Nambucca Valley News Of The Area 10 May 2024

By Mick BIRTLES

By Mick BIRTLES

Mick BIRTLES 0408 167 891 birtles@newsofthearea.com.au

Jen HETHERINGTON 0413 871 625 jen@newsofthearea.com.au

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

Ned COWIE 0401 431 460 nerida@newsofthearea.com.au

David WIGLEY wigley@newsofthearea.com.au

Mary KEILY 0476 603 944 mary@newsofthearea.com.au

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

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Veterans outraged as memorials are hit by thieves and vandals

FROM Page 1

both the Shrine in Melbourne and the Hyde Park ANZAC Memorial in Sydney.

This behavior was once considered the type of thing that only happens in the cities; however the Nambucca Valley has now been subjected to its memorials being attacked by vandals.

At the Nambucca Heads War Memorial Cenotaph at the foot of RSL Club Carpark a large bronze rising sun badge, the symbol of the nation's military forces during World War One, has been torn off the wall and stolen.

In the same location a section of a brass badge signifying the Royal Australian Air Force has also been stolen and the halyard cut from the flagpole with the Australian national flag stolen.

“As a veteran I just can’t understand the mentality of someone who would have such disrespect for those who have fought and died in the name of this country that they would desecrate a memorial like they have done here,” Mr Dennis Lane, President of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch, told News Of The Area.

“Our veterans community is disappointed and many are offended by what has occurred.

News Of The Area can also report that on the days leading into ANZAC Day the flag halyards

were cut and flags stolen from the War Memorial on the banks of the Nambucca River at Macksville.

Treasurer of the Nambucca Heads RSL subBranch, Mr John Kent OAM, added, “With what happened at Macksville we now know

that this type of behavior is not an isolated case.

“It will cost several hundreds of dollars to replace these items at the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph and these are funds that would have normally been directed at the welfare of veterans in our community.” The Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch requests that anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen items to please email Nambucca-HeadsSB@ rslnsw.org.au.

q Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch Treasurer Mr John Kent OAM, Vice President Mr Chris Ellicott and President Mr Dennis Lane at the site of the recent theft and vandalism at the Nambucca Heads Memorial Cenotaph.

Second annual Rotary River Run attracts the district’s best

man and elite athlete Daniel Williams who came in with a time of 16 minutes and 22 seconds.

Daniel has recently returned from the Australian Championships in Adelaide where he won the Under 20s 1500 metre title.

The first place in the Ladies Division went to Amie Goswell who finished strongly in a hotly contested division.

The Family Division was won by the Williams family consisting of Keith, Michelle and Tom Williams, who are

also the family of Daniel Williams, the overall winner.

The Junior Boys Division was won by Axel Hyland and the Girls Junior Division winner was Poppy Barclay.

The Group Division was won by James Times Two and the Primary School Division was won by Macksville Public School.

“Rotary’s motivation to hold this event is to get people out and active on a Sunday morning, raise awareness of the beautiful area we live in and raise some money for our Rotary projects, particularly those that focus on youth in the district,” Nambucca Valley

Rotary President Mr Dave Banks told News Of The Area.

“As well as these programs we also look to provide some financial assistance to young people who may be required to travel from the district for representative or specific sporting activities or events.”

Now considered an annual event that includes cash and other prizes for placegetters, the Rotary River Run and Walk is set to attract more interest as word spreads.

Some local businesses also got behind the event with the Nambucca Heads RSL Club providing vouchers as prizes and also providing the Club’s courtesy bus to ferry competitors back to the

start following the event. The Nambucca Heads Boat Shed Cafe and the

Bait and Tackle Shop also donated vouchers as prizes and Kingsworth Automotive

allowed Nambucca Valley Rotary to use their premises as the race start point.

q The Family Division was won by the Williams family: Keith, Michelle and Tom Williams with Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM.

q The Girls Junior Division winner Poppy Barclay is congratulated by Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM.

q The Junior Boys Division winner Axyl Hyland is congratulated by Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM.

q Overall winner Daniel Williams is congratulated by Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM.

q Daniel Williams, the overall winner, crosses the finish line during Sunday’s Rotary River Run and Walk.

q Ladies Division winner Amie Goswell is congratulated by Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM.

300 motorhomes roll in to Macksville

By Mick BIRTLES

THE Nambucca Valley has played host to a substantial congregation of motorhome enthusiasts as nearly 300 members of the Solos Network, a special interest group of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), descended upon Macksville Showgrounds for a week-long rally from Monday 29 April to Monday 6 May.

Throughout the week, a bus ferried participants from the Showgrounds to town, allowing them to indulge in shopping, dining, and all that Macksville has to offer.

Embracing the ethos of supporting local businesses, members filled up their fuel tanks and pantries locally, injecting some very welcome funds into the community.

“Our spend was $91,700 which includes Showgrounds fees, catering and entertainment for our two formal dinners, tours, a daily minibus to town, Lions’ daily onsite food, spending in town including dining out, food shopping and fuel, vehicle servicing, clothes shopping and op-shops,” Dorian MarslandSmith, the Solos Network PR and Media Officer told News Of The Area.

The Solos Network has

members from all over Australia who stay connected through a private Facebook group and a quarterly newsletter.

They have a policy of 'One person, one vehicle' with the network specifically established to support solo travelers, some who may have a partner who can no longer travel, are bereaved, or traveling solo for any reason.

“The network provides a safe place to make friends with a similar

interest in road travel and each year we hold two rallies to bring members together for a week of skill sharing, camaraderie and fun,” Dorian added.

News Of The Area spoke to numerous members of the Solos Network who unanimously declared the Macksville event a success.

Activities conducted at the Macksville Showgrounds over the period included line dancing, rock and roll classes, disc bowls,

meditation sessions, ukulele lessons, card competitions, and craft workshops.

The social highlight of the rally was an evening that embraced the theme of 'Hollywood Stars', with participants donning extravagant outfits sourced from local op-shops.

The visitors were highly complementary about the welcome received in the Nambucca Valley and many made special mention of the catering provided by the Lions

of

“We have nearly 900 members nationally who travel alone, with most of our members being retirees and to have nearly 300 of them come to Macksville has set the benchmark for our next rally in Penola, SA from 11-18 October,” Dorian concluded. You can find out more about the Solos Network at www. solosnetwork.net.

A

River Sand

• Compost Soil

• Lawn Top Dress

• Brown Sand

• Tee Tree Mulch

• Firewood • Woodchip • Bales of Pasture Hay • Washed Riverstone 10mm, 20mm, 40mm, 150mm

Clubs

Macksville and Nambucca Heads.

q The group of Solos Network members who made the Macksville Showgrounds home for a week. Photo: supplied.

q

view from above Macksville Showgrounds showing the scale of the Solos Rally.

q Some of the 300 Solos members who attended the week-long rally at Macksville Showgrounds. Photo: supplied.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Nationals call for improved domestic violence measures

By Andrew VIVIAN MEMBER for

Cowper Pat Conaghan has called on the Federal Government to ramp up measures to reduce rates of domestic violence in the community.

“I know that our hearts collectively break each and every time these stories are in the spotlight, but we also know that there are women around the country living with the fear and threat of violence each and every day,” Mr Conaghan said.

“These senseless killings are not numbers that we should see climbing year on year.

“This is not a tally that we as Australians can or should accept, and to change this we must look seriously at the root cause and focus our efforts on preventing these horrific events from occurring not only for Australian women today but for our future generations to come.”

Mr Conaghan has called for improved crisis accommodation and feet-on-theground to assist those currently suffering from violence.

Most importantly, he said, programs dedicated to positive men’s behavioural change must be consistently delivered, not only for those men who have been flagged as offenders or potential offenders, but at a grass roots level as well, in sporting clubs, workplaces and in schools and educational institutions.

“We need to attack this issue at every possible angle and every possible stage of the cycle from youth to adulthood.”

National Cabinet met last week to address the crisis, announcing $925.2 million over five years to permanently establish the ‘Leaving Violence Program’.

Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning.

“The heartbreaking reality is that there is no overnight solution to violence against women and children,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to ensure fewer women feel trapped

Have Your Say

News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us.

Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Email us

media@newsofthearea.com.au

in a violent relationship because they don’t know if they can afford to leave.”

Mr Conaghan however believes the announced measures don’t go far enough.

“While I very much appreciate the extension of the current $5000 Escaping Violence Payments trial (to be renamed the Leaving Program), we need to face the fact that this measure is already in place.

“Promising $925 million over five years to extend it is

a positive thing, but it’s not a radical change or even a large investment when broken down to annual figures.

“What is desperately required is urgent funding for new staff including those with experience in the DV field.

“I will be keeping a close eye on the Budget information released on May 14, and will continue to work collaboratively with all Members of Parliament to ensure that the necessary steps are being taken to foster meaningful change for today and generations to come.”

At a State level, the Coalition introduced the Bail Amendment

(Serious Personal Violence and Electronic Monitoring) Bill 2024 in Parliament this week, however the bill was voted down.

“The Minns Labor Government and the Greens have voted against taking immediate action to strengthen the bail act to improve safety for victims of family and domestic violence,” said the Nationals Members for Clarence, Coffs Harbour and Oxley in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The legislation sought to amend the Bail Act 2013 to implement the Coalition’s proposals to strengthen bail laws by expanding the use of

electronic monitoring devices to bail on serious domestic violence charges and making it more difficult for bail to be granted for serious domestic violence charges.

“These changes would have had an immediate impact,” the North Coast Nationals MPs said.

“This legislation would have made it harder for offenders to be released back out into our community, which is a great start in addressing this crisis.

“The Labor Party and the Greens must now explain to the women of NSW why they have voted against taking immediate action.”

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Farm chemicals found in waterways of Mid North Coast

By Ned COWIE

PROFESSOR Kirsten

Benkendorff, a well-known marine scientist with Southern Cross University, who has been engaged in several projects on the Mid North Coast, spoke to around 70 people at Macksville RSL last Monday night.

The meeting was organised by the Nambucca Environment Network (NEN), a prominent campaigner against intensive farming practices in blueberry farming, and was attended by Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan and Nambucca Valley Councillor David Jones.

Ms Benkendorff spoke about pesticides and other chemicals, mainly the result of run-off from local farms and sewage operations and their effect on marine life.

She has been engaged in various research studies looking at nearby sites including the Hearnes Lake catchment area of the Coffs Coast and the Clarence

River.

Her studies have found worrying amounts of various toxic chemicals including Diuron, atrazine, chlorpyrifos and neonicotinoids like imidacloprid, as well as heavy metals in all sites studied.

Many of the chemicals found are currently banned from use in other countries and some have even been since removed from shelves in Australia.

She detailed some of the problems associated with keeping poisons away from marine wildlife including that large amounts of problem pesticides have probably been stockpiled on some farms and continue to be used or used inappropriately.

She explained how slowly the industry’s regulatory body (Australian Pesticides Veterinary Medicines Association) acted to remove particularly toxic chemicals, taking more than a decade in some cases, with the onus on scientists to prove beyond doubt what harms and through what particular farming practices were being done.

“Testing is costly and we can only screen for a small proportion of known pesticides so it’s easy to miss what you aren’t looking for,” she said.

“When I couldn’t explain a couple of chemicals I found (in the Clarence River), I picked up a few packets of locally grown blueberries from the supermarket shelf and tested them to find them (pesticides thiometon and chlorpyrifos) in large concentrations in the fruit,” she told the room.

According to Ms Benkendorff,

regular water testing performed by councils and the seafood industry does not look for pesticides, rather it looks for nutrients, bacteria and chlorophyl or phytoplankton, signatures of the algae problems caused by sewage spills and fertilizer run-off.

“Farmers need education on the harmful effects of many of the chemicals they use,” she explained to NOTA.

She hopes councils can implement effective barriers such as buffer zones, wetlands, and bioreactors between farms and creeks etc. to prevent farm-use chemicals from ending up in waterways.

She also advocates for faster action by the Australian Pesticides Veterinary Medicines Association and government agencies to protect river and marine life.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Proposed Modification to Development Consent

(Section 4.55 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following application to modify a development consent has been received by Nambucca Valley Council.

Applicant: Australian Precast Solutions P/L

DA/File No: DA 2012/069

Property Description: Lot: 16 DP: 1140719 - 2 Centra Park Street, Macksville

Proposal: Concrete precast facility - Extension of operating hours

Consent Authority: Nambucca Valley Council

Development Consent No 2012/069 was granted by Council on 25 October 2012, for a Concrete precast facility. The current application seeks to extend the operating hours.

The proposed modification may be inspected at Council’s Administration Centre, Princess Street, Macksville, during office hours being 8.30 am to 4.00 pm weekdays from 10 May 2024 until 10 June 2024. Documents relating to the proposal may also be viewed at www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au – Planning & Development - DA Tracking. Please note that when searching for a DA in DA Tracking the application number is entered first, then the year, eg DA 2012/069 would be entered as 069/2012.

Any person may make a written submission in respect of the modification which should be lodged with the undersigned no later than 10 June 2024. Submissions must be addressed to the General Manager, Nambucca Valley Council, PO Box 177, Macksville NSW 2447 or sent by email to council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au. It is requested that submissions in support or objection list reasons. The provision of a name, address and contact telephone number will enable Council to inform you about the progress and outcome of the matter. Please note that any submission may be incorporated in a Council business paper or otherwise publicly disclosed.

Note: Your attention is drawn to Section 10.4 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which requires those making a submission to disclose all reportable political donations and gifts.

All submissions will be acknowledged following Council’s determination of the application. For further information regards this proposal, please contact Michael Coulter on 6568 0260.

PO BOX 177 MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 (02) 6568.2555

q Raewyn Macky, Kate Tarrant and Professor Kirsten Benkendorff at Nambucca Environment Network’s meeting in Macksville last week.

Art House hosts successful holiday workshops

By Jen HETHERINGTON

DURING the recent school break, holiday makers and local children were once again enjoying two weeks of an ever growing selection of creative art and craft workshops offered by a range of dedicated practitioners.

The 2024 April Kids Holiday Programs alternated between

the regular venue, the All Saints Anglican Church, and the Yarrahapinni Community House, both situated on Ocean Avenue in Stuarts Point.

With well-timed instruction and age-inclusive tuition, the week one workshops included a ‘Kids Intuitive Hand Craft and Art Circle’ with Red Cedar Together, ‘TieDying and Sand Jar Art’ with Elaine Carmady, and dance with Alfira from Suara Indonesian Dance.

Week two expanded to

encompass ‘Indigenous Decor Weaving’ with Elaine at the Art House venue, ‘Songs, Games and Beautiful Singing’ with musician and vocalist Bonnie Nilsson, ‘Play in the Mud’ and ‘Ceramic Art’ (clay workshop) with Mei, and culminated with juniors and seniors interactive ‘Musical Theatre’, delivered by Hannah, principle of the Encore Performing Arts academy.

“The ongoing aim for these

programs is to emphasise the positive social outcomes of art and cultural practise for all our community,” Alfira O’Sullivan, one of the workshop organisers, told NOTA.

All activities were heavily subsidised with ongoing support from SPADCO (Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation), the team from the Art House and Yarrahappini Community House Stuarts Point.

The invitation is open to all tourism operators in the Valley. It will include:

• An update from Destination North Coast on what is happening in the Region

• Discussion on Visitor Information Services

• Opportunities from attendees to do a brief presentation on their business

• The future direction of Tourism in the ValleyChallenges and Opportunities

• Input from operators on what the Destination Management priorities should be. This is your opportunity to have direct input into Council’s new Tourism and Economic Development Strategy

Please lock the date in and RSVP by COB 13th May 2024 to: michael.grieve@nambucca.nsw.gov.au

q Aishia from Red Cedar Together introduced tactile fun with clay.

q The grounds of Yarrahapinni Community House proved to be a great fairweather venue.

q Hand percussion resonates well with the little ones.

q Weaving with nature creates sublime effects.

Dream Gumma property turns to nightmare

By Ned COWIE

WHEN Nambucca Valley man

Peter Wright bought his 150-acre property (Lot 157) in Gumma four years ago, he hoped to regenerate it, use it for primary production and as a depot for three small trucks he operates in his earthmoving business.

He also thought he would build a home for his family on the picturesque block.

Like many properties in the Nambucca Valley, access to the bush block was through an easement on the neighbouring property (Lot 24).

The easement was also used by residents of the local residential estate, Warrell Waters Estate, to access a boat ramp (also on Lot 24).

As the Estate is not located on the easement, these properties hold a different contract (a Right of Access) with different conditions for use to the properties (like Mr Wright’s) located along the easement, a fact which would later cause much confusion in the community.

Mr Wright’s property was also sold as an ongoing quarry which presumably had been utilised in the past by semi-trailers to truck the sand it contained out to Macksville and beyond along Warrell Creek Road.

Mr Wright set up beehives on the block, registered as a primary producer and established an agribusiness: a small campsite and BBQ area.

However, before long, his

neighbours complained to a variety of authorities.

Nambucca Valley Council acted quickly to warn him that the campsite was illegal and subsequently issued a large fine.

Mr Wright closed the campsite and disputed the fine.

On the day of his court case, Mr Wright claims Council dropped the fine only to issue another one the following day, backdated to the date of the original fine.

He went back to court and again the fine was dropped on the day it was due to be heard.

He has since received legal advice that his campsite is legal, but he has not operated it to this day for fear of upsetting the community.

Daniel Walsh, Manager of Development and Environment for Nambucca Valley Council, confirmed that fines were issued and withdrawn.

“For legal reasons it was decided not to proceed with the cases,” he told NOTA.

Mr Walsh said the original site allocated for the farmstays was in a flood zone, however he confirmed that many rural properties were given exemptions from seeking DAs for small campsites.

He conceded that it may well be the case that Mr Wright’s property was entitled to host a small campsite at the appropriate location on the block without seeking approval.

Mr Wright then filled in the old quarry on Lot 157 and regenerated it, believing that his trucks would still be welcome on a regenerated

quarry site.

Neighbours complained to Council that he was using the block for industrial purposes without permission, forcing Mr Wright to find other lodgings for his three small trucks until he could put in a change of use Development Application (DA) for a small truck depot to be located on the land.

When the DA was lodged, Council followed protocol and informed the neighbours.

Quickly the community sprang into action again.

Neighbours letterbox-dropped houses along Warrell Waters Road and beyond, warning them that many more heavy vehicles would soon be using the 80km/hr

Gumma Road from early morning until late in the evening, claiming risks to children, wildlife and the environment.

The Wrights attempted to do their own letterbox drop, clarifying that a maximum of three light weight trucks (the largest six tonne) would leave at 6.30 am and not return until evening.

Despite this, Mr Wright said some of the misinformation around his operation continued to circulate.

Mr Wright said he was told by neighbours that he was not allowed to use the boat ramp on Lot 24, despite his property holding the same ‘right of access’ as others in the area, and that he could not invite visitors to use the easement and

therefore visit his property.

Mr Wright claims residents would reportedly police the gate to the easement and ask visitors to identify themselves, denying access and sometimes engaging in heated discussions with anyone they didn’t believe should be visiting.

When members of this group of neighbours were questioned about this behaviour, a spokesperson claimed to have been given legal advice, paid for by Council, which indicated Mr Wright did not have 24-hour access to his property.

Council’s Daniel Walsh confirmed to NOTA that incorrect legal advice was likely shared with members of the public, however subsequent advice had proven Mr

q Peter Wright with fellow easement user Daniel Wright (no relation) outside Peter’s Gumma property.

nightmare after neighbour disputes

Wright did have round-the-clock access to his land.

“We have been transparent about the process for this DA,” Mr Walsh told NOTA.

Another claim was made that Mr Wright had cleared land to make his campsite, however Mr Wright was able to show documentation to NOTA and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) that the previous owners had already cleared this space to make a small fishing shack.

No fines were imposed but multiple calls to the EPA were made by well-meaning neighbours.

On one occasion, Mr Wright alleges he was charged a fine of $300 by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for accidentally damaging mangroves while clearing away toxic weeds that had taken over the property before he purchased it.

“They (DPI) acknowledged that it was accidental and the fine would have been in the thousands if they thought I’d done it on purpose,” he told NOTA.

Mr Wright also claims he and his guests were filmed by neighbours whenever they entered or left the property, and said he had trouble accessing his beehives or completing work for other residents along the easement.

With the constant confrontations and complaints becoming intolerable, Mr Wright said he and his family attempted to keep a low profile in the community.

“I’m a peaceful man and I don’t want to make trouble for anyone,” he told News Of The Area.

A neighbour who shares the easement as part of his driveway, Daniel Wright (no relation), told NOTA, “Peter has been a good neighbour who does what he can to help others in the community.

“This has all been very difficult for him.”

However, the trouble did not stop there.

While Mr Wright’s DA was on display at Nambucca Valley Council, it attracted 32 submissions and a petition from members of the public.

Put into a difficult situation over the unpopular DA, Council received a first round of legal advice denying Mr Wright carriageway on his property.

Mr Wright responded by seeking his own legal advice which he shared with Council, stating that he did have right of carriageway.

Council sought further legal advice and this time agreed with Mr Wright’s solicitor.

In the Nambucca Valley Council's General Meeting on 24 April, the matter of Mr Wright’s DA was discussed.

Several residents of Warrell Waters Estate attended and attempted to speak on the matter, although their application was submitted after the Council's deadline.

“I see you have sought some clarifying legal advice. Are you able to talk to that? There are 32 submissions from the community,” Councillor Susan Jenvey asked the Council’s Daniel Walsh regarding Mr Wright’s application.

“Council sought legal advice for the area of contention - legal access to the land,” Mr Walsh replied.

“There is a Right of Access Register on the land and a Right of Carriageway, and the legal advice came back that the development does have legal right over that Register of Carriageway, so the intention is to determine that development application under delegated authority based on that legal advice.

“A truck depot is permissible in

the RU1 Zone,” he said.

In layman’s terms the Council’s latest legal advice states that Mr Wright can use the easement whenever he needs it, as can anyone seeking to visit his property.

There are two different rights granted over the same easement, a Right of Access for the residents of the estate, and a Right of Carriageway for the properties (such as Mr Wright’s) which must use the easement to access their properties.

Daniel Walsh confirmed to NOTA on Tuesday 30 April that the Wright’s truck depot DA has been approved and the details of it will be displayed online.

The DA has taken more than six months to be granted, incurring significant costs to ratepayers and Mr Wright, who had to house his trucks elsewhere.

Another anonymous complaint was even lodged then withdrawn

that he had been parking trucks outside his home in Valla Beach.

“What everyone doesn’t understand is that this DA will actually limit my business,” a frustrated Mr Wright told NOTA.

“Under this DA, I would need to apply for a new DA to add another truck to my fleet, to increase the size of my trucks or anything else.”

As for speeding through the tiny neighbourhood of Warrell Waters Estate, Mr Wright assures NOTA that he has put GPS trackers in his trucks and speed limited them to 40 km/ hr in this zone so he would receive a text message on his phone if one of his employees should break this traffic rule.

“The trucks would be leaving around about 6.30 every morning and back only at night when most people in the street are in their houses anyway,” he said.

Mr Wright showed NOTA around his property, which currently is

Tourism operators sought for workshop

COUNCIL is inviting all tourism operators across the Nambucca Valley to attend and participate in their upcoming Tourism Stakeholder Workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club on Tuesday 14 May from 5.00pm –7.00pm.

“This is a great opportunity for tourism operators to network with colleagues and engage with Council on the future of tourism in

the Valley,” said Council’s General Manager, Bede Spannagle. Representatives from Destination North Coast will be attending to give an update on what is happening within the North Coast region.

The workshop will explore challenges and opportunities for the destination and will seek input from those attending on future priorities for tourism management and marketing.

“Council is currently working on developing its new Tourism and Economic Development Strategy and the workshop is a very important step in our industry engagement process,” said Council’s Tourism Coordinator, Michael Grieve.

If you would like to attend please email Council before Monday 13 May to michael. grieve@nambucca.nsw.gov.au

q The Warrell Waters Estate, where one property is burdened by an easement used by many others.

home to much wildlife and native vegetation after the regeneration of the old quarry.

He explained that for some time, an employee who was flood affected had lived in an old bus on the property, free of charge, but had since moved to a new home.

This living arrangement was also allegedly reported to Council as ‘a commune’ by neighbours.

Hoping to be left in peace, Mr Wright said the events of the past few years have taken an immeasurable toll emotionally and financially on his young family.

However, Mr Wright told NOTA he holds no ill-will toward any of his neighbours but would just like to set the record straight.

“I love this land and I want to protect it.

“I just want to get back to work and put all this behind me,” the farmer and business owner said.

q The workshop will explore challenges and opportunities for the Nambucca Valley as a tourism destination.

New computer for Nambucca Heads Library

By Mick BIRTLES

A COLLABORATION between the Lions Club of Nambucca Heads and the Red Cross has resulted in the purchase of a new computer for public use at the Nambucca Heads Library.

Last year, the Nambucca Valley Red Cross received a generous donation of $500 from the Lions Club.

In alignment with the Red Cross' commitment to community welfare, branch members made a decision

to utilise the donation to facilitate the purchase of a much-needed computer for the Nambucca Heads Library.

When the Lions were made aware of this they decided to partner with the Red Cross and ultimately the full cost of the computer, approximately $2000, was covered by the two organisations.

"The library serves as a hub for learning, connectivity, and community engagement and this computer will be used by those who don’t have one at home to stay

in contact with loved ones, write applications and conduct research for educational pursuits,” Senior Librarian Wes McQuillan told News Of The Area.

“The value that the community will get from this asset far exceeds its dollar value and we are very grateful to the Red Cross and the Lions for their generosity."

In recent years the Nambucca Heads Library has undergone extensive renovations and a number of significant improvements to the services they provide and this computer will serve to enhance the existing facilities at the Library even further.

q Nambucca Valley Council

Senior Librarian Wes McQuillan, Nambucca Valley Red Cross

Secretary Lesley Smith and Lions Club of Nambucca Heads

President Grahame Beatton.

CWA of NSW conference draws 700 delegates

By Andrea FERRARI

THE CWA of NSW annual State Conference began in Coffs Harbour on May 6 at C.ex Coffs, with the fourday event attracting more than 700 members and delegates from across the state.

The conference was opened by the Patron of the CWA of NSW and Governor of NSW, Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC.

Over 25 motions proposed by branches throughout the state were debated - covering education, health, the environment, law and order, transport and telecommunications - all helping to determine the association’s future policy direction and priorities.

This year’s keynote address was given by Samuel Johnson, founder of Love Your Sister and a Gold Logiewinning actor.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Atchison also welcomed members.

President of the CWA Coffs Harbour Branch, Jodie Williams,

speaking on the second day of the conference, told News Of The Area, “So far, the conference attendees have had nothing but positive feedback about their welcome to Coffs Harbour and, despite the wet weather, are having a fabulous time.

“From the point of view of the organising committee of local CWA members, everything has fallen into place, and we are very happy with how it is going.”

Beginning business on day one was an urgent motion on measures to help counter rising rates of

domestic and family violence, which was unanimously passed by conference delegates.

"This was the first issue we dealt with when the business sessions began on Monday, recognising just how important this motion was to members," Joy Beames, President of the CWA of NSW told NOTA.

"Members want to see immediate and meaningful action around current rates of domestic and family violence and we'll be strongly advocating for the measures we unanimously endorsed."

The motion included a call for amendments to the bail act, a prioritisation of sustainable funding models for frontline support services and for the establishment of a real-time system to record, track and share domestic and family violence perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions.

On Tuesday the conference hosted a panel discussion on rural crime, with speakers Cr Jamie Chaffey, Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW and Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council; Peter Price, CEO, Crime Stoppers NSW; and Adam DeMamiel, CoFounder, CEO and Director of Boys to the Bush.

Lisa Millar, the host of ABC News Breakfast and narrator of the hit

“Our association had its beginnings on the platform of advocacy for better services for remote, rural and regional NSW, and it remains our biggest focus today,” said Joy.

“The annual conference brings us together to highlight the issues that are impacting members’ communities and once again there’s such a diverse range of motions to be discussed.

“It’s a pleasure to be in Coffs Harbour for this year’s conference, a great backdrop for what was another interesting and thoughtprovoking event, paving the way for a new set of priorities for the coming year.”

TV series, Muster Dogs, was guest speaker on Wednesday.

q Pat Kelly (Kellys Plains/Dangarsleigh branch, Northern Tablelands), CWA of NSW State President Joy Beames, and Naomi O’Hern (Kellys Plains/Dangarsleigh branch).

q Margy Lowe (Virtual branch), Sue Vassie (St George Sutherland branch) and Joss Parker (Sydney City).

q Members of the organising committee for the 2024 state conference: Leonie Saunders (Yamba branch), Jodie Williams (Coffs Harbour branch), Sharron Davison (Grafton branch) and Trish Stabback (Woolgoolga branch).

q Delegates raise their hands in unanimous support for an urgency motion on measures to help address domestic and family violence in NSW.

Full houses at Independent candidate events

By Andrew VIVIAN

MORE than 200 people attended events in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour last weekend to hear about the benefits community Independents can bring to regional electorates.

Phil Haines from Voices4Indi, and Caz Heise, former independent candidate for Cowper, addressed full houses at both events.

They discussed how Independent federal representatives bring considered and civil discussion to Parliament, and greater accountability for legislation and policy.

“It’s important that rural and regional communities are

represented by people who truly put people before party, and whose first priority is community,” said Mr Haines.

“Having more community Independents in Parliament from rural and regional communities will bring a greater focus on our needs when shaping legislation.”

He gave the example of how Cathy McGowan invited the community to work on mapping black spots in mobile phone coverage, in preparation for submissions for funding new mobile phone towers.

Ms Heise spoke about the role played by community Independents in scrutinising legislation in Parliament and negotiating for

Club market days return

By Jen HETHERINGTON

ON Saturday morning 4 May, though it was gloomy and wet outside, the Macksville Ex-Services Club’s main auditorium was a warm and cosy venue for the return of the Macksville Creative Community Markets.

Along with more than 30 independent stalls, operating from 10am to 2pm, the Nambucca Macksville Evening VIEW club was the chosen charity for the day's event, and Mother’s Day raffles were very popular.

Margaret from Lions won first prize in the Nambucca Macksville Evening VIEW club Mother’s Day raffle.

Belinda won second prize and

Margaret B won third prize.

Leanne D won the stallholder donations raffle.

“A massive thank you to our community who came to support our market day and special thanks to Debbie Mathews for all her time in coordinating the stall holders, who did an amazing job,” Club representatives commented.

“Thank you to all our stall holders who spend many hours leading up to Saturday creating their stall items.”

The exhaustive list of creative wares, all highly suitable for Mother’s Day gift giving, included: natural botanical body products, jams and preserves, pet portraiture, fudge, unique homewares, legendary local honey, fresh garden produce, vividly designed silk scarves, enticing home baked goods, jewellery and woodwork items skilfully constructed by members of the Macksville Men’s Shed.

The Macksville Ex-Services Club plans to hold the ‘weather friendly’ Macksville Creative Community Markets every second month, with the next one scheduled for July 2024 (date yet to be advised).

q Pastel artist Jen Dayman was pleased to display and discuss her wares.

improvements.

Both speakers noted that increasing the number of rural and regional electorates held by community Independents would ensure a stronger focus on issues faced by communities outside major cities.

Questions from the audience canvassed topics from ensuring independent MPs have sufficient resources, effective tactics for community engagement, the potential for a hung Parliament, and processes for selecting a community Independent.

to see so many deeply engaged in rethinking the way politics works.

“We had a strong response to our call to action at both events, with people signing up for local community catch-up sessions and stepping forward to actively volunteer.”

Ms Heise said the turnouts at both events suggest that the “people of Cowper are looking for change”. For more information, visit voices4cowper.org.

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Anita Tang from Voices4Cowper moderated the conversation at both events and said she was excited

q A packed house in Port Macquarie.

q An enthusiastic audience at Sawtell. Photo: Jay Black, And The Trees Photography.

Retirement Living

Retirement living construction activity forecast to grow while nation ages

AS THE country faces a rapidly approaching silver tsunami of older Australians and an ongoing housing crisis, retirement living construction activity levels are forecast to continue to lead the way in Australia.

The latest Procore/ Property Council Survey reveals Australia’s retirement living industry is forecasting strong confidence around construction activity over

the coming twelve months, while capital value growth sentiment has bounced back in most jurisdictions after a decline in the previous quarter.

Confidence in retirement construction activity is at its highest since December 2021, outperforming other sub-sectors, and is forecast to be greater than residential, office, retail and hotels combined.

Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon said this positive sentiment was another reason for the Australian Government to include retirement communities as a key delivery component of achieving the National Housing Accord target to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029.

“The Master Builders Association (MBA) only this week (April) forecast that the Australian Government will fall short of its target by

112,675 homes, but there’s a silver lining to this scenario,” Mr Gannon said.

“In order to maintain existing market demand, the retirement living industry requires 67,000 units to be built by 2030.

“This would represent 59 percent of the gap identified by the MBA, meaning agefriendly communities can help the government solve Australia’s housing supply problem.

“With the number of Australians over the age of 75 set to increase from

two million to 3.4 million by 2040, more age-friendly housing that keeps people out of hospital and aged care facilities must be supported by all levels of government,” he said.

Healthier, happier retirement communities can reduce hospitalisations

THE Retirement Living Council (RLC) says the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) annual Public Hospital Report Card should serve as a reminder to governments across the country about the health benefits of retirement living.

The AMA report, released last month, found that Australians over the age of 65 represented more than 40 percent of total separations from public hospitals in 2021–22, and 47 percent of the total patient days occupying beds within public hospitals.

It also found that the number of beds per 1,000 Australians aged over 65 has again fallen to the lowest number on record, down to 14.3.

RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said while the report’s findings are

Jumpers & Jazz Festival

Thursday 25th to Monday 29th July 2024

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Tuesday 20 August 2024 – Friday 23 August 2024

Welcome to our 4-day tour to Tamworth featuring AgQuip in Gunnedah. The tour includes Lunch at Bendemeer Hotel, a full day at AGQUIP, a tour at Tamworth Power Station, entry to The Big Golden Guitar Museum and a self-guided tour of the Hall of Fame and Walk a Country Mile Museum.

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concerning, there is a housing type that leads to better health, happiness and care solutions.

“Age-friendly retirement villages are leading to better health outcomes for older Australians because they are purpose designed and put social interaction at their core,” Mr Gannon said.

“When it comes to health care, retirement village residents are 20 percent less likely to require hospitalisation after only nine

months living in one of these communities, which leads to 14,000 avoided annual hospitalisations across Australia.

“Compared to people who don’t live in a retirement community, residents are fifteen percent more physically active, 41 percent happier, five times more socially active, twice as likely to catch up with family or friends and have reduced levels of depression and loneliness.

“As a consequence, agefriendly communities are minimising the interactions older Australians have with GPs and hospitals, while importantly delaying entry into taxpayer funded aged care.

“All of this reduced interaction with health systems generates $945 million in annual savings for the Australian Government while at the same time freeing up aged care beds for increasing demand.”

Protect against super scams

PROTECTING your superannuation from scams is more crucial than ever.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilising various platformsincluding social media, emails, and phone calls - to target unsuspecting individuals.

Understanding the scenarios and red flags associated with these scams can help you safeguard your retirement savings effectively.

Nojan Rahimi from Blutin Finance tells us key superannuation scams to watch out for, complete with scenarios that highlight how these scams typically unfold.

Early Release Scams

Scenario: You receive an email from what appears to be a reputable financial advisor offering a service that can unlock your super funds early. For a small fee and some personal details, they promise to give you access to your money well before retirement.

Red Flags: Requests for upfront payment, promises of accessing super early without legitimate grounds, and unsolicited offers.

Phishing Attacks

Scenario: Via Facebook, you see an ad from an entity claiming to be a new super fund offering exceptional returns. Clicking the ad takes you to a website where you're prompted to enter your current super account details to see how much faster your savings could grow with them.

Red Flags: Unsolicited requests for personal information, messages that instil a sense of urgency, and suspicious URLs or email addresses that don't match the alleged super fund’s official contact information.

High-return Investment Scams

Scenario: On LinkedIn, a connection you

don't know well sends you a private message about an exclusive investment opportunity. They claim it's a guaranteed way to dramatically increase your super fund's value. They invite you to transfer your super to this new "high-yield" investment.

Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little or no risk, pressure to make a quick decision, and proposals to move your super to unfamiliar funds or schemes.

Identity Theft

Scenario: After a data breach at a major retailer, scammers obtain your personal information. They use this data to contact your super fund, posing as you, to make withdrawal requests or change account details.

Red Flags: Any suspicious activity relating to personal identity information, unexpected contact supposedly from your super fund asking to confirm your details, and any alerts about unauthorised attempts to access your accounts.

Fee-for-service Scams

Scenario: A company calls you offering a free review of your superannuation. After the review, they suggest that you can get better benefits by consolidating your super accounts, for which they charge a substantial fee.

Red Flags: Charges for services that are typically free, such as account consolidation, and firms that request payment before providing any tangible service. Financial planners can charge for their service however they must provide you with a Statement of Advice (SOA). You should check if they are registered and their licence is current.

q Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon.

Retirement Living

Discover exceptional over 50s living at The Pines

Keeping

Set

By Manny WOOD

Too young for a will?

DANIEL and Amy, in their twenties, purchased their first home a year ago and recently gave birth to their first child.

Amy tries to talk to Daniel about their estate planning but Daniel is reluctant to discuss the matter.

He says that the subject “gives him the creeps”.

A few months pass and they decide to get away for the weekend. Amy’s mother, Mary babysits their child.

Tragically, they are involved in a road incident and they never return.

Mary seeks legal advice.

Mary’s paramount concern is the guardianship of the child.

She is informed that because there are no wills, there is no clear indication of Daniel and Amy’s wishes.

This means that there is a higher risk of disputes and the potential for contested proceedings under the Family Law Act.

These proceedings can be costly and detrimental to the future relationships between the extended family.

Mary is also advised that due to the nature of the road incident, it is unclear whether Amy survived Daniel.

In these circumstances, the youngest is presumed to have survived the other and in this case, Daniel’s estate is entitled to their home, which was owned as “joint tenants”, but who would administer his estate and who would act as trustee for their child’s inheritance?

Whilst Daniel and Amy had made modest contributions towards their superannuation funds, they both had life insurance policies in place as part of their superannuation, which meant that their respective death benefits were substantial.

However, they had not recorded binding death benefit nominations, so their superannuation funds could decide whether to pay the funds to Daniel and Amy’s estates or whether to pay the funds to another trustee, to hold until their child attained eighteen years of age.

The choice of trustee had the potential to create a dispute and the trustee’s ability to pay funds to the child’s guardian for maintenance and education was limited.

Appropriate estate planning could have addressed these issues and minimised the potential for disputes.

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

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

Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN

Restore access at the V-Wall

DEAR News Of The Area, I AM writing to express our significant dissatisfaction with the removal of the steps at the V-Wall in the Nambucca Heads area.

This decision has greatly limited access for the residents of the local area and we strongly encourage Council to reverse this decision.

The V-Wall has been a popular location for both locals and visitors alike.

Its scenic beauty and the opportunities it offers for recreational activities have made it a cherished spot within our community.

The steps leading to the V-Wall have played a crucial role in ensuring safe and convenient access for all individuals, including elderly citizens, families with young children and people with disabilities.

The removal of the steps has not only inconvenienced the residents but also poses potential safety risks.

Without proper access, individuals may attempt alternative routes that could be hazardous, leading to accidents and injuries.

We believe that public safety should be a top priority, and the removal of the steps contradicts this principle.

We understand that there may have been reasons behind the decision to remove the steps, but we kindly request the Council to reconsider.

By restoring the steps, Council would not only reinstate safe access for the residents but also demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and satisfaction of the community it serves.

Furthermore, we urge Council to engage in open dialogue with the residents and seek their input on any future changes to public infrastructure.

Involving the community in decision-making processes will foster a sense of ownership and ensure that the needs and concerns of the residents are duly considered.

In conclusion, we implore the Nambucca Valley Council to reverse the decision to remove the steps at the V-Wall and reinstate safe and

convenient access for the residents.

We believe that by doing so, it will not only address the dissatisfaction of the community but also uphold

Alliance for Nature NSW slam inaction on environmental reform

FRUSTRATED by perceived inaction on environmental protection, the Alliance for Nature NSW has called on NSW Premier Chris Minns and his government to fulfill key election promises.

The Alliance, who represent 220 member groups across NSW, says that “improved controls on habitat destruction” must be a high priority for the state.

“The Minns Labor Government came to power promising to ‘stop runaway land clearing’ and ‘fix the biodiversity offset scheme’,” a statement from the Alliance read last week.

“The government also committed to doubling koala populations in this state.

“These critical reforms have been delayed and ignored, with concerning indications that some members of the Minns Cabinet are seeking to water down or simply not enact these election commitments.”

The Alliance warns the State Government’s environmental reputation will be “seriously harmed” if urgent action is not taken to address the “widespread and unregulated destruction of our

habitat”.

“Since coming to Government in 2023, around 95 000 ha of land and 100 million trees will have been lost, stripping wildlife of their homes and releasing over seven million tonnes of carbon each year - more than every household in Sydney.

“Clearing of native vegetation is fundamentally in conflict with action to achieve a safer climate than the current trajectory predicts.

“The government has the opportunity to continue NSW Labor’s legacy of delivering environmental reforms.

“We call for strong regulatory reform with support for landholders to work together across tenures and communities to restore habitats, corridors and landscapes and take advantage of the burgeoning world of biodiversity stewardship models.”

Greens MLC and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson said despite election promises, there is no evidence that the “biodiversity crisis” is a priority for the NSW Government.

“The Minns Labor Government was elected on promises that it would respond to the rapid decline of the environment in NSW.

“The Premier promised to fix the biodiversity scheme, stop runaway land clearing and establish the Great Koala National Park.

“Minns and his Labor Government have failed on all counts so far.

“Even the promise to establish the Great Koala National Park has been smashed by delay and undermined by the increased native forest logging that has been occurring within the proposed area since Labor was elected.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told NOTA, “The NSW Government is considering the findings and recommendations of statutory reviews of the Biodiversity Conservation Act and the native vegetation provisions of the Local Land Services Act.

“The Government response, to be published in the first half of 2024, will

the principles of public safety and community engagement.

enable the government to deliver three key election commitments – reform biodiversity offsets, strengthen environmental protections and end excess land clearing.”

The Department also noted a $172 million funding commitment to saving koalas in the 2023-24 NSW Budget and said work is “well underway” to create a Great Koala National Park.

“An inter-agency steering committee has been established to oversee the Great Koala National Park assessment process and ensure timely action to support delivery of the NSW Government election commitment.

“Industry, community and Aboriginal advisory panels have been established to provide input to the creation of the park, and they are meeting regularly.

“An independent economic and social assessment is underway to consider the impacts on local jobs and communities.”

Sincerely, Albert and Gaye JUNGE, Nambucca.

Telcos unite for regional services

By Thomas O’KEEFE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

companies Optus and TPG Telecom have signed a new agreement to share mobile services infrastructure in regional Australia.

The regional MultiOperator Core Network (MOCN) agreement will see Optus provide TPG Telecom with access to the former’s regional radio network, and an arrangement to share spectrum in regional Australia.

What this means, practically, is that TPG Telecom will be able to use Optus’ existing network infrastructure of 2444

transceivers, allowing TPG to dramatically increase its potential coverage of regional Australia, from its current 400,000 square kilometres, to over one million.

Optus gains from the deal by receiving licensing dues from TPG, while TPG can avoid the relatively exorbitant cost of building its own physical regional network.

Once implemented, TPG Telcom's retail and wholesale customers (including Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, Lebara and felix customers) will use Optus' 4G and 5G regional network on an equivalent basis to Optus customers.

Optus Interim CEO

Michael Venter said the agreement was a significant win for regional Australia.

“Optus and TPG Telecom will be positioned to provide consumers with more choice and better services as we accelerate our investment in the regions.

“The agreement will reduce combined 5G network rollout costs in regional Australia, which will enable the rollout of 5G infrastructure to be completed two years earlier than previously planned.”

“This network sharing arrangement will reset the competitive landscape for mobile services in regional areas and provide Australians

with more choice than ever before,” said TPG Telecom CEO Iñaki Berroeta.

Regional mobile users should, however, understand that the MOCN agreement does not mention any specific new infrastructure plans, meaning that only those areas where current Optus towers or Small Cells exist will see any immediate benefit.

A similar MOCN agreement was attempted only one year ago, between TPG and Telstra, however, after complaints from Optus, the deal was quashed by the ACCC as being too anticompetitive for Optus’ own regional expansion potential.

Cameras to enforce seatbelt law from July 1

q From July 1, the state’s

mobile phone detection camera network will enforce the seatbelt laws for the first time.

WEARING a seatbelt will be enforced by existing mobile phone detection cameras from July 1.

Correctly wearing a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle has been a legal requirement in NSW for more than 50 years, but data shows 150 people died while not wearing one in the five years between 2019 and 2023.

On average, 15 percent of deaths on NSW roads every year still involve seatbelt non-usage, with 36 people tragically lost last year.

From July 1, the state’s

world-first mobile phone detection camera network will enforce the seatbelt laws for the first time.

There will be no grace period of warning letters.

Photos released from testing of the cameras show a small but persistent percentage of drivers and some passengers continue to flout the law and wear their seatbelt incorrectly, including with the sash below the arm.

“Seatbelts save lives, it’s as simple as that,” Minister for Roads John Graham said.

“Wearing a seatbelt

New reforms to target knife crime

IN the wake of a series of tragic knife crime incidents across the state, including one last week at Park Beach in Coffs Harbour, the NSW Government has announced a package of reforms to target possession of knives, reduce knife crime and boost community safety.

The Government will develop legislation modelled on Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’ which will give Police powers to “wand” or “scan”

people for knives without a warrant in designated areas, including transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.

These powers will be made available in circumstances where a relevant weapons offence/ knife crime has occurred within the past six months.

An authority can then be issued by Police, enabling them to “wand” or “scan” people.

The authority will last for 12 hours, with an option to extend as required.

It will also become illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of eighteen, with provisions for exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study.

Penalties for people selling knives to young people under the age of eighteen will be increased too.

“In recent weeks and months, we have all borne witness to the devastating outcomes of knife related violence,” Premier Chris Minns said.

“I know that many in our community have followed the devastating media coverage and heard the stories of victims and families – tragically there have been so many recent examples.

“Our communities are

Group 2 Rugby League Roundup

By Aiden BURGESS

AFTER coming so close to a victory in their first game the week before, the Sawtell Panthers have had their first win of the Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League season. The Panthers had a 32-12 win against the Woolgoolga

Seahorses in their catch-up game at Woolgoolga.

The Panthers moved into second spot on the ladder as one of three undefeated sides, with a victory against the defending premiers after their initial Round 2 match was postponed due to the recent wet weather.

The South Grafton Rebels

also had their first win of the season, beating the Coffs Harbour Comets at home 3618.

Woolgoolga Seahorses reserves had their first win of the season, triumphing 30-8 against the Sawtell Panthers.

After a draw in their opening game, the Sawtell Panthers Under 18s earnt

their first win of the season beating the Woolgoolga Seahorses 12-4.

Having had the opening round bye, a washout, and then a forfeit, the Sawtell Panthers women’s tackle team won their first time out on the field for 2024, having a 30-12 win against the Woolgoolga Seahorses.

Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News

By Paula GUTHRIE

RESULTS for the week ending Saturday May 4th, 2024.

Monday: 29th April a fivetable event directed by Susie Keur, won at North/South by Les Sinclair & Susie Keur with 64.50%, second place Barbara Lott & Linda Siford

with 53.50%. East/West winners Colleen Robertson & Vicky Walker with 57.00%, second place Jenette Fox & Maureen Cowan with 52.00%.

Tuesday: 30th April a sixteam event directed by Louise Walton, was played. Winners Jane Wood & Pete Rundle

with 62%, second was Amber Fox & Carol McKee with 60.00%. third place Maureen Cowan & Barbara Maranik with 52.00%

Wednesday 1st May 16 players attended Richard's 'Improve your Bridge'. The topic under discussion was 'What is a sacrifice bid and

when is a good time to use one. The group were set a series of questions and had to work out bridge scores either making their contract or going down. After that, the group played 28 bids and incorporated what they had learned in the discussion. If you are a bridge player

doubles a person’s chance of survival in a car crash and the NSW Government is doing everything we can to make sure the simplest safety feature in a car is being used by everyone.

“It has been a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt in NSW since 1971 and it is frankly disturbing that a small minority of people are still not heeding the message.

“If camera enforcement can convince those people to buckle up we can reduce the 15 percent of deaths

still in mourning, but it’s essential that we step up to take immediate action to send a clear message that NSW will simply not accept these kinds of crimes.”

While commending the NSW Government for attempting reform, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the new laws “simply don’t go far enough”.

“Police should have the ability to perform these searches anytime, anywhere.

“By placing limits on these powers to specific public areas and at specific

Coffs Harbour Comets reserves went to the top of the ladder with a 22-18 win against the South Grafton Rebels in South Grafton, while the Rebels Under 18s had a 38-10 win against the Comets.

The Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League season continues this weekend with Round 4 games.

everyone is welcome, you don't need to have a partner.

Thursday: 2nd May a seven-team event directed by Scott Parker, winners Mike Siford & Colin Tulley with 66.67%, second place Richard Levy & Joanna Halioris with 57.29%, third place Vicky Walker & Geoffrey Gardner with 52.08%

Saturday: 4th May, a four and a half event directed by

that involve a belt not being worn.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said, "Despite five decades of enforcement and public awareness campaigns, on average more than 10,000 people a year are still fined by the NSW Police for not wearing a seatbelt.

“This has to change and we hope camera enforcement can be the catalyst.

“In the last five years, about 85 percent of the deaths and 76 percent of the serious injuries that occurred in crashes where someone wasn’t wearing a seatbelt happened in country NSW.”

times does not create a significant enough deterrent to carrying a knife in public.

“Anyone unlawfully carrying a knife should know that any police officer anywhere can perform a search for knives and that they can face significant penalties for doing so.

“Law abiding citizens want to feel safe on our streets again and we await to see the drafting of Labor's proposed bill before seeing how it can be amended to better reflect community expectations.”

Grafton Ghosts host early season ladder leaders the Nambucca Roosters, in a clash between two unbeaten sides. Sawtell Panthers will also look to remain unbeaten when they host the South Grafton Rebels, and the Woolgoolga Seahorses try to bounce back from a loss at home when they host the Macksville Sea Eagles.

Coffs Harbour Comets have the bye in Round 4.

Lynne Slade winners Amber Fox & Carol McKee with 58.33%, second place Gary & Louise Walton with 57.64%, third place Maureen Cowan & Barbara Maranik with 56.06%.

Thank you to everyone for participating!

There is one advantage of bad bidding, you get practice at playing atrocious contracts – Alfred Sheinwold

q TPG Telecom will be able to offer more regional mobile services by using Optus infrastructure, like this short-range Small Cell located on a power pole.

world-first

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only.

They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

By Geoffrey McCANN

THE course continues to recover well from Tidal flooding 2 weeks ago – apart from some discolouring on fairways and soft areas in the rough, you’d never know the course was inundated. Thank you to this week’s featured sponsor – Nambucca Glass.

On Tuesday we hosted almost 100 visitors from the Mid North Coast Vereran Golfers for their usual monthly visit. Peter O’Grady (17) from Mereweather scored 38 points to win Division 1 (0 to 18) from Nick Jenkins (13) from Bellingen 37 on c/b from Dennis Hardgrove (15) from Coffs Harbour. Terry Noble (21) from Bowraville shot 39 points to win Division 2 (19 to 24) from Leslie Mohr (26) Nambucca with 38 points on c/b from Mick O’Brien (20) from Macksville. Glenn

Anthoney (29) from Urunga won Division 3 (25 to 45) with 36 points from Alan Guthrie (28) from Urunga on 34 points on c/b from Richard Martin (30) from Nambucca. The Ball rundown to 32 points. NTP’s to Dennis Lyon (Bellingen) on 5, Robert Peel (Coffs Harbour) on 8, Stephen Arnold (Coffs Harbour) on 13 and Matthew Lark (Coffs Harbour) on 18. The Ladies played their Monthly Medal on Wednesday. Elizabeth Hobday (15) won Division 1 (0 to 23) with nett 73 from Denise Paluch (14) nett 74. Division 2 (24 to 31) winner was Heather Gray (27) with nett 71 from Thea Kimber (26) nett 73. Kay McGoldrick (34) won Division 3 (32 to 45) with nett 67 from Faye Hopkins (33) nett 75. Gross winners Denise Paluch, Heather Gray & Kay McGoldrick. The Ball

Rundown to nett 77 on c/b. NTP’s to Elizabeth Hobday & Robyn Jones on 5, Shayne Scott on 13 and Kerry Shearer won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18. Thea Kimber was the best putter.

On Thursday’s Medley Stableford, Andrew Mackinnon (19) scored 39 points to win Division 1 (0 to 20) on c/b from Ken Marriott (18). Stephen Doherty (21) scored 37 points to win Division 2 (21 to 45) from Trevor Peck (24) with 36 points. Other good scores from Garry Johnstone 38, Philip Mander, Kai Burkinshaw & Peter Miller all 37. The Ball Rundown to 31 points on c/b. Don Wills won the “Ecomist” Longest Putt on 2, other NTP’s to Lee Fewings on 5, Kai Burkinshaw on 7, Ken Marriott on 8, Urpo Ylinen won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Thomas Wattison got

Stu’s ball on 15 & Steve Frost got the Pro Pin Jackpot for the second week in a row on 18 with 116 cms – nice golf Steve!

Saturday was the Men’s Monthly Medal sponsored by Nambucca Local Liquor. Young Ashton Herbert (11) continues to improve his golf winning “A” Grade (0 to 12) with 68 nett from Peter Farrell (6) nett 69. Stephen Carr won Gross with 77. Graham Weary (13) won “B” Grade (13 to 18) with Nett 68 from Joe Street (18) nett 70. Peter Bush won Gross with 86. In “C” Grade (19 to 36), Colin Easey (27) won with nett 69 from Peter Thompson (19) nett 70. Hans Jansen (20) won Gross with 91. Good rounds of nett 71 from Deborah Creighton (Club Taree), John Buganey & Glen Crow, the Ball rundown to nett 75 on c/b. Jeramy Ashman won the “Ecomist”

Macksville Country Club Golf

By Max TURNER

THE line up of early starters was reduced by fears of forecast rain for the Desma Hughes, Carmel Freudenstein sponsored Stroke event on Saturday.

Nevertheless clearing conditions resulted in a good field with Paul Donges winning the Medal and Dane

Luffman having a three over par round to win the Spoon event.

Straight shooters with nearest the pins were Brad Fortescue (A), Phil Bambury (B) and Greg Hogan (C) grade.

Big hitting Jessica Lambert won the ladies Stroke event with Cheryl Fortescue runner up. Not only did Tony

Grebert win the Mid Week Competition he aced the 8th with a hole in one.

Greg Hogan continually near the "money" was runner up.

Rod Curtis' Chook Run was won by Darren Pike with Garry Clarke runner up - Dave Poole was the straight shooter with nearest the pin.

Bowraville Golf Results

By Julee TOWNSEND

4-5-24

THE Monthly Medal, a stoke event and sponsored by P LeCerf, was held. Luckily the

rain held off. Winner P Lawry 72, R/Up D Banks OCB 72. F/9 T Simpson, B/9 K Wilson, N/P P LeCerf and Caz McPherson.

L/Putt E Wise. Ball Comp. 1. D Wren 2. E Wise 3. B Brabant.

Next Week: Single Stableford. If you would like to sponsor a Saturday contact Glenn Gillon. NEWS Working Bee 19th May. Bring tools, gloves and a mate.

Nambucca Bowlo Report

By Charles POTTER

FIRST off, due to a note in the diary it has been brought to my attention that I have been mispelling Ruane, adding an unwanted "o". Very sorry, Barry. Won't happen again. Also an apology for calling Graham Hynes Greg for 3 weeks.

Wednesday's May 2 Nissan/Breakaway

Consistency Bowls was rained out but Gary Towner leads the way for the Gold Coast Breakaway with 14 pts, 2 clear of Mick Boyle, Trevor Hannaford, Ron Hill and Maurie Roberts. A full scores list is on the notice board.

Friday Triples May 3 winners were Gary Towner, Terry Snowden and Fred Pope. Second place to Eric

Kyle and Joe Franks and third to Messrs Rose, Jones and Gallop. The Lucky Losers were Brendon Ruane and Dallas Nancarrow. Graham Hunt was the Lucky Bowler who missed the $420 Jackpot.

Pennants Sat May 4. Final week. Our slightly under-strength 3's found the transition from our 14 second greens to Urunga's

AFL North Coast wrap

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Breakers women continued their unbeaten start to the AFL North Coast season in a rain affected fourth round matchup with the Port Macquarie Magpies.

The Breakers women won their third straight game, with the defending premiers having a 6.6 (42) to 0.1 (1) victory against the Magpies in Port Macquarie.

Sawtell/Toormina Saints women had a 3.4 (22) to 1.4 (10) win against Northern Beaches/Nambucca Valley in Woolgoolga.

Northern Beaches/ Nambucca Valley Under 18s became the first side to beat the Sawtell/Toormina Saints this season, having a 7.15 (57) to 8.4 (52) win at Woolgoolga.

Port Macquarie Magpies Under 18s had a 13.16 (94) to 1.0 (6) win against the Coffs Harbour Breakers in Port

Macquarie.

All senior men’s and reserves matches scheduled for Round 4 were postponed until 20 July.

The scheduled women’s and Under 18s matches between the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints and Northern Beaches/Nambucca Valley were moved to the Wiigulga Sports Complex, due to the unavailability of Richardson Park because of wet conditions.

Longest Putt on 2, other NTP’s to Christopher Lucas on 5, Genevieve Dobbs (Club Taree) on 7, Peter Farrell on 8, Urpo Ylinen scored his second “Pizza This” voucher this week on 13, Peter Smith (Tamworth) got Stu’s ball on 15 and Heather Gray got to 116 cms on 18 to collect the Pro Pin Jackpot.

A small field for the “Island Sunday” mixed 4BBB Stableford, kindly sponsored by Graham Cass from Valla Tavern. Anette & Karl Hobday won the day with 43 points from Deidre Fletcher & Ray Guiana 41 points. Balls to Kay McGolkdrick & Trevor Peck 40 points & Glenys Thompson & Malcolm McGoldrick 39 points. Glenys won the only NTP on 5.

Congratulations to our 3 Handiskins finalists – Dennis Ashton, Murray Ingram & Troy Herbert, who participated in the National Finals at Palm Meadows during the week. Unfortunately, Murray &

Troy did not make it into the final Handiskins playoff on Saturday against some very strong competititors, but very creditable finishes at equal 9th & 16th respectively. Dennis top scored on Thursday’s round, and made the Handiskins National Final on Saturday in 3rd place. Dennis finally got the putter working on the back 9, and finished with 3 skins to his credit. Troy also received a magnum of Peter Lehmann wine for an NTP. Nambucca was well reprented by the Harris, McCann, Donovan & Hamilton pairs in the Peter Lehman Classic played in conjuction – no winners, but the hospitality we enjoyed was first class.

Registration and 1st Round of our 2024 Handiskins is on Saturday 11th May – don’t miss out for your chance to participate in this well sponsored Tournament.

See you on the Island.

5(!!) too much, going down 10-0 (30-75) and handing them the section. Our 5's drew at home with section winners Urunga 50-50 but won two rinks, scoring 5½ - 4½ and finishing a clear 3rd. The 6's lost 1-9, 46-68 to North Beach and finished 4th but taking that 1 point allowed Park Beach to overtake North Beach by ½ pt for the section. The 7's climbed into 2nd place with a 9-1 64-56 win over Woolgoolga. Thanks to all

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 5 matches in Woolgoolga and Grafton.

Coffs Harbour Breakers will look to make it four wins in a row to start the season, when they take on Northern Beaches/Nambucca Valley at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Grafton Tigers host the Port Macquarie Magpies as both sides look for their second win of the season.

Sawtell/Toormina Saints have the bye.

those who represented... a few bevvies were consumed at the end of the day to celebrate the end of it all..

Sunday Bowls winners were Deb and Warren and lucky losers were Peter, Kerry and Jenny. The jackpot was not won.

Minor Singles semifinals are on his Saturday (11th) at 1.00pm ... Chris D'Elboux v Peter Fredericks and Mitch McGill v Stuart Hughes. Final on Sunday morning 9am.

Minor Pairs Entry Sheet

is still up with only 10 teams so far. First two rounds are to be played on May 18 and 19 so further teams need to be quick about it.

Ken Howard Triples sheet is open. $30 a team to be played on Friday, June 7. There is still one spot open for a team in the Ken Howard 4's June 8, 9 and 10. Team entry is $520. The Calcutta will be held on Friday evening June 7. Tickets are available at the bar.

q Mick O'Brien acknowledging Tony Grebert's hole in one with Garry Clarke under the straw hat.

In Memory

Con Fuller Late of Girralong of Bowraville 27/10/1934 - 8/5/2023

Your infectious smile, dry witty nature & loving heart are missed by your family & friends

Time cannot dim the memory of love

We love you Dad. From your loving family.

FIREWOOD timber rounds seasoned ready to split. 3 tonnes. $100. Ph 0428 619 277 Funeral Notice Caravans

MACKAY-MCKAY family reunion meetings May 4, June 1 & July 6 at Bowraville Ex Servicemans Club 2pm. All family members welcome, anyone with agenda items please contact Neville Devir at mackaymckay.reunion.org@gmail.com or 0448 296 837

Have Your Say News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance & appropriateness. Email us media@ newsofthearea.com.au

Classifieds ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Adult Services

JACKIE

Sexy, busty, bubbly fun loving, mid 40's classy blonde, fuller figured, knows how to please. Call / Text 0477 419 434 e100524

Classifieds ads@newsofthearea.com.au

x 7

H x 1800cm W New. Dark wood. $25 each. 0415 981 605

Classifieds ads@newsofthearea.com.au

LAWN mower, Victa exc working cond, inc catcher $45. 0415 981 605

SOLD

TRAILER, 1.5m L x 1.14m W x 35cm D Rego till 9/24. F54651 $300. 0457 166 507 e100524 SOLD

Classifieds ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Classifieds ads@newsofthearea.com.au

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 2024. Y-07503 Exc cond. Extras inc $45,000 ono Ph 0412 628 186

MILLARD Horizon 2001. Rollout awning 12 months rego. Annex N65160. $10,000 Ph 0438 020 040

Millard Toura 20’ 6” semi off road. Nov 2023 delivery. Top quality, many extras. Unused. Save $25,000 Reduced for quick sale $85,000.

14FT tinnie, 5 hp Yamaha, trailer (Z64044) 12 mths rego. All in exc cond. $2,500. Ph 0401 117 108

Onyx is a black male Kelpie cross German Shepherd, approximately 12 months old. Onyx is energetic and loves a ection. He has basic training, and interacts well with other dogs and cats. Onyx would be best suited to a household that can give him the time and attention he deserves, with plenty of space to run around. e adoption fee for 2023/2024 is $200.00. is includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and lifetime registration. Please visit Council’s website to view the full list of animals that are available for adoption, or that are currently lost. For further information, please contact Council on 02 6568 2555.

Letter Boxes & Hose Reels

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

LOUIS THEROUX

INTERVIEWS...

ABC TV PLUS, 8.30pm

Documentarian Louis Theroux exudes a charming and effective naivety with his disarmingly laid-back interview style, nimbly unravelling his subjects’ essence. From paedophiles to religious extremists, the Brit has made a name for himself by tackling challenging subjects and people. In this somewhat lighter series’ second season, Theroux treks through mental health and political wounds, chinwagging with celebrities who “are all distinctive and brilliant in different ways”. Kicking off with boxer Anthony Joshua, this six-episode series also features Dame Joan Collins, whistleblower Chelsea Manning and troubled rocker Pete Doherty.

FRIDAY, May 10

MONDAY

ANNE EDMONDS: WHY IS MY BAG ALL WET?

TEN, 9.40pm

Whether you’re a fan of comedian Anne Edmonds from her scene-stealing stints on Have You Been Paying Attention? had you enamoured and in fits of giggles as the unhinged, fashion-loving, cocktail-swilling single mother Helen Bidou, her latest stand-up gig will have audiences old and new in stitches. Filmed after the perils of COVID lockdowns and since she became a parent (aka a LILM: later in life mum) along with her comedian partner Lloyd Langford, it’s a breezily no-holdsbarred soiree which Edmonds delivers with an infectious smile and a hilariously kooky, playful perspective. Tune in for a homegrown comedian in careerbest form.

WEDNESDAY GRUEN

ABC, 8.30pm

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Ml, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Mls, R) 2.55 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.25 The Lost World Of Joseph Banks. (Ma, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 6. H’lights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Fatal Flatline. (2020, Mav, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Silent Witness. (Ma) A truck is found containing multiple dead bodies.

9.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)

White Fever. (Mls, R)

ABC Late News.

Grand Designs. (PG, R)

Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

12.55 Traces. (Madls, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. (R)

ABBA In Concert. (R)

SBS World News Late.

L’Opera. (Mal, R)

World’s Most Luxurious Holidays. (R) 4.15 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam. (PG, R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets a mother-daughter team.

8.30 Football. AFL. Round 9. Fremantle v Sydney. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 11.30 Armchair Experts. (M) A panel discusses all things AFL. 12.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.45 Celebrity Obsessed: John Lennon. (Mav, R) Examines the case of Mark David Chapman.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

(62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Ben And Holly. 6.50 Kiri And Lou. 6.55 Supertato. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MOVIE: Widows. (2018, MA15+) 10.35 MOVIE: Veronica Mars. (2014, PG) 12.25am Would I Lie To You? 1.25 QI. 1.55 ABC News Update. 2.00 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

One can’t escape advertising in today’s media-obsessed world, so it’s only fitting that this long-running series continues to investigate and poke fun at all the publicity, pitches, PR and puff. Returning tonight with a jaw-dropping 16th season, comedian Wil Anderson has dedicated much of his career to spearing the comical and head-scratching aspects of marketing around the globe. Of course, he hasn’t done the job all by himself: he’s bolstered by an array of advertising experts including Russel Howcroft, Todd Sampson and Dee Madigan. The conjecture and analysis can be cavalier, but amid the eagle-eyed scrutiny there’s laugh-out-loud insights to be gained.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 10. Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos.

9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.

10.40 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) Jackie Chan.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.35 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.30 Destination WA.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) Compilation of highlights from the series featuring Taylor Swift, Daniel Craig, Eddie Redmayne and many more. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon Manifest. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Raymond. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Toy Story 2. (1999) 9.30 MOVIE:

6.00

SATURDAY, May 11

Father Brown encounters an old friend.

Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) A butterfly collector and founding member of a global society, Circulus, is found murdered.

After The Party. (MA15+l, R) Penny tries to put the past behind her.

10.35 Shetland. (Mal, R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. (R) 10.00 Rock Legends: ABBA. 10.55 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 11.45 Everything You Love. (Mal) 12.45 While The Men Are Away. (Mdsv, R)

1.45 Erotic Stories. (MA15+s, R)

3.55 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam. (PG, R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.

6am The Movie Show. 6.05 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 8.10 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 10.05 Resistance. (2020, M) 12.20pm A Piece Of My Heart. (2019, M, Swedish) 2.25 Brideshead Revisited. (2008, PG) 4.50 Hit The Road. (2021, PG, Farsi) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 10.35 Hemel. (2012, MA15+, Dutch) 12.10am L.A. Story. (1991, M) 1.55 Late Programs. 5.55 The Movie Show.

SUNDAY, May 12

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma) A pregnant mother falls ill.

8.30 After The Party. (Malns) After a death in the family leaves Penny feeling like an outsider, she spirals into dangerous territory.

9.20 The Luminaries. (Madlv)

10.15 Shetland. (Malv, R)

11.15 Savage River. (Mal, R)

12.10 The Messenger. (Malv, R)

1.00 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Landline. (R)

4.30 Art Works. (PGl, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. (R)

12.00 Jimmy Carter: Rock And Roll President. (PGad, R)

1.45 My Childhood, My Country: 20 Years In Afghanistan. (Ma, R)

3.25 Bin Laden: The Road To 9/11. (Mav, R)

4.20 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

WorldWatch. 4.45 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.15 Shortland St. 5.45 Alone Denmark. (Premiere) 6.55 Abandoned Engineering. 7.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. 1.35am

(32)

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.15 Hit The Road. (2021, PG, Farsi) 10.05 Lola. (1961, PG, French) 11.40 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 1.40pm The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 3.55 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 6.05 The Age Of Innocence. (1993, PG) 8.30 A Most Violent Year. (2014, MA15+) 10.45 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.

7.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A sudden ice age engulfs Earth. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal. 10.00 MOVIE: Midnight Run. (1988, Mlv, R) A bounty hunter transports an accountant. Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin.

12.50 Celebrity Obsessed: Steven Spielberg. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Mystic. (R)

4.30 Tales Of Aluna. (Premiere) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 12. Waratahs v ACT Brumbies.

9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match.

9.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015, MA15+alv, R) Emily Blunt.

12.10 MOVIE: Child’s Play. (1988, Mhlv, R)

1.50 Talking Honey. (PG, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

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)

6.00 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa)

8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation.

9.40 The Latest: Seven News. 10.10 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Killer Storm. (M, R) A look at Melbourne’s 2016 killer storm. 11.10 Quantum Leap. (Mv) 12.10 Emerald City. (Final, MA15+hv) 1.05 Parenthood. (PGads, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

PG) 5.50 MOVIE: Toy Story. (1995) 7.30 MOVIE: Now You See Me 2. (2016, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Roadkill. (2022, MA15+) Midnight Love Island UK. 2.00 Life After Lockup. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive. 4.00 Power Players. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. (Return) 2.00

Geoff Batten recognised as Community Master Coach by

FROM Page 24

player and coach to draw from. President of the Nambucca Roosters RLFC, Peter Bellden told News Of The Area, “We are very proud that Geoff has been recognised in this way and, seeing the work he does with young people involved in the great game of rugby league, we know how deserving he is of this accolade.” The first Geoff knew of this award was when the NRL’s Ross Antoniolli arrived at Coronation Park on Tuesday night during training.

the NRL

A humble Geoff Batten told News Of The Area, “I feel very honoured and grateful to receive this type of recognition but frankly I am still in a bit of shock.” Geoff will be formally presented with the award in Sydney during this year’s State of Origin series.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Summit. (Return, PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48. (Ma) 11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

Send Us Your Sports Results

CALLING all Nambucca Valley sporting and recreation clubs! Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Monday evening for publication on a Friday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etcyou name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines.

8.25 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PG)

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Malv, R)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Christian. (Malv)

11.40 My Brilliant Friend. (Mls, R)

3.40 Bin Laden: The Road To 9/11. (Mav, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MythBusters. 9.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 10.05 Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Philadelphia. 11.05 Would I Lie To You? 12.05am QI. 12.35 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 1.20 Preppers. 2.20 MOVIE: Veronica Mars. (2014, PG) 4.10

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The China

Syndrome. Continued. (1979, PG) 7.55 The Age Of Innocence. (1993, PG) 10.25 Freshman Year. (2020, M) 12.20pm Chocolat. (1988, M, French) 2.20 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 4.10 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 5.30 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.30 American Hustle. (2013, M) 10.00 Rosa’s Wedding. (2020, M) 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)

Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9.00 9-1-1. (Ma) Hen and Karen welcome a new addition to their family. Buck navigates his new feelings.

10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) The team hunts an activist-turned-terrorist.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 Police Custody USA. (Madl, R)

12.30 Parenthood. (PGas, R)

2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Summit. (PGl)

9.10 Paramedics. (Mm) Laura and Aaron confront a nightmare situation.

100% Footy. (M)

9News Late.

La Brea. (Mav)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

(PG, R)

R) 3.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 4.25 Landline. (R) 4.55 Art Works. (PGl, R) 5.25 Budget 2024: A 7.30 Special. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Malv, R)

11.55 Lost Luggage. (Premiere, MA15+a)

1.55 Miniseries: Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (Ma, R)

4.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Man Who Knew Infinity. Continued. (2015, PG) 7.40 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 9.00 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 11.15 Rosa’s Wedding. (2020, M) 1.10pm Styx. (2018, M) 3.00 The Age Of Innocence. (1993, PG) 5.30 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 7.35 My Zoe. (2019, M) 9.30 Black Bear. (2020, MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Nelson charms Bree.

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGl) Hosted by Samantha Armytage. 9.05 Miniseries: The Marlow Murder Club. (M) Part 3 of 4.

10.05 The Latest: Seven News.

10.35 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. (Mav, R)

11.35 The Real Manhunter. (Mav, R)

12.35 Gold Digger. (Madl, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

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9GO! (83)

9GO!

WEDNESDAY, May 15

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml)

8.35 Swift Street. (Mlv)

9.30 Concorde: The Race For Supersonic. (Mav, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 You Shall Not Lie. (MA15+als)

12.00 Black Sands. (Malnv, R)

3.55 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan 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. (PGav) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Talking Footy.

12.00 Parenthood. (Ma, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Mal) 8.30 Ski Rescue Downunder. (Premiere) 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 See No Evil. (MA15+av) 11.00 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 Explore TV: Portugal & Spain. (R) 2.00 Drive TV. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Lunana: A

Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 8.05

The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 10.00 American Hustle. (2013, M) 12.30pm Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 2.05 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 4.05 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 5.55 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 7.40 Juniper. (2021, M) 9.30 The Story Of My Wife. (2021, MA15+) 12.35am Late Programs.

THURSDAY, May 16

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) Presented by Stacey Dooley.

8.35 Our Law. (PGa, R) Recruit Leroy struggles with taser training.

9.45 Blue Lights. (Malv) Annie’s job is on the line.

10.50 SBS World News Late.

11.20 Illegals. (MA15+al)

12.15 The Responder. (Mal, R)

2.10 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.55 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 8.50 Mon Oncle. (1958, French) 11.00 My Zoe. (2019, M) 12.55pm The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 2.50 Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 4.55 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 7.30 Devil’s Knot. (2013, M) 9.35 The Nest. (2020, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) 8.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Kerry Whelan – Wife For Ransom. (Mav, R) Examines the case of Kerry Whelan. 9.50 Border Security: International. (PGd) A canine sniffs out suspected narcotics. 10.50 The Latest: Seven News. 11.20 The Amazing Race. (PGl, R) 12.50 Fortitude. (MA15+av, R) 2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

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By Mick BIRTLES

REPRESENTATIVES from the NRL paid a surprise visit to Nambucca Heads this week to acknowledge Mr Geoff Batten, the Nambucca Roosters Under 18s Coach.

This year the NRL and Westpac launched the Community Master Coach program, which aims to acknowledge and reward coaches who have demonstrated extensive commitment to community rugby league, making significant contributions to the game at a grassroots level and have had a significant positive impact in the lives of many rugby league participants and families.

Geoff Batten is one of only three coaches nationally to be recognised in the program's inaugural year.

“The idea is that you don’t have to be an aspirational representative coach, to be recognised as a ‘good’ coach in the game,” the NRL’s Education Development Manager, Mr Ross Antoniolli, told News Of The Area.

“This program aims to open up an opportunity for the game to recognise all of the community rugby league coaches who are facilitating positive rugby league experiences all over the country.”

Master Coach

In addition to currently coaching at the Nambucca Roosters, Geoff Batten has a background in coaching at the representative level and has many years of experience as a first grade

CONTINUED Page 21

q The Nambucca Roosters Under 18s Coach Mr Geoff Batten is congratulated by the NRL’s Education Development Manager, Mr Ross Antoniolli, who made a surprise visit to Nambucca Heads during the week to announce that Mr Batten has been recognised as a Community Master Coach by the NRL.