Coffs Coast News Of The Area 4 October 2024

By David WIGLEY

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Tears and tributes for Principal McFarlane

and staff but also from senior police officers, Department of Education representatives, regional principals, and even a touch of Hollywood, courtesy of actor Jack Thompson.

The overwhelming gratitude from the community encapsulated the impact Mr McFarlane had during his 35-year career in education.

The event began with a powerful Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance by Bronson Lockwood, setting a unified energy and tone for the day.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty spoke of Mr McFarlane’s invaluable role in addressing community challenges, praising his “let's do this together” attitude.

Among the regional principals paying their respects was Jeanette Perkins, who worked closely with Mr McFarlane during his tenure at Bowraville, where he was Principal before his move to Orara.

The PDHPE teachers awarded him a gold medal of service and thanked him for supporting their department and championing innovative programs such as Orara's elite sports academy, which has been instrumental in fostering regional and state-level success.

A beautiful Indigenous painting was gifted

which she presented with her sister, Eliza Morris.

It was titled muya-wunba, which means inspiration in the Gumbaynggirr language.

In an equally moving moment, Dylan Wigley altered his scripted Beatles song, instead performing “Learn to Fly” by the Foo Fighters, as a tribute to Mr McFarlane’s inspirational guidance.

Then it was up to the 2025 School Captains, who handed over the symbolic key to the school and delivered tear-filled messages that brought the packed Sportz Central crowd to its feet.

Outside of education, McFarlane’s passion for writing was also celebrated.

His 2018 book, “The Water Cart,” explores the ways in which our perceptions of difference shape our past and challenge us to strive for unity.

Actor and close friend Jack Thompson, who read the book’s opening chapter at its Sydney launch, continues to collaborate with McFarlane on a screenplay.

As the Principal rose to give his final address, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable.

Tissues were in hand as the crowd hung on

"I have learned far more from all of you than I have ever taught," he began, humbly.

"I have received much more than I have given.

“This generous day, and my time with you, will be treasured forever.

“I hope you feel the love, respect, and gratitude I have for each of you in return."

He closed with a profound message, reflecting his core philosophy of service and gratitude.

“I would like my final words to be in the form of a Buddhist quotation.

"I mentioned earlier that our Aboriginal heritage in Australia stretches back over 60,000 years.

“This quotation is just two and a half thousand years old, but it still offers an ideal to which we may all aspire: ‘A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity’.”

He paused, repeated the words, but this time with a poignant twist.

“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew Orara.”

His words hung in the air, resonating deeply with all in attendance, many reaching once more for tissues as the reality of his departure from Orara High School truly sank in.

In a fitting finale, Mr McFarlane's wife and son joined him on stage as hundreds of voices rose in a final cheer, the school’s familiar chant filling the arena: “Ra, Ra. Ra. Ra. Ra Ra.”

Pandemonium erupted as the entire school formed a zigzagging guard of honour, stretching from the entrance to the exit.

As Principal McFarlane left the building for the last time, students, teachers, and the community gave him one final, emotional farewell; a testament to the legacy of a man who has shaped countless lives.

q A guard of honour as Mr McFarlane leaves the building.

q Malcolm McFarlane is presented with the key to Orara High School by the school’s captains and vice-captains.

q Mr McFarlane, Eliza Morris, Bronson Lockwood and Karly Morris.

COUNCIL SHAKE-UP

FROM Page 1

“The incredible support and well wishes from across our LGA is truly humbling.

“It’s an honour to be elected the mayor of the community I love, and this privilege is one I do not take for granted.

“I will throw my entire heart and soul into this role with grit, integrity, and humility to make a difference for everyone in Coffs Harbour.”

Some fresh faces will join the new council when

meetings resume, with Cath Fowler, Lex Oxford and Gurminder Saro achieving election from Ms Williams’ Group A ticket.

Previous term councillors Paul Amos, Julie Sechi, Tony Judge, Jonathan Cassell and George Cecato complete the nine-person council, which will have its

first meeting on 24 October in the River Oak Room, Yarrila Place from 5pm.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh congratulated Ms Williams and the rest of the successful councillors in a media statement on Tuesday.

“I look forward to working constructively with

the incoming council to ensure our city continues to progress and prosper,” the State MP said.

“Undoubtedly, the best interests of local residents will be served by all levels of government working together in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation to achieve the

best possible outcomes for our community.

“We’ll have differences along the way, to be sure, but we’ll be united by what we have in common.

“My door is open to every councillor and I applaud each of them for putting up their hands to take the city forward.”

Community votes ‘no’ to residential development

COUNTING has concluded on the Jetty Foreshores poll which ran alongside the 14 September council election.

The question asked was as follows: “The Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore will be redeveloped. Do you agree that some of the foreshore land should be used for multi-level private residential development?”

Anti-residential development campaign group Foreshore For All say the community’s view on the matter was clear.

“Clearly, the people disagree with the state government's plan to include private residential in the Jetty revitalisation plan,” said spokesperson Gerry McGilvray.

“The poll results also place doubt over the entire state government plan for the area, as they contradict the results from the government's own much criticised survey.”

“The plan to rezone land from

public recreation to multilevel private residential does not have community support and will be strongly opposed.”

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told NOTA the state government was “proceeding with the Coffs Jetty precinct master plan”.

of the master planning process for the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct revitalisation and is ultimately a matter for Council.”

Critics of the poll say it failed to mention that the land proposed for residential development is currently inaccessible and fenced off, and that no residential buildings have been proposed for areas of parkland currently accessible to the public.

servicing and development approvals,” a spokesperson for Mr Kamper said.

“This will take place over the next two to three years.”

Man dies following alleged assault

upper body.

A total of 68.68 percent of voters chose the ‘no’ option with 31.32 percent voting ‘yes’.

Mr McGilvray called on the state government to “immediately halt the planned rezoning of the

“We will continue to work with the City of Coffs Harbour Council to deliver great outcomes in partnership with the Coffs community, with all funds raised from the development of inaccessible and fenced off land to be reinvested into surrounding foreshore parklands.

“The poll was not part

The state government has indicated further opportunity for feedback will occur when the rezoning proposal is publicly exhibited.

“Before the first sod is turned, there will be more engagement with stakeholders and the community, further technical studies, and preparation of

POLICE have launched an investigation after a man was allegedly assaulted and later died in Coffs Harbour early last Thursday morning, 26 September.

Emergency services were called to Kurrajong Street, Coffs Harbour at around 4:15am last Thursday following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and found a 41-year-old man suffering injuries to his

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital where he died.

“Police established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Sandbach,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Surfers complete daring rescue

By Kim SATCHELL

AN incident at Dammerel Headland, Emerald Beach on Sunday, 22 September has provided a stark reminder of the paramount importance of water safety.

Two teenagers were rock jumping off the cliff at a popular fishing spot known as the ‘Jew-Hole’ when one got into considerable difficulty, having been washed up and dragged around on the rocks.

q

Drugs and guns seized from Bucca home

A MAJOR police operation across NSW has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of knives, firearms and prohibited drugs.

Operation Foil, which ran from 26-28 September, involved more than 500 officers and targeted knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

in relation to drug and firearm offences.

He was refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court last Friday, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

Police were alerted and a distraught crowd gathered pensively watching from above as the hapless swimmer tried to reach safety to no avail.

Chris Cahill, who works

seasonally as a river-guide, met Ben Wighton getting out of the surf with his board at the boat ramp, and the pair sprung into action.

“My initial response was to sprint over the headland and get to the fellow as fast as I could but had to convince the police at the scene that I knew what I was doing,” said Ben.

Joined by another experienced surfer Eli Anderson, they managed to get the exhausted young man, on the verge of drowning, out of immediate danger in the turbulent water at the cliff face.

They gathered around him to keep him afloat, fighting against the current

and surge of the ocean away from the rocks towards the beach.

Meanwhile lifeguards had responded by jet ski from Coffs Harbour Surf Club and arrived to bring the rescue to a satisfying conclusion.

“The whole thing triggered me,” Ben said.

“I was fairly shaken up for a few days but the fact that someone’s life was saved made the whole experience way more satisfying and I appreciated the team effort with Chris and Eli.”

Ben was also one of the first responders at the scene of the fatal shark attack on the back beach of Look at Me Now Headland on 5 September 2021.

About 10am last Thursday, officers attached to Coffs/ Clarence Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Bucca Road, Bucca, where they seized two .22 calibre rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun, four gel blasters, ammunition, a slingshot, knuckle dusters, substances believed to be cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, dexamphetamine, oxycodone, and methylamphetamine, as well as cash.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with 35 offences

North West Metropolitan Region’s Operations Manager, Detective Acting Superintendent Guy Magee, said Operation Foil is designed to remove weapons from the streets.

“Knife crime continues to be an issue across the state and operations such as these, are about keeping the community safe,” Acting Supt Magee said.

“It is concerning that we still have a small portion of the community who choose to carry knives; but rest assured, we will continue to run these operations in the future, so if you plan on carrying a weapon, expect to be caught.”

q Rescuers Chris Cahill, Ben Wighton and Eli Anderson.

Koala Park update met with scepticism

By Andrew VIVIAN

AN update on the assessment process for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) from Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has been met with scepticism by conservation groups.

The Community Advisory Panel for the GKNP, which includes representatives from local government, conservation groups and tourism organisations, met on Monday 23 September in Coffs Harbour.

The Industry Advisory Panel, featuring representatives from

industry groups and unions, met a day later.

The Aboriginal Advisory Panel also recently met and has previously held two gatherings of Indigenous elders.

“The assessment process for the park is considering detailed analysis of environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural matters,” Ms Sharpe said in a statement to media last Wednesday.

“This week’s meetings included discussions about the draft results of a recent survey for koalas as as well as an update on

the assessment of wood fibre supply and industry in the assessment area.”

A draft report estimates the koala population in the 176,000 ha assessment area is 12,111 koalas, with a 95 percent confidence interval of 10,311 to 14,541 koalas.

“The draft analysis of koala populations will now be peer-reviewed,” Ms Sharpe said.

“The panels are also being asked to consider and provide input on analyses on the level of wood fibre supply and number of processors in the north-east

Regional Forest Agreement area, with a focus on quantifying industry in the assessment area.”

The Minister said the panels will continue to meet over coming months and further work will be done to refine these and other analyses, which will be given to the panels to consider and provide feedback to inform the government’s final decision on the GKNP.

Conservationists, however, are unhappy at the pace of deliberations.

Nature Conservation Council NSW Chief Executive

Mercer family OAMs

By Andrea FERRARI

JANICE Mercer has been presented with her Order of Australia Medal by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley during a presentation ceremony at Government House, Sydney.

Janice and her late husband Merv were recognised in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours and Awards for service to thoroughbred racing on the Mid North Coast.

Married for 67 years, the couple were dedicated members of the Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

“She was always there beside Merv, supporting where she could,” Carlie Wrobel said of her grandmother.

“Whether it be growing colourful and pretty petunias in front of the winning post, whipper snipping where Merv would mow, cleaning up after race days or sewing curtains for the Merv Mercer Auditorium, Janice was always there, lending her generous helping hand.”

Janice has been a part of the Coffs Racing Club since 1966, when the couple were racehorse breeders and owners. Their children were

raised around the racetrack and it wasn’t uncommon to see their grandchildren all dressed up in Janice’s famous knitted cardigans and bonnets.

Some family members have carried on Merv’s legacy through their own racing endeavours.

“Before losing Merv in November 2023, Janice used to cut all of the onions, butter the bread and help cook the barbeque that they supplied

stewards,” Ms Wrobel said.

“It was funded from the cans and bottles they passionately collected after race meets.

“Glamorous tasks or not, Janice matched Merv’s commitment to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club at every opportunity she could.”

In Sydney to accept the OAMs, Janice was supported by her three children, Malcolm, Robyn and Mark and their families, and shed

Officer Jacqui Mumford told NOTA, “As we speak, vast swathes of the proposed Great Koala National Park are being logged and destroyed at the exact same time that it is being assessed for protection.

“It doesn’t make sense.

“With this species on the brink of extinction, we can’t afford another year of destruction of this key koala habitat while the slow bureaucratic process of gazetting the park continues.

"We strongly urge the government to protect the full network of 315,000 hectares of state forests

and national parks being considered for the new park."

Bellingen Environment Centre President Cath Eaglesham agrees, saying progress is “way too slow”.

“The NSW Environment Minister has not yet delivered the GKNP that Labor first promised nine years ago, in January 2015.”

Ms Eaglesham said there are thirteen logging operations authorised inside the footprint of the GKNP as of the end of September 2024.

“This delay is inexcusable,” she said.

medal on her husband’s behalf.

“Travelling to Sydney to accept our medals was not only inspiring but motivating, mingling with the many everyday Australians who make our country amazing,” Janice told the News Of The Area.

“The whole experience has been a true privilege and one that will not be forgotten quickly.”

q Carlie Wrobel (granddaughter), Mal Mercer (son), Robyn Palmer (daughter), Mark Mercer (son), Janice Mercer OAM and Jenny Mercer (daughter in-law).

q The late Merv Mercer OAM.

q Janice Mercer OAM with her granddaughter Carlie Wrobel.

Pool price rises

By Andrea FERRARI

SENIOR swimmers have been shocked by the increase in the price of admission to Coffs Harbour’s War Memorial Olympic Pool.

One couple, aged 87 and 85, returned home after a few weeks away to find the price of their daily swim had increased from $4 to $4.60.

The husband and wife, who prefer not to be named, are committed to regular exercise; swimming most days and going to the gym regularly.

“I am a prostate cancer survivor and

want to stay well; exercise is a part of that philosophy,” the man told News Of The Area.

“We use the pool for essential exercise.”

The couple have looked for ways to minimise the cost.

“The ten visit pass is priced at $45, compared to the daily price of $4.60. That’s a 10c saving per swim.”

They didn’t think much of that, so they explored the cost of an annual subscription, only to find it was $350 in the ‘23-’24 year but is now $693 for ‘24-’25.

“That’s a 98 percent increase; it’s unjustified.”

While the couple say they have limited but enough funds to cover the price rise, they are concerned for others.

It could mean an increase of $219 if a person swims every day.

“There's a community connection around the activity [of swimming] and the satisfaction of achieving it, which gives us oldies a boost,” another senior swimmer told NOTA. City of Coffs Harbour Council is being urged to reconsider the increase.

At Sawtell and Woolgoolga pools, the seniors' daily ticket has increased from $4 to $4.20.

Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool.

‘Anxious wait’ for Baringa nurses

By Andrea FERRARI

FED up nurses and midwives at Baringa Private Hospital are “anxiously awaiting” news of an interim pay rise, after their union agreed to negotiate with the NSW Government.

The Nurses and Midwives Association has accepted an offer of a three percent increase to calloff rolling strike action, pending further talks and industrial arbitration.

The increase would be

backdated to the beginning of July.

However, at the time of writing, there had been no response from Ramsay Health Care, which operates Baringa.

Last Thursday, 26 September, local nurses and midwives criticised the company for not putting staff and patients before their profits.

Forty members of the NSWNMA working at Baringa Private Hospital stood on the corner of the

Pacific Highway and Bray Street to draw attention to their pay plight as part of the statewide strike action.

After eighteen months of negotiations, union members said they’d had enough of the country’s largest private hospital operator not valuing its dedicated nurses and midwives.

They called on Ramsay to deliver a pay and conditions offer that reflects cost of living increases, and includes a commitment to

introduce nurse/midwife to patient ratios in all their NSW hospitals.

“The rally went really well,” Assistant Secretary NSWNMA Baringa Private Hospital Alison Bradshaw told the News Of The Area.

“We had 40 nurses standing together in protest against Ramsay, a corporate health giant.

“With some $900m dollars in profits, they continue to deny us a fair living wage and lifesaving ratios.”

The private hospital members of the NSWNMA have dropped their pay rise request from eighteen percent to sixteen percent over three years to try to get Ramsay to come to an agreement.

“While they continue to stall, our nurses, some on

$30 an hour, still have to put food on the table and pay the rent,” Ms Bradshaw said.

“Our Ramsay colleagues in Queensland are paid up to fourteen percent more than us in NSW, doing the same job for the same employer.”

Members are concerned that nursing is a dying industry.

“Nurses are leaving

the profession to either retire early or find other employment that offers fair and reasonable conditions and fair remuneration.

“As our older generation of nurses leave, they take with them their knowledge and their lifesaving skills.

“The current workforce is largely junior staff who require guidance and

direction to keep both their patients and themselves safe.

“If there is no improvement in pay and conditions over both the private and public sectors, this already diminished workforce will become increasingly critical.”

Supporting the nurses and midwives, Coffs resident and passer-by Donnah* paid for coffees all round.

She said that seeing the nurses on strike made her think about all of her family’s emergency trips to hospital over the years and how the nurses were always there to help stitch and plaster them up as well as all the anaphylactic episodes, head injuries, kidney stones, pneumonia and strokes.

“I decided that although I could do nothing about their pay rise personally, I could thank them for their service and show our family’s support to our nurses by shouting them all a cup of coffee,” she said.

Zarraffa's Coffee also showed their appreciation of the striking nurses and midwives by upsizing all 40 coffees.

q Baringa Private Hospital NSWNMA staff taking strike action.

q Assistant Secretary for the NSWNMA Alison Bradshaw with passer-by Donnah, who bought coffees for the striking staff.

Rainforests inspire new exhibition

By Andrea FERRARI

MOUNTAINS and Forests is a new exhibition opening at Bellingen’s Nexus Community Gallery in The Studio.

The works by local artist Chris Campbell come from her passion for painting outside in forests.

The exhibition runs from 6 October until 1 November.

Chris will be hosting an opening event at the gallery from noon to 2pm on Sunday, 6 October, and is keen to chat with visitors about her work.

“My paintings are works done using acrylic and oil paint on canvas,” she told the News Of The Area.

While living in the bush behind Bowraville for three decades, Chris walked as she drew the scenery around her.

She then brought those drawings home to work on paintings in her studio.

After her home was burnt down in the 2019 bushfires and she and her partner John relocated to Macksville, she continued to paint outside.

“I still paint en plein air (outside) in the hills near my old home and rejoice in the recovery and regeneration of the vegetation, although many burnt trees are still a stark reminder of events four years ago.

“Much of the inspiration for my paintings now comes from visits to nearby rainforests like Way Way National Park near Scotts Head, the

Dorrigo rainforest and visits further north to Lamington in Queensland and south of Nambucca Valley to Barrington Tops near the Manning Valley.”

Chris takes photos and sketches in these places to help her depict the richness and diversity of life.

Streams flowing from distant mountains arrive in the foreground of her pictures as lakes and creeks, while waterfalls flow through rainforests, and bark, branches and roots of trees support other forms of life.

Recently, a feeling of unease about the fragility of the environment has appeared in her work.

“[What is happening] around me and in a broader context in the wider world, has instigated ideas for paintings depicting the degradation of the environment,” Chris said.

“Such as my painting titled 'Fragmented Landscape' and another named ‘Antarctic Beech’.”

The Best Progressive Lens BURROW

The progressive lens is designed to provide clear vision at all distances for those over 40 who are unable to focus close up. The lens was designed by a British optometrist in 1905.

While the concept had merit, the original design had so many blurred zones, it wasn’t used in practice. A French company designed the first widely available lens in the 1960s. While a significant advance, it nevertheless still suffered from major peripheral distortion with only a few patients wearing it successfully.

In the 1990s a number of companies released improved designs which led to greater success with progressive lenses and began to replace bifocals as the lens of choice. Since then, major design improvements have resulted from computer technology and advanced lathes which can generate extremely complex curves reducing the peripheral distortion inherent in ALL progressive lenses.

As it has not been possible to eliminate all the blurred zones (enclosed within red outline), multiple designs are available, some of which benefit distance vision while others favour close work tasks.

Fortunately, while none of the designs provide a perfect optical solution, the brain in many patients can adapt to the imperfect image providing what appears to be natural vision for successful wearers.

men in green

However, not all patients are suitable because of their expectations, motivation or visual environment. As such, it is imperative that the optometrist assess the requirements and other factors to determine the lens with the best chance of success.

q Artist Chris Campbell brings her new exhibition to The Studio at Nexus Community Gallery.

q Rainforest by Chris Campbell.

q Fragmented Landscape by Chris Campbell.

More than just a quilt show

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Boambee Bowerbird Quilters members are stitching up a storm in preparation for their popular Quilt Show, which will be held at the Boambee East Community Centre from Friday to Sunday, 1113 October.

This year’s display will showcase over 100 beautiful quilts and other stitched items, all made by the local quilting group.

A feature of this year’s show will be a special display by Bowerbird member Julie Harding.

“Julie has won international and national quilt competitions and the Bowerbirds are delighted to showcase her work,” spokesperson for the Bowerbird Quilters Judy Smith told the News Of The Area.

“Many of the Bowerbird members will be present at the show and are happy to chat to visitors about their work and enthusiasm for the quilting craft.”

More than “just a quilt show,” Judy said the adjacent Community Garden will be open for tours, with flowers and plants for sale.

There will be a display

of works from the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed, artisan stalls selling soaps, jewellery, specialty food items and pottery as well as several pop-up shops for fabric lovers.

Devonshire tea and other treats will be available all through the show.

Building on the success of the 2022 show, the Bowerbirds decided to extend this year’s event to three days.

Proceeds will be donated to local organisations, including the

local breast cancer pillow program.

Bowerbird Quilters make over 60 kidneyshaped pillows per year, designed to provide comfort and protection to patients healing from mastectomies.

The pillows are donated to Coffs Harbour Hospital’s cancer unit.

Coffs City Rotary Club provides support to the Bowerbird Quilters group to purchase the materials needed for this project.

Quilters

q Bowerbird member Julie Harding with her quilt ‘Croaking in the Rain’.

Veterans forum for Coffs Harbour

By Mick BIRTLES

A FORUM focusing on the wellbeing and support of veterans on the Mid North Coast is being held in Coffs Harbour.

Titled “Stay Well Stay Connected”, the forum is for veterans, their families, and community members, and is being held in the Blue Room of C.ex Coffs on Thursday, 10 October, from 6:30pm to 8pm.

It will feature a panel of special guests, who will discuss critical issues and services available to veterans in the Coffs region.

The panel will lead discussions on several key topics, including the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, which aims to

provide insight into the mental health struggles faced by many who have served.

Additionally, the session will explore employment and housing opportunities for veterans in the local area, a crucial step in helping those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Programs designed to support veterans and their families as they complete active service will also be discussed, alongside an examination of the current Defence recruitment climate and operational challenges faced by those serving today.

“I have lost mates - former soldiers - to suicide and I thought that, in the wake of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, it would be a good idea to try

and bring veterans together and discuss the findings… and other veterans issues,” organiser Adam Fuller said.

“We can discuss what services and support are out there for veterans and their families and how we can access them.”

The discussion panel will include the Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, who is a veteran of Defence operations in the Middle East, and Debbie Locke, the sister of Sergeant Matthew Locke MG who was killed in action in Afghanistan.

Ms Locke now operates a charity in his name.

This in-person event, supported by the Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity and the DVA Veterans Health Week initiative, emphasises fostering a sense

Comet coming back

By Andrea FERRARI

A CLEAR early morning on Tuesday provided incredible views of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) as it passed over Coffs Harbour.

Local photographer Steve Young captured images of the comet around 4.30am from the lookout above the Marine Rescue building.

of community and wellbeing for veterans.

“It provides a space for veterans to connect, share

experiences, and learn about available resources,” Mr Fuller said.

Although booking is not

essential, it is recommended by going to eventbrite.com and searching for “Stay Well Stay Connected”.

q Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) seen across the water at Coffs Harbour. Photo: Steve Young.

“I missed Halley’s Comet in 1986, so this was a moment worthy of a little happy dance.

“It’s uncanny to see this celestial body appear in the

“It was vaguely visible to the naked eye, but with great data online it was easy to know where to point the camera,” he told the News Of The Area.

sky motionless when we know it is hurtling through space at breakneck speed.”

Fortunately for the people of Coffs Harbour, this one will return to the evening sky for a few days around 12 October.

Due to its position relative to the sun, it is likely to appear even brighter.

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

now

q Major Mick Birtles and Lt Justin Back in 2003 in front of an abandoned Iraqi Airways passenger plane at Baghdad Airport during Operation Falconer.

q Clear skies meant great visibility. Photo: Steve Young.

Watch out for nests

By Andrew VIVIAN

SAWTELLIANS are urged to be vigilant when walking with or where there are dogs, to protect nesting endangered and threatened shorebirds.

There are currently a number of Pied and Sooty Oyster Catcher pairs nesting on eggs at “Southies” on the Bongil sand spit.

Both birds are special to the area and are threatened species.

A pair of critically endangered Beach Stone Curlews have also been recently sighted on the spit.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has built clearly signed fences around each nesting pair to exclude humans.

However, they are not dog or vermin proof.

Volunteers have also placed signs at Bonville Creek entrances on the Sawtell side including the caravan park, Boronia Park and Mick's Retreat which clearly indicate to people heading to the spit to avoid the nesting birds and that dogs are not allowed across the creek.

past couple of days including within the fenced areas where the birds are sitting on eggs,” a resident told the News Of The Area.

“It is heartbreaking to have witnessed dogs running all over the sand spit over the

“Some people are not aware of the National Park across the creek but others ignore the laws in place to protect wildlife.”

All about orchids

By Andrea FERRARI

IT’S all about orchids in Woolgoolga this weekend where the district’s Orchid Society is staging its annual Spring Show.

The event has been expanded this year to include a workshop, and will feature new orchid societies, team members and displays.

“[It is] a practice run to our club hosting the 23rd AOC International Orchid Conference and Show 2025,” Woolgoolga District Orchid

Society president Nev Anderson told the News Of The Area.

“This is all in addition to our usual, veritable smorgasbord of breathtaking orchid exhibits on show, which will all be judged and prizes awarded.”

A panel of judges from across the Mid North Coast will select the Grand Champion, Reserve Champion and Best Specimen, along with the Section and Display champions.

President's Choice and

People’s Choice winners will also be chosen.

Speakers at the workshop include Ivan Vescovi of Ivan’s Orchids, a passionate orchid grower for 35 years and Paphiopedilum Slipper Orchid enthusiast who will also briefly speak about Nepenthes (Tropical Pitcher Plants).

Paul Smith will share his joy and passion for Soft Cane Dendrobiums and the charming Tolumnia Orchid (the miniature Dancing Lady).

Brian Heath will talk

Pied Oyster Catchers typically reuse a nest site over many years and will rarely shift their territory.

Clutch sizes average two eggs.

They are listed as vulnerable to extinction in NSW and the population on the NSW North Coast

between Ballina and Sawtell has decreased rapidly since the 1990s.

Sooty Oyster Catchers are also listed as vulnerable to extinction in NSW with very few breeding pairs in the state.

Destruction of eggs or chicks or interference from humans and dogs can compromise the breeding success of a pair for the entire season.

With the imminent arrival of beautiful Little Terns (also endangered), the NPWS asks people to report any dog sightings by calling 02 6652 0900.

about growing Miniature Vandas, while Ray Clement will provide an informative and valuable lesson on how to divide orchids.

Doug Binns, botanist and consummate explorer in search of exotic orchid species, will take listeners through the wild and biodiverse South American region.

Orchid Society President

Nev Anderson will also extol the virtues of mineral nutrition, which plays a significant role in successful orchid growing. The two-day Orchid Show and Workshop is open tomorrow and Sunday, 5 and 6 October, from 9am to 3pm in the wheelchair-friendly basketball stadium in the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

q Orchids on display at a previous show.

q Tassel Fern display.

q Small segment of a soft cane orchid display.

Local health staff finalists in state awards

By Andrea FERRARI

TWO programs driven by staff at Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) have been named finalists for the 2024 NSW Health Awards

Now in their 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.

The Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (Safe Children) model of care is among 42 finalists from across the state competing for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award for their work in providing culturally safe care to Aboriginal children and their families.

A team of Aboriginal, paediatric and child

protection staff from MNCLHD and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network developed the program and ran training workshops for NSW Health clinicians and hospital workers.

The model of care is now used in procedural and mandatory training processes across MNCLHD, contributing to a more positive patient experience

as they access healthcare.

MNCLHD also partnered with Justice Health, the Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health Pathology and NSW Health in the NSW Dried Blood Spot Validation Study that has been named a finalist in the Health Innovation Award.

This first of its kind project aims to make Dried Blood Spot testing

a standard diagnostic tool and, if successful, will change how testing is offered for people at risk of hepatitis C.

Acting MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong said she was proud of the achievements of the local finalists who have been recognised for their passion and dedication.

“Our finalists in this year’s awards reflect the incredible innovation and compassion that our teams provide to our patients and

the local community, carers and their families,” Ms Wong said.

“We are incredibly proud of these two finalists and it’s wonderful to see them publicly recognised for the work they are doing to improve our healthcare system.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said, "These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system.

"I congratulate the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day, by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."

The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 24 October at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

q Members of the Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (Safe Children) team Joanne Shipp, Joe Bryant, Tara Flemington and Associate Professor Jennifer Fraser.

q MNCLHD Manager HIV and Related Programs Jenny Heslop was part of the Dried Blood Spot Validation Study named a finalist.

Karennis celebrate Deeku

By Andrea FERRARI

ALMOST the entire Karenni community of Coffs Harbour gathered at the Cavanbah Hall on Saturday, 21 September to celebrate the Deeku festival.

This long-standing tradition celebrates the story of how different tribes in the Karenni State united to revolt against their persecutors in Burma (now Myanmar).

The Karenni people showed great tenacity during this period, but also credit the success of their campaign to sticky rice.

They cooked the rice and packed it in a triangle shape using green leaves, then tied it in bundles of three to give to their soldiers for sustenance.

The Deeku rice packs now symbolise unity, strength and victory.

Coffs Harbour community members who attended the festival were inspired by the passion of the Karenni people.

Traditional dances were performed by both children and adults, national costumes were worn, Karenni instruments were played, and all attendees got to enjoy traditional food - including, of course, sticky rice.

The Karenni community in Coffs Harbour has grown to 100 people, which includes four families who arrived in February this year.

The majority came from refugee camps on the Thai border where they were either born or had lived for many years.

They are passionate about continuing to celebrate their culture and sharing it with the Coffs Harbour community.

They are also hopeful of support to erect a permanent pole at a location in Coffs Harbour to celebrate another cultural event, the Kay Htoe Boe festival, which is celebrated in April.

Lin & Lloyd

By Andrea FERRARI

WOOLGOOLGA Performing Arts Studio's (WPAS) mixtape performance series continues with the “Lin & Lloyd” show featuring the famous songs and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Many of the songs are from contemporary theatre and movies, such as Webber's “The Phantom of the Opera” and Miranda's “Hamilton”, both of which have become cultural phenomena.

With two performances at the Coffs Conservatorium,

the show is the work of WPAS’ senior and adult Theatrical Program students.

“There is no storyline however the show flows from piece to piece, a performance that spotlights unique and popular songs inspired by Lin & Lloyd,” WPAS Artistic Director Jade Naidu told the News Of The Area.

Showing at the Coffs Conservatorium on Saturday, 5 October, the Woolgoolga Performing Arts troupe are thrilled with the venue.

“Their services and facilities are student friendly,” Jade said.

“The theatre has a fresh atmosphere and spacious seating, and audiences have a great sight line of the stage.

“This mixtape series has been so much fun.”

Students undertook mock auditions for the performance, which helped teach them how to prepare for an audition.

“Some of the high points have been when we rehearse both age groups together.

“Seeing our young male performers as young as thirteen performing with artists in their 30s is incredible.

“Our adult performers give back so much to our emerging artists coming through.”

q The Karenni community of Coffs Harbour gathers for the Deeku festival at the Cavanbah Hall. Photo: Aya Aye Win.

q Coffs Conservatorium shows ‘Lin &Lloyd’ by Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio.

q Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio mixtape performance of 'Lin & Lloyd' comes to Coffs.

q Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio's mixtape performance of 'Lin & Lloyd' comes to Coffs.

Koala rescues ramp up

A COFFS COAST koala recently had a lucky midnight escape after navigating a busy intersection on Mastracolas Rd, just off the Pacific Highway near Park Beach Plaza.

Nicknamed Caramello by those on the ground, the adult male had to be carefully recovered with the combined efforts of both WIRES and the State Emergency Service (SES) in a coordinated late-night rescue.

Suffering from chlamydia, the koala has since been taken into temporary care for treatment.

WIRES warns the warmer months of spring and summer are high-traffic times for koalas who become more active, keen to travel further distances to mate or establish new territory.

Young koalas are also leaving their mothers to find a home of their own.

Being nocturnal, koalas are most active between dusk and dawn.

During the last financial year, there were 873 koalas reported to WIRES across NSW, 56 of those local to the Mid North Coast.

The numbers are up on figures from the previous year when 612 call outs were made across the state (33 locally).

Reports covered situations including unsuitable environment, car collisions, chlamydia, habitat loss, or dog attacks.

A young female koala from Gleniffer, nicknamed Buster Rose, has also been given a second chance thanks to WIRES rescuers after receiving emergency surgery in Woolgoolga to remove a damaged eye.

Mid North Coast koala coordinator for WIRES and veterinary nurse, Zaiga, said the animal is making a steady recovery.

Regional slavery risks

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE independent NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner is urging action to address the risks for temporary migrant workers in rural and regional NSW.

Dr James Cockayne tabled the first ever report of its kind, called ‘Be Our Guests: Addressing urgent modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers in rural and regional NSW’, in the NSW Parliament.

“The report highlights significant modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers in agriculture, horticulture and meat processing in rural and regional

NSW,” he said.

“Risks.. include debt bondage, deceptive recruiting, forced labour and, in extreme cases, servitude, sexual servitude and even human trafficking.”

Dr Cockayne’s report examines significant vulnerabilities faced by both Pacific workers and backpackers (working holiday makers) with respect to working conditions, wages and entitlements; accommodation, transport and living conditions; gendered violence and healthcare access; and isolation and social marginalisation.

“Everyone working in, and contributing to, our community deserves fair pay and fair

Long Run done

By Andrea FERRARI

THE International Teacher Training Academy (ITTA) team in Coffs Harbour has completed its month-long participation in the Long Run to raise money for prostate cancer.

The team of five workmates walked or ran a collective 771 kilometres during September, raising a total of $6108.

ITTA Director Carolyn Fletcher told News Of The Area that the team is very happy with the result having surpassed its initial goals for

q WIRES and the State Emergency Service (SES) coordinated a late-night rescue of Caramello the

“We thought she just had chlamydia, but when we looked at her eye she must have had either a stick injury or been in a fight,” Zaiga said.

“So we had to take the eye out, eventually she’ll go back out into nature, but they can survive quite well with only one eye.

“People are going to see koalas moving around more, but that doesn’t always mean they're sick.

“However, we do ask that the public takes

working conditions.

“While migration programmes are, for the most part, well-managed, the information contained in my report tabled in Parliament shows that there are a minority of workers who are at risk.

“These workers, who are trapped in exploitative situations, form part of the estimated 16,400 people trapped in modern slavery in NSW.

“The ‘Be Our Guests’ report also highlights growing indicators that the burden of supporting these exploited migrant workers is falling on local communities and community service providers that are not adequately resourced.”

Dr Cockayne and his team visited rural and regional NSW sixteen times from August

both fundraising and walking.

The team feels its greatest achievement was to raise awareness.

“We were all satisfied knowing that we had been able to contribute to such an important cause, focussing on the wellbeing of others,” she said.

The fact that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and that around eleven men die each day from prostate cancer in Australia was a motivator for the all-girl team.

“Some of us were not aware of the statistics relating to prostate cancer until getting involved in the Long Run. Fundraising together has brought the colleagues closer,” the women said.

“Together we learned that a team can do great things when united to achieve a goal.”

For one team member, participating in the Long Run taught her the value of community support.

“I have a deeper appreciation for the impact we can make when we commit to a cause,” she said.

care when driving to be aware of

The Mid North Coast WIRES branch is calling for more volunteers to help with all native wildlife species.

The next Mid North Coast Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) is coming up on November 23.

To register visit wires.org.au.

If you see an injured animal please report it to the WIRES 24/7 rescue office on 1300 094 737.

2022 and held two dedicated workshops, in Griffith and Coffs Harbour, during drafting of the report.

“Reports to me from stakeholders in rural and regional NSW over the last two years indicate that hundreds of disengaged PALM workers have sought humanitarian support over that period, particularly in the western Riverina region (around Griffith and Leeton), but also in the Mid North Coast Region around Coffs Harbour and the Nambucca Valley.”

The report’s recommendations include that the NSW Parliament Modern Slavery Committee urgently initiate a traumainformed and worker-centred investigation of modern slavery risks faced by PALM and other temporary migrant workers in agriculture, horticulture and meat processing in rural and regional NSW.

This would be supported by suitable training for frontline agencies.

koala zones."

koala.

q Buster Rose received emergency surgery in Woolgoolga to remove a damaged eye.

q Caramello the koala up a tree on Mastracolas Rd.

q Nicole, Jess, Abby, Kerry and Carolyn on their last walk of the LongRun.

Coffs mechanic ‘Best of Nation’

By Andrea FERRARI

AUTOMOBILE Technology

mechanic Ross Colquhoun has been named “Best of Nation” at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France.

The former TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour apprentice, who works at A1 Mobile Mechanical Services, was recognised for his exceptional performance - a reflection of his dedication and rigorous training.

Ross was part of Australia’s Skillaroos contingent which placed an impressive 14th among 59 countries, based on total points scored.

China won the overall competition, followed by Brazil and France.

“After all the training, preparation and stress, I mostly feel relieved that we were able to achieve such a high result,” Ross told the News Of The Area.

“Considering I was competing against literally the best young technicians in the world, when I heard the final results, I was over the moon.”

During the four-day competition, Ross had eight different modules to complete.

These included: brakes (full inspection, fault finding and rebuilding certain components), engine mechanical diagnostics, wheel alignment and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance system) calibration, gearbox overhaul, engine electrical management diagnostics, engine measurement and overhaul, circuit creation, body electrical and electric vehicle diagnostics.

“There were definitely several moments where [my] nerves really kicked in and stress went through the roof,

but I just tried to keep calm and have a level head so that all my training just took over.

“For a lot of the time it

Trauma informed workshop

By Andrea FERRARI

LOCAL disability and employment services

provider

Ability Options presented a free workshop in Coffs Harbour designed to train businesses to deliver Trauma Informed Practices in the workplace.

The workshop for local not-for-profit organisations was funded by a donation from Regional Australia Bank through its Community Partnership Program.

Ability Options

Workplace Wellbeing

Practitioner Nicole Holland said the workshop was about helping businesses understand best practices to support people who have

experienced hardship.

“There's been a lot of hardship in our community recently through cost of living and housing pressures,” Nicole said.

“This puts strain and stress on local support services and the people providing them.

“The workshop felt very purposeful and was well-received by attendees working in the community.”

In a continued effort to give back to communities, Ability Options is offering the Trauma Informed Practice training to businesses across the State.

The workshop takes an approach to health and care interventions that is grounded in the

felt like I was on autopilot just doing what I know how to do.”

Ross was awarded “Best of Nation” by WorldSkills Australia for achieving the highest individual score.

He describes the experience as “awesome” and said everyone in the Skillaroos “had each other's backs”.

“We may not have been the loudest team compared to many other countries, but we all knew we were there to do a job and bring home good results, which is exactly what we did.”

understanding that trauma exposure can impact an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological and social development.

“It was a way to remind ourselves how to take care of 'us' and in return, deliver high-quality, informed support to the people we serve.”

Businesses are taught to recognise the impact of trauma and how to respond with effective, personcentred services, to build trust and reduce negative interactions, and to create a safe, collaborative space that enhances staff morale and resilience.

The journey to Lyon began two years ago for all 32 Skillaroos.

They first competed in regional competitions before earning their place in the squad at the 2023 National Competition.

They then trained intensively with their mentors, refining their techniques and learning to focus under competition conditions.

Looking ahead to where his success could take him, Ross is keeping his feet on the ground.

“At this stage, having

only just finished my apprenticeship earlier this year, my career plans are currently still mostly the same.

“The automotive industry has so many different niches and I think that limiting myself to one wouldn't be a smart move.

“I've just got to get my name out there and see what opportunities come my way and give everything a red-hot crack until I find the exact thing that I can see myself doing for the rest of my career.

q Kim Shaw and Amanda Harvey from Regional Australia Bank, with Nicole Holland and Gracel Arriba from Ability Options.

q Ross Colquhoun representing the Skillaroos at WorldSkills, France.

q Automobile Technology mechanic Ross Colquhoun on his way to winning “Best of Nation” at the WorldSkills 2024 competition.

Udderly awesome win

By Andrea FERRARI

STUDENTS from Coffs Harbour High School (CHHS) have taken home the title of Overall Winner for their ‘Moona Lisa’ project in the national Dairy Australia Picasso Cows program, beating over 49 schools from across the country.

Scoring 50/50, the school was awarded a prize of $2,000.

Students completed a suite of learning resources including worksheets, learning journals, games and quizzes, and decorated an almost life-size fibreglass cow to demonstrate their newly acquired understanding of the farm-to-plate process.

The program is aligned to the agriculture syllabus and was partly conducted on the school’s farm.

“The students chose the

farm-to-plate theme, giving them a solid understanding of the process that dairy products undertake to make it from the cow to the final product, and also the wide range of dairy products that are available,” CHHS Science, Agriculture and Marine Studies teacher Amanda Joyce told News Of The Area.

“For some of the students it was a steep learning curve as they had never really thought about or been taught about the dairy industry before.

“This program has allowed the students to gain a much better insight into the farm-to-plate concept for dairy products.”

The students threw themselves into the process and experienced a range of learning styles.

Some students excelled during the research stage,

others the design process, and others in the painting of the cow.

“The students were engaged and enthusiastic, and they worked very hard under a tight time limit and schedule to deliver an amazing end product,” Ms Joyce said.

Involving the whole school in the naming of the cow, more than 60 students submitted suggestions, with ‘Moona Lisa’ coming out tops.

Year 10 Agriculture student Alexandra Strainic told NOTA, “The Picasso Cows [program] has been an amazing experience and a fantastic activity to engage in through agriculture.

“The process of designing, sketching, painting, and finalising had been a long process, but the nearing deadline pushed our creative abilities to new heights and

Matching volunteers and vacancies

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Volunteering staff are busy matching interested locals to a range of service roles.

An increased understanding of how local volunteer services operate, has seen curious community members coming into the office to chat about how they can help.

“The more the merrier, as we’ve always got vacancies in volunteering,” Coffs Coast volunteer Maureen Linsley told News Of The Area.

There are a diverse

range of roles and the team at head office in the Community Village is skilled and patient at matching a willing volunteer with a service in need of helpers.

Coffs Coast Volunteering has been operating for over 15 years as a go-to linkage service.

“We have a diverse range of member organisations that we are proud to work with,” Ms Linsley said.

“This means we can tailor a volunteer’s preferences to specific recruitment opportunities.”

Anyone interested in chatting about their volunteering availability and preferences needs to book an appointment.

“Our offices are located in the main building at the Community Village and our friendly team of volunteer receptionists are there to

increased our capability to work in a fast-moving but careful environment.”

Year 9 Agriculture student Vincent Auld told NOTA, “While doing the Picasso Cow I learnt about the process in which the milk goes from cow to store and all the products it goes into and how big an industry it is.”

Year 9 Agriculture student Bree Loxley told NOTA, “Throughout the Picasso Cow project we learnt about the production of dairy products from start to finish.

“This was a fun and educational experience.”

Students were supported by the school’s Farm Assistant Grant Roder, and Science

Lab Assistant Charie King.

“Both assisted enormously in gaining the painting materials required and organising the instalment and care of our Moona Lisa at the school farm,” said Ms Joyce.

This year’s Picasso Cows program was made possible by Rex James Stockfeed and the Gardiner Foundation.

help Tuesdays to Thursdays between 9am-2pm.”

During the appointment, community members are interviewed about their availability, transport options, licences and any other skills they may bring to a role.

“Our team works closely with each new volunteer to ensure they are matched in a role that fits with them and that they have an interest in.”

Coffs Coast Volunteering helps both those with Mutual Obligation requirements with Centrelink or who are just finding themselves with spare time and want to give back to the community.

They also have opportunities with one-off events.

“Many of our volunteers have been able to secure

employment as a direct result of their volunteering service.

“We also have plans

to offer a range of training opportunities for volunteers and volunteer organisations in the near

future, so there’s lots going on and plenty of good work to be involved in.”

q Coffs Coast Volunteering team members Mary Maloney and Maureen Linsley.

q Coffs Harbour High School students Evie Rullis, Alexandra Strainic, Lachlan Keating, Mexico Chalk, Ezrielle Ball and Laetitia Cox with Moona Lisa.

q Coffs Harbour High School students Selma Nayif, Eva Layton, Bree Loxley, Ethan Douglas, Tate Cannon and Vincent Auld with Moona Lisa.

q Coffs Harbour High School’s Ezrielle Ball, Evie Rullis, Principal Peter South, Alexandra Strainic and Bella Leighton with Moona Lisa at the school farm.

Fiesta’s ‘fantastic vibe’

By Andrea FERRARI

URUNGA Spring Fiesta was a huge success with over 4000 people taking part across the afternoon and evening.

"The day was perfect, with clear skies and just enough breeze to keep you cool in the sun,” organiser Ahva Dub from UMBL Music told News Of The Area.

“People streamed in from all parts of the Mid North Coast as soon as the music kicked off.

“By late afternoon it was shoulder to shoulder down the main street with both stages packed and the artists and the audiences having a good time."

Urunga’s main street was filled with community stalls and arts workshops as the Street Fiesta Stage pumped out live music.

Within the scenic Morgo Street Reserve area there were jumping castles, kids activities, live art displays, markets and food trucks.

The Riverstage hosted over ten dance schools, which wowed crowds with their talented showcases.

The laneway proved a popular place with classes by Salsa Town running over seven hours.

Event Coordinator Lauren Mills said it was a fantastic “vibe”.

Gumbaynggirr Nation and its beautiful environment were on display for visitors, some who had travelled from Grafton and Port Macquarie to attend,” she said.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors the NSW

Students shoot first short

By Andrea FERRARI

BUS STOP Films’ Accessible Film Studies Program has completed its first short film, a comedy called Go Your Own Way.

Bus Stop Films, the awardwinning social enterprise film school and production company, in partnership with TAFE NSW, has been working with nine students since it began in February 2024.

The students, who are young adults living with moderate intellectual disability or autism, attend classes on Saturdays.

Their tutor is local filmmaker Claire Lyndsay.

Together they wrote the script, with Claire taking on the role of director.

“The film shoot was given lots of local love and support,”

CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM told News Of The Area.

“Pacific Bay Resort generously provided the location, Harlow and Co. did hair and makeup, local car hire Kev's Wedding Transport supplied a limo and many locals volunteered their time

as extras.

“The students worked with industry professionals as mentors to make their film.”

The Accessible Film Studies Program not only teaches participants about filmmaking, it builds capacity,

volunteers meant so much to the Fiesta.

Audio Visual, Cardow and Partners and Bellingen Shire Council for their support to make this event happen.

“Our small but deadly team ensured that our event ran smoothly and the help from our generous

year to year, building skills and connecting with their community.

The program was made possible through the fundraising efforts of Laura Daley and Coffs Coast Autism.

“When I first heard about Bus Stop Films, I knew we needed them in Coffs Harbour,” Laura told NOTA.

“Young people with a disability in Coffs are so supremely talented, so Coffs Coast Autism worked hard to raise $25,000 to get Bus Stop established.

“Watching the young people grow in technical skills, but also in confidence over the past nine months with Bus Stop, is a dream

“UMBL Music would like to thank the community for coming out… and showing the Mid North Coast what a truly special shire we live in.” come true.”

For Tracey, seeing the program’s lessons come together at the shoot was a pleasure to experience.

“I have been on many shoots, and the energy and spirit on set in Coffs Harbour was the one of the happiest and kindest I have experienced,” she said.

“The community was so kind.

“The film was funny and a wonderful comedic postcard to Coffs Harbour, I can't wait to see it at the showcase.”

“Go Your Own Way” will premiere 9 December and members of the public can come along.

q Cast and crew of Go Your Own Way.

q Tehani’s Open Movement raised the vibes on the Riverstage. Photo: Peter Lister.

q Salsatown dancing up a storm at Urunga Spring Fiesta. Photo: Peter Lister.

q Jumbaal Dreamin’ rocked the crowd on the Fiesta Street Stage. Photo: Mark Taylor.

q The Ninth Chapter finished off the event with some funk. Photo: Lauren Mills.

q Youth loved the mural boat activity from Do Wat Feels Good. Photo: Natalia Ramirez.

q Annalie Wellington and Carmel Kestles from Harlow and Co. with student Cadence.

q BSF CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM with Laura Daley from Coffs Coast Autism. q Crew member James Bartlett with student Felix.

q Student Jett with crew member Steve Nossiter.

Surf memorabilia sought

AN exhibition highlighting surf culture and history on the Coffs Coast will open in November.

‘Swell Chasers: Surf Stories from the

van in a shed or a surfing themed pinball machine from yesteryear.”

Gumbaynggirr surfers,” City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

“Swell Chasers will include a timeline of boards, photography, film and the important local stories from board shapers through to

North Coast’ will open at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) on Saturday 23 November, with the boardriding community invited to get involved.

“We want to hear from people with surfing memorabilia.

“Who knows what might surface – someone might have an old Sandman panel

People with interesting surfing history from Port Macquarie to Ballina should email yam@chcc.nsw.gov.au and include a description and a photo of their item.

Swell Chasers is a free exhibition and will be on show through to 2 February 2025.

on Saturday 23 November. Image: Brandt Mackney, ‘Last Light’.

Little Red in the Bellingen Hood

DELIGHT and educate your children these school holidays with ‘Little Red in the Hood’, a funfilled fractured fairy tale littered with learning opportunities.

For the uninitiated, ‘fractured’ means ‘retold’, typically to update the fairytale for modern audiences.

The performance is produced by Jally Entertainment and written by A.J. Bailey, and stars Little Red, a young woman who loves her grandmother and her neighbourhood.

“She’s like a superhero in a hoodie, watching her neighbour’s houses while they’re away and always on the lookout for litterbugs and people who don’t know how to recycle,” a representative from Jally Entertainment said.

Of course, every story has a troublemaker and this one has Walter – the Big Bad Wolf.

“He’s not really that big or bad...more like mediumsized and cheeky, but he does leave rubbish all over the place and has no idea about recycling.

“Walter can smell the awesome chocolate cake Granny’s got cooking and he’s on a mission to get the first bite of the cake… and Granny.”

Will Little Red get there first and save her Granny and the awesome chocolate cake?

You can find out when Little Red in the Hood comes to the stage of the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Monday, 7 October at 10am.

“The show suits children aged four to eleven years and their families and runs for 50 minutes,” a Bellingen Shire Council spokesperson told NOTA.

“There is a chance to see the cast at a ‘meet and greet’ after the performance.”

Head to BellingenMemorialHall. com.au for tickets, with group discounts available.

Muttonbirds by moonlight

A unique experience for the whole family

When: Friday nights, 18th October, 22nd November, 20th December 2024 17th January, 14th February, 7th March 2025

Time: 7:30pm-9pm Meet at Muttonbird Island Outdoor learning space

This award winning tour takes place close to the full moon of each month where you will experience the eerie wailing calls of the birds as they return to their nesting burrows after dark.

You’ll also hear the stories of the strong and enduring Aboriginal cultural significance of the island and why its still so special to the Gumbaynggirr people here on the Coffs Coast.

Cost: Adult $20 pp

Child $10 pp (5 -16 Yo)

Family $50 (2A, 2C)

Phone 1300 072 757 for more information.

Mid

q Swell Chasers: Surf Stories from the Mid North Coast will open at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM)

Music to lift you up

By Andrea FERRARI

TOE tapping tunes and singalongs will be the order of the day at Coffs Harbour City Orchestra’s upcoming concerts.

Presented at Coffs Harbour Racing Club on Saturday evening, 12 October, with a matinée the following day, the concerts are free to children and students.

The program is the combination of the musicians suggesting their favourite uplifting tunes and ideas from the orchestra’s social media audience.

“From these lists we have put together a concert that

we hope will be inspiring and elevating, bringing joy and energy to our audience,” spokesperson for the Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Cathie McIntyre told the News Of The Area.

The orchestra’s members are talented amateur musicians whose love for their craft is reflected in their joyful performances.

Among them is Joy Griffin on violin, who is an original member from 1979.

Over the 45 years since its launch, the orchestra has amassed a broad and extensive library.

“At the moment we have about twelve filing cabinets

of paper music,” Ms McIntyre said.

“We have decided to digitise it as a more efficient way to store it all and safeguard against damage or destruction.

“Our dedicated librarian, Louise, has relied on many volunteer hours to perform this role.”

New members are welcome to join and attend the weekly rehearsals.

“Our Artistic Director Tim Egan studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and has a wealth of professional musical experience. He provides expertise for all of us to improve our musicianship.”

STAY WELL STAY CONNECTED

informative presentation on veteran support and wellbeing services on the North Coast.

Final chances to catch busking action

THE 2024 Coffs Harbour Buskers & Comedy Festival wraps up this weekend, however it’s not too late to catch some incredible performance art and top shelf humour.

On Friday, 4 September Ed Sheeran impersonator Jo Boshell will make a previously unscheduled appearance in the Coffs Harbour city centre at 11am.

An British expat now

living in Perth, Boshell has made a living with his impressively accurate tribute act to the English superstar.

“He will be followed by ventriloquist Natalie May and the irrepressible Mulletman and partner Mim at 1pm,” said event promoter John Logan.

On Friday and Saturday night, the fun moves to the Coffs Harbour Golf Club for the Unreal Comedy Gala with

Lindsay Webb and friends. Busking action returns on Saturday in the city centre, followed by two shows at Moonee Beach Hotel at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. The festival finale will take place at the Harbourside Markets from 9.45am Sunday. For more information visit www.coffsharbourbuskers. com or the festival Facebook page.

q Ventriloquist Natalie May.

q The Coffs Harbour City Orchestra percussion section can always tap out a good rhythm.

Taking a Legal Look

By Manny WOOD

Tailoring Powers of Attorney

AFTER a recent health scare, Peter decides to talk to a specialist solicitor about putting a Power of Attorney (POA) in place.

Peter is advised that a POA allows him to appoint someone (an attorney) to manage his financial affairs.

In Australia, a reference to an attorney is not a reference to a lawyer or a solicitor.

In fact, an attorney is normally not a lawyer, but a member of one’s family or a friend who is entrusted to manage financial matters.

An appropriate attorney may not be the same person who is appointed as one’s executor under a will and it may not be the same person who is appointed to manage health related decisions under an Appointment of Enduring Guardian.

It is important to understand the distinction between these three documents and to consider who is best suited for each specific role.

Peter’s adult son resides with him in Peter’s home.

His son suffers from a number of health problems which prevent him from obtaining full time employment.

Peter is advised by his solicitor that it is important to draft specific provisions in the POA document to make it clear that his attorney can “confer benefits” on Peter’s son to meet his reasonable living and medical expenses.

Peter also wishes for his son to be able to continue to reside in his home, should Peter lose the capacity to consent to him doing so.

The solicitor advises that his POA document needs to contain tailored provisions to achieve this goal.

With a view to maintaining Peter’s autonomy whilst he is able to manage his own affairs, the POA is restricted to only be “activated” if Peter loses capacity and a medical practitioner evidences this in writing. In this respect it is a “just in case” document.

POAs that continue to operate if one loses capacity are referred to as “Enduring” POAs because they “endure” a loss of capacity.

For more information regarding appropriately tailoring POAs, email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw. net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

This fictional column is only accurate at today’s date and is not legal advice.

OPINION & LETTERS

Driving tourism away

DEAR News Of The Area,

FROM 25 - 28 September Coffs Harbour hosted touch footy at the stadium; that’s four days.

It was very well organised, well attended and as usual, the grounds were presented in a professional, well maintained way.

The total event was quoted to have fed $5,000,000-plus into the local economy.

My family attended from Brisbane and were fortunate enough to be able to stay with me, with only uniform, registration and travel costs to lay out.

They are a family of six.

However, other families reported to have paid $5000 coming from Perth, and one family from Tasmania $8,000 with a holiday tacked on.

As it is school holidays, $1,000plus per week was not uncommon accommodation with varied hundreds for car hire, let alone extortionate air fares.

They still have to eat and wow did they pay at the stadium!

The family quoting $8,000-plus then left Coffs Harbour as holidaying here was too expensive and spent their Aussie dollar in Bali!

What a loss.

This was only one family we lost during school holidays due to cheaper alternatives.

We boast our International Stadium and that is warranted and deserved as it is well maintained and world class.

But, with the cost of living so high now and families struggling to survive, even without trying to give their families every opportunity afforded them, how long is this sustainable for families to lay out?

Many said that only one member of the family other than the participant could afford to come.

We have ample opportunity to draw sport/families/tourism to our beautiful coast but at the end of the day, families still have to be able to afford to come here.

Coffs, think about your future.

You are doing whatever to attract tourism and then turning wanting families away because of greed.

The future of the Kalang Valley

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS children growing up in the Kalang Valley in the ‘70s my siblings and I witnessed first hand the devastating impact of excessive logging upon the river.

Following the intensive bulldozer logging of the ‘60s and early ‘70s we had huge floods in 1975 and 1976 which carried huge quantities of gravel and silt as well as numerous large logs and branches.

When the floodwaters receded, the results were plain to see: big log jams and huge deposits of sediment blocking the river channel in many places.

Then, for years and years, during dry spells, the river dried out and went underground at these deposits and the remaining pools turned stagnant and discoloured from orange & brown algae

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

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 OWN a company where the work takes place in an online environment. For this reason, I let my staff work from home.

Recently, while spending time in a small town where one of my staff members lives, I spotted her in a cafe, at the beach, in the car, in the supermarket and riding a bike.

Despite this, she still achieved all the key performance indicators I'd set for the week.

Do I speak to her about needing to work from her home office?

Holly H.

Dear Holly,

FIRSTLY, may I request a job interview? I'm not quite sure what your online environment is, but you sound like an ideal boss.

I think, though, that there is a big difference between putting on the occasional load of washing and doing a few stretches, and what your staff member is doing which is squeezing some work in between a varied and Insta-worthy social life.

While she may be achieving her workload at the moment, it doesn't sound sustainable.

The other issue is safety.

I suggest you look at the fine print of your workers compensation coverage.

I'm confident it will not cover your staff member stacking her bike into a bus-stop when she is supposed to be completing a workplace report.

PHILPOTT,

Regards, Liz

Boambee East.

blooms, rendering the water unfit for drinking or bathing and starving much of the aquatic life of oxygen.

Furthermore, the logs acted as battering rams, breaking and tearing at the soft alluvial banks, setting off an erosive process that washed away much productive river flat, to be replaced by gravel beds.

This erosion is still occurring in many spots.

On our property we have managed to get it largely under control through years of remedial work, most of it by hand, with spade and wheelbarrow, but most people have done nothing as it is a large and daunting task.

We lost at least three acres of our best land while some others lost closer to ten.

And of course no compensation or assistance was ever offered; we just had

Ultimately there needs to be an arrangement of mutual trust and support between yourself and your staff members.

While it's admirable that this particular woman seems to be embracing all that life has to offer and looking after her physical and mental health, a workplace injury seems far more likely in the various scenarios you've painted above.

Carpe diem, Jasminda to wear it.

And now the timber industry and Forestry Corporation want to inflict the same on us again, only worse.

To us in Kalang it is our future wellbeing at stake and once again I plead with the powers-that-be to pull the plug on this inane, ill-advised plan to destroy our headwaters and associated tributaries.

We are not protesting for the fun of it or to be deliberately difficult, as some might think, but because it is vital and necessary to stop such a stupid activity before it becomes too late.

Regards, P MEITHKE, Kalang.

OPINION & LETTERS

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS an older person, like “Jack”, I am alright now - but I worry about the future hospital conditions that will face us all.

The standards of nursing we will receive in future years is important to everyone because NSW can’t keep the nurses they train.

There are a lot of nurses living in the Coffs Coast area and everyone knows one, so we should all know why nurses are striking and demonstrating.

After all, nurses consist of mums, dads, and their adult children.

They live amongst us and care for us in the hospital.

Historically, nurses have always been respected but treated as a “second-class profession” because it is largely female dominated.

We can no longer rely solely on ‘vocation’ or a wish to care as motives.

Nurses are not radicals, and their reasons for striking are many and varied.

Basically they are seeking fair pay along with parity, equality, and better

patient ratios.

That is fair enough, and maybe we should pay attention to the difficulties and responsibilities of their jobs.

The future of regional NSW hospitals is one of huge staffing problems.

This is because so many nurses from the ‘baby boomer’ generation are retiring, and large numbers of new-grads are choosing to work in other States.

So who is going to look after the people of NSW as patient numbers increase?

The interstate drain of nurses has to be stopped now, and as a profession, NSW Health has to attract young people to nursing, and (critically), keep them in NSW.

To do this, conditions have to be made the most attractive in Australia.

Over the years, training requirements and job responsibilities have changed, but the pay and conditions for nurses do not recognise this.

What was historically a virtual apprenticeship training scheme is now a university degree or diploma level qualification.

Why nurses strike Perspectives on inflation

DEAR News Of The Area,

TODAY, I had insightful conversations with a small business owner and a financial expert from Sydney about the current state of the economy.

The owner of a long-established restaurant in Coffs Harbour mentioned that he believed Labor wasn’t supportive of small businesses.

I asked him if he had benefited from any federal Labor government programs, like the free installation of LED lights or energy-efficient fridges for small businesses.

His response was, "Yes."

I then asked: "So why do you feel Labor is not good for small businesses? Have you received such support under

the Liberal or National governments?"

He couldn’t provide an answer.

I shared a link detailing the Albanese Labor Government's support for small businesses, highlighting the proactive assistance that has been offered.

He then mentioned that his business was slow due to inflation and the cost of living, which he believed was caused by Labor.

I explained that when Labor took office in May 2022, inflation was already at 6.1 percent, and today it has been reduced to 2.7 percent, well within the Reserve Bank's target range.

The federal Labor government has taken strong, decisive actions to manage inflation and ease its impact through effective policies, price control measures,

It is no longer a world of ‘hospital corners and starched veils’, and nurses take high levels of responsibility for serious clinical care.

No wonder the nursing profession is up in arms – they can see that the nursing drain to interstate hospitals is affecting our area right now.

Let’s face it.

That should not happen.

The NSW education system trains nurses in our hospitals and they have no incentive to stay in NSW let alone the regions.

Nurses work in a physically and emotionally exhausting profession but have been receiving low pay and everincreasing clinical demands.

It is not rocket science, basic parity, equality, and improved patient ratios are needed if patients are to be cared for properly in the future.

But where will the next generation of nurses come from?

Our kids can do a Certificate IV in Business and earn more “working-fromhome” so we have to ask why anyone would logically choose extra study, inflexible shift work, and the clinical responsibilities of nursing?

wage support, and relief for those most affected.

He also expressed concern about wage increases, saying he could no longer hire teenagers for $10 or $12 an hour.

I pointed out the contradiction: on one hand, he said people weren’t eating out due to lack of money, but on the other hand, higher wages actually enable people to afford more, including dining out.

In fact, low wages were a major issue for workers like nurses and midwives in NSW, who earned far less than their counterparts in Victoria and Queensland under the previous LNP government.

I also asked a financial expert about which government she felt managed the

It’s a ‘no’ from the Mills clan

DEAR News Of The Area,

OUR family has had over a 150-year association with life on and around the Coffs Harbour coastline and the beauty that is the Jetty Foreshores.

My grandparents raised sixteen children on the banks of Coffs Creek.

They were fishermen, lifesavers, footballers and hard-working communityminded people who loved where they lived.

The Mills clan were proud to tell anyone who listened about a joyous childhood and their simple ways of life.

Swimming and fishing in the creek and mastering the surf and the waters around the Jetty, raising Australian champions

and leaving a legacy for us kids, our kids and their kids who still treat Coffs like home – to enjoy its natural beauties.

And I know they would all be so proud of the people who have stood up and spoken and said “no” to the residential development plans for the Jetty Foreshores.

Proud of the stance outgoing Mayor Paul Amos and his cohort have taken to block a re-development and re-zoning that would allow multi-level buildings to become a blight on our foreshores.

My late father John Mills OAM is a great example of a man who loved his Jetty who, along with his mates, helped build the walkways around the creek, voluntarily, so locals and tourists alike

could enjoy the serenities surrounding this beautiful area.

He was the “unofficial Lord Mayor” of the Jetty – a boy who grew up hanging on the coattails of his fisherman father Bill as they netted for mullet.

He later spent the last 40 years of his life on the Jetty Beach coaching local Nippers and lifesavers – educating them about the joys of the water and about its lifeblood.

The Jetty and all its beauty attracted hundreds from far and wide who lined the beach to farewell my dad on the salty shores of his spiritual home – people who will all be in agreement to “leave it be!”

The place where my dad and his siblings were baptised into these simple

Residents clearly opposed to residential

DEAR News Of The Area,

AN excellent and most comprehensive overview of the litany of neglected Stateowned assets in Coffs Harbour from Ms

Anne Leonard (NOTA 20/09).

Thankfully the recent poll showing that 70 percent of residents are vehemently opposed to privately-owned residential development at the Jetty should stop the continuation of this land abuse.

It will however be interesting to see if our new band of councillors, led

What will entice students to choose nursing as their career path - and then stay and work in regional NSW?

The answer lies in pay and working conditions.

In Coffs Harbour the nurses at the CH Hospital have already been demonstrating, and now for the first time ever, Ramsay Health Care nurses at Baringa Private Hospital are striking as well.

NSW nurses are the lowest paid in Australia, and the Ramsay health nurses are paid even less; yet we have more and more patients.

The answer is clearly economic and the Government needs to act immediately rather than prevaricating and ‘negotiating’.

More nurses are needed everywhere in NSW and we are facing a catastrophic problem in health care.

We need more nurses in NSW hospitals.

The pay and conditions of NSW nurses must be improved.

The nursing drain must be stopped. Regards, David EDWARDS, Mullaway.

economy better - the one that caused inflation to rise or the one working to bring it down.

She responded that under the Liberal and National governments, inflation soared with little effort to control it.

In contrast, the Labor government has proven itself capable of reducing inflation by managing economic challenges, addressing supply chain issues, and implementing effective economic policies.

The Albanese Labor Government has clearly demonstrated stronger economic management than the previous Liberal and National governments.

Today, our inflation rate stands at 2.7 percent, reflecting Labor’s commitment to stability and growth.

Thank you, Htun Htun OO (H2O), Coffs Harbour.

ways of life.

He would have led the “no” rally to stop any high rise on and around his beloved Jetty.

“It's a place for the people,” he would say.

Let’s hope the decision makers take a step back and look back in time and listen to the families who have made Coffs what it is today.

Don’t let “the Johnny-come-latelies”, as my Dad used to call them, ruin a good thing.

Don’t let them spoil the Coffs Harbour playground that we know and love. It’s a “no” from all of us.

Regards, Suzanne HANSON (nee Mills), On behalf of the Mills and extended families. by National party members, have the community’s interest at heart or will Coffs Harbour's most lucrative industry (land development) continue to be managed by the State and the white shoe brigade.

Regards, Bob HARRIS, Coffs Harbour.

ADVERTISING

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 Shannon now 0409 228 267 or email shannon@newsofthearea.com.au

Discover the oasis

Address: 26 Amaroo Crescent, Toormina

Price: $950,000 - $990,000

Beds: 3, Bath: 3, Car: 2

Land size: 948.5 sqm

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The inclusion of a dedicated study enhances its appeal, making it an ideal sanctuary for remote work or study.

As you enter, you are greeted by a modern, expansive timber kitchen adorned with stunning stone benches.

This culinary haven seamlessly flows into the open-plan living area, which elegantly transitions from the dining room to the formal lounge.

The thoughtful design creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for entertaining or cosy family gatherings.

Step outside to discover the pièce de résistance: a large deck that overlooks a resort-like in-ground pool.

This outdoor oasis, complete with a tropical cabana, is the perfect setting for summer barbecues, pool parties, or simply enjoying a tranquil afternoon in the sun.

An additional deck runs the length of the rear of the home, providing ample space for outdoor relaxation amidst the lush surroundings.

The main bedroom is a true retreat, boasting a suitesized layout, a walk-in robe, and a generous ensuite with dual vanities.

A thoughtfully designed hallway leads to another bedroom, also with a walk-in closet and ensuite, alongside the study and laundry, ensuring functionality and convenience.

A unique feature of this property is the self-contained

area located upstairs, complete with a kitchenette, lounge, and another bedroom with an ensuite.

This versatile space is perfect for guests, extended

family, or even as a private rental opportunity.

Completing this remarkable home is a large double garage that provides ample storage solutions.

Presented

verandah giving you an additional living area. There is also plenty of lockable storage under the rear verandah that doubles as a space to tinker in. The garage features an electric roller door with the schools, public transport and Sawtell’s café strip all being close by.

With its blend of modern amenities and thoughtful design, 26 Amaroo Crescent is more than just a house; it's a lifestyle waiting to be embraced. Don't miss your chance to make this tranquil retreat your own. Contact Chris Hines on 0439 667 719 or Kim McGinty on 0432 953 796.

– $579,000 This well presented 4 bedroom home has the ideal location with Brelsford Park opposite and the town centre is only minutes away on foot. Easy care polished timber floors have been used throughout the home, 3 bedrooms have robes with the master featuring a huge ensuite and walk in robe. The dining area adjoins the well-appointed kitchen with the lounge/living area being open and airy. There is also a third toilet in the laundry and off street parking for 2 cars along with

$600,000 OR OFFER

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1. Which club did current Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy play for from 1982–1992?

2. In what year was the NRL Grand Final first held at Accor Stadium?

3. Which player has scored the most points in NRL Grand Finals?

4. Which was the first nonSydney club to win a Grand Final?

5. And in which year did this occur?

6. In which two seasons did the South Sydney Rabbitohs not compete in the NRL?

7. Brad Fittler was coach of which nation’s rugby league team from 2017 to 2020?

8. Which team beat the Melbourne Storm 40-0 in the 2008 NRL Grand Final?

9. Which NRL Women’s club won three consecutive premierships from 2018 to 2020?

10. Which Souths skipper famously kept playing on in the 1970 Grand Final despite a broken jaw?

11. Which club lost four Grand Finals between 1911 and 1922?

12. What is the name of the medal awarded to the player of the match in NRL Women’s Grand Finals?

13. In which recent year did the NRL Grand Final have to be decided in Golden Point extra time?

14. And which team prevailed to win the trophy, its only NRL premiership so far?

15. Which referee officiated his first NRL Grand Final in 2023?

16. True or false: 2024 was the first time the State of Origin Women’s was decided by a threematch series?

17. In which year was the first State of Origin Women’s match played?

18. And for how many consecutive years did Queensland win the Women’s series from its inaugural game?

19. In which two years in the 1970s were there drawn Grand Finals?

20. Which current judge on reality TV program The Voice provided pre-match entertainment and sung the national anthem at the 2021 Grand Final?

21. What are the only four countries to have teams play at a professional level?

22. Brothers Luke, Sam, George and Tom all played for the Rabbitohs in 2013: what is their surname?

23. Which New Zealand-born player has scored the most career NRL points?

24. How many players have won the Clive Churchill Medal twice?

25. Which Knights player scored two tries in the 2001 Grand Final?

2024 NRL GRAND F NAL

26. Which award is named in honour of Herbert Messenger?

27. What is the only country to have rugby league as its national sport?

28. With what club did Ivan Cleary end his playing career and begin his coaching career with?

29. Which NRL player was known by the nickname ‘The Brick With Eyes’

30. Who has won more State of Origin series: New South Wales or Queensland?

LOCALSPORT

Orara wins dramatic contest

By David WIGLEY

ORARA High School's Under-14 futsal team edged out Coffs Harbour High School in a thrilling penalty shootout to claim the regional grand final at Sportz Central last week, in a match that had hearts racing and nerves jangling until the final whistle.

In a contest marked by tension and high drama, Orara's young squad held their nerve to triumph 3-1 in the shootout after both teams had battled to a 3-3 stalemate through full-time and extra time.

The victory sends Orara into the next stage of the NSW Combined High Schools competition, where they will face challengers from the Port Macquarie region.

It was a rollercoaster journey to the top.

Orara’s campaign began in less-than-ideal fashion, conceding in the opening minute against South Grafton High.

But the team’s resilience quickly surfaced, rallying to secure a comfortable win in

the end.

“The boys showed strong heart and determination to secure a come-from-behind win against South Grafton in the qualifying round,” said coach Dean Press.

“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but they didn’t let their heads drop.”

That fighting spirit was on full display in the next round, a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bellingen High School, where Orara again had to claw back from behind.

“Both teams were fantastic, putting in a massive effort.

“It could have gone either way, but our boys dug deep when it mattered.”

That determination set the stage for a grand final showdown with neighbouring rivals Coffs Harbour High.

After both teams traded goals across a pulsating contest, neither could break the deadlock in extra time, leaving the outcome to be decided by the lottery of penalties.

Orara’s composure

proved the difference.

“Raman, Dylan, and Sam all coolly converted their spot-kicks, while

“The

Nation’s best compete in Coffs

By Aiden BURGESS

NINE of the region’s best young touch footballers have taken on the nation’s finest on home turf, competing in the Touch Football National Youth Championships from 25-28 September.

It was the first time the national competition had been held in Coffs Harbour.

The nine players were part of Northern Eagles representative teams that

faced off against the best junior sides in Australia.

Northern Eagles are representative teams which encompass a large part of Northern NSW.

Eliza Kelly and Tillie Reibelt were teammates in the Under 12s Northern Eagles team.

Tillie said it was great to play such a big event at home.

“It’s really good to play at home, as I know the ground is really good, and I love how

my family can just come and watch because they all live here,” she said.

Eliza said it had been a good start for her team at the National Championships.

“We beat Victoria 7-0, and our defence and scooping were good,” she said.

“It’s been pretty hard, and all the other teams' defence is good and they are quick.”

Hannah Burton and Adelaide Keating were teammates in the Under 14s

Northern Eagles team.

Hannah said it was an advantage playing a national championship at home.

“It’s close and we can go home every night, and all our friends and family can come and watch us,” she said.

“I guess it can be a bit of an advantage, as we’re used to the surroundings.

"They’ve shown so much grit throughout the competition, and that

penalty save from Jesse was massive," Dean said.

Suns’ big win on the road

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Suns have had a big win in Casino during the latest round of their Sunshine Conference representative season.

Saturday, 12 October.

The Suns women also play their next home game the same day against the Ballina Breakers at the same location.

“We beat ACT 6-0 in our first game, so that was really good.”

The Suns men were dominant in a 101-30 win against the Casino Kings.

Kaspa Ngohset top scored for the Suns with a game high 21 points.

The Suns men snapped a two-game losing streak and sit in third spot on the ladder with four wins from their opening seven games of the season.

Suns men have this weekend off before travelling north to take on the Ballina Breakers in Ballina on

Bellinger Valley Braves continued their unbeaten start to the season, edging out the Byron Bay Beez 69-67 in Byron Bay.

Nicholas Markham top scored for the Braves with 16 points.

The win was the Braves sixth in a row to start the season which sees them sit on top of the ladder.

The Braves have this weekend off before travelling to take on the Yamba Trawlers on Saturday, 12 October.

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 Shannon now 0409 228 267 or email shannon@newsofthearea.com.au

q Orara High School’s U14s futsal winners.

q Coffs Coast players at the Touch Football National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. Kalani Grayson, Adelaide Keating, Tillie Reibelt, Hannah Burton, Eliza Kelly, Kobe Tighe, Marshall Bellamy, Joey Galvin and Harley Teale.

goalkeeper Jesse’s crucial save turned the shootout in Orara’s favour.

boys banded

together and dug deep.

New basketball season underway as juniors decided

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Basketball Association’s latest men’s season is underway, with the first five rounds of the senior spring season played at Sportz Central.

That One Team won their fourth straight game to start the Men’s B Grade season, beating White Chocolate 59-33.

Ned Jones top scored

for the winners with fifteen points.

Last season’s A Grade champions The Chihuahuas won their fourth straight game 52-38 against The Bricklayers.

Matthew France had a game high 23 points for the winners.

Can’t Catch A Breath had a 70-42 win against the Red Rockets.

Pineapple Express

edged out Thunderbirds 37-35, Jacob Webber and Scott Woods both scoring fourteen points each.

Scorpions consolidated top spot on the C Grade ladder with a 62-36 win against Mantastic.

Darryl Merchant had a game high of seventeen points.

Hoopsies beat James Nebo 37-34, Matayo Nguyen having a game high

seventeen points.

The men's competition is played on Monday nights at Sportz Central.

The Basketball Association’s best junior teams headed into the school holidays as season champions, after their grand finals at Sportz Central.

The winners were:

- Under 18 Boys Division 1: Barracuda Dominators 65 def. Mantas Trailblazers

34. MVP: Joe Moran.

- Under 14 Boys Division 1: Seahorses Hornets 45 def. Narwhals Cloudy with a Chance of Buckets 42. MVP: Zavier Martin.

- Under 12 Boys: Seahorses Warriors 45 def. Barracuda Force 31. MVP: Tyler Sens.

- Under 18 Boys Division 2: Seahorses Elite 61 def. Narwhals Scorpions 56. MVP: Francis Buquiron.

- Under 16 Boys Division 1: Seahorses Hoop Troop 47 def. Mantas Spartans 43.

Hockey players to represent Australia

By Aiden BURGESS

HOCKEY Coffs Coast’s finest senior players are set to represent their country in the coming weeks.

The ten players will represent Australia at the 2024 Masters World Cups in South Africa and New Zealand.

The Over 35s and Over 40s Australian players will travel to play in Cape Town for their internationals from 11-21 October, while the Over 45+ age groups will play in Auckland from 3-14 November.

Hockey Coffs Coast players selected to their respective Australian teams include Nardie Gream (Over 35s), Tania Pollock (Over 40s), Adam Ellison (Over 50s), and David Dart (Over 50s).

Hockey Coffs Coast players selected to their respective Australia A teams

include Kieran Marshall (Over 35s), Craig Rathbone (Over 35s), Dean Herbert (Over 40s), Sam Ash (Over 40s), Rick Fischer (Over 45s),

and Jonathan Williams (Over 45s).

Dean Herbert explained how special it was for him and his fellow Coffs Coast players to represent Australia.

“Playing at a World Cup for Australia is something special,” he said.

MVP: Calvin Green.

- Under 16 Boys Division 2: Seahorses 76ers 35 def. Barracuda Power 33. MVP: Jodin Rawson.

- Under 16/18 Girls: Mantas Dolphins 46 def. Barracuda Warriors 14. MVP: Leeanna Richardson.

- Under 14 Boys Division 2: Narwhals Mavericks 52 def. Mantas Kings 37. MVP: Hunar Brar.

- Under 14 Girls: Narwhals Hot Strawberries 28 def. Barracuda Hammers 26. MVP: Blessing Nebo.

- Under 12 Girls: Narwhals Bolts 39 def Barracuda Titans 26. MVP: Millie Cook.

“[Competing] against the powerhouse countriesEngland, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands - will be an experience we all will never forget.

“Coffs Masters hockey has a lot of great players and we all love getting together on tours.

“We have a good culture that has been set from our founders of Masters Hockey in Coffs.

“So being able to play for Australia at Masters level is a good way to show our founders that we will continue their legacy for many more years.”

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 Shannon now 0409 228 267 or email shannon@newsofthearea.com.au

q Rick Fischer, Dean Herbert, Adam Ellison, Jonathan Williams and Kieran Marshall. q Tania Pollock and Nardie Gream.

q Rick Fischer, Dave Dart, Dean Herbert, Craig Rathbone, Jono Williams and Adam Ellison.

Rise-up for RISE

fostering personal development.

However, grant funding from the government has dried up and the not-for-profit charity is now driving its own funding activity to continue serving the community.

RISE Technical and Business Director Phil McMullen, said the program was a success because of its holistic philosophy, but it needs support to keep making a difference.

“The program does so much across our community,” Mr McMullen said.

“RISE is about making positive connections and improving mental health and wellbeing by focussing on core values like self-discipline, ethics and moral principles.

“These kids are the future leaders of this community, the future teachers and doctors and builders.

“Some of our kids are school captains, others hold school leadership positions and many more are leaders in the wider community.

“At least five of our players were selected this year for nationals, including Logan Sambrook, Anderson Haldon, Charlotte Bunny, Dominic Omtha and Phoebe Oliver.

the Joeys, which was an amazing achievement.”

Student Melad Khalaf has been with RISE since the very first session and says he cannot thank the program enough for all it has done, including helping him get a part-time job at Woolworths.

Melad’s passion is football and the high intensity, technical training at RISE is providing a fast track for his development.

“It’s hard to put into words,” he says.

football without barriers.

“It is all about creating that fair, even playing field, where everyone gets an opportunity."

RISE began in 2020 and now has more than 200 participants from a variety of backgrounds.

“This year, government funding and regional grants have become increasingly difficult to access and RISE has lost support from a local supermarket chain for its Breakfast Training Program.”

Coffs juniors take on Queensland comp

By Aiden BURGESS

TWO of the Coffs Coast’s most promising juniors have been playing in Queensland’s top cricket competition.

Former Coffs Harbour junior representatives Daniel Craig and Patrick Rose have been playing for Ipswich in the current season of the Queensland Premier Cricket competition.

Queensland Premier Cricket is the top cricket competition played in Queensland, with the Coffs juniors having played second grade for Ipswich this season.

Rose started his season taking 2-10 in his side's loss to the University of Queensland in the T20 Cup.

Rose shone in Ipswich’s first one day match of the season, taking 3/33 from 9 overs and finishing on 31 not out with the bat in their 13-run win against Western Suburbs.

In addition to playing seniors, the Coffs Coast pair have also been playing for the Ipswich Boys Under 17s team.

Patrick Rose's father Matt said his son had also played for Ipswich prior to

this season.

“He’s doing an apprenticeship up there, and he’s really enjoying playing with his mate Dan in such a strong competition,” he said.

“Patrick made his debut in second grade as a 14-year-old in March 2022.

“He played Under 17s last year, and this is Dan’s first season playing there.”

Daniel Craig has previously played for Nana Glen in Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association competitions, while Patrick Rose played for the Coffs Colts.

The two 16-year-olds have both represented Coffs Harbour in the InterDistrict junior competition.

“Logan Sambrook also received the call-up to the youth U17s national team,

Mr McMullen said that as a not-for-profit organisation, sponsorship and donations were essential to cover the cost of technical coaching, referee and first aid training, a female football program, speed and agility training sessions plus a daily free breakfast program and transport.

“RISE is all about

“It’s the fact that Phil, our coach, wakes up early at 4.30am every morning to come and train us, it’s incredible."

RISE Coffs is now planning a fundraising dinner and is seeking the community’s support.

To help, visit asf.org. au/projects/rise or contact phil@risecoffsharbour.org. STORY

q RISE began in 2020 and now has more than 200 participants from a variety of backgrounds.

Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each

can publish it in our dedicated

q Daniel Craig and Patrick Rose representing Coffs Harbour.

q RISE student Melad Dalaf.

Woolgoolga Bowling Club Results

By Glenn LANE

TUESDAY Social Bowls 10 - 9 - 24

G Pallister and C Davis

defeated Lorna Walsh and D Barnard 30 - 10

S Dodd and K Stirling defeated J Taylor and H Schutz 22- 21

M Lampert and C Latham

defeated R Thornton and R McIntyre 33 - 13

F Cacciattolo and J Brooks defeated J Prosser and T McKenzie 23 - 12

I Cork and Mike Zentgraf defeated R Shaw and Laurie Walsh 21 - 16

T Marotta and B Merchant defeated M Hopes and J Wilcox 19 - 15

N Wood and J Evans defeated S Wall and K Costelloe 26 - 10

A Wroe and R Gurber defeated R Baguley and G Lane 22 - 19

1st Rink M Lampert and C Latham

2nd Rink F Cacciattolo and J

C.ex Coffs Bowls Club Report

By Mary BUCKLEY

SEPTEMBER was quite a varied month of bowls, with Pennants underway, a visit from NSW Real Estate Bowlers and the start of Consistency Singles. Tuesday 3rd September: Grade 2 Pennants team played against

Coffs Table Tennis Results

By Dale ALLEN

FRIDAY 27th September, 2024

Division 1 Gerard Martin d Yash Tyagi 3/0,

Coffs Harbour Ladies Golf Results

By Vicky HUNTER

TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER9 HOLE 4PERSON AMBROSE Janet Clayton, Dinah Nutchey-

Sawtell Bowls Results

By Geoff HAMPSON

REMINDER as from NEXT MONDAY 7th October; Monday Twilight Bowls 4.30pm to 6.30pm (Daylight Saving Time) Replaces Monday Afternoon Bowls/ Nominations Close 3pm Payment and check in by 4pm Please

Coffs Harbour Golf Club Monday Vets

By Vicki SILVER

RESULTS Monday 23 September 2024

52 members and visitors played

Brooks 3rd Rink T Marotta and B

Merchant No Jackpot

WOOPI WANDERERS

WEDNESDAY 11 - 9 - 24

Bear, R Pilon and D Mason

defeated J Evans, P Jones and M Lampert 25 - 11

P Diamond, S Oliver and I Brien

defeated J Lynn, M Mulligan and P Hatton 25 - 13

J Taylor and G Lane defeated S Wall and B Lipmann 23 - 12

K Coombes and K Costelloe defeated G Woolley and S Ferro 17 - 14

T Collins, J Whalen and B Martin defeated Punkin, C Nightingale and J Martin 25 - 19

1st Rink K Coombes and K Costelloe

2nd Rink P Diamond, S Oliver and I Brien

Lucky Loser J Lynn, M Mulligan and P Hatton No Jackpot

FRIDAY Social Bowls 13 - 9 - 24

Simon Rice and Elise Bennett defeated J Lynn and S Barnard

Sawtell, with Sawtell having a win. Thursday 5th September: Robyn Groundwater, Sue Wilson, Mary Buckley d Robyn Groundwater(s), Joan Griffin, Dot Heron 15-11; Margaret Stock, Jeanette Kutz d Rosemary Williams, Jan Appleton 26-15. Friday 6th September: Saw a very enjoyable morning playing with visiting bowlers from the NSW Real Estate Bowlers

Troy Prystasz d George Ruaporo

3/1, Reece Baker d Yash Tyagi 3/2, Gerard Martin d George Ruaporo

3/1, Reece Baker d George Ruaporo

3/1, Gerard Martin d Troy Prystasz

3/1, Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz

3/1, Yash Tyagi d George Ruaporo

3/2, Reece Baker d Gerard Martin

Robinson,Robyn Schomberg& Fiona Ross 28.75 Joy Bailey, Marilyn Waterhouse, Jo Corrigan & Caroline Whitelegge30.625

WEDNESDAY 18th SEPTEMBER_

2 Ball Stableford Aggregate Sandra Cheesman & Jo Foggiato – 79 Dawn Smith & June Curry

MONDAY Afternoon Bowls 23/9/24

R Hampson, J Cherne, D Anderson DEF E Korchma, B Connors, A Wheeler

L Read, B Kennedy G Hampson, DEF J Chapman, B Kennedy, H Slater

S Wheeler, C Christian DEF S Kennedy, D Ide

L Kratz, L Mitchell DEF K

a 9 hole 333 two person event.

Scores as follows:

First: Bev & John Miles 47 Points

Second: David & Denise Turnbull 40 points

Third: Alan Garlin & Trevor Bissett 33 points

Fourth: John Wilgress & John

20 - 15

D Barnard and G Pallister

defeated Dee Chandler and J Hinchley 24 - 14

M Lampert and J Hampstead defeated I Cork and Mike Zentgraf 22 - 17

R Gurber and B Merchant defeated A Wroe and R Shaw 21 - 17

H Schutz and R Bennell

defeated C Nightingale and G Cunningham 26 - 12

N Woods and J Evans defeated J Taylor and G Lane 18 - 17 after an extra end

R McIntyre and R Thornton

defeated Janette Michael and Mick Michael 24 - 19

1st Rink H Schutz and R Bennell

2nd Rink N Woods and J Evans

3rd Rink R McIntyre and R Thornton

No Jackpot

Woolgoolga Bowling Club

Results

FRIDAY Social Bowls 20 - 9 - 24

H Schutz and R Bennell

defeated C Nightingale and K Stirling 32 - 9

Group. Around 24 players were visiting our region and playing at various Clubs. Tuesday 10th September: Grade 2 Pennants team played Park Beach, and we came out winners on the day. Thursday 12th September: Rained out Tuesday 17th September: Grade 2 Pennants at C.ex playing against Nambucca Heads with Nambucca having a win. Social: Margaret Stocks,

3/0, Yash Tyagi d Troy Prystasz 3/2. WINNER: Reece Baker from Gerard Martin.

Division 2

King McKie d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Terry Baker d Char Berglund 3/0, Tim Garrad d Sharee

Templeton 3/1, King McKie d Char

– 77 Leanne McComas & Marea

Boys- 75 NTP’s- 3 rd Hole- Keryn Little, Di Heath 6 th Hole- Julie Randle, Judi Isles, June Curry 12th Hole- Carrie Fagan, Shireen Miller 15th Hole- Caroline Campbell, Julie Mitchell, Carmel Hill

SATURDAY 21 st SEPTEMBER-

Mason, K Taylor

WEDNESDAY – Men’s Social Bowls 25/9/24

R Smithers, Shaw, J Rice DEF P Paunovic, K Sharman, B Kennedy

R Rolinson, A Vivian, M Aujard DEF K Raymond, M Cutts, J Murtas

H Slater, D Anderson, A Berry DEF N McClelland, P Covington, J Urge

P Roach, D Bond, W Meadows

Delaney 31 c/b

Ball Comp

Susan Maione & Anne King -Scott 31 c/b

Jeff Howlett & Ken Barber 31

Ros & Noel Frame 30

Stuart & Jenny Malouf 29

Encouragement Prize: Chris

J Hinchley and G Pallister

defeated J Brooks and F Cacciattolo 27 - 12

J Merchant and B Merchant

defeated J Hurrell and H Katala 19 - 18

A Wroe and R Shaw defeated N Haines and J Hampstead 31 - 7

Atholl Plain, Simon Rice and M Hodge defeated J Taylor, Ian Coltman and Bryan Symes 20 - 17

1st Rink A Wroe and R Shaw

2nd Rink J Merchant and B Merchant

3rd Rink H Schutz and R Bennell No Jackpot

TUESDAY Social Bowls 24 - 9

- 24

M Lampert and C Latham

defeated G Lane and I Cork 19 - 11

R Shaw and C Davis defeated A Plain and S Wall 26 - 23

R Ryan and G Pallister defeated F Cacciattolo and Laurie Walsh 21 - 14

Lorna Walsh and S Dodd

defeated S Rice and R Bennell 34 - 11

S Barnard and H Pallister defeated L Kaufmann and R

Dot Heron d Jen Armstrong, Jan Appleton 25-14. Thursday 19th

September: Margaret Stocks, Jan Appleton, Jeanette Kutz d Jen Armstrong, Rosemary Williams, Mary Buckley 28-20; Chris Irvine, Joan Griffin, Dot Heron d Liz Ann Jeffery, Robyn Groundwater, Di De La Cruz 31-22. Tuesday 24th September: Grade 2 Pennant

Players played Sawtell at C.ex and had a win. Social: Jen Armstrong,

Berglund 3/2, Tim Garrad d Char Berglund 3/0, King McKie d Terry Baker 3/1, Tim Garrad d Terry Baker 3/1, Char Berglund d Sharee Templeton 3/1, Tim Garrad d King McKie 3/2, Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/2. WINNER: Tim Garrad from King McKie.

4BBB AGGREEGATE STABLEFORD

Maria Sanford & Bronwyn – 81 Tracey Moore & Kerri Neef 78 Margot Gook & Janet Neville –72(CB) NTP’s- 12th Hole- Carrie Fagan 15th Hole- Alex Brett 22nd Hole- Carrie Fagan 26th Hole- Kit Goodsell TUESDAY 24th

DEF G Fisher, D Frost, R Petterson

P Bird, P Weir, L Preston DEF I Maderic, M Jenkins, G Walsh

T Brooks, N Lamond, G Denniss DEF G Hitchen, R McLennan, S Wilkinson

R Stock, P Collins, B Martin

DEF P Cook, M Bryant, C Davis

B Fitzpatrick, R Williams, B Clugston DEF I Muller, C Attard, L Zecchinati

Tessari & Margie Horne. Congratulations to all winners. Nearest the pins: 3rd Hole Jenny Malouf & Roger Martin

6th Hole Kirsty Arthur & Geoff Clerke

Next week is a single stableford

Kaufmann 29 - 10

R Gurber and A Wroe defeated J Taylor and H Schutz 23 - 18

J Hurrell and D Barnard

defeated J Weston and T McKenzie 23 - 18

1st Rink R Ryan and G Pallister

2nd Rink R Gurber and A Wroe 3rd Rink Lorna Walsh and S Dodd

Jackpot S Barnard, H Pallister, L Kaufmann and R Kaufmann

WOOPI WANDERERS

WEDNESDAY 25 - 9 - 24

I Cork, K Coombes and S Wall defeated P Jones, B Pendred and M Lampert 21 - 17

Bear, R Pilon and D Mason defeated J Taylor, G Lane and B Lipman 18 - 16

C Nightingale, G Burgess and S Dodd defeated G Woolley, S Oliver and T Brien 23 - 12

Punkin, J Martin and I Gentle defeated T Collins, J Whalen and J Simpson 17 - 13

FRIDAY Social Bowls 27 - 9 –24

Matches cancelled due to inclement weather.

Margaret Stocks, Jim Down, Dot Heron d Jen Armstrong(s), Joce Landrey, Laine Down, Jan Appleton 19-12. Thursday 26th September: First round of Consistency Singles with Jan Appleton d Laine Down; Di De La Cruz d Robyn Groundwater; Sue Wilson d Joan Griffin; Dot Heron d Joce Landrey. Social: Maureen Cotsell, John Agst d Jen Armstrong Mary Buckley 16-14.

Division 3

David Iles d Jo Ellis 3/2, Dale Allen d Lindsay Jones 3/0, David Iles d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Dale Allen d Jo Ellis 3/0, Jo Ellis d Lindsay Jones 3/1, Dale Allen d David Iles 3/0. WINNER: Dale Allen from David Iles.

SEPTEMBER 9 HOLE SINGLE

STABLEFORD Carol Hughes- 26 Tania Norberry – 23 Jan Silvy- 23 (CB) NTP’s - 12th Hole- Vicki Laugs, Hana Nevell 15th HoleMarilyn Waterhouse, Tania Norberry

C Christian, W Vaughn, P Warby DEF L Woods, W Vaughn, J Townsend

J Chapman, J Oates DEF N Kotrozos, A Robertson

T Lavell, B Blight DEF B Pemberton, P Eiberger

FRIDAY –Open Social Bowls 26/9/24

Cancelled due to Weather

in conjunction with a mystery draw for partners after play.

As this is a singe event and not a team event - if you need to withdraw, I will still need numbers for catering..

Its also a shot gun start 8.30 for 9 o’clock with sandwiches after play.

Park Beach Bowls Club Results

By Doug POWELL

SOCIAL Triples Tuesday 24/9/24

G. Williams, G. Meyer, R. Beaumont, G. Hinsley d D. Catling, D. Powell, R. Wisely, M. Star 2318

S. Crawford, R. Oakley, L.

Safety Beach Women’s Golf Club

By Marilyn ELY

TUESDAY 23 and 24 September.

For something a little different this week, Pro Terry hosted an inaugural two-day Women’s 36 hole Classic at Safety Beach Golf Course. The course showed off it’s

Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

TUESDAY, 24th September, 48

MNCVGA golfers competed in a single stableford at Bellingen Golf Course, in excellent playing Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O’DOWD

24/9 STABLEFORD (Top 5)

Keith Rhoades 45, Ian Jones 41c/b, Dennis Ryan 41, David Jackson 40c/b, Wayne Parkin

Park Beach Women’s Bowling Club

By Anne ORR

WEDNESDAY 25.9.24. E Blanton, J Clarke, C Sheridan d M England,

Urunga Men’s Veterans Golf

By Ross HARDAKER

SEPTEMBER 23

25 Players contested today’s

Coffs

By Ray BEASLEY

Thunderstruck 5-4

Bad Habbits def Warriors 6-3 DILLIGAF def Bulls Hit 7-2

Morris d T. Brown, P. North, K. Morrison 35-15

C. McLeod, B. Smith, A. Dorrington, D. Hull d J. Murtas, D. Futcher, R. Lane 22-14

B. Worboys, K. Johnson, N. McVicar, P. Lilly d M. England, J. Lainchbury, E. Kidd, C. England 16-15

R. Aitken, Joan Long, J. Long, B. Johns d M. Miller, R. Douglas, W. Moore, S. Jones 17-14

best to ladies from 6 visiting clubs and all enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the occasion. The ladies were all warmly welcomed to Safety Beach and the sponsors, Carobana Korora, bar and ground staff were all thanked for their big contribution.

Monday’s Nett Winner was Vicki Aubusson 36 pts. NTP 4th Rose Morrow, 9th Narelle conditions.

Winner – Mark Stuckey 40 c/b, 1st runner-up Chris Cuthbertson 40 c/b, 2nd runner-up Alan Guthrie 40, 3rd runner-up Ken Graham 38 & John Nichols 38 (tied).

NTP’s: 3rd Chris Ryland, 7th Wayne Cormick, 12th Chris Bournon, 16th Chris Smith.

41c/b. Balls to 37c/b. Garry Hardcastle eagle on 12, NTP 7 B: Clifford Hutchings, C: Keith Rhoades. NTP 11 A: Greg White, B: Chris Chapman, C: Paul Bennett (pro pin) MNCV Stableford Top 5 John Greensill (Bellingen)

J Kennedy, E Kidd 25-20; S Betts, S Hancock, J Pearce-Kennedy d B Bodel, A Orr, D Futcher 34-12; A McConachy, L McLean, C Domjahn, L Michell d F Gaunt, C Treharne, Y Hinsley, M Watts 18-14; R Jupp, P Poulton, R Crestani d C Keogh, C McVicer, L Loadsman 22-13; A event, Single Stableford. Winner Waz Botfield, 39 points, 2nd Bob Archibald 38, 3rd Alan Titley 37 c/b.

Run-down Jock Howarth 37, Andrew O’Keeffe 36,Dave Baldock 34, Dave McGilvray 33, John

Fluke Shots - Bye

180s

Brad (1)

100s

Debbie (1)

Karen C (1)

Asttan (1)

Ben (3)

Bob (2)

Brad (2)

Dave H (1)

Garry (1)

Kevin Ca (2)

M. Ross, S. Campbell, C. Jones, J. Phillips d W. Grimshaw, J. Robinson, M. Monck, R. Harris 23-10

H. Major, A. Orr, A. Stone, D. Wilson d P. Booth, P. Rambow, J. Dunn, M. Berube 23-11 Club Major Pairs 28-29/9/24

P. Toy, L. Morris d R. Aitken, G. Flynn

J. Swan, D. Hall d T. Blow, J.

Anderson and 11th Wendy Veal. Best Nett Winner on Tuesday was Judy Pattison 40 pts. Greer Gallaway won all 3 NTP’s. Good golf Greer.

Over-all Winner was Suzie Prosser 73 pts, runner-up Maureen Toms 71 on c/b from Carole Stone. 4th runner-up Susan Spiller and 5th Anne Tobin.

The AGM will be held at the

Ball run to 32 pts.

Also, on Tuesday, 24th September, 26 MNCVGA golfers competed in a single stableford at Sawtell Golf Course, also in excellent playing conditions. The greens had been sanded, as is common practice at this time of the year, which made scoring more

39, Peter Wilson (Safety Beach) 37c/b, Brad Nesbitt (Bellingen) 37, Carlene Bath (Coffs Harbour) 36c/b, Barrie Axford (Urunga) 36c/ b

25/9 American Foursomes Linda Graff & Georgia Perkins 64.75, Pam O’Sullivan & Pauline

Worboys, D Walsh, J Woodford d A M Taylor, K Dunn, Y Schmidt 23-7; B White, D Hargraves, B Johns d C Brown, B Fane, S Willis 27-16; D Peake and team d M Gudgen and team 20-15. No bowls Friday 27.9.24 due to wet weather.

Anselmi, Selwyn Newby and Arthur Hassett 32 c/b. Bradmans Pete Brotherton 25. NTPs 9th Grant Cardow, 18th Bob Archibald.

Longest Putt Selwyn Newby. Slab Winner Grant Cardow.

Paul (4)

Peter (2)

Ricky (4)

Rob (3)

Sam (4)

Will (1)

High pegs

Karen C (69)

Kelly (79)

Bob (64)

Dean (51)

Garry (66)

Paul (50)

Phillips J. Forbes, R. Farmer d D. Holland, M. Ahoy

Semi Final J. Forbes, R. Farmer d S. Crawford, M. Star Park Beach Bowling Club conducts free bowls lessons every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9.30am. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Please put your name down at the Club reception by 3.00pm Friday.

end of October and you will all receive nomination forms so please consider your choices.

Our Pancreatic Cancer Day in memory of a dear past club member Kath Coombs has been moved to November 12 and will be a 2 Person Medley Ambrose so get your purple gear out and enjoy this day. Raffle donations are very welcome.

challenging.

Winner: John Greensill 39, 1st runner-up Peter Wilson 37 c/b, 2nd runner-up Brad Nesbitt 37.

NTP’s: 3rd Rob Peel, 7th Carlene Bath, 11th Jeff Vanderwyk, 15th Tony Grebert.

Ball run to 32 points.

Barnes 67.625, Narelle Foy & Lee

Farrell 68.25. Balls to 72.5. NTP 7 3: Trish Rhoades (pro pin). NTP 11 1: Annie Waters, 2: Margaret Gill

26/9 Play 9 Nicole Owen 23, Patrick Van Zwol 22. Balls to 18c/b

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 24th September 2024

Main Draw Winners: - Rizwan Rashidi - R/U Norm Monaghan Consolation Winners: - Bernie Couzens - R/U Glen Lynch (Visitor)

Numbers for our upcoming Nambucca trip are filling fast, so if you intend playing, please get your name in ASAP .

Rob (100)

Steve (54)

Bull pegs

Dean (1)

Leader Board

DILLIGAF 68

Bad Habbits 58

Bulls Hit 52

Fluke Shots 51

Bull Finish 42

Thunderstruck 41

Warriors 39 HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE

Pick one up today.

In Memory

Jack Dean 20/10/1988

Our memories of you will always carry on, our love for you will always grow strong. Your Loving Family.

Judith Anne ‘Judy’

29th September 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Dearly loved wife of Goldy (dec’d).

Loving mother and mother-in-law of David & Peta, Mark, Dianne, Bryan, Sue (dec’d) and Peter. Adored grandmother and great-grandmother of their families.

Aged 88 Years

Cherished And Forever Loved Eternally At Peace

A private family funeral service will be held for Judy, followed by private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Anthony John ‘Tony’

29th September 2024, passed peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Sapphire Beach.

Dearly beloved husband of Kerryn. Loving father and stepfather of Justin, Peter, Danial and their families.

Aged 77 Years

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tony’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 4th October 2024 commencing at 11.30am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

1. The sites at which these upgrades are being undertaken are located at:

• 115 Bruxner Park Road, Korora NSW 2450. The proposed upgrade works include the replacement of four (4) existing panel antennas with four (4) new antennas (each no longer than 2.8m in length) on the existing headframe, the removal of ten (10) radio remote units (RRUs) and the installation of eight (8) new RRUs, the removal of a 600mm parabolic dish;

• Linden Avenue, Toormina NSW 2452. The proposed upgrade works include the replacement of four (4) existing panel antennas with four (4) new panel antennas (each no longer than 2.8m in length) on the new square headframe mounted atop the monopole, the installation of four (4) new Active Antenna Units (AAUs) on the new headframe (each no longer than 0.6m in length), the removal of eight (8) radio remote units (RRUs), and the installation of eight (8) new RRUs;

• the installation of rejection filters, combiners, cabling, and other equipment associated with the operation and safety of the facility. The proposed upgrade is intended to provide improved mobile network coverage to the local area by adding 5G frequencies to the network.

2. Optus regards the proposed installations as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au site number 2450004 and 2452002 respectively.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: CPS Technology & Infrastructure, Suite 1003, 1 Newland Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, (02) 9300 1700, SubmissionsNSW@cpstech.com.au by 5pm on Friday 18 October 2024.

MONSTER Garage sale. Power and hand tools, camping gear diving gear, ladders fishing rods, and much more! 110 Jordans Way, Korora 9am Sat 05/10 and 9am

SAT 5/10, 8:30am2pm. Combined Sale

Large variety of items

All must go. 25 Orara St, Urunga

PET OF THE MONTH

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS E

BBQ'S Galore turbo select BBQ with rotisserie, needs some work. 0467 640 964 F190724 Free

DOUBLE bed, base and mattress, Sealy brand, GC, Urunga 0427684202 F270924

MATTRESS, Queen size inner spring with foam topper 0418 795 449

2 massage tables in GC $150. 0412 954 085 F090824

4 horse blankets, 2 winter 2 summer, medium size GC. $95 for all. 66538337

CABINET, Large wooden cabinet, drop front opening + 2 bottom drawers, high-quality recycled teak. $500 Stored securely at Toormina. 0408 465 886

FEED bin, solid metal with lid, used for animal feed, capacity equivalent to a 44 gal drum. $75 6653 8337

FEEDER bin, metal galvanised, hooks onto fence or post. $55. 6653 8337 F250823

FISH / ICE BOX fibre glass 50mm foam with double lid. 80cm W x 80cm H x 150cm L

CHEST, of drawers pine, GC. $100. 0418 795 449

CHILDRENS play table and 2 chairs, painted wood, 1 metre plus. $90. 66523791

For Sale

LARGE gold framed wall mirror. 75cm x 50cm. Photos can be sent. $30. 0490161119

For Sale

PIANO, John Brinsmead upright, 1980, exc. cond needs minor tuning requires good home $800. Stored securely at Toormina. 0408 465 886

LARGE outdoor umbrella with steel brace

$60. 0498 090 551 F140624

Pro-made. $500 ono 0427 022 303

GIANT Mountain Bike 26", Shimano 'Tourney' 18 speed gears, male bike, shock absorber seat, GC, $80. Photos available upon request. 0415 669 378 For Sale

A variety of pictures old & modern prints, several by old masters. Reducing collection, prices lower Phone 6652 3791

AIR mattress Intex queen size with built in elect pump, model AP620A. 148cm x 197cm x 51cm (W, L, H). Perfect cond $50. 6653 1341

ALEXANDER palms

1.5m high, $15-20 each. 02 6652 8815

BACKPACK weed spray, 10L. $90. 0419 166 688

BASKET, high quality cane, 2 handles, 460L x 410W x 300H, exc cond. $20. 0408 465 886

BILLARD table 8ft x 4ft plus accessories - equal to new. Slate top, Drop pockets, turn legs and sides. Full price $5,000 Ph: 6653 7595

BLACK leather lounge genuine leather, GC $80. 0428 367 133

BLOWER Vacuum Morrison. $30 0499 592 475

BOYS Bedroom Sci-Fi Chair. $40. 6652 3791 F190724

BROWN cabinet

6 cupboards and 6 drawers 2

CLAY PAVERS 230x110x45mm

Quantity 2000 + cuts Clean and ready for pickup. Cuts are free 60c each for pavers neg. Boambee East 0432 357 430

COLEMAN (1271446) Instant Up 4 person full fly tent, unused / unopened in box, ticketed at $330 for sale $230. 0415 669 378

COLLECTORS

treasurers (2 volumes) Singer of the Bush AB Banjo Patersons complete works from 1885 to 1941. $100 ono. 6656 2373

COMPUTER desk vgc $65. 6650 0380

CORNINGWARE Platter on stand, Blue Corn Flower, 1960's. $85 0407 654 879

DANCE costumes, small to medium, suitable for Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Ribbon etc. As new. $85 ono 0415 981 605

DOG Alsatian Pottery

Large Jemma No. 462 from 1960's - no clock $90. 0407 654 879

ELECTRIC Heater

Vulcan 8 Temp Settings plus auto and 3 speed function. Exc Con. $95 0422 440 802. Moonee

ELECTRIC Trike Bike Good cond. $350ono 3yo. 02 6652 3780 or 0407 431 090

FAN (floor or desk) new, $65. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688

GOLF Clubs Australia Pro Line Impact Tour Series graphite shafts 12 clubs plus ball retriever in exc cond. $100 66562373

HEATER, 80cm x 55cm on 2 wheels. Rio Dimplex, economical $30. 0499 592 475 F190424

HELMET, x 2, suit children, GC, $20 for both. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688

HILLS Hoist 7 - line inc base & product manual GC, not needed. $100 0407 060

HOOVER EVC500

Evaporative Cooler, new from Bunnings $299, still in box. $80. 0434212460

JACKET, Ladies Brown, suede leather Size 10, zip front, no marks $45. 0407654879

KAYAK, light weight & fast. Green Ant 580mm W x 4.570 m L fibreglass has extras Exc cond. $790 0439 740 453

KING size chiropractic mattress and base 0408 317 528

LARGE bench for work or decoration. 2m have a look. Phone 6652 3791 F270123

LEATHER cloggs for children saddle, VGC $40. 0419 166 688

LEATHER jacket, tan perfect cond, size 12 $50. 0419 166 688

LEATHER lounge 3 x 1 + 2 x 1, 2 timber outdoor settings & 2 budgies in large cage. 0407 580 436

LOUNGE 2 seater 2x 1 seater wooden arm rests exc cond $100 Call John 6651 7710

MENS PU Leather cross body shoulder bag, 20cm x 16cm x 8cm New. $30 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 F240524

QUEEN size (1.5m wide X 2.0m long) quality mattress in GC, $100 Photos available upon request. 0415 669 378

RAISED toilet seat with padded arm rests, 16cm rise, $85. Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119

NILFISK vacuum cleaner, strong suction 2 floor heads, on board access, GC. $100 ono cash only. 0401 238 695

NYLEX hose stand with tool holder, as new cond. $20. 0415 981 605

RICHTER Sound System, 5 speakers,1 x centre, 2 x side speakers 2 x rear spkrs. good used condition. $100. Photos available upon request 0415 669 378

SOLP washing machine 5.5kg, VGC, $75 Hisense fridge 223L works well $50. Coffee table with glass top $90 0408 317 528

SADDLE, stock saddle 17", Marshall Poley. Price neg. Ph 6653 8337 F230224

SADDLE, Wentworth Grand Prix jump saddle Leather with suede seat & knee pads. Stirrup leathers and girth. Offers 0437 543 943

SHEET Music, piano/ guitar, artists from 50's - 80's, 90+ pieces $60 0407 654 879 F160224

OTTOMAN padded with 2 storage drawers $30. Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F020224

Cafe Rattan seats, set of 6, brand new. $300. Ph 0427 673 615

SINGLE bed, complete with unique pine bookcase head, single mattress in GC, $100 Photos available upon request. 0415 669 378

SPEED music albums 7 + others, country & popular hits. $50 0407 654 879 PAVERS 90mm square $1 each. 0467 640 964

TOILET seat, over toilet adjust height, alloy frame portable, brand new, still in box, paid $180 sell for $100 ono. 6656 2373 F120724

TV, Bauhn, 30cm x 55cm. $20. Ph 0499 592 475 F190424

TV hearing aid ear phones, Digitech, in box Rechargeable. $100 0407 654 879

Pine Bookcases, great cond. U pickup South Coffs. 2 are 2.1m x 1.2m,

2016 Range Rover EvoqueTD4 105SE Auto 4x4 My16.5 Diesel Turbo 2L, 11 months rego, 63,800 kms, Rego DHZ61Z exc cond. $26,500 ono Ph 0439 759 616

Boats

WINE Fridge – Large Transtherm Ermitage Holds 240 bottles Reasonable Offer Accepted. 0418278966

WINE rack, quality compact, stackable sturdy, standard size holds 12 bottles, magnum holds 6. $15 each. Ph 0467 640 964

WOODEN sous trolley on wheels, 3 shelves, VGC $100. 0428 367 133

For Sale Motors

Caravans

2010 Coromal Magnum poptop caravan 511, 16ft 2 beds, exc cond, always garged, many extras owners too old to travel. $18,000. Y36865 0428 561 797.

STACER Seaway 435 boat, IBP617N, Honda 40hp 4 stroke motor, low hours, gal trailer R43321 Bimini boat cover, life jackets plus extras. Exc cond. $13,000 ono. Ph 0428 865 938 Re260924

2012 Evernew E900 21’. Fully serviced, new tyres. Queen size bed, ensuite, washing machine, full sized fridge, microwave, elect gas, battery, twin solar panels. Air con and diesel heater. Sat dish and water tanks. Stone guard. Reg til June 2025. Y-07503 Exc cond. Extras inc $30,000 ono Ph 0412 628 186 Re291124

MITSUBISHI Mirage 2014, immac cond 63,000klms, auto older lady owner, very well maintained, very economical to run CVT18T. $9,800 0428 562 752 Re270125 ONE home brew kit with all access & 100 bottles $65. 0434 110 316 F160824 LARGE Office desk vgc, $55. 6650 0380

Ultimate Off-road Family Caravan Snowy River Multi Terrain SRT22F Sleeps 5 - double bed plus 3 bunks. Like new plastic still on the bunks Well-equipped kitchen light filled spacious shower & bathroom TS82ZS. $79,900. Call Olivia 0424 046 301 Coffs Harbour 2012 A'Van Maddison Poptop. All extras for free-camping. Exc cond. $27,000 ono Ph 0447 550 017

LUXURY Regal 23’ Caravan. Lge ensuite separate toilet/shower/ front load washing machine, full oven recessed bench elec/ hot water, Q bed/full wardrobes, reverse air/con, microwave/ lge fridge freezer, 3-way & pullout pantry, spice cupboard, lots of storage, radioTV with satellite connection wired for solar panels new awning, full annexe, fully serviced like new, front boot Rego 6/8/25, 754QPJ $35,500. Ph John 0428 464 063 PIANO ex

PIANO, GC 1910 $1200 ono. 0407 260 707

Grand

TANDEM Holstar

Tourer bike, exc cond

Caravans

Caravans

2017 SKODA Fabia Monte Carlo. One Owner,

VINTAGE art deco oak leadlight cabinet. Collect Emerald Beach. Only $195. 0411 237 688

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Kids Boot Camp 021

TRADESSERVICES

ONTHEBOX

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SEVEN, 7pm

Travel tales, trips and tips never lose their lustre. After an extended, years-long break, this long-running series comes up for air with a fresh new bunch of enthusiastic presenters and an exciting itinerary for its 19th season. Sunrise presenter James Tobin (pictured), Human Nature’s Phil Burton, former Saturday Disney host Teigan Nash, Creek to Coast’s Chris Parsons, retired cricketer Lee Carseldine and Miss Universe Australia 2007 Kimberley Busteed are the lucky globetrotters. Tonight, USA’s iconic Route 66, the Sunshine Coast and Switzerland’s largest glacier are explored.

FRIDAY, October 4

Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: Madagascar. (PG, R) Part 3 of 4.

Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.

Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PG, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

11.55 The Larkins. (PG, R)

12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.50 Speechless. 12.15am Good Game

WEDNESDAY

QUESTION EVERYTHING

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Tired of the news? You’re not alone, but you can count on comedian Wil Anderson (pictured) to entertain as he spears the headlines and the endless cycle of news stories in a hilarious, thought-provoking fashion.

Along with co-host Jan Fran, the Gruen veteran strings along a panel of clever, emerging comedians to break down the week’s news headlines, dig beneath them and polish up a fresh and witty perspective. How was the story covered, what went wrong, what was left out and how could it have been covered in a better way? In this everchanging and volatile media landscape, the news is generally not designed to make us giggle, but this panel show does stellar job of it.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Australian Concerts: Cold Chisel. 8.30 You Can Call Me Bill. (Mav) A portrait of the life of William Shatner. 10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Soldiers. (Malv)

11.40 The Allegation. (Premiere, Mav)

12.20 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R)

4.45 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 8pm

There’s a playful mood and an excitable sense of anticipation as season 11 of this much-loved homebuilding series kicks off a new era.

Original host Peter Madison has flown the coop, making way for Anthony Burke (pictured), who is a warm and familiar face after hosting Restoration Australia. In tonight’s premiere, Burke is not alone: legendary series creator Kevin McCloud joins him on a road trip to explore some of Australia’s most gorgeous and inspired designs. With a mint-green Kombi as their chariot, the duo ham it up visiting inspiring abodes: it’s a lively kick-off for this invigorated season, which is rich with creative, luxurious and swoon-worthy builds.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets Ronni Kahn the founder of OzHarvest, who are fighting food waste through food rescue.

8.30 MOVIE: A Few Good Men. (1992, Ml, R) Two lawyers defend a pair of US Marines who have been accused of murdering a fellow serviceman. Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore.

11.30 MOVIE: Priest. (2011, Mhl, R) A priest searches for his missing niece. Paul Bettany.

1.15 GetOn Extra.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Country House Hunters Australia. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

8.30 MOVIE: Joker. (2019, MA15+alv, R) A mentally ill aspiring comedian struggles to find his way in Gotham City’s fractured society. Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro.

11.00 MOVIE: The Disappointments Room. (2016, MA15+alv, R)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, October 5

TV (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) 1.15 Grantchester. (PG, R) 2.05 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PG, R) 2.45 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022. (PG, R) 4.15 The Assembly. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Leading Man – Michael Theo. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: South Burnett Rail Trail, Queensland. (R) Presented by Lisa Millar.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Grantchester. (Mv) Geordie and the new vicar investigate a murder.

8.20 Vera. (Mav, R) Helped by a member of the military police, Vera and Joe investigate a suspicious death in an army barracks.

9.50 Return To Paradise. (PG, R) A radical eco-activist is murdered.

10.50 Miniseries: Better. (Madl, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Life In Bloom. (R) 9.35 Growing A Greener World. (R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World C’ship. 3.00 Following The Flow. (PGal, R) 4.30 Auschwitz: The Inside Man. (PGav, R) 5.35 Trains At War. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Inside Windsor Castle. (Premiere, PG)

8.25 Frogmore House: Royal Retreat. (PGa, R)

9.40 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. (PG, R)

10.35 Spain’s Atlantic Train. (PGa, R)

11.30 Something Undone. (Mal)

12.25 Rex In Rome. (PG, R)

1.20 Djaambi. (Ml) 1.30 Going Places. (PGa, R)

4.00 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (Return, PG) The team travels USA’s iconic Route 66 and takes to the skies of the Sunshine Coast.

7.30 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale. 11.10 MOVIE: Death Wish. (1974, MA15+alv, R) Charles Bronson. 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

3.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) Follows a terrier called Larry.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Speed. (1994, Mlv, R) An LAPD cop is trapped on a runaway bus. Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock.

9.50 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, Mv, R) A computer genius disables a cruise ship. Sandra Bullock, Jason Patric.

12.15 Cross Court. (R)

12.45 Innovation Nation.

1.59 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A terrier cross is looking for

(Ma, R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Fried Green

Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 8.25 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 10.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 11.50 Then Came You. (2020, M) 1.35pm Jonsson Gang. (2020, PG, Finnish) 3.55 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 6.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 10.25 Everyone Else. (2009, MA15+, German) 12.45am Coming Through The Rye. (2015, M) 3.30 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, October 6

(2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Darby And Joan. (PG, R) 3.10 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.40 Amazing Spaces. (Final, R) 4.30 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Compass. (Final, PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Return To Paradise. (Mv)

A game of lawn bowls ends in murder.

8.30 Unforgotten. (Mal) Sunny and Jess get closer to the truth of what happened on the night Precious was murdered.

9.15 Miniseries: Better. (Malv) Part 4 of 5.

10.15 Fisk. (Ml, R)

10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

12.15 Fires. (Mal, R)

1.10 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (Mv, R)

2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Crystal Maze. 8.15 MOVIE: Early Man. (2018, PG) 9.40 Officially Amazing. 10.10 Dragon Ball Super. 10.35 Crazy Fun Park. 11.05 The PM’s Daughter. 11.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.15am Rage. 1.45 Jade Armor. 3.10 Miraculous. 3.40 Odd Squad. 3.55 Close. 4.00 Moon And Me. 4.20 Pip And Posy. 4.35 Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 7.15pm Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Shaun The Sheep: The Movie. (2015) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.40 In The Room. 11.40 Malory Towers. 12.30am A Kind Of Spark. 12.55 Jade Armor. 1.15 Total Drama Island. 1.35 Summer Memories. 1.50 Horrible Histories. 2.45 Miraculous. 3.30 Odd Squad. 3.40 Ultimate Food Fun. 3.55 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Growing A Greener World. (R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R) 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 6. 4.00 Etched In Gold. 4.30 Citizen Soldiers: Defenders Of Australia. (PGal, R) 5.35 Trains At War. (Final, PGav, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Last Secrets Of The Great Sphinx Of Giza.

8.30 Tombs Of The Egyptian Priestesses.

9.30 Megastructures: Knights Templar Castles. (PGav, R)

10.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry. (PGa, R)

11.25 Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler. (R) 1.15 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 2.10

8 Out Of 10 Cats. (Mals, R) 3.05 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGad, R) 4.45 Specially For Me. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 5 Pt 2. 5.00 WorldWatch. 5.25 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.50 Land Of The Giants: Titans Of Tech. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. (Return) 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 12.15am Cycling. ParisTours. 2.20 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Sabrina. Continued. (1995, PG) 7.45 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 10.00 Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, M, German) 12.25pm The Wife. (2017, M) 2.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 4.45 Stolen Kisses. (1968, PG, French) 6.25 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 8.30 Moonstruck. (1987, PG) 10.25 The Dorm. (2021, MA15+, Russian) 12.40am Do Me Love. (2009, MA15+, French) 2.15 Late Programs.

Harry’s Practice. 11.30

Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 1.00

Of Wellness. 2.00 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys. 3.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. TAB Epsom Day and TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (Return)

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MOVIE: Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. (2007) 7.30 MOVIE: Pacific Rim. (2013, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Species II. (1998, MA15+) 12.05am The Originals. 3.00 Teen Titans Go!

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Voice. (PG)

8.50 7NEWS Spotlight.

An exclusive special investigation.

9.50 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Night Caller – Eric Edgar Cooke. (MA15+av, R)

11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma) 12.30 Lipstick Jungle. (Final, Mds, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 6.30 Grand Final Night. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Grand Final. Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers. 9.30 NRL Grand Final Post-Match. From Accor Stadium, Sydney.

9News Late.

See No Evil: Tapes Don’t Lie. (Mav)

The First 48. (Ma)

Great Australian Detour. (R)

(64)

9GO! (83)

9GO! (83)

ONTHEBOX

MONDAY, October 7

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly. (Mls)

9.15 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mls)

9.55 Have I Got News For You U.S. (Mals)

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 Suspect. (Malv)

11.45 Of Money And Blood. (MA15+l)

1.55 Between Two Worlds. (Mal, R)

3.40 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) The competition returns to Perth.

9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) The team uncovers the truth about the disappearance of two teenagers.

10.00 S.W.A.T. SWAT teams up with Major Crimes.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez.

12.30 Miniseries: The Victim. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 8.35 Jonsson Gang. (2020, PG, Finnish) 10.55 Coming Through The Rye. (2015, M) 12.45pm My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 5.30 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 7.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, M) 9.30 Black ’47. (2018, MA15+) 11.25 Jiu Jitsu. (2020, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.

TUESDAY, October 8

6.00

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6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl)

9.00 Miniseries: Bali 2002. (MA15+lv)

10.00 To Be Advised. 11.00 9News Late.

11.30 La Brea. (Final, Mav)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cybershack. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by

(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG)

8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 The Point: Road Trip. (R) 11.30 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v) 1.20 Illegals. (MA15+al, R)

3.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)

4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

2.40 Kickin’ Back. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Abandoned. 6.10 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 10.20 Have I Got News For You U.S. 11.15 Breaking The News. 12.25am Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.05 Stolen Kisses. (1968, PG, French) 8.50 White Lion. (2010, PG) 10.30 Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 12.10pm Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 1.45 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 3.50 Moonstruck. (1987, PG) 5.45 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 7.30 Benediction. (2021, M) 10.00 The Ballad Of Lefty Brown. (2017, MA15+) 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Bree is impossible to get through.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) Hannah and Lawrence seek redemption.

9.10 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) A Benjamin Franklin aficionado mysteriously disappears during one of his city tours.

10.10 Made In Bondi. The group heads to the Whitsundays.

11.15 Chicago Fire.

12.15 Holey Moley Australia. (PGas, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

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9GO! (83)

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, October 9

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia. (PGal)

8.25 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. (Mal)

9.20 Four Years Later. (Ml)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Carmen Curlers. (Premiere, Masv)

1.05 Wisting. (Madlv, R)

2.50 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Malv, R)

3.50 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)

4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa)

8.30 Jimeoin: Result. (Ml) Stand-up performance by comedian Jimeoin discussing the absurdities of everyday life.

9.50 Australia: Now And Then. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 4.

10.50 The Latest: Seven News.

11.20 Chicago Fire. (MA15+a)

12.20 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am

THURSDAY,

October 10

6am White

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Australian Walks. (PG)

8.25 National Parks From Above: Wales. (PG) A look at Snowdonia National Park in Wales.

9.20 Paris Has Fallen. (M)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Freezing Embrace. (Malv)

12.25 Wolf. (Malsv, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Assignment. (1997, MA15+) 10.40 MOVIE: Nekrotronic. (2018, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch.

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3.45 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)

(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

Lion. (2010, PG) 7.40 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 9.25 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 11.05 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, M) 1.05pm Nordic By Nature. (2021, M, Faroese) 2.20 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 4.15 Topkapi. (1964, PG) 6.25 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 9.30 A Fistful Of Dollars. (1964, MA15+) 11.25 Black Box. (2021, M, French) 1.50am Late Programs. 6am Topkapi. Continued. (1964, PG) 7.45 Anandi Gopal. (2019, PG, Marathi) 10.10 Benediction. (2021, M) 12.40pm Supernova. (2020, M) 2.25 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 4.10 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 5.50 The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 7.30 T-34. (2018, M, Russian) 9.35 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) Midnight Tracker. (2010, M) 1.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Leah and Justin are caught red-handed.

8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. Explores life behind bars.

9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Slawomir Tomczyk. (Malv, R) A look at the murder of Slawomir Tomczyk.

10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.10 Magnum P.I. (Mav) 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.

A Current Affair.

The Block. (PGl)

Human Error. (Mlv)

Million Dollar Murders. (Mv, R)

9News Late.

Law &

UFO Conspiracies. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. (Premiere) 10.20 Obsessed With My Muscles. 10.50 Dark Side Of Comedy. 11.45 Late Programs.

By David WIGLEY

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