q Nambucca Marine Rescue volunteers Colin Cracknel, Vaughn Thompsett, Kenneth Brandli, Theodor Ceapa and Gary Nichols have been awarded the National Emergency Medal for their support of the RFS during the 2020 bushfires.
Nambucca Valley Council documents reveal ‘strong’ position
FROM Page 1
“Council is in a good position with a Net Operating Result for the year of $20.7 million, $3.9 million higher than last year,” Quentin Wong, representing the Auditor General of NSW, told the Council after reviewing the reports.
“Much was due to increased revenue from rates and charges."
Mr Wong complimented Council's financial team on their professionalism and timely delivery of the reports and pointed to the clean opinion they had supplied.
He said cash and investments for the Council had increased from $77m to $81m with $63.6m being externally restricted.
“Restricted Funds mainly consist of
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
CINEMAS are hoping to bring in the families this week, with only two new releases, but both targeting an all-ages audience.
Mufasa: The Lion King will have its obligatory release prior to becoming available on Disney Plus.
A prequel to the 2019 remake “The Lion King”, this film similarly is a photorealistic animated feature, recounting the tale of how a young Mufasa came to build the kingdom of Pride Rock.
While the original “The Lion King” was a global phenomenon that is regarded as one of the Mouse House’s very best, the remake was received tepidly upon release five years ago.
There is clearly enough good will surrounding it though, since the entire voice-cast
developer contributions, water and sewer funds, unspent grants and the like.
“These monies are restricted because they can only be spent for a specific purpose,” he told the councillors.
The year’s operating result before capital grants and contributions income was a surplus of $1,214,000 compared to a surplus of $2,300,000 for the previous year, while total equity increased to $665,914,000 from the previous year of
return for brief roles in this film, alongside the newcomers portraying younger versions of some of the well-known parental characters.
Director, Barry Jenkins, has been vocal in promoting the film, emphasising the important legacy of the original as a story that introduced many young people to Shakespeare, tragedy and the importance of community.
Playing equally well to the nostalgia of parents, but with far more guaranteed laughs, the much-beloved but clueless inventor and his long-suffering dog return to the screen with Wallace and Grommet: Vengeance Most Fowl.
This is going to be a
$616,363,00.
As part of an audit of the Financial Statements, the council’s performance across six Local Government Key Financial Indicators was measured, revealing that it has met five of the six benchmark ratios set by the Office of Local Government.
Council did not achieve the benchmark for Own Source Operating Revenue in 2024 but has been improving in this area for the past three years.
This ratio measures fiscal flexibility and the degree to which a council
wonderful opportunity to introduce younger children to the delightfully absurd world that was first brought to life by creator Nick Park in 1993 with “The Wrong Trousers”.
Returning along with the title characters, for the first time since that original short, is the diabolical Feathers McGraw.
Filmed in Claymationa stop-motion format that utilises clay models - this series understandably requires long production periods in order to produce films of any quality.
Aardman entertainment, the company that also produced “Chicken Run”, had a difficult relationship with Dreamworks who produced
depends on external funding like grants.
“It’s not unusual for a small regional council to not meet this benchmark,” explained Council’s General Manager Bede Spannagle.
“With the level of grant funding we get, our own source revenue is quite fixed so we will always struggle to meet this benchmark."
Two other benchmark ratios, the Operating Performance Ratio for Water and for Sewer Funds, were met by Council for the first time in three years, according to the reports.
the 2005 feature “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”, which resulted in a degree of reluctance to attempt another Wallace and Grommet feature.
Added to this was the complication that Aardman’s preferred supplier of modelling clay closed down in 2023 (fortunately they had already purchased enough to complete the film).
One of the strengths of the Wallace and Grommet series is that the time is taken to ensure every production is completed to the highest standard. The film will come to Netflix in January, but will be well worth the price of a cinema screening.
National honours for Marine Rescue
FROM Page 1
the devastation caused by natural disasters, risen to the challenge of helping those affected, often putting themselves in harm's way for the good of their community.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presented the awards at a special ceremony in Nambucca Heads last week.
Receiving medals were Gary Nichols, Colin Cracknell, Vaughn Thompsett and Theodor Ceapa of the Nambucca Marine Rescue Unit and Kenneth Brandli, formally from Nambucca, now Iluka Marine Rescue.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from Marine Rescue NSW, volunteers and Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee.
The gathering heard how these five selfless men were able to manoeuvre watercraft into a position to support the RFS; assistance that added an additional key asset in the
fight to protect life and property.
“This is a national award and we consider it fitting that these medals are presented in a way which is worthy of their significance,” Commissioner Barrell told those present.
“Often the good work by our members is overlooked and we are now very aware that NSW emergency response is a collective effort and what these men have done has highlighted the key role Marine Rescue is able to play in conjunction with other emergency services in times of natural disaster.”
Mayor Gary Lee, a former Police Officer with Water Police experience, added, “The medal you have been presented is not just a token of appreciation, it is a symbol of the courage, dedication and selflessness you demonstrate in serving our community.
“Your commitment to ensuring the safety of those at sea, often in challenging and unpredictable conditions, reflects the highest level of service and humanity.”
Nambucca Marine Rescue Commander Gary Nichols concluded, “We do not do this work for recognition or to be in the limelight so it is very humbling that Commissioner Barrell and other senior personnel from Marine Rescue NSW have come to Nambucca Heads to formally recognise members of our unit.”
q Mayor Gary Lee.
q MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents Gary Nichols with the National Emergency Medal.
q MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents Kenneth Brandli with the National Emergency Medal. .
q MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents Vaughn Thompsett with the National Emergency Medal.
q MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents Theodor Ceapa with the National Emergency Medal.
q MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents Colin Cracknel with the National Emergency Medal.
Fireworks and carols light up Macksville skies
By Ned COWIE
THE Salvation Army Carols by Candlelight was held on Sunday 15 December at Macksville Park and with perfect skies and ambient temperatures, families flocked to enjoy the lively yearly Christmas singalong.
Singers Stevie Kay and Dianne Combes were two of a myriad of regular Carols performers who sang at the front of a sea of picnic blankets, camping chairs and happy revellers.
The free event is in its 36th year and for the past ten of those, has been sponsored
by Mitre 10 and supported by many local businesses.
Teenagers, small children and adults of all ages appeared to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as, one after another, Christmas acts were presented before the final performance, a spectacular fireworks display, lit up the Nambucca Valley night.
“Don’t just look good, this Christmas. Be good,” Salvation Army Minister Grant Sandercock-Brown encouraged the crowd.
Other performers included The Salvation Army Country Band, disability provider Bluebird, St Patrick’s Primary School Choir, past Macksville High student Jazmin Sutton and the Valley Line Dancers.
old
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CLOSURE DATES
Council advises that the following facilities will be closed on the dates below over Christmas and the New Year:
Council’s Administration Building and Macksville Library, Princess Street Macksville 25 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 inclusive.
Nambucca Heads Library, Ridge Street Nambucca Heads 25 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 inclusive.
Waste Management Facility, Old Coast Road Nambucca Heads opening hours will be: 25 December 2024 – Closed
26 December 2024 – 10:00am to 2:00pm
27 December 2024 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
28 December 2024 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
29 December 2024 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
30 December 2024 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
1 January 2025 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Normal operating hours from 2 January 2025 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
There will be no change to waste collection days during the December 2024 and January 2025 holiday periods.
All facilities will re-open on 6 January 2025 at their usual business operating hours.
Bede Spannagle GENERAL MANAGER
q Young and
flocked to picnic in front of Macksville’s Salvation Army Carols.
q Regular performer at the Macksville Carols, Stevie Kay enthralled the audience with his jazzy rendition of popular favourites like Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire and Away in a Manger.
q Tilly Lewis enjoyed meeting a lamb from Riverewe stable at the Carols by Candlelight event.
q Fireworks lit up the night sky.
Sights set on raising 100k for Bello hospital
By Andrea FERRARI
“IT all depends on you” is the clarion call to the community from a consortium of groups formed to raise $100,000 for Bellinger River District Hospital.
It’s an ambitious goal, but the group’s members are driven by the hospital’s “wish list” of much needed equipment.
They’re confident of the community’s generosity in supporting their stall set up in the centre of Bellingen.
The consortium consists of the Bellingen Lions Club, the Bellingen Rotary Club, the Bellingen Hospital Action Group, the Coffs Coast Freemasons, The Australian Lions Foundation and Club Urunga.
“We’re just waiting on agreement from other similar community groups,” Lions Club of Bellingen Treasurer Jim Forbes told News Of The Area.
Their $100,000 goal is unanimous.
“All the groups have collaborated in this goal and expect to be able to donate the required funds in late February in order to purchase a new ultrasound machine, a
new electric wheelchair, and possibly a new bed or two,” he said.
The Bellingen Lions and the Bellingen Hospital Action
Group are running a major raffle alongside the street cake stall.
Prizes have been donated by local businesses in town.
The Bellingen Rotary Club is running a Grocery Dash Raffle with Bellingen IGA as a further fundraiser.
“But all this depends on you, the community buying
raffle tickets and cakes,” Mr Forbes said.
The Lions Christmas raffle and cakes stall is set up outside News Extra Bellingen Newsagency on Hyde Street
operating Monday – Fridays from 9am to 3pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 23 December, at noon.
Man charged over alleged break and enter
A MAN wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant has been charged over an alleged property offence on the Mid North Coast. Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District commenced an investigation after an alleged break and enter in Nambucca Heads on Thursday 12 December
2024.
Extensive inquiries followed, including an appeal to the public for assistance to locate the man.
An arrest warrant was issued and officers arrested 30-year-old Samuel Cook at a home on Mann Street, Nambucca Heads, about 7.45am on Tuesday 17 December.
He was taken to Kempsey Police Station where the warrant was executed and he was charged.
Cook was refused bail and appeared before Kempsey Local Court on Tuesday 17 December 2024. His matters are listed for Brief Status (Committal) on 20 February 2025 at Macksville local court.
q Bellingen Lions Club volunteer Ian Bell and community member Johnno Hughes.
q Nora Brooks with Bellingen Hospital Action Group’s Pauline Murphy.
q Wal Tyson and Ian Bell.
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A community tradition continues
By Andrea FERRARI
FOR over three decades, the Elly Stig Memorial Golf Day has been a cornerstone of community spirit in the Nambucca Valley.
Organisers Ray Stig and Raelene Squires are once again preparing for this beloved event which will take place on Sunday, 5 January at the picturesque Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club.
This year marks an incredible milestone: 31 years of fundraising for the Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI).
Thanks to the unwavering support of local residents and businesses, the Stig family has already raised an impressive $460,000 which has funded crucial research to fight children’s cancer.
Ray, a former benefactor of the CCI, and Raelene, recently attended the CCI Benefactors Awards at Government House.
At the ceremony, Professor Michelle Haber, the institute’s Executive Director, shared exciting updates on advancements in treating childhood cancers, with notable progress in leukemia and brain cancer research.
After the event, Raelene reflected on the journey.
“Listening to the speakers, I couldn’t be prouder of my dad.
“His commitment over the past 31 years to this cause has been truly inspiring,” she said.
The Elly Stig Memorial Golf Day kicks off at 8:00am for early risers, with a second round following at 10:30am.
The day’s format - a four-person Ambrose - is designed for players of all skill levels, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Participants will have the chance to win prizes for Men’s and Women’s Nearest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Best Dressed/Fancy Dress.
Back by popular demand is the Putting
Competition, now in its second year.
For just $5 per shot, golfers can test their skills and perhaps make it to the final playoff, as three did last year.
“After a round on the course, players can refuel with a mouth-watering barbecue cooked by the everreliable Nambucca Lions Club,” Raelene said.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the generous sponsorships including: Enterprise and Training Company Ltd, Nambucca Glass and Aluminium, Nambucca Leagues and Sports Club, Inspiration Real Estate, Nambucca Heads Butchery, Good Time Charlies, Trisleys Betta Electrical, Maybee Honey, Midcoast Trucks, Matt Harvey Painting and Riverside Motors.
“This year’s auction promises something for everyone,” she said.
Standout items include: two kayaks donated by Urunga Boating Centre; a 60L Kings Fridge/Freezer
courtesy of Jason and Kelly Kokaev from Nambucca Heads Butchery; two tickets to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club Cup, including access to the Chairman’s Lounge; a framed and signed Cold Chisel memorabilia; a Kookaburra cricket bat signed by players from Australia, New Zealand, and England in the 2007 Commonwealth Bank Series; and NSW Rugby League jerseys signed by Eric Grothe Senior and Junior.
Ray is quick to remind everyone that donations are always welcome and play a vital role in the event’s success.
“Whether you’re an avid golfer, a community supporter, or just looking for a fantastic day out, the 31st Elly Stig Memorial Day is an event not to be missed,” Ray said.
To register, contact the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Pro Shop at 6569 4111.
“Together, let’s keep this tradition alive and continue making a difference in the fight against children’s cancer.”
q Nambucca Heads Butchery’s Jason Kokaev and Ray Stig.
q Ray Stig with North Coast Boating Centre’s Dayne Taylor.
Council’s major funds in surplus for 2023/24
By Ned COWIE
THE most recent financial results from Nambucca Valley Council show surpluses in three major fund areas, according to General Manager Bede Spannagle in this year’s Annual Report.
“The general fund delivered an operating surplus of $272,000, the water fund operating surplus was $383,000 and the sewer fund surplus was $559,000, the first time in eight years all three funds were in surplus in the same year,” he said in the opening pages of the Annual Report.
In 2023/24, water and sewer fees and charges were increased by 10 percent, perhaps in part explaining the rare double operating surplus of sewer and water funds,” he said.
“This places Nambucca Valley Council in a strong and robust financial position to deliver on our mission, to value and protect the natural
environment, maintain our assets and infrastructure and develop opportunities for our people.”
Mr Spannagle also noted some of the major works completed by Nambucca Valley Council over the past year.
These included several bridge renewals, a boardwalk linking the Visitor Information Centre in Nambucca Heads to Bellwood, road reconstruction in Macksville’s CBD, EJ Biffin Sporting Field lighting and subsoil drainage, the Nambucca Heads Seawall Project, completion of Giinagay Cycleway from Macksville to Nambucca Heads and numerous other projects to improve infrastructure and
upgrade community spaces in the region.
As for development applications, Mr Spannagle said, “Mirroring the broader economy, 283 development applications were received last year, which is lower than average, however Council’s average approval time of seven days is an outstanding result putting Nambucca Valley in the top ten best Councils in the state.”
According to details in the report, in 2024, the council paid its general manager a salary of $321,191, representing a raise of more than $50,000 per annum for this position on the previous year’s figure of $267,692, while pay for the two council directors employed alongside Mr Spannagle came to a combined total of $368,493: down on the previous year’s total of $423,212.
It should be noted that Mr Spannagle has only been in the top job for a little over a year and was previously employed
as Director of Engineering Services with the council.
The Mayoral Fee also rose significantly from $27,600 in 2022/23 to $47,420 in 2023/24 while Councillors’ fees went from $113,850 to $189,485 this year.
Of the contracts larger than $150,000 awarded in the 2023-24 period, the largest at just over $2.1 million went to Level Projects Pty Ltd for
The meaty history of the mince pie
By Kimberley G CONNOR, Food Historian and Historical Archaeologist
THIS year as you sit down to a well-deserved cup of tea and a mince pie, or leave a plate out for Santa, take a moment to think about the centuries of history behind this Christmas staple.
During the medieval period it was common to mix meat or even fish with expensive imported ingredients like sugar, dried fruit and spices.
Recipes of this type, sometimes called ‘shrid’ pies, are included in some of the earliest English recipes collections.
By the end of the 16th century the pies had acquired both their modern name (‘minst pyes’ in The Good Haus-wives Treasurie, 1588) and the strong connection with Christmas which meant they were sometimes also called Christmas pies.
Early modern recipes continued to have a good
proportion of meat - veal or beef, mutton or even tonguebut they called for more and more fruit, spices and sugar.
Shipped from the Middle East, the East Indies and the Americas, these ingredients were a way to show off wealth and good taste.
For families that could only afford them once or twice a year then Christmas was the time.
Since then, as those ingredients became cheaper and as the combination of meat and sweet fruit became less fashionable the meat has all but disappeared from mince pies.
The only reminders of mince pies' meaty history are the name, and the suet (kidney fat) which is still found in many recipes but can be replaced with butter for vegetarians.
If you’re not avoiding meat this season, however, why not add some meat to your mince pies with this seventeenth century recipe?
Not only does it cut down
on the sickly sweetness of modern mince pies, but it’ll be a great conversation starter over a glass of eggnog.
The following is a mincemeat recipe based on My Lady of Portland’s Mince Pyes from ‘The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby, Knight Opened’ (1669).
• 113g cooked beef, veal or tongue, diced (great for using up leftovers from roast beef or lamb or similar)
• 227g suet
• 170g currants
• Peel of 1/8 lemon, diced
• 2/3 green apple, cored and grated
• 1 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/3 tsp mace, grated
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup rosewater
• 40g sugar
• 1/4 cup sherry
• Candied citron and orange peel, sliced
Rural Fire Service building projects at Valla and Newee Creek.
Westrac Equipment
Pty Ltd also received over a million of ratepayer’s money for the supply and delivery of two motor graders.
The total number of people employed by council remained roughly the same, but for a slight decrease from 136 in 2023 to 129 people
when heads were counted on 14 February 2024. The full Annual Report and accompanying document, “State of Our Valley Report” which presents an analysis of the council’s progress in implementing the Community Strategic Plan over the past three and a half years is available for viewing on Nambucca Valley Council’s website.
q Kimberley Connor is a historical archaeologist, food historian and postdoctoral scholar with Stanford Archaeology Center. Her work combines archaeological analysis with archival research to study historical diets.
• Dates, sliced
• Caraway seeds
To make the mincemeat, combine the meat, suet, currants, lemon, apple, ground spices, sugar and rosewater in a large bowl.
When making the pies, prepare shortcrust pastry cases and fill them with mincemeat then place slices
of candied citrus peel and a sprinkle of caraway seeds before covering with the lid.
You can make either more modern small pies or, for a more traditional feel, make one large pie in a pie-tin. For more historical recipes, see Kimberley’s blog Turnspit & Table at www. turnspitandtable.com.
q Mince pies ready for baking.
'Wholly achievable': calls grow for $10-a-day childcare
By Abe MADDISON, AAP
CALLS for further reforms to create a universal childcare system are mounting, after major government announcements to improve access for families.
Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would abolish the childcare activity test and offer three days of subsidised care to families earning up to $530,000 a year.
The proposal would scrap the activity test, which determines the level of childcare subsidies parents get based on the number of hours they work, opening up childcare to an estimated 150,000 children.
Removing the activity test was "the first plank towards a truly universal system", Impact Economics and Policy lead economist Angela Jackson said.
"We can see very clearly that the current market just isn't working," Dr Jackson said.
Over the past year, childcare fees have increased by 10.6 percent, eroding the benefits of the $5 billion Cheaper Child Care Reforms introduced in July 2023.
"I think the next step is to really have a look at the way in which support for people using early childhood education and care has often failed to deliver in terms of access, quality and the cost,
and whether or not we need some really fundamental reform," Dr Jackson said.
A $1 billion fund to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services has also been announced, following parliament's approval of a 15 percent wage rise over two years for early childhood educators.
"I can't tell you how important this week was for these kids who were missing out from disadvantaged backgrounds," Dr Jackson said.
The fund, which will prioritise not-for-profit and government centres, will give providers more security through direct funding and had genuine potential to eradicate the nation's childcare desert, The Parenthood's Maddy Butler said.
A childcare desert is an area where three or more children compete for one childcare place, and they predominantly exist in outersuburban, regional, rural and remote communities.
"The current early education market has failed country towns," Ms Butler said.
"Providers don't have the financial incentive to set up or stay open there and the early educator workforce means existing services often can't run at full capacity."
Jay Weatherill, from
Minderoo Foundation's Thrive by Five campaign, said the fund was "what rural and outer-suburban communities have been crying out for".
"Not having access to childcare and early learning affects everyone, because parents can't get back to work when they want to, and local businesses and services suffer," the former South Australian premier said.
"The next step should be a commitment to free early learning for low income families and a $10-a-day cap on out-of-pocket fees for everyone else."
Labor is believed to be considering the cap as a federal election promise as it pursues its long-term goal of universal childcare.
Parents pay about $50 per child per day, and childcare was recently identified as the third fastest-growing cost in the Consumer Price Index.
Each time governments increased subsidies, the value of the gains was eroded by increases in the cost of care, Dr Jackson said.
"The current market settings encourage providers to charge higher fees, rather than drive more cost-effective and higher quality care," she said.
A supply-side system, where providers were funded based on service delivery costs and parents paid $10 to $20 per day, was "wholly achievable", she said.
"There are debates about whether… higher-income earners should contribute more, and I think you can have those debates within this context," she said.
Australian Childcare Alliance president Paul Mondo said rushing change increased the chance of getting it wrong and causing long-term damage to the sector that would be difficult to reverse.
A report commissioned by the alliance found that if the costs of delivering highquality services weren't considered in supply-side funding, centres might be forced to take a minimalist approach to staffing.
"Universal application of a supply-side funding model would be complex and costly to get right, taking years to implement which is too late for many families struggling
under the cost-of-living crisis that is happening now," Mr Mondo said.
Dr Jackson said there was no need to rush into a supplyside system and it could be delivered sensibly.
"We need to outline just how a universal system could work, and how it can be delivered in a way that we know the benefits of the additional government investment aren't going to be eroded," she said.
The government's proposals were a "gamechanger" that would mean thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children could access early education and care, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle said.
"The activity test effectively denied many children the opportunity to
access crucial early learning services," she said.
"Our families are five times more likely to access only one day of care as a result of the activity test, and many families disengage completely because of the small amount of subsidised care available."
Dr Jackson said it was important to recognise that childcare was "a critical market for the Australian economy".
"It's the key mechanism by which we invest in the next generation of workers, but it is also a huge enabler in terms of participation of women," she said.
"So if we can get the market working in terms of the quality and the cost and access, then we can also help unlock a lot of economic potential."
Funding to fast-track thousands more social homes
By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
O'Neil will announce a new partnership with the states and territories to deliver the additional homes under the
Housing Australia Future Fund.
The fund will support the delivery of 20,000 social and 10,000 affordable homes.
It follows the first investment through the housing fund, announced in September, to deliver up to 13,700 social and affordable homes.
The extra capacity is expected to alleviate rent pressures and help thousands of vulnerable Australians get into social housing.
The second round of funding will seek states and
territories that can rapidly deliver more housing through contributions such as offering new land.
The jurisdictions will be encouraged to partner with community housing providers and will have to show the projects add to new housing stock.
Money will be provided on a "use it or lose it basis".
Applications for state and territory governments to submit projects will open this week and close at the end of January.
The federal government will also fast-track the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund, with applications to open in mid-2025.
The government has asked Housing Australia - the nation's independent housing
agency - to set up a working group with peak community housing bodies to help engagement with the sector.
Ms O'Neil said the way out of the nation's housing crisis was to build.
"While we're working with states, territories and industry to bring tens of thousands of homes online as quickly as possible, Peter Dutton is promising to scrap Labor's housing fund and the 30,000 homes that come with it," she said.
"This partnership is about building thousands of homes quickly, and it's one part of Labor's ambitious plan to build more houses right across Australia, making housing more abundant and affordable."
q Anthony Albanese is making childcare access a central plank of Labor's re-election bid. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS.
q A new federal partnership with the states and territories will help deliver 5000 social homes. Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS.
‘Unprecedented’ demand for Lifeline
LIFELINE is appealing for community support, with the crisis and suicide prevention service expecting to respond to an estimated 125,000 connections over December through its 13 11 14 phone, text and webchat services.
Many of those connections will reach support teams and volunteers at Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter, Lifeline Mid Coast, Lifeline North Coast and Lifeline Northern NSW.
Loneliness, financial pressures and relationship issues can cause distress levels to rise at this time of
year.
For some, Lifeline represents one of the few, if not only, connections they can access when others are surrounded by friends and family.
However, it costs $39 to answer each call.
Recently appointed Chief Executive of Lifeline Direct Luke Lindsay, is confident of the positive impact that Lifeline has on the community and believes this will continue to grow.
“Right now, Lifeline is experiencing unprecedented demand for our services,” he said in a statement.
“The holiday season can feel like a perfect storm of loneliness and expectations for many.
“For some, it’s unbearable to face alone.”
Community support means Lifeline can continue to offer a free service that is accessible 24/7.
Every call, text or chat is answered by a trained crisis supporter and provides someone with the connection they need in their darkest moments.
Donations allow more crisis supporters to be trained and supported to answer calls from within
their region.
They are then able to help meet national demand for the service.
“There are 43 centres around Australia with volunteers who help answer calls to 13 11 14,” Mr Lindsay said.
“This is a national issue and we all have a part to play to help make a difference to those who need us.”
People wanting to donate to the service or interested in volunteering can go to lifelinedirect.org.au and search for their nearest centre.
Clamp down on illegal seafood sales
AS the 2024 festive season approaches, authorities are intensifying efforts to tackle illegal seafood sales across NSW.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and NSW Police have again joined forces for Operation Trident, a statewide initiative aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring the safety and sustainability of seafood.
NSW DPIRD Deputy Secretary Fisheries and Forestry, Sean Sloan, said fisheries officers will be
conducting a targeted crackdown on the illegal sale of seafood, particularly during the peak holiday period.
"The holiday season sees a significant rise in seafood consumption, but unfortunately, it also leads to an increase in illegal seafood trading,” Mr Sloan said.
"Operation Trident, now in its 17th consecutive year, is designed to combat the illegal harvesting and trade of seafood across NSW, especially as demand for oysters and other seafood soars during Christmas and New Year.
"The joint operation involves both covert and overt patrols, in order to disrupt the black-market trade, prevent oyster theft, and protect consumers from potentially unsafe or illegal produce.
"The penalties for involvement in the blackmarket seafood trade are severe, with fines of up to $275,000 and possible imprisonment for both sellers and buyers."
Acting Executive Director Biosecurity and Food Safety, Dr Lisa Szabo, said it is important that the seafood
that lands on NSW plates this Christmas is safe, lawfully obtained and sustainably harvested.
"NSW is renowned for its fresh, healthy, and sustainable seafood, however the illegal oyster trade poses serious health risks to consumers,” Dr Szabo said.
"Stolen oysters, in particular, may not meet health and safety standards and could come from areas outside the NSW Shellfish Program, which monitors the safety of shellfish.
"The NSW Food Authority strongly urges the public to
avoid purchasing seafood from untrusted sources this festive season and only purchase oysters from reputable retailers."
NSW Police, State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside said historically we have seen an increase in oyster thefts in the lead up to the holiday period.
"Rural Crime Investigators are undertaking operations across NSW, in order to detect and deter oyster theft and protect consumers against potentially unsafe black-market produce,” Mr Whiteside said.
"Oyster theft is a serious crime that NSW Police and
the Rural Crime Prevention team take very seriously.
"We encourage the community to report any suspected thefts or illegal activity so that we can investigate and take action swiftly."
The public are urged to report illegal or suspected illegal fishing activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form herehttps://fal.cn/3gJWh.
Anyone with information on marine-related crimes should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www. police.nsw.gov.au.
q New Chief Executive of Lifeline Direct, Luke Lindsay. Photo: Supplied.
disorder
Government pushing for council meeting reform
THE STATE Government is progressing reforms to strengthen local government, announcing plans for changes to the way council meetings are conducted.
It is hoped the changes will ensure greater transparency and increase community confidence in council decision making.
All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the Office of Local Government.
The government has now released a consultation draft of amendments to the Model Meeting
Code for public comment.
The changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent.
They also aim to increase the dignity of the council chamber and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.
Key changes, some of which have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) include:
• preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions
• requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations
• de-politicising the role of the general manager by removing the requirement for them to prepare reports on councillors’ notices of motion
• expanding the powers of the mayor to expel councillors from meetings for acts of
• requiring councillors to stand when the mayor enters and when addressing the meeting.
“Council meetings are where a council’s most important decisions should be made,” Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said.
“It concerns me that these decisions are increasingly being made behind closed doors in private briefings, locking out the community and protecting councils from public scrutiny.
“As a former mayor, I want to see all councils conducting their business in an open and public forum, where communities can engage with their council on issues that directly affect them.
“The current Model Meeting Code has become unwieldy and
Nambucca Heads Women's Bowling Club
By Nerida BLACKFORD
THE latest Women’s Triples Championship has been decided at Nambucca. With only 4 teams entered this year it was a quick comp but the ladies played some great bowls in all games.
The first round was very close, going to an extra end and seeing the team of Pat Fletcher, Marg Duffus and Nerida Blackford defeat team Flagg 23-16. The second game saw a win for Ealine Fleming, Karen Liddell and Gloria Richardson over team Frederick 30-10.
In the final, team Blackford got off to a decent start and were ahead 6-2 after 6 ends, but after dropping 11 shots on the next 4 ends the more
experienced players were not going to let their lead go, and went on for a strong win 25-15. Well played ladies, and congratulations on your win.
The next round of social bowls had the following results- Lisa, Deb & Nerida beat Lee, Michelle and Elaine21-17; Fletch, Alma & Karen beat Mel, Teresa & Gloria 26-21; and Arlene, Marg & Sandra beat Joan, Janice and Marilyn 21-13. This was a Laverty’s sponsored day so the biggest winning margin went to Gloria’s team, with Nerida’s team getting the second prize.
Our new bowlers enjoyed their morning and are a great addition to our women’s club.
Many of our ladies are also
playing in the Club Mixed Fours comp and survived playing last weekend in the wind and heat! There were very trying conditions, some run away games and some much tighter- with Elaine having the bowl of the day to win for her team on an extra end.
She has done her reputation wonders!
This weekend will have the semi finals played on Saturday afternoon, with Team Blackford v Team Smith, and Team Fleming v Team Ruane. The final will follow on Sunday morning- pop down to the Bowlo and you are guaranteed to see some great bowling. Then you can stay for the Christmas Mega Raffles.
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
WEDNESDAY Dec 11
22 bowlers competed in the Nissan/Breakaway Selected Triples and Ron Hill, J Bracken and Duffo claimed 1st prize. A Cooper, J Sawtell and Bruce Mason were second with Paul Michel and Peter Meehan the Lucky Losers. The Lucky Bowler was Bosworth Ruane but he failed to draw his rink for the Jackpot.
Fri the 13th was not the unlucky day for Wayne Bolton, Ken Summerville and Urky who took out the major prize. Harry Rauchenberger, Mino Bettanin and Charlie Potter were second and Roger McGuigan, Owen Smith and Bosworth third. Syd Campton, Chris D'Elboux and Harry Boston were the Lucky Losers. Again, Bosworth was the lucky bowler and showed his usual consistency, repeating his
Wednesday performance in missing the Jackpot.
Sat Dec 14 Club Fours
Championship Semi-Finals: M Fredericks, S Seckold, D Nancarrow, B Ruane 19 def B Ford, P Fletcher, W Dargan, E Fleming 10; M Duffus, N Blackford, D Curran, M Blackford 17 def M Flagg, M Dwarte, J Kay, O Smith 13.
Sun Dec 15 Club Fours
Championship Final: The Ruane team proved too strong for the Blackford team, winning 22-8, having led throughout. Congratulations to Michelle, Sandra, Dallas and Bosworth's alter ego Brendon, each of whom played some superb bowls, especially Dallas and Brendon who clinched several ends with great recoveries. And commiserations to Marg, Nerida, Danny and Mark, falling at the final hurdle. Allso thanks to Nerida Blackford for the photo.
Good luck to all concerned in the Christmas Pairs this Saturday and wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year on behalf of the Bowling Club.
is prone to drawing the general manager into political disputes which should be left to elected councillors to resolve.
“These changes are part of the government’s commitment to restoring public trust in local government which has been eroded by years of neglect and a cultural shift towards secrecy over public service.”
Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 28 February 2025.
To learn more and provide feedback, go to: https://www.olg. nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/ model-code-of-meeting-practice/ reforms-to-the-model-code-ofmeeting-practice/
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
EXPECTING a hot day, it seemed about half the field was on the course by 8 am for Saturday's Stableford event sponsored by Darren Pike.
Eight players had net 36 or better with Eddie Booth on 42 points beating runner up John Fortescue on a countback.
Nearest the pins went to Ross Donnelly (A), Phil Bambury (B) and Greg Hogan (C grade).
On Tuesday the ladies played a Stableford event for their last game of the year. Cheryl Fortescue won the day with Helen Ferrero runner up.
Both ladies won a nearest the pin, Cheryl on the 3rd and Helen on the 17th.
Ron McDonald had a
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
net 40 to win the Mid Week by one shot from Jeff Gore.
The Chook Run finished with Graham Vincent having a net 8 under par (26) for the nine holes event to win and in the process lose seven shots off his handicap in this social event.
Lance Hore (who spellcheck changed to Horse previously) was a ball winner.
q Ladies winners Cheryl
and Helen Ferrero.
q Triples Runners up: Marg Duffus, Nerida Blackford and Pat Fletcher.
q Winners Elaine Flemming, Karen Liddell and Gloria Richardson.
ON Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer were making their annual delivery rounds and as they were soaring across Whoville they stopped in at the Grinch’s home, eager to deliver a sprinkle of Christmas cheer.
When landing on the Grinch’s roof, Rudolph slipped and damaged several roof tiles. Unbeknownst to Santa, the Grinch had recently taken out an extravagant “Anti-Christmas Roof Protection Policy” with Whoville Insurance that included a special condition that explicitly excluded damage caused by “holiday-related creatures”.
The Grinch, furious, wrote to Santa stating “HO, HO, NO!
You have 24 hours to fix my roof, or I will see you in Court”. Santa, in his holiday spirit, offered to repair the roof immediately with the help of his elves, using magical hammers and enchanted nails.
However, the Grinch suddenly changed his mind, demanding an immediate settlement in the sum of $1 million claiming “irreparable emotional distress”.
Suspicious of the Grinch’s sudden change of tune, Santa and his reindeer conducted a close inspection of the roof, discovering that the Grinch had sabotaged the roof by applying a slippery peppermint oil likely to prevent “holiday intruders”.
When the case was heard in the Whoville Supreme Court, the Grinch argued that a reindeer landing on peppermint oil should know better and that Santa and his reindeer did not have the right to land on his roof.
However, Santa argued that he had an implied rooftop easement due to his longstanding tradition of delivering joy to children across the world.
After careful deliberation, the Court ruled that Santa does indeed hold an implied rooftop easement for Christmas deliveries on the night of 24 December and awarded Santa and his reindeer the right to continue using rooftops globally provided they continue to act in good faith and spread holiday cheer.
As for the Grinch, his claim was dismissed and the Court ordered him to clean his roof and issue a formal apology to Rudolph.
Thank you to Rhiannon Beck for her assistance with this column.
Email Manny Wood, principal solicitor at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net. au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.
This fictional column cannot be relied upon as legal advice.
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
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
A voice for veterans or virtue signalling for elections?
DEAR News Of The Area,
STATEMENTS made by both Caz Heise and Pat Conaghan regarding veterans and their families published on 13 December 2024 does very little for the issue which they claim to champion.
One thing that can be noted in Heise’s media release and Conaghan’s response, is that they both agree platitudes are not acceptable.
However, commentary without commitment is only useful for shortterm political gain, and I invite all Cowper candidates campaigning in the 2025 federal election to detail their intentions on how they would support the delivery of much needed veteran services within the local electorate and across the nation.
Unfortunately neither Caz Heise nor Pat Conaghan attended the veterans forum held at Coffs Harbour during October that was organised by veterans and supported by the Matthew Locke MG Charity, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and C.ex Club.
The only political representative for the area was Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, himself a veteran of operations in both Timor and Iraq.
The event was a great success and provided a real and unique chance for veterans and their families as well as the public to come together and discuss relevant issues relating to the veteran community.
For any political response to be successful regarding support to veterans, those advocating in government must engage broadly and consistently with the veteran community to understand their
Email
On theCouch
Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
I HAVE 45 people coming to my place for Christmas.
Parents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and three rescue dogs are descending on our doorstep. I'm stressed about how I'm going to feed everyone and worried some will want to stay overnight.
I don't have any extra room. Help!
Katie M.
circumstances and needs.
‘Transitional’ services must be effective in providing and ensuring that the transition into civilian life is not a ‘revolving-door-therapy’ in which veterans fail to remove barriers of military indoctrination and therefore are unable to effectively separate military culture from civilian life.
Military culture is inherently regimented, and therefore the longer and more intense somebody is subjected to a strict and controlled environment the more difficult the challenge of detachment can be.
Personalities and service experience are also a fundamental aspect of a veterans’ transition from Defence and need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
A unique factor exists amongst veterans that acknowledges each other’s service to Australia and shares the pride to wear the flag on your shoulder.
It is important leading into the federal election that candidates show respect and integrity when commenting on their alignment with the veteran community and I look forward to veterans and veterans’ families being a priority concern in the coming campaign.
I wish a Merry Christmas to all our service men and women (and their families) wherever they may be in the world.
Kind regards, Adam FULLER, Mid North Coast.
We need healthy biodiverse ecosystems
DEAR News Of The Area,
WITH reference to the article published on 29 November, ‘Industry warns of potential $1.3 billion cost for GKNP, the projected costs to the logging industry are presented, somewhat debatably, as an argument to drastically reduce the size of the proposed World Heritage koala park, calculating different sizes in terms of job losses - admittedly a sensitive issue in a high unemployment area.
There have been a lot of figures flying around on these two issues of cost, but what has been ignored is the cost to the taxpayer who has been
subsidizing Forestry Corporation NSW to an increasing degree over the past few years, despite which they have run a loss of $30 million over the past two years in its hardwood operations.
A report by Frontier Economics examines in forensic detail the reasons for this economic decline in the hardwood industry, not just in NSW, but also looks at Victoria and Tasmania which have similar stories.
In fact the Victorian Government recently brought forward by six years its phasing out of the Victorian forest industry to stem the ongoing, inevitable and increasing financial
Dear Katie,
I can tell, without even meeting you, that you are a reliable soul, a great host, and you probably live on the coast within walking distance to a beach.
Chances are you also have a well-stocked bar and an inground pool. Who wouldn't want to come and spend Christmas Day with you, and possibly extend the stay, maybe stretching it out until New Years' Eve, at which point it would be silly to leave because of the traffic.
No, far better for your extended family to start packing up around the 5th of January so they can go back to work on the 6th.
And, even though you will protest, with the modern version of, 'there's no room at the inn,' they will not heed you, nay, because your home is like a little Christmas miracle.
Your guests may try to sweeten the deal by bringing you gifts as useless as gold, frankincense and myrrh (a tropical punch reed diffuser that makes your sinuses play up and some silver-plated cubic zirconia hoop earrings that bring out a rash), but don't be fooled.
They know the game,
and environmental losses.
The report analyses the drivers of ‘financial distress’, using graphs to provide statistical data, such as reduced supply, increasingly difficult access, court challenges due to non-compliance and loss of keystone customers.
Furthermore it shows how demand for hardwood from native forest logging has reduced by over 60 percent since the early 2000s, largely because hardwood has been largely replaced by softwood, sourced from plantations, but also from other products such as ‘engineered wood’.
On this point I would also refer to a report on the Science Show (ABC RN 17/11/24) about other products which are being developed and commercialized such as
and they are playing it to their advantage.
And there you'll be, passing around beetroot dip and Artisan biscuits and tripping over Uncle Roger's gammy leg that's stretched out on the pouffe, but you'll soldier on, or rather glide, in your baby-blue sarong, with the grace and dignity of Mary because you're a doer, Katie.
You get things done.
On Boxing Day, while your guests alternate between lolling on a blowup flamingo, sunning on the sun lounges, having 30-minute showers (can I have another towel, Katie?) or giving you plaintive 'what's for brunch?' looks, you'll be at Aldi stocking up on gluten-free cereal (Uncle Roger's new girlfriend can't tolerate Weetbix, but doesn't mind a long-neck or two), more cheese and crackers (cousin Clara has built up quite an appetite doing laps) and another Christmas ham (Limos, the rescue Rottweiler named after the Greek god of hunger took off with the last one).
I feel you'll have to just soldier on with this Christmas.
You've made your bed (and everyone else's) and now you (and they) will lie in them (including Limos, whose PTSD has been miraculously soothed by your 1000-thread count sage sheets (who knew?). Next Christmas, may I suggest a trip away (somewhere they can't find you).
And make sure you AirBnB your house just in case they are tempted to turn up and housesit.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
sucrete (bricks made from sugar cane waste).
Other more obvious substitutes for wood are of course bamboo and hemp which grow fast, are easy to access and have less impact on environmental biodiversity.
So if an orderly transition is made, alternative jobs in related industries can be found for loggers and our uniquely biodiverse forests will not be degraded, in itself a source of income for tourism and recreation.
After all, what is the cost of extinction?
To survive, we, along with wildlife, need healthy biodiverse ecosystems.
Dr Nona HARVEY, Kempsey
Inaugural winners crowned
By Aiden BURGESS
MACKSVILLE Bulls, Sawtell Sixers, and the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels have all tasted sweet victory in winning the grand finals of the Sixers Cricket League’s first Under 12s season.
Nate Wilkes took 2-7 from two overs for the Bulls.
not out.
The Bulls triumphed by 34 runs at home against Diggers Cricket Club Red.
The Bulls scored 6/113 from 20 overs after opening the batting.
Cody Notley top scored retiring on 25 not out, and Ashton Grace finished on 21
Macksville Bulls capped off their undefeated season by winning the Pool A Grand Final.
Daniel Martin was the pick of the Diggers bowlers taking 2-5 from two overs.
The Bulls successfully defended their total, restricting Diggers to 6/79 from their 20 overs.
Daniel Martin top scored on 27 not out, Jennifer Martin finishing on 19 not out.
Sawtell Sixers won the Pool B Grand Final beating Bellingen Green by two runs at Urunga.
The Sixers won the toss and chose to bat, finishing at 6/80 from 20 overs.
Hunter Lynch top scored with 21, with Lev Morris the best of the Bellingen bowlers taking 2-6 from three overs.
Needing to defend 80,
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Geoff McCANN
FANTASTIC Summer weather has provided golfers with ideal playing conditions to score well on the Island Course which is in “tip top” condition - well done Greg and his team- we love your work! Thank you to this week’s featured sponsor –Infill House and Land.
Tuesday’s Medley
Stableford was won by Rod Kinnear (20) with 42 points from Paul Ryan (14) on 39 points on c/b from Heather Gray & Colin Wormleaton. Players needed 35 points on c/b for the Ball Rundown.
NTP’s to Michael Jolly on 5 and 13, Gary Rumble on 7, Colin Wormleatoin on 8, Thea Kimber on 15 & Colin Wormleaton won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.
The Ladies played a 4BBB Stableford on Wednesday.
Cheryl Gilmour & Dianne O’Leary (22) won easily with 49 points from Donna Easey
& Gillian Anderson (29) with 46 points and Lyn Vidler & Joy Green (42) with 44 points on c/b from Susan Barnett & Thea Kimber and Ann Antcliff & Kerrie Jackson. The Ball rundown to 42 on c/b. NTP’s to Kerry Wilson, Gillian Anderson & Kerrie Jackson on 8, Henny Oldenhove won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13 and Marilyn McNally won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18. A special day to remember for Jocelyn Mitchell from Coffs Harbour who “aced” the 124 meter 7th Hole –Congratulations!
Stephen Carr (4) won Division 1 (0 to 15) in Thursday’s Medley Stableford with 38 points on c/b from Drew Glasson (9). Great scores in Division 2 (16 to 23) where Joe Street (17) scored 45 points to win from Dennis Ashton (20) with 43 points. Trevor Hopkins won Division 3 (24 to 45) with 37 points on c/b from Chris Brownlie (26). The Ball Rundown to
33 points on c/b. Ken Klem was hot with the putter, sinking the Longest Putt on “Ecomist’s” 1st Hole, other NTP’s to Ross Morpuss on 5, Gregory McCoy on 7, Graham Watson on 8, Anthony Smith won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Greg Jager got Stu’s ball on 15 & Kevin Mulhall won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18. Congratulations to this week’s winners in our Friday afternoon 2 Person Social Ambrose of $25 vouchers –D. Lambie & J. Jackson, $15 Vouchers – D. Mann & A. Holloway, and 1 Ball each to D. Pedlow & A. Wassell. You don’t need any experience nor a formal Golf Handicap to play– just come along and enjoy a round of social golf, with Club vouchers up for grabs. Saturday was the our Annual “Ham & Turkey” Day Medley 4BBB, sponsored by Greg McCoy – thank you Greg! In a toughly fought competition for the sought
after major prizes, winners with 50 points were Dylan Mann & Bryce Pike (28), from Adrienne Smith & Kevin Mulhall (17) on 49 points on c/b from Edward Beaton & Denise Paluch (21). The Ball Rundown to 43 points on c/b. The “Ecomist” Longest Putt on the 1st went to Daryl Wall, other NTP’s to Edward Beaton on 5, Norman Devereaux on 7, Daryl Wall on 8, Steve Frost won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Graham Watson got Stu’s ball on 15 & the Eichorn’s got the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.
Remember to wear your best Yellow outfit and have your wallet ready for our Cancer Council fundraiser on Saturday 21st December. The final round of the 2024 “Island Challenge” stroke event is on Tuesday 31st December, and book at the Pro Shop for the Elly Stig Memorial Charity Day on Sunday 5th January 2025.
Farewell readers - this will
Sawtell bowlers rose to the occasion keeping Bellingen to 5/78 from 20 overs for the narrow victory.
Leo Salter took 2-8 from two overs, and Lucas Townsend 1-3 from two overs.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels won the Pool C Grand Final, triumphing by three wickets against Urunga at Woolgoolga.
The home side won the
toss and elected to bowl, with Urunga finishing at 4/75 from 20 overs.
Arlo Browne was the pick of the Rebels bowlers taking 1-1 from two overs.
Chasing 76 for the grand final victory, the Rebels reached it in the nineteenth over.
Lennox Cantrill had a great spell for Urunga taking 3-3 from four overs including three maidens.
be my last Golf Report – after many years of reporting our weekly golfing achievements, it time for me to relinquish the role and pass the pen
2024 NSW Senior State Championships
By Faye ROWLES
SWIMMING NEW SOUTH
WALES SENIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024
Held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney
6th December to 12th
December
We had 51 swimmers from Swimming North Coast Area compete for their clubs over these 7 days. They entered One Hundred and Eighty-Six events for their 11 clubs. Whilst the swimmers and the clubs were the same as last year, the entries were
down and this could be the economy at the present time.
The results however were so much better than last year with 17 medals against 13 and 51 top ten against 34 last year. Well done to the following swimmers.
The top swimmer has to be Coco Becker 12 from Coffs Harbour club.
Coco’s results 1st in the 200 medley and 200 free, 3rd 100 back and 7th 50 fly.
Keeley Smith Macksville 16 3rd 100 Breast, 3rd 200 breast and 2nd 50 breast and 10th 200 medley
Sebastin Webster Stroud
15 MC 2nd 50 breast, 3rd 50 free and 100 breast.
Felicity Walers Alstonville 17 2nd 1500 free, 3rd 800 free and 5th 400 free and 7th 200 free.
Coffs harbour swimmer
Ethan Blockey 18 Multi Class swimmer 3rd 200 medley and 200 free, 100 breast and 100 Back. He also was placed 6th 100 free, 4th 400 free, 4th 50 free and also 4th 100 fly,
Jett Burke 16 Maclean 3rd 100 back and 6th 200 back, 8th 50 back, 10th 100 fly and 10th 200 fly.
Caitlin McDonald 15 Stroud 3rd 50 breast, 6th 100
breast and 7th 200 breast. Top ten placings were:-Alstonville – Aiden Arnison 17 7th 50 back
Macksville- more from Tessa 15th 400 free, 49th 50 free, 23rd 200 free, 22nd 300 back and 11th 1500 free. More from Kiera 15th 100 back, 15thb50 fly, 13th 200 back, 20th 100 free. More from Keeley 11th 100 fly, 12th 50 fly and 32nd 100 free. Chelsey Stringer 15 13th 50 free and 23rd 100 free.
Relays—12-18 4 x 100 free 19th Tessa, Kiera, Keeley and Chelsey. 12-18 4 x 100 medley 22nd same girls.
Well done to all swimmers with countless Personal Bests swum.
Tony Burton is the Logger Heads Malibu Club Champion
FROM Page 20
“It’s not just about surfing, it’s about the friendships, supporting each other where we can, and occasionally taking the micky out of each other, all in good fun.”
The Logger Heads Malibu Club continues to build on its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community for surfers of all ages and skill levels.
Trophy winners for 2024:
Open Winner and Club Champion was Tony Burton with Johnny Burton in second.
Over 60s Winner was Geoff Gardner with Mick Birtles in second.
The Ladies division was won by Holly Williams with Elly H in second.
Junior Winner was Luan Cunningham.
The most Improved award went to Tony Burton, the Club Person of the Year was shared by Kris Turner and Barry Jagoe, Troy Martin picked up the Animal Award, and the Classic at the Classic went to John Shorter.
The Logger Heads Malibu Club will resume their monthly point score competitions, kicking off their 2025 season on Sunday 16 February, meeting at the Scotts Head Reserve at 7:45 am.
q The Over 60s Winner for 2024 was Geoff Gardner, pictured here with Club President Barry Jagoe.
q Barry Jagoe presents the award to the 2024 Ladies Winner, Holly Williams.
q Jocelyn Mitchell from Coffs Harbour GC receiving her Hole in One trophy package from Ladies Captain Sue Brooks.
Eileen Dorothy Bilson
Passed away 13th December, 2024 Aged 95 years.
Late of Booragul and farmed at Eungai.
Loving wife of Frank (dec). Much loved mother of Colin, Nancy, James, Steven, Ian and daughter-in-laws Justina, Jeanette and Hanni. A treasured Nana of 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend
Eileen's funeral service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Macksville on Friday 20th December, 2024 commencing at 10:30am. Followed by interment at Eungai Cemetery.
Bernard Laverty Funerals Tel: 6568 1555
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CARAVAN
Peter is a male tabby cat, approximately 2 years old, since coming into the shelter
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Letter Boxes & Hose Reels
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA
NBN, 7pm
Now in its fifth year, this holiday concert is becoming a Christmas tradition. Australian music royalty Delta Goodrem (pictured) returns with a blend of highlights from past Christmas specials and new performances. This year, Delta and her musically talented friends are ringing in the season in Hollywood, with Josh Groban, “Kid at Christmas” crooners Calum Scott and Christina Perri, Howie from the Backstreet Boys, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, chef Curtis Stone and Aussie DJ Fisher just some of the stars taking to the stage.
FRIDAY, December 20
6.00 News. 9.00 News.
(2)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. Alice Zaslavsky is joined by Andrea Lam.
6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 A (Very) Musical Christmas.
9.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A look back at 2024.
10.00 Neighbours Does Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R)
10.30 The Cleaner. (Ml, R)
11.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year: Hard To Build Houses. (R)
12.20 Rage Best New Releases 2024. (MA15+adhnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGa, R)
MONDAY
CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND
SBS, 7.35pm
Produced by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, Christmas at Graceland celebrates the festive season at the singer’s famed family home. Big-name music stars are joining the fun, performing Christmas songs and Elvis classics in locations throughout the home and grounds: from the “jungle room” to the pool and “chapel in the woods”. Performers include Alanis Morrisette, Rey, Post Malone (pictured), John Kacey Musgraves and Lainey
This special also includes neverbefore-seen home movies of Elvis and his family, while some iconic friends of the King of Rock’n’Roll share their memories of Christmas at Graceland –his favourite time of year.
TUESDAY
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS
ABC TV, 8.05pm
In comparison to the lighter Christmas fare that rolls around A Boy
Called Christmas is unafraid to embrace darker elements, while still retaining the necessary spirit of the season. In this original story, a boy named Nikolas (Henry Lawfull, pictured) sets out on a quest to the snowy north to find his father, and encounters extraordinary adventures along the way with the help of a reindeer and a pet mouse. Featuring a fabulous cast, including the late, great icon of British cinema, Maggie Smith, as well as a positive message, this is a movie sure to ignite some festive Christmas cheer.
8.35 Marlon Brando In Paradise.
9.35 Kennedy. (Final, PG)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 De Gaulle. (Premiere, Ma)
11.55 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R)
1.55 Miniseries: Too Close. (Madls, R)
2.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R)
3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love revamps a cluttered laundry. 8.30 MOVIE: Jaws. (1975, Mlv, R) A police chief, a game fisherman and a marine biologist set out to hunt down a giant killer shark that is terrorising beachgoers in a small seaside community, despite a lack of support from the local mayor. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. 11.00 MOVIE: Underwater. (2020, Mlv, R)
1.00 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft.
8.30 MOVIE: Jingle All The Way. (1996, PGv, R) A man searches for a Christmas present. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad.
10.15 MOVIE: Parenthood. (1989, Mas, R) Steve Martin.
12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.30 MOVIE: LOL Surprise: The Skate Dance Movie. (2024) 7.30 Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny.
(83) 6am The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Heidi. (2015, PG, German) 10.00 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 11.45 The Nugget. (2002, M) 1.35pm Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.25 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.45 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 6.35 Go! (2020) 8.30 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 10.25 Sleeping Beauty. (2011, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Demi Moore.
8.40 MOVIE: Daddy’s Home 2. (2017, PGals, R) Two men plan to have the perfect Christmas, but when their fathers arrive, their holiday is turned into chaos. Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
(34) 7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) Our office will be closed from 5pm on Friday 20th December 2024 and reopen on Monday 6th January 2025. We will be monitoring our email for anything urgent ads@newsofthearea.com.au Thank you for your support in 2024. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
SATURDAY, December 21
6.00
(Mal, R) 11.30 Rage Best Of The Guests 2024. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGn) 8.30 Christmas At Longleat. 9.25 Tis The Season: The Holidays On Screen. (Mal, R) 10.55 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R) 12.05 Miniseries: The Dark Heart. (Mal, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. The team counts down to Carols In The Domain with a Christmas camping celebration.
8.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of Carols In The Domain from Sydney. Featuring The Wiggles, Samantha Jade and many others. 10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular. (PG, R) Featuring dance and musical performances.
1.00 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016, Mlsv, R) Dwayne Johnson.
9.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms.
11.35 MOVIE: The Dunes. (2021, MA15+alsv, R)
1.10 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGs, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.00 Jamie’s Christmas Shortcuts. (R) Jamie Oliver transforms leftovers. 7.00 The Dog House. (PGa, R) The team makes a doggy Christmas dinner. 9.00 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm) A five-year-old dachshund has become very unsteady on its back legs and requires surgery. 10.00 Ambulance Australia. (Maln, R) A crash results in a broken leg, but paramedics fear the patient may also have spinal cord injuries. 11.00 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) It is a busy shift for the ambulance service. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
7.55 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 9.30 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 10.50 Nowhere Boy. (2009, M) 12.40pm The Comeback Trail. (2020, M) 2.35 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 4.40 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 6.55 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 8.30 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 10.45 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, December 22
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final)
8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Final, Ml)
8.45 Love Me. (MA15+s)
9.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.40 You Can’t Ask That. (Ma, R) 12.45 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature. (R) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (Final, PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 6.45 Fireman Sam. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 8.00 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.20 Teen Titans Go! 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 3.15pm Wiggle. 3.30 A Very Play School Christmas. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Thomas. 6.10 Kiri And Lou. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Stick Man. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Tsunami 2004: The Day The Wave Hit. (Ma) 9.20 Jonathan Ross’ Myths And Legends. (PGa, R) 10.15 Curse Of The Ancients. (Mav, R) 11.05 Napoleon: In The Name Of Art. (Mans, R)
1.00 Rise Of The Nazis: Dictators At War. (Mav, R)
2.10 Love Your Garden. (R)
3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 Food Lover’s Guide. 11.50 Cook Up Bitesize. 11.55 Gymnastics. 1.55pm Jeopardy! 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS Washington Week. 4.55 Shane Smith Has Questions. 5.50 The Engineering That Built The World. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Christopher Reeve, The Eternal Superman. 9.40 WWE Legends. 11.15 Late Programs.
MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.25 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 9.00 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 10.50 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 12.45pm We Might As Well Be Dead. (2022, M, German) 2.35 Go! (2020) 4.30 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 6.20 Little Women. (1994, PG) 8.30 Force Of Destiny. (2015, MA15+) 10.30 The Woodcutter Story. (2022, MA15+, Finnish) 12.25am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Weekend Prospector. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC Top Fuel C’ship. Spring Nationals. H’lights. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Special
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 9. Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A look at tactics scammers use.
12.00 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (Final, MA15+a, R) Patrick confronts his resentment.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am My Greek Odyssey. 7.00 Tomorrow’s
Programs.
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution. (2019, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Secrets Of The Jungle. (2020, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Tom & Jerry. (2021) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.20 MOVIE: The Legend Of Zorro. (2005, M) 1am The Originals. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Christmas With Delta. A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem.
9.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law. 11.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Mv)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am
6.00 The Dog House. (PGa) The Griffiths family hopes Gigi the Labrador cross will help dad Dave get into the festive spirit. 7.00 Mariah Carey: Merry
6.00
4.30 Gardening Australia: Christmas Family Special 2017. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Christmas At Graceland.
8.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas.
10.10 How To Make It In Comedy. (MA15+l, R)
11.05 Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident. (MA15+av)
1.10 Wisting. (Malv, R)
2.00 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R)
3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGav, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 10. Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game.
11.00 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) A murderer is on the loose. 12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Neil and Simon start a business together. 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Little
Women. Continued. (1994, PG) 7.10 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 9.15 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.30 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 1.45pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 3.25 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 5.00 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 6.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 8.30 I Love You Too. (2010) 10.30 Destination Wedding. (2018, M) 12.05am Late Programs.
(64)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice.
6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC National News.
7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction Christmas Special. (PG)
8.05 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG)
9.45 Believing In Australia. (Mns, R)
11.30 Ithaka: A Fight To Free Julian Assange. (Final, Mlv, R) 12.30 Keep On Dancing. (Final, R) 1.35 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 2.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.35 Rage Closer. (R) 3.40 Christmas In Australia With Christine Anu. (R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat. (R)
Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 7.40 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.20 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 11.10 Breathless. (1960, M, French) 12.50pm Cousins. (2021, M) 2.40 Little Women. (1994, PG) 4.50 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 6.35 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 8.30 Phar Lap. (1983) 10.40 My Old Lady. (2014, M) 12.40am Birds Of Passage. (2018, MA15+, Spanish) 3.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Special.
7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG, R) A show of military precision, entertainment, massed pipes and drum performances from Scotland.
9.30 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993, PGal, R) A cynical TV weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again. Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott.
11.40 ABBA Vs Queen. (PGa, R)
12.40 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGal, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Ml, R)
8.30 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (MA15+alv, R)
9.30 Miniseries: Love Rat. (Premiere, PGal)
11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Drive TV. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
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WEDNESDAY, December 25
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.15 Bluey. 6.30 Thomas And Friends. 6.40 The Adventures Of Paddington. 7.00 Fireman Sam. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Scoob! (2020, PG) 9.10 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.40 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 10.00 Horrible Histories. 10.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
7.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. (Mdns)
8.30 Rock Legends: ABBA. (R)
9.30 The Night Manager. (R)
10.35 Paul Newman: Always On The Move. (Malv, R)
11.35 Maxima. (Mav)
12.35 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a)
3.20 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PG, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am Walk With Me. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.45 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 8.40 Finding Graceland. (1998,
THURSDAY, December 26
(R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (PGa, R)
9.30 Daddy Issues. (Mls)
10.30 Billy Joel: Live At Yankee Stadium. (PG, R)
12.05 DNA. (Mav) 1.00 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnv, R)
1.55 Miniseries: The Night Logan Woke Up. (MA15+dv, R) 4.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. (PG) 10.30 Mayor’s Christmas Carols. (PG) 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv, R) 5.00 The Chase
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Simon Reeve. 7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley. 10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019, PGals, R) An aspiring singer gains a new perspective. Emilia Clarke.
12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, Ml, R)
9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983, Mdl, R) Chevy Chase.
11.30 The King’s Christmas Message.
11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980, G, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.45pm MOVIE: Alice-Miranda: A Royal Christmas Ball. (2021, C) 2.15 MOVIE: Penguins Of Madagascar. (2014) 4.00 The Nanny:
6am Children’s Programs. 4.55pm Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Zog. 6.55 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Pokémon Detective Pikachu. (2019, PG) 9.20 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.00 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars.
9.10 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 12. Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat. From Optus Stadium, Perth.
12.30 Criminal Confessions: The Worst Betrayal. (MA15+av, R) A missing woman is discovered murdered in the backyard of her family home.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.
Great Getaways. (PG)
Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On.
6.00 MOVIE: School Of Rock. (2003, PGl, R) A down-and-out rock guitarist takes a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious primary school. Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White. 8.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 13. Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks. From Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. 10.30 MOVIE: The Truman Show. (1998, PGla, R) A man is unaware his life is on TV. Jim Carrey, Laura Linney. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
ABC FAMILY (22)
Tony’s Triumph
By Mick BIRTLES
THE Logger Heads Malibu Club, one of the state's most enduring longboard surfing clubs, hosted its annual awards presentation on Saturday, 7 December at Club Scotts.
The event closed the 2024 chapter of the club's history bringing members, families and supporters together for an afternoon of recognition and reflection.
During the afternoon awards were presented to standout surfers across various categories and acknowledging other members for their dedication, achievements and contributions to the club.
Club President Barry Jagoe addressed attendees, highlighting the club’s achievements over the past year, including the highly successful 38th Logger Heads Malibu Classic and community fundraising, all initiatives that promote the sport of longboarding.
“This year, after a slow start, has been incredible for our club with new members coming in later in the year and our charity raffles enabling us to give twice as much back to the community compared to previous years,” Barry said.
q Tony Burton, the Logger Heads Malibu Club Champion for 2024, receives the perpetual trophy from last year's club champion, Troy Martin
