Coffs Coast News Of The Area 2 June 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

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

Bush Fire Risk Management Plan invites public feedback

FROM Page 1

that maps and describes the level of bush fire risk across an area and the proposed treatments to minimise and mitigate the risk.

A BFRMP identifies bushfire issues, identifies assets at risk and the level of risk, and establishes treatment strategies to minimise the risk and who is responsible for carrying out the treatments identified.

These treatment strategies may directly affect you and your property, warned RFS Inspector Sandra Huer.

“All residents across the Coffs Coast should review this plan to ensure their fire concerns are addressed,” she said.

Fire agencies, land managers and other stakeholders have been working to identify ways of reducing the impact of fires across the Coffs Coast, "protecting lives, homes, businesses, agriculture, the environment and other assets that are important to the Coffs Coast”.

“The draft plan identifies the risk to communities and the assets we all value,” Inspector Huer said.

David WIGLEY wigley@newsofthearea.com.au

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

EDITOR

NEWS DESK: media@newsofthearea.com.au

ADVERTISING: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

FLIPBOOK ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au SOCIAL: facebook.com/coffsNOTA

Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Using feedback from fire agencies, land managers and other stakeholders, the plan identifies ways of reducing the impact of fires across our area.

“To understand the bush fire risk in the Coffs Coast, and help inform the best ways of managing and reducing the risk, we’ve looked at what’s important to local communities, including where people live, as well as environmental, economic and cultural assets.

“We encourage members of the community to have and submit their feedback, to develop a strong plan to protect the Coffs Coast.”

The Coffs Coast draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan is now on public exhibition online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-andprepare/managing-bush-fire-risk/bush-firemanagement-committees/coffs-coast.

It can also be viewed at the following locations: Coffs Harbour Fire Control Centre, 4 De Havilland Way, Coffs Harbour; Bellingen Shire Council, 35 Hyde Street, Bellingen and City of Coffs Harbour, 2 Castle Street, Coffs Harbour.

Where possible, submissions on the draft BFRMP should be submitted through the online portal at https://nswrfs.jotform. com/231337615908863.

Written submissions can also be sent to the BFMC Executive Officer by email to coffscoastteam@rfs.nsw.gov.au or by post to PO Box 4065 Coffs Harbour Jetty 2450.

All submissions must be received by Monday 10 July, 2023.

q RFS Inspector Sandra Huer (centre) with Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Darren Skinner and CEO Chris Spencer.

q Across the Coffs Coast, National Parks and Wildlife Service are conducting burn offs over the next weeks, as seen here on Tuesday 30 May at Coffs Coast Regional Park, Arrawarra. Photo: NPWS.

q RFS Coffs Coast District Coordinator Rachael Eggins encourages the public and agencies to give feedback on the draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan by 10 July.

STANCE ON VOICE

FROM Page 1

his speech by praising the efforts of the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, and noted their shared acknowledgement of historical atrocities and continued government failures before disagreeing with the methods upon which to Close the Gap.

Mr Conaghan said that, while recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution was a point with which he agrees, he does not support a constitutionallyenshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body.

He discussed being born and bred in Kempsey and growing up in the household of a local GP.

Mr Conaghan talked about his father’s work treating the physical and mental health of the members of the community and how his father was the first doctor in the area to allow Indigenous people into his clinic.

He said he saw firsthand the differences in the standards of health amongst the Indigenous community and the influence that grassroots support can have, not just on an individual but on an entire community.

As a young police officer

in Kempsey and, later, as a police prosecutor and criminal defence lawyer, Mr Conaghan said he was aware of the challenges facing Indigenous Australians.

In parliament, he joined the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum and heard firsthand the testimonies of those suffering as a result of historical atrocities.

However, Mr Conaghan said he did not hear how the Voice specifically will tangibly affect any of the issues facing Indigenous Australia and asked a number of questions about what form the Voice might take.

When recently in Darwin and Alice Springs, Mr Conaghan said he consulted with individuals, community groups and specialist organisations on what is happening on the ground and how they feel governments at all levels can best assist with breaking the cycle of violence, with a specific focus on the prevention of family violence.

He said all individuals he has spoken with unanimously suggested that to fix problems like social disparity, domestic violence, substance abuse, education and health outcomes, governments at all levels must provide more on-the-ground solutions and

manpower at the coalface.

Mr Conaghan wound up his speech by saying he will always vote ‘yes’ to measures to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

“But, I will not vote ‘yes’ on a change that divides the nation arbitrarily on the lines of race and that leaves too much to individual interpretation,” he said.

In the wake of the speech, NSW Supreme Court Justice Ian Harrison emailed Mr Conaghan last Wednesday via his Supreme Court account, expressing disappointment at the Member for Cowper’s stance on the Voice.

the counterfeit spectre of harm to the Australian community while ignoring the immense and patently harmless symbolic benefit that recognition of the Voice will give to a long-neglected section of our society.

Following the correspondence, Mr Conaghan has doubled down on his position regarding the Voice.

“I believe that this very email is the perfect example of what was expressed in the speech he was referring to,” Mr Conaghan said of the email.

“Rather than approach a fellow Australian that you disagree with in respectful debate, this Supreme Court Judge was reduced to name calling and a stance he himself admits is based on symbolism.

the email and support for Mr Conaghan’s stance.

“Pat Conaghan’s contributions to the Joint Select Committee and the Parliament have at all times been compassionate, considerate, and kind,” Mr Wolahan said.

As a result of the email, concerns have been raised about the separation of powers between the judiciary and the workings of parliament due to the communication being sent from an official email address containing the Justice’s signature block, rather than as a personal missive.

Mr Harrison wrote in his email, later published in The Australian, that he believed Mr Conaghan did “not understand or appreciate the depths of paternalism and racism” in the MP’s speech.

“Your argument is predicated upon the position that the Voice will add nothing practical to the lives of Indigenous Australians,” Mr Harrison wrote, going on to say, “what is so subtly disgusting about your contention is that it promotes

“Your position, and the position of your party, is niggardly and cruel and mean-spirited.

“It is patently based upon a political stance that is indecent in its ignorance. “May you live long enough, and acquire sufficient wisdom and self-awareness, to be ashamed of yourself.”

“I believe that Indigenous Australians deserve action over symbolism, and that more pressing legislative changes can and should be made right now.”

Fellow member of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum, Keith Wolahan, the Liberal Member for Menzies, expressed his own concern over the appropriateness of

ADVERTISING

The matter is currently under review by the office of the Chief Justice.

In its interim report on May 12, the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum recommendation was, “The Committee recommends that the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 be passed unamended.”

“There are no sleeping constitutional issues here.

“It is a simple matter of human decency.

The correspondence was intended to be private and not a public statement.

Gurmesh Singh takes time to reflect on achievements

By Andrew VIVIAN

GURMESH Singh gave a speech last week in Parliament outlining some of the highlights of his first term as the State Member for Coffs Harbour.

“It is the first time, post-election, I’ve had the opportunity to speak that wasn’t related to a bill or other business in the House,” he told News Of The Area.

Mr Singh began his speech by thanking the voters of Coffs Harbour for their support and trust, noting that Coffs was one of the few electorates with a swing towards the LNP.

He reeled off his many highlights which included opening the $24 million Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga, completion of the $194 million upgrade of Coffs Harbour Hospital, the

beginning of construction on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass, the establishment of the first Indigenous language school in New South Wales, a $10 million regional sports hub, and two new ambulance stations for Sawtell and Coffs Harbour.

Mr Singh said the previous government funded three round games of the National Rugby League, with the Cronulla Sharks calling Coffs Harbour their ‘home away from home’ for three years in a row.

“I think three wins from three will get them back for a fourth,” he said.

Four games of Big Bash cricket were also funded, with the Sydney Sixers playing several teams, as was a new RFS rescue helicopter based permanently in Coffs Harbour.

Mr Singh said the

previous government had made a couple of key election commitments that he hoped the new government would respect.

The Jetty Foreshore precinct development was one.

He said the project has had many iterations, including the latest one which involved a community survey of 3,600 people.

The second commitment was an allocation of $4 million as part of an $8 million project to build a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility at Moonee Beach.

It was to be matched fiftyfifty by a $4 million pledge from the Payce Foundation which is currently in partnership with the Salvation Army to run Adele House, a 40-bed, state-of-theart drug rehabilitation facility in Bucca.

The facility currently treats 160 men every year, and helps them change their lives by putting them on a positive path.

Mr Singh said the previous government proposed to fund a 20-bed women's facility, where children could also stay if they needed to, that would help turn around the lives of women requiring drug and alcohol treatment.

Another commitment was for an amenity wall, which, he said, would involve the $2.2 billion bypass and the half a billion dollar film studios in the Pacific Bay Resort precinct.

He said the film studio proposal, which includes a boutique hotel, a film studio and a museum as well as a film school, will create an entirely new industry for Coffs Harbour and for the North Coast and transform

the economy of the Coffs Coast as well as that of all northern New South Wales.

Mr Singh said the events of the past few years provide some opportunities to deliver a bit more for the North Coast and for New South Wales as a whole and he looked forward

to working with his Labor and ministerial colleagues in his new portfolios.

“Just because we’re in opposition doesn’t mean I’m not going to be working towards having a lot of new highlights to talk about in four years’ time.”

Korora residents want action on Lagoons

By Andrew VIVIAN

Neighbouring landowners are concerned that the lagoons are now choked with noxious weeds and that

the City of Coffs Harbour is not doing enough to combat them.

Local resident Karen Baff told News Of The Area the problem was raised by residents in 2011 and that, despite some action, the lagoons are in danger of dying.

She said that, after several issues that created problems, residents met with City officials in 2020 and that City of Coffs Harbour was to complete a Draft Management Plan for the lagoons by July 2021.

Ms Baff said all lagoons have enough Salvinia weed covering their surfaces to restrict the oxygen level in the water and kill off other life in them.

Residents have repeatedly requested the oxygen level of the water in each lagoon to be tested but say they have had no

feedback.

Ms Baff said a major issue is that City of Coffs Harbour is refusing to show residents the Draft Management Plan.

“We want to see what is planned before we try to get the Council to cooperate in improving the health of the lagoons,” she said.

A spokesperson for the City of Coffs Harbour told News Of The Area that the City is aware of water quality issues associated with the Korora Lagoons.

He said the Korora Lagoons are a highly modified coastal waterway that is susceptible to ponding and stagnation, which in turn results in lower water quality than desirable, as well as elevated nutrient loads, noxious weeds and reduced dissolved oxygen.

The spokesperson said the City is in the process of finalising a remediation

options report, and water and sediment quality testing has been undertaken to inform its understanding.

In the interim the City has attempted to reduce these negative impacts with other biological controls such as the Salvinia weevil, despite acknowledging that the effectiveness of these treatments is subject to favourable seasonal conditions.

“We expect to have a list of finalised remediation options available next financial year,” the spokesperson said.

“At such time appropriate community engagement will be undertaken.”

Ms Baff said residents felt they were being fobbed off and ignored because many representations have been made to the City and councillors with little, if any, response.

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the opening of the current Parliament.

THE Korora Lagoons were formed when an unnamed

creek was modified with weirs in the 1960s to irrigate adjoining banana plantations.

q The Korora Lagoons are choked with weeds that could be killing off other life. Photo: supplied by Karen Baff.

Contact Us Today for Inclusion into this Paper

Gaye CONWAY

0436 355 564

gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

Anti-Slavery Commissioner visits the Coffs Coast

By Andrew VIVIAN

MODERN

Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Phone

OUTLETS

Where

Available

Some

A list is published towards the back of this newspaper. You can also find the outlets by going to www.newsofthearea.com.au

16,000

slavery was in the national news last week with a Melbourne couple appearing in court accused of keeping a person in domestic servitude.

Most people think of slavery as something from the past, but, according to Dr James Cockayne, the first full-time, independent Anti-slavery Commissioner in Australia, it still exists.

His role was established by the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) and includes advocating for and promoting action to combat modern slavery, identifying and providing assistance and support for victims of modern slavery, support to and oversight of NSW public procurement efforts to remove products of modern slavery from supply-chains, issuing codes of practice and maintaining a public register related to efforts to address modern slavery risks in supply-chains and raising community awareness of modern slavery.

Dr Cockayne made his third visit to the Coffs Coast last week, and met with a range of people to discuss modern slavery issues.

He said that the Coffs Coast is one of a number of places of interest in New South Wales, not only because of concerns with agricultural workers but also because of migrant communities with historical issues related to modern slavery.

Forced marriage might be slavery as could the use of international labour with the possibility of forced labour, wage theft and physical and sexual assault.

“Modern slavery involves exploiting vulnerable people and there are a range of reasons why people might be vulnerable,” Dr Cockayne said.

His office does not have enforcement powers, but has mandatory information gathering powers and can refer victims, and follow up.

He has already assisted victims of modern slavery and helped them get the assistance they need.

However, he said a large part of his work is in the area of procurement.

NSW Government agencies and local councils are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that the goods and services they procure are not the product of modern slavery and Dr Cockayne is currently working with 400 entities across NSW to help them meet their obligations to procure resources not produced from slavery.

An example he gives is cleaning services, which have an element of risk because labour hire companies could be better regulated in NSW and some cleaners might be in debt bondage, with the people whose premises they clean being completely unaware.

Because he can report directly to Parliament, Dr Cockayne also has a role in

policy development.

He pointed out that the most powerful weapon against modern slavery is to raise awareness that there is now somewhere for people to share information if they suspect that someone is being ill-treated.

“The role is incredibly energising because we have the opportunity to help people,” Dr Cockayne said.

His office can be contacted by emailing antislavery@justice.nsw.gov.au

q Dr James Cockayne wants people to be aware of the signs of modern slavery. Photo: supplied by Communities and Justice NSW.

Concern spreads about native forest logging

By Andrew VIVIAN

CONCERNS of local conservationists that Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) is accelerating logging operations in areas proposed for the Great Koala National Park have reached the national media, helped by the Victorian Government’s decision to halt logging of native forests six years earlier than predicted.

Dailan Pugh from the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) said an assessment of the Forestry Corporation’s twelve month Plan of Logging Operations for the NSW North Coast found they include 41,000 hectares (ha) of nationally-important koala areas and 2,700 ha of koala hubs.

According to NEFA, in accordance with its National Recovery Plan, in 2021 the Commonwealth identified nationally important koala areas ‘as priority koala habitat for incorporation into state protected areas’ and, on the North Coast, 233,945 ha (23.6 percent) of these area occur in State Forests.

More particularly, the Forest Ecology Alliance (FEA) is concerned about current logging in Newry State Forest which it says is in close proximity to significant waterways.

“The special coastal lowland native forests of Newry State Forest are a key part of the proposed Great Koala National Park,” a FEA spokesperson said.

“These forests are also critical to the health of the Kalang River estuary (and the broader Bellinger River

estuary) because a major estuarine sub-catchment, Picketts Hill Creek, falls entirely within Newry State Forest.”

The spokesperson said the estuary of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers is the “golden goose” that sustains a significant majority of the economy of the coastal parts of the Bellingen Local Government Area.

FEA says the tourism, recreational fishing, oyster and commercial fishing industries of the Bellinger Valley are critically dependent upon the health and wellbeing of the estuary, as are local recreational uses such as swimming and other water sports, naturebased activities such as bird watching and walking and the general health and wellbeing of the local community.

“Many areas of Newry State Forest are alleged by the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) to be ‘plantation’ but much of this is actually native forest with significant habitat values including habitat for nationally threatened species,” the spokesperson said.

On May 4, a logging crew contracted to FCNSW reportedly arrived at Newry State Forest, with trucks from four areas, and commenced what the FEA allege is a ‘military-style clear-fell operation’ across the catchment of Picketts Hill Creek, entirely removing forest from a large block of the proposed Great Koala National Park.

The spokesperson said functional coastal lowland forest cover has been turned

into mud, dust and highly flammable logging ‘trash’, creating a massive risk of serious erosion and the runoff of a slurry of sediment into the Kalang River estuary during wet weather.

FCNSW has a different perspective.

A spokesperson told News Of The Area that Forestry Corporation’s current operations in Newry State Forest are taking place entirely within timber plantations, which were planted four decades ago on cleared farmland.

All plantations are independently assessed and authorised by the Department of Primary Industries to assure that they have been correctly identified

as plantations, according to the spokesperson. There are strict regulations for plantation operations in NSW that set out clear conditions for protecting waterways during plantation operations, including retaining existing vegetation along drainage lines and on steep slopes to protect against erosion and establishing buffer zones around waterways.

The spokesperson claimed Forestry Corporation has carried out an extensive plantation planning process to develop a detailed plan that maps all these protections and operations are independently regulated by the Department of Primary Industries.

Forestry Corp does not count timber plantations as native forests because they are specifically planted on land that has historically been cleared for timber production.

FCNSW maps and protects habitat for wildlife and koalas through the plantation area to maintain landscape connectivity and plantations are managed in a broader forested landscape that also includes habitat that is protected in native forest around the plantation.

FEA says the road reserve along Martells Road, a Bellingen Shire Council managed asset, has been cleared of threatened species habitat and native vegetation.

Their spokesperson

Sea Shepherd host beach clean up

country,”

The

to the public and all are welcome, including families. Wearing sturdy

enclosed shoes is advised. BYO gloves.

Sea Shepherd will also present an information and

said large old logs that are absolutely not ‘plantation’ logs (with diameters exceeding 60cm) have been documented leaving Newry State Forest along Martells Road.

She said Newry State Forest must be incorporated into the Great Koala National Park and it must be rehabilitated to koala habitat to give our koalas and other threatened species a lifeline as well as to prevent harm to the Kalang River “This will generate and maintain significant employment and will provide perpetual and ongoing benefits to our economy.

“It will literally allow the golden goose to keep on laying.”

merchandise stall during the clean up.

The event runs from 9.30am - 12.30pm on Sunday 4 June at Park Beach Reserve, Marine Parade.

q Logging in Newry State Forest and other areas is very concerning to North Coast conservationists. Photo: Calumn Hockey.

THE Coffs Harbour chapter of Sea Shepherd is holding a beach clean up on Sunday 4 June at Park Beach Reserve.

“This is part of Sea Shepherd Australia’s nationwide ‘Care For The Ocean’ event around the

said Darren Squibb, Coffs Sea Shepherd Chapter Coordinator.

clean up is open

Understand your career choices

By Andrea FERRARI

THIRTEEN local high schools attended the Coffs Coast Career Connections event on Thursday 25 May at the Coffs Harbour Racecourse, bringing together some 1200 students to browse a myriad

The thirteen high schools participating in the event, bringing students and teachers, came from Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Woolgoolga.

The exhibition showcased locally available

“Coffs Coast Career Connections is important in terms of raising the awareness and aspirations of young people about their careers with an objective to highlight the options available locally,” Jenny Fraser told News Of The

The event connects young

Organised by Mid Coast Connect, the purpose of the event is to share information on a wide range of jobs and careers and ignite interest in the pre-workforce youngsters.

Jenny Fraser, CEO of Mid Coast Connect, conducted the official opening at 9.00am and the event concluded at 12.30pm.

The expo was a free event that was open to the public and everyone was welcome to attend.

plus

Career Champions

together with City of Coffs Harbour and Southern Cross University representatives. They spent the morning covering career pathways and support services that might inspire and motivate the students as well as encouraging them to find out how they can become part of the future workforce.

The exhibitors showcased information and connections to a diverse range of careers.

people to education/training providers, employment services, employers, apprenticeship/traineeship services, disability providers, government services, and other support services to help them make informed

decisions about their future.

Mid Coast Connect gives a special thank you to its event partners who assisted in making this event possible: the City of Coffs Harbour and Southern Cross University.

“A special thank you to

the wonderful Rotarians who help out every year, event coordinator Bob Prater and the Mid Coast Connect Team for their support in organising a very successful Careers Expo for 2023,” said Jenny.

q Scott Russell, Program Manager and Michelle Jaeger, Youth Pathways Coordinator, Mid Coast Connect with students.

q Jenny Fraser, CEO, Mid Coast Connect and Jen Williams from South Cross University at the Opening Ceremony. q Teachers from Coffs TAFE Horticulture and students.

q Rachel Kobold from VERTO and students.

q Hundreds of students came along to Mid Coast Connect to glean career advice and information on school-to-work pathways.

q Mel Davis, Apprenticeship Support Australia and Jenny Fraser, CEO, Mid Coast Connect.

Free training on alcohol and drug issues

q Training will seek to provide participants with improved knowledge of Alcohol and Other Drug use and trends as well as learning about harm reduction strategies and practices.

City of Coffs Harbour News

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, in conjunction with the Coffs Harbour Community Drug Action Team (CDAT), is hosting free training for community workers and others who are seeking to upskill themselves across alcohol and drug issues.

The training will take place on Tuesday 13 June, from 9:30am – 4:30pm, in the TAFE D block theatre at Coffs Harbour Education Campus (CHEC) on Hogbin Drive.

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Information and Harm Reduction Training is being conducted by Annie Bleeker, who has worked for over 30 years in the drug and alcohol and HIV/AIDS field as a community educator, researcher and health promotion specialist.

Training will seek to provide participants with improved knowledge of AOD use and trends in NSW/Australia as well as teaching about harm reduction strategies and practices.

Through the training it is intended delegates will gain confidence in working with people with AOD issues.

Facilitator Annie is passionate about reducing stigmas towards people who use drugs.

She currently works part time as a Senior Training Specialist at the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Association ACT.

“Coffs Harbour Community Village CDAT is pleased to announce the upcoming

launch of the locally led project, aiming to prevent emerging AOD issues and provide support through education with embedded strategies to work towards early intervention and harm minimisation,” a local CDAT spokesperson told News Of The Area.

“This project hopes to strengthen partnerships among community members, local service providers and other stakeholders to address regional legal and illegal drug and alcohol related issues.”

The training is part of a broad active partnership which sees more than 70 CDATs across NSW supporting and delivering locally-led responses to alcohol and other drug issues by its passionate volunteers.

Register via https://www.trybooking. com/CHNKP.

For more information about the event please contact Lauren Mills at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre via email lauren@chnc.com.au.

Wiigulga Sports Complex’s excellence as a sporting, community, inclusive and welcoming space has been recognised with a place as a finalist in this year’s Parks and Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence in Albury.

“It’s rare for a new facility to really tick all the boxes with its core customers from the get-go, but Wiigulga has been outstanding,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos.

“The sports facilities, play areas, versatile rooms, accessibility and café have not just met the needs of the Northern Beaches community and beyond, they’ve exceeded them beyond all expectations. It truly is a place for everyone where we can all gather, play, compete, practice, learn, perform and celebrate.”

The complex includes:

• Junior and Senior size, multi-sport playing fields with lighting, primarily for use of local AFL and Cricket, accessible changing rooms and toilets, a running and cycle track, a pump track, playground and balance play equipment.

• Indoors there is a café, the Sangeet rooms – a versatile suite of rooms that can be used for private gatherings, or yoga, dance, pilates and meetings - plus a fullsized commercial kitchen for hire, use at events or for training.

• The centrepiece is the huge main sports hall which can be used for a whole range of indoor sport including basketball, pickleball, netball, volleyball, badminton and futsal. Arranged around the courts are accessible changing rooms, toilets, large LED video screens and a high-tech sensory room.

• The sports hall also features a large performance stage and backstage complex including a green room and dressing rooms. The hall can accommodate more than 1,000 people in performance mode.

The Complex is the result of a detailed co-design process that engaged with key stakeholders from state sporting organisations, to local clubs and organisations and a community working group with representation from the local Chamber of Commerce, Garby (Gumbaynggirr) Elders, the Sikh community, local schoolsparticularly the adjacent Woolgoolga High School - and performing arts studios.

Award winners will be announced in June 2023.

The Wiigulga Sports Complex project received funding from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, the State Government and City of Coffs Harbour.

What’s

Did you know that the City has a facility for lost animals and animals available for adoption?

Check out Coffs Harbour Animal Management Centre if you’ve recently lost your pet. They also offer an adoption service for those pets who haven’t been reclaimed. So rather than spending thousands on a purebred Canadian Eskimo dog, why not check out some our little friends at the Centre who are just waiting for their new furever home?

Search “Coffs Harbour Animal Management Centre” on Facebook or on the City’s website for more info!

11/20

104.1 CHYFM offer school holiday radio workshops

By Andrea FERRARI

YOUNGSTERS in school years

7 to 12 can dip their toes into the world of broadcasting through 104.1 CHYFM Coffs Harbour Youth Community Radio’s July holiday workshops.

Station Manager Angie Vaughan has curated two, five-day On-Air Presenter Workshops taking place at the CHYFM studio in July.

The workshops are industry-based and delivered by industry professionals with vast broadcasting experience.

The On-Air Presenter course covers the topics of ‘Your voice and how to use it’, ‘Content creation’, ‘Studio operation’, ‘Interview techniques’ and ‘Program production and development’.

“104.1 CHYFM wants more young voices on-air and making their mark in this fantastic industry,” Angie Vaughan told News Of The Area.

“If you enjoy meeting and talking with interesting people, love music and want to be a voice in the community, this workshop will give you all the skills and confidence to do so.”

104.1 CHYFM also offers ongoing mentoring through program development, skills diversification and real broadcasting opportunities.”

The station’s industrystandard broadcast studios use the same digital equipment and broadcast playout system as Austereo and NOVA, so on-air presenters get reallife experience, and the

opportunities are endless.

“104.1 CHYFM is real radio with listeners locally, nationally and internationally,” Angie said.

A number of 104.1 CHYFM on-air presenters have gone on to exciting media careers, including Matt DeGroot (NOVA 96.9 Sydney newsreader), Alison Paul (NBN News) and Claire Simmonds (Channel 7, Coffs Harbour).

Places are limited to ensure all participants receive exceptional professional training and mentoring and are “performance ready” and confident to get behind the mic.

The course costs $250.00 and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted.

“104.1 CHYFM is a registered NFP charity and

all money raised goes straight back into the station for operational costs, system upgrades and program development and delivery,” said Angie.

For more information and to book your spot, call 02 6651 1104 or email info@ chyfm.org.au

The training will take place at the Station’s studios

Communicating with confidence

By Mary KEILY

DO you feel uncomfortable when you are asked to speak in public?

Then be part of the Professional and Personal Development Series hosted by Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Coffs Coast on Tuesday 20 June, during which Danni Auch will present on ‘Communicating with Confidence’.

Danni works as a therapist and ‘Confidence Coach’ in Bonville, and assists people to improve their public speaking.

A member of Toastmasters for many years, Danni has since created a new club called Jetty Speakers.

Danni’s passion is to empower people and help them reach their desired goals in life.

“I love public speaking with all its challenges, and I am looking forward to helping more people to become confident presenters,” she

said.

BPW Coffs Coast is part of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women of Australia.

The group’s objective is to provide mentoring for women at work or who aspire to work.

Operating in Coffs Harbour for over 50 years, BPW Coffs Coast has provided scholarships for secondary and tertiary students, personal and professional education, and mentoring to assist women to reach their

at the Cruickshank Centre, 30 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour on Monday 3 to Friday 7 July from 10am to 3pm and Monday 10 to Friday 14 July from 10am to 3pm.

goals.

As part of an international organisation, they also advocate for reforms to assist and empower women locally, nationally and globally.

The evening session will be informal and interactive, allowing time for participants to discuss their needs in a friendly and supportive environment.

The session will be held at the Cellar Bar, Pier Hotel from 6pm on Tuesday 20 June.

To find out more and to book, email President Debbie Petlueng at coffsharbour@ bpw.com.au and find the event on Eventbrite.

PROMOTE YOU!

Advertising within the Coffs Coast News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition onwards.

Print media has never been as affordable for your business.

Call Gaye Conway today 0436 355 564 gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

q Students learn on industry-standard digital equipment, gaining real-life experience.

q Danni Auch will run the Communicating with Confidence session.

By Andrea FERRARI

THE 2024 Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW State Conference is to be held at C.ex in Coffs Harbour from 6-9 May 2024.

Planning has begun by members of the CWA Zone 1 hosts, North Coast Group,

to make the most of the expected influx of women and their partners, which could number 700-plus.

As a tourist destination, Coffs Harbour is expected to attract higher than usual delegate numbers, making C.ex an ideal venue for the huge CWA conference cohort.

“We can host the conference and house all displays under one roof at C.ex, which means the ladies don’t have to walk offsite to take everything in,” Jodie Williams, President of the Coffs Harbour Branch, Country Women's Association of NSW, told News Of The

Area.

CWA conference coming to Coffs in 2024

“It’s a huge opportunity for the local economy with potentially 500 delegates, many of whom bring their hubbies, who need accommodation, places to eat, and are interested in seeing the local sights.

“These ladies do it in style; they spend up big, they eat out for most meals and they need accommodation.”

The CWA committee will be meeting with the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce and local restaurants and shops to get them onboard with sharing opportunities for the visitors.

“We want to know local restaurants’ capacities as traditionally Sunday night we have numerous bookings to accommodate our ‘twinning dinners’ where up to 30 to 40 ladies attend these, per group.

“We know Coffs can avoid this, we just need to plan,” said Jodie.

“We’ll be arranging tours and hopefully compiling a booklet of activities with

Sawtell Public School excels at da Vinci Decathlon

By Andrea FERRARI

EIGHT students from Sawtell Public School

participated in the da Vinci Decathlon held at St. Columbus Anglican School in Port Macquarie on Thursday 18 May,

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.

Students competed in teams of eight across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy.

“Congratulations go

to our team of Alia, Kane, Flynn, Finn, Liam, Milla, Archer, and Edward who proudly represented Sawtell Public School,” the school’s Principal, Michael Hepi, told News Of The Area.

“We would also like to thank Mrs Sue Paff.

“Sue has been mentoring and coaching our students since the beginning of the year, on a voluntary basis, providing such a wonderful opportunity for our children.”

Mrs Paff commented that the areas of the competition Sawtell Public School excelled in reflected the quality of teaching and learning at the school.

Sawtell Public School finished first in creative

producers, second in science and English, fourth in cartography, and sixth in art and poetry, and legacy (general knowledge).

“Our school team finished third overall against eighteen private and independent schools,” said Mr Hepi.

“We were the only government school competing.

“Our results acknowledge the vast array of talented students at Sawtell Public School.”

Commenting on the experience, Principal Hepi said, “It was a real eye opener for our students and their parents.

“They were shocked by the quality of infrastructure

contact details so members can choose things they want to do and book in.

“They might want to do, for example, a trike tour, or one of the Bite Food Tours with Awia Markey, maybe visit the Botanic Gardens.

“We have so many options.

“We’ve been asked, by husbands, for a deep sea fishing experience and barefoot bowls; there’s so many things here in Coffs that we can offer them.”

On the Tuesday of the conference there is a big day open to delegate partners and observers which will take the visitors on an all-day tour, by bus, of the area.

“Our ideas for tours are a work in progress, maybe our readers may have some great ideas to share with us?”

The CWA committee expects a close working relationship with the City of Coffs Harbour and anticipates a conference welcome from Mayor Paul Amos.

“We will be inviting the three mayors of the regions and State and Federal Members to the opening ceremony,” said Jodie.

CWA North Coast Group committee members will be in contact with businesses across the Coffs Coast in the next few week to talk about potential opportunities.

“We really want to encourage local businesses across the CBD to get involved, from dress shops to cafes and pubs that can offer quick lunches to delegates on a conference break time limit.

“Those businesses that do come onboard, for the duration of the conference, we are encouraging them to put up our ‘CWA members welcome’ sign in their shop or café windows; this really helps to welcome people into these businesses and maybe offer a discount for members who show their CWA membership card.”

Any businesses that want to contact CWA to discuss opportunities should email Jodie at president.coffscwa@ gmail.com

“We are incredibly excited to bring the conference to Coffs Harbour and know that our business community and indeed wider community will welcome them with open arms,” she said.

at this private school, especially the bathrooms of a school which could have been mistaken for a resort.

“Our kids were

absolutely ecstatic. “They scored so well against non-government schools who had students well versed in the

competition. “They also thought it was quite odd to see the other students wearing ties,” he said.

q Members of the CWA North Coast Group: Leonie Fish, South Grafton Evening Branch Treasurer and State Social Issues Officer; Jodie Williams, Coffs Harbour Branch President, Branch and Group Publicity and State Publicity Officer Forum member; Leonie Saunders, Yamba Branch, Branch and Group Treasurer; Trish Stabback, Woolgoolga Branch, Group State Executive Committee Member; Ann Rehwinkel, Coffs Harbour Branch and Group President and Sharron Davidson, Grafton Branch, Group and Branch Secretary.

q Sawtell Public School came third overall at the recent da Vinci Decathlon knowledge competition.

There are bargains to be found centre wide, but be quick so you don’t miss out!

First hand advice for the workplace

By Andrea FERRARI

INJURIES to the hand and upper limbs caused by workplace hazards are the focus of Hand Therapy Week 2023 from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June.

The annual awareness initiative, run by the Australian Hand Therapy Association, cites hazards to be aware of including poor hand ergonomics, mechanical hazards, environmental hazards and skin irritants.

Coffs Harbour based accredited Hand Therapists

Faye Wiffen and her son Sean Wiffen are qualified physiotherapists with expertise in hands and upper limbs, treating everything from chronic pain to acute injuries.

Faye and Sean work with ten therapists at Coffs Shoulder to Hand Clinic.

Through their work they see multiple workplace injuries every week.

“The disabling impact of a hand injury can vary significantly depending on the severity and nature of any injury but can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, their

work, or their sport/hobby activities,” Faye told News Of The Area.

“Imagine a little finger you cannot fully bend, along with the ring finger they are the main stabilisers in any grip requiring power.

“See how much force you lose trying to use a hammer with your little pinkie out to the side.”

An untreated hand injury can result in a loss of fine motor skills in the hand, or gross grip strength.

Ongoing pain, stiffness in fingers or wrists can impact on a wide variety of ever-day tasks/activities, or even to loss of income and potential career prospects if it impacts on your ability to complete work tasks.

Early assessment and appropriate hand therapy management by skilled, trained hand therapists can avoid potential complications post-injury and hence minimise rehab recovery time and maximise functional outcomes when given in the early stages of the injury.

Sean Wiffen shared a patient’s recent experience.

“I recently treated Jason, a 23-year-old professional

fisherman involved in a serious incident at work whilst fishing for tuna in December last year,” Sean told NOTA.

“Whilst using a knife during rough seas he severed the two flexor tendons on the palm side of his left hand little and ring fingers.”

Jason underwent emergency surgery the following day by a skilled hand surgeon to repair the tendons.

“The surgeon referred Jason to us for immediate ‘range of motion’ exercises.

“He came to the clinic three days post-surgery to replace the bulky theatre dressings with lighter ones, to fabricate a custommade thermoplastic splint and commence a specific protective range of movement exercises.

“This approach aims to optimise outcomes by minimising any early scar formation, which can prevent full natural glide of the tendons once healed.

“In traditional older methods, the hand was rested in a splint for the initial sixweek period, which we now know can be problematic for

the patient,” he said.

“I supervised Jason’s progress, and he was instructed to follow a strict home routine of exercise and scar massage and splint wear.

“At six weeks it was safe for him to come out

of his splint and start on a graduated active movement exercise program.”

After twelve weeks Jason was able to make a full fist, and the strength of his left grip was close to being equal to his dominant right hand.

He could return to his occupation of fishing for tuna and using his left hand without any hindrance.

For more on Hand Therapy Week visit www. ahta.com.au/htw2023.

q Faye and Sean Wiffen, Accredited Hand Therapists at Coffs Shoulder to Hand Clinic, with a hand-injured patient.

New tour launched at Coffs Botanic Garden

By Andrea FERRARI

A NEW 45-minute Garden Discovery Tour by electric buggy has been launched by the volunteer Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

Offered on Sundays only, the timetable provides departures at 10am, 11am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

A maximum of seven people per tour can hop on

board, accompanied by the Friends garden tour guide, who also does the driving.

The new electric buggy is quiet, unobtrusive for the natural environment and makes getting around the garden easy for all ages.

Volunteer Guides Coordinator at the Botanic Garden, Helen Wildman, told News Of The Area, “The new tour takes in a short stroll at the lake and Japanese Garden

at the far end of the garden, just under one kilometre from the entrance.

“We also stop for a short tour of the new Glasshouse on the way back.

“The new e-buggy tour will help make the whole garden more accessible to families with young children, and for people with reduced mobility.

“While quietly gliding under the canopy of the

natural forest and the international garden plantings, each tour will highlight stories about the plants and animals living in the garden.

“The guides can also provide tips on other walks and special garden areas to visit as well as the best places to spot a koala or a powerful owl.”

The new Garden Discovery Tour departs from just inside the entrance to the Botanic Garden.

Booking in for your tour is advised.

“Booking ahead is highly recommended as there are only seven places on each tour, and we don’t want people to turn up to the garden and find all the tours

Help name the two electric buggies at the Botanic Garden

By Andrea FERRARI

FRIENDS of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden are asking readers of News Of The Area to help them name their electric buggies.

Rather than being called ‘the old one’ or ‘the big one’, with the addition of the smart new eight-seater buggy, joining the original six-seater vehicle, the pair need names.

These buggies are quiet achievers around Coffs’ beautiful Botanic Garden.

As well as being used for garden tours the electric buggies are used for the transport of guests to weddings as part of the garden’s venue hire, and for internal transport to other special events and festivals at any one of the eight outdoor venue sites.

All proceeds from these tours and hire of the electric buggies with the volunteer drivers for special events go to support the garden.

The President of the Friends of the Garden, Graham Tupper, told NOTA, “It is time to give the e-buggies some names other than ‘old’ and ‘new’ or ‘larger’

and ‘smaller’.

“For example, the botanic garden in Canberra has its Flora Explorer vehicle.

“We are looking for two simple names for our pair of e-buggies inspired by the local flora of the Coffs Harbour region.”

Graham explained that the Botanic Garden logo is based on the small Broadleaved Geebung flower (Persoonia stradbrokensis).

“We think there is plenty

of scope to find two floral names that suit our e-buggies - one larger and one smaller.

“It could be the common names of plants or the scientific name, or the Gumbaynggirr name for a plant or a hybrid name.

“One name could be a tree (big buggy), and the other a shrub (small buggy)… the possibilities are endless.

“For some starting inspiration check out the Botanic Garden website

under the discovery walks and garden areas section for lists of plants and some of their Gumbaynggirr names (under the Garlambirla walk) which are found in the garden,” suggested Graham.

The e-buggy naming entries will be judged by a panel of the volunteer garden guides, with the winning names printed on to the front of each e-buggy.

“The winning nominator will be acknowledged by the Friends with the prize of a specially tailored tour for their family or friends at the garden on the e-buggy,

q The new Garden Discovery Tour by electric buggy takes in the lake and its iconic red bridge, which is just under one kilometre from the Botanic Garden entrance.

perhaps to find the plants that inspired the new e-buggy names,” Graham said.

To enter your suggestions for both the names of the two North Coast Botanic Garden e-buggies, all you need to do is write the word BIG, and enter your name for the new eight-seater e-buggy, and then SMALL, and write your name for the old six-seater e-buggy.

Email your ‘Name

The Buggies’ entries to botanyCBG@gmail.com.

Please include your full name, address, mobile phone number and/or email

are full for that day.”

Bookings can be made by calling the garden Information Centre and Shop on 6648 4188.

A $5-per-person payment for the tour is made on arrival at the garden on the day of tour.

All proceeds from the tours go to support the work at Coffs’ Botanic Garden.

q In keeping with its smaller size, name inspirations for the older, six-seat electric buggy might come from flowers or more diminutive plants.

address.

OR, if you prefer to make your entry by hand, you can print or clearly handwrite your details and name suggestions on a piece of paper and drop it into the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens at Hardacre Street at the corner of Coffs Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

The closing date for Name The Buggies entries is Wednesday midnight 14 June.

NOTA will announce the winners, as chosen by the panel of garden guides, in the Friday 23 June edition.

q Name inspirations for the newer, larger, eight-seat electric buggy might come from trees or larger plants.

q Botanic Garden Guides Coordinator Helen Wildman with the new electric buggy at the arid garden near the Glasshouse on a Garden Discovery Tour.

Bush regen collaboration on Boambee headland

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL) President

planting.

the vegetation from only one species of tree – the casuarina.

Barry Powells

keenly welcomed volunteer teams of planters from John Paul College (JPC) Coffs Harbour, City of Coffs Harbour’s Coastal Work bush regeneration team members and GeoLINK staff, who gathered on Boambee Headland on Tuesday 23 May to plant over 400 trees.

Some 200 trees were once again donated by GeoLINK, matching their commitment in 2022.

“They are making a real contribution to the revegetation project,” Barry told News Of The Area.

“We have been slowly progressing work on the eastern side of the headland to replace the many trees killed as a result of the severe hailstorm in October 2021.

“The focus is on extending this area where the original Banksia forest was virtually wiped out by the devastating storm.”

Before starting work, Barry briefed the students, who were accompanied by Michael Stubbs, Assistant Principal at JPC, and explained the purpose of the

“This site is an ecologically endangered community, particularly for its flock of glossy black cockatoos.

"That means they’re rare, there’s not many of them, and we need to attract them back,” Barry told the students.

He explained that wallabies are active on the headland and that’s why all the new tree plantings have black plastic guards around them “to keep the wallabies from eating our trees”.

“They are able to sense when the soil has been disturbed and they sniff out the nice new trees and they eat everything that’s green on them, so we cover up the trees for a couple of years to help them get going.”

Barry reported that the past planting of 200 trees a year ago was successful and the trees are still going strong.

“The hailstorm did major damage to the headland; we lost several hundred mature banksias and casuarinas, which has been devastating for the local wildlife.

“The endangered glossy black cockatoos come here especially to eat

“We are planting lots more of them today.”

The site had been prepared for the planting teams by Sawtell Dunecare, Landcare volunteers and the bush regen team, who had dug at least 400 holes ready for the trees to go in.

Michael Stubbs told News Of The Area, “We (JPC) have a combination of our Student Leaders and our Duke of Edinburgh students here today.

“Their involvement follows on from our Year 10 program we did last year where Landcare supported us with involvement in care of the land, planting and weeding.

“It’s part of our growing relationship with Landcare,” he said.

With the students at the ready with trowels and spades, bush regeneration specialist Aaron Hartley from Coastal Works explained more about why replanting matters to the functioning of the headland bush.

“Die-back is particularly bad here on the headland after the hail, the really wet weather we had in March

2021 and the continuous salt spray.”

Some 85 percent of the Banksia have died-off on the site.

“We’re trying to get a good shady canopy back because when the canopy dies-off it lets sunlight in, which brings weed invasion.

“Weeds come in off tracks on shoes, car tyres and animal fur.”

The grass seed is gravity feeding down the slope, exacerbated by the wallabies bringing it in all through the native grasses, which makes hard work for the bush regen team who then has to hand weed through it all.

“It’s a very interesting community here; an endangered ecological community under threat from numerous exotic grasses which grow above it and swamp it out.

“All this planting today is

going to help grow the shade canopy which will slow down all the weeds,” said Aaron.

Jessica O’Leary, Senior Ecologist at GeoLINK, said the organisation was very proud to take part in another successful tree planting day on Boambee Headland.

“In May 2022 GeoLINK and CHRL formed a planting partnership to progressively plant out the forested areas on the headland affected during the Oct 2021 hailstorm, which severely damaged many of the native trees and vegetation,” Jess told NOTA.

“GeoLINK made contact with CHRL advising them of its aim to become a carbon neutral consulting company, via local planting initiatives within proximity to each of its three main offices in Coffs Harbour, Lennox Head and Armidale.”

Each year, each office group will partner with a local regeneration group or private landholder to select a tree planting location and will plant 200 trees to offset its carbon emissions.

“The Boambee Headland site is perfect for the Coffs Office tree planting day, as it’s a large site that can be expanded on for several years to come.

“On the day the team planted a total of 570 trees.

“Predominant species planted on the day were: Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca), Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius).

“GeoLINK is looking forward to next year’s tree planting day already,” said Jess.

q Michael Stubbs, Assistant Principal at John Paul College and Barry Powells, President of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL) briefing JPC students on their planting duties on Boambee Headland.

q Barry Powells, CHRL, demonstrated how to ease the plant out of the pot, keeping the roots intact, before planting it in the earth.

q Students work on the exposed areas where die-back has occurred on Boambee Headland.

q GeoLINK’s Jessica O’Leary, Kale Hardie-Porter, Sarah Viney, Jarrod Connell and Emma Anderson on Boambee Headland for the bush reg planting session.

Max out on everything

All-New Amarok

That feeling you get when you know nothing stands in your way? That’s what it’s like to drive the All-New Amarok. Built tough from the ground up, uncompromising in its performance and capable of taking on any challenge, the All-New Amarok takes everything to the max.

Let’s not forget the All-New Amarok’s impressive levels of new technology, premium exterior and interior styling, and exceptional standards of comfort. When you drive a ute maxed out like this, there’s nothing you can’t do.

Geoff

6 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour, NSW

www.geoffkingvolkswagen.com.au

RSPCA’s big turn out for Million Paws fundraiser

By Andrea FERRARI

RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk

on Sunday 28 May saw a great turn-out of around 100 people and their pups in Coffs Harbour adding to the 4,000-plus who joined across NSW in Australia's biggest doggy day out to raise funds to fight animal cruelty.

The sun shone on the bright and chilly morning at Park Beach Reserve, where participants gathered for the Coffs Harbour Million Paws Walk to support the work of the city’s dog pound.

"It was amazing to see the Coffs community come together to support the RSPCA and walk to fight animal cruelty on such a sunny day,” Emma van Gerven, RSPCA Shelter Supervisor Coffs Harbour told News Of The Area.

“It was a wonderful turnout for our first event in three years.

“To see all of the happy faces and wagging tails during the event makes our job worthwhile.

“Staff and volunteers

were able to reunite with dogs who had been adopted from the local RSPCA shelter which brought tears of joy and big smiles,” she said.

Support abounded from local businesses, namely the Moonee Beach Tavern, Hairy Rumours, Rumbles Dog Grooming, Lalu Lalu, P.S Pet treats, Woolgoolga Coastal Chemist and Brooklyn's Burger Bar, who donated raffle prizes.

“We also had great support from the Coffs Harbour Lions Club, The Roaming Barista and St John's Ambulance, helping to support us on the day along with RSPCA staff and volunteers.

“Russell's Prime Quality Meats, Jack's Eggs and Cutty's Cakes supplied us with food for our BBQ.

“We even had a local entertainer, Mana Mangu, sing before the walk began which added so much more atmosphere to the event.”

Amongst the supporters

there was a couple who had been participating in the Coffs Million Paws Walk events for fifteen years whose dog had sadly passed away, however they had their beloved companion printed on their t-shirts and still participated in this year's walk.

“It touched the hearts of so many and we asked them to lead this year's walk,” said Emma.

“It is so heartwarming to have so much support for a cause so close to so many hearts.

“I cannot wait to see how next year's event turns out."

Each year it is held, RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk helps fund community outreach programs to educate communities about the crucial importance of responsible pet ownership.

“(It is about) stopping the ugly roots of animal cruelty at the source and helping grow and maintain our shelters,” states RSPCA NSW.

easier.

“Your fundraising efforts will make a tangible impact on all creatures, great and small.”

For more information visit www.millionpawswalk. com.au.

Fee-free TAFE NSW program supports entrepreneurs

By Andrea FERRARI

HIGHLIGHTING the benefits of the fee-free

TAFE NSW Women in Business program, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh invited a successful student of the program to his electorate office to hear more about how she launched her own business after graduating from the course.

Elle Sitek, a former TAFE NSW Women in Business student, was well qualified and experienced in her chosen career of counselling, but needed to boost her business skills before launching her own dream venture for single mothers.

With the help of the TAFE NSW online training program, Elle developed, launched and now runs Single Mama Way, with a solid year of growth under her belt.

"Today (Thursday 18 May) I had a lovely opportunity to chat with Gurmesh Singh who recognised me as one of the

many female entrepreneurs in Coffs Harbour,” Elle told News Of The Area.

“As the creator of Single Mama Way, an online counselling space and a resource platform offering valuable connections to businesses supporting single mothers, I am dedicated to helping single mothers in our community.

“This recognition proved that single mothers can achieve their dreams with proper emotional support, determination, and grit,” she said.

The TAFE NSW Women in Business program helped Elle learn about marketing techniques and business structure to upskill and support her for the launch of Single Mama Way.

“I learned about business structure, business planning and online safety and security.

“The modules on setting up your business online and how to build a

professional brand were also extremely helpful.

“I have qualifications in nursing and counselling, but I needed help planning and launching my business.

“The program has given me strategies for my business that I can now implement to grow for the future.

“I feel proud to meet the needs of single mums on the Coffs Coast and Australiawide, especially with the increasing mental health and financial pressures we face," she said.

Gurmesh Singh said the Women in Business program provides female entrepreneurs on the Coffs Coast with a suite of practical resources for women running small businesses, micro businesses or start-up operations.

“Female business leaders are increasingly turning to the fee-free TAFE NSW Women in Business program to build

the skills they need to get their business off the ground,” he said.

For more, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/ womeninbusiness.

q Coffs Harbour’s RSPCA staff and volunteers and Coffs Harbour Lions Club members at the Million Paws Walk.

q Ready to step out on the Coffs Harbour RSPCA Million Paws Walk.

q Elle Sitek, founder of Single Mama Way.

“Each day brings a new challenge in our shelters, but with our powers combined, it all becomes a little bit

Expanding regional touring circuits for musicians

By Andrea FERRARI

IN a bid to empower and connect the music industry across regional NSW, MusicNSW has appointed five regional-based team members, with Ali Buckley’s territory including the Mid North Coast.

The team’s remit is to deliver development opportunities and work to expand touring circuits across regional NSW, thanks to a four-year funding commitment by Create NSW.

Ali, who has managed her own regional arts consultancy for 20 years, is widely

experienced in developing and producing projects across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors.

The program supports original live music and musicians seeking to develop their performance scope; a cohort of local musicians who can benefit hugely from trusted industry advice to take them to their next level.

“We will be delivering a host of professional development workshops focused on touring,” Ali told News Of The Area.

“A lot of artists tend to play in their hometown.

“Getting out of their locality and going to another region, developing their audience can be pretty daunting.

“They don’t know the venues, they don’t know how to market themselves, they’re not known in that town… these are the things we will support them with.”

MusicNSW will support five regional tours across NSW using regional artists.

“We’re hoping that each of these tours will have at least three regional artists,” Ali said.

Also on offer through the program are one-on-one mentoring sessions where artists can book in a half-hour consult to talk about such things as how to release their music and grant application

support.

“Focusing on live, original music we support and connect artists with venues, promoters, media, anyone in the music industry that can help develop music touring.”

Ali shared the capabilities of a web tool of the MusicNSW website which facilitates connections for artists keen to expand their performance territory.

“The Regional Touring Network invites artists to tap in what their performance preferences are, such as ‘I want to play in cafes to a capacity of 120’,” Ali said.

“All the cafes across NSW that meet that criteria come up; the artist can then search each venue and see what is offering, such as whether

q The MusicNSW Regional Touring Network tool helps musicians plot a performance route, find venues, create tours, find festivals and more. It can be found on https://rtn.musicnsw.com/.

an engineer is available, if there’s a PA system, where’s the best place to eat or stay nearby and how many kilometers away it is so they can calculate their fuel for the journey.”

The Regional Touring Network categorises venues to help artists select the right performance place for them: including cafes, pubs and hotels, performance arts centres and theatres, community halls, festivals and outdoor spaces.

“Artists can sort through their chosen type of venue and their preferred performance capacity.

“It’s a really amazing tool,” she said.

“So what it means for Coffs Coast musicians and artists is

that they’ve got me to talk to on any music industry related topics, especially supporting touring, which can include releasing their music, talking about having their music on Spotify, social media, how to approach a venue, and extensive resources online,” she said.

Follow MusicNSW Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and Orana on Facebook for further updates.

This is a group for artists, venues, promoters, managers and other music industry workers in the specified areas to connect, share local knowledge, and keep up-to-date with MusicNSW programs and other events.

VIEW Club calls on community to support The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal

By Aiden BURGESS BONVILLE-Boambee

VIEW Club is urging the local community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to support thousands of children and young people with their education.

The education charity is aiming to raise $6.2 million nationally to give over 14,000 children across Australia access to its proven learning and mentoring programs.

It comes as a survey released by the charity found Australians believe the cost-of-living crisis is having a greater impact on education than the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey also found that more people believe child poverty has worsened because of the crisis.

CEO of The Smith Family, Doug Taylor, said while inflation is affecting all Australians, the most vulnerable members of our

community are faring the worst.

“It's been a particularly challenging time for the students and families we support, with the cost-ofliving crisis affecting the price of housing, food and power,” he said.

“Families are having to make impossible decisions about where they spend their limited funds.

“This could mean paying for school essentials like digital devices or paying for a meal on the table."

“By donating to the Winter Appeal, Australians can help young people most in need by giving them access to extra learning tools, so they can get the most out of their education and create better futures for themselves.”

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network, bringing together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections, all

while supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage.

VIEW is also the largest community sponsor of students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, with the BonvilleBoambee Club supporting nine students through its fundraising activities, such as Christmas gift wrapping at Toormina Gardens.

As The Smith Family's largest community sponsor of Learning for Life students, VIEW supports the educational outcomes of more than 1,530 children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

Through this powerful, long-standing connection, VIEW is proud to enable better futures for young Australians.

For those who are interested in finding out more about VIEW or who would like to join, visit view.org.au or phone the Bonville-Boambee VIEW Club president, Lorraine, on 0400 378 309.

q Ali Buckley, Regional Music Officer at MusicNSW.

q Christmas gift wrapping at Toormina Gardens is BonvilleBoambee VIEW Club’s major single fundraising activity each year.

Marine Rescue NSW urges boaters to be careful during whale migration season

BOATERS on the Coffs Coast advised to not to get too close to whales as they make their annual trip north to warmer waters.

Multiple pods of humpbacks have been spotted off the coast from Seal Rocks to Coffs Harbour in recent days.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said boaters need to be aware of the marine mammals.

“As we are starting to see the whale migration along the NSW Coast, Marine Rescue is reminding boaters that there are rules and restrictions in place for the wellbeing of the animal but also the safety of

boaters.

“Boaters are not to come within 100 metres of a whale or 300 metres of a whale and a calf.

“If a whale does surface near your vessel it is important that you cut your motors and slow down to a safe speed,” he said.

Commissioner Barrell is also reminding skippers not to approach whales from behind or to wait in front of their path.

The Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner said no more than three vessels at a time should approach whales and skippers should wait their turn.

“There will be plenty of time to enjoy these magnificent creatures during the migration season.

“As always if you are heading out on the water to view the whales please make sure that you Log On and Log Off with your local Marine Rescue base either via the Marine Rescue app or over VHF marine radio Channel 16,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based notfor-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

Troy celebrates ten years at Salvos

By Andrea FERRARI

TROY Woods, volunteer extraordinaire at the Salvation Army Family Store in Coffs Harbour, has been celebrated for ten years’ continuous service with a smile.

His decade of dedication has been recognised by Major Andrew Van-Galen and his wife Jeanette from Coffs Harbour Salvation Army, Sylvia Opsteegh, manager at Coffs Harbour Salvos Family Store, and the store’s staff, who presented Troy with a certificate, hand-written letter and an engraved pen.

q Troy Woods has been recognised and appreciated for ten years’ volunteering at the Salvos Family Store in Coffs Harbour.

Troy finds great satisfaction in his job which has become his lifestyle.

“To be given the opportunity to be able to be a volunteer and fulfill my responsibilities that I am given at work is very rewarding,” Troy told News Of The Area.

Troy, who has a disability, found the role through Chess Connect.

“They mentioned that I should do volunteer work somewhere, so ten-plus years later, here I am still.

“I have done many roles over the years.

“I first started when the Salvos was opposite the Plaza.

“I was in the clothing section, then the shoes, picture frame section, then the DVDs, and also sorting

out the many donations we receive out the back of our store.

“I actually like being out in the removalist truck; it gets me out of the store and gives me a bit of exercise at the same time, plus it’s a great opportunity to meet the people of our wonderful town.”

Troy told NOTA he’s had the pleasure of meeting the Major and his lovely wife several times over the years while working for the Salvation Army.

“They are very warm and friendly people, always up for a chat,” he said.

Now, ten years on, Troy’s job has happily become a way of life for him.

“It gives me real motivation and a positive purpose in life, knowing

Handy app launched for Woopi Connect bus service

By Andrea FERRARI

WOOPI Connect, the ondemand bus service run by Forest Coach Lines, has announced its new and improved booking app, also called Woopi Connect, designed to be simple and efficient to use, therefore enhancing customers’ travel experience.

Owned by ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC), the Woopi Connect bus service does not operate to fixed routes or a timetable; instead it takes people within the service area where they need to go, when they need to go.

While not strictly a doorto-door service, it operates to and from virtual stops, with customers never having to walk more than 50m to the stops.

The app is central to its operation which covers Woolgoolga, Safety Beach, Mullaway, Arrawarra, Arrawarra Headland and Corindi Beach, providing them with access to personalised and costeffective public transport.

The Woopi Connect app launched on 8 May 2023, offering a suite of helpful features and a user-friendly design.

ComfortDelGro Australia Corporation (CDC) Regional Australia Division, General Manager NSW and ACT Operations Andrew Fogg said the new app was part of its ongoing commitment to providing customers with convenient, hassle-free travel experiences.

“Our goal is to make it easier for our passengers to plan their trips, track their

bus locations, and access real-time travel information from anywhere, at any time,” Mr Fogg said.

Woopi Connect comes with a range of features, including real-time vehicle tracking, on-demand and pre-scheduled ride bookings, secure payment integration and an intelligent algorithm to improve routing efficiency.

“We are confident that our passengers will appreciate the convenience and simplicity of the Woopi Connect app, and we look forward to their feedback as we continue to refine and improve our digital offerings,” Mr Fogg said.

Being an on-demand service, customers can book using the app or via the telephone hotline (02 6654 0581) to travel anywhere in the service area, any time

I’m giving a little bit back to our community and all the wonderful people I have met along the way and some new friends, too.”

Troy would like to encourage others to take up a volunteering role that suits them.

“Anyone out there, if you have some spare time on your hands, why not give volunteer work a go, not just the Salvos but any organisation that has volunteers.”

Troy is justly proud of the recognition for his ten years’ work, which is an important life achievement, and says he is keen to put in another ten years.

“Definitely another ten years; it’s a weekly lifestyle for me now, so yes most definitely,” he said.

q Multiple pods of humpbacks have been spotted off the coast from Seal Rocks to Coffs Harbour in recent days.

Travis Collins album launch gig at Moonee Beach Tavern

the Friday night before his next stop, Brisbane, on 30 June.

The album features his radio airplay hits ‘Just The Way’, ‘One of Them Nights’ and the latest single and album title track, ’Any Less Anymore’.

Considered to be one of Australia’s finest country music artists with multiple Golden Guitar and CMC Award wins and #1 ARIA Country album debuts, Travis worked with Stuart Stuart (Shepard, The Veronicas, Lee Kernaghan), and collaborated with songwriters from around the globe including The Wolfe Brothers and Lindsay Ell to create this latest album.

Happy to be touring, Travis is looking forward to coming to the Mid North Coast.

“I love the Coffs Coast,” he told News Of The Area.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played here, but I visit often.

“I want to be really involved with the crowd, connecting with them.”

Beer gardens and big pub rooms are his favourite venues to play, he told NOTA.

“I want singing, standing, drinks raised up in the air, volume.

“That’s what I aim to bring to the Moonee audience.”

Playing a brand new setlist, Travis is including a number of new songs.

“It’s a brand-new show for me… so, I don’t want to give away too much.

“I will say though, it’s a fast and energetic start; by 20 minutes into the set, I’m trying to catch my breath.”

The songs on the new album all come from places of common human experience, mostly inspired during the pandemic period.

“Times like that make you look inward a lot, towards yourself, your relationships, your community.

“It got me focused on the real important things in life.

“That’s what inspired this album.

music scene but making waves and I know everyone will enjoy her,” he said.

Taking time out from performing when he’s in the area, Travis said, “I’m a sucker for music stores when I’m on the road and Coffs is always a certain stop for that… so I’ll definitely head to Coffs Guitars and Rage Music whilst I’m around.

“Also, a bit of a random one but lunch at Coffs Yacht Club is a long-time favourite for my wife and me when in the area.”

Travis already has his mind set on what he’s ordering, too.

“Whole Snapper is the go there,” he said.

WITH Rockers

By Andrea FERRARI

TRAVIS Collins, the #1 ARIA Country charting, multi-award-winning Australian singer/ songwriter, is celebrating the release of his ninth studio album with a performance at Moonee Beach Hotel on Saturday 17 June.

The album debuts on Friday 16 June, called ‘Any Less Anymore’, through ABC Music.

“My favourite memory playing Coffs Coast was the Moonee Beach Tavern in 2015 with Adam Brand.

“It was sold out, loud, wild and the fans were up for the party.

“I’ve been itching to get back to this venue ever since,” he said.

Travis is always up for getting involved with the audience on performance night.

“My hope has always been that my audience will find bits of their own lives in my songs/stories… not just from the new stuff, I’ve always strived for that.”

Travis and the band are looking forward to sharing the new songs with the Moonee audience.

“We’re loving playing these new songs.

“I’m also looking forward to the audience

q Moonee Beach Tavern hosts Travis Collins on his ‘Any Less Anymore’ album launch tour.

OPINION

a Legal Look

OPINION & LETTERS On theCouch

D

Dear Jasminda,

I'M feeling quite unnerved about turning 50 when I don't feel anywhere near that age.

It just sounds so old. How should I approach this?

Mrs YL.

GREGORY makes a will at the age of 80 years, leaving the contents of his garage and his motor vehicle to his son, David.

He leaves the rest of his substantial estate to his daughter, Penny, and appoints her as his executor.

When Gregory passes away, David lodges a caveat in the probate registry, preventing Penny from obtaining a grant of probate.

There is no evidence that Gregory did not have the requisite mental capacity to make the will. There is no evidence that Penny engaged in undue influence or exerted duress.

David is not able to demonstrate that he has sufficient financial needs to support a “family provision” claim.

David claims that Gregory’s will is invalid due to “fraudulent calumny”.

This means that David alleges that Penny “poisoned” Gregory’s mind by leading him to believe false allegations regarding David’s character.

David says that it was Gregory’s belief in the truth of these false accusations that led him to leave the bulk of his estate to Penny.

This type of case is very rare and demonstrates a relatively novel approach to attacking the validity of a will.

At a contested hearing, David adduces evidence that Penny convinced Gregory that David had stolen money, that he had assaulted women, that his wife was a prostitute, that David had looked through Gregory’s personal papers and obtained his PIN numbers and that David had been the subject of criminal charges.

There was evidence that when Gregory made his will, he was of the view that David was a “criminal and a psychopath”.

The Court finds that the allegations regarding David’s character were completely false and that Gregory would have made a very different will if he had known the truth.

The Court ultimately orders that Gregory’s will is invalid and David receives half of the estate “on intestacy”.

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

This column is only accurate at today’s date and cannot be relied upon as legal advice.

Dear Mrs YL,

YOU know this problem isn't really a problem when you think about all the people in this world who will never make it to 50.

DEAR News Of The Area, HOW revealing (‘Perrottet government plan to end native forest logging in NSW was blocked by Nationals’, 25 May 2023) that Peter Hannan reports in the Guardian newspaper that the National Party blocked a Liberal Party plan to end native forest logging on public land in NSW in October last year.

We know because the Liberal Party Environment Minister at the time James Griffin and members of the Liberal Party are talking about it and we will know all about it because Greens Upper House member Sue Higginson has done a call for papers behind the proposal to be tabled in the Upper House of the NSW Parliament.

In the same article current Environment Minister Penny Sharp was quoted as saying that the Government wanted to create the new park “as soon as possible”.

Minister Sharp also stated, “As the process is being established, the Environment Protection Authority is

engaging with Forestry Corp of NSW to encourage them to take a precautionary approach to conducting forestry operations in areas with highly suitable koala habitat, and to ensure such values are maintained if forestry operations are necessary in these areas.”

We therefore now have a renewed commitment to the proposed Great Koala National Park with a clear majority in both sides of parliament.

We also have a strong commitment in statements to NSW Parliament yesterday that timber workers will not be left behind.

And finally, we have a commitment from Minister Sharp to a process to provide protection for “highly suitable koala habitat“, which includes at least 60 percent of the proposed park according to community estimates and recent Federal Government mapping.

It is time to get behind the Great Koala National Park proposal and ensure the best outcome for Coffs Harbour and the region.

Regards, Ashley LOVE, Coffs Harbour Jetty.

Support for the GKNP is growing Labor’s budget supports increase in real wages

DEAR News Of The Area, NEIL Mercer (NOTA 26 May) claims that middle income earners were forgotten in the 2023 Federal Budget, but is that claim true?

Many middle income earners will benefit from improved access to bulk billing doctors, thanks to a key budget measure.

Many more will benefit from the effective halving of the cost of prescriptions.

Childcare costs will be reduced, thanks to increased subsidies and a higher cap on parental incomes.

The requirement that employers pay superannuation each payday will provide security of retirement savings and every middle income earner with a parent in aged care should breathe a sigh of relief at increased funding for aged care staff salaries.

There are many more measures in the budget that will benefit middle income earners, but none more than the Albanese Government’s commitment to support an increase in real wages.

After nearly a decade of governments with a stated aim of ensuring low wages, many middle income earners are suffering a loss of purchasing power.

The 2023 Budget embeds a policy of supporting real wage growth to address the damage of successive Liberal and National Party governments.

That will make a huge difference to people on moderate incomes, along with the responsible economic management that allowed the Treasurer to deliver the surplus that eluded every Liberal Treasurer for almost a decade.

Mr Mercer’s claim does not withstand

That you are reaching this amazing milestone is actually fantastic. It's evidence that you haven't succumbed to a life-threatening illness.

You haven't suffered an accidental death due to circumstances beyond your control. You haven't been swept into the ocean while trying to get a selfie in front of the pounding swell, because you are too mature for that nonsense. You are winning the game of life, Mrs YL.

You are a winner. I know it is a cliche, but it really is just a number. I mean Iggy Pop is still swivelling around on the stage in his 70s, Grace Jones is still cavorting down the catwalk in a skimpy bodysuit. The whole notion of what you can and can't do at certain ages has passed. We do, of course, live in a youth-obsessed society, and that doesn't help. People are told by marketers that they need to look younger with smoother skin, fatter lips, firmer thighs, flatter tummies, and on it goes. You can either succumb to this or you can embrace your age and just be the best you can be. Fifty is fantastic when you think about the alternative, Mrs YL. PS: You can always lie about your age.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

OUTLETS

Where to Find your Newspaper

Available in newsstands & counters of over 100 businesses & locations throughout Coffs Coast. Some include, supermarkets, newsagents, convenience stores, shopping centres, chemists, service stations, real estate agents, many general businesses throughout the area.

A list is published towards the back of this newspaper. You can also find the outlets by going to www.newsofthearea.com.au

scrutiny.

The 2023 Budget did have a focus on looking after our most disadvantaged people, but middle income earners were also very well catered for.

You just have to look past the political spin in certain sections of the media to see the full picture.

Regards, Pam SOROCZYNSKI, Sawtell.

It is ‘rubbish’ to suggest The Voice entrenches racism

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM a reluctant ‘Letters to the Editor’ writer, but recent comments about ‘The Voice’ have shaken me into action.

To suggest it entrenches racism is rubbish.

We have systematically and consistently put First Nations people on a lower social status since 1788.

Surely I don’t need to go through details of the Stolen Generation, 1967 referendum, and so on. But

now, some suggest that doing nothing will lead to improvement.

Someone wise once said to continue doing what you’re doing, and to expect a different result is stupidity.

Why would we continue

as we do and expect racism to decrease is beyond me.

The argument about creating favoured access to executive government is astounding.

Gas companies, coal and mining companies, big business, consulting firms, transport companies, and the list goes on, have

had unfettered access to executive government and lobbying members of parliament for countless years, but somehow the sky will fall in if Aboriginal people are extended the same privilege.

Presumably if the referendum fails, then lobbyists and captains of big

Stop scaremongering on The Voice

DEAR News Of The Area, WAYNE Duesbury's comments in his Letter to the Editor on 12 May 2023 need a response.

I differ from his opinion in that the 1967 Referendum removed `race' from the Constitution.

Far from it.

It allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census, gave them voting rights and allowed them to be recognised

as citizens/residents of Australia even though they were already here.

In relation to Mr Dutton, he is sitting on the fence by wanting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to be recognised in the Constitution, but that is far as he wants to go with the `Voice'.

The PM has worked tirelessly to mend relationships with some governments all over the world that the incompetent Coalition damaged in their almost ten years of government.

They are local, regional and state issues.

At least the PM attended.

Where's the problem now?

It might pop up on Sky News.

Insiders a few weeks ago and she had me confused with what she wanted.

business will therefore be denied access to executive government.

That must happen to be consistent.

Something needs to change.

The Uluru Statement is a generous invitation to make progress.

Let’s not waste it.

Regards, L WALSH, Coffs Harbour. the Voice and the process to change the constitution.

You just have to look for it.

By Dr Kelly HAMILL, Bellingen Family Medical Centre

ABOUT a month ago, I was contacted by ABC radio and then the commercial TV stations as, apparently, I am the last bulk-billing GP in the electorate of Cowper on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

I run my own clinic in Bellingen and have been struggling to continue to offer bulk billing to our

I further disagree with Mr Duesbury's comments about our PM only spending a few hours in Alice Springs. patients.

The previous government lacked accountability and gave the current government a trillion dollars of debt.

The problems of Alice Springs can be anywhere in Australia at any time.

I laugh when you think that people are listening to Ms Price and Mr Mundine.

Every Aboriginal person I have spoken to totally disagrees with those two.

Ms Price was on

I feel they oppose the Voice because they are Liberal/Nationals and they will always find something wrong with Labor and any other party.

Their opinions as Aboriginal persons are not representative of most Aboriginal people, but they are entitled to them.

There is plenty of information available about

Hope for universal health care?

We continue to offer bulk billing to concession card holders.

The recent budget showed a glimmer of hope as the government announced it would triple the bulk billing incentive.

This will mean that GPs who bulk bill concession card holders will get around $30 on top of the Medicare rebate rather than the current $10.

However, this does not

address the inadequate Medicare rebates and the increase to bulk billing doesn’t start until November.

So it is still going to be tough to get affordable healthcare and for GPs to cover the high costs of their practices.

But perhaps this is the start and may embolden the government to continue with the measures necessary to save universal healthcare.

We have to keep pressure on the government to do this, especially in the country where our access to healthcare and health outcomes are worse than those in the city.

If we do not invest in ensuring everyone has access to these basic needs, the cost to society will be far greater in terms of missed or late diagnoses, the inability to intervene to prevent health conditions or adverse outcomes,

increased emergency presentations, increased mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, increased family stress and poorer outcomes for children.

We are one of the richest countries in the world and can afford to provide free healthcare.

Our society has become increasingly unequal and GPs have for too long hidden the crisis in healthcare by taking a

There is too much scaremongering going on and I compare it to when John Howard was in power when he claimed that land rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would take farmers' properties away from them.

It never happened.

It's just the same tired old parties whining just like before.

Regards, Mark DONOHUE. personal cut in our incomes by continuing to bulk bill due to empathy and guilt.

We need to adequately fund all healthcare under Medicare, including dental, mental health, allied health and specialist services.

We need the government to recognise the incredible value that GPs provide in our healthcare system.

How hard can it be to establish The Voice?

DEAR News Of The Area,

SO a representative group of our Indigenous brothers and sisters, after long deliberations and under the perception that our nation is finally fair dinkum about Reconciliation, have asked that as a starting point they could be included as a ‘Voice’ to our Parliament in Canberra.

To make it official, and so it carries some weight, they have asked that it be included in our Constitution.

How hard could it be?

After all, there is an

entire industry operating in Canberra to make sure organizations and various business interests can have a Voice.

They’re called ‘lobbyists’ and they pay substantial amounts of money to have the ear of the relevant Ministers.

Some don’t even have to pay.

Remember the executives from our gas industry who landed plum positions in our National Cabinet during the recent pandemic and unsurprisingly went on to recommend a ‘gas led

A huge thank you to kind helpers

economic recovery’?

No referendum required there.

Then there was the Mabo case?

Despite a ten year court case which resulted in the 1993 recognition of land rights for First Nations people, it did not result in mayhem, and our courts were not overrun with land rights claims.

Nor have we had to ‘pay to go to the park or the beach’ as alarmists back then predicted.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a recognition of entrenched

had

in

disadvantage and an invitation for all of us to unite and agree on a permanent official advisory Voice specifically for First Nations people in our Parliament in order to facilitate some long overdue change.

Ideally this ‘Voice’ will result in change on the ground; but arguing that it won’t is not high moral grounds for dismissing it.

A Voice will, at the very least, provide an opportunity for decision makers to make a difference.

Those who also argue

that the Voice would introduce a race based division in our constitution are seemingly ignorant of the extent of our shameful racist history and the abhorrent White Australia policy which was not only integral to the foundations of Federation and our constitution in the first instance, but has sadly influenced much of our attitudes and behavior ever since.

Maybe the race based divide is the one being manifested by those who are choosing to throw up every conceivable barrier

It’s time for patients to demand this from their politicians and not believe the lies that we cannot afford this. to a united yes vote.

Sometimes in history, the greatest impacts are symbolic.

While a yes vote, just like the Apology to the Stolen Generations and the successful Marriage Equality Bill may not hold much relevance to many of us as individuals, to a united Australia and our place on the world stage, this referendum outcome will carry critical historical significance and a positive outcome for many.

Regards, Dave WOOD, Boambee East.

Thank

out a further huge thank you and

appreciation to the lovely people who stopped and helped me after my 102-year-old mother Joan

a fall

woolies at the Plaza last Friday. The Woolies staff, Leslie and his little girl, Tania from Terry White, and beautiful Sharon from Plaza staff.

you for showing so much kindness. Regards, Julie WALKER.

The Street Name Says It All!

Address: 20 View Drive, Boambee East NSW 2450

Price: $1,299,000 to $1,329,000

Beds: 6, Bath: 3, Car: 2

Land size: 1,040sqm

SELDOM do we come across a home that not only sets a grand presence in the street, but once you are inside opens up to large living areas with scenic views across both the hinterland and coastal area of the southern Coffs Harbour region.

The home has been designed for the largest of families, or even two families cohabituating. This dwelling is literally two homes in one, a three bedroom home sitting on top of another three bedroom home.

Starting with the downstairs area: there is a large open plan living area stretching from one end of the home to the other.

At one end a modern kitchen complete with island bench, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and plenty of cupboard and bench space.

Running from the kitchen is a short hallway that access-

es two good sized bedrooms, both with built in robes and a bathroom with separate toilet. Off the other end of the kitchen is a large laundry area.

That's right upstairs and downstairs both have their own kitchens and laundries.

The downstairs area also has two separate outdoor areas, both covered, one to the side of the home and the other a large 25+ square meter area overlooking the sparkling in-ground pool.

Also on this level, is the 6th bedroom, once again with its own built-in wardrobe, a perfect office, study, guest accommodation or bedroom.

Leading upstairs from the formal entry is a stunning timber staircase which leads to the top level of the home.

From the moment you get to the top of the stairs you know you are in for something special with the grandiose openness of the home coming into full effect.

Stunning polished timber floors and high ceiling greet the visitor as well as the views becoming apparent.

Mirroring the large down-

stairs outdoor area is a large 25+ sqm outdoor patio with amazing views.

This patio is accessed by large stacker doors, which when fully open truly bring the outdoors in and the indoors out.

The imposing kitchen is the central hub of the top level.

Designed with a classic black and white palette with stainless steel appliances.

The island bench alone can seat six people comfortably.

The most impressive thing about the kitchen however is that whilst standing in there, you can literally drink in the views from three of the living areas.

Off the kitchen is a family room with hinterland views.

This room has a partition wall separating it from the formal dining room, which then flows to the formal lounge room with stunning new dark carpet and three magnificent picture windows which truly epitomise the meaning of the word 'views'.

In keeping with the grandiose nature of the upstairs

area, and indeed the home in general, the main bedroom is indeed a suite.

Just the bedroom area itself is over 36sqm, not including its veranda, accessed through large sliding doors and framed by plantation shutters, once again with splendid views.

The ensuite is befitting the nature of the bedroom,

with a corner spa bath, separate shower area and separate toilet.

A bedroom of this size wouldn't feel right without a large walk robe, so of course that is here as well.

Two other large bedrooms are accessed from the hallway, both 3.5 x 4 metres as well as a well appointed three-way bathroom and large separate laundry.

If there isn't enough outdoor living already, there is an additional patio across the

rear of the home.

There are so many extras we will run out of space: large double garage with workshop area, under home storage, solar panels on the roof, the list goes on. Homes like this do not come along very often, don't miss your chance to call it your own.

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

Owner wants action – Price reduced!!!

32 Amaroo Cres, Toormina

Our owners are committed to moving North and have reduced the price on their lovely home. Their fantastic 3 bedroom family home presents in excellent order and is packed full of surprises. The home is air conditioned with the modern kitchen having a walk in pantry with the large enclosed sunroom adding additional living space. There is also a covered barbecue area and a detached colour bond shed for you to tinker in. The single garage has an electric roller door and internal access with the tandem carport housing other vehicles. This lovely home backs onto a park like reserve with the shops and schools being close by. Inspect today, you won’t be disappointed!

Home open Sat 03/06 11.00 – 11.30am

Price reduction – $695,000

Scott Bellamy 0438 581 611

Starting out, downsizing or investing!

25 McFadyn St, Toormina

1 3 1

This well presented 3 bedroom residence is an ideal first home, sound investment or the perfect home for an owner who is downsizing. All bedrooms have robes, the air conditioner adjusts the temperature and the solar panels help with the electricity bill. The small rear deck overlooks the level yard with the garage having internal access. Sawtell’s restaurant and beaches are only a couple of minutes away by car with public transport and Bayldon school being close by.

For Sale – $689,000.00

Retire in style

18/369 Pine Creek Way, Bonville

This is the original display home at this sought after over 55’s village at Bonville. The 3 bedroom home is beautifully appointed with many extras!!!! These include; air conditioning, an ensuite and walk in robe to the master suite, Caesar stone benchtops and a dishwasher compliment the kitchen with the enclosed balcony being the ideal place to have a cuppa. There is also a work shop at the rear of the home whilst the tandem garage houses the cars. The new owner will have full access to the pool and park like areas with Sawtells pristine beaches and café strip being less than 10 minutes away by car. No Council rates or stamp duty to pay just a weekly site fee of $150.

For Sale – $489,000

New Listing

Immaculate and Convenient

1/21 WIRRABILLA DRIVE, TOORMINA

$445,000

• Two-bedroom town house set in complex of four

• Beautifully renovated bathroom located on the top level, along with the bedrooms, main with balcony

• Lower level has open plan air-conditioned living area

• Fully fenced courtyard, carport for parking

Opportunity Knocks

65 PLAYFORD AVENUE, TOORMINA

$649,000 - $669,000

• Three bedrooms with new carpet and built in robes

• Easy care floating timber floors throughout the living, kitchen and hall areas

• Kitchen offers great viewing of the undercover entertaining area and out to the fully fenced backyard

New Listing

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

• Ideal location, walk across the road to all that Toormina Centro has to offer unre.com.au/wir1.21

Perfect Downsizer or Starter

4 MAKINSON CLOSE.

TOORMINA

$699,000

• 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.

• A great starter or downsizer ready to move into an enjoy.

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

1 1

Land Size: 506sqm

unre.com.au/mak4

Modern Family Home 52 ROVERE DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

• Modern contemporary style four bedroom home, perfect for the growing family.

• Open kitchen plus walk in pantry

• Ducted air conditioning and solar panels

• Come home and relax or have the friends over at a home you will love

• Comfort and style await in

Easy Family Living 52 KINCHELA AVENUE, TOORMINA

$899,000 - $929,000

• Substantial high set home located in great family friendly neighbourhood

• Two living areas including formal lounge at the front of the home, plus tiled family room situated off the central kitchen with plenty of bench space

• Enormous main bedroom with ensuite & walk in robe positioned at the front of the home

• Two outdoor entertaining areas, including one overlooking the sparkling inground pool

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

unre.com.au/kin52

Land Size: 886.8sqm

Grand Elegance

8 COORABIN CRESCENT, TOORMINA

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

• The grandest of family homes in an ultra-convenient location

• Beautiful timber staircase leading up to five of the six bedrooms, including the oversized main bedroom with exquisite ensuite, walk in robe

• Also on this level are two living areas, main bathroom & balcony outdoor entertaining area

• Downstairs features open plan living area, gourmet kitchen plus sixth bedroom

• Shower in the laundry, plus separate toilet adjacent

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

6 3 2

Land Size: 746.1sqm unre.com.au/coo8

• Approximately 5 minutes to shopping centre with bus stop nearby

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Land Size: 724.3sqm

Delightfully

unre.com.au/pla65

$699,000 - $719,000

• 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

0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Land Size: 649.9sqm

unre.com.au/bow1

The Entertainer 9 ANNA KRISTINA CIRCUIT, BOAMBEE

EAST

$830,000 - $850,000

• Great easy care family home ideally located in quiet street

• Large open plan living, dining area, plus formal sunken loungeroom

• Generous sized bedrooms, main with generous ensuite with full size bath

• Fully covered extra-large entertaining deck overlooking the sparkling inground pool

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

unre.com.au/ann9

Land Size: 700.3sqm

Impressive

20 VIEW DRIVE, BOAMBEE EAST

$1,299,000 - $1,329,000

• Here is your chance to own one of the largest, most unique homes in the area

• Boasting 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 kitchens

• This home is basically one three bedroom home on top of another three bedroom home

• Huge living areas with expansive views, sparkling in ground pool and quality inclusions

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

6 3 2

Land Size: 1,040sqm

unre.com.au/vie20

Stunning Home & Shed

9A ALPINI PLACE, SAPPHIRE BEACH

$1,500,000

• Beautifully presented home with open plan living area, renovated kitchen with wide island stone bench top

• Dual corner sliding doors provide access to the expansive covered timber entertaining deck, swim spa with heat pump • 18 metre x 8 metre shed is lined with plywood, insulated ceiling & walls, It also offers high mezzanine storage and there is potential to purchase the property with existing substantial equipment.

• DLUG plus easy off-street covered parking for a work vehicle, caravan or boat

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

3 3 4

Land Size: 747.1sqm

CHECK ONLINE FOR OPEN TIMES 6658 6042

www.unre.com.au

137 Sawtell Road

Toormina

Unrealestate Coffs Coast unrealcoffs

unre.com.au/alp9a

A Coastal Country Life That Soars Above The Rest

‘Ukhozi,’ Bellingen, NSW

• 27.48ha* (67.88* acres), 5.5km* Bellingen, 13km* beach, 25min* Coffs Airport

• Unmatched panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean, the Bellingen Valley & along Bellinger River plus west to the Great Dividing Range

• Renovated 5 bdm, 2 bath home with separate living areas & 550m2* under roof

• Pool plus covered entertaining areas on both levels, large open plan living & dining areas with expansive windows & modern well equipped kitchen

• 3 additional cabins plus covered workshop / shed & cattle yards / stables

• 5 paddocks, 2 dams, veggie garden, fruit trees, native bushland & rainforest

raywhiteruralbellingen.com.au

Auction

Friday 23 June 11am

The Old Butter Factory, Bellingen & Online

John O’Leary 0412 948 700

Rory Birt 0403 913 527

Ray White Rural Bellingen

Private Treaty $840,000-$880,000 36 Shephards Lane Coffs Harbour

On offer is this feature packed property consisting of a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with undercover parking for 4 cars, large, powered shed and heated swimming pool on the flat in Shephards Lane Coffs Harbour.

Sitting on a generous 822m2 it would make an ideal home for the tradesperson who needs plenty of off-street parking and shedding for equipment. Equally it would suit the growing family who need

room to move and the enjoyment a swimming pool. For the investor it provides a solid investment in a great part of town and offers $680$700/week return.

The home features a lovely open plan kitchen, dining and lounge which forms the “hub” of the home. The kitchen offers a stunning granite top kitchen, electric cooktop and oven, dishwasher and striking splashback and an abundance of bench and cupboard space.

Private Viewing Invitation

Hardwood timber flooring through the high use areas and carpet in bedrooms and tiles in the wet areas. 2 bedrooms have ensuites and a 3rd shower is in the laundry. Offering more space for the family the home features a 2nd living /utility room as well as a study. Climate control is via split system air conditioning and ceiling fans and a wood heater. Complimenting the home is a large alfresco which looks out to the lawn and garden at the rear.

I am Adam Murphy, your local Real Estate Professional and I’d like to present this property to the market.

Property Address: 36 Shephards Lane Coffs Harbour

Size: 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 4 Car | 822m2

For Sale: Private Treaty $840,000-$880,000

View: By Appointment

Open Time: Saturday 12.15-12.45pm

A key feature of the property is the large shed at the rear. With plenty of floor space, a roller door allowing for car storage and the ability to run heavy equipment it is the ideal addition for those who need a serious workshop or just love to tinker.

This really is the complete package. With all this property has to offer you’ll want to be quick to inspect because it won’t last.

Contact Adam Murphy Today

P: 0421 306 247

E: amurphy.propertysolutions@ljhps.com.au

F: facebook.com.au/coffsharbour

W: coffsharbour.ljhooker.com.au/

Coffs Harbour

LOCALSPORT

Swans women touching down in Coffs for camp

THE Sydney Swans AFLW squad will converge on Coffs Harbour this weekend for a three-day pre-season training camp, ahead of the club’s second season in the AFLW.

The local Coffs Harbour community can get involved, with a coaching clinic and signing session on Saturday afternoon at C.ex. International Stadium from 3pm to 4pm.

Boys and girls of all ages are welcome to attend.

The itinerary will see the Sydney Swans touch down in Coffs Harbour on Friday afternoon with some of the team heading to the Coffs Senior School Cup before training in the evening.

The weekend will

include team bonding and community activities such as surfing, paddle boarding and attending junior footy at Richardson Park in Sawtell.

Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans said it’s a great opportunity to take his team away for some quality pre-season work.

“Our team is really looking forward to heading to Coffs Harbour this weekend –it’s going to be a terrific way to kick off our pre-season campaign,” Gowans said.

“We have recruited well, and we believe we are on the right trajectory to compete with the best sides this upcoming season.

“We are really looking forward to connecting with

our Coffs Harbour supporter base and there’s going to be a host of activities that the local community can get involved in.

“If you love the red and white, or just love footy, I’d encourage you to get involved

and come along to meet our players and coaches. It should be a great weekend.”

City of Coffs Harbour

Mayor Paul Amos said the Swans AFLW side will have a huge impact on the local community.

"We're absolutely thrilled to host the Sydney Swans AFLW Camp in Coffs Harbour.

“This is another chance for our sport-loving community to get up close and personal with some of the country’s most elite players,” Cr Amos

said.

“I’m especially excited for the women of all ages in our community to have this chance to engage with one of the country’s most popular forms of women’s football.”

events of the year in Lennox Head and Mandurah in Western Australia,” she said.

my result.

Coffs Coast surfer finishes second at Sydney Surf Pro Junior

By Aiden BURGESS

Club member Rosie Smart has finished second at the Harvey Norman Sydney Surf

Pro Junior event in Sydney.

The event is part of the World Surf League Junior Qualifying Series and was held at North Narrabeen on 13-14 May.

Smart won all her heats on her way to the final, and was narrowly beaten by up and coming star Sierra Kerr, who had come off winning the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Pro Junior.

The 18-year-old finished runner up in an event featuring 32 of Australia and Oceania's best 20-and-under surfers.

Smart was chasing points to qualify for the World Surf League’s Challenger Series, a pathway to pro surfing's highest level.

She walked away with a valuable 800 points and $700 in prize money.

Smart is now headed to Indonesia for the Krui Pro Junior where there are 5000 qualifying points up for grabs to help qualify for the

Challenger Series.

Rosie is currently ranked 17th on the Women’s qualifying series, and ranked 4th on the Women’s junior tour.

The Coffs Coast surfer talked through her run to the runner up finish at North Narrabeen.

“I had so much fun surfing North Narrabeen, in my quarterfinal I was getting wave after wave, it just felt like a free surf,” she said.

“I have been focusing on improving my strategy and decision making in heats, so it was rewarding to win every heat to the final.

“It was a close final, initially, I was a bit disappointed with second, but after a few days I was able to look back and be proud of

“It was really inspiring to see the level of competition in the female division this year which pushed me to surf my best.

“My younger brother travelled with me and was a good coach as well.”

Her next competition has her excited to hit the waves again.

“I have travelled to Bali a few times and was lucky enough to surf Java last year, however this will be my first time surfing Krui in Sumatra,” she said.

“Indonesia is a dream, warm water, amazing food, lovely people, fun waves.

“To get to Krui is a twoday mission but I’ve heard there are some amazing waves, so I am super excited.”

Smart had a busy schedule for the rest of the year.

“I will be competing in the last two WSL Pro Junior

Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club paddler named in Australian team

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Coast Dragon Boat Club paddler Kevin Buhler has been named in the Australian Aurora’s senior B’s (over 50s) Dragon Boat team, to compete at the IDBF World Championships in Thailand this August.

Buhler trains six days a week while also attending weekend training camps in Sydney and Canberra, and when home trains with the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club.

His selection to the Australian team comes after outstanding performances

at the Australian titles in Albury, where he won three gold medals representing NSW.

Making his first Australian team, he said he was not only representing his country in Thailand but also the Coffs Coast region.

“To be chosen to represent Australia is an opportunity that only happens rarely for most people, particularly for regional areas,” he said.

“To be selected is an honour and I am proud to be able to represent both Australia and Coffs Harbour.”

Buhler outlined what he would bring to the Australian team.

“Hard work, determination, and dedication would be my strong points,” he said.

“I try to apply these attributes across all aspects of my paddling and training, and I love being part of the team.”

To help him get to Thailand, the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club will be holding Bunnings BBQs on Friday, 2 June, Friday, 14 July, and Saturday, 12 August to help raise money for their club member

“I will also be competing in the Straddie Assault Team Challenge as part of the Coffs Harbour Boardriders team.

“It has been a busy year.”

The talented young surfer shared her goals with News Of The Area.

“My goal is to qualify for the 2024 Challenger Series, and the Krui QS5000 in Sumatra is the first competition of the 2023/24 Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series, so I would love to get a good result to start my campaign,” she said.

“Competing in the World Surfing League is my ultimate dream; however, I still have a lot of work to do and aspects I need to develop in my surfing.

“I’m enjoying the journey and am very grateful for all the support from the local community, my friends and family, and my Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club family.”

q Sydney Swans AFLW players (l-r) Bella Smith, Alana Woodward, Brenna Tarrant and Lauren Szigeti receive instructions from senior assistant coach Nick Davis during a pre-season training session. Photo: Sydney Swans.

q Sydney Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans will be in Coffs Harbour this weekend with his team as part of a preseason camp. Photo: Sydney Swans

COFFS Harbour Boardriders

q Rosie Smart in action.

q Kevin Buhler is headed to the World Championships.

to compete at the World Championships.

Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club is a Dragon Boat sports club governed by Dragon

Boats NSW. The club paddles on the Bellinger River at River Road, Mylestom, and on Bonville Creek at Dolmans Point, Sawtell.

Coffs tennis player to represent Australia at Virtus Global Games

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour tennis player Damian Phillips has headed to France to represent Australia on the court.

Phillips is part of the Australian PWII (persons with intellectual impairment) tennis team who are taking part in this year's Virtus Global Games in France.

The Virtus Global Games are the world's largest elite sports event for athletes with

an intellectual impairment, and are held every four years with the latest edition to be held on 4-10 June.

Phillips is ranked number six in the Australian II-1 men's singles category.

He is also a former Australian number 1 for players with an intellectual disability, and has won a national doubles title and a world championship gold medal in mixed doubles.

The Australian tennis team won the tennis tournament the last time the

Virtus Global Games were held in 2019 in Brisbane.

Head coach of the Australian tennis team, Alison Scott, said the team was confident of defending their title.

"This year's team is a big team, and we are really proud of that," she said.

"We have been world champions since 2015, so we are very confident going overseas.

"The team is very well prepared and well trained, which is brilliant."

Former Coffs Suns junior selected for Australian team

q Isla Juffermans in action at the FIBA Under 17 Women's Basketball World Cup in Hungary.

By Aiden BURGESS

ONE of the Coffs Coast's best young sporting talents is set to represent her country once again on the world stage.

Isla Juffermans has been selected to the Australian Under 19 Women's basketball team, who will contest the FIBA Under 19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain during July. Her selection to the Australian Gems team comes on the back of a big year representing Australia on the world stage.

Hockey Coffs Coast team wins state title

By Aiden BURGESS

HOCKEY Coffs Coast's under 18 girls team have done their region proud by winning a state title.

The Coffs Coast representative team returned home with gold medals after winning the Division 3 title at the Hockey NSW Field State Championships in Sydney.

The girls started their tournament in fine style with a 4-0 win against Wagga Wagga, and topped their pool with wins against Sydney East (4-0), Port Hastings (60), and Hockey New England (3-0), as they headed to the semi-finals undefeated.

The teams assistant coach Jonathan Williams gave a recap of their semi-final and grand final victories.

"The team moved through to the semi-finals as the number one qualifier and would take on Canberra 1 for a place in the final," he said.

"This was a fast and skilful game with Canberra making several attacking raids early on in the game.

"The Coffs defence held steady once again before an outstanding goal from Breah Fischer broke the deadlock.

"One soon became two with goals to Maddy Osland (2) and Lucy Rodgers sealing their place in the final, Hockey Coffs Coast 4Canberra 0.

"The final was played against Southern Highlands 1 in front of a large and vocal crowd and again livestreamed to friends and family back home.

"It’s fair to say that the Coffs girls had the run of play for the most part with several fast breaks and penalty corner opportunities.

"After a lovely passing set involving Molly Williams, Hannah Dickson and Breah Fischer, the ball was slipped to Maddy Osland on the left post to slam home the finish, 1-0 Coffs Coast!

"The second quarter was a pretty even contest with no change to the scoreline at half-time.

"The third quarter saw some fast, free-flowing hockey

before Coffs Coast were awarded a penalty corner just before the break.

"It was a simple stick trap at the first battery and then a shot by Osland and the score was 2-0.

"Coffs Coast scored early in the fourth quarter thanks to a clinical strike by Indie Laverty.

"Southern Highlands managed to claw back a goal in the fourth quarter but any comeback was snuffed out by

Juffermans was part of the Australian Sapphires team who finished 5th at the FIBA Under 17 Women's Basketball World Cup in Hungary last year.

She was one of the standout players at the World Cup, finishing amongst the tournament leaders in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.

The former Coffs Harbour Suns junior was also named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA Under 18 Women's Asian Championship in India.

The 18-year-old has had an outstanding year so far, winning national championships with NSW and her high school.

The young center was named the Most Valuable Player at the Under 20 National Championships in Geelong, with her NSW team winning the gold medal.

She also played a big role in helping her Lake Ginninderra College team win the Australian Schools Championships title on the Gold Coast.

a final goal from Osland, final score Hockey Coffs Coast 4 - Southern Highlands 1."

Winning coach Rick Fischer was thrilled with the state title triumph.

“These kids have played together since they were nine or ten years old, and over that time they have collected six or seven state championships across multiple age groups including under 13’s, under 15’s and now under 18’s," he said.

"They get on really well off the field as well which makes them a pleasure to coach.”

Fischer praised the defensive unit for such a dominating performance.

“We only conceded one goal that entire tournament, and that’s a credit to our defensive structures, the commitment of our players and the quality of our goalkeeper," he said. Hockey Coffs Coast President, Dean Herbert was delighted with the team's performance.

“Representative hockey is really popular on the Coffs Coast," he said. "We’re a relatively small association but we have an excellent group of coaches and some very talented juniors.

"We’ve also got a dedicated group of parents who are willing to travel to all parts of the state to give their kids an opportunity to represent their region, and we can’t thank them enough.”

q Damian Phillips is set to represent Australia.

q Hockey Coffs Coast's under 18 girls team celebrate their state title.

Sawtell Panthers win their first game of the season

By Aiden BURGESS

THE Sawtell Panthers have won their first game of the season during the latest round of the Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League season.

After coming close to

their first win with their previous game against the Grafton Ghosts ending in a draw, the Panthers prevailed 28-20 against the second on the ladder Woolgoolga Seahorses in front of their home fans at Rex Hardaker Oval.

The match of the round saw the Grafton Ghosts have a 20-16 win against the ladder leading Coffs Harbour Comets, which halted the Comets win streak at four.

Defending premiers, the South Grafton Rebels showed their premiership

winning form with a 30-6 win against the Macksville Sea Eagles, while the Nambucca Heads Roosters were also winners in Round 5 beating the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies 3622.

The Group 2 season

Coffs Harbour Suns teams have winning weekend

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Suns senior representative sides have both had a winning weekend during the latest round of the Basketball NSW Waratah League season.

The Suns Youth Men (Under 20s) and women’s teams both won on the road in Terrigal and Lismore.

The Suns Youth Men team had a 91-66 win against the Central Coast Crusaders Blue, their fourth win of the season from their opening nine games.

The Suns women made their second match of the season a winning one with a 91-29 win against the Lismore Storm.

Ashleigh Fasala top

scored with 28 points and Keira Williams scored 22 points.

The Suns women sit at the top of the ladder with two wins from their opening two games.

The Suns Youth Men are at home this weekend when they take on the Hornsby Ku Ring Gai Spiders at Sportz Central on Saturday night.

The Suns women are also in action as they play the Canberra Nationals Academy in Port Macquarie.

continues this weekend as the Coffs Harbour Comets look to protect top spot on the ladder when they host the Macksville Sea Eagles.

The Sawtell Panthers and Woolgoolga Seahorses both hit the road for Round 6, with the Panthers tackling the Bellingen Valley/ Dorrigo Magpies, while the Seahorses take on the South Grafton Rebels.

Group 2 ladder. 1.Coffs Harbour Comets. 8 points. 4 wins. 1 loss. (34 differential).

2.Grafton Ghosts. 7 points. 3 wins. 1 draw. 1 loss. 2.

3.Woolgoolga Seahorses. 6 points. 3 wins. 2 losses. 34.

4.South Grafton Rebels. 6 points. 3 wins. 2 losses. 18.

5.Nambucca Heads Roosters. 4 points. 2 wins. 2 losses. 26.

6.Macksville Sea Eagles. 4 points. 2 wins. 3 losses. -32.

7.Sawtell Panthers. 3 points. 1 win. 1 draw. 2 losses. -34.

8.Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies. 0 points. 0 wins. 5 losses. -48.

Wheelchair basketball unites players of all abilities in Wiigulga showdown

By David WIGLEY

WHEELCHAIR basketball made a significant impact as players with and without disabilities played at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga last Friday evening.

The Coffs Harbour wheelchair basketball team received a generous donation of $3,000 from steel manufacturers, InfraBuild, to support their equipment purchases and cover the expenses associated with running wheelchair basketball.

Kristian Pallas,

representing InfraBuild, expressed his thoughts on the occasion, stating, "Today marks an important part of the InfraBuild Community Connections Programme, where we invest in our communities.

“This is a commendable cause, and we are here today to make a donation to the team and demonstrate our support."

Pallas emphasised that wheelchair sports are not exclusively for players with disabilities, dispelling common misconceptions.

"But we are not only here for that; we are going

q Wheelchair basketball was a big hit for everyone at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga.

to compete against them in a match.

“Wheelchair sports are inclusive of both able-bodied individuals and those who use wheelchairs. “These players are on a whole different level.

“Just watch their incredible mobility in their chairs; it's truly unbelievable.

“It's a lot of fun, and that's what it's all about."

Representing the Coffs Harbour Wheelchair Team, Robert Piper shared his experience of the game.

"I started playing when I was living in Forbes, and at that time, my girlfriend suggested, 'Why don't you play basketball?'

“I hesitated, thinking I

wasn't disabled enough, which is a common misconception.

“However, they encouraged me to join, and I haven't looked back since.

“It's a highly social game; we play for a couple of hours and then gather for dinner and a few drinks afterward, making it a sociable event."

While wheelchair basketball offers a social experience, participants also have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, including local competitions and even the Paralympics.

"Bill Latham from Coffs Harbour is our hero; he represented us in the last Olympics,” Piper said.

q The Coffs Harbour Suns women’s team.

q Players competing for possession in wheelchair basketball.

Flying High: Boambee Eagles continue unbeaten run

By David WIGLEY

GOALS from Boambee’s

Kylie McDonald and Keira

Parker sealed a 2-1 win over cross-town rivals the Coffs United Lionesses in Women’s Division One at Mclean Street last Saturday.

The Boambee Eagles have had a remarkable start to the season, winning all six matches and scoring 23 goals while conceding eight.

With this victory, Boambee's total points now stand at eighteen, placing them eight points ahead of the Lionesses in second place and nine points ahead of last year's premiers, Urunga.

Urunga stamped their

mark on the competition with an impressive 6-0 over Bellingen.

Similarly, the Woolgoolga Wildcats had a convincing 6-1 win against Sawtell.

Football clubs across the region celebrated Female Football Week by organising various events such as junior clinics and barbecues.

These initiatives aim to promote and grow female football in the community.

Female football participation in the North Coast Football (NCF) region has been experiencing significant growth, with over 1,400 registered female players this year.

This trend is expected

to continue, especially with the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, which begins on 20 July.

The Matildas, Australia's national women's football team, will be playing their opening match against Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Looking ahead to the upcoming matches in Women's Division One, Urunga will be hosting Coffs United Lionesses on Saturday 3 June at 3pm.

Sawtell will face Bellingen at Toormina Fields with a 3pm kickoff, and Boambee will host the Woolgoolga Wildcats on the same day at 5pm at Ayrshire Park.

Baseball is calling you

By Andrea FERRARI

MORE players and new members will boost the Coffs Harbour and District

baseball community which kicked off its 2023 season short on numbers.

“We’re seeking to build the teams across all four

clubs; Woolgoolga BlueSox, Bellingen Brewers, Coffs Harbour All Stars and the Sawtell Dodgers,” Ben McCall, President of Coffs Harbour

and District Baseball told News Of The Area. Between Covid rebound, work commitments and some injuries during the off

season, all of the teams are struggling to field a full team each week.

The teams practice together on Tuesday evenings and play on Saturdays at Stadium Drive, Western Side baseball field.

“In the bush, as we call it, it’s more beneficial for local clubs to meet for practice together on one night.

“Anyone is welcome to come along to our training night or come and chat to us at a game.

“Ladies are welcome, especially if you have played softball, the rules are very similar,” said Ben.

“We encourage any young cricketers who would like to continue their ball skills during the winter months to come along and enjoy the game.

“The skills are similar; especially hand-eye coordination, a big thing in both sports.”

“It’s fun, the whole game should be fun,” said Ben, “we try to steer away from the serious stuff… until we go away for Country Champs every August.

“A-grade is pretty serious, more than B-grade,” he said, laughing.

Planning is already in progress for the Country Championships.

“We are working out who the coaches are going to be, and who we are going to select for the team.”

To find out more about the clubs you can call your local team.

For details, contact: Woolgoolga BlueSox, Ben McCall 0404 896 394, or Kevin Maybury 0414 866 498, Bellingen Brewer’s, Charlie Wolfson 0403 188 492, Coffs Harbour All Stars, Chris Cook 0403 911 630 and Sawtell Dodgers, Mitch Gallagher 0477 773 652.

q The 2022 Coffs Harbour Baseball rep side are back on for a new season.

Coffs Harbour Breakers have big win in Round 6

By Aiden BURGESS

THE Coffs Harbour Breakers have had a big win during the latest round of the AFL North Coast season.

The Breakers consolidated second spot on the ladder with a dominant 20.16 (136) to 4.6 (30) win against the Northern Beaches Blues during Round 6 at Fitzroy Oval.

The Byron Bay Magpies continued their undefeated start to the season with a 15.13 (103) to 6.4 (40)

victory against the Grafton Tigers in Grafton.

It was the Magpies sixth straight win to start the season and sees them sit one game clear at the top of the ladder.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints went down 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73) to the Port Macquarie Magpies in their match at Port Macquarie.

The Northern Beaches Blues women won their sixth straight match to start the season beating the Coffs Harbour Breakers by 28

points.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers host the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints in their local derby this weekend at Fitzroy Oval.

The Northern Beaches Blues travel to take on the Byron Bay Magpies, and the Grafton Tigers host the Port Macquarie Magpies.

Coffs Harbour Breakers

The Coffs Coast teams cater to a wide range of ages from Under 12s through to seniors.

“If you are interested, turn up at the fields this Saturday from 10.30am,” said Ben.

q Boambee Eagles (white) defeated Coffs United Lionesses (red) in Women’s Division One.

q

captain Tyrone Jones is wrapped up in a tackle by Billy Hoppe.

Photo: AFL North Coast.

Funeral Notices

The family of the late Beryl Frances Milne wish to thank family, friends and neighbours for caring so much.

Your messages, beautiful flowers and cards have been very much appreciated and have helped us during this sad time. Our thanks also to Ambulance officers, hospital staff,Victor Rullis Funerals and celebrant, Betsy White for their care and compassion.

Marie, Rodney, Wendy, Helen and their families.

In Memory

Patricia (Trisha) Ryan

29th October 1930 – 27th April 2023

Loved wife of Doug Ryan. Loved mother, cherished grandmother, treasured greatgrandmother and adored great-greatgrandmother. She will be greatly missed and was loved dearly by all who knew her.

Aged 92 Years

Rest in Peace - Beautiful soul

As per Trisha’s wishes, a private service was held at the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

BARDSLEY

Warren John ‘Bardso’

Warren’s life ended on 4th April while in respite care at Bellingen Hospital. Close family gathered to be there for Warren. Beryl his wife of 64 years, and Bill and Michael his son’s were by his side at all times, to comfort and support him.

During his last two years Warren dealt with the difficulties with the same quiet strength, lively sense of humour and consideration for others that had characterised his whole hearted approach to life.

Warren died calmly and peacefully at ease with memories shared with good friends and a loving family, of a full and useful life well lived.

Aged 87 Years

1936 - 2023

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999 Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

Robert James (Bob)

Denne

Passed away on the 24th of May 2023 surrounded by family. Late of Coffs Harbour. A loving partner of Judith, an adored father of Mark, Paul, Kim, Kelly, Nicky & Rob. Reunited with his loving siblings John & Margaret. A cherished grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. A treasured friend to many, he will be so very sadly missed.

Aged 84 Years

Gone fishing.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bob’s farewell to be held TODAY, Friday 2nd June 2023 at 1pm in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

DUANE, Paul

18.02.1936-25.05.2023

25th May 2023, peacefully passed away at Bellinger River District Hospital, late of Coffs Harbour. Loving husband of Judith. Devoted father of Vincent, Melissa and their partners. Cherished grandfather of their families. Adored brother of Suzanne and Martina (dec’d).

Rest In Peace

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Paul’s Requiem Mass to be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour on Friday 9th June 2023, commencing at 11.00 am, thence for interment in Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Karangi.

A special thanks to Bellinger River District Hospital for the loving care you gave Paul.

Paul’s Requiem Mass will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999 Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

HALLGATH

Maureen Alison

26th May 2023, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family. Much loved wife of Barry (dec’d). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Ray & Aranya, Ken & Leonie, Rhonda & Geoff, and Allison & Martin. Adored nan and great-nan of their families. Dear sister and sister-in law.

Aged 87 Years

Reunited With Her Soulmate Barry

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Maureen’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 7th June 2023 commencing at 10.00 am, thence for private interment in Bucca Cemetery, Bucca. Maureen’s Funeral Service will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

McLAREN Wayne Edwin

30th May 2023, passed away peacefully at home at Nana Glen.

Much loved hubby of Lisa (nee Butcher). Loving father and father-in-law of Ashley & Bianca, Emma-Lee & Daniel and Daniel. Adored poppy to Finn, Elke, Alvey and Remi. Cherished brother of Coral, Greg and Meeghan. Treasured brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle to their families. Dear friend to many.

Aged 60 Years

Reunited With His Mum ‘Tight Lines’

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Wayne’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 9th June 2023 commencing at 10.30 am.

Wayne’s Funeral Service will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

In lieu of floral tributes the family would appreciate donations to Palliative Care Coffs Harbour, a collection box will be at the Chapel.

WATSON Dr Dennis Leslie ‘Den’

28th May 2023, passed peacefully at Coffs Haven Aged Care. Late of Boambee Valley, formerly of Armidale. Devoted husband of Nikki (dec’d).

Loving father of Andrew and Heidi (dec’d). Caring pop of Taylor, Jaime, Amber and Harry. Brother of Ken and Glenn. Much loved by family and friends.

Aged 77 Years

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Den’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 9th June 2023 commencing at 12.00 pm.

Den’s Funeral Service will be live streamed on Keith Logue & Sons Facebook page.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW Accred No 12033-01

Small owner operated supply and installation business for popular outdoor household item. Large array of customers from Grafton in the north to Macksville in the south. Easily operated by one man, approx 25 hours per week with good return. Would also make an ideal add-on to existing outdoor businesses such as landscapers. Very little equipment required. Training provided $42,000 Goodwill plus SAV. Ph 0422440802

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Personals

LADY seeks healthy energtic gentleman for life long wonderful friendship age 67-72. 0415981605

e020623

ANDY CAPP Cartoon comic books. Coll of 87 Diff, 1970’s on, some new. $100. 0403070138

For Rent

2 bedroom cottage on half acre, west of Macksville, prefer single person. $280 / wk 6564 2249

COTTAGE, 2 x large private bdrms, kitchen/ dining and lounge, part furnished, Korora. No smokers , no pets and no seasonal workers. Inc electricity $450pw. Bond req. Ph Craig or Ron 0481487882/6699 3603 e020623

Found

1 BUDGIE on Coramba

Please call 0430302165

ANTIQUE English Oak sideboard. Superb Beautiful cond. $380 0415 981 605

ANTIQUE Table hexagonal, on steel castors. Exc cond. $265 0415 981 605

ARCHERY bows, make an offer. 6653 8390

BACKPACK large PMS backpack. $50 0490 161 119

BATTERY charger 24V $50 ono. 6656 2373

BATTERY Charger Lithium Iron Polymer Charger. 240 volts

AC input, 43.8 volts

DC output $40

Ph. 0420 211 039

BED king and mattress good condition $70. Call John 6651 7710

Garage Sale

3rd/4th JUNE. Unit 1/6 Palm Trees Dr Boambee East. Brand new bed, electrical components, bicycle furniture, lawn mowers and more!

Items for Sale

Crafty Recyclers CLOSING DOWN

1/2 price

Huge variety of 2nd hand goods added daily Mon - Thur 9.30am to 4pm Friday 9.30am to 2pm 7 Newcastle Dr Toormina 0415 401 314 e101123

BILLARD table 8ft x 4ft plus accessories - equal to new. Slate top, Drop pockets, turn legs and sides. Full price $5,000 Ph: 6653 7595

Brand

new $30 each

BOOK SET, vintage (circa 1965) World of Disney, 4 in set, clean pages, no screen learning, $100 Ph 0407654879

BOOTS blk 37 Dj & J $90. 0432 294 491

BOOTS, blk s37 Effegie $50. 0432 294 491

BURNT Orange modern chaise lounge. Extremely comfy, exc cond. $95 0415 981 605

CAR safety lock. Solid steel bar. Steering wheel to accelorator. 3 keys $25. Ph: 6651 8500

CHICKEN Coop, large on wheels. 2 levels Steel frame, $300. GC 0431 310 830

For Sale

Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Motors

Coffee table, glass led light top, 53cm h x 69cms w 56cms deep Excellent cond. $250 Phone 0422 198 889

COFFEE table, timber 700cm square with drawer $75. Phone 0418 278 966

COFFEE table, timber 650cm square $65 0418 278 966

COFFEE Table timber frame smokey glass top .7 x .6mtr $60 0422 440 802 Woopi

COMMODE antique timber commode complete with chamber $75. 0490 161 119

COMMODE Aspire Classic. Height adjustable, metal commode with padded seat and back rest. $50 0490 161 119

drawing machine Open to offers Ph: 0429 945

374 F061022 For Sale

COOK canopy rangehood 60cm $50 Kitchen sink 1/1/2 basins with tap $50. Sawtell Ph: 0458 006 643

CRAFT collection cases Polished timber. Large 34x30cm 40 sections $20. Small 30x18cm 20 sections $10. Not made in China! Ph: 6651 8500 2 large Trek @ Travel backpacks. 1 blue 1 green. VGC, used once. $45 each. Ph 0403 034 480

A variety of pictures old & modern prints, several by old masters. Reducing collection, prices lower Phone 6652 3791

ABROCKET twister exercise waist and abdomen trainer Brand new in box

$35. 0490 161 119

F120523

CAMPING Meat griller (fold over bbq basket) Unused $15 ono Ph 0439 682 267 F301121

CANE rocker. Very modern. Exc cond. Incl Rattan mats x 4. 125cm diam. $75. 0415 981 605

DONUT Maker ‘Sunbeam’ DM3200, 5 normal size donuts $50. 0407 654 879

SOLD

LARGE bench for work or decoration. 2m have a look. Phone 6652 3791

QUALITY wooden furniture for sale made by craftsman/carpenter variety to choose from view anytime. 66523791

2008 VW Golf hatch auto, 244,307km, 6 mth rego. $6,000. Ph 0477 990 446

2017 ISUZU DMAX

SOLD

DRESSING Table 6 large drawers & mirror solid timber, exc cond $95. 0422 440 802 Moonee Beach

DVD complete set all 7 seasons Madmen $50ono 0488 763 132

FISHING rods. 2 Surf casters over 4m long 1 boat rod. Complete with reels. $100 for the lot. Ph: 6656 2373

FLAVOURCHEF cooking systyem-brand new $50 ono SMS 0409 916 076

FRIDGE, fisher & paykel 275L, exc cond, $125 ono. 0428150643

FRONT Bar off 1997 NK Pajero. Has been in storage since new. $ 90 ono. 6651 6076

GREY fabric recliner $65 ono. 0438665258

LOUNGE 2 seater 2x 1 seater wooden arm rests exc cond $100 Call John 6651 7710

LITTLE Golden Books library of 4, clean pages no screen learning $100 ph 0407 654 879

RECLINER Jason brand. Fully operational $50. 0409 022 456

ROCKING Chair

Vintage Glider timber rocking chair $75 0490161119

Ph: 0488 763 132

TT space cab ute Diesel, Auto, Exc cond 109,000kms. 2-way radio fitted. Rego til 08/23 BTR35H. $29,000 Ph: 0474 387 667

MAFPORT4 x 4 crossjet steep incline mower, 245 hours, exc cond. $8,000 0422 004 061

MATTRESS and base king single, as new $300 Ph: 0457 679 486 ReS311222

MENS leather man bag 36cm x 20cm. Brand new. $40. 0490 161 119

METRONOME for piano lessons $25. 6651 8500 F130123

SHOWER Screen good cond 2 sides, one slider can deliver locally $99 call 0434 212 460

SLEEPING Bag 1900 x 900, also opens out to a blanket. Used once. $40 ono. 0439 682 267

SLEEPING Bag 3D Jumbo with inner Opens out fully, - 5deg used once. $60 ono 0439 682 267 F060123

TIMBER venetian blinds various sizes 50ml slats Brown oak as new 2 sets 210cm W, 1 set 120cm W. From $50 to $100. 0405 083 245

TIMBER venetian blind 1145 x 1155 drop. $35 as new 0419166688

TOWBAR Complete suit Subaru Forrester 2000 - 2007. $90. 0422410169

2017 Silver Holden Captiva LTZ, under 69,000kms. One owner excellent condition and manufacturer’s service history. $25,000 Rego CN94JW Ph: 0403 094 397

BA Falcon auto 2004 6 cylinder. $2500 AG04DR. 02 6655 3818 e020623

LANDCRUISER

1998 VCG dual tanks 295,000kms with good tires and kit. $19,000neg Reg Sep 23 CR02QM Ph: 0415 621 222

TOYOTA Landcruiser

TV Stand, large glass entertainment stand with glass shelves 140Lx65cmH $65 Ph: 0490 161 119 F120523

MG TC 1949 project $7,500. 0409 372 995 Re210723

SNOW Skis and bindings. Incl poles and Salomen boots Great cond. $100 the lot 0409 022 456 f020623

GXL 2002, turbo diesel 420,000 klms, new cooper tyres, many extras. $28,000 ono CA21PH. 0427 669 007 e090623

SOLD

CRICKET bat, Merv Hughes signed sticker

$15. 0490 161 119 F120523

DINING table & 6 chairs extendable. Exc cond $600. Matching buffet & hatch $500. 6651 8929 or 0412 432 057.

DOG kennel, green off the ground, 64cm

L x 56cm W x 50cm

VACUUM Cleaner

SOLD

H. Weather proof exc cond. $49. 0415 981 605 F140423

SOLD

HEAD phones, bluetooth wireless, new. $35. 0428 250 205

HOLEYPILLOW for painful ear. Used once Made in Australia. $30 ono. Ph 0428 099 704 F310323

SOLD

HOLMAN taphline dripline, 13mm x 50m new in package. $50 0490 161 119

JAGUAR Mk2 door $70 . 0409 372 995

JIGSAW colt js65jd exc cond $30. 6651 7710 F150121

JUST Cars magazines 60 total just $50 Ph: 0467 587 536 F111122

KITCHEN Scale, Salter Beautiful antique look $55. 0415 981 605

LAPTOP hard drive cloning kit $30. 6649 2967

MOBILITY Scooter Near new cond. Up to 40km range, 135kg capacity $1200 ono. 0432292033

Re271023

SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

NORDIC track VR 19 exercise bike w/ manual $550. 0417 481 120

OTTOMAN extra large brown, Amart ottoman 85cm x 85cm x 55cm H $95. 0490 161 119

OUTDOOR setting table with 6 chairs $100 ono. 0427 797 266

OZTRAIL Fast frame 6P tent. OZtrail Camp Wagon. Webber smokey joe Chargrill. All brand new in boxes. $500 ono the lot. 0406 062 608

POTATO and onion country wooden storage bin. 36cm x 30 x 74. $65 0490 161 119

STEERING Wheel to accelorator solid steel lock bar. Extra security for outdoor overnight parking $25. 6651 8500

SWAG – Big Country King Single in great condition $100 0408 522 575

TABLE lamps, 2 square green table lamps. 20cm x 20cm x 50cm H. $20 0490 161 119

TANDEM Holstar Grand Tourer bike, exc cond $1200. 0458 274 319 Re100921

TAPEGUN, Commercial hand tying machine includes 8 rolls tape & 5000 staples. $100 0407 654 879

TAPESTRY, Glass framed and wall hung $95. 0422 440 802 F130123

TENNIS racquets, man and ladies older style (Yvonne Goolagong) $40.00 each. Phone 0401 221 864

Hoover complete powerful motor, upright all attachments included very good condition $120 Phone 0418 660 112

VINTAGE Domestic Cream Separator ‘DIABLO’ Swedish. In working order. $400ono call 0457 582 386

WALKER 3 wheel Aspire walking aid shopping trolley. Exc cond. $65 0490 161 119

WALKING STICK, dual handle, quad foot, easy lift from seated, adjust height, light wt/strong alum $50 0407654879

WALL unit, large, timber and glass, good cond teak. $75. 6652 5377

WETSUIT mens full steamer size medium Very good condition

Adrenalin brand. $50

Ph: 0427 665 477

XBOX 360 Slim

Console, 50+ games

Controller + Wheel $200 0428 218 613

NISSAN Pulsar 2016 sedan 4cyl. Exc cond Rego til May 2024 CJ48KV. 73,210kms $16,875. Ph: 6652 7329 or 0422 642 215

WANTED: Early Pajero roof bars. 0429 431 416

Boats

TRAILER Sailer Hutton 24 registered. Trailer & boat ready to go. $7500. 0427034446

Caravans

2010 AVAN cruiseliner fitted with remote control movers on wheels. Many extras Complete with awning & accessories

Ph: 0428 525 591 $25,000

JAYCO STERLING

2006, 21ft, rego W27398 NSW. Sleeps 2, seats 2, centre kitchen, full ensuite, cover, annexe privacy screen, green outside ground cover hydraulic jack (Trailer mate). 0466 243 855

COFFS COAST

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.

4. One bird is flying in the opposite direction. 5. There is one less twig in the bird’s beak. SUM

1. The large bird has no eyebrows. 2. One row of feathers is missing from the large bird’s tummy. 3. The tree at the bottom

NEWS OF THE AREA

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.

FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU

ANSWERS: SPOT THE

TIDES

Graph and Times are for Sydney Fort Denison TIDE CHART - 7 DAYS

has more leaves.

Home Improvements

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Contractors Licence 77993C SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAKS, ROOF REPAIRS, ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE CLADDING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAK REPAIRS, ROOF REPAIRS ,ROOF RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL & EAVE CLADDING

DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

4 METHODS OF USE:

4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND EAVE LOOK

FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND FLUSH EAVE LOOK

Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au

Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au

BEST ON THE BOX

WEDNESDAY UTOPIA

ABC, 8pm

SUNDAY DESIGNING A LEGACY

ABC, 7.30pm

As the saying goes, “home is where the heart is”, and in this inspiring, contemplative billet-doux to design, there’s a whole lot to love. Architecture aficionado Tim Ross returns with a lively second season to explore innovative, beautiful and refreshing abodes around Australia. The playful host travels our diverse landscape to unpack our homes’ innate influence on our lives, analysing how great design connects us to a place and to each other. In tonight’s premiere, Tim explores the influence of European heritage and our understanding of place.

FRIDAY, June 2

6.00 The Drum.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis meets flower show designers.

8.30 Smother. (Mal) Anna confronts her new stepfather Paul about their own one night stand and invites him to the hotel.

9.25 Mayfair Witches. (Mav) Rowan grapples with an inconceivable offer.

10.05 Interview With The Vampire. (Mahlv) Louis and Lestat live through the Depression.

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 The Split. (Ml, R)

12.05 Harrow. (Madnsv, R)

1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

After almost five years, this much-loved political satire returns with fresh shenanigans at the Nation Building Authority, a government organisation run by a comical band of diligent pen-pushers. Season five delivers eight exciting new episodes about the minutiae and relationships of federal bureaucracy and office life, with the all the crew, including star and director Rob Sitch (right), Celia Pacquola, Dave Lawson, Dilruk Jayasinha, Kitty Flanagan and Anthony Lehmann returning for the hijinks. With its trademark hilarious characters and dry one-liners, this season features an embarrassing UNESCO report and a road project held up by an errant stature.

THURSDAY RICK STEIN’S CORNWALL

SBS FOOD, 8.30pm

Chef Rick Stein is a foodie, but old-fashioned gentleman who loves striking up a conversation with fellow gourmands.

Known to quote works of literature and freely wax lyrical, Stein’s series are intimate and educational delights. In this third season of exploring his beloved Cornwall, the slow pace and attention to detail is tantalising and, of course, the food is a wholesome treat. Tonight, the self-effacing Brit visits the fishing port of Boscastle, where an unusual seafood restaurant is calling. After a jaunt to Cornwall’s only organic mushroom farm, he whips up a stir fry with lion’s mane mushrooms and broccoli. It’s brain food at its best.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Building The Impossible. (PG)

8.30 Marseille: Birth Of A Megapolis.

9.30 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Masv, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av)

11.50 Vienna Blood. (Ma, R)

3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Kate Flood, who teaches about the benefits of composting.

8.30 MOVIE: Hidden Figures. (2016, PGal, R) Based on a true story. Three African-American women working as mathematicians for NASA play a big role in one of the world’s greatest achievements by helping send an astronaut into space. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe.

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.00 MOVIE: Slam. (2018, MA15+alv) Adam Bakri.

2.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 14. Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Wests Tigers versus Canberra Raiders match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A businessman seeks justice. Jackie Chan, Katie Leung.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Jake Shears.

7.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGal) Lifeguards honour their former colleague Terry with a traditional paddle out.

8.30 To Be Advised.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham is joined by Michelle Williams, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Fraser, Russell T Davies and Oti Mabuse.

11.30 The Project. (R) Special guest is Jake Shears.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Special guest is Kieran Culkin.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, June 3

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Smother. (Mal, R) 1.20 Miniseries: The North Water. (Malv, R) 2.20 The Durrells. (PG, R) 3.10 Grand Designs. (Final, R) 3.55 Landline. (R)

4.25 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe. (R) 4.50

How Deadly World. (PG, R) 5.25 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R)

6.20 The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.50 Bluey. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (Mav) Sister Reg’s brother is implicated in a murder.

8.15 Miniseries: The North Water. (Malv) Part 4 of 5. Drax has a daring opportunity to escape but must convince Cavendish to help him.

9.15 Ragdoll. (MA15+v) Rose and Baxter try to outwit the killer with an unorthodox plan to save the life of the next potential victim.

10.00 The Messenger. (Mal, R) Another ace appears.

11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

SUNDAY, June 4

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (Mav, R) 3.25 Miriam & Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 5.00 Art Works. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Designing A Legacy. (PG)

8.30 The Messenger. (Malsv) Completing the ace builds Ed’s confidence.

9.25 Silent Witness. (Malv) Nikki is forced to face her past.

10.25 In Limbo. (Mls, R)

10.55 Interview With The Vampire. (Mahlv, R)

11.40 Mayfair Witches. (Mav, R)

12.25 Will Australia Ever Have A Black Prime Minister? (R)

1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.05 The Heights. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Growing A Greener World. 10.00 Urban Conversion. (PG) 11.00 The World From Above. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Challenge Cup. H’lights.

4.30 Journey Through Albania. (R) 5.40 Weeks Of War. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG)

8.25 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG)

9.15 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (PGa, R)

10.10 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PGl, R)

11.05 Medici: The Magnificent Part II. (MA15+v, R)

2.05 Life Drawing UK. (Mln, R) 4.05

Mastermind Aust. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Oaks

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A man from Amsterdam raises suspicions.

7.30 MOVIE: Spies In Disguise. (2019, PGav) When the world’s best spy is turned into a pigeon, he must rely on an awkward scientist to save the world. Will Smith, Tom Holland.

9.40 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A newly paroled criminal becomes caught in a siege after the prison transport aircraft he is on is hijacked. Nicolas Cage, John Cusack.

12.00 MOVIE: The Favourite. (2018, MA15+l, R) Olivia Colman.

2.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 15. NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika.

9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match.

9.45 MOVIE: Clash Of The Titans. (2010, Mv, R)

11.40 Robin’s Wish. (Mad, R)

1.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGl, R)

1.50 9Honey Hacks. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30

6.00 The Dog House. (PGa) Dogs are matched with companions. A basset hound is on the prowl for a new owner. Second chances are in store for a Jack Russell puppy. A couple have to see past a pooch’s size to find a place for it.

7.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Grand final. Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners. From CommBank Stadium, Sydney.

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.

City. (1998)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Growing A Greener World. 10.00 Urban Conversion. (PG) 11.00 The World From Above. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 3. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. 2022 Critérium du Dauphiné. H’lights. 5.05 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Weeks Of War. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Shackleton’s Endurance: The Lost Ice Ship Found.

8.40 Pompeii: The Secrets Of Civita Giuliana.

9.40 Patagonia.

10.30 Searching For Cleopatra. (Ma, R)

12.05 Biden V Trump: The Choice 2020. (Mav, R)

2.15 Revealed: The Hunt For Bin Laden. (Mav, R)

3.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive, special investigation.

8.30 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGas) Part 2 of 2. The inside story of Prince Andrew continues by relating how Jeffery Epstein’s death prompted the Prince to take part in a BBC interview so disastrous he was stripped of his Royal titles.

10.30 Born To Kill? Cleophus Prince Jr. (MA15+av)

11.30 Autopsy USA: Bill Bixby. (Mad, R)

12.30 The Rookie. (Madv, R)

1.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

10.30

11.50 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+v, R)

12.40 Family Law. (Ma, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. (2007, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011, M) 12.30am Relatively Nat & Liv. 1.30 Dash Dolls. 2.30 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs.

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

1.30pm Galavant. 2.00 The Profit UK. 3.00 Strangers Making Babies. 4.00 Top Chef. 5.00

Children’s Programs. 5.15 MOVIE: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. (2008,

6.30 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) The contestants embark on a trip down memory lane with a ’70s-themed dinner party.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Final, Mv) When a figure from Tennant’s CIA past re-emerges, the NCIS team seeks help from the most unlikely place.

10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) NCIS crosses paths with Whistler’s team.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, June 5

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.35 9-1-1. (Ma) A fire breaks out in an accountant’s office and a car crashes into a “living funeral”.

Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+asv) 11.25 Miss S. (Mav, R)

(MA15+v, R)

TUESDAY, June 6

9.35 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) The team responds to a bomb threat.

10.35 The Latest: Seven News.

11.05 The Blacklist. (Mav)

12.05 The Rookie. (Mav, R) John and Nyla escort four juvenile offenders.

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) Amateur cooks compete.

8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists include Lizzy Hoo, Luke McGregor and Urzila Carlson.

9.40 Just For Laughs Australia. (MA15+s) Hosted by Nath Valvo.

10.10 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) Two land management agents go missing.

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 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terrific ideas for the house, garden and the kitchen.

9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) Rosalind returns with a vengeance and Bailey’s life is left hanging in the balance.

10.00 The Rookie: Feds. (Mav) The team questions a suspect’s father.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 The Blacklist.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) Amateur cooks compete.

8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

9.40 The Family Stallone. (Ml) A candid look inside the Stallone family.

10.10 NCIS. (Mv, R) A US Navy reservist is murdered.

11.00 North Shore. (Ml, R)

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, June 7

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 History Of The Sitcom: Just Friends. (M) A look at “hanging out with friends” sitcoms.

8.30 The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild. (M) Part 1 of 3.

9.35 Blue Lights. (MA15+a) Gordy pulls away from Angela.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 The Congregation. (MA15+s)

12.00 Unit One. (MA15+al, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, June 8

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Inside Sydney Airport: Lightning Strike. (M)

8.30 Putin And The West: Back With A Vengeance. Part 2 of 3.

9.35 Normal People. (MA15+) Connell finds university life lonely.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Catch And Release. (Mal)

11.50 Red Light. (Mals, R)

4.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v India. Day 1. Morning session.

9.30 ICC World Test Championship: The Lunch Break.

10.10 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session.

12.10 ICC World Test Championship: Tea Break.

12.30 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session.

3.00 Shopping. 5.00 News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGa) The cooks take part in a relay.

8.40 North Shore. (Mlv) Abigail makes a shock announcement as the detectives get closer to learning the truth.

9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Final) In the search for a revenge-for-hire crime ring, Benson and Stabler join forces on a case that has global reach.

10.40 Fire Country. (Mav)

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v India. Day 2. Morning session.

9.30 ICC World Test Championship: The Lunch Break.

10.10 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v India. Day 2. Afternoon session.

12.10 ICC World Test Championship: Tea Break.

12.30 Cricket. ICC World Test Championship. Final. Australia v

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) Three cooks face the chopping block.

8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) When the only evidence in a rape case is a church confession, Carisi must find another way to prove his suspect guilty.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R)

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

COFFS COAST

Friday, 2 June 2023

SPORT

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent

Mellesa’s Moment

By David WIGLEY

MELLESA Bennett has celebrated 21 years of dedicated service at Coffs Coast Tigers Football, including an impressive ten-year tenure as the club's president.

The commemoration took place last Saturday at Polwarth Drive, the home of the Tigers.

This significant milestone coincided with Female Football Week, an initiative by Football Australia aimed at promoting and fostering the growth of women's football.

To serve as a volunteer for a decade, overseeing the operations of a football club, is a remarkable achievement, especially while raising five children.

Adding to the occasion, the Tigers' women's team was led onto the field by Bennett's daughter, Acacia Bennett, during their match against Boambee.

Meanwhile, Bennett's other daughter, Porscia, cheered from

the bench despite nursing an injury.

Over the past ten years, Bennett has faced various challenges in her role, although she considers last year's wet weather as the most demanding obstacle.

While COVID imposed its restrictions, the incessant need to reschedule games due to wet weather proved to be physically and mentally taxing.

"We actually lost a few players because of the wet weather.

“They couldn't bear to disappoint their little ones week after week, so they eventually decided not to participate.

“And that decision is completely understandable," Bennett acknowledged.

The Tigers are experiencing a surge in popularity, with a record-breaking 231 players already registered for the current season - an impressive 20 percent increase compared to 2022.

Furthermore, there has been a remarkable 54 percent growth compared to the COVIDaffected 2020 season.

Bennett attributes this remarkable growth to the exceptional people within the club and the welcoming atmosphere they create.

"We are fortunate to have

outstanding facilities.

“Our groundsman works tirelessly to ensure they are in top condition, and our canteen is well-stocked.

“However, what truly sets us apart is the warm and friendly environment we foster.

“Every visitor is greeted with a smile, making it a pleasant

q Mellessa Bennett celebrated ten years as the president of the Coffs Coast Tigers Football Club during Female Football Week.

experience for all," Bennett proudly shared.

Throughout her tenure, Bennett has been a staunch advocate for female football and commends the existence of separate competitions for junior girls.

"While there are still a few girls who prefer playing with

their brothers or friends, I've noticed that many girls now find joy in playing solely with other girls.

“It provides a less physical experience and allows them to enjoy the game even more," Bennett explained, applauding the positive impact this approach has had on female players.