Coffs Coast News Of The Area 3 February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITOR

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ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au

Local legends honoured in Australia Day Awards

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special focus on truck drivers’ mental health.

The winner of the Sport and Recreation Award is Ryan Gilchrist, a Coffs Harbour mountain bike racer who has exceptional achievements in mountain biking – see NOTA sports pages for a profile on Ryan.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Paul Amos said, “I view a nomination for an Australia Day Award as a huge accolade.

“All nominees are tremendous ‘true blue’ role models who set the standard that the rest of us aspire to.

“It is an honour to congratulate all the award nominees - those absolute heroes who do so much for our community - and who were nominated by their peers for an Australia Day Award.

“No award nominee is the kind of person to big-note themselves, so it’s great to see them getting the kind of recognition they really deserve,” said Mayor Amos.

Citizen of the Year Helen Mears also addressed the applauding crowd.

“Thank you, this is just amazing, I appreciate it,” she said.

“If there’s anybody out there wishing to volunteer, Pink Ladies will welcome you.”

The Pink Ladies are the powerhouse volunteer group officially known as the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA).

The group keep the Health Campus cafes running smoothly and fund hospital equipment through their work.

Helen has been President of the Coffs UHA Pink Ladies for over 30 years.

In December last year, Helen’s outstanding service to the community was recognised when she was named the NSW 2021 joint Senior Volunteer of the Year in the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The Mayor’s Community Spirit Award winner, Ian Taylor, a Lifeline North Coast Ambassador volunteer and fund-raiser, has made a huge impact in the past year by hosting two truck convoys to raise awareness of male mental health and suicide.

“I’m so blessed to be part of Lifeline,” Ian told News Of The Area.

“It makes my job as a volunteer so enjoyable when we’ve got such a great organisation behind us.”

We can expect to see more of Ian’s philanthropic work in 2023.

“What I’ve been doing over the past

Correction

Bill King

By Andrea FERRARI

NOTA incorrectly identified the fourth man in the photo.

The man on the far right is Bill King, not as the caption reads, Jack King.

The caption should read: John Pollack, Bill Lawler, John Mills, Ron Goodenough and Bill King.

Bill King’s daughter Gail Jackson phoned NOTA and in the conversation about her father’s friendship with John Mills, she shared many of the contributions Bill King made to Coffs Harbour.

NOTA will follow up with a memorial story to the work of Bill King in an upcoming edition.

eighteen months to support truck drivers with their mental health is definitely going to take me into the future,” he said.

Ian also helps with the local Suicide Prevention Day Walk, gives talks at men's groups and is a coach and mentor for an under 15s AFL team that supports boys from one-parent families who need male guidance.

Sport and Recreation Award winner Ryan Gilchrist spent many months overseas in 2022 competing in the mountain bike Enduro World Series against the best in the world, while simultaneously keeping up with his university engineering studies remotely.

Ryan had outstanding results over the series, finishing fifth overall, which was particularly notable as he didn’t have the support of a professional team behind him unlike his competitors.

On his return, he competed in the Gravity Enduro Nationals, becoming the 2022 Australian Champion.

Ryan, who was Captain of Toormina High School, is considered a hero and mentor to local aspiring mountain bike riders and he regularly runs volunteer coaching sessions with youth keen to meet and ride with him.

q The Lifeline North Coast crew: Ashleigh Kady, Citizen of the Year nominee Cheryl Post, the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award winner, Ian Taylor, and CEO Angela Martin.

q Citizen of the Year Helen Mears with Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the Australia Day ceremony.

A PHOTO published in NOTA on Friday 20 January, illustrating the story ‘Millsy remembered in Jetty swims’ on page 12, shows a photo of John ‘Millsy’ Mills with fellow Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving team members of the North Coast Senior Belt Team 1946.

q John Pollack, Bill Lawler, John Mills, Ron Goodenough and Bill King.

Public recognition for Australia Day Award nominees

By Andrea FERRARI

CELEBRATING the nominees for the Australia Day Awards, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said it was an honour to stand before the gathered crowd on Australia Day in the North Coast Botanic Gardens to pay tribute to the unsung heroes in our community.

“Thousands of hours are donated by volunteers, charities, cultural organisations, and a huge variety of support networks in Coffs Harbour as well as those who give up their own time to look after our environment.

“Today we are honouring some of those citizens who have single-handedly, or as part of an organisation, contributed hugely to our community.

“I’d like to acknowledge the contributions made by all our nominees,” said Mayor Amos.

“None of them has sought public recognition for their work but I’d like to thank them all personally, and on behalf of the community.

“All of you are tremendous role models,” he closed.

Citizen of the Year nominee Cheryl Post has been volunteering at Lifeline for the past six years and has been vital in supporting the recruitment of other retail volunteers for the Lifeline shops and maintaining a healthy volunteer culture, despite having her own health challenges.

If she knows someone is having a difficult time, Cheryl

will always help support them as much as she can to ensure they feel valued and cared for.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award nominee Matt Donovan played an instrumental role in the rescue of two people at the North Wall on 14 October 2022, thanks to his quick thinking.

Matt was driving in the area when he saw the incident

unfolding and showed great initiative in grabbing a life jacket from the yacht club to help rescue the men.

With the help of the lifeguards, police and ambulance, Matt’s actions led to a safe rescue in a situation which could so easily have ended in tragedy.

Sport and Recreation nominee Indigo Harris is making a name for herself in the modern pentathlon and has competed and won gold at events internationally and in Australia.

Alongside her talents she has also been noticed for her generosity and

encouragement to her fellow athletes and willingness to volunteer at events.

She is always proud to represent Australia and hopes to do so at the Junior Olympics and the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

Nominee Brett Hodgekiss is the President of Coffs City United Football Club, a club that recently earned five stars in the National Club Development Program.

Brett spends countless hours bringing the football community together.

He has championed the development of female football in the region and

worked for state and national bodies to further the game in Northern NSW.

Nominee Simon Portus has been instrumental in the redevelopment of Toormina Oval.

He is also credited with making Sawtell Football Club a leader in female football in Northern NSW.

The Club saw significant growth in female player numbers from 32 percent of total players in 2021 to 36 percent in 2022, beating the average across the North Coast Football region by four percent.

q City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos and General Manager Natalia Cowley congratulated Sport and Recreation Award nominees Brett Hodgekiss, Indigo Harris and Simon Portus.

q Citizen of the Year nominee and Lifeline North Coast volunteer, Cheryl Post, with City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley.

CITIZENS CELEBRATED

FROM Page 1

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos and General Manager Natalia Cowley.

The citizenship ceremony followed the presentation of the Coffs Harbour Australia Day Awards.

The ceremony was attended by family and friends of the 98 new Australians along with Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Councillor Scott Wolgamot.

“I’m excited for my first Australia Day Awards and citizenship ceremony in Coffs Harbour,” said Ms Cowley, who took up her current role in July 2022.

To open the occasion officially, members of the local Country Women’s Association (CWA) raised three flags: the Australian flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Island flag.

"Four out of the nine ladies in the flag party, from both Coffs Harbour and Sawtell Branches of CWA of

NSW have been naturalised; three from the UK and one from New Zealand,” Jodie Williams, Coffs Harbour CWA Branch President told News Of The Area.

“We all felt incredibly honoured to be asked to raise the flags and then actually raising the flags, in front of our wonderful community and so many new Australians, put a lump in all of our throats.

"It was incredibly moving raising the flags to the National Anthem and an experience that won't be easily surpassed.

“We also supplied 300 lamingtons, 300 ANZAC biscuits and 100 slices of Vegemite on bread.

“All homemade of course,” said Jodie.

Gumbaynggirr ranger Matt Flanders from Coramba delivered a Smoking Ceremony.

Matt, the son of the late elder Uncle Mark Flanders, spoke of his family’s history living along the Coffs Creek

for many years, fishing the waterways and hunting across the land.

“We must pay our respects and acknowledge where we are, acknowledging old people for the past and into the future, and everyone that’s here today,” said Matt.

“We all come here with good intentions, and we mean to be here with good intentions, and we want to leave bad stuff behind so we are all safe.

“We pay our respects to our land that we walk on, our trees, our plants and all of the animals.

“We look after all that surrounds us and the land will look after us,” he said.

Matt walked around the gathering with his smoking bowl allowing everyone to take in the smoke.

“Cleanse ourselves in our smoke and leave all that bad stuff away and bring in all the good,” he said.

“Chase away the bad spirits… cover yourselves,

take it in and embrace it.”

In welcoming everyone on the day, Natalia Cowley said, “We commit ourselves to a future with reconciliation and renewal at its heart.”

She also encouraged everyone to stay on after the presentations to indulge in some lamingtons.

“A classic Aussie cake,” she said.

Mayor Paul Amos then spoke, acknowledging “our wonderful country, a wonderful city, a wonderful setting on what’s turned out to be a wonderful day”.

A musical interlude saw Coffs City Choir sing ‘I am

Australian’ before the 98 locals were presented with certificates and a gift of a native plant from a selection provided by a local grower.

“I was very pleased to be the first to congratulate the City of Coffs Harbour’s newest Australian Citizens,” Mayor Paul Amos said.

q 98 new citizens of Australia ready to receive their certificate from City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos and General Manager Natalia Cowley.

q Members for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh with City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley.

q City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos with Darrell Groth, one of the city’s tireless community volunteers.

q Botanic Garden Maintenance Coordinator Rick Ackland and St John Ambulance’s Frazer Shepherd at the service for the Australia Day Citizenship presentations.

q Gumbaynggirr man Matt Flanders from Coramba delivered a Smoking Ceremony, seen here sharing the smoke with John Logan Entertainment’s Stephen Douglass and John Logan.

q Coffs City Choir sings the Australian National Anthem and ‘I am Australian’.

q Coffs Harbour Branch CWA members raise the flags: (off camera) Robyn Kerr, Jodie Williams, Liz Shires, Sue Robertson, Mandy Golden, Stephanie Davidson, Lesley Berry, Jackie England and Jenny Snodgrass.

Cr Joanne Cook re-elected as Bello’s Deputy Mayor

By Andrea FERRARI

CR JOANNE Cook has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor of Bellingen Shire.

The election of the Deputy Mayor was on the agenda of the January 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting and with the voting done, Cr Cook was elected to the position for the second year running.

A former dairy farm owner and the current Nurse Unit Manager at Bellingen Hospital, Cr Cook brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the needs of local agriculture and food production, small business, and industry to the role.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr Steve Allan congratulated Cr Cook on her appointment to the Deputy’s position and said he was pleased to continue building on the important work to be done in the Shire.

“Cr Cook has provided terrific guidance and advice on the issues and opportunities of the area over the last year, and her re-election is a testament to that work.”

Cr Cook said she was extremely pleased to have been re-elected as Deputy Mayor at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 25 January.

“I will continue supporting the Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, in his role and I’ll continue working hard to support the Bellingen Shire’s Community Vision.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for the nomination and opportunity to represent them and my community for the next twelve months in this position.”

Flood warning capability to improve

By Andrew VIVIAN

A $177,150 PROJECT funded through the NSW Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction Fund will increase flood warning capability in the Coffs Harbour local government area.

The Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, joined Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, and City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos to make the announcement on Monday, January 30.

“Multiple new flood level and rainfall gauges will be installed across the local government area through this flood warning system upgrade,” Ms Cooke said.

“The data collected by these gauges will alert Council, our emergency services organisations and the wider community to rain-related risks.”

Coffs

Mr Singh said reducing the risk posed by natural disasters, including flooding, is a shared responsibility.

“I congratulate the City of Coffs Harbour on their successful application for funding through the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund,” Mr Singh said.

“The installation of flood level and rainfall gauges across Coffs Harbour will build on the existing flood warning system to keep our community safer and stronger into the future,” Mr Singh said.

$28.8 million of the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund has been targeted at initiatives led by community organisations, councils, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, joint organisations of councils and notfor-profit organisations that make local communities safer in the future.

Food should be tasty and nourishing and at Meals on Wheels we believe in the power of great food – delivered with a smile - to change lives.

We support the National Meal Guidelines which are specifically designed to meet the nutrient needs of over 65’s

At Coffs Meals on Wheels we have a variety of over 80 meals to choose from which can be delivered by our friendly volunteers or picked up from our office.

q Cr Joanne Cook, who has been voted in for a second year as Deputy Mayor of Bellingen Shire, with Mayor Steve Allan.

Logging to begin in Orara State Forest

By Andrew VIVIAN

FORESTRY Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has announced that it will commence harvesting and replanting of timber plantations this month in Orara East State Forest, near Karangi.

FCNSW Harvesting Manager Tom Halliday said the mature timber plantations would be harvested over the coming months and replanted with 1,100 seedlings per hectare to regrow the plantations for future generations.

“Like many State forests in the region, Orara East State Forest contains areas of native forest as well as areas of timber plantations that were planted for timber production around 40 years ago,” Mr Halliday said.

“This month, we’ll be starting work to harvest the mature timber plantations in the western part of the forest near the community of Karangi and then preparing to replant the plantation area for the future.

“The plantations will be a worksite during these operations, so areas may be closed for the community’s safety and there may also be access restrictions in place on some internal forest roads.

“We ask the community to pay attention to safety signage and not enter closed

areas and thank them for their patience during this work.”

Planning Supervisor Matt Howat said plantation operations were planned in line with strict environmental conditions.

“We have a team of planners who have worked over several months to identify and map the historically cleared area which was planted with trees forty years ago and to carry out environmental assessments and engage with neighbours and community members about the operations,” Mr Howat said.

“Because the plantation was established four decades ago, Forestry Corporation have applied a thorough process that is then independently authorised to confirm the plantation has been correctly mapped and identified.

“While growing native trees, timber plantations are not native forests, but we do put measures in place to protect mature trees that were there prior to plantation establishment, and map areas to be retained along waterways and other important environmental features.”

Mr Howat said FCNSW has been planning operations in the adjoining native forest, which will take place later in

the year, and as part of this planning process, FCNSW ecologists and Aboriginal partnership liaisons have been carrying out detailed surveys to search for and protect wildlife habitat, hollow-bearing trees, culturally significant sites and a range of other forest features.

“We’ve published detailed operational plans on our website and we remain happy to discuss these operations with the community,” Mr Howat said.

Neigbouring residents and local conservationists disagree with the FCNSW perspective, with small demonstrations held last week to protest a perceived lack of genuine consultation between FCNSW and the

community.

Residents say they have only recently been issued an invitation to meet and concerns have been raised about the existence of original forest inside the plantations of Orara East Forest, and the threat posed to koala habitat from logging in such areas.

Orara East State Forest compartments 10 and 11 are within the proposed Great Koala National Park and have been subjected to a detailed analysis by Dr Tim Cadman, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at Griffith University and Bellingen resident.

“Of the two hundred-plus hectares that FCNSW intends to clear, at least ten hectares

is original forest, including old growth, rainforest, and Koala feed trees,” Dr Cadman said.

“NSW is the only state that allows such areas to be cleared, converted, and reclassified as plantation.

“All the community is asking for is that these forest remnants are set aside.

“Instead, FCNSW has increased the area that can be cut since I provided it with the relevant data.”

Community spokesperson Paul Healy said, “We are really unhappy about forestry’s last-minute and tokenistic efforts to meet with us, when we have been complaining about the threats posed to

our wildlife for months.

“We want meaningful consultation, as required under forestry’s own standards, not lip-service,” Mr Healy said.

“Forestry’s own PR says it welcomes the opportunity to consult with the community and we want to be consulted, before logging starts, not once the bulldozers arrive.

“That will be too late for our beloved koalas.”

More information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, including the plantation harvest plan, can be found by visiting www. forestrycorporation.com.au or contacting info@fcnsw. com.au.

q Karangi residents demonstrate about what they say is poor consultation from Forestry Corporation of NSW.

q Old growth forest that residents claim has been wrongly re-classified as plantation.

Regional Infrastructure Grants announced

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, was in town last week to tout the NSW Government’s new $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund.

He said the fund will invest in infrastructure and facilities that will unlock housing and economic growth in regional communities.

“From bridges to access roads, airport upgrades and regional research facilities, we will help deliver infrastructure initiatives that will have a positive and lasting impact and support increased investment, land activation and employment opportunities in our regions,” Mr Toole said.

He said the fund will only increase the appeal to live and invest in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities are growing faster than ever before, and this is creating exciting opportunities for

infrastructure, business and economic investment across the State,” Mr Toole said.

“Housing must come hand-in-hand with these investments, and the projects supported by this Fund could include roads and other utility connections; the kind of enabling infrastructure needed to set the foundation for further housing growth.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the fund will offer welcomed support to communities right across regional NSW.

He said the money will be available to councils and the private sector because public infrastructure is needed before housing can be built.

“It’s great to see funding like this available for communities just like Coffs Harbour and will mean more local jobs and more opportunities to grow industry in the regions,” Mr Singh said.

“I am pleased to see opportunities to unlock housing and this enabling

infrastructure will help ease the pressure so many communities are feeling.”

Convenor for the Coffs Harbour Greens, Tim Nott, is sceptical, making reference to Cate Faehrmann’s recent ‘Concreting Our Coast’ report, which highlighted a range of potential developments along the length of the NSW coast.

“I was involved in this report and am experienced in the failure of the approval system to include basic planning principles leading to the loss of values the community want preserved,” Mr Nott said.

“The large financial benefits taken from the community and given to large developers for providing affordable housing have not led to affordable housing in Coffs Harbour to date.

“There are 128 local councils that are likely to share in this $175 million, however, construction materials and labour have increased faster than other costs in recent years.”

Mr Nott said that current residential areas are designed by developers to maximise short term gain, often increasing infrastructure burden on the local community.

“This announcement is selling out Coffs Harbour’s unique coastal character because there is no change to the development approval legislation and policy, so there will be no change in the trajectory of Coffs Harbour becoming as inefficient as Western Sydney,” Nott said.

Tony Judge, the

Labor candidate for Coffs Harbour said, “Of course, any investment in housing infrastructure is welcome, but the focus on the Coffs Coast must be social, affordable and key worker housing.

“We are now in a position where nurses and teachers are unable to find or afford rental accommodation.”

Mr Judge said the announcement by the government is vague and unclear on whether or not housing affordability is a criterion for these grants.

“It will be a poor outcome for our community if these grants fail to address the area of greatest need.”

The Growing Regional Economies Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Expressions of Interest open on 8 February 2023 and close on 23 May 2023.

Further information about the Growing Regional Economies Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/ gref.

By Andrea FERRARI

THE ABC Friends Coffs Harbour group is hoping to officially inaugurate at a meeting on Monday 6 February at 10am at Silvio’s Italiano at Park Beach Plaza.

Organiser John Marsh told News Of The Area, “The ABC is more than a broadcaster, it is a way of life for some people.

“It is a community organisation and the source of information about events in our local community,

about floods, fires and other disasters.”

John said the ABC is the property of the people.

“It is there for the people and needs the people’s support to ensure its independent future.

“To stay independent, we have to battle government interference and influence,” he said.

He urges the support of people who want their views heard to come along to the meeting and join the ABC Friends group.

“We need people to

jump up and down when they feel things aren’t right.

“It’s important to get the truth out.

“When you hide the truth, you get corruption,” he said.

The plan for the first meeting is to establish a president, secretary and sign up members.

Regular meetings will be planned and open conversations about concerns will be welcomed.

“We will then pass them on to the ABC,” said John.

ABC Friends is a nationwide not-forprofit volunteer-based organisation, the values of which the Coffs group will

stand by.

ABC Friends sets date for first meeting

The group’s vision is for a fearless, independent ABC valued by all Australians and fully supported by government.

Its mission is to represent the community interest in defending and promoting the vital role of the ABC as a national public media organisation that is essential for a healthy democracy.

It will stand for independence of government influence, commercial sponsorship and advertising and will be accountable to the public.

The mission includes offering distinctive,

high-quality programs and services, promoting Australian culture in all its diversity and accessibility to all Australians.

Interested in attending

the meeting?

Ask for Richard or John when you get to Silvio’s, Park Beach Plaza, 10am on Monday 6 February 2023.

q Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh (left) and Deputy Premier Paul Toole announce the grants.

q Richard (Dick) McLaughlin JP, a long-time member of ABC Friends, with John Marsh, who are setting up ABC Friends Coffs Harbour.

Report released on Hearnes Lake pesticide contamination

City of Coffs Harbour News

By Andrew VIVIAN

A REPORT on pesticide contamination of Hearnes Lake has been released with disappointing results.

Tony Judge, the Labor candidate for Coffs Harbour, and the report’s author, environmental scientist Maxine Rowley, are calling for urgent action to save Hearnes Lake from pesticide and nutrient pollution.

Ms Rowley and her colleagues found evidence of pesticides that can cause cancer and birth defects in waters feeding into the coastal lake, situated just south of Woolgoolga.

The report indicates the lake is at risk of becoming permanently toxic for marine creatures and dangerous for humans unless urgent action is taken.

Mr Judge said that every fisher, surfer, ocean swimmer and environmentalist should be alarmed at Ms Rowley’s findings.

With the lake a recreational area for local people and a highly sensitive section of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the presence of

dangerous pesticides poses a risk for all users of the lake and, ultimately, for the critically important Marine Park.

Ms Rowley explained the origin of the report and the method she and others used to reach the critical findings.

“Our local community were so concerned about the poor state and ongoing pollution of Hearnes Lake and the lack of action by local and State Government authorities that we applied for funding under the City of Coffs Harbour’s Environmental Levy program to carry out this crucial work,” Ms Rowley said.

“The methodology was based on the sampling process used by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and undertaken by trained community volunteers.”

Ms Rowley said the report builds on earlier findings about nutrient and pesticide pollution in Hearnes Lake and reinforces the need for urgent action to protect the environmental assets and community utility of the unique and

vulnerable ecosystem for future generations.

She says all lake users should be concerned.

“Every sampling event detected at least six highly toxic pesticides, indicating the probability of chronic, ongoing contamination that remains largely unmonitored and unaddressed,” she said.

Mr Judge says that it’s time for action.

“I have referred the report to the Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Shadow Minister for Agriculture.

“One of the things we almost take for granted here on the Coffs Coast is water quality, but it is coming under increasing threat,” he said.

“We need real action to protect our future, not just acknowledgement.”

Mr Judge said he will be pressing for real action and measurable improvements in water quality before it’s too late if Labor are elected in the upcoming State election.

Both Ms Rowley and Mr Judge agree that the time for effective action is now.

“If we fail to act it will not just be us that pays the price,” said Mr Judge.

Diploma of Leadership and Management FEE FREE TRAINING

Under

City of Coffs Harbour has put out a call for local creative professionals and businesses to become part of the City’s ‘creative services panel’ in 2023.

Launched in 2022 as an initiative to seek assistance with marketing and communications activities, the creative services panel has been a huge success, with dozens of engagements to date.

“Since establishing the panel last year there has been an overwhelming response to have another intake. So we’re calling out for local businesses who aren’t already on the panel to put their creative credentials forward,” said Chris Chapman, City of Coffs Harbour Director Sustainable Communities.

“It’s been fantastic to see both the quality and quantity of creative businesses in our local government area. We look forward to meeting more of them and working together in 2023 and beyond.”

The City has a huge job to do in terms of promoting services, facilities, initiatives and programs to the community - from the arts through to tourism, nature programs, environmental education, disability initiatives, lifeguards, events, sports - the list is long.

Having a ‘creative services panel’ of Coffs Coast businesses readily to hand is good for the City and good for local creatives.

The creative services being sought include:

• Photography and/or videography services

• Branding and/or graphic design

• Print management and/or direct mail

• Digital marketing and/or website services and/or

• Copywriting - short and long form

• Other services required as part of a promotional and marketing campaign.

The 2023 intake is open until Tuesday 28 February 2023.

For more information on the panel and how to join, head to the Business section of City of Coffs Harbour’s website.

What’s On

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q Labor state election candidate for Coffs Harbour, Tony Judge, and environmental scientist Maxine Rowley are concerned about the contamination of Hearnes Lake.

Exploring the history of Egyptian Tentmakers

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Australian Decorative Arts Society Coffs Coast (ADFAS) presents its first arts talk of 2023 titled ‘Khayamiya: A History of the Egyptian Tentmakers’ with Dr. Sam Bowker, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Visual Culture at Charles Sturt University.

From his first encounter with artist Henri Matisse’s ‘Interior with Egyptian Curtain’ (1948) to the Revolution of 2011, Dr Sam Bowker’s illustrated talk will feature unpublished archival photographs and a one night only showcase exhibition of wall hung embroidered

appliques at the National Cartoon Gallery.

“Exploring the history of the tentmakers of Cairo and displaying some of their work is one way to sustain their future, and it provides a rare opportunity to see this beautiful, embroidered art form here in Coffs Harbour,” said Cath Fogarty, on behalf of ADFAS Coffs Coast.

With needles, scissors and thimbles, the tentmakers of Cairo sew spectacular walls of colour.

These khayamiya appliques are used to decorate the streets of Egypt, transforming public spaces into vibrant ceremonial pavilions.

The word ‘khayamiya’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘khyma’, meaning a tent.

Khayamiya craftsmen created tent dwellings for people to inhabit.

Khayamiya were collected as souvenirs by the ANZACs, inspired the paper cut-outs of Henri Matisse and are now an endangered art form in Egypt.

“It is now valued by those who appreciate skilled hands, living heritage, and dazzling colour,” said Cath.

“So, if you love art, history, textiles, needle work and meeting new people, don’t miss this one night only opportunity in Coffs Harbour.”

ADFAS Coffs Coast is part of a national network of

groups that present monthly arts talks all around Australia.

The Coffs Coast branch is new and currently building its membership base.

The talks traverse a range of subjects, both historical and contemporary, that delve into the arts, crafts and culture exploring ideas and

narratives, while allowing an opportunity to socialise.

“A great way to meet people if you are new to the area,” Cath said.

q Dr Sam Bowker will present the first talk of 2023 of the Australian Decorative Arts Society at the Cartoon Gallery.

q Egyptian curtains decorate Cairo, hear more from Dr Sam Bowker speaking in Coffs Harbour at the National Cartoon Gallery.

q The Fair Moolid el Ahmadee in Cairo showing beautiful khayamiya applique curtains.

q Artist Henri Matisse was inspired by the Egyptian textile art for his painting ‘Interior with Egyptian Curtain’ (1948).

Adventure Cycling Strategy announced

By Andrew VIVIAN CYCLING

on the Coffs Coast has received a boost with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, announcing an Adventure Cycling Strategy to strengthen local economies by promoting the regions as top tourist destinations for riding enthusiasts from around the world.

“There’s no need to pack your bag for Europe and tackle the climbs of the Tour De France or go off road in New Zealand – there's plenty of amazing sights to experience from your bike right here in NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“We want regional NSW to be a global destination for adventure cyclists and this strategy is about ensuring we unleash that potential.

“In the past five years we’ve invested more than $30

million in tracks and trails across the State including significant projects in Thredbo, Mogo, Wagga Wagga and Narooma, that will bring more visitors to regional communities and put more dollars in local tills.”

The Member for Coffs Harbour and avid mountain bike rider, Gurmesh Singh, said the Adventure Cycling Strategy will focus on developing and creating awareness of new and existing tracks across regional NSW.

“Adventure Cycling is growing in popularity and what better way to spend time with family and friends while keeping fit and taking in the beautiful sights of our regional communities, just like the Coffs Coast,” he said.

“This plan will help strengthen local tourism and promote riding tracks and trails throughout the regions

to riding enthusiasts from around the world.”

The NSW Government has supported adventure cycling projects across the State, including recent upgrades to the Wedding Bells Mountain Bike Trail Network at Woolgoolga.

Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Club President Greg Stocks said the project received funding under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to improve and expand trails and facilities.

“These improvements have allowed the Club to expand the trails and create new tracks that cater for all ages and abilities, which means more riders and their families are able to enjoy the network,” said Mr Stocks.

To find out more, visit nsw.gov.au/ adventurecyclingstrategy.

CCTV to deter parties at Bellingen cemetery

By Andrea FERRARI

CCTV security cameras are being installed at Bellingen Cemetery to deter young people from gathering there for late-night parties, a trend Bellingen Shire Council has seen increasing and hopes to stop. According to Council,

the night-time gatherings so far have led to anti-social conduct such as traffic offenses, underage drinking and offensive behaviour.

“On Saturday evening, 14 January 2023, the Police were called out to the Bellingen Cemetery, where it was reported 200 to 250 youths were gathered, many of

whom were drinking alcohol, lighting explosives and abusing Police,” a Bellingen Shire Council spokesperson said.

The Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Allan said, “This behaviour is unacceptable and very worrying to the community.

“There are residents in

the area who are bearing the brunt of the noise pollution and are scared in their homes when these unwelcome gatherings occur.

“The cemetery is the place where our community come to remember their loved ones who are no longer with us, it is not appropriate that large gatherings of partygoers are

congregating there.

“While there is no simple solution to unsolicited parties, the Council will install CCTV cameras at the site, to deter youth from congregating at this location,” said the Mayor.

“This is only a provisional solution to disperse the crowd, and I urge the local parents of our teenagers to discourage involvement in these events.

“These unsolicited bush parties are putting our young people at unnecessary risk.”

The mobile CCTV cameras will be installed at the location to ensure local police can monitor and document the movement of traffic at the cemetery.

The Council spokesperson said the decision has been welcomed by local Police and residents and will address the immediate issue at the cemetery site.

Mindful that teenagers and young people have preferences unique to their age, the Council funds a range

of services to help address the wider issue of anti-social behaviour in the community.

The Bello Youth Hub has a range of programs and services that provide support to young people to assist in dissuading anti- social behaviour.

The local youth workers at Bello Youth Hub are trained in programs focused on education and prevention such as Save A Mate, a drug and alcohol workshop that teaches young people how to look after themselves and their friends, and teaches them how to administer first aid in a drug or alcohol emergency.

The Hub will soon have a dedicated Alcohol and Drug (AOD) outreach worker available two days a week to support youth with alcohol and drug use concerns.

These initiatives have been proven effective as intervention-based programs, educating teens in the early stages of adulthood.

q Adventure cycling gets a boost across the state.

q CCTV cameras are being installed at Bellingen Cemetery to deter youth party gatherings.

Winners announced of Bellingen Shire’s Australia Day Awards

THE winners of Bellingen Shire’s 2023 Australia Day Awards were announced on Thursday 26 January 2023 at Bellingen Park.

The awards ceremony was hosted by the Bellingen’s Lions Club and supported by Council.

The Lion’s Club volunteers cooked up a BBQ breakfast and served light refreshments. Gumbaynggirr Elder’s Michael ‘Micklo’ Jarrett and Uncle Bud shared a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony reflecting on the richness and historical significance of the region’s First Nations culture and Mayor Cr Steve Allan welcomed Bellingen Shire’s newest Australia citizens through the official Citizenship Ceremony.

“Australia is home to one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures, and today is as much about respecting and celebrating our First Australians, as it is about reconciliation,” Mayor Allan said.

“It is time for inclusion and understanding for all Australians - from those whose ancestors walked on County for tens of thousands of years, to our newest Australian citizens that we are celebrating today.”

The Bellingen’s Lions Club’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony also provided the opportunity to celebrate a

range of local heroes, many of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Shire can remain a connected, sustainable, and creative community.

“This year we are presenting four awards to acknowledge our local farmers and volunteers’ efforts to protect our natural environment, to celebrate the achievements of our local artists, and to thank the people in our community who make the Shire a wonderful place to live, work and holiday,” said Cr Allan.

“Many of these people give their time freely throughout our Shire to help others, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate and thank these individuals as a community.”

The individual category winners for the Bellingen Shire’s 2023 Australia Day

Awards were as follows:

Home Grown Heroes Award - open to volunteers and emergency services.

This year’s winner was the United Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers.

The UHA was presented with the Home-Grown Heroes Award for the work the volunteers do each year to fundraise for the local hospital.

The UHA have raised over $75,000 last year for much needed hospital equipment.

Sustainable Living Award - open to all local businesses, individuals and groups who protect, repair, and conserve our environment, providing sustainable solutions for the local area.

The winner of the Sustainable Living Award was presented to Pam Kulinskis for

her tireless efforts weeding and caring for the gardens at the monument roundabout and surrounding planter boxes in Dorrigo.

Pam also donates home grown produce to the Op Shop for people in need.

Her ongoing commitment to making Dorrigo a tidy, beautiful, and caring place to live, is an asset to the community.

Highly Commended in this category was awarded to Cath Hartin.

Cath works for Australia Post and delivers the post to the community in Dorrigo.

Cath is known to go above and beyond in her role as postwoman, by checking on the community’s well beingparticularly the elderly.

Cath contributes to sustaining Dorrigo’s welcoming and caring

Creative and Active Award - open to all local artists, active groups and individuals delivering social, creative, and active opportunities for our community.

The winner of the Creative and Active Award was Barbara Trist.

Barbara has been involved with Bellingen Youth Orchestra since its earliest time and always has encouraging words for the students.

She is being rewarded for offering support to the teachers and leaders of the orchestra.

Barbara is best known by her legendary cupcakes that she bakes and brings to every rehearsal and never misses a performance.

Highly Commended in this category goes to Elizabeth Scott.

Elizabeth has provided over 20 years of music teaching to the community.

She is a trained Suzuki violin teacher and organizing committee member of the Bellingen Youth Orchestra.

During her time at Bellingen Public School, she introduced the choir and inspired other schools in the local area to do the same.

Elizabeth’s involvement and dedication to music education has enriched the Shire and influenced her students' love for music.

Hidden Gem Award –open to recognise the quiet achievers in our community who have contributed towards ensuring we remain connected, sustainable, and creative.

The Hidden Gem Award was awarded to Kellie Small.

Kellie is a well-known, well-loved member of the

Hidden Gem Award for her unique ability of bringing the community together swiftly and effectively, activating response teams in times of crisis.

Through floods, covid lockdowns and financial difficulties, Kellie has been instrumental in facilitating the provision and distribution of food hampers and grocery vouchers for those in need.

She has built collaborations with various community and government services, to make sure these services are available for the people who need them most.

Highly Commended in this category goes to Debra Anderson.

Debra has been volunteering as the President of the United Hospitals Auxiliary branch for Bellingen Shire River District Hospital for eight years.

Under her diligent leadership, the United Hospitals Auxiliary were able to raise $75,000 in funds for the hospital.

Debra has been instrumental in the set up and running of Mary’s Café and mobilising the volunteers that give their time to the United Hospitals Auxiliary.

“Congratulations to all our winners, for their effort in making the place we all call home that bit more special. I would like to congratulate all our award nominees and the people who have taken the time to nominate someone they feel is deserving,” Mayor Allan said.

The award entries are nominated by the public and the winners are selected by the Shire Councillors, prior to the event.

Anthony Manny Fogarty Wood

q Volunteers from the UHA accepting the Home grown Hero award from Mayor Cr Steve Allan and Cr Jo Brotherton.

q The Mayor Cr Steve Allan with the locals who received their Australian Citizenship today at the Ceremony held at Bellingen Park.

q Elizabeth Scott thanking the community after receiving highly commended in the Creative and Active category.

q Cath Hartin accepting her highly commended award in the sustainable living category.

q Barbara Trist celebrating with her family after winning the the Creative and Active Award, pictured with Mayor Cr Steve Allan.

q Kellie Small accepting Hidden Gem Award from Mayor Cr Steve Allan and Cr Jo Brotherton.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Op Shops plead with community to stop dumping unwanted goods

By Andrea FERRARI

“PLEASE don’t drop and run,” urges Coffs Harbour Salvation Army Family Store temporary retail manager, Chris Reading, who is frustrated at the amount of out-of-hours community dumping that goes on outside Op Shops.

Arriving at the shop on the morning of Monday 30 January, Chris found a double bed deposited at the front door.

“We have no room for furniture at the moment.

“People need to phone and ask or come in and ask us if we can take their furniture, not just leave it outside when we are closed,” Chris told News Of The Area.

“We can put up as many signs as we like but still no one reads them.

“NOTA wrote about the issue in March last year.

“However, people just want to get rid of their stuff at no cost to them and they use Op Shops as their dumping ground when the shops are closed, it’s dark after-hours and noone can see what they are doing.”

According to Chris, whose responsibilities are across running the shop and the truck runs to the tip, the dumping got a lot worse once City of Coffs Harbour ceased its free-ofcharge roadside bulky goods pickups back in 2018.

“City of Coffs Harbour has vouchers for ratepayers to dump rubbish at the tip, but nobody knows about them; it’s one of Coffs’ best kept secrets,” he said.

Op Shops in Coffs, and across the Coffs Coast, are asking people to take their donations

into the shop and be prepared to take it back if the staff member says it won’t sell.

“You’ve got to ask yourself, if you wouldn’t buy it yourself then why would someone else?” suggested Chris.

“We get some filthy stuff left outside the shop.

“People think they are helping out the poor, but the poor have standards,” he said.

When rain comes into the equation, it makes matters worse.

“This morning we found a perfectly good child car safety seat left outside but left overnight before it got rained on making the chair unusable, unsaleable and it went to the dump,” said Chris.

When it comes to donations, the staff at Save the Children shop in Coffs Harbour go by the reality-check saying of “If you wouldn’t give to a mate, then don’t donate”.

“We’re used as a bit of a dumping ground which is unfair,” said a staff member who gives her time on a Saturday to serve in the shop.

Staff get so fed-up tidying up the night’s ‘donations’ stacked up at the front or back of their shops when they turn up for work that some are moving on to other volunteer roles, meaning the shops are short staffed and unable to open to their advertised hours.

There’s a fine line between dumping and donating, said Chris.

The City of Coffs Harbour website guides people through the fee-free and fee-paying services.

Each household paying the Domestic Waste Occupied Land Charge will be entitled to two free vouchers per calendar year, running from March to March.

Eligible residents can call the Coffs Coast Waste Services Hotline on 1800 265 495 to request the vouchers.

Proof of residency will be required.

Vouchers are mailed by post to eligible properties, so ensure you order your vouchers at least two weeks in advance so they have time to arrive.

Coffs Coast Resource Recovery Park at Englands Road accepts a range of goods free of fees: clean expanded polystyrene, paper and cardboard, recyclables (glass bottles and

jars, plastic containers, steel and aluminium cans, tetra packs), eWaste, scrap metals, white goods (washing machines, ovens, fridges etc), hazardous items such as paint, gas bottles, motor and cooking oil and fluorescent globes.

The tip opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.00pm and weekends/ public holidays, 8.00am to 4.00pm.

Contact waste@chcc.nsw.gov.au, call (02) 6648 4000 or visit www.coffscoastwaste.com. au/.

Coffs U3A launch 2023 course schedule

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS University of the Third Age (U3A) has launched its course schedule for 2023, with classes beginning on Monday 6 February.

U3A provides learning experiences for mature-aged people, with classes many and varied.

At present the Australian History course is the only one held in Woolgoolga.

Starting on Friday 20 February, the group meets at 10am on the first and third Friday each month at Woolgoolga Library.

Course tutor John Imrie told News Of The Area, “Each class runs for two hours.

“The topics cover the people who have made Australia great from First Nations to today, winners and losers, heroes and politicians.”

Other courses run by Coffs U3A this year include Art, Astronomy, Bush Walking,

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Creative Writing, Dance, French, German, Spanish, Photography, Shakespeare and Current Affairs.

Further details with locations, dates and times can be found on the website at www. coffs.u3anet.org.au.

“To access courses one needs to be a member, currently $60 for the year, which entitles a member to participate in as many courses as one wishes, by registering on the website,” U3A spokesperson Jill Smith told NOTA.

Tutors are all volunteers who have a love for the subject they offer, and classes are small, usually less than 25, depending on the size of the premises used.

“All members are older people, mostly retired, who choose U3A for its opportunities to learn something new or continue a particular interest, and enjoy meeting with like-minded people,” said Jill.

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City of Coffs Harbour hereby advises that pursuant to Section 115 of the Roads Act, 1993 and in accordance with the authority delegated to it by Transport for NSW, it proposes to allow the temporary road closure of:

Community invited to Rainbow community picnic

By Andrea FERRARI

RAINBOW Coffs Harbour

(RCH) LGBTIQA+ social group is having a picnic

“to get the word out there”, one of the group’s founding members, Robyn Dever, told News Of The Area.

“Our event will be a sausage sizzle/picnic on Saturday 11 March 2023 down at the Jetty Foreshores.

“We aim to organise and promote LGBTQIA+ inclusive events, safe places and resources for the rainbow community, their friends, families and allies,” said Robyn.

Everyone is welcome.

“We are very serious about bringing people together in the community spirit that Australia is known for, whilst fostering a safe environment and helping us all connect and meet likeminded people.”

As such, RCH will be doing several activities to raise money to support things such as officially setting up the group, a web page, registering its name and printing flyers.

“We’ve launched a raffle to raise the money for this,”

she said.

See Rainbow Coffs Harbour’s Facebook page for more details on buying tickets.

“We have been donated some awesome prizes and have been blown away by the sponsors and supporters thus far.

“Please tell your friends and family to like our page on Facebook to keep up to date with the raffle, the picnic and further events.”

Robyn says the Coffs business community can support RCH in several ways.

“We already have had some donations, each for $100plus, as raffle prizes from our sponsors, such as Matilda’s Hut, Silvio’s, Jetty Beach House, Coffs Harbour Golf Club, Pacific Bay Resort, the National Cartoon Gallery, as well as our community partner ACON Northern NSW.”

“For businesses, a corporate sponsorship for products would be most welcome.”

RCH will show its appreciation of sponsors’ generosity, with a “thank you for your support” letter, promotion of the business through its website on the featured ‘Supporters’ list, through social media shoutouts, as well as with its active Facebook group page, along

with the greater LGBTIQA+ community.

Rainbow Coffs Harbour was founded in 2015 by four people - one lesbian couple and one gay couple - who were new to the area.

“After doing some research of rainbow groups and clubs in the Coffs Harbour area, we found that nothing like we had envisaged existed - at least not anymore,” said Robyn.

“We named it Rainbow

Coffs Harbour as that is a broad umbrella term that covers a diversity of sexual orientations, as well as gender and sexual identities.”

Due to people leaving the area, RCH found itself left with one founder in 2020, that being Robyn.

During Covid the group had a couple of events, but they were pretty lean times, according to Robyn.

“In 2022, I was then approached by a guy, Victor,

who came from Sydney and wanted to get something started up here.

“He asked if I was interested in merging, as RCH already had more than 450 members.

“The rest, as they say, is history,” said Robyn.

“We tweaked the group, envisaged far and wide, and are both extremely passionate to see the Rainbow Coffs Harbour group come back and thrive.”

Rainbow Coffs Harbour Group is a LGBTIQA+ social group that meets for drinks, dinners, picnics, ten-pin bowling, barefoot bowls, and other social functions as requested by its members.

Facebook page: Rainbow Coffs Harbour

Instagram page: Rainbow Coffs Harbour

Email: rainbowcoffsharbour@ yahoo.com.

q The Rainbow Coffs Harbour group is serious about bringing likeminded people together in the community spirit that Australia is known for.

Coffs Chamber presents Sam Bloom

By Andrea FERRARI

PARA-SURFING champion

Sam Bloom will share her powerful story at a Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday 16 February at C.ex Coffs.

“Sam’s story is so compelling, Chamber members as well as visitors and members of the public are welcome to join us on Thursday 16 February at 12pm,” Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce’s Garth Shipperlee told News Of The Area.

“Drawing on her lived experience of a dream life

shattered, Sam will speak to what it means to become truly resilient, to be able to face your deepest fears and greatest challenges, and to emerge on the other side undefeated.”

Those who have heard her story say this true story holds powerful messages for us all as we navigate our own personal and professional challenges.

Sam Bloom’s life changed forever in a split second in January 2013

A dream holiday in Thailand turned into an unimaginable nightmare.

Bloom fell through a rotten balcony railing,

crashing six metres onto concrete below.

She miraculously survived, but suffered catastrophic injuries, including being paralysed from the chest down.

It became the start of what was the darkest period of her life.

Fast-forward ten years, and Bloom’s rehabilitation journey has transformed her life from one of despair and fragility to hope and resilience.

She is now a twotime world para-surfing champion and the author of Penguin Bloom, an international bestseller that

also became a Hollywood movie starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln.

Coffs Chamber of Commerce say this event, sponsored by Key Employment, is ideal for executives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and teams looking to feel inspired and ready to take on the challenges ahead, as well as leaders navigating and managing through change, and anyone looking to feel motivated and energised to set and reach their goals

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

q The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce luncheon presents global keynote guest speaker, Sam Bloom.

q Sam Bloom is a two-time world para-surfing champion.

q Sam Bloom will speak to what it means to become truly resilient and to emerge on the other side undefeated.

Bellingen bridge repairs going strong

By Andrea FERRARI

SEVEN of Bellingen Shire’s bridges have been repaired and reopened thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Bellingen Shire Council has received more than $27.3 million from the NSW Government to replace ageing timber bridges with

new stronger, sturdier concrete ones.

Minister Farraway was in Bellingen on Tuesday 17 January with Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey on site at North Bank Road to officially open Taylors Bridge.

“It is fantastic to be able to open the latest completed bridge in the Bellingen Shire which received $710,000 from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, and to see the tangible impacts these new

bridges are having in keeping communities connected in Bellingen and beyond,” he said.

A local farmer with land on North Bank Road in Bellingen who uses Taylors Bridge to access his farm every day is impressed with the results.

“It’s pretty marvellous how they repaired it in such good time using the new way of building bridges,” he told News Of The Area.

“Using prefabricated

New roof for Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club

By Andrew VIVIAN

SAWTELL Surf Life Saving Club (SSLSC) will receive more than $150,000 to undertake an urgent facility upgrade through the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the funds will be utilised to replace the 40-year-old original tile roof.

“The 700 square metre roof has been in need of regular maintenance work and urgent replacing for some time.

“The roof is older than Steph and I, so we’re pleased to provide $150,000

to replenish it,” Mr Singh quipped.

“Thanks to this funding boost the surf club’s entire roof will be replaced, with preliminary discussions with local suppliers already under way to get the job done.

“The huge number of visitors we’re seeing over the busy summer period highlights why it’s crucial for our surf clubs to have up-todate facilities to protect both visitors and locals on our beaches.”

The Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke, attended the announcement.

“The work of our volunteers is quite literally

life-saving and I’m very grateful for the thousands of rescues they’ve undertaken this summer to protect locals and visitors to our coastline,” said Ms Cooke.

She said that more than 20,000 volunteer lifesavers patrol 129 coastal locations every weekend and public holiday between October and April and that only 26 clubs out of 120 surf clubs across the state were successful in applying for grants.

President of SSLSC, Peter Dawson, thanked Ms Cooke and Mr Singh and said, “The club is 90 years old this year so, as the building ages, a bit of help is very welcome.”

WILLS WEEK

Secure your appointment

pieces, (in a nutshell) they slide it into position and pour on the concrete.”

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Stephen Allan said all the new bridges had been designed to last more than 100 years.

“Not only are these bridges stronger and able to carry heavier freight loads, in some cases they are wider and higher.

“Overall, they will be more

resilient and because they are built of newer materials, they will cost us less to maintain and allow Council to focus on other key infrastructure renewals,” Cr Allan said.

“We have worked hard, supported by key local contractors Coastalworks (Coffs Harbour City Council) and Mid North Coast, and since the beginning of December (2022) have been able to open seven new

bridges.

“They are Cobb O Corn Bridge on Reids Road; Diehappy Bridge on Darkwood Road, Darkwood; Richardsons Bridge on Darkwood Road, Bellingen; Taylors Bridge at Bellingen; Coopernook Creek Bridge on Coramba Road, Megan; Knights Bridge on Kalang Road, Kalang; and Cahills Bridge on Nobles Lane, Bellingen.”

Wills Week is a great opportunity to have a professional solicitor in your local area provide advice to establish your first Will or update an existing one. Wills Week is made possible thanks to the generous support of solicitors who donate their time to ensure that 100% of your booking fee is donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

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q Taylors Bridge, repaired and reopened as part of the government’s Fixing Country Bridges program.

q Reopening the repaired Taylors Bridge at Bellingen was Nationals candidate for Oxley Michael Kemp, Bellingen Shire Mayor Stephen Allan, Minister Sam Farraway, Uncle Bud, Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Bellingen Shire Acting Manager Mark Griffioen.

q Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club President Peter Dawson (right) chats with Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

Lions back with another car boot sale

By Andrea FERRARI

INSPIRED by a great outcome from its car boot sale in November 2022, Bonville Sawtell Lions are putting on another such sale on Saturday 11 February with a view to holding them every two months.

With over 30 stalls displaying their wares at the Coffs Harbour Leagues Club car park on Stadium Drive, the stall holders reported back to the Lions organisers saying it was a great place for such a sale.

“The funds raised went to help the community, especially enabling the seniors' Christmas party to proceed, where those who attended had a wonderful time,” Bonville Sawtell Lions President Vicki Sowter told News Of The Area.

Entertainment was provided by the Marion Grove Ukulele Club.

“All voices were husky by the time we finished our sing-along,” said Vicki.

The February sale is shaping up with first things first, the coffee van being booked.

“We have organised the coffee van again provided by Gordo’s Coffee Van.

“The bacon and egg rolls and sausage sandwiches were well received, with us selling out.

“This time more will be available.

“The biggest highlight was the response from the public and we hope this time more people will hear and come along.

“We have a radio promotion, signs and an electronic sign promoting the car boot sale.”

Vicki said the range of goods on sale was diverse, and you never know what you might find.

“They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

“There was a wide variety of goods for sale including jewellery, paintings, bric-a-brac and

much more.

“The face painting for the kiddies went down well with cats, tigers and fairies wandering around,” she said.

Bonville Sawtell Lions are involved with many projects for the community

and all funds raised will go to helping the community.

Vicki shared the Lions’ gratitude to Coffs Harbour Leagues Club for kindly donating the club grounds for this event.

“Come along and sell your unwanted wares which

may turn out to be just what someone else was looking for, and you may make some money.”

The car boot sale is on Saturday 11 February, doors open at 8am.

Bonville Sawtell Lions Club is also looking for new

members to join and be part of a great club that serves the community. For more info on booking a stall, or joining the club, please call Lion Vicki Sowter on 0460 337 978.

Kalang River Classic paddles back in 2023

By Andrea FERRARI

2023.

After a successful inaugural event in 2021 which saw over 180 entries,

followed by a Covid enforced hiatus in 2022, the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club organisers are pleased to

confirm the date and details.

On Sunday March 12, paddlers will race over a 14.5-kilometre set course around Newry Island on the picturesque Kalang River at Urunga.

According to Kalang River Dragon Boat Club, this year’s event will be bigger, better and even more fun with much enthusiastic support from the Urunga community.

The Kalang River Classic is a paddling race for nonmotorised watercraft of various types.

paddleboards).

“The race will start from Atherton Drive at Urunga at 8am with registration and safety briefing from 7am,” Beth Spriggs from the Kalang Dragon Boat Club told News Of The Area.

“The full 14.5-kilometre course will take about two hours to complete and there will be refreshments, coffee vans and BBQ available for participants and spectators.

the event will go to the local Marine Rescue.

“So, dust off those boards and boats and save the date to be on our pristine Kalang River.

“Share it with others… this is such a fun, exciting event, not about winning, more about just being there and being part of it and just having fun on the water,” said Beth.

Official entry forms will be available online from midFebruary.

By Andrea FERRARI

SAILING starts back at Urunga Sail Training Club on Saturday 11 February 2023.

The Club meets at 9 Bellingen Street, Urunga and newcomers are welcome.

This sailing season sees the club stocked up with new lifejackets, waterproof radios, and rescue boat training bought through a Government Department of Social Services volunteers grant received last year.

Beginning in February there will be five weeks of Saturday sailing on the water having fun with hands-on learning, completing the Australian Sailing National Small Boat Start courses 1 and 2, on the beautiful waters of the Bellinger and Kalang

Rivers.

“It’s a great way to get into sailing and you will learn new skills, a love of the wind and water and you will be in great hands with our experienced nationally accredited sailing instructors,” Ross Bennetts, the Principal of the Discover Sailing Centre told News Of The Area.

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

The courses are for beginners and anyone

wanting to brush up on their sailing skills, so no experience is necessary.

The skills learnt can be transferred to crewing and sailing on larger boats.

The Urunga Sail Training Club is a volunteer organisation with a background of ten years of sailing on the Mid North Coast, running programs for people of all ages and all abilities.

The courses are run three times per year in February, May and October.

As a training school, through grants, they have conducted Assistant and Full Instructor training, Powerboat and Rescue boat training, Women on Water courses, schools programs and discover sailing

Entries are invited from dragon boat clubs and paddlers of outriggers, kayaks and canoes and there will be a shorter one-kilometre course for SUPs (stand up experiences.

‘We are very pleased to announce that the C.ex Group Urunga has come on board as the major sponsor this year along with many other local sponsors.

“There will be a rich cache of trophy prizes, cash and goods and all profits from

Learning to sail, the Urunga way

For more information check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ KalangRiverClassic or contact the organisers on 0414 475 085.

q Urunga Sail Training Club welcomes new members to learn a range of transferable skills.

“Sailing is a wonderful sport for kids from age seven years and adults, as it encourages both mental and physical ability, in addition to promoting a healthy, active

outdoors lifestyle.

“The sailing lessons have taught juniors and teenagers many valuable life lessons like decision-making, resilience, leadership, teamwork and communication in a fun,

healthy environment and a wonderful way to explore and enjoy our waterways,” said Ross.

For more details, phone Ross on 0412421478 or Kerry on 0490349378.

q Lion Heather Varcoe selling the goods on the Bonville Sawtell Lions Stall last November.

q Lions Shirley Brown and Therese Dengate at the Bonville Sawtell Lions car boot sale last year.

THE KALANG River Classic paddling race is back for

q TThe Kalang River Classic was launched in 2021 and is back in 2023.

Twelve-year-old Toby donates almost $4000 to dolphin conservation

By Andrea FERRARI

TWELVE-year-old Toby Mitchell presented a cheque to Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Coffs Harbour this January during his latest visit to the park, having been captivated by the work of the Dolphin Marine Rescue team from a very young age.

In just three years, Toby has raised and donated nearly $4,000 to Dolphin Marine Rescue through writing books and donating his birthday money.

As a little boy, he and his family often travelled from Woronora Heights in Sydney to Queensland for holidays.

After discovering Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Coffs Harbour, they always pay an en route visit to the park.

Toby loved the interactions with all the marine animals.

As he got older, he had two different experiences with marine animals, learning about them and their food.

He loved every minute.

Aged eight, Toby joined EcoGroms and thrived on learning about marine animals from the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park team.

Unlike the local members who could meet at the park every week, Toby worked on the EcoGrom projects at home in Sydney.

When they visited Coffs Harbour, Toby was thrilled to receive personal mentoring from the team and build on his knowledge of sea turtles.

Toby's passion and creativity flourished.

He made a sea turtle awareness poster using plastic shopping bags, and his parents helped him turn this artwork into a T-shirt in 2018.

In 2019 he created a canvas with rubbish collected from the beach for an EcoGrom project.

When Toby learned about the goal to build a marine wildlife hospital in Coffs Harbour, he wanted to help.

He decided to write a

book on a rescued black swan.

Toby donated his $300 birthday money to Dolphin Marine Rescue in 2020.

In the same year, he wrote a book on a sea turtle.

In 2021 Toby donated the proceeds and wrote his third book about a sea lion.

In 2022, Toby wrote and illustrated his fourth book, Penguin Perfection, about a Little Blue Penguin that needed rescuing.

Last year Toby donated over $1000 to Dolphin Marine Rescue.

In addition to his four children's books, this impressive young wildlife champion raises funds by selling his original handpainted cards and bookmarks at Christmas stalls.

Last Christmas, he boosted his range with handpainted coasters and plant pots.

This month, Toby visited Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and was delighted to participate in a sea turtle release at Charlesworth Bay.

He presented the giant

cheque for the substantial money he raised last year.

In another highlight, Toby showcased his new penguin book to park guests while feeding the Little Blue Penguins.

"Toby is a very passionate and talented young man," said Life Sciences Manager Tiga Cross.

"We're proud to present his books in our Gift Shop because they communicate vital messages of marine conservation to kids, our future marine scientists and environmentalists.

“And, of course, we're incredibly grateful for his donations and support.

“We can't wait to see

what Toby does next."

To support the ongoing marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release work and conservation programs, and help build a wildlife hospital in Coffs Harbour, please visit https:// dolphinmarineconservation. com.au/dolphin-marineanimal-rescue-trust/.

Where: Cavanbah Centre

191 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour

When: 6:30pm, Monday February 6, 2023

For more information, please contact: 0416 262 956 or https://www.optimizeyourbrain.org/

q Toby Mitchell promotes his fourth book 'Penguin Perfection' at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.

q Toby Mitchell with a Dolphin Marine Rescue team member releasing a sea turtle at Charlesworth Bay in January.

q Toby Mitchell and a sea turtle ready for release.

McGregor Gourlay proud to serve Dorrigo region

By Liz TICKNER, Write On Media

AGRIBUSINESS company

McGregor Gourlay has been serving northern NSW and Southern QLD for 125 years and on July 1 2022, it proudly opened the doors of its fourteenth branch in Dorrigo.

McGregor Gourlay purchased the former Beaumont’s Produce Rural Store in Vine Street from Neville Beaumont earlier in the year, who in turn had bought the business from Norco in 2006.

In the sixteen years he owned the store, Neville earned a reputation for supplying the Dorrigo region with quality rural produce and trademark familybusiness customer service.

McGregor Gourlay Group General Manager Michael Slater said Neville was passionate about the lifelong legacy he had created and wanted someone to take on the business and treat it as their own.

“Neville contacted me back in February 2022 and invited us to come around and have a chat,” Michael said.

“He liked how we operated our business and treated our staff and customers.

“He thought we were the right people for the job and once the ball started rolling, it didn’t take long and McGregor Gourlay purchased the Beaumont’s business outright.

“It’s an historic moment when two independent Australian-owned companies such as these come together.”

Michael says McGregor Gourlay – which was set up by pioneering stock and station agent John Archibald McGregor in Warialda in 1897 – wasn’t looking to establish a branch in Dorrigo at the time.

“Rather, it was an opportunity that arose, and when we looked at the proposition, it connected our western branches to our coastal branches, so it was a good strategic move,” Michael said.

The Dorrigo branch employs five full time staff and is about to recruit another, bringing the total

Neville Beaumont’s daughter Kylie Raymond has stayed on as Branch Manager, as have all the former Beaumont’s staff, and she is excited by the opportunities afforded by the new venture.

“At 75 and 70 years of age, my parents had reached retirement age and were unable to help me as much as they once did, and I needed more support,” Kylie said.

“My family are proud Dorrigo farmers, they wanted Beaumont’s to remain a family business, albeit with new owners, and that is the reason why we chose McGregor Gourlay.

“It is Australian owned, all its directors are Australian farmers, and that is important to my customers here in Dorrigo.”

Kylie has witnessed

changes in Dorrigo.

Many of the dairy farms have disappeared, transitioning into beef, pasture and maize, and the area has become popular with small acreage and hobby farmers.

Kylie believes the market accessibility now offered by the McGregor Gourlay Group will enable her to grow the Dorrigo operation.

“We have more to offer customers,” Kylie said.

A greater selection of products and services, including the ability to purchase from, and do transfers between, other McGregor Gourlay stores, as well as greater purchasing power, will benefit customers.

“I still think of the store as my own and it is undoubtedly still my passion,” Kylie said.

“The staff are also locals and share a real passion for

the rural industry.”

Despite three years of less-than-optimal conditions, with drought, bushfires, COVID and most recently floods ravaging the region, Michael is optimistic about the future.

Plans are already afoot to expand agronomic services down the track and revitalise the product range for agricultural enterprises of all types and sizes as well as pet owners.

Michael says the reaction from Dorrigo locals to the new venture has been positive.

“Customers have been reassured to find the same staff and the same service at the same location,” Michael said.

“We look forward to working with Kylie to continue providing this, and much, much more.”

McGregor Gourlay workforce to 137.

q On July 1, McGregor Gourlay opened its Dorrigo branch. Photo: Celine Lee Photography.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Australia’s cattle herd to reach largest size in nearly a decade

THE Australian Beef industry and cattle herd are well positioned to capitalise on changing global supply dynamics in 2023.

This year will be a year of transition and maturity for Australia’s cattle herd, with any increases in numbers now beyond rebuild status, with all key production metrics forecast to improve this year, according to the latest Cattle Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Continued rainfall and favourable seasonal conditions seen last year will ensure that there will be solid supply of both young and slaughter weight cattle over the next two years, regardless of seasonal outcomes.

Southern Australia will continue to drive increases in cattle numbers, particularly New South Wales, with supply improvements also expected from southern Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria to different extents.

In the north, 2022 saw favourable seasonal

conditions for large parts of Queensland, driving the beginning of the state’s herd rebuild and an improvement in female numbers. Northern Australia’s rebuild is expected to gain significant pace this year.

Overall, the cattle herd in 2023 will grow to its highest level since 2014, reaching 28.8m head, an increase of 1.1m or 4.5 percent year-onyear.

According to MLA’s Senior Market Information Analyst Ripley Atkinson, this growth is underpinned by a few key factors.

“The record retention of females for fifteen consecutive months, coupled with above-average marking rates has delivered larger calf drops.

“This bodes well for supply to increase substantially in 2023 for both young and slaughter-weight cattle,” Mr Atkinson said.

“Both of these metrics suggest that the lowest or most significant retention of stock on record occurred for

the year. This underpins the positive growth in numbers forecast for the next three years

By 2025, the national herd is expected to reach its highest level since the 1970s at 29.6m head, before a steady decline.

This continued growth is due to strong female reproductive performance, genetic improvements across the herd and sound on farm management.

Input prices and cost of production will be major factors affecting the ability of the sector to remain productive and efficient.

In addition, the availability of skilled and unskilled workers to manage the increased supply of cattle in 2023 will be the major issue affecting the red meat industry.

The processing sector’s ability to process cattle will determine production levels and therefore exports in 2023.

MLA’s Market Information team have recognised this

with a two-scenario forecast for 2023.

“If labour concerns are not addressed within the processing sector, slaughter is forecast to reach 6m head,” according to Mr Atkinson.

“Based on actual supply of cattle this year, the forecasts indicate an uptick in numbers to 6.625m head.”

2023 will be a year of

transition for the cattle industry according to Mr Atkinson.

“Positive outcomes along the entire supply chain seem likely as the exceptional operating conditions on-farm continue.

“The overall outlook for Australia’s beef industry both domestically and internationally is one of

optimism and positivity, whilst it continues to deliver high quality beef in larger volumes, this is expected to be a major feature in 2023,” Mr Atkinson said.

View a full copy of MLA’s 2023 Cattle Industry Projections at https://info. mla.com.au/4PKB-89AD1T6UV9-8RZ0Q-1/c.aspx.

q Overall, the cattle herd in 2023 will grow to its highest level since 2014, reaching 28.8m head, an increase of 1.1m or 4.5 percent year-on-year.

WHAT'SVIBIN'

Artists in the Garden returns

By Andrea FERRARI

THE artist-led Artists in the Garden movement is kickstarting its series of events for 2023 on Sunday February 5 from midday until 3pm at its home in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour.

With a philosophy of “anything is possible”, this monthly art experience was formed from the simple idea of bringing art to people and people to art.

“It’s free for artists to showcase their work, from painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, spoken word, writers, poets, singers, musicians, photographers, actors, performing and installation art,”

event director James P Gilmour told News Of The Area.

“We have so enjoyed meeting a diversity of artists and enjoying their art,” he said.

This Sunday’s line-up of performing artists includes singer/songwriter Sue Cordell at 12-noon, guitarist Taerik Hart at 1pm and the duo Wandering Annie and The Drifter at 1.45pm.

Spoken word, poets and Speakers Corner is scheduled between 12.30 and 1pm, with regular dynamic contributors Amy Robinson and Jaiden Whitten.

“With free activities including a workshop by Bay Arts, an open artwork, embellishment of 3D mannequins Eve and Greg and a fun interactive art experience using QR codes, there is something

for everyone, even a coffee van.

“You can bring a picnic and enjoy the gifts of art in the garden,” event director Tammy

The Artists in the Garden Photo Festival banners will also be on display until the end of February.

Visitors are able to negotiate directly with the artist for purchases, bookings or commissions.

“At Artists in the Garden we have big plans for a mini festival of three dimensional work in July 2023,” said the event directors.

“Details will be released within the next month – so artists of 3D works, sculpture, ceramics, assemblage or installation using any medium or technique start planning.

“We are really excited to be able to provide a platform for your work.”

Artists who would like to showcase their work simply register at www. artistsinthegarden.au or use the jotform attached to posts on the public Facebook group ‘Artists in the Garden’.

q All levels of artists come out to paint at Artists in the Garden.

q Jaiden Whitten reads his poetry at a session in December last year.

q Artists in the Garden is a monthly art experience in the open air.

q Sailor and the Dancer entertaining at the December 2023 Artists in the Garden event.

q Spoken word artist Amy Robinson with sculpture by Eric West.

A new era for the Summer Beach Hop

AFTER overcoming many and varied challenges in hosting the event in previous years, the folks at John Logan Entertainment (JLE) have emerged with a new focus and attitude as they look forward to the fourth instalment of the Summer Beach Hop this year.

“In 2019 we kicked off with great expectations but a legal challenge wasn't settled until after the event,” said event organiser John Logan, JLE.

“In 2020 we copped the fiercest winds all year.

“In 2021 we had to postpone due to Covid.

“In 2022 we were rained out in March and had to reschedule to the June long weekend, so it’s been a long and winding road with plenty of challenges,” said John Logan.

Things turned around for the event late last year however, with the addition of major sponsor Coffs Coast Kia, who saw the potential of the event and came on board with a look towards the future.

“Straight away we could extend the program to two days and the program from one to four events, with half of them undercover making the whole thing less reliant on the weather,” John added.

On Sunday 19 March, the main event will be held in conjunction with the Harbourside Markets.

Organisers are promising a host of pre-1985 classic cars from Advanced Car Club and others, along with the Coffs Coast Lindyhoppers, Julie Ross Dance School dancers and live entertainment from The Drive Ins.

A special guest entertainer is also currently being kept under wraps.

Saturday will feature three events across the day at the Jetty foreshores and C.ex Club. Anyone interested in displaying their car or being involved in the weekend should contact Stu Copeland from Advanced Car Club or John Logan (JLE) on 66 528266.

CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA

8pm

Monday March 13, 2023 @ 7.30pm

DREAMS: FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE NICKS SHOW

Friday March 17, 2023 @ 8pm

CELTIC ILLUSION-THE MAGIC RETURNS

Wednesday May 3, 2023 @ 7:30pm.

QUEEN BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Friday 16 June 2023 @ 8pm

THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS- 60’S VARIETY SHOW

Sunday June 18, 2023 2:00pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT-AUSTRALIA’S PREMIERTRIBUTE OF THE MUSICOF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER & WEST END MUSICALS CONCERT

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2pm

q Summer Beach Hop organiser John Logan, Kim Towner from the Harbourside Markets, Barry Shaw, owner of the red Ford Anglia and Stu Copeland, the proud owner of the Mini.

q David Fogarty’s HX Holden, a real favourite at previous events.

q Kristy Pursch from the Coffs Coast Lindy Hoppers is pictured with a ‘62 EK Holden wagon.

23 Wedgetail Crescent, Boambee East 4 Bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 car garage.

Price: $935,000

AS soon as you step inside, you'll appreciate well thought out design elements that separate the sleeping and living zones, providing privacy and functionality.

The living areas are generously proportioned and feature large windows, allowing natural light to flood into the home.

The main living room offers stunning views of the mountain range while the high raked ceilings in the combined kitchen, dining, and family room give the home a fantastic sense of space.

The kitchen, while original, is very tidy and offers plenty of storage space with great potential for future renovation if desired.

The dining area and outdoor entertainment deck overlooks the sub-tropical rear yard which adjoins the neighbouring council reserve.

The master bedroom boasts private bushland views, ample wardrobe space and an exceptionally large en-suite bathroom with both a shower and bathtub.

The remaining three bedrooms all include built-in wardrobes and carpet underfoot.

The main bathroom is also quite spacious with both a shower and bathtub.

The separate laundry located on the lower level offers additional storage space and there is also a third bathroom with a shower to provide added convenience.

The large utility room off the rear of the garage could be used as a living space for a live-in family member or could also serve as a fantastic home office or rumpus room.

The garage itself is large, with a designated workbench area and room for storage shelves.

Overall, this substantial home is the perfect option for those searching for a larger family home in a highly regarded street.

Call Barry France from Sawtell Real Estate Co. today on 0407 301 404.

Rural Auction

600*m Kalang River Frontage, 15 minutes to Bellingen & Urunga

‘The River View’. 1041 South Arm Rd, Brierfield

• Original Federation style Farmhouse.

• 5.83 ha with 650 meters of Kalang River frontage.

• 3 bedrooms, 3.6m (12ft) ceilings, Fireplace, and timber floorboards.

• Colorbond roof with bull nose veranda.

• Mountain and River views from the house.

• Bellingen 11*km (15* minute drive) Urunga 14*km (15* minute drive).

Auction: Friday 3rd of March 2023 at 10am.

Donald Taylor 0409942019

Ray White Rural Dorrigo & Bellingen

Move in Ready

Address: 7 McFadyn Street,

Toormina

Price: $749,000 - $769,000

Beds: 3, Bath: 2, Car: 2

Land Size: 649.9sqm

THIS ideally located property certainly has a lot to offer and is ready to be enjoyed by the next owners who want to be a few moments drive from beautiful Sawtell Beach, First Avenue shops, restaurants and cafes as well as local schools and shopping centres.

The accommodations for the home are by way of the three carpeted queen-sized bedrooms, which are located off the hallway away from the open plan living area of the home.

They all have great storage with built-in wardrobes, new blinds and the main bedroom

enjoys its own ensuite as well as sliding door to the rear balcony, allowing beautiful air flow through the room on those hot summer nights.

The view and breezes from the balcony are also enjoyed from the dining area, which is adjacent to the original kitchen with electric appliances including brand new Westinghouse stainless steel rangehood.

There is a breakfast bar for the kids to sit while you make dinner in the large kitchen with ample cupboard and bench space.

The home also has the added bonus of the converted garage, which is currently being used as a living area, but also has the capacity to be used as the home office or an extra bedroom if required.

Further storage space is provided by the three cupboards that are located just behind, followed by the laundry that also provides storage and direct access to the balcony and into the fully fenced rear yard.

Outdoor entertaining can be enjoyed in the undercover area, and for the home handyman they will love the full-length workshop area, under the balcony that has power and water.

Finishing off the back yard is the brand-new garden shed, greenhouse and established gardens. Parking at the house is provided by the double carport at the front, and for those that don’t drive, public transport can be found in the street and close by on Lyons Road.

This home certainly will

$690,000

7 Greaves Close, TOORMINA

Renovated 3 bedrooms family home with tenants that want to stay. Featuring saltwater pool, covered entertainment areas, large yard, vehicle access, carport, solar power panels, garden shed and approximately 500m to school and approximately 1.5km to shops. On a roomy 775m2 Block.

Call Chris: 0427 581 100

$639,000

2 Ilex Court, BOAMBEE EAST

Open plan living, three bedrooms with built-ins, main bedroom with access to a three way bathroom with dual sinks, dining/kitchen with breakfast bar, ceramic cook top , range hood, double linens, extra toilet in laundry, internal access to a lock up garage and on a 440m2 block. Needs TLC.

Call Chris: 0427 581 100

please buyers in this price range, allowing them to move straight in or rent the property out with nothing to be done, as the home has had some rejuvenations by way of new carpet, new timber look vinyl floor planks, new blinds,

fresh paint, new lights, new curtains, and new guttering. Call today for an inspection, you won’t be disappointed.

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

$650,000 $520,000

110b Linden Ave, BOAMBEE EAST

Private driveway to this Neo Federation style 3 bedroom home.Situated on a 460m2 block with rear balcony/deck with views.Features front veranda, built ins, lock up garage, extra toilet in laundry, polished and carpeted floor, newish stove, grassed fenced yard, underneath storage and is currently tenanted.

Call Chris: 0427 581 100

2/1 Ilex Court, BOAMBEE EAST

OPEN SATURDAY 11.00AM TO 11.30AM

One of two villas in an owner run strata, this eastern spacious two villa has been recently painted, with new carpet & new outside timber deck. Features two spacious bedrooms, built ins, internal access to lock up garage, grassed yard, brick features, quiet cull der sac and faces north.

Call Chris: 0427 581 100

$399,000

• Within walking distance to Toormina Shopping Centre

• Modern kitchen with stone benchtops, white cupboards

• Combined living dining area with easy care timber look vinyl flooring

• Two bedrooms both with built in robes, freshly painted throughout

• Possible Rental return $350 per week

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Well Kept Investment Opportunity

10 KATHERINE CLOSE, TOORMINA

$649,000

• Ideally located home with tiled loungeroom & dining area

• Grey kitchen with corner pantry, electric appliances, & laminate benchtop

• Enclosed sunroom leading out to the fully fenced level rear yard

• Ideally located close to schools, shopping centres, public transport

• Current tenant in place on an expired lease paying $550 per week who would love to stay on at the property

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Land Size: 731sqm

unre.com.au/kat10

Move in Ready 7 MCFADYN STREET, TOORMINA

$749,000 - $769,000

• Ideally located within minutes to Sawtell Beach & First Avenue

• Three queen sized bedrooms with built in robes, main with ensuite

• Converted garage currently being used as a second living area

• Freshly painted, new flooring, lights, blinds, curtains & guttering

• Lots of storage, workshop area with power and water, garden shed

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Land Size: 649.9sqm Property ID: mcf7

Family Home with Potential 6 MIRROOLA CRESCENT, TOORMINA

• Set on a large 836.1sqm block this home has

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

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

• Outdoor entertaining area, Inground pool (currently not functional) with established gardens

McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Executive Living

61 JANE CIRCUIT, TOORMINA

$999,000 - $1,090,000

• Set on a huge 1100sqm lot and surrounded by thoughtful plantings the executive residence offers size, space and privacy.

• From the moment you arrive at the formal entry you know you are entering something special

• The kitchen and all three bathrooms have been recently renovated.

• Timber floors, plantation shutters, large deck overlooking pool, this home has it all.

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Land Size: 1100sqm

unre.com.au/jan61

Phone To Inspect

$430,000

• Minutes to Coffs Harbour CBD, shops, restaurants, cafes

• Public transport out the front of the pet friendly complex of eight townhouses

• Open plan living dining area overlooking the renovated kitchen

• Bedrooms located upstairs with balconies & built-in robes, along with the renovated bathroom

• Private secure courtyard, extra WC in downstairs laundry

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Delightfully Renovated

1 BOWER CRESCENT, TOORMINA

$729,000

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

• Generous open plan living area

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

• Main bedroom has walk-in robe and stylish ensuite

• Renovated combined bathroom/laundry

• DLUG and two garden sheds

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Land Size: 649.9sqm

Large Family Required 14 HARVIE DRIVE, BOAMBEE EAST

• Large high set 5-bedroom home located in popular residential enclave

• Open plan living dining area with timber floorboards adjacent to the kitchen with breakfast bar

• Main bedroom is suite sized with huge walk-in robe & ensuite which can be used by the whole family while you install the bathroom of your

OPEN

Perfect Downsizer or Starter 4 MAKINSON CLOSE. TOORMINA

• 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

Land Size: 506sqm

unre.com.au/mak4

Boambee Valley Beauty 4&4A BANFF CLOSE, BOAMBEE

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

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

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

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

• Additional rumpus room and office

• Near new additional two bedroom cottage currently yielding $375pw

Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

6 3 3

Land Size: 3,000sqm

CHECK ONLINE FOR OPEN TIMES 6658 6042

www.unre.com.au

137 Sawtell Road

Toormina

Unrealestate Coffs Coast unrealcoffs

unre.com.au/ban4

Beautiful Home – Sought after location! 39 Lady Belmore Drv, Boambee East

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

Price reduced to meet the market!!

5 2 1

This superb Sawtell family home should be should be at the top of your inspection list if you are looking for a quality family home at a great address!! Designed around entertaining, privacy and the outlook over Bonville Creek and Reserve, the home offers - 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and multiple living areas. The modern kitchen has all of the appliances a chef requires whilst the rear deck overlooks the sparkling in ground pool. The home is also air conditioned with the double garage having internal access and electric controller door units for easy access

Sawtell continues to be the gem of the Coffs Coast, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by!

Arrange your inspection today.

For Sale – $1,250,000 - $1,300,000

Sandy Beach – Sea breezes and Sand!

80 Diamond Head Drv, Sandy Beach

2

2

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

For Sale – $895,000

Paddington Style Townhouse

1/14

Lalaguli Drv, Toormina 1 2 1

A taste of Paddo in Toormina - complete with ornate metal work!

Conveniently positioned between Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre and Sawtell is this spacious 2 bedroom townhouse. Both bedrooms have robes - master with a balcony, the living area is open plan with the kitchen presenting in original order. There is also a single garage, your own yard and a small front balcony. Our excellent tenant pays $355 per week with the lease expiring in March 2023. This townhouse should appeal to the investor, active retirees downsizing or first home buyers. Arrange your inspection today.

For Sale – $475,000

Bonville Retreat - Lifestyle is everything 104 Faviell Drv, Bonville 4 5 6 1

The ducted air conditioning adjusts the temperature when required whilst the covered entertaining area overlooks your inviting inground pool.

The double garage houses the cars with there being a separate 10m x 5 m colourbond shed to house additional vehicles or for the home handyman to tinker in. The shed also has a granny flat that could double as guest accommodation or a teenagers retreat.

The surrounding land could easily be fenced to run a few horses or cattle or to plant fruit trees or alike.

This fantastic opportunity awaits your inspection with Sawtells fine beaches and restaurants being less than 10 minutes away by car. Bonville International Golf Resort is less than 3 kms down the road for the avid golfer. Arrange your inspection today, you won’t be disappointed!

Lovely Boambee East Home - Level Block

This well built Brian Hopwood Home is located in one of our best estates! The home has 3 bedrooms - all with robes, the lounge/ living areas are open plan with the kitchen being well appointed. The covered entertaining area is the ideal place to relax and the garage has internal access. For the investor, our long term tenant pays $490 per week with their lease expiring in February next year.

For Sale – $689,000

OPINIONLETTERS

HYPOTHETICAL Legal Look OPINION & LETTERS

On theCouch

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

By Manny WOOD

Siblings seek closure after 50 years

WILLIAM disappeared 50 years ago, when he was in his mid-20s.

He was not married and had no children.

William’s sister, Jane discovers that William had superannuation and life insurance.

However, Jane is unable to have the funds released because there was no will and no death certificate.

Jane sees a solicitor and is advised that she will need to obtain a grant of “letters of administration” to have the authority to claim William’s super and life insurance.

This grant is similar to a grant of probate but is made in circumstances where there is no will.

Jane is advised that because there is no death certificate or will, extensive searches will need to be made before the Court will approve her application.

Searches are made with Births, Deaths and Marriages, Centrelink, the Department of Corrective Services, ASIC, the Department of Immigration, the Salvation Army and the four big banks.

Affidavits are sworn, detailing the searches that were made and confirming that none of William’s family members have had any contact with him since his disappearance.

William’s five siblings sign consents, confirming that they agree to Jane obtaining a grant.

An application is made to the Supreme Court.

A barrister is retained to make written submissions and the matter is dealt with “in chambers”.

The Judge asks for further searches to be made through the New South Wales Police and Facebook but these searches also prove unsuccessful.

The Court states that the “presumption of death” can be applied if there is no knowledge of the person being alive after seven years.

The Court ultimately rules that on the balance of probabilities, William is presumed to have died and that Jane is the appropriate person to administer his estate.

The Court orders that Jane be granted letters of administration on the basis that she distribute William’s estate equally amongst herself and his other surviving siblings.

Email Manny Wood TB Law at manny@tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487. This column cannot be relied upon as legal advice.

Where is Council, business chamber and tourism industry on Grandpa’s Scrub issue?

DEAR News Of The Area,

WHY are the Coffs Harbour City Council, the local tourism industry and the business chamber not joining calls for the bypass to be rerouted to save the unique Grandpa's Scrub?

These groups have been boasting about Coffs Harbour becoming the first certified Eco Tourism destination in New South Wales.

This recognition is based on a wellmanaged commitment to sustainability and high-quality nature-based tourism.

How can the city maintain that recognition as an ecologically important destination when it’s prepared to stand back and watch the destruction of such an important remnant forest on its doorstep?

"This little patch is the last of the

lowland Coffs Harbour white booyong sub tropical type.”

So said renowned botanist Dr Robert Kooyman on a recent visit to the area located on the city's outskirts.

Dr Kooyman confirmed the halfhectare patch met all requirements for Threatened Ecological Community status under NSW law.

And yet, the state government and its Transport department are pushing ahead with plans to destroy this precious remnant when building the Coffs Harbour bypass.

And there's barely a whimper from the city's institutional so-called "eco tourism" interests.

Regards, Lorraine DAVIES, Toormina.

From the heart

DEAR News Of The Area,

IN reply to a letter in last week's NOTA regarding The Voice to Parliament quoting studies by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), I feel it is worth drawing your readers’ attention to the IPA and its track record.

The IPA has been a long standing conservative lobby group which has had a considerable influence on Australia's coalition partners and their policy making.

When the coalition has been in government the IPA has been, surprise, surprise, a ‘Voice to Parliament’.

A very strong and effective voice at that.

It has influenced the coalition on matters such as climate policy.

It opposes action on climate change.

It advocates for abolition of the minimum wage, repeal of the racial discrimination act and privatisation and deregulation of government enterprises.

Without getting bogged down in the rights or wrongs of the IPA's stance on any of these issues, nor arguing their

right to lobby governments in pursuit of their goals, it seems passing strange that this powerful lobby group is warning of the dangers that might emerge from the establishment of an Indigenous voice to parliament, which is no more than another lobby group which politicians may take heed of or not.

Do they know something about the undermining of democracy by lobby groups that the rest of us don't?

The Waitangi Tribunal is in no way analogous to the proposed Australian Voice to Parliament. The clue is in the word Tribunal: ‘a body set up to settle disputes’.

Maori people have had guaranteed representation in the NZ parliament since 1867, which is a more robust right than our modest Australian proposal for "a voice to parliament".

There are no reports however, of the Kiwi sky having fallen as a result.

In the interests of seeking common ground with those we disagree with, the one common ground I have with Peter Weyling is that I firmly believe he is correct

Do you have a pressing problem, annoying anxiety or community conundrum? Jasminda Featherlight, our resident roving Agony Aunt, is here to help. Jasminda will be responding to questions from readers. SEND your concerns to Jasminda care of media@newsofthearea.com.au and include your name and suburb.

DEAR Jasminda,

I was recently told I look good for my age.

On reflection, I don't think this is a compliment, but an insult.

How should I have responded?

Helen G.

Ah, the old backhanded compliment.

A bit like the backhand return in table tennis, it can put you off guard and it is only later, on reflection, that you have the time to think of the perfect way to deal with it.

It is hard to know whether people who give backhanded compliments are being genuine and are actually unaware of their faux pas, or if they are just plain cruel.

A bit like real estate ads, there's usually always a hidden meaning.

So, if someone says 'You look great for your age' at the very least it's ageism, but it also seems to say, 'I can't believe someone as old as you looks so good' and that's not a great thing to hear.

If you hear: 'Wow, you're so confident. I'd never be game to wear that,' they probably mean, 'Do you really think you can get away with that outfit?'.

How about: 'I almost didn't recognise you'.

Which suggests; 'You normally look terrible.'

Or: 'You look like I feel,' which translates to 'I feel really dodgy.'

Or: 'Every time you wear that dress it looks amazing.'

Which probably means: 'You're wearing that again!'

Maybe you could just reply with the oft-used but still punchy 'Wisdom has been chasing you, but I see you are faster' and you will probably never receive another compliment from this person, backhanded or otherwise.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

that Australians do need to think carefully about this vote, including the motivations of those for and against it.

Regards, Stan WOOD, Upper Orara.

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

Print media has never been as affordable for your business.

Call Gaye Conway now 0436 355 564 or email gaye@newsofthearea.com.au

Times gone by

By Karen FILEWOOD

COFFS Harbour’s experience of the 1919 influenza pandemic began with excitement and alarm when a returned soldier by the name of Sampson arrived on the steamship ‘Noorebar’ on 30 January 1919 to start work on Mr W Semgreen’s farm at Nana Creek.

That afternoon he began to feel unwell, showing symptoms which looked suspiciously like the flu.

He was immediately isolated, along with a contact, in the Lower Bucca school and Doctor Smithson was summoned.

Two days later Sampson and his contact were transported to Coffs Harbour by car.

Joined by the car driver, Stan Nelson, the three men isolated in the jetty private hospital, although the contacts appeared quite well.

Sampson was not officially

Coffs 1919 Flu Pandemic: A Time of Action (Part 1)

diagnosed with influenza, but did have a heavy cold, made worse by anxiety over his condition.

The day after Sampson’s arrival in Coffs, the president and engineer of the Dorrigo Shire Council, Councillor H Hindmarsh and Mr H Leonard, respectively, met to make preparations for an outbreak in the town.

They arranged to have the public school buildings inspected to estimate the number of patients they could accommodate and made inquiries with the shopkeepers to discover how much bedding could be made available. They also arranged a supply of masks and vaccines from the health department and on the morning Sampson and his contact’s hospital transfer, the lowlying parts of town underwent a general disinfection.

The news of an infected person in Coffs spread fast, aided by telegraph and making appearances in newspapers around Australia, along with statistical information of each state and city’s cases.

Government concerns were raised

over people arriving at regional centres such as Kempsey, Armidale and Glen Innes.

Particular unease was felt for Coffs Harbour as the town was in direct contact with city visitors arriving by sea and a telegram was sent, urging the examination of steamer passengers arriving at Coffs Harbour Jetty.

The local paper printed instructions for making masks, along with lists of ‘Preventative Rules’ and ‘Curative Measures’.

The below is taken from a story titled ‘Influenza’, Coffs Harbour Advocate 5 February 1919, p. 2.

Preventative Rules

The following simple rules should be observed -

Keep away from the cougher, spitter, or sneezer who does not use a mask or handkerchief.

Keep out of crowds.

Keep in the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible.

Keep out of doors if possible, or in a

Sand nourishment at Park Beach

DEAR News Of The Area, TRANSPORT for NSW has issued an update on the Boat Ramp Upgrade dated November 2022 which states that consideration is being given to disposing of sand extracted from the harbour onto Park Beach.

In principle, I support this concept.

They claim they have “consulted extensively with key stakeholder groups about the option of beach nourishment in some designated areas at Park Beach”.

Who are these groups?

Why haven’t the beach users been consulted?

We need to ensure that any sand that is placed on Park Beach is well to the north of the Surf Club and spread along the beach to avoid the problems encountered previously when large quantities of sand were deposited in front of the surf club.

This resulted in a serious loss of beach amenity on Coffs Harbour’s

well-ventilated room.

Be temperate in eating and avoid alcohol.

Wash your hands and face immediately upon reaching your home.

Change your clothes before mingling with the rest of your family.

Exercise short of fatigue, should be taken regularly.

Keep the mouth and teeth clean.

Curative Measures

It the epidemic should break out –

Go to bed in a room to yourself directly you feel symptoms of pain in the head or limbs or a cold, and take light diet.

Stay in bed until recovery is complete.

The sick person should cough, sneeze or expectorate into gauze or a piece of clean rag, which should be burnt at once after use.

Persons handling the gauze or rag should wash their hands after each attention.

Patient’s room should be well ventilated and care should be taken that draughts do not strike him.

Visitors should be kept from the sick room as far as possible.

Only one member of the family should attend on the patient, and the attendant should wear a mask.

premier surfing beach and the choking of the entrance to Coffs Creek, both of which were predictable and preventable.

The State Government needs to consult and communicate more effectively and sort out these technical coastal process issues including the siltation at the boat ramp and the Harbour generally.

Regards, Bruce FIDGE, Civil/Coastal Engineer (retired).

Addressing inaccuracies on the Waitangi Tribunal in Aotearoa

DEAR News Of The Area, Tēnā koutou katoa (Greetings all)

The inaccuracies and misinformation in Peter Weyling’s letter (27 January) re the Voice to Parliament relating to the Waitangi Tribunal in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are staggering.

I was born in the 1950s in a part of Aotearoa where there were 50 percent Māori, 50 percent Pākeha.

I learnt Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) during the 1980s and 1990s.

I was part of a non-formal community education process about Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and biculturalism from the mid-1980s onward.

The paper on which Te Tiriti o Waitangi was printed was supplied by one of my forebears.

I sat at Tuahiwi marae and listened to the submissions being made by Ngāi Tahu during their Treaty claim process to the Waitangi Tribunal in the early-mid 1990s.

During that time, I knew and worked alongside one of the principal speakers for Ngāi Tahu.

I think I have learnt something about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Waitangi Treaty during all that time.

The Waitangi Tribunal was set up to hear and make recommendations to parliament on historical claims by Māori where Crown breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi were alleged.

Contrary to Peter Weyling’s erroneous claims, the Waitangi Tribunal makes recommendations only, it has no

“veto over parliamentary debates and government decisions.”

Nor does it allocate resources, on any ground.

To state that it does so “on the basis of race, not need” is nothing short of gross misinformation and fear-mongering.

The history of Aotearoa around Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Waitangi Tribunal is significantly different to that painted by Peter Weyling.

Furthermore, Peter Weyling is being disingenuous by quoting his source as the Institute of Public Affairs, which leads readers to assume that this is a New Zealand body.

It is not!

The Institute of Public Affairs is a conservative think-tank based in Melbourne – hardly a creditable source for information on the Waitangi Tribunal.

I would hope that if the Waitangi

The NOTA wants you!

TELLING the incredible stories of the Coffs Coast is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.

The independently-owned NOTA launched in the region in 2020 and is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area.

Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the Coffs Coast team, with a Council reporter sought in

particular.

“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.

“As the paper continues to grow, we are always looking for enthusiastic wordsmiths to help cover the region’s news, sport, events, music etc.”

Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community,

to meet some of the awe-inspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life in our region.

Writing for NOTA is flexible, with contributor reporters able to submit as many or as few stories per week to fit in with their present lifestyle and commitments.

NOTA Reporter Andrea Ferrari said, “I absolutely love my role reporting the

Tribunal and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are cited as models used by the drafters of the Voice to Parliament that they use far more credible sources than Peter Weyling is putting forward.

Remember too, that Aotearoa has a treaty.

Australia does not.

The Voice to Parliament is not a treaty.

Just one final comment.

Māori do not have a voice to parliament in Aotearoa, Māori have a voice in parliament, and have done so since 1867.

Initially there were four dedicated Māori seats in parliament, today there are seven.

New Zealand has benefited from that voice within its parliament over the past 150 years plus.

Ngā mihi, Bruce MEDER, Coffs Harbour.

news and especially connecting with the people.

“I have met so many kind, generous, interesting, and community-focused individuals in my work, it heartens me to be able to share their voices, good works and fun events in the paper.”

If you want to be a part of helping the community get its weekly local news hit, then let's start the conversation.

Send us an email telling us a bit about yourself to media@ newsofthearea.com.au.

Workshop gives thought for food

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Regional Community Gardens was a winning spot to host last weekend’s Get Growing workshops run by Ian Earth’s The Gourmet School, on January 28 and 29.

Lara Reading, the Secretary of the Coffs Regional Community Gardens told News Of The Area, “Ian is a fantastic

q Saturday's workshop was about techniques for creating a low maintenance, fertile food garden.

speaker and manages to engage with everyone, no matter what their level of experience and background, and opens up the fascinating microbial world of soil.”

Saturday's free workshop was about techniques for creating a low maintenance but highly productive garden, growing food either for the first time or to enjoy more success cultivating a healthy, fertile food garden.

“Ian started with telling everyone about the basics of practical planning for a vegetable garden design, and how to build up the best soil for vegetable growing along with answering specific questions from gardeners on how to grow their favourite crops.”

Sunday’s workshop went through the process of assessing soil health and diagnosing what's needed

LOCALSPORT

q Ian Earth's two Get Growing workshops, held at the Coffs Regional Community Gardens, were very well attended and well received.

to optimise conditions and improve performance.

“According to Ian, having the correct soil composition not only creates a better crop, but also a much tastier crop,” said Lara.

“Not only that, but your plants will also out-compete weeds and resist garden pests.

“Participants were able to bring along their own soil samples for assessment

and we learnt a lot about what the perfect soil should include,” said Lara.

Ian was able to use the Community Gardens to demonstrate his principles practically.

Participants learned about planting seedlings and the value of good mulch, as well as useful methods to control weeds.

By analysing the composition and chemical

pH of your soil you can plan how to improve it by what should be added and the benefits of green manure.

“Ian was really knowledgeable and able to answer everyone’s gardening questions.

“He was a mine of information and no doubt all attendees would have gone home to review their gardens with fresh eyes,” she closed.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

AFL North Coast juniors selected to Swans junior squads

By Aiden BURGESS

THREE of the AFL North Coast’s top juniors have been selected to the Sydney Swans junior squads.

Beau Guthrie, Amaia Wain and Will Kelly have gained inclusion to the Sydney Swans Academy NAB League squads.

The NAB League is the best junior Australian Rules competition in the country, and is one of the primary sources of recruitment for AFL clubs with recruiters regularly attending matches.

Beau Guthrie (Coffs Harbour Breakers) and Will Kelly (Port Macquarie Magpies) have both been included in the Swans Academy under 18 male squad, while Amaia Wain (Bellingen Bulldogs) has been selected in the under 16 female squad.

The three players have made the initial squads of 40, and will now look to vie

for selection to make the first 22 and feature in up to nine NAB League games this season.

Community Football Manager, Paul Taylor, said the three players had shown the dedication needed to go far in the sport.

"Will, Beau and Amaia made regular trips to Sydney before Christmas as part of the selection process and, since being announced in the squad, have been to Sydney on several occasions to do multiple day blocks of training," he said.

"The commitment that these three young stars have shown is outstanding and, when combined with their obvious talent, they have the opportunity to put themselves on the pathway to a bright future in the game.

“They now have the chance to play in the nation’s premier underage

competition that has been the pathway to the draft for

the vast majority of current AFL and AFLW players.”

path as former locals Cambridge McCormick, who played AFLW with the GWS Giants in 2022, and Angus Anderson, who has joined Sturt in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) ahead of the 2023 season.

q Will Kelly, Beau Guthrie and Amaia Wain.

Coffs Coast Cyclones BMX Club track open for racing

By Aiden BURGESS

AFTER a two year wait, the Coffs Coast Cyclones BMX Club track is finally open for racing.

The Cyclones are currently running some gate nights and are looking to get weekly racing underway.

Gates nights are being held from 6pm on Thursday and Friday nights.

The new five metre start hill now in operation brings the track up to a National Series standard.

The start hill is only open on club organised days, so for your opportunity to ride the new hill you need to have a Auscycling licence and attend a gates night or another club event.

The Cyclones are also looking for volunteers to help with running race night operations, and include the positions of a gate starter, flaggy, first aid (certificate required),

and sign on.

Coffs Coast Cyclones BMX Club is the local BMX race club for the Coffs Harbour area and surrounding regions.

Gates night is a good way to see the riders in action and ask any questions you may have regarding joining the club and taking up the sport.

The sport of BMX is not just for the serious racer, but can be enjoyed by everyone, young or old.

For anyone wanting to give this exciting sport a go, the Cyclones will be putting up some details on how to sign up or come along to a gate night and have a chat.

The club has a small range of bikes for loan on club days for new riders to try.

For further information, jump onto the club's Facebook page ‘Coffs Coast Cyclones BMX Club’.

Coffs Harbour Boardriders to contest national final

his wife Carly is our club president and women’s team member.

“Jayke Sharp is probably our best surfer as he was on the WSL and in 2014 won the best surfer at the Australian Boardriders Battle.

“Will Martin was number three in national juniors, Creed Smart won the Oz

Grom Cup last year, and Rosie Smart had a couple of big wins last year.

“And Madison Williams is also a very good surfer.”

7 Plus will be televising the Australian Boardriders Battle grand final this weekend.

The Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club is one of the longest running boardriders clubs in Australia, having been an integral part of the Coffs Coast surfing community since 1965.

The Coffs Harbour Boardriders will be holding their first competition of the year on Sunday, 19 February.

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Boardriders Club surfers are set to take their place amongst the country’s best clubs this weekend, when they compete in the grand final of the Australian Boardriders Battle at Newcastle Beach.

The Coffs club will take their place amongst 24 clubs from throughout Australia as they battle to be crowned national champions.

The Coffs Harbour Boardriders qualified for the national final after a top four finish at their home qualifying event in October.

The Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots boardriders event and involves more than 70 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs.

The top 24 clubs to feature in this weekend's grand final qualified through either of 8 qualifying events.

Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club assistant contest director Steve Dean said the team had a good blend of youth and experience.

“We’ve got a very strong team, some top juniors and good seniors,” he said.

“It’s the first time we haven't got Lee Winkler as he's stepped aside.

“Jay White is our Masters (over 35s) surfer and club masters champion, and

q Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club members are off to compete in Newcastle.

Coffs Harbour touch teams compete in Northern Eagles Junior Championships

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour’s best junior touch teams have taken on Northern NSW’s finest at home during the Northern Eagles Junior Championships in Coffs Harbour.

Over 70 teams from across Northern NSW took part in a big day of touch football, with teams from Forster to Tweed Heads out to Tamworth.

Coffs Harbour had seven teams including under 12s girls and boys, under 14s girls, under 16s girls and boys, and under 18s girls.

It’s only the second time Coffs Harbour has hosted the event, with the number of teams doubling in size from last year.

The under 12s girls narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth, whilst the under 12s boys (blue), under 16s boys, under 16s girls, and under 18s girls teams all made it to the finals.

The under 18 girls qualified for their grand

final going down to a more experienced Port Macquarie side by just one try.

Their coach Jason Rooney said it was a great effort from his undermanned side.

“I was so happy for the girls, they had an interrupted preparation with a couple of players withdrawing from the team at the eleventh hour,” he said.

“They ended up playing the tournament with fewer subs than all our other teams, and it was their grit and determination in defence that got them to the grand final.”

The Coffs players at the championships were also vying for selection in the Northern Eagles junior representative teams.

The Coffs Harbour teams next play on Sunday, 12 February in Ballina, which is an additional opportunity for Northern Eagles selectors to finalise their teams for Junior Regional Championships and National Youth Championships to be held later in the year.

Harwood, Valleys and All Stars all win in latest round of Premier League

By Aiden BURGESS

THE top three teams on the ladder all won their respective matches during the latest round of the North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season.

Harwood, Valleys Cricket, and the Diggers/Nana Glen

All Stars were all winners in their one day matches in Round 10 last weekend.

Harwood maintained top spot on the ladder with a 78-

run win against Sawtell at Harwood Oval.

The home side opened the batting and posted 9/219, with Dan McColl top scoring with 45.

Mitchell Westley was the best of the Sawtell bowlers taking 3/55 from his 8 overs.

Harwood bowled out Sawtell for 141, with Dean Carroll doing the bulk of the damage taking 4/21 from 8 overs.

Valleys Cricket kept in

touch with Harwood at the top of the ladder with a 6 wicket win against the Coffs Colts at Coffs Coast Sport & Leisure Park.

Valleys bowled out the Colts for 103, with Benjamin Pierce dismissing both openers with a top spell of 2/19 from 8 overs, while Taylor Gilbert took 3/13 from 2.5 overs.

Benjamin Pierce led home the successful chase finishing on 32 not out in his man of

the match performance.

The Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars consolidated third spot on the ladder with a five wicket win against the Northern Districts Rebels at Fitzroy Oval.

The All Stars dismissed the Rebels for 102, with Jonathon Paff producing a sensational spell taking 6/29 from his 8 overs.

Jesse Ferrett was the best of the All Stars batsmen with a knock of 47.

The Premier League season continues this weekend with teams playing twice.

Saturday sees matches played in Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, and Macksville.

Valleys Cricket play host to Harwood in their top of the table clash at Phillip Hughes Oval.

Rebels at Richardson Park. Sunday sees matches played in Sawtell, Woolgoolga, and Harwood.

Sawtell host Valleys Cricket, while the Northern Districts Rebels host the Coffs Colts.

Diggers/Nana Glen

All Stars travel to take on Harwood at Harwood Oval. Premier League standings. 1. Harwood. 47 points. 7 wins. 2. Valleys Cricket. 45 points. 7 wins. 3. Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars. 32 points. 5 wins. 4. Sawtell. 26 points. 3 wins. 5. Northern Districts Rebels. 25 points. 4 wins. 6. Coffs Colts. 18 points. 2 wins.

Coffs Coast Tigers prepare for 2023 season

By Aiden BURGESS

ONE of the best men’s teams in recent seasons is preparing for the upcoming 2023 North Coast Football season.

The Coffs Coast Tigers are busy preparing for the latest football season, having

already played their first trial match of the year against the Westlawn Tigers, and set to play another at home against the Maclean Bobcats this weekend.

The Tigers were one win away from a grand final berth in last year’s Coastal Premier

League, bowing out at the preliminary final stage.

Tigers men’s coach Luke Stow said his young side had a clear ambition this season.

“Probably aiming to win the competition, after coming so close last season (making the preliminary final), we'll be

aiming to win it this season.”

Stow said the Tigers were building both on and off the field.

“We’ve got a good young squad and we’re building a good culture,” he said.

“We’re more a familybased club and welcome you

Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars host the Coffs Colts at Fitzroy Oval, while Sawtell host the Northern Districts as family.”

The Tigers are excited to be part of the promotion of women's football and are also looking to field a women's second division team under the guidance of Jason Snell.

Players are welcome to join the Tigers for the 2023

season, with training on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6pm at Polwarth Drive.

Anyone interested in joining the Tigers in 2023 can make contact at the club's Facebook page, or by email at coffscoasttigers@gmail.com.

North Coast Bulldogs to kick off representative seasons in Coffs Harbour

By Aiden BURGESS

NORTH Coast’s junior rugby league teams kick off their representative seasons this weekend with home games in Coffs Harbour.

The North Coast Bulldogs under 18s and under 16s will be in action as they kick off their seasons in the Laurie Daley Cup and Andrew Johns Cup.

The Bulldogs teams play

host to the Northern Tigers on Saturday morning at Geoff King Motors Oval.

The Andrew Johns Cup match kicks off at 10am, followed by the Laurie Daley Cup match at 11.20am.

The Laurie Daley and Andrew Johns Cups are NSW's regional representative competitions.

Both the North Coast Bulldogs under 18s and 16s teams were winners during

their recent trial matches against the Northern Rivers Titans in Coffs Harbour.

The North Coast Bulldogs under 18s squad is coming off a successful 2022 season in which they finished runners

up in the Laurie Daley Cup.

The Bulldogs first away game of the season is on Saturday, 11 February, when they travel to Wauchope to take on the Macarthur Wests Tigers.

q The Coffs Harbour under 18s girls team. Back row: Coach Jason Rooney, Indi Harris, Sahara Powell, Charlotte Ricketts, Anatoli Tsipitsidis, Imogen Daymond. Front row: Alexandra Nealand, captain Charlotte Facer, Caroline Mostert, Stephanie Evans.

Campbell wins nineteenth cap for Australia

By David WIGLEY

DANIEL Campbell from Coffs Harbour has been selected for the Pararoos against the United States on Saturday 4 February in Sydney.

Campbell burst onto the scene five years ago as a fifteen-year-old, making his debut against the United States with a cameo appearance as a substitute.

The 20-year-old Coffs Coast Tigers defender has since established himself as a key player, scoring important goals in big tournaments and will pocket his nineteenth cap on Saturday night in Manly.

Daniel won ‘Young Player of the Year’ in 2018 and scooped the big prize last year, winning Pararoo ‘Player of the Year’ for 2022 after scoring a hat-trick

at the IFCPF World Cup in Barcelona.

Overcoming hurdles has been a key feature to Campbell’s success, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of four.

He couldn’t run without falling over, so he looked down at his feet and discovered magic in his toes.

“Growing up I fell over a lot, I was always tripping on things.

“I had spasms in my legs, so I walked on my toes,” he said.

“I discovered early on that If I ran I could be on my toes and I wouldn’t fall over.

“There were certain things I couldn’t do – but I learnt to adjust and adapt.”

Born in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Campbell travelled to Australia with his adoptive

family when he was sixmonths-old and has been kicking a football since the day he could walk.

The love of football and wearing the green gold has been his inspiration.

“It’s always an honour to represent your country, especially playing the game I love.

“The USA is a very strong team with a good coaching staff around them.

“They finished fourth at the recent World Cup in Barcelona 2022.

“It will be a very hard game for us, so we need to be switched on if we want to get a good result.”

Daniel won’t be resting on his laurels and has fresh goals to kick in 2023.

“I have some goals on and off the field this year and I’m

determined to accomplish them so 2023 can be as good a year as 2022.

“My hope is that one day the Pararoos will be recognised in the same way as the Socceroos and the

Matildas are, that we will inspire younger generations of football players that anything is possible,” said Daniel.

Match tickets for the Pararoos versus USA are

available through Ticketek, with the match kicking off on Saturday 4 February at 3pm at Cromer Park, Manly. 100 percent of ticket sales are invested back into the Pararoos.

Coffs Harbour orienteer receives Orienteering NSW award

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour orienteer

Helen O’Callaghan has been recognized for her work with some of the state's top junior orienteers.

The Bush 'n' Beach Orienteering Club member is the joint recipient of the Orienteering NSW 2022 President’s Award for her work with junior orienteers in the NSW State development team.

The Orienteering NSW President’s Award is presented annually to a member or members for outstanding service to orienteering in NSW.

Coffs Harbour climbing list of Australia's best courses

THE tremendous reputation the Coffs Harbour Golf Club enjoys around the nation continues to grow.

The club has once again been named in the Golf Australia Magazine’s Top-100 list of public golf courses.

Having been named on the list for the first time twelve months ago at number 89, the judging panel has this year given the 27-hole layout an even bigger thumbs up with the popular club jumping up another four places in the rankings to number 85.

One of the magazine’s judges said he rated the

Coffs Harbour course as a favourite because of “subtle elevation changes and a wide variety of different holes requiring a range of shots, combined with beautifully manicured fairways and greens”.

The high rating comes on top of Coffs Harbour being named in November at number five in another of the magazine’s prestigious lists - Australia’s Top-50 Favourite courses.

Coffs Harbour Golf Club General Manager Paul McAra said the elevated spot on the list is a wonderful honour for the club and its members.

“The course has jumped up on the back of the improvements to the course that have been made due the recommendations in the Craig Parry masterplan,” McAra said.

“To have an icon of Australian golf play an important role in the improvements that have been made to the bunkering and other areas of the course is a boost.

"And the club is extremely lucky to have a great team of greens staff that consistently presents the course in an amazing condition that makes people want to return."

Led by Helen O’Callaghan, with Newcastle Orienteers Jenny Enderby and Bjorn Mella, the Junior Development Team ensured that NSW junior orienteers were well represented both in the formally selected NSW Schools Team (the Carbines) and in a new parallel initiative, the National Junior Development Team.

Their commitment and work, with a large support group of parents and juniors behind the scenes, substantially contributed to growth in orienteering participation at the junior level in 2022.

Orienteering NSW president Robyn Pallas said Helen O’Callaghan had helped tremendously with the development of juniors in NSW.

“She does a lot of the coordination and initiatives for the juniors and the state junior development team,” she said.

“She's the driving force for a lot of ideas and initiatives and organises training, and we couldn’t do a lot of it without her.

“She’s definitely a worthy recipient of the award for her outstanding contribution to orienteering in NSW.”

q The consistently great condition of the course at Coffs Harbour Golf Club is one of the reasons why it has once again been rated so highly by Golf Australia magazine.

q Daniel Campbell and the Pararoos take on the USA on Saturday 4 February in Sydney.

q Orienteering NSW awardees Mark Freeman, Helen O’Callaghan, Jenny Enderby, Damien Enderby, Vanessa Freeman.

Racing Ryan!

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 48

mentor of school-age kids starting out in the sport.

Taking courage to fulfil his dream, in 2022 Ryan took what he calls “a crazy gamble that paid off in more ways than I could have imagined.”

“I spent pretty much every dollar to my name travelling to the eight World Series mountain bike races scattered across Europe and North America for the opportunity to race against the best in the world.”

Ryan’s goal was to represent his country, Australia, and himself with the hopes that he could return on his investment and get picked up by a pro team for 2023.

“With some amazing help from my parents, my sponsors and some generous donations, the year was a great success, placing fifth in the international mountain bike 2022 Enduro World Series Under 21 category.

“This result caught the attention of some team managers, and I am very proud to be joining a professional team to race overseas again in 2023.

“Growing up on the Coffs Coast and learning to love my sport in such a beautiful environment has made me feel incredibly grateful for, not just the natural assets we have here, but the amazing community of sporting excellence and sportsmanship that comes from the Coffs Coast.

“I make sure that I am

doing my part at every possible opportunity to ride with the local kids and attempt to be as good as the role models I had growing up.

“My high school (Toormina High) was a learning environment that embodied these values of community and teamwork that have assisted in making me the athlete I am today.”

With his focus fine-tuned to mountain bike racing this year, Ryan has a few things on the back burner until next year.

“My Bachelor of Engineering and videography business are unfortunately going on hold as I take this opportunity with both hands and do my very best to make my home town and country proud.”

Urunga Bowls

By Pamela WATSON

CONGRATULATIONS to Bob Burgess and Kath McPhail on winning the

Park Beach Mens Bowling Club

By Mark STAR

MINOR Pairs Saturday 28/01

- Sunday 29/01

R1 K. Kaaden (sub) R. Wisley, R. Alford def T. Wisely, M. McCabe 25/9

G. Duffey and D. Lindner def S. McAviney and B. Nicholson 30/25

R2 T. Gordon, D. Wilson def L.Frail, S. Cook 28/16

G. Duffey and D. Lindner def K. Kaaden (sub) R. Wisley, R. Alford 24/13

S. Crawford, M. Star def R. Lane, K. Morrison 27/20

J. Wills, C. Weatherall def N. Dean, P. North 19/17

B. Odmark, R. Aitken def McWha, N. Condon 23/15

mixed pairs competition 2023 at Urunga. Competition was tough with some surprising upsets along the way. Some great efforts by our newer members

D. Francis, D. Hull def S. Campbell, C. Jones 25/15

Q/F - M. Berube, D. Orchard def S. Crawford, M. Star 29/15

Q/F - R. Halloway (sub) J. Thorn, P. Hall def J. Wills, C. Weatherall 24/16

Tuesday Open Fours 24/01

P. Woodsell, E. Crestani, J. Bennett, L. Morris def G. Skinner, N. McVicar, J. Thorn, D. Condon 21/12

G. Williams, J. Kennedy, M. Star, P. Rambow def W. Moore, J. Leek, E. Kidd, C. England 22/13

K. Johnson, I. Trengove, A. Dorrington, D. Hull def C. Hansen, M. Ross, P. North, M. Flint 20/17

P. Booth, J. Long, K. Williams, R. Lane def M.

showed on the green, making the weekend all the more exciting.

Bob and Kath met up with Elaine Cameron and Dave Miles in the final, a game that was played

England, B. Kelly, H. Slater, S. Campbell 28/11

B. Odmark, P. McLauchan, R. Aitken, B. Johns def C. Treharne, J. Clarke, R. Oakley, M, Berube 18/17

D & V Valentine, D. Orchid, C. Weatherall def C. Williamson, T. Gordon, C. Jones, J. Phillips 21/13

S. Jones, Macca, Nicko, D. Wilson def J. McLeod, P. Crockett, J. Robinson, D. Catling 21/9

Thursday Australia Day Round Robin 26/01

(Rinks 7 & 8) L. Goodacre, M. Monck, J. Robinson, R. Harris 31pts, B. Kelly, S. McAviney, B. White, J. Phillips 24pts, A. McKee, M. Moppett, M. Wren, J. Swan 22pts, C. Keogh. C. Treharne, S. Campbell, R. Oakley 21pts, S.

to the very last end with both teams neck and neck, but as always we can only give one prize but our runners up need to be also congratulated on their effort.

Jones, B. Hardwick, M. Flint, K. Morrison 17pts. (Rinks 9 &10) W. Moore, J. Eding, B. Odmark, G. Colman 30pts, P. Woodsell, P. Toy, J. Bennett, L. Morris 26pts, S. Kindred, S. Bloomfield, G. Kindred, B. Bain 24pts, T. O’Halloran, C. Williamson, A. Dorrington, D. Hull 19pts,D. Hancock, S. Hancock, R. DeMeio, M. DeMeio 4pts. (Rinks 11& 12) G. Duffy, J. Long, M.Star, D. Lindner 30pts, D. Lambert, P. North, R. Halloway, R. Lane 29pts, G. Williams, M. Berube, J. Kennedy, R. Farmer 21pts, J. McLeod, D. Catling, T. Monck, B. Nicholson 19pts, C. Hansen, A. Taylor, T. Rhodes, D. Walsh 16pts (Rinks 13 & 14) D.

Valentine, B. Johns, D. Orchid, R. Aitken 36pts, J. Launds, R. Host, D. Wilson, A. Pike 22pts, K. Topham, S. Crawford, R. O’Keefe, L. Miles 20pts,L. McLeod, B. Edwards, R. Banwell,I. Trengove 18pts, A. Orr, M. England, C. England, J. Slater 17pts. Park Beach Bowling Club

conducts free bowls lessons every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9.00am.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Please put your name down at the Club reception by 5.00pm Friday.

q Bob, Kath, Elaine and Dave.

q Coming home, Ryan Gilchrist speeds through the Finale of the Enduro World Series 2022. Photo: Sven Martin.

q In the MTB Finale in the Enduro World Series, former Toormina High School student Ryan Gilchrist shows his courage. Photo: Sven Martin.

q Ryan in the EWS Petzen Jamnica race event within the Enduro World Series in Slovenia.

Photo: Sven Martin

In Memory

TONY YOUNGMAN MEMORIAL

Following his passing at the age of 87 after a long illness last June, Tony is being interred in Coffs Harbour, followed by a Wake, on Saturday 11 February. If you would like to join his family to remember and celebrate his life, please text Erica on 0431 155 422 or Jane on 0414 363 801.

Death Notices

Death Notices

Death Notices

Eileen (Red) Patricia SHOTTON

Late of Newry Island, Urunga.

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 28 January 2023.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Alan (Rocker) Robertson.

de BREE, Vera May

Peacefully passed away on 27th January 2023 at Coffs Harbour. Much loved wife of John (dec’d). Loving mother of Beverley (dec’d), Margaret, Jeanette, Ellen, John and Barry. Loved nan & nana Bree to her many grandchildren, great grandchildren & great great grandchildren. Loved aunty to Maureen and Max.

In her 101st year “Lived life to the fullest”

– 28/01/2023

Peacefully at Bellingen River District Hospital, late of Coffs Harbour. Loved partner of Daphne. Father, father-in-law and grandfather of Peter & Lyn, Lindsay & Denise, Stephen (dec) and their families. Special Poppykins to Yvonne, Dave and Chloe. A big thank you to Dr Norm Cornish for your care over the years.

Aged 86 Years

Alex was privately cremated as per his wishes.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

A celebration of Vera’s life was held at a Graveside Service at the Bellingen Cemetery on Thursday, 2nd February 2023.

In the caring hands of ALLIED FUNERAL HOME

124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour Ph: 6651 2363

Survived by Jenny, Mary, Keith, Andrea, Des, Cate, Heather, James and many dear friends. A funeral service will not be held at Eileen’s request. A date will be announced for a gathering at her home to celebrate her life.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Contact

Funeral Notices

Kenneth Herdegen 26th January 2023

Passed away in Coffs Harbour. Formerly of Panania, Sydney. Much loved husband of Dawn (dec). Loved dad of Gloria (dec) and David. Loving Poppy of Corey, Jayde, Zac and Sonny. Beloved brother of Joan, Beau, Kevin, Lyn, Helen and Jane.

Aged 75 Years

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Kenneth’s funeral service to be held Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 1.30pm in the Chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Coffs

Funeral Notices

NARDI, Antonio

1950 - 2023

Passed away peacefully at Grange Care, Lakes drive, Coffs Harbour on 30th January 2023. Late of Toormina. Much loved husband of Robyn. Father & father-in-law of Michelle, Ollie and Nicky. Loved Nonno of Hope & Jackson.

Loved special friend of Peta & Addison-Lily; Nat, Simon, Eddie and Archie; & the Bratti family. Much loved son of Oliviero (dec) & Adelaide (dec). Brother of Enrico (dec), Anna & Mario (dec); Zio of Cinzia, Luigi, Davide, Simona, Martina & Alessia. Friend to many & Il magnifico chef mentore per I suoi figli.

Walking with Pippin, Ciao Thanks to Dr Lloyd Mayson, to Grange Care Coffs Harbour with special recognition for the staff in Arrawarra & Bellingen wings.

Antonio was privately cremated at his request.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES (02) 4981 8882

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

DEHNERT

Thelma Lillian

29th January 2023, passed peacefully at Masonic Nursing Home. Much loved wife of Geoff (dec’d). Loved mother of Barbara, Don, Phil (dec’d) and Noel. Loving nan of Paul, Craig, Tara, Brad, Michelle, Kelly, James, Paul, Nathan, Jordyn, Luke and many great-grandchildren.

Aged 96 Years

Forever In Our Hearts

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Thelma’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 3rd February 2023, commencing at 2.30 pm. Thelma’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

Douglas (Doug) Hoschke

31st January 2023

Peacefully at Calvary The Brelsford Aged Care. Late of Upper Orara. Loved husband of Margaret. Loving Dad and father-in-law of Dianne & Rob, Geoff & Alysha, Judy & Clive, Linda and Nick. Proud Pop to Kaitlin, Alex, Ryan and Max. Great Grandpa to Dannie, Jake, Georgie and Frankie. Beloved brother to Ian.

Aged 84 Years

Still farming.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Doug’s funeral service to be held on Monday, 6th February 2023 at 11am in the Coffs Harbour Crematorium Chapel, Coramba Road, Karangi. If you are unable to attend, please join us via livestream. The link is on the Victor Rullis Funerals website.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Alexander Robert Athorn 07/02/1936

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

NOLAN

Annette Elizabeth

30th January 2023, late of Pacifica

Nursing Home, Nambucca Heads, formerly of Coffs Harbour. Loving mother of Tracey & Mick Connors and Stuart & Sharna. Loved ‘Netta’ of Jade, Jye (dec’d), Keihan, Jess, Jordan and Josh. Cherished ‘great-Netta’ of Flynn, Aoife, Freddy, Ayla and Jack.

Aged 78 Years

To The Moon And Back

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Netta’s Funeral Service to be held in House of Hope, 1 Dowle Street, Bellingen on Friday 3rd February 2023, commencing at 2.30 pm.

Please wear something green or colourful.

Netta’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

SARANYAWATIN Prasan

13th January 2023, peacefully at home in Boambee Valley. Much loved husband of Pinyo (dec’d). Dearly loved by family in Thailand. Devoted member of the Thai Community in Adelaide and Coffs Harbour. With great sadness, we will miss you and love you always.

Aged 87 Years

Thank You For The Beautiful Memories, Love From All Your Family And Friends

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Prasan’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 3rd February 2023, commencing at 11.30 am.

Prasan’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

PARBERY

Peter Richard

28th January 2023. Much loved husband of Janene. Loving father of Jen, Kate and Sarah. Peter will be sadly missed by all of his extended family and friends

Aged 72 Years

Forever In Our Hearts

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Peter’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive

Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 10th February 2023, commencing at 11.30 am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Director’s Assoc. of NSW

Accred No 12033-01

TURNER Arthur Joseph

29th January 2023, unexpectedly and peacefully at home in Boambee Gardens, Sawtell. Much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Aged 91 Years

He Will Be Greatly Missed

A Man Who Cared

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joe’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 7th February 2023, commencing at 11.30 am.

Joe’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

HealthShare NSW

$26.72 per hour, plus 10.5% superannuation

Enquiries: Leonie Adams on leonie.adams@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing Date: Midnight Wednesday 8 February 2023

To apply visit jobs.health.nsw.gov.au/ healthshare Search for Job Reference

Number: REQ372937

BIG CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

SOLUTIONS

Home Improvements

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Contractors Licence 77993C

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

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 DESIGNER OF VERSATILE CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND SUPPLY ONLY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL.

4 METHODS OF USE: FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND EAVE LOOK

Mobile 0434 330 555 nestlershomeimprovements.com.au nestlersversatilecladding.com.au

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BEST ON THE BOX

WEDNESDAY HARD QUIZ

ABC, 8pm

MONDAY HERITAGE RESCUE

SBS, 8.30pm

If the idea of renovating makes you shudder you need a bit of Nick Knowles’ enthusiasm in your life. The British actor and presenter has overseen everything, from small home makeovers (DIY SOS) to the colossal refurbishments, on this comprehensive and craftloving series. He describes himself as a “bit of a history nerd” which might give rose-coloured glasses when overseeing the painstaking process of refurbishing a heritage site. In tonight’s final, he follows the £40 million (that’s around $A70 million) restoration of Stowe House in Buckinghamshire.

FRIDAY, February 3

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens: Greece. Part 3 of 3.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3. Piet Van der Valk investigates the deaths of two innocents with no connection to each other.

10.05 The Larkins. (PG, R) The lives of a working-class family. 10.50 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.05 The Larkins. (Ms, R) 11.55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) 12.35 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Curl up on the couch for a master class in witty jibes and sarcasm with Tom Gleeson. After nabbing the coveted Gold Logie for his deadpan humour in this comedic quiz show, and now hosting the local version of the British game show Taskmaster, Gleeson (right)is riding a career high –and this is where it all started. In tonight’s season eight premiere, Gleeson enters the fray with a process engineer who adores The Lion King nanny who knows smallpox; a software engineer who plays Legend of Zelda and a dill-pickle maker who likes antique purses. Tune in to find out who will thwart Gleeson’s own specialist subject to score the Big Brass Mug.

THURSDAY LAW & ORDER: SVU

TEN, 8.30pm

After 24 seasons, we all know dedicated detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is every sex offender’s worst nightmare.

“You know, men like you become so good at lying they even begin to believe the ones they tell themselves,” snarls Benson in tonight’s disturbing instalment titled “Breakwater”. It’s glaringly obvious who the bad guy is, but the problem lies with whether the SVU team can pin this conniving predator for his crimes. The story has some distressing developments, making for hard-to-watch TV, but Carisi’s (Peter Scanavino) surprising and gratifying turn against the predator makes for a welcome thrill.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Scotland: A Wild Year. (PG)

8.30 Inside Central Station. (PGa, R)

9.25 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PG, R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+s, R)

1.25 Das Boot. (Mlnv, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) Charlie Albone, Adam Dovile and Melissa King transform a backyard into a stunning space. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun visit an amazing home that takes indoor/outdoor living to the next level.

8.30 To Be Advised.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 For The Love Of Pets. (Premiere, PGm) Narrated by Jai Courtney.

8.30 MOVIE: The Dry. (2020, MA15+alv)

A Federal Agent returns to his hometown in regional Victoria to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. Eric Bana, Matt Nable.

10.45 MOVIE: Six Degrees Of Separation. (1993, Mlns, R)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Take Two. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ma)

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Tom Holland, Zendaya, Henry Cavill, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Little Mix.

10.30 Just For

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, February 4

3.35

6.25 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) Olivia’s first ever date ends with a question mark.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma) Trixie is assigned to a complicated case.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

After the body of an unknown man is found in a theatre, DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate.

10.05 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Two of the suspects are interviewed again.

10.50 Miniseries: Come Home. (Malsv, R) Part 1 of 3.

11.50 Rage Goes Retro. (MA15+adlhnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Blue Water Safari. (PG) 10.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. IronMan and IronWoman Series. Round 5. 3.00 Figure Skating. European C’ships. H’lights. 4.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 4.40 Secret Scotland. (R)

5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys: The Lunatic Express. (PGa, R) Chris Tarrant travels across Kenya.

8.30 Portillo In The Pyrenees: A Quest Of Identity. (PG) Part 1 of 4.

9.30 Britain By Beach. (PG, R) Part 4 of 4.

10.25 Great Escapes With Morgan Freeman. (Ma, R)

11.15 Atlanta. (Ml, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, February 5

Wild Odyssey. (R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures. (PG, R) Part 3 of 3.

8.20 Vera. (PGa, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates when the body of a popular local GP is found in the back of a burnt-out car.

9.50 Wreck. (Final, MA15+v, R) Jamie needs to rally his new friends.

10.40 Operation Buffalo. (Malv, R)

11.35 Making Child Prodigies. (R)

1.05 Les Misérables. (Mav, R)

2.05 Victoria. (PG, R)

2.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Classic Countdown. (Final, PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Blue Water Safari. (PG) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Going Places. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. IronMan and IronWoman Series. Round 6. 3.00 Figure Skating. European C’ships. H’lights. 4.40 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mysteries From The Grave: Titanic. (PG, R) A look at the sinking of the Titanic

9.00 Stonehenge: The New Revelations. (PG, R) Takes a look at Stonehenge.

10.35 Scotland: In Search Of Sir Walter Scott. (PG, R)

11.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

1.30 Murder Case. (MA15+l, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Eskimo Prince Stakes Day and Lamaro’s Hotel Race Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Big Bash League Grand Final Pre-Game. Pre-game coverage of the Grand Final.

7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Grand Final. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

11.30 MOVIE: Grown Ups 2. (2013, PGlnsv, R) After moving back to his Connecticut home town of Stanton with his family, a man and his friends learn some surprising lessons from their own kids as they struggle to deal with everyday life.

Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00 Drive TV. (R)

6.00 Nine News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (Return, PGa)

Experts help people declutter their lives.

8.30 MOVIE: Shooter. (2007, MA15+lv, R)

A sniper tries to prove his innocence after he is framed by rogue elements within the government. Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña.

11.00 MOVIE: Stronger. (2017, MA15+l)

1.10 Mega Zoo. (PG, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) Three new lifeguards join the team.

6.30 Jamie Oliver: Together. Jamie Oliver prepares dishes for a picnic.

7.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mv) Rear Admiral Ted Gordon is abducted.

8.30 FBI: International. (Mav) Raines gets the chance to prove his field skills when a Bulgarian concert hall filled with multinational student performers and their families is held hostage by a group of Albanian terrorists.

10.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) Gibbs and Fornell’s crusade comes to a climax.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Home Shopping.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) Highlights from the past week.

12.00 Motor Racing. Bathurst 12 Hour.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Sydney Weekender. Chris gets aboard a Carnival Cruise.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.45 Maternal. (Premiere, Mals) Three women face the challenge of balancing motherhood with being doctors in the NHS.

9.45 What The Killer Did Next: Megan Newton. (Return, Mav) Hosted by Philip Glenister.

10.45 Born To Kill? Paul Bernardo And Karla Homolka – The Schoolgirl Killers. (MA15+)

11.45 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.40 Nine News Late. A look at the latest news and events.

10.10 The First 48: Officer Down. (Mal)

11.05 Manhunt: The Wests. (MA15+av, R)

12.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (Mav, R)

12.50 Explore TV. (R)

1.20 He Said/She Said. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) After a Japanese sailor is murdered on American soil, the NCIS team must find the killer.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) After a woman is kidnapped, the team looks into trysts on both sides of her seemingly perfect marriage.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

MONDAY, February 6

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Muster Dogs. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silver Spitfire: The Longest Flight. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Vera. (PGa, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Great British Photography Challenge. (PG) 10.20 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. 11.10 Great Canal Journeys. (PGs, R) 12.05 WorldWatch.

2.10 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R) 3.55 Who Do You Think You Are? UK. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

Bussell’s Royal Roadtrip. 8.30 Heritage Rescue: Stowe House.

Knowles heads to Stowe House.

9.25 Secrets Of Playboy: Predators’ Ball. (MA15+) A look at the Playboy Mansion parties.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Partisan. (Mv)

11.40 Mr Mercedes. (MA15+av, R)

4.45 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.15 Starstruck. (Premiere, PG) Ordinary members of the public team up in trios to transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons.

10.30 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 4.

11.30 Busted In Bangkok. (Madv, R) Follows Thailand’s tourist police.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

TUESDAY, February 7

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Tribes must work quickly and efficiently when facing a mega showdown at the all-important Immunity Challenge.

9.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) The abductor of a detective is connected to a mass shooter case known as The Summer Camp Massacre.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 World’s Most Secret Homes. (Premiere) 10.10 Boswell & Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 The Queen’s Jewels Heirlooms & Legacy. (PGa, R) 3.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGas, R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? UK. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PGa, R) 5.30 Letters & Numbers. (R)

SBS World News.

7.35 Who Do You Think You Are? US.

8.30 U.S. And The Holocaust. (M)

10.50 SBS World News Late.

11.20 Antidisturbios. (Premiere, Malv)

12.15 Unit One. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 Cacciatore: The Hunter. (MA15+v, R)

3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

7.00

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.15 Quantum Leap. (PGalv) Ben leaps to flashy ’70s Las Vegas and into the body of promising young boxer Danny Hill on the eve of a big title fight. In order to succeed, Ben and Addison must help the man win the fight or lose everything.

11.15 Inside Belmarsh Prison. (MA15+v, R) Part 1 of 2.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Australian Survivor. The Heroes and Villains are presented with a major prize of lasagne and photos from home up for grabs.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv, R) The NCIS team investigates the murder of a navy officer who was killed while driving home a recently released inmate and discovers a link to gang activity. Gibbs helps Palmer deal with a personal trauma.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, February 8

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 World’s Most Secret Homes. 10.05 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R) 11.00 The Story Of Spice. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Secrets Of The Royal… (PGal, R) 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 Who Do You Think You Are? UK. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

7.35 Wildlife ER: Brought Back From The Brink. (Premiere) 8.35 My Grandparents’ War: Keira Knightley. (PG) Part 2 of 4.

9.30 Bloodlands. The search leads to an abandoned house.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Cargo. (MA15+a)

12.00 Thin Blue Line. (MA15+av, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, February 9

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 World’s Most Secret Homes. 10.00 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R) 11.00 The Story Of Beer. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Secrets Of The Royal… (PG, R) 2.55 The Queen and Her Prime Ministers. (PGa, R) 3.55 Who Do You Think You Are? UK. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 American Presidency With Bill Clinton.

9.20 Miniseries: The Walk-In. (MA15+) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 L’Opera. (Mdl, R)

World On Fire. (MA15+av, R)

5.30

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Cronulla Riots. (Malv)

8.30 The Front Bar: All Sports Edition. (Ml) A lighter look at the world of sport.

9.30 Kitchen Nightmares Australia. (MA15+l, R) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge.

10.35 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (MA15+l, R)

11.35 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (Return, PG) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

8.40 Fire Country. (PGa) A vegetation fire gets tricky for the crew when a panicked horse refuses to leave a burning barn.

9.40 Bull. (PGlv, R) Chunk does his daughter a favour and convinces Bull to represent a teenager on trial for robbery.

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.

8.30 The Best Of The Best And Worst Of Red Faces. (PGal, R) Daryl Somers presents HeyHeyIt’sSaturday’s most popular, funny and weird Red Faces acts.

10.00 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (Mls, R) Everyone is concerned at the news that the poisoner Peggy Piper has been released from prison.

10.45 To Be Advised.

12.00

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma) A lifesaver asks the Special Victims Unit for help when he suspects his boss is preying on his sister. After tragedy strikes, Velasco tries to convince a reluctant witness to testify in court.

10.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mv, R) Rear Admiral Ted Gordon is abducted.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

COFFS COAST SPORT

Friday, 3 February 2023

Local Community News ~ Proudly Independent

Racing Ryan!

By Andrea FERRARI

TALENTED mountain bike racer Ryan Gilchrist, 20, has been honoured with the City of Coffs Harbour Sport and Recreation Award.

An unexpected accolade for the focused sportsman, Ryan told News Of The Area, “I was very surprised to win the Sport and Recreation award because Coffs Harbour is a region of immense sporting talent across such a diverse range of disciplines.

“Being nominated among such great talents is humbling and I am honoured to be a representative of sporting in my lifetime hometown.”

While Ryan has high goals for himself, he is mindful that he has a lot to offer youngsters and is a keen

CONTINUED Page 36

q Ryan Gilchrist races in Crans-Montana Switzerland.

Photo: Sven Martin.