Coffs Coast News Of The Area 27 January 2023

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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Labor commit to creation of Great Koala National Park

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Harbour in the upcoming State Election.

The announcement was made in the Botanic Gardens, and fortuitously, a koala was present high up in a tree to witness it.

The Great Koala National Park is a major part of Labor’s overall strategy to preserve koalas in the wild.

Other aspects of the plan include completing the National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Establishment Plan to identify key habitat and wildlife corridors and expand protected areas and convening a koala summit to review and refocus the NSW Koala Strategy to provide a recovery plan for koala populations across NSW.

Labor will also initiate a statutory review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act to strengthen environmental protections, prevent illegal land clearing, and improve the biodiversity offset scheme.

They party says it will work cooperatively with landowners (public, First Nations, councils, farmers and other private land holders) to develop ways to protect key habitat through partnerships and investment on all types of land and with the Commonwealth Government to meet the objectives of the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 and commit to the goal of no new extinctions.

“The decisions we make will decide whether koalas survive or not,” said Ms Sharpe.

She said it is not a political issue because koalas are an iconic species that we all love.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said that while an $80 million consultation might influence inner city voters, the NSW Government already has a $190 million NSW Koala Strategy, which it says is the biggest commitment by any government to protect

koalas in the wild.

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

Mr Singh said the NSW Koala Strategy provides $107.1 million to fund the protection, restoration, and improved management of 47,000 hectares of koala habitat), $19.6 million to supporting local communities to conserve koalas, $23.2 million to remove threats, improve health and rehabilitation, and establish a translocation program and $43.4 million to support science and research to build our knowledge of koalas.

The President of the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA), Grahame Douglas said, “We are delighted to see that a Minns Labor government will commit $80m to commence the process of making the Great Koala National Park a reality.

“The NPA has been campaigning alongside regional community conservation groups for many years to see the protection of critical koala habitat in public native forests on the Mid North Coast.”

The NPA’s Great Koala National Park campaign coordinator, Paula Flack, said that after years of tireless community campaigning “our volunteers are hopeful that NSW koalas may finally have a chance of survival”.

“Koala numbers in NSW plummeted by more than half between 2000 and 2020 due to logging, land clearing, drought and devastating bushfires.

“The remaining koalas need trees to survive and the best way to save koalas is to save their habitat,” Ms Flack said.

The NPA says the Great Koala National Park will also provide significant economic

benefits to the region through direct and indirect jobs in park establishment and maintenance and tourism, citing an independent economic study that found the park would create over 9,000 new jobs.

However, Ms Flack said there needs to be an immediate moratorium on logging in native forests.

Convener for the Coffs Harbour Greens, Tim Nott, agrees.

“While any movement to save the Koala is supported, high intensity logging of public forests in the Great Koala National Park area are double previous clearing rates,” Mr Nott said.

“I implore Labor to show courage and place a stop on all native forestry logging activities in the Great Koala National Park if elected.”

Mr Judge said he believes the Koala Park will become an international destination, putting Coffs Harbour on the world map and creating jobs and growing the local economy while preserving forest resources.

“This is a game changer for Coffs Harbour,” he said.

“People will want to come here to see koalas.

“We’re confident - we know this will work.”

Ms Sharpe said the Great Koala National Park will not only be a great outcome for koalas but also for Coffs Harbour, particularly in terms of tourism.

She stressed that Labor will work with the community, including Gumbaynggirr people, and that the process has to include an economic review of the timber industry.

“We are trying to build a coalition to save koalas and hope that the Liberals and the Nationals will work with us,” she said.

“Are we going to be able to save koalas or are we only able to see them in a zoo?”

New report warns about ‘unchecked’ coastal development

By Andrew VIVIAN GREENS MP and planning spokesperson

Cate Faehrmann has released a 40page report that says there is a litany of unsustainable and inappropriate developments planned along the NSW coast that will detract from the amenity of coastal communities if allowed to proceed.

The report, ‘Concreting Our Coast: The developer onslaught destroying our coastal villages and environment’, documents twenty case studies along the length of the NSW coast and says these developments pose a serious cumulative threat to bushland, wildlife and coastal villages.

“In town after town, community groups are fighting damaging and inappropriate developments that threaten to overwhelm their already struggling local services and infrastructure, and wipe out much of the precious bushland that surrounds them,” Ms Faehrmann said.

“This report shows just how scary the

big picture is.”

Ms Faehrmann said the NSW Government has given developers the ‘green light’ to bulldoze thousands of hectares of bushland for development.

“Everywhere you look, our precious coast is about to disappear under a layer of concrete and houses crammed together like sardines.”

The report says that the developments are predominantly approved under the guise of providing affordable housing.

However, it points out that, in many of the villages under threat, up to two-thirds of existing housing lies vacant for much of the year, because they are holiday rentals, and it suggests that new housing will be purchased to add to property portfolios rather than as residential homes.

“We’re not talking about a couple of small bush blocks here,” Ms Faehrmann said.

“We’re talking about the destruction of very environmentally sensitive areas, as

well as Aboriginal cultural heritage, on a massive scale.”

The Coffs Coast case study included in the report is not a housing development, but a ‘primitive camp ground’ at Red Rock.

The development application, with conditions included, was recently approved by the City of Coffs Harbour Council after the Mayor, Paul Amos, used his casting vote to break a tie.

While this development is small compared to some of the other case studies, which could dramatically affect the lifestyle of permanent residents and/ or the local environment, it has been opposed by local residents because of fire and environmental risks.

The report acknowledges that people need affordable homes, near jobs, transport, health facilities and infrastructure, but says that this is not achieved through developments that result in overpriced real estate and expensive rentals that lead to more dangerous traffic, more polluted waterways or more properties at risk from bushfire.

It warns that, if the development is not stopped, the beautiful NSW coast will be unrecognisable in a matter of a few short years.

LOSING THE MAGIC

FROM Page 1

human contamination over the school holidays as visitors spend time in the prime ecotourism destination.

Tom Rothsey is resident of the area, an ecologist specialising in threatened species and biodiversity conservation, and a bush regenerator.

“We are blessed here with such a diversity of ecosystems, many of them near pristine, all within an easy drive of the city centre, that people are naturally attracted from all over the nation,” Tom told News Of The Area.

While Tom and his neighbours believe the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us should be open to all, he poses, “What happens when that enjoyment causes the degradation of the very thing being enjoyed?”

This is the dilemma facing

residents of Upper Orara right now.

The Magic Pools in the upper reaches of the Orara River have been a favoured place with locals for generations, but residents say that the magic has been lost from the pools.

“This once beautiful spot has in the course of a few short years of unthinking overuse become degraded to the point that it is nearly beyond saving,” Tom said.

Tom explained the primary issues of concern to News Of The Area.

“Firstly, degradation of the banks and riverbed by unwitting or just thoughtless actions, the worst of which are the driving of vehicles on to the riverbed itself, and the parking of vehicles and caravans hard up against the banks, where the exposed roots of the few remaining trees that hold the bank stable are slowly being

compromised.

“If these trees go, the knock-on effects at the pool and downstream are so unthinkable that residents insist that action be taken now.

“Secondly there’s siltation of the waterways, a recognised threatening process for many species, including the endangered giant barred frog, and the endangered eastern cod.

“Thirdly there’s the issue of copious amounts of human detritus including faeces, soiled nappies, plastics of all kinds, used syringes, used condoms, cans, bottles, and broken glass in the pool where children step.

“The fourth major concern is the disruption to the natural flow of the river by trees fallen via humanmediated compromising of the bank leading to a buildup of river stone.

“This alters the local environment to make it less

threatened species and their prey items,” he said.

Residents are keen that action be taken now to safeguard the Magic Pools, not just for recreational enjoyment, but more importantly, for river health,

for the many threatened species that rely on the pools, for the importance of the location to the Gumbaynggirr people, and for future generations both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

to save the Magic Pools?

“You can bet we do,” said Tom.

“We hope that our solutions are entertained by the joint tenure holders - Coffs Harbour City Council and the Forestry Corporation of NSW.”

q Campers on a riverbed island within the Orara River in giant barred frog habitat in the January 2023 holiday period.

q In the forest on the Orara River, this caravan and vehicles parked for three days on the exposed roots of the two oaks currently holding that bank together.

q Jill Lewellyn-Smith has been photographing river damage for some years. This shot taken in 2019 shows pallets left by visitors.

q Down by the river’s edge, visitors in four wheel drive vehicles get stuck and spin their wheels, digging into the forest floor. Locals have now placed barrier logs to prevent this.

Residents invited to voice Bypass concerns

By Andrea FERRARI

AS the Coffs Coast community learns more about the endangered patch of land locally known as Grandpa’s Scrub on Mackays Road in Coffs Harbour, the last piece of Subtropical Lowland Rainforest of its kind on the planet, residents are seeking measures to voice their concerns.

Residents can share their views on the Coffs Harbour bypass website.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW told News Of The Area, “The Coffs Harbour community can provide feedback on the design refinements until Monday 20 February 2023.”

Comments can be sent via email or posted with details on the project website at www. pacifichighway.com.au/coffsharbourbypass.

Meet-the-team sessions will be held from Wednesday 1 February to Thursday 9 February, with details available on the website.

“Transport for NSW acknowledges the Lowland Subtropical Remnant Rainforest on Mackays Road is a sensitive ecological area and we continue to be committed to reducing impacts on the location where reasonable and feasible.

“This pocket of vegetation is also known as the White Booyong Fig Subtropical Rainforest and Grandpa’s Scrub.

“Transport for NSW is currently working with the contractor to investigate all opportunities to reduce impacts at this location and has not yet endorsed any plans.”

The spokesperson said key considerations relate to balancing a range of significant and complex factors including but not limited to; the environment, community and stakeholders,

design standards, heritage, flooding and cost.

“We are currently reviewing workable solutions and will come back to the community with more information before the start of construction.”

Additionally, Transport for NSW is investigating the ability to expand the rainforest downstream along areas of Treefern Creek.

“We are also protecting more than 300 hectares of natural habitat through biodiversity offsets on the Coffs Harbour bypass project, protecting the required offsets for White Booyong Fig (Grandpa’s Scrub) rainforest under the Federal requirements.

“These offsets include vegetation in the Coffs Harbour basin next to the alignment and Upper Kalang.

“The project team is working with Coffs

Raising funds to rally for cancer

By Andrew VIVIAN

ROD Cross and Rob Hoy want to drive a $1,500 car from Newcastle to Townsville, via Betoota.

They are driving their green 1996 Holden Berlina in a seven-day ‘Box Rally’ to raise funds for the Cancer Council, leaving on May 13.

They call themselves the ‘Rally Muppets’ and their car is called (of course) ‘Kermit’.

To enter, a team must raise at least $5,000

and the Muppets’ goal is $10,000.

The rally is not a race and is described as ‘a fun, colourful, unpredictable adventure’.

Vehicles often break down but participants are looked after and each night is spent camping beneath the stars and celebrating the day’s achievements.

Many participants have experienced cancer themselves or have seen cancer impact family and friends.

“It’s a fun adventure for a good cause

and we get to see parts of Australia we don’t normally go to,” Rob said.

“There are not too many of us that haven’t been affected in some way by cancer.”

Rod and Rob have a major fundraiser on February 25 at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Corindi Beach Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating? Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the benefit of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Corindi Beach Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 87400 at Corindi Beach notified on 26-Sep-1969 for Parking, Reserve No. 87401 at Corindi Beach notified on 19-Dec-1969 for Public Recreation, Reserve No. 55008 at Corindi Beach notified on 9-Dec-1921 for Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 27 February 2023.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

‘Tell All Tales’ is an evening with Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns and ex pro-surfer Matt ‘Hoyo’ Hoy (no relation to Rob).

Mr Johns and Mr Hoy promise an evening of full, frank discussions and suggest that anyone who is easily offended might want to stay at home.

Tickets are $1,400 for a table of eight, which includes meals and a three-hour drink package.

There will be a number of auctions and all proceeds from the night will support Rod and Rob and the Cancer Council.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting Riley at rileylaw@live.com.au or 0413405994.

q “We’ve still got a chance to save Grandpa’s Scrub and get a bypass route that avoids the endangered Subtropical Rainforest,” said Greens MP Sue Higginson. Residents who are seeking to voice their concerns can share their views on the Coffs Harbour bypass website.

Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, Landcare, and the City of Coffs Harbour to undertake seed collection and

direct translocation of saplings from the forest.”

q Rod and Rob with their rally car, ‘Kermit’.

It’s not too late to save Grandpa's Scrub

By Andrea FERRARI

STOP.

Explain.

Open the books.

This is the essence of a letter sent by Greens MP Sue Higginson to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway on Monday 23 January urging the Minister to immediately stop planning works and investigate why Coffs Bypass construction is set to destroy a last remaining of its type rainforest on Mackays Road, West Coffs.

“Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, must stop and explain and release the reports and documentation that resulted in the decision to change the route from avoiding the critically endangered environments, to destroying them and unlawfully applying biodiversity offsets for ecological communities and species that are on the verge of extinction,” said Ms Higginson.

“Sam Farraway needs to immediately stop this madness and release the documents that justify the decision to change the route of the bypass and explain why the new route favours influential local business owners despite the proven presence of critically endangered species that will be destroyed,” she said.

Having deep-dived into Transport for NSW’s planned route for the Coffs Harbour Bypass construction which will destroy the subtropical lowland rainforest, with its origins in Gondwana time, Sue Higginson visited the patch on Monday 23 January with renowned botanist Dr Robert Kooyman, who confirmed the Threatened Ecological Community status of the patch.

Dr Kooyman spent the morning identifying and confirming threatened species and numerous plants of “incredible biographic history”.

Botanists, environmentalists and conservationists who were in Coffs to attend the celebration of the life of botanist Alex Floyd, joined Sue Higginson, Dr Kooyman and locals on site at Grandpa’s Scrub to hear the expert’s findings.

Dr Kooyman looked at “the diversity of the patch in context of normal listing for an Endangered Ecological Community in NSW”.

“It easily makes that grade,” he said.

“In terms of Federal Endangered Ecological

all the criteria except (small) size,” he told the gathering.

“The patch has incredible ecological integrity and is an original remnant – the last of its kind in the world,” he said.

His morning’s sampling produced over 70 native rainforest species and 40 or more key structural elements such as trees, vines, herbs and other life forms that are integral to how we define Sub Tropical Rainforests.

“I look at the paleo history and the contemporary ecology of rainforests.

“Mixed in with these Sub Tropical species on the lowland here are species with their origins in deep time Gondwana.

“There are species here that are endemic to Australia in terms of their evolution on the Australian plate and there are also immigrants from the last twenty million years through Australia’s interaction during the

40 million years to the present that’s still giving an impression in these forests,” he said, opening his arms to embrace the forest around him.

“This little patch is the last of the Lowland Coffs Harbour White Booyong subtropical type at true lowland elevations…that’s unusual.

“It is important that we understand the implications of these sorts of places.

“Our relationship to Country is all about looking after this.

“I suggest we should look after it; it is the last bit of this sort of country,” said Dr Kooyman.

Sue Higginson said it was not too late to take action to save the site.

“For as long as this is standing and for as long as the harm has not yet happened it is not too late,” she told News Of The Area.

“Yes, we want a bypass.

“Let’s put it where land is

Ms Higginson also noted that the areas that have been chosen as biodiversity offsets for the new route are completely inappropriate

and share none of the characteristics of the area set to be destroyed.

“The minimum requirement of like-forlike biodiversity offsets for critically endangered species and ecological communities has been completely ignored precisely because there is no other area that shares the unique ecology of Grandpa’s Scrub.

“We know the law for applying the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme is No.1 – avoid.

“We can avoid this harm.

“We should not have been allowed to take the next step under the law of the biodiversity offsets policies.

“This is one stage of the

development.

“Put this stage on the backburner and get another solution.

“There are really important questions on the table that the Roads Minister needs to answer,” Ms Higginson closed.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the longawaited Coffs Harbour Bypass will transform travel for families and motorists across this region by removing twelve sets of traffic lights and reducing congestion in the CBD.

“The Greens are well aware that consultation regarding Grandpa’s Scrub is still ongoing,” he said.

q Botanists, ecologists, conservationists, councillors, residents, Land Carers, rangers and interested individuals gathered to hear why this patch of Lowland Sub Tropical Rainforest is planned to be destroyed for the Coffs Bypass construction in West Coffs.

q Dr Robert Kooyman spent the morning at Grandpa’s Scrub identifying numerous species and confirming their endangered and/or threatened status.

q Interested Coffs people gathered at Grandpa’s Scrub to hear from Dr Robert Kooyman, Hon. Research Fellow Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney who recorded the species on the site. communities, this (patch) has

q City of Coffs Harbour Councillor Jonathan Cassell speaking at the meeting at Grandpa’s Scrub.

Contact

Bypass traffic concerns around Coramba Road

Where

By Andrea FERRARI

TAXI drivers hear a lot as they drive their passengers around, and one local driver on the Coffs Coast has heard many times that people are concerned about the proposed Coffs Harbour Bypass bringing a lot of extra traffic to the roads that lead on to the Coramba Road interchange.

Having been involved in these conversations, he told News Of The Area, “When the bypass comes in a few years time there’s going to be a lot more traffic up and down Coramba Road.

“You’re probably aware of how busy that road is at the moment.

“You can see a nightmare coming.

“It’s already bad trying to get up and down there at different times of the day because it’s so narrow.

“You go out there on Tuesday morning when the rubbish trucks are out, it takes ages to get through there if you’re stuck behind one,” he said.

“It would be interesting to hear Gurmesh Singh’s view on it,” he closed.

Using information sourced from the Coffs Harbour Bypass Amendment Report Volume 2A page 19, Mr Singh told NOTA, “Traffic modelling on local roads adjacent to the bypass project predicts that traffic on most local roads will reduce once the bypass is complete.

“This data was updated in the Amendment Report in 2020.

“Specifically, around the Coramba Road intersection, the forecast traffic on Coramba

Road between the Robin Street to Shephards Lane section will see traffic volumes reduce by fifteen percent, and from Shephards Lane west to the bypass traffic will increase by thirteen percent.

“The design of the Coffs Bypass route means that residents of west Coffs Harbour or those travelling from over Red Hill who are heading south to the hospital, the stadium or Sawtell, or north to Woolgoolga or Moonee, will likely use the Bypass instead of travelling down Coramba Road and in through town therefore reducing traffic on that section of road.”

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) told News of The Area, “When the Coffs Harbour bypass is complete, it is expected to remove around 12,000 vehicles per day from the existing highway.

“The bypass signage will provide gateway treatments at the north and south which will indicate access to Coffs Harbour CBD from Englands Road interchange, or Korora Hill interchange.

“The project team will work with online map and direction services, including Google Maps, to also provide directions to Coffs Harbour CBD via the north or south.

“Prior to building the traffic model used for the bypass, Transport for NSW conducted a survey via phone calls and door-knocking to understand where people worked and travelled in Coffs Harbour.”

TfNSW said local residents in the Bray Street, Shephards Lane and Robin Street catchment of West Coffs are expected to access the bypass via Coramba Road

interchange to travel south to the primary employment areas, including the hospital, industrial estate, university and TAFE.

“Travellers are expected to prefer the existing highway compared to Coramba Road to access the CBD, because of the reduced congestion and travel times.”

TfNSW also said the Coffs Harbour community should feel free to provide feedback on the design refinements until Monday 20 February 2023.

Comments can be sent via email or posted with details on the project website at www.pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/ coffsharbourbypass.

Meet-the-team sessions will be held from Wednesday 1 February to Thursday 9 February with details available on the website.

Static displays of the design are available now at the Coffs Harbour bypass display centre, 54 Moonee Street; Coffs Harbour City Council Office, corner of Coffs and Castle streets; Harry Bailey Memorial Library, corner of Duke and Coffs streets; and Toormina Library, Minorie Drive, Toormina. Contact the Coffs Harbour Bypass team on 1800 550 621 or email community@ CHBTeam.com.au.

The postal address is Coffs Harbour bypass project PO Box 565, Toormina, NSW 2452 and 54 Moonee Street, Coffs Harbour.

If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call The CHB team on 1800 550 621.

q The Coramba Road interchange proposal.

Life of botanist Alex Floyd celebrated

By Andrea FERRARI

AUTHENTIC to his lovely nature and strength in perseverance, the late Alex Floyd, 1926 – 2022, was remembered for the impact he made on others’ lives as his life was celebrated by family, friends and years of colleagues on Monday 23 January 2023 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Coffs Harbour’s Bray Street.

Celebrating the life of the world-renowned and beloved botanist Alex Floyd, who passed on 12 December 2022 and who lived in Coffs Harbour, his second son, Robert Floyd, led the tributes.

Roberts drew the threads together of his father’s life: Alex the scholar, serviceman, scientist, servant and sire (father).

Dozens attended to hear the stories and remembrances of those who had been influenced, inspired, impacted, mentored and politely corrected by this master of rainforest botany who founded the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and the Herbarium.

Speakers shared what Alex meant to them personally and professionally.

Botanist Mike Dodkin was a bush buddy for Alex, leading to many years working together, described by Mike as “a total adventure”.

“Throughout his life Alex showed dedication and devotion to his work," said Mike.

On bush work Mike’s job was to clear the way with his machete so Alex could keep taking notes.

Mike’s most intimate moment with Alex was when they were working in prolific

tick terrain.

“I thought I had a tick in my belly button,” he said.

“That evening I lay on the cabin’s kitchen table and Alex got out his dissecting kit and with very fine-ended tweezers found the tick, removed it and I recovered.”

Barry Kemp from the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens reminisced about Alex seeing the potential for the piece of land in Coffs Harbour, which he lobbied for, to become the site for the Botanic Gardens.

“In the process someone came up with the idea of a lion

park, but Alex convinced the authorities that it should be a botanic garden.

“The Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteer group was formed in 1981 and provided working bees and Cynthia (Alex’s wife) was right there behind him organising preview guided tours before the gardens opened.

“Rainforest botany was his speciality, Coffs Harbour would not have had a Botanic Gardens without the force of Alex Floyd,” said Barry.

Forest activists Nan Nicholson and her husband Hugh worked with Alex in the mid-1970s when he worked for the NSW Forestry Commission as their chief botanist and they were newcomers in the rainforest, opposing plans to log the Terania Creek Basin.

“Alex was crucial to our learning about the rainforest and agreed to identify species at Terania Creek Basin if we did the cuttings.

“He was happy to associate with a band of ‘tree saving ratbags’,” she said, “signing off a letter to me saying ‘keep causing trouble’.”

From observing how he dealt with authorities Nan was inspired to “be like him”, nice while getting his point across.

Nan and Hugh worked with Alex around publishing his book, ‘Rainforest Trees of Mainland South-eastern

Australia’, first released in 1989.

This book quickly became the bible for rainforest scholars and enthusiasts due to its extraordinary detail.

Malalia Floyd, Alex and Cynthia’s daughter, spoke of her parents' 60-plus yearlong partnership.

“Truthfulness was important to Dad and perseverance, a ‘don’t quit’ approach, and he was a planner,” she said.

“Dad taught us to do things to the best of our ability.

“I called Dad my guru.”

Malalia fondly remembered that Alex never bought his wife a bouquet of flowers, but he did give her “hundreds of flower specimens”.

Jonathan Floyd, Alex’s youngest grandchild, spoke with affection for his grandfather and carried a message from James, the oldest grandchild.

Graham Tupper, President of the Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens also spoke, saying, “While his life has passed, Alex’s legacy remainspreserving, promoting, protecting plants.”

Botanist author Gwen Harden, widely published on the subject of plant identification, acknowledged a great debt of gratitude to Alex.

Gwen played a part in identifying the threatened

and endangered plants of the planned route of the Coffs Harbour Bypass.

“It was so cool to see them,” she said.

Rod Holmes, now a farmer in Dorrigo, remembered, “Being in the bush with Alex Floyd I learned amazing patience.”

Mark Graham, an active ecologist on the Coffs Coast, was mentored by Alex from his school days at Jetty High.

“When I became an ardent adventurer, I would bring all sorts of weird and wonderful specimens to The Herbarium for him to see and have identified.”

Rhonda Atkins was the artist who drew the line drawings for early published works by Alex Floyd.

“I was 21 years old at the time, working for the Forestry Corporation at The Herbarium.

“Alex came in one day and asked me if I could help by drawing the specimens he brought in.

“I later found out he was publishing a book – it was lovely,” she said.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said, “I am here representing the people of Coffs Harbour who have been blessed to have a man of such standing and knowledge.

“He was the driving force behind the Botanic Gardens, now graded second best in regional Australia.”

q Alex Floyd, 1926 – 2022, whose life was celebrated at a gathering in Coffs Harbour on Monday 23 January 2023.

q Graham Tupper, President of The Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Gwen Harden, botanist author and Lloyd Foster, from the Ulitarra Conservation Society, the ‘other’ man in the canoe with Alex Floyd when he saw the perfect spot to create the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens some 50 years ago.

q Robert Floyd, Alex’s son, who led the celebration of his father’s life with Coffs Coast ecologist and conservationist Mark Graham with memorabilia from Alex Floyd’s professional life.

Boambee East Community Centre updating database

By Andrea FERRARI

TEN years of the seniors program at Boambee East Community Centre (BECC) will be celebrated on Monday 6 March, but the organisers are mindful that their database of names and contact details is out of date.

Mindful that they don’t want to leave anyone out, they are calling out to the community to let them know your current means of getting in touch.

“Our database of contacts is incomplete or out of date, so we have approached News Of The Area to assist with making this information available to past and current

participants,” Margaret Bridgman told NOTA.

“We invite you to be our guest at a Special Celebration Day Lunch and Entertainment at BECC, 10am on Monday 6 March 2023.

“For those who have moved out of the area – we would love to see you again if possible,” she said.

RSVP by 27 February by phoning 02 6658 4655.

Back in 2013, BECC conducted a community consultation to see what services were missing in our community.

It sought to identify how BECC, as a volunteer community organisation, could fill any voids.

Most notably was the lack of facilities for seniors.

This led to the introduction of the seniors program which began in March 2013, under the direction of Margaret Bridgman, a recently retired local and member of the BECC Management Committee.

Avachat, as in ‘have a chat’, was used as the catchy name copied from the successful movie of the time, Avatar.

“Due to Covid restrictions the format changed slightly to operate under health guidelines, so a new name was necessary, thus the change to Chinwaggers, but we answer to both names,” said Margaret.

“We created a place where seniors had one thing in common and nothing else, a need for human connection,

a sense of being part of a community.”

The group is now selffunding but relies on grants and a generous community for larger projects.

“And we have all had so much fun in doing so,” she said.

“It's hard to believe that our ‘Avachat/Chinwaggers Club’ has been enjoyed for the past ten years, even during lockdown via weekly newsletters, not only in Boambee, but across our local government area.

“For this we thank everyone most sincerely, as none of this would have been successful without members’

support and participation.

“Your presence justified our efforts in maintaining a weekly social event and meeting place for Seniors, which has helped many people settle in this area and in retirement,” she closed.

One senior commented, “What a difference Avachat has made to our centre and everyone here.

“You have so much enthusiasm and energy, we love the laughter and noise every Monday and all the interesting people who walk through our doors.

“Each year just gets better.”

q Sylvia, Carol and Barry on an excursion to Jetty Foreshore.

q Celebrating Margaret Bridgman’s 80th birthday at Chill 'n' Chat community café in Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Village.

Call to join Advisory Group

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) invites residents to join the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Consumer Advisory Group.

The Consumer Advisory Group, which was established in 2016, provides an opportunity for people with a lived experience of mental illness, alcohol and/or other drugs to co-design services with MNCLHD.

Mental Health Consumer Partnership Coordinator Nicholas Kosseris said consumers, carers and community members play an important role contributing to the development, planning and evaluation of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services.

“Many people who

develop substance use disorders are also diagnosed with mental health conditions so it’s important for us to address these together,” Nicholas told News Of The Area.

“Membership of the consumer advisory group gives people the opportunity to draw on their past experience and turn it into a positive to make change for the service and other people.”

Members of the Consumer Advisory Group have the opportunity to be involved in the decisionmaking processes of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services and are able to provide feedback directly to management.

“Applications are

encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities and all age groups, especially young people.”

Anyone interested in joining the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Consumer Advisory Group is encouraged to apply by Thursday 30 January 2023.

The group meets every two months (six meetings a year) at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

For more information, or to request an application form, contact Nicholas Kosseris by email on Nicholas.Kosseris@health. nsw.gov.au or phone 6589 2585.

CHESS Connect workshops reach out

By Andrea FERRARI

CHESS Connect, the Coffs Harbour based not-forprofit human services and workplace wellness organisation, is hosting a series of free Mental Fitness and Wellbeing workshops in the first half of February across the Nambucca Valley.

CHESS Connect Workshop

Facilitators Jen Hill and Nicole Holland, together with attendees, will explore ways to improve mental wellbeing.

According to the organisation, just like physical fitness, having awareness and establishing routines for mental fitness are important for good, overall health.

With sessions held in Macksville, Bowraville and Nambucca Heads, the free workshops are open to those living and working in the Nambucca Valley who want to learn more about good mental health practice, how to manage stress and set intentions for wellbeing.

Co-facilitator Jen, who lives in Bowraville, recognises the need for education and information sharing within the Nambucca Valley community.

“There’s a feeling that sometimes the Valley gets left out of the bigger picture of regional mental health supports,” she said.

“We’ve been through a lot as a community.

“First, we had the bushfires then COVID and the floods; there’s a lot of people out there who have been affected either directly or indirectly.

“It’s been particularly tough for community services and businesses who have kept delivering services to locals.

“These workshops are a way for us to give back, share our knowledge and provide

a toolbox to support positive mental health practice in the Valley,” said Jen.

Over morning tea attendees will learn about: how stress presents and mechanisms for coping, activities to shift mindset and motivation, practical techniques and goal-setting for self-care, mindfulness, and wellness, mental health stigmas, and how to advocate for yourself and others.

They will also be given contact details for a range of local and national health supports.

The workshops are held from 9am – 12pm with morning tea included.

q Members of the Consumer Advisory Group have the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making processes of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services.

Hall, Wednesday 8 February. Bowraville Pioneer Community Centre, Thursday 9 February.

Hall, Thursday 16 February. The workshops are funded by a grant from the AusPost Community Grants

Call 1800 899 017 to reserve a space at one of the three sessions.

q A recent Mental Fitness and Wellbeing community workshop in Coffs Harbour.

q Mental Fitness and Wellbeing workshops are being held by CHESS Connect across the Nambucca Valley.

q CHESS Connect Coffs Harbour Workshop Facilitators Jen Hill and Nicole Holland.

Trivia Night with dancing stars

By Andrea FERRARI

FUNDRAISING for the Coffs Harbour Cancer Council is the raison d'etre of the Stars of the Coffs Coast dancing competition, now in progress for the tenth year.

Emily McIlwraith, a Sales Agent at Nolan Partners Real Estate, and her dance instructor partner Brett Sprague of Coffs Latin Rhythms, are firing up their team’s funds through a trivia night.

Styled on the TV show Dancing With The Stars, Emily and Brett have been having all types of fun as they practice for the Stars of the Coffs Coast event finale on the 1 April, and their fundraising is in full swing.

As the star, Emily not only has had to learn Salsa to perform with Brett at this exciting event, she is also leading the dance couple’s fundraising efforts.

Emily has organised a Trivia Night at Coffs Harbour

Racecourse to take place on Friday 24 February.

“Our dancing journey so far has been intense (practicing three times a week since October) but so much fun.

“Because we’ve had so much practice already, I’m feeling really relaxed as the event is getting closer and starting to learn choreography now is super exciting,” Emily said.

“I know we will have

fun on the night because we always do, it’s just a bonus we’re also raising money for a charity so close to my heart.”

Brett told NOTA that Emily has been a wonderful student.

“Keen, interested and committed from day one,” he said.

“We have spent time connecting to Salsa rhythms and Emily has learnt many moves already which is an absolute credit to her.

“We have had a lot of

q Emily McIlwraith, Sales Agent at Nolan Partners Real Estate and her dance instructor partner Brett Sprague are fundraising for Cancer Council’s Stars of the Coffs Coast through a trivia night. Photo: Asja Binno

help from dancing friends like Holly Newton and Amy Zampetides, especially when learning different Salsa moves.

“Rach Claire’s video skills have also been helpful in reflecting to us the progress that has been made already,” said Brett.

Emily’s Trivia Night timing

Driver Trainers meet up for professional development

By Andrea FERRARI

NSW Driver Trainers Association (DTA) kicks off its new year program of events for driving instructors on Friday 24 March in Coffs Harbour.

“NSW DTA is a member association, run by volunteers of like minded driving instructors,” Matthew Philpott, Committee Member, told News Of The Area.

“The first of our Professional Development and Meet and Greet days for 2023 takes place at Coffs Harbour Golf Club on 24 March, starting at 9am until 3pm.

“Morning tea and a light lunch are provided.”

Delegates will meet the current executive and

is 5.45pm for 6pm start, entry $35, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council Purchase tickets through the Stars Donation site via https://stars.cancercouncil. com.au/fundraisers/ emilymcilwraith438/starsof-coffs-coast.

Nibbles will be provided by The Spare Chef Catering.

committee of NSW DTA during the day.

Driving Instructor core topics to be discussed include: Older Driver Assessment and its administration by Transport for NSW, The cost of doing business (eBook), and cross border anomalies/ interstate differences.

“There will be an open forum where delegates and executives will share opinions and have discussion.

“We will recap on the presentation from AGM made by Natalie Watson-Brown from Carrs looking at the psychology of learning.”

The day includes an open invitation to join the executive, committee and fellow members at a social gathering and dinner that evening.

“Feel free to send us any issues or subjects you would like to discuss before the event, this will allow us to research for you. Email admin@nswdta.com.au,” invited Matthew Philpott.

Tickets need to be purchased by Wednesday 15 February.

Emily and Brett welcome anyone who would like to join in a bit of trivia fun for such a great cause.

Tickets for the Stars of the Coffs Coast finale event on Saturday 1 April are due out shortly.

“Your opinions and ideas are important, please come along and have a say, your contribution is exceptionally valuable and appreciated.

“One of the biggest hits since its introduction at the 2021 AGM was to introduce a magazine format of our eBook, called ‘The Cost of Doing Business – Exploring how to run a profitable driving school’.

“We shared this with all delegates at past events to ask for their input or suggestions before we published it online for all members.

“Six months in the making, this resource sets an important precedent in how we plan to move forward with professional development and support.”

To reserve your place emailing your name and contact number for each attendee to admin@nswdta. com.au.

Non-members are welcome for a fee of $25.

q NSW Driver Trainers Association supports its members with Professional Development and Meet and Greet days.

q Salsa-ing their way to success at Stars of the Coffs Coast, Emily McIlwraith, Sales Agent at Nolan Partners Real Estate, and her dance instructor partner Brett Sprague plan a fund-raising trivia night. Photo: Asja Binno.

NSW EPA releases first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released its first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023-26, outlining a set of actions that aim to help NSW reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

NSW EPA Chief Executive Officer Tony Chappel said the plan provides a roadmap for how the state’s environmental regulator will address the causes and consequences of climate change.

“This plan means for the first time in Australia, there will be a comprehensive approach around emissions reduction pathways,” Mr Chappel said.

“Using our robust framework, we will treat greenhouse gas emissions like any other pollutant that we regulate and by doing so, support the decarbonisation, transformation and growth of the NSW economy.”

Mr Chappel said all parts of NSW are already feeling the very real, costly and devastating impacts of climate change.

“From unprecedented fires through to recent extensive flood events across regional NSW, each of

these disasters is a sobering reminder of the escalating consequences of rising greenhouse emissions.

“We must improve our resilience to the impacts of climate change and this plan will see significant work led by the EPA to achieve this.”

As it operationalises climate policy across the economy, the EPA will establish advisory groups for various industry sectors to help inform and co-design actions and subsequent targets.

Mr Chappel said the organisation would not take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to setting targets because no two industries are the same, nor are the climate challenges they face.

“Our focus is on enabling and supporting best practice and building collaborative processes which ensure any actions taken by the EPA are meaningful, feasible and cost-effective,” Mr Chappel said.

“To seriously combat climate change, we cannot do it alone and these groups will provide valuable information on gaps, risks and the opportunities that need to be solved or considered.

“They’ll also help NSW capture the immense opportunities that come with a net-zero economy, such as growth in hydrogen, green steel and metals, green ammonia, clean energy, the circular economy and regenerative agriculture.

“The EPA is committed to supporting industry, business, our regulatory partners and the community in transitioning to a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

For the first time, the Action Plan treats carbon dioxide as a deadly pollutant that must be regulated.

The EPA will establish a more accurate database for carbon pollution that must be considered before granting licences and developments permission to emit carbon.

This is the first time that the Government has adopted a policy to address fossil fuel industry carbon emissions.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the climate, Sue Higginson, said, “This move by the EPA is well overdue and experts have been calling for this recognition of carbon dioxide as a deadly pollutant for decades.

“Communities that have been devastated by the climate induced black summer fires and recent floods have finally managed to drag the Government to recognise the dangers of reckless carbon emissions.”

Ms Higginson said the plan lacks the regulation and compliance powers required to “get the worst carbon polluters brought under control”.

“This will mean that the worst polluters in the state will still only be under voluntary requirements to pursue reductions of their deadly carbon pollution.

“Voluntary reductions are a high-risk strategy when we consider the cost that climate change is already having, let alone the catastrophic future that fossil fuels are creating.

“Coal and gas companies cannot be trusted to voluntarily pursue low emission profits and communities will continue to pay the price through climate induced extreme weather events.”

While heralding the plan as a step in the right direction, Ms Higginson said the NSW Government is still failing to “acknowledge the

Workshop walks through tourism opportunities

By Andrea FERRARI

DESTINATION NSW is hosting a free workshop for the tourism industry in Coffs Harbour to share and discuss business opportunities to attract people to the region as they kick start their travel for 2023.

The Inbound Strategy Workshop in Coffs Harbour is on Tuesday 14 February from 10am – 4pm at Pacific Bay Resort.

The workshop sets out the tools and steps for tourism businesses to tailor products for different international visitor markets, make a plan to become export ready, and sell experiences to international visitors via online travel agents and traditional inbound travel trade.

Michael Thurston, General Manager, Destination

North Coast, told News Of The Area, “The tourism industry embarks on the new year with increased confidence.

“Tourism is now definitely on an upwards trajectory showing strong growth in visitation, economic impact and aviation capacity both domestic and international, which present great opportunities for our tourism related businesses to finally be able to focus on developing their business and exploring new markets.

“This upcoming Inbound Strategy Workshops is perfectly timed to take advantage of these positive trends.

“Participants in the program will be trained by industry experts on international market opportunities, best approaches in growing their market share and how to

cater for these international visitors.

“We encourage any tourism businesses who are thinking about entering international markets or

expanding into new markets to take advantage of this fantastic free opportunity,” he said.

The Inbound Strategy Workshop will suit tourism businesses that offer a bookable experience, including accommodation,

deadly serious nature of carbon emissions”.

“We need a strong, mandatory system that punishes carbon polluters for the damage that their emissions create,” she said.

“We need caps brought in for carbon emissions and a guarantee that no increases for carbon pollution will be licensed, these emissions are killing people and we need to recognise that.”

Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation with a network of more than 2900 farmers across NSW, has welcomed the release of the plan.

In particular, that the NSW EPA will more deeply consider climate change when it provides approvals and advice on planning matters.

Spokesperson Peter Holding, a third-generation farmer from the southwest slopes of NSW, said considering climate change impacts when planning made perfect sense.

"The farmers who grow Australia's food are being smashed by repeat flooding, fires and drought being made worse by climate change," Mr Holding said.

tours and activities, paid experiences at cellar doors, breweries, distilleries and farm gates and visitor attractions.

The workshop will include tourism insights, case studies and industry tips.

Discussion and activities are encouraged. Networking morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided.

"Insurance mostly does not cover events such as floods and is steadily becoming unaffordable.

“It makes sense to consider this reality when assessing projects which could contribute to making this worse.

“It also makes sense to have the most polluting businesses reduce their emissions.

"The disasters we're now seeing are unnatural because they are largely man-made."

Mr Holding said regional Australia was already becoming the biggest beneficiary from emissions reduction.

"Huge renewable energy projects are delivering thousands of jobs to regional Australia, with tens of thousands more in the pipeline.

“Community benefits funds from these projects can breathe new life into towns with upgrades to local facilities.

“We are already seeing battery manufacturing companies setting up in regional areas.

"Farmers will also receive vital income during drought from carbon credits, and this is a huge positive for farmers if the market is properly executed,” he said.

The final EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan are available here.

This workshop is presented by Destination NSW as part of the NSW First Program, designed to assist tourism businesses to develop, promote and sell tourism products and experiences and is supported by Destination North Coast. Visit www. industrynsw.force.com/ destinationnsw/s/events and click on Coffs Harbour.

q Destination NSW invites tourism operators to a free workshop on identifying and growing opportunities for in-bound tourism.

Coffs Show to put on biggest ever horse event

By Andrea FERRARI

IT’S confirmed, the Coffs Harbour Show Society and Off The Track have combined to put on a huge weekend horse show at the Coffs Harbour Showground with free spectator admission for both days, 25 and 26 February.

Christopher Pearson, President, Coffs Harbour Show Society Inc. told News Of The Area, “This our largestever horse show with ten competition rings compared to the usual three or four at the annual Coffs Show.”

The two-day All Breeds and Hack show is part of an increased presence of Coffs Harbour Show on the showgrounds and offers competitors additional opportunities to acquire points needed to compete

at The Sydney Royal Easter Show.

“With ten rings in operation spectators will have the opportunity to see many breeds of horses from Brumbies to Thoroughbreds, also coloured horses and costume classes,” said Christopher.

The event will cater for all abilities and ages from children to highly experienced equestrian competitors.

“There will also be a fun ring in operation for those riders seeking their first taste of a horse show.”

With the Coffs Harbour Show moving to a new date of 13 -15 October in 2023, this event and a series of subsequent events is being introduced to help educate and improve the ability of riders prior to the annual

show.

“As well as providing better ultisation of Coffs Harbour Showground facilities and providing the public with many additional events to visit,” said Christopher.

Competitors can find out full details and pre enter by visiting www.nominate.com. au where the full program, conditions and necessary forms are available.

“Spectators will be admitted free of charge

q Tahiti, a thoroughbred who has retired from racing. Thoroughbred classes will be held in one of the feature rings.

to both days with a kiosk providing food and drinks on the ground,” he said.

The show will be sponsored by Off The Track NSW and the Coffs Harbour Racing Club in support of Life After Racing.

For more information call Christopher Pearson 0429 667048 or email Cheryl Lantry clantry@yahoo.com. au (best for any technical questions).

q There will be classes for

q There will be Fashions on the Field classes at the Coffs Horse Show, seen here is Hannah Cross.

q Brookville Silk Road, a successful riding pony.

q The Coffs Horse Show will include Fancy Dress classes.

Palomino Welsh Arabian colt ponies coming under the coloured section.

Sawtell CWA celebrates centenary

By Andrea FERRARI

COUNTRY Women’s Association (CWA) Sawtell Branch celebrated their 100 years of community service with a commemorative plaque unveiling on Sawtell’s First Avenue, followed by morning tea.

Guests included Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Mrs Lee Ann Brogmus, Nurse Unit Manager for Family Health within the North Coast area.

The Sawtell CWA Restrooms opened in 1953 and included a ‘Sister's’ Room to hold Baby Health Care Clinics, which continue to this day.

It is one of very few still functioning today, with over 500 babies accessing this service every year.

Sawtell CWA President Mrs Jackie England told the gathering how these services came about.

“NSW Health identified a need as the mortality rate amongst babies in their first year was higher than that of the men on the battlefields of the Great War,” she said.

“The services were slow to take off and

in 1922 lobbying led by Mrs Grace Munro saw two things of great importance happen; the NSW Country Women’s Association was formed and the first Baby Health Care Clinic was established at Moree.

“Restrooms were established all over NSW by the CWA, many with baby clinics attached,” Mrs Munro told the gathering.

“These rooms run by CWA ladies offered a place for travelling women to stop and have a cup of tea, feed children and freshen up.

“Seaside holiday houses were established also to give inland women and children a break from the drudgery, isolation, heat and dust they endured daily.”

One such establishment was built at Coffs Harbour.

Following the plaque unveiling by Gurmesh Singh MP in the centre of Sawtell village there was a CWA staple, a delightful morning tea of traditional CWA scones, tea and coffee at Sawtell RSL.

It was well attended with over 50 visitors, many being CWA of NSW members from our local area.

Where:

When:

For

q The Sawtell CWA centenary was marked with a plaque in the centre of Sawtell.

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Sawtell CWA President Mrs Jackie England addressing the group.

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh amongst the ladies of the North Coast Group CWA in Sawtell.

q Gurmesh Singh MP unveils the Sawtell CWA centenary plaque.

q The celebratory morning tea at Sawtell RSL.

Unmotorised traveller stops off at Sawtell

By Andrea FERRARI

MICHAEL Kozok, an adventurous father from Poland currently living in Sydney, walked up Bongil Beach on Saturday evening on 21 January, swam across Bonville Creek, walked up onto South Head and saw the view.

“The sun was setting, I could still see it on the horizon and the water,” Michael told News Of The Area.

This was Day 304 of an unmotorised crossing of Australia - walking, running, cycling, pulling a desert cart, roller skating, skateboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, roller skiing and paddle boarding - from Steep Point in WA to Cape York in QLD in celebration of gaining his Australian citizenship.

“I didn’t have much expectation of what Sawtell might be like and I was surprised.

“First the cliffs of South Head, the view of the sun set and then walking down onto Sawtell Beach heading towards Boambee Headland I felt like I was in a National Park.

“I looked at my GPS and it said I was 800m from the town yet I’d walked along Sawtell Beach for 40 minutes and seen no one but a couple of people with their dogs,” he said.

Michael is staying near Boambee Creek with friend Basia Meder, a fellow adventurer, where his wife Evelina and eight-year-old son Natan will join him for a few days' holiday.

Michael said the biggest price he is paying for this tenmonth travelling experience is separation from his family.

However, he has spent several individual weeks joined by Evelina and Natan who walked The Larapinta,

“So, we prepared a presentation together and he was part of it.

“I definitely believe that he will take knowledge and inspiration from this into his older life,” said Michael.

The intrepid traveller

“From the other perspective I hope my son can learn the life lesson of following your dream, as long as you don’t hurt anyone.

“When I was passing through Sydney, Natan’s teacher asked if I would come to the school and give a speech.

“I asked my son ‘would you like it if I came?’ and I saw this flash of pride in his eyes.

has been to 151 countries and accomplished his project of crossing all inhabited continents in the world from one side to the other without using a plane.

When he traversed unmotorised across South America he came up with the idea of celebrating his citizenship with the ‘Unmotorised Crossing Australia 2022/3’ project, taking him through all geographical capes and

via the highest summits of all mainland states and territories, WA to QLD.

Pressing on with his celebration of Australia, Michael leaves Sawtell on the weekend of 28/29 January heading north to Grafton.

Why is he heading inland?

“I can’t walk on the beach with a shopping trolley,” he said.

The shopping trolley is

being borrowed and will be returned in Byron.

“I think I will look homeless,” he said, “and I will see how people treat me… probably more distanced.”

Michal is booked in to Warm Showers, a non-profit accommodation facility for the cycling community, in Emerald Beach and then Dirty Creek.

“I told them I didn’t have

Rainforest Rattler donates almost $21k to CanDo Cancer Trust

By Andrea FERRARI

THE RAINFOREST Rattler, with its vintage train rides, has just completed a record season on the Coffs Coast and as a thank-you to the local community has made a donation of $20,629.00 to CanDo Cancer Trust.

The opportunity to ride in the restored train appeals to both locals and as a tourist opportunity to Coffs Coast visitors.

There are also two fundraising CanDo dinner trains which travel from Coffs to Grafton passing through Nana Glen, which always sell out.

“The Cando trip is Coffs-Grafton-Coffs, and on the way you see Red Hill Tunnels, Karangi, Hinterland, Coramba, Nana Glen, Glenreagh, Orara River, Braunstone, historic

Grafton bridge, Grafton and return all through the beautiful Orara Valley,” said Neil Manson, Rainforest Rattler Coordinator.

The Rainforest Rattler is operated by the 100 percent volunteer run The Rail Motor Society (TRMS) and runs on the Coffs Coast every January as a major fundraiser towards maintaining its fleet of heritage rail motors.

TRMS president Rod Short told NOTA, “When TRMS was looking for a way to give back to the Coffs Coast CanDo Cancer Trust was the obvious choice as they are also 100 percent volunteer operated so every cent given will go to those in need.”

In thanking TRMS, CanDo chair Julie Jardine commented that the two charity dinner trains were

both extremely popular with sellout crowds on both trips.

“Thanks also to North Coast Hotel Group for their generous support, supplying all drinks for the events as well as entrée and main meals,” said Julie.

“CanDo volunteers assisted on both trips and the feedback we received on the meals and the opportunity to enjoy a local dinner cruise on a heritage train was fantastic.”

The Rainforest Rattler was built in 1961 at the railway workshops in Chullora, and was in service for 46 years until 2007.

“Operated by the 100 percent volunteer TRMS funds raised are returned to restoring and maintaining heritage trains for the future enjoyment of future generations.”

a bicycle; I had a shopping trolley and they said that was cool and accepted me.”

To read more about Michael, his trip and his progress around Australia visit http://kozok.eu/en/ acrossaustralia00stage.php Follow the journey on Facebook by following kozok. eu Unmotorised Australia Crossing.

q Michael Kozok borrows friend Basia Meder’s kayak to cross the Bellinger River.

q In Basia’s kayak, Michael Kozok crosses the Bellinger River on his way to Cape York in Queensland.

q Dusk over Bonville Creek, Michael swims for Southies headland to see the sun setting at the horizon.

q Michael’s route crossing Australia unmotorised. the Great Ocean Walk and the Royal National Park with him.

q The Rail Motor Society (TRMS) treasurer Trish Short presents CanDo treasurer Wayne Edwards with the donation cheque from The Rainforest Rattler funds.

Coffs Coast again represented on Regional Youth Task Force

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Coffs Coast will be represented on the fourth Regional Youth Taskforce by Coffs Harbour’s John Palencia.

Mr Palencia has been selected as one of the eighteen young leaders from across the State to represent their community on the Taskforce

The Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, congratulated Mr Palencia on his appointment to the ministerial advisory group that will provide operational and policy advice to the NSW Government on behalf of their peers.

“The Taskforce has been selected from more than 140 applicants from each of the State’s nine regions and will officially meet four times

throughout the year to discuss issues impacting regional youth,” said Mr Singh.

“During these meetings they’ll meet with NSW Government representatives including the Minister for Regional Youth and cabinet members, to share their thoughts on the NSW Regional Youth Framework pillars: work ready, wellbeing, connectivity and community.”

The Minister for Regional Youth, Ben Franklin, said the Regional Youth Taskforce connects young people from regional NSW with their community and engages them on issues including employment, mental health and public transport.

“The NSW Government knows there’s no better way to be informed on matters

affecting young people living in regional and rural NSW than to hear those issues and concerns directly from this exceptional group of young people,” Mr Franklin said.

“In the role, our eighteen new members will hone their skills in driving policy change, advocate for real outcomes for young people, and provide a voice for regional youth in the NSW Government.”

“I congratulate the members of the new 2023 Taskforce and look forward to working with them and hearing their views on how the NSW Government can continue to serve young people across regional NSW.”

For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ RegionalYouthTaskforce

Find your volunteering dream job

By Andrea FERRARI

VOLUNTEERING Coffs

Harbour will host the Coffs Harbour Seniors and

Community Volunteer Expo as part of the NSW Seniors Festival in February.

The Expo will showcase the diverse range of

q OzHarvest provides fresh bread to people and families in need.

volunteering opportunities available in the region and link people with organisations and roles that match their skills and interest.

It’s a proven technique that sees volunteers gain greater job satisfaction doing something that is meaningful for them.

“Everyone is welcome to attend,” Anna Joy, Coordinator at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre told

Disaster planning in Urunga

By Andrea FERRARI

THE one-day Urunga Disaster Planning event took place late last year and attracted a good turnout of locals.

The session was held in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Care Network and other local emergency services.

The Australian Red Cross Bellingen/Urunga Emergency Team volunteers were out in force manning a stand to give advice to the people of Urunga.

They shared principles and practices of preparedness

and showed some of the many resources available from the Red Cross.

Speakers from each of the emergency groups gave more advice and tips and answered the many questions from attendees.

“The Australian Red Cross Bellingen/Urunga Emergency Team volunteers were invited to join the event and set up a stand to hand out copies of the excellent REDiPlan booklet produced by Red Cross as well as lots of the resources that the organisation can offer to give support in so many ways,”

Red Cross Volunteer Team Leader Angela Slater told News Of The Area.

The Urunga Disaster Planning session was instigated by Kerry Pearse and her colleagues who started the Bellingen Neighbourhood Network (BNN) with support from the Bellingen Shire Council.

“This (the BNN) is about neighbours helping neighbours and is a very successful way of sending SMS alerts to pass on practical help during and between emergencies.

“During the pandemic this was an invaluable source of information and advice to over 2,000 people who had

News Of The Area. The Coffs Harbour Volunteer Expo will take place on Monday 6 February, 12.00pm – 2.00pm at the Cavanbah Centre.

Cheryl Williams has been a volunteer at the reception of the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre since July 2021.

She was inspired to join the Centre after leaving her former job and wanting to

contribute meaningfully to the local community.

“I’ve found it immensely rewarding,” Cheryl said.

“I’ve found that by assisting others, I’ve been assisting myself.

“Volunteering has given me more confidence and I’ve made connections with people across all walks of life.

“When people are struggling, a warm smile and a gentle word can go a long way,” she said.

Frank Birch has assisted with the distribution of the OzHarvest fruit and vegetables distribution for three years.

“I like helping people, and I like the people I meet and the people I work with,” he said.

“It does make you feel good to help others.

“If you have a bit of time to help at all, come along and talk about how you can get involved,” said Frank.

Many local organisations that rely on and support volunteers will be participating in the Expo and there will be a range of guest speakers.

“This presents a wonderful opportunity for community members to directly talk to a range of local services about their volunteer roles and find something that inspires their passion,” said Anna.

“Volunteer roles that are urgently needing to be filled span health and wellbeing, animal welfare, the arts, marine rescue and supporting others in our community and many more.

“Volunteering Coffs Harbour looks forward to welcoming you at the event on 6 February at the Cavanbah Centre.”

The event is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Register for your free ticket at www.trybooking. com/973089 or call 6648 3694.

registered.

“As this had worked so well, it was an opportunity to encourage the residents of Urunga and surrounds to come along to an information

session and become aware of this free service and register in their area,” said Angela.

“The whole session was well received and as far as Red Cross was concerned, it was

a successful few hours and good to have a presence to remind people of the role Red Cross has in the community,” she said.

q John Palencia with Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

q Jill Johnson, Ari Hershon and Frank Birch at Volunteering Coffs Harbour.

q Australian Red Cross Bellingen/ Urunga Emergency Team volunteers. (Back row) John Slater, (Front row) Di Hood, Angela Slater, Erik Rau, Red Cross staff member, and Adrian Lipscomb.

Entries soon to open for National Still Life Award 2023

By Andrea FERRARI

BELOVED by the arts community of the Coffs Coast, the National Still Life Award 2023 (STILL) opens its call for entries on 20 March 2023.

The 2023 award will be the first to be presented in the new Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM).

A biennial, acquisitive award for an artwork in the still life genre, STILL has a prize pool of $35,000.

Entry is open to all Australian artists.

Artworks of all mediums are accepted.

The award takes a fresh and contemporary approach to still life and its themes.

Finalists will be selected by a panel which includes Jo Besley, Senior Curator of Yarrila Arts and Museum, Ash Frost, Curator of Yarrila Arts and Museum, Rachel Piercy, Director of Manning Regional Art Gallery and Lisa Paulsen, Art Collector.

Jo Besley told News Of

The Area, “STILL 2023 will be the first National Still Life Award in YAM (Yarrila Arts and Museum).

“It will be fantastic to see the exhibition presented in a new, purpose-designed gallery, which meets the best industry standards.

“The new galleries have high ceilings and are

digitally-enabled so we can accommodate all kinds of contemporary artworks, plus the back-of-house facilities will keep artworks safe and make the team’s job so much more straightforward.

“As an award, STILL is going from strength to strength and STILL 2023 promises to be another

Caring for wildlife and each other

Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service NSW, Mid North Coast, (WIRES MNC) carers converge on Coffs Harbour

By Mick BIRTLES

LAST Saturday there was a get-together with a difference when local licensed wildlife volunteers from Wildlife Information

Rescue and Education Service NSW, Mid North Coast (WIRES MNC) met at the Botanical Gardens, Coffs Harbour.

WIRES MNC members came from all parts of the

milestone in its development.”

Ash Frost is equally excited about the prospects for STILL 2023, telling NOTA, “I am thrilled to be on the panel for 2023 to see how artists approach the still life genre.

“Many of the works previously submitted for

STILL move beyond the traditional still life genre, and allow artists to push boundaries and experiment.

“I am hoping to see a range of diverse entries from across Australia in 2023, especially from artists who engage with cultural and political issues that offer contemporary

commentary on the nature of life and existence.”

Finalists will be announced to the public on 7 August and on 7 October, the STILL exhibition opens at YAM and the winner will be announced.

The STILL exhibition closes on 3 December 2023.

In the life of a wildlife rescuer and carer it can sometimes be difficult to find time for them to personally meet other carers.

With most of their contact usually over the telephone or social media, due to the large distance volunteers cover over the Mid North Coast region and time taken with the ongoing rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native animals the get-together offered a rare opportunity to speak face-to-face.

Wildlife carers are

a unique group, their compassion and dedication to our native wildlife is without doubt remarkable, answering the call to help wildlife at any time.

These rescuers and carers know the highs and lows that each other experience and they are actively devoted to the future of our wildlife.

At the get-together there was lots of purposeful discussion and information provided, including sharing of rescue and care equipment.

Some volunteers had queries from the more experienced carers on hand however the day was mostly a gathering of support,

friendship and connection.

WIRES MNC President Jody Shone told News Of The Area, “It was great to see new members stepping up to care for our local wildlife and being supported by experienced carers demonstrating that we have a strong base for looking after Mid North Coast Wildlife.”

Rescues are reported to the WIRES Rescue Office (1300 094 747) from across NSW which operates 24/7 everyday of the year.

Details are then sent to the nearest volunteers who accept and facilitate the rescue.

Are you interested in becoming a wildlife rescuer,

you can visit wires.org.au for information on the role and the training required.

First you will need to complete training online and then attend a one day face to face course.

Once you have completed the online training component, you can then enroll for the RICC Rescue and Immediate Care Course.

The next scheduled RICC will be held on Saturday, 4 March 2023 in Coffs Harbour, so get started today on your online training. For more information visit wires.org.au.

q STILL 2021 winner Blak Douglas in his studio.

q Blak Douglas, winner of STILL 2021 and the Archibald Prize 2022.

q (L-R) WIRES MNC Members at Coffs Harbour on Saturday were Neil Lindsay, Cheryl Malcolm, Arati Lindsay, Jennie Simmons, Amy Briggenshaw, Tina Birtles, Andrew Cox, Jody Shone, Rebecca Brauer, Fiona Kealy, Zaiga Diest, Lily Lucic, Kim Farlow, Bec Filet, Lara Reading, Frank Chadwick, Maree Law and Maddy Moore.

Mid North Coast, converging on Coffs Harbour in support of our wildlife and in support of each other.

q An orphaned brushtail possum is bottle fed a special formula by a trained WIRES Carer.

TAFE NSW offers fee free chemical course

By Andrea FERRARI

PRIMARY industries, parks and gardens workers on the Mid North Coast are being offered the opportunity to renew a compulsory licence, online and at no cost, allowing them to use chemicals on their property, through TAFE NSW.

TAFE NSW has recently made its Statement of Attainment in Agricultural Chemical Skill Set fee-free to eligible locals, including farmers and any other worker with a requirement to

use pesticides and herbicides on the job.

The course, which normally costs $350 to study at TAFE NSW, includes two units of study: transporting and storing chemicals, and preparing to apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases.

Former TAFE student and now a farmer, Johnno Gilbert, 31, enrolled on the Agricultural Chemical Skill Set course through a thirst for more knowledge about safe handling of pesticides and a need to be certified to use

chemicals.

“Pesticides and herbicides are such an important part of farming and it’s crucial we have an understanding of how to use them responsibly,” Johnno Gilbert told News Of The Area.

“The TAFE NSW course was so informative and I feel better empowered to manage my crops now.”

According to a report by Deloitte, almost 70 percent of crops grown in Australia are attributed to pesticides with farmers required to renew their licence to use chemicals

every five years.

TAFE NSW primary industries teacher Kelly Upton said the fee-free course applied to a number of different professions in the community.

“There are literally thousands of workers in the primary industries sector that need this licence, and also many people that work in parks and gardens,” Kelly Upton said.

“By offering it fully online, TAFE NSW is allowing workers to access the course when and where it suits them best, negating the need to travel to a TAFE NSW campus at a specific time.”

Kelly said students had a three-month window to complete the course once they enrol.

Urunga Rail Centenary calls for stories and memories

By Andrea FERRARI

URUNGA Rail will celebrate its centenary on the June long weekend 2023, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.

With one hundred years of train travel through their coastal town, the organisers are asking people to share their memories of what Urunga Rail meant to them in the past.

From these submissions they will compile a book of stories which will be sold at the event to raise funds.

“A historical book, Urunga History, will be produced under the direction of Peter Leonard, formerly of Coffs Rail and author of rail books,” Alison Carter, spokesperson for the Urunga Rail Centenary group, told News Of The Area.

“Anyone having any tales, facts, cartoons, children’s drawings are welcome to submit by 30 March 2023, so it can be available for sale on 10 June.”

“Raising money to provide what we have planned for the centenary celebrations is the big thing,” she said.

As well as the historical book, there’s also a ‘nonsense’ newsletter being published.

The organisers are calling

for submissions.

“Send us your useless information; horoscopes, stories of the area, topics of the town and snippets about local history.”

The third publication is a souvenir booklet with the program of events which will be available a week before the official centenary celebrations, and on the day, which will also include a few old photos and maps.

“Businesses which donate or sponsor the Urunga Rail Centenary will get a free advertisement in the souvenir program,” said Alison.

“Souvenir t-shirts and other items will be available to buy prior to the event so you can wear your t-shirt on the

day/s”, said Alison.

Urunga’s Rail Line and station opening back in 1923 was life changing not only for local connections but for those traveling from Sydney to Grafton and then on to Brisbane as the connections were built.

Until then it was an interesting trip.

“In those days as passengers alighted at Macksville and were transported by road, across the Nambucca River at Macksville by ferry, up the muddy main street of Nambucca and onwards to Urunga, crossing South Arm Bellinger River by ferry before travelling on to Raleigh.

“It was not until 12

December 1923 that there was the direct rail from Sydney to South Grafton,” Alison said The rail line from Coffs to Raleigh was opened on 30 August 1915.

The Sydney to Macksville rail line opened on 1 July 1919.

The connecting links of Urunga Rail opened on 19

q TAFE NSW is offering local farmers and other land managers an opportunity to update a compulsory chemical licence for free.

Heads opened later that year on 3 December.

Alison said the Centenary celebration date was set on a public holiday long weekend “so that celebrations can be open to all expats wishing to come home for a few days, as well as for locals”.

“Anyone wishing to assist is welcomed with open arms,” urged Alison.

we can get from now until packing up after the event on the Sunday 11 June.”

To contact Peter Leonard with historical stories, memories and photos, email pjpleon@bigpond.com.

To contact Alison Carter with submission for the nonsense newsletter and souvenir program email dorothy.carter@bigpond.com.

q The Goods Siding Line, also referred to as a Run Around Line because the trains had to run around when shunting the trucks, with timber cut by Charlie Thompson.

q The mail train going through Urunga Rail station in 1965.

q Building the platform at Urunga Rail station.

q Dorothy Amundsen’s photo of Urunga Rail station.

Valley Fest comes to Glenreagh

By Andrea FERRARI

THE VALLEY Fest country and folk music festival launches in Glenreagh for a weekend of entertainment on Friday 10 March through to Sunday 12 March 2023.

Sister Festival of the hugely well-attended Glenreagh Timber Festival and on the Orara Valley Tourist Trail, the village venue is almost smack bang between Coffs and Grafton, both being around a 40-minute drive away.

Funding from Clarence Valley Council supports this event.

“Shake off those pandemic blues as some of the best country and folk music artists across our region make their way through the Orara Valley performing a number of twangy tunes,” said event planner Rikki Cetinich, Director at Without a Hitch.

Valley Fest will take place over three days with free live gigs taking place at a number

of locations within the Orara Valley such as Idle In Cafe at Nana Glen, The Golden Dog Hotel at Glenreagh and at Glenreagh Bakery on Friday 10 March and Saturday 11 March.

The Golden Dog will host artists such as Chris Staff, Pam Hata and much-loved country rock band Country Mud, while the Idle In Cafe will support some fantastic local musicians like Sarah Mckenna, Riverbed Bloomers and Sam Dyball

scene and has stood the test of time.

Extremely well-crafted songs, dedication, exceptional work ethic, a killer live show and a long-lasting connection with fans, are all the essential ingredients to become one of Australia’s most successful independent recording and touring artists.

The ever-so-popular boutique Glenreagh Bakery will delight their morning customers with storytelling country folk musicians.

Valley Fest will conclude with an epic Sunday Sesh being held at the Glenreagh Recreation Ground on Sunday 12 March hosting a massive line-up of country and folk musicians from the local area as well as nationwide artists such as headliners The Pigs and Col Finley.

The Pigs are well known on the country music circuit.

Band members T-Bone,

Early testing urged to avoid digital eye problems

By Andrew VIVIAN

OPTOMETRIST Jason

Kimberly from Specsavers Coffs Harbour is urging local parents to schedule an eye test for their children with concerns over digital eye strain as the school year begins.

Specsavers is promoting the slogan ‘Under eight or it’s too late’ and says that new research has found that children aged eight and under are spending an average of 2.5 hours per day on screens (more than double the WHO recommendation), and a majority have access to multiple devices in the home, including a TV, tablet, mobile phone, computer and handheld gaming device.

“As Optometrists, we

like to encourage parents and carers to ensure their children have their first eye test before starting school to detect and correct or manage any issues, so they don’t go untreated,” Mr Kimberly said.

“Children’s eyes are still developing during their schooling years, and myopia, or as its more commonly known, short sightedness, is on the rise in children globally.”

Mr Kimberly said there are 8,794 children in Coffs Harbour up to nine years of age who could be spending too much time on screens, unknowingly increasing their risk of myopia, or short sightedness, brought on by digital eye strain and almost one in three young children have never had an eye test.

He said that while screen time is largely unavoidable between school, study and entertainment, to ensure every child enjoys a healthy start to the new year optometrists are strongly suggesting that parents and carers in Coffs Harbour include an eye test on their health check list ahead of the new school year.

Mr Kimberly’s tips to avoid digital eye strain include reminding children to blink to keep the surface of their eyes from drying out and drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

He suggests the ‘20-2020’ rule, which means, every 20 minutes remind children to shift their eyes to look at an object at least 20 metres away, for at least 20 seconds - the easiest way

to do this is to take small ‘window’ breaks and look out at a faraway object to give tired eyes a break from the screen.

Spending time playing outside or stepping away

Stretch, Cousin Shamus, Cousin Bert and Cousin Montz (who plays Banjo)last name Pig - love to have fun and their music speaks to that.

As their official write-up says, “Expect to be shocked by their dress and hear their many hits - even that one about Moisturiser…not sure yet?...ask a friend or look ‘em up.”

There’s a very good reason why award-winning country-rocker Col Finley has been at the forefront of Australia’s country music

Supporting the headliners is Coffs Harbour’s beautiful Billie-Jo Porter, Woolgoolga’s Then Jolene and travelling musicians Grace + Hugh who you may have heard of from the documentary on the 2019 bush fires ‘Up Armidale Road’.

“Our Sunday Sesh will have its very own food truck market serving lunch, dinner and a range of sweet goodies thanks to the Twilight Food Market - Coffs Harbour.

“We are still searching for local sponsors who want to partner with Valley Fest and promote their business through our socials and media platforms,” Rikki told News Of The Area. Follow @valleyfestcou ntrymusic&folkfestival on Facebook for updates.

from the screen to do another activity to give their eyes a break is also essential.

“If your child complains about headaches, blurred vision, trouble focusing or

any other issues with their eyes, I recommend booking an appointment with an optometrist immediately, rather than waiting until their next check-up,” Mr Kimberly said.

q Valley Fest headliners, The Pigs, bring their Australian alt-bluegrass ‘unashamedly hillbilly’ entertainment to the Glenreagh festival.

q Coffs own country rock star, BillieJo Porter, always a festival favourite.

q Then Jolene, the eight-piece band hailing from Woolgoolga, brings its mix of bluegrass, altcountry, progressive country and raucous folk.

q Award-winning country-rocker Col Finley headlines at Glenreagh Valley Fest.

q Parents are urged to have their children’s eyes tested early.

Local artists Walking Together

By Andrea FERRARI

‘WALKING Together – Voice, Treaty, Truth’ is a group exhibition of paintings, sculpture and mixed media works by local artists living on Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti Country.

Contributors Janet Besançon and Julie Byers live in Coffs, Carol Clarkson is from Sawtell, Jaine Rubine is a Raleigh resident and Lee Albert is from Goolawah, near Crescent Head.

The works as a collection offer a very personal response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its three elements – Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Showing at the Nambucca Valley Phoenix Gallery in Bowraville High Street, the exhibition opens on February

25.

“It is our way of honouring the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” participating artist Julie Byers told News Of The Area.

“As a group of nonIndigenous female artists living on unceded Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti Country we accept the gracious invitation given us by First peoples - to walk together for a better future.

“Responding through the power of creativity is our small way of adding our voice toward positive change, acknowledging that this is complex and contested terrain.”

The works in the exhibition draw from the artists’ personal experiences of growing up or emigrating to an Australia that did not

see or celebrate itself as home to the oldest living culture on earth, stretching back over 65,000 years.

“It did not understand or accept sovereignty as a spiritual notion, the ancestral tie between the land, or ‘mother nature’ and First peoples,” Julie said.

“Instead, it sought to silence First peoples, to disempower and subjugate.”

This is the hard truth that drives the artists’ work.

Another exhibition contributor, Janet Besançon, shares the inspiration behind her work.

“More than three hundred languages are spoken in Australia, so it is difficult to find one way to put everyone together.

“The only way found was to speak from the hearts to the hearts.

“I speak the heart language and always find other hearts to communicate with.

“It is in this humble and colourful language I show my respect and support to First Nation hearts.”

Julie Byers said the Uluru Statement from the Heart was a motivation to learn more about Australian history and Indigenous culture.

“To be truthful it has taken the Uluru Statement from the Heart for me to go away and educate myself about our

shared history and to learn more about First peoples’ ways of knowing and being.

“My work for this exhibition maps this journey, from truth-telling to hope for a fairer, better future.

“I use both language and visual imagery in the medium of ‘analogue’ collage to tell a story and combine experimental printmaking into my work.”

Carol Clarkson is an English born artist who has called Australia her home for the last 40 years.

“Upon my arrival I was totally ignorant of Australia’s colonial history and even more ignorant of the 50100,000 years of Indigenous history preceding it.

“It has been with a sense of shock and shame that I have learned of some of the past atrocities that have been committed by white Australia against its First Nations people.

“It is with an on-going sense of shame and disgust that I continue to learn of the terrible injustices committed against First Nations people in the present day.

“I whole-heartedly accept the generous invitation, as outlined by First Nations people in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, to accompany them on their journey for a kinder and fairer Australia.

“Let us all walk together and vote ‘yes’ in the upcoming Referendum to support a Voice to Parliament.”

For this body of work,

artist Jaine Ruben has focused on seeds, which she believes are “a symbol of growth and new life”.

“I honour the tenacity and potential encapsulated in each one, at a time that requires regeneration on so many levels,” Jaine said.

“With these works I pay my respects to the original custodians of this land, and offer gratitude for the invitation extended through the Uluru Statement from the Heart to join in their walk toward recognition of the right to Voice, Treaty and Truth.”

Artist Lee Albert took inspiration for her exhibition work from a phrase within

the Uluru Statement, which states that ‘sovereignty is a spiritual notion’.

“(The phrase) fixed in my mind as perfectly describing the ancestral tie between the land and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Lee said.

“Sovereignty was never ceded.

“It can’t be taken by force or written out of history by western arrogance.

“As I have researched and tried to educate myself about our shared dark history, I acknowledge there is a depth of trauma and powerlessness unimaginable to most white Australians.”

q Julie Byers’ work for this exhibition maps the journey from truth-telling to hope for a fairer, better future.

q Artist Carol Clarkson stands up for Walking Together - Voice, Treaty Truth.

q Artist Julie Byers educated herself about First Nations peoples’ ways of knowing and being.

q Jaine Rubine hopes to pay respect to the original custodians of the land with her works.

q A poignant piece by Carol Clarkson.

q Jaine Rubine’s focus in this body of work has been on seeds, a symbol of growth and new life.

q The work of contributing artist Janet Besançon.

q Lee Albert shared, “I acknowledge there is a depth of trauma and powerlessness unimaginable to most white Australians.”

q Janet Besançon working with materials she finds locally on Gumbaynggirr Country.

Trees please: Exploring the nature of eco-anxiety

By Andrea FERRARI

ECO-ANXIETY is a term coined to explain the fear that with the direction the planet is going in, everything is doomed and there’s nothing we can do about it - and people on the Coffs Coast are feeling it.

Bellingen-based OzGREEN’s CEO Anton Juodvalkis told News Of The Area, “People are beginning to experience not just eco-anxiety, but also ecotrauma.

“Uncertainty, unpredictability, and uncontrollability appear to contribute to eco-anxiety.

“It’s therefore essential that we have programs in place to transition people from despair and overwhelm to positions where they feel inspired and motivated.

“When people feel empowered and supported, they are able to take positive action to address their environmental fears and concerns.”

OzGREEN is working closely with local psychologist Lisa Brown, who has a strong interest in eco-anxiety.

A recent collaboration can be seen at www. ozgreen.org/livingwell_ valla.

Scientists and psychologists say it's a natural response to the overwhelming amount of evidence we have about the negative impacts of human

activity on the earth and its ecosystems.

NOTA spoke with Southern Cross University (SCU) lecturer Dr Eric Brymer, whose research for over twenty years has focused on the human-environment relationship and the impact of this relationship on performance, health and wellbeing.

Research shows there are direct and indirect effects on a person’s mental health from what happens in the environment; whether it be from extreme weather events or the deliberate cutting down of a tree or destruction of a rainforest.

“There’s eco-grief and eco-anxiety and both are really impactful on people’s mental health,” Dr Brymer told NOTA.

“Mental health interventions today are designed to help the individual and to make the individual more resilient and to help them think differently.”

But those interventions don’t always work when it comes to the environment.

“We need a better understanding of the effect the environment has on human mental health.

“We need to be looking at designing environments that are conducive to human experience and support the human experience,” he said.

“Things become worse

when the organisations who should be supporting our mental health as a society, such as the government and government bodies, are actually creating more of a problem.

“The organisations which are taking the trees down and destroying biodiversity don’t take into consideration what it’s doing to individuals’ mental health.

“People are coming from the place of ‘I love this area, this is where I grew up, and now you’re destroying it’.”

Dr Brymer said the organisations are completely missing the point and passing it back to the individual to become more resilient.

“People aren’t stupid, they know organisations are green washing, saying they are doing one thing with their left hand and getting us to focus on that, while their right hand does something completely opposing that.”

Dr Rymer goes on to say that the way we understand quality society at the moment is enormously flawed.

“We’re doing well as a country if our economy is doing well,” he said.

However, there are places in the world where they are starting to do things differently, such as Wales, Bhutan and New Zealand.

“In Wales for example there are policies in place

Giving up the grog

By Andrea FERRARI

THOUSANDS of Australians

say they are giving up the grog this year, according to new research.

The Finder survey of 1,085 respondents revealed two percent of Australians, equivalent to over 400,000

people, plan to stop drinking alcohol in 2023.

More than half of those are millennials (237,662 people) – with those aged 25-40 most inclined to ditch the booze.

Doing the sums, that means the average Aussie could save over $1,971 a year

by abstaining from alcohol, roughly $38 a week.

Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said there was a growing number of ‘sober curious’ Aussies.

“Drinking excessively can lead to health problems, as well as increasing the risk of alcohol related injury.”

that whatever happens has to be for the benefit/ wellbeing of future generations’ society - ie the ‘Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015’.

“So when a road is going into planning, they have to look at what its impact is on future generations.

“If they find that future generations are going to be worse off because of that road construction then that road doesn’t happen, they have to develop another plan.

“What politicians miss is we are not economic animals, we are about living in harmony.

With more people realising when they don’t drink alcohol they remember more, cause less chaos, don’t lose their wages in one hit and no-longer experience a host of alcohol-related health problems, organisations are coming up with supportive alcohol-free opportunities such as Dry July, Sober October and Dry January to kick off the year.

“Dry January, or the practice of abstaining from alcohol during the first month of the year, has gained popularity as a potential way to overhaul one’s relationship with alcohol,” said Rebecca.

“Even if you missed out on the start of Dry January, it's never too late to kickstart your journey into not drinking.

“Many plan to keep it going all year long which would be a win for health and hip pockets.”

Consumption of zero percent alcohol beverages is also on the rise, with bottle shops and venues stocking a growing range, and many mainstream brands releasing

“It’s about realising we are the natural world and whatever (destruction) we do, we are doing it to ourselves.”

Society has started to make fun of young people who are voicing their eco grief.

“Young people are one of the groups who are seriously suffering ecoanxiety and if we don’t start listening to them, we’re going to create a world that they are fearing.”

A challenge for protesters is that they are often not welcome to speak out and get shut down at presentations.

“Activists for preserving

no-alcohol versions of their popular beer, wines and spirits.

Market research from Mordor Intelligence estimates that the global non-alcoholic beer market is estimated to be worth around $25 billion by 2025.

Pike said drinking was a huge part of Australian culture.

“Alcohol often plays a central role in social gatherings and events, making it difficult for those who choose not to drink to feel included.

and protecting nature are treated as terrorists, but maybe we should be listening to them more,” said Dr Brymer.

“If the government and organisations took the environment seriously, they would see a lot of evidence of positive impacts, such as the wellbeing effects of being around trees and in the natural world.

“They wouldn’t want to be knocking them down,” he said.

The Doctors for the Environment group provides more information, for details visit www.facebook.com/ DocsEnvAus/.

percent), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Those born in Australia were almost twice as likely as those born overseas to exceed the guideline (30 percent compared to 17.3 percent).

Finder’s research found more men (three percent) plan to quit drinking than women this year (one percent).

The Australian guidelines for adults for lowrisk alcohol consumption recommends that adults should drink no more than two standard drinks on any day to reduce the lifetime risk of harm from alcoholrelated disease or injury.

The guidelines also recommend that adults should drink no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.

In the past financial year, one in four Australians older than eighteen exceeded the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline in 2020-21 (25.8

For information on Alcoholics Anonymous meetings near you visit https://meetings.aa.org. au/.

q OzGREEN’s CEO Anton Juodvalkis piloting a Hollows for Habitat program, a personal action that resulted from his concerns that significant hollow habitat had been lost following the 2019/2020 bushfires.

“It’s great that people don’t have to feel like they are being excluded by choosing not to drink," Pike said.

q A Finder survey has revealed thousands plan to give up alcohol in January and keep it going all year long which would be a win for health and hip pockets.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Celebrate Together at Marian Grove this Seniors Festival

THE continuum of care at Marian Grove is always evolving, adapting to the needs of residents as they change over time, sustaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.

Many locals will already have visited ‘The Link’, Sawtell Catholic Care’s latest innovation and support for its community, the reinvigorated former site of Cockbain’s Nursery on Hogbin Drive.

This huge 3.6 acre garden offers the community an exceptional lifestyle opportunity in their own backyard, a wonderful, unique outdoor space to walk, sit and relax, enjoy a coffee and a light meal at the café in the company of friends and family, or some solitude and reflection time if needed.

The Link is here for our

broader local community as well as a space for gathering and social connection, intergenerational sharing and enjoyment, in addition to venue hire for small to mid-range functions and events.

“In conjunction with Seniors Festival 2023, we invite you to visit and ‘Celebrate Together’ with us, acknowledging the contributions that older people make to our community and enjoying some uplifting, ageless pastimes like art and music,” said Michael Darragh, Chief Executive Officer, Sawtell Catholic Care.

“From 10 am to 3 pm daily, from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February, we will be showing the ‘Young at Art’ exhibition created by Mary Help of Christians Students partnered with Mater Christi Residents,

Magnificent Highlands

Seniors Week

a joyful celebration of intergenerational connection, as well as artworks from our creative Marian Grove and Mater Christi residents in the ‘Pavilion’ space,” said Michael.

Music from Nota

Saturday 4th to Friday 10th March 2023

Discover the picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and exotic local produce of the 7-day Highlands Tour

Duration: 7 days / 6 Nights

$2,495 twin

$3,203 single

For more information or to book:

Phone: 02 6583 3330

Email: admin@portbus.com.au

Website: https://www.portbus.com.au

Book Online: https://events.humanitix.com/ magnificent-high-country-23

Bene, the Coffs Harbour City Orchestra string ensemble and other fabulous local musos will be on offer during the week, complementing the exhibitions and beautiful surroundings.

“We hope to see you at

Hamilton with Port Bus to QLD Performing Arts Centre

Sunday 26th & Monday 27th March 2023

Highlights:

Hamilton / Mirimar Cruises

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

$534pp twin share

$665pp single

For more information or to book:

Phone: 02 6583 3330

Email: tours@portbus.com.au

Website: www.portbus.com.au

Book Online: https://events.humanitix.com/hamilton-23

The Link, soon.

“If you’re thinking of retiring, why not take a look around our thriving, supportive community?” Michael said.

Marian Grove offers you home options to suit every taste, from villas

q Marian Grove invites you to visit and ‘Celebrate Together’ from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February. Coffs

to apartment living, and prices to suit every budget. Give them a call today and arrange for a visit with the friendly sales team. Call 0490522596, email mariangrovesales@scca. net.au or visit www.scca. net.au/independent.

Courses cover a wide variety of subjects from: Art and Astronomy to Writing, Walking, Current Affairs, Australian History, Languages, Music, Philosophy, Poetry, Science, Scrabble and Dance, plus many more.

There are no prerequisites, no exams and no qualifications awarded - it’s simply “learning for fun”

Seniors Week

What do National Aged Care Reforms mean for you?

THE Commonwealth Government has started to implement many of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

The National Aged Care Reforms seek to help consumers have a clear understanding of their services, rights and the quality of care that should be delivered.

But what does this mean to you?

“Organising care and services should be a partnership between consumers, their representatives and care managers,” said Lauren Kramer, General Manager, Carexcell Community Care.

“Your choices in service times, care workers, and communication methods need to be respected.

“At Carexcell Community Care we strongly believe you are an individual.

“No two people are the same.

“And therefore, no two

Care plans should be the same.

“Your care plan may include a combination of reoccurring scheduled services as well as once-off services, tailored to your health and care needs.

“Personal Care, Social Support, Domestic Assistance,

spring cleans, and even lawn and yard maintenance, are just some of the care services we can provide, which can help you remain healthy and happy in your own home.

“At Carexcell we also understand life can throw us some curve balls so the ability to be flexible in times of need

is something we strongly believe in.

“What happens when you get a doctor’s appointment at your usual scheduled service time?

“Are you able to quickly and easily contact your Care Manager and request a change?

“With Carexcell, you absolutely can!

“With reasonable notice and within budget, we can add or change services to suit your needs.

“Whether you need to attend an evening event or mass, or your family is meeting on Country to celebrate an event –you should absolutely be supported to go and Carexcell are here to do just that.

“The new Code of

Conduct for Aged Care very clearly outlines that your supports and services should be provided with respect, dignity and in a way that values your culture and diversity.

“Carexcell is a local provider who respects you, your needs and wishes,” Lauren said.

To find out more about the Carexcell difference, call them today on 02 6651 1649.

To find out more about the reforms you can go to https:// www.agedcarequality.gov. au/reforms.

q Carexcell staff staff care provide a range of services, including Personal Care, Social Support, Domestic Assistance, spring cleans, and even lawn and yard maintenance.

Seniors Week

NVC Group celebrates its first anniversary in Coffs Harbour

IT HAS been a year since NVC Group opened its Coffs Harbour office and the number of seniors receiving support services through NVC Group has really grown.

NVC Group prides itself on providing quality clinical care to residents through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care packages and the not-for-profit organisation has recently recruited an Executive Care Manager to oversee its services.

Registered Nurse Brooke Roberts recently worked for RSL LifeCare at Home where she oversaw care provided to Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients, Veterans’ Home Care recipients and Home Care Package recipients from Yamba to Port Macquarie.

“I am extremely passionate about delivering high quality in-home care to our clients in the Coffs

Harbour area,” she said.

“Elderly people have given so much to us and to our country, it is just that we work hard to give them opportunities to live the way they want to and to support them to maintain their health and enjoyment.”

NVC Group’s Coffs Harbour team has grown to sixteen people and they provide a range of services to seniors including cleaning, personal care, respite care, transportation, shopping, garden maintenance and registered nurse services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care packages.

The Coffs Harbour office also has a spacious training room and the NV College team can provide training in Aged Care, Disability Support, Home and Community Care, Hospitality, First Aid, Barista Essentials and

Areason to Smile

Coffs Coast Denture Services is a locally owned and operated business with more than 30 years experience in denture care situation in Coffs Harbour and Urunga.

Our Team understands that dentures can be a very sensitive issue, that is why we are here to listen to you and your needs. We make sure our dentures are customised to your natural look and ensure a comfortable fit and encourage patient input as we want all our patients to be able to smile with confidence. We are mindful of those patients with mental illness and those within aged care facilities that need that little bit extra reassurance and support.

Here at Coffs Coast Denture Services, all dentures, relines and repairs are designed and constructed by our skilled dental prosthetist, Dan Backhouse and Dental Technician Bruce Webber, within our specialist dental Laboratory in Coffs Harbour and Urunga.

Not only do we deal directly with the general public but we have close relationships with many dentists on the North Coast, ensuring our mutual patients receive the ultimate care and best treatment plan. We believe receiving your new dentures is just the start, we pride ourselves on the after care and support we offer all of our patients.

FREE CONSULTATION - NO OBLIGATION

To learn more about

–visit nvcgroup.com.au

q Brooke Roberts. more. So if you’re looking for a career change, drop

in to NVC’s Coffs Harbour office located at 3/38 Park Avenue.

NVC Group – one of the largest employers in the

Nambucca Valley region

Nurses: RNs & ENs

Location: Macksville, Nambucca

Heads, Coffs Harbour, and Kempsey

Full-time, part-time or casual Multiple roles are available for Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, and Graduate Nurses. Applications are open.

Care Service trainees

Location: Macksville, Nambucca

Heads, and Kempsey

Full-time, part-time or casual

Start a career in the growing health and aged care sectors without prior experience or qualifications necessary.

Applications are open.

Medical

Location: Macksville

Full-time

A pivotal role in a long-standing, medical practice. Seize the opportunity to gain experience in the growing health sector. Applications are open.

Serving the Mid North Coast for over 30 years

IN 2023 NSW Home Support Services (NSW HSS) proudly celebrates 32 years of supporting local people across the Mid North Coast region, from Nambucca to the Coffs Coast.

NSW HSS was started in 1991 by local community nurse Trish Plunkett, who was passionate about providing communitybased home care that supports seniors and veterans to remain independently at home for as long as possible.

Since then, NSW HSS has become one of the region's largest and most trusted home care providers.

The local team of support workers and nurses are dedicated and passionate about providing local residents of the Mid North Coast with five key services.

These services include commonwealth-funded home support programs such as Home Care

Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and Veterans Home Care services (VHC).

For community members who do not yet have commonwealth funding but require services, NSW HSS are also one of the only local providers who provide private services, which you can book at any time.

All NSW HSS services focus on enabling people's lifestyles to ensure they can enjoy a high quality of life in their homes and their local community.

The local team of over 70 staff members say that working for NSW HSS provides them flexibility, training development, and support from an experienced management team, enabling them to provide care that impacts local seniors' lives.

If you have any questions about NSW Home

Thrive and dance in one of Julie Ross’ adult classes

EXPERIENCE the joy and benefits of dance by joining one of the Julie Ross Dance Studio’s music and movement classes in the Boambee Valley, just south of Coffs Harbour, for 2023.

Extra benefits include improving your overall physical and mental well being.

Classes in Dancefit, Total Beginner Tap and Intermediate levels in tap run on Mondays and Tuesdays during the day.

“The benefits are far reaching and almost immediately participants feel lighter, more confident and happier.

“Meeting new friends and

sharing your love of dance is so easy, especially if you can let down the barrier of not feeling good enough,” said Julie.

The classes are designed for beginners and you don't need any previous experience to join.

You only need a willingness to participate and you will be professionally guided with the rest.

Julie has over 30 years experience in dance teaching and now also teaches Music and Movement on Wednesday mornings, which is a seated dance program for Seniors and people with balance or issues associated with ageing.

“People living with

Parkinson’s have also benefited from this amazing program incorporating rhythm music and movements that have been proven to benefit cognitive and physical function,” Julie said.

In 2023, Julie and Suzanne McCarty will combine their skills and collaborate with the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium of Music on new classes; Creative Music and Movement for Seniors.

These classes will be conducted once a month at the Con with a live pianist starting in February.

Julie will engage you in her class with old classics of Musical theatre as well

It’s Time To Celebrate With Livable!

years of experience, Livable supports people over 65 to live in their homes on their terms.

Services include home care packages, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, daily living, self-care

tasks, home maintenance, community participation, transport services, and so much more.

For locals by locals

For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to providing trusted and quality home care services, across the Mid North Coast. Live your life to the fullest, with the support you need to live comfortably in your own home & community for as long as you wish.

“I most sincerely thank you all for your kind dedicated care for Dad. Dad’s ‘nurses’ as he called them brightened his day every day & I am so grateful to you all.”

Cathy – Daughter of Aged Care Client

If you have any questions about aged care, we are always happy to have a chat:

as Jazz, Instrumental and Modern tunes.

Julie demonstrates all the action so you don't have to remember the routines and can relax and follow.

The different levels of tap classes means there is no problem if you're a basic beginner as Julie teaches the Total Beginner class starting with the basics and patiently moving from there.

“Age is also no barrier and many of the adults are between 50-90 years old while boasting the eldest

Seniors Week

members to join and learn.

By creating a vibrant and friendly environment, Julie says it's possible to explore your artistic and creative side as well as making new friends.

“Students will be gently eased in for 2023 so it's the

perfect time to start a dance class.”

Don't be shy, give Julie a call on 0402137171 or email jrdance_au@yahoo.com for more information to help you decide which is the best class for you.

student, Lorraine, who has just turned 98!” Julie said.

For the more experienced tap dancers or even if you are a beginner and keen to develop your talent, the tap dance group often do shows and performances for charity and the nursing homes.

“This is a highlight for the group and the audience just love the entertainment and really love the visits,” she said.

Julie keeps choreographing and adding to the group's repertoire so there's always room for new

q The Julie Ross Dance Studio hosts a range of classes for people of all ages and abilities.

ITTA: Training the Coffs Coast’s trainers and managers

FEE-FREE training is now available for trainers and managers through the Coffs Harbour based International Teacher Training Academy (Australia), subsidised by the NSW Government.

ITTA is recognised as one of Australia’s quality training organisations and offers face-to-face workshops and quality online delivery.

ITTA Director Carolyn Fletcher said the organisation carers about its students, and offers support from start to finish.

“We have a 100 percent compliance record, a testament to the quality training we provide,” said Carolyn.

“We love what we do and we’re passionate about making a difference.”

The ITTA is currently offering the below courses:

- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management – Zoom workshops

commencing 10 February (one day per month).

- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management – Online/Distance flexible delivery (commence any time).

- TAE Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Zoom workshops commencing 15 March (two days per month).

- TAE Certificate IV in Training and

Assessment – Online/Distance flexible delivery (commence any time).

- TAE Diploma – Online/Distance flexible delivery (commence any time)

You can register now by contacting the friendly staff at ITTA. Email info@ittacademy.net.au or phone (02) 6658 3999.

q ITTA staff are passionate about their students achieving their goals.

Professional Development for organisations

ITTA also offers Professional Development and is developing new micro-credentials to meet the needs of organisations who are looking for professional development opportunities for staff. Contact ITTA to discuss your professional development needs.

SWIFF announces 2023 Preview Gala

THE Screenwave International Film Festival has announced its SWIFF’23 Preview Gala event, to be hosted on March 10 at the Jetty Theatre, celebrating the announcement of the full 2023 festival line-up – and joined by filmmaker Matty Hannon for a preview screening of the award-winning travel documentary, The Road to Patagonia.

An annual sell-out event hosted six weeks out from the festival each year, the Preview Gala is the first chance for film lovers to dive into the full sixteen-day, 130plus session program of cinema, events and experiences.

“Working with the community to build SWIFF is a new journey every year, so it’s only fitting to present an incredible documentary about the joy of travel, with Matty Hannon’s new documentary, to celebrate the festival to come,” said Festival Director Dave Horsley.

The Road to Patagonia follows ecologist Matty Hannon as he ventures on the trip of a lifetime, journeying solo from the top of Alaska to the southern tip of Patagonia, finding an unexpected love connection in permaculture farmer and fellow surfer Heather Hillier. Together, the duo journey

by both motorcycle and horseback, meeting with Zapatista rebels, Amazonian shamans and Mapuche leaders with wisdom to share, and surfing the pristine undiscovered surf breaks uniquely found all down the west coast of the Americas.

Featuring moments both stunning and intimate, The Road to Patagonia documents both a love between people, with culture, and with nature.

A big screen spectacle packed with stunning vistas, audiences at the Preview Gala will also enjoy an in-conversation Q&A deep dive with the filmmakers and SWIFF Festival Directors, Kate Howat and Dave Horsley.

Limited tickets to the SWIFF’23 Preview Gala are available now, and includes canapes, drink on arrival, and admission to see The Road to Patagonia’s preview

screening.

The SWIFF’23 festival takes place from April 20 to May 5, in both Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.

q The SWIFF’23 Preview Gala will feature a screening of the award-winning travel documentary, The Road to Patagonia.

PROPERTYWEEK

138 Pacific Street, Corindi Beach

Bed: 3, Bath: 1, Car: 2

Price: $679,000

Land Size: 636sqm

HERE’s your chance to live the dream in your own beach house.

Located in the beautiful village of Corindi Beach, and only around 700 meters from the beach.

Private from the street, but the real magic happens when you enter through the front gate. Three-bedroom, beach style cottage at the front of the block, with a concrete driveway all the way through to the generous double garage at the rear of the block, even two other garden sheds for all the lawn tools so the garage can be your 'man cave'.

The home itself has started the process of a makeover but is still very much a blank canvas for you to put your own touches and for it to become your 'coastal boho' masterpiece.

With a quaint formal entry, perfect for getting the sand off your feet before you enter the dwelling, the home makes you welcome from the front door.

The next room is the open plan living area, with natural light galore, which flows through seamlessly to the dining area, and a large kitchen that has bench and cupboard space galore.

The current flooring is timber look vinyl which shows how natural tones suit the property.

There is a hallway which runs down to the three bedrooms, all with large windows to take advantage of the sea breezes as well as ceiling fans for the stiller summer nights.

Off the hallway is a great walk-in linen/ storage room, great for all those items you can just never seem to find space for.

Also off the hallway is the bathroom with a bathtub, yes it could do with a renovation, but it is quite functional now.

The toilet is separate to the bathroom and runs off the laundry, great for entertaining so outside guests can use it without having to walk through the whole home.

For those who don't know, Corindi Beach is one of the northern beaches of the Coffs Coast.

It is an area flanked by natural bushland and, of course, has the sands of Corindi Beach on its coastal fringe.

It is also home to a caravan park and general store, a great country style pub as well as a cafe and even a chemist.

It is also home to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

A great place to live away from the hustle and bustle of suburbia yet only around 20 minutes drive to Coffs Harbour, or the perfect place for the holiday getaway on weekends and holidays.

View online at unre.com.au/pac138

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

Beautiful Home – Sought after location!

Downsizing, Investing or Entering the market

This spacious ex display home is being offered for the first time in 30 years. The much loved home has 4 bedrooms – master with spa ensuite and all with robes and ceiling fans. There are separate lounge, dining and family rooms with the kitchen designed for the chef. Ducted air conditioning adjusts the temperature with the huge enclosed Queensland room being the ideal place to relax. A double drive thru garage gives access to the rear yard with the low maintenance gardens adding further appeal! Arrange your inspection today!

Home open Sat 28/01 11.00am -11.30am

For Sale – $910,000

If you are downsizing, investing or just entering the market –then this 3 bedroom home should be inspected! All 3 bedrooms have robes, both living areas are air conditioned and the home features easy care vinyl flooring throughout. There is also a covered entertaining area, the garage has internal access whilst the garden shed houses the lawn mower and tools . Public transport runs past the front door with the shops and schools being close by. Arrange your inspection today!

Home open Sat 28/01 11.45am-12.15pm

For Sale – $655,000

This well designed family home is located in popular Sandy Beach with the beach being only 700 meters down the road. Features include: 4 good sized bedrooms – all with robes with the master having a walk in robe and ensuite. There are separate lounge, dining and media rooms whilst a dishwasher and walk in pantry compliment the kitchen. The lounge area itself opens onto an alfresco entertaining area with the palm filled gardens adding privacy and a tropical outlook. Other features include air conditioning, controller unit fitted to the double garage and extensive use of easy care floor tiles throughout the traffic and living areas. For the investor, our excellent tenant pays $570 pw and is keen to stay! Land size 575m2 with Council rates being $3111.84pa. Arrange your inspection today, you won’t be disappointed!

For Sale – $895,000

Central Sawtell unit positioned in the popular Coasters Motel and Holiday Apartments. The beaches, clubs and award winning restaurants are just an easy stroll away. This one bedroom unit has a modern kitchen, it’s own bathroom with the living area being open plan. Entertaining is made easy with the complex having an inviting swimming pool along with a covered barbeque area/entertaining area. For the investor, our excellent tenant pays $325 per week and his lease expires in October 2023. Council Rates $2523.07pa

For Sale – $499,000 - $528,000

The lovely 2 bedroom villa home has been refurnished with Boambee Beach and Reserve being close by. The lounge/living area features easy care flooring, high ceilings and air conditioning. A dishwasher compliments the beautifully appointed kitchen, both bedrooms have robes with the front verandah being the ideal place to relax. The carport has a lock up storeroom with the surrounding gardens being parklike. NOTE: For the investor - our excellent tenants pay $380 per week with their lease expiring in April 2023.

For Sale – $535,000

This well designed villa home has been modernised and presents in excellent order. Both bedrooms have robes, the living area is open plan whilst a dishwasher compliments the modern galley kitchen. Easy care vinyl planks have been laid throughout and the garage has internal access and a controller door unit. With the shops, beach and public transport all being close by, the property would compliment any investment portfolio or make an ideal home.

For Sale – $440,000

To

Well Kept Investment Opportunity

10 KATHERINE CLOSE, TOORMINA

• Ideally located home with tiled loungeroom & dining area

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

3

1 1

Delightfully Renovated

1 BOWER CRESCENT, TOORMINA

$729,000

• Three bedroom home featuring renovated kitchen with stunning timber benches, and large island bench

• Generous open plan living area

• Sunroom which leads to fully fenced rear yard with outdoor entertaining area

• Main bedroom has walk-in robe and stylish ensuite

• Renovated combined bathroom/laundry

• DLUG and two garden sheds

McGinty 0432 953 796

Hines 0439 667 719

Land Size: 649.9sqm

Perfect Downsizer or Starter 4 MAKINSON CLOSE. TOORMINA

• Two living areas plus study, main bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite located at the rear of the home, separate from the other four bedrooms

• Single lock up drive through garage to rear yard with carport

796

unre.com.au/mir6 $780,000-$820,000 Land Size: 836.1sqm Kim McGinty 0432 953

OPEN

Inspect

• Positioned perfectly in a great central location with Schools, shops and public transport all within a leisurely 800 metre stroll.

• Sighted on 505sqm lot in a quiet cul-de-sac location.

• There is a wonderful covered alfresco area for entertaining or maybe just sitting with a book enjoying the established gardens which apart from the tranquillity also offer privacy from the outside world.

McGinty 0432 953 796

unre.com.au/mak4 Land Size:

506sqm

Boambee Valley Beauty 4&4A BANFF CLOSE, BOAMBEE

$1,499,000 - $1,549,000

• Immaculate Rural Residential property, boasting not one, but 2 dwellings on a parklike 3000sqm block

• The main four bedroom dwelling is exquisite from the moment you enter the front doors and are greeted with stunning timber floors

• Large open plan living through to dining and massive entertaining deck overlooking sparkling inground pool

• Additional rumpus room and office

• Near new additional two bedroom cottage currently yielding $375pw

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

6 3 3

unre.com.au/ban4

• Enclosed sunroom leading out to the fully fenced level rear yard • Ideally located close to schools, shopping centres, public transport • Current tenant in place on an expired lease paying $550 per week who would love to stay on at the property $649,000 Land Size: 731sqm OPEN Phone To Inspect Pretty as a Picture Large Family Required 59 BOWER CRESCENT, TOORMINA 14 HARVIE DRIVE, BOAMBEE EAST • Perfectly presented 3 bedroom cottage in a popular residential neighbourhood • Absolutely nothing to do but enjoy Beautifully renovated with plantation shutters, fresh paint and floorings Full length sunroom across rear, stunning gardens • large man cave style shed with its own WC and solar. • Large high set 5-bedroom home located in popular residential enclave • Open plan living dining area with timber floorboards adjacent to the kitchen with breakfast bar • Main bedroom is suite sized with huge walk-in robe & ensuite which can be used by the whole family while you install the bathroom of your dreams • Double lock up garage, plus under house storage, & additional side parking unre.com.au/bow59 unre.com.au/har14 $669,000 $779,000 Land Size: 650sqm Land Size: 712.7sqm Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719 3 5 1 1+ 1 2 unre.com.au/com4.18 T/House Size: 117sqm 2 1+ 1 CBD Living 4/18 COMBINE STREET, COFFS HARBOUR • Minutes to Coffs Harbour CBD, shops, restaurants, cafes • Public transport out the front of the pet friendly complex of eight townhouses • Open plan living dining area overlooking the renovated kitchen • Bedrooms located upstairs with balconies & built-in robes, along with the renovated bathroom • Private secure courtyard, extra WC in downstairs laundry Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719 $449,000 OPEN Phone To Inspect unre.com.au/cor1.6 Low Maintenance Living 1/6 CORAMBARA CRESCENT, TOORMINA • Within walking distance to Toormina Shopping Centre • Modern kitchen with stone benchtops, white cupboards • Combined living dining area with easy care timber look vinyl flooring • Two bedrooms both with built in robes, freshly painted throughout • Possible Rental return $350 per week $399,000 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719 2 1 0 OPEN Phone To Inspect c NOTA Graphics Ref: UNRE_270123 UNDER CONTRACT New Listing New Listing CHECK ONLINE FOR OPEN TIMES 6658 6042 www.unre.com.au 137 Sawtell Road Toormina Unrealestate Coffs Coast unrealcoffs Executive Living 61 JANE CIRCUIT, TOORMINA • 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. unre.com.au/jan61 $999,000 - $1,090,000 Land Size: 1100sqm Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 5 3 4 OPEN Phone To Inspect OPEN Phone To Inspect OPEN Phone To Inspect

HYPOTHETICAL

OPINION & LETTERS

On theCouch

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

By Manny WOOD

Beware of conveyancing traps

ADAM wants to buy a property but has not obtained finance approval.

He instructs his solicitor to add a ‘subject to finance clause’ into the contract which will allow him to secure the property, but also terminate the agreement if he is unable to obtain finance.

The clause states that if Adam fails to obtain finance, he will only be required to pay the vendor 0.25 percent of the purchase price.

Liz, the vendor of the property, agrees to the subject to finance clause, if Adam waives his right to the usual five-day cooling-off period.

However, shortly after exchanging contracts, Adam finds another property close to the beach and he falls in love with this property.

Adam instructs his solicitor to terminate the contract on the exchanged property, hoping to forfeit just 0.25 percent of the purchase price.

Liz gets wind that Adam has found another property and believes that he did not take reasonable steps to secure finance, instead he has simply changed his mind about the purchase.

Liz asks Adam to provide evidence that he took reasonable steps to secure financing (such as loan applications or meetings with a financial advisor), which he is unable to do.

Liz issues proceedings against Adam to recover damages due to Adam’s breach of contract. Unfortunately, Adam has no alternative but to settle the proceedings on the basis that he pays Liz ten percent of the original purchase price.

Had Adam not agreed to waive the five-business day "cooling-off" period, he could have safely exercised his cooling-off rights within that time for any reason and Liz would not have been able to bring action against him.

Subject to finance clauses and cooling-off periods are now becoming more commonplace in contract negotiations, due to the housing market and the lending policies of financial institutions.

It is important to obtain legal advice before exchanging contracts and that the contracts contain welldrafted clauses, to provide proper protection and clarity for the parties.

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.

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,

I have recently made a pact to go walking each day with a friend, but he's now suggested we walk to a cafe where he then wants to drink coffee and eat cake before the return walk home.

I'm actually putting on weight.

Geoff N.

How

did

Transport for NSW get it so wrong?

DEAR News Of The Area,

THIS week we met Dr Rob Kooyman, renowned global rainforest researcher.

Rob had spent an hour surveying the small 0.5 ha Patch of original remnant lowland rainforest in West Coffs, destined for destruction by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the Bypass project due to commence shortly.

Later he will further examine the new and extremely rare species discovered further north.

In that brief one hour period Rob had confirmed what we have been saying all along.

The vegetation in the Grandpa’s Scrub is truly unique and rare, clearly met Threatened Ecological Community standards and more than qualified for referral to the Commonwealth for further assessment and consideration.

So how did TfNSW get it so wrong?

Or did they? Evidence suggests that they knew it was rare and unique years ago, and even had an alternate route which bypassed not only the patch of Scrub but the area of vegetation further north which contains the new species of Fontainea and Pittosporum. Apparently blueberries are more important!

It is now pretty obvious that TfNSW’s so called wait for it, soon to be released proposal which could see 80 percent of the vegetation in Grandpa’s Scrub saved,

is nothing more than an eleventh hour bid to save little more than their face.

While they have agreed to move the access road, the NW corner which we calculate contains approximately 60 percent of the species diversity and age significance will be destroyed, the main creek which has sustained the patch for millenia filled in, and the side of the patch opened up to light and wind effects.

Whatever is left will die a slow death.

Their proposed concession for this unbelievable destruction; that salvaged plant material can be used to extend the vegetation into unused and degraded Bypass land, only further exposes their lack of understanding of, or will, or both, to treat this unique Patch of local Environmental and Cultural Heritage and new endangered species with the care they deserve.

We may love the ocean, the beach, and drinking banana smoothies by the pool, and we sure as hell want the heavy vehicles removed from our main street, but the Coffs community also knows a thing or two about being done over.

The NSW Minister for Transport Sam Farraway stood in Grandpa’s Scrub a little more than two weeks ago and promised to look into our claims and concerns.

What are you waiting for Sam?

Regards, Dave WOOD, Advocates for Grandpa’s Scrub.

Cards on the Table

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE 30/12/22 NOTA issue has an article on the Jetty Foreshore revised plan, including elements of private residential development.

Cr Rodger Pryce is quoted in the article in reference to his estimate of the likely income ($10M) to NSW from selling foreshore land, to enable this to happen.

His estimate may be correct.

What is unexplained is that to date no one has had the honesty to come forward and say that is what Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) are planning to do – sell off the land.

A simple request for a bit of honesty.

If PDNSW is taking the decision-

making away from the City Council (as they state) will they please have the decency to make clear that this is what they will do?

Will our Local Member state that he supports selling the land?

Will any candidates for his position in the March election make clear their position on this?

Given that the funds for the proposed improvements are said to be generated via development, there must be a financial model with some detail.

Sale of Jetty Foreshore public land for private residential development.

Yes or no. Simplicity. Honesty.

Dear Geoff,

IT sounds to me like you and your mate have different exercise goals.

Actually Blind Freddy could have made that observation, so you don’t need me to point it out.

When you made your original pact, did you discuss why you wanted to walk each day?

He may think you just wanted to enjoy some time out for a chat and a snack instead of your desire to commence a fitness regime.

It's important to set these parameters out early on to avoid confusion.

Otherwise you may find yourself exercising twice every day, once with your friend, and another time on your own to undo all the extra calories you put on with him.

Perhaps you can come to a compromise.

Let him know that you are actually walking to get a bit fitter and healthier, so the cafe stop can't be an everyday option, but once a week you'd like to treat the good work with a beverage or two.

If he's just not interested, you may need to find yourself a new exercise buddy, or just go solo and soon he'll be seeing the results of your hard work and that could be enough to change his mind.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Black and white.

We have heard enough obfuscation. C’mon, cards on the table.

Regards, Scott WOLGAMOT, Coffs Harbour.

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From the Mayor’s desk

By PAUL AMOS (Mayor) Coffs Harbour City Council

LET’S talk this month about our most precious commodity of all and how much time and effort goes into delivering this – I’m talking about water.

Our region is in a really strong position on water due to some forward-thinking by previous Councillors, Managers and Mayors.

Back in the day, Coffs Harbour and North Coast Water, now Clarence Valley, came together to ‘droughtproof’ the region through our joint Regional Water Supply Scheme.

This $180m project built 87km of pipeline linking the Nymboida River to the Reservoirs at South Grafton, Shannon Creek Dam near Coutts Crossing and a pipeline to Karangi Dam at Coffs Harbour.

It also involved the construction of the massive Shannon Creek Dam.

On a daily basis, we draw from our dam reservoir at Karangi and treat and filter the water at the nearby water treatment plant and pump the treated water over Red Hill.

Water is pumped from the Orara River at Cochrane’s Pool to fill the Karangi Dam and we always aim to keep this at 95 percent capacity.

If there is a need to supplement our Karangi supply, we have a mostly gravity-fed pipeline from the Nymboida River or we can pump water from the massive Shannon Creek Dam, south of Grafton.

Grafton also services their city and areas such as Yamba and Illuka from the Shannon Creek Dam and Nymboida River.

There is the ability to back feed to the Grafton system from Karangi Dam in drought conditions, if required.

More recently we, together with Clarence Valley, purchased the Nymboida Weir, pipelines and extraction licences from Essential Energy to further secure our joint water supply.

The capacity is exceptional with Shannon Creek Dam holding 30,000 megalitres and Karangi 5,600 megalitres.

The water consumption for the City of Coffs Harbour local government area is approximately sixteen megalitres per day.

The vital importance of water was highlighted again for me recently when I met with a group of young French bike riders who are riding from New Zealand to France to raise awareness of just how precious water is.

CycleForWater is riding 100,000kms across three continents and through 20 countries on their mission.

Yes, water is very precious and we here in Coffs Harbour should be pleased with the quality and available quantity of the water we can access.

Planning is not just about the next generation, but the generations that follow.

DEAR News Of The Area, COFFS Harbour has attracted more than its share of refugees, and cultural diversity is a good thing.

The hidden shame that previous governments have developed as policy mean that large proportions of refugees

have an uncertain future.

Coffs other problem: limbo

Temporary protection visas etc can drag on for years and years because the system is too overwhelmed to resolve their status.

An African acquaintance of mine has three children, the youngest was born in Australia five years ago.

All of her three go to school, the eldest has represented Coffs at state sporting events.

home and she speaks five languages including French, Portuguese, English and Swahili.

She has a car and a driver’s licence however she has been on a temporary protection visa for the past five years.

This status amongst refugees in our community is not uncommon.

It destabilises our entire community and is our nation’s shame.

Regards, Peter LEWIS, Park Beach.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AGAIN thank the NOTA for enabling discussion on this important issue.

My fellow correspondent, Jean-Paul (NOTA 20/1/23) infers that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will have no say over such things as capital gains tax, negative gearing or franking credits.

How does he know that?

Don’t these things “matter” (as stated in Clause 2 of the proposed Referendum) to our Indigenous people?

Our New Zealand cousins in 1975 established the Waitangi Tribunal.

It was a body intended to have purely non-binding advisory functions in redressing grievances by Maori people.

Thus, in this respect, it is similar to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Since that time New Zealand’s courts have interpreted the Tribunal’s role very broadly.

It is now a quasi-judicial body with significant influence over the elected parliament.

It now, according to the Institute of Public Affairs, has “become a vehicle for allocating (among others) critical social and economic resources such as health, education, and job opportunities on the

The mother has a job in a nursing basis of race, not need”.

The IPA goes on to state that it “exceeds the advisory role, and now wields veto over parliamentary debates and government decisions”.

With this influence, New Zealand’s current constitutional arrangements have become unfair, undemocratic and politically divisive.

In short, it has become a judicial and constitutional horror story.

Former High Court Justice, Ian Callinan, has stated that “the (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Voice to Parliament could lead to years of constitutional and administrative law litigation”.

We should learn from our Kiwi cobbers, as well as listen to him.

Australia has, at present, 30 Aboriginal land councils and 2,700 Aboriginal corporations plus the PM’s Indigenous Advisory Council and a Council of Peaks representing about 70 big Aboriginal groups.

Almost every one of those has a lobbyist in Canberra.

The Voice will have 24 members representing more than 250 Aboriginal tribes.

How will all these organisations interact with the Voice?

those organisations are unable to lift the Indigenous out of their present situation(s), what guarantee is there that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will do it?

The concern is that if implemented, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will also be susceptible to judicial activism, and will grant special privileges to Australians based on their race.

This is contrary to the present rule of law.

It must also be understood that if implemented (in the Constitution), and subsequently found to be ineffective, it will be impossible to repeal, defund, or effectively reform it.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is a top-down national bureaucratic ideologically-driven solution to issues that are fundamentally local.

The Prime Minister is well-intentioned, but he, and his Ministers, are obscuring the truth, and he is being rather timid in explaining all the facts.

Think carefully about this vote.

There is no going back when Foreshores land is lost

IN NOTA’s 20/1/23 Edition Wilson McOrist asks who would you trust in relation to their stance on the development of the Jetty Foreshores?

Myself, Gurmesh Singh or Cath Fowler?

People can trust me or not as they see fit.

I am not trying to sell you something.

I am merely pointing out that in years to come we are going to need all the recreational space we can possibly get, and the best and most attractive place for that recreational space to be is in the harbour precinct.

If we adopt the government’s plan, a huge parcel of land is lost to the community forever.

There is no going back.

I simply cannot trust proponents of the government’s plans because of the deceptive and misleading way in which they have undertaken the community consultation to date.

Amongst so many other travesties, think about the question in the survey -

It begs the question: If all of do you want up to six storey buildings or leave the fence there and do nothing?

I am yet to meet anyone who wants to leave the fence in its current position and do nothing.

This deception continues.

Traffic flow and car parking are make or break issues for anything that occurs in the precinct.

Our ability to enjoy the area is hugely dependent on being able to get into and out of the Foreshores area easily and find a convenient car park while there.

Little in the plan appears to have been done to facilitate easier traffic movement.

In the refined masterplan it is noted that there will be 70 percent formal car parking as opposed to the current situation whereby formal car parking accounts for only 36 percent of the total.

It is also stated that there will be fifteen percent total additional car parking spaces provided.

Anyone who can nominate formal car parking as 36 percent of the existing number of car parking spaces has never

Regards, Peter WEYLING, Corindi Beach. been to the site on a busy day.

I would have no idea what percentage it is because the informal parking is so ad hoc and involves parking anywhere a driver can fit a vehicle.

How do you quantify that, and then nominate how much of an increase there will be?

In the 2021 consultation the eastern boundary of the project was shown as the railway line.

The location of this boundary now appears to be quite arbitrary as the plan refers to parking at the whale tail site and the railway station.

I challenge Gurmesh to provide two plans - one showing the number and location of current car parking spaces (both formal and informal) and the second showing the proposed car parks (both formal and informal).

Coffs Harbour, the devil will be in the detail, so trust the politician at your peril.

Regards, Bruce WEIR, Coffs Harbour.

LOCALSPORT

Squash players shine on road trip

EIGHT squash players from Coffs Harbour Squash Club enjoyed a triumphant road trip to Parkes last weekend competing in the Western Silver Squash Tournament. Thirteen-year-old

Maddison Nargar won the girls under 19s competition, a remarkable achievement for the Coffs Harbour High School student who played up two age groups after returning from injury.

Eleven-year-old Jaida Wigley from Narranga Public School won her first junior tournament overcoming Ella Matthews from ACT winning 3-2 in the final.

Australian champion wins NSW title at Grafton Speedway

By Aiden BURGESS

AUSTRALIAN champion

Mark Robinson has shown just why he is cream of the crop on the dirt track, taking out the NSW V8 Dirt Modified Title at Grafton Speedway.

The Lismore driver led from start to finish in the 30-lap feature race to win the second NSW title of his career.

The four-time Australian champion continued his stellar form this season with the NSW title his third win from four starts.

Grafton’s Andrew Firth had a sensational race meet on his home track, finishing in second place after qualifying on pole position for the NSW Title decider.

Defending NSW champion Kevin Britten also finished on the podium in third position.

The Queensland driver was gunning for his fourth straight NSW title at Grafton Speedway, and had a fine feature race working his way up from 11th spot in qualifying.

Grafton’s Joshua Rose

It was an all round stellar weekend for Coffs Harbour High School students Lachlan Walmsley, Emily Nargar and Wyatt Brain finishing fourth, sixth and sixth in their respective age groups.

Dylan Wigley from Orara High School finished third in the boys under 13s, Bodhi Wratten from Korora finished fifth in the under 11s and Jayden Sparkes from Nambucca finished

fourth in the under 15s.

NSW Junior State Development coach Jemma Wratten praised the team's performance.

“The Western Silver Tournament was the first junior silver ranking tournament for 2023,” she said.

“There are only four silver events during the year and the players were competing for Australian junior squash tour ranking points.

“The Coffs Harbour juniors had fantastic results across the board, everyone played well.

“The girls under 15s, 17s and 19s combined into one event.

“Madison Nargar excelled in the final to defeat Sophie Simpson from Western, a very strong performance for a thirteenyear-old playing up two age groups.

“Jaida Wigley bounced back from 2-1 down to take the title in the under 13s girls.”

The Coffs juniors now turn their attention to two events on their home turf, the Bronze One Day Enduro event in February and another Silver event in March.

The coach also has her eye on this year’s nationals

in Melbourne.

“It’s a big year ahead for the juniors with a number of bigger events like the Australian Junior Open in April.

“They are training for the tournament, preparations and planning is underway.”

At the conclusion of the Parkes tournament, the juniors participated in a two-day training camp working on technique, fitness and match-play.

Jemma emphasised the benefits and social aspect of a road trip

“Travelling to events in various locations gives the player experience of travel, different courts and weather.

“Players are able to see how they stand against other players in the state.

“Travelling away gives players a chance to make new friends, team building and the experience of travelling and playing away from home.

“The Coffs Harbour juniors would like to thank the ongoing support from the Korora Squash Club, local sponsors, club members and coaches who help raise funds to support the juniors in their chosen sport of squash,” concluded Jemma

finished just off the podium in fourth position.

Local drivers Brayd Stephenson and Luke Dunn finished 6th and 8th respectively.

The next race night of the Grafton Speedway season will be held on Saturday, 11 February.

Headlining the action will be the NSW Title for RSA Street Stockers, and the return of the V8 thundering Late Models, along with AMCA Nationals, RSA Four Cylinder Sedans and Junior Sedans as support classes.

BUD’s Golden Oldies looking for players in 2023

By Aiden BURGESS

A LOCAL Rugby Union club is proving you’re never too old to partake in the game they play in heaven.

And they are looking for players to take the field this year.

The Bellingen-Urunga-

Dorrigo (BUD’s) Golden Oldies Rugby Union Club is looking for new players in 2023.

The BUD’s are back in business this year after two seasons disrupted by floods and COVID-19, and are planning on a triumphant return to the field.

Golden Oldies Rugby is a modified game for players 35 and over, who enjoy sport, fun and a beer (not necessarily in that order!).

The modified version has been compared to a ‘Men’s Shed on a paddock’ with the credo of ‘fun, friendship, and fraternity’.

The BUD’s play in tournaments roughly once a month anywhere from Newcastle to Queensland.

Potential players do not need to commit to all tournaments, and can play the ones that fit their schedule.

BUD’s secretary Darren Taylor said Golden Oldies Rugby was an amazing concept.

“When you first finish playing you think there is nothing, but this is the best concept I’ve come across,” he said.

“You still get to put the boots on and have a run, and it’s really good once you’ve retired as it keeps you fit.

“It’s good for mental health too, as we have a men’s group that meets up on Wednesdays for a chat.

“And I encourage anyone interested to come and watch us play, as it’s not that serious and more about the

camaraderie and friendship.”

New and old members of the BUD’s are encouraged to attend a social bowls game at the Urunga Bowling Club on Sunday, February 12, commencing at 11am at a cost of $5.

The club's annual general meeting will be held at 1pm on the day.

For any other information check out the BUD’s Facebook page or contact Darren Taylor on 0401220009.

q (Back row) Maddison Nargar, Emily Nargar, Wyatt Brain. (Front row) Jaida Wigley, Bodhi Wratten and Dylan Wigley.

q Mark Robinson celebrates his NSW title win on top of the podium, with Andrew Firth and Kevin Britten.

Corindi Beach cricketer scores maiden century for NSW

By Aiden BURGESS

ANIKA Learoyd has produced an outstanding knock playing in Australia’s best one-day women’s competition.

The young woman who grew up in Corindi Beach scored her maiden century for NSW in her side’s Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) match against South Australia in Adelaide.

The 20-year-old had the best innings of her young career with a magnificent knock of 131 from 128 balls,

which included 13 fours and 3 sixes.

She backed up her maiden century in great style with a fine knock of 91 off 86 balls in the NSW Breakers next game against South Australia in Adelaide.

The former Diggers Cricket Club junior is the fourth highest runs scorer in the WNCL this season, having scored 361 runs in her 10 matches at an average of 40.11.

Learoyd has spent the past three seasons playing

for the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and has averaged 17.12 in her 10 innings with the bat.

The up-and-coming batswoman returned to the region last year to help run a junior super clinic, which brought back fond memories for the Corindi Beach cricketer.

“Just looking back at the old grounds, it brings back good memories,” she said.

“I played for Diggers as a junior, and one of my best memories at the time was seeing the Coffs Colts have an all-girls team.”

North Coast side win Stan Austin Carnival

By Aiden BURGESS

THE North Coast under 16s cricket side have emerged victorious taking out the Stan Austin Carnival in Taree.

The North Coast side defended their title with an 11-run win against Newcastle in the carnival final.

Patrick Rose top scored for North Coast with a crucial knock of 55 and was awarded player of the match.

North Coast opened the batting and posted 142, with their bowlers successfully defending the total restricting Newcastle to 131.

Needing a big win to qualify for the final, the North Coast side beat Far North Coast by 81 runs, with Patrick Rose taking 3 for 8 from his 8 overs as the North Coast team bowled them out for 49.

North Coast also had a six wicket win against Mid North Coast, after dismissing them for 56 and reaching the total in the 19th over.

Maison Simmons was awarded player of the match after scoring 33 while opening the batting.

The Stan Austin Carnival is an annual junior representative carnival featuring regions from

across Northern NSW.

North Coast coach Matt Rose explained it was a young team which took home the under 16s title.

“We brought up a few younger players, and we had nine of my under 15s players who I coached that came 2nd at the Northern NSW titles,” he said.

“The majority of the squad were from that under 15s North Coast team.

“It was a really successful carnival for us, especially beating such a strong team like Newcastle.

“It was a really good allround effort, and they are a great bunch of kids who are well behaved.”

q Anika Learoyd celebrates making her century.

q Anika Learoyd celebrates making her century.

AFL umpires visit Coffs Harbour to help local recruitment

By Aiden BURGESS

A GROUP of AFL umpires were in town recently to help promote and develop umpiring in the region.

The group of 42 members of the AFL’s Field Umpire panel for 2023 attended a preseason training camp in Coffs Harbour, where they helped to promote the local recruitment of umpires.

As part of the push to grow umpire numbers within the AFL North Coast region, eleven current and prospective local officials joined the elite panel as they were put through their paces in a skills session.

Community Football Manager, Paul Taylor, said with the introduction of the new Under 10 age group and an anticipated growth in team numbers across both the junior and senior competitions, there was a need to expand the umpire ranks to keep pace with player and team growth.

"Everyone can umpire - parents, current players, former players, even those who've never been involved with AFL,” he said.

“We have online and face to face training opportunities to bring people up to speed, and will

pair them with experienced umpires while they learn the ropes.

"The main thing that holds people back is the fear that they don't know the rules, don't know the positioning, don't have the confidence.

“We'll teach people the rules and positioning and that, in turn, will build their confidence.

"Our age groups start at Under 10, progress through to Under 18, and beyond into open age footy for both males and females.

“There's an age and gender group to suit everyone's experience and confidence, and the umpiring fraternity is really supportive with a great social element, including off field activities."

Taylor said the recent pre-season camp was a great opportunity to promote the local recruitment of umpires.

“Last Friday’s preseason training camp for elite AFL umpires was a great opportunity for current and prospective local officials to get in and rub shoulders with the game’s top echelon of match officials,” he said.

“It’s also a great

opportunity for AFL North Coast to promote the opportunity to join the local umpiring ranks as we head towards another season of player and team growth.

“This sharpens the focus on the need to continue to recruit umpires to enhance the match day experience

for all participants.”

Veteran AFL umpire ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain was one of the AFL Field Umpire panel members who attended the preseason camp. He gave a few reasons why he loved umpiring.

“Physical fitness,

you get to improve your communication, managing people, making decisions, leadership, and they pay you to do it!,” he said.

In addition to the physical, social, and growth opportunities provided by umpiring, match officials receive tax free payment for

North Coast Bulldogs have clean sweep of wins

By Aiden BURGESS

NORTH Coast Bulldogs

sides have made it a clean sweep of wins during preseason trial matches at the Ce.x Coffs International Stadium.

The Bulldogs under 18s and 16s boys, and under 18s girl’s junior representative teams all won their matches against the Northern Rivers Titans.

The Bulldogs under 18s boys’ side were preparing

for their upcoming Laurie Daley Cup season, while the under 16s were preparing for their Andrew Johns Cup season.

The two Bulldogs teams play their first matches of the season on Saturday,

4 February against the Northern Tigers at Geoff King Motors Oval in Coffs Harbour.

The North Coast Bulldogs are now seeking expressions of interest for any female players wishing

to represent their region in rugby league.

The North Coast Bulldogs are keen to hear from anyone who wishes to trial for their Open Women’s Tackle representative team.

The trial match will be held on Saturday, 11 February at Wauchope, with players selected for the NSW Country

each match. Payments range from $21.15 per hour through to $42.90 per hour, depending on the grade officiated.

To express an interest and take the first step towards umpiring, please contact Paul Taylor via paul. taylor@afl.com.au.

Championships in April.

The big day of rugby league will also feature the men’s Group 2 v Group 3 representative match, which doubles as a selection trial for the North Coast Bulldogs team to contest the NSW Country Championships.

The day will also feature the Bulldogs second round matches of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups.

Any player wishing to try out for the Group 2 representative team are required to attend training on Wednesday, 1 February, and Wednesday, February 8 at Geoff King Motors Oval.

Expressions of interest for the North Coast Bulldogs Open Women’s team can be registered on the North Coast Bulldogs Facebook page.

The North Coast Bulldogs will also be holding an open trial to select an under 17s girls’ team to compete in this year’s Lisa Fiaola Cup at the Tuggerah Sporting Complex in April.

The trial will be held on Monday, 13 February at Port Macquarie.

For further information and registration please visit the Bulldogs Facebook page.

q Umpires at the preseason training camp.

q The North Coast Bulldogs under 18s girls’ side.

Harwood and Valleys Cricket both win in latest round of Premier League

By Aiden BURGESS

HARWOOD and Valleys

Cricket were both winners during the latest round of the North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season.

Harwood maintained top spot on the ladder with a five wicket win against

the Northern Districts Rebels in Woolgoolga.

The Rebels opened the batting and posted a total of 6/174 from their 40 overs.

Coby Tabor top scored in the successful chase for Harwood with a knock of 56.

Valleys Cricket were also victorious during

Never Too Old

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 56

at Phillip Hughes Oval in Macksville last week.

The Coffs side took on the Newcastle Taverners on Sunday, 22 January, and won the game comfortably with all players performing well.

Andrew Hunter was named man of the match for his solid batting as an opener and a three-wicket haul with the ball.

The Coffs team then played Mid North Coast two days later, and despite an unbeaten 66 from Eric Higgins could not overcome the challenge of two games being played so close together, and could not repeat the success of Sunday.

The catering for the lunch break by the Macksville CWA was excellent and the ladies were thanked for their support.

Local cricket identity and life member of the Macksville Cricket Club, Noel ‘The Panther’ Chapman, was farewelled at both games and then

again last Sunday at a T20 fixture organised in his honour by the Macksville Club, as he moves to Melbourne.

T20 players were invited from all age groups and the game played in a picnic atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies Cricket Club player Graham Doust praised the contributions Chapman had made to the club and local cricket in general.

“Noel is moving to Melbourne and will be missed by the local cricketing fraternity,” he said.

“His contribution in the organisation of the development of Phil Hughes Oval has been outstanding and his enthusiasm and hard work as the secretary and game organiser for the Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies has enabled the club to continue its development.

“Noel has been instrumental in the development of the Phil Hughes Oval as not only

Round 9, with a six wicket win against the Diggers/ Nana Glen All Stars at Fitzroy Oval.

The All Stars opened the batting and posted 9/199 from their 40 overs.

Matt Giri top scored for the All Stars with 83, while Kurt Stennett was the best of the Valleys bowlers

a great place to play the game but as a ‘must play there’ oval for cricketers across the state and even interstate.

“He has played a major role in seeking and gaining funding for the development of the facility which now has great change rooms, catering, and meeting facilities.

“This ground has the potential to become an iconic cricket destination similar to Bradman Oval in Bowral.”

Doust said the games honoured the contributions of a stalwart of local cricket.

“The presentation of a great aerial photo of Phil Hughes Oval was made by the Macksville Club and representatives of both Macksville and Golden Oldies took the opportunity to thank Noel once again,” he said.

“In his response Noel outlined his wish that everyone of all ages and standards continue to enjoy the friendship and exercise that cricket can provide.

“The Coffs/Nambucca cricket community thank Noel for his contribution and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

taking 3/42 from his 8 overs.

Benjamin Pierce led home the successful run chase finishing on 74 not out, as Valleys kept in touch with the ladder leading Harwood and consolidated second spot on the ladder.

The Premier League season continues this

weekend with matches in Coffs Harbour and Harwood.

The Diggers/Nana Glen

All Stars host the Northern Districts Rebels at Fitzroy Oval, while the Coffs Colts host Valleys Cricket at Coffs Coast Sport & Leisure Park.

Sawtell travels to take on Harwood at Harwood

Oval. Premier League standings. 1.Harwood. 42 points. 6 wins. 2.Valleys Cricket. 39 points. 6 wins.

3.Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars. 26 points. 4 wins.

4.Northern Districts Rebels. 25 points. 4 wins. 5.Sawtell. 23 points. 3 wins. 6.Coffs Colts. 15 points. 2 wins.

q Noel Chapman.

q The Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies Cricket Club with the Newcastle Taverners.

Coffs Harbour Golf Club Ladies

By Helen RHODES

TUESDAY 17 Jan - Single

Stableford 9 Hole Comp. with 33 starters

A Grade - Carmel Hill

Woolgoolga Athletic Club

By Steel BEVERIDGE

WOOLGOOLGA ATHLETIC

CLUB SENIOR TRACK & FIELD RESULTS, 16.1.23.

100 METRES (MALE):

Matt Evans 13.5, Jackson Cheney 14.2, Diesel Cheney

15.8, Jaiveer Grewal 19.1, Ben Haagsma 19.6.

1000 METRES (MALE):

Coffs Table Tennis Club

By Dale ALLEN

TABLE Tennis Results –

Friday, 20 January, 2023

Group A (D1 and D2)

Gerard Martin d Ann Joy 3/0, Reece Baker d Steve

Frawley 3/0, Will Fang d Robert Campbell 3/1, Bo Zhang d Troy Prystasz 3/2.

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

JANUARY 18 - Howard St Rimfire Range. The 90m Field Class match

CEX Urunga Ladies Golf Results

By Lois MILHAM

WEDNESDAY 18/01/23

Single Stableford

Sponsor: D.Navin

Winner: L.Bastick (24) 36pts

R/Up: L.Milham (23) 33 pts c/b

Safety Beach Golf

Club

RESULTS Safety Beach Golf Club

VETS

Park Beach Mens Bowling Club

By Bruce WORBOYS

MAJOR Fours Qtr Final: J DeBerg, D Lindner, D Hyde & K Price def R Finch, S Ccrawford, D orchard & D Hall 21-18

Mid North Coast Veteran Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

MNCVGA RESULTS

On Tuesday, 17 January, 64 golfers competed at Coffs Harbour in a single stableford event, in excellent golfing

22 c/b, Tania Norberry 22.

B Grade - Maz Scully

25, Norma Wilson 19.

NTP’s - 26th (Pro Pin)

Tania Norberry, Robyn Schomberg, 22nd Prue

Trethowan, Maz Scully.

Wednesday 18 Jan - Single vs Par with 91

Matt Evans 3:28.1, Jackson

Cheney 3:41.7, Diesel

Cheney 3:53.2, Rajveer

Grewal 5:02.3, Jaiveer

Grewal 5:07.2.

5000 METRES

(FEMALE): Clarissa Hull

27:39.0.

HIGH JUMP (MALE): Matt Evans 1.35, David Kennedy 1.25, Jackson Cheney & Diesel Cheney

1.20, Rajveer Grewal 0.95, Ben Haagsma & Jaiveer

Division 1 Gerard Martin d Bo

Zhang 3/1, Will Fang d

Reece Baker 3/1. Reece Baker d Bo

Zhang 3/2, Will Fang

d Gerard Martin 3/1.

WINNER: Will Fang from Gerard

Martin.

Division 2 Troy Prystasz d Ann Joy 3/0, Robert Campbell

d Steve Frawley 3/1, Steve

was conducted with 24 participants. Master Grade:

Ben R 93.10, Jake Buckley

91.8, A Grade: Alan Newey

94.8, Phillip Payne 89.2, Max Archer 85.1, Anthony

Khalil 81.2, Stuart D

79.3, Jon Brown 76.5, B

NTP: D.Navin 3rd J.Tierney 12th

Balls: L.Bastick, L.Milham, J.Tierney, L.Thomas, D.Navin, A.Cameron

Friday 18/01/23 Single

Stableford

Sponsor: Ladies Golf

Winner: S.McLean (19) 31pts

R/Up: D.Navin (20) 30pts c/b

9 January

9 Hole Stroke Winner Bill McAllister 22

R/up Ron Strauch 24

MIDWEEK 11 January

Major Fours Semi finals: J DeBerg, D Lindner, D Hyde & K Price Def P Wirth, G Duffey, R Aitken & D Lambert 25-6 R Wisely, N McKee, K Kaaden & R Farmer Def G

Colman, J Phillips, L Morris & T Blow 21-19

Major Fours Final:

conditions as reflected by the high scoring. However, the early rain did dissuade some very early players to abandon the game.

A grade: Winner – Jeff Porter 40, 1 st runnerup John Nichols 39, 2 nd runner-up Wendy Johnstone 36 c/b, 3 rd runner-up Colin Cutt 36 c/b.

starters

A Grade - Heather Snow +3

c/b, Hayley Butler +3 c/b, Trish Nance +3

c/b. B Grade - Lynda Bradley +6, Dot Trevaskis +2, Sue Mealey +1 c/b.

C Grade - Robyn Palmer +6, Sue Morgan +5 c/b,

Grewal 0.90.

JAVELIN (MALE): David Kennedy 26.91, Jackson Cheney 23.86, Diesel Cheney 19.05, Ben Haagsma 17.43, Matt Evans

14.70, Jaiveer Grewal

13.70, Rajveer Grewal

12.32.

WOOLGOOLGA

ATHLETIC CLUB SENIOR TRACK & FIELD RESULTS, 23.1.23.

400 METRES (MALE) :

Frawley

d Ann Joy 3/2, Troy

Prystasz d Robert Campbell

3/0. WINNER: Troy

Prystasz from Robert Campbell.

Group B (D3 and D4) Char Berglund d Terry Baker 3/0, Paul Priestley d Lulu Zhang 3/1, Lachlan Dierkx d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Yash Tyagi d King McKie 3/2.

Grade: Noel Furness 94.4, Johan Greyling 74.3, Allan Matten 69.3, Member-440 69.2, Member-677 63.1, Brianna Rees 35.2, C

Grade: Matthew Mawby (using a rest) 90.2, Matt Walsh 83.4, Mitch Upton

NTP: F.Jones 9th, J.Tierney 3rd, D.Navin 12th Balls: S.McLean, D.Navin, D.Lindsay Congratulations to all the winners.

Friday golf started in sunshine and then the rain arrived.

Well done to those ladies who finished, wet, but still smiling.

18 Hole Stableford Sponsor Coffs Coast Sports Physio Winner M. Sutton 42

R/up Chris Clark 41cb

3rd K. Meada 41

J DeBerg, D Lindner, D Hyde & K Price Def R Wisely, N McKee, K Kaaden & R Farmer 21-13

Congratulations to all players (Photo – Fours 2023 Champions – Jason DeBerg, Darren Lindner, Dave Hyde, Kent Price)

Tuesday Open Fours

B grade: Winner – Graham Haigh 42, 1 st runner-up John de Rouffignac 41, 2 nd runnerup Bernie Axford 40, 3 rd runnerup Paul Bonventi 39.

NTP’s: 3 rd Bernie Axford, 6 th Phil Lynch, 12 th Graham Haigh, 15 th Dennis Moore.

Ball run to 32 pts.

Robin Parsons +5. NTP’s12th Debra Tennant, Heather Watkins (Shearwater Voucher), 15th Jos

Mitchell, Maureen Franklin, Sue Morgan, 22nd Gloria Hickey, Jane Durler,

Matthew Evans 58.9, Diesel Cheney 1:28.7, Jackson Cheney 1:29.6, Jaiveer Grewal 1:35.8, Rajveer Grewal 2:16.3. (FEMALE) : Clarissa Hull 1:37.5.

1500 METRES (MALE) : Matthew Evans 5:38.6, Jackson Cheney 6:38.7, Diesel Cheney 6:52.1, Jaiveer Grewal 6:57.9, Rajveer Grewal 7:07.6. (FEMALE) : Clarissa Hull 7:04.8.

Division 3

Yash Tyagi d Char Berglund 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d Paul Priestley 3/0, Char Berglund d Paul Priestley 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Lachlan Dierkx 3/1. WINNER: Yash Tyagi from Lachlan Dierkx.

Division 4 Terry Baker d King McKie 3/2, Lulu Zhang d Sharee Templeton 3/0,

75.4, Lochlann Moran 67.3, Sarah Jones 67.2, Hayley R 64.2, Jonathon Mackay 63.3, Kathryn Matten 56.2, Member-817 56.1, Phil Hartmann 53.0 The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 18

C.ex Golf Results

By

Graeme ROBERTON

SINGLE Stableford Played at Nambucca Heads Golf Club on Sunday 22 January.

1 st Round Pro Shop Trophy; Winner Alan Baylis 41 Pts; Runner-Up John Gallagher 36 Pts; Ball

4th S. Gentle 39cb

5th R. Kendell 39

WEEKEND

14 January

18 Hole Stableford

A Winner M. Watson 39

17/01/2023

A Worboys, B Worboys, I Trengove, D Hull d P Booth, P North, M Berube, J Dunn 24 – 17

C Hansen, S Jones, C Jones, J Phillips d C Treharne, J Clarke, R Oakley, J Thorn 22 – 15

G Williams, N McVicar,

Shooting Shooters Results

By Rodney MADELEY

SSAA Benchrest results from Dairyville range.

Event was 100yds Centrefire Group.

Custom rifles: Ray Beavis .2460, sg .184.

Elaine Phillips, 26th

(Pro Pin) Trish Nance, Trish Mackay, Gail

McDonald.

Saturday 21 Jan - Single

Stableford with 54 starters

Trish Nance 39, Wendy Johnstone 38 c/b, Joan Griffin 38 c/b, Patricia

2000 METRES WALK

(MALE) : Diesel Cheney

15:36.8, Matthew Evans

15:38.0, Rajveer Grewal

16:52.1, Jackson Cheney

20:32.8, Jaiveer Grewal

20:47.7. (FEMALE) : Clarissa Hull 17:16.9.

SHOT PUT (MALE) : Jackson Cheney 10.24, Diesel Cheney 7.93, Matthew Evans 6.73, Rajveer Grewal 4.72, Jaiveer Grewal 4.10.

King McKie d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Lulu Zhang d Terry Baker

3/0. WINNER: Lulu Zhang from Terry Baker.

Division 5

Boyd McGregor d Kieran Murray 3/0, David McGrath d Charan Vomaravelli 3/0, Karrel Knight d Kieran Murray 3/0, Boyd McGregor d Charan Vomaravelli 3/2,

participants. Ben R 195.12, Jake Buckley 194.10, Jon Brown 191.7, Daniel Finlay 191.6, Anthony Khalil 190.8, Noel Furness 190.4, Sarah Jones 189.7, Johan Greyling 188.6, Member-817 188.4, Phil

Winners; Terry Smallman 34; Terry Stephens 34; Warick Wallace 32; Darren Heelis 31; Chad Nagle 31; Dave Curtis 31; Cathy Robinson 31; Doug Moy 30; Gavin Gilmore 29; Rob Nagle 29; Gary Brazel 29; Sam Brazel 29; NTPs; 5 th Rick Paxton; 8 th Jeff

cb

Lumley 38. NTP’s - 3rd

(Pro Pin) Gayle Jones, 12th

Heather Snow, 15th

Heather Snow. A BIG congratulations to Jana Rothacker with a great eagle on the 7th. Well done Jana!

A R/up T. Bettison 39

B Winner W. Bailey 37

B R/up W. Floyd 36

C Winner C. Laing 41

C R/up S. Gresty 34

D Catling, R Shephard d C McLeod, J Robinson, K Morrison, R Alford 18 – 13

K Williams, B Kelly, H Slater, M Flint d A Orr, A Stone, K Dunn, R Lane

M England, E Kidd, J

Leak, C England d R Wisely, T Wisely, K Kaaden, D Powell 20 – 18

Wayne Munro .2964, sg .107.

Michael Thompson .3200, sg .215.

Peter Fleming .3480, sg .277.

Barry Warwick .3564, sg .299.

Alistair McMillan .3670, sg .279.

Rob Hamilton .3748, sg .256.

Rajveer Grewal 3.15.

Karrel Knight d Charan Vomaravelli 3/0, Boyd McGregor d David McGrath 3/1, David McGrath d Karrel Knight 3/1, Kieran Murray d Charan Vomaravelli 3/2, Karrel Knight d Boyd McGregor 3/0, David McGrath d Kieran Murray 3/0.

WINNER: David McGrath from Karrel Knight.

Hartmann 186.5, Allan Matten 185.5, Member-677 184.3, Matt Walsh 182.3, Hayley R 177.2, Lochlann Moran 175.0, Jonathon Mackay 171.3, Matthew Mawby 167.1, Mitch Upton 167.0

Harris; 13 th Doug Moy; 18 th Cathy Robinson; Chip-Ins; Alan Baylis, Pat Sydenham, Dave Curtis, Doug Moy, Peter English, Gavin Gilmore. Next game is on the 5 February at Coffs Harbour Golf Club. 4BBB Stableford.

D Winner G. Kennedy 37

D R/up R. Weeks 33 BEACH STREET DINING

9 Holle Stableford Winner G. Shute 22 R/up R. Cooper 21

W Moore, S McAviney, S Campbell, B Nicholson d P Woodsell, E Crestani, L Morris, J Bennett 17 – 10 D Valentine, V Valentine, C Weatherall, D Orchard d B Odmark, C Williamson, R Aitken,B Johns 27 – 9

Gary Hunt .4400, sg .314.

Hunting rifles: Mick .5638, sg .371. George Finlay .6108, sg .250.

Peter McGrath 1.0466, sg .401.

Michael Hamilton 1.4328, sg 1.094. Next week is Rimfire Group 100yds.

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NORTHERN BEACHES

Woolgoolga Woolworths

Moonee Beach Newsagency

Moonee Beach Coles Supermarket

Emerald Beach General Store

Sapphire Beach Service Station

Woolgoolga Diggers Club

Woopi Bottle Shop

Liquor Legends Emerald Beach

Blue Bottles Brasserie

Mitre 10 Woolgoolga

Top Town Market

Sunken Chip Takeaway Sandy Beach

Village Growers Market Woolgoolga

Nicole Cardow Real Estate

Sunset Room Restaurant

Woolgoolga Library

Banana Bender (Behind United S/S)

Royals Garage, Corinidi Beach

COFFS HARBOUR

Coffs Central Shopping Centre

Plate to Ply Coffee Shop

Lucky 7 Supermarket, Northside

Shopping Centre

Bray Street Newsagency Coffs

Coles Supermarket

Woolworths

Spar Supermarket Coffs Harbour

Spar Supermarket Jetty Village

Shop 36 General Store

Midway Convenience Shop

Good Price Pharmacy

Discount Chemist CBD

BP South

BP Truck Stop South

Caltex Service Station

BP Service Station

Bailey Centre Service Station

Caltex Service Station

Park Beach Bowling Club

Coffs Hotel

Green House Bottle Shop

BYO Cellars

Big Country Meats

Bray Street Butchery

Coffs Harbour Produce

Clog Barn Coffs

Macleod's Furniture Court Homebase

The Village Pantry - Homebase

Observatory Apartments

Nolan’s Real Estate

The Happy Frog

Northside Bakery

Book Warehouse

Community Village

Coffs Harbour Library and Cafe

Coffs City Council

Nu Era Kitchens

Big 4 Park Beach Holiday Park

Clarke Rubber

Morrisons Betta Electrical

Coffs Coast Hair Studio

Coffs Harbour Surf Club

Harbour Swim School

North Coast V Twins

ETC Employment

Masonic Lodge Retirement Centre

Baringa Hospital

Coffs Harbour Hospital

Pacific Marina Apartments

Your Commercial Property

Raine and Horne

Florent & Mundey Real Estate

PRD Real Estate

First National Real Estate

Cardow’s Real Estate

IXUS NSW Real Estate

Park Beach Plaza

Woolworths

Ritchies IGA

Big W

Terry White Chemmart

Target Silvio’s Italiano

Park Beach Plaza Food Court

Park Beach Plaza Customer Information

La Piazza

BOAMBEE/TOORMINA/SAWTELL

Sawtell Newsagency

Coles Supermarket

Ritchie’s Supermarket Boambee

Lucky 7 Convenience Store

Blooms the Chemist Sawtell

Boambee Liberty Service Station

Bonville Service Station

Toormina Hotel

Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club

The Country Brewers

Marian Grove Retirement Village

Toormina Centre Management

Boambee Garden Retirement

Raine & Horne Toormina

Unrealestate Agent

Sawtell Real Estate

URUNGA/BELLINGEN

Bellingen Newsagent

IGA Supermarket

Spar Supermarket Urunga

Foodworks Urunga

Lindsay’s Oysters

Kombu Wholefoods

Cardow’s Urunga

Cardow’s Real Estate Bellingen

Fermount Fire Station

Ray White Real Estate

Woolgoolga Bowling Club Results

By Glenn LANE

TUESDAY 3/1/23

J Gibbins and R Whelan defeated R Bennell and S Bailey 19 - 10

M Hopes and J Wilcox defeated J

Weston and M Hodge 27 - 11

Lorna and Laurie Walsh defeated H Pallister and Col Davis 28 - 14

G McInerney and G Pallister

defeated P Buck and B Merchant

22 - 17

B Pendred and B Parker defeated

M Lampert and C Latham 21 - 14

T Allen and G Cunningham

defeated J Taylor and H Schutz 23 - 8

S Hutton, T McKenzie and F Cacciattolo defeated I Cork, J Brooks and M Stewart 17 - 15

Lucky Rinks 1. J Gibbins and R Whelan 2. G McInerney and G Pallister 3. Lorna and Laurie Walsh

No Jackpot

Friday 6/1/23

Sawtell golf results

By Janet O’DOWD

17/1 MEDLEY Stableford

A: Garry Jacobson 37c/b, Trevor Smith 37c/b, Cameron Arnold 37. B: Rachel Peet 37c/b, Paul Rowe 37, Ross Schalk 36. C: Wilton Cameron 35, Bob Harris 35c/b, Brian Horder 33c/b. Balls

Park Beach Women’s Bowling Club

By Mandy TRENGROVE

RESULTS from Friday 6 January

Only 8 ends when rain stopped play

M & C England drew with P Garner, K Dunn 8/8

C Keogh, R Oakley def C Treharne, S Campbell 6/4

Coffs Harbour Golf Club Monday Vets

By Vicki SILVER

43 MEMBERS played a nine hole Single Stableford event.

Winners:

Gents Andy Gilkes 19 Garry Silver 18 c/b

Coffs Harbour Bridge Results

By Nerellyn MITCHELL

JAN 2nd - NS B Salisbury, J

Bryant; EW R Rutter, V Gayford

Jan 3rd - J Isaacs, S Kremplins

Jan 4th - NS S Dilosa, D

J Taylor and P Buck defeated J Hinchley and S Bailey 26 - 14

M Brookes and T Allen defeated Lorna and Laurie Walsh 21 – 14

F Cacciattolo and S Hutton defeated E Mulryan and R Whelan 24 - 7

J Martin and M Cork defeated H Schutz and R Bennell 22 - 13

A Boyden and M Hodge defeated B Napper and B Merchant 17 - 16

Lucky Rinks 1. A Boyden and M Hodge 2. M Brookes and T Allen

No Jackpot

10/1/23

S Dodd and J Thompson defeated M Lampert and C Latham 30 - 13

I Cork and B Merchant defeated Lorna and Laurie Walsh 27 - 8

M Brookes and F Cacciattolo defeated T Allen and G Cunningham

20 - 14

D Mason and G Pallister defeated

P Buck and T McKenzie 21 – 20

H Pallister and C Davis defeated John Clarke and R Kaufmann 22 - 15

S Bailey and R Bennell defeated J Weston and M Hodge 27 - 7

to 32c/b. NTP 7 A: Allan Burns (pro pin), B: Barry Woods, C: Les Michalik. NTP 11 A: Trevor Smith,

B: Allan Robertson, C: Peter English. Eagles: Bryan Fitzpatrick (8), Daniel Dosen (17)

18/1 Stableford Nicole Owen

39, Kerry Humphreys 38c/b, Gloria Rossi 38. Balls to 32. NTP

7 Chris Anderson. NTP 11 Narelle Foy

J Clarke, M Berube def A Orr, J Slater 10/3

R & M DeMeio def A Stone, J Phillips 11/4

L & P Mclean def R Aitken, B Johns 7/6

D Hargraves, Y Schmidt def A Worboys, L McLeod 9/6

C Irvine, J Bishop def C Lloyd, M Holding 11/5

D & S Hancock def J Kennedy, C Garrett 11/4

Frank Buckley 18

Norman Shannon 17 c/b

Ladies:

Kirsty Arthur 20

Jo Corrigan 19 c/b

Jean O’Connor 19

Nijole McNally 17 c/b

Ball Comp:

Jeff Howlett 17 c/b

Chris Oddy 17 c/b

David Haynes 17

Vicki Silver 17

O’Meara; EW A Anderson, D Anderson

Jan 6th - NS S Dilosa, M Johnson; EW M Cotsell, R Irwin

Jan 7th - NS B Herring, C Tolley; L Burnett, R Pojer

J Ryan, J Taylor and J Hurrell defeated K Napper, H Schutz and B Napper 23 - 17

Lucky Rinks 1. D Mason and G

Pallister

2. M Brookes and F Cacciattolo 3.

J Ryan, J Taylor and J Hurrell

13/1/23

R Gurber and B Merchant defeated J Taylor and P Buck 21 -17

D Hodge and K Napper defeated

G Smith and D Barnard 23 - 17

F Cacciattolo and J Hurrell defeated Lorna and Laurie Walsh

31 - 8

B Pendred and B Parker defeated

J Hinchley and S Bailey 35 - 13

J Martin and G Pallister defeated

B Napper and M Hodge 20 - 19

J Hampstead and M Horan defeated H Schutz and R Bennell

19 - 16

M Brookes and T Allen defeated

B Richards and I Cork 24 - 11

C Davis and G Cunningham defeated W Bracher and M Short

18 - 14

Lucky Rinks 1. R Gurber and

19/1 Front Stableford

William Trice 22, Rob Wellings

20. Balls to 17

21/1 Front Stableford

Vicki McNamara 21, Jean

Dummer 18c/b. Balls to 17c/b.

Saturday Sal Gaye Hardcastle

21/1 Medley Stableford

A: Michael Kenny 37c/b, Kelcie

Davis 37c/b. B: Garry Hardcastle

41, Mick Bryant 37. C: Karen

M & S Watt def S Davies, M Muscat 10/7

P Poulton, E Kidd def G S-Latimer, G Chalmers 9/6

Results from Friday 20

January

J Rodwell, D Walsh, M Star def H Illingworth, D Hargraves , Y Schmidt 24/12

C Keogh, E Kidd, R Oakley def

Clyde, D Futcher, R Lane 16/13

A Orr, R & M DeMeio def D

Joan Levingston 15 c/b

Caroline Whitelegge 15 c/b

Nearest the Pins:

12th Hole Carlene Bath & Jeff Howlett

15th Hole Carlene Bath / Kirsty Arthur & Jeff Howlett

Next week is a 4BBB - two person team event, if unable to play please let your playing partner know.

Watson

Jan 11th - NS L Power, M

Rogers; EW T Booth, J Michael

Jan 13th - NS B Salisbury, N

Mitchell; EW L Quinn, P Haigh

B Merchant 2. J Hampstead and M Horan

3. D Hodge and K Napper 20/1/23

F Cacciattolo and J Hurrell defeated D Porta and J Hampstead 20 - 19

J Taylor and P Buck defeated K Napper and B Napper 33 - 7

J Hinchly and S Bailey defeated W Bracher and M Short 23 - 12

R Gurber and B Merchant defeated Lorna and Laurie Walsh 28 - 8

H Schutz and M Hopes defeated J Gibbins and I Cork 27 - 11

D Barnard, M Brookes and G Pallister defeated G Lane, R Ryan and G Cunningham 31 - 11

Lucky Rinks 1. R Gurber and B Merchant 2. H Schutz and M Hopes

3. J Taylor and P Buck

Jackpot 1. R Gurber, B Merchant, Lorna and Laurie Walsh

2. D Barnard, M Brookes, G Pallister, G Lane, R Ryan and G Cunningham

Wilson 38, Christopher Deale 35c/b. Balls to 33c/b. NTP 7 A: Paul McHugh (pro pin), B: Gary Devine, C: Barry Wilson. NTP 11

A: Tom Neal, B: Trent Mitchell, C: Karen Wilson

22/1 Medley Stableford

Joseph Whalan 42, Ben Kearns 38, Brian Holman 35c/b. Balls to 34. Eagle on 4 Nathan Lugton

Rowe, J Boulton, P McLachlan 26/9

P Poulton, L McLeod, J Slater def D Hull, A Stone, J Phillips 19/17

M England, G S-Latimer, C England def C Treharne, G Chalmers, S Campbell 19/14

J Kennedy/D Hancock, S Hancock, B Johns def J Bishop,K Dunn, L Loadsman 20/13

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 17 January 2023

Main Draw Winners: Anthony

O’Connell

R/U Dave Laneyrie

Consolation Winners: Bernie

Couzens

R/U Zane Davey-Newman

Strachan

Jan 17th - D O’Meara, I Martyn

Jan 18th - NS L Smith, J Archer; EW D Hickie, J Burrows

Jan 20th - NS R Bingham, N Jackson; EW V Gayford, M Griffin

Jan 14th - NS B Herring, C Tolley; EW E Colley, D Strahan

Jan 9th - NS R Roark, F Gaunt; EW E Colley, D Strachan

Jan 10th - D Johnson, J

Jan 16th - NS R Roark, D O’Meara; EW E Colley, D

Jan 21st - NS R Bingham, P Griffin; EW P Haigh, V Gayford Your

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee or certainty of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.

Email to media@newsofthearea.com.au

Death Notices

Death Notices

Funeral Notices

BOOTH, Richard John ‘Dick’

20th January 2023, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Coffs Harbour. Loving husband of Lyn.

Loved father, father-in-law, grandfather & great-grandfather of their families.

Aged 85 Years

Walking That Country Mile

Dick was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW

Accred No 12033-01

GRIMSHAW

Patricia Margaret ‘Pat’ 02.04.1940—18.01.2023

Peacefully at Shoreline Aged Care Facility Coffs Harbour, with her loving husband by her side, following a long and difficult period of hospitalisation. Loving and beloved wife to Warren for 62 years. Loving and cherished mother & mother-in-law to Philip (dec’d), Sandie, Peter & Bridget and Glenn & Adam. Adoring and beloved ‘Nan Nan’

‘Nanna’ to Aaron, Samantha, Matthew, Dominic and Pip. Dear sister-in-law to Lee & Col. Pat will be greatly missed by all her extended family and friends.

Aged 82 Years

Forever In Our Hearts

A Celebration of Pat’s Life was held in the St John’s Anglican Church, Coffs Harbour, followed by interment at Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

FLEMING, Alan McLay ‘Ali’

23rd January 2023, peacefully at home with his loving wife Joan of 63 years by his side. Proud father & father-in-law of Gary & Tonia and Lea. Irreplaceable ‘grandfather Ali’ of Ebony, Jayden, Bailey and Tom. ‘Great-grandfather Ali’ of Lennox, Benji, Amaya, Evie and Archie. Devoted brother of Garry (dec’d), Lyall, Irene and Dod (dec’d). Ali will be sadly missed by all of his extended family and many friends.

Aged 84 Years

Gone To The Big Match In The Sky

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Ali’s Life to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 30th January 2023, commencing at 1.00 pm.

Ali’s Funeral Service will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

Robert (Bob) Allan White 19th January 2023

Peacefully at Bellingen Hospital. Late of Marian Grove. Beloved husband of Nola. Loved father of Nicole and Craig. Proud Pop of Alexandra, Macondo, Riley and Darcy.

Aged 79 Years

Forever in our hearts.

Bob was privately cremated as per his wishes.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

PUZZLES COFFS COAST

BIG CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

SOLUTIONS

COFFS COAST

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

Home Improvements

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DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND

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BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR

TEN, 7.30pm

SUNDAY THE BACHELORS AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

While The Bachelors Australia hasn’t been the big hit network bosses had been hoping for, any seasoned Bachelor viewer knows that it’s the finale that packs the cringe-worthy (or gobsmacking) punch. While no one can probably eclipse Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins’ memorable finale, chances are Felix Von Hofe, Thomas Malucelli and Jed McIntosh’s search for love will wrap up with a glittering flourish tonight. Does dapper host Osher Günsberg (above) have any clue what’s coming? Or will the punters pick the winner?

FRIDAY, January 27

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens: Croatia. Part 2 of 3.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 3 of 3. Thursday discovers that Endeavour’s problems are greater than anybody could have suspected.

10.00 Miniseries: The Accident. (Mal, R) Part 4 of 4.

10.50 ABC Late News. Detailed coverage of the day’s events.

11.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)

11.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Many people shun reality-TV competitions, but Survivor shouldn’t be thrown into the same pile as every other gimmick. As Americans gear up for their 42nd series of the beloved franchise, anyone who has bypassed this spectacle should really give it a chance … After all, now that Mike White, the creator of smash-hit The White Lotus, has proudly outed himself as a super-fan (he even competed with his dad on the series and came second), now both duly nerdy and cool. Tonight, host Jonathan LaPaglia (right) kicks off the 10th season of this Aussie version with a mix of new and returning players. Buckle up for plenty of strategic manoeuvres with a heroes versus villains theme.

THURSDAY TASKMASTER

AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

Britain’s hilarious game show that pushes comedians to their brink finally gets a much-anticipated Aussie version, hosted by Gold Logiewinning comedian Tom Gleeson (Hard ). If you haven’t tuned in for the British hit, Gleeson sums the show up quite succinctly as “comedians humiliating themselves… that’s kind of our whole deal!”. Featuring contestants Julia Morris (above), Luke McGregor, Jimmy Rees, Nina Oyama and Danielle Walker, along with Gleeson’s sidekick Tom Cashman, tune in for the silly, headscratching and gleeful challenges, which will see one comedian emerge as the victor. It’s a delightfully silly distraction.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Scotland: A Wild Year.

8.30 Inside Central Station: T4 Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Shane Jacobson.

9.25 Undeniable: The Truth

To Remember.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 To Be Advised.

11.00 MOVIE: The Book Of Eli. (2010, MA15+v, R) In a post-apocalyptic future, a lone man fights his way across the US to protect a sacred book that he believes holds the secrets to saving humankind. Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by James Bracey.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. Men’s singles semi-final.

11.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R)

A burst pipe plunges the ED into chaos.

12.00 Family Law. (Ma, R) Abby and Daniel represent a trans teen.

1.00 Our State On A Plate. (PG) Cassandra Charlick learns how to make beer.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Take Two. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham is joined by Michelle Williams, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Fraser, Russell T Davies and Oti Mabuse.

9.30 Jimeoin: Ramble On. (Mls, R) Stand-up comedy performance by Irish comedian Jimeoin featuring his clever and quirky observations on everyday suburban life in his trademark devil-may-care style.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, January 28

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG)

12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 Endeavour. (Mav, R)

2.00 Midsomer Murders. (PG, R)

3.30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures. (PG, R)

4.15 Australia Day Live. (PG, R)

6.30 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) Follows a diverse group of singles seeking love.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Sister Hilda and Dr Turner support a father.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when the annual Midsomer Scarecrow Festival takes a grisly turn.

10.00 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Cassie and Sunny interview the suspects.

10.50 A Life In Ten Pictures: Muhammad Ali. (PG, R)

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Blue Water Safari.

10.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.05 Paul

O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 2.15 Pluto: Back From The Dead. (R) 3.25 Happy Birthday Hubble. (PG, R) 4.35 Secret Scotland. (R) 5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys: Crossing The Emerald Isle. (PGa, R) Part 3 of 4.

8.30 The Queen At War. (PGa, R) A look at the impact of war on Queen Elizabeth II.

9.30 Britain By Beach. (PGn, R) Part 3 of 4.

10.25 Great Escapes With Morgan Freeman. (Ma, R)

11.15 The Responder. (Madl, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, January 29

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

10.00 Offsiders: Summer Series. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline: Summer Series. (R) 1.10 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens. (R) 2.15 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 3.15 Victoria. (PG, R) 4.00 Designing A Legacy. (PG, R) 5.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures. (Ml, R) Part 2 of 3.

8.20 Vera. (Ma, R) A local teacher is found dead at the bottom of a cliff-side coastal walkway.

9.50 Wreck. (Mlv, R) Jamie becomes a fugitive onboard.

10.35 Operation Buffalo. (Mal, R)

11.30 Making Child Prodigies. (R)

1.00 Les Misérables. (Ma, R)

2.00 Victoria. (PG, R)

2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.05 Classic Countdown. (PG, R)

5.05 Think Tank. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Blue Water Safari. (PG) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Going Places. (PG, R)

12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R)

3.10 The Architecture Of Ra. (PGalw, R) 4.40

Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R)

5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Lost Treasure Tombs Of The Ancient Maya. (PGav, R) Part 1 of 2.

9.25 Australia Burns: Silence Of The Land. (PGa, R) A look at the 2019-2020 bushfires.

10.50 Looking For Life On Mars. (R)

11.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

12.50 Uranium: Twisting The Dragon’s Tail. (PGa, R)

3.40 Destination Flavour China. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Expressway Stakes Raceday, Summer at the Valley and Sunshine Coast Cup Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.00 MOVIE: Grown Ups. (2010, PGls, R) After their high-school basketball coach passes away, five former friends and teammates are reunited for the first time in decades for his funeral and the subsequent Fourth of July holiday weekend. Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by James Bracey.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 13. Women’s singles final. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey.

12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R) Sharpe offers help to a reluctant Mina.

1.00 Family Law. (Ma, R)

A divorcée needs help.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) The lifeguards are feeling the pressure.

6.30 Jamie Oliver: Together. Jamie Oliver prepares a taco party.

7.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav) Roberta Deeks comes into town.

8.30 FBI: International. (Masv) The Fly Team heads to the Czech Republic in pursuit of the co-founder of an illegal adults-only website when his business partner is murdered in Prague. Kellett struggles with her personal relationships.

10.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) Two bodies are found in a forest.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. H’lights. 1.00 Border Security: Int. (PG, R)

1.30 Cricket. Women’s Twenty20 International Series. Australia v Pakistan. Game 3.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout.

11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A musical edition of the show hosted by ABBA’s Benny and Bjorn, including a look back at the 1977 tour of Australia with some of the superfans that were there, as well a farewell to Olivia Newton-John.

12.00 The Good Doctor. (Ma, R) Claire and Shaun treat a patient with a rare form of dwarfism. Shaun reacts to an emotional situation.

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.

6.00 Nine News Sunday.

6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions from the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 14. Men’s final.

12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R) Reynolds receives a dramatic offer.

1.00 Kia Dylan Alcott Special. (R) A Drive TV special.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

5.00 News Early Edition.

5.30 Today.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Special guests include Sam Smith.

7.30 The Bachelors Australia. (Final, PGls) Jed, Felix and Thomas have decided who they want to face their happily ever after with.

9.10 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When a paniolo, a local cowboy, is shot, Tennant and her team must gain the trust of the community.

10.10 FBI. (Mav, R) The FBI hunts for a serial killer.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) Special guests include Sam Smith.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, January 30

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Craft It Yourself. (PG) 10.15 Beyond The Beaten Path. (M) 11.10 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 The Great House Revival. (PG, R) 3.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG, R)

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Australian Idol. (Return, PGls)

Secrets Of Playboy: The Big Playboy Lie. (MA15+) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Partisan. (Maln) 11.45 Shadowplay. (Malv, R)

TUESDAY, January 31

A nationwide search for a singing superstar, determined through a series of performances.

9.15 Below Deck Down Under.

(Mls, R) Follows a charter crew aboard the M/Y Thalassa operating in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

11.15 Busted In Bangkok. (MA15+ans, R) Follows Thailand’s tourist police.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project. Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton and Steve Price take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (Return) Returning players and new faces battle it out on the beaches of Samoa.

9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) A celebrity child psychiatrist is kidnapped by the son of a former client.

11.30 The Project. (R) Special guest is Chrissie Swan.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

5.30

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGls) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.15 Quantum Leap. (Premiere, Mav) A new team restarts the controversial Quantum Leap project only to have one of their own take an unauthorised leap back in time to 1985 leaving them to find out what happened and how to get him back.

11.15 Inside Belmarsh Prison. (MA15+v, R) Part 1 of 2.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Iliza Shlesinger.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.15 NCIS. (Mv, R) Gibbs and Fornell’s crusade to find the head of the drug ring responsible for Fornell’s daughter’s overdose comes to a climax. The team is finally let in on a case by Gibbs and Vance that has dangerous implications.

11.15 The Project. (R) Special guest is Iliza Shlesinger.

12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, February 1

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Beyond The Beaten Path. (M) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.15 Secrets Of Royal Gardens.

3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.05 Who Do You Think You Are?

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Incredible Canals. Explore the history of canals.

8.35 My Grandparents’ War: Kit Harington. (PG) Part 1 of 4.

9.30 Bloodlands. (Return) A local accountant is murdered.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Cargo. (Premiere, MA15+v)

12.05 Thin Blue Line. (MA15+al, R)

4.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, February 2

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGls) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.05 The Front Bar: All Sports Edition. (Return, M) Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a look at the world of sport and catch up with the stars of yesteryear.

10.05 Kitchen Nightmares Australia. (MA15+l, R) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge.

11.15 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Adam Hills.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Following a heated reward challenge, a secret night mission cause one tribe to question one of their own.

9.15 Fire Country. (Mv) The crew engages in a search-and-rescue mission after a building collapses.

10.15 Bull. (Ma, R) The TAC team defends a BLM activist.

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Beyond The Beaten

Great Canal Journeys.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 American Presidency With Bill Clinton. (Premiere)

9.20 Miniseries: The Walk-In. (MA15+)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 War Of The Worlds. (Final, MA15+a)

11.40 Vikings. (MA15+sv, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Premiere, PGl) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.

8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+av) As Muncy tries to fit in with the squad, a home invasion and kidnapping leads the SVU to a shocking discovery.

10.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav, R)

11.30 The Project. (R) Special guests include Paul Rudd.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.