy Act with new clauses to protect tenants and provide a balanced, equitable and fair system for all.

“Renters are at the mercy of private landlords and have little protection from excessive rent rises

and ‘no grounds’ evictions,” she said.

Amongst her rental policies, Howe would like government to cap rental increases to ten percent, to be applied only at the renewal of an existing rental agreement.

For a full list of Lee Howe’s policies, visit www. vote1homesfirst.com.au/ policies.

installation, video,

q Lee Howe is standing as an independent for the Upper House in Saturday’s NSW State Election.

q Moonee Beach artist Melanie Ramsey Hale is entering the Sulman Prize art competition.

q Almost ready to go to the judge - local artist Melanie Ramsey Hale is entering her artwork, Velvet Rose, in the Art Gallery of NSW’s Sulman Prize 2023.

q Melanie Rasmsey Hale’s original painting that inspired a more detailed treatment of her world peace message.

St Francis Xavier Primary School

St Francis Xavier Primary School is a vibrant and faith-filled Catholic school located in the idyllic beachside town of Woolgoolga. The school boasts extensive outdoor play spaces, immaculately presented and flexible contemporary classrooms and highly skilled and dedicated teachers and support staff. In addition to a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Religious Education, St Francis Xavier is committed to nurturing each child as an individual and provides a variety of programs to cater for the diverse learning needs of all its students.

Parent partnerships are highly valued and encouraged to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child at St Francis Xavier. As such, there are many ways parents can be involved in the school community from

volunteering in the canteen or joining the Parent Forum, to helping out in classrooms or participating in the many activities and special events that take place throughout Prospective families are invited to come along to the Open Day being held on Thursday, March 30 between 9.30 and 11am to enjoy a student-led school tour. The Open Day provides an opportunity for families to see the school facilities, witness a typical day at school, hear from some of the current students and meet the Leadership Team. With Kindergarten enrolments now open and the school taking enrolments in other grade levels as well, the Open Day is a great opportunity to visit and see for yourself, the amazing educational experiences on offer at this impressive school.

SWIFF partners with SBS On Demand

Festival Patron, Australian screen icon Jack Thompson.

Popular films with audiences so far include Paul Mescal Cannes Jury Prizewinning father-daughter drama Aftersun, Ruben Ostlund’s Cannes Palme d’Or winning comedy satire of the ultra-rich in Triangle of Sadness, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated filmmaking family drama The Fabelmans, Rolf de Heer’s Berlinale FIPRESCI Award-winning film The Survival of Kindness (Opening Night is sold out – but regular sessions are available), and Matty Hannon’s West Coast America’s motorbike and horseback travelogue The Road to Patagonia.

SWIFF’23 is proudly presented by Squealing Pig.

The full SWIFF’23 program is out now, with bookings open via the SWIFF iOS and Android mobile apps, and online via www. swiff.com.au.

News Of The Area is giving away six tickets to SWIFF'23.

Please email media@newsofthearea.com. au with your full name, suburb and phone number by 31 March 2023 to be in with a chance to win.

THE Screenwave International Film Festival, Coffs Harbour and Bellingen’s homegrown film and screen celebration, is coming up from April 20 to May 5, and is finding new audiences this year around Australia, thanks to a new partnership with SBS On Demand.

Years in the making, this new partnership will see a dedicated and branded SWIFF program of ten feature films from previous festivals, which you, your neighbour, and

every person around Australia with internet access will be able to stream for free, starting March 30, in the lead-up to SWIFF’23.

Previous festival favourite films such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Drive My Car, Another Round, The Furnace, and Toni Erdman are some of the films that will feature on SWIFF’s dedicated SBS On Demand program, providing a sample for the rest of Australia into our local film and screen culture SWIFF festival

experience, here on the Coffs Coast.

SWIFF’s SBS On Demand streaming program is only a small teaser of the films coming up at SWIFF’23.

A record-breaking 80 different feature films across 140-plus sessions will be coming to the Coffs Coast soon with the festival.

SWIFF’23 will host over 140 feature film screenings and special events across sixteen days, with the festival supported by their

q Kate Howat, SWIFF Artistic Director and Dave Horsley, SWIFF Festival Director on stage at the festival’s Preview Gala program launch event.

OPINIONLETTERS

HYPOTHETICAL Taking a Legal Look OPINION & LETTERS

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au with Jasminda

By Manny WOOD

Will artificial intelligence assist in the afterlife?

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that focuses on the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making and language translation.

In recent years, AI technology has rapidly advanced, and it is now being used across various fields, including education, marketing, healthcare, law and finance.

AI powered legal research has become a tool for clients to further understand their legal issues and potentially draft legal documents, including documents associated with estate planning.

However, providing instructions to draft a simple will into AI (ChatGPT), proved an interesting exercise.

This experiment asked for a will gifting $20,000 to cancer sufferers on the Mid North Coast of NSW and leaving everything else the surviving spouse, but if the spouse had already passed-away, the two children were to receive this spouse’s entitlement.

Using AI resulted in a document that was incomplete and invalid.

The AI-generated will overlooked fundamental requirements, such as the need for two independent witnesses to sign the document.

Additionally, the AI did not consider factors, such as the joint ownership of bank accounts, real estate and other assets.

The will did not address the effect of legislation regarding the death of a child and lacked clarity regarding the charitable gift.

The will made no reference to Executorial powers and did not address the making of gifts to minors.

Furthermore, AI was unable to identify the relevance of a range of other important issues including; whether the will-maker was part of a blended family, superannuation entitlements, and the suitability of the establishment of testamentary trusts.

It is crucial to seek the advice of an experienced legal professional when creating a will to ensure that all of the relevant factors are considered and that the will is appropriate in the client’s particular circumstances and is legally valid.

Thank you to Anthony Fogarty for his assistance with this column.

Email Manny Wood, principal solicitor at TB Law at manny@tblaw. net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

Where is the Coalition's money for the Jetty?

DEAR News Of The Area, GURMESH Singh’s response to Labor’s “bombshell” announcement on 14 March that if Labor was elected in NSW there would be no residential development at the Jetty deserves some analysis.

Gurmesh demanded to know where Labor's costings for its alternative proposals were.

In Labor’s last state budget in NSW, back in 2010, I recall they allocated $45 million with no strings attached to kick off the first stage of the Harbour refurbishment – the repair and rebuild of the Southern breakwall.

In 2011 the responsibility for further progress on the Harbour refurbishment fell to the newly elected Coalition Government.

The first step of the new Government was to make the next stage of the Harbour refurbishment – the upgrade of the Northern breakwall - dependent on funds to be raised from selling off the Jetty Oval,

England’s Park and other Crown land on Coffs creek for over 500 lots of medium density housing.

An outraged public reaction fortunately killed off that hair brained idea.

The Coalition’s draft masterplan for the Jetty Foreshores released last year stated that if there was any money left from servicing and selling off residential blocks east of the railway line it would go to improving recreation facilities at the jetty - an uncertain source of funding indeed.

As “essential public infrastructure” for recreational fishers, the upgrade of the small boat launching ramp was not included under that constraint and the money is still pouring into that never ending fiasco.

You could equally be asked Gurmesh, where are your costings for that?

Regards, Ashley LOVE, Coffs Harbour.

The truth about the native logging industry

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WAS appalled to see our local member (NOTA 17/3/23) deny, avoid and once again roll out the same old statements from the National Party head office in Sydney regarding the logging industry and koalas.

Things are not that rosy Gurmesh.

Here are some facts.

Houses are built from plantation softwood (not native hardwood as claimed) and have been for decades.

There has been a significant increase in logging on the Mid North Coast since 2019 making the statewide statistics misleading.

Forestry Corporation has been found guilty of recent illegal logging in this area.

A Forestry Corporation employee was involved in an assault by logging contractors on a local ecologist and his friend who were on a public road.

Forestry Corporation in collusion with other public agencies have continued harassment of the ecologist and he is

now under ridiculous and onerous bail conditions preventing him from entering any State Forest and conducting his work.

There is NO ‘peer reviewed’ science relating to impacts of the industrial scale logging regime and species conversion of our native forests on koala populations in our area supporting current practice.

The $190 million dollars allocated to the ongoing NSW Koala Strategy that Gurmesh refers to includes a program in which hundreds of thousands of dollars is offered to private landholders to grow koala feed trees on their degraded land, while Forestry Corporation are busy losing public money and destroying established Koala habitat in the adjacent State forests.

This is our current Government’s alternative to protection of our biodiverse native forests and long term public investment in native hardwood plantations.

Because our local member denies there is a local problem and has not fought for it, there is no specific allocation to secure habitat or hospital and research facilities for local koala populations in our

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.

DEAR Jasminda,

IN the upcoming State elections we all need to make a choice.

Last week, after listening to the views of the many local candidates on the subject of Climate Change and what they were prepared to offer this community, I am in a quandary.

Do I vote for the one who reads the script and follows the party line, or the candidate that says the right thing, but doesn’t really commit, or the one who has a fire in the belly and is passionate about making a difference? Possibly knowing that my vote won’t change anything.

Eliza W

Dear Eliza,

GOOD on you for giving your vote so much consideration.

We are in the fortunate position of being able to democratically elect eligible representatives in a relatively civil process.

It's great you've taken the time to listen to the candidates' views and where they stand on something you are passionate about.

Now, I'm not in any position to tell you how to vote, but let's use the good old democracy sausage to guide us.

Eliza, if you were to purchase a democracy sausage, would you want one with a name that doesn't match the ingredients?

Would you like your sausage parachuted in at the last minute?

Would you prefer a better-the-devilyou-know sausage or one you haven't tried before?

Do you want a sausage that considers animal sentience?

Do you throw your sausage away without giving it much thought?

Only you can know what your core values are and which party best represents them.

By looking up the policies of each party in your electorate, you'll be able to make an informed decision.

Thankfully we live in a country where every vote counts.

We should all make the most of that opportunity.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

area of the North Coast, regarded by many as some of the best remaining natural wild populations in the country.

Sadly another lost opportunity for our area Gurmesh.

Regards, Dave

WOOD, Boambee East.

Where is the accountability and transparency?

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS an Australian taxpayer living in Coffs Harbour I find it pretty horrendous to hear our voted-in politicians flippantly talking about using our taxes to influence their local communities at election time.

On the recent Friendlyjordies YouTube

channel I heard a secretly recorded dinner party conversation which included the then Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

My ears pricked up when I heard the name Andrew Fraser used and Coffs Harbour bypass getting tunnels in a potential pork barrelling move.

Closer than you think

DEAR News Of The Area,

SOME Coffs Harbour voters might look at the Nationals’ 2019 winning margin and go “what’s the point?”.

However it’s closer than you might be led to believe.

In the nearby seat of Lismore, the Nationals candidate got just under 40 percent of the primary vote with Labor

A vote for native forests

DEAR News Of The Area.

AS election day looms, may the people of Coffs Harbour spare a considered thought when voting for our Native Forests under threat.

Now, soon, imminent.

For example Pine Creek State Forest alone has eight compartments planned to be logged this year.

Within these plantations, some of which have not been logged for tens of years, forests have evolved to be

predominantly native forest.

Industrial scale logging will see these pockets disappear forever.

A good part of Pine Creek State Forest lies between Bindarri and Bongil Bongil National Parks, both of which, under the former Federal Liberal/National party ironically, were given the honour as being listed as areas of intergenerational significance mainly because of their healthy koala populations.

However it seems our state Nat/Lib counterparts have no such respect as this

In the recorded conversation we hear John Barilaro joking about pork barrelling, which is explained by Friendlyjordies as ‘moving funding around for projects to win electorates that are key to winning elections’.

One pollie is heard saying he’s got to go to the ERC (Expenditure Review Committee) and explain how he’s given $100 million in an election with five days to go … and a suggestion that Singleton needs a new fire station, “I think we’ll be funding that this week” we hear someone say.

In the background you hear pollies

and the Greens tussling for second and third at around 25 percent each. Because both Labor and The Greens encouraged voters to number every square there was a record low exhaustion rate and Labor’s Janelle Saffin was elected with the lowest primary vote in history and a two party preferred vote just over the required 50 percent.

planned logging under their watch shows.

At recent candidate forums and coverage in NOTA indeed it is only the Nat/Libs who are entirely focused on logging without considering what is being logged and where.

‘We need the wood’ has been said at a recent forum.

It doesn’t have to include native forest though, most of which is left as waste after logging.

A timely reminder our koala is endangered.

It and other species rely on having homes and food trees to exist.

Our waterways are also under threat

saying “we’ll pay it if we win, but if we don’t win, we won’t pay.”

The tone is glib and bragging, the content is jaw-droppingly corrupt in my opinion.

Might be worth checking it yourself.

How can our politicians, our public servants, be trusted with our taxes?

Where is the accountability?

Where is the transparency?

And how did Barilaro convince the ICAC he’s not pork barrelling?

From Harrison W, Coffs Harbour.

So the Coffs Harbour Nationals’ primary 2019 vote of 42 percent doesn’t look so comfortable if voters number every square.

Regards, Peter LEWIS, Coffs Harbour.

as logging in other nearby areas is planned in Headwaters. Ecosystems will be severely impacted with loss of valuable carbon sinks if this ‘unprecedented’ large scale planned logging operation goes ahead.

Make your vote count.

Vote for nature and as has been highlighted previously, number all the boxes so your preferences go where they should.

Regards, Angela WALLACE, Bonville.

DEAR News Of The Area,

I NOTE previous correspondence on the subject of the upcoming referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament.

More recent history suggests that since 1788 there has been ongoing oppression, including violence, murder, massacre, dispossession, family separation and in some cases attempted or actual genocide. These historical facts cannot be disputed.

The notion of terra nullius first invoked by Cook in 1770 and reaffirmed by Phillip in 1788 was finally overturned by the landmark decision by the High Court,

Mabo, in 1992.

The Mabo decision followed the May 1967 referendum where 90.77 per cent of Australians voted to change the Constitution so that, like all other Australians, First Nations peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.

It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.

This result signalled a change in the mindset of Australia’s majority.

Change was possible and the fight for more equal outcomes for First Nations peoples continues today.

Nowhere in our Constitution, adopted in 1901, is there any mention of the peoples who inhabited our beautiful continent for at least 60,000 years and who continue to represent the oldest continuous living culture on our planet.

I think this was an oversight given the colonial racism of the times born out by such shameful policies as the White Australia Policy.

Notably and somewhat ashamedly the lowest vote for Yes in 1967 occurred in the Cowper and Oxley NSW electorates.

I believe that this has required our local Federal and State political representatives to work to improve this poor outcome in

Will local leaders support The Voice to Parliament? A question to Sally Townley

DEAR

News Of The Area,

THIS letter is directed to Sally Townley.

At your election campaign launch in February, you claimed that "As an Independent candidate it gives me the freedom to listen to what the community wants, hear their thoughts and advice around local issues and act according to my conscience and intellect…".

How can we take your word on this,

Sally, when as a current Councillor, you ignored the voices of over 15000 local residents who opposed the development of the Yarilla building in Gordon St?

You also requested an accurate costing for this project before you could commit one way or another to it.

To the best of the knowledge of the residents of Coffs Harbour, you never received this figure, but voted in support of it anyway.

Last chance for koalas

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE Friends of Pine Creek state forest are appalled over the proposed logging, in Pine Creek state forest in May.

Koalas have been sighted in these areas recently.

The areas in question to be clear felled, added up are over 100ha (1km by 1km) adding to localised extinction of not only koalas, but many other ground

fossicking mammals.

All of the five compartments border on Bongil Bongil National Park. Bongil Bongil and Bindarri National Park are now classified as “Assets of Intergenerational Significance”, that requires a conservation action plan (CAP), if there is any threat to the koala population.

Clear felling of this area is a threat to the koala population in Bongil Bongil and Bindarri National Park.

I also question the veracity of your statement on the "net decrease in the number of bedrooms” in the proposed Argyll St redevelopment.

Many of the two/three bedroom houses, both in Argyll St and in the Bayldon housing areas, are currently occupied by one person.

Building of one bedroom units to rehouse these people will free up the two/ three bedroom houses, leading to a net increase in the number of bedrooms.

Please check this with Mission Australia, who now oversees what was

This area was logged in 2012 and areas were protected (mixed species regrowth).

The single biggest threat to the koala is recognised as loss of habitat or modification of habitat, logging does both.

Our area is one of the last strongholds for koalas in NSW.

Koalas are a forest dependent animal.

If we are serious about koala conservation, large areas of forest are critical for their survival.

For this reason, we support the Environmental Defenders office call for

the interests of inclusion, harmony and better outcomes for First Nations people.

This responsibility has fallen singularly on the Nationals and their predecessor Country Party who have been elected continuously in both seats since.

I expect that our local political representatives will be at the fore for a yes vote for the Voice referendum.

They have a clear responsibility.

Not to do so may lead to a repeat of the shameful past.

Regards, Paul SEKFY, Yarranbella. once the Housing Commission.

I remind you that as a Councillor, you consistently voted against the Argyll St redevelopment but now, as a candidate in the forthcoming State election, you espouse the need for more low cost social housing in Coffs Harbour.

In the words of a well known federal politician "please explain!”.

Yours sincerely, Graeme DYBALL, Coffs Harbour.

the cessation of Forestry Corporation NSW exemption from prosecution of take/ kill/or injure koalas, and their exemption from prosecution for logging koala habitat. All koala habitat and those areas where koalas are clinging on, must be protected from logging, within our public forests.

These are our forests not the timber industries, let them grow their own trees.

Regards, Friends of Pine Creek.

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM saddened to hear that the application for a reduction of restrictions on the bail requirements for Mark

Graham have been denied and, therefore, he is still restricted in his vital work.

Something is wrong here.

innocence until proven guilty and that, therefore, bail conditions should not be a punishment in and of themselves, other than in cases of the most severe crimes.

detention.

In both circumstances the law seems to have failed Mark Graham.

the harm the restrictions have on Mark, have been ignored by our judiciary.

What is going on here?

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT would be wonderful if we had a free, fair Australia.

In fact, when I was a child I believed that we did indeed have a country that offered a fair go for

My understanding of the law is that everyone has the presumption of all.

I wonder how much Aboriginal history those of us who are now in our retirement years have had the opportunity to read.

We were certainly not taught it at school and growing up, England was the ‘Mother Country’,

I also understand that the law says we all have the right to be free from arbitrary arrest and

Something wrong with Mark Graham decision Shattered Dreams

inspiring undying loyalty in our young hearts.

The reality was, and still is, that we are a divided country.

The crowded gaols including the incarceration of young children, horrifying levels of Aboriginal deaths in custody and so many

Hearnes Lake dying

DEAR News of the Area, SANDY Beach has been my home for the past 34 years.

During this period, I have witnessed the environmental demise of our rural area to the west of the highway.

The valleys to their ridge tops have been subjected to uncontrolled vegetation clearing, hillsides ripped apart with no regard to runoff and sediment control, ugly white netting and igloos covering huge areas

of land along with the uncontrolled use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers.

Recently, the EPA linked fish kills in Hearnes Lake to the on-farm use of toxic pesticides such as chlorpyrifos.

Then a study of Hearnes Lake carried out by the Southern Cross University found levels of nitrogen 100 times the national guideline and a 40-fold increase in phosphorus in lake sediments since 2002.

Now we have Maxine Rowley’s Hearnes

Like Mark, or not, agree with saving our environment, or not, I think we all need to look at this recent verdict, where multiple academics and others have proven deaths from domestic violence, nearly always women, that they are not even reported in the media.

This speaks of a situation which would not be tolerated in nonIndigenous society.

Tragically, Indigenous led programs which work can be arbitrarily shut down when funding ceases due to a change of

for action

Lake pesticides study confirming the presence of numerous toxic chemicals in rainfall runoff, coming from surrounding farmland, into catchment waterways flowing directly into Hearnes Lake, part of our Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP).

To add to the woes of Hearnes a recent dieback event devastated shoreline vegetation including salt marsh and mangroves, was caused by the many dams in the catchment reducing normal cleansing flows into the lake.

The NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) has control over fishing (which includes marine parks), agriculture and biosecurity and food safety to name a few.

Why hasn't the DPI taken action to stop toxic pesticides and nutrients escaping from this industrial scale agriculture and polluting the waterways flowing into our marine park?

Does the DPI believe its duty of care stops at the farm gate?

Is the DPI suffering

First responders valued at Nana Glen

By Andrea FERRARI

A CALL-OUT for volunteer

First Responders by the Nana Glen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in early March caught the eye of Missy Allen, whose family are forever grateful for the speedy response of the team and their dedicated emergency vehicle.

Missy contacted News Of The Area to share how this service touched her and her family's life.

In May 2022, Missy, daughter of local Nana Glen residents, ran the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon in Sydney to raise money for the Nana Glen First Responders.

She did this in memory of her beloved mother and best friend, Adrienne Langman.

Missy raised $850 in gratitude for the work done by the Nana Glen First Responders who attended her mother on 7 November 2021, when Adrienne was in urgent need of oxygen while receiving palliative care in the last hours of her life.

Missy’s sister, Katie, was frantically driving up from Sydney while the rest of the family was at Adrienne’s bedside.

“Without the First Responder’s presence, my mother would have missed seeing my sister arrive and my sister would have missed some of the last moments of my mum’s consciousness,” Missy told NOTA.

“Without the aid of the Nana Glen First Responders my mother may have experienced distress in those final hours but instead, due to this priceless local service manned only by generous volunteers, in my mother’s final hours she was able to feel safe and supported by

receiving the oxygen she needed.

“While we miss Mum beyond words, we are forever grateful for the

How might this affect any of us when someone in a Government department does not like the noise we are making?

When Mark proves innocent of the charges government.

It is true that as Des Foley says, there is no plan B for a no vote to the voice (NOTA March 3). For many years Indigenous leaders have been advocating for a voice enshrined in the constitution, that will enable the people who are affected by legislation to take part in the formulation of programs and laws from conflicts of control?

Does the DPI know what sustainable agriculture is?

Farming of crops, that require huge amounts of toxic chemicals and fertilizer to be profitable, to the detriment of our waterways and our own personal health, is unsustainable!

Who's in charge?

It's about time something was done to start protecting our environment and reverse this toxic madness!

Hearnes Lake (and its shoreline) is or should be a safe home to a plethora

I sincerely hope the compensation he receives is generous and that those who have conspired to stop his vital work are held to account.

Sincerely, Cheryl COOPER. which they are presently barred.

This speaks to me of inclusiveness, not separateness and is anything but divisive.

No plan B?

Only broken hearts and shattered dreams.

Regards, Margaret ENGLAND, Toormina.

of native fauna and flora. The lake should be a healthy breeding ground for various species of fish, prawns, birds and macroinvertebrates. Hearnes Lake should be a safe place for locals and visitors to indulge in recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing and swimming.

Hearnes Lake is not dead, but it nearly is! Hearnes Lake and our waterways are dying for action!

Regards, Ian FOSKETT, Sandy Beach.

support of the Nana Glen First Responders.

“This service is vital for our local community.

“It is such meaningful

work these volunteers provide that literally transform precious moments for individuals like my mum and families like mine.”

November 2021.

Adrienne passed peacefully with her family around her on 8

q Missy Allen in happy times with her mum, Adrienne Langman, whose last hours were made more comfortable thanks to the attention of volunteers from Nana Glen Community Emergency Response Team.

Learn from Coffs Coast food producers

By Andrea FERRARI

LOCAL food producers are uniting in a culinary collaboration organised by local food tour operator Awia Markey.

Dedicated to shining the light on local food producers, Awia hopes the event will drive interest in the Coffs Coast as a destination of delectable freshly grown and made fare.

On Saturday 29 April during a gourmet two-course lunch, provided by Wylde Oak Café, four local food producers will tell their food stories, in conversation with Awia, who is also food reviewer for Harbour magazine.

The local specialist producers will be talking about their expertise across four topics: chocolate, black garlic, Afghan cuisine and organic farming.

“As owner of Bite Food Tours, it’s vital for me to

visit cafés and meet local producers,” Awia told News Of The Area.

“I’m a food lover and through my foodie research for tours, I’ve discovered our area continues to offer fantastic produce, passionate suppliers, and low food miles.”

The idea behind the Coffs Food Lovers Long Lunch is for the audience to meet the people behind their products and learn how to use them, in a relaxed and conversational interview format.

Wylde Oak Café chefs Ben Wilson and Scott Tarlinton will serve dishes from their autumn menu.

Catherine Scarborough, founder of Catherine’s Black Garlic, lives in the Orara Valley where she creates Black Garlic from both Russian and Elephant garlic.

Black Garlic contains more antioxidants than regular garlic and has a rich,

creamy texture that can be spread on bread like butter.

It is slightly sweet, tangy, and savoury.

Black Garlic is ready to eat or cook with and Catherine will discuss its flavour profile, and how you can use this unique umami flavour to enhance your home cooking.

Known as the Chocolate Dr, Dave Ricko is a Coffs Harbour chocolatier who

what he calls “enhanced chocolate”.

From chai flavoured white chocolate, Kraken flavoured dark chocolate, or chocolate bars containing Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Dave’s kitchen is full of new chocolate ideas and inspirations, using single origin cocoa grown in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Dave will share his passion for chocolate creation

and describe the process of bean to bar chocolate.

Sapphire Beach farmers

Alice Williams and Darren Smith, who run their fivegeneration-family-owned New Life Farm in Wakelands Road, will discuss ‘what do farmers eat for lunch and what’s it like to be a farmer in 2023?’.

Regenerative farmers

Alice and Darren have a busy farm shop on site and their super fresh farm produce is eaten by many people on the Coffs Coast.

The pair will discuss the highs and the challenges of

Coffs Coast adults needed for clinic weight loss trial

By Andrea FERRARI

RESEARCHERS at Southern Cross University’s (SCU) National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine are calling for generally healthy adults in the Coffs Harbour region to join a clinical trial for weight loss.

The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the

q Rhona Locke, franchisee at Price Attack Toormina, is looking to the retiree community to fill vacancies.

herbal supplement in aiding overweight Australians to lose weight.

It is well documented that being overweight has been found to increase the risk of health conditions such as heart and cardiovascular disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, kidney issues and

osteoarthritis.

Lead investigator Dr Janet Schloss says there is a collective global movement to find ways to assist people to lose weight with many companies developing products to try to assist, however there is still limited data on the efficacy of certain formulas.

“Losing weight can be a

very difficult and frustrating experience for a lot of people and it is common for those trying to lose weight to try many different diets, exercise regimes and products, often with little success and sustainability.

“This trial offers an opportunity for people who are overweight to try a new product which may assist them in losing weight in conjunction with nutrition information and exercise consultation,” says Dr

Schloss.

The trial will last for sixteen weeks, with participants visiting a local health practitioner once a month for four months.

For Coffs Harbour participants, practitioners are available at Marisa’s Naturopathic Wellness in Moonee Beach.

Participants will receive either an active product or a placebo treatment which is designed to have no therapeutic value, but is similar in look, taste and smell to the active treatment being used.

farming and what drew them into the world of microbes, muddy boots, and low food miles.

Zarin Asady from Silk Road Afghan supermarket will talk about Afghan cuisine and how to use the ingredients.

Run with Zarin’s partner, Sayed Maseh, the store stocks a diverse range of ingredients, including fresh baklava home made by Zarin, who is a passionate cook.

Zarin will describe the culture of her homeland of Afghanistan, and its cuisine from a woman’s perspective.

“There’s a Q and A at the end for any foodie questions, and there will be a Lucky Door Prize that includes gourmet samples,” added Awia.

“My aim is to support local food producers and promote the Coffs Coast as a food tourism destination.”

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ bitetours/ or connect on Instagram: www.instagram. com/bitefoodtours/ @ bitefoodtours.

For more information about how to participate, visit https://bit.ly/ weightlossstudy23.

This study has been funded by Pharmacare, a health and wellness product manufacturer.

This research has been approved by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee, SCU/HREC no. 2021/033. Participants must be in generally good health, but considered overweight (BMI between 25 and 30), aged 18-60 years, open to men and women.

Salon owner looks to retirees to fill staff vacancies

By Andrea FERRARI

STRUGGLING to fully staff her business, a Coffs Harbour salon and shop owner is thinking outside the box on filling employee vacancies, looking to the region’s older workforce for answers.

Rhonda Locke, who opened Price Attack in Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre in 2022, is hoping to utlise the time-gained skills of the Coffs Coast’s retiree community.

“I am hopeful there are retired hairdressers in the region who could help me meet the market,” she said.

Rhonda understands not everyone wants to work full time so is meeting the market with flexible work hours and shifts, combined with upskilling, through simple and rewarding onboarding and training

experiences.

“There is a wealth of underutilised talent out there, hairdressers who have stopped working for various reasons from single mums or dads, struggling to find work around school hours to baby boomers who no longer want to work fulltime,” she said.

“Those are just two examples of lifestyles that would be a great fit for our business.”

The salon owner said she had been looking for staff for six months on various job platforms.

“Fortunately, we are operating with some parttime and casual staff but meeting demand really means we need more permanent

staff.

“While I would love to have full time staff, casual staff are critical to meeting the market at this time,” she said.

Rhonda pointed out that being a franchise model, when you support a Price Attack salon, you support a local business and support local families.

“The community has been very supportive, visiting the store to buy all their hair care products.

“Everyone wants Price Attack to stay so they want me to be successful.

“I’ve assured them I’ve signed a very long lease so I’m not going anywhere.”

q Awia Markey, founder of Bite Food Tours, hopes her foodie Long Lunch will help further drive Coffs as a culinary destination.

q Catherine Scarborough, founder of Catherine’s Black Garlic. Photo: And The Trees Photography.

q Darren Smith who, with Alice Williams, runs New Life Farm and fresh produce shop at Sapphire Beach.

q Known as the Chocolate Dr, Dave Ricko will talk about all things choccie. Photo: Awia Markey.

q Zarin Asady from Silk Road Afghan supermarket discusses Afghan cuisine and how to use the ingredients.

Stunning beachside home and substantial shed

Address: 9a Alpini Place, Sapphire Beach NSW

2450

Price: Auction

Beds: 3, Bath: 3, Car: 4

Land size: 747.1 sqm

LOCATED at the end of a cul-de-sac, in a popular beachside suburb, this property boasts two separate driveways, servicing both the contemporary residence and a substantial shed with its own double carport.

Offering an ideal home base for a local tradesperson, artist or hobbyist, the 18 metre x 8 metre shed zone

incorporates easy off-street covered parking for a work vehicle, caravan or boat.

The industrial-style shed is lined with plywood and has an insulated ceiling and walls.

It also offers high mezzanine storage and there is potential to purchase the property with existing substantial equipment.

When it comes to the home, this stunning property has first class presentation, and the residence has been substantially improved by the current owners.

Lush, contemporary

plantings border the front courtyard wall, with pedestrian access next to the double garage leading to a timber front entry deck, along with an entertainer’s tranquil sanctuary.

A swim spa, heat pump, has been sited with easy access to the expansive covered entertaining deck nearby.

Dual corner sliding doors provide wide access into the open plan living

area inside – this is true indoor/outdoor living in style.

A tranquil blue glass splashback offers a signature feature in the kitchen, with the seaside colours echoed in the front panelling of the nearby custom-crafted wet-bar.

The kitchen also has a wide, front island with stone bench top, which has proved ideal for dinner preparation and as a hub

for informal gatherings –not to mention the ideal grazing platter destination.

The master with A/C, ensuite and walk-in-robe, the second bedroom and family bathroom are all on this entry level, while downstairs, there is another bedroom plus a living room.

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

Amazing property with first class presentation

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.

Home Open Sat 25/03 11.30am – 12.15pm

For Sale – $895,000.00 Scott

Boambee East 24A Lady Belmore Drive

Low-maintenance property, perfectly suited to downsizers, retirees or a great alternative to aged care/retirement homes

spacious bedrooms, all with built in robes

drive to Sawtell Village & Toormina Shopping Centre

easy to traverse block with manageable rear & front yards

to Bus Stop for access to local shops, medical centre, etc

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

renovated kitchen and large outdoor entertainment

Fantastic coastal home with mountains views, 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 100m to Richardson oval and a short walk to Sawtell Public School

Spacious family sized home close walking distance

to Sawtell Main Street, Beach and Public School

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

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

•

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

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

1.85 hectare

Boambee Valley Beauty

•

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

Land

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

Sawtell Stingers cap off undefeated season with grand final win

By Aiden BURGESS

THE SAWTELL Stingers have capped off a memorable season with a grand final victory to win the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s under 12s premiership.

The Stingers finished their season unbeaten, conquering all comers including the Macksville Bulls by 48 runs in their grand final at Toormina Oval.

The Sawtell Stingers opened the batting in the T20 season decider and scored 5/89 from their 20 overs.

Busby Hibberd top scored with 15, while Jaybien Johnson finished on 13 not out.

The Stingers bowlers then rose to the occasion restricting the Bulls to 8/41, with Fin Bath the standout taking 3/9 from two overs.

Stingers coach Glen Johnson said last season’s rain affected season had been a motivating factor for his side.

“Last season we only played six games and we had a good side that I thought would win it, just the season got washed away,” he said.

“Heading into this season,

I told the kids we were the sleeping giant, and I thought we would do well this season.

Johnson shared how his side were able to remain unbeaten for the entire season.

“They want to win, that’s the ultimate for them, and we’ve got a good balanced team,” he said.

“We’ve got four or five really good players, and the others feed off them.

“At training these players are facing the best bowlers in the competition, which helps them.

“They are a real selfless team and they do what’s best for the team and whatever it takes to win.”

Bellingen/Dorrigo won the under 16s grand final beating

the Coffs Colts by 19 runs in their grand final at Dorrigo. Bellingen/Dorrigo opened the batting with a score of 8/103 from their 20

overs, with Jamison Dawes finishing unbeaten on 50. The home side then got the job done with the ball restricting the Coffs Colts to

5/84 from 20 overs.

Patrick Rose top scored for the Colts with a knock of 31. Macksville Bulls won

Coffs bodyboarder fundraising to compete internationally

By Andrea FERRARI

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Ryan

Hill-Smith has his sights set on competing on this year’s IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.

A Coffs Coast Bodyboarding Association member, the first event Ryan hopes to enter is the Maldives Pro, taking place from 3 to 12 August 2023.

With a track record of wins and places in Australian

competitions, he’s confident of making a success of his entry and is asking the Coffs Coast to support him in raising funds to help with travel costs and race entry fees.

Ryan has a fundraising page on the Australian Sports Foundation website - www. asf.org.au/projects/ryan-hillsmith-bodyboarding-worldtour-maldives-pro.

“I am a part of the local Coffs Coast Bodyboarding

Association which has helped me progress in the sport to a national level.

“I have competed in Australia’s best bodyboarding events and have got some amazing results.

“I have also competed across multiple divisions ie Junior Mens, Open Mens and Dropknee.

“Throughout the year I have also been travelling to and free surfing awesome locations like Yamba,

Newcastle and Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast.

“I love discovering new places and making new friends in the water.”

Ryan said he aims to compete in all the same events again this year, with eyes also on the international scene.

“I also want to travel and compete to be the Pro Junior Men's Champion of the 2023 IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.”

the under 14s premiership beating Nana Glen White by 43 runs in their grand final at Macksville.

q Sixteen-yearold Ryan Hill-Smith is fundraising to compete on the IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.

As a requirement to be crowned Pro Junior Men's Champion, Ryan will need to compete in at least two events to qualify.

“I am planning to travel to the Maldives to compete in the Maldives Bodyboard Pro from 3 to 12 of August 2023 as my first event.

“I am fundraising to

assist with travel costs and competition expenses.”

If successful in his first goal, Ryan said his second event will be the Gran Canaria Fronton King, running from 12 to 27 October 2023.

Ryan is in year 11 at Bishop Druitt College and lives in North Boambee Valley.

“I think they were disappointed with how last season ended up, and I think that really motivated them.”

q Sawtell Stingers celebrate their grand final win.

q Ryan Hill-Smith has enjoyed strong results in Australian bodyboarding competitions.

q With his sights set on competing in the Maldives in August, bodyboarding talent Ryan Hill-Smith has launched a fundraiser for expenses.

Northern Heat teams impress on the Gold Coast

q The Northern Heat Colts.

By Aiden BURGESS

NORTHERN Heat representative teams have shown juniors from regional areas can match it with their metro counterparts with two outstanding performances on the Gold Coast last weekend.

In stiflingly hot and humid conditions both Heat teams played a positive, attacking brand of footy against teams that were up to eighteen months older than them.

In the first match of the day, the Northern Heat Futures Under 16 team started strongly against the Broadbeach Cats Under 17.5 team to post two majors and hold their opponents scoreless in the opening term.

The Cats worked their way back into the match in the second quarter to see the Heat lead by four points at the long break.

The humid conditions took their toll on the Heat

players in the third quarter who were unable to hit the scoreboard as Broadbeach posted three majors.

The kids from Northern NSW showed great resilience in the final term to kick the last three scores of the match. Trailing by 22 points, fatigued, and up against older and stronger players, it would have been easy to concede defeat, but the Heat players dug deep and ran the match out far the stronger against their more experienced opponents.

The Broadbeach Cats ran out 14-point winners, kicking 7.6 (48) to the Northern Heat Futures 5.4 (34).

The Northern Heat Colts Under 18 team started slowly against Coolangatta Blues Under 19, and trailed by 10 points at the quarter time break.

From that point on, the team found their stride and won each of the next three

quarters. It was in the third term that the group really hit their stride and played their best footy, kicking five goals against just one for the Blues.

What made the performance all the more impressive was the fact that

the Colts team were low on numbers due to player unavailability, so six of the Futures team doubled up.

This was a herculean effort by these players considering the weather and the conditions and saw the vast majority struggling with

cramps late in the match.

The Northern Heat Colts won by 31 points, with the Colts kicking 12.4 (76) to the Coolangatta Blues 6.9 (45).

Northern Heat Program Manager Paul Taylor said that the Gold Coast matches were about focusing on performance rather than results.

"The result was immaterial for us as the matches were all about the performance,” he said.

“We asked the team to play a system and the individuals to perform a role, and both of those elements shone through.

"We couldn't have asked for a better effort against much older teams.

“Both the Coolangatta Blues and Broadbeach Cats were extremely impressed with our group and are keen to continue to build the relationship in future years.

“Great performances by both Northern Heat teams against their Gold Coast opponents saw them make a

Group 2 Rugby League season to kick off in April

The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, 10 September, with Group 2 grand finals to be held at

By Aiden BURGESS

THE latest Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League season is set to kick off in April, but without one of last year's powerhouse clubs.

Last season’s minor premiers and runners up Orara Valley Axemen have chosen not to enter a first grade team this season.

Eight teams will contest the latest Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League first grade season after the release of the draw for the 2023 season.

This year's season kicks off on Sunday, 23 April, with opening round matches in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Grafton, and Nambucca Heads.

South Grafton Rebels

begin their premiership defence in Coffs Harbour when they take on the Coffs Harbour Comets at Geoff King Motors Oval.

Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo

Magpies return to Group 2 competition after a year off, with their comeback game in front of home fans when they play host to the Macksville Sea Eagles.

Nambucca Heads Roosters kick off their season at home against the Woolgoolga Seahorses, while Sawtell Panthers travel to take on the Grafton Ghosts in the opening round.

The 2023 Group 2 season will feature 14 rounds with the finals series getting underway on Saturday, 19 August.

q South Grafton Rebels begin their premiership defence in Coffs Harbour.

the C.ex Coffs International Stadium for the first time in the competition’s history.

Two bye rounds will be

mighty impression on their older adversaries.”

The Gold Coast matches conclude the Northern Heat program for 2022/2023.

The next round of Heat programs will commence at season's end and anyone interested in being considered must make themselves available for selection into the North Coast Force representative program.

The Northern Heat representative AFL program comprises the best players from the North Coast and North West regions in Under 16 and Under 18 squads.

Players are selected into the program based on their performance at the Northern NSW Challenge.

This off-season program exists to extend the representative pathway for the players of the regions and provide them with a further avenue to build their game ahead of transitioning towards senior footy.

held on 14 May, and 16 July, which will provide options to play washout games.

No games are scheduled for the Royal Birthday Long Weekend on Sunday, 11 June.

q The Northern Heat Futures.

Lionesses take out 43rd Challenge Cup

By David WIGLEY

COFFS United Lionesses

won the Challenge Cup after defeating reigning community football champions Urunga 2-0 in the final.

After two days of football at Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads the Women’s Open final came down to reigning

premiers and grand final winners Urunga and the new kids on the block, the Coffs United Lionesses.

The Lionesses have invested in youth with a team full of teenagers playing a brand of expansive football.

Ally Gadd opened the scoring for the Lionesses after a determined run and

q The Women’s Open final came down to last year’s community football grand final winners, Urunga and the emerging talent of Coffs United.

cool finish.

Tahliyah Sambrook scored a wonder goal from 35 yards out, smashing the ball into the top corner to cap off a stellar weekend for the Lionesses.

Coffs United women’s coach Nathan Silvy was delighted to start the season with a trophy.

“The Nambucca Cup was a great way for the girls to start

Tigers too strong in Challenge Cup

By David WIGLEY

COFFS Coast Tigers won the 43rd Challenge Cup defeating Port Macquarie United 1-0 last weekend at Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads.

In a very competitive match, it took one moment of genius to unlock the

Port United defence which ultimately won the Cup for the Tigers.

Marcus Field played the ball to Ethan Sechi who avoided the offside trap making a timely run from his own half.

Sechi sprinted towards goal and then squared the ball to Marcus Field who

their season,” he said.

“I was very impressed with both squads on the way we played football and the progression we made over the weekend.

“A big thanks must go to Nambucca Football Club for providing such a well run tournament.

“Moving forward we have a few more trial games for the girls to play so we will be

looking to build on our style of play. “The girls are excited for the season ahead and can’t wait for the first game to kick off,” Silvy said.

For several years, women’s football in the region has been dominated by heavyweights Urunga and Boambee but the growth of female football has seen juniors making the successful transition to senior football

and challenging the status quo.

At the ripe old age of 20-years-old, Lionesses skipper Jordan Maddalena is one of the senior members of the squad helping juniors with their transition to senior football.

The football season kicks off with a bang on 22 April with new teams on the rise.

ran the length of the pitch to score the winner.

In a competitive tournament, last year’s Men’s Open winners West Pymble from Sydney were restricted to playing in the Consolation Final.

Tigers and Port United both had tough routes to the grand final.

Tigers defeated old rivals Coffs United Lions in the first semi-final whilst Port Macquarie United eventually defeated

Macleay Valley Rangers on penalties.

Tigers captain and goalkeeper Luke Kleindienst applauded the team’s effort in hot conditions.

“Long weekend, very hot but very successful for our boys.

“I’m proud of all the lads as they put in so much effort and time but we were there for one goal and with persistence we got what we went for.

“Special mention to the players who came down to help when short with numbers and did an outstanding job.”

The Tigers continue to build towards the community football season which kicks off after Easter on 22 April.

“Now we’ll go back to training and start focusing on our next goal which is the season,” said Kleindienst.

q Coffs United Lionesses win the 43rd Challenge Cup.

q Coffs Coast Tigers win the Men’s 43rd Challenge Cup.

q Port United (green) and Coffs Coast Tigers (orange) competed for every ball.

Coffs Harbour Oztag teams take on state’s finest

By Aiden BURGESS COFFS Harbour’s best Oztag

players have once again tested themselves against the state’s finest teams.

The Coffs Harbour Cavaliers teams took on the best the state had to offer at the NSW Senior State Championships in Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour had four teams in this year's NSW State Championships, competing in the women’s open, men’s open, mixed senior, and mixed open divisions.

Scott Grace and Luke Wenban were the player/ coaches of the Coffs Harbour mixed senior team.

As well as the tough challenge of taking on the state’s best sides, the Coffs mixed team found themselves short-handed heading into the State Championships.

“We had four players injured leading into the last week, and a player who snapped his achilles in the local men’s grand final on the Tuesday night before it,” Wenban said.

“So, we were still ringing round for players on Thursday night, the night before the State Cup.”

Grace said it was just another challenge for Coffs

Valleys Cricket and Harwood to play off in Premier League grand final

By Aiden BURGESS

THEY have been the two standout sides this season.

Now Valleys Cricket and Harwood will play off for the ultimate prize during this weekend’s grand final

of the North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season.

Valleys Cricket will play host to Harwood at Macksville’s Phillip Hughes Oval.

Valleys Cricket earnt

The Master!

for the long jump in his 7074 age bracket.

He also excelled at previous Australian Masters Athletics Championships, having won five silver medals last year in Brisbane, and four gold and two silver medals in Perth in 2018.

The Australian champion shared the key to being a successful athlete at a senior age.

“You’ve just got to keep moving and get off the couch,” he said.

“Keeping active is the key, and I do a lot of walking and I chop wood, as I live on two and a half acres which I walk on.

“There are athletes who are older than me in their 80s and 90s, and a woman in her 100s, and it inspires you to keep going.”

The world-rated athlete encouraged those in the community to give athletics a go.

“Being a member of the Woolgoolga Senior

Athletics Club, we are always looking at ways to increase our membership and encourage other people who are over 30 years of age to get off the couch and give athletics a go,” he said.

“I am sure there are people out in our community who would give it a go if they firstly knew that senior athletics clubs exist and just how large the Masters Athletics scene is.

“For example, we have Country Championships, State Championships, National Championships as well as World Championships and a website based on world masters rankings.”

Woolgoolga Senior Athletics Club plays host to a wide range of running, jumping, throwing, and walking events at the Woolgoolga Sports Ground, each Monday afternoon from 4:20pm to 6:30pm during the summer sports season.

The club welcomes anyone interested in having a bit of fun, fitness, and a social event each Monday afternoon during the summer, or anyone looking to better their athletics skills and reach the next level.

hosting rights for this season’s grand final after finishing as minor premiers, then beating Harwood by two wickets in their semifinal earlier this month.

Harwood qualified for this season’s decider with

a 34-run win against the Northern Districts Rebels in their preliminary final at Harwood Oval.

Harwood successfully defended their opening total of 164, bowling out the Rebels for 130 to earn a grand final spot.

Ben McMahon was the best of the Harwood bowlers

taking 4/39 from his 14.1 overs.

Luke Cox top scored for the Rebels with 47, while Taj Dosanjh had a knock of 44.

Ben McMahon also starred with the bat, top scoring for Harwood with 55 in a man of the match performance.

Valleys Cricket will be

teams to overcome at their home event.

“Every year we feel we are getting one step closer, but then we take three steps back which is hard,” he said.

“Some sides have 60 players to choose from, whereas we only have 16.”

Grace said the mixed senior team had formed a familiar bond.

“Most of the team have played together for the past three to four years, and at a few State and National Championships,” he said.

“We all play together in the local competition, and we play together in teams on Tuesday nights,” he said.

Through the annual hosting of state and national events, both Cavaliers players believed that Coffs Harbour Oztag was growing.

“The seniors are improving every event, and the juniors have shown improvements as well,” Grace said.

“We are starting to make inroads into becoming a bigger association.”

“Coffs Harbour Oztag is getting bigger and bigger,” Wenban said.

looking for the club’s first Premier League title since entering the competition in 2019, while Harwood look for their first title since winning the 2018/19 season.

Valleys Cricket and Harwood have met four times this season, with Valleys Cricket having won their past three matches after Harwood were victorious in Round 1.

q David Kennedy in action at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships.

q The Coffs Harbour Cavaliers mixed senior team.

COFFS COAST

Safety Beach Women’s Golf Club

By Marilyn ELY

ON Tuesday 14 March

thirty two ladies braved the heat and played a combined Coloured Ball 18 hole stableford and Shootout qualifier on Safety Beach golf course.

Only two coloured ball teams of four players completed their game with the coloured ball they started with.

Winning team was Lyn Reilly, Teresa King, Kim

C.ex Coffs Bowls Club

By Mary BUCKLEY

A BUSY couple of weeks with two teams heading off to Stuarts Point to play in the

Coffs Harbour Golf

Club Ladies

By Helen RHODES

TUESDAY 14 March - Single Stableford 9 Hole Comp. with 25 starters Jenny Malouf 17 c/b, Gail McDonald 17 c/b. NTP’s - 22nd Gail McDonald,

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

MARCH 15 - Howard St

Rimfire Range. The 30m Field Class match was conducted with 33 participants.

Master Grade: Jake Buckley

95.8, Alan Phillips 93.6, Ben R 91.3, A Grade: Daniel Finlay 95.6, Andrew Ryan

94.9, Phillip Payne 93.6, Jon Brown 90.7, Stuart D 79.4, B

Grade: Cooper Lawlor 88.6, Johan Greyling 88.2, Leo Lawlor 86.5, Member-677

Coffs Harbour Golf Club Monday Vets

By Vicki SILVER

RESULTS Coffs Harbour Golf

Club Monday Vets Monday

20th March 2023

40 members played a 9 hole Single Stableford.

Winners:

Gents

Roger Martin 21

Trevor Bissett 20

Les Rollins 18 c/b

Keith Mellalieu 18 c/b

Ladies

Coffs Table Tennis Club

By Dale ALLEN

TABLE Tennis Results –

Friday, 17 March, 2023

Group A (D1 and D2)

Reece Baker d Dale Allen 3/0, Gerard Martin d Ann Joy 3/0, Robert Campbell d Colin Deng 3/1, Troy Prystasz d Steve Frawley 3/0.

Division 1

Reece Baker d Troy

Area

Batty and Michelle Merrikin with 27pts, runners-up Merryl Kyburz, Karen Bellamy, Leanne Clark and Lexine Bailey 24pts.

Winner of the shootout qualifier was Julie Castle 39pts, runner-up Leanne Clark 36pts.

Two new members of our club, Julie Castle and Michelle Merrikin were welcomed and recognised for their competent play on the day.

Unfortunately I don’t have the NTP winners and apologize sincerely to those winners.

District Fours Championship as well as getting our Club Singles Championships happening. No success with our District Fours Teams but there is always next year!

26th (Pro Pin) Jo Gal, Jenny Malouf.

Wednesday 15 MarchLadies Club Championships Round 2 - Stroke Event with 87 starters A Grade - Tracey Kean (17) 70, Dallas Lamb (14)

71. B Grade - Annelies Voorthuis (26) 72, Liz Quinn (26) 75. C GradeElizabeth Brown (39)

84.4, Craig Artysko 82.4, Ashley R 80.2, Noel Furness

71.2, Gary McKinnon 66.0, C Grade: Matt Walsh 87.5, Jonathon Mackay 83.4, Sarah Jones 82.2, Geoff H 76.3, Kevin Mackay 75.1, Hugh

N 71.3, Jessica Hancock

71.1, Thomas James 70.3, Sam Harrigan 65.1, Michael Paul 61.1, Member-740

61.0, Luke C 58.1, Matthew Mawby 57.0, Mitch Upton

51.0, Visitors: Mason Beale

68.1, Fiona Mackay 67.2, Nicholas Bell 64.2, OPEN

SIGHTS: Ashley R 95.2, Matt Walsh 89.1, Ben R 88.4, Daniel Finlay 85.1, Kevin

Joan Levingston 19 c/b

Bev Miles 19

Jean O’Connor 18

Vicki Silver 17 c/b

Ball Comp:

Frank Ryan 18

Jeff Howlett 17 c/b

Frank Buckley 17

Ros Bennett 17c/b

Kirsty Arthur 17

Marilyn Waterhouse 16 c/b

Nearest the Pins:

3rd hole Jean O’Connor & John Miles

6th hole Vicki Silver & Trevor Bissett.

Prystasz 3/1, Gerard Martin d Robert Campbell 3/1, Troy Prystasz d Robert Campbell 3/0, Reece Baker d Gerard Martin 3/1. WINNER: Reece Baker from Gerard Martin.

Division 2

Dale Allen d Steve Frawley 3/0, Colin Deng d Ann Joy 3/0, Steve Frawley d Ann Joy 3/1, Dale Allen d Colin Deng 3/2. WINNER: Dale Allen from Colin Deng. Group B (D3 and D4)

King McKie d Boyd

SPORTS RESULTS

Don’t forget to watch the notice board and nominate for visits you may wish to participate in. There are many lovely courses to visit and friendships to make.

Pro Terry is able to give lessons and provide clothing and equipment and can be contacted at the Pro Shop.

There is a 9 hole 2 Person Ambrose playable on Thursdays, just make sure you nominate if you wish to play.

Come and join our very friendly club.

The Major Singles was a play-off with Sue Wilson and Brenda Fane. Brenda was the winner for 2023 – congratulations.

Thursday 2 March: A pairs game was played while the

76, Athene Brentnall (34) 77 c/b. Gross Winner

A Grade - Hollie Fuller

73. Gross Winner B Grade - Helen Rhodes 102 c/b. Gross Winner C GradeKathy Goodsell-Eagles

110. NTP’s - 3rd (Pro Pin) Keryn Little, Gael Tosio, Sue Seaton, 22nd Hollie Fuller, Leah Ray, Yvonne Avery, 26th

Mackay 84.3, Johan Greyling 81.2, Thomas James 80.1 The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 17 participants.

Alan Phillips 199.13, Member-677 197.7, Noel Furness 195.12, Ashley R 195.10, Jon Brown 195.10, Daniel Finlay 194.13, Mitch Upton 193.10, Johan Greyling 192.9, Ben R 192.6, Jake Buckley 192.5, Jessica Hancock 191.8, Sarah Jones 185.6, Thomas James 184.4, Matt Walsh 183.3, Austin Atkinson 181.0, Michael Paul 167.3, Member-740 155.1

Next week is a four person Ambrose team event.

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 14 March 2023

Main Draw Winners:

- Larry Hodgson - R/U Dave Laneyrie

Consolation Winners:

- John Browning - R/U Greg Kendal

McGregor 3/0, Terry Baker d Darren Morgan 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d Char Berglund 3/0, Krishna Vomaravelli d Daniel Day 3/0.

Division 3

Krishna Vomaravelli d King McKie 3/1, Terry Baker Lachlan Dierkx 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d King McKie 3/1, Terry Baker d Krishna Vomaravelli 3/2. WINNER: Terry Baker from Krishna Vomaravelli.

Division 4

Coffs Harbour District Darts at Sawtell RSL Club

By Ray BEASLEY

SUMMER Comp

Monday 20 March

Wrong Hole def Misfits

8-1

Surgical Steel def Bull Rush 7-2

Warriors def Thunderstruck 7-2

Bad Habbits def Fluke Shots 8-1

Major Singles Championships were happening, with Robyn Groundwater, Jeanette Kutz d Linda Hoffman, Margaret Stocks 20-9.

Thursday 9 March: Beryl Foster, Robyn Groundwater,

Hollie Fuller, Jackie McIntosh, Vicky Hunter. Putting Comp. - Wendy Johnstone with 24 putts.

Friday 17 MarchMonthly Ladybird Challenge - Single Stableford with 45

starters

Dinah Nutchey-Robinson 37 c/b, Lea Smith 37, Debra Tennant 35 c/b, Trish Mackay 35 c/b, Lyn

C.ex Golf Results

By Graeme ROBERTSON

SINGLE Stableford played at Dorrigo Golf Club On Sunday 19 March.

Winner; Peter Lucca 38 Pts;

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

MARCH 19 - Dairyville

Range 100m Centrefire match was conducted with 17 participants.

Field Rifle - Master Grade:

Results Safety Beach Golf Club

VETS

100s

Christine (2)

Bob (2)

Chris K (5)

Craig C (3)

Dean (2)

Edward (1)

Garry G (1)

Gary K (2)

Jeremy (3)

Nathan (3)

Peter (1)

Ray (2)

Reg (1)

Ricky (2)

Rob Ha (1)

Barbara Johns d Rosemary Williams, Angela Fryer, Shirley Willis 21-20; Jeanette Kutz, Penny Russell d Margaret Stocks, Viv Gayford 26-7; Pat Garner, Brenda Fane d Sue Wilson, Jan Appleton 18-16.

Neaves 35. NTP’s - 12th

Gail De Groot, Vicky Hunter, 15th Tracey Foster, Vicky Hunter, 22nd Greer Galloway, Maureen Warnock, 26th (Pro Pin) Robyn O’Brien, Lea Smith.

Congratulations to Adele Douglas who scored an eagle on the 10th.

Saturday 18 March -

R/Up; John Gallagher 37 Pts; Ball Winners; Gary Brazel 34; Pat Sydenham 33; Sam Brazel

33; Peter Woods 31; Warick

Wallace 30; Terry Smallman

30; Ron McDonald 29; Bruce

Lawler 29; Peter English 29; Brian Prentice 28; Darren

Alan Phillips 98.8, Glenn K

97.6, Ben R 86.4, A Grade: Daniel Finlay 92.7, Lindsay McConachy 91.5, Jake Buckley 88.4, B Grade: Kieron Hayden 93.3, Member-677

90.3, C Grade: Jon Brown

91.4, Matt Walsh 89.6, Mitch Upton 82.0, Cooper Finlay 78.0, Ron Dean 75.2,

WEEKEND

18 March

2 Man Indiv Stableford

Worst Ball

Sponsor Kor RoofingSimon Knox

Winners N. Power and C. Lang 30

R/ups P. Lawson and N. Tennant 27

3rd B. Weiley and M. Van

Zweeden 26 cb

BEACH STREET DINING

9 Hole Stableford

9 March

Winner S. Povey 22 cb

R/up G. Scott 22

Rob Ho (3)

Sam (3)

Steve (2)

High pegs

Dean (90)

Peter (52)

Rob Ho (58)

Leader Board

Wrong Hole 51

Surgical Steel 45

Bad Habbits 42

Warriors 40

Thunderstruck 23

Bull Rush 17

Misfits 17

Fluke Shots 17

Tuesday 14 March: Rosemary Williams, Jo Burgess, Di De La Cruz d Rosemary Williams(s); Robyn Groundwater, Margaret Stocks 16-11; Ardis Ellsmore, Jeanette Kutz d Joan Griffin, Jill Merchant 8-9.

Golf NSW Medal Round 2Club Medal - Stroke Event with 38 starters Helen Rhodes (27) 68, Jo Symons (17) 71, Keryn Little (9) 74 c/b. Gross Winner - Kristy Hickey 83. NTP’s - 3rd (Pro Pin) Karen Brown, 6th Karen Brown, 12th Norma Andrews. Putting Comp.Kristy Hickey with 27 putts.

Heelis 28; NTP’s; 2nd Peter Woods; 4th Steve Robinson; 11th Peter Lucca; 16th Peter English; Chip-Ins; Darren Heelis; Dave Curtis. Next game is on the 2 April at Nambucca Heads; Stroke and 1st round of Putting Comp.

Peter Fripp 75.0, Trevor R 29.0, Visitors: Talon Cooper-Scott 92.7, Amy Rees 73.0, Service RifleBen R 90.5, Ron Dean 67.0, Jake Buckley 53.2, Trevor R 53.1, Visitors: Talon

Cooper-Scott 91.5, Amy Rees 56.0.

Sawtell Veterans Golf

By Ian

REYNOLDS

RESULTS for 20 March 2023

9 Hole Stroke Net 27 Starters

Ladies Lynda Wood 32w/c/b, Marlene Starr 32, Lesley Kimber 33 Men

Brian Holman 31w/c/b, Laurie Hourigan 31, David Knudsen 33, Clyde Williamson 33.

Daniel Day Boyd McGregor 3/1, Darren Morgan d Char Berglund 3/2, Char Berglund d Boyd McGregor 3/1, Daniel Day d Darren Morgan 3/1. WINNER: Daniel Day from Darren Morgan.

Division 5

David Iles d Stella Prystasz 3/1, David McGrath d Charan Vomaravelli 3/2, Stella Prystasz d Charan Vomaravelli 3/2, David McGrath d David Iles

3/1, David Iles d Charan Vomaravelli 3/1, David McGrath d Stella Prystasz 3/1. WINNER: David McGrath from David Iles.

Mid North Coast Veteran Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

ON Tuesday, 14 March, 49

golfers competed in a single

stableford at Coffs Harbour Golf Club.

The field was reduced due to the heavy rain the previous day, however the course was good after 4 inches of rain.

Winner - Col Osland 40, 1st

runner-up Christopher Noel 39 c/b, 2nd runner-up Frank Stanton 39, 3rd runner-up Paul Bonventi 37.

NTP’s: 3rd Kevin Sanford, 6th Chris Noel, 12th Terry Cleary, 15th David Eather. Ball run to 32 pts.

In Memory

Jean Mary Martha Dutton 21st March 2023

John Laarhoven

16/05/1937 - 22/03/2022

I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday & days before that too.

I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part.

God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.

Loving wife Margaret, and family.

Death Notices

“Last Flight” of Group Captain (Ret) Ronald George Green, AFC on 14th March 2023

Ron died at home after a long illness

Aged 92 Years

Much loved and greatly admired by Family and Friends

Ron’s Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW

Accred No 12033-01

Peacefully at Shoreline Aged Care Facility, late of Boultwood Street, Coffs Harbour. A much loved and cherished mother to Russell, Graeme and Cheryl. A loving nan to Kirstie, Shelley, Michael, Christopher, Andrew and eight great-grandchildren. Sadly missed by family and extended family.

Aged 102 Years

Forever loved.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jean’s funeral service to be held on Friday, 31 st March 2023 at 11am in the Chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. Thence for interment within the Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery.

VICTOR RULLIS

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Funeral Notices

HUNDAL Sukhjeet ‘Sukhi’ Malhi

16th March 2023, late of Woolgoolga. Wife of Andrew Hundal. Loving mother of Harveer and Armani. Granddaughter of Dara (dec’d) & Pritam Malhi. Daughter of Karamjit & Sharanjit Malhi. Daughter-in-law of Mick & Mary Hundal (dec’d). Sister of Jagroop and Sukhpal. Loving sister-in-law and aunty of her niece & nephews. Loving family member of all her aunties, uncles & cousins. Loved by all her friends & community.

Forever Aged 38 Years

You Are Our Shining Star Relatives and friends are invited to attend Sukhi’s Funeral Service to be held in Wiigulga Sports Complex, Woolgoolga on Saturday 25th March 2023 commencing at 11.00 am. Following Sukhi’s Funeral Service a private family Committal will be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour. The family invite all to attend Ardas at the First Sikh Temple, Woolgoolga commencing at 2.00 pm. Sukhi’s Funeral Service will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

KEITH

Public Notices

GOSPEL MEETINGS CWA Hall

21 Elizabeth Street, Sawtell Sundays 4pm–5pm Wednesdays 7.30pm–8.15pm (excluding 8 March, 5 April, 3 May)

Everyone is welcome. Contact: Jenny 0417 983 831 or Jean: 0409 466 803

Duke Street, Coffs Harbour Sundays 10.00 am Mobile 0427 949 206 - revivalcentres.org

Billy doesn’t have what he needs for school.

FUNERAL SERVICES

EASTER & ANZAC DAY 2023

EASTER 2021

EARLY DEADLINES NOTIFICATION

Positions

Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

Due to Easter & ANZAC Day Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:

Communities and Justice

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

Community Corrections Officer

Coffs Harbour (Talent Pool)

Location: Coffs Harbour Community Corrections

Salary: Clerk Grade 5/6 ($89,707 pa - $98,982 pa) plus Employers

contribution to Superannuation and Annual Leave Loading

Training: Paid training with a Certificate IV in Correctional Practice

About the role

(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

COFFS COAST

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’S YOUR COMMUNITY, IT’S YOUR PAPER

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,

Community Corrections Officers provide case management for offenders on supervised community-based orders such as Parole Orders, Intensive Corrections Orders and Community Corrections Orders and work with offenders in custody to prepare for their release into the community on parole. We provide great working conditions with strong work culture focus and staff engagement activities. If you enjoy writing, working with a great team, and liaising across multiple stakeholders then this work will interest you!

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated skills in conducting background enquiries, analysing information including assessment of risks, related needs and the capacity to draw relevant conclusions in the development of case plans and reports.

• Understanding of the NSW criminal justice system and outcome focused case planning and case management skills. Experience in promoting, influencing, negotiating and monitoring appropriate behaviour and knowledge of or experience in group work facilitation.

• Current driver’s licence and preparedness to drive a vehicle in the course of performing the role.

Applications Close: Sunday 16 April 2023

For more information about the role please contact: Jaime Taylor on jaime.taylor@justice.nsw.gov.au

To apply visit iworkfor.nsw.gov.au and search 59121.

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.

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

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.

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.

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

Jennie Rosser 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

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

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 18th of April.

Sincerely

Sincerely

Sincerely

Jennie Rosser

Jennie Rosser

Jennie Rosser

Chair Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Chair Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park

Chair, Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

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

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

12noon

Items

DESK, wooden, 4 drawer, used, 46x24cms glass top from purchase GC, $220 ono. Also downsizing - many other items. 0411 093 473

For Sale

CAR safety lock. Solid steel bar. Steering wheel to accelorator. 3 keys

$25. Ph: 6651 8500

For Sale For Sale

DESK, antique mahogany, Circa 1890 director $1,250 or reasonalbe offer. Ph 0414 433 359 e140423

JAGUAR Mk2 door $70 . 0409 372 995 F200123

JIGSAW colt js65jd exc cond $30. 6651 7710

For Sale

PIANO, Yamaha electric exc cond. $500. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

For Sale

Motors

25th MARCH. Unit 4/25

Orara Street Urunga 8am-2pm. Lots of toys Thomas, Bluey, Blippi

PJ Masks, clothing jewellery, crystal, brica-brac and lots more! e240323

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.

Pets

KELPIE x Collie pup. Male Mostly black in colour

MC 953010006364328

$50 Msg 0407 528 622

Found

ELECTRONIC key control, Merlin brand found in Coronation Ave on Saturday. Phone 0411 380 625

SHARED accommodation Moonee Beach. 0417 402 280 or 0407 580 436

ANTIQUE double bed with tester, inc bedding $300 ono. Chinese wedding chest/TV unit $550 ono. Antique reproduction arm chair $500 ono.

All matching - TV/Video large, long entertainment unit, $500 ono. Coffee table, large, $200 ono Dark wood, walnut. Hall stand, $200 ono. All dark wood. 0401 877 979.

Classifieds 4981 8882

CARPET lounge/dining/ family room. Black with cream circle and swirl Thick quality, as new lovely and modern. $68 160cmW x 230cmL

Ph: 0415 981 605 F180822

For Sale

2 large Trek @ Travel backpacks. 1 blue 1 green. VGC, used once. $45 each. Ph 0403 034 480

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

ARCHERY bows, make an offer. 6653 8390

AQUACULTURE

Tank/Koi pond Black fiberglass, 1200L, open to offers: 0428 812 383 f240323

BED king and mattress good condition $70. Call John 6651 7710

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

BISLEY womens workpant stretch cotton

S10 1x black 1x stone

Brand new $30 each

Ph 0432 294 491

HALF price sale everything - shed full! 7 Newcastle Drive Toormina, Mon to Fri 9.30am - 2pm 0415 401 304 Items

BOAT Garmin, 12 channel GPS128 40 years of fishing marks Coffs area. $275

SOLD

Humminbird, wide eye fish finder and fishing gear. 0402 582 586

BOOTS blk 37 Dj & J $90. 0432 294 491

BOOTS, blk s37 Effegie

$50. 0432 294 491

DESK, wooden, 4 drawer, used, 46x24cms glass top from purchase GC, $220 ono. Also downsizing - many other items. 0411 093 473 e240323

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

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 F181122

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

SOLD

CARPET PIECE, 1.4m x 4.6m, new, cut pile light grey colour, ‘Elenus Grey’ durable soft, $100

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

DINING table & 6 chairs extendable. Exc cond $600. Matching buffet & hatch $500. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

JUST Cars magazines 60 total just $50 Ph: 0467 587 536 F111122

SHOES, size 8. Summer style, Dianna Ferrari. New. Beige / dusty pink colour. Paid $138, sell for $50. 6651 4237 or 0459 040 014 F161222

TIFFANY coffee maker makes 10 - 12 cups of coffee, drip type with filter $20 ono. 6650 0380

2014 Toyota Camry RZ 55,000klms.CSY45Z 0428 655 792 e070423

SOLD

DINING Table Octagon & 6 swivel chairs, exc cond. Moonee Beach $95. 0422 440 802

LAPTOP hard drive cloning kit $30. 6649 2967

LARGE bench for work or decoration. 2m have a look. Phone 6652 3791

SHOWER Screen good cond 2 sides, one slider can deliver locally $99 call 0434 212 460

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

NISSAN Pulsar 2016 sedan 4cyl. Exc cond Rego til May 2023 CJ48KV. 73,210kms $16,875. Ph: 6652 7329 or 0422 642 215

SOLD

DONUT Maker ‘Sunbeam’ DM3200, 5 normal size donuts $50. 0407 654 879

SLEEPING Bag 1900 x 900, also opens out to a blanket. Used once. $50 ono. 0439 682 267

TIMBER venetian blind 1145 x 1155 drop. $35 as new 0419166688

RAV 4 2012 manual serviced, rego til 10/23

BP95DV. Good Cond $14,800. 0415 196 766

LIFT chair, dual motor upholstered, near new $800. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

SOLD

DRESSING Table 6 large drawers & mirror solid timber, exc cond $95. 0422 440 802 Moonee Beach

DVD complete set all 7 seasons Madmen

$50ono 0488 763 132

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

MASSAGE table

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

TOWBAR Complete suit Subaru Forrester 2000 - 2007. $90. 0422410169

TRAILER 6x4 box tandem wheels registered TH22EE galvinised piping frame Ph 0418 714 641

TYPEWRITER, portable Vintage Royal 200, hard cover carry case, GC $100. 6653 1402

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

FLAVOURCHEF cooking systyem-brand new $50 ono SMS 0409 916 076

SOLD

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

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

FRIDGE, fisher & paykel 275L, exc cond, $125 ono. 0428150643

FRIDGE GC, goes well. Small freezer at top $100. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688

FRONT Bar off 1997 NK Pajero. Has been in storage since new. $ 90 ono. 6651 6076

GLASS punchset serves 12 $25 0414945023 F221121

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

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

MATTRESS and base king single, as new $300

Ph: 0457 679 486 ReS311222

METRONOME for piano lessons $25. 6651 8500 F130123

MG TC 1949 project $12,000. 0409 372 995 Re210723

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 F240223

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

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

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

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

WALL unit, large, timber and glass, good cond teak. $75. 6652 5377

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 e070423

WETSUIT mens full steamer size medium Very good condition

Adrenalin brand. $50

Ph: 0427 665 477

Boats

TRAILER Sailer Hutton 24 registered. Trailer & boat ready to go. $7500. 0427034446 Re230421

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 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

TRAYON CAMPER No More Towing. 2006

Trayon Camper – for Single or Extra Cab Ute. 2200 (base 1950)

L x 1980 W x 1200 H

Weight approx 390kg Lockable. Dble bed - 4 large zippered/screened windows. 240 volt/12

volt/Gas - Approx 80 litre water tank. 3 way

Dometic Fridge, gas stove table and seats

Under seat storage cupboards and lockers

3 under floor storage drawers 1830 L, 335 W 80 H. Exc cond. $23,000 0412 541 615

welcome.

COFFS COAST

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

Media

Graph

and Times are for

(low)

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

OVER 25 YEARS

"We have been advertising in the Coffs Coast News of the Area Trades and Services since it first started over 2 years ago. We are pleased with the results, have had a great response and are extremely busy. We would recommend advertising in NOTA to any tradespeople or services looking for work."

Robert and Simone Hall

Contractors Licence 77993C

SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAKS, ROOF REPAIRS, ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE CLADDING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

One Plus Two Painting and Decorating

DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND FLUSH EAVE LOOK

Improvements Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au

SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAK REPAIRS, ROOF REPAIRS ,ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL & EAVE CLADDING Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au

4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND EAVE LOOK

BEST ON THE BOX

TUESDAY COUNTRY HOUSE HUNTERS NZ

9LIFE, 8.30pm

SUNDAY CLOSE TO ME

ABC, 9.25pm

Stairs are recently the modus operandi of choice. After Toni Collette’s thriller The Staircase (the title doesn’t beat around the bush) and Keeley Hawe’s Finding Alice (a longtime couple move into their dream home, only for the shiny abode’s stairs to prove deadly), comes this six-part British psychological drama. Jo (Connie Nielsen, Gladiator) must piece together the past year of her life after a horrendous fall down her home’s stairs wipes her memory. Flashbacks and clues ignite a storm of mystery, and everyone including her husband Rob (Christopher Eccleston) and best friend (Susan Lynch) must watch their step.

FRIDAY, March 24

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson views botanical art.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Mv) Part 1 of 3. Van der Valk investigates the murder of a charismatic, young free-running star.

10.00 Jack Irish. (Malv, R) Barry Tregear calls on Jack for help.

10.55 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final, R)

11.55 Traces. (Mal, R)

12.40 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Host Matt Gibb travels to diverse locations in regional New Zealand, showcasing three different abodes to couples who are keen to escape the rat race. “The prices seem like a mistake compared to property prices in Auckland. It’s amazing what you can get for your money,” he quips. Viewers in Australian capital cities will be equally shocked by the prices (and the stunning landscapes): get ready to pack your bags. Tonight, he ventures to Waipukurau with Jenny and Dougal, who want a country home with space for their horses. In the second episode, Waiheke Island is the destination, as Annette and Fergus search for a country retreat in the island paradise.

THURSDAY GAME NIGHT

7FLIX, 8.30pm

Bateman (above) and Rachel McAdams are Annie and Max, a couple obsessed with board games. But when Max’s brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) throws an all-too-real murder mystery party at their weekly games night, their usually sensible affair becomes a game of dangerous one-upmanship. The script is sharp and delivered with brilliant comedic timing by the enthusiastic ensemble cast including a hilariously creepy Jesse Plemons as a cop desperate for a party invite and New Girl’s Lamorne Morris.

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 Viking Empires. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.40 Romulus. (MA15+asv, 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 meets Harry Connick Jr.

8.30 MOVIE: The Butler. (2013, Malv, R) The dramatic changes that swept society, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, are seen from the point of view of a White House butler who served seven presidents across three decades. Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack.

11.15 MOVIE: The Island. (2005, Mvla, R) In the future, two people go on the run after learning the sinister truth about the facility they live in. Scarlett Johansson, Ewan McGregor.

2.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Dolphins v Brisbane Broncos.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Dolphins versus Brisbane Broncos match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: Beirut. (2018, MA15+alv, R)

A former US diplomat is called back into service. Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping.

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Soccer. Welcome Home Series. Match 1. Australia v Ecuador.

10.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGals, R)

11.30 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Mls, R)

12.30 Just For Laughs. (Mls, R)

1.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+als, R)

1.30 The Project. (R)

2.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

3.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mal, R)

4.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 25

Death In Paradise. (Ma, R)

3.00 Scottish Vets Down Under. (PG, R)

3.30 Knowing The Score. (PG, R)

4.30 Back In Time For The Corner Shop. (PG, R)

6.00 NSW Votes: Election Night Live. Coverage of the NSW state election.

8.00 NSW Votes: Election Results

Live. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson provide analysis and results as votes are counted across the state.

10.30 The Larkins. (PG) Pop is in denial.

11.20 Under The Vines. (Ml) Louis tries to repair his marriage.

12.05 Grantchester. (PG, R) Geordie investigates a vagrant’s death.

12.55 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mals, R) Part 1 of 4.

1.45 Traces. (Madl, R) Daniel faces a culpable homicide charge.

2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League. H’lights. 2.30 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Cup. Individual Apparatus. H’lights.

4.30 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 5.40 Lost Gold Of World War II. (PGal, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 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. (MA15+ns)

11.15 Outlander. (MA15+s)

12.20 MOVIE: Sorry We Missed

You. (2019, MA15+l)

2.15 MOVIE: Dallas Buyers Club. (2013, MA15+ds, R) 4.15 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 26

Roadshow.

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv)

8.30 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mls) Part 2 of 4.

9.25 Close To Me. (Premiere, Mals) After a fall down a staircase, a woman loses all memories of the past year of her life.

10.15 Finding Alice. (Ml, R)

11.00 Last Tango In Halifax. (Final, Ml, R)

12.05 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.15 Last Tango In Halifax. (Final, Ml, R)

3.20 The Heights. (PG, R)

4.15 The Recording Studio. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

Hampstead. (2017,

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGal, R)

11.00 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (PG)

12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 2. Replay.

4.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Cup. Individual Apparatus. 5.30 The Interviewer. (R) 5.45 Lost Gold Of World War II. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Azerbaijan.

8.30 Watergate High Crimes In The White House.

10.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Men’s race.

2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Women’s race.

3.30 The Source. (Malv, R)

4.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 NSW Decides 2023. Coverage of the NSW State Election featuring commentary and analysis.

11.30 MOVIE: Night Shift. (1982, Mlnsv, R) Two morgue employees, including a failed stockbroker, devise a plan to strike it rich by opening a brothel service with the help of a neighbour, who happens to be a prostitute, after they are exiled to night shift. Henry Winkler, Michael Keaton, Shelley Long.

2.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Election 2023: NSW

Decides – Vote Count.

8.00 Election 2023: NSW

Decides – Election Night Live.

9.30 Election 2023: NSW

Decides – Analysis.

10.30 MOVIE: Yesterday. (2019, Ml, R)

12.45 From Hell: Caught

On Camera. (Mlv)

1.45 9Honey Hacks.

2.00 The Incredible Journey

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGa, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R)

7.30 Blue Bloods. (Ma) A chess hustler is murdered.

8.30 CSI: Vegas. (Ma) The CSI team searches for a young boy’s mother after he is found hiding in a stranger’s garage.

9.30 FBI: International. (Mv) Greg Hutchinson’s jet is shot down.

10.30 10 News First: NSW Election Update.

10.45 NCIS. (Mdv, R)

11.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R)

12.30 Bull. (Mv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

Programs. 2pm MOVIE: Pokémon: Giratina And The Sky Warrior. (2008) 3.55 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 1000 Miles of Sebring. H’lights.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (Final, PGl) The top three perform for the final time on the Idol stage in front of the nation and the judges.

9.00 Starstruck. (Final, PG) The final six contestants put their skills to the test as they compete for the £50,000 prize.

10.15 Manhunt: The Polish Thief. (Mv, R) A Queensland couple’s home is robbed.

11.15 Born To Kill? The Hillside Stranglers. (MA15+av) A look at the Hollywood Stranglers.

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. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

8.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mav) When a navy deserter comes out of hiding and his family becomes a target, the NCIS team and Charlie-1 to investigate who is after them. Lucy surprises the team by returning from her agent afloat job early.

9.30 FBI. (Mv, R) After a Muslim student is murdered, OA struggles to understand his FBI mentor’s endgame.

11.30 The Sunday Project. (R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, March 27

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. (R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News.

1.00 Under The Vines. (Ml, R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 Grantchester. (PG, R)

4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Tough Trains. (PG) 11.10 The Lost World Of Joseph Banks. 11.40 Dream Of Italy. (Premiere) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.05 Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve. (PGalw, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 World’s Greatest Bridges. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

TUESDAY, March 28

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 10.00 Tough Trains. (PG) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.20 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 World’s Greatest Bridges. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Return, PGal) A driver makes a strange claim.

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. (PGa) Favourites from Britain’s Got Talent compete against some of the very best magic acts from around the world.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

How To Look Good Naked. (Man, R)

Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (Final) The remaining contestants discover which of them will become the sole survivor.

9.15 Rabbit Hole. (Malv) A corporate spy finds himself in the midst of a battle over the preservation of democracy.

10.15 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+sv, R) The FBI pursues a crime lord.

11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.15 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Eden’s engagement prank backfires.

7.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa) Sketch comedy series. 8.30

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) An energetic puppy could prove too hard to handle for a pair of dancers.

8.40 NCIS. (Mav) The NCIS probes the death of a ride-share driver who was found after a car accident.

10.40 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mav, R) A navy deserter comes out of hiding.

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.

WEDNESDAY, March 29

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 10.05 Station: Trouble On The Tracks. (PGal, R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. 12.00 WorldWatch.

Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.40

Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 The Secret Life Of

(R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Premiere, M) Survivalists put their skills to the test.

9.30 Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History. The true story behind Monopoly.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Furia. (Premiere, MA15+av)

11.55 The Sleepers. (Maln, R)

3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, March 30

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 10.05 Station: Trouble On The Tracks. (PGa, R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.20 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG) 4.15 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry: Killer Dinosaurs. (PG)

8.30 The Elon Musk Show. (Premiere) Part 1 of 3.

9.40 Vigil. (MA15+av)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)

12.05 The Eagle. (Malsv, 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 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGadv) Mali and Rose clash over family values.

7.30 Inside Detroit. (Mal) Ben Fogle explores Detroit.

9.00 The Front Bar. (M) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

10.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGal, R) Sketch comedy series.

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.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (Final, PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) Velasco takes drastic action to get information as Benson and Carisi put crime boss Oscar Papa on trial.

9.30 Fire Country. (PGa) A fire erupts after a plane crash.

10.30 Bull. (Ma, 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. (PGav) Rose hunts down Xander’s attacker.

7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGl) Follows dog trainer Graeme Hall.

8.30 Inside Dubai. (PG) Part 1 of 3. A behind the scenes exploration of Dubai, one of the world’s fastest growing cities.

9.45 Air Crash Investigations: Turboprop Terror. (PGa) A look at the crash of a turboprop aircraft.

10.45 The Latest: Seven News.

5.00

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. 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 Harley Breen: Flat Out. (Mls) A stand-up performance by award-winning comedian Harley Breen from Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre.

11.00 The Project. (R)

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

COFFS COAST

By Aiden BURGESS

DAVID Kennedy has proven to be one of Australia's best athletes over 70.

The Woolgoolga Senior Athletics Club member returned with a haul of medals from the recent Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney.

Competing in the 7074 age bracket, Kennedy collected three gold, one silver and a bronze medal in an outstanding meet at Sydney.

He finished first in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, second in the javelin, and third in the 80m hurdles.

Kennedy is currently ranked first in the world for the triple jump and second

CONTINUED Page 35

q David Kennedy in action at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships.